Disclaimer: I OWN NOTHING! This is just for fun, no profits made.
Rating T
Italic are flashbacks
//...// telepathic conversation
A Light against the Growing Darkness
Part I- THE LAST EARTHLING
Chapter 10
"... and just as Little Red Riding Hood entered the wood, a wolf met her."
- Little Red Riding Hood, the Grimm Brothers -
In a closed-off training hall, a Master and his Apprentices train.
"Lithullo nárë nauva cuivë, Phoenix, ... emm."
"Ambalë ned velca, orta" Obi-Wan tells you.
"Ambalë ned velca, orta" You finish.
A small bird of flame springs from your open palm. As it spreads it's wings, the fire-bird flies around the room, following the path in your mind. As it does so, the various objects scattered in the room catch on fire.
"Now that's cool." Anakin says from his perched seat on top training mats.
Glancing to the side in his direction, a smile tugging on your lips. The fire-bird arches in the air, coming down close to Anakin, before flying back towards you.
"Hey! Careful with that!" Anakin exclaimed as he felt the intense heat from the fire-bird as it flew by. His sweat-drenched clothes steaming a little.
Raising your arm, calling the fire-bird to you, you let out a small laugh.
"Think that's a good idea there?" Anakin asks, as the intensity of the heat still lingers on his clothes.
The fire-bird comes to rest on your forearm. You can feel the heat from the bird on your skin, but it does not burn you, nor is the heat intense or uncomfortable.
"Wow!" Anakin exclaims, sitting up, amazed that you did not just burst into flames.
"I can feel it's heat, but it doesn't burn." You say, also amazed.
"It would be reasonable to assume that the caster would be somehow protected from the potential harmful effects of the spells." Obi-Wan replied in an even tone, looking down at the datapad in his hand.
Obi-Wan looked up from his datapad, noticing that your attention was still on the fire-bird.
"Aime do you mind?" He says.
Looking at Obi-Wan, you're slightly confused, but the smell of smoke fills in the missing information.
"Oh. Yeah."
Turning your attention to the burning objects at the far end of the room, you waved your hand.
"Nárë quoro."
The fires immediately extinguished. Leaving only charred, smoking remains. Returning your attention back to the fire-bird. It crooked its head at you, and you smirked.
"Ok, that's enough for today." Obi-Wan said, putting his datapad away.
Anakin jumped down from his perched position.
"Well, you heard the man." You say to the fire-bird.
The fire-bird squawked then pushed up into the air and vanished.
"The phoenix should have been much bigger. Have you been studying your spells?" Obi-Wan said, not happy with you.
"Yes Master I have been." You reply, a little insulted and on the defensive.
"Don't lie to me Aime. I had to help you remember half of them today."
"I have been. There's a lot of them, and I get confused sometimes. I'd like to see you remember them all."
"These spells are your power, Aime. If you don't know them, you have no power." Obi-Wan replied, his voice still even.
'Your', one simple word that stirred up so many emotions. Emotions that you were trying really hard to keep in check.
"And I would remind you Master, that there is more to my power than just remembering words." You reply, barely controlling your anger.
You didn't take to being criticised about your powers very well, and even less by people that had no understand of it.
You had the ability to take the energy surrounding you and create something out of nothing. But to do that you needed words. Words in themselves had no power. Words strung together to make sentences had no power in themselves either. To those with your ability, spells were a conscious roadmap the caster used to access the and control their powers. A way of guiding them in shaping their powers to their will. A simple and easy way to create order in a chaotic process. Eventually, in theory, spells, the actual wording of words, aloud or in the mind, would be unnecessary. But not even Master Yoda in his 900 years had achieved this.
The power of a Kaala, or Kaale, was simple. It was based on a simple principle: everything had a voice, everything had a power. And power came from the ability to draw from the Universe, shape it, manipulate it, create it to their will. How much one could open themselves to the Universe determined the limit of ones powers.
Obi-Wan had once rationalised your powers so he could understand it. It defied all laws of known physics and understanding of the Force. And no matter of reasoning could make him understand, it was like trying to explain the Force to a non-Force sensitive.
You held eachothers' gaze. But Obi-Wan was your Master, and you backed down. Fuming, you barely managed to not storm out of the training room.
Obi-Wan rewound the recording and played it again. A small hologram of you and the dark man in the Vaguenbrea Power Plant came to life.
"E ista ned elyë, Kaala. I lúmë ná telwa elyë ista. Hossërya nar sí rúmala. Pá balanrya ennas ná lá tûr. Ennas ná lá ára an i Republic." The dark man said.
"Lá mai inyë gar ainat equë os." You replied.
Obi-Wan stopped the recording, jotted some notes in his datapad before rewinding it and playing it again.
You had been lucky, Master Yoda had sent you on an errand to the Senate as soon as the Enterprise at touch down on your return from Vaguenbrea. Assuring that you would not be debriefed by the Council with your Master and Anakin. Master Yoda saying you could be debriefed later. This had been a week ago, and still you had not been called before the Council to explain what happened on Vaguenbrea. And by the whispers in the corridors, some were starting to wonder what you and Master Yoda were hiding.
You look up at the star map that surrounds you once more. Specifically at the cluster of red dots in the Outer Rim. It seemed to you that more and more red dots appeared everyday. In the vastness of the Galaxy the cluster of red dots was insignificant. And the increased disorder in an Outer Rim region so small, would barely register concern, let alone warrant attention. The problem was it did warrant concern and attention. And its proximity to the Unknown Region should have been sending up big red freaking flags. But it wasn't, not even with the Jedi's increase in searching for the Sith.
Turning your attention to the blue dots. Well, at least for now it was being contained. Contained. You snicker. For how long? You had maybe two thousand Kaale, none of whom had anything more than simple powers. You had a handful of great Warriors, Seers, and Healers, that were stronger than the rest. And they had you, you who couldn't even remember your most basic spells. And then you had maybe eight thousand Kaalus, non-Kaale who were loyal to the Kaala. So you had maybe ten thousand? Not enough, not nearly enough. But people could be trained, could be won over to the cause. The problem was, you didn't have enough powerful and experienced people in key positions. You needed generals and commanders... you needed the Jedi.
Sighing in frustration you rub your forehead. Hearing the door hiss open, you quickly switch the projection, making the red and blue dots disappear.
"Starring at the Galaxy again?" Came the familiar voice.
Turning your head around, you acknowledge your visitor.
"Still hoping Earth will just pop out at you?" Anakin says as he comes to stand beside you.
"Maybe if I stare at it long enough I'll remember a detail from my astronomy class or the Discovery Channel. Or something. Help speed up the search." You reply, starring at the mass of white dots that represented stars.
"Ah don't worry, if it's out there we'll find it." Anakin says, trying to reassure you.
"Before I'm old and gray would be nice."
"I thought you couldn't age?" He asked in mock seriousness.
"Fine, before you're old and gray then." You reply, rolling your eyes.
Both of you fall silent as you stare at the Galaxy, smiles tugging at your lips. Trying not to be the first to laugh.
"Nerfball"
"Fossil"
Glancing at eachother you both let the giggles claim you.
You wake up in a start, drenched in sweat, tangled in your bed sheets you try to catch your breath. Immediately you say a few words, and a small globe of light appears over your head. Another nightmare. Your eyes immediately looked at the glowing engravings on the walls. You know it's not Him, He can't get through your shield. And you know it's not the Force giving you a vision. The nightmares are your own fears, your own insecurities. What you know will happen... if you fail.
You go through your pre-flight, Anakin looking over your shoulder. Obviously dying to be in the command seat, but this was your ship, your baby.
"If this is supposed to be bonding-time, why are we going to Aven and not Ragoon-VI?" Anakin asked, turning his head towards the back of the ship.
"Because Master Astaal suggested Aven. Apparently it would suit our current 'dynamics' better." Came Obi-Wan's reply.
"And the Avenians are personal friends of Master Astaal." You added.
"So, Sacred Forest huh?" Anakin says.
"Yep. Supposed to resolve conflicts and bring people together." You reply, punching in the planets coordinates. As the ship begins to take off.
"We don't need to go halfway across the galaxy to resolve our 'problem'. We could do it here." Anakin says annoyed.
Obi-Wan had come into the cockpit and was now looking at you intently. You were as frustrated with this situation as you were.
"It's not that I don't want to tell you, it's that I can't." You reply, biting down on your anger.
"Because you believe we are not ready?" Anakin asks, not disguising his annoyance.
"Because Master Yoda says you're not ready." Your frustration with the situation, obvious.
A frustration that surprised the two Jedi. Until now they had believed you were the one making the decision to hold out.
"Master, I can't do this anymore. All these secrets. It's getting harder and harder. They're going to figure it out. And in the meantime it's tearing us apart! Although we are connecting, on some levels. But on any level that counts were not. And it's because I can't tell them. I need their support, I need them on my side." You lean your head back on the tree you're leaning on, holding back tears.
You had gone to the Room of a Thousand Fountains to try and clear your head. Finding a place to hide, you had sat down. But it hadn't taken long for both Master Yoda and Master Astaal to find you. Was there no where in this Temple you could go to just escape reality for a few moments?
A little longer, he had said, a little longer. Then all could be revealed. In the meantime, a relaxing trip would do you good. Master Yoda had suggested the Mid Rim planet Ragoon-VI, a wild and untouched Jedi training planet. But Master Astaal had suggested Aven instead. Saying that the Sacred Forest of the Avenians was believed, to not only bring people together, but also to rejuvenate spirits.
You were in the mess area of your ship, looking outside the large view window at the streaming stars of hyperspace. You had another nightmare. Bringing your cup of tea to your lips, you take a sip.
"You're up early." Came the voice from behind you.
You jump, startled, almost choking and spilling your tea. You had been so deep in thought you hadn't felt him come in.
"I could say the same about you, Master." You reply turning around to face Obi-Wan.
"You look tired, you should go back to bed." He says, genuine concern in his voice, as he takes a close look at you.
"I can't sleep anymore." You reply, shaking your head slightly.
"Nightmares?"
You nod, not meeting his eyes, as you move to the counter and put your cup down.
Stepping closer to you, knowing that you will not tell him what they are, Obi-Wan offers you the next best thing. Placing a hand on your cheek, forcing you to look up at him, sending you comforting waves through the Force.
"Dreams pass in time."
The simpleness, tenderness, and concern in the gesture is just too much for your tired self to take. And you burst into tears. Obi-Wan pulls you into a tight hug, rubbing your back, trying to calm the tears.
"I'm... I'm... so sorry... I want to... I really do..." You say in between the tears.
"I know, I know... You asked me once if I trusted Master Yoda. I told you I did, and I still do. I don't know what's going on. And whatever it is, it's putting a lot of strain on you. But, if Master Yoda says 'not yet'. Then we just have to trust that he's right." Obi-Wan says, trying to calm you.
This was not fair, Obi-Wan was trying. As you manage to pull yourself together, you make a decision. Regardless of whether or not you were successful, you would tell him about that day in the Bacta-tank, the day you first met. It wouldn't explain everything, but it would be a beginning.
Aven, a small planet, out of the way, between the Mid and Outer Rims. The Avenians are a peaceful, simple people, and stayed out of Republic affairs as much as possible. Seclutionists, they rarely left their planet, neither did they like visitors. To the Avenians, visitors were seen as bringers of disorder and social descent, the destroyers of traditional values. The only visitors the Avenians welcomed, or trusted for that matter, were the Jedi. And even the Jedi needed to go through the Caves of Judgement before they could be let out of the 'spaceport'.
Aven only had one spaceport, if you could call it that. It reminded you of prairie airports, essentially a stretch of cleared land with a control tower. The 'spaceport' was built in a valley surrounded completely by mountain ranges. Effectively cutting off and containing the outside world, and its influence, from the Aven natives.
After landing the Enterprise, an Avenian man waited for you to disembark. Avenians were humanoid, short and stocky, with long thick hair. As you disembarked and saw the Avenian man waiting for you. Looking at him, the first word that sprang to mind was 'dwarf'.
"Fairday to you. I am Kirju, your welcoming party."
"I am Obi-Wan Kenobi, and these are my apprentices, Anakin Skywalker and Aime." Obi-Wan replied nodding, you and Anakin bowed respectfully.
"I am to escort you to the Caves of Judgement. If you should prove to be just and true, Tarino will be waiting for you on the otherside of the Mountains with some mounts. Now if you will follow me." Kirju said.
As you all began to follow Kirju, Artoo wheeled down the ramp to join you. Kirju stopped and turned around to face Obi-Wan.
"Unfortunately your droid will have to remain here. Droids are forbidden beyond the spaceport."
"Of course." Obi-Wan replied, then looked over at you.
Turning around and bending down, you look apologetically at the little blue droid.
"Sorry buddy, I guess you're going to have to stay here."
Artoo whistles in protest.
"I know. But don't worry, I'll be fine. Besides, you can take this time to get better acquainted with the Enterprise." You try to reassure the little droid.
Artoo whistled unconvinced. Besides he didn't want to get better acquainted with the ship. He and the Enterprise didn't get along very well. Who ever said machines had no personality or life of their own, had never met Artoo, Enterprise, or Threepio. Those three alone had more personality than most living beings.
A sad and resigned Artoo wheeled around and back up the ramp. You walked to join your Master, Anakin and Kirju by the Sang drawn cart. And as Kirju motioned for you to get in, you looked back towards the ship. Artoo stood at the top of the ramp, in the archway of the door, looking at you. You jump into the cart and sit beside Anakin, as the cart jerked and began moving. Sangs were an animal of labour native to Aven, they were horse-like creatures, but much more muscular and bulky. They kind of made you think of a horse on steroids. Looking back one last time, Artoo was still standing there watching you get drawn away. And although he was wade of metal, you could see his features dropping. Poor Artoo, your heart went out to the little droid.
"He'll be fine." Obi-Wan told you.
"I know." Turning your attention back to the front.
Anakin was being rather quiet, and Obi-Wan had gone silent as well. It took you a moment, but you realised they were having a mental conversation. You have a pretty good idea what the conversation is about. Smirking, you stared absently at the landscape.
Anakin needed technology, something to tinker with. He felt more comfortable around machinery, computers, droids, circuits, than plants and animals. And being on a planet that had essentially gone/stayed native made him uncomfortable. Anakin couldn't understand how any sane person would willingly live techno-free.
As you look at the mountain range surrounding the spaceport, you smiled. How many times had you heard Obi-Wan tell Anakin to be more attuned to the Living Force? Well, planets like Aven and Ragoon-VI were perfect for just that.
The cart finally stopped at the foot of the mountain, in front of a staircase carved straight out of the mountain face. Jumping out, the three of you followed Kirju up the stairs. Since getting into the cart, Kirju had not said a word. Reaching the top, Kirju stopped at the mouth of a cave.
"The Caves of Judgement. It is a three day journey to the otherside. The moment you step beyond this threshold, the gods will judge you. If they should find you to be true, they will show you the path to the otherside of the mountains and allow you to exit. If they should not, you will condemned to roam the tunnels until your last breath. Forever prisoner of the mountains. Once you begin down this path, there will be no going back. Do you still wish to continue?
Obi-Wan looked at his apprentices. Anakin seemed wary, where as you seemed impatient to get on with it. What did 'find to be true' really entail? Obi-Wan wondered. He shook the thought away, Master Astaal would have never suggested Aven if he didn't think they could get through the Caves of Judgement.
"Yes, we will continue." Obi-Wan replied, looking back at Kirju.
"May the gods find you true of spirit. Fair Judgement." Kirju replied, and motioned to the cave entrance.
With that Obi-Wan entered the cave, followed by Anakin and yourself. As you stepped pass the threshold, you raised a hand to your forehead. Feeling your symbol glow under the leather headband. Turning towards the entrance, you let your hand linger on your forehead as you do so. Kirju had already disappeared from the entrance. Obi-Wan noticed your thoughtfulness as you started to look around the entrance.
"What is it?" He asks you.
You don't answer right away. Bending down, you brush some dirt aside, revealing shimmering letters.
"Huh." You finally say.
Obi-Wan and Anakin had come to stand over you.
"Well that looks familiar." Anakin commented.
"Mmm. Containment spell." You add, after revealing a few more symbols.
"It must go around the whole mountain range." Obi-Wan says looking around the cave.
"No escape for the wicked." You add, as you stand up.
"Can you tell how old it is?" Obi-Wan asks you.
"Not really, well not precisely anyway. But educated guess? I'd say ancient." You reply.
"So we don't have another you running around then, huh?" Anakin remarks.
"Nope. But who ever did this. Had to be very powerful."
"How can you tell?"
"It would have taken a lot of energy to cast a circle this big." You reply.
Obi-Wan turned around and began walking down the tunnel.
"I'm starting to get the feeling Master Astaal has an ulterior motive in suggesting Aven." Anakin says, turning to look at you.
"Don't look at me!" You exclaim, raising your hands.
"You know something." Anakin says, narrowing his eyes at you.
"I know a lot of things Ani." You calmly reply, as you pass by him and follow Obi-Wan down the tunnel.
"You know what I mean." Anakin says as he follows you.
Catching up with you, he put his hand on your shoulder, forcing you to stop.
"There's a specific reason we're on Aven, and you know what it is."
"You're paranoid, you know that?" You reply, as you try to move pass him.
But Anakin steps in your way.
"Well I'm not the one with the cloak of mystery hanging around me."
"Touché."
"And let's face it, Master Astaal never does or says anything without a reason."
"And do you know any Master who doesn't?"
"Why are we here Aime?"
"To relax, Padawan." Came Obi-Wan's echoey voice from up ahead.
"Then why do I have a bad feeling about this?" Anakin states, raising an eyebrow.
"I think you're just grumpy because Aven is techno-free." You add.
The two of you enter a cavern where you find your Master standing before three tunnel entrances.
"Any idea which one?" You ask, as you come to stand beside Obi-Wan.
"No. The Force is being uncharacteristically silent at the moment." Obi-Wan replied, frowning.
"And this is why having Artoo with us would have been useful." Anakin grumbles.
"Kirju said if we were found to be true, the way would be shown. It can't be that complicated to figure out." You add.
"So which one then?" Anakin asks you smugly.
You roll your eyes and take a few more steps towards the tunnel entrances. Suddenly, torches light up at the entrance of the left tunnel. A few moments later, torches inside the left tunnel began lighting up.
"I say that one." You say with a smug smile to Anakin, as you point at the left tunnel.
Anakin forces a smile back. The three of you enter the tunnel.
Over the next three days, the three of you continued to follow the lit tunnels, which were taking you on a sinewy path through the mountains. As you walked through chambers or came across other tunnel openings, you were all grateful for the torches lighting the way. Had you not been guided, it would have been easy to get lost in the maze of identical tunnels and chambers. Now and then you ran across skeletons, some had obviously not been as true of spirit as they thought they had been. And by the fashion of their clothes, these tunnels had been used for a very, very, long time. And to your collective surprise, you had even ran across a Sith.
"This one has a lightsaber." Obi-Wan had noticed.
"Jedi?" Anakin had asked.
"No. Look at his lapel." You had replied.
Obi-Wan had pulled at the lapel gently, where a faded, yet familiar, symbol was sown.
"Sith." Obi-Wan had said.
"And he's been here a while." Anakin had said.
Anakin had picked up the ancient Sith's lightsaber, tinkering with it, trying to see if he could make it work. But alas.
"This technology is five thousand years old. And completely useless." He had said, throwing the useless lightsaber back at its dead owner.
Finally, daylight. As the three of you turned the corner, a few paces away was the exit. You all came to stand at the threshold, but none of you dared to cross it.
"This is ridiculous." You said, but still did not move.
"We're Jedi, we're true of spirit." Anakin said, but he also did not move.
"Of course we are, and there were torches." You reply.
"Then why aren't the two of you moving?" Obi-Wan asked.
"I don't see you moving either, Master." Anakin pointed out.
"Mmm." Obi-Wan replied with a thoughtful frown.
Suddenly, you and Anakin were pushed out of the cave. An innocent looking Obi-Wan walking out after you.
"I knew having apprentices would come in useful one day."
The three of you met Tarino at the foot of the mountain. Tarino was a middle aged Avenian, white streaks marked his raven black hair and beard. Worry lines on his forehead loosened at the site of the three of you, a wide smile forming on his lips, and his hands clasping together.
"Ah, Master Jedi, Padawans. Good to see the gods find you to be true." Tarino greeted.
"I am Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, and these are my Apprentices Anakin Skywalker and Aime. And you must be Tarino." Obi-Wan said, bowing his head slightly in greeting.
"Indeed I am. If you would follow me. You must be tired from your journey, I have some refreshment for you at my camp. I must say, we are relieved to see you, Master Jedi." Tarino said, as he made his way to the small camp where the mounts were.
"Relieved?" Obi-Wan asked raising an eyebrow.
"Yes. We have been plagued by a most serious situation."
And here it comes, Obi-Wan and Anakin thought as they looked at eachother.
"What kind of situation?" Anakin asked.
"A shadow has fallen upon our most beloved Sacred Forest."
"A shadow?" You ask.
"A giant wolf stalks the Sacred Forest. Over the past few seasons, villagers have gone... missing." Tarino explained, a shadow falling on his face.
You moved to his side and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"I'm sorry." You tell him.
"Thank you my dear. For millennia the Sacred Forest has been part of our lives. We have encountered many creatures over that time, but nothing like this." Tarino continued.
"What do you mean?"
"The great wolf is cunning, intelligent, stealthy, merciless. We have tried to hunt it, but the great wolf leaves little tracks to follow. Neither are we certain of its exact appearance, for none have been able to get a good look at the beast."
"How do the villagers go missing?"
"Those that enter the Sacred Forest, do not return."
"Then why not simply stop entering the Forest?" Anakin asked.
"My boy, it is not that simple. The Sacred Forest is an intrical part of our lives boy, we cannot not go into the Sacred Forest as much as a cithrons must run the plains." Tarino tried to explain.
Tarino continued to explain the Avenians' religion, and its central focus on the Sacred Forest. Thus the great problem the wolf caused the Avenians by making it perilous to enter the Forest.
This was not good. Could he have gone darkside? That could be a problem. You thought as you grew even more concerned.
"We need him, Aime." Master Astaal had said.
Of course we do. And that fact did not ease your concern.
Your concern was not lost on Obi-Wan and Anakin, who were now looking at you suspiciously.
"What?!" You ask.
The two Jedi said nothing, only folding their arms, waiting for you to explain yourself.
"Why do you assume that I know what's going on?"
"Because Master Yoda, Master Astaal, and yourself have more secrets than the whole Senate." Anakin said.
"And when it comes to you, those two seem more than willing to disregard rules they created." Obi-Wan added.
"Well, regardless of your suspicions, these people have a genuine problem. Least we can do is lend a hand. You know, since we're here."
It took another four days to reach the Sacred Forest. Aven had only one large continent, most of it was covered by grassy plains and rolling hills. In the centre of the continent was a very large forest, the Sacred Forest. The Avenians were divided into two groups, Avmons a nomadic group who herded animals in the grassy plains, and Avlons a settled group around the Sacred Forest who harvested crops. Both groups hunted in the Sacred Forest through rituals or ceremonies of their own.
On the fourth day, the Sacred Forest finally came into view. A large band of dark green rising above the golden brown, yellow, and light green of the plains. Tarino was leading you towards the largest settlement, Avnor. And you could see now the smoke from the chimneys in the distance.
During the past four days, Tarino had explained in more detail their wolf problem. Of all the settlements, Avnor was suffering the most at the hand of the large wolf, as though this settlement was being specifically targeted. Leading a small handful to believe Avnor have been forsaken by the Sacred Forest. The more you listened, the less it made sense. There had to be more to this, there just had to be.
Avnor, although the largest settlement on Aven, was not very large. Only about 300 people lived in Avnor, and only about half of them in the 'centre' of Avnor itself. Were as the other half lived on farms around the settlement.
As the three of you entered the settlement, and rode down the main street, Avenians stopped what they were doing, came out of their houses and shops, or looked out of their windows. Cautious curiosity shone on their faces, while the children gawked and awed. And more than a few of them, followed you as you all continued down the street towards the main square. The houses of Avnor were simple in design, made of brick or wood with shingled or thatched roofs, and most of which were only one story. The main road was nothing more than a dirt road, with flower bed lining the edges of the road. Sang-drawn carts, some filled with goods others empty, came and went. Domesticated karois, a sort of cross between a cat and a dog, chased rissas, a sort of large squirrel with rabbit ears, down side roads.
The main square was not located in the centre of Avnor, but was actually located on the otherside of the settlement, and was nothing more than a large grassy open area between the settlement and the Sacred Forest. The main square was used for various ceremonies and festivals, and a place of trade with the Avmons. It was also were the settlement council met.
Although the Avmons and Avlons lived quite differently, their form of government was the same. Whether nomadic or settled, the group fell under the leadership of a chief/maire and a council of 'elders'. The council of elders was mostly comprised of actual elders, but prominent middle aged and young Avenians also sat on the council. The chief/maire was chosen by the council, and was a life-long appointment.
As you left the last of the houses behind, the Sacred Forest stood in full view. Although it was midday and the sun high, the Forest still held a gloomy and creepy appearance. Nothing like the inviting and bright Forest Master Astaal had described to you. And looking at the Forest, you weren't too eager to enter it anymore.
In the centre of the large open area sat a circle of about fifteen Avenians. In the centre of the circle stood a young, clean shaven Avenian man, with black hair tied neatly in a ponytail, gesturing vigorously as he addressed the council. You were too far to hear anything more than fragments of what the Avenian man was saying, but the elders seemed to be categorically opposed to what he was saying, as they all shook their heads. Whereas the younger members seemed divided between supporting him or being undecided. But just as you were getting close enough to hear more of the conversation, the standing Avenian stopped gesturing and stood up straighter, as he noticed the four of you approaching. The rest of the council noticed soon after, and they rose, waiting for you to join them.
Tarino stopped his mount a few dozen paces away, and dismounted. The three of you followed his lead. Leaving the sangs to graze, you all walked up to the council. An elderly Avenian man, with thick long curly white hair and beard, and piercing green eyes, stepped forward. Although his dress was not obviously different form the others, his mannerism demarked him as the leader.
"Welcome to Avnor. I am Merdin, head of the council of Avnor." He said.
"I am Master Obi-Wan Kenobi. And these are my Apprentices Anakin Skywalker, and Aime." Obi-Wan replied, and the three of you bowed respectfully.
"Apprentices. Things are changing indeed, if a Jedi Master May now have two Padawans." Merdin commented.
"This is an... exception." Obi-Wan replied, his tone betraying his still lingering disapproval at the whole situation.
"You seem to know much about the Jedi." You pointed out.
"Master Astaal and I are old friends, young one. And contrary to what most believe, we are quite aware of the goings on of the Republic. We simply do not care." Merdin replied.
Merdin's comment made you smirk.
"But there may come a day, when you will have no choice but to care." You replied, earning yourself curious looks from Obi-Wan and Anakin.
"That may be true, and we will face that day when it comes. But as for the current Republic, it has nothing of interest to offer us." Merdin replied.
"There are those among us, like my grand-father, who believe the Republic can offer us nothing but woes. The harbinger of the end of our traditions." Said the man that had been addressing the council earlier, as he stepped forward from behind the elders.
The Avenian man came to stand before you. He was taller than the other Avenians, coming up as high as your shoulders. He extended a hand, gesturing for yours. Uncertain of the custom, you extended your hand which he took.
"But there are those of us who believe that not all that the Republic offers us is... evil. I am Mardu, and it is a pleasure to meet you my lady." He said, placing a soft kiss on your hand.
Smiling, he continued to hold your hand gently. You returned his smile forcibly. While Obi-Wan and Anakin suppressed the smiles that were creeping on their faces.
"Charmed." You reply.
"You have been riding for some time. I am certain you must wish to stretch your legs. Let me be the first to show you our fair village." Mardu said as he wrapped your arm around his.
And before you could protest, Mardu began leading you back towards the settlement.
"Mardu." Merdin called out.
At the sound of his name, Mardu stopped. Turning slightly, he looked at his grand-father.
"Yes grand-father?"
"Be sure to return her in time for the evening meal."
"Of course grand-father."
Glancing back at your Master, you saw him smirk.
//Enjoy.// Came his mental voice. His tone clearly betraying his amusement.
//Funny.// You send back, as you narrowed your eyes and glared back at him.
Mardu had taken you down every street of the settlement, as well as to a few of the outlying farms. Explaining everything and anything there was to know about Avnor and its citizen. It was almost as though he loathed to return you to your Master.
The exuberant show of flattery and courtesy that he lavished upon you would have been flattering. Had it not been constant, and the never ending 'niceness' had long ago gotten on your nerves. It had taken every ounce of diplomacy and self-control you had learned under Masters Dooku and Qui-Gon, during your brief political career, not to strangle the man. And you thanked every higher power you could think of when Mardu finally left you at Tarino's doorstep, where you, your Master, and Anakin would be staying. If you were quick, you would still have time to freshen up before the evening meal with Merdin and his household. Closing the front door behind you, you leaned your back on the door and sighed in relief.
"How was your walk?" Anakin asked as he came down the stairs.
Anakin's voice startled you, and you moved from the door.
"I don't want to talk about it."
"Why? Mardu seems nice enough to me." Anakin said, enjoying this.
"As long as he doesn't open his mouth."
"Come on Aime, he can't be that bad. Besides, everyone likes a good ego stroke every once in a while."
"Oh yes he can be. And as for his flattery, it would be flattering if it wasn't so excessive. Feels like he's hiding something, he kinda creeps me out."
Anakin just chuckled.
"Well, creepy or not, the people of Avnor seem to like him well enough. Apparently he's expected to become leader when his grand-father dies." Anakin said.
"Well good for him, he can have fun with that."
"You should hurry and freshen up. Obi-Wan, Tarino and his family have gone ahead to Merdin's. Up the stairs, last door to the right."
You began to hurry up the stairs, then stopped and turned back to face Anakin.
"Wait a second, why is Mardu in line for leadership and not his father?" You asked.
"I thought Mardu would have told you. Marcan was in line, but he was taken by the wolf. The first to be taken, actually. Marcan and Mardu went into the Forest, Mardu was the only one to come out, and barely alive at that." Anakin explained.
"Huh. No he didn't say, I wonder why."
"Maybe it's just too painful for him. From what Tarino said, Mardu and his father were quite close." Anakin suggested.
"Yeah, maybe." You replied, then turned and headed up the stairs.
A short while later, Anakin and yourself were walking towards Merdin's home. A hoard of curious children surrounded you. Making it very hard for the two of you to keep moving. But eventually you managed to get to Merdin's door. By looking at the two story house, one would never have guessed it was the house of Avnor's leader. It was rather plane, and looked like every other two story house in the settlement.
The door opened before either of you had a chance to knock. A young Avenian woman stood in the doorway.
"Ah! Good, you are right on time. Please, enter. I am Morgani, sister of Mardu."
The two of you entered the house and followed Morgani to the dining area. A large, rectangular wooden table was in the centre of the room. Everyone was already seated, and the food laid on the table. Merdin sat at one end, while his wife Frey sat at the opposite end. Obi-Wan was seated to the left of Merdin, Mardu on his grand-father's right. Tarino sat beside Obi-Wan. Opposite Tarino was an empty seat, where Anakin was directed to sit. Tarino's eldest daughter, Saphira, sat beside him, while his youngest daughter sat across from Saphira. To the right of Frey was another empty seat, where you were directed to sit, and Morgani came to sit opposite of you.
The table was large and could have easily have comfortably accommodated four more people. And at some point it probably had. Before the wolf began plaguing the Forest.
The meal was good and pleasant. You had been grateful that you had not been seated beside Mardu, you were not sure you had any patience left to deal with the man tonight. However, the men's conversation was far more interesting than the conversation that was going on on the women's side. But then, one can't always have everything.
It did not take very long for both conversations to merge, as the subject of the great wolf was brought up. And for the millionth time since you had arrived, you all assured the Avenians that you would all get to the bottom of this. The Avenians seemed relieved, and the conversations separated once more.
A few hours after the meal had ended and the table had been cleared and cleaned, the men long since settled in the living area, while the women continued in the kitchen, Obi-Wan stood up. Anakin following his lead.
"Well. The meal was excellent and your hospitality greatly enjoyed. But we will be leaving early tomorrow, and we should get some rest." Obi-Wan said.
"Of course, of course. To know that you and your apprentices will be hunting the great wolf, will make many of us sleep sounder in the nights to come." Merdin replied.
//Aime, we're leaving.// Obi-Wan sent you.
//Finally!!!//
Merdin was about to call his wife, to let her know you would be leaving soon. But stopped as he saw you enter the living area. Shaking his head lightly, as though scolding himself for having forgotten about the Master-Padawan bond.
You said your goodnights and followed your Master out of the door. Tarino, his wife and daughters also said their goodnights and followed you out.
There were advantages at being the only woman in your trio. It meant you rarely had to share a room. It was amazing how, from the most conservatives to the most opened of peoples, when it came down to it, unless married, it was assumed that men and women slept separately. You would be lying if you said you didn't care whether or not you slept in the same room as Obi-Wan and Anakin, but the two of them snored, quite a bit.
Obi-Wan woke before dawn. Something was wrong. Sitting up in his bed, he tried to clear his head from the fog of sleep. Trying to decern exactly what was out of place. Something was gone. Something that was usually there, out of mind in the background. But what was it?
Obi-Wan's eyes fell on Anakin, as he mumbled and turned in his sleep. Obi-Wan's eyes grew wide, as he pushed the covers aside. Getting up he walked out the door into the hallway. Reaching the last door, he knocked gently.
//Aime?//
But Obi-Wan's mental call met nothingness. Obi-Wan's pulse began to race. Maybe she's just sleeping and having a nightmare. Obi-Wan rationalised. Your fear would make you shield yourself. But this felt different. You had had nightmares before, and on the few times Obi-Wan had mentally called to you during those times he had met a solid invisible wall. Different from the usual wall of light that shielded you when you were awake. And the nothingness he felt now was different than the nothingness he had felt all those months ago in the Healer ward. Back then he had still felt that you were there, although faint as it had been. This was pure nothingness.
Slowly, Obi-Wan turned the doorknob and opened the door.
Empty.
The bed had not even been laid in.
//Aime? Where are you? What has happened to you?// Obi-Wan sent through your shared bond.
And why can't I see you or sense you in the Force? Obi-Wan thought as he stood in the doorway of the empty room.
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A/N: - First I want to apologise if there has been some confusion about the name of one of the characters. Astaal and Astaad are the same character, the correct spelling should be Astaal. Sorry about that.
- "Lithullo nárë nauva cuivë, Phoenix, ambalë ned velca, orta" From the ashes a fire shall be woken, Phoenix, bird of flames, rise
- "Nárë quoro" Fire extinguish/choke
- "E ista ned elyë, Kaala. I lúmë ná telwa elyë ista. Hossërya nar sí rúmala. Pá balanrya ennas ná lá tûr. Ennas ná lá ára an i Republic." He knows of you, Kaala. The hour is later than you think. His forces are already moving. Against his power there can be no victory. There will be no dawn for the Republic.
- "Lá mai inyë gar ainat equë os." Not if I have anything to say about it.
- Warriors, Seers, and Healers, the three main categories of powers.
- Warriors have offensive/defensive powers, small manipulations of air, water and earth, ex: create mists, small tornadoes, small lightning strikes, change soil consistencies.
- Seers, are those blessed with visions and foresight, ranging from hazzy and confusing to perfectly clear.
- Healers, well are healers, they use spells as well as have extensive knowledge of healing herbs and modern medicines.
- Aven is a made up planet, like Vaguenbrea.
- Ragoon-VI is in the SW Universe in the Core, but for my AU I'm placing it in the outer Mid Rim region. It is also a protected planet.
- The following is completely AU: Ragoon-VI is an anomaly, meaning the Force signature of the system in which it is in is cloaked. Only once in the system can you sense it in the Force. Also there is an optical illusion that makes it seem as though there is nothing beyond the asteroid field that encircles the system. Once past the asteroid field, the system comes into view. Its native fauna can also mask their Force signatures. Which makes Ragoon-VI a perfect training planet for the Jedi. A small community of humans reside on the planet, they are reclusionist, and have no contact with the outside world. Other than having helped in the hand-over of the system to Jedi administration. The Jedi discovered it by accident, when 28 000 years ago, two Jedi were being chased and searching for refuge.
- Cithrons are a plains animal that needs wide open space to live. When placed in a confined area they go mad.
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