Terri was speechless as the imposing figure of Mother Ysum shambled towards them, she was doing her best to not look scared, she wasn't really sure how effective it was though. Mother Ysum frowned at them now up close Terri could properly see the age of the woman, her face was lined with wrinkles her movement slow and creaky but Terri could see that this was a wise person regardless.
Zash stepped forward bowing before Ysum "Mother Ysum it's an honour to meet you forgive me but I thought the nightsisters were just a myth to scare the acolytes" Ysum's face stretched into a slight smile looking down upon Zash
Terri slinked back not wanting to get in the middle of this meeting of the minds, Ysum turned to the chamber around her "yes well I assure you we are quite real" she paused "although we have seen better days" Terri had never heard of the 'nightsisters' maybe it was before her time. She had only read about witches in storybooks she had to admit the idea of being a witch was a little cool but it had to be the right type, she didn't want to be the jaded old woman type more like cool aloof hero.
Terri caught herself before the daydream distracted her too much, Zash stood up straight trying to meet the height of Ysum unfortunately missing by about a foot "yes I have to say your lair seems a little empty no matter how impressive this place is" Ysum nodded seemingly bearing down on Zash. Terri had no idea how Zash was keeping her cool Terri would have ran away already, it didn't help that Zash's form reminded her of Lusi in danger. Terri tried her best to put the thought to the back of her mind remembering Lusi wanted this she had to stay strong.
Ysum gestured with her hand and a luminescent green energy began filling the chamber forming a weird gaseous visage "unfortunately there were those who fear our… unique take on the force" the visage swirled into what seemed like a battlefield "and fear makes people do crazy things, but I don't need to tell you that Zash" Terri's eyes widened how did she know Zash's name? Terri looked to Zash who was still staring down the Rattataki seemingly unfazed.
Zash folded her arms "quite, people usually like to destroy what they can't possibly understand" Terri felt a bit out of place with these two wise woman squaring off and then just her "at least I have an answer for what the conflict was about" Ysum nodded seemingly confirming Zash's suspicions "You spoke of a deal" Terri had completely forgot about what Ysum had said she needed 'assistance' whatever that meant
Ysum continued to stare down Zash "I did, but first I'd like to know what you want" they stared at each other for a long second Terri had never felt this tense in her life, she couldn't even tell if they were allies or if there was about to be a fight talk about sith egos.
Zash eventually conceded "I have come here seeking secrets, I have seen that there are ways of enhancing ones own potential and that some of them may lie with you" Terri sighed she was hoping to be done with the ancient secrets and powerful rituals but that seemed unlikely.
Ysum let out a small chuckle "you wish to learn the ways of the nightsisters?" Zash frowned she seemed almost offended by the doubt Ysum cast
Zash nodded "if that can enhance my own ability then yes but I think I'm looking for something more specific" Ysum nodded considering the statement
Ysum turned around "then I'm afraid I have some bad news you cannot learn the ways of the nightsister if you are not one" Terri frowned were they gonna become witches? "and for that you would need to have this planet in your blood" Zash raised her eyebrow clearly not believing what Ysum was saying
"in my blood? is this some spiritual message" her words dripped with sarcasm but to Terri's surprise Ysum seemed almost amused by the words
she gestured around her the green mist coiling around her arms "no my dear I mean you need it 'in' your blood, the green mist that you keep seeing we refer to that as spirit ichor and those from this planet carry it's essence within us" the mist coalesced into a staff shape and then suddenly a real staff appeared in it's place "that is what gives us our magic" Terri was stunned no wonder she sensed immense force power from the ground, she looked to Zash who was looking increasingly agitated.
Suddenly though her anger all melted away "Is it at all possible to learn this power" Terri was impressed she'd let go of all her anger just like that she really wasn't your average sith.
Mother Ysum shook her head "I'm afraid not without prolonged exposure to the ichor, but that doesn't mean the magic is useless to you" Zash raised her eyebrow "you said you wanted to enhance your force power there are many rituals with such applications" Terri groaned oh great more rituals
Zash seemed intrigued however "what's the catch you're not just giving this away" Ysum seemed amused by Zash's tenacity Terri had to imagine she hadn't spoken to someone this wise in years
Ysum nodded "of course not Zash nothing is free, for such a ritual ingredients from many locations are required, as I'm sure you've noticed I am not exactly fit for such ventures. I'm proposing you get the ingredients required as well as others I require and in return I will help you with your ritual" Zash nodded considering the deal
Zash thought for a long second "how will we know where to find the ingredients" Terri did wonder these could be anywhere how were they going to find them
"most these ingredients once grew on Dathomir but have since dwindled but across the galaxy certain planets have a small piece of Dathomir in them" Terri wondered if Ysum enjoyed being vague she certainly did it an awful lot
Terri wanted a straight answer "uh um what do you mean a small piece of Dathomir?" Ysum turned to Terri and she instantly regretted speaking up as Ysum stared right through her
The green mist rippled into an image of planets "long ago I foresaw this issue and set up small colonies on planets across the galaxy that either contained a potent ingredient or had the right conditions for such to grow. The ichor was imbued in seeds and promptly planted allowing for our magic to continue and these ingredients to be harvested." Ysum paused dissipating the map "unfortunately it was only a failsafe so certainly not feasible with the main colony destroyed" Ysum turned back to Zash letting Terri finally relax
Zash frowned at Ysum "I still don't understand what you're getting out of this we get our ritual of power and you get ingredients? seems like there's more to this" Ysum let out a raspy chuckle
Ysum raised her eyebrow "isn't it obvious I can then restart my colony" Terri frowned with just ingredients?
Zash chuckled "I'm pretty sure you need people for that" Terri had to agree with Zash this seemed sketchy
Ysum smiled "you'd be surprised" Zash's eyes widened looking to Terri, Terri shrugged unsure if she was crazy or super powerful "as well as that however I will be able to contact the scattered nightsister clans for a more useful rebuilding" Terri sighed in relief ok that was a little bit better
Zash frowned "how do I know you won't just steal the ingredients when I get back" Ysum's eyes narrowed at Zash
"first of all I keep my word but do I really look capable of that" Terri honestly had no idea this witch stuff was powerful "regardless we need each other if you want your precious power so you're going to have to trust me" Zash pursed her lips clearly keeping her anger locked down
after a long pause Zash responded "Fine you have a deal we'll get your ingredients as well as ours" Ysum smiled Terri wasn't sure if this was a good idea she may need to ask Zash about the plan later
The mist formed a piece of parchment in Ysum's hand "here is your list of ingredients and locations good luck my dears" Zash took it without a word and gestured for Terri to follow her out walking out quickly.
Terri shuffled up to Zash and once they were out of earshot spoke up "um Zash are we actually gonna let her restart her coven?" Zash held her chin clearly pondering the question
Zash frowned "I'm not sure but after we have my power we can think about putting a stop to it if it's evil" Terri frowned she guessed there was something to that although it seemed like a risk "I've seen what this ritual could do though Terri I think it's worth it" Terri wasn't sure how to feel about it but she knew she was supposed to trust Zash
Terri stammered "well gee Zash ok I guess"…