Faction &nbsp; A New face in the Archives

Zara strolled into the archives, a serene smile gracing her lips as she led her motley crew of young acolytes behind her. The air was filled with a soft hum of chatter and the rustling of pages, a sound she found comforting after weeks of solitude.

Dressed in her customary black robes, Zara's blonde hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders, framing her striking blue eyes that sparkled with an undeniable intelligence. She had always enjoyed teaching, but the weight of responsibility was becoming heavy on her shoulders. The Diarchy's demands often left little room for her own desires. Today, she had cleverly orchestrated this outing to give herself a much-needed reprieve, allowing the acolytes to explore while she took a breath of fresh air amidst the ancient knowledge of the Citadel.

As she walked, her hands clasped behind her back, Zara's gaze followed the students as they hurried off, their youthful energy infectious. She chuckled softly as one particularly eager acolyte stumbled over a stack of books, quickly regaining composure amidst the giggles of his peers. But her amusement was short-lived, she soon noticed the students' focus shift towards a figure looming in the distance.

The man's tall, imposing frame caught her attention. He was cloaked in long, draping black robes, the hood obscuring his features but failing to hide the electric blue glimmer of his eyes that shone through. Zara's smile faltered slightly, curiosity piqued as she observed the awe and intrigue etched on the faces of her acolytes. This was not a familiar presence in the archives, and instinctively, she felt the need to assess the situation.

With a subtle frown, Zara pulled out her datapad, her fingers tapping briskly as she searched through the schedule of reserved spaces for the day. No names stood out, everything seemed ordinary. A glance at the security gate manifest yielded the same result, no anticipated guests. A quiet unease nestled in her chest, prompting her to send a quick message to Diarch Rellik, inquiring if he had any visitors expected that day.

She tucked the datapad behind her back and took a deep breath, steeling herself as she approached the mysterious figure. The closer she got, the more his presence resonated with a strange energy, a blend of power and sorrow that tugged at her instincts. Zara swayed slightly to catch his attention, her voice warm yet firm as she greeted him.

"Hello. Who might you be?" she asked, trying to maintain an air of professionalism, though her heart raced with curiosity.

Diarch Rellik · Mar 27, 2025

Tags:

Ragnar Vátligr

Rellik had been studying within the cut of section of the Archives. Reserved for those who were proven loyal to their cause, as relics of his father Kakus, priceless scrolls from Lyssaras journeys to Dathomir, and even Relliks personal holocron laid within the section.

He had been busy relaying a new study section into the Sith Spawn beast codex for future practitioners when he received a call on his secure line communicator.

Zara sent a short and direct message wondering if the Diarch was going to have any guests today.

To be frank he did not know for sure if he did or not. What he did recall was that Zara had previously informed him that she was going to bring students to the archives so presumably whoever she had seen... was here with them now.

Closing the parchment and staging it away quickly, Rellik left the back section to come to the front end. In his normal beige tunic and brown robe - to most he would be seen as a youthful Jedi if not for his bright sand colored eyes that gave away his more malicious nature.

With hands clasped together behind his back and a counselor smile on his face he entered to see Zara looming over a man studying at one of their terminals.

As Rellik approached them he searched the force to feel if there was any malicious intent. All he could tell for now was that the man was strong in the force and resolute. Strong in his standing.

Rellik did his best on his approach to not come off hostile as outsiders were welcome to study within the Crucible.

Only coming close enough to ensure Zara's safety depending on how the situation unfolded.

Indra Quin · Mar 27, 2025

She lingered. Her eyes roamed the vastness of the archives. Faint memories of the place spiked in the subconscious. It was a place familiar and yet foriegn. Perhaps it was the remnants of the process she had recently undergone that left her memory so foggy.

What was not fragmented though was her purpose. She was Lordsblade. She was the scalpel or the hammer of her Diarch. His presence filled the pieces of her memories. His was a fatherly presence but also the power she most admired. She itched to be called upon, to be used for his purpose.

So she waited for him. Waited for him to depart the most sacred of portion of the archives. While not at his side, she was an ever present shadow, living to serve at his whim. When he finally moved, she did not step to his side but kept a respectable distance from the man as he walked into the commons of the archives. His intent was not hers to know. She would simply be ready.

Despite the firmness of the souls of her knee high boots, her foot fall was soft as she glided across the archive floor. Indra had pulled her red lined black cape around her, hiding the simply adapted Optio armour that hugged her form. Her mass of unruly curls were pinned back on both sides, revealing elven ears, as her hair flowed freely down to her shoulder blades.

Students glanced in her direction, unsure of who this mystery woman was, but she looked at them as one that had always walked these halls. This was her home despite being a stranger to all but one of it's residents.

Her eyes fell on the tall, well strutted form of the newcomer to the Diarch. She let her eyes linger, and permitted the hunger she knew resided within to rise. A heat in her chest was expelled with a soft breath. Whoever this one was, her Lord sure insure that he stay.

Indra then took in the sight of the young blonde woman who had arrived in greeting ahead of time. She, too, was a pleasing sight. How was it that this place was so familiar and yet she only now noticed those such as this sapphic wonder.

She shook her head lightly, refocusing on the moment her Lord would call for her.

| TAG:

Ragnar Vátligr · Mar 27, 2025

| TAG:

Zara Saga |

Indra Quin |
Ragnar's Voice Sample

As Ragnar sat reading the terminal, he felt a presence, he casually without so much as showing it looked to see a blonde woman stride in. Ragnar watched the young acolyte stumble over the books and simply smiled before looking back down at his terminal, not actually reading this time, but pretending to as he watched through the force the woman come near him. He heard the woman ask who he was, He went to speak then he noticed a man walking up staring at him, and then in came another woman. He could not feel if they were hostile, but he was ready for anything at any point. He slightly turned his head to the woman. Ragnar then stood up to face her, towering over her with his massive height. He gives her a small bow and then begins to speak to her. When he spoke his voice seemed cryptic, dead or hollow and cracked, like as if it had sorrow and death or a heavy weight to it.

"My Apologies if I am not allowed here, I knew this place had a library, so I figured to come here and do some research, as most other places with facilities like this, are one sided, as such with the Jedi or the Sith, and neither side of them along with myself see eye to eye. I tend to mean no harm. My name is Ragnar Vátligr, May I ask who you are, as well as the other two are? I felt all three of you the moment you came into the library, but I as I said, I intended no harm, so therefore I remained calm and relaxed."

Ragnar would slightly turn his head and looked to the other two and then back to the blonde woman standing before him as remained standing calmly, allowing part of his essence to be felt through the force, allowing others to feel the dark and the light conflicting within him.

Zara Saga · Mar 27, 2025

Tags:

Indra Quin

Zara stepped back, her heart racing as she took in the towering figure before her. The dim light of the archives cast shadows across Ragnar's face, accentuating the sharp angles of his jaw and the deep-set electric blue of his eyes that glinted with an otherworldly intensity. He exuded an unsettling mix of power and sorrow, stirring a cautious curiosity within her. As she stood there, uncertainty crept into her thoughts. She had never encountered him before, and despite his cryptic demeanor, there was an undeniable weight to his presence that sent a shiver down her spine.

The moment he began to speak, his voice echoed around them, carrying the heaviness of untold stories. Zara's brow furrowed in concentration, the air thick with tension. His mention of "three of them" caught her attention, prompting her to glance over her shoulder just as Diarch Rellik appeared, flanked by a curly-haired woman she did not recognize.

The warmth in her demeanor wavered as she turned back to Ragnar, a rush of protective instinct flaring within her. She fought against the urge to raise her voice, instead letting out a grumbled frustration, "We are just letting anyone in here now, huh? Ragnar here just saw himself in, taking a gander at the records. Did we learn nothing from the Sartinaynian Crisis? There are children here, we have to protect them!" Her hand fell to her side, fingers instinctively picking at the fabric of her robe, a nervous habit surfacing under the pressure of her emotions.

Zara's eyes narrowed as she peered around Rellik, the curly-haired woman behind him drawing her attention. The mixture of worry and protectiveness coiled tightly within her, fueling her urgency. "And who is this? Who are these people, Rellik? You have to let us know when you and your brother drag in more strays. There are security measures in place to protect us, to protect these children... our future!" Her voice rose slightly, the weight of her dedication to the school palpable in her words.

Taking a deep breath, Zara finally let go of her frustration before refocusing on Ragnar, her expression softening as she realized the tension could be misread. "I apologize. I'm sure you both are lovely people. I'm just a little on edge ever since... you know." She brushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear, attempting to regain her composure.

"My name is Zara Saga, Archon of Light." she introduced herself, her tone shifting to one of professional warmth as she turned back to Ragnar. "What brings you here?" Her gaze flickered back to the curly-haired woman, an eyebrow raised in curiosity. "And what about you lovely?" she inquired, noting the way the woman seemed to cling to Rellik, almost waiting for his command. Odd, indeed.

Diarch Rellik · Friday at 12:09 AM

Tags:

Ragnar Vátligr

Indra Quin

As Zara and the man introduced themselves the Diarch took into account his stature and shift in the force. He could not hear everything that was said but the bow given along with the effort to put out a light aura were good signs that he came in peace.

It appeared that even if Rellik was not trying to crowd the man that his presence was hard to go unnoticed as he looked over the Archons shoulder towards him and Indra. Those younger years of working on integration, stealth and subtly had now seem to go to the wayside with age. A personal reminder to work with the Networks agents on the techniques they use.

And so Rellik would come closer, keeping his composer even as Zara vented her frustrations. He had to remember the debriefing that two agents had made their way past the security measures of the crucible during the Crisis and that Zara was directly involved. The mention of the children having been put in danger did give him a ting of anger that he did not show. Simply making a note on the matter for later.

With a calm voice of royalty that had been molded from many similar instances of being told about the issues of the Diarchy; from the lowest citizen to even High Councilors such as Zara. Rellik slipped in a reply that cut right to the point.

"I understand your concerns Archon. It is good you are passionate about our family here. Remember a large portion of Sith and Jedi trained recruits visit our archives first before joining us. Reading over things that might have been behind lock and key somewhere else. I can assure you more detailed measures have been put in place since the last incident. Furthermore, this is Indra. Another person who is directly under my order. The High Adjudicator knows what he needs to know in that regard."

Rellik ensured the words he used for Indra were deliberately put out. Not mentioning how she came under his wing or why. With still pointing out that the High Adjudicator themselves knew of Indra. That would be enough proof that she was being watched carefully.

Having made his presence more evident Rellik ensured he was fully visible and gave a bow to Ragnar that matched the depth of the one he gave Zara.

When Zara apologized and seemed on edge, the Diarch gave her a small comforting brotherly nudge. He knew how much she cared, it was her strength. Yet he wanted to remind her that he also cared, not just about security but about her as well.

With a stretched out hand Rellik introduced himself. Having to look up at the man who stood about three/quarters of a foot taller than himself.

"I am Diarch Rellik. As I am sure you know you are in Diarch space. Welcome to the heart of my home and people. Please feel free to continue reading and I apologize for the crowded introduction, there was an attack recently that has put us all on edge a bit. You are welcome to request an audience with me anytime. Just request it with any of the social workers stationed around."

Since Zara asked Rellik would await to hear the reasoning for what brought this man here.

In the meantime he reached out in the force and using Qâzoi Kyantuska - would tell Indra to practice her introductions without ever saying the words out loud.

Indra, introduce yourself. Words and presentation are their own tools in battle. Perhaps later this evening we will work on the technique of Dun Möch which implements these principles. Just watch his hands in case of danger.

Indra Quin · Friday at 2:06 AM

Her well kept brow quirked at the outpouring of frustration from the other woman. Her hand twitched with desire to pull out her blade and pin the wretch to the wall. But she stayed herself. The master gave the orders.

Instead, she dutifully listened and took in all the information she could as the others spoke. As usual, her Lord impressed her with the control that he held over the meeting, in spite of the clear power that the newcomer clearly wielded. The woman though was a fool. How was it possible that she had not known of the Lordsblade. Indra's opinion of the blonde haired young woman fell sharply. Perhaps she was just a pretty face.

And then it was her chance to try and impress her Lord. Her cape was released, giving her hips room to sway as she slowly sauntered to her Lord's side. Her head tilted back slightly, she looked downwards towards both this Zara woman, and the newcomer Ragnar. Her attention was primarily focused on Ragnar.

Her gaze lowered, as did her head with a genteel bow. "Greetings and welcome to Bastion. I am Indra, Lordsblade to Diarch Rellik," said the diminutive woman. Though small, she was not to be underestimated. But if honest, people underestimating her was often her greatest strength.

"If you are in need of a tour of our home. I am sure that I can arrange some time to show you around," she said. It was better than him walking freely in their halls. If she was to protect Rellik and that which he treasured, being close to dangers would be paramount.

She turned to eye the other woman. "Zara Saga? I do not believe we have met. Your kindness in referring to me as lovely did not go unnoticed. Should you need assistance in practicing your combat technique, I do often seek challenges."

| TAG:

Ragnar Vátligr

Zara Saga |

Ragnar Vátligr · Friday at 2:48 AM

| TAG:

Zara Saga |

Indra Quin |
Ragnar's Voice Sample

Hearing this woman talking to the man behind her then calling him a stray riled up anger emotions within Ragnar but then returned to calm after she apologized. When she said her name is Zara he nodded in the motion of a slight bow. When the man behind her started talking, Ragnar took the time to look at him and examine him trying to get a sense of him. Once the man was then speaking directly to him and then proceeded closer to Ragnar and introduced himself as Diarchy Rellik, and informed him that he could keep reading, Ragnar gave a slight bow and then spoke back to the man and shook his hand as he offered the handshake.

"I am Ragnar, Ragnar Vátligr, former Jedi Master, I don't mean to intrude into this place, it seems as though.... this was the only place I could come to get information regarding a certain subject that wasn't requiring you to be a part of their religious zealot ways of the narrow-minded Jedi or Sith. Also, yes, I do request an audience with you, I would like more information about this place around me, you look...act...and feel like a Jedi order, but you're not, I can sense it, I can see it. I am interested in learning more about it."

Ragnar turns his attention back to Zara and looks into her eyes.

"I am sure you are doing what you felt is right to protect these younglings, but rest assured, I am not a stray, please refrain from insulting me again, I understand you apologized, and I graciously accepted it, I won't next time. However, it is a pleasure to meet you."

Ragnar turns his attention to the little one that just walked in and listened to her introduce herself as Indra and offered assistance with Zara's combat technique which made Ragnar smirk a little and then Ragnar gave a slight bow to Indra.

"Pleasure to meet you Indra"

Ragnar then turned his attention back to Zara then to Rellik awaiting a response from any of the three that stood before him.

Zara Saga · Friday at 11:48 PM

Tags:

Indra Quin

Zara's attention was drawn back to Rellik, her bright eyes narrowing slightly as she assessed his demeanor. He seemed at ease with the lax security measures, much to her frustration. It was hard for her to trust so easily, especially when the safety of those she cared for was potentially at risk. Despite her instincts screaming for control, she forced herself to step aside, allowing the Diarch to handle the situation. Her position demanded respect, after all, and she didn't want to undermine his authority before their guests.

As the conversation shifted, Zara's gaze drifted to Indra. The curly-haired woman held herself with a poised intensity that was hard to ignore, her presence radiating a quiet strength. Indra's introduction was cool and calculated, her voice lacking the warmth that Zara instinctively offered. It caught her off guard, her polite nod masking the curiosity and caution swirling within her mind. There was something strange about this one, something that set Zara on edge.

Then Ragnar began to speak, and the air around them seemed to crackle with his steady, challenging presence. Zara bristled at his words. Her arms crossed over her chest, fingertips tapping rhythmically against her sleeve in an effort to maintain her composure. How dare he presume to take offense when her intentions were solely to protect? The nerve of him, this unfamiliar presence cloaked in mystery.

With a quiet, frustrated exhalation, Zara's voice broke through her clenched jaw, her words carefully measured but unable to hide the trace of annoyance. "You are a stray," she stated firmly, punctuating her speech with a pointed finger aimed at Indra. "And she is a stray."

She hesitated, catching herself just in time to realize she might have overstepped. But, despite her attempts at decorum, there it was: the slip of truth escaping her lips before she could tether it back. "But don't worry, at some point, I was a stray." Her voice softened, attempting to mend the potential wound her words had caused. "Try not to take offense to it... you big oaf." Zara added, the term flitting out accidentally, almost endearingly, before she pressed her lips together, inwardly chastising herself.

Her eyes flicked over to Rellik, fully aware her candidness might earn her a reprimand. Yet her concern for those in her care was steadfast, an unyielding force she sought desperately to temper with reason. Practicing control over her emotions was an ongoing battle, driven by her fiercely protective instincts and the unwavering sense of duty she felt toward this place and its people.

Rokul · Saturday at 8:47 PM

Location: Bastion - Archives
Tags:

Ragnar Vátligr