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[survivalthroughhate]

"This is Maul. State your business."

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Also always up for backdating anything specific done during events or plots that we weren't able to get to e.g. memshares, shapeshifting into other forms, etc. Just let me know what you'd like to do!

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[survivalthroughhate]

[There were some days they didn't need to talk much. He and Savage could go a whole day with only a growl in the morning of acknowledgement to one another. During the days where Trench wasn't tormenting them, Maul would hang about the house quietly meditating or reading while Savage was in another room working on Legos or teaching Ruin not to stuff everything into his mouth that he could reach with his tentacles.

Maul was busy trying to discover which piece to put down on their current model when Savage came in. Never one much for physical touch, even when he initiated it, Maul let himself be pulled onto his brother's shoulder. After a moment where his body tensed up, the muscles in Maul's form relaxed and he began to calm down. His eyes closed, and while the events of the past month had left him too downhearted to find his purr, he did feel a sense of peace at the sign of his brother's affectionate nature. One hand came up to rest against his little brother's broad chest. He sighed heavily, just letting the two of them rest there for a few minutes before he felt ready to speak.]

What has brought this on?

[opress]

[Savage was used to Maul's tension when brought into a sudden affectionate embrace, and so he simply held it knowing that his brother would relax once the whole situation calmed. He even closed his eyes, breathing softly through his nose, but like Maul, he also formed no purr to soothe them both with. That was fine, since he found keeping his brother close was calming enough that no other gesture was particularly needed.]

You've been sulking for days. [And he expected it had little to do with the replacement legs. If anything, Savage thought that he was more upset about that whole incident was than Maul.] It seems like Trench has fully shamed us both to the shadows again, and we always stuck together more closely when that happens.

[He was describing their whole adventure together, which was less about being confined to the shadows so much as thriving there. However, they had been in those shadows together and tries to be the scariest parts of it. This was definitely a different situation.]

Dirk won't be coming around anymore. He's chosen a mate.

[survivalthroughhate]

I have not. [He said sourly. But he left it at that token protest. Savage was right. He'd been moody and sulking for far too long. He needed to snap out of it and get back on his feet.] Good. We've always done our best work when people least suspect we will strike. [Though Maul was thinking keeping a low profile was best for right now, he also knew he still had ambitions and plans that he wouldn't let be denied. He'd just have to adjust them so no one got hurt by what he was doing, given how all eyes were still upon him, waiting for him to mess up and revert back to his old ways. It would be difficult but not impossible to do so.]

What? [Maul's eyes snapped open at hearing that. No wonder his brother seemed a little downhearted right now. He had thoughts in his head of fulfilling his promise to go kill the strange sort-of human for breaking his brother's heart as he'd threatened but first--] Would you like me to go kill him, brother?

[He would defer to Savage in this instance. After all, his brother was the one Dirk had hurt, so Maul couldn't very well go off and stick his head on a pike if that's not what Savage wanted.]

[opress]

You have. I know what you look like when you sulk. [Savage had seen it often enough when their plans didn't manifest in the proper ways or to the conclusion that Maul wanted. He also made it a point to keep track of his brother's emotional state as much as he could, though perhaps he might never comment on it.] And strike we shall so that you are able to obtain everything that you desire from this place.

[He kept his grip on Maul, his eyes still closed as he cuddled his elder brother against his shoulder. The corner of his mouth twitched at the single word that sounded as if Maul was affronted that his tryst situation had come to an end. It was expected from where he was standing.]

No need. We were not mates, made no promises to each other, and it would have never worked anyway. Someday a Nightsister might arrive and lay claim as she sees fit. [As much as he hated the notion, he still had to keep himself open to it. That was the culture in which he had been raised, and it almost felt inevitable. Nightbrothers took their chances, but their fates remained the same: serve or die.]

[survivalthroughhate]

So you say. [Who was he kidding? Of course Savage knew him that well. Their bond was a strong one and his brother could read him well.] Yes. But for now I must keep a low profile. Far too many people have been taking interest in my business lately.

[Maul had been getting rather annoyed by that. Of course, he also loved to stick his nose into everyone else's business going on in Trench, so he couldn't have it both ways, keeping to himself and expecting everyone to leave him alone when he wasn't willing to do the same.

Maul breathed out softly in a huff when Savage mentioned the idea of a Nightsister showing up. After all, Ventress had made an appearance towards the end in Deerington, so there was every possibility that she would find her way here to Trench. And Maul had his suspicions about that Dark Sider who had shown up here, Tavion. Her tattoos were awfully familiar in design....

The two of them have never much talked about the way Savage had been raised. It wasn't near as horrific as what Maul himself had gone through but there had been very little in the way of kindness, love, or tenderness. Anything that had happened was mainly through the bond Savage had with Feral.]

Is.....is that what you would want, Savage? To serve a Nightsister should she appear here?

[opress]

That's because you've been too overt with drawing attention to yourself lately. We should return to the shadows and consolidate power... though your little following has also been drawing attention to itself. [Or maybe Savage just was more aware of the cult members who sometimes decided to check in on him or follow him or whatever because he was Maul's brother.

He sometimes wandered to the forest beyond Trench to avoid them, or sometimes he would just throw him with the Force when they came too close. He didn't outright hurt them, but a few bruises were a fine lesson to learn when it came to following too closely now and again.

Tavion was indication enough that they weren't safe from the Nightsisters, though she was of the new ways based on her description. She had little, if any, interest in doing more than consolidating power, and while he was curious of her, he also was wary. If she could come, Ventress could also come back. Or any number of the Sisters of Dathomir who believed the old ways.

His arm tightened affectionately around Maul's head, keeping it there as he grunted softly. That was a complicated question. He was still sorting out 'what he wanted' for the last few months, and mostly he tried not to think about it.]

No. [A rough sigh.] But I am the last of Talzin's bloodline who can ensure her legacy could continue. I hated my life there, but... it was my life. I can't escape what my role has been beaten into me since the day I was born.

[survivalthroughhate]

Now that is a good idea. I've always done my best work from the shadows.

[More bodies tended to end up in piles when Maul was loud and dramatic and he also tended to have things not end up going according to the plan he had as well. Working in the background and letting others be at the forefront gave him more time to create plots that couldn't be foiled.

He waited for his brother to think of an answer, letting Savage shower him with affection as he did so. What he heard was heartening to Maul.]

You can if you want to.

[Maul said the words earnestly. He truly wanted Savage to have a better life here than the one that he'd been destined for in their own galaxy.]

This place is a second chance for both of us, brother. If you don't wish to serve as a slave to the Nightsisters, make something else of yourself.

[Though he still thought Savage would make a fantastic father if that was the path he chose. He was good with kits and Maul could see him running around after a whole pack of them if that was what he really wanted.]

[opress]

Mandalore was the best place for such an operation. We weren't so shadowy when we traveled the galaxy killing rivals, enemies and bothersome people.

[Maul and Savage had been able to disappear quickly thanks to operating in the Outer Rim for most of their adventures together, and the galaxy was a wide and vast place where two rogue Zabrak could slip away. Trench was an entirely different kind of place where no one could hide for long before someone would come looking, so it did seem prudent to change tactics.

But after their deaths, he didn't want to. The shadows had been where they had thrived - he had thrived under Maul's guidance - and he had no doubt that events would be unchanged if they did even half of the actions taken in the Outer Rim. Still, he longed for that freedom.

So, unable and unwilling to be more than slightly upset about the whole situation, he just hugged Maul tighter to him. He wanted - no needed - to protect his elder brother who had had too many opportunities stolen. A part of that was the spell that still operated to keep him massive, a deepening of loyalty that he wouldn't deny was maybe a little over the top to even what he had with Feral.]

What else is there? You have a mate of your own, and you have surrounded yourself with friends and allies. Sometimes it feels like serving you and the Nightsisters is all that is left to me.

[He was making progress when it came to laying down roots, but it was difficult for him. He wasn't as mercurial as Maul, and his purpose had been developed in a very rigid way thanks to his society. Often he had more questions than answers.]

[survivalthroughhate]

It was easier in the galaxy. Once we did what we needed to in a place, we could get in a ship and go elsewhere.

[It was one of the reasons Maul never had to face consequences for his actions. When things started to catch up to them, they could always just run off to a different planet and continue their reign of terror elsewhere.

Here there was nowhere to run or hide. The things they did caught up to them quickly and the Sleepers had shown they had a long memory when it came to the mistakes of others. Well, at least when it came to Maul and what he'd gotten up to.

He wrapped an arm as far around Savage as he could in return, showing his little brother that he cared about him just as much.]

If you wish to help me in my endeavors, I will not stop you.

[There was that codependency rearing itself up again. Maul needed his brother just as much as Savage needed him. Without him, he'd be lost, full of pain, and all alone again.]

But perhaps it is time to find a new purpose for yourself. You can find something beyond what you were bred for here, even if it is as simple as not being so alone. [Then a slightly mischievous glint entered Maul's eyes.] But do you want a mate as well? I will find one for you if you wish.

[It was just gentle teasing. He knew Savage could find his own romances if that was what he chose to pursue.]

[opress]

It was better than being stuck on Dathomir. We saw many places together, though I suppose Mandalore wasn't the worst place we stayed. Even their prison was nice.

[For him, traveling with Maul had been as close to tasting freedom as he had had ever had, even if he had been following orders and the whims of his brother anyway. The long stretches they were in hyperspace, he had invested much of his time getting to know Maul as a brother. After all, Maul was a prickly Nightbrother who lacked education on how Nightbrothers operated together, but it didn't matter to him. Maul was his brother and nosing his way into Maul's closed off heart was something he had wanted to do, even if there were established lines in the sand he wasn't to cross. Savage often toed those lines when Maul had no choice but to put up with him.

And those efforts back then served him well here in Trench where he and Maul operated as well together but could be apart for long stretches of time as well without questioning one another's loyalty. He didn't act out like Maul did, so his experience in Trench was far more mild; people were generally just scared of his size.]

You know I will. Your endeavors, whatever they are, happen to be very important.

[He'd usually support Maul in everything, even if he might not agree with each plan and how it came about. He was, after all, still Maul's brother and they did have their disagreements which quick hot-tempered affairs that fizzled just as quickly. His loyalty did remain absolute.]

I have my training and... learning to read and write. [But those were very individual activities sometimes. Of course, his expression flattened as he saw that expression on Maul's face. He knew where this was going instantly.] I don't need you to find me a mate, brother. A mate has to choose me and nearly kill me to force my loyalty. [Classic Nightkin courtship.]

[survivalthroughhate]

I wish we could have seen more together. There were many places we could have gone and seen.

[If only there had been more time. Maul had always liked the idea of visiting planets and moons with his brother, whose experience on other planets was quite limited. There was so much beauty in the galaxy as well as hardship and he wished he could have shared more of it with his little brother. Perhaps if his master hadn't arrived and ruined everything, they would have eventually had the opportunity to do so.

Here in Trench, they had become close than ever before. Maul was more able to open up his hearts and allow his brother a place there, a process which had begun in their own galaxy. Savage could be quite stubborn when he wanted to be and he didn't let Maul get away with holding him at arm's length the way he did with so many other people. Having a second chance with his brother was something Maul didn't intend to waste.]

I shall let you know the moment I have a plan to put into action.

[For now, Maul was content to just slowly accumulate power and see where that took him.]

Ah, but how will you find such a person if you never look for them? Shall I make an announcement you are seeking one and let worthy contenders come forward?

[Really, anyone who could take on his brother and win really did deserve to be his mate. Savage was powerful both physically and in the Force. Taking him on was no easy task. The main reasons Maul always won against him was because of his longer experience in using a saberstaff and the Force.

A kernel of an idea was forming in his head now on finding someone Savage could spend his life with. It would take a while to unfold but that was alright. Both of them had plenty of time here in-between surviving whatever horror of the month was thrown at them.]

[opress]

[Savage had wished that too, but his brother's want for conquest and revenge on the Jedi had been much of their focus. Resources had to be gathered and certain planets would hide them for a time, but in the end, cultivating power was a necessary step to his brother's return from Lotho Minor.]

It was the closest to freedom both of us had ever been, I expect. We were doing it because he wanted to, not because someone had ordered us to go and conquer.

[He knew there were so many planets and moons out there that were beyond their reach or that they had bypassed for one reason or another. He didn't regret anything about the time that they had together, except for the fact that he had died and left Maul alone on Mandalore. A failure on his part that he could never make amends for.

He made a noise in his throat, and he for a long moment, he considered the idea that he could use all the training that he had been given to take over parts of the city in his brother's stead, to prove that he had grown. Could he? Would such a step cause a rift between them even if he would so freely give it all to Maul?

No one would see it coming. He was Maul's quieter less intelligent brother per Trench after all. No mate necessary either.

Savage watched Maul quietly for a moment, slowly nodding his head as he considered the differences between them. Maul was well set in Trench, a cult following, friends, a mate and enough gift of the gab to cover any movements that he made. Comparatively, he passed under the radar quietly and generally without provoking much notice.]

You know there will be no contenders for me, brother. I spent far too long not looking for a mate because of the trouble it would bring to me and mine, and I see no reason to start now.

[He didn't expect anything to happen, but he also knew that Maul kept kicking around the idea. It was infuriating but also so amusing. His big brother trying to set him up and then would likely tease him relentlessly.]

[survivalthroughhate]

If I could do it over again, I would forego conquering the galaxy and seeking revenge upon the Jedi. I would be content just showing you all the planets that we could possibly go to.

[He would have done so much differently had he known what the outcome would be. He wished his Force visions would have shown him what was to come. He would have taken Savage and absconded to elsewhere in the galaxy, just showing him all the wonders and good things that could come from living in their varied world.

While they could not do that here, it was still a second chance for him. Maul had been able to more easily accept Savage as his brother without keeping distance between them by keeping him only as his apprentice. Now he was readily accepting the affection and love he’d long denied himself. If they could not have the kind of life he would have wished for in his own galaxy, then at least they could have a good one here.]

You say that as if you are hideous-looking, all scrawny and weak, and no one would ever find you attractive as a mate. That is simply not so.

[Maul did indeed keep pushing at this idea and would continue to do so until he was satisfied Savage had a mate that was worthy of his little brother. He had so many wonderful qualities but so few people got close enough (mentally and physically for them to see it.]

[opress]

Wouldn't you miss killing Jedi and undermining aspects of the Clone Wars and consolidating power within the crime syndicates? You were in your element, brother.

[It would have been nice to dip off a little more often to train on different planets or to see some of the moons that they had passed by or hidden their ship on to avoid detection. He might have regretted dying as he had, but he didn't regret the adventures that he and Maul underwent.

Perhaps they could have concentrated more on his training to build him up, but there had been so much to do. They had regrets, but now was the kind of opportunity where they could thrive. Already his brother was far more settled here than ever before in their galaxy, and he would never take that away from Maul.

He snorted from his nose like a bull.]

If I were ever to become weak and scrawny again, I'd expect you to feed me to some beast. I simply don't make relationships as easy as you do, and I'm content with that. It doesn't bother me.

[At least their debates on his bachelor status was between the two of them. He was waiting and dreading the day that Maul decided to have a go at it on the network. He'd be shoving his brother through a wall at that point. Meant well by him, still would be beaten for it.]

[survivalthroughhate]

I would. But there still would have been time to engage in that later on. We could have had more of it at the beginning to do what we wanted.

[Time had been a great thief to Maul and Savage. It had stolen away so many years after the two of them were separated as young kits and gave them back so little of it once the two of them were reunited as adults again.

At least now they could make up for it, having more days to spend together as they wished instead of always being on the run or getting involved in complicated plots. There was more time to get to know one another, the little quirks each of them had, their likes and dislikes. All the things Maul had missed out not growing up with his brother on Dathomir.]

Well, it bothers me. I will let you do what you wish for now. But if it goes on for too long, I shall have to do something about it.

[Namely, publicly announce that he was looking for a mate for his brother. That wouldn't go over well with Savage but at least it might turn up some interesting prospects on who might be willing to date the yellow Zabrak.]

[opress]

Your revenge seemed very important to you back then. It's all you had been thinking about since you'd been lost. It's what kept you alive.

[Savage would never deny Maul the importance of revenge, and while it hadn't been his nor had he cared who it was, he had thrilled in battle and being a pack again with his bloodkin. He had gotten plenty out of his experiences with Maul back then, even if a distance was forced after a certain point. That distance would have always been there even if they had stayed put because Maul had not been raised beyond a certain point to love and care on an equal playing field with a brother. Maul was always better, stronger and far more lonely than a Nightbrother should be.]

I don't regret any of the time we spent together. I only wanted it to be longer, but we have that here. And you've become far more of a cuddler these days, more than you ever were on the ship.

[Savage opened his mouth to more aggressively contest Maul's determination to encourage him out there, but he wisely shut it again to think longer before speaking. He knew that nothing would deter Maul once on a topic of some importance, and he sighed from his nose.]

Are you going to put me in an arranged union, brother?

[He stared at Maul with his dead-pan expression, and it matched his tone too.]

[survivalthroughhate]

You do have a point.

[He hadn't had the advantage of foresight when he'd been traveling around with Savage. Had he known what was coming, he would have run back to Dathomir with his brother and kept him safe there. But at the time he only knew how to plot for the revenge he'd always wanted. His plans had all seemed infallible to him at the time and success was assured. In a way it had, though the price of having to pay with Savage's life was far too high.

Maul scowled and punched Savage lightly on the arm when he said he'd become more cuddly. It was true. He was no longer willing to allow himself to deny the affection that he'd craved his whole life simply because that wasn't the way things were done for the Sith. No, he would hug his brother all he wanted to and not feel ashamed of it anymore.]

No, not one of those. Think of it more as.....are you aware of what "blind dates" are, brother?

[Maul wasn't above setting his brother up with someone he'd never met before if Maul thought the two of them would hit it off.]