Lord Sinistra
Retired High Councilor 
VE Human Capital Management & Talent Acquisition
Posts: 1,474 
Affiliation: The Vegemite Enclave
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Post by Lord Sinistra on Mar 13, 2014 11:40:08 GMT -8
She smiled a devious chuckle, the cold chill of the Dark Side swirling around her, like calling to like. She closed her eyes as she inhaled deeply, and when they opened the color had drained to a cloudy citrine. She folded her hands in her lap, licking her lips before she spoke.
"There are a great many things I want. The question is what is so great or impossible that only a god of the darkness can grant it? I would ask for your powers but I somehow think that option isn't on the table. Or that the cost is more than I'm willing to pay."
She tilted her head as she rattled off a few other things that were obvious choices to be asked for.
"I am wealthy as it is, money has no appeal. I am building an Empire with my own hands, so power over the galaxy is out. Besides, I would rather do it myself, far more satisfying. There is unlimited power in the Dark Side, but I have seen stronger men than me cut down in battle. Power is no guarantee for success. No. All these things are meaningless to me as wishes."
She looked right at him, leaning forward herself.
"You know what I cannot control? Time. It slips past us all no matter what we do to try and stop it. It marches us forward at gunpoint towards our inevitable deaths. We grow old, we grow weak, we grow mellowed. What would I wish for? Youth. For me to have the knowledge I have now in the body of a younger woman. To prolong my grip over the galaxy and to reignite my inner fire with the passion of my younger self. But what is the cost of such a request?"
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Post by Whill Shaman Erevis on Mar 13, 2014 11:48:26 GMT -8
He leaned back, a half grin on his face. He looked at Sin for a moment, a slight sparkle lighting his eyes up momentarily. He breathed a heavy dramatic sigh and looked around the kitchen, and time......stopped. He looked back at Sinistra, his face suddenly serious
"The cost is mine to know, and mine alone. Everything must have Balance. Do you accept the cost? For the youth you want?"
Everything in the room got pitch black, all the life seemingly sucked out of the very air. The only thing she could see were his eyes.
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Lord Sinistra
Retired High Councilor
VE Human Capital Management & Talent Acquisition
Posts: 1,474
Affiliation: The Vegemite Enclave
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Lord Sinistra on Mar 13, 2014 12:05:49 GMT -8
"You don't get to be where I am outliving your brothers and friends without taking calculated risks. But I would not wage my heart, my throne, my empire or my grip on the dark side for vanity. You can tell me the cost that I'll be paying or we can repeat the last time we met."
She arched a superbly shaped eyebrow up at the presence across the table, crossing her arms as she leaned back in the chair. The bitter cold didn't seem to bother her, nor did the growing darkness in the room. Instead she locked eyes with Erevis and waited.
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Post by Whill Shaman Erevis on Mar 13, 2014 14:38:27 GMT -8
"Your cost is four small things. One. Every time you look in the mirror, you will see yourself as you would normally Age. Two. You will never be satisfied, always wanting more. Three: One day, I will ask something of you, and you cannot refuse. Four: Bake me a pie. I really want pie."
His eyes were still the only things she could see, the rest was all darkness
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Lord Sinistra
Retired High Councilor
VE Human Capital Management & Talent Acquisition
Posts: 1,474
Affiliation: The Vegemite Enclave
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Lord Sinistra on Mar 13, 2014 15:06:51 GMT -8
She looked at him and thought deeply about what those things could mean to her. The mirror didn't bother her so much, the pie was laughable. No, the things sticking in her mind like a brabble of thorns was the insatiable and the unrefusable task. These were steep prices for vanity, indeed. She sighed, her head tilting over as she regarded the purple eyes in the blackness.
"2 questions. Never satisfied with what? The third point throws a pretty wide loop. You could ask me to give up my throne or hand myself over to the Republic. You speak of balance but if I grow too powerful in your eyes, would you ask me for my own demise?"
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Post by Whill Shaman Erevis on Mar 13, 2014 15:20:37 GMT -8
"I know you Sinistra. You are never satisfied with what you already have or control. The price will make that worse. An insatiable need to control that will never be filled. As for what I might ask of you? Perhaps one day I would have need of a babysitter. I would never presume to ask a being to give up power. The Dark Side by it's very nature craves power. No. It would be something far more personal to me."
He smiled using his eyes. It wasn't exactly.....pleasant.
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Lord Sinistra
Retired High Councilor
VE Human Capital Management & Talent Acquisition
Posts: 1,474
Affiliation: The Vegemite Enclave
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Lord Sinistra on Mar 13, 2014 15:35:12 GMT -8
She sat back shaking her head, her tongue poking out her cheek as she admitted that it was too much. Three of his prices, she could pay and would gladly do so. The fourth, well that was the tiger. Her eyes darted to the side as she chose her words, her gaze returning to his eyes as she began to speak.
"Then I must pass. The constant need for control and relentless pursuit of power nearly drives me to ruin now. If I accepted this cost, I would not live long enough for regaining my youth to matter. I would self destruct before year end."
She sighed heavily, her hands dropping into her lap. She shrugged and chuckled to herself.
"I suppose I won't be accepting a gift from you today. Sorry you had to waste a trip. I'll bake you a pie anyway, a thanks for stopping by treat? What kind would you like?"
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Post by Whill Shaman Erevis on Mar 14, 2014 6:44:34 GMT -8
His mouth appeared, all teeth and terrifying grin. And he laughed. It was a hollow laugh, filled with the echos of the damned. Sinistras world would go completely dark, and the physical pain she felt immense. Everything turned to Darkness, and what felt like ages was no more than moments. The kitchen returned to normal and Erevis was gone. A lingering whisper in Sins ear..
"I will have need of you one day. Enjoy your age. It is fleeting....I expect that pie"
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Lord Sinistra
Retired High Councilor
VE Human Capital Management & Talent Acquisition
Posts: 1,474
Affiliation: The Vegemite Enclave
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Lord Sinistra on Mar 14, 2014 7:31:30 GMT -8
There was nothing graceful or natural about the way her body contorted, searing pain beginning in the pit of her stomach and rapidly spreading out. She tried to get out of the chair, but nothing was cooperating except her vocal cords as she fell to the floor, screaming from the feeling of her years melting away from her. She felt like she was being murdered all over again, the burning sensation that obliterated her senses to the point of darkness came for her again and she passed out from the pain.
Her body writhed and convulsed as she aged in reverse, the wrinkles and sags vanishing to be replaced by taunt, youthful skin. Her muscles firmed, her body tightened and the silver streaks in her long brown hair melted into the chocolate brown with the rest.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 14, 2014 8:06:51 GMT -8
To say that Eralam could have listened into the conversation would not be a stretch. However, there were certain rules, more customs really, that even fallen Whills must abide by.
Do not reveal your former identity, and do not reveal the identity of others.
Do not use foreknowledge to change the course of events.
Do not interfere in the deals others would make, so long as the mortal is acting on their own free will.
All Eralam could do was hold back the bubble of time dilation, because the idiot had included the the stove in the bubble. All of that went out the door, however, when Sin began to scream.
The door flew off the hinges and halfway across the room as a size 16 boot slammed into it. It was followed by the owner of the boot as he rushed to Sin's side.
She was obviously in great pain. At first he couldn't tell why. There weren't any physical injuries, and there was no sign of direct induction onto the nervous system.
And then he noticed.
She was younger. Not just a little younger, either. Physically, she appeared no older than he did. That was...something. A range of conflicting emotions tumbled through the former Shard's mind, but he set them aside for the moment. They could be sorted later, after he made sure she was okay.
"Sin, come on," he said, physically restraining her with the Force as spasms wracked her body. "You're going to be okay."
Once the spasms passed, took off his jacket, folded it up, and set it under her head as a makeshift pillow. He had no idea how long she'd be out, but if it was more than fifteen minutes or so, he'd transport her to the bedchambers. After an hour, he would have no choice but to summon medical personnel.
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Lord Sinistra
Retired High Councilor
VE Human Capital Management & Talent Acquisition
Posts: 1,474
Affiliation: The Vegemite Enclave
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Lord Sinistra on Mar 14, 2014 8:22:57 GMT -8
The pain subsided in a minute, the convulsions stopped and she felt woozy for a moment as her eyes cracked open. She tried to figure out where she was, looking up into the face of a very worried looking Eralam. She reached up to rub her eyes instinctively as they were wet with tears of pain and she froze in terror, her eyes open wide. Her skin felt different. There were no wrinkles at the corners of her eyes anymore.
He had done it.
Her mind was reeling as she tried to assess her new body. It was not sore, it was not stiff. There was a fluidity of motion in her limbs and joints that she had not felt in years. She felt the way she had when she had walked into Kashyyyk Academy nearly 30 years ago. But there was no hunger, she didn't feel any different other than feeling like half of her life had been painfully striped away from her body.
She pushed herself up off the floor, dusting off her dress as she tried to find something to say about the last few minutes, but there was nothing coming to mind. She looked at the broken door and then the stove.
"Dinner almost ready?"
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Post by Deleted on Mar 14, 2014 8:40:03 GMT -8
Eralam blinked.
Dinner?
Oooooh.
He checked the timer on his chrono. 5 minutes and 57 seconds had passed. He drained the noodles, now perfectly done, dumped them in the sauce (some people like them separate, but Eralam didn't see it made a difference) and before you k ow it, there were two steaming plates of chicken Alfredo on the table.
He couldn't help but glance over at Sinistra every few moments. Now that she appeared to be hale and hearty, he let the conflicting thoughts and emotions sort themselves out.
First and foremost: goddamn. Physical descriptors failed to accurately put into words his initial reaction to her new appearance, so profanity would have to suffice. Goddamn indeed.
But then again, he had liked her older visage just fine. The signs of age were the signs of a battle hard fought, and she wore them with distinction. To erase them all seemed like a waste, in his opinion.
But then again, if she was physically his age, or within a few years, maybe they could have a shot at growing old together. That would be nice.
Was her mind still the same? He certainly hoped so. While he was sure the Sinistra of 25 years of age was quite the interesting person, that wasn't the woman he had fallen in love with.
On and on the arguments went, back and forth, until the former Shard settled on one inescapable fact.
It had been her choice. If she was happy with deal she made, then he certainly wasn't going to question it. Might as well enjoy it.
"Dinner is served."
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Lord Sinistra
Retired High Councilor
VE Human Capital Management & Talent Acquisition
Posts: 1,474
Affiliation: The Vegemite Enclave
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Lord Sinistra on Mar 14, 2014 8:59:19 GMT -8
She watched him wrestle with the new, looking her way half expecting something else to happen, like sprouting wings from her back. She shook her head at him, chuckling. It would take some getting used to. She in turn kept glancing at the shiny surfaces of hanging pots and windows around the room. But to her, there was no change. There never would be. Well, she would grow older and older in those reflections but the outward would not look her true age. A cursory feel of her fingers running over skin confirmed that all her scars were still there, every stab, every burn, every lash, every bite. They just all marred a younger body.
She grabbed the plate, silverware and a glass of wine and motioned for him to follow her out of the kitchen, to the balcony she had that overlooked a portion of the gardens below. It was late summer on Kuat and the night was temperate and warm, a breeze blowing the scent of fresh grass and dirt their way. She took a seat a patio table, sipping her wine but not touching her food just yet. She wanted to settle this before she ate.
"I'm still me. Inside, I'm 60ish. When I look in that window and see my reflection, I see wrinkles and grey hair. I see a body withering to time. I'm not even sure I would see the changes in a picture of me but that is besides the point. The body is younger. I'm still the same age. I remember every scar and every battle, and every kiss and moment that got me here."
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Post by Deleted on Mar 14, 2014 9:28:19 GMT -8
"That's...actually kinda awesome as far as conditions go. I was expecting him to require your soul or something lame like that. Kids these days, you know?"
Eralam sighed and reached across the table, taking Sin's free hand in his own, a part of him marveling at how smooth her skin felt now.
"With an empire to run, I imagine having the energy of your youth with the wisdom you've acquired over the years is something of a coup for you. So hey, if you're happy with it, I'm happy for you."
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Lord Sinistra
Retired High Councilor
VE Human Capital Management & Talent Acquisition
Posts: 1,474
Affiliation: The Vegemite Enclave
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Lord Sinistra on Mar 14, 2014 9:41:27 GMT -8
"There's more to it than that. One of his conditions was too costly, so I refused. He granted my wish anyway. I don't feel it, but if that curse ever shows up, I will relish turning Tython to an asteroid field before I die."
She half smiled with fleeting worry as she held his hand and picked up her fork in the other. She ate a few bites of his chicken alfredo. It was delicious and she knew that her revelation was not going to sit well with him, but she held his hand in his firmly in her own. Best not to linger on it. In hindsight, she probably shouldn't have told him. Oh well, too late now.
"I suppose I can just tell people I had a little work done. If he went by the age I wished for, this body should be in the early 30's. Much more condusive to a long reign on the throne and fighting off enemies of the Empire. Not to mention keeping up with a certain former Shard."
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Post by Deleted on Mar 14, 2014 9:52:27 GMT -8
Eralam's expression hardened for a second, but returned to normal by two.
"If it comes to that, I'll tear it apart with my bare hands."
He nodded as she mentioned keeping up with the Empire-and then choked as she mentioned keeping up with him.
"As I recall, that certain former Shard spent a great deal of time hanging on for dear life. He'll probably have to cuff you to the bed to even have a hope of standing a chance now."
Cue awkward staring at pasta.
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Lord Sinistra
Retired High Councilor
VE Human Capital Management & Talent Acquisition
Posts: 1,474
Affiliation: The Vegemite Enclave
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Lord Sinistra on Mar 14, 2014 10:21:19 GMT -8
She giggled a moment before she got very quiet, and very serious. She squeezed his hand as spoke.
"I meant longevity, my dear. If you're going to make an attempt to lengthen your life, then a deal with a devil is a small price to pay to lengthen mine."
It was the closest she would get to telling him how she felt at the moment, and she let his hand go and changed the subject.
"I'm sorry that I haven't been around. I had to make a quick trip to Shili and take a meeting with the Major."
Because your girlfriend telling you that she might be cursed by the Whills wasn't enough to get his hackles up. She might as well tell him that his previous paramour was going to be coming here as a member of her staff.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 14, 2014 10:34:00 GMT -8
For a moment, Eralam didn't know what to say. That was...
Practical considerations aside, if that had been a part of her reasoning, maybe they'd make it to that hilltop after all. Hey, he thought, this must be what hope feels like.
"Sin, I, uh, I appear to be at a loss for words."
And then she mentioned the Major.
"Nope, wait, I found them. Please tell me she isn't coming here to be a part of your staff."
The fallen Whill could conjure up more awkward and dangerous scenarios, he was sure of it. Just...not at the moment.
But then again, maybe this wasn't her way of getting revenge. She had to have acted before she ever suspected he and Sin had become romantically entangled, which meant this was a move she thought up a while back. It was actually likely that this was what she had planned before getting stuck in that mess on Onderon.
"On second thought, don't answer that. Let's just enjoy some time together. We'll cross that bridge when it comes screaming at us from out of the shadows with a bayonet clenched in its teeth."
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Lord Sinistra
Retired High Councilor
VE Human Capital Management & Talent Acquisition
Posts: 1,474
Affiliation: The Vegemite Enclave
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Lord Sinistra on Mar 14, 2014 10:58:05 GMT -8
"Yes, she's going to be on my staff. I wouldn't worry about that if I were you. She had a red headed woman named Tess with her. Said that the only two women in the universe she ever needed approval from were me and this red head. So who is she? It's not Koko, is it? And have you talked her since the trip here?"
Hunger, natural everyday hunger, caught up with her and she digged into the dish before her and the wine. She didn't often drink it, but this particular chardonnay complimented the dish and the richness of the sauce just perfectly. Sin realized that they had not really delved into the personal aspects of their lives. There was friends at arms distance, drinking and carousing; there was nonverbal physical intimacy and there was a dash of vulnerable hope but there was no deeper exploration of the feelings behind the events that they had spoken about. Era knew she had kids, knew she was awful to them, but she didn't tell him how it made her feel. Those private thoughts and feelings were locked away and were the last bastion of denying that this was more than just fuck buddies. At least that was how she rationalized this in her head. She had just told him she made a dangerous deal with a Whill so she could have more time with him. That smacked of a larger commitment but she would not admit it until he was assured of many more days than he was currently allotted.
"On second thought, don't answer that. That's private and between you and Koko."
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Post by Deleted on Mar 14, 2014 15:11:47 GMT -8
Eralam sighed. This was not how this evening was supposed to go. Romantic meal to help her unwind, followed by something relaxing. Maybe a movie or massage, anything to take the edge off, since he was willing to bet she had been working herself half to death. He didn't plan on a Whill showing up or Sin shaving a few decades off her appearance.
Maybe I'm trying too hard, he thought. Or maybe I'm not trying hard enough. I have no idea what the hell I'm supposed to be doing. How do organics do this crap their whole lives?
Of course, he didn't say any of that out loud. That might have been productive, instead, all he said was "I need a drink."
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