A P E X
R E L O V I A N
Location: The Children's Square
0930 Local Time
Her Grace was Kind.
Relovian was not ruled by a despot. The people were not crushed underneath the boot of a tyrant, nor did they ever know the lash of subjugation. Instead, the one who wore the Crown treated the people of her realm as actual people. Though her station afforded her luxuries, her mind and acts were always focused upon making their lives better. Where some Kings would raise monuments to themselves and to their accomplishments, she would commemorate her people instead. She would raise statues in their honor. Open plazas to sing their praises. Even outpouring the coffers to ensure that none of her people suffered. Her Grace was selfless, and it showed in the adoration of the people.
What, then, would they say about the Vicelord?
When the Confederacy was born anew, Darth Metus did not deceive his people. He did not attempt to place an illusion over their eyes - but rather revealed to them what he truly was. A Creature of the Darkness. He gave to them assurances that, despite the reputation of his ilk, his efforts and concerns revolved solely around them. That the nation they built together would know only prosperity and peace under his leadership. And, if necessary, he armed them with the means to remove him, should his Darkness prove contrary to his word. For the first year of his leadership, Darth Metus strove to make good on his promises. He did not abuse his station. He did not trample upon his people. He certain was no despot.
But he wondered what the people thought of him. Did they see him as a benevolent leader? Did they rejoice in knowing that the Sith was on their side? Did they adore him just as the people of Relovian adored Queen Silara? Or...did they fear him?
These thoughts circulated Darth Metus' mind in an endless loop as he calmly strode about the cobbled path. Officially, he was not wandering about the streets of Relovian's capital city. As far as the press was concerned, the Vicelord of the Confederacy was located on Geonosis. Unofficially, the man veiled himself beneath civilian closes and a raised hood so that he might not draw undue attention. In recent history, the Sith had taken to paying the resplendent world regular visits so that he might see [member="Vyra Silara"]. Their afternoon luncheons were just the sort of escape that Darth Metus needed in order to keep going at times.
Today, one such luncheon had come and gone, and the Sith was due to return to his duties in a few hours. Yet, prior to departing, he wanted to see the latest addition to the Capital: A Square, devoted to the children of the world. A statue was the centerpiece: hewn of marble and depicting a woman embracing her three offspring. Fountains circulated the piece - encouraging younglings to run through them on hot summer days. To the east was a play place for the children, whilst street vendors peddling confections dominated the west. By the Queen's description, the Square was meant to be an escape from the noise of the Capital. A place for children to be themselves.
What the Sith found, however, clashed considerably with what he had been told. Briefly, he came to a halt before a throng of denizens who were standing before the statue. The fountains had been shut off. There were no children at play. And even the vendors' stalls were unmanned. All eyes were upon a single man who stood before the statue, preaching with supreme passion. He was accompanied by a few robed compatriots who were silent at the given moment. Darth Metus lofted a brow at the scene and moved closer, pressing his way through the natives as casually as possible.
And as he drew closer to the front, he could feel another like himself. A Creature of the Darkness was here, present within the Square. But who? But what? His fingertips gingerly brushed upon the lightsaber which rested within his jacket's pocket. For now, he acted not on the awareness of this fact. Instead, the Sith made no attempt to disguise his mammoth presence in the Force and levied his sulfuric gaze upon the sermon which had captivated the Square.
[member="Seath"] | [member="Andrai Willows"]