Untimely Arrival

[Endo Freedoo]

The sea of stars surrounding Vjun were still, silent, and unwavering in their glistening through the black expanse. That serenity was suddenly broken as a flash of light erupted from nowhere, an event not all to uncommon, yet on this day it was a sign, a sign of things to come.

The Sith Infiltrator only known to a few as the Chimera, exited hyperspace and approached the dark foreboding planet, its crew, comprised of four members. The being in the pilot’s seat was a lanky and thin Rodian Endo. Sitting next to him in the co-pilot’s spot, was a gray skinned woman, some may mistake as being blueish in appearance, his partner the Nebari known as Tirsa. Further in the depths of the ship, away from the two watching the world become larger before them, were two others.

Dalethria and Sorsha occupied one of the small crew quarters on board. Dalethria alert and awake, looking over her Sister, who seemed to be lost in a sea of nothing, staring blankly up at the ceiling of the ship, while occupying a bunk. No signs apparent of the Sith she had once been. Upon Dalethria’s hand a red ring shone in the ships light, yet at the same time it reflected the light, a dark eerie aura surrounded it.

The motely crew were making their way to Vjun at the request of Dalethria, as far as Endo knew, but that was not the full story here. That would only be explained to him in time, if at all. Being unable to understand the Basic language made his ability to be completely informed difficult at best, in almost all situations.

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

She never rested as she sat by her sister's side. The day it took to get out this far had drained Dalethria mentally and her body protested against the abuse. Her stomach periodically reminder her that she hadn't had anything to eat in two days but neither did Sorsha. She tried to get any response from her sister, but Sorsha barely moved on the bed. Mostly just moving into a more comfortable position when she was tired of the one she was in.

What the hell was wrong with Rama? This was his damn fault. Stupid fool once again put her sister's life in danger. If he only respected her wishes of wanting out of the Empire this never would have happened. No, his word was law and he forced Sorsha to stay and listen to him. His actions forced Vicet to take drastic measures and leave Sorsha's body, proving to Rama that indeed she existed and was not some figment of her sister's imagination that Rama once thought.

Dalethria knew Vicet was quite real before yesterday. The dragon came to her at her home once and became a guide on her pilgrimage that led her here. She didn't know what to make of the Dark Jedi at first, but through Delirion's help ... she was able to find kinship through necessity. Now, Vicet had done the same. Vicet guided Dalethria here once again, but it was to save Sorsha this time, not herself.

[Tirsa Krylana]

:: pokes her head in and frowns at the sight of them ::

"You need rest, and something to eat. Let me take over for a bit."

:: sits down and fidgets with her pet string ::


"Why did we come to this place anyway? We should have gone to Meras."

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

Standing up, Dalethria stretches her arms and fights the urge to yawn. Her back is so sore from sitting that it cracks easily as she twists from side to side.

"Thanks."

She thought about Tirsa's question and to be honest, Meras would have made more sense then Vjun. Most likely Vicet wanted Sorsha to come here eventually or this truly was the only place where her sister could be healed.

"It's where Vicet told me to take her."

[Tirsa Krylana]

:: remembers what happened in<a href=http://pub4.ezboard.com/fheavenspassionogrescave.showMessage?topicID=191.t opic> Ogre's Cave</a> on Meras ::

"Vicet?"

:: her eyes fall upon the ring on Dale's finger ::

"You saw her?"

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

Dalethria unconsciously rubbed the ring between her fingers, "I've seen her before, yes, but not this time. She let her wishes be known to me."

She gently patted Tirsa's shoulder, "I'll be back soon after I had something to eat. You need to be up with Endo since I don't speak Rodian."

The door to the room opened and Dalethria stepped into the hallway. She then realized something before the door closed.

"Where do you get something to eat on this ship?"

[Tirsa Krylana]

"There's a stash of food in the cargo hold. Dried meat and fruit."

:: shrugs, then leans over and kisses Sorsha on the cheek ::

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

After rummaging through the cargo hold, Dalethria poked her head inside the cockpit to see how things were. Endo was looking over the readings on the console but it was the planet that came nearer that got her attention. The same bleak atmosphere swirled around in a yellow hue as the continent itself was dark and almost dirty in looks.

Nibbling on a piece of meat she walked in fully and looked over Endo's shoulder.

[Endo Freedoo]

His small round mouth was pursed in a bit of a frown as the readings flashed by on the display. Seeing the types of conditions this planet had to offer made him wonder why in the frell they would be coming to such a forsaken place as this. It was obviously not a very safe place for a prolonged visit, actually it seemed like one of the most hostile environments he had ever come to have the displeasure of having to put up with or witness first hand.

As far as he knew, it was Sorsha’s wish to come here, as relayed to him by Tirsa when they made their break from the underground hanger at TSE HQ, having to blow the hanger doors up so that they could pass, since someone there had ordered a total lock down on the planet. It was a good thing the Chimera had a cloaking device, else they would never have escaped through the dozens of ships patrolling nearby.

He looked up from the holo-display and out the forward facing view-screen, just as the ship entered the unfriendly upper atmosphere, and at that moment caught something out of the corner of his eye. Snapping his head to the side, he spied Dalethria, and recognized her as Sorsha’s apprentice, though they never had really met formally. Flashing what might pass for a smile. He spoke to her, wondering if she would understand his dialect.

We will be making our approach for a landing very shortly. I have only seen one place on the surface which seems to hold signs of sentient life.

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

She half frowned and thought she recognized some of the words but nothing that would make any sense. She swallowed the dry piece of meat and leaned forward to look at the readings better.

Holding up a hand to make sure Endo didn't think she was going to do something stupid, she punched some coordinates into the computer. Dalethria pointed with her finger to where a run down keep was and patted Endo on the chest before she left.

[Endo Freedoo]

He found it a little comical that the co-ordinates that Dalethria input into the computer already matched those he had plotted, but it was no matter. It only made it more obvious to him that she hadn’t understood what he said. He shrugged after she left and continued their ascent to the surface, landing as near to the Keep as possible, so that any ventures outside could be as brief as possible before arriving in a sheltered area again.

The sleek silver craft landed, it’s engines powered down as Endo unbuckled from his seat and stood, heading for the back to see if the rest of the crew was prepared to disembark. He himself would most likely remain with the ship, as was the custom, unless specified by Sorsha or Tirsa.

[Tirsa Krylana]

:: Curiosity leads her to take a look at where they've landed. She runs down the hall and right into Endo, letting out a squeak as she falls on her ass ::

"Hey!!!"

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

Endo watches as Dalethria makes her way down the hall with Sorsha in her arms. She stops behind Tirsa and clears her throat.

"We need to get moving along."

She walks past both of them and heads for the landing ramp.

[Tirsa Krylana]

:: picks herself up and follows with a pout ::

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

The door slid open and the ramp touched down to the ground with a thud. The metal clamps locked in place and the hissing sound of the repulsors permeated the air. Dalethria looked outside and was thankful that, unlike her previous visit here, there wasn't any sign of rain. She smiled a little and admitted that Endo did an excellent job landing as close to The Black Hand's keep as was possible.

Walking down the ramp, she eyed the gate curiously as to whether or not she would be greeted this time. It had to take her practically breaking into the place before anyone acknowledged her.

[Endo Freedoo]

To say he was surprised when he saw Dalethria carrying Sorsha, would be an understatement. The urgency of their departure had left him unknowing that she was in such a condition. But what condition was she in? Her eyes were open and she seemed to be breathing normally. He could see no obvious injuries.

Unsure of what to do, and not having any standing orders from his employer, Sorsha herself, he decided it best to stay on board the ship and await instructions or news from Tirsa or Sorsha.

Just before Tirsa exited the hatch and headed down the ramp, he placd a hand on her shoulder and spoke softly.

Keep me informed of any progress or events that transpire here. I will wait here and keep the ship ready for departure just as I normally do. You do have your comm. unit right?

She nodded to him indicating that she understood and that she did have her comm. device and continued to follow Dalethria and Sorsha down the ramp, looking rather sullen and distant.

He stood in the hatchway and watched silently as the trio made their approach to the keep.

[Darth Rane]

As she stood surveying the landscape, something caught Dalethria's attention, just barely, as movement flickered out of the corner of her eye. Casually, she tried to assess it's source: She hadn't seen many life-forms wandering about on her last visit, but it was a safe bet that any that were here would be unfriendly.

As she looked on, the tendrils of darkness, formed by the shade of the Keep, began to coalesce and spin together, taking form and shape, and she knew without doubt that their hosts had come to greet them. It took only moments for the shapes to become defined, taking form and substance: before them stood the Dark Jedi, Darth Rane. At his side was the stout Hobgoblin that had come to live amongst them, swaying this way and that in a simian-like manner. He stepped forth with a confident stride, the small creature swaying after him.

"Greetings, Dalethria Mal Pannis. You are expected."

His gaze fell upon her companions, evaluating each one individually.

"They may accompany you. Follow us, if you will."

[Evil Hobgoblin]

The entire company started forward, except for Hob. He stood before Dalethria with his arms held out and she looked at him, frowning.

~ Old Hob can shoulder this burden better than ye,~ the dwarf projected. ~ Put aside yer pride an' yer concern an' let those better suited take the task.~

Dalethria stared at him with an obvious dislike for the suggestion, but Hob slammed one fist impatiently on the ground and held out his arms again. Slowly, reluctantly, Dalethria placed her sister's limp body in the hobgoblin's arms.

The dwarf shifted Sorsha so she was slung over one shoulder, then took off towards the castle on one knuckle and two feet, going much faster than the others could on two legs alone.

Dalethria looked at Rane momentarily. "The way has been prepared," Rane growled in his cat-like voice. "The hobgoblin has shown a unique knowledge of Bast's passageways. He will deliver Sorsha where she needs to be."

Dalethria gazed towards where she had last seen Hob, but the smaller being was nowhere to be seen.

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

She blinked, thinking that the landscape of Vjun was playing tricks with her eyesight. It wasn't a trick though. Hob had disappeared with her sister somewhere inside Bast Keep. In her brief time with the Dark Jedi, Dalethria knew that she could trust the strange being ever since their first encounter.

Glancing over her shoulder, Tirsa could be seen following closely behind. The concern was etched in her face as her eyes never left the spot where Hob disappeared. The young Nebari continued to play with the string in her hands and seemed to be totally oblivious to Rane's and Dalethria's conversation.

"Lord Rane. I was led here once again in needing your help. As Delirion brought me back from my own hell, Sorsha needs to be brought back as well."

[Darth Rane]

Solemnly, he nodded his head.

"I know what it is that must be happening to you, even now. And to her. To depend on others is an admission of weakness. Or, at least, it feels that way. I know what it is to barely be alive, entrapped in your own personal hell."

He said the last word with a hiss, an obvious distaste for it in his mouth as memories Dalethria dared not guess at flashed through his mind.

"She will receive the absolute best we have to offer. No... more than that: She will recover, even if it takes more than we have to give. And I will stand by her side as she takes revenge on whoever caused this, laughing and cheering her on."

[Tirsa Krylana]

:: takes a step forward and looks up at Rane with an icy stare ::

"well you'd better."

:: fidgets with her piece of string and growls softly ::

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

She had to grin with what Tirsa said, "I echo her statement Lord Rane but I know Sorsha will make it. She has to."

As the trio approached the gate, it opened without any physical assistance. The ruins of the Keep had such a welcome feeling to them that it chilled her blood. A thin smile came as she remembered the trapped souls that called to her as they were trying to do now. Her ability to block the voices considerably since then, but because she enjoyed the company, she let her defenses down to hear their welcome home.

"As for the one that did this to her, I'm sure Sorsha will make Rama pay."

[Emperor Shimi]

As the group conversed, a voice from the darkness made its presence known to Dalethria.

So, another one comes to entreat upon the countenance of my flock?

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

She turned to see where the voice was coming from but couldn't quite make out who was there. A presence was felt but didn't want to be seen. No ... it was hard to see. Focusing upon the form draped within the shadows, a slightly lighter shade of the blackness outlined around a form.

"I do not entreat upon which I already hold allegiance and respect. Perhaps when things are settled, I'll pay my debt and be done with the lot of you."

[Darth Rane]

Stopping in his tracks, Rane turned his fiery gaze upon the figure who had interrupted their walk. There he stood for several moments, trying in vain to focus on one aspect of him, even it was only his face. Growling under his breath, he spoke in a soft (yet rough) mewling voice which conveyed his strained patience.

"She... has come seeking our aide. It was agreed to be granted to her, unanimously. If you have any disagreements, feel free to voice them later."

With a start, he turned ack to face Dalethria once more.

"You owe us no debt, m'lady. We do this of our own volition. Please... while she is attended to, is there anything else that I can assist you with?"

[Emperor Shimi]

Shimi cackled

Peace, Brother Rane. I know of the Mal Pannis name. The ripples of the Force have spoken to me.

Shimi's laughter resumed.

Yes...yes. Dalethria Mal Pannis has come to Vjun. To what end? In time, I will reveal all. I will bestow...all. The Force hides not this lamb's destiny from mine eyes.

[Darth Rane]

Darth Rane gave a curt nod, acknowledging Shimi's words.

"Alright, let's see where that little Hobgolin has ran off to with your sister... sound good?"

[Evil Hobgoblin]

~ Need ye ask, Rane?~ Hob projects telepathically to all present as he emerges from nearby shadows. ~ Sorsha is in Hob's guest bedroom, for that is where Hob saw himself with her in the Shining Dark, don't y'know? Dalethria is welcome t'stay there as well, iffn' she chooses.~

He gazes over at Tirsa and Endo. ~ But ye two shall mus' find yer own lodging. Hob allows nae guests in his closet t' whom the Shining Dark hasn' spake.~

The Hobgoblin ambles forward to the assembled group. ~ Where an' when shall the blonde lass be healed?~

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

She growls, "I wish I knew Hob. I just need to see her soon so I can perhaps gain some insight to what else I need to do."

Playing with the chaos ring on her finger unconsciously, she sighs, uncertain of what will happen now.

[Evil Hobgoblin]

~ Very well,~ Hob projects. ~ Ye wish t' see yer sister, an' I can help ye with that. More I cannae do right now.~

The Hobgoblin ambles up to Dalethria and extends his arm. Dale takes it, and the two of them amble off down the hallways of Bast castle. After several minutes of walking, they come to a large door, which Hob pauses in front of.

~ After ye, lady,~ the dwarf projects, bowing as best he can in his misshapen form.

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

She smiled half heartedly and opened the door in front of her. What Dalethria saw quite surprise her. Various pieces of furniture were scattered all over the place, leaned up against the walls and stacked on top of each other. It was rather chaotic and it took some time to make her way through this mess to see a way out. Her efforts led her to a dresser and that was it. An old dresser, that had paint chipped away along the sides and legs, had missing drawers and a wall behind it. Looking all around her, nothing visible could be seen as a way out. Licking her teeth, she sighed while bobbing her head with impatience.

[Evil Hobgoblin]

Hob simply sat and grinned until Dalethria glared at him. ~ Not even goin' t' look, are ye? Lost, ye would be, without Hob's guidance, yes.~

The Hobgoblin reached down into a seam in the floor and pulled it upwards. The floor itself came up in a large square that fit seamlessly over a hole when left alone. Dalethria could see a light far down at the end of what appeared to be some kind of shaft or slide.

Dalethria sat down on the floor with her legs dangling in the hole. From her lower vantage, she could see that the dresser was in fact bolted to the floor on which it sat, so that it would take great strength, or skill with levitation, for someone to find their way beneath.

And then she slid down the darkened tunnel, and emerged on her feet into a room of brilliant light and beauty. It was a combination of art gallery and storage vault, which contained what had to be galactic treasures of the ages.

There was an echoing noise from above, and then Hob followed her out of the shaft. ~ And what d'ye think of Hob's living room?~ the dwarf asked smugly.

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

Her eyes opened in amazement. This room housed beauty unlike that small closet that she was in above. Art and beautiful vases caught her eye first. Some of these treasures had to be centuries old. Her hand reached out instinctively, wanting to touch a piece of history ... but she stopped herself.

"It's amazing Hob. I could spend days down here looking at everything."

She stood tall and looked rather shy, wanting to ask if she could come down here sometime but logic overrode her senses. Looking past Hob and turning around, she noticed a natural opening within the far wall. She carefully walked over there and notice that it opened up to a cave that was lit up by blueish crystals that she seen before throughout the Keep.

"I take it we go this way?"

Without waiting for answer, Dalethria walked forward.

[Evil Hobgoblin]

The dwarf followed Dalethria through an odd succession of gymnastic acts- leaping atop a pile of gleaming gold coins here, swinging across the room on a priceless chandelier, catching himself upon bluish crystals that grew out of the wall, hurling himself through the legs of a sculpture, and rolling beneath a table that had to be nothing less than the finest furniture that could ever have come from the destroyed planet of Alderaan.

The unlikely pair entered the cavern of crystal and paused as Dalethria got her bearings. Everywhere, the crystals glowed a deep blue, as blue and clear as Hob's eyes, and just as hypnotic. Dale tore her gaze from the soothing pulses and allowed Hob to lead her through it to the next room.

The walls of the room alone made any visitor sure that it was fit for the finest of galactic royalty to stay in. The walls were decorated with fine murals depicting legendary stories from history; of ancient times when Jedi Knights fought Sith in a valiant battle for supremacy and whole clusters of stars were caught in their struggle.

Beyond the room's centerpiece, a massive iron grating barred passage further in to the chain of rooms. A small door was inset into the right wall, and a glance past the room's focal point would have revealed it to be a massive bath. On the left wall were two smaller beds- obviously those noble attendants might use, but no less finely crafted than anything else in Hob's domain.

And in the middle of the room on a raised floor was a grand bed. It had four posts that stretched to the ceiling, out of which were carved animals; dolphins leapt from the top of the posts, while tigers prowled the bottom. From those bedposts stretched a canopy and drapes of beige silk. The sheets were pale rose, with gold inlaid in intricate designs.

And in that bed beneath those sheets with her long blonde hair fanned out on a pillow of pure white silk, lay Dalethria's sister.

Hob stepped back, allowing Dale to proceed alone to where Sorsha slumbered.

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

To say that this room was extravagant wasn't doing it justice. Quite the contrast to what a person saw in the closet when they first walked in and what you gazed upon Hob himself.

With soft footsteps, Dalethria made her way over to her sister's side. She was well taken care of and for that Dalethria was grateful. Now the question is, how will she be able to heal her?

[Vicet]

:: a shadow appears between Hob and Dalethria ::

"You have brought her here asss I as asssked you to. That isss enough."

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

She couldn't see Hob's reaction to Vicet, but it didn't surprise her that she finally made her presence known.

"What happens now?"

[Evil Hobgoblin]

A puzzled frown settled onto the face of Bast's gatekeep. ~ Well, what have we here?~ Hob projected telepathically. ~ Yet another ghost come to join the ranks already at Bast?~

The dwarf gazed curiously at the thing before him. Although it appeared filmy and indistinct at first, he was able to make it out more clearly by drawing on the Shining Dark and enhancing his senses.

There was power imbued in the shade before them, although how much power and of what nature Hob could not say. Instead of probing further, he simply withdrew his senses and ambled forward a few steps. ~ The lass has a good point. Ye are apparently the source of the blonde lass' malady, and it is from ye instruction must come.~

[Vicet]

:: Vicet's eyes flash over gold, then silver as she becomes liquid shadow. She rises up snake-like over Sorsha and seeps past her lips like water until she disappears ::

[Evil Hobgoblin]

Hob ambles over to the bed where Sorsha lies. He examines her lips curiously, the pokes at them with a finger. He grunts in confusion, then turns to Dalethria and shrugs. ~ Have ye any idea what that was, lass?~

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

Dalethria jerked back as Vicet changed into a viscous shadow and made her way through Sorsha's lips. She sat there, staring at her sister until Hob's voice brought her back. It was a bit amusing to watch him poke Sorsha's lips in curiosity.

"Yes and no, Hob."

[Evil Hobgoblin]

Hob gazes at Sorsha, then an idea forms in his head. ~ And ye've no idea what to do?~

Dale's amused grin fell, and she shook her head.

~ Then Hob shall have t'take drastic action. Wait here, an' Hob shall return.~

The dwarf ambles off to the cavern and disappears. Several minutes later he returns with a figure whose skin is blue like the glow of the crystals in the cavern before.

~ Hob makes exceptions t' his rule for visitors when he sees fit,~ Hob says, and indicates Tirsa. ~ It seemed a good idea t' him.~

[Tirsa Krylana]

:: she waited impatiently just inside the castle, worrying over what was happening to Sorsha. She continually played with the string in her hand, pacing back and forth. Most likely annoying the hell out of the Dark Jedi. Finally Hob came back almost thirty minutes later, but it felt like eternity.

He didn't say much but took her by the hand and led her through the same corridors and rooms that he took Dalethria. Tirsa found her sitting on the bed by Sorsha. Her companion's sister stood up and nodded to them both before she moved by the wall. Tirsa kind of stared blankly at her lover and tried to mouth something out.

Hob sensing her confusion, nudged her forward with a slight push on her lower back. She sat where Dalethria once was and frowned. Nothing really was different with Sorsha except this time she was sleeping, but Hob reassured her that what needed to be done was taken care of.

She brushed her hand across Sorsha forehead, stroking her hair softly and tried to fight back tears ::

"Hey. How many times do I need to tell ya that I don't want to be alone?"

:: she chuckled slightly and then sniffed, blinking back the tears but they fell anyway. Leaning down, she pressed her forehead gently to her lover's ::

"You know I can't live without you."

:: closing her eyes, Tirsa lips brushed up against Sorsha's in a kiss ::

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: After a brief moment, Sorsha opens her eyes. She smiles and speaks softly ::

"Not to worry. I'll never leave you."

[Evil Hobgoblin]

Hob begins to cackle with glee, then starts to hop from one foot to another in a curious kind of dance. After a moment or two of this, he scampers off into the crystal cavern, his laughter echoing behind him. Two great splashes are heard, and then there is silence.

A powerful telepathic message is projected out to the rest of the castle.

~ It is done.~

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: She reaches up and touches Tirsa's face, wiping away a tear with her finger. Hob's movements catch her eye and then she spies Dalethria ::

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

She smiled faintly, looking up at her sister, "Welcome back from the dead once again, Sorsha."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha rises naked from the bed and flexes her right hand. Her eyes flash over gold as she watches her fingers. The bones were fully healed. She looks back at Dale with a reptilian gaze ::

"Good to ssee you again, Dalethria."

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

Her smile grows a bit wider, happy to see Sorsha on her feet. Tirsa was looking around the room, probably trying to find something to give Sorsha to cover up.

Dalethria eyes narrowed at her sister's gaze and raised a brow, noticing the difference in speech.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: takes a cloak from Tirsa and drapes it around herself. She looks around the room in curiosity ::

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

"I don't think I have to tell you where you are," she said with a chuckle.

"Welcome to Bast Keep, Sister."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: she feels her stomach growl and nods ::

[Tirsa Krylana]

"I think someone is hungry."

:: Tirsa heard the small growl and pokes Sorsha in the stomach, frowning a little ::

"Guessing almost dying does that to you."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha blinks and her eyes return to normal ::

"Let's get something to eat, shall we?"

:: takes a few paces and stops, wrapping the cloak around her tightly ::

"You'll have to show me around."

[Darth Rane]

Having received Hob's message, Rane knew that now would be the appropriate time to make his entrance. He walked in through the archway, a silver platter held up by both hands. Steam rose from it in ribbons, drifting towards the ceiling and, with a short investigation, Sorsha could see the extravagant layout of food that rested upon the platter: Slabs of ribs, steaks, and various other assortments of food.

"Thought you might like something to quiet your stomach. You're undoubtedly hungry by now."

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

Continued here (http://pub58.ezboard.com/fcandelabraofmalicefrm11.showMessage?topicID=8.top ic)