Seeking the Space Syrians (Thurion)

[Valiens Nantaris]

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]

The battle for Issus was over.

The attackers had gone, defeated. The defenders tended to the wounded and hoped that the worst was over.

Padawan Valeria Aetani deactivated her lightsabre and clipped it to her belt. She felt tired, her arm was scorched by blaster burns, and her leg was oozing blood from small shrapnel wounds. Still, she was elated. She had done it! She had reprogrammed the defence guns after battling her way into the control centre and turned them on the attackers. She couldn't wait to tell her Master....

"Master Jedi?" a militiaman asked tentatively.
"Yes?"
"It's...Master Cyrus."
A pit opened in her stomach and her heart twisted painfully. "What happened? Tell me!" she said urgently.
"He defeated the Sith Lord...but his injuries are bad. Please come, there is not much time."
Her joy suddenly turned to fear and despair, the Padawan followed him to the open area of the town. There the fighting had been hottest as Jedi Knight Cyrus Achaemas had fought a delaying action to allow her to get to the defence guns. There, propped against a concrete barrier lay her Master. The black robed Sith lay nearby, dead.
Cyrus looked up at her, his hands leaving the deep wound on his chest. "Val..." he said softly.
"Master, you'll be alright. We've got bacta on the ship. We just need to...we just need to hold it. I know we can..." she said, gabbling a bit.
A gentle hand touched her cheek. "No, child, it's too late for me. You did well. I'm proud of you."
"But what do I do now?" Valeria asked, suddenly feeling very young and very exposed.
"I have contacted a friend...a good man. He will continue your training. I'm proud of you...so proud. Val...don't give in to hate, what happened here...no...revenge."
"Master, please!" Valeria said.
It was too late.

Valeria bowed her head and the tears flowed. She could only hope that this man that her Master had contacted would arrive soon. She was already starting to dislike this planet.

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Everywhere he went there were pieces of rubble and dirt mixed with blood of both attackers and defenders. The weary, broken faces of his onlookers as he passed them by formed a solid frown on the man's face, yet he remained stoic for the time being; he would not add to their distress by falling apart before their eyes right there and then. He would instead do what he had come here to do: say his farewells to a fellow Jedi and a brave warrior and protector. He knew the man who'd contacted him would already be dead by now, but he had not come here in vain.

Looking around him as he wandered onwards, still passing the many wounded militiamen and civilians who were having their injuries tended to. Most of them wouldn't survive, and the Jedi Master did not need to use the Force to see this. It sickened him to see the war-torn people and buildings; he was no stranger to war by now, yet he would not abandon his humanity in disregarding the casualties and suffering of innocent lives. There was a part of that needed to see this so that he remember what he's fighting for.

At the centre of it all, amongst the rubble and debris, there were the silhouette of the one he sought. Poor girl must be devastated, and as he approached her her suffering was apparent. "I came as soon as I could. I am deeply sorry for your loss, Padawan", he offered her in soft words. Grief had a unique impact on each person, and he did not yet know whether the girl wished to see him or be left alone. He would comply either way. Even so, he placed a gentle hand upon her shoulder as she remained kneeling by her master.

[member="Valeria Aetani"]

 

[Valiens Nantaris]

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]

So absorbed, so riven with grief was Valeria that she did not notice the man until he spoke and laid a gentle hand on her shoulder. How long had she been kneeling here? Her Master's body had been taken sometime ago, but she had stayed, looking sightless at the ground.

Surprised, she got to her feet, ignoring the pain in her leg. Even through her haze she could sense that this man was the one her Master had referred to. He was strong in the Force and he had a bearing about him which made him seem even taller. As it was he towered over her by more than half a foot.

"Thank you. Are you going to be my new Master? I don't even know your name. I'm Valeria Aetani," she said.
Unexpectedly she reached out and hugged the other Jedi. A rather unorthodox move, but she was still extremely upset and she needed a shoulder to lean on. She might be a Padawan, but she was still young and inexperienced. Losing the closest thing she'd had to a father in almost ten years had been hard for her. She hoped this experience would be rather better.

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

As the girl rose to her feet Thurion bowed his head in her direction, more to offer his condolences than as a form of greeting. "I am. My name is Thur--" Before he could answer her questions she took a step forward and wrapped her arms around his large frame. Rather than act shocked at her sudden move, he in turn embraced the padawan, easily reaching around her back to comfort her. "It's okay, my dear. Everything will be okay. I'll make sure of it." This act of trust on her part, and consolation on his, had already made him take a liking to her. This alone was enough to set the tone for their relationship.

The embrace lasted longer than the usual hug, for when one needed a shoulder to cry on he was willing to spend the whole day standing just as the two of them were at this very moment, if it'd make her feel better in the end. He would wait for her to ease her grip of him before doing the same. Once the embrace eventually subsided he grabbed the girl by both shoulders and rubbed them gently. "You must stay strong for your master. He did not die in vain, for all these people would be dead had he not sacrificed himself for their sake. He knew you would give your own life for his, and that's why he sent you away during the battle. You were more important to him than life itself, and we must honour him by carrying on. You understand, don't you?" His words of comfort were punctuated by his finger wiping away a stray tear running down her cheek.

[member="Valeria Aetani"]

 

[Valiens Nantaris]

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]
Valeria eventually disengaged from the hug and listened to his words as he wiped her eyes clear of tears. The way he had put it sounded sensible, even if it make her think she was being selfish. He had given up his life for her...but was she worth such a sacrifice?
Self-doubts aside she still didn't know his name, though that was mostly her fault for glomping him before he could say it.

"I understand. It's just...it's just so hard. This is my first battle. I...I thought it would be different. It was all so exciting when I was in the battle, dodging shots and using my lightsabre. But now it doesn't feel as good anymore." She paused. "I killed people too," she said softly, shivering. Suddenly her light battle outfit felt like it didn't cover anywhere enough of her. "They were trying to kill me, and it was so easy...I didn't even think about it, no more than the training droids at the Temple. But now...this is terrible."

She was a mess. Grief, guilt and remorse formed a painful vortex in her.

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

His hands released their grip of her shoulders and took her by her hands instead. "My dear girl, I have fought in many battles. It is something I never get used to, nor do I wish to; to allow oneself to let go of self-restraint during battle is a dangerous thing." He thought back to when he fought the possessed Tracyn Ordo during the riots on Coruscant from several years back. He had lost all control of himself, killing anyone getting in his way, and damn-well almost killed Thurion as well. "Would you believe me if I said that I have never once taken a life throughout my years as a Jedi, Padawan Aetani? It is something I pray I'll never have to do. If you'll let me, I will make it so you'll never need to kill again. It is the least I can do for one so young."

His sapphire eyes kept a steady gaze at the girl's face, searching for any hints of lasting mental scars from her ordeal. His knowledge in the healing arts made him able to notice such through the use of the Force, and it had served him well for many years ever since Teynara Jeralyr first introduced him to it. "You're not hurt, are you, child?"

[member="Valeria Aetani"]

 

[Valiens Nantaris]

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]

She looked up at him, not sure if he was serious. This man had been a Jedi for years, and yet had never killed? That only made her feel more guilty.
"Three people, two men, one woman. Their families must feel like I do now. They were someone's brother, mother, wife.... I would very much like to be taught that, Master."
The poor girl would likely have to have a reality check one day, but for now the thought of a non-lethal way made her feel a bit more confident about the future.

"I...my leg is bleeding, and my shoulder is tender. I will be fine. And...sorry for before. I...well, you know. What is your name, Master?"

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Thurion nodded in approval of her answer. It was good that she felt remorse over the lifes she'd taken - any good person would. He just hoped she would not linger on their deaths; what's done is done, and nothing can change what has happened here. If the Force could bring people back to life, he'd do anything to bring back his own master. He did make a frown at the notion of her being in pain as she stated her injuries, minor as they might've been.

"My name is Thurion Heavenshield, Jedi Master of the Levantine Sanctum. But please, it's just 'Thurion' to you." He formed a quick smile as he spoke, but soon dropped it for a more serious face. "Would you mind showing me your injuries, my dear? It doesn't matter how minor they seem; I won't let my padawan be in pain. It is something Master Cyrus and I have in common, among other things."

[member="Valeria Aetani"]

 

[Valiens Nantaris]

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]
"Pleased to meet you Mast...Thurion," she said, deflating a bit. It seemed odd to just call him by name. Some of the magic was gone. She'd just have to get used to it.

She reluctantly showed her leg, but only the location as the trousers hid the true extent, and she was not about to start stripping off on a battlefield.
"Just some bacta and I'll be fine, I'm sure," she said airily.

"How about you? You came here very quickly, were you on Issus already?"

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Looking to where she pointed on her leg, he knelt down to examine it for himself. Granted, he would not begin ripping at her trousers, especially not while in public, but fortunately he did not need to; the Force guided his hands as they settled onto the wound hidden beneath the fabrics. For now it would appear as if he was ignoring her question, for he was focusing solely on what happened next.

Closing his for the duration, a surge in the Force coursed throughout his body and seeped forth from his hands and applied itself onto her wound, creating a tingling sensation as it began to heal. Of course she could not see it close by itself, but once it was over she would know it. It only took a few seconds for the wound to fully close itself and remain such, and once his work was done he rose from the ground and resumed their conversation. "There, that should do it. Better than any bacta, I've come to think. As for your question, let's just say I was in the neighborhood." He sent a quick wink her way as he spoke the latter.

[member="Valeria Aetani"]

 

[Valiens Nantaris]

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]
The pain suddenly subsided, and instead of the aching pain in her leg it felt...normal! She knew that the Force could promote healing, but never that fast!
"That was amazing! If only you'd come sooner, you could have saved my Master," she said regretfully. Did she resent him a little for not being there? Perhaps, at least until the grief wore itself out.

"So what now, Thurion? I've heard of the Levantine...you're not part of the Republic though, right? Doesn't that mean...I mean I should tell the Council what's happened."
Uncertainty filled her.

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

He grinned at her surprised face, only to then hang his head slightly ashamed that he had been here to aid them in the battle. "I am sorry I couldn't help your master, truly I am. If I could've saved him I would do so in a heartbeat. But it was his time, I'm afraid. He is one with the Force now, and the Force is better for it." He then perked his ears at what she said next, and looked back up at her. "What you should do, young missy, is find yourself a hot meal and some bedrest. You are in no position to stand before any Jedi Council, not in your state; you're barely able to stand as it is."

Thurion then began to fuss over her by placing the back of his hand against her forehead to check her temperature. She may not have realised it but she was freezing cold. For this reason he removed his robes covering his usual attire and proceeded to drape it across her shoulders and let it effectively cover her entire shape and then some. He could probably fit two of her in that thing. "I will let the Council know what happened here in due time, don't worry. Now, how do you feel, Padawan?" His tone was that of a concerned parent, or that of an overprotective older brother.

[member="Valeria Aetani"]

 

[Valiens Nantaris]

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]
Valeria was grateful when he placed his cloak around her. The wind was picking up, and now she could recognise it, the chill was getting worse. The thought of a warm meal and some rest was welcome, yet she knew she had to report matters to the Council.
"I am...better. Thank you, Thurion. I'll change out of this and get some food, then make my report. Do you think the Council will be angry if I go with you rather than back to them?" she sounded apprehensive. Although clearly not the Sith, the Jedi might not be too happy if one of their own walked away. Though, considering the revolving door of people in and out, perhaps it wouldn't be such an issue.

"Do you have a ship or something nearby?"

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

He turned his head to look behind him at the ship in the distance, gesturing towards it. "The Seren Heritage stands ready to embark whenever you feel ready, Padawan. Know this, however..." Thurion leaned down, meeting her gaze. "I will not tell you to come with me, Valeria. This has to be your choice, and that goes for most things I will ask of you; I want you to feel like the master of your own fate, not me. If this is what your heart desires, then you are most welcome aboard my ship and you will be under my protection for the rest of your life. If not, I would still be more than happy to escort you off-world. This is entirely your choice to make, my dear. The Jedi Order will understand, as I will explain the situation to them while you rest."

With that said he ran a hand through his golden beard and awaited her decision.

[member="Valeria Aetani"]

 

[Valiens Nantaris]

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]
Valeria looked at the man and uncertainty filled her. For all her life she’d had remarkable little choice in her fate. First she’d gone with her parents away from Pylos, into hiding, then she’d been taken as a Jedi, and finally she had been taken by a Master.
None of that had been her choice, though she had not resented it. How though she had a choice. Despite his confidence, she was not sure that the Jedi would just watch one of their own wander off to another order. On the other hand…Thurion was here, and he had been kind to her. Perhaps it would be easier just to go with him.

Reaching out to the Force for guidance she could sense no malice in Thurion, only genuine compassion. Though the Force did not reveal itself to her often she felt it now, and the feeling she got was clear.

“I will come with you, Thurion. I want to be a Jedi, and you have offered to be my Master. However, if the Jedi Council demand I return…I will do so. My family lives on Tython still and I would not want them to be punished. Provided you can smooth things over, I will come with you.”
It was unclear if she thought the Jedi would go around persecuting her family, but one could never tell. It probably depended who was the Grandmaster that week….

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Studying her face as she spoke, Thurion offered her a sagely nod in return. It pleased him that she followed her heart rather than duty to her deceased master; the dead had a knack for influencing one's choices in life. He knew this better than most. "Then I am most honoured by your company, Padawan, and I greet you as your new teacher and caretaker; you are now my under my protection, and I will regard you as of my own flesh and blood. This I swear to you, [member="Valeria Aetani"], in the presence of Master Cyrus as he is now One with the Force." He bowed graciously.

He gestured a hand towards his ship off in the distance. "Can you walk, Padawan? If not, I will carry you." His words were genuine; he would pick her up and carry her aboard his ship should she feel too weary to make the journey by foot. At the very least he would offer her a hand to hold and a shoulder to lean on should she wish it.

 

[Valiens Nantaris]

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]
Her leg was still sore and she limped slightly, but she could not admit to her new Master that she needed to be carried like a baby, so she shook her head.
"I'm fine, Master, really. Please, let's just go."

She came aboard the ship, the few possessions she had in a small duffel bag. Taking the copilot's seat, though she was no good at piloting yet, she waited for them to take off before she went to clean up.
"Where are we headed, Master?"

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Once aboard the Seren Heritage, Thurion and his new padawan made it to the bridge where the two took their seats. Although still concerned for his apprentice's health, she seemed eager to be away from this place. With the battle over and dealt with, her work there was finished. Master Cyrus' body had been taken to safety and would be transported back to Tython for his funeral, and reinforcements were on the way to relieve the many wounded. As much as it pained him to think it, this was not their battle to fight; it had been Cyrus', and he followed his duty to the letter. This planet had his courage to thank for their continued existence. He would make it so that they remember him.

Glancing over at his newfound young friend, he offered her a faint smile before guiding his ship up through the atmosphere and into the vast emptiness of space. "I will take you to my home in the Levantine Sanctum; there we can look you over more thoroughly for injuries and, once fully recovered, we can begin your training. That is, unless you can think of any important stops along the way, Padawan." Gesturing back at the corridor behind them leading out into the rest of the ship, he continued. "This ship is yours now as much as it is mine, Valeria. You are most welcome to aquaint yourself with it. There's food in the mess hall and should you require it you may use my bed to rest in. You must be exhausted, poor girl."

[member="Valeria Aetani"]

 

[Valiens Nantaris]

(A very devilish like count you have there [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]!)

"No, no stops." It seemed as though Valeria was just a little wary of the friendliness shown, even cautious. She could sense no ill intent in the man, nor any reason for her suspicion, but she knew enough to be wary of anyone who so freely offered such things, especially the bed.
"I'll go clean up and find somewhere to rest," she said, trying to clear the unjustified suspicions from her mind. "Thanks ago."

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

The course had been set for Laekia, the Levantine capital planet. It would take them a about a full day to reach their destination, which allowed for much in the way of getting to know eachother meanwhile. Following the corridor out into the open main area of the ship, Thurion set eyes on the mess hall where he hoped to find himself a nice meal for himself and his new charge. Alas, no such luck; all he had was blue milk and a package of cereals. Darn.

Using what he had to work with, the Jedi Master gathered up two bowls and poured the milk into them before raining cereals down on 'em. He liked it when there were just about as much cereals as there was milk; he didn't care for having to fish after the remaining few flakes half-way through. Just the act of pouring the milk and adding the cereals made him think of Asha and how she would make him breakfast in the mornings on Tython. It all felt like a lifetime ago, almost like a memory of a different universe all-together. It put a smile on his face as he carried the two bowls over to the table and took a seat.

"Valeria, I-uh... I made you some dinner! It's here should you want it!" his voiced carried throughout the ship. Some dinner, he thought as he said it.

[member="Valeria Aetani"]