Private A Candle in the Dark

[Matthew of Valendale]

TAGS: Roten ​

"Perhaps. As I've told you, I needed to process you. We're now in orbit around Verdanth. You've complied by staying where I asked, and I promised you could hunt if you continued to cooperate. I don't like repeating myself, but I will if necessary. Please ask if you don't understand the instructions or rules—good communication is imperative. I don't wish to deny you your natural inclinations; it's unhealthy for any creature. If hunting is part of your ingrained culture, it may be permitted as a reward. Remember, actions have consequences, both good and bad," Matthew explained softly.

"Regardless of your past life, things are different now. You will learn to adapt to your new circumstances. We can do this the easy way or the hard way—the choice is yours. As I've said, I am now your provider, protector, guide, and teacher. It is my duty to ensure you have everything you need to become a productive and respectable member of society, including your physical and mental health. Your job is to follow instructions and earnestly work on improving yourself."

Matthew paused before continuing, "I value honesty and earnestness. I will keep my word to the best of my abilities. As I have told you previously, you've been warned against breaking my trust. Now then, do you still wish to hunt, or would you prefer to sit down for dinner? The meal has been prepared and is ready to be served. If you prefer to hunt, I will accompany you to the planet and keep an eye on you."

Matthew then leaned in slightly, ensuring Roten was fully focused on his words. "There's something important you need to understand about following instructions," he began. "If words of command are not clear and distinct, if orders are not thoroughly understood, the leader is to blame. But if they are clear and distinct and thoroughly understood, then it is the fault of the subordinates if they are not executed properly."

He let the words sink in before continuing. "This means that I have a responsibility to make sure my instructions are clear and understandable. And I believe I have done that. However, once you understand these instructions, the responsibility shifts to you. If you fail to follow clear and understood commands, then the fault lies with you. This is discipline. It involves both Trust and Accountability. If you want to be trusted and respected, you must demonstrate that you can follow through on what is asked of you. I told you I would let you hunt provided you behaved. "

Matthew's tone softened, but remained firm. "I'm here to guide and support you, but you must meet me halfway. Your actions will determine how we proceed. So, what will it be, Roten? Will you join me for dinner, or will you go hunting? Either way, the choice is yours, but remember—actions have consequences, both good and bad. This is what I am going to instill with in you. Discipline. "

 

[Roten]

Exonerator
Tags: Matthew of Valendale

Roten winced as the man spoke, taking in his words. Could the man yap, and not only that but make things more complicated than they seemed in the process. What did he mean actions had consequences? Roten knew that, but it made it sound like he'd be punished for hunting. Why couldn't the answer just be clear and stated in a single sentence? It was starting to really hurt his brain.

"What am I supposed to be?" Roten finally asked. "I didn't choose this. I didn't choose anything. You hold absolute power over me yet you dance around it like you're above it all. Why does hunting have to have consequences if it's in my nature? Do I have to spend the rest of my worthless life as your plaything? Discipline is to beat someone down into submission, and believe me when I say I have lived that long enough to know what being disciplined means. If I'm a prisoner, tell me frankly and keep me in shackles. I..."

The Bursantian sighed, his ears flattening as he turned his head away. This was stupid. He knew where all of this was leading.

"Look, I'm tired of gods," he muttered. "You don't know what it's like to survive at the whims of someone else's mercy. I just need people to stop pulling me by the throat and give a damn enough to... I don't know... I don't know..."

Angry. He was angry. Power came from anger and hatred.

So why wasn't it working?

 

[Matthew of Valendale]

TAGS: Roten ​

Matthew listened quietly, absorbing Roten's frustration and pain. When Roten finished, Matthew took a moment before responding, ensuring his tone was calm and measured.

"You can hunt, Roten. I just do not want you to try and escape," Matthew stated simply. "If you run off, it will be much harder to ensure your safety and care. You are a young-ling in my care, not a prisoner. If you were my prisoner, I would confine you to a cell in the brig and transport you to a facility to be dealt with. You will be in my care for a year's time before you are given the freedom to go as you please."

Matthew then continued, his voice gentle but firm. "When I say actions have consequences, I don't mean you'll be punished for hunting. It's about understanding the impact of our choices. Every decision we make leads to outcomes, both intended and unintended. This isn't about punishment; it's about responsibility and growth."

He took a step closer, maintaining a steady gaze from behind that mask. "Discipline, as I see it, is about guidance and helping you grow, not about breaking your spirit. I want to support you in integrating your nature, like hunting, into a productive and respectful life. This requires trust and cooperation from both of us."

Matthew sighed softly, his expression softening behind the mask. "I don't see you as a prisoner. I see you as someone who needs support and guidance to find a new path. Channeling your anger into hatred won't lead to the freedom you seek if those are the lies the sith have fed you. It will only keep you shackled to the past."

He paused, allowing his words to settle. "I'm here to listen and to work with you. You're tired, and I get that. I'm here to help you move towards something better than mere survival."

Matthew concluded, "So, let's start with a simple easy choice. Do you want to join me for dinner, or would you prefer to go hunting? Either way, I'm with you, not against you. If you go hunting you must not try to flee. This is the trust I am affording you. "

 

[Roten]

Exonerator
Tags: Matthew of Valendale

"..."

What did he even say to that? It felt so... alien. Bizarre. This wasn't right, none of this was right. Yet, even so, Roten seemed to simply lose his urge to fight it. Why was that the case? Even with all of the things he knew the Specter could do, he still mouthed off to the old man. what was so different about being here in this moment that made him... submit? No, it wasn't really that. There wasn't anything to submit to.

Was this wrong?

"I'll... join you for dinner," he finally sighed. "Hunting can wait... the game isn't gonna go extinct over-night..."

A year... In the moment, an eternity, but having spent so long on the inter-galactic airways could he really change that quickly?

 

[Matthew of Valendale]

TAGS: Roten
​

Matthew seemed to watch Roten carefully, perhaps surprised at his willingness. "If that is what you would like to do, then I am delighted that you have chosen to join me for dinner. Please come with me," Matthew called gently. "I will show you where we will be enjoying dinner. If you would like to explore after we eat, I don't mind allowing you to stretch your legs. I know this all must be very difficult for you to adjust to," Matthew said softly. He led the smaller figure into the rest of the ship, his own long white cloak furling in his wake as he walked.

He stepped into a banquet hall where several individuals were already present. Most of them were young adult men of varying races. One of them, like Matthew, had long feathered wings. Most of them looked fairly human-like in nature. As Matthew entered, the discussion hushed, and attention turned to the pair. Two individuals did not join everyone else at the table. One of them, with long black hair and periwinkle blue-violet colored eyes, addressed Matthew by pausing what he was doing and moving to his side. Matthew removed his cloak and his mask, offering them over to gloved hands.

"Nice of you to join us, sir," Vincent greeted, turning a cold look to the fuzzy youth that followed after Matthew. "And you as well, young sir," Vincent said, moving to set the belongings on a rack on one of the walls. Matthew moved to take a seat at the table, seemingly at one of the heads where there was a backless seating arrangement. Everyone who was present at the table stood when Matthew entered the room.

"Thank you, Vincent. Please, enjoy yourselves," Matthew offered, and they all resumed their seats. Matthew indicated the seat at his right-hand side. "Please sit here, Roten."

As Roten took his seat, the others at the table greeted him in turn, each displaying the utmost respect and courtesy.

Sable, a tall figure with an air of quiet strength, nodded politely. "Welcome. It's a pleasure to have you with us."

Bari, with a warm smile, added, "Yes, welcome. I hope you find our company enjoyable."

Shiro, gave a slight bow. "We are honored by your presence."

Raven, with piercing eyes and a calm demeanor, simply said, "Welcome."

Maurice, always the diplomat, offered a gracious nod. "We are pleased to have you join us."

Janos, with a more relaxed air, smiled. "Glad to see a new face around here."

Allan, serious but kind, said, "Welcome. I hope you find some comfort here."

Owen, with a friendly expression, added, "Good to have you with us."

Raphale, ever the gentleman, gave a slight bow. "It is a pleasure to meet you."

Sevrin, calm and composed, nodded. "Welcome to our table."

Matteo, with a gentle smile, said, "I hope you enjoy the meal."

Elias, the last to speak, offered a warm welcome. "It's good to see you."

With everyone settled, the atmosphere in the banquet hall was one of respect. Matthew, now seated, looked to Roten with a reassuring smile. "Please, make yourself comfortable. If there is anything you need, do not hesitate to ask."

As everyone settled back into their seats, Vincent moved gracefully towards Roten, his demeanor calm and professional.

Vincent first set a pristine white napkin before Roten, folding it neatly. He then arranged the cutlery with precision, placing a silver fork, knife, and spoon in their proper positions, each piece gleaming under the soft candlelight.

"Allow me to serve you, young sir," Vincent spoke softly.

Vincent reached for a crystal pitcher filled with chilled water. He poured the clear liquid into a glass, placing it carefully before Roten.
Next, Vincent took a delicate porcelain teapot and poured steaming jasmine tea into a matching cup, the aroma filling the air. The teacup was set on its saucer with a silver spoon beside it.

Finally, Vincent lifted a pitcher of freshly made lemonade. He poured the pale yellow drink into a tall glass, garnishing it with a sprig of mint and a slice of lemon.

With the beverages arranged, Vincent set a fine china plate before Roten, trimmed with gold. He placed a small bread plate with a pat of butter and a freshly baked roll beside it.

"Tonight's dinner offers a delightful selection, young sir," Vincent announced with a subtle bow. "For appetizers, you may choose between a creamy butternut squash soup with a hint of nutmeg, or a Caprese salad with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction."

Vincent paused to let Roten decide, then continued, "For the main course, we have two options: herb-crusted lamb with roasted garlic mashed potatoes and sautéed green beans, or pan-seared sea bass with a citrus beurre blanc sauce, wild rice, and steamed asparagus."

Vincent added, "For dessert, you may enjoy a rich chocolate fondant with a molten center, served with vanilla bean ice cream, or a tangy lemon tart with a crisp pastry shell topped with whipped cream."

 

[Roten]

Exonerator
Tags: Matthew of Valendale

This was really wrong now.

People. A lot of people. Way too many people, in fact. There was a weird air around them... posh, polite, showy. Were they showy, or was he just completely out of his depth? Roten's mind churned as he sat down, perhaps a bit dazed and overwhelmed by all of the stimulation. Maybe he should have just gone hunting. At least he understood how to navigate that. This was a different kind of disaster.

"I, uh..." Roten began, already not knowing where he was going with any of this. Fake it till you make it. "Are there appetizers that are more protein focused? My kind are carnivorous primarily..."

What the hell was he doing? How did he even get that sentence out without a stutter, let alone the edge his tone typically contained. Perhaps it was just the pressure of the moment, that classic fake it till you make it scenario that he had been thrust into a thousand separate times over his life.

Maybe it was all of the human faces. It made it clearer that he was amidst a different kind of people now. Sink or swim. That was the world of the posh, and Roten foresaw disaster if he sank.

"The sea-bass will be okay, and I... will wait on desert for now. Yeah."

This was beyond humiliating. There was no way in hell he could ever show his face to the Sons of Shadow after this.

 

[Matthew of Valendale]

TAGS: Roten ​

Vincent, hearing Roten's request, immediately apologized, "I apologize, young sir." He then looked towards a blonde man with short hair. "Allan? It seems we have a special diet guest."

Allen, the blonde man, approached with a respectful nod. "Good evening, young sir. I understand you have specific dietary needs. Allow me to offer some options that might be more suitable."

Allen listed the options with a warm smile, "For appetizers, we have grilled chicken skewers marinated in a blend of herbs and spices, and seared beef tenderloin bites with a rosemary glaze. Would either of these be of interest to you? I can offer for the main course, a different substitution option of a prime rib steak, cooked to your preference, or a roasted venison loin served with a rich red wine reduction. Would any of these be suitable? We want you to be comfortable and satisfied with your meal. It wont take long to have any of these options finished for you. "

Matthew didn't seem to need to speak up on his behalf as the young one offered a question. Vincent moved to set the table for Matthew as well and just poured him a cup of tea.

Matthew offered a light smile, knowing full well that the chef would adjust accordingly to accommodate their carnivorous little guest. "Thank you, Allen."

Matthew eased back and set his blue gaze on the shorter youth. "Vincent, please serve him a portion of protein from each dish we have ready now." He resisted the urge to reach out and offer the smaller boy a reassuring touch, deciding against it for now. "Are you feeling alright? Did you eat what I gave you earlier?"

"As you wish. " Vincent said in short order a heated plate of freshly cooked food was set before Roten.

 

[Roten]

Exonerator
Tags: Matthew of Valendale

"Chicken skewers is okay," Roten decided. "And... I'm okay with the fish."

This was all so strange. Roten tried to convince himself that he wanted to scream, or lash out, but he just... couldn't. He was a pirate. He was a monster. Why couldn't he lash out? Was he... really just a chameleon? Blending into the people around him with no drive of his own? Is this what this the product of his discipline?

Gods this was awful.

"Yeah, I ate the thing," he answered. "It was alright. I'm fine."

He was fine.

Definitely not internally screaming.

 

[Matthew of Valendale]

TAGS: Roten ​

Dinner was a serene affair, filled with soft, polite conversations that flowed gently around the table. As each individual finished their meal, they excused themselves one by one, leaving the gathering gradually more intimate. It became apparent that Vincent and Allan were diligently attending to everyone, likely planning to have their own dinner later in private.

Matthew, unhurried and observant, took his time with his meal. His gaze frequently settled on Roten, watching him with a curious eye, noting his small habits and mannerisms. Matthew's face was un veiled here and his intense blue eyes seemed to watch him with a transfixed interest for now. He was taking mental notes of everything.

After a while, when he was well into his meal, Matthew decided to engage Roten in conversation. "Is there anything else you enjoy other than hunting?" he asked, his tone warm and inviting, seeking to bridge the silence with polite dialogue.

Soft chamber music played at a low volume from the speakers in various sections of the dinning hall. The music was instrumentalist and had a classical feeling.

 

[Roten]

Exonerator
Tags: Matthew of Valendale

"Is there anything else you enjoy other than hunting?"

"Well, I am a warrior," Roten answered, managing to puff out his chest a little. "Y'know, I have a pretty good track record too. I win... most of my fights. There was a few hiccups, but that's just how it goes sometimes."

He did lose. That was how he wound up here. Roten was careful to moderate his eating. From the little he had already picked up and consumed, this kind of meal was vastly different than he was familiar with. Filling. He would need to take his time, lest he upset his unprepared stomach.

"I tinker and make weapons too," he added. "Forged my kunai myself. Oh, right, are my blades okay?"

The Bursantian had all but forgotten about them amidst the confusion.

 

[Matthew of Valendale]

TAGS: Roten ​

"Good... Then you will fit in. There are a good few warriors here. You will have lots of different people to practice with that I'm certain can offer you a challenge if you so desire. " Matthew offered softly.

"Your weapons are safe. I put them away. " Matthew stated simply.

"There are work benches in the work shop if you want to explore building. " Matthew offered.

Matthew's voice was calm and quiet subdued and gentle in tone as he spoke to the little one.

"If... you are at all hungry I will show you how to contact Vincent or Allan and they will see to it your are properly fed. We've set up a specific room that opens in to the biosphere as a bedroom for you. I hope it will be more comfortable for you. "

 

[Roten]

Exonerator
Tags: Matthew of Valendale

"That sounds good to me," Roten reacted with a grin.

He loved combat. It was one of the few things that brought him joy, and the true real kind too. Not that fake stuff he projected with all of that stupid plundering. Roten had always been a fighter. Perhaps to that end he had never really been a good pirate. Certainly a good Barbarian in any case. His craving for a good fight made him seem ruthless at times.

His ears perked up at the mention of getting more food. There was a dip of his head in acknowledgement, but he didn't know if it was something he'd rely on fully. Didn't want to eat too much. Then again, Roten did plan on increasing his training ten fold. It might have value.

Might as well if he was stuck here.

"I like the sound of biosphere," he noted. "Definitely sounds more natural." Weird. Maybe he was being too cordial. Roten's ears flattened a little in embarrassment. "Thanks... I guess."

The Specter would certainly kill him if he ever saw him again. Guess that gig was out the window.

 

[Matthew of Valendale]

TAGS: Roten
​

Once they had finished dinner, Matthew led him decisively to the Biosphere, walking him around before guiding him toward one of the lobbies. This lobby featured a massive fish tank that made up the majority of the walls. Located at the center of the Biosphere, it was 'hidden' beneath a large waterfall feature. Stairs connected this room to other parts of the ship, leading down into a cozy bedroom.

In this haven suite, a glass box mounted on one of the non-fish tank walls displayed his weapons. The room was thoughtfully designed to feel intimate and welcoming for the lad. Connected to the lobby was an en suite bathroom, themed uniquely with a novelty-like charm, enhancing the cozy atmosphere.

Matthew left him there to get settled in for a little while. Shortly after, Sable arrived to take his measurements. They talked about battle armor for a bit, and once the measurements were collected, Sable departed. Eventually, Matthew returned.

"Are you settled in well enough?" Matthew asked. "Perhaps you'd like to go hunting before we depart and head back to Coruscant?"

 

[Roten]

Exonerator
Tags: Matthew of Valendale

"Perhaps you'd like to go hunting before we depart and head back to Coruscant?"

"Coruscant," Roten grimaced. "I definitely want to hunt before I go to that skeeve hole."

He paused for a moment, giving an awkward grin.

"Uh, no offense to the Coruscanti folk of course," he added. "I just don't much like the place."

At least he had a mask he could wear to filter out the nasty air. A sigh escaped from his chest as he pondered on it. Coruscant and being caught by that cyborg guy really made it clear where they were going: The Jedi Temple. He'd be in the thick of the place full of the most people who probably wanted him dead. No pressure, right?

"So, uh, if I could I'd like to get a hunt in. Before there ain't any game."

 

[Matthew of Valendale]

TAGS: Roten
​

"It's good to know you are well-traveled," Matthew said. "Is there anyone who will miss your presence that I need to be worried about popping up and looking to retrieve you?"

He paused, then continued, "If you're ready to explore, I will accompany you outside. You'll have four hours to yourself. Does that seem good to you?"

Matthew then added, "Also, we will be working on etiquette and cotillion lessons to help polish the manners I was pleased to see at dinner time."

 

[Roten]

Exonerator
Tags: Matthew of Valendale

"I'm not a complete savage," Roten sighed, crossing his arms. "I just... y'know, get a little heated sometimes."

That was a good enough explanation, or at least he thought it was. Being captured and thrown in a cell hadn't exactly been a pleasant experience, so he felt justified for being a little bristled when push came to shove. A sigh escaped from his chest as he looked to tackle the other questions.

"Ain't nobody out there who gives a damn about me," he shrugged. "They were proper scumbags. If we do meet again, I figure it'll be with weapons at each other's throats. Alliances like that ain't made of nothin' but empty words and sandbags."

He hated those bastards anyways. That was fine by him.

 

[Matthew of Valendale]

TAGS: Roten
​

"We will have to work on finding you a better outlet for your frustration," he said, his eyes conveying understanding. "Do you need anything to take with you on the hunt?"

Matthew's expression shifted to one of sincere concern as he continued. "Well, things have changed. I care about you," he stated simply, his voice filled with openness and honesty. "I care about your well-being and I hope to see you flourish into the smart young man I know you are capable of being."

 

[Roten]

Exonerator
Tags: Matthew of Valendale

He... cared about him.

What did that mean? It wasn't a matter of Roten not understanding what those words meant, more so that they had never seemed to be used in the context of what someone indicated towards him. Was this something that was factual? As skeptical as he had been of the large old bird, he had yet to show that his word was false. It frustrated him greatly. Why wasn't the answer to this clear?

Shouldn't it be?

"Uh, I'll take my blade's if you'd allow it," he finally muttered. "But all I need are my bare hands..."

The tone had shifted again. Now he had to question what of this was even real all over again. All of this had to be so complicated, didn't it?

 

[Matthew of Valendale]

TAGS: Roten
​

"You can take them," Matthew stated simply. "You're learning the rules very quickly. I'm proud of you; you're doing so well." His voice softened with genuine warmth. "I hope we are on the same page that hunting means finding animals for food, not including sentient beings or peoples in a manner of speaking." Matthew's words trailed off, giving leeway for Roten to correct him if their definitions differed.

"Hurting other people is not permitted, presently. Understand ? "

 

[Roten]

Exonerator
Tags: Matthew of Valendale

"Hurting other people is not permitted, presently. Understand ? "

"I know," Roten frowned, crossing his arms. "Eating sentients makes you crazy or something anyways. I've seen what it does to those wack-jobs that survived the Maw."

He wasn't some insane cultist. That was what the slobs from the Maw did. He had met enough of those remnant goobers to know that they were completely out of it mentally speaking. Marbles scattered and lost. That was one low he wouldn't drop to.

"Ain't gonna be nothin' but animals."