Star Wars CLOSED ESAF ESPAC

IC: Udin-Metheus
Observation

The Nagai was aware that Azaar’s curiosity was not an idle curiosity. He noticed his words had an effect.
“An observation.”
He continued to walk beneath the canopy of trees.
“Like these titans of limb, leaf, and bark. Outward they appear gentle and stable. Then one crashes to the ground, capable of great harm to any in its path.”
Udin kept walking, The Temple seemed ever closer, and yet they had not arrived.

TAG: @greyjedi125

 

Raul
Equatorial Mountain Range

“Oh, cut me down will you? Come on then, let’s see if you can!!” taunted the masked attacker, who’s momentum seemed to have halted now that Raul had become the aggressor.

Indeed, Raul’s attacks were both speedy and heavy and quite likely terrifying, as he was in a rage, but the masked stranger had matched him perfectly, strike for strike. It was almost like fighting a mirror image. Raul frowned. He wasn't sure what to expect, but this man was well-versed in his moves. Each and every parry placed perfectly against Raul.

Sparks burst in showers as their clash continued undiminished.

“Well, is that all?” The Masked One jibed after catching the much larger Raul in a saber lock. Raul snarled. This comment made him furious, as he continued to swing his lightsaber madly at him.

His fingers crackled as his rage caused lightning to build around his hands. Sending his left fist forward, Raul attempted to slam his lightning-imbued fist into the masked figure, his snarl making the young man look like a demon.

@greyjedi125

 

Udin & Azaar
Temple Arrival

The forest path gave way to a well tended garden, before coming unto the ashwood colored steps of the Bendu Temple. The pair was greeted by Temple guards adorned in their grey vestments, who despite being alert and ready, were also peaceable in their manner, even as they greeted the two with silent nods.

Several remotes could also be observed, flitting about, going to and from, just the same as those who lived on the grounds and the general forest area. Udin would sense the boon that came from balance and all things being in harmony. It was a distinct feeling that many in the galaxy no longer recognized.

“We are here!” Azaar announced, speaking simply to make her guest feel welcome. She gestured with her left hand, as if presenting a royal present. The Bendu Temple rose before them, its white-grey walls, vaulting arches, spiraling towers and ubiquitous vines, like emerald filigree, were on display for the newcomer.

“We should see about getting you settled in a guest room, I suppose.” She said, moving slightly ahead to lead the way through the massive doors.

“Then afterwards, we could have a meal, before we meet with the Caretaker. What do you say?”

Azaar smiled, quite likely already imagining things to come.

Tag: @Kato Sai

---

Equatorial Mountain Range

Behind his mask, the stranger smiled as he could feel Raul’s anger swelling, even as he increased his own strength to match the much larger man's exertions. Unseen by Raul, the stranger’s smile widened as he finally noticed lightning crackling around Raul’s fist.

“I see…” He managed to whisper before he began to turn, catching part of Raul’s strike on his left shoulder, rather than full on, even as lightning traveled down his arm.

“Ah!” The Masked Stranger exclaimed, as if stung by a bee, his left arm going limp at his side. Still, he had not recoiled at the electrified strike, but had pivoted quickly on his feet, his lightsaber now swung in a tight arc, aimed at Raul’s neck.

How odd it seemed.

It certainly felt as if the Mask Stranger was enjoying himself.


Tag: @Master Vo'Un'Var

 

IC: Tay Neir

Tay watched as the grey master stepped in.

"Enough!!" Master Silverhand bellowed, calling the discarded Beskar Spear to his own hand.

"I'd rather not make an enemy of your brother by putting you down myself, here and now. Step away from him. Now. I will not repeat myself."

The tone in the grey jedi master was absolute. Both Neir would know that he was not bluffing.

"Call off your attack and leave this place. You have lost any foothold you might have had. Part of being a good leader is knowing when to retreat. Giving in to pride now will only lead to your destruction, surely you can see that."

All around, every huma-droid on the ground had been defeated. Manniwin was on her own. The force roiled fiercely about Master Silverhand, both the Dark and the Light.

He wielded authority, but was no tyrant. He was suffused with power, but did not abuse it. He would render judgement, but was not without mercy.

"Flee now and live for another day. Perhaps the two of you will learn to reconcile, or choose to continue with your war, but today, let there be a reprieve."

Manniwin turned to the grey jedi. She had fought many a jedi. She may be alone but she was not scared of any jedi.

"Is that a challenge, what do you know of the Neirs, we ruled half the galaxy until civil war broke out between the Neirs, we have been divided since. I am the last of the Neirs that believe in the dark side. You want me to leave?, You'll have to make me, Jedi." She said, grabbing her one of Tay's lightsabers along with her own and igniting it. Yellow and red stood at her side. She then lunged at the grey master in a jar kai stance. Not her strongest form of lightsaber combat but she was still deadly when she wanted to be.

TAG: @greyjedi125

 

IC: Udin-Metheus
Arrival

The Temple rose above, its columns like arms inviting The Nagai in. He wondered if the invite would lead to woe or wisdom. If the embrace would sooth him or suffocate him. Udin noticed the remotes, those orbs like floating eyes, watching everything. Was he going to a cell or freedom from the shell of ignorance? Time would tell.

He heard Azaar’s voice, her welcome and the suggestion of quarters. He nodded. Perhaps there would be privacy to remove his hood, and clean up; for He had left his Homeworld in haste.

The prospect of dinner was a interesting one.

“I would be honored to share a meal.”

He felt on guard, his mind began to read.. the gift of his people searching for answers. He had honed it, but he had not become a Seer, his training interrupted when he protested the slavery plans for the Wookiees on Kashyyyk. Perhaps this symbiote, this Force could help him hone his telepathic strengths. That is if it did not destroy him for his sins.

TAG: @greyjedi125

 

IC: Master Silverhand
Neir and Far

The line had been drawn. The choices made.

The Neirs had failed in their duty. The galaxy was divided. Civil War and strife continued to plague known space on ‘their’ watch. A Family Legacy, tarnished. A sibling rivalry that refused to be healed.

Master Silverhand closed his eyes and adopted a stance:


‘Center of Being’

He’d cast off his own bias and allowed the Force to flow, Power balanced by Wisdom. Might guided by sensitivity. This was a pivotal moment. He payed no heed to any distractions as he fell in-step with that which was unseen.

Manniwin wielded yellow and red blades, against Silverhand’s singular yellow.

The female darksider lunged, as she performed a linear attack. Silverhand easily parried as he pivoted, his yellow blade deflecting his opponent’s as he side-stepped. He probed with his senses, allowed himself to ‘feel’. He wished to know what lay beneath the surface, he wished to know Manniwin’s heart.

What did she fight for? To what end? Words were deceptive, used for trickery. But the heart? It could reveal what lay at the core of one’s being.

Assuming a being had one.

Tag: @Tay Neir, @darthbernael, @DarthIshyZ

---

Udin-Metheus
Guest accommodations

Udin was led to what would be his quarters for the remainder of his stay. The room itself was of decent size, located only one level above the ground floor, which accessible via lift or staircase. He would find the variations of Ash White and Ash Grey colors seen throughout the temple, reflected here as well. For his comfort, Udin would find every amenity he would need therein, including a refresher. A view of the verdant forest could also be appreciated, thanks to an ample window against the far wall.

The double sized bed would prove adequate, as well as the work desk provided, including the built-in compact datacenter. A guest’s User’s Manual would blink at him from the desk.

No time frame had been given to him to observe, meaning, he could take as long as he needed to to settle in.

Tag: @Kato Sai

---

Adalia Durron
A New Arrival

The return trip from Coruscant was long and boring, Adalia had been sitting in the cockpit of her private yacht, the Crystal Dawn, sideways on the pilots’ seat gazing at the star lines. She’d exhausted all her options to occupy herself, exercise, games, reports even food and now she was going through her wardrobe mentally wondering what to discard.

That’s when she felt it. Sitting up with a frown, Adalia looked around. It wasn’t here, it was, out there. Looking back out she felt the increasing need to change course, the urgency of it increasing. Why? She did not know. Where was even more obscure, but instincts were pulling her and the call was familiar, she knew it.

“Ok,….I get it…..next jump.” She muttered to no one.



A tinge of humor seemed to fill the tug at her sense, the direction that she seemed to be pulled in. Slowly the image of a world and where it came through the mental call. An almost whispered There are those there who could use your, our, aid.



Tag: @Adalia-Durron

 

IC: Gildar
Time to get busy

He'd been waiting and watching too much at this point. It was time to engage. The Sith were threatening, and the Grey were dwindling with Neir defecting.

Gildar pushed back from the monitors and got himself comfortable. He needed to meditate to see what he had to work with. He centered himself. This was an unfamiliar area, so he would need to explore a bit first.

Closest to the shuttle was smaller animals, birds, mammals. Nothing much to work with. Nothing with teeth or talons. He kept going.

As he moved farther out, he started sensing the Grey members, then the Jedi, on the port side. On starboard, however, he started sensing what he wanted. Bigger animals, this worlds canine, it appeared. Sharp teeth, but not very muscular. Making note he kept going.

Towards the rear, starboard he found a group of animals he didn't recognize. Perhaps a reptile? He always had trouble with those. Fore, he also found some new animals. These seemed more familiar, more vicious. They were getting close to the apex predator he was seeking.

He started sensing the Sith. He knew he was in their realm because it felt black. Like thick tar. Malevolent. Nearby them, he sensed a group of animals, but they seemed to be with the Sith. Perhaps hunting animals. Also seemed canine.

Finally he reached a group of that met his requirements. Strong animals, sharp teeth, malevolent, but maleable. They were on the other side of the Sith, perfect placement. He reached out and stirred their hatred. Made them want to fight. He found their alpha and pointed her toward the Sith. He trusted her to direct them where they needed to go and shifted his consciousness.

Then, on a hillside, he found another. An aerial apex. A nice wingspan so it could get in and out fairly easily. "Hmmmm... I have a special job for you, sir." This one he directed at Tay Neir's sister, specifically. Gildar felt him take wing and head straight to his job.

OOC: Imagine the pack as a group of lions or tigers. The bird is a large hawk or other raptor.

Tags: @greyjedi125, @Tay Neir, @darthbernael

 

IC: Alejac
In his quarters

The doctor had said rest. He was doing that and was bored out of his skull. A broken arm doesn't mean I'm completely useless, he thought. He'd been resting for way too long at this point. He got up, grabbed his padd and his comm device and put them in his pockets. Then he picked up his gun belt and put it on. He was going to find out what was going on out there.

He exited his quarters, conveniently near Polmath's quarters, and took a right. He walked past more quarters, some he recognized, some he didn't really. He pulled out his padd and found that one of them belonged to that houk he'd battled. He gave the door a wide berth.

Soon enough he was passing the arboretum where he'd first met the group of Grey. Memories came back to him, as they did often, of his first encounter with them and trying to take Gildar into custody. Sometimes he felt OK with that. This time, he felt a bit embarrassed. He looked away.

As he passed through a door and headed outside, he looked up and saw a few storm clouds. Considering it may rain soon, he decided to make sure his ship was closed up. He headed toward the landing area.

He heard some noises in the distance. People training, as he had been a few hours ago. He saw some others on the landing pad, too. One person seemed to be working on his ship. Alejac made a mental note to let him know about the possible weather. Finally reaching his own ship, he found the boarding ramp was, in fact, open. He entered the ship and checked everything. It seemed to be in order, so he sat down for a rest.

Just that walk out to the landing pad had made him tired. Perhaps it was his body on the mend that caused it? Whatever the cause, he didn't feel like walking at this particular time.

After a few minutes he was feeling better. He was going to get up, again, when his padd pinged. A new recruit was coming. He considered. Polmath would likely be there, too, but the more the merrier. He got up and exited the ship and closed the ramp. Whatever happened now, the ship would be weather-proof. He turned and walked toward the welcome area.

Tags: @greyjedi125, @Adalia-Durron

 

The Visitor​

​

A Sincere Welcome

Polmath moved in his manner as he departed the Scrying Pool, knowing that his old friend would be along as well. The Caretaker refreshed his mind as he stepped outside the Temple, acknowledging those he came across as he went. The Caretaker allowed his senses to flow before he discerned a familiar presence not too far off. An unexpected and curious thought came to mind, which prompted him to speak into his communicator.

“Chief Alejac. Please meet with me on the South-Eastern Landing Pad, you may home-in on my signal.”

That accomplished, Polmath smoothly strode past the garden and made it to the tree line, where he seemed to simply meld out of sight.

When he once again emerged, it would be from a thicket, located near one of the more private landing pads. His grey-green eyes smiled as he beheld the purple colored vessel, for this was pleasing.

Smoothly, he walked towards it, staff in hand softly tapping the ground. He timed his movements to coincide with the person descending from the extended ramp.

“Greetings traveler.Peace be with you and welcome to Decameron Alpha.”

His voice was filled with warmth, his candor apparent.

“I am Polmath the Caretaker.”

The bearded man brought his free hand across his waist, then offered a respectful bow.

​

Tag: @Adalia-Durron, @DarthIshyZ, @darthbernael

 

IC: Alric Qel Droma
Bloodlines


The fruit of forgotten love ripens in darkness.

The Krath had hidden the Son of Ulic Qel Droma and Aleema Keto and his descendants from the galaxy. They envisioned that from the bloodline of Qel Droma an Avenger would rise, one who would restore their Cult to prominence. So the Seed of Aleema and Ulic were trained in the Sith Magics, honing their powers as each generation grew. One of these drops from Qel Droma grew in power, as did his curiosity about his ancestor. Thus curiosity developed into a new obsession, a cult of One. His name was Alric, and he gleaned all he could, and learning that Ulic had fled Teta as a Sith Lord, conquering The Republic under his Master Exar-Kun. The Young Alric in his zeal stole a ship and fled his homeworld. His quest to learn more about his ancestor took him to Rhen Var, an arid and frozen planet, where the ice made great precipices and the whole world seemed a tomb of frost.

Alric climbed the mountainside, dangling, his brown bangles sweeping across his brow and face like rheeds. The cold turning his breaths into mist alin to white clouds of smoke. His heart beat widly and his fingers frost bitten. The skin turned black at the tips. He hoisted himself up on a ledge of rock, there a mouth of a cave, and from it twinkling light. The Krathite walked on, his steps wide as he rubbed his hands and breathed on them. He came to a room hewen of ice, and a great sarcophgas of obsidian metal. Strewn around it was candles, which oddly burned despite the gusts of wind that flowed in. Their wicks crackling as the warm golden orange flames gave light.

Alric got on his knees before the Tomb, and lowered his head. He felt The Force all around, it swirled like the gist of wind, and seemed to keep the light within. Alric began ro meditate, using the Krath method, he hoped to seek permission to unseal the tomb. The swells of Light danced all about, and a dark cloud filled the cave. The candles went out, their smoke like incense. Alric opened his eyes, which had sparks of fire in his brown pupils.

He had failed.

The Krath Disciple rose, and gave a bow. He turned, his heart heavier than the ice around, when a blue beam of light raised from the Coffin, it former into a figure in a hooded robe.

“Wait..”

Alric’s footsteps went still. He pivoted on his heel and turned around to face the figure.

“You know the Krath Craft..”

Alric drew closer, his eyes and face bathed in larimar blue light.

“Ye.. Yes..”

The Hooded Figure raised his head, his chin, jaw, and nose exposed.,

“Why has a disciple of the Krath disturbed my rest?”

Alric dropped to his knees.

“I.. I am.. your kin.. I am a Qel Droma.”

The Hooded Figure removed his hood, his face marked with viens of chistled age, and his forehead had peculiar mark that was scratched out.

“Aleema.. I suspected she was with child. Too blinded by vain glory I was.”

Alric lowered his head in homage.

“You know of my exploits as a dark lord?”

Alric nodded his head.

“Then you know Noomi Sunrider broke my connection to The Force, and here I remained in exile, repentant of my sins as a Sith Lord .”

Alric nodded once more.

“The Force is not kind to our kindred. My brother.. Cay.. he was slain by my hand. And I became a living stone like this tomb, unable to use the powers I took for granted.”

Ulic sighed.

“What do you seek?”

Alric looked up at the aged Legend.

“To follow in your footsteps! To bring glory to the Qel Droma name! To become a warrior that leaves a mark in this galaxy that will live on long when I am gone!”

Ulic sighed.

“What you desire is great pain. To become what you seek will lead to agony.. that is the price of greatness..”

Alric lowered his head.

“I will do whatever you ask.”

Ulic crossed his arms.

“I will unseal my tomb. Therein belongs to you, including this holocron. But I have one command.”

Alric rose.

“Whatever it is, I swear I will heed it!”

Ulric began to open the sarcophagas. Inside was a red cape, brooch with a chain, and a ligjtsaber hilt.

“You will go to Decameron Alpha. Seek out one called Polmath. He is powerful and wise. He will show you how to achieve the legacy you seek.”

Alric nodded.

“I will.”

Alric took the great carmine red cape and hood, and toed it around his neck with the holden brooch and chain. He then took up the saber hilt and held it aloft. He ignited the peridot yellow-green blade which lit the cave up in its brilliant color.

“May The Force Be With You. And heed what The Caretaker tells you.. it may save you.”

Ulic image faded away, and the blue holocron cube rose out of the coffin. Alric took it and placed it in his pocket.

The Successor descended the great ice mountain and returned to his ship. Inside he sat in pilot seat, his new lightsaber clipped to his belt and dangling with part of the red cape. He set coordinates for Decameron Alpha.

The Qel Droma ship came out of hyperspace above the planet. It was a flame. The vessel had not been made for such lomg journeys, and now Alric was in a burning metal coffin descending into the forest of a new world. The ship crashed, making trees topple. The Krathite tried to exit the burning vessel, the ramp was jammed, and smoke began to flood the inside.

He looker down to keep his eyes from burning, the shining silver and onsidian hilt of Ulic dangling.

He heard Ulic’s voice

“Use it.”

Alric grabbed the saber and ignitee the blade, he stabbed it into the wall, which made a molten orange streak. He kept cutting, the peridot blade crackling as now the only thing visible. The smoke had taken his sight, he coughed and dug in with the blade. A hole former on the outer haul, and smoke came out like a chimney. The work was tedious, but Alric made a hole large enough to stick his head out and breath. He gasped and coughed, black tar purging in mucus from his mouth. He cut some more, until an arm was free, then another, and finally he hoisted himself out and fell unto the soil below. He laid there, his saber deactivted in one hand and his cape like a sheet around his body. Some remotes flew by and seemed to scan the wreckage. Alric just laid there and passed into the shadow of uncoincoiusness.

TAG: @greyjedi125

 

IC: Udin-Metheus
Quarters

The Nagai stood in the comfortsble lodging assigned to him. He looked outside the window, the great trees swaying in the wind. He removed his hood, his bald head shimmering beneath the lights. He made a sign on his forehead in the shape of a capital T. Something the Telepaths of his world had taught him.

There was much to be skeptical about. Udin trusted no one. It is how he survived. And yet his guarded nature was a lonely one. He always waiting for betrayal, like the day Tunika drew a blade on him during the Hunt. He could see it clearly, how he had thrown Tunika on his back and placed his albino hands around his neck, squeezing till no pulse could be felt. More than that it felt pleasing, a deep well of feeling stirred by snuffing life out. He had told the Priestess of his sin, and she had pointed him to The Ritual, to shave his locks, and chant the name of the slain in one’s mind. Udin did that, his eyes rolled till they were white and he raised his arms upward as if in prayer.

IC: Alric Qel Droma
Night March

The Krath Disciple awoke to nightfall. The ship still was smoking as he rose and dusted himself off. Lying on the ground was the blue holocron. Alric snatched it up and held it close to his heart. The cube pulsed with each beat of his heart. Pocketing the holocron, he then searched his belt for his ilghtsaber. It was missing, he looked all over the patch he had laid on and fumblrr in tur daro till his fingrr tips touched the cold metal hilt. He took it in hand and and carefully clipper the ring to his belt.

“Alric, you must be more careful!”

He often spoke to himself when none were about. Feeling the empty quiet unnerving. He began his march in the woods, looking for any signs of civilization. Above him the stars swirled and danced. He remembered how he had once looked at them from Teta with longing, hoping to follow them to untold adventures. Now he was on one, and he felt his resolve strengthen. He was a Qel Droma, and he’d find this Caretaker and learn everything he needed to become a Jedi like Ulic before him.

TAG: @greyjedi125

 

IC: Alejac Ridicuff (with a cameo by The Caretaker, greyjedi125)
Landing Pad, Decameron Alpha

Alejac had, indeed beaten Polmath to the landing pad. Though, when he arrived he had another ping on his padd. There was a crash in the jungle. Likely it was another arrival that had some kind of ship trouble. A million thoughts entered his mind. He looked at the crash report. He looked up at the ship so purple it could be heard from the next quadrant. He looked at the approaching Polmath and... Uzuriel? Finally he walked over to the Caretaker with a question in his mind.

Polmath turned in time to meet the Chief of Security's gaze. No words needed to be exchanged, a simple nod of approval was all that was necessary. Of course, Polmath refrained from speaking mentally, as he always respected Alejac's wishes for conventional methods. This was the second visitor to crash-land on the planet on this day, but at least this one was far closer to the Temple than the first.

Alejac had his marching orders. The Caretaker was always a man of few words. This time was no exception. Judging from the report forwarded by the drone, it said the crash was pretty thorough, so there was no time to waste. Adrenaline fueling his actions, he turned and quick-stepped it to the ground vehicles. Not knowing how many beings were in the ship, he chose a four-person vehicle, hopped in and headed off in the indicated direction.

He put on the autopilot soon after starting. That gave him some time to look closer at the drone footage. He only saw one being so far. Human in appearance. Though from the stills, he did not look too happy. Perhaps a dark-sider? Perhaps missing a companion? Without more information, he couldn't identify the expression. He was definitely searching the wreckage. He pulled his laser-sword from the wreckage. From his reaction, that was what he was looking for, as he stopped searching at that point.

The being started walking in roughly the right direction. Alejac estimated he would intercept him in about 10 minutes. Shortly, though, his adrenaline pared back, and his arm started to hurt again. Wincing, he pulled out his pack. He knew he'd thrown some analgesic in there. He found it and popped it into his mouth. It was starting to work just as he pulled up to the newcomer trudging through the woods.

With his good left hand he waved to the man in the friendliest way he could. "Hellooo!" he started. "Can I offer you a ride? There's a few animals in this wood that would love a fresh snack." He stopped the vehicle just shy if the man and gestured to the empty seat. "Join me, sir. I'm Chief of Security, Alejac Ridicuff."

Tags: @greyjedi125, @Kato Sai

 

IC: Alric Qel Droma
The Ride

The Krathian kept walking when felt the ground beneath his boots begin to shake. He looked up and someone was waving at him, and offering a hello. The vessel came to a pause before Alric who did not draw his weapon or make any gesture of violence while the individual introduced himself:

“I'm Chief of Security, Alejac Ridicuff."

The mention of ferocious creatures wanting to feast on him spurred the Young Jedi Hopeful into the craft. He extended his hand in a firm but genial motion.

“Nice to meet you, I am Alric Qel Droma.”

He leaned back in the passenger seat as he awaited Alejac to pilot them likely to Security Headquarters or some place safe from the wild life.

TAG: @DarthIshyZ @greyjedi125

 

IC: Polmath
A thread of Intrigue

He did listen to their exchange, the Caretaker did - though brief as it was, it’d peaked his curiosity.

It became clear that Uzuriel and the newcomer, who’s name he yet had to learn, were somehow familiar with each other; or rather, she was familiar with his Nagai guise. Curious that it seemed to unsettle her? as she had requested a ‘better outer shell’.

Polmath noticed the woman regard her ship with what he perceived as concern.

“We could secure the ship with an energy bubble, if you'd like.” He offered, “Just say the word and it shall be done.”

With his free hand, the Caretaker gestured for the two to walk with him.

“The Temple is not too far off, just a short walk away. I’ll call ahead to have a room arranged for you, but in the meantime, we can get acquainted, if you don’t mind.”

A genial smile and a nod does he render, as is his wont. A tap of his staff is heard as he begins the short journey back through the forest path.

“To answer your question, what passes for 'normal' here can be considered unusual. Given time, you'll get used to this.”

As if to prove his point, a security remote zipped into the area.

“It is a harmless security remote. Please allow it to scan you to facilitate your stay here on the planet.” Polmath explained.

The remote beeped quizzically as it waited for the ‘go-ahead’ to perform its designated task. In the distance, a few spires from the Bendu Temple could be seen through the tress; it was almost as if they were taking a sneak peek at the unfolding events.

Tag: @Adalia_Durron, @darthbernael

---

Alric & Alejac

[Medical scan in progress] a neutral voice announced, even as a blue beam of light appeared from the dash and scanned Alric’s form. [No major conditions detected. Medical visitation: optional. Treatment recommended: Rest]

The compact vehicle began the auto-pilot return to the Temple. Alejac however, would receive yet another private and silent reminder on his communicator, to have his arm checked-out by the local nurse.

As it was, the two men would have a few moments to converse, before rejoining the regular population.

Tag: @Kato Sai, @DarthIshyZ

---

Udin-Metheus
A tranquil moment

Udin would find that here, he would not be disturbed during his time of reflection. Rather, that the Force flowed, like a living and soothing stream. There was peace and harmony all around, yet whatever Udin brought with himself, would also manifest. If he longed for guarded solitude, he would have it - though ‘lessons’ would soon come his way. If he sought an experience beyond what he’d already learned, to challenge himself with something new, that too would come to pass.

For the moment, the Nagai seemed to need a measure of inner peace, as his thoughts revealed his troubled past. One which he still carried and still influenced his present and his future.

Here, Udin would find the simple joy in the act of breathing, of feeling, of being. For Balance was the key to a fulfilling existence.


Tag: @Kato Sai

 

IC: Alric Qel Droma and Alejac Ridicuf
En route to the temple

Alric sat in his seat as thevehicle sped on. He did not feel uneasy, despite not knowing fully where the path he was on would lead. Ulic had told him to seek out Polmath. He said that he could “save you.” What did he mean by that? Did it have something to do with the Krath? The dark side? His ancestor was full of foreboding, not what he expected of the hero he worshippeed in his heart. The Krathian woke himself from this deep thought to pay notice of Alejac.

“What is he like? TheCaretaker?”

Alejac sighed. He ensured the auto-pilot was on. About ten minutes to arrival. He sat back in his seat and looked up at the sky. "He's..." He stopped, not sure exactly what to say. "Polmath is a great man, for a Force user." He hoped he hadn't given away too much. It was important for the first impression of the Caretaker be their own experience. He then turned his gaze straight at Alric. "If you allow yourself, you'll learn double what you already know about yourself and about the Force than you do now, on a daily basis."

Alric admitted in his heart the idea of learning more tempted him. But the warnings of his ancestor beat like a separate heart within him.

“Do you think.. he.. could help someone not repeat history? To prevent a great fall?”

The Young Grey Aspirant waited as they flew past trees and facilities that were among the towers of branch and leaf.

"Look, man. If he, uh... If he can make me tolerate you peop- Force users, he can help you with whatever you're wrestling with." He looked forward and punched some ineffectual buttons on the dash to hide his own discomfort. Another sigh. "When I met him the first time, I was filled with hate. He made me confront that. You'll need to give more than he does, though.

Alric nodded. He could tell his inquiries were reaching a nerve.

“Sorry.. my Krath training makes me inquire, and well.. it can be invasive. Hate.. I know it well. I was born in it, expected to spread it to the far corners of the galaxy.”

Alric laid back in seat, his face painted with a paleness.

“Hate was to be my entire fate.. and I fear if it is not supressed I will become its slave.. a memorial of a dead cult desperately looking for resurrection.”

Alejac scoffed when he said it would be his fate. "Kriff, man. You must know you can choose whether to follow your 'fate.'"

He knew they were coming to a fork in the road. Both led to the temple, but one path was shorter, yet rougher than the other. He stopped the car. "Which way?"

Alric pointed down the longer path, the less traveled one, which had overgrowth of vines.

“You believe One can choose their destiny? That they arn’t at the mercy of meddling whither from blood or sorcery?”

The Grey Aspirant was suprised at how much of his life he was opening to someone he had just met. All he had known was Teta and the Cult, since leaving he had seen strange new worlds and perhaps answers that revealed how small his life had been.

The car didn't move yet. "I believe you can choose your path to your fate. All our fates are the same. We all die. That's our only 'fate.' Both these paths lead to the temple, eventually. One could take us an hour longer and one might beat the hell out of the car. But they both get there."

Alejac turned the wheel all the way to the right and took a completely different trail. "And, if you allow it, sometimes your travels will surprise you."

Alric meditated on the words of Alejac. That like the paths before them, there always was a choice, a course you could set. The Grey Aspirant adjusted his hood at the neckline.

“You mentioned death, how it cannot be escaped. Those in The Krath attempted to use dark arts to live forever. The result was tragedy..”

The trail they were on turned toward the temple, landing pad and apartments. They were in sight now. But the car came to a halt. "Death comes for everyone. The important thing is to..." he pointed to the right at the scenic overlook, such a glorious view of the deadly jungle, "take advantage of everything, bad and good in this world."



He paused for effect, then added, "You want to take this in? Or continue on?"

Alric took in the scene. It was majestic and yet fraught with peril. Beauty and Pain, often twins that came together.

“Let’s linger a moment if that is agreeable.”

The Grey Aspirant took a deep breath. The air filling his lungs. He then felt life fill his body from it and at the same time he sensed something out among the treeline, eyes fixed on them.. death.

Alejac saw in Alric's expression a relief, as if he was letting go of years of pressure to perform. That's what this place can do, he thought. Then Alric blanched. A quick check of the dashboard screen showed a big heat signature nearby. "Ah. No problem. We've got a deterrent running encouraging them away. Worst that will happen is it can lay down in our path, delaying our arrival. What say we head to the temple anyway?"

Alric took comfort that whatever peered at them was kept in check. He didn’t feel fear, he had learned to master fear with his Krath training, this was more primal sensation, a tingling, as if the animal had pinged him in The Force for its hunt.

“Certainly, let’s head to the Temple.”

Alric took another breath. He felt the wounds of tortures long since passed begin to mend, or at the very least fade.

Tag: @greyjedi125
Citation for artwork:
Church, Frederic. Heart of the Andes. 1859, oil-on-canvas, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY

 

Raul
Equatorial Mountain Range

The stranger began to turn, catching part of Raul’s strike on his left shoulder, rather than full on, even as lightning traveled down his arm.

“Ah!” The Masked Stranger exclaimed, as if stung by a bee, his left arm going limp at his side. Still, he had not recoiled at the electrified strike, but had pivoted quickly on his feet, his lightsaber now swung in a tight arc, aimed at Raul’s neck.

How odd it seemed.

It certainly felt as if the Mask Stranger was enjoying himself.

Raul hissed, twisting his torso to the side and towards to avoid this swing at his neck. He spat, he mouth frothing with spit as his rage grew.

He stepped backwards, narrowing his eyes at the masked one.

"You take delight in this, scum. What kind of madman are you?" he growled, before dashing forwards, bringing his blade above his head before swinging it down at his foe.

@greyjedi125