The Undiscovered Country

[Judah Lesan]

Feelings, Xander had them. He felt a great many things. Was he taking advantage of the moment as just a way to wash his past hurts away? He wasn't sure. Xander didn't know what he wanted anymore. He was so focused on his goals, so focused on figuring things out that he had seemingly grown numb.

This encounter was risky, but Xander didn't care. Belonging to the same faction, being in a position where they would see each other again, it would make things interesting to say the least. What did she feel for him? Did she have any feelings for him, or was this simply out of sympathy and pity. They had been dancing around this since he kissed her the first time, but would there be all these questions had she not seen the vision which haunted him, and if she was in one scene, was she somewhere in that one? Xander hoped not.

He did not keep Sitara from helping him out of his shirt, in fact he welcomed it. When she had it removed he demonstrated the strength his legs and stood from the couch, lifting her with him, legs still wrapped around her waist as he began to carry her back to his quarters. His hand freed her from whatever other clothing he could manage, breaking their kisses for breath only.

Her playful banter, the way she had even tried to make thing difficult for him, the teasing, it all reminded him of a student of his before the force stasis. The tension between he and Lucette had always been thick, just never acted upon. Was this what it could have been like? Whatever it was, Xander was feeling a great many things, and only increasing in his curiosities. She was on his bed by now, the door closed to the pilot. It would not open again until they reached their destination.

[member="Sitara Qin"]

 

[Sitara Qin]

She found herself in the position of uncertainty yet again as she pulled her sweater over her head. Her eyes were fixated on the windows for a while, staring at their new surroundings. As the ship landed smoothly and settled on the ancient ground, Sitara hands stroked her shoulders. She felt a small chill run up her spine. Today, she’d be discovering him in more ways than she anticipated. This was an inevitable bidding to be a part of his life; and though he was inviting, he hadn’t asked her to stay.

Whether she felt something for him or not confused her. They had charisma and prior to this little rendezvous, there had been a fair amount of sexual tension lingering in the air surrounding them. Though she was happy they had taken care of that, another kind settled in its place. Just how she was feeling about this exactly, she was unsure, though she didn’t want to linger on the thought of it.

She had been the first to leave the room since her tank top was left behind, supine on the love seat. She was comfortable around him physically, though she was still unsure of how much she could let him in. She was always apprehensive towards people emotionally, which made it easier for her to give in to her corporal desires and feel nothing.

She shook her head. No, this time was not different. She was putting meaning into words that were never said. When he touched her, he touched her with ardour. When her body was tangled with his, their hearts had never locked. She was denying any sort of sentiment that raced into her thoughts. She felt nothing for him. It was merely attraction. She would not allow herself to be bound to any man.

After all, she was only here to help him.

| [member="Xander Blackmoore"] |

 

[Judah Lesan]

Xander was left alone with his thoughts as he felt the ship touch the ground. That seemed to be Sitara's cue to throw her mesh sweater over her naked torso to retreat to the lounge where her tank top had been cast aside a few hours before. The question was not whether she would stay or not, Xander had already ventured the answer to that question. Truly, could he even ask her to? His path was one which always seemed to be marred with loss, and was it a path he could invite anyone to join. Sure his actions, they could be taken as an invitation, likely they were, but he did not vocalize it, he couldn't. Today, he had to get through today. It was a test of some kind, he knew it. Today he would deal with his demons, and Sitara would be there for it, why? Because a painting said so? No, because choices had been made. Xander could have not asked her to meet him. She could have chosen not to accompany him. Choices made is what shaped a destiny, not paint on canvas. Sitara had already said as much in a manner of speaking.

Casting the bed covers aside, Xander padded to the fresher. He needed a shower, a quick one. The encounter had been something of a physical work out at times, and something of a more caring nature at others. Hot water cascaded down Xander as he felt some of the nightmares of his past washing away already. The thought of even stepping foot in the place where much of his training, learning, growing as a Sith, had taken place already brought with it some relief.

Stepping from the fresher, and drying, Xander was already seeming a bit like his old self. The Sith which pressed past the visions and claimed what he wanted. The sense in the air was invigorating. Clothing he had not worn in centuries, well new items had been made to match, were put on as he took up the image of a hunter once more. The leather breastplate was all that covered his torso, the black pants and boots made after those of the Sith robes worn by so many. The bracers on his forearms hid the the assassin's blade he now wore, and the burn scar on his right forearm. The only other blemish to his body was a scar which had come from a knife wound, cut in a spar with the red huntress Kazrah. His twin lightsabers hung from the belt which rested on his waist, along with the hunting knife which had seen many a hunt with him. Finally the bow and quiver of arrows were placed over his shoulder. The Sith was ready to discover whatever it was that had called him here.

Stepping from his quarters, he saw her again. There had been a change in his eyes. The pain was gone and the sense of adventure had returned. Playfulness, the same that had greeted her in his vacation home at Malif Cove rested there once again. Odd, but she had managed to make him feel as he had then, invincible. Being on Munto Codru with a young woman much like his first apprentice had reminded him of the pieces of the past that had forged him, the pieces he needed to embrace.

"You've reminded me of something... I believe that places me in your debt," he stated as a way of saying thank you. "Are you ready to step further into the world I come from, the history that made the Sith what they are today?"

[member="Sitara Qin"]

 

[Sitara Qin]

She caught scent of men’s shampoo and turned to find him. He felt warmer, and different somehow. His attire looked unconventional, especially for a sith lord. Perhaps this was how they worked eight hundred years ago. Things were definitely a lot more different, she assumed. She wondered just how many women walked into his life—although, that was definitely none of her business.

“I’ve reminded you of something?” Or was it someone. Sitara shrugged off the slight jealousy. What was she event thinking about? Sitara was never the type to talk about her own past and experiences though she often felt weird whenever she wasn't given the full explanation. She needed to push those habits to the side and just accept things at face value. She wasn't going to give him any trouble that wasn't called for. “Don’t sweat it, sweetheart.” She chuckled, walking up to him and poking his stomach. She liked him better like this instead of covered up in old frumpy clothing. Although he retained his medieval charm, there was definitely a modern snap of debonair to this look. The time for bedroom play was over, and they had come here on a mission.

“Are you kidding?” She asked him rhetorically; she couldn't hide her smile. “I’ll race ya.” She challenged him, before spinning on her heal and running towards the exit of the ship. She jumped down the ramp and tumbled onto the wide open spaces of Munto Codru. The planet was covered by rugged mountains and large forests. It was almost overwhelming; a sight like this couldn’t be found just anywhere. It definitely wasn’t Algor. That place was filled with crooks and smugglers, probably why she was so rotten deep inside. She laid on the ground for a little while, the grass still moist with dew.

“I wonder what this looked like hundreds of years ago.” She said, sitting up when she felt come up to her. She needed to rid herself of thoughts and emotions that didn’t make sense to her. They needed to focus on whatever it was he was trying to find.

| [member="Xander Blackmoore"] |

 

[Judah Lesan]

Normally her poke would tickle, but the leather breastplate had kept the sensation from causing him to jump. Instead he smirked, ever playful as he had been before.

"Already having a hard time keeping your fingers off me, hmmmm?"

The best in his voice was lighthearted, a different tone which had taken to him a few hours ago. Unfortunately there was not time to collect an answer because Sitara was already bouncing off toward the ramp and jumping past it. When the cool air of the temperate world hit his nostrils, the scent of it flooded him with memories. They were all so fresh to him as if they had just happened. To him they had. Just a glance at the sun showed him which way to go, as the ship had landed in a clearing the pilot found in an otherwise lush and dense forest. The temple was east.

Coming up behind Sitara, Xander mused at the sound of the grass flattening with each step. The wild birds chirped in the distance, other wildlife rustled through the woods. They were being watched, but Xander said nothing. Sitara was perceptive, she would know.

"This part was much the same," came the answer as he stopped just behind the young woman. "Many of the newest disciples would enter these woods as a test from their masters. 'Connect to the force or perish,' they would be told. Many never came out alive. These woods are so thick it is easy to get lost. Fortunately, the dark side allows us to connect to our surroundings. We will not be lost in these woods. Stay close."

Xander passed around Sitara, his right hand rising to rest briefly on her left shoulder, then sliding down her arm as he moved on. The touch was endearing in a way, almost sensual. This was the Xander who had walked these woods. He was clearly much more himself on this soil, more the man he had been before the stasis. He hid her to follow him as the he wound through the foliage, making trails where none seemed to exist. Within about an hour's time, the massive stone structure of the Sith temple was within sight.

The towering black structure was a haunting memorial to what once was. Though time had passed the temple was very much preserved, a sign of the concentration of dark energy which filled the place. Pressing through the heavy doors which lay beyond large stone stairs, the two pressed deeper into the temple until they reached an abandoned courtyard. It had always been abandoned. The stone floor cracked, reduced to ruble in some places. Pillars once fall and majestic lay on the ground while their bases protruded from the ground as if they were mere benches to rest upon. This was where Xander had trained. This was where Neferis had abandoned him until he learned to connect with the force at will. It was here Xander had been formed and shapped.

"This is where I was fashioned. The Sith I am today was made here."

[member="Sitara Qin"]

 

[Sitara Qin]

“Sounds like the way to go.” Sitara nodded, toying with the hilt of her saber. The small hairs on her arms began to rise, she could feel eyes trace her every movement. They weren’t alone though they obviously haven’t been attacked yet. Stay close, he told her. She nodded, although she wanted to contest just how skilled the warriors of the past were. She got up as he passed him, his hand stroking her shoulder and arm. The caress momentarily distracted her from the dangers that hid before them. She followed after him closely.

They walked for about an hour, and still, Sitara knew that they were being followed. She was on guard for the entire duration of their tread through the foliage. He had lead her towards a massive stone temple, one she felt belonged to the Sith. She was full of awe as they walked up the stone stairs. The door opened with an audible creak, a sign of its age. Her skin tingled as she felt the electric power of the force surge through her body. Although the remnants of this place paled in comparison to its prior majesty, she was still left in awe.

“I can only imagine what it must’ve been like to train here.” She said, as she moved around. It was dusty and insects nested their homes in various crevices in the stone walls. She looked around, trying to see if there was anything someone could’ve left behind her, anything they could scavenge and use to their advantage. She knew that there was something else however, and perhaps she was trying to find it. For who? She questioned herself, though she already knew the answer. She was trying to find something of him, a tangible link to his past.

And although she stood in the middle of it, she certainly knew it wasn’t enough. She looked at him, he definitely looked as though he was happy to reminisce. It wasn’t his fault. Being born eight hundred years ago must’ve left some psychological effects. This temple was like a bottle full of nostalgia and he seemed to eagerly drink it all up.

“Come, show me where little Xander used to frolic.”

| [member="Xander Blackmoore"] |

 

[Judah Lesan]

"It was hell," Xander said diffinitively. "I was left there with no food or water in the scorching sun for a day and a night, commanded to connect to the dark side by command, and was not allowed to move from that spot until I could."

His finger indicated a spot that had a large crack running through it. What was remaining appeared to be an old dias of some kind. Xander had never forgotten that lesson, or how cracked his lips had been. Even now the thought of how cruel his mistress could be, and yet how effective she had been. Neferis taught him many things with her methods, all of them the right thing at the right time.

Xander felt it. There was a shift in the atmosphere. A warning pricked at his senses. A strong hand reached and grabbed Sitara about the waist as he threw a force barrier around them. Several crude weapons such as spears and arrows collided with the invisible dome of energy Xander had made. With the first volley subsiding Xander dropped the barrier and retrieved his twin saber. Their violet blades snapped to life with vengence. The Codru-Ji likely had forgotten him, but perhaps stories were still told of the red demon and her king. He would make them remember.

Another volley came, Xander blocked them, and turned to Sitara, grinning. With a nod he indicated it was time to show her combat prowess. They were Sith, and they would fight, and kill without prejudice. The charge was coming, and they had to be ready.

[member="Sitara Qin"]

 

[Sitara Qin]

“That’s a little…” She couldn’t quite find the word for it. “Extreme.” Her training sessions were definitely not that cruel. Regardless, it still messed with her head. Carach was like that. He liked planting things into her thoughts and warping whatever sense of reality she had. It was a skill she wanted to adapt from him. It could definitely prove useful in the battlefield.

Her back stiffened as she felt something coming for them. Xander’s had grabbed her by the waist before she could react. A bombardment of arrows and spears were aimed for them, and before they could hit them, they bounced off a barrier. She took a deep breath and wrapped her fingers around the hilt of the lightsaber. Her lightsaber was a reflection of her personality, as most were. What made it special was not only its magenta blade, but also the small bursts of lightning that moved around the blade. Her personality was electric, and so was her blade.

Xander was definitely showing off, she thought, as he blocked another barrage of arrows. Sitara rolled her eyes as he grinned. “Concentrate.” She told herself, mentally. She couldn’t afford to be distracted even if she had someone with her.

Arrows and spheres. Quite primordial weapons that were surely no match for lightsabers. The people, who she assumed were the Codru-Ji, had four arms and were probably as primitive as they looked. Some were accompanied by wolves, who she assumed were merely their pets, or animal companions. One of the men lunged at her with a sphere, and she was quick to slash him with her sword.

| [member="Xander Blackmoore"] |

 

[Judah Lesan]

The rush of wolves and men came. Six limbed creatures even the wolves. The wolves were the young of the Codru-Ji as they had a very interesting development. Xander cared not as he pressed forward and slashed and cut efficiently. How many fell? He couldn't say. Xander never counted, he simply did. Combat was an art, but survival required what was necessary. It seemed the Codru-Ji knew that too. They were getting rushed and Xander knew they would be overwhelmed soon.

"Get high ground and move to the temple. It will create a bottle neck that will slow them."

Xander was a tactician and strategist. Thinking on his feet, planning survival. What they were here to find was not in the courtyard anyway. Xander just knew some how.

Two Codru-Ji attacked. With a swing of his blades one fell to the ground legless as the other lost its head. Making his way back to the temple Xander left a trail of bodies. A sign the regal monster had returned.

[member="Sitara Qin"]

 

[Sitara Qin]

They were combatting people with way too many arms and their pet wolves. Sitara was a little annoyed. She knew this was coming, yet slashing through the crowd was tedious. She had to concentrate and dodge whatever primitive weapons they were throwing at her. She slashed through the flimsy wood, though at one point one of the spears ended up scratching her and tearing her sweater a little.

She growled. Fething creature. This was one of her favorite sweaters and cost her quite a few credits. She ended up charging towards him, her saber cutting through his abdomen. She’d ransack all of them to see if she could find enough money to replace the sweater, but she doubted it. She cursed at all of them in her mind.

She looked back at Xander as he told her to get high ground. She nodded. What she lacked in strength made up for her speed. She found herself outrunning most of them. Her boots were perfect for the terrain. She ran and gashed those who came into her way.

She found herself running towards the temple. They marked their way with blood. Once inside, she took a rest on top of one of the fallen pillars. She relaxed herself for a little while, though her hand still gripped her saber tightly.

| [member="Xander Blackmoore"] |

 

[Judah Lesan]

Xander barred the doors as he spliced several in half. He knew multiple ways in and out so they would escape with ease. Something pulled at Xander in the direction of where the living quarters had been. He disengaged his sabers and replaced them along his waist. Turning to Sitara he could see she was not used to the tedious work of killing in mass. A lesson all Sith learned. For some reason in this hall, he felt the teacher, so he commented.

"Embrace the darkness in those moments. It will do the work for you."

Sitting next to her, he noticed the tear in her sweater. It was in the painting he had made as well. Whatever it was they were meant to come across clearly they had not yet. Blue eyes looked down the corridor which had once contained the one bedroom studio he had called his. Xander remembered the man he killed to take it. Neferis had been upset, but she let it go regardless.

"That was fun," Xander teased as his fingers picked at the sweater. "I know a good seamstress that can repair this if you like, other wise it could be modfied. I should have something made for you I think. Something that fits your electric personality, but will be good for battle and field missions. Consider a thank you for coming with me."

Xander's generous nature. He had always been such to those he considered friends and lovers. Sitara was proving to be a friend at the least, whether she would be more remained to be seen. The physical exertion had left them both sweaty. Xanders bare, chiseled arms glistened from the moist glaze which coated them. They had to press on despite the weariness which came over them, at least Xander.

"The corridor there... I lived down that way. It also matches the painting."

The shadow of the rafters were the same. He pointed them out, as he stood again to continue.

"This is the second time I've taken you to my room," he chuckled as he pushed the door open to allow her entrance.

His signet ring was all the passed through, this was the scene he had painted. Whatever they were looking for laid in the room now filled with cobwebs and dust. The wood furniture was distressed, the drapes torn. The bed was even broken down. Clearly that was unusable. Quick steps took him past the seating area to the wine cabinet. Some bottles were still there, full, exceptional years then, unbelievably good by now. There was something else though. The bottom cluster of grapes carved into the wood had a button, the final grape not what it seemed. Pushing it, Xander watched as the wall moved to the side and opened his hidden cache of weapons.

[member="Sitara Qin"]

 

[Sitara Qin]

It wasn’t a place she wanted to be in, and for that reason, Sitara was hesitant of giving herself to the darkness. She was afraid of the person she’d become if she allowed herself to be consumed by bloodlust and fury. She simply couldn’t let herself go, and that was why she hesitated. It was strange. Sitara did not feel guilty about slashing the bodies of her enemies, and yet she was reluctant to slaughter all of them.

If she embraced the darkness, would she become a completely different person?

She didn’t want to know, and yet, she had to.

She nodded. “I understand, though I’d rather embrace you instead.” She told him, retracting the blade of her lightsaber. She fastened the shaft into her belt. She noticed him eyeing her sweater, and she vaguely remembered seeing the small tear in the painting. Perhaps they were on the right path. If only it didn’t come with the cost of ruining her clothes.

“Thanks.” She told him, as his fingers played with the loose threads. Of course, a mesh sweater wasn’t something practical to bring around. It was much too…stringy and provided no real protection from the cold. Yet still, she adored everything about the sweater. Everything but its price tag. “I’d appreciate that.” She said, resting her head on his stern shoulder.

He was kind to her, though stern when he needed to be. On her part, she enjoyed teasing him and being in his company. She remembered her first impression on him during the training camp. He seemed very controlling, perhaps it was cause his apprentice seemed really demonic. She was gashing at her own skin for feth’s sake!

He gestured towards the dark corridor. Sitara hopped off the pillar they used as a seat and walked towards it. Wait…she recognized this scene very well. It was all leading towards that moment… That moment where he’d bring her into his bedroom for the second time today. When she entered the room, her eyes were first drawn to the broken bed. She raised an eyebrow and turned to face him.

“Well, I’d love to do that with you some day.” She teased as he made his way to the wine cabinet. She followed after him, and while he was preoccupied with one of the grapes, she grabbed a bottle of wine. This. This would definitely taste amazing. “Let’s bring some of this back to the ship when we’re done.” She said, preoccupied with the bottle of fermented grapes. “I bet this tastes extraordinary!”

She looked up, the wall gone. Instead, a hidden room was revealed filled with all kinds of weapons. She almost dropped the bottle in shock, but instead, she set it down. “Oh my god, Xander.” She exclaimed, as she ventured inside. She picked up a plane wooden bow and tugged on its string.

“You are such a hoarder.”

| [member="Xander Blackmoore"] |

 

[Judah Lesan]

"A climax so intense it causes a release of force energy as well, or simply rough the bed can't hold it... several ways to make that happen. Which would you prefer?"

Xander simply smirked at the comment. Yes, he actually fully intended to follow through on that if she wanted to as well. Their time spent in his quarters on the ship had been rather enjoyable, and enlightening. Sitara's lightsaber truly was a reflection of who she was. The young brunette was definitely electric. She feared losing herself to the darkenss, he could tell. Xander had not suggested she give herself over to the darkness, but rather harness it. He didn't blame her for that fear however. Many Sith lost sight of the fact they were to be the master, and in losing that lost themselves. Many Sith became monsters as a result, but Neferis had ensured to teach Xander properly.

"The wine was a good year when it was shipped to me from my home. My homeworld is known for their wine exports. The winery my father had on our palace grounds was the best there was. I can only imagine what another 800 years has done to those bottles. Find a trunk, and we will take them all with us. The Codru-Ji will not find us again."

The wine would be more than wonderful, he was certain. They could enjoy some, or all of it, on the return trip. It certainly depended on what types of activity Sitara most wanted to enjoy on their way back to Malif Cove. There was much to take with them. The knives and bows would be retrieved. While Xander had a cache in his manor on Ec Pand, he had nothing at the vacation property on Malif Cove. There was not much hunting on the beach, but he was certain the world had places which offered interesting game to track and hunt. Perhaps Sitara would even enjoy a foray into the woods, one which did not lead to them being attacked by natives.

He shrugged as she called him a hoarder. This was something he could not deny. Xander collected weapons. All of them had a use, and had been used by him. He was not the type to hoard things he never used. No each weapon had a purpose, and each had a story. Tara reached for the bow almost instinctively. Good choice was his the first thought which came to his mind. Looking the weapon over, it was actually the perfect bow for her. She had either known that, or it was a lucky grab.

"Have you ever used a bow before," he asked as he stepped in behind her, reaching around adjust her grip and lift the weapon to where it should be held. "The hidden blade crafted for us as assassins is only good for close range kills. Some assassins prefer to look into the eyes of their targets, watching as life leaves them. A bow, now that allows for ranged secrecy, and with the force as your guide, you will never miss."

His words fell gracefully on her ear as he spoke into it. His eyes looking past her hands and aiming the bow. It was not recommended to dry fire a bow, yet he still guided her arm back as the string was pulled back close to her face.

"Feel the tension, embrace it. Breathe in deep, out slowly. Release!"

[member="Sitara Qin"]

 

[Sitara Qin]

“With you? I’d be willing to try them all.” She replied. She was willing to take that offer, after all, they were part of the same faction. It obviously meant they’d be spending a lot more time together. There was nothing more fun than a lovely session of pent up copulation after spending time assassinating people as well as training. She’d enjoy stealing him away from his student for a few hours of passion, and she bet that he’d enjoy that too.

“You should probably take me back to your home world sometime too. I’m sure we can find a lot of interesting things to do.” She winked. She was definitely looking forward to laying in bed naked with him, drunk with thousand year old wine. It was a luxury many people couldn’t even afford to have, and here she was fantasizing about something that could actually happen. Of course, Xander was just as lucky for the company of a beautiful woman.

“Well, no. Not really. ” She said, turning her head to look at him. He adjusted her position and she stiffened up. This bow was definitely ancient, although the arrows she had seen were still fairly sharp. It could do some serious damage to anyone who was in the way, unless they blocked it before it could hit them, of course. She moved her finger, trying to adjust herself. She had a good aim, she was a sharp shooter after all and did fairly well on a blaster.

Although she had actually lacked an arrow when she released the cable, she could still see where the arrow should have hit. She slowly dropped her arm, still holding onto the bow. With a few modern adjustments, and maybe a fresh coat of paint, she could probably get used to using it. It was nothing like holding her lightsaber, she’d admit that, but it was just as empowering. She looked over at Xander and smiled. “I think I’m ready to use an actual arrow, if you please.”

She moved away from him and looked over at the arrows. She grabbed one. The shaft was a little flimsy, though was sturdy enough to hold. The point however was still very sharp. She closed her non-dominant eye and focused. The small chipped porcelain vase looked fine enough to shoot. She took on the stance Xander had showed her earlier, her body perpendicular from her target. She pointed the bow to the ground before positioning her arrow, then she used three fingers to lightly hold the arrow on the string. She took a deep breath before raising her bow, afterwards pulling her finger back, she drew the cord. With her other eye still closed she aimed for the vase, then she released the arrow. Her other hand still in position, she watched as the arrow sped for the vase.

It shattered into small pieces and fell to floor, she relaxed herself after. She smiled, and turned back to face Xander. “That was actually really fun.”

| [member="Xander Blackmoore"] |

 

[Judah Lesan]

"That was my favorite vase..."

Xander was teasing. For a moment he looked serious, but emailed at the last. For never firing a bow before, Sitara did well. She had a natural touch, though Xander would have to recommend gloves if she did. It wish for the tips of her fingers to blister and callous. Not much else was said about how impressed Xander had been that she had managed to do so well. His attention returned to the weapons cache which had remained intact. If she was to take bow, which he was going allow, then she might as well have one of his hunting knives.

He perused the section of knives to determine which one he was going to give her, and found one which he had no memory for. This was odd. Taking it in his hand, he looked it over as he answered her inquiry about his home world.

"The servants would love you, though I am running out of rooms to give away. What a shame... You'll have use mine."

His eyes did not move from the knife. Something was hidden in it. Two thoughts were on his mind as he searched for the opening. First was what he would do with Sitara would she actually accompany him to Ec Pand. There were more than just his quarters to enjoy the wine. The countryside was littered with many places to steal away for sometime without being found by a single soul. The thought of taking her in the cover of the woods amused him.

The second thought was of the knife. He was trying to recall where it came from. There was no recollection of it at all. Metal fit into polished bone, ivory by the look of it. Thi weapon was too fancy for him to not recall. Finally the butt of the handle screwed open to reveal a hidden map. The flimsi was old, clearly, but it wasn't the flimsi that caught him off guard. It was the content. Stuffing it into the pouch on his belt, Xander decided he would look at it later. This was exactly what they came to find. The final key to the mystery that had been plaguing him for centuries.

Turning back to face Sitata, he offered her the knife, sheathed naturally.

"For you. Every archer needs a good knife if they are to keep their arrows. I have found what we came here for. Once we have these weapons back on the ship, I will show it to you."

[member="Sitara Qin"]

 

[Sitara Qin]

“Your favorite vase? Don’t worry, I’ll get you a new one.” She said, wrinkling up her nose. She set the bow down onto the table, though she’ll probably pick it up again later on. It was as though it was shaped for her, though the fine metal of the bow did make it hard for her to use it continuously. Perhaps she needed some equipment, plus she’d like to modify the bow to suit her a little better.

She followed after him and watched as he picked up a knife. He seemed to focus on it for a moment, before breaking the silence by speaking to her. “That’s fine. Sharing a room is always more fun, especially if it’s with you.” She said, as she walked up beside him. He seemed fixated on the blade, as though there was something wrong with it. “Besides, we’d have wine and each others’ company to keep us entertained.” He unscrewed the handle of the knife, revealing a rolled up flimsiplast. He took a look at it, from what she could see when she leaned over, it was some kind of map.

Was that what they were looking for?

Would it lead to their doom?

Sitara shuddered, not wanting to find out. Yet, that was what Xander came her for, it must lead to something dreadfully important. Perhaps, she’d join him for another adventure.

He offered her the knife, and she took it hesitantly. It was very pretty and was meticulously crafted. She held it by the light. It was too pretty to cut with, though it would definitely land a decent gash. She leaned up to kiss Xander on the cheek. “You keep giving me pretty things. I’ll have to repay you somehow.” She winked.

She walked over and grabbed the bow. “Alright, but you can carry the wine.”

| [member="Xander Blackmoore"] |

 

[Judah Lesan]

"Oh I could think of a few ways," Xander winked in return.

He walked away chuckling as he found something to carry the wine bottles in. They were packed with care so the glass would not shatter as they moved about. Also, to be extra careful, Xander did not intend to carry them. Using the force to levitate, and command them to follow him where he willed. There were more weapons to carry anyway. Though that was not Xander's concern.

Standing in the room Xander finally took in something that he should have accepted a long time ago. The galaxy, Sith, the world, had all moved on with out his presence, and they would have regardless. It was time for Xander to do the same. Why not, this time had much to offer him. A chance to take his throne again, a world that would allow him to be free from what the former Sith would have imposed on him. His lover was dead, but there would be others willing to fill the place if Xander wanted, perhaps he had already found one, though it was truly too soon to be certain. In the few moments he had in that room, Xander finally bid farewell to the past, the parts he could. There was on piece which still haunted him, but would shortly be resolved.

"Well this was fun, a good reminder of who I am, but the future holds better things for me I do believe," he said to Sitara. "Shall we move on?"

The question certainly had a double meaning, but was also a rhetorical one. Absolutely they should move on, to new and better things. As assured, they returned to the ship without any further attacks from the Codru-Ji. Enough if their numbers had been killed they were likely telling the stories of the red demon and her king once more, only this time, Sitara was not a red demon. He wondered what they would call her. Several names suited her, but alas, they would choose, and Xander was not remaining to hear their tales of the monster who wielded pink lightning from her blade.

Going straight to the lounged, Xander removed his bow and quiver of arrows after setting the wine in a secure place. Moving to the table in the lounge, the pilot was commanded to return them to Malif Cove, and not to disturb them. Unrolling the flimsiplast map, Xander looked over it with scrutinizing detail. They glyphs and runes were not familiar to him, and yet they were. He'd seen them somewhere before, but did not know what they meant. Suddenly it dawned on him. Removing the amulet from his neck, he found the engraving which was on the band holding the purple jewel in its place. There was a connection he was sure. What the connection was he did not know.

"This is either my doom, or my freedom. I'm uncertain as to which."

[member="Sitara Qin"]

 

[Sitara Qin]

They had escaped the planet unharmed, and though they brought with them a few salvaged weapons, she felt as though they left something behind. Perhaps her companion had finally found the peace he was looking for.

The journey back home would take just as long, although now she felt as though she could relax. She was far more comfortable with him than she had been coming into the planet. Shall they move on? Sitara certainly wished she could linger in his arms for a few moments longer, though she assumed they’d be seeing each other more now. There were many things she was looking forward to, and having more moments like this was definitely one of them.

“Mmhmm. You’ll have to give me a tour of your home world.” Sometime soon, she wanted to add, though she was in no rush. It was probably emotionally exhausting for him to just leave the world where he was formed. He took one trip down memory lane today and he needed some time to rest before taking another. Regardless, she’d still be there for him. All he had to do was ask.

Once again, she found him fixated with an item. This time, it was the map. There was another story here, whether she’d be there for him to tell it, she did not know. She walked over towards him, and leaning up, she rested her head on his shoulder. He was taller than her by a few inches, just how she liked them.

“Either way, you’re going to have to seek it out.” She said, as she moved over to where he set the thousand year old wine down. She grabbed a bottle. “Shall I?” She uncorked it, and poured them both a goblet. She walked over to him, carrying the wine glasses and setting it down in front of him.

Carefully pulling the flimsi away from him, she set it down somewhere behind her. She then leaned up and wrapped her arms around his neck. “How about one last tryst before we part ways?” She offered, as she parted with the clothes that bound her. She retreated into the comforts of his bedroom once more for the night, bringing the goblets of wine with her.

| [member="Xander Blackmoore"] |

 

[Judah Lesan]

A trip to Ec Pand would be in order, and sooner than she thought. Xander has an extensive library there in his father's old study. It was the one part of his last Xander had no hesitancy to revisit the grounds of his families estate were not as lavish and spacious as the palace on Indupar, but it was the next best to it, a smaller copy. The vaults ther still contained his father's toxins. The ones mixed for assassins hired to kill on behalf of his father. That order was long gone by now, but the poisons would be potent.

Xander smilednas the goblet of wine was set before him. Her words still echoed in his mind. She was right. Whether it was his doom or freedom, Xander had to search it out, and he would. Sitara had already learned this of him. The warmth of her body was comforting to him. The soft sensation of her chest against his back pulled him from his obsession. Xander knew he could be easily obsessed. It was a flaw one could exploit if they knew of it. He watched as she moved the flimsi some where behind her, and looked into her eyes as she suggested a tryst to end their adventure.

He nodded, and watched hungrily as she stripped her clothes, following her naked form to his quarters. His own garments were cast aside as well before the door closed. They would drink of the wine, and of pleasure, until morning when the ship landed at his vacation home on Malif Cove once more. It marked the end of this adventure, and the affair which had accompanied it. He watched from his balcony as she left the way she had come a little over twenty four hours ago. He said nothing, though pressed into he mind.

"Should you ever find you need a distraction from your training, you know where to find me. Until Ec Pand, [member="Sitara Qin"]."