A soft footfall echoes into my chambers and comes to a halt, bearing with it the arrival of my Chosen Son. I smile, albeit somewhat sternly, as I gaze into the Great Crystal Octahedron which yet shows me the movements of the little party we had been… entertaining here within my Temple. Aeylmaar remains silent; I can clearly hear his fidgeting nervousness as he stands respectfully just inside the doorway to my Inner Sanctum.

“Such behavior is not becoming of a Sith, let alone the heir apparent of the lordship to the Sorcerers,” I chide him gently as I now turn to face him. He bows his head, clasping his hands as he remains silent before me. I regard him a long moment before letting my eyes slide from his frame to another image more shadowy, hidden in the corners of this room.

It is the Sith incubator, which yet holds in stasis the son of the Stargazer. I wave a clawed hand expansively toward it.

“It is not so much that we ourselves need this child as they simply cannot have it. For eons Sith have led and ruled Sith, and Sith have led and ruled the People; it shall always be thus, forevermore.”

I quiet at that, not needing to go into any great detail. He has stood with me as I opened that door to a possible future… he knows the consequences. I know he stands firm with me in this, no matter how much he may disapprove of my other actions. That pains me, but I understand it; sometimes it is difficult to see beyond the immediate and take into consideration the entirety of the Big Picture, as I so colorfully put it to my Chosen Daughter.

She at least understood this….

I relish the ripple of pain that sweeps through me at the thought of her, knowing that in that anguish I am truly alive. Then I let out a deep sigh, and turn once again to my Son.

“If the Stargazer or any other of this party returns here again, kill them,” I order, feeling alive in the pain of this as well.

“That is, unless they do not survive to leave Khar Delba at all….”

A darker smile takes over my features then as, with a wave of one hand, I beckon. From shadows deep in the perimeter of this, my hallowed place, there comes answering snarls and growls and muttered replies as from those shadows there now steps forth a group of lithe and muscled shapes.

It is my little army of Noghri, the tattered remnants of those remaining when Darth Wicked left this place. I had quite easily discovered their hiding place in the greenbelt surrounding the Temple and its grounds; after a bit of… ‘persuasion’ they were more than happy to post their allegiance to me. In gratitude for that promised loyalty, I provided them with tuk’ata escorts, each one mentally linked with its handler. They will stand with the assassins until death… unless betrayal brought forth the necessity of that death coming earlier, and to the Noghri not the tuk’ata.

“Go,” I speak the word softly, letting it dagger into their brains. The leader growls a reply, turns, and barking an order departs with his little horde. The wonderful, diminishing sound of their claws clattering against stone echoes in my ears, until at length the silence bespeaks of their departure from the Temple of the Sorcerers.

As well as it speaks of a flush of disapproval I sense from my Son. I shrug mentally at this, and turn back to the Octahedron. He may think what he will, but he knows well what the end result will be.

Indeed, what it has to be.

“Come,” I then say, turning away from the magickal device and approaching Aeylmaar. I place a fatherly arm along his shoulders.

“Let us leave events to unfold as they will, and allow ourselves a modicum of surprise at their fruition. I desire food.”

With that I lead him from my chambers, letting the suspended chronotic shield re-establish itself about my Sanctum as we depart, that nothing and no one would enter therein in our absence.

[ 05-13-2004 06:18 PM: Message edited 1 time, lastly by Aelvedaar ]

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I thought for sure she’d suggest that she would be the one to leave, I thought as I met her steady gaze with one of my own. Then I shook myself and really thought about the words she had just finished speaking. Although she hadn’t mentioned it explicitly, the clear implication in those words was the fact that I would depart from this place in something non-Sith, probably the TIE fighter promised by that Sith dude, and in that implication was making it clear to me that she was looking at the hanger in which it was berthed.

Why in Hell’s Seven Circles couldn’t I see this?

“Hey, what is going on here?” I burst out with as I took a step backward. I shot another gaze about as I turned a quick three-sixty; nope. Nothing to be seen but that hazy lawn, the hulking distant shadow of the temple we had just left, and the crooked, thorn-haunted path in front of us.

My frown dug itself centimeters deeper into my face, and I turned it upon the others.

“What gives? What are you doing, Panthar? Shayla, what is going on?

”Where in Hell’s Seven Circles are we supposed to find that TIE in this mess of a forest?!”

I jerked the words following that outburst out of alignment with them, lest they slip out of my mouth and offend someone. Why I did that only Khaandon knows, usually I don’t give a hoot what others think of me.

But—

“There’s no hanger, and there’s no ship. There’s only forest and thorns and shadows and something growling in the distance; can’t you hear it?”

I silenced with that as those snarls came closer, carried upon footfalls as silent but as omnipotent as the approach of Death itself.

[ 05-13-2004 07:03 PM: Message edited 1 time, lastly by Galen ]

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...and it was then that reality slammed down upon her like a landing Super Star Destroyer. And even as it did so, the images of a building shifted into a mess of tangled trees and forest, with Panthar yet standing there with one hand extended as if holding an invisible door open and the other now slowly dropping from its position of invitation for everyone else to step inside.

"It's an illusion, an image placed in our minds," Shayla whispered, her eyes widening even as she took a step back from where Panthar was standing. The howls of tuk'ata could be heard in the distance. "It's a trap..."

She trailed, her eyes darkening as she sensed outward, her heart flying despite the calm looking she was at least attempting to maintain. "...and we are being surrounded by several sentient creatures even now..."

As her words dropped off this time, her hand fell instinctively to her weapons belt as she took another step back, only to be painfully reminded that she was armed with nothing other than the Force.

[ 05-14-2004 03:28 AM: Message edited 1 time, lastly by Shayla Stargazer Petrolu ]

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Snarls transcended into gutteral yowls all about us, becoming louder by the minute.

"Ok, so they know we're here!" I hollered, trying to keep my voice from trembling.

"Everyone grab on to each other, and let's get the hell outta here!"

I felt a hand grab me, I don't know whose, and I didn't bother to look as I slapped my Sith belt and enabled the light-bending device on my waist. We popped out of existence like a chick from an egg...

Er-- make that the inverse....

[ 05-14-2004 03:46 AM: Message edited 1 time, lastly by Galen ]

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"They're coming from the southwest," Shayla observed in a whisper, still using her Force senses to track the progress of their pursuers.

Without a verbal acknowledgement of this, Shayla felt a pull of motion as Galen got on the move. Shayla immediately fell in step, as did the others behind her, praying to the gods that this tactic would be enough to get away. After all, there was only one other possible means of defense she could think of to use against the threat at hand, should it become necessary that she use it...

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Besides, I told myself as I ducked under yet another low-hanging branch. They’re probably too far away to really hear us. Those Noghri hunt by smell…

That reminded me of another time that I was fleeing under the protections of this device, the time Sorben and I had found and rolled in a pile of poo-doo to fool the Noghri who were on our trail at that time. There was none to be found, however; I gulped and set off faster, knowing that while the device might protect us from the Noghri master’s those sweet little killers wouldn’t be fazed in the slightest.

We have to find that hangar….

Aloud, I shouted in a terse whisper: “Try to stay downwind of the sound, that might buy us a little more time!”

I moved quickly on, hunting for the elusive hanger I knew was still here… tucked away somewhere in the forest immediately surrounding the Temple.

Problem was, it was a helluva big temple…

[ 06-03-2004 01:48 AM: Message edited 1 time, lastly by Galen ]

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The group continued to run through the night, trampling flowers and kicking over small plants.

“That’s enough,” he said. “Stop now!”

Panthar skidded to a halt, grabbing Erik’s hand tighter and stopping the human in his tracks. His own grip upon Shayla was enough to stop her, as she tripped and yanked Galen backwards until all three tumbled with into a small mix of limbs. Panthar continued to hold onto Erik.

“You people are nuts, there is nothing out here except flowers and plants and bugs! And a hangar with ships in it. Why the heck would Ally-maba-meer send us here to get away just to have something eat us? He could have squished us himself and had us pre-chewed for whatever you think is out there! Now calm down and let’s get back to the ship, you nutzoids!”

[ 05-18-2004 12:25 AM: Message edited 1 time, lastly by Panthar Dantares ]

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...or at least, glared in the closest direction to his head within the tangle of their threesome.

"It's all an illusion!" she growled, "I know it, I saw what you were seeing at first but..."

She trailed, perhaps the tinest inklings of doubt creeping over her. "...but the image suddenly changed, and then I felt the tuk'ata..."

She had to stop a minute and think. Why would Aeylmaar leave them out there just to be eaten alive, when he could have taken care of them in an instant. Logic then nodded its sensible head as a possibility wormed its way into Shayla's brain.

"It could be that Aeylmaar lead us to the correct place...

...and someone else is now meddling with our minds, seeing that we don't leave here. But why is it that this phenomena wouldn't be affecting you?" Shayla queried. "Somehow we've gotta ascertain the truth, especially if that was indeed a hangar back there; after all, that hangar may be our last chance out of here. But if it isn't a hangar and there are tuk'ata...

...what then...?"

Trailing one final time Shayla quieted, her usually serene look shifting to one which was actually troubled as she waited for anyone to reply to her thoughts.

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

Panthar trailed, his eyes diverting to the glow coming from the pulsating object in Shayla’s pocket. The Eye throbbed a bright red beneath the material.

“Um, I thought you said you turned that thing off?”

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"I think it's trying to show us the way," she said to Panthar, finally untangling herself from the others as she spoke. Then she turned her innermost thoughts to the Eye, praying it would respond so that she would know the truth.
Which reality is real and which is false? she queried. Then, her eyes darkening, she realized that the Eye would most likely not be reacting unless it saw an out. It is the Dark Lord trying to deceive us, isn't it...?

Even as she had these thoughts Shayla stood, ready for action. "I think we're gonna have to make a break for it soon...

...and that we're simply going to have to trust what the Eye is trying to tell us. I could be wrong...

...I thought what I saw was wrong before...

...but I do believe there is in fact a hangar back there. That is, unless the Eye indicates something different to me..."

[ 05-24-2004 04:58 AM: Message edited 1 time, lastly by Shayla Stargazer Petrolu ]

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The glow of the Eye grew dimmer.

“There is a ship where the heir had promised. There are also Noghri about. Both are true, yet through Sith magick the hangar is hidden to those without Sith eyesight. This I sense, the Dark Lord’s hunters are searching for you, while the heir wishes for your departure. Strange it is, this conflict, with The Master in the middle. Find the ship, escape.”

She turned then to Galen, her greeny-blues meeting brown, "The tuk'ata and Noghri are real as well," she stated, "We've gotta go back the way we all came, and it's got to be now, before they get our scent.."

She trailed, momentarily biting her lip as a thought crossed her mind, "Unless we could disguise that somewhat by covering ourselves in some of the local plant-life..."

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That's creepy, almost like she read my mind or something; blasted Jedi anyway....

I let that thought die an abrupt death, then dropped my hand.

"That's a good idea, in fact, it's a great idea. One I've found to work in practice, in fact."

With that I quickly gave everyone the short version of my escape from another hunting pack of Noghri, leaving out all but the most pertinent of details.

After all, what's history is history; they don't need to know about me and Sorben and our earlier escapades now, do they Galen ol' spit?

"I found that poo-doo of the local fauna works best at fooling Noghri, especially if it's fresh. But gosh wee, speaking of fresh, I think we're fresh out; hey. You're a jedi, aren't you? Can't you do something to mess with those pea-brains of theirs and buy us some time to get away from them?"

Now would be a good time, too....

[ 06-03-2004 01:52 AM: Message edited 1 time, lastly by Galen ]

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"Well," she then started, "There is only one thing I can think of right off the top of my head, and unfortunately it may not throw them off the scent...

...but it sure could keep them all busy. I've used my telekenetic ability in past times to throw off pursuers, and it seems to work well when you can be seen...

...so I think it should work even better while we're all hidden by the Sith belt. It's not much, but it's as good as I've got...

...and I'm afraid we don't have alot more time for discussion. My Force-senses are very aware of active, sentient life-forms, though they haven't seemed to close in on us...

...yet."

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This light-bending device sure had its good AND bad sides to it! I couldn't help thinking as I nosed around like a questing hound until I was sure I was "facing" the blond jedi.

"Ok, that sounds good," I whispered. "You mess with their minds, and I'll go off and find something that would be good to cover our scent with. No use all of us trampling around; it would be better to split up, at least momentarily, rather than sit around like so many entrees on a smorgasbord.

"Stay here so I can find you again; I'll be right back."

With that I dropped the hand I had been holding, and moved off through the thick understory as quietly and furtively as possible. Surely there had to be some fresh poo-doo from something or other out there somewhere....

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Panthar sighed and gripped Erik’s hand.

“So do we need to keep holding hands like young fools?” he asked. “It was nice while it lasted, though, don’t get me wrong, but enough is enough.”

He looked around, taking in the night sky. He then lowered his gaze to the surrounding brush and trees, and was happy to see no movement. Then he glanced in Shayla’s direction.

“Looks like it’s still all clear around us. Nothing moving, anyway. And we’re not that far from the hangar, really, but I suppose you still can’t see it, can you?”

He screwed his face in an odd grimace.

“So why does the Eye only talk to you, anyway?” he inquired.

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Though I cannot find my acolytes, it will all become clear in due time. My acolytes could not have wandered far, but they do not answer my call, so I must be ready for the worst, He thought topping a rise.There she is, but not sith. Not one of my acolytes either. Why would these be here then? I will have to envestigate further.

[ 06-12-2004 05:58 PM: Message edited 1 time, lastly by Cult Master Raelgosh ]

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I had to flee from Aelvedaars Temple when the sith returned, and in several temples I studied more of the anceint sith runes, and focused my powers even further with my runes and my blade. But I must return to Aelvedaars Temple, as my senses can feel the dark side beggining to pulse from the temple once again.

I also sense my master is near, closer than ever before. I feel it is time to once again reveal myself. I also must find my brother, as I know he is sill alive. He may not be at his full potential and may still not realize his full power, but that is what I intended when I changed his memories to protect him and me. With as many enemies as we had, it was neccessary not to draw attention to myself or my brother, so sent us both into hiding. I will soon free his memories once again, but do to this I must find him. I know he is no longer where I left him, but first I must find my master.

"I don't guess we do have to hold hands anymore," she observed even as Erik dropped his hands from Panthar's, a momentary look of amusement flashing in his eyes. "...and no, I can't see the hangar yet. As for the Eye, it seems to have declared me its guardian. It tells me that there is something I must do, but I haven't figured out..."

Her voice suddenly trailed then, a new sentience grabbing her attention. Surprisingly, however, Shayla sensed no threat from it...

...but then it disturbed her that it seemed to be heading their way.

"Someone is approaching," she then explained, her voice dropping to a near-whisper. "I sense no threat, but..."

She paused again, frowning, "...we should stay close and keep on gaurd. Meanwhile...

...I'm going to see if I can establish a link with Galen, and get to work on the TK."

Falling silent at that, she briefly reached out, gently touch Galen's mind. "A link for protection and communication...

...but only with your permission," she thought, knowing that Galen would not hear the words but would probably be able to pick up on the general idea. And even as she kept her keen senses trained on that link, Shayla began her telekentic work, brushing several trails through the Khar Delban forest by moving plantlife, trees and dirt...

[ 06-12-2004 06:16 AM: Message edited 1 time, lastly by Shayla Stargazer Petrolu ]

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"I thought you may be able to offer me some assistance, and I would be happy to provide you with my own assistance."

As he said this, he could feel the stirings of the force moving towards this red haired woman, and could also feel their pursuers moving closer by the second.

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When neks fly....

It took all the control I possessed to keep from bolting from the spot where I stood. Every tiny little hair was standing up stick straight on my neck, and an entire legion of goose-bumps turned my flesh into a miniaturized and crawling glacial moraine. All I could do was stand frozen like a gandyrak in headlights, and stare agape at this Sith who had appeared like magic behind me, and who was speaking to me with a cordiality I was positive to be in indirect proportion to the actual danger he presented.

I raked him with wide eyes, slowly letting my hands drift to the light-bending device on my belt. It touched it by muscle memory alone; a tiny flip of my wrist and it turned off.

His red eyes seemed to bore holes into my head.

Where's his horns? The non sequiteur popped unbidden into my head.

I thought all Sith had horns... unless he's not Sith....

"Wh-who are you, and how is it you saw me?" I gulped, trying to push down my fear beneath a facade of courage.

"What do you want?"

I tensed, ready for anything...

I hoped.

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"I could only sense you, just as I can sense you and your friends plight. Aside from sensing you however, I have learned different magicks that have aided me many times, but now is not the time to explain I believe."

"I want information from you, and I'm sure I can give something in return in due time. However, for now I think it is best if you continue doing what you were doing before my arrival, I sense it is urgent."

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Information...? The word squirted into my brain between shards of rising fear. Who in Hell's Seven Circles is this guy anyway, and why in all the universe deems holy does he want information from me?

I forced myself to smile a little, letting my eyes dart furtively about for an escape route. Nothing looked immediately satisfying, however; it was with a certainty felt deep into my bones that I knew this guy would be all over me like mynoks on engines if I moved so much as my big toe in an attempt to escape. So I just smiled a little bit more, still tense as a rock.

It was then that a blessedly warm whisper niggled some of my fear aside. I grabbed it like a lifeline.

Hell yes, I give you permission, Shayla! I cried out inwardly as loudly as I could think.

Talk about serendipity....

There's this really weird red-skinned dude who calls himself the head of assassins or some such; he's standing about three meters in front of me, and he was able to find me while I had the Sith invisibility shielding on...

Help, I finished in that same mental scream.

My smile plastered into a grimace on my face and I returned my attention to the enigmatic being in front of me.

"Wh-what information do you want?" I finally croaked, then cleared my voice as I struggled valiantly to clear my head of all fear and suspicion and yes, even a touch of terror too, for the aura oozing from this guy struck me just like that from Roan had, making me want to run off in blind panic as fast as I could.

I gritted my teeth instead, and held my ground, how in Hell's Seven Circles, I'll never know.

[ 06-18-2004 05:34 PM: Message edited 1 time, lastly by Galen ]

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He ran his hands along where his horns had been, and scanned the area around him, looking for what she would be searching for alone out here.

"What is it you search for alone." He asked, his hearing beginning to pick up on something. "I shall not distract you from your task until it is completed, I fear you have not much time."

The howls and bays of the beasts drew ever closer.

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"Umm... actually, I'm kinda out on a nature trip, you know, hunting for er... specimens of the local fauna and so on, heh.

"So really, thank you for the offer, but I don't think I need any help, and really, I think that I am quite capable of keeping away from whatever it is that's howling out there. I've done so before, they're only animals, right?"

My smile was a rictus upon my face.

"And considering I don't know you from a stone on the ground, I can't imagine any way I could possibly be of any help to you at all, so if you'd just excuse me...."

I began inching away, berating myself as I did so.

Oh, but that was lame, Galen! I thought, even as I sent out another mental cry of warning to the ominously quiet Shayla.

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