Gatekeeper [ASK]

[Lief]

Do not join without prior consent​

​

​

Aurum
Je'daii Crash Site

So plans were in motion, and moving at a rather rapid pace. In truth this was good, however there were many pieces of the puzzle to slot into place before they could completely begin. There were still certain individuals that she wished to ... acquire, but before then she decided it was about time to formalize the place which would be of much requirement; a base of operations, away from the throws and cares of the Galaxy. Politics was infectious, and thus their destination had been outside of all influence, on a planet which could act as a clean slate. Kära had come across such a planet years before, with the only signs of life being a crash site and a cave complex. The former could be salvaged from, the latter could be kept as a reminder of the planet's history. Je'daii, from the markings on the wall and what few texts were left behind. A shame. Yet the technology was far too new for it to be the original Je'daii. Funny how certain things just wouldn't stay dead.

Kära had landed her own ship down in the very heart of a mountain range, beside the crash site. Climbing outside she utilized a minor tapas to keep herself warm and ventured forth. While the mountains would prove a cold area, it would also be the least likely place targeted should civilisation appear upon the planet; that is, civilisation outside of her own plans. She would have to mark the co-ordinates for Jorus Merrill to glance over. For now, however, there was more to be done here. This region of the planet had to be scoured. Waiting for her fellow travellers to come down from the ship, the woman glanced off into the distance. The sky was a perfect shade, a slight tint streak to it due to the atmosphere of the planet. In the sky the solitary moon lingered, enticing her curiosity. It was a beautiful planet, holding much potential, and she would not see it ruined. Nor would she see it go to waste.

 

[Thyrian Hearthfire]

Aboard the ship was, like so many times before, the Ashborn. He had been quite the busy man the last few months with the constant training and mentoring of his student, Xavier, as well as the recent additions of his Queen's latest apprentices, Asterion and Hakan. While he had yet to instruct the two directly, he had assisted his master in doing so on a number of occasions. The Minotaur he didn't like; he was too independant - too fiery. Truth of the matter was that Thyrian saw too much of his former self in him - a sight he did not take well to. The other one, Hakan, he did not mind so much. He seemed like one who would do as told, and that was alot to go by when being Lady Kyros' student.

Stepping outside and standing beside his Queen, Thyrian took in the scenery of this world. Other sentients would describe it as 'beautiful' or 'wonderous'. It hardly mattered to him what the planet looked like, for the only beauty he knew of was the woman standing next to him. She had not yet mentioned why they were here, but as long as @[member="Lady Kyros"]' wishes were fulfilled, his would be as well. "My Queen, what do we hope to find on such a world? There are hardly any natives here of worth to us."

 

[Daegan Xoruan]

As the others began to formulate their plans and prepare to disembark, off in the horizon a solitary transport slowly drew closer to their location. With it being far too old and heavily modified for anyone to potentially identify its original stock, the ship itself had clearly seen better days as it came in for a landing; either the individual came at Kära’s request, was a foolish adventurer, or a soon to be dead spy.

Making a relatively safe landing as it creaked and groaned under its own weight, the entry ramp seemed to squeal as it was lowered; clearly the owner saw little to no need for ship maintenance. Striding down the gangplank with his hooded cloak wrapped around him like an errant lover trying to make amends, the silent figure slowly approached with measured footsteps.

Standing a respectful distance away from Kära herself, he simply lowered himself to one knee It is fortunate that she called me here to participate, Anzat had become far too enclosed for my liking; always the ceaseless prattle about the Sea of Memory and our hunger… It is a wonder that we as a race haven’t yet been wiped clean from the Galaxy… Saying nothing for the longest of moments, one word seemed to pass over his lips in a cultured and urbane tone “Master.” Said with the respect one has for not only their superior in rank but in deed, he simply waited for her motion for him to rise.

(@[member="Thyrian Ashborn"], @[member="Asterion"], & @[member="Lady Kyros"])

 

[Stephanie Swail]

Asterion was glad to be away from that tomb, the Judgement, which had been his sole place of abode for coming on 3 months now. Having submitted himself to the teachings of young Kära, he was taking everyday as it came, from mental to physical and emotional exercise which would, in time, hopefully, develop his prowess to use the Dark Side of the Force he had inside him.

Sat to the rear of the small ship that was piloted down to the unknown planet he had been summoned to accompany her to, along with that brute Thyrian, he had spent most of the time simply thinking about his future and what lay ahead of him.

Looking up as the ship landed softly, Kära was the first to leave as the entry ramp lowered softly and the blast of cool air rushed inside the ship and made his skin tingle with the fresh air, a welcome feeling against his face. The rest of his weary body was now dressed in the Sith Acoltye armour, a basic and lightweight combat suit that offered protection from the dangers he would face in due course but nothing extensive. His black robe was laced over the armour and the hood rested back on his shoulders.

Thyrian was hot on the heels of Kära and already outside. Asterion didn't know what the warrior's problem was, but he didn't like him and knew the feeling was mutual. Standing, Asterion began to slowly walk through the ship towards the surface of the snow and rock outside.

His Master was standing before another, kneeling before her. She really did command a power Asterion didn't understand, but was secretly in awe of. So young and tender looking, but so powerful and clever. A rare thing.

As for Thyrian, well he was just an relic. Asterion would soon take his place. Smirking softly at his own thought, he sidled up beside the giant.

"Out the way, big guy. Room for one more."

He outstretched his hands, flexing his gloves before his own eyes and rolled his head softly, looking around at the picturesque planet before them.

@[member="Lady Kyros"] @[member="Thyrian Ashborn"] @[member="Daegan Xoruan"]

 

[Hakan Venttuss]

Hakan's own ship prepared for landing a few seconds after his Master's and the other craft. The landing spot about a good twenty meters away from either of them. The imposing matte-black craft deployed its' landing gear and folded its' wings up, landing pretty much faultlessly on the snowy surface with a crunch from the snow under it. Seconds later with a hydraulic hiss the cargo ramp deployed, the cold wind blasting through the open space. This was all new to Hakan, he hadn't seen snow before. An all new terrain for him.

The young man was dressed in his casual black robes, only his cloak lined with a fur interior to deflect the cold, white fur-lined gloves adorning his hands and a white scarf resting on his neck.
Descencing from the cargo ramp as he crushed the snow beneath him under his boots, he made his way to the rendezvous point. He was excited somewhat, they'd be discovering something new, this planet was a white canvas, seemingly devoid of life and with massive potential, exactly what they needed.
"Master. Comrades." He spoke, acknowledging their presences, and also acknowledging his as by far the youngest person here. Well, here's hoping that maturity isn't factored into anything here.

@[member="Lady Kyros"] @[member="Thyrian Ashborn"] @[member="Daegan Xoruan"] @[member="Asterion"]

 

[Xavier Vi'dreya]

"You'd do well to respect your betters." A young voice hissed venomously at @[member="Asterion"]. The younger Vi'dreya cradled his Templar crossbow in his arms, the pale white mask over his face was punctuated by the two black eyes, a small trickle of red below the right eye. It wasn't meant to be intimidating, but he'd been told it was scary. Then again it had been the Denko kid that had said it in all likelihood. @[member="Thyrian Ashborn"] may not have been the titan of a guardian that he'd once thought him, but he didn't know this man, and he would not disrespect his guardian, not without a bolt in his back.

Despite his garb's warmth, his body still felt as cold as his own icy blue eyes. And that was fething cold. He moved to behind @[member="Lady Kyros"], guarding his sister's back as he lay in wait. Xavier had no clue why they were here, but despite @[member="Hakan Venttuss"]' thought, Xavier was the youngest here at 14. Not to say he was to be underestimated, Isley time had helped the boy become a rather proficient marksman with his crossbow, and the boy had a natural acrobatic talent.

@[member="Daegan Xoruan"]

 

[Stephanie Swail]

Well, it was getting a little busy on the surface now. The blasts of the landing ships kicked up speckles of white snow as they all stood, waiting for...well, Asterion didn't know, but he was here, ready for anything. That was his role, to be ready.

Turning his face slightly, he braced himself against the sharp burst of propulsion as the second craft touched down. It seemed his Master was bringing together a real collection of her assets in one place, each looking lean, fit and trained. Raising his head once more to watch them all, he made sure not to falter as one of the newest, as far as he knew, subjects of Kära.

It was then the young voice hissed. Asterion turned only his head slowly to look back at the boy stood by him, shielded by an ominous looking mask. Asterion felt his eyes bear a smouldering gaze to the faceless voice. First Thyrian, now this. Seemed everyone had a chip on their shoulder.

"I beg your pardon? If you're talking to me I suggest you think about what you say next before or you'll find your mask embedded in your face."

Returning the hiss, Asterion looked back forwards, leaving it at that, heightening his Force sensitivity to be aware of his surroundings that little bit more.


@[member="Xavier Vi'dreya"] @[member="Hakan Venttuss"] @[member="Daegan Xoruan"] @[member="Thyrian Ashborn"] @[member="Lady Kyros"]

 

[Xavier Vi'dreya]

"Not sure your master would appreciate that, nor would the 'big guy'. Don't believe we've met. I'm Xavier. Vi'dreya." The masked adolescent responded with a harshness that only came from those in their early teens. If this man was Kyros' apprentice, and truly wanted her favor, striking the only other relative whom she shared a surename with wasn't a good call. Plus big sis, despite the cold exterior, still had that protectiveness down in there somewhere. Nonetheless, a cold smile formed under the mask as his eyes beamed in victory. But, ever paranoid, he tensed up, ready to move at a second's notice.

@[member="Asterion"] @[member="Hakan Venttuss"] @[member="Daegan Xoruan"] @[member="Thyrian Ashborn"] @[member="Lady Kyros"]

 

[Lief]

And so it began.

Slowly, one by one, her students made themselves known. It was about time that they learnt they were not the only ones within her plans; there were always others, more to hold in her sway, to expand the horizons of. After all, she was a woman who worked through others. Thyrian was the first to her side, as ever, but she did not turn her sights away from the snow-capped horizon. "Do not question my motives for being here, Ashborn; if there are no natives, then there is no one to stand in the way of our plans." Her attention was, however, taken by another: one she had not seen in a great many years, since her Knighting. None here had seen him, not even the Ashborn. Kära had grown a lot since then, she was no longer the child she had been at Knighthood. "Apprentice" she responded, and he would know that meant he could stand. He was one of her more loyal Apprentices, after Arthos and Thyrian, and as crazy as they came.

More and more of them appeared, and soon she turned her gaze across to Thyrian. "Gather them down there" she said, pointing to the crashsite which was a few metres down the mountainside. Turning to her brother her gaze brushed against the Minotaur, her eyes disapproving of how he was being. But she did not say a word, instead she allowed what her brother had said to sink in. "Xavier, Blood of my Blood, it has been some time. I have something for you, with me." Leaving the rest of them, although it would not be for too long, she stepped away and expected her brother to follow. He had grown into quite the young man, and she hoped that with Thyrian's assistance he would grow even more. Her steps took her down the other side of the mountain, towards a barely visible cave. There she waited.

@[member="Xavier Vi'dreya"] @Asterion @Hakan Venttuss @Daegan Xoruan @Thyrian Ashborn

 

[Daegan Xoruan]

Slowly rising to his feet, an errant hand wiped the offending snow from his clothing “It has been too long Master.” Lowering his hood, the faintest of smiles seemed to rest on his features, as he simply stepped aside rather than get caught up in the maelstrom that was Kära I have seen that look before and heard that tone more than once… Something bigger then the sum of our parts is about to occur. Not saying a word, he simply took in the presence of others with a cold demeanor that spoke neither of offering threat or being threatened by their association. A family member by the indication of the Master, a hothead seeking to advance, an unsure student, and a well-established one who seeks to hold onto his position while grasping something more… I could be right or wrong, either way it may serve as a cautionary tale in the future. There was no mystical quality that revealed such facts, but simply an observation of body language and vocal intonation; he knew nothing of their secrets and could care even less about them, one had to be aware of pawns and rooks when playing the grandest of games and hoping to survive it.

Slowly taking in a breath as his Master quickly requested a familial presence, the report on his studies in the Outer Rim would have to wait for another time; some knowledge was reserved for the master and not any individual that fancied themselves as a dabbler in the Art. Not saying a word unless asked, he simply waited for the one dubbed Thyrian to take the lead…


@Xavier Vi'dreya @Asterion @Hakan Venttuss @Lady Kyros @Thyrian Ashborn

 

[Hakan Venttuss]

Hakan sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose with his eyes shut. "Stars, give me strength..." He cursed under his breath, were these two seriously going to exchange threats? One of these guys was almost 30 and he decides to insult a kid half his age, it was stupid really but he wasn't going to comment or whatever, he was here to get the job done as per usual. But more respect towards his Master's family should be shown in his opinion.

"Could we please return to the task at hand?" He implored the two arguing gentlemen, "We've been summoned here for a reason." The white headed young adult justified his interjection. He expected a threat in some way but that wasn't going to scare him as much as anything else. He listened attentively to his Master's words, and turns out one of the belligerents to this argument was infact Kära's very own brother, interesting that.

So, the group of apprentices were set to follow Thyrian, the giant whom Hakan recognized as the man who gave him his equipment on the first day of his initiation, although considering his presence around Kära he had seen him more than once. He gave a greeting nod to his superior and waited for him to lead the way, he'd soon follow close behind.

@[member="Xavier Vi'dreya"] @[member="Lady Kyros"] @[member="Daegan Xoruan"] @[member="Thyrian Ashborn"] @Asterion

 

[Stephanie Swail]

Asterion didn't flinch at the fact his Master gave him daggers with her eyes, nor to the fact it seemed the two were related. He did feel a little awkward at the fact this seemed to be a family affair and these were just along for the ride in some bigger plan.

It didn't surprise him though, that snappy, demanding attitude that seemed to be present in the Vi'dreya family. And now there were two of them.

He had nothing against his Master, of course, but anyone and everyone else at this point was insignificant to him. Family or otherwise. He knew of Sith who sacrificed their own family to gain better footing in their hunt for power, and the Vi'dreaya family may be working towards that potential.

But he was but an apprentice to the teachings of Kara Vi'dreya, and no matter what anyone else said, he would continue as that and prove himself to her. Agreeing with her decisions or not, that was another issue, but he would follow.

The fair-haired youth didn't hide the fact he was making a point about their spat, so Asterion just looked at him. He would have more opportunities to make his feelings known. He crossed his arms and exhaled cold air, waiting for the big ogre beside him to move.


@[member="Hakan Venttuss"] @[member="Daegan Xoruan"] @[member="Lady Kyros"] @[member="Xavier Vi'dreya"] @[member="Thyrian Ashborn"]

 

[Thyrian Hearthfire]

"Forgive me, my Queen. I didn't-" His words were rudely interrupted by the appearance of @[member="Asterion"], who assumed it to be within his right to demand anything from him. Still, he remained as composed as could be asked of one such as he, and before he knew it the others aboard the vessel had disembarked as well, along with the appearance of one he had not seen or heard of until now. It seemed his master still kept secrets from him, after all, and that not even he knew of all the plots and schemes going on inside of @[member="Lady Kyros"]. Perhaps she did not find him trustworthy enough to share her secrets with, despite everything they've been through together. A solemn sigh escaped the Ashborn before hearing his master's words. He turned to face the three apprentices - the three being the Minotaur, @[member="Hakan Venttuss"], and @[member="Daegan Xoruan"] - and each he gave a stern and commanding look before addressing them. "You three; I couldn't care less if you bow or salute to me or whatever else you do behind my back - I am not the one worthy of such respects. What I ask of you is to shut your mouths and do as you're told. And you..." he punctuated as he stared down the Minotaur with his eyes lighting up like fire. "...think very carefully what the next words coming out of your mouth will be. I do not take well to disobedience, you mongrel. You think you know what rage is, what it feels like. At the end of the day, rage alone gets you nowhere; it's destructive to yourself and those around you, and will not be sated by taking a hundred or even a thousand lives - in fact, doing so will only add to the pain and misery caused by your own hand."

His roaring and ever-booming voice toned down as he continued. "And it is a lonely life to lead. People cower in your presence and laugh at you behind your back. Your name will leave a foul taste in their mouths as they spit it out on the ground and stomp on it. In the end you find yourself consumed by that which you've always believed to be in control of, and you'll become nothing more than a beast in the eyes of others as well as your own." With the harshness of his voice gone, he turned away from Asterion and gazed out across the mountaintops. Strangely enough, he found himself at home here among snowy peaks. "When the time comes and the likes of you lay dead on the battlefield because of your own arrogance and self-disgust, it would fall upon me to bury you and witness so much potential and lives unlived go to waste. But then again, perhaps in another life - another world - you'd be able to find something... or someone, to hold onto and your life would not be wrought by so much misery." The Ashborn had lost himself in his own words, and only now did he realise it as he glanced over to his Queen conversing with her younger brother away from him and the others. "So I do not want to hear anymore crying or belly-aching from any of you. Force be willing, I'll be able to kick some sense into you so that none of you end up the way I described. I will not let you destroy yourselves out of foolishness and the brashness of youth. Now, do as your told and follow me." Without looking at the three, he began to descend the mountainside down towards the wreckage below by following a narrow path with a brisk pace and precise footing.

@[member="Xavier Vi'dreya"]

 

[Stephanie Swail]

All Asterion could do was tightly swallow his pride and keep quiet. The words echoed inside his body as they came from Thryian. His passion was as wild as the fire burning inside him, and it was clear he knew what he was talking about.

Tensing and relaxing his muscles under the Acolyte armour, Asterion flicked his eyes out to the mountain peaks as he finished talking, not acknowledging anyone or anything. Besides, he was still here because he was kidnapped months ago by his Masters guards. This wasn't something he had specifically asked for so didn't owe them anything.

But he knew his place for now. To listen and learn.

As Thryian led the way down the mountainside, Asterion started to follow. He glanced over to see his Master in conversation. The pang of jealousy was something he could contain at present, but it ate away at him up the more he realised just how low in her priorities he was to what months ago he originally thought. Family was always going to be first, and he had to remember that when the time came.


@[member="Lady Kyros"] @[member="Thyrian Ashborn"] @[member="Daegan Xoruan"] @[member="Xavier Vi'dreya"] @[member="Hakan Venttuss"]

 

[Xavier Vi'dreya]

Xavier nodded, blood of his blood, his sister, however distant, would always have his back. Cocky apprentices place nowhere near him. Behind the faceless mask he followed Kyros closely and without pause. She said she had something for him which was perplexing, it spiked his curiosity. His crossbow was cradled gently in his arms, ready to snap up into a ready position at any time, and stop whatever assailant could possibly be cold in it's tracks.

@[member="Lady Kyros"] @[member="Thyrian Ashborn"] @[member="Daegan Xoruan"] @[member="Asterion"] @[member="Hakan Venttuss"]

 

[Daegan Xoruan]

Silent for the longest of moments as Thyrian performed his soliloquy for the masses, he finally commented “I suppose that you're finished scolding some of us like the school boys that they are… An interesting first impression.” His dry wit wouldn't be lost on the least of them and couldn't be misconstrued as a threat by the greatest, as he followed in step with Thyrian while they began to descend from the mountainside “Although I must admit that a part of me took offense to the whole ‘brashness of youth’ comment.” A cynical smirk seemed to grace his features as he offered up an aside to seemingly anyone and no one in particular “This path we are taking, if one were so inclined, could prove most advantageous when planning an accident; avalanche here, a slip there… It would be a good way for someone to advance if they were ambitious enough and coward enough.” If that particular comment had been directed to any of his fellow apprentices, they perhaps would be disappointed that he hadn't elaborated further in that particular vein of conversation, as he let the matter drop.


Despite the cold having little to no effect upon him thanks to the inherent qualities of his race, he seemed to wrap the cloak tighter around himself as the hood was drawn to cover his facial features No true competition then amongst the others, at least not with how I play the game… The one will burn out in a matter of months at the rate he is going, and the others seem bound by loyalty to the Mistress rather than hatred towards their fellow apprentices. Taking in a deep breath of the old crisp air, the rest of his travels would be in a meditative silence unless it was broached by someone else’s words.


@Xavier Vi'dreya @Asterion @Hakan Venttuss @Lady Kyros @Thyrian Ashborn

 

[Hakan Venttuss]

Hakan knew that their little spat would provoke some form of discipline, it was all too predictable so he supposed he'd just have to stand here and deal with the grilling like a man. But instead of some form of argument all he got out of that was a life lesson so he thought it could've been far, far worse. Apart for Asterion who seemed to get the worse grilling of them all. Hakan knew his place already, being whipped back into shape and talking back wasn't the way he worked, he figured the others should probably tag along unless they wanted to be left behind.

He also learned from this to never let his rage get in the way of a fight, as not only can it ruin reputations but also falter in combat. Furthermore these people were supposed to be loyal Sith, emotions couldn't interfere with the task.

He nodded in comprehension of Thyrian's lecture, he didn't want to get on his bad side, the man seemed rather vexed by Asterion speaking disrespectfully so he figured adding more disobedience wold just be like adding gasoline to a fire and just make it way, way worse. Hakan didn't need to say anything, so he wasn't going to, and he was silent throughout the entire time he followed Thyrian, just keeping to himself.

@[member="Thyrian Ashborn"] @[member="Daegan Xoruan"] @Asterion @Lady Kyros @[member="Xavier Vi'dreya"]

 

[Stephanie Swail]

Asterion couldn't help but hide a smile at Daegan's words.

And that affected him. For the first time in a while, Asterion actually found someone else amusing; he hadn't been around people for many, many months without either killing them or fighting them, so it felt different to be around those who we now considered to be his "equals". Well, some.

Certainly not all.

Asterion couldn't help one last look towards Kära and Xavier. If there was one to watch, it would be him. His fist clenched, he held it and moved on.

The impressive crash site was below, down the mountainside, and they were getting closer. The wind howled around and Asterion used one hand to hold his cloak from whipping out erratically.


@[member="Lady Kyros"] @[member="Hakan Venttuss"] @[member="Thyrian Ashborn"] @[member="Daegan Xoruan"] @[member="Xavier Vi'dreya"]

 

[Jacob2130]

Tye knew he was late, but there was nothing he could have done the coordinates sent by an unknown person to an unknown planet name half way across the galaxy at the last minute was not okay, but he went anyway. He didn't even know what was going to be there, if it was a trap or what. Tye saw the white world in his view. "So this is the place.. I just hope whoever sent this isn't looking for a fight." Tye mumbled to himself grimly. As Tye entered the atmosphere the ship's wind shield started icing up as the decent was rocky. "I hope whoever sent this doesn't think I'm an enemy just because I have an ancient Y-Wing that is slightly modified." Tye saw a group of people walking towards a crash site. As a result he landed a few yards behind them. As the decent was slow and steady he finally hit the ground with the snow snapping underneath the weight of his ship. His cock pit opened with a hiss and Tye jumped out on to the snow. He threw his hood on over his head and left his mask inside his bag. Tye started walking toward the group with his cloak leaving a trail behind.

 

[Lief]

@[member="Xavier Vi'dreya"]

Leading her brother astray, the young woman did something odd. A very subtle and short whistle escaped her lips, and when they made it toward the cave ebtrance she stopped. No words were spoken, no attempt at conversation was made. Instead she simply waited. She sensed more and more presences appearing on the planet surface. But it was one, that had yet to even make an appearance, that she was focused upon.

And then it appeared. The tiny Tejdóru crept from the mouth of the cave, a soft little growl escaping its fanged lips. Tiny wings sprouted from its back and it flew across to where they were, half gliding to rest upon the shoulder of her brother. "Treat him well" she remarked softly, running a finger against the scales of the creature, softly so as not to scare or harm it. And that was it.

Turning away from her brother she gave him chance to connect with the creature, while she herself wandered back to the group. There was no loving embrace or reunion, but the fact she gave him anything at all was a good enough sign. The others would be nearing the crash site by now, and while she had plans of her own she thought she ought to see to their tasks first.

@[member="Tye Kelly"] @Thyrian Ashborn @Daegan Xoruan @Asterion @Hakan Venttuss