Private The Past Always Haunts

[Gerwald Lechner]

WEARING: ...yup... you guessed it...
TAG: Palm-Imer

Naalol had been a failure, at least as far as Gerwald was concerned. He had been sent to investigate a darkness, and stop it. Instead he released something terrible, and in the end, was the cause of several deaths. He wished he could have said that it had not been his fault, that he could not have known the veil between worlds was thin, but she had warned him. Naedira Darcrath had made it clear that they were in danger if the party did not turn around, and why. Gerwald had insisted on carrying the ring which she was bound to. It was the only thing which served as her tether to this world, but what Gerwald had not know, and learned that day, was something had been chasing her, feeding off of her memories. The lupine could not imagine the torture she was facing, but it did explain the dreams he had been having.​

​

Even before he began to carry the ring, Gerwald was pulled into darkness as he slept. Everything about it had made no sense. It had always been cold, yet not, damp and dry. It was not those sensations which made the hair on Gerwald's neck stand on end. He was being pursued. Something had been chasing, something he could never see or discern. There was always a presence, something dark and overshadowing, but never tangible and without a name. The wolf now had a name, he had an image. Whether it was chasing him, or somehow Naedira had found a way to project what she was experiencing through the force, Gerwald knew what his dreams were now.​

​

They frightened him.​

​

Now that he knew what it was that chased him, the thing he saw in his dreams, Gerwald was more determined to free the woman he loved. He just did not know what freedom looked like anymore. As long as she was tethered to the ring, she could not completely die or fade. The Lupine did not know how to destroy the ring. Alchemy, a soul transfer, could bring her back, but would it risk pulling the beast back into their world?​

​

The wolf needed to run. There was too on his mind, and the simplicity of nature was needed. His body was still healing from the injuries he suffered on Naalol, and the wolf would help him to heal much faster regardless. It felt like a way to procrastinate, or delay the inevitable moment when he would have to make a decision about what to do, and how to proceed. Gerwald had made far too many promises to Naedira, and he knew he could not keep them all. He had been ready to say goodbye, but it seemed that fate had not wanted that yet, or the ring would have shattered. He needed to delay, he needed the clarity only the wolf and wood could bring.​

​

So the wolf took off.​

​

Naboo was a much better location than Geonosis. Gerwald would have been on Stewjon now that he was Lord Marshal of the Maramere sector, where his home world was located, but his recovery kept him grounded to the capital for now. He enjoyed the lake country, and the other landscapes which surrounded Theed. This had been Naedira's home once upon a time, never when Gerwald had known her. It was a nice feeling to know he was running free in a place she had once been. In some ways it allowed him to remain connected to her in a way that was not unnatural to the laws of life and nature. The smell of the water on the air, and the sensation of the soft grass and fertile soil between his paws, made Gerwald forget his cares for a time. Though only a time. Duty would always demand he return.​

​

And return he did.​

​

His make shift quarters allowed him limited privacy, but enough that he could shift and change without fear that anyone would see it. To some, what came natural for him, was still a hard thing to watch or accept, let alone the fact that as lupine he had a much different view about being without clothes than most. Yes, he had pushed Redd to get used to the idea of wearing clothing, but it had been for the benefit of those that did not understand their kind, and for the warmth they provided when it was cold and being in human form was required. Normally Gerwald was vigilant about ensuring his door was closed as he changed, but his mind was too occupied with other things.​

​

As the wolf became man, any who walked by would see it. He could only hope that no one was coming to check up on him.​

 

[Palm-Imer]

Location: Naboo.
Weapons: The Wraith Blades.
Tagging: Gerwald Lechner

Living the life of an Ambassador and a Knight Obsidian was proving to be difficult, but Palm was finally getting used to the endless hours and the little rest. It was tough, but it was chosen freely - and as such it did not make her suffer as much as it would otherwise. This was worth the effort. Her people certainly were, and the Confederacy had proved itself to be too. She saw a future here, not only for herself but perhaps, potentially, for her system. Even though, after the last few weeks and the strange speeches spoken by the Sovereign about caution and the dangers of the galaxy, there was an undeniable sense of foreboding that she couldn't quite shake.

One thing, however, had managed to put her restless mind and the many stresses and worries that riddled it aside. She had gotten news about Naalol while on her way back to Naboo - and someone she considered a friend, despite the briefness of their first meeting, had been hurt. Palm was many things, but perhaps first among them were her sense of loyalty and duty. Duty to take care of and protect those she cared for.

As soon as the Vagabond had landed, Palm had walked out without even considering stopping by to get some rest. The jeweled mask, trademark of all Ambassadors, still hang at her hip clipped to the belt, forgotten for the moment. She had discarded the more cumbersome parts of her usually formal outfits, diplomacy tended to look down on practical clothing. The jacket of the suit had been replaced by a simple, form-fitting dark grey t-shirt and the heels changed for worn-in, comfortable boots. The pants she didn't mind much, black and hugging her legs. The fabric was thinner than the one she usually chose and as thus would grant less protection from the elements but this wasn't a concern at the moment.

Her hair was up in a braided bun that kept it away from her face, something she was grateful for given that the breeze would have made it bothersome otherwise. She reached through the force, tracking her way down towards the presence she was looking for. What she had not been expecting was the scene that welcomed her as soon as she reached the open door.

Palm froze for a second, before her golden eyes quickly darted to the ceiling and away from the man she had come to visit. One quick movement after she was out of the room again, her back flat against the wall right next to the door and her eyebrows raised in surprise. Although she already knew from previous experience that Gerwald had not a second thought to spare on modesty, Palm was used to the usual expectations when it came to it and so shock had made her move quickly, put the slightest tinge of red on her cheeks.

A chuckle would soon be heard from outside the room, "I'll need to remember to not walk in on lupines unannounced." Her worry had gotten the better of her, in a different scenario her arrival would have been less rushed - she would have let him know she was coming over. Palm would allow him a moment to finish getting dressed, waiting for his signal before turning once more towards the room and standing right below the doorframe. Amber eyes met his, the smile from the chuckle turning into a softer one, as well as the tone in her voice. "How are you doing?"

 

[Gerwald Lechner]

WEARING: xxx
TAG: Palm-Imer

Gerwald could hear the foot steps, but it was too late. A small smirk pulled at his lips when the voice called out and he recognized who it belonged to. He let the silence sit for a moment as he grabbed a pair of black sweatpants and the black hoodie he wore religiously for his runs. Normally Gerwald would feign as though he was embarrassed, but he was slightly amused that this scenario had occurred. Yes, there were also memories attached to the last time it had taken place, ones he did not wish to relive, but the fact he had forgotten to shut the door was rather humorous situation considering that there was another chuckle coming from the other side of the wall.​

​

"I will remember to close the door... I have been distracted lately."​

​

He waited for Palm to enter the room and noticed her more casual attire, however the mask she wore as an ambassador hung from her waist. She had not had it at their last meeting, and it seemed an odd article of clothing to wear. He smiled, though it also faded as hers did.​

​

Was he okay?​

​

Gerwald nodded.​

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"I am. I heal quickly."​

​

He had been injured yes, but there had been more which took place on Naalol. Gerwald was not being entirely honest, and he hoped that Palm was not observant enough, or did not know him well enough, to know that he was not being honest. Naedira would have known because of their bond, and he did not feel like having someone else that could so easily read him. In truth, Gerwald was not okay. While it was true that he was physically okay, Gerwald had experienced other trauma, mental and emotional, which he needed to discuss, but did not want to. Yes, Gerwald should have talked about it, and yes Gerwald needed to just let someone into the world that had his been pain since the decision he had come to.​

​

He had been prepared to destroy the ring, and he had been ready to let Naedira go, to die, so that he could save the others. Gerwald had been ready to sacrifice himself if it meant others could live. He could not take it back. Gerwald crossed a line he did not know he was capable of crossing. Duty. Duty had demanded he sacrifice what he wanted for the greater good of others, that the needs of the many outweighed the needs or wants of the few. Gerwald had confessed to loving her, and in the next tried to destroy the ring.​

​

"Don't tell me you came all this way to check up on me?"​

 

[Palm-Imer]

Location: Naboo.
Weapons: The Wraith Blades.
Tagging: Gerwald Lechner

Unluckily for him, Palm could see there was more to it than the physical wounds his lupine blood had ensured were healed. Or, at the very least, she had a feeling there was. Behavior, and the understanding of it, was intrinsic to her species. Their weird society had made it so, so evolution had shaped them into skilled observers. There was a saying in her homeworld, that a geminaie knew their way was lost when they could see the struggles of others while failing to perceive their own. And that was her reality, turning a blind eye to the own demons that had recently invaded her.

But she would not pressure him, even if the fact that she was not fully convinced by his claim was hard to miss given the slightly concerned look behind her eyes.

Palm could understand not wanting to talk. She was more often than not plagued by that feeling - either because of her own stubbornness or for the lack of a listener who would not judge. Gerwald had been the first to hear her openly admit that she was struggling to uphold that which she once held sacred. Even to this day, she did not fully understand what had driven her to confide in him but found no reason to question it either. She just had, and she did not regret it.

At his next question, she nodded her head, eyebrows raised feigning surprise that he would even ask. "And I would have dropped by sooner if I hadn't been away." It was the simple truth. Alas, there was no way of pushing the Vagabond's speed past a certain limit. It was good to know that he was still in one piece. After Velmor, Palm knew to be grateful for that alone.

"I know you just went out for a run but I'd love to go for a walk in the woods if you are up for it. Force knows I could use the fresh air," Coruscant. She had spent the last two weeks on Coruscant, and Palm had not much love to spare for the cityscape - specially when there wasn't a drop of green to be found unless it was artificial nor a peek of clear sky unbothered by the millions of speeders that polluted the air. "and there's two very restless beings aboard my ship that would also enjoy it." It had been too long since Maro and Nekran had been allowed to roam freely in a not-hostile environment. Without mentioning that she was curious about how the hounds would react to meeting the lupine.

"No objections to staying here though, resting wouldn't hurt me either," The soft smile was still there. While Gerwald didn't look to be in pain or held back by any wounds, she was not about to have him strain himself. After all, her whole reason for being here was making sure he was fine. Today would be her turn to lend a helping hand and perhaps an ear, only this time around she would make sure neither of them ended up with broken limbs to account for it.

 

[Gerwald Lechner]

WEARING: xxx
TAG: Palm-Imer

"You did not have to do that," Gerwald said with a nod, "but I appreciate the effort all the same."​

​

There was small amount of gratitude in his voice despite the fact Gerwald did his best to remain indifferent. Deep inside he was hurting, mourning. The lives that were lost on Naalol were still fresh, barely given a proper burial. Then there was the matter of Naedira. While the wound of her loss was not fresh, Gerwald felt as though he had lost her all over again. Naalol had forced him to confront his feelings for her. He admitted that he loved her, finally told her, and he knew she would likely never remember that moment even if they could bring her back. Gerwald was uncertain how any of what was happening to her worked, just that the beast was the source of it all.​

​

Why had the Mountain not let her be in peace? Why did he have to ensure that she would continue to suffer?​

​

Gerwald already knew the answer to both questions, and he hated the Sith Lord for it all the more. Darth Prazutis had done it simply because he could, because no one could stop him from doing so.​

​

ANGER.​

​

The feeling, the emotion, it consumed Gerwald with just one thought of the man. There was a time where the anger would push him to seek the man out, to try and find him once more and make him pay. Yet, Gerwald knew better, he was different after their last encounter. The Mountain had succeeded in breaking the lupine, but he had made an arrogant mistake by letting him live. Gerwald would make the Sith wish he had killed the wolf when he had the chance. The day would come when the Mountain would enter his circle, and until that day, Gerwald would patiently train, grow stronger, and be better.​

​

Gerwald raised his brows at the mention of walking through the woods. Palm should have known there was no need to try and convince a lupine to walk through a forest regardless of whether they were a human or wolf. He nodded.​

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"A walk would be nice. You certainly do not have to convince me to explore the woods in any form."​

​

The morning was still brisk, so Gerwald zipped the hooded sweatshirt up about three quarters of the way before putting his hands in the pockets. His feet carried him past the woman, and out the door where a brief wave of his hand closed it. He was quiet for a moment as he allowed Palm to lead them toward the ship so they could retrieve her pets. If they were going to be wandering about the forest, then there was no reason to leave her companions cooped up on the ship.​

​

"I take it you heard about what happened then," he asked in almost a whisper.​

​

Gerwald did not look at the woman. He just kept his gaze straight ahead along the path they were taking.​

​

"That is why you came then, yes?"​

 

[Palm-Imer]

Location: Naboo.
Weapons: The Wraith Blades.
Tagging: Gerwald Lechner
Companions: Maro & Nekran

The geminaie smiled softly and nodded, falling into a comfortable pace alongside him as they moved towards the ship. Maro & Nekran were intelligent creatures, and the Vagabond had the needed modifications to allow the massive hounds to get by unhindered. Palm reached through the Force, calling to the dogs so that they might follow and find them. It would be easy enough for them, not only were the creatures unparalleled trackers - it was simply impossible for them to lose the one they perceived as their leader: Palm. A najax'khan always knew their way back to their leaders, no matter what immensity or obstacles could separate them.

Soon enough, both dogs had caught up with them. Their eyes seemed to be a golden hue even more intense than the one their owner's eyes sported. Palm's calmness around Gerwald was enough for the animals to not preoccupy themselves with sizing up the lupine too much, even though they were curious. Maro remained by Palm's side while Nekran moved towards Gerwald's - flanking the pair as they finally reached the woods.

Palm's gaze glided towards him for a moment. A part of her wanted to lie and tell him she had heard nothing, simply because this would have been the easier path. She didn't wish to make him feel worse because of remembrance, or perhaps she simply didn't want to force him into facing what he would rather cover beneath silence and a well-built facade. It would have saved them having to acknowledge any of it - but what good would that have been on the long run?

She was here because she cared. Caring sometimes meant helping to bear the weight, whether it was by sharing it or simply alleviating it. That would be her purpose today, if he would allow it.

"I did, yes." And even knowing, there was no easy way for Palm to imagine the situation. An uncomfortable feeling settled within her chest, guilt. If the Ambassador had it within her power to change things, she would. But no mere mortal would ever be freed from suffering, either their own or those of whom mattered. Such was the curse of the living, it was up to them to face it and try to make it into a strength. Not so long ago she had also been rattled by battle, darkness and loved ones. It was a sullen and treacherous path to walk alone, and that knowledge had brought her to him.

"What you faced there, I cannot pretend to be able to understand," A very small pause followed her initial words. There was something about the manner of their delivery hinted at the fact she was not just referring to the evil entity that had been released on Naalol, "It was not your injuries that worried me."

She had come here to check on him, but indeed it had not been the state of his body what caused her haste. Bodies, more often than not, could heal. The rest, however, was a lot more delicate. By the soft tone in her voice it was clear that she would not push him. Palm was here to stand by him and offer her help in whatever way he accepted, whether this was by means of listening, offering silent company or even leaving him alone - she would understand.

 

[Gerwald Lechner]

WEARING: xxx
TAG: Palm-Imer

Palm was honest, at least Gerwald knew her to be with him. He imagined as an ambassador the woman could engage in the art of strategic deception if needed, but the lupine appreciated that she did not do so with him. For whatever reason she had chosen to trust him with a struggle, a doubt, she faced, and while Gerwald had pushed her over the edge, the two seemed to have come to an understanding of one another, a mutual respect. Care, concern, these were words the wolf was loathe to use anymore. Could he truly bring himself to do so when all those he had ever associated with such feelings came to harm? Perhaps there would be one day when he would, but not so close after Naalol, not after he told Naedira that he loved her, only to send her back to the nether, the darkness which demanded her soul.​

​

Gerwald nodded in response. He knew there would be more to come. Despite the silence which Palm allowed to settle there was one thing Gerwald had learned about women, it was rare that a three word answer would be all they had to say on a certain subject.​

​

He had been correct.​

​

The lupine took in a deep breath and sighed. His eyes shifted to the animals which seemed to be obediently fall to their flank without a single command. A small smirk tugged at his lips as he could see visible curiosity on their faces. He could only imagine what they were wondering. Why could they smell a wolf and yet see a human. Had Gerwald already not taken a run perhaps he would have shifted and ran with them to avoid the inevitable conversation Palm's words were leading them toward. Still, Gerwald did make the best use of the silence she allowed.​

​

Several deep breaths were taken, and each one was let out slowly. No one worried about him. They had truly ever been only one other to express similar sentiments, and she was no longer alive.​

​

A large hand reached for the ring which hung from Gerwald's neck. It was a gesture the ever observant Palm would have picked up as a habit by now. While they had only a few interactions, the woman certainly had picked up on it if she could see past the façade which he had been wearing when she first greeted him.​

​

The silence was awkward, and well past what would have been a safe amount to allow. Gerwald still felt as though she would allow it. His mind replayed every moment of Naalol at her words.​

​

She could not imagine, so Gerwald showed her.​

​

Palm would see it all, the cave, the darkness. She would see the image of Naedira and hear her warn them to run. Every bit of the conversation she had with Gerwald would be heard. The words which passed between them would be unfiltered. Palm would feel the tension and struggle within Gerwald as he finally confessed his feelings for the woman, right before he attempted to destroy the tether.​

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At least she knew what the ring around his neck was now, his burden, his duty, his honor, and his privilege.​

​

Finally Palm would see the beast he had faced. The darkness which it exuded penetrated every thought. It was all consuming. Even now Gerwald could still hear its voice as it spoke its damning words about how weak the Lupine was, how he had failed Naedira, and how he had failed them all.​

​

The battle played in her mind, each death she would feel with the same level of pain Gerwald did as he counted the bodies left on the battlefield when they had finally succeeded.​

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Most of all she would feel his guilt.​

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He swallowed hard as he pulled his thoughts out of her mind.​

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"Not all of that was in the report. Regardless... there is plenty of blood on my hands, and I still failed to do what needed to be done. I did not stop it. I did not free her. Nothing has changed."​

​

His eyes fell away. The steel gaze of his crystal blue orbs stayed on the path ahead. Gerwald did not want to see whatever emotion his memories had conjured up within the golden stare of the woman at his side.​

 

[Palm-Imer]

Location: Naboo.
Weapons: The Wraith Blades.
Tagging: Gerwald Lechner
Companions: Maro & Nekran

Palm had the willingness to share the burden however she could. But it would be a lie to say she had been prepared, or expected in any way, to be shown in the most vivid and literal of ways the immense weight that fell upon Gerwald's shoulders. She had not been prepared to suddenly feel it weighting down on her own. The strength of the despair behind it, the guilt, the pain...Palm could feel her heart clench within her chest, the worst kind of agony rushing from it like a bleeding wound. The kind of agony that did not come from physical pain.

Her eyes were forced shut as one of her hands raised to place itself over her chest out of reflex, her free hand closing to form a fist. For a moment, the woman's mind was unable to distinguish foreign pain from her own, not only because of the strength of these emotions but because they were feeding off of a powerful trait that laid caged within her to only be shared with a select few. Her empathy. For if there was one thing that made this even more tormenting than its horrifying nature or the fact that it had caught her unaware, was the knowledge that it resided within someone she called a friend.

This was worse than any darkness she had faced so far - and her own, buried deep behind the walls she struggled so much to uphold, responded with its own obscurity when prompted by his. The hounds stood at attention, feeling the distress of their owner and growing restless because of it.

Then the mental onslaught began to withdraw, the images faded and with them the tension that had hardened her muscles into motionlessness. But even if they were no longer perceived as sharply, the understanding she now did have would not be shaken off easily. It shone in the pools of her golden eyes as they reached the lupine, struggling to find the words. Words that she knew, no matter how eloquent, wouldn't be enough.

It was then that one of her hands reached upwards, placing itself upon Gerwald's shoulder before she took one step closer to him - the gesture and proximity attempting to be a better comfort than speaking could. Palm had not been on Naalol, but she knew what it meant to have people depend on you and she knew the torture, the doubt and fear, that failing them could bring. "You changed," Her voice remained low, a testament to the effect that his sharing his struggle had left behind.

"We are not all powerful."

It was the cruel truth all had to face some day. It was even more hurtful to them - to those who stepped up, to those who day after day were met with obstacles easily overcome by the powers and strength they had been blessed with - to be finally confronted with the trial that would see them fail. For an unstoppable force to meet an unmovable object which would the shortcomings they still held. And then pride, and power, and prestige were meaningless for they had given out when they were needed the most. Palm knew this feeling, because her greatest fear was the day it would be her turn.

"You were willing to lay down everything." What more could have been asked of him? Gerwald, in her eyes, had done more than anyone else in his shoes could have done. Herself included. "I won't tell you to not feel what you feel because I know its impossible," Guilt, out of all wrongs, was one of the hardest to let go of. "But you couldn't have known what would happen, no one could." Hindsight was guilt's best friend. The sense of person responsibility became inflated when one outlived trauma, even if they were not culprits for what had happened.

 

[Gerwald Lechner]

WEARING: xxx
TAG: Palm-Imer

She invaded his space. A soft hand was placed on his shoulder, no... not soft, calloused, the hand of a warrior. Palm was more than some noble woman who was used to a privileged life in some fancy palace far away from the design of battle. The hand which was extended to comfort now was the same one which had stopped the ball which he had launched at her. Then he had grabbed her wrist to inspect her hand, to show her that she had harmed herself. This time as he took her hand, it was gentle, a gesture designed to show he appreciated her attempt to make him feel better.​

​

"Changed," he questioned with a stern look. "The only reason their lives were lost was because I was selfish. Had I not wanted to save her, to bring Naedira back, or if I had not wanted to tell her how I felt before trying to destroy the ring... There had to have been something I could have done differently."​

​

He shrugged as he looked away from the woman.​

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"I have always been a selfish creature, and I do not see how that has changed. When she told us to run, I should have, but we were there on a mission. We were supposed to find and stop whatever it was emanating from that cave."​

​

Affection. It was something Gerwald had not felt from anyone in some time. The feeling was odd. Even if her concern was that of a friend, Gerwald had remained so closed to allowing people in that he found it a surprise a stranger like Palm had. Lunara had been another, but the two of them had shared the grief of their respective losses. This was different. From what Gerwald could discern he had nothing in common with Palm aside from the fact they had both been raised to believe half truths, and to be restrained from who they truly were.​

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Gerwald placed Palm's hand on the ring where it rest against his chest.​

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"She... this ring... it is has been my duty, a burden, and yet my greatest joy, to carry. Unfortunately I am not an unbiased ringbearer. My former master once told me that my feelings could either rule me, or I could rule them. Most days I do well, but there are the ones where I find it difficult to control my passions. She lives, but she does not."​

​

He let her hand go. If Palm wanted to move it back to her side she could, but Gerwald would not stop looking into the eyes of the woman who had offered her support. There was not much more to truly say about the subject, or what happened. Much of it was what it was. It had worked out the way it had, and Palm was right, no one could have known. Yet, Gerwald could only think that someone should have known.​

​

He should have known.​

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"I promised I would bring her back, and keep her safe until I could. My duty and promise were at odds on Naalol, and yet, I still wanted to find a way to do both. Just because I was willing to destroy the ring to save the others does not mean that is what I wanted to do. I know you felt the conflict. I know you felt what I really wanted."​

​

The lupine shook his head.​

​

"No, I have not changed... I have simply realized that despite my best efforts, I will never be strong enough to save everyone."​

 

[Palm-Imer]

Location: Naboo.
Weapons: The Wraith Blades.
Tagging: Gerwald Lechner
Companions: Maro & Nekran

Palm knew pain and struggle. She had been exposed to it in many ways since she was just a child, she experienced it every day in some measure, even if it was only in the form of the permanent longing that made her yearn from the home planet she was not allowed to return to unless called upon. Palm had learned to deal with it. To roll with the punches, get back up, keep going, even to act unmoved by them except around the very few whom were granted the privilege of seeing her unguarded. She could only count three: Mathieu, Adron and, surprisingly, Gerwald. One of those three she had already lost, for even though she loved her Jedi friend dearly, the mask she wore around him ever since her balance in the Force began shifting had obscured her honesty to him.

Out of all the pain and the struggle, she had also learned that watching those she cared for having to go through it hurt more than putting herself under its crushing pressure.

Her golden gaze fell from his to the spot on his chest now covered by her hand, she could feel the shape of the ring against her palm. Something so little and yet it had such a heavy weight. Her hand remained in place even after his moved away, eyebrows knitted in saddened concentration as his words reached her ears. She couldn't bring herself to say his assessment was wrong, for had she been in his shoes she was sure a very similar feeling would be eating away at her souls and thoughts. But that was not the only thing she had seen in his memories. There was not failure in what she saw, there was a lesson.

"What kind of man would you be if that conflict hadn't been there, Ger?" The question was the first thing to form in her thoughts. What kind of being was the one who did not feel compelled to save a loved one when the chance arose? What could people ever expect from a man who was put into a position of leadership and protection - if they were not willing to protect those dear to them? No, the inner conflict had not been a flaw. It had been unavoidable.

"Even having seen and felt what you have - even with that knowledge - I would still follow you into that cave if I was given the option right now." There was so much honesty in her voice it was almost tangible. Her hand then left his chest, slowly falling back to her side. "You tried to save everyone. I would much rather stand next to someone who tries and fails than someone who never tried in the first place." He had made a decision she would not wish upon anybody, and as grim as the results would have been Palm still knew that they would have been even more catastrophic if it had been someone else in his place.

 

[Gerwald Lechner]

WEARING: xxx
TAG: Palm-Imer

The lupine did not want to listen to her words. He was not in a place to hear them. Duty demanded that he continue to take students, the Lord Commander had made his desires known, and there would still be missions to lead. Whether Gerwald wanted to escape the pain which responsibility brought, he could not. Emotion and passion would always be something which would be part of Gerwald's decisions. He could no more turn off what he felt than the sun could cease to rise in the morning. The strength of what he felt gave him access to things in the force that suppressing them did not. Not allowing them to overtake him was the challenge, especially after so much loss. That was why he ran, that was why the wolf seemed to be more free to rule since Naalol.​

​

"How many lives could I have saved if that conflict had not been there? She was always trying to tell me that duty... the greater were more important than the few, the one."​

​

Gerwald sighed and shrugged as his eyes looked down at the hand on his chest. He could barely feel her touch, even as the hand pulled away it was as though he were numb to it. The wolf had built up a wall toward others, and while Palm seemed to manage to find away around it, or to climb over it, there were still parts of the lupine which remained guarded. Was it fair? Maybe not, but it was practical, perhaps even necessary. How else could he avoid dealing with the loss of someone he cared for.​

​

And it would be so easy to care for her in a much deeper way.​

​

Palm was like Naedira in her own way. Duty, honor, and commitment, radiated off of the woman. In some ways the words she spoke were even similar, and at times he could hear Naedira's voice behind them. Everyone had told Gerwald he needed to move on, but he refused. Why? Duty. His promise, until he was released from it, had set his course. Where others would easily let what happened go, the ring around his neck reminded him of the promises he made. If the ring could not be destroyed, then the only path forward was to free her from it by undoing the tether, or letting the beast consume her. Now that Gerwald knew the truth how could he let the beast consume her? How could he not do everything in his power to being her back?​

​

She did not deserve the torment.​

​

His gaze finally found its way back to Palm's. He held it for a brief moment. Even the gold in her eyes was similar to the amber which Naedira bore. The silence from Gerwald should have been telling. He said nothing as he began to continue the walk to deeper into the forest he had just run through. A soft sigh escaped his lips as he pondered his words.​

​

"You would follow me to your death," he finally said. "But it would be an honor to have you at my side. There are few who see their role as a Knight as one of being a warrior. Lord Commander Voph and Darth Metus may say that our job is uphold the law, but I have spent more of my time defending the Confederacy, and killing her enemies, than I have enforcing her laws."​

​

It was not a shift in discussion or topic, simply a statement of fact. Gerwald had no illusion he would live to an old age and die naturally. His promotions ensured he would die a Knight Obsidian, and it was rare any warrior perished in their bed dreaming of a brighter tomorrow. HIs life would be spent so others could have that privilege.​

​

His head canted to look at Palm once more as he force a smile onto his lips.​

​

"You remind of her, you know." ​

​

One final truth spoken before crossing into the thick of tree line ahead of them.​

 

[Palm-Imer]

Location: Naboo.
Weapons: The Wraith Blades.
Tagging: Gerwald Lechner
Companions: Maro & Nekran

It was as she had expected. Even when words were a powerful thing, they were simply useless against the heavy weights that one's own mind could set as punishment. She could never blame him for refusing to acknowledge the lack of guilt she had just pointed out - because she would have denied it herself if their roles were reversed. He had fought what could be considered in many ways a losing battle, and even if their enemy was vanquished it was not without suffering. Not without a deeply wounding loss. The geminaie simply couldn't decide if her sharing in his hurting was derived of her own empathy or the care she could not help but hold for the lupine, nor did she really care which it was at the moment.

Perhaps someone else would have said that they wish they could help ease his pain and his turmoil. Palm knew better, and so she was just grateful to be allowed to try and share his struggle even if it was only for a little while, with words that would never seem to fit the pain quite right.


Her chin was lowered slightly in a nod, indeed she would follow his lead even if she knew the dire outcome in advance. They had not known each other for long but it would seem as though the Force had willed her to trust his judgement as though she had knew him all her life. He was a worthy warrior and in her eyes, a worthy leader. That was all one could ask of him. A small, slightly broken smile stretched her lips at his following words - a short lived inkling of warmth before her expression returned to that pensive neutrality. There was a strange comfort in being able to simply ponder on the heaviness of a situation while in someone else's company without feeling the pressure to alleviate it.

The geminaie had been just about to reply, to say that even though she was entirely too new to the Knights Obsidian she could see what he meant without difficulty, but then she was caught off guard. She imagined that being in the company of someone who reminded him of the one he had just lost could either worsen the pain or grant some form of relief. Most likely, it was upsetting. It could give way to thoughts that a grieving mind would find it hard to make sense of.

The smile he pushed onto his lips drew out one of her own. Because even if the worry of her presence failling to provide the comfort she hoped to give was unavoidable, their interaction told her otherwise.

"I see that as a good thing," She said, after a short moment of silence, before bringing her gaze to meet his as they walked. "It gladdens me to know that I remind you of someone you hold in high esteem. I may not have met Naedira but I have seen her through your eyes." She had no doubt that anyone who the lupine had chosen to trust and care for was someone worthy of it, and therefore holding any kind of resemblance to them would be seen as something positive.

Her attention then turned for a moment towards her own thoughts, knowing that there was one more thing unsaid in them which the man would probably disagree with. But that was no reason to not share her honest words with him.

"You are a good leader, Gerwald. I understand you may not see it that way right now, but know that I do."

 

[Gerwald Lechner]

T R U S T​

WEARING: xxx
TAG: Palm-Imer

He could see the pride his words had caused. Palm’s smile revealed more than she wanted it to perhaps, however, she was the diplomat. Gerwald was not versed in the art of negotiations or using his body language to communicate what he intended. For all the wolf knew even the smile was the exact display that she wanted him to see, a glimpse of who she was that the woman decided she wanted him to have. For some reason, Gerwald did not think it to be the case. Everything else about this interaction had been informal, friendly. While he would argue every bit of the woman that Palm allowed him to see was intentional, it was not calculated.

They were friends.

Friends. The thought brought a smile to Gerwald’s lips. He seemed to be gaining them as much as he was gaining enemies. The same decision could cause one to hate him and another to love him. It was a leadership lesson that Voph had wanted Gerwald to learn, to understand. The path that lay ahead of him was not going to be easy. There were never easy answers. Gerwald simply had to rely on what he felt was right.

Instinct.

Her nod was all the confirmation Gerwald needed that his words had struck a chord within her. The lupine had meant what he said. Despite their interactions being brief, Gerwald had learned enough about the woman to know she was a capable warrior, loyal, trustworthy. She would do what needed to be done. These were the qualities that had led to the statement that seemed to make her smile fade, and bring a pause to their conversation.

Gerwald was aware that such a thing likely placed her in an awkward position. Who wanted to be compared with the person someone had loved and lost. His smile had been meant to reassure her it was a good thing, and the smile Palm gave in return seemed to indicate she knew this. Had Gerwald been mistaken about that, her words certainly cleared up the matter.

“You have seen a version of her. It is likely I am quite biased in my opinion of her,” Gerwald chuckled knowing his statement was more accurate than he cared to admit. “In many ways she was a warrior and a diplomat as well. Naboo was her home at one time, and for a while she spent time on my homeworld. The day we met, it had been a simple assignment, an artifact to retrieve and giant worm creatures to kill. It amazes me how something so routine has a way of helping people become fast friends.”

His eyes shifted to Palm. The wolf hoped she had picked up on his meaning. Their first encounter had also been routine, a simple assessment of her skill as she was new among the Knights Obsidian. Nothing about the assessment remained routine. Gerwald could say with confidence he had never had his leg broken during an entrance exam before. That had been his own fault for wanting to push the woman past her doubt. It likely remained, but she had tasted the world which lay beyond it. She knew what she was capable of because of it.

The memory made Gerwald smile, another small laugh escaped his lips.

It faded when she called him a good leader. Voph had said the same thing, despite the events of Naalol. In fact, the events of Naalol, and what Gerwald had written in a report, prompted a conversation that the lupine was unsure how classified it should remain.

As his eyes fixed themselves on the road ahead, their conversation grew quiet for a moment. The sound of birds chirping filled the air as early morning seemed to be passing into late morning. Other creatures began to stir which seemed to pique the interest of the canines which traveled on either side of the pair.

A sigh escaped Gerwald’s lips with enough sound to break the silence between them.

“The Lord Commander will be stepping down soon. He will be naming me as his replacement.”

Gerwald stopped talking. His steps ceased. Blue eyes searched for gold as he turned his body to face his companion.

“Did you truly mean what you said, that you would still follow me… given the option now?”

Gerwald knew the answer. He just wanted to hear it.
​

 

[Palm-Imer]

Location: Naboo.
Weapons: The Wraith Blades.
Tagging: Gerwald Lechner
Companions: Maro & Nekran

His chuckle was followed by a short laugh of her own. Even if he was biased, and understandably so, it did not take away from her previous conclusion. She lent an attentive ear as he spoke of Naedira, allowing him to share a snippet of his past - luckily a part of it that had brought him happiness even if it now borught pain. Such was the price of love, but life would hold so little meaning without it. Even the hurtful memory of a lost love was better than the absence of it - or that was the way she preferred to see it. This was one of the thoughts that brought her hope when reality got too hard to handle.

After all, those of them who led lives of sacrifice would know love's painful memory more often than its joyful presence.

Palm smiled again, golden eyes turning to him for a moment with a knowing look. His reference had not gone unnoticed, and the day she met the lupine was brought up in her mind. "Indeed. It is very often that I bond with someone after causing them serious injury." A slight flair of humor could not be helped, it settled a gleam in her gaze. Of course, she understood what he meant and it was easy to see that she remembered that day fondly. Palm did not think she would make a friend when she walked into that training room, but she was glad that she had. Even if the circumstances leading to that friendship were highly unusual and still made her feel slightly guilty for having hurt him.

The geminaie allowed her focus to shift to her surroundings for a moment during the silence that followed. Lately she felt as though her connection to the living Force was stronger than it had ever been - and at the same time more unclear. She had indeed heeded the advice he gave on the day they met, and while she still held to many of her previous beliefs she was also breaking many of them for the sake of learning and understanding. An attempt to stop the doubts that had found ther way into the core of her being. So far she had been unsaccesful in that endeavor.

A calmness settled within her as she simply enjoyed that moment. The warmth of the sun rays that grew stronger, the sounds of nature that she had missed, the company of the Lord Marshall. Then she stopped walking for a second, the reverie cut short as it had left her unprepared for his next reveleation. She was silent for a couple of seconds as her thoughts caught up with the new information she had just received, her expression shifted into one of concentration. But it soon mellowed, the look of concentration turned into one of pride and admiration. The news were unexpected, but in the best possible way. When she spoke, the honesty behind her soft voice would make the statement sound more like a promise.

"I meant every word and I still do. I will follow and serve under you gladly when the time comes, Gerwald, for as long as I am still standing to do so."

She trusted and had faith in him. She was happy to know that the asessment she had made of him was shared by the current Lord Commander. Palm knew that Gerwald would do well by the people of the Confederacy, by the Knights Obsidian, and so a warm smile curved her lips, her gaze still locked with his.

"You will make a great a Lord Commander."

And she was happy to know she would get to see him prove that to himself.

 

[Gerwald Lechner]

T R U S T​

WEARING: xxx
TAG: Palm-Imer

”You think you’re funny, don’t you?”

Gerwald laughed a deep hearty laugh. The way Gerwald seemed to bond with those he called friends was anything but normal. It was ironic, and the irony of it all was not lost on the wolf. Of all those he currently called friend, his first interaction with Palm was the most unique. She had managed to break his leg. Yet it was not the laughter that grabbed Gerwald’s attention. It was the use of the word bond. It had a different meaning for Gerwald, and other force users, than it did for those that were untouched. Perhaps they shared a small bond, but Gerwald was thankful to simply have a friend.

Everything seemed to shift toward the serious once more. The stoic expression Gerwald seemed to wear more and more returned to his face as the silence fell between them. It was good to know they could walk and allow the quiet to linger without it feeling awkward, or for either to find the need to break it. The weight of what Gerwald had said and asked needed time to settle.

Whether Palm had realized, or whether the wolf himself had, Gerwald had asked the geminaie for her devotion. This was something deeper than a master or student. The Obsidian Master did not need more pupils that would do whatever he commanded. He needed those who would be loyal to him, even if it meant turning their backs on the Knights Obsidian themselves. Had Gerwald been fully aware of what he had asked, perhaps he would not have let the words escape his mouth, but it was done.

There eyes locked as she pledged her faith and loyalty, making a declaration of her own in regards to her opinion on the news he had shared. Gerwald lingered, longer than he should have. As they had in their last meeting, once again it seemed they were coming to an understanding. Something else was happening. Thoughts and feelings that Gerwald did not wish to put voice to began to stir somewhere deep within. He was not sure what it all meant, but as he turned to walk further down the path, a smile pulled at his lips once more.

“When the time comes to it, I will call on you then. For now… let’s just forget you know about this. Regardless of title I will always simply be Gerwald Lechner.”

He hated formality, but it was something else. Gerwald wanted to ensure that his friends remained so. Titles had a way of corrupting them, power destroyed what was not guarded from it. There were several Gerwald would need to lean on as a friend if he was to succeed in the position that was ahead of him.

It did not take long for the smile on his face to become a playful smirk as he realized where they were. A deep breath was taken in as he canted his head. His loose mane fell past his right shoulder as he took in the scent. They were nowhere near a body of water, and yet the moisture was on the air. A knowing look was given to Palm’s companions. He knew they could smell it. Briefly he was tempted to shift and have them give chase, but he was certain they would only be confused. Instead he motioned with his head.

“This way… I want to show you something… think you can keep up?”

Without waiting for an answer, Gerwald took off in a run. It was time for things to be less serious and a bit more spontaneous.
​

 

[Palm-Imer]

Location: Naboo.
Weapons: The Wraith Blades.
Tagging: Gerwald Lechner
Companions: Maro & Nekran

His answer put yet another smile on her face. It was almost as soon as they had met that he had asked her to not address him formally, something they both seemed to prefer. Perhaps Lord Commander had a nicer ring to it than Lord Marshal, but in any case she doubted that would be enough to make the lupine too fond of it. He would always be Gerwald. That was another one of the reasons why she knew he was well suited for this new charge he would take on.

"I will be ready when you need me."

That would probably be the last they discussed on the matter today, and that was alright. He had confided in her, and she would keep the news as part of her silent knowledge. As for any other questions, they would be answered in due time. For now, it would do them good to try and turn their current thoughts towards easier ones. Simply enjoy the calmness that they so rarely could revel in.

Then she caught sight of his smirk, and playful cautiousness gleamed in her golden eyes. Something was up, and apparently both Gerwald and the hounds were privy to it while she still remained unaware. Maro, eyes set on the lupine, barked once an the two hounds swiftly picked up their pace, sprinting deeper into the woods and away from them. Gerwald's words followed soon after, and Palm's expression broke into a wide smile. She did not have time to answer before he took off too.

"Well, we are about to find out if I can." Perhaps the sensitive ears of the lupine would be able to hear her despite the distance he had just put between them. She simply adjusted her clothing and began her own run, the fresh air of the woods filling her lungs and a sense of excitement settling in her chest. Unlike the lupine or the hounds, chasing was not instinctual to the geminaie but having spent her childhood days playing pursuit with her friends beneath the tall geminian trees provided a rush that she imagined resembled such an instinct.

Soon enough she had gained enough ground to get a glimpse of Gerwald again, but not quite to catch up with him. She had not yet drawn on the Force to highten her speed, wanting to see if she could match his own without turning to the Force.

 

[Gerwald Lechner]

W O R T H​

WEARING: xxx
TAG: Palm-Imer

She would be ready when he needed her. The phrase could have had a deeper meaning had the context of their conversation been different. However, the way they looked at each other, the silent understanding they seemed to keep coming to, Gerwald wondered if her words did hold some deeper meaning. The wolf was curious by nature. His curiosity had led to making poor decisions in the past, though it had also led to great discoveries. It was the curse of having such things satisfied he supposed. Regardless his nature in that regard would likely never change.

Some would say it was curiosity which saw the dogs abandon their master and chase after the lupine. Perhaps her deep level of trust had allowed them to see him as someone they could follow as well. There was a loyalty to her companions that seemed, inbred, as though centuries had been spent perfecting that lone trait. He knew they could smell the water on the air, and he likely knew they could smell what he was. A man with the scent of a beast, it had to have been confusing at first, but it was evident they had adjusted.

Palm’s reply soon came within his ear shot. Her suspicion that Gerwald would hear her was correct. The lupine did have sensitive hearing as any canine, though not as strong when he was in his current form. Still, there had been times in battle where it proved to be a weakness, and he had learned to wear his helmet to help defend against that disadvantage. In this instance it was an advantage, while he could hear her, she could not hear him.

<<“Catch me if you can,”>> he pressed into her mind.

Understanding what he did about the force order she came from, Gerwald knew how much of an affront it was to do such a thing, to use the force against another, but he was not part of The Order of Soller Navah, and it was his personal mission to see that Palm saw the fault in their philosophy. He had already pointed out inconsistencies in what little of their teachings she had shared with him. She even doubted them. While Gerwald had pushed her to harm him with the force, she also needed to see it could be used in kinder and more practical ways.

The cool air in his lungs was refreshing. He would never say no to a run through the forest. It sated the wolf deep within, and settled the beast which threatened to come out more and more. His muscles remained loose from his previous run, and it did not take long for Gerwald to cover a decent amount of distance. It was not that he was fast, though some may argue for a man of his size he was, it was the length of his stride. His height gave him an advantage, one that Palm would have to work to overcome. It seemed he was constantly challenging her, pushing her past her limits.

For a moment, the wolf was tempted to press the force to his legs and speed further ahead, though that would have been a bit cruel. They were nearing what he had been looking for anyway, and as they approached the mouth of a nearby cave, Gerwald stopped. Palm had managed to keep up well enough on her own, and it would only be a matter of seconds before she was once again at his side. In total the pair covered close to two kilometers before coming across the opening in the rock face before them.

“This has got to be one of Naboo’s greatest secrets. I found it on one of my runs. Breathe in through your nose… can you smell it now?” Gerwald said as he began to walk toward it.

His fingers pulled at the zipper on his hoodie before tossing it aside and running toward the opening once more. Gerwald made quick work of kicking off his shoes before taking a diving leap to the water below.

Once again his mind invaded hers.

<<“Don’t be shy… the water is warm.”>>
​

 

[Palm-Imer]

Location: Naboo.
Weapons: The Wraith Blades.
Tagging: Gerwald Lechner
Companions: Maro & Nekran

It simply felt good. Crisp air that had not yet been warmed by the sun entering her lugs, her heart beginning to thump rhythmically as it tried to rush blood into her extremities, the thrill of a chase that did not have life or death put at stake. It took her back to a simpler, and happier, time. Back to when she was not Heir, Ambassador or Representative. Back to when she was just Palm-Imer - although many would argue that she had never been just that, not when the charges she shouldered in the present had already been chosen for her the moment she took her first breath in this universe.

The bright smile that lit up her face as she run was a rare sight. Not because she didn't smile often, but because even her smiles were frequently dulled by an ever present shadow that did not allow them to quite reach her eyes. Her thoughts rarely strayed from her responsibilities, from her divisions and from her struggles. But right now there was none of that, and even the very presence of the geminaie seemed to be lifted to new heights thanks to it.

She was unguarded, in tune with the living energy around her and that of the man she called a friend. A short moment of pure content, of peaceful happiness. And then she felt it.

<<“Catch me if you can,”>>

Her expression fell into a panicked blankness and her feet threatened to come to a dead stop beneath her, heart clenching within her chest and adrenaline piking as the immediate, instinctual need to shield her mind and push the foreign presence away from her thoughts took over her like a sudden wildfire. Allowing oneself entrance into someone's mind was something the geminian had been taught to never do lightly. She had been taught to protect her mind more fiercely than anything else. To only grant such access or request it from those whom she trusted with her life and to be ready to lay down her own if it meant guarding her thoughts. The need to do this was even more paramount to her, given that she was not only a knight of her order but an Ambassador to her people.

For a moment, it felt violating. It felt dangerous.

It seemed as though the woman was a second away from retaliating to the intrusion with force, because she was. But then she managed to stop herself and focus on the voice that she had heard despite the turmoil that had been instigated in her thoughts. She focused on the words, and how they were simply a follow up of the light-hearted game of chase she had been enjoying just a moment ago. Most importantly, she focused on the presence that she had almost expelled from her mind, on Gerwald.

This was not an attack, nor was it dangerous. It was him.

The breathing that had suddenly gotten caught up in her throat resumed, chest heaving slightly as she regained her focus once more on that was around her instead of within her. She had overreacted, and soon enough a sense of guilt bloomed within her. This was unusual, and in many ways it felt wrong, but she would not have wanted to push him out of her thoughts in such a way. Something bid her to trust him, even if doing so went against what her training and instinct willed her to do.

Palm continued moving, and eventually she reached the place Gerwald had led them to. It was beautiful. Her golden gaze met his, in them a certain curiosity and an inkling of apprehension was painted. She was coming to terms with what had just happened, and with her decision to accept his presence within her mind while trying to order her thoughts. Meanwhile, she followed his instruction. Having grown up in Geminidae, a world of rivers and lakes, the smell was familiar. "Water."


She watched as he jumped into the cave pool beneath them, a faint smile returning to her face. The second time his thoughts were pushed into her mind, she was prepared. It felt incredibly foreign, for it had been years since she had last shared her mind willingly with anyone, but foreign did not mean bad. Palm did quick work of removing her boots and placing the jeweled mask she still carried with her on top of a nearby rock before taking the jump into the water. Maro and Nekran decided to scout the area before joining the pair.

She allowed a long moment to pass before resurfacing, enjoying the refreshing cold that was everywhere around her. When she did, now floating idly in the natural pool, her amber eyes met the lupine's icy pair again. It took her a second to gather her courage, for this time it was her that would push into his mind.

<<"I am sorry. I was not prepared to hear your voice in my thoughts.">> The sudden need to defend herself had been a reaction she did not control, even if she had stopped it before taking any action against Gerwald it did not change the fact that she almost had. But a decision had been made. Even if it had not happened the way her order believed it should, even if a part of her could not help but feel as though her mind had been ambushed, she chose to trust him.

<<"I am not used to it.">>

And that was what most would call an understatement.

 

[Gerwald Lechner]

S W I M M I N G​

WEARING: xxx
TAG: Palm-Imer

Had Gerwald remained in her mind, he would have felt the anxiety his actions had caused her. Would he have cared? Perhaps a little. While he did not want to cause undo turmoil, the wolf knew the woman would never push past her doubt our the obstacles she had built for herself with getting uncomfortable. Palm needed a nudge, and Gerwald knew he could give it to her. There was an intimacy to what he had done, he did not understand. Her culture was one based off permission, but he would have never anticipated something such as telepathy was shared between those who held a deep trust and comfort with one another.

There had been no reply, but Gerwald had not asked for one. His challenge had been simple, and the matter was forgotten the moment he continued his run. It had been nothing more than a simple reply to him, a method of communication which came natural, and primary when he was a wolf. Gerwald did not give the action a second thought as he sped toward the cave entrance. It was far from his mind when he asked her if she could smell the water. Gerwald was in the moment, from rushing to leap into the water, and waiting for her to follow.

An amused look stretched across his face as she dove into the water. Palm remained under for a time, longer than Gerwald would have expected her to, but she finally surfaced. Their eyes met again, and as before, Gerwald could see something behind her gaze that she did not put to voice. It was quiet, until it was not.

This time her voice did not echo through the cave, but rather it rang clear in his mind. An apology. Gerwald shook his head. She did not need to explain, but she did. This was something she was not used to, but if she was going to be around Gerwald often, she would need to be. He took in a deep breath as tread in place. The air escaped his nostrils slowly as he thought about exactly what he wanted to communicate to the woman.

<<“I did something wrong.>>

The words came in the form of a statement rather than a question. He should have known telepathy would hold a weight with the woman, or that she would not be used to it at least. His eyes continued to search hers for an answer, and yet he did not find that she was upset with him for the violation of her privacy.

Gerwald moved closer, closing the distance between to mere inches.

<<“I should have asked your permission. This comes natural to me. Especially when I am a wolf. It is my goal to push you past your doubts, beyond the things that you use to hold back from the potential you have… there is something deeper to this though. More than an obstacle. This is reserved for something… special? Intimate?”>>

He wanted to understand. The lupine was not completely insensitive to the culture this woman came from, and he was certainly not insensitive to who she was. There was no denying the two shared a connection. From the moment she had opened herself up to his guidance, the day they had met, the pair had become fast friends. Yet, her hesitancy here had led to trust. Gerwald did not want to squander it. Still, he could sense something beyond the surface of his question, beyond the answers she gave with her amber gaze. Gerwald wanted the truth behind what was going on.

Gerwald should not have moved any closer. There was not much space between them anymore as it was. Something pulled at him, pushed him closer. His wintery gaze still met with summer.

Captivated.

Curious.

<<“I’m sorry.”>>
​

 

[Palm-Imer]

Location: Naboo.
Weapons: The Wraith Blades.
Tagging: Gerwald Lechner
Companions: Maro & Nekran

An eyebrow was raised slightly when she heard him again, a silent and curious question reflected in the eyes that did not falter from the icy pair. A mistake? Palm understood what he meant, but she was surprised to hear those words from him. With every second she allowed herself to hold his gaze, a part of her realized that even though telepathy was almost as common to him as regular speech, he had recognized how the very same gesture held an entirely different meaning to her. One that could be too deep to describe.

The silence that they had imposed within the cave now seemed to surround them like a heavy blanket, forming a vault that shielded them from the world outside of it. It was only interrupted by the soft, lulling echo of the water rippling in the distance, of some stray droplet finding its way from the roof of the cave to the surface of the pool, and by the faint sound of their own breathing. It had all melted into calming background noise, for her focus had shifted to rest solely on the lupine.

As he drew nearer she could feel the water shifting beneath the surface, a cold caress against her. Palm welcomed the closeness, welcomed him, finding that she felt just as comfortable like this as when there was a more proper distance between them. But there was something more to it, to the feeling it brought. Something she could not quite name, or perhaps didn't dare to.

If trusting him to allow his influence to linger in her mind had been daunting, then it was only natural that reaching out into his own inspired a certain tenderness. It was something done with care, gently, as though she too shared his fear of abusing the trust given even if she knew this was not foreign to him at all. She approached it with the same cautiousness she did that which was forbidden to her because in a way it was. It was outside of her comfort zone and Gerwald's presence seemed to reinforce the voice within her that said that perhaps that wasn't bad.

<<"This...">> The words he had chosen had been the right ones. It was special. It was intimate. <<"This is something we only share with those who are closest to us.">> It was a gesture that would not be easily explained. It was baring themselves to another, after a lifetime of having built and maintained a barrier that no one but themselves could breach. She could feel the pull too, a type of connection she had never experienced before. It reassured her that she had made the right call.

<<"I've always known you would push me beyond my boundaries,">> That much had been clear almost since the moment they met, the moment a ball he had thrown collided with her hand instead of stopping, suspended in the air. No, he had never pretended his intentions were otherwise. And she had never found it in her to stop him. <<"But you are the only one I've trusted to do it...">>

That was the truth behind it all. That had been her choice.

Her hand rose to find its place pressed firmly against his chest, allowing herself into his space just like he had done a moment before. The pull grew stronger. She was certain then that whatever it was that tied them was worth this trespass against her previous beliefs. He was worth it.

She closed what little was left of space between them, her gaze falling from his eyes. For a moment she felt the burning need to do something else, neither of them had ever tried to conceal the way they felt towards each other. They simply had decided to leave it nameless and boundless, and in a way it felt more pure because of it. Instead, her forehead was placed softly against his own in a meaningful, intimate gesture.

<<"...so you have nothing to be sorry for.">>
​