Path to Patience

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Melori Raaf"]

Yawning, Taeli walked down the ramp of her ship to see her sister already up and moving. Taeli . . . was not one for being an early riser if she could avoid it, so her hair was a mess right now, a steaming cup of caffeinated tea in her hand, and she was still in her sleepwear.

"Not a word to anyone," Taeli said, taking a dignified sip of her tea, well as dignified as a Sith Lady could be when she was still half asleep from staying up late reading and having bed head. "I'm not a morning person in the slightest, especially if I was up reading. Luckily, I know how to unlock those memories for you to see."

Noticing the berries, she kept her face perfectly neutral and her Force presence carefully guarded. She had already recognized food would be an excellent way to the neeks' trust, if she could get them over her being nearby or if the berries were poisoned. Still, while Melori was out trying to lure a neek back to camp, she would let her ponder stuff.

"So while you are out trying to get a neek, every day I'm going to give you a question to ponder and think about," she said, taking another sip from her cup. "Today's question will be, what was your true motivation for seeking out the Sith? I don't want to hear it was to strike a blow at Corvus or to gain power, those are the easy answers and I'll be looking for the hard and thoughtful ones. When you return to the camp, I expect an answer to the question when we start your Force training for the evening. Clear?"

 

[Darth Timoris]

Melori did her best not to smirk at Taeli. She’d never seen her in any way other than immaculate. So this morning was an eye-opener.

“My lips are sealed,” she smiled and genuinely wondered who’d she’d tell – even if she wanted to. “Especially with that news.”

But she wrinkled her nose at the thought of a question. Melori was more of a practical sort – but she trusted her sister and Master and so acquiesced. “Question, neek without using the Force, Force training. And how long do I have to spend getting the creature back here?” She held up a hand, “Don’t tell me…all day?”

So she stood and flexed her muscles. “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be, and the quiz question is locked away. And what made you think I'd say her?” She smiled as she left camp, heading to where those annoying reptiles were supposed to be.

[member="Darth Arcanix"]

 

[Darth Timoris]

As she gazed at them, Melori couldn’t help but think these reptilian herbivores were ugly. The adults appeared about a third of a metre in height and tended to flock together – a writhing mass of leathery skin and long tails. They walked on their hind legs and the small grey creatures could really move quickly when they wanted to. And as they were scatty and clearly paranoid they would run at the merest hint of danger.

But she’d learned some things about Zannah and Bane given her Master’s interest. Their game-plan for example. ‘Secrecy. Cunning. Patience. These are the weapons of the Sith.’ And she had to concur.

So she sat near one of the caves near the shore of Lake Natth, a few kilometres from their camp. Here clearly lived a small family of neeks. Her task was simple enough – bring one of them to her Master, alive and unfettered.

Except they would flee at the sight of her, scampering off to disappear into the small cracks and crevices in the rocks surrounding the caves where they made their home. She couldn't simply set a trap for one; her Master’s instructions required her to bring her one that came of its own free will.

So she started with the simplest of solutions. Using the berries, she had tried luring them back to the camp by leaving a trail of food. Except the stupid creatures were mistrustful and spurned her offerings. And her Master had forbidden her to use the Force.

So as the day wore on, she simply gathered the berries, put them back in her pocket save for a few and piled a half a dozen in front of her and sat cross-legged and contemplated her sister’s question. She may not return today with a neek, but she had to have a solution to the query.

And despite the question being as simple to understand as the neek conundrum, it was no easier to unravel. In truth, she did not know why, having left her sister for dead, she’d taken her ship to Prakith. It seemed the obvious destination but as for a motivation? But she sat quietly, her lack of patience bubbling up every now and then and resulting in a loud sigh. And from the noises in the surrounding bushes, she was scaring away any neeks that might have been brave enough to find out who she was.

It was indeed a very good lesson. Not one she’d enjoy, but – no doubt – a necessary one. Bane would no doubt have approved. Zannah was probably on Melori’s side she mused. But why the Sith? She could quote the Code, which drove her now, but that was not known to her at the time – so it couldn’t be that.

Finally she figured it out. Opening her eyes, she could see many pairs staring back at her from the nearby bushes. She kept very still but then she heard the unmistakeable sound of a hssiss. The neeks scattered and seeing the sun was close to setting, Melori decided it was time she moved on – in case the dark side dragon came looking for her.

So she approached the camp neek-less – but suspected her sister was not surprised. “I am making progress Master,” she said, “And I have an answer for you.”

[member="Darth Arcanix"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Melori Raaf"]

Taeli had spent the first day of her sister being out with the neeks preparing the ritual to unlock the talisman she had found. It was an interesting spell she had to attempt, combining several different things as she didn't have access to the Nightsister magic used in the amulet. Modified runes, some potions poured over it, and a few other things to empower and unlock the memories contained within.

She wondered how her sister was enjoying her day, it would prove to be an extremely tough if she started to lose patience at the neeks not coming to her. Time was needed, and then she roused from her thoughts as her sister reached camp. Taeli hadn't even noticed it had pass to the late evening, she had been so absorbed in her work.

"Progress is always good to have, my apprentice," she replied, rolling her shoulders as she stretched. She indeed was not surprised that there was no neek following quietly behind her sister, that would be ridiculous if there were. "So tell me, Melori, what answer have you come up with to the first question posed to you?"

 

[Darth Timoris]

Of course Melori chose not to share the frustration she’d felt so far. In fact she’d been too busy thinking to be truly agitated. She was bound to be successful tomorrow, right?

That arrogance kept her desire for immediate results at bay for now, so she looked to see what was to eat and seeing nothing, started to help herself to the berries in her pocket.

“In truth, and I mean in truth, I’m still not entirely sure. And that’s not a way of avoiding the answer, for you’ll have one.”

“Back on Corellia, all I wanted was Corvus’ death.” She held up a hand in case Taeli jumped in too quickly. “I even planned it. But when I faced her, I couldn’t do it. I left her for dead, but had I really wanted her dead, I would have finished the job. I wanted then and want now more than that. I wondered if it was her humiliation, but that’s not it either. For that would be about her and I know that whatever drives me is about me.” She touched her chest with the tip of her thumb and forefinger as she spoke. “I’ve been branded a failure all my life and I know I’m not. I know I’m capable of so much more. I want, no I demand, to be the best I can be. And the Sith will allow me to become that version of Melori that is as powerful and as free as I can be. I came to the Sith because I am selfish. Because I shall be revered for who I am and only the One Sith can unlock that potential in me. That is something I just…know.” She looked at her sister, unsure if she was going to be satisfied with the answer – but it was the only one she had.

[member="Darth Arcanix"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Melori Raaf"]

"Glory is what drew you then?" Taeli said, summoning a ration bar to her with the Force. "Fortune and glory, kid, fortune and glory are a driving force for many Sith. I don't personally subscribe to that, but then you know me. I'm a bookworm and don't like to draw too much attention to myself from others, whether they be allies or enemies."

Taking a bite of the ration bar, she chewed slowly while she thought about her sister's answer some more. Selfishness was nothing new for what drove Sith, there was a reason why many Jedi claimed the Sith only looked inward and not out, they were known for pursuing their own glory and goals first and foremost. continued saying, "That's a somewhat adequate answer for the first question, but let me say this. I don't consider you a failure, you make me proud in how much you've grown, even in the few short months of your training. I might not agree with your motivations, but then everyone is different and free to pursue that which they want to."

Taking another bite, she smiled after swallowing and said, "Well, I'll have to think of a new question for you tonight, and we will do the ritual to unlock the amulet in a bit, but in the meantime..."

A powerful Force Push would blast its way towards her sister, as Taeli had decided while doing her work that the best way for Melori to get better while here was to duel her big sister every night.

 

[Darth Timoris]

Melori’s eyes flashed. “Not glory…fear. I want to be feared not revered. And money means nothing to me. I don’t want my short time in this galaxy to count for nothing. I want to be remembered long after my death."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMvCNbVXZzg&index=6&list=PLWj4Le5k5V-dRNqFaxkLH3K0CsQspA_tN

There was no concept in Melori’s mind that perhaps she’d spoken out of turn - she was just being honest to her sister and perhaps for the first time she’d been truthful with herself about her motivation for pursuing her life with the One Sith.

But no sooner had she reflected on that very fact, than she was aware her sister had thrown her backwards with a powerful Force Push. And as she’d been taught, she went with the direction of the blast, allowing herself to be blown backwards but by not fighting it, she was able to control her flight. Landing on two feet her right hand temporarily went to ground to balance herself - she’d been caught unawares after all - she was almost surprised to note her left hand already had her saber hilt clutched in it’s palm. She smiled at her sister…if she wanted a fight, she’d bring one to her.

With a snap-his the crimson blade sprang to life and she deftly closed the gap between them with the utmost elegance. She was assured enough now with Makashi not to risk any serious damage to her sister - but she still only had a few weapons and this was arguably her most useful to date. But as she walked forward, she looked around the camp-site for anything she could use.

[member="Darth Arcanix"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Melori Raaf"]

"Fair warning, Melori," Taeli said, igniting her own lightsaber and bringing it up in a proper Makashi salute. "I'm much better with a saber than Veles since he only focuses on his illusions and stealth."

She could see her sister's eyes darting around the camp, checking to see what weapons she might be able to improvise. Good, always had to check one's surroundings. Moving slowly in a circle to force her sister to either circle opposite her or give her an easy opening, Taeli examined every bit of her sister's body language. She could see the confidence there, the borderline arrogance never far behind that. A dancer's grace and flexibility would certainly give her sister a better reach. Curved hilt meant strange angles for her attacks, long reach.

All in all, she was certainly starting to take confidence in her combat techniques. Taeli took pride in her skills with the saber, but knew she was more inclined to using the Force in battle. There was a reason she only really knew Makashi and using her double-bladed saber, unlike Ferus who had spent a very long time mastering each lightsaber form.

 

[Darth Timoris]

Melori had heard that her sister was a former fencing champion. In fact she was sure she’d mentioned it…like a thousand times…

So she was under no illusion this would be a fight she had any chance off winning – but then that wasn’t the point. You improve by facing those that are better than you. You learn techniques and moves that will make you better – whereas against your peers you simply put into practice what you’d learned. And as her experience of sparring with Lords was limited to just the one, she knew she needed to broaden her range of partners.

As the dance began, Melori effectively mirrored her sister, they circled each other and maintained a constant distance. And her sister even gave her clues or rather tips. At range, her saber was useless – but then so was her sister’s. If she was so much better with the weapon, better Melori keep that distance for as long as possible. Looking around, she saw her robe lying on top of one of the boxes. With a flick of her wrists, she lifted it and attempted to throw it over her sister’s head. At the same time she closed the gap, looking to see if she could score with a tap to the thigh before retreating as quickly but as gracefully as she could.

[member="Darth Arcanix"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Melori Raaf"]

The robe came flying at her, and for just a moment, her sister was obscured from vision as Taeli dealt with the robe. Flicking it away with the Force, she did it just in time to see her sister strike at her thigh. Her lightsaber went down and blocked the attack, even as her sister backed up, just as she should do as a Makashi user. Taeli wasn't going to let her get away with such an attack easily though.

Following her sister with measured steps, with one hand behind her back as was traditional in fencing, she kept a constant stream of probing attacks and feints to keep her off balance. It also had the added benefit of keeping her sister on the defense and allowing Taeli to observe that defense for any exploitable flaws. She wasn't aiming to launch real attacks yet, she wanted to know everything about her sister's style.

Testing, probing, prodding, the light attacks came from every which way. Knowledge was power after all, and she wanted to know everything about her sister's style firsthand to point where she needed to get better.

 

[Darth Timoris]

The robe was arguably her best chance. She had the element of surprise and she came close - but not close enough. As with Veles, it was all about the footwork. Melori’s had improved since she’d taking up the ballet once more and the combination of dancing and her running had definitely had a positive effect on her fitness.

But Taeli was relentless, no single press for an advantage, rather a constant flow of attacks and feints that allowed her no respite or chance for a counter. And she knew the longer it progressed, the more likely she would either become ragged or simply make a mistake.

So she needed to retake the advantage somehow. Seizing a short gap in attacks as her opportunity, she shifter her saber from left to right hand and switched her stance accordingly. Hoping her sister’s eyes would follow the transfer of the hilt, she kept her left hand raised and gave a quick Force Push at her sister’s left knee, hoping to affect her stance and present her with an opening.

[member="Darth Arcanix"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Melori Raaf"]

Her sister seemed just a touch overwhelmed by her probing attacks, and she seemed to want to try everything in her power to stop Taeli's advance. Following her switching hands, Taeli felt the Force Push impact against her left knee, and she felt some measure of pride at her sister's actions. Good distraction, clever use of the Force to throw off her footwork a bit. Would give her sister an opening to try and break Taeli's light assault.

Stumbling a little, she could have easily recovered from the attack by using the momentum to her advantage, but that wouldn't be teaching her sister after all, at least this time she used this particular trick. Next time, Taeli would be much more inclined to work with it and keep her attack up. Now, Taeli would give her the chance to try a few shots, giving her the opening she wanted and making it appear she had caught Taeli off guard.

Set the trap with bait. Spring the trap when the moment is at its most opportune.

 

[Darth Timoris]

If there was something she’d learned from sparring so far it was that she didn’t take opportunities when they presented themselves. The Mon Cal had chided her for this lack of a killer instinct. Yet, so early in a bout, she was wary of committing to a decisive attack until she knew her opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. It could be a feint or it could be her best chance of ending the spar.

Deciding fortune favoured the brave, she pressed forward. It was not going to be a critical hit – not only because it was just practice, but also that was not her style. Makashi was about wearing the opponent down – even if they too were using the second Form. So she darted in for a strike at her sister’s knee before dancing back out of reach. Each was afforded an equal amount of effort and concentration. The hit was important but getting back out without being hit was equally vital.

[member="Darth Arcanix"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Melori Raaf"]

As her sister darted in, Taeli recovered her stance and deflected the attack in the nick of time, the heat of the blades catching making her leg warm and leaving a small heat welt. That was going to be annoying to sleep with, but Melori had been a touch predictable by going for her knee again. Then her sister started to dart and Taeli responded.

Following her sister, she started to unleash actual attacks on her now, but still combined with feints here and there.

"Do not make your attacks predictable," she chided, her lightsaber flicking every way to pressure her sister and force back and back towards the wall of one of their tents. She wasn't aiming for any particular area, but she had noticed a few things. One, her sister was still using her off-hand, as much as she practiced. Two, she was presenting her whole body as a target while Taeli was keeping her fighting profile small by angling her body slightly and keeping her free hand behind her.

"Never present your entire body towards me, that invites only a larger target for me to attack," she continued, her speed increasing to overwhelm and score a hit now. It didn't matter where, it was to prove a point.

 

[Darth Timoris]

Melori thought as she fought. One of the benefits of daily practice is that she’d learned a variety of short combinations and could perform them without conscious thought - allowing her to focus on what her opponent was doing, or keep an eye on her surroundings.

So she could listen to her sister’s advice as she realised she did tend to focus on the knees, and she did tend to turn her body too much, her stance way too open. As she looked to correct these things, she was aware of the sheer volume and pace of her sister’s attacks.

It was inevitable…she could only keep pace for so long before her defence was breached. Two strikes in quick succession found their way through. The first caught her thigh and as she was reacting to the hit, she was caught again on the arm. Chastising herself, she focused primarily on her stance and defence, looking to see what else she could learn form her sister’s attacks.

[member="Darth Arcanix"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Melori Raaf"]

Noting the small strikes, and knowing that they would slowly start to effect how her apprentice fought, Taeli slowed her attacks for a moment to analyze the new data. It would give Melori time to catch her breath, and to possibly try and counter-attack again. Taeli was expecting her to counter, as she had yet to really learn patience.

The thigh wound was a tempting opening to capitalize on, but would actually be the more obvious for that sort of thing and Melori would probably be ready for it. The arm would . . . presented a unique advantage Taeli could and would exploit. Once again ramping up her attacks, she had her strikes come in at slightly different angles than before, feints and stabs being thrown to keep her sister unknowing about Taeli's real target. Scoring another hit on her sister's arm, on the opposite side of the other wound would severely weaken the arm for the bout.

 

[Darth Timoris]

Having returned to basics, Melori was finding her improved stance was allowing her to defend more effectively. Or maybe her sister was simply slowing down? It was difficult to tell.

So she decided to press attacks again – but this time not to focus on the knees. At least not exclusively. So she kept her footwork neat, dancing in and out, mixing it up – upper body, lower body, arms, legs, hands – they were all targeted.

One thing was revealed – her sister had been holding back. The pace picked up again and the feints in particular were causing her problems given the pace of the attacks. And, as expected, her defence could not endure. This time it was the same arm but the other side. Realising she could not use it for the duration of the spar, Melori switched hands and allowed the now very painful forearm rest.

But if there was one thing that could not be levelled at Melori, it was an accusation of giving up. Instead she looked to imitate some of the feints she’d seen and if possible, pick up the pace of her attacks. Her focus and determination were credible against the better duellist.

[member="Darth Arcanix"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Melori Raaf"]

"Good, you're making progress," Taeli said, blocking and deflecting any attacks that her sister launched, but she was getting better. Her feints in particular needed a little work though, but practice would help with that. Still . . . it was time to end the duel for now, she had learned what she needed and they had a project to take care of after all.

Deflecting another strike from her sister, she turned inwards to be right against her sister and threw an elbow into her ribs before spinning out, past her injured arm and launching a Force Push at her again. If both blows connected, Taeli would disengage her lightsaber for the evening and smile at her.

 

[Darth Timoris]

Melori was aware she was making progress. Moves felt more natural and her pace was definitely quicker. But she was still an acolyte and her sister was a Sith Lady.

She nodded when her sister commented that she was improving but her resolve did not sway – she carried on relentlessly. But the margin was never more obviously felt than when one moment they were feinting and parrying and the next Melori received an elbow to her ribs and before she had time to react, she was on her derrière, having been Force Pushed to the floor.

Her sister’s smile said the training was over and Melori simply sat there. Not sulking, but going over those moves again in her head.

“Will this be a nightly occurrence?” Melori asked, “As I’ll wear padded pants if it is.” She stood up and walked over to a crate containing medical supplies and applied a couple of bacta patches. Pain was transitory, learning was eternal. It was – and always would be – a fair trade.

“So what’s next?”

[member="Darth Arcanix"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Melori Raaf"]

"Indeed, this will be a nightly occurrence, well this or some training in a Force power," Taeli replied. "Not going to waste a perfect opportunity to train you away from the hustle and bustle of the capital or observers, because the Sith always have eyes watching. Some acolytes get special treatment from Knights and Lords by keeping an eye on others to see what they are up to and steal secrets. It can be annoying sometimes, I've caught three acolytes trying to break into my study at the temple."

Smiling as she slid her lightsaber back into her bag, Taeli said, "Our next thing to do is we're going to unlock the flash memories in that talisman you found. We won't be able to get too many, mainly because I'm unfamiliar with Dathomiri Witch Magic, but the basic concept remains."

Gesturing for Melori to follow her, she would lead her sister over to a small circle of charred runes in the sand, the talisman sitting on a slightly raised surface in the center of the circle, blood runes drawn across it with a small circle over the very center that seemed to be waiting for a drop of blood to fill it.