Private Rune my Stone

[Salty Warren]

My ship has landed on a rather peculiar planet; I am now on Centerra. There are many things about this planet that interest me, and all I hope is to quickly find the object of my search and leave as if nothing had happened.

I open the ramp and discover a lush landscape with meadows, trees, and fields. I start walking away from my ship at a leisurely pace, taking the opportunity to inhale deeply and enjoy a breath of fresh air I've never been too fond of confined spaces.

I walk slowly toward my objective. I'm here for a stone with the power to inflict pain on anyone who touches it. The added bonus is that it can deliver poison if it comes into contact with someone's blood when touched by this stone. Whether for interrogation purposes or simply for my own pleasure, I need nothing more this is all I require to be fully prepared.

The sun is shining brightly in the sky, but thanks to my little device, I'm effectively shielded from its UV rays. I arrive at what seems to be an underground cave; my target appears to be inside. I'll need to explore it to get my hands on this stone.

When I want something, I usually ensure I achieve my goal. Today, I've set my sights on this stone, and I'll do everything in my power to claim it. I only need one, and I hope my visit will be smooth and uneventful. My blood flask is still full, but I can't afford to waste too much time if I want to complete my mission efficiently.

As I begin to descend, there's far less light than before, but that's not an issue for me. I continue my calm stride, checking that the hilt of my scarlet lightsaber is securely fastened to my belt.

All I have to do is reach the bottom of this cave. For now, I don't have any servants, so I'm forced to handle tasks like this myself. But when my empire begins to take shape, I won't need to concern myself with such chores anymore.

"I must be close to the bottom of the cave…"

Braze

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Salty Warren

The cave descends steeply, its walls slick with damp moss and jagged stone. The air is cooler here, heavy with the scent of earth and minerals. Faint glimmers of bioluminescent fungi dot the walls, casting a dim, greenish light that barely outlines the path ahead. The sound of dripping water echoes through the cavern, each drop magnified in the oppressive silence.


Further down, the tunnel widens into a chamber where the air feels heavier, almost charged. A faint hum seems to vibrate in the stone itself, resonating deep in your chest.

The stone waits.

 

[Salty Warren]

The cave I'm in exudes a truly dark and unsettling atmosphere, a stark contrast to the prayer from earlier. My chest feels tight because it's very unpleasant. I'm probably heading in the right direction; the crystal I'm looking for isn't far. This infamous crystal that causes suffering and poisons its victim when it comes into contact with blood.

As I approach a rocky wall, I notice a strange stone that catches my eye. I decide to touch it to see if it's the right one, and I suddenly feel an immense pain in my hand that makes me grit my teeth. Without a doubt, this is the stone I seek. I need to use protection. I withdraw my hand, and the pain gradually subsides. I put on a pair of black gloves to shield myself from the pain and symptoms of the stone.

"Alright, it's time to extract it."

Without hesitation, I begin to pull on it to separate it from the rocky wall. I use a bit of force since the piece is embedded and difficult to remove. I persist a little more, and it finally gives way, coming into my hand. I step back slightly as I pulled with such force. I gaze at the newly acquired stone in my hand. I can't help but smile, knowing all the suffering it will bring.

Perhaps I should turn it into a pendant or a ring? The idea of a ring appeals to me. Now that I have what I came for, I start heading toward the cave's exit, gradually making my way back to the surface. I hum a sinister tune; I feel at ease here. I could very well spend my vacation in a place like this.

Braze

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Salty Warren

Braze's senses prickled as the presence of the dark sider seeped into the caverns like an unwelcome tide. He crouched behind a jagged outcrop of stone, the cool surface pressing against his back as he worked to suppress his Force signature. Each breath came shallow and silent, his body attuned to the stillness that enveloped him.

From his concealed vantage, he watched her move—a shadow among shadows, her presence sharp and jagged in the Force, cutting through the cavern's natural stillness. Braze tightened his mental shields, reinforcing the barriers that kept his thoughts contained, his intentions invisible. He dared not let the faintest whisper of his existence reach her.

Sound was his next enemy. He shifted his weight cautiously. The gritty floor beneath him held the potential to betray him with a single misstep. The tension in his muscles threatened to become his undoing, but he breathed through it, focusing on the rhythm of his heartbeat.

If she was here for what he suspected, then the danger was far greater than just a clash of blades.

​

 

[Salty Warren]

Unaware that someone is watching me, I examine my newly acquired stone. I'm glad to have gotten my hands on it, and now I need to get out of here to fully benefit from it. Naturally, with my goal in pocket, I start heading towards the path leading to the surface of the cave to leave this austere and eerie environment. I actually like these kinds of places; I find they add a unique setting and it puts the pressure on. To build my own manor, I will need to raise funds and find a suitable site.

It seems that this planet is rich in precious stones, which might also help me achieve this goal. I store my stone in a small leather pouch to keep it safe and avoid contact with it. Then I begin to ascend in the large gallery from earlier.

Something caught my attention a signature that suddenly disappeared puzzled me a bit. I realize now that I noticed it. It's impossible to know which direction it was, but I sensed something strange. I stop walking and start looking in different directions while sniffing the air with my nose to focus on my senses. There's definitely something off; I'm not alone here anymore. I don't know if it's a man, a woman, or just a living creature, but I can sense the presence of hemoglobin not far from here.

"Hey, will you let me taste? I'm hungry."

I flash a smile, not knowing whether it will take the bait or not. This could whet my appetite; it's been a while since I've tasted fresh blood. The more powerful the person is in the Force, the more nourishing they are to me. All I hope now is to be able to catch them before they manage to escape.

I also look around trying to figure out where he or she might come from. I don't know, but I do know that a creature containing blood is nearby. I've become quite good in this field. I love tracking, too. The fun part is just beginning.

Braze