A Black Sithmas [TSE]

[Darth Carnifex]

‘Twas the night before Sithmas, when all thro’ the house,​

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;​

The stockings were hung by the throne with care,​

In hopes that Father Sithmas soon would be there​

​

​

Though Carnifex was not a celebratory individual around the holidays, there was something about the camaraderie of Sithmas that spoke to him. It has always been his dream to unite the Sith for a common goal, and he had done all that he could to foster than sense of unity among the Sith -- the sense of brotherhood.

For many it had been like pulling out teeth, but those malcontents that had proven belligerent to his vision had been removed from the equation.

The entirety of the Imperial Palace on Bastion had been bedecked with Sithmas decorations big and small, from lights to festive arboreal ornamentation on all of the trees in the Imperial gardens. A great hearth had been constructed in the Imperial throne room, and several chairs and couches had been relocated from ancillary rooms to provide ample seating for all the Lords, Ladys, Knights, and Acolytes on the Dark Lord's guest list.

Carnifex himself was dressed up rather festively too, a green double-breasted tunic covered his muscular torso instead of a suit of armor or Sith robe. A floppy pointed red hat trimmed in white fur was precariously perched atop his brow, and a cloak of silver and gold silk hung from his broad shoulders. In his hands he held a large mug of melted chocolate and marshmallows, which he delicately sipped from time to time.

"Nice."

 

[Sasha Santhe]

Sasha stormed into the palace like Sasha was want to do, she was like a force of nature. "This party sucks..." she said as a coterie of droids followed behind her each bent to her will pushing hovercarts of liquor. Catering droids, the very best and most expensive. She wore a red dress that clung to her form with a slight in the side that went up entirely too far, at least that is what she was sure [member="Alec Sienar"] would say. Golden embroidery lined the seams of the dress giving it a festive feel. That was enough for Sasha.

"Now set up over there," she said to the droids who marched about to set up their various refreshments. "Only the finest refreshments," Sasha said out-loud to gathers.

And then she saw [member="Darth Carnifex"] and had to suppress a giggle. She crossed the room practically floating as she approached and could swear she saw Kaine wince. "My Emperor," she said with a polite curtsy before approaching and taking his arm. Guards might have seemed twitchy but if they approached Sasha would give them a look like medusa on the rag keeping them petrified in place.

"You look like a holiday tree vomited on you," Sasha whispered so that only herself and Kaine could hear. Her hand ran over the fabric, "Uhg and this fabric is so bad....." then she laughed, loudly. "Oh we're such good friends." Everyone would hear that. "Oh you're so witty and funny." Leaning in she whispered again. "You're pretty firm for a corpse."

 

[ryanw5385]

Darth Imperium, while serious in battle, was a festive and open man. He liked brotherhood and common-ground. Sithmas was a good way to communicate with fellow Sith. To discuss things.

Imperium approached [member="Darth Carnifex"] and bowed his head, "Emperor."

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Darth Carnifex"]

While the Lady of Secrets would not be attending the festivities, she was far too busy, she had not been remiss in sending the Dark Lord something in recognition of his favorite Sith holiday. A card would have arrived for the Dark Lord, a holographic image of a cityscape that looked suspiciously like Coruscant's, decorated in red and green lights and a smattering of snow falling. There would be no signature, but he would know who had sent it.

 

[Sal Katarn]

Off to one side of the throne room stood a Mandalorian, armored all in black. The only color came from the green tincture of his visor. Two curved blades sat at his hips.

Beneath the helmet, young Arkaitz watched [member="Sasha Santhe"] flounce before his father. The prince's raven brows furrowed in discomfit and he did his best to sink into the shadows of the alcove.

 

[Sasha Santhe]

Sasha patted [member="Darth Carnifex"] as she saw a new target from across the hall. A smile crept over her face. "Sorry Kaine, but it looks like I'm trading you in for a newer model. I do hope you don't mind." And then Sasha walked away from the Emperor staring daggers at [member="Darth Imperium"] who had interrupted her earlier. Mentally she added him to the list.

Walking across the hall she saw [member="Kade Kelborn"], or Arkaitz Zambrano, skulking in the shadows. "That is hardly princely behavior," she said walking past one of the catering tables filled with liquor she'd brought. She grabbed two glasses with poured 'it doesn't matter' in them and walked up to the little prince. "And once again you come to an affair completely overdressed." Sasha sighed offering him a drink. "Its a poor prince who doesn't know how to mingle."

 

[Mythos]

We Three Kings come Dead in the Night
We Three Kings are tired of fights
Set our swords down by the hearth and celebrate with Neophytes.

Using an Illusion made of Sith Magic not Mentalism Mythos arrived flanked By the Illusion of [member="Darth Erebos"] to his left and Kind Adas to his right. Each of them baring gifts of Bota, Gold and a crystal of Stygium. It was pretty hard to do this entrance but Mythos focused on carrying the stride of the Three Kings while levitating three items with telekinesis. He wore a rather large pointy hat, large pointy boots and a massive belt buckle in the belt.

Mythos had once died for the idea of the Brotherhood of the Sith. He saw no reason at the moment not to follow that same pathway, it was the only way to ensure the supremacy of the sith. He smiled at [member="Darth Carnifex"], [member="Darth Imperium"] and [member="Sasha Santhe"] respectively. The warmth of the room was inviting and more than comfortable.

"I come with gifts and tales of far away lands."​

 

[ryanw5385]

@Mythos

Imperium smiled at Mythos

"Good. I like tales"

 

[Zef Halo]

Vitor looked around hoping to find an oven-roasted [member="Darth Saarai"] on the tables.

His hand tightened around his fork.

 

[Onrai]

Vanessa arrived in a svelte green dress with accents. She eyed over the current crop of partygoers and smiled - it was certainly a change of pace from the Sith Empire of old, where not even the Emperor’s birthday was celebrated in an enjoyable way. Her smile widened when she noticed [member="Darth Carnifex"], an indication of her utmost approval.

She noticed, if but for a moment, [member="Sasha Santhe"]. A woman who had caused her many issues in the past - yet they had never actually met. Vendettas were not something to be followed at a melodious Sithmas party such as this, so for now she merely kept quiet and eyed across the entirety of the party. Perhaps she would find some gift - she certainly had some to give.

Or someone.

 

[Cle-Var-Ri]

For once in her life, Cle-Var-Ri was slow to mingle with the crowd that had gathered for this Sithmas celebration. Scales already green enough to fit the theme, a hat of red and green trim rested daintily upon her head, giving a little jingle with every move she made. The Tiss'Sharl had tried to go all out on the Sithmas spirit, even slipping on a Sithmas sweater before she couldn't handle the fabric and tore it to shreds. The hat would have to be enough, its jingle already giving the acolyte a bit of a fright, with her temporarily forgetting it was there and then desperately searching for the source of the bell.

A crowd of people, one whose gathering would usually mean the pain of others, suddenly convening without malice. It was almost unheard of and for that reason, Clever wasn't quite sure how to react to it all. She was alone in this endeavor as well, her master having his hands plenty full greeting the loads of guests among other things. So Clever elected to scamper about the small crowd on her own, keeping her tail closer to her person than usual. Her snout picking up something nothing short of delectable, her stomach gave a little growl. Lunchtime. With a new skip in her step, she weaved through the crowds, hunting for the origin of that scent.

[member="Darth Carnifex"] | [member="Mythos"] | [member="Kade Kelborn"] | [member="Sasha Santhe"] | [member="Darth Imperium"] | [member="Vitor Avendahl"] | [member="Vanessa Vantai"]​

 

[Rosalina]

Alm’s experiences with parties were limited to dancing around an open fire and drinking crudely made alcohol with her family. When [member="Darth Carnifex"] extended an invitation to all of the Sith, Alm made sure to wear the one set of formal robes she had from her homeworld. By modern galactic standards they were roughly woven and somewhat primitive yet ornately patterned with hand embroidered stitches. It was the type of garment you wore to a wedding or coming of age ceremony at her home and she hoped that it would be appropriate.

Besides, it was clean and the torn parts had been mended.

Milling about, the young woman searched for any familiar faces she may know—eyes coming to rest on [member="Sasha Santhe"] in minor relief. However she was currently engaging their host of whom Alm was admittedly afraid of. Her mind went back to her defeat on Thyferra and she bit her lip. Hopefully she was so far down the Sith foodchain that nobody would even notice.

Making her way towards a table of refreshments, she practically stumbled out of the way as [member="Cle-Var-Ri"] passed by quickly. Startled by the strange beast’s presence, Alm blinked, sighed and retrieved a glass of something from a serving droid. Downing its contents, she quickly spit them back into the cup in surprise. The drink was fizzy and bit the inside of her mouth. This was not normal.

 

[Darth Sibilus]

Music danced around the room almost as jovially as the positively tiddled Darth Aurum, and the whiskey in his ornate tumbler sloshed like a moody ocean in the midst of a violent storm. The floor was covered in equally tipsy Sith of all ranks, and he seemed to be a big green blur in his Sithmas jumper, a knitted image of Lord Vader which flashed feverishly as he moved along the floor, his feet stepping with agility through the knot of legs, mainly overexcited acolytes who were pushed aside with a great hand.

Perhaps he was making a fool of himself. Perhaps he didn't care. Perhaps he'd stood on that initiate. Perhaps he didn't care.

 

[Connor Harrison]

To,

Dark Lord [member="Darth Carnifex"] and the Sith Empire.

Wishing you all the very best for the New Year ahead.

I feel our time to finally unite is nigh.

Eat, drink and be merry.


Best wishes.

Master Connor Harrison

 

[Xevek Nekonis]

It had been an age since the Iridonian had chosen to associate with loud and large crowds, much like his Master he preferred the quiet and solitude that came with lurking in the shadows. But, when some of the more well-known names within the Empire were gathered under one roof at the behest of the Emperor, the Assassin had seen worth in attending. Not so much to try and take advantage of the social setting to attack nor to try and observe weakness as would be the usual reasons he would associate with crowds, but, instead, just to sit back and luxuriate in the chaos that he hoped would occur. To use his own words hours before when questioned by his Hand; he was there for a dinner and the show.

The sound of claws scurrying across the floor broke the Zabrak from his thoughts by refreshments table, where he stood slowly stirring the cup of tea he had just made. Turning, he raised a hairless brow as he watch the form he recognised as [member="Cle-Var-Ri"] hurry past with a red and white hat perched upon her head, nearly bowling over a second Acolyte. Looking down at his own attire, Lykos shook his head at how many seemed willing to embrace the silly traditions of the event, decorating themselves in odd outfits - a choice he had not made which had lead to him attending in an ensemble of waistcoat, crisp black shirt and trousers as well as a pair of dress shoes.

A low chuckle fell from Lykos' lips as he raised his head, watching the Acolyte that Cle-Var-Ri had almost sent to the floor spit the drink back into the glass she had received from one of the wandering serving droids. Picking up his own drink, the warmth of the tea seeping through the ceramic and into his palm, Lykos stepped forwards, single eye locking on the Acolyte, attempting to put her face to a memorised file as he spoke.

"I do sympathise with you, drinks of such a nature are not to my taste either. The smoothness of a nice blend of tea or the burn of a good whiskey, now that is a different story." Holding out his hands slightly, to show the drink he cradled as he allowed it to cool, he cocked his head slightly, choosing to act less cold than usual in the interest in seeing if you could encourage conversation. "If you wish, I could lend you one of the premade blends I brought with me, or relinquish the whiskey I have yet to sample." A smirk had pulled at his lips slightly at his last words, dropping one hand to pat at the pocket of the waistcoat, bringing attention to the hip flask there. "[member="Alm"], yes? I believe I have your name correct, but, do forgive me if I happen to be wrong."

 

[Salara Zambrano]

Salara made sure her green Sithmas suit, trimmed with faux white fur was ready to go. She wore white leggings, a red and white hat that matched her husbands. The older woman looked herself in the mirror and applied any finishing touches to her makeup as needed. When it was done, she left her vanity and headed for the throne room as suspected the party was well underway. Salara called over a servant or two and gave a few orders before making her way to her husband's side.

Not shy about her love, she wrapped a slender arm around his muscular frame and gave him a kiss on the lips. "Hello husband," she said with adoration as she kissed him again, "enjoying yourself?" Salara turned and looked out at those gathered and then she drew her eyes to the hearth. "Oh, it reminds me of our cabin back in our homeworld. Do you remember the second year we had Sarlow and we took the dogs and went hunting?"

The woman let out a content sigh with the memory in her mind. The wife of the Butcher slid her hand into his, she leaned her head against his shoulder. She had fond memories of the holiday well, of holidays with her husband and their family. "Come I told the servants to bring a little bloodnog, with extra Cantharian Rum from the little brewery next to the castle."

[member="Darth Carnifex"]

 

[Vereshin]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAk-oiw5uWQ​

​

Vereshin arrived with a bottle of Ziosti vodka in his hand, a red ribbon tied around the neck as he entered the room full of Sith. Since spending the holiday season with his lover, he returned to Bastion as duty demanded to report to the Sith and give his Life Day greetings. The introverted sorcerer parted his lips in a meek smile as he brushed the snow from his overcoat. He raised a hand lightly towards [member="Darth Carnifex"] and handed the bottle of vodka to a waiting servant.

"Happy Holidays, My Lord. I hope your family is well." Vereshin said as he approached Carnifex and his wife, regretting that his own significant other could not be present. He removed his overcoat and handed it to a servant, revealing a black cardigan over a dark grey shirt and suit pants. Not caring for festive colours, or any colours, he wore lace-up shoes on his tiny feet and rimless glasses over his ears. Hair lightly slicked back save for a few loose strands, Vereshin plucked a glass of wine from a server droid and extended his hand to [member="Salara Zambrano"], quite eager to meet a fellow scientist.

"I am very honored to meet you, my lady. My name is Vereshin. I am a knight among the Sith." He wrapped his fingers around Salara's hand and shook it lightly. Releasing her hand, he sipped his wine and winced slightly at the taste.

 

[Ao Xian]

[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4NgsbkyeJs[/media]​

They stepped out of the hoverlimo from either side, thought, technically, neither of them properly stepped. Ao'Xian flowed like water, and you can't properly call walking on your hands a step, but what are you going to do? She and [member="Kalak the Raykkan"] re-converged on the side leading up the steps.

Ao positively glowed with pleasure, the enjoyment of his company, the manner in which they had reconnected, his willingness to join her. Until he had agreed, she had been certain she would be utterly bored at this party. Of course, she wasn't about to snub the Dark Lord, so now, having him beside her, she knew at least something about it would be enjoyable.

They didn't touch as they moved up the stairs, but then, they never did.

In front of her, Ao floated a fairly large box with the Force. Those close enough to it could see that there were a handful of oddly punched holes in the top, right through the wrapping paper and situated around a very large and ostentatious scarlet ribbon.

"Thank you, darling, in helping me find such a perfect gift," Ao cooed at Kalak, batting long eyelashes over sapphire gaze at him.

When they reached the top, Ao flicked her tail to get a servant's attention. She didn't wait, simply shoved the box into his hands. For its size it was surprisingly light, but inside of it, once it was in his hands, he felt something skitter. It was enough to make him shake the box slightly, which brought about a whimper.

"A hostess gift, for the Dark Lord of the Sith," Ao announced primly.

Something had clearly been lost in the translation of language or culture, it wasn't clear which.

"I have heard they are very good with honey and garlic," she said, glancing lovingly over at Kalak.

"Um....."

The servant blinked. Even with the fact that he worked for [member="Darth Carnifex"], it still wasn't every day someone handed him a box clearly full of something living and starting to sob.

The Xykan looked at him, rather severely, and he seemed to return to himself.

"Of course Mistress Xian," he said, offering a tight bow.

Ao managed to resist rolling her eyes until she was looking back at Kalak at least.

"Well then. Responsibilities out of the way. Shall we, sugar ears?"

 

[Shade of Decay]

"Not much to your liking, Vereshin?"

Tsisaar had entered not long after the man he was now addressing, picking out the unique-looking Sith fairly easily. He'd likely look a bit odd himself - after the escapade with the Starweirds in the nebula, the Khil had never got around to reattaching the tip of one of his facial tendrils after it got lopped off. It probably just ended up blasted out into space somewhere ultimately. He'd managed to keep his singular stone as well, not that anybody else would know of that. "Strange. I would've thought you'd fancy wine." He turned to Salara and Darth Carnifex then, giving her a short bow. "Your highnesses," he began respectfully. "I thank you for this invitation."

The last time he'd actually seen the Dark Lord had been when he and Atlas Kane were busy busting their way out of their underground imprisonment on Gravlex Med, running into him on their way out. Engrossed in the battle as he had been then, he hadn't taken the opportunity to evaluate Lord Kaine as he could now.

The man was, to put it rather simply...intimidating. Still, he hadn't made a proper introduction then, which he should now. "I'm Tsisaar Taral. You might remember me as one of the two who weren't slaughtered on Gravlex Med." The memory was still a rather unpleasant one for him, a fact that would be obvious with how his hullepi twitched in annoyance. "Come to think of it, I almost wonder if Atlas will make it here for this." He turned to Vereshin while he was musing out loud, a thoughtful look on his face. "Which outcome would you bet on, Vi?"

[member="Darth Carnifex"] | [member="Salara Zambrano"] | [member="Vereshin"] | [member="Atlas Kane"]

 

[Darth Carnifex]

The party was going swimmingly so far.

Guests were arriving, drinks and food were being dispensed, inhibitions were lowering.

All good fun.

But then [member="Sasha Santhe"] seemed to materialize from the ether, and latched onto Kaine's arm as she started sassing him like she usually did. Carnifex rolled his eyes and muttered, "Glad to see you too, Sasha." Before he could get another word in, Sasha was already walking away from him to mingle with his son, Arkaitz. Kaine didn't mind too much, there was only so much Sasha he could stomach before he started to develop a headache right behind his eyes.

Those were the worst.

Of course there were others. [member="Mythos"] came bearing gifts, [member="Darth Imperium"] said his greetings, and he received a card from both [member="Taeli Raaf"] and [member="Connor Harrison"]. Out of the corner of his eye he spied [member="Vanessa Vantai"] smiling at him from across the room, and [member="Cle-Var-Ri"] scampering through the crowd, nearly knocking [member="Alm"] over as she passed by. [member="Darth Lykos"] approached the mammoth warrioress while @Drios Rapux strutted about in the most gaudy outfit the Dark Lord had ever had the displeasure of laying his eyes on. A visual grimace settled over his face, only to be dashed away a moment later as he heard the silky sweet voice of his beloved Empress tickling his ears, and felt [member="Salara Zambrano"]'s arms wrap around him.

He smiled and kissed her back, a rare display of affection from the illustriously brutal Butcher King. "You look ravishing, beloved. Just like the day I took you on your wedding night." Not their wedding night, mind you, but that was another story for another time. "If I recall we did much more than hunting." A devious smile widened his lips, though his expression hardened as he sensed [member="Vereshin"]'s approach. Not that he didn't like the lad, he found him to be quite enjoyable company, but he preferred to keep his expression dour when not in the private company of his wife.

"Greetings Vereshin, no arm candy this evening?"

One of the two kidnapped Knights from Gravlex Med, [member="Tsisaar Taral"], showed up right after Vereshin to say his greetings. Kaine merely nodded before giving his wife a discreet squeeze out of plain view, "No one kills or imprisons my emissaries, the Anx learned that lesson the hard way."