Populate [RNR][Zhar] The Storm Gathers

[Lysander von Ascania]

Cerys Dyn Aiden Porte Echo Athoth Ceri Fraissi Michael Angellus Tasia Palpatine Phillip Slate Rook Merriex

​

Lysander’s gaze narrowed slightly as he observed Cerys navigating across the narrow beam. He didn’t doubt her abilities as a Padawan; the Togruta did possess a different sense of resilience that was rarely seen. However, watching her walk backwards on top of the gusty winds that were testing his own balance just by standing still did make him somewhat skeptical of the situation.

Seconds later, he shook his head, suppressing a chuckle. "No, I just told Master Briana that I had a family emergency.. had to leave for a bit." A nonchalant shrug followed as if it could mask the complexity of the situation. “You could simply bring it to his attention and be straightforward about it,” he suggested. A hint of amusement then crept into his voice. "The idea of a mini Bran is.. interesting to say the least."

Inhaling sharply, the Padawan leapt down to the platform several paces away from Cerys, landing with finesse. His focus quickly shifted to the staircase of rolling logs, one of the more curious obstacles he’d seen thus far.

"Well," he continued, turning his head momentarily toward the other Padawan, "what else have you been up to lately besides training?" Seconds later, curiosity got the better of him, and Lysander retrieved the small datapad from his pocket, wasting no time pulling up the last conversation with Sibylla Abrantes . A faint smile emerged as he noticed there was still a solid connection to the HoloNet.

But then mischief illuminated his face as both thumbs began tapping across the glowing screen. <<Hi. I just thought you should know that the clashing colors of your fashion choices are visible all the way from Zhar's moon! Maybe pick ones that argue less than you do next time?>> With a final tap, he hit send.

The wind tousled strands of golden hair as he slid the device away, realizing he had more questions for Cerys. “Read any good holobooks lately? Any new sparring partners at the enclave?” One eyebrow, defying gravity, shot up. “Or, uhh.. any new names on your dating roster?”

Deciding not to wait for an answer, and partially to not see her reaction, he stepped forward to face the next challenge, quickly realizing it was far more difficult than expected. The surface shifted unpredictably beneath his boots, forcing him to fight for balance from the very start— likely looking a bit ridiculous to anyone watching.

Several curses slipped from the boy’s mouth as he struggled to regain his footing. Luckily, after a few beats, he managed to find a rhythm and began making actual progress. Slowly but surely, he moved across each log, adjusting accordingly along the way. At least the next platform was already coming into view.

 

[Cerys Dyn]

"Me? Be straightforward about it?" Cerys said with a smirk. Her attempt at humour clear, but falling flat as Lysander hit her with a quick follow up question.

She looked up towards the next obstacle. Perhaps there was a way to avoid answering the question. No, it was his turn to go first. She shrugged. "What else is there but training?" She said with an eye-roll. She had no family. She had, nor wanted, no friends. She didn't do anything for fun. It was all about being the best Jedi should could be. It was all about finally becoming a Jedi Knight.

She was going to drop a comment, but the look on Lysander's face changed. He looked at datapad. Cerys wondered if anyone ever smiled like that when she sent a message. She shook the idea by turning her shoulder away from Lysander to give him privacy. Still, she couldn't help but glance at the datapad. She gained no information from the attempt, and instead felt just a little silly for caring.

Lily Decoria had made it to the same part of the course. Cerys gave her a small wave, but did not approach her. Why would she? They weren't friends.

Something in Cerys' chest tightened, and a heavy feeling fell over her eyes. Eyes that were suddenly downcast. This was stupid. It was stupid to feel this way. If this is what a tiny amount of attachment did to her, then just imagine how bad it could be.

She turned back to Lysander who was still grinning like an idiot as he sent a message. Who in the world was he talking to? And why did he look so stupidly happy? A feeling continued to rise in her chest that was completely foreign to her. Why did she care so much? It irked her that she wanted to know, and wanted to dampen his enthusiasm for whoever it was.

He was done. Finally. Cerys tried to relax the tension in her shoulders, but they would not unknot. "I don't read fiction. I have been sparring with her," she said pointing at Lily, "and...HEY COME BACK HERE..."

The tension of the previous moment lifted with way he approached the subject. It was clear he was just trying to cause her discomfort. Instead, it felt oddly familiar and pleasant to have someone tease her so freely. Cerys almost smiled.

Cerys bounded up the logs after Lysander, offering a subtle nudge through the Force to help him regain his footing. Through pursed lips, she hissed at her fellow padawan, as she quickly caught up to him. "By the Force you are slow, Lysander...except when you are typing messages into a datapad," she said, letting some of her annoyance slip.

With the platform in sight, Cerys jumped again, this time over him. She twisted in the air and landed on the platform before him with her arms crossed. "What's the point in asking questions like that? Huh? Do you enjoy watching me get upset? Is that how everything started with...you know who?" She said. Her tone surprised even her, it was less stern and possibly with a hint of playfulness.

Behind her, a shadow moved. A growl was taken away by the wind. And a large brown wampa began lumbering towards the Togruta..

| TAG: Lysander von Ascania fyi, Sibylla Abrantes |

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[Briana Sal-Soren]

Briana listened to each of those in the room who spoke and to those who didn't. Her eyes softening considerably as Lossa said her piece. Briana wanted nothing more than to reach out and grab her cousins hand in comfort. Lossa, more than anyone, impressed her more day by day.

And when silence reclaimed the room, Briana finally opened her mouth to speak and share her own thoughts. "There is a lot of emphasis being placed on a handful of saber-happy Jedi, and not enough discussion about the vision that was shared with all of us." Briana stated plainly, "There will always be those among us whose first response will be to draw their blade first, and ask questions later." She made a pointed effort not to glance at Brandyn. "But a plethora more who heard what was said at that meeting, who saw the vision of the Jedi and the Galaxy falling into darkness, and only want to see a better path forward."

"Ask yourselves honestly—what exactly are we trying to build here? Another iteration of the New Jedi Order, chained to one government and one system, compelled to leap from war to war, but never truly achieving peace? Or is our calling tied to the Force itself, and to all people of the Galaxy, wherever that takes us?"

Briana paused, drawing in a steady breath. "I know many of you question my motives, and some of you have just reason to... " Admitting that she'd not been in the best state of mind, admitting to her personal struggles, was one of the hardest pills to swallow — a hand nervously reaching up to tug at the echo stone fastened about her neck for an outlet. But, as uncomfortable as it made her, addressing her own failings, on her own terms, was better than letting others speak for her and assume. "But, I have enough wherewithal to see past my own grief and frustrations, to see that the Force has been out of balance. I know all of us in this room have felt that. After Exegol, after everything, they told us the war was over. The Sith defeated. And yet, they're back, and stronger than ever. Why? And why does the Netherworld stir again, now of all times? Why have the Sith been allowed to hold the birth world of the Jedi deep in the Core? Because something deeper, something fundamental, is out of balance in this galaxy—and the Force is crying out."

She waited a moment, lips pursing together.

"I am not saying we should ignore Naboo and what we are building here... but what I am saying, is that perhaps the best way to protect what we have, is by pulling out the roots to stop the weeds from spreading. If all we do is try to treat the symptoms, we'll never defeat the sickness."

TAG: Lossa Aureus , Kahne Porte , Brandyn Sal-Soren , Lorn Reingard , Vizion Trozky

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[Ceri Fraissi]

SPARKY
TRAINING GROUND | GALL
TAG: Rook Merriex | Tasia Palpatine | Thayze Montserrat | Everyone else

HERE WE STAND​

Ceri was hopping from beam to beam as quickly as she could.

Nearly lost her balance on some of them, but Master Rik had been working with her on that, so she recovered her balance quickly enough before the abyss could swallow her. She could just hear Tasia on the bar behind her, they were both doing well.

And then she finally made her final jump to the platform.

Teetering on the edge of it for a second, she finally regained her balance once more and stood on firmer ground, waiting for Tasia while catching her breath.
"You got a plan for these boulders?" she asked her. "Looks like Thayze hasn't started yet, so we'll just have to continue without him for now. Hopefully he can catch up." she added, looking toward the starting position, but couldn't see much.

Then she glanced at the boulders again and to the drop below them.

"I seriously don't wanna fall, dunno 'bout you?"

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Cerys Dyn | Lily Decoria

​

Lysander couldn't suppress the chuckle as the Togruta effortlessly closed the gap between them in the challenge; sure, such taunts from anyone else might have stirred a different response, but with her, he simply accepted them with a smile that had been lingering since his datapad distraction moments ago.

The Padawan landed on the platform seconds after her.

Both serving the same Master and sharing a similar purpose, he did make a modest attempt to allow a natural feeling of camaraderie to flow; besides, he also had a hunch that Cerys was the secret ears and eyes of Master Bran. And maybe, with her moods as erratic as the sands on Korriban, it at least made life more interesting.

"What if I'm just trying to check on how life's been treating you, huh?" he countered with the smirk of a Loth-cat. "And getting upset over such inquiries is entirely a personal choice. But.. to be fair, maybe I’m just fishing because I recently ran out of HoloDramas to binge watch.”

His gaze narrowed slightly at her last question, the memory of 'you know who' danced across his mind like a flash of rainbow hues. Choosing to remain unaffected, and though he felt no anger towards the Lovalla, he allowed nothing more than a barely noticeable movement of the shoulders. “That little saga has officially come to an end.. at least she gave me someone to test my comebacks on.”

Then, with a whisper through the Force, Lysander sensed another life form dangerously close. The currents in the air suggested warning, and he also detected it was not a sentient creature.

A brown wampa suddenly emerged from the shadows. He turned to face it just as a growl vibrated through the air.

“See, Cerys?! Your negative energy is drawing out all sorts of creatures on this moon!" With his lightsaber left behind, he reached for the Kor'ethyr Academy field knife at his belt. Wasting not a second more, he hurled it with precision, watching it pierce the beast's chest. However, momentum kept it driving forward, its extinguished just yet.

 

[Kahne Porte]

"I know many of you question my motives, and some of you have just reason to... "

"Your motives are your own Briana, I cannot sway your mind. I volunteered my services to you, to protect Naboo and to protect all of you. And to offer advice when it is needed. You need not take it, I offered my opinion and my stance, but that wasn't advice. I need to be true and confident in my advice to you all."

The Jedi Master drew on a deep breath as he looked to each one of his companions, people he trusted and whom he called friends....family.

"The force has been out of balance for many years. Taking this route may not restore its balance." His hand rose to his chin, as he contemplated many things. He wondered what they would do if they were here. Corringath, Dalia, Bethany......

Ayin.....

Friends from a lifetime ago, he missed them dearly.


And he thought of Romi, his thoughts shifted to her, ever more so since Crait. Things that were said, things that went unsaid, and now there was no chance for them to be brough to light, or even offer an apology.

"My advice, is that this is a mistake. If we ally ourselves with the Foundation on all aspects we will be drawn into more conflict, and we will be set upon at all sides. If that happens......" Kahne stopped for a few moments as he thought about the people. Their families, loved ones. If they were to proceed with this pact with the foundation and if they failed. The people would suffer and the innocent would die with all of us. Kahne looked down for a few seoconds before taking a breath and looking at his fellow Jedi. "Naboo has to be the main priority here, and if talks with the Foundation are to continue it must be done for the right reasons. To protect Naboo, and not for anyone else pride or vendettas."

Kahne let out a small sigh as he rested his hands together once again in front of him. "Whatever we do, we must do it together. We cannot even hope to look to the future if the Shiraya Council stands divided."

If divided they would surely fall....

And that would not bode well for Naboo, and everything they worked so hard to build would be lost.

Kahne made a promise to himself, and to others. No matter what, he would have to see this through. He wouldn't be able to forgive himself if he turned away now. There was so much at stake, that was hidden beneath the blanket of darkness. He had burned and buried enough friends and family during his life as a Jedi. He couldn't do it anymore, if he could trade his life for theirs he would do it willingly.

If he had to put himself on the frontlines again he would, no matter how much his own moral compass was pulling at him that this was all wrong.

He himself had to put his pride aside and do what was best for Naboo, and for those he dedicated his life too. The Jedi Master offered a small smile to his fellow council members before staring ahead at the Shiraya symbol on the wall. Next to it a rather lovely painting that glowed radiance of the Theed Square.

Hope, it still radiated from him as bright as ever.

He had to continue on, it seemed there was no other way.


Vizion Trozky Briana Sal-Soren Lorn Reingard Lossa Aureus Brandyn Sal-Soren

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

​

The discussion with Senator Sarn had been productive and informative. Sibylla had taken careful note of expectations, absorbed the nuances of her new duties, and met key figures within Sarn's orbit, including his Staff Director, Alona Soei. All in all, a solid start.

Still, as she offered a final cordial farewell and watched the senator depart for his next meeting, Sibylla couldn't help but reflect on how different things were from the idealistic portraits painted in Naboo's historical archives. Research and discussion with Senator Sarn only reinforced her understanding that the galaxy had changed, more so that it now would impact a multitude of solar systems as they transition into the Royal Republic. And if she was going to protect Naboo's interests, she needed to be several steps ahead.

Her father had excused himself to handle a matter regarding the droid factories on Enarc, and Sibylla decided to take the time to explore the building and Enarc's scenery. It was a well timed pause as her comm gave a soft hum against her palm, signaling an incoming message.

She flicked her gaze downward, a subtle spark of curiousness perking her brows. A message at this hour? Lifting the comm, Sibylla tapped the display and read the message.

A second later, the young Junior Representative gave a quiet huff of amusement. It was from Lysander von Ascania , her ever-persistent corresponding sparring partner in ink.

<<Hi. I just thought you should know that the clashing colors of your fashion choices are visible all the way from Zhar's moon! Maybe pick ones that argue less than you do next time?>>

Lysander had an impeccable talent for unsolicited fashion critiques, never mind that his own wardrobe consisted of entirely too many dramatic capes for someone who claimed to despise theatrics.

With practiced ease, she tapped out a response with a faint smirk:

I appreciate your concern for interstellar visibility, but I assure you, my fashion choices are not designed for the weak of aesthetic constitution. If anything, I consider it a public service...someone must bring culture to the galaxy, even if it blinds those with lesser taste. If this was your attempt at witty banter, I give it a generous six out of ten. Do try harder next time.

She sent it off with a satisfied flick of her thumb, tucking her commlink away just as her father finished his discussion.

Lysander could stew in that one for a while.

 

[Brandyn Sal-Soren]

Brandyn had left the toil of plucking his beard to run the bridge of his nose while he listened to Briana speak. His chest ached for her words and her desire to help. He believed her intentions were good, but he still struggled with how far she went.

He appreciated that he was not alone in his thoughts on the matter. However, when standing against Briana's opinions one hundred individuals could feel alone. Finally, Brandyn spoke. His tone was measured.

"Grandmaster. You ask us to consider what we started here. I ask you to consider what you named this fledgling order," he said. His mind went to the day when Briana confidently promoted the idea to him. He had followed her here.

"Is there a reason why I and others were requested to uproot our lives and come here to Naboo? Could we not have been a part of the Order of Shiraya, but made our home elsewhere?" Brandyn said. His hands were now animated as he gestured to coincide with his words.

"No. We had to be here. On Naboo. That was the focus, the mission and the intent of this order," Brandyn said with a sigh, "if your dreams are bigger than Naboo...be honest about it, Briana. Perhaps you were meant to start this, but not lead it into the future."

His eyes focused on Lorn, trusting that he would understand the moment. He then looked at Kahne. "We even have a Master Jedi sitting among us, and others coming to Naboo every week. There are wise people that can give Naboo...and the Shirayans the focused attention they need."

Brandyn's heart thumped in his chest. He knew this moment might feel like a betrayal. But the truth for him was that he loved his sister more than he ever had. And he feared that her wandering focus would not serve their stated goal.

He finally looked at his sister to gauge her reaction. The corner's of his eyes creased even more deeply. He spoke to her alone in the that moment. I truly do love you, Briana. Perhaps you are simply made for greater things.

They had grown up competing constantly. Briana had always been the one to achieve beyond his ability. Even Brandyn's dream of becoming a Jedi was something she did better. He was slowly beginning to understand his place. He was not the hero of all the holovids that he grew up reading. Briana was. The realisation would have once made him angry. Now, he felt peace.

"Long before this new vision, our vision was to build something on Naboo that could then reach out to do good around the galaxy. We cannot let this new vision uproot what has been so recently planted. Briana, you even said the Force is disjointed...ill at ease...and yet we are simply to trust this vision as truth, not manipulation. Caution....and I shock myself when I say this...is the order of the day."

| TAG: The Council |

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[Cerys Dyn]

Cerys was intrigued. Still with that annoying little feeling that wouldn't go away. But she was nonetheless intrigued. Who was this new person that had been 'given' to Lysander.

Her distractions served her poorly though, as Lysander reacted before she had even clued into the wampa's arrival. The beast growled as the blade pierced its heart. It was retreating even before Cerys could turn around. Aghast, Cerys fell into a protective stance, hand outstretched as if to push back on any charge. "What in the..."

It took a moment to process that the danger was already passing. When it finally clicked, Cerys used to outstretched hand to pull the knife back to her hand. The wampa slumped to the ground, groaning in pain. The hilt of the blade slapped into her palm, as her stomach churned with guilt. The wampa didn't need to die. "Why did you do that?" She said. There was no accusation in her tone, just sadness. She turned the blade over in her hand. It's design was curious.

"Where did you get this?" She said, as she turned to hand it back to Lysander.

Her eyes narrowed, examining her compatriot. She had started to feel relaxed around him, but now all thought of banter and playfulness had departed. Her posture grew stiff, shoulders square and face taut with concern.

"The wampa didn't have to die, Lysander," she said curtly.

She offered him nothing else. No thank you, and certainly no return to joviality. Cerys felt she had misjudged Lysander, and there was perhaps something there that was more baleful than assumed. Perhaps he was dangerous?

She turned and glanced towards the path down which the wampa had retreated. She could sense the creature struggling for life. Her head bowed slightly, eyes closed and she offered a moment of silence for the beast.

"Let's get this over with," she murmured, before heading to the opposed wall climb.

Examining the walls, there seemed to be little concern or hesitation. She simply retreated a few steps, ran towards the wall on an angle, and then jumped towards the wall. She hit in a crouch, and pushed up and away to the next well. With almost cat-like grace she spun about with each impact, before pushing up again. The last jump was timed to the point that she could grab the edge and hoist herself to the top of the course, just before the last challenge.

And they were not wrong about the wind. It blew from behind, knowing Cerys to her knees. Her lekku flailed about wildly, as she bowed her head. There was no way she was going to be able to communicate with Lysander verbally here. But at least they had a tail wind.

| TAG: Lysander von Ascania|

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[Lorn Reingard]

Briana Sal-Soren | Brandyn Sal-Soren | Kahne Porte | Lossa Aureus | Vizion Trozky

​

Lorn's leg bounced faster now, a jittering rhythm against the polished floor. Briana's words settled like a cold weight in his stomach. It wasn't just a strategic disagreement, it was a fundamental difference in perspective. She spoke of grand galactic imbalances, of pulling out roots to stop weeds from spreading, but all Lorn could see were the fresh graves on Enarc, the charred remains of homes in Theed. How could they possibly venture into a galaxy-wide conflict when they couldn't even protect their own doorstep?

He saw the flicker of concern in Brandyn's eyes, a mirror of his own growing unease. "She can often not see when she has gone too far." The words echoed in his mind, louder now, a warning siren against the alluring but dangerous call of the Foundation. Lorn swallowed hard, the dryness in his throat making it difficult to speak.

He shifted in his seat, the subtle squeak of the chair breaking the tense silence. "With all due respect, Briana," he began, his voice tight with barely suppressed emotion, "I understand the vision, the desire to make a difference. But this isn't a training exercise. This is real life. Real people are hurting, and right now, those people are here, on Naboo, in the Southern Systems."

He ran a hand through his hair, the gesture revealing the weariness etched on his face. "We're not gods, Briana. We can't control the will of the Force, and we shouldn't try to. It has its own ways of balancing itself, ways we can't possibly understand. To think we can march into a galaxy brimming with conflict and force it into some kind of harmony is...arrogant. And dangerous."

He paused, drawing a shaky breath, his gaze locking with Briana's. "You speak of darkness, of the Sith rising again. But what if our involvement, our meddling, only fuels that darkness? What if we become the very thing we're trying to fight? We've barely rebuilt ourselves from the last conflict, we are only just beginning here with the Shirayan Order, we are certainly not in any state to be getting involved with some galaxy wide rebellion."

He looked around the table, searching for support, for understanding. "We are not heroes of the galaxy, we are peace keepers, and protectors of the Republic. Our priority has to be here, with the people we've sworn to protect. We need to strengthen our defenses, train our Jedi. We need to build a foundation of stability and hope, a beacon of light in a galaxy that feels increasingly lost."

Lorn met Brandyn's gaze again, a silent plea passing between them. "I haven't been here long, I know. I haven't earned the right to question decisions of this magnitude." He hesitated, his heart pounding in his chest. "But perhaps… perhaps this isn't the best time for you to be leading us, Briana. We need a leader who is focused on this, on Naboo, on our people. Someone who can see the immediate threats, the present dangers, without getting lost in grand visions of galactic balance."

He clenched his jaw, the words tasting like ash in his mouth. "If your heart lies with the Foundation, with fighting this war, maybe you should be with them. Maybe someone else should take up the mantle of Grandmaster here, someone who is wholly committed to the Order of Shiraya, and to the people of Naboo." He looked to the council, "Someone who is ready to put down the lightsaber and focus on building, not destroying because we believe we should. Someone like Kahne, or even Brandyn, who has been here through thick and thin and is able to see through the forest, not to just the trees."

Lorn's voice dropped to a whisper, his shoulders slumping with exhaustion. "I'm tired of war, Briana. I'm tired of fighting for causes that only lead to more bloodshed. I want to protect what we have here, to build something lasting, something beautiful. I don't want to throw it all away on a gamble, on a vision that may be nothing more than a phantom."

 

[Briana Sal-Soren]

A younger Briana might have been indignant about what was just said and what was taking place, not missing the glances between Lorn and Brandyn; had they...planned this? Did Brandyn despise her so much, that he'd pulled in Lorn to whatever this was? Her stomach twisted at the thought. No... indignant wasn't what she felt now. Disappointment ruled the hour, and all hope bled out from her with it.

Tapping one manicured nail lightly on the table, both dignified brows drew together in an effort to gather her quickly spiraling thoughts. "I understand..." she began, swallowing the dryness in her throat before turning her gaze on to each member of the council seated around the table. "I understand why some of you might be afraid. You've seen enough pain to last you a lifetime... but." Slate blue eyes narrowed on Lorn. "So have I."

She'd cut her teeth as a Padawan on the very first Cataclysm of their own home — only to be thrown immediately into the Second Galactic Hyperspace War, pulled into the riptides only two years into her apprenticeship, never knowing from one day to the next if she was going to surface or drown.

"I know what it is to bleed for a cause—I've seen things that still keep me up at night and I've lost more than my fair share of people that I've loved." Strands of painful memories and lost faces flittered across her mind — some of them faded, some of them fresh, but all of them phantoms, still lingering. "But don't mistake my willingness to act for recklessness and misguided delusion. I've seen what happens first hand, time and again, when Jedi sit on their laurels and wait. You think Enarc was bad? This last 'Cataclysm'? Those are both just...drops in the bucket."

Her jaw set, spine and shoulders straightening. "The very last thing I want to do is drag us into a war... in fact, that's what I want to prevent from ever reaching us. My one goal has always been to try and ensure a brighter future. Not just for Naboo or this Order, but for the people of the Galaxy. If my heart was anywhere else, I would have done what Brandyn did a year ago: I'd be out in the galaxy mercilessly hunting down the people responsible for killing Astor. Instead, I came back to this table, because I am a Jedi and as a Jedi, I understand that I don't get to choose selfish desires or comforts over duty. I understand that I have to make the difficult choices, even when they seem insurmountable."

A soft sigh pulled from her lips. "I know that we are not the strongest Order out there right now... I know we still have work we need to do, here. But I have seen catastrophic visions like these before, and... we can't afford to bury our heads in the sand and hope we are spared from the consequences. That is what led to Naboo's ruin the first time." The troubles of the galaxy didn't wait until you were prepared, they came like so many thieves in the night — and always when you least expected them to arrive. "So, if that is the sort of leader you want, the kind who can't see beyond the horizon, then you're right. I'm not that person. Because I'm not going to pretend that the galaxy ends at Naboo's shores."

TAG: Kahne Porte , Brandyn Sal-Soren , Lorn Reingard , Lossa Aureus , Vizion Trozky


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[Lysander von Ascania]

Tags: Cerys Dyn Sibylla Abrantes
​

Lysander was surprised to see the wampa tumble and drop onto the platform surface with a loud thud. While he didn’t doubt his own power, he hadn’t expected the beast to fall so swiftly. Glancing back to Cerys, he studied her expression; it was a look that was annoyingly familiar. It was the same one received from others at the Hapan wedding where a guard dared to place a hand on his sister, which prompted the blonde to remove the arm entirely.

With a shake of his head, he took the blade, wiping some of the crimson liquid on the edge onto his tunic’s sleeve. Lysander found his own demeanor shifting. “This knife,” he said, returning it back to its place, “was a gift. From someone smart enough to know sometimes it’s kill or be killed. That wampa wouldn’t have hesitated to end you.”

He wasn’t interested in recognition; if anything, just understanding. When the Togruta’s head fell in silence, the boy's tone shifted. “Should I fetch some flowers for it too?”

Trailing after Cerys to the wall, the howling wind nearly muted a much softer sound; it was a beep emitting from the datapad. Reflexively, fingers were already curling around the device and scanning the message. His breath escaped in a heavy sigh through slightly parted lips, the weight of previous thoughts lifted. Tension that built up in his shoulders loosened as a faint, but genuine smile graced his features. His gaze lingered for a brief moment, brows knitting together in contemplation, before finally crafting a response.

<<Sib, I humbly accept your generous six. It's clear you've chosen to show kindness today, as my wit of a lesser sentient being wouldn’t dare to outshine your gift for self appreciation. I apologize for mistaking it as a possible identity crisis. Please, do share more. I’ve much to learn from your expertise.>>

Now, feeling like a hypocrite, he was ready to face the challenge.

Approaching the mouth, he stared up at the passageway. The Togruta made it look effortless with leaps, but Lysander knew he would have to rely more on grit. With a sharp breath he began to launch himself upward, feeling tremors in his muscles as he began to scale the rugged wall. Far less graceful than the other Padawan, he found himself using every ounce of power in both his arms and legs. Each shove brought his closer, his mind focused only on the goal ahead. Moments passed before he finally gritted his teeth, hands clasping the ledge.

The wind here was more violent as he stood at the base vertical cliff. He then stepped back as far as the terrain would allow, closing his eyes and attuning himself to the Force. A final glance was cast to Cerys. “If you fall behind, don’t worry, I'll wave from the top.. Just try to keep up.”

The currents filled his limbs with energy, and in a single burst, he launched forward with the full extent of his Force Speed. His body became a blur, and in the blink of an eye, his feet met the vertical slope. Driving against it, he propelled upward, the wind continuing to tear through him.

 

[Kahne Porte]

Briana Sal-Soren Lorn Reingard Brandyn Sal-Soren Vizion Trozky Lossa Aureus



The Jedi Master glanced down briefly as his hand rose to cover his face and he rubbed his face lightly. It was day's like today, that he remember just how much he missed this. It was back and forth, misunderstandings. Call's for rash actions, a opinion or advice offered turned to something more than it should. And that was from everyone, including him.

Kahne was not above admitting when he was wrong. The fact that a potential dismissal as their leader was brought up, it astounded him. And in truth he was incredibly disappointed. A more stern and amplified tone came forth from the Jedi Master. While he held no power here among this council, to him anyway. The respect that he had hoped to have garnered from those assembled. He hoped they would take heed.

"Briana will not be stepping down, I don't want to hear those words again." The Jedi Master shook his head. "This is not the time to fall apart, not now. If we continue talks such as this, it will do nothing but bring harm to this order. We stand united, or we will fall." The Jedi Master said, and he then looked over to Lorn. "If you haven't been here that long, my friend. Could that not be said about a decision to perhaps advise our grandmaster to step down?" Kahne spoke with an almost somber voice and in the greatest of respects that he could. Lorn was good friend, honorable to Kahne's eyes, but that request was indeed a mistake. From both Lorn and Brandyn..... "I understand your words, I truly do. War is a terrible thing but we must rise to face it when it is necessary. It is entirely possible for war to come to Naboo, one way or another."

"Briana Sal-Soren has my complete support as the Leader of our order. My opinion's don't invite her step down. Just caution, my friend. I also highly advise we postpone our meeting for another da-"

A loud beep could be heard from the entrance of their chambers. An individual entered whom Kahne recognized almost immediately. He was slightly out of breath, he straightened himself up before he walked over to Kahne, leaning to whisper to him. "We have a situa......" Would be all that could be heard by the other members. As Kahne's expression never changed upon hearing the news, luckily he had been well trained in situations like this before.

"Understood, wait for me outside." The Jedi Master took a deep breath before he stood up and offered them all a small smile. "As I said, I recommend a recesses for a day or two, regather our thoughts and see what a new day brings us. Forgive me fellow Council members. There is an urgent matter that requires my attention."

The Jedi Master turned and walked out, the soldier following beside him after exiting.

"How long?" Kahne inquired looking over to him. "Just over thirty minutes. He is in custody, he was caught just a mile outside Theed, he looked to be scouting." The Jedi Master shook his head, a wave of readiness finally setting in over him. No doubt lingered in him, just a shred of fear. Not for himself but for Naboo. If a new day didn't bring what was needed. He would be truly worried for Naboo and it's people. The Jedi Master looked down to his hand as it trembled slightly. Trying so hard to keep the surface calm......

They truly didn't understand.

"He wishes to send darkness in a place of hope and light. They will all reap the consequences of their actions."

-Thread Exit-​

 

[Brandyn Sal-Soren]

It was all so very Briana. It was like she had reverted to how they were as kids. Using every advantage she could. He was not on Naboo for the Cataclysm, she suffered it first hand. So, he gets denigrated for not suffering like she did. He had heard a lot about how much she had been through, about how bad it was. He did not remember hearing about what it was like during that time for him though.

He had all but been erased from existence. His identity wiped from the Holonet and he had lived another life, all so that he could investigate The New Way. He had had to do things to keep his cover. Things that had made him question his own morality. Things that still weighed on him to this day. And for what? To find out that it was all started by his own father? Briana had been hurt by the revelation too. She had loved Baros Sal-Soren more than Brandyn ever had. But she had not lived and breathed the investigation only to find out that it was, again, your father that made you feel so small. So worthless.

And then she touches on his ultimate failure. She went there.

Brandyn's shoulders slumped as if he had been stabbed between his ribs. His eyes fell. His spirit waned. Only those you loved could wound you so deeply. She had been so threatened by his opposition that she had to do that?

Briana...I...

His mind wandered to the kick he felt just that morning. The new life within the womb of the woman he loved so much. He was here for her. He was here for them. Not for himself. His feelings did not matter. Not anymore.

Brandyn sat up in straighter in his chair, eyes narrowed as he held Briana's gaze once more. Kahne's words and exit passed over him. He took the words in, but found them to be irrelevant to his purposes.

Once Kahne had left, Brandyn stood, arms calmly held behind his back. He took a breath, refocused and offered a sorrowful glance at Lorn, and the other members of the council.

"My sister. Grandmaster. When you asked me to sit on this Council, Briana, you knew who I was," Brandyn said calmly, offering a shrug and pursed lips before he continued, "did you invite me because you knew you had an arrow in your quiver to keep me in line? No. I do not think you asked me here because you thought I would be your 'Yes, man'. You asked me to sit on this council because you are wiser than I am. Because you truly are better than I. And you knew...somewhere deep down...you knew...you would need someone that would call you out when you were going the wrong way."

"Heed my council, Grandmaster. Or forsake it. You are in charge. But my council will remain undeterred. Do not split your focus. It will not be good for the planet that is your home. The one you have seen suffer more than any of us."

He said no more, but turned and walked towards the door.

| TAG: Briana Sal-Soren Vizion Trozky Kahne Porte Lossa Aureus Lorn Reingard |

​

 

[Cerys Dyn]

A heaviness still rested over Cerys. The death of the wampa may have been trivial to Lysander, but if weighed on Cerys. She would freely admit that she appreciated his protection, but not necessarily the extreme nature of it.

Whatever mood she had been in was gone now. The lightness she had felt. The freedom to be a little playful had died with the wampa. Now she just wanted this course over, lest any other creature die for a test.

"If I fall behind..."

She stopped mid-sentence. He was gone off on his run. He would not hear her. Instead, Cerys ran. The wind caught her as much as the Force did, and propelled her along the path to the final obstacle.

She ran. Her eyes looked up, beyond Lysander, towards the wall that she had to ascend. Her eyes finally fixed on the blonde mane waving at her from several paces ahead. Cerys smirked, a competitive urge taking over.

She jumped. The wind propelled her forward. She jumped again, landing just in front of Lysander as he ran. She landed in a sprint, not even glancing over to see if she was ahead. Her strides lengthened just as the ground sloped upward, and then she jumped upwards.

Hands stretched upwards, her back arched to reach as far as she could, and just barely her fingers grabbed onto the ledge. With a swift push off the cliff face, she bounced up to the top and the completion of the course.

Arrogance pushed aside the frustration at the wampa's death. Cerys glanced over towards where she assumed Lysander would be standing...just after she did. "How does it feel to lose?" She said, before fully turning to face him.

| TAG: Lysander von Ascania

​

 

[Michael Angellus]

​

Journal Entry:
.

Okay, the next obstacle was weird… long “pole like” things hang… OH it’s a “cable cross”. I can do this. It’s too high up and there isn’t a second so I can’t drape a leg, but that was okay. I have pretty good arm strength. All I do is go one grip at a time, and don’t look down… it’s okay that I write that now, I’m sitting in my room and not loo… oh yeah I DID look down once or twice…

Just.Keep.Swimming…Just.Keep.Swimming…Just.Keep.Swimming… No idea what I was humming… I felt like I should have been some blue forgetful fish… anyway I made it across that deathtrap and right into the next one.

More pillars… GREAT! Don’t look down! Don’t look down! Before you ask. Which you shouldn’t have to! Wait?! WHY ARE YOU READING MY JOURNAL?! Yes, I looked down, three times… still made it across. I had to dive at the edge from the third one which I was falling off of.

Oh, come on!

Rolling longs as stairs? Uphill? Really? This really suHUCKED?! Three tries in and I got my leg caught, I fell flat on my back, and ended up on my butt. What was good though is the engineering of it. They rolled both ways, so I put my foot on in a position it would roll forward, this was on each one. Each step rolled forward and when I could put weight down, I pushed to the next… until I got my foot caught!

Ow! MOTHERF… no… don’t cuss… I made it across, but I think I broke something.

Rook Merriex | Ceri Fraissi | Aiden Porte | Phillip Slate | Tasia Palpatine | Echo Athoth | Cerys Dyn | Lysander von Ascania | Eerie Omera .

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

​

<<Sib, I humbly accept your generous six. It's clear you've chosen to show kindness today, as my wit of a lesser sentient being wouldn’t dare to outshine your gift for self appreciation. I apologize for mistaking it as a possible identity crisis. Please, do share more. I’ve much to learn from your expertise.>>

Sibylla's lips twitched, the ghost of an amused smirk threatening to break her otherwise composed expression. She exhaled quietly through her nose, schooling her features back into something suitably neutral...afterall, there were still dignitaries and bureaucrats within sight. It wouldn't do to let anyone think she was genuinely entertained by this.

Lysander had a gift; she'd give him that. Few could match her in verbal sparring without descending into outright foolishness, but he managed to tread that precarious line with surprising finesse.

She let the message linger a moment longer, rereading it as if she were considering the weight of a diplomatic treaty instead of what was, essentially, a glorified exercise in mutual self-satisfaction. Then, after a brief pause to properly savor the amusement, she tapped out her response.

<< I am glad you agree. So much so that I've decided to invest in the betterment of your self-worth. It would be a tragedy if your wit outshone your attire. As a noble, it is your duty to charm effortlessly, and for that, you must look the part. I suppose I'll have to review your current wardrobe selection personally. Who knows? With the right refinement, you might even inspire a new trend among the Shiraya Order. Fashionable ascetics -- what a novelty. >>

She sent the message with a decisive tap, allowing herself the smallest satisfaction in knowing she'd given as good as she got. Lysander could muse on that!

"Sibylla." The sound of her father calling her name drew the young Junior Representative's attention.

"Yes, father..." She called out, putting her comm away and returning to his side. There was still much to be done.

~ Exit thread ~​

 

[Lorn Reingard]

Briana Sal-Soren | Brandyn Sal-Soren | Kahne Porte | Lossa Aureus | Vizion Trozky

​

Lorn felt the weight of the room pressing down on him, tension crackling like electricity after he had suggested appointing a new Grandmaster. He shook his head slowly, frustration curling in his chest as the same arguments began to circle repeatedly, each claim clashing with the next. It seemed impossible that they could align on this Alliance, built on nothing more than a fleeting vision. Kahne was the most experienced among them, it only made sense to place him in a temporary role, at least until they could come to a consensus. But even he was reluctant to step up, and that only deepened the worry gnawing at Lorn.

He watched in silence as Kahne dismissed the idea, then hurried out of the room, leaving behind the lingering echoes of discord. The sibling duo, kept at it, their voices rising in a familiar yet irritating dance of conflict. Lorn rolled his eyes, realizing he'd unwittingly inserted himself into a family dispute that transcended council politics. Why had he chosen to intervene? This wasn't just a council issue, it was a personal battle between them, and it irked him that he'd become a reluctant participant.

As Brandyn stormed out, Lorn felt the weight of the eyes in the room. Lossa glared fiercely, as if she were ready to leap over the table and pummel him. Viz remained quiet, a shadow in the corner, and Briana looked at him with a deep disappointment that struck harder than any accusation. Nothing productive was happening without the other two, and he could feel the meeting unraveling. They wouldn't see his point of view, it was pointless to argue like this.

Resigned, Lorn stood and faced Briana, bowing his head slightly in a gesture of respect. "I apologize for letting my emotions cloud my judgment." he said, his voice heavy with regret. As he stepped around his chair, he caught her gaze, there was so much in her eyes it seemed. Pain, frustration, the heavy weight of responsibility.

Finally, he spoke from his heart, "I don't belong in these discussions… in these pivotal decisions. I'm just a soldier. That's where I should stay." His hands trembled slightly as he shuffled toward the door, grasping the handle as if it might offer escape.

But before leaving, he turned back one last time, the weight of his promise simmering in the air. "I'll fight for whatever you and this Askani deem necessary for this vision. I'll do what must be done… just tell me who." The words hung in the air like a solemn oath, laden with unspoken fears.

"You know where to find me." With a heavy sigh, Lorn lowered his head, allowing his shoulders to slump forward, and then he walked out, the door closing behind him.

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Tags: Cerys Dyn Sibylla Abrantes
​

Disbelief flickered across Lysander's youthful features, but it also ignited a spark of excitement. No longer was he content with simply completing the last obstacles; now, it was a challenge. The Padawan's heart thrummed with determination while unleashing his full Force Speed, but it didn't stop the violent winds from roaring back in protest.

The boy became a blur, each step precise, every muscle coiling with enhanced power, propelling him forward. The incline was steep, but it was no match for his current pace. With a powerful and sudden leap, he made it to the top, only to find the Togruta already standing there. The air of victory about her wasn’t easy to overlook. But instead of irritation, his lips curled into a smirk; a soft chuckle then escaped, followed with a shake of the head.

He was clearly bested, something he didn’t always respond well to.

"Well, I'll be damned, Cerys," he began, scanning over the other obstacles to monitor the progression from other Padawans; they wouldn’t be bothered for a while. "Guess you haven’t been skipping your training sessions at the enclave after all."

The datapad vibrated once more; it caught his attention effortlessly. Withdrawing it from a pocket, he took another step and lowered himself to the ground a few paces away from the ledge. Leaning back, an elbow came to rest against his knee. Lysander's thumb traced over the smooth surface, revealing the message. And as he read it, a soft, almost wistful smile touched his lips, allowing everything around him to momentarily fade away. While processing Sibylla's words and thinking on a response, his emerald eyes lost their fire, the green catching the light from his device.

<<Charming effortlessly has always kind of been my thing. Don't tell me you're just not catching on? Well, if you're trying to contribute to my legacy, I won't stop you. Perhaps finding a balance between the hue's of Naboo landscapes and my recent taste for darker tones wouldn't be so terrible. With your guidance, the Shirya Order will go down as the most sylish Order in history. A true public service indeed. But the orange? Banned. That color is best left to sunsets.>>

Even if it wasn’t his best work, it was still sincere, enough to leave the Padawan content, and he sent it nonetheless.

Fatigue began to seep into his being.

Finally, his attention returned to Cerys. "She's tolerable, I suppose, but hardly alluring enough to capture my interest," he stated, the lie rolling off his tongue with ease.

-Exit post-
​

 

[Lossa Aureus]

Lossa was quiet for the entirety of the meeting. Mournful eyes watching each speak. Each bringing points of their own before Briana rebuked them sharply. An action that made even Lossa wince.

Was this how others perceived her?

A thought directed inward as she kept her emotions tightly bound to their place in her mind. Processing and experiencing but never allowing beyond reflection. The topic of Naboo and being their collective focus was not lost on her. Nor was it solely her own focus given her own feelings. But those were perhaps feelings she should have let go of some time ago. The people of Naboo and the planet itself would have done what they could do safeguard her little Star. They had just been mislead. Her eyes tear bright as she watched the final moments of discussion pass.

Some making a more dramatic exit than others as she watched in tight lipped silence.

As much as she wanted to support Briana as much as she had done the same, she wasn't sure this was a path she could commit to without lying about it's purpose. Without placing a façade over it to make herself feel better. To ease some of her own pain with that of others. Was that perhaps what Briana was doing now? Watching her cousin intently as Lorn was the last to leave the room. Feeling both an awkward silence and a profound chasm forming in the wake of all that was said.

Her hands wringing together as she finally allowed her lips to part.

"You called me here not so long ago to call into question my actions and behavior." Her jaw tightening as she tried to pick at the words floating across her mind. Not wanting to needle her anymore than she likely already felt. A nail digging into the side of her thumb as she pushed herself to speak.

"I will not lie to you. I was furious about it. Was angry that I had been singled out when I had done what I thought was best for Naboo." A deep breath steadying her as she pressed on. "But as I walked to meet with you all, I realized that you all were not calling me because there was mistrust. But because you all trusted me, and called upon me to express concern for my well being."

Rising after making sure the mark in her skin would fade. Hands still fidgeting with one another as she turned to look at Briana hopefully.

"Words are the only way we can reach one another. Words are how we ground one another, and try to bring each other back to the path. I want to support you, and the Foundation, and all the rest of the galaxy along with it." The smile she had initially shared with her cousin faded quickly as she looked to her hands.

"But I cannot help others before I have helped myself. To do so is to ignore that I am a living being. And I feel that right now, you are ignoring yourself, stretching yourself thin, and my heart aches for you. Not because I see you walking the wrong path. Because I see you extinguishing your light before you have had a chance to truly shine. These latest times have been troubling for everyone. Not just those in this room. Not just those on this planet. But we cannot help others if we are bleeding out while running to help them. Please." Staring now at Briana from across the table. "I want Zeriana to know her aunt personally. Not, from recordings."

Briana Sal-Soren​