Darth Caedes reclined, watching as Darth Reign ascended the stones with his two young daughters. The Diarch extended his arm in greeting, and Caedes clasped it with a firm grip, inclining his head to speak quietly.
"I'm glad the prototypes were finished in time," said the other man, conspiratorially.
Caedes nodded, his eyes intent on Reign.
"How do the acolytes look so far?"
His voice was low, threading through the crowd's din.
"They show promise," he replied simply.
"Besides that," Reign urged, "how are you, my friend?"
"Better," he agreed, releasing the man's arm.
"Better, now that you're here." Then, motioning with his eyes, he asked, "and who do we have here?"
Reign drew back, straightening with a flourish and affecting a more public demeanor, his daughters flanking him.
"My lord," he performed, "allow me to introduce my children, the Ladies Nightmare and Shadow."
Rising from his throne, Caedes moved with a fluid grace, inclining his head respectfully to each of the children. His gaze, penetrating and unyielding, seemed to peer beyond their young faces, searching for the power he sensed coiled there within.
"Welcome to Korriban," he said, his voice imbued with solemn gravity, affixing his gaze first upon one daughter, and then the other.
"Lady Nightmare, Lady Shadow. You are a credit to your father's name. The Force flows powerfully through the both of you."
As he resumed his seat, a flicker of movement caught his attention: Lodd Grimmin approached, accompanied by his two peculiar attendants. The Trade Monarch's voice was smooth, practiced, each word laden with subtle implication.
"Ah… Lord Reign," Lodd intoned. Caedes met him with a nod, welcoming him and bidding he draw near.
"Your appearance here is quite welcome from the standpoint of the Federation, given the reports of your increasing influence within the galaxy. Your strength certainly appears to be formidable enough to ensure the continuation of your lineage, should you face the unfortunate fate of falling in combat against the Guardians of the Alliance or other Jedi Enclaves."
A thin smile tugged at Caedes' lips. Lodd's ambition was palpable, swirling in the Force, and the strange, pulsing presences of his two followers raised his interest. Lodd turned to him, inclining his head in respect.
"Your Majesty, we are also honored that you have invited us here to attend this important event. The Kingdom of Korriban is already making great strides to oppose the influence of the Corpse Emperor, and we look forward to seeing your progress doubled with our assistance."
Caedes gave a curt nod, his golden eyes studying Lodd's every movement. He was bold to speak of such things here, even among loyalists, but Caedes did not fear recrimination from a complacent Emperor.
"Korriban welcomes your support, Trade Monarch. Please: sit, eat, drink, your Federation is always welcomed at my table."
As Lodd moved aside, Caedes noticed a familiar figure passing by the throne—Lina Ovmar, her head lowered in a modest bow. The memory of her, flung from the Kaggath's viewing balconies, descending on wings to sweep up the remains of
Darth Strosius
, stirred within him. An interesting piece to find here; here, on the Shah-tezh board of courtly affairs.
At the edge of the crowd, another presence brushed against his mind, momentarily calling for his attention, sending a mental touch through the Force. Revna. Once the apprentice of Darth Strosius, she now stood alone, masterless, watching from afar.
He sent a brief response back, the mental message cool and sharp.
Bring Lina Ovmar to me.