A Healing Retreat

[Maiev]

She had her encounters with Mandalorians over the years, and just as splintered as the group were - so were their personalities. Maiev had crossed paths with some that were very gung-ho, some biosterious and were more reserved and calculative. They were a mixed bag, and the witch had certainly faced off against a couple, mostly winding up in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Mainly when said Mando was particularly pissed off.

When Maiev had caught word that the Mandalorian Empire was looking towards Dathomir, the witch was very tempted to return home and help. But her feelings were mixed about it, and the only reason she had left on the planet; [member="Vaermina"], was no longer present on the planet.

So she had refrained from stepping into that minefield, opting to watch from afar to see what the Mandalorians did. Which became confusing after their turn around some time after conquering Dathomir.

The witch's thoughts shifted as the sound of heels clicked along the floor. Maiev looked to see Harmony returning, stopping be each woman to place their drinks down. The Dahomian making a deliberate effort with how she moved, and Maiev had to admit Siobhan and Tegaea knew how to dress their servants...attendants, who whatever Harmony and the others were.

Maiev looked on hiding none of the amusement she was feeling as Sio appreciated the Dahomian. Only to almost let out a snort at the carpet comment.

Elpsis was definitely not kidding when she talked about the pair before.

"Thank you," she gave Tegaea a smile before she began to dig into her food. The small (yet dignified) satisfied grunt that left her lips was a sign that she was already enjoying it. With another sip of wine, Maiev turned to answer the question.

"Well after leaving Dathomir I knew I needed credits if I wanted to get far. So fortunately the merchant I hitched a ride with had some work he needed help with, and through that I learned a number of things." She smirked slightly, eyes bouncing between the two redheads. "Let's just say he wasn't all completely above board with his merchant business." Not like it was surprising someone like that was also a smuggler. "And it was the biggest of shocks, I thought travelling around Dathomir was daunting, but I now had a whole galaxy to explore, none to surprising that I haven't exactly seen everything even after all these years."

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] | [member="Tegaea Alcori"]​

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Maiev"], [member="Tegaea Alcori"]


Siobhan nodded. "Stepping out into the larger Galaxy after being isolated for so long can be exciting - and daunting. So many worlds, cultures, opportunities, threats. The first time I left my homeworld I was a fugitive who stowed away on a merchant ship of ill repute. I ended up on Nar Shaddaa," she shrugged, choosing not to elaborate further. She rarely spoke of her childhood and teenage years. She seemed pleased when the witch dug into her food and did likewise with her own plate, though she ate more slowly.


"I understand your present life style is rather nomadic. I don't mean this as a critcism, my dear, just an observation. You clearly do good work and have some impressve skills. Have you thought about settling down and putting down roots somewhere? Perhaps in the corporate world." Obvious job offer was obvious.

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Maiev"] [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

Tegaea quite agreed with her wife’s offer, and had been planning one herself, but had been pipped to the post.

She likewise made no effort to hide her interest in the Witch’s reaction to the meal. It was the job of a good hostess to make sure her guests were happy.

“Yes, we can certainly offer some very attractive packages depending on the role. A lady of your skills is always in high demand I’m sure, but especially with a company like Firemane.”

She ate her own food carefully, not rushing. Today she was trying a different recipe for an old favourite and wanted to be sure the kitchen had properly carried out her orders fully. The taste was good, but she’d have a word with the kitchen to make some final corrections.

 

[Maiev]

Maiev hummed in agreement to Siobhan's words, her departure from Dathomir had truly been an exciting prospect that slowly turned more daunting as reality settled in on just how large the galaxy was. Fortunately she happened to have a very knowledgable spirit residing within her - albeit one whose information was severely outdated in some areas.

She grimaced at the mention of Nar Shaddaa.

The witch had been on the Smuggler's Moon a number of times over the years, and it was certainly marked low on her desired places to go. Her first time on the planet had enlightened her to the different kind of dangers that were present in the galaxy. While the threats on Dathomir were certainly vicious and deadly, the ones hidden within places like Nar Shaddaa were insidious.

Even stripping away all the noise, Maiev never liked the planets that were essentially giant cities; Nar Shaddaa, Coruscant and so on. Maiev could only imagine how rough of a time Sio had, with that being her first destination after leaving home.

She had just finished cutting into her food when the redhead had made her proposal. It had stunned Maiev, and she simply stared at Siobhan, then Tegaea when the woman chimed in with her wife. She hadn't expected it, nor had any idea what to say. So instead, she grabbed her wine and took a sip of it.

"I mean...it's been a thought I've in the recent years...but I don't know if I'm already too use to my current nomadic way." But the idea was swirling around her mind again, immediately thinking over the fact she was essentially living out of her ship - not exactly the most spacious of places, both personally and professionally.

Kalax?

The spirit remained silent initially, thinking over the offer that had been presented to Maiev. Years ago Kalax would've been adamant on refusing, as it would've gone against the plans she had for the witch; ones even to this day Maiev had no real knowledge of. But time had worn on her, and Maiev had managed to anchor herself in the spirit's heart to a point where she had eventually thrown her plans aside, finding that after all these years she had found a host she couldn't cast aside as a tool.

<I'd consider it Maiev. We both know you can only do so much with the limits of your ship.>

It was enough to at least convince Maiev to give an answer to both women.

"I will certainly consider it, have a look at the packages that are on offer - make a decision from there."

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] | [member="Tegaea Alcori"]​

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Maiev"], [member="Tegaea Alcori"]


"Of course, my dear. It is not a decision I expect you to make at the spur of the moment," Siobhan said graciously. "I can give you a brochure. Even arrange for you to get a tour of some of our facilities." Nothing that would be too sensitive, but enough for the witch to get an idea of what they did and what they could offer if she decided to sign a contract.


"We have rather generous benefits. Good pay, comprehensive healthcare package, plus access to trainers, holocrons and other learning materiel for Force-users who wish to develop their skills more. Along with the chance to pass on what you have learned in an environment free from the myopia of Jedi and Sith. The pay is in a sliding scale, based on experience, rank, reward and so on. Someone with your skills would be very valued. Especially given your affinity for the mystical arts. Of course, we also expect a lot from our employees. Loyalty is paramount."

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] [member="Maiev"]

“Excellent. We’ll give you a list of possible positions and you can interview for any of them you want. We likely will have one of us on the interview, though there will be others too you’ll need to convince too. We have strict standards for those we work with.”

Ladies came in to offer more drinks and food for each. Tegaea took another glass of wine but said no to more food.

 

[Maiev]

"A tour would be nice, I know of Firemane mainly by name - I've never dived into the specifics of what they do." Maiev was sure Elpsis had talked about the company before, but it was likely the pair had been distracted not long after for one reason or another.

The witch continued to eat as Siobhan explained the benefits.

Maiev was certainly the most interested to learn what exactly could be taught, what holocrons and such were available. Ever since her younger years, the witch had a fascination in learning from different cultures. To see how their views on the Force differed from others, and how they made use of it.

Especially if there were other examples of spellweaving out in the galaxy.

"That sounds very good to me." Maiev finished her food, taking a final sip of her wine before the ladies returned with more to offer. The witch did the same as Tegaea, taking a refill of wine but passing on the food.

"Of course, I would expect Firemane to have quite the strict outset when it comes to hiring. We could certainly discuss this more tomorrow, after we've explored this Force Nexus on...Khadur was it?"

It would certainly make or break whether the pair would take Maiev on. There was no way that Kalax's existence wasn't going to come to light there.

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] | [member="Tegaea Alcori"]​

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Maiev"], [member="Tegaea Alcori"]


Siobhan gave the witch a curt nod. "We do indeed. We offer a lot...but equally we also expect a lot from our employees, when it comes to skills, effort and loyalty. Collaboration with Sith, imperialists and the like is punished with death," she spoke. She was a blunt person by nature and believed a vague disclaimer was nobody's friend.


"And, yes, Khadur," she was still a tad annoyed about the fact that she hadn't known about its existence till now. "We'll see how our trip to it goes and proceed from there. Firemane does have facilities on Arkas we can show you, including one of the communities Firemane helps protect." Servant girls brought some more food. Siobhan let them refill her glass of wine, but only accepted a light salad and some soup beyond that. She was being rather careful with what she ate.

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Maiev"] [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

It might seem strange for a company to put a very sincere threat in an initial interview, but these were dangerous, difficult times. Evil forces lurked, wanting nothing more to overthrow Firemane and destroy what they had built. This was no idle paranoia either, both Tegaea and Siobhan had been nearly killed by a Sith infiltrator in their time, and they fought a long-running war against the Sith and Empires of the galaxy.

Tegaea rose after ensuring that Maiev was finished with her meal. “I am sure you must be tired. Please, follow Harmony, she will take you to your room. If you need anything, simply use the communicator in your room or find one of our staff. The whole ground floor is open for you to use the entertainment equipment, get some food or drink or go for a walk, simply ask our staff.”

She paused. “We ask that you do not go up the stairs to the second floor as that is private. I’m sure you understand.”
She held out a hand to the witch. “My sincere thanks again for your efforts with my wife, and I will see you in the morning.” She stood ready to assist her wife if needed to exit the room.

 

[Maiev]

Maiev nodded in agreement, getting a chance to see the facilities on Arkas would provide an opportunity for the witch to see Firemane's operations; albeit on a smaller scale.

But she imagined the experience on Khadur would determine whether she'd be allowed to set a foot inside.

"I will likely need to explore the local forests as well, the ritual I have in mind will require local flora."

She glanced over at Tegaea as she caught sight of the redhead standing up. Finishing the last of her wine, Maiev followed suit. She nodded her head in response to the mention of the second floor.

"Of course, and thank you both for the meal."

Maiev smiled at her hosts, before walking over to Harmony and following her out and towards her room.

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] | [member="Tegaea Alcori"]​

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Maiev"], [member="Tegaea Alcori"]


"That can be arranged, my dear. I do appreciate your aid and discretion," Siobhan said affectionately. Her earlier chilliness seemed to have given way to warmth. Of course, it remained to be seen whether this would last. The Lady was known to be more than a little capricious. With some help from her wife, she managed to get into the hoverchair. It irked her still. I will walk again. I will not need this ridiculous contraption soon, she reminded herself.


"I'll see you tomorrow, Maiev. If there is anything you need...just ring the bell, so to speak. All the servants here are very eager to serve," she said with a sly wink towards Harmony. She gave Maiev's shoulder a squeeze as she passed her. Simoom fell in line behind the couple. Once they were out of earshot, she turned to Tegaea. "What do you think?"


Meanwhile, Harmony was there to take their guest to her quarters. "Please follow me, Mistress," she said with a soft purr. There was more than a little light flirting going on. She walked with a considerable wiggle of her tight, round rear. In any case, Maiev would be brought to a very nicely appointed guest room on the ground floor. It had an attached bathroom, a bed, table, chair and all the usual luxury accoutrements.

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Maiev"] [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

“Whatever she did seemed to help you. She certainly has skills which might be an asset. Let’s not get too ahead of ourselves yet though,” she cautioned. A single meeting did not a long-term relationship make.

Night fell over the villa. The cool breeze wafted through the windows and the relaxing sound of the sea had a lulling effect.

By the time the sun rose once more the maids were already at work, and Tegaea emerged early in her dressing gown to get breakfast ordered. She might see Maiev around if the witch was an early riser.

 

[Maiev]

As they walked, it was impossible for Maiev to not look. The Dahomian ahead of her was making a deliberate effort with every sway of her hips. She could understand how such a sight could be enticing, but Maiev's mind wasn't focused on that - even if her eyes did occasionally flicker.

Kalax let out an amused snort.

<I wonder if you attempted to move ahead of her, she'll purposely pick up her pace to ensure she was in front.>

But the witch wasn't in the mood for teasing Harmony. Although she was fairly certain the woman wouldn't mind, albeit a very different kind anyway.

Once they were in the guest room, Maiev took a quick look around before turning to face Harmony.

"Thank you Harmony, that will be all." She offered the woman a smile. "It's been a tiring day, so I'm intending on immediately sleeping." Besides, Maiev knew she'd need all her energy for tomorrow, especially if she was going to be performing a ritual. After Harmony's departure, the witch explored the room a little before getting changed into something more comfortable for sleeping. She briefly discussed the day's events with Kalax, before finally sleeping.

Come the next morning, Maiev was up early as was her usual habit. You can take the witch from Dathomir, but you can't take Dathomir out of the witch. There had been many years spent waking up early for one reason or another, often due to the matriarch wanting the young to learn.

She walked into the kitchen dressed in her own gown, one she had picked out from the wardrobe she had found surprisingly full.

"Ah, good morning Ms Alcori."

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] | [member="Tegaea Alcori"]​

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Maiev"], [member="Tegaea Alcori"]


Siobhan took a while to show. Even without her present physical disabilities, she was a heavy sleeper. She would probably get up once she realised that her firemaned blanket had vanished. However, Harmony was awake promptly. No one up this early should be this chipper, but she had a smile on her face as usual.


"Good morning, Lady Mistress. Did you sleep well? Would you like some caf?" she asked innocently, then gave Maiev a bright smile. "Hello, Mistress Maiev. Do you need anything?" Harmony's behaviour was part genuine, part an act. Her employers paid her very well to be especially helpful to them and their guests. It helped that the witch was easy on the eyes.

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Maiev"] [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

Tegaea smiled. “Good morning, Maiev! I hope you slept well and that everything was to your satisfaction?” she asked concernedly.

Glancing to Harmony she smirked. “Oh yes, Harmony, I did. I’ll get myself and Maiev some drinks, you go and see to Mistress Siobhan.”

Harmony nodded, but looked a little disappointed. Siobhan could be…grumpy…when awoken early.

“Please, Maiev, come join me outside. We can have a walk on the terrace whilst everyone else wakes up. Did you want caf or tea? We have a selection of both.”

 

[Maiev]

"Very satisfactory, was the most comfortable bed I've slept in for a long while." Not like Maiev's one wasn't, but there was a different feeling when you didn't have the soft hum of a ship all around you. She could've no doubt slept in a lot longer if she wasn't already use to waking up early.

She gave Harmony a smile.

"Caf would be lovely." And it was definitely needed, especially if she was going to be performing a ritual later in the day. Maiev didn't have her usual comforts that helped wake her up in the morning. Her usual tea, with a herb or two crushed in to mix along with it. But she has also learned years ago, that would be times where she'd go without - and would have to find a substitute.

Enter Caf; a love/hate relationship where Maiev hated the taste but appreciated the boost it gave.

She became curious though upon catching the Dahomian's slight look of disappointment. It seemed being the one to awaken the Kerrigan matriarch wasn't something she looked forward to. Though Maiev imagined Siobhan much preferred being aowken by her wife.

"A mild caf will be fine, I can't really drink the more heavy stuff."

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] | [member="Tegaea Alcori"]​

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Maiev"], [member="Tegaea Alcori"]


Harmony meanwhile had the unenviable task of waking Siobhan up. Her Mistress was still sleeping tight. "Lady Mistress," Harmony said gently. "Lady Mistress," she said again. Siobhan stirred after a moment, but still remained asleep. So Harmony shook her slightly and kissed her cheek.

Finally, Siobhan's eyes fluttered open. She looked groggy and stiffled a yawn. "What time is it? It's too early to be up. Where's Tegs? She should be my blanket," she grumbled.

"The Mistress and Ms. Maiev are up. They're waiting for you."

"Maiev should be in my bed, too," Siobhan muttered.

"I'm sure she will be! Once you get up. Mistress, remember the big ritual you had planned? Restore your memories, help you recover."

Siobhan considered this for a moment. "It's still too early," taking Harmony's hand she tried to pull her down. "Now be a good pet and lie with your Mistress. Your chest is begging to be my pillow." It went like this for a while, but eventually Harmony was able to get Siobhan to stop lazing around and get up.

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Maiev"] [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

Among the staff this mission was called ‘poking the Cylix’. Anyone who was smart didn’t poke a wild animal, leave sleeping Sios lie and all that. Still, someone had to do it, and Tegaea was often happy to delegate the task whilst she snuck out to get some early sun on the beach.

Tegaea prepared Maiev a cup and handed it over, offering sugar and milk for the witch if she wanted it.

“So, before my wife emerges, what will this ritual entail? She puts on a brave face, but I don’t want to put her through anything too strenuous right now.”

She cared a great deal about Siobhan, and didn’t want her to get hurt even when they were trying to help her.

 

[Maiev]

Maiev accepted the cup with a quick thank you, opting to take the milk and pour a reasonable amount into her caf.

"For your wife specifically?" She paused, taking a sip of her drink. "A great deal of mental fortitude. The mind is a very tricky and difficult place to navigate, first starting with the person in question opening it up to what is effectively an intrusion." Meaning it wasn't going to be pretty from the start, Siobhan Kerrigan was a stubborn person, and her mind would be no different.

"Navigating her mind to find the memories is another thing entirely. There is no one set path to follow, and even if there was...there's no avoiding that we'll resurface some bad stuff." Which was putting it lightly, the kind of ritual Maiev had in mind never pulled punches when it came to dredging up memories.

"But I do have a question, and it will determine how painful this is going to be for Siobhan." At this point they had moved from the kitchen, drinks in hand as they walked outside and along the terrace. "How were the memories lost?"

Was it through elements out of her control, or self-imposed?

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] | [member="Tegaea Alcori"]​

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Maiev"]
(Sio said to skip her this round)
Tegaea looked around, but her wife was not there. “Siobhan had a stroke,” she said softly. “The damage you see is the result of that. We’re very fortunate that it did not cause more damage, only loss of memory, temporary paralysis and general weakness. As you can see she’s recovering nicely, especially with your help, but if we can retrieve her memories it’d be all for the better.”

“She is very strong mentally, from what I understand, but we will have a powerful Force user to assist you and her, an expert mentalist who can help balance your efforts.”

At that moment she broke off as she heard Siobhan coming, and so stood to greet her.
“Good morning! How are you feeling?”