Casual The Slaughterhouse Social

[Karros Zaruiel]

"I am not the bartender per se, but I am more then happy to apply my skills here if you would like." Karros answered to Darth Skyllan's question, tilting his spine forward in semi-bow. He was still an upholder of Xenia, even if he wasn't in the cantina. "I seem to do more watching and information relaying then cooking or concocting drinks as of late."

"As am I, your career is definitely one of the ones I have been following with greater interest." Skyllan informed her, the gift box floating from their hand to hover before Slayer. "A gift to commemorate the occasion." The wrapping paper began to unfold itself before her eyes to reveal a small jewellery box that opened. Resting on a cushion is a black alchemized ring, with the words 'Knight Slayer - One Year' upon the outside of it. The words seemingly crafted from an amber material that had been fused into the metal. "With any luck the next one will say Darth, or perhaps even Lady." The ashen s'kytri spoke, their slightly softer tones than usual carrying to the woman.

As Karros greeted them, the dread sorcerer turned their smile, which seemed a tad sharper now it was directed at someone else, at the apprentice. "Ah Karros, I am doing quite well. Are you the bartender here as well, or is it free choice?" They asked indicating to the full bar they had noticed.

 

[G.Kn]

"Oh you needn't deviate from that on my account." They told the apprentice, scanning the labels of the bottles from where they were stood. Skyllan's eyes came upon a label with the words 'Rancor Blood' written upon it. With a slight gesture, the bottle came to the dread master from across the room, zooming around other patrons to do so.

They eyed the red liquid and glanced at Karros, "Actual blood or the alcohol do you suppose?" The lid came off as they spoke, and Skyllan raised it to their lips without bothering to wait for a response. Almost immediately, their crystalline sceptre darkened slightly, the only sign of the dark side healing that was automatically put into use to counter any negative effects the drink might have on Skyllan's body/mind. It was an automatic habit, they had become a sith of relative renown, staying one required a few precautions. As the bottle came away from their mouth, their expression remained the same smile they had worn at the start of their conversation with Karros. "Not bad." They murmured, before turning the attention back to Karros properly.

"So, you've watching and gathering information recently? Do you enjoy it? It is a useful habit to get into, and if you ever consider doing it professionally, it might be worth applying to my Sphere. The pay isn't bad either." As they spoke their eyes didn't leave the apprentice's, wanting to take measure of the man before them. They'd already formed a few opinions on Karros after all, but his reaction would help provide evidence for the opinions.

Throughout this, their attention never really left Knight Slayer though, the jewellery box still floating before her as Darth Skyllan awaited a response. It was not often they voluntarily afforded such a gift to another person after all.

 

[Reiis Invadator]

The General wasn't eavesdropping, exactly, as she was quite visible and relatively year. "It's perhaps a bit of both, Darth Skyllan," she said with a grin in her voice. "Really can't tell with House Cruor's vast stores of liquor. Who knows? Supposedly everything's tainted with lumni spice. The stuff's as common as dirt here, though naturally carefully controlled in the markets."

 

[G.Kn]

Darth Skyllan turn a raptor-like gaze on the General. Their wings shifted slightly, though still carefully folded to avoid knocking anything over - one doesn't spread indoors after all, not with a 30ft wingspan. They produced a flask from one of a dozen or so pouches on their waist, a normal hipflask for most people, but a tad smaller looking in the s'kytri's hands.

"If it is indeed a mix, the actual blood must be a tad watered down, or in a smaller amount then I'm used to. That can be remedied of course." Skyllan said with a smile, the cap of the flask undoing and letting s copper smell into the air. The liquids from the flask and the bottle slithered out of their respective containers, mixing and resettling in two measures with an even ratio in each. "I had an argument with a rancor relatively recently. It wanted to eat me, I wanted to eat it. The usual. I won of course, but you've got to appreciate the sort of bullheaded idiocy that would compel a creature to fight a superior predator like it tried."

The dread sith took another sip, from their flask this time, and let out a slight noise of satisfaction. "Can I offer anyone the bottle? I find rancor blood improves most of the stronger alcoholic beverages quite well." There was a slight pause, "Though that might be something to do with my more predatorial diet." They allowed, they'd eaten a lot of things. A lot of people too. Blood was practically a fixed part of Skyllan's diet at this point.

 

[Reiis Invadator]

The General considered whether or not cheesesticks would be improved by the contents of Skyllan's bottle, but she thought not, and graciously waved a steaming cheesesticks in refusal of the offer.

Somehow, the cheesesticks were diminishing in number. Fold Space was a nice thing.

 

[Slayer]

(Apologies, got stuck in a meeting.)

Slayer watched in amazement as the little box the Dread Master carried with him unfolded in front of her. A little, but magnificent ring floated to her. Grabbing it, and sliding it onto her ring finger, and took several minutes observing every little detail of it. It was one of the rare occasions were no gloves covered her hands. She looked up at the Dread Sorcerer, sparks of joy and amazements in her eyes.

A little shy, she spoke up. "Thousands of thank you's Master Skyllan. This ring is...amazing. I usually not am a jewelry person but this ring, I'll make an exception"

She could feel her smile going even warmer, and her cheeks turning red. Ashamed, she placed both her hands on her face. This feeling was..new to her. She usually didn't care about such things, but this time it was way different.

 

[Grievance Vexx]

Vexx drops to hang upside down just above the General, giving her an accidental dusting of Kenobi action figure remains. While she is busy conversing with Darth Skyllan, he plucks a cheese stick off her plate and studies it idly.

“Your dietary habits remind me of a Sith Lord I once knew,” he remarks, his eyes shifting from the cheese stick to Darth Skyllan, “He was a formidable duelist and I swear he contemplated recipes to try on his opponents as he fought them.” He turns back to the General and places the cheese stick back on her plate. “These would taste much better smothered in ranch.”

 

[Reiis Invadator]

Tact disappearing faster than the cheesesticks, The General watched both Slayer and Skyllan as she took a seat on the arm of the Big Comfy Cruor Couch not far from where Vexx was hanging, dusting the Kenobi Bits off her robes.

Her face wrinkled in thought. "Who was it?" she asked, then frowned at his ranch suggestion. "You keep your ranch opinions to yourself or else...I'll think of the else in a moment, but there will be an else. Did you wash your hands before touching my cheesestick?"

Else came just a few moments later: "A life-size Kenobi cutout!"

 

[Slayer]

Slayer let out a visible sigh as the giant life-sized Kenobi cutout appeared.

"Since when do we have life-sized cutout of..Jedi?"

Confusion was present, and also was curiosity. She knew Lord Vexx would immediately jump on it, and of course shred it to pieces. His rage agaisnt the Jedi was of course, understandable but at the same time interesting to watch. Slayer knew what happened to Grievous. And this will of revenge was perfectly normal.

 

[G.Kn]

At Slayer's response, Skyllan allowed themself to ramble a little. "Given our lifestyle choices, I made it unbreakable. Or at least as unbreakable as someone of my talents can make something-" which a things considered meant one could probably drop it in a star and it would be fine, though it might be a tad difficult to retrieve, "-I stress tested it vigorously. Even going as far as to push it through the hull of an enemy ship just to see if I could. I couldn't put an exact number on it-" they certainly could "-but that ring killed at least a few hundred that way. I figured a Mandalorian-Sith-Death-Warrior's jewellery should have a killcount too." Skyllan told her with a smile that was fundamentally different to the ones they'd shared with other sith this evening.

Then there was the Death Lord's comment. "Lord Vexx, it is a pleasure. I don't know about 'formidable duelist', but you seem to have a decent grasp on some of my particulars. Though ultimately I wouldn't contemplate a recipe during a fight. I find it is important to stay focused during a life or death situation. When it is an actual fight anyway." Skyllan told him, and for a moment, the subtle screaming that resounded in the s'kytri's skull increased a little as the psychic echoes of the dead fought to make themself heard in Skyllan's mind. The dread sorcerer's grip tightened imperceptibly on the Sceptre and they quietened down. When in a bar you don't need more to listen too after all, even if it was all in your mind.

 

[Karros Zaruiel]

"Oh you needn't deviate from that on my account." They told the apprentice, scanning the labels of the bottles from where they were stood. Skyllan's eyes came upon a label with the words 'Rancor Blood' written upon it. With a slight gesture, the bottle came to the dread master from across the room, zooming around other patrons to do so.

They eyed the red liquid and glanced at Karros, "Actual blood or the alcohol do you suppose?" The lid came off as they spoke, and Skyllan raised it to their lips without bothering to wait for a response. Almost immediately, their crystalline sceptre darkened slightly, the only sign of the dark side healing that was automatically put into use to counter any negative effects the drink might have on Skyllan's body/mind. It was an automatic habit, they had become a sith of relative renown, staying one required a few precautions. As the bottle came away from their mouth, their expression remained the same smile they had worn at the start of their conversation with Karros. "Not bad." They murmured, before turning the attention back to Karros properly.

"So, you've watching and gathering information recently? Do you enjoy it? It is a useful habit to get into, and if you ever consider doing it professionally, it might be worth applying to my Sphere. The pay isn't bad either." As they spoke their eyes didn't leave the apprentice's, wanting to take measure of the man before them. They'd already formed a few opinions on Karros after all, but his reaction would help provide evidence for the opinions.

Throughout this, their attention never really left Knight Slayer though, the jewellery box still floating before her as Darth Skyllan awaited a response. It was not often they voluntarily afforded such a gift to another person after all.

Karros watched Darth Skyllan draw the bottle towards them. Before Karros could answer their question they were already drinking it. Karros just noticed a slight change in color of their scepter. He wondered if it was one of the properties of the staff.

"I have enjoyed it immensely" Karros replied cheerfully. "I feel it expands my capacity to serve knowledge as well as food and drink. More often the not an acolyte or apprentice has come my way asking things. Mostly about Masters seeking apprentices or occupations that could be filled. Acolyte Titus is now Apprentice Titus because of my input, and Apprentice Amaya has two occupations because of a conversation with me. But now I can serve all the Ranks by keeping an attentive eye on the holostreams, dispensing useful and applicable information. I did assure Darth Joker that the cantina would be an information hub. I hope in time that assurance can be expanded to whenever I am in the cantina."

"As for joining your Sphere, I would be honored and delighted. I feel there is even more I could learn by being in your service. However, I both need to ask permission from my Master to do so, as I move and stay by her word, and at the moment there is much I need to attend to. There are a series of one-shots that need be done, Tasks and ability RPs that need completed, and of course the Kaggath and ball. But when these things are done, and my Master has given her blessing, I would like to apply for any openings you might have in your Sphere."

 

[Slayer]

"Unbreakable..? I've never seen such a thing. But if it comes from you then I believe it without second thought." Once again, Slayer's smile was different than her usual expressions. Never had she smiled in such a way.

"But I do agree; our lifestyle is turning alot around destroying and killing. This ring will fit it well, believe me."

She smiled at them, looking at their eyes. Suddenly the Kenobi wasn't a disturbance anymore. She just fell in the comfy couch, starring at the ceiling.

 

[Grievance Vexx]

“Surely you remember Lord Ravenous from way back when, yes?” Vexx chuckles, finding it hard to believe his long-time friend and ally could forget the mutated Sith Wookiee, “And if you see no blood, my hands are clean, General. I assure you.”

He narrows his eyes at the General of House Cruor and her threat as it manifests itself in the ugliest assembly of screen printed cardboard he has ever seen.

“Clear!” he shouts before igniting the flamethrower built into his right arm, incinerating the Jedi replica in an instant.

“Not bad, Master,” Vexx’s medical droid EV-A4-D remarks after clocking his reaction time on an archaic stopwatch, “That tune-up I gave you improved your reflexes by about sixty percent.”

Ignoring the droid as he often does, Vexx extinguishes the flamethrower and nimbly relocates himself to stand on the floor with the rest gathered here. He inclines his head respectfully to Skyllan upon being acknowledged.

“I observe a great deal from the places I choose to lurk,” he replies, his tone implying a cordial smile he is, of course, incapable of showing, “Lord Ravenous was...interesting. Though he was as crude and socially unacceptable as the day is long, he had my respect.”

 

[G.Kn]

"You can do some truly awe inspiring things with the secrets contained within the halls of Dread." Skyllan told Slayer with a minor chuckle as they took a seat next to her, watching as the cardboard Kenobi was brought out with a spark in their eyes. "It's one of the reasons I joined the house I did after all, the knowledge held within it called me. Though I like to think I wouldn't have do too badly in House Cruor either. My master was from here after all."

The cardboard figure was destroyed practically as quickly as it had appeared. The s'kytri gave the kaleesh sith a slight round of applause before sending a slight remark the man's way. "Lord Ravenous... I seem to recall something from our files. I went looking for more interesting sith after finding stories of Ku-Kak the force sensitive wampa. Regardless, while our diet may be similar, the words 'crude' and 'socially unacceptable' are quite foreign when it comes to descriptors for me." Skyllan allowed.

 

[Reiis Invadator]

"Oh yes I remember Lord Raven-AAAHHH!"

The next thing anyone knew, The General had squished herself into the furthest corner of the Cruor Couch away from the flamethrower.

"You call that a warning??!"

 

[Grievance Vexx]

“I have no doubt,” Vexx chuckles darkly in response to Skyllan, “Such adjectives are more appropriate for individuals such as myself if one were to catch me at the wrong time. I am sure both the General and my medical droid would agree.”

He glances at the aforementioned General taking refuge in the depths of the couch after his fiery outburst. “My sincerest apologies, General Invadator. If it is any consolation, at least now you know that, with me around, that Jedi would have failed if he were here to make an attempt on your life, yes?”

 

[Reiis Invadator]

"I most certainly agree," she retorted, pushing herself into a more upright position. "And I think we already established that it's you who needs my protection, yes?" She didn't wait for an answer. Not only had no such understanding ever been attained, but she also wasn't about to give him time to retort.

Rising from the couch, The General grabs a mop to clean up the charred mess.

 

[Grievance Vexx]

A few days later...

Vexx makes his way to the Slaughterhouse Social, looking a little off and out of sorts. His gait is slow with the slightest touch of unsteadiness detectable only to a trained eye that knows him well. Scorch marks still blemish his armor from the Trial of Blood. He had only visited his medical droid for one reason and one reason only. That reason is why he urgently enters the Slaughterhouse now. He knows the General will be there.

He walks in calmly and doesn’t see the General in her usual spot on the couch. He briefly wonders if he should take a seat to wait for her, but a glance at the couch causes him to decide against it. He owes her too much already and doesn’t really want to add a new couch to the list. The rafters would be his preferred place, but in his current state, he doesn’t think being in a position for blood to rush to his head is a good idea. Finally, he settles for standing near the bar with a clear view of the room and waits quietly for her to enter.

Tag: @Reiis Invadator

 

[Reiis Invadator]

If The General were prompted to write a list, an actual list, tallying whatever Lord Grievance Vexx owed to her, all to witness it would find a blank datapad left as an answer -- not a scrawl of a hint of a scrawl on its screen. In fact, it would be turned off, because the idea that he owed her anything was stupid, and she wanted him to know it was stupid.

When she enters, he is standing by the bar, which automatically strikes her as unusual, but just as soon as she sees this, she senses a certain unsteadiness in him....sees it....and she knows he's come in here for a very particular reason. She can feel that he has been waiting for her, but as has become somewhat customary between them, no words are needed to express this. The General joins him at the bar, leaning slightly against it as she waits for him to speak.

TAG: @Grievance Vexx

 

[Grievance Vexx]

Ever alert, Vexx senses the General approaching long before she enters. If she were to tell him he owes her nothing, he would argue and let that Kaleesh temper he often holds back so well come flaring to the surface too. While she may not find it to be a big deal, his honor will not allow him to overlook the slightest opportunity to return kindness or altruism shown.

And so, as the General enters the Slaughterhouse and silently joins him at the bar, he knows she knows why he’s here and probably why he’s not exactly one hundred percent as well. Without hesitation, he kneels before her and holds up one skeletal fist, unfurling his claws to reveal a medallion, freshly polished, resting in his palm.

“I return this to you, m’lady,” he tells her, though his gaze remains fixed on the floor, “I came away from the Kaggath with my life intact and owe you a great deal for lending this to me as a safety net. Thank you for your faith in me. I am only sorry I fell short of honoring your faith by securing a place on the Council. It was a pleasure to compete with some very powerful Sith. I learned a great deal and you, in part, made it possible.”

Tag: @Reiis Invadator