HTTYD-Star Wars: ECLIPSE

Part 6

Skaovis part 6

The guard led Tris to some large ornate doors. "Lady Minta is waiting for you inside." He told him, gesturing to the doors, before standing stiffly at attention. Tris could feel all sorts of emotions coming from the guard but he wasted no time reading the man's thoughts. He leaned a hand on the heavy ornate durasteel door and pushed it open. The door gave a creak as he stepped through. The rooms on the other side were warmly decorated. The walls seemed to be obsidian black with gold plating in intricate ivy patterns much like the suite that they had been given, lavish curtains hung before large windows that overlooked the courtyard, and large pillows were strewn upon various couches as well as the bed. A fire pit in the middle and bathed the room in a soft glow. "Do you like it?" A voice came from beside him. Tris turned around, looking slightly startled. Minta was leaning against one of the ornate pillars dressed in very revealing clothing. The robes she wore were near translucent.

"I....... like it." He told her, looking away quickly. This caused the woman to smile slightly.

"So tell me. What brings an explorer like you all the way to my little region?" She asked as she gave him a sultry look. "Most men that come here are hardly as chivalrous as you."

"I wouldn't call myself chivalrous." He muttered and then quickly said. "Coming here was entirely by accident. Had a bit of engine trouble."

"Well I'm certainly glad that you were there today." She stated and then beckoned him to follow. "Come I would like to show you something."

They exited the rooms and the guard who had led him there tried to look anywhere but the pair. "This place is certainly big." He stated as they walked passed large windows overlooking a nearby lake. "Did you built this all yourself?"

"Goodness no. This palace belonged to my late husband."

C473 really wanted to ask which husband but bit his tongue. Instead he said "I'm sorry."

"Don't be." Minta told him. "He was nothing more than a wealthy criminal. I took great pleasure in disposing of him." He sensed that there was more to the story but Minta went onto say "I hope that isn't a problem."

"Why would it be?" Tris now asked.

"Good, because I'm starting to like you Tris. You intrigue me." Minta now revealed, but he already knew that. Playing his part he asked "But you hardly know me."

"It's just a feeling." Minta mumbled. "I can't put my finger on it but you seem like an intriguing man, it's like you're teetering on a precipice and I wish to uncover all your secrets. Would you consider staying?" He raised a brow and momentarily wondered if this woman was Force-sensitive or not. He bit his lower lip and Minta thought that he was contemplating her offer. "Come" She said without preamble as they resumed their journey. Minta led him to an even larger door. This one accompanied by numerous security measures as well as several guards.

"What is this place?" He asked as they stepped inside. The inside of the room was lit up and filled with various shelves and pedestals holding all kinds of objects.

"I call this the vault." Minta stated. "I consider myself a collector of interesting and ancient artifacts. Many of these are priceless." She said while gesturing to some stone slab that had a language he couldn't understand carved upon it. She leaned close to Tris. "As a reward for you saving my life I will let you chose an artifact from here."

"You're serious?" He asked.

"I am. You may do with it what you want. If you sell it you will be set for life. Unless you want your weight in precious metals instead? My laborers have extracted numerous gemstones from the mines." She stated. "But I do hope you give my proposal some thought as well. It would be a shame if you left without us getting to know each other........... Better."