Phalomir’s gaze lingered on the Dark Lady a moment, her face unchanging as she held her son. He took her silence to mean she was not injured. He knelt beside her.
“My lady,” he said softly, “Thoran may return. I know you and your son are fatigued, and I shall do my best to defend you should Thoran reveal himself again. But, this—“ he glanced around at his surroundings, “—is not the best place to be recovering. Fortunately, everyone is here now and I can defend all of you at once. Better yet, we can find what individual strengths may combine among us. But perhaps we should move away from these sub chambers?”

He reached down and gently pushed a stray hair from her eye.

“And, my lady, if I may be so bold, you need a bath. The Chosen Daughter of the Sith has work to do, and it is time we learned of this channeler.”

Jharmeen tilted her head slightly and regarded him. Without thinking twice, he gently scooped up both the Dark Lady and her son and lifted them.

“Where shall we go, my lady?”

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

"You may take us to my son's chambers, where he may be put to bed and rest," she directed softly, turning back to Jharu to gently kiss the top of his head.

Then she laid her cheek on the exact place she had kissed, closed her eyes, and let herself drift into silence.

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

He could feel the master within him somewhere, mending the damage. He tried to turn his head to see what this body had suffered, but the muscles would not respond. Perhaps that was better.

So he instead resumed his trip through memory lane, pausing here and there to linger on a pleasant time in his past. There was a time and place for everything, and when it didn’t turn out the way it should have then he was sent. Although this time he was not sent alone -- the master was with him. The master never accompanied anyone, so this was indeed a special case. And after that incident which just occurred, he could see why. But they had failed, even with the master, they had failed. And now what? Was there any going back?

And what of Shayla? He clearly remembered that day, visiting the desert planet to assassinate the girl just before the crux of her timeline had begun. He had followed the implanted connection to her, set his timing perfectly, and was ready to spring when the master called to him, stopping him. He was then brought back to be prepared for the Phalomir project. But the connection with the girl was still there, and it was very strange to feel it so strongly now. But it had changed somehow…

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

She felt good in his arms, like she belonged there. He fought back another memory of a time very similar, carrying her like this, keeping her safe and warm.., he choked back a lump in his throat and continued up the steps.

He eventually came to a pair of Sith guards who were taken aback by the sight. Phalomir turned aside to speak to them, his massive frame not hindered at all by his burden. His eyes gleamed and his face twisted almost into a snarl.

“Your Dark Lady requires rest. Show me to her son’s chambers and place a guard on the door. I shall remain with her.”

The guards hesitated. Phalomir’s eyes flashed a bright, sudden green and the tattoo of the Armorers flared a bright gold.

“NOW.”

The guards immediately put their fists to their chests and turned. Phalomir followed.

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

After a few hard moments of battling his fatigue he gained the conviction to crack open his eyes, the act requiring all to much energy for his liking.

The room swirled about him as his eyes took in the light of the room. Jharu peered around quietly... He could feel his mother near, but his blured vision was unhelping...

Somewhat forcing himself to use the energy his words came out in a groggy mumble. "Mother? Whe.....wha.....wher-r a....am I?"
he jolted back as he saw quietly watching over the room a green eyed sith.... For the barrest of an instant jharu had thought it had been his father, but as the light lessened its assault on his eyes, he realized the severe height difference... Not to mention the obvious difference in appearence... But the eyes... They were of striking resemblence...

He blinked a few times and fell back, unable to move his head enough to find his mother...

"What happened?" his voice quivered as the events that had just transpired shot past his eyes in the blink of an eye, so fast he could not attain any true details from them, and then they were gone, leaving only traces of memories, feelings, a few vivid images.

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

She continued watching then as the guards moved up to take Jharu from them. They bowed to her, turned, and departed with her son for his rooms.

She could only watch them go, suddenly not knowing what to say. And so it was she remained quiet, and found herself resting her head back against the sturdy breadth of Phalomir's chest...

...unaware of her son's stirrings in his room. Without the All, her link to him had totally severed.

Perhaps Phalomir somehow sensed this distress; perhaps somehow his inherent magicks could pick up on Jharu's softly uttered cries. For when Graysith finally did open her eyes again, it was to find that he had followed the guards, and had taken her to her son's room.

"Jharu," she murmured, twisting in Phalomir's arms until his grip loosened and she slid away from him. She sped to Jharu's bedside and fell to her knees, one slim hand going out to stroke his forehead.

"Jharu," she repeated, stifling back tears when she discovered she could no longer reach out to her son along the link she had so steadfastly maintained with him. All she could do was kneel by his side and hope her mere presence alone would soothe him.

A shudder ran through her at the memories his last, fuzzy question provoked.

What indeed had just happened?

There had been no time to analyze, to think... scarcely any time to respond.

She sighed and laid her head upon the bed close to him.

"Nothing that should disturb you now, my son," she finally whispered.

[ 11-10-2003 11:54 PM: Message edited 1 time, lastly by Graysith ]

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He looked over and smiled softly, something within himself feeling the lack of that which she seemed distraught over losing.

a flash of violet glow spread through his conciousness, a warm gaze in his mind for the barrest of instants....

He felt a thread of his mind reach out slowly to tickle her mind, a comforting thread... A thread filled with hope and reassurence...

For if she was incapable of linking there minds... Perhaps his own mind would be enough... After all, there was no greater strength then the love shared between mother and child... No greater devotion.

He heard her comforting words and attempted a nodd... He would figure out everyting else later... But for now that was not important.
"i love you mom..." he said quickly and let a soft smile spread into his features.

[ 11-10-2003 11:54 PM: Message edited 1 time, lastly by Jharu ]

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“Until I say otherwise, no-one enters this room save the human lady Shayla. Understood? Good.”

He swung back inside and closed the door.

He walked softly to the bedside and quietly knelt beside the Dark Lady. He put a hand on hers.

"He should rest, as should you. We shall have much to discuss later, but rest easy for now. I shall be here, and nothing will harm you as long as I breath."

[ 11-10-2003 11:57 PM: Message edited 1 time, lastly by Phalomir ]

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Graysith raised her head up with a jerk, Phalomir's presence warming her, his hand atop hers...

...and the Link re-established between herself and Jharu a living flame within her heart.

She gasped out a smile, tears filling her eyes as she realized what her son had just done.

"I love you as well, Jharu," she whispered, kissing his cheek once again. "More than you may ever come to know.

"But Phal--" She paused, eyeing the glowing Tattoo of the Armorers.

"Lord Phalomir is correct. You need rest... and I have much to attend to."

She rose to her feet, letting her hand trail down her son's face and linger briefly at his jawline.

"I shall see you later, son, after you have rested."

With that she turned toward the door, but paused in its frame as if in waiting, and surprisingly enough, finding complete reassurance in Phalomir's final words.

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

The darkness that overwhelmed him then was a welcomed softness, a cooling blanket that promised him a sound and complete rest...

He was not sure of what all had transpired earlier, but he wasnt worried... He was with his mother now... Nothing would go wrong.

The burning violet eyes flashed once more in the darkness, spreading to him their great confidence, before they turned and vanished into the deepest depths of his sub-concious... The thought of those eyes quickly became non-important and it faded from his recolection, eaten away by the void which was created by his great fatigue, the only sure thing left untoched was the golden thread which was held tight between himself and his mother... A thread that he would never allow to be severed...

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

The guards thought nothing of this, did not so much as squint in the failing light; their feet well knew the pathway to the Temple, and trod that pathway with a studied and steady pace. At length they reached the doorway at the apex of the step-sided ediface, and led Recinis into the cool shadows inside.

They came to the door leading to the Grand Dining Hall. This was the customary place where the Dark Lady would meet those honored guests who had come here to speak with her for the Sith. The captain of the guard paused at the door, turned, and eyed Recinis with a cold stare.

"If you were not who you are, Lord, you would not be finding yourself here in this place," he said briefly; then he opened the double doors with a push of one hand and indicated Recinis should enter.

"Two of my men shall remain on station without these doors, Lord," he said, nodding in brief respect. "If you desire to move about, be aware that they are ordered to remain as your escorts."

He reflected upon the... Respect. Given to him by the guard. He almost laughed to himself as he considered the change in society... When he had been in his own time... Such treatment would be cause for a swift death, no matter the orders given, no matter the situation.

But.
he quietly reminded himself
These were not his times... These were not his day's... He was a visiter and must comform to there wills.

His eyes traveled upward, analyzing those placed to "escort him" he smiled quietly to himself... he had seen ones such as them before... Either the captain was expecting utmost cooperation from him... Or he had severly missjudged the fighting capabilities recinis possessed... Or perhaps both....Or perhaps with this line of warriors corrupted by the taint of Roan, this is the best they can spare... the warriors of the sith were forged in the image of thier lord. the lord was one who was to be learned from... Bad roll Moddle leads to weaker warriors...

Or perhaps I am just being objective...

Playing these little games with himself he passed the time... For in reality it did not matter who guarded him, it did not matter if his evaluation had been correct... For ha had no desire to cause trouble... He had no need.

And so he quieted himself further, and waited.

As he waited he reached out with his mind, feeling for familiarity.... Sensing his son, at ease...

a great inner tension escaped him as he affirmed that his son was alright... And with that he could affirm that Jharmeen too was unharmed...

his eyes opened calmly as the two silent fears were placed out of his mind...

[ 11-11-2003 12:43 AM: Message edited 1 time, lastly by Recinis ]

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“Trust me for a moment,” he said quietly.

He closed his eyes and softly placed his other hand on top of hers. Reaching inward for the strength and power, he drew upon his strained magick and sent a warm strand across the link between himself and the Dark Lady. Once in her, it sought the relationship between mother and son. Expecting to dig for it, Phalomir was surprised to find a very strong, powerful link between the two. He wrapped his magick around it, not disturbing it, and set in place a watch spell.

“There,” he whispered. “There is now a bond between the three of us, should anyone try to harm either of you then my spirit will be there immediately.”

He quietly opened the door and stepped through, his eyes burning the guard into silence. Still holding her hand, he escorted Jharmeen into the hall and closed the door behind him.

“Now allow no other save myself or the Dark Lady into this room,” he said calmly to the guard, placing a hand on his shoulder. “And speak not of who rests inside for the time being.” Then he added with a smile, “Your devotion to your Dark Lady is welcomed, and most appreciated.”

He walked Jharmeen down the hall, still holding her hand. They rounded a corner and he stopped.

“My lady, I assume you wish to retire to your chambers, but I do not know where to lead you. Please forgive my ignorance.”

He sighed.

“I must also assume that if your son has returned, then perhaps his father is also here. I shall stay with you as long as you desire, but shall not put upon you when you meet your – husband.” The last word seemed to sting Phalomir greatly.

“But know that I am here, and I shall not leave you.”

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

Jharu was unaware of the pressence rising up within him, the blazing violet eyes rose within the shadows examining the bond carefuly, curously....
The sorcerer has no place in this mind... I must monitor this bond carefuly...
The shadowy being's eyes narrowed before it turned and fadded away once again into the depths of jharu's mind.

Meanwhile jharu turned gently in his bed, pulling his blankets about him and sighing in his restful bliss. uncaring of the universe about him.

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

Thoran will be back...

...and you are the link.

Shayla stopped in her tracks upon this thought, coming to a halt in front of Phalomir and Graysith. For another long moment she stood in frozen silence, her eyes connecting with Graysith, her thoughts straying to something dark once more.

Here Recinis had sworn to never leave Graysith's side, then he had done just that...

...only to once more return and leave again. And now he was for yet a third time? What was with this?

Shayla jerked then from these thoughts as something finally caught her attention. Her eyes flicked momentarily up to Graysith's silent glyph...

...and then back into Graysith's violet eyes in concern.

"What has happened?" she whispered then, her thoughts turning even darker at that as she then ended with, "And isn't it just a little strange that Lord Recinis has picked now, of all times, to return once again...?"

[ 11-11-2003 09:24 PM: Message edited 1 time, lastly by Shayla Stargazer Petrolu ]

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Graysith drew in a great shuddering breath at the name, even while a little logical part of her being was waving its figurative hand in puzzlement as to why she had reacted in this manner at the mention of his name. True, the former rush of love that name would have provoked in her was not to be found; indeed, it was locked away in a place she could now not return to of her own device. But why this sudden sense of foreboding…?

She knew who had killed Lord Roan. And she was the one who had pointed out the fact the he had been murdered the very night Lord Recinis had left unannounced, taking their son and disappearing into the vastness of space.

Why indeed had he left? Was that why she had turned the tables; was she that coarse as to stoop to such a level…?

But his name did bring a rush of trepidation upon her.

As did her inner realization that something within her son seemed to be balking at the protective bond Lord Phalomir had emplaced between them.

Unable to quite put thoughts into words, all she could do was raise a hand to the silent Glyph and finger it gently. It lay there in utter solitude, mocking her in its silence.

Finally—

“It—it was not Lord Recinis who has brought upon me my break from the All… but Lord—“

She stumbled, stifling tears.

“Lord Aelvedaar,” she finished in a rush. For a moment then all she could do was stand before the pair, looking from Shayla’s face into Phalomir’s, before finally turning to look back down the corridor toward Jharu’s room.

“We must talk,” she finally said, then turned to Phalomir.

”We shall go to the Grand Dining Hall, and partake of a light meal to regain our strength. I have some fine vintage brandy to offer as well; perhaps together we can come up with some answers to the questions as to what or who this Thoran is, why he is here, how I may regain connection with my powers, as well as possibly deducing the answer to any other conflicting concerns any of us might be feeling at the moment.”

The words she spoke were to both Shayla and Phalomir, but her final comment was to the newfound Dark Lord of the Armorers alone.

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

A stir of memories once again tried to surface, of quiet conversations in the darkened dining hall while sipping brandy, faces close together, lips nearly touching…

The spell Phalomir placed upon the link within Jharmeen trembled, and his attention was immediately focused on her. He paused a moment, and the feeling passed, but he heightened the power directed to the spell.

“However, I will continue to keep watch over you and your son. There is something possibly afoot...”

The group continued through the hallways towards the dining hall, Phalomir leading as if he knew the way well. Still hand in hand, he and the Dark Lady went before Shayla, dismissing any guard or other Sith who happened to be passing.

“My lady,” he said softly as they turned the last corner to the dining hall doors. He held her hand slightly tighter and touched her cheek. “There is something more you should know. I have access to my memories… and I am having some difficulty in knowing what is—“

Phalomir stopped at the sight of two Sith warriors guarding the doors to the grand dining hall.

“What is this?” he demanded.

[ 11-11-2003 10:44 PM: Message edited 1 time, lastly by Phalomir ]

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"My Lord, we hold Lord Recinis within, per the instructions of the Dark Lady," he said, looking over Phalomir's shoulder and focusing on a spot somewhere in the distance beyond it.

“Lord?” Phalomir said through clenched teeth. “A Lord would not abandon his people, especially his Lady. My heart burns at the thought… if you only knew what I have gone thr--”

“Forgive me, my lady,” he said, turning to Jharmeen. “My words betray my feelings. I understand if you do not wish me to accompany you, but I shall be by your side for as long as you desire.”

A cough from inside the dining hall captured Phalomir's attention. He turned his head to see the figure of a Sith walking into the light of the doorway. Phalomir's eyes flashed a brilliant emerald as the Tattoo of Entitlement upon his forehead blazed briefly. His hand remained within the grasp of the Dark Lady.

"Recinis, I presume." Phalomir said flatly.

[ 11-12-2003 12:05 AM: Message edited 1 time, lastly by Phalomir ]

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She stared into Recinis's green eyes... that little something within was waving for all it was worth... no resounding rush of feeling came forth other than a disturbance not quite felt, not quite realized...

Not quite accepted....

She swallowed back whatever was trying to rise up in her and remained silent, the turmoil within revealed only by her steadily whitening knuckles.

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

His momentary lapse in compuser was soon put under control as he servayed the situation. He sent a small smile at Phalomir, sensing the siths conflicting emotions in ragards to himself.

Then he strode accross the hall, bowing before Jharmeen. "M'lady... I apoligize for my departures.... Again." he paused for a moment, struggling against allowing the small jab of pain he felt at the words cross his face...
"If you disire i can explain my reasons, as inseficiant as they may be... But that is for another time... May i ask why it is i am being... Held?" He said the last words adding in a soft smile cross his features.

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

"Dark Lord Roan was found dead on the night you disappeared with Jharu; murdered in a manner most foul. It would take a warrior to defeat another such; you are suspect as you were to fight him in Challenge of Entitlement on the following morning.

"I find this strange of you, Recinis..."

Graysith let her voice trail then, and without real knowledge of the event then let her hands rise up to grasp either arm strongly, hugging herself as if to keep away the creeping descent of some dank and dismal chill.

[ 11-12-2003 05:42 PM: Message edited 1 time, lastly by Graysith ]

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then he looked down for a moment,taking within him a deep breath.
"You know me better then any Jharmeen... No... You are the only one who knows me... The only i have ever allowed to see my soul, the only that has ever been able to see my truest self.

I have hurt you, betrayed you in the most lowly of manners. I dont deserve understanding, and i dont deserve trust. But all i do happens for a reason.... And i know. That you know, beyond any doubt, that even though i have done things which can never be taken back. I would never kill without honor. I would never Abbandon the sentence for what a murder would cause.

Any actions i have commited, i will answer for. But I will not be blamed for actions that are beyond me."

taking a deep breath he straighted himself.

"I am, by blood, entitled to the roll of becoming dark lord of the warriors. Without proof that it was I who had destroyed Roan, there is nothing to stop me from taking that title onto myself, and ruling once more.... If i dissired that course of action.

"Ive been accused... If that is my fate, then i will accept it. If you see that i am Unfit to bear the burden forged into my blood, then that is the way it must be...

I have two strikes against my honor already... Further more i have to strikes against my fathers honor, and even greater then those, are the two strikes i have placed upon your honor by means of my actions.... I have betrayed you through my actions, i have betrayed the honor of he who wields his heart, and i will do it no more. Make your discision Jharmeen. I will be satisfied with what you decide... Am i to bear my title? Am i to be placed in prison? AM i guilty of destroying The lord of warriors, or am I at least clean to that foul act?

"I sore to you my life. I bound myself to your blood, and you to mine. It may appear that i have betrayed that, but i swear to you i have not. My fate is yours"

as his words came to a halt he closed his eyes and kneeled quietly as a warrior might to his queen in prepereration for either being knighted or being executed.
"my Honor is yours M'lady... Do as you must, as i have."

[ 11-12-2003 06:12 PM: Message edited 1 time, lastly by Recinis ]

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“But you are wrong of one thing,” said Phalomir, stepping forward from the shadowed hallway and into the light cast by the dining hall torches. “You are not alone in your entitlement.”

Not taking his eyes from Recinis, Phalomir turned his face to the right, demonstrating the Tattoo of Entitlement of the Warriors still burned into his left cheek. It lay there in balance to the symbol of the Sorcerers emblazoned on his right. He turned his head back to regard Recinis fully.

“And now you force her to choose your fate?” Phalomir snarled.

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

"Well," he at last said to Panthar, "Since I don't sense my wife anywhere nearby I have to conclude she's been taken a good distance from here...

...and hopefully not anything more than that," he added darkly. "The only place I can logically start at is back on K'eel Doba. That was, after all, the last place that all of us were."

He paused then at that, pursing his lips as his thoughts continued to spiral. Then he ended with one simple question. "Was there anything Phalomir or Thoran said that might have indicated where either might be headed?"

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