Lost Light | Mara & Autume

[Josiah]

Location: Moorwood Peak, Courtyard​

Tag: [member="Auteme Denko-Durren"] | [member="Mara Denko"]​

Sixteen years.

It was hard to believe that so much time had passed. In fact, when Josiah lulled his eyes to a close, he could almost delude himself into thinking that nothing had changed. When he arose in the morning, it was beside his brighter and better half. When he took up the saber, it was always in the name of the greater good. Hell, he was even serving a Confederacy again. Yet, no matter how much the similarities between now and then were, the truth was...she was gone.

When the crash happened so long ago, their little light was only four years of age. She was easily the best thing that had happened to the young couple, and they strove to give her the very best life they could. They were not the wealthiest, but she wanted for nothing. They were not the strongest, but yet they shielded her from the horrors of the Galaxy. It was only by a cruel twist of fate that their vessel crashed upon Nar Shaddaa...And in that moment, their little light was snuffed out.

The pain destroyed them. Erected walls so high and cut so deep that it took more than a decade for Josiah and Mara to reconcile. And even though they had resumed a life together, the scar that was their lost daughter prickled every now and again. Such it was this day, where both Jedi Masters were surrounded by death. Tanaab had been an operation that saw grievous loss on the part of all involved. Warriors of all backgrounds flocked to the battlefield, with each thinking their cause was just.

And no matter the victor, there were always the dead and the dying. In the wake of the fighting, the Knights Obsidian ferried as many souls as they could to facilities for healing. Field care had been given to stabalize - but the more advanced wounds needed intense attention. The kind that Moorwood Peak could provide. Thus, atop the snowy peaks, tents had been erected all throughout the courtyard. The moans of the wounded filled the air at every hour; and though Josiah was no healer, he did his best to serve.

It was not until the sun dipped below the horizon that he was able to see to his own wounds. Poorly. Far from home, the couple had been given a tent their own for the duration of the effort. And, whilst seated at the edge of their cot, the Jedi hovered a needle over an open flame. He was no healer. Was no physician. But in these trying times, he was not going to take away the efforts of a trained professional when there were so many more in need. Surely he could stitch the gash upon his arm closed - at least for now.

But, as fortune would have it, the chill of the peak blew open the curtain of their tent. T'was enough to afford a sparing glance at his folly to those passing by...

 

[Auteme]

Sixteen years.

Auteme felt she'd come a long way, both literally and figuratively.

Her current home back at the Silver Rest was across the galaxy. She'd only briefly visited the territory of the Confederacy of Independent Systems before now, so it was a little odd to be wandering about on Monastery. Initially she'd wanted to set down at Moorwood Peak but she'd decided to wander around in the wilderness for a while. This planet had a natural beauty and a feeling of true connection to the Force that she'd often felt on Kashyyyk. As she moved up to the peak once more that connection only got stronger; while every step in the woods made her more tired, every step closer to the peak made her feel more powerful. By the time she'd reached the courtyard she was practically running, but as she saw the masses of tents and partly-injured folks she slowed down. Her senses began to reach out.

There had been few moments where she'd felt this powerful. Most recently had been the attack on H'ratth where she'd faced down a Sith warrior. When the light flowed through her, she felt strong. But strength had never been her focus; she preferred knowledge and kindness to using space magic blasts to win the day. It seemed that the Jedi had given her everything, chances to learn and chances to aid those in need. That was one of the biggest reasons she was there that day. There were people who needed help, and there was much to learn and see. And... feel.

That familiar tug in the back of her mind made her look over at a nearby tent just as a gust of wind pushed open the tent's flap and pulled back the hood of Auteme's simple cloak. Whoever was inside was injured in some way, and the teenager wasn't one to ignore those in need of help. It was only a moment later that she poked her head inside, her eyes scanning the injured man. "You need help... here, let me." She knelt beside the man, pushing away the needle in his hand and placing her hands on his chest. She closed her eyes and found her focus come almost instantly. Moments later the energy began to flow out of her, a green glow emanating from her hands as the man's wounds began to close.

[member="Josiah"] [member="Mara Denko"]

 

[Mara Denko]

Location: Moorwood Peak, Accending​

Tag: [member="Josiah"] | [member="Auteme Denko-Durren"]​

​

Monastery was, and would always be, a sanctuary for the Jedi. Between the years spent healing from the loss of their Light, and the decades that followed the loss of her Love, Mara had needed somewhere that could act as a home for her while the world crumbled around her ears. She'd made herself a true home here, along the back of the mountain itself, in a cabin on a lake. There she'd spent those long years thrown head-first into her studies, working hard to ensure that all those days that seemed to slip through her fingers like sand would count for something. It had been hard at first, but today, as she carried herself one foot over the other up the side of the mountain back to the tent she'd been assigned to share with her husband... Those cold, lonely days seemed long gone, a distant memory that was wiped clear with his warmth returned to her.

It made what they were currently forced to deal with seem less horrific as well. Mara had heard tell that the Knight's Obsidian Dominus Prime had been brought from Tanaab directly - though if what she'd been told was accurate, there was going to be little that could be done to bring the man back to his previous strength. He'd live, certainly, but it was unlikely he would be fit to lead the KO in any meaningful way anytime soon, if ever again. With the knowledge that this, once again, meany a change in leadership, the researcher was left with a small whisper of doubt in her mind about what the weeks would bring. Already they'd lost so much, and with the Mandalorian threat still looming to the North, it seemed that this was going to be a new normal for those that lived here on Sanctuary. She was just endlessly grateful that she no longer had to face this reality alone... And with some luck, perhaps they'd see someone up to the task of leading their motley crew in the form of the new Dominus Prime.

She entered the courtyard where their tent lay perched just off the flagstones, a gentle breeze lifting the small pieces of hair that fallen from where she had the mass of it pinned atop of head. She'd attempted keep it from her eyes while she'd been helping to set up some additional medical tents and supplies near the base of the mountain itself. Where the ground was flat it made good sense to have their triage, and anyone requiring more intense healing could be carted up, closer to the Nexus, in hopes that being near all that power would aid in the healing efforts. Gentle steps carried the woman towards the tent, though she paused as she saw a young woman approaching, the tent flaps having caught the same breeze as well as the girl's attention. The Jedi couldn't help the soft smile that touched her lips as she watched the girl poke her head in, exclaiming loudly that whomever was inside needed help as she entered.

Whomever this young lady was, she was sharp... The woman thought as she approached the tent as well, intent to enter. Her husband could always use another set of hands.

Mara slid one hand along the heavy fabric that made the entrance to their shared accommodations as she gently pulled them back, her eyes falling to the stranger who now knelt before her husband, snatching a needle from the mans grasp as she attempted to stop him from sewing his own wounds closed... Of course he was. She remained silent as the girl lifted her hands and placed them against Josiah's chest, both her brows raising curiously as she felt the familiar pull as this stranger began to use the Force to heal him. When she spoke, her voice was soft, using all the near exhaustion she was feeling to make her sound all the more calm, "Must be that there aren't any more in dire need of attention back at the camps if some of our most talented healers have time to be working on you, Jo." She stood with her arms gently crossed under her chest,back to the entrance of the tent, watching the two with eyes that were tired, but kind.

 

[Josiah]

[member="Auteme Denko-Durren"] | [member="Mara Denko"]​

Were it not for his focus, Josiah would have protested more.

After but a few more moments of dangling the needle over the open flame, the Jedi steeled himself for what would certainly be a sloppy repair job. However, with so many in far worse shape, Josiah did not feel right requesting any sort of aid at the moment. From the Dominus Prime himself to young apprentices, the Peak had tents littered with the grievously injured. Therefore, taking away any capable hands that could be committed to their restoration was a terrifying sin. However, there were two factors which caused him not to raise his voice in protest when the flap of the tent moved.

For one, he was simply too focused on the task at hand to initially notice the newcomer. But, as she approached, his peripheral vision said that it was Mara. After all, the average soul - at a glance - would not have been able to tell the two apart, save for hair length. Yet, as the young woman drew closer and removed the needle from his hand, her voice was the first sign that something was amiss. For one, while his wife was yet young, she was not this young. For two, this was not her voice. For three-

She entered the tent behind the young woman only a few moments later. Josiah would have protested but, as the seconds rolled forward he found his chest subject to the healing energies of the young woman. All at once, the fatigue, aches, and minor wounds he ignored began to seal. Moreover, the gash upon his arm began to mend at an alarming rate. "I..." he began, wincing slightly as a rib he did not realize was cracked popped back into place. "Thank you."

Looking up, he settled his gaze upon his spouse. His lips curved into a smile that was as kind and as tired as the expression on her face. "I assure you, I did not flag this angel here down to fix my arm. She did so of the goodness of her heart." The subtle praise Mara offered to the woman was not lost upon Josiah, and his smile fell upon the Healer in turn. "I don't believe we have met before - though given how busy the Peak is now, that's no surprise. My name is Josiah Denko -" he then jutted his chin in Mara's direction. "- and that is my wife, Mara."

As the introduction fell from his lips, he blinked rapidly. Either he was sorely tired or the two could pass for sisters. The resemblance was uncanny.

 

[Auteme]

Even if she had grown, there were always moments that reminded Auteme of her inexperience. Case and point, she nearly jumped in surprise when she heard a new voice behind her. She needed to figure out how to focus on more than one Force power. Still, her focus on healing the man was more than enough to heal his wounds, and thanks to their proximity to the light side nexus she was so much less tired than normal. Auteme wondered why there wasn't a better permanent residence here on the Peak, though she supposed it might be less crowded on a more normal day.

With all that was going on, of course, there was certainly a new normal arising here. War with the Mandalorians seemed stressful and wrong. She didn't like them, especially the monsters who had attacked H'ratth, but she still held the image of her guardian and mentor in her mind -- he was a true Mandalorian. These pretenders only seemed to cause pain to good people, such as the ones she was with right now.

The teenager was pulled back to the present exchange between the apparent husband and wife. A soft blush came over her face as she heard the compliments -- she didn't get many considering she knew so many individuals more impressive than her in every day. She certainly wasn't looking for them. "Thanks," she said quietly, brushing a few strands of hair behind her ear. "I just... saw you were hurt, and thought I should help." That was really the only reason she decided to help anyone -- it was the right thing to do. "But... I should probably go help out the other wounded," she said, standing up and moving slightly to the exit.

The name, though, stopped her in her tracks. She paused and looked at Josiah, eyeing him as if he was casually mentioning a ghost. "I'm... Auteme, Denko," she finally said. Could these two be related to her? It must simply be a coincidence.

[member="Mara Denko"] [member="Josiah"]

 

[Mara Denko]

Location: Moorwood Peak, Denko interim residence​

Tags: [member="Josiah"] | [member="Auteme Denko-Durren"]​

​

The visible wince as one of her husband's ribs snapped back into place was enough to wipe the cheerful grin from the Jedi's face. She didn't hurry to his side, but it gave her cause to ease into the tent and make her way to his side. Gingerly she lowered herself onto the cot where he'd been seated, and placed a hand against his shoulder. It was tempting to add a pit of her own healing ability to try and dull the pain, but the youngling was doing a fine job of putting him back together, and she knew Josiah to be capable of putting up with a decent amount of pain.

She turned a tired smile to the girl as she wrapped up, watching the flush fill her charming cheeks and her hands hurrying to fidget with her hair. Mara could recall a time when a compliment would send her into a tizzy like that - bumbling and muttering thanks as she tried her hardest to diffuse some of the attention she'd garnered. She too had been a skilled healer from a young age, and for a moment she didn't envy the girl what that sort of skill would bring. Having hands that could mend nearly any wound meant that she'd likely see more than her fair share of the results of battle... It was a hard life.

As the girl made to leave Mara carefully stood as well, giving Josiah a gentle pat on the back and motioning for him to remain seated. She'd escort the child out and provide all the thanks that was required - and also recommend some of the resources available to someone with her skills here on Monastery; however, that line of thinking was cut short as the girl halted at the exit to their tent, turning back with a look of confusion on her face.

Auteme Denko? Both Mara's brows rose at once as she gave a soft tilt of her head. The girl did seem familiar, and it had been many years since there'd been cause for Mara to see any of Josiah's family - perhaps this was a niece? A distantly related cousin, maybe? Turning to glance down at her husband and offer him a warm smile, she spoke, "You never told me you had family that could heal, Josiah..." Lifting her cool, silvery eyes back to the girl she positively beamed. "Who're your parents, Auteme? I know Denko isn't the rarest family name in the galaxy, but I didn't think we'd find any of them here on Monastery."

 

[Josiah]

Denko.

Between the soothing energies of the Light and the presence of hsi beloved, one would think that the Jedi would have been at ease. In fact, for but a few fleeting seconds, the absence of injury allowed Josiah to recognize just how tired he was. His mind entertained the notion of falling to sleep while the getting was good - for he was certain calls for strong arms would be made throughout the night. However, as the dark-haired angel moved to exit the tent, the answer to her question saw Josiah tense. Mara, with her hand upon his person, would feel his muscles locking underneath her touch.

You never told me you had family that could heal.. The man parted his lips, but found his tongue at a loss for words. Mara effortlessly bridged the gap and asked a simple question. But, before the young one could answer, the Jedi spoke in a low voice. "That's because there aren't any..." His gaze settled upon the young woman and his dominant hand reached out, beckoning her to draw nearer. He found himself thinking something absurd. Wanting something that was beyond all thought and reason and rationality.

"The Denko name is from Morje - a world of aquatic Near-Humans. Only once has a Denko departed that world - and that was my father. Besides him...there are no other bearing the name Denko in the Galaxy." And Josiah's family, from parents to siblings, no longer as far as he knew. He was the last one - save for his bride. "If I may...have you...ever been involved in a starship crash?"

His mind told him that the answer was no. But his heart desperately wanted her to say those three little letters. Yes.

[member="Mara Denko"] | [member="Auteme Denko-Durren"]​

 

[Auteme]

Family. Parents. Yes, she was a Denko. She'd never met another Denko. "Um, I've never... um, I think you might be mistaking me for someone else," she said, getting slightly flustered. Why was she nervous? She didn't know. She didn't know her parents, she didn't know about Morje, she didn't know anyone who might be remotely related to her. If these two were related to her, was that a good thing? She cleared her throat and shook her head as Josiah spoke of his lineage. "The galaxy's really big... I mean, I'm sure..." She trailed off, only being pulled back by his question.

It was so specific she had to wonder if they did know each other. "My parents... um, yes. When I was younger. My parents died in the crash." She spoke firmly at the end -- as if reminding herself. Her parents had to be dead. Otherwise... where were they? The old monk must have looked for them that day. Not like she could confirm anything, she couldn't remember anything from that time in her childhood.

"I really should be going... there's lots of people who need help..." Auteme mumbled, taking another half step back, her back to the entrance.

[member="Mara Denko"] [member="Josiah"]

 

[Mara Denko]

Location: Moorwood Peak, Denko interim residence​

Tags: Josiah | Auteme Denko-Durren
​

​

Feeling the tension that began to build in the muscles below her fingers, clear, silvery eyes dipped from the girl at the entrance of their tent down to her husband. A small frown tugged at the edges of her lips as she noted that any semblance of gratitude or mirth, despite the pain he would be feeling, had also bled from his face. She was struck with the urge to seat herself beside him and try and coax the cause from him, but there would be time for that after they'd properly thanked the young woman who could well be family for her efforts.

Turning a tired smile back to Auteme, Mara made to speak before Josiah uttered that there were no healers in his family. She paused at that... Gifts like the child possessed were truly rare if they did not come from a lineage of Force users. Either that or the girl had some supremely excellent tutelage. Managing to keep her kind smile affixed, Mara strode forward and gently took one of the tent flaps in her hand, motioning to open it and assist the girl clear of the tent - though her hand froze in place as her husband mentioned the crash.

Immediately every muscle in her body was screaming, and she could hear a soft, low buzz in her head. Such a simple question, but it brought with it the weight of the last decade, crashing down around her. Even with Josiah returned to her, they had not spoken of that day... They had never deigned to speak of what they had lost together... Why, in the name of the Light, would he bring this up in front of this child?

The look she shot him was scathing, and as her hand tightened on the thick fabric of the tent, she forced herself to bring it back down with a sense of calm she did not feel. They'd lost everything, and by the sounds of it, this poor girl had also suffered something similar... It was cruel for him to have asked, and as the charming young healer made to exit, Mara made to assist.

"I'm so sorry, Auteme... I'm sure he didn't meant to upset you by asking. We lost someone, many years ago, in a similar way. Thank you again, for all you've done."

 

[Josiah]

"Wait."

The word was uttered with a firmness that Mara had never seen. There was a conviction in his expression - a certainty that was born by the words of the young woman. Josiah was no glutten for pain, nor was he a fool. There was a reason why he and his bride never spoke of the little light they had lost - it was far too painful for either of them to utter. Her loss was the reason their relationship had crumbled in the first place. And, though they had reunited, Josiah still hurt as much as Mara. Still suffered as much as Mara. For him to speak of this...for him to allude that the child before them was...

She should have known he'd have good reason. And when she gave him the scathing expression, Josiah forced himself off of the bed. He was tender. Stiff. But very much so okay. Very much so restored by the healing hands of the young woman before them. "I said it before, and I'll say it again. There are no other Denko in the Galaxy." His words were resolute. There was nothing that could change his mind in this moment. "Years ago, we too were involved in a crash. We lost our daughter that day - and she would be right around your age."

"I just.."

He trailed off, before motioning towards the young woman. "I know it's you. When I look at you, I see nothing but Mara's face. I wasn't struck on the head either. I know it's you. The little one who cried when it thundered. The little one with a birthmark on her left foot. I...I know it's you. Call me mad, call me crazy, but I know it's you. Somehow, you survived that crash and now you're here. And I can't let you walk out that door without saying something."

He then looked to his wife and back to the young woman. Once more the resemblance was uncanny - as it was supposed to be. "You can't look at her and tell me I'm wrong, Mara. You can't."

[member="Auteme Denko-Durren"] | [member="Mara Denko"]​

 

[Auteme]

The woman's words were kind and measured enough that Auteme began to relax, if only slightly. It must just be a troubling subject for them. Losing people that were close to you could be painful. It must've been terrible for them. Could it have been terrible for her parents? If they were even alive. She still didn't know, but...

Wait.

She'd been almost out the door, but the word rippled through the Force, and the teenager seemed almost to snap to attention at the door. Slowly the freeze wore off and she turned to face the man, forced to listen as he spoke, proposing his version of things. The possibility that... well, she wasn't one to miss the text in between the lines. But this all made her feel sick.

A dozen emotions came over her. Auteme didn't know whether to cry or scream or run; she was confused. The teenager looked at Mara, then took a half-step back. Maybe they did look alike, but why did that matter? Why did this man insist on believing that? Auteme had done perfectly well without parents, anyways, and if they were still alive she'd be doing perfectly well with them. This idea, this accusation, made her...

"My parents are dead," she said, matching Josiah's firmness in her tone. Tears formed in her eyes; a scowl twisted her face. "They are. Maybe I didn't see them, but if they were alive they would've seen me. I mean, I was... I was a kid. They had to have..." She stared at the bearded man, then at the woman. Her hands were shaking. Only now did she notice she was sweating, too, and it suddenly felt like the temperature had gone from cool evening to midday in the jungle. Her emotions -- her anger and sadness over her parents, the things she'd never faced or thought about until now, made her feel sick in the stomach and in the head. Still, she stood frozen on the spot, everything seeming to boil over in front of her.

[member="Josiah"] [member="Mara Denko"]