Private A night in the storm

[Lunara Azure]

Location: Jutrand
Tagging: Gerwald Lechner

They said the force was like a warm pool you could sink into, let wrap around yourself in a warm embrace that would carry away all your worries and cares. The mysterious "They" those who knew, those who were always behind the scenes watching and judging everything. Obviously "they" had never been to Jutrand, had never experienced the storm that the force became in the dread presence of so many sith. It wasn't a warm pool that surrounded you but a storm, waves of power that assaulted you, that attacked you with every breath, striking at both mind and body. It was a barely constrained maelstrom of energy that exerted a constant pressure on the edge of your consciousness, that was a palpable presence all around you. There were those who had arrived on the planet full of hot air and big words who crumpled with their first breath and their first step, there were those who might seem meek and introverted who blossomed under the atmosphere. A planet filled with a huge range of individuals, each of them contributing to the storm that stirred up the force on the planet.

It was all a test, as so much of life with the Sith was, you either sank or swam, there were no other choices. Each individual was a lodestone of power, shaping the force around them through the sheer strength of their will, so how could you let your guard down, how could you trust anyone else?

And yet, you had to have someone, had to be able to rely on someone in the galaxy to have your back and support you. Some achieve this through greed, fear, and finding the buttons to push to bend others to your will. Some control a scene through the sheer dint of a forceful personality while others…well you had to rely on your friends right? That's what had brought her here, to this residential tower, this penthouse floor. She could feel the waves of power pulsing beyond the doorway, the doorman who had escorted her up through the elevator averted his face to hide the terror that clutched at him thinking of the Sith on the other side of the portal.

A slender hand reached up to brush errant strands of blonde hair behind her ear as she offered the man a smile, the fingers of her hand falling to rest on his shoulder. "I've got it from here."

A final pat sent the man scurrying off as she raised her other hand, waving it at the door, a pulse of power flowing out on her as the imposed her will on reality around her through the force. She wanted the door to be open, so it was.

"Wolf! I've brought food and something to drink that's better than that mead you swill like it's an ambrosia. Seriously, what were your ancestor's thinking, giving up something like wine for the joy of a simpler life."

Sometimes you had to rely on your friends, on the bonds forged by years of shared danger and emotion to watch your back. No give, no take just the assurance that someone out there would be there just because.

"Oh, and meat from that new grill place near the palace, everyone says it's great and I thought I'd get an expert's opinion."

It didn't hurt to grease the wheels now and then though…with grease.

 

[Gerwald Lechner]

WEARING: xxx
TAG: Lunara Azure

It was a casual dinner with a friend. Gerwald had few of those left in the galaxy, at least those he knew as well as his guest for the night. The blonde sorceress had found a way to get close to Gerwald in a way that he rarely allowed. She knew much about him, and was one of a small number that could speak to him in whatever manner they chose. In many ways, she was family, they shared common loss, and from that their friendship had grown.

“You may succeed in getting me to drink something more refined, but you will never tame my tastes or likings. Besides… mead puts hair on your chest,” he said in response to her greeting.

His laugh was deep and hearty. Most of the time Gerwald seemed to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders, but that stress seemed to melt off when Lunara was around. Her lighthearted jabs and teasing often disarmed him. It was what made being around her so comfortable. He was not worried she would wound, and she was in no danger of him doing the same. They knew where to take their jokes, and they knew where to leave them.

He motioned to the kitchen of the penthouse and walked past the large island in the center of it. If there was wine, they would need glasses, and Lunara would need a place to set the food.

It smelled delicious.

Gerwald was likely to think it was overcooked, but he often thought so. Even in his human form Gerwald preferred his meats on the rare side. When around others, or cooking for them, he had learned to adapt to what was more palatable for his guests. He could enjoy something cooked more thoroughly than his preference, and anything smoked or cooked over a fire was always tempting.

He began to salivate, though quickly hid it from the blonde.

“We shall have to see! Thanks, I have not ventured too far from the house in recent weeks.”

Lunara knew why. She had been very aware of Gerwald’s mission to bring Naedira back for nearly the past decade. It had been a success, and now the wolf often remained close to ensure her recovery went well. Lunara would likely find the latest development…

…interesting.

“I’m glad you could make it over.”