Your Fealty Sworn

[Progflaw99]

​

"Here do I swear fealty and service to Sieger, Lord of the realm, to speak and to be silent, to do and to let be, to come and to go, in need or plenty, in peace or war, in living or dying, from this hour henceforth, until my Lord release me, or death take me, or the world end."

"And this do I hear, Sieger, Supreme Leader of the First Order, Master of the Order of Ren, and I will not forget it, nor fail to reward that which is given: fealty with love, valour with honour, oath-breaking with vengeance."​

​

~Oath of Fealty and response given to and by Sieger Ren during
a Praetorian's Oath of Service.​

​

-​

​

Deep within the Bastion of Ren, beyond the initiate chambers, beyond the research facilities, deeper further still was set a chamber unknown to many - unknown to most. A jagged spire of obsidian stone jutting out above a deep void, at the bottom a glowing pool of magma. Less than a handful of the Order had ever been in this room, perhaps even less and with the return of Sieger Ren from his unannounced disappearance it was a situation he could not afford.

Before the Battle of Lothal. Before his absence there had been a number of Ren dedicated to his service above and beyond that of the rest of the Order. A council of masters who governed over the others, who saw his will delegated upon them. So also had Sieger trained his Praetorians, personal guards and warriors who were well versed in the arts of combat. The most elite of their kind. Even so it had not seen Sieger immortal and as his body lay broken in the dirt and mud the council and his Praetorians scattered. Whether it was to save themselves, whether they were driven out, or whether there was another explanation Sieger sought none. With renewed vigor he had decided. It was time to start anew.

Too long had he let the Ren find their own way, a deviation from the past wherein they were called to conformity. Each had taken on their own identity and in doing so weakened their position. Enforcing what they thought to be Sieger's will. Taking ownership of decisions that were not their own. Fate had been tempted and calamity had befallen the bloated order. Had Sieger known the depths of it he might have been tempted to kill them all, instead he sought to force them back into conformity by sheer might. He had done it before - he would do it again. Before that however, there were other things that needed attention. Specifically, his Praetorians.

The most elite of his Order, these Praetorians, were lacking in number. A problem he sought to rectify. It had taken him weeks of observation, secretly watching their every move, subtly gauging their every intent and motive. At the conclusion he'd settled upon his chosen few - and summoned them to the secret chamber.

​

Within the secret chamber was a gargantuan pit, the lake of magma below creating a constant flow of heated air about the chamber. At the end of the long suspended walkway was a circular platform, obsidian stone crafted into a spire above. In its center stood Sieger Ren. He stood expectantly, dark, trim fitted tunic and trousers complementing high black boots. For a moment he might have even resembled an Officer of the First Order, save for the lack of rank insignia and his glowing amber eyes. The Supreme Leader had summoned those he deemed worthy, he waited now expectantly. From where he stood, each would be seen as they entered the chamber and traversed the walkway, each would feel the gravitas of his power as they crossed over the lake of fire. If they had doubts they would be washed away, if they carried any malevolent intent - how easy it would be to cast them aside, thrown unto the very heart of the mountain to be swallowed.

This was Sieger's domain, and they would know it.​

​

[member="Eighth Guard"] | [member="Decima Fortan"] | [member="Marriskcal Lati"]
​

 

[Eighth Guard]

The Eighth Guard, Praetorian Knight​

Equipment: Bilari Swordwhip - Praetorian Armour​

Location: Bastion of Ren​

Status: Meeting Him​

Theme: Revisiting Snoke | The Last Jedi​

​

​

​

The first to appear would be the ever-mysterious Eighth Guard.

One of few Praetorian Knights in the Guard, he had served as a Knight of Ren in the past, but today he presumed would be his future, a requital for his timeless loyalty to the Supreme Leader. The armoured praetorian's boots clicked and clacked against the material that comprised the walkway as he approached his Master, his Lord, his Leader, a sense of importance in every step as he closed the distance. Once he stood on the platform, a handful of meters away from his liege, he gave a deep and respectful bow before straightening himself and positioning his Bilari chainwhip against the ground beneath his hands.

Pure silence befell the man as he affixed an obedient gaze onto Him, letting no emotion be felt or reveal itself save for unrelenting zeal. This didn't stop him from thinking to himself as they waited for the apparent others; Would He praise or condemn the Knight for standing up to and fighting the Master Kyrel in this very bastion? Would He appreciate or discard the artefacts the Knight had excavated from Praesitlyn? Would He approve or reject the Knight's entry and training of the Guard's newest initiate?

Only time would tell.

And frankly, the Eighth Guard had a lot of time.

[member="Sieger Ren"] | [member="Marriskcal Lati"] | [member="Decima Fortan"]​

 

[Marriskcal Lati]

Praetorian Initiate
Equipment | Lightsaber (blue) & Training Lightsaber (red; synthcrystal)
Location | Bastion of Ren, Virgillia
Meeting | [member="Sieger Ren"], [member="Eighth Guard"], [member="Decima Fortan"]

[SIZE=11pt]The summons came as a touch against her mind, its presence insistent and familiar. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]It was familiar in the way a long-forgotten lullaby was, where one may not always remember the words to its rhymes, but one never forgot its tune. Unable to resist the call, Marriskcal followed its wisps as it led her deeper and deeper within the Bastion; traversing through rarely used halls and corridors, her steps a loud echo in the utter silence of her surroundings. She paused before the dark doors that loomed before her, a slight trepidation suffusing her aura as she pushed it open and slipping within.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]The air within the chamber was oppressive, the tendrils of power flowing sinuously were almost palpable as it twisted and curled around her. Her hands trembled, be it from exultation or from fear, the young blonde did not know. The full focus of her clear blue gaze was on the prominent figure waiting at the middle of the chamber – the Supreme Leader. Marriskcal stepped forward, and with each step she took towards her Master, her misgivings and her anxiety slowly dissipated, and was instead replaced by jubilation.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]She stopped a distance away and folded gracefully to kneel before him, her golden head bowed and gaze directed to the obsidian stone floor. Her mirror-self stared back at Marriskcal, her eyes blazing with fierce triumph.[/SIZE]

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Decima had spent more than a year in the clutches of the Ssi-Ruuk, from the time almost immediately after she was initiated into the Order of Ren until very recently. As a consequence, she had missed much of the indoctrination inherent in the role; the conditioning to revere the Supreme Leader and view him as a god among men. But she happened to come to the conclusion that [member="Sieger Ren"] was the man of the moment of her own accord. He was the indispensable man, and learning about his leadership of the First Order in her absence had earned her fervent loyalty.

Enough that she had been willing to stand up to the self-proclaimed Steward of the Ren when he had announced Sieger Ren's death.

Ironically, Sieger Ren was one of the few points of agreement between Decima and her half-sister Natasi. If the man could bridge the gap between the two legendarily glacial Fortan women, well -- that was something.

So when the summons came in the form of an insistent mental pull, Decima had descended into the depths of the Bastion of Ren. She joined the other two before the Supreme Leader and, following the lead of [member="Marriskcal Lati"], she dropped her slender, lithe frame into a graceful kneeling posture at the Supreme Leader's feet. She said nothing and kept her eyes down. This was her first encounter in person with the Supreme Leader -- unless you counted his discarded body on Lothal, which naturally Decima did not -- and she was not sure what to expect from it. She had heard stories of previous encounters with the Supreme Leader and Master of Ren that ended... unhappily.

Decima hoped that the result would be different for her this time.

[member="Sieger Ren"] | [member="Eighth Guard"] | [member="Marriskcal Lati"]​

 

[Progflaw99]

The three had arrived, a pleased twitch at the corner of his lips the only indication of emotion in the moment. Around them waves of heat rose from the depths below. The cracking and bubbling of the magma as pockets of gas burst audible, echoing in uppermost reaches of the shaft and about the jutting spire. Lit by the orange glow and a series of lights the chamber had a somber aura, one of reverence. It was here Sieger's vision for the Order would be renewed, reaffirmed within the heart of the Bastion. It was almost as if he could hear that heart beating now, the very essence of life permeating each within the chamber. A primal power seemed to live within the space, flitting about between each of the summoned now that they had arrived before the Supreme Leader.

"Rise, my chosen." A flourish of his hand motioned to the kneeling. "In this place you are away from prying eyes. I wish to look into yours."​

​

For a moment then, he spent a silent second gazing into each of their eyes. They may not have felt a particularly piercing presence it, for was a subtle one but it was there. Pressing up against each thought, each feeling. Sieger could feel each palpitation of the heart, each breath of hot air drawn from the chamber around them. If they had secrets he would know. Perhaps not what but that they were attempting to conceal something and that could not be suffered. Not with what he had in store for them. As each passed beneath his gaze, he dismissed them with a smile and a gentle gesture. Set around the central spire were five seats carved in obsidian, the same as the floor itself. Jagged spiked backs and a rugged rest of arm. Comfortable but not overly so, one larger than the rest - no doubt the Supreme Leader's. As each took their place there remained one empty. Sieger offered no explanation as he settled himself upon the obsidian throne.

"You shall become Praetorians. Though you already hold the title..." his gaze fell upon the Eighth Guard. "...your service shall be renewed. As for you.." he looked to the two women. "..I have chosen you to be named Praetorians. You will undergo the most rigorous of training both at the hands of the Masters and mine."​

​

Sieger practically snarled the last few words, an obvious energy emanating from the man where he sat. Too distant to have noticed, too far removed or too juvenile to the Order his presence had changed. He was very much Sieger Ren and yet different. More aggressive. More powerful. More compelling. Every word was spoken with a strength not only physical but something ethereal. He let them sit in silence, nothing but the ambient rumble from below - for a time. At the point of discomfort his voice rose, eyes moving from one to the next as his words filled the air.

"You have questions. Now is the time to ask them for once this path is embarked upon, there is no turning back."​

​

Sieger waited expectantly. This was perhaps one of the most candid conversations he'd had with any excepting perhaps Decitus or Lady Fortan, an oddity to those who might not know him. If the gathered knew what a rarity it was, perhaps they would take advantage of it and rightly so.

[member="Eighth Guard"] | [member="Marriskcal Lati"] | [member="Decima Fortan"]​

 

[Eighth Guard]

The Eighth Guard, Praetorian Knight​

Equipment: Bilari Swordwhip - Praetorian Armour​

Location: Bastion of Ren​

Status: Meeting Him​

Theme: Revisiting Snoke | The Last Jedi​

​

​

​

He didn't look over his shoulder when he sensed two individuals enter the chamber, walking down the same path that he had mere moments ago. He sensed who they were, and while one was relatively unknown to him, he didn't need to look to know that one Marriskcal Lati had just arrived. The Eighth Guard felt her elation rise as she moved closer, but he paid no heed to either her or the other woman, a heavy indifference still emanating from him steadily. As they knelt and rose, Eight continued to focus his gaze on the Supreme Leader, taking in every word that He uttered as nothing less than gospel. When motioned to sit, he did with absolutely no hesitation on his part, setting his weapon against the arm of the chair as he did so, his back straight and showing no signs of slouching.

One of his inner questions was answered as He proclaimed that both Marriskcal and this woman were to become Praetorians such as himself, supporting his past decision of allowing the former as an initiate when she approached and fought him in the academy on Skye. Training sessions that had increased in frequency culminated at this moment, and the Eighth Guard was proud of this fact.

While He spoke of asking questions, the Eighth Guard allowed his mind to wander somewhat, considering the current state of the Praetorian Guard. Before he ascended the steps of the Bastion of Ren and entered that fateful fight with the Master Kyrel, he remembered vividly what it was like to feel his colleagues disappear from the Force so abruptly, a sense of fear and cowardice trailing behind them as they departed their stations to hide within or beyond the Supreme Leader's grasp. But what happened to the chosen few, the elite of the elite that were sworn to His side until death? Wouldn't they be here at this critical moment in the development of the Guard?

His accented voice pierced the silence, amplified minorly by the laminate helmet he wore. "What fate befell the Elite Praetorians? If I may ask?" The Eighth Guard queried, curiosity evident, "The First Guard, the Third, the Sixth?"

A pause.

"The Eighth."

[member="Sieger Ren"] | [member="Marriskcal Lati"] | [member="Decima Fortan"]​

 

[Marriskcal Lati]

Praetorian Initiate
Equipment | Lightsaber (blue) & Training Lightsaber (red; synthcrystal)
Location | Bastion of Ren, Virgillia
Meeting | [member="Sieger Ren"], [member="Eighth Guard"], [member="Decima Fortan"]

[SIZE=11pt]In the silence of the chambers, the hiss and crackle of the viscous molten magma slowly grew soothing. The ebb and flow of the ancient energy in the chamber continued to brush against her senses. Even when the slender figure of a sister kneeled beside her, her gaze did not shift out of reverence for the being they served.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]And then, the Supreme Leader spoke.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Without any further prompting, Marriskcal did as was bided by their Lord and Master. She allowed him, even welcomed him into the core of her being for she has nothing to conceal from the figure who held so much influence over her. She held no fear, for her heart has always been loyal and true. All of her flaws, all of her accomplishments, her adoration for the Supreme Leader and her mentor, her blossoming affection for her brother Primat and sister Varas, it was all reflected in her thoughts.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Once she felt the presence of their Lord and Master subsiding from her mind, the initiate lowered her gaze in respect as she gave him a deferential bow before she made her way to the seat beside the Guard. Now that she had full perspective of the chamber, she recognised the figure of her brunette sister from back on Lothal. Her eyes moved to the empty seat, pausing on it for less than a second before her focus alighted back on to their Supreme Leader.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Pride and elation suffused her person when her most fervent aspiration was granted to her. It took all of Marriskcal’s restraint to maintain a gracious demeanour, her poise elegant as befitting her new role. Even the discordant timbre of their Master’s last uttered words and the promise of intensive training did not quail her. This was the path she was wanted to walk on for as long as she could remember, and now that she was given a chance to prove herself, Marriskcal was resolute.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]The pause was stifling, but she abided by the silence the best she could. Marriskcal very much suspected that she would have to learn how to temper her impatience, and soon, lest she ended up imploding from sheer discomfort. When the Supreme Leader allowed them the opportunity for questions, her first thought went to her brothers and sisters and her second was the assignments and experience she accrued while working alongside the military. But as the Guard spoke, her gaze fell upon his armour-clad figure and she made her decision.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“If it is not too impudent of me to add to the question posed, I would also like to know what transpired during the campaign on Lothal[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt].” Other than the words uttered by Master Kyrel from before, most of them remained in the dark. [/SIZE]

 

[Natasi Fortan]

She rose when bid, but kept her eyes lowered. She cast her gaze towards each of her fellows as they were mentioned by the Supreme Leader. When he announced the reason for their presence, Decima felt a rush of uncomfortable heat, above and beyond that which was generated by the setting of the meeting. Part of it was the manifest pleasure of being recognized as a potential tool in the service of the Supreme Leader. The other was anxiety and more than a little fear at the notion that she might not measure up to his expectations.

Don't think like that, Decima chastised herself. You wouldn't be here if failure was likely. If you were the type to fail, you'd still be plugged into some reptile's entechment computer, waiting to die.

Still, the question of why came to mind and she couldn't dispense of it. Why her? If [member="Sieger Ren"] wanted a spy in the Fortan household and was using Decima to get to Natasi, he was misunderstanding the relationship between the sisters. But... that didn't seem to be the Supreme Leader's style or angle. Decima was sure there were others more capable in combat than she, others who had served longer in the Supreme Leader's service. But Decima was convinced of the Supreme Leader's infallibility, enough that she recognized that he had chosen her for a reason.

He had chosen her. The thought gave Decima a chill, even in the hot, humid environs of the subterranean chamber. She inclined her head and looked at the Supreme Leader tentatively, clasping her hands behind her back. She said nothing. It was weakness to doubt herself, and treason to doubt the Supreme Leader, so she would do neither. Decima inhaled deeply, inclined her head, and waited. She could sense the impatience of the youngster beside her, and she mirrored it herself, though she did her best to hide it. It was a moment of high excitement, and it wouldn't do to go off half-cocked.

[member="Marriskcal Lati"] | [member="Eighth Guard"]​

 

[Progflaw99]

As each voiced their questions, Sieger nodded thoughtfully. They might have thought it strange perhaps, the candidness in which he presented himself. A sure step away from the formality known of him. Addressing each and their questions in order his eyes passed over them. It was a measure of trust - trust which was earned by not only their loyalty but reinforced by the power he held over them - each one knew that trust betrayed would see them ended. The rumble of the lava below was a less than subtle threat. Setting his gaze first upon the last of the Praetorian's original order he spoke.

"I had thought such a question might be asked." Sieger mused, his words selected carefully. "The fate of the others..." his voice trailed. "...The others were killed. They served with their last dying breaths." Sieger looked back and forth to each of them as he spoke. "Lothal. You all know the Jedi called that world home for many years. Perhaps that would explain my hubris."​

​

A faded memory of the past would permeate their minds, a favorite of Sieger - to speak in images and memories rather than words. He found it held more meaning, more gravitas upon those with which he shared. Also more efficient, and though he could use images and false memories to deceive he did no such thing here. These were to be his Praetorians, or at least, some of them. Others yet had to be selected or gathered. Eight would be their number, as always had their been. Before him seated were a mere three. As the images played through the minds of his chosen, he spoke again.

"They gave their lives..." he paused as a jarring sensation gripped the others. "... So that I might live."​

​

It was evident by both the words and the near soul sucking sensation tore through the Praetorian's minds that Sieger had consumed their energy, taken in their very life force to preserve his own - what wasn't evident was how doing so had saved him from the flashing blue blade of the obscured foe. A Jedi no doubt, but his features were concealed. Whether by Sieger's intent, his memory, or by the Jedi himself was unknown. Irrelevant as a white hot poker of pain drove through his chest - or at least it felt like it, or would to all of those present.

​

Sieger had been killed. His life snuffed out at the end of a saber...his essence nothing more than a shroud upon the battlefield.... No, he was still present. Ethereal, both present in the real world and beyond. He was one with the Force, glory, power, wealth immaterial - shedding the chains that had been his mortal form and becoming something far greater... what happened in Sieger's mind in those moments was obscured, the next sensation one of great pain. Biting and ravaging his senses, driving him to the brink of madness as Sieger's very being made the journey from nothingness into the body which lay nearby. The unmarred body of a fallen Jedi lie broken upon the battlefield, his morale shattered and broken. Sieger crashed in like a Reek, the destruction of the Jedi's former self eradicated in one fell swoop. The body shuddered, Dark Side corruption consuming the man's pale flesh as the sheer power Sieger held rotted away at his host's former innocence. With a gasp, his eyes fluttered open to a completely different landscape. The aftermath of the battle lay ripe upon the fields and Sieger adorned in the flesh of another stumbled from the battlefield.​

​

-​

​

The vision stopped there, the exact nature of the others and their demise bared to the minds of Sieger's 'To-be' Praetorians. If the thought of sacrificing themselves for Sieger made them balk, then they were not fit to hold the role. As if to reinforce the subtle reminder of their now precarious perch the magma below popped and sizzled. As Sieger let the vision and his words sink in his gaze fell upon each of them again before he rose from his seat and stepped into the center of the spire's floor.

"That is but the first chapter in a much longer tale."​

​

Over the next few minutes Sieger delved into his deepest secrets, the mention of a former spouse now estranged, the journey on which he embarked and bid Lady Decitus upon - the quest for a host. A host he had found. In a way, his words had regaled them, drawn them into the story so deep that upon their return they would be greeted by a strange sight, one not even the visions had prepared them for. *Will they believe it? Will they truly understand what form I have taken and why?* For a fraction of a second doubt clouded the Supreme Leader's mind as he stood before his Praetorians.

Primal, Animalistic, Alien, but strong. His aura unveiled, his form unveiled, all became clear. The subtle change in his aura explained by the predatory figure before them. It was a host built for the hunt, body conditioned for the most harsh of environments, raw muscle and power contained beneath the flesh. His voice no longer audibly enunciated Sieger spoke directly to their minds.

<< Today, you witness the rebirth of your Supreme Leader. You alone shall know this secret along with those Overlords chosen by me. To you, I trust this secret - My chosen. >>​

[member="Eighth Guard"] | [member="Marriskcal Lati"] | [member="Decima Fortan"]​

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Decima was staggered internally as the Supreme Leader revealed his new form. She trembled, though even to herself she could not identify whether it was because of fear or awe. The woman stared at [member="Sieger Ren"], her eyes wide and her jaw slack. It was a privilege indeed to be here, to be trusted with the knowledge that was so awesome and terrible that it could shake the very foundations of the First Order. Decima reveled in the delight of knowing that Decima knew something that Natasi Fortan probably didn't know. Who was inside the circle now?

The instant she thought it, she chastised herself. This wasn't about who was more in, who was more influential. It was about service to the Supreme Leader.

It was a horrifying sight to see, but powerful. He appeared as a hunter, beyond human. Raw strength and unleashed power. Decima couldn't take her eyes from Sieger, nor could she scrub the terrifying image of his form from her mind. It would be with her forever, until the day she died or beyond. She swallowed around the lump in her throat and inclined her head towards her leader. "I will take your secret to the grave, My Lord," she breathed, then bowed her head in formal reverence.

[member="Eighth Guard"] | [member="Marriskcal Lati"]​

 

[Eighth Guard]

The Eighth Guard, Praetorian Knight​

Equipment: Bilari Swordwhip - Praetorian Armour​

Location: Bastion of Ren​

Status: Reacting​

​

​

​

The Eighth Guard prided himself on being knowledgeable of the alien species in the region, especially those that could serve as robust warriors, but this was something that really stumped him. This being standing before him was not the apparently frail man he had known for the past few years, but something truly primal, a natural predator of sorts. He knew full well that it was still his Master, his Supreme Leader; at any rate, this revelation made him respect Him even more than before.

He had survived an encounter with Chaos itself, denied Death his very essence, and stole the body of some poor sap on some backwater world that he probably hadn't even heard about yet. While the renewed Praetorian was firing through thoughts at record speed, his exterior remained as stoic as ever in the face of this scenario. Not a single muscle moved in reaction, not a single emotion or traitorous thought escaped his inner sanctum.

His head craned slightly, to allow his gaze to pass over the others, questioningly at the Fortan and fondly at Marriskcal. He looked back at the Supreme Leader, the latter already knowing that the Eighth Guard would never willingly or unwillingly give His secrets away, for he had taken the oath years ago. With an unwavering amount of loyalty and conviction, he said only two words:

"Hail Sieger."

[member="Sieger Ren"] | [member="Marriskcal Lati"] | [member="Decima Fortan"]​

 

[Marriskcal Lati]

Praetorian Initiate
Equipment | Lightsaber (blue) & Training Lightsaber (red; synthcrystal)
Location | Bastion of Ren, Virgillia
Meeting | [member="Sieger Ren"], [member="Eighth Guard"], [member="Decima Fortan"]

[SIZE=11pt]Marriskcal pressed a hand to her chest as they emerged from the first vision, the exact area where the faceless Jedi had pierced his blue plasma blade through their Lord and Master, its searing burn embedded in her mind. While she continued to retain her silence out of respect for the Supreme Leader, her blue eyes burned with cold fury at the revelation. How dare they[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]?[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] While the blonde has always held some form of abhorrence for those heretics, the memory she had just witnessed caused what has always been embers of loathing to flare into a blaze of intense hatred. The only thing that allowed her to retain her calm poise was the fact that the great being they served was sitting regally before them.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Her attention was rapt on his figure as he stood once more, stepping to the center of the obsidian floor. And then their Supreme Leader began to speak, weaving the tale of the trials and tribulations that he has gone through in his absence. It revealed much of why he had stayed away and beyond contact, and this, Marriskcal could never fault. While the journey their Lord and Master had embarked upon had thrown the Order of Ren into a short period of turmoil, Sieger Ren had chosen this path so he could return to them. And the blonde would always be grateful for this alone. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Her eyes widened as the great being’s new form was revealed before them, her fingers curling slightly on the rest of her seat even as the fine hair on the back of her neck began to rise. The visage of the body Sieger Ren now claimed as his own was fierce and menacing, clearly one belonging to an apex predator of sorts. Marriskcal inclined her head as she tried to reconcile the familiar image of the regal being with the alien image of the animalistic form standing before her. Perhaps it was naïve of her, but what was a body except a shell that held the essence of one’s existence[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]? [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]The initiate only truly cared that their Supreme Leader was well. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]The trust that their Lord and Master showed them was immeasurable and only made her heart swell with pride and elation that they were so blessed. Their unnamed sister echoed her sentiments with a reverent promise. While her mentor’s own spoken words were simple and straightforward, his devotion was clear. Her own oath was laced with the promise of faith and fidelity, resolute and true.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Hail Sieger.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Unto death.[/SIZE]

 

[Progflaw99]

"Hail Sieger."​

​

It was a welcome sound to the Supreme Leader's ears. His sweeping gaze rest upon each for a mere moment before his hands moved towards the device once more. A pleased chortle turned into a grin as his alien form concealed itself behind the projection once more. His secret had been revealed. It would be easier to converse in familiarity for those chosen before him. He had seen the flicker of surprise, perhaps a twinge of fear in their eyes and yet their fervor grew. It was a new beginning, for Sieger and his followers.

"Your presence here, your knowledge of this secret I entrust to you - and in time, to others who have yet to don the mantle of Praetorian." Sieger's voice rose to fill the chamber, above the quiet rumble of the magma below. "As of this very moment your former duties are forfeit. Instead you will learn under my tutelage - but first there is a critical task which I must impress upon you."​

​

It would be a monumental task, one that fell outside of the usual methods of the First Order. A test of both their loyalty and their dedication to his will first and foremost. Should the new initiates unto his order of Praetorians succeed in the mission he was to give them, they would be delivering unto Sieger the means to do unspeakable evil... but would he? Until now, there had been logic, careful thought and planning, an organized push to enact order and safety across the Order's claimed territory but what he was to ask of them - there was only one way to find out.

"You are to recover what information you can regarding the Muur Talisman. I seek not the talisman itself, that was destroyed centuries ago but what interests me is its design. This is your task. You will find what data I have collected thus far in your new berthings. Additionally, you have each been constructed a vessel to identify you as my agents. If there are any remaining questions, I bid you ask them now."​

​

[member="Marriskcal Lati"] | [member="Eighth Guard"] | [member="Decima Fortan"]​

 

[Marriskcal Lati]

Praetorian Initiate
Equipment | Lightsaber (blue) & Training Lightsaber (red; synthcrystal)
Location | Bastion of Ren, Virgillia
Meeting | [member="Sieger Ren"], [member="Eighth Guard"], [member="Decima Fortan"]

[SIZE=11pt]A critical task?[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Something that was significant enough that they were to ignore their responsibilities of staying by the side of their Lord and Master[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]?[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Her gaze flickered to the side, alighting on the figure of the Eighth Guard for a fleeting moment before returning to the Supreme Leader. Her innate curiousity was tempered by a hint of hesitation, though the main sentiment that shone through was her thrill at the thought of being able to carry out his will. The Muur Talisman? The name of the artifact sounded vaguely familiar, though trying to recall when and where she had come across it felt like grasping at smoke and shadow. But the initiate was not about enquire on the subject matter any further until she has done her own reading and research.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“I have none for the time being, my Lord.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Marriskcal could only presume it was the same for her brethren.[/SIZE]