Festival of the Five Moons

[DarthHERA]

’Tis now the very witching time of night,
When churchyards yawn and hell itself breathes out
Contagion to this world: now could I drink hot blood,
And do such bitter business as the day
Would quake to look on

Hamlet,
William Shakespeare

***************************


Setting


It happened once every 15 years.

The Five moons of Tsaro aligned one behind the other, eclipsing completely any natural light of each, and thrusting the planet itself into an absolute darkness for a period of 18 hours. The phenomenon was celebrated by an extraordinary week-long festival in the city of Duvray, drawing a multiude of different walks of life as was possible to conceive, into one anticipatory throng. It was opportunity for all sorts of devilry if one had a mind for it. And many did.

The highlight of the Festival was a series of parades in and around the city core culminating in a variety of religious ceremonies at select, and usually secret, venues.

Hera had been to this festival once before - back when she was in her teens. Her father had brought her, exactly why she never knew. Just that she had been awed by the immense activity and the unnerving scope and depth of complete darkness that swathed over everything and everyone for that short period of time. It was here that she found her first awakenings to the Darkside. The stirrings of an evil nature within her and that eventually led her to her present life. And it was here, for that very reason she had returned.

At the peak of the "Darkening" as the locals referred to it, at the blackest hour of the eclipse - there was one particular ceremony of interest to her. One that was cloaked in complete secrecy and only revealed to few - that Hera intended to participate in. This time she was here to pursue the Dark awakenings and she would not be denied.

Watching calmly as the stars streaked past the veiwport of the Wolfsschanze toward the looming planet, the newly ascended SithMaster forced herself to be patient. Everything hung on the natural order of the alignment. Like the dawning of a day, or the changing of a tide - Some things could not be hurried.

[Severen Morkonis]

OOC; hope this is open, if not simply get the admins to delete the post hera :)
••••

It was the 2nd hour of the "Darkening" and personally i had wanted to see this festival in a long while, i had been told many tales of this great celebration many-a' time and simply wanted to see the sights of Evil myself and with my own eyes.

The streets were laiden with people and visitors alike parading the streets with huge banners and signs it was quite the sight to see, the street was only a small high street yet they packed it choker block to the brim with people of the town, i stood looking over the parade from my balcony in the "Whensel Gerade Hotel" a prime sight to see the celebrations from...it cost me a few creds to.

This is not what i was looking for however, i was waiting for the greatest ritual and the most secret that was performed at the peak of the darkness, know only to me as the "Calamary" or thats what the old man told me anyway, i knew where it was however, it was just passing the long slow hours to get there

[Morag Prime]

Light treads of slippered feet whispered across the cold slate tile of the inner sanctuary of Maelstrom Hall, a slight form approached the group. Enrobed figures sat immobile in high ornately carved chairs, still but for their mouths conjuring their low monotonous hum. A thick veil of evil seemed to surround those seated as the new arrival approached.

The turning of a cragged face, enshrouded in an ebony wrap hissed at the messengers interuption.

"What news? She is here?"

The young initiate nodded solemnly.
"The Mistress is just now arriving with her attendants, Priestess Shrillna. She awaits you in her chambers."

A gleam seeped into the Priestess of Rites green eyes as the old crone rose stiffly to her feet.

"Take me to her now, Sephim. We must not keep the Prime waiting"


The two women left the continually chanting group and moved as two apparitions in the dark. Their winnowy forms casting no shadow even as they passed the flames of the great candelabras that lit the inky dark room.


Morag knew her minions were on their way and that all was in readiness for this nights "Calamary".

She had been here many times, over many years. She had first seen this ceremony as a junior innitiate of the Kiett Circle more than two hundred years past. And again and again as she rose the ranks of her order.
The last one, 15 years prior had seen her ascention to Prime Enchantress when she had overthrown and murdered her predecessor. Tonight would be her first as the Matriach of all Kiett Witches, and an opportunity to quell any rebellion within its ranks. She could hardly wait for the appropriate hour.

She had been preparing for this her whole life.

[DarthHERA]

Stepping from the street into the Lobby of the Whensel Gerade Hotel was like moving simply from one overly crowded nightmare into another.

The press of bodies was nausiating and Hera's mood soured increasingly. Atleast in the hotel, the calibre of creature had improved. The strict dresscode of the establishment did much to hinder from entering into its expensive walls, the vagrant scum that was in such abundance on the open road.

The atmosphere of the whole town was bizare to say the least. There was a general feeling that was hard to describe. It was festive, but not what one would imagine of such gatherings. It was like so many dark minions dancing around a burning pyre. There was a lust for wickedness that energised all. A festering nest of vipers and overall debauchery. Hera soaked up the dark energy and felt a wicked pleasure.

Hera wanted a place to collect her thoughts. She wanted to formulate in her mind how she would conduct herself once she reached her intended destination. Finding a room now, would be impossible. Not that it mattered. She didnt plan to linger.

A drink. A reveiw of the city map. And she would be on her way.

She pushed passed the doorman, who made as if to block her entry from the Hotel Lounge. With a wave of her hand, the uniformed man stopped mid stride, (though he didnt really know why) and instead, opened the door for her.

Moving confidently into the more subdued atmosphere of the lounge, Hera took a seat at an empty table and ordered her drink.

[Severen Morkonis]

I looked in the small bar that was provided in the room, basicly a small fridge with JD, beer and other spirits in its small shelves and compartments there was nothing there of interest for me it was just all the old useless that "normal" people drank...sorry...normal people??...On this planet? Yeah right. I shook my head as that strange thought flickered through my thoughts and closed the door to the coldish fridge.

Walking over to the balcony doors i shut it and latched it down the noise quickly suppressed to a light mumor of voice and a light sounding of music..However the glass windows did not compress the dark feelings i was suddenly getting a... a fellow sith had come...i could feel the darkness rise...a fellow sith.a woman. Dale? Her signature was easy to sense she was not hiding it one bit.however...she was certainly more powerful than me by far if she could make even me feel her presence, someone or something just struck my mind, Somthing had just hit my head in darkness like a wall of solid evil, feeling dizzy for a second i leaned up against the side board with my hand and hit my forehead with my palm trying to get rid of the dizziness, it worked but i was still getting a gut feeling of more overwhelming darkness than the people of the peered.

Perhaps i should go and meet my fellow sith.... Perhaps not...it might be a person that i hate...then again it might be a friend that i might want to share this night of darkness with and share the ritual...mabey i should just see who it was in the first place...yes yes. I will...i will see who touched my mind...i walked out and shut the door behind me making my way down to the lobby with a strong urge to see who it was if beaing drawn by her.

[DarthHERA]

The server droid placed her drink on a tidy little cloth coaster in front of her. Hera noted the fine doiley and thought it to be absurd. With a flick of her wrist, she lifted the tumbler glass and the coaster whisked onto the floor. Frills and pretence annoyed her, even to the smallest of details and she got a satisfied smile to see it trodden underfoot by the very droid that had placed it before her in his pompus manner.

Sipping the rum slowly, she pulled from the inside of her cloak a small print and looked over it with an intensity that only evil intent simmering over time can bring..

It had been a long while since Hera had launched a direct attack on a Jedi - too long. And she planned to make up for it. It was the reason behind her visit to Duvray. What she planned would hit the Jedi where they thought they were safe, untouchable. It would be an attack of a personal nature, yet if it went as she planned, would strike at the very heart of the Jedi Order. She smiled inwardly in anticipation.

She was no fool though. It would be the most difficult thing she had tried yet and she intended tonight to tap a resource that would give her an unexpected edge.

A young man entered the room and Hera looked up, immediately recognising another force user so close by. He was of a strong muscular build with a shock of white/blonde hair that made him stand out among the more darker featured clientel. She saw him discreetly looking about and his eyes crossed over her for just an instant, but it was enough that Hera saw some form of affirmation in the glance. He had come into the lounge for the express purpose of finding her. He called to the barkeep for a drink, a study in casualness, but it was too late. Hera had seen already that he had noticed her.

Looking, but without "looking", Sieken turned again towards the table where Hera was sitting, only to find it empty, though the glass remained in its place. Curious to where she had gone, (he realised she now hid her presence from him) he did a slow 180 degree scan of the lounge, and on his final turn came face to face with the Sith - her peircing blue eyes level with his.

Her voice heavy with suspicion, she hissed "You got a reason to be looking for me?"

And she slid the picture (http://www.yodajeff.com/multimedia/images/pictures/0000/b/000041.jpg) back into the inside of her robe, tapping it gently and focusing her attention to the stranger infront of her.

[Evil Hobgoblin]

Though it seemed that a person such as Hob would be noticed instantly in a ritzy hotel lounge such as the one Hera was in, that was not the case.

Hob had been studying spirits recently, and the ebb and pull of the galactic planes of the Force on spirits, too. It was accurate to say that he had followed Hera to this planet, for he had been keeping tabs on her movements ever since the night in the gambling hall. The Sith was up to something, of that Hob was certain, and Hob's gift with foresight suggested that she would find or do something of importance on this planet. A look through the historical library Hob kept at Bast had given the dwarf something interesting to go on, enough at least to pique his interest if not explain fully the reason the Sith wench was here.

And so Hob had come to Morag Prime, and found that the location his visions had shown him would not admit a dwarf who appeared to be a scruffy-looking nerf herder, no matter how rich he was. So Hob had been forced to do something rare and almost unthinkable.

Wash.

Hob had combed and trimmed his natty beard, washed his hair and slicked it back into a ponytail, and spent a day or so at some spas who were less picky about their clientele than the hotel. Before his beautifying treatments were over, Hob had stolen a suit from a nearby clothing shop and pilfered the rose on his breast from a flower stand. The visage those parties were hunting for no longer existed, and so it was safe to say that Hob was now completely and totally unrecognizeable to those who had once seen him.

This neat-and-respectable Hob sat calmly at the bar, downing a particularly good Forvish ale and being careful not to spill any on his new clothes.

Being clean, after all, did not mean Hob was not Hob. It just meant he smelled a bit more spring fresh.

"Hey, handsome," a female voice murmured in his ear. "Would you like me to dance for you? I do a spectacular Trianii two-step on the stage."

Hob shoved against the bar, spinning around on his barstool. Standing behind him was a nondescriptly-dressed human woman. She had raven hair and ice blue eyes that stood out despite her clothes, and her figure was amply endowed, a fact that Hob was given an eye-level view of upon turning around. Her aura smelled of deceit and need, and Hob looked from her bosom up to her face. The two of them locked eyes.

Then Hob was invading her mind. Her natural defenses were overrun with a practiced ease, and her mind became a vast source of information for Hob to take in.

The woman was a dancer named Ariel Borana, hired by the hotel to perform for guests at hourly intervals. Ariel had fallen into debt attempting to raise a younger sister, and one of the ways she earned extra credits was by soliciting patrons of the hotel for extra credits by promising she would do a particular dance for them, when she was scheduled to do the dance anyway.

Delving beneath Ariel's surface thoughts, Hob learned that her dance training had come from a Twi'lek slave dancer, and that she knew some particularly arousing dances as well. The dwarf continued, learning all of Ariel's hopes and secrets as he flipped through her memories like one of the books in his library.

When he reached the very bottom of her consciousness, Hob planted a new thought in Ariel's mind, then withdrew.

The dwarf's eyes refocussed on Ariel's face. Where once there had been a suggestiveness, there was now the shock of accidentally running into her master. "I would love to dance for you," she whispered, and in her voice was an undertone of need born out of her desire to obey Hob.

"The Trianii two-step is a fine one, aye," Hob said to her. "But I should dearly love to see 'Surrender of the Seductress.' Why, I have nae seen that one danced well for at least fifty years."

"Gladly," Ariel bowed low, not caring that she gave Hob an opportunity to view inside her dress while doing so. "I must take my leave of you and go change now."

After she had gone, Hob turned back to the bar. "Barkeep," he said. "Another Forvish ale, lad. I'd like a drop o' something t' drink for when the next dance comes on."

[Severen Morkonis]

And there she was, the very woman i had set out to see and she was face to face with me she saved me the bother of having to go to her...how nice of her. I gave a grin and sipped my ale before answering her question.

'Each mission has a reason my lady, i simply set out to find what darksider had penetrated my mind and lured me down here, tis' all.' i said taking another sip of the amber beverage

'I guess with your eagerness to see me and your slight suspicious tone of voice that i have found the woman i was looking for’ i continued knowing both of us knew that as soon as i entered the bar door i knew it was her.

Turning to lean my side against the bar and holding my drink in the opposite hand so i could view her in whole.

Before she could speak i spoke again this time with a slight side smile. ' May i buy you another drink Miss Hera?' i said and for some reason she looked surprised i knew her name.

[DarthHERA]

He was smiling. Hera did not return the gesture.

"You best beware what you look for then, stranger. Sometimes you find it, and it is more trouble than first thought."

She ignored the offer of a drink. She was not here to socialise.

"So you know my name." she stated flatly. " And who might you be? Is this just a co-incidence you are here at the time of the Festival?" - No one was here at Duvray by co-incidence at this season.
Those that had no interest or profit to be made .... or those who feared the darkness ... did not remain planetside. They took their families and literally fled. When the devil came back home to visit, those who werent family made themselves scarce.

She sized him up as she waited on his reply.

[Morag Prime]

ooc: I will post a breif History of the Keitt Order next post.

******************


Shrillna bowed deeply as she was ushered into the Prime's presence. Her aged body, though bent and twisted from ravages of time, bore an electric excitement about her. Anticipation of this nights ceremony had been building and she would finally witness her protege weilding her rightful place as Prime. For centuries Shrillna had wished to see one of such ability as Morag ascend to Prime. She had observed Morag ever since her initiation into the Kiett Circle and had been ever mindful that her destiny was to lead the Order again to their past glory. Tonight was a dawning of that age.

"Greetings, High Mistress. We have been eagerly awaiting your arrival. All is in readiness."

She straightened again, as much as she was able, and smiled a crooked grin that was reminiscent of a jackal.

"The lambs are ready and worthy. Your choice tonight is a difficult one."

Morag turned her dark brooding eyes onto her faithful servant.

"I know"

The Enchantress moved across the room, gliding as if an inch above the carpeted floor, to lift a silvered goblet of deep purple wine and sipped it with bloodless lips. Gesturing with one slender hand, the pale mottled green texture of her skin shining dully in the subdued light,
"Please, Shrillna, Have some wine."

As the old crone joined her, the High Sorceress mentioned casually, her eyes watchful for response.

"I have had communication with the Imp"

A sharp intake of breath indicated Shrillna's surprise and then, slowly, both women released a low, delighted cackle.

[Severen Morkonis]

I gave a sercastic smile.

' It does not matter who my name is, im simply from the TSE, a warrior...that is all you rearly need to know Ma'am.'

I was slightly anxios that she might kill me here on the spot, but frankly it was non of her buisinuis who i was i thought as i took another sip of the Ale.

[DarthHERA]

She frowned at his odd response.

" I usually make it a habit to atleast know the name of who it is I might be joining in a drink. It is strange to me that you would invite me, but yet be unwilling to atleast give up your name, especially as you seem to know mine."

She had no intention of joining him, but he didnt need to know that.

She eyed him curiously. His manner did not indicate he was an outright threat to her, but she did not trust him, and that was threat enough in itself.

"A warrior of the Sith Empire...that supposed to impress me?"

Hera did not impress easily, and so far this warrior was only serving to irritate her with his blasaise manner. Tonight was an important night, and she would not let anyone, even a loyal servant of TSE hinder her in any way-she would see to it he would never hinder her again.

"If you have no reason then for seeking me out other than curiousity, then I guess you found me and your mission is completed."

She made to leave and turned to give him warning, the hardness in her eyes leaving no room to mistake her intent.

"Best stay out of my way, warrior of TSE, I have killed others for much less."

Pushing off from the bar, she crossed to her table to finish her rum, not bothering to sit, and prepared to leave the lounge.

[Morag Prime]

Bio/Special Information:
Morag Prime - Born Altina Davel Tostramo in the year 300 QV of the Ancients calandar, under the moon of the Serpent in the domain of Vall. Taken into the Chivon Coven at age 2, Altina showed much talent and her gifts soon surpassed the abilities of the Chivon order. A higher teaching and discipline was required.

The Chivons secretly and successfully petitioned the Grand Dame of the Kiett Circle, to come and see the young initiate's ability, hoping they would accept her. Upon seeing Altina's gift first hand, the Kiett Circle immediately took her and, under the tutelege of Dame Shrillna, began to mould her with the full intent over the years to groom her for the position of High Enchantress.

Altina was ordained "Morag, High Enchantress of the Kiett Circle" in their year 512 QV, her spellcraft powers surpassing any known before her.


Breif History of the Kiett Order:

Atleast eight centuries prior to the events of this select evening in the city of Duvray, the Kiett Circle would have met in a sanctuary much like Maelstrom Hall. In those days they were the most significant order of sorcery weilders in the Ardon System.

For a long time the order had always been snubbed as hysterical mystics, spellbinders who could weild no real power in the affairs of man other than to curse the unfortunate or divine uncertain futures. They were dismissed as women of base natures with grand ideas of ambition and power who tinkered with magic as would a child.

Over time, the Order continued to raise up innitiates strong in the mystic arts, ever gaining their strongholds and manipulating politics and business. Making their dark influence felt in all realms of life until they were the most feared order of the realm. They were instrumental in the clan wars of Kwaylon and their wicked enchantments were felt by both King and commoner.

They were golden years for the Kiett Order. Years that were not to last.

A little over 200 years ago from this present day, there began a time of the "Righteous". A time of which no one now ever spoke openly of within the order itself. It was the systematic dismantling of the order by those who weilded truth and purity. The inhabitants of Kwaylon and its nearby Moons had begged for the aid of outsiders to release them from the tyranny of the Kiett who now ruled from behind closed doors and whispers in the night to the ruling Sovereigns. The defenders of the weak with their weapons of glowing light and manipulations of "Force" were too strong to be withstood. It cast a black shame on the Kiett and they have long vowed to erase it from their history. The witches were physically eradicated and their teachings all but lost. Those that were not killed were driven into hiding and all recruiting and building ceased. A few select - Twelve in number and the original "Circle" - remained in contact with each other and worked endlessly to rebuild the order and communicate their secrets and spells to handpicked innitiates. It would take centuries to recreate what once had been so obliterated. Only now, were the sorceresses beginning to believe they were making progress.

The ceremony during this Festival of the Five Moons in Duvray was to be another step forward in their plan of restoration..

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha observes the surroundings from a far table. Extending her senses around her, she had spotted Hera Drenkast. And there was also another familiar presence ... ::

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[DarthHERA]

Swallowing the last of the rum - and blessing whoever invented such a delight - Hera prepared to depart.

Returning the glass to the table, she felt the unmistakable sensation of eyes boring onto her back.

She twisted around and located directly the source of the stare.

...Kasajian.....

Glancing up, the TSE warrior was still where she left him and to her left was a local woman readying herself to provide the nights entertainment - a curiously familiar individual breifly conversing with her. It made Hera stop in thought for a moment - but only a moment.

It was fortutious that the Sith Witch was here. Or atleast Hera thought so. She was still unsure how this SithKat reincarnation considered her..or how she considered the witch for that matter. It was difficult for Hera to see her as the one and the same Sith she had known long ago. One thing was certain - she was everybit and more the wildcard that Kat was.

Hera, not liking to leave things to uncertainty and mentally preparing herself for the type of reception she may receive, she decided on the direct approach and walked to her table.

"You are a long way from home, Sorsha."

It was both a question and statement.

[Morag Prime]

"I wonder if he has changed much. It has been a long time since the Kiett Order has seen his like."

Morag nodded as she scratched affectionately the feathered throat of the brown owl perched on her shoulder.

The dwarf had indeed changed. He had developed a dark power that Morag had heard of, but never encountered before, even though it was similar in origin to those despised beings that all but destroyed her order years ago. It would be wise to continue to have the Hob Goblin as an ally and exploit his abilities to their advantage.

"You may get the chance to decied that for yourself, Shrillna. And that very soon.."


The golden round eyes of the bird blinked and the owl's head rotated a complete circle, seeing much more than just what was physically within the dimly lit room.

Leading the way to the door, the Prime Enchantress called over her shoulder to her faithful Priestess.


"The moons are almost completely aligned. The Ceremony must begin."

[Evil Hobgoblin]

Slow drumbeats began to play near the performance end of the lobby.

Ariel stepped from behind a curtain, now clad in a highly revealing costume of flowing silver and gold that drew attention to her every movement. The danger moved to the center of the stage and began the long, slow, erotic dance known as the "Surrender of the Seductress," causing the male patrons in the bar to turn their heads as one to view her lithe movements. Ariel had no choice but to perform her best- her Master was in the audience. The fact that she was epitomizing the desires of every male who could see her was secondary.

Hob, however, was keeping watch on something else. Time was slowly advancing, and it was long rumored that the hour around midnight was the best time to perform magic that dealt with spirits.

By the wall, Hera and Sorsha Kasajian looked upon each other with the mutual distrust that comes from finding someone in a place they were not expected to be.

In the back, a female manager looked on Ariel's dance with jealousy, speaking of disgrace and impropriety to an assistant. Her thoughts centered around firing the woman, so enraged was she.

On the other side of town, Morag Prime moved to a ceremonial chamber where tonight's rituals would begin.

Then the clock struck 11:30 P.M. and Hob was now gone from the bar.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: meets Hera's eyes with a child-like grin and invites her to sit ::

"Nice to see you too, Hera." :D

[DarthHERA]

The grin was reminiscent of her old friend. It flashed Hera back to a time when she had first sparred with Kat - a time when they were both fairly new to things of the darkside. She wondered if Sorsha had any memory of it.

The dancer had begun her mesmerising moves and the whole room seemed gripped in a hypnotic lust that centered on her. Hera distractedly thought to herself I never knew a body could twist that way... Tilting her head to look curiously, she made a mental note to try that move some time..

She returned a sly smile to Sorsha, and both the Sith women knew Hera didnt feel very trusting. The witch was still an unknown element to her to a degree, despite (and due to) the fact they had rarely had much contact and therefore that made her dangerous. But, the feel Hera got from Sorsha was not one of antaganism. And so she sat.

"It is unexpected to find you here on Duvray, Sorsha..."

Hera tugged back the frilly lace of the curtain covering the window next to their table. The Five Moons were but slivers in the black sky- the full eclipse almost complete. Not much time...Giving her attention back to her fellow Sith, "...though, a pleasure all the same."

There was a glint in Sorsha's evil eye and suddenly Hera knew exactly why the witch was here.

"You know where the Ceremony is being conducted."

Again, another statement not a question.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"Of course I do. I've been looking forward to this."

<table border=0 cellpadding=15 cellspacing=0 background=http://darthogre.clanpages.com/sorsha/pics/misc/SorshaKasajian.jpg width=555 height=284><tr><td width=271 valign=center><img src=http://darthogre.clanpages.com/sorsha/pics/roc/roc86.jpg width=240 height=182 alt="Sith Witch"></td></tr></table>

[DarthHERA]

Hera wondered what else Sorsha knew..

"Then perhaps we should travel there together.."

Very few would know of this Ceremony. The Kiett were a coveteous brood when it came to their teachings and only the very select were granted any information about them at all.

Hera had only been given knowledge that the Ceremony was taking place, and where, because her home roots were steeped in the Order somewhere back on her home world of Kwaylon, though she was unaware of this fact.

Her Father, when he had brought her here to Duvray 15 years ago, obviously had some influence or connection of sorts. When Hera had first begun her inquiries prior to coming to Duvray, the name of DrenKast had opened doors that were normally bolted shut to outsiders of the Kiett. And much to the Sith's surprise, she had been afforded the opportunity to attend.

It made her curious as to Sorsha's connection. Of course, it could be the whole "witch" sisterhood grapevine or something. Who knew? Hera was unfamiliar with such things.

What she did know, was having Sorsha with her would only compound the evil influences and make for a much darker experience all together. She smiled at the thought.

"We should leave now, if we hope to arrive in time."

Gathering her cloak tightly around her, Hera prepared to exit to the streets and flag down one of the many beast-drawn carriages that cluttered the black streets. All hover vehicles were banned in the inner town - another observance of the Festival that flashedback in honor to the ancient days.

Local culture - it was just another annoyance that grated on Hera's mood, but one she would have to just go with unless she wanted to walk the unruly and dangerous streets to the secreted Maelstrom Hall. She did not have time for that - she had frittered away enough time as it was.

Glancing back to where the strangely familiar individual she had noted earlier in the Lounge, she found his seat empty... and the Blonde TSE warrior was still at the bar, to all appearances, watching the lasivious dancer.

[Severen Morkonis]

It was an illusion created by me, i had already gone leaving the woman to talk with the new woman at the bar,taking my hand away from my head the illusion quickly vanished and i was on my way to where the old man had told me to go, an old chapel.

However from where i stood it looked like a great war damaged abby, the circle stained window at the front with a huge double door entrance beneath it, the doors however were boarded over and bolted together tightly. I looked around for a few seconds trying to...ahhh there it was, a large crack showing with a massive amount of candle light showing through....

' Ahhh ha!, there we go' i said as i began to climb the rubble to get in.

[Morag Prime]

The Prime and the old crone descended the ancient rock stairwell of the sacred building. Moisture drizzled down is aged walls and green moss grew in tufts along cracks that had seen generations come and go in their silent confines.

A heavy oaken door was just before them and as Shrillna carried an oil lantern to light their way, holding it high to give as much light to her Mistress as Morag preceeded her.

Morag's shadow, instead of being behind her, crept ahead of her, casting her wraithlike form to move silently along the wall. As they reached the door, Shrillna moved forward to open it, the Prime's shadow passing through the solid wood into the Ceremonial hall beforehand and taking its place in the darkness within.

With a painful creak, the heavy door swung open, revealing the gathering of the 10-Morag and Shrillna to make up and complete the circle of 12-and the two aspiring young innitiates seated on goldenbacked chairs in the centre of the witches sphere.

The Prime and her servant took their places. Morag momentarily looking into the golden eyes of her ever-present owl companion and saw within the two amber pools a young blonde warrior making his way stealithly into the outer sanctums.

In an ancient tongue that was thought to have past with the last century, Morag called to the lesser witches who stood watch in the shadows outside the main Hall. Her voice like acid penetrating air and minds alike. Like a silent relentless mist, they made their way down toward Sieken.

[DarthHERA]

Hera followed the Sith Witch up into the carriage and closed the small door behind her. As the vehicle lurched forward and settled into a gentle rocking motion, Hera smiled at her evil companion seated opposite her as she was reminded of an old saying she had heard in her childhood years. The Darkness covering the town almost absolute now.

"I could a tale unfold whose lightest word
Would harrow up thy soul, freeze thy young blood,
Make thy two eyes, like stars, start from their spheres,
Thy knotted and combined locks to part,
And each particular hair to stand an end".

"Hamlet" William Shakespeare


Sorsha grinned that wild grin that was unique to her alone. It chilled Hera's blood to have it flashed at her, even though they were on the same side.

"I intend to get something very specific from these Witches, Sorsha - for a very specific purpose. I feel certain I can obtain it, but your being here can only be an expedient to this end."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"Then I guess this is a new beginning for us."

<table border=0 cellpadding=15 cellspacing=0 background=http://darthogre.clanpages.com/sorsha/pics/misc/SorshaKasajian.jpg width=555 height=284><tr><td width=271 valign=center><img src=http://darthogre.clanpages.com/sorsha/pics/roc/roc16.jpg width=240 height=182 alt="Sith Witch"></td></tr></table>

[DarthHERA]

Hera returned Sorsha's grin.......and the Five moons completed their eclipse. The darkness was absolute - a portent of things to come.

[Morag Prime]

Murder most foul, as in the best it is;
But this most foul, strange and unnatural.

"Hamlet" William Shakespeare



The witches flew at the blonde intruder as one body and one mind. The Sith Warrior may have sensed their approach and even prepared himself for their attack, though he could not have forseen that they would all be upon him all at once, each with equal strength and purpose.

The sheer number of them, their steely hands gripping and snatching at him, pulling at his hair and twisting rune-drenched bindings around him to incarcerate him. Their element of surprise and their overwhelming number had served to make a captive of the curious man, but not for long.

Seiken, with surprising dexterity, managed to activate his lightsaber. However, the bindings lashed about him were glowing in a violet hue and made any movement almost impossible. At this same instant, Hera and Sorsha entered the Sanctum halls also. Their added presence combined with Seiken's action caused the witches to shrink back from off him...like a retreating ebb of a black tide..and with a menacing hiss they looked to one another, unsure what to do.

They had been expecting Hera...Morag had told of the woman DrenKast's arriving. But there was another with her...and as like knows like..they recognised her as a Witch of superior power to their own. Sieken demanded his release, and reluctantly, the lesser witches recalled their spell and the bindings unraveled to the floor.

Hera raised an eyebrow at Sieken (too bad they hadnt left him bound) and inwardly wondered how he knew of this ceremony. Sorsha ignored him, her eyes peering toward the door beyond.



Hera walked forward, and no one moved to hinder her. "We are here for the ceremony. Let us in." The witches, assuming they were all together, lead them into the inner room, and silently stood to the shadows and watched the ceremony unfold.

The Calamary Ceremony

The two young women sat lashed to the two chairs in the center of the circle. Both showed no fear. Only a zealous faith seemed to shine from their eager eyes.

Morag had seen everything that transpired in the outter room through the owls amber eyes. She would aquaint herself with these 3 individuals after - right now she had things to tend to and she would allow them to remain. The selection of an innitiate must proceed unhampered.

The chanting of the Circle of 12 was a devilish sound. A feeling of something unclean and evil began to permeate the room. The great candelabras with their many flames began to flicker and wave erratically and in a strange manner, dimmed visibly giving off the barest of light even though they remained lit. A slow crawling sensation began to prickle the skin. The 12's eyes one by one clouded from their individal colors of blue, green, brown or grey, to a milky sickish white with the slightest dot of black in the center.

The two seated girls shifted their feet, feeling very vunerable and trying their hardest not to show any fear.

The Sith visitors watched silently from where they stood.

Morag rose from her chair and floated as if a foot from off the floor. Her chanting growing stronger and more harsh as she approached. She hovered close to the first girl - the power emanating from the Prime pounded against her slight body and tears began to stream from her eyes. Morag frowned.

She reached her mottled green hands forward and slapped them to either side of the young ones head. A dreadful cry was drawn forth from the child's throat. A cascade of white light was drawn up by the witch's hands, visibly being pulled from the childs body. Still the girl screamed. Her feet began to pound on the floor and then to kick frantically. Still Morag did not stop.

The childs hair soon drained of color, as too her skin. Her body too began to change. It lost is youthful form and began to almost deflate. The bones began to show roughly against her skin, protruding ugly beneath her garments. The hair got brittle and scraggy and in moments had gone from a youthful pretty creature, to an ancient wizzend old woman as Morag sucked her life from her. And still the Prime did not stop.

The young girl's cry finally faded and then ceased, and the body - old broken and spent - slumped lifeless still in its ropes.

Morag was glowing. The secret to her youthfulness was revealed. The Prime was over two hundred and fifty years old but looked not more than 30. Only Morag had discovered the power of eternal youth within the Order, and her fellow witches were stunned at this display. Stunned and afraid. All except Shrillna, a crooked grin twisting the crones face.

The second girl was weeping openly, sure her fate would be the same as her counterpart. Morag began to laugh at her piteousness and moved toward her. Touching her with one finger only, Morag put the Mark of the Order - a burn scar from the selecting Prime - on the side of her throat.

The child refrained from fainting, but only just, and Morag congratulated her on her joining the Order.

Breaking the confines of the Kiett Circle, Morag made her way to where the Sith were standing, her body glowing with her reinvigorated life power. She stared at Sorsha, as one would a rival and then her gaze swept Sieken over - the old man had spoken true - and then turned her attention to Hera.

"You wish for something from me, Mistress DrenKast. Declare it now, but know this - It will not come as a gift - all favors of the Kiett come at a price."

Morag waited for the reply, curious about many things with these three Sith, but patient to find them out in due course.

[DarthHERA]

Hera didnt care about "cost". Her prize was worth anything. She would have what she desired and pay whatever necessary to do so.

"I heard tale you can rend spirit from body, Prime Enchantress. That you can cast out the inner essence of a being to roam homeless, restless, hopeless and keep the outside shell living in a mystical prison of conjury..."


The Sith looked over at the slumped body of the child, now the dead husk of an old decimated woman. Her face registered no pity.


"...Is this true? You can do what I hear, Witch?"

[Morag Prime]

"I can. Yes."

The chanting of the Kiett witches had subsided to just a few now. Some were so caught up in their trance and wished to allow the evil from the corruption of the child to seep into their being.

The others, more curious, arose from their seats and moved as silent wraiths to inspect the three visitors. Circling and regarding Sorsha and Sieken as they stood further aside from their Prime, they moved cautiously at first, becoming more bolder - some stretching out their boney fingers to touch the two.

"I am the only one I know of who is capable of that specific spellcrafting. You though, have had no training in conjury.."

Hera shook her head in the negative.

"I was hoping some how, to learn this - or gain the secret to this ability. Perhaps, you could lend yourself to aid me. As you have already noted, I am not one trained in such arts." She glanced to Sorsha. "I have one with me who has such knowledge though."

Morag's dead-like eyes flitted to the Sith Witch.."Yes - a unique evil is this one." She thought a moment and then asked.

"You have a victim in mind already? I would know who it is, should I grant you my knowledge."



A darkness passed over Hera's face and in her eye a gleam of fevered determination could be seen.

"He is a Jedi - a Master of old." (This statement caused no little excitement among the witches and they hissed and cursed the jedi' in their cracked voices and then as suddenly as they erupted, hushed to hear further what was said) Hera continued, noting their reaction. "He is a formidable enemy, and the pride of the GJO. I have long wanted to possess this creature, but he is too strong for me to take alone. With your help, I intend to both destroy him, and take him as my trophy."

Morag moved closer, twisting one hand inside the other. The Jedi! At last to send back on their heads for all the torment done by them to her Order. Vengence comes in its Season.

Morag hid her eagerness poorly, and the Sith suddenly realised that her quarry had made an enemy of these also. Morags face betrayed a desire for revenge and almost a fear that somehow she might loose this opportunity to render some form of retribution on the mighty wielders of Light.

"And who is this Great Master you speak of?"

"Master Yoghurt"

The words effected an agitated frenzy within the room, and Hera, Sorsha and Sieken looked at one another as the witches began to shreik and wail - some cutting themselves with dirks or tearing at their hair at the mention of the Jedi Master. Obviously, they knew of him quite well. Morag threw her arms in the air and spun on her heels, sucking in air - all in a whirl of great anticipation.

"We should speak in private. Follow me"


The Prime led the way out through the heavy oak door which she had earlier entered and onward to her Chambers. Shrillna withdrew herself from the Circle to attend her mistresses side, leaving the ungodly cries of the Great Hall behind them.

[DarthHERA]

Shrillna closed the door silently behind them and in the closer confines of the Prime's chambers, those inside looked over each other and each formed their own opinions.

Hera wondered what the Jedi Master had done to ingend such agitation from these witches. Not that it mattered, Yoghurt would get whats coming to him, thats all she cared about. That, and that she be the one to deal it to him.

"I take it, by bringing us up here, you agree to help, Morag..."

She was getting impatient.

"...Name your price, and lets begin."

[SAURRON]

What if, it was in fact your soul that became the price.

Saurron's words drifted down to Hera's and the others ears and echoed in the now silent room...

Saurron had run across the festival in his early years as a fledgling Vampyre. And in his unliving youth he fed well there, for in no other place was it darker, even if it was only for a period of time. Throughout the centuries he became familiar with the witches of the Kiett. It was only now that he had made himself known unto them. Now Morag had a face to match to the chill she had felt through the years, watching her. In all his dark and deadly glory, Saurron cast his own eclipse upon Morag and the rest in the room.

His eyes led the way as he walked silently forward emerging from shadows that once looked upon with their eyes peeled away from him at his command revealing him altogether. Only Sorsha had seen him before...seen him...that in itself was an understatement.

[Rama]

:: The two women had left the bar, and had not detected him. That was good.......it was a power he hadn't need of in some time, but was needed now. He had heard of rumor of Sieken's departure and destination at the Empire, but not the reason Rumor spread quickly, for the most part he ignored them, but this one had caught his interest. He had planned to find the young Sith and find out exactly why he has come to this place.....but the sight of Hera and Sorsha together had put that notion out of his mind. He saw Sieken Talk to the woman, and had slinked back to the shadow of a far off Corner. The Shadow moved outward to greet him. He sat for a long while and waited for them to take their leave. He sat for a few moments and then made his way to the door and departure the building, and came out into the cold night air.

He smelled of the air. There scent was still on the wind and moving down a road that led away towards. A Talent that did not come from the force but from genetics. His mother...a Nagai could pick up His Bother and his own scent when they were children. The Nagai have long fingers that have small suction cups on it in order to draw blood from small naimls to live, they used this scent to track and find prey, and even though Rama lacked the ability to draw blood into himself his nose was just as keen as his mothers.


He owed Sorsha one......he wanted to rip her apart with his bear hands. Throw her organs to the wild beasts and mount her saber and head in his Throphy room next to the saber of "Traitor" ,as he called it, that she had given him as gift so long ago. But that is not why he followed. He knew where Meras was....he could dispatch her when he wanted, but he had something much better in mind. He followed know cause of a scent on her......it was of his blood. He had no doubt that Trace had ended up with her and her company, it was fitting. But this wasn't Trace....and now with Nuriko's return it was very important to follow up all leads he could find.

Another scent caught his nose breifly outside the bar


"The peck"


Seems there were all kinds of friends here.....but the emotion of fear never entered his mind. Of all that he knew were here, most had been pups to the darkside when he was learning the most secret parts of the dark arts from his late Master Bromine. So he did not fear, even if their numbers were greater then his own.


He turned to the outer wall of the bar he had just exited. he could follow more easily on the roof tops till they ran out, then he would have to go on foot, which would take time but the scent were strong, especially Sorsha.

"I wonder if she ever baths?" He mused to himself and then then places his hands upon the wall. The Shadow that had hide him in hte bar now extended up the wall to the roof, and Rama scurried up the wall on ally fours leaping over the rim of the roof at the last and landing on his feet with hardly a sound. He had found just about any movement no matter how unnatural was possible thru mastery of the force, it was simply a matter of adjustment. then off leaping in great bound he went......in the direction of the scent. :::

[Morag Prime]

The witches both bowed to the Dark Master as Saurron revealed his physical presence. Morag had known he was here - she always knew. He took much pleasure in making her aware whenever he was present on Duvray, and enjoyed even more her angst that she could not see him. Through the amber pools of her owls eyes, she had seen countless times the corpses of those Saurron had fed on in the past, littering the dark streets of the town. Even when he had attended their Ceremony before, he had been elusive to sight and remained for the most part an observer. In the beginning, she had lost one innitiate to him and his hunger, but they had reached an agreement that he could roam unhindered amongst the Kiett and have access to their truths as long as he abstained from depleting their ranks by his blood-spurred habit.

But, tonight! Tonight he had chosen to show himself, and the Prime was fawning in her delight. Maybe she would see him feed..this sent no small chills of anticipation through her.

As he addressed Hera, Morag waited to see what would transpire.

**************************

Outside in the outer chambers of Maelstrom Hall, the remaining Kiett witches continued on in their dark worshipings and frenzied chantings. The evil of the Festival was reaching a crescendo. Though the witches were not force-senstive, they recognised the arrival of such dark influences as those Sith that had descended into the town of Duvray. Those same Sith whose attention was centered on the gathering where the Kiett were. This Festival was one unique from those past. The witches knew it, could feel it. The young new innitiate herself caught up in it debased herself, cutting and slashing her own body, drunk on the power that completey encompassed the gathering of such evils.

[DarthHERA]

"Be thou a spirit of health or goblin damn'd,
Bring with thee airs from heaven or blasts from hell,
Be thy intents wicked or charitable,
Thou comest in such a questionable shape
That I will speak to thee"

"Hamlet" William Shakespeare.


Hera stiffened. Saurron's words came softly, but with the meaning of a hammer-blow. Her eyes drifted to Sorsha, though she didnt really know why. Perhaps it was simply that Hera recognised some familiarity of spirit between her and this new presence and looked for some sign of recognition. The evil essence was the same, that much Hera could tell.

Morag was grinning and her crone servant was hissing through her blackened and crooked teeth excitedly.

Hera turned to the direction the voice had fallen to her, and pericing blue eyes greeted her as he stepped from the shadows. The man was pale and ethereal in appearance, his bloodless lips curled in a slight smile. He had a refined look about him, an ageless grace that Hera had never really seen before. All she could be certain of, was that she had not met his like before. Hera felt herself fascinated in that grim self-destructive way that one knew it was dangerous to play games with such wicked stangers..but still couldnt help oneself.

"You are kind to think I even have a soul - many would argue otherwise"

She narrowed her eyes at him, not willing to commit one way or the other until she knew what - and who - she was dealing with.

"But yes, a soul I have and for now it remains my own. I assume you atleast have a name?"

[Rama]

:: He Stopped at the edge of the last building a looked out over the road that lay ahead. The secent was still strong. It was no more the 3 hours old. He gazed at the things that lay ahead. Then a screech was heard below. This drew his attention, and he peered down the side of the wall, below several people bowing over body. He coud hear their words clear as day even though they were only whispers. ::


"He is dead.........he has no blood in him."

"It is unholy night that is for sure." another answered.


To the side of them held down by two more men was a woman, she was the source of the screams.

"I SAW IT! TAKE ME AWAY FROM HERE"


She kept repeating this over and over again. This required and investigation, but not a long one. There was a strong wind out of the northeast and the scent would not linger long.


Rama Droped down and clung to the wall the same way he had come up the wall before. He turned so his head was faceing down to towards the gathering and crept slowly down, useing the force to hold him solid to the wall much like a fly on the wall. He now moved ever so silently getting ever closer, then a scream broke a new


"HE HAS RETURNED! FLEE! FLEE YOU FOOLS!"


With that the woman broke from the grip of the men and and dashed off into the dark. The gathering was no looking up at him. He had been so intrested in seeing what was going on he had forgot to hide himself from their eyes

"That was rather careless" He muttered to himself.

The glent of metal caught his eye as one of the men drew a blaster. A loud blast came and Rama jumped from the wall, just as the blaster bolt hit the wall were he was clinging. He Had his saber out before he hit the ground, it a green flash the man's hand came lose from his arm. He fell to the ground screaming in pain. The second and Third man fled at this, but the forth stood his ground. He pulled from his belt a blade.

"You die now devil!!!!!" He Screamed as he charged. The blade cut thru the air at Rama's Head. He ducked quickly and the balde passed over his head. Before the man could bring his blade around again a green blade exploded from his back. His now lifeless body fell to the alley floor.


Rama deactivated his saber and turned back towards the first body. He handless man, pushed himself away useing his feet the best he could, his hand held over the bloody stump. His eyes locked on Rama. Rama bent down over the body and turned it's head to the side and saw two bite marks.

"Vamps........" He muttered to himself. "But which one."


He sniffed the air, The Four men, the woman, and the victim. No scent......and he had not expected to ffind one, he had never been able to catch a scent from them when he was in their company.

"Sloopy......leave it here to be found. Few Vamps have the Aorgance to leave the kill and not fear being found."

"Do not kill me Jedi! We did not kill this man, we came to help! He are not evil doers.....we meant to help."

The Man's frantic voice came from behind and Rama turned to look at him. He had backed himself up to the wall and was wide eyed still holding his stump. There was not blood, the wound had been burned closed by his blade.

"What makes you think Im Jedi?" Rama rough voice came

"You sword......your Lightsaber....only Jedi carry such weapons. We were trying to help him...I swear to this!!!"

"Indeed.........I am a Jedi" A lie....but he had decided to play a little game with this man. "Now come to me and I'll heal your wounds."

Rama Outstreched his arms to the man.

"Oh thank you sir........thank you" the man got to his feet and came into Rama's embrace. As soon as the man was in his arms Rama's eyes gleamed with a few power and force lighting began to jump from his body into the man. He screamed out in pain.

"LET GO!!!!!! LET GO!!!!!!"

But Rama held tight. The Smell of buring flesh now filled the air around, and the man's eyes rolled back in his head and his organs cooked in the heat. At that moment his eyeballs exploded and flames left from his sockets. His body hit the paved ally raod with a thud and the fire in his eye settled but did not go out. Rama let out a low whisper:

"And now I have saved you......saved you as any good Jedi would do."


Rama brushed off his cloak.


"Well I best clean up the Coven master's mess. "

Rama streched his arms out over the gathered bodies and one by one they burst into flames, filling the ally with a sickening glow. A large Grin came across Rama's face. "This had become a most intresting trip indeed. " With that Rama set off down the road with renewed speed. In the distance he could hear the poople rushing from thier homes to help put out the blaze. ::

[SAURRON]

The shadows seemed to flee from Saurron as he emerged from their dark cover, spreading around the chambers encircling its occupants. The slashing that Morag's initiate began upon herself produced the lovely shade of red. It soaked her clothing and ran freely down her arms. Saurron of course appreciated this event as the smell of her life's blood filled the air...how sultry and evil it was.

Morag, you are about to lose another initiate I believe.

Yet, Saurron only walked by, relieving her learner of only a finger tip taste. He sucked his pale finger clean while stepping ever closer to Hera and Sorsha. Then he halted his advance and gazed deep into her eyes delving into what was her...her essence itself.

Souls can pay many ways. One must not lose ones soul... to pay.

Saurron's eyes shifted to Sorsha then back to Hera. Yes there was a tale to be told in the quick glance that befell the deadly blonde, but it could be told another time. This night could not wait...it would not.

The Darkside...it called to him. An image of a black pool with silver ripples running their course, as they would. Saurron had seen this before. There was another here. On this planet. He was sure of it now. He nodded to himself in agreement of what was to come.

Ice blue met Hera at the same time a whisper met her ear.

Saurron. Came the whisper in deep tones laced with velvet. His name sounded as if he were standing next to her...his lips barely touching her ear. It was the answer to her question.

[DarthHERA]

......Saurron.......

She knew the name immediately. His reputation had preceded him.

Over the years, Hera had heard of the elusive Coven Master - the Lord of those undead who drink the blood of others - and the one who instructed her travelling companion, Sorsha, in the dark witchcraft. And now, she had a face to go with the name.

He was not what she had expected at all, though what she had expected, she didnt really know. Perhaps someone as gruesome and repungant as his feeding habits. Perhaps a walking corpse, corrupt and unsightly. But that was nothing like the man, here, who sent whispers to her ear. He was striking to look at and that, coupled with knowing what he was capable of, made him extremely dangerous. His eyes were so intense, almost hypnotic, as he looked at her and seemed to peer into her very being. Hera disciplined her mind so he could not roam freely through it, though what Saurron was doing was more than just a sensing via the force, there seemed a knowledge there - and that was unnerving.


She tried to hide the recognition - and the apprehension - his name evoked from her, but it was no good - he had seen it, brief as it was, pass across her eyes. His smile deliberately broadened, revealing his fangs and Hera found it impossible to look away.

"I know of you, Master Saurron. Many are not "the same" after having the pleasure of making your aquaintance."

The room suddenly felt very close and she did not feel so confident as before. This was an unexpected turn of events - what could she possibly give that the Sith Master would want, aside from her life's blood. Suddenly she was very aware of the vein throbbing in her own throat and instinctively leaned back from him.

It was obvious he and Morag knew each other and his presence here explained how Sorsha knew of the Kiett. It seemed that if Hera was to make a deal here tonight - and realize her plot against the Jedi Yoghurt - she would have to strike some agreement, bargain, payment whatever it was to be called - with the man before her.

With more confidence than she felt, Hera met Saurron's gaze and demanded aggressively, "What price do you require?"

[Rama]

:: Rama contiuned down the dark road......almost a blur. He kept his eyes forward and his mind clear but blocked. Soon he came to a large stone building.....it seemed alive with with life inside, but it didn't show it outwardly. He kept to the shadows as he noticed a Carraiage drawn by some native beast parked near the entrance. Scent was coming from there.....He Began to move forward. ::

"No" he said to himself and looked up the wall he was standing next to. "From in there."

:: With that he flung up the wall using the same technique as he did with the buildings of the town. He Climbed a way and came to window that looked in on a dark room. No one was inside. He Pulled on hand away from the wall and steadied himself with his legs, as he pulled oout his saber. He Ignited it and pushed it into the glass. It began to melt away....he moved it in a circural motion till the hole was big enough for his hand and he withdrew the saber and reached in and unlocked the window from the inside, as he touched the lock he sent a small force ligthing charge into it.

"That'll short out any alarms" he thought, but if there actually WERE any he did not know.

Rama pushed the window open and slipped inside. And he looked around, people had been her recently. He looked around all the scattered items, then he heard the sounds of chants and he turned his head. A stair well.....and from it came a warm glow of some kind.....lights? Fire? He didn't know. He crept catiously towards it. ::

[Morag Prime]

At the same instant Rama sent a small shock of lightening into the lock, the everpresent owl atop Morag's shoulder jumped a little on its fleshly perch and flapped its wings in alarm.

Drawing her eyes reluctantly from the Vampyre, the Prime Enchantress looked at the bird. Stroking its ruffled feather head and gazing into the twin amber pools of the owls eyes, Morag could see an open window in one of the high towers of Maelstrom Hall.

"It seems we have another visitor, Shrillna..."

The old attendant turned and looked at the door, but of course it was still closed tightly as before.

Morag was intruiged..so many strange arrivals. Truely said, "the wicked ones walked tonight".

Continuing to address her servant, Morag clawed her fingers in the direction of the door, and toward the stranger beyond it.

"Find this new arrival and let us see what he wishes with the Kiett."

Obediently the twisted old woman slipped silently from the room, taking a lighted torch with her, and ascended the dark stairwell.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha had remained silent, until now. Her eyes flash over a fiery gold as she projects her will outwards, searching for the presence with the tenacity of a hunting serpent. Much to to Rama's suprise, she had found him, and in the brief seconds their minds touched, she delivered a psychic scream that sent searing pain through his mind. She had grown far stronger in the darkside since she left the Empire, unhindered by the ones who feared her thirst for Chaos. Far more than Rama ever gave her credit for, or thought her capable of. Had he not forsaken her, she would have remained at his side, her loyalty only rivaled by that of his lover. She severed the link violently and hissed aloud, her tone laced with deep malice as she she glares at the doorway ::


"I know who he is. His name is Rama Sha."


<table border=0 cellpadding=15 cellspacing=0 background=http://darthogre.clanpages.com/sorsha/pics/misc/SorshaKasajian.jpg width=555 height=284><tr><td width=271 valign=center><img src=http://darthogre.clanpages.com/sorsha/pics/roc/roc87.jpg width=240 height=182 alt="Sith Witch"></td></tr></table>

[SAURRON]

Saurron's grin faded as Hera's question was asked. Her aggressive query would be answered in time. Time...something Saurron held in his hand with the grip of the dead. Now, he would help Hera, help her in her quest to destroy the Jedi Master Yoghurt. For this, she could repay her dues whatever they maybe...

Would you endear to lose this nights favor over a price? Saurron's index finger adorned with a clear razor sharp nail rose as if to warn her of a hasty answer...

There are some things...that are...truly priceless.

Shrillna passed by shuffling her feet as she received her orders to investigate from Morag. Her arms dripped, covered in red as she walked by with her lit torch flaming. So few used natural light these days. The glow of the fire she held in her hands soon faded as she climbed upwards...

"Rama Sha" Came Sorsha. If she could have killed him where he stood here and now it would have been done by the tone in her voice. Saurron shifted his gaze from Hera to Sorsha. So, it was him who had caused the ripples he saw. No matter, things would proceed as planned...or terrible things would transpire...things indeed.

[DarthHERA]

Saurron was playing mind games. He had to be. The Vampyre would be able to sense how hungry Hera was for Morag's gift. Her body language, the desire in her eyes, her unconscious moistening of her lips with her tongue.
Cautioning her against haste when he held such power in his hand was like placing a cigarette to a dying mans lips and holding the flame just out of reach.

So it was to be an IOU. Well, that would work too. The galaxy was a big big place...who knew when - IF - she would ever see the Sith Vampyre again.

Sorsha announced Rama's arrival and broke the hypnotic hold Saurron seemed to have on Hera and she spun round to look at her companion.

....Rama Sha?....now there's a person she hadnt seen in a very long while... This night was certainly bringing out an interesting brew of wickedness.

The tone of her friend was decidedly ominous and Hera could only guess as to what that implicated. Feeling the need to seal her deal with Saurron, or Morag..whoever was running this show.. she turned back to the ice-blue eyes.

"Allow me this gift - this rendering of souls from the witch - and you will have what payment you want. Just decide now, and let me take what I came for."

[Rama Sha]

:: Rama heard the scream from Sorsha. He knew in instant he had been found out. It hurt him.....she was obivousely trying to show her new "Strength". He decided to answer, he had nothing to lose. He focused his mind. A low rumble began in her ears, louder and louder it came slowly forming into the sound of growl of an unearthly creature. It easly reached a decibe three times that of what Sorsha had unleased on him, and now it wasn't confined to just Sorsha but all who could hear with the mind's ear. It then ceased and there was calm again. Then a swift wing came down the stair and the tourch held by the old woman blew out and smoked for bit. ::

[Morag Prime]

Morag watched the exchange between Hera and the Vampyre, curious to see the outcome. Two determined individuals, both with the will to take what they wanted. One patient, One not.
Perhaps she still may see the drinking of life blood..

Something made the owl screech loudly and flap its wings in distress. Morag stroked its back to calm it, but the bird would not be settled. It screeched again and lifted from its perch to stoop and bob in agititation on a high wooded beam.

The other visitors had heard or felt something also and the Prime's keen eyes drifted to each one looking for reaction.

***************

Further up the stairwell, which with the extinguishing of the torch was now cast into utter darkness - no moons' light to guide her steps, Shrillna cautiously, tentatively crept forward. Her eyes, bead-bright, darted to every crook and corner, stone and step around her. Someone stood across from her. She could 'feel' it. She whispered with her cracked thin voice into the darkness.

"Eeeeeintruuuuder.....hurt me not....."

creeping creeping...

"I - eee will take you where you wish to beeee..."

[Rama]

:: A Deep gruff voice came from the Shadow. ::


"I will go where I wish to be."



:: The Shadow approached and moved passed her and began to descend the stairs. ::

[Morag Prime]

The old crone hissed and shrank back to cower in a crouch against the wall as the intruder passed her by. Stretching one age-gnarled arm forward in the darkness, and with the light touch of a thief, Shrillna hooked with a sharp fingernail and lifted from the hem of his cloak a single thread..

[Rama]

:: A Dark Shadow appeared in the stair. The footsteps of booted feet came before the shadow. Then the ghost like face of the shadow appeared and made his way across the floor to the other 3 with no hint of fear or any other emotion for that matter. He made his way past the one known as Saurron and then past the one known as Sorsha without a 2nd glance and came to Hera and then gave a bow. ::

" Forgive me presence my lady......I am merely looking for someone of great importance to me. I do not wish to hinder you in or stop you. My presence was found out prematurely, I had not intended to interup."

:: With that he raised to his full height again. ::

[SAURRON]

A wry grin crossed Saurron's face as Rama moved gracefully past. If it weren't for his human life's blood calling to Saurron he would have thought him to be Vampyre. In an instant he allowed the one known as Rama Sha to pass if only to see his actions thus. If there was one thing Vampyre had it was patience. Time had a funny way of running out just when it was perceived as being in much abundance. Rama was a respected master of the Sith Empire to which Saurron himself once belonged, but things were different now. Saurron had taken what he needed from the Sith and bid them adue like a midnight lover. His eyes fell upon the master burning holes in his back as he drew near. He was already only a few feet from Hera so it didn't leave much room in proximity as Rama approached her. His deep voice reached the TSE masters ears.

Yet, your very presence... is... in essence, an interruption Mr. Sha. Who is it you seek?, perhaps... we can steer you in the correct direction.

He tilted his head slightly as to gain a better vantage point of vision. Rama could feel the Coven Master close to him. He felt no fear, no life, no bood to take...or spill.

Confidence, a reality bending emotion...some it served and some it certainly did not...

[Rama]

"I know who I seek. " His voice was gruff and harsh. "And my direction has already been found."


:: He turned and looked at Saurron and then moved away from the center of the room. ::

"I will wait. "

[Master Yoghurt]

<center>We are such stuff as dreams are made on...
~ William Shakespeare, The Tempest, Act IV scene I


"The teachings of the Holocron include thousand year old secrets - but they also include the words and faces of men in the process of discovery. The Jedi Masters of old were not afraid to let their minds roam freely, for they were hungry for ever greater understanding of the mysterious Force that had become their power and their ally."
~ Unknown Jedi Master</center>



<center><img src=http://www.thegjo.com/pics/Yavin4.jpg></center>


Yavin IV

The giant gas planet of Yavin blocked the sun, only letting the refractive light through its high level helium and hydrogen atmosphere iluminate the small forest moon. It was nightime.. another moon could be seen in the distance. The bright emissions of distant spacecraft glittered through the fog which surrounded the heavily jungled moon. High above the ground in this serene environment was a lookout post. The nights of Yavin Four were seldom as dark as this, since the jungles and mountains of the moon are bathed in the near-constant glow of Yavin's immense surface. Even when the sun was not shining directly on the gas giant, a diffuse glow still surrounded the planet, creating a shadowy twilight world on most nights. Occasionally.. like at this very moment, the Yavin gas giant eclipsed the sun, plunging Yavin Four into a black dark night.

As the forth moon of Yavin rotated on its axis, the giant gas planet would sink to the horizon. It would soon become even darker..

The wind flowed calmly through the lush green trees, now covered by the shadows. The whisper birds silenced their singing as the night fell. The distant light of Yavin cast an eerie blue light on the ancient Massassi Temples; The Woolamander Palace, Exar Kun's Temple, The Great Temple and last but not least, the pyramid shape of Temple Avalon;


<img src=http://www.thegjo.com/pics/temple.jpg>


At the very top of the Temple, where the sides formed the highest step, a tiny green Jedi Master stood watching. It was a a magnificent view. From this obervatory point, he could see hundreds of miles. Sadow Lake, the River of Light, Mount Arkania, all perfectly viewable, even in this eerie blue glowing darkness. The vast sea of stars glowed in the dark void of space. Tired, he took a deep breath and closed his eyes. The skyline of Yavin IV was not what interested him right now, rather than something much more distant. For days, he had been doing what some ancient scrolls in the Jedi Study describe as "Probing the Dark Side". A very dangerous procedure, only entrusted by a select few Masters. In this meditative state, he could see things. Disturbances or corruptions in the Force; the hidden and the unknown. Things that was, things that is.. and some things that have not yet come to pass. Visions of events far, far away.. even across the stars.

He let the Force flow though him.. becoming one with it and everything. The Force.. this mysterious energy field binding the galaxies together worked as a medium. In the inner levels of his mind, he could see distant moons and planets.. nebula clouds. His projected self immerged in space itself;


<img src=http://www.thegjo.com/pics/yog.jpg>




At certain points, he would have a vision like he had now. It was something that had troubled him for some time. From the perspective of a planet, he could see five moons lining up in a row, gradually eclipsing the bright light of a star..

<img src=http://www.thegjo.com/pics/eclipse1.jpg>
<img src=http://www.thegjo.com/pics/eclipse2.jpg>
<img src=http://www.thegjo.com/pics/eclipse3.jpg>

As the the moons were perfectly alligned, the planet was swallowed by its shadow. The entire planet encloaked in darkness. Images flickered by. People celebrating.. a festival.. yet, there was something, or someone else.. an ominous presence.. faces..

a concentration.. a divergence in the Force??


The image blurred out into a swirly mist of clouds as he dropped out of his trance, exahusted. The air chilled, and a wind caught the forest. The deep bouldering sound of thunder could be heard in the distance.

"Strong with the Dark Side that place is! Dangerous and mysterious this puzzle is", Yog thought to himself. What was it.. and where could it be?



As he frowned over the implications, he pulled out a small crystaline cube from his robes.. the crystals formed in a complex latticework formation, iniciated this was some sort of recording device. But no normal such device however. The cube hovered above his hand, spinning as it was touched by the Force:

<img src=http://www.thegjo.com/pics/holocron.gif>


The strange ornatal symbols on its side, suggesting this was a highly unusual and precious artifact; a Jedi Holocron. These ancient holographic matrixes contained an intuitive logic module that faithfully recreated the images and personalites of past Jedi Masters, who act as hosts. The Jedi who built the Holocron was the primary host, while other contributors would add their images and personalities to host their sections. A model of the gatekeeper's cognitive network served as a search, recovery and storage allocation program. Holocrons were used as educational tools by Jedi Masters to teach beyond their death, documenting the history and lore of the Jedi Knights. It would contain histories and wisdom and information about the Jedi, collected down through the years.

He smiled lightly as the cube started to pulsate in a spectre of colors, almost asking to be accessed..

This as well as other holocrons had many levels and branching paths concealed within its circuity. Hidden places.. where only a Jedi with a certain amount of skill could unlock. A pattern of organic crystals at the heart of the Holocron reacts to the presence of a true Jedi. These crystals are the key to the deeper levels of the Holocron's mysteries. Of course deep level access, would be of no problem to this Jedi.


"This is Master Yoghurt speaking. Activate!" The cube glowed as Yog touched the surface.. an holographic image shot out of the cube:

<img src=http://www.thegjo.com/pics/jediholocron1.jpg>


Yoghurt, watched as the image of Bodo Baas iluminated the dark night in a spectacle of light. According to history books.. the holocron of Bodo Baas was destroyed many years ago. However.. things are not always what they seem.


"Greetings Master Jedi.. I am Bodo Baas, Gatekeeper of this holocron. Do you have a question for me?"














<center><font size=5 color="red">A few hours later</font>


Four military grade encrypted messages pinged across Yavin's local network...</center>

<center><table border=0 width=450 bgcolor="black"><tr><td><font size=1 color="lime" face="arial">
TO: Jedi Master Leia Solo :: 4u32p4+022T35&%"Z%67!435~906^851l
SUBJECT: Trouble at Tsaro
FROM: Master Yoghurt :: 3987539572.24395.125-&h+i%

There is a disturbance in the Force. Your council requested is. Go to docking bay 54 you must. Prepare for space travel
-----------------------------



-----------------------------
TO: Gurney Devries :: j39&"s92js982kr0øp2s0+pe.32ws
SUBJECT: Your training
FROM: Master Yoghurt :: 3987539572.24395.125-&h+i%

Your assistance needed is. Mission of great danger awaits. Wait for me at bay 54. There you will meet Kyle Starblade.. my other Padawan. A great training companion and many interesting stories.
-----------------------------



-----------------------------
TO: Jedi Council :: 098~3at052.2352437.ya2g
SUBJECT: Disturbance of the Force
FROM: Master Yoghurt :: 3987539572.24395.125-&h+i%

Investigating possible corruption of the Force at Tsaro.
-----------------------------



-----------------------------
TO: NRSF Yavin Logistics HQ :: P~9755.2a24-35%980.77
SUBJECT: My ship
FROM: Master Yoghurt :: 3987539572.24395.125-&h+i%


Prepare my ship. Update astro navigation charts and tactical computer. Recharge energy cells and shields. Arm with full warhead configuration. Stock cargo hull with military grade supplies.

I request;
1 Protocol Droid
1 R2 unit
1 extra hyperdrive motivator
--------------------------

~~ transmissions end</font></td></tr></table>

[Kyle Starblade]

Temple Avalon - Bay 54

<img src=http://www.thegjo.com/pics/hangar.jpg>





Kyle Starblade monitored as binary lifters loaded cargo and supplies into the hull of the YT-1300 freighter. There were droids and NRSF hangar crew everywhere, readying the ship for deep space travel. A protocol droid muttered his complaints to a R2 unit as he walked by carrying a crate of tools..


Protocol Droid: Dear, oh dear. Me; a protocol droid carrying tools. How inapropriate.. sometimes, I don't understand human behavior. Next thing I know, they will send me on one of these dreadful space crafts.

R2 unit: <font color=yellow>"beeeeee-blip-bawooop"</font>

Protocol Droid: A beg your pardon? We are enlisted as crew on this ship? That is ridiculous. You should clean your databank more often.

Kyle could not help overhearing the conversation between the droids. "Hey, you two.. tincans.. eh.. droids", Kyle said. "You will be coming with us"

Protocol Droid: .......

R2 unit: <font color=yellow>Teeewooooaaap!</font> (amused)

Protocol Droid: This is your fault! It does not say anywhere in my contract about space travel. Ever heard of the "Droids Teamsters"?

R2 unit: <font color=yellow>Blip-blip-blop!</font> (teasing sound)

Protocol droid: How rude! Perhaps I should tell them about that time in the laundry power generator room. I dont think they would be too pleased when they hear the reason for 150 Jedi robes shrinking to java size was..

R2 unit: <font color=yellow>Wheeeeep-ooooo!</font>



As the droids kept bickering, Kyle looked at his datapad, still blinking with that message titled "urgent", he received a short while ago..


<center><table border=0 bgcolor="black"><tr><td><font size=1 color="lime" face="arial">Kyle,

Trouble at Tsaro. Foreseen it I have. There we must go. You pilot the ship.

Gurney and Leia will join us. List of crew included.

May the Force be with you,

Yoghurt


*******
*******
Message attachment - crew list

Passengers:
Yoghurt
Leia Solo
Gurney Devries

Crew:
1 Pilot (you)
1 Protocol Droid
1 R2 unit</font></td></tr></table></center>

Kyle smiled. The old man had his way with words; short, but to the point. All he had to do now was wait for Leia and Gurney to appear..

[Gurney Devries]

"Frelling.... GAH!"

Sticking the end of his left thumb into his mouth, Gurney Devries, very annoyed Jedi Padawan, picked up the beeping datapad in his free hand, thumbing the button on its side. The message had interrupted Gurney's meditation - which involved spinning a blade rather precariously on the end of his finger. The beeping had startled him, causing the blade to fall and nick said finger.

He looked the message over: Short and simple, as was Master Yoghurt's style. His annoyance at the unexpected message quickly melted as he finished reading. A mission? With Yog's other Padawan? Sounded important... and like it could be a good deal of fun.

Gurney picked up his robes, piled up next to him, and donned them quickly as he stood. As he did so, he took notice of the fact that the cut on his finger had already disappeared. Hmm... maybe he was getting better at this Healing thing, after all. Bay 54 wasn't very far away at all from his current residence.... he deiceded to walk.

Arriving at his destination (which took roughly 10 minutes - not too bad, he thought), he saw a young man leaning up against one of the ships. The lightsaber at his side told Gurney that this must be Yoghurt's other padawan, Kyle. Sticking the ends of two fingers in his mouth, Gurney let out a whistle and waved.

"Hey! Kyle Starblade, issit?"

[DarthHERA]

Hera acknowledge Rama Sha's arrival, but before she could speak to him, Saurron spoke.

There seemed some undercurrent of sorts between the three of them, Rama, Sorsha, Saurron - all once members of the Sith Empire, as Hera had been too at one brief point in time. But things were different now and she felt excluded, unknowledgeable of the history between them all. She looked suspiciously from one to the other in turn. The dark energy was thick from so many Sith presences. They all felt it. All drew on it and absorbed it into their black souls, feeding on it.

The Sith gathered in this Kiett stronghold tonight were all strong and powerful in their own right. Each of them responsible for countless deaths and destruction on a massive scale throughout the galaxy over the years. Right here, in this room, was a force that was capable of such awful potential that were the Jedi to know of their meeting, they would be very very alarmed.

Rama stepped back from the center of the room.
"I will wait. "

Hera turned again to the Vampyre. "Well, I will not wait!"

She flashed angry eyes, and was through discussing. "I have waited too long to attack this Jedi. I must have what I came for tonight. The party games are over."

She turned toward Morag. "Is it agreed then? The Vampyre shall exact the price on your behalf?"

[Morag Prime]

Why, let the stricken deer go weep,
The hart ungalled play;
For some must watch, while some must sleep:
So runs the world away.

"Hamlet" William Shakespeare.



Morag nodded her head slowly, her mouth drawn back in an unnerving grin.

"I will accept the Master Vampyre's terms."


The Prime noted that the old hag, Shrillna, had returned, entering back into the room behind the newest arrival Rama Sha, and closed the door behind her.
"You will have the 'gift' and the Kiett will have their revenge against the Light weilders and the Master you speak of."

For a moment the room fell silent and all stood watching the Prime expectantly.

Morag began to utter in an unknown tongue - the one she had used before to order Siekens apprehending. Shrillna began a low hissing and clasped her gnarled fingers together, twisting them in anticipation.

The dull glow of the lit torches suspended on the walls about the room waved and flickered eratically. The walls themselves seemed to come alive and twist and heave in motion. It appeared at first that the walls themselves were closing in on the group, but this was incorrect. It was instead the shadows of the witches from the other room that had been gathered waiting obediently until they were called upon, peeling away from their stations to answer the Primes bidding.

The dark-wraiths crept forward in a wave of shadowy movement. They circled around each of the Sith, long slim arms extended and outlining each individuals body. Around their shoulders, down their bodies and legs, up again to weave around their heads - but not touching any of them. Rama, Sorsha, Saurron, Sieken, Hera - all could feel the cold whispers of the shadows as they did their bizare dance - and all stood watching only. Curious and unafraid.

A shadow, more prominent than the others - the one that had crept before Morag into the Calamary earlier came to stand before Hera. Morag's constant verbalising droned on and Shrillna's twisting hands cotinued their movement.

The Prime took one distinct step forward toward Hera. Her shadow, at the same instant do so as well, and disappeared into Hera's body. Hera jerked back slightly with the impact and a dark film swam over her eyes, momentarily blacking out their irridescent blue. The other shadows leapt and twisted and looked like some demonized group of deaf-mutes dancing around.

The Vampyre touched the blonde's arm slightly, which made Hera blink open her eyes. They had returned to their usual color, and she glanced at the Vampyre, a little unsure.

Morag moved back again and opening her hands expansively, commanded the rest of the shadows to retreat. The tide of black shadows ebbed and gradually returned to the darkness against the wall, blending again into obscurity.


"My shadow will do my bidding as I command it. It will be as if I am there to perform the deed of soul rending myself."

Shrillna scurried across and lifted a scroll of parchment from a drawer and brought it to the Prime.

Morag turned to the Sith Witch.

"You must chant this - or teach Ms DrenKast the spell - and it will summon me, where ever I am. She will have my aid instantly and I will chanel my ability into the shadow which in turn through her will do as she wishes."

Morag smiled at those who stood in the room. So much evil... So much to look forward too!

"Kill the Jedi Yoghurt. Kill him and take his body for your prize and rid us all of his interferings!"

[Taylor Millard]

It was not often Millard traveled out of his system. If he did, it was for a laborious meeting with either Darth Viscera or the Dark Jedi on VJun. But the Festival of Five Moons was a sight to see indeed, and the Imperial Grand Admiral was only happy to oblige his whim. He’d left Vice Admiral Laran in charge of Balmorra, giving her more time to recover from her injuries sustained at the hands of The Sith Order. Taylor’s bodyguard, Thomas, was the only one who accompanied him to the festival.

The bodyguard had left his normal crimson cloak of the Imperial Guard back on the Superior, opting for a more traditional brown and tan trouser and combination with a white pullover beneath the vest. Millard had left his Imperial Grand Admiral uniform as well, choosing his normal black jumpsuit as his attire. On this trip they were just two travelers, one with a Force Pike…the other a lightsaber, tucked neatly beneath a black jacket over the black jumpsuit.

“Quite a crowd,” Thomas observed as the duo gazed over the green grass of the festival grounds, “Reminds me of Devil's Fest on Omar Prime.”

Millard nodded his agreement, his cold blue eyes lifting upwards as the eclipse began. It was always a wonder watching eclipses. The Sith Knight had witnessed only one in his lifetime, back on Balmorra when he was a child. His mother had pointed it out as the sun was blotted out, sending the entire world into darkness. It had frightened him, putting him on edge. But that was before he discovered the wonder and vastness of space.

As the darkness enveloped the festive crowd, Taylor began sensing them. Force Users. But these were unlike most of the Force Users the older Dark Jedi had sensed. Instead of being in control, with anger bubbling beneath the surface like a geyser, these Sith were enthralled in their anger, letting it rule their emotions and lives. It annoyed Millard, that these Force Users could be so out of control. It reminded him of his time with The Sith Order, though he had reconciled as best as possible with them. Although Millard's anger fueled his power in the Force, the Sith Knight kept it in check until it was time to release its full force.

“It would be prudent, Thomas,” he mused, “If we were to observe the proceedings below until the time comes for us to act. We will investigate all we can, then take our leave of this place before it becomes out of hand.”

With his bodyguard nodding in agreement, the Dark Jedi walked towards a fruit cart, purchased a peach, then watched the spectacle from afar, keeping his senses open for anything.

[Jedi Master Leia Solo]

Back at Temple Avalon

::Leia was sipping her morning tea and looking over the new padawan recruites applications, when her datapad began to beep like crazy. Entering the access code...a message popped up on the screen clearly labeled urgent. The Jedi Master proceeded to read the message::

What's this?! A message from Master Yoghurt noting a very disturbing tremor in the force. Oh no..this is not good. I have a bad feelilng about this.

::The Jedi Master shutdown the datapad quickly. Without hesitation she grabbed her cloak and threw it on. Leia opened up her desk and pulled out her commlink and blaster attaching both to her belt where her lightsaber was clipped on. Quickly she headed down the corridors of Avalon and began her journey down to Docking Bay 54. ::


Destination: Docking Bay54
:: Shortly later...the Jedi Master arrived noting the commotion down at the Bay. She looked on to see who has arrived. Leia walked up to a man in a pilot's uniform that appeared to be talking to a padawan. The Jedi Master gave a bow of respect.::

Excuse me. I am Jedi Master Leia Solo. I was requested by Master Yoghurt to meet up with him and a pilot name Starblade. I presume that is you, Sir. Is that not correct?

[Rama]

"What do I get if I kill the one known as Yogurt?"


:: Rama spoke up after hearing what was going on. He couldn't very well make Sorsha tell him where Sierra was at present. She had a part in whatever Hera and Saurron was doing here. He may has wall "entertain himself." ::

"From what I have heard........or rahter over heard. There isn't much to that intrests me to do with all of this. So if I were to take his life........what do I get?"

[DarthHERA]

Hera rounded on the Sith Master, cutting off any reply Morag would make.

"You get my sword in your gullet for your trouble Rama Sha!"

She took in all in the room at a glance and snarled, "That goes for all of you. The Sith have had years to hunt down and kill Yoghurt...and yet he roams the galaxy as free as he pleases. It is my turn, and I wont be denied it."

Hera could picture in her mind the diminutive body of the legendary Jedi Master, bound in its arcane prison - her trophy..An eternal monument to the power of darkness over light. Her darkness over his light.

Her voice dropped low, calmer than before but every bit as intense. "I WILL take Master Yoghurt for myself."

[Taylor Millard]

So shaken as we are, so wan with care,
Find we a time for frighted peace to plant
And breathe a short-winded accent of new broils
To be commenced in strands afar remote.
No more the thristy entrance of this soil
Shall daub her lips with her own children's blood.


The History of Henry the Fourth by Shakespeare

A sharp pain suddenly came to Taylor's head, almost causing the Dark Jedi to fall to the cobblestone road. Thomas ushered him into the nearest alley, avoiding two women clad in leather and spikes- one sucking the life out of the other. A pained glare from Taylor's blue eyes, sent the two running looking for more...private accomodations.

"Admiral, are you okay?" Thomas had a concerned look on his face. Drawing on the Force, Millard sucked in his breath.

"A...major...spike in the Force. Familiar presence though, but I can't place it...Yet," Taylor threw his head back, feeding on the Force even more for strength, "Come...let's remove ourselves from here."

The Grand Admiral and his bodyguard exitted the alley, as quickly as they entered. The sight before them astounded them both.

The Festival was in full swing now, with burning effigies of various deities lighting the night with the glowing yellow and red of the flames. Women were busy throwing themselves at anything that moved, while men watched with alcohol in hand. It was a truly grotsque form of enertainment.

Millard followed the spike in the Force, using it as a homing beacon, as he navigated the streets and backways of Duvray. Black banners with silver emblems filled the walls on the street. The buildings were white washed with flecks of green tile on the roof. The Sith Knight turned two corners then found where the power was emenating from...a small delapidated chapel, in ruins from years of age and destruction.

Taylor paused, feeling the power from below. His information on the Festival of the Five Moons reported a group of witches met, but did not say where. Jaranda said the witches were quite secretive about it, but that if Millard got information on it...he should wait and see what would occur.

Remembering this, Taylor turned to Thomas, "We'll stay here. I suggest you find a vantage point and prepare the sniper rifle. In case anything happens."

Thomas nodded, then left Millard alone. A Force leap to the top of a roof, gave Millard a perfect vantage point of anyone entering and leaving the chapel. He sat and watched...and waited.

[Rama]

"You sure your able Hera?"

:: Rama calmly looked over at her. Her sudden outburst hadn't surprised him or scared him. ::

"I can't speak for these two......."

:: Rama waves his hand at the two other sith. ::


".....but Yog lives for reason. And by the time you face him......you may be wanting my help."

:: Rama shrugged and walked towards Hera again ::


"but tell us Lordess Hera......you have been part of the Darkside for a long while. Why have YOU not killed Yog before now?"

[Pierce Tondry]

Creep, creep, creep.

The watchful eyes of the Hobgoblin had been upon the Calamary from its' beginning. Hiding wasn't the hard part- that was easy. It was simply a matter of turning himself into an overlookable stone, or rather the aura of Force that was himself. In the dank, dark recesses of the chapel, he was nearly invisible- at least to those who weren't looking for him.

Which appeared to be everyone else tailing Hera DrenKast. It was prudent, the dwarf decided, to wait and see what developed before weaving his own workings this night.

And so Hob continued to watch the proceedings in the room with eyes that saw through walls.

(ooc) Just pretend the poster was Hob- I'm not wholly in the mood to switch IDs right now.

[DarthHERA]

Rama addressed her by Lordess...He didn't know perhaps that she had attained to Master. Maybe he considered as she was one younger in the Dark Arts than himself, she could be dismissed as nonthreatening. Well he would not be the first to make such a mistake. Perhaps Yoghurt would do the same.. It only worked to her advantage when she was underestimated.

Rama only voiced thoughts that had already run course through her own mind. She answered him bluntly.

"I have not killed him because I am not strong enough."

It was no surprise. Master Yoghurt was legendary in the force. Hera knew that others in times passed had tried to destroy him. But she had been consumed with planning her attack on Yoghurt for a very long time and thoughts of it being robbed from her, even by such a leader among the Sith as Rama, before she could even attempt it made her edgy and covetous. She wanted it badly..and had made a deal with the devil (her eyes drifted momentarily to the Vampyre) to ensure she was successful.

"I am well aware of the challenge before me. That is why Im here. To gain an ability Yoghurt will not be expecting from me. Perhaps he will sense it, but by the time he knows what he is up against, he will be in no position to battle me."

She looked directly into Rama's cool stare. "I am not so arrogant as to believe I may not need help from you - or the others - but be assured, I WILL use my lightsaber on anyone who gets in my way."

[Rama]

"Not exactly the answer I expected......but it is a pleasent surprise. It's good that you know what your up against. "

:: Rama looked as if he was in deep thought. ::


"You will face Yog first.......but you face him alone. Even if he is about to strike you down I can't save you."

:: He gave a slight grin at her ::


"but i get the feeling that's the way you want it...........But Wherever Yog is he is not likely to be alone.....and you can't take them all on yourself. So i guess I'll just have to wait for Yog, but at least I won't be denied Jedi blood."

:: He turned away from them and looked at the wall as if he was looking past it and not at it. ::


"Let's wake the dead."

[Morag Prime]

"Let Hercules himself do what he may,
The cat will mew and dog will have his day"

Hamlet - William Shakspeare



***********************


Morag could not be more pleased.

These Sith were a distrusting and spiteful bunch and she would not like to be one counted as their enemy.

It was only fitting the Jedi should have such adversaries...and that the Jedi Master Yoghurt should come to suffer at their hands.

A thin smile graced the Prime's lips. Revenge on the lightweilders for all the damage they had done will come, and come soon. The dog will have his day, and the Kiett will have their due.

The owl, who finally had allowed his agitation to subside, flew to take his place again on the Enchantress's shoulder. Morags soulless eyes looked into the twin amber pools of the birds and she held a slender finger up in warning to those in the room.

"There are others aware of tonights gathering.."

Morag had seen the men who had arrived at the old Chapel and were even now watching, as she watched them. The only one she did not see was the Hob Goblin, he evaded even the owls keen perception.

Little did she realise that the Sith in the room instinctively thought of other force wielders - the Jedi in particular. Hera especially reacted to the statement the Prime had made.

[Taylor Millard]

The presences were beginning to make more sense to Millard as he waited on the rooftop. Two were definately familiar, one of his comrade-in-arms Hobgoblin from The Black Hand. The other, just beginning to become more familiar was someone he was rather suprised to see here.

Hera DrenKast?

It had been several months since Millard had encountered this particular Sith. Last time he'd seen her, they two were battling pirates off of her base of operations (http://www.swforums.net/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12966) . Now, Millard was unsure why she was here, but could tell something was 'wrong' about her.

She's different...as if something was possessing her...

Still The Dark Jedi waited. There was no point in acting now...Hera could certainly defend herself, and the same went for Hobgoblin.

He then moved his sense to the others in the room. All were fairly powerful, save for one, whose power was dimmed by the others surrounding him. One person mystified Millard. Although he could sense the Force, there was no living being he could sense around the Force Essence. It was almost as if...

There's a physical sense yes...but could it possibly be I've encountered...

Millard had read rumors about vampires but none of them confirmed their existance. Now, he mused, I might have confirmation of their being.

Taylor looked around the room, then shifted positions.

I wonder what's taking place there. And who these other presences are.

[DarthHERA]

"When devils will the blackest sins put on,
They do suggest at first with heavenly shows,"

Othello Act2 Scene 111

***************


As she heard what Morag said, Hera immediately slipped into a familiar mind set. She took a few steps back, removing herself a little from the group surrounding her to allow her better focus.

She had for many times now travelled this specific road. At first it had been very very difficult and she had spent many hours in preparation before even attempting to seek the jedi out. Painstaking in her attention to detail, deliberate in every action and command of the force, Hera had meticulously set up her trap. She had been extremely cautious and patient - disciplines that did not come natural to her but ones she found strength to master by the skill instilled into her over years of training by Ogre Mal Pannis. Though her Master's style was more forcefull than her own, she had learned from him to demand more from herself to the point of abject pain to accomplish what it was she wanted. And now she was reaping the benefit of such brutal lessons learned.

The first initial contact had been barely a whisper. A breath of a plea - vague and elusive. And the Jedi Master had noted it within his mind. The hook was cast.

As time passed, Hera's contact though still very very vague had caught Yoghurts intrigue...or more accurately, his desire to help a lost soul searching desperately for her destiny in the force - to serve truth or follow the easier road to the darkside.

Hera smiled even now as she thought of it. Of his gentle words to her - or rather to the person she projected herself to be - and how he would help her if he could...

***********************


The image (http://abberition.homestead.com/files/aparit.jpg) came softly, just as it had before, and the Jedi Master knew it to be her long before the contact was fully made. It had been quite a long time since she had contacted him. A month atleast, perhaps two.
Yoghurt could only just make out her face - innocent and hopeful as it always was. But something was different this time...she seemed darker somehow, though he couldnt be certain. He wondered if perhaps she was, after all, considering the darkside to be her destiny. Her visits to him were always hampered like a bad communication link or interference on a holo-message, by her inability and youth in the force, atleast thats what Yog put it down to...

He managed though to hear one faint call before she faded away completely and it disturbed him greatly.

"....help me, Master Yoghurt.."

[Rama Sha]

:: He Turned to the figure that seemed to be calling the shots in all of this ::

"What you mean? What others?"


:: Rama been so focused on the going on in this little room, that he had not noticed anything outside of it. ::

[Evil Hobgoblin]

At Rama's words, Hob's image promptly walked through the wall nearest him. "That's because you're an ignorant twat, lad," the dwarf scolded quietly. "Tryin' t' keep tabs on me an' everyone else here and not so interested in the goin's on outside. What if a Republic Gunship happened t'wander by an' blow the building t' smithereens? Where would ye be then? 'tis a good thing one of those 'others' is with me t' protect from such."

After having made his grand entrance, the illusion flopped onto the ground and began watching Hera interestedly. "A fascinatin' attempt," he added. "Twill be interestin' t'see iffn' it works."

[Rama]

Oh look..........a so called Dark Jedi


::With those words Rama spit on the floor, as if the words made his mouth fill with the diguisting taste of bile. ::

[SAURRON]

Amber pools blinked once, twice, then were coupled with a head turn around the room, then back again. Saurron held his hand up as if to offer a perch for the Primes watcher to land on...and it did. Saurron saw what the Darkside did not show him, yet he did not dispatch his Coven troopers to quell the gathering. They were of the Darkside and would one day serve it well. He spoke to the owl in his native tongue. A learned language through centuries of study as he was not a born Vampyre... yet the owl understood.

Sieshc vro, mens tuoi sui diem.

The winged creature flapped twice then left his hand to land upon Morag's shoulder once again.

Saurron turned to look Rama in his fearless eyes.

As you said yourself, Master Rama, she will need help. A most motley crew we are now, but a danger to the light nevertheless...do you agree?

Saurron turned to Morag...
Send your spies and witches out to bring the outsiders in to us. For the price Hera will pay she will not be denied any assistance.

A fanged grin ensued as he lowered his brow, staring at Hera then to Sorsha...his Sith witch...then his gaze returned to Hera...

A cool breeze sent her hair upwards... then sharp nails meet her flesh just above her bare waist line...they dug in slightly into her tanned living flesh.

Saurron's whisper met her ears with a velvet touch upon her senses...

It was once again in his Vampyre tongue, none understood what he had spoke except for Sorsha who could pick out the word eternity.

Eternity beckons you...and it will have you.

[Rama]

"A Danger to the light? Prehaps......but I feel more a danger to each other then anything. Let's try not to let that happen Hmmmmmmm? "

:: He was Speaking to Saurron, but his stare was on Sorsha. ::


"That would be.......most unsettleing."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"Not to worry, Rama. Such treachery is not in my thoughts."

:: she grins sweetly and bows to him with a flourish ::


<table border=0 cellpadding=15 cellspacing=0 background=http://darthogre.clanpages.com/sorsha/pics/misc/SorshaKasajian.jpg width=555 height=284><tr><td width=271 valign=center><img src=http://darthogre.clanpages.com/sorsha/pics/roc/roc86.jpg width=240 height=182 alt="Sith Witch"></td></tr></table>

[Rama]

"You say that as if you word meant something...............but I know you won't try anything till this is over. That would be upsetting to the others."

[DarthHERA]

She was aware of all that was transpiring around her. The entrance of the dwarf - his crooked body and bent mind - a strangely welcome arrival. Hera knew him to be a trickster, but so far he had only ever been to her an ally.

She was aware too of the dialogue between Sorsha and Rama, but the Vampyre's gaze was making it hard for her to concentrate now. His touch was as light as a breeze but had the impact of a heavy chain ravelling around her waist like a claim to property. It made her draw back from him. Saurron cloaked his power in such a refined manner that Hera knew even with his smooth speech and light touch that she was in much deeper than she had first realised. But she would deal with that when the time came.

For now, what did come through to her loud and clear though, was the fact that what Rama had said was true, and which Saurron had agreed...the Jedi Master was not likely to be alone and having the assistance of these Sith here in this room was a very good idea.

Pulling her eyes from the Vampyre, Hera finally spoke to Rama.

"If there is Jedi blood to spill, then we are the ones to do it."

[Morag Prime]

With a slight nod of her head and flick of her index finger toward the door, Morag commanded as Saurron had said.

Shrillna turned immediately and left the room, her aged form shuffling out into the darkness of the hallway.

Moments later, from his vantage piont, Millard watched as a captured Thomas was marched into the building bellow to the occassional hiss and spoken curse of the witches.

Sensing someone behind him as he crouched on the rooftop, Taylor spun on his heels, the tiling of the roof crunching loudly beneath his feet, sending a scattering of broken rock tumbling to the black street below.

"join usssss, young Master"

Shrillna was upon him and moving steadily forward, five witches furtively moving with her to surround Taylor.

"There is no neeeeed to hide. Come.."
and she beckoned him with her gnarled fingers.

[Master Yoghurt]

Meanwhile...

Temple Avalon - repulsor lift

Master Yoghurt stood in the small capsule shaped chamber of a repulsor lift. He had a troubled expression on his face. His eyes unfocused and distant as he pondered about the haunting <a href=http://abberition.homestead.com/files/aparit.jpg>image in the Force</a> he had seen a while ago. It was the same pattern every time. She had asked for help, she seemed so innocent, so pure and beautiful, yet, he had this strange feeling.. a sense of danger and deception. Either way, he was going to find out what she wanted. Their paths would cross, he had sensed it.

A display at the top of the elevator flashed rapidly, as the the floor levels went by in great speed..

[Kyle Starblade]

Docking Bay 54

Kyle smiled, bowing gently and respectfully to greet Leia and Gurney. He was a tall young man, physically fit and dressed in Jedi robes. There was a calm and friendly tone to his voice,

"Greetings, I dont believe we have met before, I am Kyle Starblade, Padawan of Master Yoghurt. I am told to inform you, we are about to investigate a disturbance in the Force at Tsaro.. the journey should take a few days. We are loading the ship with cargo and supplies, it should not take too long before we are finished."

Kyle pointed at the YT-1300 freighter as he continued, "it might not look much, but believe me when I say my Master has modified it far beyond the factory specifications. It is more of a military class cruiser than a simple freighter. It is full of surprises.."

<img src=http://www.thegjo.com/pics/falcon1.jpg>

[Kajhmin]

The small reptilian creature sat back on his haunches waiting patiently for the lift to open. He was on his way outside, so enjoy one of the many beautiful parks that surrounded the facility. Being a padawan learner in one of the earliest stages of his training, most of his time was spent meditating, concentrating on the force or researching in the library, learning about the nature of the force through the past activities of other jedi. He had, in fact, just finished a long session of meditation in a large, empty training room.

The lift doors opened with a soft hiss, revealing another passenger--the Jedi Master Yoghurt. Kajhmin shuffled forward and turned to the diminutive jedi as the lift began to move agin.

"Greetings, Master Yoghurt," he said in a soft voice, pausing a few moments before continuing. "I...I feel you are worried bout something, are you not?...A disturbance in the force, I think." He concentrated for a few moments more, as his face assumed a grave look. "You are leaving. Travelling far on a mission of great importance."

[Loki Ahmrah]

It had been a week since Loki had last seen his master; that was back on Arcan IV when they said their temporary farewells. After that, the little padawan simply turned and boarded the shuttle along with a dozen other youngsters, all headed for Yavin IV. It was hard to not have his master nearby, but that was the point of this whole exercise; future Jedi had to learn to take on responsibility and independance. He missed Anbira already, he thought of him as more than simply a master and a mentor; he was like a second father to the little boy.

"I miss him," Loki thought to himself, sitting on a tree branch, looking up into the night sky, "I miss the Bar and Grill, my friends; I miss Natia, Yvevian, Nile and Taataani."

His little legs dangled, swinging back and forth. The night was still and peaceful, that was how Yavin IV always is, there is an overwhelming feeling of calm and balance. Loki was tempted to relax and listen to the voices carried on the Force, he was tempted to listen to the living Force and comply with it. However if he did that he risked falling into a meditation or sleep and then he would certainly fall, to the ground that is, hitting every branch on the way down. He yawned a little and decided that he best not stay up here for too long, so he began his quick decent, nimbly manouvering his way between branches until he had to jump.

Hitting the ground with a thud, a small pouch fell from the belt of his attire, it opened up and out rolled two small stones. Loki dived to the ground and quickly scooped them up and tucked the pouch safely away. They were Agedan crystals; transparent minerals from which a Jedi can harvest Ilum crystals which are used in the creation of a lightsaber. Technically, Loki wasn't meant to be in posession of the stones, as a padawan must undergo a certain series of trials before obtaining an Ilum crystal but Loki's intentions were purely out of scientific curiosity and had no intention of constructing his own weapon yet.

Now under the canopy of the trees, everything was much darker and after climbing down the tree, Loki had forgotten the way from which he had came. So taking the innitiative, he made his way towards the nearest lightsource which happened to be a docking bay, one of many on this, from what the young padawan had heard, extremely well defended planet. Everything was so quiet, the only sound that followed him was that of the dry leaves and small twigs crunching under his boots.

"Docking Bay 54, eh?" He said, entering the intense white light surrounding the building, he winced a little, looking around whilst his eyes adjusted to the brightness.

He stepped inside, it was one large, open space filled with a variety of ships, yet as intelligent as Loki was, he couldn't tell the difference between Z-95 Headhunter and a Mon Calamari cruiser even if he wanted. Ships just didn't seem to interest him. On top of ships there were New Republic personnel and mechanics moving about, the occasional spark would fly up into the air and there was the ever present sound of whistling astromechs, the grinding of binary load-lifters and the rumbling of large engines. It was all rather daunting until his eyes caught sight of a trio of Jedi.

One he instantly recognised as council member Leia Solo and the other two were unfamiliar to him. Both were clearly Jedi though, could they be going off on some kind of mission? His curiosity getting the better of him, he creapt closer being sure not to make any noise until he was able to hide behind a large crate and listen. It was odd, he never used to be this courageous; considering he was only nine years old, he ought to be in bed by this hour like all the others his age. Sleeping has been somewhat difficult as of late anyway.

Here he would wait to find out what they were up to and perhaps if he were polite enough, they may let him join them; Master Hicchoru would be so proud!

[Master Yoghurt]

Yog's worried face expression changed to a sincere smile.. it was good to see his apprentice again. Furthermore, he took great delight of Kajhmin's mind reading capability. It was a special trait for the Cambrian species to read people's mind, predicting what they were going to say next. Quite fascinating.

"Very, very good. You have a remarkable talent for mind reading. You are quite right, I am going on a mission, investigating a disturbance in the Force. It might be very dangerous, but it is going to be quite an interesting experience.. you have probably allready figured out what my next thought is.."

The old man smiled broadly. The repulsor lift capsule accelerated rapidly down the floor levels.

[Kajhmin]

His mouth pulled back into a frown

"Oh no, Master, I cannot go with you. I am not ready for it; we have hardly begun my training. I am not skilled with a lightsaber nor even most aspects of the force. I fear I would be more of a hinderance than anything if you were to take me."

The lift slowed and came to a gentle halt as they reached the hangar. Opening doors revealed a multitude of ships and three jedi, standing near a common transport. The smell of grease and coolent, and the buzz of activity assaulted the senses of Yoghurt and his padawan as they stepped off the lift, into the hangar

"I wish you luck on your mission, Master, but I do not believe I should accompany you."

[Master Yoghurt]

"I understand very well your concerns, but sometimes, one has to face the unknown. You have nothing to fear than fear itself. It will be a very useful experience, and it will give some continuity to your training. It is important that we face this challenge together.. I insist that you join me on this journey. That is not a request, an order it is!"

The Jedi Master put weight behind the words of his last sentence with a firm and decided voice. He then paused brifely as he sensed another presence.. Loki hiding behind a crate. He approached the ship where Leia and Gurney were waiting. Pretending he had not noticed, he continued talking..

"I only wish Loki could join us as well. I think we could have use for him, but I am not sure where he could be? Probably busy reading books at the Jedi Library.."

[Loki Ahmrah]

Sat there, against the cold, hard durasteel crate the little boy had hardly any difficulty feeling the presence of Master Yoghurt. Yes he was developing his attunement to the Force everyday, yet subconciously the curiously small Jedi had always been like a beacon of light and from him, Loki sensed waves of peace and harmony rippling through the fabric of the Force all around. It seemed like they were planning a mission and if Master Yoghurt would be joining them, then Loki would definately want to go too.

So naturally when he heard the old, wisened voice mention his name and that he had been hoping Loki would join them, a huge, broad grin spread across his face. He just wanted to jump up and shout "Boo!" But he didn't, he made sure of that.

"Master Yoghurt wants me to join them on a mission. Me!" He thought proudly.

Waiting a moment, until they had struck up a conversation, Loki quietly made his way around the crate and stood, walking over to the group and cleared his throat. Once he had made his presence known, he bowed with respect to those in the group and said his greetings.

"Master Yoghurt," he began, turning to the tiny, green Jedi master who was not much shorter than Loki, "I...sensed you were looking for me and therefore...I have...I came here to meet you."

He dared not say that he had been hiding, how embarrassing would that be! So he thought on the spot and hoped that no-one would sense his deception.

[Nathaniel Nore]

Back in the city of Duvray, the festival was in full swing. In one of the richest inn's in the city, Nathaniel Nore, Dark Jedi, sat on the balcony overlooking everything. He leaned back in his chair and from the table, a small datapad lifted into the air and floated towards him. He plucked it from the sky and began to activate it's voice command.

"Initiate scan."

The datapad whisled and chirped. Searching the results Nore suddenly let his gaze rise from the datapad in thought.

A strong force presence was here. The Darkside played upon him, as he could sense the disturbance.

Hmmm..

He closed the datapad and rose from his seat, taking in the views of the city. He turned to his protocol servant droid the inn had provided him. His cold words spoke out to the silver droid.

"Cancel my meetings for the week. I will not see anyone."

He paused.

"More pressing matters have presented itself."

As you wish sir'.

The driod turned and walked out of the room.

Things were about to pick up, and Nore would see just what exactly was going on.

[Darth Lynch]

Outside of the city a dead woods stood ominous in the nights all consuming darkness. A darkness mildly repelled by small fires that some younger and bolder members of the society had lighted far from the viewing eyes of the city's more tamer festival. Rituals of lust, death, flesh and deeds too numinous and gruesome to name were being played out by small groups.

Among them walked a vanishing shadow that faded behind trees and never came close to the screams and moans of the people who made offerings and chants to past days of history that had become surrounded in myth and legend. Truths that lay surrounded by the absurd and ridiculous stories that had come from fact.

Crouching at one tree he stared through the dark night air to make sure no one was around, pressing one pale hand to the base of the tree he dared to stare at the marking burned in the wood so long ago. He knew this was the spot. A hand drifted to the ground, his fingers touching the cold ground, dirt that his fingers dug into before his fist shut.

Standing tall and stepping back seven paces he opened his hand dropping the earth back to itself and held out his hands in front of him. Energy around him crackled and snapped as a pure wave blazed though his body, flowed through his veins in small burst. Directed at the base of the tree dirt flew up in a mini twister of wind that dug deep into the ground.

Easing the force wind into a slight breeze than back into the void he ceased the use of the force and knelt on one knee. Placing his hands into the hole he griped something solid entwined in the roots of the tree, with one solid yank he plucked free the metal box and shook the dirt from it.

With careful hands he opened the metal box and took out a single blade lightsaber. A hand ran across the old thing with care. This had been buried now for decades. Holding out the blade before him with both hands he activated it once causing a blue light flashing up from the device as it hummed to life once more. He stood there staring at the light, his pupils shrinking his focus turning into one of a trance.

Somewhere in the nights air three had walked from one of the roaring fires and saw a light for a second flash. Deciding to investigate they arrived at the tree where no one was to be found, they laughed at the "ghost light" they had witnessed before engaging into pleasures of the flesh.

Running swiftly his feet struck the ground in a stride of urgency as he raced forward towards the city, his muscles reacted to the need for speed as the man sped up faster and faster and leapt off the hill before him. Landing on a transport to the city carrying wine for the nights celebration he crouched low.

As the vehicle entered into the city he leapt forth from the vehicle his hand gripping around a rope that held in place a huge festive balloon, spinning down the rope he leaned his momentum to one side and dropped himself down to the roof of a building. He started forward placing one boot on the ledge of the roof as he looked out over this night of sin and all of those that took in its delights and horrors.

A sound erupted below him as a woman leaned out of her window and flashed five young men on the street below. Whatever god these people worshiped he bet it was a female and a rather flimsy clothed one at that. The woman heard a sound above her and arched her neck up in time to see a hand reach down grabbing her face. Hurling her to the ground several stories below her spine shattered and broke. A swift death

He was on the move again than, leaping from roof to roof with ease and accuracy. He stopped only once as he felt something in the force. Turning about he narrowed his eye and stared into the distance. There. A diabolical grin spread on his face. He remembered the one called Bromine being nicknamed the Mad Sith. Where madness lay it was not with this one, there was only chaos and for the chaos Sith time was wasting and he headed off in the direction from which he heard the call.

Something wicked this way comes.

[Rama]

"Of Course Hera............Of Course. If blood is to be spilled we will be the ones that do it."

[Gurney Devries]

The midnight-blue cowl that was resting on the head of Yoghurt's other padawan lifted, as its wearer sensed his master approaching. He did it without thinking and, when he realized that he had just responded to something he felt in the Force, his eyes widened a bit; This was the first time he'd been able to detect another being's presence with anything but his aging eyes.

"Ay there, Master Yog. Looks like we're all ready ta go. Mind fillin' us in as ta what this about on the way?"

[Master Yoghurt]

Yog smiled lightly as Loki appeared in full sight. The creature raised his long pointy green ears and widened his eyes excited to see him as well as the others.

"Loki my young friend, what a.. surprise! How lucky you appeared just now. I would like you to join me, Kajhmin, Kyle, Gurney and Leia on this expedition. I feel it would benefit your training well.. and we need your help"

He then turned towards Gurney and Leia. With a more concerned look on his face, he continued with a calm tone,

"To answer your question Gurney, I have sensed a disturbance in the Force. A flux or vergence of the Dark Side, that can be traced to Tsaro. Consulting the books and holocrons of the Jedi Library, I have found there is a festival that celebrates the five moons eclipsing the light of the star. At the moment of the eclipse, the planet is cloaked in total darkness. During the festivities, strange things happen.. people disappear.. rumors of dark rituals. The Kiett Order, a sect of Dark Siders is said to have ties to that place. I also had these strange visions lately. The Force tells me, we must go to investigate"

[Jedi Master Leia Solo]

::The Jedi Master bowed in respect to the padawans and to Master Yoghurt upon his arrival to the hangar bay. Leia listened intently as Gurney asked Master Yoghurt the perplexing question of what was going on. As Master Yoghurt commented, Leia found her eyes narrow with deep concern::

TSARO?!!! And the order of Kiett are then our concern. No?! Master Yoghurt.

::The Jedi Master realized what she had said but sense there was more to this. A greater concern::

I have a feeling Master Yoghurt that the Kiett Order is not your main concern...but possibly a greater evil.

::Looking on to her mentor with grave concern::

Then I must say Master Yoghurt, we must be on our way immediately to investigate these matters.

[Master Yoghurt]

Yog was first surprised by Leia's comment, but then realised she had the fine attuning to the Force like only a Jedi Master would have. She would see the full picture.. sense the compexity of it all. Furthermore, she knew him well enough that he would not drag her along to Tsaro unless it was important. The Jedi Master nodded agreeing with her sharp and accurate observation.

"Hmm... quite right you are. More to this puzzle than it would seem. Greater evil have I sensed. Sith pulling strings here I believe.. one of them a Sith Master by the name of Hera Drenkast. Seen her in a dream I did. Furthermore, more than just her I feel.. the place a focal point for the Dark Side is"

[Jedi Master Leia Solo]

::A distinct look of concern fell over the Jedi Master's face at the mention of the Sith Lordess Hera Drenkast. Leia's eyes looked deeply into her mentor's eyes for more answers::

You say that in this dream, Master.. you have seen the Sith Lordess Drenkast amongst other Sith causing great concern more than the norm. Indeed this is a troubling time for the galaxy and a matter of great urgency.

::A sudden chill went up the Jedi's spine. Not one of fear..but one from this incredible disturbing revealation::

[Taylor Millard]

Something is going on... Millard thought as he sensed what was occuring in the ceremony. Hobgoblin, his fellow Dark Jedi, had been found out and forced to reveal his presence to the others. Now...he was sensing the presence of two more Darksiders...one of them Jedah Lynch from The Sith Empire.

The Dark Jedi's cold blue eyes narrowed as he sensed Lynch, but kept to himself. It was then he sensed something else. And saw something else...

Thomas?

He watched as his bodyguard was marched into the chapel. He considered following, to discover what 'caused him to leave when he sensed something else.

Another Dark Jedi? No...no...this one is weaker. He pretends! I believe he needs to be taught a lesson

A sudden crunching 'cause Millard to spin on his black booted heels. A woman, cloaked in black and grey with five others clad in the same, stood before him.

"join usssss, young Master"

No sense in fighting, he kept a cold stare on his face.

"There is no neeeeed to hide. Come.."

The Dark Jedi paused. There was indeed no sense in fighting.

"Very well...I will follow you."

Allowing the witches to escort him, as a guard almost, the Imperial Grand Admiral soon joined the others.

[DarthHERA]

The first silver rays of the 5 moons breached the solid darkness as the unstoppable rotation of the planet Tsaro continued its eternal course. The total shadow that had been cast was now shifting, and the eclipse coming to its end. A short time, and the great galactic bodies would reflect in all their lunar brilliance, bathing the planet below them in soft moonlight and duly beckon the beginning of the new day.

Maelstrom Hall, the great room where such evil had been conducted was silent. The 12 ornate chairs gone, all trace of the poor innitiate drained of her youthful life, now vanished. Only a cold damp chill remained, one that could be felt through to the soul.

The Sith who had gathered in Morag's private chamber made their way down the winding hallways of the ancient building. A company of vipers united in one common bond - their hatred of the Jedi.

Morag was leading them to the entrance of a underground labrynth which lead to many locations below the City of Duvray. The Kiett had selected Maelstrom Hall, knowing this subterranean passages would give them great advantage should their order ever require their speedy and secret travel throughout the city.

One such destination was the "Mouth of Mercy." A turn of the century Cathederal built into the cave of a large mountain in the Skirrod Forrest. They would have to surface from the tunnel at some point much further on in order to cross the Great Lake to get to the Church located far north of the City, atleast a days trek away. This church, in times past, was used as a sanctuary to all who claimed it upon entering ...and so it was named the Mouth of Mercy. It was here, in this place of hope and grace that Hera would lure Master Yoghurt.

She would call him, and he would come, she knew. He would not turn away a lost soul seeking his help. (Hera was unaware he knew her identity) A perfect place for an ambush.

*******************

In the city, the first faint beams of moonlight exposed a gross and debauched tapestry of sin. Those that were not toppled into the dirty gutters from drunkeness and other sense-altered states, wandered dazedly among the ruin looking for a safe place to sleep.

Pickpockets and cut-purses skipped quickly from body to body that lay strewn about. It made no matter if it were a corpse or no, they robbed and gleaned whatever spoil they could, even prying the gold teeth from a laboriously snoring Gark. They took rings from fingers, and fingers from hands when they couldnt get at the rings easily, stopping on occasion to defile any that took their carnal fancy. The city was shameful and no one cared.


*************************

Morag stopped and opened a large oak door which lead to a descending passageway and Hera stepped through. The others could come with her if they wished, or find their own ways - which ever they pleased. Whether they helped her or not, she would accept their choice. She had what she had come for from Morag at a price she was yet to know, and she would face what Jedi she had to, alone or otherwise.

Hera stopped for a moment, a check in her spirit. She smiled to herself and her eyes glinted as she passed into the darkness -

Yoghurt was on his way.

[SAURRON]

Saurron held his index finger up in front of Morag, and spoke while he passed by following Hera...

Ien riee dueou uiet agiensui.

Spheres of ice blue hollowed in the middle by an iris followed her into the darkness...

The oak door groaned as it slammed separating Hera and Saurron from the others, casting the dust of many years away from its hinges. Hera's spirit fled as the darkness surrounded her. It was blackness. She knew the Darkside, yes...but this. Saurron's arms wrapped around her, one over her right shoulder and the other around her waist. Razor sharp nails met with her left cheek guiding her head to the right bearing her neck to him... true evil in the darkness was shown, and true evil born of the Darkside would taste her.

Saurron's whisper fell upon her ears as his open mouth neared her neck. His breath brushed her, but was cold as the coldest night, giving rise to goose bumps upon her skin. What light was afforded by Morag in the hall gave a dim hue to the dust that rose then fell slowly to the floor in its own time.

Perhaps now...I will take my payment in part.

[Evil Hobgoblin]

There was a quiet shuffling near the ceiling, lower in the passage. Hob watched Saurron shut the door with interest, watched him turn his enspelling gaze on the Sith that desired so badly to be the focal point of the current dark energies.

It seemed that Saurron wished to be the master of such energies. Predictably so, in a way, for who would not wish the same?

But for Hob to be in the passageway was sheer impossibility, for the door had been closed most forcefully. Even Hob, whose wont was defying physical limits to be where he could not, should not have been able to break the spell of binding.

And he had been outside with the rest.

But no- that had been an illusion. Rivalling the best of holograms, it was, but it was only an impression of Hob's presence. Hob, who temporarily had been among the Kiett long ago, who had saved the life of the witch Morag to allow this to come to pass and watched them as they rebuilt their Order, had known the way where they must eventually come.

And so, as Saurron drew the lines of destiny surrounding Hera DrenKast closer to himself, Hob saw all the Master Vampyre was in an unguarded instant.

With a cackle and noise of scuttling, the dwarf disappeared further down the passageway.

[Taylor Millard]

If there was one thing Millard had been practicing it was his telepathy. He stretched his mind, working its way through the stifling darkness surrounding him. Taylor felt comfortable in the dark, and now more than ever it felt as if he'd come home.

But he was concerned for Hera. Even though they had only encountered each other once, she was an ally, and someone who he would defend.

He felt Saurron's presence as the vampyre began preparations to feed from the Sith Master.

It was then he sensed Master Hobgoblin. Or two of them. Inwardly, the Dark Jedi smiled.

Hobgoblin you devil you.

Whatever his fellow Black Hand member was up to, he needed to buy some time.

The Imperial Grand Admiral turned to the witch nearest him, "I wish to speak with the leader of this...ceremony. I wish to speak with your mistress."

[DarthHERA]

She felt the darkness long before Saurron had even touched her. It draped itself about her body as a spectre would don its pale unearthly shroud.

The oak door slammed..She should have known he would give her no chance to swindel him on their deal..

As she turned, eyes black as shadow, unnatural and soulless, looked on him, and she wore a peculiar grin. The smile was not her own but one and the same reflected on the face of the Prime waiting outside the door.

********

Morag saw the brilliant blue of the Vampyres eyes, read his intent clearly and witnessed the same seductive gaze that had taken others into its snare over the ages. It was at that moment that the witch had smiled..

*********

The prick of razor sharp nails against her skin brought a trickle of crimson to run down Hera's face - a thin red line of mortality. The shadow passed from her eyes, returning them to their former clarity and she saw now, what until this moment she had only felt. One more evil than herself, much more evil, embraced her with a grip so light, but at the same time not easily broken. Even as she felt his cold breath on her throat, she thought dully, as if dreaming ..and so he takes his due..

She was certain he wouldn't kill her, but that he would take from her the life she now owned. Strangely, she found herself almost wanting to know what that would be like..

Curling fingers around her neck, Saurron leaned forward, sensing no resistance. Even as bloodless lips brushed her throat and the peircing points of extended fangs pressed against warm flesh, Hera whispered in what was the faint remnants of her own defiance to submit to anyones will but her own - but yet didnt draw away from him. .

"Be careful what you create this night Master Vampyre.."

he brushed aside a fall of blonde hair from her neck as she spoke,

"...an Immortal Servant can just as easily become an Immortal Enemy...Are you sure which one I'll be?"

[Morag Prime]

She was pulled into the present by Shrillna's whisper at her side and the Prime's smile waned. The Priestess of Rites murmered in her ear that there was one that wished to speak to her.

Morag hissed,

"Where is he?"

"He is in the Chalice room with Sephim standing watch"

Morag nodded.

Bowing and leaving the presence of the Sith that remained in the passageway, Morag left Shrillna behind and went in search of Taylor Millard.

In the descending passageway, the owl flew onward, keeping low in the dark tunnel. His nocturnal amber eyes seeing without hinderance. Taking a bend in the passage around ancent stone walls, a gentle flap of his wings brushed the Dwarf lightly on his scraggled head as he too scuttled his way forward.

[Taylor Millard]

Millard stood there, waiting for whoever it was in charge to come meet him. As the owl entered, Millard nodded to it, then waited some more.

Hob's on his way to witness whatever's going on. The question is, what's happening to Hera.

[Loki Ahmrah]

Silencing himself, Loki stood, hands clasped in front of him patiently as the others discussed what lie ahead. He had joined many field missions as such on a whim like this and as per usual, this one seemed as frightful as the last. The young padawan was beginning to realise that as long as he places his fate in the hands of the Force then no harm will come to him.

Taking note of the sense of urgency in Leia's tone, Loki stepped forth and said, "As this mission seems so urgent I do suggest we discuss it further on our journey to Tsaro; time is against us it seems. As for me, I only have my food rations with me so I hope that will be enough for the time being. I don't have any weapons of my own anyway."

With that he gestured to what he overheard was a YT-1300 and asked, "Shall we?"

Shortly, the company were headed toward the ship when the boy turned and asked, "Who will be piloting the...the...YV-13000?"

[Morag Prime]

The door opened seemingly of its own accord as the Prime entered the Chalice room.

Dead soulless eyes swept over the man waiting inside, her annoyance of missing the Vampyre possibly feeding - or better yet, his making another of his undead kind - palpable on the chill air that follwed in from the hallways at her entry.

Morag construed an ancient rune with her left hand and a green swirl of mist ravelled itself about Millard's body, encompassing him.

She closed her hand into a tight fist and the jade strands instantly clasped about Taylors body bearing pressure like chains all over him and ever constricting about him.

"You had better have good reason for disrupting the Clamary Ceremony of the Kiett Order, my friend"

She called him friend, and Taylor Millard had to wonder what she was like when she greeted her enemies.

[Taylor Millard]

"I wish to offer a trade," The Dark Jedi was non-pulsed by the mist surrounding him. As it constricted around him, he tightened his face as he felt the pressure on his chest.

"Hera for me."

[SAURRON]

She was almost as cunning as he. Posing a question at the last moment as if to stifle the inevitable. He breathed inward close to her neck causing the air of the passage to caress her tanned skin slightly, then raised his lips to her ear as her head still lay tilted in wait.


The Darkside controls us both my dear...I however, am born of it...it permeates my being as it will you...once you are born.

And with that he sank his fangs deep within her neck taking only a taste. For she would need her strength in the near future to combat the light. To combat Yog. Saurron had met with the light of Yog on more than one occasion, and on more than one occasion there were wounds to be licked. He grinned...then withdrew his fangs from her neck leaving two red holes for the true Darkside to seep into. She felt the very length of them as they dove deep splitting her skin and finding her artery then withdrawing after what seemed to be a lifetime of pain. It was her lifetime that had passed before her closed eyes...

The Owl...

Still wrapped around her...his arms enfolding her he rose his pale hand in the blankness of the absence of light for the owl to perch. The door cracked open as it drew near allowing it to fly in the passage unobstructed. One, two, three flaps and it landed, only to watch the sinking in, and withdrawal of pearl death. It shuddered ruffling its feathers sending chills down Morag's cold spine. Warm red was the blood that ran down her neck. It seemed to flow unmercifully then was withdrawn by some unseen force back to what was its origin. Saurron's robes flew upward as the shadows born of the light outside the slammed door flew around in a cold fever. It was celebration...and agony. Yet none of the dead animated by the Darkside of the Force dared to challenge Saurron. Ever.

She felt release in the physical sense as his immensely strong arms let her step back one or two steps. Yet she felt as if she were on an unbreakable tether that bound her to him.

No, she was not Vampyre...

Not yet.

She could see him smile where once she could not.

Now, let us destroy what it was we came here to destroy.

Swimming ice blue filled her mind with a new resolve as the door, once slammed shut opened giving birth to natural light and stares of awe, that seemingly poured in driving the shadows backwards down the passage way.

[Morag Prime]

Her eyes narrowed as she approached the stranger. What an odd declaration - a trade - it was not something Morag had expected.

Not quite sure what to make of this new visitor, the Prime closed the distance between them, being careful to keep the bindings of spellcraft wrapped tightly around him.

She stood almost toe to toe with Millard, peering into his face, reaching to see his soul. Then a sudden ice chill, like so many frozen fingers played the length of her spine through her connection with the Owl and what was happening in the passageway, and a satisfied glint lit her dark eyes.

She leaned closer, dank lips almost touching his ear as she whispered with certain finality,

"......you're too late...."

Then with a sudden surge, the runes gripped even tighter on Millard, rendering him immovable, and it dawned on him that he was a captive himself.

Sephim, the witch that had been watching Millard as he had waited in the room moved forward, and awaited her Prime's bidding.

[Taylor Millard]

Millard struggled slowly, then decided against it. The witches had him, he knew it...Atleast he'd bought Hob a few minutes.

His cold blue eyes stared at both Morag and Sephim, and he kept his composure. He noticed Thomas begin to move, then he shook his head no, telling the Imperial Guardsman to stay put.

"So, what will you have of me then?" he asked, his eyes boaring into Morag's.

[DarthHERA]

The Darkside controls us both my dear...I however, am born of it...it permeates my being as it will you...once you are born.

What he had said was not lost on her, but, it was snatched jarringly from her mind as the pain from the Vampyres "kiss" shot through her.

She gripped onto Saurron's shoulders with a hold borne out of the brutal shock of what he was doing as the pain seared into her throat and throughout her being. The sensation was as terrible as it was thrilling for some reason and she found it impossible to break his hold. And even as she realised helplessly that things might never be the same again, she found she didnt want it broken.

For what seemed like an age, he drew life's flow from her. All the while she kept thinking how she should hate him, but at that moment, under the spell of the undead Master, she found that was far from the case.

Saurron released his grip on her, long before she did hers on him. She slowly came again to herself and returned to the here and now. The darkness of the passageway, the flight of the strange Owl, the whole reason for her being here in the first place - her attack on the Jedi Yoghurt. All of it came back into focus as does reality when waking from a dream. She looked at the Coven Master, and he smiled.

Uncurling stiffened fingers from off his arms, Hera stood back a step or two and raised a hand to her neck, feeling the twin punctures to reassure herself that what she thought had just happened, had in fact taken place. She knew it had. There was now a tangible connection to Saurron that had not been there a few moments before. Hera frowned a little nervously in the darkness.


"Now, let us destroy what it was we came here to destroy. "


As Saurron spoke, she snarled back at the Vampyre - the reality of her predicament bringing the ressurgence of her aggressive personality.


"No more stops, Master Saurron. We're outta time for such dark games."

[SAURRON]

"No more stops, Master Saurron. We're outta time for such dark games."

Ah but the games were afoot. The light was gathering to shine it's willfull rays upon them as they spoke. He ran his tongue around his fangs not missing a drop. Her blood was most precious indeed.

The light from the hall behind him cast him in a silohete shrouding him in shadow yet his eyes still shone, and now...seemingly spoke to her. A glimmer of white rippled through the ice blue irides as if in answer or acknowledgement to her statement.

Only she heard his whisper...

By all means...lead the way.

[DarthHERA]

Pulling her gaze from his unnerving stare, she noted his tongue flick one fang and she scowled to herself. These undead types were a strange brood.

Hera turned her back on him returning more and more to her usual self, and, reaching her hand up to the outside edge of the doorway, grabbed the torch which hung there in an iron sconce.

She moved back into the darkness, Saurron waiting patiently not having moved a muscle. She didnt comprehend all that had just taken place between them, but she had a very unsettled feeling within her spirit. Scoffing it off within her own mind as best she could, she determindly strode forward into the dank and damp decent of the underground passageway.

"A days walk" Morag had explained. She thought inwardly that she hoped they made good time...with plenty of sunlight left...and glanced breifly over her shoulder at the Vampyre.

[SAURRON]

He smirked as he followed. Her thoughts were his. The Vampyre knew full well when the Cursed Star would rise as the chronometer counted down on his wrist. The other hand absentmindedly moved to pat the glossy black surface of his helm that hung there on his belt, beneath his long cloaks. Then he thought...no...there will be no light. There will only be darkness. His hand rose to invoke an order to the Sanguine which sat there in wait.

Deploy satellites, but await my signal for activation. Inform my son that I wish his presence here. His voice echoed in the cavern as he seemingly spoke into his wrist. Saurron, at this point hid nothing from Hera...that point of there relationship was past them now. If she concentrated she could access his most inner thoughts now...that was the way of the Vampyre.

There was no reply from the Sanguine, but one could be sure, hi above the planets surface his orders were being carried out.

[Morag Prime]

She kept the bindings woven tight around Millard.

"Sephim, bring him and follow me."

Morag moved silent as the shadows that darted all around Taylor Millard as she led the way.

She did not go toward the rest of the group of Sith as expected, but instead took a winding stairwell in the opposite direction.

Sephim motioned with the torch for Millard to keep moving and after a short time, they arrived at what looked like a dungeon dug deep into the rock.

As Millard's eyes adjusted to the darkness, he saw a polished stone floor. The walls also smooth and without opening or window. In the center of the room was a single chair. An ornate, gold glit straight-backed chair. One and the same peice of furniture that was recently warmed - and chilled - by an eager young innitiate hopeful of acceptance by the Kiett. The frayed ropes still hung pathetically around the chair, mute testament to what had become of the fair young girl.

Sephim smiled darkly and prodded Millard forward.

[Taylor Millard]

Millard kept his cool, although the scenery around him was a bit disturbing. He had seen what 'The Templis Cult' in the Unknown Regions had done to new initiates, giving them no food for a week while they tested their resolve.

He kept his blue eyes still and ran his tongue around the back of his mouth.

The waited for the next action.

*Back at the Main Room*

Thomas slipped forward towards the witch standing nearest the door. He kept the knife by his left arm, prepared it use it if it came to that.

"What'll they do to him?" his deep-pitched voice asked as he stared at the door, "And why are we here?"

[DarthHERA]

"So you have a son.." she asked him, though by his statement, the question was redundant.

Great... she thought More ghouls.

Hera continued to move forward along the tunnel, wondering to herself how Sorsha abided such company as these Vampyres all the time. Although, in all honesty, Hera admitted the Sith were pretty ghoulish in their own way as well. But really, the whole blood-drinking thing was rather nasty..

"Does he have your charm too, Master Saurron? Can I expect his fangs driving into my throat also?"

She knew she was pushing her luck with the Sith Master, but, what the hell, thats who she was. She had always been one to test the limits, push the buttons. How else did one discover the other's weaknesses or failings or....sensitivities.

And where family was concerned..one was always weak. She may just like to meet this "son."

[Lucifer]

Something moved outside in the streets. Something clearly evil and sinister, the blood dripping from his mask from a past kill. He was looking for a certain person which he knew had ventured along these streets only hours ago. His head twisted from side to side looking for any people that might want to stand in his way and with a quick dash the Ninja was across the street in a flash.

He sqauted on all fours and made another attempt to look around and found no reason not to continue, a church, an abbey almost stood in front of him, and the crypt doors to the side of that, the front entrance was not a option, the crypt would be the most secretive. He hopped the bush and crept quietly through the garden searching for any enemys he might incounter. He face in full concentration behind the blood stained mask, his eyes darting around looking for any prey...his main prey however was inside, an intresting night this would turn out to be.

He spotted something in the distance by the crypt doors, his long dagger was slowly extended with a clink.

[SAURRON]

Saurron answered Hera as they walked the long walk. He walked along side of her but stared forward into the dark, seeing quite well, and never stumbling nor placing a misstep. His walk was smooth and even as he spoke.
But of course, and more.

Saurron's voice did not echo here as the other voices did. It was dead and soft, yet deep.

However he is quite special...a special Vampyre indeed.

There was something about Gavin not known to many, a secret...

[DarthHERA]

"Special?" she quipped "yeah..I heard that one plenty times before.."

He kept walking, no indication that he found her amusing, or even that he heard her.

She shrugged.

"Ok...I give in...special how exactly?"

Knowledge was power - and Hera, despite her unconcerned manner, realised these vampyres were not a breed one could take lightly. She really had no idea exactly who and what she was dealing with here. Saurron turned his head just so slightly and again those ice-blue eyes knew more than Hera would like.

He knew she felt apprehensive, and she knew he knew.

Damn.

She didnt like the balance of things at all.

She would just have to find a way to change that.

[Gavin LeStat]

Gavin's chamber was stark white, not because he was seeking the light but because he wanted to be different. Different he was...

The holo pad gave birth to an officer standing at attention. Gavin knew he was there but did not acknowledge him for long moments. It was so long the officer became uncomfortable standing at attention for the duration. Finally Gavin slowly opened his eyes and addressed him.

"What?"

:Your father wants you to meet him on the planets surface.:

"Pffft...when?!"

:In five hours time:

"Son of a..." He shook his head.

http://www.boomspeed.com/sarilestat/gavinnew3.jpg

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha curses under her breath and watches, uncertain of those she held an alliance with ::

[Lynch]

His eyes studied the building as the people mulled about after the nights celebrations. To him they were all prey. Nothing more than walking meat sacks to burst.

Leaping down into an alleyway he looked over at the building, no doubt it was sturdy, had good security. It could be a problem. Raising a brow in thought he tapped his hand on his arm than looked at a group of five who entered into the alley way.

The lead teen almost jumped as he saw the pale faced man in dark clothing than reclaimed his cool “calm persona” to his friends whom he merely laughed causing them to laugh in response. The teen strutted forward with a smirk.

“Yo G, wha’cha doing here, you pushing or pimping.”

Lowering his eyebrow at the foolish young male his lips turned upward into a smile. “Your looking for something?”

Elbowing his friend in the ribs he nodded in response Sajor licked his lips than took a step forward. “Yeah G, we be looking for some high man, its Bacora’s birthday tonight ya know and with everything going on we need some smack to make it special ya know.”

Giving a reassuring grin the Sith vampyre merely nodded lightly. “But of course, tonight is a grand night even if the main celebration has ended correct? A night to remember when anything is possible...” Retrieving from a side fold in his cloak he removed a casing and opened it up showing it to the teen. “The ultimate in designer crafted pick me ups.”

Gazing forward at the casing the teen grinned and turned to his friends, laughed and howled before looking back at the “pusher”. “Yo G, what is it? You just inject?”

Taking out a small device the Sith held it up. “Easy, you angle it at the corner of the your eyeball, push the button, and you get instant bliss directly to your brain. Its the newest wave sweeping Virtual Four. A bargain and seeing how we are only beginning to establish markets here, the first try is free....”

Sajors eyes widen going from the kit to the pusher and back to the kit again as he reached out to take it almost not believing his luck. Snatching it away quickly as his friends gathered around him, some looking at it nervous, others laughing lowly. “Yo G, you sure this stuff good? Nothin wrong with it is it G?”

With a confident smile flashed at them the Sith smiled as best he could.”Do not worry brother, this will help you get the best boom of your life yet. A real explosive discharge, enough for you and your friends, next time though it will cost you credits. Got it?”

Rocking on the back of his heels Sajor laughed and nodded excitedly. “Ya ya G, I hear ya, what do we call you man.”

A grin crossed the Siths face. “Call me the real G.”

All too eagerly did they try this free gift given to this day , did it matter? They indulged like so much of their foolish world did the night before and enjoyed what they got. Sin is such a guilty pleasure after all and knows every form possible.

Stumbling about laughing as they waved their hands back and forth the five looked up from their self created delusions as they heard a roar approach them. A pod bike stopped and lowered to the ground and their gracious benefactor sat upon it grinned. “Okay kiddies, ready for more fun.” Lost in their pitiful state they all dumbly nodded as the Siths eyes turned at the building. “This is what you do.”

Minutes later the loud sound of engines roared as the five flew out of the alley hollering and hooting as they flew through the air racing at speeds no sane person should drive, incapacitated as they were none of them could have passed for any true rational thought at the moment.

Near the building his eyes glowed and his cape blew in the wind as the five buzzed the building as they were instructed too, flying so dangerously close...it was as an accident waiting to happen. Holding out his hands in front of him seeking the force to bend to his will he criss crossed his arms suddenly, all five bikes twisted from their previous directions and all five crashed in a blaze of fire and smoke into the building.

“Boom”

Leaping forward into a hole created his form was obstructed by the smoke and fire that raged from the wreck of metal. Hunching over, a wicked grin on his lips he picked up the bloody disembodied head of Bacora covered in blood. He licked her blood stained lips and tossed the head back out of the hole. “Happy birthday wench”

Leaping forward into the room he sent out a probe through the force, some were moving elsewhere, others were present, turning to look at a door he kicked it in. “Anyone home. Avon calling.” A twisted and deadly grin lay etched on his face. He had come for a reason. And now...now, he was on the hunt.

Always was there twist and turns.

[SAURRON]

They walked on...

Well my dear, let us just say that one day you will find out.

Saurron slowed his pace then turned to the scowling Sorsha a single index finger raised from his hand.

I am leaving her with you witch, whatever you do be mindful of your enemies light and dark.

With that Saurron placed a pale hand flat upon the icy wall of the passage opening up yet another path. This place was a maze and would take years to actually learn. He stepped in then turned to Hera as the door began to slowly slide back to its original position.

You have everything you need here to defeat the Jedi Master Yoghurt, but do not take him lightly. Until next time Hera Drenkast.

The door closed tight leaving no trace of a passage or door at all. On the surface graceful wings swept low as they cleared the ground. The altered Lambda class shuttle reached for the stars finding them in moments then finally docked with the behemoth ship Sanguine only to leave the system searching out another Jedi Master. Her name was heard by all as it crackled from Saurron's wrist com which prompted his leaving. It was one of the only words understood by the others in the passage, for there was no Vampyre translation for the name Leia...

[DarthHERA]

They had been walking for hours - but it seemed like days. Sorsha wasnt the chatty type, and its a long long trek when all one is doing is repeating over and over the spell that Morag had given the Sith Witch to teach Hera. She had expected Sorsha to loose patience with her at her clumsy pronounciation of the ancient words and every third try for the first little while, Hera had gotten the words so completely out of sequence she feared Sorsha would pull out her kris and slice off her offending tongue.

"You may have to just say them for me!" Hera growled in irritation at her own ineptness.

Saurron had long since reached his Eclipse and Hera could only guess at what the Vampyre Master was up to. Could only guess, too, at what she now owed him. However, she was suddenly feeling optimistic now he had gone. Perhaps he will get sunburnt, and die. No more debt.

She smiled.

But even though he was physically gone, she could still feel him behind the thin veil of her conscious mind. Much the same way that she could feel the shadow of the Kiett Prime moving right behind her eyes. She'd opened a door to Saurron she didn't quite know how to close.

The smile faded.

Angrily, she hoped he'd send his son to her. Hera would spread that boy like butter on toast and eat him for breakfast. Just see if I wont. She hoped he was pretty, so much the better to cut.

Reigning in her thoughts once again as they moved further and further through the labrynth, Hera tediously resumed trying to repeat the spell.

**********************


By the time Morag's owl fluttered free from the tunnel, the moon was almost full up in the sky. It was a huge opague ball in the heaven and the 4 other moons of Tsaro dotted in an angular manner to its right, bathing the mountain lake in their glow. The Darksiders found themselves in the heart of the Skirrod Forrest. They had been walking all day and judging by the Silohetted outline of the "Mouth of Mercy" now starkly visable, nestled against a heavily wooded mountain. They still had a ways to go - a whole lake-span to go. Hera cursed in annoyance. How were they supposed to cross this? Swim?


Morag's owl hooted and circled over an area of shoreline about a quarter mile from the mouth of the labrynth. It finally dawned on them that the bird was not merely doing this activity for its health...there was something they needed to see. Sorsha and Hera walked to where the bird indicated (they couldnt see the Dwarf - they hadn't seen him the whole time they were in the tunnel) and peered into the water. Guided by the shadow of the Prime inside her, Hera, after a short moment, saw an orderly placement of rocks stretching lengthwise into the water. It looked like a low wall and was, in truth, a causeway that ran underneath the water across to the Cathedral. Very few knew of this causeway and it took one with "spiritual" sight to see it. Thanks to the Kiett Witch, they would be able to wade across easily.

Immediately Hera unlaced her boots and removed them. Then she peeled of her clothing until she hadnt a stitch on. Rolling her things together she fastened them into a manageable bundle and explained for Sorsha, who was standing looking at her as if she'd lost her mind.

"Its going to get cold tonight - even now you can feel the dampness.
Smoke can be seen for miles in this kind of country, so we wont be lighting a fire to dry our clothes off once we reach the church."

Sorsha hadn't moved. Turning, Hera stepped into the frigid water and drew in a gasp at the shock of cold that splashed over her bare feet. Twisting back to Sorsha, careful not to slip - "You coming?"

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha's mouth curls into a feline grin as she admires Hera's physical beauty, then she steps out onto the surface of the water. Ripples form around her feet and flow outwards with each step. She stops midway and turns around to look at Hera again :: :D

[DarthHERA]

Hera tossed her head back and laughed loudly. Sorsha was brilliant!

"Looks like I got naked for nothing..." Giving her a toothy grin. "..Thats never happened before."

Walking in the radius of Sorsha's dry walkway they moved quickly through the lake and found themselves at the entrance of the ancient Sanctuary.

[Morag Prime]

Morag had taken Millard by the arm and led him back to her own chamber upon the eruption of violence on the roof up above them.

The Kiett witches had immediately swarmed upward to lay hold of the stranger who had dared wreak such destruction on their property, while Morag continued her inquisition of Millard below.

He was very strange..a noble heart willing to die for such a black one as Darth Hera's. She had known such hearts as Millards before - they were destined to fail if they didnt harden. They were too easily possessed and that made them weak. But even in such weakness there was to be found a great power if one could harness it.


"Why would you waste your life for such corruption as the Sith? She would not do the same for you, surely."

Millard held his tongue and waited for the witch to get to the point.


"I, unlike your "friend" value such traits of nobility and self-sacrifice. "

She noticed his garments...a military man. But such things didnt interest her. Who he was, the blood running in his veins, though, did.



"I propose a trade."

She took a small patch of leather, smooth on one side and tufted with course black hair on the other. On the smooth surface were carved runes and symbols.


"This is the tufted fringe of an ancient Mantore - a creature now extinct but known for its healing powers. I will give this to you willingly in exchange for you to give me..willingly...a measure of your noble blood. Each of these items are powerful tools to those who know how to use them."

[Taylor Millard]

Millard pondered the idea of the exchange.

"Tell me, Madame," He stared straight into her eyes, "How might my blood be of use to you?"

[Morag Prime]

"Only to keep for a rainy day - noble blood is in such short supply."

Her answer was polite enough, but curt and had an edge. The witch would not allow more lattitude than she already had, Millard could tell.


"A deal or no. I will not ask again."

[Taylor Millard]

Millard nodded, "A deal. But...you release Madame Drenkast as well."

[Morag Prime]

She smiled.

"Done"

And with that, Morag moved forward to take from Taylor Millard a portion of the life's blood that pumped through his veins.

[DarthHERA]

After dressing once more and leaving Sorsha to prowl the grounds as would a surveyor of a battle ground, Hera found a cool and solemn room sunk deep into the rock of the mountain sanctuary.

Here she put aside all thought of the world outside her. The dark lake, her SithWitch companion who even now was moving as a spirit in the shadows outside. She didnt think of the Hob Goblin and his trickster ways, nor Saurron, the Vampyre Master who disturbed her soul or Rama who she'd left back in the Kiett Keep. She thought not of the Prime Enchantress or her minions, or Sieken and all the other evil ones that had descended on Maelstrom Hall during the eclipse. Even the influences of those she never saw- of Millard and Jedah, all removed from her conscious mind as she focused now with a steeled purpose. She didnt even think on the owl that had now perched itself on a chipped and roughhewn ledge to spy her.

Her thoughts were only for the small, ancient Master of the light. The Jedi Yoghurt, and her consuming lust to destroy him. Her mind pulled toward her in all its discipline and shrouded her darkness with refracted light of deception.







********************




But then I sigh; and, with a piece of scripture,
Tell them that God bids us do good for evil:
And thus I clothe my naked villany
With old odd ends stolen out of holy writ;
And seem a saint, when most I play the devil.

RICHARD III - William Shakespeare


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"There is no emotion: there is peace"
The words were familiar...as was the voice.



"There is no ignorance; there is knowledge"


Strange though, to hear it come from one such as her.

"There is no passion" and here, a pause and a defeated sigh punctuating the emotion of the speaker "..there is serenity"


Yoghurt lifted his head, his mouth puckering in thought as he continued to listen to the call coming to his heart.


"There is...no...chaos The words came with difficulty.

"There is harmony"

The Jedi Master could see her now, as he closed his eyes and saw through the force. She was the same as always, but now appeared so lost and overwhelmed with a sense of hopelessness.


" There is no death; there is the Force."


The darkness kept closing in around her until all Yoghurt could make out was the image of Hera kneeling and placing a lightsaber on what looked to be an ancient altar.



"The last is a lie, Master Yoghurt. There is death. And things much worse. And it was then that she looked directly at him. Her eyes held a look of brokeness and bewilderment, but she said nothing more.


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