A Sanctimonious Meeting (Jericho)

[Nimue Stormson]

The Palace of Effekt had been made ready for the arrival of another important guest of the Empress. As always food, drink and any other necessitates were made ready for the arrival of a man said to be a representative of the Levine Sanctum. The Empress Nimue herself had often heard talk of this group dedicated to freedom for all while keeping peace. Noble to say the least. Something Nimue could understand and, by extension, agree to in some degrees. Though the idea of fully giving herself and her people over to those ways was something she had to consider after meeting with the representative.​

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She did not know the man but only knew the name [member="Jericho"] . Part of her wondered if this was supposed to be the one to have come when she offered invitations to the Sanctum before to one of her balls and he simply ignored up until now. Or maybe he, and by extension the Levine, preferred more private meetings and not grand galas to talk business. Either way they were at least speaking now.​

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While the Empress would ready herself a private escort would await Jericho once he landed to take in to the palace. On the way he would see a number of statues and artwork showing off Ekkeft's grand mix of old yet modern technology and setting. A blend of Norse-like architecture with the more up-to-date feel of the rest of the galaxy. An odd yet almost natural blend. The main hall/throne room would await him beyond that. A large red carpet leading to the end where a small chair for him sat at the foot of a few steps leading to the large, golden throne where the Empress would sit once she arrived.​

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[Jericho]

The sounds of horse hoofs clanking against the hard stone roads of Effekt could be heard as a band of horses along with their driver were seen carrying a load of supplies in a wagon. Amongst these supplies was Jericho, lying down in the back of the wagon with his white jedi robes and over the top of his face and his mask covering the rest. The warrior's sabers clipped at his waist belt and the rest of his gear slouched over on the other supplies.

Not exactly a way one seen as important would travel, many assume he would have a guard or have some sort of high class vehicle, but he wasn't one to complain. He sigh as he propped himself up and began to bandage his wounds from a recent mission he was once he finished he opened the transmission telling him that he had to meet with the Empress. Of all people the sanctum would send him? He was more of warrior than some sort of politician. Maybe it was because he was the closest in the sector. He shook his head, regardless if the sanctum needed a assistance, he would not decline to help them as they were the closest thing he had to a family.

As time progressed he began to think about his past padawans a few falling to to sith temptation and other being killed in battle. Just these very thoughts made Jericho's blood boil, but he gained composure of himself as he quickly thought of something else and began to meditated. He wondered what the Empress would be like, was she kind? Was she humble? Was she Brash? Was she boisterous? Then he wondered how his reputation was here. Did they know him as the sith hunter? The elemental? The knowledge seeker? The Ghost? Or merely a man apart of the sanctum. More likely the latter. As he thought to himself the carriage stopped.

Then the sounds footsteps came from several guards who had spotted Jericho in the back of the wagon as it rode by. "Who are you?" One of the guards asked. Without a single word he lifted his hand and held out the transmission of the Empress' invitation and held it the to guard. "Master Jericho! Our apologies we weren't....You were....You suppose to land at these coordinates." The guard said embarrassed and puzzled at the fact of Jericho's choice of transportation. Before the man could finish his sentence, Jericho raised his hand to signal the man to stop. Unsure what he was doing the guards looked at each other for a moment.

Jericho was the type to explore a bit and get a better understanding of the world around before continuing a mission hence why he met only the two guards and travel as such. He let out a sigh and jumped out of the wagon. The guards looked up at Jericho when the warrior stood up right with a slight stretch of his arm. The man stood nearly a foot taller than the two guard leaving them a bit intimidated. "L-Lady [member="Nimue Stormson"] has been would like to see you--I mean--Has been expecting you at the Royal Palace.." said the lead guard. Jericho exhaled before turning around taking out his gear and waving his hand in thanks to the wagon driver. Jericho looked at them all and noticed that their armor and analyzed it and notice. Unsure once more of what his intent was the lead guard spoke once more.

"We can escort you there, Master Jedi." Jericho nodded to the guards and they made way. He was led to the private guard then the private guard led him to the palace. He looked around studying the statues and the mixture of technology and understanding more of the worlds culture. As he continued his way he would seeing the halls turned to a bright golden color up to a beautiful gold throne where the empress sat awaiting for his arrival. The warrior bowed his head slightly and lowered his white hood but kept his mask on.

He kept silent up to this point and his dark eyes locked on hers, with a deep stern yet calming voice the warrior spoke. "I am humbled to meet you, Empress Stormson. Your home is a marvel to olden and modern culture, I thank you for such an invitation." He said, the private guard looked to him in surprised for a grisly and large looking man thought to be mute had such a booming voice but used words that would turn lead into silver and pricks into honey.

 

[Nimue Stormson]

The mishap with the sudden arrival of [member="Jericho"] was something the guards would try to keep to themselves. They feared any punishment from their empress if she felt it was their fault for not allowing him the proper escort. Either way she would know the whole story later on. Until then she was only interested in meeting with the man himself. The moment she saw him the first thing that came to mind was how blaring and yet so mysterious he was. All in white and yet with a mask to hide his face. Heavy robes yet he strode with such dignity and grace. She could just make out his eyes past the holes from the mask, sensing a power within them. The feeling was more than mutual when he'd giving his thanks but Nimue, keeping her imperial composure, bowed her head from her chair to him before indicating for him to sit in the seat provided.​

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"I'm happy at your arrival, Master Jericho. I trust your journey was well?" as he spoke she gestured for one of her servants to come forth and offer him any food or drink he may have wanted. After that she asked "How fares your Sanctum? Keeping the peace I trust?" ​

 

[Jericho]

Jericho looked around to the men that had escorted him, unbeknownst to most his first language was kinetic communication. Some what similar to that to common known body language but much more in depth, from the slightest of movement Jericho could read a persons personality, their quirks and habits. From the littlest to the deepest of scars he could see one's story. To his species of human, the Lorrdian they could speak more intimately or harshly from actions. And unknowingly to them, he knew her men more than they knew themselves and from the slight uneasiness they feared their empress for than the intimidation of his size. He analyzed the woman from head to toe and from her slightly bow of her head, she was used to looking down from her throne to her subjects, one could even say she was enjoying her seat of power. As most royalty did, whether they knew it themselves or not.

Her elegant hand waved smoothly as though guiding him to his seat. The wave of the force followed her, the wave of an graceful darkness he was all too familiar with, he understood why she was so feared. Though her looks were completely misleading, he closed his eyes for just a moment, and scan the area for any other force signatures that may have been sith related or other wise. One could never be too cautious in his line of work. After doing so, he walked up slowly to her and took a knee, lightly took her hand and took of his mask for just a moment making sure his face remained in the dark so no one would see it. His warm lips lightly touch her middle knuckle, before he place his mask back on again and took his seat.

"The journey was an interesting one, this world has its splendors to be sure." He started off. When the servants came he made no movement to ask for food or drink, awaiting for to order first as he was the guest in her home and it would be rude for him to do otherwise. "As peaceful as can be, Milady [member="Nimue Stormson"]." He said calmly. "Your home. It is quite the wondrous site, had I known I would of come earlier."

 

[Nimue Stormson]

While sitting with him Nimue was able to sense the power behind [member="Jericho"] as he did her. Her signature was that of someone more powerful than knight. A master then. A strong one at that. Yet his intetions, so far, were not against her. If anything he could at l;east respect she wasn't a sith, and yet not a Jedi. Something in-between. A "dark jedi" as they'd been dubbed to some. She always did like that title the more she thought about it. But while she may not have been as strong as him she was ready if he did try any aggressive acts. ​

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She waited and watched as he stood and walked up to her before taking her hand. His kiss was a very charming gesture, one she did not pull away from. If anything she enjoyed it. Not often one would take the initiative and kiss her hand without her permission, or unless someone else had done so already. She was starting to like this Jericho more and more. ​

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After he made his comment about her home she nodded towards him before responding "Perhaps the next time I hold a royal ball and send an invitation to the Sanctum I will be surer to have it personally sent as to express my intent to have you come." After that she allowed her hand to pull back onto her chest and said "Either way I'm glad you're here now. Now we can truly speak without having to worry about interruptions." ​

 

[Jericho]

Though he felt no presence outside her own the warrior wouldn't let his guard down for any reason. He had bore witness and been apart many noble palaces that were filled with assassins and others wanted to take the head of the royalty and anyone in their way. The thought made him subconsciously shake his head and think; Politics. That was a thing bloodier and more personal than any war; the warrior refocused on the woman before him and rested his hand on his fist, not out of boredom but showing his own interest. After reading into her movements and from the slightest crease of her lips, he could tell she enjoyed the gesture he presented to her. A good thing for him, that in itself showed her invitation was not one treachery.

She had nothing to fear from him, so as long no movements were made to take his life or otherwise. He leaned back on his chair when she mentioned that she would express for him to specifically come. Quite a hospitable Empress to say the least compared to her initial impression as well as the impression made from her men. "Milady, you flatter me with personal invitation. I know not what to say." He said calmly with a bow of his head, though doing so his eyes remain locked with her own. "As am I, Milady [member="Nimue Stormson"], now what would you like to speak to me about. You have my fullest attention."

 

[Nimue Stormson]

So charming and yet so direct. Nimue admired that in a man who wore a mask. She leaned back in her seat when he asked what to discuss before saying "I suppose, as a start, if there's a possible alliance between Effekt and the Sanctum. I've already made friends in many places, but Effekt itself does not extend fair trade to all. It's a matter of...compromising. And, of course, I intend to be fair about my dealings. I hope, as an honorable man, you can be so as well." She gestured for the servants to give both herself and [member="Jericho"] room as they spoke, making them bow before standing at the doorway. ​

 

[Jericho]

He subconsciously let out a groan; Politics. Such a matter he did not even wish to tamper with or groom with falsehood, though on the battlefield he may have been tainted and immerse himself in both the light as well as in the dark. Though he has seen many things in his lifetime that most would cringe at the very thought of. There was one that he would never be apart of; needless to say the man did not like politics. Now he could see why he was sent to her in such a manner. "Milady [member="Nimue Stormson"]." He started off. "I see why you would want to make such an alliance. Though I can see the benefit of such dealings. As you stated I being an honorable man will not lie to you. It is a matter not for me to decided whether or not to make such an agreement." He watched as the servants left the room leaving the two alone and faced her once more. "I do not mean to insult you in any way."

 

[Nimue Stormson]

When he gave his response Nimue didn't seem offended at all. She gave a bemused shrug and said "I understand. They send a warrior and here I half expected a politician. My mistake." She leaned back into her seat again and said "Then what shall we talk about?" a little child-like enthusiasm in her tone as she said this. "Hmm. What could an Empress ask of a warrior like you? Or, to make it more interesting, what would a warrior ask of an Empress such as myself?" It was unclear if this was a game or an actual serious question. Her tone was so hard to tell where her state of mind was. Either way she was curious for an answer. ​

 

[Jericho]

He bowed his head once more in thanks for her easily changing the subject on the matter of politics among the Sanctum and her kingdom. Such matter was not something he could say he enjoyed. As he heard her voice fill with slight excitement with the change of subject she asked him a question. Followed by another that was just as playful sounding but her body said otherwise. Though he understood why she would be off set with him, her hopes with making business was cut short when she was thinking of something completely different. At this point his presence was unneeded and in time probably unwanted now that his usefulness seemed at an end. Admittingly, he was indeed curious of the world and the knowledge it had to offer. So leaving for him wasn't an option and it seemed he would needed to keep her entertained. "I am merely a humble guest in your home. There is much to be desired. Milady [member="Nimue Stormson"]." He merely stood and reached out a hand, "If you would, since you are granting a question request, may I get to know you more personally."

 

[Nimue Stormson]

Her eyebrow perked at the question before saying "Hmmm. So the knight wishes to know me better, hm?" She leaned forward with a more coy tone and look before giggling "But of course. And, hopefully, I'd know you as well." She leaned back again and said aloud "Where to begin...? I suppose I should start by saying I've been ruling this Empire on y own ever since my husband passed away. That would be....almost ten years now." She sighed before continuing "Poor Victor. I would've loved to have seen his reaction to what's become of his planet, his legacy and his people. I do all that I can to uphold the image. But then I was only a simple handmaiden before I married him. To think a girl who came from nothing could achieve....this!" she held her arms out to indicate the entire empire, and by extension planet, she now ruled. ​

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[member="Jericho"]​

 

[Jericho]

The fact that she was giggling was surprising as well as he thought she was the more demure type of woman. But he remained silent, keeping comments about that to himself and letting her speak about herself. It was a sad thing loss, though he could related to losing some he could not say he lost a lover. Everyone had their experiences and had their own way of deal with such. "My condolences, Milady [member="Nimue Stormson"], I cannot say I completely understand the loss of a someone you loved intimately. Ten years of of such pain." He said calmly. "While taking care of a kingdom. You are a strong woman." Finishing with a tone of admiration rather than pity.

 

[Nimue Stormson]

"As I try to be." she said in response. "My people deal with harsh weather. Dangerous creatures. And recently we've faced war with each other. The people of Effekt are breed to be strong. And when a woman is placed on the throne she must prove she's as strong as they are. Even stronger if need be. That is a conviction that comes with this." she indicated her large, golden horned crown upon her head. She then waved it off and said "Enough of me though. Tell me about you, Master [member="Jericho"] , and the Sanctum. I hear you come from quiet a large background yourselves." ​

 

[Jericho]

He nodded in understanding to the woman as she spoke freely about herself. Then the lights was pressed over to him, she wanted to know more about him. He rested his head on his fist once more thinking of what he could say. But normally the repuation he had spoke of his story for him, he himself didn't like to talk about himself. So he went to the next best thing, the sanctum. "I was young when the sanctum was merely a conclave. They are like a family that just grew and grew." He said simply. "Like you, we have to be strong but in a difference sense for the same purpose as many jedi. Milady [member="Nimue Stormson"]."

 

[Nimue Stormson]

She smiled more when he finished, saying "Something more we have in common." She chuckled again before now standing from her throne and asking "Would you like to take this conversation as we tour the palace? I find it best to satisfy the need to speak and your want of seeing the rest of my home. It is, as they say, 'killing two minoks with one blaster' I believe?" The tone in her voice was genuine yet it underlined a more malicious intent. It seemed the Empress just wanted to get [member="Jericho"] up and moving with her in the hopes of getting 'closer'. ​

 

[Jericho]

It was interesting to see a woman of you stature and rank smile and laugh so easily and so casually. She seemed unlike the other royalty that he has met. When she offered to move around the palace, the warrior accepted more enthusiastically than usual. But enthusiastic was used loosely as it were, the calm man stood up next her almost a foot taller than her as well and prepped up an arm for her to wrap her arms around if she chose so. "I would most enjoy that, please that lead, Milady [member="Nimue Stormson"]." He said raising his free hand signalling her to lead the eay and start their little tour.

 

[Nimue Stormson]

Taking his hand Nimue lead [member="Jericho"] out of the throne room and through the palace itself. A pair of guards and servants followed in case they needed anything; or if anything should happen. As they traveled about Nimue pointed out one piece of artwork after another. There were great tapestries that depicted fights or legends of Ekktian history. Busts and statues and paintings of former Emperors or royal families that existed since the beginning of the Stormborn Empire. Often then would pass windows that looked out to the royal city of the surrounding landscape. Large mountains covered in snow with lush forests around and reaching out over the horizon. The palace itself was so large that often Nimue would stop and ask for a drink before offering some to Jericho; though sometimes she would offer from her own cup and give a small wink to him. All of the time Nimue was trying to keep him interested and impressed; though either about the palace or herself was unclear.​

 

[Jericho]

As they walked the two remained interlocked and his interest was maintained on the history of the palace and planet. The warrior side of the man, looked for spots in the large palace where assassins among other things such as weak points. Having such a large palace had its advantage and disadvantages of course. He looked at all the paintings and other statues; listened to her and read the more about the technology and grasped a better understanding of the planets people. He once again declined the drink but kept his eyes on her and accepted the drinks from her cup, only mosts his mask where his lips were to take a drink show her, a wanting smile. As the tour came to a close and reading from her slightest movements from her hips to her smile, the man made his own moves. Whilst still holding her hand he pulled the woman close and rested his other arm around her waist. "I am quite stated for tonight." He started off. "In terms of history and knowledge." He leaned in close and whispered into her ear. "Made we rest, Milady [member="Nimue Stormson"]?"

 

[Nimue Stormson]

Seeing his lips enticed Nimue to where she wanted to kiss them. She had more control then that but oh how the feeling was waiting for her. When he'd reached out and held her she gave a little breath of surprise. Her guards reacted as if ready to act but she held her hand up, stopping them. An eager smile was on her face when he asked if there was a place to rest. ​

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With a smirk she answered "My quarters are only just down the hall. Though I feet my feet are weary from all the walking. If you don't mind....?"​

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At this point it was clear what both he and she wanted. As an Empress she would often need to be careful on these things, but her best excuse would be this as a matter of "aggressive negotiations". A winking smile and a tantalizing flare to her was all that was needed now. ​

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[member="Jericho"]​

 

[Jericho]

A playful Empress was still an empress after all, the eager smile came onto her face and he knew his action coaxed her. Can one say no to an Empress on their home planet within their own palace? It had seem the negotiations for the alliance were about to be very, very, heated. When she mentioned about her feet, the man merely reacted and picked her up and walked quietly to her room, using his foot to close the door behind them. He laid her onto her bed gently and took of her golden helmet and placed it on the nearest chair. "Milady [member="Nimue Stormson"]." He whisper into her ear and placing a hand on her forehead. "How are you feeling, you feel a bit feverish." He said coyly.