Aesthetic

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He didn't wholly get her meaning, but then there had been more than just the Galactic Republic in recent years. Cedric ran through the myriad of governments that held the name, though none were of particular affluence compared to the galactic variant. Still, he could see the displeasure in her expression when she spoke of it. He chose not to dig into the topic, at least for now. It was something to look into later.

"It depends on what you want to see," he mused, "We have the great oak, a force sensitive tree that's stood for several thousand years, the library below with an age just as long, training halls, the old council chambers, and the vaults...but you can't really go there." His brow furrowed. The vaults were restricted to anyone save for himself and those he deemed safe to enter. No one came to or left them without his purview.

He paused, a flicker of amusement finding its way into his slight smirk, "You ever seen a force nexus before?"


[member="Ayessa Kroan"]

 

[Ayessa Kroan]

Ruusan, 'The Graywall', Unknown Time
Interacting with [member="Cedric Grayson"] ~ Me, Myself & I
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Had she? It was difficult to recall. So it was easier to simply shake her head side-to-side, "No, I don't believe so. Starting there might be good." Vaults seemed like a good idea to avoid anyway, she'd have enough of tight spaces for a lifetime and was more than happy to hear how restricted entering privileges were.

Chances were Ayessa probably could have explained her position better, but what could you do? She stuck a hand in her pocket and reassuringly felt along her own lightsaber, haphazardly shoved in a seam to protect it from those who might not be so open to the sight. Now she might be able to sport it on her hip like the old times, just for a while, which she wasn't sure was such a good thing. For now it could stay hidden.

"It's your house, Cedric, you lead."

 

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Most hadn't had the luxury of standing in the presence of a nexus. Cedric had been lucky enough to visit several of them during his training, and having one nearby throughout his youth had certainly helped him to familiarize himself with them. He found a certain enjoyment in exposing people to the nexus for the first time. Even non force sensitives could feel its influence.

"Tree first then," he replied as he gestured for her to follow. He led Ayessa down a side door that quickly descended into a long flight of stairs. The air within seemed to have become fresher than the outside, and slightly more damp as well.

"Alright, I'm curious," he turned his head to look at her as they strode down the staircase. "You're a Jedi Knight, and you're alone. Are you on a mission, training, running from the empire?"

[member="Ayessa Kroan"]

 

[Ayessa Kroan]

Ruusan, 'The Graywall', Unknown Time
Interacting with [member="Cedric Grayson"] ~ Me, Myself & I
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The word 'Empire' rolled around Ayessa's head a couple times before she was able to put together an answer, simply looking over to him as they descended. Her movements were flighty and quick, but she always ensured to stay behind him, "Yes." She stated at first, then, after realizing she didn't specify one of his offers, she exhaled loosely and shrugged, "On the run, I guess. It's--" Reality slapped her in the face, then. Quickly she started backtracking mentally, offering only a, "It's complicated." To his query.

Still, every step that took them closer to the nexus made her feel just a little lighter. The weight sitting on her chest receding, letting her breathe for the first time in what felt like forever. Like waking up all over again, but in a gentler manner, the way someone nudged someone out of sleep instead of screaming in their ear.

 

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The air seemed to vibrate as they drew close to the end of the stairwell. A simple wooden door barred their passage into the sanctum below, and it parted before them via some invisible force. Soft azure light filtered in through the open doorway, and the scent of a forest filtered through behind it. Cedric allowed himself a moment's peace as he led Ayessa into the chamber, his gaze resting naturally upon the center of the chamber.

A massive oak tree of immense size filled the majority of the room. Its bark was dark and golden, the leaves a myriad of colors that seemed to be the source of the blueish light. Small creatures of varying sizes had made their home within the oak, and a small number of students walked within its hollowed roots and meditated within its branches. Cedric found a small found flitting across his face as he turned to face the traveler.

"This is the oak. It's the center point of the the stronghold, a place of healing," he tilted his head toward the massive tree, "Something I think you might need." He added quietly, a hint of concern in his voice.

[member="Ayessa Kroan"]

 

[Ayessa Kroan]

Ruusan, 'The Graywall', Unknown Time
Soul-Searching | Interacting with [member="Cedric Grayson"] ~ Roots ~ "Don't throw stones at me, don't tell anybody; trouble finds me."
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Ayessa had seen many things in her time in this galaxy. Wars. Famine. Blockades. Sieges. All of them, apparently, not very good, and all of them bringing misery wherever they went.

This was something good.

"Probably," She agreed offhandedly, rather loosely grasping her hands behind her back, "Probably." The evident concern was registered but not exactly acknowledged, her gaze wandering over the tree, testament to how deeply it had captivated her already. The Temple had had trees, but nothing quite this size, nothing with this power or presence. Tranquillity was something scarcely appreciated, but at that moment it was the only thing she craved.

"It's beautiful here."