Viox Savage
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"You want the same as me. My redemption, eternal ascension. Setting me free."
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Post by Viox Savage on Aug 5, 2019 20:39:35 GMT -8
Sith Academy - Sith'ari's Chambers
Having multiple places of residence within the borders of Blackguard territory, this was one of the few he rarely frequented. Though his chambers were well kept and maintained, he preferred either the Dark Diamond Palace in Malidris, or the Dark Obelisk on Mustafar. Though sometimes, escaping the hustle and bustle of running the Blackguard was needed. And here, in this ancient center of learning, he found some semblance of solace. Though even here, duty called. Sensing the Master Spellbinder before he actually entered, the Zabrak turned to face the demonic visage that was Ifrit Bladeweaver. Having never really interacted with the man before, his prowess in the arts of sorcery and magics was formidable. Inclining his head as Ifrit spoke, it sounded as though the sorcerer wanted to be anywhere but here. Regardless, this visit was likely to coincide with the rumors that had been floating about as of late. All unconfirmed, the Zabrak had a suspicion that Ifrit needed something.
"Ifrit Bladeweaver. At last you grace me with your presence..."
Not wanting to drag this out any longer, the Zabrak decided to skip the pleasantries and the formalities and cut to the chase.
"I would almost be humbled by your visit. Almost."
Motioning for the Spellbinder to continue, only one word left the Zabrak's lips.
"Speak."
In this day and age, given his stature and status within the Blackguard, the Sith was more surprised when someone didn't want something from him. Though given Ifrit's tendencies to keep to himself, surely this was about him needing something...he was almost willing to bet on it.
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The Fallen
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Post by The Fallen on Aug 8, 2019 14:51:45 GMT -8
Despite this being their first meeting, it was evident that had both heard enough stories about the other to know how this meeting was going to go down. Were it not for the fact that his and Mariah's new order would not survive on its own so early on, he would have avoided this meeting all together. But thankfully, it seemed that Viox had no interest in making this visit any sort of spectacle or drawn out conversation. A fact he was grateful for as the Sith'ari told him to speak his piece I find it hard to believe that someone of your status and power is humbled by anyone... But that is not why I am here... Given your resources and network, I suspect you are already aware of the rumours circulating about myself and the Lady Shadows... I suspect my coming here has confirmed some of them to be true already... He cross his arms then, while remaining at a respectable distance from the Zabrak Darth Malvus has no doubt made you aware of my feelings toward the Sith, a group which primarily makes up the ranks of the Blackguard Reborn... Even if you and those beneath you espouse the belief that it is a home for all darksiders, even you cannot deny the influence that the Sith Creed has here... One which not all of us believe in, nor follow... Which is why myself and Lady Shadows have reformed the Dark Jedi Order. So that those within the Blackguard that feel as we do, have a place to study and pursue their training... But if the Order is to survive and grow, we cannot be at odds with the Blackguard. Which is why I have come to propose a deal... An Alliance of sorts... We maintain a sense of autonomy, while serving alongside those within the Blackguard... We share common enemies, we just seek different paths to their defeat...
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Gavin Phoenix
The Dark Jedi Order
"See first with your mind, then with your eyes, and finally with your body"
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Post by Gavin Phoenix on Sept 12, 2019 1:15:19 GMT -8
Gavin made his way through the darkened halls of the academy, his steps a bit more chipper than normal. If anyone had been around to witness it, they'd be quick to assume what was happening considering the company of the crimson-haired woman. The moment they made it to his room, he opened the door and let her inside, seeing, as he entered, that she hadn't taken the offer this time around in making herself at home for the night.
Turning back, he shut the door and stood there for a moment. "So what do you need from me?" His voice took on a more serious and casual tone as he spoke, then fun it had in the medbay now long gone. Turning back to face her, he leaned back against the door as he crossed his arms, wondering as to the reason she had sought him out so early in the morning. As much as he played with her words where others could hear, he knew better than to believe that was what she was seeking from him. No, he could see it hidden in her eyes. There was something important she wished to discuss with him, something she felt couldn't wait until morning.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 24, 2019 6:53:46 GMT -8
Gavin pushed himself to lean forward as she issued her command once more. His eyes met hers as he worked to figure her out. For a solid few seconds, the frown from him was the only response, allowing the silence to settle over them before smirking. "Well, if you're that eager, consider me ready to go. I mean, I have no problem with you handling things right here, but I guess it's best not to disturb those around us. I'd hate to keep them awake."
He gave an eager laugh as he quickly slipped off the bed and grabbed his shirt. Slipping it on, he moved away from the bed before looking back to her, grin wide as it could be. "Well, let's hurry before the mood's gone and you change your mind." With another laugh, he departed the medbay with Mariah in tow. Gavin made his way through the darkened halls of the academy, his steps a bit more chipper than normal. If anyone had been around to witness it, they'd be quick to assume what was happening considering the company of the crimson-haired woman. The moment they made it to his room, he opened the door and let her inside, seeing, as he entered, that she hadn't taken the offer this time around in making herself at home for the night.
Turning back, he shut the door and stood there for a moment. "So what do you need from me?" His voice took on a more serious and casual tone as he spoke, then fun it had in the medbay now long gone. Turning back to face her, he leaned back against the door as he crossed his arms, wondering as to the reason she had sought him out so early in the morning. As much as he played with her words where others could hear, he knew better than to believe that was what she was seeking from him. No, he could see it hidden in her eyes. There was something important she wished to discuss with him, something she felt couldn't wait until morning. In the medbay, Gavin’s response left Mariah questioningly raising an eyebrow at him. Before she could snap something back at him, though, he had been up, dressed himself, and was off as eagerly as an addict who found a lead on deathsticks. He couldn’t have been that naive. He was foolish, to say the least, but he wasn’t stupid. With a shake of her head and roll of her eyes, she followed behind. Although with his quick pace, she found herself flinching with every step on her bad leg as she fought to keep with his steps.
When they finally reached his chambers as she had forcefully requested, she made the same motions as she did the first time he brought her here, if he could remember such a minor thing from so long ago: in through the door, and then sidestepped out of view as quickly as she could, all the while focusing what little energy she had in more-than-fully masking her presence with Force Stealth upon her entry. Last time it was for his sake more than hers. Now, it played a part for both, even if she wouldn’t admit as much to him.
Leaning up against the wall and tilting her head to catch him out of the corner of her vision, Mariah uttered, "I was beginning to think you enjoyed pain, Phoenix. You seemed so eager at the idea of me breaking you again so soon." As far as she was concerned, this may be a lengthy conversation, at least if he truly wanted to entertain her. Nonetheless, she planned to make herself comfortable in the process. One of those annoying luxuries was being familiar with this space already, so it was an effortless thought for her to sink down, remove her boots, and tuck her legs under her in a cross-legged fashion, although it was clear with the delicate care she took with her one leg that she was still feeling some of the consequences from their earlier duel."I don't need anything from you," she corrected pointedly upon his question. However, after a beat, even she realized that it wasn't quite right. She wouldn't admit as much, though. With a frustrated such, she looked up to him from her place upon his floor, her words laced with mild annoyance. "The real question is what knowledge do I have that you might be interested in. Much has happened since the last time I was here, Phoenix. There are events in the works that I think you of all people should know about."
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Gavin Phoenix
The Dark Jedi Order
"See first with your mind, then with your eyes, and finally with your body"
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Post by Gavin Phoenix on Sept 26, 2019 2:33:50 GMT -8
It didn't go unnoticed, the way she handled herself upon reaching his chambers. The first seemed to be a repeat of the first encounter: slipping in quickly while masking her presence. It made him curious as to why she did so. It wasn't as if her comibg here was some big secret now. Anyone awake within the medbay would have heard her words, not to mention the small show he made on the way here. Then it was how she made herself confortable, removing her boots and taking a seat without a second's hesitation. He even noticed the small lag in her final movements, guessing she was in a bit of pain from their fight, something he wasn't fully passed himself.
When she brought up thinking he might have enjoyed paib, he merely shrugged with a faint smirk. He could only guess as to the reason why and the obvious show he made at the thought of getting "lucky." But there came a tilt of his head when she spoke of not needing anything from him, but rather, having knowledge he would be interested in. His eyes almost seemed to glow as his focus settled upon her at such a thought, his curiousity now peaked, not only from the idea he needed to know it, but that it warranted getting up in the middle of the night.
Crossing his arms, he finally spoke, curiousity and amusement filling his tone. "Do tell."
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Viox Savage
Blackguard Imperium
"You want the same as me. My redemption, eternal ascension. Setting me free."
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Post by Viox Savage on Sept 28, 2019 11:01:10 GMT -8
Despite this being their first meeting, it was evident that had both heard enough stories about the other to know how this meeting was going to go down. Were it not for the fact that his and Mariah's new order would not survive on its own so early on, he would have avoided this meeting all together. But thankfully, it seemed that Viox had no interest in making this visit any sort of spectacle or drawn out conversation. A fact he was grateful for as the Sith'ari told him to speak his pieceI find it hard to believe that someone of your status and power is humbled by anyone... But that is not why I am here... Given your resources and network, I suspect you are already aware of the rumours circulating about myself and the Lady Shadows... I suspect my coming here has confirmed some of them to be true already...He cross his arms then, while remaining at a respectable distance from the ZabrakDarth Malvus has no doubt made you aware of my feelings toward the Sith, a group which primarily makes up the ranks of the Blackguard Reborn... Even if you and those beneath you espouse the belief that it is a home for all darksiders, even you cannot deny the influence that the Sith Creed has here... One which not all of us believe in, nor follow... Which is why myself and Lady Shadows have reformed the Dark Jedi Order. So that those within the Blackguard that feel as we do, have a place to study and pursue their training... But if the Order is to survive and grow, we cannot be at odds with the Blackguard. Which is why I have come to propose a deal... An Alliance of sorts... We maintain a sense of autonomy, while serving alongside those within the Blackguard... We share common enemies, we just seek different paths to their defeat... The Zabrak smirked as Ifrit spoke of the rumors that had been circling around about the Dark Jedi Order's reformation. Before speaking, he deigned to listen to the rest of what Ifrit had to say before speaking."There are no rumors when it comes to being informed about what goes on within the Blackguard, Ifrit. Your reformation of the Dark Jedi Order has been allowed to persist because I have allowed it...because I am not stupid. Results are results, regardless of how they are produced. If you wish to continue along this path, I will not stand in your way. Remain an ally and do not hinder my operations and the Dark Jedi Order may reap the benefits of the Blackguard's conquests...however, the moment you become more trouble than you are worth, you can expect to be on the receiving end of my fury..."As the last word slid from his tongue, the Zabrak's fierce yellow eyes locked onto Ifrit's. Despite being blind, the Spellbinder would know that he was dead serious in removing the Dark Jedi Order from existence, if they tried his patience or interfered with his plans in anyway. If the Dark Jedi Order would support the Blackguard when called, he saw no reason to stand in their way. Similar, in respects, to how the Knights of Ren functioned within the First Order, he supposed, the Dark Jedi Order would become an extension of the Blackguard Reborn when needed. So long as they remained silent and didn't think of attempting a coup against his rule, they could coexist with little issue.
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The Fallen
The Dark Jedi Order
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Post by The Fallen on Sept 29, 2019 9:58:02 GMT -8
Mad as the Zabrak Sith'ari was, the man still seemed to hold onto some semblance of sense. The man having some understanding of the usefulness of the Dark Jedi Order existing once more. That said, Ifrit had harboured no false sense of security that the Order he was creating was some integral piece of the Blackguard. Nor that Viox would not gladly wipe it out without a second thought should the mood strike him to do so. As such, the threat did not come as any surprise, nor did the fierce gaze of Viox shake Ifrit in any way. It was merely a reminder of the tenuous grounds upon which the Dark Jedi Order currently sat As I said... We share common enemies. While we may not always agree on the methods used, we will certainly not stand within the Blackguard's way... You have my word that we shall remain allies going forward... For now, I shall resume preparations with Lady Shadows and liaise with Malvus to keep you informed of our progress... And should the day come that we face your fury, I shall be there waiting for you Viox... Despite the direness of the warning, Ifrit smiled back at Viox. Knowing that a day would come when they would face off against one another. It would be quite the clash, and Ifrit had to admit that a part of him looked forward to it. If only because it would be a true test of his strength and abilities
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Post by Deleted on Oct 2, 2019 14:05:59 GMT -8
It didn't go unnoticed, the way she handled herself upon reaching his chambers. The first seemed to be a repeat of the first encounter: slipping in quickly while masking her presence. It made him curious as to why she did so. It wasn't as if her comibg here was some big secret now. Anyone awake within the medbay would have heard her words, not to mention the small show he made on the way here. Then it was how she made herself confortable, removing her boots and taking a seat without a second's hesitation. He even noticed the small lag in her final movements, guessing she was in a bit of pain from their fight, something he wasn't fully passed himself.
When she brought up thinking he might have enjoyed paib, he merely shrugged with a faint smirk. He could only guess as to the reason why and the obvious show he made at the thought of getting "lucky." But there came a tilt of his head when she spoke of not needing anything from him, but rather, having knowledge he would be interested in. His eyes almost seemed to glow as his focus settled upon her at such a thought, his curiousity now peaked, not only from the idea he needed to know it, but that it warranted getting up in the middle of the night.
Crossing his arms, he finally spoke, curiousity and amusement filling his tone. "Do tell." If there was anything she knew he’d be, he would be interested. In a way, she had to silently applaud him for finally keeping his mouth shut about her earlier comment -- breaking him -- and staying wholly attuned to the matters at hand. Nonetheless, that familiar and unceasing amusement revealed itself in those two simple words. It warranted a slight scoff from the crimson-haired woman seated on the floor. Other than this minor detail, though, Mariah kept herself otherwise composed, her crimson gaze locked upon Gavin."During our duel, there was a meeting held here in the Academy with the Sith’ari, requested by my instructor." She let that very brief explanation hang in the air for a moment before she would give him any further details. In a typical scenario, it wouldn’t be nearly enough to further feed his curiosity. The meeting could have been for anything at all, so what purpose was there in telling him? Mariah knew that for all his arrogance, though, he was sharp. She came to him to divulge this information before it became public; she believed it affected or impacted him in some way, shape, or form. However, she wouldn’t reveal her hand just yet. If it wasn’t because of her lifetime of experiences that carved her precise caution with certain matters, it was because she still barely knew the man who met with her in his chambers.“But before I get ahead of myself, humor me this,” she said, feigning a sudden pique of interest of her own as if to mock him. Leaning forward, she rested an elbow on her knee, her hand cradling her chin, as she continued, “Has Iridonia and the Sith Academy become anymore of a home to you since the last we spoke?”
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Gavin Phoenix
The Dark Jedi Order
"See first with your mind, then with your eyes, and finally with your body"
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Post by Gavin Phoenix on Oct 4, 2019 11:34:14 GMT -8
The amusement only held itself as long as he spoke, honestly curious as to what she had to say. His mind began running with the questions of what this information could possibly be, his gazed fixed wholely upon her at that moment. She then spoke of the meeting of the Sith'ari with, who he assumed was Ifrit. While it could have been anyone, if not for their previous conversation during her last visit, he would have been left in the dark. Even now he still hadn't met the man but knew that it was rare that he left Sullust. So if he was here while she was, what was going on?
His answer didn't come, however, as she brought a light a question. It was a topic that had been brought up before, one that Mariah had proven herself to be less than fond of. His eyes focused on her for a moment as silence hung in the air. Where was she going with this? And even more, what answer should he give her? He didn't feel any more at home than he did the first time it came up. Even now, he was still waiting for that place he could truly call home. Letting his head tilt, his mind came up with an answer. "I have found a home here with my students." He wondered what her thoughts would be on the matter over his slightly vague answer. With her question, his curiousity began to rise all the more.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 5, 2019 15:02:28 GMT -8
It seemed as though their eyes were fixed upon the other for an eternity, challenging the other to reveal their hand first. As much as he wanted to strip her apart to find the answer, none would come, especially if he tried to continue playing her own game against her. 'His students.' The answer resounded a faint, growled laugh, caught in the woman’s throat as she only continued to stare into him with that ever-familiar, judgemental gaze.
“And what will you do when the little ones grow up, hmm?” she prodded, her hand lazily falling away from her chin, her head now cocked with the question. “They’re all going to become Masters in their own right one day. What will do you then? Take on another batch of misguided and misunderstood kids to train into the Sith’s perfect little soldiers? Keep on teaching the next generation until you've turned the whole of this Sith organization into a shadow of your family? I applaud you for your undying patience, Phoenix.”
Her praise was anything but. Her contempt was too clear in her cynical quips. She hadn’t hidden how much she despised the Sith the last time she was here; she wouldn’t hide it now. Her words, however, stirred up another point, the churning of her mind showing with an inquisitive upwards twitch of her eyebrow. Mariah leaned back, sitting tall once more, but the malice only continued to drip from her tones.
“And what-ever will you do about the ones who abhor the Sith and their teachings? There’s surely one or two in that exciting little bunch you got, who would rather take down the Sith from the inside out. Do you plan to simply pummel the Sith’s teachings into their heads until they do nothing but obey? Seemed a bit outside your character.”
Whatever she was trying to get at, one thing was clear: she didn’t accept his answer. Not wholly. Whether or not Gavin chose to address any of the points or questions she asked, Mariah held her ground here. He had managed to peel away at her guard and excuses last time. This time, it seemed, she was set to return the favor. As if to put the final nail in the coffin, the crimson-haired woman asked one final question.
"Is this really the home you'd want for you, for your students? Or are you just becoming complacent and stagnant?"
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Gavin Phoenix
The Dark Jedi Order
"See first with your mind, then with your eyes, and finally with your body"
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Post by Gavin Phoenix on Oct 5, 2019 15:48:27 GMT -8
Unlike before, the crimson-haired woman was on top of herself and her feelings. It was clear by the fire in her eye that she wouldn't be broken down during this encounter. But then again, neither would he. His gaze never faltered as she spoke, his mind remaining sharp as she continued on with her assault on his approach to being here. It rung as no surprise to the insults when regarding the path his students would be walking or that even he, himself, seemed to settle into.
But despite that calm, unwavering visage, his mind was running in its deepest recesses. Every word spoken was right on track. What would he do once they grew up and stepped outside of his tutelage? Would he take on an apprentice from them? Would he train the next batch that walked through the door of the academy? Or would this test run as a teacher prove unsatisfactory to the Sith'ari? These were the questions that continued to plague his mind in those few hours of nothingness each day. Even now, this lace hadn't become the home he had thought it might be, meaning his eyes were still to the sky and ear to the ground.
But could he tell her that? Her little speech seemed like a challenge in and of itself. And he wasn't one to back down to such trials. Every part of him screamed to deny her the answers she sought, to twist them around and give her nothing but vagaries. Even when she finally drove home that last question, his gaze never left her, nor did his eyes give away any truth. Lessons learned from past training in how to keep himself so closed off to show no emotion on a matter. "And what exactly would you suggest I do? Walk away? Let them suffer to continue such lessons under another? If I left, the only thing that changes is the fact I abandoned those I took charge of. And I can tell you for certain that if you desire for these students to truly become these pathetic warriors under the Sith, that is the way to do it. Let them all wither away into worthlessness. As for there being a few who may despise the Sith and wish to bring it down from the inside, at what point isn't there a student that walks through these halls that feels that way? How many times do the Jedi and Sith steal away children from their families? The only difference is the Jedi do it when they are so young they know no other life where the Sith don't care the age. In fact, they do so to further draw out those darker emotions to use. And maybe one day, that one student will lead others to overthrown the Sith'ari and take charge to create a Sith order under their rule. I do not seek to dictate the actions of those that train under me, only to teach them and let them choose their own path."
Moving past the final question asked of him, his head lowered a bit as the glow of his eyes seemed to increase. "So what are you truly getting at, Shadows? Does this have anything to do with this information you wish to share with me? Or are you just trying to get a rile out of me? Or perhaps you just hope to find that one thing you can throw right back at my face and say I told you so?"
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Post by Deleted on Oct 11, 2019 10:34:25 GMT -8
Their meetings, separated by the matter of several months, were as different as night and day. The more that Mariah picked at Gavin, the more he seemed to fight back in a way she was oh so familiar with. Closing himself off to emotion, yet fighting back with his supposed truth, be it misguided or not. However, this time, the tides were turned. A fact that brought a subtle smirk to the woman’s lips as she watched him with an unblinking stare. Gavin could keep on with these rebuttals all he wanted, but there was a fact that remained. Answering her questions with questions of his own? They were hardly answers. They were cop-outs, as far as the crimson-haired woman was concerned.
With Gavin’s final question, Mariah pushed herself back up to her feet. It was a delicate task with the wounds still wreaking havoc on her body. However, other than lacking her usual speed and grace in such matters, she kept her suffering rather well-hidden. Her crimson gaze never faltering from him, she mocked a dramatic, disappointed sigh.
"This why hiding behind your students is a pointless argument, Phoenix," she said pointedly, exaggerating his name as if to make a point then and there. Whether he was just mocking her in using her last name, whatever effect he had hoped to have provided perhaps the opposite. She found amusement in it, revealed by a dark shimmer in her eyes. "So let me repeat my question for you one last time. Has the Sith and their Academy become any more of a home to you since the last time we spoke? Have you given up and settled, ready to become a Sith by all but title in the way that you work and build up their new generations? Or are you still waiting around hoping that what you’re looking for will be brought to you on a silver platter?"
Her eyes narrowed upon him as she took confident steps towards him. There was a deliberate pause, a time for her to study him, watch for even the tiniest of cracks in his resolve. Throughout her repetition of questions, her amusement slowly started to melt away from her features, her tone serious by the time her final word fell. Just as in their duel, where she fought as physically close as she could push her way in, she did the same now. As small as she might be, the ferocity and determination in her eyes wasn’t something to easily dismiss. Until she stood toe-to-toe with him, her advance continued. With her chin tilted up, Mariah never once released the lock of her crimson eyes upon his blue.
“I don’t bring just anyone such a silver platter,” she stated firmly, spoon-feeding him information as cryptically as possible, at least until she was sure about his intentions and his decisions, “so I suggest you consider yourself honored, knock off this childishness, and just answer my questions."
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Gavin Phoenix
The Dark Jedi Order
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Post by Gavin Phoenix on Oct 12, 2019 12:44:03 GMT -8
Unwavering determination backed by a burning resolution. That was what he saw when he looked into those crimson orbs. He had seen it during their first encounter nearly a year before, yet it didn't seem to fully hold back then. He knew why, though. Back then, he had driven his words into her heart in such a precise form that it effective struck home. He had opened her heart and mind, even if she wouldn't admit to it, be it to others or even herself. And through it, he believed that had formed some semblance of a connection, one that his former wife hoped would continue to grow.
But that wouldn't be the case this time around. It was clear that she would be unbreakable. Even more, was the fact that it seemed the roles were reversed. She had the knowledge and tools at her disposal to chisel away at his facade and strike at the root of his thoughts. Now he was the one avoiding the questions and deflecting reality in some form or another. It was a strange sensation to be completely thrown out of his normal personality by this one woman when no other could remotely affect him. This realization made him pause, not only because he was beginning to realize it, but for the fact of the faint prodding in the back of his head pointing it out as well.
For a few moments as his mind processed everything that was being revealed, his eyes never broke in their intensity as she stepped up right in front of him, matching his gaze, demanding a straight forward answer. This brought about a whole new line of questions. At the forefront of them, all was what had happened to her? Before a woman who tried to hold some distance from him was no longer before him, pushing herself into his personal business where she typically had no concern in being. And to come here, acting like she held the answers and home he sought was all the more strange when knowing she tried to remain alone. What had happened in that one year apart?
Looking away for a moment as he released a defeated sigh, he shook his head as his gaze returned to her for a moment. "Honored, huh? I must say, that's a strange statement coming from you. Thankful could be one thing, but honored? Did we ascend to royalty or something while training? Not to mention this certain confidence you have in this information you carry. Think you have in your hand the things I seek, do you? A curious matter indeed. Best be careful. One might think you are a completely different woman from that person you were that last time you graced us with your presence." He let his typically cocky smirk slip back across his face as he worked to dive into the questions he had, wondering if he could get her to share just what had brought about such a change in her. It remained only for a moment though as he pushed away, stepping over to the bed. Finally turning back to the question posed to him, he gave her the answer she sought, his back turned to her. "As I said, I have had a home with my students. Consider that a pointless argument all you want, but it still stands. Teaching them and helping them grow has made them like family to me. And so, for now, my home is with them. But when that time comes that they pass from my care and seek out their own paths, then yes, I will continue my search for the home I desire. Whether that takes me elsewhere or falls into another group of younglings needing guidance remains to be seen." He then looked back to her, his eyes still holding that piercing gaze. "Is that answer enough for you?"
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Post by Deleted on Oct 15, 2019 12:14:43 GMT -8
There was no mistaking it; much had changed in the year since Mariah had last visited the Academy. His questions about royalty had unrealized answers, ones she would answer in her own time. It was a piece of the point she had been cryptically alluding to. It seemed, however, that the more she attempted to push Gavin into giving her an actual response, the more he fought back. The flicker of a memory haunted her memory for but a split second. That defining moment when she could do little else but let him speak his truth into her… and listen. However, it appeared that his centuries of experience surpassed her even here, and the victory would be his. Nonetheless, the crimson-haired woman held her ground.
But then came an oddity of a discovery. His disappointment overwritten by that confident smile. It was too easy of a shift, and suddenly, the purpose of that cocky expression dawned on the woman. Recognition shimmered within her intense stare a mere moment before Gavin retreated, stepping away from her and towards the bed. Again, that half-answer he hid behind, his final, challenged question, paired with his sudden gaze upon her again.
The woman was silent for a beat longer than normal, her gaze seeming to look right through him for a moment. How she wanted to turn the tides, to replay that memory for him, to force him to see how idiotic and childish he was acting. Hiding behind some poor excuse involving others, removing himself from taking charge of his own life. The reversed memory flooded her so vividly, yet unbeknownst to Gavin. However, before it resolved, urging her forward to make it a reality, the ending of their duel cut itself into her memories like a vibroknife into flesh, forcing her back into the present. It was just for a beat of silence before she came to with a sudden inhale, a growling sigh.
“It will suffice,” Mariah answered bluntly, resentment laced within her otherwise rasped tones.
And with that, the woman turned on a heel and headed for the door. His answer was enough for her, and enough for her to deem this a wasted effort. Why that little voice in her head had pushed her to do this was beyond her. As if she had seen something more than what was made more than evident. As Mariah had pointed out earlier, he was a Sith in all but title, choosing to hide behind teaching the next generation of these damned Sith. However, before she could reach the door, that sweet, yet dissonant voice echoed out in her head again.
<< Do what you came here to do. >>
Mariah stopped short. Do what she came here to do; step out of the shadows and take charge of the role she accepted. She had made it this far at the will of that lingering voice. If she was adamant that Mariah imparted this knowledge to him, then so be it. He had already unknowingly pointed out a very vital piece of truth in his questions, at that. As much as Mariah wanted to simply depart from not only his chambers but the whole of this stifling, pestilent planet, without so much as another word, she had a point that she needed to make. One final realization to weigh upon his shoulders and see what would come of it. It was what that little voice in the back of her mind demanded, at least. With a growling, defiant sigh, Mariah stopped short, opening herself up to catch Gavin out of the corner of her eye.
“Know that you should feel honored that the Empress of the Dark Jedi came to you personally, Gavin Phoenix, to offer you a place among our ranks.” Honored. Royalty. Mariah believed herself far from that in the modern sense, but it didn’t change the simple truth she put out before him. She was the Empress of the Dark Jedi, at the will of the Fallen. “The meeting between the Sith’ari and Ifrit Bladeweaver, it was to open up a treaty between our two orders, so that those serving the Sith out of necessity instead of desire may have a better option suited for them while avoiding the wrath of their prior masters.” Mariah inhaled deeply, her stare growing in intensity, even drawing her to turn herself around to stare down Gavin in one last attempt to garner his attention and understand the weighty decision of what his next words might be. “You know as well as I, that your students will find other Masters of the Sith, better suited to teach them the ideologies they seek. Those who wish to reject the Sith dogma can follow you to Ambria, where they can continue to grow and learn from you,” Mariah cocked her head to the side, her narrowed, judgemental gaze piercing through him as she continued, "but now, with all this information out in the open, my unanswered question still lingers: is the Academy, your students, and the Sith enough of a home to you that you’ll turn your back on this offer?”
One final time, she pried for a truthful answer out of him, and it would be the last attempt she would waste her effort on.
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Gavin Phoenix
The Dark Jedi Order
"See first with your mind, then with your eyes, and finally with your body"
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Affiliation: The Dark Jedi Order
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Post by Gavin Phoenix on Oct 17, 2019 10:50:28 GMT -8
Gavin merely watched the woman turned to face the door, ready to leave his sight. She didn't try to hide her feelings on the matter. That was true to the nature he understood of her. But the one thing that kept plaguing his mind since they had arrived was her questions. Why, of all people, was she so concerned about his feelings of home? They had talked about it before but she didn't seem to fully concern herself with it then. So why now? And why push it so heavily? They were questions he expected to remain unanswered as he was prepared to let her depart, not wishing to further stir her wrath.
But then came the unexpected. She stopped and continued to speak. What slipped from her lips was something that instantly hooked his attention. The Dark Jedi. It was the home he had been seeking for so long. For a brief instance, images of his past played before him, moments when he once walked among an order of Dark Jedi, his brother and sisters. His mind raced and it took all he had not to let those thoughts leak through to be sensed by Mariah.
His head tilted slightly, amusement being fixed to his face as he looked her over. Of all people, why was it her coming her with such knowledge? What did the Force have planned? And not only providing that information but also being part of the reason it was returning. Empress of the Dark Jedi, that was quite the title. Just that little bit of knowledge showed just how much she had changed since that first encounter, something he had to admire about her.
Silent for a few moments, he finally gave a slow nod, his amusement remaining though not without a slight hint of him being impressed. "Well, well. Empress, is it? So I guess you have ascended to some level of royalty since our first encounter. Please, allow me a moment to bow before your presence." He chuckled a bit as he gave her a half-bow, letting his cocky nature play out in order to mask his current feelings. He wanted so much to say yes to her, to tell her that he would more than willingly come with her, to find his home among the Dark Jedi once more. But it wouldn't be the answer he'd give. He wanted to wait for a bit, see if this meeting played outright. That way, he knew how to progress going forward. Not to mention he wanted to mess with her, to surprise her with his choice later down the road. Because, in the end, it was an offer he couldn't refuse, even if he sought to delay it. "Good luck moving forward. I'm sure building an order from nothing is quite the task. But my home, still, is here with my students." He knew the risks he was taking, the fire he would ignite in his words. He only hoped that faking her out and passing up the offer would return to bite him in the butt down the road.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 23, 2019 15:02:00 GMT -8
Those silent questions that raged on in Gavin’s head had simple enough answers. At least, they were simple enough to anyone who could crack through Mariah’s mindset and decipher the crimson-haired woman. It didn’t just boil down to that persistent buzz in the back of her mind, pushing her to offer. The intricacies of their first meeting paired with the fateful loss -- both played enough of a personal role. Although unspoken, there was that minute desire, easily ignored and denied, that Gavin would accept her offer. For the shame that came with her loss, there was still honor in the completion of that duel. For all of her sister’s quips, Mariah knew that the Dark Jedi could use a Blade who surpassed even her own skills, especially so early on.
However, the information she had hoped would shut him up and force him to be serious with her for once in his kriffing life turned out the opposite. She could hear the admiration in his tones, but his words and actions were still guided by that misplaced overconfidence she abhorred. Mariah sucked in a deep breath to submerge her wrath that bubbled to the surface, although there was a haunting glow that shimmered within the crimson orbs that stared him down.
With his refusal, she deemed him no more than any other Sith that wandered these halls, which held more consequences than he would ever know. As far as she was concerned at least, this would be the last time she would lay eyes on this pitiful excuse of a man, one who longed for a home but would always settle for less, hiding behind a cocky smile. As much as the thought of forcing it off of his face burned within her mind, she had already wasted enough time and energy on him.
She said nothing more, her jaw locked. With another deep breath, however, Mariah’s own personality seemed to shift all too rapidly. Her eyes closed for a moment, opening with her exhale, to which a wicked smile curled at her lips and an eerie, challenging look stared deep into him. She responded to him with nothing more than a thoughtful hum before she turned on a heel to leave his chambers, her wounds and her limp seemingly having no more power over her. The Sith would see no weakness from this woman, now named as Empress of the Dark Jedi. Gavin proved to her that he was no different than the rest.
Should the Force guide them to cross paths again, she’d make him rue the day.
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Gavin Phoenix
The Dark Jedi Order
"See first with your mind, then with your eyes, and finally with your body"
Posts: 1,144
Affiliation: The Dark Jedi Order
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Gavin Phoenix on Oct 27, 2019 15:26:13 GMT -8
As he expected, he could tell that her anger at his words stirred within her. Expecting to incite her wrath in another flurry of words against him, he was taken aback that only silence came aside from that thoughtful hum he now associated with her. Furthered by the blazing fire within her eyes and that smirk that could send chills to a lesser person, he knew he had just sealed a fate against her. All he could do was stand there, letting his typical gaze and smirk remain as she turned and finally left his chambers.
The moment the door was shut, though, the facade faded. Only the barrier around his mind remained so as to not suddenly alert her. He moved forward, thinking about the offer that had been given to him, thinking about how far she had come from their first meeting in order to be at the head of this new order's creation. It was a place he had once called home, and here he was, against every aspect of who he was, denying that offer for nothing more than a surprise really. He worried about what would become of their next encounter when he went to Ambria. Would she be surprised? Could he fix what little friendship existed between them? Or would he forever be her enemy? He had no answers, but a single thought did pass through his mind, causing him to raise a hand to the closed door. In a quiet voice, he spoke.
"Thank you."
It was all he said before turning and heading to bed.
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Post by Captain Azkul Travillius on Mar 22, 2020 16:50:09 GMT -8
103rd Regiment - Anchor Battalion Anchor Battalion, of the 103rd Regiment, under the command of Major Dellinger, was charged with the protection of the Sith Academy. Whether it was putting down rebellious students, eliminating dangerous wildlife that ventured too close, or defending the academy from external threats, Anchor Battalion were the ones to get the job done. Running on three month intervals for postings, each battalion took a turn being stationed at the Academy. And each battalion that came back returned a little quieter than when they had arrived. No doubt a side effect of being around the daily routines of the academy itself, though none could say for certain...
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