Star Wars Roleplay: Chaos

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Private Burning Bridges



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MISSION REPORT: [Burning Bridges]

Operative: Sable Varro
Mission Classification: [Confidential]

Tags: Braze Braze

Deployment Location:

  • Primary Target Zone: Lothal

Equipment Loadout:





Sable Varro had long learned to trust her instincts, honed through years of experience navigating the galaxy's most chaotic corners. But as she walked through the dense forests of Lothal, something felt... different. It wasn't a whisper of danger or the usual electric hum of her mission calling her forward. This sensation was gentler—softer, even—like a quiet, persistent echo in the back of her mind. It stirred memories, not of her present self, but of a past life, one she had worked hard to bury.

As the other one, she had once been deeply attuned to the Force—an ability she had never truly understood but always respected. Now, in her new life as Sable Varro, the Sith Order had dulled that connection. But it hadn't fully disappeared. There were still moments when the faintest ripples of the Force tugged at her, pulling her toward things unseen, guiding her with an unseen hand.

She had learned to ignore it over the years—until now.

The Force call was subtle at first, a quiet hum in the distance, a flicker in the corner of her senses. It wasn't like the blood-chilling surge of a hostile presence or the sharp sting of a mission gone wrong. This was something altogether different, more like a distant invitation. And so, against her better judgment, she had followed.

Her boots thudded softly against the forest floor, the tall trees surrounding her like silent sentinels. The wild landscape of Lothal was beautiful, though Sable had never been one for its tranquil beauty. It was the precision, the order, and the certainty of her missions that had always given her purpose. But now, something else beckoned her.

The path ahead grew less defined, the undergrowth thickening and the air growing heavier with each step. Yet the pull in her chest remained, unwavering, a gentle tug guiding her forward. She trusted it—perhaps more than she would have liked to admit.

It wasn't long before she came upon the first sign of something unusual: a rope bridge, swaying gently between two trees, inviting her across. Sable paused, a frown tugging at her lips. The bridge was old, its ropes weathered by time and the elements, yet it held steady under her gaze. There was no reason for it to be here, no reason for this path to lead her to something so out of place.

The Force had brought her here, but why? What was waiting on the other side?

With a resigned sigh, she stepped onto the bridge, her boots shifting slightly on the old wood, making a soft creak underfoot. The breeze carried with it the faint scent of flowers, mingling with the earthy aroma of the surrounding woods. It was... peaceful. Almost serene. But Sable wasn't here for peace. She was here because the Force had told her to be, and she would follow its pull—however strange it may be.

The bridge felt more stable than it appeared, supporting her weight as she made her way across, the swaying of the ropes a gentle reminder of her connection to the unseen forces around her. On the other side, the forest opened into a sprawling treehouse, its wooden platforms connected by more rope bridges, each leading to different trees that rose high above the ground.

Sable's instincts kicked in again, her eyes scanning the surroundings. There were no signs of immediate danger, no traps or hidden threats. Yet there was something about the place that felt... inviting. She lingered at the edge of the platform, looking at the structure before her. The treehouse wasn't grand or ostentatious. It was simple—rustic, even—but there was an undeniable charm to it. The main tree, a towering, majestic thing, loomed above her, its branches swaying gently in the breeze. The deck surrounding the treehouse offered stunning views of the gardens below—lush and vibrant, full of flowers and edible fruits and vegetables. It was a stark contrast to the hard, metallic world she usually inhabited.

She stepped onto the platform, her boots landing softly on the wooden surface. The familiar weight of her armor felt out of place here, the sleek, battle-ready design standing in sharp contrast to the peaceful serenity of the treehouse. But still, the pull of the Force drew her forward, as if the structure itself had been waiting for her arrival.

Inside, the air was warm and inviting. The soft glow of lanterns illuminated the cozy sleeping area with hammocks draped lazily between wooden beams. A reading nook, tucked into one corner, offered a perfect escape from the world outside. Nearby, a small stage awaited performances, though the instruments were silent for now. The simple diner-style eating space beckoned her toward it, but it was the kitchen that caught her attention. It was small but practical, filled with ingredients that spoke to the practicality of the space.

As Sable moved through the space, the calm energy of the treehouse began to settle over her like a blanket. It was the kind of stillness that had been absent from her life for far too long. A part of her resented the ease with which the Force had guided her here. She wasn't someone who sought solace or comfort. She was someone who had learned to rely on herself, to be self-sufficient, and to push past her own limitations.

And yet, here she was.

The sound of a gentle breeze rustling through the branches filled the air, accompanied by the distant hum of the Force—the same whispers she had followed to this place. She closed her eyes for a moment, allowing herself to simply feel. The Force was different here. Not cold or distant, but warm and embracing. It was as if the very fabric of this place had been woven into the Force itself.

And she hated it.

Sable didn't know how long she stood there, her senses attuned to the peaceful energy surrounding her. But eventually, the pull eased, and the moment passed. The Force had brought her here, not for a mission, not for an enemy to track, but for something else entirely. Perhaps it was a reminder—one she hadn't realized she needed.

She glanced at the connected platforms, the bridges leading to other parts of the treehouse and the gardens below. There was no rush, no urgency. Yet she felt…dissatisfied.

She wasn't sure how long she would stay, or if the galaxy would soon call her back to its conflicts and chaos. But for now, she would let the Force guide her here, to this place of peace, where time seemed to slow and the weight of the universe lifted, if only for a little while.

She would learn what the hell had brought her here, or burn the treehouse for having wasted her time.

 
Kai'el Brat "Guardian of the Light"

Equipment Loadout:
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Braze had returned to his Treehouse on Lothal. The wind moved gently through the branches, rustling leaves and setting the wind chimes into a delicate song—a quiet, whispering melody that drifted through the air.

The garden had been left to grow wild in his absence, unruly but not unwelcoming. He had spent the afternoon tending to it, his hands in the soil, working with patience to restore a bit of order. When he was done, he had washed away the sweat and dirt in a cool shower.

Now, dressed in light, soft cotton sleep clothes—a simple tank top and loose shorts—he had retreated to one of the small bedrooms. The cot beneath him was modest but comfortable, and he rested beneath dappled light filtering in through the window. His breath was slow and even.

At some point, he stirred, shifting lazily beneath the covers. A soft sound slipped from him—something between a sigh and a murmur—as he turned over, white hair tousled and nearly dry now. He had been napping for nearly an hour.

He remained unaware that he was no longer alone.
 


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MISSION REPORT: [Burning Bridges]

Operative: Sable Varro
Mission Classification: [Confidential]

Tags: Braze Braze

Deployment Location:

  • Primary Target Zone: Lothal

Equipment Loadout:




Sable had been quiet when she arrived—quieter than she thought herself capable of being, considering how the Force still hummed beneath her skin from everything that had happened. The trail had led her here, through tangled brush and sun-drenched rope bridges, across platforms swaying gently in the wind. The echoes had guided her—residual imprints that clung to this place like fading fingerprints on glass.

She stepped through the threshold of the treehouse without a word, the scent of old wood, soil, and distant incense lingering in the air. Wind chimes sang softly above her, brushing notes against her ears like memory.

She moved carefully through the main space, her armor muted in the fading afternoon light. For a moment, she just stood there—watching the way the place breathed, alive in its own way. This wasn't some cold fortress or sterile barracks. It was a refuge. A forgotten song, still playing.

It almost made her feel something. Almost.

Her attention shifted when she sensed him—faintly, quietly, like a candle flickering beneath layers of fabric. A stranger, lovely. She didn't barge into the room. She stepped up to the doorway, leaning a shoulder against the frame, arms crossed over her chest.

She watched him for a moment in silence.

"..forgive me, didn’t know someone lived here," She muttered at last, not unkindly. Her voice was quieter than usual—still dry, still layered with that signature bite, but gentler somehow, like the sharpness had dulled just for this space.

"Suppose it makes sense, big place like this."

And yet, there was something unspoken beneath her words. A flicker in her eyes. She hadn't come here just to tease him.
 
Kai'el Brat "Guardian of the Light"

Braze stirred at the sound of a voice, his eyes fluttering open. He drew a slow, deeper breath, then sat up, shifting with a wince. His body still ached, sore from the long hours spent tending the gardens. Blinking against the lingering haze of sleep, he turned his head toward the source of the voice and settled his gaze on Sable.

His eyes flicked over the masked figure standing within his home, but he didn't seem particularly alarmed. It wasn't the first time a fully armored combatant had found their way to his quiet, somber quarters.

"Hello..." His voice carried the weight of exhaustion, edged with mild curiosity. "Welcome in, I suppose. Are you in need of rest or sustenance?"
 


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MISSION REPORT: [Burning Bridges]

Operative: Sable Varro
Mission Classification: [Confidential]

Tags: Braze Braze

Deployment Location:

  • Primary Target Zone: Lothal

Equipment Loadout:




Sable tilted her head slightly at his calm response—half expecting a startled lurch or at least a half-grumbled curse. But no. Braze greeted her like she was a familiar breeze slipping in through an open window, not a storm wrapped in armor.

Her lips twitched—just barely—into something that could be mistaken for amusement.

"How kind of you," She said, stepping further into the room, her fingers brushing lightly against the doorframe on her way in. She set her helmet down on a nearby shelf with a dull clink, the silence that followed heavier than it should've been.

"I'm not here for food. Or sleep." Her voice softened, but there was something behind it now—frayed around the edges, like a wire pulled too tight. "I just… needed quiet. Somewhere that doesn't smell like blood and carbon scoring."

She looked at him then, really looked. The tank top, the tousled hair, the sore way he moved—he looked more like a tired gardener than anything else. She wasn’t sure what to make of that.

"You still keep this place like it matters," she added, quieter now. "Like something peaceful can survive out here."

Her eyes dropped for a moment, then lifted again.

"I used to think that these sort of things were foolish. Now I'm not sure."
 
Kai'el Brat "Guardian of the Light"

"Well, it does matter. I couldn't be here for a long time... The Imperials were oppressing the planet, and they took a friend from me. The gardens had become overgrown, and some places died out," Braze admitted.

"Finding time to relax and rest your mind and body is important—it keeps you healthy. But you have to make the time for it," he added. "If you just want to relax and gather your thoughts, you're welcome to stay as long as you like."


Braze offered a small nod. "This home of mine is a hostel. Not the kind you pay for—just a place where people can come and rest when they need to, no strings attached. Somewhere safe, from the weather even if only for a little while."
 


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MISSION REPORT: [Burning Bridges]

Operative: Sable Varro
Mission Classification: [Confidential]

Tags: Braze Braze

Deployment Location:

  • Primary Target Zone: Lothal

Equipment Loadout:




Sable gave a quiet smile, her eyes softening as she looked around the garden with a thoughtful gaze. The scent of overgrown herbs and sun-warmed earth carried a kind of quiet melancholy—an echo of what this place must’ve once been, and what it still held beneath the surface.

“That’s kind of you, Braze,” She said gently, her voice carrying a rare note of warmth. “Not many people offer shelter just because it’s the right thing to do. Most of the galaxy doesn’t stop long enough to remember how much something like that matters.”

She paused, lowering herself to crouch beside a wilted blossom, fingers brushing lightly over its petals. “I’m sorry about your friend. We've lost alot of people, sometimes even by our own hands.” Her jaw tensed for a moment. “They have a way of hollowing things out. Not just places, but people. You’re still standing here, though. That says something.”

She stood again, taking a slow breath, eyes flicking around the garden’s untamed beauty. “Places like this…they carry the weight of what was lost, sure. But there’s still life in them. Still roots under the soil, waiting. Maybe even hope, if you let it grow again.”

Then she turned her attention back to Braze, a faint, wry smirk tugging at her lips. “If offer too much kindness, and you might find a few drifters like me sticking around longer than you expected.” There was a flicker of something playful in her tone, but beneath it was a quiet gratitude—unspoken, but deeply felt.

After a beat, she added more softly, “Sometimes it takes just one safe place to remind someone they’re still human…or at least still trying to be. It's the thought that counts, though.”
 
Kai'el Brat "Guardian of the Light"

"Well... I don't mind drifters. Had a few pass through. Everyone's had their chance to just... breathe."

He regarded her carefully, letting a moment or three stretch between them, trying to read the presence beneath the helmet.

"So... I'm Braze," he offered. "But you already knew that." His tone was matter-of-fact, neither suspicious nor surprised.

"The real questions are... Who are you, and what brings you here?"

Even in his sleep-addled state, he recognized the strangeness of it, this armored figure knowing his name. Maybe he should have been more alarmed, but instead, he remained still, calm. Watching. Waiting.
 


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MISSION REPORT: [Burning Bridges]

Operative: Sable Varro
Mission Classification: [Confidential]

Tags: Braze Braze

Deployment Location:

  • Primary Target Zone: Lothal

Equipment Loadout:




Sable's eyes lingered on him in the silence that followed, unreadable beneath the mask she hadn't quite put back on, but hadn't entirely taken off either. Her posture remained casual—arms folded loosely, weight balanced on one hip—but there was a tension beneath it. Like a dam holding back a flood she hadn't yet decided to unleash.

"You're right," She said at last, her voice low, almost quiet. "I do know your name, at least now."

A pause, short but heavy.

"Lot of questions you’re asking, but, I guess I can give you an answer."

She stepped closer now, the floorboards giving the softest creak beneath her boots. Her gaze didn't waver.

"As for who I am…" Her voice trailed off slightly, the answer not so simple.

"I'm…someone who forgot what peace even felt like. Someone who used to be a name, and now I'm just noise. Static, the ringing in your ears." She exhaled, steady but faint. "You can call me Dopple. That's the name that stuck."

Her eyes flicked toward the window, toward the gardens beyond. "Now, what came here because something… pulled me? I wasn't sure what I was looking for. Maybe not even sure I wanted to find it."

Then she looked back at him. "But now I'm standing here, talking to a you. So, for some reason or another, I was supposed to come here."

Her voice softened just a touch, quieter, like a confession slipping past her defenses.

"…maybe I just need to see if peace is still an option for me."
 
Kai'el Brat "Guardian of the Light"

"Dopple is a terrible fake name," Braze remarked plainly. "But hey, it's an option if you go with it." He stretched out, stifling a yawn before adding, "Peace never lasts long, so you might as well enjoy it while it's here."

With that, he pushed himself to his feet. "I'm making pancakes. You're welcome to join me for breakfast." His tone was casual as he padded past her, heading toward the kitchen.
 


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MISSION REPORT: [Burning Bridges]

Operative: Sable Varro
Mission Classification: [Confidential]

Tags: Braze Braze

Deployment Location:

  • Primary Target Zone: Lothal

Equipment Loadout:




Sable's lips twitched, but she let his comment slide. She didn't need to defend the name, not when it was already a reflection of something she used to be. Instead, she let his words hang in the air, lingering like an aftertaste.

"Yeah, well, I'm not in the habit of hiding behind fake names," She muttered under her breath, but there was no real heat behind it.

Her gaze followed him as he moved past, his casual demeanor a stark contrast to the chaos she'd been trudging through for months. She crossed her arms again, leaning against the doorframe as he disappeared into the kitchen.

"Pancakes?" She called after him, raising an eyebrow. "What are those?"

There was a pause before she finally pushed off from the doorframe and followed him in. Her tone was quieter when she spoke next, almost like she was talking to herself.

"Guess I'll take you up on that offer. Could use something real, for once."

She leaned against the counter, watching him work with an unreadable expression, wondering if the comfort of a simple meal might just be the start of something she hadn't even known she needed.

Then she wondered, how flameable was this place?

Only one way to find out, she supposed.
 
Kai'el Brat "Guardian of the Light"



"You've never had pancakes?"
Braze asked, incredulous. "Oh, you are in for a treat. Go ahead and take a seat at the table."

With practiced ease, he whipped up his protein batter, carefully folding in fluffy egg whites to keep it light and airy. The batter came together perfectly, yielding thick, golden pancakes with a soft, pillowy texture. As they cooked, he added fresh slices of strawberries and drizzled them with rich blueberry syrup made from sugar and blue berries.

Not stopping there, he plated the pancakes alongside a spread of fried eggs topped with melted cheddar, a few crispy slices of bacon, and golden hash brown cakes. Once everything was ready, he carried the dishes over to the table, setting them down before offering her a napkin. From the minifridge, he poured her a glass of lemonade he'd made the day before, the chilled citrus scent mingling with the savory sweet breakfast.

Braze set out utensils before taking a seat across from where she might settle. The air was thick with the scent of toasted vanilla and browned butter, the kind of warmth that made a meal feel like home. He placed a small dish of butter and a few jars of preserves on the table, just in case she wanted to sample anything else, before setting the pitcher down within easy reach.

"Enjoy. "
 


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MISSION REPORT: [Burning Bridges]

Operative: Sable Varro
Mission Classification: [Confidential]

Tags: Braze Braze

Deployment Location:

  • Primary Target Zone: Lothal

Equipment Loadout:




Sable lowered herself into the seat with an almost mechanical grace, the tension in her shoulders reluctant to release, even in the face of something so… disarmingly human. Her helmet remained on for a moment longer than necessary, fingertips resting near the chin clasp as if debating whether she should bother.

But the scent hit her then—vanilla, butter, seared bacon, the crisp brightness of lemon in the air. It was overwhelming in the strangest way, almost nostalgic… except there was no memory to attach it to. Just a hollow echo in her gut, something ancient and aching.

With a quiet click, she finally unlatched her mask and set it aside on the table. Her face, sharp-featured and pale beneath the unruly strands of ashen-white hair, looked worn, shadows of fatigue clinging beneath her crimson eyes. She stared down at the plate like it might vanish if she blinked. She put her mask off to the side, her face tight as if trying to conceal her expressions.

"…I don’t know what I expected," She said softly, almost like it wasn't meant to be heard. "And yeah, never had pancakes. Closest I came was a ration cakes that tasted like old boot leather."

She picked up her fork with careful fingers, hesitant at first, as if she didn't trust the moment. But one bite—and the soft texture, the warmth, the sweetness—hit her like a wave. She blinked, surprised, then took another, slower this time.

"…Stars, that's…something," She murmured, more to herself than to him. A small, wry smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. "You sure you're not secretly running a café out of this treehouse?"

Her eyes flicked toward him again, guarded but curious now.

"…you always cook like this for strangers?"
 
Kai'el Brat "Guardian of the Light"

"Well... I made food for Teresa Zambrano | Darth Pellax Teresa Zambrano | Darth Pellax once," Braze remarked, a faint trace of amusement in his tone. "That's actually how we met." He shrugged lightly. "Anyone who stops by and doesn't cause me trouble is welcome to stay. The universe is cruel enough as it is—no need for me to add to it. I'd rather treat people the way I'd want to be treated... and if I'm remembered for anything, I want it to be kindness."

He offered a small smile before adding softly, "Glad you like it, though. Took my time to make sure it tasted nice for both of us."

Picking up a strip of thick-cut bacon, he pressed it into the golden yolk of his eggs, scooping up the rich, runny center before taking a bite. The smoky-sweet flavor of hickory, applewood, and brown sugar blended perfectly, making the bacon an ideal dipper for the eggs.

After a moment, he glanced up, his expression shifting into something teasing yet genuine. "You know, you look a whole lot prettier without the helmet," he chirped.
 


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MISSION REPORT: [Burning Bridges]

Operative: Sable Varro
Mission Classification: [Confidential]

Tags: Braze Braze

Deployment Location:

  • Primary Target Zone: Lothal

Equipment Loadout:




Sable paused mid-bite, fork still lingering just past her lips as his last remark settled between them.

She didn't respond right away. Rather, she just chewed slowly, as if the silence was more eloquent than anything she could say. A flicker of something unreadable passed through her crimson eyes. Surprise, maybe. Discomfort. Or perhaps just the unfamiliar ache of being seen in a way that wasn't weapon, title, or threat.

She swallowed, set her fork down with a soft clink, then leaned back slightly in the chair, eyeing him with a faint smirk that didn't quite reach her eyes.

"I’m old enough to be your mother, you know that?"

Her voice held a dry humor, but there was something softer beneath it; something unspoken, cautious. She wasn't used to kindness like this. Compliments were a rare commodity for her these days.

After a beat, she glanced toward the window, where morning light filtered through the wild leaves. Her voice dropped a little lower, quieter.

"…kindness like that gets people killed, you know. The galaxy doesn't care how well you cook or how you treat strangers. It just takes."

She didn't say it bitterly—just matter-of-fact. Like someone reciting a truth they'd seen too many times to question anymore.

Then, after a pause, she added softly, "Still… it's nice to pretend for a while. That we can all just get along."

Her eyes met his again; less guarded this time. Still wary, still scarred, but…grateful in a way she didn't know how to say out loud. It was tragic, how this could change if it were someone else in her place.

"Thanks, Braze. For the food."

She said softly, folding her hands together.
 
Kai'el Brat "Guardian of the Light"

"Perhaps..." Braze trailed off, savoring the last bites of his meal. He'd eaten his fill but still had a little left over. With a quiet yawn, he reached for a moist napkin, wiping his face and hands before leaning back in his chair.

"Sometimes... but not always," he mused. "You can't force anyone to make the choices you want them to. People will do what they want, and those actions are what define them." His tone was light, almost absentminded, but there was an undeniable weight to his words.

He glanced up, offering a small nod. "You're welcome for the meal." A pause, then, more gently, "If you want someone to talk to for a while, I don't mind... "
 


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MISSION REPORT: [Burning Bridges]

Operative: Sable Varro
Mission Classification: [Confidential]

Tags: Braze Braze

Deployment Location:

  • Primary Target Zone: Lothal

Equipment Loadout:




Sable sat in silence for a few seconds longer, absently shifting the last remnants of her meal across the plate with the edge of her fork. His words lingered in the air—simple, but threaded with a kind of honesty that was rare in her world. Rare enough it almost made her uneasy.

Her eyes flicked back to him. Measured. Searching.

"I'm not used to people offering things without wanting something in return," She said at last, quiet but firm. "Not food. Not shelter. Not a conversation."

She tilted her head slightly, something like a shadow of amusement playing at the corner of her mouth. "Most folks want information, loyalty, blood, or all three. You just offer pancakes and….you’re treating this like it's nothing."

She leaned back, her posture a little more relaxed now, arms folding loosely across her chest. Her voice softened, words tinged with something faintly bittersweet. "Makes me wonder what kind of life you lived that you still think it's worth trying."

Then, almost reluctantly, she added, "But… talking might not be the worst thing."

Her gaze turned toward the window again, watching how the morning light bled gold across the floorboards.

"I've spent a lot of time in silence. Too much of it starts to feel like a coffin."

She glanced back at him, one eyebrow raised. "So… you offering me a confession booth?"
 
Kai'el Brat "Guardian of the Light"

"You've already given me something in return," Braze said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "Companionship. Company." His voice was gentle but assured.

"It doesn't cost me much to share what I have, because I have more than enough. I'm not hurting, and giving doesn't hurt me. If I can afford to make someone's day a little brighter, why wouldn't I? Things are just... better when people feel good." He spoke as though these were simple truths, ones that needed no justification.

He leaned back slightly, his expression open. "If there's something on your mind, you can talk about it. Sometimes, it's nice just to be heard." A pause, then a small, knowing smile. "I talk to one of my friends when I feel like I can't talk to anyone else... when I feel like I'm drowning in my own emotions." His voice softened, trailing off for a moment. "Talking helps. It helps you process things. That's what meditation is about, too, in a way—sitting with a problem, looking at it from different angles, comparing how each choice might unfold. No one starts off knowing everything. It's never easy to know what to do."

He studied her for a moment before asking, just as gently, "Is something weighing on you? On your heart?"


There was no accusation in his voice, only quiet understanding. "You seem like someone who's been starved of love." His gaze held steady, warm but unyielding. "And love comes in many forms. That's what makes it one of the most powerful forces in the universe.... but to be starved of it is atragey... every one deserves love when they start out... but not every one gets that... "
 


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MISSION REPORT: [Burning Bridges]

Operative: Sable Varro
Mission Classification: [Confidential]

Tags: Braze Braze

Deployment Location:

  • Primary Target Zone: Lothal

Equipment Loadout:




Sable didn't answer at first.

Her eyes lingered on the table, fingers lightly brushing the edge of her empty plate—slow, idle movements betraying a mind lost in motion. When she finally looked up, it was with a strange tension behind her mask. Something flickering in the space between guardedness and longing.

"Starved of love," She echoed, as if tasting the words. "That's one way to put it."

She leaned back, arms resting on the chair's sides now, posture loose but weary. "I used to think love was a trick. A weakness someone could use to pry you open, figure out what hurts the most, and then twist the knife. That's how it always seemed to go—if anyone got close, they either wanted to use you or destroy you."

There was a pause, just long enough to feel like something unsaid was pressing at her throat.

"And eventually, you start doing the same thing. Preemptively. Because if you hurt them first, maybe they won't get the chance to hurt you."

Her tone didn't carry anger—just a quiet, bitter clarity.

"I've lived a long time with ghosts. Some of them mine. Some belonging to people I've buried, and others who never bothered to stay long enough to leave a name."

She glanced toward him again. "But, now I know that love is worse than a trick. It’s an illusion. A very nice illusion, but it can come and go as easy as the breeze. And it leaves you hallow inside.”

Then, with a softer breath: "But I haven't forgotten what it's like to want it."

That admission hung in the air like smoke, fragile and faint. Her voice lowered.

"I get these urges within myself, to go out, and find something."

Another pause.

"But I'm...tired of being nothing more than a weapon waiting to be aimed."

Her eyes met his again, steady this time. “And the sad thing is, is that I know I can’t be anything else. No one has wanted me for…anything else.”
 
Kai'el Brat "Guardian of the Light"


TAGS: Sable Varro Sable Varro
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Braze didn't answer right away. He let the weight of her words settle. Finally, he exhaled a slow soft sigh as if feeling empathy for her.

"It sounds like you gave your love to people who didn't appreciate it… or didn't know how to." His voice wasn't pitying, just understanding. "Maybe it wasn't even that they didn't want it. Maybe they just weren't capable of returning it in a way that meant anything real."

He glanced at her, watching for a reaction, but not pressing.

"I think a lot of people see love as transactional. Like it's something you barter with, something you owe. And when that's all you've ever known, it's easy to believe that's all it can be." He tapped his fingers lightly against the table, pausing and considering and then choosing his words carefully. "But love isn't just one thing. It doesn't have to be a knife in the ribs or a leash around your throat."

His gaze softened.

"Maybe you should start with a different kind of love. Something simpler. A friendship."

A pause, then a small, knowing smile. "No expectations. No debts. Just someone who sees you as a person, not a weapon, not a tool...just you. I think you'd be surprised at how much lighter that feels."

He leaned back in his chair, stretching slightly. "You don't have to prove yourself to be worthy of that. You don't have to earn it. Some people will just want to know you because you exist, and that's enough."

Another pause. before adding a few more words as an after thought.

"I think you deserve that much."

Braze shifted to stand, gathering the dishes and cleaning up. He packed away what hadn't been finished, sealing it in a food-safe container before bringing it back to her.

"Here," he said simply, setting it in front of her. "In case you get hungry later."

 

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