Private Echoes of You

[Palm-Imer]

C O N S I G N M E N T​

WEARING: XxX.
TAG: Aerik Lechner

The wind on Stewjon carried the scent of earth and pine, a familiar whisper of the past that Palm-Imer had tried so desperately to leave behind. The skies were a serene shade of blue, dotted with clouds that lazily drifted across the horizon, untouched by the turbulence that stormed within her. She stood at the edge of a secluded grove, the thick underbrush and towering trees providing a natural shield from the rest of the world. It was quiet here, just as she remembered it—a place that had once been a sanctuary, a refuge from all that had threatened to consume her.

But now, this place felt like a tomb.

Palm’s hands tightened around the hilts of the guard shoto lightsabers, its weight heavy with the memories of a time when she had been someone else—someone who had believed in a future that had never come to pass. The weapons had been a gift, a symbol of the bond she had shared with her former mentor. A bond that had been more than just teacher and student, more than just friendship or even love. It had been something sacred, something that had once felt unbreakable.

But like all things touched by the dark side, it had shattered.

She knelt in the soft earth, her fingers tracing the outline of the sabers as she laid them gently on the ground. For a moment, she hesitated, the weight of the past pressing down on her chest. It would be easy to hold onto these relics, to cling to the memories they represented. But Palm had learned the hard way that holding onto the past could be as dangerous as embracing the dark side itself.

She reached for the small trowel she had brought, its metallic edge catching the light as she began to dig. Each movement was deliberate, methodical, as she carved out a small grave in the earth. The soil was damp and cool beneath her fingertips, and with each shovelful, she felt a little more of the burden she had carried for so long begin to lift.

When the hole was deep enough, Palm paused, her eyes lingering on the sabers one last time. She could almost hear Gerwald’s voice, feel the weight of his presence beside her, but she knew it was just an echo of the past, a shadow of a time that no longer existed.

With a steady hand, she placed the sabers into the earth, the final act of letting go. As she began to cover them with soil, the weight in her chest began to ease, replaced by a quiet resolve. This was the closure she needed—a way to move forward, to leave behind the shadows of a life that no longer belonged to her.

But as she stood and looked out across the grove, Palm couldn’t shake the feeling that the past wasn’t done with her just yet. There was a sense of unfinished business, a lingering presence that made the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. Stewjon had always been a place of beginnings and endings, and she knew that this visit could easily turn into the start of something new.

The final shovelful of earth fell into place, and Palm brushed her hands clean, her gaze lingering on the small mound of soil that now covered the sabers. She had come here to bury the past, to find closure. This was the only place were they belonged now.

With a deep breath, she turned away from the grave and began to make her way back through the trees, the wind picking up as if urging her onward.

But even as she walked away, again, the memory of Gerwald’s voice echoed in her mind. There were things that could not be buried in graves.
​

 

[Aerik Lechner]

WEARING: xxx
TAG: Palm-Imer

Stewjon always felt more like home than Jutrand ever could or would. There was something deep within the nature of the young pup which was drawn to the forest. It had been his father’s sanctuary as a child, growing into the wolf he would become, and for the triplets it had become the same. His cabin in the woods had become their escape from reality, or at least the one they lived in. Their master, Darth Carnifex, often allowed Gerwald to collect the children for trips to the forest and mountains of the northern parts of the planet he had once called home. They would be limited once accepted into the Jutrand Academy, and Aerik wanted to breathe in as much of the clean air as he could before then.

“Someone is close,” Kole said with an angry tone.

“I can hear them,” Vyra chimed in.

Aerik nodded.

“I can smell them.”

The scent was unfamiliar, which was both puzzling and troubling. Their father had told them the cabin was a secret. Only those who were considered family knew of it. That meant mother knew, father knew, his brother and sister knew. No one else could have known other than Varik or Alwine, and the triplets had never met their aunt or uncle. Regardless, the scent would have been familiar enough. It would have been Lupo.

This was not Lupo.

“Stay here.”

The others nodded. There was no reason for them all to be discovered, and the others needed to be ready to get Gerwald in case something was amiss.

Aerik walked to the window and pulled back the cloth curtain enough to see who might be trespassing on their sanctuary. His ears picked up on the scraping of the trowel, and he watched as a woman dug a hole into the ground. A pair of lightsabers were placed into the hole, the work of…

…No, they could not have been his father’s make. The craftsmanship was undeniable, however. He knew his father had once been the Lord Commander for the Knights Obsidian, a force order which no longer existed. Could she have been from that, a remnant? It suddenly dawned on the pup. Gerwald would have had an apprentice.

Only those who were considered family…

…She was family.

Aerik sensed sorrow from her. His natural ability to feel the emotions which radiated off of others made him a more stoic child. He felt deeply, but did not often show the emotion in features or behavior. There were times he did not know if the feeling he felt was his or from another. This sensation was not obviously his. The pain of it hurt his heart.

What had happened between her and his father that had her grieving so deeply?

Why had she not followed their father to the Sith if she was family?

Orange eyes watched as she got up and turned to leave. He debated, arguing within himself whether to follow her or not. His curiosity, another gift from his father, had won. Quietly the door opened, and he followed the woman for some distance. Aerik kept to the cover of the trees he had known since childhood. Even though they had not visited Stewjon too often, the pup knew the forest as though he had been raised in it.

<< “Where did you go, Aerik? Who is she?” >>

<< “I am going to find out. Be ready to find dad if I say so.” >>

He ran ahead of her. Aerik knew where the path she was on would lead. All he had to do was find the right opening to cut her off and then jump out in front of her. With his feet firmly planted about 4 meters in front of her, Aerik crossed his arms as he had seen his father do often. He had to look tough.

“You’re trespassing… why?”

 

[Palm-Imer]

C O N S I G N M E N T​

WEARING: XxX.
TAG: Aerik Lechner

The sound of her footsteps against the forest floor seemed to echo louder than usual, each crunch of leaves and snap of twigs joining the storm of emotions raging within her. As she walked away from the buried sabers, the weight in her chest lightened, but only slightly. The past had been laid to rest, but that didn’t mean it would ever truly be gone. It lingered, like a shadow that stretched across time, darkening even the brightest of moments.

Palm tried to focus on the path ahead, on the way the trees swayed gently in the breeze, on the familiar scent of pine that she had once associated with a different kind of peace. But something gnawed at the edge of her awareness, a presence she couldn’t quite place. It felt distant yet close, familiar but foreign, and it tugged at the bond that had once been her lifeline.

The bond.

Her steps faltered, and she paused, her breath stopping almost completely. It had been years since she had truly felt that bond, not like when it had shattered under the weight of her choices, under the darkness that had consumed the one person she had once trusted above all others. But now, here, in this place that was so deeply tied to him, she could feel it—faint, like a whisper carried on the wind, but undeniable.

Palm barely had time to process this realization when a figure appeared before her, seemingly out of nowhere. A boy, no older than his early teens, stood with his arms crossed, his stance firm and defiant. The sight of him sent a shockwave through her, a feeling so intense that it nearly brought her to her knees. Her hand instinctively reached for her chest, fingers curling into the fabric of her shirt as if to steady herself.

He was Gerwald’s son.

She knew it as surely as she knew her own name. The Force bond, once a faint whisper, now roared to life within her, confirming what her heart already knew without any need for it. There was no room for doubt, no possibility of mistake. His features, the way he held himself—it was all too familiar, painfully so. She stared at him, disbelief and shock warring within her. Gerwald had always been a force of nature, a presence that had dominated her life in so many ways. She had loved him with a depth that had terrified her, had devoted herself to him in ways that had often left her feeling lost in his shadow. And now, to see a piece of him standing before her, flesh and blood, was almost too much to bear.

Gerwald had a son. A child who stood before her now, in the place where she had come to bury the remnants of their shared past.

The world seemed to tilt on its axis, her emotions swirling in complete chaos. How had she not known? Why had he never told her? The questions screamed in her mind, but she forced herself to breathe, to focus. This was not the time to lose herself.

But the pain… the pain was unbearable. A deep, aching sadness that spread through her like poison, mixing with the bittersweet, immense joy that came with the knowledge that Gerwald had found something good in his life. He had created life, something precious, the greatest symbol of hope.

So why did it feel like a knife twisted in her chest?

The boy’s voice broke through the haze, his tone demanding as he asked why she was trespassing, standing before her with all the defiance of his father. Palm’s gaze softened, her heart aching as she took in the sight of him—this child who was a living, breathing part of him. Her throat was tight with emotion and she struggled to find her voice. When she finally spoke, her words were laced with a tenderness she had not intended to reveal.

“I…I didn't know,” She wavered, and she took a steadying breath - catching herself from saying the wrong thing. This was Gerwald’s son, and she had to handle this with care. “I didn’t know anyone would be here.”

Palm took a cautious step forward, her eyes searching his face, looking for something—anything—that might explain the impossible. The words came out barely above a whisper, laden with emotion. “I’m not here to cause trouble. I came to… to let go of something that’s been holding me back for a long time.”

She felt an overwhelming urge to protect this boy, to offer him something of the love she had once felt for his father. It was irrational, perhaps, given the circumstances, but it was also undeniable. Palm wanted to reach out, to comfort, but she held back, respecting the distance between them. Gerwald's child. She had never known he existed until this very moment—and yet she couldn’t shake the deep sense of connection, of responsibility, she felt towards him.

“I’m Palm,” she finally said, her voice gentle, but burdened with the weight of her history with his father. Her gaze held his, steady and sincere. “I’m sorry if my presence here has upset you.”

She waited, her heart pounding in her chest, unsure of what would come next, not knowing what to do with herself.

​

 

[Aerik Lechner]

WEARING: xxx
TAG: Palm-Imer

The pup did not understand why the woman was looking at him as though she had seen a ghost. Something felt wrong. She spoke to him like there was a familiarity that the pup should have recognized. Why didn’t he know her in the way her gaze seemed to indicate he should. The facts bothered the boy.

This woman, Palm, had hilts which had been made by his father. She looked at him as though they knew each other. Her voice indicated a sense of care and concern that only came from the kind of love a parent had for a child. There was a tenderness which confused Aerik. His arms remained crossed as she took a step forward. He could not let on that he was moved by her appearance or tone. She was something like his father, an older version he had heard of.

Gerwald had believed in a balance to all things. Nature always had a way of keeping everything in check, and the wolf believed it with every fiber of his being. It had been something taught to the pups when their father had the time for such things. Often their studies had been passed to other teachers. When Gerwald was with them, he was their father and little else. It was how they all had wanted it.

“Why wouldn’t you have known?”

The question was directed as though she should have known. After all, much about her spoke to the connection she had with their father. Whoever she had been to the wolf, she knew of the cabin which would mean she had to have known about the pups as well. It was curious that Aerik had never met this woman before either. Had his father managed to alienate himself from anyone he had ever considered to be family?
It was Aerik’s turn to take a step forward. His arms fell to his side as he did. The dusty blonde walked around the woman, examining her, looking for any reason he could find not to trust her. She had said she was not there to cause any trouble, but could he believe she was not lying?

His ears listened to her heart. It remained steady. Her pupils did not seem to dilate. Eyes remained fixed on him rather than look away to the left as those who often spoke mistruths would do. Aerik supposed he could trust her, at least for now.

“Why would something my father made for you hold you back?

Aerik pointed back to the mound of dirt which she had left. While it was no longer in view, he knew where it was. His head tilted as he studied her hoping to gain some insight.

<< “Is she dangerous?” >>

<< “Not that I can tell.” >>

<< “So, we don’t need dad then. >>

<< "No.” >>

Why would she bury a gift?

“If he gave you a gift, burying them won’t help you. He has this way of making things that fit the person he gives them to. You should see what he gave our mother.”

Aerik smiled. He had no way of knowing what it was he was pushing on.

“Were you his apprentice?”

 

[Palm-Imer]

C O N S I G N M E N T​

WEARING: XxX.
TAG: Aerik Lechner

The boy's question echoed in her mind. Why wouldn't you have known? It was a simple question, but it carried the weight of a truth she wasn't sure she was ready to face. The bond she had once shared with Gerwald had been so profound, so all-encompassing, that the idea of there being aspects of his life she had been excluded from was almost unbearable. Yet, here stood proof of that very exclusion: a son she had never known existed.

Palm's heart ached as she watched Aerik circle her, his eyes studying her with a mixture of suspicion and curiosity. She could see so much of his father in him—the way he held himself, the sharpness in his gaze, the way he assessed her as if trying to determine whether she was a threat. But there was also something distinctly his own, a fierce independence that tugged at her in a way she couldn't quite explain.

She swallowed hard. The pain of discovering Gerwald's son was intensified by the realization that she had been left out of this part of his life. The bond that had once connected them had been severed, and with it, she had lost not only Gerwald but also the chance to be a part of something greater than herself—a family. She had never known the joys or pains of parenthood, and now, faced with this living reminder of what could have been, the loss felt like a gaping wound.

She repeated softly, more to herself than to him. "Because I wasn't… I'm not…" She struggled to find the right words, words that would convey the depth of her regret without exposing too much of her own pain. "I haven't been part of this part of his life."

It felt like a confession, a raw admission of the distance that had grown between her and Gerwald over the years. She had left, and in doing so, she had lost the right to know him fully. That realization hurt more than she could have anticipated.

As Aerik continued to circle her, she sensed a shift in his demeanor, a softening, perhaps, as he began to trust her—if only a little. His next question, about the sabers, cut through her thoughts like a blade. Why would something my father made for you hold you back?

Palm's gaze drifted to where the sabers lay buried beneath the earth, the final resting place of so much of her past. "They were a symbol of a time in my life that I've struggled to move beyond," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "Your father… he was someone I cared for deeply. More than I knew how to handle. Those sabers, they were a part of that bond, a part of him that I carried with me long after we parted ways. But they also became a reminder of what I lost, of what I couldn't protect."

She paused, struggling to maintain her composure. "Burying them was my way of trying to let go, to free myself from the weight of the past. But you're right… it won't help. I know that now."

Palm couldn't help but smile faintly at Aerik's next words. The way he spoke of his father, with such confidence and admiration, reminded her of the Gerwald she had once known. You should see what he gave our mother. The mention of Aerik's mother sent a fresh wave of sadness crashing over her. The thought was bittersweet—on one hand, she was glad that he had found happiness; on the other, it only deepened the sense of loss she felt, of the promise she had broken.

The boy's smile was disarming, and for a moment, Palm allowed herself to bask in the warmth of it, as if it was a small piece of the happiness she had once sought next to his father. But then his next question landed with the force of a blow to the chest. Were you his apprentice?

Palm hesitated, unsure of how to answer. What had she been to Gerwald? The lines had always been blurred, and now, faced with the reality of his son, she realized just how undefined their relationship had been. "Yes…" she said carefully. "In many ways, I suppose that's what I was. He taught me so much, not just about the Force, but about life, about strength, about resilience. But we were also… close."

Her eyes softened as she looked at Aerik, seeing so much of his father in him that it made her chest tighten. "Your father was a remarkable man. I've never known anyone like him. He was… everything to me, once. But we were both on different paths, and those paths took us away from each other."

Palm's voice wavered as she spoke, the memories of her time with Gerwald flooding back with an intensity that was almost overwhelming. "I never knew about you. I never knew he had a son, a family. If I had… I don't know what I would have done differently, but I would have wanted to know you."

She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "I'm sorry if that's not what you wanted to hear, but it's the truth. I cared for your father, more than I can put into words."

"I don't want to intrude on your life," she said softly. "I know I'm a stranger to you, but… you're not a stranger to me. You're a part of him, and that means something to me."

Her words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of everything left unsaid. Palm didn't know what would come next, but she knew that this moment, this connection with Aerik, was something she would carry with her, no matter what.

The forest around them seemed to close in, the sounds of nature fading into the background as she waited, her heart pounding in her chest, for his response.

​

 

[Aerik Lechner]

WEARING: xxx
TAG: Palm-Imer

Each answer seemed to only produce further confusion in the mind of the pup. He could not wrap his mind around the idea that anyone who had been as close to his father as she claimed to be would ever think of burying that past. Many saw Gerwald as a ruthless killer. They could barely get beyond his role as the emperor’s executioner. Yes, the wolf was skilled in the art of war and death, but that did not mean it was all he was.

Aerik also knew the tender hand of his father. He was more than the Sith, more than the Dark Councilor. His mission was something of its own nature, and to Aerik’s relief he had no knowledge of what his father’s aims were. This place, the sanctuary of their forest, allowed them to be children. They did not have to be what Carnifex required of them, even if they were more of that with each passing day.

Her answer was simple, and Aerik accepted it. She had not been privy to this part of Gerwald’s life otherwise they would have known each other by now. The real question was why. Aerik did not have the courage to ask fearing the answer would paint his father in a way he would not like. He still was unsure how anyone who knew Gerwald truly as he was could ever sever ties with him. Yet, she had.

His eyes followed hers back to the sabers when she began to talk about them. Palm talked more about his father than she did the weapons, and with every word a clearer picture came into view. In truth she had been more than an apprentice. She had been what Aerik had suspected all along.

Palm was family.

Aerik did not know how to reference that fact, or reconcile it in his young mind any other way. Sure she spoke of feelings, but the young pup was too inexperienced in the nuances and complexities of adult relationships. His world was fairly simple for the time being, a thing his parents were diligent to preserve until life demanded they be introduced to other things.

“What was it you couldn’t protect?”

The question felt important. It seemed to be the crux of why she was attempting to bury the past.

<< “What is taking so long, Aerik?” >>

<< “We’re coming.” >>

Every word Palm spoke about Gerwald seemed to ring true, but it also made the expression on his face fade. If he heard her correctly, she had… loved… his father, and not in the friend kind of way. Maybe this was the danger of the bond which came from being a master or apprentice. It tied two people together in a way that was confusing and had lines which were not clear. Aerik struggled to wrap his mind around it.

Her apology pulled him out of his own thoughts.

He shook his head.

“Don’t apologize. You already knew about this place because he let you. It belongs to all of us. Clearly you are not intruding like I originally thought.”

He took a step closer.

“You belong here.”

A rustle of wind which was nothing more than his siblings arriving after a burst of force speed turned up some of the dead leaves around them. He smiled as they came on either side of him.

“She’s pretty,” Vyra said immediately.

“Maybe,” Kole retorted.

“This is Palm. She was dad’s apprentice at one point. Palm this my brother and sister. Vyra and Kole. We’re triplets.”

They stood together three parts of a whole. Aerik was the most like Gerwald. Vyra was most like Naedira. Kole looked like a good mix between them. Their personalities reflected that as well, save for Kole. He was the most aggressive of the three. Though for the moment he seemed to have it in check.

“Why did she bury these then?”

Vyra pulled out the sabers and offered them back to Palm.

 

[Palm-Imer]

C O N S I G N M E N T​

WEARING: XxX.
TAG: Aerik Lechner

Palm's heart clenched as Aerik's words resonated in the stillness of the forest. "You belong here." Those words, so simple and yet so profound, wrapped around her like a comforting embrace. The weight of them made her chest tighten with a mixture of longing and sorrow. She had spent so long believing that she no longer had a place in Gerwald's world—had buried that part of her life with the sabers beneath the earth. But here, in the eyes of his children, she saw a reflection of a past she thought she had lost forever. And perhaps, in their eyes, she saw a future too.

Palm barely had time to register the soft rustle of leaves before Aerik's siblings appeared, their presence announced by a sudden gust of wind that stirred the forest floor. Her breath caught in her throat as they approached, the triplets a perfect blend of their parents. Vyra's immediate, innocent appraisal brought a fleeting smile to Palm's face, while Kole's skepticism mirrored a strength she recognized. "Thank you, Vyra," she replied gently, her voice betraying the ache in her heart. "You're very kind." The three of them together were a living testament to the bond she had once shared with Gerwald—a bond that had left an indelible mark on her soul.

When Vyra pulled the sabers from the earth and offered them back to her, Palm hesitated for a moment, staring at the weapons as if they were relics from another life—because, in many ways, they were. They were more than just tools; they were symbols of the trust and connection she had once shared with a man she had loved deeply, a man who had been everything to her.

But that man was gone, changed by choices and a path that had led him into darkness—darkness she could not, and would not, follow. The thought of it brought a familiar ache to her heart.

Palm gently took the sabers from Vyra, her eyes holding the sight of them. Slowly, Palm's body descended until she was crouching, closer to the kids. "Your father gave me these because he believed in me, trusted me in a way that no one else ever had. But the path he's on now… it's one I can't follow. That doesn't change how much I cared for him - " She stopped for or a second. How could she explain this to them? What they meant. "The memory of the Gerwald I knew, will always mean the galaxy to me - as does getting to know you three, right now." This changed things. It changed everything. Palm looked back at the sabers before allowing her golden gaze to return to the pups. "But I need to honor him and that trust in a way that's true to who I am now, not who I was then. I can try to find a way to do that."

She looked at the three of them, feeling a deep, almost painful love swell within her—a love for the children she had never known, for the family she had never had the chance to be a part of. It was a love that transcended the boundaries of time and space, a love that was rooted in the man she had once known, the man who had shaped her in ways she was only now beginning to understand.

The sabers were heavy in her hands, not just with the weight of the metal, but with the weight of memories, of decisions made and paths taken. She had tried to bury them, to let go of that part of her life, but now she realized that the past wasn't something you could simply bury. It stayed with you, shaped you, and sometimes, it called you back to confront it.

"I thought that burying these would help me move on, help me forget. But the truth is, I don't want to forget. I can't forget. Your father was a part of my life, a part of who I am. I wish it could still be that way. And I wish I could have been a part of yours before today." Her voice wavered, but she held their gaze, determined to convey the depth of her feelings.

The wind stirred around them again, and Palm took a deep breath, steadying herself against the torrent of emotions swirling within her. This was a new beginning—a chance to build something from the ashes of the past. But what would come of seizing it?

She still smiled at the children—no, not just children, Gerwald's children. "I should probably go now." She didn't want to, her body didn't move an inch despite her words. But what else could she do?

​

 

[Aerik Lechner]

WEARING: xxx
TAG: Palm-Imer

Vyra smiled and nodded her head at the show of gratitude. Palm was nice, it was her assessment of the woman. Something about her was different, the darkness which lay resident in their father seemed to be dormant in her. It was there, but not awake in the same way it seemed to be in Gerwald. The children knew their father was capable of terrible things, but it was not who he was. Palm suggested their father was walking a path that made it seem there was something about him they did not know.

Palm spoke of Gerwald in a way that was full of admiration. Despite the fact she said she could not follow the path he was on, Aerik seemed to think there was still part of her that wanted to. His eyes continued to study her. The pain in her heart was clear to him. She lost something, but the three of them were correct. Burying the past was not going to solve the issue.

Confronting it would.

“You knew him as Lord Commander then,” Kole stated the obvious. “His master was Sith then and he follows Sith now.”

What Palm had meant clearly did not register for Kole, or any of the triplets for all that mattered. Just because he was Sith did not mean he had changed from the man Palm had known. Was it the fact he was part of the Sith Order now? His philosophy had not change, even if he allowed the violent wolf to run free more often. Gerwald was the executioner for Darth Empyrean after all. His duty meant he had to carry out gruesome things. He still approached the force with a sense of balance even if he had embraced the power of the dark side to accomplish what he had not been able to before.

Embracing it had allowed him to save many lives. The triplets nor Palm did not know that, however.

“If he believed in you then, he believes in you now. Our father is loyal like that, and if you know him as well as you say, then you know that more than anything.”

Vyra had a small bite to her words. She did not like the insinuation her father was anything but the man she knew him to be. How could the path he walked be one anyone who knew him so well could not follow? The idea did not sit well with her at all. Aerik could feel the tension. Their father was someone who had his own secrets and mysteries, but they all knew one thing.

Gerwald was loyal more than anything.

“Why do you need to go?”

She did not move. Aerik did not move. A smile pulled at the pup’s lips

“So what do you mean he is walking a path you cannot follow?”

His eyes locked with hers. It was the obvious question none of them were asking. The tension Vyra felt, and the obvious statement Kole had made stemmed from the comment. The Gerwald she knew was not the Gerwald of today. It meant she had seen him recently. What was it that bothered her?

He started making his way to the cabin.

“You can tell us on the way back to the cabin.”

 

[Palm-Imer]

C O N S I G N M E N T​

WEARING: XxX.
TAG: Aerik Lechner

Palm's gaze lingered on the triplets, their faces a blend of curiosity, skepticism, and that fierce loyalty she knew all too well. The questions they posed were difficult, cutting through the tender veil of nostalgia and forcing her to confront the harsh truth of what had transpired. They deserved answers—but how could she explain the complexity of it all, the tangled web of emotions and decisions that had led her to this moment? The path she walked was one she had chosen carefully, but not without cost. And now, Gerwald's children stood before her, asking her to justify the distance she had placed between herself and their father.

She sighed, letting the weight of their words settle in the air between them. Kole's assertion about the Sith stung, not because it wasn't true, but because it was an oversimplification of the man Gerwald had become. The Sith Order had drawn him into its embrace, had amplified parts of him that Palm could no longer reach. And yet, Kole's statement held a painful accuracy. The man she had once known, the man she had loved, had taken a path that diverged sharply from her own.

Palm straightened, feeling the sabers in her hands again, their weight a constant reminder of the decisions she had made. "Kole, you're right. I knew him when he was Lord Commander, and his path began to change then. But it's not just about being Sith," she said, choosing her words carefully. "The balance we find within ourselves leads us to different places, different choices." She looked at each of them, hoping they could understand, even just a little. Almost without noticing, the guard-shotos had starting to swing and move softly in her hands, a familiarity, a practice, and a connection there like she had never had with any other weapons before. "Your father... is finding his embracing the dark, in wielding that power. But where I stand... it's not the same place. Not anymore."

Vyra's words cut deeper, sharper. The bite in her voice was unmistakable, and Palm could see the fierce protectiveness that mirrored her own feelings so long ago. The young girl's challenge echoed in the silence of the forest, and Palm felt the tension between them like a taut wire ready to snap. "I know your father is loyal. More than anything, I know that. But loyalty isn't always about standing side by side, no matter what. Sometimes, it's about knowing when to step back, when to let the other person walk their own path."

The wind rustled through the trees, as if carrying the echoes of her words. Aerik's question hung in the air, demanding more than just surface-level answers. Why did she need to go? Palm could feel his gaze, sharp and probing, as if he could see through the carefully constructed walls she had built around her heart. The smile on his lips, subtle yet there, only made her feel the weight of the moment more acutely. She would have preferred it if this interrogation had been conducted by an Inquisitor, than these three.

Palm didn't want to leave. Not really. But staying meant more than just remaining physically present. It meant confronting everything she had tried to bury—the love she still felt, the pain of losing the man she had known, and the reality of who he had become. All in a place that was filled with memories that were pure. She wasn't ready to do that. Not yet.

She met Aerik's eyes, her own filled with a mixture of sadness and resolve. Sometimes, the hardest thing to do was to let go. To accept that you can't change the course someone else has chosen. Their father... he found a way to harness the darkness within him. But her balance... it was different now. And to stay true to that, she had to let go of the past. That's why she needed to go.

The words tasted too bitter on her tongue to be said, even if they were the truth. Palm shifted her weight, ready to move, but Aerik had already begun walking toward the cabin. His invitation hung in the air, pulling her forward. And she followed.

As they walked, the forest seemed to close in around them, the silence heavy with unspoken thoughts. Palm felt the sabers in her hands, their presence both a comfort and a burden. She couldn't bring herself to say everything she felt—not to them. But maybe, in time, they would understand. "You all remind me of him. So much. And that's why it's hard for me to stay."

They reached the cabin, the structure standing as a quiet sentinel against the backdrop of the forest. Palm stopped at the threshold, her heart heavy with the weight of what could have been and what was.

Palm's golden eyes lingered on the triplets once more, taking in the blend of Gerwald and their mother in their features. She had never met Naedira, although she wished she had. A soft, almost melancholic smile touched her lips. "I'm grateful for today, you know? For getting to meet you, to see what he's built... and for the chance to carry a part of that with me, no matter where I go."

The silence that followed was thick with unspoken emotions. Palm turned her head, looking into the woods. Perhaps this was a bad idea. She hesitated as they neared the door, as if the pull of the past was not quite finished with her yet, but this time, Palm didn't feel the urge to run. She would stay, at least for now, and bask in as much as she could of their presence. Who knew if she'd ever get that chance again.

​

 

[Aerik Lechner]

WEARING: xxx
TAG: Palm-Imer

They listened to Palm answer their questions as they walked abc to the cabin. Vyra softened, her defenses falling. She could hear the way Palm spoke of their father in a tone which was endearing. That made her happy. Vyra simply refused to have to reconcile the thought that anyone who truly knew their father would have ill toward him. There were those who did wish him harm, but that was borne out of spite, jealousy, hatred, or war. The triplets had grown up aware of all these things, but they also knew the love and devotion which they witnessed between their parents, and experienced as part of their pack.

The balance between the gruesome world of the Sith and the care and affection of family was the world they had been raised in. Clearly they preferred Stewjon, the escape from the city. It was more than just the forest, however. Gerwald, their father, seemed to be more at home in this place than he did among those on Jutrand. It was as though Being the Dark Councilor and Empyrean’s Wrath was simply a mask he wore, or a role he played.

“So, it isn’t actually his allegiance which is keeping you away then,” Kole spit out bluntly. It was as much a statement as it was a question. Whether she answered or not was up to her.

Aerik remained quiet for a time. He took in the information, the answers she gave them all. His face remained stoic, keeping what he felt inside. He had his own thoughts on what he heard, but more so he had more questions. The issue was discerning which question was the most important.

The old door of the cabin creaked and squealed. Rusted hinges needed to be oiled and replaced, but that was a project for another time. As long as the door worked, other repairs took priority. Aerik and Kole had replaced the roof while Vyra had taken to redecorating the interior of the sanctuary. It was theirs now, afterall, and they would leave their own impression on it. While it would remain aesthetically Stewjon, it would also be more noble. Certain parts of Jutrand and Naboo had been incorporated for inspiration as well.

Palm would recognize it all, but she would also see that it was different. A fire was burning in the fireplace. The nights were still cold, and without being able to change, it was needed to help keep them warm. Even the house Gerwald had built for them in the open, on the edge of the forest, had a fireplace for cold nights. It was more rustic, however, the opposite of what they had on Jutrand.

Over the fire was a spit. Several pheasants were rotating over it. The smell alone was enough to make any stomach churn in hunger, but they were not quite finished. It seemed the children had picked up another trait from Gerwald, or one of them had. They enjoyed cooking over the fire, and it was clear the birds were the prize of a hunt. A primitive bow leaned against the door, a few arrows were missing from an otherwise full quiver.

Aerik smiled as they walked into the open cabin. It was home as much as anything, and it would still be so for Palm as well.

“It was a good thing we got extra birds today.”

“Are you hungry?”

Without saying anything, or at least audibly, they all fell into sync. Aerik went to the fire to tend to the pheasants. Kole retrieved a fourth stool to put around the table. Vyra set another place setting. When everything was ready, they all sat in their respective places. The open seat was meant for Palm, and set at the head of the table. A place of honor had been set for her. If she was their father’s apprentice, even if she no longer saw herself as such, then she outranked them all.

“You are here now, so don’t be sad that you’ve missed out. If father knew you were here, he would have a much better feast than a few pheasants.”

Aerik waited for her to sit, then asked the question.

“So what happened that made your paths diverge? We are leaving soon ourselves, our training requires it.”

 

[Palm-Imer]

C O N S I G N M E N T​

WEARING: XxX.
TAG: Aerik Lechner

Palm paused at the threshold of the cabin, her eyes sweeping over the familiar yet subtly altered surroundings. In many ways it was just as she remembered, yet the children had made it their own. Palm took in the scent of the roasting pheasants, the crackling warmth of the fire, and the small, thoughtful changes that had been made to the space in order to accomodate her. It was comforting in a way that tugged at something deep within her, a longing she had thought she had buried long ago.

As they moved inside, she noticed the care with which the children prepared. The extra stool, the additional place setting, and the seat of honor at the head of the table—it was a gesture that touched her deeply. It reminded her of the pack mentality that Gerwald had often spoken about, where every member had a place and a purpose. She couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. They had gone to such lengths to make her feel welcome, and here she was, grappling with her own conflicted emotions.

As she settled in, she glanced around at the triplets, each of them busy with their tasks, moving in perfect sync. It was a scene she had imagined in her loneliest moments, but never thought she would witness firsthand. The weight of Aerik's question hung in the air, pulling her back to the harsh reality of the past.

She took a slow breath, carefully choosing her words. Her voice was gentle yet firm. "Things changed. The galaxy was in turmoil, and so was my home. There was a rebellion, and my people needed me. I had to leave, without a word, because I knew if I asked him to come with me, he would have." Palm paused, her eyes flickering with a deep sadness. "If he had, I would have robbed him of his life, of the future he was meant to have. You three perhaps wouldn't be here today if he had followed me."

She let her gaze move between the triplets, hoping they could understand the gravity of the choice she had made. "When I returned to the galaxy after the war, I had changed. War has a way of bringing out everything in us, and I wasn't immune to that. I saw the effect it had on me, how it twisted what I believed in, how it changed who I was. The darkness... I am not a stranger to it, but it isn't my balance. There are things I fought against, or had done myself in moments I wish I could take back. Finding a place by your Father today would require I become something I no longer want to be, or at the very least endorse it." She was honest, even if her words were very measured.

Palm leaned back slightly, her gaze softening as she looked at them. "You're about to start your own journeys, I want you to remember that the path you walk doesn't have to be the same as anyone else's. Balance is something deeply personal. Your father found his, and I found mine in something else."

She paused, a small smile touching her lips. "You're strong, like him. But you're also your own people, with your own choices to make. And those choices, those paths—they'll define who you are and who you'll become. I have no doubt that whatever you decide, you'll honor the legacy your father has built."

Palm's expression softened further, the intensity of the moment giving way to a more personal curiosity. "Now, tell me more about yourselves. Have any of you shifted yet?" The question was casual, but her eyes were bright with genuine interest. And she didn't miss the chance to take the focus away from herself. She wanted to know them, to understand them, not just as Gerwald's children but as individuals. She wanted to hear their stories, to learn about their lives in the same way they had just learned a piece of hers.
​

 

[Aerik Lechner]

WEARING: xxx
TAG: Palm-Imer

Of all the things she wanted to know, she asked if they had shifted yet. She knew Gerwald, but she didn’t know Naedira. There were things about their mother they had inherited which made them something more than what their father was. The answer to her question was simple, but there was likely another question she wanted to know. Were their coats the same color as their father’s? With everything she said, that stuck with Aerik the most. She wanted to move on from heavier subject material.

They all listened to what she said. Loyalty to her people was certainly something that Gerwald would have imparted if she did not have it already. All of them smiled in understanding. She had sacrificed a bond that was not easy to break for the greater need of her people. It wasn’t that different from what Gerwald had done for their mother. Many sacrifices had been made to keep his promise to her, and now he served an Order that he may not have ever joined had it not been for it.

She spoke of a world where they may not have existed. Aerik suppressed the urge to ask why. It was clear her feelings for their father had been something beyond what he had reciprocated as far as they knew. It was one of a few ways Aerik could understand they would have been robbed of their lives. There was also the possibility the war would have killed their father, but that outcome was less likely. Gerwald was a formidable warrior, and he had trained many of the galaxy’s elite combatants.

It appeared Palm was among them.

Aerik shook his head to finally answer the question.

“None of us have, but Aerik is close,” Kole pointed out.

He was always stating the obvious.

“We don’t know what to expect,” Vyra offered. “You see there were some unexpected side effects of what it took to bring mother back. Whatever we are, we are not Lupo, not… like father.”

Aerik nodded as his siblings looked at him, wondering if it was okay they had shared what they had. She had been their father’s apprentice; there was no reason they could not trust her. If there was anyone they could trust with their secrets, it was her. What was the bond between this woman and their father worth if they could not. Everything was as it should be. The triplets had longed for someone outside of their family to trust with their secret, and outside of the Sith. It seemed the force had provided in a way they would have never expected.

“The full moon is required for a first change. Though, father has already warned us that it is not safe. Without his guidance, it could kill us.”

She knew that maybe, or perhaps they had never discussed such things. Whatever Gerwald and Palm had shared with each other was something the triplets did not know.

“Okay now we get to ask a question.”

They looked at each other and nodded.

“How did you meet our father?”

 

[Palm-Imer]

C O N S I G N M E N T​

WEARING: XxX.
TAG: Aerik Lechner

Palm listened to the triplets with genuine interest, her attention never wavering as they spoke about their unique situation. The mention of their mother, the challenges of their shifting abilities, and the burdens of their heritage struck a chord within her. They were navigating a path that was uniquely theirs, yet somewhat familiar in its struggle for identity and understanding.

After Aerik finished speaking, Palm allowed a moment of silence to settle over them, the crackling of the fire the only sound between them. "Very well," She took a sip from her cup, the warmth of the drink soothing her as she considered her next words carefully. The memories of her own journey, and her connection with their father, were vivid in her mind.

"Your father and I met in a time when I was seeking something—purpose, direction, maybe even a sense of belonging," she began, her tone reflective yet warm. "I was an Ambassador for my home, Geminidae, and he was the Lord Commander of the Knights Obsidian. He welcomed me into the Order, and that meeting set the course for much of what followed in my life."

She glanced at the triplets, noting how their expressions mirrored a mix of curiosity and anticipation. They were eager to hear more, to understand this part of their father's life that was so closely intertwined with hers.

"The first time we met, we ended up sparring. It was a test of sorts, but one that quickly became more intense than I expected. Your father had this way of drawing out the best in people—pushing them beyond their limits, often without them even realizing it." Palm smiled at the memory, a blend of amusement and respect in her eyes. "In our spar, I tapped into the Force more strongly than I intended, and I accidentally put too much strength into a kick. It ended up breaking his leg."

She paused, giving them a moment to absorb that piece of information. "I was horrified, thinking I’d made the worst first impression possible. But your father… he wasn't angry. In fact, he seemed to respect me even more after that, I think. He took it as a sign that I had potential, that I could be strong, even if it meant getting a little rough around the edges."

Palm leaned forward slightly, her gaze steady on the triplets. "From that moment on, we became close. He became my mentor, teaching me not just how to fight, but how to lead, how to understand the Force in ways I hadn’t before. He challenged me constantly, but there was always respect and care. We were different in many ways, but we understood each other on a level that went beyond words."

She looked at each of them in turn, her expression softening. "But what made your father special wasn't just his strength or his skill in battle. It was his heart. He cared deeply, not just about those he led, but about those he fought for. He was fiercely loyal, protective, and always willing to do what was right, even when it was difficult."

She leaned back slightly, giving them space to process her words, but also to feel the weight of what she was saying. "You know, life has a way of testing us, of pushing us in directions we never expected. But it also gives us choices. If you ever feel lost, or if the world seems too overwhelming, remember that you come from a lineage of strength and resilience. Your father was a warrior, yes, but he was also a protector, a guide. And those qualities live on in you."

Palm’s gaze softened further as she asked, "What do you feel when you think about your future? I’m not asking what you want to do or who you want to become, are you eager to get started at the Academy?"

The question was more pointed, encouraging them to think deeply, not just about their paths, but about the impact they wanted to have. Palm was genuinely curious about their answers, knowing that this conversation was as much about their future as it was about their present. She wanted to hear their thoughts, their hopes, and even their fears, to better understand the next generation of a man she had once cared for deeply.

​

 

[Aerik Lechner]

WEARING: xxx
TAG: Palm-Imer

Kole began to laugh so hard he almost fell off his stool. There were sweet moments of the story. Parts of it were quite endearing. Every bit of it sounded exactly like what interacting with their father would have been like. From what they all could gather from the story, Gerwald had not changed at the core of who he was. The difference was the path he walked now, versus the one he walked then. Palm also walked a different path than what she had then. There was a hint of sadness in the room, one which bore the weight of what Palm must have been feeling. The triplets suddenly wished they could have met her sooner.

"Kole, it's not nice."

"What do you mean. It's freaking hilarious. She broke dad's leg in a spar."

Aerik looked at Vyra and simply shrugged.

"I think I'm with Kole on this one. Dad pushed and he paid for it."

For a moment they all shared a laugh at their father's expense.

"He probably laughed about it himself," Kole said as they began to settle.

Each of them took the time to reflect on what she said about Gerwald's heart. She was correct. It was the resolve that made him who he was. His loyalty went beyond duty, as much as it was clear he hated the word at times. Those he loved and cared for were his to fiercely protect and provide for. That was his nature, even if it had caused hardship and trouble. They still did not know what happened at the hands of the Mountain. It was likely a good thing. Kole was brash enough to do just as his father had done.

Her question turned to their future. All of them shrugged. What were they supposed to think about it. A path was set before them Gerwald nor Naedira had walked before. They had spent their lives to this point preparing for what they were going to do. Of the three, Kole likely had thought the least about it. He knew who he was, a warrior at heart.

"Father can only teach us so much. Darth Carnifex has been teaching us as he has been able to. I suppose there are lessons to learn at the academy we cannot learn in isolation."

The answer was diplomatic.

"We don't know what to feel about. If all of us get in, that would be a first. We have to pass the entrance exams first. I think that's what we're focused on now."

"We have to do it in a way that keeps what we can do secret."

"The academy isn't forgiving."

One thing was clear. The prospect of being at the Jutrand academy he forced their thinking to mature beyond what their age indicated it should be. They would be forced to grow up in a way those not attempting to join the academy would never have to. This was part of the burden of leadership, however. They would sacrifice for the greater mission. Perhaps this was why their father hated the word duty sometimes. Naedira may have been freed sooner otherwise. Palm may have never had to leave.

Aerik let the other talk, mostly letting Vyra speak his own thoughts on the matter. He wanted to eat his pheasant, but it also allowed him to wrestle with his answer.

"I'm curious. So many things could happen, but the unknown of what will… that's the adventure."

It was likely the most Gerwald of statements to come out of the boy's mouth.

"I suppose we won't know until we get there. Will we?"

They all nodded.

"What about your future? Will duty steal you away from us so soon after just meeting?"

 

[Palm-Imer]

C O N S I G N M E N T​

WEARING: XxX.
TAG: Aerik Lechner

Palm smiled warmly as the triplets laughed, finding the humor in her story. The sound of their laughter was like a balm, easing the lingering sadness in the room. She hadn’t expected them to find the broken leg story so amusing, but their joy was infectious, and she couldn’t help but chuckle along with them.

“You’re right, Kole,” she said, her tone light. “It is pretty hilarious now that I think about it. And your father did laugh when it happened.”

As the laughter faded, Palm noticed the shift in their expressions as they reflected on the more serious parts of what she had shared. When they began speaking about their future, the gravity of their situation became clear to her. These were not just children; they were young people bearing a weight far heavier than most their age.

Palm listened intently, nodding as they spoke of the academy, the secrecy of their abilities, and the pressure to succeed. Her heart ached for them. It was a path full of challenges and uncertainties, and while their father had prepared them as best he could, there were some things they would have to face on their own.

“I have no doubts your Father will prepare you as best he can,” Palm began, her voice softer now. “For your changing and the Academy as well. But you’re right, there are lessons you’ll learn that can’t be taught by anyone but yourselves. You’ll find your way. Each of you has a strength that’s uniquely yours, and together, you’re even stronger.”

She paused, considering their words about the burden of leadership and the sacrifices it demanded. Palm would be lying if she denied the fact her protectiveness was rearing its head. They were going to be among a kind of darkness that would take anything it could from them. They were to hide secrets, or risk danger. How could Gerwald want this for them? “Remember to lean on each other—just like you did tonight, sharing that laugh. Sometimes, that’s what will get you through the hardest times.” She knew there wasn't much else she could say. They were not hers to decide on.

When Aerik asked about her future, Palm felt a pang of sadness, knowing that her duties would likely pull her away again. She wished she could stay, be a part of their lives, but she also knew the reality of the life they all led. The reality of her relationship with their father.

“I wish I could say that I’ll be here for a long time,” Palm said honestly, her eyes meeting Aerik’s with a touch of sadness. “But the truth is, duty often calls us away when we least expect it. It’s not always fair, but it’s part of who we are—part of the paths we’ve chosen, or that have been chosen for us.”

She reached out, gently placing a hand on Aerik’s. “But know this: no matter where I am, or what I’m doing, I’ll always carry the memory of tonight with me. Meeting you, hearing your stories, your the strength and spirit, and those lovely faces—it means more to me than I can say.”

Palm's voice softened further as she continued, “And if you ever need anything—guidance, a friend, or just someone to talk to—I’ll only be a message away. We may be separated by distance, but that doesn’t mean I won’t be here for you, in whatever way I can be, if that is something you want.” It was a promise to them, and while she meant it wholly, she knew that it could be far more complicated than that - for reasons that had nothing to do with with them.

She gave each of them a warm, reassuring smile. “You have a future full of possibilities, and it’s okay to feel uncertain about it. But trust yourselves, and trust in the bond you share as siblings. That’s something no academy or duty can ever take away from you.”

Palm leaned back, letting her words sink in, knowing they had the strength to face whatever lay ahead—but also wanting them to know they didn’t have to face it alone. How she wished she could be a part of it all.

"How about this," Palm continued, her tone now filled with a sense of adventure. "What do you say we head out there and see just how well your father has trained you? A friendly sparring match—one-on-one or two against one. I'm sure you've got some moves you've been itching to try out. But no breaking of any legs."

Palm stood up, her movements fluid and confident. She turned towards the door, her expression daring them to follow. "What do you say? Let's see if you can keep up with an old friend of his." This was about connecting with them in a way that words couldn't. It was about letting them see a different side of her, one that mirrored the side of their father they knew so well, and giving the triplets a memory they could carry with them, just as she would carry this night with her.

​

 

[Aerik Lechner]

WEARING: xxx
TAG: Palm-Imer

She had to remind then to lean on each other. It made Aerik grin. They were pack animals, and they had always had each other. They leaned on each other often, and he could not imagine a world where that would change. Certainly they would grow older and find partners and mates with which they'd have families of their own. That did not mean they had to change what they were to each other. They would always be close even if each moved on in life at different times.

"We wish you could stay too," Vyra blurted out. "We could tell father you're here?"

Was that okay to ask?

"We also don't have to," Kole added.

"As long as we can make it through the entrance exams together we will be okay. If we had to split up now, before any of us change, it would be hard."

That was the truth of it. They were all they had aside from their parents. No one else in the galaxy was like them. They were distinct, and that would put them in danger. Their abilities would need to remain secret in the academy, but they did not have to now.

The three looked at each other as the challenge came.

"Just one of us."

"Aerik."

The pup nodded.

"If you want to fight okay, but we are stronger than we look."

"A lot stronger."

They stood and opened the door. It was still daylight. Once again the scent of the forest danced about on the breeze which blew into the cabin. Would they use weapons, however? He looked out toward the clearing. There were strong branches, and two which would make good staves if she desired.

"Hand to hand or weapons?

Aerik looked at Palm with some trepidation. There was a chance he may hurt her unintentionally. She did not heal as quickly as they did. While he had seen death, been on many hunts, Aerik did not wish to harm the woman who seemed to be as much part of their pack as his sister or mother. Palm belonged to them. Whether she saw it or not, she was not whole without her connection to them, their mother and father.

 

[Palm-Imer]

C O N S I G N M E N T​

WEARING: XxX.
TAG: Aerik Lechner

Palm's heart swelled with warmth at Vyra’s words, a gentle ache tugging at her chest. Their innocence, their longing for her to stay, touched her deeply. She knew it wasn’t easy for them to open up about their vulnerabilities, and that made her all the more grateful for the bond they were forming. But there was also a bittersweetness to it, the knowledge that she couldn’t be the constant presence they deserved, no matter how much she might want to be.

“I wish I could stay too, Vyra,” Palm replied, her voice tender but resolute. “It’s not that simple anymore, I'm afraid.” She paused, giving them a reassuring smile. “But you should always feel free to tell him how you feel. He’s your father, and he loves you. That’s something you should never hide anything from.”

She looked at each of them in turn, her gaze soft but unwavering. “No matter what happens with the exams, you’ll find a way through—together.”

When they shifted to talk of the spar, Palm felt a spark of excitement. The children were eager, ready to prove themselves, and she welcomed the opportunity to see them in action. But something else stirred beneath her calm exterior—a sense of purpose. Strength - it was not just the physical kind. Strength in unity, in trust, but also in individuality.

Palm stepped outside with them, inhaling deeply as the forest’s rich, earthy scent filled her senses. She knelt down to the forest floor, fingers grazing the earth, feeling the pulse of the land beneath her. A long time ago she had been taught to feel the balance in all things—within herself, within nature. It was here, among the trees and the soft hum of the wind, that Palm had found herself again, the first time. This was where she remembered that she could carry their connection with her, without losing her own footing.

Standing, she faced Aerik, the challenge sparking between them like the light of the sun breaking through the trees. It filtered through the canopy, casting patches of light and shadow across the clearing. Her gaze shifted to his, steady and calm, as she stepped forward with the same quiet confidence she'd carried through countless battles.

"Hand-to-hand," Palm answered simply, a faint smile tugging at the corner of her lips. She didn't need weapons for this—not when the real fight was about control, focus, and finding harmony between instinct and discipline.

She didn't instruct him further, nor did she try to explain any grand philosophies. Instead, she rolled her shoulders to losen her muscles and let her body fall naturally into a ready stance, her posture open and fluid. There was no tension in her frame, no aggressive intent. Just readiness. The forest was her anchor, and she was grounded in it.

Aerik's eyes held a flicker of doubt, and Palm saw it for what it was—a care that came from a place of genuine concern. He was strong, no doubt about it. His movements would carry power, but that power wasn't everything. She wanted him to realize that, and not through words, but through the motions of the spar itself.

Palm gave him a small, encouraging nod, daring him to come at her. None needed to prove anything, and so, she patiently waited for him to make the first move, her every muscle attuned to the shifting air, the sounds of the forest, and the rhythm of the moment.

The children were a pack. She was not part of that, not entirely, but she was here now, with them, and that was enough. She had her own rhythm, her own path. And in that balance, Palm was unshakable.

The spar would begin when Aerik was ready, and Palm would respond with the same grace and care she always had—fluid, adaptable, and most of all, present. No more words were needed. The dance would speak for itself.

​

 

[Aerik Lechner]

WEARING: xxx
TAG: Palm-Imer

So he would fight the same woman his father had sparred with many years ago. In some way it was if the universe brought whatever she had shared with his father full circle. This was either the start of something new, or the closure she had come seeking. Burying the lightsabers wouldn't bring the peace she was looking for, but perhaps knowing that whatever Gerwald had been lived on his children would. Maybe it already had.

Aerik watched as she reached down to the soil. The fragrance of the woods were unique to this place, and she seemed to know it well. Palm did not just know about the cabin, but her behavior communicated something else. This had been her home too.

He nodded as she fell into a ready stance. Hand to hand it would be them. His own body fell into something of a relaxed state for a moment. The doubt she saw in his eyes was pushed away. He had to focus. What none of them had told her was their control was weakening the closer they came to their change. It was a wonder the others offered Aerik as their representative. Yet, they had deferred to him for some time in the way a pack deferred to their Alpha.

Soon his arms came up, and Aerik took an opening stance for one of the combat forms Carnifex had ensured the triplets had learned. Palm wanted him to be the aggressor. It was rare the first strike would land between skilled combatants, so the pup simply moved closer. The back of his hand rested against the back of hers. Orange eyes locked with her amber gaze.

He was determined.

She nodded.

Aerik nodded.

In a swift motion Aerik sought to knock Palm's hand away as he moved in to grapple her. Shifting his weight, the pup pivoted his hip to plant a foot behind the woman. If he loved quick enough a slight turn would be all it would take to knock her to the dirt which had just been between her fingers.

Their battle had begun.

 

[Palm-Imer]

C O N S I G N M E N T​

WEARING: XxX.
TAG: Aerik Lechner

Palm allowed her body to move with the flow of Aerik's approach, her instincts honed by years of combat, both in training and on the battlefield. Her gaze stayed locked on his, feeling the tension coil in him, the determination sparking behind his eyes. He was strong, confident in his own right, and yet still finding his way through the instincts that came with his heritage.

As his hand met hers, Palm didn't fight the contact, instead using the pressure to read his intent. The shift in his stance was familiar, the foot planted behind her a clear indicator of his next move. He was going for leverage, trying to knock her off balance.

Palm adjusted her footing subtly, her movements calculated but unhurried. She let him push, feeling the weight of his intentions, his strength. He was bold, confident, and while Palm knew she could easily counter, she didn't. Not immediately. Instead, she matched his energy with a quiet grace, stepping in with the flow of his momentum.

She let him guide her for a moment, her body responding to his force. And then, with a fluid shift, she pivoted out of the grapple. The movement was seamless, barely more than a flicker of motion, yet enough to evade his attempt to knock her off balance. But instead of fully disengaging, she kept close, her palm briefly brushing against his arm, a gesture of acknowledgement more than anything else.

Palm's amber eyes found his, and for a heartbeat, she held his gaze. <<Good, keep going Aerik.>> She encouraged him, her words looking to invite him to fully come out of any remaining shell he might have been keeping around himself still. To let go. They would have each other's backs. There was no condescension in her tone as her voice tried to reach his mind, no teaching moment—just the budding connection of two warriors in the heat of an exchange. She could feel the raw potential in him, the unrefined power, and she knew he was capable of much, much more.

Aerik was fast, and Palm allowed him to set the rhythm, testing his instincts while adjusting her own responses to match his level. She wanted to see how he reacted when pushed, when faced with something he couldn't immediately overpower.

Instead of going on the offensive, Palm remained calm and fluid, her movements precise but not aggressive. She was giving him space to explore his strengths, to make his own decisions in this dance of motion - and in a way the anticipation to show her own choices was starting to build up. The spar was less about domination and more about understanding—an opportunity to connect in a way that words alone couldn't convey.

With a gentle nod, she shifted again, this time stepping to the side, opening the space between them just enough to see if he would press forward or recalibrate.

​

 

[Aerik Lechner]

WEARING: xxx
TAG: Palm-Imer

She moved out of his way. The finesse with which she had escaped his grapple was remarkable. Aerik was not used to anyone getting out of such a thing. Palm had used his movement to determine the trajectory he had intended to throw her, and simply stepped and pivoted away from it.

For a moment he looked dumbfounded, even as her hand touched his arm he replayed the motion in his mind.

Her words invaded his mind. Briefly he closed his eyes as he processed the sound of her thoughts in his. Aerik was used to his brother and sister crossing into his mind on a regular basis, but her presence there felt both foreign and welcome at once. She nudged him to continue, and Aerik nodded.

This time he continued to move. As he stepped into her personal space, the pup threw a punch intended to crack her nose. While it was a friendly spar, he was also his father's son. His sparing would not be held back, as long as he could maintain his control. He did not worry about whether his opponent could handle herself. His concern was whether he'd slip and use the full extent of his strength. Even with her skill, she would get hurt.

His first jab followed with a second, this time an uppercut. Aerik wanted to test her speed.