From Ziost with Love

[Vereshin]

t H e M e​

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Snow peaked arched spires, glistening across stained glass of violet and red under the lowering afternoon sun in the capital of Vereshin's homeworld. The magus of void magic stepped out of a speeder car with the hand of a beautiful woman in his own. While servants made their sure their luggage made it's way to the hotel, Vi and Pom spent the later part of the day in New Adasta. He was determined to make things up to her after the unpleasant night at the black party.

As the speeder pulled up in a quiet area of the town, Vereshin stepped outside and strode around the other side to open's Pom's door. The darkly nightsister placed a foot in the snow and he took her hand before closing the door behind her. A frigid breeze blew over the light blanket of snow and flakes drifted through the wind and caught the onyx hair of the two arcane users. Vereshin wore a thick scarf over a black great coat and plus fours inside long boots with pointed toes and rows of silver buckles. They stood on the side walk and he reached over to pluck a snowflake from Pom's hair before placing a light kiss on her cheek.

"I am sorry for subjecting you to that awful party." He spoke forlornly while taking her hand. "I should have known better than to think either of us would have enjoyed it." As he caressed her fingers with his gloved hand, Vereshin detected a pang of great confusion. When conducting terrible curses and rituals which caused death on massive scales, he never recognized any remorse. Yet the discomfort of this one woman bothered him to new heights which he determined to mend. He discarded Harley without any thought while in Pom, he found a being to whom he connected on a personal and arcane level.

"This is not something I am accustomed too." Vereshin shook his head slightly to emphasize his point. The only relationships he recalled were fleeting. So far, he had never been with a woman for as long as he had known Pom. His hands trembled while he held hers. "...but I want it to last." He said while he brought her hand to his mouth and placed a kiss upon her coiled fingers before retracting his hand to slide it inside of his coat pocket. Upon feeling his notebook and pen, his breathing slowed down and the shake in his hand subsided. He found a velvet box which he opened before Pom to reveal a necklace inside.

"I made this for you." The pendent of a glass orb entwined with silver roses hung from a dark chain. Black energy swirled inside the sphere and glowed with an iridescent indigo light. "It is dark matter I siphoned from the maw of space." Vereshin plucked the necklace from the case and walked around Pom to connect the chain behind her neck, feeling underneath her thick and glossy hair for the clasp. He turned around to face her and smiled sweetly while placing the box back inside of his coat pocket. "I sincerely welcome you to Ziost, Mistress Stych." He stated while he took her hands in his own, his eyes glistening in the reflection of the pendent.

[member="Pom Stych Tivé"]

 

[Pom Stych Tivé]

The night before had been dripping with promise up until the moment the host of the party they had attended showed the colors of a true jerk. He insulted the couple to their face, and his words were entirely unwarranted. Pomst had gone with [member=Vereshin] promising a good time. While it was not her cup of tea, she had looked forward to meeting Vereshin's friends and some of the people with which he works. Pomst left with Vereshin immediately, with a bitter taste in their mouthes. The ill behavior of their host tarnished her image of the Sith underclassmen.

Vereshin lead her next into a city which existed as a stark contrast to her home among the swamps of Dathomir. The city, the season, it was all so beautiful. An active snowfall, it could not have been a more romantic setting. His choice made up for the terrible experience prior. It presented for a more classy date, of which she felt more at ease.

The change in their itinerary, pleased Pom very much. When she found out where he was taking her, she could not help but feel an increased endearment. They have spent much time together, but not in any place filled with sentimentality for either of them.

She did not hold the prior night’s disaster against him. It was not his fault. Not anyone with personality could have anticipated their host would have behaved as he had. And to recover for his disbelief and lack of defense of her honor, when Vereshin realized the insult not an accident, but direct, he seemed clearly as mortified at the unfolding as she initially. He even seemed to be pleased when he learned how she got even before she left, leaving an unmarked box of chocolates charmed with a Love Potion, with their host as the intended attraction, open on the desert table for all the enjoy. It surely had the host confused, as what was meant to be presented as a gift, became an out of control act of vindication for Pom.

“I just want to be with you. I would try anything that makes me step out of my culture, once.” But in truth, she does require the situation be civil!

Vereshin seemed distressed which she soon understood, as he surprised her very much as he gave her an elaborate gift. She instantly felt the dark charm emanating from it, the force as prevalent as its visual beauty. The significance it represented between them, Pom had to catch her breath. She pondered the aid it would lend to her spell casting! She was touched beyond mere words. She kept her devotions in check as she hugged him tightly.

She froze as he voiced her a welcome her to his homeworld, realizing she hadn't even told him her real name. Most of their time spent together involved some form of mission. “Its Cylaeria Samshij Kamari,” she said, a rare emotion shadowing her countenance. “I mean, you deserve to know the real name of the one who adores you.” If only he could understand how much trust she instilled in him by letting him know it, equally as much as his presentation of such a stunning jewel.

Despite her efforts to remain collected, her heart pounded inside her chest as she stood so close to him.

 

[Vereshin]

Sorcerers chanted from the local temple and musical instruments sounded from the market square as Vereshin beheld the features of his lady. Her words traveled across the frigid breeze and sent a powerful surge through his chest. Caressing her fingers by the little row of houses, his lips parted in awe as he struggled to speak or comprehend the idea of somebody desiring to be with him so deeply. His cheeks heated and he blushed while he struggled to formulate a response.

"I want to be with you, always." He repeated Pom's words to confirm that he felt the same way. Words, and emotions for that matter, were not Vereshin's strong suit, who excelled where numbers and forces were concerned. Suddenly, he froze as she slid her dainty arms around his own delicate form and embraced him. Vereshin trembled. He held his breath and released slowly, wrapping his arms around Pom's back and cradling her head in his palm, holding her close to his chest and kissing her head. As she released him and stood upright, Pom regaled her true name. Vereshin felt touched that she trusted him enough to surrender something so personal. He trusted her more than anybody following their first encounter.

"Cylaeria." He spoke longingly before pausing to sweep stray strands of hair from Cylaeria's face. "I will cherish your true name and keep it sacred to privacy." Leaning forward, Vereshin gently gripped her arms and kissed her directly on the lips allowing to moment to last before retracting. "You are my beloved and I trust you eternally." He placed another kiss on the tip of her nose before turning around and sliding an arm around her waist to hold her close. "Allow me to show you New Adasta." As he allowed Pom to lean into him, he wrapped his scarf around both of their necks to warm them and lead her down the small walkway and past the row of stone houses. They made their way to a grand bridge over a frozen river which lead beneath an archway. Castles and spires pierced the grey sky while lutes and trumpets played from the market square.

"I would love to visit Dathomir. It is a world I find very fascinating." Vereshin spoke while he wrapped one arm around Pom's waist and held her hand in the other. After he showed Pom Ziost, he would very much like to travel to her own homeworld. Sorcerers from the local temple strode through the streets in their robes and lute players strummed by the side of the walkway. The marketplace in the city square was alive with lights and traditional smells. The spires of the Sith temple pierced the horizon and Vereshin pointed to the Imperial emblem. "That is the temple where I practiced sorcery for most of my childhood, the Resurgent Empire was in power then." Torches glowed inside of the archway and Vereshin lead Pom to other side of the road.

"... and that is the Dark Council temple, which was the seat of Sith power in ancient times." Vereshin pointed to the other side of the city, where an even greater structure loomed in the distance. At the end of the street stood a small castle, the exterior untouched by modern times and still left in a stone state. The inside was refurbished into a cosy hotel which he would wait and reveal to Pomst as a surprise. Around the corner, a side street lead to the market place, where he lead her into a vast square blanketed with snow and Imperial civilians. Sorcerers gripped the hem of their robes and scurried to appointments, while mead and bread were served in abundance.

[member="Pom Stych Tivé"]

 

[Pom Stych Tivé]

She thought it sweet how he seemed surprised at her returned devotion. She thought him far too respectful and patient, yet exactly as anyone who ought be her beau should be. His disposition had taught her alot about how special and close a couple should be. She never held anyone prior in such esteem before he latched hold of her heart, as he did so quickly. She thought there could be nothing he might do, that would ever cause her to regret how close she allowed him to get to her.

A peculiar feeling washed over her, its power resonated in her eyes as she peered directly into his. Something personal, only to herself, surrendered over to him at that moment. Her lips quivered for the briefest of moments, then all she could manage was to speak his name, "[member=Vereshin]…" Then he made his move and claimed that something personal to her; all it took was his kiss. It is quite cold outside, but Pomsty felt suddenly feverish. A need long sleeping seemed to awaken and rage from within. She felt exposed, knowing he could see it, see what changes he had ignited.

She did not want to move from her spot right there in his arms, and yet she wanted to be anywhere else than in the middle of the street, anywhere private. He pulled her close like he tends to do, and lead her around his town like nothing had just happened. Something had happened, and she wants so much more! She caught herself stealing glances from time to time, memorizing his profile, the way the light reflects across the iris of his eyes, and where it was sucked in and died. It had not taken long for her heart to rightfully inform her, that Pom Stych Tivé is absolutely in love.

The woman almost lost her footing as her thoughts were not in the physical realm, and she clung to him tighter to continue onward. She blushed deeply as she wondered what might follow during their stay, assured that she would give him anything.

The beauty of the city did not escape her. It, in fact, set the mood perfectly. The ancientness of the art deco, and the chanting of the locals in a language she did not comprehend, save for the magick it stirred, it all caused her to feel overcome with its romance. He could lead her around by her arm all day, and she felt she would never be nearer to him than right now. Or would she? Pomsty never really pondered before, just how much she might like to keep him...really bond with him. It was a feeling that terrified, as much as it thrilled.

 

[Vereshin]

Vereshin's lady remained silent in his arms as he lead her around the city square. She made no comments as she allowed him to act as her guide and point out historical sites. He liked that. He raised his hand up to her shoulder and her held her closely to his chest, the top her hair gently touching the level of his neck. Despite her willingness to lean into him, he felt discomfort in her silence, as though she wished for privacy. As one who could not read the emotions of others, he based his assumption entirely on his own traits. Vereshin, like Pom, would rather be alone with her and away from the eye of the public.

"You can call me Vi." He said with a coy chuckle. There was just one more thing he wanted to do before they arrived at the hotel. Leading Pom to a flower stand run by an alchemist, he selected a bouquet of roses, dyed black from magick and paid the vendor directly. The spell caused the ends of the petals to very lightly glow and smolder away. They were beautiful and impermanent, lasting only for as long as the couple remained on Ziost. He handed the bouquet to Pom and kissed her on the forehead, before wrapping the scarf around her and leading her out of the market square.

"Our booking is open now, we can go to the hotel." Vereshin and Pom walked passed the night goers and out of the square. They beheld a small castle refurbished into the hotel and Vereshin stopped before the stone spires to show her the surprise. The shrill tune of a harpsichord played from within and when they entered the reception, skulls adorned the walls and the staff wore gowns fastened with cross lacing. He received their key and lead Pom upstairs to their room. Inside, bread and mead sat on the coffee table. Vereshin was not particularly hungry and Pom was even smaller than him, he did not imagine she cared for much to eat either.

They entered their room in the tower and the smell of candles greeted them. A bed with four posters and dark curtain sat beneath a grand window of stained glass and a smaller spire housed the en suite. Inside the bathroom, a large tub was filled with steaming water and red petals. They placed Pom's flowers in a vase provided by the staff. Their luggage awaited them and the windows gazed across the snow covered city. The wind began to grow fierce outside with the threat of a blizzard or ice storm approaching, making it just as well they had decided to stay indoors. Vereshin looked at the window for a moment before turning around to face Pom directly. He strode forward and held her shoulders gently. At last they were alone.

"I love you." Finally, he kissed her again on the lips with more passion and vigor than before, letting his hands caress the back of her neck and glossy hair. He felt her arms embrace him from behind and held her ever closer while seemingly entranced in their kiss. In a rare moment, Vereshin would do anything for another person to keep them happy and comfortable. His hands trembled behind her back and he allowed her to sense the mutual fear and desire he felt as she did. The storm churned outside as he held her soft waist close to his own thin frame.

[member="Pom Stych Tivé"]

 

[Pom Stych Tivé]

A little smile remained cast upon her face, as she noted the differences and similarities between her own culture and that of the Sith. For a Nightsister, the whole city revolves around their craft. Even her planet is alive. She would bring him to her homeworld, and show him everything that makes it unique.

“They are a dream!” she exclaimed as he presented her with the black roses, alight as if with burning embers. She took hold of the bouquet and immediately smelled their fragrance, lightly touching the petal tips with her free hand, curious as to what sensation they might incite, if any. They felt warm to the touch, but did not burn as they appeared they would. “You are a dream. Aren’t you?” she asked as he devotedly kissed her forehead once again. She wanted to tilt her head back and catch his lips, but refrained, most intrigued to allow him to lead. This vacation is his arrangement. Much better a setting than that of the party they attended only nights ago. This is far more romantic a city than she had imagined. He is far more romantic. The day feels just perfect.

Pomsty has never been in love before. She often wondered if this is it. [member=Vereshin]’s mannerism towards her, so different from anyone else in her past, brought love to the forefront and made her take notice early on. All her early relationships had been superficial, and she never kept those which were such for long. She never wasted her affections on anyone. She recognized the reality that existed and never let her head get wrapped up in someone unworthy. Her inner rejection is what kept her callers at bay. Vereshin is the first whom she ever allowed to come close to her heart. He never perplexed her, as he never wavered in his affections. She loved most how much was spoken in his eyes, which caused her own to alight with mirrored adoration, as now.

When he announced that they would go to the hotel, she felt a sudden pang of trepidation. But it was not a negative emotion. She never felt hesitant while being with him before. It merely signified to her that there truly must be some special bond between them.

She smiled widely and giggled at his excitement of the entry traditions of the Castle. “Well, isn't this ceremonial?!” ‘And fittingly so,’ she thought. Their time here, she anticipates shall be well spent. It was a lovely room, no expense for comfort spared.

The loom of the snow storm hung over the city, and from their room this far up, it seemed a picturesque setting. Snow is not an occurrence of Dathomir. She loved experiencing it whenever she visited a planet during the right season, which is uncommon. When he told her he loves her, every nuance she was introduced to today seemed all the more spectacular. Pomst felt as if her heart skipped a beat. “I love you too, Vi,” she returned. As she leaned in to kiss her, her inhibitions fell away, replaced by overwhelming passion which boiled over.

 

[Vereshin]

The dark sorcerer left the realm of earthly limitation as he fell further into the kiss of his sorceress. She returned his words and he felt a nuance within him shift, an otherworldly sensation lifted his soul away from the fear he encountered daily. Vereshin pulled his lips away from Pom and cradled the back of her head with one hand, gently embracing her against his chest while his other hugged her soft waist. He let her go and moved backwards to gaze upon her, a smile curving into his blushing cheeks. He turned his head coyly away and failed to restrain the constant smiling, chuckling subtly in joy while his gaze darted all over the floor. He released Pom's hands and allowed her to make herself comfortable.

Vereshin slipped off his coat, revealing a dark grey shirt underneath and set it down on the lounge before kneeling before the suitcase and unhooking the clasps. His figure more visible beneath the simple shirt, he rummaged through the first layer of clothes and found his black cardigan. With the buttons already done, he pulled it over his head and covered the top half of himself. He sat on the lounge and removed his footwear revealing the thin tattoo of an inverted triangle on his bare ankle. He stood up and took Pom's hand again before sitting down on the lounge beside her. Candles burned across the hearth and the snowstorm surged outside of the stained glass window.

The bread and mead sat on the coffee table before the emerald lounge for either to help themselves. Vereshin took and bite and a sip of the honey alcohol, deciding his attention was simply too distracted to fathom any appetite. He felt Pom nuzzle into his chest and he wrapped his hand around her shoulder. He shifted to face her and slide a hand beneath her hair to slide it away then leaned forward to kiss her deeply on the neck. Moving away, he pulled his hand from behind and gently brushed away the strands of hair covering her face.

"Cylaeria..." Vereshin began as he reached forward and ran his fingers through her hair. "You have placed your absolute trust in me, so I feel I ought to share something about myself." He paused while struggling to look her directly in the eye when suddenly his gaze shifted and his irises made contact with her own dark orbs. "The truth is I do not know what it is like to not be afraid." He recalled his past with the Sith Order, where if an Acolyte did not fight well, they were beaten. The experience lead to a meek shyness and recoiling anxiety which plagued him into adulthood. "Only in isolation have I ever known comfort, until I met you." The last words resounded deeply on his tongue while he leaned forward to kiss Pom's onyx lips.

"You have given me strength when I had none." Vereshin pulled his head away and spoke. Pom ignited confidence within him and shook away the fear of the order he served. Her presence indirectly assisted his ascension and lifted him to new heights. "There is none who holds any sovereignty over my heart but you alone." He leaned forward and kissed her again, feeling the slide of her hand beneath his outer garment and over his back.

[member="Pom Stych Tivé"]

 

[Pom Stych Tivé]

As [member=Vereshin] grabbed his sweater from his luggage, Pomst flicked a wrist and brought her own suitcase to hover through the air and land in front of her upon the dresser. She opened it and withdrew a stack of her dresses already prepared on hangers. She swung open the doors to the armoire and hung them inside, fidgeting with them a bit to assure they would not wrinkle on the rack.

She took her place next to him on the lounge and began to get caught up in her thoughts. She had not known when it occurred, but somewhere during their time together she had made a sacred commitment to Vereshin. She began to feel that she might soon find the courage to express her intense feeling for him, but as he began to reveal his own private thoughts to her, she realized that he already understood. A subtle satisfied smile spread over her face.

She had not returned to her home on Dathomir in a while, and determined that once she does, she will need to conclude some of her relationships with certain Zabrak Nightborthers who have come into her service in exchange for lessons in witchcraft. It would surely be a milestone for her life, a commitment she has never made to another man, to be exclusive with Vereshin and he alone.

Pomst was attentive to what he was telling her regarding his insecurities. “Had I known this before, Vereshin, I could have influenced you with a potion.” However, she is very glad that instead of force the outcome, they have been free to bond without any sense of debt between them. The Nightsisters would normally not leave any milestone in life to develop without help from Magick. Personal relationships of lust and love were often not protected from such selfish and mischievous interference. Pomst turned toward Vereshin and enticingly admitted, “I have a potion to enhance any experience you should gain a taste for,” intended for during their stay. She ran her fingers through his locks and moving her body over him, kissed him again. Much time did not need to pass before she felt overcome with a need to catch her breath.

“Honestly. What you do to me…its all new to me too.” Nothing could tarnish the look of serenity which shrouded her features. Never was she more sure of what she wanted. For Pom however, speaking up takes a bit more time.

She rose from her place next to him, and removed her knitted shaw. Slipping her slender hand into her deep pocket, she withdrew a small, decoratively etched glass vile filled with oil and herbs, topped with a thin, branded cork. Removing the stopper, she raised the contents to her nostrils and inhaled deeply for a moment. A satisfied smile spread across her features and she set the flask down upon a table. She stretched her neck and shoulders slowly, while a lovely aroma began to seep into the room.

The effects took control of her heat rate, beating lively. A blues melody began to resonate from the lobby. Pomst turned her gaze over to Vereshin and she winked coyly at him. Her hands outstretched toward him, “I believe you owe me a dance from the other night, lover.”

 

[Vereshin]

Vereshin blushed deeply and chuckled in response to Pom's words. No potion was needed to influence his feelings towards her. As she ran her fingers through his hair, he leaned to the side and rested his head on her breast while listening to the snow hurl outside. He raised a hand to let her stand up and watched, mesmerized, as she removed the shaw from her figure and procured the glass vial. With a silent smile, he mimicked her actions and plucked the vial from the table to inhale the soothing aroma. His nerves immediately subsided and wave of calm rushed over his chest.

Pomst left the open vial on the table and allowed the scent to waft through the room and Vereshin eagerly rose to his feet to join her, holding her hand and placing another on her waist while they danced. Vi's hand moved from Pom's waist to hold her back and ran down the corset lacing in her dress and over her hips. His lips quivered as her thigh pressed against his, the fresh and musky smell of her filling his senses. He leaned forward and kissed her on the neck where her skin escaped beneath her collar.

Sweat gathered in Vereshin's palm where he held Pom's hand and he lowered his arm to wrap his wrist around her waist while his other hand held her hip towards his own. The couple danced in time with the melody before stopping for a brief pause. Passion radiated from Cylaeria and her lover recognized the mutual feeling. Pom lead him towards the bed where she lay down in the silk covers.

- - -​

​

The hand on the grandfather clock passed the hour of nine. Vi and Pom held one another in the bed clothes and listened to the slow ticking and dying embers of the fire. Leaning over, Vereshin smiled coyly and opened his mouth to speak. His forehead graced her own as he held her beneath the thick sheets. He chuckled slightly in delight at the sight of her beaming features.

"Are you disappointed?" The Sith sorcerer said jokingly as he stroked a finger across Cylaeria's bare arm. He loved her sweetly and adoringly, having taken time to express the deep passion he held for her. They knew each other both externally and intimately and Vereshin had not entirely admitted everything about himself to Pom. Sharing his privacy with another had simply been unheard of until now. While he had women before, the experiences were always fleeting and never genuine. He decided he wanted to share his life with Pom.

"Cylaeria, my name is Vereshin Yorefei Sabek." He revealed his full name, something he never used outside of signing documents. "That is something not known to any of my associates within the Sith." There was no direct threat from others knowing his family name, Vereshin merely guarded his privacy with obsessive tendencies. He kissed Cylaeria's forehead while they huddled each other for warmth, the ice and snow surging outside.

[member="Pom Stych Tivé"]