Evacuated and fortified…

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus smiled as clearly they’d been thinking along similar lines. “I remember what you did with the flowers on the graves,” she said. “It was beautiful regardless of how it happened. And yes, if my circumstances change, I’ll ask of course.” In Corvus’ mind that day was unlikely to come soon. She wasn’t just juggling the lives of Corvus the person and also the Jedi, but she was now the GrandMaster of the Order. Whatever she did, however well-intentioned she tried to rationalise it, she could never knowingly use Sith magic. It would be a step too far. But never was a very, very long time and so she was honest in her response.

“And the same goes for you, if and when the time is right, I’m here for you. And healing is something that can do only good, but I’ll not say anything more, we both know.” She smiled at her sister, “Now this cave, does your droid have lights or can you use Force Sight?” Before her sister could answer, Corvus closed her eyes and ‘looked’ as far down the caves as she could. Solid matter appeared translucent, except for the walls which became denser the deeper they were. “No blockages as far as I can see, but I haven’t been able to see the end from here.”

[member="Darth Arcanix"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

"I appreciate it," Taeli said softly, refocusing on the task at hand. Time to admit something rather embarrassing to her sister, because even as much as she read, she didn't know that many techniques yet. Sith just didn't teach anything for free and she didn't enjoy the company of many of her colleagues to actually take a lesson. Even Balaya hadn't done much actual technique training with her in magic or alchemy.

"I . . . uh, don't know Force Sight," she said, shuffling her feet awkwardly as they started walking into the caves and she was forced to activate a glowrod. "I've read about a lot of techniques, but . . . never have had the chance to learn them. We don't like to share information in the Sith, and I don't care for the company of certain colleagues that could actually show me some things. I have to muddle through by myself, as much as I read. Even my master didn't show me many techniques, I had to learn them myself."

A quick shot of jealousy raced through her at both her sister probably getting plenty of lessons and stuff, and probably knowing so many techniques it would make Taeli's head spin. But, she was also a bit saddened and slightly hopeful that maybe Corvus could eventually show her somethings. She didn't know it, but the tiniest spark of light was igniting in her soul, something that probably only Corvus could sense but Taeli couldn't.

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus chuckled, “Jedi are always willing to teach – getting them to find the time is invariably the challenge. I must have had up to twenty teachers before I was a Knight, each one giving me a little bit of time. Plus all my time on Corellia.”

The planet of their birth was still an uncomfortable subject, despite Taeli’s optimism. As they walked, Corvus closed her eyes and used Force Sight.. In these conditions it gave her greater range and allowed her to see around corners and spot any traps or hidden doors. But there were none to see. Nor were there any creatures. She could see a 360-degree vista in her mind, as far backwards as she could see forward – and only the denseness of the walls of the cave hindering her sight laterally. She saw tiny dots of light, the Force aura of lichen and insects alike and then the extremity of her own bright aura and her sisters, dark but overlaid with a lightness to mask it.

Except…

Without turning her head she looked at Taeli again. There was the veneer of Light with Darkness underneath and…yes a small spark of Light within that. Had it always been there? Corvus didn’t know and was not going to mention it, certainly not now. But she was going to monitor it. Was it a diminishing or growing? Only time would tell and Corvus felt her heart beating faster but calmed herself by drawing on the Light-side of the Force.

“I..see the way ahead, there are no blockages, you picked the right tunnel Taeli.” She smiled and squeezed her sister’s hand. “Good news indeed.” Yes, it was certainly positive for Corvus but she was still pragmatic rather than overly optimistic.

[member="Darth Arcanix"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

"Guess you're lucky then," she said smiling, completely unaware of any spark of light that was appearing within her. "Glad I picked the right the tunnel system then, would be even more embarrassing if I didn't."

Recalling the drone, she sprinted ahead while holding her sister's hand. She had no idea why Corvus was feeling a bit happier, but she just chalked that up them being near their destination. The tunnel eventual started to shine light from the other end and when they emrged they would see a large temple like complex with smaller buildings around it. Taeli sighed as she looked over the ruins, so much had been lost to the ages. But the Forge was further ahead, past the city and overlooking a place of serenity if she recalled correctly.

"I could study these ruins all day," she said, smiling at the stone structures. "But I believe our destination is in a small path past this city, a winding trail up to a cliff that will house the Forge. Oh, I'm so excited about this! Maybe I should come with you to Ruusan, see the sights there."

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus caught her sister smiling and wondered if that was how she looked? Thoughts of anything other than the task in hand were extraneous – just two siblings on a treasure hunt.

As they exited the tunnel and saw the large temple with smaller buildings dotted around it, Corvus knew they’d found the city Taeli had mentioned before – which meant the Forge was further ahead. Like her sister, she’d love to look around the buildings ahead but agreed their ultimate destination should not be kept waiting.

“You’ll love Ruusan. I was there recently – securing the planet – and actually went into the caves where the Thought Bomb was detonated. It was eerie and at the same time spiritual. To stand where names from the history books have walked. And there’s so much to do to recover the Temple that the surrounding area will be neglected and allow us the freedom to roam – just like this.”

Corvus brow furrowed as she remembered a question she had to ask. “On Ossus I have a favourite place. The Meditation Pavilion, apparently also a popular spot with GrandMaster Skywalker. But when we returned to Ossus, it had…I mean it was changed. A brick had been removed and something taken. And there was a Force Aura left behind – a very happy Aura…Melori’s. Is it something you can share?” Her voice was light and there was no hint of pressure in the question – if her sister needed to withhold the information for reasons of confidentiality, Corvus would honour that. But she was curious.

[member="Darth Arcanix"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

"That does sound lovely . . . alright, I'm sold, I'll go explore Ruusan with you," Taeli said, smiling widely at her sister. She couldn't pass up the chance to examine and explore a world so rich in history.

"Ossus?" Taeli asked, completely confused. "I didn't know Melori had been to Ossus any time recently or what she might have found behind that brick. She must have slipped over there when I was busy off-world. Now I'm very curious at what she retrieved from there . . . hmm, I'll get to the bottom of that little mystery and let you know if you should be concerned or not. I swear sometimes I need to put that sister of ours on a child leash."

The last part was added as joke and with a smile still from her, although now she was very curious indeed about what Melori might have found there. Could be concerning or could be a small doodle sketch from Ben Skywalker to his father, she had no idea. Still, their destination was beckoning them and she didn't want to keep it waiting.

"Come on though, we need to go see whatever is at the Forge," Taeli said, giggling a little as she took off to climb the steps of the temple, expecting her sister to be right behind her. It felt so good to be carefree right now and on a treasure hunt essentially.

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus decided that it would be a good idea not to die on Tython – if for no other reason than she wouldn’t be able to enjoy Ruusan with Taeli.

And Corvus smiled at the concept of Melori on a leash. She’d only known her for a matter of minutes and occasionally, when she thought of her, there was a pang of jealousy that her oldest and youngest sisters would spend so much time together and she’d be forced to meet just one of them once in a while.

“Well if it’s not important, don’t worry – but whatever it was, she was pleased to have found it.” And Corvus picked up the pace to keep in step with her sister as they climbed the steps to the Temple.

As she did she glanced at the ruins of the ancient city – built by the Je’daii Order if her memory served correct. It was the final test before being granted Knighthood. “Funny how nowadays Padawans run around with sabers. I crafted mine just before my final Trial and Knighthood. So few Jedi seem to complete the Trials nowadays. In fact, I may have been the last.”

“So, do you expect to find a monster here?”

[member="Darth Arcanix"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

"Same I built this just before I became a Sith Knight," Taeli said, pulling out her lightsaber and looking at it with a smile. "I never did show you what was so special about it, did I? I should do that if we come across a monster, but I don't think there will be one waiting for us. The Hero of Tython killed the guardian if I remember the story correctly."

Taeli had to agree with her sister that it seemed more and more apprentices and acolytes were wielding lightsabers when they weren't truly ready for them. Even Melori had one right now, but then Taeli was working to teach her a lot and she would need it. Still, the fact they could wield lightsabers seemed to give people a false sense of confidence.

"I doubt your trials were as trying as mine," Taeli laughed as they made their way closer and closer to their destination. "Day one of starting my official training, I had to fight a terentatek. Then the next day, I had to fight an adolescent Leviathan when Balaya sent me down into the Undercity of Coruscant to get something for my concentration amulet. Still, I at least was put through my paces, I would say many Sith acolytes and Jedi Padawans get a false sense of confidence when wielding a lightsaber."

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus pondered the wisdom of Taeli’s words. “I suspect you’re right, but then I was in a few situations as a Padawan where having a saber might have been beneficial – especially as I wasn’t always with my Master. Obi-Wan wouldn’t have lasted long if he didn’t have his when he met Darth Maul.”

“And your apprenticeship sounds harrowing – sink or swim I suspect. We tend to develop our Padawans a little more gently until they have a few skills under their belt. I mean a Terentatek on your first day? I’m not sure I could have handled one until I became a Knight. You’re tougher than you look,” she laughed to show it was just good-natured teasing. “Most of my scrapes as a Padawan were of my own making – except facing Balaya herself of course.”

“So, if the Hero of Tython wasn’t just exaggerating, we have nothing to fear, right?” They reached the top of the steps and Corvus looked around. “After you, Terentatek-slayer.”

[member="Darth Arcanix"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

"Well that's what happens when your adopted mother teaches you to be like a Mandalorian fighter," Taeli laughed. "The expectations get set rather . . . high for someone like me to succeed or fail. Still, it turned out alright in the end, and just between you and me, I don't really think I'd have survived if I didn't have a bes'kad saber to fight both monsters. Balaya can be very cruel with her training."

"Oh, before I forget again, I've been meaning to tell you, a birthday present should be arriving on Ossus soon, anonymous of course, but it's a bottle of one hundred year old Corellian whiskey," Taeli said with a smile as she looked around and spotted a small path nearby. "I missed a few because of this war and it took me a little while to track down, but thought you would appreciate it for very special occasions."

She wondered if maybe the monster had laid ages or something before it died, because so far, their trek had been too easy and creature free. Taeli was by no means paranoid . . . but something like this usually had an obstacle or two. Oh well, she thought as she walked with Corvus along the narrow path that emerged out onto a beautiful vista, and a shrine up on the cliff side.

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus chuckled, “She’s not much fun for Jedi Padawans either, trust me.” At the mention of the whiskey, Corvus beamed. “That’s so kind of you, the Academy canteen have been making me ryshcate since Corellia fell. It’s not the same but their heart is in the right place. They’ve even started growing the nuts in the Ossus gardens.”

She smiled at how generous everyone was being with her. “I need to think of a birthday present for you. I haven’t given once since…I was four, so I’m a little rusty. But I’ll think of something.” She already had an idea for a part of the present – something she’d picked up on Tatooine. But she needed to have something done to it first.

Corvus followed her sister’s gaze to the shrine but was distracted by another sight. She pointed it out – a trail of smoke rising into the sky. And only one native of Tython used signal fires…Flesh Raiders.

[member="Darth Arcanix"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

"It's no trouble at all, Corvus," she said, smiling. "I've been addicted to that cake since you had me try it, but nothing compares to that first time on Corellia. I hope we can repair the world, but anyways any gift you give, I'll cherish."

That was when her sister pointed and she saw the signal fires rising from the shrine. That just burned her jets as she knew what that meant.

"Oh lovely, Flesh Raiders," she sighed. "They must have taken residence within the shrine that contains the Forge . . . I might be a dark sider, but that disgusts me that they would take residence in such a sacred place. I think we need to serve them an eviction notice, eh?"

She smiled, light-hearted still though, as she pulled out her lightsaber, but didn't activate it yet. She was actually kind of happy for this because now she could show her sister what exactly her lightsaber could do as it seemed to just be a standard hilt, but with a hand-guard.

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus glanced at her sister’s saber hilt – the hand guard was unusual – but then sabers came in all shapes and sizes. And there would be not prizes for guessing which Jedi had inspired Corvus’ design – both her saber and shoto were fashioned in the same style and both has Solari crystals in them.

Corvus drew in a large breath. “Well I’d have preferred to reach the Forge peacefully, but Flesh Raiders need to be dealt with, in case someone else happens across them.”

Corvus walked forward, in the direction of the smoke and momentarily closed her eyes. “There are six of them, they have left the fire and are heading this way.”

By the time she opened her eyes, there was no need to use the Force. The heads of the mutated Rakata’s soon appeared over the crest of a small hill, closely followed by their muscular bodies. Even at this distance, their razor-sharp teeth were clearly visible.

“You need to use whatever you need to use,” Corvus said to her sister, “Don’t die trying to be honourable in my presence, OK? Because I’m going to use whatever will keep us alive.” She smiled, “Anyway, this could be fun.”

And Corvus pulled the Force to her and entered Force Valor before holding her right hand out and her saber slapped into her palm. Given the opposition, she decided Djem So was the appropriate choice and so advanced with her saber held in both hands, above her head, angled back and at approximately forty-five degrees.

[member="Darth Arcanix"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

"It could be indeed," Taeli said, bringing her lightsaber up in a Makashi salute as the red blade ignited, before twirling it down to her side at a forty-five degree angle and placing her other hand behind her back in a traditional fencing pose. Seeing their prey preparing for battle, the Flesh Raiders roared and brandished their weapons as they charged towards the two sisters.

"Just going to say, I'm kinda happy I can actually get in a scuffle with you next to me," Taeli said, smiling brightly. "But, you'll forgive me if I don't use any overt dark side techniques, don't need a Force Storm erupting around us from clashing Force energies in the air." That being said, Taeli would call on her command of the Force to imbue her limbs with strength and speed.

She was tempted to use her double-bladed and spinning modes immediately, but felt they would serve best if she needed them. No need to use overkill just yet, but then Flesh Raiders were going to be unpleasant to deal with anyways. Going through her mind, even as the mutated Rakata bore down upon them, Taeli went over the traits of a Flesh Raider and the best way to deal with them. The bright smile on her face never left, and her eyes stayed their natural purple for now.

 

[Corvus Raaf]

As Corvus slowly advanced, the Flesh Raiders started to run. Oddly this negated their advantage of being on the higher ground - and as could have been predicted, they split into two groups of three and each attacked one of the sisters.

They may not have been blessed by the greatest of intelligence but they knew enough to keep a distance from a lightsaber and they were using coordinated team-work, looking to flank Corvus. She allowed them to surround her and although they were some six-feet away, she could sense where they all were at once, even the one behind her which, unsurprisingly, was the first to attack.

Using Force Valor she jumped up and did a tight somersault backwards so that she landed behind the oncoming Flesh Raider. Three saber slashes to his back and neck later and there were only two facing her. Of course, she knew she couldn't use the same trick twice.

[member="Darth Arcanix"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

Taeli sighed as she watched the Flesh Raider break into a run, knowing they were giving up their tactical advantage because they were . . . not the brightest creatures in the galaxy. Still, seemed both her and Corvus had three apiece, that seemed fair. One particular brute charged ahead of his comrades at her, bellowing in a rage, his sword swinging about his head.

Honestly, what was with beings doing then when they charged, it was just so pointless and gave your enemy an opening. Darting forward herself, she ducked underneath the overhead sword slash, sliding her lightsaber across the Flesh Raider's right leg to leave a small burn across it. Ducking and parrying the attacks from this particular foe, she kept scoring small strikes on its exposed arms and legs.

The Flesh Raider roared and tried to grab her, which was a huge mistake, as Taeli decided to switch tactics. The second blade of her lightsaber ignited, and suddenly the Flesh Raider was missing a hand. Twirling her blades, the Flesh Raider fell to the ground in four separate pieces but she didn't relish the death. Two more enemies were upon her, but they seem wary of the strange weapon in her hands. Oh, if only they knew.

 

[Corvus Raaf]

The remaining two Flesh Raiders facing her were more wary now but their desire to main, mutilate and kill was no doubt undiminished, so they pressed forward.

They circled her, clearly hoping for an obvious opening but her defence was tight and so the prodded and probed with their weapons but neither posed a serious threat nor offered her a mistake to capitalise on. But time was pressing, so she decided to take the initiative.

Opting to keep things simple, Corvus used Force Pull on the one to her right and simultaneously thrust her saber at its chest. Despite its feet wishing to reverse direction, the creature’s body lurched forward and it impaled itself on the violet blade. Withdrawing it quickly, she turned to face the final creature just as it’s mighty vibrosword came swinging down towards her head in a mighty two-handed cleaving motion.

[member="Darth Arcanix"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

Taeli deflected and parried away attacks from both Flesh Raiders, her double-bladed weapon seeming to frustrate and confuse the Flesh Raiders, but because of the defensiveness of her current style, she could focus on other things. Mainly the fact that Corvus was in danger, and that was something that made her blood freeze as she saw the overhanded strike heading for her sister. Not knowing if Corvus could stop it in time, she unleashed a powerful Force Push at the offending Flesh Raider, twirling for a moment to keep her own defenses going.

She had no idea if the push would mitigate the attack, she certainly hoped it would, but now she was not amused and it was time to end her opponents. Repulsing both back for a moment, she held her lightsaber out in front of her. She always enjoyed this part, and she hoped her sister wouldn't be too surprised by this. After all, being smart about and clever were more important than brute strength. Twisting the handle of her lightsaber, the full ring of her hand guard slid out and connected. The mag-locks on her blade emitters disengaged, and the lightsaber blades started to spin.

"Come on then boys," she said, smiling behind the glowing red circle of energy. "Try your luck."

The Flesh Raiders seemed even more confused, but their bloodlust was too strong and they charged forward. Taeli rushed to meet them, using the Force to augment her speed, as she wielded the spinning blades like a saw, catching and ripping away one vibrosword before taking the Flesh raider out across the knees and through his chest. The other backed up swiftly, horrified by the death of its fellow in such a sudden fashion. Taeli only wore a grim smile as she threw her lightsaber and watched as the blades carved right through her last enemy, the mutated Rakata falling into two pieces.

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus didn’t know for sure if she’d have avoided the blow – but she didn’t have to wonder as her sister pushed the oncoming blade away, giving Corvus enough time to turn and with a trio of slashes, kill the Flesh Raider, as first one arm, then the other fell to the ground before the creature realised there was a gaping hole where its heart used to be.

She flashed her sister a smile. “Thanks for that, he was kind of insistent on getting up close and personal.”

“That blade of yours, does it open tins too?” Despite the levity in her voice, she was clearly fascinated by the design. “Although we may need to take a look later, those smoke signals were certainly meant for someone.” She clipped her own saber to her belt and shook her head at the fallen creatures before looking back to her sister. “I think you were leading, yes?” Her eyes were smiling, “And I meant it, thanks.” She leaned forward and gave her sister a hug.

[member="Darth Arcanix"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

"He didn't seem your type, and as your older sister, I have to put my foot down on such a relationship," Taeli teased. She was glad her sister had dispatched her foes, as she didn't know what she would do if Corvus died or was injured on her watch. Her comment though brought a smile to her sister's face at the joke. She might be slipping in her Jedi emotionless armor now.

"No, well unless it's a very very big can," Taeli said, smiling wider as she deactivated her lightsaber and it returned to just the normal half circle hand guard. Hugging her sister back, she said, "You're welcome by the way. But, yes we might want to hurry. Just have to take the path our friends here took down to meet us."

Setting off again, she smiled and couldn't resists explaining her lightsaber as they neared the shrine to the Forge of Tython.

"So I was dredging through old records on Coruscant, trying to find a lightsaber design I liked, when I came across an old file on a Pau'an called the Inquisitor. He served Emperor Palpatine a long time ago, died in fact at the hands of a Jedi, but his lightsaber was what intrigued me the most. I just had to re-create it! So I locked myself up in my personal study/workshop and started making this. Getting the gyroscopic track took forever to get right, but as you can see, it works!"

And breathe.

"So I know the Forge is actually this machine contained within, so maybe you'll be able to take that to Ossus or Ruusan to keep it safe," Taeli suggested as they neared the stone steps up into the shrine. No other Flesh Raiders could be seen, but a pile of bones was lying nearby and the fire was still smoking. They would probably have company sooner rather than later.