Children of the Wolf

[Aliyah Phoenix]

It is a period of conflict and war

After a bloody encounter in the pleasant streets of Atzerri, Jedi Knight Aliyah Coven and a newfound ally, Nora Alemanii, have fled into deep space

There she plans to introduce this newcomer to her father and mentor, Venatus Phoenix, who can hopefully heal Nora of her afflictions and give her guidance over her gifts.

Unbeknownst to them both, the ever-watchful eyes of the Lone Rider peer from afar. The Great Wolf, Varg, God of the Hunt and Balance, senses one of his own approach to a domain within his reach. For the woman was touched by the Gods, but for better or worse remained to be seen.

@Black Noise @Autumn's Firefly @Aurius Pheonix ​

 

[Nora Alemanii]

Nora sat quietly in the back of Aliyah's vessel, her face stoic and her body emotionless and still. After the violence on Azterri and the quiet balance of the Jedi's vessel as it sped through hyperspace, Nora had completely regained control of herself. Sitting in a small seat, her axes still resting beside, Nora looked up and searched for Aliyah with her eyes. The White Wolf still didn't know where they were or where they were going, and that gave her a sinking feeling of anger and resentment.

Who did this Jedi think they were? This was akin to kidnapping, slavery even, and that was Nora's job. She was the Deucalian, she was the space raider, and she would have her power respected. Standing, she made her way towards the cock pit. Naturally, she picked up her axes and clipped them to her hips, ready to draw at a moment's notice if necessary. The Warrior did not make an overtly hostile movements, but when she found Aliyah, Nora would speak in a leveled and forceful tone.

"Jedi. Where we go?"

 

[Aliyah Phoenix]

"Somewhere safe, for you and everyone else. It has many names, and I think you'd know it by at least one. A haven on Rhen Var. Either way, I can't just open a gate to it in the middle of the populated galaxy, it's kind of a secret place. A safe asylum for people like you and me, who don't want to be killed for who we are."

She looked back at the girl with a gentle smile. She could sense her hesitation and pent-up curiosity. She hadn't exactly explained where they were going before they had left, but it wasn't like she had much time to explain. And even if she did try to explain, she had no idea whether the girl would understand or believe half of what Aliyah had to tell. Venatus had never explained where their destination was for the same reason, and usually just showed Aliyah and explained afterward. But this girl wasn't like anyone she'd traveled with before, and Aliyah was definitely out of her element. Turning her chair around, she exited the cockpit and grabbed a black and white pair of chalk, bringing them to the table and placing some parchment over it.

"I'm going to teach you how to write this. Don't try it in battle, the gate won't open, but if you need a way out of an impossible situation this is pretty convenient. Usually, I would have to say the names of everyone I was coming here for to be able to enter. But he already knows me, he doesn't know you. Can you try to repeat after me? It's pretty simple.

Say your name, your title, and then you have to tell the door to open. For example, I would say; I come in the name of whatever your name is of the Deucalian's Lot and the Skies. I come in the name of Venatus Phoenix of Vahla. I am Aliyah Coven, Jedi Knight, and I come as myself. You will open to me."

She waited as the girl processed what she told her, hoping that the information wasn't too overwhelming. Normal people would probably be freaking the kiff out, and she was hardly normal, but Aliyah hoped her survival instincts would allow her to learn quickly. It was one of many things that made Marion (A Herald-Maiden from Rhen Var) such a unique fighter, and if Nora was anything like her, which Aliyah highly suspected her to be, she'd have a similar set of skills. All of them uniquely wolf-like. At times Aliyah was slightly envious of how well Marion could fight and considered what it would be like if she was chosen by Varg instead of Venatus. But one day, she would replace him as The Phoenix until her kids were old enough to take the mantle. Sure, she didn't have supernaturally gifted knowledge of war and combat. But she was one of the most powerful pyromancers alive, so, there was that.

@Aurius Pheonix ​

 

[Venatus Phoenix]

In the short amount of time that he had been in this cave-temple hybrid, he had grown to detest snow and almost everything about it. For somebody attuned to the natural heat of the Galaxy, this was the last world he would have chosen to settle on, but it was not for him that there were here. This was one of the few planets sparsely populated enough to consider a safe haven for any surviving Vahla, and his allies. His mentor, Varg, had already chosen the planet long before he had come to it, and his children still walked the planes. The two of them had been discussing the future of their people while speculating on the eventual return of Vahl and how best to defeat her. They could not allow the Galaxy to pay for their mistakes.

"...If all else fails, I can unite her spark with my own."

He wore a heavy black jacket and matching pants to suit, a change from his usually armored state. Across from him, on the other side of the carved stone table sat an old man clad in nothing more than fur robes. His hair was medium length but cut as if by a dagger rather than an actual pair of scissors, matching the man's strange and out of place eyes. They resembled that of a canine and were dark brown in appearance. Otherwise, he appeared to be completely normal. At that moment, the two of them were interrupted by the runes on the wall nearby as they began to light up. Somebody was trying to enter. There was no other way into the cavern, due to the main entrance being collapsed, so the force-users had devised another way.

Venatus went to draw his weapon in preparation, but his mentor simply waved him down. The old wolf sat calmly on his chair as though it was a throne, his eyes glinting knowingly as Venatus tossed him a glance of annoyance. He still liked to play this game, as though expecting Venatus to suddenly be able to overcome a living God and read his mind. It had been impossible when he was a Chosen at full strength, and it was likewise impossible now. But Varg always seemed to know what lay ahead, and his guidance had never steered them astray in the past.

"The young firefly has returned. She has one of my own with her. Intriguing, they are nowhere nearby. Something has happened."

"Is she alright?"

"Yes, they are both well. We shall have to wait and ask them ourselves. Patience."

@Black Noise ​

 

[Nora Alemanii]

A safe haven? Nora already disliked the idea, but she didn't see a clear venue of escape, not yet. She did not desire to fight the Jedi, but nor did she desire to meet anyone else like her. Truthfully, Nora hated herself, and the thought of seeing anyone like her infuriated the Deucalian. As if that wasn't enough, the Jedi brought out paper and chalk, drawing something and speaking in a manner even more maddening than Nora's own inability to string words into a sentence in an intelligible manner.

Something about a gate, introducing herself, declaring who she was? How little this Jedi knew about Nora. Setting her hands on her hips, the Deucalian scoffed and responded bluntly, albeit slowly. "Even if understood. Even if believed. Cannot do. Listen me. Cannot speak. You do it." It was at this moment that Nora's face relaxed suddenly, and the Deucalian sat down in the nearby co-pilot's chair. Rubbing her eyes and sighing deeply, Nora decided to actually utilize her brain instead of her fists for once.

Maybe she could use this Jedi, use the people that the Jedi knew. Nora had high aspirations, aspirations that could not be reached alone. She would need trustworthy allies to help her in her rise to power, and perhaps she would have that in these people. It was clear that this Jedi was acting under the orders and instructions of someone other than her grandmaster, and Nora wondered if that could be manipulated. Worst case scenario, she could just kill them. The Jedi had been unable to stop her from killing a fat man, Nora wondered how capable she was truly in combat.

If she was weak, Nora would have to show her and her master the power of the White Wolves. Glory or death.

@Autumn's Firefly

 

[Aliyah Phoenix]

Aliyah could sense a deep conflict within the girl as she said her piece, as though she was arguing to herself about what to do. She was careful not to pry, it was rude to just reach into someone's thoughts, but her emotions reflected it well enough. Aliyah gave her a moment to collect her thoughts and decide, and when she had collected her thoughts she calmly put down the chalk and listened to the girl. Partially because she hated how chalk felt on her fingers, partially because she wanted to free both hands. She had seen what the Deucalian could do, and was capable of doing at a moment's notice. Aliyah didn't figure she'd be attacked, but if she died without a weapon in her hand she'd feel ashamed of herself. Better to be prepared than otherwise.

"Yea, I can do it. Just be prepared for the cold. It's a little chilly, I know you're used to it but still."

Having said that, she wrapped herself tightly in her long and puffy cloak, noting that the girl already seemed to have attire suited for the terrain. Just in case, she pointed out another cloak on a rack nearby for the woman to use if she wanted, before returning to the piece of paper and finishing the rune. The symbol of decay drawn in black, cut through by a ray of sunlight from a sun rune. The two together began to glow with a gentle light as Aliyah rose to her feet and raised her voice. She had done this only once before, and by now everyone on the other end would know someone was trying to enter. If they chose not to let them through, they'd be stuck and have to fly to Rhen Var themselves, something that would annoy Aliyah a lot.

"I am Aliyah Coven, Jedi Knight, and I come as myself. You will open to me!"

She skipped the formalities that she had already announced, she had no doubt the gate had heard her. She was right, and the rift that opened on the freighter wall made the lounge area glow in a strange and mystical light. Running to the cockpit, Aliyah placed the ship in low power and had it hover in place. They were deep enough in space that nobody would notice the freighter, and even if they did she'd be returning with Venatus at a minimum, anyone who had stolen the ship would be absolutely screwed. Maybe not dead, but in for an absolute world of pain the instant they returned from the planet. Now robed and ready to go, she nodded to the woman towards the schism, meaning for them both to walk through together. She'd wait until they were both ready, and step through together.

@Aurius Pheonix​

 

[Venatus Phoenix]

The wall-entrance of the ice cavern began to glow and crackle with energy as Aliyah completed the rune on her end, the two men waiting for them calmly at a makeshift table of their choosing. They had just finished eating a small meal while the person attempting to make the schism bumbled about. For about ten minutes they had initially waited for the schism to open and his daughter and her friend to waltz right on in. What they got instead was a weird fizzling sound and a couple of sparks before nothing at all. Varg finally rolled his eyes and began to lend his own energy to the doorway, causing it to snap into existence with a crackle of sparkling light. Venatus had begun to almost rock on his chair, wondering why Aliyah was taking so long. If she was injured again, he had no idea what he would do, and wholeheartedly hoped whoever had hurt her was already dead. Before he tracked them down and apprehended them himself, if not outright killed them. Venatus calmed himself, taking a deep breath and taking a sip of the water that begun to rapidly freeze in his mug.

 

[Nora Alemanii]

Nora’s face hardened with every movement of the Jedi. She was liking this situation less and less with each passing action that she witnessed. When Nora watched the ‘gate’ open, she felt the last straw break. Aliyah had to understand what she was dealing with. Nora was a White Wolf, she dealt in the works of flesh, sinew, and things of reality. This was truly too much. While Aliyah ran back to the cockpit to adjust the ship, Nora followed her and stepped into the doorway from the cockpit, blocking the exit.

Crossing her arms, she stated firmly, “No. This too much. This will not do. Aliyah, no. If you wish help. If you wish train. We do here. Right here, on vessel. Or, maybe my home. But this? This?! No.” As if to punctuate her statement, she uncrossed her arms and set her hands on her axes, which laid clipped at her side. Their thermal heating had not been activated, but Nora’s thumb graced over the button.

Nora’s grim stare drilled Aliyah, and she allowed her own Force presence to be known. She would not be forced into this. Convincing needed to be done, or nothing would happen at all. Nora, all the while she spoke and after she finished, kept her wits about her and prepared herself for a surprise attack. If Aliyah dared to start violence, Nora would resist. Of course, currently, Nora had no desire to hurt Aliyah, and therefore would not start a fight herself. Once more, she asked, “Do you understand?“

 

[Aliyah Phoenix]

Aliyah was quickly beginning to realize that this entire process may have been a little much for the girl to handle. She was getting more and more defensive as Aliyah tried to explain to her what was going on and what she was doing. Though that hadn't been her intent, she truly believed that speaking to the old wolf would help the girl come to some form of closure about her abilities. It had helped Marion quite a bit, and she had no doubt it would have a similar effect for the Deucalian girl. But it wasn't as if she could help someone who did not want to be helped, or could not understand how she was trying to help her. Still, she was getting nervous. Varg couldn't pass through, but she knew Venatus would get concerned if it remained open for too long, if he crossed through to check and assumed she was being threatened this entire situation would not end well.

She turned around to exit the cockpit, only to find the woman standing at the door with her arms firmly crossed. She clearly stated that she didn't mind training or helping, but she found this to be too overwhelming. It made sense, it wasn't until the girl rested her hands on the handles of her axes that Aliyah understood it wasn't a request. Within seconds, the silver hilt of her own lightsaber flew from it's hidden holster in her sleeve and clapped into her right hand. She didn't activate it but didn't bother to keep it hidden either, if they were playing at the I have a weapon game.

"I understand you want to stay on the ship, and I've no problem doing that. I think that there's someone on the other end of that door that you should really talk to. He's lived like you for a very long time, he has knowledge. But even if you don't want to go through, I need to get my father out of there. If we keep him waiting and he storms through that gate with his hands on fire, we're both going to be in trouble."

She meant it. Venatus' papa bear instincts were almost as brutal as this girl's combat reflexes. Though he had never outright killed someone for threatening her, she had witnessed him take on multiple Exiles on more occasions than one. He was one of the best duelists she had ever met and was now one of if not the best duelist the Jedi Order had in it's ranking. Venatus wasn't exactly somebody you kept waiting, and Aliyah wasn't looking forward to an earful about why she shouldn't keep doorways open. The thought brought up a different concern, one Aliyah had not mentioned yet. The girl had killed someone in cold blood, over what seemed to be a disagreement, in plain view of everyone in a cantina. Aliyah didn't know why, but she wouldn't be justified in letting the woman run free without making sure that it was simply an accident - and not a large ruse meant to make her complacent.

"Not to mention... you did just murder someone. You can do whatever you want, but I'm going to be right here beside you until I'm sure you're not a psychopath playing me like a flute. It wouldn't be the first time I've been too trusting, I'm sorry if I seem guarded. Besides, don't you want to make sure you're not losing it? I would, especially if my hand slipped like that."

 

[Nora Alemanii]

Nora's mind raced as the Jedi spoke. Aliyah had called her lightsaber into her hand, it for a split second Nora almost attacked the Jedi. If Nora had been in a more stressful situation, perhaps her self control would not have kicked in. But it was both to the Jedi's benefit and her own that it did. They were in an enclosed space, and only a few feet of steel separated them from the cold vacuum of space. It would be foolish to fight inside here. Taking her hands off the hilts of her axes, Nora listened closely to Aliyah. She seemed to allude to the idea that someone more powerful than them both could come through the portal at any moment. But Nora had been thinking and, remaining in the way of the exit, decided to lay out what she had observed to Aliyah.

She spoke calmly, and very slowly. In this situation, Nora did not feel overwhelmed or rushed by anyone, and decided to give a lot of effort to formulating her thoughts.
"Your mind is, interesting. That portal, interesting. This whole thing, interesting. I ask, that portal. How much, power, does it need? Surely, so much energy. Exhausting, to keep it open. I think, you overestimate, yourself, and, your father. I am trained. Same as you. Did you know? He storm in here, hah. Hands on fire? So much energy. Exhausting. Maybe, I just, kill, you both. Two, exhausted, Jedi. Maybe, my hand, it slips, again."

Nora, at that, would step out of the way, and allow Aliyah to walk freely past her. Naturally, Nora had kept her guard up while she spoke and would continue to keep herself at the ready should anyone foolish enough to attack her attempt something hostile. But her words held more weight than perhaps Aliyah realized. All this Force energy was exhausting, and anyone holding open a gateway through space was likely not going to end up very well rested and fresh if they attempted to storm through and fight. Sighing deeply, she set aside these thoughts and spoke once more to Aliyah.

"I am not crazy. My mind, different. Words, hard. Speaking, very hard. Noises, sounds, lights, all of it. Too much. But. I am not crazy. Do you, know? Know what I am? I am White Wolf. Killing is life. Taking a life. It is easy. Easier than breathe. Easier than speaking. You think, I care? I lost control. Perhaps, it happen, again. Cannot stop it. You think I, manipulate? Manipulate you? Ha! You, not worth it. You, too stupid. You cannot understand. Cannot forsee. Cannot even fathom. What I experience. So, kindly, kriff off."

Nora had still not put two and two together than the man she had killed, the fat, disgusting cyborg, had ill intentions for Aliyah. But neither had the Jedi. He had his hand on his weapon, and continuously attempted to draw it, but could not under the onslaught of Nora's attacks. He eventually fell, as did all that challenged the Deucalian as of so far. Nora was on a winning streak, and it showed in her confidence in her own abilities.

But whether or not Aliyah realized it or not, Nora was prepared to fight. The Jedi had an opportunity to escalate or deescalate the situation by the way of her next few words. They would need to be chosen carefully. Nora was a warrior, threats and warnings only made her angry. Like any Deucalian, her natural response to being told that someone else was stronger and to be feared was to seek that person out to beat the shit out of them.

 

[Venatus Phoenix]

This was taking way too long. Turning to the old man with a worried gaze, Venatus simply received a calm nod from his friend, confirmation that he could cross over and check on Aliyah. This entire situation was odd, it was unlike her to try and open a portal in the first place unless she needed to speak to him. She wasn't in immediate danger or injured, he would have felt it through the Force and the bond they shared, but that did not mean she was not held, hostage. He rose from his chair and calmly walked through the gateway, only to see a strange and lithe woman with pale hair standing at the cockpit doorway. He stayed silent for a moment a listened to the exchange, temporarily unnoticed, as the woman and Aliyah traded words.

"The portal requires an existential amount of energy to open and maintain. Neither of us can perform such a feat, but since it is the only way to speak to an old friend of mine, he has agreed to open it. He wants to speak with you if he can. Even I can sense your similarities. I can assure you, woman, that my daughter is NOT mistaken, however."

Placing his hand on his longsword cautiously as Nora stepped aside, undoubtedly noticing him. He observed her calmly, looking over the clearly Deucalian born woman with apprehension. Why was she here, why did she speak in such an off manner, and when did she develop the impudence to threaten his family? Venatus was a forgiving man and would do nothing unless provoked, but upon mention of harming Aliyah his eyes began to crackle and spark with and warm and powerful amber flame. He was not at his most powerful, it was true and the woman had correctly guessed, but she had never faced a foe like him. The martial combat of the Vahla was a long forgotten art, and very few could match its diversity. He had become known for his deeds in combat, having faced multiple opponents where greater men had failed, doing that which was regarded as impossible. But that had never been the man's purpose, his main drive was the continual healing, development, and freedom of the free peoples of the Galaxy. This girl was among their number.

"I don't who you are, but apparently you're important enough to be here. That doorway is going to close, with or without us. I don't know when I will return here, not until the war has calmed at least. Are you not the least bit curious why there are so many self-proclaimed wolves running around the Galaxy? The Prowling Wolf, Daughter of the Wolf, the Great Wolf, the White Wolf. Maybe there is more to it than you realize. Maybe we aren't as crazy as you seem to believe. Exhausted Jedi or not."

In truth, he was quite relaxed, although still bruised from his last few confrontations. The Exiles on Balmorra had done a number to his right shoulder blade, and the building he was thrown into on Nar Shaddaa bruised most of his rib cage. Still, he could move well enough, and the injuries had happened days ago - they were healing at an appropriate pace. He could easily allow the Force to bolster his physical strength, as he was so accustomed to doing if anything started causing him trouble. He was completely recharged and his spark burned as bright and proud as a furnace in his chest, a metaphysical source of his affinity to the flames, and it showed. He had also recently completed the construction of his first lightsaber, though he would not reveal it at the moment. No matter how strong the urge to show off, they had company.

@Black Noise @Autumn's Firefly ​

 

[Nora Alemanii]

Nora observed the arrival of the man, but she didn’t care. She had something to say to Aliyah, and she would finish what she was saying. Then, when she finished, and only when she finished, did she turn to this new comer. He spoke with conviction in his own abilities, arrogance and obvious confidence in victories. His eyes crackled with energy and flickered in flame, prompting the Wolf to respond by rolling her own eyes. She saw right through these two now, their words and their body language betrayed them to Nora. Setting her hands on her hips, she groaned and snapped at Venatus.

“Who you think, you are? Pompous, foolish, weak. See through you. I see. See through you both. So listen. Will not waste breath. Go kriff yourself.”

She understood now, these two saw her like a wounded feral animal. Violent, but simply needing a guiding hand to teach her the correct way, right? If only she’d submit to their guidance, then she’d be helped and become stronger right? Her mind raced at the insult these two were to her. She was not a tool to be used nor a disabled woman needing help to become healed. Least of all, she was not curious for the things this man spoke to her of. It sounded like an elaborate cult. Nora had belonged to a cult once, she and the other cultists revolted and killed their leaders. There was no way she was going to join another.

She had no use for this man’s pride, and it frankly did little more than piss her off. Although she did not attack anyone, she was not so weak that she needed to go off the handle and start killing anyone that annoyed her, she kept her body tense and prepared for anything. For all Nora knew, it looked like Venatus was preparing to attack her. She would not stand for these threats. Flicking her fingers in a brushing motion in the air, she shooed Venatus away, “Go on now. Stupid. Go back home. Don’t want help. Not curious. Don’t want training. And, no way. Go to hell. I’m not, not. Going through that portal.”

@Aurius Pheonix @Autumn's Firefly

 

[Venatus Phoenix]

"My home is gone. Take care of what you say, girl, because you know not of what you speak. I have faced two of those so-called wolves before, and likewise on wrath refused to listen. I offer you what I did them, that which is the right of all sentient beings: freedom. Understanding of where you came from, and aide in where your path will lead."

He tried not to choke on his own words as he spoke of his homeworld and it's current state. His people had destroyed one another in a civil war that ultimately doomed the planet to desolation, this was common knowledge throughout the Galaxy. He forgave the girl, knowing she likely had no idea that he was Vahla, nor did she know that it was the equivalent of spitting on his family's grave. It reminded him that going home was all he wanted to do. But that was a choice taken from him long ago, and nothing said here and now could change that. It was obvious this girl was... not in the most cooperative mindset, though Venatus found his patience thinning, not allowing him to care. The portal would shut behind him, and he would simply shrug the chill air off without losing his focus.

"Do I need to fight you to gain your respect as well, is that it? I'm getting really tired of fighting people I can't kill, and I'm in no mood to have a third rerun of what has already happened twice before. You all act equally as rash, openly and verbally challenging opponents of which you know nothing. If that is what is necessary to have you lose the attitude and perhaps sit down and talk, then I will oblige."

He released the grip on his longsword but continued to glare at the pair of them hard. He was equally as annoyed with Aliyah over the entire situation, what she had been thinking before bringing this woman aboard was beyond him. It was clear whatever had happened prompted her to try and help, but it was also clear this girl didn't want help. Venatus had defeated Talion on Balmorra quite easily, the first he had met to call himself a wolf. Marion was the most recent and second, who had challenged him for his rank and leadership position before realizing she was vastly outmatched. By all on high, Venatus had no intention of repeating the same monotonous routine a third time. However, if this deucalian would not calm herself and accepted the proposal, he would begrudgingly engage in combat once more. He trained almost tirelessly in preparation to face Vahl, and finally, the one they called Kravos. All the while, he molded Aliyah into the perfect weapon with which to face and finally defeat the Exile threat, cutting the head off the snake in one quick motion.

 

[Nora Alemanii]

Nora listened to the man, and what he said only made her more annoyed. Sighing deeply, she reached down and withdrew her twin axes. Turning to Aliyah, she held them out to the Jedi and spoke, “I trust, hold these.” Letting then go, she hoped Aliyah would hold on to them for her. Cracking her neck, she decided to speak to this man in a manner she believed he would understand. He was proud, painfully so, and believed he held a wisdom above what she knew. But he was nothing more than a man, and Nora sought to point that out.

“Your home, gone? Cry about it. Home, I have none. I take others homes. Burn them. You say, respect. But, have you any? You deserve nothing. You know only pride. You know only violence. Are we different? Think, fool. Think for once. Self reflection. I know what am. But, you know? Know what, you are? I think not. You want respect? Earn it, in words. Because, you challenge me? Fight me? You. Will. Die.”

At that, Nora sat herself down in the nearest chair in the room. The portal had closed, and that fact calmed her immensely. That, and she did not feel threatened by this man. She had fought many men and women who were all bark and no bite. She had killed Jedi, Exiles, and even her own family. Violence came as easy to Nora as breathing, and it was, truthfully, a great effort on her part to sit down and not fight this man. But she wanted to give him a chance to earn her respect. He wouldn’t earn it through violence, he’d lose. But maybe, just maybe, he’d be able to show enough humility to earn Nora’s respect.

But she doubted it.

 

[Aliyah Phoenix]

Aliyah glanced at the two of them awkwardly as they exchanged a rather unpleasant conversation over the girl's threat. She didn't exactly feel all too worried, she was armed and could fight, but Venatus wasn't having it. He tried to convince her to go with him and see what he had to show her, but the woman refused and decided to almost insult him instead. Now Aliyah was getting a little ticked, whether this woman wanted to admit it or not she did just kill someone in cold blood. If she been left to the authorities, who knows what would have happened. Offering to help wasn't working, she didn't want help, and that seemed reasonable. She probably should have asked before setting off, but that couldn't be helped now. Aliyah struggled against the urge to tell the woman to get into an escape pod and wishing her good luck before launching her far into deep space. That wouldn't exactly be a very Jedi thing to do.

Instead, she watched as the two had a yelling match back and forth, arguing about almost everything. From questions of pride to the subject at hand, these two didn't seem to want to agree on anything at all. The girl brought up Vahla, which immediately hit a cord, she could feel it. He may have an exceptional pazaak face, but she'd traveled with him long enough to tell when he began to lose his patience. It was only when Venatus offered the girl a choice of combat that Aliyah realized this had gone too far. They were in a starship, one wrong move with a lightsaber and they would all be breathing space dust. Giving him an exasperated look before shaking her head at them both.

"Or we could skip to the talking? I'm not having you two kill each other on my ship. I remember the last time you left gore in here, I just managed to get rid of the copper smell..."

She took Nora's axes and placed them on a nearby weapon rack, next to the armors and training equipment. Before Venatus could reply to either of them, she placed a hand on his shoulder and gently began to pour her own soothing calmness through him. The empathic manipulation was something they could both do naturally, and the link they shared only made her job easier. He would hopefully be a little more level-headed. She understood his fatherly and warrior instincts had kicked in, he probably no longer saw the deucalian as a being and instead as an enemy. His hypervigilance was just as much her fault as it was his, she could've stopped that Exile before he stabbed her, had Aliyah only been faster. Ever since that injury, anyone even breathing a word to threaten her met her father's ire immediately. Aliyah was pretty confident that the wolf girl wouldn't just back down, though.

"Hey, mind calming down a bit? You almost went Exile on me there."

 

[Venatus Phoenix]

-Music-​

The woman handed her axes to Aliyah and sat down, completely refusing the challenge. The tension in the room lessened slightly, even as he unclipped his sword and tossed it onto a nearby sofa. He breathed a deep sigh, slight happy that this wouldn't immediately devolve into a scrapping fest. He was used to those who called themselves wolves pouncing at the slightest sign of danger. Neither of the ones he had met before had decided conversation to be the better option, and he could not help but grudgingly approve. Aliyah's positivity poured into him as she looked at him with concern, asking him to calm down before he lost control. He understood her proclivity, but he would not lose himself over this. Her comment about the ship almost made him laugh slightly, remembering the tactic he had used against Zygerrian slavers. The fools thought a large bag of credits somehow meant the ship was clear - the ambush had gone perfectly. Still, none of them had died, so he didn't see Aliyah's point.

"I am proud, you are not wrong. A fire bird's vanity is the stuff of myth and legends, and I do live up to my namesake in that regard. Sometimes, I forget my authority here is not that which it once was. There is no point in me crying, my eyes will turn the water to steam in seconds. But please, do not presume to know me. I deserve that which I gain by my own hands, and I am owed the same rights and freedoms as I give any other. And you are so right, I have absolutely no idea who I was, and I might very well have died for my betters.

But that does not mean I require respect. Only, a moment of your time."

He did not add how little he cared for how he acquired that time, it would only aggravate the situation. He was given a task, the task would be completed, any other outcome was unacceptable. Walking over to the chair adjacent to the woman, he pulled a large container of water and a few glasses over to them with his Magicks. The faint golden mist that wrapped around the objects set the table for three in expectation of Aliyah joining them. He glanced over at a tankard slightly before deciding against it, he would rather wait and ensure this would end candidly before offering a Balmorran Red, or his personal favorite mead. Though this woman did not appear to act like most Deucalians either, maybe alcohol would only serve as an insult, either way, the decision to leave it for later had been made. Taking the woolen parka off and placing it neatly beside his chair, he turned back to the girl with a calm glint in his eyes. The sparks had died down ever so slightly, but the pair always gave off a glow of warmth and power. Attempting to snuff the glow out would be akin to asking a fire to not burn so bright. Nature did not intend for it to work like that.

"You say you know who you are, and that I do not know who I am. So, I'll be honest, I will tell you my names. I will answer any questions you ask about myself and my past, as long as the answers are within reach. Then, we will see who you are. Make no mistake, your emotions will betray you if you attempt deception, as will mine should I tread that path."

It would serve them both well, he felt, to allow the conversation to spark interest in what he had to say. It was clear that this one was not a talkative type, unlike the eloquently spoken Vahla, but he would attempt to incite a wanting to respond. She was the first to deny battle, the only one who hadn't tried to kill him on sight or try some other variation of the same stupidity. Perhaps she could also be the first to hear him out and allow him to deliver his messages, barring any interruptions. Or pointy, metal objects jabbed at high speeds towards his vital organs. It would also help him organize the jumble and mess of memories that floated around in his mind, broken and unconnected to their original events. Since the reforging of the Ashenblade and relieving himself of some amnesia, his head had been cluttered, and he too busy to bother dealing with it. Now, he found absolutely no excuse.