Star Wars CLOSED Epitaph Between Prologue

IC: Vydra Delomeux
Location: Southern and Northern Nouane

“Certainly don’t want to create complications for you, Vydra Delomeux…” said this enigmatic yet tough woman you’re certainly making things tough for me Vydra and then she mentioned herself in the third person which made Vydra’s eyebrows rise up on his forehead.

This woman was a strange creature. Speaking in the third person, challenging him on things he definitely could not speak about, well not until the time was right and was complicating things massively. And he was running out of time. If this took too log he would be missed and not doubt chastised by Joren or someone for missing his duties and skiving off the job.

And no amount of explaining would sort it out either.

She led him deeper into the market, and Vydra was dreading what she was going to ask him. What would she ask and could he answer it?.

It seemed the question or questions once she asked them were about him and the Protectors is general, well their origins anyway.

He looked at her his gaze unnerving and serious as he could be “Well in regards to myself I am from the western side of Nouane Cty, born to a family of librarians. I never knew I was Force sensitive all I knew was that I could hear thoughts and feelings and that something was guiding me to find the right books to read and to find for other people. It was then that discovered books relating to the Protectors themselves”

“I learnt that the Protectors were millennia old and that they fought in a war called the War of the Temporal Planes. I learned about the light and dark sides and hanks to a friend of mine he lead me to the Master. I joined the Protectors instead of following my family line of being a librarian. My abilities wer limited and I joined as a novice. Now here I am, a Protector and a person who has a mission: to protect the Light, the galaxy and everyone in it. Noaune is quite isolationist and I think it is time we showed the galaxy that we can protect them and protect them from the coming darkness”

He smiled slightly “And now how about you, why have you followed the Master and come to me? Where are you from and how come you live the life as a hunter?”

TAG: @Corellian_Outrider

Meanwhile…

Vydra realized that he had not left instructions to access the Holocron but Lagetha was an adult and would be able to figure it out for herself, well hopefully. The Force would guide her and once the Force told her what she should do and she touched the Holocron then all the secrets within would be revealed.

Like him she probably would be hesitant about touching it, but in the end if you didn't touch it you would never know what it held within.

This woman warrior would be a fine addition to the Protectors. She would be touch and since she seemed like tribe woman she would be resourceful. She would also be the one who would probably go on an all out attack which was not Vydra’s style but may suit a certain someone…..

Unfortunately the “hug” he had sent her way went badly as he could sense her flinch in the Force. Definitely not the touchy feely type…

He watched her leave and sighed in relief, this one had been successful than the last one and he had another piece on the board. This woman was not one to bow down and surrender to anyone and he had to be careful with her. Too tough and she would fight back, too soft and she would think him weak.

He smiled and headed off back towards the city. Time to wait for the next one to find him.

TAG: @Sinrebirth (also acknowledging @TheAdmiral 's TAG)

 

IC: Lagertha Atreus
Northern Hills, Nouane

Lagertha wanted to groan. Why the girl was looking for her? Deducing from the casualness and the levity in Praer’s voice indicated that nothing serious had happened in the village. So what was going on? Or was that another test? Was the Master or that Vydra character or even the Force testing her?

She pursed her lips “I have some work to do here, the Elders sent me, I will be back in a few days.” the last part was a bit of bending the truth, but given what her new teacher had told her she was not to discuss what she was doing with anyone. Lagertha smiled “You should get back home and tell everyone that I am alright and that I will be back soon.”

TAG: @Sinrebirth

 

IC: Lagertha Atreus
Northern Hills, Nouane

Lagertha let out a sigh of relief, though a part of her mind remained wary, after all the girl could just be pretending to be going. Using her undeveloped skills she could not perceive any deception but that was not yet foolproof.

The warrior woman, the valkyrie as her tribe called them, decided to walk around these hallowed grounds and to see if she is being followed. Lagertha emptied her mind and closed her eyes. There was a peculiar feeling, something was tugging her… She started walking as if in a dream. Her movements felt as if trying to walk through water. Her mind focused on that sensation paid no attention to her surroundings.

Lagertha did not remember how long she had walked or where she was going but she reached a tall mound covered by grass and small, delicate white flowers. She could sense a faint presence underground. It was another long forgotten tomb. It felt… familiar… a distant ancestor maybe? Or was she presuming too much… it did not matter. The place felt right… Her palm itched as she reached for the holocron in her satchel. Her skin crawled as she sensed its power.

Sit…

It was an unspoken command. Lagertha climbed the mound and positioned herself on top of it. She sat cross legged, her eyes closed, the holocron on her lap, her slender fingers reached for it. Hopefully it will reveal its secrets…

TAG: @Sinrebirth

 

Approved by Sinrebirth

********************************
Name: Jin Long

Age: 24

Species: Epicanthix

Gender: Male

Personal effects: Conductive Tattoos, Blade of Grass, Fists of Fury

Appearance:



Bio: Jin Long was born in the northwestern lands of Nouane and was raised in a remote Temple by warrior monks, along with his brothers. There he trained his body and his mind to become greater extensions of his warrior spirit, finding both focus and balance in all things. The Abbot found that Jing Long possessed deep reserves of prana as well as a powerful connection to the stream- so much so, that after he came of age, he was able to imbue a blade of grass and wield it as a Grasscutter Sword.

With near single mindedness, Jin Long studied and practiced for years until he finally Mastered both Dragon Stance and God Fist Form. A rare feat for someone his age, and a cause for celebration and celebrity.

Brazen bandits who dared to steal from the Temple’s livestock were soon overmatched by their newest star pupil, who was also wise and just, and showed mercy more often than most. Yet still, Jin Long felt a calling and looked towards the East. Images of a Clock Tower persisted vividly in his mind-a cloaked figure beckoned to him. None of the Elders could give answer to this vision and so, he ignored it for a time.

But, at long last he could ignore the mystery no longer and decided to seek it out, leaving his village, the Temple, and all that he ever knew behind, even as he sojourned forth in search of answers.

*******************************
OOC: Entry post soon to follow

 

Sheel Ix
Location: Market place - in a strange city in southern Nouane (north of Pala Que)

‘Nouane City’... ‘Temporal planes‘

She had not encountered those words before but Sheel Ix found herself repeating some words Vydra had said as a way to familiarise herself with them. So Vydra was from a family of librarians, that would make him a scholar. She wondered what it was specifically that interested him in the field and what separated him from the those that she had encountered before at Pala Que with the other treasure hunters. The ones who claimed to be searching for ‘lost’ things… At least the picture Vydra had presented was starting to make sense to her. The conflict between their ideas of protection… she had meant it as to ‘keep safe’.. While Vydra had meant an organisation. So the Protectors were a group that are fighting a war of light and dark… If it was between light and dark, where does protecting life fit within their equation? She filed that away for later and kept her focus on Vydra.

“So you became a scholar and a warrior…” Sheel Ix remarked softly, her gaze shifting as one of the vendors began frying up something mouth watering in a pan. Her hand lowered, her forearm pressed over her abdomen to suppress the growing discomfort of hunger. “...that is a rare combination.”

Vydra had smiled slightly “And now how about you, why have you followed the Master and come to me? Where are you from and how come you live the life as a hunter?”

“I am from the south,” Sheel Ix’s arm moved away from her abdomen to gesture in the direction she had travelled from. “I’m not sure if you are familiar with those lands... jungle, rivers, wildlife… small villages belonging to several scattered tribes. I usually stay near the village of Pala Que, the largest one there. Large might not be the right word as it is tiny compared to this place.” Part of her awe of her surroundings came through and she let out a small chuckle. “The only thing that comes close to this belongs to a place lost from long ago, claimed by the jungle.”

“How I came to be…?” She looked away, allowing a moment to collect her thoughts. Maybe that was a bit too much but she had promised to answer to the best of her abilities. “I didn’t choose. It was a necessity to take the life of the hunter to survive in the wilderness.” She admitted. “I suppose it is a good thing as I feel more at ease with nature than with people…” The corner of her mouth twitched, this was a delicate subject for another time and place. Glancing around, she observed several social interactions in the public space of families, friends, children playing, couples holding hands and kissing. Talking, eating, strolling amongst the different stalls and rest spots while the calls of merchants advertised their merchandise.

For a moment, she felt this was a life that could be but deep down it didn’t belong to her. She shrugged and changed the direction to the next question. “I met the Master by accident and while we met the one time, briefly, what he spoke of... connected, resonated to my heart. It is rare for an individual to do so. He left until further notice. I had hoped... and I placed trust in whatever that…” She waved her hand, having trouble finding the word to describe the sensation that drew her here. “...beacon I felt, was related and meant for me. It brought me here...” She looked to his eyes. “...where I met you, seemingly by accident, too.”

“So,” She bit the corner of her bottom lip, “tell me about this galaxy of yours…what is it-” She stopped as she saw a mechanised being, carrying a humanoid child and a shopping basket. It was something she had never encountered before. “What is that?”

TAG: Vydra Delomeux

 

IC: Vydra Delomeux
Location: Southern Nouane

It sounded like he was finally getting through to the female hunter.

Her mentioning to him that he was both scholar and warrior intrigued him. He would consider himself neither, he was just simply a librarian. Vydra was no warrior, he chose to defend more than attack, to protect not to harm. He had only one duel so far with his Forcesaber and that was against an opponent who was an animal in nature. He was not a teacher either, and he had no specific field he was interested in, all books and genres interested him, you had to be interested in most subjects in order to provide a service to the customers and students who frequented the library.

He didn't know much about many places outside of the city, as he was born and raised inside the city walls. But he had seen bits and pieces in books and from what other people had told him. Like the northern side it was full of tribes people, full of steamy jungles and teeming with wildlife. Somehow this hunter had made a living in this jungle world and Vydra was slightly impressed. This woman knew how to handle herself, and was well versed in the lay of the land. She could turn out to be a cunning warrior in the future, attacking when her enemies were not expecting it.

I think someone I know would be impressed with you he thought to himself.

He knew he would have his work cut out with her when it came to the crunch. And perhaps living in the city would show her that it was a completely different jungle, and perhaps integrating with others could help her in the future. Vydra saw the Protectors as a team, not individuals despite his misgivings about the Master trying to seperate them all. Sheel would have to learn about respecting others, integrating with other species and people and learning how to work as a unit and not just as an individual. Where perhaps the Master Protectors had failed, the apprentices may succeed.

She seemed overwhelmed by everything that was going on around her and she would need guidance to get through it all. Once hopefully she understood everything that was to happen and once their lessons began she may be a little better prepared. Plus she may be able to handle all the lessons and what they represented, there was going to be a lot of lore involved and prophecies. She had met the Master already, albeit briefly and it seemed he had left an impression on her. The Force must have worked in mysterious ways because it drew both the Master and Vydra to her.

Sheel was now asking what “that” was which she had never seen before. “It’s a droid” Vydra said with a smile, “There are a lot of them that work in the city, looking after children whilst the parents are at work, doing the tasks which humans do not wish to do, or even doing tasks like shopping for their owners, they can also translate many languages and fix things” he shrugged “If you decide to join the Protectors you will see lots about in Nouane City”

He continued to walk beside her “As to the galaxy, what can I tell you apart from that it is huge. You are not a native species to here so you came from a planet somewhere or your parents or species did.” The galaxy is made of billions of stars and millions of planets and moons. Some places are inhabitable, some are not. But what I have learnt is that there are thousands of species and people that live out there, and we have been tasked to protect it all from those who wish to harm, kill and destroy everything in their path. If you choose to become a Protector you are pledging yourself to the galaxy, to protect all beings to the best of your ability and to stop those who would bring harm to them”

Vydra looked at her face “The Force brought me to you, obviously to tell you all that I know and to hopefully try to persuade you to become an apprentice. It seems it is taking a while to try to reassure you and explain what is about to happen to the best of my ability. I hope at least I have partially succeeded, but who knows” he chuckled “As I said before, the Holocron will prepare you for the end and what you ill need to do after everything happens. It is your choice whether to accept the Masters gifts or not, to accept the life and role of the Protector. It is also your choice whether to heed the call when it comes, I hope you do as I believe you will be an excellent addition to the order. Your affinity with nature will become useful, your expertise will make you a cunning warrior.”

He checked his chrono “My time is almost up” he pulled out the Holocron again “It is entirely up to you after all that I have said whether you wish to accept this Holocron and the apprenticeship I offer. I will need you to think carefully and decide now what you wish to do. I cannot force you to take this, only trust me and the Master and what we have told you”

“The decision is yours”

TAG: @Corellian_Outrider

 

IC: Jin Long
Clock Tower Temple

It was hard to describe in words, the near overwhelming feeling of euphoria he felt through the Force. Jin Long had travelled a long way to be here, trusting and following a calling he could hardly resist.

During his journey to the Clock Tower, he’d had many visions of this place while he meditated, but they did not compare or fully prepare him for the actual experience. The Force was unusually strong here, in ways he’d never imagined. Even beyond the things he had learned during his daily meditations.

Though clearly impressed, he still moved about with confidence and assurance, after all, he’d been invited.

Eager to meet others, Jin Long followed his senses where they led him. Upon entering a hall, he saw them; His fellow Protector Apprentices. Jin Long saw Sek’nos Rath as well, whom he recognized from his visions, and offered a bow to him and then to the others gathered, though none of them seemed familiar. Everything was exactly where he had seen it in his vision, including the Red Holocron- which meant a message was about to be played.

Jin Long took his place amongst the gathered, and listened- and learned.

It was a lot to take in, but it was also clear evidence that he had been chosen for a great purpose, one far greater than himself.

For now, he remained silent and observed, immersing himself in the currents of the force as he did so, absorbing all that he could, from both the world seen and unseen.


@Sinrebirth, @darthbernael ,@QueenSabe7, @TheAdmiral

 

Sheel Ix
Location: Market place - in a strange city in southern Nouane (north of Pala Que)

Sheel Ix listened intently as Vydra described what a droid is and what their purpose was to society. To see one for the first time is quite alarming.. Not living yet moves and behaves as though it is. So there are more of these mechanised being. Doing things that people would normally do. Then… what would the people do instead? That was something to investigate further as to whether it was a blessing or a curse.

As Vydra continued that they are part of a galaxy, made up of countless stars and planets did not surprise her as much as the shock to learn that she was not a native. That she is of a different species… that there are more and that her parents were one…

That changes everything. She never knew her parents. No memories. Just ‘found’ in the jungle. All her life she was led to believe that she was the only one, unique… beautiful to some, a gift, a goddess… hence the name given to her. Eventually, as she developed and her appearance changed, they saw her as an abomination, cursed by the gods. A demon. She did everything she could to not interrupt Vydra, for him to go back and tell her more. She had to know.

For once, she was glad her face was partially covered. The tilt of her head allowed the hood to shield her eyes from Vydra’s gaze as she blinked back moisture. There was nothing wrong with her... at all! All these years… all these years!! She took several deep breaths.

“My time is almost up” Vydra pulled out the Holocron again “It is entirely up to you after all that I have said whether you wish to accept this Holocron and the apprenticeship I offer. I will need you to think carefully and decide now what you wish to do. I cannot force you to take this, only trust me and the Master and what we have told you… The decision is yours”

“I am thankful for your time... you have given me much to ponder.” She politely responded, her voice even. “As you say, it seems more than just a coincidence that brought us here. Maybe it was that Force of yours.” She lifted her face, her eyes moist. She looked thoughtfully at him, considering his offer. If she went with him, she might be able to find out more about where she came from. If this ‘apprenticeship’ was not to her liking, there is an out. If she didn’t go... her options were much more limited as to discovering her origins.

“I do have one final question before you leave… What is…” She pursed her lips. “...how does... the holocron work?”

TAG: Vydra Delomeux

 

IC: Vydra Delomeux
Location: Southern Nouane

It seemed finally, FINALLY getting to this stubborn hunter.

He felt throughout the Force that Sheel was listening intently as he spoke it however was difficult to get a reading on her first off. He had never seen Sheel's species before but he now recognised who she was from reading about them in books, she was a Togruta. Not native to Nouane at all, so she must have been born here or left here for some reason. And Vydra was not going to push.

He would tell her all in good time what she was when she was ready. However even within the short time he had met this woman she wanted to know everything and no doubt she may delve into her past, who and what she was. Perhaps if she did accept his invitation she would have everything to hand when she rejoined the group.

However as Vydra continued to speak he could sense more yhrough the Force, she was beginning to open up and was she getting ...emotional?. Well well it seemed this hunter had an emotional side she was however avoiding his gaze by the tilt of her hood which was hiding her eyes. But her emotion was singing in the Force to him.

Some people would have said it was a weakness, on the contrary Vydra thought it was good. It was better to bring it out than keeping it hidden inside. Vydra could understand Sheel getting emotional, he was revealing things she never knew before. That she was'nt the only member of her species, that the galaxy was basically one big melting pot of species, people and creatures.

Unfortunately due to the time constraint he had to depart before telling her more. But she was more than capable of looking after herself and no doubt she would search far and wide for her origins. The city libraries which included his would be the best bet but perhaps he did not need to guide her. Maybe like it did with him, the Force would be her guide.

Sheel looked at him, showing her eyes to him. And they looked moist. It seemed what he had said had affected her and he did feel sorry for her a little. It was probably overwhelming and it reminded him of his lessons with the Master and learning his Truth's. How it was all so overwhelming both in.mind and body and the one time it had gotten so bad he had to go into self imposed exile.

Sherl thanked him for his time which he nodded in response to. After a rather shaku start it seemed that in the end they would part on better terms. Whether she actually had accepted his proposal was still uncertain.

“I do have one final question before you leave… What is…” She pursed her lips. “...how does... the holocron work?”

It was time to be Masterly here, to be the teacher the Master wanted him to be.

"The Holocron can only be accessed using the Force" he said simply continuing to watch her face "It will only speak to you through the bond you will eventually develop with it but for your first time you will need to link with it through the Force and also touch it. It will provide visuals for you too."

Vydra's face remained serious "You must only access this Holocron if you accept my proposal to become a Protector to do so otherwise could mean this Holocron could end up in the wrong hands and everything you have learnt being revealed to those who wish to bring the galaxy into chaos and to destroy it"

He then smiled " I know what I have said may have come as a shock to you and no doubt you will need time and space to digest it. But trust the Force, trust yourself and you will find what you seek." Vydra the held out the Holocron again "The Force gave us this meeting just as the Master no doubt foresaw. Now it is up to you to accept what I have told you or not. To become my apprentice and join a group that will appreciate you and your talents"

"You can decide your future now or you can watch as the galaxy burns when the time comes. But as I said before, trust the Force and it will always be with you wherever you go. But perhaps the only way you will get answers is to join the Protectors and perhaps find your home…before it is too late"

Vydra waited patiently for her decision.

TAG: @Corellian_Outrider

 

IC: Lagertha Atreus
The Clocktower Temple, Nouane

The Holocron revealed visions to her. They were not exactly what she had expected. Not that she knew exactly what it will contain, but it did not feel the way… Lagertha shook her head. These things were beyond her for now. Maybe she should have paid more attention to what Elder Skonja had tried to teach her about visions and such. And where was that self-proclaimed teacher who handed the blasted thing to her?

Now a new feeling gnawed on her. She followed it and it lead her to a Clocktower of sorts. She could sense the power within, it was imbued with the Force. Lagertha had heard of a place like that. The Holocron showed this particular building in the vision, so it must be important. There were places in the Northern Highlands which were similar to it. Ruins from a long lost era.

Lagertha had visited one such place. It was the ruined city of Iania. It was the birthplace of her people. They had fled a great disaster that destroyed the city. Her ancestors then realized that they had grown soft and too reliant on technology. The place echoed with the screams and the pain of those who had died there. It was both scary and sobering given her young age when she had to go there. You have to learn from the mistakes of the past.

That was the reason her tribe had been preparing a Protector. There were many before her, but from what she had learned from the Elders they were not good enough. They were stepping stones that lead to her. Her people had been arrogant enough and they had paid the price. All of their ancient cities had been destroyed because they had withdrawn from the rest of the planet. So the other people did not help them when they needed the assistance.

Lagertha stepped in the Clocktower, closing her eyes for a moment. In her mind’s eye she saw where she had to go. It lead to a chamber with a desk. There lying on it were… hilts? They were somewhat similar to the one that the Vydra character carried. She reached for the hilt of her own sword. It would be a shame to leave it… But maybe there could be some use of it? It was unimportant for the moment.

She looked around and saw other figures. A crimson looking humanoid. She shuddered slightly, it… he… looked like one of the evil creatures from the stories. There was a lizard creature. It was unfamiliar to her. Then there was a bald man… Not human too. This made her a bit uncomfortable. She was aware that there were other races on the planet, but she had no experience in dealing with them. She tried to cover her discomfort and just nodded to the other… apprentices.

TAG: @Sinrebirth @greyjedi125 @darthbernael @QueenSabe7

 

Sinre Approved, Sabe Delayed

--



Name: She sure would like to know.
Age: Unknown, appears to be in her mid to late twenties
Species: Seems human
Gender: Female, though she'd be damned if she'd let you confirm

Appearance: Image above. Hair is a silvery-grey, predominately white around her face. It has the distinct look of locks that were leeched from a lighter hue, into something darker and duller. Eyes have the same effect - an icy-grey that feel as though they might not have always been that way.
Overall appearance seems... drained.
She is of average height and build.

Spoiler

Personal effects: Only a cracked saber hilt (see full device below). Broken at the location of its crystal.


Bio:
A girl knows nothing.

--

Intro post to follow...

 

IC: Her/She/Woman
The depths and above, Clock-Temple, Nouane

“How did this happen?” a female voice pressed in wonderment. “We are the only ones here, there is never anyone else…”

Staring off at a blank wall, she asked her question aloud as if continuing a conversation with someone else, though there was actually no living being near to hear it. She was indeed alone, standing at the center of a small room that contained a bed, a desk, and a few more random pieces of furniture. It was organized, immaculately clean, and warmly lit – albeit, artificially.

There were no windows.

The space was given its only smattering of personality by what appeared to be pieces of art, small sculptures, even, that dotted surfaces here and there. They were intricate and detailed, no two of them the same. If anyone other than the room’s only occupant would be permitted to take a closer look, they’d be able to see that each was made from used materials, discarded or worn or broken. Trash to some, but not all.

The woman’s eyes, the iris’ hollowed out and washed of color traveled to the nearest of these displays but it did not appear she registered she was looking at anything at all. Her gaze was unfocused and her expression was far off, someplace else entirely, the only movement her body made was an anxious fidgeting of the fingers on one hand.

Turning between those digits was a shiny object which, much to her confusion and surprise, she had found upon her bed only a few minutes prior. A silver key, plain and without any defining qualities beyond the unique grooves that ran along one edge. It positively ensnared her the second she laid eyes on it.

A key! To what? Who left it? Where does it lead?!

Like waking from a dream, she blinked suddenly and slowly began to return to her immediate surroundings, looking about as if she were lost but a few seconds later relaxing as she remembered where she was. Raising her hand to eye-height, she held the mysterious key between her thumb and forefinger, examining it intently.

“What do you think, friend? It’s important, I just… know…” she continued, more questions filling her head. And yet, she was still most certainly by herself here in the room, so who was she speaking to? Unsticking her feet from the floor, she took a few steps towards the bed. Sitting upon the edge and curling her feet under her, she flashed a grin towards the small table at the head. The only item it held was some sort of device, pyramid in shape. It was nothing like her personal art pieces; it was simultaneously old and new and also not of the here and now. A holocron, glowing an ominous red, she set the key down beside it.

“I’ve memorized all the nooks and corners of our home, which you already know, of course. And none of it was a door that needed to be unlocked-“

She went rigid, eyes glazing over. The pyramid brightened at the same time, but returned to normal just as quickly. Both person and holocron had a simultaneous reaction and both were released as one.

“I saw it,” she exclaimed, grabbing her immobile companion and holding it out in front of her, giving it a shake. “There is a door!” The woman was so beside herself that she planted a firm but brief smack of a kiss on the one of its triangular panes before leaping back to her feet, her mind holding firm to the vision she had just experienced.

There was a narrow hall; a single light hanging above; a stone staircase that led up and a large wooden door at its end; a single lock above the handle.

Swiping the key back up and then reaching a hand out for the chair by her desk, a jacket flew off the back and into her outstretched hand just as she moved towards her door. “It doesn’t make sense how I’ve never noticed it before, right?” She was walking swiftly down a corridor, making turns here and there without thinking. She knew exactly where to go. “I’ve walked by that very spot so many times and…. wait, could it have been shrouded from my view somehow?” She drew up to a halt, talking to her ‘friend’ again.

“The Force, Holo,” - a nickname. “It was the Force.” And she took off again, nearly at a run.

As if it had always been there, blending seamlessly into the dark and worn surroundings she knew intimately, along an approaching wall was an alcove. Panting lightly, she slowed and crept up to it in cautious awe, peeking around the corner before throwing herself into full view.

There before her was the hall, then the stairs, and as her head tipped back – the door with the lock at the top. As she stared, curiosity gripping her, she could have sworn the key she held tight in one hand felt as though it was giving off heat.

There was another vision of sorts then, before she could begin her ascent to hells knew where. This time, however, there were no clear images. In their place were clear feelings and emotions, an odd urging in a particular direction. It was a strong enough episode that it washed away any nerves or trepidation she may have been beginning to sense take hold, beating them away until the only thing left was complete certainty in what she would do next, and where she needed to go.

Slipping on her jacket and with key in one hand, holocron in the other, the woman made her way up the stairs. Her eyes never once strayed from the door and the second she reached the top, the key slid into its place and one audible click later, the heavy door slipped from the frame and swung outward without a sound. While it was brighter up here, it was still somewhat dark, allowing her eyes to adjust without much issue.

In truth, she had no idea where she was or where she was going as much as she didn’t even know her name, but there was something guiding her along a predetermined path. And she really couldn’t say no to the will of the Force, could she?

Sounds reached her ears as she pushed on, pricklings of awareness reaching her senses – there were others close by. Living things…

“-to be chosen as an apprentice.”

She slowed a bit, closing in on an open door. Beyond it was where she was being taken, and where that voice had come from. An apprentice… of the Master? Or no… she couldn’t remember exactly what her holocron had told her. But where there was a Master, she knew there could be a student.

Coming alongside the entrance, she peered around the side, cradling her holocron to her chest. It felt as intrigued by today’s events as she.

There was a tall being with red skin, walking forward and talking. “I’m Sek'nos Rath, and I’m Force sensitive. I found out when I did this…” and he lifted from the floor, floating there like he was weightless. She gasped loudly, then belatedly took note of the others in the room.

Her eyes darted about unnaturally, not knowing what – who – to focus on first. She had never seen actual living things before, if you didn’t count the occasional leggy creature she encountered in her home downstairs. It was disorienting, thinking all this had been just above her head since… well since she could remember. Had that been why she’d have stirrings of feelings, longing for things she didn’t know, dreams that… well they were dreams, so they weren’t real.

Tipping to one side, she nearly dropped Holo and grasped for the doorframe, crunching her eyes shut against the tilt to the room. She was probably interrupting the meeting going on, but it couldn’t be helped. Nor could the sharp realization that she was a part of this meeting, and she was meant to be here, right at this very moment.

Forcing her eyes back open, the first and only thing she saw was a table a small distance away and more specifically, the set of silver and gold cylinders on top of it. And even further, she stared directly at the one on far right of the line, like the other ones weren’t even there. It clicked.

“Are you… are you all the Protectors?” she asked them. Any of them.

TAGS: @Sinrebirth @darthbernael @greyjedi125 @TheAdmiral

 

Sheel Ix
Location: Market place - in a strange city in southern Nouane (north of Pala Que)

"The Holocron can only be accessed using the Force" Vydra answered her question. "It will only speak to you through the bond you will eventually develop with it but for your first time you will need to link with it through the Force and also touch it. It will provide visuals for you too."

The Force.

Her brow furrowed, her eyes blinked as she glanced from under the rim of her hood to him as he continued.

Vydra had said earlier that he was here to teach her the ways of the Force, that he was Force sensitive… He also had said that the Holocron will be the one to teach her until… ready to be trained by him? In order to access the holocron, one must use the Force and bind with it… yet… what was this Force?

There was warning of not allowing anyone else to use it. She had not quarrel with that request. There was something missing in all of this and certainly was not going to make it easy. Best to start with what she knew.

"You can decide your future now or you can watch as the galaxy burns when the time comes. But as I said before, trust the Force and it will always be with you wherever you go. But perhaps the only way you will get answers is to join the Protectors and perhaps find your home…before it is too late"

The hyperboles again. Yet there was something else… why did he mention about finding home? How would he…? Her bottom lip pouted as she eyed him curiously.

“By committing to this cause… if something feels uncomfortable, I will question it.” She advised him. “You probably picked up on some of that by now. As for the holocron, I can keep the device safe although right now there is a potential hurdle which might set me up for failure…” She took a deep breath as she studied his expression.

“You say I may access the holocron, the contents of which will explain it all to me. However, I must use the Force to open the holocron. But I do not know this Force of yours.” She arched her brow in question. “Will you be teaching me how to use the holocron before you go?“

TAG: Vydra Delomeux

 

IC: Vydra Delomeux
Location: Southern Nouane

Vydra didn't doubt he would question everything. However it could get annoying possibly for the other students but perhaps that was just what she was like. And it reminded him of his old friend Joren who always questioned everything and was more suspicious about people’s motives than he was. Whilst Vydra was an inward thinker, Joren preferred to voice his and it seemed Sheel was the same.

Although when she said here was potential hurdle that could set her up for failure that concerned him. Did the Master know about this too?. Or was she hiding a secret that even the Master did not detect?. He hated people having secrets although he could talk, he was hiding a big one from his fellow Protectors at the moment concerning the future and what was about to happen. But he resolved to reveal all before it was too late, and the people he had found would hopefully not do the same.

And Shel had not realized she was Force sensitive, or maybe had just dismissed it as part of her hunter heritage. However like him it seemed that she had not grasped that she had the Force, that it could make her see things others could not, that it was a guide for them to point them in the right direction.

Now to teach her how to use the Holocron, and a quick lesson in the Force.

“The Force is an energy field created by all living things, it surrounds us and helps bind the galaxy together. The Force is everywhere, it is even with us right now. You can feel it in the forests, in the air, in the ground, even emanating from people. You have probably felt it during a hunt, and you may not have realised it. It can sharpen your reflexes, warn you of danger, and can even guide you to places, people or things just as it guided me to you” he smiled slightly “Some say it would be fate, but in this case it is the Force”
“It can also be affected by your emotions. If you are angry or you give in to darker emotions it can be used to maim or even kill. Meditation will help you to center yourself and help you to control your feelings. But it’s not just that. It’s making sure you use your talents for good, not for evil. You may become seduced by the dark, and if you do you could set yourself and the galaxy on a path of destruction. To be a Protector is to protect all that is good in the Force and the galaxy. It is up to you which path you choose but you must choose wisely”

He moved the Holocron towards Sheel “Touch the Holocron with one of your hands, reach out with your senses and feelings, sense the world around you and feel the Holocron call to you. It will then speak to you”

His voice turned serious “And perhaps it will give you the final push you need to make your decision….”

TAG: @Corellian_Outrider

 

IC: Jin Long
The Clock Tower

It felt right to be here, among other Protectors, for that is what Jin Long considered himself, that is what he was at his core, a Protector. Not only of his village, and the Temple, and his brothers and sisters, but all those who could not protect themselves against evil.

Prior to his journey to the Clock Tower, the Abbot himself had given him the glowing pyramid, though now he knew what it was: A holocron; a repository of much knowledge.

Through this device, The Master of Masters had taught him much indeed, such things that he hadn’t known before. For starters, that which he called ‘Prana’ was also called ‘The Force’. The principles of Light and Dark, Good and Evil, seemed universally the same; however, events such as The Twilight War and beings such as the Old Ones, only engendered more questions than answers.

Despite of all the newness of his recent experience, this place, these beings, it all felt right. This is where he belonged.

And so it was, that he sat cross-legged, in Lotus Position, holocron sitting on the palm of his left hand as he levitated half a meter from the ground.

Jin Long kept his eyes closed. His conductive tattoos glowed and pulsed softly, while his mind entered a calm and centered meditative state. In his inner mind, he saw himself sitting upon an endless grassy field under an open blue sky, winds blowing softly, humming harmoniously. A stream could be heard nearby, carrying its glistening and seemingly mercurial fluid. His right hand was outstretched as he reached out, both in the real world and the one inside his mind.

For now, there was nothing else besides him and the lightsaber floating his way. He could sense the crystal within it, almost like a living thing. Jin Long opened his right hand, inviting the hilt to rest upon his open palm, a similar scene taking place inside his mind.

It was there that he requested the crystal reveal itself to him, though he had no expectations whatsoever. The answer, if any, could come immediately, or perhaps over time. Even silence would be an answer in its own way. Before anything was realized in the material world, he would experience it first inside his mind.



Tag: @Sinrebirth (@QueenSabe7, @darthbernael, @TheAdmiral )

 

IC: Lagertha Atreus
The Clocktower Temple, Nouane

When the last person had arrived, a girl looking confused, the Second Lesson began. It mentioned some events that she knew vaguely. Some names and terms were different. It also spoke of a future conflict. Of course the Master was vague as usual. She needed more, maybe there will be more information in the Temple, a library or something like that. Lagertha was not the bookworm type but if she was to do her duty as a Protector it would take more than her abilities to wield a sword and fight.

So these hilts were supposed to be lightsabers. Lagertha frowned, she did not want to part with her own sword. But as a Protector she must not get too attached to items. She can always send Shadowcutter back to her tribe. One step at a time. First she needed to bond with her new weapon. Lagertha drew her sword and kissed the hilt turning the blade down and with a swift stroke she pierced the floor with it.

Lagertha knelt before it, closing her eyes. She could see a gray, overcast sky, a snow covered field. Cold, dead wind blew in her face. There was an approaching darkness coming towards her. It was an amorphous mass, a primordial evil encroaching on the Galaxy. Lagertha knew that she could not stop it, not alone, but still she drew her sword and shield and faced it…

In the physical world the hilt landed in her palm. Her thumb found the activator button… A snap hiss… Light pierced the darkness in her mind…

TAG: @Sinrebirth @darthbernael @QueenSabe7 @greyjedi125

 

IC: Her
Clock-Temple, Nouane

She was still pressed against the wall beside the door, not yet having progressed so much as an inch further into the room. Her emotions were warring with themselves; the desire to get closer to the rest and the fear of doing so playing tug-of-war. For now her eyes remained transfixed on the forcesaber that whispered to her in the Force, even as the red-skinned male addressed her impatient but pertinent question – were those gathered here the fabled Protectors her Holo had told her about? Part of the stories it had shared with her? The Master had shared?

"We are, it seems. We've each been called here, and now, to start our training guide the world."

The woman broke contact with the beautiful weapon atop the desk to stare intensely at him. She had certainly been drawn to this exact spot by an unknown curiosity, the beginnings of which she couldn’t say. But to think she was one of… well, them?

“We? As in… me?”

As if to answer her, the red pyramidal holocron she cradled securely against her chest began to vibrate in a familiar way. Nudging free of her grasp, it glided to hover just before her at shoulder height, its glow pulsing vibrantly. Activating. Perhaps the idea that she could become one of the great Protectors wasn't so absurd after all? In many ways, she had been preparing for this without realizing. She smiled knowingly as the vague image of the Master materialized above the device, and because this had happened countless times before, she bowed once out of respect and then waited expectantly for a new morsel of knowledge.

These moments had become the most favorite parts of her days.

Having already devoured the First Lesson he referred to as he began, and then opted to repeat in case anyone else hadn’t, she listened to it again like it was the first time. To her, any lesson new or heard was just as exciting no matter how many times it was shared. Because in those darkest hours at night, when she would sometimes allow her mind to press at things that constantly nagged her but she kept away from out of fear, the terror of what little she actually knew of her reality would become too much to bear. She would retreat to the bottomless depths of Holo whenever that dread crept up on her, her one and only confident returning her to safety. And she was always rewarded with a lesson of great value. She assumed.

This was one such time of profit and she beamed at the holocron, her connection to it obvious to anyone that would care to notice. Of course, its time in the spotlight of her heart would soon need to be shared, as once more her gaze was drawn back to that particular forcesaber she had spotted upon entering this room. It was levitating towards her now, sliding in beside the red pyramid so that she could reach out with her hand and take it.

A comforting wave of warmth ran up her arm from her fingertips, the very second she made contact with the unfamiliar hilt. It seemed to know her, however, providing a temporary balm to her lingering anxiety towards the activity around her. She knew then, it belonged to her now; automatically at her touch, it became hers.

Falling inward on herself as she remained momentarily soothed, her eyes slipped shut as her fingers tightened around the silver cylinder.

Grasp the lightsaber, and focus upon it... and the crystal will reveal your alignment to it. Make sure your mind is clear, Protectors, and you will see the results of your efforts.

The Master’s voice was muffled, speaking to her as if from behind a closed door.

A door.

A memory.

Blurred vision gave way to clear shapes and dim lighting – she was lying on her back, staring up at a cracked and worn stone ceiling. It was cold, somewhat damp, and whirring noises like small motors and gears working close by drew her focus to her side. She tipped her head over until her cheek was pressed against the soft sheets beneath her.

A mechanical creature – droid, an inner voice prodded – was placing a bundle of clothing and garments upon the desk by the door. “Where is this?” she had asked it groggily, her own voice startling her enough to bring her upright. The room spun as a result of her quick movements, her pulse quickening in a panic.

The door, she looked back to the door. It had no handle or lock on the side that faced her. And she reached for it, but the droid with the clothing suddenly stepped into her view. Its front was flat and non-descript, basic silver paneling covering its innards. It was new-looking, she remembered. Shiny and unmarked, clear, like a mirror. And like a mirror she saw a face staring back at her as she peered into the reflective surface, but she did not know this face. Not at all.

“Who am I?” she had asked, eyes wide and brimming with tears… and the droid did not respond.

The memory dissolved at that point, leaving her feeling whiplashed for how quickly it had passed through her mind. She had never relived that time with such clarity as she had now, remembering things she previously had forgotten. It made her feel uncomfortable. And afraid.

The muscles in her body were trembling, every one of them, the skin over her knuckles strained white as he fingers squeezed the saber hilt harder. Clear you mind, clear your thoughts, she pleaded to herself. This was not what the Master had requested, this was not what was asked of her. This state of foreboding would only ruin the exercise! But there was no escaping the unknown that gripped her, a black void of nothing in her brain that she had never been able to access. It had constantly teased her, though. Like a word or name on the tip of your tongue that you can’t recall no matter how closely you danced around it.

The crystal was bonding to her despite the turmoil it seemed to be causing, weaving new pathways between herself and it, much as she had experienced with her holocron though vastly different. There was something far more intimate in this pairing, like the magical stone could read every thought and see into her very soul. Everything that made her her laid bare, made vulnerable.

'Who am I?' she had asked before, a question that still stood now even as she shared herself with such a sacred artifact as her crystal. Even now, when she still did not know her own name.

TAGS: @Sinrebirth @darthbernael @greyjedi125 @TheAdmiral