Sucessor - Part 2

There were too many hands pulling Zaiya in different directions. There was the ceremonial garb, the dance, the preparations for the meal. Maul witnessed them asking her preferences, her opinions and spending time with her, much to his annoyance. He didn't know why but it irritated him when they kept taking her off in different directions, forcing him to stay behind. He found his patience running thin, and the more the Nightsisters had to pull Zaiya away from him, the more possessive he became. Zaiya was his Lieutenant after all, and they had plans… There was much to discuss and they needed to be offworld soon. It's not that he was worried about it, the longer they were apart, the more he saw her laughing and smiling with the other Sisters. He wasn't concerned by it of course. He had nothing to fear. It's not like she would abandon him for these Sisters… that… she had wanted the acceptance from her whole life. She wouldn't leave him though. Would she? No… not she wouldn't. Not after everything, he reasoned. Though the feeling still nagged at him, the whispers in the back of his mind and the tightness in his chest. He tried to push them away as the absences grew and the time closer to the ceremony drew closer. He didn't know what would happen, the details were vague and the last two nights Zaiya had eaten and slept almost immediately, for once falling asleep before him. It was a small thing he was thankful for. She looked so peaceful, and he wondered if it were the same reason she liked to stay up a little later, to witness him in such a state. Her pale lashes against her cheek, nearly tracing the tattoos. He had to be careful not to move, she was a light sleeper it seemed and he had learned to tell when she was awake by how frightfully still she would become. Like a board lying in place. He was sure she hadn't been like that as a child, and wondered if it had to do with the ones that took her. Whoever they were.

The evening of the ceremony could not come soon enough, and to his displeasure he was thrown in with the other Nightbrothers in the village that were the current Shi'kaa of a few of the witches. There were only four others, and he'd not spoken to them personally. He was struck by the hopelessness they had about them, and the realisation came that none of them were long for this world now they had been chosen. Either they would impregnate their 'mates' and perish when the child was born… or they would fail to produce fertile seed and be killed then. It was a miserable life. Bred for battle and breeding. It was no life for such warriors, it was a waste. For that alone he understood Zaiya's zeal to change things, but she also seemed emotionally invested in their wellbeing. That was one that he did not understand. There were few he thought of, fewer he would protect. Maybe only Zaiya was on that list? Well, his brothers too, reuniting with them had brought forth a lot of the more fond memories in his mind, remembering the way the little grubs would follow him around, they were loyal to him, and to Zaiya, though he suspected more so to her after so long.

Still, the thought that these men, which he was thrown in with in order to prepare for the Nightsisters ceremony were to die, well it was an unpleasant thought. Were he in charge… much would be different. They also suggested that Maul himself was favoured, being the Shi'kaa of the Alesu'le was a great honour, though it was not mentioned, he was sure they were curious about his… well, lower half. It was not something he enjoyed discussing. In the past several months it had taken him a great deal of effort just to walk again, everything else was foreign and he did not like the pain he was in constantly, the irritation and the way everything just felt like so much more effort. Some days, Zaiya had wanted to show him things, explore Dathomir the way they had as children, and he was simply unable to, the pain debilitating and rendered him weak and useless! The witch had insisted it was fine but the sad expressions bothered him. He didn't want to be pitied. He didn't want to be so weak! The sooner they rectified this damage the sooner he would be able to perform all tasks as once he did before. Light on his feet, no pain, no longer a 'half-man'.

"Is she as wild as she looks?" a voice asked, interrupting his thoughts. Maul turned to look at the rather burly Nightbrother that had spoken.

"What do you mean?" he asked warily, a frown crossing his features.

"The Alesu'le, she looks like she would be wild once she takes you to bed." Maul blinked at him. Really? Again?

"How is that any of your business?" he snapped. Considering how private she was, he hardly thought that she would appreciate this kind of talk… not to mention that he couldn't… and why did the Nightbrother want to know? It seemed disrespectful to talk about such things, was this a common occurrence? He'd heard other men talking about vulgar activities in the various times he'd had to wait in the occasional cantina for a target. The look that crossed his face was enough to deter the brother, who merely shrugged.

"Just curious," he replied. "You weren't raised with the rest of us, perhaps you were excused from knowing what to do." The rust coloured Zabrak continued his task of weaving… something out of reeds and looking rather casual about it all. It took everything Maul had from not making a disgusted sound in his throat. Was he saying Maul was deficient? That even if he were not cybernetically enhanced he would not be able to satisfy her?! This just left him with more questions. Did Zaiya have many partners and lovers in the past? Was she expecting such things from him? Why was he thinking about this? He didn't dignify the comment with a response, it was none of their business and it didn't matter what he and Zaiya did or didn't do… Why did he feel warm all of a sudden?

Shortly after they called for them to join the rest of the village by the huge bonfire. He was glad to break away from the previous rather one-sided conversation, the subject making him uncomfortable to say the least. Upon reaching the centre of the village, he witnessed several instruments of varying size and type, some of the Nightsisters already sitting by and playing soft music with no real tune, just some idle music to fill the air in the meantime. He wasn't sure what would be happening, but one of the other Nightbrothers that hadn't been so crude in conversation instructed him to sit a little ways back from the fire, waiting and watching.

Some time passed before the Nightsisters took their places and the drumming began. Deep booming drums, reverberating through the entire village, he could feel them in his chest with each beat and looked on as a few of the women moved in formation, slow, flowing movements as they filed in along the path towards the fire, each of them stopping at their positions once evenly spaced apart. He could hear more melodic notes, a mix of different sounds that sounded almost… sensual. The chanting from the Sister's added to the strange melody. It was then he spotted her. Zaiya stepped out from behind a curtain in what was clearly ceremonial dress a golden headdress with woven wire, gems and shapes inscribed with symbols, intricate in its design as it splayed out from her head, her long white hair in a detailed fashion, but much of it hung loose around her shoulders and down to her waist. There was glittering jewellery around her neck, arms and ankles. Her top, in a red fabric was clasped at the neck and around her torso, was also bejewelled, mostly with gold in coin like shapes that caught the light as she moved. Beads and light chains hung from her top around her midriff loosely. She was exposed from beneath her breasts to the flare of her hips, a wide band decorated in more golden shapes and glittering metal, long loose strands, tassels and chains hung from the belt, and there was a gap on either side of the long and flowing skirt, exposing a window of flesh of her upper thigh and the band-like tattoos across them. The skirt itself was the same rich red, embroidered in black and gold threads. The skirt parted enough to show her feet, as tattooed as her bare hands, but also adorned with more gold in a sandal-like piece though she was barefoot. It was the most exposed he had seen her, and he could see the circular tattoo patterns both on the back of each hand and on her belly beneath the golden adornments. It appeared she also wore makeup, giving her eyes an exotic look. She looked like some bejewelled Goddess stepped down from her divine throne.

The music was slow and she moved with precise and fluid motions, like water. Her shoulders shimmied and the gold clinked and glittered, her hips rolled and the tassels and chains shook. Her arms moved slowly, in practised smooth movements, each motion of her body, down to her fingers was with purpose. She moved around the fire gradually, and the music began to pick up in pace, Zaiya spun and all the gold, her hair and the red fabric of the skirt splayed out around her. She moved closer and he caught the scent of her intoxicating perfume as she passed him. Her entire back was mostly bare and his eyes never left her hypnotic movements as they followed the music and chanting, her steps, hips gyrating and undulating, increasing in pace along with the sound of the drums. She was graceful, practised and elegant. The way she fought was like a dance, he recalled thinking, but this actual dance was an entirely different level. It took entirely too long to realise he'd stopped breathing.

The music increased its tempo and intensity and suddenly she was mixing her fluid motions with sharp jerking punctuations. A stomp to the dirt to enhance a beat, a rapid spin to follow the raise in volume. Maul was mesmerised, he could not look away and watched her, step after step as she turned, shook her hips and rose and fell in the same way the music did. His mouth had fallen open slightly as he watched her move like the flow of water and he knew in the back of his mind that he would never forget this night.

As if it could not get any more magical… Zaiya began to sing. He'd experienced it before, losing himself to the song and its words, but this was beyond even that. The world around them fell away. There were no Nightsisters, no village, no Dathomir. Only him, watching her dance and sing for him in an endless sea of stars. Only the two of them in starlight. He didn't know the words she was singing, as he had not learned her native tongue, but he could see the images in his mind as her hypnotic voice filled his ears. He could feel the ripples through the force as he could somehow feel the story she was telling, how the Winged Goddess would choose her messengers, how her line of daughters were strong through the blood of the Nightsisters, that the Goddess was being honoured and blessed them in this moment. He didn't believe such things, but if the Winged Goddess was real and could hear Zaiya now, she would have to feel moved by such a voice.

The music built to a crescendo and his hearts matched the fast tempo, his mouth ran dry as she was handed a pair of shining blades. They weren't quite swords, too short for that, but long for daggers, they seemed to fit her hand as though they were made for her. The handle flared out at the very back, various ridges and grooves carved into it. Whether it was wood or metal, he could not tell from this distance. The blades themselves were wide, and curved, slender at the ricasso, a notch in the blade before it became wider. The spine bent forward after a few inches, while the 'chest' of the blade curved and flared out before rising to a wide tip. They were weapons of war, but in this moment she wielded them like they were just another part of the dance. It was dangerous, and clearly they were sharp, but she held no fear, her left eye blazed and wisps of the green smoke flowed upwards just as flowing as the movements of her arms. It was ethereal, he'd never seen anything like it.

She spun, her skirts flaring, the blades flashing, her eyes sparking and for a moment the world stopped as their eyes met. There was something in her eyes he could not read, and in an eternity and yet only a second, she spun herself and leapt into the flames. He gasped without even realising as the flames roared, turning the same almost neon green as her eye. The power swarmed her and he could feel the Force ripple with the last loud, long note, then she dropped dramatically to one knee, the blades brandished before her. The flames were extinguished with an audible rush of air as the music came to a sudden halt, the last note echoing around them in the sudden silence. He could hear his own hearts thrumming in his ears. The silence lasted a few seconds before the Nightsisters began to cheer into the dark, whistling and smacking their thighs or chests in applause. After a moment the light began to return, regular flames flickering to life in the bonfire once more, small but growing larger until the fire was back to its original size. Zaiya was now off to one side, Mother Talzin pouring a pitcher of dark liquid into many goblets, each of the cups were passed around, one even being offered to him. It seemed to be some sort of wine. Initially he was going to refuse, as he didn't drink, but he was told that it was important as part of the ceremony. He took one hesitantly.

Mother Talzin moved to stand before the clan, cup in hand as she addressed all that had gathered around.

"Tonight Sisters, we honour our lost Sister, returned to us, her oath fulfilled and her destiny clear. She has been the most determined and strongest of us! The most powerful! Tonight we honour her with the title of Alesu'le! Our Zaiya is home! Valessa Alesu'le!" she cried and the Sisters chanted her name. Zaiya then stepped forward and a hush fell over the group once more. Her crown-like headdress glittered in the firelight.

"Nightsisters… Lu'lunta'nee hi'jan, I stand before you, chosen by the Great Mother. She speaks of oaths and destiny and I find myself remembering the beginning of my journey. An oath I made, one I have indeed fulfilled. But not all of them. I made an oath for more than returning what was stolen. I made a promise of vengeance-" One of the Sisters cheered, "-of power…!" Another cheer. "I swore on my heart that no one would ever stand against us again!" Louder cheers now as she looked among her clan. Her voice growing louder as she spoke. "Sisters! Tonight is not just a celebration for me, but for all of us! For I have seen my destiny! I will walk this path with clear eyes! I have seen where I will walk! And it is by your side and we shall take the power that belongs to us!" The Sisters began to slap their thighs and thump their chests in applause again. "I am guided! Maya o'wicha paka! Ohinyan na'cacijin!" she cried and the Sisters whooped and cheered, the sound echoing through the village. "So'arta!" she shouted and the Sisters repeated it like a battlecry. "So'arta!" she screamed again and the Sisters repeated the word. "SO'ARTA!" The Nightsisters screamed back like banshees in response. Zaiya was like a leader riling up her troops before battle. They all raised their goblets and drank deeply, Zaiya's eyes met his once more. Maul too took a sip, it… was surprisingly pleasant.

Something struck him in his chest as he watched the display. Zaiya seemed to be at home all of a sudden. She fit here. These were her people and her home. She had just sworn an oath to them all, to stand with them. He felt a sinking feeling in his gut. What did it mean for him? What of the oaths she had sworn… wait. His eyes narrowed. She'd said heart, not hearts. His eyes fell to the pendant at her chest, the one in half and his hand rose unconsciously to touch his own. Did she mean…?

As it had been during the last three days, he barely got a chance to speak with her. Instead he observed her laughing, smiling and drinking with the other Sisters. She sang for them, danced for them and even was showing some of the younger Sisters a few of the dance moves.

After some time, Mother Talzin called their attention once more and held out the blades Zaiya had been dancing with before, both of them now in sheaths of black leather by the look of it. Zaiya knelt before the tall Clan Mother and held out her hands above her head, palm up to receive the weapons.

"Zaiya Valessa," Talzin began, "As Ma'tra of Clan Lu'lunta, I hereby bestow upon you, the mila hanska. They will serve as your weapons, as your protection and a symbol of your position. May they serve you well, Sister." Zaiya took them gracefully and performed a similar gesture to the one he had seen before, she held her knuckles of her hand holding one of the daggers to her forehead, then her lips, then a sweeping motion before her. Once more the Nightsisters cheered.


Notes:

Well! That was a bit dramatic! I thought it was interesting, I watched a bunch of tribal and belly dance videos to get me in the moment, hopefully it wasn't too wordy. Let me know your thoughts!

What about that final speech? What does it mean for Maul?!

Not to worry, things will be explained next chapter. But also. OMG, Arrangements - Part 1 is gonna be... hot.

This is where we get the explicit rating from, people. Its a SMUT chapter. Are you excited?! I don't wanna spoil but I am giving a content warning both now and at the beginning of the chapter because its not for everyone.

ARE YOU EXCITED FOR THIS?! ITS HAPPENING. FINALLY.

That being said, I am thrilled to read your comments every week, I love, love, love them! Please please keep them coming, and if you think you have someone who might want to read this, send it to them, I love having new readers and I try to update regularly!

Anyone not on tumblr, I do have other shorter fics over there based on prompts, same username if anyone wants to go and have a look. ANYWAY, I hope you all enjoyed that chapter, please send me some likes and comments with your feedback or guesses for future content, I love to hear your thoughts! Until next week! 3