Title: Menagerie's Labyrinth
Author: Arldetta/Knight MysAri
Rating: PG
Time frame: Pre-TPM/Obi is in his 20's. (I haven't really decided what age exactly.)
Disclaimers: Blah, blah, blah. Yadda, Yadda. Nudge, nudge, wink, wink, saynomo, saynomo.
Summary: Obi-Wan must face challenges in a life and death struggle. Qui-Gon will also have his own trials to face. It's a matter of time and cunning. We'll see how well they fare.
Author's Note: italics mean thoughts or emphasis. Also, this is a long opening because I put two chapters together. Following chapters will not be this long. Anyway, I would really appreciate any and all feedback. Thank you very much for reading.
Sparks lit small fires against the soft skin. Jaws set in determination only reflected the taut muscles of both bodies. Finally, one manage to push the other away and then twist away to pounce from a different angle. His opponent dodged, deftly maneuvering himself behind.
The two stood opposite each other as they paced, searching for an opening to exploit. Both were exhausted having been there fighting for hours. The muscles strained and weary from the demands imposed upon them. Tunics were soaked, clinging to bodies moist from exertion. Grips tightened on hilts in hopes that their hold would withstand the tenuous clasping of sweaty palms.
Now they watched one another, hoping that their next strike would end this conflict. Desperation gave birth to rash actions and one figure jumped high into the crisp air above, twisting to land further behind his rival. Once his feet touched the ground he bound again for the wall, running and leaping up, turning again to confuse the other. His varied approaches did their job and he effectively knocked the prey off his feet and onto the floor. The light 'saber touch to the fallen's chest drew a hiss between clenched teeth.
A raspy yet cultured voice asked, "Do you yield?" An eyebrow cocked up, taunting the downed challenger.
"Yes." Came the fatigued and proper response. And the blade that hovered almost too close for comfort withdrew back into it's hilt. As soon as the blade had gone a hand replaced it, offering assistance. "You cheated," the young man said as he accepted the help and pulled himself up. "That was an advanced Kata that I haven't learned yet."
"Don't be such a sore loser, Garen. In battle, there is no way of knowing what your enemy has had training in." Obi-Wan smiled that broad charming grin that reflected his uncanny ability to be both right and cunning at the same time.
"Force, remind me never to practice with you again. I don't need two Masters." The young man chuckled and shook his head in exasperation.
"Well, with some of the moves you made, maybe you do need two Masters," the ginger-haired youth teased his friend. Together they laughed releasing most of the tension that filled the room only moments before. "Let's go get changed."
The two senior Padawans headed for the showers to wash up and dress. This was the first time in months that both boys had been in the Temple simultaneously and they promised to spend some time together in case this didn't happen again. The best coincidence to this chance happening was the fact it was the Mid-Festival Week of the year and there were many events taking place around the city planet, giving them some much needed relaxation time.
Once they had finished cleaning up, they headed out into the adjoining sector to take in the decorations and see what might interest them. For a while they watched a traveling performance group act out a couple of short comedies before heading off to find some food. As growing young men, their appetites were never fully satisfied. Close to the gypsy troupe, they found a street vendor selling wrapped sandwiches, which they purchased and ate greedily.
Together they walked along the colourful avenues catching up on missed adventures. When everything had been detailed in their lives, there was a slight reprieve in conversation. As they paused to listen to a struggling band, Garen asked tentatively, "So, what level kata was that anyway?" His curiosity had been eating away at his resolve.
At first, Obi-Wan didn't answer but at last he sighed and confessed, "It was level 30."
Garen didn't even attempt to hide his shock, "That's a Knight's level! I wish my Master had that kind of confidence in me to teach me an advanced level that high." Garen studied his life-long friend with a strange sense of admiration. He was more surprised to see that Obi-Wan did not seem to recognize his accomplishment. The Padawan even appeared to be a bit embarrassed by the praise.
If not for his keen Jedi senses, Garen probably would not have heard his companion's whispered response, "So do I."
The half-hearted remark made Garen stop and touch Obi-Wan's arm lightly to pause his advancement as well. "Obi, Qui-Gon did teach you those katas, didn't he?" Worry laced his tone and Garen searched in vain for the reassurance in eyes that continued to avert his gaze. "Please tell me you didn't learn those on your own," urged the concerned friend.
Never looking up to meet his crèche mate's gaze, Obi-Wan confided, "Don't worry about it, Garen. I taught myself most of the katas without supervision. And it's not entirely Qui-Gon's fault. I just needed something to test myself with and they were the perfect tools."
"But at that level? There are even Knight's who can not execute them properly. You should not risk the possibility of injury and not have anyone there to help. I'm sure Master Qui-Gon would have assisted if you asked him." Garen had guided the pair off to a recess in the walkway. There he tried to find out what had compelled his fellow Padawan to risk his safety.
Obi-Wan allowed himself to be cornered in, but hoped they would not stay there long. "Yes, I know he would have too. It's just …. well …. Just forget it and let's keep going." Obi-Wan didn't know exactly why he felt so awkward talking about this matter with one of his close friends but he just didn't want to talk about it. Unfortunately, Garen was not about to give up just yet.
"Obi, if something's wrong, I hope you would be able to tell me." Garen placed a comforting hand on Obi's shoulder and grinned. "Please."
Frustrated, Obi-Wan tried to sort through his thoughts. His mind was racing, debating of what he should and should not reveal. Unable to settle on an answer, he blurted out, "I just don't know."
Recognizing the vexed visage, Garen softened his voice, "You said you wanted to test yourself, why?"
Obi-Wan struggled to find some way to explain his motivation without confusing his friend. At last, he decided the best way to explain is to start from the beginning. "How long have we known each other?"
Thrown off by the question, Garen's brow creased in confusion but he answered anyway, "For almost as long as I can remember."
Obi-Wan nodded his agreement, "And in all that time, have you ever known me to truly struggle in any of my classes?"
"Well, there was that project in Domestic Economics….." He attempted to lighten the somber mood but trailed off once he received a hard glance from the young man. "No, Not really," Garen acknowledged, "You were always the perfect initiate, and an even more exceptional Padawan, once you ironed a few things out."
They both shared a rueful smile at the remark. "And how hard did I work for that perfection?"
"Not very. You were naturally gifted in practically everything." Garen tried to butter up his friend in hopes that it would lift Obi's spirits. Little did he know his efforts were about to backfire.
"Do you know what it's like to be great at everything and never feel that sensation of accomplishment because you had to work to do it?" Judging by the puzzled look on Garen's face Obi-Wan knew he didn't. "Remember when you studied for days for that Astrophysics test and you managed to get a 91 on it?"
"Yeah, I think that was the hardest exam I ever had. Master Kylii was a tough teacher." Reliving the moment, Garen chuckled. "Who would have thought I needed that class more than some of the others when I went into the Starfighter Program."
At that Obi-Wan smiled, it's funny how often in our lives we end up needing or using the things we struggled hardest to learn or disliked the most. Except for me. Sighing, he continued to explain his point. "I never really had to fight for the grades I received. There was no real sense of accomplishment for me. The only thing that gave me the slightest hint of that feeling was when I worked on a new kata. Pushing myself harder to see if I could do it. I guess the most annoying thing was that they still came relatively easy to me."
Patting Obi-Wan on the back, Garen repeated, "That's because you are the perfect Padawan. And I for one envy you."
Glancing down, the ginger-haired Padawan played with his hands. "You have no idea how much I envy you."
Garen noticed the nervous behaviour, but was more shocked at the comment. "I don't understand, why would you envy me?"
"Let me put it to you this way," he began, "if you came home from a class with anything less than perfect, how does your Master react?" The revealing sea-changed eyes glanced up to observe his friend.
Shrugging, Garen replied, "Master Clee doesn't usually do anything unless it's really bad."
"Now look at it from my perspective. If I came home with anything less than perfect, people would start wondering what was wrong. Start crowding me with questions on what happened that caused such a calamity. It would be like the Sith had reappeared and they were standing at the entrance to the Temple." Obi-Wan sighed and dropped his gaze again. He allowed himself to fall back against the wall behind him.
Realization of the pressure Obi-Wan faced daily, Garen said, "I hadn't really thought about it that way."
Softly, the apprentice further offered, "I envy you because you are not expected to be perfect all the time." Obi-Wan paused again trying to find the right words. "But the worst part about it all is that, for all the perfection, for all the advancement, I have not been able to find fulfillment."
Concern entered his friend's gaze. Garen knew that this was what it really boiled down to and all he wanted was to help his life long crèchemate. "Have you talked to Qui-Gon about this?"
Shaking his head, Obi-Wan answered, "This is the first time I've voiced my thoughts aloud." Quickly, Obi-Wan looked into Garen's eyes and added, "Master Qui-Gon is a wonderful Master, don't get me wrong, it's just that I don't think he would understand."
"Why don't you think he would understand?" Garen's confused visage continued to watch Obi-Wan, searching for some kind of answer. "If something is upsetting you, you should tell him. He's there to help you."
"I know, but I'm pretty sure there is no way to fix this feeling. Besides, Master Qui-Gon believes that feelings cloud our judgement. He often tells me to not center on my anxieties. And I'm afraid this is one of them."
"But if this is bothering you so much, I think he would like to know about it." The fellow Padawan tried to compel his friend to open up, if not to him than to someone. Garen was truly worried about the young man who was like a brother to him, but could find no way to reach him.
"Maybe." Another pause interrupted the conversation, before Obi-Wan glanced back up at him with hopeful eyes. "But let's not ruin today with this. We don't see each other often enough anymore and I want us to enjoy our time together." That impish grin gracing the youthful features.
Sighing, Garen knew that this discussion was over. So he returned a knowing grin and nodded. Patting the other Padawan on the shoulder, Garen started down the sidewalk again. For a while neither spoke as they took in the decorations and watch the various performances scattered throughout the city.
They were walking through a merchant sector when Garen paused. "Hey, Let's go in that shop. I've heard they have some awesome stuff in there. A lot of the latest gadgets and just some really bizarre things."
"It's alright, I think I'll just wait right here. You go ahead." Obi-Wan smiled at his companion who gave a quick nod and ran off. Honestly, Obi-Wan wasn't entirely interested and he felt he should remain outside. Besides, there was a band playing just down the road that inspired him. The music had a beat that made you want to dance yet the instruments accompanying it were soothing to the heart.
To his dismay the song ended a few minutes later. At first he glanced around to see if Garen had emerged yet from the shop, but he realized that his friend might be in there for a while longer. Garen could sometimes get so mesmerized by some of the crazy things people invent. Taking a deep breath, Obi-Wan was about to go in and get his fellow Padawan when the band began to play again. This time the tune was more uplifting and many of the listeners began to dance around. Smiling, Obi-Wan suddenly felt the joy of watching a happy populace.
Some of his missions had been hazardous, as they helped out so many resistance groups or governments end wars on their worlds. And after the successful completion of one such mission, some worlds held great celebrations. Watching the happiness spread throughout a melancholy world was enough to bring tears to a person's eyes. But what made it that much more special for the Jedi was that they were able to help re-kindle that joy.
Although, Coruscant was not a world at war, sometimes Obi-Wan felt that the burdens of the galaxy weighed the people down. He was always grateful for the holidays and festivals during the year to revive the mirth of the cityplanet. At that moment he was caught up in the bliss around him.
A figure in the crowd glanced down once more at an image to verify her target before moving into the throng. Carefully creating a path between the dancing people so as not to become suspicious. Ever so slowly she closed in on her mark.
Obi-Wan observed the hopping group with little interest as he allowed his mind to absorb the music. Suddenly his eye caught a different kind of movement in the midst. A woman dressed in a tight body suit wove through the crowd swirling some colourful ribbons. She twirled and spun twisting the lengths of material in the air. Her dual coloured outfit covered her entire body only exposing her face. Obi-Wan could not identify what species the harlequin was, other than the fact she was humanoid, due to the make-up that hid her features. Intrigued by the strange dancer, he watched as she came ever closer.
At last, she had found her way to him and she gave a coy little grin. Something tingled in the back of his mind, when Obi-Wan saw the wanting gesture. He felt awkward from the glare she placed upon him and he shifted his weight. Turning and skipping the jester wrapped on of the long strips of cloth loosely about the Padawan's neck. She paused in front of him smiling and staring. Finally, she blew a soft kiss toward him and pranced away back into the mix.
The young Jedi was stunned by the attention he had been given and stood still for a moment. When he broke from his stupor, he realized she had left him a present; one of the bright ribbons rested on his shoulders. Quickly he pulled the strip from round his neck. But when he gathered it in his hands, he noticed a small card attached to one end. Curious, he examined the envelope closer.
At first he was looking at the back, which was blank. But his vexation tripled when he flipped the card over. There on the cover, were three letters, which caused him to start. He quickly glanced back up to search the crowd for the strange harlequin but soon realized she was no where to be found. Again his gaze fell back to the card that had 'OWK' printed on the front and swallowed hard. For some time he simply stared, not hearing the crowd or the music that flowed around him.
Finally, he worked himself up enough to open the small card. Inside he read:
'To others not this be requested
An invitation to be vested
For one whose heart is tried and true
Games and Challenges wait for you
So, Come and join some festive fun
Arrive before the hour strikes one.'
Below the verse was an address, which Obi-Wan gathered was where he should be before one. He was contemplating the meaning of the message when he felt his friend approach. Hastily, he thrust the card and ribbon into the inside pocket of his robe just before Garen arrived.
Distractedly, Garen walked up to his friend. Something had told him to find Obi-Wan quickly, but he didn't know what it was about. He found his friend standing in the same area he had left him and headed for him. Garen's gaze scanned the crowd briefly before resting on his friend when he arrived. "Is everything alright?"
"Yeah, why?" Obi-Wan pushed off some of the curiosity he felt over his invitation and tried to act as calm as possible.
"No, reason really. Look it's getting late and we should be heading back to the Temple. I'm sure both our Masters are wondering what we're getting into." The young man offered a small smile and then led the way back home. For some reason, Garen still had a nagging feeling in the back of his mind and wanted to get away as soon as possible. Together they made their way back to the Temple and shared dinner before heading off to sleep.
*
Later that night, Obi-Wan lay in his bed staring at the ceiling. He was debating on whether or not to find out what the 'games and challenges' were that were waiting for him. And more importantly, to find out why he had been picked. The invitation had said for only him to come so he had not asked his Master what he thought. For some reason, Obi-Wan knew that Qui-Gon would suggest ignoring it and concentrating on more important things. But Obi-Wan's curiosity only grew as he lay in the darkness. Finally, he rose from his sleepcouch and crept out into the common room.
There he paused to look toward his Master's room. Stretching out with the Force he could sense his Master was sleeping deeply. Carefully, he exited their apartments and made his way back to the streets of Coruscant. Heading for a public transport stop, he glanced down at his chrono. He would be cutting it close but he should get there just before 1 if he hurried.
Despite the fact that it was well into the sleep cycle for this half of the planet, Coruscant still bustled in the main areas. As Obi-Wan journeyed to his destination down to the lower levels, there were fewer and fewer beings shuffling around, until the avenues were void of life all together. Finally, he stopped before a doorway and double-checked to see if he had the correct address.
He was about to press the control panel to make his presence known when the door slid open. Alarmed but not yet feeling endangered, Obi-Wan cautiously made his way inside. As soon as he passed through the doorway it closed behind him, leaving him in the dark. Suddenly, a tingling in his spine told him everything was not right. He whispered in the darkness, "I have a bad feeling about this." And admonished his gullibility. How could you walk so blindly into a trap, Kenobi?
Instead of giving into his fears, he called out, "Hello? Is anyone there?" He tried to let his eyes adjust to the darkness in order to get some idea of the room he was in but quickly had to shield himself when the lights flooded the room.
"I'm so glad you could make it, young Kenobi. You don't know how pleased I am to see you." A jolly voice announced as a middle-aged man sauntered up. He was dressed in fine robes, but not like those of the various Senators that resided here. Hands were extended and came up to rest on the Padawan's shoulders.
Disturbed slightly by the older man's chipper greeting, Obi-Wan managed, "Thank you for the invitation, mister…."
Placing a hand on his forehead, the man realized his error. "How rude of me not to introduce myself, I am Sevan Scingh Annex. Please, come in," he said as he motioned for Obi-Wan to step further into his home.
Warily, the Padawan allowed himself to be guided inside. "May I ask why you only invited myself to your party?" The question had been itching to be asked since the moment he read the invitation.
Smiling, Sevan deferred his answer, "Ah, I will explain further, but right now, let us dine together."
"Forgive me, but I have already eaten." Obi-Wan bowed lightly, as the diplomacy Qui-Gon had taught him over the years shown through. He also noted the grin broaden on the gentleman's face and nodded his acceptance of the Padawan's answer. Obi-Wan then remarked with a hint of sarcasm, "And isn't it already quite late to be eating?"
Sevan was pleased by the obvious finesse that the youth displayed, as well as the playful remark afterward. Indeed, this will be most gratifying. "True. Then share with me a light snack and some tea, so that I may explain my proposal."
Again, the young Jedi bowed, more pronounced this time. "As you wish. I am rather intrigued by what you have in store for those 'games and challenges' you mentioned."
Another smile spread across the man's face, which also revealed a sinister meaning behind it. Sevan led Obi-Wan to a study and prepared two mugs of tea. "Please, take a seat." Handing a cup to the now seated apprentice, Sevan reclined in his own chair. "I doubt you have ever heard of me, where as I have heard plenty about you."
Perplexed by his hosts statement, Obi-Wan asked, "How so?"
"I am always interested in the happenings of the Republic and have a number of Senatorial friends," Sevan began. "And recently, I have become very curious about the Jedi and their dealings with the Senate. I have often heard the names of your Master and yourself come up when discussing recent missions. And I have had a growing desire to meet such wonderful and generous persons. Now, undoubtedly I'm sure you are wondering who I am." The elder sipped at his steaming drink and watched the Jedi carefully.
"Yes," the youth confessed, "I am more than a bit curious about you and this meeting." Absently, Obi-Wan drank his tea as he listened intently to what Sevan had to say.
Placing the mug down next to him, Sevan leaned forward to offer his information. "Over the course of my life I have acquired a great deal of wealth. Most people when they have prospered as I have, become greedy and bitter. They desire to keep their holdings to themselves and are rather caginess. Myself, on the other hand, am cautious but not overly so, but I also would like to leave something to the galaxy when I pass. You can see that I am old and I am not sure how much time I have left, so I have begun to think about my legacy."
Sevan noticed that Obi-Wan's mug had been drained and rose to collect the glass. "Would you care for some more?" Respectfully declining, the young Jedi seemed very interested in what the man had to say, so he continued, "Over these past few years I have begun to collect a number of rare objects from many different worlds. And at this point my collection is quite extensive, but I have felt it needs something more." He paused for a moment as if a thought struck him and then asked, "Would you like to see what I have thus far? Maybe you could offer some advice."
Ever the duteous Jedi that he was trained to be, Obi-Wan accepted. However, his patience was beginning to wan in light of the fact, he still did not the true purpose to his being there. Outwardly, he smiled his gratitude and followed the older man through various halls. Finally, the man paused in front of a set of double doors. "This is the start of my collection. We will be going through a number of rooms and I'll explain more on the way."
Opening the doors, Obi-Wan glanced over full shelves holding sculptures and pottery from many worlds. Colours and textures varied but all held it's own beauty. Despite his annoyance, Obi-Wan walked through the exhibitions in awe of everything he saw. Paintings and images adorned the walls, which also came from the multitude of cultures throughout the galaxy. Sevan pointed out many of his favourite items and told histories and backgrounds on a number of the pieces. Together they walked through 5 galleries filled with the artwork, when Sevan paused again. "Have you ever heard of the Kidera from Selba 8?"
Still engrossed in the various artifacts, he responded to the question as if he were on autopilot. "Yes, I remember hearing about an activist group trying to revive the population of the little creatures."
The older man nodded his agreement. "I have also heard of this group. But I fear they will not get the funding they need in order to do so. I know my own wealth could not provide all the resources they need in order to do so and have come up with an alternate method." Instead of explaining further, Sevan opened the next door and walked inside.
Obi-Wan felt a cool draft float in around him and he shivered. Once again he trailed after his host into a display of his collection. However, this room was vastly different than the others. Instead of shelves and artwork, the room had been made to resemble a section of a forest. And in the middle stood a few of the tiny creatures they had just spoken about. But instead of the playful feline-type animals that they were, they seemed caught in a frozen moment. As much as the scene itself was comforting in its serenity, Obi-Wan felt his stomach turn.
"You can not stray far from the path to the other door," Sevan explained as he gestured to the path that cut through the foliage. "There is a powerful shield between us and them."
Caught up in the reality of what he saw, Obi-Wan could feel a soft tugging at his heart, pleading for release. Suddenly, he realized a most horrific truth. Just above a whisper he uttered, "They're alive."
Sevan agreed immediately, "Oh, yes. I believe it would defeat the purpose of saving their species if I had dead subjects. But do not fear, they are in suspended animation. They will not age and they will always be safe here."
Obi-Wan observed that the man seemed quite proud of his solution. Swallowing hard, he reiterated, "But they are alive. You can't take beings no matter how small and freeze them against their will."
Shocked by the young man's accusation, Sevan quickly countered, "How can you tell if it's against their will? They should be thanking me for saving them."
But Obi-Wan did know, he could hear their soft pleas through the Force. As they walked along the path, the apprentice's gaze found theirs. His voice became quiet and husky with emotion, "I can sense them. They want release. Please, let them go."
Annoyed at the request, Sevan turned away from the youth. His mind a little aggravated by the boy's blatant comment. "I have gone to great lengths to help them. I cannot simply let them go." Continuing on for a few more paces, the man did his best to calm his countenance. He knew it would do him no good to rouse the boy's suspicions by an angered host. Sighing, he pushed down his anger. "You disapprove," he stated.
"Of course I disapprove. Jedi treasure all life. And even though we can not save every being we can not abide such actions." Appalled, Obi-Wan could not shake the silent pulling of his heart. Tears clung to his eyes but he refused to let them fall.
"I was afraid you would say that." Sevan walked on through the various expositions and guided his distraught guest through other displays with a number of different creatures. At last, he stopped in front of another set of doors.
For Obi-Wan, he could feel that persistent pleading grow in intensity and had to brush away a few tears that managed to break free. The only thing Obi-Wan wanted was to get out of there and hoped that this was the exit. Assuming so, he stated, "Mister Annex, I thank you for the invitation, but if you don't mind, I think I would like to go home now."
The elder man turned and regarded the youth for a few minutes before responding. "I have not told why I have asked you here. I owe you at least that much before you go. Is that not fair?" Obi-Wan nodded. "As I have mentioned I have felt something was missing from my collection. And that I was hoping you could help me with it. In other rooms I have numerous volumes of books and stories showing courage and strength, as well as cunning and heroic deeds. What I would like to add to my collection is personifications of such acts. I would like you and your Master to join my menagerie."
"I don't understand. If you wanted an image of us you could have asked us directly. You did not have to set this up just to ask such a favour." Confusion read plainly on the young face as he tried to comprehend the need for such an encounter.
Nodding, Sevan agreed, "Perhaps, this would explain better." He pushed open the last door and they walked in. Immediately, Obi-Wan raised a hand to his mouth and his stomach, fighting the urge to vomit. Obi-Wan stared at the frozen form of a Jedi. "This is Jedi Knight Adric Kristo. He had recently braved a whole army and survived to defeat them. He is bravery." Sevan pointed toward the Knight and then continued down the hall, stopping to describe the various other beings held in time.
But after the first introduction, Obi-Wan no longer heard words. The Force flooded his senses as he could vaguely hear the mental whisperings of each individual caught in room. He remembered hearing about some Knights and Masters that had gone missing over the past few months and could not be found. He suddenly realized that somehow, Sevan had lured them all here and added them to his display.
Just then he staggered back when he realized he was next. But what frightened him worse was the fact that this foul creature would next lure his Master here and place him at his side. Sevan's words began to form again in his reeling mind. "As you can tell, not every one here is a Jedi. I have managed to get a number of other beings to depict other traits and even a few Bounty Hunters are here. But the last two items I need to complete my menagerie is the best Master-Padawan team in the Jedi Order. And from my research that would be you and Qui-Gon Jinn."
"I will not submit willingly to such a disgusting fate. And no matter what may happen to me, I will not allow you to put my Master in such a display. I will find a way to stop you." Obi-Wan would accept his own dismal future but he could not allow such a fate to befall his Master. He stared into the grey eyes of Sevan unafraid of what would happen next, when a forcefield surrounded him. From above, he could hear a soft hissing. He knew instantly that some sort of gas was filling the small area. He tried to hold out for as long as possible but could not hold out forever. Finally, he gulped in a lung full of poisoned air. Ever so slowly, Obi-Wan sank down to the ground and drifted off into darkness.
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Don't forget to review. I know this is not up to my usual caliber of writing. I am still concentrating on 'Forsaken and Begotten' but I am a servant to my muses. And this muse spoke to me. Let me know what you think of it. I would be most appreciative. Thank you for reading!! : D
