Private Shaken Not Stirred

[Darth Angonous]

"There's no such thing as luck," Angonous said as he collected his earnings. "Skill and deception are how one wins in Sabacc. Study people's movements and deceive them into makin a mistake. A smile from a woman as attractive as yourself can throw even the most hardened of veterans of the game off balance and that is when you strike."

Rowena was a guarded kind of person maybe that's what she displays herself to Angonous he wasn't entirely sure. "Of course my lady," Angonous said finishing his Martini and getting up. He wasn't much of a drinker, such a beverage dulls his senses. His master was fond of Wine often getting drunk before he went to sleep. It was how Angonous was able to catch him off guard, poisoning his wine and watch him choke to death. Predictability was a weakness something that everyone should shake off. Yet people are often lulled in to a false sense of security believing that they are special.

"Might I take you someplace quiet where it's just us talking?" he asked. "The private boxes are a good place for us to converse."

 

[-Shelved-]

"Such skillsets are valuable in more than just sabacc. They are valuable in life." Which was true in every sense of the word. Rowena was a firm believer in it anyways. It was what helped her to succeed.

She got to her feet after Darth Angonous did, keeping hold of her near empty glass of wine. "Yes, I think that a private box is a fine idea. And it should be a little less noisy." There was a lot less distractions as well, so that they could focus on eachother more. Hal was playing the game much like she was. And now they were to enter a different playing field, though the rules were still the same.

"Lead the way."

 

[Darth Angonous]

"Agreed," Darth Angonous said to Rowena. "A lot of what you learn from Sabacc can be applied to real life as well. Sabacc teaches you to always think two, three, four steps ahead and more importantly appear calm under pressure." A lot of Anognous' success in the political sphere was thanks to the habits he picked up in Sabacc. It kept him calm and composed even though behind that mask of façade lay a rage filled Juggernaut bent of conquest and conflict. Still with Rowena, Anognous learned that she was an astute observer and one who never breaks even when thing look bleak. The Sith Lord was rather curious abou the woman.

He lead her to the top of the private box, below them were the games played and the people having fun or mingling with one another. "So," Angonous said sitting down. "Let's get to know each other more my lady," he said smiling. "What do you want from me?"

Rowena Arenais

 

[-Shelved-]

"Actually I didn't learn to play sabacc until recently. My skills at thinking a step ahead I learned through life." And that was the truth of it.

On the way to the private box, Rowena had her wine refilled. Her plan was to drink it more slowly this time, as was her usual routine when she visited these casinos. Once at the box, she sat herself down and cradled her glass on her lap. Her feet were crossed at the ankles and tucked underneath her chair, while her back was posed and straight.

Rowena tilted her head to the side a bit as Darth Angonous posed his question to her. "Well in the spirit of getting to know eachother a bit more, I think that should want to have your real name and perhaps a story or two from your life. I do love a good adventure."

 

[Darth Angonous]

"Most Impressive," Angonous leaned on the leather chair while crossing his arms. "You are one of a kind Lady Rowena I'll grant you that," he said. "Not many people could pull what you've done at that table. You appeared the helpless lamb but through guile you managed to come out ahead and you did it with a smile on your face."

The Sith Lord paused when Rowena said that to talk about his real name. He was a bit shocked that she saw through him, she knew that Angonous was lying about himself through just simple analysis. "You got all that based on your observation," he chuckled. "You possess a gift something that many Sith lack."

In a way Angonous was happy to drop the façade, it was best to talk truthfully and directly without trying to probe each other through subtle dialogue. "I am Darth Angonous," he answered. "A Sith Lord and servant of the Sith Empire. I am not here for conquest but rather to hone my skill at Sabacc. I hail from a minor House located in Drummond Kaas. Specifically I'm from a family of low level Sith Lords. I'm considered the most promising of my family in terms of strength."

Angonous sighed. "He didn't care too much about family business though he did care for them. "I am considered a prodigy when it comes to battle and I possess a strong sense of justice. Tracking traitors for the Empire and bringing them to task. Now what about you my lady? Who are you truly?"

He spoke the truth and he hoped that she would do the same as well.

Rowena Arenais

 

[-Shelved-]

"Not buttering me up, now are you?" Rowena smiled as she had a small sip of her wine. And as Darth Angonous seemed to take on a more relaxed stance, she however did not. It wasn't as though she was nervous or uncomfortable, it was just the appearance that she liked to put out there. She was a Lady of good standing, and no amount of slouching was going to be seen.

It came as a surprise to her that she was being compared to a Sith. Whatever did they have in common? In her mind, not a whole lot. But there wasn't much that she knew about them anyways. She didn't care for the Sith or Jedi or their wars. It wasn't a part of her life and so far it hadn't affected it either. That might change in the future, but in the meantime she was out of it. Rowena didn't know anyone involved, outside of maybe her nephew, which was probably a good thing.

A Sith Lord.

She wasn't sure if she should be surprised or not. He was more than likely the first that she had ever come across, which was a wonderful thing. It meant that she wasn't on their radar. "I am as I say, Rowena Arenais. I too came from a family that had lost their lands and titles a long time ago. But I am bringing it back to them. I am bringing Royalty back to them. I am quite sure that my ancestors would be proud."

 

[Darth Angonous]

"Of course not," Angonous said continuing to stare at the people playing in the casino. "I'm not the type who flatters people, I tend to speak my mind." Of course when it comes to negotiations and political subterfuge, Angonous would have to resort to flattery even though he felt like chopping off his tongue with his Lightsaber. Though what he said to Rowena was the truth, she managed to use her wits to stand above veteran Sabacc players.

Rowena looked shocked when Angonous informed her that he was a Sith Lord. For the first time she let the mask slip off revealing her true intentions, there was no fear in her eyes not even malice. Rowena was just stunned at the revelation and it was clear that she was scrambling to decide what to do next. "I've heard about the Arenias'," Angonous said leaning against chair. "Your family was great until it wasn't however you are on the rise with your daughter marrying a King."

The Arenais were well known throughout the Sith Empire, the moment Rowena mentioned her surname Angonous knew why she was surprised. "A woman with ambition yet does it with honor is rare in the galaxy now and days. I have to admit you are a unique person Lady Rowena Arenais."

 

[-Shelved-]

An honest person, just like her husband. Bastin was blunt for the most part, never afraid to call it like it is. It was part of what attracted her to him. In a life of politics, it was nice to come across someone that wasn't fake.

The part of her family that Rowena kept hidden, was of course that of her maiden name, the family that she was born into. That name she kept close to her heart and told no one but Bastin. He wanted to be better than his late brother, Veiere, and she was helping him to accomplish that. It didn't matter to him that at the same time, she brought herself up as well.

Words travels fast. Darth Angonous had touched on the impending marriage of her daughter. She wasn't sure if such news had been formally announced as of yet, but it was certainly known in some circles.

At the compliment on the way that she operated, Rowena gave him a small smile and raised her glass, having a sip of her wine as though he had just made a toast. "Why thank you. I'd like to think that they broke the mould that made me." Once again she cradled her glass in her hands and placed them on her lap. "And what are your ambitions? Are you as you say you are, and just a servant to an Empire?" She wasn't a servant for any Empire. She was a servant to herself.

 

[Darth Angonous]

Angonous wished he didn't finish his Martini, he could've had the opportunity to toast Rowena when she raised her glass at him. The shock seemed to wore off and Rowena took the revelation quite well. Was it her true intention or the did she refit her mask appearing to be fine yet internally plotting to stab him in the back? Angonous wasn't sure but he can't rule that out he remembered an old Sith quote: A trail of dead bodies is often caused by a person's ambition to attain higher power. Angonous was well aware of the sacrifices it took to get to the top, unlike the Jedi the Sith weren't afraid to seize the opportunity and achieve greatness.

"My ambition?" Angonous sighed as a child he was placed with notions that he had to advance his House which was once ridiculed for producing low level Sith. Yet despite this, Angonous didn't want to be the one to lead his house he was more interested in achieving power through the force. He wanted to be the ultimate warrior and understand the Dark Side. Yet politics had impeded his progress "I am," Angonous answered bluntly. "Yet I am not satisfied with where I am in life. I want more, I deserve more. I'm like you a person who is trying to advance my position in this game they call. But I want power, pure unadulterated power. It's right in front of me yet I can't grasp it I'm like a painter that's gone blind the power is there but there are things prevent me from getting to it."

Rowena Arenais

 

[-Shelved-]

Rowena listened as Darth Angonous laid out his goals. By his own words he was a servant, yet he had wanted more of himself. And not surprisingly, he couldn't attain it. At least not yet. Something was stopping him.

She had no idea of how Force Users, let alone Sith operated.

Right in front of him and he couldn't grasp it....

In her mind the answer was right in front of him. In a matter of speaking. He had already said the words himself. Perhaps his want of power blinded him to the means of attaining it. Rowena certainly wasn't afraid to let him in on her own thoughts. "A word of advice, I think that perhaps your mindset is what is preventing you from getting what you seek. You see yourself as a servant to an Empire. So how can you rise above and gain unadulterated power, if you only see yourself as a servant? It just isn't possible. You need to see yourself as more, believe yourself to be more, think of yourself as more. Then you'll feel it and all of the opportunities to become it will come to you and everything will fall into place."

 

[Darth Angonous]

Of course why didn't Angonous see the answer right in front of him? Ever since he was an apprentice the question that plagued Angonous was how was he going to attain power. Angonous' family, his peers even his master could see that he was gifted in the force. He was blessed with extraordinary power and skill which he often crushed his enemies with passion and hate. At age 25, Angonous became one of the youngest Sith Knights to become a Sith Lord and yet the title that so many Sith fight and die to earn did not satisfy him. Angonous had experienced conflict through battles against the Jedi, looked up Sith lore, even studied with his Mother about the mysteries of the Midichlorians yet no matter how powerful he became Anognous still felt something was missing.

Yet here was Lady Rowena, a person whom Angonous wasn't even looking gave him the answer that he was desperately looking for. He was a servant all of his life, Angonous served his family, his master and the Empire it was to the point where Angonous subconsciously saw himself as a servant never truly going above and beyond. In a way Angonous handicapped himself leaving him confused and frustrated. "Through victory my chains are broken." a smile spread across his face. The Force shall free me that was something that I never thought of myself as. A servant even when I thought I was the master I ended up serving a higher power."

The Sith Lord turned to her. "Thank you so much my Lady," he said. "Of all the people I've met, you were most helpful, I definitely want to meet you again you are a fascinating woman."

Was that..... flirting? No way it could be, it came across as sappy yet Angonous wanted to learn more about Rowena. How can he leave a person whom he met only for a few hours yet could make an profound impact on him. It was dare he say it frightening.

Rowena Arenais

 

[-Shelved-]

Rowena saw the sudden revelation hit Darth Angonous . His features lightened up and for a moment his tough exterior softened. She imagined that that was how she looked when she had made that same realization nearly thirty years ago. It had taken a lot of time, but she was quite close to reaching her goal. Patience was a virtue, especially in politics. And she had plenty of that.

"You'll have to forgive me my ignorance on the ways of Force Users and the Sith, or even the Jedi for all that matter; but do you all serve the Force, or does it serve you?" It could be a simple answer or a lengthy one. Either way it was sure to help her in the long run. He could help her in the long run too. It could be quite beneficial to have him on her side. And she was quite used to getting her way...

Which made his request all the more appealing. There was a sparkle of curiosity in his eyes laced with something else. Rowena was winning him over. She wasn't sure if she should be flattered, intrigued or....something more. "You flatter me so, and I believe that something could be arranged. How long are you in the syatem for?"

 

[Darth Angonous]

After spending most of his life living amongst force users, Angonous wasn't used to conversing with non-force users about the ways of the force. He always assumed that anyone he talked to knew how the light and dark side worked. It was an assumption that he should never stooped to as assumptions have often lead to carelessness. In the cutthroat world known as Sith politics, any sign of weakness could lead to a person going for the kill. Angonous made great pains to ensure that he always stayed on top no matter what. Always assume that your enemy is smarter than you that way you won't be surprised if they do something clever.

"The Jedi see it as an entity," Angonous responded rather bluntly. She was aware that he despised the Jedi, why wouldn't she? The moment he revealed himself to be a Sith it should be pretty obvious. "Something that they can flow through you, It is not. The force is like venom a weapon utilized to strike hard and fast. Showing mercy is the sign of a weak willed individual who is afraid to do what needs to be done. Emotion not peace will grant a person victory. Power achieved by igniting your emotions and allow yourself to let the rage flow through you. Only through conflict can we evolve."

That was what Angonous believed fervently throughout his years as a Sith. It was only through emotions where you can truly find power, by denying emotion you are deliberately limiting yourself to your full potential. Bottling up emotion often lead to worse consequences there's a reason why so many Jedi often fall to the Dark Side. "For as long as you are here my lady," Angonous winked feeling rather foolish right now. What kind of emotion was this? And why did he wink? "We can stay as long as we want to and explore the planet."

Rowena Arenais

 

[-Shelved-]

Well if having the Force meant that she had to be enraged to reach her goals, she was glad to not be a part of that life. She let her emotions guide her, yes, but it was cunning and perseverance that enabled her to get what she wanted. It wasn't through rage or physical conflict that got her to where she was today.

"There are some battlefields where such a philosophy doesn't work. Now before you jumped to any conclusions, I'm not saying that it means the Jedi way is better. There are other ways to achieve one's goals." She wasn't sure if Darth Angonous would see her meaning, but there was always a hope. "Sometimes an act of mercy can lead to greater things. Just like in Sabacc."

He winked at her. And his words clearly stated that she was now what held his interest here and not some quest of becoming a better Sabacc player. Rowena's cheeks flushed ever so lightly, and she gave a little smile as she looked down at her wine before bringing it up to her lips for a sip. She felt almost coy in her hesitation before speaking. "Well I'm here for another day or two. I have some business to attend to, as well as a bit of shopping. I'm sure that I could schedule in a bit of free time. Unless...oh, nevermind..." A silly thought entered her mind. But it was just that. Silly. There was no way that he'd be willing. But then again she didn't know him or those like him very well.

 

[Darth Angonous]

The thing about Mercy was that there were people who would eventually backstab you. During the Sith Wars, many Sith who showed mercy to dying soldier were repaid in full when they pressed a button on the Thermal Detonator blowing them up. It was to the point where many Sith Lords resorted to killing any wounded or even those who surrendered. "Maybe," he said. "But mercy can lead to worse things."

It was then Rowena was suddenly elusive about something which drew Angonous' attention. She really wanted Angonous to do something that much was clear but what exactly. "Unless what Rowena?" Angonous asked raising an eyebrow. "What's wrong?"

He really hated it whenever anyone doesn't give him a direct answer.

Rowena Arenais

 

[-Shelved-]

Mercy can lead to worse things? Rowena pondered on that for a moment. Such a notion wasn't anything that she had experienced so far, yet both Darth Angonous and herself played on very different battlefields. Only at this moment did they converge. Just for how long that would be, she had no idea.

One of her talents lay in baiting people. She could lure one in so much so that they'd choose the path that she put in front of them and do so in such a way that it was as though those people thought it themselves. A useful tactic to be sure.

"Oh nothing's wrong my dear, it's just....well, it could be quite dangerous for me out here. If you figured out that I am soon to be the mother of a Queen; well, just imagine if such news reached the ears of opportunistic kidnappers. I could perhaps utilize you for protection. Consider it a contract job during my stay here. I'd pay you well. But if such a task is beneath you, that is quite alright. I completely understand. It is just a silly idea, afterall..."

 

[Darth Angonous]

Nubian Prime while considered to be one of the least dangerous jungle in the galaxy is still vulnerable to the many wild animals that prowl there. Every year there were deaths reported near the Casinos because people drunkenly wonder off deep into the forest. Angonous on the other hand didn't mind the jungle, he did a lot of his training on Drummond Kaas where the wildlife was just as dangerous as the people live in the megacities. To survive in a jungle was a way to know who you truly are when pushed to the limit. To face a foe that is bigger and stronger than you and power through using your rage and hate brings satisfaction.

Angonous had strong memories surviving in the jungle even have the scars to prove it. OF course a sheltered royal like Rowena wouldn't be caught dead in the jungle combined with the fact that she will be the mother of a Queen very soon meant Bounty Hunters could be after her. This was an opportunity to get to know Rowena and possibly gain a valuable ally? As much as he hates politics, Angonous has to play the game and his family would be delighted to have a Arenais as their ally. "Say no more," he said smiling. "I'm in I pledge myself to protect you Rowena Arenias from harm. No one will touch you by my honor as a Sith Lord."

Not many honorable Sith now and days treachery was their way but what little honor he had he will dedicate it to Rowena.

Rowena Arenais

 

[-Shelved-]

Darth Angonous 'honour as a Sith Lord. He was a Force User and she wasn't sure of just how much honour they had. No doubt, given all their wars, it was about as cutthroat and at times dishonourable as politics. Still, he took the bait in a sense. She had him for the time being and she couldn't help but feel a little bit excited about the prospect.

Rowena gave him a pleasant smile and once more raised her wine glass. "Well then, I'm sure that this'll be a very good partnership indeed. Though I do hope that you don't find it dull. It's a far cry from physical war." Words were the weapons. And legislation, business deals, etc. She sipped her wine and let the glass settle on her lap again. "So tell me about your company, my Lord." He was working for her now, but she felt it best to use his title to help him rise up and see his future.

 

[Darth Angonous]

Angonous internally sighed when Rowena raised her wine glass. Of all the times to not have his Martini glass it was when Rowena was raising her glass for toast. It was one of those little things that can go a long way when it comes to courtesy something that Angonous sometimes struggles with. "No it's far from boring lady Rowena," Angonous said smirking. "It's not the first time I've entered a non violent conflict I just end up being bored and frustrated because I feel confined."

The Sith Lord got up and stretched a bit holding out his hand for Rowena to take. "I'm a man who judges a person through their actions rather than what the say. Many people often speak but they never backed it up through action, but don't worry my lady I'm more than capable of small talk as you just saw. I just prefer the more direct method of doing things because it get things done."

Rowena Arenais

 

[-Shelved-]

Rowena took note that Darth Angonous had a habit of feeling confined and would probably lash out. A Force User's way of lashing out probably differed greatly from a normal person. That would be something that she'd have to keep an eye on.

She took his hand and got to her feet gracefully. "Oh there is plenty of action behind the scenes, usually. Meetings and the like are merely for laying out the chess pieces and putting them in their places. Wars between governments can be started and stopped through some meetings. I know them well, as they are what have gotten me to this point today."

Rowena began to lead them back down to the main floor, taking another sip of her wine before hooking her arm with his as she often did when she walked with someone of note. He didn't answer her question earlier, so Rowena decided to ask it again. "So tell me a bit more about your company..."