Here's To Mud In Your Eye! [Isla Ashen]

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Dagobah​

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[member="Isla Ashen"]​

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His hand raised reaching for the side of his head, as Théo wondered why he had head ache. His hair felt wet and sticky, hot .. and looking at his hand he realised it was blood, his own. Trying to clear his vision, blurred as it was, he could just make out the rain hitting the canopy of the old X-Wing he had purchased for personal use. The last thing he remembered was the alarms blaring just before he blacked out. The control panel before him dead, no 'sign of life' with flashing lights or warning systems, the engines had cut out as well and he could only assume he had crashed, well obviously he had, but why?

He had been back on Alzoc III, some unfinished business there, which had been concluded and had decided to visit a planet so steeped in history that it was worth the detour before he was to return to Rhen Var and the Watch. It seemed his trip would be prolonged. Eventually, some form of cognitive rationale returned to him, his mind clearer and able to focus he decided there was no point in stay put, he had to find out what state his ship was in .. if it still held the ability to fly and so popping open the canopy the rain tumbled in and began to soak him to the bone.

Standing the wing, the ship was semi-submerged in the swamp. Looking around his surroundings, the cold hard light of day fought an age old battle to reach the floor of the swamp land, it afforded Théo the ability to see that vision was limited, mists rolling around the base of the tall trees, droplets of water clinging to the plant life and mud that looked as though it would swallow someone whole. The place is filled with copious life, and life forms, the force strong here and brimming with living sucker to feed the soul and senses of a Jedi. It is thrilling to say the least, intoxicating and heady.

He jumped off the wing into the swamp water and waded to the bank, it was hard going as the mud tried to suck him downward but soon he stood on solid ground completely covered in dank smelly mud, at least his flight suit afforded some sort of cover and his saber would be protected. Considering his options to find a way out, his senses picked on a disturbance through the force, something was coming ..

And it was not friendly ...

 

[Isla Ashen]

Isla Ashen sat slumped in the cockpit of an unmarked transport, a small, nondescript vessel that she had brought to Dagobah. Her mission was simple – walk in the shadows and observe. The trip into GA space had been relatively uneventful, but upon reaching the swamp planet, something had gone terribly wrong. The flame-haired disciple began to stir, head turning slowly from side to side, as her mind was flooded with images. She recalled flashing lights all around, a jarring siren sound, controls that had not obeyed her commands... and then nothing.

A pale hand rose to eye level, there was blood covering her palm. Her eyes blinked hard. There was pain now, too. Isla’s head was pounding, and her body felt tight and sore. She gathered that she had also sustained minor burns, bumps, and bruises but nothing so serious that she was incapacitated. Slowly she sat up, casting a glance around the darkened space, fingers reached out to the control panel before her. There were no lights to indicate power, the frantic throwing of switches and pressing of buttons did nothing. Her tiny ship was dead in the water... or rather, the swamp.

Isla unbuckled and moved to stand; her legs barely cooperated and nearly gave way beneath her. She took a moment to grasp the control panel, pulling breaths in slowly, and gathering herself. Some of the steadiness returned, and Isla’s hands went to work popping latches. It was not long before she could feel humid air upon her face, and she began to climb up and out of the ship. Isla’s form rose up, her eyes cast out about her surroundings. Her ship sat on the edge of land, but was slowly being pulled down into the depths of a murky swamp. This was not good, not at all.

Panic filled Isla, and there was a rush of energy that made her duck back into the ship, hastily grab whatever supplies were within reach and shove them unceremoniously into a sack. And now, the cloaked figure leapt from the cockpit and into the light of day. Boots carried her towards the wings, where she made the small jump down to solid ground. Green eyes became wide, and her head instantly turned. There was another force signature nearby, it was distinct and it was strong. Isla set her supplies upon her back and set out, moving towards the presence slowly and silently.

It was not long before her sharp eyes had found the source of light. A young man with dark hair stood alone, his ship appeared to be crippled as well. Isla crouched nearby in the underbrush, watching carefully and warily.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

The only thing to move was his eyes as they shifted toward the being hiding within the undergrowth. He had sensed her approach yet she seemed as cautious as he was. Yet it was not her that set his force awareness on alert. At this point the sound of engines, a ships engines, grew louder as it skirted the tall tree tops, hydraulic doors opened with a thud and the whirl of a vehicle dropped into their path. Théo's head snapped in the direction of the girl, his face would be clear of his sudden understanding of the situation and he ran toward her.

Following his foot falls, a spray of lazer fire hit the ground splattering dank water and mud high into the air, to be followed by a harsh hissing voice through loud speakers, a Trandoshian's voice. "You force users have only ten minutes to run before we hunt you down like the scum you are", there was no mercy in the voice, only the taint of a criminal and hunter, a sadistic waves of lust for blood could be felt through the force, and Théo knew the girl felt it too.

Breaking through the undergrowth, it was then he saw the young girl with a long mane of red hair and piercing emerald green eyes, the sight of her caused him to loose focus just for a moment. She looked startled which was understandable considering the circumstances, "If you want to live, come with me", he only slowed his pace for a moment in which to allow her to follow. They had to find some form of cover and work out a plan to get out of this. The situation had turned in the faction of a second, and there was no time to loose. Time for introductions later.

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[member="Isla Ashen"]​

 

[Isla Ashen]

Isla was captivated for a moment, her gaze still resting on the dark-haired man. But the distant sounds of engines and ships on approach sent a sliver of panic through her. Like a wild animal that had suddenly become spooked, her senses grew sharp and taut. Green eyes were shifting about in each direction, and as she turned back towards the light-sided stranger, she saw his head turn in her direction. The look on his face told Isla that he knew she was hiding there, and then he was suddenly in motion.

Just as Isla’s hand began to instinctively travel towards the saber on her hip, laser fire tore into the ground, just behind the boy’s heels. Isla shrank down further at the sound of an alien voice, and she listened as it announced that there would be a hunt. And they were the prey. The voice was hard and rough, and there was something about it that sent a shiver down Isla’s spine.

Isla nearly fell backwards as the boy’s form came bursting the brush. For a moment the two locked eyes, and in that moment there was only silence. Her expression betrayed her surprise, but she immediately attempted to make her face appear hard. But he spoke, breaking the quiet around them with a simple instruction. Isla did want to live, very much so – her choices were few.

And so, Isla followed after him. Her boots carried her swiftly, but she remained a few paces behind, so that she could still keep him in her line of sight. Though the situation was far direr than the presence of this light-sider, she was still wary. The minutes were slipping by, and it would not be long before the hunting party would be upon them. Her eyes searched their surroundings; there were trees, swamps, and what looked like a cave up ahead. It could provide the two with much needed cover, but it could also leave them trapped if their hunters descended upon them right away.

It was a risk.

“There – a cave.” She hissed forward at the boy, her feet carrying her faster to catch up. Her eyes seemed to ask ‘do you have something better in mind?’

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

His boots trod hard into the mud, splashing up greenish water in the wake. The sudden intrusion and loudness of the lazer fire, sent the wildlife scattering for cover as well. And as they ran, a trail of frightened creatures telegraphed their path and they had to find somewhere to stop this at least. He sensed the girl behind him, her caution as well and even in this rather dire set of circumstances, he grinned to himself. But it was to be expected he supposed, the taint of the darkside is firmly pulsing within her aura .. easy enough to detected for him, surrounded by users of the darkside within the Sanctum and the Watch, but her sense of purpose as a force user he was not privy to. She wanted to live, so did he and for now they had that as ally and commonality. And what unlikely allies they are.

Behind them, the hunters grew impatient .. the ten minutes had not elapsed and they began to track them. With no time to stop and reevaluate Théo looked around for an option, anything that would help them if only for a short time to think. But is was the girl that had discovered their slight glimmer of hope in the form of a cave. She was by his side now looking into his eyes with firmness, gone was the initial soft countenance she had given him the moment they had met. He realised it was a look he wanted to see again, a look he was already missing.

A cave, high risk .. but they had no option. "Come on then", he said with laboured breath and knowing the dangers this move might have for them. But they simply could not keep running, that would never be an option. Making sure she was with him, he ran for the entrance and soon found himself engulfed in the dark and wet place. Out of breath, he took a moment to settle leaning against the wall sucking in air. "We .. we can't stay here, they will trap us for sure unless there is another way out of this cave. If we go further in and there is a dead end ..". Well she would understand well enough.

"What's your name?", he suddenly asked.

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[member="Isla Ashen"]​

 

[Isla Ashen]

Isla offered a slight nod to her companion, and let her feet carry her quickly in the direction of the cave. A sheet of vines and other plant matter fell over the entrance, a bit of cover to hide them for a short while. However, if these hunters were smart, this would be one of the first places they would come looking. It was dark inside the damp cave, but there seemed to be enough room for the two to stand, without being too close. Isla’s gloved hand began to rove the side of the cave, feeling the cushy moss beneath her hand for a moment as she caught her breath. The voice of the boy spoke next to her, and Isla let her eyes shift in his direction, but did not immediately turn to face him. He was right; they could not linger here for long.

A moment of silence passed between them. But the next time the boy spoke, she was surprised to hear that he wanted to know her name. Her eyes blinked again, but she let her head shift to look back at him. It was then that she allowed herself to take in his appearance. His hair was thick, and his bright blue eyes contrasted strongly against the dark strands. She even ventured to guess that he was around the same age. Despite the light-aura that was nearly blinding to Isla, he had the look of a warrior.

“Call me Isla,” She said, her voice low. For now, she was still known as Isla Ashen, but that would soon change as she ascended the ranks of the Ren. “And what do I call you?”

She let her gaze linger with his for a moment more, before shifting her attention to the cave again. Hands were pressing against the shadowed walls, trying to feel for any areas that might give way into another chamber. But so far, her effort did not provide a way out. Isla’s hand began to clench into a fist, her frustration quite evident. The walls of the cave seemed to move closer to Isla’s shoulders, but she knew that it was only her imagination, for she disliked small spaces.

“I don’t want to be... trapped here.” She finally spoke again, “We should move on.”

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Her name is Isla. The girl with the brilliant greens eyes .. "I am Théo", he replied. For a moment he watched her, her hands moving along the walls of the cave to try and find some way out of here, he had to feeling there would not be and even if there was, the cave would prove unstable the deeper it went. The ground around them so moist it would probably never support a cave. "We don't have long .. and will need to move in the next minute or two. But before we do, we need to work out what and where we run too. They want us to run .. it is part of their desire to hunt. But more importantly we will need to get off this planet and my ship is wrecked. However they have a ship", a grin formed on his lips.

"We need to remove our threat and get that vehicle. One of us is going to have to be .. 'trapped'". He did not really like the idea of either of them placed in this position but there was little to no choice, unless Isla had thought of something better. Théo looked deep into her eyes, a question there to see if she did .. but moreover he was searching for the girl beneath the 'mask'.

The sense of frustration in the girl was understandable, no one likes to be forced into this and his hand moved toward her resting on her arm. "We won't be trapped, not here anyway .. and not without a fight", he said with a strong sense of purpose. "After all, we have the upper hand", he grinned, "We have the force on our side", with that Théo reached into the deep pocket of his suit and retrieved his lightsaber, he looked down on the hilt black and carved with Valkyri symbols to checked it over for any damage after he was happy 'Belawir' was sound did he flick his eyes up into her face.

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[member="Isla Ashen"]​

 

[Isla Ashen]

“Théo,” Isla said with a nod, just seeing what it was like to say his name. As he spoke, Isla crouched down slightly, listening to his voice and to the ambient sounds of the swamp. Indeed, this was a game, and the predators did want them to run. It was all for the thrill of the hunt, something that she knew all too well, and something she did enjoy. But she was not used to being the one pursued, certainly not like this. It was... unsetting. Isla perked a brow at the mention of their enemy’s ship, if they could get there; then they had the chance of survival and escape.

And she had not thought of another plan, this would have to work.

Out of the corner of her eyes she saw his hand moving towards her arm. Normally, she would have lashed out at him, for she did not like strange hands upon her. This time, something inside made her hesitate, and she let him place his arm for a moment. Isla’s eyes did narrow slightly, for she was of the darkness, it was part of her being. Some perhaps would call her a monster, for there were times that she killed, and she thought very little of it. There was no place for such tenderness, not for Isla. The Disciple of Ren was lacking her normal fire at the moment, it burned low, and she shrank away from Théo just so.

“Then let us go now,” She said after a brief silence, her eyes on the saber hilt he had pulled from the depths of his pocket. Emerald eyes lingered on the unfamiliar markings, and then she released her own from her hip. Isla gave the Jedi a steady nod. “I will follow your lead.”

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Before she moved away from him, Théo's eyes took in the shape of her face, the soft gentle line of her chin, her plump red lips which seemed to turn up at the corners, and her nose perfect in form. His eyes lingered over them all until finding her's once more, it was only then did he realise he was starting and soon corrected his indiscretion but returning to the situation at hand. However, the situation at hand in that moment was his mind marveling on how beautiful Isla is. He shook his head to clear his mind of those thoughts, he needed to remove them in order to focus on their escape and to get them both to freedom.

He parted the curtain of vines that had protected them from view and looked into the swamp, the rising mist from the water would aid them somewhat, the trees tall would limit the vehicle to progress, but if that proved to be a problem for the hunters he had no doubt they would get to ground. That might be when they could spring their own trap?

"See that area of trees?", he pointed, "If we can get into there, their vehicle will not be able to enter and they will have to walk in. This would be move advantageous to us and we could pick them off one by one". They might just be able to turn the hunt back upon them. However, these men had been hunters for years and have provided such sport for themselves and others and had become very clever in the process, they would have to be a clever as them to 'win'. Théo did not know of Isla's ability to hunt, nor she his after all, life on Midvinter has the Valkyri learning the art of the hunt from the moment they are able to hold a bow and arrow. Although Théo hunts for food not sport.

"We go together, draw them in that direction and then we will have to split up", he turned to look into her incredible green eyes once more, searching to see if she agreed with his plan or if she had a better idea. He would not risk reaching out to her through the force, the touch of his lightside aura might harm her but they needed a connection in order to know where the other was at all times. "Can .. can you sense me clearly enough?", he asked, he could of course through force awareness which is one of his main strengths, the ability to connect to the living force was strong in his family and a belief they all hold. As soon as she was ready, Isla could lead the way.

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[member="Isla Ashen"]​

 

[Isla Ashen]

Though she no longer lingered close to Théo, she still felt his eyes upon her. Isla turned slightly, her emerald eyes leveling with his again. What was the briefest moment of locked eyes seemed like ages, and it was followed closely by a bit of awkward turning of gazes and refocusing of minds. She watched silently as Théo’s hands drew the vines to the side, but she cast her gaze outside and followed in the direction he was pointing. Emerald orbs found the stand of trees; they were tall and clustered slightly. Indeed, their trunks would make it difficult for any vehicles that might be in pursuit.

“I understand,” Isla nodded slowly. Théo’s plan was worth a shot – it could work. Her left hand slid to her belt, instead of finding her hunting knife, her fingers only found only empty space. That spot used to be home to her favorite hunting knife. The primitive weapon had been something she carried for sentimental reasons, but now it was lost in the sandy desert of Tatooine. It was a comfort she missed, but she would just have to carry on.

Isla’s body tensed in anticipation, still crouched down near the entrance of the cave. But the sound of Théo’s voice again made her pause. He was asking if she could sense him clearly. Théo was a bright spot in the dark, and his presence was now familiar and recognizable. Though, there was a part of her that wished for him to succumb to the will of the darkness, like she had. Did he know the touch of the shadow? His presence was pure; she did not think that it had ever known such dark things.

“Yes, I can sense your presence.” She answered, eyes closing for a short moment. Isla did not ask whether or not he could easily find her aura – it was dark where his was light, and she assumed that it would be just as easy for him to feel. Isla inched forward, her forehead came forward out of the cave and her eyes scanned the area quickly. There were no immediate threats that she could see, but there was the sound of footsteps and vehicles. Isla’s head turned back, viewing Théo from over her shoulder and she gave him a steady nod.

The Disciple of Ren emerged from the small cave, eyes sharp and cautious. She moved with intention, each step pressing down evenly into the muddy ground. Isla’s fingertips twitched at her sides, growing eager in anticipation. The flame-haired woman would be caught easily in their sights, as would the form of Théo moving next to her.

And then, there was movement in the brush. Men dressed in camouflage, bits of local flora attached to their bodies to aid in the illusion. Blaster bolts were sent sailing towards the two force users.

“Head for cover!” She shouted, making haste for the trees, trusting that her companion would do the same.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

He hated the idea of moving from the cave, not because of any danger without, but it meant the end of the closeness to Isla. Even if furtive and unsure. Yet, they could never stay, the situation did not allow for it, nor inclination and so after assuring Isla he could sense her too, purposefully in fact, they left the confines of the small space. Théo, reached out his awareness throughout the forest, the myriad of life in all its forms and glory spoke back to him through the energy of the force, giving him strength and power, drawing from it to be attuned and to use it. She moved with a sense of grace, even in this dank dark place, even in her darkness.

They are close by, in the undergrowth waiting and watch for the first sign of movement, they know they are there and ready for them when Isla and Théo emerge. Isla called out, and made for cover, Théo followed her, taking up rear guard to protect her. It is the honour within him that does this, apart from the fact he is Jedi, it is a way of life for him, to protect others against a threat to them. And besides all that, the idea of those green eyes never shining again he could never bear.

The two darted into the thicker part of the forest, rifle bolts scorching the bark of the trees, "Isla!, take cover in that bank of trees", he did not have to yell, she was beside him and most likely had seen the good vantage point herself. The sound of the vehicle spluttered behind them, shifting as it made it's way around the trees unable to penetrate the dense growth, low voices could be heard but no words discernible but the tone spoke volumes, anger and frustration but they would not give up that easy.

They could take a breath with the lower part of the tallest tree, vast with age it's roots long and winding weaved a encasement they could enter, and once more be out of sight, at least for a moment. "Okay, they will come in on foot now, and .. now we must separate to have a chance. There is five of them on ground and one in the vehicle", he looked at her square in the eyes and moved to stand directly in front of her only inches away. "I .. I don't want anything to happen to you", he said softly and was surprised by his own words, but he meant them. His gaze lingered over her face, this time he did not care if she saw it.

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[member="Isla Ashen"]​

 

[Isla Ashen]

Isla could feel the branches reaching for her as they ran, and she could sense the air becoming charged all around them. There was the faint smell of smoke, the rifle bolts missing their intended marks, but finding the mossy tree trunks instead. Isla’s black boots pounded the ground, the uneven terrain of the forest floor was familiar, and she felt the hunter within coming to the surface. And though the two force users were currently making for cover, there was a part of the Ren that wanted to keep running, moving wild and free through the woods. But this was not a time for leisure, and she was swiftly reminded of this fact as Théo called out to her.

Now behind the shelter of a time-worn tree trunk and she crouched down next to Théo. There was an almost feral look in the woman’s eyes, a hunger for blood, and a need to satisfy that craving. Darkness began to grow around her with each breath, flowing freely from her as she felt the torrent of aggression forming within. This feeling was not directed at Théo, but he would surely feel it too. Though her gaze was focused out into the foliage, she listened carefully to her companions words. Yes, these men would walk right into them soon, and they would find that their game had taken a different turn.

“I will fight my way through to the vehicle,” She said, if they could disable the driver, it would be theirs to take. Five men were not so many, especially for two force users like Isla and Théo. Then again, these men were experienced and they wanted to spill blood, too. While Isla had been cautious before, she appeared almost stony and unafraid now in the face of danger. However, she was caught off guard as she stood to her full height, Théo’s form now in front of her. She could feel his eyes burning into hers, and she was surprised to hear the softness in his voice.

He was worried about her safety. Why? Isla found this confession confusing, and felt a torn sense of conflict twisting in her chest. She did not wish Théo to come to harm, she would like to see him walk away from this alive and well. But, she knew that she was not meant to feel this way. As she looked into Théo’s blue eyes, she felt as though the ground had been taken from beneath her. She was falling deep into the unknown.

“Do not worry,” She voiced finally, a hand reached for his shoulder, without even thinking. But she withdrew it quickly. “I will be fine.”

A moment later, Isla had banished these foreign feelings and returned to the darkness. She took shelter there, in the familiar, and prepared for the task at hand. With a last look back at the dark haired boy, she slipped away to the right.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Always be aware of your surroundings, the words of his former master so ingrained in him now it was second nature to do so. The Force, the living force so rich on this planet, filled him with untapped energy and strength and he connected to it, to use it to get them both out of this situation. As the hunters moved in on their location, time had run out for Isla and he to remain hidden within the relative safety of the vines, no where would be safe for them until the they are 'removed'. She had not been the only one to feel a sense of confusion with the turmoil of emotions, after all they are but beings that operate with them, whether Jedi or no. The differences of the use of them still as old as the ages, however but Théo was more open to them compared to some Jedi. Emotions inform him, but do not dictate his action at least not without the calm of mind in order form a 'judgement' for action.

Just for a moment, he stood to watch each hateful step take her away from him, the image of her soft hand reaching for him almost torturous as her hand had been stayed and never found it's resting place upon his shoulder. But he could not linger, her life was now in danger and he had to draw as many of the hunters away from her so she could obtain the vehicle. Théo darted out of cover to the left, making sure they saw his movement among the trees and as his feet plowed through the mud he weaved a path pulling them to him. Three of the hunters split from their group and ran after him, voices firing off instruction in a language he did not know but their intent was evident in the tone.

He had managed to pull a little distance from them, allowing him a brief moment to hide behind a tree. Igniting his saber, the white blade hummed to life before his face as his head turned, focus through the force told him of their position, he did not need the use of his eyes to find them. He stepped out in clear view, saber at the ready and it was not long before a fizzing rifle bolt fired on him, only to be followed by another. His blade a flashing blur, blocked the bolts sending them away to do no harm, and he waited for the moment a clear shot to take out the first of them. His line of sight blocked by several trees and so he moved sideways until a clear line presented itself, he did not hesitate as a bolt directed at him reached it's target. Twisting his wrist and with the full power of the force the bolt was directed back to the hunter hitting him square in the chest and he dropped to the ground.

The remaining hunters sent up a roar of anger when one of their companions had fallen, only inciting them further to kill, to see the blood of their prey stain the mud. There was still two more of them to be dealt with, and not remaining stationary Théo moved once more deeper into the dense swamp. Split attention, trying to keep his mind focused was becoming increasingly hard, he searched for Isla finding her in the distance, the aura of the darkside pulsing within the force making her powerful. It was like she relished this, it was like she was 'living'. He had to wonder for a moment, if she knew of the power of the light .. had that end of the spectrum ever entered her curiosity.

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[member="Isla Ashen"]​

 

[Isla Ashen]

Isla sensed movement off to the left; she didn’t need to look to see that Théo had started to move through the brush. Her sharp ears could hear the small branches against his pants, and the soft sound of footfalls in the dirt. But her attention was now allowed to linger on the Jedi for long, for the pack of hunters needed thinning. She watched as three of the men broke off after Théo, and it left two of them behind for Isla. The woman walked through the trees, her saber hilt now in the grip of her gloved hand. The two hunters had not yet seen her, and just as they moved to join their companions, Isla leapt out into their path.

The crimson saber ignited and the harsh light of the blade cast the area around her in a sinister glow. While her appearance had been quite sudden, it had not thrown the two hunters off their guard, they were ready. Both of them had their rifles trained on Isla, but she was not afraid in the face of danger. Her face was calm and still, almost like smooth porcelain, but any trace of benevolence was gone now. A wicked grin formed on Isla’s face, and she watched as both men fired. The first bolt was deflected easily by her saber, and the one that followed cut through the air next to the side of her head, just missing as she spun away.

The feelings of aggression were growing in her chest, and she drew from these feelings. Isla pulled the darkness in all around her, feeling the strength of the force moving through her limbs. With teeth gritted, she pushed off the ground with the toe of her boot, her blade swinging in a clean diagonal. The hunter was cut from the shoulder to the opposite hip, and Isla watched him fall with a measure of satisfaction. Her first kill of the day had given her a thrill, and she was hungry for more now. It was no longer a matter of survival, she was a part of their game now, and she was playing to win.

Emerald eyes flashed in the direction of the second hunter, his eyes were narrowed dangerously. Each began to step to the side, engaging in a dance of sorts. Both of them were sizing the other up, and both of them plotting their next move. However, the vehicle in the distance had found Isla in its sights. Though it could not enter very far into the wooded area, it still had guns to fire. Images of blaster fire appeared in her mind, and she managed to dive out of the way just in time. She would need to stay alert.

Just before turning her focus back to the hunter, she felt Théo’s presence in the distance. It was reassuring, but she did not dwell. Once more, Isla sprang to her feet, her gaze honing in on her target.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

He ran deeper into the swamp, drawing the remaining two men away from the others. The sound of water splashing as each one of them ran, was the only thing Théo could hear, the wildlife having decided solitude was the best place to be while these strange beings attempted to kill one another. There was no clear direction in his path, no notable location or land mark that would aid him, just more of the same, wet dank swamp. Once he had deemed them isolated enough for him to deal with them, Théo stopped and stood his ground, and waited.

The two men closed in from left and right, their rifles held casually in their hands and sickly grin broke across their reptilian faces, tongues flicking out of their mouths as if to taste the air and the scent of their prey. Théo's eyes watch each of their feet touch the muddy surface, his own grin forming on his face. Extended hand lifted to point directly at one of them, the pull of the force ripped along his arm and with a powerful push one of the hunters flew through the air and hit the truck of the nearest tree with such great force, Théo heard to the snap of his spin. He held the man there pinned to the bark, just enough for his companion to see it, to instill fear and doubt into his mind, before letting him go and fall to the mud below his feet.

No more running, his finger curled open to take hold of the hilt of his saber once more and Théo began to walk with delibrate form toward the only man standing before him. The rifle snapped up and in prone position, but drawing ever closer, Théo could see in his eyes a sense of uncertainty, there is hesitation in his step, in his mind and Théo played with that, with subtle 'suggestions' through the force, directly to the man's mind. No words spoke, there are not required.

Isla is fine, he could sense her, feel her strong through the force. Her presence becoming a pulsing beckon to him, her radiant life essence beginning to etch onto his aura and the sense of the hunt coming from her intoxicating .. he knows this feeling too. The thrill of it, kill or be killed .. Jedi experience it too. Valkyri even more so. An emotion of desire weaved along his force presence, it was for her, and she would feel it, he wanted her too now more then ever.

​

[member="Isla Ashen"]​

 

[Isla Ashen]

There were ripples through the force; they washed over Isla like rain. It was Théo, she knew it, and she could feel it. There was something different laced within the force presence now, it was not a completely foreign feeling for Isla, but perhaps – she had never felt it this way before. It was desire, and that alone could speak to many things, but Isla could feel that it was meant for her. Isla was not sure what to think.

But there was no time for thinking, for she had set eyes on her prey.

Isla bowed her head slightly, looking forward at the alien man in front of her. A dangerous gleam in her green eyes and an eerie smile present on her pale face. For a brief moment, he looked disarmed by her, perhaps not having expected to face off against a woman that seemingly liked to fight. She felt the breeze grabbing hold of her dark cloak, making it billow behind her slightly, revealing her athletic form. Time seemed to slow down, she could hear the next rounds being fired off by the vehicle’s gun, she could see the snarl forming on her opponent’s mouth, and she felt her feet pushing off the ground.

In the blink of an eye, her saber cut through the space between her and the hunter. His weapon fell to the ground, smoking and useless now. She watched as his hands grabbed blindly for his belt, trying to loosen anything they could find. But Isla would not give him the chance. A sound that was almost like a growl escaped from between Isla’s gritted teeth, her next swing ended his life. She watched as his eyes went blank, and his body crumped at her feet.

Her gaze flickered in Théo’s direction; he was in the distance, but not so far away that she could not see him. There were red blaster bolts honing in on Isla’s position, they cut into the ground and trees around her. Isla reached inward, until she could access the place in her heart where she kept all of her darkness. There was anger, there was hate, and she kept it deep within for safe keeping. For where there were shadows, there was power. Isla’s dark presence grew, like a fog beginning to fill the space around her. The force flowed through her and it gave her strength. Isla darted forward, using the added speed of the force to throw the vehicle’s driver and his gunners off their guard.

It wouldn’t be long now.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

The mind manipulation was working well, a little too well. The show of fear in the hunters eyes turned them white and once more the rifle barrel raised to aim at Théo. The first bolt fizzed through the air, followed quickly by a second and as he continued to walk toward the hunter, Théo deflected the bolts with casual ease. His blue eyes had never left those of the man, nor the lack of emotion on his face but his Valkyri blood raged through his body, the heat of it fueling his wanting for a kill. But he is no killer, not in this situation where their is an option to defuse a threat without the need for death.

Pulling the living force to him, through the ability to connect with the surroundings, he calmed his mind and blood enough to retake control of his emotions and judgement. Again, his arm raised directly in front of him, his palm showing flat to the hunter as if he wanted to indication to stop, only a swift flick of the wrist would prove otherwise in his intent. The hunter had moved into a position Théo had hoped, both of the men squaring off within the swallow waters of the swamp which was lined with the tall old trees gnarled with age and from below the water a snaking root of the nearest tree wrapped around the hunters legs, gripping him tight as it traveled rapidly up his body. Théo's fingers guided the root until his arms and rifle are pinned to the side of his body.

It was too late, the hunter tried in vain to pull himself from the grasp of the root but the more he tried the tighter the root bound him to the spot. Théo extinguished his white blade and stood in front of the man, hissing and spitting insults toward him. Théo ignored this while clipping his saber to belt and looked back into the eyes of the hunter now, hunted. "You and your companions will never hunt sentient prey again, come night fall and the creatures of this swamp arise from the waters to hunt, it will be you and your mates that will be the hunted .. and now your fate is in your own hands and wit". The three men, one stunned by his own rifle bolt, the other with a broken back and now the trapped hunter will be left alive by Théo, to survive if they can.

Now it was time to find Isla, he left the man standing in the water without a second though to go find her. Some distance away, he could see the flash of a red blade, the pull of the darkside rippling through the force and fueling her with power and he ran to her passing one of the bodies laying in the mud dead. He arrived to see the second fall to the ground, life force leaving his body before joining the force. He could see her face now, alive with the kill and the darkness, it was frightening and beautiful.

"Isla", he said softly as he approached her, on alert in case she turned on him in this moment. "We need to get to the vehicle, now". They had to go immediately in case the pilot left before they had the chance.

​

[member="Isla Ashen"]​

 

[Isla Ashen]

As Isla moved in the direction of the vehicle, leaving the two bodies behind her, she sensed footsteps behind her. There was an inkling of familiarity inside her, but the embrace of darkness was strong. The flame-haired Ren spun around, turning to face Théo – her emerald eyes fierce and wild. Her expression was hard and almost feral, her fingers closed tight around the hilt of her saber. A split second passed, she could feel Théo’s strength, and there was part of her that wished to bring him down. His light-sided aura burning and blinding to her. However, restraint and control won her over in the end.

She only nodded in response to Théo’s words, taking off once more, this time with him at her side. The vehicle was easily found among the trees, the pilot inside was expecting them. And as their forms became visible to him, blaster bolts were in the air once more. Isla ran swiftly, her boots light upon the ground, as if they barely touched it.

The fire from the vehicle cut through the branches all around her, and broke against the sodden ground of the swamps. Isla pushed forward, her lungs pulling in deep gulps of air. She tore away from Théo, drawing the vehicle’s fire to the left. The blaster bolts were on her heels now, kicking up a large spray of mud. Her concentration would be focused on disabling the vehicle’s weaponry, or at least distract the gunner long enough for Théo to hopefully break inside.

As they got closer, she could see that the craft was heavily armored – just as she had suspected it was.

Her eyes found the blasters that were mounted on top, the barrel of the gun turning to track her. There was only once chance, a misplaced step or a second of lost focus would mean a sure death. Isla dug her boot into the ground, pushing off with as much speed as she could muster. As she grew closer, she had to doge a few shots sent her way, but soon leapt directly to the top of the vehicle. Her red saber hummed menacingly as it met the blaster’s barrel, cutting off their offensive.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Flecks of mud hit his face, as Isla and he ran forward toward the vehicle. The pull on the force told him she had changed course to the left drawing the more powerful volleys to her, even though her skill and intelligence in this situation was clever, he could not help but worry for her, her safety was paramount to him now. Yet, the situation deemed for drastic measures and he was not shy of taking action required to resolve this. Nor was she, they both wanted to live and get out of here, but it was thrilling. The heightened sense of danger and threat made him feel alive. The look on her face, in her eyes so wild with it as well which served to bring forth the wanting in him for her. How had this happened? What power did she posses that had his mind on her and her alone?

No time to speculate now.

From the back of the vehicle, Théo climbed up and found the hatch. In the rush of the hunt turning on the hunters, the man inside had not locked the it, to focused on his companions and their demise in one form or another, and the rage of this pumping the want for revenge for them. Théo pulled open the hatch, a sudden startled face looked up at him, his primary weapons disable by Isla, and now he looked to the palm of the man facing him. With one firm grip with the force, Théo pulled the man up and out of the vehicle and through the hatch, sending him high into the air, flaying legs and arms until he hit the high trunk of a tree and crumpled to the ground, the force of the impact and the hit had killed him.

Théo stood up, stretched his back, rolled his shoulders and looked for Isla, his chest heaving with the adrenaline, his eyes finding her's and he smiled. They had control of the vehicle now. A flick on the button of his saber and the white blade extinguished, he held out his hand for her to take to aid her climb to the hatch. "Come my lady, your ride out of this swamp is ready". She too looked a mess with mud covering her face and clothing no more or less then his state, and she looked so beautiful for it.

​

[member="Isla Ashen"]​

 

[Isla Ashen]

From the top of the vehicle, she could see the guns attempting to move and shift. The man inside was likely unhappy that his weapon had ceased to be functional. Isla turned slightly, briefly catching sight of Théo making his way through the hatch toward the rear of the craft. A wicked grin formed on her face, she could feel the presence of their hunter inside, now faced with the looming sense of dread. Isla could feel his fear, and she watched with satisfaction as the hunter’s body was sent out of the vehicle with such force and speed. His last moments were spent in the air, until his body collided quite harshly against the trunk of a tree.

Isla was impressed; it pleased her to know that Théo had just killed. The last Jedi she had encountered on the desert world of Tatooine had given her the impression that all light-siders took to a gentle way. A way that saw their opponents crawling away, perhaps maimed but still living.

The flame-haired woman dropped easily from the top of the vehicle, her feet landing on the muddy ground. Her eyes peeked into the hatch, immediately spotting Théo and the smile on his face. Isla’s gloved hand reached for his; she pulled herself inside, closing and locking the hatch behind her. Her cloak was drenched, as were her tunic and trousers beneath – the cold water of the swamps seeping through the fabric to her skin. Isla knew that her pale face was now mostly obscured by dirt and mud, and there were bits of debris in her tangle of red strands. But she did not mind.

Isla was the type of woman that wore these things like a badge of honor.

Her bright eyes took in Théo’s appearance, he looked much the same, and it made her grin. For a moment, she almost found herself becoming lost in his gaze. The darkness flowing around her had never left, but now began to burn low – almost tempting him to walk willing into the embrace of the shadows.

“You fought well,” She said simply, inching closer on her way toward the co-pilot’s chair, her eyes never leaving his.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]