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 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...">​

 

[Valor the Forsaken]

As Silas Westgard 's fingers brushed against the amulet's surface, sending a surge of malevolent energy through his body. The crystal felt ominously cold and alive, as if imbued with a sinister will.

Valor, feeling the sudden absence of the pendant, moved to swim back up to break the surface for air, conceding defeat with no mental words returning to challenge the knight. He swam back towards the wet tarn and climbed out and started tow ring water from his sopping wet clothing.

 

[Silas Westgard]

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

As soon as Silas touched the pendant his body felt a wave of unnatural energy go through his body. It didn't feel good at all, and after only a few seconds of holding it, the knight wanted to get the object out of his hands. Quickly placing it in one of his pockets, Silas swam back to the surface and moved his way over to the bank to climb himself out.

Retrieving the object alone only brought more questions than answers.

"This object, protected by the beauty of its environment is certainly not what it seems" the Jedi said while putting an easy hand through this wet hair "It holds an unnatural power inside, one that can only be used in trusted hands. That's why I'm going to ask now, are you really here out of your interest? or for someone else..."
​

 

[Valor the Forsaken]

Silas Westgard

As he stowed the trinket away, the immediate pressure of its physical presence lessened, yet an unsettling sensation lingered. An unnatural desire began to stir within him, a creeping longing not just to hold the trinket again but to wear it. This yearning morphed subtly at first, then more insistently, from a mere want into a searing need—a burn that whispered of dark temptations and forbidden power.

Valor maintained a steady, tense gaze as he spoke. "Not exactly... I intended to gift this artifact to someone, hoping to gain their admiration," he explained, his tone guarded yet clear. "Seems you've gotten to it first." He paused briefly, assessing the man before him. "Why do you want it?" His question was straightforward, echoing his need to understand the other's motives in the shadow of his own.

 

[Silas Westgard]

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

The pressure of the object seemed to lift when it was placed out of view. However, it still seemed to hold a presence to let Silas know it was still very much there. Silas for now took his attention away from the object and listened to what the boy had to say "I am retrieving it for the Jedi order for examination. You can probably tell by now it is most unusual..." he replied honestly, knowing it was probably best not to beat around the bush in this situation.

"Now, why don't you tell me who you were planning on giving that to?" he asked with a direct question of his own "Is it someone who you can trust?" the knight questioned again with a cold stare "You do not have to mention their name out of your own safety, I just wish to know if the person your working for is requesting this item for the greater good"

If the kid was in trouble he wouldn't hesitate to help him. The fact that he was doing it to gain someone's favor only made things even more suspicious, one that made him think that he was made to do it against his will.​

 

[Valor the Forsaken]

Silas Westgard

Valor didn't have to think on it long. "No. Not someone I can trust," he stated simply. The words felt heavy, laden with the weight of past betrayals. She had betrayed him, and it stung deeply. His only goals had ever been to appease her, to seek her approval. That was not someone he could trust nor confide in, not anymore.

He clenched his fists, the memories of their time together flooding back. He had been so dedicated, so eager to please. But in the end, it had all been for nothing. The realization of her betrayal cut deeper than any blade.

The greater good? Was there any concept of good, let alone a greater good, that Valor could understand? His understanding of good had always been skewed, tainted by his desire for approval. To him, anything good was anything that brought positive attention from his master. She had been his guiding star, the one he strove to please above all else. But in truth, he had no master now. He was forsaken, abandoned in a world that suddenly seemed so much colder and more hostile.

This was a truth he was still in some modicum of denial over. Every morning, he woke up expecting to feel her presence, to hear her voice. But it was never there. He was alone, and the realization was a slow, painful process. He had built his entire identity around her approval, and without it, he felt lost.

What did good mean now? This likely wouldn't match the stranger's definition of good, let alone a greater good. The stranger spoke of noble causes and higher purposes, concepts that felt foreign and unreachable to Valor. How could he align himself with these ideals when he couldn't even trust his own understanding of right and wrong?

Valor's gaze drifted to the horizon, where the trees swayed in the dim moonlight casting long shadows over the land. He felt like one of those shadows, insubstantial and drifting, searching for something to anchor him

 

[Silas Westgard]

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

He had a feeling that was the case.

Silas felt a whirlwind of emotions go through the boy all at once as he thought about the past troubles of his life. It was unclear if he had anyone left, but from the fact Valor was working with someone he didn't trust it sounded like he was latching onto anything to keep him going in this unforgiving galaxy. Silas understood the feeling, and that it was something he didn't want anyone else to go through at such a young age.

Sighing lightly, the knight walked over and joined him in looking at the peaceful horizon ahead "You do know you don't have to go through this alone right?" the knight said at first, his gaze looking at him in the corner of his eye "Your lost and don't know where to go, I've seen it in kids like you before" he continued, referencing himself more discretely "What they need is someone who can get them back on track and realise the potential they never saw in their life, whether that be for a short time or long stay..."

"The order can offer you that if you wish to take that leap of faith"
​

 

[Valor the Forsaken]

Silas Westgard

"You mean the Jedi Order, yes?" Valor asked, his voice tinged with curiosity and a hint of skepticism. He moved to the corner, where he began pouring water from his boots, the steady stream trickling down as he removed them with practiced efficiency. The sensation of dampness lingered.

He had many things to say, an array of thoughts and emotions swirling within him like a tempest, each demanding to be voiced. Yet, he held them back, thinking better of it. Words, once spoken, could not be unsaid. Instead, he simply asked, "The Order Braze is with?" The question hung in the air, heavy with unspoken implications, as he meticulously pulled his boots back on, the leather creaking softly. His gaze shifted up, searching for a response, while his mind remained a tumultuous sea of contemplation.

"Take me there. "

 

[Silas Westgard]

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

"Yes, the order is what I'm talking about" Silas replied, his body turning to face him when he went to the corner to relieve his boots of water. However, when he mentioned Braze his brow slowly lifted to the fact that she even knew the brat. It was possible they could have met on an assignment at some point, but Silas was more than curious to know how they had met. Upon mentioning the name, Valor seemed to be very much interested in going with him due to that fact.

"That was the plan Valor, I'm not just going to leave you here" he said with a light smirk "Although, I'd like to know something first. How do you know Braze and why do you name him specifically?"

Silas was direct and expecting an answer to a question like this. If it was to get revenge for something the brat had done a long time ago he didn't want to risk getting anyone injured. If anything else was to happen, he'd need to get to the bottom of this right, right now. ​

 

[Valor the Forsaken]

TAGS: Silas Westgard

"Him? He ad some trouble with a Bounty on his head that I assisted him with." He stated which was the truth but Silas didn't need to know any other truths beyond that like how he's hunted him previously himself.

"Great. I will go with you then. " He seemed to agree rather quickly with no real hesitation or thought beyond his mind being made up. He was calm collected and something about him seemed... coy?

 

[Trayze Tesar]

CURRENT MISSION - In Spite of Respite
Immediate Goals -
1: Take a moment of respite-
1: Investigate the presence of the Jedi.

BLUFOR - N/A

OPFOR - Enemy Unknown

TARGETING ACTION(S) - Valor the Forsaken || Silas Westgard

---

Peace was a lie, at least that was what the Sith Code flatly stated - but the Sith Code was merely a set of guidlines, considering the innumerable subfactions and cults of personalities, demagogues and philosophical debates that raged through the Sith Order. Trayze himself didn't consider himself a Sith - not until he was apprenticed and learned from the lap of a Master in the true ways of mysticism. Oh sure, he was a Dark Sider if a census man pressed him, but for now he was more of a Fleet Captain Under Marque, a Lieutenant Inspector, and on occasion, a Scion of the Ancient and Illustrious House of Marr - but Trayze viewed the Force as a mere facet of his being, what he could do rather than what he was.

But opinions changed, especially with bold new directions the galaxy was taking. Jelucan was within spitting distance of the Sith Order exclave around Korriban, and a patrol route for the Sith-Imperial Banking Clan Fleet, he'd first heard of the planet through astrography charts, then through fogstone cutters, and had stumbled onto this grove by pure happenstance. Peace was a lie, yes, and it was a lie he would happily carry and boldly say to any superiors should he be far astray. The locals didn't mind, the lightsaber he had lost while battling Valery Noble on Yavin IV actually helping convince them that he was "merely a spacer" - the sensation of being a civilian having been almost a foreign thing.

Sure he had the Inspectorate, a few of them he knew from his days of being an Imperial Peacekeeper, before his induction into the Order. His old life... but that had changed, he had changed. Here, at least for a time, he could pretend he wasn't a Sith - or at least, he didn't have the responsibilities of being a Sith.

...All that had changed when he had sensed two Jedi, and then he had seen the karking Silas Westgard - the Sword of the Jedi's apprentice. They had delved into the lake, and retrieved... something that burned with power.

A twig snapped, the grass flattened, and a very tired Kiffar approached, and exhaled. "Mister Westgard." he began, his aura still thrumming with the Darkness - not as saturated as someone like his betters, Strosius, his cousin Malum, or any of the truly greats - but a darkness and a passion born from duty, and genuinity, that expressed itself more fully under the doctrine of the Sith than the restrictions of the Jedi. With those tired, burgundied eyes, he looked at the two and barely grazed the pendant being hidden by the pale haired Enchani. "...Am I interrupting somethin', or may Ah take a nap o'er there?" His tone was a mix of coyness, as if to jab that the reason the two were sopping wet was not due to investigation, but rather an attempt of skinny-dipping. The second part was genuine - it had been a particularly onerous month and he could use his usual soft patch of grass.

Something about the Enchani intrigued him, a sense of loss, listlessness, and yet finding hope - no doubt in the Jedi Order. He wasn't here to snatch a padawan - no matter how much Malum would no doubt be giddy at contesting both the Sword of the Jedi and her apprentice. Kidnapping was a crime, after all, and he preferred to win through conversation than brainwashing.

 

[Silas Westgard]

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

"A bounty on his head huh? why doesn't that surprise me..."

Upon hearing again of his eagerness to come with him Silas was a little more comfortable in taking him back. He didn't sense any hatred or emotions that could indicate betrayal, it just seemed like the kid was lost and needed help getting back on track "Alright, stay close. My ship is not far from here, but when we get back to the temple this object stays with me. In return, I'll notify the council that your assistance was a great help in my search"

It wasn't like he needed the council's favor. This referral would at least make himself known to them for the short term.

"Let's get moving, we don-" Before Silas could finished he heard a voice pipe up from behind them, one that seemed to know his name quite well. The knight turned and calmly put a hand on the hilt of his saber, prepared just in case the stranger had any ill intentions "You're not actually, we were just about to take our leave" he said with a brief side eye to Valor to gauge his reaction "If I may ask, how does a new face like yourself know of my name?"

Silas being once a padawan of the sword was common knowledge. However, he was quite curious as to what reflection that offered. ​

 

[Valor the Forsaken]

TAGS: Silas Westgard Trayze Tesar

Valor eyed the newcomer with cautious intensity, his body language shifting as he moved silently behind Silas, positioning himself to the right. His intention was clear: he had no desire to engage with yet another unknown individual, not when he was so close to finding his quarry. His focus remained razor-sharp, every movement calculated to avoid unnecessary distractions and ensure that his goal remained within reach.​