The Winds of Winter

[cheshire_kitty]

Spoiler

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vnf-XEQCTQg

Ilum, a planet of eternal winter, a sacred world of the Jedi, was not a planet Annaliese would have ever expected to visit without ill intentions. But times have changed, things were different now. No longer a Zambrano or on the path of a Sith, the young woman had lost much of her identity and wasn't quite sure who she was.

I need to change, Annaliese thought as she trudged through the snow in her heavy boots. However, simply stating a desire to change meant nothing without dedication and effort both of which the Epicanthix was in no shortage of - fortunately for her.

Unrelenting in their ferocity, the icy winds of Ilum toppled over the raven haired woman and buried her face in the snow. "Kark," she cursed as she picked herself up and continued on aimlessly, without a destination.

For a reason unknown to her, she had been compelled to visit the planet. Perhaps Reinhard was there or perhaps it was a more spiritual calling, she didn't know. All she knew was that she needed to follow it to the end.

"Reinhard," she called the name of her beloved hoping it was he who had been calling her through the tendrils of the Force as she continued to brave the freezing climate of Ilum.

[member="Connor Harrison"]​

 

[Connor Harrison]

North Jedi Temple
Ilum, Unknown Regions

Connor Harrison had been here once – no, twice – in his time with the Silvers. Helping an eager Twi’lek search for kyber crystals and investigating a downed freighter with aid from the Republic. Happier times.

Now he was here, alone, with the howling wind and dwindling temperature that acted as a natural security against unwanted guests in the old Jedi Temple to the North of Ilum. Located down an icy ravine, it was tucked away from the elements and was a sight to behold from the outside with its tall structure and almost natural formation from the ice and rock around it.

Stood inside the temple at the entrance to the Crystal Caves, Connor kept his breathing mask on that covered his nose and mouth and kept the oxygen at a suitable temperature so he didn’t suffer. Icy condensation blew out with each breath as his blue eyes looked all around for answers.

He just wanted to explore and discover what secrets he could about the Jedi now and of the past so he could use them for his future.

Reinhard?

He turned around slowly and looked out into the distance, beyond the entrance, to the outside. His eyes narrowed, breathing steady.

”Reinhard…”" he whispered to the voice coming through th wind to his mind. ”Where are you…”"

Yes. This was the mind game he enjoyed playing, because someone else was near, and he didn’t like it.

[member=Annaliese]

 

[cheshire_kitty]

”Reinhard…” Annaliese heard the wind whisper softly. ”Where are you…”

Her heart fluttered for a second at the sound of her love's name. "Who's there?" she asked, her tone curious. "Is Reinhard near?"

Snow billowed around her and the wind howled viciously as the Epicanthix continued on, nearing a ravine. "Kark!" Annaliese screamed as a strong gust of wind nearly sent her tumbling down a deep crevice in the ice. Ilum had now officially become her least favourite planet. Kark the ice. Kark the snow. Kark everything about this giant ice cube of a planet!

Annoyed and seemingly with no one in range to hear, the young woman unleashed a cry of frustration. Had it been another planet, she might have sent out a Force push to express her displeasure but on Ilum, a planet that seemed quite prone to avalanches, that did not seem like the best of ideas.

"Kark, kark, kark," the foul-mouthed Epicanthix chanted, fuelled by her hatred of the planet. She would sooner demand from her absent father the child support that was owed to her than to allow this sorrowful sacred Jedi planet defeat her.

With a determined expression, Annaliese stared down the ravine that now lay before her. Not today, not ever, she thought as she continued on her way.

[member="Connor Harrison"]​

 

[Connor Harrison]

Connor ignored the voice for a few minutes. He was too busy standing at the Crystal Cave entrance burrowed deep inside the depths of the ice temple.

Stepping up a few boulders on the ground, he knelt before the gaping hole and looked down into the black tunnel that led into the cave. A shimmer of neon blues radiated on the ground in the distance, and a smile curled on his lips behind the mask.

He turned his head. ”The cave. The Jedi temple. Quickly.” He spoke gently.

Whoever this trespasser was, he would deal with them. Now wasn't the time for interruption, and he was beyond caring whilst on his voyage of discovery.

Connor stood and fished into his rucksack, pulling out a green glowstick that activated with a crack. He tossed it down into the cave and jumped down before the entranace. The wind howled outside as he turned to the entrace of the temple, partially cracked and covered with ice and snow from many years of natural erosion and neglect. Whoever this voice belonged to, they'd either perish in the elements or at his hands. Both would be cold.

[member=Annaliese]

 

[cheshire_kitty]

”The cave. The Jedi temple. Quickly.” Annaliese heard a voice speak gently.

Jedi temple? Annaliese wrinkled her nose at the combination of the two words. Ew.

Though she no longer embarked upon the path of a Sith, that did not mean she automatically liked Jedi. In fact, she was still repulsed by those no good goody two-shoes.

Reluctantly, the former Sith Acolyte made her way to the entrance of the temple where she saw an older gentlemen with a green glowstick in hand.

"Hello," she greeted him, drawing her blade. Lightsabers were fun and all but their cuts drew no blood so that, in Annaliese's mind, made them inferior to blades by default. What was a battle without a little blood?

"Put away that glowstick old man, it's a gaudy sight," the Epicanthix called to him with approximately a hundred or so meters between them. "I don't mean any harm if you don't," she smirked.

Though she wasn’t quite in the mood for a fight, if the man - who she assumed was a Jedi - wished for her to paint a picture with his blood in the snow, she would oblige. She had always enjoyed art classes the most.

[member="Connor Harrison"]​

 

[Connor Harrison]

The voice behind him was not what he expected, yet it annoyed him greatly.

”Old? I'm not old,” he muttered to himself.

Turning around, holding the glowstick, he saw the figure of a woman before him, lightsaber in hand. Her aura was weak, her body seemed rigid and cold. She certainly had guts. He couldn't place her alliance - she seemed conflicted internally.

Connor launched the glowstick up and under towards her, and in the same motion with his other hand shot out to call her blade to his palm were her senses and reflexes lapsing with the cold.

”You're a little rude aren't you. You waltz in here uninvited and call me old? Dear me. You need to learn some manners girl.” He stepped forward, making it clear what was on his hip; his hilt. ”What are you doing here?”

[member="Annaliese"]

 

[cheshire_kitty]

"Not old huh?" Annaliese chuckled, amused that she had provoked a reaction from the man.

"Uninvited?" She continued. "Didn't the voice that told me to hurry to the temple belong to you? How about you work on your memory before complaining about the manners of others? Old. Man." Although the Epicanthix could sense that the man before her was many times more powerful than herself in the ways of the Force, she persisted in her attempts to get under his skin.

"Also, I can't help it if my manners are not up to scratch. My absent father was too busy conquering planets, whacking Jedi with his own glowstick and doing other fun stuff," she bragged though there was a hint of bitterness concealed within her nonchalant tone.

"Anyways, who greets a woman with a weapon drawn? A simple hello would've sufficed," Annaliese reprimanded the man. "But you know what? Since I am such a forgiving soul, I will forgive your rudeness. So, let us begin again," she said and began to close the distance between the man and herself.

"Hello, I am Annaliese. Nice to meet you," the Epicanthix smirked, stopping halfway.

[member="Connor Harrison"]​

 

[Connor Harrison]

Looking down at the hilt, he shrugged.

”Oh, that was me yes but I expected you to die out in the cold or be some whelp. I have no idea who Reinhard is nor do I care, so forget that name. Still, you're not dead so that says something about you.”

Connor closed the gap and held his hand out, decided to start embracing those who had a darker streak to them rather than oppose them. That wasn't his role anymore. He stuck his hand out.

”Connor Harrison. Welcome to Ilum. Pardon my rudeness but I've a habit of attracting unwanted attention. It's kind of a trait.”

He stood there, not openly after a confrontation, and waited a moment, looking for something.

”So, again, why are you on this ice cube. And who the hell is Reinhard.”

[member="Annaliese"]

 

[cheshire_kitty]

"Much better," Annaliese grinned, taking his hand in a firm grasp and shook it.

"Also, if you don't mind, I would very much appreciate it if you returned my blade," she frowned. "Dangerous creatures lurk in the snow so it would benefit us both if I am able properly armed. I did say I mean no harm if you don't," she said, breaking her hand from his and held it out, expecting the return of her weapon.

While the young woman certainly did not appreciate his taking of her blade, the was nothing she could have done to prevent it. The difference in skill between him and her was too great so, rather than get upset about it, she simply went with it. After all, there was nothing special about the sword except that it was made of phrik and additionally, it wasn't like she didn't have other weapons at her disposal like her fighting knife or gauntlet, both which were covered by her overcoat.

"And as for why I'm here, I was drawn to the planet by something so I thought I might as well look for Reinhard and kill two birds with one stone while I'm at it," Annaliese replied. "Now, on the topic of Reinhard, didn't you just say you didn't care who he was mere moments ago?" the Epicanthix smirked. "Well, since you can't seem to make up your mind, I'll do it for you."

"Reinhard is Reinhard Baelor, nephew to Isamu Baelor, Emperor of the Iron Empire but that isn't important. What is important though is that he is my destined - even if he doesn't quite know it yet."

[member="Connor Harrison"]​

Spoiler

Oops, I don't know how I missed the part where Connor tried to take Annaliese's blade but I've tried to address it in this post. Sorry about that!

 

[Connor Harrison]

Glancing down at the weapon, he weighed it in his hand. Not overly heavy, but then it may be amateur stuff. He handed the hilt back, ready to take her hand off if she tried anything.

”Pleasure is all mine. And, forgive me, I don't care for Reinhard or what he is to you, but I was interested as to just what he was to you. Sounds like you're chasing a dream. Don't bother. They don't come true.”

Behind his face mask, his brow raised for a second, and he scooped up the snowy glow-stick and turned back to the cave.

”So, Annaliese,” Connor called over his shoulder, ”you're not a Jedi that's for sure. Too weak for a Sith I bet out here not knowing what you're doing. So where do you hail from?”

He stood at the lip of the tunnel leading down to the glowing cavern, not feeling this girl was going to be a threat. Just a wise-ass.

[member="Annaliese"]

 

[cheshire_kitty]

Pleased to be allowed her blade back, Annaliese slid the weapon back into its sheath that hung on her waist.

"Dreams don't come true if you expect everything to be handed to you on a silver platter," she corrected. "I have given up pretty much everything for my dream, so I think mine will become a reality soon enough." The Epicanthix smiled dreamily at the thought of her future with Reinhard.

"Before I answer your question regarding where I hail from, perhaps, you would like to indulge me a little. Remeber that absent father I mentioned a little earlier?" Annaliese asked with a bitter smile. "I'll give you three clues and at the end, you guess who daddy dearest is," she said, not following Connor towards the cave as she was unsure how he would react should he work out the identity of her father.

"One, most people die once but he has died many times," she said, holding up a finger. "Two, knowing my father, I probably have enough half siblings to populate an entire planet and three, he is the God-King of the Epicanthix."

[member="Connor Harrison"]​

 

[Connor Harrison]

”Trust me, chasing dreams can also lead to heartache and pain. Don’t expect it all to be rainbows and roses. Think with your head, not with your heart. It’s safer that way.”

Standing at the entrance, Connor wasn’t going to charge off just yet without getting to know this mysterious explorer. He frowned a little at her guessing game, but smiled behind the mask at her company without trying to kill him – he’d never felt so alone as he had recently.

That would soon change.

”It’s a good job I’m not in a rush,” he sighed. He clasped his hands together to humour her. ”Ok. Well Epicanthix is a bonus so your mind is closed off for me, so no cheating. A God-king who has died many times and you are one of many siblings.”

His mind went blank. And it showed how little he knew of the greater galaxy if this girl was related to some…God-king. Connor knew so little about galactic politics and power-players.

”I have no idea.” He plucked a name from the void. ”Er…one of the Ovmar bunch.”

[member="Annaliese"]

 

[cheshire_kitty]

Annaliese nodded as Connor attempted repeated the clues, eager to witnessed his reaction once he worked out who her father was. Except, he didn't.

"Ovmar? Who the kark are they?" she frowned and gave the man a puzzled look. "Seriously, you haven't heard of the Zambranos? As in Kaine Zambrano also known as Darth Vornskr," she asked, her tone incredulous.

Apparently her father wasn't as infamous as she had expected - either that or Connor was incredabily ignorant of events that happened within the galaxy. At least as far as the activities of the Sith were concerned.

"My father is an older gentleman - much older than you. Probably taller than you too with dark hair and green eyes and I think he usually wears a mask or something as well," Annaliese furrowed her brows, attempting to recall what little she knew of her father. "Ring any bells?"

[member="Connor Harrison"]​

 

[Connor Harrison]

At the mention of her father, throwing it into conversation as casual as you could get, Connor blinked slowly and his skin crawled. The icy shiver ran up his spine, and not one brought on the by the cold climate.

Vornskr. The man who murdered Iella E’ron – the Grandmaster of the Silver Jedi who saved Connor from himself.

”You’re his daughter."

Absently, he nodded. The daughter of a Sith Lord, here, now. What could this mean? What could his open up for him….why now?

”I’ve heard of them," his words were a little slow, his mind occupied in thought. ”I met someone called Slade Zambrano once. He’s a moron of highest standards. No offence."

The daughter of Vornksr. He had to tread carefully.

”With all due respect, may I ask if you follow in his footsteps? Are you a follower of the Dark too?"

[member=Annaliese]

 

[cheshire_kitty]

"No offense taken. I've never met the guy," Annaliese replied, casually with an amused smile. It was always fun to watch others react upon hearing the infamous name.

"And, as for your question, no, I do not follow in my father's footsteps. I have no intention of becoming a Sith but, I am inclined towards the darkness rather than the light," she replied truthfully. "My loyalty no longer belongs to the Zambranos but the Baelors, specifically Reinhard Baelor," she added, her cheeks flushing as she spoke her beloved's name.

"Worried I might become my father?" Annaliese asked Connor in a teasing tone. "Don't worry, I have no intention of becoming like daddy dearest. I'm not a complete nerf herder and nor do I intend to become one," she joked.

"And if you recall, I introduced myself as just Annaliese, not Annaliese Zambrano. I've discarded that name and renounced my allegiance to House Zambrano."

[member="Connor Harrison"]​

 

[Connor Harrison]

How amusing. Connor smirked behind the mask at her spirit.

”Okay then – just Annaliese – we won’t mention them again. Good to know you’re not totally led astray. Although I can’t say I’ve heard about the Baelors. Care to tell me about them? Who are they – and just what is it with this Reinhard that makes you all gushy."

Connor extended his hand towards the cavern leading down into the caves where he wanted to go.

”Please, join me. I’d enjoy the company."

[member="Annaliese"]

 

[cheshire_kitty]

Just Annaliese? she frowned.

"You don't seem like a father and yet, you're making dad jokes," the Epicanthix remarked, rolling her eyes at the man.

"And I guess I don't mind telling you about them. If you ever get bored of your situation and find yourself in the mood for a change of scenery, pay the Iron Empire a visit. We could do with more capable men," she said then started towards the cavern Connor had gestured to.

"Can't say I've ever wanted to enter a Jedi temple but I guess there's no harm in visiting one. Perhaps I might have some grand epiphany inside that might persuade me towards the light," she joked.

[member="Connor Harrison"]​

 

[Connor Harrison]

He gave her a double take as the crunched down the snowy path, surrounded by rock.

”Dad jokes? Just Annaliese though, as in just that name, right? But no, I'm not a Dad. I'm not that bad am I?"

They stepped down into a wider cave, and he stood and took in the wide berth before them - stalagmites and stalagtites, and large chunks of rock. And within, glittering blue crystals.

Walking forward, he pulled down the mask so he could talk clearer and she would now see all his face.

”Do you know about the crystal cave? It's a place where many young Jedi can come to discover their crystal to power the lightsaber. It's stood for hundereds of years."

Looking around, he turned to the girl.

”Tell me about the Iron Empire. I've never heard of them."

[member="Annaliese"]

 

[cheshire_kitty]

"Yes, as in just the name and yes again, you joke was really that bad. Not that I would actually know," Annaliese smirked.

"Jedis are such minimalists aren't they?" the young woman remarked as she admired the cave filled with glistening blue crystals. It was a sight to behold but at the same time, it also made her feel a bit uneasy. It felt odd and almost wrong to enter a Jedi temple without vile intentions.

"Woah, you're older than I first thought," she joked and followed suit, removing the scarf that obscured the bottom half of her face.

"I guess," Annaliese shrugged. "But I never really cared. Glowsticks are over-rated. I use a sword now," she said as Connor turned to her.

"What do you want to know about the Iron Empire? All the basics? Like who leads it and how and why it was established?"

[member="Connor Harrison"]​

 

[Connor Harrison]

Connor raised a brow and looked the woman, seeing her face for the first time.

”That was an embarrassing mother joke right there."

He smirked and started to wander around the cave, as if browsing around an elegant shop. The darkness was only lit by the glow of the crystals from all around. His fingers reached out for one now and then, teasing it embedded in the rock and frosted with ice.

”Lightsabers may have their faults, yes, but in the right hands they are a powerful and deadly too. As you say, the Jedi focus so much on the smaller things, they waste their time trying to do some good when they miss everything else right under their noses."

He stopped and looked at a group of crystals, the blue shining across his face.

”They always fail to see the ones who could shape them into something great."

With that, he turned to the woman.

”And yes, please, as much as you want to say. Where they’re located, what they do and who leads them. It’s a name I’ve never heard until now."

[member="Annaliese"]