Aeris couldn't help but notice the effects that the dark side was having on him. She could feel it through the Force, just as she could see it written plainly on his face and in his overall physical state. It was taking quite the toll on him. But then, that was to be expected. After all, he served the light. He wasn't used to being so close to the dark side, never mind a dark presence as strong as this one.<br/><br/>Perhaps due to the fact that she spent years toeing the line between light and dark, resisting giving in the dark side as all of her companions had, she showed less of a reaction than he did. For the most part, her physical state remained the same, save the unusually serious look on her face. Her emotions were relatively calm, all things considered. This darkness was stronger than any she'd felt before, so it was hard to remain completely calm. Still, she thought that he was feeling the effects even more than she was.<br/><br/>She gave a nod when he responded to her warning, saying that he thought this place was full of dark secrets and temptations. He was certainly right on the mark there. "I think you're right. I've only felt the dark side this strongly in two places. One of which was the tomb of an ancient Sith Lord." She explained before reaching out a hand and touching his hand gently with her own, sharing not only a momentary warmth in the otherwise cool cave, but also a sense of calm. It was an extension of her gift, one that she'd not yet discovered when she'd known him before. But it would offer him at least a little peace and calm amidst all of the other emotions caused by the strong presence of the dark side. It was, ironically, something of a small light in the darkness.<br/><br/>Just as quickly as she had touched him, she pulled her hand back and started walking again without a word. The only thing that gave away that there was anything going on beneath her otherwise nonchalant expression was the way her fingers that had touched him flexed absentmindedly. She tried her best to ignore the small tingle that lingered on her fingertips and how cool her fingertips now felt in the absence of the momentary warmth his hand had offered, however involuntary it had been.<br/><br/>She was quiet as they walked and she pushed the thoughts from her mind, trying her best to focus on what was important in that moment. She observed the walls, the statues, everything. It was curious. It was obviously a natural cave, but it had been used by the Sith for some purpose or another. She eyed the rectangular stone box-like thing in the center of the room, then glanced Dren's way when he asked if it was a tomb. She gave a small nod. "Best guess? Yes." She replied before closing her eyes and reaching out to the box, using the Force to feel it, as well as to see into it.<br/><br/>What she saw was indeed a body, but it didn't end there. Her hands instinctively grabbed her head with both hands as she fell down to her knees. She tried to push it out, but she couldn't, even with her mental strength. Images flashed through her mind of Dren with familiar yellow eyes, images of the two of them fighting, of him dead in her arms, his blood covering her hands and her robes, tears in her eyes. She could feel the pain as though she were living it in that moment, and those tears reflected on her face. The whispers, which she had been trying to keep out now echoed loudly in her mind.<span style="font-style: italic">"If you continue to resist me, this is the fate that awaits you. Just give in. It will be so much easier if you just let me in."</span>the voice, or whatever it was, whispered. Whether Dren could hear it or not, she wasn't sure.<br/><br/>"No!" She yelled out, pushing it from her mind, letting loose a powerful Force blast as she did. When she finally regained her senses and looked around, she was on her hands and knees, panting, tears still streaked down her cheeks. She didn't even notice that the blast had opened the box, or casket, as it were. "So much for being careful." She half mumbled. Her little distraction earlier had left an opening, a vulnerability that the dark side, or whatever dark presence lurked here, had taken advantage of. She would have to be more careful next time she opened herself up to the Force that way. Even a small distraction could be costly. As evidenced by the scene moments before.<br/><br/>She couldn't help but wonder if what she had seen was indeed the future they faced. No. She couldn't think like that. She couldn't accept such a future. She wouldn't let something like that happen. Nor would he. Even if it was a possible future, she knew that the future wasn't set in stone. It was ever changing. She wouldn't make the mistake that others often made. She couldn't. She couldn't afford to let fear control her, lest she become the cause of that which she feared most.<br/><br/>Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk