Welcome to the Family

[Valgærd]

I had wondered about this day for some time.

[member="Ivory Stroud"] had been technically filling this role for some time. It was true, that without her, I certainly wouldn't be where I am now. Sitting in the darkened room, I leaned back in the high-backed leather chair, staring out into the infinite expanse of the universe beyond us. No doubt, the girl would be wondering why she had been summoned here, to the Wolf's Shadow, rather than any of my offices on Dohmus Prime or the other planets we had a stake in.

Sure, it could be for security reasons, my personal vessel was the safest place in the galaxy, as far as I was concerned. It could be for the privacy, what we were about to do, after all, was of the upmost discretion. It could even have been for the assurance that we'd have no interruptions.

But honestly?

It was for the flair.

My quarters, aside from the bed, closely resembled my office on Dohmus Prime; sleek, elegant, with a flair for classic decor. The large windows offered a view of the entire system; Dohmus Prime in orbit around our star with Helios Maximus in the far distance, all contained within the reflection nebula that had shrouded this place from the galaxy proper for so long. It was in equal parts beautiful, and fitting.

She may or may not have noted that rather than my usual pilot, I had a droid on the bridge, or that we were the only two on the vessel. She may not have. It mattered little. What mattered was what came next. I had just summoned her over the intercom. In the moments it would take her to reach my quarters--assuming she came--I turned to my desk and pulled out a small brass bazier, setting it upon the surface.

We were ready to begin.

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[Crocell]

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The luxurious accomodations of The Donna's personal ship had absolutely astounded the young woman the first time she'd set foot upon the vessel. The Wolf's Shadow was a starship the likes-of-which Ivory had never before seen - a symbol of Power & Prestige, and a tool for subversion and secrecy. The luxury vessel was a work of art & a creation by master craftsmen... Mandalorians, in fact. The living quarters, common areas, med bay, and bridge were each made from the finest quality components and materials. No expense had been spared. It required only a small crew to operate, and could transport a small group of the Galaxy's most powerful criminal elements anywhere... and do so in total secrecy.​

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And here she was... lounging in a chair, and for the thousandth time in six months, wondering how exactly she'd arrived where she was. ​

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The woman was dressed classily in a short black skirt and her customary red leather boots; silver caps gleaming on the toes. Her fingernails were painted red to match her boots, and she wore a number of pieces of jewelry: a few rings, a bracelet dotted with beads, and a small purple stone hanging around her neck on a silver chain. Her violet eyes seemed, at the moment, deep in thought... She was seated in a chair with a glass of something cold near her elbow, and soft music played in the background, providing just enough distraction for her mind to wander. The last few months had taken all the contacts and favors (and nearly all of her savings) to accomplish... but she had seized the opportunities presented to her, and succeeded where others might have failed.​

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The truth was, Ivory had been an awkward child fumbling in a sandbox before she'd come to The Family. Now, she was becoming a master of her own destiny. The skills she'd gained from her time on Coruscant, and traveling the Galaxy in secret as a warrior against oppression, had given her the skills & intestinal fortitude to undertake potentially life-changing events - setting in motion what would soon become her greatest accomplishment yet: The breaking of ground on Coruscant for The Family's future headquarters on the planet.​

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The intercom beeped overhead.​

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"Ivory. Please join me in my Office."​

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The Donna's tone, sultry & smooth as silk, were the only words spoken. The two of them were the only occupants on the ship.​

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Taking her time, in no hurry whatsoever, the raven-haired Femme Fatale came out of her thoughts and into the present moment. A drink, lazily taken, drained the remainder of her glass which was then returned to the table, and Ivory stood. The brief walk through the ship's interior still made her eyes tingle with the memory - it was as if her brain were recording every second of this moment in full, high-definition detail; so much so, that she'd remember the very smell of the air or the feel of the dress she wore on her skin if she were to recall it later. It was funny, too, because she'd heard of the things which happened in The Family when you were summoned by The Donna.​

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Some good. Some, not so good. ​

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But unless she'd made a terrible mistake, she was sure that the next hour would hold great things for her... and for her future.​

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She arrived just outside [member="Ahtemis"]'s quarters, fingers interlaced in-front of her, almost as-if she were wringing her hands. A deep breath filled her lungs then exhaled, purging anxiety from her mind as she set her jaw and stepped forward - the door opening before her and allowing her entry. Her perception of time had slowed so-that she felt she was moving through molasses... but was entirely aware of every gust of air, every note of soft music piping through the speakers overhead, and every heartbeat in her chest.
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[Valgærd]

There she was

Ivory appeared at the door after a few minutes, heralded by the soft hiss as the durasteel gave way for her. She'd know by now that I very rarely tend to sit at my desk, preferring to be leaning against it or standing elsewhere within the space around it. Today was no different, as I was standing with my back to the doorway, my fingers laced together in front of me, my gaze on the almost surreal beauty of the nebula beyond the ship. I heard her come in, of course, tilting my head to my right slightly to focus my attention on the young woman.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" I asked, taking a step slightly to one side. The movement was meant as a silent invitation for her to join me at the window,

"Truly, an oasis, I would think. Every good family needs a home... and we certainly have that here."

A pause, as I turned from the window to the woman herself. Personally, I'd never concerned myself with style. As far as I was concerned, if everything was black nothing would clash, and I could slip away unnoticed into a crowd. My passenger, on the other hand, always seemed to look stunning. More of an advantage than perhaps even she knew. Most impressions are made about a person before they even open their mouth. If that impression happens to be a desire to bed them, then they hold the advantage.

"Without dancing around it, Doll," I purred, "the Family is where it is because of you. You've become my most valuable asset. I think... I think it's time you were recognised for that."

After a moment I moved to my desk. I stood behind it, fingers perched delicately upon the surface. No doubt she would have noticed the small brass brazier by now, and likely wondered its purpose. Well... all would be revealed soon.

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[member="Ivory Stroud"]​

 

[Crocell]

Ivory took a step into The Donna's office, smelling the faint scent of aromatic perfume; a smoky sweet scent, like a jungle orchid on fire.​

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She crossed the short distance, accepting the open invitation to join her boss at the window. Through the viewport, the refraction nebulae which concealed Dohmus Prime from the Galaxy took the Anarchist's breath away. Dohmus' bright star shone at the very center of the nebulae, with Dohmus Prime invisible at the distance from-which they viewed their home-system. A beautiful cloud of astral dust shimmered like a living thing, powered by the fierce white fire burning like a beacon at its' center, and Helios Maximus shone second-brightest.​

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Where the main habitable zone and outlying planets orbited were surrounded by a halo of light, the System's main defining feature were the pockets of dark space which concealed much of the system from view; concealing the system's presence through a natural wall of pulverized microscopic dust particles and dark space. Only at a short distance away can one begin to view the system's natural brilliance, and The Wolf's Shadow had parked itself in a position most suited for the awe-inspiring spectacle.​

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Ivory and [member="Ahtemis"] stared, for a moment, taking in the stellar grace and power of the sight before them.​

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As The Donna spoke, Ivory turned to look at her, and agreed with a smile and a nod of her head at her companion's mention of the system being their home. "In all my years, I've never seen such a sight..." She spoke, glancing back outside again before the Donna continued, offering Ivory high praise. Ivory's eyebrows furrowed as she thought back to her younger days, taking risks which seemed so great then... but seemed so insubstantial now.​

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"When I answered that message, and found you... I never imagined it would have led me here." Ivory's voice was thoughtful; moved by the moment, at a deeper pitch, betraying the emotion concealed by the calm she was, perhaps, famous for. She stood still as The Donna moved away from her, watching as the Boss of The Family stepped behind her desk, signifying that business was about to begin. Ivory, showing the faintest smile, joined her, facing her, with her back to the door. The ebon-headed Femme Fatale stood submissively with her hands clasped in-front of her, respecting The Donna and allowing her to conduct what seemed to be quite an occasion...​

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The brazier which stood between them was aged, having developed a patina of use over the years and seemed to hold special significance.​

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"What... is this?" Ivory asked while lavender eyes (quite rare, indeed) steadily analyzed the scene before her. She assumed the question would be taken rhetorically. The truth was, she didn't care about the "whys", so much as she cared about the "How".​

 

[Valgærd]

I couldn't help but chuckle softly at Ivory's answer.

Neither had I. Every time I saw the nebula, no matter how many trips I'd made in a space of time, no matter how stressed I was or what business I was conducting, every time I saw that nebular it brought out the same feeling: pure wonder. It reminded me that no matter how big we got, not matter how much power I may end up wielding, no matter where we spread to; we living beings were mere insects in the scope of the galaxy as a whole. Even my own long lifespan would be barely a blip on the radar. An empire might rise on Dohmus Prime and last for millenia, but one day that nebular would once again rest quietly, undisturbed. I wonder, would it notice if we all disappeared?

At her next words, I lightly shrugged one shoulder in agreement,

"Honestly, child, neither did I." I cooed softly, words deliberately chosen.

A pause, then, as I drew in a breath. I was so used to remaining wrapped up in this illusion, in hiding everything from the galaxy. Two people alive knew what I was; both of them my own species. But it was time to let in another. The rest of the secret would be unwrapped in time, and she would be free to ask whatever she wished. For now, however, our attention was turned to the business at hand.

"This, Doll," I purred, raising a hand to casually gesture to the brazier, "is your ascension. You have more than proven yourself not only a most valuable asset to the Family, but worthy of their upmost respect. I'm promoting you to my the highest position in the organisation. From now on, you will have as much power within the Family as I can give. You will have access to every resource, every secret. You will have leave to make decisions as you see fit. You will be the long reach of my arm, extending where I can not. You will be... my Under-boss. Are you ready to take the pledge?"

Ivory may or may not have noticed that there was no question in my words, no option to refuse it, to back out. After all, when the Donna sends for you; you do as she asks, or you die.

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[member="Ivory Stroud"]​

 

[Crocell]

Ivory was entirely surprised by The Donna's offer, and her face showed it.

This was not what she had expected, in the least - she had imagined The Donna's highest levels of Command were entirely unreachable; though she'd spent some time with the Caporegime, she had been kept from a number of secrets. She had wondered at being invited to such a clandestine meeting, assuming it to be one of importance - perhaps business, or a congratulatory drink. This was something much more.

"Your... Underboss?" She asked, looking from the powerful woman before her and the brazier between them to the sight twinkling in the distance outside the viewports, then back again.

She understood there would be no refusing the offer. She wouldn't have dreamed of it.

Ivory turned her eyes to steadily return The Donna's gaze, offering a smile. There was a sparkle in those violet orbs which had never been before. She was about to take the greatest leap of her life. In an instant, everything made sense.

"I... Yes. I am." She said as her heartbeat quickened.

[member="Ahtemis"]

 

[Valgærd]

Ivory was clearly nervous.

That was good. I'd have been disappointed--even concerned--if she had tried to take this position without understanding the sheer weight behind it. My gaze softened for a moment. Certainly, the title and associated resources were a highly sought-after prize, as was my favour and trust. However, it was not without its downsides. I was aware that it was a huge weight I was placing on her shoulders, one that for all intents and purposes would be shackled to her neck. There is one way out of the position of under-boss: the grave.

After a short nod, I turned my attention to the brazier. Collecting a small lighter from my desk, I lit the oil within. The brass bowl roared to life with a soft woof of fire.

Then, the first secret. Rather than simply putting the lighter back into my desk drawer, I dropped it. Instead of clattering to the surface of the desk, it fell only an inch or two before I caught it with the force, the tiny metal box spinning softly as it hovered in the air. Light bounced off its reflective surface as it spun softly, before I moved my hand and beckoned it over. I gestured towards the drawer, which again, opened without my touching it.

If she had any knowledge in the force, Ivory would likely be aware that to control two separate items like that meant that I was no mere apprentice, nor was this my only parlour trick.

"To bring you this close to me," I said quietly, sliding the now flickering brazier to be centred between us, "I'm about to make you privy to all my inner-most secrets. That is the first. This is the second."

I took a few steps back from the desk. At first, nothing happened as I merely let out my breath. It was now so habitual to avoid shifting in the presence of others that it took a moment or two to find the will to do so. But soon, the slender form Ivory knew melted away, falling into and becoming an enormous white wolf. Even on my four natural legs I'm almost as tall as the bipedal one. Not quite as thick and built as my dark-fur kin, but certainly a formidable sight. I resisted the urge to walk towards her, knowing such can be incredibly intimidating, even though she knew I had no ill intentions for her.

"Do not mind the whiteness," I spoke, my voice deeper than before, gravelly, and with a slight lisp because of the snout. I hated speaking in my natural form but there it is. "I am still gurlanin, even though I do not wear the shadows on my fur like my kin."

After a moment I sighed and stretched, resuming the human form and approaching the desk. Surely Ivory had seen quite enough by now.

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[member="Ivory Stroud"]​

 

[Crocell]

Ivory was steady as The Donna began whatever ritual was ahead...​

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She was, in fact, no stranger to such displays of devotion or service. The spark of fire brought the brass bowl between them to roaring life, and she immediately, instinctually, understood the intent... There were few things more fierce than fire - it chased away all darkness before it, ruined all it touched, and warmed the soul. Coiling, serpentine, it was alive... And a force more powerful in its' entirety than life.​

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The ambient glow of firelight in the soft lighting of the room added something to the ambience; a more tribal place, born of Ancient Rites. ​

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She still bore scars upon her flesh from Rituals past... most successful, and some not. She had never lost her life, but she had sacrificed much to reach this place - Hidden in deep space, on a most-fascinating ship... with a woman like The Donna. Ivory's parents, whom she'd rarely spoken of, had considered her lost. She was a creature of the Galaxy... a wolf in human-skin. A Hunter, a Seeker, a Predator. She had murdered, beaten, strangled... Forced a Rodian to stare into the sun... been nearly gutted like a fish... Organized riots... Bombed a Government office on three seperate planets... Hijacked a Media Station... Captured merchant ships... been branded... and taken scores. Though her appearance had changed somewhat over the years, she'd eventually settled on the sense of flair & style one might now behold. She was supremely free-spirited, and capable of anything.​

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She had grown increasingly calm, in the last few years of her life. Where she once was a cannon of rage as a teen, she was now a fiercely independant, calculated scalpel. At least... she tried to be.​

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When the Donna dropped her lighter, that steady gaze did not waver. She was, indeed, familiar with The Force... and said nothing, as it floated silently in the air, moving about as-if blown upon a breeze she could not feel. Ivory simply watched... and gave the Donna a silent acknowledgement, when she moved from the first to the second secret.​

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Again, she was not unfamiliar with these things; she had been given secrets in the past. Some of which, she still held.​

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However, the content of the second secret was... beyond the limits of her experience.​

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The transformation took place before her, and it was not until the Beast came forth that she reacted. Slowly... The woman known for holding her ground stepped back, once. The length of a single shoe. But she did not look away, as the massive hairy creature fell forward on it's fore-legs. Somewhere, in the back of Ivory's mind, an alarm bell was ringing that she should flee - escape, run, hide. But she knew there would be no hiding here. She would still be watching, studying the Boss of the Family carefully as the raven-headed, elegant, and mysterious woman reappeared before her eyes.​

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For a few heartbeats, Ivory said nothing, her face momentarily darkened but lively once more. She had been tense, coiled, but it was gone now.​

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"I never would have dreamed something like that existed..." She finally said, eyes having softened. "You're... not human. I never would have known, if you hadn't shown me." ​

[member="Ahtemis"]​

 

[Valgærd]

Ivory took a step in retreat.

It was only tiny, barely half a step. But I noticed it. Submission; subtle, not acknowledged, perhaps not even consciously made, but there it was. The woman before me had been watched very closely, particularly in leading up to this decision, so I personally knew the power of that subtle movement. When I had returned to the human form she knew so well I offered her a slight nod, not even trying to hide the subtle smile of approval I had for her. At her words, I couldn't help but chuckle. A slender hand reached out, seeking to gently brush her cheek as I spoke softly,

"Oh my dear child," I purred, "the galaxy holds such secrets. Time for the final one of mine. Alas, no spectacular show or fanfare for this one."

A pause,

"I'm a hundred and twenty years old... in a month or two." I finished with a slight smile, "I'm your age... probably six times over"

I made a point to look her up and down, "six and a half times over."

So there it was. It was Ivory Stroud; the woman before me who was about to be made vulnerable and take a powerful and binding oath. However, it was I who stood, baring all before her, leaving no secret un-shared, no truth left hidden. Everything that I was, I showed her. I had allowed myself to be exactly this vulnerable precisely once in my life, well before my rise to power. A story for another time.

Turning my attention to the brazier, I held out my open palm, curling my fingers up in a gesture for her to place her hand in mine. Provided the woman obliged, I'd take her hand with firm, gently fingers and turn it palm-up, a sign that it would hold no secrets from the Family. Taking just a moment to stroke her soft, flesh, I would then turn my eyes to hers, a gaze of steely determination, sincerity, and utter pride;

"Repeat after me, Doll;

I pledge my life to the Family.​

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I pledge my silence ​

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I pledge my fury​

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I pledge my honour​

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I pledge my blood​

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Respect, integrity and loyalty are my code. ​

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Until my final breath."​

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[member="Ivory Stroud"]​

 

[Crocell]

That surprised her. Ivory watched The Donna, attempting to discern if the mention of her age was a trick... but it was not. She said nothing, only taking a breath and exhaling into a soft chuckle as the Donna explained how old she was compared to the girl. "Well... To me, you look great for one-twenty." She offered, giving the Donna a clever grin. When her Boss offered a hand, Ivory offered the Donna hers; resting it palm-up in the powerful & dangerous Crime Lord's grasp. Anxiety crept into her brain and a certain giddiness caused her heart to skip a beat - but outwardly, she was steady as a rock.​

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Eye to eye with [member="Ahtemis"], Ivory began to recite her vows as instructed.​

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There would be no turning back now.​

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"I pledge my life to The Family."​

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"I pledge my Silence." ​

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"I pledge my Fury." ​

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"I pledge my Honor." ​

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"I pledge my blood."​

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"Respect, Integrity, & Loyalty are my code..." ​

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"Until my final breath." ​

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The heat of the fire, burning brightly beneath their hands, leapt and kissed their flesh with an intense & steady heat, but Ivory would not flinch a single muscle. Even if her skin began to char.​

 

[Valgærd]

Her quip about how I looked for my age drew a small, but genuine smile to my lips.

Ivory was so stoic, so calm and collected, her composure was incredible. I idly mused that she'd be an excellent poker player. But even so, I figured that the soft quip helped to keep her--or both of us--slightly distracted from the intensity and serious nature of our meeting. The young woman placed her hand in mine, her skin soft and pale skin without blemishes. I held it gently, ensuring it was kept low enough to feel the heat of the flame, to an admittedly uncomfortable degree, but high enough that there would be no lasting burn scar.

I gazed into her face as she repeated the words after me, my own eyes filled with pride, adoration, and approval. She'd come so far, given so much. Of course, gaining this most powerful of allies was beneficial to me absolutely... but it felt good to also be able to give her at least a modicum of the reward she had earned; station, resources, and trust beyond what any before her had ever earned. Even my Consigliere didn't have this level of access.

When she had finished, I gave her a slight nod, before producing my free hand. Partial shifting is difficult, but I brought forth a wickedly sharp black claw. A pause for a moment, then I brought the claw to her hand. Provided the girl didn't flinch or retract her hand, I would slice open a cut deep enough to bleed, but leaving no lasting damage. I would then make an identical cut in my own hand, burying a wince at the sting.

I then held my hand over the brazier sideways, a drop of blood trickling down my skin to drop with a hiss into the hungry flames.

"Welcome, Ivory Stroud, to the Family."

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[member="Ivory Stroud"]​

 

[Crocell]

Ivory gritted her teeth at the appearance of the razored black claw... knowing what was to come. She felt her skin tear open.. a cold fire rising in her mind as her brain screamed a warning, but she ignored it. When [member="Ahtemis"] did the same to her, Ivory gripped The Donna's hand firmly in a handshake, combining their blood into a single unit. There was a soft hiss as drops of blood fell into the flames of the brazier beneath their grip, and the tang of burning blood filled the Underboss' nostrils.

And with that, she knew there would be no walking away.

"Thank you." Ivory replied, staring directly into Ahtemis' eyes. Her anxiety had given way to elation... as well as a healthy dose of concern for the future. Today was a new day... for her, for The Family, and for the Galaxy.

Ivory would finally release the handshake whenever her boss indicated it was time, and would do little to staunch the flow of blood from her own wound - she might not have healed as quickly as the Gurlainen, but twas a small price to pay.

 

[Valgærd]

I smiled,

"Thank you, Ivory Stroud, Under-boss."

I took my time, letting her full name and new title roll off my tongue in a delicious purr. This was her new life now, having pride of place next to myself and helping me see the Family move onto bigger and better things. There would be much to do in the future, but for now, her only job was to enjoy herself and revel in the victory she had earned for herself. She may also have noted that that was the first time I had used her full name since I'd hired her. Usually I prefer pet names, but this... was a special occasion.

However, there was one more small thing.

I pulled a small silken cloth from my desk drawer, wrapping it around my hand and pulling it tight as the luxurious fabric was instantly stained crimson. We both would carry a permanent scar from today once these wounds healed.

Moving around from my desk, I reached around with my good hand and sought to wrap my fingers around the back of Ivory's neck, delicately brushing her skin and seeking to turn her back towards the window. As I did, I whispered a command into my commlink. With a smile, I spoke,

"There is one more thing I wanted to give you, darling." The galaxy stretched out beyond us forever, Dohmus Prime sitting like a crown jewel amid the starry backdrop. "A gesture of faith, shall we say. You have shown that you have loyalty, maturity, integrity and a heart for the Family. You'll find that this will serve you equally as well."

Right on cue, a glorious Windwaker soared into view, feathers gleaming as it banked in front of the window, clearly enjoying the freedom of spaceflight. It was only a few moments, perhaps long enough to see that it was fitted with a small, unobtrusive saddle that it didn't even seem to notice, and that it clearly was having the time of its life.

I turned back to Ivory as it flew out of sight,

"All yours, my dear."

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[member="Ivory Stroud"]​