Populate Monty Tython and the Holy Core | GA Populate of Trevura

[Cotan Sar'andor]

Cotan looked up from where he sat as Sith started to walk out of thin air in front of him, through a storm that appeared out of nowhere.

It certainly looked like keeping Tython calm was going to be just as difficult as he expected.

"Can you not?" he called out to Darth Solipsis , reaching out towards the corrupting storm starting to brew as well; bolstered by the energy of the planet below, he could keep that darkness from spreading beyond the bounds of their rocky spire. At least for the moment. "I was really enjoying the sunlight, you know."

 

[Kyrel Ren]

Akar Kesh, Tython


Tython… At long last Kyrel Ren had set foot on the rumored homeworld of the Jedi Order. Instead of it being a dark cola r compared to that of Mustafar, Korriban, or even Dromund Kass, there was something strange of the world. When reaching with the Force, it felt as if all around him there was simply more complicated than that. Something truly unexpected as he felt a mixture of dark and light swirl around this world, although not enough to tip the scales in either of the two. It was a delicate balance only at best, something the Maw would use to tear this world apart.

Kyrel only stood with Solipsis, and the other leaders of the Maw that played a part in his grand plan. No words uttered from the dead man’s lips as he carefully watched Solipsis with such fury in his eyes. He had often felt the urge to challenge the Sith once more, instead he rebuked the voices in his head that had often tempted him so. If anything he wanted to see what all the destruction would achieve, and in the end what was Solipsis’s master plan?

He further watched in awe as Solipsis reached out, tendrils made of darkness spread from the mysterious dark lord and touched one of the ancient Tho Yor floating high in the sky. At first the structure seemed untouchable, unable to be corrupted. Quickly his words were proven wrong, as the mighty vessel started to crack under such darkness. At first Kyrel wanted to stop it, for he couldn’t shake the feeling that even for the most evil some type of balance must have respect. Instead he remained silent only watching the horror such an ancient machine had to endure.

Just like the Kyber Temple on Jedha, the Tho Yor was no match for such corrupting influence, he could see a crimson layer start to form, and what followed as the tendrils remained was a cry. The cry carried as it drowned out other sounds, his mouth was opened in awe and horror of what was transpiring here. The cry itself was like the sound of trumpets going off all over, such a cry among the corruption would only herald the beginning of the end, and in the midst of all this Kyrel only wondered if Solipsis’s grand design would finally be understood?

Darth Mori Khamul Kryze Darth Solipsis Jem Fossk

 

[Darth Solipsis]

DARK LORD OF THE SITH | VOICE OF THE MAW
Akar Kesh, Tython

​

The Je’daii Guardian of Akar Kesh stood solemn and proud, spitting fiery defiance, he held firm to press his will against that of the storm that had arrived. The very passageway that granted them first entry upon the landscape of Tython.

“You should be more careful with your words, Je’daii.”

The Dark Lord folded his right hand into a tight fist, snarling with dark grimace in his eyes. What was a gnarling storm began to slowly dissipate, starved of the anger that served as endless fuel and pressed hard under the weight brought by the Je’daii. In it’s wake, the Great Tho Yor lit up, an ethereal orange glow breached from the many ports adorning it’s surface. Caught in the snare of the Dark Lord of the Sith, the legendary vessel became an instrument of his will.

Or in this case, a weapon.

“You can join the rest of your order. The Jedi will soon follow.”

The Tho Yor fired, emitting a bright orange beam down towards the Guardian of Akar Kesh. What had not been weaponized since the time of the Rakata had once more fallen sway to times of war.

Darth Mori | Jem Fossk | Khamul Kryze | Kyrel Ren | Cotan Sar'andor​

 

[Iris Arani]

"Master."

Iris spoke softly as she took a seat beside Valery Noble . She said nothing else, letting her eyes close. Let the colors of the Force wash over her. The colors of Tython were a dazzling mix of light and dark. Je'daii, right? That's what she learned recently at least. The predecessor of the Jedi. So much history, all at stake because of the Maw. She let out a breath, opening her eyes to stare up at the sky.

All she could think about though was Domxite. Thalia Senn .

"I'm going to save them." A smile took over, wide and confident. She might bot be able to protect the planet like her master, but even if it was just those two, she would save anyone she could with her own two hands.

"Thank you, for always protecting me."

 

[Jax Thio]

Location: Tython
Equipment: Jedi Robes, Jax's Prosthetic Arm, Jax's Second Lightsaber, Promise Ring to Jairdain
Tag: Anneliese

Jax paused his expression creased with concern when Anneliese asked him about if he ever been afraid before. "Of course," Jax said his head looking up at the sky images of Darth Carnifex flickering in his mind. "I am your father," the voice echoed inside his skull. "Anyone who says they have no fear is a fool. When we're fighting, I'm always afraid."

The Jedi Master turned his gaze towards his Padawan. "More often than not, all of our instincts tell us to flee your body is flooded with so much fear that your brain has trouble processing it. Sometimes, the horror is too much to process that you break down."

Jax sighed. "Every battle that I fought in," he continued. "There's always a part of me that wants give into that fear. That this will be my last fight, even on Empress Teta I gave into fear and nearly fell to the Dark Side ......"

The Jedi Master placed his hand on Annelise's shoulder a part of him wanted to tell her about the events of the battle but he pushed it aside. She needed to know that Jax was not perfect not the fact that he was likely the son of a Monster. "It's only through experiencing fear," Jax continued. "Is when we find out who we truly are. A person can't be brave if they're not afraid."

Jax released his hand from her shoulder and motioned Annelise to follow him. "You need to find what drives you," Jax said. "Who or what gives you the motivation to keep going. Once you do, cling on to that no one can take it from you. A healthy attachment is what separates a Jedi from a Sith. Find something worth fighting for and you can always conquer your fears."

He chuckled. "You're just jumpy from the combat high," Jax said. "I share your concern with your taste of battle but when the fighting starts, you're going to be far away from the action. You're not ready yet."

Still, Anneliese needed to clear her mind from what happened at Tatooine. "Sit down and meditate," Jax said. "Clear your mind and breathe, allow the Force to flow through your body and relax. Trust in the Living Force."

 

[Auteme]

Caoimhe Crannach Eryk Thaxton ​

"Oh, good," she muttered, nodding in thanks to the update from her aide. She'd suspected it wouldn't take much to get Cotan to Tython; in the same way, it was good to see he was keen enough to arrive early.

Or, perhaps, worried enough.

Auteme was worried too; inviting Rurik Fel anywhere was bound to have consequences. To the heart of a pitched battle, with an armada at his back...

She needed to have a backup plan, more than she already had. Forces across the Daragon Trail had begun to move -- a bit of prodding at a few key Defense Committee members, some preaching to the Senators of the worlds along that route, and Tython was suitably buffered, with a hyperlane now clear for their imperial 'allies'. Interdictors were one thing, but she needed more.

An Imperial officer dropping into her lap was too good to pass up. Still, Auteme wasn't about to take it all on herself; when Caoimhe had reached out, Auteme had informed the SIA immediately. Almost immediately. She'd given it some thought, first.

Agent Thaxton was currently her expert assistance, and he was waiting in the meeting room they'd set up at the Alliance headquarters on Tython. It was a sparse conference room, with a medium-sized holoprojector set up at the center.

"Agent Thaxton- can I call you Eryk?" She paused a moment, then smiled. "Well, in any case, thank you for coming here. We're on schedule, yes? She'll be on the call in a moment, hopefully. Any bits of advice?" Thaxton was there to advise her on tactics to properly cement this most dangerous of relations with the New Imperial commander -- and get as much information as possible. "Oh, and- if you're able, you can always sign, if you don't want to interrupt."

She repeated her words in Galactic Sign Language to confirm her meaning.

 

[Eryk Thaxton]

Caoimhe Crannach | Auteme ​

"Senator Denko-Durren. Welcome."

Eryk stood stoic near the centre of the room, gloved hands clasped behind his back, just in front of the holoprojector, that even with its relatively small size, still took up a significant amount of space. An even, effortlessly expressionless tone painted his face. His features seemed very non-descript. As if he would be able to simply melt into any crowd of humans with ease and be completely unremarkable. That had been an incredibly useful part of his job in fact, and Eryk secretly thought that was one of the main reasons why he had been plucked from his relatively unblemished career in the Army, and plopped into the secretive, dark and dingy world of the Strategic Intelligence Agency. In his own roundabout way. Eryk was somewhat thankful. He seemed to study Auteme as she stepped into the room, which might have put anyone with less mettle at incredible unease.

He spoke incredibly deliberately, making sure every syllable was heard and articulated, so that he would not have to repeat himself. Eryk did not like repeating himself. The Intelligence Officer's speech strangely did not betray any particular accent or heritage of such. He wore the dark-green, forest-coloured light armour of the Galactic Alliance Army, which he did not make a habit out of. Habits were not particularly beneficial in his line of work. But for now. It suited his purposes. Despite his uniform, the rank plaque that sat on the right of his chest was not red like that of the Army, or Blue, like that of the Navy, but Green to denote his unique position. The man began to pace around the room slowly, before gesturing for her to join him at the holoprojector. For a moment, he stayed silent, quietly observing the large green-blue ball that served as the representation for Tython.

"You may. Whatever makes you.. comfortable, Senator." He answered to Auteme's question, somewhat idly. "I must say, Senator. I find it rather impressive that you were able to set up a meeting such as this. So far, relations with the New Imperials are strained, to say the least. Rurik Fel is proving most.. uncooperative. An eventuality you must be prepared for. Imperials are generally unaccustomed to us, despite our invaluable assistance during the Imperial Civil War. While we may not be the enemy, we represent an antithesis of their beliefs. A threat to carefully cultivated order." He mentioned, briefly turning to face her, the same emotionless expression staring her down, attempting to impress the urgency of the situation upon her.

"As a recurring pattern, they always seem to have a proclivity toward protecting their own interests first and foremost, and if your offer were to be in conflicting interest with their own, a fruitful settlement would be most difficult to come to." He mentioned, clicking buttons in quick succession on the holoterminal, in which the azure ball in the centre switched to the jagged pentagonal shape of the Imperial sigil, proud and clear on the hologram. "I would implore you to stay confident in your assertion. But not antagonistic. You have your goals, and they have theirs. Make it so they run parallel, but they do not need to necessarily converge just yet. The possibility of said convergence will be enticing enough." He mentioned, continuing to pace around the room, which may have made it seem smaller.

"Imperials respect strength. It is one of the core tenets of their ideology, and while I do not advise attempting to strong arm them into some sort of hasty deal, keep your objective clear, and they will almost certainly reveal theirs, though it might not be obvious at first." The connection seemed to be ready soon. Eryk had not given an answer to her question about signing, but near the end of his talk, he signed. May the Force be with you Senator. Best of luck. A small smile creeped onto his face, which was certainly not malicious, but not particularly warm either. Eventually this washed away, by his non disclosing facial features. He would step back from the light of the holoprojector, standing near the back of the room, where he was shrouded by darkness, but was still somewhat visible to Auteme.

"Sign if you need me."

 

[Cotan Sar'andor]

Cotan glanced up at the Tho Yor above them. "You know, we're not as extinct as you might think," he quipped back, looking back down with a smirk before being engulfed in a blast of orange energy. The beam almost immediately destabilized, the water of the pool flashing to vapor in an instant and swirling up instantly in a whirlwind within the open-air temple. Steam, fire, and electricity roiled violently, stones cracking under the heat, before it all swirled away into nothingness. The pool lay empty, the moss and plants that had been growing on and around the stones had been scoured away.

But Cotan still stood, one hand raised, a smirk still on his face. Unbent and unbroken, even in the face of a blast that could destroy capital ships. "That's terribly rude," he chided, shaking his head. "There are formalities for this sort of thing, Solipsis, and you haven't even introduced me to your friends." His eyes shifted slightly to one of them, with a small nod. "I know Kyrel, at least."

For a man who had long since been known more for his abilities with a sword than anything else, Cotan appeared remarkably relaxed for one in such deep connetion to the vergence that was Tython itself. Doubly so for having withstood a weapon that hadn't been used for millennia. It was an odd thought, even for him, that his most recent battles had been conducted more with spirit than with blade, especially after the last attack on Coruscant. "Looks like you even forgot to invite Halketh. Terrible." Nearly two decades gone was the day when he'd rushed up the council spire to face down Darth Carnifex; he'd made sure to broaden his horizons since.

"To think, I was just about to ask if you wanted to join me for tea. But, to fight, instead?"

His smirk appeared again.

"Well, one versus five, it's hardly fair. You should've brought...oh, at least two, maybe three more. But that would just be wasting all our energy, wouldn't it?" Despite every urge telling him otherwise, he left his lightsabers and his sword lying at his feet. He wanted to grab his blades, to leap in and throw himself against Solipsis, Kyrel, and the rest; but there was something staying his hand. Some gut feeling. "Why are you here, truly? Or has your darkness blinded you so much that you believe your delusions are reality?"

Darth Solipsis Kyrel Ren Khamul Kryze Jem Fossk Darth Mori

 

[Asha Sar'andor]

It was not unheard of for a Je'daii Temple to historically house two Temple Masters, a duo who acted in unison toward the betterment of their people. Masters Calleh and Nero of Mahara Kesh, Vero Shif and Jal Som of Anil Kesh... Well, this iteration had its own.​

​

Asha Vynea was not supposed to be here. This had not been part of the plan, in fact she'd more or less been encouraged to remain behind on the Station with their younger counterparts. And yet watching Cotan venture forth to defend their ancestral home had sparked something within her, and so she'd left too - hot on his heels.​

​

Akar Kesh was not an easy place to approach by ordinary means. It held its place aloft within the mountains of Tython, set upon a large naturally formed pillar which cast itself upward toward the twin moons of Ashla and Bogan above. The pavilion which made up the Temple itself was set beneath the largest of the Tho Yor which traveled to this place eons ago, and a body of water lay at its core.​

​

Up there it was as if they were belonging to the heavens themselves, surrounded by clouds which lay lower than the platform itself. Obscured from view from the ground below.​

​

She landed her ship on the western edge of the landform and as she descended the boarding ramp her stomach churned in the face of the corruption now grasping at this physical manifestation of balance. Once, long ago, Tython itself would have been wrought with storms at such a brazen display of twisting darkness, but the schism had all but wrought the fight from it.​

​

No, they'd have no help from the planet herself... Which only made her all the more grateful she'd trusted her gut and followed behind.​

​

Where Cotan Sar'andor had not yet reached for a weapon, the same could not be said of his counterpart. Asha immediately called forth her twin blades and inhaled a slow breath, keeping her composure in the face of it all. She'd witnessed Darth Solipsis ' attempt at wiping her beloved from the face of the planet, turning the lofty Tho Yor against one of its guardians, just as she approached them, and in doing so she forced herself back from the brink of rage.​

​

"In Balance with Chaos and Harmony" she whispered to herself, something of a mantra as she stepped from the shadow of one of the pillars which made up the pavilion; weapons were grasped but not yet ignited, and her gaze landed squarely on Kyrel Ren - she'd met the man before, in her youth, back on Mustafar... So long ago, now. And neither of them were who they had once been.​

​

Khamul Kryze Jem Fossk Darth Mori ​

 

[Vesta]

Medulla​

Where the Sith home worlds of Ziost and Korriban had been little more than lifeless husks it wasn't surprising, then, that an order of conservative thought and preservation's home was a lush planet brimming with life. She hardly paid Cotan Sar'andor any mind, her attention fixated elsewhere. Her mind, likewise, wandered towards things other than of the people situated on the world in its defense, interested more in the ramifications of what was to come than the undertaking it would require to get there. She was an idealist, a person who had lost the drive to care for the little people that were trampled underfoot as progress marched on towards its inevitable conclusion.

"How quaint."

Delightfully archaic, devoid of the trappings of a modern era, Tython remained as much a relic of a bygone era as the order that clung to it. She'd met more progressive Jedi than such a simple world implied to exist, taking the lack of industrialization and modernization of their home as symbolic of their resistance to change, to moving forwards and discarding the past. It was anathema to her own belief, to the notion that everything could be burned away to create something new, and she hated it. Still, to find such a novelty to actually exist that more or less embodied everything she stood against was exactly as she said it was: quaint.

It was simply a shame that it was finally time for it all to turn to ash.

Asha Vynea Khamul Kryze Jem Fossk Darth Solipsis Kyrel Ren

 

[Darth Solipsis]

DARK LORD OF THE SITH | VOICE OF THE MAW
Akar Kesh, Tython

​

The Dark Voice and his retinue bore witness to the defending efforts of the Je’daii as the valiant defender negated the eviscerating beam of orange power released from the Great Tho Yor above. The power to rip capital ships to shreds, the source of saving grace to the Je’daii from the ancient Rakatan menace during those dark days, dismantled by one lone man. Impressive, but hardly enough to stop what was to come.

A small chuckle escaped the lips of the Sith’ari as his gaze shifted away, following that of @Darth Mori’s own fixated sight. His cloak fluttered in the gentle breeze, the air brushed against his face, a stark contrast to the abrasive gusts of sand and stone cast from Exegol’s hostile climate. He closed his eyes and felt the deep roots of the Force, the wellspring of life and death, Ashla and Bogan in harmony. A balance.

A Force.

Soon enough, that tranquil space was breached by the resounding horn of the Great Tho Yor. The massive pyramid drowned out everything around them, it’s ports lit anew with the power of a star. The only retort necessary to the word vomit of Je’daii filth.

“Reality can be whatever I want.”

He repeated the words uttered during the Great Battle of Korriban, when the servants of Ashla failed to stop the ascension of Bogan. Failed to stop his subsequent restoration, the rebirth of his physical form willed to be by thought. Reality was a fickle thing, it’s boundaries were often tested but kept true, today they would be broken once and for all. The ritual was the key, the preparations were already underway.

The Dark Lord closed his eyes, taking in the negative emotions wrought by the Je’daii.

“Ah, you want those. You want to kill me, do it.. cut me down..”

He opened his eyes, yellow orbs glistening brightly like hate filled beacons. The sight of another Master Je’daii brought low his treacherous smile, how quick is his one’s death could of been if he charged in so blindly. Nonetheless, time was not something he could afford much longer. As the other Tho Yor drifted toward Akar Kesh from the distance, the Dark Lord flicked his hand to the side in gesture. Releasing the Tho Yor’s beams once more violently upon the two defenders from it’s many ports.

Darth Mori | Jem Fossk | Khamul Kryze | Kyrel Ren | Cotan Sar'andor | Asha Vynea​

 

[Kyrel Ren]

Akar Kesh, Tython


The Master of Ren still stood at Solipsis’s side. No words came from the Ren, if anything he was brought to witness the Dark Lord’s incredible power in the dark side, twisting and corrupting the ancient structures of the Tho Yor. He often wondered where did they come from? We’re they manifestations created by the Force, perhaps even the myth of the Mortis Gods had a hand in such divine creations. All the same it didn’t matter to Kyrel, only the breaking of the wheel that was the Jedi and Sith was all that ever mattered to his mind. His gaze shifted soon from the impressive displays of dark power eminating in twisted beams of the Tho Yor energy into a focused beam used to crush one’s enemies. Kyrel attempted such feats, but even he couldn’t conjure it up with a mere flick of one’s wrist.

His eyes shifted next to Cotan someone known as a Je’daii. Like the Knights of Ren they were another less known Force Cult that were the predecessor to the Jedi. The man arrived as if to challenge Solipsis, and maybe Kyrel both on this sacred site. Kyrel’s eyes went to him, but he didn’t move, nor did he say anything as Solipsis was having his own fun with the man, watching as he used the energy of the vessels to strike at Cotan, and as if the man knew the structures intimately found someway to counteract such energy.

His Voxyn instincts were screaming at him to attack, and the undead did his best to hold off such instincts. He didn’t even know if now was the proper time or place to fight. Even with the invasion so close and the Maw’s armies at the doorstep of Tython the Wrath felt unsure of what the next action was. Instead he watched as if the contest between Cotan and Solipsis was spectators sport. Soon another stepped in, and now he found eyes on him. Looking in front he saw a familiar face, his memory hazy as it had been decades since seeing her. Asha had returned to confront Solipsis, and perhaps even the Wrath of the Maw.

With her weapon ready, his primal instincts caused him to activate his signature lightsaber, the crimson blade lowered down. He waited for her to make a move, but watched once more as Solipsis directed the energy now towards the both of them. If she were to attack Kyrel wouldn’t be able to stop from giving in to devour her.

Darth Mori Darth Solipsis Jem Fossk Cotan Sar'andor Asha Vynea

 

[Cotan Sar'andor]

"So, the delusions it is, then."

Cotan shook his head in disappointment, although he'd already known the answer. It wasn't as if he himself knew what was to come, not truly—he'd never been given the gift of foresight like some had—but what Solipsis seemed to have planned was too far beyond what was possible to ever come to fruition. Even if Tython itself burned, even if portals to the Netherworld reopened all across the galaxy to repeat what had happened thirty years before, Solipsis's ambitions would be nothing more than ashes in his mouth.

When a familiar presence made itself known he turned in surprise, to see Asha standing a short distance away. "Oh, sithspit," he muttered, just as Solipsis tried the same tactic every other Sith had. As though he'd fall for it. He kicked his still-sheathed sword up into his hands, eyes on the Tho Yor as its energy lances charged up for another attack...before bounding off at a blinding speed, nearly tackling Asha as he pulled her into one arm. The beams struck where they'd been standing, kicking up dust and chunks of blasted, half-molten rock as he stopped behind one of the pillars.

"Come to join my stalling?" he asked after he stopped, still alert for another blast. "Don't fight them directly. There are others doing that, and no doubt they're already speeding over as fast as possible. Tython will wake up soon enough, and people who actually understand it—meaning us—are going to need to keep the storms from getting too violent. Let the others swing their swords for once. The temples can be rebuilt, the planet has to be kept whole."

How long did it take for that second blast to charge up? It wouldn't be instantaneous, no matter how much energy Solipsis poured into the vessel, but the next one would likely come soon.

"Also, please, next time you know I'm flying into something like this, if you want to come along, just say so, I'd rather not be surprised to see you."

Asha Vynea Darth Solipsis Kyrel Ren Darth Mori Khamul Kryze Jem Fossk

 

[Caoimhe Crannach]

She couldn't believe she was doing this. This was treason… No this was more than treason if she did this there was no going back to the Empire this defection plain and simple. What choice did she have the orders were clear enage Maw and Alliance at will. She was being ordered to place her men between a hammer and anvil because her superior's hadn't learned from the mistakes of the Galactic Empire. She cursed silently as the sweeper chimed happily that there were no bugs in the area she kicked on the blocker. Her superior's were bastards but the people at Imperial intelligence were conniving bastards. No sense delaying the inevitable she pressed the button and her terminal whirred to life. The device chimed confirmation of the connection.

Senator Denko-Durren, are ye receiving m'well?

She nearly bit her tongue as her nerves pushed her native Goidelic accent out over her more professional Imperial Standard. Oh hang it now's not the time to worry about how you sound Caoimhe.

Ma'am fraid things have worsened…

Auteme Eryk Thaxton

 

[Faith Organa]

Location: Alderaan, New Aldera
Objective: Develop a plan for Tython

Admiral Otin nodded once more, "Yes Mam based on the progression it would make sense the next target is Tython"

Faith studied the map again it was not hard to see the path they were blazing across the Alliance. Their next could be Dremulae, and either Corellia or Balmorra. But now the question was how to prepare for Tython. "My main focus is always to evacuate everyone who wants to leave, leave the fighting to those whose craft is war. I think we may need to develop the First Responders to be on the ground in support of the troops." She couldn't ask Tia to go but she could ask Maeve.

She wanted to convene meeting of those on the committee for Health and Science, Eboi Seth Xasha Callisto and Auteme but word had it Auteme was already preoccupied with developing an effort regarding Tython. But she would reach out to the others.

"Becca, let's send a message please to Senator Seth and Senator Callisto. Would like to discuss efforts to support Alliance forces in the event Tython is next to come under attack. They are welcome to travel to Alderaan or meet via holo, and....let's see if Alicio Organa would be interested in joining us. Ask him"

Faith reached up to rub her shoulder it was still bothering her. And there was still no answer on why or who. Perhaps it was time to pay a fee and ask the question.

She see what Draco Vereen thought of it.

 

[Alicio Organa]

NEW ALDERA, ALDERAAN
OBJECTIVE III: BRING YOUR OWN ORGANA
​

Whenever Faith Organa asked for help, Alicio would be there to assist.

Only a few minutes after the Queen's assistant sent the message, Alicio was stepping through the doors of the Palace, dark boots clicking against fine marble tiles, punctuated by the tapping of a black cane. His cape billowed a bit from his haste, making the slight count take up far more space than he had any right doing as he walked down the halls of the palace.

He swept into the room with his cousin and the admiral, joining her at the table, casting his grey eyes down on the map they surrounded. His fair face grew confused. "Faith, I received Becca's message. I came as soon as I could."

"How can I help?"

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Location: Tython
Appearance: Link
Outfit: Factory Link
Ship: Link
Tag: Iris Arani

Iris?

Valery opened her eyes and blinked as Iris joined her on the rock. She had expected to be alone out here, and find her peace before the battle. But her Padawan joining her for that only made it easier, and it wasn't exactly strange that the younger woman had been able to find her out here.

Iris had her way when it came to sensing people in the Force, and they shared a bond in the Force as well. A true Master/Padawan bond.

"I'm going to save them."

Valery smiled and watched Iris for a moment longer before she nodded in agreement, "I know you will, Iris. Just... be careful out there, okay?" Her protective side flashed through for a moment, but she was without a doubt confident in her Padawan.

Then, a moment of silence lingered, and Valery focused on the wind as she took a breath of fresh air.

"Thank you, for always protecting me."

The question drew Valery's fiery eyes back, and the smile on her face couldn't be brighter, "I care about you, Iris. I will always be there to help you when you need it. And I know I can count on you as well." She had so many times already — Iris had literally taken a bullet for her, and dragged her to safety on New Cov when the parasite crippled her at the worst possible time.

They had each other's backs.

Shifting over, Valery wrapped an arm around Iris' shoulders and briefly pulled her close, "It's beautiful, isn't it? Tython."

 

[Asha Sar'andor]

Kyrel's response to the meeting of their gaze was to ignite his own weapon, and in response Asha remained steadfast; hilts were held, but remained deactivated. The other darksiders' words echoed in her mind as he pushed them toward temptation, but she'd devoted her entire life to balance and moderation, to toeing the line of Bendu as her father had taught. One soft intake of breath was all it took to right her mind.​

​

She said nothing. Another blast was charged up above, and before it could fall upon them - before she could outstretch a hand to try and deal with it, or move to avoid it - she was grabbed and hauled away. Behind one of the pillars, they caught their breath. His words made sense, keeping Tython in check was the important part here. Keeping it from rending itself in two when light and dark came to clash once more. "Got it," she replied, and once her affirmation was uttered she returned the hilts to her belt. For now at least she'd refrain from calling upon them. "We can do this."​

​

They had to, right?​

​

Despite the seriousness of the situation, Cotan's next statement had her lips twitching into a small smirk. "In my defense," the woman stated, "I didn't realize I was going to follow until you'd already left..." Another steadying breath, before she leaned in. Kissed his cheek, squeezed his hand, and drew upon the strength of their union. Then she nodded her head in staunch resolve.​

​

"So, about this stalling..."​

​

Cotan Sar'andor Darth Solipsis Kyrel Ren Darth Mori Khamul Kryze Jem Fossk ​

 

[Iris Arani]

"No. Tython is serene." At least in her world of colors. It was a wonderful world, but Iris couldn't consider it beautiful. It was much greater than that. Despite the ancient wars that had been waged here, despite the corruption of the Sith at one point, the world stayed serene. She smiled, turning her gaze up to Valery Noble . "When this is all over, can we cook again? I want to learn a new recipe."

 

[Anneliese]

The Grassy Plains of Tython
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Pre-War Training l Pre-War Meeting
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Jax Thio​

The Jedi Master placed his hand on Annelise's shoulder a part of him wanted to tell her about the events of the battle but he pushed it aside. She needed to know that Jax was not perfect not the fact that he was likely the son of a Monster. "It's only through experiencing fear," Jax continued. "Is when we find out who we truly are. A person can't be brave if they're not afraid."

She recalled back weeks prior to her first legitimate field mission, the one that took place on Tatooine. There she had met Ghora, a rather large and skilled, but compassionate mercenary, a smile creeping to her face as she thought on his strength. It was there, she had met the man who was now her Master. Not knowing at the time, but Jax had taught Anneliese a valuable lesson that day... admitting and knowing your strengths and weaknesses. She had been gung-ho to please, like normal, but when it came down to the wire... it had overwhelmed her. Fear had crept into the door... but those words..... "A person can't be brave, if they're not afraid.".... These words resonated deep within her. Deep in her core, she wanted to be brave, not just for her, but for all of those she came to love and hold dear within her heart.

Jax released his hand from her shoulder and motioned Annelise to follow him. "You need to find what drives you," Jax said. "Who or what gives you the motivation to keep going. Once you do, cling on to that no one can take it from you. A healthy attachment is what separates a Jedi from a Sith. Find something worth fighting for and you can always conquer your fears."

This whole time, the WHOLE time... what got her up daily out of bed, what pushed her for one more minute of extra training... was the sheer effort and drive to please those around her, to finally be accepted by her peers, to have, a Master. But now that she had achieved those things, now that the hustle of the days had come to this halt as they stood on the precipice of war... she had to ask herself this question -- nothing standing so that she could conveniently push it off. She spoke it aloud, as if unsure and unsettled. "What... drives me?" Her voice cracked slightly as she pondered on it, the question hitting her harder than expected. She didn't have an immediate answer to it, and that bothered her.

He chuckled. "You're just jumpy from the combat high," Jax said. "I share your concern with your taste of battle but when the fighting starts, you're going to be far away from the action. You're not ready yet."

Still, Anneliese needed to clear her mind from what happened at Tatooine. "Sit down and meditate," Jax said. "Clear your mind and breathe, allow the Force to flow through your body and relax. Trust in the Living Force."

This following statement bothered her even more. Anneliese from the time of Tatooine had put in more hours and time in spare mission time and lightsaber training than she had ever done prior... I mean, if there had been an award for working while you slept, she probably would have won it. Wasn't ready? She visibly pouted at Jax as she crossed her shoulders just slightly, her spirited nature emerging. "Aw, come'on Master. I know my forms are a bit choppy, but I'm tellin ya -- I've been working on them." Grunting, well, more like growling under her breath, the young girl sat down in a defeated manner, knowing Jax wouldn't be having it --- and simply crossed her legs and began to relax as she closed her eyes... he was right, she needed to slow down, breathe and relax. She needed to find her pace again... and so, breathing in and out deeply, the young padawan began to meditate.