Heat with Ice – Pai Ling

[Petra Cavataio]

[member=Pai Ling]

To build up her witches, the ground work had to be done. A firm foundation to support the weight of the witches would be needed. Petra lined up several students to learn the ways of Dathomirian ways. Trials awaited those that were taking on Petra’s path of knowledge. Of course trials were in place since the birth of the clans. It was placed on a higher standard than the clans had.

Petra had a list of who she wanted to learn things correctly in her eyes. It did not matter what their rank was in the world. All would be call forth to be judged. The old student that came long ago to Dathomir was called up again. Petra wanted to see what her icy student, Pai Ling has been doing.

 

[Pai Ling]

The young white haired woman approached her mentor. Since becoming free, she refused to see any as her master. The one known as "Petra" though even Pai Ling could not deny was beyond her understanding. While Pai Ling did not expressly seek power, it was a means to an end that she could not ignore. It was better then to be allied with someone so powerful as Petra, someone that could give Pai Ling all the power she needed to never have to rely on others. To be able to take that which she desired without interference.

As she neared, the air immediately around her cooled. While she no longer froze everything she touched, some of the cold continued to leak through. An inconvenience, but no longer a life threatening one. Stopping a safe distance away she bowed in respect. "I have come as called."

[member="Petra Cavataio"]

 

[Petra Cavataio]

[member=Pai Ling]

That was sight Petra had not seen in a while. Pulling up memories of old, the last time there was interaction from both parties was when Petra first returned over two years ago. Now times had changed and for the old witch, how things were done was different. However, Petra wanted to change things to her liking and Pai could be useful.

Giving a simple nod to the bow given to her, Petra added, “I have called you for matter of knowledge and strengthening one self and all of Dathomir, dear… do you wish to finish what was started couple of years ago?”

 

[Pai Ling]

Pai Ling's cool expression did not change as Petra spoke, but her mind was active behind it. She had no doubt that this woman was among the most powerful in the Galaxy. Knowledge was something the young witch lacked, as was strength. To be offered both was indeed a welcome opportunity, though Pai Ling wondered at the cost. Those with power rarely shared it for free. It was of no matter, Pai Ling would pay it in the end. She had little choice.

"I do," was her simple response accompanied by a slight inclination of her head.

[member="Petra Cavataio"]

 

[Petra Cavataio]

[member="Pai Ling"]

The trials had to start. It would begin with a question. Then go from there to the next phase. So it was short and sweet. Petra simply asked, “What do you know of Nightsister’s Test of Fury, Pai?”

 

[Pai Ling]

"I have heard it mentioned, but I must admit I do not know what it entails," Pai Ling said bowing her head in apology. Given the use of the word "fury" Pai Ling could guess that it would be a violent trial, but life was often violent on Dathomir.

 

[Petra Cavataio]

[member="Pai Ling"]

The trial was simple in Petra’s eyes. Of course she had been running witches through the trials for a long time now. A system existed that she created. Things were timed and scheduled to happen. So a Jai walking with a wooden box was to her plan. He placed it at Pai’s feet. Then he stepped back to wait. Petra used that moment to give her instructions. “The trial is to test you… In the box are five spell scrolls, there are offensive and defensive spells. You’ll fight the Jai and when I say so you will be require to learn each one quickly to attack or protect yourself. If you succeed then it means the death of the Jai; however, failure means your death.” Petra paused for a moment to allow what she said to sink in. Then she asked, “Up for this task, Pai?”

 

[Pai Ling]

"Pai Ling," she corrected without really thinking about it.

The idea of killing the man did not bother her in the slightest. Perhaps it should, but it would hardly be the first person she had killed. Besides, it was the role of the strong to control the weak, and if that control involved death then that was the fate of those who could not save themselves.

"Am I only to use the scrolls?" she asked for clarification.

 

[Petra Cavataio]

[member="Pai Ling"]

“Yes… just the scrolls since we’re testing you on quickness of learning and being able to pull off the spells.” Petra answered back. Then added, “Of course I’ll say when to stop and go to the next spell… this way if you are beating the Jai, he’ll have a little time to recover for the next round. When ready simply open the box and look at the five scrolls and choice the first spell and we’ll start.”

Petra had hand selected the spells for combat. They were easy but it was going to have curveballs in the trial. The spells were Arrows of Fire, Force “Blanket”, Night sight, Shield spell, and Song of Power.