Prelude to Reconciliation

[Adraudia Basillie]

The Sith Infiltrator touched down with expertise at the Corellian spaceport. A lone traffic controller was waiting patiently outside the ship for the owner to appear so they could go over some simple protocols. He had a lot of rounds to make and the amount of ships heading into port at this time was only increasing. His wait wasn't terribly long as the ramp descended from the belly of the ship. He saw a pair of crimson boots stomp down the ramp and twisted his nose in curiosity. The woman, well it was obviously a woman even though he had yet to see her face, was wearing similar color body armor that was unfamiliar.

His face visibly freaked and how he wished his visor had not been see through. This woman was out of some nightmare. Her hair was once brown by the looks of it, but it was randomly highlighted in different shades of blue and also of white. It was her eyes that made his skin crawl. They had pinpricks for pupils and her iris' were white hot, almost flickering like fire in the sunlight.

Her attention was solely focused upon him and he felt himself gulp instead of gasp. She stopped right in front of him and it made him shudder. He fumbled for the words to speak but she didn't allow for a recovery as he watched her face move closer until they were nose to nose.

She didn't say anything and he knew he was being studied. He watched as her eyes opened in what he hoped was curiosity. There was no way of telling, but then she finally spoke. It had an ethereal quality to it as if she wasn't the one who was really speaking. "Where is the Lady Vader?"

He answered quickly, wanting this woman out of his presence as soon as possible. "Th..th.. the palace." Mentally, he cursed at himself for sounding like a wuss.

She backed off, much to his relief. He watched her mouth partially open in awe and wonder as she fully took in her surroundings. To his surprise, she watched her pout, "I do not know the way."

"Oh!" He straightened up to preserve some shred of dignity before turning around and pointing out the way. "You can either take a hovercab or walk down the main road till ya get there. Can't miss it."

She glared at him as if he somehow insulted her. Again he cowered but the woman was thankfully going away. But then he slapped his forehead, "Damnit. I forgot. Miss!"

It was his job to take in pertinent information for all visitors here, but he regretted it once the woman stopped, turned around and shot him a most venemous stare. "I ... look. I," he blanched, "Look I gotta ask you some questions before I can let you go." He already had the ship's information and was smart enough to note that she was here to see Lady Vader.

"Is that right?"

"Um," he was turning paler by the minute. "Yes."

Her eyes narrowed and quickly she snatched his arm to drag him along with her, "You may ask your questions as I walk."

He didn't argue but he would have a hell of a time explaining this to his boss as to why he left his post, and damn if she didn't have a tight grip on him. His arm was already going numb from it. "Um, okay. How long you plan on being here."

"When I am done, then I shall leave. And your questions are already boring me."

Good thing he only had one more thing to ask. "Yeah, sorry. Okay, last one. Promise! Just need a name to register with the ship."

She stopped suddenly, causing the worker to stumble forward. Before he toppled to the ground, she caught him by the shirt and pulled him to his feet. "Adraudia." She shoved him away since his questions were satisfied and stalked off towards the Sith Palace.

[Lady Vader]

The message took almost no time to get from the spaceport to the Palace where it was immediately delivered to LV. She had been in the center of the library, meditating near the Sith holocron situated there on an ornate pillar, when the aid had come screeching to a halt at the edge of the velvet seat. Iesis, who had been resting beside the seta, came to a sitting position as the aid approached.

"Mis-" He gasped for air. "Mistress Vader. An... urgent message from the... spaceport."

She didn't answer right away as her face was set in a mild frown, concentrating on something. The world around her was black, save for a small glowing pinprick at the center of it. As her minds eye walked towards it, extending a light touch to the pinprick, it suddenly went red... blood red. There was a breif flash of a woman's face framed by tossled hair that sported shades of blues and whites. But it was the eyes that caught her attention; the sharp white eyes. And then the vision faded.

She took in a deep breath and answered the waiting aid.

"I know."

She opened her eyes and stood, taking the datapad from the aid, glancing at it, but not having enough time to read it. Instead she gave the aid orders.

"Have our executive visitor's suite readied. We have a high guest coming to visit us."

The aid clicked his heels together in a rabid pulling in of his feet before tearing off to gie the orders to the servants.

LV was left standing there in the library for a moment, staring at the holocron, before she too turned in a whirl of black cloak, heading for the exit. Her voice trailed behind her to her ever faithful companion.

"Come Iesis, we have a visitor to receive."

[Adraudia Basillie]

The guards were alerted of Adraudia's arrival just in time to her turn the corner, heading their way. With her destination in sight, the Witch's strides became faster and longer to close the distance quickly. Guards that were too close to her person had found themselves shoved to the side without provocation. If it were anyone else, they would have opened fired on the Witch, but they had their orders.

At the gates she stopped and frowned. "Open the gate," she commanded, yet her eyes were fixated upon the Palace itself. It didn't move.

She whirled around, grabbed the nearest guard by protective vest he was wearing and lifted him into the air with incredible strength. Sneering up at her victim she hissed, "I said open the gate NOW!"

There was no dignity in his voice and he was partially choking from the way Adraudia was holding him. He just wanted to be put down and this crazy woman out of here. "Just do it! Lady Vader knows she's coming! Geesh!!!"

Adraudia hear a loud mechanical clank and snapped her head towards the gate. It was opening and she released the guard. His groans of pain were most pleasing to her ears as he hit the floor and passed through the gates. After seeing what happened at the control booth, the guards on this side kept their distance and moved back so Adraudia would not be bothered until their Mistress arrived.

[Lady Vader]

There was no need for the Witch to be escorted into the grand entry way. She seemed to escort herself just fine. LV, sensing a familiarity from this woman that she had sensed befoe in other Dathomirians had instructed the male guards to be replaced by female ones and to have the aids and servants be only female. Those under her rule did not object, and followed suit.

As the witch reached the top of the ebony stairs, the large ornate doors swung open noiselessly to emit her into the grand entry way. There to either side of the doors were female guards. They said nothing as Adraudia passed, nor did they shift their gaze.

At the center of the large round room stood LV, her cloaked removed opting only to be garbed in her catsuit, Iesis by her side. She did not move nor shift her own gaze from the approaching woman.

[Adraudia Basillie]

Upon entering, she took a moments pause to evaluate her surroundings. The guards were all female. This pleased Adraudia but it made her wonder. Sorsha had informed her that the Lady Vader knew of Dathomir and its people well, a by product of having her planet as a protectorate. But how was it possible that the leader of the Sith Order knew she was a Witch without ever laying eyes upon her?

Her gate became relaxed out of respect for the woman in front of her. Sorsha had described the Lady Vader's appearance precisely so there was no mistake to whom she was approaching. Adraudia was well aware that the Mistress was watching her intently but pried her eyes away from one moment to look upon the black panther. It caused the briefest of smiles to appear before Adraudia was all business once again.

Upon reaching five feet before the Lady Vader, Adraudia dropped to right knee and braced her arm over her chest out of respect, keeping her eyes directed at the marbled floor until she was directed to speak.

[Lady Vader]

LV let her remain on her knee for a moment, before speaking.

"You may rise."

There was no need to let the woman know who she was, at is was apparent by her respecftful gesture. As Adraudia rose, LV continued.

"You are an honored guest here, and you shall be treated thusly. You are the second to step upon Corellia from your planet. I hope that others will in time honor me with their visitations."

LV turned and gestured with her hand for the other woman to follow.

"Please... I have arranged for a comfortable place and meal for us to converse."

She led the way down a hallway that branched from the grand entry way, made of the same obsidian marble. At the top of the walls, etched into the marble, were Sith runes; Sith magiks that caused the hallways to minlge and interwine. Some seemed to close in and come to dead ends, while others lengthened beyond what the eye could see. It was one of the many incantations without the Palace to deter strangers from entering. And those that did, and who did not understand the ruins, would forever be lost in the twisting chaos.

But LV knew her home well, and easily led the witch through an open door several hallways later. The doors closed silently behind them, locking. Inside the room was a crackling hologramic fire 9it was too wamr outside to have a real fire) that lit the place with a sparkling orange light. The room was decorated with canles and lamps, instantly setting the place into a warm feeling. The furniture was plush, made of a wine-colored velvet, while along the walls, stood a few mahogony chairs with high backs.. The floor underneath the intricate rugs were still marble, while a large window overlooked the vast Corellian sea. Against the opposite wall from the window stood a mahogony table laden with foods and refreshments for the picking.

LV took a seat in one of the plush chairs, with Iesis going over to lay near the holographic fire in the sun's daylight coming through the half-curtained window. As she sat, a glass of red wine and several munchies from the table floated towards her to gently set themselves on the glass table between the plush furniture.

She looked to the other woman, inviting her to sit.

"Join me and tell me why you have come to Corellia."

[Adraudia Basillie]

Silently Adraudia followed behind Lady Vader, careful to keep her distance but stayed close enough so there was no danger in getting lost. The walls were seemingly alive. They appeared long and narrow but when looked upon again, they became short with other corridors seen. She focused on Lady Vader since looking at the shifting structures had begun to cause a headache. Grateful she was once their destination had been reached.

Stepping inside the room was like stepping into an entire new world for Adraudia. Her life was simple on Dathomir, living off of the land and such wealth was never seen. Everything inside was so clean and pretty and soft. She was very childlike in her mannerisms as Adraudia inspected these new surroundings. A gloved hand slid across the top of the polished wooden chair as the smell of salt filled her senses. She looked towards the draped window and moved closer to hear the sound of crashing waves hit the beach. It reminded her of home.

Then there was the food! She hadn't seen such a feast since the last great hunt her Clan called. Most of it looked odd to her, very few items looked edible to her.

Join me and tell me why you have come to Corellia.

Adraudia felt somewhat embarrassed that her attention was placed elsewhere, but everything was so new to her. This was the second planet she had been to and the first one was a huge metropolis. As requested, she took a seat in front of Lady Vader and found the it to be quite soft. This was not an expected sensation but it felt pleasant. "I've traveled from Dathomir. My name is Adraudia, a proud Witch of the Striking Serpent Clan." Her head slithered from one side to the other, curiosity written upon her face. "But you knew that. That I was a Witch from Dathomir." Adraudia knew that she did not answer Lady Vader's second question and hoped her inquisitive nature did not offend the Mistress.

[Lady Vader]

LV smiled and placed her munchies down on the glass table between them.

"Yes, I knew you were a daughter of Dathomir."

LV enjoyed watching Adraudia gawk at the plush surroundings. She had known that the witch would not be accustomed to this and thought it would be a good idea to expose her to what other worlds had to offer.

She continued with her thought, further hoping to put Adraudia at ease.

"I knew who you were because I too am a daughter of Dathomir. Though not many here know this."

[Adraudia Basillie]

Adraudia was shocked, "Then what you meant, about me being the second Witch from Dathomir..." Everything was beginning to make sense, "Such information will never leave my lips. I swear."

[Lady Vader]

Again Lv nodded.

"I know."

She knew all too well the witches respected each other and would not speak of things they heard, without the direct permission of the elder witch.

LV smiled. "You have yet to answer my first question..."

[Adraudia Basillie]

She visibly grimaced. "Apologies. My curiosity had deterred my purpose in coming here. At the behest of Master Sorsha, I've traveled in her steed to invite you back home, to meet my Clan."

Adraudia spoke with pride and admiration of Vicet's chosen, "She wanted me to convey to you personally that she wanted to speak to you of certain matters that can only be discussed in person."

[Lady Vader]

LV sat back in her seat, pondering the young witches words. So it had now come time for LV and Sorsha to make amends... or was it?

She stood.

"I shall accompany you, though I shall take my own ship so as to have a means to come back to Corellia."

She would be cautious. She needed to be. She had no idea what awaited her beyond what Adraudia had told her.

She walked over to a small wall unit next to the door, punching a number in. "Warlock... I shall be departing Corellia on a short trip. See to it the place doesn't burn down."

She turned back to look at Adraudia after shutting the comm off.

"We can depart immediately..." She noticed the young witch was staring at the window and the scenary outside."...or we can wait a few hours so that you may see more of this world."

[Adraudia Basillie]

There was no need to reply to her demand, it only made sense that Lady Vader would travel in her own ship. As the leader of the Sith Order made her preparations, the salty breeze from outside had mesmerized the Witches senses. It was one of the few things that she had taken a liking to since coming to Corellia. Adraudia had found herself staring outside the window. The buildings overtook most of the skyline. She found it so awkward that beings enjoyed being squished into large canisters that tried to touch the heavens.

"...or we can wait a few hours so that you may see more of this world."

Adraudia turned around, feeling stupid for missing the first part of what Lady Vader had said. "Mistress Sorsha did not give me an exact time when you had to be there. Nor did she mention when I should return. I presumed right away after I had spoken with you, but she was not specific."

[Lady Vader]

LV smiled.

"Sorsha is an intelligent woman, and she knows that I have many responsibilities here that I can not just drop on a whim." She momentarily paused, as though thinking, before continue. "But I would also assume she knows I have a reputation for entertaining guests that share in the same darkness as I."

She gestured for Adraudia to follow her. "Come and join me. I shall take you through our fabled gardens then past the back gate onto the cliff that overlooks our grand ocean filled with legendary monsters."

She gave a side-glance as she walked by the young witch.

"You may even have the honor to meet one of our distinguished members... an ancient dragin that presides in the gardens."

She continued walking towards the door, followed by Iesis.

[Adraudia Basillie]

Her eyes brightened at the mention of the gardens, but then her mouth gaped opened at the thought of seeing a dragon. For obvious reasons, dragons were worshipped by her clan and quickly she fell behind Lady Vader. "I would be most honored to walk with you there and lay eyes upon such a wondrous creature."

[Lady Vader]

LV merely smiled, but said nothing as she led the young witch through another maze of twisting hallways before coming apon a very tall and wide glass door with varying colors in it. It shed an eerie glow to the obsidian marbled floor.

With a small wave of her hand, the door clicked and slowly opened to a large and wonderous garden bathed in the yellow glow of Corellia's sun. It was warm outside, yet not uncomfortable. LV stepped forward, followed by Adraudia, onto the stone walkway lined with extinquished lanterns. The doors closed silently behind them.

"This garden is one of the most renouned in the galaxy. She streched her arms wide. Not many would think that a Sith would find such a site of beauty to be held in their home, but not many know the Sith of these times very well."

She chuckled. "Well, some Sith, at any rate."

She was thinking of Sorsha. She wasn't even sure if Sorsha would have enjoyed a walk through a garden. Perhaps that was something she would find out soon enough.

They walked down the winding stone path, passing many species of vegitations, flowers, and trees. Along the path were polished wood benches where one could sit. They soon came upon a babbing brook that trickled towards what looked like a cliff. At that point the path veered off, but the soft rumble of a waterfall could be heard. At last the path came to the edge of the lake where the babbling brook had fallen over the edge of the short cliff into the large pool. It glinted in the sunlight, with fish, large and small, that could be seen swimming about.

Beyond the small lake was a shack overgrown with a nasty looking vine with long thorns. Going through the shack would lead them into a small storage area, and then byond to a locked door that would lead them to the cliffs overlooking the ocean.

LV shut her eyes and stood silent for a moment. It was only a few seconds before she opened them again.

"Now, we wait."

[Adraudia Basillie]

It wasn't exactly like Dathomir, but it made Adraudia feel like she could be completely at ease for the very first time since coming to Corellia. She was struck silent by the garden's beauty. Lady Vader obviously took great care to choose what fauna would be found here, let alone its placement.

They had stopped near the brook and the Witch knelt down to watch the fish swim about. Her movements were childlike as Adraudia reached out a finger to dab at the water. Most of the fish swam away, startled by the shift and it made the Witch giggle quietly.

Lady Vader was silent through this but when the Elder spoke again, Adraudia stood up and went to her side, curiously looking about. She noticed a shack that did look out of place within the well kept garden. There had to be some purpose for it.

All the young Witch did understand is that they were to wait, and her body had tensed up in anticipation. She had never seen a real dragon before... Vicet was a demi-goddess and was present at her changing when the centipede merged with her body. She was the Dark Side incarnate, taking the form of a dragon. She was a being that dwelled on a different plane then the dragon Lady Vader had spoke of.

It did not mean Adraudia wouldn't be in just as much awe when it appeared...

[Shenraun]

The ground rumbled slightly as the waves on the lake began to increase. LV had stepped back away from the splashing water, not so much so as not to get wet, but so as to allow room for what was to come.

The water splash some more, as though something large were moving below in it's depths. After a moment, the waters calmed themselves. Everything around them had gone quiet and the fish had swam away.

A moment passed where each woman could hear their own breathing. At that moment, the tips of what looked like sharp rocks began to rise from the mirky depths, penetrating the surface of the water. Soon it was apparent that the sharp rocks were not rocks at all, but horns... long horns. Following the horns was a massive scaled head, scarlet in color. The eyes of the creature coming forth were a bright firey yellow, glinting with age and wisdom. The sharp snouted head was followed by a long muscular neck, which in turn was followed by an even more msucular and armored spine.

The creature, in rising from the water, had moved closer to shore and now was able to walk on the ground. It rose it's massive body from the water, each long muscular leg bringing forth the large body, a tail with nasty looking spikes following behind. His wings had been folded at his sides, but now he unfolded them so as to let them dry.

Shenreaun was a sight to behold, and probably one of the oldest of his kind. Not many were left of him. He was a decendant of the Dark Side Dragons that had inhabited Ambria. Some still reside there, but not many.

The massive head lowered to where LV stood, as though bowing. He did not speak with his voice box, as he did not have one to speak with. Instead, it was his telepathy that he used.

"I have come at your bidding, Mistress."

[Lady Vader]

LV reached a hand out and stroked the armored snout. A satisfied rumbled emitted from the chest cavity of the large beast.

"Thank you for coming, old friend."

She gestured with her free hand, the large yellow eyes narrowing and looking where the hand went.

"I have brought someone here to meet you."

[Shenraun]

The head moved from LV's hand to stand before Adraudia. The eyes watched her closely, but showed no mallis. His voice was masculin yet soft in the young witches head.

"I am honored to meet your aquaintance."

[Adraudia Basillie]

"I ..." Adraudia was so moved being this close to Shenraun, that words failed her. She blinked repeatedly, wondering if this was some sort of waking dream. Her head began to reach out tentatively to touch the beast. The dragon was eyeing her and it caused the Witch's hand to stop, awed by the presence he was projecting.

She hadn't been stunned silent and motionless like this since the taming of her first Rancor. Even that moment paled in comparison.

[Lady Vader]

LV smiled. She picked up where the young witch had trailed off.

"Shenraun, this is Adraudia. She is from Dathomir, visiting Corellia breifly, before we travel back to her homeworld."

She had cracked the ice a little for the witch, and she hoped the young woman would pick it up from there...

[Adraudia Basillie]

"Yes. I've come a long way to meet the Lady Vader. This is my first time on Corellia." Adraudia still wasn't sure if it was all right to touch Shenraun. She did not want to upset him.

Her hand still hovered with indecision. "May I?" The Witch's head tilted to the side, to get a better look at the dragon when she asked her request.

[Shenraun]

A warm spout of air shot from his nostrils as they flared, slightly lifting Adraudia's hair off her shoulder.

"You may."

[Adraudia Basillie]

Adraudia almost giggled as her hair was pushed back. "Thank you." Now she felt at ease with the dragon's permission and pressed her right hand between Shenraun's snot. Since it was gloved, the Witch couldn't feel the texture completely but could feel every scale as her hand slid upwards along his snout.

A wide smile spread across her face. This was so amazing to her, "Thank you..." She didn't know what else to say.

[Lady Vader]

LV smiled as Shenraun pulled his head back up to it's full height after Adraudia had finished carressing his scaled snout. She herself stepped forward, placing a hand on his firm chest, before turning to look at the young woman.

"He has been a loyal friend and guardian for many years." She looked back up as the dragon looked down. "And I hope for many more years to come."

If one wasn't looking for it, they would miss the small grin that not so much showed on the large reptiles jowls, but in his yellow eyes.

LV gave Shenraun a final pat on the chest before turning back to give the witch her full attention.

"Come, I have yet to show you the Corellian sea."

They continued further through the garden finally coming up to the small shed in the back that looked out of place. Along it's rusted door was a thick growing vine, hovering over the doors mantel, and peeking through what appeared to be a crack at the top corner of the shed where the roof met the wall. As LV grew closer, it visibly moved, some vines blocking the door while others reared up unsheathing long, thin, very sharp thorns, dripping with a clear liquid.

The vine was a rare plant that grew only on one planet: Korriban, around the Sith catacombs. It thrived both in daylight and in complete darkness. While in the daylight, it had a dark grey-green hue to it, while in darkness it appeared brown and dead. It thrived on the dark side of the Force, and thusly the Force had no efect on it. There was only one way to sooth the angry plant.

LV gestured for Adraudia to stay back and continued to near it, even as the plant grew more aggressive. Finally it lashed out. In a quick duck and roll, LV came under the plant, even while another quick vine came at her from the side. She caught this one in her left hand, careful to avoid the venomous thorn, while her right hand went for the base of the plant. Touching it, the warmth from her hand was felt by the vine, and it began to slow it's movements. She then began to stroke the well protected base. In a few moments, the vine had shrunken back to it's original resting place and took on a greener color.

Letting the vine go, it shyed from her hand, resting once again against the wall, wile some others went down to wrap themselves around the sensetive base.

Standing, she went to the door which was now clear of the vines and stepped through, letting her words trail behind her.

"Come Adraudia. The vines will not harm you."

As they both entered the small shed, the yound woman would notice that the vine also grew inside, having found cracks and nooks to unleash it's tangled web of vines, leading all the way to the door that stood on the other side.

As they walked the short distance to the second door, the first closing behind them, LV explained about the vine.

"We don't know the plants name, but we know it grows on a planet that is permiated with the dark side. It is lethal, and because of it's rarity, there has not been a cure found.If you use the Force to calm it, it becomes more aggressive and wild. If you try to cut one of it's vines, two more will sprout." LV briefly looked at one of the curling vines that tangled it's way along the wall as they walked. "The only way to make it still is to stroke it's base as I did... and even that can mean certain death for those who are not quick."

They reached the other door and LV pulled it open after onlocking it. They were instantly spilled onto a large grassy plain, with a forest to their right, and a sheer cliff to their left. The faint roar of water crashing against rocks could be heard.

[Adraudia Basillie]

It was a brilliant surprise to those that tried to gain entrance into the palace through the sea. Death was certain no matter what the foolish being tried to do unless they knew the trick, but as Lady Vader had said, even then there was no guarantee. Her Sister's back home would respect such potent vegetation, understanding the power that nourished it.

She did well in not disturbing the vines, keeping her distance until Adraudia was safely outside.

This was amazing and simply perfect. Finally there was a sense of home since coming to this planet and Adraudia threw herself to her knees, looking over the side of the cliff to watch the waves come crashing in. The spray of the water could not reach this height but sometimes the Witch could feel the light touch of mist hitting her face.

How quickly she became homesick...

[Lady Vader]

LV stood just behind and to the side of Adraudia as the young witch sank to her knees, watching the great Corellian sea in all it's glory. It was a deep blue, it's depths reaching for miles and miles, holding various sea-dwelling creatures of varying sizes.

" 'They say the sea is cold, but it holds the hottest blood of all.' "

She quoted a line from a book of a famous author. She doubted Adraudia would know of it, but the quote was too pefect to pass up in the current situation.

It was at this moment LV felt the distinguishable pang of longing... of homesickness. She smiled.

"Perhaps it is best that we make plans to depart now. You may come back any time you wish, but it would be rude of us to keep your Superior waiting."

[Adraudia Basillie]

As beautiful as the sea was, Adraudia wanted to go home. "Yes. I wish to return to Dathomir. Return to Sorsha so you two can speak, completing my mission."

She stood gracefully and bowed humbly before Lady Vader, "Though I wish to travel with you. If you allow me the honor. I can send my ship home ahead of time."

[Lady Vader]

"Or we could slave your ship to mine and it could come with us at the same time."

LV began to lead the way back through the back gate, having to do the same steps again with the aggressive plant to keep it from poisoning them.

Inside the palace, Iesis rejoined them. Already having her cloak, LV led the way to the docking bay reserved for the Elders fo the Order and to her ship, a very shiny, very black Sith Infiltrator. What made this Infiltrator unique was it's ability to cloak using a special rock found in an asteroid belt, it's location being kept secret by the Order. What made this particular technology special was the fact it was a two way cloaking instead of one, allowing the cloaked ship to see what went on outside. It had been a technology found in an old Imperial archive thought to have been destroyed, developed by an Imperial.

Entering the ship, LV turned to Adraudia. "Would you like to punch in the code to allow your ship to follow us?"

[Adraudia Basillie]

She held her confusion in check, not understanding what it meant to slave a ship. By the sentence itself, Adraudia could take a guess at it, but she knew how much her ignorance had irritated Milivikal. The Witch would rather not make Lady Vader upset with it too. Alas, she could not hide it for long.

Adraudia stared at the controls, red with embarrassment, "I-I..." She tried to say it, but she was ashamed. Strands of hair, blue and white, fell alongside her face as she dipped her head downwards in an attempt to hide from Lady Vader's eyes. "I'm sorry, but I do not know how. I came with a pilot. A Vore. It flew the ship here as commanded by Sorsha."

[Lady Vader]

LV slowly turned her head to look at Adraudia. She'd seen Vores before, but only in glancing. She'd also heard stories.

Narrowing her eyes, she looked back down at the controls, hitting a few buttons that would open her ship to Adraudia's ships controls for the navcomp. But she would not be able to slave it from here without the proper codes, which could be found on the Witch's ship.

"Just sit in the copilots seat. I'll take us to your ship so we can slave it from there."

LV sat herself in the pilot's seat and eased the sleek ship off the landing pad and through the bay doors, angling smoothly down towards Adraudia's ship. She landed the ship next to it, and kept it on, as she exited the seat and ship, followed by Adraudia.

Stopping where the landing ramp for the Witch's ship would lower, she looked at Adraudia.

"You'll have to get it to open for you."

LV could have easily forced the landing ramp and doors to open, but she didn't want to stress the ship needlessly.

[Adraudia Basillie]

Adraudia nodded and then closed her eyes. Lady Vader could see the Witche's eyes moving rapidly behind closed lids. Moments later, the ramp was lowered. "It is done as you requested Lady Vader. Follow me."

She began to lead the way, "Where did you wish for me to take you?"

[Lady Vader]

LV entered cautiously, looking about for the Vore.

"Take me to the cockpit."

She kept her mind open as Adraudia led her to the front of the ship. There LV sat in the pilots seat and pressed a button to bring the main screen to life. It asked for a key code to access it's main banks.

She looked up at the Witch.

"You wouldn't happen to have the key code, would you?"

[Adraudia Basillie]

"The key code?" She blinked in confusion. "Is it a number in the ship or something only the Vore would know?"

[Lady Vader]

LV had been hoping they wouldn't have to involve the Vore, but it was apparent Adraudia didn't know much about ships. She looked back down at the consule, looking for any signs that may indicate a key code or something to get the ship's systems operational to slave it to the Cat's Claw. With an inward sigh, she stood from the pilots seat and looked at Adraudia.

"Summon the Vore. You will need to instruct it to bring the ship's systems online so that we can slave the two ships together."

[Adraudia Basillie]

"As you wish, Lady Vader."

Adraudia closed her eyes and focused on the only other presence within the ship. Lady Vader could see the Witch's eyes work ferverishly underneath her eyelids.

Her eyes snapped open without any warning, "It comes."

[The Vore]

The Vore's long appendages hitting the floor cause a skittering metallic noise within the ship. It was a prelude to the Vore's arrival.

It had to fold it's leg closer to it's body to allow entrance, but when it was able to move through the doorway, it rose to it's full height. The Vore's head just barely touched the top of the hull and it stared down with lifeless eyes at Adraudia, awaiting orders.

[Adraudia Basillie]

"The Lady Vader wishes to bring the ship with us to Dathomir, along with her's. The system needs to be .... online. For her to slave the ship. Do as she wishes." She did her best to not stumble over her words in the elder Witch's presence.

[The Vore]

It's mouth hardly moved, but a strange chittering noise came forth from it's mouth. Since the creature had no realy lips to use un order to speak, the sound had to mainly come from it's throat. Either way, it made no sense to Lady Vader but Adraudia understood it perfectly and nodded in approval to what the Vore was doing at the console. Soon, the ship's systems were online and functional.

The Vore moved out of the way and back near the doorway, watching the women.

[Adraudia Basillie]

"Whatever you wish to do, you can now. The Vore shall not interfere with what needs to be done. I also commanded it to accept your orders for the duration of the trip. You cannot understand what it says, but it will understand what you say."

[Lady Vader]

LV watched as the creature worked the controls and then moved back to stand in the doorway, successfully blocking it.

She gave Adraudia a side-long glance, commenting on what she had just said.

"That's comforting to know."

She looked at the Vore, which was standing silently and unobtrusively nearby.

"I will summon you when I have further need of your assistance."

It was her way of thanking the creature and telling it it was free to leave. It apparently understood her meaning, as it backed out of the doorway, disappearing into the ship.

With the Vore gone, LV felt more free to give her back to the door as she punched in some codes for her ship that would slave Adraudia's ship to the Cat's Claw. Once she was finished, she stood and looked at the younger witch.

"Come. We shall fly in my ship with your in tow. If anything occurs, the Vore can take over."

They exited the ship and entered LV's, setting themselves in the cockpit and taking off for deep space. The trip would not be a long one, but it would give them time to speak more. Once the ships were snuggled in the correct path in hyperspace, LV turned to Adraudia.

"Tell me more about yourself and your clan."

[Adraudia Basillie]

Adraudia had stayed out of the cockpit, preferring to stay within the bowels of the ship. The thought of empty space scared her and she did not want to watch it constantly during the trip. It would be rude and disrespectful to deny Lady Vader's company since she wished it and fought back her fear.

She visibly fidgeted in the co-pilot's chair, trying the focus her thoughts, "What does the Lady Vader wish to know first?"

[Lady Vader]

Indeed... what did LV want to know first. There was one question that was beginning to burn a hole in her mind.

"Has Sorsha always been a part of the clans on Dathomir? And how did you get involved with her?"

She was noticing that Adraudia was somewhat fidgety in the co-pilots seat and figured she didn't much like open space. She thought about offering the young witch a more comfortable chatting area like the small lounge, but then decided not to. She would not be helping the young woman to harness and control her fear by taking her away from what she feared. Instead, she would keep her close to that fear. In the long run, she would learn from it, to control and later manipulate it into dark side energies.

[Adraudia Basillie]

"Sorsha had created the clan on Dathomir, Lady Vader." She tried to relax, keeping her hands still within her lap. It wasn't helping and neither was seeing the stars zoom by within her peripheral vision. Adraudia was starting to feel queasy. "She selected the first members of the clan very carefully, weeding out those that would not understand Vicet's plan for Chaos. Knowing who would be able to withstand the transformation when Vicet's tendril entered their bodies. It is a terrifying and painful process."

Adraudia eyes drifted to the floor in remembrance of when the centipede had merged with her. "It has taken years to put the clan together, as you can imagine."

[Lady Vader]

LV nodded her head slowly. Vicet was somewhat of a mystery to her, even though she'd heard of the being. She was also curious as to how Vicet "recruited".

"These... tendrils. Explain them to me."

[Adraudia Basillie]

"They are centipede that burrow into the minds of the chosen ones. The point of entry is through the ear. The centipede provide a direct connection to Vicet. She senses everything through that body and in turn, that body can serve to house her essence if Vicet chooses to walk in the physical plane."

Lady Vader could see Adraudia's eyes light up, "It was an honor to be chosen first for the process on Dathomir, becoming a founder member of my Clan."

[Lady Vader]

The idea of another being burrowing into her mind and potentially controling her didn't sit well with LV. But she kept her thoughts to herself. Instead, she focused on Audradia's pride at having been one of the first chosen.

"That certainly is an accomplishment. You have every right to be proud."

A light began to flash on the console of the ship while at the same time a small beeping emitted to the beat of the light. LV swiveled to give her full attention to the console.

"Looks like we're coming up on Dathomir."

With quick presition, LV worked the controls and brought the ship smoothly out of hyperspace. As the elongated stars once again became tiny pin-pricks in the cold black of space, both woman beheld a dark green orb; the jewel known as Dathomir.

It had been a long time since LV had seen it, and looking upon it now brought back memories of her life here. She would make a point to visit with her step-mother.

She turned to look at Adraudia, angling the ship towards the planet.

"Where exactly is your home? I don't want to land to far away from it, nor place your ship to far away either."

[Adraudia Basillie]

"I do not know how to show you with these instruments, but we are, as Sorsha said, several hundred yards from one of the Nightsister camps. We have a truce with the Sister Stalkers. It is within the forest towards the west, passed one of their towers." She quirked her head over at Lady Vader, "Is that information sufficient enough for you Mistress or shall I summon the Vore to be more precise?"

[Lady Vader]

Goodness knew how many clans there were, nor how many camps had been set up. She'd heard of the Sister Stalkers maybe once a long time ago when she was younger and still on the planet, but since that time, the clan could have moved locations. And there were tons of forests and towers scattered throughout the planet.

No, there would be no way for LV to locate Audradia's clan, and as much as the creature made her wary, she had no choice but to have it summoned. However, because they were on her ship, and the Vore was in Audradia's ship which was following the Cat's Claw through the slave that had been set up, the communication between Adradia and the Vore would have to take place through the Force.

"Call upon the Vore to use you as an instrument to guide my ship to your home. It should be easy enough through the link you two share. You shall be it's eyes, and it shall be your mind."

[Adraudia Basillie]

"As the Lady Vader commands." Through their usual connection, Adraudia summoned the Vore. The Witch fell into a trance while the creature picked at her mind, trying to pin-point the details Vicet's Clan from her memories. Then, a low shrieked reverberated throughout the ship as the Vore's head rolled back and forth. When it came to rest, it was staring at Adraudia who was now fully aware of her surroundings again and punched in the coordinates.

It did not want to crowd us or ask you to leave the pilot's chair out of respect." She began to answer Lady Vader's question before the Elder spoke up. "It showed my what to do by guiding my hand."

[Lady Vader]

"You may tell it I'm grateful for it's respect and will inform it's masters that it has done it's work well."

She turned back to look at the controls and then looked up at the cockpit's screen as the ship decsended swiftly and smoothly over the lush forests of Dathomir.

In a few minutes, the Cat's Claw was landing in a narrow clearing, Audradia's ship touching down just behind.

As soon as the ships had landed, LV reached for the controls, unlsvaing Audradia's ship and begining the stand-by sequence for hers. Soon all preperations were set and LV stood, gesturing to the younger Sith.

"Please, lead the way."

[Adraudia Basillie]

"Our ships shall be most secure here, Lady Vader." Adraudia pointed up into the trees that hugged the clearing. It was impossible to see the warrior women hidden within the leaves, but if one trained their thoughts towards them, the flickering of the Force could be felt, along with a cadence of surface thoughts. "My Clan shall protect them from harm."

The Witch commanded the Vore to stay with the ship and began to lead Lady Vader through the clearing, towards the southern forest. "Sorsha is looking forward to speaking with you. It has taken much time to make sure the ... situation was ideal in meeting with you. She did not wish your talks to go badly. Since your relationship has been rocky?" It was a question and Lady Vader could tell in Adraudia's voice she was most perpelxed as to why the two Sith Master's did not get along, especially since both of them had strong background's in magicks.

[Lady Vader]

LV nodded as Adraudia assured her the ships would be safe from harm. "I wouldn't have expected anything less."

As to Adraudia's second comment, LV remained silent. It was not time nor the place for the young witch to know why the two Sith Master's had had a falling out. In the beginning, their was great respect. But after the creation of the Anbiraa clone, LV had stopped Sorsha from killing him. That had been when the Sith Witch and the half-feline woman had soured towards each other.

But times were changing, and in order to grow and prosper and be rid of those vile Jedi, there needed to be truces. Fighting on two fronts would do neither of them good. They needed to pool their energies; and both Sith knew that together they would be an unstoppable force.

The walk was not a long one, but it was enough to bring memories pouring forth into LV's mind. It had been some time since she'd been here. She thought of her home back in the Black Lake Clan, within the protective walls of an abandoned Imperiel penal facility in the center of a murky lake, of her clan-and step-mother, and of her Rancor. Perhaps she would have time to visit them.

As they walked, She let her eyes shut half way, contecting a soft tendral of thought to her step-mother Gethwyn Tajki, and even to her loyal Rancor Tucta. She received a calm and delighted tendril back from the Dathomirian clan-witch. Tucta paled in comparison as the Rancor's reaction was much more vibrant and energetic, to the point where it communicated it was coming to LV. LV couldn't tell how far the two clans were from each other, but she knew her Rancor would not get lost either way.

The trees began to thin as they emerged at the edge of a small valley. In the protected confines of the valley were several cottages dotting the slopes. LV assumed this must be the beginnings of Adraudia's clan.

[Adraudia Basillie]

Indeed Lady Vader's assumption was correct as evident by the bright smile on Adraudia's face. She was finally home and back. Familiar scents of the latest hunt was in the air as fresh meat cooked over fire, the ground beneath her feet was of the planet, not the man made sidewalks that paved every street in Corellia. Most importantly was the sight of her sisters gathering to greet her with open arms and questioning her thoroughly. She had to put her arms up in defense to quiet all of them.

"What was the city like, Adra?"

"How tall were the buildings??"

"Do the doors really open for you?"

"Is this the Lady Vader? What an honor!"

"Sisters. Sisters! Please, be calm. I will be honored to tell you of my time on Corellia, but I must bring Lady Vader to Master Sorsha first before we can celebrate."

All of a sudden her sisters fell quiet. Something was not exactly wrong, but something was truly amiss.

Adraudia walked up to one clanswoman that was garbed in leathers, harnessing blades as weapons. "Sister Bharen. I know I was gone for some time, but not terribly wrong. Something happened while I was away."

It was evident that Adraudia held rank here. Bharen lowered her head in respect and averted her eyes. She was distraught and afraid of what Adraudia's response would be to the news. "It is ... Master Sorsha. She..." The warrior liked her lips, trying to fetch the correct words.

"Go on, please." Adraudia urged. "What is it with our Master?

Bharen took a deep breath through her nose and found the determination to stand up straight to look directly in Adraudia's eyes. "Master Sorsha is not longer in charge of our Sisters. All of our Sisters." Adraudia flinched visibly, understanding what her sister meant. "It was Vicet's will that Sorsha no longer be our..."

Adraudia cut her off with a hiss, "And who is our new leader?

"Her Blood Sister. Dalethria Mal Pannis." Bharen waited for Adraudia to unleash her anger upon her, but oddly it did not come. The white eyed Witch seemed at a loss for words. "The Goddess herself has blessed this change. Master Dalethria knows what goes on here, and the Vore obey. We do not know why the change, Sister. Just that it ... is."

The Witch felt her cheeks burning with embarrassment. How could she lead Lady Vader in a chaotic mess like this. Why did it have to be like this! Frustration consumed her.

"A thousand apologies, Lady Vader." Adraudia pleaded with the Sith Mistress. "I truly did not know of this. Everything was fine when I left Dathomir!

[Lady Vader]

LV, encased in her flowing black cloak, merely stood there, listening. The wind seemed to die down as the warrior gave Adraudia the news. LV frowned as she heard Sorsha was no longer their leader.

The enclave was at a standstill after Adraudia's apology to LV. It was as if each member expected a swift death from her rage. Yet there was no rage. It was a pity Sorsha was not here... but the news of Dalethria being here was enough to bring LV out of her listening pose.

And she laughed mirthfully.

"Adraudia, my dear. Do not apologize for something that was not directly in your care." LV placed a hand on the young witches shoulder, feeling it was as tense as a rock, and she squeezed it. She steered the young woman towards what looked like the main meeting den.

She continued. "true, it is a pitty that Sorsha is not here. I was looking forward to placing our differences aside and becoming a duo-force unrivaled in this Universe."

She stopped, looking at Adraudia. "But the news of Dalethria being in charge is just as welcome to me as any. Dalethria and I have a history together; a history that has no conflict."

She looked back up at the large den, made of sturdy trunks and rancor hides.

"The meeting will go as planed."

[Adraudia Basillie]

Adrauda tried to say something but then closed her mouth, confused. It took a few moments to process that she was not in trouble, and that Lady Vader was pleased at the current situation.

Even after her thoughts caught up with the present, she was still dumbfounded, but manage to pull her act together. "Uh... yes. Yes, this way please."

The pair walked up to the large den and the two warriors at either side stood at attention. The one warrior woman towards their left spoke up first, bowing her head and shield in respect to Lady Vader's station. "Mistress Mal Pannis is inside waiting for the both of you."

The young Witch pulled the rancor hide to the side, allowing Lady Vader to enter first and followed upon her heels. The hut itself was how Sorsha had left it. Blankets were bundled up upon the floor to sit on as a fire crackled in the center. The walls held hides and heads of various hunts that the women of this tribe had collected in their sort time as a Clan. It was most impressive to say the least. Towards the far side of the room, a shadow crept along the lighter hides that separated the sleeping area from the main room.

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

"I see that you're right on time Lady Vader." The voice was all too recognizable for the Sith leader. This was Adraudia's first time hearing it, let alone meeting Dalethria.

A pair of hands flipped back the hides and the new leader of the Sister's strode through with curious eyes that fell on Adraudia. "I've heard good things about you Adraudia. I do hope that after all is said and done, you will come to realize why things are the way they are. But I do emphasize that this is Vicet's will." That seemed to decrease the Witch's apprehension somewhat. Dalethria could still sense her uncertainty.

Not to ignore Lady Vader for too long, Dalethria offered a nod of respect to her. "I apologize for Sorsha's absence, but there is good reason I assure you."

[Lady Vader]

A hint of a smile could be seen on LV's lips as she answered the other Sith woman. "I'm sure all will be revealed at it's appropriate time."

She moved to stand just across from Dalethria, both women studying each other for a moment. Adraudia hadn't moved from where she'd entered, not wanting to intrude. A mere moment passed before LV could stand it no longer and clasped her long-time comrade in a tight embrace. She release Adraudia, a full blown smile featured on her face.

"You are looking well, Dalethria. You must be proud to have such an honorable tribe as your sisters and clanmates."

She looked about the den then back at dalethria. "I'm sorry to hear Sorsha is not here. I was hoping to set some differences aside with her. But I suppose we can't get everything we want."

She nodded in Dalethria's direction. "And you? How have you been?"

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

Dalethria took a step back from being release within the embrace and looked sheepish, "Well, to be honest. The Striking Serpent Clan was being formed under my nose while I was.... incapacitated. It's birth was due to Vicet's will and Sorsha's hand. I'm here to make certain that it continues to prosper."

She turned towards a small table that had a bottle and several glasses upon it and mumbled under her breath, "And no, we can't get everything we want." The comment was not directed to anymore in particular. It was just a general statement that summed up Dalethria's feelings on a lot of personal matters as well. "Otherwise, things have been well for me. A lot has changed recently, but for the better. Especially for me." She held up the bottle and shook in enticingly, "Wine?"

[Lady Vader]

"Why not? A little endulgence never hurts."

LV waited patiently as Dale poured the wine into two glasses, handing her one. She sipped it, letting it's rich taste be absorbed by her tongue before swallowing. "Ah, it has been far too long since I have tasted the purple berries of this land." She admired the dark color of the wine a bit, swirling it in her glass, before looking back up at Dale.

"I suppose it should be time we came down to business." She paused momentarily before continuing. "Sorsha and I hadn't quite gotten along and this meeting was to set aside those differences. Her message through Adraudia indicated subtly that it was Vicet's will."

Iesis came bounding in from her frolic outside. The large panther enjoyed open spaces, and Dathomir was the perfect place for a romp through the jungles. She was slightly dirty and panting, but as happy as could be. She made her way to a large pillow near LV and plopped there, stretching out contentedly.

LV looked at the feline for a moment, smiling, feeling the cat's enthusiasm for being here. But she turned her attention back to Dale promptly, not wanting to break the stride of her conversation.

She leaned forward. "Which brings me to my next question. While I have heard much of this Vicet, I do not know her. I suppose I am curious to know why it is such a powerful being would have wanted Sorsha and I to 'make up' as it were."

She raised an eyebrow at Dale. "You wouldn't happen to have any answers for this, would you?"

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

"Well," she threw Adraudia a knowing glance that the Witch mimicked. "My dear Sorsha has been quite busy as you already know. Adraudia is living proof of the new Clan here on Dathomir. Their purpose is to spread the will of the Dark Side through chaos and, most importantly, they follow Vicet."

Dalethria took another sip of her wine and continued, "From what I've gathered through questioning Sorsha and the Serpent Clan, I've pieced together enough to suggest that you would have figured out what was going on here sooner, rather then latter." She paused, letting that sink in. Though many do not know of Lady Vader's heritage, there were ways of deducing that information. Namely through otherworldly means. She dangled her arm over her knee, swirling the wine around in the glass as she continued to speak. She sighed, letting some frustration to the surface. "Now I say piece together since Sorsha was not very forthcoming with information. I do know she wanted peace with you to fortify the work being done here. There are many good clans here, both that walk either path. Vicet wanted to create something here to achieve that no one has ever done. Bring the sisters around for a common purpose to make the Dark Side stronger... You know how it is here. Countless Clans on both sides of the coin. They have their own beliefs on top of the ones they share. Only at certain times do they come together but in the end, they head on home back to their lives.

Now we have a Clan that serves one goal. Serves one purpose." She held up a finger for emphasis. "All this potential found here within the Witches focused in one cohesive entity.

Now, due to your heritage and the respect that Sorsha does have for you, she wanted you to be a part of this new era for Dathomir. When I learned of these plans and visited here myself to see, I of course hand to inform you for I agree wholeheartedly." Dalethria stopped swirling her glass in anticipation for Lady Vader's reaction. This was a lot to take in, but her friend needed to hear the truth. She just hoped that the reaction would be a positive one. With Lady Vader on her side, the Clan would be able to grow much faster with her endorsement.

[Lady Vader]

LV took it with stride. It certainly was a lot of information to take in all at once, but she nevere the less understood it.

"I'd have to say I agree with the vision Sorsha had, as well as Vicet. And it was right of Sorsha to have included me, seeing as how Dathomir is a planet protected by the Sith Order."

She propped herself forward, letting her eyes follow a circular pattern on the fur she sat on.

"My clan, along with those allied and associated with it, will certainly aid in this new era. All it takes is contacting the Clan Mother." She paused momentarily to look up. "The difficulty lies in persuading the smaller, more rustic clans set further apart... those with their own ideals. In the end, I'm sure we can persuade them for the good of the Sisters and the planet, but it will take some doing and patience."

"Still..." There was something that was nagging LV, something she couldn't put her foot on. "Still, I can't feel but that there was more to this meeting than to just get my mere blessing and consent for this new idea for Dathormir..."

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

Dalethria bobbed her head back and forth a little, some strain showing in her neck that there was one more thing that was left out. "Well.... the Clan is just one thing that was created here. With the help of the witches, something else was built. A temple. To Vicet."

She wanted to hear Lady Vader's reaction to that before explaning further. She did look towards Adraudia to see how the young Witch was handling the discussion. Her eyes were bright, moving back and forth between the two Mistresses, trying to absorb everything being said. Most of the distrust that was present in the beginning at Dalethria was slowly melting away. But she was wary. Which was good. Sorsha had taught her well to be cautious.

[Lady Vader]

LV blinked once. "I see."

It wasn't that she didn't want a temple built to Vicet. Hell, the Witches of this clan were free to do as they wished on their land.

"You are free to do what you wish on this clan's land, granted the clan that presides in it agrees to whatever it is you which to do."

It was just that LV still had a bit of mistrust for Vicet? No, that wasn't the word. More like wariness. "I just..." She wasn't even sure who or what Vicet was... but if that could be explained...

"Dalethria, I must confess. I really don't have much information on this Vicet you speak of. Yes, I've heard the stories, and yes, I have been given some explaination by Adraudia here," She gestured towards the younger woman in the room, "but frankly, and I don't mean any disrespect, it still hasn't quite answered in my mind who Vicet is... or what Vicet is."

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

"I completely understand and respect your situation." She looked over Lady Vader's shoulder towards Adraudia. The Witch titled her head slightly as silent words were exchanged between her and Dalethria. "Ah, yes..." The Mistress nodded and her attention returned to her friend, "Adraudia was general in her explanation, as ordered. But I think we can move passed that now.

The Force is one entity, tying all living things together. As with all living things that can exert control in the universe, there is good and evil attached to it. The power itself is neutral, but the because the Force has always been here since life was created, its aspect of Light and Dark eventually created physical entities. They weren't just manifestations of the Light and Dark, but rather representations of what each of the two sides stand for.

Vicet is one of those entities. She was born from the Dark Side, a god of Chaos, and her sole purpose is to make sure the Dark Side remains strong and that only the strong survive."

[Lady Vader]

LV nodded her head slowly. The explaination was making more sense than what Adraudia had given her earlier... and it was giving her more information.

"So, then, if Vicet is of the Dark Side, then there must be one of the Light, no?"

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

She nodded, it wasn't like this was a huge revelation. Of course there was an entity of the Light to keep things balanced. "Yes, although I do not know its name. Vicet has not revealed that to me ... yet." Sorsha didn't seem to know either and Vicet was being, well ... Vicet with her. The goddess didn't think it was important for Dalethria to know her sister's name.

[Lady Vader]

LV thought about this in silence for a long time, before beginning to voice her thoughts out loud.

"If Vicet has revealed herself to you, a creature of the dark, then it is in no doubt that her sister has revealed hereslef to the Jedi."

She frowned.

"And if this is so, and if they are as powerful as you imply they are, then we could potentially have a problem on our hands. What's to stop these entities from giving special powers to their respective sides? What if Vicet's sister has done so already with the Jedi? Has Vicet done this with those of the Sith?"

Her mind was working furiously. She was trying to see if there was a potential threat to having these demi-gods around, or if it was a blessing.

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

Dalethria nodded as Lady Vader's mind was going in the right track. She deduced much the same that Vicet's sister had made contact with at least one Jedi. Vicet was more visible in her ways through Sorsha, her Apprentices, and finally, through the Witches. "Power has been passed to some of those that follow Vicet. Why do you think some have symbiotes and some don't? As for the Jedi," she frowned at the thought, "I am pretty sure one of them has been touched by Vicet's sister. I can only assume this for Vicet's activities have become rather plentiful and Dathomir has become a second home to her children."

[Lady Vader]

"In that case, I think it's time we asked Vicet directly about this. Though she is of the Dark, ultimately the Dark and Light are connected, albiet by a thin thread, but it is there. Consider it like twilight or dawn of a day."

She leaned forward. "I think because of this connection, it is possible Vicet may know who it is her sister has contacted. Of course, we can also start our own investigation. But best to go straight to the connections source first before we jump to conclusions."

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

Dalethria stopped breathing, out of shock. "Vicet only shows herself when required. If we asked for an audience, we more then likely won't get it. If we demand one.... well," She shook her head, "The results are not pretty. She will reveal herself when she feels like it and without warning."

[Lady Vader]

LV narrowed her eyes.

"You'll forgive me if I'm not as subserviant as those around me. You must remember I have never met the entity, nor do I feel I should be at a lower status." She stood. "Frankly, until I can speak with Vicet, there's not much to keep me from believing in her, now is there."

She raised a finger to stop Dalethria's further protests. "But, I am not without diplomacy. Call for the audience. Explain to Vicet that it is imperative we speak with her concerning what we have discussed. For it is not only for our own protection, but hers as well." She shruged. "After all, if her sister has indeed found a champion, that champion could very well be out hunting for us and Vicet as we speak. Best not to be caught with our pants down."

LV smiled.

"Vicet is intelligent. She will know what I speak of..." She looked around at the building they were gathered in, "If she isn't already listening in..."

[Vicet]

Lady Vader felt a chilling presence behind her suddenly and then, a sense of vertigo.

"I lissssssten ... alwayssssss."

Golden serpentine eyes brushed across Dalethria's momentarily as the goddess then glanced about the room.

[Adraudia Basillie]

You could almost hear Adraudia gasp in surprise.

If Vicet had taken notice of her presence, Adraudia did not know. The Witch was behind her goddess when she appeared. Quickly she went to the floor, kneeling, arms stretched outwards and staring at the ground.

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

She was more then a little perturbed at Lady Vader right now. How dare she insinuate that Dalethria thought that her comrade was subservient. Even after further explanation, Dalethria's feelings on the matter weren't completely quenched. It wasn't the matter of disagreeing with her friend, it was a matter pride and Vicet wanting to appear.

Then she laughed right when the Dragon Goddess appeared. There was no fear in voice. The two of them had an antagonistic relationship. Much like her and Sorsha. "Ask and ye shall receive. Guess I don't need to cut through the red tape for a change."

[Lady Vader]

The chill rippled up and down her spine, making her feel cold, while the vertigo sensation made her close her eyes for a moment. Towards the direction of the door, she heard Iesis give a low growl deep in her throat, though she had not moved from her position.

Once she had composed herself, she looked at Daelthria. "No, I guess not." She slowly turned. Audradia had already hit the ground face first, not daring to look up.

As for herself, she looked at Vicet. The demi-god appeared as a young female, dark and beautiful, but despite the young features, there was a wisdom and age to her golden eyes. And LV could feel the power eminating from the being... an almost intoxicating power. A power she knew she could not match... not alone and not without the demi-god's blessing.

But, so as not to offend the being, she bowed her head, speaking. "It is an honor to at last meet that whom I have heard so much about." She kept her head down. "I did not mean disrespect, but only felt the topic we spoke of needed urgent attention."

She raised her head to look at Vicet. She did not mention the being's name as it was not yet given to her to do so. She had been in plenty of diplomatic situations to know how to address that to whom you were a guest in their house.

She waited for the other to speak before continuing.

[Vicet]

Vicet bowed down and took the wine bottle that the women had poured from. She inhaled its aroma. "Where did Ssssssorssssssha'ssssss hate for you come from?

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

Dalethria said nothing, nor did Adraudia inch from her spot. This was between the Sith Master and Vicet, something that she was content with for now as she sipped the wine that caused the goddess' interest.

[Lady Vader]

There was the slightest twitch near LV's eye, but it was hardly discernable. She answered the demi-gods question.

"Sorsha and I had a... disagreement on a situation that happened long ago." She paused long enough to gather her thoughts into a short summary and then continued. "In a previous act, my consort had commited suicide and thought dead. But he had not died. He had merely thrown himself off a cliff because he was weak. And to further show his weakness, he joined the vile Jedi."

She stopped peaking as if she were removing something distasteful from her mouth.

"At some point, whether it was before the attempted suicide or after, Sorsha had taken a dislike to my consort and had vowed to kill him." She shrugged. 'As it were, I would have gladly joined her just to get revenge on him for leaving me."

She narrowed her eyes.

"Another Sith had taken some of my consorts DNA and cloned him without my knowledge. I came across his new body accidently while visiting another Sith faction, quite alive and well. Sorsha was there and tried to kill him, thinking he was the original. I stopped her. I knew that he was a clone, yet possessed the same power as the original. And he was completely dedicated to me, more so than the first had been. I was not going to let her destroy a way that I could get back at my consort for leaving me... for leaving the Sith."

Again she shrugged.

"From that day forward, Sorsha despised me for having stopped her. And frankly, I could have cared less. But wisdom and age have a way of making you see things differently, and I believe it was aout the same time we both concluded on our own that being united was far deadlier than being at odds."

[Vicet]

"Are you sssso sure, Lady Vader?"

Vicet turned around and grinned at the Sith woman, her eyes dialating and refocusing upon her form. It was the first time the goddess had acknowledged her with eye contact. "Growth comessss from conflict. Ssssorssssha alwayssss lived by it. Even you did at one time. Are you sssso ssssure sssshe wanted to reconcile with you. Not even Dalethria can know her true motivessss. No one ever could.

Issssn't that right my precioussss, Dalethria!" A primal laughter came from Vicet, mocking her newest chosen one's misfortune.

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

She was being baited again by Vicet. Unfortunately, the stakes were too high to get into an argument, and Dalethria was in no mood to explain what exactly happened between her and Sorsha. Maybe that was what the goddess wanted, for Lady Vader to hear the cause of the fallout between the two Sisters.

Either way, she said nothing, but with how squarely her jaw had set, it looked as if the Mistress was going to break a tooth soon from the strain.

[Lady Vader]

It was true, LV didn't know if Sorsha had wanted to reconcile with her. But reconcile wasn't the word she would have chosen.

If it had not been to lay down their conflict, then what could it have been. LV had a feeling Vicet knew the answer all too well. Hell, it was probably Vicet who had enticed Sorsha to ask LV to come to Dathomir.

The last spoken sentence by Vicet had caught LV's attention as she turned to look at Dale. The other Sith woman look like she was about to pop an artery. It made LV raise an eyebrow.

There was certainly a story there, and possibly the full explaination why Sorsha was absent from these proseedings..

[Vicet]

The silence made her grin. How she loved the tension."Embarassssssssed to sssspeak the truth, Dalethria?

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

Damn that Vicet. The conversation had even brought Adraudia's head up enough to see what was going to happen next.

The situation finally made her snap and she slammed a fist into the side of her seat, demanding to be left alone. Probably not a wise move, but Vicet had pushed the wrong button finally. Took longer then usual.... "It's not anyone's business but my own. So drop the subject."

[Lady Vader]

That made the other eyebrow rise up. Vicet had definitely pushed a sensetive button there. LV had never seen Dalethria react like that.

And almost as if on que, or by coincidence, a large crash was heard from outside, along with women yelling to each other followed by a loud roar.

[Tucta]

Tucta had finally made his way down to the settlement where he'd sensed his Mistress. But the reception he got from the other dathomirian witches that were in the village wasn't what he'd expected.

Most were running around, grabbing long spears and poking at him to stay back from the main tent. It infuriated him. He could smell LV and only wanted to be at her side as it had been some time sinced he'd seen her last.

Rancors had exceptionally good memories and were feircely loyal to their Mistresses. Tucta was no different.

At this point some other Witches had mounted their Rancors and were advancing on what they thought was a rogue Rancor. Knowing he could not take on so many by himself, he reached out and grabbed a watch tower, flinging the Witch that was there out of the tower and then throwing the tower at the nearest Rancor advancing on him.

All he wanted was to be with LV. Why couldn't these creatures understand this?

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

The sound of horns brought Dalethria out of her seat and Adraudia to her feet for the first time. "Something's attacking the camp." But there was confusion on her face, no one knew the exact location of this area except for a select few who were made to be trustwothy if they were not part of the Clan.

[Vicet]

Vicet disappeared during the confusion, leaving all the questions Lady Vader had unanswered.

[Lady Vader]

LV had whipped her head momentarily in the direction of the noise, only to see Vicet blink out of exsistance from the corner of her eye. Frowning, she began to trot towards the entrance. I'm not through with you yet, Vicet.

Reaching the entrance to the hall they were in, LV poked her head out and saw what was making all the commotion: Tucta.

The stubborn Rancor must have sensed her when she'd landed on the planet and come seeking her out. She stepped forward, walking towards Tucta LV spoke gently to the creature using the Force. Calm yourself, Tucta. There is no need for all this agitation. They did not know why you'd come.

The Rancor snuffed and snorted, but began to calm down. This also made the warriors around the large animal to ease their advances.

She made her way through as the warriors split to let her pass, finally reaching Tucta. The Rancor's large head lowered and she placed a hand on it's snout.

She turned back to look where Dalethria had remained at the doorway to the hall, essentially letting her know all was under control.

[Tucta]

Tucta heard LV's voice in his head and began to calm his rage.

He stood still as LV approached, lowering his head to her level. There he closed his eyes as LV's hand touched his snout. A soft sigh escaped his massive chest.

That was all he'd wanted.

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

"Adraudia?"

The Witch came to stand alongside Dalethria, waiting patiently for the Mistress to speak.

"Go to Lady Vader and see if you can help her with her Rancor. She is our guest and so is her mount."

[Adraudia Basillie]

She bowed quickly and ran towards Lady Vader, slowing her pace when the Rancor took notice of her. With cautious steps, she approached the scene. "May I be of service and tend to the needs of your mount, Mistress?"

[Lady Vader]

LV kept the hand on the Rancor's snout but turned to look at Adraudia.

"Thank you, Adraudia. Yes, see that he is comfortable. No doubt he has worked up an appitite after the long run from his home."

She turned back to look at Tucta. Be good and mind your manners.

The Rancor snuffed and straightened, happily following the petite Witch to where he could get some food.

LV watched Tucta a moment longer, before tunring back towards the hall where Dalethria stood at the doorway. Upon reaching the building, she spoke.

"Please forgive Tucta for his... hastey entrance. He's not one for finese."

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

"Eh well, what can you do." She smirked, "He wanted his Mistress and what else is a Rancor to do?"

Already the members of the Clan were cleaning up the area and beginnings repairs to the damaged hutts and tower. They were trained by Sorsha to be efficient warriors and hold pride in their hearts for their common goal. It meant not only being skilled in the art of combat, but to also be skilled in keeping the village running smoothly during disasters or down time.

[Lady Vader]

LV walked back down the path to the main hall, accompanied by Dale.

"It seems Vicet has taken some time off for the moment, but I shall see her again."

She'd clasped her hands behind her back, moving the fingers lazily. At one point she felt a soft poke as Iesis followed a wee bit closely, bumping her nose once against the back of her leg before stopping to allow room enough between them.

"Still, my concern is still very much in my mind about Vicet's sister." She looked at Dalethria. "Has the demigod voiced anything to you concerning what her sister may be up to?"

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

"Not if she sees you first." It wasn't said as a joke but as a warning. "Considering how you demanding you were, I bet Vicet will find you when you least expect it."

Dalethria stopped, smiling down at Iesis. She was missing her wolf, Avagdu, at that moment. Her added responsibilities had kept her from him these last months. A problem that was going to need to be rectified. "No. Just that a champion was chosen by her sister. Nothing more then that. I've yet to learn the name of that someone"

[Lady Vader]

LV's face screwed into a frown as though she'd just eatten something sour and raw.

"I have a few guesses as to who that someone might be." She looked at Dalethria's questioning glance. "Not that I have any solid information. It's just an uncomfortable gut feeling."

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

"And whom would that be?" She questioned. "Least would give me some ammo to work with when Vicet shows up again."

[Lady Vader]

LV frowned and stopped walking. "There are two goody two-shoes I can think of at the Jedi Order that Ondine might just pick; both of which I just happen to have a past with: Anbira and Jubei."

LV shrugged. "Only thing is I killed Anbira several months ago." She frowned again. "And yet, I still feel the taint of his very soul within the threads of the Force. But who's to say that isn't his spirit?" She shook her head. "Unfortunately, I didn't actually see him die, so who knows if he was saved. But this I do know... I poinsoned him with a substance that has no cure. So only a being like Odine could have possibly saved him."

Her face became stoney. "And as for Jubei, he is alive and well. But he is not one to fight, no thanks to those damn monks." She mummbled. "I should never have left him there when he was young."

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

"If you want confirmation about Anbira, there are many ways to go about it." She nodded and felt a bit sorry for Lady Vader. Thankfully Dalethria was able to raise her daughter personally. She hadn't the ability to think of what life would be without her Aliandra, "As for your son Jubei, a likely candidate but is too passive as you said. Vicet's rival would need a warrior of the Light and Anbira has tasted both sides of the Force. On a positive note, I've bested him once... tho a Jedi now, I'm sure I can do it again, especially now that my list of allies grow longer."

[Lady Vader]

LV looked at her comrade and friend, and smiled. "It seems we have both bested him. Imagine what we could do if our strengths were combined. Oh the possibilities..."

She shook her head slowly. "But now is not the time to dream. We must act and see if it is infact him, or another." She looked up. "And perhaps Vicet will agree that something must be done to stop this champion her sister may have."

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

She shrugged, "Vicet will not be showing herself anytime soon... at least not until the temple's dedication ceremony. My best guess. Probably we should speed things along and presume that is the case. Also, it would please the goddess and help to get on her good side." Dalethria added with a wink.

[Lady Vader]

LV smiled. "I shall attempt to curb my forecfulness then in the presence of Vicet."

She chuckled after saying this and then continued. "Why don't you show me where construction will take place if it hasn't already been started. And if you require more help, I can ask my clan for aid as well."

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

"Actually, everything is done. Just some last touches are needed to complete the structure, mainly furnishing and the proper instruments needed for the rituals. The Clan is forging them now, offering sacrifices to Vicet so they will be properly blessed. All that is left is the dedication, the time not yet decided.

Sorsha was.... quite sure you would accept this new friendship and began construction some time ago. I presume my Sister wanted to make things work between you and her."

[Lady Vader]

LV was silent as Dalethria explained that the structure was complete and all that was left were minor details. She turned her head towards the other Sith woman after her comment about Sorsha.

"Well, for one, whatever it is Sorsha's clan does on their soil does not need my permission. However, I do appreciate that she did take the time to invite me to be here for it's eventual dedication." She looked away as they walked towards where the large temple had been errected. "Not only will this be a symbol to Vicet, but it can also be a symbol of our, Sorsha and mine's, placing our past behind us and looking forward to a prosperous future for the Sith."

A contimplated look came over her face, "I remember one time speaking with the entity in the Sith holocron the Sith Order has in it's possession, and I recall his words now: 'Seperated and at odds is the quickest way the Sith can undo themselves to extinction; they are easy pickings for those that would see them erradicated completely. But united the Sith stand stronger against any force that would oppose them in this galaxy; woe upon those that would attack them at the peek of their might.'"

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

This information did not surprise Dalethria. The Sith Order was a vast and powerful empire that had the resources to acquire holocron. It was interesting to hear what the being inside the it spoke of. Such a lesson was not often heard from the holocrons but in this case, it was quite appropriate.

"If you want to see the grounds for yourself, you may. Then perhaps we can work out an arrangement that would benefit both you and my Sister to meet."

[Lady Vader]

LV nodded. "Very good then."

She looked at Dalethria. "I shall make my way over to the grounds to inspect them. I would like your company, but I also understand that you are very busy and may have things to complete."

"As for the meeting with your Sister..." A thoughtful look came over her face. "Make the arrangements. I will be at your disposal for the meeting."

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

"Considering things are rather ... complicated with my Sister, I'd rather head back home to arrange a meeting." She motioned towards Adraudia, "I'm sure she'll be a worthy guide around the grounds and show you everything that you require."

[Lady Vader]

"Thank you, Dalethria. You are a most gracious host." She bowed out of respect towards the other woman, also giving indication she was free to go about her business.

LV then turned to Adraudia. "Lead the way."

[Lady Vader]

*BUMP*