Sora'sa language lesson

"Len ke'mane' I love you

Mahte' Mother

Chapter One: The Darkening of the Son


"Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light." Helen Keller

Kyran yawned and stretched as he awoke. It was early morning and he was in Zephir's bed, where he had fallen asleep the night before. It was his first time to spend the night at the Master's apartment and he had needed comfort being away from his bondmates. The Master was already up and about, he realized after a moment. He heard noises in the kitchen and pulled on his sleep robe to go to see what Zephir was doing. He padded down the hall silently and came to find the Master beginning work on getting breakfast together. "What're you cooking?" he asked with great interest.

Zephir glanced down to him, and smiled as his hands worked, "Bantha biscuits and eggs. Just something easy for this morning," satisfied for the moment, he pulled away, to wipe his hands on a rag, before touching Kyran's hair tenderly, "Did you sleep well, ne'?"

Kyran nodded shyly. "Mostly. " It had taken him some time to fall asleep, the soft bed had been hard to get used to again after sleeping in the nest with Shane at nights.

A look of understand crossed Zephir's eyes, and his smile deepened, "That's good," he paused a moment, glancing at what he was preparing, "Would you like to help?"

Kyran's face brightened. "Can I?" he asked hopefully. "Never cooked anything before," he said worriedly. "Don't want to make it taste bad."

"I'll make sure of that," Zephir assured warmly, motioning over a small stool that he had dug up from somewhere, and brought it over to his side with the Force, "If you're truly worried, you can watch, and I'll teach you."

Kyran clambered up on the stool, anxious to be of help. "I want to cook with you. Just have to tell me how."

Zephir nodded, grinning a little at the boy's eagerness, "Very well then. Just have to warn you, don't touch anything that I don't tell you to. Much of this is hot."

Kyran gazed at him very seriously. "Not touch cause it's hot," he repeated. "What do all those things do?" he asked pointing to the knobs on the stove.

"They control how hot or cold things get," Zephir answered, pointing out which ones did which.

Kyran peered closely at them. "So what are you doing now?" he asked pointing to the bowl on the counter.

Glancing to the bowl, Zephir brought it over to the counter by the boy, "I just finished putting in the ingredients. This is for the biscuits. They need to be mixed. Would you like to do that?"

Kyran nodded. "I can mix it," he said happily. He promptly stuck his fingers in the bowl and began mixing, ignoring the spoon on the counter next to him.

Refraining from chuckling, Zephir calmly pulled Kyran's hand from the bowl, gently wiped his fingers, then placed the spoon in it, "With this, ne'."

"How come I can't just use my hands?" he asked frowning a little, " they work just as good," he pointed out. Mixing with the spoon was a lot harder than he thought. Batter spilled out of the bowl some. "Easier the other way," he protested.

Holding back his amusement, Zephir lightly wrapped a hand around his, to help him learn to stir, "But it's more efficient this way. You mix all of it, if you go slow."

"Efficient?" Kyran blinked a little at the word. "What does that mean?"

"Better," Zephir stated.

"So doing it this way works better?" he clarified for himself. "Doesn't seem to work better to me. Now what?" he asked after the batter was mixed.

We're going to put it into that," Zephir instructed, moving to pick up the pan, and bring it over to them, "Like so."

"Can I roll it out?" Kyran asked hopefully. He wanted to try rolling out the dough. Zephir had made it look fun.

Zephir nodded, though he aided him in that, and in cutting them, and eventually put them in the oven. After that the meat was done, so he set it aside to cool, as he did eggs.

"There, now we're almost ready," he smiled to the boy.

Just then the door chime rang . "I'll get it," he volunteered as he hopped off his stool to go get the door.

Zephir followed, getting a sense of who it was at the door. Stopping the boy right before he opened the door, Zephir looked down to him in amusement, "Let me open it. You see, there is someone very important on the other side, and we have to be very respectful, understand?"

Kyran sobered at the words and nodded solemnly. "Okay," he said softly, taking up his place behind the Master as Zephir opened the door.

Zephir bowed low once the door was open, presenting the two beyond, "My dearest lady, it is a surprise and honor that you have come."

Te'mahte' I'sa was on the other side of the door with her young son, Kieran, and she was trying her hardest not to smile. "Dear Zephir, one would think you were trying to discourage the boy from answering the door. Really I wouldn't have minded," she said in amusement. "One so seldom sees such innocence these days."

Zephir shook his head a little, "Far from it, my lady. I merely discourage disrespect to such as yourself. He is to be my Padawan after all," he spared a soft smile to the boy, "As to it, I dare say you probably have not met the ne'," he gestured Kyran forward, "Kyran, this is the Lady I'sa, Senator of Southern Saren, and her young son, Kieran."

Kyran bowed politely to the Senator. "Please to meet you."

Te'mahte' smiled at the child. "Likewise, little one. So you are Kyran. I have heard about you, from Shane," she bent down to his level.

"You have?" Kyran was surprised his bondmate talked about him to someone else. "What did he say?"

"He said you were very brave on Saren," she said, touching his cheek gently. "And that you were his godling."

"Yep," Kyran nodded at the last part. "That's what he calls me," he frowned. "Though he hasn't really said why he calls me one."

"He will soon enough," She stood back up and guided Kieran forward to where he could touch Kyran.

Kieran touched Kyran's shoulder, smiling a little, "It is a pleasure though," the fourteen year old stated, "Especially to me, to meet one of Me's friends."

Kyran looked quizzical. "Does he talk about me to you too?"

Kieran nodded, "He does, when we're able to see each other. He's very fond of his life here, and the people in his life."

Kyran was inexpressibly happy at those words. His face lit. He pulled Kieran further into their living room. "We're making breakfast," he said.

Careful not to stumble, Kieran smiled a bit more, "I can smell that, and it smells good."

Zephir had to comment at that, as he allowed I'sa in, taking her arm like a gentleman as he led her further into the apartment, "You are both welcomed to stay and break fast with us."

Te'mahte' allowed Zephir to escort her. "I do apologize for coming over unannounced," she said apologetically. "But we have only returned from our travels last night. We thought of catching you before you left for the day so that Kieran might spend some time with his friends."

"There is no need for an apology. You didn't interrupt anything. I assume you'll be off to see Shane soon." Zephir said lightly, keeping a watchful eye on the two boys.

"Yes," She agreed. "Though I would like it if young Kyran could come along too, he seems to be good for Kieran. He has a lot of energy."

Zephir chuckled a little, "He certainly does. I suppose it could be arranged, he was meant to go back some time today."

"What do you mean? What sort of arrangement have you made?" She asked settling herself on a chair at their table.

"Drex and I have agreed to slowly separating the boys, to get them ready for apprenticeship," Zephir tried to explain.

She looked surprised at that. "Really? Why would they need to be separated? Why can't you just train them now?'

"They have rather strong attachments, between themselves, and a third," Zephir stated, "It would be like separating the twin gods and hoping it wouldn't destroy the world."

She grimaced at that. "Impossible in other words," she nodded. "I can see why it would be best to separate them slowly."

Zephir nodded, "I thought you would understand. Its a good exercise for them anyways, Most Padawans are not taken till the age of ten."

"Yet you are already beginning to separate them? Why not wait another year?"

"It gives them, and ourselves a bit more time," Zephir admitted, "It takes a bit to adjust to another young life." Even though Zephir's own Padawan had been half trained before he had received her, the Council deeming him fit to train such a student, when they had not trusted him before that with a youngling. He had proven them wrong, with her, Illya being a prize in her field.

"You've never trained one this young have you?" she asked carefully watching him.

"No, but I believe I won't have too much trouble," Zephir assured.

"Master I think the biscuits are done," Kyran's voice interrupted their conversation, "they're getting brown on the top!"

Excusing himself, Zephir rose to go check, "I believe you are right," he commented to Kyran as he looked, and gathered a protective glove to pull the pan from the oven, "There we go, now we have to let it cool."

"Too hot to touch them now?" He asked, and Te'mahte' smiled watching the two of them interact.

Zephir nodded, "Much too hot. We wouldn't wish you to be burned."

Kyran nodded and then glanced at Kieran. "They're too hot to touch now," he said in disappointment.

Kieran looked vaguely amused, "It'll only take a few moments for them to cool, I'm sure."

Kyran sighed melodramatically. "I hope so, I'm hungry."

Kieran laughed, "You sound like the hungry type."

Kyran was a little confused at why he kept referring to things he could smell and hear rather than see. It was only then that he noticed his companion's eyes did not focus on him. He bit his lip suddenly having only just noticed.

As if sensing his look, Kieran tilted his head, "Is something wrong?"

Kyran shook his head, not wishing to offend his new companion. "Nothing's wrong," he chirped.

A slight smile touched Kieran's lips, "You noticed."

Kyran glanced at him feeling embarrassed that it had taken him so long. "Yeah."

Kieran shook his head a little, a warmer smile on his lips., "It's all right. You shouldn't sound so embarrassed. I don't mind really."

"But you can't see me," Kyran sounded rather sad at the idea. "I can see you. It's not fair that you can't."

"But I can see you," Kieran said simply, and reached out to him, touching his shoulder, "You're a bit short for your age, but built tough," his hand moved up his neck, skirting to his cheek, "You've got rounded features... perfect nose, smooth skin, a slight scar here," one finger traced the almost invisible scratch on Kyran's left cheek, "Your eyes are big, Me' has told me they're green, like some of the crystals we have at home..." his fingers moved again, whisper soft, "Long hair, shoulder length, very soft but thick, somewhat curly. Golden, like the sun." He finally moved his hand away, "So, I can see."

Kyran blinked a little quizzically at him. "You can tell all that by just touching and what Me' said?"

Kieran nodded, "I 'see' with touch, hearing, and smelling. It's a compensation for losing one sense. Took me a little while to hone it."

Kyran considered. That made perfect sense to him. "Oh," he said finally feeling a little better that he could have some way of seeing. "Okay then."

Noting that the end of that, Kieran smiled. Zephir gave a sigh of relief that it had gone that well. "Why don't you two sit down, and I'll bring the food."

Kyran eagerly did as he was told and sat down at the table. He gave Te'mahte' a very shy smile as he sat across from her and she was infinitely charmed by the small boy.

Kieran sat beside his mother, and a few moments later, Zephir brought the biscuits, meat, and eggs to the table.

Kyran happily piled his plate full of everything and then began to eat, trying to be mindful of his manners especially since they had company.

Zephir smiled approvingly towards his future apprentice, for his manners, before serving himself and allowing his guests in turn to do the same. Then they ate among various small chatter.

The dishes had been cleaned and put away and then it was time to take Kyran back to the crèche to where he could be with his bondmates again. He was holding Kieran's hand as he walked to help him and was giving the best description he could of the Temple and the various knights and Master's that were passing.

Kieran listened indulgently, seeming to stifle a few bursts of laughter as he listened intently.

Zephir was doing likewise, keeping a purely straight face as he watched the younglings, while, leading I'sa, having been speaking with her on and off quietly about the situation on Saren.

At last they arrived at the crèche's double doors and Kyran announced theatrically, "And here we are, home at last. Well behind the double doors anyway."

Kieran cracked a smile at that, "I've been here for, to get Me'."

Kyran laughed at himself. "I know," he said sheepishly. "I was just announcing it as the end of my description."

Kieran chuckled a little, "Well, we had best enter in then."

"Okay," he said brightly. He glanced at Master Zephir shyly. "When will you be back to get me again?'

Zephir lightly touched his shoulder, "In two days. Tomorrow is Shane's turn with Drex."

Kyran nodded and waved his goodbye. "Will see you then."

Zephir nodded, smiled again, and glanced to I'sa, "Will I be escorting the Lady back, so that we can discuss things further?"

Te'mahte' gave him a small smile. "But of course, Master Jedi, I should be disappointed if you did not."

The Jedi Master inclined his head, "Then I shall wait here till you are ready to return." He knew she would wish to see Shane before leaving Kieran with him for a while.

"Very well, I won't be long I only wanted to speak with Me'telnen for a few moments."

Zephir assured her with a smile, as she followed the younglings into the Crèche. Bustling, busy, it was hard to figure where the child they were searching for was, but Kyran seemed to know where to go instantly.

Kyran carefully led Kieran over to where Shane and Qui-Gon were busy playing. "Shane, Nihan, I'm back! And I brought company," he said beaming happily.

Shane looked up, eyes brightening as he took in Kieran, and I'sa behind him. Nodding over to them to get Qui-Gon's attention, he stood suddenly, reaching to warmly embrace Kieran, who brushed his lips against his right temple in greeting. A few soft, warm words, and then Shane released him to bow to the Lady.

Te'mahte' smiled warmly as he bowed to her and she grasped his shoulder as a mother would to look at her son. 'Gracious how you've grown, Me',' the words were soft. Indeed Shane had grown, more than she had expected in the last several years.

He looked more like the Lord she served every passing year. The eyes grew brighter, he was a little taller, even his soul felt similar to her.

He smiled brightly at her, more so then he had been able to, not long before, 'Thank you, I'sa,' he chirped, wings fluffing a bit in pride.

'You seem to be happier now,' she observed.

Shane nodded, though he couldn't tell her why. Ever since the beginning of his eighth year, he had been able to sleep more, and the burden in his heart felt less, as if he had been forgiven for it. In some ways, he supposed he had been, though he still didn't know how or why. Perhaps it was Qui-Gon's presence, or perhaps more.

'I don't suppose you'll tell me what your secret is,' she said in amusement.

Shane considered a moment. "I don't really know why... I'sa," he stated finally, then gently took her hand, "My Nihan helps though," he gestured to Qui-Gon.

Qui-Gon heard his name in the conversation and beamed at Shane and got up from his colors to come over to them. "Did you call me Nissan?"

Shane gently touched his hair with his free hand, "In a way. Nihan, this is the Lady I'sa, and that," he nodded near her, "Is her son Kieran."

Qui-Gon looked up at the two of them with his big blue eyes. He smiled brightly, 'Hello.' he said in his Saren basic that Shane had been teaching him.

Another fluff of pride from Shane, as he looked to her, "This is my Nihan, Qui-Gon."

'So I see,' She replied back smiling down at them. She knelt in front of Qui-Gon. 'So Me' has been teaching you?'

Qui-Gon nodded understanding her. 'Yes ma'am', ' he said politely, clutching at Shane's legs.

'How old are you little one?' She asked smiling.

Qui-Gon held up two fingers. 'This many.'

'He's very bright, I'sa He understands Saren basic almost as well if not better than Basic,' Shane stated, caressing Qui-Gon's hair lovingly.

'So I see,' she said, her smile broadening. 'I'm sorry I could not come to see you sooner.'

'It's fine. I know you're busy,' Shane assured.

She nodded at that. 'I'll do my best to be here more often. Kieran will be spending today with you.'

Shane brightened even more at such thoughts, 'Thank you, I'sa.'

'I'll be back later this evening,' she kissed him gently on the top of his head.

Shane purred happily at that, while Kieran finally reached his shoulder, and smiled at where he heard his mother, 'Then we'll see you then.'

Te'mahte' embraced her son and stroked his wings gently. 'Len ke'mane', nai,'.

He returned her embrace, 'Len ke'mane', Mahte'.'

Te'mahte' patted him once on the shoulder and then turned to go. Her heart was slightly heavy as she thought of how much Me'telnen was like Theron now. She wondered if Ke'dran had any thoughts of how much Me'telnen had changed.

Watching her leave, a soft, troubled expression came to Shane's eyes briefly, before he turned back to his Nihan, and Kieran. Gently, he guided Kieran's hand to Qui-Gon's shoulder, "This is who I was telling you about, Kier."

Kieran smiled, "So I can tell. It's a pleasure."

"Pleased to meet too," Qui-Gon said glancing up at him. "You're taller than Nissan."

Kieran looked amused, "That's because I'm older, by six years."

"You're old then!" Qui-Gon was ecstatic and he reached to touch Kieran's wings to see how they felt compared to Shane's. "Soft.."

More amusement and Kieran raised an eyebrow to Shane, who helplessly shrugged, knowing Qui-Gon's fondness for his own wings.

Belatedly Qui-Gon remembered his manners and jerked away, his face reddening. "I'm sorry," he said, tears forming in his eyes. "Shouldn't touch. Didn't ask."

Kieran tilted his head a little at the tone, noting the boy sounded like he would cry. Reaching, with Shane's help, he touched Qui-Gon's cheek, "It's fine, ne' I don't mind at all."

Qui-Gon glanced at his boots. "Should ask first," he said in a small voice. Even if the other didn't mind, that didn't mean he should touch things without permission. He went back to join Kyran at the table, still feeling ashamed of his poor manners.

Sharing a look, Shane led Kieran over settling beside Qui-Gon as he settled Kieran beside himself. Gently, he wrapped his arms around his Nihan, and nuzzled against his cheek, "It's all right, nihan. Kieran likes being touched."

"You do?" he asked glancing Kieran for confirmation.

Kieran nodded, "Very much so. It helps me understand others."

Qui-Gon was curious. "How can that help?

"Let's just say…I can't see, little one. So I have to rely on touch and other senses," Kieran explained.

Qui-Gon glanced up then realizing the other wasn't looking at him, or at any of them. So that was it, he couldn't see. He didn't understand how that could be so, but he didn't question anything. He merely nodded a little.

After a moment he said, "I help make it better?" he offered touching his hand on Kieran's eyes gently.

Kieran kept perfectly still, feeling that timid touch near his eyes.

"Nihan," Shane was swift to intervene, ready to pull Qui-Gon away, when Kieran stalled him with a raised hand.

"It's all right. He can try," Kieran smiled softly, indulging.

Qui-Gon concentrated, drawing on the Force as he'd been taught. He felt the sweet power come to him warming him and then flowing to the others eyes. He could feel it, he pushed it, willing it to work.

After a few moments he pulled away and opened his eyes. "That better?" he asked anxiously.

Kieran blinked once, twice. It had been odd. He had actually felt something. Something warm, alive, and sparking in him, for just the briefest moment, but that left a content, peaceful feeling within, even after it was gone. He took a soft sigh, "I fear my eyes are not, little one, but that did help," he soothed softly.

Qui-Gon looked crestfallen that it hadn't worked as good as he had wanted. "Sorry didn't work right," he said sadly.

Soft fingers carefully touched his cheek, "It's perfectly all right, little one. I am very touched that you tried to help me, though. You seem like such a loving child."

A small blush came to his cheeks at that. He eyed Kieran's lap. "Can I sit with you?' he asked shyly.

Kieran gave a soft chuckle, and he couldn't help but wrap an arm around the little boy, "Perhaps you will. Though, regardless, you did make me feel better."

"I did?" he said hopefully. Maybe he had done at least a little good. He cooed a little, almost mimicking Shane in his noise, as Kieran wrapped his arm around him.

Kieran smiled warmly, his own purr coming to match the boy's, "Very much so. I feel a bit more.. peaceful."

Qui-Gon giggled slightly hearing Kieran purr. He always liked it when Shane did that and he smiled. At least he could help in some small fashion.

He glanced over at his bondmates beside him at their small table and he sighed happily. He was content and peaceful too.