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Chapter Fifty Two Slowly
coming to rest upon the landing pad, the sleek black and gold freighter known as
the SkyDancer shows
all from where her name is derived. Her graceful profile allows it to glide
through the atmosphere with not a whisper of turbulence, almost as though it
were dancing upon the very sky it soared through. Once
her landing feet have made contact with the pad the greeting party moves towards
the beautiful vessel. The docking port opens and a ramp extends silently to the
ground. At the opening, the first figure is beheld, an older man with a long
flowing mustachio, wearing the robes of one of their brethren. Nodding to one
another in acknowledgement of this fact they all turn their attention back to
the ramp. First down is the man, who greets them with a careful bow of his head.
“Greetings,
Master Mussiri. All were most excited to learn of your mission’s success and
of your prompt, but long awaited return to us.” The tallest of the group and a
woman of some age speaks for the group of three. “I
am most honored by your greeting, Goodwoman Nassarat.” Gazing at each with his
greeting of them, “High Mistress Foloorian… Honored Master Samya… Our
journey has indeed been a long one, but I fear it is far from over.” They each
nod solemnly with his warning. “Indeed,
old friend, but now we must welcome you and your companions to Sanctuary. The
duration of your stay shall be discussed later, with the membership in
attendance.” Mistress Taryn Foloorian remarks and then turns for the
appearance of those just mentioned. Down
the ramp now comes Ruler Elassi Mehand of the Chandrillan Peoples, her
assistant, her daughter, and her granddaughter. Surprised by the appearance of
the young girl, Honored Master Toku Samya speaks up, “I was not aware the
child knew of her relations… How did this come about, Master Falion?” “All
will be discussed in the chamber. But for now, she is here, and is seeking our
guidance.” They all bow with Master Mussiri’s statement. All
four of the adepts bow before Ruler Mehand, much more deeply than they bowed for
one another. Each waiting for a word from the elder stateswoman before rising,
“Please, my friends… There is no need for such a display. I am deeply
honored by your greeting for myself, and for my family.” Placing a hand on
each of their shoulders, acknowledging their right to stand upright once more in
a traditional gesture of Chandrillan noble goodwill. Each
member of her entourage is given greeting as well. As they conclude this little
ceremonial greeting, two more figures emerge from the SkyDancer.
The golden maned young woman of which they are most familiar, but also a dashing
young man for whom none have ever laid eyes upon. Yet, each feels a certain
familiar sensation as they reach out to him. “You have brought another, Master
Falion?” Nodding
slowly, “I have… And I should wish a meeting with High Master Arankelee to
discuss his presence among us.” Mistress Foloorian nods in acceptance of his
request. “He shall dwell in my quarters for the time being, if all is well
with you good people?” They each nod in acceptance once more, and then they
all turn to depart, without greeting the final two members of this party. Jae
notices the others exiting the landing pad through an ornate entryway and begins
to wonder if he has done something wrong. “Do I need to hit the ‘fresher
again or something?” He says nudging Meesahran’s side. “Nah,
they just don’t greet apprentices and potential apprentices. Something about
hierarchy and stuff… But that’s okay, I can show you where you’ll be
bunking, and then I need to split.” Adjusting
the pack he has slung across his shoulder a bit, Jae is puzzled by Meesahran’s
response, “Split where?” Meesahran
scans a chip at the entryway and Jae can hear the doors to the landing pad
beginning to lumber closed just as the door before them opens. “Oh, Master
Mussiri has his own place here, and you’ll be staying with him. I’ve got
other quarters and I need to get set up there before my appointments.” “Appointments?”
The confusion on his face makes Meesahran chuckle a bit. “Yeah,
being an apprentice, whenever I make it back to Sanctuary, I try to get all of
my other training done as fast as possible. Since I never know how long I’ll
be here… Plus, I have people to see.” Meesahran’s step becomes a bit
quicker with her statement, and Jae has to hitch up his own step to keep up with
her, but her final words lead him to believe that she has something going on
here she doesn’t want him to know about. Either way, if he does not hurry up,
he is going to get really lost in the enormous hallways and porticos that they
fly past as he struggles to keep close to Meesahran. This is a mystery
for another time. As
he rounds a corner, right after her he almost bowls right over her, when he
finds her stopped talking with another young woman. “Hey! Slow down,
nerf-brain!” Jae’s breath is caught in his throat. “Sorry, I ran into a
friend with some news… Just a sec and I’ll show you to your chambers.”
Meesahran turns back to the young woman and she continues her discussion. “So,
when they all started arriving it was really tense around the gymnasium, but it
looks like they may finally have reached some kind of accord.” Stopping to
take a breath again, she turns to Jae, “So, who’s the new guy? He’s not
quite as dark as the last one, but he’s cute.” Jae’s
recently returned breath is forced out by his shock at this strange woman’s
statement. Meesahran puts a hand on his forearm to steady him before she speaks,
“This is my old friend, Jae. And you should leave him alone…” The two
women laugh out loud now, and Jae realizes that it is only a joke. “Yeah,
thanks, that’s what I needed right now.” Jae tries to shake off the joke,
but he is still blushing just a bit. “Sorry,
Jae, Ruleel gets an unwelcome reputation because of her species, and she and I
usually play off of it for fun.” It is then that Jae notices the other woman
has an unusual color to her flesh. Her hair is not visible under the large
turban that she wears, since it drapes down her back. And that is when Jae
realizes in a flash that the woman he is talking to is a Twi’lek. “Yeah,
no sweat.” Jae tries to cover up his shock. Unfortunately, the one Corellian
trait he wishes he never had is being slightly uncomfortable with non-humans. Sensing
this the woman offers him her hand, in a traditional Corellian greeting, “It
is nice to finally meet the infamous Master Reklaw. I hope you will be able to
find a place here, Jae… Sanctuary is home to many adepts from across the
galaxy. Perhaps one day you too will be able to call it home.” Releasing his
hand and turning back to her friend, “Well, I must be going, I have a lesson
with Masters Toryn and Fyrenon in a few minutes, and I mustn’t be late.” The
woman winks at Meesahran and nods to Jae before disappearing down the opposite
corridor. There
is an awkward silence between Jae & Meesahran as they watch the woman
disappear, but it is broken by Meesahran, “Ya know, Jae. You really should do
something about that.” Knowing
what she is referring to, but afraid to put words to it, “What do you mean?” “Just
because she’s not human, doesn’t mean she’s a bad person.” Never looking
into his eyes as she speaks, ashamed of his unconscious display. “I
know that, but it just happens. My mind knows it, but I don’t know, something
always makes me uneasy around them… Maybe I just need more exposure.” Jae
looks down at his feet as he speaks. “Well,
guess you’ll take care of that here…” She turns back to him, “C’mon, I
need to get you settled so I can get busy.” She nudges him in the shoulder and
he is relieved that her disappointment is not too great as to abandon all hope
in him. “Thanks,
and I’m ready. Just try to slow down a bit. I’ve never been here,
remember.” He gestures to their surroundings, “And this is pretty fraggin’
impressive for a street vrelt like me.” Meesahran looks around at the hall in
which they stand and remember what it was like for her on her first visit to
Sanctuary. “Sorry,
I forgot. We’ll slow down a bit, but only a bit. There’ll be time for sight
seeing later.” She flashes him that smile again and Jae wonders how many doors
she has opened with that smile. And just how many hearts have been taken with
it… Too bad she doesn’t smile more often. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Her back to the
entrance of the chamber, Meesahran runs a comb through her long, wet, golden
hair as she contemplates what the future holds for her in this new era of unity
among the mystics. So caught up in her own thoughts, that she fails to notice
the entrance of another; a tall, striking man, with piercing blue eyes and coal
black hair. He stealthily approaches the thoughtful young woman and slowly
reaches out to grasp her shoulders when: He finds
himself flying through the air after his forearm arm is wrenched away and used
to throw his considerable form into the divan at the window. Gasping for the
air that has just been knocked from his lungs, the man begins to laugh. A deep
resonating belly laugh that finds Meesahran standing at the ready, prepared to
continue the fight. “Excellent form, Meesahran!” As he continues to sputter
from the lack of air, the man rises from his precarious position and takes the
young woman up into his arms, twirling her about like a rag doll. “Good to see
you, young one!” “Thank you,
Master Bowen.” Meesahran manages to gasp out her words as his embrace
struggles to squeeze the very life out of her. Finding himself
holding a girl suspended in the air, who is considerably taller than he, Master
Bowen Dracul releases the girl from this ridiculous display, holds her at
arm’s length (so that he might see the full view of her) and then takes her
back into his embrace (more respectably this time). “You get more beautiful
every time I see you… And how long has it been this time?” As he pulls away,
his mock frown causes Meesahran to giggle. “Too long,
I’m afraid… And most likely not long enough, either.” Her sorrow is
evident in her words, but it does not stop the man from taking her into his arms
once more. “Well, then I
guess we’ll have to make the most of the time we have, child.” He looks
around the chamber and notices that she has taken the pallet near the window.
“I see you’ve made yourself to home?” Once again, the movement of his brow
and the careful frown he gives her causes her to giggle. “Good, then that’s
settled. On to the meal… We do have time for sharing a meal, don’t we?”
Her look gives him some question. “A few, I
hope. But not alone, I’m afraid.” She searches his gaze for disappointment. “As long as
we’re together, I’m happy… I assume you mean your master?” He showers
her with the delight of his smile. “Yes, and
others… I have a surprise for you, and one of the Elders. And I had hoped you
would be so kind as to assist me in the final stage of this most recent
adventure of mine, please?” Her face instantly turns into a fantastically
demure expression and Master Dracul melts almost as quickly. Laughing, with
that same deep guttural guffaw, “Of course, child! When have I ever been able
to refuse your charms?” Taking her into his arms once more, Meesahran buries
her head in his shoulder, feeling the warmth of his radiance and delighting in
his sheer presence. To her, this
will forever be: home. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Wondering
around the sparse, yet austere chambers he has been brought to, Jae-Lee Reklaw
finds himself in a state of constant awe. Sensing that the larger sleeping
chamber was that of Master Mussiri, he chose the smaller one on the opposing
side of this astounding suite of rooms. Not sure if he has enough freedom to
wander the halls of this place they call Sanctuary, Jae has contented himself
with wandering throughout the suite. On what appears to be a mantle piece, Jae
finds a rare form of art, an Alderaani Grass Painting. He remembers that
Meesahran told him that Master Mussiri was originally from Alderaan, but Jae
never imagined the man to be an admirer of such extravagance. “It was a
gift from a dear friend.” The voice of Master Mussiri frightens Jae a bit, but
he turns to find the Master looking upon the same piece of art. “Her family
felt indebted to me for her training and so they acquired the piece as a token
of their respect.” Trying to cover
his shock, once more, Jae responds, “I’ve heard of these things, but I’ve
never actually seen one in real life, only holograms. They really are as amazing
as I’ve always heard.” “Yes, the
skill with which one is able to create such a treasure is indeed a miraculous
and beautiful thing…” Finally turning to face Jae, “I see Meesahran
delivered you safely here.” “Well,
mostly, but yeah. This is quite a place you have here, Master Falion.” Jae
looks around once more at his surroundings. “Yes, I am
afraid the length of my tenure with these fine people has given them over to
feeling I am in need of such opulence. However, when I am blessed with the
company of another, it is a welcome comfort.” The Master takes a seat on the
chaise to the right of the mantle. Gesturing for Jae to do the same, “Please,
make yourself comfortable in this place. It is as much your as it is mine during
your stay here.” Jae sits down
upon the chaise to the left of the mantle, “Thank you, Master Falion, but what
is it exactly you do here.” “I spend so
little time here, I am not certain that I may answer that question.” His smile
is evident from the raising of the long and heavy whiskers of his mustachio,
“However, among these people I am considered an elder of sorts, but I am
mostly nothing more than a teacher.” “Somehow,
Master Falion, I think you are far more than just a teacher.” The Master
chuckles a bit at Jae’s comment before continuing to speak, “Yes, at times
that may be the case… Now, as for yourself. Please, you are welcome in this
place, and as such you are free to go where you wish. There are many things to
occupy ones time with in this place and I am certain that shall find something
to interest you whilst I attend to some urgent business.” Master Mussiri looks
to Jae for understanding of his statements and when he finds it in Jae’s eyes
he is pleased. “Now, if you shall excuse me, I am in need of a certain amount
of rest before I my business is attended to.” He rises from the chaise with
all the grace Jae has ever seen in a man, “I shall take my leave of you,
Master Reklaw.” Jae bows to the
elder man and watches him disappear into his sleeping chamber. Looking around
once more at his surrounding, Jae figures he has got a lot more to see before
the day is done and decides to set out on an exploration of this wondrous place. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Making his way down the first corridor Jae nearly stumble over someone as he is having trouble taking his eyes off of the intricate patterns on the ceiling. “Maybe you should try standing still when you are looking at the ceiling.” The familiar and sweet voice breaks him from the hypnotic effect of the ceiling patterns. “Xana! What
are you doing here?” He cannot contain his excitement at seeing her. She giggles at
his exclamation, “Looking for you, silly.” Jae blushes
slightly, “Oh well, you found me… Though I’m not sure where I am
exactly… This place is mesmerizing.” He continues to look around him. “Yes, it
truly is beautiful.” Xana joins him in surveying their surroundings. Bringing
her gaze back to the here and now, “Jae, I just wanted to come by and see you
for a moment. I am not certain when I will be able to get away again, and I just
wanted you to know that I will be thinking of you.” Jae looks down
at this delicate creature before him, “Oh… Well, thanks.” He cannot help
but keep the disappointment from his voice. “It’s just
that I have decided to stay here and begin training. And I am not certain when
that will start, or what it involves just yet. Plus there is the whole issue
regarding my family…” She trails off just a bit as she tries to explain. “Xana,
look.” Jae tenderly takes her chin in his hand, “Don’t worry about me, as
long as you are happy, that’s all that matters.” She brightens just a bit
with his words, “And I may be sticking around here myself. I haven’t decided
yet, or even know if I’m gonna be welcome to stay, but I’ve got unfinished
business here. So, I’ll be around for at least a little while, if you need
someone to talk to that is.” Xana smiles,
“I am very happy for you, Jae. I think Sanctuary will be a wonderful
experience for you.” She takes his arm, “And if you would be so good as to
walk me back to my chambers?” Jae straightens
a bit, “But of course, mi’lady.” And they begin to walk off towards
another corridor, arm in arm. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Following the
sounds of swinging and crashing lightsabers, Jae-Lee Reklaw picks his way
through the cold and expansive corridors of the Sanctuary. The sounds being the
only familiar thing he can connect with in this strange and wondrous place.
Since his arrival here he has been somewhat isolated from his traveling
companions, and that has only increased his sense of awe. Being alone in this
place has given him a fresh perspective on its beauty and mystery, but with no
one to guide him, he has had to experience it on his own. When he first
heard Meesahran speak of the Sanctuary, he had been disbelieving of her
description. Thinking that she was simply making it sound much grander than it
truly was (due mostly to her wanting him to follow her there), he had dismissed
her accounts of its grandeur. But now that he was here, he could see that she
was seriously underreporting its true worth. Now, he was
hoping to find something, anything, familiar to ground him in the wonder. He
knew where Xana and her family were staying, but he knew they needed more time.
And he really did not feel as though he had the right to intrude either. When
the sound of lightsabers in action caught his ear, he was immediately drawn to
them. And now, as the sounds are becoming clearer, closer, he can feel the
anticipation bubbling up in his chest. To see true masters in combat will be a
joy he has only dreamed of in his mind. Today, it will become a reality. Nearing the hall from which the sounds are emerging, his heart leaps up into his chest. As he turns the corner his eyes are dumbfounded with the sight that they behold: two men, two full-grown men, on full attack of a single young woman. And what is even more astounding: she is fighting them back. Upon entering
the room, Jae finally comes to the realization that the brilliant young fighter
before him is indeed Meesahran! Her golden, curly locks swirling about her face
and shoulders as he dodges and parries every strike and blow from the two men
around her. With a blinding flurry of motion, Meesahran drives back the larger
man, and then lunges for the smaller one, causing each to change the tack of
their own movements. Jae stands back
in awe of this amazing display of saber play. His childhood friend before him,
but not the same person he remembers. Now, he sees the fierce warrior that she
has become, the skilled adept, the woman: no longer the girl of his memory. The
energy that is cascading off of Meesahran is akin to fine Corellian Brandy;
smooth and refreshing, yet with a strength that belies its color and feel. Just
being in this room with her and these men is filling him with an invigorating
sensation. And the excitement that he felt before arriving at this room has more
than doubled. He is swimming in the intoxicating rhythm of their blades in
motion. Watching the
action and trying desperately to keep track of each motion, each defense, each
offense, his mind is a whirlwind of notations. Dodge, parry, thrust, repost,
parry, thrust, dodge, spin kick, parry, repost, thrust, stiff arm, dodge, leap,
thrust, right swing, spin kick, dodge, parry, elbow, back flip, parry, thrust,
side flip, thrust, front flip, spin kick, dodge, parry, thrust… As his mind is
focused on the action, and the thrill of the fight as well as the magnificent
sight of his friend in her true element, he is unaware of the man who now stands
at his side. Falion Mussiri silently watches the young man’s amazement at the
sight before him. Struck by his own amusement for the young man’s delight,
Master Mussiri smiles. And just when
Jae-Lee thinks that the men have finally pinned Meesahran into a position she
seems to have no escape from, she wields her blade once more. Dropping into a
crouch, she then leaps from their trap with an end over end, spinning side flip
that puts her into position to have her saber blade at the chest of the larger
man and a suddenly appearing vibroblade at the throat of the other. With that,
the battle is done. Unable to
contain himself, Jae-Lee brings his hands up to begin applauding his friend’s
victory when Master Mussiri speaks up from his side. “Well, done, young one…
It seems you have drawn quite the crowd.” The older man points in the
direction of the window above the exercise hall, where a dozen or more people
have gathered for the show. Without
ceremony or any pomp, Meesahran and her fighting companions turn to the Master
and reverently bow, then to the window and bow once more. Jae, still speechless,
can only clap his hands together. And for the first time, Meesahran notices him. When the smile
begins to spread across her face, he knows that all is well. Then, without a
moment’s pause, she runs towards him and throws her arms around him in a warm
and welcome embrace. Jae lingers a moment in the warmth of her expression of
joy, and in her presence, before he pulls her back to get a good look at the
woman before him. “Well, guess
I should stop worrying about you, huh?” And with that, he gives her one of his
famous sideways grins. She gives him a
slight nudge in the side and then turns to call over her fighting partners.
“Here he is, the guy I’ve been telling you about.” The two men,
obvious friends, wipe the perspiration from their brows from the same towel and
slowly amble towards Meesahran. Jae notices a feeling of intimidation pouring
off of the larger man, but cannot quite pinpoint its intention. As the men near
the three standing just inside the doorway, they stop and once again bow
reverently before Master Mussiri. “You honor us with your praise, High Master
Falion. It is a most welcome honor.” The smaller man, seeming to be from an
aristocratic background, speaks with great formality to Master Mussiri. “It is I that
should be thanking you both. If not you, I should have had to endure such an
attack for young Meesahran’s training.” Bowing his head as he speaks, the
master is most gracious to these men. “If I may be allowed…” The Master
looks to Meesahran for confirmation, and receives it from her. “I am pleased
to introduce you both to an old acquaintance of Meesahran’s.” He gestures
for Jae to meet these men, and Jae steps forward. “This is young Master
Jae-Lee Reklaw…” Jae takes his cues from the men’s earlier behavior and
bows in much the same manner to these men. Looking at one
another and then in amusement at Jae’s vulnerable stance, the larger man
begins to make a move, but is quickly stopped by Meesahran. “I don’t think
so, guys…” Jae immediately rights himself and sees his error, somewhat
embarrassedly. “Please behave… You should at least get to know him before
you start pulling those kinds of tricks.” Jae is now quite embarrassed and
looks to Meesahran for some kind of clue as to what to expect next. “Jae, this
is High Master Timaji Rivendi, the saber master here at the Sanctuary. No one
gets through training here without getting through him at least once.”
Meesahran presents the smaller man to Jae and he offers his hand in a typical
Corellian fashion, which Jae immediately accepts. “I apologize
for my forwardness, but Meesahran has spoke of you so often, I feel as though we
already know you. And I did remember that you were Corellian.” Jae nods and is
a little more at ease now. Meesahran then
motions for Jae to look at the larger man: a man of considerable strength, with
dark hair and an obvious penchant for not wearing sleeves. As the man extends
his left hand for Jae, in a similar gesture of acceptance, Jae is struck by the
tattoo on his exposed shoulder. A tattoo that bears a striking resemblance to
one he has seen before. “And this is Master Bowen Dracul, he is the best
Master at hand to hand combat and physical prowess… Especially since he does
not use the Force in any way.” As Jae takes the man’s hand he wonders how
that is possible, since this man is simply charged with the energy of the Force.
Just being this close to him he could sense it, but now, with his hand in
Jae’s, it is a positively electric sensation. The man notices
the shock upon Jae’s face, “It’s all right, kid, everyone has to ask at
some point... Let’s just say I probably can, but I don’t.” The look on the
big man’s face is practically mischievous in its intent. “It’s good to
finally meet you, though… Heard lots about you from the nerf.” The man’s
voice is so strong and low that it almost sounds like a rumble whenever he
speaks, but more peculiar than that is his informality among so many people used
to speaking in a formal fashion. Jae almost feels at ease with this man, were it
not for the suspicion that he feels coming off him. “Um, yeah,
thanks… Wish I could say the same about you… But Mees is well…” The two
men immediately laugh out loud at his confusion. “S’okay,
kid. We understand. You’ll figure it out eventually.” Looking at each other
and then at Master Mussiri. “Mees is something of a-… Poor communicator. You
just have to learn to not listen to what she says, and concentrate on what she
feels. The information is easier to get that way.” The man pats Jae on the
shoulder and starts to lead him out of the exercise hall. “You and me have
some talkin’ ta do tonight… During evening meal?” He looks back at Master
Mussiri who is following them along with the others. “You are joining us,
right? I know Mees would be disappointed if you didn’t.” Master Mussiri
nods his head in affirmation, “Of course, Bowen… But I will not be able to
stay for long… I have business before the council this evening.” “Well, yeah,
of course. I knew that much. Old Timaji, here told me that before we started
sparring.” The man’s jovial mood has given Jae a bit of relief, but he is
still very confused as to what is going on right now. Jae decides
that talking might help to ease his unrest, “That was sparring?… Looked a
lot more serious than I’ve ever seen sparring get.” “Yeah, well,
we were ribbin’ the kid pretty hard, huh ???” Master Dracul says as his
nudges Jae in the side, harder than Jae thought was necessary. I guess he
doesn’t know his own strength, or he’s trying to see if I’m stronger than
a I look. “Something
like that… You two are trouble whenever they let you stick around each other
for too long.” Mees winks at Jae as he turns to see her reaction. “Hey, why
don’t you all go get cleaned up, and I’ll show Jae around the Sanctuary
before evening meal?… Come on Jae, let’s leave these fossils to their pain
and suffering. I know they both need a good strong drink before they could reach
their own toes right now.” Her mischievous grin is back and it lightens
Jae’s heart once more. “Keep it up,
nerf. You’ll be there one day.” Master Dracul calls after her as she and Jae
have already spirited away from the older men. “Kids, will they ever learn?”
Master Bowen asks of Master Mussiri. “I am not
certain, Bowen… Have you learned yet?” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Nearly running
to catch up with her Jae-Lee is struck by the change in Meesahran’s mood since
their arrival here. He had expected her to still be in that same fragile state
since he confronted her and forced her to rehash such horrible memories. Or that
she might still be worried about Xana and her family. But instead, she is
smiling and playful. She is the Meesahran he remembers best. “Hey, wait
up! This place gets me too turned around.” He reaches her side just as she
turns to wait for him. “Well, then
hurry up! We haven’t got all day to sight see. I have to get back to the
chamber and get the evening meal started.” She takes his arm and they continue
on together. “You’re
cooking? Maybe I will skip that meal.” Taking an elbow in the side Jae starts
to laugh and Mees joins him. “I’m just kidding… So, where are you taking
me anyway? I’m so lost right now, I’d never find my way back.” Jae looks
around the deep and cavernous hall he finds himself walking through at the
moment. “It’s a
surprise, but I think you’ll like this one.” They walk the
rest of the way in silence, down expansive hallways, through peaceful
courtyards, across serene gardens, up elegant staircases and around intricate
sculptures. Finally, after what seemed like an amazingly decorated eternity they
reach a portal. “Well, I said
it was a surprise. Are you ready?” Meesahran has that mischievous look on her
face once more. “What’s on
the other side, Mees?” Jae looks from Meesahran’s face to the portal and
back again. “Go through
and find out, Jae.” Looking at his
friend once more, his curiosity takes hold and he makes one step towards the
portal and the drape that is separating him from whatever lies in store for him
on the other side. Reaching a hand towards the drape, Jae can feel an astounding
warmth escaping from the folds of the drape. He turns back to Meesahran once
more to be certain that he should continue. Seeing encouragement in her eyes, he
takes another step and places the other hand upon the drape. Carefully
pulling the drape the open, Jae cautiously peers out through the portal. When
the drape is pulled all the way back, he is struck by the blinding, golden light
pouring in from the portal. The warmth from the light is so envigorating, and
the brightness nearly blinds him, until his eyes begin to adjust and re-focus.
When they finish focusing, Jae is standing upon a balcony, overlooking a series
great cliffs, below which rests an enormous canyon. When he attempts to look
beyond the canyon he can just make out a range of mountains capped with snow. “Those are
the Manaari Mountains. That’s where all of our water comes from. This side of
the planet is relatively undeveloped. The other side is becoming a megalopolis.
If things keep up this way, someday the whole planet may be a city.” She steps
up to join him at his side on the balcony, “I suppose they come here for the
same reasons the others have gathered here. It’s central to the trade and
hyperspace routes. Makes it easier to coordinate from the center than from the
fringe.” She takes a deep breath and then exhales slowly. “I have always
loved coming here. This view is my favorite. And it always makes me think of
you.” Jae turns to
face Mees, but she continues to look out over the canyon. Her mood seems to have
shifted once more. “Just promise me one thing, Jae?” Placing a hand
over hers on the railing, “If it’s in my power, it’ll be done, Mees.” “If you
decide to complete your training here, you’ll do everything you can not to
isolate yourself… The way I have.” She turns to face him now, a look of
absolute certainty on her face. “Don’t ever forget who you are. Don’t get
so lost in the quest that you leave everything else behind. Share your life,
Jae. It’s worth sharing.” Her eyes are nearly welled up with tears, and Jae
can think of nothing else to do but to place an arm around her shoulder and hold
her close to him. As he does so, she puts her head on his shoulder. Stroking her
shoulder, ever so slightly, with his thumb, he whispers to her, “I promise,
Mees… I promise…”
Creator: PtrsonsZOO (Jennifer)
*SPECIAL NOTE: Due to circumstances beyond our control, the rest of the story will be written by PtrsonsZOO (Jennifer)
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