Absolution

[Théodred Heavenshield]

There was a smile on Théo's face as Veiere spoke, this gave more about then man then probably he intended to do, but Théo knew he would fit well into the Sanctum if he was ever to come visit or stay. But before another word could be spoken, Théo felt the presence of something, or someone in the distance. An image of a girl enter his mind, one he had never met before, the vision of her twisted until her form took on that of a feline before vanishing into dust.

Immediately Théo blocked his mind from any further intrusion, close down the doors that would allow this being further into his recesses but he allowed the vision through the window to remain there. This application of the force, an intrusion in the mind can be used by both. The threads of thought a conduit between them, and Théo rode the wave of it back to the being locating it out in the fields of snow. He did not know the being nor its intent, but something was off.

"No, not followed", he said standing and would not permit Veiere to venture out to find this being alone. He followed him out of the Inn disregarding the stares of the men left in the bar. He soon strode up to the side of Veiere, "This is a lure, and I take it you want to spring the trap. Then lets do it". Théo's hand reached to his side and felt the hilt of his light saber deep within his pocket, it was gentle reassurance to himself it was still there. He has no intention of starting a fight, unless provoked but is curious as to what or who this being is. And why them? and why now?

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[member="Hastur-Yig"] | [member="Veiere Arenais"]​

 

[WolfMortum]

The cold air whipped up in open welcome as the two stepped back out into the winds of Alzoc III, Veiere leading though not for long as [member="Théo Vhalorious"] spoke of his desire to accompany him, the older man slowing a moment to consider the idea, feeling that any objection would not be taken lightly as Theo owed Veiere no allegiance nor did Veiere have the right to stop him. "Very well..." He replied, "Though I must collect something..." He turned back and moved off in the direction opposite from where he'd felt the presence of [member="Hastur-Yig"] . The manner in which the vision had reached him was disturbing. It had been over a decade since Veiere had shared in a telepathic connection with another and even though that were the case, he had continued to meditate every day in the quiet of his own home, strengthening his mind and trusting in the force to be able to guide him astray from such intrusions. That his subconscious had been invaded so quickly only told him that the one that seemed to be awaiting the pair, held some true prowess in the force, experience that could prove a threat to them and the people that had sheltered Veiere himself for so long.

The small cabin barely held anything in the way of decorations or furniture, there were no lavish couches or seats with cushioned heart warming colors but merely pillows worn and flat upon the floor where Veiere had obviously spent his time made lived in. There was little heating aside from the old decrepit oil lanterns, no electricity nor technology of any kind would be found within the residence aside from what awaited him at the foot of his bed, the container that was a meter wide. Taking a knee, he opened it and pushed the clothing and other casual gear aside to reveal the lightsaber that had been buried near the bottom of his belongings. The Hilt wasn't much in the way of grandeur when it came to the design. Flat, silver and black where the fingers took their grip. The appropriate toggles for the frequency of the blade to adjust between training settings and live combat, yet strangely there was no activation trigger, no button that would see the blade extend. At-least not on the outside of the casing. This was the beauty of the design in that Veiere's lightsaber could not be operated without the use of the force and the intimate knowledge and structure of the weapons interior which he himself had constructed following his Padawan years.

Returning to the outside world, quiet and contemplating what awaited them, his eyes found the younger male with a quick nod before they set out in the direction they'd been shown; now armed in the case that violence were to come of the new arrival, and inquisitive to know what its purpose was here on the Ice World where warmth died out in the snow wastelands. Fitting considering how the situation had turned.

 

[Hastur-Yig]

As the men drew in closer to the disturbance sounds began to distort. Shaping reality to its betterment the very sight of this being sitting like a statue awaiting its company threw the wildlife into a state of hysteria. Most of the more notable creatures had already left but the smaller, slower beings were still moving away. Past both elder and youth streamed rows of insects migrating away from the crash site, even though some warring species like ants were side by side they did not fight. The air was stale with a crisp taste to it from the weather, as snow continued to fall it being one of the few things not effected by this calamity. To a non-force user, especially on a planet still primitive in comparison this being would appear as a god with its magnificence in the force alone.

A'fore the two men's feet there began to grow imprints in the snow, of feet just their size following in front of them leading them to Hastur-Yig. Around this time the being itself could be heard, not speaking or attempting to hail them with sound. No it was breath alone that neared, a lightly raspy heavy breath that drew in for nearly fifteen seconds before drawing out. Hastur-Yig was pleased to feel them coming, and the proximate brought forth another miracle, the trees began to grow more green in color. Life filling their pines, as if a mid-summer's rain had brought color to the forest. Hastur-Yig hoped that him guiding them and showing the forest alive would reassure them he meant no harm, his cryptic olive branch extended outwards. Perhaps it wouldn't work though, they might see this as dark powers and attack him. This singular thought was pushed away by the mass reassurance that Hastur had chosen correctly in his pupils. These men were far more intelligent than to run in, blades shimmering, with teeth bared, they were no barbarians. Though, even a scared scholar can be pushed to attack if need be.


[member="Veiere Arenais"] [member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

He did not enter Veiere's home, but waited outside in the icy cold air, the sky was grey as the flakes began to fall once more, Théo closed his eyes for a moment and allowed the soft ice to fall on his skin only to melt, it was life giving to him, this touch of snow and all he could do was think of his grandpapa. The image of the man came to his mind, his long silver hair and lined face that spoke to anyone that would see him of his life's experience. It was all Théo had of him now, an image trapped in the recesses of the rooms and pushed deep within them for safe keeping. At least they are his, and his alone.

When Veiere reappeared, there was no words spoken. The lingering images that had infiltrated their minds, caressed their subconscious and a sense of this being out there beckoning to them underpinned it. The pull outward into the fields past the trees grew even stronger, and stranger as they passed the trees took on a life of their own unnatural for this time of year it would appear. Something was directing them, the trees as well as the two of them. Yet, there is no malice behind the calling .. and it was this, a calling out to them to come. A part of nature yet not, a union with the world around it, in order to commune.

Yet, caution was valid, there are too many things in this galaxy that promise so much and deliver nothing of those promises. The weakness of the body and mind within a sentient can be so persuaded to change with ease, on a whim in some cases. "So are we just going to walk right up to it?", he suddenly asked the man striding beside him. "You feel it don't you. This lure ..".

Whether with good intent or no, they had been persuaded my means of something strong in the force pulling on their minds, to drag them ever closer.

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[member="Hastur-Yig"] | [member="Veiere Arenais"]​

 

[WolfMortum]

Veiere's pace seemed to slow as they entered the woods, a forest in the midst of the ice wastelands, the tundra rarely showed such strength in life as it was now; whether that was a good thing or not, he did not know. Veiere had never heard of such a place on all of Alzoc III, plant-life was mostly dead save for the figs and the roots that spread out beneath the snow and frozen landmass. Confusion began to show in the way he looked upon their surroundings, eventually drawing his eyes to the ground in front of him and realizing there appeared another set of footprints before him. "I feel the lure, Sentient too" He agreed, his acknowledgement coming with the addition of pointing out the sight in-front of them, as if every step they sought to place against the world, had already been taken a second ahead in time; "It knows we are coming, it's leading us...".

Stopping for a moment, Veiere shifted to take to a knee, placing a hand against the freezing snow and closing his eyes. Quietening his mind of all else around him, he ignored the cold around his hand while he called to the force, expanding his senses to travel throughout the world floor seeking to establish whether the presence calling to them was doing harm to the natural flow of the planet, the essence of life in what was nature, the weather, the dirt, the wildlife, Veiere opened his mind to all possibilities, relying on the force to guide him to an answer, for better or for worse. "This place is not of natural growth..." He concluded, slowly rising back to his feet and looking about the trees suspiciously, "It is a sign of life..." He glanced back to his new found companion somewhat skeptically, "I wonder if that means that it will not kill us..." A small chuckle left him and with that he continued to walk towards the source. They were nearing [member="Hastur-Yig"] now, the density in the air spoke of the mysterious presence; it's intentions unreadable for the time.

Fate seemed to be playing and intriguing tale, Veiere had to consider why the force had lead both of these people to his formerly isolated and undisturbed home only to return him to some semblance of the life he used to lead. Chasing anomalies in the Force, seeking out new sources of inspiration towards his learnings and trying to decipher Pandora's box that was all life, the way and will of the Force. Something that no one would fully comprehend nor likely even come close too until their end in the physical world and return to the life-stream that blanketed all worlds, connecting all peoples in such a wondrous and beautiful way. "We're almost there...[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]".

 

[Hastur-Yig]

Nature swelled in harmony as the two transient men nearing the conductor of this symphony. It's arms pushed down into the earth, spreading the snow beneath it's first set of hands before the next followed suit dragging it's body from the hole. Exposing it's tentacle section from it's waist down the fleshy being breathed out heavily and gave off a strange clicking sound drawing from it's middle. The face covered in bone hiding away any form of facial patterns, though with where the clicking occurred Hasur-Yig may not have a face like many races do.

As it moved from it's position a pool of water poured from it's shoulders that had accumulated from the melted snow. Now this being laying on it's legs and hands presented it's chest and face outward as it spoke. Though not as simple as opening a mouth, this thing spoke in a much more invasive pattern.

Taking the voice of an older man Hastur spoke to Veiere. "You are quite the scholar, a true jedi. Not one flaunting robes and loving war. You don't seek power, nor do you seek absolute harmony. I sense a drive for knowledge in you. This power of the force before you perplexes your very core. If I am wrong tell me, it is your right to. Though I believe that I have much to offer you if you'll accept my teachings."

While taking to the boy of Heavenshield it used a feminine voice, about middle aged in tone. "My my, what an impressive lad you are. Strong, capable, and very powerful mental blocks. I doubt any human within the nearest galaxies could read anything from you. You show promise but lack the schooling. I fear you and this old man have taken to exile looking to a speaker without a voice. If you'll allow me, I could show you what you seek regardless of the nature." Hastur-Yig was truly one with the force, after consuming so much insight it had transcended what many though was possible. Though instead of looking towards violent acts he simply wished to share his knowledge, because all life comes to an end and he will not be allowed to teach forever.

[member="Veiere Arenais"] [member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Already in his youth Theo had witnessed strange thing, and stranger beiings but what rose before him was impressive and eerie at the same time. The force radiated around the being of a race he count not put a name to, there is no alliance along the line of the force, no darkness nor light but a simply a being within it, something all those attuned should strive for but don't. To much of the fragile nature that is to be sentinent gets in the way. The being looked plant like yet had the baring of a structured body of bone coupling the two forms. No mouth as such and no mouth moved as the being spoke.

Theo had the impression that the being was projecting a want upon each person, although unaware of the sex of the being, if it had one, it was not, in essence, female. The voice projected to Theo was almost motherly, which designed to put him further at ease. Yet, he is fascinating and Theo is one to seek learning, how else does a Jedi grow in strength? It is not about the strength of the arm or the force but of the mind. More victories are won this way.

Yet, he will not simply submit to this being, in his youth, Theo once followed blindly but not now. "What have you to teach me? and why me?". Theo's voice remained calm and even toned, there was no aggression or arrogance within his words but simple curiosity.

​

[member="Hastur-Yig"] | [member="Veiere Arenais"]​

 

[WolfMortum]

You are quite the scholar, a true jedi. Not one flaunting robes and loving war. You don't seek power, nor do you seek absolute harmony. I sense a drive for knowledge in you. This power of the force before you perplexes your very core. If I am wrong tell me, it is your right to. Though I believe that I have much to offer you if you'll accept my teachings.​

​

[member="Hastur-Yig"] spoke to him and yet these words weren't received easily, Veiere wasn't one to accept such idolizing or compliments, it wasn't in his nature nor what had been encouraged in his former life. To claim that there was a 'true Jedi' suggested that those others of the light that sought to walk the path were not of the same make. The idea that there were levels where people were placed in the society of the Order, where standing could be greater or lesser than another man or woman, it wasn't what the Jedi were taught to believe. Of course, this new presence or creature was not what Veiere had expected. It didn't radiate with a threatening persona or aura that called for action and yet Veiere did not feel comfortable standing before it neither. Briefly, he dipped his head in acknowledgement of the other being though could not see whether Hatur-Yig saw the gesture or otherwise; he remained quiet and listened to [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] as the younger spoke in what sounded like concern yet distant interest. In Veiere's experience, such arrivals did not come without surprises of some nature, the offer for the teaching and sharing of experience usually meant that the one who spoke so generously usually sought to gain something out of it. Perhaps it was the time he'd spent away from the Order that left him feeling skeptical though as he waited patiently to hear of an answer, he pushed his doubts away and simply let time take them further.

Veiere Arenais was no youngling, he was an old man now well passed his prime in life and though he yearned to learn more of the force and to enjoy the warmth in life that it brought him, his want for learning did not dictate the reason behind his actions nor steer him away into selfishness. Too often the acquisition of knowledge or power had led the eager into upheaval, he had seen this in many of the younger students only to be denied their progress for lack of humble comings. What he sought first and foremost was to know more of this foreign creature, it's intentions, whether sincere or otherwise and more about what exactly it was.

 

[Hastur-Yig]

"Your minds are nascent. Full of promise and being." An older more tempered voice of a warrior's that spoke to both males simultaneously. "These other Jedi, while some hold true to the will of the force are 'ore often than not simply as wise as far as their beards." The creature's body only showed that this more aggressive tone and dialogue were his by his hands, red in color shifting into the snow sending up steam from its warm body. Clicking and cooing externally it inched closer with it's head alone, bobbing about like a confused owl.

"The Sith understand the power of the force but not the knowledge. They lack even the honor of thieves as one raven will pluck the eye of another in their midst. The Jedi is a term that's been horribly disfigured, as now it only refers to The Order's teachings or the light side of the force. What these men in their fashionable robes and golden jewels will sell you is simply that. A religion to follow because of your birthright. Children on Corruscant are being raised as Sith, when just decades ago it was The Order." The being calmed for a moment as it suppressed the rage of the males voice and continued with that of the woman that had spoken to Theo, still addressing both in unison. This mental link allowed some slight hearing of thoughts between the two but it was faint like a whisper. Their responses still nearly private, unless they chose to think to each other.

"You two are special, but not by your 'chlorian counts, your intelligence scores, or even your blood. You two are simple human males, who have the willpower and desire to see the force as it is. Thus my posit, I am growing old and weak. Surely I will be dead within this century. Being alive I should wish to fight this feeling and search the force for an answer to my mortality. Though at the time I do not wish to live forever. My joints have aged and I fear if I did outlive my time I'd not be able to move as well as I can now. So I've reached my thesis." Hastur-Yig raised a hand to both the men, in the palm each could see a tattoo on the hand. Though the force would manipulate what they saw into what this uncanny creature wished them to see. For Theodore it took on a golden color, a symbol of his youth and the promise he held.

​

For Veirie it became something much different, it threw away the symmetry of the first symbol and took the shape of his timeline. Curved and winding from the road he'd taken outside of the normal force user. The channeling piece held before him was very obviously powerful in nature. Though it had no evils tied to it like many Jedi saw. It was not dark in nature but didn't hold some benevelence to it, just simply enough it was powerful.

​

Finally a young boy's voice took the threshold, center stage it was that of a more british dialect. With tentacles and horrid hands this being reflected this voice in only its demeanor.

"Because I am mortal, and have mass storehouses of knowledge on the force. I should then find students and dispels to train whilst I can still eat. If knowledge is passed on then that life is not made and taken for nothing. Though I can't teach just anyone, some people's minds are too shrouded by the systems around them. If you accept these sigils I will be allowed to teach you all I know. You will become my disciples and will bring a new understanding of the real force to the universe. The cosmos has a right to knowledge. After studying you both for some time I decided that you'd both have the mental power to understand me. If I am wrong, simply tell me and I shall leave. You will lose the opportunity of truth forever, and I will be without additional hands. Though you are both sentients, so if you wish resist me and I will not fight you."​

​

Then the process began, the marks began to fill a mold inside their mind. The seals inking away from the hand they rested in. Drop by drop they began to inlay in the mens eye, the first drop showing flash of life. It showed a man with a rough face, a cyborg's eye in place of his right. A right bracer laced in cortosis weave backing against a lightsaber blade to shield himself. The cortosis acitvely disarming the blade easily before the off hand followed through the backhand punching the red sword wielding man. The second drop began to show the life of a middle aged woman laughing happily with a deathstick in her mouth as a male silhouette kissed up her leg. More memories began to fly by but at this moment a moment of freedom arose where the men could resist if they wanted to, cutting off the dreams they were seeing from a schizophrenic illusion that made it real as day. The men were standing aside these people, watching from a second person view.​

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What would these men Choose?​

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[member="Veiere Arenais"] [member="Théodred Heavenshield"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

The moments that passed were like that of a dream, shifting images in ones mind's eye that made no sense, but also held truth. His words the same, shifting between the now and a trance like state. For a few moments, Theo was confounded by what to do or say, but allowed the images and words wash over him until they settled on his mind. Yet, he will not simply take the words or intentions without thought, that was not the Way of the Jedi regardless of what his creature told them.

Besides they had only just met the being, why would they trust him to the truth? And who's truth was it? Like all beings in the galaxy, their opinions and teachings are based around life experience, and each have had this inform them, come to make them what they are. No doubt this being had plenty to impart to them and Theo was prepared to listen and learn, but be a disciple was yet to be determine. Theo did not believe the Jedi or the followers of the light are religious, not in the slightest, he believe that to be a misconception. Jedi do not worship the force, nor do they believe it to be a deity but they do follow a code, which ever one they prefer, and live a life set to those principles. The Jedi, in his heart, follow the Way.

The tattoo presented to him, did reach his mind with good will and meaning, he could related to it .. he liked it. "May I ask, who are you to teach us anything?", after all they did not know his name. "Why do you believe you have the answers". Theo asked these questions not out of disrespect or rude nature but serious in him wanting to know.

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[member="Hastur-Yig"] | [member="Veiere Arenais"]​

 

[WolfMortum]

Veiere wanted to listen to [member="Hastur-Yig"] without the skepticism to follow though the creature spoke as if it knew of all things, the Force a power well beyond the full comprehension of any sentient's mind, the old man remained quiet and observant of the alien presence; though building up his mental barriers as he'd learned now that this creatures best form of communication seemed to come through telepathic imagery, visions to add illusions to reinforce the words that it offered the pair. To be considered special, to be a set apart from the rest of the galaxy, these were the desires of men who had not given themselves to the Orders teachings, who had only themselves to think of and had yet to devote their hearts and their minds to the force and the preservation of balance and harmony within the galaxy; Hastur-Yig would soon realize that his illusions were being blocked out by the older male, listening and watching the creature itself rather than the dreams that it had offered him. To his side, he could feel the presence of [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] still, questioning the situation as he was himself though his focus ran further than the outward response to the creature, instead Veiere hoped that the Force would lead the younger mind towards the right path that was laid out for him. A stance of indifference perhaps, Veiere could not tell what was right for the boys future though given they'd both found themselves here and perhaps because he was older than his companion, Veiere felt responsible for his well-being, whether rightfully so or otherwise.

"These words carry much flattery in them, you clearly admire who we are yet I cannot help but question both, your motives and your perception of the people around you..." He moved to take several steps away from Theo, moving to the left of Hastur-Yig, watching him still with an ever careful gaze. "Many people have claimed to know 'the truth' of things but there is so often naught but what they would wish to believe, what they might want to see as their own truths...-The Force, it is bigger than all of us, it surrounds us and guides us down our paths and yes, perhaps there is more that I will come to learn in my future but it worries me when something such as yourself..." He gestured to Hastur-Yig with a sweeping hand, a placid signal in acknowledgement, "Must offer it as if it is something to be bargained for...-You speak of the Sith and you speak equally so of the Jedi as if you have learned both teachings, explored their ways and now call them your own; something very dangerous to fall back and fourth between the light and the dark of ones mind.." he spoke not of the Force but of the minds of sentient beings, the good and the bad, the giving and the selfish. "I am afeared that your rather vocal perceptions of both of these Orders have already left me at a distance. One who would believe themselves to be ascended in knowledge, I would hope would understand the possibilities of the force and the many differences of the people influenced by it, rather than damn them outright".

Still, Veiere did not know whether this creature was to be considered a friend or a foe though he did not like to paint every picture quite so black and white. It had come with something to offer, spoken as if it had been watching them, as if it had come to know them from the shadows and the fact that Veiere had not sensed another's presence ever so studying him as this one claimed, concerned him greatly and left him in doubt of the truth in the suggestion. Wisdom was never something to come easily, knowledge and illumination was something to be gained over the many years, to come in turn with the maturity of the mind and body and though his body was certainly aging well, perhaps his mind wasn't quite so forgiving. "You must forgive me..." He spoke frankly now, "I take you for neither friend nor otherwise as I do not know your motives. Even your species is of a foreign nature to my mind however, as willing as I am to accept the many new changes in all things since my years now passed, I cannot deny that I do not trust what you offer us to be pure of heart...".