Beyond - Legends [COMPLETED] - On the Shoulders of Giants - Post-NJO OC epic - [Thank You - 1/30]

PHEW! Quite the emotional rollercoaster! Loved the Ben interaction!

 

Ishtar: PHEW! Quite the emotional rollercoaster! Loved the Ben interaction!

That last section just materialized on its own, and wasn't part of my original plot outline. 1.9 was supposed to end with the Flennic scene. I got to thinking that it would be a bit less believable to have Kali die, only to discover in Part Three *oop* she's not dead yet! (apologies to Monty Python). It also helps set up Part Two for what it really is -- Kali's dreams.

Besides, I had an idea for a Jedi near-death experience and thought this would be a good place to use it. Is she really talking to both the 'Force' and Obi-Wan, or is it yet another Force-induced dream? Now that I think about it... what would be the difference?

/edit: *woot* page two

 

Part Two Begins! (2.1)

* * *

PART TWO: TEMPEST

* * *

The cityscape was burning... aflame with the orange glow of Coruscant's sun casting its brilliant rays off the glittering spires that rose like billions of tiny fingers from the unseen landscape far below. Growing closer to red with each passing moment, the gleaming sunset gradually began to fade away, slipping behind the towers of buildings on the horizon and the darkness of nightfall chasing after it. The capital of the Republic seemed to become a different place at nighttime, when the sunlight overhead was replaced by the gleaming lights of speeders crisscrossing one another in countless lanes of traffic and lights of buildings winking on and off through the night like some chaotic symphony of beacons.

One could almost find rhythm in the chaos if they stood there watching long enough. The city never slept and was never still. Even in this environment filled with artificial buildings, speeders, droids, and ships, there was one inescapable truth. Life was teeming all across the landscape dotted with skyscrapers, and every one of those beings could be felt through the Force. Buzzing, flitting, walking, running, cooking, cleaning, growing, sleeping, loving, and dying.

"Master da-Boda?"

Nori opened her icy blue eyes and turned to regard the small creature that called her name. His smooth green face was outlined by hair of the same blazing orange that had bathed the city only a few minutes earlier, pulled into a topknot with only single braid trailing from his temple to his knee.

"Yes, young one?" she replied.

"See you now the Council will."

"Thank you. Walk with me."

Nori walked across the open air platform atop the Jedi Temple as the last vestiges of daylight were usurped by the city's brilliant lights and nightfall became complete. The diminutive figure walked at her side, trailing slightly in a gesture of respect.

"Another of your episodes you had."

Nori stopped and lowered her head with her eyes closed. Several small braids of her long black hair lay draped over her shoulder and were woven with small beads that glistened like stars in the lights of the city. Her long brown cloak nearly appeared black in the lower light.

"None of my secrets are hidden from you, are they, my dear Yoda?"

"Strong is the bond between Master and apprentice."

Nori opened her eyes and shook her head. "You are not my Padawan, young one."

"But your Padawan I wish to be. Already taught me many things you have."

Nori knelt beside Yoda to see him eye-to-eye. "And what more would I teach you? You have wisdom beyond your scant number of years, and your lightsaber skills are already far beyond those of most Jedi. You will surpass even me in your skill with a blade before long."

"Honored I am at your confidence in me. Much I owe to you."

"Dear Yoda, were it not for your incessant practical jokes, the Council would have already deemed you ready for the trials." She stood and resumed her walk to the lift. "Come. We will discuss this later. I must speak with the Council."

"Know they your secret?"

The two Jedi stepped into the lift and it began its descent into the Jedi Temple, taking them to the level of the Council Chambers.

"Possibly. That may be the reason for my reassignment... for their mistrust."

The lift came to a halt and they walked down the wide corridor that led into the atrium outside the Chamber and towards the Chamber doors.

"I am wondering... What is its cause?"

Nori paused at the Chamber door before entering. "I do not know, young one. The Council believes me to be mad. I can sense it."

"What know they mad? So careless with their feelings are they?"

Nori shook her head. "Do not forget, dear Yoda, that three of the Council members were once my Padawans. I know their thoughts. Their fears."

"Have you been around so long?"

"Yes, young one. I have been around for a long time."

"How long, I am wondering?"

"Too long." Nori was silent for a moment as she collected her

 

Hmm... the more I reread that section, the more I wonder at the 'educated' dialog of the Jedi of old. Yoda and the Wookie were added into that scene later on, but I think they ended up with the best dialog

I think maybe I have a little more respect for GLucas now... It's hard creating good dialog for 'proper' Jedi. Or not (/remembering Jar-Jar).

I'm open to suggestions for making it better.

 

Good day.

Part 2.2:

* * *

The skies were clear, cold, and starry when the Noble Encounter entered the atmosphere and touched down on the landing platform in Ardiese, the city for which the planet was named. The season was approaching winter solstice in the northern hemisphere where the capital was situated, a burgeoning metropolis built around the shores of the planet's only inland sea. Despite the chill, the weather was seldom cold enough to bring snow, but the city sparkled under a glossy coating of ice formed from a recent rain, leaving the city below twinkling more than the stars in the sky above it.

All three of the Ardiesian moons were in their new phase on the daylight side of the planet, leaving nothing in the night sky but stars. Because such an occasion only happened once every few decades, many parts of the city had darkened their lights so that those who did not frequently travel through space could observe the stars that were so regularly overpowered by the bright Ardiesian moons.

However, the silence that brooded over the planet that night was not because of the religious ceremonies that typically accompanied the rare moonless nights, but because of an impending war. Ardiese, the second planet in orbit from the system's primary, was preparing in silence for the impending attack by their neighbors on the fourth planet, Cectari. Negotiations had so far failed to resolve the dispute, which centered around continuing starship traffic through the system.

Cold air rushed into Nori's nostrils as she descended the Noble Encounter's boarding ramp and onto the platform where she had landed. This night reminded her of the first time she had set foot on the planet many years earlier. The air that night had been cold as well, with only one of Ardiese's moons hanging low in the sky. She had arrived on this very platform, she recalled, walking down the ramp to meet her escort and liaison with this lovely world, Arin Atona. Little had she known on that night how much her life would change over the following fifty years.

Arin was a strapping, handsome young man at the time, and a Commandant in the Ardiesian Defense Force. Nori had arrived on the planet intending only to stay long enough to purchase the Noble Encounter from the shipwrights and investigate a few potential Jedi children, but had instead remained there; adopting the temperate world as her home, and secretly falling in love with and marrying Arin - the first Ardiesian man she met. She had sacrificed her position on the Jedi Council when she bore the first of two children with him, the first being their daughter Heleyna, and the other, their son Synet. Aside from themselves and their children, only they fully knew of their children's paternity, or their own elopement.

Heleyna had proven herself to be Force-sensitive before birth, often touching her mother's mind while still in her womb. Nori had been reluctant to give her up to the Jedi Order, but that had been her intention from the beginning. Heleyna da-Boda was known as her daughter, and was expected to continue the traditions of her family. Even through her training, she and Nori had remained close, like mother and daughter would.

Synet was his father's son. Like all men borne of the da-Boda line, he possessed no aptitude for the Force. Everyone on Ardiese knew that Synet Atona was Arin's son, but like Heleyna, one of his parents remained anonymous. Synet had risen to be a Colonel in the Defense Force, and looked exactly like his father had at the same age. So much so that Nori nearly mistook him for Arin as she crossed the landing platform.

She smiled at him as she approached. "Hello, dear Synet."

"Master da-Boda," he addressed her curtly.

Nori frowned. "Dear Synet, does it trouble you that much to call me 'Mother'?"

He shook his head. "You have never been my mother." His voice held no pain, no remorse, and no regret. It only held truth, and that hurt Nori.

"I am sorry. I never intended?"

"To have a son? I know. Yo

 

I've seen several authors create trailers for their fics, so I thought I would try my hand at it...

* * *

<removed, since it didn't happen that way! >

 

Whoa, those were incredible posts. Synet is so distant that I nearly cried, and I couldn't believe they sent Heleyna to replace her mother in such a tense situation. The council's nuts! UP!

 

I couldn't believe they sent Heleyna to replace her mother in such a tense situation. The council's nuts!

So is Nori, in their opinion.
But... would you have sent her daughter if you thought it might avert a war? She was requested by name... and the Council doesn't believe there is anything Sithly to worry about. Did the Council make the right decision?

<yoda_voice>Revealed that will be...</yoda_voice>

2.3 arrives in mere moments...

 

Lol, it's evil anyway!

 

what's this "mere moments" thing?

 

The conclusion of Part Two...

Part 2.3:

* * *

The doors to the Grand Convocation Chamber burst open just before Nori reached them, shoved open by the Force. Nori rushed into the chamber, her chest heaving for air from her sprint. In the center of the large cathedral-like chamber sat one green skinned Nautolan man with legs crossed in a meditative posture.

"Master Kuto," she gasped, sucking in air. "Where is my daughter?"

One of Master Kuto's many head-tails twitched. "Why are you here? They were just about to ratify the peace accord when you returned to the planet. Now they have postponed?"

"Shut up and tell me where my daughter is!" Nori barked.

"She is completing her trials. You should be patient and not interfere with her destiny."

Nori stormed over to him and hauled him to his feet. "Can you not feel her? She is in danger!"

Master Kuto did not change his calm demeanor. "Master da-Boda. With all due respect, you are delusional."

"I am not delusional! You are blinded by J'Trell's power. Reach out with your feelings, Nal! She calls for help! Please, tell me where she is!" Nori was nearly in tears.

Master Kuto placed his hands on Nori's shoulders to try and calm her. "Master, listen to me! Get hold of yourself. This is her destiny. She will secure peace and pass her trials. Calm down."

Nori put her hands inside his arms and shoved them off his shoulders. Master Kuto backed off, taking slow deliberate steps backwards toward the doors at the end of the empty convocation chamber.


"They're in there, aren't they? the Regent's Hall?" She made a dash for the doors Master Kuto was making his way toward.

Master Kuto leapt in front of her, blocking her way to the doors. "Nori, listen to yourself! I cannot allow you disrupt these proceedings any more than you already have!"

Nori balled her hands into fists and tears streamed down her face. She nearly convulsed as she screamed, "There are no proceedings! This is a trap!"

"Nori! Calm down!"

"No! Heleyna is in danger! Reach out and touch her fear! Her danger!"

"There is no danger!" He yelled.

Nori shoved him with the Force, sending the Nautolan crashing into the doors at the end of the chamber nearly causing him injury. His head-tails were disheveled as he struggled to his feet, confused and in disbelief that his former Master would attack him.

"Nori! Don't do this! Lives are at stake!"

Nori arched her shoulders and bared her teeth. "My daughter's life is at stake!"

Master Kuto looked up at her and was shocked by the change coming over her. Her normally beautiful, glittering blue eyes were no longer blue? but glowing, burning white. "Nori?"

The Force stirred as Nori used it to put force behind her words, nearly toppling him over. "I will destroy you, my Padawan, if you stand in my way!" From inside her cloak came a blur of black metal into her hand.

A scream of terror from inside the Regent's Hall distracted him and he spun around to face the doors, reaching to open them. "Heleyna!"

Snap-Hiss! Snap-Thrummm! Master Kuto heard the sound of an igniting lightsaber on the other side of the doors in the Regent's Hall, followed by another behind him a single moment later. He spun back around to face the one in the Convocation Chamber with him.

"Nori!" he cried.

He had felt the attack coming, but did not defend himself. Betrayal was before and behind him. He had failed his Padawan? the daughter of his Master. Were his large black eyes capable of portraying sorrow, they would have done so. Now, even his own Master raised her blade against him. He couldn't understand where he had gone wrong, and offered no resistance. He looked up into the burning white blaze of Nori's eyes, and watched as the shimmering golden blade of her lightsaber passed unimpeded through his body and spirit.

The thick wooden doors between the Grand Convocation Chamber and the Regent's Hall shuddered, groaned,

 

what's this "mere moments" thing?

I was previewing... had a few formatting corrections to make (okay a bunch).

 

::Bounces.:: I KNEW IT! She's nuts, but right! the nuts people usually are! AUGH! GREAT!

 

I KNEW IT! She's nuts, but right! the nuts people usually are! AUGH! GREAT!

Of course. Just wait until we get the crazy woman into a scene with the Ewok.

 

Oh, boy...

 

There are a few inconsistencies in parts 2.1 and 2.3 in the Jedi Temple. I was unaware that the Council Chambers are at the top of the Temple (Episode One Guide to Places) and that the balconies where you can look out over the city are below, and quite narrow.

I don't think the representation in the Episode One guide is anywhere large enough to accomodate the inside of the temple in AoTC. My local bookstore doesn't have a guide for AoTC.

I need a bit of advice... should I alter those parts to better match the layout... or should I leave it the way it is and assume that the layout of the Temple could have changed sometime during the intervening ~850 years?

/edit: I decided to make changes to the story and have done so in my manuscript, but I haven't made the changes in the posts.

 

Upping from page 3...
Also announcing that part three will commence tomorrow (7/25).
3.1 will be completely from the Ewok's PoV, so I hope it will be an interesting change from the darkness in part two.

 

Part 3 begins!

I hope you all appreciate this... it isn't easy trying to get a serious look inside an Ewok's head. There aren't many resources at all concerning Ewok traditions and lore, so I had to make most of it up as I went. I hope it comes across as sufficiently Ewok-ish.

Part 3.1:

* * *

PART THREE: KNIGHT ASCENDANT

Why hasn't she come for me?

At first, Tikamooti just thought that his Kali was not speaking to him for hiding in the storage-place of her star-chaser. After only a few moments, though, he realized that the Jaina-woman wasn't with them. He couldn't smell anything through his head-kettle, but he knew that his Kali wasn't driving the star-chaser. Then the shouting started.

This new woman was very angry when she discovered him in the star-chaser? far angrier than his Kali had been when she discovered him. She hurt his mind, trying to get him to tell her who and what he was. There was no need for that. He would have told her if she had just asked. His Kali was capable of such things, he knew, because she had often touched his mind when they were trying to learn each other's language? but his Kali had never hurt him. This one, the Nori-woman, finally calmed down and stopped hurting him, but she had taken him far away from his Kali.

When he finally removed his head-kettle and could smell the Nori-woman, he was taken aback at how much she smelled like his Kali. It was a different scent, but it was much like his Kali's. He couldn't believe that someone as mean as her could smell so much like someone so nice.

Maybe that was why he didn't try to run away when he had the chance. They had landed? somewhere? and the Nori-woman traded his Kali's star-chaser for a bigger one. She was distracted for a while, and Tik had the opportunity to make an escape. He didn't run away, though. He knew, even as brave and skilled of a warrior as he was, that nobody was going to treat him nicely? and the Nori-woman did at least give him food. It was her scent, though, that won him over. He missed his Kali, and this one - no matter how dark she seemed - reminded him of her.

He had never forgotten his Kali's scent? even through the long years after he first met her, learned her scent, and discovered her name. His Kali didn't remember meeting him because she was only a girl-cub at the time. There was a celebration. They had just come back to Bright Tree Village from the great battle with the tall men in white armor. It had been a great victory, and many of the tall men that were helping them were celebrating in the village. Tik himself had brought home three of the white head-kettles as trophies of battle. Some in the village were tying the head-kettles together and making drums out of them, which seemed silly to Tik, but was funny in its own way.

He had been at the celebration, but his newborn daughter's naming ceremony was that night and he was headed back to his hut for the ceremony. Tik had carved the traditional Ewok 'yu-nah' toy for her to divine what type of name she would get, and Shaman Logray had blessed it for him. It was during the walk back to his hut that he met his Kali for the first time.

Two of the tall men wearing orange were talking to each other when one of them began to cry out loud. Tik was initially going to avoid them, but the other man stood to his feet holding a furless girl-cub. That was something Tik had never seen before, and approached the tall man to get a better look. He was happy that the tall man knelt, allowing Tik to get a good look at her face and a whiff of her scent.

Her scent was what made him do it. He couldn't believe it. She smelled like an Ewok. Of all the outsiders in the village that night, only one other smelled like an Ewok? the Sky-Walker. It wasn't the smell of fur and sweat? but the smell of honor and greatness, mixed with sorrow and wisdom.

The 'yu-nah' had been meant for his daughter, but he decided to try it on this girl-cub anyways. It was only a toy for divining names, after all

 

GOOD! BAD PERSON NEEDS BLOOD SPILLED. TIK TO THE RESCUE!

 

TIK TO THE RESCUE!

I always thought Ewoks were underestimated -- treated like pets or cute little teddy-bears. I always pictured them as being sweet and nice... but ruthless honor-bound little punks when angry.

One of the Star Wars Tales comics showed the stormtroopers first encountering Ewoks. The Ewoks brought them flowers, but the stormtroopers opened fire. I loved one of the last panels of that comic that had a stormtrooper's helmet impaled on an Ewok spear (head still inside). The tale was being told by an old stormtrooper that had been one of the *few* to survive.

 

I will try to get 3.2 edited and posted tomorrow (3/26). Kali awakens...

 

I like that story of the Ewoks, seems more in keeping with them kicking white booty at Endor than adorable teddybears in '80s movies.

 

adorable teddybears in '80s movies

Those were such a travesty. I shall have to say 'Nee' to you for simply bringing them up.

Nee!

 

LOL! I'm glad I'm not the only person who hates them with a passion!`

 

Ack! You mention them and they appear on the headline ticker below for TFN! They're putting them on DVD!

<luke_voice>NOOOOoooNOOOOooo! That's imPOSSible!</luke_voice>