Star Wars Roleplay: Chaos

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Luminosity

Relina Zhan

Ducha of Gallinore, "Apollyon the Slayer"
[member="Joshua DragonsFlame"]

And when the night comes (Jon and Vangelis)

Relina took Josh up to the third floor were their rooms were, except that they didn't stop at Josh's. She took him to her bedroom, glad that he was in it under better circumstances. The size of the room was larger than the others, situated next to a room across the corridor that likely belonged to Alessandra. There was a door that lead to a private bathroom and another that lead into a large walk-in closet. There were enclosed shelves on the wall containing what appeared to be various blasters arranged like a cross between an armoury case and that of a gun collector. Perhaps this was an unlikely-looking hobby of Relina's. Each shelf was of a decent size and the guns within were arranged according to size and type. The bed was a fairly good size, set into a low dias near the balcony that joined to steps that lead up to the balcony landing. Various paintings and holos of Relina's family were found on the walls and even a table with a sectional sofa. The same table also had a scale model of a Type M808 Terminus and another scale model of an old Miy'til Starfighter, both floating on repulsors over a decorative disc that labelled them. Finally, there were nightlights in two outlets on opposite sides of the room with a vial of scented oil in them. The walls were white with a white, soft carpet that felt plushy.

The bathroom had a wide, square bathtub situated against two smooth white walls in a corner with a few steps around it, since it was set onto a raised dias. It could easily accommodate 3 people Relina's size with room to spare. There were square tiles set into the ceiling and each wall near the tub with what appeared to be a grill with flexible silicone nozzles that likely acted together as a fancy shower unit. There was a vanity with a number of products and beauty tools on the counter with a sink that in a subtle way matched the tub. The refresher was in a special closet across from the vanity. The smooth, white tile floor had a large, plushy, soft bath mat purple in colour and there were purple towels arranged on a heated rack. Some of the products found near the tub and on the vanity seemed expensive. Another flower shaped nightlight was plugged into one of the outlets and contained a vial of scented oil that left a floral, perfume-like scent much like the bedroom beyond.

Relina's closet was spacious and wasn't quite full of clothing and shoes. Each type of outfit had a specific home and her shoes were stored in lighted square alcoves on the far wall, arranged according to type, mostly various sort of sandals and some boots... even a few were some interesting cross between the two. On the whole, Ducha Zhan seemed to be a bit of a neat freak and the way she had things arranged made it look as if she might have a mild OCD case, perhaps. Two specific outfits would stand out among the various dresses, skirts, trousers, tops, and lingere stored therein: A Military flightsuit with Hapan Navy markings and a set of immacuate women's Navy Dress Blues. Two sets of boots were arranged nearby them; the only shoes that weren't stored in one of the wall alcoves. Finally, a mirror tall enough for her to see her entire body was positioned in a corner of the closet with small drawers and cabinets set into the wall for accessories.

The light fixture that had been shot before seemed to have been very recently replaced with a fresh set of purple sheets and her pillows and comforter, also in purple, were neatly set and ready for her. Other things in the room were a frame that contained a few medals, a sizable hologram projector, and a music system. Her personal vibrorapier was set, sheathed, onto an unobtrusive wall-mount. A nightstand with a holographic clock stood next to the bed with her hold-out blaster sitting on it. Apparently one her the servants had placed it there when they changed the sheets and replaced the light fixture. Relina noticed it straightaway.

She checked the charge on it, with a hint of suspicion, but found nothing wrong. She'd place it under her pillow where she usually kept it. Next, she'd turn on some soft, romantic music before going into the closet to change her clothes. When she emerged a few minutes later, her hair was down to its full length and she wore only a brief purple nighty of Lashaa silk. It was like this she would approach Josh, reaching out gently to start removing his shirt while leaning up to finally press her lips to his.

((Fade the scene to black.... Fade in to the next morning))
 
It had been a long and rather physical night. He honestly couldn't recall the last time that anyone had the stamina to keep up with him, or at least somewhat. Granted, it had been years since he had dealt in a physical encounter such as this to begin with, so maybe he was just overthinking things. He couldn't remember all the fine details, he couldn't remember how long the night had gone on, he just knew it had been a long and exhausting night. There used to be a joke, started by one Miss Ijet, citing "Do you want to ride the Dragon?" in reference to his ship, but was often taken out of context due to his last name. All he knew was, he was pretty sure that Relina had indeed taken a ride on the Dragon. Maybe he'd take her for a tour of his ship too at some point?

The Jedi would sit up in bed, letting out a light groan from his aching muscles as he would crack his neck and look around, his expression showing obvious confusion for a moment as to why he wasn't in his room. The memories of the night prior came rushing back, and he looked over to see the sleeping Relina. The Jedi took a deep breath, and scratched his head a little. Well, chit.

He would slip on the garments on his lower body and slip out of bed, deciding to go for a walk to clear his head. He felt he wouldn't need a shirt, he needed to cool down anyway and the constant weather of Gallinore wouldn't allow for it to come as quickly with his top half covered. He doubted anyone of importance would be up and about to care if he was shirtless anyways.
 

Relina Zhan

Ducha of Gallinore, "Apollyon the Slayer"
[member="Joshua DragonsFlame"]

Relina stirred as Josh got up. Her eyes fluttered open as he went on his walk. Alone in her room, still in bed and partially covered by her comforter, she saw her nighty at the foot of the bed. She was still in the nude from the night before. A small smile crossed her lips as she sat up. Her own memory of the night before made her feel better about what lay ahead. She got up and would go to shower.

After bathing, she would go to her closet and after several minutes, emerged dressed in her full Military Dress Blues. She'd then proceed to dry her hair, put it up in a tight bun, and completed the outfit with her uniform beret. A little perfume and a tiny bit of make-up for accent and she was ready. She'd simply take her vibrorapier and attached it to her belt before double-checking that she had a pair of sunglasses, commlink, and her security wallet on her person as well.

Relina would then head out to eat breakfast, preparing herself mentally for the visit to the Temple before reporting to base.
 
At some point between then and when Relina had gone to eat, the Jedi Master had finished his walk, getting his bearings as he did, and gone and showered as well as dressed himself into his own attire, seeing as the formal, more noble attire from yesterday had been used... Well, yesterday. Couldn't exactly wear the same thing two days in a row, especially in front of royalty. Or nobility. Or whatever the hell Relina was at this point. Sure, his current attire wasn't near as fancy, but he preferred common courtesy over looking extra spiffy.

He would meet her there, after being informed by a servant that breakfast would be ready soon. Thank the Force he had dressed by then. Only Relina would be allowed to see a half naked Jedi in this palace, he hoped. Well, he supposed Aless as well, considering the whole hot tub thing.

As they met in the dining area, he would smile and wave casually. He didn't really know what to say, to be honest.

[member="Relina Zhan"]
 

Relina Zhan

Ducha of Gallinore, "Apollyon the Slayer"
[member="Joshua DragonsFlame"]

"Good morning." she greeted him. She'd remove her beret as she sat down. Food was already served for them. Aless wasn't present, apparently taking her's in her office.

She offered Josh an affectionate smile. "I haven't been to the Temple since my mother died. I am just wondering what Mother Skye will think when I suddenly appear after all this time." she said, poking at her breakfast. It involved eggs, bacon, and a bread product resembling a fluffy biscuit dripping with what appeared to be some sort of gravy. Of course, her customary cup of caff, lightly tanned, steamed gently.
 
"Morning" He would respond politely as he would sit down, letting out a yawn. Even with the sleep he'd had after their little night outing, the lack of sleep the last couple before that had still added up to a tired tired Jedi Master. But he would still smile in turn as he would note that the food had already arrived.

He would listen to her speak, and nodded as he would poke at his own breakfast. Eggs, bacon and buttered toast on his end. Before he ate though, he'd look over at her. "I'm sure she'll wonder why the hell you brought a man the size of a Wookiee with you" He joked before digging in.

[member="Relina Zhan"]
 

Relina Zhan

Ducha of Gallinore, "Apollyon the Slayer"
[member="Joshua DragonsFlame"]

Relina laughed. "Perhaps. Mother Skye is the head priestess of our local Temple. She's been an authority there since I was a little girl. She is very compassionate, soft-spoken, and acts much like one's actual mother, complete with the loving sternness when one neglects the Mass." she said.

She paused to eat. "So, I fear I won't hear the end of it from her for missing two years of Mass and having become disillusioned with my faith with all that has happened between the war and my mother. However, I doubt she will mind you being there." With that, she'd start on her caff.
 
"So is this the part where she asks why you've brought a boy into the Temple, all motherly-like?" The Jedi would joke in turn with a cheeky grin crossing his lips. Well, at least the night before, as well as the ordeals that had preceded it, hadn't effected his sense of humor whatsoever. In a palace full of stuffy people, SOMEONE had to have some humor, after all. Otherwise the place would be incredibly dull, and.... Well... Horrifically stuffy, once again.

Though he nodded when she gave her idea of what she would likely actually say. "Fair enough" He said. "When she goes off at you for missing mass, do I stand there all stoic-like and pretend I'm disapproving, or am I allowed to act freely and laugh while she does it?" He would inquire, half-jokingly before digging eagerly into his food. Apparently he had a big appetite after last night.

[member="Relina Zhan"]
 

Relina Zhan

Ducha of Gallinore, "Apollyon the Slayer"
[member="Joshua DragonsFlame"]

Relina shrugged. "Fair question, to which I ask another: Shall I laugh if and when another Jedi Master lets you have it for something in your history or shall I likewise stand stoically, shaking my head in disapproval?" she asked with a hint of sarcasm. "Truly, I don't mind whichever way. I didn't originally intend to go there this morning, but my sister is right. I haven't been to my Mother's memorial lately, either, which was erected in the Temple's courtyard. Being that I'm about to again knowingly go into conflict, I'd be doing a disservice to my family if i did not." she added matter-of-factly.

She'd then go silent to finish breakfast.
 
The Jedi stopped eating for a moment and shrugged. "As far as I care, they can shove their lectures, they've done enough head shaking at me to last a lifetime" He would admit with a roll of his eyes. "They don't like me all that much, if I haven't made that clear enough to you, hun. They like to do things their way... And I do things my way. They go by a new testament, and I.... Well, I prefer the way it was when I was active with them" He would add.

"Oh, she's literally your mother?" He would inquire. "Figured she was a figure of worship that had mother for a name" He would admit. But with that, he shrugged again and returned to his food.

[member="Relina Zhan"]
 

Relina Zhan

Ducha of Gallinore, "Apollyon the Slayer"
[member="Joshua DragonsFlame"]

Relina shook her head. "No.. Mother, in the Wayist faith, is the title for Temple's High Priestess. Those beneath her are called "Sisters" in contrast. Males of the Temple are called "Brother". Mother Skye isn't my literal mother, but she is revered as one by Saint Clavelle's Basilica's parishioners. My actual Mother is dead by the hand of an assassin, thought to be my Father, although it isn't proven in a court of law." she said. "Religion has been firmly intertwined with my family's lineage, as the ancestral matriarch of House Zhan is the same Saint Clavelle whose name is found everywhere in Dimitor... in case you were wondering why that name keeps cropping up. Saint Clavelle is considered a hero of Gallinore, although she wasn't originally born here nor in the Hapes Cluster for that matter."

Relina would sip her caff, checking the time on her comm. They had a few minutes before Relina had to face the Temple Mother and offer her prayer to a goddess.
 
"You really need to be more specific in future, darling" The Jedi would joke in turn with a light laugh. "First I thought it was a religious figure, then you made it seem like it was your actual mother, and now it's the opposite again" He teased, though frowned when she mentioned her mother had been assassinated, and presumably so was her father. "I'm sorry" He spoke quietly, bowing his head. And with that he would return to eating, before long it being time to go and he didn't want to go on an empty stomach.

He gazed over at the clock after every little bit to make sure.

[member="Relina Zhan"]
 

Relina Zhan

Ducha of Gallinore, "Apollyon the Slayer"
[member="Joshua DragonsFlame"]

Relina nodded. "It's alright." she replied. "Being a Duchal family connected to the Temple for all of our history, my concerns are largely for public appearance, really. It isn't what faith is about and frankly, I lost mine when my Mother died shortly after the conflict I fought in. My father is missing and heavens know where he went or if he lives still." she admitted.

She stood up shortly after, handing the used dining ware to one of the stewards before turning to Josh. "Shall we go?" she asked.
 
He nodded in turn. "For the longest time, before the whole Grandmaster ordeal, the Jedi were my family. I lost mine when I was young" He would explain as he got to his feet. "My brother and my father are out there somewhere, I've found out in recent years, but I have no contact with other one" Josh would add, scratching his head.

"For my brother... Well, I don't know if I'll ever have contact ever again" He would admit quietly.

"Yeah. Let's go" He said as he started to walk, a little quieter then before.

[member="Relina Zhan"]
 

Relina Zhan

Ducha of Gallinore, "Apollyon the Slayer"
Change We Must (Jon and Vangelis)

Relina would take Josh with her to Saint Clavelle's Basilica in downtown Dimitor. The front courtyard itself had large and ornate memorial slabs of polished black basalt, each carved with many names in the brushstroke-looking Hapan script. The shape of the large slabs themselves were angular, like rhomboids. In their midst was a three metre obelisk with a blue flame at the top. Relina stopped before one of the slabs in particular.

"These stones are the memorial for the last war. Men and women i served with, whose bodies may never be recovered, are immortalised here." she said, as she placed a hand gently upon a slab that had the name of her former flight-lead on it. Her head dipped as her eyes closed in remembrance. Sometimes, she could almost see the servicemen and women named thereon in the polished stone, as ghostly reflections.

She'd reach with her other hand for Josh's.

[member="Joshua DragonsFlame"]
 
He came with her, listening as she would explain the past that came with these stones. It was a war memorial... Interesting. He noted that it seemed to serve as a grave reminder for her, and when she reached for his hand, he took a deep breath as he took hers in his, squeezing it gently.

"The Jedi usually burn their dead. Though other times, we bury them. It depends from Temple to Temple" The Jedi Master would explain, biting his lip. "I've lost a great deal of people... Both Jedi and not so..."

He stared down at the ground a moment.

"Alei... Talli... Asha...."

He flinched a little.

"Sao...."

He breathed. "Death is a part of life..." He spoke quietly. "The hardest part of life there is...."

[member="Relina Zhan"]
 

Relina Zhan

Ducha of Gallinore, "Apollyon the Slayer"
[member="Joshua DragonsFlame"]

Relina nodded. "... Perhaps. Although it is hard to cope at times." she said. After a moment, she would release the slab of black basalt and would turn to the obelisk with the flame at its apex. It had a smaller rhomboid slab of polished black basalt with an inscription engraved into its inclined upper surface. The script was cursive Hapan calligraphy.

"This one is for my mother... an eternal flame... lit the day she was entombed in our family's mausoleum. I personally brought light to it... and I can still hear the bagpipes every time I look upon it." she said.

Relina would read it first in mellifluous Hapan before translating, "The Fire of Passion, The Light of Wisdom. The Warmth of Spirit. Dedicated to Ducha Anastasia Zhan the Fifth. May the gods grant unto her eternal rest and may perpetual light shine upon her."

As Relina finished reading the foreign script to Josh, an older woman dressed in a modest, but comfortable white wrap-around dress and white silver-trimmed and sashed robes, her graying dark-red hair partially wrapped neatly in a white hair-wrap scarf. She might have passed almost for an Old Republic Jedi Librarian if she only had a lightsabre. She stopped her approach with her hands at her hips, tapping a sandaled foot expectantly, and a sombre, yet authoritative look upon her face. Her age was indeterminate by looks alone, the grey streaks in her auburn hair being the only clue. She didn't have alot in the way of wrinkles, incidentally. For the most part, Hapans aged well.

"Here you are, child..." She said in Hapan. She then glanced to Josh, somehow seeming to know he wasn't a local. She switched to thickly accented Basic. ".. and you bring with you a suitor, no? You miss two years of Mass and then bring to Holy Ground a male I trust you wish to wed?" The woman's tone was firm, but not overtly angry. Rather, it was somewhat reminiscent of Alessandra's tone when harping on Relina for still being single at her age. It was easy to make this assumption when the two were holding hands.

"Mother Skye.... Forgive me.. I-" Relina began, making a gesture with her right hand, necessitating that she let go of Josh's, where she tapped her left and right shoulders, then her forehead, in that order.

"- None of your excuses. It isn't my forgiveness you should be seeking, dear one." she said calmly.

The fact she was saying this in Basic was embarrassing to Relina, but she knew this or something like it was coming.
 
"Indeed...." He spoke quietly, knowing she was hurting as much as he was on the topic of loss. He took a deep breath, loss wasn't a subject that he wanted to focus on anymore. There were just too many painful memories that came with them. He had to focus on the now. He knew that. He knew he needed to focus on the here and the now, or fall into despair from the events of the past.

As she finished her reading, he noted a woman coming over. He would remain quiet as the woman would lambast Relina for bringing a male, presumably a suitor there. "I uh..." He began, but couldn't find the words. He bit his lip and just stared at the ground. Holding her hand, this was a rather precarious position to be found in, indeed.

He scratched his head as he would look at Relina, not sure how to answer this at all.

[member="Relina Zhan"]
 

Relina Zhan

Ducha of Gallinore, "Apollyon the Slayer"
[member="Joshua DragonsFlame"]

"Come, dear ones." The Priestess said calmly. "I will hear your confession after your prayer."

Relina followed the woman into the Temple proper, past a statue that looked much like the one in the grand hall of the Duchal palace. Relina leaned over to touch the blessed water of the reflecting pool around the statue of Saint Clavelle, the patron saint and founder of the City of Dimitor. There was a fountain at the base of the statue that filtered and circulated this water as well. Her fingertips wet with what some might call 'holy water', she would repeat the gesture she made moments before, tapping first her left shoulder, then her right, then finally her forehead.

In the inner sanctum of the cathedral, the Ducha drew her sword slowly and knelt in the midst of three statues, statues of women different from that of the saint. They were labelled in Hapan script the names of three principal goddesses. The one on the left was of a woman in light armour with a loose cloak and what appeared to be a book in one hand. There was a sword at her hip and her facial expression was calm and studious. The Goddess of Wisdom, the Mind, and Justice. Athena.

To her right was a woman in thin, transient garments, her long wavy hair loose, and seemed almost to be frozen in the middle of a dance of some sort. She had wide hips, bare feet, and her lips seemed on the verge of puckering for a kiss. There was also some obvious cleavage at her chest. The Goddess of Love, the Body, and Sexuality. Aphrodite.

Finally, in front of Relina was a feminine form that was wrapped in what appeared to be a stone rendition of a thick mist, her face beautiful, but less defined than the others. Her misty arms were wrapped around her chest gently while the lower half of her body was completely undefined and shouded in the same sculpted cloud. Even her hair was misty and chaotic. The Goddess of Life, Death, and Rebirth, The Spirit, and of Destiny. Hera.

Relina's sword point gently touched the marble floor, her hands on the hilt as she prayed in silence. She took close to twenty minutes like this.

To Josh, Mother Skye would speak after giving him a once over. "You aren't a local gentleman, are you, dear one? I saw that incident on the news the other day. Your intervention on behalf of Ducha Zhan is no coincidence. Destiny brought you here for a purpose..." she said cryptically.
 
The Jedi didn't respond to the woman's words, just nodded and followed along. He didn't feel like this was his discussion to have, after all. This was Relina's thing, not his. He was just the observer, the guest. He silently noted the area, the statues, and their significance. Or at least, the significance that he could find. To be quite frank, Hapan culture was new to him. Well, not as new as someone who had never been there before. He knew a good deal, but in comparison to a local, he knew absolutely nothing and he was absolutely aware of that. He hadn't really studied it, and considering his schedule, could you really blame him?

When he was finally spoken to by the older woman, who had given him a once over and then spoke, he would raise an eyebrow as she gave her cryptic remarks. "Not local, no. I'm a Nabooian" He would explain. "I've been Force'ing it my entire life pretty much, and even I didn't sense that this was some sort of destiny" The Jedi would joke, scratching his head. "I think I was just here at the right place, at the right time. But if you think there's destiny at work, feel free to elaborate."

[member="Relina Zhan"]
 

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