Private What makes a Witch?

[Dreidi Xeraic]

There had been a lot of records of the variety of Force Users and the differing practices. One that caught her interest was the witches of Dathomir, there was some conflicting information and she was curious to learn more about how the witches used their "magick" in comparison to how Jedi and Sith used the Force. It appeared to be more ritualistic and a very focused part of the Force. There was a connection to the darker sides of the Force but it wasn't as corrupting or as dangerous as the Sith's way towards the Force. This part was curious to Dreidi, as she understood her own connection to the Force it was clear that she had some natural connection to the Dark Side of the Force and had assumed it would always being a corrupting side. To learn more about how the Witches understood and used the Dark Side of the Force, Dreidi decided it would be helpful to talk with an actual Witch or Nightsister.

It had been difficult to figure out who to contact and finally, Dreidi caved and asked her Master for help, claiming it was just academic curiosity to avoid potential lectures or warning against Dreidi potentially learning about how to use the Force from a dark sider, especially after asking about learning more Light Side powers to use in combat. Apparently, Asaraa had been able to setup a meeting with the new Nightmother, which according to Dreidi's research the title was given to the leader of the Nightsisters. However, who or what the Nightsisters were, Dreidi hadn't gotten around to learning. She was super eager in meeting this person, which reflected when she woke up early, active and ready to get on with the day. She could feel her sister taking note of her higher energy in the morning and informed Asaraa that this would not be a behaviour she would be repeating. No way was Dreidi waking up at the crack of dawn every day. By afternoon she was already regretting getting up as early as she did.

Tugging on her grey shirt sleeve, Dreidi was grumbling, it seemed that her top had shrunk or she had grown again and needed new clothes. Which would mean shopping, an idea that wasn't terrible but just meant interacting with others who sometimes thought they knew best in what Dreidi should wear. But for now, she had to put that out of her mind and concentrate in what she wanted to gain from this Nightmother. Twiddling her thumbs, she was trying to think of what to ask and how she wanted to approach things. Was a Jedi or Sith even able to learn that style of Force? Was she too old to learn that method of the Force? There were so many burning questions and Dreidi was feeling a little nervous since there was just so much that she didn't know or understand.

Her hands slide into her back pockets as she rocked on her feet, waiting for this Nightmother to arrive. Dreidi had no idea of what to expect, would it be an old lady, someone more her sister's age or someone inbetween or just an ageless being?

Vanya Aklin

 

[Vanya Aklin]

C U R I O U S

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Tag: Dreidi Xeraic

It was not often that the Nightsister entertained the requests of others, especially when her attention was in high demand and her time was precious. But today she had agreed to do so for one reason and one reason only. There was a young woman who had expressed an interest in the witches she now resided over.

That had been reason enough for her to travel. So she had left Ryloth, which was currently her home, and travelled to meet the young woman.

The Nightmother approached with deliberate steps, calm and confident. If the echo of her heels was not enough to announce her arrival then the presence of her in the Force would be.

Vanya was a woman that made no attempt to hide who she was. And the aura of her being was like a beacon to those attuned to the Force. Her obsidian eyes narrowed faintly as she approached the fidgeting child - and to her, she was most certainly a child. Vanya came to a stop a few feet from her, tattooed arms raising to cross against her chest.

"You requested my presence."
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[Dreidi Xeraic]

Dreidi could hear the clicking of heels and wasn't sure if that was the Nightmother that she expected to see or if it was someone else going somewhere else. When Vanya entered the room, Dreidi was taken back, it wasn't really what she had expected to see in someone called the Nightmother, she looked around Dreidi's sister, Asaraa's age and her tattoos were very cool. Dreidi had thought about getting tattoos herself when she was older, unsure what she would have, she would probably start with something musical due to her skills with instruments and passion for music. But Dreidi also thought that was a little cliched and felt unsure if she should go for something more unorthodox or unique to herself. It was probably a good idea that she didn't have them now since she was so indecisive. Shaking her head, she snapped herself out of the tattoo fantasy spiral that she had gotten herself into and bit her lip as the Nightmother crossed her arms.

There was a nervous worry that perhaps this woman was not friendly or happy to meet Dreidi... At least she did not seem please to be requested to meet with. Fidgeting more, Dreidi wondered if she could go back in time and prevent this meeting, or perhaps attempted to arrange something more respectful for the Nightmother, there was just a lot of anxiety that she had upset someone now that was making her shy. Dreidi tried not to let the panic take over her as she looked down and breathed in deeply, ask now or you'll regret it forever Dreidi! Just make it quick! She told herself as she looked up at the Nightmother finally.

"How do you connect to the Force? Are the rituals necessary or symbolic? Is it true that Nightsisters can use their connection to the Force to reanimate the dead? Are they technically zombies if you do that? How do you do that? Does your magick look green? Because I read that all Nightsisters used the Force and it looked green. Is it the Force that you use? Most scholars assume that it is but there is some debates on whether that is true or not. Oh, is your magick weaker the further away from Dathomir you are or is that a myth? Are you a Nightsister or from a different clan of witches? Do you believe that a Force user trained as a Jedi or Sith could become a Witch or is it too different of a power for someone to adjust to? Can witches use Lightside or is it just Darkside focus? How come you aren't corrupted by the Darkside like the Sith are?" Dreidi kept on going, rapidly asking questions since she couldn't think of one that she really wanted to ask above all else and feared if she didn't say them all then she would end up regretting never getting the answers.

Finally she calmed herself down and looked at the Nightmother, "are you willing to teach me about the way of the witches of Dathomir?" Dreidi asked, she was holding back on becoming one but she was certainly eager to learn more about what the witches were like and to hear Nightmother's side on how they worked instead of just the scholarly holocrons she read.

Vanya Aklin

 

[Vanya Aklin]

A M U S E M E N T

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Tag: Dreidi Xeraic

Despite the harsh gaze worn by the Nightmother, the ghosting smirk on her mouth would show she was amused by Dreidi's nervousness. It was not that Vanya purposely sought to make her feel that way but she was amused because she could make her feel this way. It was a testimony to the power of her presence and how death, and leaving Dathomir, had not changed her.

And then the cascade of questions had come. Vanya remained motionless and silent, allowing the child to speak without interruption. One question bled into the next with hardly a breath between them but each one was heard and an answer was prepared. The final question proved to be the most important -- are you willing to teach me about the way of the Witches of Dathomir?

There was much that could be said. The answers were not something that could be fully explained in a day -- Vanya wondered if Dreidi understood this. The implications of time spent with the Nightmother was a dangerous thing. After all, nothing was ever free.

"I connect to the Force in ways similar to you. The rituals and both symbolic and necessary. Yes, we can reanimate the dead. How those revived are classified depends on how they are reanimated. Sometimes my magick is green but not always. Yes, it is the Force. My magick has never been weak and distance from Dathomir does not change that. I am a Nightsister of Dathomir from the Burning Mists Clan. Yes, Jedi and Sith can learn but not without difficulties. Witches use both the light and dark, what we specialise in depends on the witch. We're not corrupted because we're not idiots like the Sith."

Vanya allowed a moment for the child to absorb the information and do with it what she willed. Arms uncrossed and a hand rested on a hip. "I could teach you our ways. How a Nightsister lives and how our society works, and how to use our power." There was a but - always was that more to the eye than what words told. There was a blood trail that was placed upon initiates. There were trials and tribulations. "My time is precious and I won't tolerate it being wasted. You would need to be serious. And you would need to understand it is nothing like how the Sith or Jedi would teach. So my question for you is this: is that what you truly want?"
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[Dreidi Xeraic]

When Vanya responded with answers to Dreidi's fast fire questions, the Padawan was surprised and taken aback by how the Nightmother was able to keep up with Dreidi. Most seemed to be unable to and just waited for Dreidi to calm down and repeat herself before answering the questions that she has. This meant that Dreidi was most impressed with the Nightmother and fumbled getting out her notepad and started taking notes. "Similar way.... Both.... Can make zombies but also not always zombies... Interesting." Looking up from muttering as she took her notes, "I might have some follow up questions on that part." Dreidi offered a warm smile before burying her head in her notes and continuing to mutter fairly loudly, "Sometimes green, sometimes not... Is the Force, knew it... Magick is not location based so those holocrons were completely wrong... Nightsister of the Burning Mists Clan, look into that clan later... Training would be difficult for me.... Can use both sides of the Force, which is handy.... Sith are idiots which is a fair assessment."

As she was muttering while typing up her notes quickly, Dreidi almost missed Vanya's offer to learn about the Nightsister way from the Nightmother, it was only as she was muttering about wondering in what ways the witches differ to the Sith, did she realised what Vanya had said. "OH! Really? You are happy to teach me? Just, I'm a Jedi Padawan and still need to keep up with my Jedi training since I do want to be a Jedi but I also find the Witches of Dathomir really interesting and I think it would be helpful for me to expand my knowledge on the Force. Especially if I wish to defend others." Dreidi was once again talking out loud her own thoughts, it was a habit of hers especially when an interesting offer came up, out loud she could think about her options and weigh up the pros and cons.

Dreidi could sense there was a 'but' to this offer, that it wasn't as simple as she would have liked and she respected that Vanya did not want to waste her time, but for Dreidi to know for certain it wouldn't be a waste, she needed to fully understand what joining would entail. "I can be serious about this, I am serious when it comes to my music and Jedi training. However, as my Master constantly points out, I need to know what I am signing up for before I join. I want to learn more, and... yeah... I want to try doing magick myself if I am able to, I understand it will be difficult but I want to learn. What will this training entail? Will you allow me to continue my Jedi studies and my music hobby while training me? Do you expect me to leave my life here and come live with you?" It was Dreidi's turn to cross her arms against her chest. There was respect but she wasn't leaping into this blind, she couldn't afford to and her years here had taught her some responsibility.

Vanya Aklin

 

[Vanya Aklin]

A M U S E M E N T

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Tag: Dreidi Xeraic

The Nightmother's mouth twisted into a smirk. Had she said she was happy to teach Dreidi? No, not in so many words but the child was young and eager, and she would allow her a moment of excitement. After all, she had not yet revealed her distaste for Jedi. It was simple. Vanya detested them as much she did the Sith - both were corrupted and idiotic in their idealism.

"You can do what you want with your own time." She said. "But I do not care to hear about anything that you do with the Jedi, and I will not tolerate their teachings impacting your time with me. When you are with me you are a Witch Initiate - not a Jedi." Vanya understood that it was not so simple - it was not like flicking a switch from on to off - and one could not stop being who they were. But she rarely tolerated the presence of Jedi or Sith without good reasons and she did not care for their sessions together to be filled with nonsense.

"Training like a Nightsister of Dathomir is not easy." Vanya was not in the business of sugar-coating things. Her own training had been brutal. She had been beaten and broken time and time again until she faced the Trial by Fire and survived. And then she had been broken again, rebuilt stronger in preparation for the Trial by Invocation. She had been anointed in fire as the Chosen of Vahl, bathed in blood she had been named a Nightsister of Dathomir. None of it had been easy. "You will be tested and pushed beyond your limits. And you will prevail." Because I do not teach weakness.

As for the matter of her residence - that was difficult. On Dathomir she would have expected Dreidi to relocate to the Burning Mists but this was not Dathomir and Dreidi was not what Vanya considered a traditional Nightsister. "I will grant you leaves of absence to go do whatever it is you want to do with your own time. You do not need to live with me year-round but during your training, I expect you to reside on Ryloth." Eyes narrowed to indicate there was another but coming. "But I will not tolerate laziness. My culture and the offer to share it with you, it not to be taken lightly or squandered. I will not tolerate it being treated like a convenient, second option when you grow bored of the Jedi. Do you understand?"
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[Dreidi Xeraic]

It was clear that Vanya was not a fan of Jedi or Sith and this wasn't a new concept to Dreidi, she had spent a lot of time researching different cultures especially Nightsisters and had learnt that they saw the Jedi in a negative light. It was a fair view to have when you have a negative experience of them to see there is an issue with all of them. Dreidi was brought up around them and saw a very positive light of the Jedi, while she didn't agree with all, or even like all, Dreidi knew that deep down the type of person she wanted to be was a Jedi. Looking at Vanya however, she had a very stern expression, "I understand." She wanted to say more, to ask about the fact that learning the culture and history of the Nightsisters was intertwined with Jedi and Sith, but she knew that question could wait or at least would be answered at a later point.

"I will do my best to remember that. Witches don't have like robes or particular uniform they have to wear when training right?" It was silly, but Jedi tended to wear robes when training and such, it wasn't something Dreidi enjoyed wearing but did help her get in the mindset of being a Padawan that was training and she figured if there was a similar thing for the Nightsisters that could help her switch mindset easier. However, Dreidi suspected there wouldn't be and set her mind on just learning to adjust when around Vanya to be a Witch, not a Jedi, just a Witch. She did also wonder if Vanya had a sense of humour, just because she seemed to be very stoic and intimidating person right now, whereas Dreidi was usually one to make quips and jokes when training to cut tension. Which might not go down well with this training.

Nodding her head, "I understand it will not be easy but I welcome the challenge and will do my best to prove I am worthy of this chance." There was seriousness in Dreidi's tone. She was demonstrating skills in her abilities but it was due to her stubbornness and extremely high expectations of herself that kept Dreidi slightly above average in her powers. "I will prevail. I must prevail." Dreidi stated firmly as she looked at Vanya, she wasn't going to let this mentor down similar to how she wouldn't let down Asaraa.

Reside on Ryloth during training. Dreidi could do that, though where she would reside, she did not know. "Would I live with you while training on Ryloth or will I need to get my own place?" Dreidi asked, she didn't exactly have her own income as of yet to buy a place but she figured that Asaraa would, she was high status in CIS, at least Dreidi believed that. "I am not lazy by nature. I will train to be the best Nightsister that you have ever trained." The determination in her eyes and voice showed that she was serious about being the best Nightsister possible. This was not a second option to Dreidi.

Tag: Vanya Aklin

 

[Vanya Aklin]

F O C U S E D

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Tag: Dreidi Xeraic
Objective: Training
Location: Vureshakkairn Castle, Dueling Circle

"It doesn't matter what you wear," Vanya responded dryly. If one was to take a look at her dressed in leather and high heels, with tattoos covering her skin, one would understand that clothing did not make the person. The Nightmother did not dwell on the next statements made as her time was previous, and she was growing bored of this conversation, so she went on to say: "You can stay in Castle Vureshakkairn, or at Ravan's Point."

Vanya moved freely between both, and as the Nightmother's acolyte, Dreidi would find she too had access to both sanctuaries. "I will meet you on Ryloth. Don't keep me waiting. And make sure you come prepared." Vanya said as she turned on the ball of a foot, heels clicking as strides carried her away without so much as a goodbye, her words cryptic but eluding to what was waiting for the younger woman.

Several Days Later
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Beneath a silver-speckled night sky, the Nightmother waited. Images had flashed through her mind's eye the night before, showing her visions of a possible future; the trials and tribulations that awaited Dreidi, the strength the younger woman could cultivate, the witch she could grow into. And as the visions subsided, Vanya knew it would be this night, beneath this moon, her training would begin. So she had summoned Dreidi to the Dueling Circle.

There would be no healers standing by and no witches to watch these private moments - it would be just them.

As she waited without that stone circle she wondered if Dreidi felt the world the same way she did. There was life blossoming in the night. It came alive beneath the moon. Would she feel the way it moved through the earth, how the wind whispered among the pillars, how something beyond sight and sound called to them? It was something kind and gentle, but wild. Would she feel it? Would she understand?

The Nightmother looked over her shoulder at the young woman that now stood in her shadow, her expression stern, perhaps even harsh. "Witches learn and teach differently than the Jedi. You will do well to remember that when you are with me. Ensure their lessons do not cloud your judgements."

"The Force is around you, Dreidi. It is in everyone and everything. It moves through the air and the earth, and through us. It is not black or white, and it is not good or evil. If you fear the darkness, or if you hate the light, you are unbalanced and unfocused, and if you are unfocused, you are weak." Utilizing the Force was a delicate balancing act on the edge of a sword. One wrong move and there was a cut that would always bleed.​

 

[Dreidi Xeraic]

So, no uniforms. It was predictable from what Vanya was wearing but it was good to get the confirmation, though Dreidi was specifically looking into the training aspects. However, she accepted that she could wear whatever training gear that she felt comfortable wearing. Her residence on Ryloth would be at a castle, which peaked her interest. Dreidi was never from a poor family, her family provided all her needs and her father had built a wonderful home on Kashyyyk, but she couldn't deny that the idea of living in a castle was something she would dream of. There was excitement brewing in Dreidi as she thought about how cool it will be to spending her time training in a fancy castle on Ryloth!

While Dreidi was picturing the castle, Vanya informed her to not be late and then vanished. She was left on her own, thinking about how she was now going to be training to be a Nightsister and the new commitment she just signed up for. Dreidi took note that she couldn't be late on the first day but really there was little else said that Dreidi was concerned about. She knew where to go and roughly an idea of what she would be aiming to learn while there. It was just making sure that she understood how to be around Vanya which only experience could teach her.

Several days later

It had been an interesting start to her training, she had arrived late to her first lesson. Not because she didn't leave in plenty of time, but the place was too damn big and she couldn't figure her way around at first. But she apologised and was determined to work herself ragged this first day to show that her commitment was there and that it was just a blimp on things to come. Dreidi looked around the room and couldn't help but let her jaw drop, it was a beautiful room and she couldn't help and admire the majesty of the place.

She could feel the Force moving through this place, she had been taught to be aware of the Force around her and how it flowed through all things. To sense the chaos and order that was in the natural aspects of the Force. She could feel it now, though she wasn't sure what to expect from it all. Dreidi stood in front of Vanya, listening to every word carefully, her dedication to understanding and absorbing all the knowledge that she could was coming through clearly. Thought they were similar to words she had heard before from both her father and sister, she didn't seem to show any annoyance, frustration or boredom. Taking it all in as if it was the first time because for her step as a Nightsister, it was the first time.

"I understand. My family has always had a natural affinity to both sides of the Force, it is something I have learned about recently." Dreidi mentioned, her use of Force Scream was years old but her knowledge that her father and mother both used Light and Dark Side as well as Asaraa, those were facts that were new to her.

Vanya Aklin