First Reply The Wounded Exile

[Braze]

Tags: Hwo
​

Braze let out a slow, heavy breath in a gentle sigh...
"Yeah… I just feel like it is hard to tell when it becomes too much of one thing or the other. Moderation has never been my strong suit. At least having some enjoyment is what makes life worthwhile." He agreed with the man's point, though his expression held a thoughtful edge.

"I think I am going to put my focus on building farms. Big ones. Enough to supply real quantities of food so I can help people in a direct and peaceful way." Braze shrugged lightly. "It feels a lot more rewarding overall, even if it is not all that glamorous or heroic."

He paused, glancing toward the horizon as if picturing it.
"I have ideas… but I am still working out how to start. What do you think would make the biggest difference for a place like this?"

 

[Hwo]

“Heroic doesn’t have to be glamorous,” Hwo reminded him. “Fighting off invading Imperial forces on Coruscant is heroic to the civilians cowering in the shadow of a Star Destroyer hovering above the city. Bringing crates of fresh jogan fruit to a starving settlement in the Outer Rim is just as heroic to them. A lightsaber and fancy flips doesn’t mean a lot to someone whose only threat is an empty stomach.”

“As for this place?” Hwo paused in thought, turning from the sea beyond to gaze in the other direction, looking into the distance toward the settlement just a few miles away through the forest trails. “I think that’s a question for them. I’m just a traveler passing through on a much longer journey. I’ll be on my way again once the sun rises.”

The Jedi Master hesitated, considering his next words carefully. He would welcome Braze to join him as he headed back toward the Core to meet with the Jedi in the wake of the near destruction of the Galactic Alliance. But he had no intention of influencing this young Knight’s direction in such a pivotal moment of self reflection.

 

[Braze]

Tags: Hwo ​

Braze seemed to agree with everything Hwo was saying about being heroic. His gaze followed the man's brief glance toward the distance before drifting back to him with a quiet, thoughtful expression.

"There are politics I try to stay out of. Most folks here live simpler lives." His voice softened as he spoke, considering everything he'd seen and learned since arriving. This era was, at least for now, one of peaceful ties between the scattered rulers of these lands. Even the warlords, in their own way, had settled.


"Well… I hope you find what you're looking for." Braze offered that gently, sincerity coloring every word. When the traveler mentioned moving on in the morning, Braze added, "If you want a place to rest for the night, I don't mind giving you shelter. Unless you prefer being one with nature."


A small, warm smile followed. "And… thank you. For your insight, and your wisdom. It's appreciated more than you know. I enjoyed sharing a meal with you... If trouble finds you out there… give it a scare swing for me."

 

[Hwo]

“I think I will stay here tonight, sleeping under the stars. But I thank you for your offer. And I thank you for your company this evening. I very much enjoyed our time together.”

Something told the Jedi Master this would not be his last encounter with young Braze . The galaxy — the Force — had plans in store for both of them. But he kept these thoughts to himself. The younger Jedi had enough on his mind tonight.

 

[Braze]

Tags: Hwo
​

Braze nodded at that and rose smoothly to his feet. He gathered what he had borrowed, folding it with a kind of absent care before offering it back with both hands.

"Thank you, and enjoy your rest," he said, his voice low and genuine. There was a softness to the words, the sort he only used when he meant them.

He stepped back and drew himself upright, giving the man a courteous martial arts style bow. One fist pressed against an open palm, the gesture firm yet respectful, the way an Echani might salute someone they regarded with honest esteem.

"May the Force be with you, my friend."

Only after the moment did Braze dust the sand from his robes, brushing it from the hems and sleeves. He gave a final small nod of farewell before turning away, his footsteps light as he padded off across the the sand, the sound of his steps fading into the darkness.