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Post by Deleted on Mar 5, 2018 10:55:15 GMT -8
The adolescent Rancor seemed to calm down as Morgan reached out. Feeling the young girls presence reaching out to it. The creature doing the same in return. Although, not consciously. It stretched its snout out to press against Morgan’s palm.
Mara meanwhile kept close to Laney, confident in Morgan’s ability to handle herself. Proven by the Rancor’s reaction to the young Jedi. Laney on the other hand, was starting to lose her nerve with each moment. The Rancor in the cage in front of her also starting to do the same thing. Mara kept her hand upon Laneys shoulder, squeezing it gently
Remember what I said... Calm yourself. It can’t get out of its cage. You’re safe... it’s safe...
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Morgan Calmcacil
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Post by Morgan Calmcacil on Mar 5, 2018 18:48:08 GMT -8
*Morgan felt only the briefest hesitation as the rancor moved, but its movements were calm, in turn putting Morgan back at ease. In fact, she grinned excited as she gently patted the rancor's snout like one would a puppy.* "Hello there!" *she said, any and all tension having left her.
Which was definitely not the case with Laney, who wasn't that assuaged by Mara's assurances that the rancor couldn't escape. She hesitated again before asking,* "I-is this really necessary? What am I gonna do with a rancor anyway?"
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Post by Deleted on Mar 12, 2018 13:21:35 GMT -8
The adolescent Rancor let out a low growl in response to Morgan's greeting. Mara gave a nod to the Witches, who then opened the cage, allowing Morgan to go further inside
Move closer... Feel free to touch. We can get you a saddle if you want?
Mara then returned her attention to Laney, shaking her head a little at the young girl
The object of this lesson is not about the Rancor alone. You must be able to control your fear and open yourself to the spirits... Why are you so scared?
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Morgan Calmcacil
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Post by Morgan Calmcacil on Mar 13, 2018 15:28:14 GMT -8
*Briefly, Morgan felt the slightest hesitation as the cage was opened but it quickly subsided. She grinned again as she entered, declining the offer for a saddle and climbing her way up to the rancor's shoulders. From her perch, she watched as Laney continued to hesitate, having not even made contact with hers yet.*
"I-I mean, it's the fact that it's a man-eating beast!" *the half-Zeltron answered.* "And I'm not much of a tamer!"
"Up here, Laney!" *Morgan called out, drawing the girl's attention and surprise.* "Just trust it!"
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Post by Deleted on Mar 19, 2018 8:12:47 GMT -8
The Witches loosened their grip on the reins a little, allowing Morgan just a bit more control of the Rancor. Mara meanwhile rubbed Laney’s shoulders, trying to further reassure the young girl
It is a man eating beast. But you’re not a man, are you? We conquered them long ago, making them serve us... But if you feel you cannot do this, than you can abstain from this final test...
Keera lead the Bright Sun Clan and the Major’s unit toward the front entrance into the Fortress. The guards stopped them a moment to inspect the group of men the Clan was bringing in to trade. After a few moments of checking them out, the guards waved them through the checkpoint. Allowing them access to the mountain Fortress
Welcome to the Fortress. Where would you like to go first?
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Merrik Piett
The First Order
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Post by Merrik Piett on Mar 20, 2018 17:31:31 GMT -8
Shortly before arriving near the fortress the Major's demeanor changed completely. Gone was the arrogant walk of a man who clearly believed he was superior to the world around him. It was replaced with the slumped shoulders and lowered eyes of a slave, one who knew there was no hope for freedom and had resigned himself to the life. Pride had also adopted a similar posture, although it was a less drastic change than Drax's. Vixen had completely adopted her new role, prodding her squad members along like a good owner, making sure they kept in line an cooperated with the gates at the yard. The shift was so complete in fact that instead of the Major responding to the clan mother Vixen continued her role as team leader. It wasn't overtly obvious but anyone really studying them during this time would likely pick up on the fact that while Drax was technically the teams commander they were all very adept at adjusting to circumstances, and sticking to them.
Agent Vixen dropped her voice to a low whisper, just in case as she turned to address the older woman. Anywhere will do, we need to see as much of the fortress as we can to get as complete a map as we can manage. It will be invaluable later.
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Morgan Calmcacil
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Post by Morgan Calmcacil on Mar 20, 2018 17:51:38 GMT -8
*Even as Laney looked up at Morgan sitting comfortably upon the rancor, bonding with it almost naturally, she couldn't bring herself to make that next step. Any other day she would have gladly argued the semantics of the term "man-eating beast" with Mara, but she couldn't bring herself to. Strangely, when given the option to abstain from this test, she briefly hesitated, as though not wanting to let the chance go, before making up her mind and nodding.* "Th-that'd be for the best," *she answered, taking a few steps backward, staring at her own designated rancor with a mix of regret and relief.
Morgan, watching from atop her mount, felt a touch of disappointment as well. All these lessons together and time spent among the Witches, and she couldn't bring herself to trust the beast? She only sighed before regaining control of her emotions, not wanting to upset her rancor.*
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Seth Gentry
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Post by Seth Gentry on Mar 22, 2018 10:24:04 GMT -8
Seth and his first squad where careful as they set up in vantage points overlooking the Fortress. Using recording devices, they started scanning the bulwark for any and all weaknesses. Gentry was personally keeping his C.O. covered with his rifle, being one of the best shots on the planet, hell in his opinion, the whole damn Empire. His spotter kept him updated. And once the party was beyond the walls he too joined in the survey. Once he was confident he had enough intelligence, he ordered all but himself and his spotter to regroup with the other squads. Staying low and out of sight, he kept his watch. Waiting to see if Drax was as good as his acting.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 27, 2018 18:25:38 GMT -8
Keera nodded in understanding. She motioned to a couple of the Witches to lead Drax and Pride off in different directions through the Fortress, aiming to give the two men as much ground coverage as possible in the areas they might be able to take men. Meanwhile, Keera lead Vixen off in another direction. Leading her deeper into the Fortress. Nodding her head on occasion to members of the other Clans
This fortress is a sprawling mess of caves and tunnels... Most of it has been mapped out on the computers, but there are a number of passageways you wont find on any maps. In fact, I'm pretty sure there are quite a few even I don't know about...
She stopped as she came to a dead end looking cave that branched off from a tunnel. Keera ushered Vixen in, before placing her hand on a panel and chanting a brief incantation. The sound of a lock unlatching could be heard, before a panel of rock pulled back and slid to the side, revealing a tunnel
This one leads out to a small valley on the other side of this mountain. A useful spot to ambush some escapee's...
Very well. Go and take a seat and relax...
Mara turned toward Morgan then, impressed by the young Jedi's ease with the Rancor, which seemed to be reacting just fine to its rider. Mara moved closer and stood just beyond the creatures range
You're an excellent student Morgan. There is nothing else left I can teach you. Taming a Rancor properly... well, that is not something that can simply be taught. When confronted with one you wish to tame properly, remember all that I have taught you here. You will have to connect with that individual Rancor and bond with it. When you're ready, I believe Satish would like to take you through some exercises...
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Morgan Calmcacil
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Post by Morgan Calmcacil on Mar 27, 2018 20:46:54 GMT -8
*Laney only nodded and backed away, taking a seat. Mara then addressed Morgan, who listened and nodded at her words. Her mind briefly wandered to the rancors of Felucia, and whether her time to tame her own soon approached. As well as if she'd give it its own distinct markings like some of the Felucians had...
Her mind returned to the present when certain exercises with Satish were mentioned. She nodded and, after a loving pat on the rancor's head, climbed down before beckoning Laney over.* "I think we're ready now," *she said to Mara.
Laney quietly rejoined Morgan at her side, leaning into her and seeking comfort. Morgan only grinned and put an arm around her.*
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Merrik Piett
The First Order
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Post by Merrik Piett on Mar 28, 2018 8:15:35 GMT -8
The two men have a rather uneventful journey through what parts of the fortress they are allowed. Their intensive training allowing them to keep track of the maze off tunnels that makes up the place. Between the two of them they'd be able to get a pretty good idea of the way through their sections of the Fortress.
Vixen followed the Clan Mother through the tunnels, making her own mental map as she goes until the reach the "dead end" feeling the distinct use of force as the Dathmari spells the door open she reaches out with her own feelings enough to find the hidden latch, noting it's location for later. As Keera explains what this tunnel is the redhead woman can't help but smile. An excellent point to ambush someone fleeing the fortress, but also a likely entry point for a small force. Turning to the older woman she drops her voice low, just in case. That is important information indeed. You will have to show us how to get the the valley from the outside once our mission inside is complete.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 1, 2018 10:57:52 GMT -8
Mara nodded to Morgan and Laney as the two girls gathered together. With Morgan giving the affirmative that they were ready
It has been a pleasure teaching you both... Good luck.
Satish rose from his seat in the spectator area. His tattoos and eyes glowing white as he jumped down to the arena floor. He had learned a lot about Morgan and Laney over the past several days. He had a fairly good idea of where each of their strengths and weaknesses lay. He just had to figure out what he could do about them
Let's see just what it is you both can do... Follow me...
Without waiting for a response, he lead the way out of the arena and through the Fortress. His tattoos changing from a pure white, to a fiery red as they entered a large cavern which had a large central flat rock area. Around the edge of which flowed a stream of water. Hanging above it, was a large brazier which lit up the room. Satish came to a stop in the middle of the cavern
Contained within, are the four most basic elements. Earth. Fire. Water. Wind. They are the most basic building blocks of life. In one form or another. As a Master Shaper, I can control each and every one of them... But I want to see what the two of you can do with them...
Certainly. Let's keep going. There is much and more to see...
Keera continued to guide Vixen through the base. Noting various known hidden passages. It took them a couple hours to get a fairly decent coverage of the Fortress, before they all met back at the entrance to the Fortress. Once everyone was confirmed as being back, they headed back out the front entrance. Taking the same route they had come right back to the meeting point
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Morgan Calmcacil
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Post by Morgan Calmcacil on Apr 1, 2018 20:17:15 GMT -8
*The two girls gave a short bow to Mara before following Satish, wondering what test he had in store for them this time. As they entered the cavern, they looked around as Satish explained what was inside, and what he expected them to do. While both girls understood—Laney taking a few more moments before she comprehended—Morgan didn't wait for further instruction before stepping to the water's edge and reaching out with mind and body. It did not immediately answer to her call; not surprising, as she wasn't acting through Felucia. It only took a brief moment to correct her thoughts and listen to the patterns of Dathomir before she was able to pull out a strand of water, collecting it into a ball with intricate movements of her hands.
Then, without warning, she tossed it at Laney, who ducked barely in time. She stood back up, grinning as she remarked,* "I know that trick all too well!"
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Post by Deleted on Apr 16, 2018 6:45:15 GMT -8
Satish nodded. Impressed by the young Jedi's ability to call upon the spirits of the water. He had learned much about Morgan during her training with Mara. The most peculiar of which, was her deep connection to the spirit of Felucia. One which he had seen her have to get out of the habit of relying upon here. Something that many would have struggled with achieving. He certainly had every intention of doing his best to help her along that path
A very nice display... But I suspect not the true limits of your abilities. Each world is different, but their elemental spirits remain the same at their most basic level. They have their own personalities. If you can read these personalities, you can more easily communicate with them. And they will more willingly respond to your call...
Satish stretched his palm out towards the two girls. Summoning a miniature tornado of sorts as his tattoos took on a more grey hue. Attuning themselves with the element he sought to call to
As you train more often and gain experience, the connection will become easier...
He closed his fingers over his hand then. Causing the tornado to dissipate before he lowered his arm back to his side
You must also be weary of what your motives are. Nature has a balance that it will always seek to maintain. Regardless of whether a creature is a predator or prey. Everything plays a role in a much grander plan than what we can comprehend... If you act rashly and try to upset that balance, the spirits will turn against you. But work to protect that balance and the spirits will come to your aide... Let me pose this question to you: if you come across an injured Malkloc and a Rancor is about to finish it off, what would you do?
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Morgan Calmcacil
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Post by Morgan Calmcacil on Apr 16, 2018 8:32:36 GMT -8
*It was good insight, the idea that every world had its nature. Morgan highly doubted any world had the same kind of "consciousness" as Felucia, but that every world would have its own heart in the Force made perfect sense. She nodded, committing this thought to memory; she would likely need this in the future.
However the question caught her off-guard. She had her own instinctive belief, but many lessons among the Felucians had already given her a few new viewpoints on the way of life. Lowering her head and sighing, she said,* "Even if I stopped the rancor, I probably couldn't help the malkloc if it was injured... I'd... let it go..."
*Laney looked at her in surprise.* "You would?!"
*Morgan nodded.* "Animals have to eat to live. I mean, we eat animals to live. I know, I helped lead some rippers to fish once."
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Post by Deleted on Apr 22, 2018 12:51:27 GMT -8
He nodded at Morgan's response. Impressed by the young girls response. He had expected her to respond more like a Jedi or child would. Believing that the Rancor, as a predator, was the enemy to be defeated. But it seemed Morgan had been dissuaded of such notions. Either by her life experience or via her deep connection to Felucia. Laney, on the other hand, still ha much to learn about nature and the Force itself
A wise answer. I never specified how the Malkloc was injured, nor whether that injury covered up a much deeper disease. Something which could have had devastating effects on the wider Malkloc population if you had saved it. Everything does need to eat. And sometimes, Nature will use predators as a way to weed out disease... Life is not as simple as it may look. It is not just black or white. Or shades of grey. Every choice you make, affects a larger picture. Every action, has a consequence... For better or worse.
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Morgan Calmcacil
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Post by Morgan Calmcacil on Apr 22, 2018 15:47:51 GMT -8
*Laney frowned, understanding the notion, but her surprise coming more from the idea that Morgan wouldn't try to save all life no matter what. However, managing to somehow find humor in the situation, she glanced sideways with a nervous look and asked,* "What if it was me?"
*Morgan's eyes widened but she giggled and shoved her with her elbow.* "That's different! I'm not leaving my girlfriend behind!"
*Laney raised an eyebrow.* "Oh, but what about everyone else?"
"That's not what I meant!"
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Post by Deleted on Apr 23, 2018 7:02:41 GMT -8
Satish watched the interaction between the two Jedi. Finding some amusement in their conversation. Just as he was about to resume his lesson, however, he was interrupted as one of the Metal Shapers from the control room came running in. The man stopping just short of Satish and bending over almost out of breath
First Order... Orbit... Matriarch... phew...
Despite the man's sparse words, Satish understood fully what the message was. The First Order had shown up in orbit and he needed to find Ebony
Catch your breath. We might need you at full strength before this day is over... Morgan, Laney, come with me. We're going to see what is going on here...
Satish gave the Metal Shaper a pat on the back, before leading Morgan and Laney out of the training room and through the Fortress. For the most part, everyone still appeared calm and unaware of what was going on. The alarm not having been raised on a wide scale just yet, in case the situation in orbit turned out to be little more than a misunderstanding.
Satish made sure Morgan and Laney were keeping pace as he ushered them along to the Grand Matriarchs chamber. Ebony, Mara, and Lithia were already gathered with a number of other Matriarchs around a holo projection showing the situation in orbit. On one side was the defence fleet, and on the other, the First Order ships. Four Resurgents and a ship that no one had seen before. The Matriarchs were chatting amongst themselves, discussing possible theories as to what it was. Satish meanwhile moved to Ebony's side
I didn't mean to interrupt your training. But this situation requires your attention...
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Morgan Calmcacil
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Post by Morgan Calmcacil on Apr 23, 2018 16:34:28 GMT -8
*The humor was cut short at the appearance of the out-of-breath man. His mention of the First Order already startled the two girls, but the addition of the word "orbit" made them widen their eyes. They had little time to react before Satish led them away from their training area before the lesson could even begin, Lokay clinging to Morgan's shoulder. One in the Grand Matriarch's chambers, the holographic image of First Order ships staring down those of Dathomir met them.*
"I thought we had some kind of truce with the First Order!" *Laney exclaimed.
Morgan approached the hologram's edge and stared blankly, disturbed herself. There was some sort of "truce" signed at Manaan—her father was there, even—but she didn't have any faith in it being longstanding. If it was broken this day... They weren't in the best spot.*
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Post by Deleted on Apr 24, 2018 6:01:27 GMT -8
We are meant to... But we'll see if it holds today. But considering the fire power they're bringing, I suspect not... Truces between factions like the First Order and Galactic Alliance don't always hold...
He suspected today would be such a situation. The First Order had managed to recover faster than the Alliance. And now they intended to press their advantage and wipe out the crumbling Alliance. He felt a strange tingle down his spine then. Feeling the call of the spirits from the great beyond. Preparing for his arrival.
His gaze shifted to Morgan and Laney then. Studying the two girls. If war was indeed about to break out, he needed to make sure they were both on their way or out of here. He was pretty confident that Aerandir would throw quite the fit if the his daughter and her friend were harmed. He motioned from Mara to the two girls then
Mara, if you would be so kind. I suspect these two could do with a bath. Make sure they're ready to leave at any moment...
Certainly... Girls, are you ready to go?
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