Private Abdication

[Kyyrk]

J O U R N E Y
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There was a storm coming. Not in the grand, mysterious, and often cliche way. Though there was indeed one of those on the horizon as well. But for now? Voph could sense the impending rain. His home on Vylmira had been stripped of all his personal belongings, and staged within the Obsidian Star, now waiting on the landing pad near Arx Obsidia. Had he known it would come to this? Of course he did. Deep down, he knew from the moment the dust settled upon Geonosis that he would be embarking on this journey. But only a select few were told. Darth Metus had of course been consulted long in advance of this decision. Whether or not he would appear tonight was a different matter.

But Voph had called for Gerwald Lechner and Vytal Noctura to join him. They would be the only ones, aside from the Vicelord, to know of his true intentions. Now was just the matter of their arrival. Voph was not waiting idly either. His custom Speeder Bike sat idle on the ground before him, and he was strapping a travel pack down for storage. No sense in separating it from the bike when it would live there for the duration of his travel. Voph's cloak billowed in the wind, tugging at the armor which it shrouded. Voph's mantle had already blown from his head, and he had stowed it within his utility belt. It was of no matter. He doubted Vytal nor Gerwald would understand the significance of this gesture. But still, whatever words he had for them were to be spoken frankly anyways. They were among his most respected allies. They deserved the truth.

Voph paused, tapping his finger on the seat of the speeder bike idly as he thought. Gerwald wasn't ready for what was about to be asked of him. But Voph did not doubt his ability. A new perspective, unburdened by the weight of what Voph had seen would likely be a boon for the order. Or at least, so he hoped. But he would soon see the results of his wisdom. Or lack thereof. Voph stepped back from the bike, and tapped a button on his wrist, commanding the bike to slowly trundle forward up into the waiting cargo bay. His arms fell back to his sides, and he set his jaw for the conversation ahead. Someone had arrived. The moment of truth was upon them...

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[Gerwald Lechner]

WEARING: xxx
TAG: Kyyrk | Vytal Noctura | Darth Metus

Winter was beginning on the capital planet of the Confederacy, and while this would normally be a sign that the streets would be full of joy and festivities, there was a somber feeling in the air. For Gerwald, and others who found themselves among the Knights Obsidian, the loss of so many Knight still weighed heavily on his heart. Gerwald was dark, but he still felt deeply. The lupine was an emotional creature, a passionate wolf, and it often caused him to be rash and not think about the consequences of his actions. He would be the first to admit his own blind spots.​

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The missive from Kyyrk surprised him. It seemed the Lord Commander demanded much of his time and advice in recent weeks. Ever since he had confessed his intentions to ensure Gerwald would be the chosen successor, the Miraluka seemed to be doing all he could to prepare Gerwald for the role. The wolf did not want to admit he would never be ready for the title. It was a weight too many had carried, and failed to carry well. Gerwald did not want to be among them, a desire which only made the weight of the mantle that much more dangerous.​

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His journey was not long, to the coordinates Gerwald had received. The entire trip had been spent trying to come up with a reason for such a short and mysterious request.​

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Why were they actually meeting?​

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Boots sounded as Gerwald walked down the landing pad of the vessel he had requisitioned for himself, fine craftsmanship from the Ministry of Science. It served his needs and purposed well enough, more than what was required. Casual attire fitted the Lord Marshall well, with his lightsaber, Wolfsbane, as the only weapon on his person. Gerwald did not travel without it.​

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His eyes landed on the Lord Commander.​

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"I have arrived as requested, milord."​

 

[Vytal Noctura]

Vytal leaned back into the chair situated before the viewport of the vessel. Yet she did not relax. Not from a lack of trust in a recent development made from Solanaceae research in matters, but from what lay ahead. Her eyes were closed as she listened to the lapping waves of time. Their rhythm. Their passion. Currents that would herald new wonders and new perils alike. Shifting currents disturbed by the masses that darted among the stars with singular purpose.

The closer the currents came, however, the more certain what they carried would end up at your feet. In this case, the Nightmother was of two minds. Dathomir was in peril of being swept up in matters between fueding Sith -- or the offspring of their philosophy, which was just as bad. Greater authority might make marshaling Confederate forces to its aid easier. Yet there were dramatic consequences to such things. The Knights were not a personal force to protect Nightsisters; they would require a more expansive scope. Voph had been set on finding and excising corruption in the Confederacy. He sought order. Many Knights could understand such goals. Use them. In turn she could perhaps be more open to... more traditional matters of the living. Perhaps. Though there were certain obstacles to assuming such a mantle.

On the other hand, remaining positioned where she was, the Pale Witch could guide those interested in mystic ways. Yes, even Force users, though many Obsidian Lords held a doubt as to what a Witch might do to their precious pupils. Another matter to contend with even as she tried to make the wisdom of the Solanaceae available to all. Unconstrained by necessity of being one step higher afford her more leeway in matters.

That was all dispensing with the circumstances that led to this personal debate over the future. Not the immediate future, of course, which was already set. Voph's decision had set this in motion, and while she understood it, she wondered if it was truly best. The catastrophe in recent times hung over them still which only pointed to the Knights requiring spiritual help that one's duty would not afford. Yet, Voph was a man of action. As though understanding him was overly difficult given all they'd been through across time and space together. Perhaps in its own way this venture -- this hunt -- would bring opportunities to heal.

A soft, low pulse drew the Witch to open her green eyes. The ship swept in toward a landing pad as its sole occupant stood to her feet. Those of technology had 'auto-pilot,' though Vytal found the idea of a more 'sentient' vessel appealing. The efforts of certain researchers among them had certainly paid off. No doubt this could prove useful in the future if the dark currents drawing ever nearer resolved themselves as foreseen.

The pale woman descended to the landing pad before she took measured strides in Voph's and Gerwald's direction.

"What a curious gathering," Vytal announced as she drew near. "In such a curious place. Lord Voph," her eyes turned toward the man that had requested their presence, "you seem to be of particular conviction today."

Tag: Kyyrk | Gerwald Lechner | Darth Metus​

Template By: Darth Metus (Guy)​

 

[Kyyrk]

F A R E W E L L
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Voph did not immediately respond to the two masters as they drew near to him. A deep breath was drawn, then slowly exhaled. "Only curious to those ignorant of my intent." Voph withdrew the scrap of cloth that normally adorned his brow, and turned to face the two beings. Gerwald and Vytal were treated to the sight of his face. Though they did not know it, it was the first time in almost four thousand years anyone had seen Voph for how he truely was. Unlike most Miraluka of the modern age, his lineage was old. Pure. And so, where eyes once sat, two empty sockets stared back. Hints of technology, cybernetics and augmentation, could be glimpsed within them. And of course, the scars upon his face were in full view for all to see. Three jagged lines across his cheek. And one fell gash from chin to brow. Other lesser wounds were on full display as well. The years had not been kind to Voph, in spite of this body only bearing the marks of a single decade.

Voph held the mantle aloft, as if preparing to return it to his face, then paused, instead stowing it back within his belt. If they had any familiarity with Miralukan culture, ancient though it may be, they would know the significance of the gesture. The mantle was not worn for the sake of the blind. But for the sake of the sighted. It was worn to hide the uncomfortable truths from them. Removing one's blindfold was a thing Miraluka only did with fellow Miraluka. Or with those whom they considered of the utmost respect. And anything said while laid bare in such a manner was considered binding. A truth so holy that were a lie to be revealed, it would spell expulsion from the Miraluka people. "There is much to be said, and little time in which to say it. And though this may be difficult to say, I shall speak frankly, for I know no other words to say it."

Voph turned his head between the two, his manner suggesting that he was addressing both of them. "Before he left Vylmira, Acting Viceroy Vuul spoke with me. And has given me a task on the behalf of my people. And a task to carry out for him. As may seem natural, I have been tasked with seeking out more of my people, and bringing them to safe harbor within the Confederacy. Surely I don't have to explain combatting the inevitable when one's species faces extinction yet again." The smile upon his face suggested humor, and yet the aura of the man spoke of a deep sadness. Voph didn't speak for a long moment, looking down at the landing pad below them. He sighed quietly. "When I left the Empire, I swore to myself I would never serve the whims of another. I had been beholden to far too many masters. But the Confederacy has made me question many of my past convictions. Peace is a lie. Words I used to hold so close, and so dear. Even if the Sith twisted them into folly."

Voph paused, looking back to Gerwald first, then to Vytal. "What happened during the Cataclysm was my failing. I should have foreseen it. Should have stopped it. But I didn't. And now our order lies in ruins. And we are no closer to stopping the threat than we were months ago. Nightmother, I have called you to bear witness to this act, and to offer what support you can." Voph turned to the crate that had been sitting next to him, and stooped to withdraw a simple spherical object. "Though I will not be entirely absent, I will be difficult to contact. But if you need my help, do not hesitate to call me. I call them Domakir. A tool I think that you will appreciate a good deal, Nightmother, assuming you do not already possess something similar." His arm extended to hold the sphere out to Vytal. Then, the gesture was repeated for Gerwald. "One has been fashioned for each of the Lord Marshals. The others have been sent, but yours I wished to give to you directly. We may use them to speak with each other, no matter the distance between us." Voph's gaze lingered on Vytal for a moment, then drifted back to Gerwald as he spoke.

"As I seek to correct my mistakes, your guidance will be needed, Nightmother. He has spirit, but has not borne the burden of leadership. And will need aid that I cannot provide if I am to seek out the cause of our downfall, and find the means by which to remove it from the galaxy." Voph's gaze landed on Gerwald, and if the man's meaning was yet unclear, it would not remain so for long. "The Knights Obsidian need a leader. And not one chasing a whale of white. Though my cause may be noble, it is one I feel will be far more successful if I am without distraction. The Vicelord has been consulted on this matter, and has given his consent. So, it is with a heavy heart that I abdicate my position as Lord Commander, so as to pursue the cause of our order's downfall. Though I may be unable to bring our people back, I can certainly ensure that such a thing will never happen again."

Voph paused for a moment, before reaching out to place a hand upon Gerwald's shoulder. "Though you may not be ready for it, I feel that you will serve our people well. As my last act, I confirm you, Gerwald, as the Lord Commander of the Knights Obsidian. Lead our people well, brother. Give them the leadership that I could not."

Gerwald Lechner | Vytal Noctura | Darth Metus

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[Gerwald Lechner]

WEARING: xxx
TAG: Kyyrk | Vytal Noctura | Darth Metus

Gerwald should have known the meeting had something to do with the events which had led to the Cataclysm, and the aftermath of it. What Gerwald had not expected was the intimate setting in which Voph would interact with them. The lupine could not recall ever seeing a Miraluka without their mantle, and while he did not understand the significance of it, Gerwald was aware enough to know it was.​

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Voph bore the face of hard fought battles, both won and lost.​

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The Nighmother also carried herself with a sense that Voph did not seem to be behaving as his usual self. Whatever the reason for their meeting, it was a curious thing.​

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He listened. Gerwald had been getting better at doing so in recent months. There were many lessons he needed to learn, but the art of listening to others had been one of the most important. It had also been the one to take him the longest. At least he did not rush into battle in such a foolish manner anymore.​

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Everything Voph was saying was leading to one definitive course of action. Gerwald could feel the pains in his stomach as it began to twist into knots. Before Voph could utter the words, before a hand was placed on his shoulder, Gerwald knew what was coming. He could almost feel himself shaking his head, willing the Miraluka, the Lord Commander to stop before the words could leave his mouth.​

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There would be no such luck.​

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As the hand was placed on Gerwald's shoulders the thing he feared the most in recent weeks had become a reality.​

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He stood there, silent. Eyes turned to the Nightmother for her reaction. Surely she would have been a better choice so soon. Yet, Voph had made his decision long before announcing it. He was determined to see it through.​

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Voph was correct. Gerwald was not ready for the task.​

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Was anyone?​

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Finally he bowed his head.​

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"If there is no persuading you to remain..."​

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They all knew the answer to that question already. Voph would not.​

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"Will you be taking on this task alone, or will you be taking others with you?"​

 

[Vytal Noctura]

A frown tugged at Vytal's black lips as she regarded Voph. Just because a flood seemed to hold a single course down a valley did not mean one did not wish it to be diverted elsewhere. With the same inevitably, however, the Lord Commander made his intention known to those in attendance; and it was with which the Nightmother found unpleasant. Yet it would be folly to force a person to walk a path that was not their own to walk.​

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Meanwhile, her green eyes didn't waver in the sight of the man's 'eyes' no matter how different they might appear. Whatever instinctual shudder they might solicit was kept under heel by a lifetime of survival training and struggle. Nightsisters didn't have time to feel squeamish. And the Nightmother didn't have the luxury.​

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Slowly she extended a hand to accept the orb that Voph soon produced. "Let it be said, Lord Voph, that should you require assistance that you shall not hesitate to call us. I see the conviction in your stance on this matter; but conviction alone makes for poor company on the long and dark roads of existence." Voph might be fixated on dealing with the aftermath of recent events. He might feel responsible in some way. Nevertheless, he did not need to die on some lost world because stubborn pride demanded he shoulder the burden on his own. Seeing how she had seen even a sliver of his past and how he dealt with his present, Vytal knew the man could be stubborn.​

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Then came the crest to the tidal wave of which Gerwald seemed least prepared between the two of them. Rightly so, of course, as the burden was being placed on him before being fully 'ready' -- not that most ever truly were. Her eyes slid to regard the lupine as Voph addressed him in turn. What was said confirmed once more that the river could not be dissuaded from its course. Perhaps, if there'd been warning, she might have tried, but what had graced her thoughts had not been actionable enough to that purpose. It did not shock her to hear Voph's words, but there'd been no place to stage to affect change before they fell.​

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The Dathomirin woman's face was hardened though most would describe its stark contrast as such daily. Green rings burned with the quiet intensity of another realm as they regarded Gerwald in turn. Perhaps he had not led so many, but she knew he was not entirely without experience in leadership. With support he would manage. Vytal had quelled her thoughts on this matter during the trip there. With a slight nod, the Witch would extend her assistance to the man as she had done before to Voph.​

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"You can be certain no matter how far the road stretches, we will cross paths again," Vytal remarked, though curious what Voph's plans were regarding his number. Either way, she meant what had been said. The Solanaceae were not so busy as to cease pursuit of knowledge of such power and danger in the cosmos.​

Template By: Darth Metus (Guy)​