Afraid of the Dark

[Claire Organa]

I was going to drive exciting, should I tell him now that I've only driven a few times? Nahh.

"Down into the lake, do we have that kind of gear? Won't the water be cold because of the glacier?" I had a few questions obviously. Though in my minds eyes I could imagine how beautiful it would be. Cool. Crisp. Untouched. Then the conversation changed.

"yes" I answered about the meditation. Then I just sat up and listened. Sariel. Ok.

It would seem that everyone had her destiny in mind except for her. I knew I should discount it all but I just couldn't help but have that skepticism. How many Jedi had been in the Organa family. Born into it. I didn't know.

Consent to talk to a long gone entity. Old. Wait he said very old.

I shouldn't just pish tosh it what kind of researcher would I make if I didn't at the very least look into this. It was what had my attention right history, this Sariel would have some history. I tried to gauge Andorreth's mood on it all.

He was calm and accepting like just another day in the office.

I thought about it, "i'm a little hesitant but ok. If she wants to talk I'll listen" I smiled and then tried to help where I could in getting things ready to go.

I felt my nerves start to twitch it was clear to me that I was uncertain.

[member="Andorreth Vikar"]

 

[Andorreth Vikar]

Nodding at Claire I said "There'd likely some dive gear there if something was to be hidden underwater." Her question about water being cold was an astute one. "Yes it will be cold Claire, likely subzero temperatures." I'd wait to give her the second part of her surprise when we reached the shores of the deeps. As it was I began gathering things up and headed out to the car to load up. I felt almost a crackling of Force energy behind me as I left the tent.

"First off M'lady though you know my name we haven't been properly introduced....."

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Kneeling I rose and looked at this young woman. Pulling my blade out of nothingness I extended the hilt to her and said "M'lady I am at your and Prince Vikar's service." Pressing the hilt of my blade into her hand I smiled and then withdrew my sword sheathing it again into nothingness. By even touching my blade briefly odds were she'd learn with blades far more quickly now.

"My name as you know is Sariel and I'd like to thank you for being open to my speaking with you. There are some things that I'd like you to know, firstly I am older than all of the noble houses on Corellia. Easily as old as Corellia itself, though I've been around for millennia I chose to honor House Vikar as their shall we say spiritual guide and advisor. I serve no other house and no one other than whom I alone deem worthy. That being said I will serve you and Mr. Vikar as I see the worth of you both." Glancing towards Andorreth I said "He is well and truly an alpha. Elemental in power and potential, primal in his love for you. You've likely seen him use at least sand and lightning by now. He has the potential to learn how to use fire and ice in such ways as well."

"You've likely heard from him that you are Force Sensitive. I can assure you that you in fact are and have the potential at least to be of his caliber at some point. Though that's not up to even one as ancient as I, even though I look fairly good for my age I should think." Tucking my wings behind me I continued "There is the possibility m'lady you will find something or be impacted by something where you and Andorreth are going through The Force. However it is, has, and always will be up to you if you want that power. You should know that no matter if you choose to embrace that power and potential in yourself he will without doubt love you the same. He simply wants to see you happy and achieve what you might be capable of. Logic has its place m'lady as do gilded words but know that for a being as old as I, I know without doubt that man loves you and would give his life, shake the heavens and tear hell apart for you."

Looking back towards where Andorreth was outside I said "I will be around should you wish to discuss further or ask anything m'lady simply think your questions and I shall respond. Also if you worry about him hearing don't fret I can carry two conversations at once and anything said to you will be kept between you and I. Be safe m'lady and may your sword stay razor keen..." With that I winked back out of existence and left her to her thoughts...

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

I didn't even know where to start with what I was hearing, seeing, and experiencing overall. This Sariel wasted no time in presenting herself and making her proclamations. I just stood there listening.

Nice to know everything was really up to her, her choices. I couldn't help how I felt though at hearing how much Andorreth was capable of. What could be his possible future. I'd also be lying if I didn't say hearing that he loved me. I knew he loved me I didn't realize how much until Sariel put it into words. If I was willing to accept her word on that then I would have to accept the other things she said as well.

I didn't feel that strong really. So when she said I could be equal to Andorreth felt the stirrings of something within me that I couldn't put a word to. I can't imagine being his equal with all that I had seen him do.

then she was gone leaving one last thing if I wanted to talk just think it.

"I hope we don't get cold. I'm not fan of cold." I took a few steps towards Andorreth I was going to tell him so he wouldn't think I was keeping secrets. "Sariel has paid me a visit already. She's really on the ball with that. She said a lot things Cyar'ika I, have to think through some of it. Absorb it." I knew I was making some kind of face I just wasn't sure how he would take it.

"Need any help?"

[member="Andorreth Vikar"]

 

[Andorreth Vikar]

As Claire approached and mentioned Sariel being on the ball and Claire needed to think through things and absorb it I said "Take what time you need to absorb cya'rika it's a lot to take in. I'm still wondering about some things she mentioned to me. Help from you is always welcome Claire but be quick I'm not liking the changes to the terrain." Mist had started rolling in and the pond we'd been by had taken on an evil feeling everything seemed too still...

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Drawing my Verpine rifle I pulled out the stock and racked a round into the chamber. My helm had been on the car and I fitted it over my head and clicked it into place. During the night I'd refitted my armor and tinkered a bit. The armor I was wearing now would react to temperatures, the body suits would actually have armor hardplates flick out to cover curves and seal themselves if need be. Flicking the scope active I took a look through the tree line and stopped. We had guests... hopefully Claire wouldn't take long with the tent. Pull up the stakes and there'd be a control panel that'd suck everything back into place. I opened the passenger door and knelt my rifle stock against my shoulder and the car door. I seriously hoped those raiders would simply pass the area untouched. Remembering Sariel's warning about not letting my blood be shed in the forests I triggered my armor to interlock against the bodysuit and I remained still as Claire worked to get the tent packed up and in the trunk..... Breath in, and out softly....

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

I nodded I was just at a loss for words right now and packing the tent would give me something to focus on. I caught some movement out of the corner of my eye.

Andorreth was getting into position. Suddenly I was filled with a sense of urgency I tossed the tent and whatever odds and ends we needed into the vehicle.

"Ok. It's in. " I headed to the drivers side still hoping that the only thing that was out there wasn't a spirit or some ethereal creature waiting to pounce on us. "Ready?" I slipped into the drivers seat and brought the engine to life.

If we got moving maybe some of the apprehension that was filling me up would go away.

I waited for him to get in or say something else.

[member="Andorreth Vikar"]

 

[Andorreth Vikar]

As Claire finished and asked if I was ready I saw movement. Feth..... the raiders would need to be dealt with or distracted. Rapid movement up on the hill and I racked a round into the chamber with the bolt action. I breathed in then out, and held. Smoothly I pulled the trigger and an explosive round traveled silently into the middle of the pack of raiders. Breaking the rifle down to its smaller size I tossed it in the backseat and slid in next to Claire. "Best start driving love." I buckled in then close the door, I'd worry about navigation in a moment...Counting mentally 4....3....2...1. Then the explosion went off and the silence was shattered. Those raiders had to be eliminated they'd scented the air and had looked directly at Claire and I. Last thing we needed was to be hunted because of my unwillingness to pull the trigger. Now we simply needed to escape the immediate vicinity hopefully Claire would feel comfortable driving....

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

Adrenaline running it wasn't hard to start driving. I didn't ask the direction I just gave it power and headed off.

The explosion drew my attention, "I take it there was a problem." Maybe I didn't want to know. I watched out for anything moving to avoid.

Sariel words were still rattling through my mind. I looked at Andorreth. My rock in the storms. I could feel calm returning.

"Ok. So. Am I heading in the right direction?" What lay ahead I could fret about but until anything happened I decided to just be Claire.

I'd make decisions as needed. The only thing needed now keep moving to the Deeps.

"I haven't been diving in a while. This should be interesting. " I smiled.

[member="Andorreth Vikar"]

 

[Andorreth Vikar]

"Problem was raiders that'd taken up your scent. Had I not removed them they'd have pursed until they caught us, taken and eaten you. Only I'm allowed to eat you and it's much more fun when I do. Them? Not so much." Setting my weapons in the backseat. I crossed my legs in the passenger seat and in answer to Claire's question I simply plugged in the coordinates and said "The route is there." I closed my eyes and said "I'm going to meditate for a bit cya'rika." Embracing The Force I began thinking of the vision. Then the powers I'd learned, Electric Judgement, sand, the beginnings of pyrokinesis and cryokinesis. I needed to learn more of these powers and now I had to worry about how we'd make it to the temple and survive doing so. We'd need to make it to the temple under the lake... Breath in and out then again....

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

He could meditate while I drove wow tha'ts concentration. "OK" what more could I say than that as the adrenaline hitting my system made it easy to push the car to go faster, and faster. No problem driving I wanted far and away.

"They smell me?" I just gave him a look about everything else he said after that. I reached over and shoved him slightly in a playful manner. What a thing to say. I started to laugh there wasn't much else for me to do but drive and follow where we needed to go.

Hopefully [member="Andorreth Vikar"] would get some more guidance about how we are going to deal with the city under the water. Then it struck me, how did I know it was a city? Did Andorreth tell me it was a city? He must have.

I couldn't help but be aware of him next to me doing his meditation. I figured while he was distracted I could tell him, "I'd give my life for yours." Sometimes that meant more than I love you. I prayed silently that there were no more raiders.

I also started to think about Sariel and what questions I had for her.

Sariel, are you there?

 

[Andorreth Vikar]

I was aware and yet unaware of Claire in my meditation. Sometimes Jedi were able to do brief but powerful meditation prior to battle for now I simply thought. I heard Claire say she'd give her life for mine... such a powerful thing to say. I was aware of a blaze of Force energy and went about my meditation. "Aye m'lady I'm here." Then without thinking I popped into the backseat while the car was in movement. My attire changed now to a violet and aqua silk dress barely covering my thighs I had on what these humans called underclothes at least hey were what amounted to comfort in the form of "boyshorts" Humans were strange creatures.... After all I could change into armor with sheer thought. Moving Andorreth's gear to the floor I laid back and looked at Claire "What would you like to discuss m'lady?"

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

So weird but I kept my eyes on where I was going. I could hear her voice.

"Well I'm wondering I guess. You said that I had the potential to equal or be like Andorreth. How is that possible. I've been a diplomat and a business woman. I just dont see in me all that I see in him. He is so controlled. Precise. I'm more reserved. "

I needed to understand what she saw.


[member="Andorreth Vikar"]

 

[Andorreth Vikar]

Smirking I said "m'lady he was cast out and forced into learning to be precise and controlled. You have leanings towards fashion I believe. Let me ask, you see patterns in fashion correct? Reserved is just another word for controlled m'lady. As a businesswoman as a diplomat you can see patterns you can read people and manipulate situations. What makes you think Jedi powers are any different? The only real difference between you and Prince Vikar is what you see Claire. He is training you in combat and believe it or not you did surprise him. For you to become more like him and become his equal you need to forget the social niceties, what you've learned and enter his world. You need to embrace the Echani mindset, when he crosses blades with you he is for all intents making love to you. In Echani culture words are mostly unneeded. Combat where movement and body language says what the intent is. You need to forget the calm, measured business woman and politician."

Pausing I looked at Claire and thought to myself she is rather lovely I'm honestly kind of jealous of Andorreth. Continuing I said "there's a reason he doesn't like politicians even though he is one. He learned to out maneuver on the battlefield before he did with people. He communicates with blades and weaponry. In Echani culture there are a group known as firedancers. They can pick up something as simple as a butterknife and turn it into a weapon they weave and flow and are elite. They are also all female because of intuition and their way of picking up on emotions. He is a fire-dancer Claire in a culture dominated by women he is an alpha male. He is teaching you how to match him. At a certain point the movements become instinctive, throw a stick in his hand and watch what he does. As for The Force? He began learning of it here in these forests....he was left alone in these woods by Seras and told to survive. He had discipline by then he simply watched the animals. Learned what was safe to eat and what was not, he watched the animals and tried feeling what they did. He found out he could. The Force when he does use it love? what have you noticed? His use of sand? Or lightning? His skill with a blade perhaps? Every skill he's learned he learned or taught himself to use defensively before he learned the attack aspect."

Sighing I said "Claire you're already learning to match blades with him, I know you've matched wits with him. Think of yourself as a cup that's full you need to pour yourself out and be re-filled."

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

Sariel was right there wasn't much of a difference between the word reserved or controlled. What had I been thinking when I said that. I didn't really want to go back to that mindset of fighting for everything. My family had risen above that worked hard to get there. If this was the path I was to take I might very well be undoing everything my parents taught me.

Forget it lord it is ingrained in the very fiber of my being how was I going to forget it? I just didn't know. Sariel continued to talk while I listened.

"I feel like it is a really big cup Sariel. Thank you." I wasn't sure what else to say. But I truly understood now that what this meant was I would no longer be who I am now. Somewhere in this journey I was going to have to make a choice about who, and what I am.

I glanced over to look at [member="Andorreth Vikar"] if I were to truly give my life for his I might very well have to make those changes. There were other ways to give a life I just didn't know my own strengths.

I would remain quiet though was Andorreth meditated while I thought through these things.

 

[Andorreth Vikar]

"M'lady if I may.....I'm not telling yo to forget your past, your struggles that you or people you cared about went through. In fact I would recommend you instead embrace those struggles Claire. Let them crash and flow over you smoothing the rough edges down like a blade. Sharpening you giving you an edge, then smoothing them out and polishing them out. You are more than the sum of what has happened to you Claire. The pirates, the assassination attempts you not only survived but flourished. Andorreth he had many rough edges and whether he admits it or not he is scared Claire, his rough edges are that he is frequently angry, but cold and logical. Simply be yourself let Andorreth sharpen you and polish you until bladework becomes instinct. He never uses The Force while wielding blades Claire he feels it beneath him...."

I glanced at Claire she truly was beautiful... We were getting closer to The Deeps odds were Andorreth would be coming to again here soon. "M'lady I sense that you're uncomfortable with me...I apologize if my appearance is off-putting. Or if I've offended you m'lady then I'm sorry..." I let my wings fluff out then began using them to cover myself up. I felt even as a nigh immortal suddenly vulnerable....

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

"I'm not use to talking to someone like this and you're a spirit. I'm not even sure how this is possible." I tried not to glance about I was driving.

"I'm not uncomfortable. I'm just uncertain" I was a lot of things. I had seen women in less not with wings but various states of undress

"If it was a problem you'd know " I imagine she would just read my thoughts

So. Recap of things said. Be myself. Fight like I love it. The future is out there.

If I was uncomfortable it was because of all the changes that could come.


[member="Andorreth Vikar"]

 

[Andorreth Vikar]

Smirking I said "Not entirely true m'lady, I'm very much of The Force but I still have a physical body. I guess you could say I'm half of the Force and half human. Altered by The Force absolutely but still human mostly... For the longest time the wings were obnoxious I suppose you could call me a plane-walker. I'm both of the physical realm and of the realm of The Force. Simply put the beings in this galaxy aren't worth anything, at least most aren't. Also I'm sorry if yo feel I'd simply read your mind being well this way... When I said I'd be here if you had questions there's something you should know. I AM in service to you both. Meaning I cannot simply read minds, your thoughts are your own Claire, Andorreth's thoughts are his. Should I ever interfere directly it would be to protect. If I communicate with you mentally it would be like Andorreth speaking to you through The Force." I was looking at the route, we were about halfway there according to what Andorreth had set as the route.

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

[member="Andorreth Vikar"]​

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[SIZE=12pt]How is that possible Sariel that you are part of the force and yet have a body? I don’t think I understand that part very well.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]I knew I didn’t understand it she was saying half spirit half human is that what the force did?[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Must be cool to have wings though, I mean you can fly right? They aren’t just decorative.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]What a waste it would be if they were only for show.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]I can appreciate everything you are telling me, trying to help me understand cause it’s all new. I’m glad you aren’t just tapping into my thoughts cause..well sometimes my thoughts aren’t nice. But it passes.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]I feel like I’ve been caught off guard. It just takes time for me to adjust to everything. If I talk a lot its because I’m working through it. It’s not personal, its just how I do things.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]I noticed we were getting close to the end. I’m sure Andorreth would open his eyes son[/SIZE]

 

[Andorreth Vikar]

"I'm not sure how exactly it goes but I'm basically an ancient Corellian I simply flew too close to the sun as it were. I was around far before Andorreth's ancestors and I simply didn't want to be part of the bloodshed of the time, I was too good at it. So I found a Force Nexus and simply lost myself in The Force. As such it altered me hence the wings, the general mysticalness. But it should be mentioned I have a huge vulnerability....Being so....changed by The Force means that I'm a target for beings that feed on or try to harvest Force energy. That's why I don't show up much I'm afraid I'll paint a target on you and Andorreth. Thing is that not many could actually face me and live. I went by another name at one point Claire... The Morrigan a goddess of war and death chooser of the slain. There are statues and art portraying that side of me, the side I walked away from.... Now I'm simply a servant a fluffy, winged, mystical servant. But a servant nonetheless.... one who cares about her charges deeply."

Raising one wing I cupped it around Claire's chin and tilted her head towards me. Using The Force I kept the car moving and on course and I softly kissed her lips then popped away. "Again m'lady I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable I'm not sorry I did that though..."

Opening my eyes I glanced over at Claire and asked "You and Sariel talk about anything interesting or just gossiping about me?" I said it slightly sarcastically but looking at the route I realized we were almost there and that it'd gotten colder. Probably due to the glaciers and waters... We'd camp here tonight and in the morning head into the deeps....

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

[member="Andorreth Vikar"]​

​

I listened I was fascinated by her story it was one worth checking into further. Morrigan, a goddess of war I had to admit the way she looked now I sure wouldn't think she was a goddess of war. Maybe fertility or good deeds but not war. I was going to say something until she kissed me and popped out.

I had been kissed before by women the models I worked with tended to be very friendly, hugs, kisses there had even been a proposition in there. I just was never show how to handle it. Fortunately I didn't have to she was gone and Andorreth was awake.

I probably looked like a some small creature that got stuck in bright lights when he asked if we gossiped about him, "Why dear I take every opportunity to take about the man who fills my nights." She smiled it wasn't exactly a lie she liked talking about him.

"We are almost there, and the temperature has dropped." I reached over and tapped the screen to show temperature. "I don't think I'll be wearing silk while here."

I kept us on the route until there was no route to follow, we just stopped. I began looking around I didn't see anything ominous but that doesn't mean it wasn't there.

 

[Andorreth Vikar]

Smirking as Claire bragged about me briefly I said "Yes the temperatures are quite different here mostly due to the glaciers. And no, no silks here when we finish here though? There's nothing to say you can't or shouldn't wear silk clothing that'd make me sweat. After all a few days at House Vikar could easily be filled with all sorts of fun things..." We had stopped and I got out of the car. Now I would be able to give Claire her other part of this journey's gifts. Walking to the trunk i pulled out a set of female beskar'gam. It hadn't been painted yet, that was something each wearer had to do for themselves but Claire deserved the best protection. To be exact half a million credits. Everything in this suit could protect her for pretty much every possibility, internal body suit, two hour air supply, wrist blades just like mine, magnetic lock points for storing blasters, swords and sabers. Last but not least I pulled out the helm... She'd need to program it with her own images but altogether suited for moving into an underwater temple...

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"Claire come back here please what I left in the trunk is for you. Hope you like it...." I set to work setting up the tent from last night and after that was done I simply ignited my saber and cut a few younger and dried out trees down for a fire. Stacking them up I looked at he scenery beautiful, still, deserted and I breathed in. Channeling The Force I wreathed my hand in flame and set the fire alight. Waiting by the tent while Claire checked over her new gear I simply breathed in the cold, frigid air and waited for her to rejoin me...

[member="Claire Organa"]