Nero Waits For No One [TSE]

[Darth Carnifex]

​

Tai Fa Bathhouses
Ravelin, Bastion

Ravelin, a city of lights, a city of wonders.

Stretching out in every conceivable direction across an entire continent, Ravelin was the de facto Imperial capital of the Sith; the preeminent galactic power in the Tingel Arm. Strengthened and grown by Sith ambition, Ravelin was the pinnacle of their efforts to reshape the galaxy in their dark image. Gleaming skyscrapers, sharp angular redoubts, massive fortifications, and above them all the Palace of the Emperor; a monument to Imperial vanity and the Dark Side of the Force three kilometers high. But some distance from the Palace was an edifice even more lecherous.

The Bathhouses of Tai Fa, a series of seventeen ziggurats spread out over a massive area surrounded by endless cityscape. Inside its gargantuan chambers were over five hundred bathes, innumerable private chambers, spas, massage parlors, and entire sections dedicated to the most flagellant of spiritual cleansing.

It was here that the Emperor of the Sith, Darth Carnifex, found himself among his wives and multitude of concubines. Stripped utterly naked, the gargantuan Sith sat submerged up to his abdomen in steaming hot water, his ever need tended to by the crowd of men and women that surrounded him on every flank. Though the section he and his followers resided it was a tier above the larger pool beneath them, they were visible by all who dwelled below in the equally scalding water.

Sith, Imperial, it did not matter. All were welcome so long as they possessed the means to do so. Tranquil music drifted over the low hum of a thousand conversations, the desires of those in attendance satisfied by the innumerable staff that prowled along the water's edge.

Pure, unadulterated, decadence.

 

[Darth Morgoth]

The smell of the sweet baths filled the nostrils of the massive Sith Lord, and he walked in. He felt naked stripped of his weapons and armor, "But" he thought "We are all naked before a king" dipping his figure into the scalding water he found himself entranced for a moment by the warmth that enwrapped his tall muscular figure. It felt like the heat of Korriban yet in an alien fashion it was wet instead of dry. Waving one of the woman over he whispered in her ear "Please inform [member="Darth Carnifex"] that the Prefect of Korriban would request a presence with his majesty." Before shooing her to her task and respectfully nodding to his superior on the higher levels.​

 

[Trayze Tesar]

Trayze Tesar was always a professional man. His record indicated as such, and every risk he took was calculated, every consequence bore. The duty of the Pax Imperialis was beaten into the skull of the Kiffar ever since he could walk, and here he was.


Bastion.


A city of glittering decadence, the highest and most exclusive echelons of Sith socialites...stark naked, and at the leisure of Emperor Carnifex himself. Being an associate, and glorified consigliere of the Emperor's bastard appeared to have it's benefits, for in lieu of Vaulkhar being present, his Apprentice would be there in his stead.



The reason being? "You always wanted to better know the people who made the laws you enforced."



The Kiffar was grateful, extremely so, the power both material and in influence was leagues above the urchin that dwelt on Axxila a decade prior, to be a scion of the Emperor, legitimate or no, was a dream that many would kill for. But being in the presence of the Emperor Himself...?

If only I didn't have to see too much of the Emperor's "Presence"... the Kiffar thought bemusedly, his pouch containing his own towels and swimwear. He didn't doubt the security of His Astral and August Majesty for a moment, but several unfortunate run ins involving mafiosos and their own saunas had made a habit not ready to break.

Following the staff to the changing room, he donned his towel. Trayze wasn't certain on how...preoccupied the Emperor would be with his own harem. As such, he resigned himself to sitting in an alcove where he could monitor the activity from a distance.

Just like Coaig's....he recalled somewhat fondly.

 

[BobertEZ]

Darth Raptious entered the bathhouse with reservations. As with parties of the past, they did not feel entirely comfortable in such gatherings, yet felt somewhat required to attend, if for nothing else than to simply be another face in the crowd. The Shadowed Phoenix did not rent this, however, nor did they look back on such encounters with negative lenses. It was simply another social outing, a business meeting that the corporate officer had all of their employees attend. This is what they told themselves.

It would be revealed to the Phoenix upon passing the gilded archway (a highly difficult action due to their almost comical height) into the main baths that this was no regular social gathering after all. To their shock, most, if not all, attendants were stripped of clothing and engaged in open and copious amounts of decadent activity. The Phoenix was wearing a three-piece suit made of Zeyd-cloth, and their boots shined with golden accents.

"By the frosts of Helgard, I may have made a mistake here," they grunted, flicking a strand of white-golden hair off their cheek.

"Lord Raptious, you came," a sudden and smooth voice suddenly muttered.

The gigantic creature of bio-mechanics turned to the source of the voice, craning their neck down to set their eyes on a Chiss woman, perhaps just under six feet in height. Compared to the Sith Lord's frame of just over eleven feet, this woman, as with most people, appeared little more than an insect, standing just above their groin. Her features were particularly sharp and she was dressed in rather conservative golden swimwear, which was surprising for this event, and her eyes, the natural blood red of her race, were encircled by black smokey paint that allowed the crimson to pop even more like red suns.

Darth Raptious was at a severe fashion disadvantage.

"I did, indeed," the Phoenix smiled politely, breaking from their examination of the Chiss. "I was not, as you can tell, expecting this event to be so...bare."

The Chiss smirked with a slight showing of her impossibly white teeth, "An event hosted by the Emperor? I'm surprised you are surprised, Lord Raptious."

The Darth smirked and looked around the bathhouse, noting the sheer number that rested in the steaming water. Through the haze of the heat and the misted sweat, the Phoenix could make out hundreds of scantily clad and entirely nude figures, all drinking and perverting in plain sight as the Emperor watched on from above. Decadence at its finest form.

Mentally shrugging at their own misunderstanding, Raptious turned to the Chiss once more, "I suppose I should expect it by now, unless we are at war. Who are you, by chance?"

The Chiss curtsied, but visibly slowed on her rise, "You may call me...Serena."

"You hesitated on the name, meaning that is not your true name?"

"It is the name you have been given. Is that not good enough?" she asked with a tinge of snark.

The Sith Lord chuckled at the Chiss's moxie and nodded, "I suppose it is."

"Indeed. Now, I am certain if the Emperor sees one person in a suit, he will be quite angered." The Chiss took a quick up-and-down of the Phoenix's attired and sighed, "Go, strip down and change into a bath-towel."

"Will there be one that is not a simple loin cloth?"

"What do...oh, yes, right. Just tie two...three together. You should be fine." The Chiss turned her attention to laughter and jubilation, a smile formed on her blue lips, "After that, enjoy the festivities. If you find me again, regale me with your tales of valor."

As the Chiss vanished into the haze, Raptious wondered who they were to have such an attitude with a Sith, regardless of standing in the Brotherhood. Regardless, The Phoenix would change in quick but careful fashion, ensuring each article of the suit was perfectly folded and handled by the Twi'Lek servant with the utmost care and sent back to their personal shuttle. Raptious was indeed forced to use several towels to form an acceptable cover, tying three together on either side of their lower body. A rudimentary, slapdash, but effective solution to the problem of utter bareness.

Upon returning to the festivities, the Darth began wandering, their mind trying to imagine what forms of insanity they would be born witness to.

 

[Sylara Vaal]

Sylara calmly entered the bathhouse, wrapped in naught but a simple towel as she entered the baths. Ahh, she needed this. A chance to relax and unwind after several relentless nights of partying at the event she'd hosted at the Emperor's palace. Spotting the Emperor to her right, she smiled widely, tossing off her towel and casually slipping into the relaxing hot water right beside him, shooing off a few lesser concubines so she could slide an arm around his strappingly muscular chest, sighing contently. "Apologies for my delay, my master.....the party I hosted in your name went on for a little longer than expected. The slaves are cleaning up the mess now.", she said with a gentle snicker, several other concubines snuggling up with her in the water once she'd gotten settled. She glanced down at the other attendees below, waving at Darth Raptious when she spotted him.

[member="Darth Carnifex"]
[member="Lorale Farmar"]

 

[Trayze Tesar]

This was a rather interesting turn of events, eavesdropping on the conversation between the Chiss female and the absolute gargantuan Sith Lord that threw together some manner of loincloth. The Chiss, being the only modestly clothed member he encountered thus far, he memorized her appearance and voice through the Force. An Acolyte he may still be, but between Vaulkhar and his other two apprentices, he was learning to harness his innate powers and skills rather quickly.

Stealthily making his way from his perch onto the main baths themselves, the Kiffar now realized why everything was scaled to the grandiose and opulent. To accomodate for the sheer size of persons and their personage present, as evidenced by the Emperor and the newcomer.

Still, he remained silent and off the way, only to bow and thank the Emperor for the invitation, his hospitality, and saying Lord Vaulkhar wished him well, ect. Trayze was acting more as an ambassador on behalf of his master than a former police officer, but still, the boys in blue had a reputation to uphold.

[member="Lorale Farmar"] | [member="Darth Carnifex"] | [member="Sylara Vaal"]​

 

[BobertEZ]

The Phoenix wandered for some minutes, taking in the spectacles and smiling almost nervously when eyes unwanted fell upon them. Of course, the Darth knew as to why eyes fell upon them as they moved unnervingly swiftly through the massive bathhouse. To these people, Sith and Imperial alike, Raptious was unique, a freak accident of experimentation, a monster of impossible stature that held sanity and a conflicting taste for the arts and the blood of war.

Where one found battle, they would find the Phoenix, gilded and streaming with rivers of blood, their rage unhinged. Where one found sculptures and sciences, they would find the Phoenix pouring over their own notes, ensuring everything they wrote down was utter perfection. They were a walking contrast, one that fit in and did not fit in at the same time, often baffling those that witnessed their massive presence.

As the Darth walked, their ears were blessed by the addition of music, and a mixture of bass and flutes filled the air in harmonic beauty. It was a sound that Raptious had not heard in many years, and with it came memories of surprisingly peaceful times, when fury wasn't quick and destruction wasn't common. A smile crept across their features at the thoughts, and more so when they spotted Sylara Vaal from many moons before, but it quickly vanished when something else appeared.

Something else came with these memories: a voice, smarmy and slithery like a serpent, not unlike a Trandoshan's. It was a voice Raptious had not heard in as many years as the music. It was a voice awakened by memory, by thought and brief, momentary purity in the heart of the Phoenix. The Inner Demon, which had been silent for decades, had returned.

"Enjoying the sights, are we?" the voice asked with hunger hot on its tongue.

"You have picked a very bad time to return, demon," the Darth growled low, yet audible to anyone who listened close. "I have not the time for your antics and madness. Begone."

The Darth could feel the voice move around them in a circle, a snake coiling around its prey,"Why? And miss all the fun? I think not, my dear. Let me enjoy this time awake."

Raptious began to move at a quickened pace, their face grimacing as they sought a clear space in the water, but finding only haze and debauchery, "I will not entertain the desires of a creature nonexistent, no more so than a creature that dominated my psyche throughout my young life. You will silence or I will end us both at this moment."

The voice laughed and gripped the Darth's arm, "You cannot bring yourself to do such drastic actions, my dear Lorale."

"That is not...my name," the Sith Lord hissed as they finally located a spot in the water, stepping in and sweeping the guests nearby aside.

"Dear, sweet, vulnerable Lorale...it is what you were born to. It is what I call you. It is what you will accept."

Raptious, seething and baring their teeth, responded to the voice's demand by sinking into the water, away from sight, effectively ensuring that only someone physical could pull them from their fright.

 

[Trayze Tesar]

Trayze Tesar was many things, but unobservant wasn't one of them. While the Emperor conversed with his wives and concubines, the Kiffar would approach them. After all, he legally came on behalf of his...somewhat distant son. No Acolyte could just simply waltz into Bastion before Darth karking Carnifex himself without connections, however distant. Or perhaps his laughably low status would allow him a sense of invisibility of sorts, and in turn, allowed him to take in the array of decadence as the shameless revelry would begin. In fact, the gargantuan Sith from earlier had taken a tumble into the water face down...and was staying there...unmoving.

...Was he drowning?

Deciding to be safe rather than sorry, the large figure may find himself unwelcomely hoisted with a combination of the Force and physical strength.

"Hey, hey!" the Kiffar would attempt to rouse the Sith Lord to consciousness. "Our duty is to live for the Empire. To die in front of the Emperor would be an embarrassment." Arrogant words coming from a lowly Acolyte, but the tone and intent were genuine enough. Dwarfed by the juggernaut, the Kiffar nevertheless checked for other injuries, or any signs of inebriation. "If you are feeling faint, my Lord, I can help you outside..."

[member="Lorale Farmar"] | [member="Darth Carnifex"] | [member="Sylara Vaal"]​

 

[Sebastian Thel]

Leaving his things in the locker room, Sebastian Thel wrapped a towel around his waist and looked over his shoulder to make sure nobody had seen him undressing. He swallowed a gulp, reminding himself that Darth Carnifex had ordered him to be there. After folding his clothes in a neat pile, he left them in his locker and regretted that he could not bring his computer into the bath house. He didn't like people looking at him shirtless, so he draped a towel over his shoulders and held his breath, then walked to the door of the locker room. His hand wrapped around the marble, he withdrew a gasp at the sight of uncountable naked Sith, Imperials and their consorts.

"Oh boy," Sebastian exhaled.

A layer of sweat gathered on the back of his neck. Heat rushed to his cheeks and he gripped the towel around his shoulders fiercely, while holding the one around his waist in place, silently praying that it stayed there. Shifting his eyes nervously across the length of the room, he placed one foot forward and stepped onto the marble, making his way past members of the Emperor's court. In the main pool was Carnifex himself, totally naked and surrounded by beautiful women. Sebastian's heart just about leaped into his throat at the sight of the Emperor's form. Looking away, he walked along the side of the bath, his eyes darting between the faces and figures of all the cute boys swanning around the bath.

One of them in particular caught his attention. Dark, mysterious, raven hair, he appeared to be speaking to a Sith Lord. The end of Sebastian's mouth lifted into a bashful smile when he saw him and he held his breath as he walked forward, hoping the man saw him before anybody else. Making sure the towel around his waist was tightly secure, he nervously brushed strands of pin-straight, chestnut hair away from his eyes as he walked up to the man. The Sith Lord he was speaking to was sinking beneath the surface of the water and he appeared to be offering his assistance. Had the Sith Lord consumed too much alcohol, perhaps?

"Are you alright, m'lord?" Sebastian asked, squinting in confusion, "you need a hand?" He scratched his head, raising an eyebrow. He reached out, offering to help the Sith Lord out of the water if he wished.

While the other man offered to help the Sith Lord up, Sebastian turned to face him, more interested in speaking to him than helping the Sith Lord. Raising an eyebrow, he beheld the strange sight from the side, withdrawing into the marble as the other man lent his assistence. Nervously gripping the towel around his shoulders, he turned to face the man next to him. He bit his bottom lip, unsure of what to say. He ran a hand through his hair, which was quickly becoming clammy amidst the heat of the bath house.

"Uh, hi," was all he said.

"My name is Sebastian Thel, I break codes for the Saraaisash," blushing, he extended a hand for the man to take if he wished. He shook it firmly, his soft, brown eyes looking into the man's own. While he knew he was assisting the Sith Lord, he would have like to speak to him alone and scanned the room for somewhere they could go. Gripping his hair, he turned back around to face him, "what's your name?" He asked with a smile. Standing at six foot two, Sebastian was too thin for his height and slouched slightly, although in this instance it was mostly out of insecurity. He released a breath., which he had been holding for some time and tried to straighten his back.

[member="Trayze Tesar"], [member="Lorale Farmar"]

 

[BobertEZ]

Raptious awoke from the momentary unconsciousness with silence, expecting to hyperventilate from lack of oxygen but finding their lungs regulated in expansion and compression.

And the Phoenix lay there for minutes in silence, eyes lazily open, hoping that the Demon had gone.

It had not.

"What an incredible attempt to silence the masses, my dear, succulent Lorale," the voice wrapped around the Sith Lord's leg in a coil, an invisible smile on its serpentine face. "Truly an attempt to rival those of the Old Republic."

The Phoenix frowned and rose to their feet, growling lightly, and turned their head to the two men present. From the power Raptious could sense from the man who roused them from their failed subduing of the voice, he was an acolyte. One with potential, but an acolyte nonetheless. The other was a mystery, one of nervousness and worry, and a lack of connection to the Force surrounded them like moths around lights.

The Phoenix clacked their tongue and furrowed their eyebrows for a moment, "I would thank you fully, Acolyte, had my attempt been successful."

"It was not."

"Shut. Up."

"Never."

The Phoenix cracked their neck in building fury, eyes beginning to shift from white to purple, adrenaline rising and knuckles stretched white against the skin, "Regardless, I do thank you for waking me. And you, mysterious man, who are you? I sense no power from you, not like the majority here."

"Perhaps he is an assassin. Here to kill you once and for all. Or maybe he's an illusion of someone you massacred. Maybe they both are."

[member="Sebastian Thel"] | [member="Trayze Tesar"]

 

[Trayze Tesar]

The Kiffar smiled at the nervous newcomer, finally someone who was both willing to be useful, and "normal". However, on the subject of the Force, there was something...off about the large Sith. There was...more of him, yet not. It was like when he was on Orinackra. Rather than there being a projection of the vast Sith Lord, he has both his own aura...and something else? Something...coiling.

Deciding not to stare too long at it, Trayze bowed before the Sith. "Think nothing of it Milord, if you need any assistance, feel free to call on either myself, or Mr. Thel." it felt odd to call the newcomer that, but perhaps once they were alone, he would be a bit more casual. While in the most hair-splitting technicalities, an Acolyte may outrank a lowly cipher, Trayze never forgot his roots. "Though...if you don't mind my insistence, milord, see a doctor. You seem to be chittering to yourself and...something's attached to you. In the Force." the more he prodded, the more nauseous he felt. It was like a gutter hydra sitting smug and contentedly on a path one needed to travel on. Squat, agile and deadly.

He had come to Bastion to rid himself of the ghosts he faced, but it seemed that the spectral was in vogue among the Lords of the Sith.

"Mr. Thel, if you'd be so kind as to help me help the Lord up?" the Kiffar turned to analyze the newcomer further.

Compared to him, the slicer was skinny and taller than him by a few inches. Whereas the Kiffar was bulkier from years of physical labour and training. He also seemed to occupy a lower rung of the Imperial hierarchy, even though he worked for the Saaraisash, if only by his nervousness at seeing the Emperor's presence and glancing at the practically naked servants swanning about. Where the newcomer had put a nervous effort into maintaining a degree of decorum and modesty, the Kiffar had snugly but simply placed a towel about his waist, and his neck-long hair was mostly a tangled mass resembling ink coated seaweed. Were the man a few inches shorter, he'd actually consider him "cute" in his preference of male companions. Perhaps the two could regale tales of their respective occupations in private, away from any decadence the Emperor had planned.

Shouldering an arm around the nape of his neck, the Kiffar would attempt to hoist, or guide the Sith Lord to wherever he desired, for as long as the Sith tolerated him. "I am Trayze Tesar, Acolyte and Apprentice of Lord Vaulkhar Zambrano." he introduced himself. "Though the slicer here may know me as Badge 24601 of Precinct 1247 of the Imperial Judiciary Enforcement Corps, Investigative Division, Axxila."

​

[member="Lorale Farmar"] | [member="Sebastian Thel"]​

 

[Sebastian Thel]

"Huh? Oh sure," Sebastian wondered aloud, scratching his head.

As the Kiffar pulled the Sith Lord from his slumber, Sebastian watched on curiously, unsure as to what had caused him to fall unconscious. He reached down and extended a hand for him to take, although he would not be able to support his gargantuan frame all on his own. Twiddling his fingers, he lowered his hand and offered it to the Sith Lord. As he stood, Sebastian just about fell into the pool, towel and all as the Sith supported himself on him. While the Sith Lord put in most of the effort, Sebastian did his best to help him stand, withdrawing as he stepped out of the pool and onto the marble. He stepped back, gave him some room and returned to his spot next to the Kiffar, tightening the towel around his waist as he did so.

"My name is Sebastian Thel," he said to the Sith Lord, who asked to know who he was, "I'm a cryptographer for the Saraaisash," nodding, he rubbed his awkwardly as he introduced himself. When the Sith Lord mentioned his lack of Force sensitivity, Sebastian chuckled, "Oh no, I'm not a Forcie, I'm just a mathematician." He smiled widely, running a hand through his damp hair. Despite his status as a non-Force sensitive, Sebastian had become accustomed to the presence of Sith and other Force users, even if they could be intimidating at times. Something about being able to bend the laws of nature to one's will still didn't sit right with him. A hand on his head, he parted his lips in a smile, revealing the two of his top teeth which sat above the others at either side of his mouth.

Unlike his Kiffar company, Sebastian was totally unable to sense any secondary presence swelling within the Sith Lord, so he was none the wiser. As far as he could see, he had most likely passed out due to the effects of alcohol.

"Would you like to sit down, my lord?" Sebastian asked, waving a hand towards a cushioned chaise at the side of the wall.

A topless waitress swanned by carrying a tray, from which Sebastian plucked a glass and jug of water. He carried them to a table beside the chaise and poured the glass to the top. He walked back to the edge of the pool and handed the glass to the Sith Lord, inviting him to sit on the chaise, although his eyes were more preoccupied with the Kiffar's chest. While inviting the Sith Lord to rest if he wished, Sebastian's eyes moved upward, locking with those of the Kiffar who identified himself as Trayze. The latter part of his title Sebastian recognized from operating the communications network. At the mention of Trayze's codename and badge, Sebastian's eyes widened in delight.

"I recognize your badge from working at the comms!" He smiled, revealing his crooked teeth, "Agent Thel, receiving you," he joked.

While the Sith Lord rested, Sebastian fiddled with his fingers, sheepishly avoiding Trayze's gaze. Dimples etched into his cheeks as he smiled, nervously gripping the towel around his waist. Stifling a bout of laughter, he internally berated himself from being so awkward and wished Trayze could see him while he was operating the comms or cracking ciphers on a mission. He was so much more confident then. Perhaps Trayze remembered how he was from a mission, hopefully, Sebastian thought. His cheeks tinted red and he bit his index finger to stop Trayze from seeing him blush.

[member="Trayze Tesar"], [member="Lorale Farmar"]

 

[Trayze Tesar]

After blinking a few moments, he finally recognized the tone. "Ah! You're the Cipher who helped out during the Hakotei case!" he smiled, then shrugged bashfully. "Didn't quite get to meet you, but you're the ones who pinpointed the cult's HQ and where the Neuroalterers were. If it weren't for you, I'd probably bust in a couple blocks away and...well...wouldn't have gotten a shiny badge out of it." the Kiffar would confess. "You and your team did good!"

It was plainly obvious to Trayze, or really anyone with a functioning pair of eyes, that the lad was embarrassed around being so many naked men. Their interactions after taking care of the gargantuan Sith would be...interesting.

And purely consensual.

To be honest, the Kiffar also had a smile on his lips. Who wouldn't be flattered to see someone reduced to a blushing mess by their sheer presence, especially when he was just a rank and file detective for most of his life.

"Though, Agent Thel, you should probably also take a couple minutes outside to gain some fresh air." the Acolyte slyly smirked "You're looking a little flush yourself. First time being in a bathhouse?"

[member="Lorale Farmar"] | [member="Sebastian Thel"]​

 

[Darth Carnifex]

Steam rose all around the Emperor, partially shrouding his features in mystery and heat. Though surrounded by dozens of women (and several men as well), each one a sculpted demi-god in their own right, Carnifex wore an expression of grim stoicism, his mouth curled downward in an eternally petulant sneer in despite of the sheer opulence of his surroundings. His body was a canvas of scars intersected by complex and geometric tattoos inked in black, runes inscribed in the ancient language of the Kissai Sith trailing down both of his arms in double-helixes; all of them detailing his glories and his many titles. The symbol of the Sith Order was emblazoned across his forehead, flourished in ornate calligraphy.

"I have no doubt you over-indulged yourself, vuali." Spoke the Sith Emperor, his arm grasping the Togruta and hoisting her up to eye-level. "You will have to regale me with every exploit later this evening, when we are in more personal company."

He released the concubine, letting her body splash down into the water at his side, which produced a series of giggles from the others surrounding the gigantic Emperor. A triplet of concubines were busy washing the Emperor's shoulders and upper back, scrubbing at the myriad of scars that covered his fire-hardened skin. His wives were also nearby, their every needs being accounted for by the concubines they not only shared with their Emperor, but also with each other.

One of the male concubines swam over to the Emperor, clamoring up his side to whisper in his ear. "My Lord, the Prefect of Korriban would wish an audience."

"Grant it, I will hear what he has to say."

[member="Trayze Tesar"] | [member="Sebastian Thel"] | [member="Lorale Farmar"]​

[member="Sylara Vaal"] | [member="Darth Morgoth"]​

 

[BobertEZ]

As the two men talked and presented obvious physical interest, Raptious slid into a lean against a moisture covered wall, their head nearly smacking against the light fixture some twelve feet above the floor. Their heart beat rapidly, their eyes darted from side to side, trying to catch a glimpse of the creature that had somehow reemerged from the depths of their subconscious.

It was a horrific feeling to have such a thing return, to have memories of wanton slaughter that bore no honor or glory flooding their mind, to see men, women, and children cut down in the name of simple ultraviolence. Raptious was a different person compared to then for the Darth believed in honor and a warrior's respect.

The Demon did not believe in that at all.

"Why are you here, wretch?" the Phoenix growled through gritted teeth, unaware of their volume, but uncaring if someone heard. "You were defeated. I defeated you. Why are you here? Why now?"

The Demon cackled and slid across the surface of the baths, passing through people unaware of its presence, before rising in front of the Phoenix, "Ohhhh, because my dear Lorale...the violence, the war, the combat is only JUST beginning. I see great tides of blood washing before you in the coming days, your weapon dripping with crimson and your gullet stuffed with the flesh and bone of your enemies."

Raptious reached forward with their right hand, attempting to grip the serpent by its throat, but found their hand passing through the form, "That is not me...I do not feast like you, you cretin. I am more now. I beat you once, I will do it again."

"Ah, you say that, but your voice reeks of fear, of uncertainty. Who's to say I won't force you to kill everyone here, even your...precious Emperor," the serpent hissed as it motioned to the baths on the floor above where the great Emperor sat with his concubines.

Raptious snorted at the idea, "You must be delusional if you think I would raise my hand against Carnifex. I bear skill, but not his skill. It would be suicide."

The Demon laughed heartily and nodded equally so, "Suicide, yes, but that is what you want isn't it? To die in battle. What better way to go out than to face your own Emperor. To cut him down like you did...your own parents."

The image came to mind, of the young Raptious cutting his parents into pieces, slicing through them until they were little more than chunks of meat on the floor of their home, and Raptious seethed and roared, "I said begone WRETCH!"

The last word of the yell came out with the Dark Side, a mild Force Scream that sent a passing slave into the baths and scattered drinks all around, but otherwise left the Demon unaffected and laughing, forcing the Darth to retreat, gripping their head and muttering words of nonsensical nature.

[member="Trayze Tesar"] | [member="Sebastian Thel"] | [member="Sylara Vaal"] | [member="Darth Carnifex"] | [member="Darth Morgoth"]​

 

[Onrai]

Vanessa Vantai would arrive to the baths wearing a towel, having appropriately hung up her robes in a storage locker within the facility. Examining the pools, she chose to enter one that was relatively empty of people. Having brought a ladle with her, she placed the towel on the sides of the bath, leaving it within easy reah for when she left it. From there, she would slowly submerge herself in the water up to neck level, rubbing her skin with her hands in order to make sure the minerals of the baths were able to adequately permeate her flesh. Once appropriately wet, she would take the ladle and scoop the water from the bath up and over her head, ensuring that every part of her flesh was cleaned. As the water dripped from her hair, she would run her hands through it and lean back to dip the back part of her head in the baths, hands vigorously trailing through the blonde tresses to ensure they were cleaned.

This was interesting.

 

[Sylara Vaal]

"Gladly, my love.", she said with a smile, giggling softly when she was dropped back into the water beside the Emperor once more. She enjoyed the private moments between her, the Emperor and his wives. Outside of public gaze, they could drop facades of intimidation and enjoy one another's company fully. For now, however, she was quite content to return to snuggling her liege, another concubine bathing her in the meanwhile. In the corner of her eye, she spotted a familiar face. Miss Vantai had been at several of her parties, and the two had grown well acquainted. She held her hand out expectantly, one of the other concubines handing her holo-communicator over.

She tuned in to Vanessa's frequency to contact her. "Miss Vantai! I see you over there. Do join me up in the Emperor's personal steam bath. We'd very much enjoy your company, and I know you've been wanting a chance to greet him personally after our prior party.", Sylara said with a light smile, hoping she'd accept the invitation.

[member="Vanessa Vantai"]
[member="Darth Carnifex"]
[member="Lorale Farmar"]
[member="Trayze Tesar"]
[member="Sebastian Thel"]
[member="Darth Morgoth"]

 

[Onrai]

Vanessa raised an eyebrow at the communique - it was surprising to hear from the Togruta concubine once again. “If the Emperor’s alright with it, certainly.” Vanessa would take the ladle and place it to the side, stepping out of the bath and holding her towel in one hand, ladle in the other as she walked over to the Imperial baths, slowly dipping herself in. She would, as before, set the towel to the side of the bath before heading over to join Sylara.

“Thanks for the invitation.” She said to the concubine, before taking the ladle and scooping the water in it over her head. She would look over at Kaine and give him a small bow. “Always a pleasure to see you, Kaine.”

[member="Sylara Vaal"]
[member="Darth Carnifex"]

 

[Sylara Vaal]

Sylara smiled, scooching over in the pool to sit beside Vanessa. "Oh, he never minds such lovely company. And here, let me and the girls help you with that!", she said with a snicker, affectionately tugging Vanessa onto her lap so a pair of concubines could sit down beside them, one on each side. The concubines retrieved some sponges and rags with which to help bathe Vanessa, cheekily splashing water at one another now and again to amuse themselves.

"I wanted to discuss something with you, by the way. I'm hosting a smaller social occasion at some point, and I'd love your help to plan things, if you'd be interested? It won't be as busy as my last debaucherous party, I assure you.", she said with a smile. "A much smaller guest list. Most likely the Emperor, his wives and concubines like I, and a few other close friends. A chance to discuss business alongside all the merriment."

[member="Vanessa Vantai"]
[member="Darth Carnifex"]

 

[Onrai]

[member="Sylara Vaal"] [member="Darth Carnifex"]

Vanessa chose not to resist, and sat down on the Togruta’s lap as the other concubines helped to give her a good scrubbing. She raised an eyebrow in curiosity at this social idea. “It’s not a bad idea, truthfully.” She said. “I’m interested. Both in helping to plan it and in attending.” She replied. Helping to plan a party was something she hadn’t done in a long while.

“How have you been since we last met?”