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Post by Deleted on Apr 26, 2020 15:05:17 GMT -8
Mariah simply let Gavin go on with stating his understanding of the story that would be told. However, she gave a roll of her eyes at his little quip about his victory the last time they crossed paths. Even with her eyes torn away from him, though, she could hear that cocky smirk in his tones. The pain killers had kicked in quickly, and he was already starting to act like his irritating old self. Rather than give him the satisfaction of anything more than that eye-roll, she hummed a faint, "Mm," in affirmation. When it was all said and done, though, Mariah brought the mug back to her lips. If he kept at it, her next refill would have to be more whiskey than coffee to deal with him.
"Considering I spent a good chunk of the night fine-tuning that speech to ensure it was a concise fabrication of a half-truth, yeah, I'd say it's believable," she murmured with an aggravated sigh, turning her sharpened gaze upon him again. "At least we can agree on something. Either way, it sounds like you got the gist of your minor role in all of this. So long as you don't double-cross me, all will be right in your world."
His world--she made sure to clarify that with as much emphasis as she could manage without it sounding like the threat that is was. She had her ways of cleaning up messes that others left in their wake, but she would be sure there was hell to pay in the process. Sucking a deep breath before expelling it with another exhausted sigh, though, Mariah left matters as they were. Gavin seemed to have the script memorized already by her simple explanation, and she couldn't make it any clearer to him that he needed to stick to those lines she fed him. While the next technical item on her list was issuing the command to begin preparations for his ship, that was a card Mariah was going to keep in her hand for the time being. She had asked a burning question earlier that he couldn't answer. Now that he was seemingly oh-so-much more himself, Gavin shouldn't have any problem with addressing her concerns.
"Now that we got that straightened out, it's time you did some explaining of your own. You can start by telling me who the hell you are, being able to even get us into this mess. You were trained in the Lightside of the Force, and not by any ordinary Jedi. That much, you can't hide from me anymore. So," Mariah tilted her head and arched an eyebrow questioningly, "what's your story, Phoenix? Why turn to the Sith and Dark Jedi?"
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Gavin Phoenix
The Dark Jedi Order
"See first with your mind, then with your eyes, and finally with your body"
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Post by Gavin Phoenix on Apr 26, 2020 15:32:11 GMT -8
Gavin's laugh resonated a bit more than usual as she mentioned his role in everything. "Sure, minor role. Whatever it takes for everyone to believe and be happy. And don't worry. I have no intention of double-crossing you."
It was then, though, that the aura around Gavin shifted. It became more serious and uncertain. As Coretha had asked him during the night, just what was he going to tell her? Was he ready to tell her of his people and the order he once resided in? Did he trust that knowledge to be handed out to anyone when even he, himself, wasn't sure what to do with it? The glow in his eyes seemed to intensify with every passing second as he looked at the table. Silence hung in the air as he debated what to tell her.
Despite the caution he felt, the reality was that she had entrusted him with at least a bit of her secrets, even so much as to carry the artifact. To deny her anything of who he was was a betrayal of that trust, even if she did want it to be erased from his mind. After a few minutes of silence and heavy gaze, he finally spoke. "I guess you could say that. I was trained as a Jedi, my master being a man who turned out to be an undercover Sith. So ordinary Jedi he was not. But the ways of the Jedi were taught to me no different than any other in the order. As for joining the Sith, I told you that during our first encounter. It was meant for me to settle to keep better eyes on the galaxy. Traveling alone and wandering the stars does little to keep one up to date. And for the Dark Jedi? I sought the home I once had with the Dark Jedi many, many years ago. That was a time in which I sought to expand my knowledge and learn from all I could, something I still carry to this day and expect from my students and apprentices. The more one knows, the more capable they are."
He then looked up to her, knowing that what he said wasn't what she was truly seeking. "But that isn't what you want to know. I am a half breed, part Kiffar, part Nagarein. It is a race that I'm more than certain you've never heard of. My people exist on a world hidden away from the rest of the galaxy. That blood is the reason for my long life and youthful appearance, not to mention my ability to heal much more quickly than normal. About a third faster."
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2020 12:49:29 GMT -8
"Good."
It was all Mariah offered to Gavin's statement about allowing whatever it took to let this situation blow over and, more importantly, not double-crossing her. Despite his laugh, she had no reason to suspect that he was willing to play with death by doing so. He might have beaten her on a one-on-one duel, and even throw that fact against her every so often, but she knew that he wasn't stupid. In some strange way, she was also more willing to accept that he didn't want to lose her trust. Perhaps it was the lack of sleep. Maybe it was the alcohol. Whatever the case, it wasn't necessary to dwell on at this point in time, when she had the tables turned.
At first, however, Mariah thought that it would just become another pointless fight. With the way that Gavin gave his first answer, the crimson-haired woman rolled her eyes and turned her gaze away from him. She stared into nothingness with a sharpened, narrowed gaze while taking another swig of her coffee. She was about to cut him off, to point out that he was beating around the bush, buying time. They may have only been acquaintances, but there was an unexplainable, more profound level of understanding that the two shared. Mariah blamed it on their similar, tragic pasts that shaped them over the years, with the added bonus of battle against one another. It was the fastest way to learn about someone, or at least those were words of wisdom shared by her master so long ago. No matter the case, though, she knew he was purposefully avoiding the reality of her question by answering at face value.
Before she could cut in and accuse him of hypocrisy, though, Gavin shifted his answer, even blatantly pointing out that he was going on about something she didn't care about. She scoffed a laugh as she shook her head in disbelief. Although she listened to all that he said, she buried her reaction to it for a brief moment to take a jab in his direction.
"I always knew that you enjoyed hearing yourself talk, Phoenix, but that takes the cake."
Her narrowed crimson gaze locked upon him again as she brought her mug down to rest back in her lap. With her full attention upon Gavin again, she let a brief pause fill the air as she actually picked apart his answer, carefully observing him as she dissected his response. A half-breed, half of a species she knew, another she didn't as he pointed out. Apparently, it was from that other 'half' that gave him all of those irksome traits that all possibly led up to him believing he was invincible. First inhaling deep, Mariah exhaled, her body slumping, near melting into her sofa, before she continued with her poking and prodding into his personal affairs.
"The healing explains a bit," she murmured, "from your recklessness after our duel to your attempts yesterday, to even waking today. You do know that just healing faster doesn't mean you can survive anything that gets thrown at you, right?"
Dangling from her neck was a ring on a chain, and as if he would even know what it was, Mariah displayed it in the palm of her hand, rubbed it between her thumb and index finger, before letting it fall back over her chest. Perhaps he had seen it glow alight within their duel. Maybe he didn't. It didn't matter. With one of her questions left unanswered, she decided to try to pry apart an answer from him.
"So this other half of you, the Nagarein, is what? Naturally attuned to the Lightside, I'm to assume? That's why you were able to handle that stone? There's only one race I know in the galaxy who can come close to what you just did at least, but they're not… Nagareins."
It was the only explanation that Mariah could piece together. The only viable reason that Gavin could hold that stone and overcome it was that he was naturally attuned to the Lightside of the Force, and in a way that surpassed the common man and known species of the galaxy. However, that only added to the ever-growing list of questions, to which Mariah arched an eyebrow questioningly at Gavin.
"It also doesn't explain to me why someone who is naturally attuned to the Lightside would join up with the Sith and the Dark Jedi. Whether it was today or so many years ago, I don't care. It sounds as asinine as someone like me attempting to join up with the Jedi willingly."
The more that Mariah talked, though, the more questions that raged about in her mind. The first time they met, he had gone on about not having a home, about waiting for a home. Yet here he was, talking about one. His people existed, although hidden away from the rest of the galaxy. A scowl added to her narrowed gaze upon him as Mariah continued on, the ferocity in her tones only dulled by how exhausted she clearly was.
"So what, you can't go home to this world anymore for some reason and have to make one here?"
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Gavin Phoenix
The Dark Jedi Order
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Post by Gavin Phoenix on Apr 29, 2020 13:56:17 GMT -8
It was clear to see Mariah's expression on his initial explanation, though she turned away from him. That alone was all he needed to tell the tale of her feelings. But that wasn't what made him decide to speak further. He already intended to do so, yet he couldn't resist playing a little game with her. However, as time would tell, if they got there, what he told her at the start would, in time, make more sense.
When she finally made her response to him loving the sound of his voice, he laughed a little, followed by a faint chuckle of revelation when she spoke of his healing. "Partially, yeah. But it has more to do with it just being me. The quicker healing just helps me decide how much further I can push. But believe that is a lesson I've learned all too well. I've just found less and less reason to adhere to it." He stayed silent, his gaze focused on the table for a moment, more than enough of a sign to him withholding some knowledge. It was during this that Mariah handled her necklace, leaving him unaware of its presence at the moment.
But his silence carried for only a few seconds as he sought to address her other questions. "Well, one could assume that, but I seriously doubt it. My home exists in a tri-planet system. The world I grew up on is called Naza Prime. It is a living world and a Force-sensitive one. That or just highly potent with the Force to which it uses to ensure a thriving world. It's bathed in the light. Darkness cannot exist and even a single thought of aggression can cause the body to be racked with pain. Attempt a violent crime against another and the planet may just kill you. There is no technology, leaving us as more of a primitive race in the eyes of some."
He then pushed himself to his feet with a grunt as he moved to the window, looking out the crack in the curtains. "You could say that because we lived on a world thriving in the light-side, that would be the case. But like I said, I don't think it has anything to do with it. We do reside within that light, but no more than anyone does. It just serves as a guide and aid to my people who just live life. Either way, I was three when my parents died. We were on Tatooine and during the encounter there, I was left without my memories of my life prior. It actually worked as a boon because the older you get the more dangerous it is to leave. We are sensitive to the ebbs and flows of the Force, being capable of sensing the tiniest details with much greater ease. It doesn't make us more powerful, just more attuned. But after living on such a peaceful world for so long, coming into the galaxy becomes a fight to keep hold of yourself. It becomes so easy for my people to fall to the darkness then."
He then turned a looked to her, his arms crossed. "I've never been naturally attuned to the light, at least not in the way you imagine. Deep down, I've always craved balance. That's why when I found out about my master and took his life, all he said to me stuck. I didn't join the Sith as he hoped, but I felt I couldn't return to the Jedi either. So, I turned to Grey. And since then, I've only grown with the desire to learn and better understand the balance within me. From the Grey came the Jen'Jidai of Asgard on Zenoma Sekot. I learned so much that helped me further obtain what I desired of myself. Truth be told, it has never been about factions, but the lessons I can learn to better myself. The Dark Jedi just became the home that I fit with the best.
Then came her question of his home and his return, one that held a scowl as it seemed to betray his own claims. "Yes, I could return. However... He let off a heavy sigh, wondering how to explain it without delving into too much. "getting there is not as simple as jumping in your ship and flying there. If I was to return, a choice would have to be made. Either return and continue living the life of my people permanently or stay here and following the calling that has been laid out before me. I chose the latter. And by doing so, it has led me here."
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Post by Deleted on May 3, 2020 11:57:01 GMT -8
Mariah could only assume so much the more that Gavin went on about answering her questions. His quip about his natural healing ability and finding fewer reasons to adhere to any hard-learned lessons, though, resonated on a personal level for the crimson-haired woman. However, she didn't show it, nor did she speak up in any regard about it. Instead, she cut right into the meat of the conversation--what he was and how that impacted yesterday's events. She hadn't the desire currently to pry into any sort of woe-is-me past. She had her own that she was wrestling with, and why she demanded answers from him in the first place.
Mariah simply watched Gavin with a focused gaze, her body unmoving save for the rise and fall of her chest with every steady breath. Her expression revealed nothing. Neither shock nor skepticism nor disbelief in what he shared. The only thing that anyone could have deciphered was that intense, unrelenting stare. She wouldn't speak until he was wholly finished going on about his home known as Naza Prime, a world thriving in the Lightside of the Force and her initial reasoning as to why yesterday's occurrence happened, and his explanation regarding his pilgrimage to seek balance. However, Mariah's calm and poised nature was all too easily shattered when he admitted to her that he could, in fact, return. Her sharpened gaze cut away from him as her fingers clenched around the mug as though to shatter it with sheer force alone.
"So let me get this straight," she uttered in deadly quiet tones. "You claimed to be a lost wanderer about this galaxy, seeking a home here, when you do, in fact, have a home that you could have turned to at any time." Mariah forcibly unclenched her jaw to suck in a slow deep breath before she continued, "I swear on the Force, Phoenix, if my People were just on some distant planet, I would abandon everything here in a heartbeat."
That fact more than stirred her spirit; it summoned momentary grief to wash over her, there and gone in the time it took her to inhale a single breath. She wouldn't focus on this new information nor let it rile up her wrath and disappointment towards him. She asked her questions to attempt to unravel one single mystery--how Gavin was able to overcome the light of the stone so easily. That harsh reminder elicited a growled sigh, the low rumbling caught in her throat, before Mariah continued on as calmly as poised as she could manage.
"You may say otherwise, but as far as it sounds to me, your home--Naza Prime, you said?--is the whole reason you were able to remain attuned to the artifact."
Mariah was glaring down at nothing as she first spoke. After another beat, though, she faced him again, those crimson eyes locking back onto her target.
"The summary of these crystals' history boils down to a frank explanation as to who can handle them. My People were born and raised in darkness, attuned with the Darkside as naturally as breath in our lungs. Had that crystal been its counterbalance, this mission of mine would have gone a hell of a lot smoother. You, though, are among a people who live a life attuned in the Lightside of the Force. It's my only explanation as to how this whole bloody coincidence happened. You said it yourself that darkness cannot even exist in your world. That tells me that you know better than anyone what it feels like to live within the Lightside of the Force where darkness cannot reside."
Mariah rolled her eyes, defeated, and took a beat to take a long drink of her coffee and whiskey to finish it off. Gavin may have stated that he didn't think this had anything to do with handling the artifact; however, Mariah thought otherwise. There was no other real explanation for it, with her knowing minimally the criteria between attuning oneself with the crystal and falling to it anyway. Up until these past two days, Mariah was sure that only she and those born within her People's line could do what Gavin had done--and she dared not entertain the idea that he was one of her long-lost 'cousins.' He may have spoken out that he craved balance, but after handling that much pure Lightside Force-energy, he was better off coming to terms that he was more Lightside attuned than he wanted to admit--at least, as far as Mariah was concerned. She didn't have all the answers here--the curse of being the last of her People. She was left playing a guessing game like this yet needing to remain steadfast and confident in her explanations.
"If you crave balance, though, you should have left the Sith and the Dark Jedi behind and find some faction that better suits your beliefs. We are a Darkside faction, Phoenix. Thus the name 'Dark' even in our name. Balance isn't something we teach here, only how to fuel the Darkside in a way that doesn't turn you into a mindless puppet like the Sith."
That was what made it so dangerous--if they found it. That worry diminished the intensity in Mariah's features as she lowered her gaze from him to steel herself. He didn't know, and she doubted it would do any bit of good to reveal that much to him now. However, he was one on the inside, one who trained their young. There was a chance that if anyone could find out if they had it, it was--
Mariah shook her head, furiously dismissing that idea. Abruptly, she turned back to Gavin and pushed forward with the point she had just made prior.
"Unless, of course, you've sought out the Dark Jedi because it provides you with a balancing pull against your natural Lightside nature." With an apathetic half-shrug, she uttered with the same level of indifference, "Your reasons are your own, though, so if you plan to make this place your new temporary home as I have, then you'll be welcomed here. If you've done anything between the two day's events, you've changed my mind in sending you back to your eternal servitude to your Sith masters."
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Gavin Phoenix
The Dark Jedi Order
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Post by Gavin Phoenix on May 3, 2020 12:56:15 GMT -8
For all the time Gavin spoke, he glances to her showed no fluctuations in thought or emotion. She merely focused his gaze upon him, listening intently to everything he said. That was, however, until he mentioned his ability to return home if he chose. It was then that her feelings became clear. From the way she turned away to how tightly she held the glass, he knew he had inadvertently hit a nerve, one that he never intended. His gaze dropped as he thought about what she had said so long ago, that she had lost her family. It was a terrible move, one that came about in order to grant her some answers in which she sought. But he couldn't blame her for feeling angry. Who wouldn't give up everything to return home knowing that they had lost it all? There was still a difference, but not much of one. He wouldn't feel that way simply because his people still existed just fine. As such, why did he feel a need to just stay there? But what gave Mariah some ground to walk on against him and his choice was that decision to either stay or not. She had lost her family, desired them back while his still existed though he elected to not return.
Still, he wouldn't go without giving her some form of understanding, though he doubted it would mean much. "I know. Yet, there still exists a fundamental difference between us. Like I said, I can return, though once I do, I cannot return to the galaxy. As such, why rush home so quickly? When I finally find my end or no longer seek to exist here, I will return and live the rest of my life there. Still, they are my people, but not my family. Just as any other who leaves their home and takes up residence someplace else, with little chances of returning." He then took a breath. "As the most powerful of my race and the only other existing in the galaxy outside my sister, I have made it a rule that people can't come and go as they please. I said that they are susceptible to the flow of the Force and the older you are, the more vulnerable. So only by the graces of the village Elders is anyone allowed to leave. Once they do, they, too, must endure the same reality I do. And I remain here, so that should any of my people choose to leave, I can help serve as a guide to help them get started in a galaxy they don't know."
Taking a deep breath, he moved to the couch, ready to push forward. Yet, he wondered how to answer it. Should he just let her believe what she did and leave it at that? It would serve as the best option. That way, he wouldn't even have to make hints at anything else and could leave his secrets in shadow. Still, he couldn't help but smirk and laugh a bit at her mention of where he'd be better suited. "That may be, but rarely is light and dark ever measured in equal parts. And as someone who has been apart of four major factions and their focus on the Force, I can clearly say I am most at home with the Dark Jedi and their approach. No other order support my beliefs unless I was to create a new order all my own. Yes, it may put more emphasis on the Dark-side, but it, unlike any other I've trained in, has a greater focus of control. At least, my old order did. I'm a warrior at heart and I seek mastery of myself. Through the Jen'Jidai of Asgard, I learned mastery over emotions, pain, and past. Considering the tenets of this order of Dark Jedi, I would like to believe they hold the same." He then shrugged his shoulders. "And you may very well be right and I've never viewed it as such before. This could very well be how I looked about creating the balance I seek."
He then gave her a small smile as he sat forward upon hearing he had changed her mind about sending him back. "That is a relief. Still, I must return soon. In two years' time, I should be done with their training so that I can fully return here. I do, however, expect to return if for only a bit before their time is up with all my students in tow. Let them see and understand the Dark Jedi so that once I'm done with them, they can make a choice as to where they wish to go. After all, I'm only teaching them as warriors, not as Sith. They learn those principles from others."
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Post by Deleted on May 7, 2020 13:31:18 GMT -8
A fundamental difference--Gavin had attempted to further explain his reasoning. Mariah neither lashed out nor gave him anything indicating her acceptance to this new knowledge, though. What it all boiled down to was that his people were just a race. Her kind wasn't only her race but also her family. That difference didn't matter, though, not in the conversation she sought to have. It was a reminder she silently issued herself within Gavin's breath before moving onward.
However, the next words out of Gavin's mouth was quick to elicit a joyless laugh and a roll of her eyes. Was he really so arrogant to call himself the most powerful of his race? Apparently so, although Mariah bit her tongue to call him out. She was too tired to deal with him today, so she would allow him to continue living in those narcissistic dreams of being the 'most powerful of his kind.' It wasn't her concern. All that was, albeit only somewhat, was the reality and reasons that he was here and not among his people. If he lived for some lost worthy cause to be a guide to other outcasts like himself, then that was another lifeless dream he could continue living. Mariah dared not scold him for the sake of her own sanity, slowly lost to the midnight hours and unending tasks that still needed tending.
Gavin would talk and talk, and Mariah remained quiet all the way through the end. Every now again, her gaze would break away from him to sip at her coffee. By the time he was finished, she had emptied her mug. She made a note of all the points he made about the light, the dark, the Dark Jedi, and the tenets on controlling oneself and mastery of the mind. It wasn't until he finished his grand speech about teaching them as warriors and not as Sith that she moved, standing to her feet.
"Coffee or tea?"
With dull and emotionless tones, Mariah's question came out of the blue but with enough poise to show that she was absolutely serious in her offer. Without missing a beat, though, she moved gracefully into the kitchen. Making the preparations for more coffee, she again began to brew as much as the contraption could make at once. She would need it, even after Gavin left. As she waited, Mariah rummaged through the glass bottles and poured her mug half-full with alcohol, even before any of the coffee was prepared.
"By 'return soon,' I take it that you're leaving as soon as you step foot from my chambers," she continued. "You were about to collapse in one of the corridors just trying to make it to your ship yesterday, at least. If you plan on bringing in a new generation here with you the next time you arrive, I suppose it's now my duty as Empress to ensure that you're as awake and aware as possible for the trip back. Can't have you crashing on the way back and inhibiting your students' chance for a visit."
There was a faint disgust in her tones, the depth of it masked quite well. Playing hostess--Mariah clearly wasn't wholly unaware of the act. From the water and painkillers when he first awoke to the offering of coffee or tea, she strove to keep him comfortable for only the Force knew why. It could have been boiled down to his acts yesterday in sealing away an artifact within her possession to the newest revelation of students, as she had admitted. Still, neither of those sat right with the disgust that she allowed slipping through the cracks. Before he could question her motives, though, Mariah pushed onward, now finally addressing some of the earlier points he had made.
"Balance of light and dark is futile," she murmured just loud enough for him to hear. "There's too many other parts to consider, too many other variables. Learning to control where the Force has placed you on Its ever-turning wheel is the only thing we can do. As far as I'm aware, the whole 'mastery of oneself' is among the core tenets that the Fallen has set for this order, so you're in luck. We'll just have to see how lucky we are and how skilled you are in making your students think for themselves, though. Pry themselves from clutches of the Sith before it's too late. Your class ends, they stay, and their feeble little minds will soak in everything that contradicts your teachings and makes them mindless killing machines, too. Perhaps we can save them from that inevitable fate."
Without saying as much aloud, it was one of the many reasons she didn't understand why Gavin was wasting his time on them. However, if he planned to bring them to Ambria in due time, then perhaps there was hope for them. It was only then that Mariah could start piecing the puzzle together regarding Gavin's decisions and why he was hellbent on returning to the Academy. However, now, anything other than her blessing would be a contradiction to this new and rising order. New blood, fresh minds, a younger generation to keep this faction alive. As much as she abhorred it, it was already becoming second-nature to begin thinking not only as Mariah but as the Empress of the Dark Jedi.
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Gavin Phoenix
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Post by Gavin Phoenix on May 8, 2020 11:19:33 GMT -8
As he spoke, his eyes watched Mariah, noticing that at no point did she seem to acknowledge what he said. Only his gaze gave any indication that she was still listening. That was until he spoke of being the most powerful of his race. He could hear that empty laugh, the kind that mocked his words. It was if she was subtly calling him out without speaking and diverting the topic. It was enough to let him know that she thought him arrogant in such a matter, but decided to allow himself to live in that fantasy.
Yet, it was a true fact. As it stood, none of his race came close to his power. Being that typically none left the planet, the training they underwent was minimal at best. Sure, they learned how to utilize it with time and practice, but even a Nagarein of two-hundred years wouldn't be able to match an older Jedi Padawan. For someone who spent the majority of his life in the galaxy, learning from different orders, training to push himself and his abilities to new heights, it was a safe bet that none came close to him except for his sister. Still, if he was to count himself among the entirety of his race from the beginning, then he still had a ways to go as a few still stood above him with their age and experience before death. It was also possible that those who became Ancients could match him as they had become the walking manifestation of the planet, thus was aided by it. But currently, none existed to take the mantle.
His thoughts were stirred when she finally rose from the couch and spoke. Shaking his head, he watched as she went. "I'm fine. But thanks anyway."
He contained to watch her in the kitchen. She then spoke of his return to Iridonia. He sat back as he thought about it. "I will not be returning today. I do plan on giving myself a couple more days to rest before leaving. No sense in me being useless to teach them anything when I return." His immediate departure the night before came simply from how tense things had become between them the night before. She seemed so set on wanting to be rid of him, he was going to give her what she wished. But for the time being, things appeared to settle. With that, he'd stick around, though he'd still ensure he stayed out of her way so as to not insight her wrath further.
It was quiet when she spoke about the futility of balance, though he heard it. He couldn't help but wonder just what she meant. If she meant a balance in the Force or in the galaxy, then she was indeed right. However, he would completely disagree with her outside of that. "That depends on where you are looking. If you mean the balance of the Force or the galaxy as a whole, then yes, it is a futile attempt. Only the foolish try to play with a scale that is so much larger than them. Balance at that level can't be immediately determined without full insight into the events that will unfold due to any changes. Even then, that level of balance is always disrupted by one's own perception, thus further tipping the balance inadequately. Only the Force and the galaxy itself can tend to its own balance." He then smirked to himself. "However, the balance that exists in oneself is another matter entirely. That can be achieved if one seeks to open themselves to each side and sets out to learn about themselves. In the end, that is the only real balance that matters. As for my students," He gave a sigh as he thought on them. "if I could, I'd bring them all with me when I make my final trip here. But I am a man that believes in choice. Forcing someone to follow you or believe as you do is what causes one to fall and fail. If some of them choose to stay with the Sith after showing them another way they can follow their path in the Force, then it is their choice alone. Otherwise, I'd be no better than the Sith who seek to subject others to my will."
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Post by Deleted on May 14, 2020 13:16:37 GMT -8
In Mariah's exhaustion, she hadn't the patience to deal with whatever excuses Gavin could come up with. She hardly had the patience to deal with him on a good day. Overconfidence was always knocked down eventually, and as she had seen it more times than not, it ended with their lives. It's not like any of that would've mattered to him, though. He always held some new reason, some new excuse, as to why he was the exception, the most powerful, the cockiest bastard who managed to do enough good deeds to stay her blade--for the most part.
After Gavin dismissed her offer, the crimson-haired woman simply shrugged where she stood, otherwise out-of-view in the kitchen, unless he wanted to twist his body to uncomfortable degrees to keep an eye on her. His refusal didn't matter much to her, either. More for her, which she would need until every last task on her list was checked off. However, she kept true to her inward promise to herself and ensured that slightly more than half of her mug was filled with whiskey with only a splash of coffee to fill it to the rest of the way.
"Very well," she answered apathetically. "It's got a stronger kick to the standard caf you're probably used to anyway, so it's for the best if you're staying in the Temple for another few days. I can't have you wreaking havoc."
With both hands cradling the mug, Mariah moseyed back into the sitting room, relaxed back where she had moments earlier, and made herself as 'comfortable' as she had then. Her lack of sharp awareness and wit to match was subdued by the lack of sleep and alcohol she had already consumed. It appeared as though the crimson-haired woman had let her guard down in the way that Mariah huddled up on the sofa. However, no amount of alcohol could remove the sting of her gaze when she did lock her eyes upon him.
"A quick change in tune, though," Mariah pointed out with a skeptical raise of her eyebrow. "You seemed stupidly stubborn in your decision yesterday."
With a challenging hum, Mariah took a beat to sip at her drink. She wouldn't ask or test his change of heart. She would simply let it be. It would remove one task from her list, making it more manageable, something she wouldn't complain about. However, Mariah would complain about a philosophical discussion that would prolong his time here, pushing her timeline further and further.
"I didn't make that comment to issue a lecture from you, Phoenix."
Mariah's comment was murmured and laced with faint irritation. She wasn't about to have this discussion with Gavin about the futility of balancing oneself. She could agree that for some, it was a worthy pilgrimage. For others, though, it was an impossible mission. The Force, as she believed, had Its checks and balances, those who were inherent of the light side and others of the dark. The balance between the two would never be a calling that she, like others who rested on this scale, could ever realize. She wasn't about to provoke a drawn-out argument with the man, though. Perhaps another day, but not now. The only topic of importance was the students and the possibility of their arrival.
"I'd expect nothing less for your students. We're not kidnappers, after all. Let those who wish to remain brainwashed walk their path until they're finally able to wake up from the nightmare they'll put themselves in. Otherwise, those who wish to come to Ambria at the end of their training are more than welcome to do so. Besides, it'll be a perfect testament to your training," she added with the flicker of a malicious smile at the corners of her lips, as though she stated as much with a darker intention that didn't precisely align with an optimistic approach. "We'll see how well you've taught them, to see how well they think for themselves and challenge the problems that rest within the Sith dogma."
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Gavin Phoenix
The Dark Jedi Order
"See first with your mind, then with your eyes, and finally with your body"
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Post by Gavin Phoenix on May 16, 2020 13:15:45 GMT -8
Gavin smirked a bit when she spoke of the coffee being stronger than what he was particularly used to. When it came to coffee, she wouldn't;t be wrong. Even the cheaper and weaker caf wasn't something he cared much for. Still, the mention of it being stronger prompted him to playfully mock her status again. "I see. As Empress, you've taken to the richer, harder to grow vine-coffee?" He gave a light laugh further suggesting his joking nature.
He leaned back as she presented her question. It was a sudden change from last night, his sudden departure to waiting for a few days. "Simple. Last night you presented your words as if you were completely done with me. As such, I had no desire to waste your time or burden you further with even my presence here. You may be irritated with me this morning, which seems to be the norm around me, but not as done with me. So I'll wait off these effects before leaving, though I'll ensure to stay out of your way to not further cause you more trouble."
He couldn't;t help but chuckled faintly at the mention of lecture, to which he shrugged. "I'm aware. Still, sometimes a 'lecture' becomes required to iterate a point. Of course it wouldn't be the first time where I was considered long-winded."
Leaning forward, he thought on his students. Already he could tell of a few that would stay and go. But there were still many that were up in the air. No matter the path they chose, conviction was what mattered to him. As such, being aware of the different paths of the Force and the teaches that lied therein would enable them to better choose their path, thus making it a place they truly wanted to be and not one forced upon them in some way or another. "I know for sure that a few students will follow me here as will a few stay. What they fight for and believe either align with the Sith or don't. But many more are still a mystery. But I will say they have at least begun to learn humility moving forward. I can guarantee that one." He couldn't help but smirk when thinking about the encounter he had with Duvrax, one of those he was certain would remain a Sith. He carried with him that pride and arrogance Sith carried. It was because of that that Gavin sought to secretly egg him on until he finally broke and fought Gavin. That defeat opened all their minds and changed how they viewed him as a teacher and warrior. Since then, they had all carried with them a greater sense of understanding about themselves and those around them.
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Post by Deleted on May 18, 2020 16:08:35 GMT -8
Mariah arched an eyebrow as she sipped at her drink. It wasn't as though she had made that decision. It was merely what was made available to her, the Empress of the Dark Jedi. To complain about all of these superficial lavish things that were poured out to her would have been rude, so she 'graciously' accepted them with gritted teeth and silence. She wouldn't contest that some had been a blessing. This room contained all she needed and more to remain hidden from the public eye, including her own order members. It was the minute details like expensive versions of a cheap drink that rattled her nerves, and Gavin pointing it out as though it was her decision only further irked the crimson-haired woman. Just as she had received these things, though, she accepted his assumption--by gritted teeth and silence.
In one flip of the coin, that decision was a blessing. Gavin admitting he would leave with but a word from her was an intriguing twist of power she didn't understand nor fully accept she had--because in another flip of that same coin, it was a curse. He gave her another manipulative, silver-tongued excuse she could sense a mile away, and with Mariah's growing dissonance with him, she couldn't hold her tongue back this time.
"For being one of the bigger thorns in my side, you chose a funny moment to seemingly give a damn. One minute, you're doing all you can to invoke my wrath, and the next, you're reciting some fake sob-story about how much I apparently mean to you, how you came all this way to surprise me, how you would risk life and limb because I was apparently done with you. Do you practice in front of a mirror before seeing me, ensuring you have it down to a precise science? Maybe I should have let you fly off yesterday to get yourself killed, Phoenix. Get me out of this turbulence you bring to the room every Force-damned time I seem to be around you."
Mariah huffed a laugh as she shook her head in disbelief. The whiskey was doing its work in numbing some of her usual sharpness, but her words flowed as if they rose from the deepest fires of Chaos. At the very least, he ceased the lecture instead of using her quip as a gateway into furthering his unwanted opinion. The discussion about his students was seemingly a safer topic for the two. It was only a matter of time, though, before a repeat of their first encounter would resurface. At the mention of humility, Mariah let a snarky laugh ring as she tilted her head towards Gavin, critically questioning his so-called 'faith' in his teachings and students.
"I think you missed my earlier point about their feeble little minds soaking up the Sith dogma the moment they leave your care," Mariah scoffed. "Humility isn't exactly a Sith teaching. Power is. Domination is. Pride in how many worlds you can destroy and wreak havoc on is."
Straightening herself to sit upright, Mariah shrugged a shoulder with a shake of her head. She hadn't enough alcohol to completely lose the discernment that this was a futile dispute. As far as she could see, Gavin was an impudent and overconfident bastard, which showed well in the smirk that found its way onto his face all too easily. It didn't just stop at his beliefs about himself, either; it continued in everything he touched and could claim the credit. The thought issued a scowl to set onto the woman's lips, her crimson gaze falling just shy of him. She wouldn't further push the topic, though. The only thing that could teach him would be the impending experience he would endure, to be forced to hear and watch the terrible atrocities those students remaining among the Sith would commit.
"As it stands, how many are you certain will join us? It will make my life easier to prepare for their imminent arrival sooner rather than later. I'm sure they'll be eager for a Master to train one-on-one with, who specializes in their particular field, and a place to rest their head, among other details. Once you leave, I can begin preparations to ensure that the younger generation will seamlessly find their place among our ranks the moment they step foot off that ship."
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Gavin Phoenix
The Dark Jedi Order
"See first with your mind, then with your eyes, and finally with your body"
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Post by Gavin Phoenix on May 19, 2020 13:53:14 GMT -8
As Mariah spoke of him and his ever-changing nature around her, his face shifted, appearing hurt by her words. Yet, it was clear he was merely playing his game as they were more over the top than someone honestly offended by what was said. Lifting a hand to his heart, he took a sharp breath. "You wound me. Truly." He held this look for but a moment before laughing and shaking his head, offering her a simple shrug. When he spoke, he was his typical calm, though it didn't carry the cocky tones she had grown accustomed to. "I guess it is the enigma that is me. I could try and convince you of what is true and what is merely a facade for whatever reason, but I'd imagine that to be a fruitless endeavor. I can only trust that in time, you will see the real me."
He let his gaze rest upon her for a moment, his face a bit more stoic than usual before addressing her next concern. He had expected something to be said of the Sith and what they were. He knew them well enough from all his encounters as well as the time spent among them. Truth was, this wasn't the first group of Sith he had walked with. The first had been Sinistra's Dark Tide during the holy crusade of the Mandalorians against the orders of the Force just before becoming the next Galactic Empire that had turned into the First Order. He knew them well but also knew what his entire goal had been in agreeing to teach the Blackguard's students. "I'm fully aware of what the Sith are all about. However, when I spoke with Viox about teaching its students, my words were clear. I would bring about a new breed of warrior. I will teach them these ways. But, what was the phrase? You can lead an Orbak to water but you can't make him drink? I can teach them all I want, but if they allow themselves to fall back into the ways of the Sith either by choice or by a weak will, then there is nothing more I can do for them. I can't hold their hands forever, nor can I force them to follow me."
Leaning back, he let his gaze focus upwards towards the ceiling as he thought on who would all stay. He had suspicions, but that was it. He had paid attention to the thoughts and feelings of those within his class and had picked up more than enough to know a few would come with him here for one reason or another. "Based on what I have picked up from from my students, I'm more than certain that three will come to the Dark Jedi. Only time will tell just how many more will decide to move away from the Sith as I work with them further."
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Post by Deleted on May 20, 2020 13:21:12 GMT -8
Gavin conducted himself the way Mariah expected. With his sharp inhale followed by his feigned words and mocking laugh, the crimson-haired woman simply rolled her eyes, shook her head, and sipped at her drink. His nature had become less bothersome to her, whether from her lack of sleep or alcohol. It mattered little. She refused to feed him with more fuel to his insolent nature. Gavin acted as young as he looked, and Mariah was beginning to believe that even his 'three centuries-old' claim was as false as his sincerity. However, Mariah couldn't choke back a laugh as he used the word 'enigma' to describe himself. Sure enough, the first time she met him, she believed that word to be an apt description. As far as she could see it, Gavin let the truth of himself unravel with unparalleled rapidity and opportuneness. He was no longer a unique being wrapped in a riddle. He was just one of the thousands like him that slinked through the criminal ecumenopoleis throughout the galaxy.
"I think I've seen more than enough to know who you are by now, Phoenix."
Mariah's murmured words revealed the apparent hint of aversion she was growing for the man. She would give credit where credit was due, as Gavin had performed nothing short of a miracle the day before. She wasn't about to agree with such a wild assumption, though, especially when it would feed his already engorged ego.
The crimson-haired woman remained reserved, keeping the mug pressed against her lips as she tilted it to sip at it every so often throughout Gavin's explanation. He continued on in circles regarding his students and their future decisions. As far as Mariah could see it with his reasonings, it made no difference if he returned or not. If their futures and their choices meant so little to him now, returning to them to prolong their training was nothing short of a waste of time. Already growing accustomed to this back-and-forth, though, and refusing to partake in it any further, Mariah wouldn't point any of these absurdities out. If she kept her mouth shut, his nonsense would die out, at least on a verbal scale. It would no doubt fester within his mind, feed his ego, and elate his pride to an absurd level. At least it would remain his own unseen issue that way, though, and it would allow her to focus on what actually mattered.
"Only three?" she questioned with an arch of her eyebrow. "Out of that whole lot?"
Displaying a sense of apathy towards such a ridiculously small number, though, Mariah shrugged a shoulder. She lowered the mug back down to her lap, her crimson gaze locking upon Gavin after such a long time of displaying disinterest. As Mariah continued, her harshness had dissipated, overcome with the exhaustion that was setting in all too quickly. Her poise ridden from her body, she appeared to shift and adjust every now and again as though she was doing all she could to jerk herself awake in times of weakness. There was still too much to do, though, so she couldn't humor this conversation for too much longer as it was.
"I suppose it's a start. As the situation develops and changes, I expect you to reach out to inform me. If you truly have trained your students to think for themselves and properly laid the groundwork for them to be their own definition of a warrior, I expect that number to increase before their training reaches its conclusion."
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Gavin Phoenix
The Dark Jedi Order
"See first with your mind, then with your eyes, and finally with your body"
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Post by Gavin Phoenix on May 20, 2020 14:05:02 GMT -8
Gavin's gaze eventually settled back on the crimsoned-haired woman, curious as to how she'd respond to words regarding himself. All he got was the roll of her eyes and the shake of her head. Outside of the one laugh, there was nothing. In the end, she had become less than amused with him and his chosen approach to things. He could only wonder if she'd ever reach the point of seeing him for who he truly was, to understand why he acted and believed as he did. It had been a nature that existed within him for a long time, since his twenties and his run with the Jen'Jidai of Asgard. He couldn't what it was that turned his attitude to a cocky one, but he knew well enough that it was a facade. He never believed his own power to be something that great compared to others, though he did acknowledge what he could do. In that, he never underestimated another, either. Yet, he had been this way for the longest time.
Until he felt he had lost it all, that is. Once he felt as if nothing remained for him and he left in his exile, that attitude had all but vanished. It was then his soul began to fade away into an empty existence. He had lost his reason to care for much at all. And while he had finally worked to bring himself back in his return to the galaxy, it was her that truly ignited the spark within him once more. But for now, that would be a truth he'd never tell her. For the time being, he'd let her believe as she did, leaving anything to shake that understanding to surprise her.
Giving a slight upward nod and the thoughtful hum she was so well known for at this point, he spoke. "Hmm. I guess only time will tell what is real."
He then gave a nod when she spoke of there only being three. "For now, yes. It has only been a couple of years and in all that time, I have only worked with them on the basics as one would see it. I have yet to sit down with each of them and begin working with them upon their unique paths. That will begin here in the next month or so. The last two years will be spent shaping them individually. Once I can glean more knowledge from them, I'll let you know."
Tilting his head, he let himself watch her for a few moments in silence. Bit by bit, she had responded less and less to him and his words. Most times, she was merely tired of hearing about something and chose to press on to another topic. However, she was becoming less and less responsive to anything he said. Even in the time they were sitting here, she had already gone through two cups of coffee as he knew it to be. She had said she had been up for a chunk of the night and considering how early she was up recording her message, it was safe to assume she had been up the entire time. She was growing tired and was losing the mental fortitude to keep going or, at the very least, deal with him.
Taking a deep breath, he stood to his feet. "For now, though, I'll take my leave. It doesn't;t take a genius to see that you are growing weary from the hours you've spent awake. Rest now. If you need me for anything, you know where I'll be." Giving a slight bow of his head, he began heading for the doorway.
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Post by Deleted on May 20, 2020 15:16:55 GMT -8
'Only time will tell what is real.' Mariah huffed out a joyless laugh at Gavin's words. Time was all she needed to decipher who Gavin was, and she already had plenty of it as far as she was concerned. Rather than continue feeding that pointless conversation, though, she tuned in more when it came to the training of his students. He still had two more years with them, which was more than enough time to 'shape' them into realizing how twisted the Sith tenets were. Inevitably, within those two years, that meager three should grow into a well-rounded group.
Mariah nodded her head in agreement towards him, and she would be sure he upheld those words in keeping touch regarding his students' progress. In the meantime, she could ensure that three rooms would be set aside for temporary guests only for the next two years. When the time came, those rooms could be effortlessly phased into the permanent quarters for those students. Although this task immediately made it to her list of things to accomplish, it wasn't imperative for her to complete it today. As her eyelids demanded to fall and bid her to slumber, she knew that she would only have time to handle the most pressing matters and other immediate necessities. Sleep was a cruel mistress Mariah wished she could shoo off for indeterminable amounts of time, but despite how resilient and stubborn as she was, even she needed rest.
It seemed that Gavin had also made a note of how exhausted the Empress was, something she scowled inwardly about. Her eyes didn't follow him as he stood up and walked past her to make it to the doorway. While she was grateful that he could take a hint to make his leave, she mentally scolded herself for that brief moment. She was only mortal, yet the woman held herself to near-impossible standards. Show no weakness--kindness, pain, exhaustion. No matter what the definition of 'weakness' was. However, before Gavin left, Mariah picked her head back up and tilted her gaze to find him. Although her mind and body begged for sleep, she shooed it away with a newfound vitality. Although it would only last for perhaps another few moments, she simply needed to ask one final, imperative question of him that had been left lingering since the day before.
"Phoenix," Mariah called out to stop him quickly in his tracks before he could take his leave. "Yesterday, in the Canyon, when I experienced that unfortunate out-of-body experience," Her words trailed off with a faint, displeased growl and a shake of her head before she continued, "you told me what all wasn't discussed between you two but never took the time clarify what was."
Mariah knew just as well as Gavin that he wasn't speaking to her during those moments. That much was already addressed and explained. However, there was so much that wasn't. Mariah was left to assume that Aria at least had the decency to introduce herself, but that wasn't ever confirmed. What more, all she got from her later talk with him was that she at least had enough decency not to seduce him and that no questions were answered, no secrets revealed. So many things that were not the case, but none that were. During those moments, it felt as though Mariah was submerged in her mental waters' darkness for a lifetime. Time had been a meaningless facade, leaving the crimson-haired woman only able to guess the duration Aria had managed to wrestle control. The only fact decipherable and known by the elder Shadows was that younger had meddled in a manner that left her wholly in the dark. If Mariah could, uncovering the truth of her sister's plot was a priority in her agenda.
"Care to give me a quick summary before you leave?"
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Gavin Phoenix
The Dark Jedi Order
"See first with your mind, then with your eyes, and finally with your body"
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Post by Gavin Phoenix on May 20, 2020 21:09:10 GMT -8
Gavin came to a sudden stop just before the door as he heard her call his name. It was a slight oddity to suddenly stop him when he was about to leave. But the reason why soon set in with her question. He remained quiet for a moment as he thought back onto the discussion between him and Aria. For what they did discuss, it was a heavy topic, one that he couldn't toss around lightly as he did most other things.
After a few moment's pause, he finally spoke, his voice somber compared to normal. "I cannot." He then let his gaze turn to catch from over his shoulder. "I made a promise. Until she is ready to tell you herself, it is something I will keep close to the chest." It was only a moment more that he stood there knowing there was nothing else to say. It may have irritated her that he'd keep that to himself, but a promise was a promise. Choosing to not further any frustration that his words might have caused, he then slipped from the chambers and made his way to his own chambers.
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Post by Deleted on May 24, 2020 16:36:11 GMT -8
Where Gavin may have expected some kind of frustration or backlash, there was none. He was able to depart from Mariah's chambers without any resistance or display of her wrath. Instead, she remained silent for another short moment, even after his departure, as she could only hope that his cloak would keep his presence a mystery as he left. That would create a backlash she couldn't afford to explain. It was at that thought that the crimson-haired woman finally stirred with a roll of her eyes, nearly drowning herself as she finished the last cup of her drink before getting back to work.
Ridding the whole conversation from her head, Mariah performed several last-minute duties as Amber began to further peek over the horizon, turning burning oranges and reds into a brilliant yellow light through her windows. She ensured that her report was up to her standards before uploading it to the proper personnel to find and catalog. From there, the crimson-haired woman issued a few other commands towards the excavation units that were to begin that morning in digging out the collapse in the Canyon. Although there was still a plethora of additional duties on her list, Mariah knew that she wouldn't hold out much longer.
Mariah's eyes had already grown too heavy as she awaited confirmation that her instructions had correctly been uploaded…
<< Such a gentleman… keeping a promise… >>
Mariah awoke with a start, finding herself staring at a rugged wall of rock. It hit her like she was struck by a land speeder; she was at the entryway into those chambers, now blocked by the collapse. It was an impossibility to be here, but at the sound of her voice, rising unbeckoned by her, she understood the reality of her lucid dream, stuck on a course she couldn't manipulate by another puppeteer.
"Oh, ye of little faith."
Her voice and movements were caught in a memory that wasn't her own but one that belonged to this body. Every minute Aria had manipulated was now being imparted to Mariah, although in this foggy recollection of a vision. However, that was what those were to her anyway. A dream--or nightmare, to be forced to speak and act in such derogatory manners. Mariah continued to float down this memory and soaked in the understanding of her sister's intentions. She didn't remain complacent for long, though. When a specific word--a certain people--was mentioned, the crimson-haired woman began to fight.
"Guardians."
That damned group, scattered across the galaxy now, if any of them were still alive. Gavin had no right to even know about them, let alone be possibly chosen as one. Aria may have embraced them as she had with Valance, her father's Guardian, but Mariah had refused to accept their position among their tribe for all her life. For Aria to turn around and attempt to meddle in a way so sneaky, Mariah refused to sit still and listen to another word of it. Aria perhaps could have felt that then as her sister's words echoed about in her head as clear as day.
~ Hold tight… I'm sorry, sister. Just a moment longer. ~
~ Like hell. ~
Mariah's fight was futile, though, as Aria managed to struggle some power back and continue on briefly. Her strength was diminishing, though, and soon enough, Mariah could feel the mental cracks that gave her more leverage. However, the sickening, soothing comfort her head didn't go unnoticed as Gavin's final words of thanks echoed in the chamber, dissipating into silence. The touch of his hand on her shoulder, though, lifted, slender fingers running through her crimson locks. The silence didn't last long as a melodic giggle resonated, bouncing off the walls and echoing within the runes that lined them. It was as if now that Aria's weakness had become her own, and Mariah couldn't urge a muscle in her whole body to move.
"I like him, you know."
Mariah growled a sigh as she closed her eyes, allowing her sister to make the point she made time and time again. How Aria could like a man like him was beyond her, but after all this time, Mariah had learned, just as she had with Gavin, to let them live in their own delusions. What was unforgivable, though, was attempting to push him into a role in Mariah's life that he knew nothing about.
"If you like him so much, you wouldn't have chosen him for such a responsibility as being a Guardian, and mine, no less."
Aria hummed thoughtfully, "Mm, well, to be fair, I did tell him that I didn't think he was ready yet. He seems rather attached to you, though," she teased, tugging gently at Mariah's ear. "He might not be ready to give his life for you yet, but I wouldn't blame him for the way that you treat him. Athames poised in the traditional ch'ittenasami ch'an'eci lturah ritual? Really?"
Mariah rolled her eyes as she clenched her fist and relaxed it. Slowly, she was regaining control over her body in this realm Aria created. Sure enough, though, Aria would fling her back to the present world the moment she was able to fully move. Such was the meddling of her sister.
"You know better than I do that I wouldn't have been able to pull off that spell, even if I wanted to."
Aria laughed dryly, "Yes, and I'm positive that's why he acts the way he does. He calls your bluffs like more people should do."
"They're not all bluffs," Mariah responded with a sarcastic huff of a laugh.
Aria released Mariah and sat down next to her, shooting fiery orange daggers at her older sister. "They are when they're against those who help you. You couldn't hurt Krall when he took you in. You had to fake your own death to get out. You've gone as far as forming an Order you don't even believe in because you have an instructor who taught you spells."
"-That's not why I became the Fallen Empress, Aria."
"Oh, please, that's what you say, but I'm in your head, remember? Your subconscious and I are intertwined, so you can't lie to me." Lowering her voice, Aria continued in softened tones, "You don't hurt those who help you. It's against the Blade's code, and why Guardians were able to exist peacefully among our kind. We honor our allies. Did Gavin not just retrieve one of the most precious artifacts of our people to ensure it stayed with us? With you? Is he not one of your most precious allies?"
"Sure, and that's why I kept him from pulling some stupid stunt, remember?"
Mariah shook her head and sighed, but as she tried to pull herself away from Aria, the younger Shadows pulled Mariah in closer, taking advantage of the fact that her older sister had yet to regain all motor controls of her body. With Mariah's head nestled upon her shoulder, Aria rested her cheek on top of Mariah's head and held her close. She was sure that Mariah was less than pleased with it all, but in the same breath, Mariah wasn't the type to protest against Aria during these few short moments that they had together, either.
"Look. As much as you hate to admit it, I think Gavin has the qualities that you need next to you in the coming months. He's a skilled combatant who's bested even you in combat and is willing to risk the unknown for you. If you don't want him as a Guardian, fine, but at least accept that there's a piece of him that's somehow drawn to you. There's a piece in you that's drawn to him, too, you know."
"More like the mask that he wore," Mariah scoffed. "The real him can rot in the depths of Chaos for all I care."
"At least you're finally admitting that there was a part of him you were drawn to," Aria teased. She then pursed her lips thoughtfully and shrugged a shoulder before she continued. "I think you were right the first time about which was the facade and which was the real him. I mean, you make yourself an easy target with someone like him," she giggled. "He flew all the way out here and sought you out, and I'm sure he knew he'd invoke your wrath. Sure, if he knew the first thing about you, he wouldn't have done it at all, but give him a chance. If his words are true, he's probably even more aligned to you than this order."
Mariah scoffed and rolled her eyes, "Now that's pushing it."
"Maybe," Aria conceded with a smug smile. "He came here for you, though, you know. He was just fine finishing his students' training, so why travel all this way now? Why not wait until then? It's not like Ifrit would have denied him later. I think he had a certain invitation from a special someone he wanted to make good on."
"And I think you've gone crazy with all those years in Chaos."
Aria could sense Mariah's silent stress at her playful bantering. With a sigh and shake of her head, though, the younger Shadows knew this discussion was unnecessary. All she had wanted to do in this dream state was impart those lost memories so that Mariah could walk forward with a clearer understanding of this man. However, all things would have to come in time. With little else to say or do, Aria uttered one final hint of advice before her body disappeared into the air, leaving Mariah alone for a beat before she would wake.
"You have leverage over him. Just promise me you'll think about using it to encourage a sooner return from him?"
Mariah woke with a start, leaning back and falling to the sofa. Her holoterminal was flashing with an alert in front of her, stating that the upload had been completed. Already, a handful of permitted parties accessed it. By the position of the sun, she had been out for at least an hour. Their work was just beginning, while she had deemed that hers was at an end. With that thought, Mariah ushered the curtains to close, shutting out all light from the room.
Rubbing her hands over her face, Mariah picked herself up and trudged up to her loft to call it a night. She was unable to shake the whole of the memory, while her sister's parting words left her puzzled. Leverage? It wasn't until she made it up to her bed that she realized. Perched on the bedside table were two familiar hilts she had set down throughout the night and forgot about within the mix of her sleeplessness, unending work, and alcohol. Gavin's weapons, those in which he entrusted her that she had failed to return.
With a roll of her eyes, Mariah slipped herself under the sheets, but before she allowed herself to drift off, she waved a hand, beckoning the Force to open the drawer. Nudging the two hilts inside, Mariah shut the table drawer and closed her eyes with an exhale. Leverage--a playful manipulation Aria thrived on. With a frustrated sigh, though, Mariah left that option alone for the time being. For now, Gavin was no doubt resting in his chambers, completely forgetting that she still had them in her possession, and she, too, needed to catch up with her rest before a new day thrust new responsibilities upon her.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 7, 2020 12:17:58 GMT -8
~ One Month since the Relic's Retrieval ~It would have been easier had this Force-damned thing been its brethren.Unbeknownst to the rest of the Temple--even the Fallen himself--the Empress harbored a powerful artifact, saturated with the Force. Shrouded by magical runes, which feasted upon its very essence to keep it hidden, this crystal of light exuded such brilliant lightside energies that Mariah found herself unable to go near it. Her precious belongings passed down through the generations were held hostage within the same chest. Should she dare open it, the entire Temple would be bathed within the lightside, turning weakened-hearts to the Jedi they had strayed from.It had been a month since she discovered that Gavin Phoenix, a man claiming alignment with darkside factions, was able to tame such power coursing through him. He neither fell to its intoxicating influence nor gave in to the desire to drive out darkness throughout the galaxy. It was a curious turn of events that perplexed Mariah even now. However, the rest of the Temple finally grew quiet after the tunnel's collapse. There wasn't a reason to obsess over it and change what she worked so hard to achieve. His promise to her remained intact, at least so far.However, with Gavin's return to Iridonia, Mariah was left with little information to discover the crystal of shadows--this relic's counterpart that the surviving Shadows sought. As the legends told, each artifact would cry out for the eradication of its brethren. The light sought to drive out the darkness, while the darkness sought to kill the light. Once held tight by a host who fell to their song, they would guide their victim to the other as a means of extermination. Mariah was unable to get near the blessed thing, though, and was left with a simple description of the unique architecture of the chambers it resided."Instead of a pedestal like this, it was a spire, maybe seven feet tall. It was twisting around itself instead of just straight sides. In the center, about as high as this was a cut out where the stone rested." For the past month, Mariah balanced the thousands of stupid questions, repeatedly reiterated, regarding the collapse and engrossing herself in the few texts she had available regarding her People's hidden relics. When she wasn't locked within her chambers, Mariah communed within the Meditative Canyon, seeking the guidance of her Ancestors and the Force. Tirelessly, Mariah worked on pinpointing the planet via a holomap saved on her terminal. The criteria alone helped eliminate many worlds, as the Nexus throughout the galaxy were a pertinent piece to serve as the crystals' shrouded graves. From there, it was a matter of pinpointing the aesthetics of her Ancestors and, in the last millennium, who had designed the shadow crystal's tomb. It was easier said than done to delve into a long history of People who were never meant to be known or found.It had taken a month, but thanks to her ability to connect with her Ancestors and access the few texts she kept secret from the rest of the world, Mariah had eliminated all planets but one as the artifacts resting place. Now alight on her holomap, Mariah stared at the glowing ball among the grid of grayed out stars. It was only a guess at best, but it was one deduced from a meticulous process of elimination. It was her best chance of finding it before this mysterious graverobber did.Of course, in all her years, luck was never on her side. Before the Empress was able to properly prepare for such a journey, another transmission soon came through, bearing the worst news she could fathom.
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Post by Lady Eris [RETIRED] on Jan 11, 2021 2:59:38 GMT -8
Some days after The Fallen Disappears
Mariah Shadows, The Fallen Empress, would find a note within her chambers that was written by Lady Eris. It was a single page with the following message written upon it My Fallen Empress,
I hope this note finds you well and in strength. There are many things I wish I could say to you, events I could explain... But unfortunately such luxuries are not meant to be for me. Even now, time is running out and these few words that I am scrambling to write will never suffice to explain what has happened. In large part because even I am not fully aware of what decision and circumstances drive The Fallen's actions. But, he is ever my Master and when he commands it, I shall follow him. I do so willingly, because I know you are strong enough to handle all of this.
Whatever it is you are doing, so it through to the end. Know that I am sorry for what happened.
Lady Eris
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Post by Deleted on Feb 28, 2021 13:53:41 GMT -8
~ A Few Days Before Eris' Message ~ It was the evening before the arranged duel between her newest visitor - infiltrator? - ally? - it was anybody's guess. The Empress, though, had expended all of her care from the dealings on Ruusan. What 'Hiro' wanted with the Dark Jedi, with her, with the planet, Mariah had other things she needed to focus on. Her only concern now was focusing on her disrupted mission on Ruusan. At least it wasn't the worst-case scenario she had plotted for.Wrapping herself in black robes of velvet and lace, Mariah stood before the holoterminal in her chambers. The makeshift dress at least feigned an appearance of royalty - and quickly - when she needed it most. Before recording, though, the Empress shifted uncomfortably in it. She wished nothing more than to present herself in her usual attire of fitted black leather, showing the warrior that she was. With a quiet growl, though, Mariah swallowed the bitter anger and put on the show expected in this role. Elniri, the holorecording would greet, I hope you've been settling in the Temple and the Dark Jedi well enough. However, as soon as it may be, I have a mission for you, something right up your alley. From what I've gathered, you, like me, have been bred to fight and kill without remorse.There was a slight pause while the Empress took a small moment to inhale. Luckily, the monochrome blue would hide the flash behind the woman's crimson eyes, and the Maelibus would be none-the-wiser to the other woman's innermost thoughts.If the matching patterns between us continue, then you'll be pleased to know that a stranger has entered our midst and has demanded a duel of one of our finest warriors. I request that, in this scenario, you'll be the Dark Jedi's, but more importantly, my blade.The Empress' blade. Some may think Mariah insane to entrust a newcomer, one who murdered many Dark Jedi already, to be her blade. However, there was persistence and calculative determination in the holorecording's eyes. She had weighed her options, and she had deemed Elniri to be the most capable for this mission. Before too much thought could be put into it, though, the Empress continued with low yet smoothly confident tones.Now, I must warn you what this stranger's intentions are still a mystery to even me. Although he claims this to be a friendly spar to test our warriors' skills, should you sense anything malicious about him or his intentions for this duel...The holorecording paused. The figure cocked her head for a moment as she seemed to drift off into thought for a moment. After that beat, she blinked and turned her gaze back to Elniri with the flicker of a dark smile....well, you already have a record of taking my prey from me prematurely. I'm entrusting you with this mission, so I'll stand by your decisions, no matter how brutal.Her words, that smile -- although the Empress didn't outwardly grant permission to kill this man, she might as well have.The duel takes place tomorrow before dawn. You'll meet with them in the Wastes at the coordinates enclosed with this message. Good luck, Elniri. I'll be watching.It was odd that Mariah never gave the Maelibus a chance to accept or decline the request, but perhaps that was the whole point. She either knew that Elniri would accept or had an inkling that she would decline and simply refused to give her the opportunity. No matter the case, Elniri had her orders, and the holorecording flickered, starting back from the beginning in an endless loop until closed:Elniri, I hope you've been settling in the Temple and the Dark Jedi well enough... The moment Mariah had finished her message, she shed herself of the robes, the fabric crumbling to the floor, wafting a pleasant smell of delicate flowers and warm vanilla. It gave her a headache. She'd rather be assailed by the smell of salt, leather, and charred remains. This luxurious life was starting to wear more and more on the crimson-haired warrior. The mission she planned to head back to Ruusan seemed more and more like the vacation she needed from wearing the mask of the Empress. For now, though, Mariah prepared for tomorrow, readying herself for any outcome between the enigmatic experiment and the mysterious newcomer who dared challenge her.
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