Foolish to Think

[Verie Lacroix]

She tried not to grin too broadly at his answer, instead a demure smile crossed her face and she finally allowed herself to look down. "Good. Because..." She suddenly became aware that there was another soul in the room, and broke off, shaking her head a little.

"Yes, I think this will do nicely," Verie said, again adjusting the fabric of the gown as it lay against her shoulder, then giving a satisfactory nod. "But I will need, ah..." She glanced down at the attendant and murmured: "Hosiery. And things. To go with this dress." As an aside to [member="Dissero"], she murmured: "I'm afraid didn't bring anything to suit," before turning her attention back to the attendant. "Can you take care of that?" The attendant, who at once understood the extent of 'and things,' nodded and replied that they had her measurements and could surely supply what she required.

Verie hoped very much that the attendant's experience with her in the last hour would clue her in to what Verie would find appropriate for such a request, but she surely couldn't discuss it in front of Dissero, not even to make a vague clarification. How could one be vague about one's lingerie? If there was a way, Verie hadn't yet discovered it.

In approximately ten minutes, Verie was free of the gown and it was removed, to be pressed, folded in tissue paper, and boxed for its journey. She sat in one of the viewing chairs in the main room, pulling her boots on and lacing up the fastening. "Aren't you going to get anything to wear for the Masque?" she asked Dissero casually. "Where did Amore go? Is she coming to the Masque as well?"

 

[Dissero]

At that counter finalizing the purchase, Dissero did his best not to read into any descriptions of said hoisery. Eyes on the numbers he casually passed a credit chit over the counter with a glance back in Verie's direction.

"Despite my trim physique I have my doubts the gowns here would ...suit me."

His grin was broad as he took the bags from the counter and left a healthy tip, "Amore is on her way and no, she won't be attending the Masque. I was the lucky child that received the pair of tickets meant for the Queen and her escort. She was so tickled at the implications of me attending instead that she already had a suit ready."

Verie, of course, was well aware of what said implications were. The history of Kuat and Hapes was an ... interesting one to say the least. Kuat was kind enough to forgive the transgressions but Hapes would more than certainly never forget.


"Hello," Amore peeped quietly as she rounded a corner, moving to stoop down by Verie to speak privately, "I helped the attendant choose your personal affects. Don't worry," she winked, smiled, then stood straight, "Mero, where are you off to next? Do you mind if I tag along?"

"Oh, well I suppose we will round up Mahet and then be off for Verie's first expedition. The moral support of a ladyfriend couldn't hurt. Do you have something less...dressy to wear?"

"I have my training robes," the Princess flashed an excited look in Verie's direction.

"Perfect."

 

[Verie Lacroix]

"Hm," Verie responded. The historical prejudices between Kuat and the Hapes Consortium were not unfamiliar to her. She wondered if perhaps this was going to result in some kind of a challenge. Would [member="Dissero"] be engaging in some form of diplomacy during this trip? She was distracted by Amore's appearance, smiling as she came around the corner, then blanching a little when she related her assistance with Verie's personal effects. "Thank you," Verie whispered, then leaned down and finished lacing her boots. Don't worry -- right.

She stood up and stretched before walking over to the sibling pair. "I have some concerns about an expedition that will require moral support," she confessed with a glance to [member="Dissero"] before smiling at Amore. "But I am excited to get started. Do I need to change?" She looked down at her outfit; it wasn't training gear, exactly, but it was casual enough to allow flexibility and athletics if the situation called for it. But if they were doing something dangerous, she might want to opt for something more protective.

 

[Dissero]

Yes, Dissero thought as he looked at the girls, it would be very good for Verie to befriend Amore. There was so much his sister could teach her that he was incapable of - and not just the skills of the Force. He chuckled, "You'll probably want to change into some of your newer clothing, but that can wait. First we find Mahet, then we return to the ship and get on our way. We'll be going to Quarzite."

"Quarzite? That's in Protectorate space," Amore stepped to his left side as he lead the way out of the store, "How'd you manage access codes?"

"Well..." he itched at his head with his free hand, "Darke name has to be good for something outside of Kuat."

Amore glanced to Verie, brows faintly knit, "I could gain us better access through Moross. We aren't exactly allies, but we've worked peacefully with the Protectorate before."

"Yeah? Cater has a soft spot for you just like everyone else. Alright, see what you can do."

"Have you heard of Moross, Verie?" Amore asked, curious of the nature of the galactic grapevine.

[member="Verie Lacroix"]

 

[Verie Lacroix]

Verie nodded her thanks to the store staff on her way out, satisfied that her wares would be delivered appropriately. She fell into step just behind and to [member="Dissero"]'s right. She had never heard of Quarzite, though she was obviously familiar with the Protectorate. Moross, too, was unfamiliar to her. "I'm afraid I don't know that name," she confessed as she looked sidelong Amore. "I gather it's a group of friends of yours?" Verie asked, lifting an eyebrow in question.

"I suppose I'm not the best one to ask. I've been a little... isolated, since I left to find my mother. And then I was busy with this one and have been bad about getting briefed on current affairs," she jutted her chin at Dissero's back and smirked. It was true; she couldn't remember the last time she watched the holonews or picked up a newsflimsi. She supposed she should have to get back into the swing of things sooner rather than later. "Can you fill me in, or is it a secret?"

 

[Ereza]

Amore smiled good naturedly, if not a bit amused.

"It's a religious movement in the southern Outer Rim systems based out of Exocron, stretching all the way from Aurum as far as Kinooine. I became engaged in their affairs several years ago mostly out of interest for the movement. It's a very unique religion based around 12 gods, or what they call Aesirs, and the powers they bestow upon their people. Within Moross there is no Lightside or Darkside of the Force, but the gift of power given to the worthy. I've spent the last several years with them, learning and honing my own powers. Today I am a Priestess within their leadership. I imagine if you are to stay and train with Mero that you will eventually meet Crusaders of Moross. We are allied with the Confederation he's apart of."

[member="Verie Lacroix"]

 

[Verie Lacroix]

Verie lifted her eyebrows thoughtfully. Religion was a topic with which Verie had limited exposure. "How fascinating," she murmured. "And you, a priestess, that's highly impressive. Twelve gods, though? That seems a bit far-fetched to me. The notion of a god, let alone a dozen, just seems extremely unlikely to me." She glanced across at [member="Amorella Mae"] and blanched a little. "But that's just me. Different strokes, you know."

Verie looked forward to [member="Dissero"], still keeping pace with his strides. "Of course I shall stay and train with him. Where else would I want to go?" she adjusted her handbag by its shoulder strap and kept walking.

 

[Ereza]

"Of course," Amore replied, "though I daresay you'd connect with the Aesir Neth - the God of Knowledge. You'll have to come see the Capital sometime, his hall is an endless library."

"I've seen it," Dissero commented, brows raised, "damn near got lost in it. He wasn't kidding when he said limitless knowledge."

"So you are to be Mero's Apprentice, does that mean you'll be studying Alchemy?"

"We're on the basics, Amo," he offered a soft smile, "not quite Alchemy ready yet. But maybe there's a few things you can teach her that I can't. That Force Barrier of yours could come in handy."

Amore's expression brightened at this, "I'd be happy to help. My focus is meditation based, defensive powers, healing, tutaminis, empathy... mostly lightside-oriented. When you're more practiced I could even introduce you to Flow Walking and Foresight."

[member="Verie Lacroix"]

 

[Verie Lacroix]

The thought of an 'endless library' was something rather appealing to Verie, whose lack of a higher formal education didn't translate to a lack of informal education. In short, she was a reader. "That sounds fascinating. Are you sure heretics are allowed?" she said with a smirk. "I suppose it must be if your brother has seen it and lived to tell the tale." Verie settled into her stride and looked across at [member="Amorella Mae"] when she asked about her area of specialization.

"I hadn't considered it," Verie said quietly, not wishing to contradict her master, but not willing to commit to anything at this point. If [member="Dissero"] and she were to build a life together, there were benefits to sharing a common interest, just as much as there were benefits to each of them taking a different approach to their talents. "At this point I'm still working on, you know, not tripping over myself while trying to meditate. Early days." The young woman took a deep breath and reached out for a moment, and was reassured to find herself able to easily reconnect with the Force.

"I'm not sure how I'll decide. Is there some sort of questionnaire involved?"

 

[Dissero]

Listening to the girls over his shoulder, Dissero smiled easily to himself. There had long been a silent worry of these two becoming friends - not that either one of them had ever been a malicious person, quite the opposite. But there was hesitation in knowing that Verie's feelings were mixed where the Force was concerned.

Certainly she might find some relief in Amore's lightsided powers and her otherwise benevolent nature, but would that later come back to haunt him? He loved his sister very much, but her way of life was not something he would subscribe to. Far too many missed opportunities at the cost of sparing himself a little darkness and the galaxy a bit of life. How Amore managed to miss the Darkside gene in their family was beyond him. Would Amore's shining, pure nature and approach to life cast a greater shadow upon him in the eyes of Verie?

Don't throw me under the frigate, Amo.

Hush, even I have skeletons in my closet.

True enough. Things likely Amore would not divulge, and he didn't blame her for keeping her dark secrets. But enough of that train of thought...time to shift tracks.

"Your training will be useful enough for that, Ve. Try not to worry too much about it and just let it come naturally."

The question of future potentialities was a highly distracting prospect, something he wanted to voice on but couldn't do so without being the galaxy's greatest hypocrite.


~~~~~


Their journey to Quarzite would take quite some time and so Dissero decided to use this as an opportunity to further Verie's training. They were all aboard the Magnum Opus, settled into hyperspace travel, the girls having practiced further Meditation when he appeared in the open bay of the cargo hold.

"Telepathy," he began as he stepped down the open grate metal stairs to the cargo bay floor, "it's a skill most all Force Users are adept in, regardless of creed or alignment. Having a firm grasp on the basics can not only come in handy, but may very well one day save your life. It will also help you push your meditation abilities further and develop other skills used for more advanced techniques. Now, to start, meditate and tell me-" Dissero exchanged a glance with his sister before looking to Verie, "what have I got in my pocket?"

She knew for certain it wasn't a pair of tickets. Not anymore!

[member="Verie Lacroix"]

 

[Verie Lacroix]

Verie sat cross-legged on a cargo crate, her back ramrod straight and her breathing easy and regular. Her eyes were closed, and though she had given up the need for music to ease her into meditation, the steady thrumming of the engines gave her some kind of aid. The ex-ballerina was fully immersed in the Force, and she could sense [member="Dissero"]'s arrival before he entered the cargo hold. She opened her eyes as she heard his feet falling on the metal stairs into the cargo bay, smiling broadly for a split-second before she forced her face into a more neutral position, something more suited for a student greeting her teacher than a young woman swept up in a roller coaster of emotions that was currently stuck in the stomach-flipping corkscrew of schoolgirl affection.

She listened intently to his admonishment and then nodded carefully. Telepathy -- this was something that could come in quite handy. She took a breath and closed her eyes, starting her meditation again. She reached out in the Force, feeling Dissero there. He was a spot of energy, who became a man-shaped spot of energy. "Which pocket?" she murmured with a little smirk before settling deeper into her meditation. Try as she might, she couldn't discern anything in the Force of what could be in his pocket, so she did what any self-respecting Lacroix would do.

She bluffed.

"It's a credit chit," she stated authoritatively. Surely he had one from all the shopping they'd done. Unless he had stashed it away somewhere...

 

[Dissero]

"...clever..." blue eyes narrowed on Verie with a bare hint of amusement, "but no. Educated guessing won't help you. Meditate," the Alchemist tapped at his temple as he watched her, "focus. Think back to flashcard training. Clear your thoughts, reach out to my mind. Within it I hold nothing more than the very thought of what it is. It is an image that I presently project within the Force..."

Metallic.

Shiny.

Long and thin.

Rounded and smooth.

[member="Verie Lacroix"]

 

[Verie Lacroix]

Verie couldn't stop herself from smirking at [member="Dissero"]'s reaction. Gods, she loved this man. Her stomach squirmed uncomfortably, and she took a deep breath to settle herself, forcing herself to focus on the task at hand.

The awful truth was that while Verie could sense the size and shape of what was being referred to, she really had no idea what it actually was. It led her to believe that she might be missing some critical information, unable to sense the key to what made the answer known. She bristled, sighing quietly and rolling her neck anxiously. Deep breaths, Verie, she told herself. It wouldn't do to get discouraged. She pressed her lips together and inhaled deeply, trying to center herself. Upon further examination, Verie realized that there was a portion of her attention that was stuck in the recent past, in that brief moment where she and [member="Dissero"] had been standing in close proximity...

It was a nice memory, but it wouldn't do to dwell on it now. She set it aside and reached out into the Force again with renewed attention.

Long and thin... rounded and smooth... shiny and metallic. "Is it a comlink?" she asked quietly. That would fit all the criteria, and until the Force revealed its secrets, she would have to work with what she could sense.

 

[Dissero]

"...nay..." the smile he felt within did not appear on his face nor was the pride of her growing abilities within his voice. These things would do nothing but serve as distractions for them both - and out of the two of them, he should not be the one to lose focus.

Though blue eyes closed to the world around them he sensed everything. From the sounds of the ship as it coasted through hyperspace to the beat of the hearts within the two women seated before him. Amore's was quite calm, placid, rhythmic, ever unchanged by the variables of her surroundings. A trait of hers that he often admired, for she was a woman of utmost self control - she lacked the wrath that flowed through his own veins, the primeval instincts that constantly prowled in the shadows of his mind.

Then there was Verie. At times steady, but willfully so. Where Amore's was a natural state of serenity, Verie's was often forcibly controlled. Rarely ever at peace unless made to be so ... and concentrated on. Ever reactive to the changing state of the world around her. In time, he knew, she would learn to find that peace of mind - but it would take many years, much as it had with himself, with Amore.

Strong. Ageless. Shared by thousands of cultures.

Useful but only for certain tasks.

These were the next thoughts projected not directly to Verie, but through the Force - much like a radio signal, one could easily pick it up if they knew how to tune themselves to it.

[member="Verie Lacroix"]

 

[Verie Lacroix]

Verie frowned gravely as she reached into the Force, her eyebrows furrowing as she battled impatience. It wasn't coming to her, not a bit, and try as she would to reach for it, to grasp it with her mind and understand, she couldn't seem to find her way to what he was asking for. She picked up bits and pieces... the shape of the thing, the smoothness of it. She sensed something unyielding and timeless about it. She rolled her neck, immersing herself in the Force. Not so much pressure, she told herself. Let it come to you.

The joints in her neck and shoulder relaxed, and Verie swallowed. "A lightsaber?" she murmured after a few moments.

[member="Dissero"]

 

[Dissero]

Dissero's lips parted to speak nay once again but his voice caught at the sensation of a hand around his arm. He opened his eyes to find his sister gently pulling him over towards Verie, placing him to stand just before her. In silent gestures and movements the once-Aesir of an entire corner of the galaxy bid him kneel down. He did so and watched as Amore gently took hold of one of Verie's hands and lifted it to touch at his temple.

"Concentrate," Amore hushed, yet she was looking at him and not at Verie, "your mind is too preoccupied for her to grasp this object you envision." The flame-haired woman gave him a knowing glance before turning back to his student, "You grasp too much," she said with a smile, "you must instead clear your mind and open it to receive the image. Telepathy is not about taking, but giving and receiving images, thoughts, words... a direct link will make it easier to start," she indicated Verie's hand at Dissero's temple, "to know the sensation in your mind. Once you know it then we add distance."

"Now try again."

The Archivist took a deep, slow breath, trying not to let his eyes linger on Verie's face too long before closing them. Concentrate, he heard his sister say again in his own thoughts, ironic she should use telepathy to do so. Very well, he would project the most powerful and clear image that he was capable of...

Spoiler

[member="Verie Lacroix"]

 

[Verie Lacroix]

Verie's eyes flickered open, looking between the brother and sister duo as she spoke to him, and then to her. She looked inquisitively at [member="Amorella Mae"], a look of reluctant comprehension on her face. It rang true, but it didn't seem particularly fair that she should be ordered to concentrate on the one hand while being admonished to stop grasping with the other. Still, not understanding much the vagueries of the Force, Verie elected only to grit her teeth and draw herself into the Force, the tension leaving her body and mind as she let the Force wash over her.

When it appeared to her, Verie felt rather badly done by. "Good God," she murmured, smirking sardonically. "It's a teaspoon," she said quietly, feeling the fire rise in her cheeks. She felt positively foolish, not having picked up on it, which was obvious now that she knew what it was, and should have been obvious given the descriptions. Strong. Ageless. Shared by thousands of cultures. Metallic. Shiny. Long and thin. Rounded and smooth. Of course, you little fool.

"Why have you got a teaspoon in your pocket?"

[member="Dissero"]

 

[Dissero]

Amorella smiled faintly at Verie as the young woman made her first Force-enduced epiphany. The smile followed her switch of gaze back to her brother as he, too, opened his eyes and watched her quietly walk back to her previous place to retake her meditative position.

Dissero reached into his pocket and withdrew the spoon, looking at it as he held it aloft.

"I was making tea," the man replied brightly over a doleful smirk, "would you like some?"

[member="Verie Lacroix"]

 

[Verie Lacroix]

Verie suppressed a snort of laughter. It was an odd, odd world she had entered by throwing her lot in with @Dissero.

"Of course, the answer is as obvious as the last one to anyone with half a brain," she chastised herself quietly, seeking once again to center herself in the Force, drawing upon the serenity that she could feel there rather than the dignity she felt was constantly slipping away from her on this side of the wall. She regulated her breathing, again letting the Force wash over her, and she was struck, neither for the first time nor for the last, about how it felt new, every time she did so it was a breathtakingly new experience.

"Perhaps later," Verie responded dryly to his offer of tea.

 

[Dissero]

"Good," Dissero replied, smile stretching into a half-grin, "it'll be cold now anyway. Back to work."

The next few hours were spent doing much the same. The practice of building the mental connection to allow telepathy to take place was a difficult one. Taught in his youth much the way his sister was, Dissero had picked up the skill quite easily. The saying goes that the young mind was far more open and susceptible to such things, but even his own mother had learned far later into her young adult years.

Verie was determined, that was quite evident as, by the end of their session, she'd been able to send and receive simple mental images, though the effort was taxing.

"It's something I want you to practice as often as you can," he told her while Amore put the tea back on the burner, "the more you do it the easier it will get."

"Telepathy is like learning a language," Amore added in gently, "if one could infer that the mind has a language all its own."

"How do you feel?" Dissero took a seat at the table, uttering thanks to Amore as she served a small meal of tapas to each of them, "Your head I mean. Many people suffer headaches at first - its a side effect of working a part of your brain that's never been used before."

[member="Verie Lacroix"]