Private Medicinal Purposes

[Corazona von Ascania]

Roman thanked her for her guidance, and Cora hummed a pleased note.

"Thank you for taking it."

She followed his gaze to the empty space the cursed object had once been affixed to. Her heart had broken for the people of Scilia, and for the hard truth that it would not take one, grand, sweeping gesture to fixed how they'd been wronged. The need for systemic change on Ukatis was becoming more apparent, but Cora would always hesitate due to her poor relationship with the crown. If only things had-

No, she let that feeling go, returning her anxieties to the Force. They had a way of sneaking up on her and stealing her joy - joy for Roman's success.

"This was a good exercise," she nodded. "It's always hard to mimic certain lessons in the temple with what we encounter in the field. Can't exactly go passing around Sith artifacts in a classroom."

It was such a specific feeling, to watch someone flourish in the face of uncertainty. Her smile, which had since dimmed a bit with distracting thoughts, took on a genuine warmth.

"I'm proud of what you've done, Roman. You should be, too.”

Roman Vossari

 

[Roman Vossari]

Ukatis | Scilia

Lightsaber: X | Armor: X | Training: X | Casual: X
Tags: Corazona von Ascania

​

Roman chuckled a bit at the notion of passing around Sith Artifacts in a classroom. "No I suppose it would hardly be appropriate to pass around something that dark to some eager Padawans." Daydreams briefly danced in his head of his friends and fellow padawans possibly making a mess of something like this in a classroom, it brought a smile to his face. The image of them fumbling with ancient Sith relics, perhaps accidentally unleashing a minor dark side surge, was both amusing and slightly terrifying.

As the pair moved to head back up the stairs, Cora let him know that she was proud of what he had done, a small smile and rosy cheeks graced his face. He was proud, proud of what he had accomplished even if it was something rather small. It was also great to hear her approval, she was someone he thought highly of and if she was proud of him, then he was doing something right. A warmth bloomed in his chest, a feeling of accomplishment that he hadn't quite felt before.

Roman looked over to Cora as they neared the top of the staircase, but something still seemed off, she seemed distracted, a slight furrow in her brow. Maybe now was an appropriate time to broach the subject? The opportunity felt right, given their shared experience and the quiet intimacy of the moment. They reached the foyer again, Roman turning towards her, a little anxious to broach a sore subject again. "The darkness you said you've experienced..." Roman questioned, staring at the ground, his voice soft. "Was this darkness your father? Or Prince Horace?" He didn't want to bring up old wounds, but he couldn't help but want to understand the person she was, trying to take as much as he could in this time with her. He wanted to help, if he could, even if it was just by listening.

He waited for her response patiently, his heart sinking slightly at the thought of reawakening painful memories. He hoped she wouldn't shut him out. He valued his connection with Cora, her guidance and wisdom, and he wanted to know more about the woman behind the lessons.

A brief distraction followed as Miria, with the help of her father, walked out to the foyer, brushing past the pair. Miria mouthed a quick "thank you" to them before departing the building, a silent acknowledgment of their help. Roman watched her go, his thoughts briefly returning to the situation at hand before refocusing on Cora, eager to know the answer to his question, and ready to offer her any support he could.

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Cora canted her head to the side in consideration. Had the darkness been her father or her now deceased husband? The conclusion made sense, given how she'd shared some of her struggles with Roman earlier in the day.

"I suppose they were, in their own way," she murmured. As Miria and her father passed by, her expression softened, and she gave the young lady a smile and tilt of her head. Still, she remained quiet in thought.

Before the pair of Jedi could leave through the grand double doors, Cora turned sharply on her heel, beckoning for Roman to follow her down one of the side halls. "I'll need a cup of tea," she supplied.

The kitchen was not far off. It had been properly ransacked - by the hungry villagers, she hoped - pilfered of both fresh and canned food. "The oven should still have fuel enough to boil some water."

She searched through a few of the upper cabinets, poking her way through damaged glassware and provisions that were either too spoiled or otherwise too unappealing to eat. Eventually, she happened upon a canister of loose leaf tea that had been pushed to the back of the cabinet and hidden behind a broken appliance.

"My husband was a cruel man. Our union was neither happy nor peaceful."

Cora opened the tin and inhaled deep the scent of camellia and nutmeg. She smiled. Her goal wasn't to invoke sympathy - which was why the gory details were left out - but rather to set the stage for an admission that had always made her stomach twist with uncertainty and shame.

"I was just past my eighteenth year when we were wed. Isolated as I was, I'd begun to lose hope. One day, after a particularly nasty fight, I'd rode out to the cliffs overlooking the sea. That was where he found me - a Sith."

Cora did not look at Roman as she spoke. This piece of her past had always been difficult to talk about, but time and distance kept her voice steady. It helped to imagine as if she were telling a the story of some nameless girl.

"We spoke for a time, and he was the first person who'd shown me kindness in nearly a year. Eventually he…did something."

Her brow furrowed, pausing as she portioned the dried tea leaves into two cups.

"To this day, I'm still not sure what it was. A manipulation of the Force, of my feelings. He reached out to me, and I felt loved and safe. It almost seemed artificial, but I was so starved for affection that I fell under his spell."

Roman Vossari

 

[Roman Vossari]

Ukatis | Scilia​

Lightsaber: X | Armor: X | Training: X | Casual: X
Tags: Corazona von Ascania

​

Roman settled into a seat right next to an older looking wooden table, his face concerned as he listened to Cora reminisce about her younger years. She had a complicated past filled with apparent turmoil that she seemed to still be healing from. He felt empathy for her younger self, a girl isolated and desperate for a touch of kindness. Roman remembered that feeling well from his younger years, a longing for love from his father only to be met with a cold hand. The memory brought a fleeting pang of sadness, but he quickly pushed it aside, focusing on Cora and her story.

The state of the kitchen did not bode well for her search for tea, but somehow she found some hidden away. She moved with a practiced efficiency, despite the cluttered surroundings, her movements a testament to her adaptability and resilience. As Cora prepared the tea on the stove, the aroma of camellia and nutmeg enveloping the room, an unexpected comfort that broke through the dismal atmosphere surrounding them. The scent was grounding, reminiscent of gentler times, a stark contrast to the harsh realities of her past.

"Is...is he still out there?" Roman asked, his voice soft, hesitant. He couldn't help but wonder about the Sith who had preyed on her vulnerability. "Did you…escape?"

The question hung in the air, a delicate thing that could easily shatter the carefully constructed calm of the kitchen. Roman paused for a moment, thinking on how it would be if he were in her shoes. The idea of being manipulated, of having his emotions exploited by someone wielding the dark side, filled him with a cold dread. He couldn't imagine the sheer terror and confusion she must have experienced, the gnawing uncertainty of whether her feelings were genuine or a carefully crafted illusion.

"I'm so sorry..." Roman said, his voice sincere. "You shouldn't have had to go through that. No one deserves that kind of pain."

The words felt inadequate, a clumsy attempt to convey the depth of his empathy. He longed to offer her more, to somehow ease the burden she carried, but realized there were no easy answers, no quick fixes for such a profound hurt. He could only offer his presence, his unwavering support, and the silent promise to always be there for her, as a friend, a student, and a Jedi who understood the scars that darkness could leave behind.

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

"You are right. No one deserves it."

It was an agreement as much as it was a reminder to herself. Horace was dead, but her feelings for him were an inky mix of guilt and bitter hatred.

Cora did not look directly at Roman as she spoke - nor did she in the silences between. She kept her focus on the tea leaves and kettle of water.

"We were only together for a day. I went back to my husband, and a few months later, he passed away. I returned to Coruscant after that."

Horace's death had been ruled as an accident, but that didn't keep rumors from swirling. Thanks to the intervention of the Alliance, Cora had eschewed execution, and remained exiled for a time.

The kettle whistled, and she removed it from the stove. Boiling water hissed against the ceramic of the mug as she poured, watching the leaves and spices swirl.

"News came of the Sith - my Sith - performing a dark ritual on Thule. We tried to stop him, but we failed. Myself, along with a number of other Jedi, were captured in battle."

Cora passed Roman a mug of deep amber liquid. Wisps of steam curled lazily from its surface, and she seemed to hesitate while wrapping both hands around her own cup.

It had never been easy to talk about, but Roman was the only person she'd told this story to who'd not been involved, or hurt directly by her actions. She told herself that she was doing this to warn him of the power of the Dark, and that was true - but there was also something cathartic in relaying the part of her past that had cause her so much shame and confusion.

"I learned about the monster that he was. Those who did not submit were killed - consumed by him. I was…kept in good accommodations. Like a gilded cage. The allure of the Dark was strong, and I almost fell."

Cora stared down into the mug at her own distorted reflection. She couldn't deny that she'd grown affectionate towards Nwul, but she was unable to bring herself to betray the relationships she'd built among the Jedi.

"Maybe his feelings for me were genuine. And maybe mine were, too. I like to think that distance helps me to view things with a little more clarity."

She smiled weakly.

"He had his own cult - The Golden Covenant - but they haven't been active in a while."

Cora tilted the mug to her lips, drawing in a small sip of tea. It was a little stale, but still fragrant, and far too hot.

"He may be out there, still. I don't know."

Roman Vossari

 

[Roman Vossari]

Ukatis | Scilia​

Lightsaber: X | Talisman: X | Armor: X | Training: X | Casual: X
Tags: Corazona von Ascania

​

Roman accepted the mug carefully, his fingers brushing against Cora's as she relinquished it. The warmth of the ceramic was a small comfort against the chill that seemed to emanate from her. He watched her, her gaze fixed on the swirling tea in her own cup, a subtle tremor in her hands betrayed the turmoil within. Her story, woven with threads of loss, betrayal, and near-corruption, painted a vivid portrait of a woman grappling with her own past. His heart ached for the younger Cora, the one who had endured such immense pain. He felt a profound sense of empathy and even though he carried his own scars, Cora's story felt different, heavier, laced with a darkness he couldn't fully comprehend.

He took a slow, careful sip of the tea, the warm, spiced liquid a grounding element in the emotionally charged atmosphere. It was a lot to process, this intricate web of grief and near-succumbing to the dark side. Horace's death, the allure of a Sith Lord, the Golden Covenant -- it all swirled in his mind, a confusing and potent cocktail of emotions.

"I can't imagine..." he began softly, his voice laced with genuine admiration, "I… I admire the strength you've shown. To persevere through such darkness, to find your way back to the light… you must have had immense courage." He paused, giving her a moment to absorb his words before continuing. "It's… it's truly remarkable."

A brief silence settled between them, the only sound the gentle hissing of the kettle as it cooled. Roman took another moment, gathering his thoughts, before voicing the question that had been brewing within him. It was an uncomfortable question, one he couldn't ignore, especially given the gravity of Cora's experiences.

"If I may ask," he began again, his voice carefully measured, "what… what is the darkness like? Why was it so alluring? I understand it's a difficult question, and you don't have to answer if you don't want to. But… I feel it's important to understand. To be prepared, in case I ever face something similar."

His gaze remained steady, a silent promise of unwavering support. He longed to understand the depths of the darkness that had nearly consumed her, not out of morbid curiosity, but out of a genuine desire to protect himself and others from its seductive whispers. He hoped that by understanding the allure of the dark side, he could better combat it, both within himself and in the galaxy at large.

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Cora signed with her lips against the rim of her mug. The natural creases near her eyes seemed deeper, and the hollows of her tear trough appeared darker. It had taken more energy than she'd allotted for to explain her own journey with the Dark to Roman, as if she'd forgotten how much she'd been affected by it all.

Each time she spoke of it, it became a little easier, at least. She had to smile at Roman's generous assessment, a faint upturn to the corners of her lips.

"I did not feel strong through it all. I felt small." She took a cursory sip from the mug and hummed in approval. Still hot, but more drinkable. "And I did not make the journey back alone."

His question was anticipated, but she didn't have an answer lined up. Cora lowered the mug and tilted her head back, gaze cast somewhere over Roman's head as if the proper response would be written among the wooden beams at the ceiling.

"It felt like the answer."

She paused, frowning thoughtfully.

"Well, like an answer. I'd spent much of my life beneath the heels of powerful men. When the Dark called to me, I felt as though it would give me what I lacked; strength and agency, so that I could not be hurt in such a way again."

Roman was right to ask. The Dark was an insidious enemy, and how could they combat it - or avoid it - if they didn't know what to be aware of? It was a grave inevitability, she thought, that he too may one day stumble upon a similar trial.

Cora's chest tightened. She prayed that Roman would never know the touch of the Dark, but with the Sith as active as they were, no Jedi seemed to evade it entirely.

Roman Vossari

 

[Roman Vossari]

Ukatis | Scilia​

Lightsaber: X | Armor: X | Training: X | Casual: X
Tags: Corazona von Ascania

​

Roman's mind struggled to keep pace with Cora's words, each one a stark reminder of the darkness that lurked just beyond the edges of their seemingly peaceful bubble.

She didn't feel strong, she'd said. Roman, from his perspective, saw her resilience, her ability to escape the clutches of the Dark. But her explanation for its allure… for why a powerful, capable Jedi like she was now would even consider succumbing… that was a chilling revelation. The desire for strength, for agency, resonated deep within him. Cora's words echoed the unspoken turmoil in his own heart, the constant pressure of his father's oppressive rule.

His heart hammered in his chest. Could the Dark whisper to him too? Could the promise of the strength to finally stand against his father be too tempting to resist? The thought was a cold chill down his spine. His father, a shadow of constant disappointment and control, had shaped Roman's life, and the idea of succumbing to the very thing that promised escape from that control was terrifying.

"I understand…" he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. Empathy, genuine and raw, bled through his tone. "I think if the same opportunity had presented itself… to have the strength to stand up to my father, it would be hard to resist."

His fingers tapped a frantic rhythm against the mug, a nervous habit he couldn't seem to control.

"Thankfully I have Anneliese now, she's far stronger than I will ever be." He took a sip of his drink, desperately needing the warmth to chase away the chill that had settled in his bones. "Maybe one day I can be the Jedi she is… maybe then I can get out from underneath the boot of my own… tormentor."

"I don't mean to make this about myself or dredge up your past," he rushed out, needing to reassure her. He leaned back in his chair, desperately seeking neutrality, something to distract him from the swirling anxieties in his mind. "They don't teach us things like this in the classroom… inevitabilities that we will face as young Jedi. I just want to be as prepared as I can be." His gaze drifted to the window, seeking solace in the mundane world outside. The conversation had left him shaken, a reminder that the path of a Jedi was not merely filled with lightsaber duels and heroic rescues, but with inner battles against darkness, a constant vigilance against the seductive whispers of the unknown.

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Cora observed the way Roman's fingers drummed against the mug, and listened to the rushed tone that followed. Something in her ached for her words having caused him distress – even though it was a topic that he pursued, knowing that her answers likely wouldn't be poetic and rosy.

"Please," she raised a hand, her tone gentle. "It's no trouble. And this is about you, Roman. I hope that the Dark is something you never experience, but if you do, I'd want you to be prepared, too."

She followed his gaze to the window, letting her attention linger there for the moment. Ukatis always had a way of making her more somber, more grave. Sipping at her tea had her feeling a little warmer.

"Somewhere along the path back to the Light, I became the person who stayed my father's hand." Her words were soft, her eyes still focused on the hazy shadows of life beyond the window. "That is a lie that the Dark will tell you; that it is the only path."

A smile had slowly curled her lips as she'd spoken, still gazing at the window. Now, she turned back to Roman, something lighter in the way she held herself. "The day you stand up to your father, you will have me there. And Anneliese, and Valery, and all those who you've connected with."

She raised her mug. Perhaps they would all not be there physically – she was no seer – but they would be there, at Roman's back.

Roman Vossari

 

[Roman Vossari]

Ukatis | Scilia​

Lightsaber: X | Talisman: X | Armor: X | Training: X | Casual: X
Tags: Corazona von Ascania

​

Roman's gaze returned to Cora, a flicker of gratitude warming his eyes. Taking a sip of his now cooler tea, he mirrored her smile. It was a comforting sensation, this knowledge that he wasn't alone in his struggles, that he had people behind him – strong, capable Jedi he admired and trusted.

"If it makes a difference, I have your back now too," he declared. "Whenever you need, even if you just want to talk. I'll be there."

He felt a powerful surge of gratitude for her willingness to share her experiences, to acknowledge the darkness that lurked in the shadows of the Force.

"Thank you, really…" Roman's voice softened, a genuine appreciation lacing his words. He paused, taking the time to finish his tea before setting the mug back on the table. "I appreciate the time you have taken with me today, to teach and allow myself to ask all of these uneasy questions." A small grin spread across his face, a touch of lightness returning to his features. "It really beats sitting in the classroom for the day." His laughter, though still tinged with a hint of nervousness, held a genuine warmth.

Roman rose from his chair, taking his mug to the counter. As he leaned against the wooden cabinets, his gaze drifted towards the window. Outside, he could see Miria and her father engaged in conversation with a few of the villagers who had begun to emerge from their hiding places. A sense of satisfaction bloomed within him.

"It's nice to know we made a difference today," he murmured, a quiet contentment in his tone. "Even though it was just Miria, it feels good to help." The act, small as it might seem, was a testament to the positive impact they had, a flicker of hope in the face of the looming darkness.

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

"If it makes a difference, I have your back now too," he declared. "Whenever you need, even if you just want to talk. I'll be there."

"Good," she said easily. "Jedi need to keep each other in check. No one does this alone."

If the Force itself had been holding its breath during their conversation, it now sighed in relief. They both seemed lighter. A little brighter, too.

"Mm, don't be so quick to deride classroom learning." Taking another sip from her mug, Cora’s warning lacked all bite. "Did you forget that I am an instructor at the academy?"

When she pulled back from her drink, her lips had curled into a smirk. A lecture could only teach you so much; field work was needed to round out those lessons, and fill them with a depth of experience.

Cora idly watched Roman from the corner of her eye as he rose and moved to the counter, letting his gaze drift to the window. She was content to remain seated for the moment.

Bringing comfort and aid to those in need never got old. The shadow that had fallen over Scilia was slowly receding, but it would take time for the village to reclaim some sense of normalcy. Still, the path forward was becoming clear.

As Roman reflected on what they'd done today, Cora hummed in agreement.

"It does, doesn't it?"

Roman Vossari

 

[Roman Vossari]

Ukatis | Scilia
Lightsaber: X | Armor: X | Training: X | Casual: X
Tags: Corazona von Ascania

​

Roman's cheeks warmed slightly as Cora's gentle reminder about her role at the academy sunk in. He'd been so quick to voice his relief at avoiding the classroom that day, a slip-up born of genuine weariness and the simple joy of a successful mission.

He couldn't help but recall that one etiquette class she'd led, a whirlwind of mishaps and laughter that, while entertaining, hadn't exactly been a model of Jedi discipline. He was fairly certain he'd learned more about navigating confusion with his peers than actual etiquette that day.

His gaze drifted back to the villagers, a genuine smile now gracing his lips as he watched them embrace Miria. "We should return some time here in the future," he mused, a sense of responsibility blooming within him. "To make sure they are taken care of, yeah?"

This was one of his first true relief missions, and the feeling of helping others felt incredibly natural, a desire to ensure their wellbeing and see Miria thrive within the community.

Turning back to Cora, Roman leaned against the counter, crossing his arms. "I suppose we should head back soon?" he suggested, a hint of playful teasing in his tone. "Maybe on the way back we can talk about happy memories."

He'd initially intended to steer clear of dredging up difficult past experiences, but Cora had a way of making him feel comfortable, of forging a connection built on understanding and shared experiences. Perhaps he could try to maintain a lighter, more jovial atmosphere on their return journey. He certainly hoped this wouldn't be the last time she'd take him on a mission, and he wanted to ensure their shared experiences remained positive and uplifting as much as he could. No one wants a sad Padawan hanging around all the time.

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

A bit of light laughter bubbled in her chest at seeing the faint flush on Roman's face.

"That we should," she agreed easily. While he observed Miria being welcome back into the fold, Cora's gaze dropped to the tea leaves in her mug. "We'll have to make sure that supplies get through unhindered. And support whoever steps up as a leader. I could-"

She cocked her head to the side, thoughts fading off into a quiet murmur. Cora didn't exactly wield a position of political authority on Ukatis anymore, and had no right to officially install a new Lord. They'd figure something out, though.

At Roman's suggestion, she slowly rose and pushed back her chair. A light stretch came with a hum of agreement. "A fine idea."

Retrieving her mug, Cora drained the remainder of the liquid. It had cooled considerably during their conversation.

"Did you know that my baby brother, Lysander von Ascania recently joined the Order? Oh, the stories I could tell you about him…"

A grin - equally cheerful and mischievous - spread quickly across her face.

Roman Vossari

 

[Roman Vossari]

Ukatis | Scilia​

Lightsaber: X | Talisman: X | Armor: X | Training: X | Casual: X
Tags: Corazona von Ascania

​

Roman side-eyed Cora, a faint crease forming between his brows. He prided himself on knowing most of the Padawans within the Order, especially the ones with any notable connection or lineage. Yet, he hadn't heard of another von Ascania. "A brother? How did I not know that?" he said, the curiosity evident in his voice as they mounted their steeds and began to leave the village behind.

The setting sun painted the sky in hues of orange and purple, casting long shadows across the path. Roman kept his gaze on the trail ahead, but a flicker of amusement touched his lips. He couldn't help but feel a tug of interest regarding this Lysander character. Perhaps he would seek him out when they returned back to the temple.

As they rode, the sounds of the village faded into the distance, replaced by the rhythmic clip-clop of horses' hooves and the rustle of wind through the surrounding trees. Roman's shoulders relaxed, the tension of the mission replaced by a comfortable anticipation for the stories Cora undoubtedly had in store. He hoped that, perhaps, future missions with Cora would become a regular occurrence. There was a certain ease with her, a comfort in sharing experiences and building a friendship. And he was definitely looking forward to unraveling the mystery of the mischievous Padawan brother.