Serenity Stems, From Soft Souls, And Stern Stances (Cixi Lu And Seth Brackson)

[Seth Brackson]

Seth was on a simple sort of adventure.. Called a break! Well as close to a break, an individual could manage. When they were expected to use every day, as some form of a lesson. Todays lesson for Seth? He decided would be ignorance is bliss, if even for a moment. As for the time. There seemed to be no training, no mentor guiding, smacking, or lecturing him.

Just him, his peace of thought, and the streets of Commenor. Which were pretty nice streets. Compared to some of the ones he had been on.. In terms of shady individuals. Though that didn't mean they were void of them.

Seth was a young man roughly nineteen years of age. Tall and slim. Dressed in a slate grey hooded robe. With black pants and black shoes. He had on him his staff, and his meditation stones. Knowing he should get familiar with that stick meant to simulate a lightsaber. Though rebelling as he was not confident yet in using one for a self defense scenario.

What Seth was unaware of at this time however. Was how nearing he was. To having a force driving intervention. Which would lead to a string of interesting events. It all began when he passed an alley, saw a struggling figure get dragged around a corner. Then against his better judgement. For some reason decided. ~hey.. You're having a peaceful day... Why not go investigate the shady business!~

Seth shook his head. Shrugged his shoulders. Then at a jogging pace. Began to set off towards the ever distant sounds. Of some hot headed struggle. Which seemed to suddenly grow silent to some extent.

[member="Cixi Lu"]

 

[Cixi Lu]

There were many reasons for many things, but Cixi found that her reasons for being here were on the more ridiculous side.

She had been offering her medical services out in the local system, training on the job - and though she disliked bragging, she had found herself well up to the task. That had inevitably led her to be sought out by people, messaged and asked for her skill. She was a Jedi, after all, and so asked for no payment - only accepting a donation if it was offered so as to pay fuel for her ship.

This all had brought her here. The favourite bastard half-Twi'lek son of a (self-described) very important merchant had fallen ill, and her services had been called for. Cixi had seen the point immediately - she asked no payment, so there were no records of her treatments, nor any connection twixt her and the client that could be made. Nevertheless, there was a sick child in the bargain, and she could not ignore a cry for help.

The boy lived a commoner's life, far from his father where he could not tarnish the merchant's reputation and was secreted somewhere here in the dust and wind.

So she had taken to the streets and played the people, asking of the boy's reputation so she could find him and perhaps divine where his sickness had been caught before she met with the child.

Unfortunately, she was an awful judge of character.

And now she was being dragged off down an alley.

Honestly, she was more frustrated and annoyed than angry. She was here to help people, and didn't have a credit to spare. What could she possibly have to offer?

[member="Seth Brackson"]

 

[Seth Brackson]

Seth continued his jogging pace and reached the corner, peeking around to spot a gal being dragged away. He moved his head back. Thinking quietly to himself. Remain centered.. Remain centered.. Seth repeated this phrase a couple of times. Trying to get himself to believe it. Though truth to him was. These men had a woman, and the short fact was. Seth was contemplating his options which he could take.

In truth he needed to act quick. So, he didn't have time to contemplate control. Seth spun around the corner and sent two of his meditation stones zipping as quick as he could, towards the hip of one man, and the elbow of another. Hoping that he'd hit them accurately and with enough force to incapacitate them. Even if the method was a bit crude and ruthless. He just needed a method to break their grips, and dissuade retalliation. From that point he would think more calmly.

He readied his staff as a secondary plan. While he went to call his metallic focus items, and impromptu weapons back to him. Interested in making sure as he approached the men. His next few strikes would hopefully finish any work. That the potential injuries the stones did not accomplish. If there was any work left. "Stand down." Was his quick and stern warning to the men. As his efforts to be diplomatic. Seth would not inflict more harm than what was necessary. Going past the point he had already gone, was just wrong in all accounts of the manner. He would however defend himself and the gal, if she didn't seem capable herself.

[member="Cixi Lu"]

 

[Cixi Lu]

The boys - for they were truly too young to be called men - were rough and muddy, but otherwise unremarkable. The girl however, she was different.

A human woman, about eighteen or so, she was thin and lithe with an almost sickly figure about her. Her skin was as pale as paper or porcelain, her eyes as black as ink, and her hair swept back over her head like a river of chocolate.
Her clothes were white and grey, draped about her like the rippling figure of a ghost as she herself might well have been.

She didn't seem too concerned with her position, rather having the look od a woman who had missed the bus for their meeting.

However when Seth caught the boy's attention, she sprang to life. With deep swirling movements more like a dance than a warrior's way, she manipulated the Force - throwing her assailants away as if they were nothing more than paper boats on the rolling sea.

Even still, she leant heavily on the wall, her forehead damp and her breath heavy.

"I owe you thanks, good stranger," she spoke - her voice as crisp as a northern wind, without any of the bite.

"I am Cixi Lu, Padawan of the Silver Order. Here to serve."

With her words, she gave a most respectful curtsey, her legs still the slightest part unsteady.

[member="Seth Brackson"]

 

[Seth Brackson]

Seth watched the woman easily discard her assailants. With the opportunity Seth had provided for her. Well initially easily. He noted that she seemed oftly fatigued from the effort. To be fair he was sure he would be as well to some extent. As he now sheathed his staff though warily approached her. Not wanting to test her against himself. Both out of concern he would harm her, and the precaution she might be using a ruse.

Though his attitude suddenly shifted again as she announced herself. He furrowed his brows at her. "Are you alone?" He inquired. As he wanted to know if he was being followed. Either that or if she was merely here by coincidence. Then as she curtseyed he shook his head softly. "Never mind. I meant no disrespect." He expressed calmly. As his meditation slipped out and rotated in his palms. While he worked to find his center. "My name is Seth Brackson, padawan of the silver order." Seth said as he watched her calmly. "Here." He offered an arm to help support her. "Let me see if we can get you somewhere to help you recover."

He meant well in this instance. He was still guarded about her. Though he knew she was not his enemy. He had no intention of trying to make her such. Especially, not as an introduction. He had seen first hand she was an able individual when she needed to be. Though it didn't mean a little help would from him kill [member="Cixi Lu"].

"So, what brings you to Commenor. Miss, Lu?" He asked. Not really sure the proper way to address her. As the titles, and all that was something he was still adjusting to. In fact most of the order was an adjustment for him. He was learning stuff he never knew he'd need, nor would he thought he would of cared to know. Back when he was solely living off the street. Using only a survivalist mentality to keep himself going.

 

[Cixi Lu]

Cixi's eyes flickered over the man, evaluating him and examining him in that clinical way that only Jedi medics were capable of, the purely pointed glance that felt as if it were scanning one thoroughly as a droid.

We was as unto the Force as she herself - to say that he was a Force Sensitive, a young Jedi.

He two was rough, and for a moment Cixi considered turning her power upon him - what little she had left. But the warmth within him stayed her hand, keeping her still.

She took the offered arm, listening with care to his words that themselves were veiled, hiding his own feelings from view.

The girl was light as a feather, barely weighing him down even as she leaned heavily upon him. Her touch was like silk, as if she would slip away through his fingers should he not hold tight enough.

"I have no companions. My droid cannot leave the ship, and I find I hold others back," she said in tones so matter-of-fact that one would be forgiven for imagining she cared nothing at all.

"For my purpose, there is a child whose illness I am here to cure. A halfling - Human-Twi'lek - name of Multeciber Atem," she explained.

"However I was given no exact location, the client is ashamed of his own dalliance and wishes as little contact as possible. Your co-operation in his location would be appreciated."

[member="Seth Brackson"]

 

[Seth Brackson]

Seth was glad his companion was exceedingly light weight. He didn't need to rely on the force to support her. [member="Cixi Lu"] was a peculiar individual to Seth. He noted her opinions and the tone she expressed them with. Which while he wanted to tell her elsewise. He had only just met her, and therefore it would be inconsiderate to challenge the statement until he had grounds to stand upon.

"Where is your ship then?" He inquired as he guided her along the streets. "We can help you there. Then discuss how we will help the young man. I do not know where Multeciber would be resting. Though I do know means to acquire the information. Without experimenting with raking through the minds of every sentient we stumble upon." He expressed in a exceedingly neutral tone. Making it hard to decipher if he was joking about being bold enough to invade minds for information on a large scale, or was using it as just a comparison he didn't need the force to be crafty.

Seth looked to her and studied her features and expressions. Trying to picture what the two fellows back in the alley were thinking. From what he was gathering there was a couple of uses. Of course the initial one would be to rob, or ransom. Though other than that. He could see her being used for gain through a black market slave dealer. She'd probably fit the higher ends of the market despite her fragileness. Plus, Seth knew the streets enough to have a good idea what other's intents were. Based off a combination of cues, and like minded mentality. Not the sort he would act upon unless desperate. Especially, considering he valued life too much to want to harm unless he had to. Though a mentality that sometimes in order to survive shady decisions had to be made.

 

[Cixi Lu]

Whenever it came to people, Cixi found herself unwilling to take a proffered hand - but now was no time for such sentiment, she had a job to do. She didn't like having to take a step back to go forward, but returning to her ship really did seem like the better thing to do.

La Bellacosa was an old Nubian ship; its silvery hull dulled with time, the modifications and rebuilding as obvious as a whale on a beach. She opened immediately as soon as the two approached.

The innards had been refitted entirely, looking more like a hospital than the inside of a starship - beds lining the walls, and gyro systems in place to keep them as steady as could be.

Cixi's droid too was unusual, a bootlegged probe droid built - it seemed - from the pieces of other droids. The size of a housecat, it had the shape of a wasp - or perhaps a shrimp, with two claw-like hands at the fore of its body and a tapered tail at the back.

It chimed rather like a silver bell when it saw Cixi and hovered over, propelled by unseen means.

"Hush, BP-00," she replied, showing more emotion to the droid than she had at all to him - and pronouncing its name as 'Beep-o.'

"Welcome to La Bellacosa, Seth."

[member="Seth Brackson"]

 

[Seth Brackson]

Seth studied the ship. Keeping oftly quiet now. It wasn't till a small droid came about. Did he finally pick up on the slightest hint of emotion. Which was something he would keep note of. Though he really didn't see the point of hushing the droid. It'd barely made any noise at all.

Seth wandered to a corner. Where he quietly stood, and observed. He did a polite bow of his head. In response to the welcoming to the ship. Other than that he merely did his best to absorb himself into the scenery. To get out of her way, until she decided he could be of help, or was ready to head back out.

Seth studied the beds. Noting that the ship was practically a mobile medical office. Made a lot of sense. His acquaintance appeared to be on the healing team. Seth himself doubted he could use the force to heal. While he was primarily light sided in allignment. He walked a fine path on the edge of the darkside. He didn't have the purity to draw upon such techniques. So, he did his best to prevent injury, so the need to heal was not relevant.

Seth did however have med supplies. Though he felt they were highly irrelevant. Considering that he was on a med bay. So, he really could not do much. Unless equipment needed moved about. The droid needed to express some stuff. Either that or [member="Cixi Lu"] had reached a point he could begin hunting down the location of her client.

 

[Cixi Lu]

For the barest of moments, the girl seemed to disappear into her equipment.

A moment later, she was back at his side - holding something all too familiar. Her lightsaber's hilt was beautiful, an ornate design of white metal with the most gentle of curves and crafted lovingly to fit in her hand. Why ever she had left it on her ship was a mystery to all.

BP-00 let out a series of scathing chimes, but Cixi ignored them succinctly, instead looking pointedly at Seth.

"You at least seem in good health. You mentioned that you had the ability to track down my patient? I would be most grateful if you began now," she told him, little room in her voice for argument.

[member="Seth Brackson"]

 

[Seth Brackson]

Seth simply shrugged his shoulders. "Alright, Miss. I'll be back once I have something." He expressed, and began to head out. "You really should treat that droid better. He is only looking after your health after all." He noted before he went out the door. Jumping off the boarding ramp and onto the ground. Where he threw his hood up over his head and disappeared within the stream of merchants, and street folk.

Seth wasn't upset per se. His prior interactions with humans had mostly been business focused. Whether it was black mailing them. Trading favors. Pickpocketing them. The likes. Though at the same time. He wasn't afraid to treat those individuals with a hint of courtesy. Rarely did he have to act coldly.

Seth went towards the district where the palace would be. Passing by an individual dressed much like him. Who seemed to radiate force energy guiding a second individual. Who carried a saber on his belt. Seth noticed the man glance towards him, and he ducked out of the attention space of the individual the best he could. While he continued on his way, to where he needed to be.

Seth walked along the area. While he kept his ears open. Focusing on the bickering of the officials. Doing his bit to cypher out the irrelevant information, and picking out words of interest. While his hunt began to lead him around the streets of the city.

[member="Cixi Lu"]

 

[Cixi Lu]

Cixi Lu could but wait now. She had been told to rest, not once but thrice - and in two different ways. She didn't mean to be so short with Seth, but it was the only way she knew how to talk - the only way she knew how to interact.

She'd take him to a restaurant when this was over - she decided. Actions dictated the person, for words were cheap - as her Grandfather had oft said. If she could not show her thanks in words, then an offering of food would hopefully please him.

Beep-o chimed eagerly once Seth was gone, ringing like an alarm. What had her Grandfather been thinking, giving it such tones? At least it was useful, built in with scanners and utilities that made it indispensable to a medic. If only she could figure out how to de-program its failsafe that shut it down every time it left the ship.

When last had she invited someone aboard who wasn't her patient, or client? Really - she thought, chiding herself - I could at least have offered him some tea.

All she could do now was wait for him to return.

[member="Seth Brackson"]

 

[Seth Brackson]

Seth finally took interest in an area near one of the market districts. He had been tailing some ambassadors. When suddenly a third party person. A elderly lady joined the frey. Mentioning an ailment that one of the ambassadors seemed curious about. The woman and the man bickered back and forth. Before parting ways with one another.

Seth looked to the group. Then to the way the elder wandered off to. Deciding to tail her instead. Keeping a distance, and occasionally doing some 'shopping' to minimalize his presence. Seth noted however eventually the lady worked to a residential area. Where one would not expect an ambassador. Nor ones son to be hanging out within. Though as the lady entered the building. Seth settled down and waited.

Once some time passed. He approached the building. Leaning against a wall on a less conspicious spot. While he closed his eyes. Seeking the flow of the force. While he opened his senses and began to ease drop. The process took concentration, though Seth did pick up on thr name of the kid. Which jousted him to seek out the life energies within. He sensed the old lady first. A few other beings. Then finally an individual who's energy felt oftly out of synch. Seth withdrew and stood up. Brushing himself off as he went back to the market area.

He took his time to return to the ship. Being sure he wasn't followed himself. Before he entered into the ship. Greeting [member="Cixi Lu"] by stating the following. "Your client is being kept in the lower residential districts. East to the marketing area." He expressed calmly.

 

[Cixi Lu]

"Then we should depart with all haste. They have been kept waiting long enough," Cixi spoke, standing up to meet him.

With his direction, they soon found their way to the patient's house.

However before they entered, Cixi took a few moments spare to flatten her robes and brush her hair into place. It might seem like a ridiculous thing to do, but clients tended to be leery of a messy medic. A Jedi may not care for their fashion, but people did.

With the proper care taken, she gave a smart rap upon the door,

At once, a Twi'lek woman flung open the door. A green Rylothian of unconventional beauty, her flustered words were hard to discern and yet Cixi seemed to understand. Within moments, she had the women as calm as possible and was granted entry - it seemed that she had also secured a place for Seth, though the Twi'lek kept throwing him side-glances.

At the boy's bedside, she came alive - speaking and whispering to the boy; kind nothings to distract him, keep his mind away from the pain.

Watching the healing art was hard to describe - almost as if Cixi's hands glowed as they passed over the patient.

With every gentle touch, a little colour returned to the boy's cheeks, cleansing the illness from his body and bringing fresh breath to his lungs.

"He will be fine," Cixi spoke at last, "Let him have some rest and you will find him as good as new."

[member="Seth Brackson"]

 

[Seth Brackson]

Seth remained quiet and held his hands idly folded in front of himself. Doing his best to appear as docile of an i individual. As he was capable of managing. He also kept a short distance while in the residency. His eyes scanning the area out of habit. Though his posture remaining relaxed.

Seth looked to [member="Cixi Lu"] as she began her healing. Observing the way the force flowed from her. Purging the ailments from the young Twi'lek boy. The gentleness in with how she spoke, and interacted with the kid. Did show a more compassionate side to the woman. Of which shed new light upon Seth's drawn opinion of her. He supposed trying to understand what drove Cixi was something he'd need to actual invest time into unravelling.

Seth could almost feel when Cixi has completed her task. Almost. So, it wasn't until she validated with her words. Did Seth shift his stance and bow. Thanking the Twi'lek woman for her hospitality in regards to his presence. Before politely stepping outside and patiently waiting for Cixi to conclude anything she had left to address within the household.

 

[Cixi Lu]

Cixi, it seemed, had little more to say to the woman, and was out soon after him.

"I owe you gratitude," she spoke as they walked together, "and an apology."

Stopping quite in the middle of the street, she bowed to him rather suddenly.

"You have been a great service to me, and I hope that my focus on the task at hand has not left you cold," she spoke, her tones suddenly rather quick, as if she was unsure in her own voice.

"If you would allow me, I would escort you somewhere for tea - dinner, I mean," she added, straightening her back, but still quite unable to look him in the eyes.

[member="Seth Brackson"]

 

[Seth Brackson]

Seth looked to her a good second. Then smiled a gentle tone. While he reached out and touched her shoulder gently. Letting her process a moment. That he wasn't meaning any ill will. Before he gently removed his hand and looked to her. "Please allow me to apologize in return. I have operated from a business perspective before. Any impressions I had made of you, were rash, and injust. I saw in there that you truly are a gentle soul driving by the light." He replied to her in a gentle manner.

"As for your request. How about we start with the tea. If all goes well with that. Then perhaps I will buy you dinner, as my treat." He offered her. Hoping [member="Cixi Lu"] saw that as a fair trade off. Seth enjoyed a good cup of tea once in awhile. He rarely had the ability to settle down for a cup. So, of everything that honestly had sounded wonderful.

Plus, now he had some accesses to resources. Which meant he had to ability to buy someone dinner. Which was something he hadn't done before. As well as tea provided them a better opportunity to talk. Get to know one another. As Seth's only true contact within the order was his mentor this far. This was a opportunity he should not pass on. If he could manage to avoid doing so.

 

[Cixi Lu]

//OOC: Apologies for my short replies, I'm feeling a bit foggy.\\

Cixi offered little in the way of a reply, but guided him quietly towards her ship once more - following their trail back towards the silver hulled bird that she must call home.

Despite her words, she was as distant as ever - even as she offered him a seat at a simple table cornered off from the medical bay.

When she returned with the tea, it took some patience to watch her as she moved almost ritualistically - brewing the tea with slow and gentle motions, her brew one of purity.

A pair of white cups sat across from one another, steaming most gently, separated now by a lone blue teapot - waiting patiently to be taken of.

"Apologies for the wait," Cixi spoke at last.

[member="Seth Brackson"]

 

[Seth Brackson]

(Ooc: No worries. I too am a bit out of it. So, a reply in itself was more than appreciated)

Seth watched her practices and smiled softly. He didn't seem too upset by her actions now. He had enough of a perspective to be patient with her. When she came back with the tea. Seth was tempted to hush her apology. Though thought better of doing so. Instead shaking his head softly. "You apology is appreciated, though ill placed. I am a guest. You have the right to address matters as you see fit." He said as he knelt in front of her.

He bowed his head politely. When she did serve the tea. Waiting patiently for her to serve herself a cup. Once she had both cups ready. He bowed his head again to her. "Thank you, Miss Lu." Seth expressed while he grabbed the cup of tea. Blowing on it and taking a sip. While he enjoyed a short moment of silence in her presence.

"Your healing skills were an impressive gift to observe." Seth began in a gentle manner. "How are you feeling?" He asked wanting to make sure she herself was in good health. She did have a long day after all. Between flinging fellows to healing younglings. Seth would feel bad if she was suffering from the days events, and he did not make sure to help her recover. He cared for life in his own ways of expression.

"As well as pardon my asking. Though what guided you to the order?" Seth inquired as a means to encourage conversation. He didn't want to press her comfort levels. Though he did want to try and help her understand. He was interested in developing at the very least a healthy start to their acquaintanceship. While he returned to quietly observing [member="Cixi Lu"] and letting her decide when and if she answered his inquiries.

 

[Cixi Lu]

Cixi took in a deep lungful of the steam, enjoying the tea in most traditional Jedi manner - chiming the stirring spoon thrice on the rim after ensuring that it was still and clear.

Her thin fingers laced easily around the cup and she drank of it, quietly taking in the flavour.

"For many generations, my family were medics skilled within the force - even my grandfather, a Mandalorian, was a field medic - but the Jedi orders of the past were too constraining, too dogmatic, too focused on the Unifying Force to care about the happiness of the people around them. The Silver Order is everything my mother would have loved - they allow the freedom she would never have found as a Jedi," she explained all at once.

"Don't mistake me, we have only ever taken the path of Light, helping the people around us, healing, and doing what we can. It's what A Jedi should be, I think. Not a knight, just a handyman who solves the problems around them as best they can."

[member="Seth Brackson"]