The Eternal Oath

[Jake Daniels]

"Rudrig," Jake placed a yellow line from Honoghr to article that Amorella found of a young prince donating some large sum of money. "my brother Amadeus moved there recently to start his own family. He's a Professor at the University there, teaches Galactic Historical Antiquities and Artifacts." This was interesting. It appeared that the intellect Shamalains were renowned for had succeeded in passing along through the generations. A Professor? Jake had also been an educator for a very short period of his life. His subject of choice wasn't Historical Antiquities. Jake taught what he knew and what he knew better than almost anything was war.

"Borleias," Jake didn't have a picture of the family, nor the planet. That would change. What Amorella said next surprised the man, "my husband and I have a home there, as well I have distant relatives that live there, too. They go by the name Talith." So Amorella Darke was married. Something she hadn't mentioned before and something Jake had yet to find information on. The scent was there however. Jake was going to find out whom this mate of her was. After all, anyone courting or even married to the Shamalains would have Jake watching over their shoulder. It's how it had been. Just as his Master.

It's how it was going to be again.

"Onderon," That in a way bothered Jake. Why had the Shamalains maintained a presence on Onderon and not on Honoghr. Honoghr was one of the safest and easily defensible planets in the galaxy. It was their home. "more distant relatives, though I am not personally familiar with them. I just know they are there, within the Beast Tribes."

Whomever was there was going to be found. Even if it took a while, Jake always found his targets.

"And Kuat of course. My mother rules there still: Sovereign Darke. I was in line for the throne but I abdicated my claim a little over a year ago."

Amorella was as much a paradox as Jake. A Shamalain that did not crave power? A Shamalain that turned her back on a birth right? That was both intriguing and troubling. There had to be more to it. No one just walks away from their destiny. There were just so many questions Jake wanted to ask Amorella. Now wasn't the time however.

Daniels leaned over his dining table, his eyes taking in the spider web like spread of pictures, articles, and yellow string. A smile crossed his face. At its center was Honoghr. Much like in Jakes time, this planet had been the heartbeat of the Shamalain family. It would be again. The man was to be to this generation of Shamalains as his Master had been to hers. He'd collect them. He'd cultivate them. He'd protect them. He would be their patriarch much as his Lady Silencia had been their Matriarch.

He would take that mantle.

A mantle he now viewed as his responsibility.

Jake failed Amorella's ancestors. He wasn't going to fail her nor those still alive; even those distant relatives she referred too. The time was coming. Jake felt it. Like a ping on a radar it was growing close the harder he searched. The time was coming for a Shamalain family reunion. It appeared that Daniels was going to be the catalyst to make it happen.

Excellent.

"Thank you, Miss Darke." His smile never faded, "You don't know how much this means to me. As repayment, my home is now open to you whenever you desire. It's not much to offer in return for this wealth of knowledge but its all I have at this time."

There was a knock at the backdoor. Daniels glanced out through a window, spotting the silhouette of Run'ok and several Noghri on the back yard, but maintaining a respectful distance from the graves. The Noghri had come to collect the pair. Just as quietly as pulled everything out, Jake placed it all neatly back in.

"It's time."

Run'ok and the Noghri Warriors led Jake, Amorella, and her own Noghri Guard along the forest path that the Knight had become well accustomed to. Honoghr was not without its own dangers. There were wild beasts that roamed the forests, predators that even Noghri feared. Jake himself was unarmed, only having the aura enhanced dagger of his Master. That aura fed him like a child from a teat, strengthening his bond with the force.

In the forests surrounding them, as the blue skies turned too indigo and the stars of the heavens began to emerge like likes flickering fireflies on a warm summer morning, hundreds of Noghri's stuck to the shadows. Jake felt them. Run'ok knew they were there and the Knight knew Amorella was aware as well. It was still surprising as to how many had gathered for Amorella's surprise appearance. How long would it take for news to spread the globe? Depending on how long she stayed, just how many would eventually show?

Jakes nostrils flared, "We're close!"

"Ah you smell it." Run'ok said.

"Who couldn't smell the roast beast." Jake replied.

"Beast?" Run'ok asked as they finally emerged from the forest path and into view of the Noghri Village, "You act as though we only cooked one tonight."

Each time Jake returned to the village, he was awestruck. The homes were of large stone and with thick wooden roofs. Around the perimeter of the village, six large towers were raised above even some of the tallest trees. At their tops large fires raged which illuminated not just the village but also the surrounding land. Night was a dangerous time on Honoghr. It was when most Noghri were killed by predators. The village still gave off it's 17th century feel. The roasting beast smell that initially caught Jakes attention? When the Knight looked, he saw several beasts over fire pits. There was enough meat here to feed every village within a hundred kilometers. Truly impressive.

As they entered, the warriors and Run'ok dispersed. In their place several Noghri children came running up to Jake. The Knight instinctively charged forward, arms spread, and in a collision like a car wreck, the humans body was knocked clean back as the Noghri children tackled him. Laughter filled the air as Jake rolled through the dirt, pushing one gently away, holding one in a head lead, while the third jumped onto his back. Even Noghri children were heavy and that was evident when Jake groaned through a laugh.

"Children. Enough!"

Jake knew that brash voice. As Daniels came to a knee, his eyes fell to thick grey legs. His head, along with the three kids, all simultaneous glanced up the frame the large frame of another Noghri. His attire signified him as the village blacksmith, one of the Elders that had taken Jake under his wing. His dark eyes staring down with nothing but a tone of outright seriousness.

When the three Noghri children and Jake came to a full stand, the Blacksmith waved the kids away and turned his attention towards Jake, "You're late."

"I have company." Jake protested.
The Elder Noghri glanced at Amorella and her escort. Slowly his gaze returned towards Jake, "Unacceptable. The Elders wish to speak with you. They need the sacred dagger for the ceremony."

Daniels nodded but turned towards Amorella. Again the Blacksmith spoke, "She will be fine. You go. They are waiting." When Jake had wandered away, the Blacksmith turned to Amorella and fell to a knee, "Dal'mada'ush."

After several quiet moments, the Blacksmith rose and looked up at Amorella, "My name is Adimar, Blacksmith and one of the four Elders to this Village. It is an honor that you are here. Before I show you to the festivities, is there anything that I may do for you? Anything that you or your Guardian need?"

[member="Amorella Shamalain"]​

 

[Ereza]

"Thank you, Miss Darke." His smile never faded, "You don't know how much this means to me. As repayment, my home is now open to you whenever you desire. It's not much to offer in return for this wealth of knowledge but its all I have at this time."

Quietly, Amorella withdrew from the table and folded her hands at her middle, looking for all the world a little lost on the sincerity of the offer. It struck her strangely, this man offering his home to her and the emotions it elicited within. Finding family, and family that was welcoming and warm, tugged at heartstrings she often held taught after so many years of weathering a certain familial coldness. Amore gently cleared her throat and pushed several strands of red locks from her face, "That's very gracious of you, Jake, truly."

Everything following happened in a whirl of rich greens and culture.

Before she knew it the noghri village surrounded her and filled her vision with images of community and family she'd only ever dreamt of. The young woman remained deeply silent as she took it all in, brow knitting and lips pressing together as an overwhelming sense of deja vu infiltrated her mind. Dreams of this place had always been so vivid, so alive. Had they truly been dreams?

Dal'mada'ush.

My name is Adimar, Blacksmith and one of the four Elders to this Village. It is an honor that you are here. Before I show you to the festivities, is there anything that I may do for you? Anything that you or your Guardian need?"

Blue eyes the color of a churning sea turned to the savage reptilian face presented to her, gruff in age and nature - she was reminded heavily of Mahet. This noghri had seen many years. She was grateful for his hospitality but she wished they wouldn't call her that. Kefka remained at her side, vigilant as he had been her entire life - always he had been her shadow - but offered no reassurances other than the very same his presence always did. Amore did not feel threatened or unsafe, simply uncomfortable.

Also poorly dressed for the occaision.

"Adimar, it is a pleasure to meet you. We require nothing ... but I feel compelled to ask why it is I've been invited to this ceremony."

[member="Darth Gravis"]

 

[Jake Daniels]

Among the numerous wrinkles of an aged steel colored leathery face, the Noghri smiled at the inquiry made by Dal'mada'ush. The Daughter, as the Noghri of the world now knew her, was more welcome then she could possibly understand. It also meant that she served as potential proof the Noghri had long yearned for about the ultimate fate of Mal'ary'ush.

"If you will?" Adimar said as he made a slow pace towards a well carved wooden bench.

By now the village was filled with the scent of the roasting beasts. The children that had tackled Jake were now taking turns turning one of the browned animals over one of the fire pits. Other Noghri were setting up small tables, some lighting even more pyres, and some began playing various instruments as they prepped for the ceremony to begin.

"I never met Mal'ary'ush personally." Adimar said as he placed his old worn hands on his lap. "I am originally from the southern plains near the lower pole. The opportunity to meet her never happened. I, like many Noghri, wanted too. We understood not just what she was... but who she was. For centuries people viewed us Warriors, as Shadow Assassins. Those that tried to enslave us failed. Those that tried to manipulate us did not succeed. Mal'ary'ush tried neither."

Adimar looked at the children as they worked together to remove the beast and take it too one of the newly set up tables, "She earned our respect and loyalty. We vowed the same. Since our first oath to her, the Noghri have been loyal to Mal'ary'ush and vice versa." Adimar glanced back at Amorella, "You ask why it is you are invited to this ceremony?"

He smiled again as he forumlated his answer, "When the off world disease hit, nearly no one helped our people. We were ravaged by the disease. Entire clans wiped out over night." Adimar glanced at Jake who was still speaking with the Elders, "The men under his command stayed with us as long as they could. Loyal to your family and by default our people and this planet to the end. They did what they could to help us but human bodies are weak and feeble. All of them died within weeks of Gravis being put into slumber." he glanced back at Amorella, "At least they tried. Mal'ary'ush returned though and helped us. I saw her a few times in passing though never dared approach. Before she left, our people had begun to truly recover and rebuild. Since then there has been debate that has raged among the Noghri. Is she still alive or has time finally caught up with Mal'ary'ush."

Adimar glanced at Kefka, then Amorella, "That was until you showed up today. The moment we smelled your Guardian, the moment we scented you, we know the debate is over. We know the truth now. You are here because you are, by extension, her. Normally we proclaim our oath to the heavens above. Our oaths tonight, the ceremony will be directed towards you. That brings up a rather important issue."

Adimar glanced at Gravis who still held the dagger of Mal'ary'ush, hesitant to hand it over by the looks of it, "Him." Adimar let silence fall around them as his coal black eyes locked on the Eternal Apprentice. A tension was visible in Adimar, a sudden clenching of his jaw as memories of the disheveled, emotional, angry human whom had arrived on Honoghr just months earlier returned. "Does he know who you are? Who you really are? Do you know who he was to Mal'ary'ush? Who he truly was to her?"

[member="Amorella Shamalain"]​

 

[Ereza]

"No, no he doesn't," a solemn, subtle shake of her head, Amore's lips pressed thinly as she, too, glanced over at Jake, "but neither do I. Adimar, you must understand, I know nothing of this, of your Mal'ary'ush. I am but a child in this galaxy. I have seen and done many great, glorious, and terrifying things ... but this?"

Her jaw fell momentarily slack, lacking any further words. Blue eyes cast around the growing festivities within the village. The excitement was nigh palpable on the air, especially so for an emphatic such as herself. It worried her, that these people expected such things, but how could she possibly deliver?

"What am I suppose to say or do? You want me to be a person I cannot be. This is not my kingdom. I have no kingdom."

Not anymore.

[member="Darth Gravis"]

 

[Jake Daniels]

Adimar waved a dismissive hand at her protest, "You are the Daughter of Mal'ary'ush, are you not?" The question was directed towards Amorella but the Elder glanced at Kefka. There was no protest to his comment. "We are ignorant as to what has happened to Mal'ary'ush. It has been many years since she visited but we know she lives. Out there," he pointed to the sky above, "among those stars. She lives. You are proof. She does not return to us. You do however. That is the sign we have been waiting for."

The Elder returned his attention back to Amorella, "You say you have no kingdom. You say this is not your kingdom. Come now, Dal'mada'ush. The moment you were born this became your kingdom. We, your subjects. I do not believe in coincidence. You may have come here for another purpose but destiny, fate, or whatever you wish to call it? That's what drew you here. You and your family will always return." Slowly Admiar glanced to Jake.

"You mention he does not know who you truly are? That will complicate things tonight." Adimar let out a quiet sigh as his gaze remained locked on the Eternal Apprentice, "The Noghri are not emotional beings. We believe that emotions can cloud judgement. We believe emotion, if not kept in check, can become a detriment. We are not emotionless; don't get me wrong. We just dont show it. That was like Mal'ary'ush. She didn't show emotion. She was strong but cold. The stories I heard was that no Noghri outside her immediate personal Guards ever saw her show compassion and care in the sense a human would understand."

He glanced at Amorella, "You are not like her in that sense. Even I can see that. Your protest to our coming actions showed as much." His gaze returned to Jake, "In all of the time the Noghri have served, Mal'ary'ush has remained constant in her demeanor and action. Yet there was only one being that actually changed her. That is him; that is if the stories over time are said to be believed." Noghri didn't judge. It was in Amorella's right to not tell Jake just who she was but she did deserve to know just who Jake was to Mal'ary'ush.

It seemed that both the Daughter and the Apprentice had much to learn about one another.

Adimar firmly gave Amorella his attention, "Why do you fear what is to come tonight?"

[member="Amorella Shamalain"]
​

 

[Ereza]

There was a moment during Adimar's explanation that Amorella followed the other Noghri's gaze to Kefka and she wished for all the galaxy that she could read her Guardian's mind. With effort, it was very likely the young Force Prodigy could. Few skills or powers had been seen to remain out of her grasp, but it was her moral code more than anything that limited the scope of her actions. She had far too much respect for Kefka, too much love for the shadow that had always been there and put his life on the line for her.

The care in which the Guardians of her family watched over them often went above and beyond mere duty. When she was younger she wondered it perhaps it toed the line of zealotry, but after her stint as an Aesir of a religious crusade she now knew the difference. Zealots they were not. Fiercely dedicated and loyal is what they were and she was certain that a true sense of belonging had formed within those of this close circle. Mahet, Kefka, Sahti - they were family, too. As close as one could get without blood or marital relations - they even knew the bloodnames of each and every family member.

"Fear?" said the young woman in reply, "Fear is not what makes me hesitant, it is the hope you will instill in these people that I will take her place. Adimar...I cannot stay here. I cannot be your Mal'ary'ush. Jake's place in this galaxy may be here, awaiting her return, but mine is elsewhere, helping those who cannot help themselves. Please do not promise their hearts something I cannot give them."

A strong, clawed hand gripped her shoulder with a firm warmth she would have recognized anywhere.

"Do not worry, Sagira," Kefka's deep voice gently hissed, "no such promises will be made tonight. Only celebration in her memory."

Amore did not feel reassured but she nodded regardless before looking back to Adimar, "And what about Jake?"

[member="Darth Gravis"]

 

[Jake Daniels]

Adimar did not push Dal'mada'ush. Her hesitation at even the idea of even being considered a replacement for Mal'ary'ush was perplexing. No one would replace Mal'ary'ush; especially since it was all but confirmed that she still lived. Still, she was a paradox in herself. Adimar let out a held breath in a slow exhale as Amorella asked about the Eternal Apprentice.

"In the life of Mal'ary'ush, he is a true enigma." Adimar explained. "Remember I am not from these particular lands so I can only go off of what I have been told by other Noghri and what Gravis has willingly said." His clawed hands clamped together as he looked towards the Knight, "To understand what is planned for him tonight you have to understand the man himself. Perhaps more importantly you need to understand Mal'ary'ush in the way we do."

Adimar lifted his left hand and formed a tightly clenched fist, "This is Mal'ary'ush. Strong. Unwavering. Independant. There wasn't a soul in this galaxy that truly understood her on a truly personal level. Even among her family she was known for being cold and at times distant. That was until," Adimar lifted his right hand which itself was clenched into a ball, "Gravis arrived. When he arrived everything changed." Adimars black eyes turned towards Amorella locking onto her gentler gaze, "Mal'ary'ush changed."

Adimar was treading very dangerous waters. He was going on of here-say. Legends that have been passed down through the years, stories that had been shared of feats the Master and Apprentice accomplished together. "Mal'ary'ush was a distinguished woman with a powerful family. She had children and grandchildren. She had loyal subjects in the Noghri. She had suitors who vied for her attention and touch. Yet everyone left. They always left. She remained as this," Adimar shook the left fist, "alone." Nodding towards Gravis the Elder quickly continued, "He gave her something no one else did. Companionship. He was the only one to never leave her." Slowly he pushed the two fists together, intertwined his fingers and made a larger ball with both hands.

"Children left to pursue endeavors off worlds. Noghri eventually die. Suitors came and went. Gravis, no matter what was put before him, was always there for her. He was her shadow. He was her constant. She knew where he was at any time. He knew where she was. They completed each other. Mal'ary'ush was quiet and reserved. Gravis is not. They were a perfect match for the other; complimenting their personalities and physical traits magnificently." Adimar slowly placed both hands back on his lap, "I have seen that man change over the past few months. He is stubborn. He is irritating. He can get under your skin. Defiant and rebellious. He is fiercely loyal though. Perhaps his strongest trait. What Gravis plans to do tonight is to take a new mantle."

Adimar stopped, "He believes her dead. We do not say otherwise. It is not our place." He glanced at Amorella, "That is a right preserved only for Mal'ary'ush or her family. We do not judge. We never will. We are curious though why he has been left here on his own." Turning back towards Jake the Elder continued with his original thought on Jakes plans, "He plans to be marked by the symbol of Mal'ary'ush. He created a brand of her family crest in my shop. As a result his focus has shifted. Gravis now works to reunite a scattered family. With that mission comes a new identity. Since he believes her dead, the Eternal Apprentice will now become the Patriarch."

[member="Amorella Shamalain"]
​

 

[Ereza]

For one of the first times in a very long time, Amore wished for the Mask of Inari to grant her anonymity in where she stood. The closest she could come was to reclaim the very same detachment she'd practiced within Moross. That which kept her sane and whole when millions and billions of people sought after her attention day by day. The veneer of a Living God, a False God, a being above that which it surrounded itself. Beyond the scope of mortal problems.

Slowly, as Adimar explained, the emotion within her expression drained away. Amore listened attentively but gave no further feedback on his stories and fables. She had no truth to offer on the matter, no opinion or version on a reality that had happened 500 years before her very first breath. A reality that had never once been spoken to her by anyone, let alone her mother.

"I see," she said when he finished, "and what exactly is my part in this ceremony?"

[member="Darth Gravis"]

 

[Jake Daniels]

Without missing a step, Adimar locked his charcoal black eyes upon Dal'mada'ush, "You have perhaps the most significant part of this ceremony. You're going to be the one to brand him." Before any sort of protest could emerge, the Elder Noghri rose from his seat and made quick haste towards his workshop. While he was away, the village seemed to suddenly become engulfed in even more activity.

Around the central building where Gravis and the other Elders still stood, numerous Noghri brought large drums out from within. Whiskey barrel sized and with worn animal hide pulled over them, they were placed equal distances apart from one another. Upon each a thick beat stick was laid quietly down. The fire pits that held the roasted animals were slowly simmering down while many Noghri seemed to be disappearing into huts only to reappear wearing cleaner and more appropriate garbs for the evening.

When Adimar returned, he too was dressed in slightly finer leather. Though he did not return empty handed. "A lightsaber is noisy and bright. No stealth. Noghri fight like shadows. A sword makes no noise. Dull metal reflects little light. Perfect for assassins." The Elder explained as he pulled the katana like weapon from its wooden sheath. "For the past month or so, Gravis and I have sweated away many hours in my workshop crafting this single weapon. Thinner than a our traditional broadsword, it doesn't weild power. Like Gravis it is about mobility. It is a weapon of adaptation. However it is sharp. It is dangerous. If not treated right, it can be unpredictable."

The Elder handed the sword to Amorella, "The hilt is wrapped in black Sullust Leather. Double bound around a mahogony hilt, a hilt made of the same wood as his home. The blade itself is decorated. If you look carefully you will see scenes of tranquility. Flowers, leaves, and birds. He did that. When I asked why he chose those designs," Adimar looked at Gravis who seemed to now be wrapping up his conversation with the Elders, "his response was elegantly simple, "I liked them." That one statement told me that beneath his tough exterior there is a simplistic beauty to that human. Perhaps thats what Mal'ary'ush saw in him? Who knows." Adimar returned his attention to the Katana, "The sheath is made of the same mahogany as the handle. It can rest across the back with a simple sling tie around the front. Overall it is a testament to what Gravis can accomplish with enough time and patience."

Adimar looked up to Dal'mada'ush, "The blade is made of unspectacular metal. It will not stop blaster bolts nor lightsabers. It is not meant to. Stealthy strikes that no one will see and no one will hear. In the right hands, in Gravis' hands, it will be unstoppable. The same thing goes for the Eternal Apprentice. Always remember that. Like this sword, he needs guidance. After tonight that will be more so true than ever."

There was a hint of a warning from Elder to Heir. She had to tread carefully. He had already dropped hints of what may come should Gravis not be told the truth. Gravis was devastated when Dal'mada'ush refused his request to resurrect the deceased. Imagine what would happen if he met Mal'ary'ush again? Who wouldn't want to be a fly on the wall for that inevitability?

Then there was the final piece of business. As the three remaining Elders and Gravis entered the building, disappearing from view finally, Adimar explained his earlier statement about the need for a brand, "Inside the Duhka, a firepit burns with the brand of your family crest. However we require one thing from you in order to solidify the brand. Your blood. The blade of Mal'ary'ush will be used to draw your blood into a bowl. The hot brand will be coated and you will place it upon his flesh. Your blood becomes his blood." Adimar glanced at Kefka, realizing a bit more of a reassurance was needed, "We will not draw your blood. You would. We will not force you to do this. You do not have to. The Elders are prepared to carry out the ceremony on our own. That choice is yours."

[member="Amorella Shamalain"]​

 

[Ereza]

There was something to admire in the handcrafted artifact, something to behold in the long hours spent laboring over it's creation. The details, the toil, the blood and sweat poured into the wee hours of the night. Amore was not a crafter, no, but her brother was. Though she seldom watched him work she could appreciate the tales he spun of his time spent at the forge or off in the stars collecting materials and ingredients.

This sword reminded her of another, one that had stung a far different tune within her core. The Dreadlady Sable's Truesword had been something of wicked power, unbridled malice, savage thirst. But this one was different. It wasn't imbued, it wasn't empowered. It was simple, straightforward. A tool honed only by its maker and user. Despite not having been made in the same way, she suspected the instrument would work only to its fullest potential in the hands of Jake Daniels.

But as the subject changed from sword to ceremony the level of her thoughts changed as well. To say that she was comfortable with this would be a lie. In fact, every fiber of her being wished to be gone from this place. She had no right to this hallowed ground or this sacred passage of rites. This blood was not her own to give, this name was not her own to share. There were rules, there was etiquette, there were the honors of the bloodline - something that Jake decidedly was not a part of. Not truly. Married, devoted, loyal to a fault - but bloodborn he was not.

Bloodborn a ceremony did not make. Amore was no Suzerei of Garhall, she had not the power to make Jake into what they were, nor would she ever wish that upon anyone. What they were...it was a curse by right.

The young Shamalain thanked Adimar quietly and excused herself to privacy with her companion.

"This troubles me," words said in a hushed tone.
"Do not let it, Gahiji," Kefka replied, "what happens tonight is a symbol only. You are bound by powers and magics the galaxy cannot comprehend, but not the ones that would change a man so."
"Even symbolism changes a man," she said, brow knit, "giving the name is an honor only within the Matriarch's right."
"He was given the name centuries ago when he married Rorisa," Kefka remembered the day well. It had been a small, pleasant wedding overseen by the Matriarch herself, "that he wishes to hold onto it like this is his only way of remaining loyal. He has no family otherwise, Gahiji. They are all gone with the Darkness."

"You do not think going through with this will bring dishonor to my family?"

"He is family, Gahiji."

Amore sighed, unsettled and unsmiling, then nodded. The pair made their way to the Duhka.

[member="Darth Gravis"]

 

[Jake Daniels]

The Dhuka.

The central point of every large Noghri village. Gravis watched the three elders he had been speaking with enter the building. The fourth, Adimar, was still speaking with Amorella some distance away. The icy blue eyes focused on a dull sword that the descendant of his Lady Sliencia held in her hands. Even if he tried, Gravis wasn't able to here. They spoke low enough that all the Knight could make out were subtle movements of lips. Nothing else. The Knight wasn't a lip reader. Even if he was, his aged and tired eyes were starting their inevitable course towards absolute failure.

Time was not the friend of the Knight. Not anymore.

Slowly the Knight turned and entered the Dhuka. A building of octagonal shape. The lowest meter of each wall was made of a stone and concrete mixture. The rest of the nearly four meter wall height were thick wooden logs. As Gravis entered the building his attention fell to the large fire pit. Two Noghri threw several logs onto an already intense yellow and orange inferno. The air was hot, more so than the man was accustomed too. Sweat formed immediately upon his flesh. The building was not filled with smoke however. That curiosity was solved when Gravis looked up. The wooden planks of the roof all converged at a central point though a large hole was cut into it. The smoke was allowed to escape. An ingeniously simple solution.

There were two entrances for the Dhuka. The first, which the Knight entered, a second larger one on an opposite side wall. That entrance was twice as wide though its doors were closed and locked shut from the inside. The Dhuka's stone floor was covered by several identical rugs. Beautiful Noghri banners hung from the ceiling. A mixture of cloth and animal hide. What they meant and why they were hung were lost on the Knight. Tonight was not the occasion to inquire about such.

The two Noghri came to a stand behind Gravis while the elders took their seats. Four chairs were set up on a small level overlooking the fire pit. The Knight was motioned to stand on the other side of the pit, to which he obliged. Then Adimar entered. Followed by Amorella and then her personal guard. The look in the dark eyes of Adimar told Jake that things were not going to go as he had been told they were. What role was Amorella going to play?

"Your upper robes," Adimar spoke as he took a brand Jake had failed to spot and placed it in the fire pit. "remove them."

The Knight turned towards Amorella, then back to Adimar before obliging. The outer cloth, the one bearing the golden emblem of the Shamalain crest was neatly folded and placed the floor beside him. This was followed by the inner robe. When Jake came back to a full stand, the only cloth he wore was what remained over his lower half.

Adimar came to stand before the Knight. Black eyes locking onto icy blues. The Noghri Elder knelt down and gently placed the sheathed sword at the Knights feet before rising and looking upon the body of the Knight. There was nothing beautiful about what Adimar saw. The aged body of a human out of his prime. The scars of knife stabs, blast shots, saber burns, fire burns, and many others he could not decipher were so numerous that even the Elder had to wonder at what point did the scars in and unharmed flesh begin? Did the man before the Elder even had a park of his body that was not scared?

A female elder stood from her chair and looked down upon the Knight, "We have been blessed with the arrival of an honored guest." The Elders were not stupid. Word spread fast amongst the Noghri. Everyone knew the Knight of Mal'ary'ush did not know of Dal'mada'ush's true heritage. They would not speak a word of it directly. "Tonight is the celebration of our oath to Mal'ary'ush but given recent events," her steel colored eyes fell back onto Jake as Adimar slowly made his way to the fourth unoccupied chair, "we have reason celebrate something else. The birth of the Patriarch."

Adimar reached next to his chair, lifted a small bowl and the Knight of Mal'ary'ush; the very blade that held a shred of her essence. The essence that called to the Knight. Adimar came to Amorella and handed her the blade while he held the bowl. The female elder continued.

"You are of the family of Mal'ary'ush. Loyal servant. The true heir of her will. The Guardian of her entire family but most importantly the husband of her fallen child and father to her lost grandchildren. You, however were not of her blood. That changes tonight. To be the Patriarch of the family, to serve as a guiding light and guardian, to take a role no man has ever dared claim for his own, you must change." The tone of the elder was calm and completely collected. "When we are done, you are not going to be Darth Gravis anymore. You will not be Jake Daniels any longer. You will be more."

Then she turned to Amorella, "Most Revered," the Elder did not use the word Dal'mada'ush. Nothing would be said that would give Gravis a heads up on this little secret, "Gravis is not the only one to change tonight. You shall too." Her gaze fell between the Eternal Apprentice and Dal'mada'ush, "You both are in some ways opposites of the same coin. You are a being of peace. He is a being of chaos. You strive to help all. He strives to help few. Yet in many more ways you very similar. Those similarities will be revealed in due time. You two will become bonded to one another in a way neither of you may be prepared for."

The drums began to sound outside as a smirk seemed to cross the faces of all of the Elder, "Now, Most Revered, spill your blood into the bowl before you. It is time to commence the ceremony."

The man known to the galaxy as The Eternal Apprentice of his Lady Silencia stood in dumbfounded silence.

​

[member="Amorella Shamalain"]​

 

[Ereza]

"I cannot do that."

The stony gaze upon Amorella's face might've been compared to that of the Sovereign of Kuat in its stoic nature. Unyielding in any form of emotion, Amore gave no hint to the turmoil chasing the heart within her chest.

They would be...bonded? By blood or by the Force, this was not something Amore could allow. The young woman turned then to look at the Elders each, blue eyes and curved fangs glinting in the light of the fire.

"My blood is tainted. My essence bonded to another. I cannot, I will not submit myself to such craft. Not like this."

Her gaze then fell upon Jake, giving to an apologetic warmth, "But I support your wishes and desires to be accepted within our family. You do not need Noghri to do this, it is not their right to give, this is not their family legacy to see through. As you said, it is mine, and since we first spoke I have come to realize that I overlooked the value of my name, the weight of its importance. I was wrong to dismiss you so, though admittedly I could not have done what you asked even if I tried."

"Come away from here with me, Jake, and I will show you this family. I will take you to Onderon and Rudrig and Kuat, I will tell you everything I know. I will love you like family should, you have proven more than enough to me that you have loved my family to deserve that."

[member="Darth Gravis"]

 

[Jake Daniels]

“Come away from here with me, Jake, and I will show this family. I will take you to Onderon and Rdurig and Kuat. I will tell you everything I know. I will love you like family should, you have proven more than enough to me that you have loved my family to deserve that.”

The now watery eyes of the man before Amorella remained locked upon the vessel that was so eerily like his Lady Silencia. Not a word was spoken in the moments that followed. No one sure what to say to this drastic change in events. The sound of wooden logs in the pit splitting and cracking from the fire that consumed them, the heat that seemed to increase from the metal brand as it reddened, and the feel of salt filled drops of water as they seemed to slide down Jakes cheek were not enough to overcome a new sound that the Eternal Apprentice heard. The sound of cracking bamboo and the voices of befallen children now haunted him like a night terror to a toddler.


The Bambo Kindo stick of Jake met Lysanders head on. The wooden weapons smacked into one another again. Both Father and Son did what they could to try and weaken the defense of the other. Jake, six feet of broad shouldered muscle, a man of advancing age but experience that rivaled any other in the galaxy, stared almost eye to eye with the teen whom was assuredly going to grow taller than he.

Lysander was thinner than Jake. His dark hair and eyes pronounced the pale complexion of his flesh. A true testament to his mixed heritage. He was fit and agile; quicker than any pure human. Faster than Jake in a foot race. Brilliant and calculating, the young man showed promise when it came to analytical thinking; a trait he learned from the elder before him. Yet even given his disadvantage when it came to size, Lysander has unseen strength in his body and that showed with each swing of his kindo stick.

When Jake brought his in for attack, Lysanders met it head on. Neither man moved. They were equal in physical power. The moment that gave Jake the opportunity to gain an advantage was when there was a momentary flicker in Lysanders dark eyes. A glance over Jakes shoulder that seemed to indicate another body coming in. Using this distraction, this momentary lapse in attention, Jake knocked the teens blade to the side, landed a knee to his gut and shoved him to the ground.

Jake then turned and met the oncoming attack of another teen. His son, Romano was running at him like a crazed hyena. The younger of the two teens, Romano had many physical appearances that closesly resembled Jake. Broad shouldered, decent muscle mass, and hair that was just a few shades off compared to that of the Eternal Apprentice. Though there were many differences between both boys, they held a few universal traits that showed their brotherly bond. The most prominent? They held the eyes of their mother, his Lady Reticea. Jakes blade smashed into Romanos, sending the body of the boy stumbling away. Continuing his motion, Jake brought his weapon around and towards the back of the older teen.

“Lysander!” Romano shouted.

Lysander rolled out of the way then raised his blade and met a second swing from Jake. Once more the sound of wood slaping wood filled the air.

When Romano came in for another attack, Jake again knocked the stick away but this time let out a gentle force push. The boy landed on his bum and beside his older brother.

“You said no force attacks!” Romano protested as he pulled himself up.

Jake smirked, “I also said use what you have, did I not?”

“Don’t worry Romano,” Lysander said as he began to pace in a circle around Jake, “Let Dad have his little force pushes. Dad’s weaker than us when it comes to the force anyway. We’d crush him in that kind of a fight.”

Lysander was right. Both boys were far stronger than Jake with the force. On Honoghr there were two indisputable truths when it came to combat. The first being that Jake was the best duelist and most experienced sabersman. The second was he was also the weakest member of the Shamalains when it came to the force. The flipside to that? His Lady Silencia had trained Jake to use that weakness as a strength. He may have been weak with the force but he wasn’t inept. He could defeat those more powerful than himself. It’s how Jake caused the Great Jedi Schism.

As Romano began walking in his own circle, opposite the direction of Lysander, Jake took a moment to look over his shoulder and towards an overhang balcony that reached out from one of the many pillars of the Temple of Mal'ary'ush. Two figures stood watching, very intently, as the father trained his sons. The man had never asked for anything more than the time of his Master in his youth. In return he gave a loyalty that no Apprentice ever had. People knew Gravis was the Apprentice of his Lady Silencia. They knew he would die for her without question. They knew his loyalty would never be swayed. That is why his Master gave him the ultimate gift. She brought him into her family. Jake now had his own. For that he would forever be grateful.

“It’s why he needs Grandmothers help in building his holocron.” Lysander added.

Ouch. That comment drew Jakes gaze away from the two women watching and back to the training session. Around the trio and encompassing the grassy area in a circle were soldiers under Jakes direct command. They were the Sith Empires 62nd Marine Light Infantry Division. The 62nd specialized in quick strike combat along with search and rescue missions. Though they had the name of Sith Empire, their loyalties to the Empire were dodgy at best. The 62nd had served under the Eternal Apprentice for decades, showing the same loyalty to their commander that Jake did his Master. For the Empire, that made them as dangerous as Jake and his Master.

Today they simply stood to attention, ensuring the training session did not go beyond the perimeter. Yet soldiers were not the only beings around. In the shadows two Noghri patiently waited; the personal guards for Jakes boys. As the 62nd were to Jake, they were to Romano and Lysander.

It was here that something happened Jake hadn't anticipated. As Romano came in with his stick, Jake went to swing but his arm froze. A tight grip on his forearm stopped his swing. Instinct quickly took over. As Romano closed his distance, Jake dodged the stabbing motion of his blade and quickly went to grab the wrist of the weapon wielding hand. Then just like the first, his second arm was frozen in place as a second force grip squeezed on it.

Lysanders blade hit Jake in the back of the knee as the Eternal Apprentices Arms were yanked behind him. Falling to kneel, the man looked up to see both of his sons pointing the tips of their kindo sticks towards his throat.

"We win." Lysander smirked.

A smile crossed Jakes face as he peeked in the direction of both women, "Outside help?" Both women lowered a palm each which released their grips on Jakes arms.

"You said use what we have." Romano chimed in.

"I did." Jake laughed. "But you see, my arms are free now."

Romano looked at Lysander.

Lysander peeked at Romano.

Both boys took off running with Jake right on their heels. A pure laughter erupting as father did what he could to try and catch them.


The sound of his laughter and the chuckles of his sons filled his ears as Daniels stood outside of the ship of Amorella. The same memory that flooded his mind during the ceremony now finished its second run across his psyche. Dressed in his ceremonial robes, with the hand crafted katana slung across his back, and a messenger bag hanging off the side, the Eternal Apprentce was prepped to leave.

He would be taking Amorella up on her offer.

"You're really going?" Run'ok asked as he came to stand beside Jake.

"Do me a favor?" Jake asked, momentarily ignoring the question.

Run'ok nodded, "No need to ask. We know your rule. Anyone not you is not allowed in the home. Same as always."

As Jake turned and began to ascend the ramp, he glanced back at Run'ok, “I am a curse upon this family. My body had lay in ice for over four hundred years. Forgotten and alone. My mind remains haunted by the past. The pain is never ending…”

Jakes eyes fell to the wedding band which hung from a chain around his neck, "I failed them once. I won't fail them again."

Then he disappeared onto the ship.

[member="Imka Larue"]​