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Thread: What's Past is Prologue

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    Closed Thread What's Past is Prologue

    “Lord Protector, a boat is approaching the western shore.”

    Salem didn’t turn away from the window that permitted him a view of the reefs surrounding the Reef Fortress of Hapes. “Thank you, Major. Have the Chume’doro bring our guest inside.”

    The sound of Major Lecavalier’s polished boots clicking against the floor retreated into the distance. Soon, the Major would descend to the cove where boats approaching the fortress could be anchored. Travelling by water did not always suit visitors to the isolated island, but the geography of the Reef Fortress was such that no other means of accessing the stronghold was possible.

    Silence held in the hall for a while, then another set of footsteps sounded behind the Lord Protector, softer this time.

    “Your guest has arrived.”

  2. #2
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    "I know.." It was why she had come. The presence drawing closer had left an impression. "I could feel her.."

    There was no sign of turmoil in the Queen Regent, no lasting effects from her first encounter with their visitor. Whatever paranoia had been rippling like aftershocks through her mind from their battle had been burned away, but not so much that it was forgotten. She was not hesitant to encounter the woman again, no nerves plagued her at all. In fact, she had wanted to meet with her again, almost from the first. Sensing that she had to.

    Her steps stopped just behind the Lord Protector.

    She was not afraid, she knew that he would protect her, no matter what, but she did not want him to have to. The only way forward was through, and that meant meeting with her again.

    Baska.
    Last edited by Razielle Alastor; Mar 30th, 2019 at 02:30:41 PM.

  3. #3
    Baska had known she was bound to see Salem and his protegee again, although the invitation to meet with them in the Cluster had occurred earlier than she had expected. Yet she had accepted the invitation. Although some may have replied as a way to pay respect and be at the power couple of the Consortium's beck and call, as they happened to be, the Sith Master was on Hapan soil from her own choice. After all, when she wished to disappear into oblivion in most mortals' minds, she had proven to do exactly as such.

    She had been impressed by Lady Razielle's proficiency. Of course the Sith had more ground to grow, more than either Salem or herself, but Baska recognized value where she saw it, and she didn't think that Salem would have spent so much energy into training someone who had little value, even with a wonderful political position. Baska understood the rules of politics, but had most often been an outsider in her life, and she was fine with that. Operating from shadows, any shadows of her choosing, was something she tremendously cherished.

    She briefly remembered feeling the life growing inside the other woman. It brought a pang of sorrow to the blonde Master, but she quenched it at once, burying it in the deepest confines of her soul.

    The trip by sea to the fortress had been a good opportunity to reflect on the last encounter and what may come in the future. Upon arrival to shore, she disembarked and followed the welcome committee. To anyone seeing, Baska looked as beautiful and gracious as most Hapan ladies.

    She sensed her fellow Sith's presence in the Force, dark vicious beacons pulsing beneath the ancient stones of the fortress.


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    Lacking the gilded splendor of the Fountain Palace, the Reef Fortress was nevertheless Hapan in decoration, with huge ornamental windows overlooking the sea, candelabra hanging from the ceiling, and artwork, including paintings and statues, lining the walls. An impregnable tower stood over all else, as a refuge for the Chume, but it was to the central hall that Baska was lead. At Major Lecavalier’s instruction, the Chume’doro and Chume’nor had vacated the hall, leaving behind only Salem and Razielle. When the royal guard reached the corridor outside of the main hall, Lecavalier drew open the doors, gesturing silently for the regent and Lord Protector’s guest to step inside. This was not the court, so there would be no announcement of her arrival with titles and honours.

    The heads of House Alastor stood side by side as Baska entered. Salem said nothing, deferring in his silence to Razielle.

  5. #5
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    The last time Baska had seen her she had been on her knees in the dirt, her identity concealed behind a mask. That was not the case this time, the Queen Regent was quite recovered, an image of glowing health, in fact. She wore no crown, though the Hapan blue and gold gown she had chosen was all the inference of her station that was required, but also not the point. If the goal was to amass a gathering of people to bow and scrape before them, they had already succeeded in that marvelously well. That was not at all what she sought from this encounter.

    Baska had earned a place of respect in Razielle's eyes already, as a warrior who had defeated her. It would be foolish to not use that defeat, turn it into a challenge. Take something that had made her weak, and turn it into a strength. But she was not the one to be convinced.

    "Hello Baska." Razielle smiled, genuinely pleased that the woman had chosen to join them today. While it was hardly a fait accompli, it allowed for potential. "Thank you for coming."
    Last edited by Razielle Alastor; Mar 13th, 2019 at 02:49:12 PM.

  6. #6
    Baska entered the room, when invited to. She took in the settings and how it was a private meeting, as she had intuited from the invitation. When the doors closed behind her, she moved forward, eyes moving from Razielle to Salem and back to the Hapan lady. She would have observed any required protocol in a public settings, or have relied on Sith persoona as in the past, if needed. She took the lead from the brunette for how to address them. She nodded to both of them, and stood a couple of meters away from them.

    "Razielle, Salem. Thank you for the invitation," she said with the hint of a smile, genuinely curious about what this moment would bring to the table.

    She couldn't help feeling the little life growing inside Razielle, its flicker more potent than the last time they had met. It was why she had halted her relentless attack upon Salem's protegee. Very few things were sacred to Baska, but it was one of them. Her smile turned warmer. "I sense your little one is growing well and strong."

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    Although she was dressed for the royal court, there was no curtsey or bow from Baska. Each of them wore costumes, but had no need to play the parts that they denoted.

    “Our daughter will be pleased to have a brother or sister,” Salem said, lifting one almost possessive hand to rest at the small of Razielle’s back.

    “Rattatak was… enlightening, for all of us. I hoped that you might spend some time with us, here in the Cluster, to see what else we might learn from one another.”
    Last edited by Dasquian Belargic; Mar 13th, 2019 at 04:21:34 PM.

  8. #8
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    At the mention of their child, Razielle's hand inexorably moved to her stomach. The gesture might have been construed as defensive, though it was not. The more time had gone by, and the more thought she had devoted to the events on Rattatak, Razielle had already come to the conclusion on her own. The fact that she was with child had been partly responsible for the outcome of that day. She knew without having it clarified further, Baska meant the child at least, no harm. Her gesture was possessory. While Beatrix would always be their firstborn, in the eyes of the galaxy she belonged to Tristan Alastor. This one.. this one was theirs.

    The welcoming expression on Razielle's face turned into a bit of a twisted smile. "I knew that had been it.."

    Salem's presence beside her, his touch at her back, sent a current of energy through Razielle that both she and their child drew strength from. Strength and will she had in supply. It was knowledge that she was after now.

    She watched Baska, hoping that she would decide to remain with them for a while. Razielle was far from ready to give her the level of trust that she had in her sister Creas, but most willing to meet her halfway, in whatever Baska chose.

  9. #9
    Baska had already understood the bond between Salem and Razielle was strong, but when no pretense was at play, it was even fiercer. Such bonds were a rarity. The blonde took no offense at their body language. A child had to learn hard lessons eventually but they also had to be protected until thye was in any capacity to fend for themselves.

    She gave a slight nod when Razielle expressed the connection she had established between Baska's mercy and the pregnancy. It was an eerie feeling to the blonde, who most often felt deep sadness at the mention of pregnancy, or in the presence of young children, for always tore open her never healing scar. In a weird way, that only the Force might eventually explain, she did feel protective of their child as well. Obviously the feeling was removed from the immediacy of a parent's experience, but Baska nevertheless recognize the flicker of feeling in her soul.

    She returned her attention to Salem, considering her options. She didn't mean to be rude, but at the same time, she wasn't the kind to trust easily. She could leave her research for a few days, especially since she didn't have any active artifact hunt right then and now. "I would be honored to stay for a few days... for now." She said in earnest, for she was fairly certain they were all still testing the dark waters. Obviously Salem had long history with both of them in a drastically different way, but the configuration was still in progress, at lack of better words.

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    “A few days will suffice.”

    Mindful of, and in some ways grateful for, Baska’s unwillingness to linger too long within the Consortium, Salem knew there was little sense in delaying matters any longer.

    “Do you need rest, or can we begin immediately?”

  11. #11
    Baska kept it to herself, having learned over the years to keep cards to herself more often than not, but she was relieved that her answer was found satisfying. She didn't picture herself staying too long for multiple reasons. Time would tell how the situation would unfold, but she trusted in the Darkness that her presence in the Consortium at the moment was where she should be. Ironically, letting a fraction of her guard down, as a token of good grace and cooperation, required almost more conscious choice than her instinct to keep everything closed off from others.

    "We may begin," she replied to Salem's inquiry, appreciating the offer to rest. She had had plenty of time on the boat to rest and ready herself for the visit.

  12. #12
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    Having secured Baska's agreement to remain, for a while at least, Razielle nodded once graciously. Had their request had been met with resistance, or denied outright, the advantage of time might have swayed things in their favor. But not having to waste that time would be more advantageous by far. That Baska also wanted to get started right away made Razielle smile all the more excitedly. "Excellent.."

    Razielle had no sad, tragic past that haunted her, keeping her shackled to another time. No quests for resolution drove her to avenge anyone dear to her. She was remarkably unburdened with bullshit. She was simply not that kind of apprentice. What had always driven her was desire. Whatever she felt, she felt strongly. When she wanted something, she was relentless about it. Her slate was ready to be etched in whatever skills from Baska's Dark Side repertoire that the woman would share.

    Jewel-bright eyes slid tellingly to the side, toward Salem. Razielle may have been ruling over the Consortium for some years, but her master ruled over her. It was for him to decide how she would progress.

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    The hand still at the Queen Regent’s back urged her forward. Unseen, behind Razielle, something passed over Salem’s expression, hollowing and hardening his features.

    “Assault her mind, as you did on Rattatak.”

    Callidus extended a closed fist, the Force gathering around him with all the sudden darkness of a storm.

    “But with greater force.”
    Last edited by Salem Ave; Apr 25th, 2019 at 07:15:47 AM.

  14. #14
    Baska's expression remained unchanged even as Salem asked her to assault his mate's mind, worse than she had done on Rattatak. Maybe to some, it would seem as if the Sith Master hadn't heard but her hosts would know better. In the blink of an eye, thanks to hours spent meditating upon the encounter, she remembered how things had gone down during her first meeting with Anxia, how she had gained the upper ground in their duel, how promising the other Sith woman had proven to be. It was clay to be molded and Salem had already done artwork with Razielle's talents.

    The statuesque blonde didn't need to touch or do anything physical to make the mental assault powerful, deeper than what she had done in the arena. She used the expectation, the hunt's wait for prey and predator. It might give time for Razielle to build up her defenses, and it was part of Baska's plans, causing shrilling pain in the other Sith's mind even with defenses put up was part of the process. It was when you felt ready and confident but were not strong enough, that you had to fall the hardest. It was how Sith could prevail.

    At first, it was a whisper in Razielle's mind, like a nagging feeling that she couldn't trust herself. Baska could have directly used Salem's image to tear into Razielle's brain, but it would have been too easy, too blatant. She dug deeper, pouring pain and doubt into the brunette's soul, pulling at everything bit by bit, with acute fear poured into her as well, created from Baska's own bank of trauma.

    Fear that the child Razielle was carrying would be born with defects, a disgrace for someone in her position, a tragedy for Salem and her, the proof that Razielle couldn't make this work, that she had failed. Baska insinuated her will as deep as possible in Razielle's mind, building a crumbling fortress, consumed by fear and decay, loss and despair, betrayal of the self, failure of being a good mother, a good mate.

    Baska still stood as a statue, her power permeating the room as well, as she tore at everything she could from Razielle's mind. She was unleashing more hells, but more could still come.

  15. #15
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    Whatever the woman thought she would find poking around in her mind this time, Anxia did hope to surprise her. There was no more preparing that she could do, she was as primed for this attack as she could be. This time she knew what to expect from Baska, knew the signs of how it would begin, and also of how she had been overtaken with it before - and to a much lesser degree than was about to be inflicted upon her. It perhaps should have troubled her, but instead the ghost of a smile remained in place on her lips.

    Anxia's mind had practically been cracked open like an eggshell by this woman once before, and into she had poured all of her own pain, her own loss. An entire lifetime of all manner of toxic, malignant emotional wreckage. With one simple suggestion by Baska, Anxia had spent hours replaying every single way her life could spiral into a living hell, until she was rendered a paranoid, bleeding mess.

    And it was fine.

    Every fissure of doubt that had splintered through her mind, and every fearful hollow that had become filled with despair had been repaired. Much like a priceless broken object that had been filled in with gold to preserve and strengthen it, so had her mind been permeated with what made her the strongest. Cauterized in the conflagration that was her bond to her master, vitrified by the unabated reciprocal exaltation of it. It was not that Callidus had fixed her, it was that he reminded her that she was strong enough to fix herself, because he had already made her so. Because she was his, and he was hers, and that made everything else rather..insignificant. It was worth fighting for. It was worth suffering for, if that was what it took..

    It began with a creeping feeling in her stomach. Something dark slithered within.. At first, Anxia thought it unconnected to whatever Baska would attempt to foist on her mind. That it was something related to her pregnancy. A complication.. Something was wrong. She should never have fought like that on Rattatak.. it had done something to their baby.. Her hand went right back to her stomach, and this time it was protective. Violet eyes narrowed, sensing this tactic and not at all appreciating it, but.. finding that she was able to differentiate between reality and Baska's rotation of torments.

  16. #16
    Baska remembered the sensations of breaking into Anxia's mind. It had been a powerful experience for both of them. While the brunette still had progress to make to be on the same level as Callidus and herself, Baska had felt the high of potential and power already vibrating from the other woman. She had expected better resistance today and she wasn't disappointed, and she kept pushing harder both through frontal assault and more treacherous one, that still played upon myth and reality. She didn't do anything physical to the other Sith, all her preying and warmongering solely upon Razielle's soul.

    While the blonde excelled in other ways of the Force, mental powers were her forte and the darkness that had honed her intellect and her resilience over the years made her mind a beautiful and deadly weapon to inflict suffering. She knew - expected - Razielle to withstand more. What she had sensed in the arena, as well as when reflecting upon the encounter since then, was that the splitting and the mending that had occurred would make Anxia much stronger.

    Baska pushed further though, this time focusing on plain but searing pain and sorrow. Razielle may recognize it wasn't her own per se, as she seemed to be now able to, for what Baska observed of her, but relentless fear and devastation could be wearing down even a strong Sith. Being able to withstand exhaustion of any kind, was something they had to excel at. For all manipulation and finesse, resilience in the face of unexpected and powerful threats was crucial, even for one in Razielle's position and even with Salem at her side. One never knew what could happen, and Razielle would also have to be prepared to fight both for herself and her child. While Baska wouldn't hurt the child, she pressed Razielle even worse, wanting to see the other woman stand her ground and not let her mind cripple even as her energy may fade, having to sustain for her sake as well as her child's.

  17. #17
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    None of the emotions being imposed upon Anxia were exactly new to her. Old friends maybe. She recognized fear when it was being willfully inflicted on her. Knew that oppressive feeling of panic. The urge to react in some way, any way, do something! The crawling, nervous, sensation telling you that you were not safe, that what you loved was not safe. It was not easily brushed aside, and yet there she stood, taking it.. Forcing herself to remember her purpose, that going through this, enduring this, was how she was going to protect what was most important to her.

    Pain.. It was not physical pain that washed over her, although she could certainly feel the echoes of previous discomfort. The only serious injury she had ever truly sustained had been when a dagger meant for Salem had gone straight through her, back to front punching through just below her clavicle. It had hurt, but it had been the best feeling she had ever had too. Her mostly insignificant injury, or potentially Salem's life? There had been no choice to make. She would take a knife through the back for him daily if it came to that. There had been pain when she had been told she had to marry Tristan Alastor. There had been pain when she had given birth to Beatrix. Each time she thought about the concept of pain, she also came to the realization that whatever that pain took from her, it had given her back something too. And it always made her stronger..

    A slight wrinkle of distress creased her smooth brow. Baska was adapting, pushing something new into her mind now.. and she recognized it as sorrow. Not just any sorrow, this was just like she had told Salem after Rattatak. There was nothing general about it, it was specific and it hit it's mark, just as it had the first time. Far too clearly, she could still see how it could all come tumbling down around her. She could lose everything. Their baby, their beautiful perfect daughter.. She could lose him.

    Anxia was unused to defending against these kind of psychic Dark Side attacks. The result of never even attempting to shield her mind from her master. For her, there had simply never been a need, she did not keep secrets from him. She could conceal her emotions, her thoughts, and the Force when she needed to, but this was different. Illusions she had plenty of experience with, but this was different from that as well. It was no deception. She knew without a single doubt that what she was feeling was very real.. It was her. Baska.. And it was so strong.. She was struggling with the consummate force of emotion being inflicted on her, it was torture. Torment that felt like it would drag on for an eternity, one where she would linger on with nothing else but this loss, this pain. She was sure it was only taking minutes, but even minutes in that kind of agony felt like ages.

    Her jaw tilted a fraction to the side, as though she could turn her face from it. Deny it, somehow. Then, a muscle flexed there and she swallowed, her eyes refocusing on Baska's, determined.

  18. #18
    Razielle was stronger than the last time. Baska could sense it, especially now as she relentlessly tortured the other Sith. The blonde maneuvered and manipulated, keeping Razielle on her toes, keeping her guessing again, in betweel the deep sorrow she kept inflicting upon her. The Master worked in layers, for life wasn't a straightforward affair. She had bottomless reserves of ways to test Razielle and she had no qualms using them. She was very much inclined to do what Salem had requested of her, not simply as a way to honor an ally; but also because she had expectations for the Hapan noble. Although she had spent years roaming the galaxy, Baska was keenly aware of how rare a true potential like the pregnant brunette was.

    Still standing in front of Salem and Razielle, she felt the shift in the other woman. Her assault didn't halt but her words suddenly pierced through the silence between them. Her tone was no request; but a command.

    "Do not flee the attacks. Use them against you. Bend them to your advantage."

  19. #19
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    The attacks on her mind did not slow, let alone stop. That she was able to withstand such an onslaught of pain and anguish, and have the will to see beyond it impressed even Anxia a little. She could feel the natural response to such grief, tears burning like drops of acid behind her eyes threatening to spill over, compelled to fall for the gravity of loss she was enduring. It took all of her self control not to back away from it, even as her chest drew in a shuddering breath.

    The woman's words reached her, and she did listen to them..but deep within the prettily packaged, blue and gilt Queen Regent of Hapes, Anxia recoiled.

    Nobody but Callidus told her what to do...

    Furious, righteous indignation set her own emotions alight, suddenly burning back against the assault on her mind. Whatever she had wanted to prove to herself, she had done so. She could withstand this kind of attack now, she knew how - and more importantly she knew how to push back against it..

    Some still controlled part of Anxia did acknowledge that Baska was not commanding her, that she was trying to impart something to her.. That being the point of all of this pain..

    Beneath the pale flesh of her jaw, Anxia clenched her teeth, actively fighting back against the blonde Sith now.
    Last edited by Razielle Alastor; Mar 30th, 2019 at 06:55:23 PM.

  20. #20
    Searing through Razielle's psyche, twisting and turning everything she could find, in subtle or blatant way, keeping the woman on edge, Baska felt the repulsion to her words. She wanted Razielle to stand and face the attacks. If it took angering her, so be it. A true Sith embraced all emotions and turned them into weapons for great resilience and power. She wouldn't let go of the Hapes Queen Regent until the other woman would do as such. The Master knew that the brunette had it in her. She had sensed it, and she would push for it.

    When she suddenly felt the shift through the Force, the uncanny bond that had begun forming between them during their battle in the arena. Razielle was fighting back, and she was fighting well.

    Baska held her ground with little difficulty, but she sensed Razielle hit stronger, twisting what she forced upon her back at her. The Darkness woven between them was becoming thicker.

    She kept pushing back against Razielle, relentless in her attack, all the more as she felt the brunette improve her counter-attacks. The twisted but deep satisfaction she got from the brunette gaining new power right before her was invigorating.

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