The Kindling of Moorwood | The Confederacy

[Ascendant Muse]

M O O R W O O D​

An entire year had passed...

When last the world of Monastery revolved around its local star, the first stone of Moorwood Peak was laid. On that day, to light the paths of worker and droid alike, numerous pyres were lit to keep the darkness at bay. Through raging winter and howling winds, the fires held fast and staved away all chill. And those who basked within their light found their bones strengthened and their spirits lifted. In time, those who worked and came to reside upon Moorwood Peak realized that the fuel feeding the fire had long since been consumed. And yet, the infernos continued to rage on their own volition. It had been an entire year since the pyres were first lit - an entire year since the Confederacy assumed responsibility for the Light of Monastery.

In that time, a number of changes had went into affect. The battles of the present era inspired terror and tyranny abroad. Those who fought did not settle all matters on the battlefield, yet oftentimes preyed upon those fleeing the fighting. It was in this reality that a decision was made in order to best safeguard those who chose Monastery as a place of refudge. A decision to secure the Nexus which had caused many to flock to the world. Moorword Peak was erected to be the bastion which kept the ferocious predators at bay; but in time evolved to be much more. The Knights Obsidian tasked with manning this fortress began to explore the depths of the Light. A Vault was formed, gathering teachings, lore, and artifacts of eras past.

And by the time of the present, Moorwood Peak had become the southern systems' beacon of Light.

In the name of security, Moorwood Peak tended to maintain stringent security measures day in and day out. However, on the anniversary of the fortress' founding, the restrictions were lifted! The people who once flocked to the Nexus would find that the way was now open to receive them in full. One of the numerous sites of the Nexus' blessing, a series of Hot Springs, was also spontaneously opened to the public. This site had been known for soothing even the most chronic of ailments and for breathing new life into those aggrieved by battle. What's more, this site was only a stone's throw away from the local village, Maurius.

Now on this day, Monastery would remember the Kindling of Moorwood Peak.

Spoiler: Locations

The Springs have been opened to the Public and are renowned for their uncanny ability to rejuvinate even the most tired of souls. Take a dip and wash away the aches of battle!​

Maurius is a humble village located a brief walk's distance from the Springs. Here, a variety of quaint shops await any traveler - including a well stocked tavern!​

Moorwood Peak has been opened to the public, and by extension the Healing Nexus below. Explore the pinnacle of light within the southern systems to your heart's content!​

Spoiler: Note

To any Dark Sider who may wish to participate, the closer one is to the Healing Nexus itself, the more resistance to the Dark Side you will feel. Waters from the Healing Nexus itself will also burn to the touch!

Spoiler: Tag

[member="Vidalu Na'an"]
[member="Josiah"]
[member="Zoe Rosella"]
@Adella Bastiel
[member="Krystal Estain"]
[member=Ayk]
[member="Mara Denko"]
[member=A'Runda]
[member="Adelle Bastiel"]
[member="Akabane"]
[member="Alden Akaran"]
[member="Alkor Centaris"]
[member="Alora Fae"]
[member="Alwine Lechner"]
[member="Amarant deWinter"]
[member="Amaya Cardei"]
[member="Amelia von Sorenn"]
[member="Amethyst Atreides"]
[member="Amethyst Sovereign"]
[member="Anya Malvern"]
[member="Arabella Darkhold"]
[member="Ari Zanareth"]
[member="Arlox"]
[member="Aston Jacobs"]
[member="Aya Clarke"]
[member="Azmodan"]
@Betty Americus
[member="Bandit Six"]
[member="Caesar Kenway"]
[member="Callisa Asran"]
[member="Cardinal Vi'dreya"]
[member="Carith Thelcar"]
[member="Cerria Rene"]
[member="Chikako Liona"]
[member="Cim Salro"]
[member="Corvus Dravere"]
[member="Daisy Americus"]
[member="Damsy Callat"]
[member="Danger Arceneau"]
[member="Daniel Americus"]
[member="Dalton Kenway"]
[member="Darth Tacitus"]
[member="Darth Timorem"]
[member="Darth Novus"]
[member="Daxton Bane"]
[member="Dhakarta"]
[member="Dianah Vi'Dreya"]
[member="Drauchir"]
[member="Ecthelion Aiglos"]
[member="Efried Halbrecht"]
[member="Ella Nova"]
[member="Erin Tenel"]
[member="Evie Miramat"]
[member="Fawn Alzi"]
[member="Gerwald Lechner"]
[member="Gray Venasir"]
[member="Hajrah Marjanah"]
[member="Havoc (CT-375)"]
[member="Ingrid L'lerim"]
[member="Isarn Apis"]
[member="Ithiel Vi'Dreya"]
[member="Jade Isara"]
[member="Jayce Pryde"]
[member="Jennifer Blanchard"]
[member="Jorco Czeku"]
[member="Jorge"]
[member="Josh Dragonsflame"]
[member="Jyoti Nooran"]
[member="Kalee Bladesworn"]
[member="Kaptan Americus"]
[member="Karlie Lynn Destat"]
[member="Kasca Fen"]
[member="Katrine Van-Derveld"]
[member="Kayla Wylen"]
[member="Keva"]
[member="Kiff Brayde"]
[member="Kingsley"]
[member="Kip Ridel"]
[member="Krest"]
[member="Krystal Estain"]
[member="Kurayami Bloodborn"]
[member="Kurenai Yumi"]
[member="Kwelin Orlov"]
[member="Kyber"]
[member="Kyrinov"]
[member="Lefwen Claskier"]
[member="Lirka Ka"]
[member="Luna Terrik"]
[member="Luna Vega"]
[member="Lyla Quinn"]
[member="Mallory Bash"]
[member="Maple Harte"]
[member="Marek Starchaser"]
[member="Maur"]
[member="Mauer"]
[member="Minerva Vessia"]
[member="Muad Dib"]
[member="Nine Lives"]
[member="Orion Trex"]
[member="Osintrium"]
[member="Petra Cavataio"]
[member="Pom Stych Tivé"]
[member="Qaarssk Roark"]
[member="Razelle Breuner"]
[member="Riley Reese"]
[member="Roy Americus"]
[member="Rylan Kordel"]
[member="Samantha Jade"]
[member="Scherezade deWinter"]
[member="Shalita Vi'dreya"]
[member="Sola Marr"]
[member="Sor-Jan Xantha"]
[member="Srina Talon"]
[member="Taramaz Laurs"]
[member="Tex Americus"]
[member="Teyla Ee'everwest"]
[member="Thalira Kiing"]
[member="Tmoxin Temi"]
[member="Traveler"]
[member="Treiades Rhoujen"]
[member="Valencia Hadley"]
[member="Varick Lechner"]
[member="Veronika Fleischer"]
[member="VildarnTentoria"]
[member="Voph"]
[member="Vyra Silara"]
[member="Zhai'ellev"]

 

[Zorok Rane]

Never the one to walk too much along the lines of either light or dark, Rane still found himself actively walking around the Monastery out of what was probably strict monotony. He had hardly joined the Confederacy's ranks less than a couple of days ago and yet here he was, trying to fit in and assimilate in due time. Why he would choose to decide a place of worship for members of the light side, even he didn't particularly know. However, there was one drawing force that caught his eye upon hearing of what was referred to as a Healing Nexus. An unbiased judge of light versus dark, he heard from the mouths of those he passed along the way. Prior to leaving Malachor V he would have never cared about Jedi and Sith politics, but it's an actual galaxy out there.

The looks of passersby as he searched for Moorwood Peak didn't help his affirmations of himself, with an obvious fear developing when he came into view. A two foot hulking reptilian creature wasn't exactly the easiest on the eyes knowing that one could turn and crack your skull at any moment. Sure, some good came out of the Dashade species in what they've done, but there will always be those who have resorted to mercenaries and killers. Ones who have taken fathers and mothers away from their children. At moments he would feel disgust at this and others he would feel pride and resort to that warrior spirit he always enjoyed to indulge himself in. The thrill of the kill is always a feeling that one can't let go after developing, as most evil beings surely are aware of. It was surely a conflicting time.

Approaching Moorwood Peak after the short trek, it was apparent that security was lifted or at least limited. Droid security guards stood at the ready, but weren't performing any sorts of routine checks as was to be expected with the mostly-free reign of visitors allowed. He couldn't put his finger on it but the general atmosphere of the area seemed to be one of calling, and without much confusion he managed to find his way to the vast pool of water. It also may have been the hammered down signs that were giving directions for this event specifically. Crouching down next to the ledge, he took a look at his arm and took a deep breath.

In and out. In and out.

And then he dipped it into the pool. He wasn't quite sure how it felt. It stung but at the same time it healed. It burned but at the same time it rejuvenated. It denied but at the same time it called. What a confusing place.

 

[Kathryn Foster]

Upon entering the small room at the Diatom Inn, cozy were the first thing to pop up in her mind. Simple but cozy. The small village nudged into the mountain were a stark contrast to her upbringing back on Denon, and the technology used by her in former duty of the New Republic Navy were non existent here. Fortunately, Kathy were adaptable to this and had not realy a problem with it. She had been invited here after all and she had sold it in pretty well, this [member="Scherezade deWinter"]; a convincing voice of the Confederacy of Independent Systems, the CIS, and would you say... now flight pupil of hers?

Now, biting her lower lip contemplating and looking down at two outfits laid out on the bed, she had trouble deciding which one to wear. The planet of Monastery did not exactly call for something too fancy and neither did the feel of the village. Better not look like you had thrown in an ewok in the middle of a stormtrooper company, standing out. It was so much easier when serving aboard and in the military, when you knew from day to day what to wear. After some time of consideration, she landed in a black long sleeve top and a pair of slim fit dark blue denims with a brown leather belt. When entering the village she had taken notice that the stone paved roads would be a real ''heel-killer'', so she went with a pair of more practical brown slouch boots. Not that she prefered heels or anything, the few pairs she owned were back on the ship. She took the attire of choice and went into the bathroom to get changed from her travelling gear.

She came out sporting her ash blonde hair in a low ponytail with a single strand on each side framing her face. The anticipation and interest in this journey begun to rise in her. A light sigh left her. If this would be the time Kath got into the cockpit of a fighter again, only time would tell. Flying with Scherezade had definately sparked an aspiration for it. The thoughts got an involuntary soft smirk to appear on her lips.

Before leaving the room, she put a short simplistic black leather jacket over her arm in case it would get chilly. When she then entered the inn's dining room, the variety of guests did make for a fairly good representation of the village inhabitants; mirialans, kiffars, zabraks... Who filled the room with a comfortable buzz. She went to the bar which she had spotted before and ordered a jawa juice. Still rather early for a glas of wine, and most of all you didn't know if you someone you wanted to make a good impression on.

 

[Mara Denko]

Location: The Springs, Monestary​

Tags: Open​

​

Mara had spent the better part of the last year on Monastery, assisting with refugee efforts and working with the team that lived on the planet full time to maintain the healing Nexus. It had been... A trying year. Between the influx of refugees from Eshan and the Confederacy using Moorwood Peak as their base of operations for the new Knights Obsidian outpost, she'd had her hands full. Though as the anniversary of the Pyres being lit was dawning, there was more reason to celebrate than fret, and she was glad for the reprieve.

With all the extra hands on deck to assist with the celebrations, and the massive amounts of people showing up to partake in the festivities, Mara was left alone to her own devices for what felt like the first time in months. She'd spent the whole morning gathering up what she'd need to attend the Springs, and by the time lunch was rolling around she was headed out. She had her bathing clothes, a towel and some supplies to address her hair afterwards tucked into a small backpack and headed up the mountain to indulge.

The Springs, thankfully, were only about half way up. The Nexus itself was concealed securely with the temple, the healing waters flowing down into the hot springs and allowing for slightly fewer passes through the security that had been lessened for the event. There were still several checks that she was required to perform before she could get through, but once she reached the series of plateaus along the mountains side that housed the pools, Mara was about ready to have a dip. She made used of the simple changing areas that were nestled into the mountain side along the edge of the pools, and emerged in her bathing suit to the pools proper.

There were a number of people already making use of the collection of shimmering blue springs, but Mara didn't mind having to share - the Springs were always relaxing, regardless of who you were plunked down next to. She slowly lowered herself into the nearest pool and waded along to the far edge, leaning her arms against the rough hewn rock ledge and resting her chin on her folded arms. The warm waters were like a balm to the aches that she'd accumulated over the last few months, and she closed her eyes to let those healing waters wash all her cares away.

 

[Gianna Aegis]

Location: The Peak [Sitting on a Boulder - Watching the Scenery]
Tag: Open

Monastery. Bright, historic, Monastery.

Gianna had never visited the light-leaning world; however, she was curious. And when curious, as she so happened to be, she tended to find a lot of interesting things to do. Her heart was always in the stars, trying to make sense of what she could feel, over choosing her eyes, as her guide. The Silver Jedi seemed to have a lot of connections that the Jedi Knight could only stare openly at. She had lived in Confederate space for quite some time. Naboo was her home. But, Naboo, was left entirely sovereign. Fair trade, fair tax, and support for refugees. That was the only contact she knew of.

Oh, and the unpleasant, eye-sore of an embassy that had been erected in the aftermath of the Great War.

She was interested in a great many things. The Springs, the Village, and so much more. Normally, she had heard, that this location was heavily guarded. The Confederacy had turned it into some sort of base of sorts, but typically, Monastery had a rather open-door policy in the past. Gianna wanted to see what had changed. Why, it had changed. A Healing Nexus was not made to be hidden away. It was meant to provide succor for the wounded and weary.

Perhaps, there was someone she could talk to about it for more information.

At any rate, she found that her newfound ties to the Silver Jedi, allowed her a certain level of access. It wasn’t scot-free clearance, but, it was something.

Gianna reached the Peak easily enough, passing droids that didn’t seem to mind the cold, and tugged her pale-green cloak tighter around her person. It wasn’t cold enough to invoke Tapas but she still felt a shiver down her spine. Ever since she’d picked up activity with the Silvers she’d found herself traveling. Sometimes to the Northern Systems, and sometimes, to the Southern. Cassius was often busy…But exploring kept her occupied.

It was so quiet here. Shocking, truly, considering the nature of the Confederacy. All she could see for miles was the village she had come from and the edges of what looked to be a spring-winter. Patches of green, dusted lightly, in snow, that eventually gave way to fields. She couldn’t see too far, but what she could see, was worth the climb. The young woman found a smooth rock to sit down on, though it initially chilled her through and through, the lit pyre nearby made it bearable.

Her breath appeared in little white puffs, and she smiled, while using the recording device in her comm to take shots of the landscape. Gia had a collection of images to show her former-Padawan when she returned home. He’d be jealous he hadn’t come along.

 

[Josiah]

Location: Moorwood Springs, Monastery​

Tag: Open​

Interacting With: [member="Mara Denko"], [member="Krystal Estain"], [member="Zoe Rosella"]​

Like a moth to flame.

Just over a year ago, calamity struck the former bastion of Light in the Galaxy. With one savage blow, the Galactic Alliance was reduced to naught but memory at the hands of the Sith Empire. For many, this nation of militant Jedi was seen as best hope for the Galaxy. And, without them, there would be none to stand against the destruction and chaos brought forth by the Empires. In those days, Josiah admittedly looked upon the future with despair. He had placed the whole of his hopes on the Alliance, hoping that somehow there would be a lasting peace. That someway, the Light would return to the prominance of his younger days. Back when the Galactic Republic was devoid of corruption and actually capable of fighting back against the Darkness. Yet, what Josiah soon found was an unexpected home in the southern systems.

For in the wake of the calamity, the Confederacy took up the sword - but also opened their gates to receive the broken. With so much agony and loss, it was hard for any bearer of light not to gravitate towards those fleeing the chaos. Some decided to work at the sites of the relief, offering healing and other aid in the moment. Yet others found their calling in protecting the refugees as they fled. In battling back the slavers, pirates, and rogues who would otherwise run rampant over already broken lives. For a time, this role gave Josiah a front row seat to all the good the southern systems attempted to do. And, as time moved ever forward, he found himself believing that not all hope was completely lost.

By the time of the present, Josiah had committed himself to the Confederacy by joining their Knighthood. And this day, he returned to Monastery to partake in the Kindling of Moorwood. As he was not present for the lighting of the first pyres, the Jedi did not personally find great significance in the fires themselves. But he understood just how important this way was to those who carried the past fresh in their memories. He understood that the refugees would look upon those pyres with gratitude, hope, and possibly even fondness. However, as he was not as personally invested as the residents of Monastery, Josiah decided to spend the day taking advantage of one of the more "exciting" sights.

As per the usual, the Jedi was never far from his charges: [member="Zoe Rosella"] and [member="Krystal Estain"]. In fact, though the proposed activity was not the norm for their tutelage, they were only a few paces shy of Josiah when he eased himself into the refreshing waters of the hot springs. He lowered himself into the warming depths, relaxing instantly as the blessed waters did their "magics." Every ache and twinge seemed to evaporate from his body, only leaving behind a desire to truly rest by leaning upon the the rocks. Yet as the Jedi began to do just that, a stray breeze parted the column of steam like a curtain. It revealed the sources of the adjacent, quiet conversations within this spring...but also a mass of ebony curls. Curls that only a blind man would fail to recognize.

"Mara? Is that...you?"

 

[Mara Denko]

Location: The Springs, Monastery​

Tags: [member="Josiah"] | [member="Zoe Rosella"] | [member="Krystal Estain"]​

​

The cool breeze that kept the edges of the pools slick with shimmering ice was enough to set several errant strands of thick brown hair loose from the messy bun she'd tossed atop her head - she'd been intent on keeping her hair out of the water if possible. It seemed the wind had other ideas, however. She could feel several small curls brushing against her shoulders and dipping into the water, but with the aches of months running the clinic and aiding the people of Monastery melting away, she found it hard to care.

That was until that same cool breeze carried a voice to her. The eyes that had remained closed and calm but a moment before fluttered open, a touch wider than perhaps she'd intended them to be. There was no mistaking that voice... She'd heard it so many times before, and especially speaking her name in hushed wonder - it was him alright. All that stress and ache may have been washed away in those warm pools, but a new nagging feeling settled over her shoulders in its place.

Mara slowly lifted her chin off her crossed arms and slid both of them back into the water at her sides. She sank low in the hot spring, taking several long moments to stare off into the beautifully lush coniferous forest that surrounded them before she turned. It didn't take her more than a moment to spot him, standing waist deep in the same spring she'd chosen, obviously pausing as he'd entered. There were two young women at his back, both lovely and both seemingly taken aback by his sudden pause as he entered the pools.

He looked... Amazing. But that was nothing new. She'd learned years ago that if she was waiting for him to show up looking anything but perfect she'd be waiting forever. There were new scars of course, but that was to be expected too. Having a warrior for a husband had its downsides, but having him in peak physical condition was always one of the few perks. A soft sigh escaped her as she leaned her back against the same stone edge of the spring she'd just extracted herself from and she narrowed her eyes at the Jedi.

"Well, would you look what the loth cat dragged in..."

 

[Zoe Rosella]

Location: Moorwood Springs
Tag: [member="Josiah"] | [member="Krystal Estain"] | [member="Mara Denko"]

Serenity..
It had been a while since Zoe had experienced such peace within herself, the springs reminded her of home.. except that this was an entirely different planet. She was sat cross-legged behind Josiah on a rock with a sketchbook and a pencil, etching some part of the springs, just like she used to when she was younger. Taking a moment to look up to see what was going on, she could see her fellow apprentice, Krystal nearby, her master, Josiah relaxing in the springs and.. what seemed to be Josiah's wife, Mara, emerging from the water in a rather nonchalant fashion. Once Mara had reached Josiah she looked away and carried on with her sketching in a feeble attempt to try to not make anything awkward..

(Short post, sorry x)

Spoiler

 

[Daxton Bane]

Sometimes sacrifice was called for, at other times it had to be endured. For those who knew of Daxton, they would probably surprised to see him present at the peak. While his pace was slow and measured, as if in a lot of pain, the Sith was here for a special purpose. It had come,to his attention that certain holocrons would be present at this time, holocrons which could prove to be useful in his own research and he was determined to study, if not acquire by any means necessary copies of these information for himself.

Flanked by pair of his personal security droids, the Zabrak did cut an imposing figure in purple and electric blue robes, cut from very expensive fabric. His sabers hung from the side of his hip with practiced ease, although truth be told he was not really expecting any trouble here. But then again life in the Confederacy has taught him that it always paid to err on the side of caution. With a heavy sigh, he glanced once more at his surroundings as if to get bearings while the people swirled around him on their own business.

 

[Krystal]

Krystal was honestly not too sure why she was here... but if [member="Josiah"] and [member="Zoe Rosella"] were around, she sure as hell wasn't going to miss out.

Exhausted from her training with Zoe the day before, she was happy to finally have the opportunity to just relax a little. Her hair was tied in a simple braid atop her head -- she might slip into the springs, and certainly did not want to have to untangle her hair again after -- and the warm light shone off the silver threading in her long purple dress. Humming softly to herself, she split away from Zoe and Josiah to explore the springs and their surroundings. It had been quite a while since she had been planetside for a reason other than training or hunting, and Moorwood was a welcome reprieve. The thick curtain of vines brushed against her back as she slipped between them, looking for a little more solitude than was offered by the magic springs. She hadn't gone far from the others -- indeed, she could still hear the murmur of voices over the gentle trickle of water -- when she came across a small stream that seemed to emerge from between two large rocks. Perhaps this was one of the sources of the larger healing pools. No matter, it would do quite well for her purposes. Krystal untied her dress at the waist and slipped it off, leaving it neatly near the bank of the stream with her purse and other personal belongings. She wore a slim one piece bodysuit that she hadn't used since forever. Swimming seemed to get sidelined among the stars.

A laugh escaped Krystal as she slipped into the stream. It was deeper than she had expected, and cooler too. Must not be the source for the heated springs, then. Careful to not cut herself on the rocks that lined one side of the river, Krystal took in a breath and dove under the water.

 

[Josiah]

Location: The Springs, Monastery​

Tag: [member="Mara Denko"] | [member="Zoe Rosella"] | [member="Krystal Estain"]​

Well, would you look what the loth cat dragged in...

The Jedi was woefully unprepared for this moment. But then again, how could one ever prepare for such a time as this? There was a time, long before the present, when everything Josiah wanted culminated to the woman whose eyes narrowed at the sight of him. There was a time when nothing else mattered, save hunting down the lillies she so admired and choking down whatever horrors she whipped together in the kitchen. But, that time died when the light of their lives was taken away. And in the darkness which came after...nothing remained of the happiness they had forged together. When Josiah walked away, it was to deal with the gaping hole left in his chest.

He never meant for that time to spiral into the near decade that it had. And thus, when standing before the woman he had left behind, what words could he possibly say? What, under the sun, was there that could be done? It was a small miracle that she hadn't flung a stone at his head the moment she recognized him...a sigh erupted from his nostrils as he first turned to the little artist behind him. [member="Zoe Rosella"] would most likely be able to feel the ocean of discomfort which had come to dominate his presence. And, just as he had instructed her to face down her past...he would lead by example. "Would you mind...seeing where Krystal ran off to?"

Would you mind giving us a moment, alone?

The young Alderaanian was perceptive enough to understand the true meaning of his words. Thus, Josiah had no doubt in his mind she would do him the courtesy of giving them some space. In the wake of her departure, the Jedi took a step closer to his estranged spouse before seating himself near the edge of the pool. The warm waters came up to his shoulders, but he leaned back just a touch so that only his neck was above the depths. The comforting temperature was enough to steel him. "Are you here to relax or to research the water?" The quip was but a reflection of what Mara would have once known as "home." Their days were spent full of laughter. Full of horrid puns and poking fun. But, soon thereafter, Josiah addressed the elephant in the pool.

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you."

 

[Pom Stych Tivé]

[member="Eternal Muse"]






Pomsty could feel the disease of the Lightside of the Force from orbit. It is as different as night and day, and yet some stereotype that it means one's actions are all intent on evil.

She tried to go, to join in with the others who had trekked across the sky with her. Darth Metus repeatedly tells her that it's good to mingle and make friends, so she may have a lesser chance at getting stabbed in the back in the field. It was a worthy gesture, but there came a point where it became entirely unbearable for her to move forward.

Her eyes were almost tearing. It was not at all like how she expected it. It wasn't all about the pain this place caused; as such things only amplify one's connection to the darkside, if she could draw on it from this place and exude in such power; which she could not. It was mostly, the conscious awakening that progressed since her arrival, as she tried to venture forth along with the others. Pom Stych Tivé felt what could only be described as a spiritual conviction as she was here. She felt emotional over her pastlife, and the love of a devoted man in this lifetime that she simply tossed aside because she could not meet him where he is.

But, life is not all about the love of a good man like [member="Lord Depravious"]. She is far too immature for such conquests as he.

'I am a Nightsister. Sometimes I take. Sometimes I give. Sometimes I care. Sometimes I divert myself. I go where I am lead, as much as I also make my own path. I love. I hate. I delve in life's circumstance, and sometimes I turn and run away. Life is about lessons, maybe you have understood more about it than me. Maybe you had more insightful teachers, than I. I am who I am, because of the circumstance around my birth and every instance thereafter. By the way, I was born to a dead surrogate mother on Dathomir. You were not, I presume; I believe it is safe to assume that it is most likely nobody else has ever been born to a lady six months after she died, who was put on life support just to bring you into existence…because someone paid for you to be created.

‘While you might take one look at me and by my appearance think me cruel by nature, I might see you as a child seeking out perfections in life, holding onto your cute little tubby wubby bear, dreaming of rainbows and butterflies, and praying for the ice cream man to drive down your street this evening. I cannot join you by the healing water, any more than you can share a toast with me at a barbecue in hell. I cannot be all that bad, and you cannot be all that good! Believe me, we both have our perks though; don't we!'

Pomsty gasped as she ducked out of the footpath which leads to the Springs. Once she gets far enough away, she ought have a better time picking potion ingredients in the foliage among the forest. If she can even go any further without breaking; she struggled vehemently to put away the lessons this place attempted to drill into her mind.

A Master of the Jedi she did next meet. Continued...

Spoiler

http://starwarsrp.net/topic/144259-moorwood-mischief/?fromsearch=1

 

[Mara Denko]

Location: The Springs, Monastery​

Tags: [member="Josiah"] | [member="Zoe Roselia"] | [member="Krystal Estain"]​

​

Her eyes remained calm and curious as he spoke to the young woman that sat at the edge of the pool, appearing to be sketching something. She seemed kind enough, picking up on the fact that this was likely an awkward situation and trying to steer clear. For a moment the Jedi felt a pang of guilt for making the young woman uncomfortable, but understood that it likely wasn't about to get better - so when her husband asked the girl to locate the other young woman who'd wandered off, she understood the reasoning immediately. It came out a bit harsh, but it was a kindness in itself - allowing Zoe to excuse herself if she wished.

Mara rose from where she'd been seated along the edges of the pools, steam rising from her skin as she did. The damp curls that had been trailing in the water moved to stick along her shoulders and neck, leaving trails of water on her skin that slid down to soak into her swimsuit. Only the top portion of the two piece was visible as she rose from the waters, but the sage green colour of the suit looked marvelous on her skin, even when it was flush from the heat of the water. She strode the few paces between where she'd been seated and where he'd settled before crouching in the water, only the tops of her shoulders visible as she peered at him from only a few feet away.

"Research the water? During a festival, in a bathing suit? I'm sure you're not trying to insinuate that my research has gotten that sloppy?" The smile that painted her lips was genuine and filled with a quiet mirth as she swung her arms forward in the water and gently reached for his own. Her fingers caught his as she took both his hands carefully and tugged herself a little closer. She brought herself close enough to press a gentle kiss against his cheek before she drifted back in the water, regarding him carefully, "Try me."

 

[Kathryn Foster]

From her position sitting sideways by the bar counter of the Diatom Inn, she gently let her blue gaze wander over the bunch of different guests that minded their own business this celebrational event in and around Maurius Village. She took another sip of the non-alcoholic beverage, probably deriving from Tatooine, right? Hence the name? Her gaze froze for a second when she yet again thought about for what reason she was here. Located on Monastery, one of the planets under CIS control, this place were supposed to be an important point of interest for the jedi order affiliated with the faction. And a usually well guarded one too. She would get a glimpse of the CIS controlled world and the people there. Oh boy, if the commanders were half as forgiving as some of her old ones they would get along just fine. Perhaps they had already got hold of her old files and flight records. Only way to find out was to go on with the next step after this little introducing trip, to officially sign up. She snapped out of the thoughts with a blink, before downing the rest of the jawa juice and headed outside, hanging the jacket in a finger over her shoulder.

The stone paved streets were not to busy yet. With the small population of bellow 500, it wasn't surprising even if more travellers and outlanders than usual were visiting the village. After a short stroll down the street, she turned the head as Fentaro Brothers catched her interest with a scent of exotic spices faintly spreading from the enterance. She walked inside where her nose were met with a more intense but still pleasant scent. Small jars and pouches filled the shelves in the walls and she greeted the clerk with a friendly smile and soft nod. Some new tastes might be experimented with in the galley after this trip.

 

[Josiah]

Location: The Springs, Monastery​

Tag: [member="Mara Denko"]​

Josiah was...proud.

If one were to ask the man what one of his shortcomings were, pride would never make it on the short list. In fact, the Jedi did not consider himself to be arrogant or hubristic in nature. However, when it came to his walk with the Light, the man was very proud of his heritage. He had the distinct honor to have learned at the feet of Grandmasters. And, he himself served as a Grandmaster for a Fel Emperor. His entire life's experience was a story of devotion to the Light Side of the Force. Therefore, when it came to why he had departed from Mara for so long...he felt shame. And it was his own pride that made it difficult to utter the words.

But as he grappled with his own flaws, his beloved rose from the water and drew closer to him. For the first time in a decade, her touch found his arms and pulled him closer - to which he happily obliged. Her lips graced his cheek whilst a challenge played upon her lips: Try me. A heavy exhale fell from him. "Your research has never been sloppy. Perhaps it was just human trials?" the joke was weak, because his mind was going a mile a minute. Frankly, he waved his offhand as if to wipe away the mirth from his tone and laid it on the table.

"I went to an old temple. Went to meditate - had only planned on being gone for a couple days so I could get my head screwed on right. But when I arrived, it was overrun with First Order. I fought. I lost. But, instead of killing me they..." he shook his head. "They pushed me over. They made me relive her dying, over and over, and over until there was nothing left of me. I Fell Mara. To the Dark Side. And they used me as a pawn for so long..."

He hung his head in shame. Weak. Fallen. It was a miracle that the Light had returned to him, he thought. "I never meant to abandon you. I swear it."

 

[Adelle Bastiel]

Location: The Springs
Tag: [member="Josiah"] | [member="Mara Denko"]



Healing Nexus. Adelle stared up at the great mountain towering over the narrow path she stood on. Somewhere, guarded by the fortress, lay a healing nexus secreted away in the mountains; a nexus that held miraculous powers and had been said—by townsfolk that had probably never seen it—to raise the dead to life again. Adelle doubted that but she didn't need to raise the dead. She needed to quiet them. And if the healing nexus could fix what her brain was doing—had been doing for years, maybe she could be normal again. Maybe have a life, or even a partner.

Maybe Na'an.

She brushed aside the thought as she adjusted the shoulder strap of her satchel and climbed the path to the hot springs. As appealing as the healing nexus sounded, it also sounded too good to be true. Truth be told, she was afraid of the disappointment if it failed. The springs were a far less risky chance: reported to have mild healing benefits and only halfway up the mountain, which also meant fewer security checks.

At the end of her hike—gods, it had been a while since she hiked up a mountain—steam from the springs wafted around her. There were changing rooms, simply made, against the mountainside. Adelle changed into a tank and a sarong, items she'd purchased for this purpose in the village at the foot of the mountain. Even though locals assured her it was a warm day, she still shivered. Warm, her left foot. Not nearly as warm as Dantooine. She set her bag off to the side and prepared to scuttle to the first pool of steaming water when she noticed others.

A couple stood near the closest edge of the first pool, close enough it was intimate. By the look on the man's face, it was a serious conversation. Adelle could walk to another pool further back but it was cold. It took all her self-control not to scurry to the warm waters and jump in, but she managed a quick pace without all that desperation.

"Excuse me," she said, stepping into the piping hot water. "I don't mean to intrude."

She hissed through her teeth at the contrast between cold stone and steaming water. Then she brought the rest of herself into the pool, submerging herself up to her neck. Gods, it was hotter than her showers and Na'an had complained that the steam from those felt like Felucia's humidity. Adelle made her way to the far side of the pool to leave as much room as possible for the couple to have their moment. Her idea of moving to another of the hot springs died quickly: now that she was in the hot water, she didn't want to get back out. Not for a while at least.

A ledge under the water's surface and near the edge suited her perfectly. She crossed her legs underneath her and leaned back, closing her eyes. It might have been her imagination, but she could swear the ever-present tension in her head was lessening.

 

[Mara Denko]

Location: The Springs, Monastery​

Tag: [member="Josiah"] | [member="Adelle Bastiel"] | [member="Zoe Rosella"]​

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Mara has been in the business of healing for as long as she could remember... From applying bandages to the other children's' knees when they'd skinned them playing as a girl, to her time spent here on Monastery, trying to sort out a better way to utilize the healing properties of the Nexus in practical battlefield application - and she could spot pain at a distance that would stagger most. The man who had been her husband all those years ago; the man who sat in the pools before her recounting his years spent away... He was in agony.

It took all she had in her not to reach out, not to wrap fingers in his hair and pull him to her chest and use what skill she had to try and erase that naked pain on his face, in his eyes... When he let his head fall forward, his voice just as defeated as he had appeared a moment before, she sat idle no longer. The water protested quietly as she moved within it, bringing herself to kneel in the water before where he sat perched on the edge. Her hands rose to gently press against his cheeks, barely aware of the dramatic temperature difference between the two - the brisk mountain air having whisked away the heat from his skin, while her own had soaked in the warm waters.

It wasn't only her skin that reflected the warmth, however, as she lifted his face and forced him to meet her gaze. The smile that rode her lips was like a warm summer afternoon, bright and inviting - and it was just for him. "Josiah... Where you were, what happened - those things are secondary to where you are now. You found me, after all those years in darkness, you have found your way back to the Light, and with it's good graces you can remain with me..." There was a pause as she searched his expression, then her smile faltered just a touch and she lowered her hands back into the water.

"Of course... That's if you wish to remain with me." Her eyes moved back to where [member="Zoe Rosella"] sat, perched along the edge of the pools and sketching. It had been a very long time since she had seen her husband - and even longer still since they'd had a chance to remind one another of the love that they shared. It would not be unreasonable to assume that he could have found someone else... The water had made her skin flush with heat, but that colour deepened as she was very suddenly aware of how foolish she was being. Careful movements carried her back onto the ledge seating beside him, her eyes mindfully directed down at the water as she did so.

She heard distantly as [member="Adelle Bastiel"] excused herself and settled into the pools as well, suddenly finding the urge to extricate herself from the pools very visceral. Soft grey eyes rose as she offered the new comer a weak smile, nodding gently as she seated herself on the opposite side of the pools. "No need for an excuse, please. Anyone is welcome to make use of the pools during the Pyre festival."

 

[Paragon of Virtue]

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The day went on without a hitch. The lifting of the restrictions on the fortress had brought over people from far and wide, all wishing to come and experience the Nexus' blessings. Their reception was full of smiles, good drinks, and wonderful food. More than one person that day left Maramere feeling better, both in body and soul. Others left with their hearts content, after finding and meeting people they had not seen in years and more.​

​

As the world turned and another day broke on the planet, many of the restrictions were put back in place, but with a softer hand. The healing powers of the Nexus would not be denied to the people of the Confederacy or their allies. Maramere was a protected world of the Confederacy, a safe house for any of those who adhered to the Light Side of the Force, and many more projects were in the works for them.​

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All they needed was what they already had.​

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Time.​

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