When Two Worlds Collide

[Inara Kala'Myr]

Aboard 'The Frel'Sari Ark' | [member=Darth Metus]

A calm had spread through 'The Frel'sari Ark'. Though their troubles had been long and arduous, there was an end in sight. Finally, after all these years, they had stumbled upon civilisation once again. Not only was it perfect timing for the people living aboard the ark, who by now were ready to start an uprising, but it was also fortunate for the royal household. The last Queen had passed away not two years ago, and their current Queen outwardly appeared as though she was fresh and ready to face any challenges the Galaxy might have thrown at them. The reality of the situation was much more different than any could comprehend, and Inara could only watch as others paved the path she would walk through life.

The young woman in question stood silently, resting her slender frame against a marbled balcony as her gaze soaked in the kingdom.

There was no wind. There never was. At least, not real wind. No breeze to trickle through the chocolate coloured locks that sat on her pale shoulders, no fresh air to kiss her skin with a cool refreshing touch, but Inara didn't mind. It had been a few centuries, or so she had been told, since she had been subject to any kind of weather. According to her advisers at least. Yet, to Inara it felt like only yesterday since she real earth pushed up against her feet. In her mind she had closed her eyes on that last day on Myrena, and woken up to the devastation and destruction caused by the planet's death. She could still see the flashes of aggressive orange and yellow as their sun imploded on itself and swallowed Myrena whole. She could still taste the bitter note of death and defeat as her people drifted aimlessly through space.

'Your Majesty...' The rumbling, but soothing, voice pulled her from a daze that would have likely lasted hours if left to continue. 'Hmm?' Inara responded idly, though her ears were far from the conversation. 'There's a ship approaching.' Her attention finally captured, her slim frame swung to face the intruder. 'A ship? Approaching us?' Her bird like tones flitted with confusion as she slowly pulled herself away from the lush scenery behind her. 'I wonder what they want from us.' The advisor, garbed in a crimson suit of crushed velvet, shrugged his shoulders in response. 'I can honestly say I have no idea ma'am. Shall I direct them to the throne room?' Inara nodded her head as she crossed the balcony toward the thick double doors leading into the palace. Though born of royal blood her movements were... erratic. Almost as if a hand had gripped her extremities and forcefully tugged in the opposite direction as she took each step. 'I think that would be best...' Strands of deep brown hair flicked through the air as she nodded her head in agreement.

Though she would have adored to greet the strange and unexpected visitor personally, it seemed the metal structure that prevented her spine from crumbling under its own weight had different ideas. '...And once we're through for the love of all that is holy, fix this exoskeleton.' There was no response from the adviser as Inara made her way through the doors and into the throne room. There she would sit, atop a seat of pure silver, waiting to see the face of the first visitor 'The Frel'sari Ark' had in centuries.

 

[Malok]

Location: The Frel'sari Ark​

Tag: [member="Inara Kala'Myr"]​

His breath hissed through iron.

It was said that the Dark Side was alive. That it could think. Feel. Understand. And guide its servants accordingly. Like any higher being, it existed on a plane far beyond mortal comprehension. And those who deluded themselves into thinking they had mastered the depths of its abyss...Well, they were met with a harsh reality. For the deeper one dives into the black, discoveries are made. For in the darkness - the true darkness - monstrosities reside. And there is always a bigger fish. If one had asked the Vicelord of the Confederacy if he were a Master of the Dark Side, he would at one point have answered in the affirmative. He would have dared to say he had dominion over the Galaxy's shadow.

But this was a horrendous delusion. In his arrogance, the Dark Side saw fit to place in his path a literal god. She, a creature who had been locked away in an obsidian vault, broke into the mortal plane...and now, shackles were about his life. Before that day, he had known true freedom. He had stood at the apex of his nation - of his lifetime really. But now, rest was robbed from his mind. For there was always the potential that one stray whim could rip it all away. There was always the potential for that bigger fish to bite. Yet, the Sith Lord would not take this reality lying down. He would not submit to the whims of one so primordial - not when he had breath and the means to strive.

And so, in the lulls between the battles of his nation, Darth Metus searched. From the neglected corners of archives long forgotten to ruins crumbling to dust, the Sith hunted for the means to advance his understanding. To step ever-closer to the might of the primordial being. And this day was no different. However, as opposed to stumbling through rampant vegetation on a forgotten world, the Dark Side had seen fit to point him...to a flotilla. The gathering of vessels were unlike any the Sith had laid eyes on - for the word gilded came to mind. If memory served, these might have been colony ships of some description. No matter. He had been beckoned here for a purpose...

And not a soul aboard would stand in his way.

Upon steering his vessel, a Scimitar-class Star Courier, closer to the lead ship, his comm channel erupted into being. He was hailed by those aboard - accented voices demanded to know his intentions. The dialect, much like the ship itself, was unfamiliar. But Basic was Basic. The Sith told...as much truth as his silver tongue would allow. He did not introduce himself as the Vicelord of the Confederacy - but rather as a seeker of understanding. His journey had taken him far from home, to here. It was surprising that they so readily accepted his tale, for clearance to land was no obstacle.

After a brief escort, silver filled his vision. She who sat upon a throne of moonlight radiated...purity. A freedom of the taints of the Galaxy. Not in the sense that the Light had touched her, but there was something about those eyes. Something familiar. In that moment, a gauntleted hand raised to his visage. He clutched and removed the mask and hood which obscured his features, revealing his own sulfuric gaze. Yet despite the touch of the Dark Side, his expression was earnest. A warm smile graced his lips - for even the Devil himself could seem...appealing.

"I must thank you for your hospitality, your grace." he began, offering a half-bow. Nobility, regardless of where in the Galaxy they resided, always demanded shows of respect. And in the name of his search, he would oblige. "My name is Darth Metus. I am...a seeker of knowledge."

 

[Inara Kala'Myr]

Location: The Frel'Sari Ark | [member=Darth Metus]

Settling back into the cushioned throne, Inara found herself unwilling to sit still. All the way through the gilded marbled corridors a gaggle of advisers had followed the Queen, arguing amongst themselves as to who the guest would be and how the Queen would cope under the pressure of meeting the first new face since she'd woken. Their concerns seeped from her mind like grain slipping through a hessian sack. Inara wasn't phased by their wavering confidence, nor did she find herself bothered by the uproar the visitor had already caused. Instead, it was excitement that filled the young monarch to the brim. Excitement for the unexplored and unknown that this stranger would bring. Though the jittery emotion only aggravated her tired muscles, it was the first time she had sat on this throne and felt so... so exhilarated.

Echoing steps brought the Queen to attention, doubly so when the opaque glass doors creaked open on hinges in desperate need of oiling. The sound made her wince, but the expression was quickly corrected as the shadow of a man faded into view. Inara held her breath, all the way up until the sound of his footsteps had been replaced by the soft thunder of his voice. In response to his elegant manner, Inara brought a gracious smile to her lips. 'Darth Metus. My name is Inara Kala'Myr.' Her own head nodded an inch in response, though she didn't dare move anything below her neck. When she drew herself up again her tone gave away a slither of the secret exhilaration she had been harbouring since his arrival. 'The pleasure is all mine, I can assure you.'

Earnest expression and courtly manner aside, nothing could have sparked the flame of intrigue more than the words that followed Darth Metus' name.

'A seeker of knowledge, you say?' An imperceptible hiss escaped the mechanics clinging to her flesh as she lent forward to inspect the self proclaimed seeker further. Hazel eyes bathed in fluorescent daylight cast themselves upon the shadow of darkness that surrounded him. This man that approached the throne was no mere mortal, tainted by the grip of power so wild none could truly master it, but this man? He had certainly tried. 'A bold title to claim indeed. In my experience many who place themselves in such a category don't quite have the intelligence to comprehend the true nature of the knowledge they seek. But I can see that you do.' A waterfall of coffee coloured locks splayed out over her snow white dress, flowing in time with the mildly puzzled tilt her head made. 'I can also see you have great power, and no doubt great wealth or experience with such by the way you present yourself. I can't imagine you're the type who often has to seek for things, knowledge or otherwise...'

The brief lull in conversation lasted long enough for Inara to lift her painted lips into a curious smile. '...but a true seeker can always recognise another when they see one.'

This man, with assumed riches and obvious power, was guided by something not within his reach. Perhaps that's what intrigued her so, perhaps in the end that's why she signalled idly to the fresh faced boy behind her. 'I trust you won't be opposed to something to eat and drink?' She spoke without taking her eyes off the warm smile he still wore on his face. 'Would you see to some refreshments for our guest? I think we'll take them in my rooms.' With a flourish that caused several of her advisers to careen forward in her aid, Inara stood from the gilded throne. 'Allow me to show you some of the hospitality you've already thanked me for.' A grin replaced the small smile her expression had held since his arrival, so wide it graced her pale cheeks with soft dimples. 'Please, follow me.' She gestured toward a set of doors tucked behind the throne, open just enough to let a slither of pale yellow light creep through the gap.

With steps so dainty her struggles were hidden well, Inara made the first steps toward her rooms. 'I'm interested to know what it is you seek.'

 

[Malok]

Fear. Exhilaration.

As the Sith Lord's boots thundered upon the marble floors, his senses were alive with the present. Though the mundane were certainly captivated by the one who sat upon the Throne, the trans-mundane listened to which was unuttered. It did not take a devotion of his strength to do so - for those the councilors hushed their squabbles upon his entrance into the room...their feelings, they could not hide. T'was if they had pricked their finger upon a thorn and dangled it before the shark's domain.

No matter how hard they tried to stem the bleeding, he could smell their nerves. Their apprehension. Their fretting about the one who sat upon the throne. How odd was it that they would be so concerned when the woman was the picture of vibrance. There was not a hair out of place. Nor a sign of agony within those chestnut eyes. And, when he listened to the monarch, there was only...light to be found. Not light in the sense that opposed his darkness, but the sort which colored auspicious days. Excitement danced all about her.

It was enough that the smile donned by the Vicelord slowly became genuine. Upon rising from his half-bow, his introduction was met in turn. Inara. He had never met another with such a name - never met another with such a kingdom. This woman and her kind were unique. An anomaly of his experience. And, above all, the Darkness had seen fit to lead him here. There was something that would aide in his quest here. And he would not stop until it was secured within his iron grasp. But for now, he would play the game appropriately.

When the monarch spoke, she uttered truth despite not knowing fact. Her assumptions were accurate - showing that, despite the youth of her face, there was an ocean of wisdom which laid beneath the surface. Her observations illicited a kind, half-chuckle from the Sith; as if to confirm that she was spot on. And when the chime of her voice had concluded, he answered thus. "Your words ring true." he began, before motioning to her grace with his dominant hand. "A true seeker does always recognize a kindred spirit." For what, he did not know...but perhaps they could be of benefit to one another. Perhaps this was what the Darkness had in mind.

Their introductions were punctuated by hospitality. The monarch rose from her throne - apprehension roared from her attendants - whilst offering refreshments. They were to have them in the room behind the throne, and Darth Metus was happy to oblige. "It would be my pleasure, your grace." he remarked as he followed suit. And, though he could feel their eyes upon him, his sight remained fixated upon the monarch. He observed her every step, attempting to answer the question of why her caretakers fretted so frequently. He could not put a finger on it just yet...was it a quiet illness? No matter...Upon stepping past the doors, he squinted briefly against the light.

And for a moment, his gaze was removed from the monarch and placed onto one of the attendants. A platter was offered to him containing a number of beverages in glasses. He chose a wine glass, filled with what appeared to be a sweet red. A brief inhalation confirmed his thought. Before them laid a table, perfect in size for entertaining guests. The Sith awaited his monarch to be seated before he joined her, boldly claiming the seat at her right hand side. Now, within mere inches, she could see the full extent of the darkness in his eyes. And the sulfuric depths stared back, coupled with a warm smile.

"What I seek...is Darkness." he began. The vague truth was interrupted by a small sip of his beverage. It wasn't bad, not at all. "The Galaxy understands two sides of the spectrum, Light and Dark. Yet they seldom understand that each is...an ocean in of itself. And like any ocean, certain creatures dwell at certain depths. I have seen what lays at the bottom of the abyss...and I crave understanding." And crave the means to quell it. With his truth, devoid of finite details, on the table, he raised his glass in her direction.

"What of you, oh kindred spirit? What search occupies your resplendent throne?"

[member="Inara Kala'Myr"]​

 

[Inara Kala'Myr]

Fine words and demeanour aside, Inara found the stranger charming. Not only had he piqued her curiosity but the blazing sulphuric fire behind his eyes had captivated her entire attentions. So, when she took the first steps toward the double doors, a single glance was all it took to force the flock back. There was no word of protest, and Inara found it rather surprising. Often when she insisted on being left alone they were less than agreeable. It took them months to allow her the privacy of her own rooms and not just her bed chambers. Her face displayed nothing of the sudden emotion, rather it retained the regality as the distance between the group and herself grew larger.

Perhaps it was this man shrouded in shadow? Perhaps they had a reason for changing their tune when surrounded by the unknown? Inara couldn't help but afford herself a smile meant only for herself. In one single action, which took less than five minutes by her count, Darth Metus had brought about a great change on the Frel'sari Ark. Pushing the thought to the back of her mind, Inara entered her rooms. While resplendent in decor, the food placed on the solid wood table was modest. Silver bowls of fresh fruit sat in the centre, encircled by a loaf of fresh bread, preserves and a simple salad. The only thing truly luxurious about the refreshments were the drinks on offer. Choosing a seat at the end of the table, Inara offered the other out to her guest and then sent the remaining servants on their way.

Pausing for a brief moment Inara selected her choice of beverage and raise it in a toast. 'To seekers of knowledge, and to new friends.' It was there she let the thunder of his voice fill the room, fill her mind as he spoke of dark things she hadn't the imagination to picture. A well worn expression of deep thought crossed her pale face, but it remained only briefly. 'I see what you mean. I too find the line between light and dark is often blurred. Oceans they may be, but in the end every ocean flows into one another. But, what is now dark or light once had the potential to be either. Everyone is born pure. Perhaps the understanding that you seek is not why but how. Once you understand how something came to be everything else will follow.'

His following question put a faint smile on her face, as though the process of answering distanced her from the conversation some how. 'I'm afraid to say many riddles lie at the foot of my throne, and I predict that once solved they will only yield more of their kind.' Her graceful smile did not wane as she took a sip of the crystal clear water in her glass. The monumental scale of the riddles in question was perhaps a conversation for a different time. The knowledge of their delicate position would be one earned with time, and trust. After all, she had no doubts the gentle smile worn by the shadow of darkness sat before her could and would just as easily turn volatile. Yet as she finished the drawn out sip she fond herself bound to ease his curiosity, just a little. 'This ship may not look it, but it's ancient. In fact, I'd say by now it's far too old to be travelling the Galaxy for much longer.'

The young Queen lifted her hand to smooth out her well pruned eyebrow. Her expression held far too much weight for someone so young to bare, but it was gone as quickly as it came. 'We're in need of far more than a new engine or two. We've been searching for a home for too long.' Though her statement seemed dire, Inara followed it up with a rather pleasant smile. 'Tell me more about yourself? Where did you come from? How did you manage to come across my kingdom?' In truth her questions probed for a different answer, though she hid it well beneath curious words. Their navigational systems had long since been destroyed, and the material to rebuild them rusted or re-purposed for things more important. Both herself and her advisers would benefit greatly from knowing where they were exactly, but she wasn't quite ready for the shadowed man to know the true depths of their plight.

[member=Darth Metus]​