A Beacon in the Storm

[Riamah]

Sitting at home in her library, Ra was doing more research. It seemed to be a never ending quest for the sith lord. She didn't crave power, but knowledge. Through gaining knowledge though, she gained power.

Looking up from her studies, she heard the crash of thunder through the thick walls of her castle. A stray though drifted through her mind at the knowing that it was acid rain falling outside, how did the native animals survive here? The world was almost lifeless due to the rain, but she knew there was life out there. She felt it through the Force.

Putting her book down, there was something new out there and heading her way. Not expecting any visitor, but actually welcoming of company, Ra put on her neutral façade she wore when she was in public. While this was her home, this visitor was a new presence. Whoever it was could use the Force at least as well she could. What was the purpose of this person?

Not another assassination attempt or they would have gone to the trouble of hiding their presence. Calling Vincent to the library, she would tell him to expect a visitor soon and to bring the person to her.

[member="Vulpesen"]

 

[Vulpesen]

Vulpesen wandered casually over the surface of Vjun. Above his head, the acid rain would find itself halting and rolling to the sides, stopped by some sort of invisible umbrella which surrounded the zorren. Wrapping his tail tightly against his body, he made sure to avoid leaving his protective barrier, lest his fur or flesh be singed by the acid rain. "How the hell has this backwater world not been wiped from the galaxy yet? Its an absolute scum hole." His voice came out with a sigh of disappointment. Having come from the lush forests of Veradune, he was used to a far more beautiful, albeit just as deadly, setting. "And even more, who the hell is living out here?"

The last question was the main reason for the direction of his walking. Ever since he set foot on the planet, he had felt almost no life, at least in comparison to what he was used to. And yet, among the void one strange presence stood above the rest, a mix of shadow and light. In a way, it felt much like his own self. But there was something in it that was sinister, an edge that he himself did not quite possess. It drew him in like a moth to a flame, he knew that it could be in no other place than the massive castle before him.

@Ra'a'mah

 

[Riamah]

As Vulpesen approached the castle, Vincent would open the door and invite him in as Ra requested. A former slave, Vincent had that haunted look some of them get. Ra had purchased him and gave him freedom, he had chosen to stay and serve as her butler and main servant of the house. All the other servants were under his charge and Ra trusted him to take care of them. Their relationship had been built over the course of years, but he still held that haunted look of a slave. Ra had no care of slavery and went out of her way when she could to free them.

Her time in the castle had brought changes to it. It actually looked like a home. Granted it was home for one person and a handful of slaves. While made of stone, the floors and walls were covered in rugs or tapestries. It may not have been bright, but it was warm and dry.

Vincent offered to take his coat, but would take no offense if the offer was declined. He introduced himself and welcomed him to the Bast Castle. Guiding him at a sedate pace so he could look around if he wanted to, Vincent would lead him to the library where Ra waited.

In her own home and not expecting a visitor, Ra wore more comfortable clothes than when out in public. This also left her without weapons. Taking a risk inviting him in, she decided it was worth it. She was waiting for them and watched them walk in the door. Ra was seated in one of the two chairs in front of her fireplace. It would be clear this room was her favorite from what Vulpesen had seen so far.

It was better lit than the rest of the castle. Its walls were covered in shelves and cabinets held treasures of knowledge. While she was sith, Ra collected all kinds of things and some of them were even of the light side. Motioning to the chair across from her, Ra stood to introduce herself.

"I am Ra'a'mah Numare. Welcome to my home. Just call me Ra, easier that way."

[member="Vulpesen"]

 

[Vulpesen]

The Zorren's head tilted at the sight of the butler, noting the expression on his face. It was one he had seen often, the face of hardship which had marred many of those he had freed... and even a few of those he had damned in his darker days. Still, there was a peace in the man's mind that was easily spotted when Vulpesen dug a bit deeper, showing that such a face was the mark of old scars rather than new ones. "I'll hold onto it, but thank you." Stepping into the castle, he breathed a small sigh of relief, finally allowed to relax his muscles and focus.

As they walked the halls, Vulpesen made note of his surroundings. While he was fairly impressed by the decor, he couldn't help but think of more practical things such as escape routes and possible weaponry. After all, while seemingly gracious, his host was still unknown. "Quite the place. Didn't expect to see such homeyness on such a dreary planet."

As the reached the library, Vulpesen let his eyes wander over the woman in the chair while his presence in the force worked to decipher hers. While not hostile, there was certainly just enough darkness within her to put him on edge. And whether her calm introduction helped to ease that discomfort, or enhance it, he couldn't tell quite yet. When she beckoned him, the Zorren saw no choice but to walk towards the seat, his gaze wandering briefly to the various artifacts around them. "A pleasure to meet you miss Numare. You've got quite the collection in here." His golden gaze turned back to face her while his tail swayed neutrally behind his back. "Vulpesen Torrevaso. Though if we're being so informal, Vulps will do."

@Ra'a'mah

 

[Riamah]

Vincent nodded when Vulpesen politely declined to relinquish his outer clothing. In his years with Ra, she had a few visitors and he had come to expect almost anything. Many of them were Force users and he suspected this man was one as well. How else would Ra have known he was coming?

"Lady Ra has done wonders here. Given us freedom, home and a job."

He had been an old man when Ra found him, he had nobody left his life to return to when she gave him freedom. He said he would stay on and serve her faithfully, even to the point of giving his life if the need arose. When she was away, he stayed on Vjun and took care of the castle. This was as much his home as it was hers.

As he approached the chair Ra offered, she held her hand out in a business manner as an offer to shake. While she was not a strong empath, she could tell he was uncertain of her and her potential intentions. Her picking up on that made her relax slightly as it was obvious he wasn't here to kill her. She maintained her neutral Force façade, but allowed her external one to evaporate. That being done though, reading her would still be difficult. Only her eyes would really show what she thought of felt.

Providing his name, Ra nodded and resumed her seat. He complimented her collection and she replied with a half smile. "It has taken me a few years to collect. Sadly, I have nothing of great importance. Would you care for something to drink?"

If he said yes, Vincent would return with tea a few minutes later. If the answer was no, he would leave the room and close the doors as he left to allow the two of them to speak privately. Even though there was only a handful of people in the castle, this was his custom.

"A pleasure to meet you as well, Vulps."

[member="Vulpesen"]

 

[Vulpesen]

As Ra reached out her hand, Vulpesen extended his own, shaking it firmly before he took a seat. Now starting to relax a bit, he nodded to her question. "A drink would be nice, thank you. I've a few collectors items of my own, but its not quite as full." His eyes turned to observe the room around them, momentarily drawn in by the flicking flames in the fire place. "Sorry for the unexpected arrival, but I wasn't expecting to find any sentient beings here. Figured I had to check it out."

@Ra'a'mah

 

[Riamah]

After the handshake, they both sat down. Vincent nodded before leaving the room to get the requested drink, allowing Vulpesen and Ra to converse until he returned. Ra wondered what sort of items he could have collected, but didn't ask about it at that moment.

Watching him as his eyes took in the room and moved to the comforting fire. The comment about not expecting anything sentient here brought a small smile to her face.

"This place," motioning to the castle around them, "was built by Darth Vader."

That wasn't why Ra licked this as her home though. Since she was little she had always wanted to live in a castle, when the opportunity came up to possess this one, she didn't let it pass.

"As much as you didn't expect to find anybody here, nor did I expect a visitor. You are welcome here though. The weather out here is odd to say the least."

[member="Vulpesen"]

 

[Vulpesen]

Vulpesen gave a slight nod to her words when she spoke of her home's designer. "I'm fairly certain I'd heard the legends of this castle. Lord Vader certainly had an eye for style. Still, I prefer my own. Zorren architecture is quite interesting as we prefer to build even our grandest homes with nature rather than over or against it." The zorren leaned back in his seat, grinning a bit at the woman. "To say the least. Back home, I have trees that eat people. You have rain that burns them. So, why make your home in such an inhospitable place if you don't mind my asking?"

@Ra'a'mah

 

[Riamah]

"Almost everybody has heard of Darth Vader, but not all know of this castle."

Vincent arrived with the drinks for them and set them on the desk. He poured them both cups and brought them over to the hand out with a small, polite bow. He then left the room and if Ra needed him again, she knew how to get him to return.

Vulpesen talked about his people's architecture style and Ra found that quite interesting. In her mind, she had two lives she lead. One her real one and the other had somehow been implanted into her mind. The real one, her home had been one full of nature, but nothing that could eat a person. Just the thought of something like that almost made her shudder. He did have a point though. Vjun was not a nice place to live if you were outside.

His grin indicated he was starting to relax and Ra noticed this. At his question, she couldn't help but get a small smile of her own before answering.

"What little girl doesn't want to live in a castle? It's as simple as that honestly."

Letting out a little chuckle, she took of the tea Vincent had brought.

"I can't say I've heard of the Zorren before."

[member="Vulpesen"]

 

[Vulpesen]

"I spent a great deal of time in my dad's library as a child. I was particularly interested in tales of those who were strong in the force." As the cup was poured, he nodded and took a sip, following @Ra'a'mah's. "Not to offend you miss Ra, but to own such a castle as this, one would hardly be considered a little girl." He set the glass aside before taking on a slightly more serious expression. "You likely haven't heard of us because we were nearly wiped off the face of the Galaxy. The Gulag plague killed many of our number. Those that remained were then hunted down for sport by a faction that was little more than well armed bandits. They stole our home and treated us like animals. Though, upon my arrival, I managed to rally us against them. Now, what was ours is ours once more." His tail started to wave behind him, flicking up the tails of his coat as he tapped the side of the cup with a clawed finger. "Now, we are free to regather and return to the galaxy with our mission."

 

[Riamah]

Vulpesen explained how he had learned of the castle here and her opinion of him grew a little. Even though they had just met, it appeared the desire to gain knowledge was something they both possessed. The lightheartedness of the age comment wasn't missed and it made her smile just slightly. He explained why she had no heard of his people before and she felt a bit of sympathy for him. On hearing they had regained what was lost though warmed her. To be strong and a surrvivor was a great feat and what he said told her he was one. It also spoke that he was a warrior.

The last thought went through mind, she noticed his tail waving behind him. Usually attentive to details, she had missed it upon his entrance to the room. Choosing not to comment on it though, she considered the two questions she did have. His last comment brought up one of them.

"What is your mission?"

Taking a sip as she waited for his answer, once he did, Ra would ask her second question. It was probably the more important of the two, but her curiosity got the better of her concerning his mission and people.

"What brought you to Vjun?"

[member="Vulpesen"]

 

[Vulpesen]

"Our mission is simple, yet a few of us think of it as a curse. Having grown up feeling it yet not knowing of it, I've learned to embrace it. You see, every Zorren is born with the simple instinct to protect. That is our mission, to be the guard dogs of the galaxy." His eyes caught hers as they noticed his tail. It was near imperceptible, but it was second nature for him to pick out the shock of those who first saw it. Taking note of this, he flicked the appendage around to wrap around his torso like a large belt.

"A bit of a quest. I've been trying to learn the ways of my people. You see, while I have been named Valde for my actions, and I have learned much of the culture, its still imperative that I connect more with them. The Zorren people have a deep respect for nature, and thus I thought it a good idea for me to be acquainted with the wilds as much as I could. On Veradune, our lands are beautiful but deadly by what lives. Here, the wilds take a different shape, yet they are still as natural as the teradin trees back home. If I'm to learn to harness the power of nature through the force, it only seems right that I learn what all Nature might encompass."

 

[Riamah]

His answer to the first question and how he phrased it made her wonder if they were somehow allied with the Jedi. It wouldn't be a bad thing if they were, however Jedi were supposed to the enemy of the Sith. Even though they had the same interest in knowledge, that didn't mean Ra could trust him. He may still prove to be an enemy if he was allied with the Jedi.

She had no weapons on her body and hoped she didn't need them, Ra took another drink of her tea as she carefully thought of his answer and how to reply to it.

"Are you or your people join the Jedi as guardians?"

No matter what his answer was, she wouldn't attack him if he was Jedi. She was Sith, but she actually didn't like the violence often associated with them. The only time she had ever attacked another person was when they had done it first.

Watching as Vulpesen wrapped his tail around himself, she wondered if it was prehensile or if it was like that of a canine. His mention of being like a guard dog made her think it wasn't.

"I see. While I respect nature, I also know the strong survive to rule over the weak. What you see here are those survivors."

[member="Vulpesen"]

 

[Vulpesen]

Vulpesen shook his head and took another sip of the tea. "Once upon a time, we worked alongside the order, but that happened before the purge of 19 bbc. Since then, we were too busy, hiding form the empire. And nowadays, while I respect the jedi, there's no way in hell I'd place myself under them. While they did teach much of what I know of the force, I've found that they are too fearful, too weak to be relied upon. While they're better than the sith, they simply don't have the spine to make a difference in the galaxy, particularly not when they're divided and as caught up in politics as they were in the waning days of the Republic." His head lifted to fix the woman with his golden eyes. "By the way, do you perhaps have a dog in this eternal fight?"

 

[Riamah]

His open honesty about him and the past of his people surprised Ra a little. While what his people had done in the past was history, he himself was not allied with them. This fact allowed her to relax slightly, a tenseness she hadn't known was there on a conscience level. She still maintained her neutral façade on her Force signature, but her face softened and allowed to show more of her emotions.

"I too learned some under a Jedi, then that man disappeared."

This was in what she called her second life. During the time when she didn't know of her true past and force users were mere myths. Not a thought in her own mind that she could use it herself or what she was growing up. A single instance had changed that though and revealed what she was along with all the Force that came with it. Even now though, she remembered those years when she was mundane and the rules she lived by then. To this day, while she was a sith lord, those ethics she learned on her own were what she followed as well as the Sith Code.

"The Sith are far more relevant these days and appear to be united behind Darth Carnifex. For now, they have put aside their warring ways and politics. That won't last forever though."

He then fixed his gold eyes to hers and asked if she had a dog in the fight. The question could be interpreted a few different ways. Deciding he was asking in a round about way if she had a husband or partner, she shook her head before giving voice to the answer.

"I do not."

[member="Vulpesen"]

 

[Vulpesen]

"The disappearing jedi. A tale I heard far too often in the last days of the Republic. Though I did join those statistics myself. While I was never a true sith, and was only there to betray them in the end, it was an eye opening experience. It showed me the hypocrisy of the Jedi, and how they were only marginally better than those that carried the title of Darth, as an order. I suppose my time spent on either side of the line makes me rather qualified to say that the grass is dead on both sides of the fence." He drank the last of his tea, his tail swishing outward for a moment before returning to his lap. "As for the cooperation of the sith, thats rather common. They fight, the good guys win, they band together and take the galaxy by storm, then they squabble over their new power and lose it all. It happened with the One sith, and it will happen again."

@Ra'a'mah

 

[Riamah]

"Is it custom then for Jedi to disappear?"

It was spoken with a touch of humor, even though what he said next was on a more serious note. Ra had a dry sense of humor and rarely displayed it, but chose to do it this time.

When he talked about betraying the sith, it brought up her own memory of the possibility of her having to betray a now dead faction. She was sith at that time, but had given her word and loyalty to them. In the end, she had been able to stay true to her vow and not betray them. The Sith had yet to ask that of her and if they did, she would be very reluctant to give it to them.

"I actually have had very little interaction with any Jedi or Sith. A mere handful from each faction."

Leaning forward slightly when he made his observation of the grass being dead, she had to give him half a smile. It showed a little humor he had himself, even if it was true. She shook her head as he finished speaking.

"I have no desire to squabble over power within the Sith when the days come they do start fighting."

If the words themselves did not say enough of her alignment, then the action of removing her neutral façade would. In the blink of an eye, instead of a simple unaligned apprentice sitting in front of him, a Sith Lord did now. Even if he wouldn't be able to tell she was sith, the fact of her darker nature would be felt. There was no malice, anger or evil directed at him though.

Ra remained the same Ra in personality and attitude that had greeted Vulpesen when he walked through her door. She did not embrace the Force to attack him, but was prepared to do it if he chose to move first.

[member="Vulpesen"]

 

[Vulpesen]

"Seemed like it for a while. I twas quite the epidemic. But you can hardly blame them when the council was filled by the weak and corrupt." As she spoke of her little interaction with the factions, he nodded his head. It was a good reason for her previous negative answer to his earlier question. However, her next statement certainly caught him off guard, just by how random it almost seemed. Of course, as much as the words made him jump, it was nothing like when she finally dropped the facade of grey, allowing him to see the darkness that was a part of her.

While he didn't leave his seat, the Zorren certainly did stand up and raise a hand. For any human it would look like he was about to backhand someone, but to the observant eye, it would readily be seen that he was displaying a wicked set of claw like nails while his tail bristled behind him. This display however, was only a kneejerk reaction and as quickly ashe entered the stance, he slowly lowered himself back down, not sensing any malice past the shadows. "I'm confused... You say you aren't a sith... yet you hold the darkside aura of one, and while I might call you a dark jedi, you spoke as if you were in their number." Throughout their entire conversation, he had seen her as an intelligent woman, and thus the idea that she was simply stupid enough to forget her own story didn't seem very likely.

 

[Riamah]

When she lowered her façade, Ra gave Vulpesen the time he needed to adjust to her revelation. It was something she had maintained so long naturally it was almost odd to not have it on. His reaction did not surprise her, but the fact he didn't attack did not go unnoticed. He bristled for a few moments and slowly sat back down. As much as she prepared herself for an attack, her own feeling of needing to defend herself now went away and she relaxed.

She sensed no hostility from him at her revelation, but instead confusion. He admitted as much a moment later and she gave him a look that indicated she was just as confused at something.

"When did I say I wasn't a sith?"

It didn't address anything else of what he said, but she felt it important enough to get this set straight before continuing.

[member="Vulpesen"]

 

[Vulpesen]

Vulpesen leaned back and straightened his coat while taking a deep breath. Once he was fully composed, he started to speak. "Earlier I asked if you had taken a side in the eternal struggle of jedi and sith. You said no. Apparently, it seems you do have a dog in the fight." His tail flicked around into his lap so that he could smooth down the fur with his hand, his fingers running through the silky fluff. "I wouldn't think that a sith would see the need to lie in her own home."

@Ra'a'mah