Unseen Tapestry [Isla Ashen]

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Prologue

Rhen Var
The dead of night

[member="Isla Ashen"]

-------------------

Outside the citadel the blizzard raged, pounding ice and snow against the walls. The howling wind sang it song through the high towers, whistling it eerie tune to the night sky. Out side it is pitch black, clouds shroud the planet not allowing starlight through nor the moon and those on the Watch would have to use all powers of abilities to keep vigilance. But nothing stirs tonight. Except for one man, laying on his bed in the quietness of his bedroom, tossing among the blankets in disturbed sleep. In the dead of the night, many things run through Théo's mind .. the crumpled body of his grandfather lay dying on the ground, the gore of the Vinterbound on his face and hands, blood running red turning to ash as it corrupts the soil as he walks through fields of dead bodies of Jedi, a flash of beautiful green emerald eyes among the devastation ... a piece of fabric ...

He sits bolt upright on his buck ripped from sleep, the nightmare of the visions. Had they returned? these visions he once had as a child when he ran free and able to tap into the force raw and wild. They had gone, as time passed as he grew up, the visions had simply vanished which he did not mind in the least. But somehow this was different, he did not have any portent of an event, no, it was more like a calling. As if something summon him.

A single bead of sweat trailed down the side of his face, to his jaw line before it dripped to the sheet. His chest heaving with pulling in breath as he slung aside the bed covers to find water to quench his burning thirst, walking naked to the refresher and opening the taps to cup his hand, he drank heavily. His body revived with each mouthful, allowing him to steady his breath before looking into the mirror, into his own eyes which reflected those of his father's, he noticed a change not just physically, but in his soul. Can one see ones own soul? if you look hard enough and be honest, yes.

I need to go. I have to go.

​

 

[Isla Ashen]

Virgillia, the Bastion of Ren
Nightfall

Night had fallen over the land, and Ashen Ren retreated to the solitude of her bunk. It was a room that was largely unadorned, a cold space that displayed very little about the one that called it home. Pale hands rose to lower the dark hood that covered flame-hued locks, and sharp emerald eyes took in her sparse surroundings. This space was hers, she could utilize it any way that she wished, but for all intents and purposes... it was merely a place to rest. Most of her time was spent out on missions, carrying out the will of the Supreme Leader, furthering the reach of the First Order. She would not have had it any other way, for she lived and breathed to serve her master. It was a fight that fueled her.

But at this moment, Isla was tired.

Slowly, slim fingers released the clasp that held her cloak in place, and the fabric fell into her waiting hands. Isla undressed, letting the clothing fall to the floor, piece by piece. She changed into a long cotton nightgown, it was not the most fashionable, but it was comfortable for sleep. For a moment, she sat perched on the edge of her bed, letting her eyes adjust to the darkness all around her. She drew a deep breath and blew out an equally deep exhale. Her mind wandered, thinking of a man that she had met in the swamps of Dagobah. It was not the first time that he had appeared in her thoughts...

Isla folded her form into the blankets and let her head rest easily upon her pillow, her eyes closing almost instantly. It wasn’t long before she had drifted off into restless sleep. Isla tossed and turned, images filling her mind as it tried to slumber. There were shadows dancing all around, voices whispering in her ear, and the vision of a piece of fabric blowing in the wind. And then, she was running, bare feet pounding the ground, her nightdress sweeping along her ankles. The hem was muddied now, and she felt frantic, her heart pounding like it never had before. There was pain and there was blood.

Her eyes snapped open and she gasped for breath.

A moment or two passed, Isla sat up to find that she was no longer in bed, but outside in the cold. Her breath showed on the air, her eyes shifted back and forth. What was she doing here? A shaking hand rose slightly, clutching a piece of fabric. Emerald eyes stared down in disbelief, but then she realized that it was not the one she had seen in her dream, but a scrap torn from her nightgown. And the blood that marked it was her own...

Isla stared into the darkness, sitting silently on the ground. She was awake, but felt like she was far away in a dream. Even now, there was something calling...

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Monastery
Early morning

[member="Isla Ashen"]

------------------------


His ship rested in the long grass in a clearing on the edge of a small village. He did not bother with the starport of the main city, the force directed him to this place. The unusual sense of the pull to the rainforest he allowed to guide him opening up to it's direction and trusted in it to find whatever it was that needed his presence. It was not the strange summon he had felt but the lightside, trust in nothing but that he holds and besides what purpose did the force have for him other then to propel his destiny. But still, there is a lingering doubt within his mind as to why he is here, something at odds with his mind and the lightside spoke to him of caution.

It is a cool day, the prickle of a soft breeze played on his skin, played on the leaves high in the forest canopy and dappled sun light filtered through to the ground below. Théo walked a path most likely created by a creature that calls the forest home, he followed it until reaching a river slowly meandering through time, ever moving and filled with life. The banks of it, dotted with flowers, an aroma nice to the senses set to calm anyone's mind, but not his, even though the surroundings are enchanting.

Walking along the banks, he looks to find a crossing and eventually comes to an old ruin or at least it looked old. There is path to it and to the other side, the stone of the ruin etched with markings not familiar to him, yet he does not believe them to be warning but rather, inviting. Théo walks between the two main pillars and stops to take in the markings, his hand gliding over the surface as if to feel it's message. There is no power within the stone, only it's natural energy field but at his touch, it takes in the memory of him, of him visiting it.

How could there be anything of evil in this place? it is so serene, graceful in it's design but still his mind is not at ease. It had been weeks or more since Dagobah, the girl in the swamp with the flaming red hair and bright greens eyes came to his mind, he had thought of her before this and had wondered about her, wondered if she was safe.

Onward he walks the path into the forest, a pack on his back filled with necessities ... strange how he packed for a long stay. He held his course as the forest became more dense on the other side of the river, and found a new path .. this one made by the hands of men.

 

[Isla Ashen]

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

A small, unmarked transport set down in the wilderness of Monastery. Isla had little idea what she was actually doing here, only that she had been brought to this place by the Dark Side. She remained in the cockpit for a moment; the tattered cotton scrap was still clutched tightly in her palm. While her dream had come and gone, this piece of material was concrete, it was a real-world link to that strange incident. Isla could feel the curiosity stirring inside; she had to get to the bottom of this. Her head lowered slightly, looking out the small viewport to the world outside her ship. It was a lush rainforest that waited for her to explore.

With a rucksack packed with necessary items, she made for the cover of the forest. Though the sun was shining here, the moment she disappeared beneath the canopy, the temperature seemed to drop. Isla pulled her dark cloak in around her, sheltering her from the chill in the air. Her boots took her forward, walking where there was no path to guide her. There was only a pull inside her chest, a tugging that seemed to be leading her on towards something unknown. Her head turned slightly, allowing her emerald eyes to take in her surroundings. It was quite beautiful here; the air was even scented lightly by the flora.

The Knight of Ren reached out with her senses, her eyes closed for a brief time. On the surface, there was nothing menacing. But, there was something very familiar. Her eyes narrowed, she would proceed with caution. She traveled on, silent and swift, moving towards a shadow in the distance. Between the tree trunks and bushes, her sharp eyes had spotted what appeared to be a large mass of stones. Perhaps some kind of ruins. As she came to the edge of the forest, she looked ahead with anticipation. Had this place been calling to her?

Isla was running now, her legs carrying her quickly towards the ruins. She stopped abruptly, her hands reaching out to touch the cold surface. There was nothing here. It almost seemed that this place was merely ornamental. But it couldn’t be, could it? Isla looked down, feeling that strange tug again. This time, her eyes snapped up towards the tree-line on the other side. A shadow had just slipped out of view and into the woods.

She was not here alone.

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

A tingle on the back of his neck, the force informing him of deeper things, made Théo pause in step as he walked the path to the unknown location. He searched through the force spreading out around him through the landscape. The living force is strong here, naturally powerful with the untainted connected to it through life in all it's forms. Yet, there is a beacon which pulses toward him, familiar and .. "Isla?", her name spoke on a whisper. But in the instant her presences had come to him, the next it had vanished. As if taunting him.

Théo moved forward, his brow knitted together with concern for the events that pulled him ever onward. Not only had this place visited his dreams, spoke to him with a longing, a desire of his presences but to have the girl that had entered his soul and etched her presence on every fibre of his being, twisting on his mind was disconcerting to him. Why had this calling involved her? even if only by vision or manipulation? There was more to this need then he understood for now, but he would get to the bottom of it.

But he could not shake the feeling that he was not alone and that he was being followed. So it was time to find out exactly who that was. Théo moved off the path and entered the thick forest under brush where he would conceal himself until the person made a mistake. His eyes shifted to the tree tops and pierced the canopy to the skies, dark clouds had gathered above the forest and with no notice, the rain began to fall with heavy droplets and steady. The rain forest in an instant became alive with the life giving water, the aroma on the air changed to an organic sense filling his own senses with delight. It is nature at it's best, the perpetual on going life that they, the so called intelligent beings that have removed themselves from out of arrogance to nature.

It would not be long, regardless of his cover, that Théo was standing ringing wet, his long black hair clinging to his head and face. The coldness of the forest worried him not at all, in fact it only made him stronger and fed this connection to the force around him. He stood eyes closed focused on the surroundings, and in so doing, 'captured' the one that followed. With recognition, a smile slowly formed on his chilled lips.

​

[member="Isla Ashen"]​

 

[Isla Ashen]

Emerald eyes remained on the spot where the shadow had disappeared into the trees. Isla stood waiting, knowing that the figure in the woods was likely aware of her presence. It could be a trap; the thought had crossed her mind almost immediately. Her gaze narrowed slightly, just as drops of rain began to fall from the sky. The Knight of Ren made for the woods, her form shrouded in black, and her footsteps quiet upon the wet ground.

Her gloved hand clutched the cotton scrap; the images of her dream came rushing back.

It had not been a normal dream, but she did not feel that it was a vision – it had not foretold anything. However, she could not dismiss the feeling of darkness that washed over her mind that night. It was a strange feeling that she had never experienced before, and not again since. And though she reveled in the power of the darkness, the whispered words had seemed to speak of something that even Isla would not dare to touch.

For now, she turned her attention back to the matter at hand. Isla passed under the forest canopy, the smell of rain was thick here. Slowly, Isla moved forward, almost gliding smoothly like a silent wraith upon the wind. Her hand went to her hip, gently unclipping the saber hilt from its home on her belt. There was no telling what could be hiding here in the woods. With her senses sharp and alert, she let her eyes shift about her surroundings. Isla could feel everything, the flora, the fauna... and one presence that was distinct and set apart from the rest.

A brow raised ever so slightly, the only hint of expression on her pale face.

It was an unmistakable presence, and for a moment, there was a hint of doubt. Why would he be here? She continued deeper into the trees, her black cloak flowing along behind her. Suddenly, Isla’s boots came to a halt, stopping just beyond a spot of heavy brush and foliage. He was here, waiting. Isla’s hand gripped her saber, her eyes focused on the horizon; she would not even turn her head in his direction for now.

“Found you,” Spoke her low tone.

Even though her face remained obscured by the heavy fold of her hood, she might have been smiling.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

His eyes rested on the hilt of her lightsaber, he could see her fingers curling around it prepared to strike in a moments notice, his own close to his hand but he would summon it, not against her. "Friend or foe, this day? my lady Isla". Yet, even though he was standing there in wonderment of the women, he was equally concerned as to why she was here, had she received the same 'summon'? It had to have been, this was no coincidence, there never is when one follows the force, but regardless of his concerns a thrill ran through his soul that she was here with him now.

Théo moved from the undergrowth to stand in front of her, water from the rain streaming down his face into his light beard and a fleeting glimpse of her face, her lips, under the hood made his heart stop just for a moment, had he seen a smile? He did not dare to hope for such a thing so he pushed the thought to the back of his mind. He would not ask why she was here, deep down he already knew, something was strange here, at odds with the natural balance of the place and soon they would have to find shelter.

"You had the .. dreams too, didn't you", not really a question more affirmation of the truth. His head turned to look in the same direction she did, upon the horizon along the path that would lead them into the unknown and they would walk it together. Although he was alert to her, taking in everything in her presence, attuned to her if she had ill intent toward him, it seemed to him the force had brought them together once more for a purpose.

"We must get out of this rain before we catch our deaths". He began along the path going a few meters before turning back to look at her unable to remove his smile.

​

[member="Isla Ashen"]​

 

[Isla Ashen]

Friend or foe?

It could have been difficult to tell, Isla’s athletic frame was wrapped in black, her face still mostly covered. Her presence might have appeared ominous to some, looming like a dark cloud. Though there was a dangerous glint in her green orbs, and her saber was waiting patiently for blood, she harbored no ill will towards [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] this day. But there was a voice inside that whispered disapprovingly, a voice that scolded Isla for allowing herself to fall prey to weakness. Isla wiped the smile from her face, but she could not deny the fact that she felt pleased to see him.

“The day is only beginning,” She replied, “We shall see.”

Her sharp eyes found his, watching as the rain water moved down his face. Isla remained silent as he stood before her, somehow knowing that there must have been a reason that they were both present here on Monastery. When Théo mentioned the dreams, Isla smoothly slid the scrap of fabric into the pocket of her trousers for safe keeping. Her head bowed just slightly to confirm, a small motion that might have been missed by most. For now, she would keep the details to herself.

Having fought alongside the Jedi on Dagobah, there was a level of trust that existed, but it did not change the fact that there were still many unknowns. Their eyes both seemed to follow the same path, drawn to a place far in the distance – one that they could not yet see. The woods were darkening beneath the spread of storm clouds, and there was thunder rumbling now, growing closer. Only then did Isla look up, to let her hood slide back just slightly, her eyes met his.

“Yes,” She agreed, “We should keep moving.”

So, the Knight of Ren let her boots begin to travel the worn forest path once more. This time, with the Jedi at her side. After a few moments of quiet, she could not ignore the curiosity that tugged at the back of her mind.

“Have you been to this place before?”

Maybe, like Isla, he had only been to this place in dreams.

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

For a short time they walked the path side by side in silence. Théo mulling over in his mind the reason for the pull of them both to this place, why had it called them of all people in the galaxy and why two that are attuned to the force and at opposing ends of the spectrum. He did not sense Isla to be Sith, although she is forthright in her convictions, and possibly even absolute about them, but she was not, like most Sith, lost in it's total embrace to the point where they have lost their own sense of being. Théo could feel her past still within the woman or rather her 'self' was very much informing her and her decisions through life. And he could not help but wonder what she was like away from it all, just her .. no dictation of duty or ambition but Isla Ashen .. a girl making her way through life as best she can. What does she do?, how she thinks about things, he wanted to know not the Knight, but the woman.

His eyes fell to the ground caught up in such thoughts when he saw something laying in wait by the path, and as he walked he bent to scoop it up in his hands and played with the seed through his fingers. "No", a simple answer. He slowed his walk and turned to her as he sort her hand by her side. Théo lifted her hand and open her palm to place the nut on the softness of her skin before enclosing her fingers around the seed. "Keep it, a gift to you. Let it grow and give it life, love it. It deserves nothing less". For a moment he held his eyes to her's, not even he was sure why he had done this, but something deep within his being hinted that she would need it. Besides to gift something that would turn into something so beautiful was only fitting for one equal to it.

The path began to turn through the forest, and before them a scene so lovely opened to them to behold. Nestled in a small valley was a monastery it seemed, a welcoming sight to any traveler in which to take shelter. There was pause again, "It is like I have been here before, but I know I have not". He all but whispered and give her more of an answer to her question. He pulled in a deep breath while turning to her once more, "Come on lets get out of this rain, and find out why we are brought here".

​

​

​

​

[member="Isla Ashen"]​

 

[Isla Ashen]

Isla’s eyes tracked to the side as [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] bent to pick something up off the forest floor. She had not caught sight of exactly what it was, but it must have been something quite small. Just as she was about to shrug it off, she felt his touch upon her hand. For a brief moment, there was a slight urge to pull her palm away; Isla was a woman that was made uncomfortable by such tender gestures. However, her hand remained open, and soon received the small gift. Isla stood silent and still as Théo gently closed her fingers protectively over the seed. Her emerald orbs met his, a questioning gaze.

Let it grow and give it life, love it. It deserves nothing less

His voice almost seemed to echo in her mind. Isla opened her palm just enough to see the small seed. Growing up on a farm had taught her the skills to cultivate the land, sow seeds, and produce crops. She could give this seed soil, water, and the sunlight needed to grow – but could she love it? Isla had her doubts. However, she removed the scrap of cloth from her pocket, wrapped the seed inside and tucked both away into the safety of her pocket.

“Very well,” Isla said, still quite perplexed, but touched on an unfamiliar level. “Thank you.”

The path through the forest opened up, revealing a peaceful scene that almost looked more like an oil painting than real life. Isla let her eyes follow the shoreline, traveling the rocky surface to the serene architecture of the Monastery. The Knight of Ren too had the sensation that she had been to this place before, but she did not say so. Isla nodded, amenable to his suggestion of finding shelter from the rain. Isla walked on with Théo, and the pair soon found that the dirt path came to an end. Now standing outside a small cluster of buildings, her green eyes searched for signs of the inhabitants of this place. There were none to be found, most likely sitting by the warmth of a fire or enjoying a hot meal.

Isla backed up against the side of a large building with a tall roof, perhaps it was a place of worship. The eave gave them a touch of shelter from the rain; at least it was enough for the moment. Her eyes shifted towards the large double doors, both seemingly crafted from sturdy wood.

“Should we go inside?” She asked, still looking around.

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

From the dirt, his boots clipped on the stone steps that led up to the side of the build in which Isla had found some respite from the heavy rain. Grateful not to be continually wet for a moment, he stood looking out over the river and watched the rain fall into the water breaking the surface with the impact, he could have stood there for hours just enjoying the sight of the storm on any given day but today they had an unknown purpose to discover.

“Yes, let’s go find whoever lives here”. He replied turning to look into her eyes, but for once Theo had questions within his and a sense of doubt creased his brow. It was odd, like a barrier trying to prevent him from going forward, a wall of warning penetrated his mind which disturbed him even more. From an early age he had been training to protect his mind from the intrusion of others, one of his natural talents in the force is the ability to use it especially when communicating as he had to in order to speak with his sister Nina, it is her only form of communication.

He zipped up his jacket, mostly to hide the hilt of his lightsabre sat inside it and began to walk toward the doors Isla had found. As the two approached, the doors opened before they even stood on the threshold. Standing in the open was a man, young in years but dressed in plain clothing, robes almost Jedi like. “Welcome travellers”, he said as his hands came together in front of him and clasped together against his body. “Please enter our humble monastery and find comfort and food”, he moved aside and lowered an arm in a sweeping gesture to direct them inside. “I saw you both walking along the path toward our doors and delighted that tonight our monastery will have company. My name is Arnot”.

“Thank you for your welcome .. Arnot. My name is Theo”, although he kept the pretence of polite countenance, he moved forward to enter and for some strange reason he wanted to put himself between Isla and this young man, a wall of protection answering the warning unable to be grasped at this moment. It was not that Theo thought Isla could not defend herself, far from that did he think having seen her in action on Dagobah, but it was more as if it was a threat from a different realm. Trust in the force, not what you perceive. How many Jedi masters had told him this when he attended the Academy on Voss?

Tonight? Yes, the day was quickly drawing to a close as eventide marched across the skies veiled in the storm. “Come, let me lead you to the warmth of the fire while I find you both quarters for the evening”. The young man walked back though the large entrance room of the monastery expecting them both to follow. Now Theo was able to speak to Isla, his eyes looking over her face to read it for any sign of what she was sensing or feeling.

“We must stay together, at all times”. She would see in his blue eyes a distance, as he is searching through the force, pushing through the monastery for anything and although he sense others here, many in fact, there is nothing of immediate threat. Yet, licking at his mind is something unseen.

[member="Isla Ashen"] ​

 

[Isla Ashen]

Isla nodded, watching closely as Théo’s brow furrowed in contemplation. Was there more to this place than meets the eye? On the surface it was the perfect image of serenity. The structures that dotted the monastery were unassuming, seemingly constructed in a simple fashion – one that coveted function over aesthetics. Isla noticed that the grounds appeared to be cared for in a tedious fashion, some of the shrubs had even been shaped by a skilled hand. Needless to say, this was still an unfamiliar place and caution would be advised.

However, there was a strange feeling blooming in Isla’s chest.

Her emerald eyes snapped towards the open door, now finding the figure of a man standing there before them. Based on his clothing, she supposed that he was part of a monastic order. The man gave them his name and a generous invitation in from the cold.

“You may call me Isla.” The Knight of Ren added her introduction to Théo’s. For now, she would keep her ties to the Ren quiet. For this day, she had not covered her face with their signature mask.

The way Théo had stepped protectively in front of her had not gone unnoticed, though she said nothing of it. From behind his shoulder, she watched as Arnot turned to bring them inside. She stepped over the threshold, instantly moving to follow the man. Emerald orbs were on the back of his head, for a moment or two the sight before her moved out of focus. Her feet seemed to move automatically, and she felt like there was an invisible leash around her neck. But the spell was broken by the sound of Théo’s voice next to her.

“Agreed,” She answered, nodding a few times.

Isla pressed her eyes shut for a moment, trying to shake the strange feeling that had briefly touched her mind. As they continued into the dining hall, she attempted to fortify her thoughts – keeping them safe within, and keeping any unwanted intrusions away. Isla had advanced from the rank of disciple to knight rather quickly, but many of her fledgling abilities left her at a disadvantage compared to those that had received training since childhood.

Arnot motioned for them to sit at one of the many tables that lined the room. Isla slid onto the bench, feeling the warmth of the fire at her back. A savory scent was in the air, the promise of a hearty meal. And a moment later, there was a plate of bread on the table before them and two bowls of stew. It was the kind of meal that reminded Isla of her old life, a time before the Knights of Ren. She allowed the nostalgia to linger for a moment, just until she had lifted her spoon to taste the stew.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

He sat uncomfortable before his bowl of stew, taking a large piece of bread in his hands and ripping it apart before raising it to his lips. Théo's eyes darting around the large room, looking at the other monks sitting in silence as they ate. Not one of them looked their way, but rather sat with their hooded heads bent over their evening meal. Save for one, a man seated at the head table. He had not lifted his spoon nor bread nor water to his lips but remained still watching both Théo and Isla.

Théo took his gaze away from the man, as if having not noticed him and began to eat, whether Isla had noticed him he could not tell. The food was good and enjoyable, as was the warmth of the fire which began to ease the cold from his skin but would never removed the disquiet in his mind. He looked over to Isla sitting opposite him, he had sensed her momentary disconnection from the present and it only added to the uncertainty of the place. He could sense something about the place that was off center, but his test was yet to come.

However as he watched her, he noticed a fleeting glimpse of a softness cross her face, as if a remembrance had entered her mind, she is beautiful to him and in that short moment she was more so. She is so closed to him, barriers placed around her for self protection no doubt, and he had to wonder why. Maybe in time, he will get to know her, and find out why. "What happened?", he asked her in but a whisper which even then sounded loud in the stillness of this room. He was not asking of her past, but of the disconnection he had felt from her. "Are you sensing something", something he could not at this point. Soon enough the meal would draw to a close and the monk, Arnot would return to find them to lead them to quarters for the night.

​

[member="Isla Ashen"]​

 

[Isla Ashen]

Isla ate heartily, her head tilted down towards her bowl. Her hand reached out for a piece of bread, and her emerald orbs momentarily met the gaze of a man across the room. Indeed, she had felt his eyes upon her even before she saw. For now, she would remain mildly aware of him. She brought another sip of stew to her mouth, but paused as Théo spoke in a whisper. Her eyes darted for a moment, but she allowed them to meet the blue of Théo’s from across the table. She did not wish to speak her feelings here.

“It’s nothing.” She shook her head, trying to make her tone sound reassuring.

The redhead ate her fill, leaving the spoon behind in her empty bowl. It was always a good feeling to have a full belly. Arnot had come to collect them, and so Isla stood to her feet once more. She walked with her shoulder near Théo’s, but not so close that they would touch. Her eyes again focused on the plain cloth that fell over the monk’s shoulders. It wasn’t long before they had made their way through the long, silent halls of the monastery, and arrived at the guest quarters.

It was a decent space; there were a few rows of bunk beds that lined the walls. This place was meant to house many, but tonight Théo and Isla would be the only occupants. “Please, make yourselves at home.” Arnot gestured towards two cots that sat near the fire, “This space will be the most comfortable. There should be enough wood to last the night through.” He brought each of them a pillow and a couple of woolen blankets to make their beds. “Good night, travelers.” Arnot spoke finally, and then ducked from the room.

Isla hugged her pillow to her chest, looking over the top with her green eyes.

Here she was, about to share a room with a man that she had only met once before. But it was not like she was about to share her bed with him. Isla turned her back to Théo, making a show of setting up her cot. She removed her cloak, unlatched the belt from her waist, and kicked off her muddy boots. With a tiny glance over her shoulder at Théo, she slipped beneath the blankets, her form still clothed. Isla had shared sleeping spaces with her brothers and sisters back on the farm; she told herself that this would be no different.

“We should rest,” She said, her eyes on the wall.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

“Good night Arnot, thank you”. Theo afforded the monk a slight bow of the head before he turned and vanished behind the door. Now the two are alone in a large room full of cots and apart from the area near the fire, the room is cold. An odd cold that chilled his bones. It did not help him much that he stood in his damp clothing from the rain and as Isla prepared her bed for the night, so did he, with turned up lips in a grin delighting in how she looked peeking over her pillow clinging to it as if for security.

He too was no stranger to sharing a room, having done so in his youth with his sister until they grew and needed their own personal space. He learned in that time to give a girl privacy when preparing for sleep and Isla would receive the same courtesy and so Theo turned his back to her. However, he did not stand idol, but unpacked his things from his bag and laid them on the bed, finding what he required for the night. After changing clothes, into a fresh pair of boxers and long sleeved shirt, the place his wet clothing by the fire to dry, before he too entered his bed.

Laying on his back with his hands behind his head, the turned now to look Isla’s way only to see her facing away from him. “It was not .. nothing”, he finally said having not been satisfied with her answer at the table. But he was not pushing her for information he knew well enough not to, but more making her aware that he had noticed. It will not be the only thing he notices and his eyes trail over her form under the blanket taking in the rise and fall of the curve of her hip.

“Yes, we should rest”, he said as he turned his face away and stared at the ceiling taking great interest in the beam work. He fell silent, but did not sleep but lay thinking about the day’s events, why the force had brought them together once more, it had not been happenstances, there was a purpose to it, had it stemmed back as far as Dagobah? Was this to be the conclusion? He hoped not.

There was no point in speculation, besides he had only indulged in it to rid himself of the thought of her laying little more the a few feet away. Theo pushed out a breath audible enough for her to hear if she had not succumbed to sleep and so he turned away from her and closed his eyes. “Good night Isla”.

​

[member="Isla Ashen"]​

 

[Isla Ashen]

Isla forced her eyes to close, but in the background, she heard the sound of fabric rustling. Likely, [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] was changing into something more suitable for sleep. Fatigue had started to touch her mind, but there were still thoughts lingering that kept her from succumbing to the siren song. There was much to ponder. She could hear Théo’s deep voice over her shoulder, clearly knowing that she had been hiding something at the dinner table. Isla merely pulled the blankets in around her, and shifted onto her side, turning her back to him. There was part of her that wished to speak of the dark feeling, but the words remained trapped.

Finally, she heard his voice again; this time agreeing that sleep was needed, followed by a quiet bidding of goodnight. Isla blinked in the darkness, and then let her eyes slid closed once more. It was strange to fall asleep in an unfamiliar place, but she took some security in the fact that Théo was nearby. Her lips moved silently in the darkness.

“Good night...”

After what could have been a couple of hours spent in deep sleep, Isla stirred. Her eyes opened slowly, a stare that could be likened to a black void. Isla’s hand slowly reached out, drawn forward by something unseen. Bare feet touched the cold stone floor, and her form slowly rose from the bed. She was completely unaware of the fire dying in the hearth, or the sleeping figure of Théo in the small cot next to her own. Slowly, the door creaked open before Isla, allowing her to step out into the hallway. Her head bowed, a curtain of flame-hued hair fell over her face. But still, she walked on.

Isla shivered violently, waking on the cold floor. Her eyes snapped open, wide with sudden realization that she was no longer in bed. She pushed herself up to sitting, her head ached and her vision was blurred. Isla hugged her arms around herself, and searched her mind for the memory of arriving to this place. There was nothing to be found, only a blank space. This place was dark, the walls felt close to her. Perhaps it was some kind of chamber. Isla stood, her hands reached out, fingertips grazed the worn stone wall. She moved along, stepping meekly to the side, until her fingers felt a different texture beneath them.

The woven threads of a tapestry...

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

The air felt heavy in the room in which Isla and Théo slept. A thickening darkness of night laid about them burdening their mind’s as they entered the realm of dreams, Théo turned on his cot causing it to creak with his weight, and a cold sweat gathered on his brow. Although the images of the dreams were not disturbing, in fact they are of bliss but there was an undertone of something more probing and calling to him, as if writing the dreams for a purpose. The dreams were too perfect, life as it could be in peace, no war or darkness .. no death or threat to freedoms. Euphoric .. but false.

Several hours had passed in this state and in the back of his mind a sense of the present remained and alert. The sleeping hours the time in which the mind is open, vulnerable to intrusion for those that are attune to the force, and he is no different even if trained to protect his mind. He sat up, the cold sweat chilling him to the bone as if he had been still drenched from the rain of the day, his night shirt clinging to his skin and felt uncomfortable. He turned to find Isla resting on her cot but found nothing, she had gone.

Théo quickly pushed back the blankets and stood, looking around the large room for her but found it empty. Without hesitation he grabbed his light saber from under his pillow and headed to the door to find her. In the corridor a soft yellowish light streamed down the walls from the far end, light breaking the darkness from the flames of torches cradled on the walls. He ran bare footed along the cold surface of the stone floor, no sound did his foot falls make, but the sound of his breathing echoed loud in his own ears. A rising sense of fear entered his heart, not for himself, but for her. They had vowed to remain together come what may, so what had propelled Isla to break that vow?

Deep down he knew she did not really have onus to keep the vow being a woman of her own mind, but here in this place when both had sensed the strangeness, he was concerned for her .. frightened for her. Following the connection through the force to her, he found himself running down a flight of stone step down into a chamber. There is no light here and so Théo ignited his white blade and found upon the light a figure at the end of the room, standing before what appeared to be a tapestry. It was Isla.

She seemed strange in countenance, as if not present, but of course she was as she stood there as if staring at the fabric but whether she saw anything he could not tell. What did she see? The Unseen Tapestry, veiled from sight for hundreds of years had been revealed and for those that look upon it will see what their heart desires. The threads within the woven tapestry shift within the minds of those that cast their eyes to it. What Théo would view would be entirely different to Isla’s mind.


Théo moved forward, slowly not wanting to alarm her as it became apparent to him, she was in some sort of trance like state. Whether still in sleep he could not tell. Gently he whispered her name, but kept distance between them. “Isla”, a searching call to her, and it took all his effort not to run to her and take her in his arms and carry her to safety. “Isla” he repeated with more authority in the tone of his voice. Yet as he approached the tapestry he could not help but look for himself.


As the light from his saber fell across the surface of the fabric a strange shimmers moved the air, before the image entwined in the threads became clear to him. It was beautiful to behold, an image of life and the constant changing of forces within one’s self depicted in the work of art. The opposites that entwine to complete the whole, the dark and the light in symbiotic unison and forever one. It is powerful and humbling to his eyes. It spoke of understanding, an acceptance of the fight within each individual and offers power to those that would be brave enough to reach out and take it. He stood there mesmerised for a moment.

​

[member="Isla Ashen"]​

 

[Isla Ashen]

As her emerald eyes locked on the tapestry, the threads began to change and shift before her. What had once been a tattered and dusty canvas, had become something lovely. The background was now pearly white, and the threads began to weave themselves into the dark form of a tree. Isla stood mesmerized. Her pale hand slowly ran across the surface of the tapestry once more, feeling the raised lines of the black thread. What did this mean? The image before certainly spoke to her affinity for nature. But perhaps it hid something more sinister.

Somewhere in the distance, there seemed to be a voice calling her name. Her lips parted slightly, it was familiar. She had not even noticed that Théo was now standing next to her, viewing his own version of the Unseen Tapestry. The chamber began to grow colder; the air around them seemed to grow thin. Before long, Isla was shivering. Her fingertips were still pressed to the tapestry; the inky black lines beneath them seemed to bleed. Emerald eyes grew wide; the threads were seeping into her skin. A cold breath fell against her neck, whispers of power untold. She attempted to lift her fingers, but the thread was binding them down, threatening to hem her in completely.

A strangled cry escaped her, and she wretched her hands away suddenly.

Only then did she realize Théo was next to her. Isla stepped back, away from him and the tapestry. There was a strange darkness here. It was the kind of power that was ancient, the kind that one might hear about in stories, but never actually touch. But this night, Isla had felt something. It was a shadow like she had never seen before, one so black that even she was frightened. Her hands were shaking, palms held out just slightly. She looked wordlessly at Théo, unable to speak of the feeling that had gripped her momentarily.

“We are in danger,” Isla finally spoke, her voice a trembling whisper. “You are in danger.”

Even now, there were threads beginning to trail down from the tapestry. They were draping down the cold wall, reaching out towards Isla’s bare feet. Could Théo see what she did? Isla was not even sure. It was an elaborate trick of the mind, but she could not shake it.

“Go,” Her eyes pleaded with him, “Now.”

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

The aquatic creatures in the tapestry moved in a languid circular motion, the water shimmered and rippled and the colours of the tapestry became vivid and alive. A sense of tranquility filled him, a peace to his soul he had never thought possible, all the pain of the loss of his grandfather, all the suffering he had witnessed through the galaxy, had vanish and the promise of life eternal within the lightside spoke to him, and all he had to do was reach out and take it, touch it. Theo’s hand raised, he could see Isla’s hand do the same and he thought that she reached for the same, the promise of peace and just as his hand was about to touch hers, she spoke to him. Danger? What possible danger could there be in something as beautiful as this?

Yet he stopped his hand, trembling like hers but not for the same reason, as he began to fight for the want of the touch. It was not until her words commanded, no pleaded, for him to go did he turn his head to look into her emerald eyes and what he saw there snapped him out of his trance like state. It was not peace at all but abject fear. He wanted to reassure her that there was nothing to be afraid of, his heart soring in this moment, and he smiled as he hand raised to cup her cheek while his thumb caressed her skin. “You are so beautiful”, he whispered unable to hide his thoughts of her and she was as striking as the tapestry.

He was lost in this moment, “I will never leave you”, his voice low and gentle and the sense of euphoria taking hold of him but regardless of the trick of the darkness, the evil ancient spirit that resided in the threads, he meant it. He stepped forward, bridging the gap between them until his body pressed against hers. His hand had not left her cheek and he leaned forward, downward to kiss her. Yet their lips would never meet ..

Powerful is the light side of the force, more powerful than any mere mortal could imagine and those that follow the darkness are fools for they think it weak. To take this power and wield it for the greater good only the brave and righteous have the ability to take it. To understand it and all you have to do Theodred Heaven Shield is to touch the tapestry for woven in the threads is the force and it is yours for you are the One.

Theo blinked as the voice entered his mind, so tempting and right, he turned to view the tapestry once more and delighted in the sense of it, and he wanted it so badly. He released Isla from his embrace stepping away from her toward the wall on which the fabric hung and he reached out once more. A sense of exhilaration filled the room, but it did not come from him or Isla but someone else. However, in the back of his mind a voice spoke to him, it was the voice of his father, It is not finished until you say it is finished, why would he think of those words now, what meaning could they hold to this situation? After all his father had spoken them when they sat in crafting wood, a form of meditation that help him think over problems of the mind and soul. His father’s words repeated, and in that moment he realised it was a warning and something was left undone, something was not right.

“No one has the right to wield such power, no mortal being has the capacity to stop corruption within the soul, not even the light side is without the danger of corruption”, he said aloud now turning away from the tapestry and faced the author of the voice who had intruded on their minds. The monk that had sat in silence at dinner just watching them, stood at the far end of the room cloaked in a robe of red. “What you say is a falsehood”, he said now angry that he had been seduced to wanting more power, offered a promise of something unobtainable and he nearly fell for it. His hand gripped the hilt of his saber hard, every part of him wanting to rip down the man on the spot for toying with them, with their loves and losses, with their hopes and fears. What had the voice of the man said to Isla’s mind, what promises did it make to her?

“Isla, you are wrong .. it is not only I that is in danger, you are as well”, he said taking her hand in his and pulling her close to him for safety and he was prepared to protect her to the death. And the room filled with the essence of pure evil.

[member="Isla Ashen"]​

 

[Isla Ashen]

Isla stood still, her shoulders hunched slightly in an uncharacteristic show of fear. Even for her height and athletic build, in this moment, she looked small and delicate – almost frail. She did not move as Théo drew closer, and she welcomed him with open arms. Her trembling hands came to rest on his forearms, gripping lightly. She heard his words spoken in a smooth tone, for a moment, she even believed them. However, a dusky veil was falling over her face, and it dispelled such thoughts of warmth and kindness. Though her face did not betray her, she bowed her head slightly.

As Théo’s strong form began to move away, green eyes shifted to follow. The call of the tapestry was strong, and all he needed to do was let his fingertips brush the surface. There was a moment spent in thick anticipation, Isla’s heart beat quickly within her chest. The Knight of Ren had also noticed the new presence in the room, the scarlet-clad monk. However, she did not appear to be unsettled by his being there. A wicked grin began to form on Isla’s pale face, her eyes still focused down towards the cold floor.

“He is light.” The monk’s voice spoke into her mind, “Extinguish it.”

Isla could hear Théo again, trying to convince her that she was in danger, too. She slowly shook her head, flame-red locks moved swayed side to side. Then, her head turned up to look at the Jedi. The emerald color of Isla’s eyes had become dark and black. Her presence seemed to grow in power; her palms turned towards the ceiling and pulled the shadows around her. The invisible threads of the tapestry had bound themselves around her ankles; she was now a servant to its power.

“You are wrong, Théo.” Her mouth moved, but the voice was not her own. “The danger is yours alone.”

Her head tilted back in a maniacal laugh. Deep within, Isla was fighting a battle of her own, but she was losing strength. The darkness of the tapestry was too great and too intoxicating. She was drowning. The stone-like eyes fixed onto Théo, they narrowed dangerously. In an instant, her hands shot forward, releasing a force push that was propelled by this strange evil power.

For a brief moment, her eyes flashed green. Her expression softened.

“Théo,” It was Isla’s voice, “Kill me.”

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]