Pleasure and Pain - Expedition to Pax Insul

[Onrai]

[member="Braith"] [member="Corvus Raaf"]

"A... cruel god-king?" Vitor's befuddled look said it all. "I'm not a god-king, and you're not a goddess... I am Vitor Imperieuse. There was this weird crystal trap that I triggered when I came in here to find you - seeing as I assume you're the one who was inside this oubliette. More than likely, from its cruder method of construction, I place your device's creation several centuries if not millennia before the Battle of Yavin." He motioned to his body.

"As far as I know, Bathia is only some sort of guardian hologram. A sentinel, meant to elaborate more upon who you are, though in that she was somewhat vague. All she told me was that the locals formed a cult around you - likely for political purposes. You were not a goddess in anything but name - you were a tool to be used by these fanatics. These fanatics who didn't care about your well-being, only caring about the fear you caused the local populace. And when the peoples' devotion became closer to you than to those who gave them a union to their deity, you were cast out. Put into stasis, never to be awoken again."

He motioned down to the ruddy armor he wore, eight hundred years old, shoulder plate pitted and dented. "I was once a threat to everyone. I was used by someone who manipulated every action of mine, whose control of my subconscious was so abominably strong that I was willing to kill anyone, even my best friend. I was locked away for my own safety, so I could kill no one. It was thanks to fate that I was reawoken - I still have the oubliette with me - an ancient relic made millennia ago by the first group of Sith. It is my greatest treasure."

For a moment, he turned to look at the Jedi. "This Jedi woman... looks very similar to the hologram of the Bathia woman you are talking about. And yet you seem calmed towards her. I want what I assume she wants - to keep you safe, to keep anyone from harm, and to show you the truth. I've been there before, and I was enlightened far too late. Please, let me help you."

He took a step towards Braith, one hand still holding on to the oubliette, making sure it went nowhere.

[member="Corvus Raaf"] [member="Braith"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

It seemed they were now having two conversations, Braith with the Jedi and Corvus with the Sith. Given this fact, the Grand Master decided to speak out of turn to the former Shadow.

She felt the Dark-side build in him and automatically allowed her defences to re-engage. Her emotions shut down immediately and she was ready at a moment’s notice to enter Art of the Small, should he attempt to attack her mind.

If he thought her state of mind was susceptible to influence, he clearly didn’t know her very well. She’d deliberately lowered her defences for Braith, but now, in a potentially combat situation, she was not going to take any risks. She was a Jedi. First, foremost and only, after all.

“A Jedi, yes.” She did not smile. “Clearly you remember nothing of the teachings on Ossus. The Jedi have from time to time had a policy of not marrying. But that is not enforced now. The logic was to stop the possible dynasties of those strong in the Force. Hardly likely given the circumstances!” She raised an eyebrow.

“And I think you’re confusing the term attachment with the Code’s teaching on external loyalties. A Jedi is expected to remove as many external distractions from his or her life as possible. Their loyalty is to be to the Jedi Order. So I fail to see how this situation is applicable. Unless you are attempting Dun Möch, in which case you are not doing a very good job.”

“There is truth between my heart and the Force. I have not broken the Code, nor do I ever intend to. And I did not make you. Why play the victim? Be grown up enough to take responsibility for your own actions. We all walk our own path. Only the weak fall to the Dark-side. But if you wish to be redeemed, tell me so. I can help you. I want to help you. I am a Jedi. I value all life and ending yours would be a last resort, believe me. But you have to want to be redeemed.”

And she shook her head. “I am no hero. It is not a word you will ever hear from my lips. I am just a Jedi. No more or less important than any other. No braver, stronger and certainly no more a hero. My interests are the greater good. In preserving life and protecting democracy. No more and no less.”

“And you bandy words that you have no understanding of. You use a term like ‘lover’ when you must know I have arrived here only a short while before you. And the only words I have spoken are of coming her to find her. What do you suspect is happening here? For it must be based upon theory and supposition and clearly no facts.”

“And you talk of sacrifice? The only thing I shall ever sacrifice is my own life for the greater good. I shall never betray the Order or the Code and nor shall I sacrifice another’s life. So whichever answer you think you know…it is clearly wrong. I am a Jedi. If you truly understood what that meant, you would have the correct outcome in mind.”

“So…I ask you again. Yield.”

[member="Lord Sebastian"]

 

[Darth Vaildra]

He lostened, an act that very few Sith had. He could lash out or let anger build, but it wasn't the time to strike, he also knew very little about [member="Braith"] and she was near, could he handle two masters? It would be a true test, but alas it was not the time to strike [member="Corvus Raaf"] down, in secret with no one to collect her body? Dishonorable.sure there was Braith, but he'd have to kill her as well to escape.

He listened to her words, noticed she was using phrases to try and anger him, but he was not a slave to his emotions, his emotions served only him.

He would not yield, he knew he could take her or at least the Corvus he knew, but like her he had grown as well in power. His main reason he could not yield was his children, the only thing he truly cared about. He had buried the thoughts and feelings of them entering battle so no enemy could learn of them.

"You lack understanding on who I am and speak of things our of rash and quick thoughts. There was once a saying, 'The person who speaks the most is the most foolish.' I believe we can agree this is not an absolute phrases, but it serves it's purpose. All the words you say are merely words you are mimicking, things like only the weak fall to the Dark side and you beliefs that simply because I am a Sith I must not believe or understand the ways of the Jedi."

"Little Corvus, the Force and the Galaxy were never that simple."

As he spoke the hallway behind them was growing darker much like the night setting in, slowly. The room above them where Corvus entered was also growing darker. It was a slow, but constant darkening. Much like when one is so focused on one thing they don't realise when it becomes night, it just happens.

"You need not worry yourself with things like Dun Möch, it is a pretty thing that I refuse to use. While I believe you would make a great Sith one day, I am merely the Shepard and will only lead you there when you are ready. Alas, marriage and attactments, merely a formality I wished to point out. I rather wonder, how familiar are you with different views of the Force? There isn't just the light and dark side, some believe this doesn't even exist, there is merely the Force."

"There is only the Force and the Good and Evil, but Good and Evil are merely perspectives if morally is relative. Look at your lover, do not hide what is so clear, this may be your first meeting, but the emotions and body language you display along with your words are not first meeting things. I will not pretend to know your relations, but there is strong feelings there of love or most likely a childish version of it. I seriously doubt a woman as dark as her could love a foolish child as thee."

"Beside the point, what do you think of her words? She is threatening to kill yet you paint me as the evil one because I am Sith. Here, learn who you are really falling for, child." Sebastian reached into his robe and grabbed an offering crystal and tossed it to Corvus. "I have no idea how insightful your senses are, but look at that and tell me what you feel." He waited a bit before continuing his own long speech, one that made his previous phrases on long words useless. " It has the Force in it, not light nor dark, but it has emotions in it. Emotions like fear, there are probablly millions of them all around this place, know what made them?"

"Your so called goddess."

" she ether killed people and trapped their life force in them or they are the makings of offerings to her. I admit I have yet to fully look into them, but one thing is clear, this planet and every living being is dead because of her and offered to her as sacrifices. She is a monster and more evil that any Sith. So I ask you again, what are you turning your blade on my, a Sith, when the real monster is invading your heart and going to use you like she uses everyone? She is the worst kind of Sith, one that hides in sheep clothing."

 

[Ellie Mors]

[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaacJQEN3y4[/media]​

Eyes faltered, blinking, confused - the man she was staring at was exactly as the drawings, paintings, and sculptures of another god had appeared and yet he denied her a shared identity. It was obvious he wasn't Rez the moment he spoke of Bathia with complete ignorance to what - who - she had been. In Pax Insul's old mythological religious state, it had been written that the peace and light had wed, waged war on the night and destruction, and Rez had been that light, Bathia that peace, while Braith had been that destruction and her brother the night. But even beyond those books, the spirit which had lingered was no hologram - her people had never reached the technological advancements during her era to create such things, Bathia had been a lingering ghost, one made of the force, that had lingered to keep Braith locked away. As the man rambled on about his beliefs of her people's culture she shook her head, shut her eyes tightly, and brought her hands to her face, rubbing the sides of her temples. "No, you are wrong." She muttered, looking towards Corvus with half-hooded eyes. She was rapidly beginning to feel the tiring effects of finally catching up with ten thousand years of being partially active, this talk of her being a puppet only serving to frustrate her more than anything. It had been she that had made her own choices, demanded her own worship, fought her own battles. And yet they still came for her - the tribal elders from each of the island nations - to put her away, using Bathia as a meat shield. Perhaps she only needed the nudge of self-doubt, to hear something like this from someone else, for her to lose her sense of identity. "I am a relic, the last remaining god - ten millennia I slumbered with one eye open, and for what? From a treasure hunter to loot my tomb?" Braith insisted, her steeled gaze moving towards [member="Lord Sebastian"] as he belittled both Corvus and her.

And then she saw the crystal in his hand.

"Right now, on this planet.." She began in a low, frustrated, tone. "There are three hundred and two of those offering crystals - of which fourteen have been used." The Alua'an added, rotating fully to face the Sith. "Yes, Corvus, I am the creator of these damnable creations, crystals which contain the lives of the hundreds that were sacrificed on my alter to trap their dying life force." Braith admitted behind clenched teeth, fingers curling tightly into balled fists as she lowered her hands to her waist. She had wanted to discuss this, and other things, at length with the Jedi master in private, to discover this 'redemption' she had heard of - but this Sith was doing nothing but pushing Corvus away from her. "But it was not at all because of them that there is no life here - life ceased to exist, for sentient life, thousands of years after I was placed in that oubliette, long after I was gone, and longer still after those crystals were made. And I am no Sith - I predate your ridiculous order, and the order of which it is based on, and the one which that originated from. I have seen real Sith, the beings who lurked even before my time and persist even now, and I am most assuredly not one of them." The purported deity rebuked with a frown and pursed lips. Of course she would have been perfectly willing to impart knowledge on a willing student - if they were willing to do things her way, which trying to sway her over to some viewpoint that she was staunchly against. "If you want to learn anything from me then it would be beneficial to simply return to your roots with us - go back to whatever this Jedi thing is." She added, though she did not quite expect acceptance with this proposal.

[member="Corvus Raaf"] [member="Vitor Imperieuse"] [member="Lord Sebastian"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xysaxKscJNM

Corvus remained calm and collected. She heard what Hakora had to say. She took him at his word, his speech was not intended to sway her – or turn her. Just as she simply spoke what she believed to be true.

But whereas once she would have allowed him to slip silently away, now she knew that was no longer an option. He could escape, that was true – but she could not knowingly allow him to walk away. But she also had [member="Braith"] to consider. She was a Jedi and this was not about a personal attachment – but rather a need to protect someone that was vulnerable – for thousands of years in some form of stasis would take its toll sooner or later. To have awoken her simply to let her die would not be the Jedi way.

She chose not to make capital of his criticism of her verbose comments, given he then lectured her endlessly. But some things were quite simply wrong – like his previous assertion that she and Braith were lovers. They’d met only minutes before. He had no evidence that they’d known each other for a dozen years – albeit through a vessel at Braith’s command. He could have sensed her feelings for Braith – that much was true – but given Corvus’ own confusion, they would have been hard to decipher. She wanted to be with Braith for the rest of her life – that much she thought she knew. She believed they had a kindred spirit, and it was more…so much more than just a friendship – and way more than simple infatuation, at least from Corvus’ part – but lovers? That was a conversation they would have to have.

At least that’s what Corvus suspected. And given her naivety she wasn’t quite sure. Do you sit down and chat about these things? Do you declare what you want and see if the other person agrees? It was fortuitous her emotions were under lock and key, or she’d blush now. Jut how do you tell someone you find them attractive and…well…you know…stuff?

Fortunately Hakora was still speaking, so she was able to focus on his words. But she had no desire to correct him. She’d been there once before. Instead she listened for phrases, for words that suggested he was redeemable. And she found none.

But one thing he said needed correction. “I shall never fall. And these are not false words of hope, or a quote from the Code. But instead a knowledge based upon facts. I have resisted any natural attempts to turn me. Believe me, Sith have tried. I have overcome rings infused with Alchemy, Taint, even the sliver of a Dark-sided presence in my brain for countless years. None could succeed.”

“And good and evil are…as you say…based upon perception and viewpoint.”

She allowed the crystal to fall to the ground rather than grab it, swaying out of its way instead of catching it. It clattered on the stony floor behind her.

“I am a Jedi. I believe in redemption…and full facts. The galaxy is rarely black and white as you point out, so a single piece of evidence is of no consequence by itself. Who made them, and why they were made are entirely relevant. And given they pre-date the Jedi, and therefore by definition the Sith, who are we to judge without understanding? And I am being lectured by a Sith? A member of a group that committed genocide just to create a Dark-Force artefact recently? The Temple of Pain? You would stand and accuse another as the holder of the moral high ground?”

“And I am not turning my blade on you. Merely asking you to yield. I have no desire to kill you, just arrest you. Allow you to stand trial for your crimes.”

And she was aware that Braith was tiring, and that could affect any self-restraint. She had to perhaps save her from herself. But the tomb-robber was temporarily overlooked as she now focused on the Sith. And Corvus did not have to allow her Empathy available to sense the growing frustration that manifested itself in Braith’s body language – her tone.

But her words were eloquent and restored Corvus’ hope that the woman, or was it yet a goddess, could be a force of good. For in the Jedi’s mind, this was up until this point a given – and she hadn’t considered the ramifications if it were not the case.

Corvus moved a little closer to Braith – they were now touching arms. It was a small movement but the Jedi hoped it spoke volumes. They were united, Corvus was at her side and would remain there – physically and metaphorically. They were having conversations in public that Corvus would rather have had in private, but circumstances were rarely perfect.

But her final words sparked a reaction. Corvus’ right eyebrow shot up at the prospect of Hakora returning to the Light – and being taught by Braith. She wondered if the goddess knew what she was doing. Or worst still, Braith knew exactly what was required and it was Corvus that was ignorant.

[member="Lord Sebastian"]

 

[Darth Vaildra]

A low rumbling deep in Lord Sebastian's throat at the combined words of [member="Corvus Raaf"] and [member="Braith"] now together again. This rumbling began to move up threatening to burst to the surface and alas it did showing him to be chuckling to himself.

They both spoke as freshmen in a Philosophy class not understanding how morality and justice should behave. Just because in just actions predate the police does not excuse someone from their actions, that would be a mock version of morality is relative and morality has never been so simple.

"You assume that I pointing out where the Jedi and you two in particular are much like me that I am taking a moral high ground?"

"Foolish."

"I am the embodiment of the Dark Side, I know what I am and what I am is free from the chains of the Jedi. Clearly, you have no idea exactly what you are, but alas my apprentice is in trouble so I better make sure he isn't dead. We will meet again and then, I will rip the knowledge I want from you."

The shadows that were darkening around them and like the opposite of a flash the shadows quickly filled the room making it dark and hiding the Sith who dropped into the Art of Small as he used his speed to escape a fight he had no chance in winning.

It was not fear or cowardness that he ran, but calculations that defeating two masters at once was not something he wanted to try at the moment. He shot out of the temple and began searching with his Senses for [member="Darth Erebos"]

 

[Shaddi]

T'zanith had been meditating at the drop ship, but the sense of urgency he suddenly felt from his master as he felt his senses search for him. It was unsettling to T'zanith. He reached out himself to help guide his master back to him waiting to ask what was the problem when he'd arrive back to him. A few animals lay dead around the Drop ship, victims of T'zanith's training in fire shaping and other skills but he had brushed them aside before his master would arrive.
"[member="Lord Sebastian"] what is the matter?" He mumbled to himself as he looked into the thick forest and the direction his master would inevitably come from.

 

[Onrai]

[member="Braith"]

"You are not a god. You are mortal." He spoke calmly, resolutely despite the flare of furor within her heart. "If you were a goddess as you proclaim to be, you would never have been trapped. You would exist on a plane above the material realm, a ruthless spirit ruling the locals and feeding from their veneration. Gods cannot be locked away in a stasis casket. But it's alright, Braith." He recognized the name that Bathia had uttered. "I experienced a similar situation myself in a way." He turned for a moment to [member="Corvus Raaf"].

"The Sith desire only destruction. Do what you must. With your blessing, I shall keep her safe until you have annihilated this evil.

 

[Corvus Raaf]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLlKcMMg0Bw

Corvus nodded. It was subtle, almost imperceptible. It seemed ironic that Corvus was blamed by the Sith for somehow denying him a life on Ossus when here he was boasting of being an embodiment of the Dark-side. What she saw now was what she saw back then.

“We are all free to make choices,” she said quietly under her breath. It was, in her mind, the weak that chose to blame others or circumstances. “And it is those choices that define us.”

Darkness filled the room and the Sith shrunk his Force presence – although not his physical form. He could still be followed if Corvus so desired, but the words of the other man stopped her in her tracks. Would she rue letting the Sith leave? Well, to paraphrase her most recent words, she had a choice. Follow him and leave [member="Braith"] at the hands of this man who would potentially do her harm, or protect the one that nobody seemed to want to take the time to understand.

Morality was never a simple thing. Braith’s greatest sin of late was to permit a Sith to depart this life. Not kill her but allow her to simply die. And although Corvus did not pretend to fully understand the past, ten thousand years was a long time to serve any punishment. Her Jedi lack of judging came to the fore. All life is precious – regardless of the feelings she had for her…for her…for Mo Chuisle. Finally Corvus had words to define Braith. Two words. As simple as can be. But they spoke a million words. And they spoke the truth.

God? Mortal? Corvus cared little. Perhaps mortal was better, it made Corvus feel less unworthy of Braith. For if she were truly a goddess, what role could the Jedi play in her life? The man’s logic was flawed – but it did not mean he spoke untruths.

And then he turned his attention on Corvus.

“No.” The word was out of her mouth before she had a chance to think. She would not leave Braith now. Not ever. And yes, metaphorically that made sense but in the here and now? None – but it was too early to walk away, even for a moment. She’d spent her entire life seeking Braith, she wasn’t about to waste a moment of her company. And it mattered not a jot that she’d never seen her before a few minutes ago. It felt like a lifetime search. For years friends had tried to open her heart to emotions – with Corvus’ blessing. The one she expected to unlock what Braith now held in her hands? She had deserted her. This woman had achieved the impossible in Corvus’ eyes. No, she would stand by her now…and forever.

“If you need to talk,” Corvus’ voice was lowered now. “Then I can make myself invisible,” she wrinkled her nose. “You know…” She smiled and then her face was stern. “But I’ll not leave. Not now, not ever.”

Her hand fumbled for Braith’s. It was natural yet awkward at the same time. Her touch was electric. Comforting and scary simultaneouslye. She held her hand now and looked from the man and then back to Braith. “Just tell me what to do Mo Chuisle.” And she smiled…for her name for Braith was not known to her. So she gently touched her mind. ‘It means my pulse. You are 'a chuisle mo chroi.' Quite literally the pulse of my heart.’

[member="Vitor Imperieuse"] | [member="Lord Sebastian"]

 

[Ellie Mors]

[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyG9La0PAsM[/media]​

What boggled her mind was how often these sorts of people called themselves embodiment of this 'dark side'. It wasn't an individual thing, she'd heard it from others, but each of these people seemed to miss the fact that being the personification of an idea or power should mean nigh-invincibility, and yet none of these boasters ever truly amounted to even a fraction of such. [member="Lord Sebastian"]'s unceremonious departure left few questions in her head - she'd been willing to offer her knowledge, even ignorant of his claim to evil and naive in her decisions up until now, but any questions of what kind of person he was had been answered with his rejection and subsequent threat. She had, of course, felt the strange, almost disappointed, uncertainty from that very Sith when he had taken notice of her, and she of him - perhaps it was her vulnerability, having just left the waking dream of being kept in that oubliette for ten thousand years, or perhaps he assumed she was simply weak because of her current state. But the threat assured her that he was at least aware that she wasn't all talk and rumors, though she wasn't too certain he'd be even slightly interested in the sort of things she would have to teach. But following his absence there were only two people who remained in the crypt - Corvus and [member="Vitor Imperieuse"]. The man, still, was insisting she didn't know herself - who she was. He'd witnessed her flesh regenerate, an act which was completely devoid of her utilizing the force, simply recovering on her own without any use of such. Certainly there was confusion, tiring, and the slight ache in her head just above the bridge of her nose and at each of her temples had made her at least a little more susceptible to what other's said, and even wondered if what he'd said was true.

But it was Corvus that drew her attention, as if her eyes had been drawn to that heavenly face like a moth to a flame. What could one do when they didn't know what they should do? Choices, decisions, consequences, Corvus spoke of them and they brought a tinge of heat to her cheeks, which flushed slightly red at her frustration with herself. At first it seemed as though she was being spoken of in the same manner as the Sith as a result of what she'd just admitted to doing with the crystal that the Jedi had simply let fall to the floor, but she continued rather than stand and wait for response - something she immediately became grateful for. That immediate response, that denial, brought at least a hint of a smile to Braith's lips while she forced herself to maintain her composure. "I just want to go ..." Braith had no sooner began to verbalize her response than she realized there was no longer a home, no longer a tiny cavern at the sea that had her woven rabbit doll waiting for her return to tell her of another stressful day. No, those days were over, and not necessarily for the worst. Something brushed against her hand and an absent-minded Alua'an looked down to see the fingers of another wrapped around her own. She felt the blushing warmth start in her chest and spread to her cheeks, a contrast of pink on pale prominent as that coy smile she'd began to show just moments ago spread wide. [member="Corvus Raaf"]'s touch was much less contradicting for the Alunrovaan, it wasn't being with the Jedi that had made things frightening. Between the two of them, Corvus and Braith, it had always been her seeking out this woman's attention, and at every moment where they could have been intimate as they were now she had backed away and hoped that Corvus had acted first - a naive shyness that always seemed to poke through at the most awkward of moments. But the moment those words had left Corvus's lips and the explanation made telepathically, Braith had already been compelled to do what she couldn't have possibly thought to do before. She was the pulse - the beat - in her heart? Then Corvus was something just as important to her.

"And you are the light I have searched for my entire life, my sun and stars. You give me sight." She whispered, unable to conceal the smile that seemed to be perpetually present, along with an accelerated heartbeat, while Corvus was present. In another body she had been in a similar situation to this, standing so close to the Jedi with only the most loving of feelings in her heart, but had lacked the courage to go further. Keeping her left hand entwined with Corvus's, Braith lifted her right and touched the woman's cheek curiously with eyes that were at least slightly wide and analyzing, observing. With an audible 'pop' she separated her lips, a slight gasp and sharp intake of air. There was nothing that Corvus, physically and mentally, possessed that was not beautiful. A tender stroke of her hand and she pushed a lock of hair behind the woman's ear and focused her gaze on Corvus's eyes. In what felt like no time at all, Braith found herself face-to-face with the Grand Master, simply being so close a pleasure in and of itself. But now wasn't the moment to play it safe and potentially react to that loving title with less enthusiasm than she really had. So she dove in, closed her eyes tightly, and hoped that trying to kiss Corvus would end in mutual bliss. And just moments before she pushed that boundary, Braith let three words slip, hushed.

"I love you."

Whoever said that words weren't a way to a woman's heart was clearly wrong.

Corvus's words were exactly that.

 

[Corvus Raaf]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7keb-d12t8I

With the Sith now departed, Corvus expected the conversation to be a triage – and potentially for her to step back whilst [member="Braith"] spoke to this possibly well-meaning but essentially tomb-robbing individual. And she would have done it for Braith. That much was apparent. Maybe she would have been disappointed if her chuisle had chosen to speak at length to this person. Had her heart been open at that moment, it would have told her loud and clear that she would actually have been devastated.

Yet it was as if the man was not there. As if had mysteriously been drawn into the White Current and was currently invisible. For that’s how much attention the two paid to him. Her proximity to Braith and the physical touch triggered an involuntary lowering of her defences. The Force was giving no warnings and slowly the world turned from black and white to colour once more. Corvus’ emotions were given free access to her conscious mind and they were suggesting and offering new thoughts, new feelings. And new sensations.

So when Braith confirmed she simply wanted to leave, Corvus beamed. No music ever sounded as melodic to her ears. And thoughts of privacy chose not to enter her head as she listened to Braith’s words. She wanted to go, but Corvus sensed there was more unsaid. She knew this had been Braith’s home for ten thousand years. But before that this was all she knew. And it had all gone. Corvus had met Jedi that had been in stasis since Order 66. That struggled to come to terms with changes – despite the relative similarity of the Order today compared to then. There had been few fundamental advances in technology and the good guys were broadly still the good guys and the bad guys were still the Sith.

But to return to a world entirely different to the one she knew? It was likely Braith would have to leave the planet – but not inevitable. But Corvus wanted it. She could stay on Ossus, or Corvus’ home on Tatooine if she preferred solitude. Or anywhere Braith wanted – as long as Corvus could spend time with her. For Corvus could and would spend every possible minute with her, helping her to acclimatise – and would spend every moment at her disposal with Braith. The fact she had responsibilities was not lost on the Jedi – but neatly parked for the moment.

But these thoughts flashed through her mind in a nano-second. She’d played them over and over in her brain as she’d travelled here, so well rehearsed were they now. And as Corvus realised how overwhelming her feelings for Braith were now, she realised that the woman that stood before her was no expert on relationships. Corvus had expected – no hoped – that her goddess would take the lead, assuming her to be more worldly-wise just because she was ten millennia old. But logic told a different story. Of a young woman cosseted away from birth and denied the usual benefits of friendships. In some ways like the life of a Youngling that devotes their entire life to the Order.

And then came the words that spoke so much to Corvus. Her feelings reciprocated. They were one, they made each other whole. Memories of that woman flashed into her mind. Those emotions replicated but magnified. Ten-fold. A hundred-fold. For this was real, not by proxy. She stood perfectly still as Braith’s hand touched her cheek. She was in a galaxy of billions but she was alone. Alone with her heart and the reason it kept beating.

Braith’s tender touch as she pushed hair behind her ear was enticing but their eyes were locked now, nothing could sway her gaze. She was truly transfixed. If this moment lasted a further ten thousand years Corvus would not be disappointed. But the promise of what would be was too tempting to stay in the instant.

Any thoughts of inexperience dissipated as their heads moved closer together. It felt so natural, so right.

So perfect.

“I love you too.” Her voice was breathy, faltering, her pulse racing and her heart beating so loudly, she was sure the fleeing Sith would hear it.

And then they kissed.

It was like sharing a secret. The most special and intimate secret two people could ever share. It was also her first kiss and would be etched into her mind forever. And if the previous moment deserved to last ten thousand years – this one should last an eternity.

And it would still be too short.

 

[Onrai]

A sigh crossed the lips of the man as he turned away, wheeling the oubliette off. Silently, he prayed that whoever the other woman was that looked like she shade, hopefully she would ensure the ruse was not maintained in Braith's mind that she was a goddess.

Then he was gone, back to his ship with the casket.

[member="Braith"] [member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Ellie Mors]

[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECW_qfrhiw8[/media]​

In that moment the world must have stood still, time must have stopped. It was as if every fraction of a nanosecond hung on the feeling of her lips on Corvus's, as if every beat of her heart was accentuated by the pulse of her best friend holding her hand, and in a life where she could never step into the sunlight, never feel its warmth and always remained cold, Braith wondered if this is what daylight must have felt like. Every surface of her body was warm, hot, and it moved her so much that she felt herself start to tear up. Although she didn't know it, as an Alua'an she was a member of a very logical species, emotions were secondary to decisions and plans, but right now she was struggling to comprehend the appropriate reaction to what she had just jumped into - struggling to know how to express this pent up feeling, something she'd never felt before. Was this what that word meant, one which was said so often but never quite meant anything to her up until now, or was it something about this woman that made her world, so dim and dark, empty, so warm and full, bright? The moment the world started to turn again and she realized that they were alone, not even certain how much time had passed, Braith surmised that, just perhaps, it was a little bit of both. Reluctantly she broke their kiss and breathed out through her nose, eyes closed still, though held loosely shut as though she'd just experienced something divine - she had. "Home." She breathed, opening her eyes slightly, and blinked away a few stray tears with a small, blushing, smile.

"With you, I'd like to go wherever it is we can call home. I can't.. I can't imagine myself anywhere, now, without you. Awake, asleep, it doesn't matter." Braith explained, swallowing hard while she tried to put her feelings into words, her body language fully translating everything she said with expressions and light tugs with her hand. "As long as it is with you." Without another word, though tightly knight eyebrows spoke volumes for her, Braith pulled her free arm around the Jedi's back and leaned towards her, resting her chin just on the taller woman's left shoulder. She felt tired, aged, and no amount of regenerative tissue would make up for a lack of proper sleep. And though she wanted to do nothing more than simply shut her eyes and nod off standing upright, Braith held on if only to bask in Corvus's radiance for just a little while longer. A small thought, an inward one of philosophical background, crept into her mind and caused her to grin. What more could a shadow want than to finally be touched by the light without being chased away? Love. Everyone wanted it, everyone looked for it, and now it was her turn to experience it, to blindly run with it, for better or worse, with the woman of her dreams. "Take me home, please." She said, nuzzling her head against Corvus's gently. It was, honestly, odd even to her that she'd be anything but formal with someone. A minute or to ago she would have called this doubt, doubting herself, but it wasn't as open to interpretation as that - every moment she spent next to Corvus was another moment she knew she was alive, truly, and not some multi-lived woman that had simply been born into this world as someone other than her. If there was something she loved about Corvus nearly as much as her as a whole, it was that she made her feel unique. For once, she was just herself, not a woman out of a book, not a legend painted on a wall, and now she knew it was both over and starting again. Out with the old, in with the new.

So ends the tale of a goddess.

So begins the tale of one woman in love.

 

[Corvus Raaf]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2et_SBWXNEw

Time was currently a paradox. Moments lasted eons — yet they were still too short. Corvus wanted their embrace to last forever yet wanted to spend the rest of her life with Braith and share everything the galaxy had to offer together.

Corvus drank but never got drunk due to a technique she’d learned using the Force. But right now she was entirely intoxicated. She was heady with Braith’s proximity, her scent and the hormones that were surging around her body — sending entirely new messages to her brain.

A part of her wondered why she’d not surrendered to her emotions before — whereas her brain and heart were telling her the simple truth…she’d waited for this long because she’d not met Braith until now. It took this special woman to achieve what had evaded Corvus for years. It made perfect sense.

And it was worth the wait.

Finally their lips parted and Corvus realised she was short of breath and wanted to giggle, yet simultaneously wanted to experience it all over again. How could anyone tire of this? She wanted to tell the galaxy about this woman — and simultaneously wanted to keep her a secret, not wishing to share her with anyone else. These wonderful dichotomies were all new to the Jedi and she wondered what else she had to look forward to.

But she listened to Braith and held her tight. Despite her wants, she knew she had to exercise patience. “Home?” Corvus thought out loud. “I have a home. It’s funny, I had it built for me. I never considered there would ever be an ‘us’ to live there. It’s…basic. But it’s private and you can catch up on ten thousand years of history.” Now Corvus was being practical and was concerned she was spoiling the moment.

“But it is ours until we can find something more suitable. Ossus is a possibility. But that’s me talking. If this is to be our home, we can make the decision.” Corvus hadn’t made a joint decision since she’d had to decide where to host a party with her best friend — given they had birthdays just days apart. But she’d been four and so it didn’t count as precisely current experience.

But the concept of sharing excited her. Sharing her memories, hearing about Braith’s. Deciding on where to live. So many things to talk about. They could talk for days and days. Corvus’ mind was swept up in the romance of it all. They would share everything and Corvus mused with a grin, they could share waking up together. So many firsts to contemplate.

As Braith rested her head on her shoulder, Corvus smelled her hair. Even her tresses smelled adorable. “You’re perfect. You know that, right? And you are a goddess. Every inch of you. And I’m just so lucky to have you. I mean it. ” And she kissed her goddess on the top of the head before stepping back.

Staring into Braith’s eyes, she took her by the hand. “We should leave now. Once we’re outside I can summon my ship and we’re heading for Tatooine. It’s beautiful at night. And I can introduce you to the delights of blue milk. But I may have overplayed that last part.” She smiled playfully.

A few short weeks ago there was Corvus. Corvus the Jedi. A Jedi that sometimes tried to be a person…but failed every time. Suddenly she was Corvus. Just Corvus. And part of her was a person and part was a Jedi. And the whole loved Braith with all her heart. She had made Corvus whole — pure and simple.

Except she was no longer just Corvus. She was Corvus and [member="Braith"]. For there could not be one without the other.

 

[Ellie Mors]

[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1w8Vd_Oz9UI[/media]​

Together. For now that was all she could think about, whether she had to sleep on the floor in a small room or shared a large bed it didn't matter because quite literally her entire was hinging on this woman, and not for survival reasons this time. Here was a woman that genuinely cared - no, it was more than that. She found herself smiling like she had, once, a long time ago as a child, only rather than being given false praise there was love. Just resting her chin against the taller woman's shoulder made her feel so much more alive than she'd ever been before and the moment Corvus told her of home she knew her life had changed forever, for the better. She could barely make out the words of warning regarding the simplicity of the Jedi's home, though she doubted it would be anywhere near as simple and primitive as sleeping on a pillow and blanket in a cave on the ground, and simply tilted her head to nod in absent-minded acceptance. "Room for two, wherever you want to be, is home enough for me." She breathed, tiredly trying to answer an inevitable question that she had no answer to. Vague recollections of another person's memories had been all Braith had retained from her.. manipulative past. She'd tried to keep those that involved her, directly, most prominent, and shoved the rest away - a past she didn't want to remember anymore. Ossus, to her, was just a name, there was no image in her head that illustrated the world, no meaning to the name, only that Corvus had said it and that was enough.

"Mmmmmhm." Braith hummed, her smile a bit larger than a weak one, while she stifled the urge to giggle or laugh. Perfection was most certainly not something she could attribute to herself now, she wasn't accepting, she wasn't particularly knowledgeable or wise, but the person that had taken her in had accepted her even at her lowest, she'd already started pulling her up. If there was one lesson in life she had learned, it was that it was far easier to be pulled down to someone else's level than to pull them up - to Braith that mean Corvus was the better person, and she was certain just about anyone could agree. Her silent, perhaps playful, musings were rewarded with a kiss and she felt herself blush as she opened her eyes. "Yes, let's go." The Alua'an replied, more than ready to leave this graveyard of a planet behind along with much of her past. Where Corvus took her hand, she grasped that with her spare so she was holding it with both of her hands. "I've never heard of it but I am always open to try new things." She added. At long last it was time to leave, both leaving behind an old world and her past as well as departing from an anger and frustration-filled life. A story of two, a couple, was all she wanted to live now.

[member="Corvus Raaf"]