Always the Same

[Darth Veles]

Dim lights scarcely dotting the ceiling barely provided enough illumination to reveal a lone figure in the room’s centre. The only lifeform in the dark chamber, yet not completely alone, Darth Veles, watched an ancient, ghostly-blue holographic apparition known as Darth Zash during her life. A long-dead and largely forgotten name, and yet, the woman had served her purpose, ultimately providing Veles with what he desired the most; knowledge. All her legacy sat on the ground, locked behind an alchemized shell and studied by a curious Sith Lord motivated by greed and lust for the arcane. Kneeling, hands placed in his lap, a typical stance he employed for meditations, the Imperial silently listened to what lessons on Sith magic and rituals the woman had to share. Eerie atmosphere loomed over the chamber when the Dark Side furiously raged like an invisible assailant, permeating its user’s body and dancing within his eyes in yellow flames. Obsessed, yet still fully in control, Veles delved deeper.

After many hours had poured into intense studies, Darth Veles felt a familiar tingle disturbing the delicate currents of the Force, shortly followed by the door hissing in an announcement to confirm the presence headed his way. Darth Zash’s image retreated back into the holocron once barely audible, soft footsteps came from behind, yet Veles did not need to look in their direction to know the visitor’s identity. He had worked alongside this particular being many times, holding the young woman in higher regard than many other Ren. Quite a feat, actually, one supported by her swift promotion and undeniable ability to handle herself in combat. How would she fare against someone skilled in the arts of lightsaber combat though?

“Are you a hunter?" He questioned calmly.

"The way you move reminds me of predators staking their prey.”

He did not wait for her answer to come – Veles already knew the truth present within his statement, having observed the knights of Ren long enough to notice the characteristic habits and patterns in their walk and other aspects freely revealed by body language.

“Is there something you wish to discuss, knight?” Veles asked, sickly yellow gaze still focused at the small pyramid-shaped device, now placed in his palm until he concealed it under his robe. One swift move later, the cloaked figure rose up, helped by the cane supporting his weight. Darth Veles finally turned around to face the woman, allowing his warm-coloured orbs to dart towards the red-haired Ren. All signs of Dark Side corruption have disappeared by the time their gazes locked and remained that way. A friendly smile of encouragement spread over his expression, strangely tranquil for one dangerously researching the forbidden.

[member="Isla Ashen"]

 

[Isla Ashen]

Though Isla had recently been knighted, she was humble enough to understand that she still had much to learn. Since coming to the Knights of Ren, she had learned much in the way of the most common uses of force powers and basic combat skills, but she wanted more. Ever since childhood, the red-head had always been a naturally curious person. There were many aspects of the force that were still very much a mystery to her, ancient secrets waiting to be unlocked.

Where would she learn of these dark things? There was one figure that stood out in her mind. Isla remembered her travels on Dromund Vatsu, and the demonstration of power that [member="Darth Veles"] had put on display for the Knights. The image of bodies rising into the air and becoming broken still remained with her, even now. But the manifestation of this raw power was not all that was intriguing to her. For she was aware that the Mon Cal possessed many skills, some that she would like to gain for herself.

Boots traveled down a dark corridor, padding softly upon the stone beneath them. Isla was acquainted with moving quietly, but she was not a trained assassin. She had little idea where she was going at the moment; she was merely following the tug of instinct and the inkling of Avreet’s familiar force presence. Gloved fingers pushed the door to the chamber open; the feeling of shadows was strong here. Isla approached with caution, watching as the light of an image went dark – back into that strange holocron that had been found in the tomb.

She listened as Avreet’s voice broke the silence, she said nothing, but let a smirk form on her face. It seemed that the Sith Lord knew that she had come here for a reason. Isla watched as the Mon Cal spun to face her, and she offered him a simple nod in greeting and as a means to address his question.

“Yes,” She answered, “I have heard that you can move with the shadows – silent, swift, undetected.”

The Ren let her green eyes lock with the warm hues of Avreet’s gaze.

“Will you teach me?”

 

[Darth Veles]

Isla’s information was most certainly correct. Little did the young woman know that she stood in front of the greatest of Sith assassins – or so Veles liked to believe. Only a small handful continued to operate in the galaxy, even fewer shared the amphibian’s extremely high standards or possessed the same professional pride as him. How would this young knight of Ren fare if she held their power within her hands? Being a hunter, the redhead already stood on solid foundations to grow into an excellent assassin. One quiet, unseen, anonymous to the galaxy – unlike the majority of Veles’ former colleagues. Perhaps the desire to capitalize on her strengths and lifestyle based around survival was the reason she had come to him and asked for training. In that case, he had to applaud her decision, even though he feared he could not grant her the wish.

“It is very admirable that, despite your success, you still want to learn.” Veles started with a praise, inquisitive eyes never leaving the woman’s petite form that concealed a trained and ruthless killer.

“Keep it up, knight, and there will be nobody strong enough to challenge you one day, I promise you that.”

Cane clicks filled the silent room as Veles moved towards the exit, his webbed hand’s gesture motioning for the knight to follow. The Sith Lord and his Ren companion paced through silent hallways, accompanied by the amphibious Imperial’s smooth, thick-accented voice addressing the woman’s request.

“As you may know, there is a certain rule that forbids me from sharing with you more than other knights of Ren can provide. However, I sense your potential and therefore will teach you something.”

The large, cybernetic eye swivelled to gaze at her, study the human’s expression.

“I can shape you into a precise instrument of death if that is what you desire – but first, allow me to test your abilities a bit. Try to sneak up on me without making noise.”

Raising his hand, the Sith summoned invisible strands from the great currents of the Force, wrapping those around Isla in a firm, sure manner. Her body rose into the air and floated towards the very end of the hallway in a silent flight. This marble floor beneath them would certainly prove to be a challenging opponent for the hunter. Once the telekinetic grip vanished and the woman’s boots kissed the ground with an audible tap, Darth Veles showed her his back and waited. Of course he knew about the woman, felt her through the Force, yet focused solely on what his ear canals could identify aside from the electric hum coming from the lamps above their heads.

[member="Isla Ashen"]

 

[Isla Ashen]

Isla remained still as Veles spoke, her arms down at her sides, and her fingertips gently touching the sides of her trousers. Green orbs watched carefully as the Mon Cal began to move towards the exit, but she listened to the words that drifted back to her and echoed around the chamber. Her head bowed slightly when she believed that he was denying her request, but she chanced a glance up as he mentioned the potential he saw in her. There was still a chance.

Her head canted to the side, he had agreed to teach her the ways of the shadow, but first she would be tested. Isla nodded slightly, it was a fair arrangement.

“Very well,” There was a flicker of a grin, “Let us begin.”

Just as the last word left her lips, she felt tendrils of the force wrapping around her body. Her feet lifted from the ground, and Isla felt herself floating towards the far end of the hallway. With her boots back on the cold stone floor, she gazed across to the point where Veles stood, his back facing her. Of course, it looked easily, the space between them was not so far, but moving with such graceful silence was difficult. It would have been a task made easier by slippers spun from shadowsilk, but option was not available to her now, and it would have done little to hone her skills.

Isla’s tall form crouched slightly, her foot lifted straight up from the ground. Her first step was placed down carefully and with much thought – the outside of her foot touched against the floor, then she gently rolled the ball of her foot down, and last came her heel. Once this foot was pressing down evenly, she shifted her weight forward. It was slow progress, but Isla sped up as she went, getting used to this unnatural movement. She tried to keep her ears alert, searching for the tiniest of sounds...

A bit of dirt ground beneath her, the soul of her boot slid slightly... these sounds may have easily been missed by untrained ears, but it was far from dead silence. Her eyes stared forward at Veles, looking for a sign that he had heard her approach.

 

[Darth Veles]

Isla moved with the grace and elegance of a deadly predator, he had to admit, proving herself a better hunter than he had thought. Veles had admittedly expected more of an amateur, yet the woman moved with greater skill than the majority of his former assassin colleagues. Whether it spoke volumes about the red-haired Ren’s abilities or other assassins’ incompetence, Veles brushed the thoughts away and fully devoted himself to the fresh knight’s progress, back still turned and playing a statue. Without a single sound to betray the young woman’s sneak, the amphibious Sith only knew of her approach thanks to the Force and its currents giving away her position. Truth to be told, it was a refreshing change to finally encounter someone experienced and holding great potential, already armed with an arsenal of talents to utilize.

Crack!

A subtle smile crept into his expression when his enhanced sense of hearing finally reported an audible disturbance coming from behind. Experience; the woman needed more experience, force herself to essentially replace her casual pace with the aware and stealthy sneak, make as innate as breathing. Veles had gone through the same during his training – taught to move in a certain manner until it became an inseparable part of him.

“Not bad, knight, not bad at all.”

He was genuinely impressed, the serene tone without a hint of mockery subtly reflecting that. A gentle laugh escaped his lips and whiskers shivered at the realization the woman resembled his younger self in certain ways. Standing at the start of her journey, like a swimmer determined to get across a lake after merely dipping their feet into the water.

Placed at his side by telekinesis, Isla received the Mon Cal’s autumn-coloured stare in its fullest, digging right through her.

“I want you to exercise moving silently whenever you can from now on, until your mind no longer needs to focus on the task. It has to get in your blood, become a natural instinct.”

Veles started to pace away, with the Ren expected to follow.

“It is good you have sought me out.” He praised her decision once more, “Someone of your potential could become my apprentice after all – but for now, tell me more about yourself. Is there a reason behind the decision to join the First Order?”

Like two shadows, the curious duo continued to travel the temple of Ren through the seemingly never-ending hallway, Veles’ eyes never leaving the woman’s expression, a careful study meant to memorize every single detail for a later demonstration. For all the politeness he had displayed earlier, the burning, lively glare became unnerving after a while.

[member="Isla Ashen"]

 

[Isla Ashen]

Isla straightened up once more at the sound of Veles’ voice breaking the silence. A moment later, she was moving through the air again, and her feet came to rest on the ground next to the Mon Cal. His eyes were upon her, almost staring through her and to the wall behind where she stood. Isla would take Veles advice to heart, and she would practice moving like a shadow on the ground – light, silent, swift.

“I will do so,” She said with a nod, her boots now in motion, following alongside the Sith Lord.

Her brows rose slightly, he wanted to know more about her. The Knight of Ren did not speak about her personal life in much detail, most that knew her were aware that she came from Skye and had lived on a small farm... but that was about it. Isla’s eyes dropped thoughtfully, looking down towards the hem of her robes, watching as the fabric billowed around her ankles. She would have likely remained silent for a few moments longer, but she knew that the Mon Cal’s eyes had never left her, and he waited for an answer.

“My story is simple. I was born and raised on Skye, on a farm, by parents that were not my own, alongside brothers and sisters that were not my own.” Isla said, there were subtle hints of resentment and anger behind her words. It was something she could not control. As far as she was concerned, she had been abandoned as a child, left by birth parents that had not wanted her.

“I was found by a member of the Ren,” Isla still remembered the night well. “His offer of knowledge, skill, and power were not to be turned away. These are things that I desire. And I remain loyal to the Ren and to him,” Of course, she was referring to the Supreme Leader. “because they have given me these things, and because I feel at home.” It was may have been strange to refer to the Citadel as home, but Isla was trying to convey the feeling of camaraderie that she found with her new sisters and brothers.

For once, it was nice to fit in. She was no longer the outcast of the family, she had a place and a purpose.

Isla turned her eyes to Veles, to see if this answer was satisfactory, or if he wanted to know more.

[member="Darth Veles"]

 

[Darth Veles]

A farmgirl? Despite the apparent ordinariness that should be considered normal, a story without blood and plenty of murders was in fact very uncommon. For that very reason, the Mon Calamari had to pay much more attention, search through the woman’s words as they left her sensual lips, eyes glued to her for as long as she spoke. What started completely mundane soon turned very interesting, Veles had noticed a spark within the young woman. Just a tiny small flash, barely noticeable in the Force and the Ren’s voice. And yet it was there, a hidden gem to be refined and utilized by the petite creature walking next to the amphibious assassin. So much potential! Did her teachers ever realize this opportunity slipping through their fingers?! They may have produced an average knight of Ren, but the woman could become so much more.

Well, perhaps it was unfair – after all, the Ren followed a different path from the Sith.

Which meant Veles had to give Isla a little push in the right direction. Not a traditional Sith training – not yes, anyway – but rather a sign to point her in the right direction if she desired to further grow in power.

“Was that anger?” Veles let out a polite giggle and stroked his whiskers before the expression carved into his face grew much more sinister. The two have arrived in front of a large door leading outside, to the beautifully cold and impersonal city of Avalonia. The Darth raised his hand, about to touch the control panel and unleash them into the capital’s outskirts, but stopped in motion, lowering his webbed claws again.

“Listen to me very carefully, knight. You will recall how it felt to be discarded, raised by a family that could never give you the love and care you needed. Remember, focus on the feeling burning in your heart! Make it a part of your power!”

Her anger needed to awaken, become a trusted ally, grow into hatred!

“Fuel it! Think of how utterly useless you had to have been for your true parents to abandon you! Despise not them for getting rid of such a waste of life – despise your former self!”

The gaze in his eyes softened, his face once more bearing the friendly expression, voice calm, soothing.

“Take deep breaths. Stay in control! It is important to never become a slave to your emotion - but let the anger remain festering deep in your heart, empower you!”

[member="Isla Ashen"]

 

[Isla Ashen]

While Isla’s story lacked the spilling of blood, it would not always be so. For there was a plan in her head, and once she decided to put it to action, there would be blood on her hands. She had been slowly uncovering her birth family’s roots, digging through the dirt with her bare hands. Thus far, her family tree was still empty; it was a lonely sight of dry, broken branches. It was only a matter of time before she found them, they could no hide forever. And when she did locate them, she would make them pay dearly.

As the Knight walked on with [member="Darth Veles"], she was not so casual and relaxed now, her fists gently curled into fists at her side. Her head turned slightly in his direction when he mentioned anger, and she narrowed her eyes slightly when a giggle escaped him. Was it funny? She watched silently as his hand reached up towards the control panel, but stopped short, leaving the heavy door shut before them.

Her head bowed slightly, the voice of the Mon Cal surrounding her inside the little hallway. Isla did recall how it felt to be discarded, raised by unfamiliar people, forever the outcast – she felt it all.

Isla’s fists were shaking now, the rage inside her growing raw and unfettered. But at the moment when she felt that she might be overtaken by this feeling, she heard Veles instructing her to take deep breaths. Though the urge to lash out was there, she drew gulps of air into her lungs. This feeling began to retreat, moving back inside her chest, where she would keep it safe.

“And what now?” She asked, looking to Veles for more insight and also to try and glean where he might be taking her.

 

[Darth Veles]

Discipline and clear mind currently barring the woman from outright attacking him had passed the test, though Veles could see that one more push would admittedly shatter the dam of control and unleash the destructive river of rage. Indeed, Isla needed more training to succeed and survive whatever trials awaited her in the future fights for the First Order. Jedi had their peace of mind, Sith wielded passion – the Ren possessed nothing. Not in enough capacity to be a solid match for either, anyway. The Sith Lord intended to change that.

“Now keep the fires of anger alive.”

Then came the push of a button, revealing the dehumanized and unfeeling of Avalonia, bathed in a pleasant daylight. Buildings sprawled as far as eyes could see, speeders rushed through the sky. It screamed order, pattern. Cool air gently bushed against the duo and rushed into the gawking hole in their backs before the door automatically shut. Standing on a balcony that also played the role of a small garden, Veles and his Ren student walked across the small platform covered in meticulously maintained grass and decorative blood-red flowers. After a stop by the railing, watching the bustling world, Veles spoke again.

“Do you knights meditate? Training your will is equally important to strengthening your body. You need to perfect both.”

Kneeling down, but not before turning around, the amphibious Sith Lord placed his hands into his lap and stared at the red-headed knight until she followed suit.

“Wrestle your anger, beat it, wield it. Have it know that you are its master.”

A subtle smirk curled the assassin’s lips once his large eyes closed.

“Once you feel ready, try to concentrate on the Force and use your anger to draw its power. Remember - the Force is a tool like any other. Enslave it through your passion.”

[member="Isla Ashen"]

 

[Isla Ashen]

Isla’s time with the Ren had not been as long as many of the other Knights, her training had given her the necessary skills to draw from the force, combat basics, and other skills that would aid her in her future endeavors. However, the flame-haired Ren was still weak when it came to discipline. There was part of her that wanted to run with the power that she had, let it grow and take over completely. But deep down, she knew that it would do little good for the Ren and for herself. It this notion of calm restraint was new, but she recognized that it was becoming a necessity.

She watched as the door opened before them, the dark exit contrasted against the natural splendor of Avalonia. Isla stepped out into the daylight, feeling the warmth of the sun fall over her. The weather was pleasant, there was even a soft breeze moving through the air. Isla liked being outdoors; it was where she felt most at home. It didn’t matter what world she was on, so long as it had a wide open sky above her and solid ground beneath her feet.

Isla spotted the Mon Cal kneeling in the grass, his hands folded neatly in his lap, and his amber eyes upon her. She watched curiously for a moment longer before following suit. Now sitting across from [member="Darth Veles"], she crossed her legs comfortably and let her hands interlace on her abdomen.

“We do mediate,” She answered with a nod. “Some are better at it than others.”

She had observed some Knights sitting quietly for what seemed like hours. Meditation was admittedly one of her weak points. It was difficult at times to silence the mind.

Isla watched a small, but slightly unnerving smirk form on the Sith Lord’s face. But once his eyes were closed, she let her lids fall over emerald orbs.

It was time to put Veles’ instructions to practice. The anger from before had lingered in her heart and in her mind, it had remained there to be drawn at a moment’s notice. Slowly, she began to feel the rage within her grow, like a storm beginning to brew. At the same time, she used this opportunity to begin drawing the force to her now open palms. This strength came with whispers of power, it was seductive and impossible to ignore.

 

[Darth Veles]

Veles did not need to question the knight’s progress, for the Force revealed her struggles and raw passion all too well. Nothing else in the galaxy corrupted the same way – and that very reason had prompted Veles to exercise his will to great degree. He ruled the Dark Side, not the other way around. Control, absolute control over himself meant absolute control over the Force without succumbing to its influence.

“Your anger. It gives you focus. Makes you stronger. Let it empower you – and ignore the calling. Temper it with restraint, knight.”

The moment Isla connected to the Force, the Dark Side was there, already waiting for its newest victim. A charming liar, the manipulative and corrupting aspect of the Force fully supported the woman’s decision to follow the Sith Lord’s instructions, feasting on her anger. The slithering snake even helped her to fume the flames of rage – but just like fire, the Dark Side was a good servant and a bad master. Without eliminating its support for the red-headed woman’s inner chaos, the malevolent presence started to influence her instincts, giving her the urge to act on them without care or consideration. She had to imagine the power sleeping inside her, locked in the cursed blood flowing through her veins!

This calling inside Isla’s head grew louder, no longer inaudible whispers. If she seized the opportunity, she’d become more powerful than any of her fellow Ren. The First Order would belong to her, an instrument to wreak havoc upon the galaxy! All of the woman’s violent dreams and power fantasies suddenly manifested inside her mind as perfectly viable options. Images of two beings that she somehow understood to be her parents flashed in the depths of her consciousness. Pulled apart, ripped to pieces, burned alive, crushed to death – blood and pain and screams and…

Kill the Sith!

For all the restraint holding her back, the calling manifested as a strong surge of passion to strike the Sith down and steal the holocron concealed within his robes, take his power and make it her own. Now she had the perfect chance to start her violent path, right here!

[member="Isla Ashen"]

 

[Isla Ashen]

Isla fell under the sway of the Dark Side, letting the shadows wash over her. Her hands remained in her lap, but slowly began to curl into fists, nails beginning to press into her rough palms. There was a fire inside, and it was being furiously fanned, the flames rising ever higher. The voice was in her mind and her blood was stinging with it, and she wanted to pour it all from her veins – to set it free.

The anger inside rolled over her like storm clouds, a rumbling of thunder echoed in her mind. How could she temper this with restraint? There was even a small part of her that did not want to try.

Isla could feel the promise of power, right there at her fingertips. The voice called louder, beckoning her to follow, and the flame-haired Ren would have risen like a sleep walker and drifted anywhere in that moment. Images invaded her mind; her eyes squeezed shut against the intrusion. Scenes of glory, violence, an unrelenting hunger for strength – they all flashed before her. And then, two silhouettes, a man and woman. Even without seeing their faces, she knew them. But before she could even form a thought, there was nothing but agonizing screams.

Kill the Sith!

Isla’s eyes snapped open, her eyes cold and unfeeling. Her lips pulled back slightly, barring teeth in an unsettling and twisted smile. She glared at [member="Darth Veles"]; he would fall beneath her hand this day.

In an instant, she was upon him. Her hands clawing at the fabric of his robes, a head full of rage, and a heart that had turned black beneath its influence. Isla’s black saber found her hand, ignited with a snap, and lowered slightly to cast both figures in a malicious light.

“There will be power in the blood.” She said, in a voice that was almost not her own.

As her pale hand began to bring the saber down, her emerald eyes caught the amber orbs of the Mon Cal. This was not right. The lightsaber halted in midair, her arm seemingly frozen now. A short moment later, the saber hilt fell from her hand and went dead without its master’s hand to hold. Isla stumbled to the side, away from Veles, her mind still reeling.

 

[Darth Veles]

Cries for blood screamed through the Force in a warning, yet the amphibian remained calm. Meeting the woman’s bloodthirsty gaze with his amber glare, he successfully turned her attention where he needed it to be while the Mon Cal’s left hand vanished under the black cloak, clutching a lightsaber and ready to ignite the deadly red beam through the block cloth, right into the woman’s chest should it prove necessary.

“Perhaps you have been promoted prematurely?” Veles posed a rhetorical question that held a hint of mockery, right palm open and summoning the knight’s fallen lightsaber. Unwilling to return it to the rightful owner just yet, the amphibious man clutched the black hilt tightly, noting how strange it felt compared to his curved instruments of death.

For all the promise, she was still weak. It disgusted Veles to see so much unrefined potential, knowing the woman could easily be vastly more powerful than now if only she had better teachers. One swift motion and his left hand reappeared – empty, harmless. A shift could be felt in the Force as Veles feasted on Isla’s own emotions, utilizing the woman’s unrefined strength to forge it into something to serve his bidding. Eyes had turned yellow with the Dark Side’s fire when a red stream of energy parted from Veles’ fingertips, straight at the unprotected Ren – it did not hurt per se, yet something was off; weakness washed over the young knight, her very life and mysterious energies of the Force seeping from her body. The stolen energy only served to empower Veles and leave Isla in a harmless, weakened state.

Grasping his own anger, the Mon Calamari wrapped an invisible telekinetic noose around the red-haired Ren’s neck. It grew tighter as the overwhelming power of the Dark Side lifted the helpless woman into the air, moving her over the railing where she remained, abandoned in her struggle. A long drop down and a sudden, crunching stop on the streets awaited her if the Sith Lord decided to let her go free; her life rested in his hands. The iron grip clutching her windpipe loosened a bit, just enough to let the woman fight for air a bit longer before the merciful realm of unconsciousness could claim her mind.

Gone was the kindness and warmth usually present in his voice. Cold apathy and willingness to end her right there painted his tone. Death awaited Isla – or a particularly painful lesson to always remember this moment for the rest of her life.

“This is power – I wield the Force like a weapon, yet I remain in control. You lack vision, you lack discipline – that’s why you’ll never...”

Veles paused abruptly, reminding himself this woman was not a Sith, nor she aspired to become one. The crushing choke existed no longer, replaced by a powerful, yet gentle hold over her body that safely levitated the woman's form above the gaping abyss.

A polite, somewhat apologetic and out of place smile crossed his features, the sickening yellow erased from his eyes, sweet and honeyed politeness back, words quietly soothing.

"Losing your life to the Dark Side's madness would be particularly tragic. That is why you need to devote more training to strengthening your will, knight."

“Do you understand?”


[member="Isla Ashen"]

 

[Isla Ashen]

Isla’s back was still hunched and facing the Mon Cal, as she drew uneven breaths in. Her mind was still trying to cope with what had just happened. She had yet to even realize the weakness she had displayed, but she was forced to face it head on. Isla suddenly felt strange and feeble, like her energy and life was being pulled out of her. Had she been able to turn her head towards [member="Darth Veles"], she would have seen the yellow eyes and would have understood that he was the cause.

Her neck felt tight, suddenly constricted by an invisible power, and Isla’s helpless form rose easily into the air. A moment later, her emerald orbs chanced a glance down – her gaze fell to the bottom of a long drop. Isla was powerless. She could hardly breath, what little air had been left in her lungs was simply trapped now and stinging for freedom. His words came through the air, his voice cold and unfamiliar.

But it sounded very far away, like it came from another world. For it seemed that Isla was close to slipping into the unknown.
And then relief came swiftly; the tight hold on her neck loosened and she drew in a gasping breath.

Isla was still dangling over the edge, and she looked to the dark form of Veles standing on solid ground. Even though his calm demeanor had returned, she was still very much at his mercy. She would certainly not forget what had happened this day, and the power he wielded so easily. Deep down, her respect for the Sith grew. However, she would edge on the side of caution forever forward.

“I understand.” Came her raspy voice, still recovering. “Forgive me – I was weak.”

Apologies made her feel weaker still, but Isla felt it that it was called for.

 

[Darth Veles]

Anger and fear continued to swirl in the midst of emotions currently attending the grand ball played inside Isla’s body. He could feel it, a specific sensation brushing against him. It made her stronger, more than she’d ever realize. Such a beautiful sight; a young beast steadily growing in power, yet dangling helplessly above certain death, fully in his grasp. When Veles’ gaze met her own and saw a mirror image of himself in the woman’s emeralds, he understood she would not underestimate those who called themselves Sith and wielded red blades again. A gesture of his hand, a his will’s command to the Force, and the red-head’s booted feet rested upon a solid ground, finally, after a peaceful flight through the air back to the balcony. Grass and flowers welcomed the female human’s return kindly, providing her with great relief and palpable safety.

“Do not apologize to me for discovering your weakness,” the powerful Sith Lord advised, “Take this as an opportunity to eliminate the flaw – and ensure it does not bring you doom in the future.”

Turning his back to her and walking over to the edge, the amphibian almost handed her an invitation to strike once more, yet as many masks Veles wore, it was a lie – his senses remained open to such possibility and observed the young woman’s action even when the Mon Cal’s bulbous orbs dazed off into the distance while Isla’s fury and respect alike raged in his back.

“You look pale, knight. Perhaps another try will make you feel better? Meditate and recover your strength from the Dark Side.”

The same task as before.

No, not entirely. Isla knew better now, wiser and knowledgeable about the dangers the Force posed to those who sought to chain it through anger and hate. Swiftly turning around, leaning against the railing, the amphibian spoke.

“Have you ever thought about being a Sith?”

The curious question came out of nowhere, fully intended to catch her off guard and disturb the delicate state of meditation.


[member="Isla Ashen"]

 

[Isla Ashen]

With a simple wave of his hand, Isla’s form was brought back to solid ground – to safety. She felt her feet touching down again, but instead of standing upright upon them, she dropped down, her knees now in the plush grass. Now that she was free of the Sith Lord’s grasp, her head turned ever so slightly, so that she could view his robed form from the corner of her gaze. Isla listened as he instructed her to rid herself of her weakness, eyes narrowing slightly, but intently.

The back of [member="Darth Veles"] was facing her once more, and though it appeared that he was handing her the opportunity to place a knife there... Isla knew better.

“Yes, perhaps...” Isla spoke, and let her eyes close.

Isla folded her hands together, desperately trying to quiet the storm of thought. After a few deep inhales and exhales, she felt herself falling down into the deep well of darkness once more. Again, the whispered words of the shadow were next to her ear, and a breath of cold was on her skin. The anger had never left and now she began to draw from it. The angry voice inside grew louder, just like before...
But this time was different.

Instead of allowing herself to become lost in the rage, she remained in control. Isla could hear Veles speaking to her again, his words threatening to break her concentration. The corner of her eye twitched, but that was the only form of acknowledgement that came. The knight could feel her blood courses steadily in her veins, flowing with the power of darkness again, and energy came with it. A bit of color returned to her face.

Isla opened her eyes, her head turning in Veles direction.

“I have not considered it a possibility,” She answered finally.

The power was all around her, but tempered now into something she could control. Her eyes searched the amber depths of the Mon Cal’s gaze, almost looking for any hint of approval.

[member="Darth Veles"]

 

[Darth Veles]

Disappointing – and yet, after today’s lesson, she would undoubtedly find her mind intrigued with the possibility of wielding the Force with the same ease Darth Veles had displayed. Compared to his sheer capability to literally weaponize the mysterious energy, hers was just a fraction of what remained locked behind bars of inexperience while also leaking through the lack of discipline, wasting potential left and right. It almost brought physical hurt to the amphibious assassin. He saw all the possible outcomes, each leading to Isla discovering her power, but none aligned with her path as a knight of Ren.

His whiskers wriggled when he spoke, a playful tone toying with the woman’ lust for power. He could offer vastly more than the Ren – but would she betray her new family to satiate this hunger? Such a terrible choice! Fortunately, Veles had never faced such an impossible decision, raised to be a Sith since youth. Staying true to his beloved Order’s ideals while attaining infinite power went hand in hand in his case. Veles remembered being offered redemption by the Jedi Grandmaster, Corvus Raaf. It was never a choice for him, really. The Light Side never understood how to make its offers tempting.

Isla wasn’t so lucky. While positively a Dark Side practitioner, the seductive siren’s song lured her further down the terrible path that no longer held much resemblance to the Ren. Treading it alone spelled death, a guide was needed to show her the safe way. Someone strong, knowledgeable. A Sith.

Natural leaders, conquerors, scholars.

Loyalty or power?

“Remember to use the Force to sense the lifeforms surrounding you and plan your next moves accordingly,” the Sith continued the lesson, still giving an advice on capabilities of Isla’s mind, “If you focus on someone’s thoughts, form a silent telepathic bond, you can insert a suggestion into their mind and thus influence their next course of action. These thoughts have to be sneaky, discreet, seemingly mundane, so the target accepts them as their own.”

“What would you say if a Sith offered to take you as their apprentice?” The Mon Cal asked innocently, firing another random question out of nowhere, roguish flames flickering in his orbs as he studied the woman’s progress.


[member="Isla Ashen"]

 

[Isla Ashen]

Isla remained on the ground, her palm glazing over the top of the blades of grass. Her eyes were still focused on [member="Darth Veles"], and she listened to the words that came next. The notion of sensing the world with the force had been so foreign to her when she joined the Ren, but it was a skill that she worked to hone whenever possible. However, the skills surrounding telepathy were still very new to her. Isla had not even attempted to plant suggestions into other minds. Slipping thoughts into another’s mind seemed an impossible task, but she had seen the results of such trickery before.

Finally, she stood up from her place in the grass, walking to the railing that surrounded the ledge. It was far better to see the long drop from this side – it was a sight that would have been lovely, had she not experienced it quite so closely.

With a gloved hand resting gently over the top of the railing, she looked to Veles as he posed a question. Her expression was passive, almost a bit blank, save for a slight lifting of her brow. Isla narrowed her eyes thoughtfully, holding onto her words for the moment. Was he offering? Or was he merely trying to test her loyalty to the Ren? It was curious, indeed.

“I am open to learning from a Sith,” Something she had already demonstrated, “But I am not sure their ways are mine.”

There was still much about the world of force use that was a mystery to Isla. In fact, she still found it confusing that there were Sith among the numbers of the Ren. What exactly made them different? Perhaps it was time to find out.

“In terms of force use, we draw from the same power.” She started, but cocked her head to the side. “What exactly makes you different from me?” There was now a hint of a smile, “Aside from the obvious...”

 

[Darth Veles]

Watching her as she joined him in sightseeing, the amphibious Sith carefully listened to her answer. Isla had opted for a longer route, one requiring more explanation and information. Of course the Mon Calamari could provide her with all of that – what he offered paled in comparison with what he chose not to reveal. In fact, everything he had told Isla so far hardly touched the Sith teachings at all, merely pointers and advices to help the woman command the Dark Side more efficiently. Even though she was technically a Dark Jedi and Veles hated Dark Jedi, he hardly regretted helping her out a bit, for it prevented her from being a liability in the future.

“The answer is quite obvious, knight.” Veles said kindly and raised his finger, fully immersing himself in the teaching role bestowed upon him. What made him Sith, how did he differ from the petite red-head standing beside him in terms of ideology and traditions? The answer to that was surprisingly simple. Turning his head to face Avalonia’s glory, he watched the tiny, ant-sized people walk deep below the two observers. Insignificant on their own, yet large masses of them shed their weakness and became a power to be reckoned with. It was most beneficial to imprint one's own ideals upon the herd, turn them into a weapon that could be wielded like any other. Veles understood that.

Their gazes locked again. There was this pleasant, almost soothing warmth in the Mon Cal's amber eyes, like sitting next to a cozy fireplace while a furious snowstorm raged outside.

“It is the Sith code I follow and you don’t – there lies the secret that makes me a Sith. Our Jedi friends have to follow their respective code to be Jedi as well. You see, Isla, everyone can claim to be a Sith or a Jedi, but not everyone actually is.”

He missed them. True Sith, true Jedi. Worthy adversaries armed with a vision and living according to their code. The strange, unspoken respect and honour between them.

“Technically, the knights of Ren are Dark Jedi, even though you have nothing in common with the Republic’s monastic order. From what I have seen, you lack solid foundations to base your beliefs upon. I mean no disrespect, of course.”

It was impossible not to see them as something lesser. Coming from an ancient organisation that had survived for thousands of years and still continued to evolve and endlessly adapt, Veles certainly did not see the Ren as equals. Useful assets, definitely, but little more than that from his Sith perspective.


[member="Isla Ashen"]

 

[Isla Ashen]

Isla let her eyes wander as [member="Darth Veles"] spoke, emeralds sweeping over the cityscape. These people below them, bustling about on the sidewalks, completely immersed in their simple lives. There were times when Isla longed for the simplicity of her past, but the thirst for knowledge and experience always reminded her of her true purpose – to serve in the shadow of the Supreme Leader. Isla felt the Mon Cal’s gaze on the side of her face, and she turned slightly to meet his eyes once more.

“I see,” She said with a brief nod, taking in his explanation.

She could not disagree with the point he had made about the Ren – while there was order, there was also a distinct lack of solid beliefs. However, she was sure that this was all about to change. The members of the Ren were growing, their numbers steadily increasing in recent times. This new wave of disciples and knights would pave the way for the rest.

“None taken,” She said, her shoulders rising into a light shrug.

Her head bowed slightly, feeling the chill of the breeze playing with her hair, trying to sweep a few strands into the wind. Isla placed her hands on the railing, one folded softly over the other. Darth Veles had answered her question, but another still remained to be asked. Perhaps it was a question that many of the Ren had held onto, especially now that the Mon Cal was becoming quite well known.

“I understand how we are different now,” Isla spoke, her voice nearly carried away on the wind that was kicking up. “But why have you chosen to walk with us? Are you here to help us build these... foundations?”