| Logs |
2004 January 17
| These Shattered Stars |
| Realms |
Retired
| Reality Fault |
General Info
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| Realms: These Shattered Stars Logs |
Interlude XXII
Freyja had a lovely time sharing fingers and stroking and mutual nibbly exploration with Vakkal. Much, much later, however, when they're back in the suite with the others, a thought occurs to her. She... made a mistake. While snapping at the Khar Velosi who attempted to warn her about Vakkal was personally satisfying... it wasn't helpful -- to him or to Vakkal. Plus, she's a Lightsider. She should have been more balanced, more calm, she thinks. She should have tried reason... or perhaps, for a Khar Velosi, an allegorical story.
Freyja looks thoughtfully over at Vakkal, "Hey, Vaki... remember those Khar Velosi at the water reclamation plant? Did you recognize any of them? Could you find them again? Or perhaps Saleyn -- could she?"
Vakkal says, "I looked closely at them. One of them was wearing an ID. I can look up his name and see where they're likely to be, or we could go ask Saleyn if she knows them."
Freyja nods slowly, "Could you, please?" She thinks a bit, then adds thoughtfully, "Although... if you'd prefer, I could try looking them up with Zero, instead of dragging you into that again?"
Vakkal smiles, "Considering what you told them, I have no problem at all being there. It made me very happy, and obviously bothered the hell out of them."
Freyja grins, then says a little warningly, "Well, while I still think what I said was quite true, it wasn't terribly helpful to them or you, in getting them to understand you better. I was thinking of trying an allegory story, like they tell in the clan gatherings."
Vakkal works the comm for a moment, then says, "I can't get the shift information for them directly, but we can go down to the rec deck and look for them. If Saleyn's off-shift -- I think she was at this hour -- she might know them as well." He asks Freyja, "Would that be all right?" Freyja nods, her expression a mix of pleased and slightly trepidatious. Then she sighs, sitting up and straightening her poncho -- she should give this her best shot, if she's going to try to fix things a bit for Vakkal.
Vakkal is ready quickly; he puts his boots back on, makes sure he's armed and has his comm, and they go. He leads the way through the twists and turns of the rec deck, going to different places than they'd been before -- places with more Khar Velosi than others. Freyja's guide gets a few dark looks, but no one bothers them.
Freyja carefully reviews the memories she has of storytelling as teaching, for the Khar Velosi, as she paces silently along next to Vakkal. If she's going to tell a story which is compelling to them, she will have to present it in such a fashion that it will truly 'speak' to them -- even long after she is gone.
After about forty-five minutes of Vakkal's searching, his ears flick sharply to one side, and he follows, gesturing Freyja in closer. They move into one of the ship's many cafeterias, this one serving a pungent meat dish suited to the Khar Velosi. Vakkal follows the familiar laugh until he's found Saleyn at a table with a couple of others, both male Khar Velosi.
Freyja smiles, recognizing Saleyn, and waves if she looks over. Then she grins at Vakkal, wrinkling her nose slightly, "Whoa -- even I can smell that food!"
Vakkal says, "Excuse me, Saleyn, have you a moment?" She turns, smiles up at him, and says, "Vaki!" She bounces to her feet and hugs him enthusiastically, smiling cheerfully over his shoulder at Freyja. After only a moment's hesitation she backs off a little and sniffs curiously at him. She laughs, "I thought you said you weren't lovers with that Human woman, you silly dog!" Vakkal's question dries up on his lips as he says, "Ulp." His ears redden, sending more of a message than any words he might have chosen.
Freyja tosses her head back, laughing delightedly! Then she reaches to comfortably rub one of Vakkal's flattened ears, and grins at Saleyn, "It was... a bit sudden, to be honest. Neither of us knew how the other felt."
Saleyn also laughs brightly, then slips around the confused Vakkal, casually rubbing against him as she does so, to go to Freyja. Still giggling, Saleyn will cheerfully hug Freyja too, sniffing curiously. Freyja smiles, hugging Saleyn back easily and returning the friendly sniff, though her nose doesn't give the same information as Saleyn's does. Still, at least she knows the correct forms of polite behavior for the Khar Velosi, even if she can't 'read' scent.
Saleyn seems to approve of the hug and scenting, and asks Freyja seriously, "You're going to take good care of Vaki, aren't you? Despite what all the others might say, he's all right."
Freyja nods quietly, "Hai, that is my determination. He's too good a person to let that happen to him." She pauses, then adds, "That is, in fact, one of the reasons we're here. I was, um..." she looks a bit embarrassed, "-a bit emphatic earlier with some Khar Velosi, and... well, I wanted to try mending that a little by trying a teaching story instead, to convince them of what a good person he truly is." She tilts her head, considering, then adds amusedly, "Well... maybe just to get them to reflect a little... but that's better than nothing, I think. He deserves me at least trying with them, instead of just snapping."
Saleyn listens to all of this and gives another of her bright smiles. She hugs Freyja and rubs noses gently with her -- kind of odd with a Human -- as a sister would, or clan-equals, then says, "I'm glad to hear he's found someone who understands." She steps back, keeping one of Freyja's hands, and waves to the table, "Sit, sit! We're just off shift, and can relax." The two other Khar Velosi are sitting at one side of the rectangular table, across from Saleyn, who sits again and says to Freyja, "Please, join me." Vakkal swipes a chair from another table and sits at the end, beside Freyja and one of the other male Khar Velosi.
The two males watch this with amusement and a bit of trepidation, which bleeds into relief. One is very broad and extremely muscular, even for Velosi, and the other is tall and thin, with long, delicate fingers and a graceful air. Freyja smiles, seating herself as invited between Saleyn and Vakkal, and resisting heroically the urge to rub her now slightly cold and damp nose! She whispers mentally to Vakkal, Any idea why they look... I don't know... half worried, half relieved? Did I forget something there?
Saleyn slides her chair up to Freyja's, leans in close, and says -- not at all quietly, "I was just deciding which of these two fine fellows I was going to let take me home tonight." She gestures to the bulky one and says, "Ton here can screw all night, but Salk is so very gentle and flexible." She mmms, then giggles, asking, "What do you think?" Ton's ears join Vakkal's in pinkness.
Freyja blinks a bit at Saleyn's directness... then laughs softly in spite of herself. "I... don't know, Saleyn; I'm sorry. I'm afraid I'm, um... a bit old-fashioned? I tend to pick my, um... clan lovers very slowly, and, er... mate for life." She thinks a moment, then adds a bit sheepishly, "I'm sorry, I'm not sure I translated that correctly?"
Saleyn doesn't seem disappointed by this at all. Instead she says, "Oooh, Vaki! I didn't know you had it in you!" and giggles cheerfully. She says to Freyja, "That's no problem, and I understand. This is a burden I'll just have to bear on my own." She looks over at the two males, adding, "If they'd just both come home with me, this would be so much simpler." Ton says, "Uh, Sal..." and looks uncomfortable, while Salk says, "Gee, Sal, I don't think..." Then they both stop and look at each other sheepishly.
Freyja covers a grin, her eyes dancing as she watches the two males. Politely she says, "Might their scent-thoughts help in the decision, Saleyn?"
Saleyn grins toothily, "Probably. I'd suggest you go over and have all the fun you wanted scenting it out, but it would only embarrass them, and probably Vakkal too." She giggles at them and stays conspiratorially close to Freyja. "Anyway, I have a pretty good idea what both of these fellows think -- on this subject, anyway."
Freyja laughs a little ruefully, then smiles, shaking her head, "I wish my nose could speak as well to me as yours does, but I fear I'm as scent-blind as most Humans."
Saleyn says, "That is a shame, it really is." She looks at Vakkal and says, "You have my sympathies for that, sweetie. You'll be stuck with words all the time, which will be so hard." She sighs, then leans warmly against Freyja, giving her a one-armed squeeze, "Be patient with him over that one." Salk and Ton have relaxed, apparently out of the hot seat. Ton says, "You're back, Vakkal. Will you be around long?"
Freyja whews quietly, and Vakkal can feel her faint relief at successfully drawing Saleyn away from teasing the poor, embarrassed males. She grins quietly again, "Well, unless he changes his mind... we've got all our lives to be patient and learn from each other."
Saleyn smiles, "Oh, I don't think he'd do anything so foolish. He'll be good to you if you're good to him." Vakkal tells Salk, "I'm part of Freyja's clan now, so I will leave when she does -- probably when we reach Tanaab." Salk says, "Oh. Well, I hope things go well for you." Ton looks surprised, blurting out, "But she's human!"
Freyja bites her lip to suppress the laughter, blinking at Ton. A moment later she reaches up, touching her nose, then feeling both ears... then gives Vakkal a mock-horrified look, "I'm Human! Why didn't you tell me?!" She can't suppress the giggles at the looks she gets for that one!
Vakkal says, "Thank you, Salk." To Ton he says, "So she is. Not all Humans are so confused as some of the ones we've read of. Her clan is strong and secure, and I am proud and honored to be a part of it."
Saleyn glares at Ton for a moment, and is about to apologize for his crassness when Freyja makes her joke. Then Saleyn grins and says, "I think things will be just fine." She looks over at Ton and adds coolly, "And someone is sleeping by himself tonight." Ton gets a sheepish look, but doesn't argue, "I'm sorry, that was thoughtless. I appreciate your not being upset."
Freyja says a little proudly to Saleyn's earlier comment, "He's been very, very good to me -- I'm just pleased I can return the pleasure some!" Then she grins cheerfully at Ton, "Please don't worry about it! In fact, you've got me curious now... what sorts of Humans have you read of?"
Ton looks a little doubtful as to whether he should continue. Saleyn reads his nervousness, and answers for him, "We've been told that Humans are argumentative and dangerous, and don't have a decent sense of clan, and that many of them lack the understanding of honor and ethics, at least as we know them. And none of us would want to make the Humans angry -- especially with a way to perhaps end this unpleasantness. We're all tired of losing friends."
Freyja blinks a little startledly... then nods slowly, "Hai, I can understand this. I have heard much the same, after all..." she smiles with faint rue, "...of the people of the Sith Empire." She adds curiously, "What is the way you've heard to end this? I am curious as to whether I've heard the same way."
Ton looks astonished, while Saleyn says, "Well... there are people like that in the Empire, it's true. I'd be just as wary of them." Salk says quietly, "Are you tired of losing people you know, too? It's something I never though of." Saleyn adds, "If we can get the two people we came for, we've won, and we can go home and get back to raising our families and doing the things we've put off."
Freyja smiles quietly, "I suspect there are people like that everywhere, but the wise person simply does their best to avoid them. Unfortunately... that's not always possible, especially in war." She sighs quietly, her eyes weary as she looks at Salk, "I have been fortunately blessed so far. My family is still back from the front lines of battle... so far. But my clan and our territories are close enough that I am greatly worried, and am here to do my best to help honorably stop this needless war."
Freyja glances at Saleyn thoughtfully, her comment almost more statement than question, "Kalatis and Khoud?" All three of the shipboard Velosi nod. Freyja sighs quietly again, "So I feared. Khoud will not be able to resist fighting the Sith... but I suspect it will not be easy to find Kalatis. He has already gone to ground."
Salk says softly, "Then you'd best try and find him, or we will. The Lords are sure they must have him, and will stop at nothing." Ton adds, "Considering what they told us, can you blame them? They said it would destroy all Sith." Saleyn says, "Um, now, we've gotten a little overly serious here." She looks to Vakkal, "What brought you this way, anyway? For a moment I was hoping you were going to try and seduce me, but that doesn't seem to be it." Saleyn looks hopefully at Freyja, though, smiling.
Freyja grins amusedly at Saleyn, then glances back at the two males and nods, saying simply, "I know." A little frustratedly she adds, "I wish I knew more about that prophecy, though. What would destroy all Sith -- not catching Kalatis, or not killing him, or what?"
Saleyn giggles, "A girl can try, can't she?" She asks Vakkal, "So, was it anything, or did you just want a friendly face?" The two males look at each other and then back at Freyja. Ton says, "I don't know." Salk adds, "We never heard the actual prophecy, just the direction on the briefings."
Vakkal says, "Earlier in the day, we met some other Khar Velosi, and Freyja wanted to speak to them again. I was looking for them, and thought I'd ask if you knew them." Saleyn says, "Oh. Well, who is it?"
Freyja makes a small frown of disappointment, then smiles ruefully at the two males, "Well... thank you anyway." She glances back at Saleyn, listening to Vakkal speaking.
Ton says to Salk, "I never actually wondered what the prophecy was, myself. Did you?" Salk shakes his head, "Hadn't thought of it." Vakkal tells Saleyn, "There were three; one very light colored and who stayed back a bit, one very heavyset and mid-grey, and the other one spoke to us. His ID was Rhal of Verrona."
Freyja curiously asks the males, "Is there any way to find out what it is? Someplace it's stored, or someone to ask?"
Saleyn thinks about it, and Salk says, "Oh, I know Rhal. He's on-shift now." He gives Vakkal the deck and location where he's working, and adds, "He and his buddies hang out in air purification/waste management four, or at one of the workout areas along rec near there." Vakkal smiles, "That's a big help; thank you!"
Ton answers Freyja, "Um. An officer might know. The Library at Ziost would know, but I don't know anyone who has access." Freyja smiles and thanks Ton -- she'll find out!
Freyja asks Vakkal, "Er... should we wait until he's not on shift first?"
Vakkal nods, "Yes, we'll have to wait for him to come off-shift. We can try and catch him as he leaves, or find him in one of his usual hang-outs." Ton smiles at Freyja's thanks, but looks unsure as to why he's being thanked.
Freyja grins cheerfully at Vakkal, "All right!" She thanks Saleyn too, then looks back at Vakkal, "So... when should we be there, to try to talk to him?"
Saleyn smiles and rubs noses with Freyja again, giving her another hug, "Take good care of Vaki. I won't have to worry he's gone off all alone now, and that's very good." She leans back and lets the little Human go, then looks across the table to Salk, rubbing one of his legs with her foot and grinning. Salk perks right up. Vakkal says, "Shift ends in about four hours. We can try then."
Freyja giggles at the nose rub, agrees Vaki definitely deserves having very good care taken of him, then grins with wry commiseration at Ton. After that she happily heads off with Vakkal.
Freyja asks Vakkal as they walk along, "So... better to meet this person as he comes off shift, or once he's found his buddies?"
Vakkal says, "Well, if you want to talk to just Rhal, it'll be surer to catch him as he leaves his shift. If you want to find the group and talk to all of them, we'll have to find them after they've hooked up. We've a pretty good idea where they'll be, though, so that shouldn't be too hard." He adds, "I suspect you'd like to talk to all three of them, right?"
Freyja thinks carefully, then says, "Well, if they're likely to be combative, then him alone would be better. However, if we think they might actually listen, I'd say all three would be better?"
Vakkal says, "I doubt they'll be combative. They won't see you and I as a threat to three of them, particularly in a public place where a fight would be foolish. I don't know if they'll listen, but the only way to find out is to talk to them."
Freyja nods firmly, "All right then... all three would be best." She adds, as much for her as for him, "I should give this my best... so hai, all three."
Vakkal steps up to Freyja and rubs softly against her, which is a silent Khar Velosi way of showing approval and/or pleasure. "Let's wait in air purification/water processing four. It'll be a nicer place to sit, and that's where we found them before. If they don't turn up there, we'll check the workout areas."
Freyja smiles, leaning her head to rub her cheek gently against his, "That'd be nice. Hai, let's."
Vakkal takes Freyja back to the ship's not-arboretum, and they settle down on the grass to wait, finding a place where Vakkal can keep an eye and an ear on the door. Freyja again greatly enjoys spending the time in the green area, comfortably lying on the grass against each other, idly rubbing his ears when his big head is within reach. It's both pleasurable and relaxing.
It gets busier right before and just after shift change, as people come and go to their assigned places. It isn't too long after the shift ends that a happily relaxed Vakkal sits up from where he's busy being warm and furry for Freyja (not that it's much of a stretch for him) and says, "They've just arrived. They're headed towards the back, for privacy on the hill."
Freyja nods lazily, enjoying the sensation of her slender, strong fingers gently working through Vakkal's thick, warm fur. "S'fine... we can give them a moment to settle, hai?" She sits up and yawns, stretching her bare golden arms over her head, then tilting her head back to shake her mane of hair over her shoulders, in a fiery-gold tumble.
Vakkal is very relaxed as he watches Freyja stretch, the light playing through her long, golden hair. He thinks to her, You're beautiful. He smiles a little sheepishly, and stands, stretching himself. "This way." He leads her over to where the three other Velosi had gone, making an unusual amount of noise as he walks.
Freyja grins with quiet mental warmth at Vakkal, then rises gracefully to follow him. She considers as she walks, remembering the three traits of wisdom for the Khar Velosi: the mental 'smoothness' which denotes an uncluttered, unencumbered mind; mental resilience, denoting resistance to external fears and alarms; and physical steadiness, which is a commendable lack of aggressive personal ambition.
Freyja will gently stop Vakkal before he reaches the three, stepping in front of him so she arrives first. Once she's near enough, she bows politely to the three, then starts speaking in carefully modulated tones, "Greetings, hunters. I am sorry I cannot use the tongue of The People to do this, but I would tell you a story. I will do my best to speak thoughtfully and respectfully, as if I were indeed able to form the words of the speech of your ancestors."
Her story starts as it should, with the classic phrasing of the Khar Velosi oral tradition, "Drink deep, my people, of what I say; drink deep and hunt for wisdom in my words. This story I tell, it happened not very long ago..."
Vakkal's ears perk and he listens attentively -- part out of interest, part out of respect, part because it's Freyja, and partly because the form of the story captures his attention. The three other Khar Velosi have stopped, surprised to see it's her, but have made no move to speak, particularly once she started the traditional story form. She did let them have their say; they will at the very least let her have hers.
Freyja draws a breath and continues, relieved they're listening. She's using her golden hands to emphasize points as she speaks, just as a Khar Velosi teacher-elder would, "There was a little girl born into a clan far away from here, but which was full of healthy and fertile members, and was properly and respectfully named after their lands. The little girl was quick, strong, and beautiful; still to earn her adult name. She was clean-furred and unmarked, young and open to wisdom, lacking in character but with great promise, dear to all her clan."
"All agreed she would be a great clan queen some day, and all took part and pride in her teaching. She learned quickly and well the stories of her people, and especially she learned of the dangerous people from beyond the stars -- the Evil Ones, beyond trust or honor, who deserved naught but death at the hands of all good and reasoning folk.
"And a day came when a great and powerful Lord visited and saw the Force bubbling up within her, like an untapped spring at which all could someday drink and flourish. So he took her away for training, with her clan's blessing, so she could some day return and help them all. And she grew and prospered, like a well-tended, beloved territory, for she was loved and cared for, and she returned with joy the clan-care and training the great Lord planted within her, to bring the Force to full growth and strength.
"And one day, when she was off being the Hands and Eyes of her Lord... she met some of the Evil Ones! Like a vibroblade in trained hands, her attack was swift and true, and she struck them down, just as she'd always been taught.
"And as she stood over her downed former enemies, she noticed a wonder... their blood flowed like hers did. Their scent was much like hers. Their pain... she could feel it -- it was just like hers. And again, like the vibroblade which never misses its target, her heart was touched -- and she bandaged them, saving them to take back to her Lord.
"She was worried at first -- why had she done this? Was this some Force trickery of the Evil Ones? But her Lord commended her for her resilience and steadiness, and counseled her to care for the Evil Ones, who were now hers. For as we all know, if you merely injure in the hunt it is then your responsibility to either kill cleanly, or heal, your prey.
"And so when the Evil Ones finally awoke and were in fear for their lives, she spoke kindly to them, reassuring them and treating them as if they understood and deserved honor and trust. It was not easy; she often despaired. But she continued in the way her Lord had commanded... and finally, when they were healed enough to leave, they did so -- but they did so with the memory of her kindness stalking them, embedded in their hearts.
"And when she spoke later to her Lord, he reminded her of how a story grows in the heart and mind of the one it is intended for, like newly planted knowledge. And she pondered his words, and learned they were a great and steadying truth. Not only did the Evil Ones later save her life, at a time when she despaired... but because of them she grew greatly in wisdom, learning a difficult truth -- one which many never learn."
Freyja smiles quietly, clasping her hands in her lap as she falls silent. She's told the story as clearly and compassionately as she knows how. It's not the way of the Khar Velosi to tell what the intended moral of the story is, although listeners can ask questions for further enlightenment regarding the story. She wonders if they will -- or if their lack of mental resilience will prevent that.
All three of the ship-board Khar Velosi are caught by the form of the story, and Freyja's skill in telling it and in holding their attention wipes away any mistrust they may have had about listening to this foreign alien. They all regard her with quiet, intent attention, and a moment passes before the smallest, light-furred one asks, "Excuse me, teacher. Can you please share with us what the girl learned from her travels, so that we might know?" The address and the form of the question are also traditional Khar Velosi, and very politely asked.
Freyja smiles and speaks softly, so the Khar Velosi must listen closely to hear, "As her great Lord intended, so the girl learned -- the beloved stories of one's people can be incomplete... can be only partially true." She reaches out to gently ruffle Vakkal's fur, her smile as warm as her eyes.
The three Velosi from the ship watch this, and the smallest says, "Thank you, teacher. I understand." The others echo, "We understand," which is a polite part of the storytelling ways of the Khar Velosi. Vakkal echoes it with them, entirely caught up in the story, just as the others are, and watching what Freyja does with complete respect and attention. He smiles as she ruffles his fur. The dark-furred one says, "Pardon me, teacher. Do you know who the Evil Ones are? Would you share this with us, please?"
Freyja's quiet smile widens a bit, and there's a hint of mischief in her eyes, "Hai, this I can tell you, for I too have heard some of the stories this young one heard. To her people, the Evil Ones are... the Sith." Her smile grows gentler after that mental bombshell, as she looks at the three, "Now I must go, for it is not the place of the teacher to lecture... only to speak as wisely as she may. Safe hunting to you all." She rises gracefully, slides an arm around Vakkal's waist, and turns to leave. A flash of smiling ice blue eyes, and a wave over her shoulder... and the two of them head with quiet contentment towards the door.
There is a long moment of shock, and Freyja has stood and is leaving with Vakkal before the others manage to say, "Thank you for your wisdom, teacher. Safe hunting to you also." As Freyja and Vakkal step around the corner and out of sight, the Velosi who had originally warned Freyja about her imminent danger calls, "Thank you for helping us overcome our short-sightedness. And good hunting and good fortune to both of you."
Freyja smiles over her shoulder again towards the three, giving the time-honored reply, "May your clan's matriarch honor you greatly for your skill and wisdom, hunter." Once they're out of hearing, Freyja nuzzles Vakkal's cheek with quiet pleasure, murmuring with a smile, "D'you think it was a good story, sweetheart? Did I do it well?"
Vakkal makes a happily contented little 'mrrf' noise as he rubs his cheek against Freyja's. "It was a wonderful story; I've never heard it done better, not even by my own clan-grandmother." He pauses to give her a long, very close hug, then says, "No one has ever tried to make it better with others before."
Freyja is thrilled to feel Vakkal's happiness, and hugs tightly back, "Oh, good -- I'm so glad I did it right, Vakiza!" She blushes a bit with pleasure at his compliment, sliding an arm around his waist again as she happily adds, "Let's go back to the suite then, shall we? And if you like... maybe we could cuddle, and I could rub your ears some more?"
The evening seems calm, with no pressing demands on anyone's time. Vakkal and Freyja spend it sitting together being warm and cuddly. Vakkal is very happy to be there and not bothering to hide it. Zero and Fhazil come in from whatever practice they'd been doing, and both grin like idiots at their two friends.
Freyja grins, blushing slightly at them, and feels wonderfully comfortable and cared for. She's not sure what she did in some previous life -- she must've been a real saint or something! -- but she can't remember ever being so happy in all her life. She's in a Sith Empire battleship, in the middle of an invading fleet... and yet, all she can feel is hope and encouragement and love. She will savor the sensual pleasure of the moments she has, and share as best she can -- it's what feels right.
Vakkal is obviously very happy too. He doesn't even have to ignore the salacious grins of the other two fellows, because he doesn't notice them at all. After the two bathe -- which took rather longer than was strictly necessary -- they come back out. Fhazil grins cheerfully at the two of them, "Is this a private snuggling-event, or can anybody play?"
Freyja laughs! -then grins at Vakkal, "What do you think?" With mock-serious thoughtfulness she adds, "He is one of those... Human thingies, after all..."
Vakkal replies easily, "True, but he makes up for it in lots of other ways. He's always welcome with me." Fhazil laughs and settles down with Vakkal, reaching over the big furry alien to stroke Freyja's side gently. He says, "You can snuggle up with Freyja in the summers, Zero, and I'll take the winters, and everything will work out fine." Vakkal snickers quietly.
Freyja laughs again! Zero says, "I don't think I want to wait for an entire turning of the season. We could play a sabacc hand for it."
Freyja laughs again, reaching out a hand to pull Zero close, "Tell you what... we'll make the room colder if necessary, so neh one overheats."
Fhazil snickers, "Oh, you don't ever want to snuggle with the pretty lady then?" Vakkal replies, "You're just trying not to get shed on, brother." Freyja giggles, contentedly wriggling into a more comfortable position within the warm, happy pile.
Zero says, "You might not want to taunt me about that, Fhazil. One of us knows the Mind Trick, after all."
Vakkal shifts to keep his weight off of Freyja, and chuckles at Zero's reply and at Fhazil's deliberate ignoring of that reply. It isn't long before people doze off, and someone thinks to find a blanket to pull over all four of them, and to dim the lights. Sleep comes easily and is warm and comforting this night.
The warmth and companionship makes the door buzzer that much more startling. It is a truly ghastly hour of the night when the signal goes off, indicating someone requests entry. Freyja starts a bit, then sits up, yawning, and 'feels' for who's out there. Zero grunts softly. "I've got it." He sits up and pulls his long over-cloak on, clasping it at the throat, then pads toward the door.
Freyja pushes her fiery-gold hair back out of her sleepy blue eyes and smiles at Zero -- then blinks, "Hey, sweetheart? There's a Darksider out there, muting a little!" She sits up, letting the Force gather in her like a pool filling.
Vakkal stirs a little and looks at the clock, blinking and trying to think who would call in the dead of night. Fhazil mutters, "Go away, I'm sleeping." At Freyja's words Vakkal gets an odd look on his face, then grins.
Freyja tilts her head at Vakkal, brushing a strand of her hair off his muzzle so it doesn't tickle, "What?"
Zero hms. "Perhaps they're trying to be polite." He touches the door control, but doesn't open it. "Yes?"
A strong voice, sure of itself, deep and clear, says, "The Lady Freyja said she wished to speak to me, and this is the best time. Is she available?" Vakkal says, "I was right. It's Lord Ghang." He looks at Freyja, "He's answered our request from this morning."
Zero blinks and rubs his eyes, muttering, "I really wish I had put on pants." He clears his throat, adding for the visitor, "Yes, of course, Lord Ghang -- just a moment, please." To the others he says, "We might wish to make ourselves presentable."
Freyja straightens startledly -- then brightens, "Ooh, is it really him?!" She wriggles out of bed, then grabs up her outer coat, bounding into the main room as she pulls it on. She grins at Zero, "Let's see -- open the door?" She's holding the indigo greatcoat closed with one golden hand, her eyes silver-blue and bright with a mix of excitement and the Force, her hair a shining, tangled, curling mane of fire over her shoulders.
Zero glances at Vakkal and Fhazil, "Are you ready?" Freyja bounces slightly on her bare gold toes, waiting.
Vakkal says, "C'mon, Fhaz, wake up. It's Lord Ghang," and pokes him with a claw. Fhazil replies by muttering, rolling over and wrapping himself in the blanket. Vakkal rolls his eyes, gets up and pulls on some pants, coming out in to the outer room. He nods to Zero, "We're as ready as we need to be."
Zero opens the door and bows slightly. "I apologize for the delay, Lord Ghang, please come in."
Freyja beams happily at the Sith Lord, somehow managing to look perky and awake despite the hour, her disheveled state, and the fact she was completely asleep only moments ago. "Thank you for coming! Would you like some tea or something?"
Lord Ghang is waiting outside, wearing an unremarkable tan shirt, khaki pants and sandals. He smiles and says to Zero, "It is very late, or even early, and I understand it can take a moment." He adds to Freyja, "I am glad to have found a few minutes to do so, and a few more to help you with your request. Some tea would be very appreciated, thank you." Vakkal says, "Please, Lord, make yourself comfortable," gesturing to the cushions near one wall.
Zero says, "I'll help with the tea, Vakkal; let's give the Lord and Lady a moment to settle in."
Ghang comes in to the room and does settle gracefully on the cushions, asking idly, "Where is Fhazil? Is everything all right?"
Freyja beams happily at Vakkal and Zero for politely handling Ghang while she makes some tea, starting to turn to do so -- then pauses at Zero's words. "Oh! Thank you, Zeriza!" She quickly buttons enough of the greatcoat to maintain decorum and free up her hands, then settles near Ghang, curling her long golden legs under her. She laughs, "Ah... he does not awaken quickly?"
Zero tries not to roll his eyes at Ghang's comment, "You might watch where you sit."
Vakkal slides open the door to the bedroom, where Fhazil's feet wrapped in a blanket show, and soft snores emerge. He lets the door swing shut and says to Ghang's grin, "Everything is pretty much normal for Fhazil." The Lord says to Freyja, "You have a diplomatic way of saying things, in contrast to the Khar Velosi's directness. You would make a fine Sith Lord."
Freyja tilts her head with interest at Ghang's comment, then grins, "Perhaps... I doubt they'd care for my way of doing things, though." Happily she adds, "Thank you again for stopping by -- it's very kind of you to do so!" Remembering his preference for directness, she adds, "We were wondering if we might ask you a few things... such as if we might have a holovid of you, or some other sort of recording, which laid out the proofs against Kalatis and Khoud. It was our thought that backup is always wise, whether on the battlefield or the Council room."
Ghang says to Zero and Fhazil, "Come, sit. Relax. I did not come by to make you all nervous in your own quarters in the middle of the night." He looks back to Freyja, adding, "So your request said, and the idea rattled around in the back of my head all day. I cannot argue with you such a plan would be a good idea, should this conference be disrupted. I also cannot say there are not people on both sides who might be willing to disrupt it."
Freyja nods gravely to Ghang, "Hai, this we have seen already, with Khoud's desperate push to arrive on Balmorra before aught of import could be said." As she speaks, she pulls most of her fiery mane over her shoulder, absently running her golden fingers through it in an attempt to order it. "Is this something of which you approve?"
Zero has, after helping Vakkal start the tea, taken the opportunity afforded to duck out of sight and put on a bit more clothing. He returns with his loose pants and sash tied on under his open over-cloak. "Nervous? Perhaps not nervous, Lord, though it would only be proper to have some decorum in your presence."
Ghang says, "Is what something that I approve? Khoud's rashness and disruption, or taking measures to thwart future attempts?" He smiles at Zero and says, "Only if you wish to. I would not demand it of anyone in these circumstances. In fact, I am pleased to have this conversation in private, and it is difficult for me to arrange that."
Freyja grins, "Making a copy of the proofs against the Republic traitors, honored Lord." She softly thinks aloud, "It would seem wise also to consider," she nods politely to the Sith Lord, "which I'm sure you already have done -- to consider the likely effects of a nervous Republic fleet under possible goading by Calefactors. However... I'm not exactly sure how to plan ahead for this sort of thing."
Curiously she wonders how often Ghang is actually able to be alone... which makes her suddenly wonder -- where's his Soulguard? She scans lightly, 'touching' for that particular sensation in the Force. If there's some emergency, she'd like to know what the potential lines of fire are ahead of time. Then she blinks at Zero's comment about decorum, belatedly looking down at herself to be sure nothing's showing that shouldn't be!
Zero settles down cross-legged on one of the cushions. "I'm sure," he responds to the Lord, "that privacy is a rare commodity for someone in your position. I can understand your feelings." He folds his hands in his lap, his unruly white hair falling down along one side of his face, leaving a single violet eye to watch the Sith Lord, "Though I must agree with Freyja-- so far it seems there's little the Calefactors would not do. One of them mutilated themselves to avoid letting me capture them... I'm sure they would hesitate far less to provoke the Guard, especially since such a thing is easy to obscure; that is, after all, the point of a conspiracy."
Lord Ghang says, "I do approve of having a way to foil those who would prevent this message being delivered. I think it a very well thought idea, although not without its pitfalls. A holovid, for instance, would have those same detractors saying it was faked or forced." He smiles slowly, adding, "I believe I have solved that problem. Once I thought of it, I was intrigued, and the making of it is what has kept me up so very late, even for me."
Freyja brightens interestedly, her slender fingers plaiting a shining, thick, loose braid as she waits for Ghang to explain. She also then casually buttons one more button on her greatcoat, just to be sure...
Lord Ghang says, "I have prepared a statement which has all the needed information, and then some, in a way which can not easily be forged, forced, or faked. Before I give it to you, though, I would like a promise."
Freyja gets a faintly puzzled look. She can't 'feel' the Soulguard anywhere nearby, at all! She looks at Ghang with faint worry -- she knows how Vakkal would react if she crept off without him to go visit Darksiders. She hopes Ghang won't get into trouble with Noss -- then she blinks at herself, stifling an internal snort of amusement! What, the great and powerful Sith Lord will be getting a tongue lashing from his Soulguard?! Somehow she just doesn't see that happening. She covers a grin, blinking ice blue, Force-pale eyes once over her hand at the Sith Lord, then smiles, straightening, "What is the promise, honored Lord?"
Ghang says, "Part of my reason for wanting to give this information in person is so I may personally judge the instant reactions of those present before they have a chance to censor themselves. This will not be possible if they have been warned. It is for this reason I will ask you not to show this message to anyone, or to view it yourselves, until it is clear I will be unable to present the information myself. This gives us a fall back position, but preserves my ability to gather as much information about who may be involved with what as possible."
Freyja looks a bit puzzled, "I... am not sure I understand, Lord Ghang. What are you looking for, vis a vis instant reactions?" She adds slowly, "Are you... worried one of us is involved with the Calefactors?!"
Zero murmurs dryly. "Clearly impossible. We have all of our digits."
The Lord says, "One of the reasons I am still alive today is I am very adept at telling who is hiding something or who is happy or unhappy about something I have told them. Being able to see people's reactions -- all of them together -- is a valuable commodity which I do not wish to give up."
Freyja thinks about that for a long moment. He's pretty much dodged her question... which would either unhappily indicate someone the triat knows is indeed involved... or just that he likes surprises. She doesn't move at all, but instead quietly whispers mentally to Vakkal, Is the Lord fond of surprising folks?
Vakkal's response comes back to Freyja and Zero both, The Lord very much enjoys being the one in control of a situation. This involves keeping anything he perceives as having value to himself for as long as possible.
Freyja has to cover a small smile at that answer, but she's politely sober looking once she looks up again at Lord Ghang, "While I cannot promise for anyone else, I doubt Fhazil would deliberately thwart your desires, especially on something like this. I'm willing to promise not to view it until we know you cannot present the information yourself... and hopefully it won't come to that anyway, hai?"
Lord Ghang looks mildly astonished at Freyja's verbal query, and says, "Why, no, Lady Freyja! If I had any worry of that I would not be here unescorted -- and I would not give you this information if I feared it would be misused."
Freyja smiles, "Well, I admit it can be difficult to balance truth against loyalty... but in this case I do not believe they conflict."
Vakkal says, "I swear I will not view this information, or allow it to be viewed, until it is clear that you will not be able to do so, or you have already done so." Freyja smiles a quiet thank you at Vakkal, then looks back at Lord Ghang, wondering what unfakeable format he'll use.
Zero nods. "You have my word. You will have Fhazil's... after he is conscious again." Freyja grins.
Lord Ghang smiles at both of the promises, and says to Freyja, "I hope this is not a conflict. At worst, I hope this is a slight delay of truth, not a warping or repression. At best this will be redundant, and you may do whatever you like with it after I have spoken to the delegates."
Freyja nods, her expression serious again. Vakkal moves to pour tea for everyone, saying mischievously, "I could wake him." The Sith Lord sips delicately at his tea, then says, "Thank you, Vakkal."
Freyja giggles at Vakkal, "Neh, let him sleep. The wet sponge made the bed cold and soggy for far too long!"
Zero says, "Later, perhaps. I don't think he'll be much use half-asleep at the moment."
Lord Ghang chuckles, "No, that's not needed. I believe Fhazil's loyalty to me can be trusted for this." He reminds Freyja, "Again, I am not asking you not to use this information. I only ask you to wait until it is clear I will not be able to present it myself. I will, in fact, be much happier knowing this will get where it needs to go, even if something prevents me from doing it myself."
Freyja nods to Ghang, tossing her loose braid over her shoulder to accept the cup of tea from Vakkal, "Thanks, sweetheart." She has a careful sip, then adds, "I think we all understand that, honored Lord."
Zero takes the cup and holds it in his fingertips, blowing the steam from its lip. "Thank you." He brushes his unbound hair behind his ear to keep it aside. "And we shall all feel better knowing that our position is thus secure beyond the knowledge of Calefactors. To be formless in the enemy's eye is to be secure, after all."
Lord Ghang says, "Now, I considered carefully how best to prepare this message. Any written or electronic method's veracity would be called into question, and the confusion and furor over that possible falsehood could easily lead the information to be all but ignored. This is not acceptable." He sips his tea again, then says, "But something occurred to me that would be perfect, if I could make it. As I understand, no Jedi knows how to make these, and they are all unique and very specifically bound to the Force-user who made them. It took me a long time to find out how to do so, and several hours to make it, but I have prepared a message crystal with the needed facts on it. When viewed, I will appear and present these things myself in a mildly interactive form. This should allay any worries of fakery."
Freyja nods thoughtfully to Zero, then brightens, listening to Ghang, "Oh! Like a holocron?"
The Lord says, "Very much so, but with much less information stored on it, yes."
Freyja nods interestedly, already considering where to hide it, and if it will have any 'feel' of taint to it. Zero hmms. "May I ask a question, Lord Ghang?"
Ghang says, "Yes, Zero?"
Zero says, "The Oath of Fire came indirectly to our attention because I discovered a message crystal recorded by one of their founding elements that had crashed upon Marnaas. I was able to activate it myself; I assume that your technique has since evolved and is keyed to you?"
Freyja frowns, thinking, "It had better not be uniquely keyed to him, or we will not be able to use it without his presence -- which would be counter our stated goals."
Zero says, "Allow me to rephrase my question -- is this crystal secure? I would not want it to be compromised, just in case... I don't wish to seem paranoiac, although I certainly have my moments. I just don't wish all our planning to be in vain." Freyja grins quietly at Zero, then looks to Ghang.
Lord Ghang says, "The crystal has the message, and a representation of myself to deliver the message bound into it." He settles into a steady lecturer's tone, apparently happy to answer the question -- it may be he misses having apprentices. He continues, "Normally it lies dormant and is merely a chunk of crystal. Any Force user can activate it, and by pushing a little of their Force energy in to the crystal, drive that matrix for a time. It does not take any particular effort or a great deal of power. Someone with no Force ability can do nothing with it."
Zero nods. "That's primarily what I wished to know. Thank you."
Freyja nods thoughtfully, "All right, that should do it, then."
Lord Ghang hands a small black bag to Freyja, "This is the message crystal with the information you need in it. Keep it safe. I suspect the less people who know of it, the better."
Freyja accepts the little bag carefully and nods to the Sith Lord, "Hai, in this I quite agree with you." She studies the little bag for a moment -- and for now simply tucks it into her greatcoat. She has another sip of tea, then smiles at Ghang, "May I ask a question also? I confess to great curiosity as to the exact wording of the prophecy of your farseers, concerning the need to get rid of Kalatis and Khoud, in order to save the Sith. Do you know it, and if so, may I hear it?"
Lord Ghang says to Zero, "If you're curious, you may have this." He tosses Zero a small, clear crystal pyramid, which is about a centimeter high. He explains, "The art of making these is not exactly lost, but it is not common, and I had to look it up. This was a practice crystal, to make sure it worked, and to make sure that I could contain the information in it. It worked, and it has only that which I intended to be in it."
Freyja watches with bright-eyed interest, then looks back at Ghang, hoping he'll enlighten her on something which has been bothering her for a while. Zero catches the crystal in one hand, turning it idly in his fingertips, holding it by the points and watching the light play through it, "A fascinating practice... I am quite curious. Thank you very much, Lord Ghang."
Lord Ghang turns back to Freyja, "I would share that with you if I had it at hand, Lady Freyja. As I understand it, the visions of several senior farseers were combined, then presented to the Moot, who argued over them for some time. By the time I heard the results it was a considerably long report. If we have time, and if I can contact Ziost by holonet after we arrive, I may be able to get you a more detailed description. I doubt there would be any concern with that."
Freyja sighs softly, her gaze faintly rueful, "Aiyah... I'd hoped it was clearer than that. Hai, if we have the time I would dearly love to hear the visions."
Lord Ghang smiles, "I note that you have grown closer to your Soulguard since we last spoke, Lady Freyja." The Sith pauses to smile at Vakkal, who merely beams happily at his former Lord -- which makes Ghang laugh. He looks back to Freyja, adding, "You don't seem to be to worried about any connection you may have with him."
Freyja looks slightly startled, then fascinated, "Goodness! Does it show in the Force, or something?"
Ghang says, "Nothing that complicated. I can smell it." He taps his long, sensory chin-tentacles. Zero arches a white brow, then grins lopsidedly, sipping his tea.
Freyja laughs, tossing her head back in amusement -- then grins, "I understand. And regarding your previous query -- neh, why would I worry? I've nothing to hide. As Master Roakkana is fond of saying, it's always easier to tell the truth -- that way you've less you must keep straight!" Cheerfully she adds, "I'm jealous! I unfortunately can't read scent at all well!"
Ghang says, "Your Master is very wise. You are also a very fortunate person to have a Soulguard so dedicated and true that you can share anything with them. And a Bright, which is another positive for you. You are rich in the currency of friends and in the storehouse of wisdom."
Freyja looks faintly startled again for a second, then says slowly, "Hai... I believe I am very fortunate; extremely blessed. I don't know why... I often wonder if I truly deserve this. On the other hand, I've been told I'm supposed to symbolize the concepts of Creativity, Fertility, Light, Life, and love of learning, as the Light mantle of the triat... so... I do my best." She grins, adding, "It probably isn't important, but I was also named after the Balmorran goddess of love, beauty, and fortune."
Freyja smiles... then curiously studies the chin-tentacles, firmly repressing the urge to reach out and touch them. "So... the, er... 'beard' -- is it as sensitive as a Khar Velosi nose?" A fraction of a second later a thought occurs to her, and puzzledly she adds, "Wait... are you saying there are Soulguards who do not live up to the standards of trust I've always heard mentioned of them?"
Zero adds softly, "The best way to kill the king is to guard his chambers, or so it's said."
The Lord says, "They're not as good at smells as the Khar Velosi nose, but they also help with balance, air motion, and some other things for which words aren't quite as specific." He smiles slowly at Freyja, "You're definitely full of life and love of learning. If you ever want to find out about how the other side of the Force works, even if you wouldn't want to do it yourself, I would be honored to have you as a student."
After a moment to let this sink in to Freyja, where Ghang does nothing other than watch her reaction very carefully with all of his senses, he looks to Zero, "You have discovered another truth. It is easier for the trusted to cause mischief or harm -- whether deliberately or accidentally -- than it is for the untrusted." He adds, mostly for Freyja's benefit, "It is hardest to know who you can trust, and who can not be manipulated by others against you. The Soulguards are the hardest of all to judge."
Zero says, "No action without reaction, and no desire without restraint. One side of the Force is as necessary as the other; without its counterpart there could be no opposite side. I have learned, Honored Lord, the Saber's Edge leaves naught but truth in its wake." He adds, "Which is not to say that it is always good news."
Freyja smiles at Ghang, "Once again you honor me too greatly, Lord Ghang. While I am deeply flattered at both your compliment and your invitation, I fear I would not be able to live up to the necessary, ah... expectations involved in being a Darksider." She grins, then adds curiously, "I have long understood the issue of trust, when one is in a position of both power and vulnerability. However, do I understand you correctly? Are you saying it is harder to tell if a Soulguard is trustworthy -- and if so, why is that, please?"
Then she grins fondly at Zero, murmuring, "Zeriza we always trust to tell us the truths we don't really want to hear -- but most need to!"
Zero says, "I only offer the benefit of my experience and the insight I have been granted -- nothing more."
Ghang smiles at Zero, "It is unusual to hear such wisdom from one so young, particularly in the company of another who has wisdom beyond her years. I'm sure you would be welcome among my elite guard." He looks back at Freyja, "I understand. But if you find yourself unappreciated or unwanted by those who claim to be with you, please remember the offer. You may ask Vakkal or Fhazil to confirm I do hold to my word, and I do take care of my people."
Zero bows deeply, "You honor me beyond what I deserve, Honored Lord. Thank you."
Freyja looks around the room, her eyes growing smoky with warmth and happiness as she looks at her beloveds... then she smiles at Ghang, saying simply, "I am wanted by those I love, honored Lord. None could ask for more." Then she blinks as another sudden thought occurs to her, and brightens, asking hopefully, "Actually... would it be possible to read some recommendations by you, Lord Ghang, regarding Sith writings of strategy and tactics?"
The Lord says, "Ask, Freyja, and I'll see what I can answer. War is most of what I am trained for, and it is a fool who ignores strategy and tactics there."
Freyja thinks a moment, then says slowly, "Well... do you have any writings of your people which you find particularly helpful or instructive, when it comes to the strategies and tactics of Sith politics, or war amongst the Sith? I would love to read those, if so?"
Freyja grins quietly, internally, interested that Ghang's avoided the question regarding Soulguards. She wonders if that's why most lords have so few -- so they can't overpower the lord in question -- or so many, like Ravos has. It's almost impossible for a dozen to 30 individuals to agree on conspiracy against their lord, after all.
Lord Ghang laughs, then says, "You don't ask for anything small! There are hundreds of tomes on strategy and tactics, and on how to be a stronger or better Sith."
Freyja grins cheerfully, "Well, which two or three are your favorites? Which speak to you the most of wisdom?"
Ghang also says, "As to Soulguards, before I forget, it isn't any harder to tell if they're trustworthy than any other. It is only much more critical, because they have so much opportunity to harm or be abused. Because it is so much more critical, it is more important one's decisions not be wrong -- or they are likely to be one's undoing."
Freyja blinks, surprised and pleased that he remembered her earlier question, "Oh!" Then she smiles, "Hai, this I understand. I've seen family struggle with that..." her glance travels to the closed door from behind which the occasional soft snore can be heard, and she grins fondly, "...and worried about it myself as well." She turns her gaze back to Vakkal, and her eyes have that same happy, warm, smoky look to them. A moment later she sighs contentedly, then looks to Ghang, her expression once again serene.
Zero drinks his tea quietly, regarding the Sith Lord impassively, though not without a definite interest. Freyja's quiet mental touch to Zero and Vakkal is brimming with happiness, I really am blessed to be around you three, aren't I?
Vakkal smiles unreservedly, almost past beaming. He seems very content, reassured he is doing the right things with the right people. He sends back to Freyja and Zero, I was just thinking the same thing.
Zero smiles just a little. I would consider all of us extremely fortunate.
Ghang considers. "I would have to recommend 'Finding the Victory in Defeat' by Arran Iado, and 'Yesterday's General, Tomorrow's Traitor,' whose author has been lost. I'm sure they're in the ship's holonet, and I suspect the library section can refer you to others like them."
Freyja blinks interestedly at the titles, then smiles, "Thank you! I will definitely look those up, then. I appreciate your kindness, honored lord." She grins, sending a warm, tight mental hug to both her awake paramours. Happily she says to Ghang, "I've yet to try the holonet here, but I shall definitely have to do so!"
The door to the bedroom opens and a bleary-eyed Fhazil stumbles across the room to the bathroom. He is still wearing nothing, and pays no attention to the people sitting in the front room. Shortly thereafter he comes back out, stopping to ask, "What are you all still doing up, anyway?"
Freyja covers a giggle, then answers politely, "Talking to your lord, Fhazil!" She grins, tossing Fhazil a blanket.
Zero gives a mostly-subdued grimace, "Aiyah, Fhazil -- you sleep like the dead. And wake like them as well." Freyja laughs! Then she pats the couch next to her, smiling at poor bemused Fhazil.
Fhazil blinks at Freyja, then looks at Lord Ghang, who smiles, "Hello, Fhazil." He replies, "Lord Ghang! I'm very pleased to see you." He catches the blanket, giving Freyja an odd look, then realizes what he's wearing. He wraps the blanket around himself and moves to sit at the offered place, saying, "Please don't let me interrupt."
Ghang replies, "I'm pleased to see you too, Fhazil. You seem to have found some exceptional people. Are you happy with them?"
Freyja grins, leaning to give Fhazil a quick one-armed hug, then looks back at Lord Ghang, interested in Fhazil's reply. Zero sighs faintly and shakes his head, "I'll get more tea." Freyja giggles!
Fhazil smiles, "Yes, Lord. Zero, Freyja, and Vakkal are all very special people. With them I feel we could do anything. They look out for my thoughtlessness, appreciate my help, and let me cover their weaknesses."
Freyja covers a grin, not mentioning a tendency to leap over speeding vehicles while firing cannons! ...or trying to. Instead she smiles quietly and warmly at Fhazil, lightly covering one of his hands with one of hers, "That's sweet. Thank you, Fhaziza."
The Sith puts his empty tea cup down, "Good. I'm rarely happy to see such excellent people leave me, but when they do I'm always relieved to know they've gone somewhere they'll be appreciated, wanted, and looked out for. I have no worries on that score with either yourself or Vakkal." He stands, adding, "I should go, and let you get back to your sleep, and myself back to my guards before anyone notices I have gone. This was a much longer discussion than I expected, and one I enjoyed. Thank you all very much for being so intelligent and engaging."
Zero stands, setting his cup aside, and bows deeply. "You honor us with your visit, Lord. Let me escort you to the door."
Freyja smiles, adding sincerely, "Thank you for your kind visit, honored Lord."
Lord Ghang turns in the door, and says, "Thank you for talking with me for so long. Many are afraid to. Good night, and take care."
Zero says, "It is their loss, honored Lord. Be well." Freyja's smile is quiet -- she feels a little sorry for how alone the Lord must be. Zero put it well, she thinks. Zero hms as the door closes. He pads back to the cushion and sits again, expression thoughtful.
Freyja's smile fades into rueful, "Poor man. He must have a terrible time finding willing honesty to talk to."
After the door has closed, Fhazil says, "Wow. What did I miss? Besides actually managing to retain any of my dignity?" Freyja giggles softly, hugging Fhazil again.
Vakkal answers Freyja, "I think he has many people around who want things, and many others who are afraid of him. You may be right that he has a hard time finding people who'll talk honestly to him. I wonder if he's just realized that."
Freyja nods quietly to Vakkal, "It was something I learned was important to me as a child -- because I could see it happening to others first, then to myself. I wonder, though, if one never sees something... can one know it is not present in their life?"
Fhazil says, "What if we just showed him? What might he do?" He looks mildly concerned.
Freyja says, "Show him what, Fhazil?"
Fhazil says, "Showed him what it's like to have people you trust, and who are around you because they like you and like being around you, rather than wanting something or fearing."
Freyja says, "Oh, showed him he lacked that?" She ponders a moment, then shakes her head, "Seek it, if he values it. That's what I did." She smiles slowly, her eyes getting warmly happy again, "I admit, I did not expect to find it... but somehow I did." Then she adds more pragmatically, "He'll have to be more cautious than I was, of course -- his position is higher, and thus more precarious, than mine was."
Zero says, "May you come to the attention of those in high places." He pauses, then murmurs, "Yet another popular curse from my home."
Freyja grins at Zero, "You have the most interesting home...!"
Zero says, "We have many, many curses."
Freyja giggles at Zero, then curiously asks Fhazil, "So... why did you sound worried when you asked if we showed him what he was lacking in life?"
Vakkal is looking a little concerned by the direction this conversation is going. Fhazil says, "I hope he's careful. Other Lords would take any chance possible to overthrow him, and any weakness will be exploited. That would be a great shame." Vakkal murmurs quietly, "Particularly if he didn't actually find some happiness first."
Freyja says, "Oh, I doubt he'd go to other lords. Wouldn't that be patently, obviously unwise? He'd do better to court some interested Lady, I'd think. Or... hm... wait. They do vicious politics there too, don't they?" She's silent a moment, thinking... then says softly, "Actually... I don't know, guys. The Sith Empire does not appear to be set up so as to encourage this sort of companionship, I'd think?"
Vakkal shakes his head, "It doesn't matter who he goes to; that can be used against him. If it can it will." He adds very quietly, "And all the Khar Velosi die, unless the new Lord is also very careful."
Freyja considers a moment, then smiles, "Then maybe he should try hunting with them!"
Zero says, "Or taking a mate from among them. If Humans are exotic enough, every enemy among them he had would die of shock."
Freyja blinks slowly as a thought occurs to her... then gently shoves it away. The Sith Lord can't really go to the triat either. The Moot would hold that most fiercely against him, she suspects. She grins at Zero, "He's not exactly Human, but I guess it follows, hai."
Zero says, "Death by scandalization." Freyja giggles at Zero's comment, remembering the shock of the Khar Velosi with Saleyn, earlier that day.
Vakkal says, "Oh, Lord Ghang has hunted with us. He is a strong hunter, even according to our standards. He leaps upon and kills prey with honorably, with only a vibroblade. That is one of the reasons the Khar Velosi so trust him." He adds, "I don't know what they'd make of him taking a Khar Velosi mate. I think the Khar Velosi would be scandalized, and the Sith Lords would ignore it as a mildly strange kink."
Fhazil says, "Yes, some of those Lords like the oddest things."
Freyja says, "Ah! In that case, hai, that's where I'd guess he'd turn for trusted friends, don't you think?" She smiles, "He's not stupid, after all. He'd want to choose wisely, neh?"
Vakkal considers, then finally says, "Maybe. I don't know if he could find many Khar Velosi who aren't afraid of him or in awe of him as the Lord. His actions are larger than life and fearless, and many know this."
Fhazil says, "It's a sticky problem. I'm sure he won't do anything rash."
Freyja thinks for a moment. Finally she says, "Well... why do you all trust me?"
Vakkal speaks first, "I trusted you before I woke up in the infirmary on Marnaas. You'd come to me while I was alone and afraid and you treated me with respect and understanding. When I woke up you were frightened of me, but you again treated me reasonably and with respect. You've never given me any reason to doubt that, and it's made it impossible not to care about you and want to be around you."
Fhazil listens, then says, "Like Vakkal, you impressed me much on Marnaas. You made me promise to stay; if I'd broken my word, I'd have only had to live with myself. It would have been impossible, though. Since then, you've tried to treat everyone that way, even if they didn't deserve it. You keep your end of the bargain, even when it's hard. You took Vakkal in to your household, rather than give him to the Jedi, despite the unknowns, the risks, and the anger your father was likely to have." He finishes, "How could I not trust you? You trusted me."
Zero says, "Trust is earned, simply put. You have it because you are worthy of it. I think that is the essence of the answer."
Freyja's smile is serene, even as she gives a warmly appreciative mental hug, "Well, there you go, then. That's what Ghang should do -- earn the trust. He should be respectful even when fearful, understanding even when in a position of power; reasonable and trustworthy. Frankly, from what I've heard of Ghang he's already there, neh? Now all he needs to do is be patient... and the right one or ones will come along."
Vakkal has a funny look on his face. Fhazil pokes him with a foot, "What?" Vakkal shakes his head. Fhazil says, "Spit it out, or I'll get Freyja to ask."
Freyja giggles. Vakkal grins a sharp-toothed grin, and replies, "You think I'd mind this?" Freyja giggles again.
Fhazil says, "Yes. Because she'll ask. And ask again. And ask while you're sleeping. And tomorrow. And the next day. UNTIL YOU TELL HER! So save us all the mystery and tell us now." Freyja grins mischievously.
Zero shrugs out of his over-cloak, letting it fall to the floor. He rises and picks up his cup and the kettle. "Well, since I doubt anyone's going back to sleep now..."
Vakkal giggles, then says, "I just had the mental image of Lord Ghang with Saleyn, and him not being quite able to keep up with her. She does that to people." Freyja laughs again!
Zero murmurs on his way out, "I don't dare ask in what sense you mean that." Freyja grins. She also was politely not asking that question.
Fhazil says, "Foo, brother mine. I'm going back to bed. And I hope all of you snuggly, warm people come with me."
Vakkal asks innocently, "Gee, Fhazil, what will Zero and Freyja do?" He grins.
Zero says dryly, "They could leave you two alone..." Freyja giggles again in spite of herself!
Vakkal says, "More likely you'd be happier about being alone. Fhazil and I slept together for months." Fhazil says, "Yeah, and not once were you smart enough to put your hands anywhere interesting, you furry goof." Vakkal looks quite startled, "Urk?"
Freyja almost falls over, she laughs so hard! Zero just smiles his knowing, secret little smile, and pads off to the kitchen. Vakkal says, "But... I... you... I was so careful not to do anything upsetting... you wouldn't have objected?"
Freyja is flopped back on Fhazil from so much giggling! Fhazil smiles, "Brother mine, you were warm, safe, and secure in an unstable and dangerous time and place. You were the most beautiful person in the world right then, and I thought you weren't interested." Freyja smiles quietly at that, reaching up a hand to lightly brush her fingers across Fhazil's cheek. She can understand that sentiment.
Zero returns from the galley with the tea and a pair of small hand-bound books. He pours tea before settling down off to one side and beginning to read, acting as if he hadn't just help drop a small bomb on Vakkal. Vakkal is stunned. He finally says, "Oh. I'm sorry I didn't understand. I... that would have been welcome, but... I was sure it wasn't. You never smelled right."
Freyja grins at Vakkal, "Never smelled right? That's what you said to me too, remember?" She giggles quietly, sending to Zero, Tease! then cheerfully adds to Vakkal, "And look where it got you with me!"
Zero smiles a little and turns a page. I thought it best that way... everything in due time; when he was ready he'd say something. Is that a hint of smugness in his thinking? No, surely not. Freyja giggles quietly at Zero.
Fhazil says, "Well, maybe if either of us would have been smart enough to try words, we might have figured this out sooner. I could have said something as easily as you rather than just dreaming about your warm fur, soft fingers, and strong, muscled back." He mmms quietly. Vakkal opens his mouth, then closes it. His ears redden.
Freyja is having trouble with all this giggling -- it makes it hard to breath eventually! She finally just grins from where she's half-reclined across Fhazil, reaching out a hand, "So, aren't you going to make up for lost time, silly Vaki?"
Zero grins at Fhazil's words, glancing at the other two, "My, that's descriptive. Maybe we should leave them be, Freyja."
Freyja laughs, rolling her head back to see Zero, "You think so? Hai, that seems only fair!" She rolls gracefully off Fhazil's lap, straightening and padding over to Zero, to hold out a hand and grin delightedly at him, "Shall we?"
Zero sets his small books aside. He smiles, "I would love to, but why don't we take this elsewhere and leave them the bed, mm?"
Freyja smiles with quiet happiness, "Love to."
Vakkal stutters, "But... Fhazil is male... I mean... what..." He stops, because he knows the answer to that question. "Fhazil, would you like that, or have I missed the chance?"
Zero takes Freyja's hand and stands slowly. "Well. Settled then. Fhazil, Vakkal, good evening, and I imagine one day you'll forgive me my little omission. Raiy seh no matah ao, friends." Freyja grins over her shoulder at Vakkal, her eyes flashing bright with mischievous amusement!
Fhazil smiles, and says, "I'd like it very much, Vakkal, if you would. I sort of thought you had something about men together, and I don't want to upset that." Vakkal shakes his head, "Nothing like that... I just never thought... yes, Fhazil, I'd like that very much." He moves over to the blanket-wearing man and rubs his cheek across Fhazil's -- then grins like an idiot, "Now you smell right."
Freyja laughs aloud at that! Zero grins, "We should hurry, I think, lovely."
Freyja giggles, pattering quickly off to the other room, "Hai! Horrors, eh?"
Zero's voice carries behind him, "Oh, I imagine they'll forgive me eventually."
Fhazil stands up and pulls Vakkal out of harm's way, running hands through fur and saying, "No, don't hurry. We'll see you tomorrow."
Freyja giggles again as the door closes. Vakkal sends to Freyja and Zero, Forgive you? I was just wondering how to thank you. How could I be so blind?
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