Favors and Negotiations (Aiden)

[Aiden Merritt]

[member="Melanctha Dallamoor"]


Aiden nodded his understanding to Jon and turned to Melanctha. “This will take several minutes if I’m lucky; longer if not. It’s been a long time since I tried this.”

Back in his training days actually. The only other place that it may have been useful would have been the catacombs of Korriban; but, any ghosts he eliminated there would have near immediately replaced by twice as many more, drawn by his use of the light side of the force like hungry scavengers.

He knelt in the center of the chamber and bowed his head, searching for his meditative state, and, slowly immersing himself in it. In essence he would be pulling as much of the light into himself as possible and releasing it into the room. It he flooded the room with enough of the light side of the force, it should cleanse any residual of the darkside present – including binding spells.

He would use his light saber, not so much as an aid for power but for concentration – his conduit to direct the force as he needed.

Aiden’s meditation deepened until all that existed was the force and himself. He invited it inside, filling his bodily vessel until it seemed it must surely spill over and then he called as much more until he thought he must surely become a light bomb set for explosion. But the force treated him more gently than that.

He raised his light saber and ignited it; its cerulean torch blazing defiantly in the room filled with so much darkness. His will was for that to change – and the force made it so.

He pointed his saber at the ceiling and the light surged through it turning his blue-green blade a brilliant white and flooding out like a fountain of dazzling white light. It reached the ceiling and arched out in every direction spilling down the walls and flooding the room floor to ceiling in a brilliance no ancient darkness present could withstand.

Seals broke and the room soon became filled with specters of white. Aiden stopped flooding the room with the force and the residual of the power he had flooded into it kept the room bright for several moments longer.

He laid aside his saber and stood, addressing the ghosts. He allowed those that could draw enough force from him to materialize as transparent images of themselves that each in turn came before Aiden and bowed. Aiden returned their bows respectfully. Ancient masters, knights and a few padawans by their apparent age came before the young knight and thanked him for their release. Their gratitude expressed, they released their hold on Aiden’s force connection and departed. Some singly, some in pairs and others in small groups, they were all proceeding to their ultimate rest.

Except two.

They materialized as a young couple, a husband and wife perhaps, and they demonstrated their gratitude just as the others; however, before they left they motioned for Aiden to follow. He followed them to the winch that lowered the basket that hung high above. Understanding their desire that the basket be lowered, he released the lock and began lowering it.

Aiden looked at the two skeletons that lay on the basket’s floor. He cut off the lock with his light saber and pulled open the door. He used the force to lift the two skeletons and laid them out respectfully, side by side in death as they had been in life.

One of the ghosts motioned Aiden to look closer. He saw that they had on matching rings. The ghosts both nodded their approval and Aiden slipped the rings off the boney fingers. He held them out to the couple and they both lay their spectral hands over the rings in Aiden’s hand, binding them to him – their parting gift.

Aiden softly said, “Thank you.”

The couple smiled, released their hold on his force connection and departed.

Aiden closed his hand over the rings and sat down, exhausted.

 

[Melanctha Dallamoor]

It was with the same wide eyed wonder she watched as she had watched everything since finding out Aiden was a Jedi. While she knew this was all an incredible gift that he had it frightened her some and watching him now that was so amazing she just did not know if she would ever be good enough for him.

Perhaps he deserved someone unique like himself. It wasn't about being Hapan anymore it was about what was the right thing to do for the person you cared about, would a life with her ever equal his life as a Jedi. It certainly would seem dull in comparison. She smiled though that so unhapan smile.

She sighed and wondered what was it that he had in his hand, and then was he alright, what did this kind of power do to him. She dare not step any further though in case it would upset some balance of what was happening.

She stood silent, hands folded before her just watching.

[member="Aiden Merritt"] [member="Jon Burke"]

 

[Jon Burke]

[member="Melanctha Dallamoor"]


Jon watched Aiden’s performance with no small amount of awe and a begrudging newfound respect for his former employee. He could tell the jedi was completely drained physically and emotionally. “Well done, Aiden,” he said softly as it seemed now only a reverent demeanor was appropriate in this newly cleansed chamber.

He picked up a now open cube an examined it and a shiver of revulsion shimmered up his spine. It made him reconsider what Samael was and what he had wanted Jon to become. He sat on a bench opposite Aiden and pondered the cube. Aiden’s Force Light eradicated the binding spells and all traces of their associated darkness. He wondered what that wave of brilliant light did to him when it coursed over and through his body. It wasn’t innocuous by any means; yet, it left him feeling uplifted rather than separated from the dark side of the force as the lore stated it should. If he were sith, which was a matter of some debate.

Jon came into his force sensitivity later in life than most, and, when he did he was under the ancient demon Samael’s influence. He had gone to the jedi for help and training but they only wanted to lock him away and study Samael. He escaped and ended up being found training himself the basic force powers in the Coruscant ‘s undercity by a sith master who claimed him as a apprentice. With the help of this master and one other Jon advanced to the rank of Knight in the sith heraldry and thusly considered himself sith. Jon’s uncle, a jedi master guardian, worked with Jon later and claimed that Jon was never truly a sith as the only ruthlessness he ever demonstrated was in defense of his family. He attributed that more to his pragmatic Dantooine upbringing than a sith socialization.

Jon was just never sure.

Be that as it may, after that immersion in the Light, he felt less sithlike than he ever had. Those last lingering vestiges of Samael’s darkness could no longer be sensed. It was feeling of relief Jon never expected to experience.

He looked at Melanctha and then over at Aiden. He said, “I think that pulse of power must have cracked your light saber crystal. The blade that materialized when you cut off the lock was a fraction of its normal intensity.”

He didn’t hesitate to add, “I have a couple of spares in my ship. If you’d like, you can borrow one until you can remake yours.”

 

[Aiden Merritt]

[member="Melanctha Dallamoor"]


Aiden cocked his head to the side and looked at Jon curiously. Now that he recalled, Jon was right. His light saber hadn’t throbbed in his hand with its normal energy when he used it on the lock. He’d been so preoccupied with the events at the time it hadn’t registered.

Jon’s offer was also unexpected; and his tone. He faced the use of Force Light without any signs of being diminished as one might expect with a dark side user. He did seem different. But not how Aiden would have expected. Jon’s edgy intensity and his constant drive, the things that were useful to him as a CEO seemed muted. He was quiet and pensive and surprisingly thoughtful. Aiden would have bet the ranch Jon would never part with one of his family’s heirloom light sabers – which Aiden knew had to be what he was offering to loan him. Jon was a collector and loved his accumulated relics… and collectors were very protective of their prizes.

“Thank you, Jon,” Aiden replied. “I’ll take you up on that offer if you really don’t mind.” Aiden was one of the most peace-loving jedis you might ever meet, but, even he felt naked and vulnerable without a functioning saber. “Perhaps we should see about that when we are at the Villa later.”

Aiden stood and stepped closer to Melanctha, taking her hand to provide some assurance everything was really all right. He gave her an understanding smile and asked, “How about it, my Duch’a? Have you had enough fun for one day?”

 

[Melanctha Dallamoor]

[member="Aiden Merritt"] [member="Jon Burke"]

She looked over at Aiden he seemed like himself again taking her hand it was slightly reassuring. This day that she had seen start out with the high hopes of adventure had certainly delivered in a bigger way than she had imagined. The information she had gotten, the new rooms, the spirits, being left in the dark, meeting Aiden's friend? They had gone from talking about marriages, contracts and such to this.

Melanctha laid her hand into Aiden's, "Yes I've had enough for today" She kept her words sure, clear and without the emotion that was raging with her. She wanted to cry out in relief that there was an end to it.

"Aiden, there is much to explain, do you agree?" It was about the deal, about the secrets, about the way Hapans were. And what did this secret tunnel system really mean she just could not shake that there was more to it, something that Aiden and Jon knew. She bit her lip for a moment and nodded to Aiden that she was ready.

She took a few steps with him, hesitant for certain.

 

[Jon Burke]

[member="Melanctha Dallamoor"]


Jon saw how stressful the recent events must have been for Melanctha and appreciated how well she had weathered the ordeal.

“I agree. I’ve had quite enough excitement for one day. My Baudo is closest if you two care to join me in the short hop over to the Villa.”

Jon led the way out of the chamber after giving it one last look. Jon the collector was very disappointed there were no artifacts to be found; but, the Jon that just fell under the influence of Aiden’s Force Light wouldn’t have traded that experience for a room full of holocrons.

He was surprised to find the lights working in the next corridor and, sensing ahead, failed to feel the presence of the guardians.

“Aiden, that pulse must have done more than we thought. Whatever obstacle this chamber with its darkness represented has been removed and I think our friends in the next are gone as well.”

The middle chamber was now well lit as the work lights were blazing brightly. It made Jon wonder what was originally in this chamber to destroy light so effectively even to this day. As he thought, the guardians were neither seen nor sensed as they walked through the first room.

“That was quite an impressive gauntlet in its day. No one would get in that they didn’t want in. This is where I part ways with you if you aren’t flying back with me.”

 

[Aiden Merritt]

[member="Melanctha Dallamoor"]


Aiden looked at Melanctha sympathetically. It had been a trying day for her; first leaning that he was a jedi then having to witness the trials of the three chambers. He pulled her close and placed his arm around her as he escorted her out of the chambers following Jon.

He said softly, “We can get home, get cleaned up and have a hot meal; then we can sit down before a warm fireplace and have that talk. I just hope what you’ve learned today and seen don’t make you run back to Cheruba, never wanting to see me again.”

He gave the two outer chambers a quick visual inspection as they passed through them, gratified to see the effects of his Light. Even if the guardians had still been present, he now was confident that a repeat performance of his Force Light would dispel them and he felt he would now be calm enough in that situation to be able to perform it. Amazing thing, confidence.

“Thank you for the offer, Jon, but we will return to the Villa as we left it.” Aiden wanted to avoid any questions of impropriety for Melanctha’s benefit; plus, her clothes were in the dock house. It probably wouldn’t be prudent for her to return dressed differently with no chaperone along.

 

[Jon Burke]

[member="Melanctha Dallamoor"]


Jon smiled and replied, “Ok, I’ll see you two later at the Villa. The lights will stay on for 15 minutes after the last motion is sensed so you should have no trouble with your walk out.”

He started down a side passage that led to the makeshift landing pad, then commented back over his shoulder, “By the way, did you find any bedrooms in that Lake House when you came through?” he teased.

He was chuckling at the young couple as he walked away, out of sight.

 

[Melanctha Dallamoor]

Melanctha was about to answer Aidens questions when Jon quipped about a bedroom. No Aiden was the complete gentlemen never once taking liberties that would land him in trouble and compromise her.

He was then gone most as quickly as he had showed up. Mel turned to Aiden, "there is lots. It is overwhelming to me, and I have my own questions, and would like some tea. To steady myself"

It was perhaps best they be left to their original method of travel, it would raise less suspicions. Did this make a difference? She kept asking herself this as well as can I live with this. The skill of a Jedi not unwelcome and she knew she wasn't afraid of his being a Jedi. She was afraid of others.

They walked along she was comfortable with his arm around her. He made her feel safe except in those moments where he was someone else. That look in his eyes he did not seem to know her. She wished for a simpler time. They were soon standing outside the underground halls.

It felt good to be outside. The warmth of the Sun soon kissed her skin and the fears of the darkness floated away. She could breath again.

[member="Aiden Merritt"]

 

[Aiden Merritt]

[member="Melanctha Dallamoor"]


It was late in the evening and the air was becoming brisk. They walked around the Lake House and Aiden looked back towards the mountain trying to see indications of the labyrinth they had just discovered. There were a few, but, they subtle and wouldn’t be noticed unless one knew what they were looking for.

“I’m not sure what to do about this. There were dozens of passages and corridors we didn’t take or see.” He was thoughtful for a moment then added, “I guess I’ll talk it over with my parents. It needs to be investigated but, at the same time, I don’t want to draw attention from the wrong people.”

Sailing back across the lake was chilling. Aiden pulled a blanket out of a locker and wrapped it around Melanctha’s shoulders. He also put an arm around her and pulled her closer possibly than he should in the open as they were, but, he didn’t think there would be anyone about to notice… is she didn’t mind.

They docked in Flotsam’s slip, secured the boat and went inside. “We shouldn’t stay too long. Others will wonder where we are, but, we can take the time to warm up. Why don’t you change and I’ll put on a pot of water for tea.”

Aiden did as he said and soon was pouring boiling water over tea bags. He took the tea service and placed in on the table in front of the divan. Mel soon returned and he poured her a cup, and handed it to her.

He pulled something from his pocket and looked at it pensively. “I didn’t want to examine these too closely until Jon was gone. These are the rings the couple in the cage gave me.”

​

“There’s more to them than it appears. They… told me… how to use them.”

Aiden placed the rings one atop the other and turned them slightly causing them to lock together as if they were one big ring. He then called the force and imbued the rings with it. A series of images began to appear. Some were starcharts with plots indicted on them but the final one was a castle-like building on a mountain.

Aiden got that dreamy look in his eyes when he was seizing on a new challenge. “I think I need to find this place, Mel.”

 

[Melanctha Dallamoor]

"Aiden, about the other passages, I think you should go back, and I could go with you but we must be prepared for being down there. Today we were not prepared for such an outing ill prepared, and caught off guard by the appearance of Mr. Burke." She thought again being serious, "I would need to read more to be of more help to you. I could just bring a camera and document what is there, it would help to be able to analyze some of it in detail later."

They sat very close on the boat a bit lost in their thoughts, she not only had the events on he mind but all that she had learned. Warmth, yes. "I'll be out in a few" Melanctha sat down alone finally in a room where she could see. She felt the stress of the day finally falling from her shoulders it was such a relief she felt near tears how did this happen so quickly, and why so much all at once. Mel put her head into her hands trying to clear her thoughts to regain some composure.

When she returned she could see the steaming tea sitting down she gladly took the cup, so warm in her hands her fingers curled around the bowl she held it if for nothing more than heat.

Mel looked down at the rings they were stunning so intricate. "They're beautiful, you say there's more to them" She watched as he placed them together sipping her tea she waited for what would happen.

"oooo" she cooed in appreciation, "Look at that, that's ancient architecture Aiden, see the shape of the windows" Mel tried to look closer, "It looks almost like a keep" She tilted her head.

"that is a long trip" She recalled the maps, she could see that look on his face he wanted to find it yesterday. She smiled.

Wondering what she could do now, "Well we could go together to find it, I'd have to think of a reason to be away and with you that wouldn't cause Hapan meltdown" then she stopped, "When do you want to go? and do you mind if I go?"

Truth was she wanted to know more about him as a Jedi, and there were only a few ways to do this and him going off on a long journey wouldn't help that.

[member="Aiden Merritt"]

 

[Aiden Merritt]

[member="Melanctha Dallamoor"]



Aiden took one last look at the hologram before cutting it from his force connection thus depowering it. He wondered at the skill involved in creating such a device.

“That kind of trip will take some time to plan and equip. If you really want to come after all you’ve been through today, we also have some politics to sort through as well.”

Aiden gave Mel a smile meant to be encouraging and added, “Not all of my explorations and excavations turn out like today. We really hardly ever encounter ghosts and such.”

He was thoughtful for a moment and said, “From what you told me earlier today, I guess the easiest way for us to travel together like that would be for us to be engaged.”

He gave her a smile, partially because he was remembering how good her warm, soft body felt pressed against his as they sailed across the lake and wondered about the possibilities they might encounter in a long hyperspace journey.

“So, Duch’a Dallamoor, how do you feel about an alliance between Cheruba and Relephon?

 

[Melanctha Dallamoor]

This had been what they had discussed a few times in the last hours and it was what would work best for traveling and it would give the time needed that they had also discussed. If he returned to the Jedi without her then he might be able to find the one, cause afterall this was supposed to be a matter of convenience right.

She looked over at him pondering many many things. She took a breath thinking she would say something and then stopped. She thought carefully on her words now for she would be bound by them.

She tried not to smile she tried to be very Hapan right now, "I am taking into consideration all that I learned today about you" Realizing that there were parts of his life that were a complete secret to her and that a long trip would give them time to talk about that. "And I hope that not all your trips go like today for that was a bit" she looked down for a moment to gather her thoughts, "unsettling" that was a good word.

But then she remembered everything before that his kind words, his understanding of her situation , of their friendship, and yes she remembered how nice and warm he was too, and how she enjoyed touching him. So very unhapan.

"But I think an alliance between Relephon and Cheruba would serve both families well, and would bring happiness and some comfort to everyone involved" There she had said it she couldn't help it she smiled broadly now the thought gave her great pleasure.

[member="Aiden Merritt"]