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Post by Ywalme Burz on Jun 26, 2011 21:51:39 GMT -5
The tension inside Morathi goes up tenfold at the news but outwardly she looks calm. Indeed? That was very decisive of His Highness. He sent you all this way just with a holo-message? She looks momentairly stunned. Yes, of course...I would hear what Lord Ire has to say in this matter. She takes another sip of her wine as if to fortify herself for the news. Then she says.
You are our guests if would not bother you I would like to hear it now but if you want to finish your drink I will wait.
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Post by Emperor Ire on Jun 26, 2011 23:06:11 GMT -5
Cilla takes another sip of her water and thumbs the on switch to the holo-projector, Ire image flashes up, the shadowy hooded and cloaked figure stands in full form from head to toe in a one third actual size hologram. Ire's image has his arms folded as he stands like a solid pillar and bows his head slightly to show a hint of respect. "Greetings Lady Morathi of the Nightsisters, I am Lord Ire, Emperor of the Reconstructed Galactic Empire; I send this to you with news of Dathomir's intentions to join the RGE."
Standing stoically, Ire's deep voice continues on."It has come to my attention you wish to ally with the Empire, after the events of the Yuuzhan Vong conflict and the decimation of your world I would see why you'd wish to align with stronger individuals. The Empire has done some research concerning this matter and came across a galactic record indicating something most interesting."
Pausing for effect, Ire lets this news of a discovery sink in before continuing. "According to Galactic Survey Record 2482_00021DSM, Dathomir is already officially as being a part of the Empire as it would seem. As this is the case, and who are we to argue with galactic record, Dathomir is already and RGE planet so petitioning for entry into the RGE is unnecessary. Hence forth, Dathomir is hereby placed under the same laws and penalties that govern the Empire as a whole, the citizens of your world are Imperials."
The image of Ire remains quiet for several seconds before his head shakes, as if something negative is coming, before continuing. "But as things change, other things change. Your sector of space, along with other Imperial planets in the surrounding star systems, already has a High Moff as the regional Governor so your title of Governor of Dathomir is vacated. However, I know you are a person to be respected deeply Lady Morathi and I wish to speak to you about other matters in more a personal setting, I invite you and your entourage to Carratos for a meeting and a feast. We shall discuss your place within the Empire face to face. Please except my invitation to be a special guest at the Imperial Palace, to decline would show me disrespect -- an act punishable by death within the Empire."
Ire's tone in that last line is laced with a well hidden if blunt message, this is not a request from Ire, it is an order that she appear in his court or risk the Emperor's wrath. "I await your arrival on Carratos, good day."
With a press of the activator switch, the holo powers down and Cilla sits in silence to let the whole thing sink in for Morathi as she continues to sip her water.
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Post by Takeda on Jun 26, 2011 23:55:19 GMT -5
Takeda still stands there silently, a hulking figure in dark red robes and iron colored armor, lifeless looking except for the attentiveness of the golden eyes peeking out from the eyes of the mask.
This was an interesting and fortunate twist, the Emperor's message provided the needed motivations to accomplish most of the goals he was here to ensure. The question was, what would be her reaction, and what complications would it bring in the immediate future. He awaited the reaction.
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Post by Ywalme Burz on Jun 27, 2011 1:16:35 GMT -5
Morathi sits back in her chair trying to appear relaxed as Cilla turns on the holo-projector but she not as relaxed as she appears. She listens in silence as Ire's message plays. She is at first pleased but when she hears the rest she is not so pleased. Furious would be closer to it but she was a pragmatic woman. She knew when losing her temper would benefit her and when it would not. And this was not the time. She would wait and learn and grow in power then strike. Then they would be sorry. Oh, yes they would.
The only indication of her feelings is a slight tightening of her lips and the clench of her hand around the stem of her cup as she hears Ire take away her authority and order her to come to Carratos.
After the holo ends she sits there stunned and then furious. She gulps her wine trying to control her anger so she can speak without betraying that anger. She must be careful or she could condemn herself and her people to annihaltion and that was not in her plans. This would only be a delay. She takes another of gulp of wine. She then takes a deep breath and says to Cilla it comes out mostly calm a slight tremor in her voice from the anger is there but barely noticeable.
It seems that Lord Ire wants me to go on a trip. How long do I have to get ready and how long will I gone? And how am I to get there? I will need to know what to tell them to pack. If you will excuse me I need to talk to the Nightsister council to arrange who is in charge here while I'm gone. I will have someone show you to your rooms. She sets down her cup after downing the rest of the contents. She bows in Cilla's and Takeda's direction then walks from the room snapping orders at various servants and Nightsisters.
A servant comes to show Cilla and Takeda to their rooms. It is the same girl that Morathi had yelled at earlier. If you will follow me My lady, My lord. I will show you to your rooms. If you need anything just ask. Just ask for Vilya. Then she walks toward the guest accommodations.
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Post by Takeda on Jun 27, 2011 1:52:12 GMT -5
Watching the Nightsister contemplate as she drinks her wine, Takeda grins behind his mask, her words when she finally speaks bring a further hidden grin.
As she stands, Takeda raises his hand motioning calmly for her to pause before she departs in a huff,
Night-mother Morathi, His Imperial Majesty already addressed most of your questions most directly, his well known generosity answers the others. You will leave as soon as your arrangements can be made, the duration is at his Majesty's grace, and again have you not the means at your disposal, his generosity will provide.
Obviously their will be no need to discuss with the Nightsister Council, a notification from your esteemed self is of course sufficient, as well as direction to them of those that you wish to attend you on this trip. To address your final concern, that too has been forseen and addressed by his Majesty. Lady Cilla alone is more than empowered to act in your stead, and I believe fits the quaint provincial custom your people follow.
There is a pause, to allow this to sink in for Morathi, as well as Cilla.
"And in the event that are any difficulties or objections to that solution, I myself am dually empowered."
He leaves the dually unexplained, the word chosen specifically since with his peculiar accent it can so easily be confused with duly. With another pause until Morathi is starting to leave the room to prepare herself,
"The servant you dismissed as worthless before, the one clumsy with the wine. Have her added to my room's attendants. I take joy in finding value in things others have discarded as worthless."
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Post by Emperor Ire on Jun 27, 2011 21:57:19 GMT -5
Cilla smiles after hearing the words of both Morathi and Takeda, the Kwa indeed possesses qualities that help him take things in hand so quickly, she motions towards Takeda with a slight enthused look in Morathi's direction. "Sir Takeda has things well in mind, it would be nothing to order a ship here for you to take to Carratos if you find objection with taking my companion's ship there."
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Post by Ywalme Burz on Jun 27, 2011 23:41:41 GMT -5
When Takeda motions with his hand for Morathi to stop she pauses and half turns around to hear what he says. A quiver anger goes through her body at his words. She unconsciously clenches and unclenches her fists as she tries to control her anger before she speaks. Prudence as ever wins out she is a crafty, old snake. Her voice is cold but her eyes are hot with anger that doesn't now show in her voice.
His Majesty is most gracious and generous I would not burden him unneccesarily before I arrived. Of course I'm at "his" disposal and will leave as soon as arrangements can be made to do so.
She says even more coldly.
The Council needs to be notified of my going and who attends me but Mistress Shane no matter how worthy otherwise can not take over my duties and responsibilites to "my" clan sisters. They are my family and family matters need to be discussed and arranged. I was elected by them and I need to leave someone in charge of our internal family affairs. Only a Nightsister can handle Nightsister business.
To Cilla. I would not want to deprive Lord Takeda of his transportation or bother him to take me back to Carratos. I would be grateful Mistress Shane if you would do that.
Now if you will excuse me? She starts to leave again. She whirls around at Takeda's next words. She gives a vicious laugh then says.
Gladly, If that is your wish. She is my gift to you, Lord Takeda. May you get more out of her than I ever did. I only kept her around as long as I did because for some inexplicable reason my daugther liked her.
She then stomps off snapping orders to those around her. She sends Vilya to Takeda as he requested not telling the girl that she is now his "property" but to attend him.
The girl knows something is up but not what the gossip of what happened hadn't yet reached her.
First she shows Cilla her rooms and then leads Takeda to his.
If you need anything My Lord, just call me. I need to attend to my Mistress now. Vilya gives him a respectful bow and starts to leave.
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Post by Takeda on Jun 28, 2011 1:41:46 GMT -5
Takeda raises his hand one last time.
"Ah, your statement has cleared up the matter then... The night-sisters are a familial organization, not a legal one. Duly noted."
Turning to look down at Cilla, "Please notify the Emperor at your discretion of this change to Nightsister status."
He looks back over to Morathi nodding to dismiss her, "I do not wish to detain you..." The words were common enough, but way it was said, was with a implication that there was another, less pleasant option available.
After Morathi departs and Cilla and he are led towards their rooms, Takeda is well aware that this place is likely riddled with methods Morathi and her brood can hear them, in fact it is with great desire he hopes to be overheard.
"Lady Cilla, I do not see overmuch reason to stay here, unless you foresee a reason to, the town of Aurillia is more suitable as a representative seat of the Empire than a private and unofficial residence."
As the girl goes to leave, "That will not be required, Nightsister Morathi is no longer your mistress. You arer are free to seek employment as you see fit, though Lady Cilla and myself would like you to consider employment with us, at least at present."
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Post by Emperor Ire on Jun 28, 2011 23:05:12 GMT -5
After taking mental note of the Nightsister's status as Takeda so duly pointed out, Cilla rises and bows to Morathi as she leaves and goes to head with Takeda and his new servant girl to their rooms. As they walk and Takeda strikes up small talk, it is clear to Cilla the the Kwa seems probing and slightly confrontational with the Nightsisters, Cilla picks this vibe up further as he mentions staying elsewhere than the private residence of the Nightsisters. She can tell that Takeda is trying to push their resolve, there is no doubt in her mind he wants to see how much disrespect they will handle before things become tense, she plays along.
"Hmmm, you might be right." Cilla says as she looks around the open hallways to the courtyard and at its ancient look as if time forgot it, noting Takeda's ship still hasn't been moved, not exactly as appealing as a nice sonic shower at a proper place in the city would be. "I doubt they have proper thread counts in their sheets for me and I'm sure the spaceport in Aurillia would have a proper landing bay for your ship."
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Post by Ywalme Burz on Jun 29, 2011 0:39:44 GMT -5
You could almost hear Morathi's teeth grind in anger and frustration as the chance of her gaining power from this starts to slip away. Takeda is lucky that her looks can't kill because he would have dead on the spot from the glare he gets in answer to this statement. Though wisely she bites her tongue from saying the words and doesn't answer him. She leaves the room. But the anger emanating from her causes those around her to hastily to get out of her way not wanting to be the target of her anger when and if she releases it. She would bid her time and if a chance came her way she would get back him for this insult she vowed to herself as she walked to her rooms.
As Vilya leads them to their rooms she flinches when they criticize the accommodations because she knows would be held responsible for their displeasure by Morathi.
Lady Cilla , Lord Takeda, if you have any special needs or requests for your comfort tell me and I will try and get them for you.
After showing Cilla her room and as she about to leave after showing Takeda his room, his words stop her. She turns around her eyes wide with a surprise.
My Lord? What mean you? Free? She looks stunned and can't quite grasp what he is saying. She has been a slave to Morathi for so long she almost has forgotten what it means to be free.
She says to his last comment. I would like to help "you", Lord Takeda.
She looks around to make sure no one is around then says. Be careful, My Lord don't trust Mistress Morathi she would do you ill if she can but not as long as you are here as her guest. She wouldn't take the chance of it getting back to Lord Ire.
She looks around again and says with a pleading look.
And please do not judge all on Dathomir by the behavior of those here. Not all the daughters of Allya act thus. The Nightsisters are just a small and not entirely respected portion of the Clans of Dathomir.
My clan, the Singing Mountain Clan respects all forms of life and tries to live in harmony with Dathomir and all its lifeforms.
The old ones especially do we honor.
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Post by Takeda on Jun 29, 2011 1:56:38 GMT -5
It mattered little if the rooms were of quality or squalor, it was unlikely they would be staying. The information Cilla had provided him, as well as the info publicly available on Dathomir and the Night-sisters in particular, had already given him enough pause. This being a fortified structure built by the Nightsisters and serving as their headquarters for years, he counted the room here to be as a trap should Morathi choose that means... And she was the type.
He does not answer her until she has shown him his room.
"As you had seen, we disembarked with no luggage, consider this an indication that our plans are not yet set."
"The Nightsisters have no authority over this planet any longer. Imperial Law does not permit the ownership of slaves. By Morathi's words, your were considered property, and while you may have received compensation for your services, in food, clothing, shelter; it appears you had no right to choose to accept or reject that offer of employment... Thus slavery. There is no more slavery on Dathomir, it is a crime punishable by death. My offer to take you as my property, was a ruse; it voided Morathi's breaking of Law... Her wise decision in the matter of keeping slaves spared her life. I expect she will be turning the others out shortly or offering them proper contracts and terms of employment."
Takeda turns on his heel to face her abruptly and squares his shoulders as he stares down on her with his golden eyes from behind the black iron mask that disguises and twists his features into a nightmare of shadows and depths. His voice is dead calm,
"Silence. Do not mistake my applying the law as an act of familiarity. I am sure you have insights to offer about Morathi and the Nightsisters, but if you choose to enter service with Lady Cilla and myself, we will be sure to instruct you when you may speak freely. Hold your tongue until your are asked on such matters. Morathi, pleasing her or warning against her is no longer your concern."
Once Morathi begins her journey to Carratos, her chances to rebuke the Empire will likely be at an end, more importantly she would be foolish to think otherwise. Eliminating him and Cilla, now and without a fabricated circumstance would be an immediate death sentence... Even if they all died and the ship was destroyed, it could not happen before a transmission went out tus it would be her and the Night sisters death sentence. No, if Morathi was to get out of this, she would either play directly along, or murder them in a manner she could set up to manipulate into displaying their innocence. A native woman, and a former slave, Vilya had no such protections, he hoped this would be enough for her to stammer that mouth of hers to a stop, but alas she continued... and in doing so perked his interest ever so slightly.
"The Nightsisters, and the Witches of Dathomir are well known, and they are not the only clans of peoples here. It will be a great change to many of them. This planet is a scattered and primitive tribal culture with quaint customs of caste based on gender. While the Empire embraces the diverse cultures of its citizens, merit and ability to office is not determined by gender or species. I am sure that many of the Clans will have various issues and reluctance to change, Morathi is the first to experience it, there will be others."
He is reminded briefly of Jedi ideaology in her next words and pauses before continuing.
"I am sure that has benefited the Singing Mountain Clan well... These Old Ones, the Daughters of Allya, your ancient ancestors I presume, laid out a tradition that you all strive to live up to?"
He wonders what she meant by that, but before getting excited, and to lead anyone watching astray he took his suspicions in a different direction.
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Post by Emperor Ire on Jun 29, 2011 18:51:57 GMT -5
Watching the exchange between the Kwa and the Dathomir witch, Cilla remains quiet, it amazes Cilla how quickly Takeda has assimilated the information on the laws of the Empire. He is telling truth when he says slavery is illegal in the Empire and there seems to be much of that going on here within the compound, perhaps even more than she or Takeda truly knows, this will take looking into more but for now Cilla stays quiet and waits for the conversation between Takeda and the servant girl to end.
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Post by Ywalme Burz on Jul 2, 2011 15:22:59 GMT -5
His words gives Vilya pause and she looks up at him in inqury but says.
Yes, My Lord. It is not my place to question guests intentions or their length of stay. If you decide to stay and need anything I will see that you get it if we have it.
She turns to leave when she is stopped by his next words. She is stunned by the news that Morathi is no longer her Mistress and that she is now free. She then asks.
Then she waits while Takeda explains.
And when he finishes she can't help but smile if somewhat bitterly and says.
Yes, My Lord quite true.
She makes no comment on his definition of on what a slave is as there is no need and she agrees with it. She nods in acknowledgement of the truth of his words then says softly.
I thank you, My Lord, even if it was a ruse. It worked and I'm now free.
She gives a small, startled jump when he turns around and back up as if she is not sure what he going to do to her. Her clear amber-colored eyes look up nervously into his golden ones. But is all an act she seems to sense that with his words he is trying to protect her from Morathi while she honors him for it she also knows that she would be just as guiltly as those who would harm him if her warning were left unsaid. But she senses now is not the time to do it. That by acting scared she will help him.
She merely drops her eyes and says timdly. Yes, My Lord. I'm sorry it will not happen again.
In reponse she says. Yes, My Lord, we have.
But she gently and timdly corrects him about the Old Ones.
No, My Lord Takeda, The Old Ones are not of the blood of the daughters of Allya. They are of more ancient blood and race than we are and as such deserve our respect. We honor them as decendents of the Ancient Ones who once ruled here and due to a great sacrifice on their part to protect Dathomir saved it from destruction of its enemies. Or so says the stories of the Ancient times at least the ones we have been able to translate.
They don't often interact with us and when they do so it is considered a great honor to person who is so privileged. The last one who had that honor was Master Skywalker who was helped by the Blue Mountain people.
I believe Outlanders have given the Old Ones the name of Kwi.
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Post by Takeda on Jul 2, 2011 22:03:21 GMT -5
Takeda walks over to one wall and examines the artwork upon it as Vilya explains.
He turns back around as she concludes, "Interesting... So these ancients, these Kwi, they are the descendants of the original inhabitants... or at least a previous inhabitant, from before your people came to Dathomir?" He looks over wordlessly to Cilla, then back over to Vilya.
"You speak of stories, written? You mention translation, perhaps you should elaborate on this more. If there is an native people here, that is not represented it should be looked into."
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Post by Ywalme Burz on Jul 2, 2011 22:36:48 GMT -5
Vilya watches Takeda as he walks over to examine the artwork on the wall as she talks. When she finishes she waits for him to speak or ask another question before she says anything else. She has played the part of slave long enough to know when to be silent.
As far as we can tell My Lord, yes. We don't know what the Ancients called themselves and the Old ones don't say. Most of what we know of them are from the murals they left behind or so I have been told. I have never seen them. To get to the Ancient places is a difficult and dangerous journey and one not to be taken lightly.
What I know of the stories is only from what I remember as a child before I came here. The writings we have are from the ones who came after them called the Paecians. It is their language we have trouble translating. I don't know if any of the Ancient's had a written language and if they did if any of it has survived.
If you are interested to know more about them, My Lord, you would get more accurate information if you talked with the Singing Mountain Clanmother Augwynne Djo, Priestess Ut Raek or perhaps Sister Damaya who is the Clan's history keeper and storyteller.
Yes, My Lord. She says to his last comment and waits for him to say more.
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Post by Emperor Ire on Jul 2, 2011 23:07:32 GMT -5
Showing her eagerness to get out this dreadful place, Cilla looks at the chrono on her comlink and looks up at Takeda. She is impressed with the way he is carrying himself among the Nightsisters and will report favorably back to the Emperor about this, he will make for a powerful ally, but she is bored with this setting. As Cilla spots a woman balancing pales of water on a staff across her shoulders into a room, her impatience in wanting to depart this place is showing only slightly but it is still showing as she speaks."While this conversation is riviting to say the least, can we please head to Aruillia now and find more pleasant accommodations?"
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Post by Takeda on Jul 2, 2011 23:28:14 GMT -5
He listens to her explanation and pauses before replying. More than enough time to make a decision based upon the information received. He walks around as Lady Cilla interjects, pausing at the doorway the woman can be seen through.
"I quite agree with both of you... When we arrive at Aurillia, Vilya you will either take word or arrange it through your clanswomen that the Clanmother of the Singing Mountain clan, and what representatives of hers she chooses in addition to herself are asked to come to discuss the future of Dathomir, it is time all of the peoples voices are heard, not a select few... Please request she be there three and a half hours after sunrise. If time permits her to bring a representative of the native people, please request she do so.
I also think a good time for Morathi to arrive and report to us and depart for Carratos will be at the fourth hour after sunrise... it should prove an interesting meeting.
If you are ready to depart Lady Cilla, let us then."
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Post by Ywalme Burz on Jul 2, 2011 23:48:35 GMT -5
Yes, My Lord. That should not be too hard to arrange. This is the season for trading with Aurilla by the Singing Mountain Clan. Those who are there for trading should be able to easily send word to the Clanmother if she is not already there.
May I gather my things and meet you at your... ship? She asks timdily and then looks really scared when he mentions Morathi. But she waits for him to give her permission to go. When he does she bows first to Cilla and then deeply to Takeda and leaves hurriedly from the room.
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Post by Emperor Ire on Jul 3, 2011 0:18:39 GMT -5
"Yes, do that girl, we will wait for you." Cilla says plainly before turning back to Takeda and leaning in closer to him but still speak loud enough to be heard. "Let's get out of here before we get attacked by ticks."
Cilla begins to walk to the ship, anxious to get out of the drab stronghold.
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Post by Takeda on Jul 3, 2011 0:42:50 GMT -5
Takeda pauses in the doorway until Cilla passes then takes up following just behind her. As they exit he pauses and gestures to Vilya to continue onwards to the ship with Cilla, and glares down on one of the Nightsister Guards at the exit of the stronghold building proper.
"Notify Nightmother Morathi she will present herself to me tomorrow in Aurillia, 4 hours after sunrise, with her successor and her entourage that will accompany her to Carratos. I expect her replacement will be anxious to meet Lady Cilla and myself."
Ayulesh, sees to Vilya quietly, directing her into a seat in the dining area. She keeps an eye on her, but stands in the doorway of the room to watch both the the ship door and if Cilla indicate she has a need that needs seeing to.
When Takeda boards the ship, he waits at the door watching the nightsisters as the ramp closes and the ship lifts off for Aurellia, a relatively short trip.
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