Crystalline Entity - Alternate Record

by Cpt. Lynx

This is the story of how Darth Imperius, the Emperor of the Eternal Alliance, found himself on Terra. Burdened by the ghosts of his past, will he be able to fulfil his purpose and find happiness, or will the darkness consume him? As a fair warning, this contains dark and mature themes in much greater detail than the other version, so discretion is advised.

8. Day 7-2: Back to Embermyst

A/N: Happy Revenge of the 5th! It felt appropriate to post this chapter today on this fine day. Even if May the 4th fell on a Wednesday, my dudes. As always, I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it. Now, without further ado, I'll let you to the next part of this larger chapter.

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And with that, the trek down the mountain path begins as the evening sets in overhead, casting the sky ablaze in golden colours.

I turn to Leanna.
"So, what's the next plan? What do we know about the other temples?"

She shrugs.
"Not much. The locations of the others were lost with the fall of the Empire."

I frown slightly.
"That is unfortunate."

"We can guess - from what records remain they should each be in places of great elemental importance - but there are several in Esaria, and many are not simple to traverse."

I shrug.
"At least not conventionally, perhaps."

I then smirk.
"But lands that are hard to traverse happen to be a speciality of mine."

"No, not conventionally. Then there are the ones that are bureaucratically difficult to explore."

I arc a brow.
"Oh?"

"Nature preserves. Many places of high ambient magic energy play host to unique biomes, and their limited natural wealth has been recognized as part of later additions to the Treaty of Esaria. You saw something like it in the forest directly surrounding Embermyst."

"Ah, right."
I blink.
"I still want to clear that one, too. No, wait, you don't mean the Forest of Sorrows, but the one after that, right?"

She nods, her golden hair flowing with the motion, capturing the sunlight in radiant beauty.
"Yes."

"The one that felt quite in-tune with magic? Hmm..."
I draw a hand to my chin.
"Well, either we can find some other clues as to where to head next, or we'll just have to visit every possible location. That Elemental lady could've been a bit more talkative, if she wants me to go around absorbing power already..."

"Who knows how much she knows about the current state of the land?"

I shrug.
"Even though your world is tectonically rather active, I'm quite sure that the surface hasn't undergone such drastic changes in the past few thousand years that she wouldn't know the locations where her colleagues resided."

"I wasn't talking about that so much as local knowledge."

I blink.
"Why would- Ooh... yeah. Right."

I then smile.
"Well, more of an expedition left for us this way, huh?"

She returns my smile, easily outshining the setting sun.
"Oh yes."

I turn my gaze away from her and look down the mountain, my gaze drifting over the village with its nearby lake and then to the malevolent forest.
"We certainly have our work cut out for us, hm?"

I mostly mean myself, but Leanna apparently caught that, if her slightly worried and reassuring tone is any indication.
"Be sure to ask for whatever help you need, okay?"

I blink.
"Huh?"

"If it doesn't have to be just you, feel free to ask."

I tilt my head.
"Well... of course... we are a group, aren't we?"
This is why I let the others do things in the first place. Theoretically, I could do everything myself. But that is not the point of a group like this, is it?

"Yes. Don't forget."
She smiles at me.
"Even if it's just as moral support."

I smile back.
"Yeah... thanks. I'll keep it in mind."

I then regard the others.
"Soo... still, any idea for our next step guys? What do we want to do this evening, and tomorrow?"

Amelia speaks up in her usual almost monotone voice.
"I intend to inquire with Professor Issim. He may know something."

I nod in agreement.
"That's right. And we kinda said that we would meet with him again."

"Indeed."
She smiles, lighting up her youthful face.

I shift my gaze to the dark forest again.
"So, we all head back to him then?"

"Sounds fine."

"Sounds fun."

I nod, but my eyes never leave the forest.
"Nice."

My eyes narrow as I scrutinise the spell's structure and effects in its entirety. I want to solve that thing today, after all. I promised Leanna.
The first thing that sticks out is that the inhabitants aren't proper ghosts - not quite. The person who designed this spell made a carrier magic - Shadow spellcraft designed to bear the mind of a person. It is shoddy, both in its primitivity... and intention. Minds are forced to run on insufficient magical brains, enslaved and tormented in 'bodies' too corporeal to earn the protections of spirits.

My fists clench and I grind my teeth as my expression sours.
"...how vile..."

These people... aren't. Not really. They've been in this, been physical, for so long that material psychology has destroyed that part of who they were, and those conditions endured to bleed for thousands of years into their spirits as well. So that's what everybody meant when they said they're too far gone... Subtle pressure builds around me as I feel rage for the suffering they had to endure.
It isn't Force-based, the blight that afflicts them. It's just what happens when you isolate a person for longer than they've had people to speak to, but amplified by their lack of life.
"This magic... is pure evil..."

I notice how Leanna puts a hand on my shoulder and gives it a squeeze.
But at her touch, I close my eyes and take a deep breath, and the building pressure fades.

"The dead... are a pained people. We will do our best for them - even if that isn't much. Even if they aren't really alive anymore in the way we are, stopping pain is good."

I shake my head and clench my jaw, face set in a determined expression.
"I will give them the rest they deserve. They have endured for long enough. For far too long, even..."

She nods.

"I should have the workings of the spell down by now. Now I only need to craft something that looks like it, and works like it, but is only an illusion in the end."
I draw a hand to my chin.
"It would be best to also have the spell be disconnected from me, so that it would be independent of my continued presence..."

"That sounds good."

I continue to stare at the forest, and the magic surrounding it. Slowly, but surely, an idea is forming. I now just have to finalise it... running it through mental simulations until it fits...
Even under curious prodding, there must not be a single hint that the nature of the spell had changed. And replicating the curious nature of this world's power proves to be an insurmountable roadblock for the time - I must shape it in the way it is meant to be shaped, at least until I gain a much deeper understanding of it than I currently possess.
I click my tongue in irritation. Okay... if that wouldn't work... would it be possible to just free the ghosts while letting the spell's structure remain, and then plant my own form of illusions into the land, which draw from the ingrained energy...? That way, the current spell would function as a mask to my own spell... and I do know how to hide my energy signatures, after all.
That could work. The spell does slowly attack life within its bounds, and binds minds that die within it - those are the two main functions I need to circumvent to prevent it from doing anything new in addition to freeing the existing victims.
Then I will focus on that. The spell is old and crude - it would be inferior to my precise control. Thus, it should be possible for me to write subroutines that prevent the spell from working properly, without being detected that it does so...
It would take effort to properly mask it. It could, however, be done. All worthy things take effort. And this would truly be a worthy use of my powers. I quickly estimate how long I would be required to meditate to set this up. Is it doable in this evening, or would I require the next day? Half a day? It appears it's the first. If I commit my attention to it, I could likely accomplish it in a few hours.
I smirk.
"Oh yeah, it's all coming together."

Leanna smiles.
"A breakthrough?"

My smirk turns to a grin.
"Yes. I have a plan that I'm certain will work. I should be able to get it done in a few hours of concentrated meditation."

"Well, when do you want to get started?"

I glance at the sky and the setting sun.
"I could do it today, I suppose, but that would be my day, then. So, I think the best would be to start in the morning."

"Alright."
Her hand squeezes my shoulder again.
"I'm very glad. Those poor things..."

I nod.
"Nobody deserves to suffer like that..."

I then smile at her.
"And if it also has the effect of making you happy, then it's double worth it."

"I suppose."
She gives my shoulder another squeeze.

My smile brightens a bit at her.
"Now, as for something else, what made you think that we need to find the other temples as well before we can even attempt to open a rift?"

"Energy levels. The amount of elemental energy in you right now is lower than the amount I found you with. While some efficiencies should be doable, generally the ending energy is lower than the required."

"Ahh, right. You found me with... one point two one gigathaums, right? And now I have... threehundred megathaums? Which would make it around a quarter of the energy... and if we would assume a loss on the transfer, it would make sense that I'd need five times my current energy..."

She nods.
"Something like that amount. It would also be much safer if we try training you in Terran magic first."

"Yes, I figured. I had that on my agenda, anyways. Also, does anyone even know how to open a rift?"

She shakes her head.
"No. We're going to be making this up as we go."

"I see."
I then glance around my group.
"The others... seem to be a bit absentminded right now, don't they?"

"Oh we're listening. At least, I am. You two have your own thing going."
Kara frowns.
"I do... appreciate you trying to get rid of the Forest of Sorrows. Nasty place."

I nod.
"Right, sensitive hearing and all. And yeah, it sure is a nasty place. Also, I'm not 'trying' to get rid of it. I will get rid of it. Well, not that anyone here will notice it... that's kind of the point..."

"Makes sense."

I nod again.
"Also, if you hear us talking, you are welcome to join the conversation. If we wouldn't want you to hear, you wouldn't."

I then scratch my cheek.
"Well, mostly."

She smirks.
"Mostly."

"Yeah. I still have to get used to having someone else with such an extreme hearing around, so I already forgot to muffle the sound before. It could happen again."
I shake my head.
"Anyway, point is, you're welcome to talk with us, if you want to."

Kara takes a step back to move in line with us, and reads the mood.

"So, you kind of doubt I'm powerful, huh?"

She arcs a brow at me.
"What makes you think that?"

"Well, your comment earlier about me thinking that I'm all 'big and powerful'."

"Well, yeah. You have that air of confidence around you. The kind that people have when they think they're good at something."

I nod.
"Indeed. Say, how often is that confidence well-founded?"

"Not often."

"Eh, yeah, fair enough. More often than not, it's over-confidence of the ignorant, that much is true. But, tell me... how many mages can pulverise rocks with wind blasts?"
I glance at Leanna.
"Or is that actually a common power level?"

She shakes her head.
"Not really - not the way you mean, at least. I can throw things pretty hard, though."

"Well, you're also top tier, I'm sure."

She blushes slightly, glancing away shyly.
"Not that much..."

"Not yet, perhaps."
I focus back on Kara.
"Anyways. I can assure you that the confidence in my abilities is well-founded."

"Really."
Her voice sways through the word.

I gaze her straight in the eyes.
"Really. I can see you remain sceptical, but that's alright. I'm also currently working on a way to prove my powers to you."

I glance down.
"After all, you just met me a few hours ago. You have no reason to trust any of the things I say as of now..."

Leanna smiles at me.
"It will be alright. Scepticism isn't the same as disliking you."

I return her smile.
"You're right."

Then, it falters.
"Though... I still am afraid... of their reactions..."

She rubs my arm.

I perk up at the touch and smile slightly, but warmly.
"But... I am reassured... that I'll at least have you."

She smiles back at me wordlessly, shining with more warmth than the orange sun hanging over the horizon.

I continue to smile at her, mesmerized, but then blink and clear my throat.
"Ahem. Soo... uhm... what do you think of our little group so far, Kara?"

Her eyes twinkle and her lips curve into a smirk, but she doesn't comment on it.
"We seem well-rounded, and you all seem nice."

I smile at that.
"I know, right? I'm really glad to have met everyone."

"I suppose we'll have to see how everyone shapes up later."

"Well, I have some hopes and predictions... but I think it'll work out fine. Or, well, at least I hope it will..."
I cast my gaze down.
"You never know with me..."

"It'll be interesting to see."

I glance up again.
"That's for sure."

As the silence creeps in, I can't help but feel that I'm excluding the other two. Thus, I first look over to them to see what they're doing right now.
They appear to be walking along, enjoying the natural landscape - or perhaps they're each looking around for their own reasons.
I fall in step with them.
"Hey, guys."

They look at me.
"Yes?"

...
I clearly haven't thought this through...
"Uhm... do you... want to join our conversation? Uhm... I was... wondering... what you're thinking about right now. You seemed to be... somewhat in thought?"

Zack raises an eyebrow.
"I don't know about you, but I pay attention when walking around."

"Well, the one thing does not necessarily exclude the other."

"Focus. I want to focus."

I blink.
"Oh... right. Alright. Then, I should leave you be... right?"

I shake my head.
"Of course I should. Sorry to have broken your focus."

I step away from Zack and over to Amelia.

She regards me with her neutral face, only her curious eyes betraying her mood.
"Do you wish to discuss anything?"

"Well, I suppose. I'd like to know what's currently on your mind. What kind of conundrum are you thinking about?"

"I'm reviewing what I saw, in preparation for transferring it into notes once we return to Embermyst."

I nod.
"Mhm. And what did you see? Have you seen the elemental as well?"

"No, but the magical systems at play and the ancient architecture are worthwhile finds."

She turns towards me.
"Notably, there was indeed magic around you, and that structure is noteworthy to me."

"I see. Well, I'm at the very least glad you found something interesting there. Also, I wonder if this would work as proof that the Elementals do, in fact, exist?"

"I do not have conclusive evidence on that front yet - but if any paper were to properly point towards the existence of the ancients, it would be one involving these events."

"I see... would it make any difference if I'd show an image of how the Elemental looked like?"

"We did see depictions in mosaic on our way in."

I blink, then think back. Yep, she's right: I have seen artistic renditions of the Fire Elemental before, and they have resemblance to each other. Particularly at the Fire Temple.
"Riight... they actually resemble her... but that's not the same as a live image, is it?"

"Many people underestimate just how many blanks the mind can fill effectively."

I tilt my head.
"While true, what are you getting at in this context?"

"That there is no way to prove you did not hallucinate her based on imagery you had recently seen."

I blink.
"Ah, right. Of course. From your position, that is a valid concern. So, do you think I would have imagined her voice, too?"

She shrugs.
"Perhaps. It is no less likely. After all, magic in high concentrations is known to cause problems with human perception."

"Eh, true. But this concentration was nothing to me, actually. Also, since magic is being magic, to call things one sees due to magic 'hallucinating'... does it a severe disservice."

She arcs an interested brow.
"You have an alternative explanation, then?"

"The Elemental projected herself into that temple, and transferred the energy within it to me. As for seeing things due to magic in a more general sense... I know those things as 'visions'."

"And these 'visions'... how do they function?"

"Well, generally, because the magic - or as I know it - the Force - wants to share a specific message with an individual. Happens often during sleep, or when entering places with a high concentration of energy."

"The latter would align with magic-driven hallucination, but how would one bind all these phenomena together? What is seen is usually based largely on the target mind, suggesting that it is a subjective phenomenon."

"Indeed. After all, those messages are generally about something that has to do with the person who receives them. That is kind of the point with them. And, from what I know about this, it also depends on how receptive someone is to visions. Like, some people report only vague dreams of something, like a loved one dying or something, while others - like myself - can get very clear messages."

"That, and the element in question has an incredible influence on the content. Fire hallucinations will almost always contain some sort of phenomenon related to fire. For example."

I draw a hand to my chin.
"Right... that makes sense, given how your magic is structured... Still, though, that points towards the magic giving visions. Unlike other substances... that can really make a person hallucinate."

She wraps her arms around herself as a gust of wind cools the evening air, reminding me that Amelia has a very small frame covered only by light robes.
"Yes, it is generally accepted that magic causes hallucinations, or at least contributes. But its effects on the mind are consistent with it being a subjective phenomenon which interacts with the person's brain through basic magical channels. We aren't sure, though - research into the human mind is slow and careful."

I nod.
"What if I tell you that the effects on a mind of magic sending visions and hallucinations of... other sources... are different?"

"Well, that would be anecdotal, but I will hear you."

"Well, I fear I have no more proof than my own observations on the matter, but I am somewhat familiar with both kinds. I understand that my word alone is not enough to convince you, though. You require proof, after all. You are a scientist at heart."
I smile slightly.

She nods, and though she keeps her expression mostly impassive, her mouth twitches upward, and there is a proud glimmer in her eyes.
"Indeed."

"At the very least, I would prefer it if you wouldn't call it magical hallucinations."

She tilts her head.
"Why not, exactly?"

"Hallucinations are something that are not real. Something someone imagines. The visions the Force shares, however... are very real. Just as real as the appearance of the Fire Elemental. I actually don't know why nobody of you could see her. Perhaps you're not attuned enough to the magic?"

"I suspect that if she was real, that the disparity was intentionally caused rather than an arbitrary consequence."

"Hmm... perhaps. Though I can't quite rule that out as well. My perception of magic is much stronger, and her presence was quite faint. Even merely projecting herself has cost her a lot of power and effort. Wherever their home is... I'm quite sure it's even farther from here than mine."

"Interesting. So, what did you wish to discuss about these things?"

"Well, I just wanted to hear your thoughts on the matter. And perhaps on our journey so far as well."

She cocks her head.
"You spoke just now as if you wanted to share what you had seen in detail."

"Oh. Well, that would work as well. But there's not much to say, I think. Fiery red woman stood beside the... canine animal, approached me, put a hand on my forehead and transferred the energy, then faded away. As she disappeared, she telepathically told me to have hope."
I shrug.
"That's about it."

Her brows furrow slightly in displeasure.
"Well, that was terribly vague. Did you notice anything which I might be able to look for in a similar event?"

I tilt my head.
"I did get a read on her presence, if that is what you mean?"

"Alright, what did you notice about it? What sorts of patterns did you notice in the spellcraft?"

I blink.
"Patterns? Spellcraft? Well, the ancient magic is not as organised as the current magic is. But you wouldn't see that, as the very thing you prod it with changes it to the current magic. It appears to be a natural change, however, and your prodding only accelerated the process."

Her ever-curious eyes bore into me.
"Interesting. What was the mechanism behind this change?"

I tilt my head.
"You observing it?"

"Yes, that is the cause, but what was the mechanism?"

"Hmm... let me think..."
I think back and of a way to describe what I saw both when she observed the barrier and the energy I absorbed. What she is looking for is patterns in energy distribution - mechanical magical properties that will give her something to scan for. That much I know... but have I seen such things? Well, somewhat - there are trends available. Then I can start by describing them.

She nods.
"Interesting. I will look for these if we get the chance."

I nod, then smile.
"Also, you're always welcome to join in on our conversations with the others. We are a group now, alright? But if you rather prefer to keep to yourself, I understand as well."

"Indeed. I simply found it valuable to perform this activity."

I blink.
"Which activity?"

"That which I was performing. You seem forgetful, Xerath."

Forgetful? I literally cannot forget a thing, you know? I tilt my head.
"No. You told me you were thinking about something. Thinking is not exactly an activity."

"Is it not?"

"It is generally not considered as one, where I'm from. It's more of a... passive thing, really."

"Interesting. On Terra, it is an action which requires conscious effort."

I shake my head.
"Even if you don't think about it, you'll think about something. Only the greatest airheads can just float in the present with an empty mind."

"Perhaps, but I am focusing my efforts on a specific path."

"Well, I suppose that's fair enough."
I look into the sky.
"But it is pretty interesting, is it not? Despite the fact that we have the same language, we still have different definitions for words, different idioms, and so on..."

"Yes, it is."

"I can't help but wonder... how all of this is linked..."
I stare into the sky, letting my thoughts roam.

Her soft voice calls my thoughts back.
"Linked, Xerath?"

"Ah, yes. You know... my world... your world... the Force... your magic... Because, fun fact: That sword stuck in the middle of your planet, that produced that island of metal and sends out these scanning pulses? A society of my world knows about it."

Her amethyst eyes shine with intrigue.
"Interesting. What is it, then?"

"I don't know. They only know it from legends, and my friend was very vague when speaking about it. All I know is that it is incredibly ancient, and that this warrior culture of my world has some legends around this artefact."

"They do? Why is that?"

I just shrug.
"I have no idea. As I said, my friend was not very talkative about this subject. He wanted to first talk with the other clans about this before sharing this info with me. For all accounts, I'm still an outsider to their culture - even if I'm renown as a friend to them."

She arcs a brow.
"Intriguing. Your friend has a way to contact you here?"

"Well... sort of? He breached my mind tonight. That was why I was so... absent on our travel this morning. Ripping a hole into one's mind is... unpleasant. So, I needed some time away to repair the damage as best as I could."

"I see. That makes some intuitive sense, I suppose."

I smile slightly.
"Yeah. I gave him an artefact to contact me more easily next time. I hope he won't have to rip a hole into my mind then."

I glance away and mutter softly.
"...it's fractured enough as is..."

"Interesting. Why was communication at such a long distance so damaging?"

I think back for a moment.
"What was it? He said that they had built a machine that basically allows his mind to traverse through the Force and knock at the target destination. It was basically forced mental communication, which is always hurtful. As you and Leanna have been saying, the mind is a delicate thing."

"Interesting. Would not a communication sent across great distance be quiet, difficult to detect, and not damagingly loud?"

"It was not a communication like that. It didn't do damage because it was loud, but because he had to breach my mind. I suppose you're not familiar with the concept of telepathy?"

"No, and I don't believe telepathy would be necessary. Are there not simpler ways of interstellar communication?"

"Yes, if they were established beforehand. We have the HoloNet, but that only works inside my galaxy."

She tilts her head.
"Why is that?"

"They are basically sensor relays that are floating around in a different dimension to allow communication faster than light."

"Alright, so what exactly does the travelling for this communication to occur?"

"Information. Data. Signals."

"Yes, that. What is transmitting it?"

I pull out my datapad.
"Devices like datapads and holocomms?"

"Do they travel?"

"No? Well, only as much as their user, I suppose. But right, you don't have electricity or other forms of data transfer... Hmm, how can I put this?"
I put a hand to my chin.

"Neither sound nor light travel at infinite speed. What is travelling?"

"As I said, data. Data these devices emit. The HoloNet relays catch that data and send it to the next relay, and so on."

"Data does not exist on its own. It needs a medium."

"It is a series of signals. I do not know the exact workings. I'm quite sure nobody alive does."

"How is that possible? How do you maintain it if it is not understood?"

"HoloNet technicians do know how to maintain it... but we couldn't quite recreate it, I think. The system has been around about as far as our history has been recorded. You see, there is one major difference between our worlds I noticed. Well, one among many... In your world, ancient things... are generally old and obsolete. You have made progress over the ages. Most of the powerful artefacts are of recent origin. But in my world? The most powerful things are ancient. Our level of technology has been mostly stagnant over... several millennia, I think. We are only living in the shadows of those who came before."

She frowns.
"That seems awful."

Sadness crosses over my face.
"'Awful', huh? Yeah... that sounds like a fitting description for my world..."

I shake my head, smoothing out my expression.
"Anyways, we have reached a very high level of technological progress, so most people seem to believe that there is no more progress to be made. And, well, constant warfare is not helpful, either."

"I see..."

She seems... put out by this knowledge. I speak softly.
"...What is it, Amelia?"

"...Knowledge dies. That is what."

"I wouldn't say that it dies. It can easily get lost, though. Besides, given the fact that most surviving ancient artefacts are much more advanced than anything we currently have... it is obvious that we have not reached the pinnacle yet, right?"
I smile slightly at her.
"And maybe we would just need a scientist like you."

She frowns.
"If what I have is innate, should you not already?"

I shrug.
"I also said that what you have is incredibly rare, right? And your society... is much better in discovering and supporting individuals like you than mine is."

"Rarity is trumped by statistics. One in a million means that there are several hundred in Esaria. What about in your galaxy?"

I shrug.
"I have never met one like me in this regard. But then again, I haven't met many scientists, either. And even if there are other hidden geniuses... it won't do much good when they're growing up as street rats on Nar Shaddaa, or as a slave on Tatooine..."

"So then what makes these people meaningfully different?"

"Hm?"

"If they cannot distinguish themselves, what distinguishes them?"

I shrug again.
"Now isn't that the question? Some might be able to use their intellect to carve out a better life for themselves, maybe become the partner of a renowned bounty hunter, or a powerful sorcerer... but how many can not? How many are trapped in poverty? The sad truth is, that most... beings in charge of the factions of my galaxy... don't actually care about the subjects they govern."

Her voice grows softer, more sombre.
"On Terra, these people cannot distinguish themselves either. Perhaps some people are smarter than others - but some of them just... don't use it. Or use it for things that don't mean they get recognition for it."

I nod.
"Indeed. Even so, your society as a whole is much more geared towards the sciences."

She nods.
"It is a priority."

"Precisely."

She looks down slightly.
"It is unfortunate yours is not."

"Well, the largest societies there are have a more... spiritual mindset, you could say. It is only logical, though."

She looks back up at me, curiosity rekindled.
"Why is that?"

"The Force. Or your magic."
I shrug.
"Same difference. The Force is the backbone of life. And, for some reason I do not know as of yet, it appears as this highly structured and neatly formatted magic you are familiar with. Everything about Terra, from the magic to the entire solar system, seems to be geared towards nurturing a scientific society."

I close my eyes.
"I am uncertain if this is a good thing or not, though."

She arcs an intrigued brow.
"Why so?"

"To me, it feels... unnatural. Artificial. However, I know that the Force had to have a reason for turning things this way... so I'll withhold judgement until I learn that reason."

"I see. But wouldn't natural mean that it's part of the natural world?"

"From my understanding, the Force is the natural world. Well, basically, at least. Every evidence we have points towards the Force being the thing that gave birth to... everything. To existence itself."

"So what is wrong with what you see here?"

"The Force hides its own presence. It expresses itself only in passively boosting life on Terra. And everything beyond the core of its will seems to be artificially structured. Like, how did it come you have five different elemental magics? There is only the Force. So why did it have to split itself up?"

"I do not know. However, I find it much more exciting to find something I do not know about than see the same thing over and over."

"While generally true... something about this doesn't sit right with me. It is a mystery to me, and I want to figure out why it is the way it is. Anyone else from my place... and with my powers... could be tempted to crack down on this system to bring it in line with what we're used to. I have that urge myself as well, to be honest. But as I said... the Force must have had a reason to this, so I won't act upon this impulse."

I then feel the thin gaze of something move over me, as if in response to what I said.
I shiver.
"So, yeah... I won't do it, though. There has to be a reason to the current state, and I want to know it."

I look in the direction of the sword.
"So you can rest assured."

No response. Though, the gaze had already disappeared.

"I do not worry."

I focus back on Amelia.
"Maybe not you... but something just did."

She arcs a brow.
"Oh?"

"The sword reacted. I felt its gaze upon me."

"Most interesting."

"Most disconcerting, rather. Though... I was assured that it means no harm..."

"Oh?"

"This thing... this... being... is more powerful than anything I have ever seen. And since it's asleep, it is one huge wildcard. I do not know anything about it. So, I can't do anything else but fear its power."

"As far as we are aware, it has not done anything direct for the entirety of human history - or elven oral tradition."

"Well, it is older than even your star."

"The stories of the Velden keep for many ages, so we can say with some certainty that it has not done anything we've noticed for tens of thousands of years."

I scratch my cheek.
"Well, and I have the tendency to find and or activate ancient things... Anyways, as someone who went his whole life collecting power to not be overshadowed, its mere presence is making me somewhat... uncomfortable."

"I understand. It has been the source of several cults throughout human history, but the general consensus now is that we just don't understand the metal island."

I nod.
"Yeah... my current hypothesis is that the sword is the very reason Terran magic is as it is today. But why that is, I have no idea. It goes beyond even my comprehension."

"How so?"

"The magic on this world is in constant motion. Motion that seems to originate from the sword. It's almost as if it breathes magic."

"We have noticed this phenomenon. This is strange to you?"

I nod decisively.
"Yes. Very much so."

"Interesting."

I hum in agreement.
"Hm. That it certainly is."

"And this makes it beyond your ability to comprehend? I thought your galaxy was filled with such things."

I shake my head.
"Far from it. We do have ancient artefacts, yes - which are generally from a civilisation or two ago. But that thing? It might be a relic from the creation of my galaxy."

"Intriguing..."
She dives into thought.

"Well, you seem to have new food for thought, so I'll leave you to it. But my offer stands all the time: if you want to come over, you're always welcome to talk with us."

She nods absentmindedly.
"Of course."

With a parting smile, I step back over to Leanna and Kara.
"Unfortunately, the other two don't quite want to join as of now."

"That's fine. They can talk when they want to."
Leanna smiles at them. They do not notice.

"Indeed. I forwarded the offer, at least."

Leanna then smiles my way, more comforting than cheerful.
"You seem a little pale, though."

I falter. No, it's... it's okay, I can tell Leanna.
"I... uhm... said something that seemed to garner the attention of the all-powerful sword."

She blinks.
"The sword? The one you said was inside Terra?"

I nod.
"Yes. The thing that grew the metal island."

"So, what happened?"
She pulls my hand into hers.

I blink, then blush.
"Uhm... uh... Amelia and I had a discussion about... the nature of magic... and the Force... and I mentioned how others from my world would not be happy with the way magic is... and the sword reacted to that. I... felt its gaze upon me..."

"I understand. You feel fear, don't you?"
She gives my hand a squeeze.

My voice is small.
"... yes..."

"Fear is okay. Just tell me why, so I can help."

I ball my other hand to a fist, and wrap the one in her hands around her fingers.
"...For my entire adult life... I collected power partly to not be overshadowed again... only to find something... a being... that makes me seem inconsequential in comparison... ...With all my power... I'd be completely helpless against this thing..."

"And this is new for you - or at least has always been temporary, right?"

I nod.
"I could... summon all the powers at my disposal... and it would be basically as if I'd send a soft breeze at it..."

"Well, in that sense... Terra has a lot of challenges for which your powers mean nothing."

I blink.
"Like what? Winning you over?"

"Me. Exploration. That sort of thing. Things that either make your abilities not make sense or cheapen the result."

"Well, I can see the entire globe in its complete structural integrity, if I want to. But yeah, I get what you're saying. Going somewhere and just seeing it with your own eyes is still better by far."

"But if the answer were that simple you wouldn't be afraid. None of these challenges can hurt you physically."

I nod.
"Indeed. I wouldn't be surprised if that sword could just erase my entire existence..."

"Why would it?"

"The time when it last sent a scan out? It passed all my mental defences that I developed exactly against being scanned like it was nothing more than a mild curiosity."
I blink as I register her question.
"Huh? Well, I don't know. I know next to nothing about this sword, only that it is asleep, and immeasurably powerful. I have no idea what its intentions are. I can only estimate its limits - or lack thereof... but its motivations... are a complete wildcard to me. And... I think that scares me even more."

"It has seen you, and done nothing so far - as it has done for many, many other people on Terra."

"Yeah... none were me, though... none were a god that could alter the way magic works on a fundamental level... And that garnered its attention earlier. And besides... I have something of a track record of awakening ancient relics that were asleep... But never... never before... has something scared me on such a fundamental level..."

"You do, do you?"
Kara is interested.

Leanna gives my hand another squeeze.

I sigh, smile at her, then look at Kara.
"Yeah... I could..."

My expression is... insecure. As if all my earlier confidence... just vanished.

Kara backs off, and Leanna continues to be close, doing what she can.

But Kara backing off just hurt even more and I mumble to myself.
"...I knew it... ...they couldn't... accept..."

"...Xerath, I just thought you needed space. I was interested, but my words seemed to hurt you."

I blink.
"Oh... no... I'm... afraid... you would... turn away from me... learning... the truth about me... about my powers... That's... what I'm... insecure about..."

She smiles softly.
"You can share when you're ready. I won't push to hear about your past."

I nod, my throat feeling tight.
"That is appreciated. There are still things... I'm not even comfortable telling Leanna... However, there are things that I do want to tell you guys... but I'm very afraid that those things will... make you turn away from me..."

"Shh..."
Leanna slowly massages my hand.

I take a deep breath.
"I... care very much about you guys - yes, that includes you as well, Kara, even though we just met today... and... I don't want to lose you... You seem to be so... carefree... around me... so collegial... and I'm afraid that'll change when you learn about me... and my powers..."

"Perhaps. Perhaps not. Like I said, you seem nice."

I smile slightly.
"Then... what would you think... if I said that I was a god?"

"I'd say that sounded grandiose and silly."

"Yeah... I've already heard that Terra - or at least Esaria - is not a very religious land..."

"I think that regardless of how strong you are, you're a person."

I blink.
"Come again?"

"You're a person, not a god."

I stare off into the distance, where the sun is setting over the endless forest.
"...many do think otherwise... As for me... I think I'm both. I am a god... but also a person. Only that most seem to forget that part."

"Is being a god important to you, then?"

"No. But it is a necessity to my position. Though... I would be lying if I said I wouldn't like the attention..."

"I see. I guess I don't think that being able to summon lightning from your bare hands counts as a personality trait."

"Well..."
I sigh.
"It could be that your society is just that different in that regard... because, generally speaking, most in my world would consider anyone who can summon lightning from their bare hands as evil. Unless they reach a high enough power level..."

I then allow myself a small smile.
"At the very least, I am very glad you think so. There is more to me than my power and my status... I think... I hope... yet those two are mostly the only things people see."

"That one's on the house, so you know."

I blink.
"What?"

"It's free. You don't need to do anything to get it."

I blink again.
"To get what? ...You... seeing me as a person... or what?"

She nods with a smile.
"Yep. Being a person is expensive from some. From me, it's free."

I just tilt my head.
"...what? ...how? I... I don't quite get your reasoning here..."

"It does not take effort to be seen as a person by me. And a person is a person, not a weapon."

I blink once more, then her words sink in. My face lights up in a bright smile and I wrap her in a sudden hug.
"Oh, thank you, Kara!"

She is startled, but returns the hug.
"No problem."

As she returns it, I notice what I am doing, and quickly part again. My cheeks flush as I scratch them.
"I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..."

"It's alright. I can tell from your interactions with Leanna that you need lots of hugs. Maybe give people warning first though, okay?"

I cast my gaze down.
"I... can try to keep that in mind... It's just that... I've been treated as an object for most of my life... in one way or another... that you just treating me like a person... just like that... was... a bit overwhelming..."

She pulls me into another hug.
"However, I'll be fine. And that was just too cute... and sad..."

I blink, startled.
"Ah!"

I freeze up for a moment, my muscles locking up, before I hesitatingly return the hug as well. My arms are staying respectfully around her shoulders, though.

The hug goes on for a short while, long enough to know that I am not unwelcome.
I smile softly at her.
"Thank you, Kara..."

Soon she releases me.
"You're welcome, and you deserve to feel welcome. I hope you will, one day."

My smile falters a bit.
"Even if I'm... a bit at odds with this world..."

Then, my smile picks up again.
"The people here make me feel very welcome. Well, most do, anyways."

Leanna smiles at me.
"It doesn't matter if you're a bit different. We can still hear each other speak."

"That is certainly true. Though I do wonder why that is. Like, I'm from somewhere several galaxies away. Why have our languages developed so eerily similar?"

She shrugs.
"Sounds like a mystery."

Kara rubs her hands together excitedly.
"We'll figure it out."

I smile at them.
"Oh, I'm certain we will. Also, while we're on the topic of languages... I noticed something interesting."

They arc brows at me.
"Oh?"

"But I'm curious... do your names have meanings?"

Kara blinks.
"I've never thought about that, actually. My name is just my name."

"Because, when I talked with Amelia just now, I remembered a bit about mando'a, the language of the Mandalorian culture... who somehow have ties to the powerful sword here. You see, my best friend is such a Mandalorian, and he taught me about their culture and language whenever we had the chance. And I remembered a certain word."
I smile at her.
"Ka'ra."

She tilts her head.
"Is that so?"

I nod.
"Indeed. It means 'stars'."

I then gaze into the sky.
"Also, there was some sort of myth surrounding that word... what was it again...? Ah, right. So, apparently, an earlier belief of the Mandalorian founding species - the Taung - was that their fallen kings would appear as stars and form a ruling council that watches over their species. Or a myth along those lines."

"How odd. So... why am I relevant to that?"

"Because your name is Kara? And in a different language, your name means 'stars'? I thought that might be interesting to you."
I tilt my head, my expression turning a bit uncertain.
"Is it not?"

She shrugs, setting motion to her upper body.
"It is a bit interesting, but names don't really do anything. Kara isn't the most uncommon name."

"Hm... I see. Though I disagree. Words, and especially names, do carry meaning, carry weight. Well, at least if they're intended to do so."

She arcs a curious brow.
"Why is that?"

"Take my name for example. Xerath. Have you ever heard it before?"

She shakes her head.
"No. It's an alien name."

I nod.
"Indeed. But the same goes for my very own world, too. I never even heard of someone else being named like this. I'm not exactly sure why that is, though... Anyways, my parents named me after a legendary being that is said to be divine... a seraph."

I then smile slightly.
"And it turned out, that there's at least one prophecy that fits me down to the dot due to me having this name."

"Is there?"

"Yes."
I glance at the village that is growing ever closer.
"Though I'm not sure we have the time for me to go into detail about it."

"Sum it up for me."

"Hmm..."
I put a hand to my chin.
"Well, basically, I'm destined to stop the endless cycle of warfare that is plaguing my world."

She blinks.
"Interesting. How unlikely."

"Unlikely, huh... yeah, that sums up plenty of things in my life."
I smile slightly.
"Being dragged across galaxies into the most peaceful world I've ever seen to meet with the nicest people I know is just one of those 'unlikely' events."

"I suppose that makes sense."

I shift closer to Leanna.
"And I'm immensely glad that I did get dragged here."

She gives me a squeeze, and Kara smiles brightly.
"I'm sure you are. After all, you two did spend a lot of alone time together in that temple."

Leanna blushes brightly.

I just tilt my head.
"Yes? Well, I had to make sure that the thing I was ready to sacrifice was actually undamaged and still working flawlessly."

She smirks.
"Oh yes, I'm sure that was the only thing you did together."

I blink, then blush slightly.
"Well, we also talked a bit on our way back out..."

"Sounds like certain things happened. But I don't judge. Have your fun."

I blush a bit more and glance at Leanna.
"Uhh..."

She's still adorably red and laughs nervously.
"Ahaha..."

Kara only smirks at us.

I sigh and look at Kara.
"Okay, you got us. We... we also..."

I blush more again.
"...hugged..."

She blinks.
"Aww, you two are so cute."

I sigh deeply.
"I really won't get rid of the stigma of being called cute, will I?"

Kara smiles.
"Nope!"

I can only sigh again.
"Well... I've been told it's not as feminine a word as it is in my world... so I suppose it's fine..."

"Perhaps not."

I smile slightly, still flustered.
"But if both of you think of me as cute... then it can't be a bad thing, right?"

She nods.
"No, it isn't. And you don't want to not be cute in this scenario, believe me."

I blink, then look intrigued at Kara.
"Oh?"

Seriousness returns to her face.
"Well, there are a few reasons I wouldn't find you two being together cute. The main one would be 'I don't understand why you two are friends'. Or I could think that one is actively harmful to the other."

"Oh... I see..."
If I wouldn't be seen as cute by her, then it would be because I'd be harmful for Leanna... or not deserving of her friendship. But does that mean that due to me being cute, I do deserve her compassion?

"Why do you think it's a bad thing, Xerath?"

I blink, being called out of my thoughts.
"Why do I think what is a bad thing?"

"Being cute."

I blink again, ordering my thoughts.
"Oh, right. Well, in my society, 'cute' is more used to describe women and children, and the occasional animal. As such, it is more of a feminine word."

Her nose wrinkles.
"Oh, that's why. I find that reasoning really stupid."

I arc a brow.
"Why is that?"

"Quick question - why is it only used for that?"

I tilt my head.
"I... have to admit that I do not know that. Like with most things, our language has been around for thousands of years... nobody is even sure why some things are the way they currently are - the usage of words included."

"Well, on our planet at least, the association is also typically not intended. But, the reason for that is because when a lot of the traits called 'cute' in women and children and animals appear in men, they aren't called cute. Can you think of what else they might be called?"

I ponder for a moment, but all my thoughts run in circles - I draw a blank. So, I can only scoff at myself and shake my head.
"N-no... I can't quite catch on right now... sorry..."

Her expression appears sour, as if the words she speaks cause her a bad taste.
"They are called weak, effeminate, and such. The man is not strong, and therefore he is wrong. And yet these traits accomplish the same things in other situations - many traits called cute in - say - children, do make them weaker than warriors. But we don't say that makes them weak, we say it makes them cute."

I nod.
"Yeah, sounds familiar."

My eyes widen.
"Was that why I got called weak so often, then? Though... no... I think my... uhm... other circumstances led to that as well..."

"You don't externally fit the image of a manly man, display emotions - sometimes, and have a face that doesn't look like a brick? That might be part of it. But I don't doubt that it was only a factor. These things don't pretend not to exist by being obviously the only cause of a specific thing."

"Yeah..."

"So, cuteness and physical weakness trend towards some degree of interchangeability. Now, would you consider Leanna cute?"

Leanna turns red under the attention.

I nod enthusiastically.
"Absolutely!"

"What are the reasons she is cute?"

I speak with a loving smile.
"She's the cutest, most adorable woman I've ever seen. I find it cute how she laughs, and how she wants to do good. Like, when she learned that she most likely spooked the... horses? That she instantly wanted to make it up to them. The way she brushes her hair behind her ear. The way she smiles when she's happy... she's simply so amazingly beautiful and cute..."

She suppresses a smile, not wanting to linger on this.
"Now, what would change if those traits were instead in some hypothetical man?"

"Hmm..."
I draw a hand to my chin.
"I'm not sure... I think I wouldn't mind that... but wouldn't call it 'cute', exactly..."

"Why not?"

"I just told you not five minutes ago. It is not a word I know to describe men."

"But why isn't it? What makes men so different that you can't use that word on them when you can on other humans?"

"Because, based on the society I come from, men are not supposed to be cute. They're supposed to be strong. Deadly."

She points her finger.
"Exactly. That's what I think is dumb."

I glance away.
"Well, there are many things dumb with the society I come from..."

"Well, it's dumb here too. Lots of people still get their pants in a twist about this sort of thing."

I nod slightly.
"Right... Leanna told me a bit about things a noble lady isn't supposed to do... Like becoming a Mage-Knight."

"Yep, things like 'be capable of defending herself', right?"
She glances at Leanna for confirmation

The blonde angel nods.
"My parents weren't happy to learn that I was studying swordplay."

I blink.
"I thought that was because they were worried for your safety?"

"They were - being a swordswoman would put me in fights - but I have a brother. His name is Leon, and he's a Mage-Knight - and he is applauded for his skill with the blade."

"I see... that is because men are expected to be soldiers and fighters? I mean, I can understand their desire to protect you, if nothing else. But that does seem to be a bit hypocritical."

Kara swats the air.
"Right in one, Xerath! Especially in noble families, it is expected that one person be working and the other be at home. I'll let you guess which criteria decides what you do."

"From what Leanna told me so far... their gender?"

"Yep. Therefore, men are strong or they are failures, and women are cute or they are failures."

I frown. That sounds wrong. People aren't failures just like that.

"Outside of the nobility, Esarian society has evolved past this explicit distinction, but the stigma remains in an informal capacity. No one will force you to be strong if you're a man, but you will be looked down on for being perceived weak."

I nod.
"Yeah, I would say that it's the same for us. It's... My society is not divided by genders anymore - only by other criteria people generally have no power over... just like you said. But then again, in my world... you'll be looked down on for being perceived weak, no matter what gender or species you are."

"Oh? That sounds like a bit of another problem."

"Well... as I said, my world has a lot of dumb points..."

"Yeah. Do you understand what I'm getting at, though?"

I tilt my head.
"That... it's okay to be called cute as a man?"

"At the very least, it should be. Because let me tell you - the most uncute men are the worst."

I blink in confusion.

"'Strength' and cuteness are inversely correlated to a degree. So, what would a minimally cute person be like, since cuteness is about both appearance and personality?"

"Strong and stoic? Unrelenting and unyielding?"

"It would be the absence of any traits that can be considered cute - like softness, empathy, and so on."

"Oh. Yeah, that would make sense..."

"The most uncute person possible would be entirely selfish. And that would suck. So, be happy to be cute, at least in moderation."

"I suppose..."
I nod and smile at her.
"Yeah, I think I can live with that."

"Besides, it's probably that cuteness in part that drew Leanna to you. She wouldn't go for a manly man after what she went through."

I blink.
"'What she went through'?"

"Working all her life to escape that dynamic."

"Ah. Right. Well, I mean, I do want to protect and shelter her from all danger... but not because she's a woman or I think her weak, but because I love her and don't want to see her hurt."

She smiles.
"That's great. Just as long as you let her do the same for you when the opportunity presents itself."

I glance at Leanna.
"Well... I'm quite used to do face danger mostly alone, so I think I'd be more comfortable that way... but if it were her wish..."

Kara smiles.
"Good. But one more thing."

She points to me.
"The same way that being cute isn't bad, strength isn't bad just because idiots have turned it into this stupid shambling cultural concept that oppresses everyone. It's okay to be strong, as long as you don't pretend that strength is why you don't care when a village is burned to the ground."

I shake my head.
"My strength is reason enough for me to prevent villages from being burned down."

I then glance away and mutter.
"Though a part of me... would love to be the reason for villages to burn in the first place..."

Leanna rubs a thumb over my hand.
"Nox is justified in feeling hurt. I'm glad he hasn't justified anyone else yet."

I smile weakly at her.

Kara sounds confused.
"Who's Nowox?"

A heavy, suffering sigh is heard from underneath Kara.

She blinks, looking around. She notices something on the ground. More specifically, inside my shadow... a red orb gleams at her... like an eye.

Leanna notices, and smiles politely in greeting.

Another sigh is heard, and a voice that sounds similar to mine, but also... not. It's deeper, and darker. It also seemingly holds no care.
"Uurgh... this is my life now... I am Nox."

"Well, pleased to meet you, Nawsk."

A few meters away, a rock pulverises.
"En Oh Ex. Nox. It's not that hard!"

"N oh exsh."

"Kriff that. Do you want to die, Kara? Because that is how you die."

I raise my voice against him.
"Hey, calm down Nox! Don't threaten her."

She blinks.
"Excuse me?"

Leanna frowns disappointingly at the shadow.

The shadow grumbles.
"I will not have my name be ridiculed."

"I'm not ridiculing it if that's how it sounds."

The red orb grows smaller, as if narrowing its eye.
"It sure seemed like that."

"Your name just sounds like that."

"My name is literally just three letters. How can everyone here mess it up that badly?"

Leanna responds to that.
"By having one of those sounds be hard to pronounce. There are differences between our languages - they're just subtler. The sound we make for 'exsh' is different from your 'ex'."

The shadow grumbles.
"Grr... very well..."

"It took effort for me to hear the difference. Effort I made for you, because like Xerath, you deserve to be happy - even if I'm far less in your favour as far as I can tell."

The red orb gleams up at her.
"And that effort is the reason I haven't carved my name into your mind."

She seems unamused by the sentence.

"Me? Happy? I will be happy when the world finally collapses under their incompetence and burns."

Kara nods.
"Yeah, that. That's what not what cute sounds like."

Nox scoffs.
"Well, I'd hope so. I'm not cute, I'm deadly."

"We're very scared."
Kara is deadpan.

The orb narrows. She feels a restriction around her throat. It is nothing major, but it is uncomfortable -as if there were invisible hands around her throat.
"You'd better be."

I notice and call out to him in a warning tone.
"Nox!"

Her throat is slippery. It is hard to get a grip. But if Nox really wanted to, he'd have no problem squeezing it.

"Hmpf. I said what I wanted to say. Do. Not. Kriff. With. My. Name."
The red orb disappears, and the pressure around Kara vanishes.

I slump and sigh heavily.
"I... I'm so sorry..."

Kara frowns.
"Alright. I won't say it then, if that moves the stick in his ass out a few millimetres."

She suddenly stumbles, as if a rock stood in her way.

"Does that mean you want more quips? Or did you just want my feet to brush over your massive ego and couldn't get it another way?"

I notice Nox reaching out into her mind, but can't quite hear what he says.

"Oh, how fun. Playground bully mentality. Very cool."

I pale.
"W-what is he doing?"

"Threatening me."

This seems to take him aback, as I can now hear what he says to her.
'You... do you have a deathwish?'

"He's expressing his worldview the only way he can: with cheap violence."

I flinch.
"Well... maybe you shouldn't provoke him too much?"
'Hey Nox... could you... dial it back a bit? Whatever you do... it's obviously not working.'

'Grr! I know! It's as if she has no fear of me. Me! That should be impossible!'

"I'm just laying out some boundaries. All he has to do to get me to stop is to leave me alone - or carry out his threat."

I feel his ominous presence recede from her mind.

She smiles.
"Thanks. You stick to your corner of the world, I stick to mine, and we don't have any reason to whine at each other."

I speak to her, still a bit pale.
"The thing is... if he were to get to the point where he'd ignore my wishes on the matter... I couldn't stop him. So, you really shouldn't provoke him too much..."

"Xerath, anyone could slip a knife into my ribs. I don't have any more to fear from him than a common brigand - no magic defence, so there's no difference between an archer I didn't see and a god."

I shake my head.
"He could do things so, so much worse..."

She seems nonchalant about it.
"I don't doubt it."

"Then why...?"

"Maybe I'd even accept his worldview at the end. But there's only one way he could get me to."
Her expression turns serious.
"Trauma. Bloody, vicious violence, the kind that taints your heart. Anyone can do that."

I nod sadly.
"So the same way he got it as well... huh?"

"Didn't take a god to make him believe it, did it?"

"The god... was the final nail. I think."

"Just a world filled with regular evil people that hurt him and you. And then after that, there was a god. Basically, to convince me that he's right, he'd have to become the people who made him this way."

I can not say anything to this.
"..."

"Maybe he's okay with that."

"...he is worse..."

"But at least to me, that tells me all I need to know."

I hear a gasp in my shared mindspace.
'So... that's how you see me, is it?'

'How am I supposed to see you, otherwise?'

Nox's voice sounds enraged, hurt.
'Everything I do, I do for you. For us!'

'So you threatened Kara for me? For us? Nonsense!'

The shadowy figure of Nox flinches.
'I... I...'

The metal mask looks away.
'...I suppose you're right...'

The red orb appears in my shadow again. But this time, his voice sounds... a bit softer. Still rough, but less confrontational.
"All you need to know, huh? What do you know about Xerath and me, Kara?"

She shakes her head.
"Not much. I do know that you were abused by the world - more than likely you're right to be angry at it, or at least have the right to be bitter. But you're also the same kind of person that makes people right to hate the world. Threatening to murder me for saying your name wrong is, shall we say, not something that one does when they are secure in their self-worth. You are right to hate your abusers. You are not right to be like them."

The dark voice speaks hesitatingly.
"I... may have been a bit... harsh on you, and a bit... quick to threaten you... however, my name is the only thing I have... I cannot let it be slandered."

I blink.
"Nox... did you... did you just... apologize?"

"W-what?! Don't be ridiculous! I most certainly did not! That would imply I did something wrong in the first place. Which I decidedly did not!"

Kara's lips twitch upwards, amused.
"No comment. But I understand. I'm... familiar with the idea of having only myself in a world that wants to kill me."

She never would have thought that a shadow could be flustered, but this one sure seems to be.
"I know. But... uhm... you are very nice to Xerath... and... I appreciate that. I hope you know that you are no longer alone in this world. You now have this group of friends. You may have guessed so already, but you're quickly growing on Xerath. And he'll do his damnest to protect you. That would even include me, it seems."

"Well, if you're feeling left out, why not try joining in from time to time - preferably without the threats of violence."

"I'm... fine with my existence inside Xerath's mind as it is. I'm... rather busy there. I just... couldn't stand you guys mispronouncing my name so badly. That's... why I came out... And..."
The dark voice sighs deeply.
"I can't believe I'm really saying that... but... I'm... I'm sorry for threatening you... You... did not deserve it."

I blink, surprised.

"This is the part where I would point and laugh if I was stupid and insensitive."
She smiles at the crimson orb in my shadow.
"But it doesn't take a genius to understand that that's a big deal for you."

I look at Kara.
"He never has apologised before."

"And I most certainly never will! So, don't get used to it..."

"So, thank you. I believe that you've done yourself a favour, but that's up to you."

The orb blinks.
"What?"

"You've chosen something other than violence. How does it feel? If anything."

He pauses to ponder that.
"Weird. Uncomfortable. And wrong."

"It certainly was for me when I started doing it again."

The orb blinks again, perfectly in sync with me.
""Doing what again?""

"Being nice to people. But the details on that are for later. In short - the reason I know some of how to talk to you is because I know how to talk to myself when I was fourteen. Not everything transfers, but pain is pain."

The shadow sighs.
"That... makes me want to explain myself. Unfortunately, my time is up."

"I'm sure there's more to you than just being edgy. If you want to talk about something with me, I'm open to hearing you. Does that sound alright?"

The red orb in my shadow glints softly.
"...that is... acceptable. You... have earned my respect... Kara."

The orb vanishes, and the shadow goes back to behaving like a shadow normally should.

"Goodbye, scarlet one."
She turns back to me.
"Did I do okay?"

"I... never really know with him. But I think that you managed to make him think. And... he likes you? Well, either that, or he hates your guts. It's hard to tell, but you certainly did something."
I look down.
"And... I'm sorry... I didn't... mean that you'd have to be confronted by him so soon already..."

"It's alright. It's not your fault."

Leanna smiles at me.
"No, it's not."

"Well... it kinda is, given that it was an unthoughtful comment that brought this on..."

"That you mentioned him?"

I nod.
"Yes."

Kara frowns.
"Causing me to mispronounce his name."

"Precisely."

"Could you have foreseen that he would so react to me saying his name for the first time?"

"Well, yeah, he did react similarly harsh to Leanna butchering his name."
I glance at her.
"Thank you for having learned it, by the way. I know he didn't show it, but he appreciated it."

I then look back to Kara.
"You see... Nox is a being born out of my darkest emotions that somehow gained sentience over the years. As such, he only exists as power with a conscience inside my mind. He... isn't much more than the name he gave himself, as such he is... rather sensitive to it."

"I get that."

Leanna frowns.
"Isn't there anything else he could have to his name?"

I shrug.
"Well, I mean, what does define a person's identity?"

"I don't know. What does he want? Besides killing people."

I was about to answer, but then stop.
"Ah... uhm... I'm not sure, actually... He only ever goes on about how he wants to kill people and stuff... though he earlier mentioned that he does everything for me..."

"Well, if he asks for anything doable, if we can help, tell us, okay?"

I nod.
"Will do. Though I think... it would be better for him to do so himself. Because it seems... that he would like to talk to you again. Though that is only my perception."

"I see. Well, I will be around."

I smile.
"I appreciate that."

As the silence falls over us again, I check to see if Zack and Amelia have noticed the... conversation we just had.
They were, in fact, paying attention when someone started making threats.
"Most interesting."

I regard them warily and uncertainly.
"...What is?"

"This 'Naxsh' fellow inside you."
Amelia tilts her head.
"Or would he rather us not say his name?"

Another rock near us explodes. A deep, suffering sigh resounds, and I speak up.
"Just... try pronouncing the ex as a kay es. As in, Noks. Should get close enough..."

She tries.
"Knocksh."

Now, I sigh as well.
"That's somewhat better, I suppose... Well, you'll eventually get there... I hope... for all of us."

"You fear him, then?"

I shake my head slowly.
"Not exactly. However, if provoked enough... I couldn't stop him. Between the two of us... he is stronger. And we both know that."

"Most interesting. I don't believe there is any precedent for an alternate personality holding power over the controlling one."

"Yeah... I don't think so, either."
I laugh weakly, in a feeble attempt to overshadow how uncomfortable I am.
"Heh... I suppose I'm just unique, then... in many ways..."

"Perhaps. But you are never alone, at least."

"But also have my worst critic constantly with me..."

"That is true of people who don't have it as another person as well."

I shrug.
"Perhaps. But it's enough that I tell myself that I'm not good enough. I don't need another me to do the same, too."

"That makes sense."

I just nod weakly.
"But... how much of that conversation have you heard?"

"All of it after he threatened Kara."

"I... see... and... uhm... is there any reason you didn't... join?"

"We were watching it. After all, I could not have done better than Kara without more information."

I blink.
"We?"
I glance over to Zack.

He is no longer paying attention, but nods.
"When you're paid, these things are your problem."

"Well, I suppose..."
I look between the two of them.
"Does this... does this... change... how you view me now?"

Zack shrugs.
"Well, you have an extremely angry person rooming with you."

I smile slightly.
"I assume that is one way to word it."

Amelia speaks again.
"Why should we judge you for the actions of another?"

"Because... in one sense of the word... he is a part of me."

She tilts her head.
"And why is that?"

"Because he is born out of my darkest emotions. He is basically my dark side manifested."

"Everyone has a dark side. Yours yells at you."

"And wants to destroy the universe... ...and most likely has the power to do so, too..."

Zack nods.
"You think I haven't wanted that from time to time?"

"To be honest, you're kind of hard to judge. However, even if you wanted to... could you?"

"Not really. If I tried really hard, maybe."
It seems like a joke.

I smile.
"Maybe. And who knows, maybe some dark presence would be willing to help you or something."

He shrugs.
"Maybe."

I then put an arm around myself.
"Soo... we're... we're still good?"

"Yeah."

Amelia nods.
"You are still of immeasurable scientific value, and I do not fault you for what has happened to you."

I smile weakly.
"Well, while that is very reassuring, I do hope that you see more in me than just scientific value..."

"Perhaps, Xerath. But first, do you think I could get a blood sample? I need it for undefined and completely ethical experimentation."

"No."

I notice a slight shift in her voice and posture, but she still keeps her neutral expression.
"I assure you, the procedure is painless, and you will only be unconscious for a week afterwards. After all, my experience with fire and water magic make me entirely prepared to operate on your body."

"No, it ain't."
I remember being told that earth mages are those that train to operate on a human body.
"And what do you want to test, anyways?"

"I will not lie to you."

I just arc a brow at her.
"I would appreciate that, yes."

She is silent.

To be honest, I'm feeling very confused right now.
"Soo?"

"I just said I will not lie to you. This is me not lying. I need your blood, Xerath."

"Yes, but for what purpose? Why would you want to operate on me?"

She is silent again. Kara rolls her eyes.
"Amelia, you've already failed."

"I believe that this experiment is going nicely, thank you."

"It's not doing anything. He doesn't get it."

I look confused between the two.
"I don't get what?"

"She will not lie to you, so she isn't saying a lie."

"Yes, I get that. She doesn't want to lie, so she stays silen- oohhh..."
Now I get it. She was trying to make a joke!

"Also, she doesn't want your blood as much as this. Amelia, your sarcasm is bad. You have failed."

"Well, for the record, now I get it. It's just... she wouldn't have been the first one that wants my blood, so the fact she might be joking kind of went over my head..."

Amelia frowns.
"That is unfortunate."

I smile weakly.
"Sarcasm and irony don't work that well coming from a person who is rather deadpan by nature. The point is to make it nuanced enough to be noticeable."

"I see. I will try to be better the next time I make an attempt."

I nod.
"It just takes practice. I'm sure you'll get it eventually."

There is a pause before I continue.
"Soo... just to be clear, you do not want my blood, and do not want to operate on me?"

She shakes her head.
"No, I do not."

I smile a bit more now.
"Phew. Good. Three Docs that want to experiment on me is more than enough."

"That is unfortunate."

"Hm? Why so?"

"Well, for the joke, being that you were attacked as part of something similar sounding, and for you, for having been subject to potentially unethical science."

I shrug.
"They always took a no."

I can hear the relief in her voice.
"Ah, that's good."

I nod.
"Indeed."

Then, I smile warmly.
"Anyways... I'm really glad that... the fact my mind is occupied not only by myself is not... deterring you."

She nods.
"It is alright."

"But really- it means a lot to me."
I look around the group... and smile to myself. For the first time in years, I am surrounded by people, and I don't feel lonely.

There are smiles returned - or just not frowns in the case of one certain mercenary.

My expression and entire posture relaxes, as if a huge weight has been lifted off of my shoulders.

"Feel better?"
I glance over, seeing Leanna looking at me from a short distance.

I fall in step with her and nod.
"Mhm. It's... I feel quite good right now."

She beams into my soul.

My expression melts at her smile, and I warmly smile back.

"I'm very glad."

"Me too. That they accept the fact that there is Nox... just like that..."
I smile.
"Now the number of people knowing him has tripled."

"Wouldn't it be quadrupled, since where once there was one now there are four?"

I shake my head.
"It went from two to six. There was me... and A'den."

Kara nods.
"Ah, I see."

Leanna looks at me with a soft and curious expression.
"I see. How does that feel?"

"Reassuring, I think. Nox's existence... has been one of my most closely kept secrets. That you now know of it- of him... and still accept me... it's incredibly reassuring."

She smiles, shining radiantly like a star.
"Good."

"Almost makes me believe that it won't be different with the other things... but two big secrets are enough for a day, I think, no?"

"Perhaps. Whenever you're ready."

Kara shrugs.
"That's plenty, yeah."

I smile.
"Indeed. But even so, I'm glad you know now. Especially the thing with me not being from Terra. It was really uncomfortable trying to hide that one."

Zack speaks flatly.
"We could tell."

"Yeah. I... wasn't really good at that, was I?"

He shakes his head, his mop of unruly hair bobbing with the motion.
"Not really, no."

I chuckle, then sigh.
"Yeah... I hate lying... so I didn't. The result was rather suspicious, though."

He nods.
"Sounds about right."

"Especially among 'anomalously curious primitives', right?"
Kara is grinning broadly.

I smile as well.
"Sounds about right."

I take a breath.
"So, if you're ever curious about something about me... I'll do my best to answer any questions you might have."

Kara smiles.
"I'll take you up on that sometime."

I just smile at them. All in all, I feel... more at ease now.

After this very emotional discussion, a comfortable silence creeps up, bringing a natural lapse in conversation with it. I use this pause to stare at yet another beautiful sunset, as the sky is dyed a fiery orange. These people... they really don't care all that much about my background. To them, I'm just me. Not a god, not an emperor, just a man. It may not seem like much to them, but to me... it means the world. I... I don't mind growing closer with them.

As I order my thoughts and feelings, we came closer to the village, as we're just about to reach it. It's bathed in golden light, giving it a mythical air. I glance at Leanna, seeing how the light is caught by her glorious hair, seemingly creating another halo around her. No, bad thoughts, don't get astray again. I speak up before my thoughts can betray me again.
"So, we're heading straight back to Professor Issim?"

Amelia smiles.
"Unless there are objections?"

"Not from my side. But perhaps it would be wise to clear our lodging arrangements beforehand?"

Kara shakes her head.
"No problems there. Mysteriously, this place has an inn. We'll be able to stay there."

Amelia nods.
"Then let us return. There is more I wish to discuss with him."

"Me as well. But still, why does a hidden village have an inn?"

Kara shrugs.
"Don't ask me."

"Huh."

Professor Issim greets us as we return to his hut.
"Welcome back! I see you brought someone new with you. This is...?"

Kara regards him.
"Kara Noir. Pleased to meet you."

"Likewise. I am Professor Issim. Come, I assume we have a fair amount to discuss before sundown."

I smile.
"Indeed we have, Professor."

We enter the hut and get seated on the comfortable and fluffy cushions again. The elder speaks up with energy and curiosity.
"So, how did your visit to the temple go? I trust you were able to perform your experiments?"

I nod.
"There were certainly... unexpected findings."

Amelia nods as well, producing a large scroll of parchment and begins to write.
"Absolutely. I do need to transcribe them, so forgive my inattentiveness."

She says this despite not looking at the page while she records detailed diagrams and notes.

Issim nods.
"Of course."

I glance at her, impressed.
"Do you want me to recount the events in the temple, then, so you can focus on your transcriptions?"

Amelia nods.
"That would be beneficial, I think."

"Alright."
I focus back on Issim.
"So, first things first. Kara here is a skilled archaeologist and treasure hunter, and had the temple already mapped out. She found a secret passage that was peppered with traps, which she also successfully marked. At the end of said tunnel, she stumbled upon a magic barrier, which led to her approaching us."

"I see."
He furrows his wrinkly brows.
"Odd of the Vestans to erect such a barrier. Why would it exist?"

"To protect the Elemental, I presume. After some prodding of the three of us, the barrier revealed its intention in the form of a riddle: 'absolve your world to enter mine'. We deduced that we had to part with our most prized possessions. After we did, we could pass that barrier. On the other side, we found a rather spacious room, with a large... fluffy canine inside. That room also marked the point of the concentrated energy of the temple. And it was there that something... quite unexpected happened."

Zack nods.
"He thinks he saw an elemental."

"I don't think it, I did. But yes, the others couldn't see her. And as if that wouldn't be hard to believe enough, she... uhm... transferred the energy inside that temple into me."

He has listened intently and with scientific focus. And now he speaks with such.
"Interesting. A magical hallucination... but you do seem to be carrying a large amount of magical energy around. I wonder what criteria you filled to be enchanted so?"

"As I was discussing with Amelia earlier, I would refrain from calling it a hallucination... but that would be debating over definitions."
I shake my head.
"Well, from what I saw from the carvings inside that temple, I actually do have a hypothesis."

He arcs a brow.
"Do you?"

I nod, then shift uneasily.
"But first, I should tell you something. I..."

I take a deep breath and glance at Leanna.

Issim seems curious.
"You...?"

But luckily, Leanna answers my wordless call.
'...your choice...not sure...'

'Alright. Well, I trust him, and he has been so helpful, so I want to return that helpfulness.'
I focus back on the Professor.
"I... am not from Terra."

"Oh?"
He leans forward.

"The high energy readings around Meadowhill we mentioned, the temporal rift? That was where I was brought into this world."
I fold my hands under my nose and hold my chin with my thumbs.
"And based on my experience as I was crossing over from my world, as well as the intricate mural inside the fire temple... my hypothesis is that the Elementals brought me into this world to avert some kind of crisis."

He blinks.
"Which mural?"

"The one on the ground, that depicts the five elements working together against a growing darkness. I believe it to be a prophecy."

"It is rare here to hear of prophecies that are not quackery. Is it different where you come from?"

I nod.
"Very much so. There are many prophecies - most of which come true in one form or another."

"Well, the mural at the front depicting the five elements surrounding a darkness... I've looked into that, and if it is a sort of prophecy, it's extremely general. Without any knowledge of what the darkness is supposed to represent, the mural could be depicting any conflict in Esaria's history, or as is suspected by most of the local population, was designed to be able to be interpreted so."

I nod slowly.
"While that is certainly true, there are too many factors aligning for it to be a mere coincidence."

"Could you enlighten me as to what you have seen, then?"

"Well, for one thing, I know that I was brought here intentionally. And when that happened... I felt a faint feeling of hopefulness. As if people from far away were hoping for something. And now, an Elemental appeared - or at least her projection - and imparted the energy of the temple with me? There is a reason behind this. And I am rather certain it has to do with some kind of danger I am supposed to avert - some kind of rising darkness."

"Is there some kind of measurement you took that I could examine that demonstrates this hopefulness?"

I shake my head.
"I'm afraid I don't quite work that way."

"Of course it does. This is magic, after all."

"You see, my magic... is rather different from yours. I am not used to magic being measured in neat units of force. As a matter of fact, the very concept is highly alien to me."

His old, intelligent eyes widen a bit.
"Intriguing. How then can you make any progress with it?"

I pause and ponder the question for a moment. Eventually, I sigh.
"Progress, huh? Yeah, I wonder... My world... isn't the best in that field, I have to admit."

"After all, local examples of cultures that do not measure magic and use a different form of it tend to show very little innovation in it, and are considerably behind even nonmagical civilizations in their understanding of it."

I nod-
"Yes, that is true. And it will hold true for your kind of magic."

"Then again, that might just be that goblins are bad. Evolution really was quite cruel to them..."

"But the thing is, that the magic I am familiar with, is completely different from yours. Even if they share the same core."

"So is theirs."

I shake my head.
"Not what I mean. One example: For you, science and magic study are the same. Because the magic on Terra is neatly structured. It is easily measurable, easy to categorise. Mine is not."

"Neither is theirs."

"You miss my point."

"Do I?"

"The magic they draw upon is still the same, because it is the local magic ambient to Terra."

He blinks.
"Interesting."

"Unless I missed something about them? Hm, might have to observe them again to make sure..."
I shake my head.
"Anyhow. From what I can tell, these goblins have no understanding and no care for order, in whatever form. But your magic is order. For reasons I cannot even fathom, your magic is highly organised. That would make them fundamentally bad at using the magic, because they can't grasp the concept of your magic, even if they are able to draw on the energy."

"They do seem to be drawing on a version of magic distorted by their sensibilities. It is a known fact that magic differs between species that practice it - and one of the leading theories when I left was that there was a 'pure' form no one could access because no species was a blank slate."

I blink.
"You have theories about the Force?"

"If that's what you call it. It is fairly clear that magic is influenced by the wielder as well as the environment, and one idea of the differences between species is that it is more an extension of this than any biological differences. We all draw on the elements, but in different ways and for different reasons, and before humanity discovered more precise ways to shape magic, that was all we had, too. And it did respond - basic spellcraft needs only intent and willpower."

I nod.
"Indeed. And below the elements, there lies the Force. At least here."

He arcs an intrigued brow.
"So you speculate that this is a nested process, and that as elven and human cultures are outgrowths of the use of magic, magic is also an outgrowth of something else?"

I nod once more.
"In a way. The state of your magic was - and still is - a mystery for me to uncover. However, I noticed that the Force I am familiar with - this highly chaotic and whimsical supernatural energy - is present at the very core of Terran magic, lying dormant and passive. My current working hypothesis is that the object below the isle of metal that sends the occasional magical scan somehow caused your magic into this form from the Force energy I know."

"I see. Why is that?"

"Said object is breathing magic, in a way. It is the source of motion of the energy on this planet. And, well, it is the highest anomaly here that would explain why your planet differs so much from the norm I know."

"Hmm..."
He rubs his chin.
"Then, your 'Force' is also an outgrowth of something else?"

I shake my head.
"Not... quite. It would be more fitting to say that everything else is an outgrowth of the Force."

He smirks.
"One thing I've learned in my studies is that you should never count on the world being the way you think it is."

I nod.
"True. I had my beliefs shaken before. However, everything I have learned, discovered and uncovered, leads to this conclusion. The Force is. Everything in existence has traces to the Force, is connected by it."

"Then, what does our strange planet tell you about the Force?"

I lean forward slightly.
"That something incredibly ancient shaped it into the way it is here. That object underneath the metal island... that sword... is older than your entire star system. It holds immeasurable powers even I cannot comprehend fully. And I think that its unique presence has shaped the Force into the current state of magic here, one of organisation, while the Force proper - the chaotic energy with its own will - serves as its foundation."

"And how might that happen? Chaos tends to not become ordered spontaneously."

I shrug.
"Your guess is as good as mine. It could very well be that Terra was formed around that sword, and over the billions of years it has affected the Force in this system... actually, I really should check the state of the galaxy, if the Force is working in the same way there... Could you excuse me for a moment? That was actually something I hadn't considered yet, and it just might give us a clue on to why things are the way they are here."

He nods.
"Of course."

I nod as well.
"Thank you."

I then close my eyes and cross my arms, burying them in the opposite sleeve. If I weren't already sitting cross-legged, I would do that, too. As such, I begin to meditate on this matter. Slowly, my sensory capabilities expand, until I am looking at a galaxy. It seems like a fairly normal spiral galaxy from without. Low presence of spacefaring life when compared to mine, but otherwise it seems normal. Most of these civilizations seem to be mostly pre-Force, actually. What few spacefaring civilizations I encounter lack a major Force religion, and there is no indication that one has ever existed in this galaxy. They are, however, mostly very small civilizations - well before critical mass - before Force users become more than myths and legends.
There are a few quirks about them - without a unified technological base reconstructed from relics, they each work technology that outwardly seems very different, and kinetic weaponry is used alongside missiles, energy weapons, and more esoteric things. Additionally, most of them seem to have invested heavily in orbital habitation.
While the civilisations of the galaxy are very interesting, and I wanted to check them out, too, I was more interested in the Force itself and how it behaves in the greater galaxy. So, let's focus on that now.
The Force seems pointedly absent from most things. While there are a handful of natural nexuses scattered about, the lack of organized usage means that very little can be gleaned about the Force from this galaxy. Underneath, it doesn't seem any different to me from my own galaxy... but that feeling also mostly exists on Terra as well - without it, I couldn't access my powers this easily.
Hmm... a theory forms...
A rather bleak galaxy in terms of Force energy... and one system basically packed to the brim with nexuses of a different energy... What if that sword drew all the energy in this galaxy in and converted it to the Terran magic?
Well, either that or the other species simply haven't begun to use it yet.
At any rate, I have gleaned what I wanted to. Further scrying will reveal nothing as of now.
I return my sensory capabilities back to normal and exit the meditation.
I lift my head and open my eyes.
"Most fascinating."

"What did you find?"
Leanna looks over at me.

"The Terran system is the only really potent nexus of energy in the entire galaxy. Everything else doesn't seem much different from the galaxy I come from."

"Did you find out why that might be?"

"Well, this finding does deepen my assumption that it is due to the sword. Either it drew in most of the Force energy of the galaxy to convert it into the local magic... or the other species are just not far enough to use the Force."

There seems to swing some excitement in her voice.
"I see. Then you did find others in our galaxy? Where?"

I arc a brow.
"Do you want a map?"

Her expression falters.
"Uh..."

"They're scattered across the galaxy. Very little spacefaring presence, so it seems that the species are all rather young as well. Similar to Terra, give or take a few thousand years."

I did notice one or two other civilizations on Force nexuses - and one strange Force nexus world - but nothing that conclusively proves that the sword is drawing power from elsewhere in the galaxy.

"All in all, it's not quite possible for me to deduce how these other civilisations will interact with the Force when they get there, but as of now, no other world in this galaxy has the magic Terra and its system has."

"And you could tell this without tools?"
Issim seems curious.

I nod.
"Yes. You see, my senses... are very capable. In a meditation, I can scry to far-away places - looking through my mind's eye, so to speak."

"And what are the limitations?"

I blink.
"Good question, actually. I haven't tried to reach my new limits recently. Looking at the local galaxy at a large is not a problem... I wonder how much farther I can scry?"

"Why not tell us more about what is happening on a world that interests you, then?"

I tilt my head.
"What is happening on a world that interests me, huh?"

Then I smile.
"Well, some people close to me just visited an ancient temple and are now talking to a very kind and curious elder gentleman."

He exhales quickly, a warm smile on his face.
"How about one that isn't right where you can see it?"

"Oh, so another world that isn't Terra, hm? You should have clarified that."
I smile good-naturedly.
"Well, let's see... there are actually some people developing on some other Force nexuses... might be worth observing them a bit more closely. I would have to meditate again, however."

He waves with his hand.
"Go ahead."

I nod and close my eyes, entering my meditative position from earlier again. Then, once my senses expand again, I go to look at that civilisation I saw on a Force nexus.
From afar, I can perceive a jungle world seemingly similar to Odessen in superficial respects, and a young spacefaring world locked in conflict around a world that seems to grant special abilities to those born on its surface. Both of these definitely host civilizations in some stage of pre-hyperspace development.
There is also an ice world, which does not obviously harbour life, but seems strange to me. It is also some sort of nexus.

I take a closer look at the world with its spacefaring capabilities. Why are they seemingly locked in a conflict? It seems that this civilization was born on a world with a neighbour. Their home, a warmer temperate world, is ringed with clouds of soot and ash as well as clouds, and distributed space warfare occurs sporadically throughout the solar system. Based on what I can glean from the local Force presence, they are fighting over the further planet, a colder but still green world that is strong in the Force. It is both tempting as a colony, and seems to grant abilities to those native to its local space.
How interesting. And also sad. War... truly is everywhere... speaking of which, I could try to test my limits a bit. The first thing I would want to know is, can I see my own galaxy from here? ...No. At least, not right now. Perhaps if I removed some limiters, but at the moment I cannot be certain.
Ah, right. Still, though, that I can even see an entire galaxy with my highly limited powers is quite a feat in itself. Well, I have gleamed enough to hopefully sate Issim's curiosity. As such, I retreat out of the meditation.
After a moment, I open my eyes and lift my head again.
"Well, that was something. War... war never changes, it seems..."

He regards me with curiosity.
"What is it?"

I sigh.
"There is one civilisation that has slow spacefaring capabilities. As in, they can move around in their local solar system. There are several habitable worlds, and they seem to fight over one planet that is a Force Nexus and would make a good colony, never mind that it seems to give special abilities to the people born there."

"I see."
Leanna frowns sadly.

I put a hand on her shoulder reassuringly.
"I'm sorry..."

She focuses my thoughts back to the conversation.
"What made that interesting to you, though?"

"Well, there aren't many civilisations around developing on a Nexus. Their signs of space travel mark them as a possible threat that needed to be assessed more closely. And, well, as someone... intimately familiar with warfare, I wanted to see in detail of why they fight."

"Did you find anything else?"

"Hmm, let's see..."
I analyse my observations of the system in more detail. Firstly, this species seems to use kinetics and energy weapons simultaneously in different roles. A lack of access to Tibanna Gas has resulted in heavy investment in true laser weaponry rather than plasma-assisted blasters I am familiar with. Kind of like long-range laser cutters. These do not have the punch of turbolasers, and are especially ineffective against armour, but are excellent at swatting lightly-armoured targets from the sky, like missiles and small craft. Meanwhile, kinetics form the backbone of ship-to-ship armaments, and even though ships engage across distances that take several seconds for these rounds to cross, they are the kings of capital weaponry in the system. Then, there are the missiles. Chem rockets and... those are atomic weapons. Missile carriers seem to carry dozens of kiloton-scale fission warheads for space combat and ground bombardment.
I blink, then blink again.
"Huh... that's... that's something."

Notably, this civilization does not employ energy shields either.
I shiver.
"How... brutal..."

Finally, there are drones. The species seems to favour small, autonomous attack craft deployed at extreme range, trusting in speed and a small profile to avoid kinetics. Basically droid starfighters. Further, all ships possess exposed radiators to vent excess heat, and utilize a variety of primitive drive techniques, from exotic chem rocketry to fission power to something like ion drive... but slow.
Their form of space combat seems very different from the doctrines employed in my galaxy - even the largest ships emphasize speed, small profile, and three-dimensional manoeuvres. Battles are typically fought either in steps lasting minutes as ships pass each other's orbits, or at extreme range with missiles and drones. Very rarely does one fleet match speed with another to engage in a prolonged slugfest. Well, without shields, they wouldn't survive for long, anyways.
"But... I suppose different places do breed different ideas..."

The planet they are fighting over doesn't seem too outwardly special in the physical sense. However, it does seem that individuals born on or in the orbit of this world exhibit special characteristics reminiscent of Jedi or Sith. Enhanced reflexes and predictive capabilities, an eye for unique tactics, and limited telepathic and telekinetic abilities. Both sides of this conflict employ these individuals, and they tend to slot into one of several roles.
Astrodynamics - the navigation of or communication with other spaceships.
Kinetics - offensive or defensive use of telekinesis during a space battle.
Or lastly, Captainship - directing a vessel or fleet primarily using their tactical and situational awareness.
Though most do a bit of everything, specialization has emerged. Interesting. Just like the first Jedi did, once they left Tython...
Notably, these people are treated mostly normally, except when being deferred to for their unique insights.
"Huh..."

I glance back up, focusing on my surroundings instead of my thoughts and memories. Leanna waits patiently for her answer.

I do not wish to make her wait any longer.
"Well, there are certainly some... interesting things about that society. For one, their entire doctrine of warfare is completely different from the one I'm used to. I think it might be more in line with what you are used to - to not be hit first and foremost."

She nods and hums.
"Mhmm."

Force, is that a beautiful sound. No, don't get distracted!
"They use energy weapons different than blasters or dischargers - more like spooned up laser cutters, which are only good as point defence. They mostly use kinetics as anti-ship weapons... and missiles. Crude chemical missiles... with..."
I shiver.
"...nuclear payloads."

She blinks.
"Huh? What is that?"

I blink as well.
"What? Missiles, or nuclear payloads?"

She nods.
"Yes."

"Ah. Of course... you don't have that kind of artillery yet..."
I scratch my cheek.
"Well, missiles are basically guided projectiles. Generally explosive. They have a long range, but are the largest type of projectile and are relatively slow and easy to shoot down. Well, at least compared to kinetics or energy rounds, that is."

Actually, in that system, they are very fast in comparison to kinetics, but they also are larger, and more prone to being shot. Quite different to those I'm used to. Probably should note that, too.
"Or, well, that is at least how it is in my galaxy. In that system, the missiles can actually reach speeds faster than their kinetic rounds. And, well, a nuclear payload is a kind of explosive charge. It... utilises the splitting of atoms to create large amounts of heat and radiation - very destructive forces. Very deadly, too... It's... so volatile that my galaxy moved away from them as soon as possible..."

"Oh."

I nod grimly.
"And given how these people do not have energy shields... the effects of even a single missile hitting home... are devastating..."

"Oh..."
Her gaze droops down, her bright eyes dimmed.

I hesitatingly reach out a hand to hold hers, gently rubbing a thumb over the back of her hand.

She smiles slightly at the gesture, but still, her heart is elsewhere. Somewhere far away, among the stars.

I don't know what else to do to reassure her, because frankly, I have no method to stop their conflict realistically. Neither do I know what else I could do or say to make her feel better. That eventually the war will end? Given my experience, it doesn't.

Just as I ponder what to say, she speaks up herself, her voice sounding a bit shaky.
"Was it... valuable, at least? What you saw?"

"Well, there are certainly things that can be learned and applied in my own galaxy."
I gaze at her with a soft expression.
'I want to hug you really badly right now and reassure you... somehow... but I can't, can I?'

Her thoughts sound a bit confused.
'...why no...'

'...because we're in a room with the others? Or do you want me to just come over you and hug you while everyone is watching? Last time, you didn't...'

'...no...maybe another time...'
She smiles slightly.
'...thank...remember...'

I return the smile.
'Always.'

Well, it's not like I could forget, anyways. But as I notice that I am beginning to stare, I tear my gaze away and look at Issim.
"Ahem. But, it seems that you... believe me?"

He wears a contemplating expression.
"I think what you are saying is strange, and would like to understand how you come to say it."

"Hm, fair enough. But it's easy, though. I saw it."
I tilt my head.
"Or what exactly is unclear? I would gladly try to explain it better."

"How you saw it."

"Well, using the Force. A Force user can, when meditating, use his supernatural senses to perceive the world outside of the natural senses. It requires practice, of course, but it is doable."

"And how does that work?"

I blink, then chuckles softly.

"You aren't going to answer, I see."

It seems he took my amusement the wrong way.
"Oh, sorry, that's not it. You just reminded me of dear Amelia here for a second. Well, I suppose I could try to explain the process to you... but it would sound like esoteric hocus pocus to you, I'd assume."

"Perhaps."

"After all, the principles of the Force I use run quite contrary to the ways of your magic."

"So you've told us. Well, I shall not bother you further on this."

I smile.
"It's alright. I don't mind talking about it at all. The Force is one topic I am rather knowledgeable about, after all. I just think that I'm not necessarily the best teacher, especially given how... strange my views must be for you."

"Indeed."

I falter.
"Could it be... did I offend you in any way?"

"I don't believe so?"
He raises an eyebrow.

"Oh, good. Your answers were growing increasingly short, so I was getting worried..."
My smile picks up.
"Seems like I must've read too much into it."

He smiles kindly.
"If you are insecure, know that Embermyst welcomes those who do not believe they have anywhere to be. It is not, perhaps, as isolated as stories would tell you."

I arc an amused brow.
"Is that why they have an inn?"

"It's just that most people who would want to find it don't want to leave it once they've found a place beyond the kingdoms."

I sigh with a sad smile.
"While... I can't deny the fact that I have yet to find a real place where I feel like I belong... I do have to find a way back to my galaxy eventually."

He smiles sympathetically.
"Well, at the very least, I hope you feel welcome in the homes of the Ancients. They might be quite distraught if you did not, if their scriptures are any indication."

I arc a brow.
"There were rather plenty of death traps in that home for me to feel welcome in."

"What about comfortable places?"

"Hmm?"

"Places that aren't death traps."

"Hmm... I assume the room where the Elemental greeted me could once have been quite comfortable... if it weren't so decayed. But what did you mean with their scriptures? Actually, would you mind telling me, err, us, a bit more about the Elementals?"

He smiles.
"Of course. What do you wish to know?"

"Yes."

"Alright then, what would you like to know about first?"
The smile on his face widens, however.

"Well, I know virtually nothing of them as of now. Only that they were around sometime before the Empire, and had apparently taught humans how to use magic. And that they apparently had religions based on them, as such were worshipped as deities or something. So, who exactly were they? Where did they come from, and why were they here?"

"Well, as you are in the one surviving centre of elemental worship, expect more well-preserved information about them - or at least better-preserved religious texts. Even the resources in Embermyst aren't enough to satisfy my curiosity, but I do think it makes sense that they did exist in some form. What form that is, unfortunately, is lost to me - and was likely lost on the young civilizations that first transcribed these myths."

I nod.
"I noticed the depictions of at least the fire elemental in the temple. Would it help if I showed an image of how she appeared to me?"

"Potentially. In myths she is described as a lady, of scarlet complexion."

"That's about accurate."
I reach out a hand for the dramatic flair, and a life-sized illusion of the fire elemental appears standing to the side of the room.

Kara looks the elemental over.
"If you imagined this, you might have a more... active mind than I thought. Interesting."

Leanna blushes.

I blink.
"As I said, I did not imagine her."

Then I blink again.
"But given your wording, and Leanna's reaction, I'm missing something again, don't I?"

She nods.
"Yep. It's why I don't think you imagined her."

Issim smiles.
"Now now, let us not tease him. So, she seems to trust that you are telling the truth at least."

"Indeed."
I smile at her.
"I am most grateful for that."

I then focus back on Issum.
"And, from what I felt from her appearance, I'd say that her getting here is quite an ordeal for her. She might be from even farther away from here than my world is."

He rubs his chin.
"Interesting."

I put a hand on my chin as well.
"Given how strained her already limited projection was, even with this amount of power at her disposal... I can't even rule out the possibility of her coming from a different plane."

He blinks.
"'Plane'?"

"You know, plane of existence. Other words may be a different dimension or something. Or, while unrelated, she may also come from a different universe altogether."

"You mean another universe?"

I shake my head.
"No, those two are unrelated, I think."

He arcs a brow.
"Then are you referring to another direction?"

"In a metaphysical sense of the word."
I scratch my cheek.
"The way I understand it, a universe can have several planes, or dimensions to it. So far, we know of Real Space, Hyperspace, and the Cosmic Force. But since our knowledge on other universes is... pretty much non-existent, it can't be ruled out that those different planes can be, in fact, different universes altogether."

"I see. How interesting."

"So, back to the Elementals... what were they like?"

"Well, according to legend they were scholars and governors, and took a generally hands-off approach to affairs on Terra even when they were here. On issues of magic, their purpose was to guide mankind until all who wanted to could use it."

"Huh. Sounds like kind people... is it known why they left?"

"No. One day the bells tolled and beacons lit, and then they never were again."

"Hm. How curious."
I draw a hand to my chin, my brows furrowing in thought. I think to myself that I should visit Nar Shaddaa the next time I have the opportunity to. It's been a long time since I last visited my cult. I hope they're doing alright...
Anway, elementals.
"Well... the problem is that their last appearance has been ages, hasn't it? I wish I could ask them myself, but their strained projection doesn't allow for any conversation..."

"Shortly after their departure - about hundred fifty years - Kairos began her great campaign."

I blink.
"Just to clarify, you mean that Kairos began her campaign hundred fifty years after their departure, yes?"

"Yes."

I nod.
"Okay, good. Actually, I don't have much knowledge on that period of time, either. I only saw the enrapturing windows in the Mage Academy."

He smiles slightly in remembrance.
"Ah, those. Quite pretty things, informative as well."

I nod again.
"Indeed. Beautiful to behold, and enough to give an outline of the history. Even if I couldn't read the plaques at the time. Thus, I wouldn't mind some more information on the Empire's history - Kairos in particular."

I then glance around.
"But of course, that is not a priority right now. I feel like I'm hogging all your attention here..."

"No, I have always enjoyed teaching."

I smile slightly.
"I assume that is a trend among you professors."

"Somewhat. But which would you like to hear about first? I recall we were talking about the elementals - something far fewer people in this room know about."

"Right. They're the main concern right now, after all. Thus, do you have more to add? Because I do not, I've told you everything about my encounter with her."

"Well, one thing that may be of interest to you are the fact that temples like that one exist for each of the respective elements. If you are interested in further studying the temporal rifts and the elementals - which I suspect you are - that is an option."

"Right. I do believe those temples were our next goals, but we are unaware of their locations. Do you happen to have further information on those?"

"I'm afraid I don't know much off the top of my head. The notes I made since coming here would probably be of more assistance."
He begins to dig through pages of detailed and obdurate notes.

"No rush, take your time."
I lean back and suppress a yawn.

Soon, he finds what he is looking for, and flips through it. He then begins to speak in incomprehensible science lingo applied to Force energy through concepts that I haven't learned.
I look on with a very intrigued, but also very lost expression. Eventually, I glance over to Amelia.
"Amelia, analysis."

Amelia quickly becomes invested in what the professor is saying, effectively ignoring me.

I then sigh, resigned to the fate of being ignored. Instead, I glance over to the woman I love, curious to see if she understands what Issim is talking about.
Leanna also looks somewhat lost, catching fragments of what they're saying, but appears largely unable to comprehend their discussion as well.

After I suppress another yawn, I speak up.
"Actually, since I seem to be no longer needed here, I might have to take my leave. I need the rest to put my plan for tomorrow into motion."

They smile at me. Leanna stands.
"I think I want to turn in as well. This is very interesting, but a bit beyond my scope as a mage. Theoretical Spell Flow Dynamics is... only a hobby. For me, at least."

The professor nods.
"I understand. Not everyone has the time or patience for something not terribly relevant to the modern practice of magic."

"And I'm lacking the basics to understand what you're talking about. Rather unnerving for me, to be honest."
I stand up as well in one fluid motion.
"Would you be willing to host us, but specifically me tomorrow again, Professor Issim?"

"Of course. I always love having someone to talk to."
He smiles.
"In that regard, Embermyst and the Academy both are incredible places."

I smile slightly.
"Well, I doubt I'll be very talkative tomorrow, though."

"Perhaps. You are welcome regardless."

I nod.
"Thank you. You see, your place has a very calm energy to it, which makes it perfect for meditation. That should allow me to pull off my plan without a hitch."

"'Plan'?"
He quirks an eyebrow, but then waves it off.
"Ah, you need sleep. If you don't want to explain, don't."

I smile.
"I don't mind. One minute more or less won't make the difference now, anyways."

"Well, what do you intend to do, then?"

"I did mention I wanted to clear the Forest of Sorrows and free the trapped souls there, yes? Well, I worked out a plan."

He smiles.
"And you intend to execute it? Excellent."

I nod.
"Yes. I am certain it will succeed. And that you wouldn't be able to tell."

"Even better. As long as the forest discourages outsiders, the people here will be fine, I think."

I shake my head.
"Not quite. The trick must be that the entire spell won't be perceived as different from before. Otherwise, mages might take note, and the Academy might get involved. But, well, I'm willing to explain my plan in more detail tomorrow morning, as I'm beginning to feel rather tired. If you'd excuse me. I wish all of you a good night."

A chorus of 'goodnights' ring out, with varying degrees of cheerfulness. I can only smile at that, and the warm feeling blooming in my chest, as I turn around to leave and glance over to Leanna.

She smiles, preparing to leave with me.
"Let's find that inn. I'll get everyone a room."

"Good idea. Let's go."

We depart. The evening is beginning to darken to night, and streams of twilight roll over the mountains.
I look at the scene in wonder.

Leanna smiles at the sky as the violet road comes into view.

I step a bit closer to her, my gaze still fixed on the sky.

Her soft voice comes from my side, gracing my ears.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?"

I glance at her in emphasis.
"Incredibly so."

Her smile turns towards me.

"But your radiance aside... I don't think I could ever grow used to the beauty of your world."
I smile softly.
"Everywhere I look, I see beauty in the detail, or the larger things, like the dusks and dawns. Truly a garden world, if I've ever seen one."

"It seems to make you happy, at least."
She hums to herself.
"Me too."

"Well, part of my current peace of mind stems from the exceptional company I have."
I check my surroundings with my other senses, making sure if there are other people around. Nope, not really. Perfect.

I then close the distance between us and wrap Leanna in a warm embrace.

She snakes her own arms around me with a bright warmth on her face.

"...finally..."
I rest my head on her shoulder.
"I love and cherish you very much, Leanna. And I've had the urge to tell you again ever since... earlier."

She glances up at me through her long eyelashes.
"Earlier?"

"When I told you that I wanted to hug you."

"Ah."
She smiles into my neck.

Her warm breath tickles my neck, which makes me shiver... unpleasantly.
"Uhm... Leanna...?"

"Oh!"
She moves her head.

I smile slightly, and sadly.
"Sorry... and thank you... for remembering."

"It's alright."

"I know that... if I'll ever feel comfortable with someone being near around my neck... it will be you."

"If ever you want to try something like that, tell me. I'd love to help break this hold your captors still have on you."

I smile slightly.
"Thank you. But I think it will happen naturally. Sometime. Eventually... when I have no more reservations with you."

My smile widens and turns dreamily, as a slight blush begins to dust my cheeks.
"I can actually already picture it..."

I sigh.
"A lovely future indeed. I sure hope it will come true..."

As I return my focus on the here and now, she is smiling brightly at me. I am rendered speechless, as even the wondrous sunset pales in comparison to Leanna's radiant smile, and I begin to get lost in her eyes, which seem to shimmer with care.

"Hope. That's what I've always wanted. For most of my life as a child, I didn't have enough. No one else should have that - hope should be a part of everyone's lives."
She smiles passionately.
"That, at least, is needed."

I nod almost absentmindedly.
"Yes... Ahem. Well... it almost feels foreign to even dare to have hope again... but I like this feeling. But more than that, I like the feeling of being in love with you."

Somewhere, in the darkest crevice of my mind, an annoyed groan goes unheard and ignored.

"And I can only shiver in anticipation when thinking about how it would be when I have not only earned your care and compassion, but your love as well."

"Well..."
She blushes.
"...I have considered that in abstract. But... as a Mage-Knight, I haven't had time for it."

"Understandable. However... how is it... now?"

"There was always space - I just needed someone who could travel with me and be beyond my parents. And... I was afraid. But that is for another day."
She gets slightly colder for an instant before warming again.

I gently rub her shoulder.
"Afraid? I won't push you, but you know you can talk with me about that if you want to, right?"

"...Another time."

I nod understandingly.
"Of course."

Then, I smile slightly.
"Well, but then I do fulfil your criteria, don't I?"

She smiles again, if only slightly.
"Absolutely."

"Hmm..."
I sigh. Instead of saying anything, I just bury myself further into our embrace.

Her fingers move over me, movements obviously derived from her knowledge of what helps me relax.

We stay a moment like this, a moment of bliss for me, that I force myself to end.
"Well... we should probably go and get some dinner, huh?"

She nods.
"Yeah, sounds good. Let's get some food."

I smile at her as we part the embrace.
"Glad we're on the same page."

She nods again, and then begins leading me towards the restaurant.

"And I'm also glad you know the way."
I smile bemusedly.
"Without you, I truly would be lost."

She returns the smile.
"Well, you managed to find your way adequately before you stumbled this way."

"Perhaps."
I shrug.
"On a different note, what was Issim talking about earlier? Theoretical Spell Flow Dynamics... was it?"

"Yep. Fairly advanced magic theory. It's not about the ways magic flows naturally, but all the ways it can flow. There's a lot of ways magic can flow in a spell, and Spell Flow Dynamics is about memorizing... all of them, and then applying that knowledge in figuring out which is exactly the right one for the spell you are making."

"Oh? That sounds rather interesting indeed. So, it's basically about finding the most effective way to structure the energy flow of a spell?"

"Essentially. And once you know a lot of them, you can start putting them together. After all, flow is point to point, and spellcraft has a lot of points."

"Huh."
I smile slightly.
"Once I learn your way of magic, this course sounds to be right up my alley. After all, I'm rather good at memorising things."

I then glance to the gravel ground.
"A bit too good, perhaps..."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"I have an eidetic memory. It is impossible for me to forget anything naturally. It... has its ups and downs."

"Sounds accurate."
She squeezes my hand.

I smile at her.
"I mean, on one hand, I never forget anything."

Then, my smile drops.
"But on the other hand, I never forget anything."

"Yeah..."

"Yeah... But hey... that also means that I'll never forget the tiny things you like, too."
I smile lovingly at her.

She returns the smile. Not quite as lovingly, but it is actually very close.

I blush at that.
"L-Leanna..."

"Yes?"
She keeps smiling.

"D-do you r-realise the w-way... you are s-smiling... c-currently?"

"Hmm?"

"It's... r-rather... l-lovingly... S-similar to... how I smile... c-close to it, even..."

She quirks a brow.
"Oh? How is that?"

A mirror appears between us, allowing Leanna to see her own reflection, and compare her current smile to mine.
"Is this a problem?"

"Well, not directly... but..."
I take a breath, calming my racing heart.
"I smile at you like that because I love you, Leanna. Is that... your reason as well?"

"Oh... right. And it is. But that hasn't changed for several days."

I blink.
"What?"

"Not that way."
She blushes and looks away.
"Not yet."

I droop.
"I... see..."

I sigh.
"I can't get it, can I? Each time... I get my hopes up for nothing..."

She frowns, before giving me a soft kiss on the forehead.
"You don't get to blame yourself for hoping, Xerath. Hope is beautiful."

"Not when it's crushed, it's not."
I blush at the kiss regardless. The way her divinely soft lips feel against my skin, the way warmth spreads from the point of contact... How can one person be so perfect?
"I... know that you just need time, I know. But... even so... I can't help but hope that each new sign that you're more comfortable and affectionate with me is the sign you're ready to accept and return my feelings... and then I'm disappointed when that's not the case..."

"Well, that can be a problem when you hyperfocus."

"Yeah... and hyperfocus tends to be my normal state of being..."

"So, do you have anything else you've always wanted to do, that might move you away from blaming yourself for my choices?"

"Not... really... I never thought so far ahead, to be honest. A time and place where I would be able to live peacefully with a great woman were just distant dreams..."
I sigh.
"So, let's just get that food. I'm growing hungry, and don't want my stomach to begin to growl."

"Alright then. But don't complain if I take matters into my own hands again to find something you'll enjoy."

I smile slightly.
"Please do. As I have no idea of what even the possibilities of close relationships are... I wouldn't know myself what I would like or not."

"Don't you worry."
She beams at me one last time, before she continues towards the inn.

I smile and shake my head, muttering to myself.
"And she wonders how so many people fell for her..."
Then, I follow her and fall in step next to her.

She glances at me from the side.
"Hmm? Did you say something?"

I contemplate telling her.
"Hmm... would you like to know?"

"Perhaps. If you wish to tell me."

"I don't exactly mind. You see, I just found it amusing how you wondered how so many people fell for you, even before me."

"Oh?"
She blinks.

I smile slightly.
"I believe we had that discussion before?"

"Ah, yes."
Then she blushes again.
"Yes..."

"But I'm kind of glad you didn't realise it before me pointing it out."

Despite her coloured cheeks, she smiles amusedly.
"Hmm, I wonder why..."

"Well, I think I would be quite upset- no, wrong word... devastated if I were to meet you, fall in love almost instantly, and then learn that you already have a significant other."

She rubs my hair.
"Well, it's a good thing for you that that didn't happen."

I lean into her touch.
"Indeed. Though I also feel... something about the fact you turned so many heads in the past already."

"Hmm?"

"It's... a complicated feeling."

She tilts her head most cutely.
"How so?"

"Well, on one hand, I'm... happy and proud of you, to know that other people recognise just what blessing you truly are. On the other hand, however... I'm... not sure how to describe it... but I don't like the fact that there were others seeing you in this light."

"Jealousy?"

I blink.
"Jealous? Me?"

I ponder this for a moment.
"Actually... yeah... that could be it."

She sounds surprised.
"Have you not been jealous before?"

I shake my head.
"No. Not that I would know of. I certainly never felt like this. So no, I don't think I ever was jealous before."

"Huh. I guess you didn't have much to feel jealous about."

"Indeed."

"But now you're jealous of other people for... getting to look at me?"

"Not quite... more like, for getting to know you enough to fall for you, and for them having had your attention and care..."

"Could I berate your subconscious a bit?"

"Uhm... sure?"

She gazes directly into my eyes.
"How could I have gotten through to you in the way I did if I wasn't also able to thaw warmer hearts?"

"Well, I fell in love with you even before you were this affectionate with me."

"Why is that?"

"Because you're perfect."
I blink, realising what I said.
"Uhm... I mean... the fact you helped me out... that fact alone... that you chose to help this one random, weird guy running away from a pango of all things... when everyone else I ever knew - aside from Kory, maybe - would have had no qualms to leave me standing there."

"And would not someone willing to take the strangest man in the world in not also be able to form bonds with other people?"
She smirks.
"Setting aside the fact that I find your strangeness exciting."

"Yes. Exactly why I'm also proud of you. It's... conflicting. But at the core... I think I just want you all to myself..."

"To what extent?"

"Yes."

She blinks.
"Describe it."

I scratch my cheek.
"Well, I mean... I do want to settle down somewhere at the edge of civilisation with you. I wouldn't mind if it were just you and me on some remote world, even."

"I... wouldn't like that. At least a nearby town. As much as I like you, one person isn't enough to talk to."

"Hmm... That is how you feel? I see..."
I smile slightly.
"But hey, with me, you get two people at once to talk to."

"It's how most people would feel, I think. Contact with others is... important."
She smiles.
"That's true."

"I don't care about contact with others as much as meaningful contact with one or a few people."

"Then I suppose you don't need the town, but I assume there will be things to do in it."

I shrug.
"Perhaps. Though there wouldn't be anything I couldn't virtually do on my own, either. ...aside from cooking, perhaps..."

"That's alright. It can be fun to let someone else do things sometimes."

"Hm... I'm not so sure about that..."

She smirks.
"You might find some interesting things out if you just let someone move."

There is a slight brush against my side, and I can't be sure if I imagined it.
"For example, maybe you just don't like any of the food you've eaten, but food you do like exists and you've never seen it before."

I shrug again.
"It's not that I like or don't like food - it's that I don't care."

I then regard her with a loving expression.
"And if there really would be food out there that I'd like and care about... I'm quite sure that it would be cooked by you."

"Exactly. And all you need to do is let me work on you until I find it."

I smile shyly.
"Well... if you want to put in the work... I can hardly decline that, can I?"

She smiles brightly.
"There we go. And I'm sure there'd be some things I'd enjoy letting you work uninterrupted on."

"Well, there is not a single thing I can think of that would not be enhanced by your presence. But that only goes for you."

"Well, that's love for you. Weird."

"Hm? It is?"

"Yep. Love is weird."

"Huh."
I ponder that sentence.
"I suppose that's true. I mean, just meeting you has completely shifted my priorities around."

"I think I more just helped you realize that what you wanted was an option. A happy, peaceful life with someone you care about."

I arc a brow.
"Well, before, I wanted to do everything in my power to make the galaxy a better place. Now, I want to do everything in my power to make you happy. Specifically you."

She only smiles.
"Well, you're already doing a good job."

I smile widely.
"Really? I'm glad. Because you have quite quickly become the most important thing in my life, Leanna. I love you more than anything else."

"You know what?"

"Hm?"
I wonder what she has to say.

"I hope that isn't true one day. Not because you love me less, but because you love everything else more."

I look down.
"Then I don't know... but I doubt that hope of yours will become true. I could imagine coping with the loss of everything in my life... but not you."

She gazes at me, slightly sad, but still terribly caring.

I then smile slightly, not wanting to dampen her spirit.
"But who knows what will come? You already have a way of exceeding my expectations."

We enter the inn, and she gets us a meal.
"I know. That's what gives me hope."

I sit down at a table and smile at her.
"So, you give hope even to yourself?"

"Yes. Hope isn't a finite resource, like steel. There's as much of it as we can make. And when you give it away, it has a way of returning to you."

"Huh..."
I glance down.
"Well, I'm glad you have that mentality. My mileage varied, though."

"That's because just as hope can be created from nothing, it can also be destroyed."

"Indeed."

"And you met a lot of people who liked to do that."

"Yeah... and even more who did so unintentionally."

She starts eating.
"And yet you can still hope. You have a forge in your heart Xerath - it just needs fixing."

I start as well.
"Well, now I have a reason to live - and hope - again. Without one, having the other is... rather difficult."

"That's true."

"Which is just one of the many reasons I am grateful to -and for - you."
I smile slightly as I put another bit of food in my mouth.

She smiles in response, but we mostly eat in silence after it.

I don't mind this. Well, mostly. When I finish my portion, however, I speak up again.
"I just hope I can go tonight without my mind being pierced again."

She blinks up at me, apparently having been lost in thought herself.
"Huh? Oh, your friend. Do you expect interruptions?"

"No, not really. But I didn't expect that yesterday, either."

"Hmm..."

I arc a brow as she hums.
"What is it?"

"Isn't the Force supposed to give you visions? Like, according to you."

I nod.
"Yes, when it wants to. Why?"

"When do they happen?"

I shrug.
"Seemingly at random. Sometimes when entering certain areas, sometimes some unspecific amount of time before an important event. So, when they do happen, I know it is important, and relevant to something that is currently going on. But I cannot predict when they happen."

"Huh."

"Why are you asking?"

"I was curious about it. See, I'm still not certain whether what you have is very advanced pericognition or not."

"Huh. I see. I would heavily lean to 'no', but I won't force my beliefs onto you. By the way... now with another member to the group, what are our sleeping arrangements going to be?"

"I don't know... I guess it will depend on what sort of rooms we can find."

"True. Then I suppose we should ask the innkeeper, no?"

"Do you want me to do that now, or would you rather continue to stare into my eyes?"

"I-I wasn't... Not... this time..."

She smiles at me.

I flush at the accusation.
"But... uhm... as much as I enjoy... gazing into your eyes... I am growing rather tired..."

She stands.
"Alright, I'll go see."

I smile at her.
"Thanks."

And my gaze follows her as she walks away. Force... the way she moves... grace and love in every step, every tiny motion of even her hair. And given my... distraught thoughts today - courtesy of Kara - I even pay attention to details I otherwise wouldn't. It gives me again that weird emotion of enjoying what I see, and feeling very inappropriate for seeing it.
And yet, unbidden, my imagination produces another vision. A Leanna not just okay with, but actively revelling in my attention. A Leanna with her lips teasingly close, because she intends to move closer. In not but her gambeson, she presses into me.

Critical core temperature has been reached. Metaphorical steam comes out of my ears as my face burns hot with a searing blush.
"Ah..."
I bury my face in my hands, desperately trying to dispel those thoughts.

Eventually, real Leanna returns, and waves in front of my face.
"They only have a few rooms, so we're all staying in the same one, Xerath. Xerath?"

I peek out from my hands.
"Y-y-yes?"

"We have one room. You okay?"

"...noo... I'm embarrassed..."

"Oh no."
She sits beside me.
"What happened?"

"...my thoughts... betrayed me... once more..."

"Can I help take your mind off it, or not?"

"...You kind of are the thing that is on my mind..."

"Yeah... sorry about that..."

She sounds dejected, making me blink, and finally removing the hands from my face.
"Why are you apologising?"

Her full lips are pursed in a slight frown.
"I'm making your life harder."

"First and foremost, you are making my life better."
Then, I sigh.
"However, I cannot deny that you also make things harder... you and Kara are insistent that those thoughts and feelings are natural... but they certainly don't feel so..."

I glance away, unable to look her in the eyes.
"You are just so... perfect. When I look at you, I get all sorts of thoughts... of what I'd want to do with you... of what I'd want you to do with me... but they are so embarrassing! And... not something that is befitting of our current situation..."

She finishes her meal and smiles softly.
"Well, they say anticipation has an effect on appreciation."

I sigh.
"Doesn't help that I do not have much patience to go around, though..."

I gaze her intently in the eye.
"I'm constantly torn between just grabbing you and ki-kissing you... and holding myself back because I know that you don't want that..."

She ruffles my hair.
"And you're doing very well."

She may notice that my bang moved as it naturally should, shining some light on the usually covered cheek.

"Thanks... but that task was difficult enough, even without my thoughts going haywire."
I glance down.
"I'm... scared I'll lose my patience and do something you'd hate..."

She smiles reassuringly.
"I believe in you. You'll do okay."

I look up at her and smile slightly.
"Well, that both reassures me and makes me want to grab you even more."

She shrugs, smiling playfully.
"You win some you lose some."

I just sigh.
"I suppose... Still, though, I'd appreciate it if-"
I cut myself off.

"If what?"

I shake my head.
"No, it's alright... I don't want to put even more pressure on you..."

She smiles.
"Alright. Let's get you some rest."

I yawn.
"That... sounds good. I guess absorbing plenty of energy really takes it out of you, huh?"

"I trust you there. Don't really have personal experience."

I yawn again.
"Yeah. I have enough of it for the two of us, though. But aside from the fact it is true, the humorous tone kind of was lost, wasn't it?"
I'm a bit disappointed my pun didn't land.

She helps me up.
"You're just tired. Come on, I'll get you all the hugs you need."

I stand up with her, though I do the heavy lifting myself.
"All the hugs I need? That will take a while."

"Then why don't we get started?"
She leads me to the room - a hut branching off of the inn.
There are mattresses laid out in a circle.

I blink, then, my eyes widen. I take a step back in surprise.

Leanna immediately notices. Of course she notices.
"What is it?"

I take a deep breath. Due to our proximity, I'm sure she can feel me trembling subtly.
"It's... I just... haven't seen such a... layout... for a long time..."

My eyes dart around.
"Though... it's good... there aren't any bars... I s-suppose..."

She guides me in, slowly and calmly.
"It's going to be okay."

The closer we get, the rougher my breathing becomes.
"Is it...? I... maybe... I think... perhaps... just sleep outside..."

"Alright then. I can join you if you want."

I look at her, surprised.
"...you sure...? ...don't want to... inconvenience you..."

She nods decisively.
"I'm sure. I've dealt with worse for less pressing things than a friend panicking."

I nod shakily.
"Then... thank you..."

I wrap around her closely.
"Thank you... so much..."

She returns the embrace, and I feel a bit more at ease almost instantly.
"It's alright. I'll find the others and give them the key, then we can set up somewhere you're comfortable, okay?"

I squeeze her tighter.
"No! Uhm... I mean... please don't leave..."

"We need to get it to them..."

"I can just port it over to them?"

She blinks.
"Oh, that works. Do that."
She nods.

"Alright."
I nod relieved.

She hands me the keys as we leave the room, my panic subsiding almost instantly.

I teleport the key to Kara, materialising it in her pocket.
'Hey Kara, I'm sorry for jumping this on you out of the blue, but... you'll find the key to our room in the inn in your pocket. Due to... reasons... we'll sleep... elsewhere...'

I can feel... amusement? From her.

"So, where would you like to rest?"

I turn to Leanna and shrug.
"Anywhere is fine... as long it's not in that room..."

She thinks a minute.
"Well, I don't want to impose on any of the townspeople... so how about just someplace quiet where we can see the stars?"

I nod.
"Sounds good."

"This place has a nice lake, doesn't it? That would be a good spot."

I blink.
"A lake? Ah, right. Well, as long as we're not easily spotted..."

"Don't want to be seen?"

"Well, what would the people think if they saw us staying outside when there is a functional inn?"

"Yeah, that would be inconsiderate... I think we'll be alright. Besides, I'm sure some do it already."

"You think so?"

"Sometimes privacy in the city isn't enough."

"Hmm..."
I check if there currently really are some people camping at the lake. Not at the moment.
"Well, maybe the people do so, but for now we would be alone."

There's a group of friends sleeping in the forest, but Leanna and I will be alone.
Together.
With no one watching.
I somehow simultaneously grow more nervous and at ease. It really makes no sense to me.
I shake my head and clear my thoughts. Nothing embarrassing will happen between us. We'll just have a good night's sleep with a nice view. That calms me down even more, and I smile slightly at Leanna.
"Alright then, shall we?"

She smiles at me, bright as night closes in around us.
"Yes. We should probably move undetected, though."

I smirk confidently.
"That is one of my specialities."

She ignores it.
"And how would you like to do it?"

I deflate.
"Well, I can offer several methods. How would you prefer it? I could just make us invisible... I could phase us to a spot directly... or I could just guide us past any other presence."

"I don't want to worry about other people. Right now, my job is worrying about you. So, no on guidance."

"Alright, then. Do you want to walk there or just be there?"

"I don't think it matters. I'm up for walking, but if you'd rather relax - and you're a bit tired - we can jump there."

I sigh.
"As a matter of principle, it does matter. And even if a Phase Jump is not too energy-intensive for me, walking taxes me less so."

I smile at her and mask us with a Force Stealth, then gently float her up inside my grasp.
"And besides, I have grown rather fond of this method of travel."

She cuddles close, helping me slowly work out the stress of being in that room.

And so we float along, unseen to anything that may look our way.
It takes a bit, but I steadily relax.
"Thank you... thank you very much, Leanna."

"You're welcome."
Her hand slowly massages my head.

"Krrr..."
I lean into her touch.
"You didn't have to leave with me. Kara now certainly thinks that we're off to... whatever she thinks about. But you still came with me..."

"And I do so gladly."
She beams, a fiery light in the deepening night, shining upon my face.

I smile softly at her.
"Then I can only offer my deepest gratitude."

She cuddles closer to me in response, and we float along, coasting through the village.
I steadily calm down more and more, lean my head onto her shoulder and gently rub her back. The shock of the room still sits within me... but it's lessening by the minute.

"There we go... it's alright. You're alright."
A light kiss lands in my hair, setting light through my head and body.

It also lights up my cheeks.
"Mhhhm..."

"Just relax."

Eventually, sleepiness begins to overtake fear, but love remains my primary sensation at the moment.
"I... think I can do that..."

"When we get there I can give you a massage if you're feeling tense."

I blush more again.
"Uhh... I don't know... I... uhm... had something a bit different in mind?"

She blinks surprised.
"Oh? What are you thinking of?"

"Well, first of, I wanted to maybe enjoy the view for a bit... with you... And then... something else..."

She arcs a delicate brow.
"'Something else'?"

"We'll get there when we get there!"
I am quite flustered. I don't want her to know yet.

"Oh, alright."
She smiles brightly again.
"I'm sure it will be alright."

I nod.
"I'm... I won't ask something of you... you're not ready to give..."

Her head-scratching gets more tender and effective... somehow.

"Krrrrrrrrrr... I love you, Leanna..."

"Thank you for trusting me so, Xerath. It can't be easy."

I smile at her lovingly.
"It's you, Leanna. Trusting you is actually very easy."

She smiles, a bit playfully.
"Of course you'd say that."

I return that smile.
"My, am I becoming predictable?"

She smirks.
"Maybe."

"That's not good..."

She blinks, dropping the smirk in favour of a surprised expression.

"But on the other hand... I wouldn't mind being predictable when it comes to you... Though I'd also have to work harder to surprise you..."

"I think you'll be just fine."
Headpats continue.
"After all, your reaction to this is quite consistent, isn't it?"

"Krrrrr... I suppose."

"Joy is enough, at least for me."

"Hmm... That's good to know. But still, in my quest to make you happy, I'd still like to keep it refreshing, every now and then."

She nods.
"I get that."

"Also, being predictable is something you most certainly do not want to be in a war. That's why I always tried to be one step ahead of my enemies."

"Well, it has been said that love and war have similarities."

I stare ahead.
"'All is fair in love and war', huh?"

"Something like that."

"Hm... I suppose I can see that."

Her fingers run along my spine underneath the plate as she smiles at me.

My entire body shivers as she does that.
"Ah, Leanna!"

"Yes, Xerath?"
Force, how can her voice sound so enticing?

"W-why'd you d-do that?"

"Was it bad?"
Her smile dims.

I do not like that.
"It was... very surprising. I... think I might not be ready for that..."

"Oh..."
She sounds dejected as her hand withdraws.

I need to explain.
"You know... like my neck, my back symbolises a weak spot... And I'm fine with you running your hand over my back... but perhaps not exactly like that?"

She squeezes me, arms wrapping around me as if to protect this poor, delicate soul from the outside world.

I return the hug, allowing her to embrace me like that. I feel bad to put that pressure on her, but I fold into her arms like returning into a safe haven. Despite surrounding me, it is nothing like a prison. Her embrace is warm enough for a Tatooine-born man to be satisfied, and feels safe without restricting me. It is not 'you are mine', it is 'you will be happy'.
I nuzzle into her.
"I'm so glad to have you in my life, Leanna. I love you."

She smiles softly.
"I'm glad you think so. Helping you has been such a treat."

I blink up at her.
"Really? Haven't I been a burden on you?"

She shakes her head, her gloriously golden hair swaying in the motion.
"Not at all. You've been lovely."

"Can you... give some examples?"

"Right now."

I blink again.
"Huh?"

"At the Solstice Festival. Whenever you opened up and revealed another secret. You are a burden sometimes, but you are also a joy."

I gaze at her.
"You... really mean it?"

She beams at me, eyes shining into mine. Her voice sounds clear with conviction.
"Absolutely."
In the dim surroundings, the stars are reflected off of these blue gems, glittering into mine.

I can't help but blush at the sight.
"You know... I thought Rodians had the most beautiful eyes in the galaxy... but you easily top that. You and Kory both."

She keeps smiling like that at me.
At me.
The smile is for me.
This realisation floors me.
"You... I... We... Uhh..."

Language completely fails the otherwise very articulate man as I am abashed by her care.

Headscratches continue, as from every angle my idea of perfection expresses itself.

With that, I am quickly reduced to a chittering mess that tightly clings to Leanna.

Her smile only brightens as she continues to make sure I am comfortable.
"Aww, that's so cute..."

I glance up at her with a look of pure adoration and love. Her lips look so soft, and full... ...and yet, I don't need them. For now... this is more love than I thought could exist for me. She just feels so good.
I know I couldn't articulate a coherent sentence right now, so I don't even try. Instead, I just nuzzle into her and share my emotions with her in a more direct way through the Force, and she feels my contentment and pure joy.

Her mind accepts the connection, and some responses flow back. Soft reassurances, wordless praise... the touch of the mind of a goddess.

One word escapes my lips, however.
"...perfect..."

And so, we float along, while I am quite literally floating in pure bliss.
"...home..."

She's startled by that, but responds soon, her smile broadening and tone of thoughts growing even softer and more welcoming.

I close my eyes and nestle into her.

But eventually, we reach the lake and find a good spot. I land us standing, so that we can take a moment to sit down normally. We sit, Leanna still focused heavily on making sure I am welcome.
And when we sit down side by side, I hesitatingly hold out my hand towards her.

She takes it, guiding it around her waist as she pulls herself close by the same mechanism.
"Feel better?"

So soft, so smooth...
Oh, right, she asked a question. I nod, then lean my head on her shoulder.
"Plenty."

I let my gaze sweep over the crystal clear lake, then look up to the stars glittering softly in the night sky.
"Honestly... I love you so much, that I feel like 'love' doesn't even cut it..."

She glances over at me.
"Then what would you call it?"

I can only shrug.
"I have no idea, actually. I do not know a stronger word than love for this emotion."

"Well, there are a few that sort of work, but most of them are kind of seen as ingredients for love as well."

"Huh..."

Her cheeks are faintly coloured, shining rosy in the moonlight reflected from the clear lake.
"Like there is devotion, but also most couples are devoted to each other in some sense. Maybe it would be better if we were speaking Vastlar - a lot of the early tribal languages had different words for different kinds of love."

I arc a brow.
"Oh?"

"From familial to friendly to attractive, and some had words for great-scope or cosmic love as well. Vastlar let you mix and match its words a bit, too, so you could make up a new word based on common ones and no one would argue."

"Huh. Sounds weird."

"Yeah, kind of. But perhaps it'll help you out. What you're feeling is love, but in a far more extreme form than you've felt or heard about."

I nod.
"Indeed."

"So, if you can sort through it and find what makes it up, maybe you can describe it."
She smiles.
"And remember, this is for you. You don't need to tell me what you find if it's embarrassing."

"Hmm... I'm... not exactly embarrassed by my emotions for your per se..."
I grow silent for a bit as I ponder over my exact emotions for her and how they all fold into one another, while staring at the sky.
"Would you mind... helping me find a word for it, then?"

She smiles softly.
"Of course."

I smile slightly at her.
"Alright. So, first of all, is obviously love. I love you. I love your voice. I love your smile. I love your little gestures of comfort. I love talking with you about everything. And while I also don't mind the occasional silence, I do prefer to hear your wonderful voice. Then... there is devotion. You are the only one for me... that is alive. I would do literally anything for you that I can think of. I doubt there would be any request from you I could deny. Even if it would break me."

She rubs my side at that, her smile slightly worried.
"I won't do that to you if I can help it. No."

I nod.
"I know. But, for example, if you would insist on using your gun once you get it... I couldn't deny it. It would hurt me deeply, which is probably why you agreed to steer away from it... but I could not deny you if it is something that you want."

I then turn to smile lovingly at her.
"As I said, I trust you completely, Leanna, and I know you'll never betray that trust."

Her smile returns to full brightness, outshining all the stars in the night sky.

My cheeks flush and I return to look at the sky.
"And then... there is also attraction, I'm beginning to learn. I... uhm... want you in ways I never really thought I could want someone. But also... possessiveness. I noticed that I was always a bit possessive, especially after I finally had things to call my own. But like with everything else, that too is spooned up when it comes to you. I want you to myself. I want to be the sole recipient of those wonderful smiles of yours. I want to be the only one you spent time with, the only one that makes you laugh and brings you joy..."

She nods, frowning slightly. But only slightly.
"I don't think you're really thinking about the ramifications of that, but raw emotions rarely take that into account."

"Indeed."
I glance back at her.
"Then what are the ramifications I'm overlooking?"

She closes her eyes, and her mind seems to open, inviting me in to see an imagined space, and I curiously peer inside. Her mindspace is crude, but I see flashes - Leanna hanging off of someone's arm. My arm? Her eyes are filled with love, but they are also... dim. Several scenes play out, and Leanna never argues, happy to follow any command - and she clearly only enjoys a single person. A word comes to mind, one that describes the Leanna I see.
Broken.
I can only look on sadly as she has been converted - through what is no doubt deliberate effort - into something like a slave, a toy. And so is possession of her inevitable. She will never have a chance to leave me, never be able to seek joy from any other.
She has no choice.
My posture stiffens and my breath hitches.
"I... never would want that for you... But... at the same time... I do... and I hate myself for it. This would be exactly what I told you..."

She nods.
"It's alright. Just... I hope your other parts will understand one day. Still, some possessiveness is something I can let you indulge in."

"Huh?"
I blink. What does she mean by that?

"It's a bit like candy. Eat too much and you contract a wasting disease. But a little can be fun."

"I... don't think I get it?"
Is she... no, that can't be it... can it?

Her cheeks tint a bit more.
"If I were to love you, I think I could help you out a bit with your more... demanding side."

I just look on confused.
"But... how?"

Her expression is determined, certain.
"I'll find a way."

"Huh..."
I shake my head.
"Well, anyways... The bottom line is, that I love you incredibly much, want to be around you basically all the time, and want you to feel the same way about me."

She smiles at me, her eyes sparkling even cleaner than the lake.
"And there's nothing wrong with that."

"Then... I'm glad. And... I think I can... wait for a bit longer."
I lean my head back on her shoulder.
"Because I think I have finally found my home."

She resumes scratching my head.
"Anything else you can figure out?"

"Well... that I want to protect you from any harm in existence, and that I want you to be able to be just as sweet and pure as you are... But I think, all in all, I said everything major."

"Small things can be important too. But if that's everything, we can start putting things together."

I nod, somewhat meekly and intrigued. I wonder what she gleans from this?

"So, you're madly in love, devoted and protective, madly in lust, and possessive."

"That..."
I blush.
"...about sums it up."

"Hmm... Well, I don't know a word for this, so we'll need to make one up if you want one."

I yawn.
"I don't... necessarily need one... However... that was kind of the point of you bringing this language thing up... wasn't it?"

"Somewhat. It's for your benefit, though, so coming up with one doesn't mean much if you don't want to use it."

I shrug.
"I don't think creating a word will help me describe my emotions."

"Well, just say love, then. After this exercise, I know what you mean."

I smile at her.
"Sounds good."

She smiles back with her boundless warmth, before returning her gaze to the night sky.
"Did you see anything else that was interesting up there, Xerath?"

I blink.
"Come again?"

"You described one thing you thought was interesting to Professor Issim. Is there anything else?"

"Oh. That. Well... I only took a quick glance. Honestly, the most interesting place in this galaxy is Terra. Everything else seems to be much more in line with what I know."

"But you saw some things, didn't you?"

"Sure."

"Could you tell me about some of the others before we rest?"

I yawn again.
"The others are young civilisations as well. I didn't look at them in detail, so I'd have to look again."

"Would you be comfortable doing that?"

"Yes. But not now."
I lean my head on her shoulder. She's so comfortable...
"Right now... I just want to be with you."

"Alright."
She pulls me close once more.
"We'll get some rest then."

I feel the sleepiness creeping up and yawn once more.
"That sounds like a good idea."

I am also growing flustered and nervous.
"And... Leanna? Could you... would you... hold my hand while we sleep?"

We lean back, resting on the grass near the lake and gaze up at the night sky, a violet pathway swirling overhead.
"Of course."
She doesn't let go of me in the slightest - not holding my hand, but my body instead.

I smile lovingly at her, then stare back up at the sky.
"Thank you. That means a lot to me. You know... when we were little... Kory and I would hold hands when we sleep, when one of us had a bad dream or something."

Even with me heating myself, the world would feel cold - but with her, it is very warm.
"Touch is healing. Most people don't get enough."

I can only nod at that.
"Mhm. I certainly did not. I made myself believe that I didn't need physical affection... or affection in general... but Force, was I wrong."

She smiles over at me.
"It's alright now. You have as much as I can give you. Eventually, I should be able to make up the deficit."

"Well... that will take a long time though. I have a lot of deficit to go through."

"Maybe. But I'm committed to helping."

"I know. And I love you for that."

Her eyes seem to light up the world as I say that.

I smile softly and lovingly at her.
"But still... do you know just what kind of deficit you are up against?"

"I don't. I also don't care how long it will take. You need it. I am happy to provide."

"While that is reassuring... do you want to know?"

She holds me just a bit tighter.
"I would like to help bear some of your burdens. Not hearing about suffering doesn't mean it didn't happen... and talking to people can help."

"Talking to you certainly does."
I tear my gaze away from her and stare into the sky.
"Well... before I met you... I haven't been hugged in thirteen years. That was when Kory died. Because she was the only one who ever hugged me. And Grangran, when I was still a young child."

"Well, hopefully you'll have a few more eventually. You'd be in much better shape with some friends to hug as well."

"Yeah... so I've doubled the people that hugged me in my entire life on my stay on Terra."

"I'm glad."

I glance at her and smile.
"But so far, I'm already incredibly happy just to have you."

She pulls me nice and close.
"Then I'm sure you'll appreciate being hugged all night."

I blush brightly, providing us with warmth.
"All night? Sleeping in your arms has become one of my dreams... so yes, I'd a-appreciate it quite much."

She nods.
"Good. You'll be okay?"

She yawns slightly, most adorably.
"I'm... a little tired."

I nuzzle into her.
"I'll be perfectly fine."

I wrap my arms around her and reach up to peck her cheek softly.
"Good night, Leanna. I love you very much."

"Goodnight, Xerath."
She closes her eyes, a gentle motion of trust.

I nestle comfortably into her arms, trying to find a good position to sleep, and then close my eyes as well.
"You are absolutely wonderful..."
I trail off into a yawn.

She only smiles, and together, we soon fall asleep. My mind recedes to my dreamless rest.

Or so was the plan. But the inky black bleeds away after indeterminate time, revealing a hallway. A silvery material, practically made of Force Sorcery, is everywhere. It is the walls, the banners, the pots, the clothes of those who walk in the halls... everything. It shines brighter than anything I have ever seen. This building seems more powerful in the Force than I am. And the inhabitants...
They each shine like brilliant stars, and their appearances shimmer. At first, they seem eclectic, but then each settles on a mostly human form. Each carries weapons and tools of raw Force energy, powerful enough that Tenebrae might drop everything if one appeared within reach. And there are millions of them in this structure alone.
Where... is this place? Even if I could dream, these feelings couldn't be faked by my mere subconscious. This must be a memory in the Force, of past, present, or future. But given the intense powers of the sword in Terra... I would go with the past.

And yet, despite their incredible power, none of the people he sees in the halls feel... important. Perhaps they are to other things, but none of these people - each of whom would individually be able to defeat me in any number of ways - are relevant to this vision.
Until... there is a small child, walking through the hallway, hand pressed against his head as though he is caught in a tremendous headache. Though there are no physical indicators of direction, the phenomenally complex energy patterns could have guiding logic to them.
Still, this boy... what is afflicting him? He shines like any other in these halls... why can none of them mend a headache?
I know that some people are pained by headaches when they receive a vision - I was no different the first view times. Perhaps this poor boy's ailment is Force related?
He walks up to a wall like any other, and knocks. A door opens, revealing windows to the stars outside, and beds. Many beds, and a large area in the middle. It seems like it might've been an opulent bedroom once, its massive space converted into a bunkhouse. Each bed is empty, and feels like it hasn't been slept in in years. Except for two.

"Schala!"
The boy calls to a lady gazing out of one of the windows.

She turns to him.
"Janus? What is it?"
She moves quickly over to him as he clutches his head.

"The... black winds..."

She catches the small boy in her hands as he sways in pain.
"You feel the foreboding too? Don't worry... it will be alright."

My mental presence blinks. Black winds?

The little boy nods slowly.
"I feel it... like everyone I meet is about to end... you too... what is happening?"

"Shhh... prophecy is a hard burden to bear, Janus. I think that with luck, we'll at least have enough time to learn what Taren wants us to know before the calamity is upon us. And you'll be an older person, more ready to face what is coming. Don't worry. It will be alright."
Her voice rises, and she begins to sing.
"Light..., when the night comes, fades... away. Still..., we will stay, faithful and strong... so we'll see... one more dawn..."

Janus quiets, and is picked up, carried towards one of the empty beds. As she sets him down, she sees the worry in his eyes still. Prepared, she produces something from her robes.
"Here. Keep this close."

Janus looks at it.
"What is it?"

It appears to be a small amulet, brimming with power and life, made of that strange material I see everywhere.
"It's an amulet containing my prayers. If something should happen, it will keep you safe. I only hope it is enough."

She puts it around his neck, and he is slowly enveloped in its protection - layer after layer of adaptive wards that would keep Vitiate out with ease.
"Oh, when the night grows cold, and dark... I... will be in your heart. I, will be by your side - don't fear, don't hide, and let me, be your guide..."

She brushes his thick hair aside and kisses his forehead.
"Know... hope and Force come, from the heart... That's where your dreams start... still, we will stay... faithful, and strong... and see... one more dawn..."

She sighs, looking at him. Aside from them... the room seems so empty.
"I wish that I could remain with you always. But... father has other plans."

There is a pain in her voice. Janus, still sleepy, objects.
"That's not your father... they look the same, but... he's not the same inside."

Schala nods with sorrow.
"Even still, I am required to attend to him. Forgive me, Janus. I can spend no more time with you, for now."

I, always one for poetry, tear up at the song. It is beautiful.

She steps back, moving his covers around one last time, and bringing a small stuffed animal into his grasp. Eventually, he is asleep - the battle was hard-fought. Schala moves away, going to the wall. She takes a breath, steeling herself, and steps into the hallway. The vision does not follow her - colours fade to grey, and then shatter into droplets of smoke. Before it fades completely, the last two things I can feel is their pain - at Janus' prophecy, and that they are forced apart by their circumstances. But despite that, they still hold onto and comfort each other.

Truly a bittersweet moment. Even as questions run my mind, I plunge back into the darkness of my numb sleep.