Public A Strange Glow: Jelucan

[Valor the Forsaken]

Silas Westgard

Mission Brief: The Glowing Grove of Jelucan​

Planet Overview:
Jelucan, a serene and largely uncharted world in the Outer Rim Territories, presents a stark contrast to the bustling centers of galactic civilization. Characterized by its rugged terrain, vast forests, and a sparsely populated landscape of small farming communities, Jelucan's simplicity belies the mysteries it conceals. The planet's remote location has kept it insulated from major galactic events, allowing its natural beauty and ancient secrets to remain undisturbed.

Mission Objective:
Recent reports from the few travelers who have ventured to Jelucan speak of a mysterious phenomenon known as the Glowing Grove—a secluded forest where, under the cloak of night, the trees emit a soft, otherworldly light. This phenomenon has piqued the interest of the New Jedi Order, not only because of its potential connection to the Force but also due to the unusual tranquility that witnesses describe feeling within the grove. Silas Westgard has been tasked to investigate these reports, seeking to understand the nature of the glowing and its implications for the Force.

Valor stepped lightly through the dense underbrush of Jelucan's forest, the distant tales of a Glowing Grove leading him deeper into the wilderness. The planet, with its rugged beauty and serene landscapes, had offered him a refuge from the galaxy's turmoil, a place to lay low and seek solace in the Force's quiet embrace.

The locals, with their simple lives and deep-rooted connection to the land, had spoken of the grove in hushed, reverent tones. It was a curiosity, a legend that flickered at the edges of Valor's consciousness, compelling him by the whisper of the Force that seemed to echo from within the tales themselves.

As night fell, the forest transformed. Valor was guided by the soft luminescence that began to thread through the trees, found his way to the heart of the Glowing Grove. The sight that greeted him was otherworldly—trees aglow with a gentle, pulsing light, casting the grove in a soft, ethereal radiance.

 

[Silas Westgard]

Location: Grove of Jelucan
Objective: Investigate the grove
Tags: Valor the Forsaken
Set not long before his disappearance

Talk of a glowing grove had been spreading amongst the Jedi.

Word has it that it was a beautiful and peaceful area that made you not only at peace with yourself but with the force. The order, who were more than curious to see if it was just whispers decided to send Silas to investigate the grove and report his findings once he returned. A place like this had never really been reported since he had got here, which made him think it was a rare phenomenon you wouldn't see anywhere else in the galaxy. That's why he needed to find it and document this strange land before anyone else got to it.

Not far away from his ship, Silas made his way through the quiet treeline up until he saw a glow in the distance. The tip they were given seemed to be legit so far, and if that light blue glow didn't indicate something he didn't know what did. Carefully, he'd walk his way up and stop only a few feet away to stare into the mystical grove.

The aura was light and calming, almost as if it was welcoming him in like an old friend. Not one bit of it felt dangerous, instead, it was pure with no intention of trickery within it. Taking a deep breath, the knight finally went deeper and stopped near the water's edge. The water was undisturbed as Silas stood there for a few silent moments with his eyes closed. His mind was completely calm, to the point where the worries he used to have simply vanished in that moment.

However, just when he was about to sit down his eyes snapped open with quick intent. For a few moments, he sensed something else close by. Not made by the grove, but by an outsider who like himself did not belong here.

"Show yourself, I know you are watching..."​

 

[Valor the Forsaken]

Silas Westgard

It was silent, deathly silent. Not a whisper from the animals, only the sound of the wind rustling the trees and swaying the tall grasses. It was quiet... too quiet. Far too quiet. Tranquil, yes, and peaceful, certainly. But there was something inherently unnatural that carried the slightest undercurrent of concern for this unnatural location.

The absence of animal sounds cast an eerie tone over the landscape, transforming the tranquil scene into one of unsettling silence. This unnatural quietude seemed to press in on it's visitors, marking the isolation and the aberration of this place. There was no calls of birds, no rustle of small creatures through the underbrush, not even the distant howl of a wolf; all were conspicuously absent. It was as if the very essence of life had been wary of such a peaceful tranquil locale leaving in it's wake a sense of foreboding.

This silence was not in truth, peaceful; it was oppressive. Like a heavy cloak that smothered any sense of comfort or normalcy. The realization that not a single animal sound punctuated the air was chilling one. Something was wrong here. Something profoundly wrong. Something that lay as the unseen and the unknown lurking just beyond the veil of visibility.

There was a figure up ahead. Valor froze as he watched the stranger, holding his breath, staring at the figure.

"Show yourself, I know you are watching..."

The silence was broken and Valor let his breath go in a slow sigh. He stepped out in to the clearing to be more visible. He was grabbed in a hooded cloak like coat garment and wore a half mask. He was of average stature and height and cut figure of minor intimidation.

"It seems you have beaten me to my quarry. "

 

[Silas Westgard]

Location: Grove of Jelucan
Objective: Investigate the grove
Tags: Valor the Forsaken
Set not long before his disappearance

From the looks of the newcomer, he didn't look too dangerous, quite the opposite. If anything the individual looked quite mysterious with the mask and cloak he wore to hide himself. The only thing Silas could identify was his white hair and green eyes, as well as the fact he looked quite young compared to what he first initially thought.

"It appears so..."

Silas nonchalantly got to his feet and lightly stretched his arm with a sigh "It's a beautiful place isn't it? Who knew places like this existed in the galaxy" he said calmly to the boy, a slight smile appearing the corner of his lips "How did you know about this place? it sounds like you've come here before" the knight questioned as he tried his best to look harmless and approachable. If anything it may prove beneficial considering the knowledge he might have. ​

 

[Valor the Forsaken]

Silas Westgard
"There's supposed to be something here... something sinister," Valor stated, his voice laced with a mixture of determination and unease. "Something I'm compelled to uncover... something that was deliberately concealed long ago, buried deep within the tranquility of this place... something lurking here... but where exactly?" He trailed off, his gaze sweeping over the grove with a deepening frown etched across his face. He had scoured the grove before, meticulously searching every nook and cranny, yet now he pondered if perhaps the object of his quest lay in a place less conspicuous, a place that had eluded his vigilant eyes... but where could that be?

His eyes scanned the serene landscape, searching for any clue, any sign that might lead him to his quarry. Then, his gaze settled across the lake. The lake, with its placid surface mirroring the sky above, untouched and seemingly unremarkable, suddenly sparked a realization within him. Of course, the lake! It was so obvious now, hiding in plain sight, yet overlooked in his previous searches. Without another word, he darted forward, his movements swift and decisive.

Reaching the lake's edge, Valor didn't hesitate. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was to come, and with a determined leap, he dove into the water, creating a resounding splash that echoed through the quietude of the grove. The cool embrace of the lake's waters enveloped him as he began his descent, his eyes piercing through the murk, searching for the hidden truth that lay beneath the calm surface.

 

[Silas Westgard]

Location: Grove of Jelucan
Objective: Investigate the grove
Tag: Valor the Forsaken

"If there is something sinister it will need to be uncovered before it brings any harm. For now, I will help you with this investigation to uncover this mystery"

Silas was still cautious with the young newcomer, they had only just met so who knew what his true motives were. It was certainly possible he could be doing the same as him but the knight knew full well that being careful was a safe bet from past experience. Following his gaze, he seemed to get the idea the individual was beginning to get more interested in the water which illuminated the grove. Of course... how did he not notice that before? if anything of keynote was going to be found the lake was a good bet.

Watching him back up, he released a small sigh when he jumped into the cold embrace of the lake to investigate. Silas could have left him to his own devices, but what was the fun in all that "Right, I guess I follow" the knight said with a slight grin before following suit with a clean dive into the depths. Whatever was down here he'd find, even if it meant working with the unknown.​

 

[Valor the Forsaken]

Silas Westgard

Valor was drawn to a mysterious red light shining from the bottom of the cold lake. He swam down to find it, guided by the light through the dark water. At the source, he found a pendant glowing red, warm to the touch, even underwater. This pendant felt powerful and important, connected to the Force in a special way. He was reaching out for the small dim light to try and pluck it up.

 

[Silas Westgard]

Location: Grove of Jelucan
Objective: Investigate the grove
Tag: Valor the Forsaken

Suddenly, Silas extended his hand and used the force to send shoot the pendant his way by going underneath the stranger. He was going to help the young fellow, but it didn't mean he could get to it first <"I'm sorry kid, but I'll need to examine that first"> the knight said telepathically while shooting a look of warning the boy as an indication not to do anything stupid.

Looking down at the object in his hand, he could feel the force flow through its metal. It felt strange and different from anything he had felt before, one that needed to be protected from anyone who wished to use it for worse.

<"Please, don't do anything you may regret...">​