Thunder Struck [Siobhan]

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

At first it stung, but as the Priestess worked her 'magic', Abaigeal felt the warmth running through her body. Her deep tissues mending and knitting until upon her skin she felt the tingle of the energy used. Slowly but surely the wound mended and the skin tightened around her flesh once more. Scars of body nothing to Abaigeal.

"One day I will find him", she said coldly. "Yes my mother came for me. She unlocked my mind which was under his control, and set me free. But there was return for her, and we both knew it. I could do nothing to help, she made me leave her behind..", she trailed off in thought for a moment before looking up into Sio's face again.

"That is why I want to become strong, to be the best I can be, and avenge my mother".

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Abaigeal E'ron"]


If she had been a Jedi - or well, a proper one, since she had never been that - Siobhan would probably have given Aba a speech about how vengeance was bad and led to the dark side and so on. Well, most Jedi would probably say that. Probably not this one. However, Siobhan was no Jedi, but sort of dark side. Well, a darker shade of neutral. It makes sense in the context.


"One day," Siobhan emphasised very firmly. "But not now, not for a long time. Kaine's a monster, but very powerful and has an army behind him. When he and I fought, it was a stalemate, that should give you a picture. And he managed to kill your mother. Your life is to valuable to be thrown away. It's the last thing your mother would want. Your life has value." Her tone had become more vehement with each word she spoke then she took a deep breath, calmning down.


"I'll do everything in my power to make sure you're strong enough and can kill him." What she did not say was that she did not feel like letting Aba go alone.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

As much as Abaigeal wanted to go and seek revenge, she knew Sio was right. She had met with the devil and knew of his handy work personally and she simply was not strong enough, both physically or mentally to do so. Least of all, through the force.

"I know", she begun, "I will never waste my mother's life on throwing my own away". Just talking about it was good for her, she felt like a heavy weight had been taken from her shoulders. It had been the first time she had told the story, Sio had correctly guessed the rest. Abaigeal had not even told Elpsis, but for the first time in a long time, Abaigeal felt free of it.

And with the weight of the burden removed somewhat, she felt the fatigue of it and yawned. That, and with the treatment on her leg, she wanted to sleep.

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Abaigeal E'ron"]


Eileithya finished up with Abaigeal's leg and then got up. "I do not know how much comfort this will offer but we Eldorai believe there is a heaven out there and that our loved ones watch us from it. In your heart, your mother is still with you and loves you. You're her legacy. One day you will see her again," she said softly, then glanced over to Siobhan. "I think this one could use some sleep." Well, that was stating the obvious!


Siobhan nodded. "Thanks for your help, dear," she said and gave the Priestess a loving kiss. Alas, there would be no heated makeout session since little Aba seemed quite fatigued and probably would not want to stick around to watch! In any case, Siobhan took the girl's hand into hers and helped her up. "Come on, dear. This has been a big day for you. There's a spare room in my suite, you can sleep there." Probably not something you would offer a normal employee, but it seemed Siobhan motherly streak had taken over and she had decided to put the Black Orchid under her wing.


Again, this one blames [member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"].

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

It's a thing with the family, Abaigeal smiled as Sio kissed the Priestess. Well not really, Sio is not blood to Elpsis. Actually all it did do was make Abaigeal miss her friend, they would have to catch up soon, who knows what manner of trouble Elpsis has gotten into. She on the other hand, stood up gingerly from the bed and bowed her head in appreciation to her. "Thank you Priestess".

Abaigeal is also very grateful to Sio, ever since they had met, she had given gifts to Abaigeal. The material stuff not what mattered, it was her caring and friendship, and in time, Abaigeal would consider her mother. The idea of a warm bed, more than appealing to the tired girl.

"I don't know how I will ever repay you your kindness to a stranger", she smiled, "But I will, mark my words".

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Abaigeal E'ron"]


"Sure you will, sweetie," Siobhan spoke, smiling indulgently at her young charge. Apparently the Kerrigan clan would be growing again soon. With Aba's hand in hers, Siobhan would guide the girl out of the Firemane Headquarters, though with a very noticeable limp. Some more words with minions at the reception, a few salutes and then they were out.


It was a bit of a walk across the base before they finally reached the woman's suite. A lot of times it was unoccupied, but it served as accommodations for when she was on Etti and she preferred it to a hotel since the latter would have taken her away from the base. A few Firemane guards were on patrol outside. For some reason they were all pretty and female, with a rather amazonian build. A swipe of a keycard later the door opened to a rather luxurious room fitting for a noblewoman. It was obviously a lot smaller than the villa, but came with all the amenities you'd need.


It could probably best be described as tastefully opulent, with rich tapestries on the wall, an expensive looking carpet and comfortable leather couches. Closer inspection would reveal that a few pairs of clothes had been spread out on the latter. Presumably these were for Abaigeal and had been placed there in advance. Siobhan limped inside the suite and removed her leather coat, hanging it up, then took off her high heels. While these were very sexy and made her look taller, they were also quite uncomfortable to wear! "There we are, sweetie. Make yourself at home. Don't be shy. Some clothes are over there. I'll take you to your room."

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

The contrast between the memories that had surfaced and the opulence of Sio's apartment, was surreal. In her current state of mind, it was like walking into a dream. But Sio is there and very real. Abaigeal watched Sio for a moment, as she kicked off her shoes and became more relax, no doubt the story Abaigeal had told would have made anyone tense especially if they had experienced similar in their lives. Abaigeal had no real information on Sio, save for some she had hinted at, but the sight of her comfort helped ease Abaigeal.

She smiled as she too kicked off her boots and allowed her bare feet to feel the plush carpet. "New clothes?, oh thank you", she said walking over to inspect them. Everything was wonderful, the finest quality and so stylish, just as Sio is. "I am almost to afraid to wear them for fear of getting them dirty or ripped", she said especially considering how much trouble she finds herself in these days.

Still feeling fatigued and her wound although healed still caused discomfort. "I was wondering if I might have a bath before I put the new clothes on, I feel so gritty".

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Abaigeal E'ron"]


"No worries, some of them are more practical. And if you go into battle you'll get proper armour. I'm not expecting you to suddenly be a pretty princess in a dress and high heels all the time," Siobhan joked, clearly thinking she was being terribly sly. It did not escape her attention that Aba seemed quite fatigued and she figured that the wound was probably still causing her some trouble.


So she gave the girl a nod when she spoke. "I'll take you to the bathroom and you can freshen up there. Would you like something to eat? The servants have the day off, but I can put a ready meal into the microwave for you." This one is presuming that this Galaxy was advanced enough to have microwaves. While Siobhan had many skills, she was quite hopeless in the kitchen. Actually she was banned from cooking ever since potatoes had exploded in the oven on her watch.


Leading the way with a bit of a limp, she guided Aba through the suite towards the bathroom, opening the door for her with the Force. Inside a spacious, also quite luxurious room awaited them, with all the amenities that were needed. Including a variety of presumably expensive cosmetic products. "There you go, dear. Take your time."

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

As she followed Sio to the bathroom, Abaigeal could not help notice her limp. "How are you though? are you ok?", she said with concern. "I am not that hungry but thank you", she replied, her emotional state had removed any want for food.

The bathroom was now presented to her, Abaigeal wasted no time looking over the tub and soon had the water running to comfort. She is no prude, and cares little for modesty, that was taken from her upon the cold slab in the dungeons. So Abaigeal peeled off her old clothes and placed them aside, she let down her long hair before stepping into the bath. The wound stung for a moment with the heat, but soon adjusted. Her body relished the warmth and healing as she submerged. If Sio had a mind to watch, she would notice the entire extent of her torture written all over her skin. Some surgically cut, others for fun. Very little of Abaigeal's body escaped notice of her tormentor.

"This feels wonderful", she said closing her eyes to relax and allow more of her burden to lift off her body and soul.

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Abaigeal E'ron"]


"I'm ok, sweetie. Just a bit tired. Not as young as I used to be," Siobhan said, smiling at her charge. She accepted Aba's words about her lack of desire for food with good grace. Suffice to say the girl would get a hearty breakfast in the morning when she woke up.


As for Aba's lack of modesty, Siobhan did not care about that. Having grown up in slums and worked in a factory as a young girl, she had not been modest in the first place. What remained of that had soon vanished on Nar Shaddaa and whilst under Adril's tutelage. Siobhan was not deliberately watching the girl because that would have been...wrong for a variety of reasons, but she did notice the scars. They were vicious and inflicted upon her with a desire to torment and make her suffer, bring her down low and claim.


Anger rose inside her stomach like bile, for it was obvious who had inflicted such horrors on Aba. On her little girl. She took a deep breath, clamping down on her rage, for it would do her little good. "Glad you're enjoying it, dear," she said softly and limped towards the door. "Take all the time you need. I'll be outside." She would be slipping out of her fancy clothes and putting on a robe to wear to bed. She winced slightly, for despite her words her injuries did pain her, then she closed the door behind her.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

From the bath Abaigeal's head turned as she watched Sio leaving, she knew she had lied. Her force senses had told her as much, and she sensed her pain. Abaigeal understood this, the need to hide ones pain both physical as well as mental. Ones simply cannot be seen as weak in the galaxy, especially for women, that much had not changed from one galaxy to the next. But regardless, Sio's wounds show her to be anything but weak, the woman had recently fought against one of the most powerful people in the galaxy and inflicted much injury on him, no Sio is far from weak, limp or no limp.

It was not the events of the day, nor the injury that she received but the memories that had fatigued her, it was time to heal her mind. At least in part, and so Abaigeal allowed herself to close her eyes and enjoy the warmth of the water. She cleared her mind of everything, all the past, and let her mind rest. It was no telling how long she had remained there, she supposed it did not really matter. But eventually Abaigeal would finish and dry and dress. Among the clothes set out for her, was a night gown in which she walked out into the living room to find Sio once more.

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Abaigeal E'ron"]


Siobhan would be in the living room when Aba returned, sitting on a couch. Her cane was close by and easily within reach. She could walk normally if she used the Force to still the pain and strengthen her muscles, but that was quite draining if she did it over an extended period of time. Which was why she mostly did it in battle or when she wanted to appear more authoritative to minions.


However, Aba's appearance brought a smile to her face. "There we go. All cleaned up. You look nice," she said warmly, then got to her feet, albeit with a slight groan. Gently she took the girl's hand and led her to her room. A casual telekinetic tug opened the door, revealing the room. Compared to what might have been in the villa, it was a bit small, but still very comfortable. It was dominated by a rather large bod with silk bed sheets and nice cushions. A chandelier hung from the ceiling and there was even a comm device on the desk. "If you need anything, just call me, whatever it is. We'll start training tomorrow in the morning after breakfast," she spoke, giving Aba's hand a squeeze.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]


"There must be something that can be done about your leg", she said only to stifle a yawn. But without resistance, Abaigeal followed Sio as she led her to her room. Her body ached as her eyes fell on the bed, it looked so inviting and the decor of the furnishing helped rest the soul. She is too tired to take it all in this moment, but instead she turned to Sio and placed a kiss on her cheek.

"Good night", she said softly. Pulling back the covers, Abaigeal climb between the silken sheets, her skin melted into them as did the rest of her, the mattress swallowed her and her body sank and within moments, Abaigeal was sleeping. For the first time, in a very long time, she could. She felt safe, here with Sio, nothing could touch or harm her, and so Abaigeal sleeps deep, void of the nightmares, and this night she sleeps perchance to dream.

A new day will dawn, and with it will come the beginnings of a new future.

The End.​