Digging Your Scene

[Armand Temi]

Location: Crystal Palace on Isis

Every now and then, a galaxian would contact the Kallisto Mining Company with an unusual proposal. When Princess Kallisto was sworn in as CEO on her eighteenth birthday, she would have never entertained a business activity that wasn't directly a contract or a sale, mostly out of paranoia that someone was trying to steal her trade secrets or even her equipment itself. Or of course to assassinate her, which was a constant fear and one that occupied her thoughts too often. But as she widened her net for contracts across the galaxy, she considered more proposals than she had when she had first inherited Kallisto.

An individual named [member="Einar Shadowmane"] had contacted her for a meeting, but she did not know the nature of the visit. It was business certainly, but the details had been vague. So putting her skepticism aside, she agreed to have him travel to Isis and onto to the Crystal Palace where she held court. The palace was grand, and yes, there was a throne room, but Thais preferred to do most of her negotiating in her sitting room where the views of the crystal quarries were breathtaking, and the furniture plush and inviting.

This is where Einar would meet her today, once he arrived at her doorstep.

 

[Triss]

If there was a single area of human activity Einar Shadowmane knew something about, it was trade. During his exile on Midvinter, the merchant was the first place where he would go when business brought him to human settlements, bringing skins of animals he intended to sell. The money was then usually squandered in a nearby tavern, on pint after pint of home-made mead. It didn't take him long to figure out the intricacies of bargaining, especially when he realized the quality of his goods was far above anything else that was offered. But Shadowmane was not the cunning type, his exposition was rather blunt. Instead, the Valkyri utilized his monumental size to impose his will onto the shopkeeper and extort an extra golden coin here and there. Perhaps this was a tactic he could employ here as well?

The Arbiter of Bastion was only beginning to realize the logistic potential of the Primeval and the wide array of social connections that were at his disposal, at single mention of Host Lord's name. Service to the Rift opened many doors and the crystal capitol of Isis was one of them. Thus, the swift reply and invitation to visit the sole jewel of crown of Kallisto came as no surprise. After all, his request was embellished by the holy Primeval seal. Very few individuals in the galaxy dared not to answer such a plea with utmost courtesy.

The trip to Anoat sector was long, perhaps the longest ride Einar endured in space, save from his abduction from Midvinter. He found it difficult to adjust to the sunless continuum of space, with no change of day to provide benchmarks for his bestial biorhythm. He thus slept through most of the ride, waking only every half a day to ingest some food. The crewmembers of Primeval bannerman ship often joked he resembled a bear, only waking from hibernation to devour some berries.

As soon as Einar's viridian orbs settled on the miraculous landscapes of Isis, the trip was already worth it. Crystal spires that pierced the darkening sky were magical, as if built by the hand of god himself. The Valkyri savage was impressed, but his stoic visage revealed no fascination to his hosts as they lead him through the halls of Crystal palace. Instead, he focused on his task, dismissing sight-seeing and other pleasantries as irrelevant.

"Einar Shadowmane of Primeval. Arbiter of Bastion." a servant announced, as he motioned for the Valkyri to enter the sitting room where the regent awaited.
Two heavy leather boots stomped onto the immaculate floor that resembled the surface of the lake. Dark grey cape fell down from his shoulders, all the way to the floor, flowing behind him like an ominous banner of the hegemony he pledged to serve. Shadowmane was exceptionally tall, even for a Valkyri, probably dwarfing any men or women this regent has ever met. His ample chest was covered by ceremonial leather breastplate, impregnated with the Primeval sigil. The same stencil was imprinted on both his greaves and bracers, as a part of official uniform. As per explicit instruction of the Host Lord, his beard was neatly trimmed and his hair clean but still long, waves of thick brown hair in stark contrast to his angular, bearded jawline.

Deeply set eyes fell onto the woman - or rather a girl - that was before him. He approached her and did the only thing he knew; Shadomane knelt onto his right knee and dipped his head in defference. Clearly, he knew his way around royalty.
"Your highness." he started in a deep voice, without lifting his head - "The Primeval greets the sovereign of Isis. May she rule long and prosper."

[member="Thais Kallisto"]

 

[Armand Temi]

Considering Thais was surrounded for the most part by Gutretree miners, and then her normal human advisers who were ordinarily-built nobility - thin, paunchy and used to being indoors - the Valkyri was an astounding sight. Sure, she had Palace Guards who were strong, armored and capable of violence at a moment's notice, but she rarely interacted with them. Even now, as they flanked the doorway of the sitting room, they seemed more like statues than actual sentient beings.

But this man was enormous and powerful. Enough that she felt that when he strode along the floor in his thick boots, the marble underneath his feet was in jeopardy of cracking with each step.

Arbiter of Bastion. Primeval.

The Princess was only familiar with this organization from news of faraway conflicts and invasions. But if she wanted to know more she supposed she ought to ask her guest. She motioned for him to rise. Princess Kallisto also moved from the window and sat in a chair opposite him.

"Thank you, Arbiter Shadowmane. Please sit where you like," she said and waited for him to get settled, hoping that his large frame would fit on some piece of furniture in the room.

"Tell me as much as you can about the Primeval. I am unaware of their policies. They are ruled by an Empress of sorts?"

Of course, paying attention to royal news, Thais knew that there was a noble figurehead in charge.

[member="Einar Shadowmane"]

 

[Triss]

Being offered a seat took some getting used to, as most of his time Einar spent idly standing by Rou's side. The throne room on Ravelin had but one seat and this was the throne of Fel dynasty, while all other court members were condemned to a standing audience with the Host Lord. The Valkyri then did as the princess instructed and sat onto an ornamented chair opposite of her, carefully lowering his body onto the cushioned seat not to damage the intricately carved furniture. Leather armor creaked as he sank into the chair, leaning forward to gain some balance. One forearm was propped onto the manchette, hand firmly gripping the crystalline knob adorning the armrest.

"I see news travel, but not as fast as we would like." he commented, referring to Kallisto's limited knowledge of Primeval advances across the galaxy. Undoubtedly, the citizens of the galaxy would soon learn of might of Primeval, one way or the other.

"The Primeval is a holy ensemble of worlds, ruled by the Host Lord. Her appointment is not by blood, but by divine. She is the living embodiment of the will of Sargon. In that regard, her jurisdiction is not only worldly, but extends beyond." Einar explained, his gaze fixed on Kallisto.

"Have you not heard about the fall of Ziost and the sacking of Wayland?" he asked curiously - "The Primeval proves victorious against Jedi and Mandalorians alike. Surely, this vouches some recognition."

[member="Thais Kallisto"]

 

[Armand Temi]

With piercing brown eyes, Princess Kallisto watched Einar Shadowmane settle into his seat. Once he did, the ornately decorated chair suited him well, if a bit small for his frame. But of course, Kallisto thought everything looked better with crystals. Except perhaps the starship that Gaillard was building for her. That would be her only crystal-free zone. Why gaze upon precious metals when there were stars, planets and comets to moon over (so to speak)?

Thais absorbed most of Einar’s explanation of the Primeval. The Will of Sargon went right over her head, and then unfortunately, when he spoke of the “beyond” her thoughts drifted to her parents’s execution at the hands of Gutretee slaves, something she witnessed when she was just twelve years old. She grew slightly pale, but then composed herself and said: “Why yes, I have heard of those battles. And although there are Jedi on neighboring Sullust, they don’t travel often to Isis. Now the Mandalorians…” Her strong jaw tightened and teeth clenched. “I hear rumors that they are causing trouble on Muunilinst where I have long-standing contracts.”

She waved her hand, her long fingers resting at her collarbone. “But they are just rumors.” Thais paused and then continued: “So tell me what Kallisto Mining Company or even House Kallisto itself can do for the Primeval and you, Mr. Shadowmane?”

At this point in time, a server came in with a crystal tray (naturally) holding tea and sandwiches. The tray made its way over to the Princess who declined and was now positioned in front of Einar.

[member="Einar Shadowmane"]

 

[Triss]

"The Mandalorians will be dealt with." the Valkyri replied sternly, assuring the princess the warmongering rats from Mandalore will not pose a threat to Kallisto's business in the Obrtexta sector in the near future. A plan to extend the Primeval's influence to Muunilist was underway, but Shadowmane was not at liberty to speak about it. As Anja's adjutant he witnessed many meetings with advisors and high ranking members of the Primeval, often overhearing plans about invasions and military tactics, but never spoke a word about it to anyone, even if he was under threat of torture. Such was his devotion to the Primeval faith.

He politely declined the beverage and food, finding it inappropriate to eat infront of someone of such high social rank. He only ate in private, usually at beginning and end of day, when Host Lord would not require his services. Otherwise, he literally stood through dinners Rou had with her confidants and esteemed members of the Primeval, occassionally pouring Anja's cup with wine when servants were too slow to react.
Einar leaned in a notch, establishing close eye contact with the heir of Isis. His dark features softened a notch, but remained serious.

"I am here on my own accord first, then on that of Primeval." he admitted, placing a palm onto his chest, against his heart and the Primeval sigil on his chestplate - "I come as Arbiter of Bastion, but I stand before you as Einar."
Sincerity favoured the pure-hearted, that much was true. Shadowmane was uncorrupted, modest, with most of his earthly desires sublimed. A rare beast in most lands.

"Are you familiar with the calling of Arbiter?" The question was rethorical, so an explanation followed suit - "An Arbiter upholds the justice in the Primeval realm, interpreting the will of Sargon, through Aspect of Death or Balagoth. An Arbiter is a keeper of balance, a judge who may grant life but also take it. He is the foremost Bannerman of the Primeval, the enforcer of holy laws and the slayer of infidels. An extension of Host Lord's will, her blade and her shield."

Shadowmane paused and sat back into the chair, relaxing just a notch. His eyes, however, were fixated on Thais' dark orbs.
"One does not become an Arbiter, one is chosen to walk this path by divine forces. And finally, he has no worldly posessions, no passions or desires, no property or consort. The only thing he has is his life, which he pledges to Sargon, to Balagoth. In that regard, he has very little to offer to those who do not share his fate. Save for protection, as he is bound by the cosmos to repay a debt in only way he can - by offering his life."

A plea was to follow this detailed exposition, but the Valkyri paused again, still somewhat hesitant to ask. He never asked for help before; self-sufficiency was his driving force back on Midvinter and his service to Host Lord was a continuation of this trend. Having spent most of his adult life completely alone, Einar still needed to come to terms with the fact he will be needing other people from time to time, pretty much relying on them like they relied on him.

"There is an asteroid field around planet Hoth, rich in minerals containing phrik. I would need some of it to forge an armor in the tradition of my people - The Valkyri - and my late parents, cheiftains of clan Shadowmane. Smelting an armor with a technique my father taught me will more than avenge them." he said, practically voicing the unfortunate fate of his kin for the first time. In all truth, it was astounding how their life stories had many similar elements, but very different outcomes. Thais Kallisto sat there, dressed to thrill, with an entire planet under her feet and more wealth than she could spend in a thousand lifetimes. On the other side sat Einar Shadowmane who's only treasure was his undying faith and devotion to what he thought was right.

[member="Thais Kallisto"]

 

[Armand Temi]

Shadowmane’s pledge to protect Kallisto from the Mandalorians brought a smile to Thais’s normally frozen face. But her features twitched in confusion over the word Arbiter. Princess Kallisto had access to the best education, etiquette classes and other amenities that a Royal Heiress would, however after the death of her parents, her studies suffered. Grief occupied her mind for most of the years before her eighteenth birthday. If she learned about what an Arbiter did, she was most likely daydreaming in the class and not paying attention.

And the grief that often clung to her, also made her interested in religion. Therefore, her brown eyes became much more focused as he talked about the Will of Sargon. And he was quite a captivating speaker that her expression softened when his did.

He was after Phrik. Princess Kallisto knew of it well and also had a need for it as like Einar, many wealthy patrons visited the Mining Company’s workshop to have such things as weapons, armor and jewelry custom-made. Furthermore, the Valkyri was so large and intimidating – well, she may not even need to bring as much security with her which would make the trip more cost-effective.

“I think I can help you,” she said after intently listening to him. “Your story moves me.” Although again, her somewhat frosty demeanor belied this.

“These holy laws. I am very interested in them as well as your religion.” Out of the corner of her eye she saw Napo glare at her. Her attendant had a right to be wary. Many religious organizations came to her doorstep on Isis and most of them wanted something for nothing.

“Would you care to tell me more about them now or on our travels?” she asked. “And then also, what is the payment in return if I offer my services and equipment.”

Of course, Princess Kallisto was fully ready to set up a small Phrik mine on this asteroid belt, but still, her family hadn’t built a mining empire on charity.

[member="Einar Shadowmane"]

 

[Triss]

Naturally, the question of payment cropped up right away, catching him by surprise. He didn't expect her to accept the offer in the first place. Nonetheless, Shadowmane had something to offer and these weren't credits nor fortunes.

"The Valkyri are master blacksmiths and smelters. Phrik is one of the hardest materials found in the universe; it's hard to shape. But it allows for creation of some of the most durable and beautiful armor the world has ever seen. My people have perfected the technique and kept it a secret for a very long time; my grandfather taught my father and he taught me." he explained, then went silent and sunk back into the chair. A few idle moments passed as Einar bore deeply into Kallisto's eyes, scraping against her cold exterior in search of some form of emotion. Yes, he was an instrument of the dark, an executor of will of the shadows, but he was honest. Deceit simply wasn't in his nature.

"Then I will make not one armor, but two." stated the long-haired man - "There is a war coming, and you will need it."
Finally, his gaze drifted away to the crystalline spyres that dominated the viewport.
"As for Sargon, you'll have to witness it for yourself. I can show you, but not here."

[member="Thais Kallisto"]

 

[Armand Temi]

Thais's slender fingers worried at her dress momentarily while she thought about the proposition. The gown was taffeta and silk and made a rustling sound as she rolled the fabric between her fingers. Then she finally said, "Yes, the armor sounds exotic and something of great interest to me." Thais was a collector of luxury items, and to have a beautiful, handcrafted protective suit of armor made by a Valkyri? This would certainly make the trip worth her while - as well as the ability to set up a small mine wherever they would, although she may need to put droids on the asteroid to do the actual work. Those details could be dealt with later.

She stood up from her perch and said, "I look forward to your explanation of Sargon..." - she said this slowly as if tasting the word - "and your religion. I often don't get around the galaxy much with all of my business here on Isis."

She turned her head towards Napo and said, "Prepare The Crystal Siren and a cargo transport for the equipment. Would you like to travel on my vessel or do you prefer to journey alone?" she asked.

[member="Einar Shadowmane"]

 

[Triss]

At the first sight of Kallisto's approval, Shadowmane sprung to his feet. Such prolongued sitting opposite to royalty made him slightly nervous. He swung his cape backwards, out of the way, only to half-kneel infront of her again, his head dipped in gratitude.
"As you wish, your Highness." he retorted simply with a court nod. Her decision to comission an armor forged by a Valkyri was a wise choice, as prices of hand-crafted exports of Midvinter soared in auctions. But he wasn't going to make a plate for bidding, but a highly customized piece that would fit Thais' lithe figure like a glove. He would also need to take a cast out of plaster, but all in due time. His father made an ornamented chestplate for his late mother, one she could use while hunting. The process required the formation of a mold, which was essentially the imprint of every single curve into gypsum cast.

"With your persmission, I'll send the Primeval vessel back to Bastion. We don't want to attract attention, thousands of lightyears from Raioballo sector." he suggested, now standing tall across from the Crystal princess - "Lead the way, your Highness."
Napo was still giving him a mean eye, presumably because of his sheathed sword hanging by his leather belt. Simply to calm the attendant, he unclipped it and handed the monstrous blade into the hands of the guards for safe-keeping for the time of duration of their flight. The guard barely held the sword with two hands, then handed it over to be stashed aboard Crystal Siren. This was the first time Shadowmane parted from the blade the Host Lord had made for him.

***​

On board Crystal Siren, Corellian Trade Spine, enroute to asteroids of Hoth

There was but a single feat of living in actual man-made constructs that convinced Einar life indoors was the preferred way; hygienic amenities. A shower within reach was something he easily accustomed to. Standing under a hot shower for as long as his duties allowed him became a ritual by which he started and ended every day on Bastion. An evening aboard Kallisto's personal flagship was not an exception to this newly found habit, especially as the heiress expressed desire to hear more about Primeval customs and religion over dinner. He couldn't decline such an offer, an unique opportunity to perhaps introduce the princess to their way. Undoubtedly, he would quench her thirst for the supernatural and the occult.

Clad in an ornate anthracite tunic adorned by a broad leather belt featuring the Primeval sigils, and with freshly washed and dried wavy dark mane, Einar made his way to Kallisto's quarters. He felt somewhat peculiar without his armor, almost naked. A part of him wanted to simply turn back and into the guest quarters, then simply call in sick. Yet nobody would buy this story, especially not the heiress. Shadowmane was a boulder broken off a mountain. Hesitant at first, he implanted a few firm knocks onto the ornate durasteel door and then took a few steps back. He finally looked up and inhaled deeply as door before him slid open, giving way to lavish interior of Kallisto's private domain.

[member="Thais Kallisto"]

 

[Armand Temi]

Thais's private quarters on the Crystal Siren were nearly as lavish as her bedroom in the Crystal Palace. An expansive room for dining and business was what Einar Shadowmane would see when he entered. Further back, sat an alcove which lead to a bedroom and refresher.

The décor was tasteful and feminine, without being whimsical. Princess Kallisto often wore the gems from her mines, especially as jewelry, but also on her dresses and as pins or adornments, however there was no sign of these prevalent minerals in her quarters at all. Perhaps even she got tired of all of the colors and bedazzlement. And of course, a ship without expensive treasure was also less enticing to pirates.

"SIt down, Arbiter Shadowmane and make yourself comfortable. The head chef is bringing in our dinner, roasted marlello duck from Lowick." She didn't need to ask the Valrkyr if he were a meat eater - that was quite obvious. There would be plenty to go around, including a side dish of figs and rice.

"It's nice to have company while I dine," she said. "Normally at the Palace it's myself and my courtiers, which right now mainly consists of Napo and Crix Meriet, my slaver. As you can imagine conversation tends to get rather dull when you see the same individuals every day."

She sat down at the dinner table, waiting for the meal to arrive.

"Tell me all about the religion you follow. At times… I -" Thais broke off as tears welled up in her eyes. She shook her head and waved her hand at him to continue. Discussing her parent's death was not something she felt at ease to talk about, but she was curious if religion would help with the pain of it somehow. As he came closer, dressed quite handsomely tonight, she felt that the large room of the ship somehow fit him better - he looked less massive here than in the Crystal Palace sitting room.

[member="Einar Shadowmane"]

 

[Triss]

Einar's eyes narrowed under his bony brow at mention of slavers. The concept of slavery was foreign to him, as was to all Valkyri, until he woke up in a cell aboard a slaver's ship, enroute to Bastion. Several weeks of torture ensued, when slavers realized their whips could do him no harm. They cut him, branded him, but no marks were left on Shadowmane's olive-tinted skin. It angered and entertained them at the same time. He, on the other hand, could not understand why anyone would inflict so much pain without a good reason, for pure sport. Thankfully, the Host Lord saved him from a fate worse than death, so that he may tell his story infront of this slave-loving regent. How ironic indeed.

"I was a slave once." he admitted upon letting Thais gain some composure - "My faith helped me endure those times."
His voice turned into a velvety baritone, almost unfit for the half man-half beast that spoke in it.
"The Primeval is not a religion. It is how the world is. The gods we bow before are real, a part of us."
Einar paused and allowed for a small half-smile. His eyes glistened every time he told this story to a soul willing to listen.

"Do you believe this is the only chance you and your loved ones have to walk in this realm?" he asked, more rhethorically than anything.
"Shadowmanes are renowned horse riders, well known through my native Midvinter. We believe our fallen warriors return to us as horses, to guide us into new battles. Spirit is indestrictuble, as per will of Balagoth, god of death and change. If I am to follow his lead, I will surely meet my parents and brother again, in this lifetime, or in the next."

[member="Thais Kallisto"]