Star Wars Roleplay: Chaos

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If we shadows have offended... [Open to CIS]

Aya Clarke

Lady Clarke, Saint of the Crimson Eagle
Ten hours ago

Thought. Quiet was good for thought... retrospection. Things that Aya Clarke found little of on the battlefield, a part of a healthy mind left unattended. How she'd needed this time to sit, write, and think deep. After goddess knows how long working in the field, once more alongside Cyril Abbey, her family friend, she could find an excuse to retire to her office. Situated in the Citadel within Golbah City, the very heart of the Confederacy, she could for a time drop her guard and relax. Simple, bare of much luxury aside the wooden carved desk, and high backed similarly carved chair, it had been a long earned home away from home.

She'd even managed to acquire parchment, and a pen she'd left at home, an ink well sitting to her left as she considered the state of affairs. She was.. losing her way. Something had been off in recent times, something bad. And whatever was going on she couldn't figure out, couldn't tackle. Writing her thoughts would help.. yes. She reached over with her left hand, and prepared the pen to write, slowly and carefully. Something seemed off though, and she'd barely put the pen to parchment before a cold swept her. Something was...


One hour ago

An alarm was sent the moment they'd found her, Aya Clarke that was, unconscious on the floor, her lightsaber having fallen and skid across the floor. Someone had done something to her, and whoever it was had been unnoticed for two hours. Had Cyril not decided to prepare tea, as a surprise for his friend, she could have gone longer without anyone noticing. But while the assailant was hunted, the problem of Aya was concerning. There was no physical reason for her to be unconscious, not for so long. There was something wrong that modern science could not determine, which left a single avenue.

Something was done to her, through the Force, and she could not awaken. A notice would have to be sent to members of the CIS, those who could do something. One of their brightest had a plan, a solution to bring Aya back, but they needed volunteers...


Present

"Sir, the volunteers have arrived." The assistant spoke nervously, before being excused with a wave of his boss's hand. Excellent, he would think, this would go faster than expected. He double checked his appearance, before he made his way to the door and out to greet them. Mr. Lesko was a relatively, average man, almost painfully average in every regard, but intelligent and gifted when it came to study and research. A gift that was useful now, as he greeted those that had come.

"Greetings. I'll be short, so we can get to business. Miss Clarke has been attacked through the Force, to what end I do not know. What I do know is she is trapped inside her mind for whatever reason, and cannot come back until it is resolved. In researching her condition I found a ritual we can use to create a deep meditation, and bridge your minds with Miss Clarke's. It will be like a shared, lucid dream, where you are in complete and absolute control of your actions."

"With your permissions, we will set you up, and bridge your minds with hers. Once inside we cannot guess what you will find, but it will be near completely in control of her, likely her subconscious. Not to mention, the dream will be more than real enough to kill you if you are careless. Any questions?"


[member="Darth Metus"] [member="Zeke Tune"] [member="Lis'Ra Fennick"] [member="Kurenai Yumi"]
 

Zeke Tune

Your Secret Dark Obsession
Zeke was of an average build. He walked in with a warm smile on his face as he approached Mr. Lesko. While new to the CIS hierarchy, his artistic exploits were well known. Something about it being of use inside a mental landscape. He wasn't concerned, he trusted in his own abilities, especially when it came to being inside someone's head. Oh, he was excited, how often did one literally get to put themselves in another's mind? What would he see? What could he use for his next masterpiece? How would his own mind corrupt, or distort what was already inside this woman? Could he save her? In doing so, could he create yet another who thought like he did? Probably not to the later question, but you never knew until you tried! This was beautiful, in a way he never thought he would get to experience.

Smiling brightly at the average looking man, he nods. “I am here, as requested.” Bowing, the man gives a flourish of his arms. “Willing to help in any way I possibly can. It's alright, the risks are worth it, if we can help her.” Voice sounded sincere, worried about the lady who was being attacked. “We need to try and find out whats causing it also, to see if it could possibly be a threat to anyone else.” Hand draws back and rests on his own cheek a moment. Tongue clicks. “Ah, look at me, getting wound up.”

His hands move down to smooth out the suit he was wearing. Piercing gray eyes look around the room, taking in every detail, of both the man addressing them, and the room itself. Of course, he studied each person who was in the room with him, going on this insane adventure. His lips had a slight upturned smile on the corners. “I'm here, and eager to help, despite the danger. Just tell me what I need to do next.” Zeke's voice was smooth, gentle, but strong willed.


[member="Aya Clarke"]
 
Lis'Ra was leaning against a wall, she had volunteered for the mission just so she could learn more of the Confederacy. She took a swig of the whiskey that was stored in her canteen before capping it and letting it fall to her side. She pushed herself off the wall and watched the shorter man explain what was happening, she honestly didn't care, she was just her in how Garrick would say, 'to make friends.' She pulled her blonde hair back in a simple ponytal and stared at the man with her hard green eyes.

"So, what are the risks of this mission?" Lis'Ra asked glancing over at Zeke and his willingness. She looked back at the man and waited for his answer, she could already guess what some of the risks could be.
 
Aya was one of the few people in the CIS that Kurenai would not hesitate to call a friend. From her early days as a mere mercanary in the organic armed forces to now as a Obsidian Knight she had more or less fought under or with the unlucky general. Like seriously anytime they partook in a landing operation the women's ship was always shot down with prejudice, like there was some unatural force guiding rockets to hership regardless of circumstance.

As such the moment word came around of this attack Kurenai had almost dropped everything and flew to the CIS capital, determined to help in what ever way she could. After all when pregnant one could no longer go on so many life threatening front line and other dangerous missions. It severed well that this vollenter experience was through the minds of those involved but being linked with Aya and entering her mind through the force? It sounded like something out of a fantasy story that involved evil spells and magic... well to an extent the force was magic if you believed the Madagora and their tracings.

"I just have one question, do you have any idea what we are looking for"? "Once inside will we have direction or just have to use our own knowhow about Aya to navagate her mind and release her from this sleeping grip". She was not as worried about the risk as the strange new drunk merc girl was, confident in her ability to deal with any hardships, but if Lesko was able to answer all questions put forward by the group present.

Well except for the other man, his tone of voice and eagerness to get underway was just, so, creepy, it was clear the man didn't know much about Aya otherwise he'd be more serious. A persons life was on the line, brought on by powers they did not fully understand. Actually come to think of it why was she the only force user here? Such an even would not doubt entail the cooperation of more of the Knights or the Witches. Some one darn fucked up.

[member="Zeke Tune"] [member="Aya Clarke"] [member="Lis'Ra Fennick"]
 

Aya Clarke

Lady Clarke, Saint of the Crimson Eagle
"Risks to Aya or you? To Aya you could potentially destroy her psyche, ruin her mental state permanently, scar her body, damage her internal organs, or if she's lucky you could kill her or heal her. To you? Outside of death if you're careless we're uncertain. You may find your thoughts and psyche affected mildly or severely for all we know. Regardless the risk to you is noted as weaker than to her. And miss Yumi, we don't know. More likely than not whatever is wrong is either a problem within her naturally or some foreign agent of some kind. You are going to be dealing with her subconscious, so hopefully it will attempt to guide you to some degree. A final word of warning before we get started, whatever world her mind has created will doubtlessly follow its own rules. I suggest you hold no assumptions on how it will function. For all we know it'll be a world where dogs talk and cats fly."

Lesko then went over to a table and picked up a teapot, and poured a cup for all present. "Take a drink, then seat yourself beside Aya. Close your eyes and open your thoughts to her, imagine a bridge between you. The medicine in the tea will facilitate the melding. See the bridge, imagine yourself as you are, and walk across it to her..." Each who did so would soon be able to imagine themselves walking a bridge of their choice, walking through a mist....


In the mind of Aya Clarke
... And as they would walk out of the mist, they would find themselves in a grassy plains, outside a massive walled city of stone and steel. Before them, two forces of armored soldiers clashed, one bearing markings of a red Hawk in flight on their armor, or the cloths they had covering chainmail. These Hawk bearing soldiers were those defending the gates to the City proper. Those who knew much of Aya, namely Yumi, would recognize immediately that these forces bore Aya's own family crest, and even without that knowledge there was a second giveaway to who was leading the defense. This second clue?

Why, it was Aya herself, donned in durasteel armor, draped in bright red cloth cape, without her helmet of course, shouting orders at her troops as she turned to glance back, just now noticing the group who had entered her mind. The brunette's face lit up in an excited, eager grin, and she waved enthusiastically at them. "Oh friends! CIS reinforcements right? I'll be with you in just a second!" She laughed happily to see companions once more, and turned to face a few soldiers who had broken through. She ignited her lightsaber, a blue blade fixed atop a metal crossguard, and met them blow for blow. Of course, normally she would be cutting through them like butter, but evidently here the blades were able to stop the blue beam at each and every turn. She was able to catch one off guard, going up through their jawline, and pressed her hand against the other's chest.

As if she had the Force, he was sent flying what had to be a dozen meters at least back into the fray, though doubtful that he would survive long. The intrusion taken care of, she turned off the weapon and approached, a sort of jovial and, dare one say, almost naive looking smile on her face as she attempted to give Kurenai a hug. "What brings you here? I don't recall Ruler sending for aid."

[member="Darth Metus"] [member="Kurenai Yumi"] [member="Zeke Tune"] [member="Lis'Ra Fennick"]
 

Zeke Tune

Your Secret Dark Obsession
Zeke smiled warmly at Lis'Ra and the newcomer, he gave a polite nod of his head. It was hard to hide his excitement. But, in his eyes, were a clear understanding of the task before them, and why he was doing it. He may not know Aya, but he had heard many stories. Thoughts and psyche damaged for him? He wondered if it would make him better or worse? Taking the cup and sitting down, the man drank of the liquid without fear. It was clear, death was a constant companion, if he didn't fear the unknown they were entering.

Soon, he imagined himself, and a bridge. True to his mind, it was a beautiful one, but dark, and foreboding. Trees lined either side of the bridge, their tops covered in mist. The bridge was an old one, made of moss covered stone, aged and weathered, having seen the trampling of thousands of feet over countless hundreds of years. For him, the temperature dropped, his breath coming out in wisps as he walked across. Shadows moved through the trees, ever present and watching during the walk. Each foot step echoed on the stone. At the far edge of the bridge, a pair of massive, wooden and metal banded doors stood. With effort he forced them open and stepped across the threshold.

As he stepped into the plains, he shielded his eyes for a moment, and looked around. Eyes took in the seen with an artistic glee. Paladins fighting with sword and shield before an ancient city of stone and steel, Armored warriors clashing across the plain in an endless battle. It was beautiful, and already he felt his desire to paint, or maybe make a statue of this, well up inside him.

He allowed Aya to approach and smiled in a friendly manner, but allowed Kurenai to approach and talk for them first. However, he definitely admired the look of Aya in that armor with a lightsaber in hand. It was nearly motivational. Eyes took this time, to study everything in as great of detail as possible, searching for anything abnormal, or any hints of how this would all work, as he stood behind and to the right of Kurenai. Eyes even went down to his own hands and feet and body, to see what he himself would look like here, to the best of his ability.

[member="Aya Clarke"] [member="Kurenai Yumi"] [member="Lis'Ra Fennick"]
 
LIs'Ra skeptically took the cup and sniffed the concoction, it didn't taste bad, and she took it in one quick swig. She looked around and soon enough her surroundings melted around her and she was thrown into a world that wasn't her own. Her hand went straight to the backpack slung tightly on her shoulders as she glanced at Zeke She followed his gaze out onto a battlefield, she grimaced at the sight. She hated close-quarter combat. She took a step back and melted into the shadows and stared across the endless plains of imagination and began to wonder to herself how truly massive one's imagination is. Glancing back she saw Aya and Kurenai talking to one another and she saw Zeke giving them room to speak. She turned her back to them and continued staring out, her own imagination running wild as she thought of the different scenarios running through her head.

"This place is one big dream." she breathed to herself.
 
So, this entire endevor was more or less a blind run, not something she liked to honestly but with how seemingly rare such an attack was it couldn't be helped, still the entire process of linking minds still felt a little odd, mainly in how they accomplished it with this Lucio. Like Tea? was that really what they were taking to help them link minds with the knocked out women? seemed today's events were full of irony. Taking a small sip she had to admit it was not a bad flavor, perhaps she could add it to her menu back at the family tea house, hopefully the the sleeping effects were not apart of the new flavor though, that could make things a little more difficult.

Downing the rest of the liquid she took took a reclined position in the chairs provided, going through what the trio ha been told before accepting the drink. She imagine the bridge into Aya's mind, but more so imagined what she would look like while there, it was a dream and to an extent anything was possible, but she had to keep in mind tact, who knew what sort of dangers or strange things they would encounter while on the other side. Slowly the bridge came into physical sight, a small curved wooden one, colored in a bright red, it's design similar to the ones found in an Atrisian garden. Fog seemed to conceal everything else to the sides of the structure, only leaving one path forward.'

Taking a step she heard the sound of metal clunking against wood, Kureenai looking down to observe herself in the watery reflection. Ture to her desire the women was donned in traditional Atrisan armor. On her back rested her personal force infused glaive and on her belt was a sheathed Katana and other personal weapons. Over all it was practical, colorful un-intimidating but at the same time showed she was ready to kick ass if needed, once again the constant uncertainty of this place playing into her decision. As best prepared as she could be Kurenai took her steps into the bright ligh at the end of the bridge, being greeted to the sound sight and smell of battle, but not what she was used to.

The sigh of people donned in armor from hundreds of thousands of years ago did come to a small shock... perhaps her ideal look would play a slightly better role then initially suspected. Still all of that paled in comparison to who she saw, Aya, commanding one of the armies, all of the soldiers and defending walls bearing the crest of her family house. For a few moments she stood in awe of the events playing out, only coming back to reality once the women they came to save finished dispatching some of the attacking foe, but something was different. As Aya approached Kurenai could see the women was far more cheery then usual, such only becoming more evident once she had hugged the much taller women, "umm it is good to see you too".

"Ahem, as for our being here, we... heard word you were in trouble and came of our own accord, well I did anyways, peronsally I do not trust tthe motive of the others, but for the time being they are trust worthy". Mainly the mercenary, as long as credits came rolling in, but then again the ever present threat of being mentally damaged while here probably served as a good motivator as well. "Tell me, what is the current situation on this fortress? who are the forces currently attacking"?

[member="Lis'Ra Fennick"] [member="Zeke Tune"][member="Aya Clarke"]
 

Aya Clarke

Lady Clarke, Saint of the Crimson Eagle
"Kalis? Oh the city's fine, haven't lost a battle yet so there's no Doubt about the walls. Rather routine actually, 's the third or fourth time today I think they've tried to get in. But one army against seven isn't exactly a winning fight you know?" She laughed a little bit and folded her arms back behind her head. Regardless of if you knew her, Aya wasn't exactly described as so, calm and happy? Excitable? Not this relaxed at the least. Still, there was a half of the questions proposed left unanswered....

"Oh! Right, it's kinda hard to explain the fighting isn't it? Would it be easier to say we're having a bit of a political dispute? She's not really trying to take the city. Just a little..." Timing was impeccable, as a massive bolt from a ballista landed literally next to Aya, without her flinching in the slightest. "Disagreement. She's a real kidder I promise. Cute too if you ask me! But this probably isn't the best place to catch up... Faith should be bringing up the shield again soon. Shall we go to the city proper? I'm sure Ruler would love to have the help!" The last question, given how Aya happily looked over at both Zeke and Lis'Ra, was very clearly directed at the group as a whole.

OF course in the background the battle waged on, evidently Aya's troops were more than able to hold the line. Ringing of steel on steel gave way to the crashing of metals. Maces, swords, daggers, and if one looked up at the massive walled structures, bows and crossbows. It was like stepping into the past, yet staying very much in the present, as it would be hard to find such steel structures as the walls in this day and age. Aya's red hawk troops eventually seemed to be pushing back the encroaching army, some of whom chose to retreat back. Those ones bore a curious green hawk upon their backs, not too dissimilar to Aya's..

[member="Kurenai Yumi"] :|: [member="Lis'Ra Fennick"] :|: [member="Zeke Tune"]
 
Lis'Ra turned to face the girl who was little too excitable in a place of battle. She was now holding her sniper rifle and she finally noticed how her outfit had changed into her work uniform. She looked at the girl with an incredulous look before strapping her weapon to her back and staring off at the battle.

"I'm up for a little hike to your city. How about y'all?" Lis'Ra looked at the other two, there was a mischievous smile playing on her lips as she glanced at the three strangers standing before her. "I love visiting new places." She moved loose strands of her hair behind her ear and stared bast Aya into the battle waging on, she loved war.

[member="Aya Clarke"] | [member="Kurenai Yumi"] | [member="Zeke Tune"]
 

Zeke Tune

Your Secret Dark Obsession
Zeke's eyes took in this world with wonder and amazement, almost like a child seeing something for the first time. Fingers twitched, as he longed to paint this scene of endless battle, the expressions, the emotions. Eyes land on Aya, and desired to paint her most of all. A lovely and bloodied general meeting war with a grin, and calling her opponent cute. It was a worthy scene. “It's quite lovely, your city. Ah! My apologies, I'm Zeke Tune, the honor is mine. It probably would be a good idea to get into the city. Wouldn't want to get hit in the head by a falling ballista bolt, it makes for poor conversation!” His right arm makes a wide waving gesture, encompassing everything. “I would love to hear all about the disagreement and your city. I admit, I'm not as read up as I should have been before coming. It does you a disservice, and I apologize for it.”

The man gives a proper, polite bow, taken from what he could glean of the mannerisms from the scene in front of him. Zeke proceeds to give Aya a charming, friendly and very warm smile, much like she herself wore at the moment. As he moves to her side, he moved with as much grace as he could muster. His entire being was on the look out for any clue on how to influence the world around him, and what the rules for this place were.

In his mind, he was already painting the scene, oh it would be famous on any number of worlds with such a background. But more importantly, it was just perfect! It's why he loved the wars raging across the galaxy, they just made everything so much more beautiful. “You're city is beautiful, truly a place worth fighting for, at least from a looks perspective.” Giving Aya a side long look he smiled. “And I am sure the people are just as so. Strong too, from the looks of things. I would be my privilege to be allowed to fight along side them.”

[member="Aya Clarke"]
[member="Lis'Ra Fennick"]
[member="Kurenai Yumi"]
 
The world was quite fruitful to look at, a place yet to be scared by the forces of the modern world, even if it was currently a battlefield, though it begged the question, was this like a dream for Aya? Or was this more a manifestation of her mind? The detail and structure of the buildings was not something many people knew so much about, so either Aya was a huge history buff of this place was something different. The number of questions only increase as the brunette continued to talk, vague words like 'her' along with the markings on the enemy soldiers being but color pallet swaps of the ones they held.

'I feel like I should know what is going on here, like I've seen this somewhere before or heard something similar... but were'? There as this constant itch in the back of her mind, like she had already been given all the puzzle pieces for the mystery at hand, but could not seem to know were they were placed properly. Hopefully once they get settled down they would get a proper explanation, hopefully, this chipper version of Aya didn't seem like the type that would explain things in a clear understandable way. If was as if the women was a personification on one singular emotion and could not falter in how she felt of acted.

"So, tell my Aya, how long has this 'war' been going for"? She queried as the group strode down the cobble stone road towards the main castle.

[member="Zeke Tune"] [member="Lis'Ra Fennick"] [member="Aya Clarke"]
 

Aya Clarke

Lady Clarke, Saint of the Crimson Eagle
"Selerki'ahi! Wonderful! My homeworld is quite unlike most of what you've seen I bet, it'll be quite fun for you to see where I grew up!" She laughed like a giddy schoolgirl, walking up the stone path to the gateway into the city proper. The gates were clearly modern, with the large, massive doors almost like blast doors with an addition of a portcullis, the gridded gate you could drop on top of the actual door itself. Because of course they had that... She pressed her hand against an intercom, spoke more Ryl, the twi'lek language, into a microphone, and they were allowed inside with the greeting 'Welcome, Youth'.

Beyond the gates, the city of Kalis, stone paths, old buildings of stone and wood and steel, with many folks, mostly human and twi'lek, wandering about on day to day business as though no war was fought beyond the defending walls. "Welcome to Kalis! Specifically the outermost districts. Most of the folks here are Sarifs, workers mostly. Bakers and smiths and laborers of all kinds, city guards too some of them. Some Knights live here too I think, I believe this is district 65 or 66 so it might be Alec's fief. Captain of the Guard here, good Ser if you ask me. Not my type though."

"We're heading through to the second major sect of districts, numbers 2-35 or so, to the Palace district. District 1, obviously. The others have been spending time there while I was out handling the gate's defense trying to fix Ruler's court after the last disagreement. Oh you'll love Ruler, she's really fun! Good ruler too, she's kept the place from falling apart."
Her speech was quick, fast paced, like she was bursting with excitement to tell them everything and anything that came to her head. She was nearly bouncing on her feet as she lead them on, the few crowds parting for her little entourage.

[member="Kurenai Yumi"] :|: [member="Zeke Tune"] :|: [member="Lis'Ra Fennick"]
 

Zeke Tune

Your Secret Dark Obsession
Oh, this place seemed much like a land from Zeke's own imagination. But so far, less burning, crucifying, torturing, and over all brutal death of the criminal element. And no art work hanging from the buildings. Yes, Zeke had thought many times what an ideal city for him would be like, if he could design it from scratch. Had blue prints and everything. He liked the portcullis, thought it added class. Hands went into his pocket, and he whistled a bit. Eyes kept a watchful gaze on everything.

“It's very lovely, Miss Aya. Or is there another title I should use? As I said, I'm not as read up on this culture as I should have been.” His eyes kept open for how the streets were laid out, what the buildings looked like, any plants, gardens, sculptures, pieces of art, what all the clothing looked like, if there were any children, if so what games where they playing, if there was any food visible. Frankly, he would leave the intellectual investigation to the one who knew Aya. Instead, he would apply his own expertise to the situation and see if there was any subconscious hints that could help them, found from the artistic side of the mind.

“And, are there any protocols we need to be aware of when meeting with Ruler? Titles to use? Proper ways to bow, that kind of thing?”
 
Lis'Ra was silent as she watched Aya moving with such energy and love towards this world of hers. Her eyes were fixated on the high points of the city, the roofs were steep and full of spires, she smiled haphazardly before looking back out at the people moving about, everyone here seemed to be smiling. She glanced at [member="Zeke Tune"] who was also looking around with a fascinated look. Then she glanced at [member="Kurenai Yumi"] who was more looking around thoughtful manner, as if she was trying to figure out [member="Aya Clarke"] 's mind. She didn't have much to say, for she was truly stunned at the imagination of this woman.

"Wow." she breathed as she looked out and saw nothing but color and happiness.
 
Kuernai had to admit this place was well organized, the structure and district system that they had employed here being something more akin to a modern city then one like this. Such was added with the appearance of the huge blast doors and Aya's sword lightasber but a few moments ago, it was honestly starting to feel more like a fantasy world then an authentic medieval experience.

Once they had this war and ruler business sorted out perhaps there would be time for a tour of the castle as a whole, even if at the end of the day such a place did not exist in a physical plain. Keeping pace with the energetic women Kurenai would continue, were the only male in the group left off, with her own series of questions. "Aya, can I ask a question, what is the name of this ruler we are supposed to be meeting? so far you have refered to these different people by simply her or another pronoun". "Not that there is anything wrong with it, but as [member="Zeke Tune"] has said some more information wouldn't be bad, especially if we are to soon be meeting such a person of such importance".

Personally Kurenai was not to worried about formalities, her usual Atrisian ones should do just fine, she was mainly asking to get more information on the current war going around and why some things seemed cryptic. No matter how lovely and fine everything seemed the trio was still on a mission to save Aya's life and any extra information could prove vital in any future events they may be roped into.

[member="Lis'Ra Fennick"] [member="Aya Clarke"]
 

Aya Clarke

Lady Clarke, Saint of the Crimson Eagle
"Weeeeell, if we're going to be all formal and proper like, boring as that is, I suppose you ought to actually call me by my name here. I'm not Aya, I'm Youth." She gave a slightly awkward grin back at the trio, taking a few extra big steps to move ahead of them before turning to face them. "Trust me, it'll make sense once we meet Ruler, who... is Ruler. She is the Queen, but no one says Queen Ruler. That just sounds stupid, so everyone calls her Ruler. And as far as protocol, give her a salute like this when we arrive, and try not to speak disrespectfully. We can forgive a lot but disrespect is, pretty hard to do so." She demonstrated the salute, planting her feet together, standing straight with her right arm, hand in a fist, pressed into her leg. The left arm's fist was brought up to her right shoulder, and brought down to attention, mirroring the other hand.

"Similarly I would suggest you.. uhm... the cute silent one who's name I don't know. I would suggest you try to hide your blaster somehow by the time we get there. I can cloud minds and convince everyone but the other seven leaders that's an oversized crossbow. I don't think a couple of them will care, but one of them miiiiight try to kill you. And by might I mean absolutely will try. Blasters are a teensy weensy bit.. illegal here? Like, more so than murder. And that's potentially a capital punishment! But! Yeah. We should probably get moving again shouldn't we?" She laughed a little, turned on her heels, and began to stroll back along the pathways. The people along the path, seemingly just about every type of looking human from across the galaxy it seemed alongside twi'lek and other humanoid aliens, mostly adults. The few children that ran about the streets seemed content to laugh and happily play fight with wooden weapons, or dolls, or just about any simple game such as tag, or hide and seek. They didn't seem to be doing much outside this however, as though they had no concern for the matters of adults, or more appropriately as if the matters of adults held no sway in the area. A war outside, raging, and yet not a glimmer of fear, in their eyes or the Force.

There was a certain level of cleanliness that was out of place, of course, from the general aesthetic of the city. Buildings were laid out not unlike modern cities, which was perhaps the most authentic thing of the city outside it's design for buildings. smaller first floors, top floors with outcroppings, planters filled with flowers and the occasional little bed of plants to disrupt the monotony of the buildings. The cleanliness didn't really fit in with this, though one could easily suppose that to be the benefit of the modern era's technology. Though it did slowly become more and more what one would expect, as they approached the second wall. Evidently this was indeed her mind's representation of Kalis, as this second gateway seemed almost identical to the first, but with the exception for its design. While the first seemed like a modern citadel, this second wall seemed to almost belong in ages past, not quite as old as their swords and armor but definitely as though thrown hastily together. Again, a portcullis over the main gate, though it was left up, and the gates open, as evidently the first wall held just fine. Beyond this, the city was absolutely older. While the outermost city had been cramped, but clean, and with paved streets, this section was far and beyond dirtier, with more stone and wood than any modern materials.

Youth would talk the entire time through this section, again describing the area as a district, and a fief, as they moved along the aged, well trampled road. The details were mostly unimportant, though she did mention something about halfway through that was bound to stand out... "This section of the city, the second ring, was unplanned back in the day. Kalis was built during the Darkness you see, to try and stand up to a major kingdom in the area that cared little for our sacred rules. The Queen of the time hadn't expected so many to flock to her for safety, and had to have the walls built up first well and away from the original city's limits. Most of the steel used is recycled from scrapped war machines of the day, or swords that had been offered in service to the defense of the city. Dad used to say one of our ancestor's swords was used to make the portcullis we just went past after he died. He also said it was a shame he died before the city's proper construction, or he could've helped make it a little less cramped. I think most of the city here is from back then, except a couple of areas that had bombs go off during construction, I think we built memorials there afterwards. The inmost city should be a real treat though. Most of it is the civilian area, but there are a couple of beautiful sights, the tourney arena and the open air theater. Plus the Monarch's castle is beautiful..."

[member="Kurenai Yumi"] :|: [member="Lis'Ra Fennick"] :|: [member="Zeke Tune"]
 
Youth? okay nooooow she knew she had heard about this before, if she had to compare it to anything it was her own son. The boy had developed a sort of multiple persona ordeal, having several different manners of mine, each with their own one dimensional emotions. Though from what 'Youth' said it seemed like this version of Aya was an embodiment of a younger self... or so she hypothesized so far, not jumping to conclusions just yet, not until they met this ruler.

As for the edicate some things were a little strange, one did not really salute a ruler, unless they were a general or some military figure, but the notion of blasters being a 'thing' but illegal was, interesting. Once again though in someones head, some things would make sense, a lot would not, though she was honestly glad to be wearing and carrying her more arctic weapons, and from what she had seen from 'Youth' lightsabers were allowed, maybe. It would be a question ask for later, right now Kurenai was more focused on seeing the many different sights that filled the medieval but modernly constructed city.

The whole use of districts and layed defense was a proven methods in old cities, her own family planet being no acceptance, the shear size and scale of this place was off the charts. One had to wonder about the imaginary population of this place if it was real, would probably be a huge vacation hub too come to think of it. Such as only added by the somewhat indulging history of this place, it seemed like something tat would actually take place in real life and would explain many of the sites and large blast doors... was the assault they saw at the start an everyday thing here?

"That is quite a lengthy history, to be honest I wouldn'y mind hearing more, though can I ask, lightsabers, they are allowed here? Just wanting to clarify in case a problem arose". It could be a sort of status thing with knights or like a Katana and a Samuri, for all she knew bringing one here would be a problem. "Also what was the times of darkness? I would also like to learn a little more about these wars you talked about no long ago, or will we be informed of that once meeting the ruler of this place, I am more then willing to wait if need be".

[member="Aya Clarke"] [member="Lis'Ra Fennick"] [member="Zeke Tune"]
 

Zeke Tune

Your Secret Dark Obsession
Zeke whistled a bit as he walked. The only weapon he had on him was a knife, which, he felt should be an acceptable weapon here. He listened, but honestly, he interacted the most with the world through his eyes, taking in everything that was there. A small smile was on his lips. “Youth, right.” He practiced the salute she taught them for a moment. “Was that correct?” Eyes twinkled a bit. He rather liked this Youth. She was adorable. Reminded him of the orphans he took care of.

“Ah, that all makes sense, honestly. I think I have an idea of whats going on now. But yes, please keep filling us in. It makes things a lot easier, a lot less...distractions and need for Ruler to tell us herself, you know? She must be awfully busy, we don't want to distract her with a million questions. But your home is beautiful Youth. Ahhh, I would love to paint a picture of it.” The man finally said out loud. He didn't make a comment on the idea of her dad talking to her after he died. It was clearly a disruption of the mind. He would file it away for later.

Eyes took in the differences in the architecture, how the kids looked, what they did, or said. Every little detail was absorbed into the artistic mind, as he deconstructed it to its base form. This reminded him of the dreams, that people had of their homes. It was the same world, but different, things were often closer together, or even clashing. He had the same thing happen to him often. So, this was her mental representation of her home. Modern, but with an ancient history. The war itself was nothing to fear, it was just normal, it was a permanent fixture of the world, and death was something that may or may not stop communication between people. To the people here, nothing was out of the ordinary. Youth, if he had to guess right now, he would say she was the adorable representation of Aya's childhood, or maybe just her younger days, when things were more carefree, when battle had been enjoyable, and not something to be scared of at all. It was glorious. The man nodded and smiled warmly at Aya, listening more and searching out more clues.

[member="Aya Clarke"]

[member="Kurenai Yumi"]
 

Aya Clarke

Lady Clarke, Saint of the Crimson Eagle
"Weeeell, before they stopped cutting steel they were frowned upon. Not banned but, frowned upon. Once we found swords, armor, and shields could stand up to them though there's no stigma. Still more honorable to carry a sword but, most of the other leaders don't care. Except Honor, she's a sticker for the rules let me tell you. She once got upset at me for forgetting to say my prayers for the fallen enemy after a battle, but thankfully we had Faith already doing it so she was able to forgive it. Not that I'm upset with Honor! I just, forget things." The grin she flashed back was tainted by nervousness, not unlike a child talking about their parents disciplining them. In fact even the speaking tones carried that weight, that mixture of respect, disappointment, even a tinge of fear. Noticeably, while the surrounding city remained the same appearance, and it would feel more ominous, darker than before. The feelings would pass however, as Youth caught sight of the Palace, the massive and beautifully fashioned building coming into view with, in the great distance, the faint sight of a massive mountain range.

Two men, massive and towering over the entire collective group, approached, donned in plate armor that put Youth's to shame and wielding massive polearms, approached the odd set of foreigners in tow of Youth. Neither looked the same, as each had wholly unique armor save for a general aesthetic, so too in their weapons. However, as none of the soldiers before held such weapons or wore such armor, they stood out for more than just height, especially so when Youth saluted them, rather than them salute her. Unless any of the group spoke Ryl they would catch little, aside from what was clearly a discussion of the group, and soon they would step aside, staring at the non-Aelozath companions.

"Sorry about that! Sentinels, they love to be a wee bit over protective of Ruler. Now please remember to be nice, hide your guns, and lets meet the others." She giggled and lead them into the palace, across the grounds. In hindsight, it was odd that time wouldn't seem to pass, including the time it took to get to the throne room proper, perhaps a trick of Aya's own mind speeding perception. As the next thing the group would know, they would be standing at the open doors of a grand room, lined with chairs and clear intent. At one end, two thrones, ornate and seemingly carved out of single pieces of material, the finest silks, golds, and crystals used in all pieces of furnishing from carpet to chandelier. Despite having been described as recently repaired, there seemed no problems, save perhaps for the loud argument they intruded upon.

You see, at the head of the room, within one of the thrones, sat a woman in ornate armor, even to the untrained eye clearly made of rare and priceless material. Rather than steel, the armor glistened with a beauty suggesting it never once saw battle, though betrayed no weakness despite this. To her left, along the wall in the chairs, sat three others donned in full armor. One who's metal suit carried more scarred and dented plates than not, and who's cape was torn and tattered as though the entire suit had never once been replaced despite a thousand battles. To their left, sat an armored individual much like the one upon the throne, who's suit was clean and pristine. However, it lacked that ornate feature, and wwhere one would expect the chestpiece instead was a surcoat, a tabard of woven cloth. The only visible armor was on the hands, feet, shoulders, and helmet, and they lacked a weapon. To their left, another dented warrior, however lacking in describing marks. There was no cape, nothing to stand out, as though they wished to be unseen, despite the metal covering them.

Across the hall sat another three, each similarly unique. One wore what looked more like a priestess's gown, with only the helmet under a hood and the metal gauntlets up her sleeve betraying her status as a knight as with the others. One wore an armor with great deep gouges in it, as though cut deep by their enemy in combat. More concerning, the metal itself seemed to be stained red. This one was arguing with the one to their right, a knight in cleaned, polished, if clearly battle worn armor. This last individual was the only member present who carried a sword, rather than a lightsaber as the others did. However this, intense argument they had with the reddened warrior stopped as Youth arrived, and the entire room save the throned one stood.

It was the one on the throne who spoke first, as Youth saluted them. "You are late, Youth. Take your seat... our discussion was set to begin five hours ago. Who have you brought with?"

"Guests, allies from the CIS. They'll just... introduce themselves in a minute?"

Ruler seemed to sigh, and shake her armored head. "Fine. But you are responsible for anything they do. Council, let us speak plain, and introduce ourselves to our company from the Confederacy. Helms off." Each member would remove their helmet, in turn introducing themselves.

"Ruler."

The one to her left, the battle worn, spoke. "General."

The one with no weapon. "Lady."

The unremarkable one. "S-Survivor."

The robed one. "Faith."

The red tainted warrior. "Knight."

The one with a sword. "Honor."

A strange assortment of names.

Stranger still, they all shared Aya's face, and voice.

[member="Zeke Tune"] :|: [member="Kurenai Yumi"] :|: [member="Lis'Ra Fennick"]
 

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