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“Sister, we have captured a mate for you at last.”
Merrin emerged from her meditation and stood, her face unreadable. “Vaula, how did you find one so quickly?” she asked. “As Mother approved?” Merrin raised an eyebrow at the other nightsister, a huntress who carried a bow on her back.
“He is of the Force. We captured him on the planet Mygeeto during one of the tiffs between the republic and separatists,” Vaula responded. “Mother has him now. He fights, but he cannot resist our magicks. He will do well to help us breed new nightsisters to our coven. It has been so long since there has been a young one in our midst.”
Merrin cast her eyes downward. She didn’t wish to break tradition, but the idea of being forced to wed a human male was less than desirable. She already had somebody she wanted to be with. Sadly, they both knew it was not going to be allowed. Perhaps stolen kisses, whispers in the dark, and secret meetings were the only way she would be truly fulfilled.
“When will I see him?” Merrin asked.
“Soon. We must prepare for the ceremony,” Vaula said.
Dathomir was bathed in a reddish orange glow as the sun set. That evening there would be a ceremony and celebration, and Merrin would be tethered to a human.
“A Jedi?” Merrin asked. She sat with Mother in an alcove.
“Yes, my child. He is young and powerful, as well as good breeding. He will do well for us, and for you,” Mother responded. She placed a wreath of various flowers and herbs from the swamps onto Merrin’s head. “This is an important night for you, sister. Are you ready?”
“Yes, Mother,” Merrin replied. She held out her hands and allowed Mother to grasp them and utter a blessing on her.
“Come, your mate awaits.”
Merrin swallowed hard. She knew the male would be reluctant to participate in this arrangement, but it was their custom and he would eventually have to give in… right? She tried not to feel guilty about it. It was her duty to help keep their coven alive and well.
The ceremonial chamber was lit with large sconces, all glowing slightly green. At the center of the room was a slab of stone where Mother stood. Around the room stood the other nightsisters, all whispering excitedly.
Mother motioned to Merrin, who approached slowly. Mother then motioned to the other side of the room. A commotion could be heard as a young male was dragged into the room.
Merrin tried to keep her face stone-cold, but her heart went out to the young man. His fiery red hair was messed up and his face was marred with scratches from fighting back. His Jedi robes had been removed and he wore a simple tunic and trousers. An enchanted collar was around his neck, and Merrin knew it was to keep him from using his Force abilities.
“Be still, Jedi,” one of the nightsisters hissed. She pushed the young man so that he faced Merrin, then forced him to his knees.
Merrin looked down at the roughed up Jedi. He did not return her gaze, instead looking at the floor.
Mother held up her hands to silence the room. “Sisters, we gather to perform one of our most sacred rituals! It is time to refresh, to renew, and to rejuvenate. We bring this young force-sensitive male into our midst so that we may continue on our lineage. Sister Merrin has offered herself as one to carry such a task.”
Merrin still stared at the redheaded male, wishing he would at least look up at her.
“This Jedi, known as Cal Kestis, is brought to you, Sister. Will you have him?”
It was then that Cal looked up, straight into Merrin’s soul. His eyes burned with anger. He was forced to stand and look at her straight on.
“Yes Mother,” Merrin responded, her own resolve buckling under the intimidating stare of this Jedi.
“Take his hands, child,” Mother instructed.
Merrin reached out and took Cal’s calloused hands. He kept them limp, his distaste for her completely clear. Still, his eyes continued to pierce her own.
Mother began to chant, and the rest of the nightsisters followed. Green whisps of magick swirled around the couple. Merrin could tell Cal was at least intrigued by the spells and incantations. She would try to show him more in the future to at least get him acquainted with their ways.
“It is done!” Mother declared. “Dyosia, take them to the sacred hut.”
An older nightsister motioned for the couplea to follow. Merrin realized she was still holding Cal’s hands, and he was holding them back. He pulled back first, and Merrin reached back out. “Come, I promise it is not going to be as bad as it seems,” she said in a reassuring tone.
Cal didn’t react. Merrin took his hand anyway and led him away.