Private The Changing Tide

[-Shelved-]

"I have a place in mind. It's warm, comforting and inviting...In light of recent events, it would probably be wise to have you along." She didn't want to outright say where she wanted to go while she was in earshot of others. It was always safer that way. And she didn't want to lie to Darth Angonous either.

As for his advice on growing her power, she nodded a little in agreement before offering a polite smile and bow of her head to one of the other nobles that walked past them. It wasn't until he was gone that she continued. "My number of allies is small as it is. However it will grow. Especially now. I am just rather picky in regards to who I pledge to."

 

[Darth Angonous]

"I hope it doesn't have sand," Angonous grumbled. "It's course, rough and Irritating and it gets everywhere." The Sith Lord really hated sand, it often scratched his armor, his Lightsaber and the grains of sand managed to mess up his hyperdrive of his Starship while he was on a mission on Tatooine a few years ago. If he would destroy every sand filled planet he would. "This planet you're going to? Is it safe? Is it a territory that you control?"

One can never be too cautious that was the lesson that Angonous learned from his master when he was a child. The more power a person wields, the more it'll attract others willing to take it. It was the price of power but something that Angonous embraced, you must use your power to show others why you are in charge, loyalty is created if people respect you and the power you possess. "Am I apart of your allies Rowena?" The Sith Lord smiled at her. "You are a great woman and I would just hate for you to be taken advantage of."

Rowena Arenais

 

[-Shelved-]

Rowena laughed, the sound light and genuine as though she was back to her old self. For the moment, she was. "Don't worry. The only sand that you'll find is at the beaches." In response to Darth Angonous 's question on whether it was territory that she controlled, she nodded once again. "It's quite safe, yes. Especially from vultures." No one ever came to her home uninvited

She continued to walk with him, pressing a finger to her lips and then to one of her ears, before tucking a few strands of hair behind her here. Rowena hoped that Ang understood the signals. There were ears everywhere, listening in and watching, even while at an innocent event such as this.

"You are a dear friend, Ang. Allies are for governments and the last that I knew, you weren't a leader of one. Would I be wrong to assume that that is still the case?"

 

[Darth Angonous]

"It's not enough," Angonous gave a hearty chuckle. "All sand must be eradicated from the face of the Galaxy." The planet that Rowena Arenais was talking about sounded safe considering that she has a mansion there. However even in one's own home they must be cautious, but that was Angonous' experience as a Sith Lord. He knew that as much as her husband would deny it, Bastin employs tactics that were no different from a Sith. Backstabbing, treachery, rage. If Bastin was force sensitive, Angonous would welcome him in the ranks of the Sith though judging by his brazen attitude Angonous suspected that he wouldn't last long.

A friend? Well that was a sign that Angonous was making progress, a friend was more valuable and trustworthy than a mere ally. It makes it easier Angonous to get closer to Rowena and drive away the people who hope to get her attention. It wasn't true that Angonous wasn't the leader of an organization. He was made the Dark Legate of the Sith Lord which meant that he oversaw the entire Sith Army but she didn't need to know that at least not yet. "Well I've received offers," Angonous said holding her hand. "But let's just say I much rather spend time with you than mulling it over."

 

[-Shelved-]

"Not to worry, as there isn't a beach for miles where we'd be going." It was rather comical that Darth Angonous had such dislike for sand. Would his worst nightmare entail being caught in a pit of quicksand? It was possible...

But there was little doubt that he'd avoid it at all costs. Much like desert planets.

"You've received offers, have you? How interesting."

Ang held her hand. She wasn't expecting that, especially after she gave him her visual warning. Perhaps he didn't notice or understand what she had meant. She paused in her steps and cupped his hand with her own in a bid to cover up his gesture. "I'm sure that Bastin would greatly appreciate you looking out for me, to be sure that I don't falter with his passing. Will you be staying for the rest of the event?"

 

[Darth Angonous]

Angonous chuckled letting go of Rowena Arenais hand it was rather odd that he was instinctively reaching out to her it's even odder that she didn't mind despite the fact that her husband was killed. Maybe she interpreted as a comforting touch from a friend but still Angonous still maintained some attraction towards Rowena. He hoped that it didn't interfere with his mission. "Not much," Angonous said. "I don't think I'll take them right now I want to be with you and catch on some lost times."

Angonous smiled. "I don't think Bastin likes it when I'm around you at all." he said. "Last we met, he yelled at me not to see you again." Angonous frowned. "Called me a freak as well as I recall."

 

[-Shelved-]

Catching up. That's what friends did. Rowena didn't have many of those. The had acquaintences, but not really much by the way of trustworthy friends. That was where Bastin was situated, and in some manner Darth Angonous as well. "We'll certainly have some time for that after this event is over. I'll have another speech to give and then I'll be able to slip away. I may be the host, but I am not required to stay till every last guest has left. That's what my staff are hired for."

Rowena gave him a small nod as he described a situation that had occured over a year ago. Once Bastin had discovered that Ang was a Force User, that was it. It didn't matter that he had saved Rowena's life, for as far as Bastin was concerned, the monsters were drawn to the Force User and it was because of him that his wife was in danger. "I am aware. Bastin always wants to keep me safe. His stance on Force Users is quite firm and it's not without reason." Not that it mattered anymore. Although thankfully it wasn't a Force User that killed him, but one of his prey. Or so Rowena was aware of, anyways.

 

[Darth Angonous]

"What is your speech my lady?" Angonous leaned against the wall. "Is it going to be a dry we will over come speech? Because this shallow and uncaring crowd would eat that up and think that it's going to be impactful." He smirked. "But words mean nothing if it's backed up by action." Angonous continued. "A person can easily know when one is full of themselves, they say one thing but their actions say otherwise. Too many times that one can say save the environment only to have their industries destroy the environment. People are enticed by illusions and honeyed words. The most powerful of people are ones who recognize that power is only achieve if stave off delusions and press on."

Angonous was a man who never took anyone at their word, everybody lies it was the core element of the Sith. The problem if those same tactics ended up working against them which it did. The key element for Sith to thrive is remain united while using deception against their enemies. "There's a fine line between reason and bigotry my lady," Angonous said though he never cared about Bastin's stance his anti force sentiment made him one of many mouthpieces used to speak against the Jedi. Once people like Bastin serve their purpose, they are set aside for more grander schemes like what's happening now.

Rowena Arenais

 

[-Shelved-]

Rowena gave Darth Angonous an amused smile as he went on and on about what her speech was probably about and how shallow the words would be. But in truth he wasn't aware of what her speech was about at all. "My dear Ang, you haven't been to many of these events, have you? I am merely going to thank everyone for coming and for their contributions. Nothing more and nothing less."

As for his remark on bigotry, her smile faded. "Put yourself in Bastin's shoes, and mine. The Galaxy is plagued by wars where the core issues at the center of it revolve around Force Users and which sorcery sect is better. The rest of us are cannon fodder, meat shields, hostages and inferior beings used for those wars. You strip a Force User of their magic powers and how do you think they feel? Vulnerable. Weak. That is how people like me and my late husband are perceived by Force Users. But really, we can achieve much without the help of magic to do it for us. Bigotry goes both ways, Ang. It is not one sided." It was no more one-sided than the Jedi and Sith's attacks on one another.

 

[Darth Angonous]

Angonous was a Sith Warrior a Juggernaut he was above this fake and shallow party that these fat and bloated nobles are attending in order to boast their fragile egos. It was a waste of time to be pretending to like each other yet Angonous had to endure this. He was a man of action but for the sake of the Sith Empire and their armies, he must learn how to adapt. Thankfully Rowena Arenais was here to help. "No I wasn't," Angonous stated bluntly. "We've had Sith style parties which far more deadlier."

The Sith Lord sighed crossing his arms. "Very well," he said. "It seems that we are at impasse in regards of our views on force users. You're just as stubborn as I am lady Rowena." Angonous looked around. "So when can we leave these miscreants?" he whispered.

 

[-Shelved-]

Rowena made a note to herself to avoid Sith parties. Not that she'd ever have reason to go to one anyways.

Stubborness ran in her family. It was in her blood and was partly responsible to her position in society today. And so in her mind stubborness wasn't at all a bad thing.

"Once I've made my speech, it'll be a good time to leave." Whether or not he'd go with her was anyone's guess. It wasn't for her to worry about. She had her reputation as host to look after.

Rowena's speech was short and sweet as she had planned; thanking all of those that attended for the free food and drinks, plus those that contributed to the cause in honour of her late husband. And then she bid them all goodnight before slipping away from the venue to her hotel.

Tomorrow she was going home.

​

 

[Darth Angonous]

Darth Angonous gave a bemused chuckle. "Well no time to waste then," he said looking at the nobles. Honestly their excesses disgusted Angonous, under the Sith they'll be executed or forced into hard labor. Well it was something Angonous fantasized at least but for now at least half of these self indulgent people will be prime targets in manipulation on a grand scale. "Good," the Sith Lord said. "They'll be easily amused by a generic statements like sheep. It's almost repulsive seeing them think that they're better than others because of their status."

A smirk formed on his face "the truth is," he said. "Most of them merely inherited their wealth they didn't earn it. They're leeches who need to learn that they are not all powerful. As Sith we earn our power even if the most powerful of us has to watch out for someone better and hungrier could take them out. I don't sense ambition that is not for their indulgence here."

He turned to Rowena Arenais "except for you," he said. "You care for your family not just your own selfish desires."

 

[-Shelved-]

Rowena knew all about status. She had worked hard to get where she was and to bring her bloodline to greatness. She was above many because of that. Yet she found it funny that Darth Angonous was disgusted by nobles because of their attitude towards others, when Force Users treated others unlike them in exactly the same way. It was hypocritical. It was all part of the 'do as we say, not as we do' kind of attitude that a lot of people carried.

She raised a brow as Ang pointed out the fact that she was different than they were because of her ambition. "My selfish desires are for my family and their standing in the Galaxy. I'm not all that different than they are." If her family hadn't been cut off from everything a few hundred years ago, she'd of been born into wealth and high status too. However that just wasn't the case for her. Yet besides all of that she was in a much better position now than she was in her youth.

With her speech having already been done, she slipped out of the venue to catch an air taxi. Rowena couldn't wait to let her hair down and reward herself with some much needed pampering.

 

[Darth Angonous]

"But like I said," Angonous said looking at the crowd. "You know what needs to be done and don't have any illusions for yourself." It was something that Angonous strangely admired about Rowena Arenais that and her jaw dropping luck. "Unlike many here who think they are moral and virtuous, you Rowena actually has a good heart."

It felt strange saying it and for a moment Angonous thought he was a Jedi, but Rowena did legitimately care for the causes she got behind. It made it easier for good publicity especially now that the Sith needed to operate from the shadows once again. With Rowena by Angonous' side, it meant good Public Relations which was something that these nobles care too much throughout their history in the galaxy. The woman was more than capable of carrying her family name and with a little help from the Sith, her House will be immortalized.

Angonous followed Rowena towards the Taxi letting out a sigh, at least it was over. He couldn't help wanting to bang his head against the wall when the people expressed excitement over Rowena's generic speech. They weren't really excited, they were just gauging her to see if she was weak but the way they've expressed telegraphed their actions it was almost embarrassing. "Looks like I'm armed security once again." The Sith Lord smiled at the woman.

 

[-Shelved-]

Rowena found it amusing that Darth Angonous thought that she had a good heart. She was selfish and she knew it. She loved to be pampered in every way and did whatever she could to make things go in her favour to grant her more power, even when it meant arranging marriages for her unwed relatives. It was a practice that wasn't very common these days, yet both her daughter and her niece held no objections to it. Others had expressed their resentments towards the marriages, however, but it was out of their hands.

No, she didn't believe herself to having a good heart, instead having a strong sense of duty towards family. There was a big difference there.

"Armed security? I think that we've left all of the monsters behind us." And where Rowena was planning ongoing, monsters didn't exist.

Only ghosts.

She stepped into the airtaxi once it had arrived, both excited to go home, but then saddened by it at the same time. Except for the staff, her house was going to be empty. Yet perhaps if she just pretended that Bastin was away on one of his hunting trips or missions, it would make her feel better. Maybe the house would feel less empty then.

"Where we are going will be in Jedi space. You're not going to be setting off any alarms or anything are you by showing up there? I don't know how this Force User stuff is detected..."

 

[Darth Angonous]

Angonous chuckled. "You're mistaken Rowena Arenais," he said. "In this galaxy there are monsters everywhere, some overt others subtle." It was a lesson that Angonous had to learn the hard way. Monsters were not the kind that children hear as bedtime stories, as a child grows they realize that monsters were politicians, traitors and backstabbers. Monsters were those without any honor or order, the Jedi definitely had plenty of monsters in their ranks even when they claim not to be them. The Sith were only there to get rid and root out those who are mindless, those who betray others. There were definitely traitors within the Sith. From the failed faction: The Warlords to the Sith's own people, Angonous' first goal was to root all who sold out the Sith and give them an ultimatum. Join and their transgressions will be forgotten or die, loyalty is what's needed to survive and thrive in this brand new Empire.

"The Jedi," Angonous snorted. "If you're talking genocide enablers, look no further than the Jedi. The Hyperspace Wars where they killed men, women and children of the Sith. Even today, they hunt us like animals."

The Sith Lord sighed. "Don't worry about me Rowena," he said. "I've remained hidden for a long time, my ability to mask myself has eluded even a Jedi Master."

 

[-Shelved-]

There were certain kinds of monsters that Rowena could handle. And those were the human kind; like politicians and nobles. Yet it was the monsters of the animal kind and even some of the alien races that she couldn't handle. Her heels could only do so much in taking out a threat. And surely it looked comical whenever she raised her fists. But she was a Lady and fighting wasn't very becoming of her.

Yet history had a habit of being repeated. At least this time she was just going home. There was no big shield generators or anything for her and Darth Angonous to worry about.

"As I've said, they are all hypocrites, Ang. Each side is out to destroy the other while there are those like me that try not to drown in their blood that has nothing to do with me. If only all Force Users could just...go off to some big world of their own and fight eachother there. The rest of the Galaxy could be left alone to live out their lives the way they are meant to." It might even be more peaceful then.

Fanatical religions were never her thing. They had no place in politics.

 

[Darth Angonous]

Angonous smiled. "Conflict does not come from just force users Rowena Arenais it is part of people's nature to fight and kill over things like religion, ideologies or just simple bloodlust. Even if you get rid of us all, the non force users will just continue to wage war and fight over petty things justifying their actions for merely different reasons. After all many great wars throughout the Galaxy's history has been waged without Jedi or Sith, the force is merely an embodies the rage and the war that has been created by people and only a few can harness its power. Through conflict one understands the nature of the Force. War expands and creates conflict and through that conflict the Force brings life. It is what's wired into our very being Rowena."

They approached the transport ship. "Shall we be away?" Angonous said holding out a hand and guiding Rowena inside the ship.

(OOC: Flashback to Naboo.)


Bastin came to, pain washed over his entire body. He had been in multiple fights before, so experiencing pain was nothing special, it was like getting a massage really pain was essentially Bastin's best friend this was nothing. Bastin was flat on his back looking around the cave, how fracking stupid was he? Bastin walked into the cave like an amateur not knowing what the creature was and not even accessing the cave's stability with a scanner. Rowena always scolded Bastin for being reckless at times. Looks like the woman was right this time he really should listen to Rowena at times. Noticing his rifle far away from him, Bastin got up to and walked over to grab it.

Or at least he tried to.

"What?!" Bastin muttered under his breath, he couldn't move. Hell, Bastin couldn't feel his legs what the frack was going on?! "What the frack?!" With great effort, Bastin panted and grunted struggling to sit up. "Why is it so hard just to sit up?!" he thought.

Bastin would receive his answer when his forehead collided with the large boulder in front of him. Groaning, Bastin rubbed his bloodied forehead adjusting his eyes to see the boulder as well as blood from underneath it. His blood..... with his legs crushed underneath.

"Oh no......" Bastin's heart raced to the point where he thought it was going to explode. For the first time in his life, fear flooded the once proud Anerais processing the reality that he is in right now.

"HELP!" Bastin yelled begining to sob. "This can't be, this can't be! This had to be a bad dream! There was no way it can end like this! Not alone..... not without Rowena and Saraya Arenais knowing. "SOMEBODY HELP!"

His voice echoed throughout the cave, part of Bastin prayed that the soundwave would somehow reach a traveler passing by.... anyone really. Bastin continued to sob loudly punching his fists bloody against the large boulder. He finally found something that he couldn't punch his way out of this time. Blood continued to seep out from underneath the boulder as well as Bastin's now bloodied hands. He didn't care if he couldn't walk anymore, all he cared about was going back to see his family again. "PLEASE!" Bastin yelled. "HELP!"

Rowena was definitely right about Bastin being reckless, Bastin would never doubt her again but he wanted to live to tell her, hold her, kiss her and say that she was right. For once in his life, Bastin prayed to the Force to get him out of here. To somehow remove this boulder from his legs, to get help. "Help....." Bastin's cry this time was a pathetic whimper, he felt disoriented as beads of sweat formed on his bloodied forehead. "Can anyone-"

"I'm here," a voice hidden in the shadows replied. Bastin craned his head to see a large, dark skinned, man bereft of hair. The man waved his hand somehow causing the boulder to crush him even further. Bastin cried out in pain immediately lying on his back. "The animal heard was a distraction," the man spoke. "To make way for me to use this boulder to crush you."

"Who are you?!" Bastin whispered fear plastered on his face. "You look familiar......"

"Darth Angonous," he replied bluntly. "I rescued your wife a year ago, Bastin forgive me for this. I do not have any malice for you despite your wrong takes about the Force. In fact your passion for anti force sentiment is what help contributed to the divide between the Galactic Alliance senate and the Jedi Order you and a lot of other influential people. The senate and the Jedi are now distrustful to one another thanks to your good work. The Sith may have fallen but our influence still stretches far and wide. Your death is not personal, it serves a greater purpose for the Sith Empire, for the Worm Emperor."

"I have a wife," Bastin uttered out trying to get up but failing. "I have a daughter, I have a niece Loreena Arenais-Valhoun !" He closed his eyes. "You won't get away with this Sith!" He said anger weakly forming inside Bastin. "My wife will hunt you down...."

"Your wife is close to me," Angonous spoke in a cold whisper. "She has feelings for me and I tend to capitalize on those feelings to serve the greater good. Yet her loyalty to you is what's keeping Rowena from acting on her growing love for me."

"You monster!" Bastin growled trying to reach out and strangle the Sith Lord but it was no use, he was pinned to this boulder trapped like a Jedi in the Temple during Operation: Knightfall. "If you so much as to touch Rowena......"

"Then that means we are to be married," Angonous said simply pacing around Bastin. "Your wife's wealth and connections will make it easier for the Sith to rebuild and gain influence. While she clings onto me for support, I will rebuild the army of the Sith and lie in wait until we have a chance to strike. The Jedi are distracted, the Brotherhood of the Maw serves as a worthy opponent to soften them up. We will continue to make more moves in the Senate, and of course make alliances."

Angonous gave the dying Bastin a grim look. "It truly pains me to do it," he said. "Rowena is a lovely woman and even I am attached to her, but as long as you are alive, she cannot serve her purpose. You must be disposed of, but do not worry my good friend. Your service to the Sith Empire will be remembered even commemorated."

Tears flowed freely from Bastin's eyes as Angonous chuckled to himself. "Look at me," he said to himself. "Monologuing like a man hooked on Spice," he waved his hand. "Time to put an end to it."

"No please no....." Bastin heard a growl. A large Vornskr appeared, its long sharp fangs glittering in the dark cave, its red eyes focused on Bastin who stared at it petrified. With another wave from Angonous, the Vornskr leapt on to the wounded prey.

 

[-Shelved-]

"Oh I'm well aware that there is conflict among normal people as well. I'm not that naive Ang. But there would certainly be less of it..." And that was all that she had wanted to say on the matter. The night had been a busy one and she had done a lot of talking.

Rowena stepped into the taxi before Darth Angonous and sat herself down. She couldn't help but gaze out of the window, watching the lights of speeders and airships pass them by, losing herself in her thoughts. Bastin would have hated having to dress up and be on his best behaviour at events such as this, yet he would do so because it made her happy. Yet he always looked so dashing and she loved fretting herself over his appearance. Inwardly she knew that Bastin enjoyed the attention as well, so she always made a fuss over him whenever she could.

Her heart was breaking again, yet she put on a brave face, steeling herself with a few deep breaths. Then she reached over and took hold of Ang's hand so that she wouldn't feel alone.