Private Devilish

[Salara Zambrano]

FIRST OF HER NAME
SITH QUEEN + SITH ALCHEMIST
Undisclosed Location
[T H E M E]


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Salara descended the steps of the palace arriving at the opulent vestibule that sat at the bottom of the grand staircase. A long flowing gown, black as the night itself, she cast a sidelong glance at the servants there. Her haunting gaze lingered no longer than a moment before they were at the train of her gown. They followed her across the threshold she said little and thought only of how long it would be before her own rituals would be complete. A cloning facility had been hard at work to prepare a youthful body for the grand alchemist so that she might have her essence transferred into a new form.

It was all so that she could be prepared for Carnifex's plans to come to fruition. Ever devoted to him, Salara eagerly awaited the day when her husband would be his youthful self. Until then, the Queen marched through the palace and arrived at the location as set by her husband. Quietly the Alchemist requested one of her children, Cordelia. The youngest child of Salara and Kaine swiftly came forward to her mother's side. There in hushed whispers did Salara give Cordelia the quest of building a new phylactery and laboratory. There were still plenty of experiments to be done and it would be Cordelia, who would oversee them. Once the orders were given, Salara was left only with her chosen guard, the Queen's Guard along with a pair of faithful annwnsi.

Darth Carnifex

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[Darth Carnifex]

Much of His time had been consumed by planning and war, the grand designs brought to fruition by careful calculations and precise manipulation. The nexus point, when all would converge, was nearing. There was little He could do now other than wait, so He traveled beyond the auspices of the Sith Order to a world known by few others. It had been scouted by His followers in the years before the rise of the Sith Empire, before He again ruled as Emperor. Those followers had been silence, their memories wiped so that no knowledge of this world could pass from them to others.

They had built a palace, grand and towering above the land around it. Servants had been brought in, kept in darkness and isolation until they could be set free within the palace grounds. To show His affection, the Dark Lord had gifted the palace and by extension the entire planet to His first wife; beloved Salara. She had been given the power to shape the world as she saw fit, to do with it as she pleased. He'd visited the world on several occasions, always to meet with His beloved wife; often for intimate congress.

His ship once more dipped through the clouds, soaring over verdant fields and lush woods before slowing down and landing on polished marble inlaid with gold seams. He emerged, dressed in the raiment of the Sith, and moved dutifully into the palace. He found His wife Salara awaiting Him, her guards near alongside a pair of annwnsi, the loyal companions of the Zambrano family. They were well-disciplined and trained, and thus did not rush ahead to meet Him, though their eagerness to do so could be sensed by both Epicanthix.

"Beloved wife," greeted Carnifex as He approached, reaching out to take Salara's hands in His own and draw her into an intimate embrace. "It has been too long since I have been graced by your presence, it is joyous to again be with you." He reached down to pet both of the annwnsi, each of the large hounds reacting appreciatively to His presence. "Much of my mind has been preoccupied by the intricacies of the Order, tell me of your days, beloved."

Salara Zambrano ​

 

[Salara Zambrano]

FIRST OF HER NAME
SITH QUEEN + SITH ALCHEMIST
Undisclosed Location
[T H E M E]

​

"Dearest husband," replied Salara in return as she took her husband's hand in hers. Had it been so long since they had embraced like this? The Grand Alchemist never bothered to count the days. She knew that he would always return, one way or another, Kaine always returned. "Indeed it has, but we should not dwell on the sand in the hourglass though they pass, they are endless, much like you and I." Salara smiled warmly as she watched the pair of annwnsi react to Kaine's affections toward them. Salara moved to link arms with her husband and began to walk with him. They would descend the ornate steps toward a lush garden. "The Order requires your attention, most especially if everything is to succeed as planned."

Kaine inquired about her days, and Salara first began with their children's affairs. "Cordelia and I have begun construction on a new phylactery, Ansgar furthers his research into metallurgy and the Force. I've requested a new forge be built for him here, Xathrael remains under the ever-watchful eye of Rex's private retinue. His treatment is almost at an end, and from there, I shall see to his re-education." It wasn't that siblings were not allowed to murder each other for favor or power, but Salara most certainly detested it when it came from her own children. They had no need for such dramatics when they were each powerful in their own way. The Epicanthix's pause was short, she continued on, just as she and her husband continued their walk. "Speaking of, Alvarex continues to train himself, he has gone forth to seek out a world worthy of our people. He has sent forth his two sons, Dak'iir and Varr to the Core, to keep an eye on the Jedi there."

They walked a little further toward the sounds of a babbling brook, "and you'll be most pleased to hear that our most precious, Sarlow has finally embraced his heritage. I've provided him with slaves to feast upon, but he'll soon look to build his own pack, I'm quite sure of it. For now, I've given him an estate to the North."

"As for myself..." Salara's voice trailed off as she gave her husband a sly, sultry smile, "since I have heard of your plan, I've begun my own. Our daughters, Mavriana and Ephraazel have not only completed a new cloning facility not far from here but have been creating clones. One of which will be for my personal use so that when you have completed your ritual. I shall conduct one of my own, and darling, we shall continue our reign, everlasting."

Darth Carnifex
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[Darth Carnifex]

"Excellent, this is most excellent, beloved."

The Dark Lord walked side-by-side with Salara, arms interlocked and their strides in perfect synchronicity. Behind them were the annwnsi, ever loyal, plodding along at a close distance behind their masters. The Queensguard were at a more measured length, shadowing the pair, but not being so close as to intrude upon their intimacy. This was to be their moment, and they would not have any other desecrate that sanctity. It was better in the garden, where the guards could remain further back without losing sight of husband and wife; keeping their vigilance and their distance simultaneously.

"Our children are beyond dutiful, my darling. You have taught them well, for there is no doubt that this dedication mirrors your own. I know that they will measure up to any task set before them, because they are pure of body, mind, and spirit." There were few others among His offspring that the Dark Lord could rely on for exemplary results, but those children He shared with Salara were always there to set the example for the others. Xathrael's momentary lapse of judgement was unfortunately, but with some targeting re-education he would be allowed back into the flock. He would need to be reminded that the family mattered above everything else, and that to go against the family was a terrible sin.

"Mavriana and Ephraazel will not disappoint us, I know the worth of their talents. When all of this comes to an end, we shall be as vigorous as we were in our youths." By the way the Dark Lord phrased it, He was implying more than the simple exuberance of youth, a hidden meaning that Salara would know very well. As they came upon the babbling brook, they stopped at its banks. The water demarcated the garden into two halves, which were connected by a stone bridge constructed somewhere along its middle segment. The pathway they were on continued to run parallel to the river until it reached this bridge, and the path stretched further both on this side and on the other.

"I have come to understand that some of our people have rejected us, and have fled to the Alliance for protection. I also know that my wayward son has gifted them his patronage. It pains me to see us divided so, but without a world to truly call our own our people are thusly scattered." He looked from her to the brook, noting the water as it ran over the various rocks and pebbles spread throughout it. "This is a time of scouring and purification, my love. Those that fall from the path must be corrected," He looked at her then.

"Or destroyed."

Salara Zambrano ​

 

[Salara Zambrano]

FIRST OF HER NAME
SITH QUEEN + SITH ALCHEMIST
Undisclosed Location
[T H E M E]
​

The sounds of their faithful hound plodding behind them brought further comfort to the Grand Alchemist. Salara's arm interlocked with Kaine's continued to put the woman at ease. Safe wasn't a word she used lightly, but with her husband, she always felt safe. A feeling she's always had around him. Whilst she had her own guards, even specially bred hounds to keep her safe, none could compare to Kaine. "As they should be," agreed the First Wife with regard to the children she had raised. Anything less than pure devotion to the family's noble cause was not tolerated and consequences were, as aforementioned, severe.

"They never do, our daughters," continued Salara as the dark palace hovered behind her and her husband. Its towers loomed overhead, striking against the planet's beautiful night sky. The First Wife knew well her husband's meaning, it was a goal she had long wanted for, yearned, really. Upon first hearing of her husband's goals. The Epicanthix had taken to her own so that she could continue to serve him as such was desired. As the duo crossed the bridge, the hounds continued their ever-faithful vigilance whilst walking behind them. "I await the day when such a vigor has returned to us both."

Salara sighed, of course, their people had become wayward, as sad as it was to hear. It almost seemed inevitable given the destruction of their home. Such was the way of those unwilling to keep faith in their gods, "then a purification shall be at hand, soon." It was detestable that they would run into the first set of open arms. "My dearest, I am with you throughout this crusade," for that is what she considered it. For eons, the system of nobility on Panatha ruled the system nearly without effort. While the planet is no more, the system remained, and those breaking its rules and laws would be punished. "You suggest mercy for those willing to be correct, darling?"

Darth Carnifex
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[Darth Carnifex]

"Yes," answered the Dark Lord. "Those that have strayed must be given a singular opportunity to return to the fold, our people deserve that mercy. Those that accept shall be welcomed back, though we will keep an eye on them for any potential deviation. Those that reject our mercy will not receive it again." Rare was this extension of clemency from someone like Darth Carnifex, a man who frequently showed no reservation towards cruelty and explicit execution of those that went against Him. But to those that truly knew Him, or at least observed His actions with a close eye, would understand His affinity for His own people, the Epicanthix, and this desire to see them reunited.

The trees above afforded them some shade from the looming sun, and as they passed beneath their boroughs the Dark Lord held Salara close. He bent down, lips seeking hers, to again profess His love and devotion in a physical and intimate manner. It had been too long since they got to steal away time for themselves, as their machinations often pulled them in separate directions. They always worked towards the same goal, their minds aligned in practically all matters, but the physical distance between them had been a notable wound. Carnifex would seek to remedy that yearning as quickly as He could, to rekindle that fire that had blazed in them both so many years ago.

How long it had been, decades and decades. He knew He loved her the moment His eyes set upon her, the light catching her ebony locks while her dress, sensual but martial, clung well to her youthful form. They had been the same age, adults still stumbling through their early years, but their upbringings had been very different. She was the heiress of a family still in good standing in Panathan society, while He hailed from disgraced exiles. Yet, they found one another in those moments when no one else was looking, and they took one another for themselves and burned away all those that stood to separate them.

"And one day, our home will be restored. And we will rise higher than any before us, we have this one chance to build our people anew. A world that we can reforge to our liking, make things exactly the way we want them to be."

Salara Zambrano ​

 

[Salara Zambrano]

FIRST OF HER NAME
SITH QUEEN + SITH ALCHEMIST
Undisclosed Location
[T H E M E]
​

How long had it been? Salara did not often let herself wonder about the time that had long passed since the last time she and Kaine had shared affections. Such thoughts were malicious in and of themselves, and as such in these small and sweet moments. The brunette met her husband and savored the moment greatly. The Grand Alchemist felt a renewed sense of devotion to her husband. Salara could scarcely recall a moment when their futures didn't loom over them. Even in the years just after their marriage, Darth Carnifex's shadow loomed over the couple. Salara betrayed her family to join Kaine, she had been promised another but had been determined to forge her own path.

Even in the light, and in this form, Salara saw not the Dark Lord many, if not all saw him as. Rather, she saw him still as the young man who had been determined to do whatever it took to achieve his goals. It was his determination, and the want to see things through that had been among the traits that drew her to Kaine. "It has been far too long, my darling," commented Salara who thereafter, placed her head against her husband's chest. Her mind traveled to a distant memory in the morning afters where they lingered in the Panathan sun, still in bed. It would not be long before they could do so again.

They were not the sort to begrudge each other the physical distance, although it had become something of a wound in their marriage. They were both constantly preoccupied with their goals. Goals that often aligned with one another and sought to further their ideals. "Then let us exploit the moment, and not just raise our people back to power..." her voice trailed off as she took a step back and looked into her husband's eyes, "eliminate those parties responsible, for the world's destruction." Salara wanted to snuff out entire lineages if possible.

"Tell me, Kaine." Began Salara, "as Sarlow and Alvarex have regaled me with stories of the Sith. I hear there is yet another squabble among their persons? It seems they have long forgotten the might of Sith Lords when they are focused on a singular goal. I wonder," she took moment to pause, and then continued, "are they not aware that powers such as the Galactic Alliance and now these new Rimward Trade League linger about?"

Salara chuckled lightly. "The light still burns, and they squabble like children for toys that they cannot afford."

Darth Carnifex
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[Darth Carnifex]

"It is a trivial matter," assured Carnifex as He held both of Salara's hands in His own. "Maliphant exaggerates his own importance, and calls himself Empyrean now. Ophidia forgets her place and endeavors to undermine carefully laid contingencies. They have struck an accord against me, but even now their bond untangles. I have fed their egos with easy victories, goaded them into overextension, and drawn them into following my goals. They do not yet know it, but they have paved the way for my victory."

He bent down to kiss her, and while His actions appeared passionate, they lacked that fire that she'd once sensed within Him all those years ago. He was a shadow of the man He once was, twisted into something resembling Kaine Zambrano but not quite the same. But if His plans came to fruition, then all of that would be swept away. He would be whole again, and they could again endeavor to reignite the spark that had dimmed.

"While I plan for the confrontation at Aing-Tii, I have dispatched Saryn Naberrie to oversee the preparations for the Revitalization. His forces amass near the Caldera as we speak."

Salara Zambrano ​

 

[Salara Zambrano]

FIRST OF HER NAME
SITH QUEEN + SITH ALCHEMIST
Undisclosed Location
[T H E M E]
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Salara held back her comment, not that her husband would mind one way or the other. He of all people knew how opinionated she could become. It was simply that she didn't feel the need to bother about it. "Empyrean," drawled Salara as she titled her head, "what a ghastly being." Although, "you are right, it is trivial." Said aloud more for her own benefit than his, a soft sigh flowed from the Epicanthix woman as she enjoyed the company of her husband. It would have only improved if their dearest Invicta had been around. Salara was more surprised by Ophidia, a woman who had been fiercely loyal to Kaine. "Oh, how loyalty flees so quickly these days." Evaporated, really.

The two paused a moment, and Carnifex surprised Salara.

It wasn't that she hadn't been expecting the kiss, it was more or less that - well, yes, she hadn't been expecting it. But she was no less happy for it, and as he pulled away she wanted to whine. Salara didn't for two reasons, one it was simply beneath her given the moment - had it been in their own private chambers she would have indulged them both for it. Second, it was one of the reasons while she loved Kaine, had pulled slightly away from him as of late. The passion wasn't there, it wasn't as it was when they were younger. Oh the memories of such days were quick to resurface like oil in the rain, right to the top of her thoughts.

"Good." Punctuated Salara, "my plans will be complete before such a time, and I hope..." voice trailed off as she stopped. Her hands in his again, the woman pulled her husband closer. "I know that when this is over, we will have ourselves again, and Kaine." Her eyes locked on his a finger rested on his chin as she cupped it. He had always been taller than her but even then, "I want our revenge, every name, every bloodline that has conspired against our people, against us. I want them to burn a thousand deaths."

Kaine needn't do more than to search in Salara's eyes, her fiery gaze the burning anger that simmered. While sweet whispers and treats were the love language of some, death and violence had become the love language between Kaine and Salara.

Darth Carnifex​

 

[Darth Carnifex]

How He would have ravished her then and there.

But that fire had diminished, but it was not yet gone. There was always a glimmer of hope that it could be rekindled, and what the Dark Lord endeavored to accomplish would certainly fulfill this yearning desire. But, despite His current state, the words which so eloquently slipped from between Salara's plush lips set alight in Him a keen ache. He'd never forgotten why He had taken Salara to be His pride, the very first in fact, but it was so delicious to be succinctly reminded why.

She understood the allure of violence, reveled in it as much as He. Were it not her hand that set in motion the death of her betrothed all those years ago? Bespoken to another, yet already carrying the child of her towering paramour. Did she not guide His hand in the destruction of her family? Those kin that had protested against her union with the heir of disgraced nobles, little more than a eloquent butcher, had been sacrificed upon the pyre of their maddening passion.

"They will all suffer, my beloved of beloveds. Their names, their histories, will be stricken from all memory. No monument shall remain unearthed that belies that they had ever existed, all shall be oblivion." They held each other close then, intimacy that traveled far deeper than mere words ever could. She was His queen, first among the devoutly wedded. She was privy to so many things hidden from all other eyes, and she knew His heart deeply. Their union had been born in secret, sanctified in blood, and strengthened beneath endless stars.

"This I promise you, our people shall know justice."

Salara Zambrano ​

 

[Salara Zambrano]

FIRST OF HER NAME
SITH QUEEN + SITH ALCHEMIST
Undisclosed Location
[T H E M E]
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Violence had been their language from the very start. Salara was a woman who when she wanted something, got it, no matter the cost. Slaying her own family who dared to question her choices. Dared to get in the way of her love for Kaine, were now merely ashes along with the rest of their planet. Those she felt under the care of the Zambranos suffered needlessly by zealots of the light. At times she had to ask whether those who followed the light were unaware of their own hypocrisy. So when they broke from their affections, and she once more stood at his side, Salara heard the words her husband spoke.

Earnestly she replied, "Then it shall be so."

"It is no less than they deserve," venom as she thought of the smoldering ruins, the scorched bodies of innocent Epicanthix made to pay an unjust price. A price so that those of the light, might gloat and be delighted with their actions. It seemed to Salara that good things were on the horizon, as once Carnifex completed his Ascenion he would once again be made whole. Salara would have acquired her own youthful form and then their revenge, their plans to have blood for blood could begin.

They walked a little more, she was the first devout wife, the first of her name the woman who knew Kaine better than most. "And the return to Dromund Kaas? Shall it and Korriban be cleansed?"

Darth Carnifex​

 

[Darth Carnifex]

"Yes, my love. The apostasy shall be cleansed, and all shall be made right again. Dromund Kaas will be returned to us, as will Korriban and Ziost. We shall be rejuvenated, resplendent in our newfound power, unyielding to our enemies, but generous to those who have kept the way." He planned to strike out against all worlds that had so readily embraced the lies of the apostate and the heretic, to bear against them with all His arms unsheathed. Systems would be scoured clean by purifying fire, His will be done.

The clenched fist of the Dark Lord shall know no mercy nor hesitation. Those that kept true to the Sith ways, even in secret, shall be spared the wrath. They shall be elevated above all others, given a seat amongst those who likewise held fast to the faith. However, the era of entrusting Imperials to govern themselves or lead the armies of the Sith was gone. In it's place, the Sith shall assume the role of governor and general, so that their power could never again be undermined as before.

Carnifex had spent many hours crafting the foundations of a new empire, a Rejuvenated Empire. It would not spread out like the old empire had, by directly controlling it's territories, rather it would establish enforced tributaries across the galaxy. In every sector, on every world, the Sith's influence would spread.

Even deep into the Core Worlds.

"It will be glorious, and you will be there by my side as always, my love."

Salara Zambrano ​