Si Deus Me Relinquit

[Sor-Jan Xantha]

You knew that you were dealing with adults because everything was talking.

Marr was talking. Seto was talking. And the Kaiah lady was talking. Well, she was doing most of the talking. Of which, Tao was only listening to about half of what was being said. Well, a quarter at least. At a certain point, the youngling's attention span had timed out and his head was turning as he continued staring out at the various sights that interested him in this part of the alien structure.

"What's a Nagi?"

See, he was listening. Kind of. Maybe. "Is that a place?" the youngling ventured, the second question following close in time to the first. "Planet?" the boy amended. That seemed more likely. "Portal to the Netherworld?" Probably not, but it never hurt to ask about these things before they unleashed the zombie porg apocalypse.

At the reveal with the map, the boy's attention was back on the topic at hand. For however fickle that might last. "Can we explore the spire?" the boy asked, eagerly. He turned his head up to Marr as he asked.

If this took some cajoling, she seemed like a softer target than Seto.

​

[member="Kaiah Nihl"] | [member="Seto Du Couteau"] | [member="Marriskcal Lati"]​

 

[Marriskcal Lati]

Praetorian Initiate
Equipment | Lightsaber (blue), Vibrodaggers, Throwing Knives, Binding Wires
Location | Turbolift, Bluespire, Athelvai
Allies | [member="Tao Liu Xian"], [member="Seto Du Couteau"]
Friendly | [member="Kaiah Nihl"]

[SIZE=11pt]Marriskcal listened carefully as their acquaintance spoke, taking note of the fleeting hesitation in between her words and the unspoken allusions behind her retelling. What the blonde managed to infer from them was that this rival returned to seek vengeance and many were left either injured or dead because they were unable to match him and his ability to wield the force, and even Lady Nihl herself was overwhelmed by him.

The only question that remained was whether the other was looking for this source of power because she wanted to learn how to undo it from her rival, or if she wanted to make use of it to increase her own abilities? But when Marriskcal considered the fact that the beautiful woman used the word ‘unnatural’ to describe the force, she presumed the other was still undecided as to how she should feel about it. Marriskcal brows were furrowed in thought, unsure of what she was allowed to say, and if it was considered impolite if she said them.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]As Lady Nihl unfolded the ancient piece of map, the blonde gave Seto an imploring glance, silently asking for his guidance on what she suspected was a sensitive matter. The only reason why Marriskcal was even leaning towards such a thought was because the other did not seem like she wanted to dwell on it. And as the brunette has been pleasant and was even willing to be the first to offer them a gesture of trust, the blonde was also inclined to be more thoughtful and mindful of her words. But as the map was spread before their eyes, her gaze fell back on the revealed yellowed parchment. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]She made note of where the brunette drew crosses on the spire, taking the stained and aged map when it was offered. As the beautiful lady made her way to the controls, Marriskcal took note of the coordinates she entered, committing it to memory just in case they saw the need to return. After all, if there is a source of power hidden within the Bluespire, her Lord and Master would be most pleased to learn of it. With a hum and shudder, the car began to descend. From the information they have received before their vessel even left for Athelvai, it would be a rather long trip down the spire, even with the velocity that turbolifts are known to achieve.

Now that a measure of silence has fallen in their small group, Marriskcal found herself curious about their acquaintance once more. Her colouring was unusual, and the initiate found herself drawn to the shade of her skin and the contrasting brightness of her eyes whose reminded her of a flame. There were so many things she wanted to ask, but she remained uncertain as to what was considered acceptable. But when Tao spoke up, he removed the dilemma of indecision. The initiate made the mistake of meeting his gaze and seeing the enthusiasm written on his young features.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]And one glance was all it took for her to fold.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Well… that, and Marriskcal also held the same wishes to explore the uncharted parts of the spire as her youngest sibling.

“Of course we can. After all, we need to help Lady Nihl discover this source of power so that she can return home to vanquish her rival and claim back her rightful place.” Spoken aloud, it sounded a little like a story she read from somewhere… [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Realising a little belatedly that she forgot to seek the agreement of their older brother, Marriskcal turned her clear blue eyes towards Seto, a sheepish grin in place. “Can we, brother?” she said, her voice soft and pleading.[/SIZE]

 

[Seto du Couteau]

Seto Du Couteau, Ren
Location: Hangar Bay, Bluespire
Objective: Prepare and Ready for Exploration (Laying out some Ground Rules!)
Nearby: [member="Marriskcal Lati"] | [member="Tao Liu Xian"] | [member="Kaiah Nihl"]

​

Arms across his chest, Seto eyed the map carefully, in all honesty he had hoped for a holo-image or even something on a data-slate would do since they had the intention of exploring the Spire. Beggars can't be choosers was the saying I believe. Seto of course often begged or bought for his choice, but now he had very limited options to choose from to explore the Spire with. His droid had no real map to display, and only offered a map already explored and scanned by the droid itself, At least we won't get lost on our way back.

Seto kept his arms crossed over his chest and listened intently to Kaiah's tale, as it certainly gave him some interesting insight of the woman and her drive to explore such a mysterious and possibly dangerous place. He turned to his young brother and with a nod he answered "-Yes, Nagi is a planet Tao, and Nagai are its species." Seto took great care of his pronunciation and slowly turned over to Kaiah once more.

"Far be it of me to advice your approach for your rematch, but perhaps you should seek your own power rather than the source of your rival's." Seto suggested, his closed his eyes as he went over a memory of another game of Sabacc. A small smile tugged the corner of his lips as he reopened his eyes. You can't always know everything of your opponent but Noble types can always be so stubborn with 'Fighting Styles' passed down from generation to generation.

He had learned rather early on that there was only so much he could control and know, better in his mind to adapt and grow than search continuously for why it didn't work the first time. Of course, Seto never cared much for tradition or rigorous codes of ethics as he figured it only allowed others the advantage of knowing one's limits, and provided almost with nothing in return.

Eyes snapped over to Marr and Tao as the youngest explained his eagerness to explore as much of the Spire as possible, and perhaps with no self control Marr agreed to Tao's plan. Seto narrowed his eyes and raised an eyebrow at Marr as she asked for his approval, he moved closer to Tao and Marr and slowly knelt with both arms still crossed over his chest.

Seto sighed and released his arms, he gave Tao a thumbs up but peered straight into his young brother's eyes. "-Promise me that you'll not wonder off without either Marr or myself." Seto offered as he gave Marr a sideways glance. And you Marr, don't encourage bad behaviors. Can't have the both of you walking over me. Seto kept his expression steady but cracks had already formed and it took a lot practice to not just give in to his younger sibling's pleas.


Their lift continued to descend deeper into the Spire.

 

[Kaiah Nihl]

Location: Blue Spire – Descending Elevator.
Objective: Locate the Anomaly.
Nearby: [member="Tao Liu Xian"] | [member="Marriskcal Lati"] | [member="Seto Du Couteau"]

​

​

Kaiah smiled. The child was so full of life, so full of questions. He was a bright spark in the darkness of the Spires of Hell. “Indeed” Kaiah responded, after Seto spoke. “Nagi is my homeworld. A beautiful planet, with a mix of modern buildings and expansive forests”. Her smile broadened as she thought of home. “No portals to anywhere, fortunately”.

The white-haired one surprised her again. He gave sage advice for one so young. “Perhaps” she mused. “This is an area I am unfamiliar with however. Better to at least be more educated on the strengths my opponent for the next fight, would you not agree?” She hadn’t given much thought on what she would do when she discovered the source of such power. For now, however, finding it would be enough.

The boy turned his attention to the others, begging them to allow an exploration of the Spire. She watched on in amusement as their will crumbled beneath the adorable youngling’s eyes. When it came time for Marr to talk, Kaiah let out a musical laugh. “Sounds like a fairy tale when you say it like that!” Kaiah exclaimed.

She opened her mouth to speak further but was interrupted by the sound of the elevator door opening. She stepped out, letting out a small gasp as she took in her surroundings. They seemed to be in some sort of interior, structural portion of the spire. Branching fibres of black stone wove themselves in complex patterns around the structure, forming thin narrow bridges.

Spoiler

“Shall we?” she asked to the group, before continuing onwards.

 

[Sor-Jan Xantha]

The youngling bounced excitedly as Marr agreed to exploring the spire.

Then the boy's eyes darted off to one side when he realized that Seto was looking at him as he laid down rules of a sort. In this, Tao's tactic was simple, really. If he didn't make eye contact then he could claim to have not heard what his older brother was telling him.

Never underestimate the power of (im)plausible deniability!

So, Nagi was a planet. And Kaiah was a Nagai. Nagian? That almost sounded like some kind of Corellian slang. Yo, what up, my Nagai? The thought elicited a mirthful giggle, even if no one else would appreciate just what on earth was possessing the grinning, bubbly youngling.

As Kaiah showed them the interior of the spire, the boy was entranced for a moment by the sight that was before them.

Then the moment was gone.

And so was Tao, for that matter.

Time slowed down for the child, as he passed effortlessly into the space between moments. His form was like a blur. One second he was standing next to them, the next he was across the vast chamber, peering over the side into the abyss. Then he was elsewhere the next second, staring up at a strange looking stalactite. Then he had shifted to the otherside, seemingly without having moved, and was taking a picture of the strange landmark with his HoloBoy.

He was still within eye sight of the others.

That totally counted, right?

[member="Kaiah Nihl"] | [member="Seto Du Couteau"] | [member="Marriskcal Lati"]​

 

[Marriskcal Lati]

Praetorian Initiate
Equipment | Lightsaber (blue), Vibrodaggers, Throwing Knives, Binding Wires
Location | Subterranean Cavern, Bluespire, Athelvai
Allies | [member="Tao Liu Xian"], [member="Seto Du Couteau"]
Friendly | [member="Kaiah Nihl"]

[SIZE=11pt]Eep![/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Marriskcal looked at her brother’s narrowed eyes and raised brow with trepidation, feeling slightly chastened. While she would not usually allow anyone other than their Lord and Master and her counterpart to dictate her actions, Seto was a much cherished brother, one whom the blonde both adored and respected. It only meant that she willingly allowed his words and views to influence her own and gave him a measure of control over her. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Giving the older male a faint pout, the blonde nodded her assent, letting him know she would keep an eye on their youngest. While Marriskcal had no idea why Tao needed to be watched over, she did understand that it was safer for them to stay close to each other in the case of anything untoward happening. But considering she has been trusted to make her own decisions and only received minimal instructions when started her own journey, she had full faith that Tao will be able to conduct himself with poise. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]The laughter that came from the Lady was lovely and had a melodious quality to it, and the initiate wondered to herself if it was something that was unique to nobility or the Nagai. Her reply further reminded her as to why Marriskcal had found it so familiar after the words had left her lips. The blonde only vaguely remembered that it had a happy ending, but she could not remember her feelings on the tale back then, something about ‘once upon a time’ and ‘they lived happily ever after’. “This only means you will eventually get your happy ending as well, Lady Nihl,” she said with great sincerity as she followed the beautiful woman out of the turbolift.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Not realising what was truly amusing her youngest brother and instead believing that the other was merely delighted that Seto has given them permission to explore, Marriskcal lifted a hand to pat him on his back, when she saw him far ahead of their group. Instead of fearing for his safety, for she knew the force would warn him if anything untoward was lurking close, the praetorian stepped out of the lighted boundary the turbolift provided, her curiousity and wonderment twisting playfully around her.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Other than the artificial light that was casting shadows and illuminating the cavernous interior of the spire, the distance in the beyond was murky and forbidding. With barely enough light streaming down from the spires of the Dark One, their group will have limited vision when the doors closed behind them. Though their vision would eventually become accustomed to its gloom, the time in between meant they would be vulnerable for a brief period…[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]The gleam of her eyes turned sharp and assessing as she took in the view of their surroundings. Marriskcal carefully noted the rough buildings hewn into the surface of the cavern and the bridges that spanned the area, some of them high above them. It told her that this used to be a settlement, one that was flourishing. But the scent of dampness and decay and the reigning silence also told her that this place has been abandoned a long while ago. Why? While she had her own theory, the blonde turned back to regard both Seto and Lady Nihl. “Why do you think that the inhabitants decided to migrate to the higher parts of the spire?” [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Lack of resources?[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] Even then, surely living in the structures down here was far better than some of the ramshackle huts and tents she saw.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]A threat?[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] Though her senses remained calm, it was a more likely answer.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]The initiate moved forward, her steps on the stone ground silent as she made her way towards her youngest sibling. “No further, Tao.” [/SIZE]

 

[Seto du Couteau]

Seto Du Couteau, Ren
Location: Hangar Bay, Bluespire
Objective: Prepare and Ready for Exploration (Laying out some Ground Rules!)

Nearby: [member="Marriskcal Lati"] | [member="Tao Liu Xian"] | [member="Kaiah Nihl"]

​

Happy endings? Seto forced down a chuckle, the stories he remembered growing up were quite something, and the holo-vid versions had once made a child Seto wide eyed and large toothy smile from ear to ear. Unfortunately, presently he could only but cringe at such stories and heavily romanticized characters. The dashing rogue knight, or the hidden power princesses, it all sort of jumbled together that Seto felt he had grown out of entirely.

Well, maybe not entirely grown out of. Seto mused with a tad of introspection, with a mental shrug he returned to the present and turned to face Marr. Seto's features softened as he nodded towards her, silently apologizing as he returned focus back towards Lady Kaiah. Seto hardly wanted to hover either of his sibling's shoulders but he had changed somewhat in the past month, or at least he sensed something was amiss with himself.

Seto nearly opened his mouth to remind Tao about the virtue of safety first but he never had the chance to take the breath as the only thing left was an after image of sorts, a blur of motion and color. The young Du Couteau's eyes could not possibly track without aide of the Force and knowing ahead of time of such speed. Though the pure moment of pride Seto had for such strength of Tao, his annoyance nearly eclipsed the feeling and he sighed heavily as he took a few steps forward.

Did I learn to fear for someone else? Seto shook his head, as he took a careful look around their new location. The architecture of the caverns and tunnels, or if he could even call this structure architecture for that matter, appeared rather haunting to the eyes. Seto breathed in deeply, his senses expanded outwards but it wasn't until his droid provided a soft warning to him that Seto realized the issue soon.

"Low oxygen." Seto realized as he read his gauntlet for the warning sent his way from his droid.

"Perhaps the closer you get to the core the more unstable the area becomes." Seto suggested as he peered into caverns.

 

[Kaiah Nihl]

Location: Blue Spire – Spire Interior.
Objective: Locate the Anomaly.
Nearby: [member="Tao Liu Xian"] | [member="Marriskcal Lati"] | [member="Seto Du Couteau"]

​

"Indeed, the air is sparse here" Kaiah said, unconsciously taking in a deeper breath. "Perhaps that is why they left? I find that bizarre, however. Others have lived in high mountains, where the air is much thinner". She could handle this level, but she hoped that the concentration would drop no lower. She shivered. There was a slight chill in the air, but that was not the cause for the tremor. The was a great feeling of...wrongness about this place. It was hard for her to describe, so she kept her mouth shut.

She squinted as she glanced over at Tao, barely able to see the boy. Her long-range sight was poor, much to her dismay in this situation. In trying to focus on the boy, she felt a tugging through the force. She took a few hesitant steps in the direction and felt the awful feeling disappear. Instead it was replaced by an immense feeling of rightness. "It seems you have found our way forward, young one!" she shouted. Grinning, she began to traverse the bridges over to Tao's position.

What she didn't know was that this feeling that was leading her, so strong and reassuring, could not be felt by any other force-users present.

- - - - -​

​

​

​

Hunger didn't describe how it felt. Wracked by ravenous pains, it had awoken to an enticing smell wafting through its lair. It unfolded, its limbs tense and atrophic. Its brethren lay dead in the nest, having long succumbed to a greater dark long ago. It had forgotten much; like how it had come to its latest lair or the old scars that lay across its body. It hadn't forgotten the hunger however. Nor had it forgotten how to hunt.

Its white sinuous limbs reached upwards, gripping the thin arching stone structures. It deftly raised itself into the darkness of the upper levels, and began its spidery movement through the spire. It followed the scent, its arms quivering at the prospect of a fresh meal. The prey was below it now, but it stayed far above, hidden in the deep dark.

It edged closer as its future meal continued, but hesitated as something whispered at the edge of its mind. These ones were strong in the force, a prospect that encouraged the beast. It fed off the force as much as it did on flesh, and relied on it to hide it from the minds of its prey.

This meal would be filling, indeed.

- - - - -​

​

Kaiah had reached where Tao was, moving slightly past the boy to find the route ahead. The pull was stronger here, guiding her further into the dark. She continued forward, until the ground dropped away. She felt the drop, finding it was actually a steep ramp down, slick with some strange residue. "Come here, little one" she said, motioning for Tao to approach closer. "Can you see the bottom of this ramp? I'm afraid my eyesight is awful".

 

[Sor-Jan Xantha]

The young Atrisian boy looked up as Marr caught up with him.

The youngling gave a nod of acknowledgement, then seemed to immediately forget about the others as the boy became occupied with the HoloBoy in his hands. Swiping across the screen, the youngling pulled up the Instaholo app and then his digits became a blur as he opened up a new post and queued up the new photos that he had just taken and readied it to post.

Once he had a HoloNet signal, that is.

He didn't think he'd had a HoloNet signal since they'd arrived at the Spires of Hell. Someone really needed to drop a subspace radio satellite somewhere in this sector.

When the youngling had looked up from the device in his hands, the others had already passed him by. Falling into step alongside Marr, the boy stayed in her shadow as the ventured further into the bowels of the spire.

The child gave a large yawn, unconscious of his movements as he brought the heel of one palm up to massage at his eyes.

"Come here, little one. Can you see the bottom of this ramp? I'm afraid my eyesight is awful".

At the summons from their acquaintance, the Atrisian youth looked up at Marr as though silently asking her permission to comply with the request.

After all, Marr had told him no further. So, in compliance with her command, the boy was making certain he was always one step behind Marr.

[member="Marriskcal Lati"] | [member="Kaiah Nihl"] | [member="Seto Du Couteau"]​

 

[Marriskcal Lati]

Praetorian Initiate
Equipment | Lightsaber (blue), Vibrodaggers, Throwing Knives, Binding Wires
Location | Subterranean Cavern, Bluespire, Athelvai
Allies | [member="Tao Liu Xian"], [member="Seto Du Couteau"]
Friendly | [member="Kaiah Nihl"]

[SIZE=11pt]As they continued to journey further in, her eyesight slowly grew accustomed to the gloom of the caverns. While she was still unable to discern any details further than a small distance away, it was still better than grasping around blindly in the dark.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Marriskcal stopped beside her youngest brother, accepting his wordless agreement with a smile. She remained by his side, her own aura slowly growing to surround the both of them as Tao worked on his… coursework notes[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]? Her nose wrinkled at the thought, feeling grateful that she was free from the never-ending chain of written assignments, though she did not remember being quite as busy as Tao when she was a youngling.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]The blonde followed after the figures of Seto and Lady Nihl as they walked ahead, keeping a careful watch on their surroundings. Despite her wishes for peace and order, Marriskcal was a creature of her nurture, with her skills and abilities sharpened for pursuit and conflict. Even though the cavern remained quiet and her senses calm, Marriskcal did not trust a place that was devoid of life.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]As the beautiful woman gestured for Tao to move to her side and he looked to her for askance, Marriskcal met his eyes and nodded, “Be careful.” While the Ren felt that their acquaintance did not mean them any harm, they were in an unfamiliar territory. Filing Lady Nihl’s admission away, she followed after Tao, her sharp gaze focused purely on his slight frame as she stopped beside her elder sibling. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Do you think I’m paranoid for worrying even when everything seems quiet[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]?” she asked Seto in a soft tone.[/SIZE]

 

[Seto du Couteau]

Seto Du Couteau, Ren
Location: Hangar Bay, Bluespire
Objective: Prepare and Ready for Exploration (Laying out some Ground Rules!)
Nearby: [member="Marriskcal Lati"] | [member="Tao Liu Xian"] | [member="Kaiah Nihl"]

​

Spot, his droid, moved along and raced towards its master as it maneuvered through another large crack in a wall. Seto for his part motioned with his arm and had the droid continue to scan the area around them, mostly to monitor oxygen levels, but as well as any other gasses in the air that surrounded them. Last thing I want, no oxygen. Seto raised an eyebrow at how quickly Tao listened to their sister, Maybe I need to use candies or chocolates?

Thoughts of bribery aside, Seto continued to probe the immediate area around him through the Force, perhaps unfortunately his instinct yelled (Not screaming at him yet) that he should return back to the port and bring down an entire troop contingent. Saner thoughts now far removed from his present mind, Seto looked at the dampened walls and with mild interest he called forth his probe droid.

"If that were the case, I would be considered rather paranoid as well," Seto offered, turning to face his sister, "-we should be careful all the same." As his probe droid made a low beep, he gestured ahead and Spot whirled on ahead to scan and monitor the hallway. I'm sure the worst thing that will happen will be dust covering my vest and suit. Top priority after all, were his abilities to keep his attire pristine and without stain.

With both hands he straightened out his vest and readjusted his tie as he walk forward and focused on spreading out his senses with the Force. Any hope of remaining hidden from the Force dashed with such method of scouting the area, but if stealth had been kept in mind Seto would have brought along an actual set of stealth armor. Dress shoes aren't exactly quiet.

"Also, if this place was dangerous, it'll provide us with the opportunity to coordinate and fight together." Seto suggested, he turned his head to offer a small smile to his younger sister. ​I'll even sacrifice my suit to keep you guys safe. Seto would of course never admit it out loud, such confession would no doubt increase the likely hood of his suit ending up as a sacrifice.

 

[Kaiah Nihl]

Location: Blue Spire – Spire Interior.
Objective: Locate the Anomaly.
Nearby: [member="Tao Liu Xian"] | [member="Marriskcal Lati"] | [member="Seto Du Couteau"]

​

He could remember his name. Once, he had been a man. A man of noble birth, a man of talent. A man of greed. He twisted his long sinuous body and he stalked the party below. He was a man no longer, his former body sacrificed in a long-forgotten ritual. But mere moments ago his mind was…bestial. How had he recovered his faculties?

It was the force, he realized. Truly starved, he had been, enough to warp his memory. But even the small whispers of the force, that these visitors stirred up, was enough to stimulate his true appetite. He would not waste time on such physical needs, such as eating. No, he needed the sustenance of a force-sensitive. More care was needed. He couldn’t simply tear them apart. He needed to capture one, or all, alive.

He would start with the grey-skin. He was already in her head, subconsciously guiding her to the edge. He had another nest far below, woven amidst an ancient artefact. It would be there that he would capture them, as they were entranced by the sphere.

​

Kaiah muttered a small curse under her breath. The feeling was pulling her deeper into the spire, but she couldn’t see any path forward. She doubted having the youngling would help in any case. Even with her poor sight, she could tell there was no other route.

She moved to turn away when she felt something wrap around her foot.

She let out a short scream as she was dragged backwards, slipping down the ramp. Whatever snagged her had been lost in the decent and now only gravity pulled her downwards. The slick ramp guided her into the spire’s depth, the ride bumpy, but relatively hazard-free. Eventually the ramp leveled out and her speed slowed. Suddenly, the rock ended, and she landed on a soft bed of grass with a loud ‘oof’.

She opened her eyes and looked back up the darkness of the ramp. She was sore from the ride, but unhurt. “Don’t worry, I’m fine!” she shouted back up. She turned to take in her surroundings, her eye’s widening. “I’ve found the anomaly! Come down carefully…”

Spoiler

​

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