Cleansing the Scum

Lord Aequitas · Cleansing the Scum

It was growing dark on the Sith planet of Kuat. Across the planet, lights were being switched on, guards changing posts and ships docking. Various Sith wereleaving their Order HQs for the night. The same could not be said, however, for Darth Aequitas, High Prophet of the Dark Side. He was in the Church's HQ, the Kuat Chapter doing paperwork, his "favorite" aspect of the job. He had entrance examinations to correct, prophesies to examine and alchemy notes to read. The study he was in was the official study of the High Prophets. All his predecessors had occupied this office, each having put their own "mark" on the place. The desk was implemented by the current Emperor Shadow, the interior decorating was overseen by Divious and the current Supreme Prophet, Praxeum, had made copies of most of the prophesies and placed them in the office.

Aequitas looked out of his window. He was getting tired. He'd been doing paper work since day-break and now it was well into the night. Just then, he heard footsteps in the corridor outside of his office. Then, someone knocked at his door. Aequitas looked surprised, Enter. He wasn't expecting anyone. A Prophet 2nd Class, Vivam Coed, entered the room. He was an able prophet, although a bit unimaginative at times. Pardon me, Master Aequitas, he started, but I have an urgent message for the Supreme Prophet. However, I cannot seem to find him. Do you know where he is? He wasn't just unimaginative, he was extremely forgetful too. Prophet Coed, if you remember, Dark Lord Praxeum announced a few days ago he was going to the Space Station for a while. he left me in charge, Aequitas explained. The prophet paused for a few seconds. May I give it to you then, Master Aequitas? It is extremely urgent, sent from the Inquisitors HQ. He looked anxious. It seemed he didn't like matters involving the Inquisitors. The High Prophet looked at him expressionless. Very well. Hand it to me. You may leave, Aequitas said when the prophet stood there fidgeting. Thank you, High Prophet Aequitas. With that, he left the room and hurried down the corridor.

Aequitas looked at the disk. He placed it on a special platform on his desk and switched it on. A voice could be heard:
Praxeum, this message was intercepted a few days ago. It involves one of your prophets. You should hear this.
What followed was a recording of Prophet 1st Class Horener Kylak explaining his finds. Prophet Kylak was a prophet specialised in archaeology. He was currently on a planet in the Outer-Rim excavating some possible Sith ruins. As he was nearing the end of his speech, he was interupted; by gunfire. The picture was lost soon after this with the Inquisitor's voice reappearing:
As stated, this was intercepted a few days ago. The Grand Inquisitor believes it best for you to deal with this. Over and Out. With that, the High Prophet pressed a button on the desk, a screen popping out. Aequitas, quite hesitantly, dialed the number for the Supreme Prophet's office on the Space Station. After a few seconds, a Corellian appeared on the screen. My Lord, sorry to interrupt. I've just recieved a message from the Inquisitorus. I'm forwarding it to you. Aequitas then pressed some buttons on his desk. He looked back at the screen, awaiting the Supreme Prophet's response.

Supreme Prophet Praxeum

A pair of bright blue eyes stared out of a slight torn, white hood. These eyes were locked on a view of Prophet, a Prophet in danger. He watched the holo-vid of his Prophet in trouble, possibly killed. Supreme Prophet rose his right hand to his mouth, setting his ring on his lips. The cool surface sent a chill down his spine, furthering the chill already there from the video that just disappeared.

The hood rose slightly, eyes shifted towards his High Prophet who awaited his response. He kept his glare on him for a moment before speaking in a deep voice, "Where was Kylak stationed?"

Lord Aequitas

Aequitas watched his friend viewing the Holocron. He knew that Lord Praxeum hated when his Prophet's were in danger. He respected each and everyone of them; as well as valued their service. If Prophet Kylak had indeed been killed, it was not worth thinking about. The High Prophet too respected all od the Prophets sometime entrusted in his care. To make matters worse, Prophet Kylak was a Prophet who was always stationed on Scardia, where Lord Praxeum currently was. It would mean the Supreme Prophet would have to break the news to the other Prophets. However, there was a chance he was alive.

"My Lord, Prophet Kylak was stationed on", Aequitas checked his papers quickly, "Cholganna. He was stationed on Cholganna." Aequitas grimaced. "My Lord Supreme Prophet, what is your bidding?"

Supreme Prophet Praxeum

"Send a task force of Prophets. Keep it small. Maybe one or two." Praxeum said as he turned to see a Prophet nearing him. He quickly reached the button and turned off the holo-terminal and conversation with the High Prophet. As a testiment to the power of the Dark Lord of the Sith, Praxeum brought the Force to him and reached out to his High Prophet on Kuat all the way from the Null Zone. He told him Have them report to me every two hours Then turned and began to talk to the Prophet, hiding any trace that anything was wrong.

Lord Aequitas

The High Prophet nodded as he recieved both messages. He hesitated for a moment. He and Prophet Kylak studied archeology together. He was an able Prophet and warrior, but, he was worried. Could it be Jedi? Or perhaps Bounty Hunters. The again, Space Pirates are other possible culprits. They would find out soon enough. Aequitas pressed a button on his desk; the disk slipped out. Putting it in a safe container, he pressed yet another button. A few minutes later, a Prophet entered. "Yes sir?", the prophet said eagerly. Prophet 3rd Class Yala Sera, a female Twi-lek, was recently appointed as the High Prophet's secretary. "Ah, Yala, make a copy of this and send the original back to the Inquisitors with the following message", he ordered, handing her the container, "The issue shall be dealt with. The Church shall oversee." Aequitas motioned for her to go. The Church was Lord Praxeum's codename in missions.

Sitting back, he reached out into the force to two other Prophet 1st Classes, one being the Church's Dark Warrior. Within minutes there was a knock on the door. "Enter", the High Prophet said loudly. Two tall Prophets walked in and bowed. One, Prophet 1st Class Gore Blasa, a Human from Coruscant, was the Church's deputy librarian and an able fore-user and warrior. The other was Matra Clink, another Human but from Tatooine. He was the Church's Dark Warrior. "Thank you for coming. There is an emergancy on Cholganna. Prophet Kylak has gone missing. You are to go to Cholganna directly. However, you must report back to Lord Praxeum on Scardia every two hours." Aequitas stood up. "This is a sensitive matter. You are to tell noone. Now, go. You may use the Church's official transport." With that the two Prophets bowed and left the room.

Yala entered about 10 minutes after the two Prophets had left. "Sir, here is that disk. I have asked Propet Coed to deliever the original." She bowed and left. Aequitas smirked. Coed had delivered the container to him in the first place. It was well known he feared the Inquisition. Aequitas stopped. He thought of Prophet Kylak ad hoped he was ok.

Supreme Prophet Praxeum

"Send me to get some nobody that can't protect themselves..." Matra Clink said in annoyance as the pair of Sith walked towards the a near-by hanger. "I single-handily stop an entire regiment of Jedi from taking Bespin - and they send me after a nobody." Matra said, crossing his arms in frustration.

"Oh, shut up." Gore Blasa said as he followed behind the Dark Warrior. Though Gore and Matra never had met, Gore had known much about him being a profound historian - and Matra quite a Church celebrity. Gore would be the first to admit he wasn't the biggest fan of Matra, his rash behavior and endangered the lives of many of past exploits - he prayed he would not become one.

The two rounded a corner to see a small shuttle, The Blessed Encore, awaiting them. After ascending up the ramp, Matra walked straight towards the pilot's chair, while Gore took his time to examine the ship. Matras didn't not even do a pre-flight check, just took off - only afterwards yelling, "Hang on."

Lord Aequitas

Gore stumbled back into his seat, he wasn't expecting the sudden burst of speed. "Woah, why didn't you tell me we were leaving?" Strapping himself in, Gore realised that this journey would be made quickly; he felt Matra wanted to get this over and done with. "Em, I feel we should contact the Supreme Prophet now. Although it hasn't been two hours, he should know that we have left." Matra grunted in response. Gore sighed. Dialling the co-ordinates for the Supeme Prophet's office in the Space Station he waited for the Supreme Prophet to pick up. Unfortunatly there was no answer. "He must be in a meeting", he informed Matra. Again, a grunt.

Supreme Prophet Praxeum

"Since you won't even begin to shut up, why don't you try again. And use the holo-terminal, works better." Matra saying, hoping to get Gore out of the cockpit. But rather than reply with his own annoying remark, Gore simply turned and left - which made Matra is more angry. Damn idiot! Matra silently yelled at Gore, but made sure to keep it out of the Force so Gore didn't "hear". His fingers fumbled with the control stick, despite he wasn't using it, out of sheer anger. He knew his master would have simply went back their and cut off Gore's head, but if Matra failed the Supreme Prophet - his reputation would be ruined forever...

But, Matra thought ,who said I need Gore to finish the mission. As Matra finished, he looked down the hallway and watched Gore's shadowy figure...

Gore slowly walked into the main chambers of the shuttle, eyes running across the walls and then as they locked onto the holo-terminal.

Lord Aequitas

Gore had a bad feeling about the misson, but, more importantly, about Matra. He had just dialled the Supreme Prophet when he cut it off. No, I'll contact Master Aequitas, he thought. Dialling the High Prophet's office on the terminal, Aequitas answered straight away. "Oh", he said, "I thought you were Lord Praxeum, what's wrong?" Gore hesitated. "Well sir, I feel Matra doesn't like m-", he began. But he was interrupted. "For the love of Sidious, does it matter? Now, get on with the mission. And don't forget to contact the Supreme Prophet every two hours." With that, the High Prophet ended the call.

Sighing, he contacted the Supreme Prophet....

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A few minutes later, Gore re-entered the cockpit.

Supreme Prophet Praxeum

Matra was sitting in the cockpit, golden lightsaber hilt in hand, and continued to swing the hilt around his right hand. He kept his feet propped up on the main ship consoles and watched Gore slowly walk in. "Any word from the SP?" Matra asked as he turned his gaze from Gore.

(( Sorry for the short post, busy ))

Lord Aequitas

((That's ok Very Happy

))

Gore nodded, "He said stay on course", he smirked, "He also said to remind you that he is the Supreme Prophet and can see further into the future than you. But, what that means, I don't know."

Gore stayed standing. He felt weary. Something was not right. "Do you know Kylak?"

Supreme Prophet Praxeum

"No, never." Matra said as he placed his ligthsaber back onto his belt. "All I know is that he wasn't good enough to save himself - now I have to do it." Matra continued. He slowly rose from his chair and began to look around the cockpit to see if they had any food - he hadn't eaten yet. When he found some, he grabbed a small drink and some sort of ration bar he had never seen. "What about you?" Matra asked, unintrested. "You ever meet the loser?"

Lord Aequitas

Gore smiled as he saw Matra looking for food. Gore then clicked his fingers and a droid came in with a tray. "Hungry?" He then turned his attention to the last part of his statement. "Yes, we met briefly once, in the HP's office." Sitting down he sighed, "Though I must wonder, why am I going along, I am but a librarian..."

Supreme Prophet Praxeum

"Who cares?" Matra said, cloak billowing as he turned from Gore. Matra was getting restless as well as hungry and had to do something - he hated long trips, and being stuck with a librarian was making things worse.

"I do." Gore said, eyes following Matra as he paced. "I want to know why I am out here instead of back on Kuat!" Matra froze in his place and slowly turned towards Gore.

"You want to know?" Matra said, stepping closer to Gore.

"Yes." Gore quickly replied.

"You really want to know?" Matra said as he became closer and closer to Gore. Gore only responded by nodding his head. "Because I have a theory..." Matra said as he became inches away from Gore. "To get you the hell out of his hair!" Matra yelled before turning around and storming out the room.

Lord Aequitas

Gore shook his head, "No, no, no, Aequitas and I are friends. He wouldn't do that", he stopped, "would he?" Gore stopped. "No, he knows I have expertise in why Kylak is where he is, I was there last year before he was." He looked worried. "Then why are you here?"

Supreme Prophet Praxeum

Matra stopped in the doorway, frozen. He hadn't thought about why he was here. Why would the High Prophet send the Dark Warrior of the Church to pick up some nobody. He couldn't think of any good reason. Was he more important than Matra thought? Then Matra realized a few moments had passed, and Gore was staring at him. Coughing to cover his past expressions, Matra said "Er...the...um...High Prophet wanted to make sure this was done right." Matra felt the surging feeling of a successful lie overflow him. But knew he had to add something that made it seem more like something he would say... "He knew he couldn't trust you with this."

Lord Aequitas

Gore smiled. "You know as well as I do that the High Prophet doesn't like using the Dark Warrior, he prefers you to stay on Kuat. It's Praxeum that always sends you, or authorises you anyway." Gore realised something, "Perhaps it was a cover story. Maybe this is test. Maybe one of them is leaving?"

Supreme Prophet Praxeum

That notion did catch Matra's attention...a chance to be the High Prophet. He placed his hands together, imagining all the power he would wield as the second-in-command of one of the most powerful organizations in the galaxy. Then his eyes locked onto Gore. If this is a test...then we are opponents Matra thought to himself before slowly walking out of the cockpit and into the main chamber. Maybe you should...rid yourself of competition. Matra began pacing back and forth, mind reeling over and over. Maybe that is the test.

Lord Aequitas

Matra had left when a hologram of the High Prophe appared. "Excuse me sir", he turned away,"Matra, it's Master Aequitas". Matra came running in. He bowed. Aequitas started to speak, "Now you two, we have recieved some new information. Prophet Kylak is alive and in the East Hemisphere. That is all." Then the Hologram disappeared. "It must mean my theory was wrong.."

Supreme Prophet Praxeum

Or maybe that is part of the test Matra thought to himself. Whoever saves the other one - by themselves - wins. Matra knew he may be going mad - but if is was for a chance to get High Prophet, it was worth it. "Sounds like it..." Matra said, hoping to get Gore's mind off it. He continued to try to distract him "So, what's your story, book worm?"

Lord Aequitas

Gore flinched upon hearing bookworm. It just proved that the "Dark Warrior" was ignorant to the importance of the various prophecies, scrolls, books and holocrons the Church had to mind. "My story? If you mean my life story, I was born on Coruscant to a Sith family. I have a brother in the Navy, he is too a Sith. That's about it. Oh yes, I held the Dark Warrior position for a month before you arrived 5 years ago". Gore smiled, "So, I'm not as big as a bookworm as you may think".

Why is he asking me these questions?, Gore thought to himself.

Supreme Prophet Praxeum

Matra let a sly grin fall over his face, "Must not be a warrior if you only had Dark Warrior for a month though..." Matra said as he flicked his lightsaber to his hand through the Force, just to let his hands not become idle. "What's your brother's name? I may know him." Matra said as he put his lightsaber in his lap, put his hands behind his head and laid back.

Lord Aequitas

Gore smirked, "I accidently defeated the old one in a dual and as a reward, they told me, I got the job. Apparantly, if I was able to defeat him I should be the new one. However, when you arrived, I resigned as everyone could see you'd be perfect."

Gore sighed. "My brother? He's a General in the Army. Ceralok Blasa." Gore looked up, "and you? What's your story?"

Supreme Prophet Praxeum

"I guess they were right..." Matra added with a grin, knowing it would annoy Gore. He laid further back, then turned his head towards Gore and said "Was the one that fought at Duro? I think I met him once...far better Sith than you." Gore said as he turned his head back around, knowing he was pissing of Gore - and loving every minute of it.

Lord Aequitas

Gore nodded. "Yes, he fought at Duro. I suppose he's a better Sith than me, quite high in the ranks, you see." Gore was beginning to hate this person with every fibre or his being, but, he was going to play along.

"You avoided my question about yourself? Why, insecure?", Gore added that last part just to annoy Matra. Lets see if he can take what he dishes out, Gore thought.

Supreme Prophet Praxeum

Matra let a small grin form, "Insecure? Yes - the Sith that was born to a royal family on Hapes, has killed Jedi on over twenty planets, and still under 35 is insecure of himself." Matra said sarcastically, turning away from Gore. He was starting to get mad at Gore - how dare someone like Gore consider himself above himself

Lord Aequitas

Gore decided to press. "I see. A snob. You are born to a royal family so you feel you are better than me. No, I have no problem with that, but I'm sure other people do. I have told you that the HP doesn't like the Dark Warrior position, oh I lied, he just doesn't like you."

Suddenly a beepeing was heard, "Right, Matas, go contact the SP tell him we're almost there."

Supreme Prophet Praxeum

Matra gave Gore a look that would have made the stomach of a Rancor squirm. He just stormed out of the room, slamming his fist into the wall as he passed. He knew it would show Gore that he had made a good hit, but his anger outweighed how little he cared. The air began to grow cold as he entered the main chamber, making Matra bring his outer cloak closer to his chest. His fingers fell upon the main holo-terminal in the middle of the chamber as he pressed buttons until the well-known face of the Supreme Prophet appeared before him.

"What is it?" Praxeum said before Matra could even bow before him, emphasizing how much of a hurry he was in.

"My Lord, we should be exiting hyperspace within the hour." Matra said as he slowly fell to one knee, keeping his gaze below the eyes of the Supreme Prophet.

"Very good." Supreme Prophet said, uninterested. "I expect another report in two hours." Darth Praxeum finished as he went to turn off the holo-terminal.

"My Lord..." Matra said, hoping to keep the Supreme Prophet on a moment longer.

"Yes, my Warrior?" Praxeum asked as he kept his finger above the termination button.

"I have a question..." Matra said, in a humble tone. He then began to ask about the test he had made a theory of in his mind. He asked the Supreme Prophet numerous questions of it, and it took everything in Praxeum not to let out a small grin.

Lord Aequitas

Aequitas was resting in his office when a beeping was heard from his desk. Pressing a button, the face of a close friend appeared. "Lord Praxeum, to what do I owe this late honour?" Smiling, Aequitas noticed the small grin that was emerging; the Prophet's signature grin. He started to nod, "Let me guess, one of them has a theory why they are going to get Kylak. Surely they know it's so rescue him", he added with a wink.

----------------------------------------------------------

Matra entered the cockpit with an expressonless face. Turning to him, Gore questioned him on the conversation with the Supreme Prophet.

Supreme Prophet Praxeum

"All I did was tell him that we were close to the planet." Matra said, returning to his seat in the cockpit. He felt the cold surface of his lightsaber hilt in his fingers as he slowly grazed its surface. He had just gotten a good, firm grasp of it when the alarms in the ship began to go off. He quickly sat up when he realized they were about to come out of hyperspace and began to prepare the ship. He turned to Gore and said "Go get ready to land. We will be there real soon." All of a sudden, Matra's voice grew to a yell. "Strap in!"

"What?" Gore asked confused.

"Do it!" Matra yelled. A second after Gore finished buckling in, the forest-covered surface of Cholganna sprang into view. Right in front of them! "Hang on!" Matra yelled, pulling the control stick as hard as he could. Gore could not help but let out a small yell, he wasn't used to this sort of thing like Matra...yet. Once the ship barely turned above the tips of the trees and Matra began to look for a spot to land, Gore turned to him and asked,

"What the hell was that!?" Matra looked over at him with a grim look and said,

"The Nav. computer was altered. It was sending us through the planet...which instead would make us impact it's surface." Matra began to think about how that could happen...or who could make it happen.

Lord Aequitas

Matra turned to Gore, "The High Prophet is powerful in the force, could he reach us here?" Gore turned around, "Reach us? With the force? No, surely not. Now, if you'd be so kind to NEVER do that again."

Looking out of a window Gore was worried. He was alone, on a distant planet with a guy who was not only dangerous but paranoid. He looked back at Matra, "We'll go find him, get him and get back out. Can you feel his presence yet?"

Supreme Prophet Praxeum

Matra allowed his boots to land on the wet, grassy surface of the planet before allowing his lightsaber to light the surrounding area which was darkened by the high trees all around them. "With all the life on this planet, it is going to be next to impossible to find him." Matra said as his eyes quickly searched the nearby area, for anything.

"Well, your the Dark Warrior. Can't you do it?" Gore said, ignited his own lightsaber.

"Dark Warrior - not tracker." Matra rebutted quickly. "So - your the nerd here - what's the plan?"

Lord Aequitas

Gore rolled his eyes, "I'd prefer the term Librarian, if you don't mind." Gore thoght for a moment while looking around. The planet was dense and it would be hard to find Kylak. "Wait, Kylak must have contacted the HP or the SP somehow. No, they figured out he was missing....hey, his ship signature. Maybe it can still be picked up? Wanna try, Dark Warrior?", he added, hoping that Matra wouldn't give up a challenge.

Supreme Prophet Praxeum

"If he can't escape, I doubt his ship will work." Matra said as he turned back onto the ship, "But might as well try." Matra walked to the cockpit and began to enter data into a terminal and stood above it for sometime. Matra made sure he kept his Force-senses active, always focusing on Gore right behind him.

"No luck?" Gore asked afer a long moment.

"Nothing." Matra said, turning from terminal and walking past the Librarian. We jumped out of the ship again, and began to walk out into the near-by forest.

"What are you doing?" Gore asked from the ship.

"It's better than doing nothing." Matra said as he left into the dangerous woods, begining his search for Kylak.

Lord Aequitas

Gore sighed at Matra. "We shouldn't rush into things. There are beasts here that could tear you limb from limb.", he said, "not including me", he added with a faint smile. He ignited his lightsaber, as he did Matra turned around with his in a defensive position. Gore laughed. "Oh come on, do you really think I'll attack you? As much as it pains me to say, I need you on this. Now, for the love of Shadow, grow up!"

Supreme Prophet Praxeum

"But who said I won't attack you." Matra said with a wink. He knew that would keep Gore on his toes the rest of the adventure. It might make things harder for Matra when the time came to kill Gore, but it would make things much more fun for the Sith until that time came.

Matra turned from Gore and continued his sprint through the forest. His eyes continued to search for any hint that may help them, despite it being almost impossible to see through the thickness of trees, and reaching out to the Force. Suddenly, Matra froze. He felt Gore slam into his back and the two fell to the ground.

"What the hell is your problem?" Gore yelled, pushing Matra.

"Shush." Matra said quietly. "Something is watching us." Matra said as he scanned the trees with his eyes for a predator.

Lord Aequitas

Gore wiped some dirt from his clothes. "For the love of Shadow, would you please stop being paranoid." He looked around nervously. "Well, I don't think there is anyone here." He ignited his lightsaber again, this time using the force to sense anyone. "There's no force presence, but, there is definaty something here."

Gore sighed. There were some pretty dangerous monsters on the planet. And that was so far Matra and Kylak. He was worried. He wondered why the High Prophet sent him on the mission. They had a fight a few days before hand.

Supreme Prophet Praxeum

Matra said looked at the other Prophet and put on a smile before saying "Your right. How stupid of me. Go ahead." And watched as the Librarian stood from his place, and walk away. After acting to move up, Matra threw his body closer to the ground. He might not have been a tracker, but he was a hunter. He knew there was some type of beast watching them. And if it is what he thought it was, there were going to be a lot more attacking soon.

But he knew that it would be pointless to try to outrun these beasts - and they would only eat him alive. So, he watched as his bait now stopped, realizing Matra wasn't with him and looking for him. Then at the moment their eyes made contact, a huge Vornskr jumped from the trees right at Gore.

Lord Aequitas

Igniting his lightsaber, Gore cut the head off the attacking beast. He spat on the now lifeless body. "Pah, stupid beast, thinking he can sneak up on me. Stupid mistake" Realising Matra was still here, his tone changed."Still, lucky escape, yes? Now, shall we continue."

He sihed. He was going to have to kill the Dark Warrior. And the odds were, he would win.

Supreme Prophet Praxeum

Matra couldn't let the grin forming inside him show, "Yes, of course." Know he couldn't think the Force enough for who he was. Thanks to all of his time fighting, on missions, etc. He happened to know a lot about predators, including Vornskr. And one thing he knew about them was that in areas like this, the traveled in packs - large packs. Matra strained himself in the Force for his next move. He hade devoted his life to the power of his blade, which required a strong connection to the Force. But even pulling off this next feat would take something quite powerful.

On one mission to the small planet of Ninzam VI, which required sneaking into a small security office, Matra was able to successfully use the power of Force Camouflage, bending the light around himself to make him invisible - although the Dark Warrior wasn't very skilled at it yet and small traces of bended light could be seen. And on a similar mission for the Supreme Prophet himself to the planet of Azbian, Matra had to quickly learn the power of Force Illusion to avoid a similar confrontation with a group of rampant dray beasts. So, Matra closed his eyes when he saw Gore turn around once again and began to draw in the Force all around him.

Although it would take a vast amount of power, the trick of using both powers would only have to last a moment - giving Matra hope that maybe he could pull it off. Then, suddenly, the light all around the Dark Warrior made the brilliant illusion that the Dark Warrior wasn't there and that he was walking behind Gore himself. Then Matra let out a small breath as he was able to stop the bending the light, then solely focused on his Force Illusion - walking Matra into a nest of Vornskr.