The End of Aloha, the Beginning of Something Else

[Kasca Fen]

The caf had been good, but her conversation with [member="Darth Metus"] had been far more interesting and worthy of her attention. Thus only a small amount of caffeine had made it into her system. The day had been long, between arriving very early to begin preparations for drugging the party and then her late night torment, Kasca was not exactly in her best well rested state. The hour was quite late before she had met the man and it was taking its toll on them both. She pulled out her Comm and sent a message to the front desk to deliver her belongings to Metus's suite. No doubt the staff would scramble to get it up there before they arrived.

Grinning, she took one last look at the scene outside through another window as she stepped out of the Cafe. It had evolved to an orgy. Everyone remaining outside were engaged in carnal acts and were quite obviously enjoying themselves. She turned away, feeling the heat come to her cheeks from somewhere deep inside and moved to follow Metus into the Lift. "Sounds like a plan." She felt safe in his presence. Had they chosen to go the route that the rest of the remains of the party had, relaxation and comfort would hardly be the goal of going up to his room. They had both acknowledged the sense of attraction between them and for their own reasons, each had decided at least in the Cafe, not to indulge it.

She wondered if she would change her mind when she got up there. Kasca wasn't usually one to be indecisive. The fact that she still considered him might be drug related, or maybe she just felt a connection to him and the attraction was a part of that connection. She was curious what it was but indulging in her curiosity might be a bad idea. She took a slow and deep breath to calm herself. Perhaps the drug was affecting her more than she originally designed, because she wanted very much.

Kasca closed her eyes for the rest of the duration of the ride in the lift. She couldn't wait to take off the Cathar makeup and costume and get into something more comfortable and more her.

 

[Malok]

Location: Med Bay C, The Fortressa​

Tag: [member="Kasca Fen"]​

The evening would go smoothly.

Shortly after their arrival into his lodgings, the Mandragora would soon bear witness to all of the comforts that Archae Teuthis had to offer. Compared to the average hotel suite, the presidential accommodations were much closer to a full-fledged apartment then temporary domicile. There were several bedrooms to choose from, each complete with an adjoining, full-sized refresher. Perhaps it was the fact that they were now a decent distance away from the festivities occurring below, or the fact that the Sith was more fatigued than he let on, but Darth Metus left the young woman rather undisturbed as they settled in. She was free to select any of the rooms which tickled her fancy and he, in turn, would choose one that was right across the hall. Close enough that he could keep her demons at bay through the night - yet far enough away that her privacy was respected. After all, the fact that she was spending the night in his room was a "look" in of itself.

When the morning came, the pair would indeed begin their disembarkment offworld. However, the opportunity to ride astride the backs of Rancor quickly became secondary to the realities of the Galaxy. The whirlwind of events was darn near instantaneous following their pit-stop on Geonosis. Darth Metus simply wanted to stop by to collect a few updates from his office in Golbah City - but what he found was a gaggle of rabid politicians demanding his attention. From plans to acquire neighboring systems to reports of violence across the star, the Viceroyalty left his desk buried with things to do. And regretfully, Kasca's first days spent as apprentice to Darth Metus were more so spent being his company in his various office spaces. In the moments between meetings, he would share with her tidbits of knowledge. He would challenge her with new incantations to mull over whilst he ripped through the mountains of paperwork, or even entertain her with stories of his life before being Vicelord.

In time, he deluded himself into thinking that the spontaneous sentence would come to an end. But then the drums of war began to beat. Another whirlwind. And Kasca found herself dragged into the battle behind her Master. Eshan had fallen victim to the vicious assaults of the Mandalorian regime. And the Sith would not suffer another Empire to live. What's more...this world was precious. It was the home of one he considered closer than family; and as a result, he was more than happy to bleed in its defense. But. What he hoped against all hope was that his apprentices and children would remain safe during the fighting. When they were on the battlefield, he had to put that thought out of his mind. He had to focus on eradicating the enemy which laid before them at all costs. Yet when the dust settled and reality weighed upon his shoulders, a knot of worry erupted into his stomach. Not one of the people he cared for emerged the battle of Eshan unscathed. And one of the most damaged was the young Mandragora who faithfully followed him to the Echani homeworld.

From the account that had been provided...she fought well. She was a force of nature on the planet's surface - and if the circumstances were less dire he might have afforded himself just a modicum of pride at this fact. Yet, concern dictated the Vicelord's steps as he ventured within the depths of the Fortressa. Those who were the most wounded had been taken to the Confederate flagship's medical bays for advanced care - and Kasca had been bound to a bacta tank for quite some time. It was only recently that she was relocated from the healing bath to bedrest. The Sith would have visited her sooner, if not for the fact that he had literally taken a Star Destroyer to the face while on the planet. His former mentor did much to restore his physical condition, but the wounds ran very deep and required a bacta bath as well. Once he had been cleared, the glass door of Kasca's new room slid open to admit him.

Darth Metus appeared much different than the man she had met on the beach. He still wore his battered and broken armor, with helm tucked underneath his arm. There was a gingerness to his footsteps, as if he were still attempting to test his weight upon his legs. To say that, bacta bath be damned, he was still sore was an understatement. Quietly, he settled himself on the edge of the bed and reached out, gingerly gracing the young woman's forehead with the rear of his armored hand. The alchemized metal would feel cool to the touch.

"Kasca." he breathed with a tone laden with remorse. "I'm so sorry."

 

[Kasca Fen]

Many had considered the Vicelord to be somewhat of a manwhore. They might not be wrong. Kasca had heard those rumors as much as anyone since joining the Confederacy. Still, he had been the perfect gentleman as they entered his suite. Her bag was there, minuscule compared to some people's packed belongings for such a trip. Next to it was a bag from the Hotel itself... a gift for the new occupant. She didn't own much anymore. Perhaps the new income that came from being [member="Darth Metus"]'s apprentice would help her rebuild her life in many ways. She picked up both bags and let her curiosity for the hotel gift's contents to wait until she was alone He had given her a quick tour and allowed her to choose a bedroom she wished to occupy and then took the one opposite. As she closed the door and he closed his, she leaned against the frame and closed her eyes, taking a deep, steadying breath. Much had changed in the course of a few hours. Much had changed in the course of two months. She was a Mandragora, a fighting witch of the Confederacy and she was now an apprentice to a Sith.

She took another breath and then opened her eyes, pushing off the door and making her way to the refresher. Opulence was definitely the name of this amazing suite and Kasca was going to take advantage of every luxury. She opened the hotel gift bag and found a silk nightgown and long silk robe of dusty plum purple with dark grey lace trim. The materials were beyond expensive and utterly precious to her from the first moment she pulled them from the bag. There were panties and toiletries, slippers and a hair ribbon. She placed these things in preparation for after her shower and approached the refresher. It took some time to get all of the dreads unwoven from her icy white blonde hair but by the time her hair was free, the bath was filled with almost scalding water, body oils in a multitude of delicious scents and bubbles for good measure.

She soaked away the tensions of the day, taking her time in the tub, relaxing and bathing slowly despite the late hour. She was in no rush to sleep when such luxury was to be had, This may be what Metus dealt with all the time, but to her, this was a fascinating new toy. By the time she left the bathroom, she was clean, moisturized, and freshly clothed in the most expensive sleepwear she had ever dreamed of owning. She walked to her door and touched the wood wondering if Metus slept now or like her, had taken time to refresh himself before bed. She turned, a little reluctantly and went to her bed. Kasca slipped out of her new robe and tossed it on the overstuffed chair and slipped into bed. It didn't take long for her to find the peace of dreamless sleep thanks to Metus keeping the voices at bay. She slept so hard she didn't move a muscle until she was awoken to begin her morning. She carefully packed her new items and followed the Sith dutifully offworld.

Nothing happened the way it was supposed to, plans were thwarted and war began. While she could have guessed that the pressures of running the Confederacy would necessitate him postponing their planned trip, she could never have guessed that war was on the horizon... so close touching their lives. She studied hard as he requested, spent as much time as she could without pulling him away from his much needed work, and waited patiently. Sadly, Eshan was attacked, its people brutally murdered and they were off again. This time to help provide aid and medical support to the desperate people. War was inevitable and while Metus would gladly have kept his apprentice in the safety of some ship distant to the planet, she would not allow herself to be taken away. She had seen the faces of devastated children who's parents would not be coming home due to the Mandalorian Empire. She would not accept safety while they suffered further and joined the fight with her Mandragora siblings.

No one who had gone to Eshan had returned unscathed. Kasca had never been in battle before and while she did very well, she had not been able to vanquish her foes entirely before the bombs dropped by Kaine had blasted her away. The caretakers of their Doashim mounts found her and her Doashim grievously injured after being blasted into the portal from which the Doashim had come when summoned. She had lived, her mount had not.

They transported her immediately to medical ships and eventually back to the Fortessa in its medical bay. She was placed in her own quite room and weened off of the heavy sedatives used to keep her under while her injuries were dealt with. Today, she had been given the lightest of sedatives to help her sleep and keep the itching new skin from bothering her too much as she rested. Kasca had dreamed much, mostly in a semi delusional state, but the voices were silent. Perhaps they had realized how close to death she had come and feared it.

She felt something cool on her warm, slightly flushed skin and moaned softly as she started to come to, dragging herself from the soft comfort of drugged sleep to answer the gentle summons of her Master. She heard his apology through the fog and the emotional torment behind it. He had worried, but he had set that aside so he could fight for something more important. She knew that... she understood it. Kasca frowned and her brow furrowed as she worked harder to come awake. "No." She said breathily and lifted a hand made heavy by the sedative. It fell again as she finally mustered enough strength to open her eyes sleepily. They were significantly darker, a stormy blue. "No." She repeated, her voice a little stronger now. Her blinks were slow, her movements languid.

"You don't get to take..." She paused, taking a breath and letting it out, her eyes growing clearer and more bright as the fog lifted bit by bit. "You don't get to take my choices and make them yours." He was so close, the heat of his body warmed her against the chill of the medical ship room. It felt good... not only the heat but his presence and it made her smile to see him though she could tell he was troubled. "I chose and I don't regret it."

 

[Malok]

Location: Medical Bay, The Fortressa​

Tag: [member="Kasca Fen"]​

There was always that moment…

When most were younglings in age, they might have questioned the directions that their parents bid them to walk. They might have wondered why values mattered, or whyeducation was important. Yet, as time moved ever forward, there was always a thunderous confirmation which would erupt into being. As the younglings moved into adulthood, they would always come to understand the choices that their sires had made - and had been grateful for it. Such was the reality of Darth Metus' relationship with the Darkness. As a faithful servant of the black, he oftentimes wondered why he was being guided in a certain direction. Why was he directed to take Srina under his wing? Why did he allow Adron Malvern to live? Yet time after time, the confirmations erupted into being. Srina had become the beloved extension of his person. And Adron had become his trusted general.

It was in this moment, whilst sitting within the confines of a too-chilly hospital wing, that the Sith felt the confirmation once more. When he came across the troubled woman upon the shores of Archae Teuthis, instincts had driven him forward. Perhaps it was the paternal side of him...perhaps it was the will of the Dark Side. And though he had never spared a moment to question the reason why he had taken yet another pupil...her strength answered the unspoken inquiry. As she laid there, recovering from the battle of Eshan, she did not place any blame on her Master. She did not state that her presence on the battlefield was because he bid it. But rather, she owned the choice, as it was hers alone to make. Within her was a strength that she did not realize she had - but the legend she was writing for herself was slowly shining a light upon it.

For those who had suffered were often the strongest. And who could suffer more than a woman plagued by ten thousand voices?

After she settled those darkened, blue eyes upon him and spoke her thoughts, Darth Metus unleashed a gentle sigh into the air. Who was he to challenge what she had decided? A small part of him felt bad...felt responsible because literal war was not apart of what he had offered to her on that night. But. She did not shy away from the inferno. She dove towards it. "Very well, Kasca." he began, gingerly moving his armored hand to her hair. His attempt to comfort her was evident in the way the metal moved across her locks - pausing only when a wave of agony ripped through his muscles. To say that he was not fully recovered from his own injuries was an understatement. But he did not have the luxury of rest. The healing that had taken place on the planet's surface would just have to do.

"For what it's worth, I am proud to call you my Apprentice. You fought...well...as ferocious as I would, from what I hear." His lips curved into the beginnings of a smile. "So, once you are recovered, we will resume your training. In earnest. No more lessons between meetings, okay?"

 

[Kasca Fen]

Kasca could see the moment... the moment when he realized she was right. She did not know his other thoughts; the somehow spiritual confirmation that she was meant to be in his life, that he saw the strength in her and felt pride. She may have been Arkanian, a former Jedi padawan, a witch and a wiz with chemistry, but she was his apprentice too. Her accomplishments would reflect on him. Yet it wasn't this that made her decide to involve herself in the war to free Eshan. It had been her moral compass. It may not point in the same way as a Jedi's but she knew what was right and wrong for her. Seeing the look on those innocent children's faces, the tears in their eyes as they realized their parents were lost to them forever... it was a point at which she knew a line had been crossed. The ME had deserved everything that had been thrown at it and more for making those children suffer as they had. Perhaps she found it a bit strange that she had never before contemplated where her line was, but she was young and such lessons would all come in their own time.

She leaned into his touch automatically. It didn't matter that his hand was covered in metal, she still somehow treasured the touch and felt his warmth. Taking the touch for the comfort it was, she was startled by the sudden influx of pain in his features. She bolted up in concern, taking a hold of his arm with one hand. This was a great deal of energy expenditure for a woman in her condition, but she wasn't thinking about how exhausted she would be even by moving the few inches to sit up straighter and hold on to him. The wave of pain within him must have passed, but it did not ease the concern on her face and in her eyes.

It wasn't until he spoke with a bit of amusement in addition to pride about her fighting. She met his half smile with a full one of her own. "Anything worth doing is worth doing with a measure of ferocity."

Her smile faded as she looked at him, really looked at him. He wasn't in good shape and he was here, checking on her instead of getting taken care of. Concern once again suffused her face. "I'll be fine, but I don't think you are. You need to go get healed."



[member="Darth Metus"]

 

[Malok]

Location: The Fortressa, Eshan Orbit​

Tag: [member="Kasca Fen"]​

Someday, she would understand.

For but a moment, he could tell that the young woman was receiving everything she needed. His fingertips scarcely graced her hairline before she leaned into his touch, and a slight ease washed over her features. Though their time together as Master and Apprentice had been relatively brief all things considered, there was a bond beginning to take form. As she fought ferociously, she was beginning to become a reflection of the Sith. And in turn, he provided her that foundation that the Arkanians and the Jedi before Him failed to. Though he did not know what the future held for the two of them, he was certainly looking towards tomorrow with a positive outlook. Especially considering the fact that their success on the planet's surface was beginning to be confirmed throughout all channels.

However, the fact that he was not whole became glaringly apparent. When she noticed his wince upon extending his arm, Kasca sat upright and placed her hand upon his arm. And, though the gesture was sincere, she did not realize that the weight alone caused a dull, yet thunderous, pain to shoot through his nerves. The only visible manifestation of this fact was the vein which popped into being on his neck briefly. Concern bled within the stormy depths of her eyes. Narcotics be damned, nothing was going to stop the young Mandragora from telling her Master to take care of himself. And that thought caused a small smile to form upon his lips. "That...is a luxury I do not have. Not yet." he began, shaking his head slightly.

"I...cannot be seen as wounded. Cannot be seen as anything but strong, even when I feel at my lowest. If I seem…mortal...for even a moment, our enemies will pounce at the opportunity to prove it so. So, I cannot rest. Even though the battle has just ended and all are wounded, I have to stand strong and be the face of our nation. But. Bet your ass when we're done I'm taking a month long bacta bath. Maybe two."

He leaned back so that he could rest his maimed hand in her grasp. "Fret not. It will take a lot more than a Star Destroyer landing on my head to take me out of commission. Okay?"

It had literally taken a planet that one time..

 

[Kasca Fen]

She watched him carefully, noting every nuance her untrained eye could. His condition was not good and his admission that a Star Destroyer had tried to take him out was, for her, quite shocking. She knew her new master was tough, but there was no way she could have envisioned a massive ship falling on him and him surviving. She eased her grip, holding only the hand that he extended and let herself lay back with a small wince herself. New skin growth was tight and uncomfortable. Nothing moved the way it had before she had been blasted into the portal. Eventually, her body would acclimate and new skin would become old. She couldn't wait to get out of the Medical wing and actually move, yet she wasn't one of those patients who thought they knew better than the doctors. She would stay resting until she was told she was clear to leave.

Kasca shivered and settled against the upraised back of the bed. It was cold and she was noticing it again. The thin fabric of her medical gown was of better quality and more flattering than most but remained like its bretheren, thin. Her hair was shorter, singed at the ends, though most of the burned parts had been cut out. Kasca suddenly felt a little self conscious and with her unoccupied hand, she touched her hair in a smoothing gesture. To take her mind off her appearance which she was sure must be atrocious, she continued their conversation.

"It took a whole Star Destroyer to do this to you? I bet the Mandalorian Empire like a hound with its tail between it's legs, weeping with its losses." She closed her eyes for a moment. "God I hope so. They deserved all they lost and more."

"How long are you required to be the walking wounded?"

[member="Darth Metus"]

 

[Malok]

Location: The Fortressa, Eshan Orbit​

Tag: [member="Kasca Fen"]​

He hadn't noticed until her hand moved.

And given the circumstances, that would not come as a surprise. Everyone aboard the Super Star Destroyer had just come fresh from life or death situations. No one who was within the Eshan airspace was unscathed. Either they were wounded or tending to wounded. Either they had fought, or they were tending to the aftermath. The Sith himself, though he put up a very solid show of strength, had to admit...he was tired. The hours spent planning the operation were a warzone in of themselves. Not to mention paying back all the sleepless nights that he had inflicted upon [member="Srina Talon"] during the infancy of their relationship. Many months ago, it was the Sith who would find rest in her presence - but for more than a few moments, he was the one lulling the alabaster warrior to sleep. Her worries over her homeworld, family, and people became his stresses.

Not to mention the politicians.

When it was all said and done, Darth Metus couldn't help but ease himself onto the side of the bed once Kasca raised her hand to her hair. She appeared fine, but the way she touched her hair made him look. He noticed that her locks were not nearly as long or pristine - but that was what happened on a battlefield. She was still the same stunning young woman from Archae Teuthis. However, Kasca did not say anything regarding the battle's affects upon her hair, nor did he remark upon it. Rather, she focused on the wellbeing of her master. He motioned with one hand for her to scoot over on the bed, and should she oblige he would lay back beside her. A heavy sigh escaping his lips. "One thing I know about my former people, is that they never forget these sort of things. Their grandchildren will be wanting revenge for Eshan, so the real fighting is just getting started. For now though...we'll enjoy the peace and quiet."

As to how long he would go without rest? "I honestly don't know…" There was a heavy...edge to his voice. The same sort of edge one gets when fighting the sweet embrace of slumber.

 

[Kasca Fen]

She was burned, her hair singed, and bone weary, but she worried about him. He had become important to her... probably the first person to really become so important to her. At his gesture, she shuffled over so that the bed could accommodate them both and turned to rest on her side so she could face him as he lay down beside her. He radiated warmth and she curled up next to him to soak it in, resting her head on his shoulder. She relaxed visibly, her body loosening and a sigh escaped her lips to match his own.

There was so much she didn't know about [member="Darth Metus"]. His story was complicated and spanned a lifetime she had only recently begun to be a part of. It left her with questions about who he was and his breadth of experience in the galaxy. Kasca couldn't match it, young as she was, but she was interested in how he had been shaped by his experience and how he had become who he was today. This was another departure from her usual stance with people. With the Jedi, she had simply not cared to know any of them. With the Confederacy, she was finding her home. "Why are they your former people?"

 

[Malok]

Location: Eshan Orbit​

Tag: [member="Kasca Fen"]​

For a moment, his eyes lulled to a close.

It was almost ironic - the Vicelord of the Confederacy allowed himself to exist in this grievous condition for the sake of maintaining his duties. But, in these precious few moments, he almost cared not for keeping up the appearances. His body was very loudly and very clearly making the demands that he was almost willing to keep. The hospital bed was certainly not the most lavish of accommodations, but Darth Metus was certainly the furthest thing from picky. Especially in his current state. It took everything in his power to prevent his eyelids from lulling to a close right then and there. However, it was the gentle chime of his apprentice's voice which kept him free of the embrace of slumber.

She asked a rather pointed question. One which plucked at an old scab and reached for the tome that was his personal history. The man sighed, leaning absently into her all the more whilst he racked his brains. "There has always been a sentiment among the Mandalorian people that those gifted by the Force are somehow...lesser. That they are corrupt, evil, and infinitely inferior to those insensitive. We are a curse to be cured." He shook his head, recalling the conclusion to the Civil War. "But nothing ever really happened to dissuade Force sensitives from serving the clans and fighting for Mandalore. The mindset was always quiet, behind closed doors. That is, until Ra Vizsla became Mand'alor again. That means...well, think Emperor but with a helmet. Anyway."

"When he took power, that sentiment became law. It was either be cured of my force sensitivity by barbaric means, or exile. That is why they are my former people."

 

[Kasca Fen]

Outside her quiet, private suite, there was plenty happening. Doctors bustled around with nurses, having deep discussions about treatment and management of the patients. However, it was slowing down as everyone prepared for 'night' in the medical ward. Patients were being tucked in and lights were dimming slowly. The glass doorways of each patient's room turned from transparent to frosted. Kasca listened to her Master, and imagined the horror of living in a place where your talents could be against the law. What a tragic waste of talent. She couldn't imagine being that stupid. What better thing to have as your ally than force wielding Mandalorians?

"That is stupid." She said succinctly in the way only the young and inexperienced could. Kasca only knew what rumor and her brief education from the Jedi described Mandalorians to be. "The Mandalorians go through incredible and brutal training. Those who call themselves Mandalore are supposed to be resiliant, tough, stone cold killers. What could the Force be but an enhancement to that discipline and strength?"

She looked up at him, her face close. "Would it not be advantageous to have all of the force wielding Mandalorians be grouped as an elite force to use whenever needed?"


[member="Darth Metus"]

 

[Malok]

Location: The Dread Queen, Kuat Orbit​

Tag: [member="Allya Vi'Dreya"], [member="Srina Talon"]​

She may have been young…

But there was no better way under the Sun to put it. The reality was, the Sith had felt the exact same way for a very long time now - to the point where he eagerly motioned to her when she said as much. "Thank you!" he damn near exclaimed, before settling back upon the semi-comfortable pillow. "That was exactly what I had preached for years. The Mandalorians thought themselves the greatest fighting force in the Galaxy - why the Hell would they ignore the greatest weapon in History? It was pure stupidity then...and now, well, it may have won us Eshan all things considered." A solid huff escaped him. "But, yeah, that's why the Mandalorians are no longer my people...it's just me, the kids, and a couple siblings now."

A yawn escaped him. "How about you? Did you have anyone you considered family out there?"

 

[Kasca Fen]

Kasca grinned as [member="Darth Metus"] seemed to enjoy the fact that his apprentice agreed with him. Validation, even coming from someone who was new to much of the Galaxy, was still validation. She had been feeling sleepy but his exclamation returned to her a bit of energy she had been losing. IT wasn't enough to fix how she felt, but it took the edge off the exhaustion she felt. She was sad that he lost so much he considered family, but then he still had family of his own, children and siblings. Of his children, she had heard gossip tell of the large number and the Vicelord's rather prolific romantic life. She had to know that at least some of the rumors were true even if it wasn't entirely accurate. Of his siblings, she had not heard much. It just went to show what people who gossip talked about most.

"I don't think I have any in the way you might mean. I have biological parents, but I was shunted off to the Jedi at their earliest convenience. I was an eyesore to them and a constant reminder to the rest of their social circle, that they had tried and failed at their genetic experimentation. I don't think there is love there... at least from them. And I wish I had none for them, but I don't think I am able to really help it. I have a biological brother, but he is out in the galaxy doing his own thing and I don't want any part of his nefarious dealings. He and I were close until we got to the Jedi Academy, and then he showed what he was really like and ... I didn't want to love him anymore either."

She sighed and closed her eyes, leaning on his shoulder. "I don't know if that is good or bad. Does anyone in the galaxy have a loving and stable home life? You know that elusive dream of a mother, a father, two children and a pet rancor eating the neighbors dogs?" It was said in earnest, but she couldn't keep her snarky wit from peeking in.

 

[Malok]

Location: Medical Bay​

Tag: [member="Kasca Fen"]​

As the young woman walked through the pages of her personal history, sharing the lack of kin in the traditional sense, Darth Metus found himself...grateful. Though he had a turbulent upbringing, he had siblings that he still felt close to. He had a plethora of children who craved a decent sire in their lives. Frankly, compared to some in the Galaxy, he had it quite good. When she leaned into his side, he reflexively eased closer as well. But it was not until she quipped about that "good home life" that a silly grin erupted upon his face.

"The only person I know who has a decent home life is my grandson. And that's because there's an angsty Sith Lord making damn sure his daughter is taken care of." A thunderous chuckle escaped him. "I think that there are plenty of people with good home lives...but that's probably why we're out here making history and they aren't. They go home. We go to war." That was one...helluva way of looking at it.

"But, for what it's worth, you've got family now."

 

[Kasca Fen]

Kasca had a fun sense of humor. It was dry and witty, sarcastic and typically delivered in a nonchalant way which made it all the more funny. Rarely did anyone in the Jedi temple get to know her well enough to partake in the humor she dolled out. Perhaps in a typical person, that lack of attention might have stunted someone's humor until there was nothing left, but Kasca had a strong mental constitution. She had confidence within. Here, in the Confederacy, she seemed to be able to spend time with many people and they seemed to enjoy her brand of humor just fine.

She was pleased her joke had made [member="Darth Metus"] laugh. He probably needed it as badly as the rest of the fighting arm of the Confederacy. So much death and destruction could be countermanded some by humor, kindness and care. No doubt the Mandalorians would have trouble expressing that, she thought to herself. They were too busy patting themselves on the back and eating up the lies they told themselves so they could sleep at night.

Letting her thoughts of the Mandalorians wash away in light of his wonderful sounding laugh, Kasca smiled and lifted her gaze to his. "Yes, I suppose I do. I think it will take some getting used to; trusting people and involving myself in their lives and they in mine." And she wondered... prepared as she was to go to war should it be needed, was it so wrong to also want that family life? Would she ever get a beautiful home that was filled with children, family, friends and pets? Would she ever allow herself that luxury knowing in this galaxy, such things could be taken away faster than one could blink.

"Is it worth it to have family... to fear for their safety and know loss?" Having endured a forced banishment and betrayal by her parents and later her brother as well as the Jedi, she wondered.

 

[Malok]

Based on the words that had been spoken, the young woman beside the Sith had every reason to take her time. She had been abandoned by every "home" that she ever dared to let in. Thus, the fact that she entertained the notion of considering the bonds she had formed in the present to be family - to consider her Master as family - was in of itself a tremendous step. Darth Metus simply smiled in response to her words, nodding lightly. "You take as much time as you need to get used to it. Always grow at your own pace." A thought erupted into being in his mind, which caused a chuckle. "That is, unless it's a vital lesson that I have to share with you. Then you absorb it like a sponge, you hear?"

When [member="Kasca Fen"] spoke again...it was of the value of "home." Was it worth it to strive for those things that kept those "simpler" than them off the battlefields? Was it worth it...to dream of the simple things and to allow one's self to love, only if it meant the risk of loss. "Absolutely." came his response. His utterance was without any hesitation. "Because when you truly know the happiness that comes from family...to have them raise you up when you are low? There's nothing better than that."

 

[Kasca Fen]

She had to admit the picture he was painting of what family was for him was alluring. The togetherness, the support, the love, the camaraderie... it all sounded like a beautiful dream and she had to allow herself a moment to believe that it was possible and yet... the moment didn't last. Her experience with her family marred her in a way that she as yet could not dismiss or leave behind. She remembered the anger of her brother and the disdain of her parents. She remembered the abandonment, the dismissal, repeated by the Jedi when she came to them for training and shelter. She was Arkanian offshoot and unwanted by her people.

Kasca cut off her thoughts and focused on the here and now which was the more important part of her life. She had [member="Darth Metus"] as a teacher. She had the Mandragora. She had the Confederacy... even in a small part. She would in time, learn to make friends and lasting relationships. She was young and had time to do so. "I shall endeavor to be the best of students." She said with a half grin. "One would hope I was already." She needled for the compliment.

 

[Malok]

A low chuckle escaped the Sith.

Though the Vicelord had quite the young face, he was the furthest thing from being born yesterday. And once the fishing attempt reached his ears, the young woman would find the baritone of his bemusement reaching her ears. His offhand rose and a finger extended, gently tapping the tip of her nose. "Well, you haven't tried to kill me, so you're certainly one of the best I've had." Despite the look on his face, there was certainly a nugget of truth to that. There was once a time when an apprentice of his took a moment of weakness for granted and attempted to put his Master to death. That apprentice had been banished to unlife. Nonetheless, the Sith continued. "Though, to be the best, you'll have to surpass Srina. Though, with enough elbow grease and rancor dragons, I'm sure you'll give her a run for her money."

With his own joke now out into the open air, Darth Metus returned his arm to the side of the bed. "I don't know what the future holds. But just know, you're home, okay Kasca?"

[member="Kasca Fen"]

 

[Kasca Fen]

She liked making him laugh, the deep rumble in his vocal chords was like a balm to her frazzled nerves and tender skin. She had never considered herself particularly witty before but maybe that was because she had not had anyone to be witty with. Sarcastic, yes. Demeaning and superior, yes. Never witty. She rather liked the feeling of camaraderie she felt in these moments, private or not.

As he tapped the tip of her pert nose, she wiggled it in protest and then rubbed at it, not knowing whether to be insulted or amused. There was a part of that gesture that rankled... the part that thought he viewed her as a child. She tried not to let the irritation show as he continued to speak. The idea that Sith Apprentices killed their masters in order to succeed them in power and station wasn't exactly a new concept to her or the rest of the galaxy. However different [member="Darth Metus"] might be from other Sith, she wasn't exactly surprised at this tidbit of information. Now, surpassing Srina? Kasca barked out a half laugh and shook her head. "I wouldn't dream of trying. I am not all aggressive ambition. I do what I do not to overrun others, but to be better for myself and what I want to be and do. I envy her, but I am not jealous of her strength and abilities. I would like to one day be respected by her. Not a very dark sided outlook I am afraid."

His more serious tone caught her attention and she looked up at his earnest face. One could not always call a Sith earnest, even Metus, but there it was... an openness, an assurance that very few would ever see and in that moment, she knew without a doubt that she meant something to him. A lump caught in her throat and her eyes stung with sudden unshed tears. The moment was incredibly intense. Kasca never let herself feel on this level; never had reason to feel on this level. It was as though his vulnerability cracked her brave facade. Time would tell if this was the best idea. All she could do was swallow the lump and blink back the tears... telling herself she would not cry until she sort of believed it. To honor his openness, she did not duck away or hide her face. She let him see as he let her see, her true self. She was young, though more mature than most would believe, but she was tired of running. She was tired of being outcast and alone. She was tired of fighting for everything and seeing it wash away like shells in the tide the first night she had met him. There was hope now where there had been none.

Finally she nodded. "How can a girl say no to that?" She asked in a mildly glib tone. "You say that to all the pretty women you find in hospital beds?"

 

[Malok]

​

[member="Kasca Fen"]​

For the moment, the Sith Lord attempted to be understanding.

When she spoke of the absence of ambition, there was a small iota of pride which balked at the thought. Ambition was the cornerstone to his identity, yes, but it would never be crammed down her throat. He did not set his eyes upon her intent upon raising the next Dark Lady of the Sith. Rather, as always, he simply provided the means to see her desires made manifest. What she did with the gift of his teachings would ultimately determine what sort of Master she would be in the future. Regardless. When Kasca spoke of how she wanted to be regarded by Srina - especially how she envied her - Darth Metus' eyebrow rose slightly.

"And what is it that you envy about her, exactly?" he began. His expression took on a more thoughtful tone as he suddenly recalled the day that he and Srina met. It wasn't too dissimilar from how Kasca had wandered into his life, now that he thought about it. He didn't say as much, not yet anyway.

What gave the Sith pause, though, was how the myriad of emotions washed over the young woman. When he mentioned that she was finally home, she made no attempt to hide the glass which claimed her vision. It took strength not to let the excess waters spill over across her cheeks. And she ultimately succeeded. As she spoke, quipping about his typically flirtatious nature, the man chuckled slightly before touching his lips to her cheek. "Only the ones that spawn wild parties with narcotics." he quipped back. "Now then, get some rest. In the morning, I'll see about getting us the first shuttle back to Ryloth."