To the Heart of the Matter

[Jairdain]

Voss, Nightmare Lands

Said by Voss and outsiders alike to cause insanity in those foolish enough to venture there, the Nightmare Lands are a dangerous region far from Voss-Ka, overgrown with twisted forests. The weather there is unpredictable, and strange sounds and lights have been reported by distant observers. No one knows what caused the corruption of these lands, but many Jedi and Sith claim to sense a powerful dark presence within. Despite the dangers–and numerous warnings from the Voss–some outsiders still brave the Nightmare Lands to loot the ruins or investigate secrets. A few daring Mystics have also made pilgrimages there in an attempt to heal whatever plagues the land. Most of these explorers are simply never seen again; the rest are left to wander the forests, broken and mad. The Nightmare Lands are a blight on Voss; unfortunately, they are a blight nobody seems able to cure.​

This little bit of information was all that was really known of the Nightmare Lands. Those people that dared to enter rarely returned and if they did, they were changed.

Are you brave enough to enter the Dark Heart and figure out what is causing the corruption?

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Faye stood at the very edge of the so-called Nightmare Lands.

The teen looked left and right, and then turned a glance over her shoulder. There were going to be others here, right? At least that was the rumor she had overheard. Whispered words had found her between classes; a group of brave souls would be attempting to enter the dark woods. From what she had heard, this place was haunted. And not like campfire story haunted… like, really haunted. Despite having told herself a thousand times that she wouldn’t be stupid enough to fall for such a story, curiosity had gotten the best of her.

She was the new girl here at the Silver Temple; she’d yet to make any friends. Faye had been hoping that this trip might be a nice icebreaker. If she needed to prove herself by setting foot here, she’d do it! As she stared into the trees, she could see tangles of roots and dark branches that looked like crooked fingers. There were strange sounds, too. Just what they were, she hadn’t the slightest clue. She gave her jacket a firm tug around her, and then crossed her arms.

Good one, Faye. You fell for it.

Pushing out an annoyed sigh, she turned her back on the trees. Furrowing her brow, she decided that it would probably be best to start heading back to the Temple. But for some reason, she stood stubbornly on the spot. Maybe just a few minutes more… there was a tiny chance that this trip into the woods wasn’t a prank. Then again, wasn’t it a time-honored tradition to haze new arrivals?

[member="Jairdain"]

 

[Ronin Wendigo]

[member="Faye Demos"] | [member="Jairdain"]​

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It was then as he slowly treck the remaining few feet that his mind began to be drawn to linger onto one single thought. That being that it was time for he had put off face his fears for too long from the moment he'd return up to now. That after his long wandering it seems time that he truly put the doubts to rest as to where his allegiance lied. For as much, he long to stay on the path of the light there were instance and times that he could not help feel the temptation of the darkness reel its head. As such while digging within the archives he came to find a sliver of a clue as to why for it seems his past had been tainted by it once before. And with that thought words as well the events of a recent encounter with the unknown dark assailant from his past. Came to haunt his thought since....that of a plague within him that need be heal or tempered, to say the least. That however much he tried hard to work with the aid of the healer it seems to be the one thing he had to do on his own. Though he knew there was a chance he would not be alone in this. That she could probably sense him out ......as if anything else though the bond was fairly new it was if anything strong. And she more than once had been able to reach out to him thru it.

And soon just as his thought turn back to the reality of now that he notes a figure standing just outside the boundaries of the forest. Was it her ? had she found him so soon but then again the closer he got. That he come find or sense it was not her but someone whom he didn't recognize. One of the newly arrive apprentice? someone who'd been egged into taking the time honor unspoken tradition of what other called "the test" or on other instance was know as the initiation prank by the older apprentices. At any case walk towards her and come to pause just shy of being close enough to where she was for her see him that he spoke.

"Greeting, So what brings you so far out here if I may ask? A dare or of your own choosing? At any rate name Ronin and you are?"

 

[WelshGuy]

Yuroic had grown restless since the invasion. While he didn't want to be near people, his small quarters in the Jedi temple on Voss wasn't enough. He wanted to go out still, be among nature. Perhaps he could find his faith in the Jedi, faith in himself once more among the animals and plants of Voss. However, once he started trekking through Voss, he realised that his feet were guiding him to the mysterious Nightmare Lands, a region he previous visited with his love, Jairdain. It was brief. But it was enough for him to acknowledge the threat that the place could have on those not prepared for its corrupting nature.

Unfortunately, he had not made a journey to Ilum to collect new lightsaber crystals. His sabers were lost on Mirial, mirroring his former self. Ilum was the closest planet with lightsaber crystals known to Yuroic. He had previously looked into the possibility of a planet being nearer the Wild Space, not yet in any Faction control. Another issue with Ilum, it was held by the Iron Empire. Yuroic cast away thoughts of a saber. Lacking a right hand, it would be silly to have one. His dominate hand was gone and he couldn't walk without a crutch still. Medics stated that his bones had healed, yet he still felt the pain of them being broken.

Trekking down a path in the Nightmare Lands, Yuroic listened out for whispers of Dark Side, see what dangers lurked in the shadows and plant-life. He was not being cocking, thinking he would be able to cope with any dangers, but he felt that he would handle what came. If he couldn't defeat mere animals then he truly did not deserve to live on as a Jedi in his mind.

[member="Jairdain"] | [member="Ronin Wendigo"] | [member="Faye Demos"]

 

[Jairdain]

A slim and shrouded figure stepped out from the trees nearby to the group of Jedi. Gender could not be determined. Within moments a larger and clearly masculine form joined the slim one. The larger one looked almost beastlike, but his eyes carried some sense of primal intelligence.

"To those that face the Nightmare Lands, heed this warning and take these berries. They will protect your mind from the corruption."

The slim figure stepped forward and held out an almost frail hand that contained a handful of withered berries. When the form stepped forward, the larger one did as well and broke his silence.

"Take this tree bark as additional...guard."

Reaching behind himself, he took out several strips of bark to pass out. If the Jedi accepted these gifts, he would step back into the trees, leaving the slim figure with them. They could feel the gaze of the form on each of them one at a time, as if getting weighed by it. That hand came out and motioned to the lands in front of them.

"Go to the Heart and face the corruption."

[member="Yuroic Xeraic"] [member="Ronin Wendigo"] [member="Faye Demos"]

 

[Ronin Wendigo]

[member="Faye Demos"] |[member="Yuroic Xeraic"]

And so it was midsentence as he was conversing with or the very best try start a conversation with her. That he senses the presence of another one approaching not too far off. One whom thought he did not know personally he knew well enough of as someone close to his adoptive kin. One who he knew of a Yuroic and not heard of for some time. Which in own way sort peak his interest why he was here.

But then before he got close enough to be of earshot from him that seems out of nowhere a secondary pair of appearing. Turning as he did to face them just in time hear them speak. And strangely offer them greeting as well warning of the place they were entering. Before then offering them some sort of talisman or item which they claim would aid them. In finding of the darkness that was known to lurk and plague the forest ahead....at which time seem in between doubt and trust. He pauses to take the item in hand for a moment as he contemplates what his next action to be....

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Just as Faye was about to leave, she spotted a robed figure approaching. She was half expecting the senior student to scold her for being out here so close to the Nightmare Lands. But he did ask for her reason…

“Oh, I guess you could say it was a bit of both…” She said, kicking at the dirt of the trail. Faye shrugged slightly, but offered a friendly smile. “It’s nice to meet you Ronin, I’m Faye.”

Another figure approached, a young man that had an aura about him that seemed to say ‘stay away.’

But there was no time for further introductions, for the small clearing was suddenly almost full. Two shadowy forms had emerged from the trees, one slim and lithe, the other larger and broader. Faye went wide-eyed as the smaller of the two hooded forms offered the group some seemingly withered berries.

Just as Faye was about to reach out, the larger form came forward. Meekly, Faye plucked a berry from the small hand and a piece of tree bark. Holding one item in each of her own hands, she wondered what to do. Looking to Ronin, he seemed just as confused. As she glanced at the berry in her palm, she brought it up to her nose to give it a quick sniff.

From what she could tell, there was nothing off about it. Then again, there were wild berries that grew in the woods that looked perfectly fine, but were very poisonous. Glancing again to the shrouded figure that remained near them, Faye took a leap of faith – or rather… a gulp.

Faye chewed the berry; it was a bit sweet and sour at the same time. But what exactly would the effects be? She had to wonder if she’d made the right choice.

[member="Ronin Wendigo"], [member="Jairdain"], [member="Yuroic Xeraic"]

 

[Ronin Wendigo]

[member="Faye Demos"] |[member="Yuroic Xeraic"]​

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It was then as his mind contemplated as to what action take in light of the strangers offer that his mind wanders back a bit to a time prior to their arrival wherein. Seem come in the nick of time just as she appeared to leave and seem to be a bit startled or at best seem all too expecting him to scold or give her the talk in regards to the danger along with the reason. Why most were discourage into come to the Nightmare Lands before one was prepared to face off with the danger that lurked there. But then again having been in her place once before Ronin in a way understood and figure it would rather be better that he starts things off in a neutral tone. Come to start things off with a greeting then a question along with an introduction at the end. Which apparently seem go over well with her as he in turn replied.

“Oh, I guess you could say it was a bit of both…”

Then pausing briefly as she kicks at the dirt and shrugging a bit before offering a friendly smile next adds.

“It’s nice to meet you Ronin, I’m Faye.”

At which time before he could acknowledge Faye introduction his attention was distracted by the approach of another seem familiar Jedi. One which he assumed was the reason or debated be the reason the strangers coming had escaped his notice. By which time come to the present with the two other Jedi present and holding the two items offered by the stranger still in one hand. Ronin couldn't help feeling a bit uneasy along with slight uncertainty if the stranger spoke the truth at which time he calls out to the other Jedi. Whom at best he could fathom had met once before.....once in Ilum ice cavern and the other in one the mission in the past.

 

[Jairdain]

As each of the Jedi took the offered items, the frail form noticed one of them didn't eat the berry offered. She knew he may not need it having felt the touch of the land already on him. Time would tell if he would need it or not.

"Along the path to Heart there is a herb you must gather. Before you enter the Heart, you need to have eaten the berry and burn the bark and herb. Only then will you be as protected from the corruption as we can make you."

If they looked close enough, they would see the eyes under the hood glittered in the pale illumination provided by the stars and sliver of moon. The multifaceted eyes of a Voss hid under the cloak. The larger form that waited in the trees was a Gormak. Both people knew of the dangers of the Nightmare Lands, but had traversed it many times. These two races, destined to be enemies worked together here. Perhaps these Jedi did not know the history of Voss.

Their journey tonight would prove enlightening if they survived the trial of making it to the Heart. The two faded into the darkness, their messages and items passed on. They would observe the party as they progressed through the lands and make note of their actions, but not interfere.

The group progressed the land, the sounds of the night animals surrounded them. Nothing moved in on them from the ground. High above though, a beast circled and followed their progression with keep eyes. An eerie cry came from its mouth and soon another beast join it. Maybe the Jedi would hear it, maybe not. The animals flew another circle and plummeted to the ground. They made an attempt to knock the group from their feet by the force of their wings.

[member="Ronin Wendigo"] [member="Faye Demos"] [member="Yuroic Xeraic"]

 

[Dar-Murazor]

Dar-Murazor had finally found a realm where he would be left alone, a place where he could build up his strength on foolish adventurers and lost wanderers, absorbing their energy before he would eventually return among the living, unleashing his terrible powers upon the galaxy once more
But, alas for the prince of Weik, his plans were disturbed as the beasts of the nightmare lands stirred, marking the arrival of intruders. Slowly, the wraith took hold of his sword and advanced in the darkness, reaching out in the Force to try and see if any worthy prey was presenting itself. The sooner he would drain an acutal Jedi Knight, the better; he desperately needed more powers in order to be able to stand against the strongest members of their order.

Emerging from thhe darkness, he used the one power he never lost, no matter how much banishment he suffered; dread. Each step he took toward the group was agonisingly slow, a putrid, green light crawling onto the ground, accompanying each of his steps. Fear was his most powerful weapon, and so he made his presence in the Force oppressive, a dreadful presence that approached closer and closer, the blade held in his gauntlet-clad hands reflecting the pale, sickly light that accompanied him.

He was entirely silent, but the message was clear as he opened his arms and stopped walking, considering them. Those were the intruders that stepped into the nightmare lands? Those were the foolish lambs who wandered into this realm, sent to a certain slaughter?

 

[Ronin Wendigo]

[member="Faye Demos"] |[member="Yuroic Xeraic"] |[member="Dar-Murazor"] | [member="Jairdain"]​

"Along the path to Heart, there is a herb you must gather. Before you enter the Heart, you need to have eaten the berry and burn the bark and herb. Only then will you be as protected from the corruption as we can make you."

It was then while contemplating the words spoken by the unknown strangers take in each word spoken along with the faint underlying undertone. That of both a warning as well words of encouragement. As before them lay the quest and journey which good or bad...right or wrong...together or apart. Each one would no doubt be tested for what ends only time would tell. As he stood still grasping in one hand the berries and on the other tree bark fragments. Of which time thought tempted to heed the stranger words and consume the berries he did not for in the back his mind. Part of him knew it would matter not if he did or did not as corruption was no less ingrained within him. That it tainted him so to some extent that it would do little or to no use by then him to avoid it or find some protection against it. As truth be told thought none other than his blood kin knew the secret he kept now that he'd regain some semblance of connection he had to his true past.

Which in a way had been partially responsible for him to tempt venture this far ..... past the comfort of the safe zone. Towards the mysterious dark realms of the nightmare lands. On his own alone or so he attempted at first before come across the two others.In order to perhaps find answers or at the very least some clarity as to where his path lay. For in one lay the path of his Mother and her steadfast adherence to the light .... along with the Jedi way. While on the other was his First Master, his protector... who'd been so dear and close to him that. When she fell into darkness and rather than deal her the final blow to end her dark reign. That he defied everything...forsaken the behest orders and turn his back on them. In the end, thought death no less came to take his Master life. That he somehow came to fall under the Dark Master stranger's influence who thought memories of those times were at best still shrouded. He no less fears still especially after the brief encounter with one of its minions not too long ago. As to what if anything him come face to face with him again would entail.

So in vain attempt to perhaps find the answer without fear of endangering anyone he ventured out here. But then again seem fate had its own plan and rather than turn back he decided to move forward. Somewhat wary of following anyone else lead he decided to venture thru on his own recognizance. And waited for a moment before moving to the side slightly out of the two other sight.

And instead, drop down to one knee he then bury his fist deep into the earth Then as he slowly opens his palm before releasing the berries call upon the wisdom of the ancestor of his father. As he attempted commune with the breath and attempt to aid in its growth upon the seem dark tainted earth. Before he slowly stood and began moving away without looking back as he thought to himself. Thought the possibility of danger lurks ahead for himself he at least hope. In maybe grow the berries rather than consume it for himself so that other that would come after them. Would maybe benefit in partake of the berries special gifts in warding or staying the corruption grasp.


Thought as he slowly tried to catch up with the other that from the corner of his sight Ronin could have sworn movement. And with it the damming faint stench of decay....along with the foreboding sense of dread.

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

The Jedi Master had joined the expedition as well, but had gone off on his own when [member="Jairdain"] had mentioned to him the group needing a certain herb at some point earlier on. Deciding to go off to find it, the Jedi Master had returned soon after with the herbs in tow. And he had brought plenty. This was a rather sizeable group, after all.

"Found them" He spoke calmly toward the group as he would begin passing the herbs around to the ground, the ones the former Sith had been going on about earlier before he had set out. "They were found in abundance where I found them, but they were quite the little foray to find to begin with" He would admit as he would stretch out, looking around at the assembly that she had gathered. He had not started with the group and had been dispatched to find the herbs before the group had set down, so he didn't know how many people or who Jair had sent for this mission, only that he should get as many herbs as he could to work with a large party.

But something told him that he was going to need to be on his guard... Something just felt... Wrong, about this place. And that was never a good thing.

 

[Jairdain]

From out of the newly formed fog a wraith came at the group, just waiting and watching now. Perhaps they would pick up on him. However, his presence didn't go unnoticed by the two observing the Jedi. The Voss and Gormak nodded to one another and moved to apprehend @Dar-Murazor. He was also a stranger in these lands and didn't know everything about them.

If [member="Yuroic Xeraic"] were to look around, he would notice they were nearby the Jairdain had guided him. To that shrine they had meditated at. It was at the far end of the lake where the fog emanated from. He could easily guide the group there and take refuge on the other side from the dragons and the wraith.

For those that had not eaten the berries that had been offered, they may start having a headache. If they didn't have a great amount of mental fortitude, then they would certainly maybe start to see other forms in the mist. Beasts and monsters from their worst nightmares coming after them.

The passing dragons made another dive at the group, but nothing more than that. A warning pass to not continue on.

[member="Josh DragonsFlame"] [member="Ronin Wendigo"]

 

[Ronin Wendigo]

[member="Faye Demos"] |[member="Yuroic Xeraic"] |[member="Dar-Murazor"] | [member="Jairdain"]​

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It was then that barely taken a step far from where he'd buried the berries offered to him. Which for now lay in slumber was when as he soon felt it come all too sudden as it did quickly that it forces him to pause. Raise a hand to his head as a sharp stabbing pain overcame him so in a way as if a thousand voices spoke all at once. Come from all side it no sooner overwhelmed him so that their voice and growing forboding emotional wave hit him. Much like a gale force wind or a raging smothering wave of fire that it caught him unaware to the point it causes him quite deal pain.

As the burden of it all hitting him all at once ill prepared made him take a step back raise a hand to his head as all around. Came the voices, emotion and incoherent wave from the shadows. As from the distance from the corner of his sight, he could have sworn to see the dark figure lurking. Wearing the tattered robes came walking towards them through the misty shadows before it then raised its putrid finger. Reach over to pull back its robe and reveal its emaciated and wretched form to him as it stood there but a foot away before ignite it ruby red saber in one hand. And it came to speak without opening its mouth a solitary thought......why? ....fiend..... betrayal.which above all else sent a deep-seated chill down his spine for a reason he could not deny.

As from above with swoosh, a dragon came to dive ever so close to where they stood. Cause him to crouch down briefly to loose sight of the stranger. Who once he turned to glance back had disappeared as behind him he could hear the distinct sound of a saber ignited.

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