Blood Ties ~ The Bonding (closed)

[Ogre Mal Pannis]

OOC: This thread is closed. If you would like to be a part of it, please contact myself, Dalethria, or Sorsha via Private Message, and we will see what we can do.

This is a continuation of <area shape=rect coords=238,54,372,82 href=http://pub59.ezboard.com/bthesempire alt="Go to the Sith Empire"><AREA shape=rect coords=395,9,583,229 href=http://www.geocities.com/crsonly/Ogrefull.htm alt="Big Green"></MAP><FONT size=1>[<a href=http://pub55.ezboard.com/bogrescave style=text-decoration=none> <font size=1>Ogre's Cave</FONT> ("] Reclamations, Reflections, and Revalations.[/url] Ogre and Dale have already arrived at Meras and are making their individual preparations.

IC:

The room was moderately dark, save a small light next to the crude looking hand made couch against one of he imperfect walls. Moving closer, Ogre could be seen sitting at the end of the couch, closest to the wall, peering over an old looking piece of parchment he held within his hand.

The writing on the parchment was alien and unusual for many of the known Universe, not being written in basic. The language was a very rare one, with very few who cold understand, especially now that all the inhabitants of Kashir, the world from which it originated, were extinct, save one individual, who had left after his fellow tribe of Clerics had been killed by their mortal enemies.

Not too long ago, Ogre had returned to Kashir in search of something. He was accompanied by his newfound family, his wife Dalethria and his Sister Sorsha. They found what they wanted and in the process managed to slaughter the enemies of Ogre’s tribe of Clerics who resided there, leaving the planet void of higher thinking life forms.

What Ogre now studied, he had spent a great deal of time reviewing and committing to memory. It was a sacred incantation, passed through his family’s lineage. One that had originally been within his Clerics Prayer book, which he had given to his wife a few months back, along with some data to help her learn his unusual dialect. She wished to learn of his past and about some of his practices and had undertaken the task of studying to follow Ogre’s Deity, Kashala and the ability to utilize the powers granted his followers.

<IMG src=http://darthogre.clanpages.com/sig3.jpg width=600 height=265 usemap=#sig1 border=0><MAP name=sig1 alt="Big Green">[url="http://darthogre.clanpages.com/crsonly/)] [ <font size=1>Irentios</font> (http://pub31.ezboard.com/birentios)]</FONT>

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

As Ogre studied the ritual back at the Cave, Dalethria took The Koriolos up into the mountains of Meras. Her estate was nestled into the tall snowy peaks, safe from intruders and the few species that also called this planet home. It was good to be back around the familiar walls of Irentios and it wasn't too long after entering, she found herself in the Cellar (http://pub31.ezboard.com/firentiosfrm6). When Dalethria found the long forgotten Tarkin Estate, she wanted to give her sister a place to stay without any worries that she would never be unwelcome. For whatever reason that only Sorsha could possibly know, she moved in down here and made it place for herself and Tirsa.

Looking left and then right, Dalethria didn't see any signs of the two. She wondered if Sorsha knew she was coming and decided to leave before Dalethria got here. Things were estranged between the two sisters for quite a bit of time. As of late, since Kat's death and Sorsha's birth, they have been acknowledging each other's presence but it was no where what it use to be. Dalethria wanted to change that and she hoped that this ritual would complete the bonds of the family she had now. Prove to her sister that she had nothing to fear from her any longer and give Ogre the offspring that he desired.

Reaching out with her senses, she would find her sister without the use of her eyes and it would go that much quicker. Her mind reached out like tendrils and began to cover the area around her quickly. Sorsha wasn't here in the Cellar. Moving up the stairs and through the mansion, it too proved fruitless but on the edge of her senses she did feel that her sister was close and was with someone ... but not Tirsa.

Smiling, she knew who was with her right away but it didn't give her an exact location to where Sorsha was. Relaxing her body and giving into the emotions that connected her deeply to the Dark Side, she latched onto the being that was with Sorsha and she stumbled back from the contact.

Her lungs were on fire and she could feel the grass and bushes beating against her body like whips. It was strange since it didn't hurt though. Instinctively, Dalethria knew she was looking out of another's eyes and her vision was so crystal clear. The forest was racing past her and she was on the hunt for someone. Well not she ... Avagdu. Smells that she never thought possible entered her nose and she picked up her sister's scent ...

... and then that was it. She was back standing in the main room of the Cellar and Dalethria felt lightheaded from that experience. She gripped the back of a chair and closed her eyes, slowing her breath and bringing it back to a normal rate. Dalethria never felt anything so exhilarating nor draining as bonding with her wolf, Avagdu. She never knew that she could do that and wondered if she could have done it this whole time. Perhaps that is how Avagdu found (http://pub4.ezboard.com/fheavenspassionogrescave.showMessage?topicID=161.t opic) her in the first place?

Swallowing and shaking her head, Dalethria stopped pondering about such things and headed back up the stairs. Her next destination was Meras Forest. She had a rough idea where she could find Sorsha and Avagdu.

With every step she took up the stairs, in the back of her mind she hoped that Sorsha would listen to what she had to say ...

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha finishes her run with Avagdu and sits beneath a large tree. She pours some water into a ceramic bowl for him and looks up at the sky. She closes her eyes and listens to the wolf's heartbeat as he drinks ::

[Ogre Mal Pannis]

He rose from the couch, tucking the old parchment into the pouch that hung around his waist. The cool humid air inside the cave was just as it always was. It was one of the things Ogre liked about having it as a home, its similarity to how he had lived as a child on Kashir was by design. He found the planet of Meras and knew that it would be his home once he saw it.

A fresh start away from the terrible memories of Kashir itself. They already filled his soul with hatred and torment in his every waking moment as well as during sleep, but he found a small solace in taking up residence here.

Placing a hand on the cool stone wall, he closed his eyes for a moment and drifted back in his memories. Back to a time when he was no more than ten years old and his father was teaching him about the power of understanding what nature could provide, be it sustenance, shelter, or even power.

His father’s presence and teachings were forever etched into his mind. Those memories were what made Ogre what he was today. Beyond the lust for retribution and destruction, he carried within him, the philosophy that one can serve chaos, but one does not have to be devoted to it. The belief that serving oneself and those important to you were what Ogre held dearest. That was exactly what he was preparing to do now. Serve himself and those important to him, by sharing something of himself with those he held dear, so that they could partake in his philosophy, maybe benefit from it. It would also give him the chance to have a child of his own to impart those beliefs on and maybe those beliefs would live past Ogre.

He drew his hand away from the stone wall and turned around, picking up the Axe that had been passed through his family’s lineage for centuries, realizing that this ritual would be costly for him, but the possibilities that it would provide for those important to him, made that cost irrelevant. This was what he wanted and he felt it was what Dale and Sorsha wanted as well, to be a family by more than just vows and oaths, to be a family of blood and devotion.

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

Her footsteps fell silently in the forest, eventhough the ground was littered with the dying leaves that fell from the trees. It was early fall and the forest was alive with brilliant colors and the air was still just cool enough before needing heavier clothing.

As she was walking between the trees, Dalethria knew exactly were she was. The scene that she saw through Avadgu's eyes was almost a blur, seeing that her wolf was running as fast as he could. Now, even as the leaves were only being blown gently by a crisp breeze, Dalethria instinctively knew she was on the right path. The strong presence of the Dark Side that emanated from both her sister and Avagdu was a beacon as well.

Finally she could hear a faint sound of whining and knew she was close to them. With a grin, she jumped to the closest branch that she could see above her, trying to mask her presence from Sorsha.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha drifts deeper into meditation, focusing on Avagdu's heartbeat. Then she hears another. It was very soft, but she could hear it ::

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

She crawled down the length of the branch and peered over the side. Sorsha was still leaning against the tree and not moving. Of course that meant absolutely nothing.

Avagdu was drinking from his bowl and looked up. Dalethria cringed a little as her wolf began to pant and wag his tail.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: opens her eyes and looks up at Dale. A wide grin lights up her face as Avagdu circles the tree impatiently ::

"Trying to sneak up on me again?"

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

She sighs and casts an annoyed glance at Avagdu, "Trying was the key word there."

Letting her body relax, she let herself fall off the branch. She flipped in the air and landed on her feet in front of Sorsha. Avagdu happily trotted over and rubbed up against Dalethria. She playfully grabbed him by the muzzle and pushed him away with a grin, "You gave me away."

[Dark Jedi Leia Solo]

**Having finished with her daily duties of tending to the two remaining clones of Sith Kat, she heads up to the bar and sits on a stool, asking R27 to get her a red wine. She wonders if she’ll see her Master/Creator today, knowing that he is here, after having seen his ship in the hangar on her way up from the depths of the cave.

She turns around in her stool, facing the doors to the elevator leading to the lower levels, hearing that it is approaching. Seems that her question was answered. It could only be one person coming up from below.**

[Ogre Mal Pannis]

He stepped off the elevator and approached Leia, with an expressionless visage. He walks up to the spot next to her and turns to his creation. “I need you to do some things for me.” He said as she turned to face him, sipping from her glass of wine.

Ogre motioned his head at R27, indicating that he desired his usual glass of tea. Rum having been replaced by tea as his drink of choice after his little mind swap encounter with his sister, Sith Kat.

“I need you to help with some preparations for something very important to me.”

[Sorsha Kasajian]

IN THE FOREST -

"Your link to Avagdu is what gave you away. I could hear your heartbeat."

:: she invites Dale to make herself comfortable beneath the tree ::

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

Dalethria stood up and walked over to Sorsha, taking a seat beside her. It was even cooler here underneath the somewhat protected cover of the leaves. Avagdu found a comfortable spot in front of the two sisters and laid down.

"That was the first time I did that. Didn't even intend to do that."

She smiled and leaned back on the tree trunk, staring off into the distance in front of her, "I came looking for you for a reason though."

[Dark Jedi Leia Solo]

In Ogre’s Cave

**She took another drink from her glass of wine, then set it on the bar top as R27 delivered Ogre’s glass of tea. She wasn’t sure what was happening, but she was never one to question her Master/Creator. She liked living far too much to not do whatever he asked.**

“Whatever you need of me will be done, Master.”

[Ogre Mal Pannis]

Leia could see in Ogre’s eyes that this was something important as he drank from his glass of tea. He looked distracted and somewhat distant, even though he was looking right at her. Lowering the glass from his mouth he began to explain his requirements from her.

“I need you to gather some fire wood and construct six torches for me, torches that will burn for a full two days time. The torches must be crude and rudimentary though, made only from what nature provides. What they are to be used for deems that advanced technology cannot be utilized. While you do that, I will prepare a spot in the plain outside the Cave’s entrance where they will be erected.”

[Sorsha Kasajian]

IN THE FOREST -

:: Sorsha turns to look at Dalethria. She could sense strong emotion. This meant a lot to her ::

"What?"

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

She continued to stare off into the distance, "Ogre has finally learned the ritual of turning. It's the best translation that I could come up with that made sense."

Her head turned to her sister and Dalethria locked eyes with Sorsha, "It's time for us all to be a family of blood ... not oaths anymore Sorsha. I wish it very much so and I hope you do too."

[Dark Jedi Leia Solo]

“As you wish Master, I will gather the things you requested and bring them to the Cave’s entrance as you command.”

**She lowers her head before rising from her stool and heading out the Cave’s door, to retrieve what Ogre asked for. Questions about what was going to happen ran though her mind, but she didn’t feel that asking such questions would be a good thing to do, so she let them go unanswered and did her duty.**

[Ogre Mal Pannis]

He finished his beverage just as Leia stepped out the door. He felt a great anticipation building within. It had been growing ever since he first found the lost pages that contained the incantation for the ritual of turning, but now that it was getting to be so close to the actual event, he found the level of anticipation so great, it was intoxicating, more so than any beverage or drug he had ever indulged in.

A few minutes after Leia left the cave, Ogre rose and went the same way, heading outside to begin the preparations that this ritual would require. His gait was confident and even somewhat quick as he left. This would be a great day, but it would also require some sacrifice and pain from him and from those who would be participating in he ritual with him.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

IN THE FOREST -

:: A moment of silence passes before Sorsha speaks. For along time she had been distant from them. Unsure of her place with them ::

"I wish it."

:: She stands quickly as a tear catches in her eye. She hopes that Dale didn't see it ::

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

Dalethria smiled happily and was so relieved that Sorsha did want to go through with the ritual. She wanted to respond but her sister stood up quickly. Sorsha didn't want to see the reaction she had to what Dalethria said.

She thought it best to keep what she saw to herself, "Thank you, Sorsha."

Standing up, Dalethria moved behind her sister and wrapped her arms around her, resting her chin on her shoulder, "I don't know the details of the ritual but Ogre is waiting for us."

[Dark Jedi Leia Solo]

Just outside Ogre’s Cave

**She made her way back to the entrance of the cave after having gathered what Ogre had asked of her. Over her shoulder was a pack with six large branches protruding from its top, the top of each covered with dried vines, roots, and leaves, bound in place with smaller vines. In her hand she carried a pail of some type, the liquid within stinking of grease. She carried the fat of a beast she had slain while on her trip. The fat would be used as fuel for the torches, so that they would burn, long, bright and true.

Approaching the spot Ogre was preparing, obvious by the circle of stones approximately twenty feet in diameter, she stopped outside the circle and waited for Ogre to take notice that she had returned.**

[Ogre Mal Pannis]

In the center of the circle, Ogre knelt with the axe passed through his family’s lineage in his hands. Holding the blade up above his head and the handle pointed directly down at the exact center of the circle, Ogre drove it into the ground, removing his hands from its Kashirian steel construction, it marked the spot of the ritual, standing on its own While Ogre reached behind him and began to spread some ceramic bowls around it in a small circular fashion, the bowl directly in front of Ogre being the largest of the group.

He knew Leia was standing behind him and slowly turned to face her, still kneeling on the ground. ”Place each of the torches in the spots in the circle where there are no stones.” He bid her just before he turned back towards his axe, pride for his family’s past and future burning through every fiber of his being.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

IN THE FOREST -

:: Sorsha feels strange in Dalethria's embrace. She feels comfortable. Safe ::

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

Dalethria was going to continue but for a brief moment, she felt Sorsha tense up when she embraced her. She held her a little tighter to reassure her and continued, "We better get going now, Ogre and Leia should almost be done."

Letting Sorsha go, she turned around and clicked her tongue, "Come on you."

Avagdu got up excitedly and ran over to Dalethria.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: follows behind Dale as they walk to the cave ::

[Dark Jedi Leia Solo]

**She nods to Ogre’s command and walks the circumference of the circle, stopping at each break in the stone circle to place a torch in the ground, slathering the top of each with the animal fat, after firmly in place.**

[Ogre Mal Pannis]

Ogre reaches to his back and withdraws one of his crystal daggers from its sheath, setting it on the ground next to the bowl in front of him. Still kneeling, his eyes close and he concentrates on what is about to take place, making final mental preparations for what is about to come.

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

Dalethria, Sorsha and Avagdu made their way out of the forest. They could see the Cave was just up ahead and they continued to make their way down the path. A smell was being carried in the air. From the direction the wind blew, it originated from the place they were heading.

The smell was familiar. It was that of a deceased creature native to Meras. Avagdu was started to get a little on edge because of the smell and began to pick up his pace.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: suddenly breaks into a run, racing past Dalethria without warning ::

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

Sorsha raced past her, "Hey!"

Then Avagdu broke out into a full run, chasing after Sorsha and wanting to find out the source of the smell near the Cave.

"Aw hell," she sighed and went off after them.

[Dark Jedi Leia Solo]

**She finshed placing the torches where she was instructed but did not ignite them, since he had not asked her to do that. Seeing that he was still in position at the center of the circle and seemingly lost in thought, she walked over to a nearby tree and leaned against it, waiting for further instruction.

There was a sudden wave of energy that washed through her as she sensed two more Darksiders that she was familiar with approaching. They were approaching quickly, but knowing who they were she was not worried and made no move to defend herself or warn her Master, she just waited for their arrival calmly.**

[Ogre Mal Pannis]

Ogre’s eyes open and he begins to rise to his feet, turning in the direction of his approaching family, awaiting their arrival.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: she channels the force and handsprings into the air, spinning her body and landing in a crouch near Ogre. She glances over her shoulder as Dale & Avagdu come running in ::

"I win."

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

Dalethria comes to a walk and heads over casually to her family, breathing heavily from running so fast. Avagdu trotted over to Leia and looked at what she was doing with curiosity.

"Only because you cheated," she said inbetween breaths with a laugh.

[Dark Jedi Leia Solo]

**She bends down and pets Avagdu behind the ears, moving into a crouching position next to him as she looks at the gathering not far from where she is, remaining silent.**

[Ogre Mal Pannis]

Ogre smiles as his wife and sister arrive, turning to face Sorsha he speaks.

“Dale has told you what we have planned today?”

He asks her, his eyes focused directly on hers as Dale continues to make her approach at a relaxed pace.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"Yes. A mingling of blood. She says you've found the way to perform the ritual."

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

She took her place between them, standing and listening intently to what the details of the ritual were.

[Ogre Mal Pannis]

He couldn’t help but allow himself to smile as he reached up and placed a hand on Sorsha’s shoulder. “Yes, you would have what you wanted so long ago. A way to mingle your blood with my own in a true bond, more powerful than any oath.”

He turns and looks at Dale, still smiling. “It would make us all a true family and also grant you some of my attributes, good and bad.”

[Dark Jedi Leia Solo]

**She sits down next to the tree still petting the wolf, knowing that she has no place in the gathering not far from where she is.**

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: she looks into his eyes wistfully ::

"If this is possible, then Tirsa comes with me. She's as much a part of me as you are. I won't leave her alone."

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

Dalethria stays quiet and looks to Ogre for his answer. This came as no surprise to her but she was disappointed. She was hoping that this could have been something just between her, Ogre and Sorsha ... trying to repair the distance that had occurred over time.

[Ogre Mal Pannis]

He nods in understanding and his hand squeezes her shoulder lightly. “It will not be a painless or simple thing, for any of us. If that is what you wish, I do not object, it means my bloodline will live in even more beings than just the three of us. My races genocide will not come to pass thanks to this.”

He lets go of her shoulder and turns to the center of the circle, where his axe stands, then speaks again. “If the three of you are to take part in the ritual, then the three of you will need to gather some necessary components for it.”

His head turns again and he looks in the direction of the mountains, more precisely at the largest peak that can be seen and his arm raises. “You will need to travel there and bring me the claws of a Winter Wolf, as well as some snow, melted or preserved, from the highest peak. With those components we will be able to perform the turning ritual, at the midnight hour of the day you return.”

He turns back and looks at each of them. “A final requirement of his ritual is that you must complete this task, before the midnight hour of tomorrow. Now that my axe is standing in the ground, it may not remain for longer than forty eight hours. The time limit is part of the ritual deemed this way by my Deity Kashalla.”

He looks over his shoulder at his ship sitting out on the open plain, The Dauntless. “You may use my ship, to gather Tirsa and travel to the mountain to begin your hunt. May Kashalla smile upon you and aid you in succeeding.”

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"Thank you, Brother."

:: she turns to Dale, waiting for her to speak her mind ::

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

"We'll return in two days then. Thank you for the use of your ship, love."

Without anything else to say, she started heading over to the Dauntless.

[Dark Jedi Leia Solo]

**As Leia sits and watches Avagdu gets up from lying down and runs to his master’s side, wanting to go with her. Leia merely stands and watches as it appears the gathering has come to an end, wondering what is happening.**

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: watches Dale, then follows after her ::

[Ogre Mal Pannis]

The smile he wore as he spoke with his wife and sister doesn’t fade as he watches them preparing to depart, heading for his ship. He approaches the torch nearest him and pulls an igniter from his pouch lighting it, then moves to the next and so on and so on until all are lit.

After the final one is ignited he looks out at the departing pair one last time then turns towards his axe at the center of the site and walks towards it. He kneels in front of it again, closing his eyes, and begins a chant in his native language.

The Axe begins to glow an arcane green light, and just as that light grows into what appears to be a lapping flame, the entire circumference of the circle between the torches takes on a similar appearance. Green flames rising from the stones, creating a circular wall of the mysterious arcane fire.

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

Avagdu circled around her, cutting off her path to the ship. She half smiled and knelt down, embracing the wolf in her arms, "You have to stay here. This is something that we have to do alone."

He whined unhappily and Dalethria pulled away, ruffling his fur before standing up, "Go on and say bye to Sorsha."

The wolf circled around his Master one last time before darting after Sorsha. Dalethria's face became impassive again as she headed for the ship once more.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: she kneels down and kisses Avagdu on the nose, then whispers something to him. She looks at Ogre again and follows Dale into the ship ::

[Dark Jedi Leia Solo]

**Avagdu returns to her, looking warily over at the site where Ogre is. Liea is still lost as to what is going on, but it is meal time for the clones, herslef, and now Avagdu as well. She shrugs at the sight of Ogre and leads the wolf into the cave so they can all eat.**

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

She takes her place in the pilot's seat and begins the pre-launch sequence. As soon as Sorsha is in ear shot, she speaks, "So, where's Tirsa so we can get her."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"She was sleeping when I left this morning."

:: sits next to Dale and straps herself in ::

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

She keeps the ship on manual and starts heading over to their home in silence. It would only take about five minutes to get there and bring all of them closer to their objective ... seeing that Irentios was already deep into the mountains to begin with.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: senses Dale's emotions but remains silent ::

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

Five minutes later, The Koriolos touches down behind the estate and Dalethria lowers the ramp. She makes no motion to unstrap herself from her seat and focuses on the controls, "Better hurry and go get her."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: closes her eyes and touches Tirsa's mind with the force ::

*** Tirsa .... I'm waiting for you. Come outside. ***

:: she unstraps herself and waits outside the ship ::

[Tirsa Krylana]

:: She was playing with the Mishalope on the bed, feeding it an orange, when she felt her lover's voice in her mind. Tirsa didn't return with an answer, hating all this Force nonsense and scooped up the Mishalope. She put the furry critter inside the cage with its mate and grabbed her belongings.

She had a funny feeling she was going to need them as she walked out of the cellar and then outside the mansion. It wasn't strange seeing Sorsha outside by a ship. It was strange seeing her standing by Ogre's ship.

Her confused look didn't vanish at all, even when she made her way over by Sorsha ::

"Uh ... something wrong with "The Chimera"?"

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"Not at all, but our time is limited. I'll explain on the way."

:: turns and goes back into the ship ::

[Tirsa Krylana]

:: she shrugs, then quickly follows Sorsha inside a ship that she hasn't been on in a long time and smiles ::

"Heh, remember when you piloted this ship?"

[Sorsha Kasajian]

" ... I remember. It's like a dream. All of it."

:: staps herself into her chair again ::

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

Tirsa took her seat and Dalethria powered up the repulsors, letting The Dauntless begin to rise into the air. Her hands danced across the display, making sure the coordinates were keyed in properly, "Tell her yet?"

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: looks over at Tirsa ::

"You and I are going to be of the same blood. All of us are."

[Tirsa Krylana]

:: Tirsa looked blankly at Sorsha ::

"What? How in the name of Vishan is that possible?"

:: she cast a glance over at Dale quickly, picking up on her uneasiness ::

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"Ogre is preparing a ritual that will allow him to mingle his blood with ours. We're going to claim the claws of a winter wolf, to prove our worth to Kashallah. I intend to bring back a skull."

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

The ship shoots forward and begins to ascend higher into the mountains, "Well, as long as we don't forget the claws, I think Ogre will appreciate another gift."

She feels Tirsa eyes on her but focuses ahead, flying the ship manually. The winds at higher altitudes is not something she trusts the autopilot to handle on its own.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: wrinkles her nose at Dale when she's not looking and sniffs ::

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

The white scenery of the mountains zooms pass the cockpit but ahead, the highest peak that Ogre pointed out is coming up fast.

"What?" Dalethria looked over at Sorsha, "Does Ogre need to clean out the ship that it smells that bad?"

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: blows a strand of hair out of her eyes and bites her tongue ::

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

Narrows her eyes, "What is it?"

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"Nothing. Watch where you're going, don't worry about me."

[Tirsa Krylana]

:: she still didn't really understand what was going on. All Tirsa did know is that the tension was thick in the cockpit. She remained silent and played with the strap on her blaster rifle ::

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

"Fine."

She hit the throttle hard and the ship banked a hard right, narrowly missing the side of a cliff. The Dauntless began to flew higher and Dalethria looked over her instruments again. The small outcropping that the sensors picked up was coming up in a couple of minutes. After that, the rest would be on foot, walking on the jagged surface of the mountain or climbing.

Dalethria just knew it was going to be a long trip with how the mood seemed to sour, mostly because of her but how was she suppose to feel? She was hoping to do this alone ... with her sister. Not the three of them.

If she didn't know any better she was jealous.

She could feel her lips curl and stopped herself, "Maybe one of you two could go back by the storage compartments and see what kind of gear we got? Ogre should have some coats and climbing equipment stashed around back there."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: unstraps herself and heads for the storage compartments ::

[Ogre Mal Pannis]

He remained in his kneeling position before his axe, his skin color becoming almost fluorescent in color as the green flame in front and completely around the area he was in reflected off.

His chant continued on at an even volume, rhythmic and almost monotone, as he continued his prayer to his Deity. This prayer would continue until the time the ones who were to participate in the ritual retuned, then it would be time for some other aspects of the rites to come, the ones that would not be so simple.

[Dark Jedi Leia Solo]

**She was inside Ogre’s cave with the wolf Avagdu, and had just finished serving him up something to eat. Now it was time for her to do the same with the two remaining clones of Sith Kat. It was her duty, to take care of them, as her creator had directed. She made her way over to the elevator to the lower levels and entered as Avagdu ate heartily.**

[Tirsa Krylana]

:: she watched Sorsha walk past her and glance over at Dale, frowning.

Unstrapping herself, she went to follow after her companion then deal with a thick wall of silence ::

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: searches through the storage compartments and pulls out some thermal gear ::

[Tirsa Krylana]

:: she helps Sorsha pull out enough gear for everyone and holds up a jacket ::

"Ah, glad that the gear is brown and black. If it was white, I'd be invisible in the snow!"

:: she laughs and searches from some climbing gear ::

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: makes her way to the front of the ship with an armful of thermal gear ::

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

The ship touches down on safest ledge that could hold a ship this size. It was about a kilometer from the top of the mountain and because of her Force sense and knowledge of the wind speed of this area, getting here wasn't so bad. Climbing to the top, not to mention finding those wolves would be another mission entirely.

Dalethria swiveled her chair around and looked up at her sister, "So you found what we needed."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: tosses a coat at Dale and stifles a laugh as it covers her face. she begins suiting up without a word ::

[Tirsa Krylana]

:lol: :lol: :lol:

:: laughs as she suits up ::

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

She pulls the coat off her head which reveals a rather stern expression. Dalethria quietly stands up to put the thermal coat and pants on. She then opens the door to the outside, not caring if Sorsha and Tirsa are ready or not, and lowers the ramp.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: pulls her hood up and exits the ship ::

[Tirsa Krylana]

:: she pulls up her hood and tightens the string, staring out and looking at the massive expanse of snow ::

"Well ... be easy to get that at least."

:: Tirsa leaves the ship and makes sure it is secure before following after Sorsha. For the first few seconds, it's not so bad. Almost enjoyable. Then it really hits her how far below zero the temperature is ::

"Havvve I evver said hhhhow mmmmuch I dddd-on't llike the cccoold?"

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha was cold too, although she doesn't allow the others to notice as she shuffles through the snow towards the mountain ::

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

They continued walking in silence, except for the chattering teeth of Tirsa, for the next thirty or so minutes. It was quite cold and getting worse as the trio headed further up the mountain. Eventually, the path became too jagged to walk across and would certainly tear into their boots. Looking around and then looking up, Dalethria surmised that the best option now was to start climbing.

She walked past Sorsha and Tirsa and stopped in an area where the ledge they were on was wide enough. Kneeling down, Dalethria began to pull out rope and other climbing equipment.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha fastens a pair of shuko (climbing claws) to her feet and grasps another pair in her hands. She glances at the two briefly and starts the ascent ::

[Tirsa Krylana]

:: she watches what Dale is doing and then sees Sorsha go up the cliff ::

:|

"We have to climb this thing?"

:: Dale slung the rope over her shoulder and had a few spikes in her hand, the other a pick ax ::

"Yes, we need the snow from the highest peak."

:: Tirsa took a step back and pointed at the ground ::

"Snow. See snow here. Lots of snow, so no climbing." :D

:: Dale glared at her for a moment before ramming the first spike in the side of the mountain ::

"We have to get it there as part of the ritual."

:: she watched as Dale began the ascent and pulled out her own axe with a grumble ::

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

Every crack of the axe barely was heard as the winds picked up the further up the mountain they got. Every now and then, Dalethria glanced up and to her right, keeping an eye on Sorsha. She seemed to be faring pretty well and concentrating. On the other hand, not only did Dalethria have to climb the damn mountain, she had to lay out spikes so that way Tirsa could follow her lead.

She sighed and found another hand hold that was suitable. With a grunt, she pulled herself up another half foot ... blocking out the numbness that was setting into her fingers.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha continues scaling the side of the mountain, keeping her mind focused only on reaching the top ::

[Tirsa Krylana]

:: grabbing the next spike, Tirsa pulled herself up. She fought the urge to look down even though she really wanted to look down. Some twisted part of her thought it would be a cool view. Come on, how many times you get to see a mountain like this? Biting her lip, she grabbed the next spike and felt secure. She had a rope tied to her belt and Dale was good at finding the best foot holds. Dale was right above her and she had to do it.

Pressing herself against the stone and snow, Tirsa turned her head carefully and peered down.

It was nothing but black all the way down and her head spun with vertigo. Closing her eyes and gritting her teeth, Tirsa tried to regain focus but ended up jerking the wrong way. Her foot slipped and she found herself falling ..."

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

Everything was going pretty smooth. It seemed that their objective was at hand and with no problems. The wolves were going to be a challenge and having this go without a hitch would help.

She rammed the next spike in and then winced. The rope that linked her to Tirsa became taut. Gritting her teeth, Dalethria held on as tight as she could to the axe and spike as Tirsa's full weight came baring down on her waist. Her face was full of concentration, trying to remained focused on keeping her balance. Her fingers felt like they were going to snap like the icicles they became.

The voice in the back of her mind told her not to look down, but she had too. With the control she had, the vertigo didn't bother her and much to her disdain, or perhaps amusement, it was just in time to see Tirsa smack against the side of the mountain.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha reaches a small ledge and pulls herself up. She waits for the others, unaware of what has happened ::

[Tirsa Krylana]

:: her side slammed into the side of the mountain and then her head smacked against it as a result of the impact. Closing her eyes to make the stars go away, she could feel herself swinging back and forth on the rope ::

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

She opened her mouth to shout but then reached out to Tirsa through the Force instead. The wind speed and the Nebari's distance from her, Dalethria might as well be shouting at nothing.

Get it together. Once you stop swinging you should be able to find a spike and climb up. I'll wait.

Closing her eyes, she focused on staying still and waited for Tirsa's presence to come closer to her. Dalethria was not happy at all since this slowed their progress. Sorsha was probably already there.

The howling winds drowed out her growl and felt the line beginning to tug at her. Tirsa must be starting to get her bearings again, Dalethria thought to herself and sighed.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: leans against the rockwall, covering her face as the wind howls ::

[Tirsa Krylana]

:: she missed the spike the first time and sneered ::

"Stupid frelling mountain."

:: kicking out with her legs, Tirsa reached out and barely brushed her fingers against the spike ::

"Dammit."

:: finally on the next swing, not only did she grab the spike, somehow Tirsa managed to get a hold of the one right above it. Her legs dangled as her feet tried to find secure footing. Once she settled herself, Tirsa took a deep breath and began to climb up towards Dale ::

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

The rope loosened up and Dalethria had slack once more. Seems like Tirsa was finally making the ascent again as she felt her life force moving closer to her position. Dalethria opened her eyes and looked down at her belt. It would be pretty easy to untie it and then force Tirsa off the side ...

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha's voice whispers in Dalethria's mind ::

*** If she dies, you follow. ***

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

She smiled inwardly and peered down to look at Tirsa. The Nebari was almost to the point where Dalethria could start climbing again. Her mind reached out to Sorsha's as she pounded the next spike to resume the climb.

Was only a thought.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: looks down at Dalethria as she finally reaches the ledge ::

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

Her eyes locked to Sorsha's for a moment, nothing being said, and pulled herself up. Breathing a sigh of relief, Dalethria took hold of the rope and assisted Tirsa with the rest of her climb.

[Tirsa Krylana]

:: a hand appeared and reached out for anything to grab. It keep searching until another hand came a grabbed it, pulling her up. Tirsa found herself kneeling and looked up in surprise, seeing it was Dalethria.

She smiled slightly, feeling a bit awkward. Dalethria only seemed to pay attention to her when she was getting into trouble ::

"Thanks, Dale."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha looks up at the rock wall and growls ::

"We still have a way to go. If we stop moving now, we'll freeze."

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

"Well, Sister. Who says we have to climb the rest of the way."

Dalethria looked towards the top of the mountain, "We came this far on our own and using the Force in the first place would've been draining."

Crossing her arms, she looked back at Sorsha with a grin, "Unless you think that is cheating?"

[Tirsa Krylana]

:: Tirsa chimes in before Sorsha could answer ::

"Nope, not cheating. I like that plan."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: looks at the two of them and tries to fight the urge to smile. she was outnumbered ::

"Very well."

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

Her smile vanished as she concentrating on channeling the Dark Side. The dark energy flooded into her body and her gaze returned to the top of the mountain. It began to grow closer slowly at first and Dalethria felt her feet leave the ground. In the back on her mind, she too controlled Sorsha's and Tirsa's ascent. This act seemed unbelievable to her once upon a time. With her lessons and acts that were not of her control ... who would have thought she'd learn to fly?

[Tirsa Krylana]

:: watching Dale, she waited to see what would happen. Nothing was happening but she didn't say anything. She was already in trouble enough it seemed.

Something told her something wasn't right. Looking around, she noticed the same mountain and the same snow ... but there wasn't anything beneath her. Surprised, Tirsa reached out and grabbed Sorsha's shoulders. She knew what was going to happen and was good with it. Now actually floating up, it was a bit overwhelming for her ::

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: laces an arm around Tirsa's waist and looks down ::

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

The air was quite thin and breathing was getting unbearable. It didn't break her focus, nor did the cold. Dalethria was going to pay for it, but getting them to the top was all that mattered. The results of this excursion was very important to her and Sorsha. She had hoped it would have been only her and her sister working together ...

White wisps of her breath exhaled through her nose and with a thought, all three of them stopped, their prize abundant before them.

"One of you, grab what we need before the altitude really begins to affect us."

[Tirsa Krylana]

:: she started to think that perhaps this Force stuff wasn't so bad. It was kind of neat to be able to just float up with a thought. Then the other things the Force could do crept back into her thoughts and sighed.

Tirsa looked around and noticed that they did indeed stop after hearing what Dale said. She nudge Sorsha in the side ::

"Your closer." :p

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: scoops a handful of snow from the outcropping and blows a cloud of frost into the air ::

[Tirsa Krylana]

:: reaches into her pack and pulls out a canister. She pops the top off and holds it out for Sorsha ::

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: packs the snow into the container ::

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

Finally, their first objective was completed. The trio began their descent down to the ledge that Sorsha had found. The lack of oxygen was getting to her and when they touched down, Dalethria went to one knee and tried to catch her breath.

[Tirsa Krylana]

:: resists asking if Dale is alright and carefully looks over the side of the ledge ::

"We're gonna have to climb the rest of the way."

:: she turns around to look at them both ::

"Aren't we?"

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"Most impressive, Sister. Your skills have grown beyond far beyond mine."

:: holds a hand out to Dalethria ::

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

She could feel the heat go straight for her cheeks as she flushed in embarrassment. Dalethria didn't say anything as she took the offered hand and stood up.

[Tirsa Krylana]

:: smiles at the two of them and looks up at the sky, crinkling her nose ::

"Looks like we have an hour at most before sunset. We better get back to the ship."

:: grabs at her shoulders, shivering ::

"You know how fr-fr-frelling cold it's gonna-na get then?"

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: pulls the rope from her shoulder and kneels down, securing it with a spike ::

"We should go then."

:: hops off the side and makes her way down the rope ::

[Tirsa Krylana]

:: peeks over the side and watches Sorsha descend. When she gets close enough to where they started the climb, Tirsa grabs the rope and makes her way down ::

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

She breathes a sigh of relief. Finally one task was done and hopefully tomorrow finding a pack of winter wolves around here will not prove difficult. At least tonight all of them could rest in the ship and not worry about the cold. Dalethria had to frown though. The random thought of killing Tirsa ... that bothered her. She is letting her rotten attitude about the Nebari coming along get to her. To do something so blatant to hurt Sorsha was not like her and she hoped that tonight didn't spark anymore unpleasantness.

Grumbling under her breath, she took hold of the rope and made her way down to where Sorsha and Tirsa were waiting.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: looks at Dale for a moment, then trudges back towards the ship. Her muscles ached and she was weary of the wretched cold ::

[Tirsa Krylana]

:: walking through the snow, she kept her arms wrapped tightly around her and breathed through her nose. The sting of the cold wasn't as bad when doing that way. Tirsa swore her throat must have been frozen from how much cold air she sucked in through her mouth like an idiot. Finally they made it to the ship and look to Dale with a pleading look to open the landing ramp quickly as possible ::

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

Dalethria looked at Tirsa and shook her head. She then keyed in the sequence to open the system up and lowered the ramp. The hydraulics hissed, melting the snow nearby which quickly turned to ice because of the intense cold.

She made her way up the ramp first and pulled off her hood, shaking her hair out. It really felt good to be back on the ship. So nice and warm.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: looks at Tirsa as she scurries up the ramp and follows her into the ship. she pulls off her hood and unwraps the scarf from her mouth, glad to be out of the biting cold ::

[Tirsa Krylana]

:: makes her way into the living area and plops down in a chair and just sits. She is too sore from bashing into the side of the mountain to do anything ::

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

She threw her jacket on the floor, happy to be rid of the bulk, "I'm going to check to make sure the lines don't freeze while we stay here the night."

Dalethria motions down one walkway, "The galley is that way if you want to make something hot. I'll be back shortly."

[Ogre Mal Pannis]

Just outside the cave

Darkness was approaching and midnight was drawing near. Ogre’s chant continued, just as it would for a little more than twenty-four more hours, if the trio of women returned at the last minute. There was the possibility they could arrive sooner than the deadline, and that would signify the end of this part of the incantation.

The looming darkness was held at bay with the eerie green light from the mystic flames encircling the green Sith as he spoke the Clerical incantation of his people. The scent in the air from the fire, was enough to keep any of the land’s beasts, miles away as it offended anything natural with its supernatural odor.

The sound of Ogre’s voice was rhythmic and the inflection of it’s tone raised and lowered with an almost melodic flair, filling the quiet dusk hours with it being the only noise, resounding off the nearby mountain’s surface.

[Dark Jedi Leia Solo]

Inside the cave

**She had finished feeding Sorsha’s two clones and was now on her way back up to the upper levels, Avagdu following her every step. Reaching the bar level, she walked across the room and opened the refrigeration unit, withdrawing the meat treats kept there for whenever the wolf decided to come to this side of the Mountains from Irentios. Opening the container, she laid them out for him, a smile on her face. Her chores were done and it was getting close to time for her to rest for the evening.**

[Avagdu]

http://darthogre.clanpages.com/sorsha/pics/misc/happyjoyjoy.gif

:: his tail wags excitedly as the scent of the special meat treats enter his senses. Sharp teeth bite into the morsels as he looks to Leia with wide eyes in thanks ::

[Sorsha Kasajian]

INSIDE THE DAUNTLESS -

:: Sorsha sheds her winter gear and kicks it into a corner. She notices that Tirsa hasn't moved and sits down in front of her ::

"What's wrong?"

[Tirsa Krylana]

:: it took a few moments, but a hand came up and pushed back the hood that was covering her face. She smiled reassuringly at Sorsha, trying to hide a look of pain ::

"Nothing, just a bit banged up."

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

Seems that this was a pretty secure place for The Dauntless. Where they had landed, the ground was quite stable and more then sufficient to hold the weight of the ship. Dalethria shivered a little and tried to rub the goosebumps away. Seems not all of the cold had left her body yet.

The console beeped and the readout that she wanted came to life. Environmental and life support functions seem to be stable and the projections if it would hold up the night seemed positive. Good thing Ogre maintains the ship and was constantly making modifications.

Satisfied with what she saw, Dalethria turned off as many systems as she could and redirected them into life support and enviro control. It would take a few moments and she leaned back in seat, thinking about what has happened so far this day.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: looks Tirsa in the eye ::

"Don't lie to me. How badly are you hurt?"

[Tirsa Krylana]

:: her smile fades and sighs ::

"I'm not sure. Didn't know anything was wrong until we started walking back to the ship."

:: closes her eyes in pain as she finally begins to unzip her jacket ::

"My right side is killing me though."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: examines Tirsa for broken ribs ::

[Tirsa Krylana]

:: one large bruise was noticeable first. It was about four inches wide and probably would have been bigger if not for the cold. As Sorsha began to examine Tirsa, she grimaced and gripped the sides of the chair in pain ::

"Yeah ... I'd say something's broken. Frell."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: frowns and looks at Dale ::

"There's no way she's hunting with us now."

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

She came back into the room and heard what Sorsha said, not sure what her sister was talking about. Curious as to what made Sorsha frown, she made her way over to them. The bruise didn't look too bad or nasty. The frown on Sorsha's face and the one of pain on Tirsa's, something had to be broken for a statement to be made like that.

"Well, if she's not to take part in the hunt, she forfeits having a place in the ritual," she said simply. Stepping back, Dalethria started to make her way out of the room slowly. She was curious to Tirsa's reaction to what she said.

[Tirsa Krylana]

:: this was news to Tirsa. No one told her if she didn't take part in something completely she wouldn't be involved in the ritual. Tirsa looked at Sorsha and that frown had more meaning then just for her injury. This was important for her lover and it was to her too ::

"No way, nuh uh."

:: she pulled herself up enough to get to one knee despite the pain ::

"You bandage me now and shoot me up with as much pain meds as ya got but I'm going with you both tomorrow!"

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"I don't think so."

:: places her palm lightly against the bruise ::

[Tirsa Krylana]

:: one eye closed as Tirsa winced and she sat back down in the chair. A serious expression crossed her face as she looked to Sorsha ::

"You can think all you want, but I'm going. I want to be a part of the ritual and I can't if I don't go."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"Fine."

:: puts a gun in Tirsa's hand ::

"All you need to do is shoot one. Dale and I will do the rest."

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

She returned with a tray of food and some tea. Setting it down on the table, Dalethria plopped down on another chair, "The sooner you get healed up Tirsa, the sooner we can eat."

Dalethria turned her attention to Sorsha expectantly.

[Tirsa Krylana]

:: she wasn't being referred to in the third person anymore. That eased her pain somewhat but Tirsa was completely confused to what Dale was trying to get at and looked to her companion ::

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha reaches into a leather pouch and takes out an amulet. She had almost forgotten about it. Placing her hand on Tirsa's ribs, she channels the energies of the amulet as bone repairs itself audibly ::

[Tirsa Krylana]

:: the sound of her ribs reforming and the smell of food made her stomach queasy. Tirsa closed her eyes and held on tight to the chair but still had to silly ::

"When this is done, can I still keep the blaster to hunt with?"

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha falls back into a chair, unused to channeling the amulet, but Tirsa's injuries are fully healed. She nods wearily and closes her eyes ::

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

She took a cup in her hand and stood up. It was easy to see the concern look on Tirsa's face and held up a hand as the Nebari started to get up, "You need your rest still. It's been a long day."

Dalethria made her way over to her sister and offered her the drink, "This should help. I'm no expert in making tea but it should taste alright. I think ..."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: a tiny smile lights up her face as Dale offers the tea. she sits upright again and sips it ::

"Thank you, Sister."

:: she glances at Tirsa as she takes another sip ::

"How do you feel?"

[Tirsa Krylana]

:: rubbing her side and looking at in amazement. She even dared to poke at the rib that was broken. There were no signs at all she was hurt ::

"I feel ... great. Wow ..."

:: she looked up at Sorsha with concern ::

"Are you alright though? Was that suppose to happen?"

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"I'll be okay, Tirsa. I am just unused to channeling this amulet. It's magick is very potent."

:: she lets it hang from it's cord for her to see ::

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

Tirsa leaned over the side of the chair and stared at the amulet with intense curiosity.

"Where'd you get it? I don't remember you having this?"

Obviously Sorsha's answer to her question calmed the Nebari's worries about her companion, "Ogre gave it to her."

Dalethria didn't go into any detail since her sister probably didn't want to relive that little incident in the forest. Instead, she went back to the table and pick up two plates of food and handed them both to Sorsha and Tirsa. Dalethria gave Tirsa a look when the Nebari crinkled her nose, "It's rations but at least it's warm food. Imagine how bad it would taste if it was cold."

[Tirsa Krylana]

"I rather imagine what it tastes like."

:: grudgingly, Tirsa takes the plate and pokes at something that looks like meat with her fork ::

<img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/ohwell.gif ALT=":\">

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: eats her meal in silence ::

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

Dalethria just laughed inwardly and took her own seat, eating in silence like her sister. The food was alright but it warmed her stomach and brought relief from an aching body. She was looking forward to a good night's sleep and was going to turn in early to mediate on what had happened this day and provide strength for the coming trials ahead ...

OOC~ Continued here (http://pub2.ezboard.com/fswvstitanicfrm13.showMessage?topicID=263.topic)