Encounter in the Den of Shadows

[Serian Loria]

Information was oft requested and delivered throughout the temple from various people asking it from the library. As was often the case the machines were sometimes rather fickle, which caused problems. In his case his only recourse was to do it by hand. While it wasn’t as fast, it was faster than it took to get the blasted machine working, but at least his assignments got done. In this particular case he was being asked to bring something to Aatrox’s domain. The halls were blessedly not all that crowded at this point, it being later in the day than the usual. He didn’t sleep much and tended to keep working till he didn’t have anything to do.

It was still early for him, about seven at night, as he left it was decided to get the machine working tomorrow. That suited him just fine for he could quite easily manage without the infernal piece of junk. This last request was his final one for the day, the rest was just taking care of his section of the library. It was also blessedly the first day free of the cane he’d been forced to use. He still had to take care not to push himself too much, but he didn’t need to carry that burdensome stick. If he was careful he didn’t appear to be weakened at all and it relieved some of the stress he was under simply because his instincts weren’t screaming at him to show no weakness.

The God of Shadows particular area was very quiet, he wondered if that was on purpose or simply because of the time of day. He stood where the request indicated he do so, taking in everything and wondering how long he’d have to wait. He didn’t need to put anything in order, nor did he fidget, he simply stood still patiently. Given the nature of what he was to hand over he doubted he’d be kept long and even if he did it mattered little. He wasn’t in a hurry or all that impatient, he was content to observe for the time being.




[member="Cameron Centurion"]

 

[Cameron Centurion]

The Deceiver sat motionless in a large, high-backed chair on a raised dais. Standing at the foot of the dais were two priests draped in dark blue and gray robes with hoods that completely obscured their features in darkness. These individuals did not move or speak, but they were watching and mentally recording...everything. Cameron had identified them as being the most intelligent of his followers and among the most loyal. With a little more...intense indoctrination, they were just about the best zealots he could hope for; two of many. These two, however, much more on the academic side. The Sith Lord respected their insight.

Raising a single hand, Cameron called for silence in the Hall. "Enough for this evening. Go now, and accept the blessings of the Deceiver." The many aspiring politicians and assassins rose before departing the Hall of Aatrox. Since the 'rise' of Aatrox, an underlying current of deception and manipulation had grown consistently stronger throughout the Crusade. There were many with very...selfish desires that often looked to him for guidance and assistance. Few received it.

Once the Hall had emptied, Cameron commanded one of the Priests near the door to admit the representative from Neth's Library. The Sith Lord had requested a particular work regarding the Crusade's...initial operations on Aing-Tii. In seconds, one of the men slipped into the corridor to fetch [member="Serian Loria"].

The cloaked man spoke swiftly to the man waiting in the corridor. "Dispatched from the Library with the Deceiver's request?" The Priest did not really wait for a response. "He awaits." Stepping aside, the Priest motioned to the interior of the large room.

 

[Serian Loria]

The one thing that immediately sets him apart from others was that he never effected a servile air. It was often commented to him by his superior that he came off as too stiff and formal. It wasn’t in him to act like a servant, even if it was his duty to serve. He studied the man who came to fetch him carefully. In this place nothing was as it seemed and the eyes of this one paid attention, not merely glossing over him like a bored servant. It didn’t set any of his internal alarms off, if anything it was something he was expecting and it was merely confirmed. He might have been a bit disappointed perhaps considering the reputation and rumors he heard whispered.

He took in the new things carefully, but it wasn’t in a manner that was like some new person gawking at everything. While his head turned, his expression remained neutral, his lit ruby gaze eventually settling on the man sitting. His gaze took in everything about him that was immediately apparent, from the quality of his clothes to his body language. He stopped a respectful distance without prompting, an unconscious gesture that one might see given to a ruler. Really it was something he’d do for anyone, something he’d been expected back in his past. Something warned him it might be a good idea to accord that same distance and not merely continue forward to hand over what he had.

It was his gaze. The disinterest, yet keenness, like the man would have had no problems swatting him down with the slightest provocation. It was the same look he’d seen from a few who’d sat on the council back then. It was easy enough to fall into such formalities and if anything it was easier than changing to what might be expected of him now. He didn’t lower his eyes, didn’t lower his guard at all, he simply stood quiet waiting. Where others might have displayed anxiety, he didn’t, meeting the man’s eyes without flinching. There was no fear, nor did he show that mix that said he was a believer, he treated the ‘god’ as he would anyone else of power, with respectful equality.

His reputation thus far painted him as an enigma, someone out of place, yet respectful of those who were of higher status. He kept to himself and made no obvious waves, his work was careful and precise, critically so. He looked over at the servant that hadn’t escorted him, extending his hand for him to take the papers. He would stay where he was, protocol that might not be necessary, but if he was expected to come closer himself he would if told. He knew that his own appearance would seem out of the ordinary, especially with his actions thus far. He wore robes primarily of black, accented with gold, the colors swapped from the usual orange accented with black.

The cut was odd, form fitting with quality cloth for warmth and comfort. The temple was a hair colder than he liked and had his robes made to ward it off. The sleeves on the outer robe fell to half way past his elbows. The sleeves under were close fitting and fell to his wrists, his hands covered in black cotton gloves. It was his eyes that really set him apart, glittering like flawless rubies lit from behind with light. Even from a distance their color could be seen, showing exactly where his attention was at any given moment. He was six foot even, one hundred and ninety pounds, lithe, but not built like someone who used a weapon often. Yet he was marked in that unconscious fashion like someone who has killed, often and tasted Power. For eyes that could tell he was marked as a Force user, but he didn’t brandish his aura for all to see. He kept it carefully restrained, he would be a shadow to the Senses.

An odd sort to be in service to Neth and not the typical sort drawn to tending to the library. He looked to be the sort at home within high society, not mixing with poor scholars and servants.



[member="Cameron Centurion"]

 

[Cameron Centurion]

Silver-green eyes swept over [member="Serian Loria"]'s frame for but a brief moment before coming to rest on the red-hued orbs peering out at the Sith Lord. Though his face registered no real level of intrigue, the Aesir dubbed the man a 'curious' creature. However, Cameron's interest ceased in that precise moment. Though he considered himself an observant, analytical creature, he did not tend to waste his efforts on those acting largely in accordance with a greater established protocol. The man before him might have appeared very polished and...precise, but it could have all been an act.

One thing did separate Serian from countless others. Most had the good sense not to simply stare at him openly. Returning the gaze, Cameron broke the silence on his own. He cared little and less for certain displays of respect or observances of protocol. He did, however, care about allowing some perception to be created that a man of no great status amongst the Halls of Aatrox had the right to act in contradiction to any other in the Crusade. "I'm quite certain you did not journey here to waste my time, follower of the Archivist." The Sith Lord's deep tone was even and relaxed, radiating throughout the cavernous space like a warm summer breeze.

"Execute your business." Without moving an inch, Aatrox directed one of the men standing at the foot of the dais to step forward and collect the requested work from the follower of the Archivist.

 

[Serian Loria]

He found it interesting that the man’s interest was so fleeting, not that it mattered much to him. He didn’t feel the persistent need to gain anyone’s attention and wasn’t in the least ruffled. “The top few layers are what you wanted, but I included splinter information that may or may not be as useful. I had to search by sight because the computer system is more frustrating than its worth and copy the information by hand, but I believe I found everything. If there is more you wish me to retrieve just let me know.”

The room seemed to have been designed in such a way that voices carries so he didn’t have to talk louder just to be heard. His pure Imperial accent carried smoothly, it wasn’t his first time speaking in a room made in such a manner. His handwriting was clean, precise and easy to read, it might have looked like he’d gone the extra mile, but it was just how he normally wrote. He had done his best to anticipate what he needed in an efficient manner. The one thing that would stand out was still his odd manner, he followed protocol, yet it was out of habit and not desire.

He had no fear, the respect he showed was what was expected, but he had no reason beyond that to respect him. It wasn’t just that he was new, it was simply the fact the man before him had yet to distinguish himself to him even as the same could be said of him as well. He was the type of person that wore the mask he had so flawlessly that when he did indeed do something out of normal for the expectations around him it was always a surprise. That was of course exactly what he wanted, he wanted this man and anyone else to stop paying attention so that when he acted it made a mark.

An unusual sort to be under Neth to be sure, but what he was doing now was familiar and that was what he needed. Everything he wanted hinged on him having the ability to blend in till he was ready. The question was whether or not if this man could be so easily fooled as well. To get where he wanted he had to be considered uninteresting, but that very manner of his could also make him interesting as well. All he wanted at this point was to rise to rank enough to be in charge of the archives. A simple goal that would have him in a position to get a good grasp of what was around him while he rose to where he wanted. Above all he wanted to learn about this new faction and where he was was perfect for doing so.



[member="Cameron Centurion"]

 

[Cameron Centurion]

Yet...the only thing that [member="Serian Loria"] portrayed at the moment to the God of Shadows was a penchant for work in the Halls of Neth. A very refined, astute, reserved individual that no doubt hoarded a great deal of knowledge beyond his ruby eyes. There was no real effort or ability to display any particular level of subterfuge in delivering a report in the middle of the night. The subtleties of Serian's existence may have indeed been layers deep, but the man had done nothing to prompt Cameron to even take more than a passing interest in his existence.

In his experience, Cameron had found that each individual had a clearly defined purpose for what they did in life. The Sith Lord was not adept at manipulation and discrete, effective action because he hid layers of himself in perfect folds to make him seem unpredictable. In fact, if Cameron could be described, he was simply a complete enigma. There were no set patterns of behavior. He was quiet and observant, and he had no designs on standing out in any particular way to anyone. However, if he wanted himself to be known, he did so in a definitive, often abrupt manner. [member="Amorella Mae"] knew the truth of this rather singular fact. True power rested in those that lurked in the shadows behind figureheads. Thus far, no such individual existed in Cameron's corner, so he executed the duties himself.

"Very well," was the only response that the Aesir offered Serian. Silver-green eyes left the man's face as the documents were brought to him. Without another word, Cameron immediately began perusing the information. His attention fixed on the works he'd requested, Cameron spoke his dismissal without a glance. "You may go." Cameron would make mention of the man's capability to [member="Soliael Devin Talith"] next he saw him. He knew the man probably would respond with little more than a nod and a simple word or two of acknowledgment. Such was Neth's way. Aatrox could relate.

 

[Serian Loria]

Normally he would have left, but he wasn’t going to waste a sudden opportunity, this man was a source of information that he could use. If it didn’t come from him, fine, but he could and might put him in contact with someone who could provide it instead. “My lord, do you have need for another to work under you? So far I have not been told nor have I seen that an individual is discouraged from taking assignments from places outside what he already does. If I am wrong so be it…”

It would probably be obvious at that point that he hadn’t been pestering people with questions, but instead watched, listened and waited to find out what it was he wanted to know. It was a cautious approach and a wise one. “I’m also not very sure about the stance on force users, I’ve hesitated to ask simply because so many other things are on my priority to assimilate and learn. You or one of yours might be a more reliable source to talk to on such matters.”

Which meant he knew enough to know that this place was where current information was to be had whereas the Library was the best source for information on the past. He was still being cautious, even though he clearly was treating the situation like it could be a possible threat. He wasn’t sure yet what he could and could not do and, at this moment, he was taking direct action to learn and from a source that was likely to be the best.

[member="Cameron Centurion"]

 

[Cameron Centurion]

The Aesir did not look up from the information which currently held his attention when [member="Serian Loria"] chose to speak instead of...take the gentle hint to leave. In fact, it wasn't until the man spoke of a 'stance on force users' that Cameron slowly closed the contents of the book he was inspecting and lifted only his eyes to stare down at the Archivist of Neth. "You have an over-active tongue, Archivist."

Slowly, Cameron lifted his entire head as he settled back into his seat. Passing the documents he was inspecting off to the left, he waited for one of the Priests at the foot of the dais to collect the works and disappear briefly through a door behind Cameron's position. The man soon returned and resumed his original post. "I wonder if it's the result of nerves or simple inability to take a hint." The words hung in the air for but a few brief moments before the Sith Lord continued, motioning towards Serian. "So, librarian. Tell me a story. Fascinate me with something I do not know."

 

[Serian Loria]

His lit ruby gaze glittered with amusement “I highly doubt there is anything that I could hope to surprise the Master of Shadows with, nor am I going to try. I chose not to leave because I had no desire to do so, but it wasn’t out of desire to be disrespectful. You and yours are the best source for current information and I have the desire to be a part of that. Clearly my initial impressions of you were wrong. If you still desire me to leave, so be it.”

This one was unusual and he wondered why, clearly the things that others expect make this one lose interest. So then if predictable doesn’t do the trick, he’d have to go for the opposite and dare to do differently. What he did could be grounds for injury, but he wondered if that was what would happen. If he expected him to be afraid of his ire, he would have another thing coming. He wasn’t one to fear pain or the upsetting of those who were ranked higher than he. He gave token respect because he had to, not because he wanted to for those around him had yet to impress him enough by showing him they were worth his respect. So it was easy enough to dispense with such a formality and simply be his usual impertinent self.

[member="Cameron Centurion"]

 

[Cameron Centurion]

The two Priests at the foot of the dais immediately moved forward to seize [member="Serian Loria"] the instant he had the audacity to presume his was a position that warranted speaking his mind in the presence of an Aesir. However, Cameron halted both man with a simple command. "Leave him." Allowing his gaze to continue lingering over the fool before him, Cameron permitted himself a smile for perhaps three seconds before his face returned to being an expressionless mask. "Crusader Loria... The only incorrect impression you have is, clearly, the one you have of yourself and your perceptive abilities. Let me tell you what my initial impressions were, shall I? You arrived here in a timely manner with the documents I had requested...and even a bit more. At that precise moment, despite your forgetting your place, you were a reliable member of the Crusade."

Pausing for a moment, the Aesir eventually continued. "Then the eagerness began to drip off you with the most putrid stench I've ever detected. Your choice of worship is merely that, your choice. You needn't ask if I have need of another...all wishing to devote themselves in whole or part to my teachings are welcome. Individuals working in direct contact with me, however, are selected when and where I feel the need. To gain my attention, you need only be a steadfast, effective member of the Crusade."

Raising a hand as if to indicate that he was not quite done, Cameron began to conclude his thoughts. "Then you chose to forget your place again in your most recent statements to me. I'm sure you fancy yourself independent or uncaring, but the truth of the matter is you have now forever crafted an impression of yourself in my mind. Rest assured - you need my approval not the other way around, and you lack subtlety. Return to the Halls of Neth. If you really think you desire to learn amongst the Den of Shadows, I invite you to seek out Priest Eversgard. Now. Leave, Archivist of Neth."

In truth - there was nothing functionally wrong with what Serian had done. Perhaps the only mistake, in fact, was a presumption that Aatrox had more than a passing care as to the personal ambitions and motivations of, well, anyone. Cameron, however, would be keeping a close eye on Serian and not necessarily because he was impressed so much as intrigued.