Private Contemplation

[Sarlow Zambrano]

Sarlow wasn't one to seek his father's counsel often, thus when he did it always felt strange. Although his father had always in some manner of speaking, been there for him, it was far from typical relationship most men might have with their fathers. The Panathan Wolf bade his guards, the Red Maw to remain at the doors whilst he visited his father. A hand through his hair the oldest of Kaine's children crossed the threshold of the door and down the corridor the man walked. His shadows lingered behind him in the dull light. Blackblades and other guards carefully watched his every step, the Prince's cloak hovered over the ground as each step seemed to echo a little louder than the previous.

His shoulders felt heavy, perhaps it was the questions that burned within him, Perhaps it was the duties he bore, whatever it was even as he walked straight, head held high Sarlow felt the burden of a thousand worlds on his shoulders. It plagued him that the Pacanth Reach had suffered the errand of fools. Usurpers who hadn't the right to steal away the millions of voices that called it home. Though that was for a moment far from his mind, what did tarry in his thoughts were that of Lina Ovmar there wasn't much that he knew of her but he wanted to know. Sarlow also wanted her to be forthright with him, the beast within warned him not to carry on with her as he had but that beast had been born out of the very stain that had cursed him; his arrogance.

Rounding the corner he headed up a set of stairs.

Soon enough the Wolf of the Reach had arrived at his father's chambers. He spoke with the page who in turn notified his father of his arrival, and only when he had been summoned did Sarlow dare to open the door. "Father," he had long stopped referring to Kaine as dad those days ended the day he was cursed. "My apologies for any intrusions my unannounced visit brings, but I am... well, I seek perhaps words of wisdom, advice." Rather forward and not one to hide what it was he wanted, Sarlow continued, "and while I know that ever since your time with the Wellspring, such trivialities as seeking payment in blood for the lives ended in the Reach are no longer at forefront of which you seek... It is at the forefront of my mind." Although that wasn't the primary reason for his visit, and Sarlow knew better than that. "But that is not the most important reason of why I've come. I had questions about a woman who bears your mark, Lina Djo."

Darth Carnifex ​

 

[Darth Carnifex]

Silver stylus scratched against aged flimsiplast, intricate patterns left behind in it's wake; drawn in black ink. The modern age had long abandoned such rudimentary implements, the knowledge of how to manufacture flimsiplast had all but passed from the galaxy. All new knowledge had been recorded on holobooks and datacrons, stored within vast vaults or housed in public libraries. But there was a certain ceremonial significance to transcription writ on flimsiplast, a ritual nature that tugged at the hearts of those tuned to the ancient traditions.

He angled the stylus slightly to the side, and the width of the ink widened as He drew it across the page. He'd learned the art of calligraphy from the Mystics of Voss, who still practiced the artform to this day. When conjoined with the ancient scripture of the Red Sith, it created flourishing patterns that combined art and language. It was rather meditative, and He enjoyed indulging in such passions when nothing required His immediate attention.

Though, the revery was quickly broken by an alert chime at the door to His study. He glanced up from His work, setting aside the stylus, and calling for whomever it was to enter. It was one of His many pages, attendants who waited hand and foot upon His every desire. They informed Him that His son, Sarlow, was here to see Him. It wasn't an unexpected visit, He'd been anticipating it for some time. He set aside His work and then bade the page grant Sarlow entry.

The tall and handsome eldest son of Darth Carnifex strode through the doorway, and while his steps were confident there was an inner turmoil etched into his features. The Dark Lord had long since learned how to read people, even without the ability to pry into their minds. Minute details such as microexpressions, the subtle ways in which people stood idle, the positions of their hands, and the orientation of where their eyes wandered could reveal a great many truths. Sarlow had much weighing on his mind, and all of that was conveyed subconsciously through his body language.

"Such wisdom is always dispensed freely for those who yearn to heed it, my son." The Dark Lord leaned back in His seat, arms at rest. "I would assume you already know much about the woman, Lina Djo. She is quite evident in her designs, much like her mother was. But I understand that she has caught your eye, has she not? A fierce and wild thing, it must hearken to that aspect within yourself. Still, what would you want to know about Lina Djo?"

Sarlow Zambrano ​

 

[Sarlow Zambrano]

He should have led with that from the start, though, yes, he harbored every intention of holding the galaxy accountable for the crimes committed against his people. Sarlow's heart dwelled somewhere else; in his father's presence, the man felt small, as if he were still a boy, uncertain of what to say to his father. Sarlow lifted his gaze towards Kaine, despite being of the same height, he always looked up to his father.

"I know only as much as she allows me to know; I've respected her privacy thus far," he admitted, yet questions lingered in his mind. "However, as you mentioned, she has caught my eye."

"More than that," he began, a note of confidence in his voice, "she has my heart. But, I am rather concerned about the mark and the woman whom you hold." Sarlow had done some research. "Leilah, a Twi'lek, I believe." Sarlow paused a moment before continuing on, "I wonder what it would take to free her, but perhaps more importantly," he fiddled with his cloak, trying to decide how best to phrase his next concern, "I fear what this curse will do to any heirs I may have with Lina. The beast seems not so keen on keeping in check with her, so I wonder how to soothe that side of myself. Reassurance, perhaps."

"I intend on making Lina my first wife, and if necessary, I'll take Leilah as my second, and for that, I seek any advice you may have. After all, you and mother have been together for nearly a century, and you managed to balance multiple wives as well." If he was going to do this, he wanted to do it the proper way, as established by his father.

Darth Carnifex​

 

[Darth Carnifex]

"To take this woman as wife is a very serious decision, Sarlow. It is not to be taken lightly."

But the lad knew that already, Carnifex was saying things that the Wolf Prince had already come to terms with. He could see that much, at least, the determination in His eyes as He made His bold declaration. To deny the boy would be cruel, but the Dark Lord was concerned. He knew that Lina had only ever agreed to bear His brand to save the life of the woman, Leilah, and to position herself close in His proximity to one day strike at Him.

He did not care that Lina plotted to kill Him, He expected it from her; she'd made her ambitions clear. But He loathed the idea that His eldest might get swept up in some conspiracy, not that Sarlow would or could turn against Him, but that Sarlow's heart would be broken. When the witch cursed Sarlow to bear the curse of the wolf, Carnifex had rightfully destroyed her on the spot; erasing her from all existence in an instant. He let Sarlow roam freely, to come to terms with who He was, and while He was overjoyed that Sarlow had come back and began taking on the responsibilities of the family; He knew that Sarlow had not mended what had broken him.

"I have reservations, Sarlow. I do not want this woman to come to you false, I do not want you to suffer because of her ambition. Your mother and I desire only the best for you." Salara and Kaine had spoken at length many times about their children, often coiled amongst one another or entangled with another wife or two. Carnifex sighed and weighed His options. He would only give His blessing if He was absolutely certain that Lina's love was true.

"She will seek me out in time, Sarlow. Isolda has foreseen this. When she comes before me, I will ascertain the truth of her love for your sake. If it prove true, then I will give you my permission to wed her and the other woman if that still be your aim."

Sarlow Zambrano ​

 

[Sarlow Zambrano]

Sarlow heaved a sigh, it was a mix of relief and anguish. He was blind to Lina's ambitions that was by design, he knew little in the way of her grand designs. The man had taken years to come to terms with the monster he had been cursed into. The Prince studied his father's features as the older Zambrano spoke. No longer could the man sit still, he pondered now the possibility that Lina might not have been forthright with him. Of such he should consider she like himself was a Sith. Sith are naturally treacherous and deceitful for their own gain. His father was right to say it should not be taken lightly. "I... understand," his voice hesitant not that he didn't understand but the reality of what could be began to sink in.

The woman who cursed him had been erased from existence and if Lina's words have rung hollow then her fate would be the same. Sarlow paced going one direction within the room then the other. Steadily, slowly, his mind as he paced, began to turn the wheels. "Mother isn't so keen, she's asked for Lina's blood." He scoffed, "to weigh her truths, although I suspect she just wants to add it to that phylactery of hers." The Panathan Wolf couldn't deny that his mother and his father had made their points. Lina Djo was and is a dangerous woman, one who had been raised on deceit and that the only reason they had met was because his father, held Leilah.

"As for the other woman," Sarlow began, she was of no consequence to him, but she meant something to Lina and that was a start. "I'm not quite sure what to make of her other than she's Lina's."

He himself wasn't opposed to having more than one wife, Sarlow had been raised by a man who had them. There were many, and such it had been the expectation that the sons of Kaine would have the women that which they pleased. Alvarex had Amethyst, and was in the process of seeking a second and third wife for himself. Ansgar had yet to place eyes on anyone, and Xathrael spent his days scheming against his brothers. Sarlow however not only had the possibility of the first wife, but a second.

The Wolf stopped pacing and faced his father, "I had not... I knew Lina had her own ambitions and that her reason for being under your mark after having eluded you for so long, was for Leilah. I only know that she is on Malsheem and a Twi'lek." And blue, but that was all he knew of her Sarlow's mind wandered back toward the woman he longed for. "As for Lina, I treated her coldly, you know."

"Kept her at a distance," he sighed, this time it was tormented, "until I could no longer do so."

Darth Carnifex​

 

[Darth Carnifex]

He chuckled, how could He not. It was very much like Salara to ask of such a thing.

"Your mother would have peeled the truth from Lina like one peels a fruit. Woe to any who would incur the wrath of a mother." Fortunately, they did not have to resort to that yet. For all of Lina's ambitions and her aims to cause Him great harm, she had not displayed such viciousness towards Sarlow. Through the mark she wore upon her skin, the Dark Lord had been privy to their intimate moments together. He found that she willing gave herself to him, met his passion with her own, and seemed to bask in his presence like only a lover could.

Then Sarlow spoke of the other, Leilah. "She was with Lina when I took her. She has intense feelings for the Twi'lek, I suspect that they are lovers as well. I bade Lina obey me by using Leilah as a hostage, she has lived as a servant within the Malsheem since. The girl lives in comfort and is protected from all malcontent. Regardless of her feelings for you, she still harbors similar love for the girl. If all comes to pass as you desire it, then I will likewise give the girl to you to do with as you please; as is your right."

Carnifex rose, standing equal with His son. He placed one hand upon the Wolf Prince's shoulder and squeezed affectionately. "I understand, my son. Truth be told, it was the same with your mother. We first saw one another when we were both so young, and I had not yet acclimated to the ways of the galaxy after my isolated childhood." This was the first time He'd ever spoken of His life before marrying Salara to any of His children. "I was struck with her intense beauty, but I could not convey my feelings adequately. We did not meet for a long time, I left her notes in a public square in Canthar, in a place that she knew to look. In time, we did meet face to face, and our love only grew."

He let His hand slip from Sarlow's shoulder. "Do not shy away from your feelings, my child, embrace them. If Lina is true, then you both shall be strengthened." And weakened, but the Dark Lord did not articulate that. His mind flashed with images of Anaya Fen, and the heartbreak of their separation.

Sarlow Zambrano ​