A Simple Twist of Fate

[Sinead DeBeynac]

Who in their right mind would go to Vjun?

Sinead couldn't help repeating the question to herself as she exited hyperspace aboard the Feuille d'Automne (http://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/XS_stock_light_freighter/Legends). Really all she had read on it sounded like a hell hole, regardless of the few fancy all crumbling family estates. Also, she didn't really like imperial territory anyway. She didn't care so much about politics, but she had been raised on one, albeit a small town full of Zelosian superstitions that had made her life hell.

If she wasn't out of money, she wouldn't be there. It was the last place where she wanted to be. She was running out of cash though, and that old trail from a few months ago where some idiots she used to know had claimed they'd find some old relics, was her best option. Sure thing, she had never heard back from this bunch of morons, which didn't bode well. But desperate times called for desperate measures.

Sinead had survived on her own for ten years, and she was set on continuing to do as such, no matter what.

The sounds her ship made as she entered the atmosphere later on weren't reassuring. Her poor baby needed some upgrades, which was one of the main reasons Sinead had come all the way to this acidic rain shit show.

She had a general direction where to go, no far from the Chateau Malreaux, but far enough she could come in through a discreet route. She had heard about caves and stuff like that. She didn't need to go saunter into actual castles, even when likely decrepit. Good old access networks via caves could have enough old stuff. After all, she had been successful like that a couple of times in the past, which had been among her most fruitful heists. Rich people, especially nobles, tended to be so obnoxious, even their crumbs paid a truckload of credits.

She had chosen to stay far away enough, even though it would likely make her life worse and with a lot of underground hiking, which she didn't like, but it was a smarter bet in her mind.

As she descended the ship closer, catching sight of a cave large enough that could keep it docked and protected, she suddenly couldn't breathe. It had to be the worst bad feeling of her life, and gods knew she had a few of them at times. Regardless what it was, it only lasted an instant; but it was long enough for her lapse of focus to cause the dish to get smashed into the ceiling of the cave, and her landing gear screeched nastily.

She cursed loudly and profusely, as she course corrected, but the way she did it made the ship stop too hard and quick, and she smelled something wrong.

Powering the poor old girl as quick as she could, she stormed to the engine room, grabbing a fire exctinctor on the way. The cooling units had given up on her and she hoped that her ship would still be able to fly as she controlled all the damage she could.

"Please, girl, please, please, please, don't give up on me. I'm here to make sure I can fix you. Please, please, for fuck's sake, please hang in there."

The fire ended soon enough, but she knew in her guts something was terribly wrong. She would have to run a full diagnosis; but she would need spare parts.

She was bloody stuck on Vjun, and she didn't know for how long.

"Brilliant," she muttered under her breath.

She rested her back against the nearby wall. She couldn't afford to wallow in self-pity. She needed this damn planet to turn up something good, something real damn good.

[Dalethria]

Dalethria's life had returned to stability after recently leaving off world (https://sw-fans.net/forum/showthread.php?57670-The-Riddler) with her new ally, Baska Tankreyd. Bal'demnoc had given her no answers to the broken holocron pieces that Baska had in her possession. Her previous master had found solitude in the ruins there, conducting research. Baska had found more baubles and notes from him but Dalethria's search had come up empty.

Except for gaining respect for the other woman. Their relationship was built on suspicion - accepting that the Force brought them together. Dalethria wouldn't have in her possession the great holocron of Plagueis if not for the other Sith. The obstacles towards their goal required little effort with their joint power, but Dalethria had come to realize that they were an impressive duo - cutting a swath through plunderers and able to disregard the lesser spirits residing in the ruins, their paltry abilities unable to crack through their mental barriers.

Still ... Baska caused her pause when Dalethria walked through future threads of the Force to see where this alliance would led them. Two paths were the strongest. One was cold seething betrayal and the other was fierce affection.

This baffled the Sith and did not speak of it to the blonde, not even when Baska offered a farewell after bringing Dalethria back to Vjun.

Vjun was Dalethria's sanctuary. Here she could focus. Feel safe. Able to forget that an entire galaxy that frightened her was out there. To abate that fear, she needed to unlock the power of the holocon and consume its knowledge. Then she could enact her revenge on Empire that had forsaken her.

The double sided pyramid rolled diagonally a foot above the floor while its would be master meditated. Lines of power coursed through inscriptions this time - a sign that she was getting closer to unlocking the gatekeeper. It shone brighter than ever before and felt any moment the panels would fold outward in victory if she just pressed harder ...

... eyes snapped open, power fizzling out of existence on the holocron's shell. Eyes were wrought with rage as an unwelcome guest had arrived on planet. She was about to curse Baska's betrayal of promising her cousin would send no more beings to scour the area, but that gut reaction felt wrong after she digested her feelings about the intrusion further.

Dalethria felt urgency as she rose to her feet, securing the holocron in it's case on her nightstand, and dressed (http://www.propbay.com/attachments/original/2113d1324325668-sonja-rhona-mitra-hero-pendant-sonja2.jpg) out of her gown.

Hopefully the insolent bug that landed here would die swiftly so she could get back to work ..

[Sinead DeBeynac]

Sinead was dreading the acidic rains; but there seemed to be none right then, so it was as good as it could get. She wanted to get a feel of the area right away if possible. She was so pissed at the mess she had put herself through. Yet that horrible feeling she had briefly experienced had been more potent than anything else she had sensed. It was troubling, and she knew she would likely get in trouble sooner than later. She needed to make some progress though. At least she was always quick to think, which helped in such situations.

Dressed in a practical black outfit, she zipped up her jacket, and adjusted the pack on her shoulders. Attached to her utility belt, she had a flashlight - with two extra batteries in the pack, her blaster, a knife, and some multi-tools. Her pack had enough space for whatever small findings. She still had some supplies in her pantry, which could last her for a while, and her ship's generator was still working fine. So hopefully she would be able to make do on Vjun as long as needed.

Her biggest concern - besides that very very bad feeling, was finding ship parts. At this point, she would go elsewhere to make easy cash, even if it was waiting tables somewhere. She really wanted off that rock already. It was weird how she had decided to travel to Vjun in the first place. She couldn't explain it because it had almost been against her better judgement. And she wasn't an idiot.

With a sigh, she lowered the boarding ramp, and climbed down into the cave, whose large opening was close enough that she could get a good look at the whole bunch of rocks and nothing ahead of her. The coast wasn't too far either, and in the distance she could see the fortress.

There was no vegetation there, and the clouds were coming closer again. She groaned but there was no use in postponing the inevitable any longer. She climbed her way down to the ground. She roamed the area for a while, until she found a cave entrance on the other side. Based on location, she guessed it might lead close to the Chateau, which was her best bet.

Grabbing at the flashlight, she turned it on, and walked inside the cave.

[Dalethria]

The insect had invaded her space rather quickly. That was a concern. Interlopers immediately made camp and secured the area before deciding to venture off. This hadn't happened since Baska first stepped foot on Vjun. Dalethria's stomach churned, making her feel briefly ill as deja vu set in. The being that entered the caverns was Force sensitive.

Why couldn't the Force leave her be? The galaxy wanted to torture her with constant disturbances!

With a sneer concealed in the darkened cavernous network, she had to remind herself that Baska's appearance had ended up being a boon. She wouldn't have the holocron in her possession or the knowledge to unlock its secrets as a worthy seeker. Was it a coincidence that another with potential had found their way at the entrance to her home?

Immersing herself in her anger, she disguised her presence and was one with the shadows -the singular beacon of life was the only trail she required in finding the intruder. As she walked, her will sought understanding and discovered that it was another woman. She was an insignificant blip of power compared to what Dalethria and Baska commanded. She was probably ignorant of her potential.

When her presence was close enough, Dalethria paused at one of the junctures that opened up to a large cavern. This area was different than the one she had met Baska - in the middle a column was formed from centuries of wear and tear when acidic lake water come through during bad storms. The opening was as close to circular as possible with five different caves that converged here in this cramped area. Her gaze pierced across the darkness where her uninvited guest was approaching just before the flickering of a light source illuminated the path taken.

It gave Dalethria a few moments to decide what to do with her ...

[Sinead DeBeynac]

Sinead didn't hear anything betraying another living presence in the cave. It didn't sit well with her due to the bad feeling she had felt in her guts upon her miserable job of a landing earlier. There was something or someone in the area, even if not right there in the caves.

The blonde didn't spook easily; and she still thought that her family accusing her of witchcraft was just a whole lot of stupid superstition. Yeah, there surely were bigger things in the galaxy, and she had seen a few really weird shit in her time, but she thought it was mostly tales meant to scare idiots.

Given the stupid climate of Vjun, she also doubted there was extended fauna, and flora, so most predators might be that whatever she had sensed. She really questioned why she had decided to investigate that lead; but now she was stuck there, so one way or the other, she needed a way off this rock.

Flashlight safely secured in her hand, she pressed on forward along the caves. She caught sight of certain areas with openings from the rocky roof, which had a few small pools of that acidic rain. It made her skin crawl, but she forced herself to advance.

When she reached the juncture and the large area, she was surprised by the large column in the middle, indicating civilization and closeness to the actual fortress she believed. The five different paths around her, including the one she had come from, made for a puzzling point of choice.

She was good at memorizing her way; but it didn't necessarily help her decide which way to go. She also didn't want to have too much of a blind spot, made more complicated with the column. So she stayed somewhere between it and the openings, as she shed light upon them, trying to decide what she would do next.

[Dalethria]

Setting eyes upon the intruder, Dalethria's mind was overwhelmed with the same emotions that the Force had gifted her during meditations on Baska - betrayal and affection. This unnerved her that two women that could command the Force could have such an effect on her - though this one was just a child that hadn't taken her first steps into the depths of the power she possessed.

She had nothing to fear from this woman but that was all that clutched at her heart, squeezing the fast beating muscle into a frenzy.

The ancient weapon resting at her hip awoken as it came to her hand -igniting in a piercing crack and hiss as the red blade caused shadows to crawl away in fear of the master that wielded the lightsaber.

Cold eyes locked onto the intruder and appeared before the intruder with preternatural speed. A hand shot forward, fingers clenched as if choking an unseen enemy as Dalethria forced the woman off the ground. Her eyes were rich with rage despite her spirit petrified with the significance of this woman's appearance.

Why ... are ... you ... here?

The cavern's temperature dropped with each syllable as she was prepared to wreak havoc on this unprotected mind if answers were not given or believed.

[Sinead DeBeynac]

Sinead felt a sudden warning but it was too little and too late.

She was petrified when she heard and saw the red blade come to life, although she managed not to drop the flashlight in her hand. On the contrary, her fingers clenched around it, as if holding on for dear life.

Sith...

While she wasn't religious or even really spiritual despite her upbringing, she knew there were truth to the great powers of certain gifted people.

She yelped when she felt her feet leaving the ground, as well as the grip around her throat. She briefly thought it was the end; but she could still breathe.

She forced herself to hold the terrifying gaze upon her. She felt cold and scared. She knew better than to play games with this person.

So, she told the truth.

"I needed money and heard about people finding some riches here months ago. Never heard about them again, but I felt drawn here."

She didn't understand why the Sith hadn't squashed her like an insect already; but she didn't lose time with it and carried on.

"I felt something. It must have been you, right when I landed. It shocked me so much I damaged my ship, and decided to explore, hoping for parts."

[Dalethria]

The urge to cut the woman in two was so powerful that she made no attempt to mask the savagery in her eyes. Her mind posed ready around the peripherals of the intruder's mind to rip the truth from her, expecting deceit.

It shocked her that it didn't come. The woman was honest. Too honest. The admission that she felt Dalethria's presence had an equally jarring reaction made the Sith's fear magnify so profoundly that it quaked her soul.

She refocused her thoughts from fear to anger at the intrusion.

"They're dead."

There was no need for further explanation as to who caused their deaths. Now the life of this girl needed to be decided. She immediately thought of executing her because this girl shouldn't have sensed her with such fledgling, untrained, abilities. There were premonitions and bad feelings but something so jarring that it scared this one half to death and crash land was providence.

Dalethria remained silent and still, working through this information and what she had felt before. She despised how the pendulum swung closer to future affection.

But why? she asked and the Force had no answers. There was no discernible explanation why Dalethria should spare this woman's life based on a feeling.

Yet she released her hold on the girl without an ounce of gentleness and disengaged her weapon, clipping the slender silver hilt back onto her belt.

"The Château is heavily guarded by Imperials. Bast Castle has nothing you seek. If you don't understand how fresh and acidic water maintain a delicate balance, you'll burn. And supplies will run out in time."

She folded her hands before her and stared hard at the girl.

"Death is your inevitability."

She spoke with a dispassionate tone and as honestly as the girl.

[Sinead DeBeynac]

While Sinead wasn't privy to the inner workings of the woman's mind, the look in her eyes told her everything she had to know about how she would likely not live much longer. It didn't mean that she would go down without a fight of sorts. She knew well enough that in actual combat she wouldn't even lay a hand on her opponent before losing it and her life shortly thereafter.

What she realized, much to her surprise, was that her answer brought a moment of brief standstill to the lowering of temperature. Somehow, the Sith must not have expected her to actually say things as they were. She had nothing to gain from lying, especially against such a foe, that could likely crush her mind as much as her body.

She didn't flinch or had an ounce of remorse when the Sith told her the bunch of idiots were dead. Really, she didn't care. She had thought that coming to Vjun was a desperate move on her own part, despite having been drawn there, which still baffled her, given the mess she had gotten herself into.

She kept silent, saving her strength as long as she was just dangling in the air. She crashed to the cavern ground when the Sith released her grip. She nevertheless got back to her feet soon enough, still facing the Sith.

It baffled her that she had been left to stand on her own two feet and that the lightsaber was switched off and put away. It didn't make the other woman any less dangerous though. Sinead knew that much; but she was still surprised by the reactions. It made little sense to her; but she was still breathing, so she wouldn't question it.

What was shared about the fortress and the imperial occupation made her frown, though it wasn't all that weird. She knew that even with the shitty climate, she could still outrun her supplies longer than a normal human could, although she kept that to herself.

She felt the stare cut through her flesh and soul; but forced herself to stare back, even though it was terrifying to do as such. Right now, the Sith was her only anchor, her only hope, in a really warped irony.

"You are still alive, and unless you never leave this planet, you would have a ship or know how to acquire parts."

The Sith hadn't killed her yet. She knew it could still happen anytime, but she was keen on surviving, and try everything she could.

"I'll die for sure, but rather later than sooner," she stated firmly. It wasn't just foolish bravado, but determination that had kept her going for many years.

[Dalethria]

The girl oozed confusion as questions bombarded the girls mind, warring with should have been her inevitable death. Truthfully, Dalethria was just as confused but silently commended the blonde for not flinching under the weight of the Sith's words confirming she killed the previous scavengers. Or what really was curious is how she fixed her gaze to Dalethria's, fighting the urge to cower under the weight of power emanating around and enveloping her. The girl was stubborn and determined, but also an understanding that she could die. It fueled her boldness.

It was impressive and irritating her equally because the intruder should not be thought of with a measure of interest. Her mind should not have these distractions when she was so close to unlocking the holocron gifted from her other blonde acquaintance.

She found the girl's assessment of her situation almost charming.

"I've no ship. Vjun's home."

A brow raised in challenge.

"The land and I are one. That's how I survive. How long can you, little wanderer?"

Vjun had no mercy. You needed to accept that death surrounded you and adapt.

[Sinead DeBeynac]

Sinead still couldn't understand why the Sith hadn't killed her on the spot. She was likely nothing but a random rodent in the brunette's view.

The blonde knew she should be terrified, and truth was, she was keenly aware of how the woman in front of her could kill her without lifting a finger. But she was nevertheless fascinated. It was like the most compelling black diamond she had laid eyes on, and it might be her demise, as the whole trip to Vjun appeared to have bells toll in her mind.

She didn't know what would happen, but whatever, she would stand her ground to the best of her abilities.

It was the story of her life, really.

She quirked a brow at the Sith's admission about being one with the land. That sounded curious. She didn't doubt the woman's power, and knew very few facts about the whole Force business; but she doubted that someone could just survive forever on simple dark side diet. Yet, she didn't push her luck just yet.

When challenged and called by a surprising pet name, which was way too close to home to Sinead, she stared back, invigorated by knowing she had a few aces up her sleeves compared to a normal human.

"You will find out, Sith."

Was she afraid? Yes. But she was more stubborn than terrified.

With a bow, she stepped back, eyes still upon the other woman, before she eventually turned away and headed towards the outside.

[Dalethria]

Dalethria had no idea what just happened in the last few moments. She was determined to kill the pest and ended up allowing her to live because of a vision, which culminated in a daring challenge, which the girl accepted with grace and respect. It stunned her as much as that damnable nickname that easily passed between her lips. At least it struck a nerve with the girl which made Dalethria's heart flicker wickedly.

She was impressed with the girl's ability to hold her gaze but Dalethria knew very well that it was the long history of stubbornness that drove the instinct to survive. That may have worked for the girl in the past, but this was Vjun. The world would consume your flesh and bones leaving nothing behind like the insignificant celestial ants they were. Their spirits were weak and became sacrificed.

Dalethria watched her go and didn't waste any further words, nor allowed her thoughts fill with hope that the darkness would be merciful and kill the annoying trespasser. Either Vjun would or it wouldn't. If the planet did not, then Dalethria would do it herself.

It was a lie she wouldn't admit to and rather live in denial. For now she had a holocron to decipher.

[Sinead DeBeynac]

After turning away from the bewildering devil she had met, Sinead went straight back to her ship. She had done enough exploring for the day.

She found it ironic that she ensured her ship was locked once she was back inside, for the real danger could literally slice through the heavy metal if she wished to. Yet the thief wasn't going to take any risk in case some low life or even local imperials suddenly found her ship hidden in the cave. It was good that the acid rain couldn't damage it further.

She was stranded enough as it was anyway.

And she bloody hated it.

Sinead couldn't understand why the Sith Master had spared her life. This made no sense. She didn't pretend being that knowledgeable about the Force and Sith, but for what she had heard, Sith weren't the kind to just let you live out of the goodness of their heart. And she couldn't see what she had to offer to the brunette. Even if she wanted the ship, she could have killed Sinead and taken it. And it appeared that the Sith didn't care about off world travels.

She didn't understand why she felt more riled up about her encounter with the Sith than the dire reality she was stuck on Vjun for the foreseeable future with little to no way off that stupid rock. It just baffled her. And she didn't like being baffled. She only liked her puzzles when there was a way to solve them, and that woman was out of her league.

Granted, she had still stood her ground, out of sheer stubbornness. She hadn't realized what a feat it was for an untrained brat like her in comparison to a full fledged Master of the Dark Side. Sinead was keenly aware of the power that emanated from the woman, but she wasn't the kind to back down.

After all the last hours, she finally let out her pent up frustration and she yelled across the ship. Only silence met her anger.

If she was honest with herself, she was scared of being on Vjun. She was terrified she would stay stuck there rather than of what the Sith could do to her. She had been called batshit-crazy in the past. Maybe she was just proving them right once again. She didn't give a frak right now.

Groaning, she stomped towards the galley and went through her supplies once again, taking inventory of everything on her datapad. She would have to rely more on photosynthesis, even though she couldn't do it as well as a full bloodied Zelosian, it would help mitigate things, especially if she alternated between some actual food and exposure to daily light, in between the deadly rains. Keeping food for future excursions through caves would also be a smart idea.

She allowed herself a small ration of some of the prepacked meals she had, then she had a few shots of rum and went to curl up in bed. It wasn't as if booze could intoxicate her. That's what sugar was for. Right now, she'd die for a decadent dessert full of sugar that would put her in a coma for a while.

Once she was hidden under her blankets, she found both solace and anguish in her solitude. She was a lone wolf, but she had always been a wandering lone wolf. What the Sith had called her was almost the worst of what had happened, even more annoying that being suspended in the mid air, or almost being sliced by a lightsaber.

It hit too close too home, and Sinead felt at a loss of what to do at the perspective of being stuck on Vjun.

As sobs threatened to take over her, she punched her pillow and buried her face into it.

She'd survive.

It might be bloody, terrifying, painful, and plain crazy, but she didn't care.

She would survive.

And she'd be back to wandering.

****

The next week felt like an eternity to Sinead.

She eventually found a rhythm in her days though. She would start by spending an hour working out to stay in good shape, and if weather allowed, she spent three hours right outside the cave where she kept her ship, to take the daylight in, even with clouds. It was still something.

She used the time taking light into her system by doing more research. She was especially fascinated by gems and crystals of sorts. They were also transportable and made good cash. She had decided a long time ago that research antiques would be more annoying and futile than anything else.

She was good at weapons and small fancy things to resell, but crystals always had her eye. And there was a good market for them, multiple markets actually. It felt almost silly to continue to do that while she was stranded on Vjun; but it helped keeping her sanity.

She sorely needed that.

She attempted to explore as much of the perimeter as she could during the rest of the day. It was difficult without any means of transportation and having to be within distance of shelter should the clouds break and release acid rain. The thief had got two wounds from not being quick enough, but she had enough bacta to handle it. It still hurt like hell though, and she was careful with her medical supplies too, even though they were more extensive than her food stocks.

Learning through trial and errors was how life went anyway. So she sucked it up and learned to be more cautious and attentive to the weather and its dangerous moods. She wished she had better armor as well, than the light reinforced outfits she had, but really she liked her freedom of movement and given how acidic that rain was, she doubted it'd make much of a difference.

A couple nights, she had ended holed up in the depths of some caves, although she had made sure to remain as far away from the Sith's lair as she could. There was no reason for her to seek her out again.

She had believed the Sith when told that the imperials overtook the fortress and that going there was likely suicide. Sinead still explored as close as possible, finding some discreet passageways difficult to crawl through, but that would give her some observation spots.

She had no other ways to get parts for her ship, or more food supplies.

Tomorrow, she would leave for the imperial outpost and should reach what she had considered a workable access point two days later.

[Dalethria]

In the week that followed after meeting the intense blonde, the Sith's time was consumed with the holocron. It provided rabid focus that drowned out thoughts of the girl and what she could potentially be doing. There were tugs of curiosity to reach out and sense the blonde's state of mind or pinpoint where she was on planet. Was she staying in the disabled ship? Was she exploring the deadly landscape? The areas of note that Dalethria expressed certain death if her blonde intruder went too close to the Imperials? If she was exploring the caves, she wasn't near Dalethria's abode or she would have sensed her approach as before.

It vexed her that thoughts strayed as often as they did but refocused them with meditation and reminders of the goal - to destroy the Empire and extend her life indefinitely to see the first part through. She could not rest until the Empire lay in ruins.

On the seventh day there was finally a breakthrough. Dalethria had unlocked the gatekeeper. Later she would find it peculiar that this occurred at the same moment the little wanderer decided to be foolish and take her chances with the Empire. With the holocron's activation, the girl would have sensed the rippling effect of dark energy being released.

The gatekeeper said nothing as he stared down at the one who freed him, a Bith barely standing five feet tall but cut an imposing figure adorned in black armor and skin so pale and translucent that veins marked trails around his cranium. Intense black orbs caught Dalethria by surprise for even in holographic form, she felt she could be swallowed whole into the dark pits as if caught in the gravitational pull of a black hole. She clenched her teeth with concentration, relying on the power she cultivated to ground herself and tilted her head up with confidence that the holocron's attempt to intimidate her failed.

Appeased, he spoke. "I am Darth Tareis, trained under Darth Venamis."

Dalethria felt a surge of excitement. Venamis had trained under Plagueis and Tenebrous. It was possible that the secrets she coveted were contained in this holocron!

"Ah," the figure nodded at seeing her recognition. "You know of my lineage."

"A strong lineage that is of great interest to me."

Tareis looked around the room as if expecting someone. "And what about the other?"

She couldn't hide her puzzlement. "The other?"

"My matrix picked up two life forms."

"Another Sith had possession of your holocron before me." She presumed he was referring to Baska.

"No." Tareis returned his unblinking gaze to her. "This was an untrained mind."

Her jaw clenched with impatience. "The girl's not important." Though she began to doubt if her defiance had merit. The little wanderer's appearance and the holocron unlocking ... was it coincidence?

Silence passed for several moments before Tareis' stance relaxed, arms folding behind his back. "Then let us begin ..."

[Sinead DeBeynac]

Sinead knew that most of her travels to the Sith outpost would be underground, hiking and crawling through caves. That meant that she had to carry some of her ration bars with her, for solar exposition wouldn't be in the cards. She didn't like the idea of digging more into her supplies; but she was aware it was her best option given the plan.

She didn't really like being underground if she was honest with herself; but at least she didn't risk falling prey to acidic rains. Sure thing some leaked into the caves she was walking in, but for the most part it was minimal and she had opted for the small head flashlight she could strap around her skull to free her hands. She had had to tinker that because it was originally attached to a helmet, but given the size of some areas that required crawling, the helmet might have been more trouble than help.

Her trek went smoothly considering her previous exploratory trips. She pushed herself to her physical limits and had only consumed a full ration bar by the time she reached her destination. She holed up to get a good look at the access point she had chosen for her dangerous venture, to ensure that everything still looked the same.

It did, so that was a relief.

Sinead could really use any little thing going right given her current predicament.

As she cleaned up her knife and small blaster, which she knew would likely be little against the enemy if she got caught, her mind went back yet again to the Sith Master. Why in the galaxy this happened again puzzled and annoyed her. Yes, yes, the dangerous woman had told her to stay away from the darn fortress and imperials on planet; but what the hell was she supposed to do otherwise?!

Of course, she was aware that thoughts tended to stray back to the Sith no matter what; and she hated it. It made no sense. She should just find solace that the woman didn't kill her, for whatever reason, and just move on.S

She was damn well moving on.

The next morning, in the very early hours, she managed to sneak past some of the half sleepy guards, when there was the fewest of them, just a few minutes before they would be replaced. It was a tight time frame; but she had done this kind of things in the past. And luck was on her side that one of the lights wasn't working.

The blonde was a true shadow as she disappeared into the old hallway. She had been staring to find cameras but hadn't seen any, which made her think that this wasn't the fanciest place to be and that imperial guards were supposed to be enough. After all, she doubted that many people were as desperate and insane as her to undergo what she had chosen to.

She managed to sneak deeper into the building, stealthy as she knew how to be, and she eventually made it to what looked like a warehouse.

She managed to climb up on top of a big crate and could take a peek at the rest of the large room, which was only dimly lit. There had to be some parts in there, and she hoped that she would find what she needed, something, anything that could get her off of Vjun.

She waited and eventually made her way deeper into the place, as large doors opened and some star fighters were brought in. So the damn place served as a docking pad too.

She was about to stay put when she felt an oppressive and sharp sensation placate her mentally and physically. She felt her mind close to collapse and her knees bnuckled under the pain.

She tried to suppress a scream; but she failed and stumbled into a nearby container, sending something roll down to the floor, echoing loud enough to deafen the blonde.

In a haze, she tried to run away to hide, but guards were already swarming and within moments they had caught her, cuffing her hands behind her back and half dragging her towards a nearby hallway and the gods knew what else.

One thing she knew for sure was that she was soon to face her imminent death.

Again.

[Dalethria]

The guards dragging Sinead to the cell block were escorted by a pair of Stormtroopers in the front and back. It was a show of force since the interloper wasn't going anywhere. She would be questioned and killed for trespassing, then report their findings to the base commander, and the information forward to the sector commander. If there were going to be an increase scoundrel problem, the Empire had to know since things had been quieter lately.

"Smugglers are growing bolder. They usually stay far away and avoid contact," noted one of the troopers.

"Yeah well." His partner cracked the butt of his rifle against the prisoner's side. "This one will be made an example of. Then all will ... urk ..."

He and his partner were silenced, their helmets torqued so far over their shoulder that clearly necks were broken. Plastoid-composite armor clunked as they hit the floor, blasters clanging louder as weapons fell free from hands.

The guards tightened their hold on Sinead and pulled out blasters. The troopers in front of them spun around with their rifles aimed and ready.

But they saw no perpetrator.

They began to fan out but were immediately pulled together, crashing against one another so hard that armor dented. Then their helmets caved in, blood and fluid oozing underneath.

The one guard screamed, dropping Sinead and wildly opened fired. The bolt impacted against the wall, but it did briefly light up the silhouette of their antagonist. - a woman armored in black with unnatural pale skin, hair black as night with cold blue eyes fixed upon her targets.

He fired again, but the woman was gone.

"VT532. Sensors indicate shots were fired. Can you confirm?" The guard went for his link to confirm and request back up, but the flash of red startled him, the loud snap and hum of a weapon being armed drained all color from his face.

The prisoner fell to the floor, no longer held by any guard as the hand that was holding Sinead was not attached to its owner. He screamed once pain registered and fell to his knees and his partner opened fired on the woman, screaming in terror.

She brought her hand up to block the bolts, its energy dissipating on impact, called the blaster to her and executed both guards with one shot to the head. Tossing the weapon aside and disengaging her lightsaber, Dalethria stalked to where Sinead lay.

"Idiot girl."

The cuffs were broken with a thought as she pulled Sinead up by the collar, forcing eyes to meet. Pure rage met the girl's gaze before dragging her along, and about as gently as the Imperial guards were doing, through one of the service entrances that Dalethria had used to infiltrate the keep. It was how she always entered to steal supplies and was pleased that it was not the way the little wanderer had come. She ignored any protests and kept a tight grip on the girl's arm as she half guided and half dragged her through the shaft. She chose a different route that would allow no escape, unless you were gifted. She pushed the panel out with but a thought, hugged Sinead tightly to her, and dropped. The fall was close to 100 feet but Dalethria slowed their descent, landing unharmed in a crouch, Sinead still safely tucked beside her.

Then they were gone in the blink of an eye before a patrol spotted them, Dalethria racing to the network of caverns that the Imperials wouldn't think to search as they were not connected to the keep. Vjun was kind to keep the acidic rains away during the retreat and once she was deep inside the labyrinth where she felt comfortable, she tossed Sinead against the back chamber.

"I told you not to enter the base!" she reprimanded while catching her breath.

It was during her lesson with Tareis that she felt a powerful sense of fear. She recognized who it belonged to and where it originated from. Tareis had said nothing when Dalethria rose in conflict, retreating back into the holocron as he knew what her decision was before she did. She had felt an indescribable pull from the darkness and she had to save the girl.

[Sinead DeBeynac]

Sinead was trying to string thoughts together as the guards were dragging her away. She didn't fight them for multiple reasons. First of all, the unleashing of hellish forces had drained her of much life, and she couldn't comprehend why. Second, she knew that not knowing the current layout, there was no way she could try for an escape. Being brought to a cell, and especially as soon as she heard one of the guards blabber about her and smugglers, she guessed she might just be questioned before executed, so she could save some strength and observe to find a way out. In her current state, it was about impossible.

In the midst of her headache and overall physical pain, she felt another rush of ethereal thunder. It was brief but still powerful. She had felt it before, but she couldn't believe it was what she sensed.

Yet when guards collapsed, and she witnessed death happen around her, which in itself left her unfazed, she didn't register the tightened grip on her arm.

Sinead knew.

It made no fucking sense; but she knew.

The moment she dropped to her knees, she forced her fizzling senses and brain to focus.

She managed to see her, for the first time.

As deadly as expected. More beautiful than imagined.

And she felt like an idiot. Not for what she had done; but what she briefly thought.

She was already struggling to get back up, when the Sith stomped to her location and snapped at her. Sinead groaned but was glad the cuffs were broken. She yelped when the Sith pulled her up by the collar.

Maybe she should have looked away, but she held the bloody woman's gaze. Something in her stirred and she stared back. The bright eyes were filled with pure rage, and she felt its ripples pulsate in the air between them.

She wanted to snap back but she didn't know where to fucking begin.

Her consciousness was struggling against the overwhelm caused by the dark side, for Sinead was fully untrained, and had never even really thought she could be that kind of witch and sorceress her mother's people had accused her of being. She wasn't some creature of legend, just a damn hybrid that ended wandering across the galaxy, until she was stuck on Vjun.

She almost passed out when she suddenly grasped onto her senses, weirdly holding onto the one thing she could latch on: the Sith. Her devastating presence was what her fumbling brain was able to hold onto.

That was when she realized that the darn woman was grabbing at her firmly - not a horrible thought in itself really - before jumping down what seemed a bottomless pit.

What the fuck?!

Too shocked and exhausted to scream, her throat tightened into silent anguish and she managed to grip at the Sith.

She should have been terrified; but something deep inside her trusted the bloody brunette.

Time felt suspended and she felt herself drowning into the recent while, dark and pressing urgency tightening around her soul.

She only snapped out of it when the Sith tossed her against a wall. She struggled to speak up, still feeling dizzy from everything.

She glared at the Sith again.

"Why did you fucking bother then? WHY?"

She had made sure she stayed away from the Sith, leaving her be, trying to solve her shit by herself, as she always had, whether it ended in hell or in bloody paradise.

[Dalethria]

The girl's mind was a beacon of disclosed emotions that even with the power that Dalethria commanded, much of it bled into her own psyche. She blamed it on the sudden surge of power she used during the rescue, burning a lot of energy to arrive so quickly before Sinead had been dragged further into the keep. Little Wanderer's emotions were a volatile mix of surprise with a limited attempt to cover what she would consider underlying desire in witnessing her fury in killing the Imperials. She impressed the Sith further that she embraced the anger towards her, not backing down, just like when they first met. Sinead went from a crippled mind to unwittingly drawing on Dalethria's strength at that precise moment when their eyes met once again.

She should be angry that the girl dared to siphon off her power. She should be angry that the stubborn girl made an idiot decision that interrupted the teachings of Tareis.

"Oh I'm sorry. I didn't realize you wanted to die."

She hissed, skin prickling under her armor at the heightened emotions radiating between them.

"I can arrange your recapture if that's what you wish."

Dalethria was angry at herself for being weak, unable to ignore the ripple of fear that Sinead unknowingly projected through the Force. It was a beacon that called to her and she had to save her. Or how she had to assess Sinead's body for damage, probing the girl's mind for the extent of her injuries ...

[Sinead DeBeynac]

Sinead's body and mind felt as if they were on the verge of crashing into an abyss, worse than the crazy drop the Sith had just brought her along for. Yet there was a fire burning deep in her, the chlorophyl coursing through her veins feeling as springtime bushes coming to life back on Zelos. It was an uncanny feeling that placated her in too many ways for her to really assess right now.

She was barely standing on her legs, using the wall behind her to stay upright as she stared at the brunette.

She gritted her teeth and mustered enough strength to ball her hands into fists at the biting retort she got.

"You... are.... avoiding the goddam question, Sith," she snarled.

She felt the Sith's presence so much more vividly. It kept threatening to overwhelm her; and she had to hold onto the threads of energy she felt between them. Those felt as deadly vines with so many thorns but she still hung onto them with all the stubborness that defined her, not caring for the bleeding of her hands or soul. She didn't know how to do it; it was instinct, the sort she didn't even comprehend.

She coughed and had to close her eyes to keep her exhausted self together.

When she opened them again, she looked at the other woman again.

"Thanks for saving my ass," she admitted.

She had no idea why the Sith did it; but she meant it.

[Dalethria]

Unconsciousness was trying to lure the girl towards it, her body exhausted from being drained and just managing to remain awake due to Dalethria's presence. With the immediate threat to her life dealt with and the trust that she placed in her savior, the Sith knew it wouldn't be long before Sinead fell over.

She inhaled sharply as she dug deeper into her mind, feeling the high that power brought, but the act also doubled as annoyance as far as the girl knew.

The girl was not wrong. Dalethria purposefully avoided the question because she didn't know why she had to save Sinead. Just that she had to.

And the rush of anger that the girl embraced forced Dalethria to stave off a pleasurable shiver that it evoked. Her body enjoyed the untethered emotion from the girl and slowly stepped closer to her when Sinead's eyes closed.

She noticed the side of the little wanderer's face began to swell from where the Imperials hit her and reached out a hand to hover just above the injury. Before she had a chance to touch it, her hand snapped back as if it were never there.

This girl was doomed to be bound to her and still the darkness wouldn't explain why. Not even in this moment where she felt the connection burgeoning between them that allowed Sinead to remain awake and upright with a gaze that never faltered from the cold eyes that tried to hate her. How so much could change in a week. Distance could not destroy an already established link. The Force bound all living beings together, some more so than others.

Dalethria acknowledged Sinead's gratitude by waving a hand before her and forced sleep, catching Sinead before she fell to the ground. She gently cradled the little wanderer and disappeared into the shadows of the cavern.

***

Sinead remained comfortably tucked under red and black furs on a mattress that supported her aching body in the four poster bed. It was molded from stone, the mattress stolen from the insufferable Tagge woman, and the furs hunted from the few beasts that survived the planet's deadly rains. Same with the white fur rug that covered the center of the bedroom carved deep within the cavernous network. The modest furniture mirrored the stone work of the bed, as did the room itself. It was too smooth to be a natural formation.

Fresh water waited on the nightstand, constantly replaced until the little wanderer would open her eyes and come to understand that she had recovered in the Sith's carefully guarded sanctuary the entire time.

[Sinead DeBeynac]

Sinead was feeling everything way too acutely.

She wanted to blame the Sith for that; but really the Sith had only been giving her more days to live so far, which made no bloody sense.

What fuckery was at play?

Her eyes closed for a moment before she forced them to reopen. That simple action was almost enough to make her collapse.

Yet the brunette was still standing before her. Part of her had been expecting she'd have vanished once again.

The last thing she saw was the Sith waving her hand; then everything turned to dark.

***

If Sinead dreamed, she recalled none of her slumber's adventures.

As she stirred towards consciousness again, she was taken aback even before blinking her eyes open.

She was sleeping in a might comfy bed, even comfier than her bunk back on her ship.

She pursed her lips, her hand wandering across the furs, eliciting a satisfied sigh from her.

She slowly rolled onto her back, unburying her face from the pillow.

Then, it hit her.

The life-threatening mess at the imperial outpost, the crazy ass rescue from the Sith, then... Then she must have done something for her to pass out. Really, it likely had taken but a flicker of the woman's power because she had been damn beat by that point.

She forced herself to sit up and look around, taking in all the details of the bedroom. Red and black made her happy, even though it as a silly reaction, she chastised herself.

She saw the glass of water on the nightstand, confusing her even more.

"You confuse the shit out of me, but thanks, Sith. Again."

It had been but a whisper, as she drank all the water, before gently setting the glass back where it had been.

She reluctantly sat at the edge of the bed, and realized that her outwear jacket and boots had been removed and were within eyesight.

The bit of gear she had had with her, some ration bars, lights, and a couple of tools, had been discarded when she had run away from the imperials, as well as her blaster. The only thing was the knife that had been in her boot, which now laid over her jacket. She was relieved to see she still had the knife (https://thedaggershop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/s-l1600-4.jpg). It was a traditional Zelosian one she had acquired upon entering puberty per the rules of her maternal family. As much as she had been outcast soon enough after that, she still loved the knife.

The blonde wasn't sure what would come next, now that she must be deep into the Sith's sanctuary.

She considered putting everything back on; but if the Sith had had to kill her, she would have done already. Instead, she padded barefoot towards the exit of the room, not minding the coolness of the stone under her feet, although she pulled on the long sleeves of her black tunic as she wandered into the hallway.

She guessed her hostess would catch her quickly enough; but she didn't want to go snooping around, a rarity for the thief really."

"Hello?"

[Dalethria]

The walls were unnaturally smooth and wore no adornings as Sinead padded through to the next chamber that served as the main living area of Dalethria's home. Candles illuminated stone crafted furniture, similar to what was in the bedroom, padded with mix matched cushions and pillows, with white and black furs covering the floor. Atop a table were several glowrods and an intricately carved pyramid, which radiated familiar dark power that Sinead would recognize as the force that crippled her inside the keep. Here it was contained and managed but there was no mistaking the mark it left on her mind.

Her nose tickled as the thick acrid smell reached this far into the caverns. Though there was no indication that any of the deadly water was near here.

Then Sinead felt a familiar pull, an aura of strength that she had relied on during the escape. It was the same pull that alerted her hostess the moment before the girl was lured into consciousness.

"You're strong enough to stand and move. Good."

Dalethria was on the opposite side of the chamber with several alcoves beside her storing jars and small boxes. Larger crates with the Imperial logo were neatly stacked against the wall.

Candlelight only partly illuminated her face, similar to the blaster bolt flash inside the keep, except the black armor was gone. Now the Sith wore a red velvet gown trimmed with silver that hugged her waist with a thin gold sash, a black amulet rested against her chest - the stone long and oval, with a red jewel fixed center, and her feet were as bare as Sinead's.

Blue eyes assessed the little wanderer, noting the bruising that was already forming on girl's temple, how she tugged at sleeves to fight the chill of stone. She noted that Sinead had not dressed and decided to explore. Clearly Dalethria's choice in bringing her here had blossomed curiosity that she had no real answer for.

The girl would have died without her intervention and if she brought her back to the ship, Dalethria was certain the girl would choose another suicidal mission out of desperation. Saving her once from capture was enough.

But what was she to do with her now?

"You're cold."

It was stated merely as observation to stall a conversation she didn't want to have with the girl. Tareis' words of an untrained mind resonated keenly as she went between meditations and checking on the little wanderer as she slept.

[Sinead DeBeynac]

As she stepped inside the large chamber, a dull echo of what happened before she passed out throbbed in her mind; but eventually subsided as an afterthought. Yet it was still there, a lingering whisper at the back of her mind. It was hard to explain; and thus she put her focus to the room itself.

She had to admit that the simplicity was cozy, even though she had never thought she would use such a word for a Sith's lair on goddamn Vjun.

Then she felt it sharply, and hissed at the pyramid on the table. She frowned at it; but didn't take a step forward. She had stolen and seen a lot of things in her life, but that? That thing was a whole different level of crazy.

She didn't step back though, too stubborn and refreshed to do so.

The fain smell of acid surprised her; but it also made her realize that there was a level of humidity in the underground lair that felt better than when closer to any acidic pool. She felt her skin come alive again at the realization. Sure thing, it was cold, but it made her body feel more comfortable. Dryness was the worst; and while she didn't like being "over-watered" so to speak, she preferred humidity.

She suddenly realized that the Sith was nearby, the tug of that weird spectral vine tugging at her again. She looked into its origin's direction and saw her. Barefoot and wearing a gown was a stark contrast to how she had seen her all armored up earlier. It both seemed natural and totally out of place. At the same time, that summed up so much of what had happened since she had crash landed on Vjun.

She nodded to the brunette's words.

"Yes," she replied to the observation about her current state.

It would have been stupid to deny it. She bet that she was just a damn open book to that woman anyway.

"I'll put boots on soon; but the humid cold is good for me, at least for a short while."

She was more resistant in winter than summer. Pure Zelosians were more like tropical plants; but her human DNA made her more likely to handle the winter better.

[Dalethria]

"Then you don't have to be on the surface so soon."

Dalethria noted this as she was uncertain what Sinead would need given her biology. There were signs of hybridization inside the girl's mind that were not human. The Zelosian knife confirmed her suspicions when she stripped Sinead of her jacket and boots.

She broke eye contact when she turned to retrieve an opaque jar off the shelf in the alcove.

"You need to eat. To maintain your strength."

Bare feet padded along the floor, sinking into warm furs, to bring the Sith before the girl. She removed the lid and offered the jar of raw sugar trying with great difficult to contain the conflict that warred inside her.

In over 500 years of her unnaturally long life, Dalethria had never taken an apprentice. Yet this damnable creature standing before her had caused a cascade within the dark forces - creating too many coincidences for the Sith Master to ignore. Stirred too many conflicting feelings that challenged her self-imposed isolation once her cousin had disappeared and Tagge had relocated to another planet. The Sith Tankreyd was a powerful ally but the girl's spirit called to her own.

She didn't need, nor desired an apprentice, to share her knowledge with.

Yet here she was, willingly offering sustenance and a warm bed ...

[Sinead DeBeynac]

Sinead couldn't hide how surprised she was by the Sith's words. Why should she linger in the brunette's sanctuary? It wasn't that she minded it; but she still couldn't fathom why the woman kept her alive and now around as well. Maybe she should be wary it was some kind of sick game; but truly she didn't think it was the case.

Right when she thought that, she felt something stinging her; except it wasn't physical. It was another of these weird impression kind of deal. She gave a look at the pyramidal device, eying it suspiciously, before returning her attention to the brunette.

Now the Sith was willing to feed her? She was really confused.

She moved forward just a bit so her bare feet also rested on the furs covering the stone floor.

"Thank you," she simply replied.

She didn't want to sit down or show no manners. She could be well-behaved when she wanted to.

She stared at the inside of the jar that revealed raw sugar, and she couldn't help chuckling.

"I'll be mindful; but if I end singing really badly, I won't hold it against you if you knock me out."

She retrieved the jar in her own hands, knowing that too much sugar would make her high; but in moderation it would actually help, especially since it had been a couple of days since she had been exposed to daylight.

"Do you have an utensil I can use? I don't want to make a mess on your furs."

It was genuine concern, as weird as it might seem coming from her.

She also had a million questions in her mind, starting with the one the Sith had never answered; but food came first.

[Dalethria]

Following Sinead's line of sight, Dalethria's lips thinned with consideration on what to reveal as the girl offered thanks and explanation as to what sugar could do to her. The Sith was well aware of the girl's biology but sugar was the only food source on hand that could provide nourishment. The salt she collected would help preserve meats when she needed to restock. Unlike her guest, Dalethria's body did not require as much sustenance. If Sinead stayed ...

She shook that thought away and depending on her mood, may take the girl up on her offer to knock her out if she became too rambunctious. Beating the girl senseless and forcing her to leave was what she wanted, unlike being a concerned hostess that was offering insight into what was happening to the little wanderer.

"The device is a tool. But also contains significant dark energy."

The request for a utensil was fulfilled when Dalethria floated a spoon to Sinead, hovering for her to take.

"You are in no danger from it as I have command over the holocron."

[Sinead DeBeynac]

Sinead couldn't go as long without sustenance as pure blood Zelosians; but if exposed to enough daylight, she could last much longer than normal humans. Given the underground situation though, sugar would do. She would just have to be careful about her consumption. As much as it could be fun to get high on it every once in a while; the current circumstances made her unwilling to get tipsy.

She nodded to what the Sith said about the device. The mention of dark energy made her purse her lips at once, remembering the sudden overwhelm of energy and pain that tore her mind to shreds when she was trying to sneak into the imperial hangar. That was when all hell had broken loose really.

The blonde nodded to what the Sith said about having command over it.

Holding the jar in one hand, she retrieved the spoon, looking unfazed at grabbing it from floating in the air, then began to eat. At this point a floating spoon really was casual compared to the rest.

"Thank you."

After a couple of mouthfuls, she couldn't help asking the question that had been on the tip of her tongue since the Sith explained what the device was.

"Did you... do something to it? Or opened it shortly before you rescued me?"

She had no idea how this thing, the holocron, worked; but she knew what she had sensed, even when her mind had been that close to collapse.

[Dalethria]

The girl held no fear in watching Dalethria unleash a fraction of her power in rescuing her from the Imperials, only bleeding through during the long drop out of the keep and to the ground, which she could not hold against her since it was unnatural to believe such feats existed. Everything else didn't phase the girl and the Sith wondered how long Sinead knew she were different.

No one learning they could sense the Force for the first time plucked spoons out of the air as if it were the norm.

She cursed how the girl drew her in as she wanted to know more. To share more.

"Yes."

She confirmed and finally blinked as the words came with hesitancy.

"Not too long after I unlocked it, I ... sensed your capture. Your ... anguish."

[Sinead DeBeynac]

Sinead still didn't think she was any fancy Force potential bearer. Sure thing, that darn holocron seemed to have an impact on her; but she wouldn't be surprised if it was just because she looked like a good plaything because she wasn't trained, contrary to the Sith Master.

The sugar felt good. She was eating slowly so she could assess her changing state; but she already felt her strength replenishing, beside the good rest she had had in that comfy bed.

She nodded in silence to the Sith's confirmation to her inkling about the holocron.

The blonde didn't really know how to explain it.

"I don't know why; but just as I sensed you right before I crash landed like a dumbass, I felt that thing once I was already inside the imperial hangar."

She felt frustrated and confused; but she was hoping maybe she could make sense of this whole mess.

"It threw me off kilter. I didn't get irrational; but I messed up because of the crushing pain."

[Dalethria]

Dalethria inclined her head.

"The activation of a Sith's holocron triggers a rippling effect of energy that other Force Users can sense. Your mind is untrained and thus were overwhelmed with its power."

She was impressed that the little wanderer had succeeded in entering the base all the way to the hangar. The girl was not inept at all, giving a little bite to the promise that the Sith would find out how well she could survive. Being human and Zelosian afforded a unique body chemistry that had made the girl hardy - she had survived a week on Vjun before the desperate decision to enter an Imperial building.

"Both of your species have precedent for Force Sensitivity. A full blooded Zelosian had even become a Dark Lord of the Sith."

She steeled herself for what she said next.

"His name was Darth Rivan and he was able to siphon the energy off from living creatures."

Dalethria was intimate with the lord's history as his quest for immortality mirrored her own, but that was not the lesson she was imparting right now.

"The fear you felt ... the desire to survive ... it called to me. And when I rescued you, you unconsciously latched onto my presence, taking my energy to sustain yourself, Little Wanderer."

[Sinead DeBeynac]

Sinead was surprised that the Sith actually answered her questions and chose to reveal some stuff to her. That hadn't been something she had expected at all. Of course, she hadn't expected the brunette to let her live, less rescue her later, in the first place.

She nodded, still taking a few more slow spoonfuls of sugar. Hell she didn't even think she was Force sensitive in the first place; and she had never expected to get that fact bloody confirmed in such a crazy and deadly way.

No kidding her mind had been overwhelmed.

She eventually stopped eating, kept the spoon in her mouth while she used both hands to close the jar again, before returning it to the Sith.

Taking the utensil in her hand again, she looked at the brunette.

"Where do you want me to put it?"

She then canted her head to the side at the mention of a Zelosian Sith. He must have been Mister popular given how wary the superstitious Zelosians were. Nobody talked about the Force. Everyone who didn't conform was considered a witch or a bad seed who was cursed.

She frowned at the mention of the life siphon thing. That was something else. She believed the brunette though.

Did she really do that to the Sith?

"But... You're so powerful. I don't know anything about hierarchy or power scale, but I bet.. I know... You're up there."

She couldn't explain the certitude but it was there.

She had managed not to be riled up at the nickname again, which meant how much the whole thing was baffling her.

[Dalethria]

Dalethria accepted the jar with a small observable arch of her brow as Sinead held the spoon with her mouth. The lack of manners should have annoyed her but the image provoked approval, as if this was who the girl was. Practical and silly.

She shifted the jar onto one hand and offered the other to take the spoon while answering the question.

"You are correct. But even so, at times, a Sith Master can be taken unawares."

The Sith's eyes burrowed into Sinead's as she slowly closed the distance between them.

"And you, Little Wanderer, have."

Power pulsated between them, but this time Dalethria could barricade her psyche as she continued debating if this was a path she was willing to embrace. During her meditations Dalethria had come to realize that she allowed the girl to drain some strength from her because of the exhilaration that had come with it. It was not only the darkness that pumped through her veins that gave the Sith Master a rush. No, it was the girl's inadvertent use of her untapped potential that made her 500 year old spirit ache.

[Sinead DeBeynac]

Sinead was still trying to wrap her mind around the fact she had siphoned some of the Sith's power. Hell that explained bits and pieces she recalled from the jump and how she had been able to push through because of the brunette's proximity. It still was beyond anything she had ever imagined. Maybe some people dreamed themselves some hero with Force powers; but really, she wasn't among them. She wanted to be free above all else, continued to make her ship her home, get some thrills and good cash from robbing people.

Sure thing, she loved reading and learning. The craving had started when she had been banished from where she had spent her childhood, too young to be thrown on her own; but stubborn enough that she'd make it work. She had wanted to open her mind to other things than the stale and fearful teachings of her mother's people.

And she had noticed how the Sith seemed the kind to expand her own knowledge, which was something Sinead knew how to appreciate. Granted, unlocking a darn holocron was a whole other feat than her personal reading; but there was a distant similarity.

She didn't backpedal as the brunette closed the distance between them, though she bet her heart skipped a beat or two.

She wanted to ask the Sith if she had already dissected her brain by the time she had come up with that nickname; but it was fairly off-topic.

"Since you know about my mother's people, well.... I was called cursed when I was a kid. They said I was a sorceress. I just thought I was a free thinker."

She bit her lip but willed herself not to move and to keep looking at the Sith. In a weird way, the power pulsating between them grounded her, made her bolder.

"I got banished when I was barely a teen; but I never thought that this whole Force potential was thing with me."

She wasn't even sure what to do with it, frankly. She wasn't falsely modest either. She just had thought that the Zelosians were bloody paranoid.

[Dalethria]

The girl's spirit remained strong, and unyielding as Dalethria gave no sign that she were to remove herself from Sinead's space. She felt it, the girl's exhilaration and appreciation. The hints of wanting more. Her mind was thirsty for knowledge but not the accompanying power that most beings craved. The girl was an enigma. The trials of her childhood had made Sinead wild and unfocused. But there was potential for something greater.

"You are no curse."

She pointed out with a succinct firm tone.

"You are Sinead DeBeynac. And the Force is yours to command. If you want to learn."

The pull towards the girl was intoxicating. There was barely a foot between them and still Dalethria desired to be closer. It was with great effort that she moved away to return the jar back to its shelf and set the spoon next to it. This girl was going to be her undoing whether she stayed or not. Dalethria knew that if the little wanderer remained on Vjun or departed, her life was forever altered.

She closed her eyes, back still facing the girl.

"But your ambition is to leave."

Dalethria stood tall, shoulders squared as she turned around to confront the little wanderer.

"I will procure the parts you need to repair your ship."

It was because she wanted uninterrupted time training with Tareis. That was how she justified the offer ...

"Then you will be free to leave and live your life as you see fit."

... even though she wanted her little wanderer to stay.

[Sinead DeBeynac]

The Sith's curt observation about her being no curse was among the most validating things Sinead had heard in her life. The irony wasn't lost on her for she knew that she was likely still a parasite to the brunette who had other pursuits than catering to her needs or wants.

The latter though... Sinead wasn't so certain about them. She had just been obsessing on leaving this rock; but she felt drawn to the Sith now, probably just because of that stupid holocron.

But she hadn't stolen strength from the device. Of course, she had no idea if that was even an option; but truth remained that she had gained focus, survivability because she had instinctively latched onto the brunette's essence.

Did she want to learn? As crazy as it sounded, there was that magic word "learn" and her immediate mental reaction was affirmative, though she remained silent.

As untrained and messy as her mind could be, her potential still raw, she still felt the current between the Sith and her. It was like nothing she had ever experienced. It was frightening; but not because of those dark side tales she had heard. No, it was frightening because for the first time her "ambition" might deviate from a simple "let's make enough buck to turn the Feuille d'Automne into a home."

She couldn't take her eyes off of the Sith as she eventually walked away from her.

It didn't diminish the potency of the power dancing around and between them.

She stared in shock at the Sith when she offered to help procure the parts for her ship. And something hurt in her at the thought of leaving, and it puzzled her even more.

"Is there something I can do thank you for the parts? This is very generous of you," she replied bluntly but appreciatively.

She sank her hands into her pants pockets and looked to the floor, feeling horribly exposed as she spoke next.

"Fixing my ship is a big deal, because I love her but..."

She bit her lip and her shoulders tensed a little bit.

"I'd like to learn; but I also... I still think that you have much better pursuits than having me sticking around asking questions and stuff."

[Dalethria]

It was there and quite potent. Disappointment. Sinead was debating her past life and what opportunities lay ahead of her. Dalethria was giving her options but failed at offering the final piece that would sway the girl to stay. Dalethria knew she was stay if she presented herself as master. Her spirit was encouraging the Sith to broach the subject because the girl's spirit was intoxicating. She had never felt a rush of need to claim someone. The Sith that trained her, perhaps. He had opened her mind to limitless possibilities and then the power became her obsession. To become immortal. To surpass all other Siths and find the answer to eternal life were all had failed before.

Then this damnable girl crashed landed on Vjun.

She was delectable entity that made her crave more - not to abuse and tease like the Tagge woman. All other beings were just flesh to discard after killing them. Except Sinead. Even if unconsciously she was unaware of how deep their connection went, Dalethria let the girl go because she listened to the Force. She would not kill the girl until she discerned any truth behind the warnings and honestly presumed Vjun would kill her. The girl was resourceful, resilient, and gave her a most pleasurable rush when their spirits entwined through the Force.

Oh the things she could ask as payment.

"I desire nothing for compensation."

Lies.

Though the girl's raw emotion forced a shiver from her that Dalethria was barely able to conceal. She tightened the grip on her hands to remain still. Sinead's honesty was surprising. Though she had always been honest with her. Not once had Dalethria heard an uttered lie and she had presumed that it was because the girl didn't want to die trying to trick the Sith.

She felt the truth ran deeper.

"You want to learn."

Then after a moments pause she reluctantly added to her statement.

"From me."

[Sinead DeBeynac]

Sinead was the kind of person who could do things on a whim, trusting her intuition, even when others told her she was plain insane, or a goddamn idiot. She had walked to the beat of her own drum for so long, leaving nothing and no one behind, just carving a life for herself aboard her ship.

The notion that there was a whole other world was both jaw-dropping and mesmerizing. She hated having to rely on other people, having learned way too young that most if not all would just bail on her even if she tried her damnest best. She hated to conform. It wasn't just out of sheer silly rebellion; but most spaces she had been in were just no match for her.

The Sith had got it right. She was a wanderer. The possibility of staying somewhere, even for a significant while instead of life, had never really been in her cards since she had been outcast as a kid.

There were too many conflicting emotions and wants at war in her heart and mind.

She nevertheless quirked a brow when the brunette said she required no compensation. Something tugged along the power dancing around them, turning the air between them both overwhelming and invigorating.

She nodded to the Sith's remark about how she wanted to learn; but suddenly looked back at her, meeting those eyes that pierced straight into her raw and passionate soul.

"Yes, on all accounts."

She took a long and difficult breath after admitting it. It was weird because while she wasn't comfortable confessing what was on her mind; it was somewhat made easier because she knew that the Sith could just crush or read her mind with the greatest ease.

"There's something here," she said gesturing between them.

"Something I don't know what the hell to make of; but at the same time... Neither of us was planning or wanting this. You have things that interest you..."

She pointed towards the holocron.

"And I'm a wild flower that crash landed and mostly knows how to wander."

[Dalethria]

Something inside her latched onto the girl the moment she verbally admitted her desires, spirits weaving together to seal a contract. The same presence that engulfed her being, seized her by surprise with the invigorating power that flowed between them. She blinked, sensing it done and there was no turning back. The Force had fated their meeting and despite Dalethria's reluctance, actions influenced outcomes. Sinead was desperate and reckless and Dalethria would rescue her on instinct, on need.

Never had she felt a need so pervasive that it distracted her from the only goal she had. She inwardly cringed and wondered if this girl would be her doom after all. Death waiting for her years later to smite her and bring everything full circle. That fear shook her to the core, the manifestation of one blink before she looked away.

She looked back after Sinead spoke up again of what was here between them and couldn't deny she wanted the girl near. It went against everything she believed - being a single entity taking life to extend her own, to master the Force in ways to find true immortality. Yet the little wanderer siphoning off her own power created unparalleled yearning.

Everyone else had died by her hand. Everyone else was a means for more power or a corrupt sense of loyalty due to blood.

But Sinead ... this girl that had no reason to be honest, bared her soul, and never once believed she would be allowed to live. Dalethria has spared her life and saved it. Why if not for this?

Without a word, Dalethria walked passed Sinead to enter her quarters, clutching the amulet around her neck for strength. Eyes honed in on the obsidian box that rested on a shelf above the nightstand. It was covered in a thick layer of dust, the contents kept as memories. Now it was needed to create new ones.

She reached up to take it, lowering it as if the slightest tremor would cause it to drop and once she held a firm grip on the bottom, fingers gently pushed aside some of the dust before blowing the rest off. Her reflection gazed back at her which forced a hard swallow, a moment's reflective pause to agree with this path. Eyes closed, she caressed the smooth stone with fingertips as she remembered the day she had become an apprentice.

With sharp intake of breath, she looked up, determined. This would be different. Her master had corrupted Aria k'Vik into dark servitude. Sinead was willingly asking and there was no denying their bond. Dalethria had not shaped events to bring the girl to her, had only spoken truths of the reality of survival on Vjun, and never used her powers to sway Sinead to act rashly and need her help. Both of them acted alone, but the Force brought them together. She couldn't deny the signs, nor the longing she had for the girl.

Underneath all the claims of power she craved, Dalethria never took an apprentice because she didn't want to become like her master. A brute that broke a young girl's mind and made her believe that everything she had done was by choice - when he manipulated everything and she was but a puppet to carry out his whims.

For all the suffering she had orchestrated through the centuries, Dalethria would not manipulate Sinead.

When she returned, she immediately approached the girl and stood as close as she had before when offered the jar of sugar. She pulled the lid back towards her to reveal an amulet identical to the one that Dalethria wore that was nestled on black felt, but the jewel was grey. It was the sibling to the one Dalethria wore around her neck.

"My former master, Darth Mhian, had given this to me not long after we met."

Dalethria watched her little wanderer to see if she understood the significance.

"And now, it is your turn to wear it."

Slender fingers reached for the silver chain and reverently pulled it free. The long oval amulet dangled between them, candlelight flickering in the facets of the gem as Dalethria closed the box to set it aside and took hold of the chain by both hands, widening it expectantly.

"The only one after me to wear it."

It was an addition that she felt was necessary. Sinead was special - her first apprentice.

[Sinead DeBeynac]

Sinead was a loud mouth who could speak her mind and get in trouble for it; but she had often eluded the truth when it mattered, keeping stuff to herself. The idea of commitment terrified her, and she had never felt like she belonged anywhere or with anyone. Hell, she had had options to become part of crews over the years; but she had always flown solo, refusing to rely on others more than for contacts and stuff.

And here she was, confessing to the most power being she had ever met that she was willing to be apprenticed to her, to stay on a bloody rock with acidic rains, when instead she could have just agreed to get parts and get the hell away from Vjun.

And yet, it all made sense.

She felt the pull again as she admitted the crazy truth to her savior who could have been her butcher more than once. There was something intoxicating about the power pulsating between them. It felt all over the place and yet burning her skin all into her soul. It was oppressing as much as it made her yearn for more.

It'd be easy to say it was just lust; but that would be reductive and so pale in comparison to the magnitude this whole thing was. Sure thing, Sinead had to admit she found the Sith hot. She couldn't imagine any being who has the smallest sexual urges not to find the brunette breath-taking; but it went above and beyond such things.

Sinead didn't have the words nor did she know if one day she would; but there was something at play between them, something potent.

She felt frozen in place as she fixated the brunette; but the other woman suddenly walked past her. For what felt like eternity, she stared at the void left by the Sith in the room.

Her untrained sensations let her know the woman hadn't scampered off that far; but it didn't make Sinead feel any less anguish.

Her mind, the foreign sensations, and the sudden absence of the woman whose essence she had latched out onto without thinking, made her feel like everything was spiraling down.

Unsure of how it happened, she had pivoted on her heels and was facing the Sith as she eventually returned, holding an ancient box. Sinead could tell the carvings marked a past epoch with its dusty but delicate work.

Everything came to a halt the moment the Sith revealed the content of the box.

Body, mind, and soul stopped at once. There was no more spinning; but the solemn realization of the truthful desire she had expressed.

She had noticed the amulet the Sith wore when she had rested her eyes upon her when entering the living area a while ago.

There was no turning back; nor she desired to do so.

This was a path she had never dreamed of; but it was the only one she could fathom to follow now.

With no hesitation and genuine respect, she bowed her head to the Sith, to let her fasten the chain around her neck.

While she remained in her obedient stance, she couldn't help ask the question that had been on the tip of her tongue.

"How should I call you?"

She doubted that "scary Sith Lady" was going to cut it permanently...

[Dalethria]

There was no hesitation in accepting the gift Dalethria bestowed as Sinead respectfully lowered her head. Her little wanderer's thirst for knowledge had overrode the need to run, to find someplace new, to carry on with a journey that left little satisfaction, only empty desire.

Though Sinead was no longer her little wanderer. Sinead was her apprentice. That truth made the Sith's hands briefly tremor with delight as she slipped the chain over Sinead's head, relieved that the girl would be unawares of that gesture, though it was futile. Their bond began to forge the moment Sinead entered the system, forged with promise when Dalethria brought her here, and now the amulet dangling off the girl's neck was a promise. Not one made with deceit and padded with layers upon layers of lies that made her into a doe eyed apprentice. These amulets forced a bond with Mhian. Hers happened naturally with Sinead and this would only amplify what already existed.

She couldn't temper the slight gasp that escaped when the full might of the amulets power were activated. Having worn only the apprentice amulet, the rush of power coursing through her body was significant. The master amulet controlled both and her mind was inundated with untapped potential that was hers to command. Most importantly, she felt Sinead. All of her. The cold of the floor against her feet, the beating of her heart, the rush of perfect devotion and desire for her, immediate thoughts opened to Sinead. Unlike Mhian who had hid his intentions, Dalethria was an opened book in these scant seconds.

And then it backed off, the amulets quieting through the Force as they understood who was in control. Dalethria will be able to protect them with but a thought, accentuating Sinead's abilities and using an indomitable will to crush the spirits of her enemies or subjugate her own student.

That would never happen.

Dalethria gently tucked two fingers under Sinead's chin and pressed, lifting her head so there eyes would meet. Her chest heaved, breathing deeply with decision.

"You may call me Dalethria."

The girl was her apprentice but having Sinead call her master felt so trite. They were not ordinary beings requiring ancient rules of etiquette, they were already more to the other than either had wanted, or expected.

[Sinead DeBeynac]

Wandering across the galaxy had been Sinead's lot for many years but it didn't mean she couldn't be decisive when it mattered. This moment was one of them, a life-changing choice that would take her down a road she had never thought would be hers to claim.

Become a Sith's apprentice had never been in the cards for her; but it felt right in the most bizarre, quasi mystical way, which was ironic for she had mostly branded such things as superstitions. Yet she had learned over the years that her mother's people were often more placated by fears and traditions, instead of using them to break through chains that kept them subservient to old ways that had little reason to be anymore.

She had mostly believed the Force to be the stuff of unique individuals who were greater heroes and legendary characters than people like her. And yet there was no denying that this power had bound her to the Sith upon her arrival on Vjun, physically altering her perceptions and seeing her crash land her beloved ship, the only thing she had thought could be her home in over a decade.

The brunette's reluctance to have her around despite her uncanny persistence to keep her alive, had made Sinead all the more willing to confront her unexpected desire to learn from her. She was still a loudmouth brat who liked living by her own rules; but at the same time she was loyal when she chose to and dedicated when it mattered. The lack of puppet strings game from the Sith, which Sinead believed was genuine, meant a lot to her.

When she felt the Sith place the amulet around her neck, she felt as if time and space had come to a still point. It was the eye of the storm ready to unleash, and she felt shivers at the thought.

Yet it was nothing compared to what happened the moment the brunette activated the amulets.

For a brief moment, she felt everything.

It was stolen instants but feeling the other woman's physical and mental sensations was mesmerizing. It was too much and too brief for Sinead to assess much; but what she retained from it was the confirmation that the Sith wasn't playing games with her.

This alone was enough to cement her respect and loyalty to her chosen master for the times to come.

When the Sith reached out to her and tilted her chin up, she looked at her, meeting her eyes again. Maybe she should have been terrified to do that; but weirdly enough, and due to the bond that had attached them to each other, it had never scared her to look into the brunette's fierce gaze.

"Alright, Dalethria," she replied with a faint smile, although her expression remained serious.

She would have addressed her with any title demanded; but she did like that the Sith, Dalethria, hadn't asked her to. It didn't diminish any respect she had for her, nor the deep recognition that the Sith could still pulverize her if she ever chose to do as such.

"I guess I'll be wandering around Vjun then."

[Dalethria]

Sinead retained little when their minds were joined, mostly fleeting impressions and feelings. What flashes of memories past had occurred were far too fast for her mind to comprehend, but Dalethria had to concede that as her apprentice gained control, Sinead may be able to recall what she had seen here today. There would be questions and she may be ready to answer them with time. Her past was wrought with disappointments, failures and poor choices regardless of the power at her command.

She hoped that the girl would be none of those and it was her responsibility as Sinead's master to make sure that never came to pass. What mattered was that Sinead remained pleased with what she held onto and stared back with fierce loyalty and determination. Dalethria's own cold gaze cracked ever so subtly where the hard edges around her eyes smoothed.

Her heart quickened at the sound of her name not spoken with disdain or fear. It was a curious response that she would have to become accustomed to.

"Yes you will, Little Vele."

Sinead was not truly a little wanderer anymore now that the girl had pledged herself as Dalethria's apprentice, so the moniker no longer worked in her eyes. The new pet name just rolled off her tongue with ease.

"I'll still retrieve the supplies you need to repair your ship but for now ..."

Slowly she pulled her fingers back, thumb brushing against her chin so brief that it was barely there.

"... this is your home."

[Sinead DeBeynac]

While her disoriented mind had attempted to grasp, to no avail, at all figments from Dalethria's past in the short moment their minds were joined, Sinead had pushed them aside, finding inspiration into the knowledge that the Sith had no desire to manipulate her. Having been little of a dreamer in her life meant that she was pragmatic and good at focusing on what was directly at hand.

The blonde saw a most subtle change in how the brunette looked at her. It was brief and almost insignificant but she was too good at observing to believe it was purely her imagination.

She canted her head to the side upon the new nickname. She was curious about it.

"What does Vele mean?"

It was a word she had never heard; and she wondered whether it was some sort of Sith dialect, or a regional thing on Vjun.

"Thank you. If I can help, I'll do it."

She winced as she recalled how her last trip to the imperial outpost had gone.

"I'm not talking about being bait, I promise."

It felt weird when Dalethria removed her fingers from her chin. Somehow Sinead knew she shouldn't feel such a stark difference, but she did.

"I can still bunk on my ship, so I'm nearby, but I don't invade your privacy too much."

There was no ulterior motive in the offer. She just knew that she was still a big change in the brunette's life, for this whole thing was crazy for both of them.

[Dalethria]

Sinead came at her with the obvious question and proof of her worth. Her respect. Dalethria focused on the question instead of the loss of contact, the pads of her fingertips still tingling with memory. To assuage the loss, she touched the amulet around her neck which tethered them together. It was to touch her without the physical act.

"It means soul."

Little Soul.

Their spirits were entwined until the connection was forcibly severed or by death. Dalethria wouldn't be the cause of the former as it fell under duplicity. Death was something she was fighting to overcome with the holocron she found. With Sinead's aptitude in draining life, it's possible they could deny death together.

The offering of help was not unexpected but Dalethria couldn't help a brow raising with argument, words unnecessary to drive home the point that it was unwise for Sinead to accompany her. The joke did not move the Sith to smile or provide a witty quip back.

"I will not use you as bait. Ever."

She meant it as she had been bait numerous times by both her masters by agreed upon plans or insidious ones that were to make her strong or kill her. In one instance, it was to kill her outright. It angered her now remembering what Palpatine did, but Sinead's compassion tempered its intensity.

"And Little Vele ... this is your home now."

She extended her arms outwards, eyes glancing around the room.

"You may stay here."

Lowering her arms, hands found each other to rest against her torso. Her head slightly canted to the side when she regarded her apprentice.

"Or the ship."

Dalethria longed for Sinead to stay here with her.

"But regardless ... I will teach you the caverns. So you can find your way back here. To be safe."

[Sinead DeBeynac]

Sinead had often spoken freely, even when it had eventually meant being cast out by her mother's people when she was barely into her adolescent years. That was why she feared not asking Dalethria questions, and hadn't even from the moment they had first met, when for all she knew the Sith could have just ended her life, let her future crumple into acidic rain, washed away into senseless void.

She smiled at the explanation offered about what Vele meant.

"I like it," she replied without thinking twice.

Even though life had tried to beat her down, there was still a visceral joy about Sinead who loved to appreciate the small and unexpected.

Her expression sobered up at the Sith's reaction to her quip. And she couldn't help bowing her head to her new master's words that she would never use her as bait. In a way it was a solemn a vow as the bestowing of the amulet that finalized her new life as the brunette's apprentice.

At the mention that this was her home now, where Dalethria lived, she felt pulled into different directions. There was a yearning to share space with the Sith that had to do with their bond, and its ramifications. Yet she had been used to being on her own for so long, it was a delicate adjustment.

She pondered on it for a moment, but took a few steps around the room. She had been standing still for a while now and needed to stretch her legs. Her eyes often reverted back to Dalethria.

"I'd like to stay here."

It was bold even for her. She would repair her ship and ensure that her old home was still ready for whatever would happen.

"I'll make sure the Feuille d'Automne is good to fly again; but I choose here as my new home."

[Dalethria]

Sinead was not expecting her new master being so vehemently opposed to the bait quip and bowed her head with gratitude. Of course, the girl was unused to being taken seriously; always threatened and belittled by superstitious nonsense that labeled her a curse when Sinead held considerable untapped power. Despite it all, she had grown into an inquisitive, resourceful and reckless young woman.

The later needed tempering but that would come with training.

She remained quiet as Sinead thought over her offer. What Dalethria proposed was a significant change from the wanderer that flew from system to system with no real destination or goal in mind. Her offer was tempting to the girl and Dalethria felt the same yearning towards Sinead, wanting her near. If she stayed on the ship, Dalethria would have the comfort of sensing her presence but it would not sate the longing of wanting her physically near. Eyes followed every step Sinead took, locking gazes when her apprentice needed reassurance with her thoughts. So it was with great relief that Sinead agreed to stay.

Dalethria righted her head and nodded, keeping her elation hidden. Instead she closed her eyes, toes curling against the cold stone to take a moment and collect her thoughts.

"A storm approaches."

She slowly opened her eyes, seeking Sinead's. "Tomorrow we will retrieve your things and bring them here."

Now she was the one to turn around and study the room. Sinead required space which there was none. Dalethria's sanctuary had only the long room they currently stood in that was adjacent to the storage alcove and her bedroom, where the furthest wall hid fresh water pools. In fact, there was no discernible means to even enter this area as far as Sinead could see.

"I suppose I need to create a room for your needs, Little Vele. Probably take a day ... maybe two. Depends on when I begin your training ..."

She would have to meditate on the how and allow enough time to focus her energies on the holocron. Sinead would need to provide a list of supplies she was looking for at the Imperial base for the future too. An attempt at infiltrating so soon was inadvisable. They would be on alert, which meant more guards and security measures. In a few weeks, things should settle down and Dalethria can enter without causing another scene.

"You may have my room until then."

Dalethria had gone days without sleep, focused on meditations or equally consumed with thoughts that would not allow her mind rest. Yet part of her just wanted Sinead to stay comfortable in her room, which she had been during her recovery. It was stupid longing that the Force nudged at, digging into feelings buried centuries ago.

[Sinead DeBeynac]

Sinead was immensely curious as to what her training would entail, what her days on Vjun would, how her interaction with Dalethria would evolve. It was a funny feeling, quite foreign really, for a girl who had been used to just take days as they came, without ever really dreaming of big things.

As intrigued and excited as she could get about learning new things, whether better techniques to be a more efficient and sneakier thief, or just expand her culture, it wasn't the same as what was blooming in her soul now.

Unaware of the Sith's joy at her decision to stay, Sinead watched the brunette close her eyes, fascinated and still drawn to her in a way the Force hadn't been subtle about, even when both of them had attempted to resist.

She frowned at the mention of the storm, still grateful she had been able to hide her ship away from the savage weather of Vjun. She nodded to the Sith's words.

"There's not much, really."

She then remained silent as she watched Dalethria pace around the room. She could have used the opportunity to get a better look at the rest of it; but really she was focused on the Sith, with a few scant glances at the holocron. A couple of times, she felt its weird presence, and it always made her skin crawl. She didn't put any more distance between the device and herself though.

She opened her mouth in brief shock, before closing it again, at the mention of Dalethria creating a room for her. Of course, it made sense, especially given how powerful the Sith was; but it still baffled the thief.

"Thank you," she replied with a smile.

She was tempted to just say she could take a corner somewhere or whatever; but at the same time, she still had enough self-esteem to wholeheartedly accept the offer, including the following one about having the brunette's room.

"Thank you. That's a most comfortable bed you have."

And one she wouldn't mind sharing with the Sith, she silently mused to herself.

[Dalethria]

"What few items you have are significant to you. So they should be where you are staying."

The girl had everything taking away from her so there was no need to strip her further. Sinead had left her homeworld with nothing and survived, traveling sparingly. She even pushed through her insecurities and agreed to stay here with Dalethria, denying the comforts and familiarity of the ship. Slowly the chains of Sinead's old life were breaking.

She acknowledged gratitude with a nod but quickly raised a brow at the comment.

"You slept for almost a day on it. So ... yes. I would presume you found my bed comfortable."

The mattress was the best that Imperial credits could buy, or so she overheard when she stole it, a fact she was about to share when a whisper of longing came through their bond.

Her chest felt like it would cave in again from the sudden pressure magnified by the pull from her apprentice. It was strange to have another life force linked to her own after so many years. Yes the Force urged them together, but both her and Sinead accepted the call which was amplified by the amulets. The power coursing between them beautiful and intoxicating ... the likes she never had with her own master.

Nostrils flared with fleeting control, wishing some distance from the girl but wanting to close it just the same.

[Sinead DeBeynac]

Sinead gave a surprised look at Dalethria, and how she validated what was hers. It was a different tune from what the blonde was used to. She knew how to stand on her own two feet; but this was different. She canted her head to the side, and when she spoke, there was no hint of humor in her voice.

"I believe you will keep surprising me."

It wasn't a question; but a statement she held very true, even in such a short amount of time that had passed between their first encounter. It wasn't a bad thing; but still another significant change in her life.

She relaxed and even chuckled softly at the Sith's remark about how long she had slept.

"I don't know whether plants nap as much as felines; but I definitely like a good bed."

Then, it dawned on her that she would be invading the Sith's sanctum, and might get in the way of her own rest.

"But what about you? I appreciate having your room, but don't want to prevent you from using it should you need sleep."

She bit her tongue and shrugged slightly.

"I tend to steal covers, just so you know."

After all, it was still Dalethria's bed, and as much as she didn't mind the idea of sharing it, it seemed polite to inform her of that fact.

[Dalethria]

Dalethria silently agreed that the future held many surprises for the two of them. Their fates were connected the moment Sinead had entered the system no matter how much they wanted to deny the connection created in that instant which only strengthened the longer they were on the same planet.

She watched, as much as felt, Sinead unwind after her declaration, which prompted a thoughtful expression from Dalethria. She knew of Sinead's race but would have to learn more to better train the girl. Learning from the source would be beneficial and if needed, her archives had information too. It wouldn't surprise Dalethria if Sinead's own people had omitted some things about her race and if so, would supplement that information.

Sinead's concerns of her rest held a simple answer. Through meditation and sheer will, Dalethria would require no sleep. Though expending energy in shifting stones would probably require some rest. The living area in which they stood would suffice to sleep in if needed, with cushions and furs on the furniture to provide basic comfort. There were no concerns with her apprentice taking over her room for the interim.

She was about to explain this to Sinead when the girl surprised her, already ringing the thought of future surprises true within moments!

"Are you ..." She stopped there, bringing a hand up for emphasis at her bewilderment. "Are you suggesting that we sleep together?"

Of course she knew the answer but this utterly baffled the master that the girl was so bold.

[Sinead DeBeynac]

Dalethria's curious reaction at her words regarding her tendency to steal covers surprised Sinead. After all, it only seemed courteous to let her know as such, should they share a bed.

"Well, if you need sleep, it's still your bed." she replied deadpan.

Even though she knew the Sith Master wouldn't manipulated her, she wasn't a total idiot and was aware that her thoughts and emotions were likely a damn beacon to the brunette, all the more in close proximity.

"As for whether I find you attractive, you know the answer is yes," she added quite freely.

"But it wasn't how I intended my comment about the covers."

She sank her hands into her pants pockets and looked at the Sith again.

"Even though you're the most fascinating woman I've met, I am not in it just to have sex with you. Hell, I don't think you would have taken me as your apprentice if it were the case."

[Dalethria]

The only being that she had ever shared a bed in recent times was with her cousin k'Vik. They were mentally drained from toying with the Tagge woman, filling the woman's mind with fantasies and torments. After the encounter, they crashed together with sleep overtaking their bodies swiftly. Family was coveted by the Sith and having her cousin comfortable and safe were a priority as there were none left of her line that she was aware of.

This girl was not family. She was her apprentice and felt equal need to keep her comfortable and safe. Dalethria's immediate response to save Sinead cemented those feelings before they were accepted.

Coveted was too strong a word for now because Sinead rambled. A lot. Maybe it would be an endearing trait later.

There were answers to unspoken questions offered that Dalethria was well aware of their truths. Sinead's emotions rolled off and were easy to decipher even before the bond solidified then amplified by the amulets. It was not so easily reciprocated at this point but as her power grew, Sinead would be able to sense her master's feelings with far more ease ...

The thought was exhilarating and troublesome.

" ... Ah."

She was not an avid speaker but that the girl was able to confound her thoughts with the provided explanation kept confirming the Force at work here. No one had created bewilderment inside her of this magnitude since her own master. She adored him and thought him omnipotent. She had even loved him, or the affection that she had for him was believed to be. Back then the bond forged by the amulets were not as free flowing as they were now. Dalethria controlled hers but she did not block the amulets power like Mhian.

"... no. I wouldn't."

The few words shared were difficult to express, but Dalethria was still honest.

"Because you are one of the most interesting beings I've met in a very long time too, Little Vele."

Though the way Sinead worded her last response was curious. She wanted to learn, that was a focal point of her thoughts, but she was equally determined for intimacy.

[Sinead DeBeynac]

Even before the amulets, Sinead had become aware that Dalethria's massive power could tear through her psyche, even though the Sith had never done such a thing. She had always been a loud mouth and free speaker, so it was difficult to know how easily the brunette picked on her wants and inner thoughts. She basically behaved as if she was a completely open book to her new acquaintance.

Maybe she should feel uncomfortable about it; but she didn't feel as such. Sure, she did like her privacy, and having her new Master know that yes she found her attractive and liked the idea of being sexually intimate with her was a weird situation. Yet Dalethria had validated who she was beyond most of her previous experiences, and she had no desire to try to trick the Sith, and not simply because it would be a foolish task at this point of her raw and volatile potential.

The blonde suddenly felt the most subtle tremor on her chest, where the amulet was nestled. It didn't give her any further indication on the brunette's state of mind, but she was nevertheless caught by surprise.

When Dalehria called her one of the most interesting beings she had met in a very long time, she felt color rise to her cheeks, thanks to her human genes. Even though she didn't have human blood, it seemed that for some mysterious reasons her skin could still color up at times. At least she didn't end with green cheeks so it could be worse.

She clicked her tongue.

"I like Little Vele better than the previous one," she admitted without thinking twice.

She then felt that damn holocron tug at her senses and looked at it.

"Anyway, I guess I should just leave you to your studies for now? I think it doesn't like me being around that much."

[Dalethria]

Sinead was unused to praise because of her upbringing. There would be more if she performed well in harnessing the potential inside her, but Dalethria would not be lenient on the girl. Her burgeoning affections towards Sinead would not diminish the importance of the lessons that had to be imparted and would reprimand if required with the established boundaries if necessary. She did not agree with all of her master's means in teaching her, but there were valuable lessons that she could pass on to her apprentice.

"That nickname no longer applies," she stated plainly.

Personally, she liked the new name too. Sinead had agreed to symbolically ground herself in order to learn and see where this path took her instead of doing what was easy and came natural to her, which was to run.

She followed Sinead's line of sight, well aware of what caught her attention because she felt the pull too. The power inside it called to Dalethria but to the untrained mind, it was overwhelming and potent and Sinead wouldn't appreciate the raw energy trying to penetrate her mind to lure her.

"The holocron neither desires your presence or wishes it away. I believe you're extremely sensitive to it as you're untrained and the activation of it is what caused your capture because you couldn't process its power as it was unleashed." She motioned Sinead closer. "After introductions, your agitation towards it may diminish. Come and sit."

She focused on the holocron and called it towards her. The pyramid floated gracefully across the room and into Dalethria's hand before she sat down crosslegged atop the plush furs. When Sinead had settled, she activated the device and the wave of dark energy that assaulted the girl before was there but it was not debilitating as this was not the first time Dalethria accessed it.

The holographic image of a Bith adored in black armor appeared before them. Darth Tareis looked to Dalethria and then to Sinead, his black orbs penetrating the young one's image before speaking.

"You said the girl wasn't important." His voice was arrogant and curious.

Dalethria felt no embarrassment of the previous statement. She meant her words despite being in denial of Sinead's significance, confident that her apprentice wouldn't hold a grudge.

"Things changed. She's my apprentice now," she explained.

His interest never shied away from Sinead. "Yes. I noticed the amulets. Interesting... they're quite rare."

He nodded to Sinead. "But this is good. Accepting your fates. Your master's been trying to activate my holocron for quite some time without success."

His eyes narrowed and wrinkling pale skin that accentuated the veins lining his bulbous forehead. "Until you arrived."

Dalethria frowned, her voice holding little patience. "What exactly are you suggesting Tareis?" She wanted confirmation of her earlier assumption.

Tareis brought hands behind his back and slowly looked to Dalethria. "Your fates are connected. That's why my holocron activated when the girl was in danger and not when I was given to you by the previous owner. You and this ... Baska, were not meant to unlock it."

She couldn't hide the confusion in her voice. "Then I needed to accept an apprentice to gain access?"

"No, not necessarily. Just two who are strongly linked through Force and can access its power. And this goes beyond a Force Bond. There has to be a deep emotional connection that couples it."

"Why?" she asked quietly.

"Because the power that is contained within here is not to be trifled with. There needs equilibrium and that can only occur with two Sith that are equally contrasting as they are complimenting."

[Sinead DeBeynac]

Sinead didn't expect her training and new unexpected life to be easy. While she wasn't used to praise, she had never wanted to earn anything out of pity, so she was willing to be reprimanded and learn the hard way when need be. She might be a hot head that got herself in trouble, and she bet it would happen again because old habits died hard; but she was going to give her very best to this whole Sith thing. She wouldn't consider doing anything less.

Part of her was still astonished she had decided to follow such a bizarre path compared to her previous wandering, but she would have been a fool to run away from such an opportunity, to run away from Dalethria.

She quirked a brow at the Sith's words about the holocron feeling neutral about her presence. It genuinely surprised her.

The blonde had no real want to get cozy with the damn thing, but she moved closer when beckoned to do as such. It wasn't because she still didn't trust the device that she was going to play the terrified card. She sat on the floor across her new mentor. For a brief moment, she realized that as much as she had learned things here and there, the Sith was likely the first actual mentor she had had in her scattered and adventurous life.

She was unfazed by the display of power of the Sith summoning the holocron to her. She wasn't jaded at all, but she was comfortable enough around Dalethria and the dark energies she could harness.

Her bright eyes focused on the device and she frowned as the thing came to life anew. She recognized the headache and wave of nausea that plagued her senses. She pushed through it though, willing her body to soldier through it as she forced her attention upon the Bith.

She hadn't expected anything in particular but a Bith Sith? Now that hadn't crossed her mind, though she had been the first to admit to Dalethria that her knowledge of Sith and the dark side mostly consisted in tales and rumors.

She found herself curious at the opening exchange between the Bith and Dalethria regarding her presence and place in the brunette's life. The blonde's attention alternated between the two other Sith even though the Bith's black orbs remained upon her for longer than she wanted.

She canted her head to the side at what the Bith directly told her about Dalethria's previous work on unlocking the holocron. It very much surprised her that her presence and their bond had been needed for the device to actually open up and reveal its guardian. At least, Sinead guessed that guardian was an applicable description. It wasn't as if this kind of devices had ever been on her radar before. Force artifacts and antiquities generally speaking had never been what she stole.

She made a mental note that Darth what's his face was actually named Tareis.

His interaction with Dalethria gave her some insight. She was briefly amused that the brunette might be collecting blondes, but she didn't say the quip out loud, more surprised that Tareis was going on and on about how their fates were connected. Sure they had got the gist of it with how they had collided into each other to the point they had become master and apprentice, but he seemed to take that to a whole other level.

She eventually opened her mouth about the whole connection and power at hand.

"Well, I'm not powerful as she is; but you still revealed yourself to her. Sure, we do have a connection, but it's just beginning."

[Dalethria]

Sinead speaking up was a good sign, as was her attentiveness. The girl had to work through the effects with the activation of the holocron, but it was not debilitating as the first time. She was able to control her reactions which managed her symptoms. With time, that control would only strengthen so being able to do so even now was a good sign of her potential. It also helped that Sinead was willing to confront her uneasiness towards the device. There were layers of fears to peel away with Sinead, but she could overcome them if she trusted herself.

Staying here with Dalethria was only the beginning in accepting a new life.

"Of course you're not as powerful as Dalethria. But you have the same potential as her. It's that potential between the both of you that activated the holocron when your master unconsciously felt the bond between you," he explained. "And connections through the Force are constant. Past, present, future ... beginning, middle, end. All of it's in a state of flux. Always changing. Showing possibilities ... with one constant."

He held his hands out towards master and apprentice.

"You."

Dalethria pursed her lips and wanted to lash out at the Sith withholding this information. It was so typical leaving out vital information. Tareis had explained the legacy of his master and his master before him, barely touching on the quests for longevity when she felt Sinead in danger. She was suspicious that he was give her endless rhetoric or theories until Sinead was produced.

Tareis regarded Dalethria as he lowered his arms. "You have much to learn about one another, much to teach her before you can understand what is needed to obtain your goals, Master Sith."

She wasn't surprised by this. Disappointed, yes, but at least she was closer to her objective.

He bowed his head, knowing that Dalethria was deactivating the holocron and his image faded from view. She gently rubbed her chin thoughtfully as her gaze tore away from the space Tareis once was to Sinead.

"There's much we need to do."

[Sinead DeBeynac]

Sinead was struggling with how the holocron's power was depleting her energy with painful intensity. She was able to push through better than the wreckage the previous time had been, which all things considered wasn't difficult. Still, the blonde was set on pushing through. It wasn't just bravado to impress Dalethria; but her natural reaction of sheer stubborness. Also, she wanted to understand at least some of what was going on, especially as the Bith was willing to actually talk about the situation and the unexpected bond that had forged between the brunette and her.

Her fingers clawed into her knees as the black orbs stayed on her, as if piercing even deeper into her soul. At least the big rest she had got before reuniting with Dalethria in her lair meant she had more energy than during her time at the imperial outpost. And she knew what she was going to deal with to a degree, and she was in a safer place too.

She didn't really know what to do of what the holocron's guardian was explaining. She was taking it all in; mostly so she might be able to write about it so she could put things into perspective and address them. She hadn't always journaled in her life, but it had tended to help her over the years, especially when trying to expand her horizons and learn more.

She was more curious than she had expected about Dalethria's goals; in her natural curious attitude, and that she was interested in learning more about the woman she had accepted to be apprenticed to.

When the Sith deactivated the holocron, she kept her tired eyes upon the device. She took a few deep breathes and stretched her shoulders and neck.

Dalethria's voice had her look at her, meeting her gaze.

"How... How do you want to proceed?"

[Dalethria]

"Your immediate needs are rest." She could feel Sinead's exhaustion which only worsened under the power of the holocron, but it was plain in how she moved that her muscles were sore and tired. "After we retrieve your belongings, we'll begin your training. I can't keep opening the holocron if it saps your strength. But it's a good sign you remained conscious this time."

The holocron levitated back to its place on the table as Dalethria rose to her feet.

"Once you can withstand being in its presence by maintaining control of your abilities, then I'll consider obtaining the parts to your ship."

Her lips held the briefest of smirks. "Consider it incentive. You won't go far without control. A skill sorely lacking because it was needed for you to survive. Instincts will only get you so far, Little Vele."

[Sinead DeBeynac]

Sinead wanted to argue. It was her immediate reaction but her exhaustion was real enough that she paused instead of foolishly disagreeing with Dalethria. It was true that the bloody holocron was messing with her energy and focus. She hated that; and she already wanted to learn how to do better than that. She hated being useless and weak. Hell, that was why she loved learning that much, and why she liked the idea of being a spitfire with greater control over her unexpected and still horribly raw gifts.

"Stubbornness can pay off," she nevertheless replied with a slight grin, though the expression in her eyes remained tired.

The trade off of her withstanding being in the presence of the holocron so she would acquire the parts to fix her ship, sounded like a fair one. Sinead nodded in agreement.

She shrugged but held the brunette's gaze. "Well, I do like to learn, and I've already signed up, so that sounds good to me."

She gestured towards the hallway behind her.

"For now I shall borrow your bed again."