Mudhole?! Slimy?! My home this is!...

[Darth Timoris]

Qixoni crystals. The fact that they were exceeding rare immediately piqued her interest – she hated being run of the mill at anything. Some said they enhanced the user’s Force Abilities – but Melori wrote that off as wishful thinking – but there was clear evidence that it had an impact on the user’s strength through the Force and also the blade had superior cutting power.

And her research had shown they were rare because they were created when a star in the Qixoni system went supernova and consumed a planet. Only usable by those that used the Dark-side of the Force, she’d managed to track down a crystal mine on Dagobah.

So she’d gone to her Master and enquired about the famed Dark-Side Cave – and had decided to organise a small expedition there to see if they could find some crystals remaining.

Now they sat on a shuttle that was making its way to the planet's surface. Two squads of 'Sitherhood' troopers accompanied them – the planet was home to some particularly nasty creatures. And given even the small shuttle they were on couldn’t land that close to the cave – given the dense canopy of the swamp – they would have to travel a couple of kilometres on foot to reach their destination.

Melori was delighted her Master was with them. Not only because of her extensive local knowledge and her capabilities but because there was something special about crafting a saber – and Melori intended to do so in the cave. It would mark an end to her former Master’s time and seal a start to a new period in her development.

She glanced around the shuttle. Besides her master were the eighteen troopers, elite and hand-picked. And two One Sith she knew little about. She suspected she’d know a lot more about them before the mission was over – and they’d know a lot more about themselves – given what the place was reportedly capable of. Strong in the Dark-side, inside it Force-Users would typically face whatever fear they took into it – often an answer to a question they sought. Invariably you left a different person to the one that entered.

But then she thrived on fear - so what could possibly go wrong?

[member="Viktor Noali"] | [member="Vengeance"] | [member="Darth Venefica"]

 

[Kenrath]

[member="Darth Venefica"] [member="Viktor Noali"] [member="Melori Raaf"]

Vengeance sat in the shuttle headed for the most despicable, depressing place in the known galaxy..................and he could not be happier. He smiled from ear to ear.........well to be fair it was more of a smirk than a smile. When he heard about this force cave Vengeance was less than interested. Sure he would snatch up a goody or two if he had the chance. No it was the reputation of the place that interested him. All sorts of nasty creatures were rumored to reside in the swamps of Dagobah. That is why he was there. To kill the things that go bump in the night. He looked around at the other Sith before setting his eyes of the Troopers around him. He spoke aloud but to know one in particular while looking at the troops.

"Isn't it a little pointless to bring the tin cans around?"

He shrugged briefly making eye contact with Melori raising his eyebrows towards her the smirk never leaving his face. After a few seconds he looked away removing his lightsaber from his belt and twirling it around in his hand. He hated being on a ship. Nowhere to stretch his legs.

 

[Via Dolorosa]

Dagobah was more than a swamp planet rich with some of the most deadliest predators known to the galaxy. It was her birthplace. It was where everything began for her. It was here that she unearthed the amulet that led to her madness. And most importantly, it will be her final resting place one day. She had no delusions of grandeur of being buried in one of those ancient tombs on Korriban or inside one of those mausoleums on Prakaith. She was born a swamp maiden and she would be buried like a swamp maiden. Oh how her heart skipped beats at the prospect of returning to Dagobah again. ​

​

So when her Apprentice mentioned to her about coming to Dagobah to seek out the legendary Qixoni crystals, she knew her Apprentice was ready to face the true trials of a Sith; survival at all costs. Everything that walked the surface of Dagobah, minus the Hepsalum Tash clans, or swam in it's lakes and marshes was crafted for one purpose. To consume the weak. Only on Dagobah would a predator double as another's prey. To the galaxy Dagobah was a play riddled with scenes of dangers, waiting and calculating to unleash it's horrors upon the stage. To the Sith Lady, it was beauty and art in it's purest form.​

​

Darth Venefica sat on the floor with her eyes shut tight, deep in a meditation trance while she loosely listened to the others converse among themselves. Her Apprentice had managed to persuade two other Acolytes to join them plus two squads of the 'Sisterhood' troopers. Her Apprentice was wise. However, the Sith Lady couldn't help wonder if these other two Acolytes were rivals to her Apprentice. And if so, by inviting them did she seek to do away with them with the help of the swamps? If that was her plan, then she would make an excellent Sith indeed.​

​

In a flash her eyes opened up and her head turned toward the male Acolyte that spoke about the 'tin cans.'​

​

"Those soldiers are here to ensure that you leave Dagobah in one piece...or at least partially intact," she hissed as she rose to her feet. Her outfit, unique and bred to install fear into her enemies, was fashioned from the bones, skins, hair, and teeth from some of Dagobah's monsters. Even her bracelets, both attached to wrists and ankles and made from bones, and the two Dragonsnake teeth woven into her hair was a testament that she was Dagobah's apex predator.​

​

"Have your young eyes ever witnessed a Dragonsnake enslaved to it's full state of hungriness? Has your skin, or know of another, that has felt the sting of a Dagobah python's bite. It's poison already breaking down your flesh just as it begins to consume you alive? Or the mighty Swampslug that can crush you underfoot just because it can or simply engulf you in one mighty gulp? How about the Pikobi...whose sharpened beak can pierce the strongest of armour....then feast on you before death has time to lay claim?"​

​

Through the aide of the Force, she snatched the Acolyte's lightsaber away; leaving it to hover between them.​

​

"Or how about when famine kicks in and you begin to eat the plants and roots....thinking they are safe only to realize to late that welcoming death is a far better alternative to the chemical transformation your body is undergoing."​

​

Her mind let go of the dangling weapon, her eyes following it's trajectory as it hit the floor and rolled to the feet of the Acolyte.​

​

"Make no mistake....those 'tin cans' can be the difference between life.....or death."​

​

She returned to her seated position on the floor, closed her eyes once more, and casually fell back into her meditation trance. Yes, it was good to be returning to Dagobah again.​

​

​

[member="Melori Raaf"] l [member="Vengeance"] l [member="Viktor Noali"]​

 

[Viktor Noali]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Viktor sat comfortably on the shuttle, a sisterhood soldier seated on either side of him. The One Sith had promised him a life of adventure and travel. They had the adventure part properly covered, however they needed a bit of work on their travel pitch. He had remained mostly quiet for the duration of the trip up to this point, only speaking when he was properly addressed. When Viktor was first presented with the opportunity to travel to the swamp covered planet he had proven initially resistant, though when the purpose for said expedition was given he quickly changed his tune. His lightsaber was of [/SIZE]amateur[SIZE=10.5pt] construction, it being the first thing he created upon becoming a Sith. The crystal is held now was a synthetic one of his own creation but of poor quality. His blade had proven to be rather [/SIZE]temperamental because of it. The crystals they had come in search of would be a significant component for his next construction.

Water planet, swamp planet, snow planet, planets we can't even breathe on... Is anyone else starting to see a pattern here? That there really aren't any good Sith vacation spots? Ex-actyl! What's a guy got to do to get his Correlian Whiskey served to him in a severed wampa skull? Oh! I never thought about drinking out of a wampa skull. Do you think they can be properly adapted into a drinking apparatus? Apparatus... Just say cup... It wouldn't be a cup, idiot, it's a SKULL! Thus, apparatus.

[SIZE=10.5pt]As he glanced about the shuttle Viktor let his eyes rest upon Melori for a moment. He knew almost nothing about her aside from the fact that she was the apprentice of Darth Venefica and a member of the Sith Sisterhood. The assassin shrugged to himself. It seemed every day there were a new dozen or so Sith for him to interact with. They seemed to sprout like weeds, though clearly some are more appealing then others. And at that though he turned his gaze to Vengeance. He had encountered the man before and he had proven to be a rather hasty, impatient, bloodthirsty and often foolish individual. There was something to be admired by the man's bravado though, however foolish it was. Viktor had no doubt in his mind that this trip would prove painfully more difficult then it needed to be if Vengeance didn't learn any tact. Thankfully I'm nobodies babysitter. Before he could even finish his thought the Acolyte opened his mouth, questioning the presence of the sisterhood soldiers and earning the ire of the Sith Lord. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]An amused grin tugged at the corners of Viktor's mouth as Darth Venefica, clearly still dressed as if she had just clawed her way out of the swamp, stood and began to educate, more like berate, Vengeance on the finer aspects of the planet. Viktor had the odd feeling that the most dangerous creature on Dagobah wasn't even on the planet yet. No, in fact she was standing right here in front of him, wearing the remains of her planet's predators like totems. Content to keep the conversation in his head for the moment Viktor leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes. It wouldn't be long before the shuttle touched down on the swamp planet and Viktor planned to savor every second that his socks remained dry.[/SIZE]

​

[SIZE=10.5pt][member="Darth Venefica"] - [member="Melori Raaf"] - [member="Vengeance"][/SIZE]​

 

[Darth Timoris]

As she glanced around the shuttle she noticed one of the Acolytes smiling – or perhaps a smirk? It was hard to tell sometimes. When he commented on the troopers, she was about to speak when her Master stepped in. And she was a lot more direct than Melori would have been.

Research was something of a family trait – although for Melori, it had to be relevant to her. She didn’t study for study’s sake. So she’d done extensive homework on the perils of the swamp. A lone Acolyte would not last five minutes here. The troopers packed sufficient fire-power to ensure no unnecessary deaths.

Of course, she’d already been put into the jaws of death by her Master before, by means of a test, and she had no doubt this trip would be the same. But her Master could gauge what was a test versus a suicide mission. The Sitherhood troopers ensured the odds would be broadly even. If she then failed, well her Master would look for someone more worthy (and still alive) to train.

She suppressed a smile and instead glanced to the other occupant. He appeared to be weighing them up – a familiar Sith trait. This was no longer the old Brotherhood or the Rule of Two – but underneath the veneer of camaraderie there was a hint of competition. Of ensuring you were noticed – even if Acolytes rarely killed each other these days to gain notoriety.

And this man too found her Master’s clarification humorous. Despite her oldest sister’s treachery, she had taught her well but her new Master came at life from a completely different angle and in combining both styles, Melori knew she was becoming a more complete Sith.

The notification came through that they were about to land and the troopers were on their feet first. As the ramp lowered, they immediately fanned out and created a perimeter. Melori was unsure which of her senses was offended the most. It was darker than it had any right to be, even given the sparse canopy where they’d landed – and she wondered how dark it would be deep in the swamp. The noises were no less comforting, screeches and calls reached her ears of creatures that you just knew were looking for their next meal – and would be very happy if it was Melori shaped. The humidity was decidedly uncomfortable – and the prospect of walking a couple of klicks in it was not pleasant.

But it was the smell she had the hardest to cope with. The combination of swamp, bogs, humidity and decay was a unique potpourri that would never be a best seller. But it was her Master’s planet, so she kept her opinions to herself and wondered if her fellow Acolytes would be so tactically acute. So she strode forward and looked around. Then she consulted her datapad and pointed. “That way, in as straight a line as we can manage.”

Turning to her Master. She asked, “Have you visited the cave before?”

[member="Viktor Noali"] | [member="Darth Venefica"] | [member="Vengeance"]

 

[Kenrath]

[member="Melori Raaf"] [member="Darth Venefica"] [member="Viktor Noali"]

Vengeance looked at the Sith woman as she stood even amused as she spoke of the dangers of the planet. With each new creature she described his smile got wider. His lightsaber being ripped from his hand barely caused him to blink. After all it was only a single tool and not the total measure of success or failure. When she let his saber drop Vengeance stopped it with his foot looking up as she turned away.

"A positively delightful experience Dagobah sounds like." "If four Sith can't survive these demonic creations you speak of then dare we call ourselves Sith." "Sure Troops are useful and may even be the difference between me and a gruesome death." "It would be a waste of a good death though would you not agree." "It is not dying I fear................no death..........death is a calling." "I don't think I will be dying today there are too many people left to kill."

He cocked his head to the side.

"What is the saying so common among Sith." "The strong survive..............the weak not worth remembering much less acknowledging?" "Something like that." "If I die I doubt anyone would consider it a loss would you not agree."

Vengeance moved his foot using the force to his weapon to his hand as the shuttle landed. He stood walking down the ramp stepping out into the swamp air taking a big inhaling breath.

"Smells like death and decay." "I like it already."

He turned to Melori as she pointed in a direction and shrugged nodding his head yes.

"Straight line simple enough even I guy like me could manage."

He winked at Melori with a smirk before his eyes darted towards Darth Venefica and back.

"Wonder what kills me first the swamp or her."

He chuckled as they started to head out.

 

[Viktor Noali]

With a noticeably soft and squishy landing, the shuttle had set down on the planets surface and the sisterhood soldiers on either side of Viktor rose instantly. Viktor took his time standing up, stretching as he did while watched the soldiers eagerly poor out of the hatch first and set up a perimeter. Viktor couldn't help but think that they may have been a tad-bit overkill, but he wouldn't dare say anything out loud. He'd leave the foolish remarks for Vengeance.

Hey, who knows. Maybe we will get to see them killed by one of those python's that will eat you alive! Oh, yeah. That'd be cool! What about one of those swampslugs! She made that thing sound pretty epic. Epic.. Yeah, epic.

"Personally, I'd like to see a group of Pikobi eat them all alive," he said softly to himself as he followed the others off of the shuttle. "But that's just me."

Ooh, I forgot about those. I wouldn't be opposed to that... How about a colorful blend of everything?

With one last deep breath Viktor conceded to that fact that he may never have dry socks as a Sith and stepped onto the planets surface behind the others. It didn't take but a second before Viktor's head started to tingle. This wasn't the first time he'd had this sort of feeling. Before he had known he was Force sensitive he had contributed it to the constant chaos that continuously plagued his mind. He knew better now. When it came to sensing things through the Force Viktor was hardly an expert. Rarely would he be able to sense something specific, instead a tingle would form at the back of his mind and slowly grow in intensity depending on the location and power of the source. This, however, was different. This feeling was certainly Force related but he had never felt anything like it before. As the color visibly drained from his skin a foreboding feeling began to claw it's way into his chest as he began to feel... anxious? Is this panic?

What is that... I'm not sure. I don't feel so good guys. I don't think we should be here. No... This is exactly where we need to be... I have to disagree. I don't feel right. I can't believe I am saying this, I have to agree with the kid over here. I'm not a kid! You're not anything technically. Enough... we are where we need to be...

The other two Acolytes were saying something but Viktor didn't listen, instead he looked forward and scanned swamp. The tingling sensation in his head was pulsating in intensity and was absolutely maddening. Viktor brought his right hand to his head and began to massage his temple. The intensity began to pulsate stronger, and right as Viktor felt his head was about to burst it stopped, vanishing entirely.

This planet it... fascinating.... Fascinating? We need to leave. That wasn't normal. Something is coming for us. Nothing is coming for us. It was... a calling... I think... A calling? What does that mean. We will... surely find out...

He was breathing rather rapidly now, how long have I been hyperventilating? He coughed softly to himself began to slow his breathing back down to normal. Erasing whatever expression and emotion had found its way onto his face he gestured forward into the swamp, turning his attention to Melori and her master.

"Lead the way, I'll bring up the rear."

[member="Vengeance"] - [member="Darth Venefica"] - [member="Melori Raaf"]​

 

[Via Dolorosa]

Her ears listened as the male Acolyte spoke, but her lips elected not to address. He was right about one thing. If one Sith and three potential Sith couldn't survive against the harsh judgments of Dagobah; then they did not proudly deserve to carry the title of Sith. But on on the other side, there was only one among them that had not only survived Dagobah's monsters but in fact taught those monsters what horror was; and that was her. Still, as much as as she would hate to admit it, the lives of these three were her responsibility. Masters lost Apprentices all the time, it was the nature of things, but to lose two Acolyte hopefuls would cast her in a dim light among her peers. And that was something she could not accept.​

​

When the ramp reached out to greet the moist surface of the planet, Darth Venefica walked down it and immediately dropped to her knees to pay homage to the planet. Her lips kissed the surface with a cold and dark passion. Her bare feet had tread upon many different planet surfaces but none gave her the thrill of love as Dagobah did. Then she grew angry as she stood up, looking at her Apprentice first then to other two Acolytes.​

​

"You call yourselves Sith," she mocked. "All of you have failed! A Sith Lady and a Voice of the Dark Lord himself knelt upon the surface....vulnerable....and yet here I still live! If you three ever wish to become powerful Sith...then you must learn to seize the moment!"​

​

She adjusted her death robes then looked at her Apprentice with shame in her eyes.​

​

"There are many caves on Dagobah," she answered. "And sadly I have not visited them all. However, the one you seek lies to the east through Dragonsnake Bog."​

​

"And you," she added looking at the other male Acolyte who claimed to take the rear, "Will walk alongside my Apprentice. You had your chance to impress your peers."​

​

As she began walking toward her Apprentice she said so everyone could hear, "If he falls to the rear....kill him."​

​

In their eyes she was probably overreacting. In truth, she was helping them. The Rule of Two was long dead; but any true Sith knew that their greatest enemy was not a Jedi or Mando; but another Sith. If they hoped to carry the title of Lord one day, then they must first understand that their individual survival rested squarely on their shoulders. Trust no one!​

​

​

[member="Melori Raaf"] l [member="Vengeance"] l [member="Viktor Noali"]​

 

[Darth Timoris]

Melori listened as the Acolyte known as Vengeance spoke. He seemed to revel in the danger – and whereas Melori was always up for a challenge, she was also mindful of her limits.

“The strong survive but honour is a fool’s prize. Glory is of no use to the dead. Bane said that one.” She smiled at her fellow Acolyte. Her oldest sister’s teaching had not been in vain.

And to his final comment, she couldn’t suppress a wide grin. “Personally I’m not sure you’ll be able to tell where one ends and the other begins.” But she did lower her voice when she said it.

The third Acolyte in their group – Viktor – was keeping himself to himself – but then he seemed to be enjoying his own company. He offered to bring up the rear but before she could respond she was distracted by her Master’s decision to kiss the earth. She stood guard over her. Not in an overt way, but she would have defended her if need be. So she was not expecting to be chastised.

She kept her temper, albeit her eyes flashed yellow before returning to their usual baby blue hue. “You still have much to teach me. I will continue to study at your feet, Master. I will learn from your wisdom, I will discover your secrets, unlocking them one by one until everything you know – all your knowledge and your power – is mine. And once you are no longer of use to me? Then I will destroy you.”

It was delivered in a most matter of fact way. Two quotes in one day. Was she turning into a clone of her middle sister? She served her Master but she would never truly trust her – and she knew the feeling would be mutual. And as Darth Venefica gave the final instructions she offered a small nod and glanced at Viktor. “As you wish, my Master.”

The sounds of the swamp had abated – which gave Melori food for thought. It was never, ever, a good sign.

[member="Darth Venefica"] | [member="Viktor Noali"] | [member="Vengeance"]

 

[Kenrath]

[member="Melori Raaf"] [member="Darth Venefica"] [member="Viktor Noali"]

Vengeance smiled to Melori.

"Honor is not my purpose." "Vengeance is." "Vengeance against those who did me wrong." "Those who did my family wrong."

He looked over at Venefica before turning back to Melori

"Well the last one tried to cut me in half with a Claymore and then set me on fire so............." "Yeah I think I am doing better than I was." "Beside the whole brooding thing is intriguing."

He winked at her before Venefica's speech interrupted his thoughts. when she finished he waited until Melori finished addressing Venefica before he spoke again. The part about seizing the moment striking a special cord with him.

"Yep definitely a fascinating mind that one." "Though if it meant more time next to you I would have volunteered to bring up the rear."

He chuckled taking a glance around as it got eerily quiet. He smiled.

"Therrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrre here."

Vengeance gripped his lightsaber in his hand ready to hit the switch at any moment. He knew that silence in a place that rarely had it was never a good thing. What he didn't know was which one of the many things Venefica had mentioned was the reason. The mention of Dragonsnake Bog had him guess a Dragonsnake was the most likely. He slide beside the Voice.

"So anything I should know about the things that go bump in Dagobah?" "More specifically what attacks don't work?" "If I am going to die I would rather it not be because I did something stupid."

Vengeance had to force the last comment out but he had no intention of dying in the swamps. No he still had the death of his father to avenge before death was even an option.

 

[Darth Atrox]

The Zabrak's heavy boots sunk down slowly as Tauros stepped foot on Dagobah's swampy surface. It was nothing he was not used to; the Sith had walked on many planets that would sooner kill you then let you walk on their surface. Kulan was dressed in a light tunic, with short sleeves and a tight utility belt. His lightsaber was grasped feebly in his hand, and set himself down in a squat next to Vengeance. "Your head if you continue speaking, fool." Darth Tauros snarled, standing up, rubbing the mud from between his fingertips. ​

​

Tauros could feel something too, although he did not speak of it. It was not very big and from his early life on Dathomir what could be worse than a pack of starving Rancors? Two packs of starving rancors he thought to himself with a chuckle, before pushing along. He did not care if he was at the back; his reactions were much quicker than Melori's (he presumed) and he was physically more able. ​

​

"Don't go getting your tunic in a twist - it isn't anything big. Just a small mammal in the foliage. You need to learn to picture what the force is telling you." Darth Tauros said to the Acolytes who seemed to be getting rather uptight, but still, was he missing something? The stupid Acolyte had said they're, not it. ​

​

Strange.​

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
{ [member="Melori Raaf"] } { [member="Vengeance"] } { [member="Darth Venefica"] } { [member="Viktor Noali"] }

OOC: Can I join please? If not just tell me and ignore my post.

 

[Viktor Noali]

What is up with this crazy swamp lady? Are you really able to call her crazy? Why wouldn't I be? Well.... Well what? You know... I'm sorry I don't think I do. He's trying to say you're crazy. I'm not crazy! That's the thing.... Crazy people don't know they're crazy. No, I'm not the crazy one, you are. What, no. I'm perfectly sane. You both are...

Viktor sighed, this is going to be a long trip. He paid mild attention to Melori and Vengeance as they conversed among each other briefly. Instead he opted to keep his eyes on the Sith Lord. Out of all the Sith he had encountered she felt.... different. The Dark Side energy that radiated from her was palpable and it made Viktor uneasy.

Is she... Kissing the ground...

Oh... my... that has to be... unsanitary. I know, right? That's what I was just thinking.

Aherm.. As she rose from kissing the ground and began to reprimand the group for not attempting to take her life, Viktor merely raised his eyebrow and wore a look of bewildered amusement. She was a most fascinating creature indeed. Viktor considered himself a rather violent individual, someone who possessed a certain skill set and enjoyed using said skills. He hadn't joined the One Sith because he agreed with their philosophy necessarily, Viktor was far too selfish. Power at any cost, however, was an idea he agreed with whole hardheartedly. The Sith served his ambition for now, but Viktor had learned at an early age that the only person that mattered was himself.

Glancing at Melori he noticed her eyes briefly flash yellow, dark side corruption, before she seemingly began to apologize before threatening the swamp witch with a future promise of death. As [member="Darth Venefica"] began to speak to him he returned his focus to her, listening but also watching the subtle movements of her face. As a Lorrdian Viktor was especially gifted at two things: reading people by studying their muscle movements and mimicry. As a Sith Assassin he had spent considerable time training the last few months on those skills. Impress my peers... Hey, you guys are awfully quiet. You usually have quite the opinion.

I'm thinking.... About the massive Force tingle... Haha, he said tingle! Damn it... Oh-ho! Let's move on... shall we... She clearly has trust issues. That she does... Force tingle!

His response to the Sith Lord was silence. Instead of words he merely beamed a smile at her and then proceeded to walk past her to stand next to Melori as ordered to do. As he began to approach her side the witch's voice broke the silence again, this time ordering her apprentice to kill him should he fall to the rear. He shook his head, the smile still adorning his face.

He listened to [member="Vengeance"] talk some more, he was eager as always. Viktor would address him later. Looking over to [member="Melori Raaf"] he coughed,clearing his throat and then spoke to her, mimicing Darth Venefica's voice almost perfectly, "...Learn to seize the moment." With a wink he turned to look back at Darth Venefica, finally deciding to reply. "If I were you, I wouldn't be so eager to throw your apprentice to the slaughter," he looked back to Melori for a brief moment before speaking softly as he walked past her towards the Dragonsnake Bog, "No matter how intriguing she may be." Stepping carefully to avoid losing his footing on the slimy swamp floor Viktor progressed forward.

 

[Darth Timoris]

Melori listened to Vengeance. Whereas Jedi were typically brainwashed into a hive mind-set, the Sith were individual. In her opinion, this is what made them strong. It was rare to find two the same. She listened to others and their point of view and if relevant, she would incorporate their thinking. If she thought they were talking rubbish, she would let it slide. Death tended to be the best teacher of all. It was a very definitive lesson.

And she could relate to vengeance – it was what drove her early time as a Sith, but had been curbed of late given the fact that that it presented to true end-game. Once her middle sister was dead, what then? This realisation had allowed her to broaden her scope.

She was aware he was of the same mind as her, albeit his thoughts were vocalised.

But before she could say or do anything, she felt another’s presence and wondered how her Master would deal with anyone joining the group unannounced. At best he would be tolerated but kept on a very short leash. At worst? Well he was still alive, so perhaps the Dagobah native saw a use in him?

He was certainly sure of himself. Bravado or a well-placed sense of confidence? Sadly Melori’s experience was invariably a third option – misplaced assurance. She’d fought and bested Sith Knights in tournaments. She’d personally trained the head of the Assassins in the martial art Teräs Käsi. Although it was her stated aim to become feared, at the moment one of her key assets was the fact that she was underestimated. More fool them, eh?

And then Viktor spoke. Another to seemingly be unable to look past the baby blues and blonde hair. If only they knew the memories she carried in her head – whose memories to be more precise. She smirked as she looked at the Zabrak – if he only knew.

So she did nothing to put any of them in their place, to disabuse them of their ignorance. She had passion and strength. Power was her next goal and she suspected she was under her Master’s scrutiny on this trip – maybe even a test. So she didn’t wait for permission to get them moving.

“Talk is cheap, let’s get moving. You can underestimate the locals as much as you want, I won’t have your back.” If she was referring to her master or the swamp creatures, it was impossible to tell. She nodded to the Sitherhood troopers. It was an unspoken command. They undervalued your presence…don’t waste your energy on them.

“Pick up the pace, before it gets dark.” She looked around at the gloom. “I mean darker...probably.”

[member="Viktor Noali"] | [member="Darth Tauros"] | [member="Vengeance"] | [member="Darth Venefica"]

 

[Via Dolorosa]

The newly arriving Sith was unfamiliar to her. Why was he here? What was his end game? She was not told a fifth member would be joining them on this expedition, yet here he was. Then he seemed it necessary to chide the Acolyte which she found quite amusing. Let this fool think that it's just a mammal. Even some of the mammals were dangerous, especially those had pack hunted for their prey. So for now, she just ignored him unless he tried to upstage everyone; then she would cut him into tiny pieces leaving his body to feed her pets.​

​

With all the Sith formalities out of the way, the group was finally on the move. She walked in silence, keeping her senses on high alert. It was growing darker by the second and they had a long road to travel ahead of them.​

​

"When the last of the light shows signs of abandoning us....we need to seek shelter for the night," she said breaking her silence.​

​

Despite the fact all five had the Force to rely on, there where things that hunted in the night who possessed both excellent vision and hearing. Ambushing unsuspecting prey was their forte, and even a Force user can be caught unawares. The Force was a gift, but it was far from perfect. And anyone that believed it was perfect was not just a fool; but a dead fool. ​

​

​

[member="Melori Raaf"] l [member="Viktor Noali"] l [member="Darth Tauros"] l [member="Vengeance"]​

 

[Darth Atrox]

Darth Tauros knew it was no rat. He had studied the Galaxy and it's creature long enough to know what it's true identity was, and he expected [member="Darth Venefica"] to know too. He had just said that to ease the Acolyte's minds. Oh no! Another lie!​

​

He wanted them dead. ​

​

When Tauros himself was an wee little laddy, his master had told him to trust nobody who calls themselves a true Sith. A true Sith would kill another just for speaking out of terms. For being a cocky little... Now now, Mala. ​

​

The Zabraki looked to the sky, just managing to make out the dim rays of Dagobah's sun. "Lord Venefica, the sun's position indicates that we have approximately 2 hours of daylight remaining. How far is the cave?" he asked, a slight smirk playing on his lips as he watched the Acolyte's worries slowly drain away from their sieve like minds. ​

​

{ [member="Melori Raaf"] } { [member="Viktor Noali"] } { [member="Vengeance"] }​

 

[Kenrath]

[member="Melori Raaf"] [member="Darth Venefica"] [member="Darth Tauros"] [member="Viktor Noali"]

Vengeance turned towards the Zabrak with a smirk at his words. He could tell he was going to be a bundle of joy to be around. Vengeance shrugged the man's comments off choosing to focus instead on everything around them. He then turned to Melori with a smile keeping pace with her.

"I would think a girl like you would enjoy the dark." "So much fun to be had in the dark." "Between killing things and getting...............exercise."

He smirked at the last line before turning to look at Venefica stone faced.

"I take it getting caught out in the open at night is bad." "I assume rotating watches then." "Doesn't sound like we need to leave ourselves unguarded." "Seems like you know this place well enough, you got a place in mind?"

He glanced at the Zabrak with a weird look on his face. It seemed apparent by both Melori and Venefica's demeanor the cave was more than a few hours away. So what would be the point in asking how far away the cave was. Sure Vengeance enjoyed testing the patience of those stronger than him but it had limits especially in unfriendly territory with things that could kill you before you even knew they were there. If Venefica's earlier words were to be believed. He shrugged pushing forward chuckling at Viktor. What a strange person that guy was. He felt unusual in the force as well but Vengeance couldn't figure out why.

 

[Darth Timoris]

Melori’s mind was working fast. Where, in a jungle, was a safe place to camp? Trees maybe offered a greater degree of safety, but it was at best a relative term.

And those that scoffed at the eighteen Sith troopers would no doubt be delighted to have them standing guard while they slept. Melori was in half a mind to insist those that had scoffed, slept outside of the perimeter when they finally stopped for the night.

The newcomer was not endearing himself to the group, but she answered his question. “It’s only a couple of kilometres in a straight line – but then we can’t walk in a straight line. And the terrain is treacherous. And we have unforeseen obstacles no doubt. And hostiles to contend with and poor visibility too. So if you’re asking how long to walk it? Only a fool would hazard an estimate.”

Melori snapped off a length of dry wood and carried it as a walking stick. It was not to aid her movement but to test the depth of water and soft ground. What might seem a puddle could be ten foot deep, and her research on the terrain had given her some important information. Even now she was adapting her walking style, taking her second step before the first one was complete – almost gliding instead of walking. This stopped her putting too much weight on the front foot and avoided the risk of losing a boot given the suction the swamp could generate.

And she regularly looked down to see of any leeches or water-borne beasts were hitching a lift – and used her stick to ensure they didn’t remain on her boots.

Then she turned her attention to Vengeance. “I am not evil,” she said, “I am efficient. I only kill what needs to die. If it serves me a purpose in being alive, I ensure it survives.” She shot a glance at her Master. “And as for exercise, why turn the light off? What do you have to be embarrassed about?” She smiled to him as they walked. “Just sayin’,” she added, her voice lowered, and the smile broadened into a grin.

And then she turned her attention to her Master once more. Perhaps she did know of a spot. Another cave perhaps?

[member="Vengeance"] | [member="Darth Tauros"] | [member="Darth Venefica"] | [member="Viktor Noali"]

 

[Via Dolorosa]

It was rewarding in its own right to have one of her Apprentices with her. It saved her from having to address the obvious or deal with the ignorance of others. She didn't believe anyone in the party suffered from ignorance, just overwhelming pride for one or two. As a Sith, that was viewed upon as an excellent characteristic trait. But to much pride would get you killed. ​

​

For her, she let her actions, previous conquests, and her reputation speaking volumes for her. She had no need of pride or felt the need to degrade herself by boasting of it. Words where only words, usually misunderstood or taken out of context. Actions, on the other hand, was worth it's weight in credits.​

​

"She is right...so pay attention," she quickly commented when her Apprentice began to speak of killing, letting the girl finish while she herself remained quiet.​

​

"Killing.....anyone can kill," she said picking up where her Apprentice left off. "One doesn't need to be Sith to kill. Jedi kill under the banner of protecting the weak and innocent. Mandos kill because they crave conflict....seeking out challenges in which to test themselves upon. And so forth and so forth. Killing the weak is nothing but brutality. Killing the weak does not prove your strength....it only proves your weakness and cowardice to face a real threat. Killing efficiently as my Apprentice said...well that's true strength. Knowing when to kill and when to seek other alternatives....that is true strength."​

​

With the jab to the male's manhood, she could only smile. Her Apprentice pulled no punches and she enjoyed that.​

​

"And to answer your question," addressing the one called Vengeance, "There is a cave just over that embankment where we can make camp for the night. And don't worry....the tin cans will ensure you get a good night's rest."​

​

​

[member="Melori Raaf"] l [member="Vengeance"] l [member="Darth Tauros"] l [member="Viktor Noali"]​

 

[Viktor Noali]

Spoiler

Apologies for the delay in posting. I was lucky enough to get a case of food poisoning over the 4th of July weekend. Today I do not feel like death.

Viktor stood atop of the embankment staring into the distance at the cave where [member="Darth Venefica"] suggested that they make camp. Despite what the Sith Lord said Viktor had no doubt in his mind that sleep would not find him this night. In fact, he was fairly certain he would find little to no sleep at all for the entirety of the journey. Viktor had quickly been able to figure out the kind of creature Venefica was, and she was evidently the kind you don't fall asleep around. Her actions thus far had already taught the Lorrdian all he needed to know about her and her apprentice. Viktor looked back to the others as they approached him, having accelerated his pace at some point to put himself in step with the sisterhood soldiers at the front.

Anyone feel that Force signature again? No.... the swamp is alive... all around us... I can FEEL it... But I don't feel IT... I haven't felt it again either. I don't like this, I have a bad feeling. About.... What do you mean 'about?' You have a bad feeling about 'what' exactly? Uhm, this trip? Nevermind... Geesh, can't even get that one right, can you stupid? Wait, what?!

Instinctively the assassin had begun rubbing his temple. Aside from his senses being assaulted from all directions the chaos in his head was getting louder, and he quickly found himself getting a headache. Reaching into his pocket, Viktor removed his cigarette case and lighter. After placing one of the carsunum laced sticks in his mouth, he ignited it and took a deep drag. He took a moment to look over the members of the group before turning wordlessly around to continue marching toward the cave. The Lorrdian was in no mood to talk for he was far to consumed with his own thoughts. The cave would perhaps give him the opportunity to properly interact with his fellow Sith. The assassin was quickly beginning to realize that as time progressed this expedition seemed to be less about crystals and more about self preservation.

[member="Darth Venefica"] - [Member="Vengeance"] - [member="Melori Raaf"] - [member="Darth Tauros"]​

 

[Kenrath]

[member="Darth Venefica"] [member="Darth Tauros"] [member="Melori Raaf"] [member="Viktor Noali"]

Vengeance snickered at Melori's comment insinuating being ashamed of anything. His response however was based on killing only what needs to die.

"Oh I only kill what needs to die." "Normally limited only to those who have committed sins against me or those deemed worthy of death by people like............."

He finished the comment by glancing at Venefica as he addressed her.

"It is not the kill that drives me but the reason for the kill." "I do not kill indiscriminately there is no fun in it." "You are correct which is why two of the people on my list are there." "Because they caused the death of a defenseless person who meant something to me, my father." "You may believe attachment to be weakness to be manipulated." "Perhaps you are right." "However when I find the third man that attacked my home, when I find the person who sent them................."

Vengeance clinched his fists taking a deep breath.

"Weakness is the last thing they will feel." "No on that day they will know Vengeance............... my Vengeance."

Vengeance subconsciously had no idea why he even mentioned any of it passing it of with a shrug as he made his way along only a step behind Melori stepping where she stepped trying to keep to solid ground towards the cave. He wanted to get there before whatever was causing the uneasy feelings found them first. Sure Vengeance was keyed up and could use a good fight to burn off some steam but on unfamiliar and questionable ground he would feel better about that fight with solid footing and a solid wall at his back.