Home Front: Virtue & Vice || The Confederacy

[Xazzex Xivar]

Well, Xazzex didn't mind possessing the ability to ensnare the minds of anyone she chose. It wasn't something she chose to use unless necessary. Foolish Falleen came to rely on it as Jedi did their precious Force -- and what happened when it didn't work? One trick ponies were turned into glue.

A soft snort and a smile accompanied Zenva's proposal. Xazzex lifted her glass to meet Zenva's. "To friendship and the future." A straightforward and appropriate toast. The woman was nothing if not practical behind her bombastic displays. Just the sort of performance a woman could appreciate when the performer knew well enough not to overdo it.

The two women took a moment to savor the wine. Neither were in any particular hurry. Even if this was on government time, meeting with prospectors and establishing relations were part of her job. The manner in which she accomplished those aims were not subject to review -- and if anyone in Parliament found out and had a problem with them, Xazzex would be the last person to care.

"What do you for entertainment? There are so many possibilities in the galaxy; some unique to the Southern rim." They needn't speak about business the entire time. Though Xazzex was curious how far Zenva had spread her influence. Knowing her interests might lead to enjoyable encounters later on. Maintaining relations was as important as establishing them.

Zenva Vrotoa​

 

[Zenva Vrotoa]

It was Zenva's turn to laugh. A warmer, more genuine sound filled with actual amusement. Setting her glass down for a moment, the Zabrak reclined into her seat with a smile. "Entertainment, well." She shrugged, her hands splayed open as she did.

"Would you prefer the polite answer, or an honest one?" Her hands coming out to her sides, the left and then the right, as if she held the actual options in them. "The polite answer being that I'm an entrepreneur. My life is dedicated to the growth of my companies, and the well-being of my Clan. What free time I have to myself is spent at one of my resorts on the paradise world of Chroma Zed." Serrated teeth flashed in another smirk. Her left hand closing into a fist, slowly slipping down into her lap.

She paused for a moment, letting Xazzex process her response, and respond to it however she chose. Her left leg slipped from her ebony evening gown as she settled it atop the opposite knee. The new posture forced her to turn her body away slightly but her gaze remained fixated on the emerald skinned woman's golden eyes. A small chuckle slipped from the Zabrak, her smile deepening.

Only once the Falleen had been given a chance to react or remain silent, as was her perogative, did Zenva continue. Her right hand closing, and slipping away. "A more honest answer is that I am actually a very simple creature. I enjoy wine, women, and wealth. Any combination of the three, and you're likely to have my undivided attention. I am a creature of red emotion, rage and passion, hatred and lust. I have hungers, and polite society rarely allows me to indulge my darker appetites."

Slowly Zenva's foot began to bounce in the air. It wouldn't be long before even Xazzex, a relative stranger, would realize just how animated the Zabrak was. She didn't seem capable of sitting still. Her hands moved as she talked, and in her silence her legs seemed to become restless. The more at ease the Zabrak became in Xazzex's presence, the more she seemed to come alive.

Xazzex Xivar

 

[Xazzex Xivar]

"A fulfilling, productive, and indulgent lifestyle. One many aspire to and very few ever come close to obtaining," Xazzex replied politely with a slight nod, followed by a small drink from her glass. Of course, the wealthy and powerful were afforded the luxuries to claim the spoils of their efforts. Some found their way there by luck. Others by circumstances. And more still through dogged persistence and bloodshed. The two of them had staked their claim in that arena. "Few would find fault with that polite answer." It was the sort of thing you said to everyone, even a Sith, and were applauded for it.

"I prefer the honest answer. Polite answers and colorful lies are for people that lack vision. Or spines." So long as Zenva didn't confess a desire to burn Falleen to the ground or take what was Xazzex's there was very little her emerald companion would hold in contempt. That didn't mean she'd agree or encourage the woman to the vilest of confessions, but she didn't tell people how to live their life any more than she expected people to tell her how to live her own.

Simple? Such humility. Perhaps what she personally yearned for was simple, but in the end wasn't everyone? Was a man seeking revenge because someone killed their father truly 'complex' by comparison? Motivated, certainly. Righteous, arguably. Complex?

Xazzex calmly set her glass down before she turned slightly in her seat to regard the crimson woman. Her Falleen counterpart was placid by comparison. She'd always lounged comfortably even in the heart of the Senate (or Parliament) with a glass of wine in one hand and derisive thoughts reflected in her eyes. Other politicians chased after their fellow politician bowing and scraping to garner support. She'd always done the opposite -- Xazzex enjoyed ignoring the lot and waiting for them to become desperate enough to seek her out. Falleen never ascribed to the "strength" of joining the galactic community.

The Confederacy... being its Vice Head was certainly different.

"You would enjoy the splendor of Falleen. Much as I described the Confederacy's role as maintaining balance, we, back home, demand courtesy and respect to the powerful for order; but aside from that why shackle ourselves from offering or taking what pleasures life affords?" It was a dangerous society. There were some that thought it too dangerous, but they were vastly out numbered by people with good sense. One only need look at so many other worlds that adopted acceptance and tolerance to see weakness ravaging an entire culture.

A smile touched her dark lips. "There are places nearer where you can still get a taste of such things. Some found in this very den."

Zenva Vrotoa​

 

[Zenva Vrotoa]

The Zabrak's undivided attention felt much like being watched by a Nexu. Bizarre yellow-red eyes fixated on the Falleen's golden orbs with a predatory intensity. Her foot bobbing in the air, not unlike the slow flick at the tip of a feline's tail while they made calculations. She was reclined, and would seem relaxed if not for the constant micro gestures and subtle movements the excited carnivore made almost on instinct. Only when a smile curled Xazzex's lips did her sharp features warm with one of her own again.

"I imagine I would enjoy your home, my Lady." A small laugh escaped the Crimson Devil, her smile spreading to a wide grin as she started to chuckle despite herself. "My appetites usually require a little planning. Unless something unfortunate should arise. Like the guard outside for example. I would have let him touch me, because ripping out his windpipe with my teeth seems like a fun way to correct such behavior."

A shrug of utter disregard lifted her shoulders before she retrieved her glass for another swallow of her drink. "Not to say there isn't something here or nearby that I wouldn't enjoy doing twice a day." A rich laugh boiled from the Zabrak. She lifted her glass as if in salute to the emerald skinned alien across from her. "Did you have something particular in mind, Majesty?" Amusement coloring her tone.

Xazzex Xivar

 

[Xazzex Xivar]

A quiet laugh rose behind closed lips as Xazzex regarded the outrageous woman beside her. "This is a den of vipers," the Falleen acknowledged. Even not being there as the Vice Head of State, however, and even as a member of the Underworld, there was a benefit to not needlessly spending the owner's money hiring another guard. She already had a solid enough reputation. Zenva being new, however, might see value in drawing lines others would not soon forget. Perhaps, when there was time, Xazzex might warn them of the Zabrak's less tolerant attitude. They would reciprocate, but a stable neutral environment was to their benefit.

Their glasses lifted to one another for just a moment. Xazzex mulled over the moment. It came to the Falleen she didn't have many reliable social partners. Zenva was more than just a capable business woman, but an exciting and daring presence on the social scene as well. Just the sort of attitude an intolerant Falleen woman could enjoy.

"They have an arena downstairs. Private watch bays." If it was blood that Zenva didn't shy away from and might even enjoy, why not a little indulgence of some prearranged showings?

Zenva Vrotoa​

 

[Zenva Vrotoa]

Those bizarre yellow-red eyes widened with the mention of a fighting pit in this very establishment. A soft pink tongue appeared briefly as the Zabrak licked her coal painted lips. A wide smile split her sharp features as a giggle of nearly girlish excitement spilled from the carnivorous Crime Lord. "My, my. Blood sport. How exciting."

Pausing again to sip her wine, Zenva watched the Falleen though hooded lids. Had she finally found a kindred soul? Another being who's contemptuous disregard for most of the galaxy around her came from an understanding that some were simply superior to others. Much of the galaxy was choked nearly to death with incompetent leaders, and moronic populations of Bantha following blindly behind them. And if you butchered a few Bantha now and then, who did it really upset?

"I think I am going to truly enjoy your company, Majesty. Let's go watch something bleed." Zenva's laughter rang throughout the chamber, amusement the likely insane Zabrak simply couldn't contain anymore. Her off hand came up, gesturing for the Falleen to lead the way, not willing to move first. Again sipping from her wine glass to give Xazzex time to react.

"I should warn you." She murmured softly, fallowing closely after the rising Falleen. During their journey, Zenva would remain a step behind and to the woman's left. "Bloodshed wets my apatite. We should have dinner together. We can wait till after if you prefer." Again Zenva's twisted little chuckle boiled from her.

Xazzex Xivar

 

[Xazzex Xivar]

Zenva was about as pleased about the revelation as Xazzex had hoped. The Falleen had offered to show the woman some sights to enjoy her visits to Rothana when business or pleasure required, hadn't she? That the woman was beside herself with delight at the prospect of people bleeding -- perhaps dying -- all for the amusement and financial benefit of others... well, why shouldn't she enjoy the spectacle? Why else was it there? Perhaps it did suggest she was unstable, but the galaxy was unstable so Zenva fit in nicely.

Xazzex uncoiled from the plush accomodations with her glass in hand and a smile on her equally dark lips. Power plays aside, the Falleen was the one that knew the way. One could guide from the back and watch as people cautiously sought to avoid overshooting or taking a wrong turn anticipating the next instruction, but such games should be saved for someone deserving of less respect.

A slight tilt of her head accompanied an unclarified word of caution to indicate the Falleen was listening, Zenva a step behind the leader. Evidently, bloodspots truly excited the Zabrak woman. Enough to chuckle with the warning it would make her famished. An interesting thing to chuckle at if there wasn't more to it. Zenva was practically giddy at the thought of the fights to follow. Good to know. There were plenty of arenas in the galaxy; Xazzex would have to make sure to be mindful where the nearest and best were in relation to any place the two of them met.

"We can have it brought to us. Food. Drink. We can speak of interests and visions between the bouts." They did have a comfortable padding time between matches. One couldn't burn through combatants too quickly, but neither could they be so slow that guests didn't feel inclined to purchase creature comforts or enjoy their private lounges. Zenva certainly gave off the impression she wouldn't be inclined to talk when people were trying to kill one another in her presence.

It was a relatively short walk. The two women followed a sweeping ramp that descended to a lower floor. At the bottom stood two broad shouldered men with hard faces that sized up the newcomers without so much as a flicker of their eyelids. Sometimes even the guests got unruly and the club needed capable people there to settle matters before chaos spread.

Beyond the guards, a small assortment of men, women, and otherwise stood in an open area regarding descriptions of upcoming challengers and favorities, odds of victory and payout alike, and menus for all manner of luxuries while one waited. Straight ahead sat a hemisphere with three sapients behind it. One looked up as the two drew near.

"Welcome to the Pit, Madam. How can I be of service?"

"Private lounge for myself and my guest. Full service," the Falleen replied with ease. No need to ask for options to place bids as that feature was a given. They wanted people to spend their money, but not everyone could afford the 'full package' as it were. Xazzex and Zenva weren't just anyone.

The pretty thing smiled, tapped in a few controls and then extended a hand toward a charming young man off to her left, "Vadek will escort you to your lounge. Should you require any thing at all our staff will respond promptly to your every need during your stay. The next round will begin in five minutes."

With a slight nod, Xazzex turned and checked on Zenva from the corner of one eye to see if she desired anything further before they went to the lounge. Perhaps she wanted to check out the displays, or the other guests, or had questions for the receptionists.

Zenva Vrotoa​

 

[Zenva Vrotoa]

The rhythmic click of stiletto heels against the floor was the only sound the Zabrak made for some time. Her plump lips remained curled in a smile, clearly enjoying her introduction to the Falleen Empress. She was confident, and direct in a fashion that Zenva seemingly appreciated. She didn't mince words, or flinch in the face of Zenva's monstrous nature, and such strength was hard to find.

When they reached the coliseum below, Zenva's attention drifted away from the emerald skinned alien. Her eyes fixated on a number of things briefly, noting guards and guests and the like, before turning back to Xazzex. She had seen plenty of establishments in a similar enough fashion to understand her surroundings. Nothing here was worth her attention with the exception of her hostess. She would be truly surprised if that assumption were inaccurate.

The pretty thing behind the counter turned to her, following the Falleen's golden gaze. Zenva smiled anew, a soft, polite expression if the Crimson Devil could ever manage one. "Have someone fetch us a new bottle. Something old, and red. Dinner menus, and betting tablets." The Zabrak said in her heavily accented stage voice. Pearlescent teeth flashed briefly as her smile sharpened before she turned to follow after their guide.

Only once Zenva was alone once more with her new friend did her enthusiasm seem to return to her. The transition from one mask to the next happened in the blink of an eye. Calm, and poised in front of their servants, and a moment later she held all the excitement of a pet trying to break free of it's leash. Alone, the Zabrak sat nearly on the edge of her seat, her caustic yellow-red eyes never settling on any one thing as though she needed to look at everything.

In time she settled back into her seat, a hand reaching out to get Xazzex's attention without actually touching her. "This is my second favorite form of murder, you know? Obviously, any form where I can actually taste the blood is a little more enjoyable, but!" Zenva's voice once more held it's edge of manic enthusiasm, the accent and falsehood vanished the moment she was alone with Xazzex. She held up her wine glass as though to toast with the Falleen again. "It is rare that I have such exquisite company while I indulge my apatites."

Xazzex Xivar

 

[Xazzex Xivar]

Likewise, Zenva's Falleen partner's countenance relaxed when they were alone. Xazzex didn't wear as many masks as Zenva or go out of her way to fashion a different persona; her 'mask' was just one of patient suffering around outsiders. Alone, or in acceptable company, however, the Falleen didn't need to wear the mask; but more importantly the hidden disdain gave way to genuine engagement. Some might call it a state of relaxation. They'd be wrong, much as Zenva was far from dropping her guard, but it was one way to look at it.

It was also interesting to see just how excited the other woman was for the upcoming fight. Most people liked a good duel. There was tension, anxiety, and uncertainty about who might emerge the victor. Xazzex liked a show, herself, but edge-of-her-seat excitement? Zenva certainly was a predator.

Golden rings found themselves full of the Zabrak's visage at her signal. Not a flicker of attention was paid to the other's hand. Dark lips curled at the corners as Zenva proclaimed the upcoming fight as murder. Not polite company at all. Xazzex liked that. Putting up with alien dignitaries was such a pain with their cultural and ethical demands.

Xazzex lifted her glass in turn. "To indulgence. I'm certainly looking forward to watching a match with someone that can appreciate it. No philosophizing. No statistics." It wasn't carnage that truly interested the emerald woman when she attended these things. It was skill. Talent. The desperate desire to emerge victorious and alive. In a cut throat galaxy, such qualities were the difference between life and death.

"If there's a particular place you get to enjoy your prime form of murder, I hope to see it some day." Perhaps it was just her day-to-day. Wouldn't know unless she asked. Just how much did tasting the blood of her enemies factor into it? Xazzex was tempted to think it more theatrics, but Zenva seemed to put most -- perhaps all -- of that aisde when they were alone. Was it the truly primal that captivated Zenva? A different scene from her own, but something to watch for.

Zenva Vrotoa​

 

[Zenva Vrotoa]

"To Indulgence, I'shuree Nuin." The Zabrak touched her glass to Xazzex's, drinking as the emerald beauty spoke. A rich, ringing laugh burst from the Crimson Devil. "Philosophizing? What's there to debate? When you enter that pit you must choose. Are you a Killer, or a Victim? If you decide you're a Killer, then you are forced to prove it here and now. There is no time for moral debate, or changing the odds. No time to ready a trap, or find the right tool for the task. Do or die this very moment."

Again the Zabrak's laughter, a vibrant sound twisted by dark amusement, filled their private booth. The struggle for survival was a fact of life for the Iridonian Zabrak. Her birth place was a death world, filled exclusively with predatory creatures and acidic or toxic landscapes. Her entire life had been a Fighting Pit. Somewhere along the way, the fights became something almost pleasurable, and in time all Bloodshed became a joy to witness.

"Careful, Majesty. It almost sounds like you want to join me in the field." The Zabrak's sharp smile vanished a moment later, her attention turning sharply as an attendant entered; delivering the items she had requested. A new bottle of wine was set on the table the women shared, along with individual datapads for them to make wagers, and a third datapad containing food and drink menus or more. An obviously dismissive gesture and a hissing display of serrated teeth, hurried the male out of their booth.

Quickly taking up the bottle, Zenva refilled the Falleen's glass and then her own. Sliding a datapad in front of herself for a moment, Zenva glanced briefly at the information on the first Fighters they would see tonight. Her off hand made an odd gesture beside one of the names, her thumb and first finger forming a ring while she gestured with the remaining three. She pushed the tablet away a moment later, confident the Slicers on the other end of her Shadez were establishing her a secure line of credit. Soon after, a wager for thirty thousand credits under the name, Crimson Lady, would be registered without need for her to do anything more.

Taking up her wine glass once more, Zenva's caustic yellow-red eyes turned back to Xazzex. She smiled again, teeth proudly gleaming. "Perhaps we could go on a hunt together, Majesty. Something more controllable than joining me while I conduct business or fight someone's war." Zenva's gaze swept over the Falleen, imagining her in hunting attire, and full combat armor. Soft little giggles boiled from her while her mind wondered briefly.

Xazzex Xivar

 

[Xazzex Xivar]

The Falleen chuckled quietly to herself despite the intrusion of the attendant.

No thought was given for how quickly they scurried right back out of the room at Zenva's insistence either.

A slow swirl of the glass let the newly opened contents breathe as her partner was taken with the Fighters. She settled back and watched as Zenva appeared taken with one in particular. Good for them. Bad for their opponent. And most entertaining for Xazzex to see if matters played out according to the Zabrak's will.

"Needn't be so controlled," Xazzex responded casually, but without hesitation. "I handle my own affairs." Dark lips pushed outward a hair as her eyes regarded her violent compatriot. "I might need to come prepared depending on any audience in attendance. Few would forget someone like myself in the field." She had a very public position in the Confederacy. If she were seen in the midst of a war it might have unexpected political and economic fallout. There were ways to handle it, much as Zenva had found her own ways to set apart her various persona.

Hunting -- the sort Zenva meant -- was not something Xazzex did often. Murder, on the other hand, she was not so unaccustomed. As a woman in her various positions there were times when people needed to die, and she swiftly gave the order or handled matters personally. A gun fight here or there wasn't unheard of either, but a hunt? No, she didn't think anything she'd done so far would require measure up.

"I'll make sure to share with you my contact should the opportunity arise." Not the Vice Head of the Confederate contact information, of course; Zenva already had that. The Underworld contact where matters pertaining to off-the-books exchanges and illicit activities were facilitated. There were various ways, and it would only be polite to ensure Zenva didn't need to go out of her way to know how to get in touch.

Zenva Vrotoa​

 

[Zenva Vrotoa]

Sitting on the edge of her seat, Zenva's growing enthusiasm was obvious. She smiled nearly constantly while her attention was on Xazzex. Same monster, different color, she mused to herself. The longer she spent in the company of the Empress, the more Zenva seemed to be enjoying herself.

The Zabrak's hairless brows rose, a chuckle of amusement boiling from her as Xazzex pursed her lips. "Is that right?" Zenva's nose wrinkled as a joyous grin cut across her sharp features. Her twisted mind's eye conjuring fantasies depicting a collidescope of grizzly activities Xazzex might indulge in.

Those vicious teeth trembled, Zenva's mouth opening and closing again in that overjoyed smirk. It seemed like she was going to say something before biting back the words, or perhaps literally chewing over a thought. Her caustic yellow-red eyes closed as she drew a calming breath. When they opened she started again, "I am honored to have your personal contact, Majesty." Another low chuckle interrupted her. "I'm sure I'll invent a reason to be in your company again very soon."

Zenva paused to sip her wine, her attention shifting to scan her surroundings before returning to the Falleen. Again Zenva licked her lips, her grin returning easily. "See, now you have me so very curious about what you're like in a fight. Are you a Pistol girl, or, oh no." Again interrupting herself with giggles. "I bet you're a beauty with a blade, aren't you?" Zenva's laughter building as she leaned forward, clearly eager for details.

Xazzex Xivar

 

[Xazzex Xivar]

Zenva seemed taken with Xazzex's response. No doubt pleased to know her new friend wasn't the sort to eschew the field. Well, she didn't intentionally walk onto a battlefield, but she was a business woman in the Underworld; an effectively ruthless leader didn't wait for an underling to come along to dispense with trash. And even if there were subordinates for the task, sometimes it helped to remind people why she was in charge -- not out of sheer terror, but in knowledge she remain capable and of strong will.

The Falleen's lips curled up in more of a smile, which was leagues more than most came close to getting out of Xazzex. Disinterest typically. Bored on occasion. Pray to whatever god you believe in if she were angered. A smile? Reserved for someone that seemed to understand and appreciate the finer things in their dark, cut-throat little universe.

"You'll always be welcome company. In fact, if there's an opportunity to visit your Barony -- even to the East as it may be -- I will always have a way." It wouldn't matter if it were Hutt space. Masks she might not wear, but her travel plans? Countless misdirections and sleights of hand buried under layers of shell corporations and diplomatic or economic functions. Even in the worst case, who would besmirch a Vice Head that kept the Hutts from waging economic war against the Confederacy's partners? Who knew why the galaxy hadn't developed a saying like 'As false as a Falleen.'

Their attention broke briefly as they sampled their wine. A business partnership with Zenva had always been in the cards, but perhaps... well, even a Falleen could use a -- not to use too strong of a word -- friend. Could it be more than that? They were cold creatures, but their blood was not made of ice. Most curious thoughts.

Naturally, Zenva returned in force interest in acts of bloodshed. Xazzex tipped her head to the side with a smile on her dark lips. "Whatever's at hand." The wine glass was lifted slightly to call attention to the vessel. "The right pressure, or the edge of a table, and this becomes a lethal weapon to someone that mistakes me for helpless." Snap the top of a glass and the glass stem was quite the weapon, if the target were caught by surprise. "But you're right," Xazzex moved the glass a bit to the side so it wasn't between them as she leaned in the other woman's direction. "I do prefer a blade when the situation allows for it. Blasters are intimidating, but often too quick. A blade provides options; it allows drawing out the experience while still inflicting sufficient pain." You could only shoot someone so many times. Blaster bolts left large wounds. The depth of the wound wasn't easy to control. A fatal shot was too easy to manage even when you were trying not to kill someone.

"What's your favorite instrument, Zenva?" They didn't need to maintain titles when they were talking brutality did they?

Zenva Vrotoa​

 

[Zenva Vrotoa]

Xazzex's smile once again caused that unusual tremble in the Zabrak's serrated teeth as she forced herself to smile instead of speaking. Her twin hearts hammered in her breast as she struggled to keep her mind from wondering into the wrong shade of red. While confident that the Falleen was much like herself, with potential to become as true a friend as their lifestyle would allow, Zenva forced herself to remain professional. Now wasn't an appropriate time, and Royalty would have to make the first move.

"You have more than one way, I'm sure." She said after a moment before allowing their drinks to distract them for a time. Her corrupted gaze swept over the arena again, distracting herself a little longer. She searched for an indicator of when things would start trying to kill each other only to settle for the third datapad, the menus.

Unable to contain herself, she blurted out a question, her chuckling building towards a laugh once more. Xazzex's answer to it caused the Zabrak's horned head to roll back as laughter rang from her. "Oh, I like that answer." Her sharp smile turning back to the Falleen as Xazzex leaned forward to answer truly. "See! I knew it, you are like me."

When the Empress asked her question, Zenva recoiled. Not in fear, or upset, but with a look of surprise. Her off hand came up to rest her clawed fingers over her hearts. "And the first name. My, my." She flashed a grin before pausing deliberately to sip her wine. Collecting herself as her off hand fell away.

Setting her wine down, the Zabrak finally reclined into her seat. Beneath her gown one powerful leg folded atop the other at the knee. She drew a breath and began. "Once upon a time, the Confederacy was being controlled by a Sith calling himself Metus. He and I came to a number of understandings, and business dealings. At one point he gifted me with a pair of Sith Swords, forged with my blood and a blend of metals and gemstone. The resulting blades are caustic to the touch on all but the leather wrapped, bone handle. They burn the flesh and poison the blood of those cut by the blade. The pain is incredible even by the standards of my people. Of course, he failed to mention that carrying them regularly, and using them as much as I do, would ruin my beautiful eyes." Another dark chuckle rolled through her by the end.

Xazzex Xivar

 

[Xazzex Xivar]

Xazzex's smile didn't wilt, but her eyelashes fell just a bit as Zenva began her story. One it had started, the sequence of events that followed hadn't surprised the Falleen woman. "I hadn't noticed." The wine slowly swirled in the glass vessel cradled atop green fingertips. After a second, her golden rings slid from the chariot of drink to her companion. A soft hum followed. "No, I still don't see it. They appear as vibrant and piercing as their owner." Ruined? One might say that, but while the color may have changed, it hardly seemed unfitting for Zenva. They were far from revolting.

"Metus." Then it was Xazzex's turn to chuckle. "A Dark Lord, but not of the Sith as he'd have told it. From them, perhaps, but apart. Magnanimous ruler of the Southern Systems." Both her gaze and smile sharpened in reflection. "The ever expanding reach of the Confederacy of Independent Systems." A reach that'd claimed Falleen as its territory long before its end. Like the Mandalorians, those beraucrats champtioned justice and equality. They'd made proper transactions quite difficult. Many Falleen hadn't been able to find honest work under their thumb.

She drew in a breath and pivoted in Zenva's direction, the glass dispensed with on a side table nearby. "Despite his lack of foresight, you favor these swords? They do sound quite the gift. Not merely lethal, but torturous. Shame they couldn't be used in the arena below; the spectators would become paralyzed after the first round in fear."

Zenva Vrotoa​

 

[Zenva Vrotoa]

Zenva's sharp smile wrinkled her nose again. A soft chuckle rolled through her. "Flattery will get you everywhere, Kelloh." She murmured before turning to look for the menu. Leaning forward, she drew it in front of herself, as she inhaled and exhaled in a slow, calming breath. Focus, she chastised silently.

Unfortunately, the menus couldn't hold her interest, even a false one, for very long in the Falleen's company. The dark chuckle and sinister sweet smile demanded the Zabrak's undivided focus. "Metus was impressive in ways, certainly, but a Dark Master regardless of the name. I should have known his taint would carry through to the weapons he made for me."

Even the Falleen's movements required examination. Those caustic yellow-red eyes following the subtle shift in position and Xazzex's hand as she set her wine aside. For a change it wasn't the Zabrak's paranoia that caused her to study the woman. Biting her own lip briefly, Zenva cleared her throat before answering.

Keeping her voice level, and relaxed in tone. "They are my favorite instruments of death, or torment, yes." She chuckled softly again. "The way I use them is not meant for an audience however." Serrated teeth flashed in another smile. "Then again, neither is the way I fight, so." She shrugged, chuckling still. She was an ambush predator; appearing from shadows, or nothingness itself, to end a fight before most even knew they were in one.

Xazzex Xivar

 

[Xazzex Xivar]

Of course, Xazzex was pleased with herself. Zenva had been on the offensive at the beginning trying to rattle those around her. Turn about was fair play. Someone as strong as the Zabrak wouldn't be shaken on familiar ground. In battle, the crimson woman held the advantage. To gain victory one had to pick their battles. Socializing was a battle to a Falleen; one they were adept at. It helped that so many battles lacked a clear victor or loser, but sought to convey... understanding.

That Zenva was such a cut-throat woman of the same or similar cloth only made the moment all the more enjoyable. Something more than transactional in nature.

As for Metus, pride was only one of many reasons she hadn't tried getting close to the man. Forming a bond with someone of such power could be quite beneficial, but chains bound both parties to one another. With Falleen forced to be part of their Confederacy there were enough chains as things had been. Xazzex knew well enough of the Dark religions that any gift from a purported Master came with a price. One she had doubted ended in her favor. Zenva, however, seemed to come out ahead. Perhaps it had changed her eyes. Even her personality. So far, the Zabrak seemed to her power and prestigege, so the costs were mild in comparison. Fortunate for Zenva.

The emerald woman nodded with regard to Zenva's weaponry. "You are a powerful woman that uses her skills to claim what belongs to her. The only ones that witness your full skill in battle are those slated for death." Her weapons were not meant for party tricks and mild amusements of the ignorant, demeaning kin. Xazzex didn't doubt the woman was a capable combatant. "One might find their self jealous if they were witness to such skill." With a soft chuckle, Xazzex pointed straight ahead to the view port that overlooked the arena below. "I doubt what we are about to see would compare."

Xazzex lifted a menu and turned it so Zenva could see what a sharply manicured finger indicated, "I suggest trying this local favorite." A dark smile graced the Falleen's lips once more.

Zenva Vrotoa​

 

[Zenva Vrotoa]

It was becoming difficult to distract herself. Xazzex's presence was intoxicating to the point Zenva had to question if the Falleen was in fact using her natural abilities. With those that relied upon the Force, Zenva's awareness of the immaterial rang like a klaxon alarm in her mind when energy began to gather in an unnatural way. The pheromones of a Falleen on the other hand were something she had no experience with, or true understanding of. Was there a scent to them or was that just the perfume the Empress wore? Did Xazzex need to be closer to use them?

Licking her lips with a heavy exhale, Zenva forced herself to focus on the emerald woman's words instead of the shape of her blackened lips. A deep grin split the Zabrak's plump lips, her horn crowned head turning away as she gazed out at the arena. It was difficult to notice unless one was watching it happen, Zenva's crimson skinned cheeks darkening slowly with a rich sanguine blush. "You are far to generous, Majesty." Slowly her corrupted gaze swept back to Xazzex. "Although, the thought of you watching does make my hearts race."

Xazzex took a menu, pointing out a suggestion for Zenva's enjoyment. Zenva's teeth quivered again, her gaze following eagerly after the Falleen's manicured nail. The actual meal was largely unimportant in the Zabrak's mind. She needed meat between her teeth before she lost herself to the visions dancing through her mind.

"That looks exquisite, thank you." A clawed finger tapped the menu to order it. She was careful not to take the datapad, or actually touch the Empress. Her hand lingered there however, as if weighing the risks and rewards of breaking her promise to ask for permission. Her off hand came up to snatch the amber colored Shadez from her face, setting them down in the seat beside herself. Careful to ensure they were no longer pointed towards either of them.

Setting her foot down and leaning forward, Zenva smiled anew. "Tell me, Xazzex." Another dark chuckle rolled through Zenva as she boldly returned the use of a first name. "Are you the jealous type?" Her off hand came up, resting her jaw in her palm and elbow on the table. "I don't see you as one to turn green with envy. No. I imagine you would want to get even, or out perfom in some way." Zenva's smile deepened, suggesting she was losing her battle with the swirling red emotions building behind her hungry smirk.

Xazzex Xivar

 

[Xazzex Xivar]

Xazzex watched Zenva as she appeared to take her time ordering. An unusually careful or diligent act in tapping an input. Soon enough, however, the hand did retract without any further interaction, and the Falleen set the menu back down on the table. What had been going through the Zabrak's mind in that moment, she wondered?

That deliberation did not seem to stall her actions long afterward, as the crimson lady leaned forth with a smile on her own lips. Zenva hadn't reacted poorly to her name being used earlier, and the same was true in turn. They'd strayed from business matters to a more social setting, so why shouldn't they be more familiar with one another? There were no witnesses; no need for pretense or posturing here.

Jealousy? Quite the turn in conversation. "I adapt to make something mine, and once mine I never let anyone take it from me." Xazzex rest her own elbow on the other side of the table to mirror Zenva's posture. It was important to keep any obstruction away from obscuring her face. "Should I be jealous, Zenva?" Was something -- or someone -- already claimed? Would it be a struggle for 'possession?' Difficult to see anyone owning the Zabrak at any rate. Pheromones or Force trickery aside.

What sort of relationship did Xazzex Xivar, Empress of Falleen, want anyway? Officially, there was the matter of a Falleen mate, but that hardly mattered in the grand scheme of things. Lineage was hardly a problem. Which meant she was free to choose whatever or whoever she wish to occupy herself with. Though few found it surprising in any dossier they prepared about Xazzex she did not have a long list of prior suitors. As if it were a sin to have standards.

Zenva Vrotoa​

 

[Zenva Vrotoa]

Proximity would only work against her in this exchange. It was impossible to hide the shift of her caustic gaze as they swept over the Falleen when Xazzex leaned towards her, or the primal enthusiasm that crept into her smile. An animalistic rubble boiled from the Crimson Devil, not a growl, but not a purr either. Her teeth snapped of their own accord by the time Zenva's yellow-red eyes fixated on Xazzex's golden gaze. A deep, sultry laugh slipped through her grin.

"I shouldn't see why." The Zabrak licked her coal painted lips once more, her eyes darting across the emerald skinned alien briefly. "I'm much the same. When I want something, I aim to take it for myself." Another low chuckle rolled through her as she slowly straightened herself.

Her clawed fingers laced together on the table before the Zabrak leaned forward again. "Of course, I do enjoy showing off, and occasionally I'll even share my toys with my friends." She fell silent, smiling as she admired the view. Her mind wondered for a moment, red lite scenes playing out for her dark imagination. Seemingly content to watch the Empress until something could otherwise distract her.

Xazzex Xivar