Private Many Facets Illuminate the Soul

[Lysander von Ascania]

Corazona von Ascania

"Very well then...how do Ewoks communicate over long distances?" Pause for dramatic effect. "E-wokkie talkies."

Cora's reaction caused a swarm of warmth to kindle in Lysander's chest, and he felt a rare, but genuine rush of happiness embrace him; his sister's well being meant the galaxy to him. Still, it took a long moment to actually absorb the sentiment, then realizing that it was something that had been missing from his heart for way too long.

A more secretive grin suddenly flashed across his face, lighting up the boy’s innocent features in ways that only an adoring little brother could understand. It was a light saved for those within his inner circle.

Lysander's eyes widened when she offered her own next; and then, as if in sync with her amusement, a giggle bubbled up from his throat. “Cora.. seriously? That is so corny! But I guess if anyone could make an Ewok joke work.. it’s definitely you.”

Everything felt lighter now.

Shaking his head slightly, but still chuckling from her joke, Lysander would finally shift back into a relaxed posture. Crossing his arms, he stepped aside in dramatic fashion, as if he had no choice but to grant her entry to the kyber crystal cave now. “Alright.. you win. But you probably shouldn’t tell any more jokes in there.. I don’t want the crystals to start laughing at us.”

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Cora tsked. It was done in such a way that made the admonishment sound overly dramatic.

"You underestimate me, dear brother."

As Lysander stepped out of her path, Cora bent at the waist and gave him a mock bow, hand pressed to her heart. When she straightened, she was smiling.

The cave was narrow and dark, but they'd only walked for half a minute before a soft glow began to emanate ahead of them. When they stepped into the chamber, Cora's breath hitched. It was just as she'd remembered it.

Crystals of all colors and sizes clustered along the walls and ceiling. In the center of the room, a small pool of still water reflected their multicolored glow.

Cora closed her eyes. She could still see the light of the crystals, dancing blue and green and purple, over her eyelids. A slow, deep inhale of stale air was surprisingly not uncomfortable.

"I have been here before," she said softly. "Years ago."

Cora reached into her pocket and withdrew a small circular trinket. She ran her thumb along the rose gold border, then over the clear resin at the middle.

"I made this for you,"

She held it out to Lysander. "Dried bota blossoms. It's said that they help Jedi connect with the Force, but even if they don't...I still find them quite pretty."

Cora smiled, a little wistful, but still proud of the young man that her brother had grown into. He still had so much further to go, too. "With things the way they are, we may not see each other for some time. I hope they bring you peace, and remind you who you are in times of strife."

Lysander von Ascania

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Corazona von Ascania

"..your power?" he murmured, as if he were finishing his sister’s sentence. With a charming grin that could tame a womp rat, Lysander quickly trailed after her.

The beauty of the crystals, pulsing with a life of their own, was undeniable, but also haunting.

With every inhale, the dark emotions began to swell, but he tried to brush them aside, as if they were nothing more than whispers. It wasn’t fear of the cave itself; rather, it was the fear of what was currently lurking inside. The boy hadn't yet learned how to harness them, and they seemed to amplify with each crystal they passed by.

Lysander took another deep breath, attempting to brush aside the growing discomfort.

He tried telling himself it was just the atmosphere, that perhaps the cave was just playing tricks on him.

Just as it threatened to send him to the unknown, his sister’s voice cut through the darkness like a familiar heartbeat; a soothing flow that guided him back to being calm, as it had done so many times before.

When she revealed the trinket, warmth spread from his soul to his fingers; cradling it gently, he examined its details. His mind’s eye conjured images of shared laughter, random adventures, and most importantly, the understanding that came so easily between the two blondes.

“Cora,” he whispered, a smile surfacing. “It’s perfect, like you!”

Carefully clasping the chain around his neck, he allowed the trinket to rest over his heart; it felt like the warmth of his sibling's love radiated from it. “If I ever lose my way, I can just look at the Bota flowers, and they’ll help me find my path again. Right?”

Impulsively, Lysander stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her. “You’re the best sister in all the galaxy.” His tone was both warm and sincere. But then, a spark of mischievousness ignited within, and he tightened the squeeze to assert some brotherly dominance. "Looks like I'm not the little brother anymore, huh?! I might even be able to take down a Sith or two if they ever try to cross me!"

A few seconds later, he released his hold.

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Kyber crystals had the ability to sharpen a Jedi's focus. Having so many clustered in one spot could be overwhelming, chilling that focus into something more unnerving.

Lysander's discomfort seemed to melt away as Cora presented him with the charm. Behind her soft laugh were shining eyes, pleased that he did not think the bota blossoms silly or gaudy.

"I don't know about perfect, but I meditated over them for quite a while. Perhaps if you decide to make a poor choice, you'll hear me giving a lecture in your head."

She chuckled quietly, knowing that her admonishments never went far with Lysander. He'd always been more curious than she, more willing to bend or even break the rules when deemed necessary.

"Oh-!" she squeaked as he stepped forward, wrapped his arms around her and squeezed. Cora embraced him back before her hands went to his shoulders, though she did not attempt to pry him from her person just yet.

Who knew if this would be the last time they'd hug?

"You may have gotten taller and stronger than me, but you'll always be my little brother. And if any Sith tries to take you from me, I will remove them from this plane of existence."

She smiled as they parted. “We’ve completed our task here. We do not have to remain in this cave - there’s another for us to investigate a few miles down the shore.”

Lysander von Ascania

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Corazona von Ascania

While Lysander may have stood a few inches taller than his sister now, a childish admiration began to etch into every single line of his face. A soft curve of the boy's lips followed, and the look in his eyes suggested he still saw the same sister who'd guided him during childhood. For an instant, as he absorbed her words, it pulled back his layers and transformed him back into the small kid always trailing behind in her shadow.

His hand instinctively brushed against the trinket that now outlined against the lavish fabric of his tunic. It felt as if their conversation outside of the cave had never taken place, and there was no denying he felt safe in her presence. “I know you would,” he said warmly.

As they stepped out from the cave, the Padawan filled his lungs with fresh air. Strolling towards their horses, something struck him, and he chuckled softly. “Let’s be real though,” he started, tucking a stray strand of blonde hair behind his ear. “If I start receiving lectures in my head, I’m totally going to find a way to reach out through the Force and annoy you during your meditation.”

The peace found in his sister's presence was showed from his unhurried pace. Nostalgia sometimes threatened to overwhelm him when he was back home.

“So, is there anything else you plan to do while you’re here? Maybe.. something cooler than trying to pass on more Jedi wisdom to me.”

The Padawan cast a sidelong glance at Cora. “By the way, are you up for a visit to the market in Axilla before I leave? There’s this special tea blend I’ve just been dying to find. You know me, Cora, I totally need to take a bit of Ukatis back with me!”

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

"Mm, I don't doubt that you'd find a way."

Necessity was the mother of invention. Even if that necessity was to annoy her, something in Cora told her that she'd appreciate the contact. She held herself in the moment; the soft crunch of sand beneath her boots, the invigorating sea breeze ruffling blonde hair, and of course, the company of her brother.

Nari and Hera had been content to graze on the vegetation that edged the far borders of the beach. Cora looked out toward the ocean, watching as the waves churned and the crashed against the shore, white froth darkening the sand beneath it.

"There are still several more caves to document. We might be on Ukatis, but this is still an assignment." Cora clicked her tongue and she climbed into Hera's saddle and directed the mare in a slow trot along the beach. "However, we would be remiss if we did not visit the capital. Axilla has been rebuilding, and it is our duty as native Ukatians to support the economy of our people."

The edges of Cora's lips ticked upward only slightly, but her eyes sparkled. The golden light of the setting sun shone around her silhouette as she suddenly tugged back on Hera's reins. The mare let out a whinny as she reared her front legs in the air, illuminating both woman and horse.

Then, the pair took off in a wild gallop down the beach. Like bells nudging the wind, laughter followed Cora's playful challenge to Lysander.

Lysander von Ascania

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Corazona von Ascania

Lysander felt a surge of joy welling up within him from the enthusiasm radiating from his sister. Her energy was like rays from the sun, igniting a familiar spark in him, as he was now ready to embrace this new adventure to the capital.

With a sudden grin, he nudged Nari forward to keep pace with Cora and her own mare. They tore down the beach, the wind whipping through his blonde hair and liberating him from the burden of mapping out more kyber crystal caves.

Gritting his teeth, he leaned forward and playfully threatened Nari. “Damn it, you better pick up the pace or I swear I’ll never give you another meiloorun!”

Nari huffed as if to say, “Oh, please,” but pushed ahead just enough to at least keep him in the competition.

The hooves drumming against the sand matched the excitement pounding in the boy’s chest, but even so, he found himself lagging slightly behind.

Time sped along and soon they arrived at Axila— the heart of Ukatis. Surrounded by speeders and other modern modes of transportation, their horses almost seemed an oddity; yet, they moved with a grace that still turned a few heads. Lysander was at peace amidst all the technology, knowing the natural world here still had a place. Part of him hoped it would always be that way.

Upon arriving at the grand marketplace, Lysander's eyes roamed over the many stalls before them, offering everything from high-end merchandise to everyday essentials.

But it was the air, thick with the scents of spices and street food being prepared, that truly engulfed his senses.

The Padawan’s stomach growled in anticipation.

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Cora imagined there were few places in the galaxy where speeders and live mounts existed side by side. Axilla was an oddity; the most advanced city on a backwater world that approached galactic standard was only a fifteen or so minute ride from the rolling hills of pastoral farmland.

Still, she took pleasure the way Hera's hooves clopped against ancient cobblestones. Some things shouldn't be so quick change.

"It's good to see some life in this place after the war," she said to Lysander. "Part of the market quarter was destroyed, but you wouldn't guess from looking at it now."

Cora drew in a deep breath. The air smelled of native spices, roasting food and diesel.

"You must be hungry. Pick out where you want to eat and I'll pay for our lunch."

She was hungry, too. They'd spent the morning traversing the countryside and beach, ticking kyber deposits off their map. That sort of labor worked up an appetite.

"How has training on Naboo been? Have any of the Padawan girls caught your eye?"

Lysander von Ascania

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Corazona von Ascania

Riding alongside his sister, Lysander felt nostalgia begin to wrap around him like a cloak. Despite not being fond of big cities, there was something comforting about Axilla. Its architecture was timeless, and the words of its resilience were soothing. Here, he felt rooted and restless.

"I'm always hungry. I could eat a bantha and still have room for a Wookie-Ookie," Lysander said with a sly grin.

The blonde's stomach growled in agreement.

He hesitated, remembering his commitment to more disciplined training and nutrition. But the allure of indulgence was nearly impossible to resist with his favorite sibling being present.

"Well," he mused, tilting his chin, "how about Womp Rat Souffle?" A single beat passed before a warm smile broke free from his attempt at feigning seriousness. "Orrr.. maybe some fried nuna legs?! Would that ruin your manicure?"

The next question caught him completely off guard.

“Most of the Padawan girls are.. strange," he said firmly, taking a second to reflect on some of his peers, “I mean, I'm friends..well, I think I'm friends.. with this one schizophrenic Togruta named Cerys. She serves Master Bran too."

More of the capital's scenery began to unfold before he realized that he may have been skirting around the real answer.

A spark flickered in his gaze and a strange warmth crept across Lysander's cheeks. He inhaled deeply, then cast another sidelong glance at Cora. "I may have noticed someone outside of the enclave though," he finally confessed, the words carefully chosen. "But it's classified information.. even for those on the Jedi Council.”

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Cora scoffed. "My manicure could resist the strike of a lightsaber."

Not that she would readily put that to the test. Still, the thought of grease from fried nuna legs coating her fingers had her grimacing.

She kept glancing toward a stall selling nerf kebabs, her attention lured in by aromatic spices. The siblings had grown up having their meals prepared to their particular tastes, but Makko had opened up her palate to street food. The markets of Axilla were not as diverse as the dregs of Denon.

"You're friends with a schizophrenic Togruta?"

It sounded strange to say it out loud. Cora lifted a brow and made a mental note to visit Brandyn soon. Preferably with a bottle of wine.

"Classified information…”

Up went the other brow. Her lips stretched in faint amusement.

"This mystery person had better not be an acolyte," she teased.

Lysander von Ascania

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Corazona von Ascania

A more playful laugh erupted, filling the space between them. “Well, if you say so,” he said with a mischievous glint in his eye, “but let’s make one thing clear.. anyone who tries to come at you with a lightsaber totally has to go through me first.”

Though the words were delivered with a cheeky grin, they were very much a threat and a promise.

Noticing the other blonde’s gaze flicking repeatedly to the side, his head turned and followed her line of sight. It didn’t take long before he zoned in on the same stall. Lysander thought she would’ve opted for something like a burger, but compared to what he’d been eating at the enclave, anything here in the market district was a win. “At least you’re not basic,” the Padawan quipped.

A subtle shake of the head was then given. “Yeah, just friends. Like, actual friends without anything extra. She’s hot one moment, colder than Hoth the next– ain’t nobody got time for that,” he continued with a roll of his eyes. “Even her lekku tails probably have a mind of her own.”

Cora's hypothesis about the mystery girl prompted a raised eyebrow, as if shocked at the sheer audacity to even suggest such a thing. “I think not. I’m not into the spoopy acolyte scene.” The grin softened into something more genuine. "She's actually.. kind of funny and cool to be around." A thoughtful pause followed. “I’m not in a rush or anything. Just taking my time getting to know her.”

As they drew near a makeshift post jutted up from the ground, he would give a gentle, but steady pull on the reins. "Well, being the older and supposedly wiser sister, and.. well, definitely scary when you're hungry, I think I’m in the mood for nerf kebabs!”

With grace, he then dismounted from the mare and secured the leather straps to the post.

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

"There's no shame in being basic. I wouldn't want you to worry."

Cora withheld a comment that would've had Lysander's eyes rolling. I'm just glad you're making friends. Instead she hummed in approval.

"That is good." There was a tad of barely perceptible relief in her voice. Too many Padawans had been drawn into the Dark by one means or another, herself included. Cora did not want the same experience for her brother.

He allowed a little more information on his mystery fixation to slip. "She sounds lovely. Perhaps you've finally met your match, charm-wise?"

Cora laughed softly, following her brother's lead as she dismounted from Hera. "I jest, of course. I'm glad that you're taking things slow. Makko and I essentially ran head-first into one another and it was…"

With her hands, she mimed an explosion.

"Things worked out between us, but that took a long time."

With their horses hitched to the post, Cora approached the vendor and held up two fingers.

"Perhaps I become a tad…touchy when I am hungry," she rolled her wrist to emphasize the fact that she was barely admitting to the fact that he was correct. "But your tendency to exaggerate far outweighs my perfectly human desire for food.

"Now, I will pay for you - but only if you tell me what it is you like the most about this young lady."

Lysander von Ascania

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Corazona von Ascania

A soft chuckle escaped Lysander's lips, and his head shook as he observed Cora's rather animated gesture; it was a welcoming sight that never failed to conjure a smile upon his face, seeing her laugh.

Stepping beside the horses, he gently patted Hera's flank. "Sharp, quick, witty," he said, his tone still thoughtful. "It's almost like finding a.. mirror, you know? Keeps me on my toes." As he spoke, his gaze lingered on his sister, recognizing in her the same wit and sharpness he admired. Perhaps it was a trait inherited from their shared bloodline.

As they made their way to the vendor, the blonde's curiosity about a certain someone deepened.

He hesitated at the challenge; not from fear or concern for her reaction, but due to the foreignness of expressing such thoughts aloud. The boy's focus darted to the nearby market stalls momentarily while gathering his scattered thoughts. When his eyes returned to her, they narrowed, and his lips pressed into a thin line. "Well," he began slowly, words chosen carefully, "I like.. that I don't feel I have to pretend around her.. I can just be myself. It's.. kind of liberating, I guess."

True to nature, not one to be outdone, the Padawan reached into a pocket and retrieved a credcard– courtesy of Marcel’s divine blessing.
The sunlight caught it like a rare gem. "Your move, dear sister," he said with a hint of mischief. "Do tell.. what is it about Makko that has you so enchanted?"

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

A mirror, he'd described this girl. Sharp, quick, witty. Cora stopped the slow smile from spreading too far and curling at the edges. That would've taken her expression from thoughtful to smug.

"It sounds like the girl challenges you – in a good way. Someone has to keep you in line when I'm not around to fuss over my baby brother."

Cora reached out to briefly pinch Lysander's cheek between her thumb and forefinger. She was surprised to find that she had to reach higher than usual to impart the teasing gesture. Yet another reminder that he was growing up, and...wait, was he taller than her now?

Her hand fell away, and her countenance sobered at Lysander's reflection.

"Some of father's teachings were not…"

She frowned, letting the unsaid thought drift between them. Good noble children were supposed to keep their emotions under wraps. The court of Ukatis was a dangerous place, where one had to not only keep their cards close to their chest to survive, but actively seek out and exploit the weaknesses of rival families. Cora had come to understand the game, but she despised it.

That didn't keep her from playing it.

"Good. That's good – truly. We all need people that we can feel like ourselves with."

The sudden appearance of Marcel's credcard had one blonde eyebrow lofted. If this was on his tab, then she wouldn't argue. The vendor was quick to accept the Viscount's payment and hand them their freshly grilled kebabs.

"Mm," Cora took a moment to bite, then chew, then swallow a chunk of skewered meat. "He was the one who introduced me to food like this, you know. I suppose I took a liking to him because he was authentic in everything that he did, even in his initial dislike for me. We got together before my marriage to Horace, but we were careful about it. When father announced my engagement, it made us both realize how much we'd really come to like each other."

As she spoke, Cora stared down at the charred edges of a slice of green pepper. Something wistful lived in both her posture and voice.

"We were both different people when we got back together. Different, but the core of who we were was the same. I can say without hesitation that he makes me feel safe and loved."

Lysander von Ascania

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Corazona von Ascania

The blonde's face appeared as if he'd just bitten into something overly sour. Brows furrowed so much they actually touched his nose, and both eyes narrowed. Lysander's lips couldn't decide which emotion to settle on; instead, they just kept twitching. His cheeks ended up flushing from where her hand touched. Why did Cora have to embarrass him like this?

The classic big sister move.

Fortunately, it was short lived, otherwise the capital city may have witnessed his downfall.

There may have even been some kind understanding behind the comical expression.

Transaction concluded, the credcard of von Ascania privilege returned to Lysander's pocket with a flick of the wrist. Next, his focus shifted entirely to the kebabs. He ravenously tore into them, leaving no room for manners. Still, Cora’s words about Makko weren’t lost on him. From what he gathered at first, food kindled some kind of loyalty which eventually breached his sister's heart. Now, they were set to get married.

But as she continued, his expression became more thoughtful. As her younger brother, he often felt the magnetic pull of her wisdom, even admiring the way she had always seemed to handle life’s challenges with grace. “I’m really happy that you and Mr. Makko share something.. genuine. I guess sometimes life doesn’t always give us what we want when we want it.. But I think it’s super cool that both of you still respected your commitments. That’s better than any HoloDrama if you ask me!”

Another smile softened the boy’s youthful features. “Sometimes I worry, with us being so far apart.. You know, like about how things are really going for you out there in the galaxy. It's reassuring to know that you're with someone who makes you feel whole and safe, sis. It.. eases a lot of the ' what ifs ' I’ve had since relocating to Naboo.“

Soon he gestured to the market. “Honestly, I kind of just like the idea of shopping or even looking around in general, besides just hunting for my special tea.”

Under all the sentiments, there was one more layer that lingered– that of a mischievous sibling. As they continued eating, he hoped to time his words just right as she prepared to take another bite. “These are sooo good,” he stated, pretending to savor the flavor. “It reminds me a lot of the fried racyon ones I had this one time!”

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Witnessing Lysander tear into the kebab like a ravenous vornskr, Cora managed to withhold a comment about proper table manners. They were not at a table, and etiquette could be relaxed where street food was concerned.

Her lips did twitch at Mr. Makko, though.

"Oh, Lysander," she said softly. "I don't want you to worry about me, but at the same time…I suppose I'm glad that you do."

It was hard to resist the urge to pinch his cheek again. It was also hard to see him as anything but her baby brother, now slowly growing into a capable man. Cora was pleased that the brutality of the galaxy hadn't worn down his empathy.

Maybe she would worry about him a little less.

Or maybe, a little more.

Cora nearly choked on her next bite. She thumped her chest with her fist, clearing her throat before fixing her brother with a glare that waffled between shocked and horrified.

"Fried…no, you didn't?!"

Lysander von Ascania