Before landing on the ground, Aliclair watched Sa'ato take to the side and meditate. Something within her just, clicked. Flicking her ear to the side, the feminine leapt all the way down and pondered a moment; would this really be wise to do? To just... run? She had tried in the past, met with horrible punishments and a shorter leash. Now that her reins were essentially gone, did Ali have the courage to try and regain her life back? It would be a constant state of running, hiding... no returning to the Jedi, no sanctuary found on her planet. War could spark, which is something she'd never wish upon them.
Drawing her ears backwards, her brows furrowed before making her way to her canine companion, who was sleeping with his newfound partner. "Come, boy, we're getting out of here." she whispered, her hands holding onto his mane, in which he instinctively stood to his paws so Aliclair could mount. Once mounted, she used her mask to searchup the closest space port she could board with her large companion. Clicking her tongue, Brutchus charged forward and out of the stronghold. There was no backwards, no more cages or leashes; no more being treated like an animal. If running is something she had to do for the rest of her days, so be it.
Lessons, lessons { Sa’ato + Aliclair | Closed }
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Aliclair Austjor
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Professor Mors
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Re: Lessons, lessons { Sa’ato + Aliclair | Closed }
A peculiar dream woke the Neti some hours later. In his restful stupor, he had observed a large candlewick flower in bloom. As its petals shifted and opened themselves to the outside world, the entire plant suddenly burst into flames. At first, Sa'ato had no luck with interpretation. Instead, he considered that his Felidae ward might be recovered enough for travel, and that the Dark Side duo might depart early. Silently, the academic searched the drowsy camp– but found neither hair nor whisker of his companion. Finally, he came upon the animal pens, and gained momentary hope at the sight of a skull hound.
Sa'ato's expression soured– it was not the canine he had come to know in the past months. At last, clarity washed over him. The tendrils that comprised the Neti's 'hair' bristled momentarily with frustration, but the anger departed as quickly as it had arrived after a long exhale. Several centuries of pedagogy had instilled a timeless lesson in the professor: mainly, that teachable moments should always be embraced rather than disdained. No rest for the wicked he supposed. Extending his energy field, Sa'ato easily connected his mind with that of the dozing female skull hound.
They awakened without issue, and from there it was only a matter of feeding telepathic notions of familiarity– first with regards to the scheming professor, and then the absent Butchus. After 'recruiting' the lovesick pup to his cause, the Neti alerted the Weequay guards still conscious that he would return shortly, before marching single-mindedly into Aliclair's abandoned transport. Though it took several attempts, Sa'ato eventually succeeded in hotwiring the main pilot terminal. Carefully taking off with his other canine counterpart in tow, the professor engaged the throttle and began to glide over the dusty plains toward the nearest spaceport.
Upon discovering his wayward colleague, Sa'ato would say his peace. Whatever happened after, he knew, lay entirely in Aliclair's hands…
Sa'ato's expression soured– it was not the canine he had come to know in the past months. At last, clarity washed over him. The tendrils that comprised the Neti's 'hair' bristled momentarily with frustration, but the anger departed as quickly as it had arrived after a long exhale. Several centuries of pedagogy had instilled a timeless lesson in the professor: mainly, that teachable moments should always be embraced rather than disdained. No rest for the wicked he supposed. Extending his energy field, Sa'ato easily connected his mind with that of the dozing female skull hound.
They awakened without issue, and from there it was only a matter of feeding telepathic notions of familiarity– first with regards to the scheming professor, and then the absent Butchus. After 'recruiting' the lovesick pup to his cause, the Neti alerted the Weequay guards still conscious that he would return shortly, before marching single-mindedly into Aliclair's abandoned transport. Though it took several attempts, Sa'ato eventually succeeded in hotwiring the main pilot terminal. Carefully taking off with his other canine counterpart in tow, the professor engaged the throttle and began to glide over the dusty plains toward the nearest spaceport.
Upon discovering his wayward colleague, Sa'ato would say his peace. Whatever happened after, he knew, lay entirely in Aliclair's hands…
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Sa'ato Mors
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Aliclair Austjor
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Re: Lessons, lessons { Sa’ato + Aliclair | Closed }
As she rode ontop the Raq's back, something kept telling her to stop. But, she kept ignoring, pushing forward. Her grip tightened on Brutchus' mane, which caused him to stop. So lost within her own head, she didn't even notice and when she did, all she could do was just stare into the void that was his fur. Nothing had gone according to her plans, the way her life was supposed to play out. Originally a brought-in-late Padawan trained in combat, to hone her connection to The Force but through all that work, the Council had planned to place her with the Antarian Rangers. Had it not been for Ben, she would be fighting the front lines. However, it wasn't the combat that gotten to her as it came as natural as The Force. But, it's all she's been doing ever since leaving the Walls of the GA... and she is extremely tired. The energy required to keep running, keep fighting. Did she have that energy? How much longer could she keep going?
Ripping the technified mask off her face, she tossed it into the desert and let out a frustrated brief growl while dismounting her companion. Even going as far as to kick the sand below her and crouch while holding her head. Brutchus lowered his ears to the side of his head and hurried to his human to check on her. His initial nuzzle tipped Aliclair to fall onto her bottom with her own ears drooped downwards. The two just sat in silence, the sun above setting overhead. There was so much she needed to assess. And she was already closer to the space port than the Fortress. "Cmon, boy. Lets... get this over with." she mused softly, holding onto the canine's mane as he stood to his paws and climbing onto his back.
She probably arrived later than the roaming Neti but her entrance stuck out like a soar thumb. However, she still approached concession to a freighter to purchase two tickets. However, not for her. Ali found a stack of crates to sit while giving the ticket to Brutchus, she watched him trot off into the distance. Erecting her ears upwards, she waited for the Professor to land her YT-2000.
Ripping the technified mask off her face, she tossed it into the desert and let out a frustrated brief growl while dismounting her companion. Even going as far as to kick the sand below her and crouch while holding her head. Brutchus lowered his ears to the side of his head and hurried to his human to check on her. His initial nuzzle tipped Aliclair to fall onto her bottom with her own ears drooped downwards. The two just sat in silence, the sun above setting overhead. There was so much she needed to assess. And she was already closer to the space port than the Fortress. "Cmon, boy. Lets... get this over with." she mused softly, holding onto the canine's mane as he stood to his paws and climbing onto his back.
She probably arrived later than the roaming Neti but her entrance stuck out like a soar thumb. However, she still approached concession to a freighter to purchase two tickets. However, not for her. Ali found a stack of crates to sit while giving the ticket to Brutchus, she watched him trot off into the distance. Erecting her ears upwards, she waited for the Professor to land her YT-2000.
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Professor Mors
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Re: Lessons, lessons { Sa’ato + Aliclair | Closed }
By the time the spaceport entered Sa'ato's visual range, his need for a canine passenger became redundant. He could feel his wayward colleague's presence in the Force. They made no effort to hide it. Was it resignation? Surrender? Perhaps– but not in any way the Neti would deem helpful, he wagered. Thankfully, power struggle aside, the Elder's name still held some sway on this corner of Sriluur, and the professor was cleared to land without issue. As soon as the loading ramp touched down, the academic's quadruped copilot quickly scampered off, likely in search of their amour.
As there was no further need to hurry, Sa'ato took his time triangulating the Felidae's position. When at last she came into view, the Neti walked calmly over to her makeshift perch. Elevated thus, the two were nearly at eye-level with one another. Stopping some three feet away, the professor remained silent for several minutes. He looked over– or perhaps through the young feline in search of something. The intensity of the academic's gaze almost suggested that he meant to probe her very soul. Nonetheless, the Force was as still as the retiree. Unconvinced, or unsatisfied with this, the Neti spoke at last, without so much as a drop of anger in his voice:
"You insist on leaving– why?"
As there was no further need to hurry, Sa'ato took his time triangulating the Felidae's position. When at last she came into view, the Neti walked calmly over to her makeshift perch. Elevated thus, the two were nearly at eye-level with one another. Stopping some three feet away, the professor remained silent for several minutes. He looked over– or perhaps through the young feline in search of something. The intensity of the academic's gaze almost suggested that he meant to probe her very soul. Nonetheless, the Force was as still as the retiree. Unconvinced, or unsatisfied with this, the Neti spoke at last, without so much as a drop of anger in his voice:
"You insist on leaving– why?"
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Sa'ato Mors
Sa'ato Mors
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Aliclair Austjor
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Re: Lessons, lessons { Sa’ato + Aliclair | Closed }
Aliclair's ear flick as the winds were kicked and pushed about. Her usual shimmering gemstone optics now dull and unforgiving. She watched everything fold out infront of her like a chess game. However, in this game, she forfeited, allowing her competitor to win. Slowly blinking, her brows furrowed upon seeing Sa'ato, as if disappointed in herself for even attempting to make a break for it. The hybrid knew better. They all did; every Sith knew better than to fight against their Masters. So why did she so it so often? And now just giving up.
Brutchus sat infront of a mother-daughter duo with the tickets Ali had bought, petting and thanking him. It seemed hers were stolen at some point but in some weird strange of fate, this skullfaced canine came and gave them replacements. As if their God were watching over them. Seeing his mate caused the woman's hand to move so he could meet her halfway to greet and rub muzzles. A small, satisfied and allured rumble vibrating his fuzzy throat.
Within Aliclair's pool of Force laid pure stillness and silence. Her ears slightly swiveled before standing upright in tbeir idle position. For a moment, she considered just staying silent and boarding her ship so they could stamp this mission complete. But then the unknowing would eat her alive. So, she inhaled then exhaled.
"I was tired of it all. I wanted out... Physically, I am bound by my leash because I am an animal unwilling to bend. But when you've been battered and beaten, threatened and tossed in a corner... having had survived it all. A piece of me wanted you to put me down. But as a soldier of advanced combat, I came back to reality. Perhaps in the right situation, you could win in combat but this wouldn't be one of those situations. I am... so tired, Sa'ato. I don't belong in a place with them... just, end me. I deserve it. And at least this way, my life will be taken in the hands of... someone who has helped me more than wounded." she half pleaded, tossing her lightsaber at his feet then getting to the ground than on her knees, in complete surrender and at the mercy of the High Priest.
Brutchus sat infront of a mother-daughter duo with the tickets Ali had bought, petting and thanking him. It seemed hers were stolen at some point but in some weird strange of fate, this skullfaced canine came and gave them replacements. As if their God were watching over them. Seeing his mate caused the woman's hand to move so he could meet her halfway to greet and rub muzzles. A small, satisfied and allured rumble vibrating his fuzzy throat.
Within Aliclair's pool of Force laid pure stillness and silence. Her ears slightly swiveled before standing upright in tbeir idle position. For a moment, she considered just staying silent and boarding her ship so they could stamp this mission complete. But then the unknowing would eat her alive. So, she inhaled then exhaled.
"I was tired of it all. I wanted out... Physically, I am bound by my leash because I am an animal unwilling to bend. But when you've been battered and beaten, threatened and tossed in a corner... having had survived it all. A piece of me wanted you to put me down. But as a soldier of advanced combat, I came back to reality. Perhaps in the right situation, you could win in combat but this wouldn't be one of those situations. I am... so tired, Sa'ato. I don't belong in a place with them... just, end me. I deserve it. And at least this way, my life will be taken in the hands of... someone who has helped me more than wounded." she half pleaded, tossing her lightsaber at his feet then getting to the ground than on her knees, in complete surrender and at the mercy of the High Priest.
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Professor Mors
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Re: Lessons, lessons { Sa’ato + Aliclair | Closed }
Sa'ato lifted an eyebrow as Aliclair gave her deposition. It remained raised even after she had thrown her weapon at his feet. He was silent again, for a time. Wordlessly, the Neti called on the Force to deliver the Felidae's saberstaff in his hand. Curious, the arboreal academic shifted the weight of the hilt from one side to the other, before letting it fall somewhat slack. One of the two phase emitters angled directly at the downtrodden's acolyte's forehead. The professor had only to sweep a finger across the power switch and he could, indeed, grant the youth's grim request. Whether or not he considered this was not clear from his oaken features.
Instead, without explanation, Sa'ato took a knee himself. Though the professor still loomed over Aliclair somewhat, he trusted the gesture of lowering himself would be clear. "Battered, occasionally", he softly commented at last, "Beaten? I think not". A gilt eye flashed toward Aliclair's own, "If a beast believes they are cornered they will fight all the more fiercely– I cornered you once, and as you've pointed out by omission, I wasn't the victor that day". The professor exhaled quietly, "You aren't cornered now– nor should that be required every time you are called to meet your potential".
Unblinking, the ageless educator continued with a stronger tone, "You think you are a foreigner to the Order, that you do not belong? Your perceptions are flawed". Sa'ato leaned closer still, and cast his gaze beyond the Felidae, "Let me tell you something Acoylte– I admire the Lord of Torment, I respect him and the things he has done to advance our society– but I do not believe him to be eternal". The Neti glanced back at Aliclair, "The Sovereign, for his part, has many enemies within and without our faction– and his connection to the Imperial throne only weakens his position in the long term".
A slight sigh escaped Sa'ato's lips, "Yarkar and Kressara show promise– but I am unsure whether they can overcome their personal weaknesses. Silvanius, despite Our Lord's endorsement– and in spite of her own stubbornness, is much too weak-willed to claim the mantle". The Neti paused and rolled his shoulder slightly, "I find myself unsuited to the position of Darth– I have no desire to claim it–". The academic twisted his torso to look the Felidae clear in the face, "But I believe you have the potential– the skill– the instincts, whether you recognize it or not. Maybe you too have no affection for the title– still, consider the possible futures you might craft".
There was an intensity, perhaps enthusiasm with which Sa'ato delivered that last point. All the same, having finished, a frown creased across his features, and stood up quickly. "Whether or not your fate concludes here is your business", the Neti hissed, throwing the lightstaff back down into the dust, "I will never destroy that which has such powerful possibilities. I will wait with your ship for one hour. If you do not appear in that span of time, I will seek passage on one of the Elder's vessels. Continue to cultivate yourself within the Order, or don't– it is not for me to decide". Having said his peace, the academic turned to leave, walking briskly back along his previous route…
Instead, without explanation, Sa'ato took a knee himself. Though the professor still loomed over Aliclair somewhat, he trusted the gesture of lowering himself would be clear. "Battered, occasionally", he softly commented at last, "Beaten? I think not". A gilt eye flashed toward Aliclair's own, "If a beast believes they are cornered they will fight all the more fiercely– I cornered you once, and as you've pointed out by omission, I wasn't the victor that day". The professor exhaled quietly, "You aren't cornered now– nor should that be required every time you are called to meet your potential".
Unblinking, the ageless educator continued with a stronger tone, "You think you are a foreigner to the Order, that you do not belong? Your perceptions are flawed". Sa'ato leaned closer still, and cast his gaze beyond the Felidae, "Let me tell you something Acoylte– I admire the Lord of Torment, I respect him and the things he has done to advance our society– but I do not believe him to be eternal". The Neti glanced back at Aliclair, "The Sovereign, for his part, has many enemies within and without our faction– and his connection to the Imperial throne only weakens his position in the long term".
A slight sigh escaped Sa'ato's lips, "Yarkar and Kressara show promise– but I am unsure whether they can overcome their personal weaknesses. Silvanius, despite Our Lord's endorsement– and in spite of her own stubbornness, is much too weak-willed to claim the mantle". The Neti paused and rolled his shoulder slightly, "I find myself unsuited to the position of Darth– I have no desire to claim it–". The academic twisted his torso to look the Felidae clear in the face, "But I believe you have the potential– the skill– the instincts, whether you recognize it or not. Maybe you too have no affection for the title– still, consider the possible futures you might craft".
There was an intensity, perhaps enthusiasm with which Sa'ato delivered that last point. All the same, having finished, a frown creased across his features, and stood up quickly. "Whether or not your fate concludes here is your business", the Neti hissed, throwing the lightstaff back down into the dust, "I will never destroy that which has such powerful possibilities. I will wait with your ship for one hour. If you do not appear in that span of time, I will seek passage on one of the Elder's vessels. Continue to cultivate yourself within the Order, or don't– it is not for me to decide". Having said his peace, the academic turned to leave, walking briskly back along his previous route…
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Sa'ato Mors
Sa'ato Mors
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Aliclair Austjor
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Re: Lessons, lessons { Sa’ato + Aliclair | Closed }
Aliclair's gaze stayed downwards, staring into the hot hand below her knees. Of course he would lack the knowledge of Tormentous tearing her new ones, keeping her chained up, branding her... The feminine's time in chains. It was Silvanius who freed her, toured her around then she was passed onto Silas. She sided with the Sovereign which granted her freedom from those chains The Lord of Torment had cuffed her into and from there, used in missions and granted freedom to travel between owned territories of the Sith. Her ear twitched to the sound of her sabre being taken into arms and thus she shut her eyes. Would she be granted her wish? Within those very few seconds, the life she had gone through flashed before her covered optics. From the point that she could create memory just put on display within her mind like a film reel. Her hands rested ontop her knees but instead of being met with her end, she felt Sa'ato's presences come closer. Furrowing her brows with confusion, she lifted her gaze to meet his. As he spoke more, her jitters, nerves, slowly eased. She heard of her enemies, her neutrals... her friends.
Slowly, personal shame took over her sternum; in what world did she think this was okay? To just surrender her life? It wasn't her. What caused her to straighten her spine was... the potential of her to become Darth. Top dog of what she once swore to fight against. Ali chewed slightly on her bottom lip. No; no it will not end here. Her life, her journey. Not while there was so much to learn, so much to do. Looking down at her thrown sabre. A symbol of her failed attempt to bleed her crystal but it only failed because she still had a distaste of the darkside but what if she accepted, and moved forward? She'd need a teacher...
Ali waited little time before getting to her feet and brushing off the dirt and depression, sharply whistling to signal Brutchus at her side. What she didn't expect was a shadow; his shadow. She tilted her head, raised a brow but got to her knee to meet his new friend. "You're new... How would you feel about joining our little pack, hm?" she purred softly while petting the female counterpart's head. The female Raq was wild, a stray. But, she could adjust to this new life. Her exoskeletal tail wagged at Ali's mane pets and scritches, essentially accepting her preposition. Aliclair returned to her ship roughly 30 minutes after his offer, her hand rubbing her arm and gaze slightly downward. The duo canines pushed passed her to settle in a bed they'd need to share now. Exhaling softly, she raised her optics to face Sa'ato.
"Can... you teach me? Everything? I'm well versed in Jedi history but not Sith history. No more running or moping... I am here to stay."
Slowly, personal shame took over her sternum; in what world did she think this was okay? To just surrender her life? It wasn't her. What caused her to straighten her spine was... the potential of her to become Darth. Top dog of what she once swore to fight against. Ali chewed slightly on her bottom lip. No; no it will not end here. Her life, her journey. Not while there was so much to learn, so much to do. Looking down at her thrown sabre. A symbol of her failed attempt to bleed her crystal but it only failed because she still had a distaste of the darkside but what if she accepted, and moved forward? She'd need a teacher...
Ali waited little time before getting to her feet and brushing off the dirt and depression, sharply whistling to signal Brutchus at her side. What she didn't expect was a shadow; his shadow. She tilted her head, raised a brow but got to her knee to meet his new friend. "You're new... How would you feel about joining our little pack, hm?" she purred softly while petting the female counterpart's head. The female Raq was wild, a stray. But, she could adjust to this new life. Her exoskeletal tail wagged at Ali's mane pets and scritches, essentially accepting her preposition. Aliclair returned to her ship roughly 30 minutes after his offer, her hand rubbing her arm and gaze slightly downward. The duo canines pushed passed her to settle in a bed they'd need to share now. Exhaling softly, she raised her optics to face Sa'ato.
"Can... you teach me? Everything? I'm well versed in Jedi history but not Sith history. No more running or moping... I am here to stay."
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Professor Mors
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Re: Lessons, lessons { Sa’ato + Aliclair | Closed }
Whatever Sa'ato had expected to hear when a forlorn Aliclair reappeared after their period of reflection, it certainly wasn't that response. The surprise on his face was impossible to hide. Still, as quickly as the shock had registered, it soon gave way to a slight grin. At last, progress. Emboldened by this turn of events, the Neti stepped forward, unintentionally shading the Felidae from the harsh sunlight. "All that I have learned shall soon be yours", he offered in a low but soothing tone. Venturing a gentle, sinuous hand on his companion's shoulder, the professor inclined his head and concluded, "Your time as prisoner and guest is at end– together we shall carve out your proper place within the Order…". Yes- the time for hesitation and despair would now be laid to rest. Days of study, practice, and metamorphosis were no longer probable– but inevitable…
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Sa'ato Mors
Sa'ato Mors