Vasari
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Post by Vasari on May 3, 2018 6:52:33 GMT -8
Vasari nodded with approval at the heels Luxeria had selected. She then looked over her own clothing and by for the first time chided herself about wearing the same monochromatic outfit she had since the day she came to academy. Back in those early days there was some silver thrown in there but she felt it made her stick out so she ditched it. All her life she wanted to blend in, not be noticed. And now that she wanted to be noticed she found that she didn’t really know how. She was actually quite proud of the fact that she found the gloves she wanted with the bright crimson laces.. and the garter... when that was questioned she smirked but answered a little bashfully.
”I guess you’ll have to wait and see... hmm?”she replied, attempting to sound seductive, but ultimately failing.”I’m ready to go if you are...”she continued a bit more cheerfully holding all her stuff in her arms, the garter still hidden among the pile.
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Luxeria
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Post by Luxeria on May 3, 2018 8:13:41 GMT -8
When Vasari attempted to sound seductive and mysterious about if she found a garter or not, Luxeria turned to her, leaning to her right and placed her right had on her hip. Her face was covered in the expression that knew better. "Uh-huh. If you say so."
She laughed a bit as she adjusted the bangle on each of her wrists. They were the same ones she wore when they first met over Mustafar. Never did she go anywhere without them. Still not functional, she kept a mental note of needing to finish them. The only piece of jewelry that her friend knew to have that was missing was the necklace they found. She had gathered what it did in amplifying her presence and currently didn’t want to broadcast it. "Well, let’s be on our way then. I think you’ll like the place I’ve picked out."
Leading the way back downstairs, moved to the cashier and began to pay for the dresses and such. Setting her regular clothes down, she motioned for Vasari to do the same. "Can you have these delivered to the Vos Gesal Hotel?" The cashier nodded as she began packing up their things.
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Vasari
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Post by Vasari on May 4, 2018 16:02:06 GMT -8
While everything was being collected by and paid for Vasari’s tucked an folded her things as she had for years at the academy. Each student was given a single trunk to keep things in and so packing down to fit that size became important the more items one acquired - such was the reason that until now she had only owned two changes of cloths. One for sparing - the other for lessons, that was her life until now. She hid her saber in the middle of the bundle, the cloak folding around it to hide its presence. While the items were being scanned by the droid assisting them Vasari secreted the garter she had selected past Luxeria and then back into the folds of her leather dress.
”I’ve enjoyed everything so far I see no reason why I wouldn’t!”Her tone was cheerful and excited and a little teasing - Luxeria would have noticed Vasari hiding something but she wouldn’t know exactly what until later. When she gave the orders for their clothing to be moved she gave the droid a cold look and whispered”And nothing better be missing...”She held the gaze for a long moment before giggling to herself and following Luxeria out of Rosses and back to the air taxi pad - looking quite similar to how she came in, but feeling much different.
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Luxeria
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Post by Luxeria on May 4, 2018 16:24:11 GMT -8
It was clear enough to Luxeria that Vasari was attempting to hide something from her. They weren't in the best position to make such movement without the notice of the other. Still, she knew her friend wasn't going to try anything against her, or at least, nothing ill fated. With that, she had no reason to probe her for the truth. Time would reveal her little secret.
Once everything was paid for and packed away, she led the way outside to the waiting air speeder. She boarded first and waited for Vasari to take her seat before declaring their destination. "Monument Plaza, please." The driver gave a nod before the speeder took off and was soon intermingled in the nightly traffic. Out in the distance, the last rays of light were shining over the horizon, setting the perfect mood for what was to come. For now, she stayed silent as they carried on, her focus directed ahead of her for most of the trip's duration.
It was only when they made their approach to the plaza and the speeder began to descend to a landing zone that she began to speak. Leaning forward, she pointed down at the tips of the mountains that protruded from the plaza's floor. "There is the tip of Umate, one of the highest peaks of the Manarai Mountains. It is protected by the Flames of Umate, monks who keep people from chipping off pieces of the mountain. They also meditate while touching the rock in an effort to contact Coruscant's 'inner spirit.'" As the craft landed, Luxeria paid the driver as they began to pile out.
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Vasari
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Post by Vasari on May 6, 2018 7:47:14 GMT -8
Vasari seemed to have relaxed slightly when it came to the grandeur around her - that or it had simply overwhelmed her after their journey here and she had yet had the time to decompress. Still she had trained all her life to avoid distractions at critical moments - such things could lead to your death at the Academy. The Speeder ride past in silence, Vasari's hands folded calmly over her lap every now and again running her fingers against the leather skirt of her dress with a pleased sort of smile. She had read all about various places in the Galaxy that were important to the rise of the darkside - this place was of course among them but the history - the "Flames of Umate" had escaped her study. As Luxeria explained the connection between the cult and the mountain she leaned over the edge of the speeder and looked down at the mountain top with no small amount of awe.
The Mountains on Iridonia were places of reverence and power, off limits to someone such as her... with her clan being destroyed and no one left to honor the ancestors now left abandoned in the region - or so the myths and legends of the planet told. She had never experienced such a thing and so she had no basis for whether the myths were based in any real sense of accuracy - however this planet was the 'bright center of the universe' and if people here believed as her ancestors did... then the basis must not be too far fetched. Most Darksiders were aware of beings powerful enough to linger after their bodies had been destroyed - tethering themselves to an artifact or what not, why not a mountain?
"Do you believe in such things? Do you believe their faith in that mountain is grounded?"
She smiled softly at the mild pun and stepped out of the Airspeeder after Luxeria taking a moment to admire the open back of her friends dress. She looked around the Plaza before kneeling down and touching the duracrete landing pad - closing her eyes and reaching out with the Living Force - past the milling people and the countless lifesigns deeper into the mountain itself. The connection was weak - but her mind was stronger than most that would ever be born live and die on this planet. She blocked everything out as she sunk deeper into a mind of stone - ignoring the looks that she might have been receiving. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for someone like her...
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Luxeria
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Post by Luxeria on May 6, 2018 14:23:22 GMT -8
Luxeria gave a nod at Vasari's question. "I do. No telling if there is anything of worth from their attempt to connect to that inner spirit, but after seeing what we can do and accomplish with the Force, there is no reason to doubt it. The only way to actually know if they achieve anything is to become one of them. And that, I'm sure, is not an easy task." She shook her head lightly afterwards, catching her pun, finding it mildly amusing.
She then watched as Vasari knelt down and touched the ground. She could feel the light fluctuations of energy emanating from her friend. It seemed that Vasari wished to see for herself if there was anything of worth in what the monks believed and if this inner spirit really existed or was something else entirely. Crossing her arms, she waited patiently for the Zabrak to wish her work, not remotely bothered by it. She did, however, cast sharp glances towards those who looked at them strangely. Never would they understand what they felt and could accomplish.
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Vasari
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Post by Vasari on May 6, 2018 19:03:28 GMT -8
Vasari's mind focused in a single stream of conscious thought as she followed the Living Force deeper and deeper into the heart of the mountain. She felt a presence within the mountain - but that was everywhere on this world. This world was teaming with life - the call of the Living Force was everywhere, and so it was difficult to lock onto something specific at this level - and so she dove deeper into mountain, searching for life, energy, anything. On Iridonia, or rather in Iridonian Legend, the spirits lived upon the mountain peaks to look down upon the civilization they had left behind. There would be no benefit for a spirit here to do anything of the like... No doubt it would feel crowded - and so it might have been Coruscanti legend that the spirits drifted deeper into the planets core - away from the rising urban life - into the heart of the planet - perhaps giving rise to the Inner Spirit myth of the Flame of Umate.
The depth of the planet was staggering. She couldn't tell because of the artificial air processors giving them enough air to breath normally - but she was on the highest part of the planet it would take her hours to sink her mind deep enough into the planet to answer the questions she wanted answered - and so reluctantly she released her hold upon the mountain and sunk slowly back into the Ocean of her own mind. She lifted her head and stood to find Luxeria staring down a couple walking past them. Vasari's bright orange eyes turned to the couple and the woman looked away immediately - fear in her eyes. The male held her gaze a while longer but eventually looked away as well hurrying the woman onward away from them.
"I could not feel anything - but that does not mean there is nothing to be felt... It would take more time than I am currently willing to devote to it - perhaps that is why the Cult has lasted so long - endured for so many years, and why their teachings continue to be received."
Vasari took a step closer to Luxeria as they continued walking towards wherever Lux was leading her. She looked out over the skyline - the sun had set by now and the light of the stars and the lights of the city this place had a beauty to it that she could not describe. Iridonia was so... different from here. On SkyPad 7 on a clear night she could see for a hundred miles in any direction, she could be lost in her own thoughts up there. No such thing was possible here and yet there was a beauty to all the noise and light and busyness. As her eyes gazed over the lights she absentmindedly dropped her hand to her side - the proximity causing her fingers to brush against Luxeria's as they walked.
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Luxeria
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Post by Luxeria on May 7, 2018 6:12:08 GMT -8
Unlike Vasari, Luxeria wasn’t much of a student of history. She didn’t even know the legends and myths of other worlds, much less her own. In fact, she had given no thought to the Force either, seeing it as some just another religion in which claimed to hold power. It was only after her own awakening that she began to see the bigger picture. And with it came an understanding of the different beliefs around galaxy and how they connected to the Force."It’s how many religions and systems of belief last. In the end, it is that fact that makes them similar to us. Most likely that’s all we have in common. But it might be possible they possess some level of Force ability. That or they’ve found another means to connect to it. Then again, it could all just be in their heads."
She gave a chuckle at the thought before they began walking on. From here, she began to focus herself, not even noticing the brush against her hand. I ithout t I bing her mind, Vasari would have easily picked up on her focus, the kind that suggested the focusing of one’s power.
It wasn’t long before they reached the restaurant she made mentions. Before them was a brilliantly lit sign that said Manarai, just like the name of the mountains. There was already a fairly decent line built up, suggesting it’d be quite the wait. But Luxeria moved towards the man at the entrance, finely dressed as one would think of an upscale restaurant. Stopping before him, the man spoke first.
=Host=
"Welcome to Manarai. Do you have a reservation"
Luxeria turned to the man, focusing her eyes upon his. Her voice then turned seductive as it normally did. "We do not. But that’s ok. You’d be happy to seat us now." Her voice was calm as she spoke and the man blinked a couple times before finally replying.
=Host=
"That is fine. I’d be happy to seat you now. Please, this way."
Already a slight uproar could be heard coming from the line. They had been waiting for awhile, yet these two were able to just walk right in. But it wasn’t but a few moments later that they calmed down and resumed their conversations as if nothing had happened. It was for this reason that Luxeria had been focusing. To persuade a single man was but child’s play. But she had intended to calm the crowd and redirect their houghts in quick fashion so hat no issues were created.
Giving Vasari a smile, she followed the Host to their table.
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Vasari
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Post by Vasari on May 7, 2018 6:45:58 GMT -8
The idea that Luxeria submitted about their two organizations being similar in some ways caused her to pause for a moment and consider the implications. Other Sith might have been insulted or put off by the remark - thinking a hokey religion that prayed to a mountain top could never live up to the teachings of an movement that had existed for hundreds of thousands of years. Dynasties had been built and destroyed that had touched both ends of the known universe - empires had conquered in its name - and men had risen from nothing to become powerful all with the teachings of the Sith within their hearts. These cultists were nothing but a band of ravel praying to a long forgotten god or the spirits of a world long bereft of any spiritual connection. If the spirits of this place existed, they slumbered deep within the surface and paid no heed to a few hundred interlopers that just happened to exist on their mountain.
"You very well could be right..."She mused softly before pulling herself from her own thoughts to notice Luxeria's curious level of attentiveness. She tilted her head slightly and smiled at her partner - saying nothing more until they had reached the doorway to the Manarai and the well dressed host greeted them. She looked him over and found herself unimpressed - instead casting an eye to those waiting like cattle to gain admittance to the building.
She watched the exchange between Luxeria and the host with amused interest - her gaze still flickering between the two and the crowd casually observing her friend work. When the Host relented and the crowd seemed to rebel she raised an eyebrow about ready to silence the lot of them - but their eyes seemed to grow distracted as a single entity and one by one they all drifted back to their conversations. Vasari giggled softly and followed Luxeria into the restaurant. They were led to a table already set for two that seemed to be waiting specifically for the. She wasn't sure, being unfamiliar with the customs of this place, but it didn't seem that this table would have been available to them even if they did have a reservation. Vasari circled the table before sitting - her eyes still surveying the surroundings and the myriad of people within the obviously upscale restaurant.
"Elegantly done back there..."
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Luxeria
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Post by Luxeria on May 7, 2018 8:11:58 GMT -8
Luxeria took her seat at the table, letting herself get comfortable. It wasn’t until the Host left, giving them a few moments to reply. "Why thank you. Honestly, it would be quite embarrassing on my part if I could not manipulate the minds of the many in a few seconds time. That is, considering what I wish to achieve with my power."
It wasn’t but a few moments later that a waiter appeared, dressed as finely as the Host. He gave them a quick bow before asking for their order. Luxeria took a quick glance at the menu, already having a solid idea of what she wanted. After browsing the listed cuisines, she set it down, ready to lace her order. "I would like a Plicto steak, a side of stuffed yams, and some Blossom wine to drink."
Handing over her menu, she looked to Vasari, wondering what she’d chose.
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Vasari
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Post by Vasari on May 7, 2018 8:33:02 GMT -8
Vasari looked over the menu and though most of the selections seemed strange to her, her eyes stuck out at the work steak, and she smirked hearing Luxeria order the same thing. She looked up at the server when he looked her way and whispered with a blunt tone. "I'll have the Plicto as well... lightly seared on both sides and bloody... the Sufar greens... and Tsiraki if you have any?The waiter simply nodded at her inquiry - easily committing the second order to memory and excusing himself with the promise that their drinks would be out shortly.
"I probably would not have considered the crowd control myself."She shrugged slightly and set her hands lightly on her lap looking over the table at Luxeria - the majority of the distractions finally set aside."This place is lovely... thank you for bringing me here"
Vasari leaned forward resting her arms against the table and crossed her ankles under the chair, her eyes lingering on the curve of Luxeria's breast, easily accented by the plunging neckline of her dress. She smiled softly before her eyes raised to Luxeria's, though she remained silent.
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Luxeria
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Post by Luxeria on May 7, 2018 11:22:15 GMT -8
Luxeria listened to Vasari’s order, initially thinking that for safety’s sake, she’d order what Luxeria did. And it seemed as such with the first item though changed afterwards. It was unknown to her what Vasari had eaten at one time or another, so she could either be guessing or knew what they were.
Watching as the waiter left, she focused her words on what to say about what she did to the crowd. In a sense, it could be a tiny little lesson for the Zabrak to remember for later "It’s always good to look at the bigger picture before approaching a situation. If you know what to expect, you can better plan and ultimately avoid obstacles along the way. Like the crowd. I could have just persuaded the Host and gone on our way. However, the crowd could have complained, bringing out the manager. Then I’d have to manipulate that person. By silencing the crowd from the start, we remove any issues down the line. Besides, even one can disrupt a well crafted illusion."
She smiles and laughed a little. "No need to thank me, yet. This is merely the first night. Tomorrow, we can spend a lazy day relaxing and sleeping in a bit, then go to the Rose Nebula massage parlor. Then that night, we’ll check out Kristi’ Klub and see what trouble we can get into. The day after will be the last day. We can check out some of the other shops around and see what we can find. I’ll bring up a directory later so you can find some stores that appeal to you."
It wasn’t too much longer before the waiter brought out their drinks. She thanked him and took a sip. "Its been some time since I’ve had a good Blossom wine."
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Vasari
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Post by Vasari on May 7, 2018 12:49:48 GMT -8
The truth might have been that she had no clue what half of these things were - there were no such thing as 'Land Shrimp' on her planet and so it she wasn't feeling quite that ambitious just yet. Her people always enjoyed red meat... and blood - but that was a separate issue. She hadn't eaten a well cooked meal in some time and she knew she would enjoy this. As they waited on the drinks she listened carefully as Luxeria explained her thought process and while it wouldn't have caused issues that could not have been dealt with it was probably wise to get into the habit of avoiding potential problems with proper planning. In this case the crowd control saved them a potential headache later, but also denied them the opportunity to further test their skill. The path of least resistance was not what the Academy on Iridonia taught - but she understood the appeal and the use of such a strategy. After another moments consideration she nodded her approval and acceptance of the action and said no more on the lesson.
"It sounds like a lovely vacation... not sure i've ever had a proper massage. Some of the older apprentices always go hunting for young female acolytes to 'rub down' after sparing sessions... I avoided them for the most part."She said the last with a hint of emotion in her voice as if remembering something that saddened her - yet she brushed it away and continued."And a decent dinner with a good friend is just the way to start it off..."
She blushed slightly lowering her head - saved from a reply by the server returning with their drinks. She took the elegantly blown glass filled with the red spice liquor and raised it to her lips taking a long sip. The first thing she experienced was a sharp bitter and sour taste hitting the front of her tongue but as she pulled away and swallowed a lovely sweet berry taste coated the back of her tongue and down her throat - leaving her stomach glowing with warmth and her throat burning quite pleasantly. She grinned - it was exactly like she had expected.
"I heard about this from a guy i used to know at the Academy. He wasn't from Iridonia, from a planet named Byss i believe. Said it was both the best... and worst taste that would ever pass my lips. Heh he was right..."
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Luxeria
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Post by Luxeria on May 7, 2018 13:59:41 GMT -8
Luxeria chuckled a t bit as Vasari explained the idea of "massages" back at the academy. She leaned on one arm, head resting against it as her other hand tilted her glass back and forth. "That sounds enticing. Well, from the mindset of the fun I could have with them. Might have to look into that, see if I can't draw any in. Hell, we could even go at it together. Screw with them for awhile. Not that any of them would ever get close to lucky enough. Might also make them think twice before trying that again." She gave a dark giggle. Sith or not, Blackguard or not, she would hesitate to humiliate, manipulate, and otherwise break people like them. It never hurt to learn some manners in how to respect a lady. "As for these massages, you can believe that they are proper. Mostly done by women, though there are the occasional men. Mainly for the fact that men never mind being rubbed down by a good looking woman and most woman don't want to deal the perverts." She took another sip of her drink. "When they're done, you'll never have felt better."
She then looked at her glass, then Vasari's. "I've tried many wines, but this one has always been a favorite. Always being offered so many types as part of the many ways people tried to win my attention and affection. Little did they ever know, it was just a game."
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Vasari
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Post by Vasari on May 7, 2018 15:48:15 GMT -8
Vasari continued to sip at her own drink - it was not meant to be consumed in earnest - the alcohol content wasnt high enough to fully rob you of sense after a single glass, but the taste was better enjoyed in small doses. Listening to Luxeria speak about the boys at the Academy brought a thought to her head, one that she mulled over quite secretly for several long moments so as to not say something that might ruin the mood of the conversation - yet she desired the truth of the matter so she felt compelled to ask. Considering her evaluation of the massage parlor they were scheduled to go to she nodded in approval allowing a smile to slip across her lips."That does very enjoyable... which are better, the women or the men?"She inquired leaning forward slightly extending her mind with purpose towards her friends. The feeling of the living force brushed casually against Luxeria's outer thoughts - like waves upon a beach each inching further and further up the turf as the waves subtlety grew in size. Luxeria had asked her at the beginning of the trip to help her better improve her mental defenses and this seemed like an adequate time to give a lesson of her own - and perhaps extract the answer to her question without having to ask it. Other than the feeling of Vasari's mind slowly engulfing her own in its gentle embrace the young Zabrak's eyes were growing softer as she gazed into her friends - even as she made the comment about the wine.
"I've always appreciated something a little stronger... "Wine may be fine, but liquor is quicker"... i believe i heard someone say once..."
She giggled at the ridiculous quote but took a longer sip of her drink to accent the point. While the conversation continued Vasari drew Luxeria's mind into a mental game that the Masters of the Academy had taught the students to play as children - silly but effective at teaching one the basics of mental construction - it had eventually led her to create the Mind of Many technique that she often used to perform multiple feats at the same time. The rules of the game were simple... an image would be displayed in your opponents mind and they had to shield their initial reaction to the image from the one putting it there. If the shield was strong enough then the 'winner' would not have a reaction at all, however if the mind of the one projecting the other was deep enough into their opponents subconscious thoughts 'behind their defenses' as it were - then such a shield would prove ineffective and the reaction would be noticed quite easily. Vasari began by not explaining the rules - the same way she was taught - and projected an image of the Necklace Luxeria had won on Mustafar into the illusionist's mind, waiting for her mind to react lingering just within her subconscious where the waves of thought had carried her.
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Luxeria
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Post by Luxeria on May 8, 2018 13:55:21 GMT -8
Luxeria wasn't expecting the the work Vasari was beginning. The brushes of the Force against her mind had become natural to her now, especially after the missions of Mustafar and Pzob. She thought nothing of it, which worked to her friend's favor. However, it also hindered the the progress. It was a natural feeling that Luxeria accepted. Using that could also risk training her mind to resist Vasari anytime their minds touched.
Even still, Luxeria's defenses were much better than that. Such a brush she was capable of brushing off, even if she used it to actually mess with her mind. From day one, her previous master had begun invading her mind, manipulating her movements and putting herself in some sort of danger that she'd have to break free from to keep from being hurt. A harsh approach, especially without any training in the arts. Everything she learned was from trial by fire experiences, instinct, and trial and error failures. It had made her stronger, capable of defending against most attacks. In the end, she could carry on as she did. But the experience on Mustafar taught her she needed more refined defenses, much like Vasari's labyrinth. Something that could build layers of defense to give her time against those extremely powerful manipulators.
When the image of the necklace came to mind, she blinked and let her drop, looking off to her right a bit. It was still a thought in the back of her mind, this necklace being the very item that made her lose control of herself and risk the lives of all those with her. She had gotten over it for the most part, but the feeling still lingered. It would be some time before she was able to fully move passed it.
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Vasari
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Post by Vasari on May 8, 2018 14:15:46 GMT -8
Vasari's eyes continued to linger on Luxeria's wondering if her friend would come to realization that the image she was seeing was planted there by her - or something that she randomly thought of - the Living force did such things to her from a time to time - it had helped her learn to follow its guidance more and more, but what she had done was take a normally benign object and apply it within the middle of a conversation concerning something completely different. It was out of nowhere and Luxeria would see that it had a purpose. Her mind reacted as expected - shame and defeat - allowing that place to get the better of her. That is how she saw the necklace that was her gut reaction. Her mind of course could quantify the artifacts value and weigh that against what she suffered in the defeat - however her subconscious mind could not accept the difference so quickly.
It was true this sort of game was not normally played among friends - it was not a casual thing - it was a challenge of wit and will and control. Not normally the topic of dinner conversation. The game was meant to challenge you and force your mind to be creative. However, Luxeria and Vasari were not normal friends, they were not just two girls out enjoying each others company even if that was the sole purpose as to why they were here. Luxeria needed to be aware of the difference between Vasari's mindset and Vasari's mind. One was there for her friend - to get to know her, to grow closer, to share common experiences and see where things could go. The other was a weapon, honed and dangerous to both of them if they did not understand it. Vasari's casual practice of Battle Meditation would more often than not expose Luxeria to facets of Vasari's mind that others would never see, likewise their stronger bond through the Force Meld had already taken Luxeria to the center of Vasari's secondary defense, further than anyone had ever gone before. Had the pool at the center of the Labyrinth been disturbed all hell would have broken loose in Vasari's mind and Luxeria needed to know the dangers such a connection might lead to. And so... the games - they were designed to teach them both when it was ok to trust, and when it was necessary to fight.
Vasari leaned forward and ran her fingertip over the rim of her drink causing it to sing gently before she picked it up and took another sip of the bitter sweet liquor. Quite sure that Luxeria had yet to catch on to what was happening she went again - something connected something her mind would think was a natural thought after the first. Vasari projected the memory of her positioned on the dias between Luxeria and the necklace - their lips locked together with Vasari's tattooed had lingering against her cheek - the same moment Vasari had penetrated Luxeria's mind in attempt to pull her free from the grasp of the darkness they had found on the planet. And once more she lingered waiting for a response as the two continued to look at eachother in silence sipping at their respective drinks.
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Luxeria
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Post by Luxeria on May 8, 2018 15:43:02 GMT -8
As the image of the two of them before the dias, lips locked together, Luxeria’s eyes opened and shifted to meet Vasari’s. The point of this, the goal of knowing the difference between Vasari’s mindset and mind, was, indeed, something important to remember. She always needed to be ready. However, the subtlety of trying to work at her mind was easily over run by the choice images. True that the image of the necklace, let alone seeing it in person made her reflect on her failure, but she had moved passed it well enough that it didn’t torment her and appear randomly in her thoughts. And with the following image, it was made all too clear just what was happening.
She took only a simple breath as she sat back in her seat, eyes still fixed upon her friend. This wasn’t what she had in mind when she asked for help. Furthermore, she already could tell what was going on. Her logical mind was already dumbing down the purpose of this game, much like the spur of emotion meant to be gained from a master’s torture. But she would oblige Vasari’s attempt by pushing her out and locking her mind. Despite their melding, they weren’t deep in each other’s mind currently. Choosing to go with her initial route formed against her previous master, Darth Andor, she sharpened her focus and the Force around her mind. Before she had to sever links with smaller cuts, but her growth in the Force and practice made it so it was like one large blade passing over her mind, seeking to cut through the small links that were there, crafting the images. As it passed between their minds, there came and slight push to repel and keep Vasari at bay as her barriers rose, forming the wall around her mind.
All the while, she kept her gaze on Vasari, taking a sip of her wine as she did so.
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Vasari
Blackguard Imperium
Tell me that I wont feel a thing...
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Affiliation: Academy of Iridonia - Blackguard Reborn
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Post by Vasari on May 8, 2018 16:16:49 GMT -8
Vasari's mind allowed the sword to pass through, and it had about the same effect a sword passing through the waves of an ocean would have. Vasari had not infiltrated through a single strand or snuck her way past defenses - she had worked her way slowly within Luxeria's mind like the rising of the banks of a river during the rainy seasons - like the rising of the tides with the morning and evening current. The swords purpose was but a metaphor - a personification of her intent, and so Vasari risked locking herself in a battle of wills with the girl should she remain and so she pulled back slightly - raising a hand even in self defeat with a 'as you wish' smile and tilt of her head. Her thoughts retracted further from the inner presence of Luxeria's mind, but her own presence lingered like puddles in the divots of a beach as the tides fell back into the sea.
Still she had noticed a response to the kiss Vasari had given her - a small thing - a tether to hold her body and mind to purpose. But her partner wouldn't have known that. She rolled her shoulders back lazily leaning back into the chair - her mind as at peace with the formation of the defensive wall as fish swimming through the water would be as it noticed a boat passing overhead. Walls were about as effective as doors when it came to mental defense. They could be tunneled under - vaulted over - broken down - or simply bypassed completely by going around. All metaphors and personifications for different ways the mind works, but even still she did not underestimate her opponent. She allowed the walls to go up without interference or rebut, she simply watched their construction as they closed around her thoughts.
The main problem with a solid defense is that it lacked any offensive capability. The second part of the game was being able to bypass the defenses of your opponents mind to plant your own image - noting your opponents own reactions. Beginners played this game one at a time, testing the foundations of mental attack and defense - most would end in a battle of will and the stronger mind would emerge the victor - after you perfected or in most cases grew tired of the monotonous nature of the game - the rules changed. Images would be portrayed at the same time and you had to attack or defend - most of these games ended in aggravation, one only losing because they came to realization they couldn't defend their mind and penetrate their opponents at the same time... Thus Vasari had created the Mind of Many technique. She could already see the game was beginning to irritate her friend and so she raised a hand - palm up, in open invitation to try herself, or not at her 'leisure.
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Luxeria
Member
“Even the strongest mind can be manipulated. It’s simply a matter of finding its weakness.”
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Affiliation: Blackguard Reborn
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Post by Luxeria on May 9, 2018 10:39:29 GMT -8
Luxeria couldn’t help but smirk when she felt Vasari retreat from her attempt to invade her mind, even physically acknowledging it. She had realized that this would have to work on different terms, a willingness to work at the defenses rather than suddenly and subtly work against her. She gave a tilted of her head as she crossed her arms, the smirk never leaving her face "It would be best to explain the rules of this little game if we want to get anything done. Otherwise, my mind will naturally either let you in without question or push you out without hesitation. A hindrance, I’m sure. But we are passed the basics. Just trying to defend against you would be easy enough just as it would be for you to defend against me. We’re both capable of greater defenses, the kind to block even stronger practitioners. So we should on to the more complicated parts, such as the way you defenses are formed compared to the normal. And that requires explanation and guidance." Her voice was calm, simply pointing out fact. In no way was she looking down on her friend or the approach, but didn’t want either of their time wasted on what was already known and developed. Above all, she didn’t doubt or underestimate what Vasari could do and wanted to ensure that point was addressed.
It wasn’t too much longer after that that their food arrived. She looked at the steak and yams, looking forward to the meal she was about to enjoy. It had been years since she had the chance to delve into a finely prepared cuisine.
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