Private Where Paths Converge [Iandre Athlea]

[Balun Dashiell]

LOCATION: Shiraya's Sanctuary, Temple Promenade, Naboo.
INVENTORY: High Republic Jedi Robes | Crossguard Lightsaber | Standard Lightsaber
TAGS: Iandre Athlea

​

The smoke of his cigarra caught the breeze before Balun's eyes as he inhaled, the ember tip flaring as he took it in, lungs expanding and almost immediately feeling a little more at ease for its worth. The Jedi Knight had both elbows atop the terrace guardrail as he stared off across the far plains of Naboo's beautiful landscape. By all accounts, today was just another typical day at the Jedi Temple, Shiraya's Sanctuary, filled with duties and training. The cigarra that he held in his right hand, an often quiet reprieve from his service, and with such captivating views to accompany his break, what was not to like?

There were others present, of course; rarely was Shiraya's Sanctuary so quiet a place as to not encounter other Jedi or guests visiting for formal occasions and meetings with the hierarchy, yet Balun had become somewhat resigned to the wandering looks, the prospect of a Jedi smoking, often one that earned him the odd disapproving glance from his peers. He didn't let it bother him, his mind elsewhere as his thoughts ran across the numerous dedications that he had taken on. The Order itself, Jhaessa Prime, Dashiell Retrofit, and, of course, his Son and Family. At present, Kellan Dashiell was still on Lythos IX, spending time with Makai Dashiell , his wife and his daughter. Were it not for the work required on Jhaessa Prime, Balun could have opted to spend the evenings staying put on Naboo, yet trying to finance and orchestrate the birth of a new trade hub in the sector was a full-time job, and one that the Jedi Knight seldom had the time to honour.

Naturally, his father, Judah Dashiell , had tried to counsel his son against spreading himself too thin, as he had advised on many of Balun's corporate affairs, yet the younger man had been headstrong at the time and lacked the responsibility of his current role in the Order. Now that the project had been started, there was no turning back. How fortunate it was that his Apprentice did not require his full attention, nor did Cerys Dyn often desire it for that matter. She was of a similar age, and her experience was well above what you would expect in the early stages of mentorship. She didn't need her hand held everywhere she went, as the younger ones might.

With Naboo's star raining sunlight down across the promenade, Balun turned his back to the guardrail, his attention on those who passed. He offered a polite smile to a couple of his fellow Masters, though their greeting was simple and short as they moved on with their business. Balun sighed, rolling his left shoulder before taking another drag from his smoke. It was nice not to have to rush off anywhere, to simply enjoy the moment of peace and the glorious weather to boot. He might have felt guilty for lounging about, were it not such a pleasant day outside.

Former Mentor: Ala Quin
Jedi Apprentice: Cerys Dyn
Major Faction: The High Republic
Sub-Faction: Jhaessa Prime
Conglomerate: Dashiell Incorporated™
Subsidiary Company: Dashiell Retrofit™​

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Iandre Athlea]

Naboo had a way of encouraging people outdoors. The weather alone was often enough to lure even the busiest residents away from their obligations for a little while, and today was no exception. Warm sunlight spilled across the terraces of Shiraya's Sanctuary, turning pale stone golden beneath a cloudless sky while a gentle breeze wandered in from the surrounding countryside, carrying the scent of flowers and growing things.

Iandre had not set out with any particular destination in mind; the last year had taught her the value of that. There had been a time when every hour required a purpose and every journey needed an objective waiting at its end, when even moments of rest were measured strictly against what might be accomplished afterward. Lately, she had been trying, with mixed success, to learn a different lesson. Sometimes a walk could simply be a walk. Sometimes movement did not need to justify itself. She wore neither armor nor robes today, opting instead for a simple sapphire-blue shirt beneath a charcoal-gray jacket, the sleeves rolled to her forearms in the pleasant afternoon warmth. Dark trousers and practical boots completed the outfit. Nothing about it announced rank or station—if anything, it seemed chosen specifically to avoid doing so—and the familiar weight of her lightsaber rested at her hip more from habit than necessity.

As she rounded one of the terraces, her attention settled upon a lone figure standing at the guardrail. The cigarra was difficult to miss, its smoke carried lazily away by the afternoon breeze, but it was the stillness of the man that caught her attention rather than the habit itself. He appeared entirely content to simply stand there and look outward, something increasingly rare in a place where everyone always seemed to be rushing toward their next obligation. Recognizing that quiet impulse, Iandre altered her course slightly and approached at an easy, unhurried pace.

She stopped at a respectful distance, resting her forearms lightly against the stone railing as her gaze drifted across the countryside beyond, where rolling fields stretched toward the horizon beneath the afternoon sun. For a time, she said nothing at all, allowing the comfortable, familiar silence to settle naturally between them.

Eventually, a small smile touched her lips, her eyes lingering on the distant horizon. "It is difficult to be in a hurry on a day like this," she observed softly, offering the thought to the landscape as much as to him. "I keep telling myself I should be doing something useful, but then Naboo insists on making a very convincing argument for the opposite." Only then did she glance toward him, her smile lingering at the corner of her mouth as she offered her name without title, rank, or expectation. "I am Iandre Athlea."

Balun Dashiell

 

[Balun Dashiell]

WHERE PATHS CONVERGE
LOCATION: Shiraya's Sanctuary, Temple Promenade, Naboo.
INVENTORY: High Republic Jedi Robes | Crossguard Lightsaber | Standard Lightsaber
TAGS: Iandre Athlea

​

He caught the movement of another in his peripheral vision, someone approaching, and, soon, leaning forward against the guardrail, instinctively, Balun turned to look her way and found a stranger in Iandre Athlea . He had half expected to be greeted by a familiar presence, perhaps his Apprentice had found him finally, or it might have been the Grandmaster, his former mentor. Instead, it was someone new, Balun, offering a polite smile in acknowledgement.

It wasn't until she spoke up that he realised she was interested in talking with him, something he was more than happy to do. The Jedi Knight, young as he was, had spent more time outside of Shiraya's Sanctuary than he had within, and so of late he had been trying to expand his social circle, getting to know the students and his fellow Masters in the upper hierarchy.

Eventually, a small smile touched her lips, her eyes lingering on the distant horizon. "It is difficult to be in a hurry on a day like this," she observed softly, offering the thought to the landscape as much as to him. "I keep telling myself I should be doing something useful, but then Naboo insists on making a very convincing argument for the opposite." Only then did she glance toward him, her smile lingering at the corner of her mouth as she offered her name without title, rank, or expectation. "I am Iandre Athlea."

"Nice to meet you, Iandre. I'm Balun Dashiell, a Jedi Knight of this Temple", he introduced himself first and foremost before giving her a remark of the nature of Naboo, a quiet chuckle, nodding to himself in agreement; "And yes, forever something needing to be done here, I agree". Shiraya's Sanctuary alone held many responsibilities and priorities that required scheduling and consideration: training himself or his Padawan outside the hours of service provided to other students, or attending important meetings among his peers. Smaller administrative tasks such as writing up lesson plans, going over the manifest in the artisan wing, checking which droids or technologies required maintenance and so on.

"Forgive the need to ask, but are you one of ours, or are you visiting from elsewhere?" he enquired, curious as he hadn't seen her around before, but then that could also be a simple matter of chance and timing, considering the amount of people coming and going from the Temple.

Former Mentor: Ala Quin
Jedi Apprentice: Cerys Dyn
Major Faction: The High Republic
Sub-Faction: Jhaessa Prime
Conglomerate: Dashiell Incorporated™
Subsidiary Company: Dashiell Retrofit™​

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Iandre Athlea]

Her expression didn't shift much, but the name made her take notice. Dashiell. She knew a Judah Dashiell, and while the galaxy was large enough to produce any number of coincidences, the similarity was enough to give her a moment's pause.

"It is nice to meet you as well, Balun."

A friendly smile graced her features as her gaze drifted back toward the landscape stretching beyond the Temple grounds.

"I have to say, this Temple has the right idea. Every time I think about being productive, Naboo gives me another reason not to be."

There was a quiet note of amusement in her voice.

Leaning lightly against the railing, she kept her posture easy and relaxed.

"I am a visitor, really."

The answer came naturally enough.

"I spend most of my time on Veradune now. More by circumstance than planning, if I am honest. But I have been here often enough to know where the best views are."

Her eyes returned to him then, curiosity settling in.

"I admit, your name gave me pause. I know a Judah Dashiell, though I suspect it is more likely a coincidence than any relation."

Balun Dashiell

 

[Balun Dashiell]

WHERE PATHS CONVERGE
LOCATION: Shiraya's Sanctuary, Temple Promenade, Naboo.
INVENTORY: High Republic Jedi Robes | Crossguard Lightsaber | Standard Lightsaber
TAGS: Iandre Athlea

​

The Galaxy was proving to be smaller than it appeared.

First, a member of the Jedi Council had dropped his cousin's name in conversation, and now a woman estranged from him had mentioned his father, Judah Dashiell . By response, Balun turned sideways against the permacrete guardrail to look at Iandre Athlea as if to ensure he had indeed heard her correctly; "Judah? Stars alive, that's a coincidence. That's my father", he laughed softly, shaking his head at the irony of the moment.

His family truly did get around. In many ways, it was something to be proud of, but as a member of the Order, it also held risks being so well known to the enemies of the High Republic. There was nothing for it, however, and Balun did not spend his energy worrying over it. What would come his way would eventually present itself in time, one way or another, and there was little to be done about it.

"How do you know the old man, if you don't mind my asking?" Balun grinned, curious to know more. Truthfully, he was hopeful that his father had made a new friend; he wanted his old man to be happy and surrounded by good company. He didn't know Iandre yet, but given she was visiting a Jedi Temple, it certainly couldn't hurt Judah's impression towards Force Users.

"Don't feel you have to answer if I'm being too forward, it's just good to know he's socialising more. He works too much, and places far too little priority on his own wellbeing".

Former Mentor: Ala Quin
Jedi Apprentice: Cerys Dyn
Major Faction: The High Republic
Sub-Faction: Jhaessa Prime
Conglomerate: Dashiell Incorporated™
Subsidiary Company: Dashiell Retrofit™​

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Iandre Athlea]

A look of genuine surprise crossed Iandre's face. "Your father?" She laughed softly, shaking her head. "Then the galaxy truly is smaller than it pretends to be." The realization explained more than a few things: the easy smile, the willingness to spend the part of a rare quiet afternoon speaking with someone he had only just met, and even the tendency toward self-deprecating observations all felt oddly familiar now that she thought about it.

Leaning a little more comfortably against the railing, she considered the question as her mind drifted back. "We met during a relief effort. Following the fighting in the Core, there were refugees everywhere, with entire worlds struggling to absorb the sudden influx of people while others tried to rebuild what had been lost. I did not know who he was when we first met." A faint smile touched her lips, the amusement in her voice growing slightly at the memory. "I only knew he was another volunteer helping coordinate relief efforts. It was not until later that I learned he was the one funding a significant portion of the operation. By then, I had already seen him unloading cargo and discussing temporary housing arrangements alongside everyone else."

Her eyes drifted briefly toward the Naboo countryside, a quiet warmth settling into her expression. "I remember thinking it was unusual. Most people with resources that extensive prefer to remain several layers removed from the work itself, but your father seemed far more interested in solving problems than being important." There was obvious respect in the observation, born from firsthand experience. "We have crossed paths a few times since then through various projects, logistics discussions, and the occasional conversation when our paths happened to intersect."

A small smile returned, carrying enough confidence to suggest she had reached her final conclusion about the man long ago. "I agree with you that he works entirely too much. Though I suspect telling him so is about as effective as attempting to redirect a river by standing in front of it."

Balun Dashiell

 

[Balun Dashiell]

WHERE PATHS CONVERGE
LOCATION: Shiraya's Sanctuary, Temple Promenade, Naboo.
INVENTORY: High Republic Jedi Robes | Crossguard Lightsaber | Standard Lightsaber
TAGS: Iandre Athlea

​

Balun gave an abrupt laugh in response, the notion that Judah might listen to another trying to advise him to change his ways coming as quite the amusing prospect, at least from the son's perspective. "You're not wrong there, I can't tell him a damn thing. I'm his Son, Judah always knows best" Balun grinned, shaking his head and giving a roll of his eyes to emphasise the sarcasm behind the words.

"Still, that is very much my father, not one to sit behind a desk while good people are suffering. A lot of people see the Dashiells as wealthy and entitled, but like the old man, our family as a whole are pretty dedicated to putting ourselves out there for the Galaxies' benefit in one way or another. I suppose he could be partly to blame for that too," Balun chuckled softly. At least on Makai's part, it was very likely that their father's influence was key to his brother's desire to see a brighter future for the Galaxy. Lyrox IX was perhaps a way of achieving this with the habitation project of his.

In any case, Balun was glad that his old man had found a friend in Iandre Athlea , if that was indeed the case. Her being on Naboo, however, was a story yet to be told, and he was curious to hear it, to learn more of her -- especially knowing her history with his father. "Have you been here long? Shiraya's Sanctuary, I mean", he enquired softly, his right hand gesturing back towards the entrance to the temple interior; "I'd be happy to provide a tour of the place if you'd like, or otherwise, if there was something specific you were searching for, I'm all ears".

He was a curious sort for a Jedi Knight, with a laid-back and very casual manner of speaking. Many Jedi were rigid and so formal, yet Balun had spent so many years wandering independently, far from the walls of a Temple or Enclave, and that gave him a unique way of operating; Not disorderly but grounded and without barriers for people of all walks of life to engage with him.

Former Mentor: Ala Quin
Jedi Apprentice: Cerys Dyn
Major Faction: The High Republic
Sub-Faction: Jhaessa Prime
Conglomerate: Dashiell Incorporated™
Subsidiary Company: Dashiell Retrofit™​

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Iandre Athlea]

Iandre laughed softly at his description of Judah.

"That sounds remarkably familiar," she said, her tone warm. "Though to be fair, he's right often enough that arguing with him is exhausting."

Her smile lingered as she listened to him talk about his family. It explained a lot, really, showed not just Judah's willingness to dive into tough work, but the real pride Balun had when speaking about him. A refreshing kind of pride, from genuine admiration rather than duty.

When he asked about the Temple, her gaze drifted toward the entrance.

"A few months now, on and off," she answered easily, a hint of gentle humor in her voice. "Long enough that I don't get lost quite so much anymore."

She took a slow breath and looked out at the hills.

"Truth is, I came here because I needed somewhere to be. Not long ago, I lost my husband, and around the same time, the government and community I'd spent years helping build just...fell apart."

There was no self-pity in her words, just quiet honesty.

"Veradune gave me a place to land, and Naboo gave me somewhere to think. I spent so many years bouncing from one crisis to another that I found out I'm not very good at just being still. Healing's a lot less straightforward than solving logistical problems."

She looked back at him, her expression peaceful.

"So no grand mystery, I'm afraid. I'm mostly here trying to figure out how to exist in a galaxy that looks nothing like it did a year ago."

The offer of a tour brought a warmer smile to her face.

"Though I'd love a guide. I know the best views, but I bet there are parts of the Sanctuary I haven't even seen yet."

Balun Dashiell

 

[Balun Dashiell]

WHERE PATHS CONVERGE
LOCATION: Shiraya's Sanctuary, Temple Promenade, Naboo.
INVENTORY: High Republic Jedi Robes | Crossguard Lightsaber | Standard Lightsaber
TAGS: Iandre Athlea

​

The Jedi Knight listened, his expression softening as Iandre spoke of losing her husband and her place of belonging all in a short period of time. He had never been married, but he had lost someone to the dark side and felt he could relate to some degree; Not entirely, but he knew what it was to have something so heartfelt one day and then find it gone the next. "I'm sorry, Iandre, I can only imagine how terrible a time that would have been", Balun replied gently. His words were sincere, and he was truly sorry to hear it.

Given the strength of her connection to the Force, it was evident that she was a Force Sensitive and in a place such as Shiraya's Sanctuary -- The Jedi Temple on Naboo, there was no need for hiding her presence from others, thus Balun didn't feel any reason not to point out the fact that she would be welcome to remain there as long as needed, if not indefinetly. "I'm not sure if it's what you're looking for exactly, but Order here welcomes all Jedi from across the Galaxy, if you're searching for somewhere to settle for a while longer. There would be no barriers to your residing on Naboo until you decide otherwise".

Taking the final drag from his cigarra, Balun turned and flicked the butt of it across over the edge of the guardrail before standing upright and arching his back to stretch a little. He'd been stationary for longer than perhaps he should have, but it had been a good break, and now it seemed he could share a good stroll through the indoors with a new companion. "Food for thought, perhaps. In the meantime, let's head on inside. If there's anything I can do to help, I would be happy to as well. Aside from being a Jedi Knight, my Mentor is the Grandmaster, and I have connections outside of the Order as well. Though likely nothing that Judah doesn't already have access to, mind you".

Former Mentor: Ala Quin
Jedi Apprentice: Cerys Dyn
Major Faction: The High Republic
Sub-Faction: Jhaessa Prime
Conglomerate: Dashiell Incorporated™
Subsidiary Company: Dashiell Retrofit™​

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Iandre Athlea]

For a few moments, Iandre simply listened, letting the silence stretch out between them. There was something profoundly refreshing about the simple sincerity of his words. He didn't offer any empty platitudes, nor did he make any exhausting attempts to fix what had happened or promise that the future would look brighter. It was just a quiet, unprompted offering of understanding and kindness, given without any expectations attached.

"Thank you, Balun," she said softly. The words were quiet, but the genuine gratitude behind them carried a weight of its own.

When he spoke of the Order welcoming her and offering a permanent sanctuary, however, her expression shifted, growing more thoughtful. She watched him toss away the spent cigarra, and as he stood up to stretch, she instinctively matched his movement, stepping into stride beside him. Her gaze drifted toward the grand architecture of the Sanctuary as they began their slow walk into the temple.

"I appreciate the offer," she admitted, taking a slow, grounding breath as the cooler air of the corridor met them. "More than you probably realize."

The admission lingered in the space between them for a heartbeat before she found the footing to continue.

"The truth is, I am not entirely certain I can call myself a Jedi anymore."

There was no trace of bitterness in her statement, nor any hidden anger toward the galaxy or the Force. There was only a profound, calm uncertainty.

"Not because I have abandoned the ideals," she clarified, her eyes remaining fixed on the path ahead. "If anything, I believe in compassion, service, and helping others more strongly than I ever have. But I spent the vast majority of my life moving blindly from one heavy responsibility to the next. Padawan. Knight. Leader. Representative. Problem solver." A faint, melancholic smile touched her lips at the sheer exhaustive list of her past titles. "I became very, very good at being useful."

The smile faded just as quickly as it had appeared, replaced by a softer, more fragile expression.

"I am just not sure I ever learned who I actually was when no one needed something from me."

The observation felt strangely vulnerable spoken aloud to a relative stranger, but the grounded nature of his presence made it easy to share. A trace of her familiar, dry humor returned to her voice to lighten the weight of the confession.

"So lately, I have been trying something I am remarkably bad at. Being a person."

She turned her head to glance toward him then, her posture easing slightly. "Not a Jedi. Not a leader. Not a symbol for anyone to look up to. Just Iandre."

For a moment, a comfortable, undemanding silence settled between them as their footsteps echoed softly against the stone floors.

"That may eventually lead me back to the Order," she continued, her gaze drifting one last time toward the distant Naboo hills still visible through the grand terrace openings. "Or it may lead me somewhere else entirely. I honestly do not know yet, and there is a surprising amount of peace in admitting that. But I will think about what you said. I mean it."

The absolute sincerity in her voice left little room for doubt. As they moved deeper into the temple, the warmth in her expression turned entirely toward her new companion.

"You are one of the first Jedi I have spoken to at any real length since arriving on this planet," she added, a genuine smile finally gracing her features. "Most of my friends these days seem to be Padawans. They are wonderful people, truly, but it is nice speaking to an equal. Someone who fully understands the unique weight that comes with being responsible for others. I am glad we met, Balun."

Balun Dashiell

 

[Balun Dashiell]

WHERE PATHS CONVERGE
LOCATION: Shiraya's Sanctuary, Temple Promenade, Naboo.
INVENTORY: High Republic Jedi Robes | Crossguard Lightsaber | Standard Lightsaber
TAGS: Iandre Athlea

​

"I understand that", Balun nodded, as if to emphasise his being able to relate to Iandre's circumstances as more of an independent Jedi than one of a congregation such as the Order itself; "From fourteen to twenty, I spent those years acting under the moniker of a Rogue Jedi, independent, though still closely tied to the Light and raised on the ideology of the Jedi Order. I went and did what I felt was required of me, any good that was achievable, regardless of how great or small," he offered a small smile of assurance. Not everyone's path was so straightforward as to spend the entirety of their lives within the Order; some were required to be cut loose to experience the Galaxy at large, and if the Force willed it, they would return having benefited from their time. Of course, this wasn't always the case. Balun still suffered terrible dreams due to his experience on the battlefield at such a young age. Others had experienced worse than that. "The offer remains, though we all walk our own path. Sharing a walk and good conversation is more than enough for me," he concluded with a soft chuckle.

As the pair moved into Shiraya's Sanctuary, they would find themselves stepping onto the second level of the Jedi Temple, the Grand Convocation Hall below, used for ceremonies and larger meetings, typically encompassing both the student and mentor bodies when such occasions were required. Long, blue banners bearing the symbol of the Jedi Order hung from the pillars that connected from the floor to the ceiling above, four to either side of the vast chamber, the architecture of Naboo on display even here within the Temple, blending Jedi and Nabooian culture to create a beautiful praxeum that could have naturally fit within Theed City with little distinction. As other Jedi, students, Masters, and Temple Guards passed them by, going about their business, Balun led Iandra to the stairwell leading to the ground floor. From the Convocation Hall, corridors veered away on either side, leading into other wings of Shiraya's Sanctuary.

"Likewise, Iandre", Balun agreed, offering a warm smile in return; "Truth be told, I have not been a Jedi Knight for long, though as an Apprentice I was quite autonomous due to my past experiences. I was fortunate to have found a Master in Ala Quin , she helped me a great deal, not just with regard to my training but as a true friend and mentor. You'll find most Jedi here are very welcoming to newcomers and the conversations they bring. Helping others, establishing and growing bonds, is what life is all about afterall".

Former Mentor: Ala Quin
Jedi Apprentice: Cerys Dyn
Major Faction: The High Republic
Sub-Faction: Jhaessa Prime
Conglomerate: Dashiell Incorporated™
Subsidiary Company: Dashiell Retrofit™​

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Iandre Athlea]

Iandre listened as they descended into the heart of the Sanctuary, finding herself smiling at the idea of Balun spending years as a Rogue Jedi. Somehow it fit. There was a comfort in speaking with someone who understood that the path of a Jedi was not always a straight line. Sometimes the Force led people away from the Temple before it led them back again.

"I think there is something healthy about that," she said thoughtfully. "The galaxy is far too large for any one philosophy to explain all of it from behind a single set of walls."

As they crossed the gallery overlooking the Convocation Hall, her attention drifted downward. Students moved between lessons, Masters spoke quietly among themselves, and Temple Guards stood watch with the calm, steady presence she remembered admiring as a child. For a moment, her gaze lingered there. When she was young, before the war and before the countless responsibilities that had followed, she had once imagined herself becoming a Temple Guardian. There had been something reassuring about the role. Protecting rather than leading. Watching over a place rather than trying to save an entire galaxy.

The thought brought a faint, wistful smile to her lips before she let it go. That path now belonged to another version of herself. Not one she regretted, merely one she had never become. These days, she wasn't entirely certain what path lay ahead of her. Only that it would not be that one.

"Your Master sounds like she gave you exactly what you needed," she said, returning her attention to him. "A good teacher is valuable. A good friend is rare. Finding both in the same person is a gift." The warmth in her voice made it clear she understood the difference.

A small smile returned as they continued through the Temple. "I think helping people establish bonds may be one of the more important things we do." Her gaze drifted briefly toward the students below. "The galaxy spends enough effort pulling people apart. Someone should be working just as hard to bring them together."

Balun Dashiell

 

[Balun Dashiell]

WHERE PATHS CONVERGE
LOCATION: Shiraya's Sanctuary, Temple Promenade, Naboo.
INVENTORY: High Republic Jedi Robes | Crossguard Lightsaber | Standard Lightsaber
TAGS: Iandre Athlea

​

"Truer words are rarely spoken", Balun smiled in agreement with Iandre's words on the forging of bonds. There was so much negativity to focus on in the wider Galaxy, but there was also the beauty of small graces to balance it all out. Meeting new people, making new acquaintances and friends, and learning to understand one another, to benefit from each other's knowledge and experience...-And simply enjoying the time doing so, was indeed a gift. The young Jedi Knight had spent too much time in the throes of conflict in his earlier years, and though he would rise to defend others in the present day, he had come to truly appreciate times of peace and the small mercies that he had once often taken for granted.

"I didn't meet Grandmaster Quin until I was twenty-one, but I had been wanting a Mentor throughout my life. The Force would see much of what I have learned, gained through first-hand experience. It can be something of a curse when it comes to the advanced teachings of the Jedi Order, some of which I missed out on, but at twenty-four, there's still time yet," he explained about himself, elaborating more upon his prior mention of walking a path independent from the Order. It felt like another life, but it also shaped him into the man that he was today. Without his stepping away, he would not have entered the corporate sector and quite possibly have a much different relationship with his family today, if one at all. The Force worked in mysterious and wondrous ways.

As the pair walked the floor of the Convocation Hall, they passed a corridor leading deeper towards the Chamber of Civic Harmony; "That corridor is open to the public, where citizens of the Republic can come to request assistance from the Jedi Order. It's a place known as the Chamber of Civic Harmony, among other names. Anything from Jedi advice to humanitarian aid, perhaps local support for criminal activity," he explained, though he felt there was little need for them to see it together. Call it intuition, but it didn't strike Balun as a need of hers in the moment; rather, it was shared and genuine company as they wandered, enjoying the freedom that time allowed and the beauty of their surroundings, the peace that Shiraya's Sanctuary encompassed.

"Can I ask..." Balun paused, as if awaiting permission and giving the other a chance to offer it before continuing: "What do you want for your immediate future?" he asked. He wished to be polite and not overstep, yet he also knew her to be a friend of his father's, and because of this, he felt a personal desire to offer his support if it was required, desired, or even possible. "Forgive me if I'm prying. It is a personal question, I know".

Former Mentor: Ala Quin
Jedi Apprentice: Cerys Dyn
Major Faction: The High Republic
Sub-Faction: Jhaessa Prime
Conglomerate: Dashiell Incorporated™
Subsidiary Company: Dashiell Retrofit™​

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Iandre Athlea]

Iandre was quiet for a few moments after he asked the question. Not because she was offended by it, but because it was one she had spent a great deal of time asking herself. She took a moment before answering, considering the question as they walked. Once, sights like the Temple around them had made perfect sense to her. The path ahead had always seemed clear. Follow the Force. Help people. Keep moving forward. Now things felt less certain than they once had.

"I'm not entirely decided, Balun," she admitted at last, a small smile touching her lips. "Which is probably the most honest answer I can give. I've been a Jedi and a soldier for most of my life. One way or another, I've always belonged to something larger than myself. An Order. A government. A cause. A responsibility." The words carried no bitterness, only reflection. "The strange thing is that I'm not sure I've ever learned how to be a regular person."

A soft laugh escaped her as she slipped her hands into her jacket pockets. "Which sounds ridiculous when I hear myself say it out loud." Her gaze lingered briefly on a group of students crossing the far side of the hall. "Lately I've found myself wondering what life looks like when nobody needs anything from me. What I enjoy doing when I'm not solving problems. Where I would go if I wasn't being sent there." For a moment, her expression softened. "It might just be a dream that never happens entirely. The galaxy has a habit of finding people like us and giving us responsibilities whether we ask for them or not."

A faint smile returned as she glanced toward him. "But for the first time in a very long while, I think I'd like to find out." The Temple around them remained warm and welcoming, and she was grateful for it. Grateful that the door remained open if she ever chose to walk back through it. Yet as comforting as that knowledge was, she no longer believed her future lay entirely along the path she had spent so many years following. "What comes after that?" she asked with a small shrug. "I honestly don't know yet. And surprisingly, I'm becoming more comfortable with not knowing."

Balun Dashiell

 

[Balun Dashiell]

WHERE PATHS CONVERGE
LOCATION: Shiraya's Sanctuary, Temple Promenade, Naboo.
INVENTORY: High Republic Jedi Robes | Crossguard Lightsaber | Standard Lightsaber
TAGS: Iandre Athlea

​

Not knowing how to live a normal civilian life, or something akin to it, was another thing Balun could relate to. Truthfully, he felt that this was probably something many Jedi struggled with, having often wondered such things. He had a Son and a Family; he had an opportunity to make a life on Jhaessa Prime and live it fully, yet having grown up under the influence of the Jedi Order, he had learned to serve and reaffirmed his dedication to the path when he first fell into the Royal Naboo Republic's Order of Shiraya -- What was not the Jedi Order of the High Republic.

"In some ways, I suppose what you're struggling with isn't so different to the experience of soldiers when sent off to war, returning home and struggling to reintegrate with society. Though for people like us, this is all we've known. Raised from childhood by the Jedi, we don't have the hindsight of what could be, only speculation," Balun replied, rather speaking his thoughts openly as they walked with a quiet pace, not rushing to lose the time as the conversation was arguably more interesting than the tour itself. "If it wasn't for my Son, I would probably be consumed by duty, but his future provides incentive for me to not only step outside of the Order and do well in the Corporate Sector, but also to prioritise life as an individual and as a father".

Kellan Dashiell had changed Balun's life significantly, just as meeting and finding his place in the Dashiells had been a turning point in his personal life; now, with a solid foundation beneath him, supported by those he loved and who loved him. These weren't things that he typically spoke to his father about, always a little reluctant with heartfelt conversations for the sake of making things awkward, yet when speaking with Iandre Athlea , it was easy to appreciate the change in his life now, compared to when he was younger and felt isolated and alone, even within the Order prior to his leave of Coruscant. The desire for connection and acceptance was no longer a driving factor behind the past vulnerabilities he had possessed.

"I would encourage you to discover life as an individual, when and how you decide to approach it. Knowing who you are as a person, separate from an Order or Military Service, can only benefit you in the long run, particularly as a Force-User. Finding a sense of confidence and peace within yourself, surrounded by people and things that make you feel happy and valued, is a blessing everyone deserves to experience".

Former Mentor: Ala Quin
Jedi Apprentice: Cerys Dyn
Major Faction: The High Republic
Sub-Faction: Jhaessa Prime
Conglomerate: Dashiell Incorporated™
Subsidiary Company: Dashiell Retrofit™​

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Iandre Athlea]

Iandre listened quietly as Balun spoke, finding herself smiling when he mentioned his son. She remembered Judah talking about Kellan during their first dinner together, long before her life had unraveled into grief and uncertainty. Even then, it had been obvious how much pride existed beneath the older man's reserved demeanor. Hearing Balun speak now, she could see the same thing reflected in him.

"Your father mentioned Kellan when we shared a dinner," she said, warmth entering her voice. "Not for very long, but long enough for me to realize he was proud of him. Which, knowing Judah, is practically the equivalent of a lengthy emotional speech."

A soft laugh escaped her before her gaze drifted across the Temple once more. Students, Knights, and Masters moved through their daily routines with a certainty she once would have envied. Now she found herself looking at them differently. Not with regret. Not even with longing. More with curiosity. Wondering what it might feel like to step outside that structure for a while and discover who she was without it.

"I think you're probably right," she admitted after a moment. "For most of my life, I've measured myself by what I could do for other people. How well I could serve. How much responsibility I could carry. Somewhere along the way, that became the same thing as identity." Her smile turned faintly self-deprecating. "It's surprisingly difficult to separate the two once you've spent enough years doing it."

For a moment, she was quiet, considering her path ahead. Then she glanced back toward him and nodded slightly. "I will do my best to discover what I can be outside of being a Jedi or a soldier." The words carried a quiet determination. "Maybe I'll discover I'm terribly boring. Maybe I'll discover I've been missing half of life. Either way, it seems worth finding out."

Balun Dashiell

 

[Balun Dashiell]

WHERE PATHS CONVERGE
LOCATION: Shiraya's Sanctuary, Temple Promenade, Naboo.
INVENTORY: High Republic Jedi Robes | Crossguard Lightsaber | Standard Lightsaber
TAGS: Iandre Athlea

​

Dedicating oneself to helping others was not a life of ease, but one of great moral capacity; service for someone else's gain, as was the Jedi way, was a path Balun also walked as best he could. There were, of course, times of personal interest, a necessity for success in the corporate sector, something that set him apart from other Jedi and certain business partners and rivals found intriguing about the young Jedi Knight. It certainly wasn't common to find a Jedi working for financial profit, but then the Order required credits to provide assistance across the Galaxy, and Balun regularly contributed to that fund. Nevertheless, he understood the struggle that Iandre spoke of, measuring herself by her capacity to make a difference in other people's lives rather than making a life for herself. Balun also struggled in that regard.

"There are a lot of people out there struggling to get by, and our service can be a valuable commodity, but someone once told me that in order to care for others, you have to ensure you also care for yourself. That you won't do any good for someone else if you're in bad shape. I guess this applies to knowing ourselves and finding peace in the life we lead," Balun replied thoughtfully, speaking as though he was making an assumption, airing his thoughts with Iandre Athlea , leaving the sentiment open and pausing to see if she could relate or otherwise disagree.

Leading Iandre towards the corridor on the far side of the Convocation Hall, the young man headed towards the training wing of Shiraya's Sanctuary, where students and Masters alike would be spending their time either sparring, holding lightsaber lessons, utilising the meditation chambers, or exploring the archives and obstacle courses. There would be plenty on display for the pair to watch while they continued their discussion, moving towards one of the larger dojos built for multiple groups to practice within. Indeed, there would be two among the roster of Jedi Knights leading a class in swordsmanship for the younger Initiates, teaching basic strikes and the form of Shii-cho.

"Lately, I've been finding peace in the quiet moments, here within the Temple rather than out on assignment. I've spent much of my life engaged in conflict for the sake of others. While it's a matter of duty to protect others, there's also a cost to resorting to violence, no matter the justification".

Former Mentor: Ala Quin
Jedi Apprentice: Cerys Dyn
Major Faction: The High Republic
Sub-Faction: Jhaessa Prime
Conglomerate: Dashiell Incorporated™
Subsidiary Company: Dashiell Retrofit™​

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Iandre Athlea]

Iandre walked beside Balun in thoughtful silence as they entered the training wing. The familiar sounds of practice sabers, instructors offering patient corrections, and initiates repeating the same motions over and over again settled around her like echoes from another lifetime. Her eyes lingered on one of the younger students attempting the same sequence for what seemed like the fifth time, earning an encouraging nod from their instructor rather than criticism. She smiled faintly. Some lessons could only be learned through repetition.

"I think whoever told you that was very wise," she said at last. "For a long time, I measured my worth almost entirely by what I could do for someone else. If I wasn't helping, teaching, or solving a problem, I felt as though I was wasting time." She looked ahead down the corridor, her expression thoughtful. "I'm beginning to realize that isn't a particularly healthy way to live."

As they paused outside one of the larger dojos, she watched the initiates practicing Shii-Cho with complete concentration, each mistake met with another attempt instead of frustration. "I understand what you mean about quiet moments." Her voice softened. "For most of my life, I believed peace was simply the space between conflicts. Something temporary before the next crisis arrived. I'm trying to learn that peace can also be something we choose...something we can and should protect just as carefully as we protect other people."

A small smile returned as she glanced toward Balun. "Perhaps that's what this chapter of my life is meant to teach me." She folded her hands loosely behind her back as they resumed walking. "Not how to be a better Jedi, or a better soldier...but simply how to be Iandre."

Balun Dashiell