Inbox (Deer Country)

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[Normally, Savage wasn't a worrier. That had never been in his nature, but this month was provoked his sense of anxiety over the most ridiculous things. Only meditation worked, but then he worried about not being able to enter a meditative state because he had never been particularly good at it.

When he received a message that K was checking in to be certain he was around the house, he had been suspicious as to why the android would come around. Okay, so he had forced himself to be a bit more open to a version of 'friendship' with the droid, so he supposed he could allow a visitor. An undercurrent of anxiety that the droid was going to case the place left him pacing.

Until K didn't show up. He didn't know where the droid was coming from exactly, but after what seemed like too long for anyone to travel unless they weren't using the lamp posts. Then he paced about that. Had he been stood up? Had K run into trouble? What if there had been an malfunction to circuitry?

Should he go looking? No. Yes? No? Maybe?

Eventually, he left Ruin the rathtar in charge of house and Brute his omen Reek in the yard to let him know if K showed up when he left the house to search for the droid. He moved around the places directly from the house, and it actually didn't take him long to find K passed out face down on a public road. At first, he just circled as if waiting for the android to detonate, but when it seemed that wasn't going to be the case he did the only thing a reasonable Zabrak would do.

He used the Force to push and nudge at K, only because a stick wasn't available to use that. Definitely alive but sleeping? He didn't know enough about K's physiology to know if the droid was supposed to sleep or power down or... whatever was happening here.

It seemed safe enough for him to approach and move to pick K up off the ground. Then give a little shake.]

I thought you were coming to the house. [A touch of anxiety made his voice deeper even as he fought the blood effect of concern.]

[frogfear]

Yeah, I've heard about some of the plants here that try to attack people. And the mushrooms too. Although, I'm not sure how much of it is a matter of sentience, or just... You know, a reaction to a Sleeper or someone nearby. There are plants at home too that eat meat, but like, insects. Not people.

[It's good to hear that he still generally considers her usually nice, at least. They might not be exactly okay just now, after everything that's happened, but at least it doesn't feel quite so much like their friendship is totally irreparable.]

I'm... not totally sure you mean that as a compliment, but thank you. I never really meant to be intimidating to anyone anyway.

[opress]

Plants have no sentience where I'm from, but they have adapted to survive. Most places have similar sentiment. Survival or death.

[Which was something he was very comfortable with. He was aware that his tactics would never be her tactics nor would they have the same effect on others.]

It is simply as you are. Take it as a compliment or not.

[frogfear]

Yeah... That seems to be the way of things.

[She gives a small nod. She has no intention of changing who she is, really. Even if she plans to be far more cautious of Corruption going forward.]

Yeah... Well, um. I guess I'll see you around? Keep practicing your reading too, huh?

[opress]

[He made a noise of acknowledgement. This conversation had gone longer than he had expected. He was still angry with her, but that wasn't unusual for him. He always had some anger.]

Yes, I practice every day. I will go. Keep practicing your magic.

[Blood magic.]

[obeir]

[ The first few nudges don't produce much of a response, but being shaken fortunately does. Groggily K regains consciousness and peers at Savage with a bewildered expression. What in the world...? ]

I was.

[ And he takes in his surroundings as though he doesn't know quite where he is. He does, but his recollection of how he's ended up here is distressingly garbled in a way his memories normally couldn't be; they're not susceptible to the shortcomings associated with purely organic brains. There may be some kind of regular corruption or Trench-flavoured blood corruption at play here, perhaps... ]

I don't know what happened. [ He eventually admits. ] I suddenly felt so tired...

[ And he isn't sure whether it's just Trench being the cursed town that it is or if it may be related to needing proper maintenance, or maybe something else altogether. Giving Savage a vaguely apologetic look, he manages to get his feet back under him with some effort. The impromptu nap possibly helped take some of the edge off his exhaustion, but definitely didn't remedy it — he's having some trouble remaining upright. At least he didn't land in any road muck. He spares a moment to brush off and straighten his clothes. ]

Thanks for looking for me. [ He can't keep the surprise from his tone; he'd never expect that sort of — courtesy? Kindness? — from Savage, at least not directed at himself. And who knows how long he would've been out for if he hadn't been woken up. Maybe he needs to stick close to home for a while. ] Are you— feeling it too? Fatigued?

[opress]

[Suddenly felt so tired? Savage made a point to roll his shoulders and stretch his back to see if there was even a hint of such effects for him, but no, he was not tired at all. Yes, he felt an undercurrent of anxiety being out in the open like this, something that had never bothered him much in human cities before.]

This was still not an ideal place to sleep. Even someone's bushes would be better as you'd be hidden partially.

[Even now, K seemed to have trouble being awake or at least acted so fatigued that he almost thought to set a hand to steady the droid. That would be strange of him, wouldn't it? It would presume a closeness or it would give the impression he might be on the verge of causing harm. Don't do it.]

You said you were coming. It's long been enough time to arrive, and it might have been messy if you had died or were damaged. One never knows what Trench will trying to kill them with each month.

[Finally, he shrugged.] No, I'm not tired.

[He gestured for K to follow him, as he would lead the rest of the way to his home where... well, it wasn't exactly safe to sleep there either but safer as far as he was concerned. Yet, his head was turned to watch K to see if the droid could even make the journey.

What would he do if K couldn't? Leave K? Carry K? Escort K home? Maybe he should have brought Rampage along to carry K. Too late for that now. He hadn't thought ahead that way.]

[obeir]

Yeah... That nap-time in the street wasn't exactly planned. [ Normally K's wry amusement at the suggestion would be more evident, but right now he mostly just sounds tired, as though even speaking is an effort. Because it is. He has to concentrate to ensure he doesn't mumble or slur his words. ] Would've rescheduled with you if I'd known it would get this bad.

[ Whatever "it" is, because it seems the fatigue might only be affecting him. Just another lovely day in Trench... ]

How have you been, anyway?

[ He trudges along after Savage fortunately without any further faceplanting, but even that relatively short distance has him weaving unsteadily on his feet by the time they reach the house. And he rather hates how vulnerable the whole ordeal makes him feel; being anything less than self-sufficient is such a foreign feeling to him that he doesn't really know what to do with it. He's always been the one helping others, the problem solver, the protector, the caretaker, and so rarely the one in need of being taken care of himself. By design, of course — a self-sufficient slave is more useful than those who aren't. ]

[opress]

Too late for that now. You made it over half way.

[As far as he was concerned, there was no postponing or turning back. The journey was shorter to come to his and Maul's house where K could find a space to sit down and gather himself again, though watching the droid sway and drag himself along made it clear that K was definitely going to sleep as soon as arriving.

Yet, he still looked surprised when someone asked him how he was doing, blinking and cocking his head in silence as he considered if the question was loaded or not. K didn't seem the type, but the itch of anxiety still caused him to question over and over, losing himself in that question for a few moments of the walk as he opened the fence for K to slump through.]

Fine, I guess. I died last month, but it was just a temporary arrangement. [Another minute as he remembered questions like that should be returned. Right?] How are you doing? Aside from tired suddenly.

[He opened the door to the house and shooed back the multiple deadly pets that crowded the entrance to get a taste, sniff or look at the newcomer. He also finally reached out to steady K so the droid could actually make it through the door so that he could close it. No one slept on the doorstep.]

You look like you need to lay down. You can use the bed. [K didn't have a particularly offensive scent that would upset the territorial nature of him or his brother.]

[obeir]

[ Oh hello murderous looking critters. It's quite the welcoming committee and K's grateful for the assistance, because he's hitting the point where he may just fall down if he doesn't sit down soon. There's an undeniable urge to try and pet the critters if they allow it, but he decides against it just in case any are in the habit of tearing off hands. They look like they could be. ]

Other than this inexplicable fatigue, I've been well. Productive. I made you something, that's why I wanted to come over. [ But rather than elaborating on the gift, he frowns and circles back around to something Savage said. ] How did you die?

[ And was it the result of something Maul caused, since he seems to perpetually invite strife wherever he goes? But K prudently keeps that thought to himself, not wanting to ruffle any proverbial feathers. It would be a poor way to repay the hospitality. Hospitality that apparently even extends to — offering him a bed? There's no hiding his surprise at that, and now it's his turn to take a long moment to formulate a response. ]

Are you... taking me to bed? [ That. Definitely sounded better in his head, before actually saying it. But too late to take it back. Nor will he turn down the offer when he's inevitably going to fall asleep again, and probably sooner rather than later; at least this time he can be comfortable. And what's more: ] A darkened bedroom would actually be an ideal location to demonstrate the device I made.

[ Which probably doesn't sound much better than the prior question, but it is what it is. He's too exhausted to be anything but oddly amused by the turn of events, and hopes his presence isn't going to cause any trouble with Maul. Not that he's ever had any direct conflict with Maul himself, but they also don't really know each other, either.

Having no real natural scent of his own means he tends to smell most like the soap and laundry detergent he uses, underlaid with maybe a vague hint of something electrical, so indeed, (hopefully) nothing strong enough to bother either Zabrak. Nor does he drool or snore, so he's about the least offensive bed guest there could be. ]

[opress]

[Ruin the shepherd sized ball with massive mouth and tentacles hissed in delight to something new in the house and also made the best and worst guard dog in the world. Savage didn't allow much contact, figuring K might fold under all the tentacles and greeting bite that Ruin would give. Many of the others were his brother's pets and they lost interest quickly once there was little of interest about K's scent.

With the crowd of pets dispersing, he was already helping K towards the bedroom. There was other furniture, but why sleep there when a perfectly acceptable bed existed. Yet, he was surprised about the fact that something had been made for him.] Why would you make me something? [It was going to be a 'friends' thing, wasn't it?]

You look like you ware going to fall asleep at any moment, so the bed seemed appropriate. I can throw you back in the bushes if you'd prefer. [He didn't say that he would likely hang around in the room while K slept as that might be a bit weird, right? It was probably weird. Maybe he should mention it. Was he making a big deal then? Too little of a deal? How did androids feel about an alien resting, reading or meditating nearby?

He was exhausted just dealing with the gnawing anxiety, so he said nothing more as he took K to the bedroom that was rather large and the bed was big and cozy. It was also unmade but looking distinctly like a nest of blankets and sheets. He left the lights off, assuming it would need to be dark to examine the object K had made.]

I can turn on the light once you're finished if you want.

[obeir]

No thank you on the bush tossing, I'd far prefer the bed. If you really don't mind... I'll owe you.

[ Under normal circumstances, this impromptu sleepover would be more than a little weird. In part because he normally doesn't sleep much at all — doesn't require it. But of all the places he could pass out in, this certainly isn't the worst option, and he does fully intend to repay the debt he feels he'll owe Savage for inconveniencing him. The gift doesn't really count toward that.

Maybe he should've removed his shoes back at the door, he thinks, but he's trying to follow Savage's lead when it comes to his household customs. At least until they reach the bedroom. There he shrugs off his long coat that's a bit dusty from the road, and then does remove his shoes before taking a seat on the edge of the bed. The blanket nest is noted with a curious look. Maybe they're not in the habit of making the bed after use? But he doesn't dwell on it, focusing on the task at hand with what limited energy he still has and fishes the device out of his pocket. ]

It's all right. I can see in the dark. [ And he doesn't appear to have any issue seeing the device well enough to get it working. A quiet melodic chime signals startup, and then the walls and ceiling of the bedroom come alive with a holographic field of stars. K pulls himself more fully onto the bed and settles back comfortably into the blanket nest to get a better view while making a few adjustments, bringing different sections of the sky into closer focus. ]

This is Trench's sky, since it was easiest to start with. Other star maps can be downloaded onto it or manually programmed in. [ The projection begins to subtly animate, giving the appearance of twinkling stars, with the most noticeable movements being the occasional shooting stars that streak by. ] I thought, if you had any maps from your home universe... It's sort of a way to see it again. [ If that's something Savage would even want. ] And with how much space travel it's sounded like you've done, I thought you might like it.

[ K's uncertain how the gift will be received, and turns his head to watch a star-covered Savage from where he's lying on the bed. The blanket nest is so surprisingly cosy it's a miracle he's still conscious, but Savage's reaction is the most important part of all this and he doesn't want to miss it. ]

[opress]

[Savage and Maul have slept in the bed fully clothed, half clothed and even naked so the state of one's dress didn't particularly matter to him. He didn't find it odd that K removed coat and shoes though, letting the droid do whatever was necessary to be comfortable for what he assumed would be a long power-down session. Did he have to plug K in? Doubtful, K seemed far more advanced than even their droids.

He too could see in the dark for the most part, and the glow of his eyes stood out in the darkness of the room. Yet, his eyes lifted from K's tinkering to the space above it where the star map suddenly appeared. He'd spent some time looking at Trench's night sky, wondering at the planets beyond the one they happened to be trapped on.

For the most part, Savage had spent a life trapped on Dathomir, leaving on short trips to learn what it was to pilot or on the whim of the Night Mother's order. It wasn't until a few years ago that he had gone on his space adventure, been trained to be a Sith, found his brother and served there, only to die planet-bound as expected. Still those days with his brother had been some of the best of his life, defining his potential that had been so badly curbed by the efforts of himself and the Nightsisters.

Space had always been oddly pretty. Even now, with the star map being explained, he reached out as if to touch the stars. He felt a sense of longing to travel the hyperspace lanes again. Despite himself, a low deep purr of pleasure emerged from his throat as he examined the projection.]

The only maps of my home would be in mine or my brother's minds. I don't think the Archive would have such extensive knowledge of our space maps. [His hand dropped back to his side.] You said your kind were used to explore and colonize planets across space. Do you miss space?

[obeir]

[ Oh — that's genuinely disappointing, Savage and Maul lacking any maps of their galaxy. Manually programming one in isn't exactly easy or uncomplicated, but could be done if they remember enough... At least his gift seems to be appreciated regardless, if he's correctly interpreting that curious purr.

Being asked about his feelings by Savage comes as a surprise, but it isn't a difficult question to answer. ]

From the time I discovered I'm capable of having wants, dreams, a purpose of my own making... I've wanted to explore space outside the shackles of slavery. As a free person, free to travel wherever I please. Leave humanity to rot. [ Even as exhausted as he is, there's a noticeable edge to his tone when he says the latter. His resentment of humanity is something he still wrestles with, knowing that if he's ever returned to his home universe he will once again be a slave. Maybe he could fight it, if he retains any memory of Deerington, of this place. Though he'd be on his own.

When he speaks again his tone is softer, almost wistful. ] I don't think I'll ever have the opportunity. But it's a nice dream.

[ The holographic sky is slowly rotating to simulate the passage of time. Trench's moon in miniature gradually enters its blood phase, casting the room in an eerie red glow. He wants to ask Savage the same question, but there's one far more important that's been on his mind since their last conversation. ]

Why do you believe your only purpose is to serve?

[opress]

Perhaps the Archives have such knowledge. I can look the next time I'm there, but star maps are generally held on drives for spacefaring ships.

[That didn't mean they didn't exist, but Savage definitely didn't have them. It would be good to see space again. He might have hated Dathomir, but sometimes he missed the stars and moons that were reflected in the night sky that was so plainly home.

He was left wondering if the Pthumerian's like Nevermore could give him such information.

Yet, he filed away the need to ask as K described exploration of space with freedom, and he eased himself down to sit on the mattress edge with his knees drawn to his chest where he could set his arms on them. His eyes were still on the star map, and he could never ever be described as wistful but something about how K described exploration rang true with him.]

It's a good want, you know. When I was young, I longed for such adventures too, but I had responsibilities and when it came time for me to go on my space adventure, it was less because I wanted to and more because it was expected of me. [He understood the resentment well; humans were good for taking things.] Humans will probably encroach though. They like to be everywhere.

[He turned his eyes on K.] Perhaps you can have that opportunity here some day?

[He blinked at the question, watching the android for a long quiet moment before he was turning his eyes back to the star map and watching the celestial bodies move around in the air above his head.]

Because it's true. On Dathomir, a male has two purposes: to serve and to breed if he's considered of good stock and blessed with certain strengths. Even then, we breed as a service to our species, not because we want to. [He sighed from his nose, his purr long gone with the new topic. He was silent for a good half a minute as he considered how much to divulge further. Anxiety plucked at him. Too much? Too little? Just enough?]

Mother Talzin, the leader of the Nightsisters who rule us, she... bore me after my brother. She was never unkind to me, but my strength and contributions were nothing compared to Maul's potential. I was her spare, a tool to be used in her plans as she saw fit, and she did call upon me when was an adult but to serve her plots and then find Maul for her. She and the clan cast a spell on me to make me as I am. [He tapped his temple lightly with a claw.] I can't be certain, but there's something to reminds me of my service. It's like a whisper on the wind... so I serve. It's the only reason I was born after all.

[Finally, he shrugged his shoulders.] And when I outlive my usefulness and loyalty, I'll be killed. That's what it is to be Nightbrother.

November at the Roost [action]

[obeir]

[ After K's first invitation went awry and somehow landed in Maul's inbox, the android made sure to send another to its intended recipient and confirm it was received. He isn't wholly expecting Savage to want to take him up on it, especially if Maul ended up mercilessly teasing his brother as K suspects — so it comes as a welcome surprise when he spots Savage's hulking form shouldering through the doorway of the tavern late one evening.

It's nearing the end of his shift. He would have already started closing if not for the several scattered patrons still nursing their drinks and finishing their meals, though they'll be filtering out soon enough. They're a calm lot now, fortunately, and mostly keep to themselves and their own quiet conversations, though a few glance up to warily watch Savage with an air that suggests there may have recently been... a bit of trouble in the tavern.

K is stood behind the bar, clad in his usual work attire: a nice dress shirt with the sleeves rolled to the elbow and an impeccably tied cravat at the neck, an embroidered waistcoat, and slacks, all in the fashion of Trench. Spots of diluted blood (and not his own, which crystalises) stain one sleeve, the only physical evidence that remains of the earlier commotion. His straight posture and easy smile belie his tiredness, one less physical than last month's exhaustion and more mental — he's been plagued by worries since Peter's cocooning and all the complications that have followed. ]

You came. [ He offers by way of greeting as Savage approaches, sounding pleased. ] It's good to see you. I hope you didn't have too much trouble getting here... [ What with the shifting streets and architecture and the return of the zealots. All of that, too, has been a source of worry for K. Though with the Roost's Lamp Location being right across the street, it's easy enough to reach directly via lamp travel. ]

[obeir]

[ The possibility of space travel in Trench is something K has considered — has longed for. He's almost certain he possesses enough knowledge to construct a vessel for it, but the biggest obstacles remain finding enough materials and the Pthumerians, who only permit Sleepers to travel so far. He'd already discovered the apparent boundaries of the sky in his spinner. But what if this world might not always be so enclosed? Perhaps one day... ]

Having the opportunity here would be... incredible. [ His response is hushed, the last word almost a sigh. He's nearly afraid to entertain the idea, with how terribly fragile hope tends to be.

He's quiet as Savage provides so many of the missing pieces to the puzzle that is his identity and past, things K has long wondered about. The exact nature of Savage's forced servitude, and why he maintains the status quo of his old life even in a place where he could have relative freedom. A place where maybe he, too, could one day freely explore the stars, if he wanted to. Because it sort of sounded like he did. ]

This isn't Dathomir. [ His gaze drifts down from the ceiling, returning to Savage. ] There are no Nightsisters, and no guarantee you'll ever encounter any again. No guarantee you'll be returned to your home universe. It's entirely possible that — this could be it, that you could spend the rest of your life here.

[ ...Ah. But it isn't so simple for Savage, and now he understands why. The spell. Something beyond his control. K knows he'd been unbelievably fortunate, in far more ways than one, to have known a literal technology deity who'd freed him from the constraints of his own slavery. Someone he'd trusted to alter the most fundamental parts of himself, his programming... someone who'd taught him how unconditional love could truly be. He wishes suddenly that Savage could have known TB too. Even if they probably would've gotten along like water and oil, considering how prickly they both could be. The thought nearly has K smiling to himself, but it's fleeting as he sits up, with effort, in order to see Savage better. ]

If there was a way to silence that whisper... would you want to? [ Or does the spell itself prevent Savage from even being capable of desiring freedom, he wonders. ] Would you want to discover a new purpose for yourself, determine your own path?

What if I did get an opportunity to explore space here, and I invited you along. Would you want to come? Or... [ He falters. ] Does the spell make it so you only want to serve?

[opress]

[Savage had indeed received the invitation, but as expected, he had also received a good interrogation and teasing from his elder brother who suddenly seemed keenly interested in K. That had not been the kind of situation he had wanted to navigate, nor did he admit to the fact that he had lay around in the bed while K slept either; he knew that was fuel to the fire. The invitation was interesting; he was hardly invited anywhere for good reason. Willow might just be one of the few, he thought.

But tonight he was unsettled. His brother was off spending time with his mate, and the zealots had made their return which meant that she might return with them. Neither the pets nor the bedding was particularly good at cuddling, which was something he did frequently with his brother when Maul was around.

So, the invitation was taken with little thought of any consequences or the potential to be caught by one of the zealots. It was difficult to navigate the twisting and changing streets and buildings, but he did make his way there later than expected. He stepped in wearing his usual armour, but he was, by now, used to his towering form drawing wary expressions and apprehensive stares. He examined the room and the few remaining patrons before he made his way over to the bar to settle himself into one of the stools, which gave a creak of protest under his significant weight.

Then he issued a low chuff of greeting, a sound he rarely made to anyone outside of Maul.] The streets are messy, but November seems to be a month of city change. Besides, everyone is more concerned with The Tower anyway, so it leaves the rest of us to go about our business. Getting to the lamp was the hardest part. [He shrugged like it was no big deal, for now folding his arms one over the other where he rested them on the bar. He was leaned forward more than he normally would.] This place closes soon, yes?

[opress]

[He wasn't entirely convinced everything would come together for space faring travel, but he could hope that they could muster a good effort. From technology to maps to their keepers of this place, the odds were stacked against them. However, K's hope was a contagious thing, and he nodded his head where he sat.]

Perhaps in time. It's not like we have anything else to work towards, and death isn't permanent.

[He turned his head to rest his chin on his shoulder where he could watch K in the darkness of the room aside from the light cast by the stars. He knew this wasn't Dathomir; few would survive the planet's rigorous attempts to kill them anyway.]

In Deerington, there was a Nightsister, the one who claimed me and hated me more than any other. And the scarred up zealots, a former Sister is among them and only recently the last Sleeper Sister left. They are more common than one would think. [Which might have forced an apprehension to take too much in the way of 'good' opportunities that this place provided. At any moment, a Nightsister could insert herself and put him under their thumb.] To my universes end, it doesn't matter if I go back there. I died there, so all I can do is return to my spot as the Fanged God's warrior.

[He reached out when K sat up to stabilize the droid as he could see how much effort the act was. Maybe he was a little surprised that K was even functional, given how the droid had slept in the streets like it was nothing to be bothered about.

Yet, the question was important, one he had thought about many times. To remove the spell, he'd return to his prior state, and would he be as able to protect Maul?]

Perhaps, yes. I would still be me but smaller and less open to the Force, but I always had the gift just did what I could to develop it subtly.

[He watched K with a curiosity, tilting his head a little where it was still resting on his own shoulder.]

Well, space is best seen with others otherwise you could go mad with the endlessness of it. Besides, you don't know what's up there and if any other planets or moons have been colonized. I would go with you... as long as my brother is safe.

[obeir]

[ It's a sound that K's previously only heard big cats produce, and in very specific contexts, which makes him wonder how much of that translates to how Zabraks employ it. Lacking the proper vocal folds to reciprocate the sound, he just smiles in response. ]

Is that a "hello"? You sound like a cat. [ Considering he's heard Savage purr before, it makes sense. And he's curiously touched by the gesture even without knowing the significance. ]

Yes, we're scheduled to close soon. But this place sort of doubles as a safe haven lately, so I've been staying as long as patrons need. When their "need" is greater than topping up their ale. Why do you ask? [ Between the greeting and how far in Savage is leaning, his behaviour strikes K as maybe a bit unusual. But the fact they've never socialised in a public setting like this before makes it difficult to know for sure. Maybe he doesn't want their conversation to be overheard. Whatever the case, K's just glad that Maul's response to his misfire hadn't made Savage want to avoid all contact with him. ]

And would you like anything? A drink, food? [ While he had invited Savage with the intention of spending time with him, he'd feel remiss not at least offering his services as bartender and cook. ]

[opress]

[It was not the first time that a comparison had been made between Zabrak and felines, to the point where he had actually looked up Earth felines and their behaviours. And it was true that he and Maul and the other Nightbrothers had definite similarities with the noises that they made. If anything, K making the comparison amused him, since the droid seemed to know so much about humanity and the species they associated with.]

It's a greeting noise, yes. We make it when we are pleased or happy. [For some reason, it didn't seem odd to admit it when normally he wouldn't bother.] We can still say hello like most species would. Do you... like that noise?

[It seemed a little awkward to ask. Normally he could care less what anyone thought of what he did, said, or the noises he made, but he had a connection with K. He was still parsing out emotional connections with beings beyond Maul and his own species, and that took him awhile given his interactions with other species back in the galaxy he lived in. He was either feared or ignored mostly.

He turned in his seat to look back at the remaining patrons and some did seem to be nursing their drinks. So this was a safe space, was it? He'd been in catinas that claimed the same thing and yet he and his brother had been hunted by bounty hunters anyway. He returned to watching K after a moment, returning to leaning forward towards the droid.]

I had trouble making it here with the city in turmoil as it is, so I expect I wasted a lot of time getting to the lamps. [He shrugged his shoulders. If he didn't get to stay long, that was fine too. K seemed to be someone who left the invitation on the open-ended side.] Well... a drink sounds fine. Surprise me. I'm not familiar with alcohol beyond what we ferment on Dathomir.

[And while K went about his job, Savage would be keenly watching the whole time. There was something comfortable about the droid, a similar feeling as he developed with Willow until she had killed him.]

[obeir]

[ The existence of Nightsisters in Deerington and Trench is more startling than it probably should be. He'd just assumed there weren't any, because Savage isn't currently serving one as far as he knows— and he'd assumed wrong, apparently. So they still present an active threat. Both places have had a way of bringing Sleepers' worst fears to life along with assorted other horrors and subjugation, so it really shouldn't be surprising. Frowning, he tilts his head in acknowledgement of what Savage tells him. ]

I stand corrected. [ And he's clearly unhappy with that information. That Savage is also dead in his home universe is... not good, but somehow less surprising than the rest. K knows he's on a countdown to death, himself, should the Pthumerians ever force him back to his home universe. ]

Trench is all I really have left, too. [ It's a quiet admission that he doesn't dwell on. ] Maul wouldn't protect you from the Nightsisters? Or he'd accept being forced to serve them himself?

[ It's hard to imagine. Maybe someone needs to take care of the Nightsisters for the both of them. He's heard Maul speak of his Sith master on the public network before, but it isn't clear how that relates to the Nightsisters, or if it even does. But he's always had the impression that Maul's something of a special case.

The only thing more unexpected than Savage reaching to help steady him is the acceptance of his pipedream offer to explore space with him. He glances from Savage's hand to his face with raised eyebrows. ]

You would? [ For a moment he doesn't know what to say, as though he's struggling to process that. As exhausted as he is, it isn't far from the truth; his thoughts are a bit foggy. But still coherent. This isn't a conversation he's going to forget. ] Then you should steer clear of any Nightsisters — and maybe do something about that spell, so you'll have the freedom to. So you'll have freedom, period. And your brother has others here who care about him. They could keep him safe. [ Probably.

Or maybe Maul could also come on these hypothetical space adventures, but K would prefer to know him much better first before actually entertaining the idea. ]

[opress]

Three Sisters have come, two have disappeared for now. They are a secretive lot, easy to slip away into the shadows. It's easy to assume they aren't around. [As much as he didn't want to discuss it, only Maul would know the extent of what the Nightsisters might represent. Perhaps it was his personal discomfort was just that, and no Nightsister would want to choose him. He had failed so many times....

He watched K for a long silent moment then nodded his head, issuing a low sound of understanding. So both of them had no where to go beyond this place.] Is it that you're dead or decommissioned where you're from?

[He snorted at the sheer notion that his brother would serve anyone anymore. That wasn't the case these days, and he suspected that Maul would rather die than be put under the thumb of another like that.] My brother... doesn't understand many of our traditions; he didn't grow to manhood on Dathomir like I did, and he was... special. He's always been the best of us. [He sighed from his nose, giving K's shoulder a strong pat.] He'd protect me to the best of his abilities, but he had a life here, a mate, friends... I'd rather deal with Nightsisters alone.

[It wasn't that hard of a decision even if it felt extremely random. His brother wanted him to find a life for himself, so if he wanted to go into space, why couldn't he just do that without too much explanation? Space had been the first place where he had felt freedom as a young man, so he would like to experience it again if it were possible. Even just once.]

I have no wish to be close to the Sisters, and the spell... I wouldn't know how to remove or alter it. [That might require a run in with a Nightsister to discuss it, since apparently death didn't remove it these days.] Maul's supposed to be safest with me... but that has probably changed here along with everything else.

[obeir]

I do. [ It's oddly endearing, but he thinks better of saying that. Instead, ] It suits you. Also kinda makes me want to pet you. [ Which maybe he should've kept to himself, too, but he is getting more comfortable with teasing Savage. Plus with the way he's leaning close, it's all too easy to picture a horned cat leaning in for pets. But he... isn't actually doing that, is he? ]

Well, I'm hardly going to kick you out to maintain the schedule. I don't mind staying late. And if it's that bad out there, you probably should stay for a while. The incense and wards seem to keep the worst of it out of here.

Dealer's choice, huh. Really putting me on the spot to figure out something you won't hate.

[ But K doesn't sound like he minds the challenge, even beginning to quietly hum to himself as he steps away to consider the available options. An unmixed drink is probably the safest bet, but where's the fun in that? Maybe he can introduce Savage to something new that he'll like. Inspired by a prior conversation, he collects lime juice, vodka, ginger beer, and from cold storage he retrieves some special butterfly pea flower tea that's been frozen into blue-hued cubes.

Lining up the ingredients on the bar along with a clear glass mug, he holds a hand over the mug and without touching it, generates some regular ice — one benefit of being a Coldblood barkeep — then breaks it up with a spoon and tops it with the frozen tea cubes. The tea itself has almost no flavour, it's just there to provide a little fancy chemical reaction. Which happens as he's pouring in the liquid ingredients: the drink is first infused with a deep blue hue, followed by shades of vivid purple developing at the bottom of the glass. ]

A galaxy in a glass. [ He explains as he slides it closer to Savage, curious to see whether or not he likes it. ] Because I intend to hold you to that agreement to see space with me.

[opress]

[Those were the kind of words that hedged closer to something that Dirk would say to him back when the blond had been here. It seemed an honest compliment, and if any of the holovids of cats was any indication, they did inspire a lot of people to pet them based on their noises and actions.] I don't think anyone has dared to pet me since Dirk. Maybe my brother on a rare occasion.

[He shrugged his shoulders to the idea of being kicked out because it honestly didn't bother him in the least. He had been kicked out of many places at closing time. He had been kicked out roughly many times as a kit, but he had learned that wasn't generally accepted as normal behaviour for adults to literally strike their charges or manhandle them even.]

I'll stay as long as they do. [That was his intention at least, though he might be inclined to linger longer if he could also get away with it. There were excuses, weren't there? Traveling together, helping to close up, or some other excuse.]

You realize I can't tell you what I might hate when I haven't experienced a lot. It was never safe traveling with my brother to indulge and my first Master would never allow it. It doesn't seem like something I'm inclined to experience without someone with a higher knowledge of it guiding me. [And K was definitely that person it seemed to him as he watched the droid go about putting together a drink.

And what a drink it was, and he was impressed by the colour change that occurred as the drink was put together. He peered at it as it was placed in front of him, leaning way, way down so he could examine the glass up close and personal.] That's a neat trick. [His golden eyes lifted from the glass to peer at K just over the rim of it.] I am a good pilot, and I've been all over space so I'm useful.

[He sat up again, setting his hands on the bar as he actually rose from his seat to lean across the bar to give K an oddly affectionate headbutt with his forehead. He ended with a nudge of his nose to K's cheek before he was easing back to sit and pick up his drink, taking a sip of it. He was already nodding his head in approval.] It's sour. I like it.