Scarred by Serenno, The Counts Meet

[Adron Malvern]

​

Serenno​

Blackgate Manor~ 1700 ​

With the death of Count Borgin by an unknown assassin The Great Houses of Serenno had felt one of their greatest disconnects since The Sith took control in the time of the old Empire. Meetings and councils were becoming less and less frequent, and unification made way for skepticism and distrust. All of this stemming from the shadowy assassin games that had taken place over the last decade.

Adron watched as the eccentric ebony gates, from which his estate's title was born, were closed to the outside world. More a symbol of House Malvern's isolationism than a true defensive method. Atop his manor's balcony he watched the winds blow through the freezing mountains, snow following behind each gust of wind as it did every day. In the past months Adron had grown to mirror his homelands, growing colder and more detached. His confidence in those around him being wounded, what more was he to do? The Dominion took little to no part in Serenno's murders, the closest thing to action taken was assigning a fleet to watch over the world.

While the fleet was in Adron's control he could not rightfully use it to pacify his counter-parts, something so drastic would surely lead to civil war. Along with his faith in Serenno's patron, so fell his Jedi training. Where once he found a soothing relaxation in a drawn meditation he now found more peace in relying simply on his combat training.

Perhaps it is all moving too fast. Adron mused, his arms crossed as he stared out over his lands. Faster than I can control...

His eyes glanced over to the shuttle that sped it's way towards Blackgate, only one person had been permitted access to these lands. The only person who Adron believed he had even a sliver of a chance of trusting. [member="Count Marlow Venjuta"]

 

[Poe]

​There once had been an Age of Enlightenment on Serenno when all the noble Houses stood together, before the treacherous House of Dooku; whose Count had led his House and family to near ruin in favor of power under the guise of a galactic rebellion, siding with a mysterious and shadowy figure who managed to rise to Emperor. With this grab for dominance, the Houses began to distant themselves, fearing this Count Dooku held only his ambitions to heart, slowly losing care for the struggles of Serenno's citizens. Though the Houses would never know, for the Count of Rebellion had disappeared like a fleeting dream. And his House, like the castle he paraded about like a God, slowly drifting away.

​Hundreds of years later, a new enlightenment began to flicker; brining hope to the Houses that the dawn of a new age was on the horizon; an age that was just a fingertip away of gripping an evolution of new thinking. But like all hopes and dreams, it took one single act, like the death of Count Borgin, to bring upon the dark ages. In the wake of his murder, several Houses began to cast the fingers of blame, accusing one or the other of having a hand in the late Count Borgin's demise. Rumors of a civil war began to spread like a creeping plague across the lands of Serenno, each House rallying their supporters for the upcoming event. For House Venjuta, whom were forced to weather conspiracies about their involvement with the Sith for centuries, whose own Patriarch died under mysterious causes, took the blunt of the accusations.

​Soon the Houses grew silent, cautiously peering out the windows fearing a rival or collection of Houses spellbound by the misguided notions they were the source of the darkness stood poised at their gates to lay slaughter to all whom took shelter behind their ancient walls. Serenno was on the verge of a planetary genocide.

​But hope was not lost, for two House heads, a Count and a Lord of their respective Houses, saw the shimmering light dancing through the darkness; a light that if allowed to grow would ease the hearts of all. However, neither side wished to make the first contact, for fear that the other Houses would perceive them as forming a military and political alliance. For House Venjuta, who harbored a dark secret for hundreds of years, and House Malvern the time to save Serenno from an mummified fate, elected to take that chance; and like all chances bred of uncertainty, they risked breeding further accusations.

​The shuttle, emblazoned with the symbol of House Venjuta, cruised toward the ebony gates; gates up until this moment that had been closed now appeared to the Count like welcoming hands, stretching like a brother ready to receive him. The two Houses never had dealings in their long history, but it was time for ancients to bring youngsters together; and if it meant war to do so, House Venjuta was more than capable of doing so.


[member="Adron Malvern"]

 

[Adron Malvern]

As Count Venjuta's shuttle touched down on the landing pad Adron made his way to the landing site. Flanked by his Captain of his guard, Captain Kon Nuana, he pulled his cowl back down, revealing his youthful face. Two more of Adron's Security Officer's stood to either side of the landing ramp. One manned the control terminal and the other seemed to be preparing for an inspection. "Captain, we are receiving Count Venjuta as a friend, not a suspect." The Young Count stated, bringing the Rodian Captain's attention to the inspector.

Measuring his words, Kon seemed less than supportive of the decision. "My Lord-"

"I don't think I need to repeat myself, Captain." In the times before the wight of Count had been thrust upon him Adron would never have spoken to Kon like that. The man, who had practically had a hand in raising Adron, only had his ward's best interest in mind when he took his security matters to new high's. "Of course not, My Lord."

The Rodian marched ahead of Adron, speaking to the two security officer's for a moment before returning to the Count's side. "My Lord...are you sure about this? Count Venjuta is..."

"A respectable man who has only supported Serenno...A lot more than our counter-parts. I won't let rumors stand in the way of Serenno's preservation."

Crossing his arms the Rodian nodded at his Ward's statement, yet disbelief still echoed from him. "The Other Houses believe he is not to be trusted, are you sure they are not correct?"

"Which houses? The ones that murdered my family or the ones that stood idly by? Enlighten me, Kon...." The words were harsh but not devoid of truth, even Nuana could not dispute that. Adron sought to trust another of his Count's once again, and the only thing that gave Venjuta amnesty from suspect of murdering Adron's family was that he was as hated by the other Houses as the Malvern's were.

The shuttle opened, making way for Count Venjuta and any he had brought in entourage. As the winds surrounding the estate slowly began to die down Adron climbed the ramp to the shuttle. Finally placing himself in front of his fellow Count Adron bowed respectfully, breaking words as he recovered from the greeting. "Count Venjuta. It is my honor to welcome you to Blackgate Manor. Please, allow me to take you from the cold, dinner awaits us and I am sure you would enjoy a meal after your trip here."

[member="Count Marlow Venjuta"]

 

[Poe]

​"The five combat droids ​will remain on board the shuttle," ​speaking to my companion as we made our landing. The women accompanying me nodded her head, understanding just as I did that this meeting held to much importance to birth mixed feelings. I came here to meet with my fellow Count of Serenno as a friend, not to create another House to hate us without justification; and any show of force could be seen as a preemptive strike of superiority. I wanted this young Count to trust me, to form an alliance based off trust and understanding for the benefit of both our Houses; and for the survival of Serenno.

​I reached for my cane, though I didn't require it's support, then thought otherwise. On the outside, it looked like a normal walking cane, but on the inside it held a weapon of magnitude. I left the cane resting against the shuttle wall, earning a smile from my female companion. "There is enough tension on Serenno, no need to add to it," ​I told her whilst gesturing her toward the shuttle's opening. Together we exited the shuttle, and my heart fell in love with the artistic design of Blackgate Manor. The other Bloodlines of my species, for the exception of one or two, were mere heathens; failing to comprehend the nature of beauty. The Venjuta, we prized beauty in the most elaborate designs down to a single paint drop on a canvas; to us, creativity was the most purest form of beauty.

​As we walked toward our hosts, my female companion brushed my mind through the Force saying, "This Count is just but a child." ​I stopped abruptly, returning my reply directly into her mind, ​"This child you call him is the only other House Count that is wise enough to see the troubles of Serenno. And this child, who stands among men, has taken a great risk inviting us here. Show him the respect he deserves."

​​"The cold doesn't bother me young Lord," ​​I said reaching him. Turning my hand toward my female companion, I added, "Allow me to introduce you to Magellian Venjuta​, Senator of Serenno like yourself, and the representative of House Serenno. And yes, young Lord, nourishment would be most acceptable."

​"For what it's worth, young Lord, my condolences for your loss," ​I said walking in step with the Count. ​"Though it's not our business, rest assure that the entire House Venjuta is investigating this tragedy. Justice will prevail, young Lord."


[member="Adron Malvern"]

 

[Adron Malvern]

Venjuta approached the young Count, introducing a woman whom Adron knew in title and name. Magellian Venjuta had served as Senator of the planet since before Adron's connection with The Dominion. Her skills in politics far outmatched Adron's, and for this The Count held a great deal of esteem. "My lady, It is my honor, surely. Your exploits in representing our planet were often praised by my Mother. She was a deep admirer of yours, as am I."

Inclining his head towards the woman, Adron gestured towards Count Venjuta. "Please, let us move inside." With that Adron turned towards the manor, his hands clasped behind his back from underneath his cloak. It was not until Count Venjuta broke words that Adron felt a need to speak once again.

His footsteps fell to a halt as he stared at the estate before him, his memories flaring back up to the slaughter of his family. Yet, a smile came over his face as he turned back to his counter-part. "You are not the first Count to say such things. But you are the first one I believe to be telling the truth." He stated simply, restarting his advance on their manor.

"Justice will prevail." He repeated, before finally bringing them to the main door to Blackgate manor. As was tradition with the Malvern family, when guests of notable title or holdings were invited their banner was flown adjacent his own houses.

Glancing up to the balcony Adron took notice of the two House crests, waving side by side above their heads. "I hope this will be the first of many times that our families standards shall fly together." He commented, making his way up the steps.

Once they reached the main entrance the large ebony doors were opened by the security officers. Inside the main hall, to either side of the door was a receiving line, twenty of Adron's servants were lined to each side of the door as the Count's entered. Master Chefs, Personal pilots, Security Lieutenants, and even the family tailors had been invited to greet the Count upon arrival.

"Welcome, Count Venjuta!" They all stated, in unison, bowing deeply at the waist as the three of them continued through the main hall.

The interior of the manor was mostly rounded off, the hinting of Nubian architecture was very present. The main colors to dominate the interior was black, teal, and silver, leaving the room slightly darker but no less beautiful.

"I hope you will forgive the expressiveness. My family believes you should greet a man you would call friend as if he was a long-lost brother, finally returning home." As they passed the receiving line and found themselves in the center of the room. Again, Captain Kon Nuana showed himself, having made sure that the receiving line was in proper order, he bowed as the Count's approached.

"Count Venjuta, the head of my guard, Captain Kon Nuana. If you have any needs dealing with Security he is at your full disposal." The Rodian stepped forward, his electronic-like voice practically ringing as he spoke. "Please alert me if you need anything, Count." Adron watched as Nuana took his place behind the group, as he did the boy removed his arms from behind his back, glancing at a nearby archway. "Well, I have teased enough. Let us see if dinner is ready." The young lord made his way towards the next hall, the smell of spices and herbs guiding him to the banquet hall.

[member="Count Marlow Venjuta"]

 

[Poe]

​The politeness from the young Count was refreshing; since most of the dealings I had with the other Counts resulted it harsh words and unmentioned accusations. I despised dealing with them not out of hatred but out of their ignorance to comprehend that I, and my House, were not the enemy. Serreno had enough enemies as it was dating back to well before the Clone Wars; and it only gotten worse with House Dooku's association with the war. Though, as I suspected, my peers minus this young Count simply needed a finger to cast their blames upon.

​I listened intently as my host spoke, nodding at his words, as we walked gracefully toward his residence. I could sense a bond forming between us, not because of the Force we both wielded, but we both have suffered from the other Houses. War was looming, and it seemed the only allies our respected Houses had would be one another; and this was even more solidified when we entered Blackgate and my emerald eyes saw the banners side by side, a smile forming on my lips.

​"You've not only shown us trust, Lord. You've shown us friendship," ​I said pointing to the gathered banners. Even his House guards seemed relaxed around us, not like the other Houses whose guards were poised to strike us down like thieves in the night who came seeking plunder at their dispense. ​"Our Houses should be like family, watching over and protecting one another. More so now when word gets out of our meeting." ​I held no concerns what the other Houses would think, but with the young Count's Father recently murdered his House would be further targeted. House Venjuta would not allow for any acts of violence enacted on House Malvern again.

​The smell of the food was enticing, though my species didn't have the proper equipment to indulge the tastes like most. Taking the seat offered to me and nodding for Magellian to sit, I accepted a pouring of wine and raised the glass to my nose; inhaling the sweet aroma. Raising my glass I said, ​"A toast to house Malvern and House Venjuta. May fortunes smile brightly upon us in these dark times."


[member="Adron Malvern"]

 

[Adron Malvern]

There was no sense of modesty to speak of when it came to the main banquet hall. Where Silver had once been a tasteful accent it had now boldly taken over the scheme of the interior. The lights to the room were dimmed, in their place torches had been soaked in complementing oils, allowing a nice slow fire to burn through out the night.

Four servers stood in silence as the party made their way into the room, their black suits forcing them to nearly blend into the walls behind them.

"I have no doubt that a union of our two houses would breed resentment from the others. Our wealth alone would make for an even match to the other houses. With my standing in The Dominion and the success of your enterprise I am sure they would feel threatened." A moment passed as Adron made his way to his seat, barely able to be heard his words were given life. "As they should."

Once the duo had taken their seats, joined by their respective attaches, the waiters moved forward to adjust the dinner ware placed in front of them. "The meal of choice tonight is a stew, my lord." Each Count was told, the servers informing the Count's of the options on the menu.

"For dinner tonight we are serving Kebroot stew, it is exceedingly popular among the remnants of the Alderanian culture. It will be served with a delectable flatbread that is lightly seasoned. Along with that we will be serving the Felucian salad, though it has an eccentric name worry not all of the foliage was home grown here on Serenno." After the introduction for the meal was concluded the servers pulled the bottles of red wine that hung tightly underneath their arms, pouring the glasses for the two with a refined unity.

"Thank you for joining us this evening." The two echoed before offering a rather rehearsed bow.

As they made their way out Adron could not help but host a rather amused smile, always finding a bit of amusement in the spectacle the kitchen staff made during each meal. As Venjuta drew his attention back to the meeting at hand Adron too raised his glass towards the man, "And may our children's children speak of this day in awe and admiration." He added.

After downing a shallow sip of the alcoholic liquid Adron placed the glass back on the tabletop, finding no real enjoyment in wine past the smell. "I truly wish this meeting had not taken so long to arrange. My work in The Dominion has been rather....straining as of late. With Serenno being made the center of The Dominion's second sector army I received a promotion to Sector Commander."

He took a moment to realize his words before offering up the palm of his hand in an apologetic manner. "Excuse me, I did not mean to be speaking in a tone matching bragging if that seemed to be the case. I suppose it would be best to simply make my thoughts known." Taking another shallow sip of his wine Adron cleared his throat before continuing. "I believe the most important duty of a Count of Serenno is to preserve our people and our planet, would you agree?"

"I believe that the other houses plan to assassinate us." He said, bringing the bridge of his connected hands to his cheek as he looked to his counterpart. "I called you here because I want us to become friends, I need your help if we are to make Serenno the jewel it truly is."

Silence fell over the table before Adron's plain-stated personality soon took over. "For that I believe we must take Serenno into our care and strip the other Houses of all authority, until a time where they have again gained such an honor."

[member="Count Marlow Venjuta"]