Nightsister Fortress

*Morgan nodded.* "Since I was three. I wasn't discovered until then."

"I'm a late bloomer," *said Laney.* "Was on Zeltros for a while until they recruited me."

*They supposed there was merit to Mara's words. Morgan initially wondered what it would be like if she had been trained since birth, but she could barely remember when her training began to begin with so she supposed it was a moot point. Laney, though, had only been part of the Order for a few years, and therefore brought some of her culture with her.

Not that Morgan thought that was a bad thing.

The Matriarch then invited them to take a break and bathe.* "Say no more!" *Said Laney, springing to her feet.

Morgan giggled and picked up Lokay, helping him to her shoulder as she too got to her feet and followed Mara back to the bathing chambers. The two girls couldn't resist taking a moment to admire Mara before stripping themselves; as usual, Lokay opted to remain out of the water, dryly and comfortably curled up on Morgan's clothing.

The girls stepped foot in the baths and lowered themselves to their shoulders. Immediately the hot water relieved much of the fatigue brought on from the long journey, and both girls gave a relaxed sigh.*

"I envy this," *she murmured, closing her eyes.*

*Morgan hadn't necessarily meant she envied just the bath itself, though it did feel quite nice. She had to question the idea of them aiding one's communication with the Force, though she supposed when one was calm and relaxed it would allow for better focus.*

"'Winged Goddess'?" *Laney asked.* "Which one was that again?"

"It's—" *Morgan caught herself, knowing the answer but deciding to not conflate the Witches'— er, Daughters' teachings with those of the Jedi. Smiling, she looked at Mara.* "It'd be better if you told us, just to make sure we got it right."

*It was an all-too-common occurrence yet still somehow one that still caught Morgan slightly off-guard: Asking about her scars. They had become so natural to her that it was almost like being asked why she had a nose. She glanced down at them and raised herself out of the water so the four claw marks across her chest could be seen, along with the scar around her left shoulder.* "There was a monster attack." *That was the generic—if not still accurate—response. Grimacing, she hesitated before sighing.* "The 'monster' was a Maelibus—a Demon—that took advantage of me. I was almost his meal... I was saved just in time, but I would've been dead for sure if it wasn't for—" *The irony of her next words dawned on her before she said them, and she smiled as she slid back into the water.* "... Felucia's spirit. It happened when I was only six." *She blinked; having not recounted the true story in a while, she made a sudden realization.* "I've had these scars for half my life..."

"At least they put something there to look at before you grow out," *said Laney with a smirk.

Morgan's cheeks immediately turned red as her head spun to look at the half-Zeltron.* "Laney!" *she exclaimed, splashing her afterward. Laney only shielded herself from the blast before laughing, causing Morgan to sink further until the water was above her shoulders.*

*Finding Mara's assessment that Demons were "servants of the Fanged God" a bit literal, Morgan almost corrected her but once more let it go. She was starting to get used to that... she was here to learn, not question culture.

In response to the notion that life was "simpler as a child," she sighed.* "That's what they keep telling me... I guess I like that I can do almost anything I want when I'm not in a class or on some mission or something, and I know that might not be the same when I'm older, but... I dunno."

*At the mention of responsibilities, Morgan turned to look at Lokay, snoozing on top of her discarded clothes. She grinned at him, considering him and her other two pets responsibilities... albeit lighter ones. Especially since Rush mostly took care of himself and Terror.

When asked about Felucia, Morgan immediately and eagerly focused on Mara again.* "She's my mother! Well, the Felucians all treat her like a mother, but she... really is kind of one to me. She governs the world and the Felucians help her keep balance. She guides us all and she's even spoken to me! Thanks to my connection with her I can feel the heartbeat of the jungle, know when other creatures are around or how they're feeling..."

"That's why I said that exercise earlier would be easy for her," *said Laney.*

*Life among the Witches progressed well enough for Morgan, although Laney struggled to adjust somewhat. Morgan, used to tribal rituals by the Felucians, recognized that the "spells" were merely an application of the Force, though nevertheless played along with their teachings.

Now they stood in the arena once more, dressed in simple Witches attire, facing down a pair of caged young rancors, in preparation for attempted training. Morgan was a bit apprehensive for different reasons than Laney. Certainly, both had varying levels of fear of failure, but whereas Laney was more concerned with being attacked, Morgan desired some sort of progress even if she couldn't tame the beast.

And just for Lokay's safety, he had been instructed to remain at a safe distance.*

"I'm ready," *Morgan announced after a steadying breath.*

"I'm not," *said Laney,* "b-but I've got no choice."