Third time's the Charm

[Allana S'hadar]

Ruusan

Allana had become rather familiar with moving around now, having left her Jedi ways only a year ago. The young woman had visited various worlds, conversing with a range of beings from different factions however none could truly give her what she desired. No one had even come close in comparison to her old master Darth Azurea. Word had spread quickly of her defection, striking a blow both to the One Sith and the acolyte herself. Although this had just made her even more determined to rise through the ranks of the Sith and strike the pathetic woman down herself. Without a Master, Allana had abandoned hope in the One Sith, continuing once more on her galactic journey. The woman had come to the conclusion that she just had extremely high standards, and so far none of the groups she had visited could provide what she desired. However she had recently heard rumours of a new dark order rising to prominence in the Mid-Rim, a group who might be able to provide the power she so greatly craved. With her curiousity having peaked, Allana had cut her losses and had set off once again.

Now having finally arrived, the young hybrid stood at the gates of the Sith academy, looking back at the landscape that formed in front of her. The planet had obviously seen some conflict, with the scars of both rebellions and invasions still clear amongst the reconstruction efforts. Thankful that she had missed the chaotic period, the woman returned her gaze to the Academy structure, noticing the similar characteristics that were apparent in all Sith designs. With her nerves rising, she pushed them further down, ignoring them as she made her way into the building, adopting what she hoped was an aura of confidence.

Unsure of what to do next, Allana grew impatient. The building was not so great to look at, it had no interesting qualities that would alleviate the woman's boredom. However she refused to the wander aimlessly throughout the Academy, hoping to stumble across some acolyte or overseer who might take pity on her. She was Sith, she was strong in the Force. Prominent Sith should have been flocking towards her at the mere sight of her presence. With her frustration growing, Allana opened herself to the flow of the Force, intensifying her corrupted aura to a scale in which all within the Academy would become aware. Her frustration and irritation would become apparent, but hopefully the Sith would also notice her power. She did not need to be humble, that was a Jedi trait, a trait of the weak. Allana was the exact opposite. Satisfied, Allana began slowly pacing around the entrance hall, knowing her wait would soon be over.

[member="Ashmedai"]

 

[Cameron Centurion]

[member="Allana S'hadar"]

Despite the green-hued woman's confidence radiating through the Force just as strongly as any other emotion she chose to waft throughout the massive structure, none would come to her directly. Yes, there was the occasional uninitiated Acolyte that may have drifted through the entrance hall, offering the young Shi'ido a brief look of consideration before continuing about their own task. After several minutes, even a woman dressed in the more formal garb of one obviously well-trained in the Force swept through the massive entry hall of the elaborate Academy.

The lack of attention given to Allana was indicative of nothing other than a rather simple, yet crucial reality. There were many powerful beings in the galaxy, and it was not the role of anyone assigned to the Academy to cater to the rather obvious self-serving needs of individuals. In the Sith Triumvirate, members often harbored various personalities, but in the end of the day all were placed and empowered to do that which expanded the ideals of the Triumvirate. Did this mean there was not fierce, even deadly competition? No, it certainly did not mean that as the inherent traits of the Sith did remain within the Triumvirate.

However, it was not merely strength that was rewarded. The ability to manipulate others to a specific end...an end that advanced the justice and security of their area of space. The purpose of the Triumvirate was to be a new type of government. For that to happen, they could ill-afford the traditional mistakes and inefficiencies of most conglomerations of Sith.

As Allana's time of seemingly being invisible reached its thirtieth minute, the large figure of Ashmedai stepped from the shadows. The large hood of his dark blue and gray cloak pooled around his shoulders, leaving his entire head as exposed as his upper body. From within the folds of his cloak, a simple looking leather hilt protrude just enough to be partially visible. However, as the Sith Lord's long stride began to carry him swiftly across the expansive flooring, the cloak billowed enough to reveal the remainder of the scabbard in which his Sith Sword rested and the arcane tattoos adorning most of his upper body.

Silver-green eyes focused intently on the current target of the Sith Lord's interest until he stopped just before the woman, easily within two meters of her physical presence. Slowly, Ashmedai allowed his gaze to run the length of her body, evaluating her both visually and through the Force. Ashmedai had never actually interacted with Rasu Gan, so there were no hints of familiarity. To him, the girl was just a wayward Acolyte. "Is there something you need, or would you prefer I departed to allow you to continue flooding the Force with the gamut of your emotional spectrum a little longer?"

There was neither anger nor amusement in his deep voice, merely casual observation. Most that made the journey to Ruusan, of all places, and this Academy in particular...did so with a thirst, a desire for knowledge in one form or another. That thirst generally prompted visitors to eagerly seek out someone of authority...rather than stand around attempting to draw attention to themselves. It was a method, however, and it had obviously worked in the long run. That said, Ashmedai wore nothing that indicated his role within the Triumvirate, and they made it a definitive policy not to publicize the organizational structure of the government. Whatever reputation members of the Triumvirate garnered, they did so through their own action, and it spread through word of mouth.

Ashmedai was quite adept at avoiding the limelight, however, preferring to manipulate and direct from the shadows.

 

[Allana S'hadar]

A consistent tapping could be heard bouncing off the walls of the grand entrance hall, with many an eye turning to face the green woman with which it originated from. Allana's confident appearance had vanished, leaving a small scowl which increased as individuals began to walk past, ignoring the woman. With her rage and annoyance seething under her skin, the acolyte began to lose hope in the Triumvirate, having imagined the situation proceeding rather differently. This was definitely not how things were done in her previous factions. Sith had been treated with far greater respect, even one rather low within the ranks as Allana was. However already she could differentiate the weak from the strong from the few who had walked past her. She was definitely an asset the Triumvirate would need. With this in mind, her irritation only increased, using the tapping of her foot to display her utter annoyance.

As another figure approached, Allana made sure to not face the man entirely, studying him through her peripheral vision rather than make her analysis obvious. Appearance-wise, there was nothing special about the man. He did strike an intimidating figure, however the young Sith had seen far scarier thugs during her travels. Perhaps he is here to throw me out, she thought, bringing her hand to rest on the saber tucked neatly under her cloak. She had not come all this way to be simply discarded upon arrival. She would see the planet bleed before she was cast out.

"Scary-looking fellow aren't you?" she said as the man came within hearing of her remark. Retaining her facade of confidence and annoyance, Allana now had a proper chance to view the man. Tilting her head to get a better look at the Sith, Allana found that the man towered above her, adding only to the intimidating effect cast on the Shi'ido. As he spoke, the woman almost jumped not expecting the Sith to actually speak. However she was quick to hide this burst of emotion, matching her own gaze with that of the towering figure. While internally she took offense, perhaps even feeling fear from the words that had been projected, Allana would maintain her demeanor and ignore the threat.

"I don't have time for your idle threats. Go and do something useful, like summoning your Lords. I would much rather trade words with them, than a minor lackey of true Sith." waving the man away, broke away from the man's gaze, keeping her hand tightly pressed against her hip, surrounding the outline of her weapon. If this idiot would not abide by her orders, she would happily use force.

[member="Ashmedai"]

 

[Cameron Centurion]

Ashmedai really wanted to laugh. He was not typically the type to pay much mind to any deficiencies in respect shown by those that, quite frankly, did not yet even know him. Outside of that, he wasn't really one to make threats anyways. Instead, Ashmedai frowned slightly before affording Allana a polite half-bow. "My apologies, My Lady."

Rising back to his full height, Ashmedai's expression neutralized with his next words. "I am Cameron, a steward assigned and guard assigned to this facility. Please forgive my initial lack of respect, I did not recognize you as a current member of this Academy. Conversely, you should know that I have neither the authority nor right to summon my masters. I can, however, take you to them. Darth Ashmedai is the supervising Triumvir here for the remaining days of this month."

Stepping to the side, the Sith Lord motioned towards a large set of steps that reached the third floor of this particular area of the facility. "If you would please follow me?" Stepping off, Ashmedai initiated a measured, definitive pace towards the stairs without regard for the difference in stride between himself and the green-hued woman.

[member="Allana S'hadar"]

 

[Allana S'hadar]

Now they know their place, the Shi'ido thought, smirking as the man bowed before her. She could definitely get used to such treatment. Perhaps she wouldn't be so quick to leave Ruusan after all. She couldn't help but feel a fraction satisfied as she watched the much taller man acknowledge her as a superior. It was nice to be respected for a change, not that she deserved anything less of course. She had gone through hell and back to achieve what she had up until now, and still she had little to show for it. Defecting had been difficult both to her mental and social abilities however she finally felt as though the transition was complete. She truly felt a connection to the dark side, and a desire to be Sith. The Triumvirate would be her last hope of sating her desires, and she could not help but shake the feeling that things might finally swing in her favour.

"Well why didn't you say anything earlier. You've wasted enough of my time already pest. Take me to this Darth Ashmedai and be quick about it." she said, eyes rolling at the sheer idiocy displayed in front of her. To think she had been waiting for nearly an hour and this man had the power to alleviate Allana of her boredom, yet he had still withheld the desired information. Letting out a heavy sigh, she prepared to follow her guide, again tapping her foot impatiently. Finally she would reap the rewards of her travels here.

"Well? I don't have all day. Get moving!"

[member="Ashmedai"]

 

[Cameron Centurion]

Once Ashmedai's back had been turned to Allana, the large Sith Lord smiled thinly. The jaunt up the steps to the third floor passed without issue, Ashmedai maintaining a very quick pace, taking steps two at a time. Once they arrived outside a set of seemingly simple double doors, Ashmedai entered a brief code before stepping aside and motioning Allana to the interior. For now, Ashmedai played the part of not actually belonging inside such a room. "Lord Ashmedai awaits you in his private inner office, My Lady."

Allana would quickly realize that the office itself was designed principally for function, ignoring any typical trappings of wealth. The outer office area contained two large sofas and two reclining chairs in front of a fireplace. There were no real decorations adorning the walls, but two large Triumvirate banners did drop from the cavernous ceiling to a either side of mantle placed behind a large desk. There was also a door to either side of the desk. The one on the left remained closed for the moment while the one on the right was open. If Allana looked, she would noticed there appeared to be another, smaller office behind the enclosed door. Within this room, there was a less ceremonial looking desk, appearing to have access to a wide array of security feeds and other communications devices. In front of the desk were two relatively comfortable chairs.

For now, the entire office was vacant, but the doors sealed behind Allana all the same. The moment the doors had sealed, a strong, deep voice would resonate deep within the recesses of her mind in the tongue of the Ancient Sith. You carry yourself above others. Yet I sense no great amount of control, mastery, experience, in the mind that betrays your ego. Enter the inner office, take a seat, and speak your name. The voice did not identify itself, nor did it make any real threat. Allana was, seemingly, free to choose how she responded.

[member="Allana S'hadar"]

 

[Allana S'hadar]

The man was surprisingly for such a beastly figure, as Allana found herself almost jogging to keep pace as they navigated through the Academy. Expanding her Force awareness she noted the several presences that appeared to float in various sectors of the structure; each a dark cloud within a white plain. It seemed that she had not been the only one to notice the rise of this sect of Sith. The idea pleased her, knowing that with more members, it allowed access to a greater pool of knowledge and abilities. Allana would fit in well here, if the rumours had been true of course.

Finding herself on the third floor, the Shi'ido stopped behind her guide in front of the doors, coming to the conclusion that this was their final destination. Nodding in response to the statement, Allana slowly entered, admiring the interior of the room. While it didn't scream fear as had been the design for previous lords of the Sith, the room maintained an elegant layout. This Sith Lord had a simple yet dignified taste, which in Allana's mind made up for the idiocy of his lackeys. She could grow to become accustomed to such a life. Continuing her wanderings, Allana remained staunch as the door was closed, her face retaining its emotionless appearance. However as her thoughts traveled elsewhere, the young Sith was taken by surprise, having been completely dominated by the foreign yet familiar presence in the Force. The words echoed in her mind, appearing to be nonsense until Allana recognised them as the language of the ancient Sith. The power that radiated from the voice in her head had forced the woman to collapse to the floor, leaving her to cradle her head as her body tensed. Shuffling into a fetal position, the acolyte remained as such until she felt the presence recede and her mind become hers once more. Relaxing, the Shi'ido rose slowly, must more hesitant now. All thought of maintaining her confident guise had vanished, replaced with pure and utter dread. She had walked into the den of the beast, with the end result remaining unclear.

Doing as the presence had commanded, the woman shuffled through the open doors, struggling to walk against the shaking of her muscles. Falling into one of the armchairs that faced the desk, Allana took a breath before speaking. Finding that her voice had gone coarse and dry, she took a moment to wet her lips before following the orders issued to her.

"Allana S'hadar" she would say, projecting with both her mouth and mind, unaware as to whether the presence was latched to her own consciousness. Now finally feeling afraid, Allana sat quietly in the chair, attempting to gain composure and cease her shaking.

[member="Ashmedai"]

 

[Cameron Centurion]

[member="Allana S'hadar"]

As if Allana's voice contained the key, a portion of the far wall in the inner office receded slightly before sliding to the left. Faint red light spilled into the office from the corridor. A few moments later, a familiar figure just barely fit through the frame. There had been little reason to attempt disguising his appearance from the young woman - though it might have been amusing to do so. Ashmedai was a firm believer in allowing people to follow-through with their initial intent for first impressions. He found that it made discerning their true nature much easier.

Making his way over towards the young girl, Ashmedai's silver-green gaze remained focused, almost transfixed on her body. Casually, the Sith Lord circled the seated Shi'ido, fingers rough from centuries of gripping weapons drifted just over her green skin but did not touch her. There was no sexual intent behind Ashmedai's actions as he manipulated the Force to garner a much more sincere perception of her quality.

Eventually, the Sith Lord came to a halt in front of her and leaned against the edge of the desk. Placing his hands to either side of his body, Ashmedai gazed at Allana with a mixture of intrigue and amusement. "Allana S'hadar... Pride in Sith is not a new concept...not even in young Sith. However, I must say that most have enough presence of mind to glean to whom it is they speak, even if only in general overtures. I must say that I am curious as to what brings someone so firmly entrenched in their own superiority to our humble slice of the galaxy."

Falling silent was the only indication that Allana should feel free to enlighten the Sith Lord. At the same time, however, he could not help but feel the nagging sensation of...faint familiarity.

 

[Allana S'hadar]

As the Sith Lord entered the chamber, the woman froze, all shaking had ceased as her body locked in pure terror. All the terrible and rude remarks she had made all came soaring back into the forefront of her mind, each deepening the dread that had now consumed her. Only her eyes moved as they followed the man, closing tightly as he walked out of sight. Refusing to make eye contact, the Shi'ido fixed her gaze on the opposing wall, blinking every so often to prove she had not turned to stone. The voice remained the same as before, however only know had she noticed the dark radiance that surrounded the dark lord.Mentally cursing at her own ignorance and stupidity, Allana had finally payed for her arrogance.

The woman flinched as the man's hands brushed against her skin, feeling the rough texture that came with one of such ferocity and power. This action left the Shi'ido puzzled, concerned now as to what his intentions were. She thought nothing more on it however as his emerald eyes came to rest on her form. Averting his gaze the acolyte would listen to the man's words, attempting to pick up on any anger or annoyance. None would become apparent however, as instead she thought she heard traces of amusement. This time it was Allana who would grow annoyed. Was something about this situation humourous? Well perhaps from his perspective but definitely not from where the woman was sitting. However she bottled this up, knowing that any outburst here would put her own life on the line.

"May I first offer my deepest apologies my Lord." she would start, her voice shaky at first however it would become stronger as she continued speaking. She forced herself to look into the glowing eyes of the Sith before continuing. "Had I known it was yourself I had the honour of addressing I would have been far more respectable. I humbly seek your forgiveness." Bowing her head, Allana broke away from the man's gaze once more, looking now at the floor. Heart now racing, the woman attempted to answer the man's question.

"I have never truly been able to learn anything from the Dark Lords of the Sith, both within the ranks of the One Sith and the First Order. Their desires did not support my own, therefore I fled. My previous Master, Darth Azurea, has defected to the Sanctum, I also heard she took part in the recent invasion. It was a shame I could not end her life before I could see the weakness in her eyes." Her hands balled into fists as she pictured the form of her Master, feeling sickened as she imagined the life she now led alongside her mother and other Sanctum members. "You see my Lord. I am without a Master nor a faction, something that an ambitious Sith like myself needs in order to learn and grow. I wish to be useful, thus why I was a little impatient to begin with. I want to benefit the Triumvirate in return for support and growth." Feeling her answer had been sufficient, Allana leaned back in the chair, awaiting a response from the Dark Lord before her.

[member="Ashmedai"]

 

[Cameron Centurion]

[member="Allana S'hadar"]

Ashmedai was silent for several moments once Allana had finished speaking. The Sith Lord's expression remained...mostly impassive throughout the woman's apology and subsequent explanation. It was an easy thing to apologize, and it was never something that Ashmedai had entertained very much. To him, an apology was almost like begging. It was a sign of weakness to be sorry for one's actions after the fact. If it were truly a concern, greater care would have been taken in the first place. It spoke to the girl's presence of mind and control of her own emotions...both which were clearly lacking.

Filing the information away in the back of his mind, Ashmedai made his own comments and then asked a question. "You failed to learn at the hands of the One Sith. You failed to learn at the hands of the First Order, and your former master succumbed to whatever moronic inclination forces people to join the Sanctum. An organization that doesn't even make attempts to hide how much of a pathetic oxymoron it truly is."

Ashmedai had interacted with a great many Jedi and their associated Orders. Though they were frequently his foe, representing an ideology that he found to be narrow-minded and suited only for the weak of mind and body, he respected them. Regardless of their methods and beliefs...they existed on such for eons. Even in a handful of them, he found strength...for the greatest showing of strength was the ability to select a path and walk it through to its end. This was the reason he rarely abided turncoats or those that 'fall' to the dark side. Even if an individual chooses to ascend to their way of thinking, Ashmedai has little more than ambivalence to offer them. It didn't mean they couldn't go far, however. There were those among the ranks of the Triumvirate, even senior members, that had once been Jedi. Deeds kept them where they were, but they would never enable them to earn his...respect.

The Sanctum on the other hand... They didn't even have the capability to hold true to the ideals that chartered their initial institution. The vast majority of them splintering from the Republic because they felt it's direction to tightly-controlled and militaristic. Now they rule nations and invade others with the overwhelming aid of dark siders, murdering civilians. It did not please Ashmedai. He did not enjoy the feeling of death they spilled into the dark side. In fact, he was even more sickened that so many misguided souls would undoubtedly say of the Sanctum, 'They are just as bad as the Sith'. They should hope to be so honored.

"It would seem..." Ashmedai pulled himself from his brief internal machinations. "...that the common denominator of your failure is you, Allana S'hadar. Why would we want such a repeat offender of failure...here? What desires do you hold so dear that you would abandon allegiance not once but twice?"

 

[Allana S'hadar]

Silence filled the space as Allana waited for some form of reply. Not wanting to make eye-contact, the woman resorted to keeping her gaze fixed on the floor. Her head bowed in an obedient stance. She had really screwed up, she expected no mercy from the Lord in front of her, however he had yet to show his displeasure. Perhaps these sort of instances occurred differently to the One Sith or even the First Order. So far this Sith, if one could call him this, appeared to be exhibiting more Jedi-like traits then one attuned to the dark side of the Force. However as she pondered more on her thoughts in the silence, she came to realise that there was still much she had to learn about the different wielders of the Force. Perhaps this man was but one example of a different form of Sith. She had yet to find out.

Breaking the silence, the deep, emotionless voice spoke to Allana once more. The man made good points, valid points. It brought into question her actual success rate. She had failed to hold down a Master, failed to excel in her previous factions. Perhaps the fault was but her own, as the Sith suggested. However the more the man spoke, the more Allana felt driven to do a service within the current faction. She had to prove to herself then that she was actually capable of serving a greater power first and foremost and then reap the rewqards of such actions. A change of heart was perhaps required for her to move forward.

"Perhaps you are right in what you say my Lord. I know little of your faction and the members within it. I know not if I would be an asset to your cause. However I came to here because I saw the threat you pose against the Silver Sanctum. I wish to contribute to this growing threat. I am willing to put aside my own desires to better the Triumvirate as long as I get to strike at the Coalition." While most of what she said was true, she would not completely abandon her old ways. Her obedience remained to herself first and foremost but she could put this aside temporarily if it meant she could check one thing off of her list.

"If I may be so bold. I would like to know if you intend to accept me." she asked, wishing for her audience to end, or at least the sinister air that continued to thrum around the chamber. While she had a feeling she new the answer already, the near-emotionless face of the Sith Lord did not hint at any certain answer. She would have to wait and see, as silence once again enveloped the room.

[member="Ashmedai"]

 

[Cameron Centurion]

Silver-green eyes continued to stare intently at [member="Allana S'hadar"] as the woman stated a rather clear purpose for wishing to become a member of the Triumvirate. While revenge was not exactly something that tended to drive Cameron's own allegiances these days, he could not deny having allowed the impulsive need to control his actions to some extent in his youth. Then again...perhaps it was not revenge at all that truly motivated the young woman. Sure, Allana's master abandoned her Sith teaching to join the Silver Jedi. It was curious that such an action would drive Allana to her current path, however.

Once Allana had finished her reply and asked her lingering question, Ashmedai remained impassive, unreadable. It was not his intent to frustrate the girl, but if her need for acceptance or, perhaps, leave from his office was that great, she would have to endure a while longer. Ignoring the question, Darth Ashmedai focused his own comments on her stated purpose. "We can equip you with the tools necessary to exact whatever revenge you may desire. I wonder though...what happens then? When the object of your anger within the Coalition ceases to exist, what will you do? Find another place to cater to your vengeful soul?"

 

[Allana S'hadar]

It seemed the woman would not be leaving so soon. Again the emotionless eyes of the Sith searched harder, appearing to dig through her flesh and reveal the corrupted soul beneath. There was truly nothing she could hide from the man, the only thing stopping herself from revealing everything was his good grace. Had he wanted to know all about her, she knew he would have no trouble breaking her barriers and delving deep into her consciousness. However it would seem he had no such intentions, not yet at least. Allana remained the confused and frightened acolyte, unsure of what would happen next.

Allana would think hard as she attempted to provide a suitable answer for the Sith, however knowing herself too well, she already knew the answer. With that said though, the woman wanted to settle down. She had grown to dislike the continuous traveling that had occurred in recent months and would much prefer to remain where she was than pack up and leave once more. While her first impressions of the Triumvirate were intense to put it lightly, she could sense great potential for her future here. She wanted to stay, not only to benefit herself, but if it meant settling down, then she was happy to contribute to the faction as a whole. However she still struggled to provide an answer, now having found conflict within even her own desires.

"I am afraid even I cannot answer that question my Lord." she would finally say, forcing herself to match gazes with the bright eyes of Ashmedai. "I'm not a seer, and I cannot see what my future would bring in the Triumvirate. However I can promise you that I will remain your servant while the conflict between Triumvirate and Coalition continues. I cannot see what would occur after that." Her eyes matched his and as if on instinct her skin seemed to shudder as her eyes turned a silver-green to match the man in front of her. Perhaps it was intimidation tactic, the Shi'ido did not know. However she continued to stare into his eyes with a determined air, waiting for some form of reaction. Her answer would have to suffice.

[member="Ashmedai"]

 

[Cameron Centurion]

The Sith Lord's gaze finally diverted from Allana. It was an indication of only slight irritation. Coming back to his feet, Ashmedai walked around to the opposite of the desk and took a seat in his chair. Steepling his fingers together on top of the desk, he allowed his silver-green gaze to roam random areas of the room. There was no real purpose to it, and he'd not even forced the action. It was a...consequence of steadily declining interest. "I have no need for a seer or a mercenary that supports our goals so long as they are in sync with their own personal desires."

Gradually, his gaze settled back on Allana once more. "Yet. That is the brutal relaity of most sentient species in the galaxy. All of us support only those organizations which align with our personal ideals. The moment those ideals seemingly change or become warped, we lose part of ourselves, we change. It happens to Jedi, and it happens to Sith."

Falling silent for a moment, the Sith Lord considered something...but eventually decided against it. "I do not abide weakness in any form, Ms. S'hadar; physical or mental. Careful that your lust for revenge does not become your undoing. Passion is a source of great power, but it is nothing without control. Control must start first with your own mind and body before it can be applied to any external concept."

Another pause as Ashmedai shifted his gaze to a drawer within his desk. After pulling out a datapad, the Sith Lord tapped in a brief access code before scrolling through some information. "You will be sequestered here in the student dormitory until such a time as you are able to pass a basic skills evaluation. This evaluation is designed only to ensure that your former training has provided you capability at least to the level of our Acolytes before they are assigned to mentors."

The Sith Lord stowed the datapad once more before continuing. "There is one in two days time. We will speak again once you have successfully completed this task. An instructor will meet you on the ground floor to show you to your quarters."

[member="Allana S'hadar"]

 

[Allana S'hadar]

At least the man could understood her meaning. Allana's future was uncertain even too her. No one could be certain what fate lay in store for them. Heck even the Force could never truly be completely accurate. However the Dark Lord had come to a verdict at last. Relief begun to flood the woman's system as he sat at his desk, using the datapad to arrange for her accommodations. Having survived the encounter, the Shi'ido had gathered at least some idea of the Sith's ideals and personality. Even though he had maintained his emotionless facade, his answers had given the acolyte much to think about during her wait. Much to think about indeed. Rising from her seat, she bowed, displaying her gratitude before departing the chamber, quickening her pace once she was out of eyesight from Ashmedai.

Two Days Later

Allana once again sat in the adjacent chamber of Ashmedai's office, feeling uncertain as to what would happen to her within the Triumvirate. Prior to the tests, the woman had felt quietly confident in her abilities, sensing that she was more than capable in comparison to the acolytes she had witnessed parading around the academy. However as the Overseer's put her through the basics, Allana found herself worrying. Perhaps it was the added pressure of her encounter with one of the Triumvirs or perhaps she was losing her resolve, but the woman could not get rid of the ebbing sense of worry. The trials had been simple with the acolyte easily completing the tasks but it was the thought of returning to the Sith Lord that made her stomach twist and tie itself in knots.

However she waited once more, sitting in the familiar chair, staring at the familiar form, once more awaiting for his mouth to open and filling the chamber with his deep voice.

"The trials you set for me are finished my Lord. What would you have me do now?"

[member="Ashmedai"]

 

[Cameron Centurion]

In truth, Ashmedai had not been terribly concerned about the Shi'ido's ability to pass the required entrance evaluation. It would undoubtedly be the only training she actually conducted at this facility. The Academy itself was not designed so much for those that were already familiar with the Force, having received training elsewhere. It was geared much more towards the many Initiates of the Triumvirate...those that were either children or child-like in their knowledge of the Force. Beyond that, there were a handful of advanced students...Sith that returned when their primary training with their mentor had been completed or those simply seeking instruction in some unique talent. There were, after all, secrets of the dark side that unlocked more power than most likely knew or were even capable of understanding.

Eventually, the Sith Lord tore his silver-green gaze from Allana, glancing to a single flimsi on his otherwise empty desk. "I did some research." Slowly, Ashmedai allowed his gaze to track back to Allana's face. "Your last name. It is not...unfamiliar to me." It was, to be honest. However, it mostly like would show up in some records maintained by an organization that was, more or less, loosely connected to the Triumvirate. The circles of Sith and Jedi alike were incestuous...with various individuals partaking in nearly every incarnation of their respective Order. It spoke more to indecision than anything else in his mind. Ashmedai was happy to reap the benefits.

Remaining rigidly seated and stone-faced, the Sith Lord asked his question. "Who are your parents?" There was no mental probing, no pushing of the woman's emotions...at least not purposefully so.

[member="Allana S'hadar"]

 

[Allana S'hadar]

Allana no longer possessed the same fear that had once plagued her days earlier. She had decided that if something was to happen to her than it would have happened prior to her trials. They had invested in the woman now, so there would be no point ruining the hard work of the Overseer's. However this did not mean she would let her guard down. Sith were unpredictable, and as much as she would like to say she understood the intentions of the Lord before her, she found she could not be entirely sure of her assumptions.

Sitting quietly while the man gazed over the flimsi, the young woman remained emotionless, showing no sign of reaction when the question was posed. The man must have had some idea of who her parents were, the question may have just been posed to coax a reaction from the acolyte.

"They're Jedi, my Lord. Marek S'hadar and Rasu Gan, both of the Silver Sanctum." she responded, ensuring her face remained void of disgust as the names left her lips. Was the Sith just curious or was there another unseen motive. Perhaps Allana was just overthinking the act as she had many times before.

[member="Ashmedai"]

 

[Cameron Centurion]

Ashmedai actually hadn't really known Marek S'hadar at all nor had he heard of the man outside of isolated reports. Then again, those were records from another Sith organization. The woman's mother, however, Ashmedai had heard of years ago. He recalled the initial split from the Galactic Republic when the Silver Jedi Order was first created. Rasu Gan was a name that had been mentioned in reports alongside a number of others. Yet, it seemed the founding members had grown curiously silent. Well, more specifically they seemed to have faded from the limelight. Whether by design or circumstance, the Sith Lord could certainly understand.

"I see. How does one born of Jedi become ensnared by the lure of the Sith Arts? Is this a simple rebellious streak, an attempt to lash out against your mother and father?" Though Ashmedai certainly did ask a great deal of questions, they all had purpose. It was a simple matter to merely train someone in the basics, go through the motions. That, however, was a complete waste of Ashmedai's time. He sensed that the woman before him would need something...a bit more personal. The more information he had about the woman, the better he was able to teach her.

[member="Allana S'hadar"]

 

[Allana S'hadar]

The Sith's questions seemed to be leading somewhere, however the path remained unclear to the young Shi'ido. Many had placed an interest in the origins of the woman, curious as to the history of the Gan/S'hadar family. Allana had always lacked the same enthusiasm. A title was good to get you to a certain point in life, before you had to start pulling your own weight; Allana had reached the point long ago.

The truth was, she couldn't truly find an answer to the question. Had Allana simply become bored with the same Jedi routine? Had the lack of a parental figure force the Shi'ido into a permanent resentment for her mother and father? The answer alluded her. What was clear was that after her departure from Voss, Allana had developed a strong hate for her homeworld and those that inhabited it. As she thought more on the subject, Allana realised her studies into the dark side of the Force, hadn't truly occurred until very late in her journey. She had simply fled the Coalition with the desire to be rid of her parents and the fools who fought with them. It wasn't until she was swept up in the arms of the Sith; Darth Azurea in particular, that she became aware of her dark potential.

"No it was not as childish as you might think. Darth Azurea was the one who introduced me to the art, my Lord. She put me on the right path, even if she could not stick to it herself. I was still clinging to my foolish Jedi ways when I abandoned Voss, and remained so until our introductions on the Galactic Capital." she replied. While it wasn't the most exciting of falls, Allana was grateful to the woman, having shown her the error of her ways in following the path of light. Word of the Sith's defection had struck a blow at the Shi'ido's convictions, however she remained loyal to the dark side, and would forevermore.

[member="Ashmedai"]

 

[Cameron Centurion]

Ashmedai didn't presume to know anything about [member="Allana S'hadar"]'s decidedly opposite path to that of her parents. Was it unusual? Yes, but it was hardly unheard of. "You know there is something to keep in mind about the Jedi." Ashmedai's gaze remained transfixed on Allana as he offered a thought that not many Sith elected to acknowledge. "They are much more like us than they are different. We interact with the Force in differing ways, yes, but we are all ultimately individuals seeking power. Any Jedi that tells you strength and power is not a goal they hold...is simply lying. This is the nature of life in the galaxy, period. We all seek to be better than we are, regardless of what path we may elect to take to that being."

Coming to his feet, Ashmedai allowed his fingertips to remain in contact with the top of the desk. "Keep this in mind throughout the course of your training. My time residing here in supervision of this Academy draws to a close tomorrow morning." Ashmedai stood to his full height, causing his fingertips to leave contact with the desk. "I will expect to see you in my personal hangar at that time. We will see to your continuation along the path which you have begun." Ashmedai had no further words to offer the woman before he turned and disappeared out the hidden rear door to the office.