The Blind Leading the Blind...

[Rys'sya]

Dathomir....

Yet another world steeped in darkness. Similar to Korriban. The young runaway acolyte trembled as the freighter touched down. She'd gone through this multiple times since deciding firmly on escaping the Sith. Sneak aboard, weave the Force too convince the hapless crew that she wasn't there, and sneak off at the next port to find a new ship as her grasp on the crew waned.

This one was different. She'd been found by the captain. Who just had to be Epicanthix. Her powers meant nothing to him. He put her to work doing the dishes and cleaning during their trip, but swore that he was dropping her on the first habitable world they arrived at.

The loading bay door opened as the massive man grasped the tiny woman's wrist. A sudden jerking motion wrenched her off the ground as she found herself tumbling rear over shoulders through the air before slamming hard onto the ground. A exceedingly shrill cry of pain escaped her, as her shoulder certainly didn't feel like it was right anymore. A thud of her rucksack slamming into the ground next to her was the punctuation of the captain spitting good-riddance at the scared woman. The ship closed up and took off as suddenly as it had landed, leaving the woman stranded and terrified.

What am I going to do?! she thought to herself. I need to get to Commenor.... The young Miraluka had been listening to audio articles about all of the wondrous things the Queen of Commenor had done around the galaxy over the years. If anyone might have the power, and the heart, to give a terrified Sith a chance in this galaxy, surely it might be [member=Lady Kay].... right?

Sniffling there just off of the landing area, the young Miraluka cried quietly. It was all the hope she had to go on.

[member=Jairdain]​

 

[Jairdain]

With everything that had happened recently, Jairdain found herself on Dathomir. A world steeped in mysticism and the Force. Under the control the Mandolorians, things had changed for these people. Mostly human and zabrak here, those that used the Force had been requested to leave. However, pockets remained hidden and secret from observation.

If one knew what to say or how to act, those secret doors inside could be opened. She was here to explore these avenues and learn some things. However, for now, she wandered around quite blindly not knowing the cues and clues she needed to drop to have those doors opened. Letting out a sigh, she decided to return to her ship and figure out what was needed to accomplish her goals.

Hearing a slight commotion happen near to her, Jairdain sensed and heard a ship open its doors, followed by two thumps. The words spoken by the captain were lost in the sound of the ship taking back off. However, what had been dropped outside tugged at her.

Not a simple drop of some cargo, a person had been pushed out and now sat crying off to the side by herself. Jairdain had not been in the same position as she, but sympathy came from her anyway. Not having any idea Rys'sya was Miraluka and thus blind as well, she would approach openly. Her hands held open at her sides to indicate she had no weapons in them.

"Why would they do that to you?"

Her voice was soft and quiet, only loud enough for this other person to hear.

[member="Rys'sya"]

 

[Rys'sya]

So deep in her own despair, her complete loss over the whole situation, the young Miraluka did not even register that someone was approaching until they spoke. Her sob caught in her throat with a startled hiccup, as her sightless gaze snapped up to the taller woman. Her reflexive, unconscious skimming of the woman's surface thoughts and feelings, the psionic equivalent to looking at the woman's face, is what informed the Miraluka of the others non-hostile intentions, and more importantly, that this woman, while not Miraluka, was Force sighted, like herself.

This other woman also radiated, however, an aura unlike any she'd been intimately familiar with before. The taint of the Dark Side wasn't there. Instantly growing more nervous by that acknowledgement, the young woman attempted, albeit poorly, to halt her sniffling and steady her breathing before answering.

"I.... I stowed away...." she managed to answer meekly. "I do not have credits to pay for transportation, and.... I'm desperate...." she want sure why she opened up quite so much to a complete stranger, but there she was. It was not like there would have been much to gain from deception in this moment. She, knowing that this other-woman was Force sighted, maintained open access to her surface thoughts and emotions, knowing first hand how difficult it was too communicate effectively without those crucial pieces of information when physically blind.

[member="Jairdain"]​

 

[Jairdain]

The startled female gave Jairdain a glance through the Force and that was just as surprising to her as her approach had been to Rys'sya. If allowed to, Jairdain would take a seat on the ground near to the other woman, but not too close.

Listening to the answer provided, many years ago Jairdain had been banished from her home and had to learn to make it on her own. She had run out of credits herself and needed to work on a freighter. All told, she might have been in a similar situation as this woman.

"You're blind too. Yet not the same as me. Are you Miraluka?"

There was no hint of despise, but only curiosity.

"What are you wanting to accomplish in your running?"

Why she asked that question or what brought it out, Jairdain did not know. It felt natural though. Those surface thoughts and emotions Rys'sya displayed openly she would read and know the words spoken had been true.

[member="Rys'sya"]

 

[Rys'sya]

The darkness clung to her like a mantle, though it was not easily perceived by the physical eye. But to the woman now seated near the Miraluka, it was as clear as mud on a white dress. The thing that did not quite sync with the darkness, was the despair and sorrow the young woman was having difficulty keeping restrained.

A defeated chuckle parted her delicate lips, followed by an equally defeated sigh. "It would be a waste of effort to hide what I am at this point in my journey.... worst thing you might do is kill me..." she started bitterly. A steadying breath before continuing. "Yes, I am Miraluka, but more than that..... worse than that, I am Sith...." she whispered the last part, just loud enough for the other woman to hear her.

Why was she being so open? Rys'sya could only internally chalk it up to desperation.... this woman was compassionate enough to go out of her way to speak to this young, frightened soul..... either she'd be compassionate enough to help the Miraluka escape to a chance for a new, better life....

Or maybe she'll just put me out of my misery.... the bitter thought crept through the Miraluka's mind.

[member="Jairdain"]​

 

[Jairdain]

Darkness or light, Jairdain accepted Rys'sya for what she was. A woman that needed help. At one point in time she would have killed her, but having been down the path of darkness herself, Jairdain would not do it now. An opportunity had been given to her and she had cast aside the sith code. Knowing this woman was one did not make her pull away or even display that she was upset.

"I am Jairdain Ismet. Formerly a sith, but not anymore. You say being a sith is something bad. Do you wish not to be one?"

If time and opportunity was presented, Jairdain would do what she could to help Rys'sya. Only if that help was wanted. Feeling it would be the case, she did not hesitate to offer her a hand of introduction.

They both spoke softly, only loud enough for the other to hear. It seemed since they were both blind their hearing was excellent and beyond that of somebody with physical sight.

"There is no reason to kill you."

[member="Rys'sya"]

 

[Rys'sya]

The young Miraluka looked, confused, not understanding, at the outstretched hand, repeating the other woman's words. There is no reason to kill me? She would have blinked, perplexed, had it been physically possible to do so.

"We.... we can come back?" her voice cracked, a faint tremble as visible as it was audible. She'd done terrible things that are known only to herself during her attempts to flee Sith Space. She couldn't see how any of it could ever be made clean. Be made right.

"I shouldn't.... I shouldn't have to cause such hurts.... just to live...." she all but breathed the words, so soft even the other woman would have had to lean closer to hear them. "Is.... is it really possible to come back from all of this? From the darkness?" The runaway 'looked' at [member="Jairdain"], tentatively hopeful, for what felt like the first time in her life.

 

[Jairdain]

The confusion Rys'sya felt was as clear to Jairdain that the sunlight was to those that could see. While the extended hand was not taken, it remained outstretched.

"There is always hope, light, good and bad within everybody."

A simple and true statement. What the woman may have done in the past, she wanted to change. It would not be Jairdain that did anything to her. All that change would have to come from within. It had happened with her and it could happen with Rys'sya.

"What need is there to cause hurt and pain just live? Touch my hand and I can show you."

Their words were quiet, almost silent between them. However, each could hear the other. Maybe even on a far more basic level than speech. The blind communication through the Force, tone and inflection.
​
[member="Rys'sya"]

 

[Rys'sya]

The panicked sensation lessened in the young Miraluka, though the tightness was replaced with the pressure of almost overwhelming emotion. She would have had tears streaming down her face, had she possessed fully functioning tear-ducts.

She gently placed her delicate hand in that of the taller woman. She cleared the emotional catch in her throat before stating where her originally intended destination was. "I... I was hoping, to make my way to Commenor. I had heard holo-recordings about the mercy and the generosity of the Queen... I hoped... I had hoped one who was able to peacefully aid and interact with entities from such varying walks of life... might lead a society in which I could find my new path."

As the two women would rise to their feet, the Miraluka taking up her meager worldly possessions and straightening her skirt about her legs, she'd lift her sightless gaze towards the taller woman. "I am Rys'sya. I know of no surname to call my own, and I shall follow you wherever you shall lead me." she introduced herself, new hope filtering into her voice.

[member="Jairdain"]​

 

[Jairdain]

There was joy, relief and a lessening of panic from Rys'sya as Jairdain attempted to inform her that change was possible. She had been steeped in darkness for long and the light within her had fought the entire time, but she had come back and she knew she wasn't the only one. Others had in the past as well as in her life time.

Her hand was accepted and the other woman said what she wished to accomplish. There had been a reason for Jairdain to be here far more greater than simply trying to learn new skills. Even though at the moment, her position with Commenor was on hold until Bradshaw felt it time to return, she was still his advisor. As such, she would be able to help Rys'sya to get to Commenor and hopefully find herself a future there.

"I can help you, Rys'sya and will do what I can to get you to see Lady Kay."

Having a purpose again was something she needed. Without Brad, she had wandered around almost aimlessly. This woman was giving her and opportunity to do something and in her turn, she was helping as well.

"My ship is not far from here. Just a few slots over. Follow me and we will go to Commenor."

[member="Rys'sya"]

 

[Rys'sya]

The young woman tried to reign in the exhilaration at the prospect of forward motion. She followed [member="Jairdain"] to her ship, stowing her meager belongings where designated, and doing her best to make herself useful aboard the ship. While that was limited to more domestic roles, as she had little to no experience actively piloting or operating a vessel, she was intent on not being a free-loader. The course of the trip, if she was permitted to do so, was filled with meals that exceeded the expectations that the original components would have brought to the table typically.


_____________________________________________________________

The night terrors came, night after night, the young woman waking with a start each time, but enduring the best she could in silence, often with a pillow clutched firm over her face to mute any cries that were threatening to escape. She bore through, displaying a tenacity unexpected in one so small, but the constant reminders of the horrors she's caused did not give the woman any rest. It did show it's wear on her as the days of travel wore on.

_____________________________________________________________

Rys'sya was just finishing cleaning in the mess hall when the call came out alerting the crew that they were exiting the hyper-space route for Commenor. That sudden thrill of excitement started at the base of her spine and surged like electricity to her scalp, as she tried to seek out Jairdain's location aboard the ship. She'd follow the other woman's presence, the gentle smile upon her face and the slight spring in her step the only tells betraying how excited she was, despite her best efforts to keep herself in check. It's not every day that one got such a golden opportunity to genuinely try to start again. "Do.... do think it will be long after we arrive that I might meet the queen?" she asked, fingers wringing together anxiously. "Do.... do you think she'll turn me away?"

 

[Jairdain]

The additional set of hands on the ship made things easier for Jairdain for sure, but she did not abuse or overwork Rsy'sya at all. She was treated the same as everybody else and had no special treatment. If she thought the food was good, then she would be in for a surprise when reaching Commenor.

As the days passed and it wasn't many, Jairdain could feel the change in her companion for the journey. It wasn't long enough for her to really help Rsy'sya through anything, but the knowledge somebody else was there hopefully helped some.

Any clothing that needed replaced or repaired was done on the trip. If she had any physical wounds, those were also tended. It was the mental ones that would take the most time to heal.

When the announcement was made they were exiting hyperspace and arriving at Commenor, Jairdain was ready to announce it to Rsy'sya, but the alarm had already done that. When the woman found her, Jairdain also wore a smile even if might not be seen. She shook her head at the questions that were asked.

"Well, Lady Kay is busy so it might take a little while to be able meet with her, but no she won't turn you away. After everything I did in my past, she offered me the position to be advisor to her son, the crown prince."

[member="Rys'sya"]

 

[Rys'sya]

The young woman fidgeted slightly, after they had landed and disembarked from the ship. "I must ask.... do you know of anyone who could help me be..... presentable.... to the Queen?" Being without physical sight, Rys'sya relied on a knowledge that all of her garments were simple, blacks and reds, her personal concern focusing instead on the feel of the material she wore. She preferred her silks and her satin. Soft and smooth textures against the skin. But, she never really understood fashion, having never really been able to properly perceive it the way the sighted could. She turned towards [member="Jairdain"], wringing her fingers nervously. "I know appearances are important to the sighted, and I do not wish to appear a disgrace...."

The girl knew she was likely agonizing over the wrong things, but it was one of the few realms that she knew she could impact in the here and now. She wanted to make her first meeting with the Queen as perfect as one could. You never got a second chance at a great first impression. She was doing her best, focusing inwardly to suppress her presence, and in turn condensing her reach in the Force. She didn't want any unexpected side-effects of the combined stress and anxiety that could occur on accident if she were to let her emotions run unchecked.

Jairdain may not have necessarily informed Rys'sya of her own past misdeeds and faults, but for what they may have been, Lady Kay gave her a chance.... so.... the young Miraluka felt that she just might have a chance at a future here on Commenor....

 

[Jairdain]

Much like Rys'sya, she really had no clue on fashion. However, she did know what it meant to make first impressions. Jairdain couldn't but have a small laugh at her memory of meeting Kay when she first arrived to interview for the position of advisor to Bradshaw. At that time, she was still feeling the effects of torture the sith had put her though. Even though she had felt, acted and overall was recovered, the stress from her days of captivity had affected how she dressed. Looking more like a pirate or somebody ready for an adventure than offering advice in a stuffy conference room. However, Kay had seen past that and accepted Jairdain in and offered her the position she still filled.

"Of course, I can help with that. Being in the same position as you, I have a wonderful tailor that makes me clothes. I'm sure she can help you too."

The blind leading the blind here, but Jairdain was familiar enough to get them where they needed to go without any issue. Greeting her friend, she would explain the need they had and woman got to work on an outfit for Rys'sya. All told it didn't take too long and they were made comfortable while they waited. Nasasha was the tailor and once the outfit was completed requested it be tried on for any last moment alterations that might be needed.

One last addition a matching eye scarf was offered if Rys'sya wished to have one.

"I'm sure it looks wonderful. We can go to the palace any time and I'm sure Lady Kay will see you."

She said this as they left the tailor who Jairdain thanked greatly for her work.​

[member="Lady Kay"] [member="Rys'sya"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Most people with the certain position and pull that [member="Jairdain"] had were able to get meetings arranged with Kay at the Royal Palace. The Queen spent most of her time there anyways. With the recent attacks and trial of her husband, there was much 'damage control' that needed to be done. Some people were quite upset with events as of late, some were even upset with Kay for how she had handled it all thus far. Her emotions had gotten in the way and clouded her mind like some love-sick youngling.

She just wanted to keep him and have things back to the way that they were. But that was never going to happen and she just had to learn to accept it.

Kay cradled her tea in her hands as she gotten the message. Jairdain was arriving with a guest. It made her eonder if [member="Bradshaw Ku"] was with her. That beard of his, plus his change of clothes made him nearly unrecognizable. And the fact that he refused to talk made him all the more mysterious. "You can send them in when they arrive, Olivia."

"Yes, m'Lady." The Head of the House had been super busy as of late, looking after whatever she could. Olivia was now feeling her age. Hopefully things calmed down soon for her.

[member="Rys'sya"]

 

[Rys'sya]

Spoiler

The dress.

It was time. The nervous young Miraluka was finally being brought to the palace. Her mind raced. What do I say? Do I bow? Do I kneel? Would either be even possible in this dress? Curtsy. Yes, that's what I do. Formal, respectful, and feminine. Subservient, but not as a slave to a master. Yes. The nerve-wracked young woman simply tried to get a strategy firmly in place. But, it was difficult to do, given this is a scenario the woman had never found herself in before. Jairdain lead the woman through the main gateway of the castle, the Miraluka was awed by the sense of vastness that the surroundings conveyed. She visibly reacted, a soft gasp, having not sensed such grandeur since the academy, except unlike the air of hostility and aggression there, this possessed a more lively, live-in air.... though tense....

Why is the air so tense here? the Miraluka pondered, sensing surface thoughts of the guard-staff around every corner. It was as if they expected an attempt on the Queen at any moment or something? The young woman's delicate lips pursed slightly in concern. She no longer possessed her saber, though even if she did, it was unlikely that she would have been able to do anything with it to aid in protecting the Queen should anything have happened. And speaking of the Queen, the Miraluka instinctively wished to reach out, to feel the woman before meeting her, to give herself some sort of an advantage in the social interaction to come... but, she willed herself not to, as she knew she needed to enter into this conversation with appropriate respect, especially about the Queen's privacy.

Eventually [member="Jairdain"] brought the two of them to where the Queen's attendant, a woman who would introduce herself as Olivia, would in turn bring the duo to stand before the Queen. Rys'sya would lower her sightless gaze, as a hand took hold of the fabric of her dress, as she dipped in a delicate curtsy. "Y-you honor me with this meeting, your Grace." the run-away acolyte stammered in greeting, silently cursing herself for the verbal slip-up. It was with her words though, that she reached through the Force, and what she saw comforted, and somewhat intrigued her. This woman gave off sensations of calm, comfort, and compassion. There was fringes of stress, anxiety, about someone dear to the Queen. Rys'sya was unable to determine if it was for a child or a lover, or even just a dear friend, but someone very near and dear to the Queen was a strong source of heartache. But, the single most intriguing aspect of what Rys'sya saw of the Queen, was the fact that her presence looked like a glimpse. Like Rys'sya was peering merely through a keyhole, unable to get the full scope of the woman before her through a closed door.

Giving no outward signs of this observation, Rys'sya would wait to be addressed further, as years of abuse taught her of speaking out of turn. Sure, she was certain she'd not face the same punishments here for impertinence, but some habits die hard.

[member="Lady Kay"]​

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay set her tea down on her desk the moment that her door opened. She nodded to Olivia. [member="Jairdain"] was spotted straight away, but instead of her son walking in, there was a young woman instead. [member="Rys'sya"] was beautiful, though her eyes were covered. Was she blind? Her pace seemed to say otherwise. Perhaps she saw things in the way that Jairdain did.

She offered a polite smile as the young woman stumbled over her words. Some people did that. Kay thought it a bit comical. Apparently not everyone knew of her past; the fact that she was not of Royal blood and didn't even marry into it was lost on everyone. She wasn't sure if it was something that she had to embrace it or not.

"The honour is mine. Might I have your name and what brings you to Commenor today." She glanced to Jairdain, looking for a clue as to what this was about. Hopefully there wasn't any trouble.

 

[Jairdain]

It wasn't Brad Jairdain brought, but a young woman that needed a future. Rys'sya had been dropped on Dathomir and found there by Jairdain. In hearing the plight and hope she had, she knew her reason for being there wasn't what she thought it had been. She knew she could be of help though and made that her mission.

That mission is what brought them to the Palace and the meeting with Lady Kay. The shock of her and Brad's return might still be present, but hopefully it had passed by now. She had been seen around a little more, but Brad had again gone into a more reclusive time and only appeared when he wanted to. Granted it was when it was needed, as her role of advisor, she had made it clear when that was...and thankfully he listened better now.

Upon reaching the palace, they were met by Olivia and taken to Lady Kay. She was comfortable and confident here, but still followed the servant to meet with Kay. Giving her a smile and a nod, Jairdain was familiar with how to act around Kay. Even yet, she treated her with respect, but did not worship her.

"Lady Kay, this is Rys'sya and well, maybe she should explain things."

Giving her companion a more or less mental shove and vote of confidence, she placed a hand on her shoulder and give her a gentle squeeze. Leaning in close enough to her, Kay might pick up on the whisper she gave the other woman.

"It's going to be fine, Rys'sya."

[member="Rys'sya"] [member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Rys'sya]

Gently, a hand raised, fingers momentarily brushing Jairdain's hand on her shoulder in an appreciative gesture, before taking a steadying breath. The breath helped, a little, though still somewhat shaking with nerves, the young Miraluka stepped forward.

"As [member="Jairdain"] said, I am Rys'sya, no surname to call my own. I have traveled all this way to Commenor, admittedly following tales of the great deeds you've done. The many lives you've impacted across the systems." the young woman paused, nervously gnawing on her lip for a moment before continuing. "I stand before you, a desperate woman seeking a new opportunity.... a new life.... And with the past I possess, I could not think of another in the galaxy who might be willing to give one such as I a new start...."

Fingers entwined, a nervous trait, as she fidgeted, knowing full well the impending question of 'What are you running from?' would be coming. When the question eventually did come, a nerve-wracked exhalation was given.

"Your majesty... I am.... no... I was... Sith." this was it... this was the deal breaker.... the young Miraluka fully expected backlash over the revelation, and prepared mentally and emotionally for the impending rebuttal.

[member="Lady Kay"]​

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay raised a brow. This was indeed going to be interesting. Her gaze moved from [member="Jairdain"] to [member="Rys'sya"] as it was left to her to explain the reason for her visit. Of course it had to be important, otherwise such a deliberate meeting wouldn't of been requested.

She blinked in surprise at hearing that there were tales of her exploits as though she was some kind of fictional hero in the mystery holo-novels that she often read when she had the time to do so.

Rys wanted a new life, or at least that was what she claimed. There had been many times in the past when she had rescued slaves, that some were brought here for new lives with paying jobs and homes. Perhaps that's the idea that Rys was latching onto.

She spoke of having a past which seemed to make her quite nervous, expecting judgement. It took a few moments before Rys revealed just what that was. She was a Sith. Another glance to Jairdain was given. More than likely there was a deeper reasoning for her to bring Rys to her. It just wasn't all that clear yet.

"Everyone is welcome here, even the Sith, just so long as they abide our laws." Her head tilted to the side a bit. "What skills do you possess? And I don't mean Force abilities..."