A Healing Retreat

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

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


"My blanket left me all alone and Harmony would not be my pillow," Siobhan mock grumbled as she floated towards the pair. Sadly, she was not actually floating, but using a hoverchair. Nonetheless, she gave her wife a kiss. "I hope you slept well, Maiev," she glanced towards the cute witch. "What were you two talking about?" she asked a bit suspiciously. As Tegaea well knew, her wife was exceptionally sensitive on matters of her health.

 

[Maiev]

The witch nodded in understanding, so it was a mix of both. Something had caused the stroke, that resulted in the lost memories that were now being resistant due to Siobhan's stubbornness. At least that was Maiev's guess anyway.

"Very fortunate indeed, stroke's can be a lot more dangerous especially given the fact the damage can range wildly." There was also the Force to take into consideration too, the strain overusing that could do on your body. She could recall a few instances where a fellow witch suffered a similar ailment, although it had also ended up with their spirit being pulled from their body.

It wasn't a good day then.

Maiev raised an eyebrow at the mention of a mentalist, showing clear interest in the knowledge.

"I'd would very much like to speak with this Force user, their assistance in this endeavour would be greatly beneficial." It was then that Siobhan made herself known, floating towards them in their hoverchair. Maiev followed suit, greeting the Kerrigan Matriarch as she neared them.

"Good morning, I slept well, the bed was very comfy." She took a sip of her caf, glancing between the two other women for a moment. "We were just discussing some elements of the ritual, namely the fact you have a mentalist who can help with it. I was also about to suggest that your wife should join it too; if she wasn't already intending to." Another glance between the two, before Maiev settled back on Sio again. "You'll need someone you're close to, an anchor of sorts that will keep you from drifting away amongst your memories." Most importantly though, someone who she was comfortable with witnessing the memories she'd rather keep locked away.

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

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

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

Tegaea nodded automatically. “I’ll help in any way I can.” It sounded very abstract and arcane, but she was sure she’d pick it up as she went. She hoped so anyway. Force users were a bit odd at times.

However, there was a distraction when the suggestion was made.
“Yes, her name’s Chesna and she’s a very talented mentalist…if a bit cheeky for her own good. I’ll go get her.”

Tegaea rose, gave her wife a kiss, and headed deeper into the house. A few moments later she returned with Chesna, a black haired Eldorai with a powerful, yet restrained aura.
“This is Chesna Chinue, she’s a very talented mentalist.”
“I have other skills too! Pleased to meet you, Mistress. So…the four of us, huh? Okay, you know my safeword, and no an-,” she began.
“No, no!” Tegaea said rapidly, a bit embarrassed, despite herself. “You’re not here for…that. Not yet, I mean. No, this is Maiev, she is going to try and help recover Siobhan’s memories, and we wanted to use your mental powers to…help,” she said. She waved her hand vaguely, hoping someone else would step in and give assistance.

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

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


"Perform your duties well and I will make use of your other skills," Siobhan interjected. She had a thing for foursomes. They were a bit of a challenge from a logistical perspective, but she prided herself on being a good organiser. Eh, anyhow, moving on with the plot.


"Chesna is very...familiar with my mind and is a person I am comfortable letting in," she finished when Tegaea seemed to be looking for words. "So she should be an asset. When go we get started?" she sounded more than a little impatient. Siobhan had her virtues, but patience had never been one of them. Being an invalid was making her antsy.

 

[Maiev]

Maiev let out a small laugh at how quick Tegaea began to verbally flail in response to Chesna. There seemed to be a very common theme amongst the Kerrigan's and those closest to them. She wouldn't have particularly complained, but there were meant to be focusing on more important matters right now.

"A pleasure to meet you, Chesna." Maiev internally bit her tongue after that, expecting there to be a little quip in response. "Your help in this will be exemplary, as I don't have that much of a focused experience with mentalism."

Her thoughts did drift to Kalax however, the spirit slumbering away in her mind. It was impossible to detect her in this state, but once the ritual was underway, it was going to be just as difficult to hide it.

Especially with Chesna present.

It was not clear to her, that she'd need to reveal the spirit's existence before going ahead with the ritual. Just...not right now.

Maiev turned to address Sio.

"As soon as possible, I suppose. Though I'd advise everyone present should get some breakfast before hand." The witch paused as an idea occurred to her. "Or, we could take some food with us. The ritual is going to take some time to prepare. I'll need to scout the area for the right spot, then find the ingredients I need to make the items."

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

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

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

“Your pleasure is my command, Mistress!” Chesna said innocently to Maiev’s introduction. “Pleased to meet you too. Don’t mind me, I can be serious, you know.”

“A morning picnic? That’s fine with me,” Tegaea said with a nod. She figured that Siobhan might be grumpy because it was early, but the sooner this ritual was done, the better.

“I’ll give the orders and get the ship ready. We can fly there soon, I’m just going to get changed into something more appropriate.”

She just couldn’t go running off with her hair in its current state, and wearing only casualwear. It would not do. Fortunately she was pretty quick to change and so would be ready soon. If Siobhan wanted to get changed there was ample time for that too.

When they had headed off Chesna flopped into a couch opposite Maiev. “So…you’re a witch, huh?” She seemed to gaze deeply at the witch for a moment, looking with more than physical sight. Then she relaxed. “I think you and I will get on just fine,” she added with a grin.

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

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


Siobhan looked a little put out. It was very early in the morning! "Well, then let's get moving. Time's a wasting," she declared imperiously. As if she had not been the one dawdling. "Prepare the ship. I will be ready in a moment." As it turned out, it took quite a bit longer than a moment.


She could not go on a trip wearing a robe she'd grabbed after getting up from bed. Or with her hair in such a disorderly state. No, her firemane had to look perfect. Putting it in order took a while, for it was as unruly as its owner. Then she had to find a proper outfit, for she tended to be fussy about such matters. Finally, she was ready and the ship took off.

 

[Maiev]

Maiev smiled, giving Chesna a small nod in response. "That's correct, born and raised on Dathomir. Although at this point I've spent a good portion of those years away from home." And she wasn't exactly keen on visiting it for extended periods of time. The witch met Chesna's look, a slight bit of tension building until it dispersed shortly after the mentalist relaxed.

Yeah, she was definitely going to 'spill the beans' as it were, before they got too far into the ritual.

"Well, I think I'll go and get changed. As while I'm sure both Siobhan and Tegaea would prefer I stay in this - I do need something a bit more practical."

With that she left, and made her way back to her room. Luckily her outfit was laid out nicely across her bed. Seemed like one of the staff had taken it upon themselves to clean it, and present it for when the witch returned.

Maiev appreciated it, much preferring to wear something she was more familiar with when preparing for a ritual. Unlike her two hosts, Maiev wasn't able to quite tame her wild mane of hair. She had made an attempt, but wasn't completely successful.

Time quickly passed by as things within the Villa bustled with activity. Servants prepped a whole array of food for the group's day out. Maiev's stomach grumbled a bit at the sight of the food, but withheld herself until they had actually reached their destination.

Along the way, Maiev asked several questions - mainly over what the surrounding area was like, the types of creatures to expect. She wasn't overly familiar with Arkas, and wanted to be prepared as much as possible.

Eventually, the ship finally arrived at their destination and landed.

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

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

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

Simply put, it would not do to go out without looking one’s best, even if it was for an esoteric healing ritual in the jungle! Tegaea was ready quicker, not just because her hair was a little less wild, but also because she didn’t need help because of the wheelchair. Leaving Simoon and Harmony to help her wife, she headed down to give orders. She was not expecting trouble, but one could never be too cautious, something Tegaea had painful experience about.

Therefore, when Siobhan and Maiev appeared a transport was ready, but so was a gunship which would be providing escort and drop off some guards.

The ships, with all the guards, servants, the witch and the two executives soon came in to land on a small island set among the reefs. There was something slightly odd about it though, even to Tegaea. There was nothing dangerous, per se, but the small island was covered in plants of all sizes. Even down to the tide line grass had grown through the sand. The trees were huge, but seemed to form a natural funnel with an open glade in the centre. There, the Force energy was very strong indeed.

Tegaea, who had been answering Maiev’s questions, looked on in surprise. Even she could see the air shimmering like a mirage.

“What happened here?” she asked rhetorically.

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

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


Finally, after an indeterminate but probably significant time had passed, the ships arrived at their destination. As the landing ramp was lowered, Siobhan's hoverchair was raised into the air and she levitated onto the beach. Her senses did not perceive a feeling of danger, but this did not say much given how diminished they were.


However, the sight was breathtaking. As far as the naked eye could perceive, the island was dotted with plants of all shapes and sizes. Grass rose up into the air. There was a gentle breeze and the wind kissed her skin. The trees were huge - unnaturally so. Above all, the Force was potent here. Indeed, she felt her senses expand as the energies of the Force flowed through her. Amidst the tide and the gentle howl of the wind, she was certain that she could hear whispers.


"It's the Force nexus. I can feel its power," she spoke up in response to Tegaea's rhetorical question. "It's strong enough to have an effect on the island. The Vashyada would like this place," she added. Such power made her covetuous, but also wary, though she did not feel at risk. Once upon a time, I was able to move mountains at my will. I will be able to do so again, she thought to herself. It was power she had earned - through blood, sweat and tears. It was hers by right.

 

[Maiev]

"Fascinating..."

Maiev was practically mesmerised as she stepped down the ramp. Her tenant; who had woken up during the flight over, had been roused due to the powerful presence in the Force.

<I haven't felt something like this in eons. The Force, flowing freely and untampered with.>

Additionally, it also provided a handy smokescreen to hide the spirit's presence within the witch. Blending in as nothing more than a byproduct of being close to the nearby Nexus.

There was something about the place that was drawing Maiev in. Was it because of Kalax? Or just generally her spiritual connection?

She wasn't entirely sure.

Maiev slowly walked up, crouching down to touch one of the plants. The flora around reacted, shifting. Whether in defence or retreat, the witch pulled her hand back.

"We're not here to do harm, we have come for help." To prove her sincerity, Maiev opened herself more to the Force. Letting it flow out and towards the glade. It seemed to have an effect, as the plants and foliage around her appeared to become less tense.

"When was this place last checked?" She turned to look at Tegaea. The redhead's reaction before had revealed this was a more sudden occurrence. Maiev wanted to discern if this had been solely reactive, as it would determine how much the ritual would need to be altered.

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

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

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

Tegaea looked at it. “I’ve not been here, but the reports and footage we received undervalued the size. Either that or they’ve grown.”
She frowned, but she did not sense any danger.

Chesna strode forward, stretching out a hand. Power flowed and coursed around the Eldorai’s body.
“It is strong here. I may as well get into character.”

A subtle change came over the slender woman. She stood up straighter, her robe and clothes covered her more, and to those with the Force her signature suddenly flared like a nova. Someone at least as powerful as any of those present stood before them.
“I…forget how it feels these days to use the Force freely.”
A shake of the head. “Come, Siobhan, Maiev, let’s begin.”

The plants around them seemed…watchful? If things with no senses could watch, they clearly were.

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

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


Unlike Elpsis, Siobhan did not have much of a connection to nature. Certainly not the untamed wilderness. Yet the forest seemed alive, even to her weakenes senses. She was certain that she heard whispers when the wind brushed against her skin. You have slain thousands upon thousands, the forest seemed to speak.


I have. There was no point in denying. She was who she was and she was comfortable with it. I've also saved many more. Almost three billion people, at least, if you wanted to count all the Eldorai that had been evacuated from Kaeshana before an asteroid crashed into the planet. Wars have been started in your name. Do all those lives you believe you saved wash the blood away? Did you save them because you valued them as people or because you craved adulation? Because it pleases you when they gaze upon you with eyes full of reverence and obey you without question?


Do you want me to go on my knees and beg forgiveness? Siobhan shot back in her mind. This was no time to get wobbly. I am what I am. I do not claim righteousness. I have no time for moralistic belly-aching. I have done whatever is necessary to protect my family and my people and I shall continue to do so, with or without my powers. The Eldorai were saved from extinction because of me. The slaves of Arkas and Dahomey were freed and given the tools to build a new life because of me. I am clothed in immense power that I earned by my own blood. Whereas the so called champions of light have thoroughly failed at everything except failure.


"Yes, let's get started," she spoke impatiently. An aura of power had surrounded Chesna. Her signature was as bright as a nova. Similar to the one Siobhan had once possessed - and would do so again, if she had her way. "How do we begin?"

 

[Maiev]

The witch hummed quietly, returning to her crouched position so she could touch some of the nearby plants. Her fingers grazed a flower slightly, small vines reaching up and wrapping around her finger.

She was being tested, just as much as she was testing the flora.

From Tegaea's answer, Maiev figured the glade was taking an active interest in their presence. But the fact it had suddenly grown since the last report, seemed to indicate they were expected.

<The Force does stretch across the galaxy, unbound by any mortal coil. It's very possible this glade was made aware of your intentions the moment you decided to come here.>

Gonna have to commune with it then, rather than forcefully clearing an area.

Their conversation was interrupted by Chesna opening herself to the Force. It was almost blinding, the aura around the Eldorai crackled with power.

"We'll need space, a decent sized circle for us to be seated within." She followed after the others, the grove carving a path as they walked further along. "I was hoping our...host today would be kind enough to accommodate?"

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

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

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

Most conveniently, a path led them around a small bend, and there stood a glade open to the sun. The trees had not visibly moved, but the ground was turned and rutted as though by the presence of large roots burrowing through the soil.

Tegaea knelt down and examined it, then looked across at the wall of trees.
“Great, walking trees, as if the day couldn’t get weirder. So long as they don’t start talking.”
She felt uneasy, not because there was any particular malice around, but because the dense trees surrounding them had seemingly moved. An unsettling thought.

Chesna seemed undaunted and laid out a blanket on a clear area. “Mistress, let’s get you laid down. Maiev, let’s see if we can establish contact. Uhh…doing this will sort of let us see each other’s minds. Fair warning.”
She seemed a little anxious about that, but seemed willing to proceed.

Without much to do, Tegaea walked over to a tree and ran her hand along a branch. A leaf detached from an upper bough and landed with seemingly far too much accuracy in her other hand.
“That’s…weird.”

There was a reason she didn’t like this mystical stuff!

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

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


"If we had some quality time here, would the trees be watching?" Siobhan asked in jest. She could not help feel a bit anxious. No malicious sound had been made, but in a way that was more disconcerting. There was power in this place, but it was one she did not control.


She pushed this thought aside. "No time to get wobbly," she muttered to herself. After being helped out of her hoverchair, she settled down on the blanket. "I'm you've already seen plenty of my mind, Chesna, and I reckon what she gets to glimpse won't shock Maiev too much. Who knows, it may be educational," she declared airily. It had not slipped past her notice that Chesna seemed anxious, but she made no comment.


Poor Chesna would also have to open her mind in another thread. Regardless, she made herself comfortable and slowly lowered her mental barriers to help the Witch and the primeval Eldorai get inside. Her eyes closed, her breathing slowed as she focused.

 

[Maiev]

Maiev let out a soft chuckle, watching as Tegaea interacted with their surroundings. It was both fascinating and amusing to her to watch those without the Force, interact with it. A sight Maiev rarely got to witness during her travels. What must they think of the concept, of a energy that surrounded and binded everyone.

Guess there wasn't any better chance then what they were about to embark on. Connecting both the Force and several minds together.

"I'm surprised you're not use to it by now, Tegaea."

The witch took her place, shifting around until she was comfortable enough. However she didn't join Chesna right away. Instead, she took a deep breath.

"Before we begin, you should probably know...I have a spirit inhabiting my body."

Well...that was now out in the open.

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

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

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

“I’m not usually one to mind an audience, but in this case I think the creepy trees would be too much,” she commented.

Tegaea turned at Maiev’s words. “And by this I assume you’re not meaning a good Corellian brandy…” she said softly.
Chesna though looked more interested than suspicious. “Oh? What sort? A possession or a vergence? You’ve done well to keep it hidden, I did not sense any other auras about you. I have some experience with spirits, so I’m always keen to learn more.”
“But what does that mean for this? It’s not going to try and possess Siobhan is it?” Tegaea asked.

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

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


Siobhan's reaction was a good deal less calm. Suspicion flared up inside her. "How long has it been inside you?" she demanded coldly. Feeling exposed, she wanted to reach for her lightsabre, then realised she had not brought it with her and that it would be no use to her anyway.


If she wanted to possess you, she would have done it and not made an announcement, her more rational side told her. It did not make her feel any less uncomfortable. She still had the pendant around her neck. In actuality it was a holdout bolter. "I want to speak with this...spirit."

 

[Maiev]

She was admittedly relieved when the responses from Tegaea and Chesna were not immediately hostile, but rather curious instead.

"Oh nothing like that, well maybe a general possession is the closest but it's not-" Maiev's eyes snapped away from Chesna and to Siobhan in the wake of her sharp question. The witch winced slightly, watching the Kerrigan matriarch look at her coldly, and with the telltale twitch of her hand for something.

Maiev had a good suspicion on what, and was glad Sio had forgotten it.

"No no, she's fine. Kalax isn't a threat!" Maiev kept her focus on Sio, but did glance slightly over to the others. "Kalax has been with me for as long as I can remember, hell I'm fairly sure she's been there since I was a newborn. She's been my guide all these years, helping me learn about the Force and the galaxy as a whole."

<I will speak with her, but it might be ideal to give me some control...just incase.>

She was in agreement with that, and after asking for a moment to prepare Maiev closed her eyes.

The Force began to swirl around her, the surrounding fauna reacting to the powerful force that was tugging against it. A shift could be felt around the witch, her aura shifted but kept mostly to the same; but with clear differences interwoven. To Chesna she'd have a much clearer picture of what was going on, of the host stepping aside for the spirit to take the place in front.

A second later Maiev's eyes opened, devoid of anything but a dark void. Her stance shifted from Maiev's casual/neutral to one of a lecturer, arms held behind her back; head held a bit higher.

"Greetings, Siobhan Kerrigan. What do you want to know?" It was still Maiev's voice, but it was clear someone else was speaking through it.

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