Ocean Endurance! Mon Calamari's Gem Boat Race. (Coci)

[Kei Amadis]

Mon Calamari
Crystal Reef
Morning

Crystal reef was one of the richest cities on the planet, there was no other way to describe the estates, and other luxuries you found in this glittering spot floating atop Dac’s oceans. Today the sun was beating down, warmer than usual and dazzling, reflected off those ocean's ever changing surface.

Completely out of place, Ambigous statement unceremoniously touched down in the space port. A rickety old small freighter, she was held together by the stubborn desire to not fall to pieces and that was about all. Everything about the ship was bolted on, hull repaired so many times you could swear it looked nothing like the original design. The inside was no different! Full of clutter, old parts, tools, gaming tables, and supplies. Many people had lived here at one time, now it was just Kei and his passenger [member="Coci Sinopi"], it felt empty, at least to Kei, and their journey had been pleasant but a quiet one with him reflecting on that emptiness.

Landing ramp extended, Kei disembarked to feel the sea are beating down on him, humidity obviously high here, the air always felt heavier even if it was naturally lighter and easier to breathe. Green combat fatigues, black t-shirt and black boots, his tactical pack was on his back, and his saber unity on his waist. Kira was slung today, he wasn’t carrying the rifle, not expecting any trouble in this type of place.

“Taiden’s estate isn’t far.” Kei said to Coci, giving his pack and saber the once over, to make sure he was prepared. Always that training and attention to detail in his gear.

“Take us about 10 minutes no more.” He nodded to her, a woman and friend who he might well become his Master and mentor down the road after their last talk. “Appreciate this, he’s not in good shape.” Kei remarked sincerely.

[member="Coci Sinopi"] | [member="Taiden Keth"]

Spoiler

Continued from here: Taiden will enter in a few posts, don't worry about regular replies with your important thread going on, just as you feel like it. Also someone reading can happily steal this idea again, just invite me if you race!

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Kei Amadis"]

It is always advised that when one has a fear of something, it is good to face that fear. This was that day, whether she wanted it or not. This ship was nothing short of a flying coffin in her mind, only just remaining together on hope alone. How the thing actually did fly would always remain a mystery to her. Coci doubted she breathed on breath throughout the entire trip, lucky Mon Cal is not that far away, well it was but seemed like the trip ended with fuss, save for her adled mind.

The best way for her to cope was to remain silent and try her best to close her mind to it all and meditate, which worked to a point. Meditation was constantly interupted by the odd noise coming from differeing parts of the ship at random times which would set her nerves on end.

So when they touched down and she was able to escape the ship she did so quickly. Evident was the humidity as soon as one entered the enivornment, which she did not mind in fact she relished it. Tabaqui her home set in the jungle had her used to that by now. This trip has a duel purpose, some training and to visit a friend of Kei that is in a poor state. Coci unaware of this state but would do her best to help if it is required.

"What do you mean .. he's not in good shape?", she asked now more concerned by the situation.

 

[Kei Amadis]

"Quite a ship huh?" The padawan grinned not realising her discomfort, stretching his legs and rolling his shoulders around, a great fondness for the junkyard ship behind him, they'd been through a lot together.

“Taiden, he isn’t feeling great.” Kei’s ability to actual define a personal situation, was sometimes about as good as a hammer hitting a wall, it did the job but gave little to no information on what he actually meant. She might remember Taiden briefly from the AoL, Taiden’s small part in it hadn’t brought him the great victories he was hoping for.

Scratching the back of his neck, he gave Coci an encouraging nod and looked at where he was going. The first thing a trained Master might notice is Kei looked where he was going, it wasn't his first instinct to use the force when perhaps it should be, it would have brought him peace of mind that he wasn't being followed if nothing else.

“Broken bones, broken pride.” The last word held more of a grave tone, before he set off properly.

Walking through the quiet streets of crystal reef, people were about, scattered in small groups, reflecting the wealth on display, but it wasn’t through the streets they headed. They headed for a separated platform, and a small personal boat to take them out. Open top, it was pure white, had one Echani crew dressed the same, and four seats.

Kei nodded to the man, having been here before, and helped Coci find her seat should she need it before stepping in himself.

Out ahead was a structure that could only be described as magnificent. It would be safe to say the large open windowed Keth estate had been standing for a very long time, with a lot of history to it. Once home to an ancient Sith Knight known as [member="Darth Proeliator"] and his long dead Echanar Kiara Keth, now passed down the generations to their house’s descendent [member="Taiden Keth"].

Their floating platform was not too far from others as to appear suspicious, close enough to take easy outing, but also separated enough to be safe from unwanted company. Inside you could just begin to make out long green marble and onyx hallways through the open window design.

[member="Coci Sinopi"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Kei Amadis"]


"Taiden? Taiden Keth from Army?", she did remember him well, at least through reputation as she can't recall meeting him. Taiden had been one of the main leaders of the Army of Light. She gave her appreciation for help into the water transport and settled in her seat.

Broken bones and pride, seems this man had been through a lot in recent times, or were they old? well she would do her best to help him if she could. Soon they reached the estate of Taiden and Coci marveled at the sight of it. She has seen much grandeur in her youth as part of House Sinopi on Corellia, spending time within the wall of other surviving family of the old Corellian Empire, now gone. But his place is inviting in a odd way and cool to the senses.

The green marble like she had never seen before, polished and finely cut is pleasant to the eye. Coci followed Kei along the halls and into the main part of the house. Happy to be off his ship and back on firm ground, Coci now relaxed and focused to meet an old associate once more.

 

[Taiden Keth]

Keth Family Estate
[member="Darth Proeliator"]​

​

A bubble dome, not quite a palace's size but close, this place had been built with loving care. The polished green, onyx marble surfaces gleamed, gold lined skirting board; even the wall engravings of intricate designs, were all studded with the occasional gemstones. Where once there was just a small minimalist garden visible at the center, now it was larger, and had blooming silver blossoms among the greens. A very old Master named Sorcha had designed such a place, copied and brought here by Kiara, now that garden was full of life from Taiden's care but had some similar qualities to the very first inspiration.

Echani took nothing from appearance, so since taking ownership, the statues had been scaled back, necessities were in place of luxuries, white polished training room, simple but large dining area, the furniture was sparse but there for guests, Taiden and his guards rarely sat.

The small of fine cooking, herbs and other delicacies could be tasted in the aroma of the place. Taiden was busy in the kitchen, three white clad Echani greeted their guests and escorted them in with a deep bow, traditional attire, not a spot was out of place on their clothing, or their silver swords they all carried on their back.

After a time, one more spotless piece of tradition walked out, Taiden Keth. Silver eyes, silver hair, white perfection but not quite today, clear medical bracing on his leg, arm and neck. He was obviously in a lot of pain since his encounter with [member="Raien Keth"], but this was not visible in how he stood. Straight, upright, carrying himself as an Echani would. He stood still and bowed slowly to his guests. "Welcome." Though he had to be supported by those guards around him before he raised himself back up.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Kei Amadis"]

​

Spoiler

Will post with Kei next. Taken from the original description and edited

 

[Kei Amadis]

Their small white procession came to a stop in the main hall, squeaky clean just like he remembered it.

“Yep the same.” Kei added,“about time we shook him out of it.” Grinning to [member="Coci Heavenshield"] . The army, Taiden was living in the past. Kei couldn’t reach him, he also had his share of past memories, but had learned to get on with life. The Echani was one of his crew, he wasn’t going to let an old friend stew in his own self-pity, no matter how proud.

“Here to see Taiden, tell him it’s Kei.” Nodding to the Echani guards, one walked off without a word. That cooking though, damn, he realised how hungry he was. Arms held behind his back, the Epicanthx stood tall, matching a level with the guards around them.

“You mind doing the talking on this one?” [member="Coci Heavenshield"] . He never was much of a talker, nor was Taiden. They’d just be giving each other looks until one got the others point, which could take all day.

His friend came out, no better than last time Kei saw him. A look of deep concern falling over the large Epicanthx, which could be felt easily by anyone nearby. Kei took Taiden’s good arm and shook it lightly, wrist to wrist, a mark of respect for his Echani friend. He'd been had taught some basic Keth family customs last time they were together. “Taiden. This is Coci.”

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Kei Amadis"] | [member="Taiden Keth"]

[SIZE=12pt]As the guard approached and Kei informed him of their arrival, “I will do my best to help our friend”. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Only moments went passed before Taiden came to greet them. Even Coci was taken aback by the sight of him, she remembered him younger and long white hair and handsome and full of life for the Army of Light. Much he had achieved through them, but of his personal life she did not have knowledge. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]As she was introduced, Coci bowed her respect to their host. She noted his old injuries and had to wonder what trouble he had encountered to get them. There is more to this situation than she first realised. Through the force, the plagued mind of Taiden was evident but would he wish for help from her? Or anyone for that matter? They would try. [/SIZE]

 

[Taiden Keth]

While Kei remained silent giving his friend his usual grin and nod. Yes there was pain, loss and betrayal, it stood between the two men, but was more on Taiden’s shoulders than Kei’s. As a Master, Coci might feel even more to the situation than one injured man. Outside on the mainland through the windows, just a short distance away, boats were beginning to gather, a festival of sorts that came once a year, and the morning crowd was small but would grow. Several of the staff here dotted around seemed oddly fixated on it, breaking their glances from their duties to look up briefly at the passing oceancraft.

Taiden couldn’t look at the gathering outside, he turned his head. He was Echani through and through, he wouldn’t easily show what pained him, his expression barely showed anything but welcome for them being here, only his body language and the way he walked shouted it. He was choked up, someone skilled in the force might sense how backed up he was, emotion unable to breath.

“Thank you for coming.” The Echani indicated a small group of soft velvet purple chairs if the pair wanted to sit. “I trust your journey was free of danger.” Making his way to the seating, sun cracking its way through the glass, spilling on to the marble, it danced towards them. All the windows were uncovered, there was no privacy in the main rooms, you could see ocean for miles around, nothing hidden.

Strange then that he hid his emotions so much that they might simply break down if not expressed in some form. It took the Echani some time to sit, but when he did he visibly relaxed, the strain off his shattered foot. A small smile formed on his lips, “Would you like something to drink. And you’ve come along way, do you have news?” It might be easy to forget at times, he was still a young man, and the way he sat, held a sense of excitement to hearing a tale or two.

Smells of the cooking came through from the kitchen, whatever was going on, the aromas from the fresh herbs grown nearby, fruits and vegetables taken directly out of the gardens, were almost palpable.

Spoiler

Skipping Kei this round

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Taiden Keth"]


"Our journey was uneventful, thankfully", she replied as she took a seat which was offered to her and Kei. "I would accept a drink of water if you please", she added to his offer of hospitality.

"It has been a long time since we last saw each other Taiden", she began with the small talk, however her senses picking up on this state both physically and more importantly, mentally. She regarded him for a moment, awaiting his reply, and there is a strong sense of loss but the emotions of the past void, as if blank. It is clear Taiden has been through much, and this has depleted his ability to feel. He is but a shell.

She could hear the hum of water craft through the window, but paid it little attention unlike those gathered to watch the event on the water. "Taiden, how did you come by your injuries? have you had them see to?", she asked, knowing her had most likely considering his is bandaged. But she wanted to get him talking, away from the small talk, to see if she could find his dispair.

 

[Taiden Keth]

Taiden turned the slightest movement of his hand, his Echani wrist device signalled the servant nearby for drinks, getting Kei a fruit juice at his request and himself he ordered the same as Coci, only the water would be tripled distilled to retain purity, keeping the body in peak shape as much as it could be in his condition. His wrist device was an item Kei and the others had used during the AoL, a language of motion rather than speech.

Sad that they’d had no stories to tell, a distraction would have been welcome, he didn’t show it outwardly. Along time, “indeed it has been long Elder Jedi.” Like most Echani he took people on names and deeds alone, unsure of her rank or ability, only what he’d heard tell of her exploits. Elder was appropriately respectful in this case for an Echani, their elders were their teachers.

Making a point specifically not to look outside, he had positioned himself in the one direction he would not spot sea traffic arriving. “My injuries, I have had a droid do their best,” Taiden answered, increasingly guarded in how he sat, and how uncomfortable he felt in the force, but outwardly the expression and the words didn’t change at all. “Thank you for your concern.” A part of his need to be in fighting fit shape, meant he wanted a healers or medical experts help, but his psychological pain at why and how he got these injuries was a significant block.

How did he come by the injuries? Echani were not prone to fidgeting, ever, instead when she asked this he became incredibly silent, motionless like the smallest thing could have pushed him over. “I failed.” He stated with some finality. He’d failed more than once. To stop his ancestor, with the AoL and with repairing his family name. A small smile fought back, but was silenced by calm reserve. "My injuries are a reminder of my disloyalty, my dishonor and my shame." This was a young man talking, vulnerability behind the facade, and a young warrior who needed guidance.

Contrasting this Kei's emotion was stirring, and he wanted to shout out something about not failing anyone, but instead seemed to be silently trying to calm himself in the force, exasperated with his old friend, and letting Coci who was somewhat separated from the event have a try at reaching Taiden.

Spoiler

Skipping Kei again till next post

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Taiden Keth"]


The refreshments soon arrived and placed before them, however Coci did not reach for her water but instead her gaze remained fixed on Taiden. The Force speaking to her of pain old and new within their friend, but nothing would get passed his guard, she did not try however, as her way is to not intrude on others minds uninvited.

"I have some healing skills through the force but sadly I lack anything that would aid you, however, we have many healers in the Silver Jedi that would be able to mend the physical pain and suffering", she began, however she is most certain his mental pain is where the true scars are and would take much time to heal. Time the great healer? in a way, she has always maintained the philosophy as Jedi that time give one the capacity to cope, because one never truly forgets.

"You speak of failure Taiden, however I do not remember you as a man of dishonour or lacking in loyalty. What do you consider to be your failure?". It was direct and blunt, sometimes her old habits return but in this case the words she spoke were not cold like they would have been once, but filled with a desire to assist.

Her black eyes shifted momentarily to look to Kei, hoping to see any form of information that might shed light on this intrigue if Taiden would not speak.

 

[Taiden Keth]

His ancestor [member="Raien Keth"] had taken the route that all pain should be held, used to strengthen a fighter, Taiden was at that crossroads, to let go of what was eating him, or hold on to it. Perhaps it was that two friends were here helping him exactly when he needed it, perhaps it was that he never had the corrupting influence of a Sith meditation sphere hanging over his head, or perhaps it is that the force just had different designs for him. [member="Coci Heavenshield"] and her blunt but caring tone convinced him to let go of that at least.

“Yes. Please Elder Jedi.” Taiden bowed his head, somewhat eagerly for the healing she might offer. “Your talents would humble me.” He signaled something on his wrist device, and another servant went away to fetch something.

Taiden’s face however betrayed nothing of what he was feeling, so little given away, only the smallest adjustments in his body language which were read through motion, or someone skilled enough to do so. In the force he had no training to shield his thoughts or emotions. Coci was kind enough not to invade his mind, but perhaps anyway the senses of a Master received intuitive guidance as to what he really said next.

“My failure is to my family for not removing the dishonour of my ancestor, in our fight with the Sith. It is to those I fought beside,” he looked to Kei the words even but the look long and heavy, “My failure is to stop [member="Raien Keth"] when I had the chance.” What there was, was a feeling of deep regret, of the path he had chosen so far, especially in regards to Kei, his part in the AoL not doing himself justice, but Kei that really ate at him. He knew what he'd done when he let himself be sucked into Raien's world, as people often did.

It was about that time, a young girl of about 3 years old was unveiled by the servant and presented to [member="Coci Heavenshield"]. She was unconscious, asleep possibly, you couldn’t wake her no matter how hard you tried. Taiden had taken the Jedi's offer of healing quite literally, for himself and for what he really had hidden protected here, a life that was in an odd stasis.

[member="Saeria Aldan-Keth"] How she would look when she aged​

Her name as the servant soon revealed, was Saeria Aldan-Keth. Her father [member="Darth Proeliator"] | and godfather [member="Serian Loria"] might feel a ripple in the force. She was half Echani, cute, fiery eyes tinted with silver, their surface never settling. Saeria was alive but completely unresponsive. The strangest condition you might see.

Spoiler

Skipping Kei again because of huge post! Great thread so far!

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Taiden Keth"]

"Your failure would have come had you done nothing", she began. "We don't was succeed in victory, but you remain alive and still have the ability and opportunity to continue your fight, even against heritage. Sit and do nothing now and yes you will have failed. But rather then do that why not heal and fight another day? it is not over yet and the force wills more for you I think".

"Come to Voss with us and mend, both of mind and body". However, Coci could not finish as a servant entered the room carrying a young child which was presented to her. Coci immediately stood and instructed the droid to lay the girl on a more comfortable surface.

"What is this?", she said referring to why this child was in what appeared to be stasis, sleeping by all accounts but investigations through the force told Coci otherwise. Her hands only inches from the girls body probed her, there appeared to be no physical injuries but her mind shut down.

Looking to Kei with a question gaze and then to Taiden, "Tell me what has happened here", she asked wanting all information undisclosed. Taiden's condition would have to wait for now, as the condition of the girl took precedence.

 

[Taiden Keth]

A small smile formed on his lips, and he slowly bowed his head. He hadn’t failed, not yet, no she was right, the young warrior found that cause just and honorable, “I won’t fail. There is still hope.” Looking to the child, “Gratitude Elder Jedi”, for the first time in a long time he bowed, eyes closed, deepest respect and trust shown.

Who was she?

For Taiden to move an arm or a leg, meant everything to how he spoke, but when that silence deepened to the point where motion itself seemed an insult to the feeling being expressed, that was when the young Echani was wracked with emotion, and it wouldn’t be hard to feel it coming off him.

“She is… was found with the others of her kin.” Taiden breathed deep retaining that stillness, closing his eyes then opening them, expelling and releasing what had to be known. “When we woke them, we took her before Raien Keth awoke. My old Master whom I served,” he glanced to Kei pain and guilt, flickering behind the silver stare.

His words and body was tense, but coming. “She has been like this, longer than I can say Elder Jedi.” Taiden’s body language held concern, he looked at the child as he spoke, as if this one precious thing might be the salvation for his own soul, something which brought his life around. She’d been encased in crystal in a Sith tomb with the others as they fought, locked in that fight for centuries until their reawakening.

Taiden dipped his eyes a fraction to a nearby servant, barely even a move, and she brought a datapad with what little information he had on the subject, how they’d tried to revive her. Saeria was alive but so far conventional medicine hadn’t worked to revive her, and they hadn’t known who to trust given her previous family’s history. Coci had convinced him to trust her, even if every single Echani had gathered now to watch, as if that one girl was the heart of this estate.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Taiden Keth"]

Her eyes narrowed as Taiden spoke of the history of the girl, as little as it was. Coci shot a brief look toward Kei and back to Taiden before her attention went back to the girl reclined body. She is hardly breathing, only the slightest rise and fall of her chest to indicate any sign of life. She looked like a corpse, pale and lifeless and yet Coci could sense her in the force.

With both hands raised only an inch above the girls body Coci began to examine her. Wave after wave of probing within her flesh to find any internal injuries, but she is fine by all accounts. Removing her hand for the moment, Coci closed her eyes and focused on the girls mind. Closed, a barrier more powerful then any she had encountered before, she knows this well.

After her possession of the Taung Coci had shut down her mind to everything, in order to combat the evil and entered a trance. Only the strength and power of [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] was enough to penetrate her mind and save her. But there is darkness shrouding this mind, this girl a lingering effect from her encasement and Coci would have to rid her of that first.

But she needs to know more, "What state was she found, and in what circumstances?". She did not look up but only at the face of the young child.

 

[Taiden Keth]

Difficult as it was to talk of this, Taiden continued with deliberated words. “A location on the Rim Elder Jedi, hidden to everyone including I, she was in cased in crystal stasis as you see her now.” Not even knowing her name, only his heart could not hold the burden of exposing a child to his former Master and target. Target, such a cold word, his shoulders sank, but rose again to look at Saeria and Coci.

The child was offered to the Master’s arms if she wished her, or laid before her on pillows on the table as instructed, if Echani could fret or show that kind of emotion easily, the small gathering around them of white bodies would certainly be doing so. The boat race that was starting soon, was completely blocked out, the festival not half as important as this one little girl to any of the servants or hired help.

“Inside the crystal lay two Echani locked in a duel, with another women looking on, our order was dedicated to preserving and freeing these symbols of my house's past. One Sith, One Jedi.” Taiden let it rest there, their order had been far less altruistic than that, “forgive me, it is not easy to speak of or think on Master Jedi.”

Looking to Saeria as that hope that Coci had spoken about. his own injury barely noticed in comparison. The girl might be healed but it would be a slow process. 700 hundred year sleeps do not pass lightly, and who knows how her mind or body would have handled the transition of stasis. For her she was no older than 3, for all the years that had passed since she last smiled, or pulled a hand, or opened her eyes, that was how old she was.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Taiden Keth"]

"Taiden, this is no small task you ask me to perform", she began in thought, "I can bring her back, it will take some time and much energy from me but I will do it, however, what you have told me is troubling and I sense she had been in this condition for many many years which will have taken a toil on her, both physically as well as mentally", she looked at the concerned man. Her hand reached out and rested on his shoulder not wish to cause him pain by placing her hand on his arm and gave him a weak smile.

"I understand it is hard to talk about, but that pales in comparsion to the life of this child. Have her taken to a ship and ready it for your, our journey to Voss. There we have healers to be on standby when I bring her out. We have a great healer in Master [member="Maya Whitelight"] how will not only heal you, but will be of great assistance to me and this child, we will do this Taiden, we will make her better as best we can".

"There is darkness surrounding this child, and not of her own doing, that too will need to be rid of first before we can proceed. This must be done with caution and planning for us to succeed". Coci looked to Kei and nodded, it was time to get back to Voss and fast.

 

[Kei Amadis]

Now it was Kei’s turn to speak. It had been a good exercise for the Epicanthx’s patience to remain silent and Coci might have been able to tell how difficult it had been.

“Taiden you have never failed us or the crew. You’re here, we are here, that’s it.” Yeah it was more complicated than that, but heck with it, everyone was alive and well, he’d heard rumors they’d even rescued [member="Fyor Nayus"], so all was right in the world.

Kei nodded to Coci, “I’ll prep the ship Master, Taiden get your gear, you’re coming home.” Home being the silver Jedi now, not out here moping around, he extended his hand and with some reservation from Taiden about accepting, the two shook hands. “Thanks Coci,” Kei said with a genuine tone in his voice, looking at her for a while till she knew that he meant it. That thanks was worth a hundred other words he could have said, and his caring eyes showed it.

Outside the race was in full swing, and a vast array of boats passed by, all racing for a gem, a gem that Taiden Keth would donate once a year from the estate’s decoration. Kei looked at [member="Saeria Aldan-Keth"] feeling fatherly all of a sudden, it wasn’t a big stretch from feeling like a big brother to the rest of the crew he used to fly with. She was alone, helpless, tainted by the darkside and frozen, separated from her parents, did she have hope?

You better believe she did.

Fin

Spoiler

Great thread, thanks that was fun.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

​