Ask Dathomir I Mask You a Question

[Darth Tiamat]

There was an instinct to rub her chest anytime she felt the pull of the mask, the memories of the black handprint burned into her skin was still as real as it ever could be even though there were no marks or scars that one could see. Her sleep had been even more restless, at least now she could walk without crumbling to the ground like she was when she exited from the cave. She still felt thinner, her cheeks a bit gaunt from the mask feeding off of her since she had placed it over her face; it was nothing she couldn't handle, there was very little she could not handle as destiny would deal her the worst of hands and she kept moving right through. Though one thing was a bother was how the Eternal begun to twist her memory, finding what it wanted, making her fight to find others that she wanted. There had to be some way to have a better grasp on what was her own and what she was willing to forgo.

She had left the privacy of her Corellian home to make her way to Dathomir to visit with Renfry. She had not contacted her since leaving the cave and left the Empress without much of a story to decipher when the redhead was asked what happened?. In fact, the Eternal was ensuring it found what it wanted on Renfry, twisting the dark queen into a jealous being, leaving Tiamat to continuously question what was real and what was fabricated for the dark entity's power game. She wasn't even sure what she wanted to ask from Renfry, or to even ask of anything at all, but she made this trip, so she didn't want to put it to waste.

The Hawkward exited hyperspace and descended through Dathomir's atmosphere, the pull in her chest grew sharper, but the woman did her best to ignore it. She was escorted by a few of the sisters, leading her to the queens' location where Tiamat would enter.

 

[Renfry]

Renfry sensed Tia's arrival before she saw her. After the return from the Unknown Region, the redhead had been different, and not in a good way. Despite multiple attempts to question her about what happened aboard the ship on the way back, there were no responses or replies. She was... withdrawn and dark.

That same presence now appeared on Dathomir, and Renfry could sense it. As was typical, a group of Nightsisters escorted her in, but Renfry met her almost immediately. It was the first time she had really heard from her friend, and there was still marked concern in the Queen.

She probed slightly at her presence in the Shadow, but Tia had walls all her own that were derived from Darth Kravos. There was little to discern apart from the growing aura of darkness that surrounded the other Sith Lord.

Tia? How're you feeling? Are you okay? I haven't heard anything from you, she said, ushering the other woman back toward a room deeper in the temple where they could have some privacy for their conversation. There was marked concern on the Empress's face as they proceeded deeper.

@GABA

 

[Darth Tiamat]

Renfry met her quickly, her eyebrows rose in slight surprise; she was certain the Empress had been displeased with her, all the questions rang in her mind from when she emerged from the tunnel and on their trip back. The hundreds of voices from the spirits hissed with their assumptions of Renfry's intentions back then, not leaving Tiamat a moment of peace to decide for herself. However, what she did recall didn't seem right as she dug through her memory, the fog was heavier the further she reached, but the Empress spoke and Tiamat didn't answer right away, finding it difficult to pull herself back to the present. She walked beside Renfry as they went into another room for privacy.

Was she okay?

"I feel stronger." she stated, that was true at least, the mask had not been draining as much and after the mental assault, she could at least stand without aide. "I wish I could have piloted back...I missed out on a lot of data." she stated, disappointment in her tone and took a seat on a large cushion. Though it was hard to recall time between leaving the tunnel and arriving back at the infirmary where she promptly became absent.

"I will be okay." she stated, inner curiosity to find those words sounded familiar, "Did," she paused, thinking of what she was going to ask, "Did you ever figure out what those runes outlined?" she asked, watching Renfy, "Any clues as to what were in each of those tunnels?"

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Renfry could sense there was something different about Tia, but she didn't know what. She still wasn't aware of what had happened to her in that cave, only that she had come out different than she went in.

Renfry took her own seat on one of the cushions and continued to frown slightly as she looked at Tia. Something was off, but she supposed she shouldn't keep staring like that.

Wine? she asked, floating a bottle and some glasses across the room for the pair. It wouldn't have been a girls get together without wine.

The runes not so much, she said, taking a sip. She had debriefed extensively with the others after the expedition to learn everything she could. Despite copying the runes down, she still wasn't sure what many of them meant, though Jaikus's experience gave an impression.

The runic one provided information that unfortunately seemed mostly wiped from memory. Information about how to defeat the Entity. The center tunnel had a Lightside artifact that was used to banish the darkness and the Entity from your tunnel. And then your tunnel was... well, tell me about it, she said. They'd simply found her inside. After the Entity was banished there was nothing else, and Tia hadn't been very talkative in the meantime.

 

[Darth Tiamat]

Renfry sat down also and offered wine; the redhead perked up some seeing the bottle and took the glass after Renfry poured some for the both of them. She took a sip from her glass, savoring the flavors for a moment as though it had been ages since she last had a glass of wine. Renfry continued, explaining little progress in deciphering the runes, but went on to explain what they were able to find in the tunnels. She spoke of the Entity and how to defeat them, Tiamat frowned, glancing to the woman when she spoke of the lightsided artifact. Internally, there was a distant recoil as though the spirits knew exactly what it was.

Though, then she asked about the tunnel she was and the small smile she had earlier slowly faded, and she turned her head instinctively. Her gaze left Renfry, but settled on nothing in particular as she reeled through her memory. She found it hard to forget the journey down it and she rubbed her chest where the handprint had burned into her skin, "Pain," she whispered; Tia then looked at Renfry with puzzlement, "Didn't you hear me? I cried for you and Morgan, and..." and Emryc too, but thinking about him brought reminders of the hurt; she didn't understand how someone could have hurt her so much always be in her thoughts. Thinking about it was starting to make her uneasy and Tiamat jumped to another topic.

"Do you think the Entity wanted us to come there?" she asked Renfry and took a sip from her glass.

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Renfry could tell that the question had struck a nerve, but she still didn't know why. Everything about Tia's demeanor and behavior was... odd. She didn't press it immediately, but let her take the time she needed to adjust before she answered.

No, we couldn't hear you, see you, or even sense you. It was like you stepped into a void in the Shadow, she said. Remember when Stolas and Malou were inside? she said, prompting the memory that Tiamat should have had of the event. There was still something wrong, but she knew asking directly wasn't likely to get any real answers.

I don't know, she said honestly after a moment. I don't think so. The Entity ended up being banished just like it was on Dathomir almost a decade ago. Why do you ask? Did something happen that makes you think it wanted use there? she asked. While she was correct that the Entity had been banished - possibly even permanently - she had no way of knowing that its proverbial offspring - the Eternal mask - had still remained and now taken root in Tia's mind. Indeed the fact that there was a connection between the Mask and the Entity at all was unknown to the galaxy.

 

[Darth Tiamat]

Her response didn't help ease any of the confusion that weaved through her thoughts. Not even sense her? She understood the Force was limitless in what it could do, but to have swallowed her up like it did, and not allowing her to leave until she completed the task, it was something else entirely. Renfry mentioned Morgan and Malou in the tunnel and how they were ejected shortly before she had stepped foot into the shadow. Tiamat nodded and then took a sip of her wine.

As for the Entity itself, Renfry still seemed at a loss as to the motive of the greater being. "You can't banish it." she said quickly before she could even stop herself. "I think it wanted us to come, it was looking for something or someone, clearly if it retreated with the light-sided artifact, then no Jedi, so..." her eyebrows rose as she pointed to herself and then to Renfry, "It needed dark siders." Tiamat then chuckled to herself.

"Maybe we should drop a hint to the Jedi, keep them busy for a while." a small smirk returned and she took another drink from her glass, thoroughly enjoying it. "They can suffer with some mind fuckery."

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Renfry quirked an eyebrow as Tia blurted out that you cannot banish the Entity. Perhaps she was right if it was a manifestation of the Shadow itself, but it was at least no longer imposing on the galaxy or seeking to swallow up worlds as it had been on Dathomir.

Maybe the Jedi who went there became Dark Siders, she said with a shrug. There was a great deal they didn't know about what had happened.

What did it want from you? she asked. It was really the core question. Tia had clearly experienced something while inside and it wasn't clear what, but it seemed almost like she wanted to talk about it.

Can I do anything to help you? Or do you want to talk about it? she asked.

@GABA

 

[Darth Tiamat]

Her eyebrows rose slightly, she had a point, that very much the Jedi who did try to go became dark siders in the end. None had the strength the spirits were looking for to carry on their legacy. Tiamat wondered if the body that was holding the mask was even the previous Eternal or one of the Jedi that could withstand the torture it would bring them, but not strong enough to carry its power through the galaxy. There was certainly a fascinating curiosity to this, perhaps it was the bane of her mortality and her wish for knowledge and understanding of the Entity. Why? Well, to exact her own power she had built with her own will.

Tia turned her head to look at Renfry when she asked what it wanted from her; she let the question linger before taking a sip. It was clear as to what it wanted, in fact there were hundreds of voices that cried out in exactly what they wanted every time she put on the mask. She rubbed her chest again instinctively, letting the Queen continue, asking if she wanted help or if she wanted to talk about it. The redhead very much wanted to talk about it, but how would the woman across from her take it? She had after all killed the previous Eternal despite her being a fake and now she shows up with the real deal. This felt a bit complicated, since worse case, Renfry may think as the real Eternal, she would want her place as Empress.

A frown eventually crossed her face and she didn't realize her gaze had drifted as she thought about how to use Renfry's help. It seemed like an odd offer, it was hard to recall the woman's previous intentions, many of her memories seemed like they rested in the mud of a bog and it was near impossible to pull them to the surface without being stuck herself. "I need to know more about the Entity." she finally stated, her tone firm, as though it was of most importance. "I remember you said it was trapped here, and then it took you to the unknown regions, where else was it reported?"

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Tia was being weird. She didn't really answer Renfry's question and she was brooding. She had never seen Tia brood before, but she was definitely brooding. Renfry had been through her own traumatic experiences that changed her as well, and she wondered if it was simply the same for Tia. There was a moment's pang of sadness as she realized she may never get to see lighthearted Tia again, the girl who had become almost like a little sister to her in a way.

She stood and led Tia back through the throne room to the rooms behind it where carvings about the Entity could still be found. Worlds being swallowed up by it like a dark cloud and leaving nothing but desolation in its wake.

We don't know a lot about it. From what we can tell, it's some sort of a Force Entity, hence the name. Our mythology tells that many thousands of years ago it wanted to come from the Unknown Region to consume portions of the galaxy, she said.

The Nightsisters managed to keep it at bay from this exact temple for a long time, she said. The Forgotten - a Nightsister spirit and guardian - managed to banish it back to the Unknown Region close to a decade ago, she said. Nothing in their stories had told of the likely connection between the Entity and the Eternal mask. That the Entity's spawn had become perhaps the greatest symbol of fear in the galaxy.

Why are you so interested in this? she asked, turning and looking at Tia, now with a hint of extra concern in her eyes.

@GABA

 

[Darth Tiamat]

Tiamat set down her wine glass and followed Renfry back through the throne room and into adjacent rooms with reliefs carved into the walls. The stories of the Entity and its power were clear and the fear that it commanded was apparent in the faces of the victims carved before her and it was apparent from the power it had to shatter all her defenses and settle deep into her psyche. Renfry was suspicious, Tiamat knew her behavior was odd, but she was still trying to process everything herself. The redhead remained quiet when Renfy asked about her sudden interest.

She glanced at Renfry and then back to the relief, running her fingers along the carvings, her brow narrowing in her own thoughts as she tried to find her words. Eventually all that came out was an annoyed sigh.

"You didn't banish it to anywhere, we..." she paused, "It's free, we brought what it wanted." Tia folded her arms, she could still feel the burning touch of Siris' spirit against her cheek.

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Why was Tia being so weird? Granted, it looked like she'd been beaten half to death when they'd made it back through that tunnel, so she couldn't be so shocked that it had changed her. But still, Renfry could only put up with this hyper-cryptic thing for so long.

She was going on to make definitive statements about the Entity that Renfry seriously doubted were true. But it was difficult to discuss them without knowing what was going on. She felt like she was stumbling around in the dark here.

Tia, what aren't you telling me? she turned and asked. She wasn't sure how Tia could be the one getting annoyed about this. Miss Cryptic Broody was being more difficult than Renfry had ever seen her before.

@GABA

 

[Darth Tiamat]

How does one tell a secret without giving away a secret?

She didn't believe Renfry was naïve enough to believe the real mask wasn't out there, or that someone wasn't searching for it. However, as she seemed to dismiss Tia's concern for the Entity and there was a familiar sensation in her chest that told her she may be alone in this. She looked at the image of The Forgotten and then back to Renfry.

So what wasn't she telling Renfry?

Tiamat frowned, "Everything. I'm not ready to talk about what happened in the cave." she stated, "I need more time, I want to know more about the Entity and why of all places, it chose that world." explained the red head, "Where else it has gone, and I want you to help me." she looked at Renfry, "The arcane is not my strongest study." She felt like it was a long shot, the woman was already suspicious of her behavior, she knew she was acting abnormal compared to past interactions. Though, Tia hoped Renfry understood there was a reason to be concerned; the events of 10 years prior and now the cave, it was more than just coincidence for Tiamat.

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

At least Tia had frankly admitted there was a lot she wasn't telling the Nightsister. That was progress even if it wasn't helpful. However, it did present its own problem. Massive problem, that was:

The key to the arcane is knowledge. I can only help you so much if I don't know what I'm looking for, she said.

It's like you making hyperspace jumps without knowing where you're trying to jump to, she said. That was an analogy she'd understand, right? She did tech and hyperspace and piloting things. Yes, Renfry had totally nailed it.

And unfortunately, we don't know a lot more about the Entity, she said. That planet seemed to be its... origin maybe? Or maybe a planet it consumed in the past. It's difficult to say, she said, looking up at the carvings above. That was pretty much was the carvings depicted, and the Forgotten was long gone now. She silently wondered if there was anyone else who would know the lore. Or perhaps someone who could point them to a place to find out.

There's an elder in one of the villages who might know more. She was a member of my Clan once upon a time, but she left to live in isolation. She's not very friendly, Renfry said, and she wasn't even sure the woman could help them.

@GABA

 

[Darth Tiamat]

Renfry gave the stipulation: knowledge.

Her comparison to blind hyperspace jumps made sense, Tiamat knew one did not just blind jump; it was possible, but the havoc it took on one's ship was not worth the effort. Not to mention, it still did not lead you to your destination, perhaps even further from where you wanted to go in the end. The Entity though was a short jump, her guesses were as good as Tiamat's own assumptions; the woman folded her arms in thought, her brow relaxing as she seemed to find some relief that Renfry would still help her despite playing the game of being cryptic.

Renfry did have some hope of a lead as she spoke of a villager who may know some more on the Entity and Tiamat seemed to perk up to the news, except the part about this loner being grumpy.

"Like icy Emryc-level of unfriendliness or senile unfriendly?" she asked trying to gauge for herself how she should react to the hermit. "Can we visit her?" she added despite the hermit's mood. More questions begun to surface as she tried to figure out why someone would leave the clan to live alone, but then she thought about if she were old and knew things, she wouldn't want to be bothered by stupid questions all the time from younger members.

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Renfry tapped her fingers against her glass again before deciding that a trip out to the Valley's edge was the next step.

Get ready for a hike, then, she said, heading for the exit and leaving her glass behind as she went.

Just a general... yeah, more senile unfriendly, she said. The woman had barely given Renfry the time of day back in the day, but back then she hadn't been Queen and she had been a somewhat naggy teenager.

She headed out along the edge of the temple, following one of the difficult paths descending down into the valley below. This was near the village of her people where she seldom returned anymore. It was nostalgia with every step, but rather than head for her village, she headed for the far end of the valley where the pair would find an isolated hut.

She's a bit... ornery, she warned yet again. And she was ancient. Renfry only half-expected her to actually be cooperative even now that she was Queen. It'd be fine.

What exactly are you hoping to learn from this? she asked, wanting to get clarity before stepping into the rancor's den. Metaphorically.

@GABA

 

[Darth Tiamat]

Tiamat frowned as Renfry announced they would be going for a hike and set down her glass as though she were insisting they were leaving now. Tiamat stood there feeling a bit stupid, uncertain if she meant literally going right now. Though as the Empress started to disappear down the hall, Tiamat quickly followed, catching up in time for her to clarify the type of grump the hermit tended to become around company. As they exited the temple, Tiamat stayed close behind Renfry, though never being on Dathomir, she found herself slowing pace every few steps to look at some tree or rock formation more carefully before catching up with Renfry.

She tried to recall what she had told her about this world when they were working together on Felucia. She could see how Renfry enjoyed both worlds. The path they took was tricky of course, finding herself taking extra time to navigate until they reached the valley.

Renfry described the woman as ornery and Tiamat smirked, knowing she shared something in common. It was something she could handle easily, though understood and prepared her for what could come when they met face to face. Tia glanced over to Renfry when she asked what she wanted to learn. A soft sigh escaped and her eyes went back to trail before her, "To protect myself." she stated.

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Renfry watched as Tia stopped to examine things, not putting together that she hadn't actually been to Dathomir before. It was different from any other world in the galaxy, and it was alive both with the Shadow and with actual wildlife in a way that few worlds were.

It's somewhat like Felucia, she said. When Renfry had been in her temporary self-exile it was why she had chosen Felucia.

Tiamat gave her another non-answer to her question, but that seemed to be the par for the course at this point.

As they arrived at the hut, Renfry made her way up to the door, knocking before the door came flying open. The ancient-looking Nightsister was half shriveled and not more than five feet tall.

What're you all want!? I came out here to live alone! she practically shouted at the pair of women.

She looked up at both of them, face scrunched up in a scowl before her eyes settled on Renfry.

I remember you. Always with the questions, she said and Tia would immediately realize that some things clearly never changed.

But you became the Queen now, so I've reason to answer yer questions now, she said, motioning the pair to come inside.

And you're no Dathomiri, she said, looking over at Tiamat as she plopped down in something akin to a recliner.

@GABA

 

[Darth Tiamat]

Tiamat was uncertain what she was expecting, but when the old woman answered the door, she was not expecting for her to be so...tiny? However there was certainly a lot of hot air in the old woman as she immediately began to shout at the pair. Tia quickly glanced to Renfry before turning her attention to the old woman who was still ranting. Eyebrows rose high as the old woman remembered the now Queen, "She always has questions." she sighed; Tiamat always believed she was bad about her own questions, but she generally had her answers before the other party answered. Unless that party was Emryc, and well, it was a dice throw to what he wanted to answer.

The redhead followed inside, quickly scanning the small hut, noting the different animal skulls on the wall and the runes scratched into specific stones that sat at the base of support beams in the hut. She turned to see the old woman sit down in a chair, propping up her feet and Tiamat felt she was entirely too close. Her eyes couldn't turn away from the blackened callouses and twisted nails that rose above the toes. There was a good chance she never washed her feet ever and suddenly it hit her, is this how Emryc felt anytime he saw something dirty in her home?

Internally, she grimaced and took a non-suspecting step backwards as though she were still looking about the hut, but the feet...was that a wart village on them too?

"No, I'm not Dathomiri." she stated, "I have questions this time, not her." she added.

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Renfry looked around the hut, noting that even for as "uncivilized" as most people thought Dathomir was, this was actually kind of gross. And Renfry didn't have incredibly high standards. She... didn't move to sit down anywhere in here, afraid to catch the Dathomirian fiipos fungus that was almost impossible to treat.

How quaint, she thought to herself sarcastically.

I s'pose since you're with our illustrious Queen, I have to answer your questions too, she grumbled, looking over to Renfry who nodded confirmation.

Fine! What is it? The sooner you ask the sooner I can get you out of here, she grumbled.

@GABA