Lord Math, I presume? Rath! I meant Rath. [D1, ME]

[Xyll Vanth]

"Indeed?" She went back to walking, following along as she listened to his words. She mulled them over carefully. The meaning contained within.

"There's a certain irony there," she said after a few moments, "but if it was truly him, then I can see how it'd make sense for him to say such a thing. And since then? Have you not sought to study him further? To follow in his footsteps?"

[Lord Jo'ren Rath]

He laughed.

"I've spent a long time chasing his literal footsteps on Yavin IV, believe me. Yes, I've studied him though probably not in the detail a scholar like you has."

A serious look crossed his face. "I'm following his example, but taking my own road. For all his power, Exar Kun was defeated."

[Xyll Vanth]

"Hmm, yes, indeed he was. Though why do you think that was?"

From her tone, it was clear she wasn't asking because she didn't know, but because she wanted to know what *he* thought.

[Lord Jo'ren Rath]

"Betrayal. Hubris. Missing a crucial detail." He spread his hands. "I mean, from a certain point of view he succeeded. If you believe that his spirit walks Yavin IV."

Another shrug.

"Having seen his spirit I think he cheated death. It just didn't turn out how he expected."

[Xyll Vanth]

She leaned in, curiosity rising.

"In what way?"

[Lord Jo'ren Rath]

"By all accounts Exar Kun died performing a powerful ritual. But I've seen his spirit. He's still out there. Part of him at least." Rath glanced at her as they walked.

"I think maybe he had planned for that ritual to go a little differently. Or maybe he's biding his time."

[Xyll Vanth]

"Either way, sounds like I might need to pay Yavin IV a little visit some time. Have a little chat. That'd be quite the thrill. Where exactly did you say you saw him?"

[Lord Jo'ren Rath]

There was a hint of amusement in his voice. "I didn't. Might be we can come to some sort of arrangement though. Yavin IV is like a second home to me."

[Xyll Vanth]

"Ah, yes."

An arrangement. Of course, she could never just get the things she deserved without difficulty finding a way to block the path.

"What did you have in mind?"

[Lord Jo'ren Rath]

"I don't know you. So make it worth my while. A joint venture? Knowledge or an item that brings me power? What are you willing to exchange for the knowledge you desire?" It wasn't unreasonable. Quite Sith really.

[Xyll Vanth]

"A joint venture sounds like it'd bring value to us both, and would allow you to gauge my worth," she said, "and any knowledge that I may possess on the era of Exar Kun, or any other knowledge I may hold, well, these are easily given in exchange for knowledge of similar worth."

[Lord Jo'ren Rath]

"Alright then. I'm sure something will come up. Probably soon." They reached the walkway to the speeder bays. "We're headed this way. Good to meet you Lord Nyx."

[Xyll Vanth]

"Yes, of course." She smiled.

It was never easy.

"It was good to meet you as well, I shall look forward to working with you."

She gave him a nod of the head.

[Lord Jo'ren Rath]

Lord Rath paused. "Here's my comm channel if you want to contact me. Until next time." He nodded and then walked off to a speeder with his aide.

/exit, thanks for the thread