Private Noble Bastion

[Jairdain]

Bastion. A planet Jairdain hadn't thought about in years was just the place she was going to be visiting. As she was taking a shuttle down to the surface, she wondered if anything would remain from her time here. It had been close to forty since then, and she hoped there wasn't going to be the underground or even where she had lived once Krest had corrupted her.

In the short conversation she'd had with Laphisto, she had only asked how much had changed. He was unable to answer her at that time. So she would have to learn on her own.

Arriving a few days before the Games were going to begin, she walked off the shuttle and stopped. Breathing in the warm air, it smelled the same. There was a difference, though; it wasn't as oppressive. She was sure there was more, but she had only arrived.

Moving out of the way of the other passengers, she stood still again and just listened. Hearing the wind in the trees and the birds brought her a smile. Another sound that hit her ears were footsteps. Feeling that she wasn't alone, her focus shifted to Laphisto, and she smiled a little.

"Thank you for coming."

Only when she finished speaking did she turn to face him.

Laphisto

 

[Laphisto]

Laphisto was already waiting at the landing pad when Jairdain stepped off the shuttle, flanked by five Lilaste Order soldiers who trailed behind him in perfect silence. Their footsteps echoed softly, but what stood out more was the absence of their presence in the Force like voids walking in formation, invisible to senses that should have felt them.

Laphisto offered a small, respectful bow and gave her a faint smile. "I'm glad to see you made it safely to Bastion. I wasn't sure you would, all things considered but I'm glad you chose to come take a look. Figuratively speaking, of course." laphisto held an arm close to himself letting his elbo stick out as if to help guide the woman. he did so out of curtious habit and didn't consider his height.

 

[Jairdain]

"I've always made it safely here. Once was when I was just ninteen and a captive of a Sith lord. That's why I asked how much has changed. My memories of Bastion are quite dark. In several different ways."

This was why she was here early. To finally wipe clean her slate of her past. Get rid of any cobwebs that might still be hanging around and clinging to her. A part of her life she didn't want to think about any longer: she accepted what had happened and what she had become. It didn't define her, though.

Giving Laphisto a wry smile when she sensed his intention to guide her with his arm.

"I don't think that will be comfortable for either of us, but I thank you for the offer."

A shiver went up and down her spine, for a brief moment, it felt like somebody walked over her grave. A slight trepidation filled her, and Jairdain wondered if she should have even returned. Drawing in a ragged breath as it finished, she stepped to stand next to Laphisto.

Laphisto

 

[Laphisto]

Laphisto gave a low chuckle, inclining his head with quiet understanding. He clasped his hands behind his back, his posture straightening as his gaze swept slowly across the landing pad and surrounding skyline. "But of course. I may be millennia old, but I still have manners" he said softly, his voice calm and measured.

There was a pause before he continued, the tone shifting ever so slightly toward the formal."I've been granted clearance to escort you through the city. Wherever you'd like to begin, I'll see you there safely. Just say the word." Though his words were neutral, there was a subtle note of attentiveness in the way he stood beside her present, but never imposing. He would not guide her unless she allowed it, but he would not leave her to walk Bastion alone. Not while ghosts still lingered in its shadows.

Jairdain

 

[Jairdain]

"Surely you're not that old yet. To a long life for both of us. Sometimes, manners are all that is left at the end of the day."

He cared, and that counted a great deal to her. So many people pretended, but she could tell he was real, and she appreciated that. Of course, she didn't say that, but if he was as good at picking up on things, then he might feel it from her. Jairdain was not one to keep her emotions hidden or secret. One thing about her, though, is that she rarely lets them control her.

"I'd like to retrace some of my old steps. I had a home here. Maybe it remains standing. If not, I do understand things change and houses are temporary anyway."

Focusing on where they were, she attempted to remember the feeling of the earth under her feet and follow the steps she had taken when she was a teenager. Being blind, she didn't need to close her eyes, but she found her lids lowering and her mind guiding her steps. She also sensed the solid support of Laphisto and held onto that feeling.

Laphisto

 

[Laphisto]

Laphisto gave a small nod, stepping in sync beside her as she began to move, not taking the lead but matching her pace easily. His posture stayed straight, hands behind his back in a loose rest position. He glanced once toward her, then forward again, watching the streets ahead with the quiet focus of someone used to escorting others through unfamiliar ground.

"That can be arranged, A few sectors were flattened and rebuilt after the last change in administration. Others were left mostly untouched. If you give me a general area, I can get us close." He didn't press her for details just offered what she needed to hear. His voice stayed even, practical. "If the building's gone, I'll have my men pull the old zoning records. At the very least, you'll know what happened to it."

He walked quietly after that, giving her the room she clearly needed, but staying close enough that she could feel his presence. Not as a shadow or a guide just someone there to make sure she wasn't walking into anything alone.

Jairdain