Name of the Game

[Riamah]

The last few days had been pure bliss for Ra. However, even she needed to return to some sense of a life. It wasn't that she grew distant from Shaidin, but just she needed to get back to work.

Not quite the same as when they met before and she had hinted at the change when he had returned. Now would be the best time to reopen that conversation.

They had hardly been separate for these days and they had made them quite active. That wasn't what was needed now though.

Ra woke up early this day, climbed out of bed and got dressed. Hopefully without waking her lover. If he did wake up before she had accomplished this one single task, she didn't think she would be able to resist and another day would be lost...

[member="Lord Depravious"]

 

[Lord Depravious]

Several days of pure bliss that any normal Sith Lord could only dream of being able to achieve. For the first time in what seemed like an eternal life of torment and let-downs Shaidin seemed to enjoy some semblance of peace within himself. Of course that is after taking out plenty of pent up emotions over the past several days.

As [member="Riamah"] left the bed he stirred lightly in his slumber already missing the warmth of her next to him even in his dreams. But ultimately the last six years of war and the exhaustion it brought could not compare to the ultimate release of the last few days. A baby could not sleep any better then the way he was sleeping now.

With a roll over on to his stomach he slid his hand under the pillow under his head and grumbled something in his sleep, confident in the fact that she would wake him when she was ready.

 

[Riamah]

Thankfully Shaidin did not wake up while she was getting dressed or even after she finished. She stood looking down at his sleeping form for a few a moments and turned to walk out of the room. Closing it quietly behind her, Ra would go find Vincent to keep an eye out for him.

"I'm going to make food. If he wakes up before I return, send him to the kitchen please. Otherwise, I'll return when it's done."

With that she walked off​ to do what she said. The smell of the food would likely wake Shaidin and Ra hoped it did. As she went through the act of making the food, she took a guess that it really wouldn't matter what she made. Luckily she was a rather good cook and had plenty of varieties of food around. Fixing a little of this and that a good solid breakfast was made.

Looking up when she heard the arrival of him, she gave him a warm smile and invited him to eat with her.

[member="Lord Depravious"]

 

[Lord Depravious]

Shaidin slowly opened his eyes. And for a brief moment panicked that [member="Riamah"] was not in the bed next to him. His hand searched the opposite side of the bed frantically before the delicious aromas of breakfast filled his nose.

An eye-brow raised on the left side of his face and a smile slightly arose. He sat up in the bed and stretched. As he stretched he let loose a loud roar that could most likely be heard through out the castle. After reaching the peak of his stretch he fell back down into the lush bed with a thump.

Eventually he mustered the strength to roll out of the bed and follow his noses attraction. In the hallway he was stopped by Vincent. "Where is that beautiful woman Vincent? And where have you hid her from me?" Vincent directed the man to the kitchen where Riamah awaited. For a moment the Sith Lord took a predatory stance and gaze upon the old man. "The last man who took and hid a woman I loved from me ended up spread across Ziost.. Don't you ever do that to me Vincent."

He had left the man to his own thoughts after such a comment and rushed into the Kitchen where this beautiful vixen had fixed him breakfast. As he rushed in he tried to collect himself, and then walk in slowly acting as if he wasn't rushing to try and get to the food and to her.

A smile crawled across his face as he took a seat in front of her and politely started eating slowly. "How you have not found someone yet with that beautiful red hair, and cooking them breakfast - you will never get me to understand."

 

[Riamah]

The old man wasn't actually very intimidated by the outburst from Shaidin, but didn't display that. He simply took the words and would have replied back, but the man had already walked off. Shaking his head after he was out of sight, he hoped in time her lover would appreciate him as much as Ra did. Vincent would never harm a hair on Ra.

"I cook myself breakfast almost every day. These past days have been an enjoyable break. However, I feel there's a need to get back to what I consider normal."

Returning that smile, she chuckled a little when mentioned he was surprised she hadn't found anybody yet. Taking a bite of food, she shook her head while chewing on it. Washing it down with a drink she pointed her fork at him before speaking.
​
"You can imagine how many suitors have tried. I'm used to being on my own."

Falling silent again, sh​e carefully considered her words.

"Remember I said I had changed? Well, I have people to help me now. No longer am I tied to the Sith Empire. They destroyed my life and I had to rebuild. My new friends...they helped me and in return we help others. We have a goal of destroying the Sith Empire."

Looking away, she had already told him as much and he had stayed. She had hope that would continue to be the case.

"I lead from the shadows. My friends are my hands and our reach is great."

[member="Lord Depravious"]

 

[Lord Depravious]

Shaidin listened to what she had to say about her goals and simply sat silently eating his food at the same time. He also listened to what she had to say about her own faction that was now aimed directly at the Sith Empire with the goal of slowly bringing them down. He continued to eat his food the entire time, not looking up to her.

For a moment he simply took a moment to enjoy a good home cooked meal, something he hadn't had in years; however, over the short time he had returned to this part of the galaxy he had heard rumors of the power wielded by the Emperor of the Sith, a man whom he knew some-what well. Darth Carnifex of all people in the Sith Empire was the one person who could easily stand toe-to-toe with Lord Depravious which warranted some form of respect even from a Sith like Shaidin.

Ultimately though, Shaidins loyalties were set and he had something specific that he now cared about. Finally after finishing up his food and washing it down with a drink of his own he looked up from it.

"First off, that food was amazing." He smirked after saying.

"Secondly, that is quite the goal you have set for yourself my gorgeous Baroness.. Having stood against multiple renditions of the Sith Empire, it is of course an Empire for a reason. But I do, however, have experience in bringing down such Empires." He was quite sure that any words of true merit meant a lot less as he just sat there nearly half naked in his robes but he could honestly have cared less. "You seem worried about what I'm going to think about the things you're doing now.. But you shouldn't be - my blade, my heart, and my soul are yours. I will be put into the dirt for good, before I allow your life to be destroyed again."

[member="Riamah"]

 

[Riamah]

She would have assumed after living for years on mostly field rations, almost anything cooked would be welcome. The fare she had made was simple, but filling. Something to last until lunch and maybe even a little longer if needed.

"Thank you."

Giving a small smile as she listened to what Shaidin said, she was silent through it all. Eating her breakfast and taking a drink when she finished a few bites.

"This is not something you can alone and I wouldn't ask you to die for me. I run no Empire for that would make me just like the enemy I want to destroy."

​The way Ra thought was usually very logical and very rarely did emotions or feelings cloud things. It was one of the things that made her a poor sith when she was one. Having made the decision to break away from them, she hadn't looked back and did not regret her choice. So with her mind right now focused on the situation, she did not think anything of him sitting there in almost nothing more than a bath robe.

"What of your own feelings on the Empire?"

[member="Lord Depravious"]

 

[Lord Depravious]

"You aren't the Empire no.. And I know you would never ask me to lay down my life for you as an Emperor would. That's because you would never have to ask me, it would be done before you could say no. Not because you are my leader, or because you have any control over me.." Even though you actually do in your own way. He thought to himself before speaking again. "But because that would be my choice, you've given this war-torn soul something to love and enjoy again. And even if that means my life to preserve you I'd lay it down in a heart-beat."

As for her second question, that took only a slight bit more thought then his first statement.

"Empires.. I've seen them rise and fall. Been at the helm of many and controlled my own Empires for many years." He slightly adjusted in his seat and scratched under his chin. "But ultimately, I could care less for this Sith Empire. You and I follow the ways of the Sith but that does not make us a part of the Empire itself, anyone who would say differently is an idiot. If your main goal is to see the downfall and destruction of this Sith Empire then I am with you; however, quietly dismantling it piece by piece will take a life time, if not longer. There is a very easy and simple way to dismantle an Empire. You cut the head off the snake."

 

[Riamah]

"Life. Freedom. Unity. Shaidin, I no longer feel I can call myself sith. Maybe I still use some of those ideals and beliefs, but no longer do I follow that code so well."

Looking across at him, Ra shook her head as she spoke. In a way there might be some sorrow in her tone, but there was acceptance in her emotions. The word freedom in this case. He could walk the path he did and she would accept him.

"For now there is no danger in somebody coming after me. Who knows what tomorrow might bring or the next week."

Finally having​ that statement out of the way, she ate the rest of her food and listened to what he said about empires.

"I too have seen them rise, fall and others replace them. The Emperor is immortal. Died before and has come back time and again. He can't be killed and the day I go to do it, I feel will be the day I die."

They w​ere not yet at all ready to make that move, but slowly things were being gathered to accomplish just this. Someday that move would be made and she would die. Hopefully taking the Emperor with her one final time.

[member="Lord Depravious"]

 

[Lord Depravious]

He listened to her words, proclaiming that she was no longer a Sith. And while he did not agree that she was 'no longer Sith' because the very embodiment of the Sith is chaos - which is exactly what she was causing. That was an argument better saved for another day.

"Have you ever thought about not taking your revenge? And maybe just settling down in a beautiful place like this." His arms gestured to either side of them. "Living out a nice and peaceful life?"

In his heart he already knew the answer. Though, he had the opportunity taken from him long ago because his brother chose to murder his wife just so that he would stay within the Sith Empire, so he knew the lust for revenge quite well. But it nearly physically hurt him to see someone with a chance at such a life let it slip by due to being consumed by such a desire for vengeance.

 

[Riamah]

Of course she had thought about not taking revenge, but knew it wasn't her style. During his time away, she had lived a quiet life of a simple merchant. Travelling around the galaxy and selling wares to different people and governments.

"I did that for about three years...then the Empire came in and destroyed my life. There is no way I can forgive that. Besides, peace is a lie..."

At first her look was rather flat and unemotional, but changed, going through the spectrum of emotions. As she got to the end, there was a touch of humor in her voice. After all, that was part of the sith code and something that was so very true.

She still stuck to her saying she was no longer sith and would unless something drastic changed within her.

[member="Lord Depravious"]

 

[Lord Depravious]

Sadness overwhelmed the man for a moment. To have been so close to peace and yet now it was cast away for possibly ever at the possible expense of her own life. He couldn't help but to feel slightly responsible for the depravity that had become her in the past years.

"Then if this is the path you truly choose, I will follow you on it until the end."

He smiled lightly recovering from the brief period of sadness that he had felt. For him, the choice of peace or bloodshed and war was taken from him. It was a path forced upon him, and now he understood that it was something forced upon her as well. He could not blame her for that, all he could do was love her anyways. He knew that ultimately it was his only reason to continue living. With his entire lineage dead at this point he knew that if he could not have found Ra when he returned then he would personally see to it that his life was no-more, but this woman gave him a reason to care about something again so he would move the mountains and heavens for her.

"Just don't carelessly give your life away, I would see the whole galaxy burn if that were to happen."

 

[Riamah]

"Until the end of what? Everything dies eventually, even I will in time."

Not wanting it to come any time soon, it was something that came to everything. Her tone was neutral and unemotional, just accepting of a known fate. If the choice was hers, she wouldn't stick her head out to be cut off. That wasn't her fate any longer though.

There were other things she had yet to mention. One of them would very likely be very important.

"Not too long ago, I did a rebellion on a government I belonged to. No it wasn't the sith and one you very likely never even heard of. However, their leader did not appreciate this and placed a bounty on me. I faked my death and had to go into hiding. Everything is fine now, but I go by a slightly different name when I'm not with people I know. My name in public is now Riamah. Close to Ra'a'mah, but enough of a change to not draw any unwanted attention."

Letting out a breath of air from her nose she shook her head at him.

"There is nothing I do that would be considered careless."
​
[member="Lord Depravious"]

 

[Lord Depravious]

At this point he realized that what he said either made him sound dumb or rather vexed her in some way. At this moment he simply nodded to what she said.

He decided to instead keep it simple and sweet. "I know that you wouldn't needlessly risk your life. My apologies Baroness, I also know that we will each one day all die, some sooner than others. I merely wish for you to have a long and happy life. And if achieving revenge is what will bring you that, then I am happy to assist."

He bowed his head for a moment in thought before once again speaking. "Things I do could be considered careless, I have a habit of leaping into the fray at all the wrong times, and while I have come out ahead every-time I know that one day it shall be my undoing. Forgive my previous comments."

 

[Riamah]

"Please just call me Ra. There is no need to be formal and besides I hardly think Baroness would still even apply. It's been many years since I have even been to the planet that gave me that title. It also kisses right up next to the Empire and I do not imagine I will be returning there any time soon."

​Unless it was as a captive and Ra did not relish the thought of that. She had witnessed what happened to prisoners and one like her would be treated with special care she was sure.

"It really isn't revenge I am after exactly. The Empire for too long has been a conqueror and subjugated too many peoples. Squashing out resistance like blowing out a flame. That needs to end. The light is fading in this galaxy, much like a time when the dark was all but gone. Flowing like the tide, things are off kilter right now and a balance needs to be found."

Finishing her food, she gathered their bowls up to put away and lightly rested a hand on his for a moment before pulling it away unless he stopped her.

"There is nothing to forgive, my dear. Sometimes caution needs to be thrown aside to be reckless. That is not something I am prone to do though and plan things out carefully before jumping in. This movement I have begun is one that has taken a very long time to grow into what it is now. From even before we met...When you approached me then about your Dragon Sith, I wanted to use that to help accomplish my goals. Then you disappeared. Is that still an option?"

[member="Lord Depravious"]

 

[Lord Depravious]

The Sith Lord merely listened to her and before replying himself he scratched the side of his head at the hairline on the corner of his head. For the moment he seemed to be relatively deep in thought choosing his words carefully.

"It is still an option; however, is that something that you truly desire?" He replied with sharpness in his tongue. "I have rarely been allied to anyone through-out my life, and when I was they died in the end, because not all Alliances last forever.." He grew slightly more solemn for a moment. "Do you truly want to tie me to you in such a way that if the end of the rope comes - blood come soon after?" He purely left it at that, his entire posture and composure changed and he sat up in his chair. For a moment it was as if Ra could feel the sense of a predator near her.

"I am the embodiment of Depravity.. And in turn for my loyalty and friendship I expect nothing but pure loyalty. If that is something you want, then if there is something you need to tell me before hand. I suggest you do it." His voice was no longer loving and relaxed, it seemed quite.. The opposite. There was an intensity in his voice that came almost second nature to him - as if he were speaking to his pray instead of the woman who showed him some measure of peace.

 

[Riamah]

Setting the bowls down to be cleaned up later, Ra returned to the table to finish the conversation that had begun. His tone did not scare her or even his words. Back when they had met, they had grown close. Not love like she expected, but maybe something akin to it. Lust and passion had been shared then and now and she didn't think that would change.

When they had met those years ago, she had been prey. Now she was a changed woman. Yet some of her was still the same. Listening to him and what he said, attempting to read the message behind his words, she nodded. It was now her turn to be silent for several long moments, but she was not tense or stressed. This was clearly a thoughtful time.

As the words came to her, she started speaking.

"I would very much like to have that be a reality. More than the Dragon Sith, I would want you, Shaidin. I can offer you an alliance that I would not break nor do I want to do that. That way no blood would follow after. I do not wish to fight you or see you fight any of the people I have gathered around me."

And this would lead into potentially quite a hostile situation. Ra wasn't going to lie or hurt him on purpose. If a choice was forced she would make a decision, but it might not be one anybody liked. Closing her eyes for a moment, taking a breath and running a hand down her nose, she opened them again to look directly at him.

"I waited and waited on your return Shaidin. Kept my heart in place in the hopes you would come back. I still have it, but I gave up on your return and then you come back. I do not know what to do. I do know what I want. If there is a glimmer of a chance that would remain as at least an ally, I would be happy with that. I can give you loyalty, but I do not know if I can give you love."

That was one thing Ra had never known through her life. She did not know if she could even feel it.

"Because I had given up on your return, I..."

Looking away for just a moment before him again, she needed the eye contact to get this message across.

"I have gone out with one of the men that follow me, but I have no given him my heart."

[member="Lord Depravious"]