Ask Reversing the Curse

[Arla]

Arla was quite happy about the way that things had unfolded. Overall, it couldn't have gone all that much better, and they made it back to the ship in short order.

Now we get cleaned up and travel to Kalee, half a galaxy away, she said. It was perhaps not the ideal situation, but it would have to do.

She turned and headed toward the ship, climbing aboard as it took off into the stars.

---​

The two women and the hounds had gotten themselves sorted out and cleaned up, which afforded them a bit of time to relax, strategize, and perhaps even enjoy themselves.

Arla sat down on the couch of the common area with a bag of veggie snacks and a glass of wine, waiting for Celete to join her before elaborating further.

I've reached out to a group of Kaleesh who are interested in supporting our attack, she explained. Although Kalee was already in Imperial space, their people had been only peripherally involved in the conflicts. Arla wanted to change that, and given their war-like culture, it was something of a win-win.

We just need to sort out the details. Despite this being an invasion, I'd rather not have everything on Telos pillaged, which is what they have a tendency to do. Ultimately, though, victory is more important, and things can be restored later if need be. Maybe you could work some diplomacy silver-tongue on them. My cultural history and your smooth talking can get them to work with us, she proposed. Not that it should be too difficult, but Arla wanted to have as many of them on her side as she could. Not just for this but for the future as well.

@LadyRen

 

[Celeste Stythani]

They reached the ship at night fall and prepared for departure immediately. Kalee was indeed far away, although it would give them enough time to get cleaned, rest and prepare. Washing the crusts of several layers of dried blood from Asha's thick undercoat was indeed a struggle, but in the end all that was left was her rather light, sand-colored, now however dripingly wet fur that still spread an interesting odor within the ship. The Saber Wolves didn't usually get wet often and the wolf hadn't been too pleased about the shower, however the slight resentment seemed forgotten after their actual dinner.

Once Celeste had showered and changed into a clean uniform, she joined Arla in the common room, sitting down next to her with her legs crossed and listening to the further details of the plan outlined by her. "Oh yeah, the Kaleesh...they truly remind me of the Rattataki, as they're just as stubborn warriors" she replied, a smirk crossing her lips as she leaned back, allowing herself to relax a little while they could.

"But yes. Sounds like a good idea. Trying to preserve as much from Telos as possible will simplify things for the future and even the fierce Kaleesh will understand why this would aid your endeavor". After all, she had tamed the vast majority of Rattatak, too and she was just as determined, stubborn and persistent if necessary. "Also, you've just said it yourself. They'll respect your history and they might even view Rattatak as a good example. Sure, victory is the final goal, but razing everything to the ground is not helpful. I'll test the waters and find out how open they are for more sensitive approaches".

Sure, the Kaleesh were an interesting choice, but Arla seemed to have her reasons. "The Anzat, the Kalee...seems like you're building up a very effective combination of specialists" she remarked, her tone indeed curious and her head slightly tilted to the side. Arla was obviously not the average champion, as the Nightsister usually chose more exotic approaches, but Celeste was obviously curious herself. "Are you planning on keeping them all around for the long run?".

@Phoenix

 

[Arla]

Similar concept, she agreed. The Kaleesh were hunters and warriors, and there were many uses for such things. In fact, she preferred hunters over those of brute force and pure military alignment, though she'd found the Colonel to be quite impressive thus far. Maybe her opinions would change.

She nodded in agreement again as Celeste mentioned preserving Telos. Tourists are a major source of profit I've been told, she said, and she could see why. Telos was beautiful, and it was part of the reason she had opted to conquer it for her own.

That's the goal. Anzati, Kaleesh, Nightsisters... all are hunters. Predators in a galaxy of nerfs, she said. They were kindred spirits.

That's the plan, she said. I'm hoping to open an academy on Telos where the old Jedi enclave is rumored to be, she said, one more checkbox on the list of things they needed to do.

The scope, I haven't decided, she said, pausing a moment before deciding to open up a bit more.

My initial thought was to open it to a dozen students of promise to teach them the arcane. Now, though, I wonder if I should open it up to hunters and trackers as well. Or just establish a school like that elsewhere, she said. It would have been a large difference to have a school of the arcane and a school for non-Force-using hunters. She would likely end up sticking to the former.

We'll see, she shrugged casually.

@LadyRen

 

[Celeste Stythani]

The coordinates were typed into the board computer and so they were still in hyperspace on direct course to Kalee. It would still take a little while, but it also wouldn't take ages any more. The pups were fed and resting in their designated area and probably also drying while at it.

A smile tugged at her lips as she attentively listened to what she explained, actually fascinated by her vision. Celeste was impressed by her arcane talents and while signing was still a skill she rarely ever encounter, Arla had proven its efficiency repeatedly. The thing about the Hunters made sense, especially because she was a skilled Huntress herself and Celeste could truly see her doing both.

"Hmm..." she pondered on her words a little longer, weighting the options and other possibilities. "Why not both, actually? Telos is beautiful, huge, offers the resources and beneficial factors for both, the Arcane and Hunters and founding an Academy that offers a little variety of specialization would be surely interesting" she leaned back again, actually continuing this thought.

"You're versed in both. I'd say we need both. Apart from you, I haven't encountered many Sith that were so skilled in the Arts of the Arcane and the same actually goes for hunting and tracking. You could surely pass on knowledge in both areas, recruit more teachers and do something on a bigger scope" but yes, she had a point. Obviously, two separate academies could bring some benefits as well.

"Or open an Academy for the Arcane in an area that is known for its strong connection to the Arcane...maybe through history. One way or another, if you're ever in need of help again, I'm down". A warm smile followed, however it turned into a smirk while she was realizing that they hadn't even come close to finishing off securing Telos as a first step. So her workaholic tendencies haven't changed after all...


@Phoenix

 

[Arla]

Arla chuckled softly at Celeste's encouragement. Not that she was wrong, but simply the ease with which she said it.

Yeah, well setting up two academies with two curriculums and instructors - or even one that does two things - is no small feat, she said. Sure, Arla may have had the experience, but they weren't simple things to teach. Still, it was a goal to work towards.

Well, I appreciate that. You're already being a big help by helping me get the troops and land, she said. In fact, she felt she probably owed Celeste something for her help, but maybe that was a "later" problem.

Thoughts on how to get the Kaleesh on our side? she asked, hoping her diplomatic touch might already have some ideas. She frowned for a moment as if in thought.

@LadyRen

 

[Celeste Stythani]

Admittedly, this was all nothing you would accomplish in a few weeks, but long term goals were always a good thing. "No, absolutely not, but if you would plan to settle down on Telos and potentially have the groups of Kalee and Anzati as supporters, you could definitely start building something up". While Telos had the resources, it was already rich enough to help finance such an endeavor, and if Arla would choose to claim Telos for herself, she would be able to administrate the economic resources.

Well, however, if Celeste was being honest, she didn't take Arla for a woman that was too keen on bureaucracy and she had also learned how the woman was clearly no one for diplomatic negotiations, but as she wouldn't do this all on her own, she was confident that she would find a way.

As the topic changed back to the Kalee, Celeste pondered on her words for a moments, actually having a few ideas, but wondering which one would work best. "So the Kalee are proud warriors and skilled hunters, yet they do love a good fight. While they've been rather passive so far, I could see how they would support a strong leader though. I expect some of them would already look up to you and your skills, and also, they respect the Empire's strength in general" she started to explain.

"What we could and should explain, is how Telos would be the perfect addition as Telos is also known for its exports of technology and foodstuffs, the two things Kalee is actually lacking" that was, however, step one. "This group of hunters that you've gotten in contact with could additionally be interested in your future plans. If we can convince them of the importance and benefit of such a collaboration, they might listen". She expected the Kalee to be quite similar to the Rattataki - focused on their traditions and culture, yet not keen on wasting any valuable opportunities. The Rattataki viewed Celeste as a strong, fearsome, now potentially even more than back then, and the Kalee would see just the same in Arla. "Predators tend to spot their kin". Race didn't matter here, but the aspect of how one Apex Predator could even gain something from the other.

@Phoenix

 

[Arla]

Arla's eyebrows rose and she nodded particularly at the last sentence. Predators could easily consume themselves, too, and often only supported strength when coerced.

I reviewed the mission reports Master Atar who who brought Kalee in. He had to undertake a traditional challenge of combat, she said. She wondered if they would have to do something similar.

I also read in times past that sometimes the tribes would unite under a single warlord, though... that's not common, and probably mostly for survival, she said.

Hmmm, she hummed in thought, leaning back and thinking.

I guess we'll see. I think you might be right, luring them with a good fight and glory might be the best route, she said, not certain they would have the forward thinking to barter for food and technology, but... perhaps.

@LadyRen

 

[Celeste Stythani]

While Celeste was confident that they would be able to work something out, she was aware that they still had to be cautious with putting their trust into anyone. She herself had made bad experiences with a leap of faith and those times were clearly over. Yet, she felt like her prior experience with Rattatak would aid their course well.

Arla's report immediately led to a raised eyebrow as Celeste found those information very interesting. "Now that's something we can work with. I first earned respect on Rattatak while having fought my way out of a fighting pit, however if we can avoid any bloodbaths, we should consider those options as well as we might end up losing valuable assets" or well, the strongest usually prevailed and also, not all fights were death matches. Maybe they should have asked Anai for help?

"Oh?" she pondered on her words for a moment, spinning a different in her mind. She was reminded of Tibrin and how fighting for a shared course usually worked well when it came to unusual alliances, but their approach was a little too direct for some sensitive sabotage work and they would have had to plan ahead. "Yes...let's see and improvise if needed. You said they initially showed interest, so I'm sure this will prevail". After all, why else would they have reacted like that when Arla had reached out to them at first? She had their curiosity, that was an important foundation. It wouldn't be much longer and they would be able to figure that all out. "Do you feel rested enough? I believe the havoc you've wrecked must have been draining as well".

@Phoenix

 

[Arla]

Arla figured they would see what happened when they arrived. She sat back a little further and took another sip of her drink, settling in and relaxing a bit.

I'll probably meditate. The trip will be long, she said. It would take many, many hours, and she would likely spend most of it studying, meditating, and preparing for their meeting.

They spoke for a while longer before Arla retired to her quarters, settling in for the long trip.

---​

Arla had been working on learning to function without sleep. While her body slept, her used her astral form to continue her studies and even watch over herself. It was a difficult technique, but one that she was slowly improving on.

Reports from the Colonel were reassuring so far. Combat was going well with multiple small strikes and maneuvering rather than too many stiff battle lines. Once again, Arla found herself incredibly impressed with the commanding officer leading the military side of the campaign.

The ship swept in and set down in the Kalee spaceport, and Arla pulled together her things, even slinging her energy bow over her shoulder for whatever may come out here. The two women had had a pleasant travel together, but Arla was eager to get out and stretch her legs again. Not to mention her desire to get her invaders underway.

Ready to head out? she asked.

 

[Celeste Stythani]

Right as she had asked Arla the question, a yawn involuntarily escaped her. Well, she didn't get too many chance to rest these days, but while sleep was important, so was meditation, so she had a point. She also wanted to check on the pups as they usually weren't too pleased about being locked into a ship for a while, but they would manage. She spent some more time talking with Arla in the common room before she used the spare hours to tend to all that.

----

As they were entering the orbit of Kalee, Celeste was all settled and packed for their arrival. Arla had already typed in the coordinates of the tribe of Kaleesh she had been in contact with and so they were already close to beginning phase 2.

As she walked up to her, she felt well rested and focused, thus ready for the potentially difficult and still rather unpredictable task ahead. The pups were fine, but Celeste wasn't sure whether they should bring them down to the Kaleesh, however, that was when a different idea crossed her mind.

"I'm ready...and just got an idea" her lips curling into a light smirk, "Maybe we should bring Fenris and Asha again, not for a fight though, but I could imagine the Kaleesh might find our companions interesting". The Kaleesh were hunters, so were the wolves. She hadn't heard of Kaleesh usually having pets to tag along, but they could also find that intriguing. Celeste wouldn't go mess around with nature on Rattatak and consider mass breeding such loyal, fierce companions, but maybe this would be something that could pique their interest and they could potentially come to an agreement.

@Phoenix

 

[Arla]

Arla looked toward the ceiling for a moment as she thought about Celeste's suggestion and then bobbed her head back and forth before shrugging.

Yeah, sure, that's probably not a bad idea, she agreed.

Fenris, nu davay zhe! she said, slapping the controls for the ship and letting the ramp descend as the fresh jungle air came flowing in. She couldn't help but smile as she looked out at the flora against the horizon. Oh, this was a place she could have gotten used to being.

A couple of different tribe leaders agreed to meet here, she said. I don't know what they'll ask of us, she said, heading out toward the temple-like building at which the meeting would take place.

And we also need to make sure that they don't kill each other, she added. She had no idea how well the tribes that came here actually got along, but what she did know was that infighting wouldn't help them.

As she arrived at the front, she could already see several guards standing out front, giving them serious looks as they approached, but not barring their path inside.

@LadyRen

 

[Celeste Stythani]

Arla seemed indecisive at first, however then agreed and with her idea and so Celeste called Asha back to her heel as well. The wolf was happy to be called back to action and already pranced around in front of the ramp as Celeste waited for it to open.

The rather warm, humid jungle air came flooding in and somehow, adventure lay in this unknown air. Celeste would have loved to start venturing into the jungle, but they had a mission and were expected at the temple, so there was no time for exploring. She had always preferred rather moderate climate and terrains like forests and jungles, so Kalee was indeed a beautiful planet, but this was no vacation.

"Mhm...we should just stay attentive and be ready to improvise and act accordingly". Actually, a few thoughts and scenarios ran through her mind. They might make them prove themselves, maybe even by hunting something down or whatsoever. There was slight tension building up inside her as she wasn't exactly a fan of unpredictable scenarios, but she was also good at coming up with solutions spontaneously, so they'd be fine somehow.

"Good...let's hope this won't get wild then", she still replied, a smirk crossing her lips as they started heading towards the temple where they were already received by a few Kaleesh. Celeste was used to maintaining order and preventing tribes from fighting one another on Rattatak and even used to solving conflicts, however, this was neither the planet nor the folk she was used to. She was right about the best case scenario being no troubles at all, but you could never know for sure.

She could feel how Asha was tensing up as well, her ears attentively twitching and the tail signaling attention and caution, so Celeste reached into the wolf with the Force, calming her so that she wouldn't become too trigger happy. They were allowed to enter and walked right into the structure that did slightly remind her of the fighting pits on Rattatak. There were stands on the side and a wider area in the middle. Vines, lianas and moss covered the stone structures and while the air was thicker than outside, the temple-like building was only dim-lit. She kept her attention on the group they were approaching and immediately noted how the tall woman in the middle sticked out with her slightly different attire. Obviously, their faces were covered with masks.

@Phoenix

 

[Arla]

Arla walked on, suppressing her urge to just wander off into the forest to hike and hunt for a few days. They were, of course, far too busy and dealing with something far too serious.

She approached and a woman approached. Tall and imposing behind her mask, Arla wondered if she was one of the wives of the tribal leaders. While much between the Kaleesh and the Nightsisters were similar, the polygamy and male-dominated society were in stark contrast. But their society was built on physical strength rather than the powers of the Shadow.

You... the Sith? the woman said in harsh, heavily accented basic as she approached.

We issue challenge. I fight as champion of tribe, she said, deciding to just get right down to business, it seemed. Arla could appreciate that.

We will accept your challenge. In victory, your tribes will fight for me? she asked, glancing over toward Celeste and wanting to shrug but holding back.

We will fight, she said. Well... that seemed straight forward enough. But you must use no tricks. Your sorcery, she said. Well... that would complicate things. Arla had her bow and she knew how to use a sword, but it was hardly her specialty.

Arla glanced to Celeste to see if she objected. It wasn't like Arla really knew how to... back down.

@LadyRen

 

[Celeste Stythani]

As they entered, Celeste wasn't preparing a speech, but she was definitely outlining some ideas and arguments. The wolves walked along side both of them, apparently not entirely sure how to react upon the new influences, yet also not overly tense.

As their eyes were mostly hidden behind the typical Kaleesh masks, Celeste had her gaze on the slits for the eyes, politely inclining her head to greet them, however she assumed they weren't ones to waste time on unnecessary pleasantries and well, they immediately skipped to the point.

Fair. So no negotiations, no discussions or warming up together. The approach was super direct and Celeste already assumed that while Arla was just as appreciative of directness, the fact that they should only rely on their weapons ans strength changed a few things or to. They had a disadvantage without their powers...

Arla's forte was obviously her casting and Celeste couldn't remember seeing her fight with a traditional weapon. She had her bow, but they only worked over a fair distance. Celeste was decent enough with her lightsaber, but she usually focused on mental attacks and well, they weren't allowed either.

Well, perhaps some subtle manipulation through the Force? But then again, this could potentially break their trust and Celeste wasn't going to risk it. If anyone inside this room was force-sensitive, they could expose the trick and hence cause issues. Also, Celeste was never one to say no to a challenge and she also knew that this would be the easiest way to win them over. She reciprocated Arla's glance, however her face was difficult to read as she was still contemplating how to quickly gain the upper hand. "We accept your terms" she finally said, her voice betraying nothing as she sounded all confident about it while internally biting her tongue.

@Phoenix

 

[Arla]

Arla's mind considered the danger they were in, but that was nothing new. In truth, the most difficult and concerning part for her was not to use her abilities by accident or on reflex.

Ultimately, the fight would come down to something more visceral and physical, but Arla was no stranger to that either.

She fell back to one end of the arena with Celeste. The wolves came with them, and Arla knew that would be to their advantage as well.

I have my bow and hunting knife. The dogs can intercept attackers, but they'll have blasters as well as their swords, she said. We can use some of the vines, trees, and environment to our advantage, too, she said.

She cast a glance back over and saw that there was a half-dozen of the Kaleesh, and she assumed that they weren't going to be leaving each side alive. To the death for glory and honor.

@LadyRen

 

[Celeste Stythani]

Celeste wasn't quite sure whether she had already fully processed what was about to happen, because she wasn't bothered by the prospect of a fight based on physicality much. Maybe she was just confident they'd manage to win, maybe because she was decent with hand to hand and still had her weapons with her.

Without further ado, the two women moved to one corner of the arena for some short strategizing. Celeste couldn't help but to wonder how many they were supposed to fight and what weapons they would use, but internally tried to consider every option. "That's good. I've got my lightsaber, a blaster and a Vibro-Dagger" she stated, feeling rather confident with their little assortment, especially because the dagger was a helpful tool that was hidden from sight right now and thus another advantage.

She wasn't too happy about having the pups involved, too, but technically, this was a chance for them to prove themselves as well. Resisting to use the Force would be hard, but she would manage...she was just hoping the wolves would be fine. She glanced down at Asha whose tail started swinging from left to right, seemingly eager to fight...however the pups obviously didn't know what was about to come and they'd have to be careful.

As she saw how a little group seemingly prepared itself, she was slowly getting more alerted from the inside as being outnumbered without being allowed to make use of some tricks wasn't the best prospect, but Arla was right. "Yes...you're right. We should make use of our surroundings, although they will probably do the same". The Kaleesh obviously knew their terriority well and their hunter-like nature made them predestined to seek out advantages drawn from their environment.

"They strike me as fighters who often rely on themselves. Maybe we can gain the upper hand with some clever, coordinated strikes", she suggested, her gaze already flicking over to the group. Okay, there weren't too many, so it didn't look to bad, but it wouldn't be easy at all. She took a breath and quickly reached into Asha in order to bring her into the right mindset. Someone, this reminded her a lot of the fighting pits on Rattatak as she assumed this was actually just as dangerous and potentially deadly.

@Phoenix

 

[Arla]

Arla glanced back to the Kaleesh, but they were beginning to melt into the foliage and environment just as well. She nodded, though, at what Celeste said about working together.

Agreed. Particularly since they're probably all from different Tribes, she said. In other words, not allies and quite possibly enemies.

She turned her attention then to Fenris, bending down and pulling him close, holding his face in her hands. She closed her eyes and let her spirit intertwine with his, letting them each feel each other's thoughts. She could feel the eagerness and that hunter's instinct there, and Arla couldn't help smiling.

We've got this, she projected into his mind before standing back up and turning to Celeste.

A series of beeps went off above the arena, followed by a different pitched sound and then silence. She could only assume that meant that they were now live with the fight, and the hunt was afoot.

Arla pulled her bow from her back and started to scramble up a nearby tree, heading for one of the upper branches.

Can you draw them out, and I'll hit them from above, she said. It, unfortunately, put Celeste in the danger position, but it was something of a role reversal from the governor's manor. She had confidence in Celeste's ability to survive, though.

@LadyRen

 

[Celeste Stythani]

What Arla had pointed out, obviously made sense, so Celeste nodded agreeingly. "Probably. Hence the different colors of their robes" she added, hoping this assumption would be true. Maybe it wasn't just them against the Kaleesh, but each warrior against the other one as well. This would make things easier, but they still couldn't assume this would be one piece of a cake. Compared to what they did in the governor's manor, this was much more dangerous.

The sudden noises that blared through the arena caught her a little off guard, and so she already had the hand around the hilt of her lightsaber and the weapon drawn, just as Asha had bared her teeth. Her gaze flicked over to Arla, internally realizing that the hunt had began right now and they had to stay on their guard.

She nodded, not activating her lightsaber just yet while she was at least glad to be able to rely on her senses through the Torce. "Yes. I'll try to lead them in one by one. Try to stay low". If they take out one after another, they'd have yet another advantage, however it wasn't given that they'd split up just like that.

She immediately headed into the thicket, both her own senses and Asha's ready to perceive the slightest detail while her weapon was ready. She let the wolf stay even more in cover than herself, only planning to call her in if necessary. While wandering through an unknown arena in unfamiliar terrain was dangerous, it was also undeniably thrilling. They were the hunted in this arena, but they were also the hunters. Each predator was prey alike, but in the end, only the strongest would survive. This rush washed over her while she couldn't deny how she was hungry for a hunt herself. Yet, she wasn't dealing with opponents that would flee, but fierce, trained warriors instead.

She could see the the confines of the arena, yet the area was coated in dense thickets and all kinds of vines, trees and planets. The air seemed to grow thicker and thicker while the tension rose and Celeste moved quietly in order to avoid getting ambushed herself. She was choosing a route in a semicircle from the tree where Arla was at, so that Celeste could lure them in in a perfect line, enabling her to hit them with ease, however this meant that she would have to pose as prey.

She sneaked further through the thicket before she suddenly sensed some movement to her left. She got even lower immediately, watching Asha's ears twitch and her neck hair rising. 'Prepare for the first' she telepathically warned her, assuming that this would indeed be the first, and so she just stopped and listen.

For a while, there was just silence before she suddenly heard a little twig snap. She could hear her own heartbeat while the golden flecks in her eyes dangerously glistened in the dim light of the natural arena, gaze directed towards the sound and her head low. She didn't move a single muscle while she could hear some faint rustling getting closer.

Not yet, she internally told herself and the wolf while reaching into the beasts mind, however then she could sense the living presence of a second being following close behind. So they were teaming up, too? She silently moved a little further to the side, trying to avoid any sounds while having instructed Asha to stay where she was, before she then slowly reached for a smaller, triangular shaped rock on the ground and hurled it over, closer to Arla, right against a tree nearby to catch their attention. If they'd react, Arla would get the chance to attempt to shoot at least one, if not even both, but Celeste was trying not to underestimate their adversaries.

@Phoenix

 

[Arla]

Arla couldn't actually see what was going on out there, but was keenly aware of the various rustlings and noises that were within the jungle arena. It was thrilling in its own way, like passing the Nightsister trials back shortly before she came to the Sith.

She watched the subtle movement in the bushes and when she had a visual on a target, pulled her bowstring back and fired. She had the element of surprise, and she was a good shot, meaning the first blow was a hit and a kill, right in the chest through the heart.

She saw that one slump to the ground, but the other was bringing a blaster to bear immediately spraying shots at Arla in her tree and forcing the Nightsister to drop from the tree into a roll along the ground. No more high ground, but one person dead.

She couldn't say she was surprised they decided to work together. In fact, she found herself somewhat glad because she didn't want the risk of them attacking each other or not coordinating on the battlefield. The ability to work together against a common enemy fit the Nightsister's plans quite well.

Arla leapt to the side and behind another tree as more blasterfire tore through the area around her, hoping that Celeste would finish off the attacking Kaleesh soon.

@LadyRen

 

[Celeste Stythani]

She could perfectly feel how the Saber Wolf usually felt while dealing with its prey. The thrill of waiting and lurking, watching and waiting until the time was there to strike. Celeste couldn't watch the scene with her eyes as she didn't plan on exposing her head, yet she could sense where they were at.

While the first Kaleesh was getting closer, carefully trying to avoid any sounds as well, the second lurked in the bushes. Right after Celeste has thrown the stones and thus slightly jumped out of her cover, she pressed on, now peeking up and thus seeing how Arla landed a perfect shot.

As the first one landed on the ground with a thud, the second one popped out of the thicket and began shooting, aiming right at Arla up in the trees who then had to leave her cover, but as the warriors was focused on the Nightsister, Celeste could continue her quick approach and soon reveal herself, this time with her lightsaber drawn.

It took a few moments for the Kaleesh to spot the second threat, long enough for Celeste to have closed most of the distance between them and deflecting the first shot with her lightsaber before she actively had to resist the urge to simply interfere with the Force.

She managed and slid over the ground in front of him, landing right in front of him bisecting the slightly distracted and for melee unprepared warrior from his left lower hip to the right shoulder. The split Kaleesh toppled over and Celeste's rush was strongly amplified by the first death from her own hands.

She could feel the adrenaline pumping through her system as she deactivated the lightsaber for now, switching over to her own blaster as she continued onwards. Even though hunting could sometimes be a game of patience, she wasn't intending to stretch this for ages.

If it came to tracking them down, they would, even without the Force. They still had to wolves. For now, Celeste kept Asha close by, but still well hidden from view and she stayed attentive of their surroundings at all time while she continued to only breathe flatly. Two down meant they still had four to deal with but for a moment there was an eerie silence in the air...

@Phoenix