Chasing Shadows

[Riamah]

Knowing nothing came for free with this spirit, Ailuros nodded and spoke.

"Thank you."

It was a verbal payment for the compliment given to her name. The cat listened as she continued on and again nodded.

"He did indeed."

[member="Daxton Bane"]

 

[Daxton Bane]

She smiled as if that explained why they were there. “Ok, then lets cut to the chase. What deal are you looking to make?” Pouring herself another cup and sipped while she waited for [member="Ailuros"] to answer.

 

[Riamah]

"I'm still learning what skills are out there. Very new to this Force thing and well what is it that is your speciality?"

Taking a gulp, Ailuros was suddenly a bit nervous and almost wanted to start hacking up a hairball.
​
[member="Daxton Bane"]

 

[Daxton Bane]

Quite unexpectedly the young woman began to laugh in great amusement, “Oh you are one of his alright. But before I give you a gift, there is something you have for me, yes?”

Offering her right hand, palm upward expecting the token to be given to her.

 

[Riamah]

At the sudden laughter, Ailuros pulled her head back only slightly and looked confused. That lasted just a moment though and behind her, she pulled that mirror out.

"Indeed I do."

Placing the handle into her open palm, she hoped the sprit liked it as much as Kosh said she would.

[member="Daxton Bane"]

 

[Daxton Bane]

Taking the token from [member="Ailuros"], she paused for a second as if to consider the gift before breaking put in amused laughter. “Your master is much wiler than most. So I will grant you the gift of being able to separate the false from the truth. From this moment forth, you will always know whether something was false or not, you only have to focus on your attention to it. Now that business is done, do be a dear and have some tea.”

 

[Riamah]

"Oh thank you! Very very much!"

It was a skill that would​ certainly come to be of great use to the cat. Shaking her head at the offer tea, Ailuros remembered that nothing here was free and looked at Kosh. Unless he gave approval, she would decline that drink.

[member="Daxton Bane"]

 

[Daxton Bane]

Kosh drew a silver disc and placed it on the table before stating, “Our business is done. Thank you the hospitality but it is best if she is on her way, yes? [member="Ailuros"] still has a long journey ahead of her and best to start now.”

“Shame.” The woman said sipping from her cup, “Perhaps another time then. Do give Daxton my regards will you?”

As the last words were uttered, the world seemed to tilt wildly and in a blink of an eye she was back where she began haven taken a sip from cup Daxton offered her.

“Breathe through your nose, my apprentice. Communing with them takes some getting used to. I take it you were successful in your trip?”

 

[Riamah]

The cat was happy to have pleased Kosh by declining that offer. Her guide said their business was done and set a silver disk on the table. In a way she felt he was protecting and guarding her. He wouldn't allow any harm to come to her.

Nodding her head when she was requested to pass along her regards, her world seemed to tilt and she opened her eyes back in reality. She heard Daxton's voice instead of Kosh this time and the order to breathe through her nose.

Doing this, she would sit up unless there was something to prevent her from doing that.

[member="Daxton Bane"]

 

[Daxton Bane]

While nothing prevented her from sitting upright, it also did not prevent the sense of nausea as if all the blood was rushing to the head at the same time. “Easy @Ailuros. You are in safe company. Get your bearings and breathe.”

 

[Riamah]

When Ailuros moved to sit up, that sudden urge to hack up a hairball returned and wouldn't be pushed down this time. So that hairball came up and she breathed in and out through her nose after that happened. Her whiskers drooped along with her ears.

"I have my bearings. I'm in the room where I drank that black liquid that sent me into that dreamland. What was that called?"

[member="Daxton Bane"]

 

[Daxton Bane]

“Nightshade. A particular blend given to me by the Nightsisters that helps in focusing thoughts as well as enter a dreamlike trace. We have just scratched the surface, my dear, there is so much more to learn. Tell did any part of the journey seem strange to you?”

 

[Riamah]

While she did not clarify what she meant, the information Daxton told her was interesting for sure.

"That place I went to. What was that called?"

It took her a few moments to think of an answer to his question.
​
"Well to be honest, it felt both odd and real at the same time. Kosh had promised me no harm would come, but the spirits he took me to all threatened to kill me. So I placed my trust in Kosh and we travelled safely together."

[member="Daxton Bane"]

 

[Daxton Bane]

“Some have called it Limbo. I call it the Shade Lands, in deference to those that reside there. While they may no longer have physical form as we know it, they are still strong enough in the Force to be reckoned with. Yes they may snap and snarl but in time you get used to their whims, and it would not be in your best interest to challenge them, at least until you are much stronger in the Force.”

“Kosh is a good guide, he will never let you astray. He always was the curious sort though, I guess that was why he helped me when our paths first crossed.”

 

[Riamah]

As Ailuros listened to what Daxton said, she appeared to start cleaning herself. It really wasn't much, but a lick of a paw and then a rubbing of her whiskers. Her eyes though were clear and focused on Daxton. She was paying attention.

"How long will it take to get used to their whims? I don't think I would ever challenge them really, I'm too young to die or even settle down."

Smiling when he said Kosh was a good guide, she tilted her head slightly.

"How was it I met Kosh and not some other guide? Is he the only one?"

[member="Daxton Bane"]

 

[Daxton Bane]

“That would depend on the person asking the favor. Some adapt fairly well, others not so well. I do believe however, a factor in this would be how strong is your connection to the Force. The greater the connection, the easier it is will be to deal with the spirits.”

“Kosh is just one possible guide. One I had you would encounter as he is the friendliest of the lot.”

 

[Riamah]

Nodding, Ailuros thought she understood what he meant.

"So if I need to do it again, it'll be easier. Maybe. Since it would depend on what I am requesting."

After he answered her last question, that wave of not feeling well had passed and she would again attempt to get up. Stand up this time instead of only sitting and if it was still gone, she would move over to Daxton and plant a totally innocent kiss on his cheek.

"Kosh was very nice. Much like you, master."
​
[member="Daxton Bane"]

 

[Daxton Bane]

Her assessment of him brought an amused smile to his face, “I am quite certain there are several people roaming the galaxy who would disagree with you, but thank you none the less for those kind words. Now before I forget have you given thought on your weapon of choice? Before I send you on your next mission you will need to be equipped properly.”

 

[Riamah]

"Well, to be fair, there might be a few people that could say they don't like me either. Those that have felt my claws."

Daxton asked about her weapon of choice and her hand moved to the pommel of her sword and took it off her belt.
​
"What about my sword?"

[member="Daxton Bane"]

 

[Daxton Bane]

[member="Ailuros"] training was going well, she was proving quite adept with her studies and training. Now it was time to see how she would actually do in the field. Nothing particularly dangerous, a simple test so to speak to she how she would react. Perhaps then she would ready for bigger things, Daxton mused as he waited for his young apprentice to arrive from his summons.