Anja & The Minotaur

[Stephanie Swail]

Primeval Palace, Ravelin
Bastion, Sartinaynian system ​

Feeling slightly more human than before, Asterion had parted from [member="Nimue Stormson"], the woman injecting him with so much life and hope than he ever had, to meet with the Primeval. Drip fed to him by Nimue, it was down to Asterion to head to their palace on the old Imperial world of Bastion to meet with the one pulling the strings - [member="Anja Aj'Rou"].

Dressed in his black robes, he bore only his lightsaber that he didn’t want to use, and memories he didn’t want to bring up, but would if needed. The stubble on his face bristled in the warmth of the planet as he came down from the transport from Effekt, one that would wait for him until his meeting had concluded.

Not knowing how it would pan out, or what it would really entail, to say this was another group that could either give him purpose or string him out to try like the Sith Order did was never far from the Minotaur’s mind. Dark eyes took in the impressive architecture as he made his presence known to the guards, faceless behind masks that hid who knew what horrors.

Now, to wait.

 

[Boethiah]

The troubles of Bastion were not widely known throughout the galaxy and upon arrival any man would understand that nothing is as it seems. The bustling marketplace, the assortment of tradesmen, and the crowds gathered in the forums and entertainment centers were not all that it seemed to be. Bizarre enough it also became apparent that the further into the city you went the more gloomy things became. The poor lived in the center, the well-off in the outskirts and for whatever purpose this served it seemed to be a point missed by most travelers.

The Palace stood tall. Surrounded by temples, ramparts, and other administrative buildings the massive superstructure stood out like a bleeding bantha did in the snows of Hoth. There was no mistaking that this was once the home of the Fel Dynasty and their imperial administration. So much history in one place, so many historical figures that walked its halls and yet all seemed to be forgotten.

Anja remained inside the Palace, kept to her own business as the guards approached the stranger. Most clad in black durasteel but the ones who approached seemed wild and of an entirely different discipline as the ones manning the ramparts. They were the Gulandi, the Sephi of Gulamendis whom most of the galaxy fancy a myth or tall tale told to naughty children. However; the corrupted Sephi--savage warriors--of Gulamendis were entirely real and clad in the unmistakable Vonduun Crab Armour that the Vong were known for. Assuming one knew the craft.

One of the Gulandi approached the stranger, "Alak Nu'ath!" The warrior shouted in his strange tongue. As he brandished his chitin carbine a different figure approached from behind, placing their hand on the weapon and pushing it down. The aggressive--or rather destructive--nature of these warriors changed to one of submission. Stepping forward was one like them but with an entirely different demeanor and carrying an Amphistaff. "Come, stranger. Our master would want to see you." The feminine voice revealed her nature, and that the Gulandi Warriors were a gender-equal society measured only by their glory in battle.

[member="Asterion"]

 

[Stephanie Swail]

Before Asterion had chance to react to the barbaric looking warrior before him, another more nightmarish being had silenced the foreign tongue and spoke with a voice unfitting of such a figure.

There was little to identify these guards of the Primeval, but their body seemed almost alien, something not of this galaxy, but yet something very fitting for purpose. Asterion looked between them, stepped forward and looked into the eyes of the well-spoken guard.

"Well let's not keep Master waiting shall we."

Glancing back as he passed the barbarian, the Minotaur walked beside the guard and felt disposable and weak beside them as they moved into the temple itself. He felt lost inside almost at once as it didn't feel like the temple that housed Jedi or Sith - this was something different.

Refraining from snarky comments and observation at his delicate stage of recovery into the galaxy, Asterion simply followed and observed everything and everyone he passed - this really seemed to be a place befitting those who were created at the beginning of time before the galaxy started to turn on itself.

[member="Anja Aj'Rou"]

 

[Boethiah]

The female Sephi lead him through the palace entrance and into a great hall that was tall as an AT-AT and wider than a corvette. If that wasn't impressive, the hall's farside entrance which was larger than the main entrance itself lead into the hollowed center of the entire structure. It was a rather long walk--taking more than a few minutes--but there were more than enough distractions along the way. Whether it was the priests that dotted the room, the soldiers that lined the walls, or the various decorations and monuments; there was enough to entertain.

But of course he probably wasn't here seeking entertainment. Few outsiders set foot on Bastion and more so, the few capable of sneaking onto this world were usually found and killed. Yet he did not sneak -- he was brought here, and Anja was keen on learning why.

Finally they reached their destination but the journey itself was far from over... Into what was once the throne room for an empire sat a seclusive Umbaran woman whose name itself remained an enigmatic mystery to all but a few. Yet she was known, as Host Lord, the Witch-Queen; or by some of her enemies, the Butcher of Bastion.

Her eyes were deep and cold, the pale complexion of her subtly blue iris could be described as eerie by a child or relentless by a warrior. What he saw could any one of those or something else entirely. At first there was a silence from the Host Lord, she did not speak and unless he saw well in the dim light she did not even seem to breath as her chest rose lightly. Anja looked him over before rising from the seat of emperors.

Her lips parted, "Tell me your name and why you were brought here." The voice was calm, even soft, yet it was commanding enough to be heard clearly.

[member="Asterion"]

 

[Stephanie Swail]

Inside, he was already bored of such a long walk through what looked like a dysfunctional world away from everything he had known. Teth had shown him natural horror, and it reminded him of this place. Dark, isolated and cold, but alive. Primeval was perfect.

As expected, within minutes, the guard stopped Asterion in their final destination; a room that evoked everything about the group. There was mystery, bloodlust and danger in the air; he could smell it. As the warrior rose from her throne, as expected again, Asterion tilted his head and sighed silently at the charade. Why did everyone he ever meet demand they be surrounded in theatrical mystery and mood.

Still, there was the respect for Nimue resting on his head he didn’t want to tarnish. And who was he to act the mighty Sith Knight anymore? He wasn’t. And he would do well to remember it.

”Asterion, Knight of a now defunct Sith Order. I’m here under the request of the Empress of Effekt in seeing audience with the big boss about what this place is all about.”

It started well, but his patience soon died after trying to be formal. He gave a small nod of the head to the figure at the head of the room.

[member="Anja Aj'Rou"]

 

[Boethiah]

Anja respected those who went straight to business. There was no need for formalities and surely they would be a waste of both their time... Useless discussions about bloodlines, families, wars, politics, or any of that nonsense was worthless in her eyes. Yet that didn't mean she appreciated everything about him. To her he was a tad arrogant, lacking respect in humility. It was an odd thing really... That people were so prideful yet they didn't understand the pride in a humble and honest life; there was reward.

Of course neither of them were here for a lesson on manners. "Asterion? And yes, I'm familiar with the Empress on Effekt." The subtle difference in how she addressed the title could be noted, if caught.

Still, there were bigger things to discuss... "I have been in the presence of many Sith whose Orders have fallen. This big boss you refer to is myself." She walked down the stairs from the throne as she spoke and approached him. She stood just as he, not higher nor lower but on the same floor.

Taking no greater moment of pause she spoke again. "I am the Host Lord of The Primeval and your questions have answers, should you choose to ask."

[member="Asterion"]

 

[Stephanie Swail]

Eye narrowing slightly, he noted her words and watched her come down to his level, holding herself strong and confident. A Force user and one who evoked a dark aura, darker even than Asterion himself. Her hollow eyes looked into his, but there was no probing of the mind, just her words.

”Well thank you for your time. I served under Lady Kyros of the Sith Order and have made many enemies but I suspect they are long forgotten. I’m a blank canvas, holding a lot of rage and ability that is dwindling but I want to use it, otherwise I may as well be dead.”

He scoffed a little.

”Cards on the table after all. Your Primeval – what are they about? Your surroundings certainly evoke a nice welcome, I’ll give you that. And do I call your Lord, or ma’am or do you have a name that only few are permitted to know?”

[member="Anja Aj'Rou"]

 

[Boethiah]

There was something about him that she continued to admire, she couldn't put her finger on it but the thought lingered.

"We are no one and nowhere. I have no desire to rule this galaxy, I wish to leave it -- let people do what they wish, my people go with me.." She revealed that bit of information at least. It was something she hardly revealed in the first place, it meant she at least respected him enough so far that she felt he deserved to confidence of trust. Not enough for him to betray her but certainly more than many get.

She would continue to explain, however. No point in leaving him in a whirlwind of vagueness. "There are those in our service who will inherit what we leave behind." her stature did not change much, it was confident. "People like you, actually. Your goals will be met as long as ours are."

The idea was here that those who did not wish to follow them as the faithful would be granted the boons of their victories against those who fight a futile war against an entire people who care not how much of them die. As long as there is purpose, they will live on for eternity. "Unless of course you believe in a higher power..." She was curious indeed. But before she would let him answer, she did acknowledge his question.

"People call me 'Your Worship', 'Host Lord', 'Lord' , and some have fancied me an Empress or Goddess but what you call me is not of my concern, I do have a name though. It's Anja--Anja Aj'Rou."

[member="Asterion"]

 

[Stephanie Swail]

Nodding and glancing around the hall, feeling eyes on him but not sure where from in the darkness, Asterion folded his arms.

”A higher power? People call the Force a ‘higher power’ but to me it’s just something that is as natural as breathing, you either have it or you don’t, as certain people have four arms, others don’t. It’s no matter to me, but it’s how you use it that counts. I have it, and want to use it, and I don’t care for personal glory or empowerment. I’ll take it where it comes, but not without reason.”

He pointed a finger casually at her, rocking gently on the heels of his boots.

”You talk in riddles, but through them I like what you say. You’ve not once mentioned obtaining power, or any crap like I’ve heard Sith and Jedi do in my years. If I can be part of something that believes in itself, and is strong, loyal and rooted in the foundations of the galaxy we live in so it lasts longer when everything else is just dust, that gives me purpose.”

Again, he glanced around to his right, certain there was someone there. It was like something blowing at the nape of this neck that wasn’t physically present.

”Anja,” was this too casual perhaps? ”Do you deal in black magic or voodoo and all that? And what do you make of the Force itself and those who control it?”

[member="Anja Aj'Rou"]

 

[Boethiah]

He had a very interesting perspective on things but one that she did not feel differed too much from her own. As for the force itself, that is what many called it but to her the name was irrelevant.

"I believe that it's a tool, a weapon, a gift. No philosophy towards it makes its powers any more or less real." That was her answer and she was truthful in every world. To her the force was just a tool to be used by those who could obtain its power. If you didn't have it then that was your misfortune but she did indeed have the powers and did not hesitate to use them when and where she could.

Despite answering his question first, she doubled back almost and responded to some of what he said before that.

The tone in her voice changed a bit here and there, "I only seek to achieve what I always have; to leave behind this galaxy. Yet we're stuck here because the arrogant waste their time warring with us. They do not understand. They may not fear individual loss but they do fear the death of their cultures; their way of life. We do not share those fears for even if they destroyed everything... They kill nothing."

[member="Asterion"]

 

[Stephanie Swail]

His face turned to one of confusion, and a little uncertainty.

”So…you are leading people who want to, what, withdraw from everything by almost having nothing and thus be stronger than most? I don’t see where your goal lies – you know the sort of powers out there and what they are after.”

The Minotaur leaned in a little.

”If you want to leave this galaxy, then when don’t you just leave all this and vanish? Why make it tougher on yourself in trying to break free from something that will always hold you in place?”

[member="Anja Aj'Rou"]

 

[Boethiah]

Anja knew this part would be confusing to him... It was confusing to anyone who wasn't of The Primeval.

"The path we seek takes us through this galaxy, there are secrets we must discover first unless we are to get lost and become blind along the way." That was brief explanation, to say the least. She could go on but there really wasn't anything to be said that he'd understand; at least for now.

With that in mind she knew that there'd be bigger questions. "People seek us out for power of their own, that which we do not desire. Wealth, love, empires... None of that is ours to keep. It is our gift to those who remain loyal but stay behind." She explained.

It was an odd thing really, an unbelievable fact too. People wanted more than they let on, no one was some perfect being of selfless intent -- no matter how zealous. Nothing she said suggested that she thought herself without such things. "All good things from merit, nothing else." She truly believed that... It didn't matter if you were Jedi or Sith to her, as long as you proved yourself. That was all that mattered. Prove yourself worthy and you'd be free to feel however you'd like, about the galaxy, about their religion, anything.

She did not seek to be his master or to control him, but to have him pledge his loyalty in exchange for whatever it was he desired.
And what is it you desire? She thought to herself.

[member="Asterion"]

 

[Stephanie Swail]

He turned and bit his bottom lip, obviously pondering her pitch.

”Ok so I pledge my loyalty to you, and you give me what I desire? Sounds easy enough.”

Asterion turned, dark eyes meeting hers again.

”I desire purpose. Strength to be who I was born to be, and the ability to be…somebody, and that somebody will be somebody either admired or feared by whoever. It doesn’t matter, as long as I can just...be.”

He was starting to sound desperate, but in the end of things, he was. He had nothing to offer anyone except his skill and strength, but there were dozens more who were skilled and stronger than he.

”Being loyal to you, what does this entail exactly? Do I bow in your presence or cut off a finger to prove my loyalty?”

[member="Anja Aj'Rou"]

 

[Boethiah]

Loyalty.

Such is a tricky subject. It meant many things to many men and women, so what did it mean to Anja? Looking around one could see at first glance that loyalty amongst The Primeval was rather fierce. Many did not hesitate to sacrifice themselves for what they deemed to be 'the greater good' and on another hand she was also surrounded by the opposite. Those who do what they can, not what they must.

His desires were... Well, they were just. "You wish to exist with purpose, is that it?" She hoped for some clarification, but assumed that's what he meant.

Moving back to the loyalty question, "loyalty is that you do not interfere with our plans, you answer our calls to war, and above all never betray our trust." She clarified for him. There was one thing left to mention.

"Do that and you will not go unrecognized."

[member="Asterion"]

 

[Stephanie Swail]

He gave a dismissive glance and shifted his stance.

”Ok, look, I’ve lived in a bunker for over 5 years in a wintery woodland on Teth, with nothing but myself as company surrounded by the ghosts of an Order I was raised to understand, serve and ultimately fail. I’ve found someone who sees a spark in me, and for that one reason above all, I want to make her proud of me and know she has nothing to fear when I am with her. If I can serve alongside her, serve a people who may have been broken like myself, and if I can be a useful asset where my name means something to people, then that’s what I am here for.”

A speech a little longer than he had hoped, but he was simply being honest.

”Don’t waste my time, and I won’t waste yours.”

[member="Anja Aj'Rou"]

 

[Boethiah]

He was quite straight-forward and the Umbaran could not sense any dishonestly from him or even any attempt to hide it. His words were true and more than that they were pure, there was no vanity or self-pity in what he was saying.

The Host Lord appreciated his openness as few ever had the courage, boldness, or humility to realize their faults and wish for a greater purpose. There was no question about it, that Anja Aj'Rou could provide him with that purpose... And she will.

The woman took one or two steps closer, it was a rather plain and insignificant narrowing of the distance between them but it allowed her to perceive him in the way that only she could. There was a reason she was a prophet. She saw things in others that no one else did and she knew how to use what she saw to bring them closer to their true purpose in this galaxy at war.

Her eyes would lock with his. "You like many who have found solace here you will be reforged, renewed, and reborn. Whether you wish to obliterate all who oppose us, defend our worlds from disorder, or seek out what others could not; you will have your place and your purpose." The tone of her voice radiated with prophetic certainty -- wisdom.

Whether or not she was indeed wise or if he felt she was spewing nonsense would be up to him. What will he believe? What will he desire...

[member="Asterion"]

 

[Stephanie Swail]

He didn’t feel any tendrils probing his head, trying to get into his soul, but he felt her eyes when they locked with his. They were bottomless, and he was lost in them as she spoke, and she confirmed everything he could be willing to do, without him having to say. Anja held herself unlike anyone else he had come across, especially Sith Lady Kyros - there was no hidden bitterness, or point to prove in words; she just spoke, and told her perspective on things without belittlement or judgement. Not openly, anyway.

Knowing the worst thing to do was to break eye-contact which would show a lack of confidence and immediate submission, he kept her gaze and lowered his head slightly.

”Sounds good to me, Anja. You’ve got yourself a Minotaur to use.”

Liberating those who looked up to him, standing beside those who respected him, and slaying those who looked down to him; this was something Asterion felt he was born to do but just hadn’t found the place to be allowed to do it, until now.

[member="Anja Aj'Rou"]

 

[Boethiah]

Their pact of sorts was concluded then, at least in word.

He did gain her trust--she owed him that much--but it would take more than words, commitment, and honesty to gain her faith. That would require actions; actions of a man who will do whatever it takes to uphold his obligations and fulfill the wishes of those he servers. It wasn't necessarily a servile relationship, though, although he expressed an interest in being of service for the sake of purpose it was his own will that chose that path...

Any other man as many have would ask for riches, palaces, or worlds to rule. He asked for a meaning to his existence and in many regards that was a more valuable reward than any -- to have purpose. Having purpose is what allowed the galaxy to thrive in the first place. The greatest Sith Lords, Emperors, and other rulers all had a meaning to them that they felt went beyond the realm of mere mortals. It was because they sought meaning above all else that they were able to achieve greater than those who sought more worldly desires such as power, wealth, or lands.

She was interested, to say the least. "I'm glad to hear... Now, I don't want to be so bold but I think a small test is in order; don't you?"

[member="Asterion"]

 

[Stephanie Swail]

”I’d be worried if there WASN’T a test after this little dance of personalities.”

With a small smile, Asterion lowered his head a little to the Host Lord and rubbed his hands together slowly. Assault course? Combat training? Something run of the mill, for sure.

”Just say the word.”

[member="Anja Aj'Rou"]

 

[Boethiah]

"We always need new agents... Talented Jedi, perhaps." She began.

Truthfully what she was about to ask is less of a test and more of an errand, "Normally I'd ask Catalys to do this but I think you'd be more effective in the matter. I need you to kidnap a competent force-user and bring them to me." It wasn't necessarily an easy task, first you'd have to find the target and then figure out how to grab them without attracting too much attention.
Force-users were usually well-guarded in one order or another.

[member="Asterion"]