Private Of Whispers & Promises

[Allyson Locke]

//: Roof of a Shirayan Temple //:
//: Naboo //:
//: Ala Quin //:
//: Attire //:

It wasn't hard to find her. Several people knew where the Grandmaster had wandered off to; it seemed she had gone to a place where she found peace. Allyson could understand; she often, when she was a councilor, found places to hide. Thinking quietly, she wondered if the old hidden nook of an office was still standing at one of the old Silver Jedi temples.

Allyson quietly made her way towards the temple, but instead of entering, she turned the corner and found the small ledge that stuck out. Gripping it, she began to climb, wondering how the short-statured elf was able to make her way so quickly up the building.

Knowing her luck, it was by way of the Force, feats that were untouchable by the Corellian Technomancer.

She remained quiet, her footsteps and Force presence unseen or felt—but knowing Ala, she had already seen this meeting happening. At the top, she noticed her silhouette in the light of the setting sun. Allyson paused, not wanting to interrupt the tranquility that washed over the woman.

So much troubled her nowadays, and Allyson wished she could do something to return the smile to Ala's face. Perhaps somewhere in an alternate timeline, another lifetime — but this one she was only given the role of friend. Still, she couldn't help but admire the unique beauty that belonged only to Ala Quin.

Time was precious, though, and Allyson couldn't leave their business till later.

"Grandmaster," Allyson started as she walked up to the woman and stood a few feet behind her. A slight bow of her head, showing respect to a seat that kept the Order for centuries.

"I heard you might need a Shadow," Allyson smirked. "I might be a bit rusty, but at one time I was the best."

 

[Ala Quin]

It was hard to tell if the limp would ever go away. The diagnosis had been that it was purely mental, that nerve endings would repair, and motor function would not be mechanically hindered. But the counselor had warned that Ala might, for some reason, feel the need to punish herself for failure, and thus refuse to let the limp depart.

Ala knew the reason.

Atop the temple roof, Ala looked out over the reason. Her adopted home, Shiraya's Sanctuary, spilled out across hills and valleys. The complex was expanding under her leadership. The roll of admissions was growing. The number of missions. The amount of danger. The losses. The padawan dating woes. The knights being tempted with the Dark Side. The masters groaning under the weight of rebuilding an Order. It was all...so...very...much for her little shoulders.

She just wanted to be happy again.

But Lorn had walked out the door with her happiness. And left her only duty. And then he had returned to remind her that he really would and could not come back to her.

A single tear was wiped away, just as Allyson announced herself. Ala had, of course, known that she was coming. And with it, another reminder of things Ala could never have.

"I need to know what the Vanguard are planning," she said. Her tone was oddly cool. Calculated even.

"If things go poorly for them, our safety on Naboo will be threatened. If things go well for them...the Order will move to follow their lead. I need to know how to respond."

No hellos. No how do you dos. Just business.

| Allyson Locke |​

 

[Allyson Locke]

//: Ala Quin //:
//: Attire //:

Allyson listened. The woman she had known was not there; something more must have happened, or she had reached her breaking point. The Corellian watched, but Ala seemed unnaturally still.

She was business, and while Allyson could appreciate it — there was still something that wished for the comfort of a friend. Today Allyson wasn't even that. The Corellian straightened herself, hands at her side as she understood the role she was required to play today.

She didn't reach out; she didn't step further to try and provide comfort for the Elf; instead, she stared at the woman's back. No connection to lingering gazes — nothing. Allyson exhaled softly and responded.

"Yes, Grandmaster." A hand touched her chest as she nodded with respect once more.

Allyson wondered as this exchange reminded her briefly of her youth when she started out as a Shadow. Would she be a deniable asset to Ala Quin? Would this Order sacrifice her for the so-called greater good? The similarities weighed on her chest, making it hard to breathe.

"I will make contact as soon as I can with the Vanguard. I will be with them for some time, see what I can find and track."

Her hand lowered as she lingered on one question.

"Any individuals in particular do you wish for added intel?" She paused.

"Anyone I should or shouldn't get close to?"