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The Sith Eternal
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Post by ๐ฟ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ on Feb 14, 2024 17:35:49 GMT -8
CLOSED RP
Silently, the Chirurgeon stood and allowed the other two time to process. It wasn't long before further proof of Pandรฆmonium and Tartarus' bond became known to her. Although she didn't hear the wyrm's cry or share any odd out-of-body experience, there was a distinct rippling in the Force, unlike anything the miraluka had seen before. Like a magnetic pulse around the echani, it reached out for Tartarus' body, and an aura appeared to pulse back in response. It was quick and faint but unmistakable.
"Interesting..." Lady Khira murmured thoughtfully.
As Pandรฆmonium stumbled to gain her bearings, Lady Khira instinctively offered the echani support by wrapping an arm around her waist to keep her on her feet. She didn't need that support for long, and the miraluka remained behind and allowed the Pandรฆmonium and Karnac to converse. Maybe she could leave them for as long as they desired so she could return to her work. The whole infirmary would be abandoned in the morning anyway, so this secret chamber's existence meant nothing now. Tartarus' fate was out of her hands. The Chirurgeon had pled her case to the two, and emotional or otherwise, Pandรฆmonium voiced where she stood. Ultimately, it would come down to whether or not this zabrak would want any additional dead weight to bring back to Roon.
For now, though, the Chirurgeon opted to remain. The clear fluctuation in the Force confirmed her suspicions about Tartarus and Pandรฆmonium. With the two in the same room now, Lady Khira might witness another anomaly. It was the worst time for it, but the worst times typically brought the richest revelations in this line of work. |
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Karnac
The Sith Eternal
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Post by Karnac on Feb 15, 2024 10:23:18 GMT -8
Though the wyrm's cry resonated within Pandรฆmonium, it was only for her spirit to endure. Even the faint ripple the miraluka was able to detect was beyond his senses. Be it his own recovery from the fight or simply unable to pick up such subtleties, he would never be able to tell. He had learned to connect more deeply with the Force and sense the more hidden ebbs and flows in the currents, but that usually required focus and not natural to the zabrak. The only indication that anything could have transpired was the way the echani spoke the demon's name. Then again, it could have been nothing more than fear of memory.
His eyes opened a bit more in curiosity as Pandรฆmonium spoke the name, the timing interesting that it fell just in line with the question. It certainly did the job in piquing his interest. Yet, that was all the information she gave at first, her next respond being that he was coming with them. It was certainly a bold claim to make in the hands of any other. But Karnac could see more from his safety than his death. He watched as she moved closer, finally continuing to answer his previous question. He took in what was said, letting the words process as his gaze returned to the man lying before him. He noticed the quiver at the end. Again, she brought up the we. If it wasn't clear before, it was now that she was at the heart of this ritual. However, he was not in the mind to punish her with any more thoughts of guilt or regret. Or at least he hoped.
Rubbing his chin, he thought for a moment more before responding. "I see. Power, just as is knowledge, is a dangerous temptress. Rapid acquisition, no matter the reasons, be it selfish or noble, don't tend to end well. It's typically how Jedi actually fall and Sith become corrupted slaves to the darkness. Patience is always key. Still, that is quite an art. No doubt powerful when mastered and honed. Makes me wonder what Mystia would think of it."
The final line was quickly passed by as he brought his hands down to Tartarus's side, removing his arm from beneath the furs. "A ceremony, huh? I would take it as the kind that creates a Force Bond?" He left it at that, not pressing for details. Bonds could have been formed between anyone, not even those actually close. But one that was built through a ceremony meant intention. The question was what was their connection? Married? Family? Mentor and apprentice? Almost certainly it wasn't the final one considering Tartarus was apprenticed to the High Elder. Yet, it didn't quite mean it was out of the running.
It didn't truly matter the relationship more so that a bond existed. Finding his arm, his red fingers found his wrist and his eyes closed as he focused. It was there, a faint pulse still coursing through his veins. That was good. Taking a deep breath, he returned the man's arm to the covers before looking up to Pandรฆmonium. "As he lays here, death most certainly looks to be his reality. However, there is activity and after four days without putting him to rest means he is alive, more than enough to have confidence in a return. Not to mention your conviction. Not one born out of false hope that has you convinced but something you truly feel. As such, I suspect a form of stasis has been placed upon him. It is possible that maybe your council had a plan to bring him back, all that was needed was time. If so, then you have my deepest apologies to that delay. But that's mere conjecture. Maybe others plans were in motion. Maybe they just sought to wait and see what become of him. We'll never know. However, I won't leave him behind. For better or for worse, his attempt at this ritual was the beacon that led me here. This entire situation up to this point came from his choice to try. I respect him for that. And so long as he is still tethered to the living, we'll do all we can to bring him back. I owe him that. Between the magic of this group along side our modern medical technology, he can be sustained for much longer. And if he doesn't pull through, at least we can say we tried and didn't just give in." |
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Post by ๐๐ช๐ท๐ญรฆ๐ถ๐ธ๐ท๐ฒ๐พ๐ถ on Feb 16, 2024 19:32:22 GMT -8
CLOSED RP
Patience. It was something Tartarus didn't have. Patience assumed time was a common commodity, yet time threatened to become scarce for Pandรฆmonium. So Tartarus did what he felt he had to do. The sorcerer had pretended that his unquenchable thirst for knowledge was his own. Still, Pandรฆmonium carried guilt over his current state for a reason.
The echani breathed in slowly and deeply as she gathered her emotions and thoughts. Mystia - that was a new name. By its feminine sound, she assumed it was another woman. Pandรฆmonium snapped out of her regrets to glance up at Karnac. Although she didn't press further about this new person, her expression showed a questioning interest. Was this perhaps one of the women he brought to Haruun Kal? Or was another woman waiting for him back on Roon? No matter that answer, she was clearly another sorcerer or someone who had a great interest in magic and dark arts.
Was Mystia to Karnac as Tartarus was to Pandรฆmonium?
It was a query the echani ached to ask, but Karnac's next question shut Pandรฆmonium entirely down. A ceremony that creates a Force Bond, he asked. It was a naive and shallow insight but not wholly unexpected for someone unfamiliar with Abyssos' rituals and rites. The depths of that ceremony, the meaning behind it, the impacts of it -- they were so much more than just a Force Bond. Looking back down at the sorcerer, Pandรฆmonium felt heat rush into her cheeks. Why, now of all times, did this have to come to light? Tense, she clenched her teeth so hard that she might shatter them. Pandรฆmonium hadn't even realized that her hands had balled into fists by her sides, her fingernails piercing into the palm of her hand.
She might have been able to garner a suitable answer for Karnac. As he continued, confirming both her worst fears and greatest hopes, she could feel the silent tears running down her cheeks. ~Chaos take me. Tavi, pull yourself together,~ she scolded herself internally. As she met with Tartarus's still body, she no longer felt like the High Guard, strong and fierce enough to squeeze the breath and blood from this zabrak foe. She felt like a helpless child bumbling around directionlessly in the dark.
Although she held her sobs from surfacing, it took her every last ounce of strength to do so. She turned her face downcast and away from Karnac so he wouldn't see her struggle. Although she didn't speak, Pandรฆmonium silently prayed that the Chirurgeon would accept Karnac's decision and take them away. |
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The Sith Eternal
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Post by ๐ฟ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ on Feb 16, 2024 19:40:51 GMT -8
CLOSED RP
From her position in the back near the stairwell, the Chirurgeon remained silent. It seemed the High Guard joined her in that quiet. However, it didn't take a skilled user of Force Empathy to see that the echani girl was struggling. The Chirurgeon hummed thoughtfully as the pieces started coming together more and more. It was no secret that the High Guard and the High Elder's apprentice were close. The council despised their camaraderie. To see the usually fiery and strong-headed girl in such a condition now, if the Chirurgeon still had doubts about these two, she realized it was no mere friendship they shared. It was a pathetic display, and it felt as bad as kicking puppies if she didn't allow Pandรฆmonium a proper chance alone with him to grieve the loss of her bonded soul. Even if this zabrak was going to try to bring him back anyway, at least he had some sense to realize it would be a miracle if they could accomplish it.
"Zabrak," the Chirurgeon spoke, realizing she never got his name. Names, though, were trivial anyway. "Your understanding of the Rite of Eternal Bonding is... superficial, at best. Come with me. If you have further questions about this ritual -- or any of our rites, for that matter -- I would gladly relieve you of your ignorance. Your cult may have worthy candidates to undergo its pilgrimage who would profit from its benefits."
Seemingly floating, the Chirurgeon spun and began her ascent to the surface. She paused briefly, though, to turn back and face Karnac. It was mainly to ensure that he was, in fact, going to follow her.
"My master also has notes on Lord Tartarus's state that your chirurgeons on Roon may find helpful. Naturally, I will remain his primary caretaker. Still, I don't doubt that your cult has more modern and efficient technologies and practices. Your healers will need to be aware of these things. Come, come."
The Chirurgeon dipped her head towards Karnac, once more ensuring he would follow her back into the smaller room on the surface. Here, she could remain perched, keeping her eye on Pandรฆmonium and Tartarus for any oddities while also getting the zabrak out of the room for a much-needed moment. The Chirurgeon didn't need to agree on their choices to have undergone the rite. The fact was, they had, and she would honor the sanctity of that much. |
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Karnac
The Sith Eternal
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Post by Karnac on Feb 17, 2024 5:12:45 GMT -8
Mystia. Certainly woman by the name, one of Karnac's peers that learned beside him. They all had their specialties and gifts. None held a candle to his strength and raw power in the Force. That being said, she was incredibly skilled in Sith Magic. That pursuit granted her a power that matched, if not outclassed the zabrak's abilities. They were to face each other two the death, there would be much destruction and no guaranteed victor. But was she someone of such importance in Karnac's life? There was no telling if he had anything to such a degree, even to him.
As he stood there, eyes upon Pandรฆmonium, he received no response. No thank you for ensuring he'd be taken with them, no outburst on the thought that everything that transpired was because of him, no comments about anything he said. At least, he got no verbal response. Her silence was anything but quiet. He didn't need to feel anything to watch how her body tensed ever so slightly, the way she hung her head. Questions burned within her mind that she wanted to ask, to offer further clarity on things he was otherwise ingnorant to. Yet, no words came.
It was the Chirurgeon who spoke up next, beckoning the zabrak from the chamber. His head looked to her before returning to the echani ,a nod soon following. He had come and seen the man and had his questions answered. Were there more? Did he seek greater details? Yes, but none of them held a priority. They would undoubtedly come to light later. FOr now, he would allow Pandรฆmonium some time alone before they continued on.
Moving from his place, he moved around to her, placing a hand on her shoulder as he lowered himself down to whisper in her ear. "Emotion is not a weakness. Let it flow. We are all human, after all."
He then followed after the miraluka, ascending the steps after her. she presented him with an opportunity to further his understanding. Did he take it? Did he just take what he gathered and allow some things to remain sacred to the cult? Ultimately, he'd let her decide. "I will not deny the chance to further my understanding. However, I have gathered enough to understand it is a Force Bond of some sort. Details and depth may escape me, but if it is something scared to your people, I will not pry further." He then nodded. "That would be good. I would like to avoid risking his condition through any ignorance to his state. And having you remain his primary caretaker would be without question." |
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Post by ๐๐ช๐ท๐ญรฆ๐ถ๐ธ๐ท๐ฒ๐พ๐ถ on Feb 17, 2024 20:08:28 GMT -8
CLOSED RP
Pandรฆmonium had hoped that the Chirurgeon would take them away from this place because she had never assumed she would be given the right to be alone with Tartarus. As Lady Khira spoke, urging Karnac to follow her, Pandรฆmonium felt a heavy weight lift. She could breathe again. That relief was short-lived as Karnac took just a moment to utter those whispered words to her. His hand on her shoulder was perhaps meant to be a comforting gesture, but instead, she went rigid.
'Emotion is not a weakness. Let it flow.'
Abyssos, like the Jedi, believed emotions were something to be overcome and triumphed over. Emotions were chains that held one back from discovering one's true potential. For knowledge to expand unhindered, one had to release and remove one's emotional outlook, or else that knowledge could become swayed and corrupted. It wasn't shocking to receive such advice from someone claiming to be from a Sith order. Emotions could fuel and guide one to absolute power or something close to it. Pandรฆmonium couldn't decipher how these emotions roiling within her could make her powerful, not when she felt as helpless as a child.
Karnac barely lifted his hand from Pandรฆmonium's shoulder before she pushed toward Tartarus's bed and collapsed to her knees. Karnac had freed one of the sorcerer's hands from his cocoon of fur blankets earlier when checking for a pulse, and instinctively, Pandรฆmonium grasped it tightly, her fingers interweaving with his. Silently, the echani girl -- who up until this point had done all she could to remain a strong pillar, resilient warrior, and confident commander -- broke into sobs. As the two finally exited upstairs, Pandรฆmonium pleaded, whispering to the sorcerer repeatedly like a chant.
"We're coming for you soon. Don't give up. Please, keep fighting." |
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The Sith Eternal
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Post by ๐ฟ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ on Feb 17, 2024 20:16:59 GMT -8
CLOSED RP
Once the Chirurgeon and Karnac were within the chamber, thus allowing Pandรฆmonium her needed time to mourn, the miraluka began rummaging through some of the tomes haphazardly strewn about the room. Once she found the book she was searching for, she set it down and began flipping through the pages hastily.
"I'm pleased that we agree I will remain his primary caretaker. I would have hated to enact my backup plan. Too many risks, not enough assurance for rewards."
A dark grin spread on Lady Khira's lips, signaling that her 'threat' was just a joke. Maybe. Probably half and half. It was anybody's guess.
Towards the end of the book, the Chirurgeon finally stopped turning the pages and searched through the many small notes and text littering the pages. Luckily for them both, mainly Tartarus, most of the notes were written in Galactic Basic. However, a few issues caused Lady Khira to wrinkle her nose in distaste.
"My predecessor detailed Lord Tartarus's care here, but nothing in here details her provisional diagnosis regarding his current state. I'm drawn to agree that his current ailment is a stasis. However, it's also conceivably unlikely, considering he hasn't stirred even with his partner next to him. It's out of character for her not to mention her opinions about this anywhere." The miraluka turned her head from the book to imitate looking at Karnac. "And seeing he was her patient, my involvement has been limited until now. While I savor the opportunity to begin with a blank slate, this isn't the most optimistic start, and I have a feeling it will only get worse from here."
Leaving the book open for Karnac to skim through if he would like, the Chirurgeon turned it towards him and stepped away. As she said, the book mentioned everything from Tartarus's diet to how often the skins that blanketed him were changed. The logs detailed round-the-clock care and generic notes, but none of the entries seemed overtly helpful.
"The ceremony those two have undergone, as a foundation, does create something that resembles a Force Bond. It has more delicate details, such as imbuing one's Force signature into a token to be shared with the other to enhance the bond. There is also typically a pilgrimage the two embark on before the ceremony for their natural bond to be enhanced and strengthened. As the name of the rite suggests, those who undertake it have chosen their partner for eternity, both in life and death. To lose one's bonded person is worse than losing a limb. It has been described as losing one's whole being and sense of self. Many of those who have lost a partner have been unable to endure this life and choose to move on to the next. It is one of the unfortunate consequences to balance out the many benefits those experience together in life."
Even though she had barely scratched the surface regarding this rite, Lady Khira realized she was explaining possibly more than the zabrak had wanted. His words detailing his desires could have been more transparent. He stated first that he wouldn't refuse the chance to gain this understanding, which excited her. He then seemed to wave off the opportunity, citing its sacredness to Abyssos. That was illogical, for its sanctity was all the more reason why she wanted to share more about the rite with one outside Abyssos who wished to learn of it. Perhaps he was mistaking forbidden rites with sacred ones? Then again, she was momentarily forgetting he was an outsider. Confusing herself with these circles, the miraluka sighed.
"All of this is to say that if you wish to keep the High Guard for all her strength, it's best to reverse your earlier decision regarding Lord Tartarus. Should Lord Tartarus perish on Roon, his loss will stain her current memory. Leaving his memory here on Haruun Kal will still be distressing, but whatever you're offering may be the distraction she needs to move forward until she can see him again in the next life."
In truth, Lady Khira wasn't fighting for Pandรฆmonium specifically, but instead, offering advice based on years' worth of experiences with mourning bond-mates. Pandรฆmonium was a skilled combatant, one of the best Abyssos had, especially now after all the carnage. She had served as the High Guard for several years now, a feat few could proclaim considering the job description, and those that could claim it were already six feet under. The thought of Pandรฆmonium throwing her life away during her first battle was an unfortunate yet very plausible possibility under the current circumstances. Although she doubted she could change his mind, Lady Khira sought for Karnac to make an informed decision at the very least. |
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Karnac
The Sith Eternal
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Post by Karnac on Feb 18, 2024 15:11:58 GMT -8
Emotions. Considering he introduced himself as a Sith, of course the thoughts would drift towards that outcome. Yet, that wasn't his intention. Through his time training with Gavin, he had come to see a different reality towards emotions, one in which he felt the Jedi and Sith both failed at. The Jedi wished to find enlightenment and wanted emotions to not be existent, yet that was the problem. Unless one was born to a race that didn't feel emotion, it was a core part of all beings. It couldn't be rejected. They needed to be understood and embraced. Yet, that wasn't to say they should let them course through them in a consuming fire. Passion, fear, and anger were powerful emotions, but letting them fill one as the Sith desired created a blindness that could lead to downfall. It was about understanding emotions, learning when using them helped one's power and when they were a hinderance. And above all, it was about letting them flow lest the walls of the mind and body break under the pressure.
As the book was presented, Karnac glanced through it as the miraluka made her comment regarding a back up plan should she been denied tending to Tartarus. "It'd certainly be quite the pity for any who'd choose to deny you this task." He had meant to flow it with, not knowing whether it a joke or not. Still, if it wasn't he could understand the needed to remain the head caretaker with none trying to overstep their bounds.
When she spoke that the situation was than detailed in certain spots, it stirred the suspicion that the elders had deeper plans in motion that they didn't wish getting out. "It makes me wonder if the elders did have plans for him, then. Something they wanted to remain hidden. I suppose we'll never know. Still, while minimal, we do have a bit of something to start with. All we can do is take it one step at a time." He thought back to Mystia. He could contact her, but opted against it. They had all agreed to have each others back and were ready to help when needed. But he needed to allow the Sith the chance to look into it before looking to her. She, as did the rest chose to remain in exile with their master. For now, he'd respect that.
He listened as Lady Khira spoke further of the ceremony and the depths of the bond created. It was certainly more intricate than a typical bond, that was for sure. So much that she made clear her feelings on the matter if Tartarus failed to make it. It was indeed a risk, but as far as he could see it, it was a risk in any instance. He then glanced up to her, thinking on the prospect to letting Tartarus die. "You are more than welcome to do go down there and let him pass...if you feel Pandรฆmonium would allow it. Yet, I doubt she would. If I had said otherwise, she would have sought to bring me down or die herself." He shook his head. "No, it wouldn't end well in any sense. Besides, based on your explanation, his death would ultimately destroy her, be it now or later. Maybe the move to Roon can distract her, but if the bond is as deep as you say, she'll never be at her best. She'll never have the chance to rise. Her spirit would break in having to accept giving him up without trying."
He then gave a sigh. "There is no guarantee of her remaining strong either if he dies on Roon. But maybe, after trying over and over, she can accept his death more, be able to keep moving forward. At least then, she can say she never gave up on him. It all rests on a knife's edge. There are no certainties, only hope." This bond was beyond his understanding as he didn't have it himself. It was possible it couldn't be overcome in any sense. But he would at least try for the best outcome. |
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The Sith Eternal
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Post by ๐ฟ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ on Feb 19, 2024 8:41:14 GMT -8
CLOSED RP
"Mmm, quite the pity indeed. Your kind has no idea what I'm capable of, zabrak. Let us pray it stays that way."
The miraluka brought a closed hand to her lips as she repressed a laugh. Her tone was light and still joking. However, the more she spoke, the more she forcefully painted that she was entirely serious. The joke was that the Chirurgeon actually did want someone to give her a reason to try her. She wanted to see how her holistic approaches interacted with modern medicines. It was a delightful thought to see an experiment like that through, to see if she could 'trick' their machines or test their knowledge.
Ah, but there were more pressing matters.
The Chirurgeon returned the book regarding Tartarus's care within her grasp. Again, she furiously flipped through the pages, hoping that her predecessor had left a coded message within the entries. If Karnac was correct about his hypothesis about the Elders, then her hands would have been tied. Her master was diligent to a fault; it would explain the negligent logs.
"Perhaps you're on to something," the miraluka finally murmured as she turned another page and quickly read through the notes. "It was easy enough to assume that they wouldn't give up on the High Elder's apprentice, but that would lead me to believe that they would have wanted everything about his status, routine care, and upcoming treatments to be recorded. While they hid his survival from Abyssos, why would they ensure my predecessor kept such minimal records? It's as if they weren't truly caring for him and planned for his imminent death anyway. But then, why bother keeping him alive?"
The miraluka pursed her lips and seemed to stare hard at the page. When the answer didn't come to her immediately, she sighed and tossed the book back on the table.
"I suppose that will be a mystery to be solved another day!"
Approaching the stairwell to the hidden care unit, the Chirurgeon appeared to 'peek' down to check on Pandรฆmonium and Tartarus. She noted that there were no changes in the ailing sorcerer, and the High Guard was still weepy over him. In one way, it proved Karnac's point. There was no way in Chaos that Pandรฆmonium would allow Tartarus to meet his fate sooner rather than later. The zabrak had given her hope. Hope. It was such a dangerous tool. It could drive men to do the most idiotic things without logic or reason.
"I would expect more from a man who can claim he bested our council with such a small crew backing him. They've faced and claimed victory over native tribes and small armies. What you've managed today, zabrak, is nothing short of a miracle. Are you truly afraid of one small girl who you've managed to break with a short whispered word in her ear?"
The miraluka approached Karnac. She was short and petite in comparison. Judging by her lack of muscle mass and lack of scars, it was clear she was not battle-hardened by any sense of the word. Still, she stood toe-to-toe with the zabrak and 'looked up' at him without fear. The Chirurgeon tilted her head curiously as she furthered her questioning.
"I imagine it would be an easy enough task to subdue her, so I must ask. Was our High Guard victorious within the council chamber? I didn't think it plausible, considering you stand here alive. Yet, you carry her in such high regard already. You barely know the child, yet you have so much already staked in her success that you would waste an unknown amount of time and resources for a chance to see her full strength. It is... peculiar."
Illogical is what the Chirurgeon wanted to say, but she chose her word very carefully, being this close to a man who looked like he could easily snap her in two. |
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Karnac
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Post by Karnac on Feb 20, 2024 8:54:42 GMT -8
He gave a chuckle. "I'm certain we'll see in time. There will always be one who thinks they know better and will need to be knocked back down a few pegs. Also, my name is Karnac."
Allowing the Chirurgeon to take back the book, he simply watched her as she sifted through the pages once more, taking his thoughts on the matters serious enough to give things another check. Still, while Khira accepted the possibility, there was still the mention of missing notes, something she believed her mother wasn't known for. That only left one other thought outside of simply being wrong. "Hmm, perhaps she did. Only elsewhere hidden away. It seems that all believe Tartarus is dead. Why pre-emptively make that claim? Were they eliminating hope in the chance he didn't make it, but could reveal later that he survived? Hope can be a fickle thing. If its denial wouldn't affect the overall picture, yet bring a pleasant surprise when it's fulfill, then hope is wasted and can do greater harm. Yet, when something seems lost with no observable path forward, hope can be that single ray of light to keep one moving towards something. Like all things in life, a delicate balance that can tilt either way." Realizing that he started rambling, he shook his head and shrugged. "A mystery we can only hope comes to light. Or it won't and ultimately not matter anyways."
He set his gaze upon the opening leading back into the chamber as the miraluka spoke more on Pandรฆmonium and he currently thoughts on the woman. He couldn't help but feel there was so much she didn't realize. Then again, all eyes viewed something different. Where one saw gold, another saw trash. To one success, another failure. Hope and potential against waste and illogical. He could only sigh as he thought of what to say, figuring out how to help her see things through his eyes. "Miracle? Perhaps. I certainly won't boldly claim that we dominated your elders or the others in the crowd. Our advantage came from surprise and no small amount of luck, though the training I've endured and thus passed to my team can't go unstated. A multitude of factors that could have easily swayed a slightly different direction to a far different outcome."
His gaze then shifted to Khira who now stood before him as if trying to challenge his logic in the matter. In the end, after a moment of meeting her gaze, he couldn't help but smirk. "Break? Hardly. A damn under too much pressure will inevitably burst. Perhaps it can be repaired, maybe it's lost. All I did was grant her chance to let go and relieve that pressure. Let her have her moment. I promise you that she'll be stronger for it and much more focused on the path ahead. And for being afraid of one small girl, I never doubt the capabilities of another, no matter size, race, gender, or profession. Never underestimate someone overwhelmed by emotion, resolve, or simply having nothing to lose. Being trained alongside eleven others, each skilled in a different art that could easily bring me down just as I could them teaches you a few things. I have yet to see her full potential, but I know it's there, waiting to break free from its chains. Not to mention the way she works with her men, it is something I desire to bring to the Sith. To see at least a group thrive that doesn't seek to betray their comrades for the sake of personal gain. It is the greatest flaw of the Sith and why they fall over and over again. Can I change that in the Sith as a whole? Doubtful, but I can help establish something that can't be so easily broken. A chance to continue my master's lessons. But I do want to see a chance given to all here to push further than they've been able to."
He then shrugged his shoulders once more. "But what does bringing him with us hurt? If he lives, great. A valued student returns from the brink and she can truly rise. I would imagine their success would trickle down amongst all those here, wouldn't it? And, should we fail, she can at least know she tried to bring him back. She is able to move with time and be fine or she falls and eventually dies." He gave a slight tilt of his head as he saw passed his own desires and what could be gained overall. "Also, live or die, we can learn from him and his current situation. More to learn if he makes it, but some knowledge all the same. So there is more to gain from him coming than letting him die here. Wouldn't you agree?" |
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The Sith Eternal
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Post by ๐ฟ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ on Feb 21, 2024 15:32:15 GMT -8
CLOSED RP
The Chirurgeon offered a simple nod towards Karnac as he finally introduced himself. These names assigned to the dark lords always sounded so ominous. Karnac - similar in sound to carnage, like what he had descended over Abyssos. It was a fitting name, almost as much as the Matriarchy taking on the names of their duty, and he seemed to live up to it.
Tilting her head towards the records log, the Chirurgeon weighed Karnac's new hypothesis and further ponderings. Her nose wrinkled as she struggled more and more to make sense of it all. Naturally, she was ready to let it go for the time being, at least before he continued to feed her curiosity. So long as she had another mind as a sounding board, she could theorize for hours or even days.
Unhurriedly, the Chirurgeon approached the book again and began slowly and deliberately turning through the pages this time. "The Elders were always close-mouthed when it came to their forbidden arts. I wonder... Is Lord Tartarus's stasis the conclusion to one of those arts? Lady Rhu'een has kept others locked in a dream-like state for days. I wonder if she discovered a far more sinister spell. Or perhaps..."
The Chirurgeon abruptly flipped to the very last page of the book. The miraluka reached for a quill with her left hand and quickly wet it in ink. On the book's final page, she began to scribble frantically in Galactic Basic -- 'SUMMONS.'
"What was the name the High Guard mentioned earlier? Hyperion?" Below the word 'SUMMONS,' she scribed the name underneath, and then beneath that, she wrote 'PANDรMONIUM' and underlined her name twice. "She mentioned that Lord Tartarus had discovered a piece of text. We must secure it and ensure it makes it to Roon with us. We'll need that and some of the High Elder's notes regarding his summons and any other pacts made in the history of Abyssos. The Archivist will play a vital role in confirming that every important tome and scroll, in general, is included. I hope you have plenty of room on your ship."
The Chirurgeon then muttered something about them needing to see her anyway and promptly scribbled what could be assumed as a more personal note on a blank scrap of paper.
"With all this being said, Karnac, we will have time to discuss your thoughts on Lord Tartarus's state further during the trek back to Roon. How long is the route? Hours? Days? Weeks? We can further theorize then. There is still much to be done before dawn, and I would rather have the time and capabilities to test our theories. Neither of which we currently have."
With a sense of finality, the Chirurgeon shut the book and placed it on a shelf with others. She would have to find a way of ensuring every last text made it to Roon. It would be a troublesome task. In truth, her mind wandered on that point as Karnac continued to discuss Pandรฆmonium, his thoughts on her, her men, their training, and his own training. No matter how much she pushed, he didn't speak a single selfish sentence. Bizarre for an emissary of the Sith. Irrational, even, and unlikely. Although she wouldn't admit to spacing out, she appeared more interested in her bookshelves than him. What finally drew her ear back towards him, though, was his final words. And that silly question: wouldn't she agree?
"Whether or not I 'agree' with you is beyond the point. I stand to gain from this either way and only thought to show Lord Tartarus mercy in his final hours and, in turn, the High Guard. I have no stake in what happens to them or any individual. My loyalty is to Abyssos and her people."
The Chirurgeon could tell Karnac's loyalty was equally rooted in this Sith Eternal. Naturally, he would want them to thrive. But for an emissary of the Sith, he spoke more as a recruiter for a Jedi Order, at least in her opinion. She wondered how a boy like him could have the power and status among the Sith to have pulled off this mission. What truly made him tick?
"Are powerful allies and the possibility for more knowledge all you want? Truly? Because I don't buy it for a second. You must have a personal reason to want Lord Tartarus alive, to want our High Guard at her best, to have flown to this pathetic pit in the middle of the jungle and seek out a small cult of scholars. A primal desire drives all of us. Power, influence, wealth, sex, something. You've become skilled in hiding yours behind noble, selfless, yet very Sith-less claims."
Once more, the Chirurgeon approached Karnac. It was far from an intimidation tactic. She felt very little could strike fear into this zabrak's heart anyway. Instead, it was something of the opposite: to show him that she also remained unafraid of him, a stranger who had brought death to many influential people. She would still peel away at him and address him like any other.
"If you can give me one selfish reason, I will stop all this silly prying on why you seek this course of action. If you make it juicy enough, I may even revoke my earlier sentiment and help revive Lord Tartarus out of my newfound desires instead of out of duty. It's been quite enjoyable theorizing with you already." The miraluka laughed lightly, and she focused her gaze within the Force upon Karnac. "So make it make sense to me. What awaits you upon your return with our handful of scholars knowledgeable in niche sorcerous arts and with primed warriors already fearless of death? Will you be rewarded with riches beyond a mortal's understanding? Will they grant you status and influence within your cult to make the common man bow to you and your every whim? What do you stand to gain, Karnac of the Eternal?"
It was likely a question that wouldn't be answered anytime soon. Lady Khira had a feeling she was only peeling back one of the many layers that the true Dark Lord Karnac hid himself within. Moreover, the Chirurgeon could hear the High Guard shuffle back to her feet. Although no other noises indicated her return to the surface, her moment with the zabrak would soon end. |
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Karnac
The Sith Eternal
Posts: 208
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Karnac on Feb 22, 2024 9:14:08 GMT -8
It was a rather ominous name, one that had been given to him by his old master Vesperia. He could only wonder why she chose him as her apprentice. It had been just after they finished their training and could be taken that she swooped him up. They were different people. She was rather manic at times, though it was rarely if ever without control and focus. He was intense and focused, at least in battle. He had taken up a bit of a playboy mentality for a bit, though that had faded. But it was given to him for what she saw in him, a being of carnage. Surprisingly, Gavin had agreed. In the end, it did fit him well.
As Khira went on again, running through theories, the zabrak remained quiet. He had contributed all he could with what he understood. And she was right. This wasn't the time to dive further into the situation. Whether on the trip back or on Roon, they'd get to journey further down the rabbit hole. "It's a four day trip. While plenty enough, it might be best to keep it quiet, at least with everyone else being in close proximity. Best not to worry or stir up any of the others, especially in such confined quarters. Give you some time to perhaps build a team that you'd feel would be the most helpful in figuring things out."
It took nothing for things to shift once more back towards his thoughts and reasonings for being here. She pressed harder, determined to peel back layers to find some hidden agenda. Why was it always about the selfish reasons? Yes, he was Sith. That didn't mean it needed to be about him before all others. Otherwise, the cycle would only continue and the Eternal would collapse like everything else. At which point, why even try to come here and recruit Abyssos? Sure, they'd be able to continue on as they once were with more than they originally had, if they didn't fall in the collapse.
He did tilt his head, his smirk turning a bit darker as something she said stuck with him. "You know, that sounds like a contradiction. You have no stake in what happens to them or any individual, yet are loyal to Abyssos and its people? Curious that you'd distinguish between a people and an individual. So it doesn't really matter who lies beneath the umbrella, you tend to the cover that is the people, but couldn't careless for the person? He was curious to her response. How did one serve a people but take no stake in the individuals that served the same group?
He then gave a shrug, turning from her and leaning up against the wall. She wasn't wrong. At the core of it all, he did have a reason, a selfish one as she figured. "Nothing in the galaxy is done with truly selfless intentions. Any who say otherwise are liars. As for me, influence is the goal. The details I've given you are just as true, but could only be established once I was here and knew what was to be gained." He gave a sigh as he crossed his arms. "I am very much a new addition to the Eternal. A couple weeks at best. Yet, when I arrived, I was tested and granted the rank of master. There is little else above that aside from the council and specialized roles. Actually defeated one of the council the same day I arrived. Whether he was facing me at full strength or not isn't known, but either way, it established that I wasn't one to be trifled with. So I got quite the reputation right out of the gate. But I want more attention. I learned other new members and younger favored acolytes were making bold moves such as claiming new worlds for the Sith. Territory, resources, and slaves that could be used in a number of ways. Already over done. I wanted to do something different. However, I'm not skilled in technological creations, biological and medical advanced, or anything of that sort. I'm a warrior. So what else was there for me? Then I felt the power, Tartarus's summoning of Hyperion. I certainly don't understand it all, but in that moment, I knew what I would do. I'd seek out powerful people and recruit them into the Sith. A far better means to bolster our ranks than untrained people that might as well just be cannon fodder to them. Bring in the skilled or those with great potential that are worth investing in. What I'd gain from this influence, however, is still a mystery. Though, I've got an interest in becoming its Champion."
It was interesting to think back on it now. Outside of the specialized role and council seats, there wasn't much else to gain. He was made a master immediately and shown his strength against a council member. That put him on a pretty high platform as it was. He didn't want a council seat. Everything was mostly riding on the words spoken by Dragus in that fight, the idea of becoming the Eternal's champion. He then looked back to her. "But like I said, the other details came once I got to see a bit of what awaited me here. There is much more that can be offered to the Eternal from Abyssos's knowledge, skills, and practices. And in turn, all here gain just as much in return. I think that things couldn't have gone much better." The best ending was no one dying, but rarely could one gain such a high reward. |
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Post by ๐๐ช๐ท๐ญรฆ๐ถ๐ธ๐ท๐ฒ๐พ๐ถ on Feb 23, 2024 19:26:02 GMT -8
CLOSED RP
It felt like an eternity within the blink of an eye. Pandรฆmonium stirred when she felt the well of her tears finally dry. Tartarus hadn't moved; hell, he barely seemed to be breathing. The remembrance of Hyperion's blast within the Force was her only proof that Tartarus lived and fought like hell somewhere within this state.
She was thankful to be given this time, and she knew that, come dawn, she would have more moments like this. She would need to force this farewell for the moment to press forward to their new beginning -- a better chance for Tartarus to wake.
Pandรฆmonium stood back to her feet, but the echani still took a long moment to soak in Tartarus's features. He looked nothing like himself. No disarming smile to brighten his flat expression. His eyes were closed, hiding his usual bold yet mischievous glimmer. He looked skinnier, even though it had only been a few days. With a deep sigh, Pandรฆmonium brushed a stray lock of bluish-black hair from his face before cupping her hand against his cheek. He was cold, deathly so. It reminded her of the Chirurgeon's warnings; letting him go sooner rather than later would be a mercy.
But he was still fighting, so she would keep fighting. It was a mantra Pandรฆmonium repeated in her head over and over again. She wouldn't lose heart or let anyone try to speak on what was best for him.
With a deep sigh, Pandรฆmonium finally tore away and made her way up the staircase. She paused, though, lingering with her head poking up through the floor to watch Karnac and Chirurgeon for just a moment. She hadn't heard anything they had discussed, but she caught the tail end of Karnac's latest speech. He was still going on about what Abyssos could offer the Sith Eternal, and vice versa, the glory and gain Abyssos could see with the Eternal's generosity.
"Still going on about that, golden boy wonder?" Pandรฆmonium taunted quietly.
The echani ascended fully, her eyes puffy and cheeks red against her ghostly complexion from her earlier tears. Those were the only proof of her sobs now.
She immediately roamed towards the door that led back into the infirmary's main hall. Pandรฆmonium had refrained from saying anything else despite her mind screaming to confront Karnac again. Things couldn't have gone better? At the very least, they could still have Nerra here. Instead of speaking, though, she leaned against the doorpost, crossed her arms over her chest, and kept her head down. She tried to make her indifference appear authentic but knew it was a long shot. |
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๐ฟ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
The Sith Eternal
"You want weapons? Books are the best weapon in the world. Arm yourself!"
Posts: 74
Affiliation: Cult of Abyssos
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by ๐ฟ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ on Feb 23, 2024 19:42:21 GMT -8
CLOSED RP
Four days. That would be plenty of time. However, this zabrak seemed to think secrets were a valuable commodity worthy of keeping and trading carefully. Keeping Tartarus and his status a secret? Again, the Chirurgeon brought a delicate, closed hand to her mouth as she laughed lightly to herself at the very notion of it. Yet, he was completely serious, which made it all the funnier.
"Did you not just speak of sparking hope, young zabrak, to keep one moving forward? Yet you wish to bring aboard our people's greatest hope to thrive and keep it a secret from them? They would move Harmony and Chaos to ensure his ailments are discovered and healed. You are quite an odd one, you."
Again, the Chirurgeon offered nothing more than an amusing observation. Karnac's hands controlled every cog and wheel of this machine. She would only play her part. Of course, that then brought on the next topic of hand. Was she a walking contradiction of her very words? Oh, it was quite a possibility. Contradictions were interesting, especially when you could find the point, rooted so far deep, that proved that these perceived contradictions were anything but.
"Abyssos is an idea, ever-changing with the new knowledge presented before us. A person clinging to old, incorrect information is a greater harm to the whole. Just as my master paid the price of her loyalty to the High Elder and his New Ways with her life, Lord Tartarus paid his price for sanctioning an ill-prepared, under-manned, and hastened ritual. No matter what happens to the person, though, Abyssos will live on. Should one pass on, there is always another to rise up and take their place. Just as I have taken on my master's role, another will take Lord Tartarus's, be it as the hope for Abyssos's future or as our High Elder. All that matters to Abyssos is that there is new knowledge to be discovered and that there are individuals out there with enough discipline, eagerness, and respect to discover it."
From there on out, the Chirurgeon listened intently without saying a word, at least for the most part. Every now and again, she would hum an intrigued sigh or bring a hand to her chin in a gesture of deep reflection. Finally, she was getting to the meat of this zabrak who ravaged their home. All for what? Attention? A pat on the head from his new masters? It didn't even sound like he was guaranteed this role of 'Champion' within their ranks. The Chirurgeon snorted.
Before she could say anything, though, a ghostly head appeared from the floor, and Pandรฆmonium made herself known. With the High Guard's words, the Chirurgeon couldn't suppress her more boisterous laugh.
"Golden boy wonder?" she asked, finally calming the raging chortle to a gentler giggling. "This cuddly little killer here? I wish I could say you were more exciting, Karnac of the Eternal. It would have made for a better story for my future heir. I'm almost embarrassed to tell her that a mild thing like you was enough to create this kind of rippling change for Abyssos. Maybe I'll just lie and make it more exciting. Something like... how you savored the bloodshed and death you left in your wake, and thus, became the killing machine of your masters, to do their most vile biddings with a vicious smile."
The Chirurgeon had put some gruff into her voice as she told her rather extravagant story, but it was ruined at the end as her laughter peaked. Perhaps she was the only one finding this amusing, though, and after gently clearing her throat, the miraluka approached the table with the note and snatched it up. Ignoring Karnac, the Chirurgeon approached the High Guard and extended the note for her to take.
"Seeing as you and your new friend have spent quite a bit of time here, I'll need you to do me a favor. The Archivist needs to ensure she packs every text she can to take back to Roon, but the topics I've listed here are to be her top priority." The Chirurgeon's voice lowered and became oddly and eerily serious all of a sudden. "Especially if you want to give Lord Tartarus the best chance at returning to us. Understood, High Guard?" |
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Karnac
The Sith Eternal
Posts: 208
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Karnac on Feb 24, 2024 7:26:32 GMT -8
Karnac watched as the miraluka laughed. He could only wonder for a moment until she final discussed her reason. To him, it seemed as if a misunderstanding had fallen between them, something that seemed quite regular, now that he thought on it. "I have no intention of hiding him and the fact he is alive from anyone. Trying to get him aboard and out of sight would be an impossibility. Nott even the fact he's basically locked in a coma would I hide. My concern is the revelation to them regarding the lie of his death and what the elders might have been planning as well as any constant theories that would be worked out. Four days in a confined space with tensions already a bit higher due to all that's transpired. Doesn't paint a good picture." Still, he had to remember he was seeing things from the outside. He knew nothing of the politics of Abyssos no the true thoughts of those within. Something that the Chirurgeon seemed unbothered by. "Still, you are the one with a better understanding of the people here. I'll keep that in mind when he is revealed to the others."
She then went on to speak of her distinction and belief of person versus the people. He wasn't fully a stranger to the idea that what sounded like a contradiction wasn't quite that. It was enough to know and ask the question to understand the difference without looking at her as someone who couldn't keep herself straight. And he got the answer he was looking for. She served Abyssos, not the people within. Just as soldiers following the one who sat on the throne of an empire, many didn't care who. "I see. I'm glad to see you are as fluid as water in the matter. It doesn't do well to become so locked to a single way of living, letting things fester and die. So long as we can tell when its time to plant our feet and slow the currents lest everything gets washed away." He thought on Tartarus and the choice he made. He should have died as a price paid for his actions. But perhaps the Force itself dictated he'd survive knowing what was to come. He'd live and wake to the costs of his impatience. A bit of suffering went a long way. It'd make him stronger, though, or it would destroy him and the people that looked to him would eat him alive for being weak. That or the cult with die off. It was a thought he kept to himself for the moment. It was clear that sat on different sides of the fence regarding him. For now, there was no need to continue down that spiral. They had their own perspectives, neither a actually wrong.
He wasn't able to establish anything on what Khira thought of his reasons for being here as Pandรฆmonium appeared. It seemed none cared much to listen to his desires of what the groups could offer each other. It meant that there was little else to say moving forward. All that was left was to finish off the tasks needed to prepare for their departure. It was clear the echani wished to do the same. Pushing himself off the wall, he made his way over to her, stopping only to look back at the miraluka. "Perhaps it would have been more entertaining. To live up to my name and come here with full intention to bathe in everyone's blood. But I am more than a simple attack dog or rabid beast. They get put down far too easily, far too expendable."
He left it there as he walked up to the echani, the Chirurgeon following suit. She handed his guide a note and gave an ominous message to the girl. Still, he remained quiet for now, ready to move on to the next destination. |
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Post by ๐๐ช๐ท๐ญรฆ๐ถ๐ธ๐ท๐ฒ๐พ๐ถ on Feb 25, 2024 20:38:07 GMT -8
CLOSED RP
Pandรฆmonium lifted her head after a silent moment and just stared at the ink-blotched paper presented -- another assignment to prepare for the trek ahead. In any other situation, the echani might have denied the request, stating that she had to tend to her men and ensure they were prepared to travel by dawn. Of course, the Chirurgeon dangled that key fact before her, knowing she would bend and break for that man. She was emotionally weary, and although she was thankful for the time the Chirurgeon had gifted her, she realized too late that strings were attached to her generosity.
Pandรฆmonium breathed in deeply and exhaled a sharp sigh. Without a word, she snatched the note from the Chirurgeon's hands.
She glanced at Karnac, dangling the note before him, before storming out of the infirmary. Karnac could have interpreted the look she shot him a few different ways, but they were all some form of 'follow me or figure it out yourself.' He could keep picking the miraluka's brain if he enjoyed his time with the Chirurgeon. There was also the possibility to catch up with his men and Jaxon, who were helping prepare the funeral rites. The Archivist was odder than the Chirurgeon, though, as he would soon learn if he kept following Pandรฆmonium.
Regardless of his decision, Pandรฆmonium paused at the threshold. She took a few more calming breaths and quiet moments to piece the mask of the High Guard back together before facing Abyssos and the outside world again. It also allowed Karnac to catch up with her if he still desired to follow her around. Regardless of what he chose to do with his time now, Pandรฆmonium had been assigned her new task. She would do this and more if it would give Tartarus a better chance at waking from his comatose state. |
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๐ฟ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
The Sith Eternal
"You want weapons? Books are the best weapon in the world. Arm yourself!"
Posts: 74
Affiliation: Cult of Abyssos
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by ๐ฟ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ on Feb 25, 2024 20:49:45 GMT -8
CLOSED RP
Karnac's words confused the miraluka. He stated he had no intention of hiding Lord Tartarus, yet he believed he could hide the lie told by the Elders, which involved the fact that he was already deceased. As far as the Chirurgeon could dissect it, it was black and white. If the fact that Lord Tartarus lived was presented to the people, they would realize that the Council had deceived them. They would begin to question other matters in which they spewed other lies. The people's unrest would happen, but it could be rediverted into more productive means. The only way to prevent that fact from surfacing was to keep Tartarus and his condition quiet, which they both at least agreed was an impossibility. Did she miss some critical point that allowed him to achieve another miracle? Or was this another one of his points that flew over her head?
Again, Karnac had the Chirurgeon's head spinning. She opted to reserve her mental strength for the day's remaining tasks. Too much categorizing, packing, and preparations still needed to be accomplished. He almost reeled her back in, too. Did she explain how everyone was expendable in some fashion, or did she imagine it? When one person falls, another rises. If no one took up the torch, everything would perish. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Life unto death. A constant and inescapable wheel. That was practical and logical. Yet he believed himself above the circle of life and death, that he was not expendable? 'Too expendable,' he said, so perhaps she didn't entirely...
The Chirurgeon sighed deeply, internally stomping her stray thoughts into the void, never to be completed. Thankfully, the High Guard had accepted her note and stormed off. The miraluka woman gracefully sidestepped to allow the much larger Karnac room to leave without dodging or weaving around her. It took quite a bit of self-control to keep from speaking further to the outsider. Outsider, she reminded herself. That was probably how half of these misunderstandings came to be. However, she would soon be surrounded by outsiders. Four days. She could only hope the Sith Eternal would have enough work for her to bury herself.
With a faint and forced half-smile, the Chirurgeon lifted a hand and wriggled her fingers in an eccentric wave. Silently, she bid them both farewell. |
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Karnac
The Sith Eternal
Posts: 208
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Karnac on Feb 27, 2024 2:32:53 GMT -8
In the end, the confusion wasnโt even a matter of misunderstanding, but rather, perception. Karnac didnโt view things in black or white, but a multitude of layers, trying to see all possible angles in a matter. To him, rarely was it ever so simple as to one option or the other. But he was an outside with little to no understanding of their ways. He looked at the possibilities, the chance that some of Abyssos would try and justify the actions of the elders while others would see it as a betrayal at worst, simple deceit at best. Would it create a rift between those that believe fully in the elders and those that didnโt? That was his biggest concern. Then again, it might have as simple an answer as the miraluka thought.
It wasnโt but a moment after the echani departed that the Zabrak followed. The silence that hung in the air in those final moments was enough to tell them that they had over stayed their welcome and that there truly was nothing else to say. Following behind her, Karnacโs mind continued to ponder is silence as they went on their way to visit this Archivist. Another person with a title. He was curious as to its meaning as he was to much of their ways. Yet, none of them stood at the front of his mind, all of them things he could learn in time with time. No, only one thing keep his mind turning.
After a bit, he made the choice to ask. "Tell me, what do you think will happen the moment Tartarus is revealed to the others? What will people think once the lie of his death is exposed?" |
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๐ฟ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
The Sith Eternal
"You want weapons? Books are the best weapon in the world. Arm yourself!"
Posts: 74
Affiliation: Cult of Abyssos
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by ๐ฟ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ on Feb 27, 2024 12:05:37 GMT -8
CLOSED RP
Once free to her own devices, the Chirurgeon called together the acolytes who studied under her Matriarchal branch. Every herb, root, and leaf would be carefully sorted and organized. Every book, categorized by type, was tied together with twine and prepared to be loaded onto Karnac's ship when the time arrived. The worst part came when each of the acolytes, now her disciples upon her Ascension as the Chirurgeon, were filled in about Lord Tartarus and the lie told by the Council. All were shocked by some fashion of the word. Some carried more hatred in their hearts towards the Council. Others expressed doubt and heartbreak when told about their untruths. As the Chirurgeon expected, though, they were all prepared to do whatever was required to ensure that the last living heir to the High Elder would see immaculate and round-the-clock care. All were necessary evils for what was to be a brighter tomorrow. Unrealistic and illogical optimism, but for now, the Chirurgeon would play along.
By the end of the day, this building would be completely emptied out. By tomorrow, the village would be a ghost town. Maybe years from now, some rogue pirates or smugglers would stumble across it and praise whatever deity they worshipped. For now, the infirmary was bustling with energy. Every last piece of scrap paper had a place, and every jar was labeled and sorted. It would all be ready to be loaded by the time the funeral rites arrived, and by dawn, the Chirurgeon's home for all her life would be nothing more than a hollow shell. |
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Post by ๐๐ช๐ท๐ญรฆ๐ถ๐ธ๐ท๐ฒ๐พ๐ถ on Feb 27, 2024 12:18:30 GMT -8
CLOSED RP
By the time Karnac rejoined her, Pandรฆmonium had already expertly recrafted her shell -- the resolve and steadfastness that radiated solely by the title of High Gard. The girl who had broken down in the care unit had been carefully buried deep within this shell, and as time went on, the proof of that girl, with her bloodshot eyes and tear-stained cheeks, faded.
The echani glanced over her shoulder to catch the brutal, muscular figure of crimson and black and realized he chose to continue following her. Pandรฆmonium managed a caustic smile, although it didn't quite reach her eyes. Offering no other words to Karnac, she pushed open the main door to and from the infirmary unit and led them outside to now-busy village streets.
She shoved the note down by her collarbone and secured it by the tight cloth that wrapped her chest. With decisive steps, she guided the two through the village and toward the village's entry point where Karnac had initially arrived. Without yet answering him, she uttered a simple command to him:
"Keep your saber close." She realized he might misconstrue her instructions that they were about to murder the Archivist, too, and lightly cleared her throat. "The path to the Archives is typically safe but still requires leaving the village's protection for a moment."
Magicks or something, yet she wondered if those magicks still worked now that the Council was gone. It would be ironic if the jungles still took out Karnac and all of Abyssos before they even left after everything that had already transpired. Pandรฆmonium shrugged it off.
It may have seemed like she dodged his question, but her reality was more complex. Truthfully, she had to think long and hard about his question. She only knew a few of the scholars and living Virtuosos. But she knew Tartarus. Lord Tartarus. She nearly laughed at some inside joke. It was a pleasant thought, though, to remember him as he was instead of that ghastly corpse.
"I'm not sure," Pandรฆmonium finally answered. "There wasn't a soul in Abyssos who hated him, so I know some will be extremely happy to realize he's still alive. His current state, though, will probably draw out several scholars seeking recognition. They'll pull out the oldest magicks passed down their lines, hoping something will help heal and wake him."
She couldn't suppress that feeling of relief as she admitted the words. She wasn't the only one who would be fighting. She could at least stop the quiet smile that tried to creep onto her lips. Not around Karnac, she scolded herself, not around this outsider.
"I don't know if it's been thoroughly explained to you yet, but Lord Tartarus was the apprentice of the High Elder. He's trained under him for over a decade. If something ever happened to the High Elder, Lord Tartarus was next to take up the mantle of the High Elder. Yet, despite all of the High Elder's training, Lord Tartarus chose to be a very different man. He couldn't be shut up in ritual chambers or council meetings every single day. He often roamed among the people, teaching children a new trick or helping a scholar master a new technique. He even helped out the Guard many times, which is more than any Elder could claim."
A biting bitterness cut through her tone as memories and experiences of some kind haunted her, but the echani forced it back with a sharp sigh. She didn't know why she bothered going into this much detail with Karnac, but in that same thought, she reminded herself that those within this Sith Eternal would become her new masters. Eventually, they would find this out anyway, from questions like Karnac asked now or through simple observation. She could paint the picture directly to ensure a smoother transition once on Roon.
"I think the lie of his death will be a double-edged sword. It will bring a massive sense of relief to the village to realize that Abyssos still has an heir to the High Elder's title. But it might also create a divide among the people. Some scholars still believe the Elders led Abyssos to greatness and knowledge beyond their wildest understandings. Others were biding their time until Lord Tartarus would take up the mantle and reforge Abyssos. He had great dreams for us and believed in Abyssos and each individual that comprised and strengthened her. This divide could lead to a civil war among the people. I hope joining the Sith Eternal will soften that blow so it doesn't come to that."
The further into the jungle she led them, the tighter Pandรฆmonium grasped at her saber. The great wall of mountainous rock and thick trees started to appear within the misty fog, though. The echani kept them on the path created by trampled grass by thousands of feet, eventually leading them back to where Karnac had first arrived, where he had first met Lord Xanatik and Lady Rhu'een. |
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