Private Red Tongue, Black Heart

[Lysander von Ascania]

Astra Sadow | Taeli Raaf
​

One thing she had noticed, rather curiously, was that the substantial food supply in the palace had taken an extreme hit in the luxury department. Tea and chocolate were suspiciously running low, but there was no way two extra people could reasonably exhaust the enormous stores she received from the Commonwealth.

Steam curled past Lysander's face, his wry smile veiled behind the travel cup's rim. The pricey tea tasted far superior to most blends in memory. Then again, everything seemed divine after leaving a holding cell. Being out was.. nice, in a way that wouldn't be admitted aloud.

For someone always on the move, after weeks of arrest, prosecution, then extracted through a wall, a few relaxed days was surprisingly nice too. A fair amount of HoloNet nonsense, eating whatever tempted him, training in the courtyard, and occasionally wandering the palace halls. Lysander even managed to whip up his 'notorious' nuna egg scramble for both Srina and Astra one morning. Who knew when such a moment like that would surface again?

The smile slowly broadened. "So, Ms. Sadow. Have you ever been to the Sadow District before?"

They'd chosen to travel by foot. Time could be spared. To his eyes, Jutrand wasn't the most attractive planet.. just another ecumenopolis in the grand accounting of the galaxy. But he was also discovering that his taste for small wonders shifted lately. Once before, boots had traversed these streets. It always struck him as a university district, one might say. Pretty waters. Cafes. Sorcery laboratories. Madrona A’Mia would be jealous if knowledge reached her about who was being visited today. Definitely the sort of detail to rub in her face whenever spirits were higher. Exactly the sort of thing a little sprout ought to do, right?

Glancing down revealed a premium chocolate bar, Commonwealth wrapping and all. Enough was already eaten; that wasn't to say his stomach was pleasantly full, though. He snapped off a piece and offered it to his companion. "Help me erase the evidence, Astra." Perhaps somewhere in that was an echo of their courtroom alliance. "We can always stick to our seperate stories, if asked." Not that the indulgence was a big deal, really. The Empress offered resources, and he found comfort in that green light.

Ahead, the Obscural Reliquary began to draw near, towers piercing Jutrand's skyline. Unlike the ugliness of most Sith architecture, these possessed an unexpected elegance. Long before Jakku, he'd nurtured ambitions that stretched well beyond the Lyrandar complex. There were many projects worth pursuing that did not involve another battlefield. Given a choice, creation was preferable. Even as a Sith..

"I could probably spend an unreasonable amount of time studying somewhere like this." Then again, there probably wasn't another place in the galaxy that came close.

Along the way, realization dawned that he was arriving empty handed. Lysander once offered holocrons during Darth Arcanix's visit to Coruscant. Hopefully she wouldn't hold the lack of tribute against him today.

Reaching for his datapad, a thumb tapped out a quick message to Taeli to signal arrival.

 

[Astra Sadow]

"Don't spend too much time worrying about the story, Mister von Ascania. I only needed enough for plausible deniability." Astra Sadow placed the chocolate strap on her tongue and pulled it between her lips. A soft hum followed from the luxurious taste as it melted in her mouth. "Everyone knows I'm associated with criminals in The Core, but they can never prove I had anything to do with any of their activities." Just because people knew you were a monster didn't mean they could prove it -- in the court of public opinion, or that of a judicial system.

Destroying Aurelian's bug before they'd vanished had been meant to sever the story on Astra's beat. Give them sound bytes to cast a shadow of doubt as to her role in those affairs on Naboo. After that... well, an enterprising woman like her could always find a way to convince a practical and ruthless woman like Srina to let her go.

"Even if the crime is indulging in creature comforts of home." Lysander had originally meant their purloining of chocolate, after all, rather than those affairs in the High Republic.

Her golden eyes looked ahead for a moment before they drew back to the man. Astra kept her red glareshades secured to a pocket of her pitch black button-up shirt. "Enjoying yourself? A woman asked if she'd visited her namesake. In fact, I have," Astra replied honestly. "Though it has been some time since I last set foot here. I see much has changed." So it was with the passage of time. So many memories. It took genuine effort to actively recall those that mattered most so they weren't lost. Memory palaces to turn a phrase.

"Have you? If so, what sort of spire of power or peddler of influence draws your thoughts most? Where would you point a Sadow in the Sadow District?"

To answer, Lysander's eyes turned up toward the Obscurial Reliquary ahead and quietly reflected on what he might do given the opportunity. "Time. Mortal's enemy." Or had she said 'Mortal enemy' as though to all things? "There are techniques to extend your time. Some more effective than others. Some more... sufferable than others. But more time doesn't solve the greatest challenge -- knowing how to spend it wisely." A Sangnir Lord didn't just go around promising immortality to everyone they could sink their fangs into. There certainly was an interview. Skill requirements. Mental fortitude measurements. A proper assessment itself took time of which the hiring partner had plenty.

"Think we'll have the time to spend here? I certainly wouldn't mind a look around."

Lysander von Ascania | Taeli Raaf​

 

[Taeli Raaf]

Jutrand, Sadow District, Obscurial Reliquary
Lysander von Ascania Astra Sadow
​

When she had first established the Sadow District, she had envisioned it as a center for research, development, and experimentation. A place for Sith and non-Sith alike to aspire to live and work in, a place to represent a more elegant style than the somber gothic cityscape that had come to dominate Jutrand once the Sith claimed it. She felt she had succeeded in that endeavor, but there was always room for improvement, and with the new initiatives that were developing within the Sith Order, the district was likely to become much busier.

"My Lady, Lysander Ascania and Astra Sadow have sent a message. They have arrived in the district and are requesting a meeting," her assistant said. Taeli was observing the hologram of the newest iteration of the frigate under design between Aurora, ATC, and the Sith. The new weapon systems were fairly settled, but other systems were still being negotiated or licensed. Still, it was coming together.

"Send a reply that I'm ready to receive them when they reach the tower," she replied, closing out the schematics. "And send these along to Danger and her team to see what they think."

"Of course, Mother," and her assistant, and daughter departed from her office. Taeli turned her attention to having the seating area arranged for her guests, along with refreshments, at the large window that overlooked the artificial lake and waterfalls that she had mandated be constructed when the district became hers.

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Astra Sadow Taeli Raaf​

Another sip disappeared past the rim of his cup. Lysander looked down at it in his hands for a moment before raising his eyes again. "Perhaps I'm biased just now, but I believe knowing how to spend it wisely begins with ensuring the choice is actually yours."

Lately, the thought had circled him often.. how easily decades could slip from one's grasp without ever truly being lived.

"Suppose we stopped treating time like something to hoard and started asking what actually makes it worth spending. Your perspective against mine. Compare notes." Lysander's smile returned. "Your sample size is larger than mine. By a few years, anyway. Does that sound naive?"

Attention drifted back toward the Reliquary, accompanied by a considering hum. Shoulders dropping, breath evening out, it was a choice to be present. "Rare, isn't it? No summons, no crisis pulling us elsewhere. Feels almost wasteful not to indulge that. A few hours given to curiosity seems like a worthy trade, and somehow I doubt Darth Arcanix would begrudge us the indulgence."

A chime announced Taeli's reply. Glancing down at the datapad, Lysander read the message before tucking the device away. "Looks like we're expected." Fingers brushed the empty chocolate wrapper into a pocket as the tower drew nearer. His palm smoothed along the lapel of his coat. More habit than vanity. The last of the tea was finished by the time the entrance came into view.

"Lady Raaf, thank you for your hospitality." Lysander inclined his head gracefully before looking to Astra beside him. "We appreciate you receiving us on such short notice. I hope we haven't caught you at an inconvenient time."

One hand opened slightly toward the woman beside him. "I suspected the opportunity would interest both of us, though I'll let Ms. Sadow speak for herself. Mostly, I thought it might be a good chance to reconnect. It's been a while since we've had the opportunity. Let's hope the HoloNet left a few surprises unspoiled."

 

[Astra Sadow]

Astra smiled over at Lysander as he spoke of choice. They'd had a similar conversation once concerning the freedom to choose. "Of course," she replied.

At first her brows rose, then fell. The smile remained though softened with patient suffering. Her sample size was larger by a few years? Walking a dangerous line commenting on a Lady's sample size (age). More of an amusement than genuine ire, of course. It was larger by more than a few. "My comm channel is always open for you, Lysander."

A hand reached up to lay atop Lysander's shoulder as Astra leaned forward to smile back at him. "Choose to indulge in what you want, Lysander, from time to time. The galaxy will gladly wring every drop of life out of you then toss your carcass on the pyre of 'progress' without recognizing your passage. There's too much to see in life to be stuck toiling every hour away and merely pining for what might have been." It was, after all, why she was a humble Corpo these days. Plenty to do and time commitments to keep, but also so much more room to decide where she spent her focus.

When the pad chimed, their eyes were drawn to the source. Astra swept a hand out toward the tower with a slight bow, gesturing Lysander to take the lead.

"I'm elated by the opportunity to visit Jutrand, the Sadow District, and -- most importantly -- yourself, Miss Raaf. I've always enjoy a bit of alchemical study and manipulation of the reality around us. There are limitless ways we can reshape the world around us, don't you agree?"

Lysander von Ascania | Taeli Raaf​

 

[Taeli Raaf]

Lysander von Ascania Astra Sadow
​

Once both had been ushered into her office, she would rise from her desk and approach them, a gentle and welcoming smile in place. "Lysander, it has been far too long. I'm glad to see the Republic's justice system was unable to hold you long term. And Miss Sadow, yes? I'm pleased to hear you enjoy the district, and I would encourage both of you to enjoy all it has to offer. For as long as you remain here, you'll be treated as my personal guests and can travel to most places within the district unimpeded."

There were a few places that, even for interested parties and individuals she wished to create a further rapport with, were off-limits to all but a very select few. She wasn't about to let just anyone into the Corbos complex or her own personal laboratory after all.

"I've made it my life's work to understand the galaxy we inhabit and the Force that binds it together," she continued, addressing Astra's question and statement. "Part of that is, of course, to keep pushing the fields of alchemy and sorcery beyond their current limitations, whether those be the ones commonly believed or those I have created for myself and my followers. But, please, sit, better to have such conversations in the comfort of a chair rather than standing."

She would gesture for them to take two of the seats near the window, settling herself into the third. A wave of her hand and a swirl of smoke would force a tray with tea and pastries to appear.

"If you desire other refreshments, ask away," she said, helping herself to a cup of tea and one of her own pieces of Corellian ryshcate. "Baked these myself yesterday for Fiolette, family ryshcate recipe. Anyways, to what do I owe the pleasure?"

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Astra Sadow | Taeli Raaf
​

Lysander answered the smile with one of his own. "For a while there, I thought they might just keep me there indefinitely. You have to admire the commitment, really."

Allies truly were rare among their brethren. The Covenant had its share of Lords testing where one another's influence began and ended; occasionally, even his own position left him standing somewhere between circles. Back within the heart of the Order, now upon the soil where he'd first taken root, there were familiar faces. Reunions not born from battle nor some fresh catastrophe were worth appreciating when they came.

"You know, it really has been way too long," a wry note threaded through the blonde's voice before sentiment took its place. "I'm glad we finally found time to fix that." A palm came to rest lightly against his chest as he went on, "The Sadow District speaks for itself, so much intention and consideration in its design. I'd appreciate the chance to understand it better."

Moving toward the window, he smoothed the line of his coat's lapel before easing into the chair. Lysander leaned forward at first, forearms settling against his thighs. The swirl of smoke drew his attention. More precisely, the pastries that materialized did. Truthfully, he'd been feeling famished since departing the Mid Rim. There'd been a time when something of the sort was familiar enough from his training, when an empty stomach could feel like a black hole. This was different. Worse, really. No matter how much he consumed since setting foot on Jutrand, that feeling of fullness ebbed away almost as soon as it arrived.

Fingers found the teacup first; he lifted it to inhale the steam from within, then set it down again. The ryshcate followed, caught between thumb and forefinger. "Family recipes have a habit of outliving everything else," he mused, rotating the pastry slowly in his palm. "Empires collapse, worlds burn, and still someone recalls exactly how much spice to fold into the filling. Personally, I've always liked traditions that require something of you. Time, effort... patience. You could buy something easier, sure, but that rather misses the point, doesn't it?"

The cup rose between them, and Lysander let his gaze brush Astra's over the rim before taking a sip. "The reunion, first. Business somewhere after that. I've been looking deeper into the Core, and I keep coming back to the same conclusion.. we should build something together. Our arrangement at Lyrandar was a thoughtful beginning. The Merregon transports have been invaluable to the Covenant, but I can't help feeling we only scratched the surface of what we could accomplish with a more ambitious venture."

 

[Astra Sadow]

Astra smiled at Taeli's warm reception. Of course, she knew better than to try getting into the woman's closely held areas. Thankfully she did Astra the service of not qualifying her invitation. It wasn't necessary. In fact, Astra fully expected Taeli to keep an eye on her every move while in the District. It's what Astra would have done in her place. What one did or did not do could reveal plenty about their intentions, after all.

Lysander went first followed by Astra toward the seats prepared for them. The woman in black settled in comfortable with her arms atop the arm rests. A slight hike at the corners of the lips accompanied Lysander's remark about recipes. Yes, indeed, some family recipes had outlasted entire families.

With a smile, Astra retrieved a cup of tea for herself and one of the pastries. Neither were nutritious, but she'd long since abandoned consuming things for strict dietary needs. It helped her blend in. Every good monster should be able to blend in, after all.

Astra's eye slid to Lysander before it turned back toward Taeli. A smile spread over her lips along with a slight lift of the brows over the cup as she took a sip. He spoke of the reunion first, but launched straight into talk about Lyrander and Transports. A woman -- even a monster -- could commiserate with another woman over just how direct the men could be. At least he wasn't the stoic, silent type.

"In fact, we've come into quite a few new sources of materials lately. Raw materials are a waste if there's no where to give them form. Even my own scholarly pursuits only use them so quickly. I've never been one for mass-production unless there's a particularly nasty creation the entire galaxy absolutely must witness first-hand. Perhaps we could arrange some form of exchange in order to make the most of things."

Taeli Raaf | Lysander von Ascania​

 

[Taeli Raaf]

Lysander von Ascania Astra Sadow
​

She would offer both of her guests another smile over the lip of her own cup at the compliments to the family recipe and to her part of Jutrand. If they thought the Sadow District was impressive, she was almost of the mind to invite them to Valrar or Amaltanna. This part of Jutrand was only the focus point of her power base within the Sith Order; the rest was centered on those worlds and other scattered facilities across the galaxy. That was even before one considered Aurora and her other corporate interests. But, there would be time for that when she knew them both better.

She would take a sip before replying to them, a half smile still flitting around her lips. "I would agree that the Lyrander facility is certainly an excellent start, and I would be lying if I said that I wasn't interested in more projects with the Covenant. There are so many avenues such joint efforts could take, whether they be corporate in nature or of a more...," she would glance at Astra, "a more esoteric and mystical nature. I am open to any proposals you both might have."

Her interest in expanding into Covenant space, beyond the venture on Hekassi and her inroads on Kuat, would be rather obvious for both of them. She had long been someone who believed in a diversified base, and it helped provide the resources and expertise she needed whenever a new experiment or idea took shape.

She would take another sip of her tea. "Tell me, Astra, on the subject of creations. I am curious about what you, and I believe your organization is Sanguine yes, have worked on. I am unfamiliar with your work, not to say I don't appreciate a woman who understands that discretion is essential for any exciting work to get done, but I'd like to know some of your capabilities."

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Astra Sadow | Taeli Raaf​

Before the Republic saw fit to make a spectacle out of him, many small hours belonged to star charts and studying routes over the galactic map. Where else might a man raise his banner, if the soil were willing? The Core was a beautiful mess. Plenty of warlords were still out there too, all fighting for the same air. Lyrandar had already proven one idea could take root and grow. No reason to think it had to be the only one.

One slow pass of a thumb traced the rim of the cup. Few worlds within the Covenant's grasp offered the same marriage of old influence and commerce. "There is one place I've been giving more thought than most."

His answer required little thought. "Brentaal. Worlds rise and fall. Governments do the same. But some places remain important regardless of who happens to be sitting on the throne. Trade, finance, traffic. Everything passes through there eventually." He could elaborate when the conversation allowed for it.

The talk drifted toward Astra, and only then did the ryshcate finally meet Lysander's lips, the first bite taken at last.

 

[Astra Sadow]

Astra set the cup down and smiled across at Taeli. "Of course. Sanguine Enterprises is a conglomerate of companies in multiple industry verticals. I like to keep our portfolio diverse to weather any turbulence in galactic affairs. You likely hadn't heard of us because I don't seek to lay claim to entire planets or monopolize an industry. Taboo behavior, I know, but unlike most I don't rely on outside market investors so my efforts are more deliberate, but not prone to justifying my decisions to people that don't understand the first thing about business."

"Agriculture, mining, manufacturing, exploration... Recently our city-building division has quadrupled in size. I like to meet the needs of customers especially in nascent markets."

A glance was spared in Lysander's direction. "At times, establishing a presence where allied interests lay to facilitate the smooth distribution of goods and services." She fully intended to build something on Brentaal to solidify her connection with the man, and his ambitions.

One leg slowly crossed over the over as she paused to smile. "As for the esoteric, I keep my biological and scholarly divisions under my personal control. They have full access to all resources of Sanguine, but not even the Board has a mind for the more creative applications of things beyond the comprehension of most. This allows them to study the mundane, but also the incomprehensible. I have a knack for finding such things. Call it a professional hobby." Though if certain plans came through it might become more than a hobby. Few would appreciate an artist in her own time... especially one that refused to die according to schedule.

"I am interested in pursuing opportunities on both fronts, as they become available in the Sith Order. If there is a particular need we don't already provide, Sanguine can further diversify to help fill that gap. Though I am personally interested to learn what metaphysical discoveries have been found in recent years."

Taeli Raaf | Lysander von Ascania​