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Realms: These Shattered Stars Logs

Chapter Eleven, Part Three

It's very late that evening, and Freyja is reviewing her notes on what still needs to be accomplished. She should inquire of Master Roakkana as to whether signs of tampering have been observed in kuras Akaro's mind, as that will impact her concerns regarding the rogue and possibly traitorous Hausen. Any remaining Sith infiltrators should also be found and removed, and those who have implicated formerly honorable Hausen in treason should be caught and punished as well.

After that she'd like to find out what's going to happen to the poor, misguided rogue manus, and they really should meditate on how to find and close down the Calefactors' training facility. What else... ah, hai. In about a week she wants to try farseeing Methel-ssa, in the hopes that one still lives. Two weeks after that Master Sarn is due, with the refugees who wish to claim new clanship with Haus Rigg.

About two months and a week after that the Malice is due as well, which means Freyja expects to 'hear' a farseeing from the Sith lord Ghang shortly after the arrival of Sarn. There's still the issue of the bauble for the Hutt Ameil, too, which will take two months to accomplish. Let's see... is that all of it?

Ah, neh, there's also the gymkhana in about two or so months, and the issue of the poor deluded false Red General. Freyja smiles a bit ruefully to herself -- her dance card is certainly full! She'll have to be careful to make time for meditation, practice, and relating with friends, lovers, and family.

Freyja makes a final mental note to ask some other Jedi to farsee the broken distraction droids from the clumsy Council attack, and to help her family's engineers prepare for the arrival and inclusion of formerly Sith engineers. That one, she knows, will take some time and careful handling.

Leif and Freyja are traveling back from the presentation hosted in the free city of Macronainsberg, having escaped the effusive apologies of poor Deirdre Leottsen for the poor behavior of the protestors and the poor handling of the situation by her security staff. Leif has taken the time to check his own notes and itinerary as well, as Security flies them back to the Rigg manse. Vakkal and Leif's huskarl sit nearby, watching silently. Fhazil and Zero accompany the captured dissident in another vehicle.

Freyja sighs in quiet relief once her organizing is done, and flips her datapad closed, tucking it away as she looks around curiously. She rolls her shoulders a bit as she smiles at Vakkal, then tilts her head to thoughtfully regard Leif. She wonders how he's doing. He seemed all right at the convention... she interestedly regards his finery, checking to see if the stone she gifted him with so long ago is still one of his pendants.

Leif has finished with his work, and has been quietly watching Freyja as she does hers. He smiles pleasantly at her, and she can see that he is still wearing the pendant. Freyja grins cheerfully at him, "Heiyo! Did you have a nice time at the presentation? I confess, I doubt the aristoi Hausen will be implementing 'city seats' in the Council any time soon, but it does seem reasonable to let them have some say in Balmorra's future, don't you think?"

Leif smiles in return and says, "And so you emerge from your diligent work." He does answer her question, by saying, "I think there's no chance the Council will want them to have real seats and real power there. With their 'democratic' system, they could elect anybody -- think of who they might send! We have enough trouble today with the Hausen sending unprepared people." He adds, "I fear I'm something of a traditionalist in that. If they want their voice to be heard, join a Haus and be heard."

Freyja nods quietly, "Hai, I also. One's commitment to honor and loyalty should mean something -- something you're willing to wear publicly." She tilts her head slightly, brushing an escaping curl of fiery-gold back, then smiles again, reaching out to gently touch the dark coil of braid falling over his shoulder, "I see you've let your hair grow again. It's... nice..." Slender golden fingers trail down the plait, then curl gently around the stone. She lifts and regards it with thoughtful eyes, then turns her warm gaze back to Leif's eyes. She smiles almost shyly, "Is this... this pendant, is it the malachite I gave you when we first met in the maze?"

Freyja is holding a blue/green stone whose wavering bands shimmer in hue. Almost dreamily she murmurs, "Malachite... traditionally worn for protection, to detect impending danger, or lend extra energy for magical rites. Worn so it touches your skin near your heart it's supposed to expand your ability to love, and so draws love to you. Also, if worn during business it's supposed to increase your ability to obtain good deals and sales." She grins shyly at Leif again as she gently releases the pendant stone, adding, "So... did it work for you? Blue's always been one of my favorite colors."

Leif seems a little surprised and nervous at her touch, but not unhappy at all. He smiles at her compliment of his hair, and replies, "Hai, it is." He nods, and says, "So far, so good. It got me, perhaps, the very best deal of all, although that was already arranged when you gave it to me."

Freyja looks curious, "What was that?" She laughs suddenly, blushing faintly, "Oh! I'm so remiss -- I forgot to ask! Did we receive any particularly interesting or thought-provoking gifts from our wedding guests?"

Leif looks at her and says, "Why, I was betrothed to you." He also answers her other question by saying, "A couple of things that were quite attractive, but nothing particularly shocking or noteworthy."

Freyja blinks, taking a moment to process that -- then she looks a bit puzzled, "That... you considered that the best deal..." She pauses, carefully reflecting and not stuttering -- and then suddenly a wash of immense relief crosses her face, "Oh, I understand!"

Impulsively she takes his hands, "I'm so pleased to hear that, Leif! I know you reassured me you didn't mind the betrothal, but still..." her tone is a bit sheepish, "I... well, I still worried, you know? I mean, it's not like I had much going for me except the haus title, after all -- I was a painfully plain child, I know, and being a Jedi Padawan -- who knew what you thought of that!" She sits back, still beaming in relief, and happily adds, "Thank you, Leif -- that's really sweet of you to reassure me like that!"

Vakkal can feel her relief even over the link. She truly had worried about poor Leif not just being stuck with someone he found irritating or repulsive, but also with his potentially biting off more than he could handle, in her somewhat, um... sharp-tongued father!

He smiles, then notes regarding the wedding gifts, "One that meant something to me, but likely won't to you. It is very pretty, though. A long string of sun-catchers my Aunt used to make. They're cut crystal and look like leaves on a vine. Apparently she'd made this ten-foot or so strand of them years ago, for me at my wedding. I was just a baby. She's been dead for years now. Her servant dug them out and sent them to us, with both a letter of her own, and the tag my Aunt had written. I was touched. They're hanging in the window of my office at the manse."

Freyja listens, also touched, "Oh, how kind of her! If you don't mind, may I see them someday in the sunlight? I imagine they're lovely."

Leif says, "Of course. Come see me in the late afternoon; the sun lights them up and fills the room with slowly drifting rainbows."

Freyja's eyes light up in anticipation, "Oh, how marvelous! Hai, I'd love to -- is tomorrow sometime acceptable for you?" She adds cheerfully, "I was thinking of visiting the artificial womb tomorrow as well, if you wanted to accompany me?"

Leif adds, replying to her previous statement regarding their marriage, "I wasn't sure myself, Freyja, but it has become one of the best things I could imagine. I know very few of my peers consider their betrothed to be beautiful or brave or extremely intelligent, and none of them who consider them to be all three. Not only that, your family has accepted me and made me welcome, and even managed to bring some life and energy to my own reclusive father again. I can look forward to having someone amazing to support -- I fully expect you to outshine me, with your being a Jedi, and I am happy to be able to let you go do those critical things -- and I have found joy, acceptance, and support, and brought life and happiness to my family. How could I ask for more?"

Freyja blushes a bit at all the praise, and simply murmurs, "Well... I'm not sure I'm all that wonderful, but thank you for the compliment, and I'm very happy my family's been helpful." She grins a bit ruefully, looking up at him and adding, "I admit, I was a bit worried initially Father would be a tad bit, um... overwhelming, you know?"

Leif says, "He can be, but neh worse than my own. Both of them demand perfection, from themselves and everyone else. What is truly surprising is how much they get it. I will tell you I was not so sure of this at first. I met you and was stunned. I'm still a little stunned every time I see you. I'm used to your sister's particular brand of effervescence, but I have not become inured to your beauty or endless energy."

Freyja laughs, relaxedly brushing her heavy mane back and slipping a few of the more egregious jewelry pieces free, to hand to her handmaid. The young man accepts them carefully from his lady, even though he looks pained at her casual treatment of her coiffure. Then Freyja blinks startledly at Leif's comment, saying politely a moment later, "Your pardon, I think I misunderstood there. Did you just say I stunned you? You meant Syffie, hai?"

Then she suddenly blushes hotly, "Oh! The pebble, of course." Sheepishly she says, "I am so very sorry about that. Truly, it was an accident. I didn't realize how hard I must have tossed it!"

Leif laughs brightly, and says, "Ne-neh, Freyja! I don't mean Syf -- admittedly, she stunned me a little, but she does that to everybody and I think she does it deliberately. I mean you. You did it the first time we met, and you still do it today."

Freyja blinks startledly again, and Vakkal can feel her perplexed thought -- this conversation is running away from her! What or who on Mittelgarten is Leif referring to?!

He notes, "My friends at University were merciless, too. All the pictures and vids were old -- nothing like the person I've met -- and they all ribbed me mercilessly. I'm looking forward to seeing them again... and being able to tell them how wrong they are."

Freyja pauses, firmly pulling her thoughts together. This is not making sense -- she needs to focus! She holds up one slender golden hand, "Wait, wait, wait, please." She thinks a moment, then says carefully, "Me. You're saying it's me who's stunning you, hai?" She frowns, considering, then carefully asks, "This stunning... it's... it's a metaphorical thing, right? I'm not accidentally damaging you or something, right? That's not what you're referring to?"

Vakkal sends, dryly over the link to Freyja, I think he likes you.

Freyja gives Vakkal a faintly amused sideways glance from her ice blue eyes, I know that, you great silly -- I like him too! I'm just not sure where he's going with this... very odd line of conversation!

Leif chuckles, "Neh, Freyja, you're not hurting me. On the contrary, it's wonderful. You're so full of life and energy and sure of who you are and what you do. It's inspiring, and I think it is wonderful to be around. I look forward to all of the time you're here so that I can see you again. I think the only thing that could be more beautiful and amazing than you is our daughter."

Freyja blinks again... then her eyes widen, "Oh! We're having a daughter?! They know already?" She sits up excitedly, "Oh, marvelous! Maybe we can go visit tonight, eh?" She bounces slightly, then has to pick out a few more pieces of jewelry from her hair, which is doing its best to come unpinned and unbraided. She laughs delightedly, her face alight with excitement, "Oh, this is such exciting news -- thank you, Leif, for telling me!"

Freyja happily reaches out over the link, letting Master Roakkana and her paramours know of the incipient daughter of Haus Rigg. She's almost glowing, and notes her parents must also be quite relieved to know the line of succession is now assured.

Leif says, "Er, neh, that's not what I meant. I don't know yet what the gender of the child is. I didn't mean a daughter we have now, but the daughter we will surely someday have."

Freyja says, "Oh!" She sounds a bit startled, "Your pardon, I misunderstood! Er..." more cautiously she asks, "Do they actually know the child's gender yet?" She hastily (and a bit embarrassedly) corrects the former assumption over the link... then adds a quick query just to Master Roakkana, once he's finished with his kind and gently amused congratulations -- has the Wookiee Jedi Master of the Balmorran praetorum noticed any signs of mental manipulation in the mind of kuras Akaro?

Fhazil replies to everyone on the link, Someone's just a little excitable there, isn't she? His mental tone is gently teasing and filled with amusement.

Freyja giggles over the link, Hey, give me a free rein here -- this is a first for me!

Leif says, "Last I asked, they didn't know quite yet."

Freyja smiles, "That's fine. We'll know soon enough." She grins cheerfully at Leif again, her equilibrium restored, "So, want to go look tonight, or do you have to head off to sleep right away?"

Leif says, "That would be fine. It always takes me a while to get to sleep after an event like this." He looks as if he'd say something, but he doesn't.

Freyja beams happily at him, "All right! I think it's always nicer to visit in groups anyway... some people believe the fetus can feel the warmth more that way. For myself, I'll just be happy if the Force is with her by giving her a life full of love and fortune."

Freyja adds thoughtfully, "Actually... I have a question for you, Leif, which is wildly off this subject, but which I thought maybe you could help me with. I was thinking about the potentially treasonous hausen, and wondering how to encourage them to come forward honestly. So what do you think of this, please? What if we offered Balmorran amnesty to them? How their hausen react to them is not something we can affect, but if they knew they wouldn't be charged as long as they told all... well... do you think anyone might come forward for that?"

It takes a moment, but Roakkana replies, No sign of any tampering yet, at least of the kind that anyone who speaks many partial truths could not do. Akaro seems to merely have been told just what he needed to be told to do what he did.

Freyja nods in quiet amusement at Roakkana's commentary, All right. Funny... here I was so strident to poor Zero that he not fall for then-Kalatis' blandishments... and what's the first thing I do after talking to him? Assume the best for him! Her tone is slightly embarrassed, Guess I fell for it myself...

Freyja adds firmly, We should meditate on how we intend to root out any further Sith infiltrators amongst the Hausen, too -- and on how to find and close down the Calefactors' training facility. Do you have any suggestions on that, Master Roakkana? Or any news on what's going to happen to the rogue manus?

The Wookiee replies, I'll need to talk to Watcher Manishsha before I have good answers to that. I think it's still being argued -- er, discussed.

Freyja chuckles quietly, Hai, I understand. All right, we can check back later on that. Oh! Also, is there some nice Jedi available who's free to farsee on the broken distraction droids from the clumsy attack on the Council? She thanks Master Roakkana after he says he'll look into that, then lets her focus return to the still-considering Leif.

Leif says, "Well... it might very well get us some useful information, but I do not know if some of the other Hausen will be comfortable with it. What if the head of a Haus comes forward to finger others? We then have to leave a known-untrustworthy Lord in power. Is that a good idea? And, how do we know he's actually telling the truth about what he's reporting, and not just settling some old score?"

Freyja says, "Mmm... I think it would not work that way, actually. I doubt any barons will come forward -- they have the most to lose, after all -- unless they were innocent dupes. And once the barons have been fingered, I doubt most of their haus or people will remain with them. Who wants to be known as a follower of traitors, after all?" Then she grins, "Oh, knowing it's the truth is easy -- we'll just ask some of the Jedi to be present as well!"

Leif says, "Well, hai, that's true. They would lose a lot of their Haus, and a lot of their business and contacts. And it very well might get us some more information about what happened, which we are quite short on." He adds, "And... this week, I am not sure how welcome Jedi will be to the Council. There is a lot of distrust lately."

Freyja shakes her head, "I'd guess their haus would throw them out, or ask them politely to leave graciously, so as to not tar them all." She adds, "I've asked Master Roakkana to have some helpful Jedi farsee the remains of the droids used in the Council distraction attack. Perhaps that will garner something useful as well... we can hope so, at least." A thought from a previous fragment of conversation occurs to her, and she adds, "You know, Leif, if you want to talk to your friends from university, why not just tell Syffie you'd like them invited to the gymkhana? Even if they don't ride, there'll be plenty of dancing and partying in the evenings, after all."

Leif says, "I've seen several of them at different functions already. It's a good idea to invite them, though. I can't think of a single one of them who'd refuse such an invitation, even if the Diamond of Balmorra and Her Prettier Sister weren't going to be there."

Freyja blinks at Leif -- then giggles! "Oh, you flatterer!" She grins, patting his hand lightly, "That's sweet of you to say. Thank you!"

He says, "While I'm pleased to be the one to make you happy, it's not my invention. Syf showed me an argument in one of the social newssheets on what to call you. Her Prettier Sister was one of the alternatives."

Freyja's eyes widen in astonishment, "They what?! Oh, my... poor Syffie! She's not going to be happy about that at all, I imagine!" She grins and adds cheerfully, "Can I be the Opal? I like opals, and not just because they're my birthstone. They're good fortune -- did you know that?" A moment later she adds with almost worried shyness, "What, um... what other things were there? Nothing too horrible, I hope...?"

Leif adds, "Another was 'The Balmorran Alexandrite' or 'The Balmorran Chrysoberyl,' and the arguments went on about what was rarer than diamonds."

Freyja hastily adds, as if to deny any caring about what others called her, "Opals are lovely and creamy-smooth, and have hidden depths of jeweled, bright-flashing colors in the light... um... alexandrite? Chrysoberyl?"

Leif adds, "If you ask me, you can always be Opal, even if it isn't rarer. It has more fire than diamond, just as you have more fire than Syf. She sparkles; you're fiery. I like the comparison." Freyja bites her lip... then blushes at the lovely comment from Leif and hastily digs out her datapad to see what the significance of alexandrite and chrysoberyl is.

He continues while Freyja searches, "I think Syf was a little shocked, yes. Not angry, because it looks well on the family, but shocked and surprised. I suspect now she's gotten used to the idea. It wouldn't surprise me to see her play with it, and them, actually. I think people underestimate her. I also think she likes it that way."

Freyja murmurs under her breath as she reads, "Mmm... ah. Chrysoberyl... very hard, rare, almost translucent yellowish-green stone, signifies birth and death and understanding of change... and alexandrite is a more bluish or olive green form of chrysoberyl which changes color depending on the light source, and signifies constancy, purity, sincerity... both reflect light..." She looks up and says a bit startledly, a bit indignantly, "I make people think of hard green things?!" A moment later she giggles in spite of herself at her own words, then adds, "Oh, this is silly! People think the silliest things sometimes."

Freyja smiles, relaxing and putting her datapad away, then curls a fiery-gold strand of her heavy mane around one golden finger for a few pensive moments. Finally she looks up at Leif and smiles quietly, "You're sweet. Thank you for the lovely compliment regarding fiery opals."

Leif chuckles, "You make people think of rare, exotic, beautiful things. Isn't that better?" Freyja chuckles quietly, but doesn't reply. He adds, "Anyway, in gemstones hardness is a positive thing, so they're only associating you with the best."

Freyja smiles as she looks out one view port for a few moments, watching the separate sparks of light and life flashing by below in the velvety darkness. Musingly she finally murmurs, "It's interesting... I never expected to be seen much as anything but the heir with the beautiful sister... quite possibly the heir whose sister was the paramour of her hus-bond -- the almost forgotten one, you know? The one who didn't dare take paramours herself because she didn't want to be seen as... as just a conquest, rather than a person."

Leif picks up his datapad and says, "Let me warn them that we'd like to see the baby tonight."

Freyja looks around at Leif again and nods, "Hai, that would be nice. Thank you." Then she goes back to meditatively staring out the window, ignoring her reflection for the soft night view.

Leif leaves the message, then says softly, "Well, I would have been happy to prove to that girl that her hus-bond wanted to be her paramour as well, and wanted little to do with her sister that way." He sighs, then adds, "I'm a touch too slow to get that chance, it seems."

Freyja blinks, looking over her shoulder at Leif again, her eyes bright with startlement, "Your pardon?!" She opens her mouth to reassure him about asking Syf to be her paramour -- then simply closes it as she realizes that's certainly not what he meant! She murmurs a bit startledly to Vakkal, You meant he was interested that way, didn't you! A moment later she half indignantly, half amusedly adds, You could have said what your nose told you, you big furry fink!

Leif says, "Freyja... you're an amazing, beautiful woman. I'd have been very pleased to have earned a place in your family-of-the-heart. I, however, do not move quickly in things like this, and you have said you've found your last paramour." He smiles over at Vakkal and adds, "Not that I can hold it against you, Vakkal. I'm relieved to know you'll always be at her side, and she'll be as safe as she can be."

Vakkal replies, He has excellent control of himself, and I couldn't tell for sure. He's only hinted strongly, at least while I'm around. After Leif talks to him, Vakkal sends to Freyja, Now I have no idea what to say.

Freyja pauses, carefully pulling her thoughts together, then says cautiously, "Thank you, Leif, for the lovely compliment. I... don't know how kind that would be to you, though. I mean, I'm usually not here on planet, you know? And... well, I wouldn't want you to feel like... oh, like the songs where the ships' crew have a darling in every port, you know?" She blushes faintly more golden as she says that, then quickly adds, "But... well, if you don't mind, I'm not, um... I don't move very quickly on that sort of thing either. So, ah... if you didn't mind -- just if you wanted, I mean -- well... I'd be happy to see how friendship between us came along...?"

Leif smiles, "Regardless of how being paramours works out, Freyja, I very much would like to be your friend. I figure we've got seventy or eighty years for things to work out, and that might be enough time."

Freyja grins a bit ruefully, "Gracious, by that time we might even have spent more than a week of hours together, eh?"

He laughs, then adds, "I was thinking it wouldn't be fair to you, anyway. I'd be the one who wasn't with you, the obvious burden and tie to Balmorra. I can hope that I would be a motivation, or a reason to come home, but I worry it wouldn't be that way at all. I'd hate to be the one you pity because I stay here and am so unexciting."

Freyja's eyes widen slightly in surprise, "Good goddess, Leif, why would you think that? It's because of your kindness and responsibility that I can go gallivanting about in the universe -- that's not boring at all! That's you being the responsible one, and making sure our people are well cared for despite my being quite so light-footed in my wanderings."

Freyja adds cheerfully, "Coming home to Balmorra is usually a relief, in fact! Neh one trying to seduce or Turn or kill or eat me -- if that's boredom, I like that option, thank you very much!" She giggles -- then a moment later adds a touch worriedly, Vakkal, beloved, if this conversation makes you feel at all awkward, do please say so, all right?

Vakkal sends, Not uncomfortable. How can I blame him for thinking you're wonderful? I agree with him. He's being a complete gentleman in not pressing the issue and respecting your wishes and our paramour-hood. He's even kind of cute.

Leif says, "On the contrary, Freyja. You're off trying to stop an interstellar war, and working hard to know these new enemies, and bringing people to justice and doing important things. I'm staying home and minding the fire. I'm thrilled you can do this, and I think it would be a shame to keep someone as skilled and important to the Galaxy as a whole bottled up here."

He listens to her addition, and adds, "I hope I'll be one of the people you look forward to seeing, and making sure you're able to do those things only you can do." A moment later he comments, "Perhaps it's a good thing we talked about this. I think we both had some misconceptions about the other." He does sound a bit sheepish.

Freyja ponders, then adds firmly, Neh, this is important -- it should be said aloud. She leans forward to take one of Vakkal's larger, clawed hands in her smaller golden one, "Vakkal, beloved, if this conversation makes you feel at all awkward, do please say so, all right?" Mentally she adds, It's only fair we be clear and open about this, I think, hai?

Vakkal replies, I agree. Before he speaks, Leif looks embarrassed and says, "Oh, dear me. I'm sorry, Vakkal, if I have made you uncomfortable."

Vakkal shakes his head, "I'm not bothered." He gestures and says to Leif, "You have shown nothing but respect for Freyja's and my relationship. I can't blame you at all for thinking she's something special... I rather agree with you."

Freyja grins at Vakkal's 'cute' comment (successfully stifling the giggle), then sits back looking both pleased and relieved at Vakkal's reply, "Oh, good -- that's a relief to hear. Er..." she gets a bit more golden and happily adds, "Thank you!" A moment later she curiously asks Leif, "Um... misconceptions?" She considers a moment, then grins mischievously, "Dare I ask what horrendous things you were told or thought about me?"

Leif says, "Oh, you don't really want to know, do you? Most of them were foolish fears of someone who knew nothing about you, and taunts by foolish mates at the University,"

Freyja giggles, "Could it be worse than what I overheard by eavesdropping on my sister's inamorata?" She grins wickedly, her eyes dancing with mischief, "Tell you what... how about you just tell me the ones you believed?"

Leif laughs and says, "Probably not, neh. Some guessed you'd be plain or quiet or withdrawn. Others guessed you'd be silly and frivolous, but that was easily disproven by listening to your Mother speak. Others said you'd be dominating and unpleasant because you were spoiled. Others said you'd be dominating and unpleasant because you were a Jedi." He does blush as he adds, "I didn't know what of them to believe. Many contradicted, and I knew they were all extremes and no one would be all of them. I tried hard not to worry about it and to make do as best I could."

Freyja smiles and gently takes one of Leif's hands in her own, touched by his honesty. "You're very nice to talk to me so freely, Leif. We both know you don't have to, and I appreciate how good you've been to someone you didn't ask for or expect, intruding so on your intended life." She sighs softly, adding a bit wistfully, "I just... I wish there were more I could do to help you out with all this. The little giftings for holidays helped in that hard initial period, you said, and I'm very happy that worked -- I was rather worried about you then -- but I wish there were something more I could do right now for you."

Leif smiles, "It's very nice of you to be so open with me as well. All I could possibly want from you is for you to keep talking to me. I want to be your friend, and I just need the opportunity to be one. You're already doing everything I could want you to do, just by talking to me and not keeping me at arm's length through protocol and tradition." Leif's last few words are enunciated a little more clearly and loudly over the extra noise of the ship's landing. It is only a few moments before the doors pop and the exit stairs descend on the Rigg landing pad.

Freyja smiles as she rises, moving to thank the pilot before replying to Leif, "All right, I can certainly do that. It doesn't seem like much for me to be doing, to thank you for doing something so difficult and time- and energy-consuming as helping manage the entire Rigg estates... but if that's all you say you want, then certes -- that I can easily do for you." She offers him her hand, to walk down the gangplank with her if he wishes.

Leif does take her hand, and walks down the ramp with her. He says, "That's all I need, really." He adds, "Would you like to go see the baby now? It's in a strange combination of Security and Medical..."

Freyja says, "Hai, love to!" She paces along with him hand-in-hand, smiling and nodding politely at any staff they pass, thoughtfully pondering the nature of friendship, and how it seems to transcend class, gender, age, species... it's pretty marvelous stuff, she thinks. The only thing more marvelous she can think of is love, although she's still working on that one.

Freyja murmurs quietly, "By the way, at some point you, I, and Vakkal should talk about the incoming Khar Velosi. As the person they'll see as one of my consorts, they're going to look directly to you, when I'm not present, to guide them, I suspect." She adds (without raising her voice, so Leif can see how sensitive Khar Velosi hearing is), "Is that correct, Vakkal?"

Vakkal nods, "They probably will, yes. They'll also listen to Saleyn and Master Sarn, I'm sure."

Freyja grins at Vakkal, "Considering Saleyn specifically stated she wanted me as her clan mother, if I'd have her -- and I agreed -- I suspect my statement stands."

Leif says, "Well, if she wants you as her clan Mother, I can only say that I think she's made a good choice, and hope that she'll accept me as a leader as well. I'm happy to know whatever you think will help, or whatever to expect."

The security is tight, Baron Forsetti having stated nothing is as important to the Haus and to him as making sure these children are all right. The space is a former office in Security that has been reinforced, analyzed, and scan-blocked; and now contains a flat steel table; a cabinet of medical gear; and a large, complicated freestanding machine. Leif comments, "Here it is. Your Father is a funny man." He points out, "Independent, redundant power supplies, self-contained filtering and nutrient systems, enough to operate unattended for almost a month at any time."

The machine itself is festooned with monitoring screens and indicator lights, a bulk of stainless steel and plastics nearly a meter square and more than three meters tall. Leif says, "Your father is a funny man because he wouldn't buy a new machine. He insisted on finding a used one that's known to work without flaw, and have it moved here."

Freyja blinks, looking around in some astonishment, "Gracious! Father must be quite worried about the implications of war." She wanders slowly around the room, examining the medical equipment thoughtfully... then looks over at Leif with a smile, "Neh, of course he wouldn't buy a new one. We don't make artificial wombs at Cyteller... I imagine he's neh intention of allowing any other hausen to make any mistakes with his beloved grandchildren."

Leif says, "Neh, he's taking no chances." Vakkal wanders around it, sniffing, and says, "There's a baby inside this? It doesn't smell like anything."

Freyja pauses next to Vakkal to peer curiously at the actual womb. A moment later she grins, "Probably just smells like metal and plastic and chemicals, hai? Let's use the monitor screens and see what we can see." Slender golden fingers tap lightly across the monitor pad, and a moment later a vid of the machine's interior rezzes into view. She grins over her shoulder at Leif, "Regarding the Khar Velosi, just be yourself, I think, unless Vakkal suggests otherwise. You're handling the family's fortunes quite well from everything I've heard, and you have more of a firmness to you now than when I first met you. Just be you. They'll trust that, I suspect... I know I do."

Leif chuckles, "Hai, Vakkal, there is a baby inside. There's a viewer here." Freyja beats him to getting the screen lit up. They can see the fetus -- a tiny little thing, pretty much indistinct because of the tightly wrapped red sheaths of artificial womb. Manufactured blood vessels feed nutrients into it and twine across it in a natural-looking-but-too-regular pattern.

Vakkal blinks and steps back. He looks a little discomfited. Freyja ooohs quietly in wide-eyed wonder. She's seen fetuses before, but this is the first time she's looked at her budding infant. Leif stands close by Freyja and puts an arm around her, nodding at the monitor. He breathes, "Amazing, isn't it?"

Freyja adds happily, "All's well -- everything says this is a perfectly healthy Human fetus!" She looks up at Leif, her eyes shining, "Oh, hai. Just think -- our hausen will have a child soon!" She whispers puzzledly a moment later to Vakkal, Is something wrong, lover?

Leif says, nearly in a whisper, "Our child." He beams at Freyja, then at the monitor.

Freyja whispers excitedly, "So, have Mother and Father suggested names yet? Or are they waiting a bit still?" She stifles a giggle, then adds, "Or... are they still arguing?"

He says, "They've suggested many, many names. I don't think it will matter too much until we know the gender." He adds, "Your father seems to insist on Thor. He'll settle for Thora for a girl." He shrugs and adds, "I suspect your mother has more refined ideas."

Freyja grins amusedly, "That's Father. Knowing him, he's already firmly vetoed several of Mother's favorites." She grins ruefully, "I was almost a Meighan, if Mother'd had her way!" She wrinkles her nose amusedly, adding, "Fortunately I'm not, as I really don't care for that name."

Leif says easily, "Which means little in the end. She gets things she wants -- indirectly if not directly. Apparently your father wanted to call Syf 'Brunhilde.' Thank goodness he saw reason."

Freyja laughs aloud, then teasingly pokes Leif, "Hey, that's one of your aunts' names, I know -- you be nice!" She cheerfully adds, "But you're right about Mother. When it's important, she makes sure it goes the way she thinks it should go."

Leif smiles and says, "It suits my Aunt. I don't think it would have suited your sparkly sister."

Freyja giggles, "Too true, for sparklies!"

Leif says, "I think Freyja of the red-gold hair and fine skin, the Lady of the Goddesses and the source of fertility, Light, and love, much better suits you than Meighan."

Freyja smiles, gently leaning against Leif a moment as she replies, "Thank you, Leif; that's very sweet." Leif smiles and stands there, supporting Freyja and watching the baby grow. He says nothing and is content.


The next day passes quietly, with the long afternoon taken up with a ride that Syf turns up and suggests. She, Alleine, Freyja, Zero, and Fhazil go out on slaypneers, with Vakkal (much to Syf's delight) running along, and security monitoring via sensors.

Freyja smiles at Syf's pleasure, but has to admit the day is lovely and invigorating in and of itself, which gives her a great deal of pleasure also. Having a chance to relax and strip off most of the courtly finery doesn't hurt any either... and, to be honest, neither do the cheerfully appreciative glances she gets from her paramours! She grins happily at them when she notices, returning mental warmth and hugs to them.

The ride is pleasant, and Syf and Freyja take it a little slow so the boys who aren't used to riding can keep up. Fhazil laughs like a maniac and wants to go faster. Leif joins everyone a few minutes later, hurrying his mount along to catch up.

Freyja grins at Fhazil's encouragement to go faster, but waits until there's a nice long hill to gallop up, and a place for the others to linger calmly in the shade if they so wish. Then, after warning Vakkal, she lets her big slaypneer gelding's reins out, and with much enthusiastic snorting from him, and gleeful yelling from Fhazil, they thunder madly up the hill! Fhazil laughs like a madman and shouts, "Woo hoooo!" Freyja giggles, enjoying the glee flowing between Fhazil and the thundering slaypneer.

A nice shady spot along a stream is selected to stop and have a leisurely, late lunch in. Alleine is mostly distracted by Syf, or she with him, and the company generally very pleasant. Syf cheerfully points out and names plants and animals for Alleine, and any others who're not as familiar with the local flora and fauna.

Freyja casually whispers to Vakkal alone at one point, asking him what discomfited him last night regarding the baby?

Vakkal replies, "It is just... odd. There's no mother, just this machine. It isn't very nurturing. I think I prefer the old-fashioned way."

Freyja murmurs quietly to Vakkal, How can there be neh mother, when the entire family comes and spends time with the baby? There's a lot of loving there... how is that not nurturing? It's certainly safer and more sanitary this way too! She nibbles a sandwich, smiling as she watches Alleine and Syf.

A gentle yet powerful mind touches Freyja's, and Roakkana sends, Freyja? Have you a moment?

A moment later Freyja goes quietly still for several seconds... just watching the interplay with brightly thoughtful eyes. Then she blinks, setting her sandwich aside, Er, your pardon, Master Roakkana -- just got hit with a surprising thought. How may I be of assistance?

The Wookiee sends, Oh? Anything exciting or just a sudden realization on the nature of things?

Vakkal, unaware of the contact from the Wookiee replies, How can the machine lick it properly when it's born?

Freyja giggles at Vakkal, We don't do that, lover -- ew! Dirty tongues, eh? Also, once it's ready to be born it'll spend all its time with people! She grins, adding to Master Roakkana, Possibly exciting. Perhaps I'm slow to notice, but do you also think Syffie and Alleine might be getting sweet on each other?

Roakkana takes a moment to reply, and finally sends, I'm not sure what to make of that idea, Freyja. How do you feel about it? He is a former Sith.

Vakkal sends a mental snort, wordlessly conveying, Hmph, how can that work?

Freyja looks around at the bright, warm day with appreciation... moving open air running teasing wind fingers through her long hair, fresh food tasting delicious on her tongue, warm happy slaypneers noisily cropping grass nearby, lovely beloved company touching her heart... contentedly she simply sends to Vakkal a sensory image of the warmth and closeness of being held by a beloved. It's the best reply she knows of to his query.

To Master Roakkana Freyja murmurs, If we're lucky he'll be devoted to her and Turn Bright, and then we won't have to worry about him possibly influencing her mentally. I don't know if he's even realized his feelings for her yet, which is why I'm not yet currently worried.

Roakkana replies, That is a possibility. He has told me there is a way to destroy the Sithstain as well. I suspect he's thinking of it because he would like to leave his past far behind. I get the idea it is a terrible thing to do to oneself, though. To have him be Bright would be less... painful for all involved, I suspect.

Freyja winces a bit mentally at the prospect of destroying the Sithstain. Although she knows it is Alleine's choice, she also remembers well Vakkal's reaction to the offer to try erasing his Sithstain, before she really knew what it was. Umm... let's hope he doesn't do that any time soon. In fact, maybe it would be wisest if you or I spoke to him, and made sure he understood being Bright is a possibility for former Sith... so he doesn't do something, um... too drastic in an effort to truly throw his past behind him? I don't want him to needlessly hurt himself, after all, and neither would Syffie, I suspect.

Roakkana replies, I will try and speak to him about it. He is much less fragile now than he was. In addition, having Vakkal's example close at hand will make it hard for him to forget this, I think. All he has to do is look at the Force, and there is another Bright to remind him that there are less painful paths.

Freyja adds, At the very least we can hopefully get him to promise not to try destroying his Sithstain unsupervised. Syffie would be distraught if she stumbled in on him at a time like that, after all.

The Wookiee replies, I will, as I say, try and mention it to him. Do you planning on discussing the situation with Syf? Are you worried this is something Alleine might have brought upon her?

Freyja sounds puzzled, Er... 'brought upon her'? Her mental voice is shocked a moment later, Oh! You mean already have influenced her? She smiles a bit ruefully, Well, neh, I'm hoping not, since, as I already said, I don't think he's quite aware yet of his feelings? She adds a little worriedly, Do you think I should check?

Roakkana replies, I don't think he would do anything like that at the moment. He is still aghast at some of the things he was asked to do before, and I think forcing himself on a beautiful girl does not fit the mental picture of "getting away from those things" which he is so desperately striving for. Let me talk to him first before we frighten he or Syf. You might ask Syf how she feels, though. Perhaps we read too much into things?

Freyja sounds relieved, Oh, good! I thought that might be the case. Hai, I'll ask Syffie later, and if you can handle discussing things with him that'd work well. Thank you! She has another bite of sandwich, then curiously asks, So... what did you need me for, Master Roakkana?

Roakkana's mental image is that of laughter, Certainly I did not reach you to speculate on your sister's latest trysts, more interesting than usual though they may be. No, I wanted to let you know Jedi Avarras told me today she had been farseeing the droid parts from the attack on the Council.

Freyja brightens happily, Oh, wonderful! Was anything useful learned?

Roakkana replies, Almost certainly. The droids spent a long time in close contact with a Deel Malclom, or Malclom Deel. She apologized for not knowing which is the first and last name. Apparently they're different on Yag'Dhul. Anyway, he seems to be an independent technician doing droid work. He also often contracts for Haus Dosen. He is at the moment apparently on a month-long cross-country hiking trip, making him conveniently unavailable.

Roakkana adds, Not all of this came from the farseeing... I spoke with Magnussen and the Watcher, both of whom did searches on the name.

Freyja smiles, Not a worry -- we can find him. Do you know what continent he's supposed to be on? If it's a matter of planetary security, few aristoi will stand in the way.

The Wookiee replies, I don't know. I'll ask. Magnussen might know.

Vakkal sends back a mental sensation of what happens when he licks Freyja -- including his amazing sense of smell and the taste of his beautiful lover -- adding, You don't seem to mind when I use my tongue on you. Freyja giggles quietly internally at Vakkal's response to her mental snuggle, and cheerfully points out to him that she's not usually covered in birthing fluids either!

Vakkal replies, And how else can a clan really bond with their child? Who'd want to lick off a machine's fluids?

Freyja rolls her eyes in amusement, Silly wolf! We bond through touch and scent and hearing as well, just like you do! She cheerfully recalls to Vakkal how they two bonded with a lot of touching and scent and whispers and nibbling and caresses... but without her licking his fur, which would have left her with a very fuzzy tongue indeed -- Human tongues don't function well that way at all!

Vakkal thinks a dirty thought over the link, and Fhazil leers at him. Zero tries not to notice, and mostly succeeds. Syf giggles and murmurs something to Alleine, who almost blushes. Freyja gives Syf and Alleine a curiously inquiring look? She simply grins over the link at her paramours, though. She knows better than to get too involved in naughty thoughts while trying to talk to her fourth member of her Family of the Heart -- Master Roakkana would be quite amused at her!

Vakkal replies by sending, Poor things. You don't seem to mind when I lick you, and I don't think there was any doubt that Master Sarn would let Saleyn do pretty much anything she wanted...

Freyja hmfs cheerfully at Vakkal, You didn't complain!

Syf replies with a giggle, "Nothing important, sorry. Just pointing out to Alleine how happy your sweeties look, particularly when they're obviously so happy with each other." She grins and adds, "Should I tell you what Alleine said?" The Sith looks embarrassed at this potential revelation.

Freyja smiles, murmuring gently, "Only if he wishes."

Syf looks at the Sith, who looks more embarrassed. She says, "C'mon, silly. Nobody'll be unhappy. It was a sweet thing to say." Encouraged, he mumbles, "I wondered if we should leave you some privacy." Syf beams at him.

Freyja chuckles, leaning to gently pat one of Alleine's broad, strong hands, "You're very sweet, Alleine, and thank you... but you don't have to do that, really. If we wanted privacy we'd wander off together, not ask you two to move." She sits back up, her eyes following a clear-singing bird as it wings swiftly overhead, and adds contentedly, "Especially not on such a simply gorgeous day!" She sighs happily and has another sip of her fruit juice, "Isn't it lovely?"

Vakkal sends over the link, Sex is not talked about by Sith. To admit that he'd notice we might like each other that way is quite out of character for a Sith Lord. Fhazil adds in cheerful mockery, What was I thinking?

Freyja gives Vakkal a slightly surprised look, Really? Gracious, I must have inadvertently really shocked poor Sith lord Ghang! A bit concernedly she adds, I do hope I didn't offend him...

Alleine smiles a little, reassured, and Syf says, "See? It's okay here to admit the things you feel and want."

Freyja gives another slightly surprised look, although it's to Alleine this time, "Oh, your pardon, kuras Alleine -- did you not know that? If so, mea culpa. I should have made that clear before you arrived." She grins mentally at Fhazil's teasingly self-mocking comment, You were thinking about someone's rump, I'm sure!

Fhazil confirms, Yes. Yours.

Alleine says, "It is one thing to know, and another to feel it, Lady Freyja." Syf adds, "He's doing better and better now.

Freyja smiles at Alleine, "Mm, there is that, true. Still, I'm glad it's coming easier to you." She giggles at Fhazil, then adds, Well, I doubt poor Lord Ghang was. Still, if he'd been offended he'd have quit spending time around us, hai? Since he didn't, I'll hope he wasn't too horribly shocked by us. Then she curiously asks, "Now you know that, kuras Alleine, was there anything in particular you were wishing for, or felt?"

This pleasant banter continues for a few more minutes, until Roakkana contacts Freyja again, asking quietly, Freyja? Am I interrupting anything, or have you a moment?

Freyja smiles again, Master Roakkana, I always have time for you. Did you find out where the man's supposed to be from Magnussen yet?

Roakkana replies, Yes, I have. Our missing engineer is apparently camping on a parcel belonging to Haus Louveisen.

Freyja nods mentally to the Wookiee, Unfortunate... and a bit damning there as well, it would seem. Well, in that case it's up to Father. If he wants to try sending in a group to surreptitiously snatch the guy up, I'll certainly volunteer. She thinks a bit, then ruefully adds, Although I suspect he'd have a hissy fit and refuse to allow me to compromise the family so... not without reason.

Roakkana replies, If Thov and Murn don't beat him to it.

Freyja blinks interestedly, Gracious, are you saying the former Templars want to just grab the guy? She pauses a moment, then says with slowly growing interest, Oh, my... what else was farseen, to inspire such, um... strong fascination with this man? Worriedly she asks, He didn't have orders to kill anyone or anything, did he?

Roakkana sends, I'm not sure. It may just be Thov and Murn are feeling as if they are not doing all they could be, and feel this would be a big help. I believe Dorn and I have convinced them to wait at least until your Haus has had a chance to reply officially.

Freyja murmurs thoughtfully, Reply officially to what, please, Master?

Roakkana sends, A chance to try and address this through Haus channels, of course. If they'd rather take it to Council and demand he be turned over, or simply go fetch him, it would be a bit embarrassing for the Jedi to have pulled him out already, don't you think?

Ah, I quite understand, and excellent point. Freyja sighs quietly, then smiles and adds ruefully, Wouldn't it be nice if some of the traitorous folks were turned in by their own Hausen, for the amnesty?

Roakkana sends back, I believe Fafnir and Forsetti are still arguing it before council. We shall see if it flies... it's interesting simply to watch who objects to it.

Freyja rolls her eyes amusedly through the link, Let me guess... the suspect Hausen, hai? Dummies. Do they not realize how they're starting to look? Or is Mother just manipulating them into behaving like fools, with all their objections?

Roakkana sends back, They are. Some other over-conservatives are as well, apparently. Forsetti told Magnussen over comm that Fafnir was skewering them repeatedly, whatever that means.

The full-blood Sith ponders Freyja's question, then says in a quiet voice, "There are a lot of things I could wish I hadn't done, or that I wasn't. Besides that, to stay out of trouble, and not to bring it down on those who have been so unexpectedly kind to me... that is about all I can ask."

Freyja smiles at Alleine, "That's nice, and we thank you. Mostly I was referring to here and now, however. For example, is there a particular kind of food you really like or need? Are your accommodations sufficient? Is there anything you miss, or want, or anything like that?"

Alleine considers, and replies, "You have been excellent hosts, and I want for nothing. I have things here I never had before. I hope that I can repay you, somehow."

Freyja smiles at Alleine, "You are, kuras. You're being an excellent guest, and you're helping my sister." She turns to Syf, adding, "Isn't that right, Syffie? From what I've heard, he's very good at organizing things, hai?"

Syf beams and says, "Yes, that's right. He's been very helpful, and has kept me from losing track of what I'm doing. I'm enjoying the planning for our upcoming gymkhana more than I ever would have without him, and it will be a better show than ever."

Freyja grins happily at the Massassi, "There, you see?"

Alleine smiles, "I am pleased to hear it." Syf smiles, and teases, "Now, if you weren't so nervous around the slaypneers..." Freyja covers a grin at that, remembering how wyrded out poor Vakkal is when up on a riding beast of any sort!

Alleine, all of a sudden, gets an odd look. He starts to look around nervously, and seems upset. Syf, sitting nearby him, takes one of his hands and says, "It's all right, Alleine. Relax." He looks at her, and she says, "Would you like to go for a little walk along the stream? It's nice."

Freyja tilts her head inquiringly at Alleine, "What's up?" Over the link she murmurs, Did anyone just 'speak' to Alleine? Or 'feel' something in the Force, maybe?

Fhazil, Zero, and Vakkal all return a, No. with Fhazil asking, Why?

Freyja giggles and replies to Master Roakkana's earlier statement, It means Leif's really blossoming, I hope! She beams, adding proudly, Isn't he just doing fabulously well? To her paramours she simply murmurs quietly, Look at him -- all of a sudden he got tense. Why, I wonder?

Alleine jumps a little at Freyja's question, and Syf says, "He gets nervous sometimes, when things seem stranger than usual." She stands and picks up his hand, saying, "C'mon, Alleine. Let's go for a little walk. It's nice here." He slowly stands and leaves, led off by the bubbly Syf, who talks steadily and soothingly of nothings like fish in the stream and kinds of trees.

Freyja watches them leave, saying nothing. Once they're out of sight she murmurs puzzledly to the others, "'stranger'...?" To Master Roakkana she apologizes for being momentarily distracted -- apparently something just spooked Alleine, and she's a bit worried for him, but Syffie seems to be on it... maybe? She quietly adds, "We didn't do anything that odd, did we?" She checks her paramours and Leif visually -- none of them seem to be doing anything that wyrdling, she thinks.

Roakkana sends back, He is in over his head, he feels, and sometimes reacts to it. Mostly it is overload and fear and not knowing what to do in a situation getting to him. If he went with Syf peacefully, and she seems sure of what she does, I suspect everything will be fine. If you're worried, ask Vakkal or Zero to follow them.

Freyja murmurs to the Wookiee, Huh. Over his head how, though? He just... got this odd look, you know? She whispers to Zero, "Could I ask a favor, lover? Could you follow them silently and make sure they're both fine?"

Leif, who has been lying in the grass and sun, relaxing and thinking ironic thoughts about being on a picnic with the Diamond and hardly caring she's there, sits up and asks, "Is he all right?"

Freyja smiles at Leif, "I think so. According to Master Roakkana sometimes he just feels over his head, or something. Syf's got things well in hand, too."

Zero smiles a thin smile, "Happy to," and slips off into the trees.

Leif says, "Huh. I don't quite know what to make of Alleine. Sometimes he seems just fine, and others he gets just... funny."

Freyja calls quietly, "Thank you, lover!" After that she sighs quietly, then stretches her golden arms over her head, shaking her fiery-gold mane back. She decides Leif's got the right idea, and lays back her head on Vakkal's warm-furred side. "Mmm... he'll be fine. We're a very new culture to him. He just needs some time, I think." She smiles through lazy, half-closed eyes, "Syf knows what she's doing. Lovely day, mmm?"

Leif asks, "Forgive me if I misunderstand, but aren't Fhazil and Vakkal from the same culture? They don't seem strange like that." This makes Vakkal laugh.

Freyja giggles, "Hai, but they're already comfortable with this culture, through knowing me." She thinks a moment, then cheerfully adds, "I think. They could just be wyrd!"

Fhazil chuckles, then says, "Big difference, Lord Fafnir. Two, actually. Vakkal and I are both from different places than Alleine, so this one is less different than his was. Also, we know we're welcome here; Freyja has made that inarguably clear. I suspect Alleine fears he'll be 'turned in' for what he 'really is' and attacked or destroyed."

Leif says, "What? That's horrible!" Fhazil replies, "True. But it's what he expects."

Freyja makes a relaxedly dismissive, "pfft!" noise with her lips, then grins, "He'll get over it. Once he decides to believe us, at least." She giggles, "He's still alive, and that was a big convincer for both Vakkal and Fhazil too!"

Vakkal comments, "He may not be used to the idea that no one hates him, and there is nothing for him to hate. I heard of Sith who had real problems if they went home to where they grew up before they were trained, because there was no more hate, and it left them a little... or a lot... unhinged. Hate drives a lot of Sith."

Freyja rolls her head back a bit to look up at Vakkal from where she's lying on his lap, "Really? Whoa... how terribly sad." She's silent a moment, musing, then murmurs quietly, "Well, that explains a lot of the Sith lords, I guess...?"

Vakkal nods, "Yes, it is sad. Alleine may be having a hard time with it. I have no idea how Syf's distraction will work, but... well... we'll notice anything that goes wrong, and she's not a fool."

Freyja nods, "And I think he's starting to actually like some of us. I hope so, at least." Cheerfully she adds, "Maybe we'll be very lucky, and he'll turn Bright too! That'd be lovely."

Leif asks, "Bright?"

Fhazil tries to figure out how to explain to Leif, while Vakkal asks, "Do you think he's ready for that? What would be the object of his devotion?" He then says, "Oy! Syf?! Do you think?"

Freyja nods to Leif, "Hai, like Vakkal. Correct me if I'm wrong, lover, all right?" Then to Leif she adds, "It's um... well, very, very roughly it's the ideological equivalent of a Fallen Jedi -- a, um... ascended, maybe? Sith. But they're not at all alike in how they think. The Bright Sith is still emotionally driven, but not by Dark forces."

Freyja giggles at Vakkal, putting a shushing finger across her lips. She murmurs, "Neh hinting at him or anything, all right? I don't think he's even realized it himself yet." She ponders a moment, then adds more gravely, "Although I do hope his sudden worries aren't him realizing he's been unwittingly using his abilities to influence her. Hopefully it's more him realizing how much he does not want to do that." She adds with pleasure, "If he does turn Bright, we'll know. It's a lovely warm blossoming feeling in the Force!"

Freyja murmurs quietly to Master Roakkana, You know, arguing about the amnesty in Council is probably an extremely clever idea. It means those who already know of the treasonous know there's a safe place for them if they choose not to obey traitors any more. I wonder if that was Mother's thought too? I suspect someone will turn up soon. A moment later she adds in astonishment, Wouldn't it be funny if the man out supposedly hiking turned up? Now that'd be a fascinating turn of events!

Leif listens, his store of lore and curiosity making him perk up. He says, "So... wouldn't that make a non-Bright, er, dark Sith dangerous?" He looks at Fhazil, who grins and says, "Is a blaster dangerous? Just sitting there -- no. In the hands of a friend... no. If an enemy has it... maybe. Same deal. And I doubt I will ever be your enemy, Lord Fafnir."

Freyja smiles lazily, lying utterly relaxed in the golden sunlight, her hair a bright flaming banner across Vakkal's lap. Fhazil might be dangerous, true, but by Freyja's demeanor it's clear he's speaking absolute truth. She adds calmly, "Most Sith are 'just folks,' from what I've been able to tell. It's the Sith lords who're really scary. They're the ones who've made it as far as they have by obliterating all opposition, and living as if they were the center of the universe." She considers a moment, then adds, "Well, and the Fallen Jedi. Fhazil says they're scarier than regular Sith, mostly because they're so fiercely bitter and betrayed feeling." Quietly she adds, "Poor things."

Twenty minutes or so later, Alleine and Syf come back to the group, with him looking calmer and Syf still talking cheerfully about nothing. Zero slips silently back into his spot a moment before they arrive, smiling inscrutably.

The days run quietly, with the Council deciding to try an offer of amnesty for anyone who wants to admit wrongdoing. No news immediately rushes in, but this may be something that takes a while.

After a week has passed, Freyja feels her mental batteries are recharged enough that she could farsee again. She is delighted but cautious -- she remembers how Fhazil was hurt last time. This time she wants to form up the triat as self-protection for them all before attempting the farseeing. She will also ask Master Roakkana to watch over them. Past that she doesn't know how better to protect those she loves.

Freyja makes sure the group is in a quiet, comfortable room, with hot tea and medical supplies available for afterwards, just in case. The household has been warned they should not be interrupted, and Vakkal and Master Roakkana are present. The three members of the triat sit quietly, letting themselves slowly draw close within the link. Soon there is but one shining, plaited consciousness of gold, silver, and jet, which spirals out past the range of reason or thought, out into the vastness of the Force, seeking.

Seek it does. The life and Force it seeks are known to it, so it has less trouble reaching for it. Even the veil of time is pushed aside, and soon the three who are one can see a room they have been in before. It is Methel-ssa's audience room, with tall banners on the walls. Methel-ssa and Ghang talk; the words are not available. The time shimmers, the room changing to a different hour of a different day. There are many more here. A Sith the Triat has not all seen, but whom the Fhazil-part identifies as Fan, is there along with Sarn, Ghang, and Methel-ssa.

The Freyja part of the triat marvels quietly, pleased at how well the farseeing is going. She wishes she could pick up sound better, though -- she'd love to know what the deal between the Hkkal and the friendlier Sith lord was, that it so enraged Fan. She carefully studies Fan, so as to remember him for later.

Fan pulls his sword, turns on Methel-ssa, and swings at her. She falls, almost as if she did not fight back. As Fan turns and storms towards Ghang, the tapestries on the walls -- and their sturdy curtain rods -- leap into the air and surround Fan, balling him up in material and metal. His staff is in disorder, and Ghang knocks some of them out of the way, storming out of the room. Sarn calls to Ghang's staff, two of whom return to help him pull Methel-ssa out of the room with him. She is hurt, but less so than she was before. Sarn looks exhausted.

The triat is surprised -- this isn't quite what Sarn said had happened. Unsurprising, though, that he'd downplay his heroism. The image shimmers again, shifting, seeking she whom those who are seeking seek. A strange, bending, tearing warp is felt as the Triat can feel themselves searching someone in Hyperspace -- a small ship closely packed with many life forms, tearing through the nothingness that is not space, with this one sought, wanted form aboard it.

The triat warms with relief. So... it would appear Methel-ssa is with Master Sarn, and hopefully healed by now. The triat wonders quietly why he didn't admit to that previously... or was that part of why Saleyn was kept on the Malice -- Ghang's way of assuring himself Sarn would fight for Methel-ssa's safety as well? Odd, either way... Ghang must not know Sarn as well as he thinks if he thought that was necessary.

The triat wonders a little perplexedly why they didn't 'feel' the Sith lord aboard the ship the last time they farsaw here. Or... is this another ship entirely? Hopefully not. Methel-ssa deserves a chance to recover, they think. After a hesitation and a shimmying, the Triat reaches out to contact the searched-for mind, which responds with a quiet, curious hiss.

The triat 'speaks' through Fhazil's 'voice,' so Methel-ssa knows it's a friendly, Lord Methel-ssa? It's us -- Fhazil and the triat. Are you well? Did you successfully escape Fan? What's happening?

Methel-ssa replies sleepily, easily, Fhazil-and-friends. I am well. We did escape. Flying to protect Khar Velos. What are you doing here?

We're checking to make sure you are all right. We feared you might be a prisoner of the Fan, and if so we thought perhaps we could be of some assistance in freeing you. It sounds like you're all right, though, and aiding the Ghang. Thank you for that, honored Sith lord. There's a pause, then a quiet smile, Anything we can do to help?

The reply comes, amused, That silly Jedi girl is there, isn't she? and quiet mental laughter, This is the second time she's checked on me. After a pause, the reply comes, Get the Malice fixed. Take care of the Khar Velosi there. That is all the Ghang's concerns are.

The Freyja part of the triat grins, unruffled by the new title she's acquired. Cheerfully she murmurs, You didn't complain last time either, honored Sith lord! Until you tell me to stop, I see neh harm in it. And hai, we'll be doing our best. Feel free to tell the Ghang he's welcome to come see how the Balmorran Khar Velosi are doing, and pick up the Malice, once he's done on Khar Velos... or if he'd like, we'll bring it to him?

The result is more quiet amusement, Here comes the cavalry, with the Jedi in the lead! After a moment she sends, Ghang depends on you to do what is right, and is sure you know what that is.

The Freyja-part of the triat smiles again, Hai, we are a traditionally mounted aristoi, in my culture. Very well then... we'll do our best. May the Force be with you, and those you are with! Unless the Hkkal has more she wishes to impart, the triat carefully disengages and returns to their bodies.

With a sense of wry amusement again, the vision fades to an end. The Three who wake in the Rigg mansion find it is very late at night and they have spent much of the day in the trance, guarded by their two formidable and furry guardians.

Freyja grins tiredly, "Well, that was nice! I'm glad she's with the Ghang. He'll treat her like a person -- not a blood resource and catta's paw." She adds a bit more concernedly, "He must be really worried about the Fan's political machinations, though. I wish there were more we could do, instead of just waiting for the Malice to arrive."

Vakkal is standing by with cool glasses of water and, of all things, toast and jam. He says, "Here, have drinks. Eat something," and fusses over the long-seeking trio. Freyja mms contentedly, pulling him into a warmly fuzzy hug and resting her cheek with tired contentment against him, before she sits back and accepts food and drink. Vakkal happily hugs Freyja, adding, "You were gone a long time. I was beginning to worry."

Freyja almost purrs in lazy pleasure -- warm hugs from beloveds are wonderful when one is tired! -then murmurs, "Wouldn't dream of not coming back. You'd spank us." She giggles, then takes a long draught of hot tea. Vakkal decides merely to be relieved that they're back than to try and argue the logic of this. Anyway, he's afraid Freyja might win.

Freyja giggles tiredly again, cheerfully dabbing a tiny bit of jam on Vakkal's nose... and equally cheerfully offering to lick it off! "Neh fuzzies on your nose, after all, so my tongue can handle that just fine!"

Vakkal murmurs, "I'd be a fool to refuse. Let's make sure Zero and Fhazil have some tea too, though." Eventually he gets back to Freyja -- jam, nose, and all.

Freyja glances over her jammy toast at Roakkana and Fhazil, adding a bit muffledly between chews, "So... do we think the Fan set this up ahead of time? It'd mean he either knew of the Ghang's intended deal with the Methel-ssa... or perhaps just that he meant to sabotage the Ghang's holdings while that worthy was busy with peace negotiations. Hm... which means he's quite possibly moving against the Dark Lord? That'd be a bad sign... it could indicate the Fan family is disenchanted with the Dark Lord, or that he's chosen another family's daughter and civil war will ensue. Anybody have any thoughts on this?" She giggles with quiet happiness at Vakkal's return, and carefully licks his nose clean, then inspects his damp black nose carefully. "There... better now?"

Vakkal considers, then rubs the nose against Freyja's cheek, tickling her with many whiskers. Fhazil says, "Or, Methel-ssa could have been tired of Fan's abuse and signed on with Ghang, and Fan heard about it and reacted."

Freyja giggles at the tickly whiskers, then shakes her head at Fhazil, "Would she do that, though -- abandon the post assigned to her by the Dark Lord himself?" She lazily runs her fingers through Vakkal's thick, warm ruff as she speaks, and happily rubs his ears where he likes it best, adding, "Being in effect fired by the Fan is one thing. Just deciding to leave, though... would she do that? She didn't seem the type, from the way you talked about her...?" Then she yawns, nuzzling Vakkal's furry cheek herself, adding with a smile, "Poor Dark Lord. Do the Sith have the concept of the Hiallanian alliance story, I wonder, to guide him in his choosing a life marriage partner?"

Fhazil stretches, then snuggles up with Zero, who doesn't seem to mind. He says, "It would not be an easy decision, but he had forced her into some pretty horrible things, you remember. And you kind of got her thinking about it. Maybe Sarn's being there helped. I don't know. The worst of the Sith Lords are terrified of Jedi for a reason."

Freyja asks curiously, "What's the reason?"

Fhazil says, "They demonstrate there is another way to think. That the Right Way is sometimes worth the risk."

Freyja gets a thoughtful look, leaning her cheek against Vakkal's as she says, "Huh. So even the Sith have a concept of what is truly right, as opposed to simply expedient. That's nice." She ponders, then adds, "So do they know the story of Hiallan as well?" She grins mischievously, "Or would that be another reason to be terrified of Jedi?"

Vakkal comments, "I haven't heard the story." Nor had Fhazil. After Freyja explains, Vakkal says, "Never work. They'd never mean their oaths, or there'd be claims of manipulation... interesting idea, thought." Fhazil does not seem too convinced, though, and says, "You should tell Lord Ghang that story."

Freyja smiles, "Happy to. Besides, surely the Sith can tell truth telling as easily as Jedi can, hai?"

Vakkal says, "I guess so."

Freyja giggles, teasingly tugging one of Vakkal's ears as she adds, "Pessimist!"

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