You're Grounded For, Like, Ever! (Tegs/Aba)

[Coci Heavenshield]

Now that they could all breath again, Abaigeal took Elpsis into a big hug. The situation could have gone in a completely different direction and ended in pain and suffering. "Awesome you might be, but I am pleased you are okay".

When the hug had ended, Abaigeal looked over the damage of the ship. There was nothing that would not be fixed and Lady Tegaea would see it right. But she thought it best they all go back into the dinning area and rest up. And maybe regain some lost energy with food. But before she did, Abaigeal could not help looking over the side of the railings to see if the serpents had truly gone, a small smile graced her lips. Yeap they were awesome indeed.

But she would keep her desire to see them again to herself. Besides they had Elves to go see!

​

[member="Tegaea Alcori"] | [member="Elpsis Kallikora"]​

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Abaigeal E'ron"] [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

“I think this is significantly more excitement than we had bargained for. Let’s go get some lunch. I could do with a drink!”

“Let’s get under way, just in case the serpent decides to come back.”

Fortunately the Viceroy was tougher than it appeared, and the engineers soon had the damage patched up.

As they sped off Tegaea returned the crowd to the dining room. Despite the jostling the plates had stayed in place quite well.

When all were there she raised a glass. “To not encountering more dangerous creatures before we reach land,” she said, looking pointedly at Aba with a smile. She poured some wine for Siobhan.

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

[member="Abaigeal E'ron"], [member="Tegaea Alcori"]


Elpsis hugged Aba in return, then moved away. "I'll go get changed." After all, her clothes were soaking wet and her body needed drying off. It would also give her a few minutes alone before she joined the 'family dinner' since she wasn't keen on it. She suddenly missed the sea serpents.


Siobhan, who had been pointedly ignoring Elpsis, followed Aba and Tegs back to the dining room. Fortunately, the sea monster onslaught had not mucked things up and the plates still stood. She winced a bit due to pain her shoulder, but settled down, accepting the glass Tegs had offered her. "I'll drink to that," she said cheerfully, and their glasses all clinked nicely together.


A few moments later Elpsis returned, now wearing fresh, dry clothes. For a change, she didn't have a snarky comment, but quietly sat down at the table, avoiding eye contact with Siobhan.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Once everyone was back in the dinning room, they could relax a little or at least Abaigeal did. Yet there was an icy chill in the air around Sio and Elpsis, she did not know why but it was clear something had been said to create the mood. Family history perhaps, or lack of it more the point and so she would not bring the subject up at least not now. If Elpsis wanted to talk to her they would find means to do so. Abaigeal loves them all, and hates it when they are at odds and so she reached for Elpsis's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze for support, to let her know she is there for her.

"To seeing, more .. to not seeing more dangerous creatures today", lets hope tomorrow! She grinned toward Lady Tegaea. "Mother shall we eat", she asked now having built up a strong appetite once more. Breakfast seemed so long ago ...

​

[member="Tegaea Alcori"] | [member="Elpsis Kallikora"]​

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Elpsis Kallikora"] [member="Abaigeal E'ron"]

It didn’t take a genius to see that Siobhan and Elpsis were suddenly on very poor terms. Something had happened before the serpent attack. Tegaea decided that she would ask Siobhan about it in private later.

Lunch was served as if nothing had happened. They made good speed south and soon entered a large stretch of open water.
When lunch was complete Tegaea rose. “We should be arriving by morning after tomorrow. Relax, enjoy the weather before it gets too cold and be ready for dinner at seven.”

Plenty of time for the passengers to indulge in whichever pastimes they were interested in. Crochet would probably feature….

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

[member="Abaigeal E'ron"], [member="Tegaea Alcori"]


Siobhan chuckled slightly at Aba's reaction when lunch started. "You're so like Galina. Any time she sees a big, dangerous animal she thinks it's adorable and would like to see it up close and adopt them."


The noblewoman didn't like Elpsis much. The girl was clingy, annoying and a big crybaby. Hopefully she'd keep her mouth shut when and if they ran into Wood Elves. Otherwise she might inadvertently start a war.


Anyhow, lunch was served and Elpsis was mostly silent throughout. The food was delicious and helped distract her from gloomier thoughts. Then Tegaea arose and wrapped things up. Siobhan, who'd just been focusing on Aba and Tegs throughout the meal, rose likewise with her.


"Come on, love. We have some stuff to discuss about the Vashyada...and other things to do." Briefly she ran her hand over her wifey's butt before giving it a fond grope. Totally not shameless. Siobhan was a big fan of crochet. She was very good with needles!

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

As everyone prepare to depart for the rest of the day, Abaigeal stood up and moved toward Elpsis. "Come on, lets go for a walk", she said hoping that might help Elpsis and this awkward situation. Surely they could find something to do on this ship to occupy their minds before they would return for dinner this evening.

There even might be a bar somewhere they could get a drink at or several. Abaigeal lead the way out of the dinning room and out onto the deck, her eyes scanning the horizon to see if there was any more of those serpents. But alas the ocean was only full of waves at least on the surface.

The air had become crisp, and the filled with the scent of the sea which was wonderful to the senses, she took in a deep breath enjoying it and the motion of the ocean. There was nothing to see for miles, only water and it felt nice to be alone with her friend for a while.

​

[member="Elpsis Kallikora"] | [member="Tegaea Alcori"]​

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Elpsis Kallikora"] [member="Abaigeal E'ron"]

Tegaea suddenly remembered that yes, they had many things to discuss. Some of them probably even involved the mission ahead!
“You’re right, love. We’ve got a lot to plan.” Taking Siobhan’s hand she left the room to…plan.

Meanwhile, on the back deck there was indeed a bar, and Tempest joined the two of them for a drink.
“Well, that was fun,” she said after a moment. “What happened with Sio?” Tempest asked curiously.

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

[member="Tegaea Alcori"], [member="Abaigeal E'ron"]


The two matriarchs went off to have sex, which was good since Elpsis couldn't stand being around Siobhan or her wife. Fortunately, Aba was thete to lead her away and momentarily distract Elpsis from more gloomy thoughts. Brooding didn't suit the redhead. That was more of a Naamah thing, since the Clawdite was in a bad, moderately self-flagellating mood all the time!


Crisp air, lots of waves, no sea serpents. Nothing to see for miles except ocean. Having just almost drowned, Elpsis had to clamp down on her nervousness, but she appreciated the relative peace and quiet. She fetched herself a strong whiskey from the bar, then a wild Tempest showed up!


Elpsis knitted her brow together. The Dahomian just had to bring up Kerrigan, and this happened to be the woman's fan club. Ah, well, at most she'd be ejected from the ship, and she didn't particularly care about that. She took a deep gulp from her bottle, not caring about decorum.


"She's a pompous queen," she said bluntly. "Yelled at me because I don't wanna go running to my mother, forgive her for everything and be a shiny happy family with her. Yeah, maybe I was unfair and I guess my mum suffered a hell of a more than I thought. But that doesn't change the fact that mine was crap and I'm not gonna bury that cause 'others had it worse'."


Nice job, Siobhan. "She's got no right to judge just cause she has a shiny villa and lots of money. If she doesn't want me around, fine." She took another swig at her whiskey. "Oh, and my mum's Jedi master was a sick psychopath." Despite her...complicated relationship with [member="Coryth Elaris"], she seemed to care about her enough to be pissed about that.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

The sea serpent's ferociousness was nothing compared to Elpsis at this point. Abaigeal knew something had happened that much was clear by the sudden mood change in the room at lunch. But she had not expected this. Although her friend had attacked her mother verbally now, she did not know what to do. Abaigeal is not privy to all the history but it seemed to her that Elpsis was harbouring resentment that she needs to let go of.

She took in a deep breath, Sio knew what had happened and probably had had enough of the blame game. "Maybe it is time you took some responsibility for your feelings Elpsis. Yes you had a very bad time as did your mother it appears, but you and your mother are not alone in this. I have my own set of problems as well but I grew up. At some point in your life you have to own them yourself. As a child, yeah sure blame everyone, blame the entire galaxy if it makes you feel better, but when you become an adult, that all stops. If you choose to continue to blame others and waste your life living like this letting hate take you, then you made that choice. One one else, makes you hold onto your pain, you do".

Abaigeal knew she probably said to much and expected an explosion to come from Elpsis, but that would be alright. It was time she faced the fact that she needs to face this and take responsibility for her own choices now.

​

[member="Elpsis Kallikora"] | [member="Tegaea Alcori"]​

 

[Tempest]

[member="Abaigeal E'ron"] [member="Elpsis Kallikora"]

Tempest was ill-equipped to be the peacemaker. Having uncorked the genie’s bottle, there was no getting it back in.
“Well…yeah. I don’t know the whole story here,” she said awkwardly.
She certainly had some affection for Elpsis, but she clearly had a lot more experience and respect with Siobhan. It was an impossible position because one of the redheads would get annoyed about what she said. Siobhan had ways of finding things out.

“I’m sorry I brought it up,” she said, but it was too late since Aba was trying to give life lessons. It was probably good advice, viewed objectively, but it was unlikely that Elpsis would be willing to take it on board.

Hopefully the boat would not catch fire.

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

[member="Tempest"], [member="Abaigeal E'ron"]


Aba's advice was sound in theory, but also bound to inflame the situation. She didn't know the circumstances that caused such resentment in Elpsis. The redhead glowered at her friend. Fortunately looks could not do anything. "You got the most important part of being a Jedi down pat: Being a holier than thou, sanctimonious prig," she snarled angrily.


"You were on the run for how long? Couple months, a year? Two? I was tortured by my dear father when I was ten. Your lovely Jedi cult gave me the brilliant advice of meditating on the infallible Code and grow crops. I spent years fighting to survive on the streets. I stole, sold spice...sold my body...killed. Pain is the one thing that's kept me going. That, and not wanting to go back to being a piece of thrash everyone discarded. So go ahead and feel superior, enjoy your lovely family. I survived just fine without Kerrigan, without you."


Her anger was rising, her eyes glowed and it seemed a small fire was forming inside the palm of her hand as her rage threatened to take over. With effort, she managed to get it under control. At least the yacht had not caught fire. The roar of engines could be heard, then a shadow passed over the yacht.


Coincidentally, a Firemane shuttle had arrived, bringing repair parts and stuff due to the damage the ship had sustained earlier. "Have fun. I'm done," she spat and turned away, though not bother glancing at Tempest. Her expression softened just a bit. "Thanks, you made me feel welcome," she spoke sincerely, then walked away towards the pad where the shuttle was landing. It was a welcome getaway ticket.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Her blood began to boil, figuratively and literally as Elpsis spat words back at her. Yes she had had a hard time in her early life, half the galaxy did and half the galaxy still wallow in their self pity too. Abaigeal did not care about the attacking words directed at herself on a personal level but what anger her was the attack on the Jedi. The very people that could help her if she could only see it, but it was more then even that.

Abaigeal grew quiet, very quiet and just stood staring at Elpsis, letting her have her head for the moment, but the insult was real and would not be easily forgotten. For Abaigeal to go quiet however, is a sign of danger. She is not the type to rant back, but allow the emotions to feed her strength, still the Sith blood wants feeding. But she is in control, she has learned that much.

Before Elpsis would leave however, "It was one of those sanctimonious prigs that saved my life, and gave her own in the process", she said coldly referring to Iella. "I would much rather spend my time with people that care for others, then someone that only cares about herself. Good bye Elpsis". Abaigeal turned and walked away to find a room in which she could be alone.

​

[member="Elpsis Kallikora"] | [member="Tempest"]​

 

[Tempest]

[member="Abaigeal E'ron"] [member="Elpsis Kallikora"]

Tempest found herself in an odd and very awkward position. She was named Tempest for a reason; she was prone to blazing anger. Now though she was oddly quiet.

“Goodbye, Elpsis. We’ll meet again, I’m sure,” she said.

Elpsis exited stage left, Aba stage right. Tempest sighed. “Well, that didn’t go well.”

She was still trying to comprehend how things had shifted so quickly. That morning everything had been shiny and happy, but now the expedition was down a member and another was very angry.

With a sigh Tempest went back to the bar, finished her drink and fixed another. As the shuttle sped away she raised a glass to the departing redhead before letting out another sigh.

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

[member="Abaigeal E'ron"], [member="Tempest"]


In the light of how poorly Jedi had treated her, they'd be the last people Elpsis would ever seek help from. Ironically, Sio's view of most Jedi were very similar to hers. The redhead boarded the shuttle and had soon taking off, leaving the gang behind.


She would be fine. Like always. Aba could go hang with the 'guardians of peace and justice' and the Firemane clan. The latter was terribly ironic since it was filled with darksiders. As usual, Elpsis did not look back. Soon the shuttle had ascended into the sky and was far away from the yacht.


However, Elpsis did not remain idle. There was something she needed to do, even though part of her really didn't want to. Perhaps due to fear. And so after getting over permission from the pilot, she stood before the comm. She felt an uncharacteristic onslaught of anxiety and nerves, but finally took a deep breath and sent the message to [member="Coryth Elaris"].


"Hey, it's been a bit since we talked. You're, uh, ok? Goldielocks treating you well?" Ok, that was a lame start. "Just wanted to ask if you'd like to meet and stuff. If you don't wanna, that's ok. You got my number," she sighed and then sent the message. Then she walked over to a bench to sit down. However, no sooner had she turned away from the terminal, than she suddenly cried out in pain.


Terrible agony wracked her brain, her mind reeled as a tidal wave of images flooded it, forcing her to her knees. For a moment it felt like she was somewhere else, as if her spirit had been removed from the shuttle, where doubtless crewers were wondering what the hell was wrong with her. Suddenly she was in a primitive encampment and saw two women clash with archaic weapons.


Each of them was pale, raven-haired and covered in exotic tattoos. The power of the Force surged through them as each called upon its might, moving so fast it seemed like a blur. Other equally darkhaired, tattooed amazons surrounded them, cries were heard, blood was drawn as the two did battle. Then the image dissipated and she was back inside her body, in the present on the ship.


"Hey, kid, you ok?"


She was coated in sweat and panting heavily when she came to, feeling the hand of a concerned Firemane minion on her shoulder. The gesture almost made her jump, but she managed to control herself. "Yeah, I'm fine," she grunted, brushing off any enquiries as she got to her feet.


As for what happened next, well, you'll have to read this thread for that!

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

After the blow up, Abaigeal found herself in a room toward the back of the ship. She sat on a soft plush sofa brooding, pulling at a loose thread in one of the cushions. Her mind went over the events of the argument, Elpsis had been so silly to storm off like that. But no doubt Sio had hit a nerve with whatever she had to say to her friend. Abaigeal had been between a rock and a hard place, wanting to defend them both but could not.

She sat with regret for some of the things she had said, as one does after such a fight. Think on how she could have handled it better or wanting to take back some of the words, but one can't once said. She could only hope that next they meet Elpsis would have cooled down and had given some of what was said some thought.

But time had marched on, the sun streaming through the side window told her that and it approached dinner time. They would be one or two short for the meal but that could not be helped now.

Pushing up off the sofa, Abaigeal made her way back to the dinner room and finding it empty she decided to wait in a room off it until called to sup.

​

[member="Tegaea Alcori"] | [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]​

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Abaigeal E'ron"] [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

It was a rather sombre dinner that night. Tegaea had heard about Elpsis’ departure, and the suddenness of it all had puzzled her like it had Tempest.

Still, she was certain she would see Coryth’s daughter again and that all she could do now was wish the redhead good luck silently.

When dinner was over, Tegaea rose. “Get some sleep. We’ve got a big day being diplomats tomorrow.”

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Tegaea Alcori"], [member="Abaigeal E'ron"]


Siobhan wasn't particularly broken up about Elpsis leaving. The girl was a childish nuisance and would've probably just mucked things up when they met the Vashyada. However, she felt bad on her daughter's behalf since it evidently upset Aba.


In any case, they had dinner and by the time it was finished the sun had set. She nodded to her wife and arose from her chair. "Agreed. I want us to be on cordial terms with the Vashyada."

She walked over to her daughter, giving Aba a hug and a kiss on the forehead. "I'm sorry about Elpsis, but it's probably for the best. She needs to grow up. Sleep well, sweetie," she spoke softly, then smiled slightly. "Tomorrow you can see Wood Elves! It'll be fun. Let's make the most of the day and get to know them."

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

She only moved her food around her plate, taking a bit from time to time, but Abaigeal did not really have appetite. "I know mother, I hope she will see that we only have her best interests at heart".

Abaigeal stood up from the table, and moved around to Lady Tegaea and Sio and gave them both a kiss goodnight. "Thank you Lady Tegaea, I shall sleep well .. I am tired", spent emotions are just as fatiguing as running for miles.

The mention of the wood elves cheered her up considerably, and finally Abaigeal smiled. "I must admit I am looking forward to seeing them. But then I wanted to see the serpents and well, that did not go so well", she teased them both. She wrapped her arms around Sio's shoulders from behind and kiss her cheek once more. "I love you .. I love you both".

With that, she left them to find her bed room.

​

[member="Tegaea Alcori"] | [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]​

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] [member="Abaigeal E'ron"]

Tegaea smiled, laid a gentle hand on Aba’s shoulder. “I love you too, Aba. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Let’s hope the Vashyada are less aggressive than said serpents, yes?”

The next morning dawned chilly with scattered clouds. As they came in close to shore they passed the remains of a primitive fort; the last remains of Brahdok’s Folly.

The beach was covered in gravel, and a short stretch of cleared land led up to the forest’s edge. Trees stood like a wall before them.

As Tegaea stepped down with Siobhan, Tempest, Chesna and Aba, she had the distinct impression they were being watched.
Looking to Chesna, she found her thoughts confirmed.

“I sense several of them in the trees. They are wary, surprised,” Chesna said, closing her eyes. “Please protect me from their arrows, I will try and speak to them.”