Then there were two

[Darth Ren Malgus]

Atrisia would forever be in her memories as a place of sorrow. She did not ever want to go back there. There were only two places that she would consider staying Dagobah and Midvinter. The glistening snow and the crisp cool air of MIdvinter spoke of a purity that could not be found on too many worlds. There were only good memories found here.

The memories however were bittersweet. This was the last place they had been all together, the last place as a family. The sadness she felt ran in rivers inside.

She kicked at the snow as if it were the enemy, as if it were at fault for all that had happened. She shook her head sometimes the anger dripped into the sadness and all she wanted to do was scream until nothing came out, until the pain within stopped. Animus was dead, and the status of Adas was still unknown.

Now she stood here hoping that she could find [member="Kida"] she needed to know where she was, was she alright and possibly could they connect and find some solace in this well of despair. Where was she though? Ren did not even know if she was still here on Midvinter.

Ren was not even sure where to start looking, the village perhaps where they had stayed. It was as good a place as any. Ren followed the well worn path looking to the skies, and to all that surrounded her in hopes that Kida would reveal herself.

"Kida, are you here?" She asked the wind hoping it would carry her voice.

 

[Lief]

Now that she was back on her feet, Kida had brought it upon herself to return to the last place she had seen her beloved Papa. As though by doing so she might find him there, alive and well, or at least a scent of him... Something. Anything.

Groom remained by her side, Ariel circled overhead, and the girl... The girl was not in her animal form. She was cold, covered in the pelt of their latest kill and nothing more. The changeling could never hold on to clothes, her transformation shredded them. But Midvinter was not a place kind to bare skin.

Clutching the tuk'ata for support, she had made her way to the edge of the village. If one could call it such, it was very ramshackled even by Valkyri standards. She doubted any within would recognize her after so long away, so she did not approach. It wouldn't do to bring a beast amidst their kind, even if Groom would not harm them.

She would not allow any harm to come to the last remnant of Animus.

Animus' scent, his spirit, hung heavy on the air all the same. Kida whimpered, an animalistic howl that did not seem right coming from the mouth of a child. Groom joined in, though he kept his tone quiet. As though well aware that the Valkyri were hunters who staved off predators at all cost.

[member="Serena Bouie"]

 

[Darth Ren Malgus]

Ren had just made it to the edge of the village as a lonely howl filled the air. Ren paused that howl familiar how many nights on Korriban, Atrisia, and Dagobah had she heard that howl. She knew it, Groom.

If Groom was here then [member="Kida"] surely was not far if she was still here. Ren began to run towards the sound. It was here in the village! Ren darted from place to place looking for Groom. "GROOM!" She called out loud her voice shaking with excitement.

Groom never did really listen to Ren, he seemed to tolerate her presence for the sake of Mythos, Adas, and Kida. Why she had never understood she was determined to change that. Then she saw him, dark as night against the glistening white snow.

Ren slowed down, "Groom" she approached her hand out so he could smell her. Ren went down on her knees but still moved forward, the snow soaking through her clothing. Then she saw her hugging him for dear life. "Kida" she whispered relief washed over her.

"KIDA" she called louder Groom's ears turned toward her determined to protect Kida from anyone who would harm her. Ren inched closer lowering herself till she was even with Kida. The mournful howling was not just Groom Kida too sang out mourning her father.

Ren sat on the snow watching, she could feel the sadness vibrating through her with each sound they made. That mournful sound brought tears to her eyes. Ren knew not to move quickly to take everything slow.

"I'm so sorry" Ren made a choice feeling the great sorrow with tears glistening in her own eyes. She would not to tell Kida that Mythos sacrificed himself in an effort to defeat the Jedi by melding with the storm. Even she had a hard time with it. In time perhaps an opportunity would come up but that time was not now.

Wanting to offer her what comfort she could Ren opened her arms hoping Kida would come to her.

 

[Lief]

All at once Groom was on high alert, and overhead Ariel squawked noisily piercing her ears. For a moment Kida could not see anything, though she did sense something coming through the village. She lay down her head, and focused on the bird above, the way that the breeze soared beneath his wings.

Then the whole world came alive.

She could see the entire village from up here, homes that dotted the forest clearing. Some of them had smoke rising from the chimneys, others lay empty... It was hunting season, after all. And only one person was actually out among the harsh weather. One who did not match the Valkyri.

With a gasp the young girl was back, grasping onto Groom for dear life. Sweat beaded on her brow, and her breathing was laboured.

Kida knew that woman. She knew who it was. Yet Groom... The moment that the woman rounded the corner Groom sought to pounce, Kida could feel him lower in preparation, but one low yap from Kida stopped him. Instead he remained low and growled from his chest.

The girl held back for a moment, watching Serena with intrigue. How long had it been? How old was the boy she had last been here with? Kida had not aged a day, though that should have come as no surprise to Animus' widow.

Groom seemed to understand. The pair had an uncanny connection, one that even Mythos had never truly had with the pup, one which transcended the physical realm, and so finally he stepped down and nudged the frozen girl forward. Still tightly wrapped within her furs, Kida took two uneasy steps before stumbling and catching herself within Serena's lap.

Never had so human an emotion come over the girl, who grasped at the Lady and began to cry. Not as a wolf might howl, but like a child who had been well and truly heartbroken.

[member="Serena Bouie"]

 

[Darth Ren Malgus]

It was difficult watching [member="Kida"] the struggle within the look in her eyes. Pain, loneliness, and the unknown. Patience she needed patience watching Groom who stood steadfast watching, lowering himself then rising up.

Something finally bent to give them a moment for connection. The moment Kida dropped into her lap she put her arms around her cradling Kida against her. Such loss radiated from Kida Ren for a few moment experienced the empathic abilities to feel the emotions of others. It only made her hold the child tighter she would hold her for as long as she cried.

Ren who had not felt the nearness of another creature felt the warmth of Kida's body as she slowly rocked the child her own tears sliding down her cheeks finally able to let it out with someone who understood. No one bothered them as they sat there in the snow together there were only knowing glances that understood pain and loss. Ren stroked the back of Kida's head hoping to sooth her just a little.

She wanted to say it was ok but it wasn't. She wanted to say something, "He was so proud of you and all that you accomplished. He loved you soo much." The one thing that they all knew that he did love them all in his way. Even though Kida likely knew all of that Ren needed to voice it to reassure her even if just a little.

 

[Lief]

The child remained there for longer than either would've expected.

She had never been close when it came to attention, she was a very independent girl and while she had at times clutched Animus for support, for affection, Serena had never really experienced the same. Not even during their time on Dagobah, when Animus was rarely around. Not even when he dropped them off here on Midvinter and disappeared.

In fact, all that had done was create a further wedge between the family. Kida had gone her own way, though she kept an eye on them from above through Ariel. All of the progress he had made with the child was gone, it was evident just to look at her. She had an untamed, feral look about her. Her hair was matted once again, she had stumbled in her attempts to walk, and not a word left her mouth.

It was as if she had never been found in the first place. As though she were back on Endor, prior to the coming of man.

And yet... In his passing... He had found a way to unite them, even if only for a short while. Her sobs ceased, though she continued to clutch for some sort of solace. Serena's words did soothe her just a touch, not the actual words themselves for she had long since forgotten the majority of them... But the way they were conveyed. The emotion behind them.

Groom came forward, nudging against Serena's shoulder for comfort. The tuk'ata had been as deeply connected to Animus as they had, he felt the loss just as deeply, and knew of Serena's attachment to his former Master. By contrast, the swooping bird that was Ariel lingered overhead. Watching. Keeping them safe. None would near them any time soon.

[member="Serena Bouie"]

 

[Darth Ren Malgus]

Kida's sobbing ripped Ren's heart. The gentle nudge from Groom completed the family joining them all in their grief.

Ren knew that the home they shared here on Midvinter would still be standing no one would enter it without permission it would remain exactly as it had been left. Ren keeping Kida close struggled to her feet carrying Kida. Without words Ren knew she had to speak to Kida she might not understand or hear but she remembered that Kida could receive telepathic thoughts.

But the words would be basic she did not now if she would understand. Groom looked up wondering what was happening, "Groom to the hut" surely he would remember. Ren held Kida close, We will go find something to eat and then if you want a bath, water to clean with...and clothes...you're still a Princess Kida. It was enough for now she hoped as she walked the path carrying Kida.

Little nods of sympathy from villagers were given as they walked. They knew. They all knew. The man they knew was an honorable warrior and family man.

Building a bridge with Kida would take time, but right now that's all they had was time.

[member="Kida"]

 

[Lief]

Words did not matter when they came to the mind. The meaning was translated regardless, thanks to the Force, and Kida found herself lulled by them. Gently clutching at the last remnant of what had been, not counting Groom of course, she found herself carefully lifted from the ground, effortlessly thanks to the fact that Kida weighed nothing.

She did not mind, though Ariel was not too fond when he could no longer see them. Instead he perched atop the roof of their hut, aware of which it was thanks to his connection to Kida.

Groom of course did as he was bid. He followed Serena closely, only this time it was not to keep track of Kida but more to keep the pair of them safe. The hound had never had cause to imprint with Mythos' wife, but in that moment a bond grew regardless. Any who cared for Kida had to be good in his books.

[member="Serena Bouie"]

 

[Darth Ren Malgus]

Ren set Kida down inside and brushed the hair from her face so that she could look into her eyes. Red and swollen from crying reflecting horrible sadness. What to do first...comb her hair.

Her mother use to comb hers and hum while she did it, she had found comfort in it maybe Kida would as well. Ren reached into her bag that had dropped onto the floor and found the soft brush. Taking Kida into her lap she slowly began to brush in long even strokes and sing the song her mother sang to her. She knew her voice may not be as melodic but she hoped it was soothing. Ren brushed gently, softly slowly taking away the tangles.

Hush, little baby, don't say a word,
Mama's gonna buy you a jubba bird.

If that jubba bird don't sing,
Mama's gonna buy you a diamond ring.

If that diamond ring turns to brass,
Mama's gonna buy you a looking glass.

If that looking glass gets broke,
Mama's gonna buy you a billy-goat.

If that billy-goat won't pull,
Mama's gonna buy you a cart and a bantha.

If that cart and bantha turn over,
Mama's gonna buy you a akk dog named Rover.

If that akk dog named Rover won't bark,
Mama's gonna buy you a horse and cart.

[member="Kida"]