Karnac
The Sith Eternal
Posts: 208
Traffic Light: Green
|
Post by Karnac on Feb 28, 2024 7:31:28 GMT -8
The first response she gave was to ready his saber. At first, he left it until she spoke further. They had reached the entrance to the village, something he remembered. Despite the dream weaving placed upon him, everything continued to look as it did in the illusions. Of course, they meant the dangers as well. It didn't surprise him, honestly. Their lifestyle left a minor footprint on the area around them, small enough that animals of all sorts still came around. "Right, the elders said as much when they led us from the caves to the village. Guess it wasn't a simple bluff to sell the dream."
Removing his saber, he followed Pandæmonium as they pushed into the jungle. She then went on to speak of Tartarus and what she felt would transpire. HIs mind pondered the words, glad to know he wasn't just overthinking anything. Then why did the Chirurgeon seemed so unbothered by it? Yes, he realized that there would be little that could be done to deter it. As she had stated, not sending him on and bringing him to Roon would reveal the truth, so that simple choice had set in motion all that would follow. But to him, it was a concerning thought that there would be those who'd still side with the elders and try to justify it. If anything, it was just good knowing that someone else had the same thought.
But he dwell on how she spoke of him. Well liked and favored by Abyssos. He could get that time would always move forward and that nothing was forever. Someone would always fall and another would rise to take their place. But it would be hard pressed to find someone like him. They would give them hope moving forward. Perhaps it would grant him further favor with Abyssos moving forward that he'd ensure all would be done to help bring him back. A minor point but one that would make things easier with reducing some tension around him and his crew as well as the transition into the Eternal, or so he hoped.
"I see. Sounds like the perfect person to lead everyone forward." He gave a chuckle. "Sounds like quite a few wil fit in better with the Eternal than they realize. Sure, it'll be for a good reason, but the idea of using the situation to possibly gain recognition or favor. The chance to hold some semblance of superiority that their skills helped bring him back. Still, I'd imagine it'd be a small price for the result. In the end, everyone just wants to be seen and acknowledged, especially by someone they adore as a great leader. And if it can be your people over the Sith that can achieve it, that would be for the better." It would be better for them if they could successfully wake him. Yet, if the Sith could, they'd more likely be indebted to the Eternal for it. A power wielded that none of Abyssos could manage. He then gave a sigh. "Here is hoping that few continue to be steadfast in believing in the elders. And if they do, hopefully they don't make much of a scene. If anything, if it doesn't soften the blow, it can be a deterrent of being put down by the Eternal for any chaos they'd create." |
|
𝓟𝓪𝓷𝓭æ𝓶𝓸𝓷𝓲𝓾𝓶
The Sith Eternal
Why wait for the tables to turn when I can hit you with one of the chairs?
Posts: 92 
Affiliation: Cult of Abyssos
Traffic Light: Green
|
Post by 𝓟𝓪𝓷𝓭æ𝓶𝓸𝓷𝓲𝓾𝓶 on Mar 1, 2024 18:59:32 GMT -8
CLOSED RP
With the stealth and silence of a feline predator, Pandæmonium led the pair further down the path, which led closer to the mountainous wall. Although she kept an ear on Karnac, she kept her other on the sounds emitted by the wild jungles. The echani seemed to remain aware of every brush rustle and twig snap, and the fact that she hadn't ignited her saber yet might have been a good sign.
However, there was a flex of her jaw, teeth grinding together. She huffed as Karnac started weaving together more of his initial meeting—just a little bit of it, at least.
"Less a bluff and more a half-truth. The Elders' ability to weave half-truths to their advantage was something they were more skilled in than their magicks. Their ability to gaslight you after catching them in any mistruths was a very close second. Let me guess; after they warned you about the dangers, you noticed everything around you becoming a daze? Hazy, like fog." She cleared her throat. There was fog all around them. "Unnatural fog. Like a dream."
A dream. Karnac had more than likely already pieced together when Lady Rhu'een had begun her dreamweaving. Pandæmonium was now gleaning more on all she had missed. It wasn't a shocking tactic, honestly. Guide the prey from one end of the village through the other. Use a truth to weave a lie. Set a trap. Jaxon had told her Karnac was under her spell upon his and his team's arrival. She wondered how they managed to keep him from questioning the initial unmistakable haziness. This path, that half-truth, had to be where the magic started. Or at least, it made the most sense.
The echani narrowed her eyes as the mouth of a cave, barely discernable within the foggy mist, came into view. She inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly. The sharp and sudden flutter of wings in the canopy above caught the High Guard's attention, but she continued leading them onward.
"Excuse me if I come off insensitive or ungrateful to all your glorious faction has to offer," she uttered with a tone dripping with sarcasm. She definitely meant to come off as insensitive and ungrateful, "but do you honestly believe your Eternal would allow Abyssos any sense of independence if we requested? When we manage to bring Lord Tartarus back from the brink of death, what will all of their efforts mean?"
'When' we manage it, not 'if'. Pandæmonium already focused and sharpened her mind. He will return to the living realm, no matter the cost.
"Lord Tartarus can go about the Rites of Ascension so that those who wield the magicks to bring him back will become Virtuosos. Masters among our people. They can receive the recognition they seek, and he can attempt to rebuild Abyssos. His people will follow him to the far reaches of the galaxy, but from what I've been taught about the Sith, they don't exactly play nice with others. Another civil war could be looming on the horizon unless you set the record straight with those watching and listening now, Karnac."
And it would be a war she knew Abyssos would never win. However, she barely managed to growl his name when a more beastly, clicking rumbling erupted from the nearby brush. Pandæmonium felt the hairs on her neck stand on end, and with the instinct and reaction of a trained hunter, she drew forth her saber and ignited the blade, glowing emerald green against her alabaster skin.
She couldn't discern the creature within the fog, but she knew of several predatorial creatures that roamed the jungles. The cave's mouth was only a few meters away. The barrier was still up. If the Archivist was still here, it had to be. If they could reach the barrier, they would be safe. Pandæmonium took that risk.
"Go," she hissed, motioning Karnac to make a break for it.
She would try to be right behind him. |
|
Karnac
The Sith Eternal
Posts: 208
Traffic Light: Green
|
Post by Karnac on Mar 2, 2024 6:58:33 GMT -8
There were moments of silences as they went, their steps quick, yet soft as to not attract anything nearby if it could be helped. The only point in which any noise was made when was when she responded to him.
As she spoke of the situation, he thought back on what he remembered, her guess being accurate to what transpired. Strange to think any resistance or questions made it possible to disrupt the dream slightly, at least in that early stage. "Yes, that did happen. Of course, to explain the constant faint mumbling and the misty haze, they portrayed it as a barrier to protect us from the creatures about. Something also about hunting outside the designated time. Not knowing your ways, it was easy enough to not make me question things further. On guard, yes, but no reason to question. More than enough to plunge us further in."
It was then that the question he expected came. He didn't know when it would happen, but that it would likely happen nonetheless. He gave a sigh of uncertainty as he shook his head. "To be honest, I couldn't say. I'm still new to the order and from what I've gathered, there has been many shifts happening as of late as they work to bring themselves out of the shadows. And while it seems to be the norm for the Sith in most cases, its not always guaranteed. With the first Sith order I served, a Dark Jedi Order was created and allied with the Blackguard Imperium. Tied together, but separate entities. So I wouldn't outright say yes or no. And should they deny the request, I would suggest keeping it going all the same. You may not be able to continue things as freely as you do now, but it does pay to stay united in case things do take turn and the order collapses. This is my third group." He then gave a chuckle at the thought. "Just play things by the rules of the Sith. If you can't actively remain as you are, continue yourselves in the shadows and take what can be offered. Grow strong, build a fleet, and should things collapse and you see no reason to fight for any side, flee during the chaos. Survival is the way of all things, not just the Sith."
As did she, so, too, did Karnac hear the sound of something in the brush. His body tensed as he stood ready for whatever emerged. However, her response was something. Even after her order, he remained, unmoving, grip tight on his saber. Run? True, the cave was right there, but why run from an animal of the jungle. He had faced down some of the most dangerous beasts the galaxy had to offer in the Great Hunt. True, all his peers were also there, but he was fourteen at the time, Eleven years had past and he was far more capable than he was then. Surely anything like this wouldn't be a problem, even if he wasn't 100%. But there was something else. She knew what resided here, he didn't. For as capable as he believed her, she wasn't about to stay and fight if she could help it. What if there was more to these things than he thought? He had no knowledge about what could emerge and that was always a risky business. Certainly no reason to take a gamble if it could be helped.
With a frustrated grunt, he respected her command and turned, his steps increasing pace, though not a full sprint. He wouldn't do that unless he knew she was right there with him. |
|
𝓟𝓪𝓷𝓭æ𝓶𝓸𝓷𝓲𝓾𝓶
The Sith Eternal
Why wait for the tables to turn when I can hit you with one of the chairs?
Posts: 92
Affiliation: Cult of Abyssos
Traffic Light: Green
|
Post by 𝓟𝓪𝓷𝓭æ𝓶𝓸𝓷𝓲𝓾𝓶 on Mar 3, 2024 20:59:13 GMT -8
CLOSED RP
By Chaos, Karnac's answer squashed whatever misguided hope he had managed to build within Pandæmonium. With those statements uttered back-to-back in reply, she debated abandoning the zabrak and letting whatever predator stalked this part of the jungles have its way with him.
He was new to this order.
The Eternal was his third faction.
The Eternal might not be so eternal after all.
Pandæmonium felt her muscles go taut, and she nearly unleashed the fury of her saber on him instead of the predator. At the same time, a tremendous, scaled creature lunged from the brush and stalked its way closer. The echani cursed under her breath as she eyed Karnac. He was slow, but perhaps that was to their advantage. It was one's undoing to turn a back and run from these beasts.
The creature shifted its attention from the echani to the zabrak as if it, too, was attempting to decipher whether Karnac was fleeing prey. Pandæmonium took that hesitation to her advantage, pressing an advance on the reptomammal. Her saber wouldn't do much good against it, but she could give Karnac that extra second to enter the cave and cross the barrier.
Pandæmonium wasn't anticipating a whole pack of them, though. Not this close to the village.
Four more akk dogs lunged out from the fog, two of which darted right for Karnac. Pandæmonium cursed under her breath as she sent an unprepared Force Push toward the one she stood against. It did nothing but temporarily daze the creature for a second, who rattled its head back and forth in annoyance. In another second, its jaw would be on her and snap her bones like brittle twigs. She took that beat and, instead, darted right behind Karnac."RUN!"She screamed at Karnac. She was no longer the High Guard but a fearful young woman surrounded by predators that could swallow them whole. By chaos, she knew better than to run from a pack of akk dogs, but this was their only option unless Karnac could weave another miraculous act out of thin air. |
|
𝕿𝖆𝖗𝖙𝖆𝖗𝖚𝖘
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
|
Post by 𝕿𝖆𝖗𝖙𝖆𝖗𝖚𝖘 on Mar 3, 2024 21:09:08 GMT -8
CLOSED RP
Who needed miracles when one had the Force?
The akk dogs may have lunged towards the young echani and zabrak, but another, more petite figure made herself known from within the haze."HALT!" The woman's voice, deep and commanding, reverberated in the air and the Force, a solid command to any of those attuned enough to hear it. A second wave came as a thrum, her staff shuddering against the earth. With it, the akk dogs skidded to a stop and, whimpering, cast their gazes towards their 'master.' Her face was hidden within a hooded robe, shredded and torn from years of wear, but a fanged smile glinted as she slowly approached the mouth of the cave, where the echani and the zabrak darted and made a safe retreat.
The air around the barrier rippled as the petite woman crossed through it, close behind the two, and the pack of akk dogs scampered just outside of it but dared not to get too close."I thought your training covered ways to dispatch the jungle's native predators, Guardian," she mused, her greeting laced with light amusement. She then turned her attention to the large male. "That is exactly what you should not do with a pack of akk dogs, by the way. Running makes them think you're playing with them. Worse, when they're feral."From beyond the barrier, the pack panted, whimpered, and nipped at each other, revealing their razor-sharp teeth. The hooded woman glanced over at them and waved a hand, shooing them away in some silent command. Slowly, the pack cantered away, chasing each other further into the fog until their footsteps and yelping went quiet. The woman then turned back to the echani and the zabrak. She steadied her ornate black-wood staff, standing taller than she did, firmly on the ground."I take it you both have business here in the Sanctum? I imagine you would be preparing for our departure instead of galivanting about. Unless you've convinced this rather fearsome-looking brute to cast aside his current allegiance and join Abyssos?"Although her eyes, no doubt glinting with mischief, were hidden behind the shredded veil of a hood, she tilted a head curiously towards Karnac. This woman may have addressed Pandæmonium, but she was curious to see if she had elicited any reaction from this newcomer and to see who this 'deity among mortals' was. Her acolytes could only tell her so much, most of which was hearsay. Standing before the Elder-Slayer and meeting him firsthand before their departure was a boon she hadn't anticipated. |
|
Karnac
The Sith Eternal
Posts: 208
Traffic Light: Green
|
Post by Karnac on Mar 5, 2024 8:51:41 GMT -8
Karnac certainly wasn't fool enough to have dedicated himself so devotedly to this new order. Being his third, he knew how quickly things could shift for a Sith as orders rose and fell in a number of ways. In his heart, he was a Sith, so that was where he'd continue to walk his path, even if it didn't seem he upheld the ideal and even if it meant a constant shift He also wasn't fool enough to believe he could fully convince anyone in coming here. Every word he said tipped the balance one way or another. Ultimately, though, he didn't get the chance to realize just what his words might have stirred within the echani for her state of thinking was certainly different than that of the Chirurgeon's. Any realization he would have had was diminished with the arrival of a new hunter.
He watched as the akk dog appeared. As he moved, his eyes watched the creature, its gaze shifting to him. For a moment, the pair shared a similar thought, using Karnac's retreat as an opening to attack. It was the perfect response...in theory. Yet, it wasn't understood in his mind how little that would do. Besides that came a greater surprise: four more hounds. That changed the game and their situation. Pandæmonium, certainly knew the reality of pack present and after landing an attack that did little more than give it pause, she was in a dead run. He had thought to use what he had regained of his power to pull or push her further ahead into the cave, yet he didn't have the chance to as she darted by him. He fully turned from the advancing creatures and shifted to a full sprint. There would be no miracles this go around from the zabrak. He didn't know these creatures to best attack them, so what little power he had was possibly wasted and certainly not existent enough for a powerful attack that would actually work. All he could do was run fast. He began to channel his power through his body, ready to unleash a burst of Force Speed, grabbing her and getting into the cave before they could attempt to catch them.
Within a instant, the coursing energy slowed the world around him as his figure darted forward at high speed, his arm coming around as he knelt down and wrapped around her waist as another burst pushed them forward towards the entrance. It was then that he heard the voice echoing around him, if only a bit slower than normal. Turning his head, he saw the creatures come to a stop, obeying the command given to them. He didn't stop moving, however, until he saw ripple in the barrier as they passed the opening. It seemed they were safe here, especially with the woman who carried command over the reptomammals. Taking a moment to take a few breaths, he let go of his guide and took a few steps back before looking at the woman, another figure cloaked with nearly all her features hidden within shadow. She first addressed Pandæmonium, almost scolding her in an amusing manner before addressing him. "Something to keep in mind for the future, then."
He watched the cloaked woman turned to the pack before they ran off. Once again, they were addressed, no doubt her words directed at the echani. It would only make sense since she knew of what needed to be done and he was simply following her. Still, he spoke up. "We have been tasked by your Chirurgeon to ensure the Archivist packs all the text she can, but have defined a select few as priority." He had picked up on a few things that were said, allowing him to at least sounds somewhat certain of his words. The titles, the fact that the Archivist was a she, and of the task they were given, as well as their desire for knowledge. He glanced to the echani, knowing she had the list before looking to the woman again. "It is also my desire to not only learn what I can while we are still present, but to verify all that which is set to be taken. My ship isn't necessarily small, but between your possession and the people, its best to get an idea of what you have versus the room I have. Better to get that sorted now rather than later." |
|
𝓟𝓪𝓷𝓭æ𝓶𝓸𝓷𝓲𝓾𝓶
The Sith Eternal
Why wait for the tables to turn when I can hit you with one of the chairs?
Posts: 92
Affiliation: Cult of Abyssos
Traffic Light: Green
|
Post by 𝓟𝓪𝓷𝓭æ𝓶𝓸𝓷𝓲𝓾𝓶 on Mar 6, 2024 17:18:17 GMT -8
CLOSED RP
The slightest yelp escaped the echani as Pandæmonium suddenly felt lifted from the ground and shot off towards the cave with an unexpected, unrelenting speed that wasn't her own making. In an automatic reflex, she lifted her ignited saber over her head as if to cut down at the source that had the gall to manhandle her. When the vision of crimson and black caught her eye, she shuddered the green blade away without a second thought as the empty hilt arced down.
"Uxroe'q!" she cried out, jerking herself away from the zabrak, "I could have killed you!"
For the briefest moment, she almost saw Jaxon standing there instead of Karnac. She forced back a shiver and shoved that comparison away. He was neither a friend nor a trusted comrade, even if he saved both their skins.
"Would have served you right."
She muttered as her nerves slowly died down now that they were safe inside the Sanctum. She huffed as she affixed her hilt back to her leather belt around her hips. As the new figure appeared within the barrier, the echani went further into the cave tunnel until an unexpected, soft light danced across her alabaster complexion.
"Excuse me for not being prepared for a whole pack of akk dogs this close to the village, Priestess," she mumbled, trying to ignore the strange nickname she and the Archivist called her. Guardian, not High Guard. It was a weird distinction they never clarified. "Why are they so close to the village? Are the protection magicks diminishing now that the Elders are... gone?"
Gone, not dead. Pandæmonium chose her words very carefully, even if it was already old news throughout Abyssos.
As Karnac answered the Priestess's questions, Pandæmonium tugged out the note she secured in her clothing. Sweat and cloth had smeared the ink, but the Chirurgeon's writing was still legible. She would still probably get an earful from the Archivist. That is, if she could even understand the rant. Bracing herself mentally for that future battle, Pandæmonium held the note tightly and remained silent for another Matriarch of Abyssos to lead the way. |
|
𝕿𝖆𝖗𝖙𝖆𝖗𝖚𝖘
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
|
Post by 𝕿𝖆𝖗𝖙𝖆𝖗𝖚𝖘 on Mar 6, 2024 17:28:54 GMT -8
CLOSED RP
A fanged smiled met Pandæmonium."They're my trained beasts. And the Elders are not the source of any protection magicks around Abyssos, silly girl," the woman answered to her echani companion as if the answer was obvious. "My akk dogs are one of the several protections the Elders had in place for Abyssos, like the Guard. It's a shame that the High Elder turned you and yours into something like these expendable, loyal creatures, though. Perhaps now, Abyssos can regain her honor."The Priestess, with casual steps, guided the two further into the Sanctum. Light crackled against the dirt, moss, and fungi that grew in abundance at their feet, the earthen aroma purer and less hazy by the fetid soil and mist beyond the barrier. It only took a few steps to guide the two into the clearing where Karnac first met the Elders and their guards. However, now, more than just a select few gathered. Several acolytes busied themselves, rushing from chamber to chamber. Each stone and wood double door flung wide open within the mountainous rock that cradled them and allowed easy passage for each frantic individual who tore through each chamber's contents.The Priestess paused and giggled, lifting a relaxed hand to her lips."It's amazing what a single man can do when the Force seeks to correct itself."She spoke her ponderings out loud. If there was any confusion about what she was referring to, she didn't clarify. Instead, the woman reached up with clawed hands and pulled back the hood that covered her, revealing the Priestess, a young cathar woman. She turned back towards the echani and zabrak and, again, offered them a fanged smile."The scholars will bring only what they can carry on their backs, don't you worry. Between all of Abyssos, we will find a way to ensure the most important belongings fit on your ship, Karnac of the Eternal. They are already on it, as you can see." She lifted her free hand towards the scurrying individuals. "And don't ruin that handsome face with fret, understand? My beasts will remain here, forever protecting this little nook in the forest."The Priestess smiled sadly as she glanced behind her towards the now-empty cave entrance. She blinked as if in a sudden realization of something, though, and cocked her head towards the two."Ah, but if you wish to speak with the Archivist, she can be found in her usual dwelling." The cathar extended a hand towards one of the doors on the far end of the clearing. "She'll want that list as soon as possible, so enough idling here. I would rather spare us all from her scolding."With unhurried steps, the Priestess headed in that direction, guiding the two toward Abyssos's archives."You excellently dodged my question, Karnac of the Eternal, but simultaneously answered it reasonably. Would you and yours truly not consider aiding us here? It is a fine time to seize leadership and rebuild. I'm sure the Guardian here is already impressed with your skills and would have great plans for you." |
|
Karnac
The Sith Eternal
Posts: 208
Traffic Light: Green
|
Post by Karnac on Mar 7, 2024 7:01:13 GMT -8
The mad dash he made into the cavern had left him oblivious to her halted attack until she spoke up about it. All he could really do was chuckle as he shrugged. "Could have. But you didn't." His tone was sarcastically smug before looking at her with a more serious smile. "Still, thanks for not killing me. Would have really been a bad day."
Karnac listened as Pandæmonium addressed the woman, another referred to by title and no name. It made him all the more curious. Something he'd have to ask about later once all regular business had been concluded. But there was something the Priestess said that caught his attention. She spoke differently of the guards as well as regaining honor and the Force correcting itself. As he walked, he couldn't help but ask. "Correcting itself? You speak as if these are not the ways your people are meant to live? One would think my arrival as a disruption rather than a means to correct something." It would explain how things happened to play out. He was powerful and skilled, but even with all that, the odds were against them. Was the Force's will the truly deciding factor in all this? If so, at what point did these currents begin to form?
It was then they entered the chamber he first found the elders. The cloaked woman then removed her hood, revealing her heritage. She was much more human in appearance than most of her race. Not completely common, but not a rare trait either. He nodded in response as she spoke of what would be brought and noticed the sad smile that came from the mention of the akk dogs. "Perhaps, in time, once all have settled, we can return for anything that remains, including your beasts. I have heard rumors that a council member of ours has employed the aid of a beast hunter for collecting various creatures across the galaxy. We could request his aid. Then again, considering you have tamed them, so long as you return, gathering them will be an easy task."
She then spoke of his response to her question, how he both avoided it and answered it in equal measures. At first, he didn't quite grasp what she meant until she spoke further, realizing that he simply did speak on the thought of joining them. He could only give a shrug. "I'm afraid not. While tempting, I'm not interested in taking over the lead of a group like some alpha beast coming in to kill the a pack's leader. As a master within the Eternal, I have found a new place where I can thrive and grow. I merely desire to give such boons to your people as well as what we can learn from you. Together we grow to new heights. You spoke of the Force correcting itself, but is that all it really is? If through these currents, I was the one who answered the call. Perhaps it wishes for Abyssos to become something more?" |
|
𝓟𝓪𝓷𝓭æ𝓶𝓸𝓷𝓲𝓾𝓶
The Sith Eternal
Why wait for the tables to turn when I can hit you with one of the chairs?
Posts: 92
Affiliation: Cult of Abyssos
Traffic Light: Green
|
Post by 𝓟𝓪𝓷𝓭æ𝓶𝓸𝓷𝓲𝓾𝓶 on Mar 10, 2024 19:00:45 GMT -8
CLOSED RP
Pandæmonium was beginning to wish that her instincts weren't to accept and trust this outsider. She could have killed him, and from the sounds of it, she would have. She justified it to herself that she needed him alive so she could skin him later and revel in her victory. She glared at him, her nose wrinkling in distaste, but held her tongue. Pandæmonium didn't want to give Karnac any additional ammunition.
Her expression softened only when she turned her attention towards the Priestess. She nodded once with minimal understanding that the Elders were not the source of Abyssos's protections, but a befuddlement shimmered in her silver eyes. 'Perhaps now, Abyssos can regain her honor.' The Priestess spoke sweetly, dripping with confidence, as if she held the key to some lost secret she wouldn't delve into further -- at least for now. Pandæmonium made a mental note of it. The trip to Roon would take some time. Maybe she could corner her during the journey and pry out more tangible explanations.
Even if Pandæmonium wanted to push it now, the Priestess made it difficult. Her breath caught in her throat, and she nearly felt her heart stop beating as the Priestess removed her hood. The Matriarchs had never revealed themselves, at least not in her lifetime. It took mentioning that odd nickname to gently tug the echani back into the conversation. She realized she had been staring.
"The only plan I have for him is to finish our fight. Nothing more, Priestess."
Pandæmonium attempted to bring an icy chill to her voice, but as a result, she came off much quieter than she intended. She lifted her chin and glared over at Karnac.
"At least a Master of the Eternal brought about the Elders' demise. I was beginning to think you were a power-hungry acolyte who needed to be knocked down a few pegs."
He wasn't an acolyte, but he still needed to be knocked down a few pegs as far as she was concerned. All things in time. Pandæmonium kept her expression calm and unbothered as the three approached the double doors, propped and open, leading to the Archives. |
|
𝕿𝖆𝖗𝖙𝖆𝖗𝖚𝖘
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
|
Post by 𝕿𝖆𝖗𝖙𝖆𝖗𝖚𝖘 on Mar 10, 2024 19:13:55 GMT -8
CLOSED RP
"We will see if I deem your planet worthy of housing my beasts. Regardless, they will be content here," the Priestess grinned. "I'm sure I will find new creatures to tame, new books to devour, and many more new and fascinating ways to spend my time."
The Priestess's crystalline, slitted eyes glimmered in amusement. She was beautiful by any mortal standards, hidden behind ragged robes that looked older than the last three Priestesses. The distinguishable markings on her face, tracing down towards her neck, marked her as one of her people, as did her claws, fangs, and eyes.
But she knew why the Guardian stared, and she smiled knowingly, even if she wouldn't divulge those secrets just yet. Instead, the Priestess brought a finger to touch her nose and winked at Pandæmonium as if speaking to her and only her. 'Later.'
"There are many things we will teach you, Karnac of the Eternal, and many things we will need to teach our own. Knowledge was ripped from them, denied from them -- knowledge you and yours will soon also have. Your disruption tipped the balance. A means to an end. It was due to occur eventually. If the Force had not chosen you, it would have been another. Soon."
Fight. That was all the Guardian stated she wanted with this one. A lie. They both knew as much. The Priestess wondered if the zabrak had pierced through the girl's armor yet, if he could see the deception in her words. Again, the Priestess bore that fanged smile that squinted her crystal eyes. It would make for an exciting future to come.
"Abyssos does not belong to any planet and will wander as it needs. Although we have called this tiny nook in the jungles home for as long as I have lived, the records predating my mother's time as Priestess indicate our arrival here. If the time has come, and the Force guides us to join with another, then Abyssos will heed the call. We will not become more. Perhaps heal from cruel, egotistical masters, yes, but we will only continue to be."
The Priestess led them into a dark stone room, dimly lit by Sith Magicks and scattered candlelight. Piles of books, scrolls, and texts were haphazardly littered throughout, seemingly having a structure to their organization. However, how they were being sorted could have been anybody's guess. Acolytes tended to the apparently essential piles, gathering them and dragging them closer to the entryway.
"Sister, you have company," the Priestess sang out to a tall, hooded figure, motionless compared to the acolytes who hurried all around them.
The all-encompassing darkness seemed to sigh in answer. "Thou dost burden me, Priestess. Art more day brained dreamers than moments mought be spared to thee."
The thunderous noise of a book being violently shut echoed within the chamber, a hooded figure cloaked in living shadow wielding it. Darkness danced around the Archivist's feet and offered an iridescent night to her robes. Her veil swirled with pooling midnight clouds, refusing anyone to see what might lurk beneath.
"Ah, but you have a list from the Chirurgeon!" the Priestess pressed. "If you would, Guardian?"
The shadows swirled violently and angrily as if attuned to the Archivist's core. There was more work to be done, yet another gave further instructions, pleading their case. A headache raged deep within the Archivist's skull. The figure's shoulders moved in a deep sigh, and with it, the shadows died down to their usual lazy trails.
"Hie thee hither, girl."
The woman refused to approach the three and seemingly paid Karnac no mind. Instead, she outstretched a gloved hand towards them and beckoned them in, each of her four fingers ending at clawed points. Her other tossed her book into one of the nearby piles. With how carelessly she cast it aside, it was a reasonable assumption that that one, and the whole pile, wouldn't make the cut.
"Don't let her scare you," the Priestess murmured quietly, more so for Karnac's sake than Pandæmonium's. "She's really a big softy. Just reasonably stressed."
At that, the shadows flickered as if they heard the Priestess's words and were less than pleased. The cathar only giggled. |
|
Karnac
The Sith Eternal
Posts: 208
Traffic Light: Green
|
Post by Karnac on Mar 12, 2024 7:56:40 GMT -8
Karnac smirked a bit when he witnessed the way her nose wrinkled. It was a bit fun, messing her like that. In fact, it seemed like a small victory in a way when she opted to remain silent. Perhaps in time, she'd loosen up and amusing banter would exist. Then again, once they got comfortable, there was the chance their interactions became mundane. Still, for now, he'd relish in the fun for the moment they came. And though she didn't want to grant him ammunition, she did when answering the Priestess. "Is that all? I was hoping to feel a little more used. But once things get settled I'm sure I can oblige you. Perhaps make it a big event in the pits. Who knows? Hang with me long enough and you'll get a solid reputation. I did happen to defeat a council member my first day. Should set quite the standard." He then shrugged. "Be it power or knowledge, who truly aren't hungry for more? So I'm eager to see where your drive carries you. See if you can knock some of those pegs out. I'll never deny a challenge."
He then turned his attention back towards the cathar as they traversed deeper within the caverns, his tone returning to a more serious nature. "I'm more than certain you'll find more than a few. Be it native creatures or something the Dark Apothecary has in his collection, I'm sure there's more than plenty to choose from." He then thought on her response. At first, he felt she had done to him as he apparently did to her, answering, yet not to his question. But as he dwelled on it, she gave all that was needed. Just much of it would escape his understanding. Clearly, the Abyssos he stumbled into was not how it started and not how it should have been. What all was different between then and now? It must have been better if she spoke of them losing their way and honor. He was curious to know more, to see what was. But, as she said, they would learn in time. No doubt the first that needed to grasp that knowledge was Abyssos itself. "I'm indeed curious as to what was, once it is ready to be laid bare. Still, I'd have to disagree on the chance that Abyssos could become more. Though that may be more perspective on the concept of what it means to be." If he looked at himself, would him becoming more than he was now meaning greater power, knowledge, and position? Or was it about the very core of who Karnac was as person rather than what was achieved. As while he no longer looked down on others, what never changed was his drive for greatness, being an icon of raw strength and power.
Before long, they entered a new chamber, within Acolytes and another, the Archivist. There was something to be said of how she carried herself, or to say, the shadows that surrounded her. Truly were they the real deal and not a simple illusion. Be it to cast intimidation or to weave a thread of mystery, the zabrak could not yet tell. But that did affect him. He, being a being of intimidation, had seen various approaches to the art and wasn't swayed by it. Even the air of mystery wasn't fully beyond his mind considering his master and the company he kept.
Yet, there was one thing that stood out above the rest that gave him more than a significant pause: her speech. He couldn't help but lean forward ever so slightly, his left eye and brow twitching in unison. The corner of his mouth began to follow suit as the rest opened a bit and his head tilted to the right. His breath became a bit thick as faint stuttering sounds escaped his throat. His mind went into overtime trying to grasp those few words spoken by the Archivist. Was that basic? It didn't sound as if it was another native language, yet it wasn't as if she spoke with words outside his understanding. This was just...different. His mind spun as the hamster in his mind ran upon a wheel attached to a stripped out gear. No amount of thinking could take hold until finally a single gear caused his brain to jump forward, if only a bit.
It was only at the cathar's words that he grunted a bit, realizing the state he was obviously in. Standing straight, closing his eyes, his lightly clear his throat to sort out his breath. He had to stop thinking so hard on it. Though a bit bizarre, it would be easier to grasp if he just let it flow and pick up on the more obvious words and their meaning. Looking to the Priestess, he gave a slight shrug of his hand. "Scared? Not at all. However, I am fairly ignorant to her particular speech. Forgive me if my mental capacity for it is a bit...slow." |
|
𝓟𝓪𝓷𝓭æ𝓶𝓸𝓷𝓲𝓾𝓶
The Sith Eternal
Why wait for the tables to turn when I can hit you with one of the chairs?
Posts: 92
Affiliation: Cult of Abyssos
Traffic Light: Green
|
Post by 𝓟𝓪𝓷𝓭æ𝓶𝓸𝓷𝓲𝓾𝓶 on Mar 13, 2024 16:31:11 GMT -8
CLOSED RP
Despite her silent curiosity, Pandæmonium saw the look the Priestess flashed her. At least they were in agreement that the conversation would come, and the cathar appeared like she would answer honestly when the time came. Pandæmonium felt her heart skip a beat, but she was left unsure if it was from relief or anxiety.
It wasn't like it mattered when Karnac had to open his mouth. Although the echani kept her steely gaze off and away from him, the shift of her jawline revealed clenched teeth under that attempt at a bored expression. Oh, the number of things she wanted to snarl at him—none of which would go anywhere. She could tell he wanted to get a rise out of her, and she wouldn't fall prey. Instead, she only uttered quietly and as coldly as she could muster.
"Be careful what you wish for."
Pandæmonium then steeled her eyes on the shadowy figure within the Archives. The Priestess could have all the fun she wanted with her banters with Karnac, but she was starting to be in the same boat as the Archivist. A constant headache throbbed, and the Archivist's chosen prose wasn't helping matters. Although the echani didn't quite catch the command initially, the Archivist's outreached hand translated her request more or less.
Weaving between a few acolytes who were more preoccupied with their tasks and clumsy enough to hit a wall or shelf if they weren't paying attention, Pandæmonium pressed the folded note into the Archivist's hand. She didn't mind the living shadows that danced around even her feet. They were like the jungle mist, but where the humid air was suffocating, the shadows tingled with ice.
Still, once the Archivist had the note firmly in hand, Pandæmonium took a quiet step further back, giving everyone enough space to work. Or, in the Archivist's case, lash out if Lady Khira had requested something outlandish. |
|
𝕿𝖆𝖗𝖙𝖆𝖗𝖚𝖘
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
|
Post by 𝕿𝖆𝖗𝖙𝖆𝖗𝖚𝖘 on Mar 13, 2024 16:44:09 GMT -8
CLOSED RP
A knowing smile crept on the Priestess's lips as she listened to Karnac and Pandæmonium share their back-and-forth. Two warriors hardened by experience. One was punished harshly for her victories and failures, while the other... She could not speak for this zabrak's experiences, but his nature revealed his fearlessness—fearless to rise, fearless to fail. The Force may not have gifted her with Sight, but sometimes, one didn't need to rip through the veil of time to see the change happening before their eyes.
"I'll keep this Dark Apothecary you mentioned in mind, Elder-Slayer," she answered with a thankful nod.
She might have given him the wrong idea of what she was to Abyssos, but that was also part of the fun. Maybe one day, he would ask or discover himself that she's called the Priestess for a reason and not something like Beast-Tamer. Still, 'Dark Apothecary' sounded like a rather ominous name for a person. An experience to come, she figured.
An experience to come and a philosophical discussion to boot. The Priestess beamed.
"Your idea of becoming something 'more' alludes that there is something more significant. But our ideology isn't..." Out of the corner of her eye, she watched the Archivist take hold of the Chirurgeon's note, unfold it carefully, and begin reading. There was something about how her shadows twisted around her now, restless and-- "Perhaps later on your ship, Karnac dear."
They were restless and afraid as if trying to flee from the Archivist, as other tendrils whipped around her furiously. The woman clasped the note firmly in her hand, crumbling it into dust with a touch of her own magic.
"Why doth the Chirurgeon seek knowledge forbidden? The texts of eld she solicits speaketh on daemons cited only in the most wicked scrolls. A healer hath no grounds to petition me or mine for such ludicrousness."
Despite her protests, the Archivist plunged deeper into the archives without another word. She likely retrieved some of those requested texts since the Matriarchs typically didn't deny another's plea, no matter how asinine. As if in answer to Karnac's befuddled state, a young girl brushed past the hooded figure and scooted closer to Pandæmonium. She looked up and smiled broadly at the echani.
"Mother says she's being silly," she stated simply with a girlish giggle.
White hair cascaded down her small figure like a waterfall of snow and ice, giving life and color to her otherwise pale complexion. Even within the darkness, it was clear her white eyes matched her hair, and a four-fingered hand reached up to grab at Pandæmonium's leathers.
"It's good to see you join us, Lady Chroma," the Priestess said slowly, elbowing Karnac in the ribs. "Could you please elaborate on this for our new friend who isn't familiar with your mother's vocabulary?" Granted, they all needed a beat to decipher the Archivist's words. They could at least piece it together better than Karnac could. Time working alongside her allowed them that much, but the Priestess wouldn't deny Karnac the opportunity to meet this little gem.
Lady Chroma didn't seem to mind the question and beamed. She tried to look at the Priestess and the other who stood next to her, but the light that trickled in through the door made them look too much like shadows. She squinted, trying to focus, and when it failed her, she leaned heavily into Pandæmonium and buried her face behind her.
"She wants evil books that the High Elder already said no one could learn from. Really, really old books about demons." The girl paused and peeked up at the echani before asking, "Auntie Panda, what does she want with those kinds of books...?" |
|
Karnac
The Sith Eternal
Posts: 208
Traffic Light: Green
|
Post by Karnac on Mar 14, 2024 7:58:34 GMT -8
Giving a small chuckle, he allowed one final statement to pass his lips before their focus turned solely towards the Archivist. "The anticipation. Exciting." He truly seemed for the moment that the tiniest of phrases was all he needed. But as much as he'd love to entertain his amusement further, he knew it was time to stop lest the incite the fury of those present.
He then thought on the nickname granted to him by the Priestess. Elder-slayer. Yes, it certainly had a nice ring to it. Would definitely bring pause to any who openly challenged him. Yet he said nothing further, simply nodding in agreement of discussions later. The note given to the Archivist by Pandæmonium did not seem to sit well with the cloaked woman as further words were expressed in their odd way. Luckily, they were a touch easier to sort out. Perhaps the irritation narrowed the words or gave a better focus to the thought. He couldn't say. Perhaps he was merely overthinking it all again.
Just then, a child appeared and walked up to the echani, speaking freely the translation of her mother. While it was surprising in one breath, in another, it wasn't. Having been raised since birth and spending the most time with her, Chroma would have sorted out the phrasing far better than all of them. He looked to the cathar after she elbowed him, his hand rubbing his side.
He watched the child look to them before retreating behind Pandæmonium. Was she afraid of him? Yet, despite moving behind her, the child's voice did nothing to portray any kind of fear. But what was spoken offered further insight into the ritual. A forbidden book? Tartarus certainly sought the most dangerous things. It was nothing short of a miracle he was still with them. Looking to Pandæmonium, he waited to see if she would speak up about the why. After a moment of pause, he decided he would. "Tartarus summoned Hyperion, a demon I suspect from those pages. Despite it all, as it turns out to be, he is still alive. However, he seems locked into some sort of coma or a form of stasis. These books may help in figuring out a way to awaken him once we get to Roon." He glanced back towards the echani and little girl, wondering what would be said next. Would the guardian be angered by speaking up on the subject? Maybe relieved she wasn't the first to speak? Then again, she might have had no feelings on the matter either way. |
|
𝓟𝓪𝓷𝓭æ𝓶𝓸𝓷𝓲𝓾𝓶
The Sith Eternal
Why wait for the tables to turn when I can hit you with one of the chairs?
Posts: 92
Affiliation: Cult of Abyssos
Traffic Light: Green
|
Post by 𝓟𝓪𝓷𝓭æ𝓶𝓸𝓷𝓲𝓾𝓶 on Mar 17, 2024 19:39:05 GMT -8
CLOSED RP
Karnac may have tried to keep poking fun at Pandæmonium's expense, but the moment that Lady Chroma approached her, anything the Zabrak may have said fell on deaf ears. It was nearly reflexive as the young Arkanian girl slipped close, and Pandæmonium's hand rested gently on her head. Soothingly yet instinctually, she ran her fingers through those soft white locks, which felt more like silk than hair.
It wasn't a shock to hear what Lady Khira had written. It was more of a confirmation than anything. Still, when the girl tilted her head to look up at her and asked that question, Pandæmonium felt her heart sink. She squatted down to Chroma's level and met her steady, questioning gaze.
Would she be old enough to understand everything? Pandæmonium knew that the girl had been raised well by her mother to take the next torch as the Archivist, and she naturally asked every question she could. Did this question have an answer to satisfy her need to understand?
Before she could even come up with the beginnings of an answer, Karnac's voice answered. The Echani froze, her gaze tearing from Chroma's to glare at him. 'Tartarus' -- his name had to be the first word out of his mouth. Pandæmonium quietly reached for Chroma's hands and held them in hers. She did everything she could to soften her gaze before turning her full attention back on the girl, whose eyes she expected to be wide with awe, hope, and confusion.
"Do you remember how Lord Tartarus turns demons into his friends? He tried to make another friend with one of them named Hyperion, but Hyperion didn't want to be his friend. Now, we need to wake him up, but we're not sure how or why he's sleeping as soundly as he is. Could you help your mother gather these books for us, Lady Chroma? They might have information that could help us wake him up."
Pandæmonium explained quietly, her question posed carefully so as not to put further pressure on the girl. She wasn't even sure what level of 'forbidden' these texts were, but they couldn't have been locked down too terribly if Tartarus had accessed them in the first place. And if Tartarus had found them, she wouldn't be surprised if Chroma had already discovered and read those texts a dozen times by now. |
|
𝕿𝖆𝖗𝖙𝖆𝖗𝖚𝖘
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
|
Post by 𝕿𝖆𝖗𝖙𝖆𝖗𝖚𝖘 on Mar 17, 2024 19:54:49 GMT -8
CLOSED RP
In a short period, the Archivist returned, toting a stack of books and scrolls in her arms. In an aggressive flurry, the woman cloaked in shadows dumped the pile in the space between Karnac and Pandæmonium as if there was now an unspoken arrangement that they would be the ones ensuring these texts made it aboard his ship.
"Thou shalt not demand any further requests of mine daughter, Guardian," the Archivist stated firmly, her voice as unforgiving and unbending as steel. "Tis the Chirurgeon's requests that dance between worlds of madness and brilliance. Should thine brain spark with the illumination I know dwelleth deep within, thou shalt ensure that thine errand is the final burden thou bearest on her behalf."
Despite her mother's words, Chroma looked up at Pandæmonium with wide-eyed wonder, and her expression painted the question she dared not utter. Was Uncle Tartarus actually alive? A healthy amount of fear weighed over the young Arkanian girl, but it was lifted by hope and an unspoken determination. Despite her mother's words all but forbidding her from getting involved, Chroma would help. As if to say as much, she hugged Pandæmonium tightly before letting go and approaching her mother, towering over the discarded pile of books and scrolls. Slowly but deliberately, Chroma began stacking the books to make them easier, although heavier, to carry in one fell swoop. The scrolls would be entirely another matter.
The Priestess, sensing the unrest in her 'sister,' spoke out before she could scold her daughter and send her away. "I had a strong feeling that was the case, considering the Guardian came here a far cry from a mourning bonded half," she uttered, lightly tapping her cheek in an idle expression of deep thought. Her lack of shock proved she knew better than to have believed the lie from the start. "A boon for Abyssos, to be sure. Although, remind me wail into him for undergoing the summoning rite without forewarning me. After we wake him, of course."
"If thou canst wake him, Priestess," the Archivist refuted. "These texts speaketh of a multitude of Siqsa -- daemons. Their titles art transcribed as the Eaters of Sin. They art beings of immense light who hath carved a pocket layers deep within the Void."
The Archivist's restless shadows stretched towards Lady Chroma as she finished stacking the books. A quiet beckon for the girl to step back. As if hearing those silent requests from her mother's shadows, the Arkanian girl obeyed and hid behind her. However, she tilted a curious gaze towards Pandæmonium, hoping for some silent praise from the girl they called Guardian for her minor act of rebelliousness.
"These Siqsa consume absolute darkness and doth become drunk on thine life's essence. Tis reasonable to suspect that Lord Tartarus hath become comatose, his soul consumed by Hyperion, the only Eater of Sin that doth carry a known name by Abyssos's discernment."
The Archivist could still sense a rebuttal from the Priestess, and if not her, more than likely from this zabrak -- the Elder Slayer. Or the Guardian. The shrouded woman let out a deep sigh, the tendrils around her whipping violently before settling around her feet once more.
"T'would further quench thine curiosities for 'what-if' and other dubious possibilities, the most promising scenario t'would be'st that, indeed, mortal magicks lock the lord in his slumbering state. To break those magicks, thine must prepare for consequences most dire, significantly so shouldst these magicks be'st rooted by the Elders' hands. Ye must seeketh understanding in their reasonings and their magicks to succeed in undoing their works."
Lady Chroma then turned her gaze from Pandæmonium to Karnac on the other side of the archives. Carefully, the girl watched him, preparing to jump in and translate if needed. Before she could even think about chiming in, the Priestess spoke, either ignoring the fact that others were in the room or simply forgetting.
"You and I have had disagreements with the past council. If they locked Lord Tartarus in a stasis because they fear this magick and, what more, banish these texts to your deep corners of the archives, what does it matter now that they have succumbed to their fates? Their reasons can be burned with them."
The Archivist again sighed, although it was perhaps only meant to fill a dead space for her to think. Her shadows remained lazy around her and showed no signs of stirring.
"Ye shalt stumble across this and many more uncertainties in the days to come."
The woman turned to glance down at her daughter, still hiding behind her and grabbing tightly on her robes. The veil of shadows hiding her face dissipated, if only slightly so that Lady Chroma could glimpse upon a soft yet proud smile, soon choked out and smothered by shadows once more. The Archivist then lifted a hand. With a careful caress within the Force, she lifted the carefully piled stack of books and guided them closer to the exit, where they could be more easily extracted and loaded.
"T'was not the Elders who banished these texts, Priestess," she clarified, a heavy admittance to the truth of these texts that hopefully would not go unnoticed or be forgotten. "T'was mine own decision that the knowledge carried within these scrolls shalt only be gazed upon by the experienced few within Abyssos's ranks. Thou shalt pardon mine daughter's misunderstandings that texts forbidden weigheth from the Elders. T'was simpler to explain thus to her many moons ago, as these archives harbor far more texts banished by their commands than mine. Regardless, ye must prepare thineselves for the journey ahead and the ultimate decisions to come. How terrible must the consequences weigh before ye abandon thine attempts. How strong is thine resolve."
Although it was a rhetorical question, the Archivist's stare found the Elder-Slayer, who would drive them from Haruun Kal and 'into greatness' of some fashion or another. In turn, the Priestess also tilted her head towards him, her crystalline eyes focused wholly on him. Even Lady Chroma managed to peek her head out from behind her mother, looking at the man of crimson and black yet showing no fear in her curious gaze. As if to her, he didn't bring fear or death, but instead some resemblance of awe and hope. |
|
Karnac
The Sith Eternal
Posts: 208
Traffic Light: Green
|
Post by Karnac on Mar 18, 2024 1:06:54 GMT -8
The fun Karnac had at the echani’s expense had reached its course for the time being. Things had gotten much more serious as they shifted the conversation towards the requested books and the reality of Tartarus’s continued existence in the living realm. His eyes shifted to looked at Pandæmonium as she glared at him. No doubt she hated the fact he spoke first and was very direct with it all. He didn’t feel she wished to hide anything, but had grasped how close to the chest this was for her. Further more, there was the girl and how she’d take and understand it. Quickly, though, did she return her focus to Chroma and spoke to her in a lighter tone and with words weaved to better be grasped by a young mind and spirit. Karnac could only imagine how she’d take it.
Before anything else could be said, however, the Archivist returned, dropping a solid collection of books and scrolls between him and Pandæmonium. While he still didn’t fully understand her, her initial statement was more than clear enough: her daughter would have no part of this task. And he respected that. These were dangerous books. And as the arkanian would come to say, they were forbidden by her because of that. Tartarus’s state showed just what could happen if such knowledge was handled carelessly and there was no reason to risk the child’s well-being for this when there were more than enough ready to handle it.
Still, Chroma stood a bit defiant as she stacked the books, the little bit she could do that held no inherent risk. It was more than enough for now they were neatly stack and much easier to carry and store. He then listened as the Priestess and the Archivist spoke back and forth on the matter. Thanks to the Priestess, he could gather more than enough context to fill out the difficult speech of the cloaked woman. He learned more of the reality of Hyperion, that despite being a demon of chaos, he was one of light. He smirked inwardly as it gave confirmation to Gavin’s philosophy that light and dark were different from good and evil. Light, just like darkness, could carry just as much evil.
Before long, all eyes had turned to him as they were curious as to his response. He looked between them as he thought on his words. After a moment, he stepped closer before looking to the Priestess. "I would have to disagree, Priestess. The elders may now be gone, but their reasons are very important to figuring out what has become of him. Why tell everyone of his death when he yet lived and hide him away? If simply to not worry anyone, if any asked about his absence, he could have been sent on a mission or task for training or some other matter. If he did die, then they could say he died during said task. There was a reason, whatever it was has already created the start of some theories with the Chirurgeon and myself." He then looked to the Archivist. "I am ready to take on whatever weight that I need to to awaken him. It was through this ritual that I became aware of Abyssos. I came in attempt to recruit capable individuals to the Sith Eternal, but if what the Priestess believes possible, the Force desired this outcome. So I will follow this path and see him revived. See just what the Force has in store for us. But the real question is how much is Abyssos willing to bear? I think they would bear quite a bit for the hope of his return. And I’m sure many would do what they could to help. Pandæmonium has spoken of what Tartarus means to the people. And while many seem set on following the elders, you two seem to have a difference of opinions, even speaking of lost honor and things being corrected. A big change is happening and your people need something to keep them strong and focused. When he comes back, they will have someone worthy of following. And if somehow we fail, we can say we tried with all we had."
He gave a sigh as he looked among the four of them. He had been giving it some thought and had arrived at a decision. "At dawn, when we seek to depart, he will be revealed to everyone and the first loaded. There is no point hiding him. It’d be far too difficult. We will let them see, and the truth will be revealed: the elders hid from them all except a few that he was alive for a purpose unknown. However, I feel that this would be best said by one of you. Someone they trust and believe in. Not an outsider who just brought the elders their end. Tell them that he is being taken to Roon with them, where the Sith will work to help bring him back but that the aid of Abyssos will be needed as well. He is the successor of the high elder, after all. It is only right they be at the front of his return."
He then knelt down and looked at Chroma. "We will bring him back. With all the knowledge shared among the people here, I’m more than certain the answer will be found." |
|
𝓟𝓪𝓷𝓭æ𝓶𝓸𝓷𝓲𝓾𝓶
The Sith Eternal
Why wait for the tables to turn when I can hit you with one of the chairs?
Posts: 92
Affiliation: Cult of Abyssos
Traffic Light: Green
|
Post by 𝓟𝓪𝓷𝓭æ𝓶𝓸𝓷𝓲𝓾𝓶 on Mar 18, 2024 8:45:39 GMT -8
CLOSED RP
Pandæmonium remained where she was, even as Lady Chroma carefully approached the pile of books. As she had expected, Chroma was surprised and in awe. Even if she didn't ask the question out loud, she might as well have, to which Pandæmonium had nodded, offering her a quiet answer to that unspoken question. They shared that short moment before, a quick hug that the girl might need for the days ahead, regardless of how involved she may or may not become. But as she had told Karnac on the walk here, many in the village revered Tartarus in a greater sense than others. Lady Chroma was one of those children.
Pandæmonium rose back to her feet, and despite the coldness in the Archivist's tone, the Echani didn't flinch. Instead, she merely nodded. However, this wouldn't be her final errand for the Chirurgeon—not by a long shot. It appeared that lines had already been drawn in the sand regarding this newest development. Some, like the Priestess, were prepared to dive without looking into the murky abyss. They would deal with the consequences as they appeared. Others, like the Archivist and the Chirurgeon, were hesitant, taking care in assessing what might be unleashed. They had to find common ground, if anything, for Tartarus's sake.
Pandæmonium caught a laugh as the Priestess mentioned wailing into him when they woke Tartarus. By Chaos, that lightheartedness in such a harsh moment felt good. Of course, the Echani questioned how quickly speaking the earlier words came to her—a far cry from mourning bonded half. Of course, the Priestess knew. She was the one who oversaw the rite. How simply she stated it, though, and how the Archivist didn't question it. Did the other know, too? Was their joining official by Abyssos's standards? The thought sent a pang through her chest, and her stomach felt heavy, like guilt or shame that had no reason or place to take hold of her. With a quiet scolding growl to herself, Pandæmonium banished that feeling.
Quietly, she only listened as the two Matriarchs bantered back and forth, not allowing another to get a word in edgewise. But that was the life these two shared for the past several years—decades, even. Two of the most powerful women in Abyssos, the performer of the rites and the writer of histories, were wrongfully banished to this far corner of the village. Judging by the Priestess's words, they shared that disdain for the Elders, their jailers. Still, despite their agreement on that subject, they carried their healthy disagreements. And by the Archivist's words, how Tartarus even managed to get ahold of these texts became evident. Forbidden knowledge by even her standards, but by his status, he could access them on a whim. Offering tantalizing new strength, the spells contained in those scrolls seduced him to the rite when he was far from ready. The Priestess stated she would wail into him for not warning her. Pandæmonium would do him one worse.
And then, the Archivist posed her final question. How strong is thine resolve? Pandæmonium knew that she would tear the galaxy apart if it meant bringing Tartarus back to the realm of the living, but would she be the only one? She would be the most desperate, but who would also walk this path with her? Even she found her gaze drifting over to the zabrak, the Elder-Slayer as he would now be known to those of Abyssos. For Harmony's sake, he didn't need his ego stroked further, but what was set by the Matriarchs might as well be set in stone.
So Karnac spoke with his own opinions and his resolve. As much as she tried to despise him, Pandæmonium would accept any allies who would walk this path with her, and Karnac was ready and willing from the start. Like her, no amount of warning or caution deterred him. However, she would question his genuine reasons for all eternity.
At dawn, Tartarus would be made known to the people. A weight seemed to lift off of Pandæmonium with Karnac's command. As early as takeoff to their new home, Abyssos could rally and attempt to find a cure for his ailments. However, Karnac now posed the question. Who would be the one to announce it? For a pause, Pandæmonium glanced between the Priestess and Archivist. Between the two of them, it was an easy choice.
"The Priestess," the High Guard finally said, "is a trusted figure to all of Abyssos. This happened because of a failed rite that she wasn't included in. I think it would be most appropriate to let her make the announcement. If not her, then I think the Chirurgeon could, as his caregiver. With the council now dissolved, the Matriarchs are the next in line for leadership, so I think it should be one of them." Pandæmonium met the Priestess's gaze. "One of you." |
|
𝕿𝖆𝖗𝖙𝖆𝖗𝖚𝖘
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
|
Post by 𝕿𝖆𝖗𝖙𝖆𝖗𝖚𝖘 on Mar 18, 2024 14:42:03 GMT -8
CLOSED RP
A small smile snuck onto Lady Chroma's expression as Karnac conversed without her need to interfere. The heaviness of what the adults talked about weighed her down, and that smile soon faded, too. But still, Karnac, this newcomer, spoke with such conviction that the small girl couldn't help but watch him as he glanced between Auntie Panda, her mother, and the Priestess. So when he finally looked at her and knelt to her level, a sudden shyness took over, and Chroma ducked more behind her mother. His words, though, still inspired that innocent, child-like hope that had yet to be torn and beaten by the cruelty of the world just yet.
There was a beat before her tiny footsteps suddenly clattered against the stone floor as Lady Chroma rushed to Karnac. With him knelt to her level, little arms wrapped around his neck. A trusting child who finally worked up the courage to approach this person who, so quickly, became nothing short of a hero of sorts.
"Thank you, Uncle Karnac," Lady Chroma whispered.
His name had already spread around Abyssos like wildfire, and now, he certainly had a reputation to live up to.
The girl let him go just as quickly as she hugged him, and she managed a beaming smile before her shyness overwhelmed her again. However, her mother was too far away, so Lady Chroma opted to scurry behind the Priestess and hide behind her robes instead. The Cathar woman offered the girl a quiet, although sly, smile before the Archivist chimed in, dry humor wrapping around her every syllable.
"Thou doth wound me, Guardian," the woman uttered, placing a hand against her heart.
The Priestess glanced over at her and laughed. "If you truly wish to take up the lead on this, Sister, by all means. However, I think the Guardian means that the people will understand me and the severity of the matter. No one would understand that Lord Tartarus lives if you announced it."
The Cathar's laughter bubbled over, earning a flicker of icy darkness to swell over the Archivist. It was all in good fun as the shadows soon faded.
"I think, though, that there is a better candidate than any of us," the Priestess continued, tapping her cheek thoughtfully. Those feline eyes slid to Pandæmonium. "Who better to announce Lord Tartarus's life and current ailments and plead to the people for their aid than his very Guardian and bonded half."
As if on cue, the Archivist chimed in, quietly correcting the misconceptions spread by the past council: "In times past, t'was not the Matriarchy as a whole who assumed leadership in dire circumstances, but rather the one closest to the High Elder. T'was their Guardian who held the people's peace in the palms of their hands until new rankings mought beest established."
The Priestess wore her signature fanged smile. "The Force certainly has a way of correcting itself..."
This girl had been pushed to death's door more times than they could count by the very council she was sworn to protect, and now, if she would accept it, the whole of Abyssos and its fate rested in her hands. At least until they could revive Lord Tartarus, a chosen pick by not only her but all of Abyssos. As if to lessen the weight on the Guardian's shoulders, the Priestess shifted her gaze from Pandæmonium to Karnac as her smile faded.
"The people of Abyssos will bear as much as they can. Their breaking point is an unknown that we'll discover as we go. As we delve into these new mysteries, I'm sure the reasons for the Elders' lies will come to light. Mysteries always have a way of unraveling eventually."
Suddenly, the Archivist chimed in, "Tis an interesting turn of events that the Chirurgeon mought hypothesize with thee, an outsider as thou art," as though just now realizing that part of his explanation among everything else.
"I was wondering the same thing," the Priestess murmured. "It's very unlike her, but I wasn't about to think too deeply about it." She waved the thought away with a swish of her hand. "But that reminds me, Elder-Slayer... Guardian... when you both return to the village, if you would pass on a message to the Chirurgeon for us?"
The Priestess cocked her head towards Pandæmonium now and smiled sweetly. The Guardian was surely getting tired of running all over the village performing tasks and errands for them. Hopefully, this would be just one final request so she, too, could prepare for the journey ahead.
"As you well know, five are needed for the funeral rites. We will need both her and Lady Khira to join me, the Archivist, and Lady Chroma." The Priestess set a gentle hand on the girl's head. "It will be Lady Chroma's first time performing the rite as one of the vital elements, so we need to work with her a little more before duskfall. But if you could ensure they are aware, it will give the Archivist and me some much-needed extra time." |
|
