That Voice Which Calls To Me...

[Connor Harrison]

Cliffhold
Iego, South Of Silver Sanctum Space

​

A world surrounded by thousands of moons. Situated on the edge of the Silver Sanctum grip and between the primitive Mandalorians and corrupt Hutt Cartel, the planet that was full of folklore and myth as an ideal spot for someone not wanting to be seen but wanting to watch to reside on.

Aerico cursed himself as he left the transport - he really needed to get a personal ship to get him from A to B. Mixed in with the crowds was something he loathed; never mind the looks he received, but just being near them all was uncomfortable with his current state of health.

The sun was a pale orb above Cliffhold, nestled as one would expect in the large cliff-face of the planet. The city had certainly expanded over the years and it was a peaceful place, but shrouded in darkness when the sun began to fade with only he waning natural light and that of the city itself keeping it lit.

Populated by immigrants looking to make a peaceful life for themselves under the eyes of the Sanctum, Cliffhold was as pretty and rich as the planet itself and one could look up into the heavens and see at least 5 of the moons at anytime of various shapes and colour. It had a dozen tall buildings, full of industry and businesses, but also a number of small outlets and businesses in the lower levels.

Aerico was here on business, tracing a target from his days with the Black Sun Crime Syndicate. While no longer affiliated with the Black Sun, he wanted to complete his assignment given to him years earlier, and knew this was the best spot between Factions to listen and learn. He was also interested in the planet itself, and wanted to gauge the growing Silver Sanctum Coalition and their place in the galaxy alongside the riddled Galactic Alliance.

He made his way up a spiral tower, clattering on the metal staircase, to look down over the southern point of Cliffhold and watch the landing pads. Not for anything in particular, but he wanted to simply watch the world below him and get a feel for things.

You never know who, or what, may come your way to change things forever.

[member="Valae Kitra"]

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Valae found herself aboard a Silver Sanctum transport vessel en route for Iego. The trip had been a bit spur of the moment, as she had jumped at the opportunity to accompany the small detachment of Rangers. This world was another new discovery for the padawan, and she had become intrigued at the thought of a planet with so many moons. Having grown up on the desert world of Tatooine, she had been accustomed to the twin suns in the sky, so this would be a different and slightly nostalgic view for her. While the Rangers would be setting about their own business in the city of Cliffhold, Valae had decided that she would take the opportunity to explore. She had heard stories about the city nestled within the cliffs and she was excited to see it for herself.

As the shuttle broke into the atmosphere she looked out the viewport and smiled. At first she could only see the stunning landscape, but soon it became clear that there were structures built into the Cliff-side. She took a moment to gather her belongings once the transport had set down on the landing pad, and she walked down the ramp alongside the Rangers. Valae raised a hand in a wave as she moved away from the group, signaling to the others that she would be fine by herself. She ran her fingers through her chestnut brown hair, though she was unable to tame the wild tresses completely. The padawan wrapped the folds of her brown robes around her tightly, though the light of the sun upon her, there was a bit of a chill in the afternoon air.

She walked with a spring in her step towards the edge of the landing pad, and bright eyes looked out towards the heart of the city. Valae sighed thoughtfully, wondering which way she should travel first.

[member="Aerico"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

The copper-coloured transport that came in caught Aerico’s eye. It flew overhead, circled, and then came down bearing an insignia that looked rather bold; militaristic blended with the grandeur of the Jedi Knights. The wings of freedom? The striking saber of justice? The Jedi still patrolled the skies and moons and planets it seemed.

He watched, gloved hands gripping the safety railing at is landed. Not what he thought however, when armed soldiers disembarked with only one token Jedi it seemed; a girl. A young girl who immediately looked out of place amongst the armed guards; whoever they were, it seemed the Jedi Knights relied just as much as heavy weapons as they did the Force.

Now, while he knew of the Force and had it inside him, this was not a power he opted to use or want to. It had saved his life, however, back on Utapau, but for Jedi and Sith warriors, it was something even he couldn’t really comprehend.

A thought. Was this their world? Their city? Or were they here to take it for themselves? Aerico watched the party split; the soldiers one way, the girl another. Maybe they were here for him? Had the Scourge placed a price on his head? Called him out as a liability?

He turned, moving back down the stairwell. He had to move and find a way to evade this party of the Light. Aerico came down onto the ground floor and walked, hugging the wall, around the tower to lose himself in the city, but he instead rounded the edge to stand before the girl.

Long brown hair, a face as pure as anything he’d ever seen, and holding her brown Jedi robe tight. The Angels of Iego were nothing but myth to his ears, but maybe they weren’t all legends after all if this one was anything to go by. She was a vision – the Caprine never told him of her. He stopped, moving back a step, because if she was looking for a masked man fitting his description, he already had blown it and would need to act fast.

”Forgive me,” he said quietly, turning his body to try and walk right past her.

[member="Valae Kitra"]

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Valae jumped slightly when a man suddenly stood before her. She hadn’t been startled by his appearance, but more due to the fact that she hadn’t been expecting anyone to emerge from the shadows. Her dark eyes had to shift upwards in order to see his face, as he towered over her petite form. For a moment that seemed to last an eternity, the two merely stood looking at each other. Of course it was apparent that the man’s face was partially obscured by a mask, but this didn’t frighten her. Back home on Voss she knew a few people that wore masks; she even counted them among her close friends.

“Oh! I...” Her mouth moved, but she couldn’t summon the words. The young woman stood still and captivated by the mysterious presence. She knew that she was standing in his path, but she couldn’t even make herself step aside. As he swept past her, Valae’s head turned to watch him go, still finding herself quite speechless for some reason. Wide eyes tracked the man’s dark figure as he moved into the distance, and would soon be fading into the city crowd.

Valae set into motion finally, her feet moved automatically in the path left in the stranger’s wake. She felt drawn to him, as though there were an invisible tether pulling her behind. Perhaps it had been the momentary touch of the force that was drawing her to him, perhaps it was the mystery of seeing a masked man and wondering where he was heading... she wasn’t even sure. Valae didn’t even know what she would say if she caught up to him.

All she knew for now was that she wanted to follow him.

[member="Aerico"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Like a hound, she was on him; Aerico could feel her walking behind and watching him. The city wasn't crowded, but there was enough people to mingle with. However, he wasn't the most conspicuous to blend in - nobody else moved with his urgency or wore an ivory coloured mask.

He glanced up at the largest building coming into view, which looked like an administrative complex for a shipping company. A few guards stood outside, and that was enough to divert him to the left, towards the cliff itself and the smaller buildings that were by the landing pads. It was almost full circle.

However she was following, and by now he knew it was obvious he was trying to lose her. So be it.

Aerico turned the corner and hugged the wall, hand reaching down to his side. Pushing his head back, he kept his breathing slow, the vision slightly impaired in his bad eye. The planet was now to his side; he was along the outskirts of the city and behind him, the edge of the Jedi's ship could be seen.

His heart thumped, and he waited...waited....and the profile of her angelic face came out first before she rounded the corner fully. At the moment she would see the eyes burning at her, he moved - swallowing her up with his speed and pushing her across to the other side of the road, facing the cliffs opposite and feeling the wind in their face.

”Insolent girl - slave of the Jedi. Basking in false glory!”

A gloved hand crossed her mouth as the stiletto blade was detached from his hip and pointed at her delicate neck. His eyes looked at the blade, teasing her pale skin, and then he slowly took her in. Her eyes were wide with fear, her breathing could be felt on the gloved hand. She was shaking slightly, but who wouldn't be at this point.

”Ignorant fool, you dare to cross me - hoping you will triumph?” Dark eyes narrowed. "Who are you?”

[member="Valae Kitra"]

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Valae moved swiftly along after the mysterious man, the hem of her robes peeled softly over the ground behind her. Though they wound through the city, she had little time to take in the sights. She saw the tall buildings all around, but they had all simply faded into the background as she kept her sights locked on the dark figure. There were a few times that he’d slipped from her view, but she only had to reach out with the force to feel for his presence.

As she realized that she was near her ship again, she almost lost the man again, but looked just in time to see him slip around a corner.
Her boots traveled faster, bringing her ever closer to him... she could feel it. Just as she rounded the corner, she only saw the flash of eyes and then felt the impact of an object moving at an incredible speed. Valae let out a cry as she felt her back slam against a wall, and she opened her eyes wide to see that she was pinned by the strong and mysterious stranger.

Her breaths came swiftly and shakily as she looked up at him as he spoke to her. A small whimper escaped her lips as the sharp point came into view, she could almost feel the cold coming off blade. When prompted to identify herself, she merely stood frozen for a moment, not even daring to struggle against his imposing presence.

“My name is... Valae Kitra.” She said in a soft voice, afraid that speaking would close the gap between the blade and her neck. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean -”

Valae stopped short, it was clear that she had angered him most greatly, would pleading with him only make it worse? In her short time as a Jedi, she had a few close calls... but none quite so dangerous before.

“I didn’t mean any harm.” She spoke; large brown eyes were fixed upon his, and now swimming with tears. She had always been a naturally curious person, and now she wondered if that trait was about to bring about her end. Where these her final moments? Would his face be the last thing she saw? Part of her didn't want to know the answer to those questions.

[member="Aerico"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Even her name was as beautiful as this Angel of Iego. He could smell her fear born out of facing a monster in a mask, and with a blade ready to pierce her neck and end her life for being nothing more than inquisitive. Aerico may have been a monster, but...not to someone like this. Clearly a young Jedi Knight, whatever they were called.

It pained him to see her upset and yet he knew nothing about her. But he wanted to.

”Valae. A beautiful name,"

Without hesitating he pulled the point of the stiletto away and held it by his side. Fastening it to his belt, he covered it with his coat and looked at the girl, taking her in, making sure she knew he was in control but didn't mean her harm as she didn't mean him. But...why was she here? He was curious.

”Are you a Jedi here for me? Is that why you deemed it right to follow me?"

[member="Valae Kitra"]

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Valae couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief when the blade disappeared beneath the fabric of his coat. The tension in her shoulders eased slightly, now that she was not under the direct threat of a blade. She did not let her guard down, as it was very clear to her that the stranger was still very much in control of the situation. However, Valae did permit herself a chance to get a good look at the man. Though he covered half of his face, she still considered him very handsome, and he had a mysterious aura about him that only enhanced the effect. She had certainly never met anyone quite like him before.

When he asked if she had been sent here to try and capture him, Valae shook her head desperately.

“I am here to explore...” She said, her eyes never leaving his. “I only followed because I was curious, that’s all.”

She had felt the force within him, but she didn’t know if he used it the way she did. Though, if he did... he would surely feel that there was truth behind her words.

“If you let me go, I will leave... if that’s what you wish.”

[member="Aerico"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

While he didn't really know how to interact with someone who wasn't putting him down or chastising him, or worse, Aerico felt like he didn't want her to go. Ever. She talked to him with pleading eyes but she didn't lash out, or run away, and her face - oh, her face - the Angel of Iego she surely was.

”Stay, if you wish. But what fascinated you to follow? Is it THIS?"

He pointed at his mask, and hissed at her, the bile rising in him at the eternal infliction he bore. The source of anyone's interest in him was the mask - why did it cover his face? What did it mean? What was undernearth? The peverse fasciantion with the mysterious unknown was too much a draw for many people. He was close to her face, but only when he saw the fear again did he back down, calm down and quieten down. Maybe a lifetime of this pain was due to those he met not being worthy of his time, unlike this Valae.

”I'm...sorry. For too long has this mask defined who I am and nobody cares about the man beneath it, and I warn you now not to to care also for it will only cause you pain, Valae. Just do not tell your Jedi kin of my being here. That's all I ask of you."

Glancing over his shoulder, he was wary of her armed friends and wanted to get her away. ”Come.""

Away to the place he came where he could look on the city and see everything. He took her hand and pulled her back the way they came, aiming to go back to the observation tower he had seen her ship come down from.

[member="Valae Kitra"]

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Valae’s eyes grew wide at his question, and she shook her head again, finding herself a bit speechless. The man’s mask did add a bit to the overall intrigue, but it was not her sole fascination and had certainly not been the reason she had followed. How could she explain to him? She wasn’t even sure of the reason herself. The padawan had been trying to search for the reason within, but she blinked slightly as the man’s anger ebbed away once more. She listened to his words, spoken in a calmer tone that seemed to be laced with a slight sadness. He had warned her not to care for him, she would heed his advice for now... but Valae had always considered herself a caretaker of others. She made it her responsibility to care, and often had a heart full of worry for her friends and family.

A moment later she found her hand in his strong hand, although his grip on her was firm, it did not hurt and she did not feel aggression in his touch. Her dark gaze shifted upwards towards the sky when they reached the tower, and soon she found herself winding up the stairs with him. All the while she stayed quiet during their ascent, and when they had reached the top of the tower she gently slipped her hand from his. Valae stepped away from him slowly, but she did not turn to run or shy away... she had only wanted to see the moons from the window. Her hands gripped the sill and she looked out into the sky, a quiet smile now on her face. She had never seen anything quite so lovely; it was almost like a painted landscape.

“What is your name?” She asked suddenly, breaking the silence. Valae turned slightly, her form illuminated slightly by the light of the window. “Do you live here on Iego?” Her voice was soft and a bit cautious, but the fear had melted away.

She hadn’t been able to stop the questions from coming, but she was curious and this was the only way to find satisfaction.

[member="Aerico"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

”Aerico."

He said bluntly, as always about his name. It was not his birth name, but it was the name his current self had been branded with when his true form was lost to the Scourge. He walked behind her, watching her looking now out to the landscape and the planet below; atmosphere above. It was like their own little bubble to observe everything away from the dangers out there.

Taking the next sill, Aerico glanced up to count the moons he could see that lined the stars in the heavens.

”I am not from here, Valae," her name fascinated him, ”but a world in the Outer Rim surrounded by nothing but despair and ill-thinking beasts."

His voice was hard as he spoke, and of course didn’t refer to his home world of Corellia, but the sink-hole world of Utapau where his life had ended and the nightmare began. Eyes darted left and right, counting, before he spoke again, knowing she was still there.

”You are a Jedi Knight, aren’t you." He turned to her. ”You are much too beautiful to be a slave to their order, child."

[member="Valae Kitra"]

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

“Well, I am training to become a knight. I’m still a padawan.” She said, her dark eyes watching Aerico. A rosy blush had quickly filled her cheeks when he called her beautiful, she wasn’t used to such compliments from dashing men. Though, it seemed that he did not think highly of the Jedi, and she knew that there must be a reason behind it... but she didn’t feel comfortable to press him further.

“I am a Jedi, but I am not a slave.” She said simply, hoping that would convey her feelings. Ever since she had been brought into the fold of the Jedi, she had felt that she was surrounded by family.

“I can feel the force within you.” Valae let her eyes shift upwards to Aerico’s eyes again. “Do you not use it?” she tilted her head. So far she had little experience with other force sensitive individuals that were not Jedi.

[member="Aerico"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Inside he was smiling, but he kept his face devoid of much emotion at her eagerness; her drive to be something. That was him at one time.

”I was born with the Force, but I don’t care for it the way the Orders do. It’s part of me, that’s it. I will use it how I see fit and nobody will dictate otherwise."

He pushed away from the sill and pulled his gloves a little tighter on his hands, glancing out the window again, before back to the girl.

”They will use you for your naïve outlook on things, Valae. They will push you and push you to be sacrifice your humanity for their code – you will be nothing but expendable to them until you are killed or pushed out. Do not trust them."

With that, he walked forward and stood beside her, the good side of his face closest.

”Do not let them inside your head."

Aerico slowly edged around her to the sill she was beside, and he stood behind her, close enough to be heard and almost tease the skin of her neck with his passing breath when he spoke.

”Don’t let them take your soul."

[member="Valae Kitra"]

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Though her eyes were locked on the moons that hung in the sky, she was listening closely to Aerico’s words. She could tell that he was moving closer to her, and soon she felt his presence beside her. His voice seemed to carry beyond her ears and into her mind. Valae could feel the warmth of his breath upon her neck and it sent a cold shiver down her spine. She slowly turned to face him, and it felt as though the room began to fill with fog, obscuring her exit and the view of the outside world. Aerico was the only thing that remained clear to her.

“The Jedi don’t use people like that...” She said, though her voice had grown meek.

”Don’t let them take your soul."

Her hand came to rest upon her heart, as though she were trying to shield herself. Deep down she knew that his words were false... but she couldn’t deny the fact that she could feel something stirring inside her. Valae was starting to feel doubt creep into her mind, and her eyes shifted towards the floor.

“I-I won’t let anyone take my soul...” She said, shaking her head slightly. There was a voice inside that told her to run away from this man, but there was also a deeper voice telling her to stay put.

[member="Aerico"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Aerico just watched her; the signs that his words were having an effect were clear, but she was a young soul with the weight of so much on her shoulders. He'd seen it many times before - and the weight would be too much for one to handle and that's when the darkness would creep in. Not the darkness that fueled the Sith; he didn't care for them - but the darkness that turned good people cruel.

”I've seen people like you, Valea." He stayed behind her and placed a hand on her shoulder. ”They lose who they are because they are told to live a certain way and forsake everything to become....a slave. A mindless slave."

There was little he could offer her in comparison to the Jedi way; he was not a practical Force user like they, nor did he brandish a lightsaber. But he had resolve, free-will and a desire to right the wrongs he had seen without a moral compass pointing him in the direction others thought he should follow.

”How much of the galaxy have you seen? Have you traveled to the Outer Rim and gazed into the edge of the Unknown Regions? There is so much out there."

The masked man slowly let go of her arm and turned to look out of the window behind her, feeling her heart-beating through the tremors of the Force.

”Would you like to see the galaxy with me - see who you can really be?"

[member="Valae Kitra"]

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Valae only slightly registered that Aerico’s hand was now upon her shoulder, for his words were swarming her mind. Next she heard his questions, and she continued to stand in front of the window, her expression quite blank. She had seen very little of the galaxy, it was a new world that had only opened up to her when she had been taken into the fold of the Jedi. Before that she had spent her life landlocked on the desert world of Tatooine.

“I have seen very little...” She said slowly, there was a glinting in her brown eyes. “And I would like to see more.”

Her words were true, she did have a curiosity about the galaxy that needed to be satisfied. Aerico’s offer to travel with him did hold a certain amount of seduction, and she felt herself becoming lost in his sway. Would it be worth it to give in to her self-doubts about becoming a Jedi and leave everything behind? As she felt him lift his hold on her arm, she had a flash of realization of what was happening. This man was tempting her, trying to twist her thoughts and replace them with illusions.

“I'm sorry... but I can’t go with you.” She said, trying not to sound frightened. Slowly she began to step to the side, inching very slightly in the direction of the door.

The fog was lifting; she had to escape while she still could. However, it was easier said than done...

[member="Aerico"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

At the first sign of her hesitation, Aerico did nothing. The girl was too valuable to lose like this, and a glimpse into what the Jedi could do to people - to innocent people - like Valae was something he had to follow. He turned at her second hesitation and saw her move, the fear in her eyes showing she wanted to leave already, but fear rooted her.

He turned.

”Night time turns; sharpens each sensation. Darkness stirs, and wakes imagination." Aerico began reciting verses he had been subjected to in that dark hole on Utapau. Only now, he meant it. ”Silently the senses abandon their defences."

Taking her hand, looking at her and emoting confidence and honesty, he cupped her skin in his gloved paw and walked with her across the room to the bolted door leading to the outside of the tower.

”Slowly, gently, night unfurls its splendor. Grasp it. Sense it. Tremulous and tender," he turned to her and held his free hand under her chin. ”Turn your face away from the garish light of day. Turn your thoughts away from cold, unfeeling light - and listen to the music of the night."

Aerico looked back and pulled the bolt across the door and pushed it open, a heavy clang of metal scraping across the floor. The music of the night, so he had learnt, was everything you wanted the night to tell you as you listened. The Force spoke to you through it. You could hear nature, and it talked to you - called to you - and it was a peaceful melody inside one's head.

”Close your eyes and surrender to your darkest dreams," he guided her to the fresh night air, ”purge your thoughts of the life you knew before! Close your eyes, let your spirit start to soar - " he rose her hand ontop of his to the sky, " - and you'll live as you've never lived before."

Inhaling her scent, Aerico slowly slid to the side and walked carefully backwards, hand out to her, enticing her to walk with him.

”Softly. Deftly. Music shall caress you. Hear it. Feel it secretly possess you. Open up your mind, let your fantasies unwind in this darkness you know you can not fight - the darkness of the music of the night." He then walked to meet her and looked at her, directly in her deep eyes. ”Let your mind start to a journey to a strange new world, leave all thoughts of the life you knew before! Let your soul take you where you long to be!" He stopped himself. ”Only then, can you belong...to me."

Before she could speak, he turned with her and held her arms, his good side of the face brushing against hers, looking out to the moons above the planet and the city they were on and felt as if they were the only two beings there as he spoke with passion.

”Floating. Falling. Sweet intoxication. Touch me...trust me, savor each sensation. Let the dream begin! Let your darker side give in to the power of the music that I write - the power of the music of the night." He drew a hand across her abdomen, and trailed it to her hand and held her, looking up to the moons.

”You alone can make my song take flight," as much as the darkness in him would let him feel it. ”Help me make the music...of the night."

Aerico trailed his voice, thinking of the chances he had, and the despair felt after the leper had recited the poem, and now how much he wanted to convince this innocent girl to see what was inside of her.

[member="Valae Kitra"]

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Valae’s had been taking small steps towards the exit, but halted when Aerico began to speak. His words caused her to turn back towards him; she listened, standing still and transfixed. The verses washed over her, and she closed her eyes slowly, the imagery coming to life inside her mind. She felt Aerico’s hand wrap around hers, and she let him draw her out into the fresh air outside the tower.

”Softly. Deftly. Music shall caress you. Hear it. Feel it secretly possess you. Open up your mind, let your fantasies unwind in this darkness you know you can not fight - the darkness of the music of the night." He then walked to meet her and looked at her, directly in her deep eyes. ”Let your mind start to a journey to a strange new world, leave all thoughts of the life you knew before! Let your soul take you where you long to be!" He stopped himself. ”Only then, can you belong...to me."

As Valae stared back into Aerico’s eyes, she felt as though she were falling into darkness, surely she would become lost in his gaze. The words poured over her, and Valae was sinking deeper into his sway. It was as though she could hear music playing in her mind, and it mixed softly with Aerico’s poem. Any fear she had felt had dissolved and she was now feeling quite at home in the masked man’s embrace.

She leaned back against him slightly, her head tilted backwards to rest against his strong shoulder. The world around her had become fuzzy, like a blurry water colored painting. Valae let her eyes slip closed, she could feel the breeze making her robe swirl about her form, and there was brief feeling of falling. As she became unsteady, she only fell deeper into Aerico’s arms. She knew that he would catch her; he wouldn’t let her fall into the abyss.

“Say the word and I will follow you.” Her lips moved automatically, her voice almost a whisper.

[member="Aerico"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

He watched Valae become light on her feet, not thinking what she was doing enough to stop and question it. Bearing no harm, Aerico placed one hand on her side, and as she turned into him, resting back to face the endless blanket of stars and the moons above, he took her hand in his and guided it up to the un-masked side of his face.

He held her palm so the fingers teased his hairline and the cool touch of his skin would meet hers as he closed his eyes to remember how it felt to be so close to purity and angelic beauty.

”Flattering child, you shall know me; see why in shadow I hide."

Aerico held her hand to his face as he spoke softly, just above the cool wind rolling in from the planet.

”When you look at your face in a mirror, I’ll be there inside."

She would be a key to unlock secrets that the Jedi had, and to understand the Force inside him. If she could explore the dreams of the Force with him, then he would be one step towards salvation, and vengeance. Maybe she would find the man hidden deep down inside this monster.

He felt as if, right now, Valae was his and his alone.

”Your Jedi will come for you, Angel. They will hunt you. They will turn you. You are not safe under their Order."

[member="Valae Kitra"]

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Aerico’s words echoed in her mind. If she was not safe with the Jedi, then she would surely be safe at his side. Valae felt something tugging at the back of her mind, something was not quite right now, and she spun around to look into the mask man’s face. Again, the world seemed to flow in and out of focus, but Aerico remained clear to her. His presence was the only pin point of light in the darkness, and she was the moth drawn endlessly towards it.

“You will keep me safe, won’t you?” She asked, eyes searching his for the answer.

Panic had caused her voice to tremble slightly, suddenly she felt like prey being pursued by a mighty predator. Her gaze matched
Aerico’s, she reached out with the force to see beyond, and could feel that there was strength and power within him. Any fear she had felt was now far behind her, and she felt a sudden surge of courage. Slowly she reached up and let her hand brush against his cheek, feeling the warmth of his skin. Her other hand also stretched out, fingers gently glancing the smooth and cold surface of his mask.

Behind them the sun was beginning to set, casting the sky in a soft light, and leaving the pair silhouetted on the tower. The world below was but a faint memory.

[member="Aerico"]