Private The Wolf and The Witch

[Gerwald Lechner]

G U A R D E D​

Wearing: xxx
Tag: Vytal Noctura

Naboo had become a second home to many on the Knights Obsidian since the relocation from Geonosis, and the devastation which had taken place on Roon. Gerwald would not pretend the transitions had not been hard for some. Even he had struggled early on, and again recently with the added mantle of Lord Commander. From the moment Kyyrk had told him of the intent to step aside to allow Gerwald the opportunity to succeed him, the lupine opposed the idea. There was only one thing which made him accept.

Duty.

The word kept coming into Gerwald’s world, and he hated it with every fiber of his being. Duty had seen him lose people he loved. The ring which he wore on a chain around his neck was a testament to that. His drive to protect those that were now in his charge had seen him willing to make many sacrifices, even if it meant giving up his own life in the process. The celebration of his ascension on Roon had also come with a test to that sentiment.

Today duty demanded something else of him. There was one other who should have been sitting in the chair he now occupied. Vytal Noctura , the Deputy Lord Commander, the Nightmother. Gerwald had long looked past her, not because he could not respect her, but because of his own hesitations born from his experience with witches in the past. The previous Nightmother had been his lover, a relationship that had ended when she disappeared. It had felt like a betrayal, and even though it was wrong, it had been projected on the woman Gerwald now sought to meet with.

They had shared an agreeable time on Roon sitting around a bonfire. She had even managed to get Gerwald to dance, despite his reluctance and outright refusal at first. It had been the first step in repairing the damage his own ignorance had caused. Today was the second.

He stood near the fireplace in what served as his office. The new headquarters for the Knights Obsidian were still being built, and until they were completed an office was established for Gerwald in the Presidium. A large picture window gave the wolf a view of the forest just beyond the grounds, a welcome sight when compared to the harsh sand and rock of Geonosis. A cart containing tea and the appropriate spread to pair with such a drink was prepared, and situated between two comfortable chairs. This was not the bonfire on Roon with smoked meats and alcohol, rather it was a setting for business. There was much to discuss, and they would need to be of sober mind to do it.

Vytal was important, and her council would be needed if Gerwald was going to succeed as Lord Commander.
​

 

[Vytal Noctura]

S T U D I O U S

Equipment: The Blood of Dathomir Armor | Nightmother's Ward

Tag: Gerwald Lechner
​

The Nightmother occasionally visited the mysterious door aboard The Bastion, a lost ancient vessel that she'd had refitted top to bottom. The Door was one of the vessel's features that had come from its original construction, however. A puzzle that the Solanaceae -- the Knight's -- researchers had yet to crack. There were obvious indications of 'pieces' missing that would somehow combine together to unseal what lay beyond. Scanners had been useless in piercing the outer shell, and attempts to cut their way in had failed. Even magical intrusion proved elusive.​

​

When word came down that the ship had appeared in orbit over Naboo, the pale Witch turned to head for the hanger. Staring at the Door would not will it to open sooner... no matter how many spirits she sought to ply against it.​

​

A short while later, Vytal Noctura strode down the ramp and made her way to Gerwald present office. She hoped the Knights would make use of The Bastion's facilities, but if nothing else it would serve as the mobile command post in the event Naboo fell under the similaar cataclysmic events as those on Geonosis. The grown woods in the expansive arboretum and hydroponics weren't requite the same as Naboo's open world greenery, but it was leagues better than most starships and their lifeless corridors.​

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Vytal paused to knock on Gerwald's door out of politeness. It would not speak well if she just barged in as though it were her own office.​

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"Lord Commander Lechner," the Witch intoned as she entered. A small smile graced her black lips. Her eyes slid to the large window that looked out over the forest. "A wonderful view to relax the mind amid a day's obligations." Vytal looked at Gerwald from the corners of her eyes for a moment.​

Template By: Darth Metus (Guy)​

 

[Gerwald Lechner]

G U A R D E D​

Wearing: xxx
Tag: Vytal Noctura

”Enter,” Gerwald answered when the knock came to his door. It was not needed because he had been expecting the Nightmother. The courtesy was appreciated all the same. “It is not locked.”

He turned to greet the woman as she passed through the door. Blue eyes regarded her, studied her appearance for a moment. She looked different to him for some reason. Perhaps it was the armor she wore, or the striking difference between the weapon at her hip compared to his own. Regardless, Gerwald was beginning to see Vytal in a different light, especially after Roon. She had offered to help him keep his promise to Naedira, but that was not the reason for their meeting today.

The two had more pressing matters to discuss.

“It is much more appealing to the eye than Geonosis was, and the wolf is happy here,” came his reply. “It serves equally as a distraction however. There are times when the urge to change and run seem difficult to manage.”

She knew what he was, as did most of the Knights Obsidian. Gerwald felt free to make such comments as he was no longer under the fear his mother had instilled in him. The lupine was able to be himself openly among the Confederates. Individual Freedom, it was a value the Confederacy of Independent systems had fought to defend, and it was the one value which made Gerwald so loyal to them.

“Shall I go through the obligatory motions of offering you refreshments, or should we get straight to business? I do not wish to be hasty. It is easy enough for me to admit that I have kept a cold shoulder to you in the past for reasons that are not fair to you at all. I would like to apologize for those. We also have urgent matters at hand.”

With a smile, Gerwald motioned to the two chairs which sat facing the fireplace. The tray was already set between them, but whether he would serve the Witch depended on her answer.

“At least let us be comfortable.”
​

 

[Vytal Noctura]

S T U D I O U S

Equipment: The Blood of Dathomir Armor | Nightmother's Ward

Tag: Gerwald Lechner
​

A soft, throaty laugh behind closed lips followed Gerwald's remarks. "Tis more appealing in every regard. While I know the detractors found the relocation as some paltry victory, I found it quite appropriate. No doubt delayed for as long as it had been due to the barren wastes from which the Confederacy was founded. A monument to one's origins. Appropriate, but not pleasant." As a Witch born and raised on Dathomir Geonosis was a hellscape. Barren rock backed beneath a yellow star. While the red world had its barren rock landscape -- what world did not -- it had vegetation; and its red sun was not such a blight to the eyes or the skin. Yes, a stroll through Naboo's woods even beneath its yellow star's gaze was far more tolerable.

Gerwald's true nature was hardly something Vytal would be wary about even if it wasn't so well known at this point. So he could turn into an animal. There had been sisters that learned such magick; it just happened to be innate for a Lupine. Besides, the Witches communed with the dead and even had their spirits walk among them. What was a werewolf compared to that? Aside from being a mighty predator.

"A Witch always prefers the truth to a convenient lie," Vytal responded at Gerwald's... invitation. She slowly moved to take a place before the fire, but did not immediately sit. "After all, we lie to ourselves too often as it is. Do we need the words of others to be equally deceitful, and contributing to our delusions? You are the Lord Commander, and I am your Deputy. Treat me how you feel it is appropriate, and I will in turn treat you in kind." She paused, smiled, and slowly took her seat before the fire. "And, being truthful, know if I am naught but a burden that your agenda may be thrown into the fire just the moment you no longer hold that title." A simple statement, but one also made with a certain jest behind it.

It would be better if they worked together, but if he kept her at arm's length all the longer then would it be surprising if she dismantled all his hard work if she ascended to Lord Commander? If the Deputy is kept in the dark then they were free to do as they willed. On the other hand, if they were in partnership then she could support his plans and perhaps even keep those she otherwise dissented against originally out of respect and understanding from whence the decisions were made.

So, if Gerwald felt it appropriate to pour her a cup of tea, he was free to do so. As he was free to choose not to, and the Witch could pour it herself. How she would take either action was not something she would divulge in advance.

After all, a Witch did prefer honesty, but that did not mean they were always forthright with it.​

Template By: Darth Metus (Guy)​

 

[Gerwald Lechner]

G U A R D E D​

Wearing: xxx
Tag: Vytal Noctura

Gerwald nodded at Vytal’s answer. They were beyond obligatory offerings, and yet tradition seemed to deem them necessary. It was refreshing to know she did not expect such things from him. Honesty was preferred to a lie, so Gerwald asked an honest question.

“Do you even like tea then? Personally I would rather have a hearty glass of mead.”

He awaited her answer before moving on. At this rate if she wished for the tea she could pour it for herself. The wolf picked up a handful of nuts and popped them into his mouth as he contemplated her words carefully. Would she truly toss out an agenda meant to benefit the Knights if she were not in the loop now? Truth be told, Gerwald had no knowledge of what the previous Lord Commander had wished to see accomplished. He should have paid better attention in the meetings.

Gerwald decided to pour the tea after all.

“I am concerned about the portals, the places that artifact opened. You were there when we faced whatever it was that thing was which came out of the opening. Had it not been for you and for that Anzat, I do not know what would have happened. There are things this order is facing which I do not understand, but you do.”

He stood up from the chair and walked over to the window. Staring outside, blue eyes surveyed the forest. If they did not solve the mystery of what had been unleashed no one would be safe.

“We will need to work together, closely, no secrets.”

Hopefully she knew what that meant. The eye had been put in her care. Not even Voph knew where it was. Gerwald wanted to know where it was being kept, and he wanted to know if it was secure. The council, or what remained of it, would want to know, and Gerwald had to have answers.

He turned back to the witch.

“Where is it?”
​

 

[Vytal Noctura]

C ON T E M P L A T I V E

Equipment: The Blood of Dathomir Armor | Nightmother's Ward

Tag: Gerwald Lechner
​

The Pale Witch laughed quietly, but freely at Gerwald's question. "Yes, I like tea. On Dathomir a Sister can on occasion imbibe alcoholic drink or other altering substances," how else did one engage in a spiritual journey without the Nether? "Nonetheless, it is reserved to those with a purpose, and they are protected by their Clan. Most are content with tea."

Her chin fell slightly as her gaze turned inward for a moment. "I confess some of the Sisters that came with me have explored liquor more than I have. Being out here, among the stars, is not without its influences." Vytal's gaze swung up and around to Gerwald once more as she stated openly, "I am not in favor of most of those influences, but I am not opposed to your mead." How a Sister was to claim the riches of the galaxy and remain... 'pure' to their origins was one of those subjects with no good answer. You could not both embrace new things and assume to do so in a vacuum. Were she her younger self such a thought would likely sound foolish, but then her younger self had been foolishly unaware of the true nature of the galaxy outside of home.

When Gerwald chose to pour the tea, Vytal remain silent and watched the cup fill. He had come to a decision in good time. "Thank you," the Nightmother said in response.

As she slowly sipped at the tea her green gaze slid over the rim back to Gerwald as he spoke. To matters at hand then. There was no aversion to moving on at this point. Though it seemed the topic at hand weighed heavily on the man's heart. A restless relocation to the window, or an unconscious desire to make sure the world hadn't gone away while he wasn't looking for daring to broach the topic at hand.

The cup was quietly set back down upon the saucer held in Vytal's other hand. No secrets. One of the principles of the Solanaceae -- with reasonable exceptions. Some things were not best distributed throughout the galaxy. Some objects of power or knowledge required discretion, and despite what some believed it was easy to know one from the other.

With the slow veiling and unveiling of her eyes, the Nightmother turned set her gaze upon the Lord Commander. His side of the conversation had been punctuated with a short and simple question. One to which she could feign ignorance quite easily, but then Vytal suspected that was the intent. Why should she be the only one evaluating the other in the room?

"In orbit. Aboard The Bastion." An equally short and simple response was given in turn. "However," Vytal paused to set the saucer and cup aside, "it is not the only one of its kind. It is an 'Eye' is it not? To most that have such organs they come in a pair -- if not more."​

Template By: Darth Metus (Guy)​

 

[Gerwald Lechner]

G U A R D E D​

Wearing: xxx
Tag: Vytal Noctura

The wolf knew plenty about the influences Vytal mentioned. He was not without his own temptations. He had been younger when the Confederacy first came to Stewjon, and his new found freedom had seen him indulge in all manner of things his parents had forbidden. He had been a fool, and paid for it, and the current cost of his ascension among the Knights Obsidian withstanding, Gerwald had recovered from his early decisions. His battle now was one of circumstance.

“They are simply curious as to how the world around them is. Certainly you remember the first time you were confronted with a reality other than the one you were raised in?”

Of course she did, everyone did. Not everyone responded to the shock the same way. Gerwald had taken to one extreme for a time, one that he felt many fell to. Still her admission had opened up something about the Nightmother Gerwald had never seen before. He had gotten a glimpse of it the night of his promotion, at the bonfire on Roon.

Her humanity.

His sin had not been one of simply disregarding her. No, Gerwald had refused to see her as anything but her title, and associate it with his experience with the last woman to carry it. It was not fair to Vytal. The wolf had already apologized, but it did not remove the guilt.

“Mead… never try what most of the cantinas and public houses try to pass off as the stuff. When you are on Stewjon next, find a mead hall. There is none better.”

The conversation soon turned to the matter at hand. The Eye. Gerwald appreciated that his direct question was given an answer in kind. They needed to trust each other, and Gerwald felt honesty was the best path toward establishing it. It did make him uneasy knowing the thing was in orbit above them, but he had every confidence that Vytal had the object contained, that this vault would hold it.

“You have evidence to confirm this,” Gerwald asked in response to Vytal’s revelation. “In some mythologies there are creatures with only one eye, but if there is support for this claim, if more of these objects exist, we must find them.”

One device had caused a great amount of destruction. Gerwald did not want to think about what more would do, or what would happen if the objects were united.

“Tell me, witch… would you rather teach or find these devices? We need to rebuild, our squires need instruction, but force relics such as these seem to fall under the expertise of your particular persuasion.”
​

 

[Vytal Noctura]

C ON T E M P L A T I V E

Equipment: The Blood of Dathomir Armor | Nightmother's Ward

Tag: Gerwald Lechner
​

The pale woman's eyes rose to regard Gerwald. A brief, small smile graced her black lips. "I was the one that led them here. But, perhaps I will tell you of our time before the Confederacy... another time." It could turn into a long story and conversation, which seemed to run counter to the man's desire to discuss something of import. Something, which it soon turned out to be The Eye.​

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Perhaps such a conversation would reveal that Vytal was 'human' (speciest as that term was) like any other. Yet being in the position of Nightmother the Witch felt incapable of being anything less than monolithic. An unshakable pillar that seemed to have left her more of less isolated from the living. An ironic and yet foreseeable outcome for someone dabbling in spirits every day and night? Perhaps, but that did not mean it had always been meant to turn out that way.​

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"I'll be sure to keep such whispers from an ear of Beric Layne ," the Nightmother quipped in response to Gerwald advice regarding mead. Lord Layne seemed quite taken with his Frosthall, so to hear Stewjon might provide better hospitality in any way was sure to wound the pride. Naught but a jest, of course.​

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When matters turned toward the serious nature of their future, however, the smile fell from Vytal's lips. "No evidence. Only the cautionary wisdom of a goddess. From recent events I believe the Cultists will attempt to acquire this other artifact." If they would not steal the one in the Knight's possession then logically there was another.​

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"I have made it a point for the Solanaceae to teach others the ways of spirits and of the Force. I would answer this calling if there is need, but," the Witch regarded him as she spoke, "only if you have sufficient Knights to search for the relic. Do you already have Lords in mind to train the Knights, or to pursue matters such as the relic? My personal preference is to toil in the field rather than cloister myself in study. That is why I left Dathomir -- to seek and learn that which is out there in the galaxy." If there was need for someone to lead the training of the Knights, however, then she would hold true to what she had said before -- Vytal would teach them in the ways of The Force if that was what they knew, or in the ways of Magick to those of a mind to learn it.​

Template By: Darth Metus (Guy)​

 

[Gerwald Lechner]

G U A R D E D​

Wearing: xxx
Tag: Vytal Noctura

”Frosthall is no comparison to Stewjon, but I will admit it is the closest thing to mead this Confederacy has to offer.”

Gerwald passed a chuckle through his lips, though the humor soon passed from them as Vytal continued her answer. There was no evidence, simply the wisdom of a goddess. Gerwald did not believe in such things. The force had been a stretch for him to accept, the nether, and the creatures that lived within it explained as nothing more than an alternate dimension. A goddess was a thing of legend, a storied creature to give people hope when there was none to be had.

The lupine had become the master of his own fate, and would find a way to unbind Naedira from the ring she was bound to. No goddess would do such a thing. Vytal may be able to raise the dead, but the power which had bound her was not hers. Gerwald could not allow for any hope other than what he placed in himself.

“The wisdom of a goddess… evidence carries more weight if we are to commit the lives of those under our charge to a fate that neither of us would welcome so soon.”

Vytal would hear the lie in Gerwald’s voice. She had been there on Naalol when the lupine had offered his own life to see the others escape. It was not that Gerwald was unwilling to meet death, he was unwilling to see those he commanded perish. The lesson Naedira had taught him, that one life traded for many is a sacrifice that should be made every time had settled in his heart.

Her question turned to that of which Lord’s he had considered for teaching. There was only one answer.

“I… don’t know.”

Gerwald stood and looked out the window.

“It is no lie that there has been a lot of work. I barely have a full understanding as to our losses. We do not have the knights to spare to teach, nor do we have the numbers to allow them to remain in the field alone. We cannot staff the academies any longer, and I will not waste the talents of those we have on making them function at the expense of the one mission we have since before we became so bloated that we got too fat on our own power. We must do as we once did, teach as we accomplish our mission.”
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[Vytal Noctura]

C ON T E M P L A T I V E

Equipment: The Blood of Dathomir Armor | Nightmother's Ward

Tag: Gerwald Lechner
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Vytal regarded Gerwald for a moment in silence after his skepticism. She did know the man understood such matters more than his statement led on. Had it been someone else perhaps they would be calling into question the existence or value of spiritual guidance. Not Gerwald. Though he didn't understand the gravity of such things in all cases. That time when he offered himself, for instance. A noble gesture, and one that only served to get you damned along side those you sought to save. That sort of contract only worked when the spirit was desperate for you and you alone. That beast hadn't been choosy.​

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"The Fanged God and Winged Goddess aided us in closing the Gate on Geonosis and ending the Cataclysm," the Pale Witch said after a moment with no heat to her voice. Not that anyone broadcast such knowledge throughout the galaxy, of course. Begged questions best left unasked. The Solanaceae educated people of spirits in small groups for good reason. Misunderstandings could prove costly.​

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Vytal doubted they would seek to lead her astray now. Especially when such conflict no doubt amused the Fanged God.​

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As to the matter of training, she listened attentively once more as Gerwald laid out the same problem presented on Roon. "Perhaps." Their numbers weren't what they were, but that only seemed to make the task of training easier. "The Bastion has suitable, controlled environments for training to prepare Squires and Knights for less common and more uncontrollable circumstances. I do not disagree with teaching them in the field, however." The Nightmother paused to smile across at the Lupine. "After all, that is how Nightsisters and Nightbrothers are taught. And despite our lack in technological advancement, most avoid Dathomir for good reason." The Witches were very good at what they did -- pursuing and suppressing unwelcome guests. Add the requisite 'diplomatic' skills of 'civilization' and the Knights would be fine.​

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"There is a more pressing matter than training, however. These 'Healers of the New Order.' I've read the reports, and their activities have grown more brazen of late. What was once merely a Cult not worth notice has begun to seek influence among those of power. There is something driving them. Something more than dogma." And the timing wasn't lost on Vytal. If there were someone seeking The Eye these cultists would fit the profile.​

Template By: Darth Metus (Guy)​

 

[Gerwald Lechner]

G U A R D E D​

Wearing: xxx
Tag: Vytal Noctura

Gerwald quirked a brow at the witch’s reply.

“I do not doubt the existence of these spirits. Force knows I have seen a great many things that cannot be explained from a natural perspective. I just question whether or not such beings should be revered and worshipped? That is perhaps a matter for another time.”

Gerwald did not intend to be dismissive, or wish to be. He simply found no purpose in religion or the worship of things one did not understand. That did not get their work done, or advance the conversation. The primary concern was the training of their students and addressing this order which seemed to be growing in number.

The lupine did not like this news. As he listened the wolf inside grew more and more agitated. They would want the other eye, and if they got it, they would not hesitate to use it. There was only one question Gerwald truly had anymore.

“Who else knows?”

It should not have been a surprising question, and Gerwald hoped he already knew the answer to it.

“With current events it would seem to me that the Bastion should always be ready as a sanctuary. If you are okay with this of course. As much as I am tempted to say that everything should be housed there, I am certain even you would rather have some connection to nature. This cult cannot know, or find out, about The Bastion. If they do, then no place will be safe. As far as these healers go. We should eradicate them as quickly and efficiently as possible. No quarter.”
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[Vytal Noctura]

C ON T E M P L A T I V E

Equipment: The Blood of Dathomir Armor | Nightmother's Ward

Tag: Gerwald Lechner
​

Worship. Few things were truly worthy of being worshiped. Much desired it, of course. Even the freshest corpse that managed to cling on to the skin of existence could believe itself worthy of adoration. Poor, deluded spirit that it was; such a thing would quickly come to understand the power they held in life meant nothing to that of the Ancient Ones. In death there were no limits. No body of flesh only capable of surviving so much raw, limitless power to hold them back. Fortunately the universe was no so poorly designed to allow the Dead to rule over the Living. It was not perfect -- as evidenced by millions being consumed by the Nether and spirits crossing over to terrorize the Living -- but it held more often than not. Nonetheless, some spirits were worth the respect. In the end wasn't that what worship was really all about? Acknowledging the power of something far, far greater than yourself. Hoping that perhaps it might bestow some favor upon you. Not lavish riches, but something that would carry over into the next life. Knowledge, perhaps. Understanding. Purpose.​

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Vytal smiled with Gerwald questioning whether anything was worthy of such recognition. It was a topic better suited to another time, as he said. It was not one held in the space of a single minute.​

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"I have told no one," the Nightmother replied calmly. Whether the Winged Goddess -- or even the Fanged God -- chose to inform others, Vytal could not say. In the end, a Witch could only answer for herself. The thoughts of deities were the least transparent of all spirits.​

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"The Bastion is open to all Knights. Its origins are of interest to me, but I saw no need to fashion a ship for the Solanaceae alone. Especially in light of recent events such a mobile base of operations, training, and storage was required. It has a dedicated Naval crew capable of operating and defending it." Vytal liked to think she was many things. Being a full-time Captain of a spaceship wasn't one of them. Too time consuming, and always far too many subjects she was not well versed in. That said, the Lord Commander and their Deputy obviously held ultimate authority over the ship. "Inevitably they will learn of it, but that does not mean they will learn what is kept aboard. It is a far, far baster world that we live in than our Living senses bear witness. And the Witches are not unfamiliar with misdirection as to the location of our more sensitive possessions." The Castle on Ryloth was said to house their treasure, when it fact all it had was a gateway to another location. Better the Castle fall than their enemies sieze upon the Vault of artifacts. The Bastion was just another ball placed beneath a cup -- a trick Vytal had seen on the streets that amused her.​

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"So, training. Field work, yes? A more intimate setting. It would not hurt to have group sessions now and then, however. Make sure our number do not grow up isolated from one another. I have seen a few in the ranks showing signs of... spiritual turbulence. Such things can undermine otherwise good intentions."​

Template By: Darth Metus (Guy)​