"Do you feel the energy here Acolyte- the conflict?", the Neti commented, eyes still shut in meditation, "It is as if the Force itself is locked in an endless war– not unlike our own conflict with the defenders of the Light". Sa'ato blinked, and cast his gaze over to the Felidae seated beside him. The pair sat on what remained of a boulder that had been sheared down to a smooth outcropping by eons of dust-bitten wind. Beyond them lay the warped, gray wasteland of Tython's south pole. And beyond that– the looming, ruined remains of a once mighty fortress. The planet had a storied past, and this shadow-cursed land was but one of many chapters.
The professor had no intention to tell the sad tale of Belia Darzu and her castle on this particular occasion– though he figured the site would be stronger in the Dark Side than other sections of the planet. He was pleased to find his hypothesis was accurate. "The Jedi seek our eradication", the professor continued in quiet reflection, scanning the barren landscape, "I know this to be impossible– just as we can never truly be rid of their ilk". The academic glanced back to Aliclair, "You claim to know their history– but did they bother to tell you that at one time we were all one tribe? United by our tether to the Force, rather than how we chose to wield its power".
Sa'ato narrowed his brows at the derelict fort on the horizon, "There was a time when this place was home to both the Jedi's greatest champions– and those that sought liberation from their short-sighted dogma". Trying his luck once more, the Neti carefully pressed a hand against the Felidae's shoulder-blade, "Concentrate– let the conflict that permeates this place permeate you– reflect on the conflicts that brought you before the Dark Lord. Reflect on the lessons you have learned– or unlearned, and draw new strength from that tension– from the release in knowing you are on the path to become all of which you are capable…".
