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Diplomacy The Weights of Resistance


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|| THE WEIGHTS OF RESISTANCE ||
Love Lost - Chapter 1
———

TAG: Henna Ashina Henna Ashina , Open to Lightsworn

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REFLECTIONS/PASSAGE

ATRISIA

The serene landscape of Atrisia reminds Laurent of Ghorman. The people are kind, yet principled. The architecture highlight a perfect mash between technological advancement and respect for tradition. The bountiful nature preserved, a reflection of the temperance in their heart. A quick exposure to the homeworld of the Lightsworn instantly shed away most of the prejudice Laurent had of the allegedly militant Jedi Order.

Perhaps they weren't so different after all.

Laurent's participation on the raid of Balmorra was never an impulsive act of angst nor it was of desperation. It was a calculated risk taken by the Old Griffon for two reasons; to disrupt the Empire on their own backyard and to establish a link to the Lightsworn. The rise of an Empire in the core is an existential crisis to Ghorman. Sure, the government is officially a part of the Galactic Alliance, the Front has their own network of resistance, and he had established relationship with The Jedi Order. Yet he is a man who desperately needs to have control over his own sphere of influence; in dire times like this he needs options, he needs all the cards he can get for when the inevitable comes. That's why he hauled a significant amount of equipment from the Balmorra armoury and flew away. The Enclave is rich, and he is not in a good term with the Ghorman Front, he doesn't need the tools. He just knows that the act would get him an invite to the Lightsworn homeground.

And there he is, right at the doorstep of the Ashina Estate. He left the loot on his ship, completely unguarded; a sign of trust and good faith, a peace offering. Draped in the finest Ghorman fabric, tailored to hug his tall figure and broad shoulders with grace, he walked towards the Lightsworn welcoming party.

"It's an honour, Lady Ashina," he greeted the one face he can recognise.
 
Atrisian snows had melted with the coming of the spring. In Hirata, blankets of white had given way to craggy ground and patches of shooting green. Budding blossom trees decorated the estate. The Lightsworn transformed with the planet. Balmorra had not come without its costs — yet the return of their soldiers and the weapons they had plundered had breathed life anew into the Jedi. In the face of darkness, they had hope.

They met him in the yard. Behind the Lightsworn, keeping respectable distance, cousins and elders of clan Ashina gathered to glance upon the foreigner from a world so paradoxical to their own. Henna allowed them the spectacle. Atrisians consumed histories whilst they unfolded as the rest of the galaxy did holomedia. The seer was just as curious as the rest, in truth. She had seen Laurent through her far sight present on Balmorra, but the force had refused her any further answers upon searching. The Ghorman was shrouded in metaphysical mists as thick as those upon the valley at dawn.

Henna waited for the man to stop in front of her, then calmly placed her palms together, and sunk from the waist into a deep bow. The teal and rouge silk of her robes flowed gracefully with her. Murmurs arose from the onlookers. It was not a cultural insignificance for a lady to bow in her own house on their world. His gesture demanded the respect. Especially when a man whose ancestry was known for their pride was involved.

“Master Costeau.” She greeted when she rose again. “The honor is ours. Your support on Balmorra was a welcome surprise to us.”

The crowd not of their order had begun to dissipate, leaving only Jedi and soldiers in their vicinity. The remainder of the visit was not for them to bear witness. It would be a delicate dance; one that she hoped would see this stranger depart as a friend.

Laurent Costeau Laurent Costeau
 
Invincible is merely a word.

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|| THE WEIGHTS OF RESISTANCE ||

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Inosuke remained as the crowd faded. Three adolescents lingered behind him, looking on with an austerity which was uncannily resemblant to his own. He placed his hand on the shoulder of the oldest, nearly his mirror image, and said something just below earshot of his visitor. The young adult gently corralled his sisters, taking them the way of the rest of the crowd. Sauntering forward, Inosuke caught up and stopped at Henna's side.

"Master Costeau," he echoed cooly. A brief, shallow bow in the fashion of Jedi tradition greeted him. Deference from one Master to another. "I apologize for the gawking. Outsiders were scarce in this region until rather recently."

A Ghromanite, especially, was an odd sight. Even with the diversity of the growing enclave around the estate, Costeau's ensemble was a spectacle on its own. It rivaled the stares received by the likes of Kornon Kornon and other non-humans during their first visits.

"Come," Inosuke took a step to the side and gestured toward the estate. "Snow does not quite suit our meeting."

 

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|| THE WEIGHTS OF RESISTANCE ||
Love Lost - Chapter 1
———

TAG: Henna Ashina Henna Ashina , Inosuke Ashina Inosuke Ashina , Open to Lightsworn

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REFLECTIONS/PASSAGE

ATRISIA

The Griffon’s eyes traveled from the face he is familiar with to the rest of the crowd; they are not part of the welcoming party and it shows in their gaze. He is used to the looks of awe and reverence, in Ghorman when he delivers lectures or rallies the demonstrators, in countless agri-worlds when he drove his rapier-like saber in a movement that one wouldn’t expect from such large figure, making spectacle out of a slaughter on Dark Side cults. Yet this is different, it’s curiosity that brings them to the gate of the estate.

The silent gaze turns into murmurs as the lady of the house sunk herself into a deep bow; the highest sign of respect in their culture, perhaps. Laurent reciprocates by putting his right palm over his heart and a slight head bow. “It was the right thing to do. The Empire in the Core, that’s Ghorman worst nightmare,” he answered Lady Ashina’s pleasantries.

As the crowd behind them slowly dissipates, another joined Henna by her side, leaving who Laurent assume to be their three children. The eldest looks exactly like the father, reminding him of Eleonore and their Roxy Costeau Roxy Costeau . All too familiar. A beautiful planet, a peaceful estate, and seemingly happy family; the window that has already passed for him, the very thing he is still fighting for.

No need to apologise,” he repeated the same gesture he showed Henna earlier, before he took his place beside the two, walking towards the estate. He doesn’t mind the snow truthfully; winter is his favourite season in Ghorman, but he’s more than looking forward to experience the Atrisian hospitality.

Apology if I’m being blunt, but just visiting Atrisia and your Estate, it helped me to see the movement in a different light,” the Griffon confides the party once they are away from the rest of the crowd, walking through the delicate pathway leading towards whichever destination the Masters had decided.
 
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Ariana Du Couteau, Jedi Padawan
Location:
Atrisia, Ashina Estate
Objective: The Weight of Resistance
Attire

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Ariana smiled through the proceeding, her ears delicate the words being spoken as she stood silent, as if she was a stone and the white snow on top of her head. A patient observer, keen listener and above all a sensitive soul to understand the emotions of others. She probably matched maybe ten percent of that sort of description but she did make the attempt all the same. My brother is far better suited for these sort things but-

Slowly the majority of the people present finished their own observation and those left were of the Lightsworn, Jedi and soldiers. Like myself. Ariana walked closer as the dignitary Lord Costeau and the Ashina’s moved towards the Estate proper. Discussions of the Core were going to be had no doubt, Ariana mused on what sort of efforts were to be required.

The weight of family names could be crushing to those without resolve, but it was through that same weight that allowed Ariana to punch harder and leap further. She was determined to meet any requirement, even if it meant learning how to best utilize meetings and understand the importance of showing support past what could be done in battle.
Even if it just means lending my presence and name to the support our effort further.
 
“I hope a positive one.” There had been those at the Hirata Reformation outraged by their cause, the implications it had against the larger orders, and the governments surrounding Atrisia. “The truth of our creed and commitment to the Jedi code has been drowned by the noise of idle tongues.”

The statement was honey on her tongue, no seepage of the venom beneath. Those rumors had costed valuable allies in their travels - earned them the titles of bloodthirsty and fanatics. So be it. Those like Laurent were strong enough to stand against the tide of rumor and see things for as they were.

Their journey led them into the estate proper, down a corridor, where they finally settled in a washitsu. The shoji slammed shut behind them, leaving the group free from outsiders. Silken pillows decorated the floor around a small table. Beverage and cup sat upon the surface of a table two feet off the ground. Henna knelt before the wood, and invited Ariana to help pour the sake. A sideways glance to the girl conveyed a desire for attention. She was both student and royalty; there was much to be learned here today for both callings.

“Ghorman was good to me as well, in my travels there whilst I was a student, though that feels like a lifetime ago now. I hope to repay the same hospitality I was showed.”

Golden orbs flickered to Inosuke to allow him to press the matters of the Lightsworn further.

 
The latest addition to the High Council remained inside, waiting. A junior member granted the status on account of old merit, having never officially been granted the rank of Jedi Master. Trading the tattered cloth of the road less travelled in exchange for the loose-fitting garb of the Jedi once more, all on account of Kyric Kyric through their shared connection to Dagon. The adjustment was a process, still ongoing yet steady flowing.

Unlike some others, his name carried little political value. Corin had been known for two things; facing Darth Solipsis on Tython as a padawan learner, and as a protector on the fringes of space. He travelled from system to system, wherever the light did not reach and banished the darkness that loomed over those planets. First in pursuit of his master -- his brother -- then in memory of him.

Though until now, his duties on the High Council had been theory-based. This was an opportunity to learn. Corin sat still, quiet, and observed.

Henna Ashina Henna Ashina - Inosuke Ashina Inosuke Ashina - Ariana du Couteau Ariana du Couteau - Laurent Costeau Laurent Costeau
 
Kornon, too, had sat in the inner chamber alongside the young Kaze, but rose to greet their guest. He put a fist to his heart, then turned it to put a knuckle near his temple -- though, inside, he did not draw his hunting knife for the salute.

"And no better way to repay it," he sat. "Atrisian hospitality is more generous than one's high expectations. Or, perhaps it is merely the Ashina way." A nod to their hosts.

His gaze turned to Costeau, admiring his attire. "A welcome sight, a Jedi who is from somewhere. Most forget their roots in the Temple. These ones have done well to remember -- the work is intimately tied up in place, even as it spans the galaxy."

Kornon, for his part, appeared at first the picture of a classic Jedi Master, but closer inspection revealed his own roots -- the ornate-hilted hunting knife at his side, a glimmer like scales of his vest, the sandy hand-weave of his tunic.

He folded his legs on the cushion. "This one trusts your travels have been smooth?"


 
Invincible is merely a word.
These tight accommodations were far from ideal. The High Council chamber was nearly complete, but this was the best they had whilst construction continued. Though the estate's presence chamber would have been far more accommodating, Inosuke wished to avoid the profligacy such a venue would've conveyed. 'Jedi' was paramount above 'Lord' in these meetings. For now, this modest space was sufficient for their purpose.

"We welcome all who walk the path," Inosuke professed in regards to comments about their hospitality. He hoped his explanation would quell any presumptions of flattery. He lowered, sitting across from Costeau with that same stern look all of the Ashina seemed to inherit. "What is the perception of our movement among those in the Ghormanite Enclave?" Inosuke asked, wasting no time in being direct. Costeau's bluntness wasn't an outlier.

"Solipsis' Empire grows at an astounding rate. Our confidence in the Alliance's ability to stanch the Empire's rise is low. If you do not mind me being forthright, we require allies. I hope your gifts and assistance are a sign of your disposition as well as theirs. What does Ghorman require in return?"

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Laurent Costeau Laurent Costeau | Henna Ashina Henna Ashina | Ariana du Couteau Ariana du Couteau | Kornon Kornon | Corin Kaze Corin Kaze
 
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|| THE WEIGHTS OF RESISTANCE ||
Love Lost - Chapter 1
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TAG: Ariana du Couteau Ariana du Couteau | Corin Kaze Corin Kaze | Henna Ashina Henna Ashina | Inosuke Ashina Inosuke Ashina | Kornon Kornon

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REFLECTIONS/PASSAGE

ATRISIA

“I hope a positive one.” There had been those at the Hirata Reformation outraged by their cause, the implications it had against the larger orders, and the governments surrounding Atrisia. “The truth of our creed and commitment to the Jedi code has been drowned by the noise of idle tongues.”

The Griffon hummed at Henna's statement, walking through the narrow corridors of the estate. "Some people call you radical, militant, and extremist. What I saw was a beautiful land, a tight-knit community, a loving family. The Light protects. You are fighting to protect the continuity of your people, of your family, of the Jedi code. It takes one to know one," he mused out loud, nothing but warmth in his voice.

The journey took them to the modest inner chamber, greeted by a Barabel. He shot a warm smile and hum at the Lady of the House; her past visit to Ghorman shall be a topic of discussion between the two at another time. "A welcome sight indeed. It's good to be around like-minded people," Laurent greeted the Barabel back with his palm over his heart. "The travel was great, I was delighted to be welcomed by the exquisite sight of Atrisia,"

By now, he had noticed, or at least assumed, that the Enclave respected the hierarchy; the elders, presumably Jedi Masters spoke, while the younger generation watched and learnt. It's the first stark difference in attitude he had observed between the two Enclaves. That trend continues as the assumed patriarch of the estate promptly started the discussion with his question.

"It varies; many admire the strong stance you took, both against the Dark Side and the corruption within our peers. Some think you play too close to the fire, but I always told them, we Jedi have to be righteous, because the Light is right," the Grandmaster sank himself to sit across Inosuke and amongst the Lightsworn. "Our Enclave was and has been independent for decades. Ghorman government may now lay their allegiances to the Alliance but we are not part of the New Jedi Order; not back in your days, not now. Something did change last week, however, just before I went to Balmmora. I met Grandmaster Briana Sal-Soren Briana Sal-Soren and pledged my Enclave as part The Jedi Order's autonomous Enclave." The Griffon dropped the truth, not knowing whether they have heard of the news or not. His eyes traveled from the Ashinas to the Barabel, to the two younger cohorts.

"I mentioned all those to lay everything on the table. We are no longer independent as an Order, just autonomous; we need the political reassurance that the Core is not to meddle in Ghorman’s affairs," he speaks plainly.

"With all due respect, Ghorman is rich, the Jewel of the Mid Rim. We do not require any assistance with resources. The Core realises this; they saw what Naboo managed to do, and now their eyes are on us. Whether the Core falls to the Empire or remains the stronghold of the Alliance only changes the timeline and severity of the issue. The rotten politician of the Core still want to control Ghorman," he took the cup filled earlier by Ariana to hydrate his drying throat, before continuing.

"Master Ashina, sooner or later, they will slander my name, they will call me a power-hungry megalomaniac for wanting nothing but the best for my people. My true calling is cleansing the galaxy of the dark, to protect the next generations of Ghorman and the galaxy from the perverse temptation of bogan, but how am I supposed to put all my effort in that when my position as the protector of Ghorman is threatened? All I need is a reassurance that when that day comes, you will stand besides me. And if we are given that, we shall be standing besides you, as the galaxy’s beacon of Light.

 
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Ariana Du Couteau, Jedi Padawan
Location:
Atrisia, Ashina Estate
Objective: The Weight of Resistance
Attire

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Ariana softly kept up her small smile when asked to assist with the sake, her cybernetic hand held the bottom with a folded napkin as a cushion and her actual hand steadied the lip to control the flow. Gentle, even and with precision that reflected the aptitude of noble training that the young du Couteau heiress endured. As the last cup was filled Ariana bowed and stepped back as she maintained the same smile but with a slight indication of relief.

Lessons I often wished were never given. . . .

Though she was thankful for them ever so often, much like today presently, she didn’t spill anything. Important focus was of course placed on how much the cups were filled, too much and it would give the holder unnecessary worry from spilling the contents themselves. Too little? Well; Ariana remembered her brother explaining that some people would take it as an indication of troubled finances.

Of course my anxiety doubles as I’m helping represent not just my family name but Ashina as well.

Ariana kept herself silent with her thoughts but her ears picked words that gave her even more concern. Her expression froze in place, concerned that her smile might falter, it was too important to appear composed. Perhaps if the young heiress held enough wit she might have considered the deeper meaning behind what was being spoken and the cups she filled.

Such as how the Alliance has attempted to fill as many cups as possible. Some cups with too little and it shook the foundation of many members with both the concern of stability and an insult to that was how much they were worth in the eyes of the Alliance. Others filled to the point of spilling, open decadence that good times were always in abundance and no thought into an eventuality that all things end.

All of this stems from whose hands control the flow of the sake, if the Alliance leadership suffers so does their entire territory. Spills, drops, broken cups left to those diligent enough to clean up the mess left behind. Ariana in the meantime considered that perhaps she should find a larger napkin in case of an accident as well as how quickly she should move in case more sake was needed.

I need to walk carefully to not spill and more importantly not appear anxious. . . yeah. . . anxious. . . .
and where do I find more? Did I forget already?
 
His experiences could speak to the shortcomings of the Jedi Order - of the inaction and corruption that accompanied their slow, rattling death-knoll. Time and again had the Jedi failed to protect their worlds from the Sith; sworn oaths of protection left unfulfilled. Embroiled in the affairs of the Galactic Alliance, it was inevitable. He wondered, then and now, what his former comrades said when the senate yielded Onderon to the Mandalorian Empire or, worse yet, when the chancellor murdered the Queen of Hapes without consequence.

That was the rot, Corin decided.

His dour expression did not change when Ariana poured his cup of sake, taking the slightest of sips. A liking for the bitter taste had not yet come to him. Though with the dryness in his throat quenched, Corin felt strongly enough to fracture his silence, speaking with same heaviness in the air that permeated him.

"Slander is a cheap price to pay for revolution."

Inosuke Ashina Inosuke Ashina - Henna Ashina Henna Ashina - Ariana du Couteau Ariana du Couteau - Kornon Kornon - Laurent Costeau Laurent Costeau
 
“Aye.” Henna agreed with Corin’s statement. “We rise above those words, for our calling comes from something higher. Ghorman’s plight is not dissimilar to our own. A rogue entity, in Alliance space, with allegiances placed elsewhere. Our young Ariana’s home world of Empress Teta must too consider their path forward, especially given its… recent history.”

Henna’s gaze roamed to the girl, gaging reaction. There was an uncertainty about her beneath the trained neutrality bred of nobility. A small nod was offered in encouragement and reassurance; nothing more, in fear of further unsettling her.

“I respect your candor. We have not yet aligned with our brethren from Naboo - but our fight lies not with them. It is our hope, in time, common ground can be found with them. Perhaps you could aid in that search.”

That respect extended into Laurent’s blunt attitude regarding the nature of politics. A Hapan daughter, and diplomat thereafter, Henna had grown tired in her years of the dishonest scheming. Few worked for their people rather than their pockets. The Atrisian throne had been largely quiet regarding the Jedi uprising taking place on their lands. It would take the Empire or the Senate to demand acknowledgement, Henna knew, but she would be prepared for the day.

“We will support the people’s will, as so too for Hapes. They stand ruled by a government installed by the Senate which forces assimilation into ideals which those same rotten politicians have deemed moral. When they decide to break the chains - we will be there.”

It was short of a promise to the Ghorman Enclave - that was the high lord’s to give. Yet precedence and Henna’s own views on the matter were clear.
 



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He was late.

Heinrich hated showing up in a less than punctual manner, yet the Ashla willed its way as it would, and he was not one to question it. This meeting seemed rather trivial to him, as he had his hands rather full keeping Ession afloat in recent years. Yet, one needed allies, and he and his ilk had already pledged their sabers to the cause of the Lightsworn. Nevertheless, the interests of the Essonian people, and the followers of Ashla at large, required their due.

And he hoped to get it today.

He entered the meeting flanked by his personal guard, though he waved them away almost as quickly as they approached those gathered. There was no need to show strength here, but rather a sense of compromise and common ground. Pietro never understood that, and it was that ignorance that led to his inevitable downfall. Heinrich often lamented his former comrade's demise, but would be lying if he claimed to not see it coming. Hopefully, he prayed, the Lightsworn, and their possibly new allies, would provide a path forward.

He approached those gathered, offering a bow of respect.

"I apologize for my late arrival. Things have been... tumultuous in the Tingel Arm, as of late."

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Invincible is merely a word.
Inosuke offered a silent nod to Heinrich Faust Heinrich Faust 's arrival. The Blade of Ession was always a welcome sight in the Hirata Enclave. He was among their oldest allies. "Ession struggles at a distance," he began, acknowledging Heinrich as the opening to his response to Laurent. "Yet, here we remain, ready to strike should they call us. Likewise, they stand ready for our call."

A hand motion declined food from an attendant who subsequently disappeared into another room. "This is what we would ask of you. Not your undying loyalty, nor fealty. We ask for a commitment. A commitment to answer the call, a commitment to ensure your next generation does not fall to the darkness." A long drink from his beverage punctuated his statement. "In return, you have our support. You have our commitment to answer your call. Together, we can safeguard the future."

The High Lord extended a hand for a handshake. Still something of a foreign gesture despite his years outside the luddite commune of old Ashina. Still a gesture of good faith nonetheless. "Shall we seal our friendship?"
 

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