Through Your Eyes [PM for invite]

[Boethiah]

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"Power, I feel this place.... It lives."

"Come, let us see what we've been blind to."


The force radiated with power as Anja entered the caverns at last, the faint glow of crystals illuminated the craggy walls. Her footsteps echoed in gentle ambiance, adding to the symphony of light breezes and dripping water. So far there was nothing... Just them and the force, a tranquil haven from the light of the world; to see how blind your eyes truly are. Then there was a sudden collective hiss coming from all around. At least two dozen small Kinrath lurked the shadows, hugging the walls, corners, and nooks in small packs.

The witch turned to her companion, "There's a greater danger within the cavern... I sense that they're worried about something other than us.", she spoke in a hushed whisper before continuing onward. This place was not just touched with the force, it was a footprint in times since passed; powers beyond the Jedi and Sith alike have made their mark within these caves. It was their turn to walk down the beaten path.

 

[Delyna Karthoys Haymire]

The ground was mildly moist, with small droplets of water dropping from the ceiling at a constant pace. Suddenly, one of the crystals would light up, casting vivid colours across the tunnel, then turn off in a flicker. It would reassume again and later again. Anja's own force presence was nothing to brush aside but truly this place was awe inspiring. When they secured this place days ago, Delyna had felt it too. Back then they hadn't explored anything but the nearest entrance tunnels and rooms, so with each step it felt like they made it to a new frontier. It was interesting to still see beings crawl around in the dark caverns, which offered few luxuries for life.

Anja spoke, and Delyna looked up from the floor. She calmly pushed a strand of hair over her ear, and behind her shoulder, then she nodded. "I agree. Their eyes reveal much of these caverns, a fragile equanimity exists in this place, one we may distrub by venturing down here. The jedi must have been careful when tending to this bastion." She looked to the host lord, letting her head tilt to the side. The force still swirled around, being fueled by all the crystals beneath the surface. It rolled over the walls like a sea of brightness and energy and the oracle's eyes wettened as she once again took in the surroundings.

 

[Boethiah]

Corruption has found no home here. Truly, this cave is a purity in the force... Although it's not entirely light, either, it's just alive and unbiased. No wonder the Jedi meditated here, no wonder it is said that these crystals have power. The Host Lord was not an arrogant woman, she understood the balance which existed here. The winds that slowly made their way were like breaths filling the lungs, the Kinrath were no threat but their presence was continually hostile. They may not have struck the constant ensemble of hisses and chirps overshadowed the ambiance of droplets and the echoes of footsteps.

As the two walked further down their path they came to a fork. At its center was a large, blue crystal protruding from the fork wall as two paths split off from it. An interesting concept, how symbolic it was that their path would come to choices. Much like they chose to answer the riddle instead of fight; what reflections will come of their actions? "It is time to decide, which path do we take? Right or left, where do either lead?", she wondered before tilting back to look the woman.

[member="Delyna Karthoys Haymire"]

 

[Delyna Karthoys Haymire]

She felt her eyes hungrily wandering around the scene. Everything here was riddled with symbolism and purpose. She realised whatever they could do would lead to unexpected results, there was little actual choice here. It was all about guts and signs, but you could never be sure about the future. Delyna spoke out with a very fluid and light tone. "Ultimately whatever route we choose at this point could have the same consequences or yield the same reward. I will see if any of the two path ways feels more... Sincerely positive for us to take."

She immediately moved her hands to her side and closed her eyes shut. The blue crystal was right in front of her. Her hands moved up to form a cross with her torso and her head acting as the other parts. A deep inhale sent the fresh, heavy air of the caverns deep into her lungs and sent a shiver through her body. In the darkness beneath her eyelids Delyna saw moving shapes of various shades of black, purple and blue. The imaginary shadowy forms danced across her blind vision and she tried to focus on them. She felt her blood push out from her center through her veins, her heart beating in symphony with the booming of the force. Her right hand felt a bit more heavy than her left - and so it was decided.

"I think we will find what we're looking for if we follow the right path." And with those words she straightened up and smiled.

 

[Boethiah]

"Right?"

She watched the display of this woman's visions, pondering on the fact. If they were go right then right they would go, turning herself in that direction Anja began to walk. The Kinrath spiders from earlier crept along the exterior slowly and would approach as the two went but always maintained the same distance. It was only a few meters at most, their hisses turned to clicking as their thin legs pushed their arachnid bodies along. Into the right path they went and behind them the fork disappeared as another singular cave ventured ahead. Where it would take them, what they find, all a mystery.

Anja wasn't necessarily putting her faith in the woman's ability but there was no reason to not test it, either. Afterall she too had visions from time-to-time, how impossible could it be for this Oracle to have her own unique sense of the future? The power within the cave slowly became more intoxicating. The witch couldn't tell if it was because they were venturing deeper or merely from time spent within its presence; the feeling wasn't dark nor was it light. The cave had no alignment but it wasn't difficult to suspect that the corrupting nature of the darkside would be treated with hostility compared to the gentle touch of the lightside. Is that why the Kinrath followed? Were they, these creatures, the guardians? So many questions without answers.

Before they knew it the duo finally entered a larger chamber, this time there was no clear exit in sight. The faint glow of several crystals scattered along the edges was all the light they had, even the Umbaran's naturl vision was blind to something else. The power in the force had changed, it was different... It felt as if she was no longer standing in the cave but in the presence of someone. A roaming fog cascaded, dripping the floor in its silver murkiness as all light faded into distant speckles, stars in the night sky. "Do not be afraid.", she said to her companion. From the far side the silhouette of an unknown humanoid figure could be seen.

[member="Delyna Karthoys Haymire"]

 

[Delyna Karthoys Haymire]

The oracle's eyes remained as calm as they always were, she stood taller than the host lord and she shook her head lightly. "Being afraid of the unknown would mean being afraid of the future. Every step we take leads us to the future; Being afraid of the unknown is a self devouring tendency. Something I do not wish upon my mind." Then she turned to face the witch again. Every breath she took herded the presence of the force into her being, and the tunnels felt more alive with each impulse within her. Looking with her eyes had already been deemed pointless minutes ago, instead she reached out with the force. It had been quirkly at best here the past month, but in these caves she felt more sure of her abilities. It was truly as if you merged with ancient laylines when you opened your mind to the flow of the raw force within these stone walls.

When they had emerged in the large chamber, the air seemed to stop in its tracks, instead it was as if a light chill was blasted around, each tickling her skin. It seemed that the arachnids that had followed them had staggered back when they entered this room, as if they didn't wish to enter. Since their last visit, Delyna had learned that the spider their group had found in the field of flowers was a far flung descendant of the cave habitants, which were dangerous beings. It was also clear that they were all but blind and mainly navigated by their sense of smell, which could be used to fool them.

As the phenomenon unfolded, the oracle of reflections folded her hands, awaiting the future play out before them.

 

[Boethiah]

Anja walked forward but only took a few steps, standing slightly ahead of Delyna. The shadowy figure who lurked in front of them did not seem to react to their movements, what were they witnessing? The figure began to fade as the voice of woman seemed to call out; calling for this footprint in time to return to the past. Although the silhouette disappeared, the foggy floor remained. Searching through her feelings, the Host Lord acknowledged what they witnessed to be beyond the powers of illusions; of trickery. This was very real.

Their path was a blind one but one which they did not take unprepared, the two force-users should be enough to withstand what trials lie ahead; however harsh they may be. Looking back to Delyna, Anja began to head forward into the darkness and it seemed the Kinrath were no longer with them, at least that was one problem off their backs. It did raise a question, though, was there something out there? Something even the spiders themselves feared greatly?

The darkness that clouded them would soon fade as a narrower path revealed itself.

"In here."

[member="Delyna Karthoys Haymire"]

 

[Delyna Karthoys Haymire]

Knowledge was what they was here for, so there was little point in straying off the visable path. Although it did seem dangerous to follow the guidance of this unknown will, which seemed to be at least partly in league with the cave itself, they had little other alternatives. To fumble around in the darkness would only leave them blind. It reminded her a lot of one of her recent dreams; A dream regarding a large fish floating around in its own sea. Then, suddenly, it was put in a tank and moved to another sea; on another planet. Something the fish couldn't quite comprehend but it was done without its consent anyways, by beings more powerful than it. Now she and her primeval superior were following the lead of this unknown entity, hoping its goal alligns with theirs.

In her mind a grid of connections emerged on each side of them as they pushed through the narrow path. Each line moved to the power of the force, revealing ancient markings in the force left by beings long gone. These ancient footprints felt much like the crystal she had found on Illum during an expedition where she had been looking for mysteries and answers and the jedi were scavenging for crystals not far away from her. Salva collected itself in her throat and she swallowed, feeling a heavy presence on her mind. Something seemed a bit off. "We are in the company of great powers; Thread carefully, host lord."

 

[Boethiah]

The path continued forward with little event, the warning given by Delyna was noted but that's about it. Anja was more concerned with what she might find rather than what dangers might seek to guard that knowledge. Exiting again into a larger room, the path opened up and split into four directions but more importantly a robed man stood in the center of the chamber; he turned to face them.

"And who are you?", the figure spoke softly in a masculine voice. He seemed quite human but his face was covered by a hood, barely able to make out any features.

The witch looked to the man, listening to his soft words. "I could ask the same for you...", she replied. It was curious that they are suddenly there but then she felt something surreal, although it seemed that there was indeed a man standing there he did not feel as alive as the woman standing next to her. Instead he felt much like the cave, it was alive, but then it was a passive entity that seemed to care little of what transpired around them. Anja's eyes glanced at Delyna to give a subtle message, to see if she felt the same way.

[member="Delyna Karthoys Haymire"]

 

[Marth]

Marth walked down the stone caverns, tilting his head at the glowing crystals. He smiled lightly, running a finger by a rather small one. His skin and the gem didn't touch, yet he could still feel the force pulsating heavily from it. He smiled at it's presence. It felt good to be reconnected with the force. The Umbaran then stood back up, scanning his eyes around the long, dark stretch. He blinked once as he realized he had lost sight of his comrades. The Host Lord and Oracle had disappeared, no doubt gone deeper into the cave system. He shook his head, slightly disappointed they had either forgotten or just carried on walking. He began to jog at a light speed down the system, eventually coming to the fork in the caverns.

Marth looked to either side, noticing the lack of Kinrath to his right. The two must have gone down that way, the spider creatures following. He began to make his way down the corridor, looking left and right to make sure the Kinrath kept their distance. He eventually reached the mist, quickly catching a glimpse of the two as they disappeared. He let out a short sigh, pursuing.

[member="Anja Aj'Rou"][member="Delyna Karthoys Haymire"]

 

[Delyna Karthoys Haymire]

The stranger's form was truly unremarkable, normal. Much like that of a doll. Or a standard stock photo of a human being with no clear distinguishing marks. At least so he seemed at the moment, in his robed form with his true appearance hidden. But somehow, that was also how it felt like gazing upon it. Somehow there was no doubt in her mind that it was the same beneath the robes. The creature seemed more akin to a child pretending to be something it clearly is not, a mere attempt at something else, this time that thing was life. It wasn't done in a mocking fashion, but more like a curious attempt at equality and approachability. What they stood before was clearly not of the same stuff as them - yet still very real. The being and Anja had shared words, but it seemed quite unimportant to Delyna. She quietly approached the being and moved her hand out, placing it on its would-be-shoulder. With no true reaction it did feel rather real, once again. Her hand rested on its shoulder and she closed her eyes. It asked her something, looked at her. But she didn't care at the moment. It was hard to read this thing, how and when was it created? To some degree it felt out of place; Timeless. More like a concept; A law of nature than a being or an image. The nature of this robed guardian would reveal itself in time. A coppery taste filled her mouth and her eyes felt a bit dry. This entire encounter was verging into a weird zone. She just waited in silence.

 

[Boethiah]

Another soul entered the scene, this time a friend. [member="Marth "]had followed the two into the cave and stumbled upon the oddity of a situation she and Delyna were in. The figure did not seem to react at all to the touch of its shoulder, as if it was not important--no instincts to call on. Some illusions were so powerful even the greatest masters could not decipher the ruse, but it did not seem to be the case; there was something off about the situation that left the realm of normal biology or even magic.

"A name for a name.", the being responded.

Now this was unexpectedly cooperative, the Host Lord had assumed this would become a situation only to leave bizarre thoughts and unanswered questions at the end of their journey. Taking a moment to think on this casual offer, "Anja, Anja Aj'Rou.", she answered. The being remained silent and imposing as the witch waited patiently for a response.

A smirk drew across the man's face as some light revealed a flushed face as he disappeared back into the shadows.

"Wait! You promised a name!", she shouted at the shadows but it was no use... The being that came had faded, a new path revealed itself in front of them. Slowly from behind the Kinrath once more stalked but this time their chattering was silent, and the Host Lord could sense an unusual amount of aggression. "Remain cautious...", she mumbled before carrying on. A few steps forward she looked to the Oracle, "What are you thinking?", she asked of her. The woman's eyes glanced over to Marth, as if to ask the same question without repeat.

[member="Delyna Karthoys Haymire"]

 

[Delyna Karthoys Haymire]

Her eyes switched from where the being had once stood and the Host Lord, then once to the newly arrived agent. With the kinrath returning the obstacles in their path revealed itself to be more hostile than they had expected. What was its purpose? They now had a new tunnel and more spiders stalking them. The first they had to explore, the second she could deal with through something she had collected earlier. "I shall easen the presence of the Kinrath. Do not be alarmed, and please be patient."

The oracle's pale hair seemed alive as strands of white arose like snakes from a warm stone. She began chanting as her hands went to bring forth the captured spider from the initial expedition to Dantooine. "Ni-ahru Fahl, thi-lah - Ild akhira thalem'dah..." Her hands circled around the glass jar and the creature within hissed angrily. The ritual obviously angered the arthropods as they begun approaching the group, baring their fangs. The oracle seemed unphased by this as she exhaled into the jar, and then inhaled. A red mist erupted from the spider and entered her mouth, the jar was promptly sealed off again. Delyna continued chanting. Her eyes opened, glowing with a soft light and she stopped chanting - and let out a deep sigh. Three small brown-red lines slid out between the oracle's lips and slowly snaked around the group - the essence and scent of the inhabitants of these caves. At first the creatures seemed confused, hastily continuing their patrol - then they backed off calmly - leaving the group alone in the darkness once more.

A soft red mist hung in the air, seemingly following the group around. It softly danced around with the movement of the force, creating patterns much akin to those of spider webs in the air. Determined to continue, Delyna stood up swiftly. Her voice was soft yet her message was straight to the point. "We have no other choice, do we? Let us follow our host."

 

[Marth]

Marth raised an eyebrow at the figure, tilting his head with a mesmirised expression. It seemed real, but at the same time, didn't. In between reality and fantasy. He snapped back to the present as it asked for a name. The Umbaran narrowed his eyes slightly, it could easily be a trick. He let out a sigh as the being backed away, disappointed at his leader's sudden trust towards it. They needed to be careful... He watched as the Oracle began to perform her little ritual, growing slowly adgitated by the growing number of Kinrath. A sigh escaped his lips as they backed away. He took a quick breath of the red gas, coughing with a flick of his head. He tapped his chest before adjusting his breathing back to normal. Looking to the Host Lord, "I guess we follow it then?"

[member="Delyna Karthoys Haymire"] [member="Anja Aj'Rou"]

 

[Boethiah]

Anja walked forward without a word. The path was now clear of the Kinrath thanks to the Oracle's ability; she was surely useful. "Let's continue." She spoke softly as her footsteps echoed within the chamber. Wherever this spirit of sorts had vanished too, she would follow. Looking back at the two the Host Lord exited into another cavernous corridor, the cave system was far more complex than records had shown. Perhaps even the Jedi haven't ventured this far. Odd to say the least.

Where they went there were no Kinrath, not even following. Suddenly a loud bellow flooded their path -- it was from a creature unknown to Anja. "What was that?" She asked with alarm.

[member="Marth "][member="Delyna Karthoys Haymire"]

 

[Marth]

Marth's fingers wavered lightly at the noise, he narrowed his eyes, looking down the corridor. There was nothing at the end, it must have been around one of the corners. The Umbaran remained cautious however, slow to move forward into the unknown. It could be anything down there, especially with the last visit they had. They could be stepping into a death trap for all he knew. Of course, he didn't doubt Anja's capabilities, however, Delyna hadn't seemed like the fighting type along with the fact they could come up against anything. It would be a risky move to go down without knowing what they might face. But for the possible rewards? It seemed worthy to face the danger in hopes of what lay beyond. He shrugged lightly to the Host Lord, "Not too sure.." before carrying on down the passageway.

 

[Delyna Karthoys Haymire]

She folded her hands calmly, her clear blue eyes looking forward. As the trio moved along the path a furious roar echoed through the corridor. The sound was louder than anything they had heard on this trip so far, but it didn't phase the oracle. "What is before us is nothing but an obstacle; Something we either overcome or fail to overcome. With our current situation our array of options is still rather limited. It is clearly aware of our presence, whatever it is." Her body turned slowly, looking to her two companions. "I believe we are somewhat close to the being we encountered earlier, perhaps this was set off by it?"

 

[Boethiah]

So it would seem what the Oracle said was true. They really didn't have much of a choice and being worried was a waste of effort.

"Then let's continue forward." She snickered slightly; an attitude change was rare for Anja but sometimes there were just things that really brought her into the world.

Entering through the veil of darkness and into the light of a thousand glowing crystals, a large chasm opened up. This seemed to be the epicenter of the cave's power. Blue, green, yellow, orange, and red glows cascaded dreamily. Another bellow could be heard -- this time all around them. Anja did not draw her weapon despite the potential danger, her feet spun her around as she tried to face the direction that kept changing. Was it trickery? Perhaps.

"I can't see it."

Her eyes attuned to the darkness were still blind.

[member="Delyna Karthoys Haymire"] [member=Marth]

 

[Delyna Karthoys Haymire]

For the oracle, everything was shrouded in darkness and then an overwhelming light - which unfortunately for her did not leave her any less blinded. Her eyes were useless in here. Every colour imaginable leaked through the cavern walls and into the room, and especially for a force sensitive individual this spectacle was astonishing, and indeed quite distracting.

The roar, or the bellow, once again echoed through the intangible system. With her sight useless, she closed her eyes and reached out with her hand, finding a crystal side which she stayed near. It was as if the sound reflected off each surface in the room, which made it so hard to pinpoint.

Even more important questions could be asked, was this a corporal or incorporal creature? How was it related to the strange being they met earlier, and is it even a creature at all? A certain heat came off the crystal, pulsing. What did it mean? It all reminded her of the constantly moving, mirror-blank pools in the temple of reflections. You could always tell what someone was feeling if both people were emerged in the pool.

The force was hard to use in here, not because of some sort of limitation or weak connection, but because of the wild energies bombarding everyone from everywhere. Maintaining focus, especially when opened to those sort of vibes was truly a tedious task.

She felt her mind, in a sense, reach further out through her hands; Past the hard surface of the crystal. Into whatever lies beneath the light. It was like a fast running river, always turning and twisting as if formed by ancient, titanic snakes. And the stream was moving against her. The waves of power split against her arrowhead; Departing to each side - and she continued.

Her body felt heavy, her mind felt slowered. The bellow continued to ring in her ears. Old wounds opened and the waters of life seeped out from her body, slowly dripping down on the floor, leaving a few visable spots. Suddenly she felt something, a ball. An orb. The spring of the water, a well of power.

With all her might, she moved it back through the crystal, into the real world. Delyna gasped for air as her eyes sprung open. It seemed so much akin to shifting colours of the room.
"I found something."

[member="Anja Aj'Rou"] & [member="Marth"]

 

[Marth]

Marth remained with Anja, watching as the Oracle pressed forward. He narrowed his eyes in a questioning manner to her, unsure what was going on. He was still fairly blind, his eyes had been adjusting for what felt like a lifetime. The colours were just about breaking through. The Umbaran brought his hands up to shield his eyes from the vast array of lights. Marth took a step back, slowly removing his hands from his eyes as his eyes finally returned to normal. He made his way forwards, running a hand along lightly along some of the crystals as he did so, causing his mind to become hazy, a small headache forming. The Umbaran quickly yanked his hand away, catching a finger on the point of a colourful gem. The blood seemed strange on the crystal, it just clung to it, nothing dripped or moved. He shrugged it off, turning back to Delyna who had now woken back up, "What is it?"