Ixodiun

The absolute worst thing about the first trial, that was in a way a prelude to all the others, and in no way counted to the official five trials? The complete and utter lack of soap and cosmetics. Oh, yes, she is to find the blood of her enemies to be the only skin care treatment that she needs, but really there is a point where even the most hardline of traditionalists and warhounds should questioned in polite but firm terms. Something that all the members of her retinue are agreeing with her on, even as they took shelter in the shallow cave.

To be sure, much of the chatter was simply her asking her minions of their skills, how she can best use them... but a part of that would be to eventually arrange the correct training and resources to bring out their potential. After all, the higher they rose, the further she would stand on their backs. Well, that and even if there would be some expectations due to their respective power and status, it was good to simply have some females around to talk with. Males after all are sadly ignorant of the verbal sparring and complexities that make it all fun.

To be fair though, as they looked at the form of the male member of the group... oh, there were laughter and giggles there as well. He may be a hulking and overly muscled brute, but he was able to cook, much as Sallel could and Luegu claimed to be able to. Which did make her wonder why he seemed to not mind eating the beasts raw. "Cooking ruins the essence."

She blinked, as she seemed to mutter that out loud, and the large figure did not even notice as he continued to simply roast the dead beasts over the flame. Still, it was Luegu that asked the important question. For while she could be curious... it was shameful to admit, that she was perhaps not as versed in the details of this as she could be. Better to have the witch ask. "Oh, how so?"

The male, focusing entirely on the haunch of meat, of coursed missed the little glances, the subtle shifts of body language, as he grunted out. "Fire cleanses. Need essence."

Which, based on the little scrunch of her nose, well, her witch did not understand why exactly, but it was her hunter that spoke, curiosity evident. "What do you need it for?"

The big brute chuffed. "Am war born. Eat essence. Grow. Evolve. Become more." There is a moment, as he seems to consider things, as he snorts and shakes his head. "Not lord. Not devolved enough."

She jolts upright, her eyes narrowing, as she growled out the words, power gathering around her, as the ungrateful male dares to slander her destiny! "And what exactly do you mean by that?"

Her tone is ice and poison, as he turns an unimpressed look her way. "Paperwork. Politics. Headache." He practically spat the last word... and then? The giggles started, coming up from her core as it became laughter, as she grasped just why he did not seem to like it, and in turn, all the others started to laugh as well. Really, her ire melted away, as her amusement grew, realizing breaking over her. He may be a simple mind and soul, but he was aware enough of his limits.

To be sure though... she did wonder what Lord or Lady's experiment he was? Or perhaps even a Darth or Dark Lord? Because he has obviously changed and altered, and she had to wonder why he would be permitted to be in the classes. Or if she would be able to keep him. Well, that would be a question for another night, after she had a shower and change of clothes.

Two days later and the walls of the academy were in sight! To be sure, things were easier because Matt that grand and lovely brute, had fashioned what amounted to be a platform from the bones, hides and sinew of the Tuk'ata that had been in the area and was quite literally carrying them as they directed him and just kept moving, a reminder that his species evolved as persistence hunters. And then they came across a near constant problem, as they entered into the valley, where it was likely many of her mightiest ancestors had their tombs. One that had been a scourge here even in her grandparents time, a threat that boiled and rushed forth from the tombs no matter how often they were purged.

K'lor slugs.

Just the same was perhaps misleading, as they flowed like a tide, as she and her most capable subordinate (and likely rival to be broken in) Luegu screamed out their hate and fury, lightning rippling across the slugs and cooking them in their shells. To be sure, Matt had managed to crack some of their shells, to dent their carapaces with that monstrous strength of his... but nothing that could actually kill them. He knocked them back though and kept moving, as he started to run and leap, powerful fingers digging into rock as he kept out of the swarm.

To be sure, he could have been smoother in his movements, but then there was the shrieking and whooping, as Shyrack's, drawn by the carnage, swooped out. Most of course going for the fried slugs... but some? Some heading for them as rocks were heaved and the make kept running. Why, even the others were using the long sticks to smack the approaching wild life away, the human panting under the glare of the sun, as he seemed to be desperate to reach the walls before the sun, already falling in the sky, set entirely.

To be sure, so was she, if less because she was worried about the spirits consuming HER and more... well, Matt was likely a vessel waiting to be filled. Was that the real reason he was so hungry for raw and power infused flesh? Did could not tell... even as with a bellow, he landed on paved stones and started to press himself harder. Soon, they were at the gates, dismounting and celebrating among themselves as they were ushered into the medical wing to be examined.

Still, she passed the winnowing. Her destiny began now.

Matt

So, Ixodiun was apparently something of a big deal. Or her family was, even if she would get only a minimum of special treatment. Such as the fact that there were actually rooms in the dorms set aside for attending members of her family. Which appeared to be closer a suite for both her and a 'retinue' that she would pick up. Lucky me, they were full up on the bed rooms, so I was placed in the literal attached kennel. For some reason, I had the feeling she may be lying, and that this was her own revenge for the fact that said you had to be brain damaged to want to deal with politics and paperwork.

Still, it was a place to sleep and my actual academic career begins tomorrow. Besides of course, being given the handy little datapad that showed some of the details. Such as the fact that there was more than one way to become Sith. Yes, the apprenticeship route was at the end of the day the more rewarding path, but then you could also be an Agent, Acolyte or Knight. Apparently, three distinct things, and all required the patron of a member of a noble house in good standing. Limited your options later, but hey, you now have a patron as you are part of a noble retinue.

Not that it mattered overmuch. For all that there was an aristocracy and emperor? In the end, it was ruled by Might Makes Right, or Asskicking Equals Authority. So long as your strong enough? The rules are closer to suggestions. But, that was something to consider in the morn.