Visiting Hours

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]Stepping off the landing ramp Nikias automatically felt himself being assaulted by the humid temperature. It was uncomfortable and the only saving grace was the winds that blew that somewhat cooled his body. Though truthfully it felt more like someone blowing hot air onto him. Forgoing his cape Nikias stood bare chested as the Iktotch sun beat down on his skin[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] and warmed him. Nikias had heard many things about Iktotch from the Voss temples library. The main thing it spoke of though were the natives that were skilled at telepathy and foreseeing the future. While Nikias could care less about the former the latter had him heavily intrigued. Ever since he'd left his homeworld Nikias had been troubled by the thoughts of what would happen when he returned. Not only did he have to one-day return to deal with his father who was wasting lives in a pointless war[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] Nikias would probably have to take the throne. He'd prefer it if it didn't come to blows with his progenitor but he had to be sure. Hence what brought him to the planet[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]rumors of a women capable of seeing further into the future than even Iktotchi had reached Nikias' ears and he had to meet her.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Standing outside[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] the ancient ruins that had been described to him Nikias looked at what remained[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]the crumbling pillars of stone. The moss covered ground[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]it had the feeling of a sacred grounds but it seemed that it wasn't too taken care of. Looking around Nikias searched for any sign of life. Due to his lack of being able to use the sensing aspects of the force Nikias couldn't track if there were life forms in the area[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]nor would he be able to sense if there was a dark side presence in the area. So taking his first few steps into the ruins Nikias delved into them in search of the mystic he needed.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt][member="Briga Tiin"][/SIZE]

 

[Ax'no]

​

​

Briga had been back on Iktotch for a few days overseeing the construction of a new temple to replace the ancient ruins where she currently resided and held sermons, rituals and – what she was most famous for – divining sessions with patrons and even visitors.

But as a Sith Inquisitor, she wanted to move beyond being a normal tourist attraction on Iktotch. The Caprine mystic had to be more careful about who she saw, when and why. Soon she may even be hunted herself and have to give up reading the future altogether. But her visions would always be with her no matter what and she hoped someday to hone her gift into Battle Precognition to fight with the One Sith, the chief dominator of the galaxy.

The bovidae redhead was outside of the ruins on the far side, tending to a small herb garden, which helped her to relax. As she grew as a darksider, she could more easily sense the presence of those lightsided. Therefore she knew right away that the Jedi Padawan was approaching.

She rounded the corner, following him into the ruins.

“May I help you?” she asked, her melodic voice ringing out like a bell in the torch-lit corridor.

[member="Nikias"]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]Moving more into the ruins Nikias was captivated by it[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] even though it was old it still held a certain attraction to it. It reminded him of the older cities on his homeworld. Though this did not make Nikias any less aware of his surroundings[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]he was on a foreign world that he knew little about. As such Nikias had come equipped with his lightsaber that hung from his belt[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] and the gauntlet on his left arm that contained the emitter for his shield. Keeping his wits about himself Nikias heard the sound of footsteps against the stone. Being a warrior that would've set him on edge[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]however his danger sense wasn't going off which left him more than a bit comfortable. Hearing the question Nikias turned on his heels to look at whoever owned the honeyed voice. It subtly reminded him of the politicians on his world. "Actually[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] yes you can." Nikias said taking in the woman before him. She wasn't too much shorter than him[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] and the red hair faintly reminded him of another friend of his in the Silver Sanctum. However[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] the horns threw Nikias off just a bit[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]while he had read about the species native to Iktotch he was still caught off guard by seeing the magnificent horns up close and personal. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]"You see I have heard many rumors of a great seer that stays here. I was hoping to meet her and have her divine the future for me. There are many questions I have about what is to come and I think she could help... Do you happen to work for her?" Nikias asked the woman it never crossing his mind that the Caprine before him was the one that actually the diviner. He'd been expecting someone to be older. [/SIZE]

[member="Briga Tiin"]

 

[Ax'no]

Briga laughed from her belly, a long and husky laugh. “You could say I work for her,” she answered. The Caprine quickly assessed the Padawan, feeling the lightside of the Force as a soft glow around him which pulsated in silky waves against her skin. But once that initial caress was over, the goodness within him butted harshly up against her dark nature, and it felt like a stinging itch that she could not scratch. Quite disorienting, but she also had to remind herself to keep her wits about her.

While not all of the Jedi were naïve – a certain pink-skinned Zeltron came to mind when she thought of clever, cunning and passionate force users – this one seemed… well, maybe not naïve but trusting. They did not know it yet, but they shared the same Silver Sanctum friend. Although friendship wasn’t quite the way Briga would describe her relationship with Joza. Yet, frenemies also didn’t feel right. Joza Perl had just not been persuaded yet in the horned mystic’s view. And it was up to the Sith Acolyte to eventually enlighten her through the darkness.

“Come inside,” she said, ushering him forward, but then Briga abruptly put a hand up. He would notice that she had rather long, sharp claws giving her a more feral appearance than at first glance. She glanced at his utility belt where his lightsaber hung. “Weapons must stay outside,” she said, indicating a stone pillar at the entrance. “I can have a temple guard keep an eye on it for you.” She added, “This is a place of worship and very holy and revered to the Caprine species. We are a peaceful, gregarious, simple race after all.”

[member="Nikias"]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]The laugh unsettled Nikias and he simply offered a smile and nodded his head. He didn't wish to offend the maiden before him[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] so he stayed silent on what he thought. Whether she was laughing at him or just at what he said he did not know. He was a foreigner to the lands after all[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]and some of his regal nature from being a prince still remained. Rising to his full height Nikias[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] began to follow the caprine before having to stop short the wicked only mere inches from his chest. First looking down at the claws and back up to the woman Nikias' hand lowered to his lightsaber. Almost every Hellyni used a lightsaber and most had been carrying their own since the age of eight. Nikias on the other hand had almost never been separate from his saber for any long periods of time since he first built it at the age of ten. The saber was more than just a weapon to him[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] it signified who he was. It was a part of him[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] but this was the Caprine's temple and he had to follow their rules.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]"Aw I see, [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]that does make sense[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] and I'd hate to insult your culture... Just be careful with it." Reluctantly Nikias went to the stone pillar unclipping the saber from his belt but before he set it down his hand hovered over the pillar for a bit. Not too late to turn back and get back on the ship. No species can be completely peaceful. He thought before making his decision which could just probably end up costing the jedi his life. Though Nikias kept his gauntlet on as due to not only the rarity of beings using shields made of lightsaber technology it wasn't apparent what the gauntlet was due to its ordinary appearance. At least he had one weapon to use if he needed to[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] and with the security of his own mind he need not worry about any prying into his thoughts or sensing his deceit. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Moving back behind Briga[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] Nikias nodded his head signaling it was ok for them to continue. "So you said that weapons inside this temple is a place of worship? If you don't mind me asking why hasn't it been taken care of over the ages if held in such reverence? Or did you just recently rediscover it?"[/SIZE]

[member="Briga Tiin"]

 

[Ax'no]

Briga’s eyes followed the saber from the Jedi’s belt, into his hand and then down on the stone dais. She nodded as if to say, “very good.” And then the horned mystic spoke again:

“Your weapon will be safe here. In the temple, no one touches anything without my explicit permission.” The old ancient ruins was a place very dear to the Caprine and utterly ruled by her, especially after the ritualistic slaughter of the mystic Elders in this very temple, not too long ago. Twelve of the Adepts died by the hand of Priestess Tiin and Sith Lord, Darth Prazutis. If Nikias concentrated hard enough, he would be able to observe their ghosts and the dark energy of their brutal murder. But Briga, as the reincarnation of Ax’no, the Caprine goddess was above reproof here on Iktotch. The authorities from the capital of Ankhela occasionally investigated reports of malicious acts here in the village, but they normally dismissed the horned race as primitive and frivolous, more interested in farming and bacchanalian pursuits than galaxy politics. The bottom line was that the Caprine just were not that important to the Iktotchi government in power. And the Priestess used this to her fullest advantage.

As Briga ushered the Hellyni inside, her eyes lit up at his inquiry over the disrepair of the temple. “I’m glad you asked,” she said, her voice hoarse. The Caprine had been chanting to the goddess more than usual lately especially after the bloodbath that occurred in the very spot where they were walking. “With all due respect to the Caprine, we are a crude species… uncivilized at times.” As they walked by others of her species, they bowed in reverence to her or averted their eyes, at times in awe, but at other times, in fear. “We are farmers, herders and warriors. The villages around here barely generate income. Why most of us still use the traditional bartering system. But I am building a new temple with donations from my congregation.” And also the Sith, but she didn’t need to mention who was really doing the funding. “I can show you progress on the construction if you like. It will be very majestic indeed.” Briga finally took Nikias to a room with a baptismal font and a small pool used for full immersion. There was seating nearby and the Priestess motioned to it. “Tell me about yourself and why you’ve come.”

[member="Nikias"]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]Eyes cutting over to the Caprine[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] Nikias raised a brow in question. At first he had taken the woman for nothing more than a handmaiden to the one he had come to see. However[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]with her mention of nothing happening to his lightsaber without her permission tipped Nikias off to just how high ranking she was. The Caprine woman walked with seemed much younger than he would expect a seer to be[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]which was probably wrong on his part. He should have known better than anyone that many beings were capable of things at any age with a bit of help from the force at times. Slowly the pieces began to fall in place[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] but Nikias did not suspect anything evil or malicious about the Caprine. So far she hadn't done anything that put him in danger and with him seemingly disarmed she could easily have him attacked. Looking around the ruins as they continued deeper Nikias felt a chill descend down his spine. It was uncomfortable[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]but different from the usual tingling telling him when he was in danger. Curse my abilities with the force. Nikias thought as he looked behind him one last time as they left the area.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]"For one to say that about their own people..." Nikias said as they began to pass by other members of the Caprine species. He was caught off guard how they didn't respond negatively to the woman's words. Instead many bowed to her. She is far more powerful than I thought. Nikias thought his eyes darting to the Priestess. "I wouldn't think one would say that about their own people. Just because you do such things doesn't mean they're uncivilized. My own world is the same way[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], warriors by birth. Yet that does not automatically make us uncivilized. Have you tried selling your wares to the galaxy at large or making your services more public? That would surely draw more income? Though I'd be pleased to see how the construction is going" [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Entering the room Nikias stared into the baptismal font and felt somewhat odd entering the room. As though he was entering a sanctum that was not meant for him. Though he still took the seat that had been offered to him. Sitting in it Nikias leaned back easing his muscles and trying to become less tense. "I am a Prince of my own world... I fear that when I return to take the throne that I may fail. I need to be sure of what is to come and if there's some way to avert it."[/SIZE]

[member="Briga Tiin"]

 

[Ax'no]

The Jedi's lecture was unexpected. And so Briga saw it fit to educate him about her relationship with her own species.

"The Caprine are an unsophisticated species. They have no table manners and enjoy too much wine from our fertile vineyards. But they are MY species. I think it's okay to pass a little bit of judgement at times. Because otherwise, how do we improve as a village and a colony. The Iktotchi do not respect us. But I understand why in a way."

She listened to the Hellyni's advice, tilting her head and taking a seat across from him.

"A prince you say?"

This was an interesting twist as Briga just assumed Nikias to be like the padawans she encountered on Voss, including his friend, [member="Joza Perl"]. A bit sheltered from the world at large, wanting more than what the sanctum offered them. The poor souls trapped in all of that monastic resignation.

But a monarch?

"Why do you think you will fail, young one?" she said, although Briga was probably the same age. She had just counseled so many Caprine, human and Iktotch that she took on an air of superiority. "I need to know the details of your situation to be able to read your future."

[member="Nikias"]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]The explanation that Briga gave to Nikias told him a lot about her people[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] and her own thoughts on them. While he himself completely understood what she was saying as he himself didn’t much care for the other City-states on his planet and their ways of dealing with things. The Slavery[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]the oppression of women. All things Nikias wished to abolish in time[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] though the Caprine seemed like a species that had been oppressed and one day like all beings that were oppressed and mistreated they’d hit back. Potential allies? Nikias thought letting the seer finish Nikias nodded his head in understanding. “While your judgements may indeed help your people grow in time[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], that does not mean that your people should be held to such an extent. Instead you should let them see more of the galaxy and go someplace that’s better suited for your people. create a place for yourselves to call a new home. while this place may be revered to you here you can create a new staple for your people to follow.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Noticing the change of tone and the words “young one” Nikias refocused his attention. Very rarely did one call him young. Not even as a child had he been called a young one. Leaning forward Nikias’ elbows rested on his legs while one hand was curled into a fist pressed against the palm of the other. “Yes a prince[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], which leads to why I think I will fail… My father, he’s always been the most powerful of our family[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]even more so since my uncle was severely injured. None have been able to stand up to him. however[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] I cannot let his warpath continue. It has to be stopped[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]but I do not know if I have the strength to stop him. I came to you to see if you could give me an answer.”[/SIZE]

[member="Briga Tiin"]

 

[Ax'no]

Briga laughed again, but this time it was a heartier laugh and almost held an air of friendship.

“I don’t subjugate my species, Jedi. They are free to leave at any time, but honestly most of them don’t want to. The Caprine are extremely social and fear isolation. This makes them less interested in space travel or relocating to another planet.” She appeared thoughtful for a moment, her jaundiced-colored eyes unfocused. Then she said: “But I like the idea of relocation. I’ve thought about myself… but where is the question?”

She waved her hands in the air, her claws as long as a hawkbat’s talons. “But you didn’t come here for a sociology lesson on the Caprine. Let me see if I can find out the answer to your question.”

Briga closed her eyes and breathed deeply until she was slowly and softly inhaling and exhaling. After a few moments, quicker than it may seem to Nikias to have a vision of the future, her eyes snapped open, and she gazed again at the Hellyni. “Unfortunately you will not defeat him. He will die of old age eventually but after a long rule that will leave him bankrupt and with nothing to leave his son. But there is a way to change the course of this fate if you are willing to listen. It just depends on how badly you want the throne."

A pregnant pause, the type that happens before a predator leaps on its prey.

"And with you, My Young Prince? I think you can actually taste the power like the sweetest wine on your tongue.”

[member="Nikias"]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]Nikias wasn't sure whether to believe the seer in whether or not she subjugated her people. While he lacked in the sensing aspects of the force[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] you didn't need it to see the fear in some of the Caprine's eyes and the averted gazes. Nikias was a prince and had dealt with those same things once before and knew of their meaning. Though he said nothing as he did not wish to offend Briga before she finished helping him with his own request. However[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] the fact that she was open to the thoughts of where her people could migrate to meant that it was a possibility that Nikias could have allies to help him in his takeover of his father’s throne. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Wanting to continue on with the conversation Nikias took her hand waving as a sign they should move on. They could always discuss such things later[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] if there was a later. One could never know what would happen and when. Waiting and letting the seer collect herself[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] Nikias waited expectantly. All he got was her closing her eyes and breathing. What in the blazes. Nikias thought as the woman gave her prophecy. Half of Nikias listened to it[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] but the other half was focused on keeping his face even and not showing the disgust on his face. Instead the hand around his fist tightened and the veins on the back of his hands became more apparent. I did not come here for some simple trickery. Nikias thought[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]he knew for a fact the Makrosian kingdom wouldn't fall into debt due to just how much wealth had been accumulated since the families’ beginnings[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] not to mention all the other cities that supported it with their funds. It wasn't even the wealth that bothered Nikias[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] it was the part where it was mentioned that he'd fail. It seemed as though the reading had been only a few seconds... Because it had been.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Going along with the scene Nikias kept his calm as he spoke. "Just how would I avert this prophecy?" Nik asked as he struggled to keep the skepticism out of his voice.[/SIZE]

[member="Briga Tiin"]

 

[Ax'no]

It was clear to Briga that Nikias was an unbeliever by the annoyed edge that could be heard in his next question. But sometimes this happened with subjects when they didn’t like what they heard. She recalled a time in a Voss temple when she’d given the Mandalorian warrior Draco Vereen a divination of the future, one where negative events happened, and he’d grabbed her wrist in a flare of his temper. The Caprine had been pushed, and even berated over her visions - truths or lies - and the ensuing conversation and interpretation. Another fateful day, a fellow prophet named Aerico slapped her across the face after she'd helped to give him her anagogic guidance. Of course, he had also tried to take her by force, the spark of desire strong between the both of them. When she refused his advances, Briga felt his wrath quite clearly on her skin.

But now the horned mystic remained calm and said, “Well that depends on the direction you are on now. So tell me, Jedi, what is your path? Where do you reside now and what are your plans to increase your power?”

[member="Nikias"]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt][member="Briga Tiin"][/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Nikias kept his annoyance and anger in check while talking to the Caprine. He prided himself on his patience and not letting his emotions cloud his judgement. It was one of those things that most nobility had to learn[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] or should at least strive to learn. Though the fact of the seers premonition being so fast is what put Nikias off about it. While he had heard many positive things about the Caprine he didn't know what to think now that he was faced with her. So instead he treaded carefully not intending to burn a bridge just yet[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] not unless he really had to. He would not be played for a fool however. A slight glace was cast at the door as Nikias wondered if he'd be able to summon his lightsaber to him at the distance if he needed it. No He thought. There were to many corridors and closed doors for it to reach him.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]"I..." Nikias stopped. How far am I truly willing to go? Nikias asked himself his vision blurring for a second as memories of his time in the Attikan cells replayed in his head. How he his brother had sacrificed himself for Nikias. Of all the lives that were lost in a war that should never have been started and should be stopped instead of continuing. While the Attikans started the war Nikias' father provoked it and constantly kept throwing troops at them wasting the lives of their people. "I will do whatever needs to be done for me to take the throne away from my father." Nikias said a low growl in his voice. "Even if it means killing him. "[/SIZE]

 

[Ax'no]

“Good, good,” said Briga. “You feel hatred for your father.” The horned seer rose and walked over to the baptismal font, dipping her hands into the water and swirling them around. As she did this slowly and almost meditatively, she spoke again: “You are a Jedi Nikias, are you not? Yet how un-Jedilike those thoughts of yours.”

The horned mystic withdrew her hands, dried them on a nearby towel, and then perfumed them with sweet-smelling oil made from herbs native to Iktotch. The room they were on took on the distinct fragrance of wild-flower and exotic spices.

“But I do not judge. In fact, the loathing for your father is a good thing. Embracing your deepest, darkest desires to hurt him… to kill him in fact, is the only thing that will avert the prophecy.”

As soon as the words left her cupid-bow lips, Nikias would begin to feel the darkside of the Force pulsating from Briga like a heartbeat. Neither of them had weapons, but one of the mystic’s most expert skill at her level was mentalism. He would be able to feel black tentacles of pressure on the outskirts of his mind likes a pack of wolves baying at the door.

“Would you like help in this endeavor?” [SIZE=11pt]Whether she meant killing his father or helping him to uncover the passion for revenge, he would [/SIZE]not know.

[SIZE=11pt][member="Nikias"][/SIZE]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]Nikias had been through this song and dance before[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] and now it was just becoming more apparent the longer it drew on. The words that Briga spoke[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] Nikias had heard before instead coming from the lips of a Sith Lord. Now it made sense, all the pieces began to fall in place and Nikias saw the full picture. The Caprine seer wasn't only admired and idolized by the others of her species[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] they feared her as well. She had done something to cause them to fear and respect her in such a way[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] even seemed as though she enjoyed the power. Stomach knotting Nikias looked at the Caprine keeping his face neutral as she cleaned her hands in the font. Thoughts entered his mind of just using his shield to kill the Sith where she stood; however, Nikias didn't hate Sith for no reason. He did not yet know what Briga had done to cause her people to fear her[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] so the judgement would have to wait. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Rising from the seat Nikias walked away slightly so there would be a few feet between him and the Sith. Due to his lack of abilities in sensing the force Nikias had no clue about the darkside aura that permeated the area[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] all he felt was a chill retreat down his spine leaving him more cautious than he'd usually be. As with all Hellyni[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] Nikias was also immune to all forms of mental attacks which left Briga facing a wall that might as well have been beskar that protected him. "You know all you Sith are the same. In one way or another you all try to take people down the same path that you took. You fell so now you want others to join you[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] you don't fight for the freedom of others. You fight for your own gain." Speaking from his experience with the Sith he had faced Nikias brought each word down like a hammer strike on an anvil. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]"I do not desire to kill my father. I do not want the throne for the power behind it. I want it to protect my people and ensure none suffer the same fate I have. I would never accept the help of someone that uses fear tactics against her own people. I saw the fear in some of their eyes... You're supposed to protect them! You have the strength! Why make them fear you?!" [/SIZE]

[member="Briga Tiin"]

 

[Ax'no]

Briga’s brows wrinkled in confusion, and one side of her lip curled up in almost a sneer.

“Just now I tried to infiltrate your mind. But you resisted. I could feel the barrier… like a wall,” she admitted. “How strange.” Either he was immune to her powers, or he had practiced resisting mentalism, but either way, the Caprine knew if she was to keep Nikias there at the temple in any capacity, she would have to be shrewder about it.

But part of her just enjoyed the emotional game they were playing. Even if he were to leave this today with all limbs intact, his beliefs and ideals unchanged, that would be okay. But there was passion inside him over his bid for the throne.

Briga was used to insults – False Prophet, Horned Harlot, Snake Charmer – as she’d been called many names by the Iktotchi press. So she was relatively unfazed by Nikias’s judgement.

“I do not make them fear me,” she said. “They just do. My people know me as the reincarnation of our primary goddess Ax’no, the great harvester and creator of the Living Force. It’s not terror you see in their eyes. It’s reverence.”

She beckoned him over with one finger, her long claw reminiscent of a curved dagger. “Come cleanse your hands in the font. It’s a typical Caprine ritual that most guests to do in the temple.”

[member="Nikias"]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]At least the Sith had the decency to tell the truth about what she had been trying to attempt[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] Nikias wouldn't have been none the wiser to her trying to infiltrate his mind if she had stayed silent. While the Hellyni were immune to the mental intrusions didn't mean they knew when it was happening. "Of course you would[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] thats because you're not as powerful as you think yourself to be." Nikias said trying to cast doubt upon the Caprine and her abilities. He rarely felt felt violated[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] but this was one of those occasions as the Sith had tried to probe his mind and bend him to her will or retrieve information from his mind. Either way it went he didn't want to know what the Sith had planned. "You really shouldn't have told me what you were trying." Nikias said glancing over to the door to the main chamber to ensure she hadn't summoned guards to attack and imprison him. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]"You can call it reverence if you want,[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] but that doesn't change that beings don't fear without reason. What are your true motives for your people?" Nikias asked making his way to her. Neither of them had weapons[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] but if Nikias returned without the seer he didn't know how the rest of the Caprine would react. They could possibly attack him or even aim to take his life for offering an insult to their God. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]"If you try anything I cannot assure you that I will spare you." Nikias warned with a growl as he approached the Sith and dipped his hands into the font where the cool water soothed them. He was completely on guard ears perked up and eyes watching the Sith out of the corner of his eye. "I'm asking you to not make me do anything I'll regret. My hands are far from clean and if I must I will dirty them further."[/SIZE]


[member="Briga Tiin"]

 

[Ax'no]

“Do I frighten you?” Briga asked, chuckling. It never failed to amuse her when she was able to make mortals tremble in fear.

"This is just a ritual cleansing as you are required to do when in the Temple of Ax’no. Especially in the presence of Ax’no. And I did not designate myself as the goddess. This discovery was made by the Elder Priests when I was younger… they saw that I would become Ax’no someday in a shared vision. Twelve adepts all saw the same thing. How miraculous is that?”

Nikias approached, still quite skittish over what the Caprine planned to do. Had she thought about attacking him? It wasn’t out of the question, but the force user had a streak of darkness in him. Maybe he was not the monastic do-gooder that she’d made him out to be.

“I do not plan to hurt you, Jedi.” But contrary to that statement, she withdrew a sharp dagger from a pocket on her gown. “But if I can place a few drops of your blood in the baptismal font perhaps I can give you a better reading of your future.”

[member="Nikias"]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]"I think you Sith are giving yourselves to much credit,[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] you do not frighten me. Its more along the lines that I pity you." Nikias said to Briga delivering his own backhanded insult. Nikias had dealt and fought with enough Sith that he no longer feared what any of them brought to the table. He had survived many things brought on by the Sith[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] one of which involved being buried beneath a building. While he may have barely survived[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] his fear of the Sith had been broken[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] and his hate for them amplified. Though that did not mean he loved killing them[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] not without being given a reason to. Briga just so happened had started down the road by admitting she'd tried to influence him mentally. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]"Hmm If that's true,[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] it just marks the point that you should be doing more for your people. You should be painting yourself as a hero for them[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] not trying to turn and bend others to your will. I will never understand why you Sith crave more power when you could use what you have to bring others up as well." Pulling his hands out the cold water[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] Nikias let the water drip over the font before beginning to dry his hands.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]"Hmm... How ironic." Nikias said holding out his left hand with no hesitation but looking Briga in the eye's Nikias' narrowed as he exerted his will on the force. Bringing it down in a telekinetic grip on Briga's neck though not exerting the pressure to choke[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] Nikias gave her a warning look. "As I said do not make me do something we'll both regret." Nodding his head down to his hand Nikias offered Briga a smile hoping she understood the positions both of them were in. While she had a dagger and her people at her disposal[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] Nikias had his own tools as well. [/SIZE]

[member="Briga Tiin"]

 

[Ax'no]

Insults didn’t bother the Priestess as she was used to detractors. She grew up a mortal with the goddess as her looming shadow. Like a snake, eventually that mortal skin would shed, and only Ax’no would be left to shine across the galaxy, a blinding light of salvation. But until then, the Iktotchi press lambasted her, she was ridiculed and scorned at times, and even her own Master did not believe she was a deity. The last rejection hurt her more than she would ever give credit for.

“Nikias,” she said with only a hint of frustration. “I’m not a hero. I’ve never painted myself in that light. I’m a goddess, exalted… immortal, yet sometimes you need to guide your species to what is right and true. At times, that takes a heavy hand.” Her yellow eyes glittered with mischief as Nikias approached the font. Getting the dagger ready, almost too eager to shed blood, her hand froze when the invisible fingers clutched at her throat. Briga stood very still now, the Force Choke a common response to her intensity in getting what she wanted. She couldn’t count how many galaxians had, at times, felt so threatened that a warning around her soft neck was required to let her know she was crossing a boundary.

She moved slowly, the dagger now just pointing at the tip of one of Nikias’s fingers. She eased it in gently, only causing a few drops of blood to leak into the font, then withdrew it.

“Why is it so gratifying to inflict the kind of power you are now?” she asked, her eyes softer now as she watched the clear water, turn scarlet and cloudy. “There are many other ways to exert your influence. Like seduction for example. Why, once I frolicked with a Jedi in the Tower of Prophecy on Voss, right under the noses of the Silver Sanctum Coalition. A Sith Inquisitor and a Jedi Knight lay together on the hallowed ground where mystics prayed for relief from their darkside tormenters. It was almost a divine act of passion to bestow on the lovely, pink Zeltron.” It was clear that Briga remembered this event fondly.

[member="Nikias"]