Magic Mushrooms [Valae]

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Firm fingers rub his bearded chin as the new Iron Legion Praetor looked over the roster of the Iron Legion. He had been going over much data and documents most of the day some of which could be delegated to staff. There was much to be done to establish the Legion more and many people would need to fill some of the roles to help run the place. They had a firm base on which to grow from but there was an obvious gap in the roster that was of paramount importance to them. They lacked someone skilled in the art of force healing.

Theo pushed back his chair and threw his pen across his desk. Several people came to mind, but there was only one of them that he truly trusted, [member="Valae Kitra"], his father previous padawan and Theo’s friend who he had not seen since Zak’s wedding which had been a couple of years ago now.

It was time to find her again, and so a message was sent to the Silver Order in hopes that she was back somewhere in Silver Space. She was.. he was informed she was on Felucia.

Felucia

Midday, his ship landed just outside the small farming village where he was to find Val. Even on the mildest day this planet is stifling hot and today was no different, there would be no need for his thick fur cloak of Illum, a white shirt and brown trousers was is uniform for the day.

In a nearby field farmers worked the land, their heads lifting from their labour briefly to take interest in the stranger but there has been many strangers visiting of late and now the novelty had worn off. He walked down the small street, stopped at the well to partake of a mug of water but his eyes scanner the area hoping to catch sight of her.

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Valae Kitra tugged at the chin strap of her large-brimmed sunhat. It was another hot and humid day on the jungle planet of Felucia. Though, the heat really wasn’t that much of a bother… the humidity was another story. Pushing up to stand, she stretched her back and let her gaze wander the vast field. She had been staying with a local tribe for some weeks now, helping to tend to their latest crop of Nysillin. The harvest time was here now and the mature plants were now being removed by the careful hands of the Felucians. It was a most important harvest for the tribe, for the plant was known for its special healing properties.

Her attention shifted as a green-skinned Felucian approached. Valae offered a kind smile and a polite nod to him. They were quite used to visitors now, and the Jedi were even a fairly familiar sight to them. Though, Valae was unlike the other Jedi that they had met, for she did not wear the robes so emblematic of their order and she did not wear a saber. Dressed in a tank top and a pair of cargo pants that she’d cut off at the knee, she looked much like a farm worker and fit in quite well here. The tribe member set a large bundle of Nysillin on Valae’s back, and her hands reached up to hold onto the basket’s woven straps. Hunched forward slightly, Valae started off back towards the village.

It wasn’t a terribly long walk, but the added weight of the bundle of plants didn’t make it easy. But after ten minutes or so, she emerged from the jungle. Panting, she set the large basket down on the ground. As she straightened up again, her brown eyes narrowed slightly. There was something strangely familiar. With hands on her hips, Valae let her gaze scan the area. Almost immediately, her eyes locked with a set of blue eyes across the way.

“Well, I’ll be…” Her mouth curled into a bright smile, and she called out: “[member="Théodred Heavenshield"], is that you!?”

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

He didn't worry about a little of the water spilling down his chin to his chest, it helped cool him off from the humidity but as he was about to finish the water his eyes found her. Walking toward him across the field carrying a basket. He smiled as he quickly rinsed the mug and replaced it, and he heard her yell out. "Valae Kitra it most certainly is!", he yelled back followed by a laugh as he strode toward her. She had not changed a bit to his delight.

As he neared long swooping arms wrapped around her and lifted her off the ground in a hug and kissing her cheek, "It is good to see you", he said with a broad smile before placing her back to ground. "You are well I take it?". Without a second thought, Theo picked up the laden basket and slung it over his broad shoulders with ease to carry for her and turned to head toward the village once more. "I don't suppose you have been riding rancors lately?". How old had they been that mission day with father and the rampaging rancor, it seemed like a life time ago.

They walked back through the small village with all their domed homes among the fields, he could see children playing around the sheds, men and women at work storing the harvest and while others packed and readied the crop for transport. He understood why Val was here, no doubt here for work or experiments or maybe it was just time off and this was her way to relax, he would have to find out which. "The planet is really rather extraordinary", he said the words of his mind out loud rather then making comment about what he sees. But the words true enough as he looked up along the ridge to see the exotic plant life so very different to the likes of Midvinter.

​

[member="Valae Kitra"]​

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Valae took a few steps forward to greet her good friend, and soon found herself scooped up into his arms. She laughed and hugged his broad shoulders. After being placed back down on solid ground, she took a moment to take in Theo’s appearance. It was almost unreal to see the tall man that stood before her -- she had to crane her head up towards the sky to see his bearded face. The memories of their last trip to Felucia were still alive in her mind; she could see young Theo quite vividly. Valae still remembered that spirited and curious boy, but she knew that she had to accept the fact that he had grown up.

“It’s good to see you, too.” She grinned. “Mmhmm, I’m doin’ just fine. Hope you are, too!”

She watched as he lifted the basket of Nysillin with ease, and walked on at his side. Even though the years had separated them, it felt like they'd never been apart. She would always have a special place in her heart for the members of the Heavenshield family, but she had always been especially fond of Theo. Valae shook her head at the mention of rancors.

“No rancor riding this time, I’m afraid. But now that you’re here…” She said in jest, and nudged him with her elbow.

As they neared the clusters of small huts, many of the Felucians greeted the two warmly. When Theo spoke again, Valae took a moment to gaze out towards the jungle. Indeed it was an extraordinary planet, she’d seen none like during her travels. Of course, she had never dreamed of returning, but here she was… And now, Theo was here, too. The curiosity tugged at her mind.

“You’re right, Felucia is somethin' special. But, I must say that I wasn’t expecting to see you here -- a pleasant surprise nonetheless. Care to get out of the sun for a spell?”

She motioned towards a small hut, the one she had been staying in for the past few weeks. It wasn’t much, but it would offer them a bit of privacy and shelter from the heat.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

His face was hurting from the grinning, so pleased to see her as he was, and a laugh was prompted from him at the mention of seeking out a rancor and a sharp jab in the ribs. "Tempting", he said in truth. "Although I don't fancy seeing you all covered in spittle again". [SIZE=10.5pt][/SIZE]

“I would be very good to get out of this heat”, Théo never had liked the heat although his Valkyri blood can tolerate it to a point. As they reached her abode and entered, unsure of where to place the basket he left it by the door. [SIZE=10.5pt][/SIZE]

“Nice place Val”, he said looking about and enjoying the sudden change of temperature. It was a humble place, which did not surprise Théo as Val had never been one for grand positions although he suspected that she would probably have a more well appointed home elsewhere.

“Yes I suppose it is a surprise I am here, and I have come to talk to you about something .. as well as to see you”, he grinned, both was true as he always enjoyed her company. “But tell me, what are you doing here? I take it the reason is not only to help the farmers with their harvest”.

​

[member="Valae Kitra"][SIZE=10.5pt][/SIZE]​

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

As they ducked into the small hut, Valae bent to scoop various pieces of dirty clothing up off the floor. She deposited them towards the outer edge of the dwelling and out of the way. There was a small bedroll off to the side, along with some personal belongings, and a couple of cushions near the middle that served as a sitting area. Valae lowered herself down onto one of the small cushions and extended a hand as she motioned for Theo to take a seat.

“It is quite homey, isn’t it?” She smiled brightly.

Valae shifted slightly and pulled her legs in to sit cross-legged, her hands came to rest on her knees. She regretted that she had so little to offer as a hostess, not even small snack. It had been days since she'd consumed the last of her private stash of crisps. But she was sure that Theo would understand. A content sigh escaped her lips. No matter how she enjoyed traveling about, it was nice to be in the company of a friend. Her brows arched with interest as Theo spoke and her head tilted to the side.

“Well, I do appreciate that you came all this way to see me. As to my purpose here, I’m here to learn. I wanted to see the healing properties of the Nysillin for myself and understand how it all works. Figured it might come in handy – I always did find healing fascinating. ”

A small silence slipped between them, and Valae's hands fidgeted with the hem of her shirt. Her posture relaxed, even to the point of appearing slightly slouched.

“Admittedly, I’ve lost my way – and I’m trying to find my place in the galaxy again."

Her eyes shifted down towards her lap and a rosy color touched her face.

"Goodness, look at me ramblin’…”

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

He turned away from Val as she bustled about cleaning the place and took great interest in some of her knick-knacks on a side board in order to give her time to do it. As she spoke of healing and her interest in it, Theo's eyes flashed to the basket by the door, it was never one of his interests, but the depth of skill required for such an art is complex and deep and one that is of great value in the galaxy at large, not simply for the Jedi.

Finally, he sensed she had done with her work and turned to find her seated on the floor among some cushions beckoning him to join her there. He smiled and did just that, not sitting cross legged as his frame is too bulky for that, instead he stretched out his legs, leaned back and used his arms to prop himself up. He remained in silence for a moment, thinking over the time he too had been lost after the death of his grandpapa. The Gods know just how much that grieved his family to see he leave and wander the galaxy alone without their protection. But he had too in order to find his way back to them and to his purpose.

"I understand this better then you know", he said softly in retrospection. "I think, everyone goes through this at some point in their lives. Some don't recognise it, the more clever ones do", he looked up into her eyes and smiled. "And you can ramble on as much as you like, and I will listen". He noticed her blush, and reached out to take her hand, his thumb gently caressing the back of her hand.

"Have you heard of the Iron Empire Val?", he suddenly asked and now about to get down to business. Most likely she had, but he did not know her true depth of knowledge, "I am apart of them now, they are not so different from the Silvers, in the sense their purpose is to protect those that they protect from threat .. they may do things differently to the Order but the philosophy is the same". He released her hand pulled up his legs to his chest holding them in place with his arms.

"There is a group in the ranks of the Empire called the Iron Legion, made up of force users and it is our job to help the Empire protect the people. And this is the reason I have come to you Val, we need a healer among our ranks". He knew of the desire of Lady [member="Aster Rose Baelor"], to begin such a branch in the Empire and she would need help. Aster's intentions are the same as Theo's but Aster is not strong enough in the force, nor trained at this point and Valae would be ideal to help her with all this. "I am asking you to consider coming to the Iron Empire and help in establishing our healers".

​

[member="Valae Kitra"]​

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Valae gave Theo’s palm a brief squeeze before he withdrew his hand. She supposed that he was right; everyone goes through their own trials. Everyone had to feel lost at some point, perhaps it was a bit of a rite of passage. But she knew that people generally came out of these spells better than before, it was just a matter of time and effort. And as for Valae, she was feeling ready to bring her days of aimless wandering to an end. It would be nice to find purpose again, and settle down for a spell. That way, she could truly continue her studies and concentrate her efforts towards a concrete goal.

Theo’s kind words were followed by a question. Valae furrowed her brow in thought, and she searched the depths of her most recent recollections. Indeed she had heard the name Iron Empire spoken around the Silver Temple, they were a valuable ally, as she understood it. Leaning forward, Valae listened closely as Theo provided an explanation. And as it stood, it seemed that the Iron Empire’s philosophy aligned with that of the Silver Jedi -- and her own. But she wasn't quite sure where this was leading...

“I see,” She said, studying Theo’s face for a moment and tapping an index finger on her chin.

And the words Theo spoke next made her chestnut eyes grow wide. Valae blinked hard. She reached up and scratched her head, ruffling her mess of brown waves.

“Y-you want me to join?” She opened her mouth again, but pressed her lips closed. Valae never had been one to make snap decisions. In fact, at times it was difficult for her to make a decision at all. She always questioned herself, the lack of confidence always made her unsure. Helping to set up a branch healers was quite an attractive offer, but it also seemed an important role. Would she fold under the pressure? Would she still be allowed to work alongside the Silvers? She drew in a breath and held it. This simple action allowed her enough time to collect herself.

“I’m flattered, Theo.” Valae said with a hint of a grin. “Really, I am. But why me? Surely there must be someone better suited for such a role.” She let her chestnut eyes meet his blue orbs. “And I’m curious, why the Iron Empire? What drew you to them?”

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

"That is an easy question to answer Val", he looked into her eyes, "I ask you because I trust you". There are many healers he had known through his time with the Silver Jedi and those healers associated with them, but a level of trust was something he had not established with them. The Silver Jedi he trusted beyond anything, but their ranks in the healing arts had diminished and some had left to venture on their own. Valae may not consider herself the strongest of them all, but with training and self exploration in these skills, she would become one of the strongest. Of that he had no doubt.

"I don't expect you to give me an answer now, I understand you must take time to consider this proposal. But if you do come it could only be of benefit to you, to us and the Silver Jedi". She would not need to leave that world behind, having a constant connection to Jedi is important for all Jedi. "Valae I believe you have more talent in the arts of healing then even you know and I hope that through this venture you will discover this for yourself. I am not after power, but dedication and you have that in spades".

Her next question was much harder for him to answer. Why the Iron Empire? why leave the Silver Order?

He pulled in a long breathe while rubbing the back of his neck contemplating his answer. "Well, as I told you they are similar but I wanted to establish a place for myself. Not that it is demanded of me, but the Heavenshield name has .. attachments. In the sense of what is to be expected of me. Mother and father did not place these pressures on me .. I did". He smiled at her knowing that his reasoning to be floored. And recently he had addressed this pressure placed on himself. "I wanted to get away from that, and I guess I reached for the most far away place I could find", he even laughed considering the distance between the two groups. "I left for the wrong reasons, but as it turned out .. it was the right decision".

​

[member="Valae Kitra"]​

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Learning that she had earned Theo’s trust was enough to make Valae’s eyes grow a bit misty. She turned her head to the side for a brief moment, just long enough to blink the tears back behind her lashes. Deep inside, there was hope and inspiration beginning to blossom. It was a nice feeling. A hand rose to her chest, where she gave her heart a pat with the palm of her hand.

“That means quite a lot to me, Theo.” She smiled, “And for the record, I trust you, too.”

Valae stayed quiet for the next few moments, turning the possibilities over in her mind. The usual fears of being crushed beneath responsibilities were present, as were the worries of failure. However, the encouraging words spoken by her friend were enough to cast her doubts aside. It was time to act. Determination stirred within, she would not turn tail and run in the opposite direction – she would face this head on.

Her eyes softened as Theo revealed his reason for joining the Iron Empire. It was true; the Heavenshield name was well-known throughout the galaxy. Valae could imagine that it would be difficult to step out from behind the shadow of his mother and father. Though Theo had broken free – she had a feeling that he was still destined for greatness. And in this light, he reminded Valae of her former master.

“It sounds like you made the right choice for you.” She offered a firm nod, “And I need to do the same.”

Valae extended her hand to Theo.

“I would be happy to help. Just let me know what I need to do, and it’ll be done.”

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]