Private The Changing Tide

[-Shelved-]

Charity events. Those were Rowena's bread and butter. The façade that she put on while meeting and greeting doners was where she was the most comfortable. It was her escape from everything that troubled her. It was her escape from current events. In these events evertthing was simple and clean cut; talk about the plight of those in needs to the elite and collect the credits. Sure she threw in a few favours here and there to advance the interests of the doners, but that was no different than lobbying in the game of politics.

It was here that she thrived.

Or at least that was what she liked to portray.

Tonight's event was slightly different. Of course she didn't let on the reasons as to why. Her reasons were personal and there were many things that she kept close to her chest. Reputation and pride prevented her from being an open book to anybody. Such a thing was dangerous and stupid. Anyone could take advantage of a person that was easy to read and kept no secrets. And she was not about to become a victim or a target. She wasn't about to go down without a fight, even if it meant clubbing them with her 4" heels.

But there was little need for that.

Invitations for the charity event had gone out to many that she knew, most of which were regulars to her events. But some like Darth Angonous were not commoy on her list. However this time he was, via a subconscious slip, and by the time that she had realized that she had sent it to him, it was already too late. It had been over a year since she had heard from him and no doubt he'd see the invitation after it was too late anyways. So she quickly brushed aside the notion that he'd even show up at all and instead focused on minging and making small talk with the company that she was used to keeping.

It was the distraction that she needed.

 

[Darth Angonous]

(OOC: Takes place on the day of Bastin Arenaris' death.)

Location: Naboo

Bastin Anerais smirked raising his Cycler Rifle towards an animal that was resting near the river. He had spent the last couple of weeks in the Lianorm Swamp hunting game. It was how he relaxed, being alone in nature facing the elements Bastin was a natural leader born with a ton of charisma but there were times that he wanted to be alone and away from his family in order to clear his head. It had been an eventful couple of years for the Anerais family: Saraya Arenais his daughter was married off to the King in CIS space, the niece was married off to a rising nation called the Elysium Empire and his beloved wife: Rowena Arenais narrowly escaped the Rakghoul Plague in Numdian Prime along with what she claimed to be a Sith Lord or a freak as he liked to call him. These force users thinking that they were morally superior to others just because they move stuff with their minds. From the galaxy's inception the common man had been dragged into the petty squabbles between the Jedi and the Sith. Their religious fervor had held people back for generations. How many planets have been lost because of the fighting? Bastin had ancestors in Taris who were nearly wiped out because of the war between the Sith and the Jedi.

To Bastin, the Jedi and the Sith were no different from one another, take a Jedi Knight and strip them of the Force. What are they? Just like him nothing different than a normal person. These people rely on the Force like a leech, these Jedi were dogmatic in their teachings and it was something that his wife shares. During the New Jedi Order's war against the Sith he was hoping that both sides eradicated each other. Alas this was not to be, Bastin was glad that they Sith Lord was dead though, Rowena would often talk to him in wistful tones. While Bastin did not doubt her faithfulness, he can't help but feel that the woman had a think for whatever his name was. "Good riddance to bad rubbish," Bastin fired his Rifle and immediately the creature fell. His family was gaining power and influence all over the galaxy just as he intended. Soon he'll become one of the most powerful people in the galaxy.

The man knelt down and began to skin the beast in front of him. Bastin was willing to fight anyone who dare to fight him, he was good with speech but was better with his fists. Bastin, had fought even Jedi to a blood pulp back in his day and would do so again. Though Bastin was 56, he moved and acted like a man of 26 full of vim and vigor that would intimidate even the toughest of men. He was ready to take on the galaxy and win, the board was set up the Sith Empire was destroyed and the Jedi were under scrutiny by the Senate for their war crimes. With enough power and influence, Bastin can make sure than no Force User would ever have a say in the galaxy's affairs again. Everything was looking up.

Just then he heard a roar from afar, Immediately Bastin raised his rifle a smile forming on his face. More game to hunt huh? Based on the sound, it's a big one. Making sure to load his rifle, Bastin followed the multiple roars until he reached a large cave. Taking a deep breath, Bastin ventured forth taking extra caution. The moment Bastin entered he felt a sudden chill in his spine, as feeling that he was going to die. He brushed it off it was nerves it was always nerves. Bastin didn't get far in life by being a risk avoider and he'd been hunting for years. He was confident in his abilities, continuing to go deeper into the cave. As he got deeper, Bastin felt more afraid his hands started to shake and his eyes started to dart around the dark, damp cave. Why can't he control his nerve?

A tremor was felt as Bastin gulped. "Oh no," he turned on his heel and began to run but large rocks fell onto him and everything went dark.

(OOC: Present day.)

Darth Angonous came into the charity event dressed in fancy clothing. He hadn't seen Rowena in almost a year mainly because he was in hiding, the Sith were destroyed and the Jedi were on the hunt for any Sith Lord. As much Angonous wanted to see Rowena again, he couldn't take the risk. Yet here he was at Rowena's behest. The Sith Empire is on the rise again and he was recently chosen to be the Dark Legate: The General of all of the Sith's armies. It was time to take action and it started with rekindling past relationships. Angnous approached Rowena, "hello my lady," he said giving her a short bow. "It has been some time."

 

[-Shelved-]

The hairs on the back of her arms and neck rose, as though the air had cooled. But it hadn't really. It was moreso because the energies of the room had shifted. Others might not of noticed it, but Rowena did.

And as she looked around for the source, Darth Angonous appeared before her. She couldn't hide the surprise on her face, yet bowed her head. "Hello Ang. I'm surprised that you made it." There was pain in her eyes, yet she plastered on a well trained broght smile. "But it's good to see you. This is a very special event and as I promise all of my guests; the contributions will go straight to low income families displaced and heavily impacted by war." It was a cause dear to her heart, as well as Bastian's.

"You look well. What has kept you busy as of late?"

 

[Darth Angonous]

Angonous smiled returning Rowena Arenais bow, she was still as elegant yet steely as from a year ago. The Sith Lord sensed a hint of sadness within her but she hid it well with a professional demeanor. The woman had definitely endured the death of her husband, it was all over Holonews which shocked some of the nobility throughout the mid-rim. Angonous looked around seeing the social elite conversing with one another laughing and having a good time. He was certain that they all put on a masquerade feigning sincerity when they gave Rowena their condolences about Bastin. In reality, those people were plotting to see if they can get take advantage with the power vacuum that was created by Bastin.

"I was in the galaxy when I recieved your invite," Angonous said with a light laugh. "I'd figure you would never speak to me again after our little.... adventure." He didn't know how traumatized Rowena was maybe she was good at hiding her emotions, Angonous wasn't sure but the woman would always surprise him with her consoling and astonishing amount of luck.

"Lots of things happened after we separated," Angnous said shaking his head. "But as soon as I heard of your husband's death, I got worried I wanted to see you in person."

He placed a hand on Rowena's shoulder. "How are you feeling?" Angonous whispered. "The news kept saying that Bastin died in an hunting accident eaten by an Anoatian pit beast."

Angonous closed his eyes. "I'm sorry," he said pulling the woman into a hug.

 

[-Shelved-]

Rowena offered a light chuckle of her own. "You mean misadventure, don't you? My husband was grateful for your efforts and even midly surprised that you handled me in a crisis . He surely knows....or rather knew of how I can be when overly flustered." And boy did she pamper herself afterwards. There were many days at the spas, massages, retail therapy and more, all to push that horrible time to the back of her mind.

Yet now she found herself in another horrible time. What was it with Arenais men dying in the prime of their life? Was it some sort of curse? For her sake she was glad to have had a daughter.

Darth Angonous lowered his voice as he put his hand on her shoulder, causing her to swallow down the lump in her throat that started to form. She wasn't going to lose herself here, and especially now when there were so many guests watching. And then he wrapped his arms around her, to which she let herself sink into them. "I'm putting my best foot forward. Yet it's difficult as we had been married for such a long time. I'm used to him being away on his little hunting trips, however it's strange to think that he's never coming home..."

With her daughter away in her new life, Rowena now lived alone. Could she handle it? Oh yes. But no doubt there'd be quite a few suitors wanting to take his place and inherit everything that she had.

Rowena broke the hug in order to limit the gossip that was sure to begin if she let it linger for too long. "What has gone on with you as of late? Anymore misadventures with damsels fighting with their heels?"

 

[Darth Angonous]

It was hard for Angonous to adapt during his brief exile after the war against the New Jedi Order. As soon as he and Rowena Arenais separated, Angonous fought in small skirmishes against the Galactic Alliance in the mid rim. Even though Angonous fought, he was pessimistic about the Sith Empire's chances against Galactic Alliance. They lost Korriban, their home planet and despite victories at Ziost the feeling was that the Sith Empire would crumble sooner or later. Eventually those predictions became true, with one fell swoop the Galactic Alliance and the New Imperial Order destroyed the Empire sending the surviving Sith Lords into hiding. A new Dark Side organization proclaiming to be the New Sith called the Brotherhood of the Maw took their place. It was utter nonsense, that cult fancies themselves as Sith but they are not true Sith.

Angonous spent most of his time as a mercenary under the name: Wilson. Angonous kept his head down, listening for any signs for his fellow Sith waiting for the call. He was tempted to start a Sith Empire himself but Angonous needed to restrain and use his anger to motivate himself. The foolish Jedi do the same thing over and over again destroying the Sith and thinking that they were gone. Yet the constantly the Sith survive and adapt and that was something Angonous had to learn: adapt and overcome. No longer was he the warrior who charged headfirst into battle but an Acklay in the jungles of Felucia waiting for his prey to let its guard and strike. It took a lot of self discipline, Angonous had to refocus his anger and rage towards surviving and learning from the mistakes of the past but now the Sith are gathering a Dark Council and he was chosen as the general of their armies.

The Sith Empire needed to remain in the shadows and regather their power but the reformation of the Dark Council was the first step towards vengeance. They needed allies, they needed a foothold in order to rebuild their Empire, one that will last for multiple generations and it started with Rowena and her family. "I'm sure it is hard," Angonous replied letting go of Rowena. "To know that everyday you can't see your husband, hear his voice, his gentle touch and kisses. I've lost family during the invasion of Drummond Kaas a year ago so I share your pain."

In reality his family's death helped fuel Angonous rage to the point where felt stronger and more powerful. Angnous had a gift rage channeling and the loss and fear were some of the most powerful emotions. It unlocked the true potential of a person and they are made better for it. "You sure that your husband liked me?" Angonous asked. "He seemed unsettled around me even called a dangerous thing when we first met face to face."

Angonous sighed. "Well I can go a misadventure with you in heels anyday my lady." he chuckled. "I've actually enjoyed our little journey we got to know each quite well."

 

[-Shelved-]

Losing family was never easy. It created a heartbreak that was difficult to heal. Time was the best thing. She knew that. "I would only hope that neither of us lose anymore. That is part of what this charity event is for. So many lose much because of war, and this is to help them to rebuild their lives." And of course it served as a distraction.

Rowena laughed as Darth Angonous brought up the fact that Bastin called him dangerous. Her late husband was steadfast in his hatred of Force Users and she understood full well his reasins for it. And in some ways she agreed with him too. "You are what he despizes the most. I think that your only saving grace was that you protected me, something that he was thankful for, in his own way."

As for their previous misadventure, she fully agreed that they got to know eachother well. However it was perhaps a little too well. Whether it was the situation or something else, Rowena was drawn to him during it. Yet by all accounts she shouldn't have been. She was married and both loyal and faithful to her husband. That was also partly why she hadn't reached out to Ang any sooner. It wouldn't of been right.

"I don't think that I'll be venturing far from home for a while. I have many affairs to sort out after his passing.". There was plenty of paperwork, her husband's will, and much more. His funeral had been a very small and private affair. There wasn't much of a body to bury afterall.

 

[Darth Angonous]

Angonous didn't fear death he was a Sith the embodiment of death, to fear of losing people is a Jedi mindset something that must be discarded. Victory and freedom are all that matters for the Sith and any mental roadblocks must be purged from the mind or in Angonous' case be used to fuel their hate and rage as to why those thoughts would even dare to enter his mind. To control the Force, to unlock their chains was a long and agonizing process but pain and anger brings transcendence. The Jedi would deny their feelings but the Sith embraces and uses the strong emotions to their advantage. Fear death? Use it as fuel to get better in life, It was how Angonous was known to be an unstoppable juggernaut in battle.

"I can't say I'm surprised," Angonous said. "According to the Holonews, polls suggest that trust in Force Users is at an all time low. If anything, it's the Jedi whom he should hate. I've sworn to protect you a year and I admit I've come back to protect you again from the daggers in the dark."

Angnous looked around observing the many nobles chatting about nothing important. He can already sense that they are plotting and they are already underestimating Rowena Arenais and her family. If anything, the Arenais house has principles some thing that Angonous admires despite the fact that there are some Jedi in their family. He just hated the fact that he needed to hide who his true self was, but Angnonous spent a lot of time studying Bane's Rule of Two: Survive and Thrive and that's a reality the Sith have to face right now. What matters is gathering allies to work for them regardless of allegiance. It was working with the senate at the Galactic Alliance.

"There will be more wars to come," Angonous said bluntly. "As long as there are more than one person conflict will always be prevalent. I know this is charity is used for you to mourn but for these people it's only to make themselves look good. To show their easily deceived followers how "generous" they are. It's all an act Rowena, they care little for war orphans and more about enriching themselves."

Angonous crossed his arms. "I assume his body has been recovered?" he asked. "I'm curious to see where he is right now?"

 

[-Shelved-]

"Jedi, Sith....they are one and the same. They are Force Users." And both Rowena and Bastin were not.

As for protecting her from daggers in the dark; she had hoped that there would be little need for that yet. As she picked up a flute of wine from the tray of a passing server, her eyes glanced about to the other guests that chatted away with nary a care in the world. Rowena sipped from the glass, turing her attention back to Darth Angonous with a reassuring smile. "There are no daggers out there for me yet. I haven't ruffled any feathers. In fact most seem to tiptoe around me more than anything else." No doubt that was out of politeness and respect for the dead. However she knew that it wouldn't last.

Her smile faded owever as he stated the obvious. Rowena was no fool. She knew that war would always come. True peace wouldn't be possible. Yet at least her place in it could be free from battle. She wasn't a soldier.

"I know their games. I know the cause means little to them. But as you say, this is for me, and they are here for exactly that. Just as you are."

Rowena shook her head as Ang asked about Bastin's body. "Now is not the time nor the place to discuss such things. It's....too soon..."

 

[Darth Angonous]

"Force users yes," Angonous said to Rowena Arenais . "But that is a simplistic way of seeing the Sith, the Sith are more interested in saving the Galaxy from the Force itself by changing its fundamentals. The Jedi want to maintain the fundamentals force and its cruel hand." The Jedi didn't want true change, they act like they do but in the end they conform. The Sith desire change and will do whatever it takes to get it. "The Sith survive and learn from what happens, the Jedi remain stagnant believing that their way will always prosper. With the Sith, we recognize those who are not blessed with the power to control the Force doesn't mean they are lesser people it means that they have other talents like you have showed me during our..... misadventure."

The Sith have already adapted and are reaching out to dissatisfied people throughout galaxy. The Brotherhood of the Maw the false Sith were unwittingly doing the dirty work as in beginning to move on the Jedi on their behest. All the Sith needed to do was to place plants within the Senate to spread real and false information of the Jedi's crimes committed during the war. The Sith Empire may be destroyed but their will is still felt. "There are daggers for you my lady." Angonous said. "Look around you, the nobility are swarming, hovering you like vultures waiting for their victim to die. They wear masks of empathy and sympathy but it's a lie. They see profit and hope that your house will spiral under control."

He placed his hands behind his back. "These nobles don't care about the galaxy," he said. "They enjoy watching others suffer but the Sith care more about learning from failure. They don't mock, they don't laugh at others pain, they learn from it and become stronger."

Angonous frowned. "I can sense their intentions Rowena," he said. "They don't care for you, they care about looking good but not being good. They want to appear moral and upstanding. It's a vanity affair laced with insidious intentions. I am the only one who came for you."

He placed his hand on Rowena's shoulder. "We can discuss your husband's death later," Angonous whispered. "For now let us see what you plan to do with this fundraiser?"

 

[-Shelved-]

"The Jedi and Sith fight one another while each claims to be the righteous ones. And everyone else is either cannon fodder or meat shields, neither of which benefit the Galaxy at all." Rowena repeated the same lines that Bastin would use. Yet even non-Force Users were just as corrupt. It's just that the Force Users had higher capabilities and thirst for war than others did. "Learning from mistakes is what a lot of people do. It is a part of growing up. It's not just a....Sith thing."

Again she sipped her wine, looking to the nobles nearby while Darth Angonous spoke about them. In some respects he was probably right. Yet in others she felt as though he was not. "My house will not falter or fail. I have made sure of it with the royal marriages arranged and the new Empires and Kingdoms aligned with it. My husband's death doesn't change that." Everything was secured but her own fate. But it was far too soon to even think of herself right now.

Rowena placed her hand on top of his for a small moment, her voice soft while she spoke; "If you're the only one that came for me....well then I'm glad that you did." Her hand dropped back down as she cradled her glass in both of her hands, once again putting on the façade of a cheerful host. "The credits raised today will be sent to select planets that my husband favoured. Low income families will be given a lump sum to help them to rebuild what they had lost. Orphans and others already get help from other fundraisers. Yet it's the poorer families that tend to be forgotten. I'm trying to change that." Such a cause was very dear to her for there was a strong personal connection that she had to it all. But that wasn't anything that she'd share to anyone. Only Bastin knew. And he took that secret to the grave.

 

[Darth Angonous]

"The Sith actually cares for the people Rowena," Angonous said. "As I said they seek to break the chains that are bound to everyone, if anything the Jedi who say that the Sith are evil continue to purge us as though we are a disease. We only seek to consolidate power and maintain order throughout the galaxy." He could tell Rowena was parroting her husband's words, it reeked of self righteousness like a Jedi. Bastin was infamous for his anti force sentiment, the Sith used people like him through funneling donations, Bastin can reach prominence and sew the seeds of discourse between the GA and Jedi. It was a good parting gift for the Jedi knight templars but there was also an alternative method. A war was coming and what better way was to have the galaxy be distracted by conflict while the Sith rebuild.

"How can you be certain?" Angonous asked slightly intrigued by the alliances. He knew the Elysium Empire will be a nuisance but he wasn't too worried about them. Their Empire was minor and they can be manipulated into serving the Sith cause. "When you're a rising star," he continued. "People will do whatever it takes to bring you down. All those who gain power are afraid of losing it, you, me and especially these people. The Elysium Empire will try to take advantage of a grieving widow to expand their territories, businessmen will try to force you to sign contracts that are lopsided in your favor. Grief means weakness something you mask well my lady but these people are sniffing you out. You don't need the force to see that."

He smiled when Rowena Arenais squeezed his hand. Angonous had to admit it felt nice to feel her soft hand rest against his rough one again. "That sounds generous," he said. "But there's a war coming Rowena, I don't when It'll come but the Galactic Alliance loves to wage war along with the Jedi. It's best to use your credits to building orphanages under yours."

He smiled taking out his Holoprojector displaying a considerable amount of credits. "My name I want to build orphanages for the children ravaged by war," he said. "I want them to have a better future for themselves an outer heaven if I may say."

 

[-Shelved-]

"Genocide isn't good, no matter who does it. And although Bastin hated Force Users, purging them was never anything that he practiced. Otherwise he'd of started a crusade against them long ago..." He only wanted them torn down a peg or two instead of being all superior to everyone else. The last thing that he wanted was to be made a slave to them. And there were many that were highly into slavery, including the Hutts.

As for power, Rowena had to admit that she crqved it as well. It was her drivong force and motivation for every strategic move that she has made for herself and her children. But Darth Angonous was partly wrong in his statement. "The Elysium Empire already gained what they could through the marriage set between their heir and my niece that is Queen of a planet in Silver space. There is nothing more that they could gain, or anyone else really, should I be killed. My daughter would inherit my own fortune and properties, not any of them." She was no longer mqrried, and although that gqve her less stability in her personal life; at least it secured her assets to her family only.

"War is always coming, Ang. But yes, we can have an orphanage and sanctuary named after you in honour of your donation. Thank you." She bowed her head in thanks. The deal was struck, but she wasn't inclined to leave his company just yet. "Where will you be off to next?"

 

[Darth Angonous]

Angonous never said that Bastin wanted genocide but he was the type of man who would contribute to the already tumultuous relationship between the Jedi and Galactic Alliance. He was a useful tool to sew seeds of discord but of course Bastin had other uses as well..... "I get the feeling there will be a crusade against the Jedi soon," he said. "And though your husband wouldn't want a genocide his words could be the spark that would start a wildfire across the Galaxy. When people are fearful, they tend to go for the most extreme option under the guise that it will keep them safe."

It was a little naive of Rowena Arenais to expect that Elysium Empire would not want more power especially with the recent power vacuum with the family. "What do people with power want Rowena?" Angonous said. "More power, you honestly believe that a faction that names itself the Elysium Empire will be satisfied with just a marriage alliance. With Bastin's death, the Elysium Empire will look to make power plays, don't underestimate a faction's lust for power."

Lust for power, Angonous craves power and to Sicarius Hekate embodies it. Power to the Sith is a drug something that they can't enough of. Angonous had lived too long to not know that all those who crave power are afraid to lose it. They want more, always more a smile formed on Angonous' face when Rowena mentioned that many of the orphanages will be named after him. "I appreciate it," Angonous said feeling satisfied part of his plan was complete. To build his army, Angonous needed loyalty and what better than war orphans angry at the Jedi and the Galactic Alliance? Start a war, create victims, place them in better conditions and raise them to be soldiers driven by hate for the Jedi and love for the Sith who saved them.

"I'll be exploring the galaxy," Angonous said. "Though I wouldn't mind if I spent it with you."

 

[-Shelved-]

"Of even in death he could spark a movement that would bring about a good change to the Galaxy, than he'd be most pleased. And perhaps even relieved that people finally woke up to what he always knew. His brother was a Jedi and he hated that about him." There was a lot of jealousy that Bastin hadfor his brother. But he made his own way and did well for himself without cheating with the Force to gain power and influence.

As for Darth Angonous claiming that Elysium would make a power play in Bastin's absence, she chuckled. "Oh my dear, Ang, there are no power plays for them to make. It isn't as though they or anyone else are looking to take my husband's place. I will maintain my power and continue to grow it as I see fit. Bastin was my muscle and my rock. It was I that made the deals and secured the marriages and other arrangements. He...." Rowena stopped, mildly shaking her head before having another sip of her wine. Her heart began to ache again and she wanted that to stop. At least while she was in the public eye.

As he mentioned exploring the Galaxy, she had expected that. However his added comment about spending his time with her caused her to raise her eyebrows in surprise. Surely he was intending on sticking around for just a short while, if that was the case. "Oh?...Well you are welcomed to stay for however long you wish. " No doubt the thirst for adventure would draw him away as it did her husband. And she never stopped him from answering that call either.

 

[Darth Angonous]

"The Jedi are afraid of losing their power to the point where they would do anything to keep it." Angonous said. "Just like the Elysium Empire when there's an opportunity or when they're backed into a corner, you will see their true selves." It was nature, to crave power, keep power and build upon it. Too many people in this Galaxy believes that they are special and if they believed in themselves that they will succeed. The truth of the matter is that only a few can succeed and peddle those worthless phrases to those who don't have power to pacify them to make sure that they are satisfied with mediocrity in order to win, in order to succeed one must crush your enemies and make sure that they don't get up. It is how this Galaxy was built and will continue to be built, too many people have mentally softened themselves with comforting lies while those in power continue to stomp on their necks.

" Rowena Arenais people will see you as vulnerable, you're not but they are ready to pounce on you." Angonous nodded. "This pit of Vipers, I hate it sometimes it's best for people to actually reveal who they are instead of hiding behind facades."

The Sith Lord smiled at least Rowena felt safe by his side, it made it easier for him to get closer to her and win her affection. "Of course my lady," he said. "I am always going to be here for you Rowena."

 

[-Shelved-]

The Elysium Empire had her niece, her royal bloodline, her niece's Mandalorian companies and a stake in the Arenais fortune; not to mention a partial stake in Mnemosyne. But there was little use in trying to prove her point to Darth Angonous anymore as he was very steadfast in his own views as she was in hers.

"Pounce on me how, Ang? Clearly you have something in mind that I do not. So please, enlighten me..."

As for him remarking that he'd always be there for her, she gave him an appreciative nod. "I am sure that the monsters will be kept at bay in your presence."

 

[Darth Angonous]

"I am just saying," Angonous said looking around. "Is to be extra cautious, people with great ambitions always love a wounded target. I can sense them feeling out your weakness and determining how to exploit it." The Sith Lord placed his hand on her shoulder. "You must show them that you will not back down. It is naïve to assume that everyone here will give you a chance to breathe, everyone wants power even if they are in the denial. They cannot deny their true nature, it is only when you embrace your desire for power is when you get a chance to crush those who are blind."

It was only natural to desire power, it is how order is structured throughout the galaxy. To earn power, one must acknowledge their hunger and do what it takes to get it. "I would hope so," Angonous said taking a brief look at the people who were at the party. "But I always assume that there are those who would stupid enough to try to challenge me. I made sure that they learn place permanently,"

Angonous enjoyed a good challenge every now and then, but only a fool tries to defeat an enemy without the necessary tools. It was something that the Sith Lord had to grasp when the Empire fell to the Jedi. He wasn't powerful enough and the thought made bought Angonous shame in which he quickly channeled to rage during his time hiding in the fringes of the galaxy. Every extreme emotion was ripe for energy and power for Angonous it invigorated him and pushed him to be more powerful.

"What are your plans now my lady?" Angonous said. "What is your vision moving forward after your husband's death? What is the future of House Arenais?"

Rowena Arenais

 

[-Shelved-]

"I need the break, Ang." Her voice was quiet when she placed her hand on his again for a moment. "This is all just to satisfy their appetites for the time being so that I could go on a retreat." She needed one, however this time she didn't plan to go anywhere. Rowena just wanted to be pampered at home. There was a lot of safety there, not to mention privacy.

Rowena sipped her wine, finishing it off and placing it on a server's tray before gesturing for Darth Angonous to walk with her while they spoke. "House Arenais will continue to grow and prosper by whatever means that I find suitable. When the right opportunities arrive, I will take them, just as I have always done." Even if that meant marrying herself off. It was no good for a lady of her status to remain single for long, afterall.

 

[Darth Angonous]

If there was one thing that Angonous learned during his exile, it was that the best shield from criticism was good PR. It was something that Angonous hoped that the newly reformed Sith Empire would try to recreate especially in light of the Brotherhood being genocidal maniacs. Not that they already did something like this before but not to the extent that these nobles love to exude. "Where do you plan on going?" Angonous asked walking with Rowena Arenais "I can make sure that you are safe and that no one would try to mess with you."

It was best to have Rowena alone anyway, if any rivals would try to pry on her for a power grab it would create...... complications. Angonous didn't want to waste this opportunity for the Sith Order. This was a test of his resolve, to apply what he has learned from his exile using his words instead of his Lightsaber. "I know," Angonous whispered getting close to her. "Your House will grow and prosper it's just that you need to limit your allies now more than ever. Do whatever it takes to consolidate your power and make it grow Rowena and always keep a lookout for those who want to take it away."