Ask By the Candle Fire

[Alhazred]

Once the roots had taken fully ahold of the beast into a position that no longer required Alhazred's focus, the Nu-Vaal relaxed. His entire body loosened, and Alhazred stumbled backwards and fell onto the ground. The song disapated from his head as he recovered from the mentally taxing action.

Alhazred was about to say something when the noises behind him caught his attention. Yelling tended to do that. When the tavernkeeper rushed by, Alhazred didn't have enough energy at the moment to stop him to explain himself, and was forced to watch the man run off.

"Someone halt that man and mollify him!" Alhazred told the others. "I'll tend to the wife. Keep your wits about you"

Picking himself up and dusting himself off, Alhazred made his way back to the Zabrak woman. The woman had an expression Alhazred was familiar with. A broken mind. The Nu-Vaal had experienced the same feeling once. And he knew that there was a reason behind it.

"Madam" Alhazred whispered as he approached "What happened? We are Jedi, we can assist you with whatever is going on..."

@Sreeya @throwitintothefire @LouJoVi @Wills @Fine Dining Set @Mythos

 

[Zessel]

Even with the beast basically defeated by this point, Zessel was still pissed with his destroyed cookies. It was ridiculous how he had spent a lot of time doing it, only for a rat to taste. And the ants. Because he already saw a group of the tiny insects gathering around the remains of his work of art. It was a depressing sight.

His mourning for the cookies would need to wait, because the tavern keeper returned. He was screaming in panic and the half-Arkanian immediately got concerned. Did another creature attack them while the Jedi were distracted? This could be a possibility, since these beasts seemed to be smart.

He started to understand the situation when the tavern keeper said that his son had been taken. Then his wife appeared with a shocked face halfway while her husband continued freaking out. ‘Yep, I bet that another creature got their son.’ the white-haired boy thought, while the man rushed toward the exit.

Without any weapon.

Not dressed for the snow.

‘Yeah, he is going to die.’

Zessel heard Alhazred tell that they should stop the tavern keeper and he decided to do it, but he was in doubt about what mollify meant. Well, he was a fourteen years old boy with focus problems. He didn’t pay attention to all possible words and their synonyms that existed in the dictionary, but decided to give a look at it later.

However, he knew what halt meant and could do it perfectly.

By tackling the tavern keeper and nearly making the two fall in the snow that had accumulated in the front of the destroyed door. Then the Padawan held the man’s arms, using all his strength to make the dude not move. “Sir, we are going to find your son, but you need to stay calm. If you go outside and there is another of these things, they can kill you.” he said, using the Force to calm the tavern keeper. “Can you explain what happened?”

@LilyNion @Narzen @throwitintothefire @Wills @Fine Dining Set @Sreeya @Mythos

 

[Johanes av Holsen]

Johan anchored his gaze on the thing, observing it with conviction. What a vile and repulsive creature. If it showed any signs of breaking free, he'd strike it down on the spot, closing them eyes forever. For now, a staring contest was good enough, one he was determined to win. Surely at least one of those eyes would blink eventually... right?

In the background, he could hear the smashing of plates and the clanking of cutlery. "What now...?" he murmured under his breath. Despite all the ruckus, he kept his attention focused on the beast as A'kari probed its mind. Someone else could deal with that.

And deal with it, they did. Or to be precise, Zessel did. One moment, the tavern keeper was rambling on about something. Then next, he saw the white-haired boy tackle him like it was a game of Huttball or something. "What the kriff?!" he spun his head toward the commotion, inadvertently letting the beast win their staring contest... Next time it won't be so lucky.

Johan lowered his guard slightly. His attention split between the ensuing conversation and the restrained aberration. His eyes widened at the mention of the missing son. How in the hell did that happen? It seemed odd, to say the least. Then again, this whole day was becoming a shit show.

@LilyNion @Narzen @Fine Dining Set @throwitintothefire @LouJoVi @Sreeya

 

[Macote Hassan]

Macote's toes shivered in the cold - he had neglected to change from his slippers to his boots in the chaos of the fighting. There would be no time to address this now, though, so he would shiver and bear it. Macote followed the sets of tracks in the woods, drawing on his training from his parents in the art of the Kage Warrior. He saw the tracks diverge into the woods.

Were they…stopping him? Stopping a father from searching for his son? Are these Jedi braindead? Had they been separated from their parents so long that they failed to understand the parent-child relationship? "Idiots..." he muttered, under his breath, as he ignited his blade to finish the wounded abomination.

The Kage, incensed by the cruelty of these abominations and the lack of empathy from his fellow Jedi, the Kage approached the pale boy Zessel (@LouJoVi ) and grabbed his arm, forcing him off of the tavern keeper. "What is your problem? Pay kriffing attention. The abominations chasing the JEDI stole his son." They didn't have time to waste with pointless theatrics. "A father deserves to be able to search for his son. If he accepts the risk. He's a grown man, not a child." He thought back to his parents, how they had sacrificed their life to protect him. He couldn't imagine the fear that these two innkeepers felt. And, the guilt that they had attracted anti-Jedi violence towards civilians burned within him.

Still in his slippers, the Kage said nothing else and began to follow the tracks. Children's footprints followed another set of track. He followed them until they split into two paths - one bearing a beast's, while the other carrying the gait of an elderly feminine woman. The Kage whistled into his fingers, loudly, calling the other Jedi to attention. "Hey! We've got two sets of tracks over here." Would they have to split the party?

Spoiler

Macote finishes off the dog.
Macote tries to release the Tavern keep.
Macote notes tracks in the forest, that split.

@throwitintothefire @LouJoVi @Wills @Mythos @Narzen

 

[Zessel]

Zessel was still holding the tavern keeper, when he felt someone grab his arm and pull him away from the man. He turned to look at… What was that dude's name? Panacota? No, that was the dessert that he made two days ago. Mamo? Maricote? Manacote? Oh, it was Macote. They don’t even talk early, thus the half–Arkanian considered the other Padawan as completely strange.

And the half–Arkanian hated being touched by strangers without his permission. He couldn’t remember why it started, but it was at some point when he was still in the orphanage

“Don’t touch me!” he screamed in a mix of rage and panic, while slapping the Kage’s hands away from himself. His eyes were glazed as if seeing something or someone that was terrifying. Only when the Kage started to talk did he go back to reality, but still five feet away from the other Padawan. He didn’t even notice when he had walked away.

He turned to look at the tavern keeper, who probably went after his son. “Sorry, I was only doing what he asked.” he muttered, while gesturing to Alhazred. "And I didn't want others to disappear." While he saw logic in what Macote said, the white-haired boy had no idea of what paternal or maternal love could be, besides hearing others talk about it.

He was an orphan, never having met his parents. Zessel’s went from the orphanage to the Jedi Order without any family between these moments. ‘It must be cool to have parents that want to go save you.’ the half-Arkanian thought, before his attention went back to what was happening due to Macote’s whistle.

@LilyNion @Fine Dining Set @Wills @Narzen @Mythos

 

[Shaw Amaris]

Suddenly things weren't so kumbaya anymore. The tavern keeper was screaming out in terror, at a loss for what do to do to help his son that had been kidnapped. The Zabrak woman looked like she'd seen a ghost or something. Someone yelled molify. Whatever that meant! The ivory haired padawan had tackled the tavern keeper. Macote, yes still in his slippers, had torn him off the older man. Some heated words were exchanged between the two.

Macote had been the one Shaw had connected with the most so far, so he gravitated toward the older teenager when he called out that he had found tracks in the snow. Could bro get any cooler?

Shaw crouched down next to Macote and studied the tracks in the snow carefully, like he was some expert tracker. Like he had a clue what he was doing. "He said she took his son," he said aloud, shivering a little in the cold. "So shouldn't we follow the human footprints?" It made sense to him, but he looked to the others for their thoughts and responses. He wasn't going to be the one that decided!

 

[Akari Moriko]

A'kari withdrew from the beast's mind and returned to her reality that was the Tavern, bringing her hand to her face as she gathered the images and emotions she had faced to make sense of what it was she saw and felt. The Darkness within, both herself and the beast, rushed to flood to the surface during their encounter, but as a Jedi, A'kari held a little more sway over her own and held a more firm control over it.

Her gaze shifting from the scene within the Tavern to the encroaching Wife, and unease washed upon her. There was something off about this entire ordeal, something amiss and aloof. And yet, A'kari couldn't quite lay her finger on it despite the ever growing suspicion she felt in the Force. Focusing her aura in the Force, she let it expand upon the Father's plight, the peace and tranquility that emanated from her to fill his soul and mind with focus and serenity.

As the Padawans began to settle into their roles, A'kari knew it was time to step into her own. Not just as their elder nor as their leader, but instead as a Knight of the Jedi Order and her place within it. It was her role to portray the example all should inspire to be. And yet, she was not without faults nor was she close to perfect, a consciousness that she was well aware of. Shifting her gaze to the Mother, oblivious and unaware, the two parents seemed to have switched roles. The Father was frantic and the Mother in what appeared to be emotionless shock. As she dropped her hand and her reality became more focused to her mind, she turned to the mother.

"Are you the Master?" She questioned upfront, paying little heed as to the possibility that she could be wrong. She made no movements in action of her theory, but instead, allowed the reactions to her words speak for themselves. "And the child, your abominable spawn that attacked?"

There was limited evidence, circumstance at best. But as new as she was to her station, she had always been a stickler for the small details. At first, she had chalked it up to economic hardships, this town a shell of its former self. The food, drink, and friendliness were all a little abundant considering. Despite the possibility that it was attained beforehand, the coincidence that Abominations and Sith held terror over this town didn't seem to be mere accident. And now the show being put on before them, and a Mother unharmed and vacant as a Father desperately attempts to persuade them to react. It just felt too coincidental. Especially having never seen the son.

Spoiler: Intended Actions

Used the Force to calm the Tavern Keeper; suggested the wife is the Abomination's Master in her questioning and has made no actions toward her theory.

Tags: @LilyNion @Narzen @Wills @LouJoVi @Fine Dining Set @throwitintothefire

 

[Heidi Vulpis]

Heidi was taken by surprise by the white-haired Padawan who had decided to confront the father. Despite not having a family of her own, she had seen many families at inns during the day. She understood how far a family might go if they loved each other. Stopping him seemed strangely harsh. But before she could do anything, the other Jedi had already acted.

_______________​

The Tavern keeper spun around, his face like a roaring inferno, as he felt the white-haired Padawan (@LouJoVi) collide with him, attempting to tackle him down. With the way he towered over him and the muscles on his arms, it wasn't quite an equal fight. But no matter how desperate he was, he wasn't desperate enough to hurt a teenager. And just as he was going to demand to be freed, another Padawan jumped in and scolded the boy on his behalf.

A'kari's Force filling his head washed over him; his wrath faded, and, despite still experiencing dread in his body, he felt like he could breathe again. It was enough to shift his concentration back to the issue at hand. Any other day, he'd lean down and say everything was fine, that he understood what Zessel was trying to do. Any other day, he would be patient. But not today. He said nothing, but gave the Padawan who interrupted(@Fine Dining Set) a nod of appreciation and gratitude. His heart was racing, his blood surging through his body, and he followed the Padawans to the track they had discovered.

While they left the tavern to look for the tracks, A'kari(@Mythos) and Alhazred(@Narzen) concentrated on the wife. The uproar surrounding her husband seemed to not bother her. To be honest, it didn't even look as though she knew it had happened at all. It was the word Jedi that caught her attention, her empty gaze shifting to the Padawan with tentacles. Her brows furrowed, and her lips parted as if to utter something. But then A'kari spoke, and her posture changed in less than a second. The Zabrak's pupils widened, nostrils flared, and her skin turned a red hue. "How. Dare. You." She snarled before taking a step forward. "Me? The master!? I'd NEVER hurt my son! EVERYTHING I do is for HIM! How DARE you even call him that!"

Without warning, the Zabrak's palm lifted and swung across A'kari's cheek, leaving a sting in her skin if she didn't respond quickly. "You are a Jedi?! GO. HELP. MY. SON." She yelled at her before turning around to face Johanes(@Wills), who had been observing everything. "You got anything to say?! Huh!? ANY OF YOU?!" The fury that ran through every fiber in her body was as clear as day. But there was something else. As she shouted, her sleeves fell to her elbows, showing her wrist. With it came three flaming red spots. It wasn't blood, but ink, carved into her skin.

The Jedi on the trail missed all of the commotion; instead, they found the split tracks and whistled loudly for the other Jedi to come over. While they waited, the tavernkeeper listened to Shaw's theory (@throwitintothefire) He saw the boy's logic in it. "It's true. It was a woman; she entered the kitchen and grabbed my son after a short fight. Used... that weird magic of yours." His usually cheerful tone was long gone, it was clear by his stone expression that he was focused. VERY focused. "But what about those?" He pointed at the other direction before looking up at the two boys. "I can't imagine why she wouldn't want her... pet... to join her. Could it be a trap?"

Meanwhile. Among the chaos, shouting, and scouting, something else happened. The ants who discovered the cookies had begun to summon their fellow ants; dinner had arrived, and it was a sugary feast to remember!

tag -​

 

[Akari Moriko]

A'kari's cheek flamed with a hot pins and needles sensation as the open palmer hand collided with her face and her eyes drew wide in utter shock. Not so much that the woman reacted accordingly, but in that she even reacted at all. Could she have been wrong in her assessment? Could the woman's shock been resounding enough to blanket her mind to a catatonic state of disbelief? A'kari deserved it and much worse if this were true.

Lost in her own confusion as the woman went about her rant, A'kari plagued her mind for every possible explanation that she could come up with. However, as her brain stormed, her eyes caught a glimpse of the three inflamed markings carved in ink upon her skin. There was certainly something amiss here, and A'kari still could quite shake her suspicions when it came to the child's mother. Reaching for her arm and grasping at it, A'kari would yank the sleeve to her elbow and poise a simple question in response.

"I will certainly do that." She responded to quelm the situation a bit, turning focus back to the mother beneath understanding eyes. "But first, what is this? I've seen this in the Temple's archives, but yet, it's meaning alludes me."

A'kari would follow up her question with a subtle brush against the Force as her gaze met that of the mothers, searching her mind for even the slightest hesitation. Her depth would not delve deep enough to be felt by the mother, untrained and unattuned to the Force if she were, but deep enough to notice any slight attempt to lie. But if she was trained to use the Force, A'kari would feel it. Either way, A'kari's attention would turn back to the child and the search for him should her curiosity be satisfied.

Spoiler: Intended Actions

Noticed the marks on the mother's arms and has begun questioning her about them.

Tags: @LilyNion @Narzen @LouJoVi @Wills @Fine Dining Set @throwitintothefire

 

[Zessel]

After the small situation with the tavern keeper, Zessel walked toward Akari and Alhazred. The two were gathering around the Zabrak woman, who seemed to be in shock. While he approached the other Jedi, the Padawan was able to overhear what the Knight was saying. She was accusing the mother of being the Master of the creature.

Zessel grimaced when he saw the slap that Akari received. It must have been painful, because the sound was loud and a large red mark was left here. Now he was happy to let go of the tavern keeper. The dude could have punched his face and the white-haired boy would be completely broken.

He decided to remain some steps away from the Zabrak woman and the Jedi that were talking with her. It would be terrible to have his face smashed by a misplaced punch. However, he would still remain close enough to help if they found something.

@LilyNion @Narzen @Fine Dining Set @Wills @Mythos @throwitintothefire

 

[Alhazred]

The violant action by the tavernkeeper was understandable, if unexpected. This woman was going through something terrible, and the unintended accusation from his fellow Jedi did not help her.

Alhazred drew on his own knowledge. He had no idea on what the symbol meant, or what manner of darkness could do to such people, but his memorization of the Road Home had more than a few words of wisdom on those in the aftermath of annihilation. After all, 'giving into madness is easier than holding out against it.'

"Ma'am, our fellows are aiding your husband and son as we speak." Alhazred tried to calmly explain while placing a webbed hand on Akari's (@Mythos) arm to help indicate to back off on the poor Zabrack. Touching her could be seen as a form of attack, and as far as he could tell, this Zabrack was innocent.

"But in order to help, we must know who is this 'master', and the meaning behind these markings. Please...sit and aid us, and we will do everything we can. "

A glance towards Zessel (@LouJoVi) and then at (@Wills), and Alhazred momentarily focused in the Force. Merging his own song with the young men's, Alhazred did the most basic form of telepathy he could conjure.

Get the woman and I something to drink from the kitchen. Perhaps there are clues around the inn

@LilyNion @Fine Dining Set @throwitintothefire

 

[Macote Hassan]

Dear God, are they interrogating the mother now? This was urgent. “It’s not magic. It’s the Force.” That was going to be too confusing to explain, especially because the sith (and some Jedi) did use magic. “Nevermind. Shaw, you’ve got the right idea. We’re going ahead - with or without the others.” Was it a terrible idea to split the group? Maybe. But if they seriously wanted to meander

“It has to be a trap, right? Evil voice says ‘Jedi,’ and kidnaps a kid to lure us somewhere…” But to what ends? He had no idea.

He called once more to his fellow Jedi. “C’mon, y’all! We have a lead to follow - there’s a boy in danger!” He began to walk down the path of the woman’s footprints.

“Barkeep - what’s your name? I’m Macote. This is Shaw. Just two Padawans. But we’re going to do everything in our power to bring your son back.” He nodded sagely, signing up himself and his homie Shaw to an inevitable demise.

Actions:
Macote begins to follow the tracks of the woman.

 

[Johanes av Holsen]

Of all the things, a Knight getting smacked was the last thing on Johan's bingo card for a Life Day getaway. A blank expression washed over his face, locking eyes with the perpetrator. Her frenzied gaze sliced through any remaining sliver of positivity he had in him. There was no response he could muster. For once, he was speechless. Simply standing there, shutting his saber off, dumbfounded.

With one last hesitant glance at the Zabrak woman, Johanes joined Zessel at his side. Not concerning himself with the markings for now. He looked over at his friend with a glint of concern in his eyes. "Are you alright?" From tackling the tavern keep, to getting scolded by Macote, he's been through a bit. It only felt prudent to check up on him. Not least because he was the youngest Padawan there.

Then, he felt Alhazred's voice in his mind. Not a bad suggestion he thought, offering the older Padawan a nod. "Come. Let's go back inside," he glanced over at Zessel with a gentle smile before making his way back into the tavern with leisurely strides. Johanes wasn't sure what exactly they were looking for, but the kitchen would be as good a start as any. He opened himself up to the force as taught by Harald, trying to sense if there was anything of note that would stand out in the Force. This almost felt like the first time he and Zessel met, helping a Jedi Investigator do his Jedi investigating. Except this time the stakes were higher and just a tad more ominous...

@LilyNion @Narzen @Fine Dining Set @throwitintothefire @LouJoVi @Mythos

Spoiler: tl; dr

Johan goes back to the tavern & the kitchen, searching for any clues through the Force.

 

[Shaw Amaris]

Everything was kind of chaotic, if Shaw was being honest. No one seemed to have the same idea about what was going on or what they should do about it. It sounded like there was a cat fight going on inside the tavern, and outside in the ankle deep snow it wasn't much better. Just a lot, lot colder.

So when Macote suggested they follow the human tracks Shaw didn't hesitate to agree, hopping to his feet and rubbing his hands together for warmth. Always better to do something than to sit around talking about doing something Shaw thought. Act first, think later was far too often his policy. This time though—this time it actually did make sense. Someone had been kidnapped. Their lives were in danger, stay or go. The tavern was no longer a safe haven. Not from the cold. Certainly not from whatever was after them.

Shaw fell into step alongside Macote, who he was looking up to more and more by the minute, and waved two fingers at the tavern keeper. "Sorry about your son." Even Shaw cringed a little bit on the inside at that. Sorry about your son? It certainly didn't sound as encouraging or as fearless as "we’re going to do everything in our power to bring your son back," but Shaw was sixteen and really didn't have a lot of experience dealing with emotional situations like this. Not outside of his own family anyway and never something like this. He really didn't know how to comfort anyone let alone a man whose child was just kidnapped. Luckily Macote was there. @Fine Dining Set

Before they'd made it far, Shaw turned back to look over his shoulder. The knight that had invited them all here was standing near the doorway to the tavern. It'd probably be a good idea to have a knight tag along. It certainly couldn't hurt, all that experience and what not! Shaw called out to her, nudging his head toward the tracks that lie ahead of them. "Want to come along??" @LilyNion


@LouJoVi @Wills @Narzen @Mythos

 

[Heidi Vulpis]

- Tavernkeep Lio -​

"The Force" The man repeated after Macote (@Fine Dining Set), muttering lightly. In truth, he didn't care what it was; all he knew was that they needed to act. Fortunately, Macote agreed and confirmed the plan: they'd go after the woman. He didn't protest; instead, he firmly gripped his butcher knife and straightened his back, easily towering over the two Padawan.

"May very well be a trap." He agreed, looking in the direction of the heel print. "But you are correct. Standing still will not help us achieve anything." He huffed, clearly ready to take determined steps through the layers of snow. But then the conversation picked up again. He blinked as the boy (@throwitintothefire) apologized for his son. Well. That was not exactly optimistic. Despite feeling his stomach tighten, he pushed it aside; he couldn't blame the child. Shaw was obviously trying. "Thank you."

Macote followed-up. "I am Lio. I'm glad to have you two Padawans by my side." He managed to offer them both a half-hearted smile. Because, as stressed as he was and unsure about leading two children much younger than him into a trap, he couldn't deny that he was selfishly relieved that he didn't have to fight a crazy lady with a burning sword and strange magic-... force... on his own.

Heidi had been staring at the ordeal inside the tavern the entire time. She was motionless, as if stunned by the chaos. This was not what she had planned. Although, now that she had had some time to think about it, it was not unexpected. After all, the website was titled "Dangerously beautiful places," but how was she supposed to know it meant "beautiful places that are dangerous" rather than "So beautiful that it's dangerous!"? As she pouted her lips, Shaw's voice reached her large ears. She abruptly turned around on her heels, her emerald eyes fixed on him for a brief moment. "Okay!" she said just as abruptly as her turn, relieved to have escaped the kriffing mess, before dash through the snow after the group.

So the four began to follow the tracks through the snow. It was relatively quiet and peaceful. Very peaceful. In fact... weren't there supposed to be sounds? The noise of birds flying overhead? Footsteps of hooves sinking into the snow? The rustling of leaves as an animal ran past? But, as they crossed the bridge and the clearing in the forest ahead revealed a towering mountain, there was nothing. "I think this was the right choice." Lio grunted.

_______________

- Tavernkeep Roza -​

The Zabrak woman froze, staring at A'kari(@Mythos), who yanked her sleeve to reveal her entire wrist. She quickly drew her arm back, with her other hand covering the tattoo. "It is NONE of your concern! Can't a woman have a tattoo in peace?!" Roza hissed between her teeth and took a step backward. She had not noticed the Force that had entered her mind. A'kari felt that she was as non-Force sensitive as she could be. Nor was she lying with her words; she truly believed it wasn't any of their concern. And yet, with A'kari's Force lingering around the Zabrak, she could sense something else.

It was slight. Far away. However, there was some Darkside within the lady. Coming from the tattoo. It was as if the tattoos pulsed ever so slightly, each pulse releasing a new strand of the Darkside from her skin and fading into the air.

Her gaze shifted to Zessel(@LouJoVi). Ugh, another person entering the tavern. Fortunately, he chose to stand silently, allowing her to breathe. She bit her lower lip and looked around the room, noticing her husband and some of the teenagers were missing, before focusing on Alhazred(@Narzen), who spoke up in softer tones. Roza was about to roll her eyes and clearly throw another tantrum when something changed. A plan had shaped in her mind, and her gaze softened slightly. "I will NOT sit. We are wasting time here. I may know the way, but you Jedi must swear to protect me. This will KILL me."

"If I am correct, he will be in the forest. There's a small path heading west. I've been there once." Roza made a disgusted face as she approached the bar's counter. She grabbed the first thing she could find: a large fork used to keep meat in place while cutting. "I got more weapons here if you need any." She cast a glance at Zessel, who didn't seem to be the type to fight and get dirty, but still. She was now armed and ready to go, assuming no Jedi interrupted her. "You all with me, or what? I think it'll be the right choice."

While Roza changed her mind and took action, Johanes'(@Wills) staring contest came to an end. Although it was unclear whether he could ever win, the beast never stopped staring at him, even as he walked into the tavern and toward the kitchen. But, unlike his stare-down with the beast, his search in the kitchen was easy; the moment his Force flowed through the kitchen, he caught the taste of the Darkside that lingered there. It was small, as if someone had run around the room with a small paintbrush, constantly brushing a new stroke of red as they went about their day-to-day life for many years, the old strokes fading over time. But it was there.

_______________

- Extra DM info -
Macote: Investigation roll: 51

​

The tracks remained visible for as far as Macote could, they were incredibly fresh after all but it was snowing, so Macote could feel like if they lingered too long, the tracks would fade pretty quickly. That said, there were little droplets of blood every now and then in the white snow, which continued no matter how far he got. Near the bottom of the mountain, everything was relatively simple and peaceful, albeit oddly quiet. As far as he could tell, there were no other footsteps that joined the track at any point towards the mountain. However, he learned with an average investigation that there was a change in the mountain path. There were dead birds every now and then, and the closer he got to the mountain, the more the trees looked less... alive. The green was dull, leaves were falling off. As if life was getting drained every so slowly from where Macote was standing.

tag -​

 

[Akari Moriko]

A'kari remained in silence as the woman made her way toward the counter and pulled forth a fork, listening attentively both both her words and what resounded upon the Force as she dropped her use of it. There was definitely darkness imprinted upon the woman, but whether she realized it or not, laid the true question. Remaining off put by the mirk of the darkness, A'kari decided to play along, if only for now until the truth came to light.

"The forest will be a dangerous place to look, and we obliviously won't be able to talk you out of it..." A'kari spoke up finally, her curiosity now mixed with her intent. For now, she would act as if she believed her, and see where the darkness she held would lead them. "Lead the way ma'am."

The darkness often manifested its self in those whom selfishly walk upon its path. But for those whom couldn't feel its touch, it's weight of burden was minimal at best. At least, not in the way it poured from the mother. There was likely another in the shadows, a puppetmaster pulling the strings. And the mother had been marked whether she was aware or not. And with A'kari running into the Killik Queen and now this Abomination, she was beginning to wonder just how deep the darkness had now delved into society and into the Force its self.

As the mother made her exit, A'kari would be upon her heels. As a Jedi Shadow, it was her duty to investigate. But A'kari, deep down, hoped what she felt in her gut was wrong.

Spoiler: Intended Actions

None. Simply following Roza

Tags: @LilyNion @Narzen @LouJoVi @Wills @Fine Dining Set @throwitintothefire

 

[Macote Hassan]

When Macote couldn’t hear anything, he knew there was a problem. Now they were in her hands - they had to be exacting with each choice. Even speaking had its pros and cons. Powerful force users could detect any force use, so telepathy may be louder in this situation than a low whisper. He hoped their target didn’t have super hearing. “Lio, Shaw, Heidi, what do you see?” As he continued walking, he saw signs of struggle - blood - in the footprints. Signs of the Dark Side, too, in the death and decay. It was clear the boy was wounded, and the Dark Side would leech off his form. This was now a crisis with a deadline. Macote would rather die than watch a child die passively. He had an idea, a gambit to exchange one piece for another.

“You three - hide in the forest. Watch me. Take cover but make no noise. If she appears, save the boy at any cost.” Macote stepped ahead, towards the barren parts of the forest, and ignited his lightsaber. He took the hefty saber’s grips into both his hands. His heart thumped so loud he felt it in his throat, his ears, as fear gripped him. Yet, his voice yelled out firmly into the ether.

“Come out with the boy, and you can have me in exchange!” He called into the forest, perhaps incorrectly assuming that the witch was here. But if she was, he reasoned that she was here for the Jedi. There was no reason a child had to get hurt.

Actions:
-Macote tells Heidi, Shaw, and Lio to hide in the forest.
-Macote offers himself to the witch in exchange for the boy

 

[Zessel]

Akari and Alhazred were still poking the woman for answers, making Zessel sigh. By this point he already thought that the efforts of the older Jedi to seek information from the Zabrak as fruitless and a loss of time. It was obvious that it was only making her more furious.

By this point the Padawan mind was already drifting away from the scene in front of him to more interesting things. Like that recipe of panacota with strawberry that he had seen in the Holonet and wanted to replicate. He already imagined how he could make its presentation. Hopefully this time no idiot would throw it on the floor.

“Hmm?” he said, turning to look at Johanes. He only remembered that the other boy was there when he talked to him. “Yeah, I’m fine.” Zessel said, not being sure why the other Padawan had asked that. Nothing bad had happened to him, with the lecture by Macote having minimal impact on half-Arkanian self-esteem and psychological state of mind, having been more concerned with the fact that the other Padawan had violated his personal space and touched him without permission.

“I think that they finally decided what to do.” he gestured to the Zabrak, who left the tavern armed to the teeth. He blinked when she offered him weapons, glancing at the assortment that was being offered. The Padawan wondered why a couple of ‘friendly tavern keepers’ had such an arsenal. Was it because of the monsters? Or were they expecting a zombie apocalypse in Shili?

He felt Johanes use the Force, the familiar feeling brushing against him. “Did you feel something?” Zessel asked his friend, while following him in the tavern.

@LilyNion @Wills @Mythos @Narzen @Fine Dining Set @throwitintothefire

 

[Alhazred]

Alhazred frowned but did not fight the woman's words. She was no person who should be in combat. However, if she knew where to go, then she would have to lead the way. As Akari (@Mythos) pointed out, there was no talking her out of it.

Still, she hadn't answered any of his questions yet. And that troubled him. No way he was going to let the knight go along with this woman alone.

Before following the woman, Alhazred focused on Zessel (@LouJoVi ), who seemed to be following Johanes (@Wills). Once again, he merged his song with his and communicated a thought onto the fellow padawan's mind.

Stick together. Trust the Force. Find us if you find anything

Once that was done, Alhazred began to follow the woman and knight. All the wonder and joy of the snow had turned into ominous dread. Alhazred's eyes darted around, taking in the dim light of the stars and the ultraviolet light his Nu-Vaal eyes detected. Like before with Zessel, Alhazred focused his thoughts toward Akari. It was easier now, being relatively close to the woman as well as now being a bit more in tune with the Force.

I have a bad feeling about this... We don't know what this 'master' is...or what we are protecting her from besides monsters in the dark

@LilyNion @Fine Dining Set @throwitintothefire

 

[Shaw Amaris]

The four of them—Macote, the Knight Heidi, Leo, and an unarmed Shaw—came to a mountain pass. There was no hesitation, no shifting feet in the ice cold snow as they wondered if they should press on or not. It seemed like everyone was willing to keep going no matter how many dead birds they had to step over. No matter how morbid things were getting. No deliberating about what should be done either as Macote came up with a plan straight away.

Shaw was thankful. His plan was usually to jump in feet first and deal with the fallout later. That was probably not the best strategy in a hostage situation. Especially when a little boy's life was involved. He looked up at Lio and thought of his own little sister. How he would feel if she had been taken by one of those razeling things back on Coruscant. It made his blood run cold just thinking about it.

"Come on," he whispered to Lio, tugging the large man toward the tree line where Macote had instructed them to hide. He didn't figure the tavernkeeper would be too keen on hiding away and might need a little encouragement. "Macote'll distract her." At least that was the plan. He looked over at the Jedi Knight, wondering why she hadn't taken the initiative. She was the knight after all! Well what did he know? He still wasn't sure how all this work within the order.

When Macote offered himself in exchange Shaw's ears perked up. Wait, that hadn't been part of the plan! Shaw took a few deep breaths and waited, looking for any signs of movement or anything. Trying to be ready to run out and grab the kid or tackle the witch or something should the opportunity present itself. @Fine Dining Set @LilyNion

@Narzen @Mythos @Wills @LouJoVi