Dominion Fortunate Son | Sith Order Dominion of Mijos & Kirtarkin

[Soldane Talon]

Mijos​

902 ABY​

​

“Students, at attention!”, his voice rang out like an orchestral scratch of string instruments. Harsh, but melodic, authoritative and attention demanding. Darth Salvos was a Sith of great repute.​

​

He had been considered a war hero during the Sith’s invasion of Aing-Tii during the Khainite Rebellion, and from then on had carved a name for himself in the death of the Rimward Trade League, the failed Alliance of Planets that followed in its steps, and both Dark Tides to the north. Now he has come home, to impart the lessons he learned onto a new generation of students.​

​

Gathered together under a canopy of rain and trees was most of the students. They stood in a clearing made purposefully for the landing of ships, carefully engineered so it wouldn’t sink into the muck of a swamp that encompassed the entire world. Ships spun their engines to a low idle as the Cohorts began to form ranks and take position - just as they had during their initial Exam.​

​

Each Cohort was placed in order, from First in the front, to Fifth in the back. Each student held a full uniform and a small bag full of supplies for a few days, but none carried weapons but those who had been authorized before hand - namely the Second and Firsts. With hands behind their backs and feet spread astride, they looked on in a show of stoic discipline, even as the rain hit them with painfully large and fast drops.​

​

“Today you will embark on your first Exam. After weeks of class time, sword classes, physical fitness, and survival training - you are ready to be tested. This world is known as Mijos, and it is not your friend. Its muck goes dozens of meters deep, there are creatures who will eat you whole in its depths, and there is nothing on this world that wants you here.”, he said in a cadence befitting a military man.​

​

“You shall be paired up by the choice of your betters. First Cohort gets first claims, but they are not allowed to choose each other. When all teams have found a partner and are paired, you will be given a puck. This puck will be biocoded with your team’s DNA, and is unique to each team. Additionally, you will be given a target - a specific team’s puck that is worth 10 points. You must take it from them, however you are able.”, he continued.​

​

“You may take any puck you find, but all pucks that are not your targets will only be worth 2 points. When you have collected enough points where you feel confident in your performance, you will navigate your way to a pick up site 50 miles in that direction.”, he said, pointing somewhere off to the east.​

​

“Your own puck is worth 10 points, so do not lose it. The teams with the most points will be considered for increases to their ranks, and given a free challenge to join the next cohort. Those who have the least amount of points…”, he mused as he glanced over a few specific faces he had in mind, notably in the Fifth’s area.​

​

“... You will be given a punishment. Hard labor, additional shifts on Latrine duty, servant status to a First. Ensure you do not fail.”​

​

And with that, it was up to the First’s to begin their choosing, and on the list went as each found their prospective partners.​

 

[Aspect of Passion]

Tag | First Cohort // Firrerreo // Meili Feng // Viers Connory​

​

The first puck was given to Tarsius Kur, the infamous First Among Firsts. For weeks he has been an enigmatic figure, spoken about in hushed tones and harsh whisper. Now, before them, he stood gilded in the school uniform - already lined with a few medals, and a heraldry pointing towards an allegiance with Terminus. He stepped forward when his name was called, but his expression did not change. He blinked robotically, turning to face the other students as his fingers worked at his sides.

He only needed a moment to decide before turning to Alani Crake, the Second Among Firsts, and pointed at her. There was no room for interpration, he had chosen the most successful candidate by probability - a ruthlessly pragmatic approach. Alani, to her credit, did not scorn him or even make an overt show of annoyance. Instead, she simply nodded and stepped forward. They locked eyes without a word, then moved to get their puck.

It drew blood at their touch, marked them as the First Team, and then they were let loose. Before any of the others could choose their second, the two highest rank students mumbled something among them - just close enough for the closest First Ranks to hear some of the words.

"... Structures to the west...", Tarsius had said in a monotonous drone. Alani simply nodded.​

​

Then, the two moved into the treeline and departed before any of the others could fall on their heels. Whatever their target had been, they moved with a clinical precision into the swamp. They were lost in the murk and vines after only seconds, then the rest would be allowed to pick their teams.

Person by Person. The other First Cohort would realize something quickly - each of them had been given the same target. All of the Firsts were to hunt Tarsius and Alani. It was hard to say if this was preplanned even before the trial, or as a result of Tarsius's choice - but the reality sunk in quickly that the others would have to overcome the most dangerous students in the Academy.​

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All they had to do was steal their Puck.​

 

[Drazen Lutris]

Many Lightyears Away...​

​

Drazen sat on an opulantly modern couch, feet put up on a coffee table as a glass of wine swirled in his hand. The smell of the vintage left him in a state of perfect relaxation - but the servant boy rubbing his shoulders didn't hurt. Before him was a holoprojection of the students exam on Mijos, carefully streamed to him by drones he had helped supply the Academy with. He wanted to watch his chosen disciple do great things - or terrible things, depending on current company.​

​

Tarsius had proven himself a terribly ruthless child, and it had only driven Drazen into a giddy frenzy to scoop him up and hold him hostage against the other sponsors. If they were going to play the game of ranks, then who was better to sponsor the First Among Firsts than Drazen himself? It was only fitting that the best student was carefully fostered by the Patriarch of the Emperor's lineage.​

​

And foster him he did. Everything Tarsius needed was provided for him, everything down to the last morsel. Even now, hidden from view, was the surgical finger blade implants Drazen had given him when they joined the Academy. Each dripped with continous poison, and a single swipe would send one of these children into fits of pain. He couldn't wait to see their faces when Kur reminded them of their place.​

​

But more than that, Drazen couldn't wait until Kur made him look all the more powerful. This was not the subtle game he usually played, but something boisterous - See how far he can raise an orphan, see how far he would let him take the Order. All of this was done for vanity - but vanity was as good a reason as any for power. Now, all he had to do was sit back and wait while the others tried to test him.​

​

​

 

[Darth Moskvin]

​

Location: Mijos
Objective: Observe
Gear: Staff of the Damned / Talisman of the Witch / Magical Gems / Bow of Immolation / Hilt
Familiar: Archimedes
Tags: N/A​

With Archie dancing around my feet, as I sat on the ground and propped up against a tree, hunting for tiny morsels to fill his bottomless pit of a belly, I listened to the words being hurled at these prospects. The words held no meaning for me, but for the students it was law. Turning my attention to the students participating in this event, I began giving them pet names; choosing who I thought would win, could win, failed terribly, never returned, or got eaten in a most horrific of ways. As my mind began to transfer into dreams of their potential deaths, I wondered if there was anything recording this event that could be purchased and replayed; to witness the deaths, not the successes. Then I waved such thoughts away, what a monster I am to wish death upon these tasty little tid bits. Archie chirped, reading my emotional thoughts, and nodding my approval he took to the sky. I may not be able to actually find recordable material, but the link Archie and I shared allowed me to witness acts of failure and death through his eyes.

I watched as the first diabolical duo took to the tree lines, perhaps to gain a foothold in these games, and wondered what strategy they were attempting to employ. Would they seek to separate the other team pairs, utilizing divide and conquer on the unsuspecting pairs, pitting them in a two versus one situation? Or would they opt to directly go brutal and wait in ambush taking the precious pucks at will? This was all hypothetical in my mind, for I found myself drowning in assumptions that these first to where the most powerful of the group. Perhaps they were sent first because they had been the weakest link and, to my delight, sent forth to test the horrors that awaited the students, the proverbial sacrificial lambs.

Excitement began to fill my dead heart as I watched the pairs one by one disappear beyond the rows of trees. Alas, the games have begun....

 

[Darth Nexion]

Location: Mijos
Objective: Observe

_________________________

Nexion hoped he was not late. It truly would be a shame for him if he missed the students going out, with some potentially already being dead. He wouldn't say he hoped for that... but any excuse to gain more samples for his studies were always appreciated. Thankfully, he seemed to have arrived just in time for the first group to set off. This would be a joy to watch.

He rested himself on the ground, plaving down a bag before removing a glass and a bottle of wine. He always had to have a drink while watching something entertaining, so why should this be any different? As he watched, he noticed another doing something similar to himself: watching, excitedly too. Perfect, a potentially like-minded individual who was excited to see who fails and who succeeds.

He turned to the individual, a woman now that he took a proper look. Pure-white skin, black sclera and glowing yellow eyes. He decided to start some conversation, while awaiting for something more interesting to occur. He leaned towards the woman so he may be heard more clearly.

"Wishing for deaths, or wishing for success? Is it wrong of me to ask that of a stranger out of the blue, milady?"

He made it a habit of not showing "proper respects" to those who may deserve it, but he knew some deserved more respect than others. He could fell, this woman was one who deserved a bit more respect what he would usually give. Though in his mind, that would be limited to how he addressed her, that being "milady".

_________________________

Tags: Darth Moskvin ​

 

[Irina Jesart]

Rain was a rare occurrence in the deserts she'd been raised in that Irina had to fight her urge to stick her tongue out and catch it, eyes glittering with excitement as they looked up to the jungle canopy above them. Their first real test, their first opportunity to climb ranks. She squinted against the rain and focused on the words of Darth Salvos as he explained the rules.

She chanced a glance behind her, where the fifth cohort were lined up. Her first instinct was to choose Aerik Lechner , she knew him well enough to know that he would know the terrain better than she, that his natural heightened senses would give them an advantage but then she paused.

She was relying on him too much, if she had to keep relying on him to survive this damn academy, how was she ever going to progress. She could have gone for Karok but he was little more than a brute and this would require more than that. Marcus Dinn was about as wet as flannels got so he was absolutely not on the cards. Who else did she know from fifth that could be of use?

There was the one she'd been sitting next to during the ranking ceremony, he'd been badly wounded in the raids, but rumour had it he'd taken more than a few students down with him while bleeding out. It was worth a shot.

"Riven Dreadmoor." She called as her chance came to choose her partner. She didn't look back to where he would be standing in case she caught Aerik's eye. She hoped he would understand.

Soldane Talon

 

[Soldane Talon]

Tag | Irina Jesart​

​

Soldane stood in stoic prose, unflinching as rain battered him and made his carefully tight bound bun sop and sag. The rain was blasmephous, and dragged his synthetic linens down against his shoulders. He could practically feel his weight increasing as he grew more and more water logged. Still, he would wait his turn - to pick Lunaria Talon . Why would either of them be chosen after all?​

​

But it was not to be. His name was called, and his stoicism broke for a moment. Disgust, annoyance, a touch of desperation - all of these washed over his face as he realized he had been summoned to a higher Cohort's team. He considered only briefly that he might deny the request, but that wasn't how the Academy worked. When a higher Cohort demanded something, you were to obey.​

​

So he obeyed.​

​

He stepped off to the side without a word, nor a glance, to Irina Jesart as met at the quartermaster. They handed them a puck, and one by one they touched it to bond it to their genetic markers. Soldane had a suspicion this was a tracker - a way to account for students even if they trailed far off the path. Most likely, even if they sunk twenty feet deep in the bog. When they were done he readied his supplies and moved to meet up with her, brushing some loose soaked strands of hair from his forehead.​

​

"Irina.", he said flatly. It wasn't disrespectful, but he wanted her to know this was not what he wanted.​

​

"I suppose there's not point beating around the bush. They said we'll get our targets once we're out in the swamp. You're the Fourth Cohort, tell me what to do."​

 

[Lina Ovmar]

ignore, wrong character

 

[Irina Jesart]

Irina wasn't the least bit surprised by his reaction or the coldness of his tone as he greeted her after they had given the puck their genetic coding. A pity there wasn't much chance to swipe a spare, a decoy would have come in handy.

"Oh don't pout." she replied, rolling her eyes as she adjusted her own pack leading the way towards the treeline, swallowing her nervousness down. "You and your sister have to find your way through this academy independently of each other, I'm doing you both a favour."

The trees were enormous compared to anything she'd ever seen before, their roots arching out of the ground to create a lattice work that had to be moved around or climbed over. Thick vines and slimy looking moss draped from higher branches, coalescing the rain into fat drops that seemed far colder than the rain itself when they struck the back of one's neck.

"We should see if we can find some form of shelter while we wait for our targets, maybe collect a puck or two along the way, though I'd rather save the bulk of our energy for defence of our own and the one we need. Anything we can get after that is just a happy bonus. Also," She stopped, turning to face him, "as of now it doesn't matter which cohort we're in. I don't have all the answers, your voice is as equal as mine. We're a team, Riven."

Soldane Talon

 

[Darth Moskvin]

​

Location: Mijos
Objective: Observe
Gear: Staff of the Damned / Talisman of the Witch / Magical Gems / Bow of Immolation / Hilt
Familiar: Archimedes
Tags: Darth Nexion​

Even before the tall, lanky white hair man spoke, I could already sense his presence that I appeared to be his target audience. As he spoke his opening words the stench of death was radiating around him like an aura of decay, and those braids dangling like little nooses only solidified he fancied himself a pleasurable consort to ending the weak. He was unfamiliar to me and yet he spoke with respect as if he knew my legacy, lending me to curiosity if he knew how many lives dangled around my waist over the centuries I played murderer. I do not like to engage in small talk or make friends, and most conversations I find myself drawn into usually end in me drinking the crimson fluid from the neck of my host for the unwanted attention affronted me. Still, sadly I must admit, Archie does make valid points that there are pros to talking to my food, much knowledge could be gained from sparse banter.

"Is not death and success one in the same, a married couple joined together in the unholiest of matrimonies," I asked without fancying him a glance. "You've already asked your question; why do you now seek an answer if it was right or wrong to make such an inquiry to a stranger without any previous notions that said stranger wanted company," I added now turning my vampiric eyes to the man who was armed with a filled glass of spirits. Sighing annoyingly, I continued, "Yes, I wish to see death play her ballad today in the hopes of examining and dissecting the corpses in the name of science and pleasure. I would hunt them myself, but why dirty my hands when there are more favorable concepts out there willing to do it for me?"

From afar I felt Archie nudge my mind, undoubtedly, he found the first pair frolicking through the forest with dreams of, as this man put it, success. I dreamt they would only find nightmares, but a girl could only dream, right? Already knowing the answer to my own set of questions, and attempting painstakingly to indulge this man with conversation I asked, "What brings you to this little demonstration of might and will, a test of meddle and gender superiority? Is it a reprieve from boredom, or perhaps you are looking for an underling? Or are you here because you've exhausted all other options in your mundane life and thought you might find a participate to drag into the muck you call life?" I am guilty of many things in this galaxy, but subtly and conversation will never be etched on my burial headstone back home on Dathomir.

 

[Darth Nexion]

Location: Mijos
Objective: Observe

_________________________

Nexion couldn't help the chuckle that escaped him. This woman was one he would enjoy a conversation with. His place of business had a collection of characters, but the only one who matched him was the ship's AI. This, however, was a woman with a quick wit, and a unique feel about her... it would be interesting to see how the conversation went, as well as seeing how she reacts to the students once everything got underway.

"You make an interesting point. Not just that, you definitely seem like someone with whom I'd agree with over our, seemingly mutual, fascination with death. As to why I'm here: a bit of all of what you said, in all honesty. Things have become... slow at my place of business, and I needed some entertainment. Further, if the chance comes that I may claim some bodies for myself, I will not pass the opportunity to gain some more samples for my research. As for a 'participate', that remains to be seen. Never really thought of taking on any sort of student, none who I've ever met held the drive I have."

He took a sip of his wine before looking forward.

"It was intriguing that you claimed to wish to 'see death play her ballad today', though. Upon first glance, I had thought you were Death herself. I had thought my time was over unexpectedly, until I noticed my glass of wine still in my hand, I doubt any afterlife would allow me to enjoy a glass of wine."

He then took a quick look back at the woman to his side.

"I almost forgot to introduce myself: Darth Nexion, a pleasure."

_________________________

Tags: Darth Moskvin

 

[Soldane Talon]

Tag: Irina Jesart​

​

Doing us a favor, like she had any right. Lunaria Talon was the greater half of his strength, and they had been brought up to understand that their bond would see them both through harsh times. Yet it seemed everyone was dead set on keeping them apart - not just the Academy, but now some random Third. He sighed at the exhaustion of the thought;​

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"A team.", he said as though he really had to think it over. Really mulled on the idea. Seemed to taste it before speaking.​

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"Hmm... Fine. If you want my advice, I say we pick a a spot a few miles towards the pick up and wait for the first person to light a campfire. Should be plenty of smoke above the canopy if we climb, and a fire will make them night blind. All we'd have to do is wait.", he said with a shrug.​

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How many times had he been trained by Darth Carnifex to find the true weakness of his opponent. In this far off place, away from the luxuries the Academy offered them, how many would be confident enough to not walk in the direction of their escape? How many could supress the need for warmth and comforts? How many could go without a hot meal?​

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He imagined most of the Third and up would all be lighting a fire tonight. For a Fifth who just recovered from multiple stab wounds, he could go without if it meant raising his rank.​

 

[Darth Moskvin]

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Gear: Staff of the Damned / Talisman of the Witch / Magical Gems / Bow of Immolation / Hilt
Familiar: Archimedes
Tags: Darth Nexion​

This man had a way of words, a silver-tongued serpent this one, as he spoke of death. And it was a bit flattering that he thought I was Death incarnate herself; he couldn't be further from the truth. But even Death has more than one role to play, and I played several roles in this particular macabre play they called survival. I am the apex serial killer of the galaxy, the phantom that haunts the corridors of slumbering fools in their safety net homes, the boogeyman under the beds of children, the eater of the living, and the self-proclaimed Queen of the Undead. I've been called psychotic, twisted, and unpredictable; all lovely and dark descriptions that fit me perfectly. And now I wondered if this man who names himself Darth Nexion truly understood how close his words where to truth when he referenced me Death herself?

"So freely you give your name up, Darth Nexion. Names hold power and in the wrong hands, a name can tether or bind one in ways some would consider most unsatisfactory. Worse, Darth Nexion, if a name fell into the hands of a powerful sorcerer," I said amusingly before turning my expression dark, "Or witch. Imagine the horrors one would find themselves buried deep within whilst all the while screaming as they hoped to claw their way back to sanity; given they survive the ordeal."

Though it seemed he wasn't looking for a 'participant' and there was no fault in that. I considered once taking on a progeny once, and for her final test I would give her the Dark Gift; but fate has a way of unraveling the threads you work so hard to sew, and the little traitorous tart betrayed me. In the end, revenge is the sweetest taste of all.

"Tell me, Darth Nexion, what business are you in," saying his name with emphasis whilst stealing a glance at the glass of wine in his hand, considering all the various poisons that could be swirling about freely before staring him straight in the eyes, "And what kind of experiments do you find yourself sweating under the wet brow of feverish success? Hopefully it's not wine tasting, such a drole business that is."

 

[Svenja Fürstin Von Exocron]

The line of students were all set up. People in places being told things. Honestly, this exam was not something I was looking forward too. Having to collect pucks in order to gain points and from there, make it back to a rendezvous point. One in which would be heavily populated and the last chance for someone to steal points. You had those who would seek to get all the points possible. To move up in the ranks and get a better spot. Looking around, I saw the familiar face of Dreadmoor. He was not appeased at the situation either. However, there were some faces I didn't quite remember. Trying to figure out what kind of team I wanted to be a part of. Maybe I could just say to hell with it and do it on my own. But that was not a smart idea.

What captured my eye, was a young woman. Unique in stature, and race. She was different and I knew I was taking a gamble on proclaiming her. However, her uniform showed she was part of the First Cohort. And a smile formed on my face rather lightly. I closed the distance and walked up to her. Hand outstretched and rather proud to meet this woman.

"Svenja Dietrich. Third Cohort, 18th."

I did a once over of her and kept the smile on my face. Feeling like I could use her placement as a potential to move up, or to garner attention at the very least. Get a sponsor maybe.

"You seem like the type that can handle yourself. And I don't want to carry a lower cohort. You up for teaming?"

Meili Feng

 

[Nouqai Veil]

With everything that happened over the past few months, the apprentice of Darth Malum of House Marr had an incredibly late entrance to the academy. Only two days ago, to be exact. Her acceptance was only made possible with the pulling of a few strings, but even then she was placed at the lowest rank upon entry. In that two days, she had took to challenge 15 students whos ranks she superseded.

Now she was 112, still at the fifth cohort. It would be exhausting to challenge all whom were above her, one by one. And beating up those far younger and weaker than her wasn't quite what she enjoyed doing. So this exam would make it a breeze to ascend, surely. Falentra was the apprentice to the dark councillor, Darth Malum of House Marr , after all.

The sith spawn stood out like a sore thumb in the crowd of students, a new peculiar face among them. She waited to be picked.

 

[Darth Nexion]

Location: Mijos
Objective: Observe

_________________________​

This woman was a cruel one. It was obvious at first glance that she wasn't one who was kind in the slightest. Even being generous in the thought if her being kind, it would have been less than a handful of times. But to him...

"Hahaha, well, maybe I give my name so freely because I'm confident in my abilities? I have no doubt that there are those who are above me in power, but maybe you should consider that I'm confident I can survive them and the horrors they can unleash, 'Lady Death'. Since you don't seem to want to give up your own name, I think that nickname fits."

As he was sipping his wine, he almost coughed it back up upon hearing the disrespect to wine tasting. He turned to 'Lady Death' with an incredulous look on his face.

"I will have you know, 'Lady Death', that wine tasting is a refined and upstanding business. In my opinion, wine itself is one of the few things one should enjoy during life. So, while I understand it is not for everybody, I request you do not disrespect a man's hobbies."

He took another sip of his glass.

"As for your question, I am a necromancer. I seek to truly understand it, and push its capabilities, with my own ability. Even if anything I discover has already been known, it truly is a joy to know that I mastered the craft through my own skill and research, not others."

... But to him, she was just a fellow Sith. To him, he had not seen anything she could do that would warrant more than basic respect. So, he would just speak to her as he would any other colleague.

_________________________​

Tags: Darth Moskvin

 

[Eira Dyn]

Location: Mijos
Attire: Casual
Equipment: Vibrosword, daggers, blaster pistol
Tag: Soldane Talon | Aerik Lechner

The day of the exam had come and Eira was just a barrel of nerves. It was the most important day for her, it was not just a chance to rise in the ranks in the academy, it was a chance to prove herself and demonstrate how seriously she was taking the training opportunity granted to her by the Sith. She was desperate to be better, be stronger.

This was the day to do that.

Adjusting her attire, Eira breathed in deeply and stilled her nerves. Listening the words of the examiner. It was a challenge working together, which Eira knew was something she was not thrilled about. Placing her success into someone else felt tempting fate too much. She wanted to prove her skills purely on her own. Eira had sparred others, worked aside others when she was doing her trials and that had not worked out well for her. Part of her knew that it was her inability but Eira also placed blame on those who she believed held her back.

It came to building teams, the higher cohorts selecting the strongest pairs that they could possibly make. Eira chewed on her bottom lip as she watched herself being passed over for others who were hired ranked or believed to be more competent with tracking and fighting. Eira knew she had been working on her skills in these areas but she was still very fresh and far from skilled in that manner. When it came to her chance to select a member to work alongside with, Eira scanned around and noted a lot of unfamiliar faces.

Then Eira spotted Aerik, the younger acolyte that she had the debate with during their lecture on Sith philosophy. Approaching Aerik, Eira extended her hand, "did you want to work together on this?" She offered a smile, hoping to work alongside someone that she knew at least to some extent.

 

[Aerik Lechner]

WEARING: xxx
TAG: Soldane Talon | Eira Dyn

Aerik had spent his time at the Academy making few friends. Vyra had already selected Kole, being a higher rank than either of them. The more the young pup pondered on the system of how the ranks had been chosen, he was more than certain none of it made any sense. It had not been based on merit or skill, but rather payouts and bribes to line the pockets of the proctors and headmaster. Even if that was untrue, it was the only thing which explained the disparity in rank between his sister and himself.

He had not been expected to be chosen by another in the fifth cohort, nor so late. The fact Irina Jesart had not chosen him came as a surprise, but also it did not. They could not be seen drawing any attention, and with the way Riven had handled himself the night of the attack, it made sense she would want to team up with him. He came into the academy with training that no one else had. Aerik could tell. Why had him and his sister not been in the first cohort?

Eira Dyn asked if he wanted to partner up. At this point did he have a choice? Aerik shrugged.

“Sure.”

There was no one else who had opted to take him, so the pup nodded and agreed. He looked down at her hand. Was he supposed to take it, shake it? Aerik gripped her forearm in a greeting which he had witnessed on Stewjon many times. It was different than what most would know, unless they had known his father. They would win, and for one simple reason. Aerik wanted to impress his father. He needed to climb in rank, and he would take his siblings with him if he could.

“When we get further in… out of earshot of most… we can come up with a plan.”

He listened in on the conversations of those around him, keeping his hearing a secret. Only Irina knew about it, which would make this a challenge. She knew his secrets. Though now there was something he wanted to try which Irina would not have a counter for. If they were supposed to hunt each other, then Aerik would make it a challenge.

“Let’s get a puck then…”

 

[Irina Jesart]

Irina blinked, her eyes lifting to the canopy above them the idea of climbing it made her feel sick, but she couldn't deny it was a good plan. She did her best to hide the apprehension of climbing a tree behind her mask and nodded. She'd never climbed a tree before, hell she'd never seen a swamp before either but that scared her less. The soft ground that occasionally shifted reminded her of the dunes back home, and the mud was like quicksand, only cold and wet.

More students were beginning to move into the forest so she nodded. "Alright, let's move." She was certain, that like Aerik, Rivan was one of the few who had had extensive training before coming to the academy and she was not about to let that advantage slip her by. If you did not have the knowledge and couldn't gain it, then use those around you who did. Leaders did not know everything, they were leaders because they knew how best to apply the skills and strengths of those around them.

She took point, beginning the trudge eastward as the rain continued to batter them, her focus split between watching her feet and keeping her ears peeled for anything less savoury than other students lurking around them.

Soldane Talon

 

[Soldane Talon]

Tag | Irina Jesart​

​

The Son of Empyrean adjusted his travel pack and followed quietly behind the Third. There was the smallest crack in her demeanor - nervous energy perhaps. Soldane had watched enough old holotapes and movies to read someone's face, and he could smell hesitation. Not literally of course, but the Echani arts he had learned taught him an instrinsic way to sense body language, like every microquake in someone's digits could tell him everything he needed to know.​

​

He imagined that was just what came from learning from some of the best - but he doubted he could fight against most other Echani in Echani strict forms. No, his training was far too broad to beat someone in a game of isolated chance. That's why he needed strategies, creativity, and a chance to really drive home his expansive mind - always keep an out. Today, he would keep an eye out for an opening against Irina.​

​

He didn't intend to leave her, yet. Even still, if the worst came he would steal their puck and run. Neither her or their attackers would find him in the muck and grime. Like a shadow, the Echani boy would be gone.​

​

"So uh... What'd you do before the Academy?", he said after a few minutes into the foliage. Jumping between logs and rocks grew more precarious by the step, and soon they'd have no choice but to reposition themselves in the branches.​