The door gave a satisfactory hiss as it closed behind the Shadow Lady of Arcona. She was tired, weary of the long day ahead of her on the morrow and of the day that had just passed. Without too much thought, she carefully removed the decorative binding that hid her sightless gaze. She knew she was not alone; Atyiru could see the aura of the woman that hid within the shadows of her darkened Chambers.
"I can see you sister." Her voice was calm; she wasn't at all at peace. Too many conflicting opinions buzzed in her mind, and here was another soul to add to her burdens.
"... I know." The Iridonian's voice sounded as she felt, disconnected and drained. "I know you do not need it but could you turn the lights on please?" The Miraluka obliged, uncertain if this was a welcomed visit.
Nath's pitch eyes blinked rapidly as she adjusted to the illuminated room, she sat at Atyiru's desk but had not touched a thing upon it. In her hand she nursed a small but strong shot of caff; it had gone cold hours ago but she had yet to drink it. The scent masked the smell of Tihaar rather well.
"To what do I owe the pleasure?" Inquired the Miraluka as she sat on the opposite side of her desk, she fell heavily into the chair, her slight weight making the leather protest mutely.
"You sound how I feel." Remarked Nath quietly as she inspected her sister. Atyiru had already began appraising her sister's aura, the small speckle within her head had grown, it looked more akin to a sarcoma now, connecting and weaving its way into her aura. There was much pain there, Atty had never asked what had happened upon her Master's death but it had changed her, now all she could see from the Iridonian was constant pain. Even the slightest movement sent a ripple of it within her.
"I highly doubt that." Remarked the Consul dryly. "I haven't seen you in many months."
"No, I had never needed an appointment before now so I decided to skip the foreplay." So much anger buzzed in her head, it lashed out in her words without even trying.
"I know you were at the leadership meeting even if you hid yourself." The Miraluka wasn't angry for this but couldn't help but point out her sister's intrusion.
"I may as well have not bothered, everyone in the room knew I was watching." Atyiru gave a slight nod of agreement.
"And what do you think?“ Pressing Nath did not ever yield results and so Atyiru backed down to gentle enquiry.
"You seek my opinion?" Nath could barely believe her ears, but she took a moment to consider her words, as she did so she took a half empty bottle of Tihaar from next to her boots and served two glasses.
Atyiru waited patiently, taking the glass when offered. A deep inhalation was taken before she drank down the contents. The satisfying burning sensation of the strong concoction was welcomed.
"I do not know what to think yet, I will serve as is my duty, I will die for you if it is what you will." Nath spoke solemnly but did not give her sister chance to speak out before continuing. "I have my affairs in order do not trouble yourself, however, I would pick your allies carefully, do not trust in the Jedi to find salvation. Peace is a lie and I do not care how much you believe it not to be."
"I wish to give us purpose Nath." She placed the glass back upon the desk, Nath drained her own, the cup of caff lay close by forgotten for now.
"And purpose you have given us, you dance on a knife point to give something not all of us wish for."
"What do you mean?“ Atyiru asked looking carefully at her sister, she saw the same pose that the Iridonian always gave, defensive, arms crossed loosely.
"I am weary sister, the universe seems to get dimmer with each passing day and I do not know how to stop it." The confession burned in her throat, it hurt almost as much as existence did. "When this is over I wish to see him. I deserve more than one day of true happiness."
Neither woman had to speak his name, of course they had both been there, Atyiru knew to whom Nath had bound her body and soul with.
"You miss him."
"Every day." She confirmed unable to look her sister in the eye as was normally Nath's custom. "When this is over I will be taking a short leave."
"Of course." Atyiru was glad Nath would stay until the end, she couldn't deny her sister her wish.
"Whilst I remain on the Nighthawk I will be your eyes and ears. I suggest you invest in a few more around Arcona."
Atyiru pondered on the idea and eventually nodded her head in agreement, she knew very well that not everyone was content with the decision. As yet she had not heard Nath's thoughts and decided now was a good a time as any to inquire.
"What do you think of this alliance? Saying what you have is not an opinion." The Miraluka placed the glass back upon the desk and Nath dutifully refilled it as she did her own.
"...What does it matter? My opinion counts for nothing."
"It matters to me." The pause Nath took to reply was long, honestly she had no idea what to make of this situation.
"I believe that once our common enemy is gone we will have problems. Once the reason that binds us is gone there will be another war on our hands. In some respects I suppose it will be useful, we need a culling and a way to prove our newer recruits into our ranks. Why not war with the Jedi? Our philosophies differ so much there is no possible way to find harmony."
Atyiru gave a another acknowledging nod of her head, taking the now filled glass. The pair remains thus for the rest of the night until the bottle was empty and they had found more liquor to quench themselves with.