Private Beneath The Red Moon

[Kaila Irons]

Her golden eyes visibly widened as a disembodied voice spoke to her, and in that moment she understood what Dreidi meant.

"I've studied, even created, artifacts with but a rudimentary sentience before. Yet somehow I never thought to do the same with organics. My master only taught me things of metal and sorcery"

<<You are lucky, Grisial,>> She spoke within her mind as she lowered herself into a crouch to pet the Vulptex, although her unspoken voice was feint without her circlet, Telepathy being one of her less trained skills.

<<That I have chosen to lower my wards today>>

He may understand, depending on how well he could see into her thoughts or if Dreidi had shared her experiences with him, that she spoke of the alchemized mask cradled under her arm.

After a moment longer spent carefully feeling the crystalline structure and gently scratching at what little softness there was to find, she would stand again, giving Grisial a soft little smile before turning to Dreidi.

"Did this connection occur over time or was it an act of witchcraft? Unfortunately, I have found the ways of Dathomir more difficult to study, both because few documents exist, and because the particular Nightsisters I spoke to during my expedition here were not interested in teaching me so much as cryptic warnings"

Perhaps related to the dark red fabric wrapped around her lightsaber, or perhaps not.


Dreidi Xeraic

 

[Dreidi Xeraic]

Location: Dathomir
Outfit: Witch Attire
Companion: Grisial
Equipment: Lightsaber, Nightsister Energy Bow, Ichor Sword
Tag: Kaila Irons

"I would not force this on a creature. I view Sithspawn as tragic creatures and their creators as people cruel and undeserving of kindness. To take perfectly content and happy animal and then torture it, make it suffer and mutate to control it against it's will. To remove its will, that is a path most cruel." Dreidi was speaking in general terms, she knew Kaila had not performed such acts, and merely stating what her thoughts were on those who did. "It is perhaps where I act more as a Witch of Dathomir than I do a Jedi Knight."

She chuckled, breathing in deeply as she knew if she was confronted with such issues, Dreidi would need to find a balance in herself and not lose herself to her emotions. "Sorry, I know you have not done such things but I loathe those who are so careless and thoughtless with animals. Especially since Grisial is in my life. It has made me more protective of them." She scratched the back of her head.

Grisial nodded his head, he knew the meaning behind Kaila's words. He had learned of his master's experiences and understood what Kaila had worn to block out voices from entering her mind. It was interesting to see the helmet, he did not think it looked that different to other helmets. He was curious if it was the shape that caused voices to be kept out.

"I believe it was a bond forged by the Force, whether that was intentionally or unintentionally done via the ways of Dathomir, I cannot say." Dreidi just knew it had happened, she had not figured out the cause yet, "I suspect it was done with Magick since there are spells that boost a beings natural physique traits. Makes them taller, stronger, faster. And the longer we hold this bond, the more Grisial grows in size and power from a standard Vulptex."

He was already shifting further away from lithe fox figure into a larger wolf form.

 

[Kaila Irons]

"Mm, of course" She would nod to Dreidi, quiet sympathetic to her stance about one's will especially.

"I work with a... companion of sorts, outside the gaze of Carnifex. She is sithspawn, I suspect it is the reason behind her hatred of authority. We are quite alike, in that regard"

Although she felt a subtle guilt now, thinking back on her time with Leven Jeyd and discussing sithspawn. Admittedly, she had always been a little curious about organic alchemy. In fact, she was incredibly tempted to seek out genetic samples from Domina Prime to begin creating her own sithspawn, or at least to replicate the warlord's defenses against the force, to create new life that was not bound to the whims of that omnipresent will nor the threads of destiny it weaved.

After all, would it not be different to free them of that which supplants the will of all living things?

She would not voice these opinions to Dreidi however, not yet. Their budding alliance was already strained as is, that of a Jedi and a Sith with seemingly flexible loyalties. The Jedi didn't need to know that she was also a heretic to both their respective orders.

Besides, why should they speak of Jedi and Sith, when they could speak of Witches instead?

"Hear that, Grisial? Sounds like you're special!" She said after a time, setting these thoughts aside.

"Though I am surprised to hear of such magics, let alone that it's begun to affect him without your command. Would you care if I asked of witchcraft over our meal? I am always eager to learn new things"

"...Or tricks"


Dreidi Xeraic

 

[Dreidi Xeraic]

Location: Dathomir
Outfit: Witch Attire
Companion: Grisial
Equipment: Lightsaber, Nightsister Energy Bow, Ichor Sword
Tag: Kaila Irons

Dreidi nodded her head, she knew a couple Sithspawn who were not content with their lives and the ordeal they had gone through to become what they were now. It was a hard position to be in and Dreidi sympathised with them greatly.

Grisial wagged his tail when he was called special, Of course I am! I knew that well before Dreidi came into my life.

She couldn't hold back and rolled her eyes hard, Grisial was clearly pleased. He loved being spoiled with attention and praise. And to be considered special was clearly a praise in his mind. "Uh huh. Sure that was your pack was so eager to palm you off to me." Dreidi poked her tongue at the Vulptex when he looked back at her stunned with the quick wit she threw his way.

Turning back to Kaila, Dreidi smiled, "it is not unheard of but it is not something commonly done to animals. But you can ask your questions and I will do my best to provide answers that will be satiate your curiosity." Though she suspected that there would be more questions even answering half a dozen or more.

People tended to have a lot of curiosity for new aspects of the Force and life. "Well, follow Grisial and sure that while I cook my meals you can sort out the important questions you have in priority for me to answer." Dreidi smirked, she was used to giving people a few moments to think over the questions they needed to ask her.

It gave her time to head into the kitchen space, where she started to do the prep work for the meal. Gathering supplies of vegetables, meats and various spices. Using the Force as she moved around to keep everything calm and avoid burning anything. She had been working on her cooking skills over the past couple years since she had started living alone and wanted decent meals.

Dreidi just hoped that Kaila could handle somewhat spicy noodles with veg and meat. It was currently her staple meal that she knew she could make well and quickly.

 

[Kaila Irons]

Kaila smiled softly at the banter between her hosts, before nodding to Dreidi as she bowed out of the conversation.

"Excellent, I look forward to it"

She spoke more of witchcraft than food, although she was certainly thankful for both. From there she would follow Grisial deeper into the enclave, her wandering eyes casting a feint glow amidst the dimmer, naturally lit structure of stone and magic. She had never noticed just how natural Dathomir was in it's isolation from the space-age world outside. Despite the usefulness of technology, such that she had embedded tech into her very body, she found the primitive nature of this place soothing in a strange way. It was quiet, so far removed from the utter chaos that was somehow a byproduct of the "orderly" life lived by imperials such as herself. It was a side of Dathomir she was unfortunately denied during her last stay.

<<Have you two been here long, Grisial?>> She decided to practice her telepathy with the vulpine creature, although she had not been properly trained in it's use, and so their connection was weak, likely to sever if not for Grisial's own ability. It was a shame, really, for such ability would prove most useful in her secretive line of work.

<<You're a long way from Crait, the stark contrast must have been jarring at first>>


Dreidi Xeraic

 

[Dreidi Xeraic]

Location: Dathomir
Outfit: Witch Attire
Companion: Grisial
Equipment: Lightsaber, Nightsister Energy Bow, Ichor Sword
Tag: Kaila Irons

As Dreidi busied herself in the kitchen, the aroma and sounds of ingredients cooking and somewhat of a kitchen disaster being formed in the shapes of used saucepans and other various kitchen equipment that was likely getting cleaned eventually. Grisial guided Kaila through the enclave. The core structure was the foundation of a much, much older temple. Something that dated back centuries, long before an empire and potentially before there was a republic. Records dated it to an era of a Dathomir empire.

There were more modern elements, the entrance looked more suited to the Jedi enclaves and temples around, the training rooms were a mixture of traditional and modern in appearance and use. The living quarters as Grisial guided Kaila towards was bare stone that was warm to the touch, the red/orange tone that most of Dathomir looked like and with the lights, the shadows danced as if they were alive at times. Flickering in response to movement happening.

<<Months. Maybe nearly a year... Hard to say, I don't do time like other sentients.>> Grisial communicated, keeping the lines of telepathy open and strengthening the connection for Kaila since he could tell it was not a common form of talking.

He positioned himself outside a room that was prepared for Kaila, <<Not too bad. Coruscant was rougher. The ground was hard on my pads. Here can be scarier but being around nature and such is more our style.>> Hinting that Dreidi wasn't one for the big city lifestyle either. <<This is your room, take your time. Dreidi has plenty to do so she might be a bit.>> He giggled telepathically.

By the time that Kaila was ready, the food was prepared and ready to be eaten. Grisial politely waiting outside the room to guide her to the kitchen.

 

[Kaila Irons]

<<Coruscant? I've never been, but I hear it's similar to The Malsheem>>

They were not words which carried any since of home nor joy, merely a factual if begrudging familiarity.

Once at their destination, she would bow her head in thanks to Grisial before entering. Admittedly it was odd to see the dancing shadows, which took getting used to before her eyes would stop darting towards every movement as she arranged the room to her liking. She would have to spend more time bringing in books and comforts from her living quarters board the masquerade, but the room was comfortable enough to sleep in for the night at least. Comfortable enough for Kaila to leave her mask atop the a chest at the foot of her new bed, along with her folded cloak and even armor.

When she eventually emerged from the room, she wore little more than a shiny bodyglove and a skirt of black zeyd-cloth wrapped around her waist. It was the first she'd allowed herself to be in another's presence without her lightsabers in a very long time.

Her boots did not clack loudly as they once had, for she had forgone them in favor of the bodyglove's soft material in an effort to appear more at home and present herself as less of a threat and more of a guest. Truth be told she felt a little ridiculous shedding her physical defenses for a Jedi, but then she also felt the gesture of good faith would go a long way.

Though it had the added effect of making her footsteps silent when she entered the kitchen with Grisial.

"Well, dinner smells lovely" She said almost questioningly as she tried to place the scent.

"Mm- I can't tell what it is. It's on the tip of my tongue but I just can't"



Dreidi Xeraic

 

[Dreidi Xeraic]

Location: Dathomir
Outfit: Witch Attire
Companion: Grisial
Equipment: Lightsaber, Nightsister Energy Bow, Ichor Sword
Tag: Kaila Irons

Grisial had no idea what Malsheem was so could not give an indication if Kaila was correct or if they were very different. All he knew was that Coruscant was a world where nature seemed to only exist where people allowed it to. It was alien and weird to him. It was like a ship, but much bigger. He remained quiet while guiding Kaila to the kitchen location, pleased to have done his job well and sure that Dreidi would reward him for it. Grisial was going to guarantee he was rewarded for doing his job.

Once Dreidi stepped out of the cooking area of the kitchen, she spotted Kaila who had removed the armour and was looking a lot more comfortable and relaxed. It was great to see. "Oh! Glad to see you settled into the room, sure that there is more you wish to do there, feel free to add anything and everything to make it feel like your space." Dreidi mentioned as she brought two bowls of food to a table near Kaila.

"The food? I don't know a name, I just know it was something that I ate a lot of when I travelled to the lower levels of Coruscant." Dreidi would spend a good portion of her time there, performing and getting a taste of the atmosphere. It was the lower levels that she felt more connected to than the higher ones. Even though she did not come from poverty background, she was someone who didn't enjoy the exploitive nature of the wealthy.

Placing the bowls down on the table, she slid into a chair, "you look good out of the armour. Think this is the first time I am seeing you without the shiny black metallic look." Dreidi smirked.

 

[Kaila Irons]

"Ah? thank you" Kaila chuckled shyly as she slid fluidly into her seat.

"Now it's just my shiny black rubber look"


It was the closest thing she could manage to humor despite all that had happened so recently. It felt nice actually, even if it was incredibly awkward. Usually when she sat down in the remains of an ancient temple, she was entirely alone and cold. Even so, she always felt more comfortable among ancient stones and nature than she ever did in the maslheem or aboard smaller starships, and the fact this comfortable setting Dreidi had prepared included this and one of her favorite things, that being ancient history, was a nice touch.

"Though for what it's worth, That black and red brings out your pallor in a good way. And these ruins you've repaired, they are quite something. It's not often that I cannot name the people who built whatever temple I call home for an evening"

She said, glancing around the older parts of the structure before turning to her food so that she may wave the steam away.

"This however," she smiled some "Smells oddly familiar to me"


Dreidi Xeraic

 

[Dreidi Xeraic]

Location: Dathomir
Outfit: Witch Attire
Companion: Grisial
Equipment: Lightsaber, Nightsister Energy Bow, Ichor Sword
Tag: Kaila Irons

Dreidi chuckled and shrugged her shoulders, "perhaps in time I will see some colour in your attire." Dreidi teased, she remembered when she was a teen, wearing anything not black or band related was absolutely forbidden. Took her a while to wearing more varied clothing and colours.

"My pallor?" Dreidi raised an eyebrow, "not heard my complexion called that before, usually just say I am whiter than white." Dreidi smirked, she hadn't been always this pale but after sliding into the Dathomiri witchcraft, there had been a paling of her appearance occurring but that didn't bother her too much. She was never aiming to be super tanned as a person.

Nodding her head, "well... There are some records of the temple and its origins. However, they are thousands of years old and relate to a part of history that little is known about." Dreidi mentioned, "and given how secretive the witches of Dathomir can be, not surprising that places like this have either been forgotten or remain a mystery." There was a sadness that surrounded that part but Dreidi was doing her best to ensure that something remained for future generations and that she could do her best in bringing some understanding to the witches history.

"Oh, that is interesting. I learned it after eating a lot of noodles while living on Coruscant but where the recipe originates from, whose to know since a lot of travellers go to Coruscant." It was a fantastic hub of diversity and multiculturalism but attempting to tie down origins of food and the like, that was harder. But Dreidi was glad to see that Kaila was keen on the food. "Hopefully you enjoy, please be warned, it is a little spicy. I enjoy a strong kick in flavour." She grinned.

 

[Kaila Irons]

"Oh, I meant no disrespect" She chuckled nervously "I think it suits you, actually"

"And I'll... show you, I suppose, If I ever update my wardrobe's palette"

Kaila had considered adding a touch of red, but she supposed that wouldn't stop Jedi and random smugglers from poking fun at her decidedly grim appearance. Besides it was simply traditional for sith to wear black, an informal uniform of sorts that allowed those in the know to recognize one of their own even if she lacked any distinctly imperial markings, making her appear as some sort of spacer or bounty hunter to the uninitiated. It allowed her to move freely both within and outside of imperial space.

Besides, red was more a Dathomiri color, one she was yet to earn while traveling these lands.

She would idly stir her food, mulling over the thought and everything Dreidi had spoken of. There was still so much the young sith lord didn't understand about this place.

"I wonder how difficult it would be to study here, given this secrecy you speak of. Admittedly I am a seeker, knowing things is my job and all, but I find your people and their history quite fascinating on a more personal level. It's such a shame that my last expedition went so terribly, else I might have tried re-establishing contact with the clan who aided me before, perhaps even try to learn the ways of witchcraft."

Finally cooled, Kaila took a bite of her food, taking a moment to really examine the flavor.

She stopped chewing, teeth grinding to a slow halt. It was good! Very good, in fact the spice hardly seemed to affect her at all. But... why? She couldn't recall ever eating enough to build a tolerance, often eating exotic sea foods and sipping wine among the Kainites, or preparing tasteless ration bars in the field. Yet this seemed strangely familiar, particularly the combination of meats and spices.

"This-" she swallowed, realizing that she was speaking with her mouth full

"This is really good... It tastes like..."

Home.

Her face scrunched in confusion.

"Nostalgic... like a childhood memory... or what I assume one might feel like, anyway" she muttered distantly.



Dreidi Xeraic

 

[Dreidi Xeraic]

Location: Dathomir
Outfit: Witch Attire
Companion: Grisial
Equipment: Lightsaber, Nightsister Energy Bow, Ichor Sword
Tag: Kaila Irons

Dreidi smiled and nodded her head, "I assumed it was a compliment so no need to apologise." She waved her hand.

"Well, Dathomir suits a variety of palettes in colour." Dreidi knew her style was typical for the Nightsisters of Dathomir but there were other clans and they held their own styles and differing styles. "Only if you wish to stick around here."

Shrugging her shoulders, "teaching Magick is not impossible, it is just complicated. Many believe that Dathomir Magick is something only those of Dathomirians should learn. That only those who come from this world can attune to it, connect to it and tap into the Magick that resonates here." Dreidi explained, she was not saying this to put Kaila off learning, just why the secrecy existed. "I understand there is an interest in learning, and I can provide the understanding and explanation behind it."

"The practical skills, I am unsure if you would be able to do it." Dreidi stated as she mulled over the idea of teaching someone how to use Magick since she hadn't done that currently. She had just focused currently on Jedi training for her current students at the moment.

When Kaila took some bites out of the meal, Dreidi noted that this was triggering an old memory. There was something resonating with the flavours and way she had prepared the meal, "well, I hope that is a good thing. I know that my dad was an amazing cook and home baker. So lots of great childhood food memories." Dreidi chuckled.

 

[Kaila Irons]

"A baker?" she chuckled.

"Well that sounds nice"

Though it was something she couldn't relate to, simply having no point of reference. It was entirely possible that tonight's peculiar sense of familiarity was because she had just eaten a childhood favorite meal prepared by her own father, just as equally as it may not. Some would tell her that she may never know, and that it was best to simply let go, while others might tell Kaila to use her passions, let the desire for answers drive her.

She didn't know who to listen to anymore.

Just as she was unsure if she'd ever find a new family either. Though she seemed to fit in with sith more than she did with anyone else, it was still an endless fight from one betrayal to the next, trust always seeming in short supply. Her understanding of the force was incompatible with Jedi such that she may never even speak of it with Dreidi, and it sounded like becoming a witch would be equally difficult. If she couldn't learn the practical skills, how could she even call herself one?

After a moment of contemplation, she finished chewing another piece and decided to ask about it, although she had trouble looking up at Dreidi.

"What must I do...?" she finally asked "to prove myself worthy? You say you are unsure if I can do this, why?"



Dreidi Xeraic

 

[Dreidi Xeraic]

Location: Dathomir
Outfit: Witch Attire
Companion: Grisial
Equipment: Lightsaber, Nightsister Energy Bow, Ichor Sword
Tag: Kaila Irons

Dreidi chuckled and nodded her head, "aye, a baker. Would make the best cookies. At least I always considered them the best when I was growing up, would demand them all the time." She gave a sad smile as she remembered that period of her life, it was the only time she felt her family was present in her life.

Now things felt more detached.

"No, it isn't a worthy thing," Dreidi shook her head, she wasn't trying to gatekeep Kaila out of learning. "It is more an issue of merely not knowing if you can do it. Just like not everyone can use the Force. However, I have only ever known women from or with ancestors from Dathomir be able to use Dathomiri Magick." Dreidi mentioned as she gave a sad smile, knowing it can be frustrating to be stopped from attempting something you wish to do. "I can give you the instructions, show you how to use it, but whether or not you are able to. That isn't something I can decide and it isn't something I can know will happen."

Thinking back to when they first met, not on Echnos but on Brendok. "The witches from Brendok. Their magic... It is different to Dathomiri Magick and it is possibly something that you can use. I can show you what I learned there as well and see if you can do that? It will give you every opportunity to find a different way to tap into the energy that isn't a doctrine tied to Sith or Jedi."

 

[Kaila Irons]

"I... I see" she sighed

"forgive my assumptions. it's... a habit, I suppose"

So then it was, as many instances in her life had been, a matter of fate. She was not fated to be born Dathomiri, or at least she didn't believe so, and whether she could or could not become a witch was beyond her control. Just one of the many choices taken from her.

Unless...

"What about ichor...?" she would tilt her head curiously.

"It's that... green stuff, yeah? A liquid from the depths. I heard a rumor that it could be infused with one's blood somehow, allow them a connection to Dathomir in a roundabout sort of way"

"I suppose wouldn't be the first time I've modified this body to survive" Kaila chuckled nervously.

"Truth be told, I'd not have chosen to be born a Vahla if I'd known how weak our bones were"

She couldn't quite remember if she'd ever explained that situation to Dreidi or not, though she suspected this might be the first time it'd come up. Few knew that the apprentice of Darth Carnifex was a secret cyborg of sorts, and few still knew the reason behind her subtle yet extensive modification. In truth it had been a source of great shame until Assimilus congratulated her for the willingness to adapt. Now she wasn't sure what to think of it.


Dreidi Xeraic

 

[Dreidi Xeraic]

Location: Dathomir
Outfit: Witch Attire
Companion: Grisial
Equipment: Lightsaber, Nightsister Energy Bow, Ichor Sword
Tag: Kaila Irons

Shaking her head, "it is understandable and I probably wasn't the clearest in my initial explanation." Dreidi knew that she could have been more upfront about the limitations in her knowledge.

"Ichor?" She knew of her sword that was called an ichor sword, a traditional weapon of the Dathomiri Witches. It was also a weapon that could block a Lightsaber, which was a trait quite important in Dreidi's mind. She also knew about potions and the uses of ichor in spells for buffing others physically, assist in teleporting them and other potion casting with Magick. Whether it could be used to imbue someone with the Dathomir connection to use Magick, that was something she considered dangerous but she did not know if it was impossible or not.

Tapping her chin, "do you mind if I research into this and ensure that this is not just plausible but there would be no risk to your life?" Dreidi mentioned, "I am not against trying it, as long as I know this will not endanger your life or severely negatively impact you." She was not going to do something that could harm her new friend for the rest of her life.

"Once I am reassured of that not being a risk, then we can try." Dreidi stating she would be open to attempting such an idea. "Being born the person you are is not a bad thing Kaila. If you weren't Vahla, we might not have crossed paths, we might not have gotten the chance to be friends. I don't resent who you are." She offered a warm smile to Kaila before eating some more food.

 

[Kaila Irons]

"Ichor?"

Kaila narrowed her eyes. The fact that Dreidi did not know of magical ichor was confusing as it was concerning. Her own knowledge of witchcraft was limited, but The Nightsisters used ichor as a base for all their magicks, she understood this much, and she had seen it in action the last time she traveled to Dathomir. But if Dreidi did not know of the ichor, why did her spells produce the same eerie green as the arcane substance? Did these light sided witches channel power through something else entirely?

If that were the case, then they were right back where they started. Light versus Dark, the will of the force versus a corruption of it.

To Kaila, balance was starting to look more like an endless and bloody stalemate.

"do you mind if I research into this and ensure that this is not just plausible but there would be no risk to your life?"

"...no, research would do us both good. I could easily be wrong, after all, and that mistake could prove lethal" she thought aloud.

"Being born the person you are is not a bad thing Kaila. If you weren't Vahla, we might not have crossed paths, we might not have gotten the chance to be friends. I don't resent who you are." She offered a warm smile to Kaila before eating some more food.

"It's not about that, it's about... fate. It's about... choice. I didn't ask for soft bones, and I most certainly did nothing to deserve Carnifex breaking them all one by one. I didn't even really choose to become Sith, fate just had plans of it's own"

"But I don't resent who or what I am, Dreidi. I am the Military Governor of Echnos, I'm to be married soon. I have power, if just a taste. I just..."


"I resent the other sith" she explained, the gold in her eye taking a brief but fiery glow.

"And I resent the fact that the choices which led me here were not my own. Even if I had made the wrong choice, I just wish it had been my choice"

"I must sound like a fool" she chuckled at the irony



Dreidi Xeraic

 

[Dreidi Xeraic]

Location: Dathomir
Outfit: Witch Attire
Companion: Grisial
Equipment: Lightsaber, Nightsister Energy Bow, Ichor Sword
Tag: Kaila Irons

Once she noted the narrowing of Kaila's eyes, Dreidi sighed. It seemed the other woman was constantly in doubts about what Dreidi knew and understood. She had been pondering a little loudly, curious how ichor could help since she hadn't heard of this particular usage of the liquid. However, Dreidi had used the ichor for many other ways and reasons. Even using ichor to help those follow her when she teleported.

However, Kaila did concede to conducting more research on the matter, in case it did prove lethal. Something that Dreidi was relieved to hear. "I likely have some records here or old script that might afford us some insight into the ritual and its successes." Dreidi mentioned since she was constructing a large archive that held many records on Dathomiri histories and what records she had found in her travels. "I will let you know when I find something that can help you."

Hearing that Kaila had become the military governor of Echnos solidified the successes of the Imperial in resisting the Galactic Alliance's attempts to fight back. It was a bitter note to hear but she hoped that Kaila would be safer hands than most Sith for the people still on the moon. "Congratulations on your success." Dreidi mentioned. There was news of a marriage soon as well, "guess a black wedding dress for you then?" Dreidi smirked with a slight tease.

"Resent the other Sith, or resent Carnifex?" That was an important distinction in Dreidi's mind, and she could guess at the answer. "As for others making choices for you, I know that there were acts forced upon you and I sympathise with that. But do not belittle the choices you have made in life up until this point." Dreidi pointed out, "you chose to not fight me, you chose to resist Carnifex, you chose to accept the role of governor, you chose to come to Dathomir. I am sure there are other choices that you specifically have made that led you here."

"The Force does not dictate us, and Magick is not a separate entity to the Force. Witches on Dathomir tend to be guided more by their ancestors and the spirits of Dathomir than a Jedi or Sith would be." Dreidi warned, wanting Kaila to understand that this choice to be a witch was not something to take lightly. "It is why many find themselves stronger on Dathomir than out in the galaxy."

 

[Kaila Irons]

She did not believe in fate then? She thought of all people, a witch might understand her. The force was a thing of mysticism, of prophecy and visions, Of course the force meddled in destiny, manipulated events to suit it's own agenda. But Dreidi was also a Jedi. How could she possibly understand? There's was an order dedicated to serving the force's will, surrendering to it's control.

She shouldn't have been surprised, nor disappointed.

Kaila said nothing of it, deciding this meeting had been strained enough as is. So she continued eating, pondering over everything else the witch had said.

"I suppose you're right... about the sith, I mean. I don't hate them, just... most. Carnifex being chief among them"

"I don't know how my wife-to-be does it" she chuckled

"Ours is a separate marriage of course, epicanthix tradition allowing such a... complex union, but he's married to my lord. He's too sweet, too gentle for someone like Carnifex, yet he spoils him rotten. I suppose that's how we're able to marry. What Saryn wants, he gets. He's wanted me since the day we met, before either of us were sith. he's... not like the others"

Despite the strange and somber complications, just speaking about her dear Saryn brought a feint smile to her face.

"Perhaps it will be a black wedding," she laughed softly "But for him, I could wear white."

"He's been there ever since I woke up, always supported me. Tended to my wounds, snuck medications for the pain even when Carnifex forbade him. Mind you, this marriage is... practical, in a way. On paper at least, he will become my master, but in practice we have always been equals. He could see how close I came to snapping, figured this way he could take me away from the Kainate without argument. I can't pursue my vengeance anymore but I'd be... free, in a way. To be completely honest with you, I could never force him to choose between us like that, It'd break the poor boy's heart. I suppose that's one of the reasons I've been so hesitant to defect. I do love him, in my own strange way"

She glanced up at Dreidi, unsure how exactly the witch would take this news. But Kaila suspected she would be happy for her in her own way.



Dreidi Xeraic

 

[Dreidi Xeraic]

Location: Dathomir
Outfit: Witch Attire
Companion: Grisial
Equipment: Lightsaber, Nightsister Energy Bow, Ichor Sword
Tag: Kaila Irons

There was an argument for fate and destiny, as well as a place that the Force held in that discussion. However, Dreidi believed that surrendering that much control to the Force was reckless and a way to justify one's actions without blame placed upon them. If they were without choice or fated by unseen forces, then nothing they did mattered and Dreidi refused to believe that. Their actions held consequences and they could defy fate if they chose to do so.

She hadn't heard of a male being called a wife-to-be, but it seemed that this future wife was someone of great importance to Kaila and Dreidi respected that. Dreidi herself didn't have someone close in that regard yet, but she knew that it was very important to have bonds so strong and tight. "I am glad to hear that you have a partner so caring and that inspires such love within yourself."

"There is no correct way or incorrect way to love someone, as long as it is healthy and happy as a union from both sides." Dreidi mentioned, people expressed emotions very differently and in varied ways, as long as it was toxic or harmful then it was a perfectly happy way to do it. "Hopefully you have a long lasting marriage with plenty of happy moments."

Finishing her food, she leaned back and petted Grisial, "does this mean I should expect Saryn to be visiting here regularly?" Dreidi joked slightly.