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A Walk Within the Temple 7/7/21
As Tesara was drooling over the endless volumes of information, Quinn quietly guided Astra down a massive data card stack. They soon reached a reeling on the other side of the library.
"I think your friend is going in to overload," he said motioning to Tesara. She was on the other side of the open air space at the heart of the library. He smiled, "the master she is speaking with is Master Jorus C'baoth. One of the most renowned Historians and Scholars in the Order."
He laughed, "I think Tesara met her match in him."
@Astra Korraay
Astra Korraay — 07/07/2021
Astra smiled " You would be supposed. I have more than once found her wisdom to be helpful. The way she looks at things is different. I enjoy her company she is like family and if anyone harms her they will not be able to hide from me this time" Astra said warningly a dark expression crossing her face briefly. She remembers the anger she felt when Roza was killed. But she took a few deep breath and shook her head the anger disappearing almost as quickly as it appeared.
" She likes to learn im sure she will drive him crazy in no time." Astra said with a grin.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 07/07/2021
He laughed, "I set in his History of the Order Class. He deserves to be driven crazy. The man would give us assignments that would require days if not weeks or research."
He laughed a bit more, "I remember one assignment, which began with the question, name of a pet." He shook his head as he thought back fondly on the event. "End up teaching us how to find needles in vast hay stacks."
He turned to her, "you and Tesara must go back a long ways."
@Astra Korraay
Astra Korraay — 07/07/2021
" umm... We have not known each other long. But in that time we have become close. I guess you could say the force brought us together. Much like it has brought us together" she said. She was not about to give him all her secrets especially not who Tesara and her master were. She did wish she could trust him with the full truth. But he was not Sol. He remained her of him yes but Quinn lived to be a hunter. There were things about him that she just did not understand. " So are hunters really as crule as the stories make you out to be? You accused me of not understanding and your right so explain until I do understand please? " she asked
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 07/07/2021
He laughed, "cruel," his confusion rang true. "I saw Master Thoin sit and talk with a criminal for nearly three hours just to avoid having to kill the man."
He turned to her while leaning on the railing, "those who cross the line aren't bad people at heart. They just became lost. Which is why Starlight was built. To help the find their way back."
@Astra Korraay
Astra Korraay — 07/07/2021
" then why is everyone so afraid of it. To include me hell, to be honest, a part of me is afraid of you" she said. She looked over the railing.
"everyone now to fear the hunters if your not cruel and brutal then why do your hunts often end in the death of those you hunt down, she shook her head I know hunters are not horrible people but still." she said.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 07/07/2021
He sighed and leaned slightly over the railing and motioned to the Jedi far below them, "they fear us, because the temptation of the Darkside is great. And they knew we will get them should they stray from the light."
He drew in a deep breath, "as I have told you before. Hunts often end in death because of fear. The Darksider will do anything possible to remain free. Even if it means risking their own life. Hunters have a duty to protect everyone from the Fallen."
@Astra Korraay
Astra Korraay — 07/07/2021
" how you you know if some one has fallen. " Astra asked. Now she felt confused. If hunter's really were to crul then why did they have that reputation.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 07/07/2021
He turned again on the railing and looked back towards the stacks, "me, I don't. I guess I can look in to their minds and figure out intent from result. But that isn't really my place." He glanced at her, "We are not secretive by design. Starlight has thousands of people who are specially trained at both determining if someone has fallen or not. Their whole job is to take as long as it takes to reach them. The Hunt is only the beginning of the journey." He turned to look at her, "but all you have heard about is how the hunts begin. A Jedi or other Force User has used their powers for evil. And so now, we the monsters who hunt monsters are brought in to destroy them."
He shifted slightly and gauged her carefully, "what you don't know," he said then laughed slightly. "I guess because it doesn't make for good story telling. Is that after the hunt, both Hunter and prey are taken to Starlight. There both take part in a very similar process despite being on opposite sides of the prison. Both sit down with councilors and people like me. There they both have their deepest secrets revealed. If darkness is discovered within either, then a plan of counseling is set up to help guide them back to the light."
He reached out to touch her hand, "you see, the Jedi actually understand how dangerous the darkside is. So we take steps to ensure that innocents like your daughter can grow up and enjoy life. The Hunters, we are not villains, we are the heroes who keep the monsters away from Roza."
@Astra Korraay
Astra Korraay — 07/07/2021
Astra gave him a strange look. She was unsure of his intentions. ( she close to use sense motive on him)
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 07/07/2021
((OOC: He is genuine in his words and believes them. He also holds no threat or intention of threat to you))
Astra Korraay — 07/07/2021
She takes a deep breath and takes his hand stepping closer to him. " It's possible I do misjudge the hunters. Im sorry but the available information is limited. Trust can be a difficult thing." She said taking a deep breath. " if I returned to the order how would you and your master keep my identity secret? If I did return could I suspend more time with you? I want to understand you? Would Roza and I have to live at the Academy or could we remains with are friends at the summer palace?" She said.
TheTraveler — 07/07/2021
He nodded as he listened to her. He couldn't help but smile as she asked no less than four questions and two strong statements before that. She was cute, he would give her that. But there was still the guilt in the back of his heart. Quickly pushing it aside, he shrugged his shoulders, "I am not completely sure about any of that. We need to wait for Master Thoin to return and speak with him. He has strong influence so he would be the one to speak to first."
"As for the misjudgment," he let off a slight laugh. It covered his own unease as he caught a pair of Jedi Knights. The male, female couple were giving him that same look of worry that he was so used to. "Trust me, I'm very much aware of it. Again, we are not secretive by design. Just the stories of hunts that end in fantastic battles and brutal loss of life are what make the news." He frowned deeply as he turned back towards her. "No one talks about the months or even years of counseling a Hunter goes through to ensure that the echoes of that badly ended hunt doesn't haunt him or her," he explained. "Not even within the Order is it spoken of," he added with a deep frown.
Astra Korraay — 07/07/2021
She turned her head sideways. " have you had to go through consulting, in my experience consumers are not very helpful" she grinned at him. It was a joke a half hared one but a joke. " Though in my experience they were trying to lie to me " she grinned. She was trying to break the tension. She reached up with a free hand gently brushing some of his hair away from his face. " Quinn are you ok," she asked gently there was a clear concern." I can't help but worry especially after the other night my curiosity got the better of me" she said.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 07/07/2021
He turned back to her and smiled, "no, I am fine," he said. Though his face wasn't very convincing. He smiled again, "don't worry about the other night."
He moved back and searched for Tesara, making sure she wasn't causing too much trouble. He couldn't help but laugh as she had managed to increase her number of scholars from one to three. And in her, they have found a willing victim to endless dribble of historical facts and what not. He actually wasn't sure who he felt sorry for.
((OOC: Tesara you can PM me five questions regarding the Jedi Order that will be answered by your new friends.))
"So do you always make friends so quickly," he asked softly.
Astra Korraay — 07/07/2021
A smile crossed her face. " Are you trying to lie to me im still going to worry because I care" she said. She did not push the subject further but she did want him to know she knows he was hiding something.
" well Tesara is making friends" she grind.
She looked at her Bracelet. The two promises she made rang in her ears. " usually" she said she held her arm up showing him the bracelet I made two promised when Sol gave this to me. It had belonged to his mother the first was that I would never take it off. The second was that I would always beleave in the inherent good in people. He promised me he would return to me safely. I was 10 years old" she said with a smile. " I do not believe you or Tesara will hurt me your good people as are a majority in the galaxy. I know it's kinda silly to hold on to a promise made when I was 10 it feels like a lifetime ago" she said.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 07/07/2021
He turned back again and his eyes didn't have to wonder too far before finding those two Knights. They had already informed a pair of their friends of his presences.
"Its not a bad thing to hold on to the inherent goodness of others," he said. His eyes moving from person to person. "For Hunters we are taught from a very young age the potential danger a force user can cause the galaxy."
He turned back to her, "did you know during the old Sith Wars, there were these dungeons used in the Coruscant Temple."
He laughed, "okay, so its not official training. But our upper classmates took us down to these old dungeons and forced use to walk around them in the dark."
He shook his head and laughed a bit, "there is this point where you can almost hear the ghosts of the past."
"It was then when I realized how dangerous the Darkside really was."
He looked back to her, "I hate the feeling that I am constantly searching for the worse of the galaxy. So if you find the best, I am truly happy for you."
@Astra Korraay
Astra Korraay — 07/07/2021
She smiled at him " Theres Darkness in every one Quinn even me. A few months ago I may have given into it. But I meet Tesara and her master, ava and Nova. If you only look for dark side that is all you will find. I know you are better then you think you are." She said. She took both his hands in hers. " Quinn look at me, please is there something bothering you I can help with" she asked.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 07/07/2021
He turned to look at her, "its nothing you can change. It literally comes with the Dark Blue Robes." He smiled to her, "I look forward to meeting Tesara's Master. I am sure I would like to explain her endless thirst for knowledge." He laughed, "As for looking for darkness," his smile held and his tone dropped, "that also comes with the robes and I wouldn't curse anyone with that responsibility."
Astra Korraay — 07/07/2021
" I dont think thats possible. But im sure he would love to meet should it become a possibility," she said. She thought for a moment. " Let me join you I would like to see what you go throw as a Hunter, at least you won't have to feal alone," she said she was guessing that that was part of the problem. She did not know she just wanted to help.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 07/07/2021
He smiled, "I don't feel alone." Then he shook his head, "you can't join me as a Hunter. It takes years of training and then service under a Master Hunter." He rested a hand on her shoulder, "but I promise you more of the story than I am sure you will learn on the news."
Astra Korraay — 07/07/2021
She smiled " im not saying I want to be a hunter I just want a chance to see what you go through? Your training I did not say I want to go on a hunt with you that would be crazy. There are no rules saying I cant train with you. I use to train with Sol though we focused on what I needed to learn " she said with a grin.
Astra Korraay — 07/07/2021
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 07/07/2021
He looked at her sideways, "well, actually there are rules forbidding that. Your Master must have truly had a thing for you to bend that rule." He shrugged his shoulders, "But its not all that about swinging a lightsaber. There is so much more to being a Hunter. There are classes on Republic Law, dealing with Darksiders and the list goes on."
@Astra Korraay
Astra Korraay — 07/07/2021
" well i was his daughter if you remember. Sol was always secretive about hunter stuff too. he gave the ensues that he was trying to protect me. So you ever see the gardens of the summer palace? perhaps you could come over tomorrow i could show you around" She asked decided it would be best to drop the subject for now.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 07/07/2021
He smiled and shook his head, "well no I haven't. Though I can tell you this. Baklid's Summer Palace Garden is a big deal in the Core. I remember being on one of my first hunts. We were so board during a Watch Party...." he blinked and smiled again, "well it was super boring. Anyway, I picked up a holomag and started reading. Did you know they did a five page article on the Gardens here." He rubbed the back of his head, "well to be truthful, I thought Baklid was a core world before I did my homework on Lord Baklid."
@Astra Korraay
Astra Korraay — 07/07/2021
she smiled " The gardens are Tesaras favert place I prefer the sing you found hanging out at that night. It was her favert too." she said thoughtfully for a moment. " No i did not know it was a five page artical on them. How sheltered are core worlds? iv sean Corisont once i think i prefer places that have more nature to them. Quinn can i ask a personal question?" she asked.
TheTraveler — 07/07/2021
He started to wonder if her rapid fire questions was a sign that she was becoming nervous. Still, it was cute so he nodded, "i guess so. I can't promise to answer, but sure, give it a try."
@Astra Korraay
Astra Korraay — 07/07/2021
" the markings on your face what do they mean" She asked. yes she was getting nervous the last time they hung out ended in dezaster. her face turned read and she looked away.
TheTraveler — 07/07/2021
He smiled, "being a hunter is more than what you think to me and my people. There are currently over a two hundred Jedi from my world of Kiffu." He held up his hand and showed four fingers, "only four of them have not become hunters." There was a ring of pride in his voice. He motioned to his face, "these tattoos mark me as a Vos and as a Hunter among my people. For us, its a matter of pride." He glanced around, "well for my people that is."
@Astra Korraay
Astra Korraay — 07/07/2021
she relaxed and looked at him. " I bet it hurt the Tattoos when you got them, are you not proud of your enactments? why did you become a hunter" she asked.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 07/07/2021
He blinked at her with surprise, "oh I am very proud. Its just sometimes, the um...well the reaction of others can wear on that pride." He tilted his head in confusion, "there was no choice for me. Becoming a hunter is what a Kiffar does." He actually laughed, "you might as well ask a smuggler to not smuggle anymore."
@Astra Korraay
Astra Korraay — 07/07/2021
She shook her head. " Dident you tell me we always have a choice? You don't have to be a hunter. Did you actually chose this path or did your family chose it for you?" She asked.
TheTraveler — 07/07/2021
He looked at her with concern, "its not like that. Sure I can choose to not be a hunter anymore...and my people will choose to ignore me for the rest of my sad and lonely life." He then laughed, "so yeah, I made the choice..."
Astra Korraay — 07/07/2021
"thats messed up thought i would not know that fealing i was never close to ether of my famalys. what is Kiffar like?" She said quietly.
TheTraveler — 07/07/2021
He smiled, "being Kiffar is like nothing else. There is a lottery for each birth. Will that child become Force Sensitive or not. Did you know that more Kiffar are born Force Sensitive then most other races, not counting Humans of course," he said with laughter.
@Astra Korraay
Astra Korraay — 07/07/2021
" no i did not know that." she said and waited for more information or story's he might tell her.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 07/07/2021
He shrugged his shoulders, "its not all bad. I actually really enjoy being a Hunter. And I get to bring the bad guys in," he laughed. "What could be better."
@Astra Korraay
Astra Korraay — 07/07/2021
" um... i feal like theirs something you want to say but are not saying" she said quietly. Remembering he liked to dance. A thought came to her but she would hold off an ask him if he would teach her to dance later perhaps the thought of a dance partner would bring a smile to his face. He has such a wonderful smile.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 07/08/2021
He laughed, "I am a Hunter," he said with an exaggerated tone. "There are always things I have left unsaid." He turned and watched Tesara once more, "again, keeping things secret come with the Robes."
@Astra Korraay
Astra Korraay — 07/08/2021
She shook her head thats not what she meant. She gased over to tesara. Then looked back at him. She would let this one go for now as well. He would tell her when he was ready. " Ok well how about you teach me to dance at some point I know you like to dance." She said with a smile. She hope that would bring him some joy. He seamd so alone she could see the effect being a hunter had had on him. " you know as much as hunters scare me you will not get ride of me easaly. Im one of those thats to dumb to run and hide from you" she joked her face turning red at her inability to flurt effectively though she had never really needed to with Sol. She absentmindedly started to play with a lock of hair. " So where is your favorite place on the temple grounds to go" she asked.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 07/08/2021
He laughed, "well I can surely try to teach you to dance." He laughed, "a master dancer I am not..."
He looked at her then around the Temple. "I can't say I have a favorite place here. If I were to count right now, I have been within these walls a dozen or so times."
He turned from watch Tesara back to Astra, "the only reason why I knew about the Cafe was because I asked someone," he said with a soft wink.
"Now back home at Coruscant. That is a different story. There are so many places I would love to show you. The old dungeons, the mountain top, heck did you know there was an old Sith Temple built deep under the Jedi Temple?"
@Astra Korraay
Astra Korraay — 07/08/2021
"You don't need to be I thought it was singing fun we could do together" she said still playing with some id hai.
" there was a what" Astra asked. She looked at him here eyes going wide. How exactly had that serve." She said shocked she started for a moment. Then shook her head. " so this is not your home temple. When will you return to Coruscant" she asked an almost sad look on her face she did not want to see him leave.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 07/08/2021
He shook his head, "I am sure once the Hunt is over, we will be returning home."
He smiled, "or at least until Durro Thel-Tanis is captured," he said jokingly.
@Astra Korraay
Astra Korraay — 07/08/2021
Her smile disappeared. " I see I had hoped this was your home temple" she said quietly
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 07/08/2021
He shook his head, "no most Hunters are deployed directly from Coruscant."
He drew in a deep breath. "It is the Base of Operations for all Hunter teams. Having a home base else where is actually pretty rare."
@Astra Korraay
Astra Korraay — 07/08/2021
" why was Sol on sereno" she said thoughtfully. " how many hunters ate in your hunter team?" She asked
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 07/08/2021
He shrugged his shoulders to the question about Sol.
"Well, let's see," he said softly. "There is Master Thoin, you met him. Kind of like that Grandfather, you always waited. A bit on the crazy side but there for you when you need him."
"My father, the legend himself," Quinn laughed.
"Sinssa," he said with a smile, "oh Tesara would love her. A bit of an egg head too. She is like a big sister to me. I remember when I first joined the team. She used to prank me all the time."
"And Garrett," he shook his head with a laugh. "So if Sinssa is our older sister, he is our sadistic older brother that is her henchman. I am sure all of her pranks were carried out by him."
"And me," he smiled at Astra. "With a year of active field experience after being Knighted, I am the least experienced. Well not counting our three Padawans with us."
He finished but before Astra could speak he added, "oh and we can't forget the crew of our Light Cruiser, the Judicial's Light. And we have a company of elite Marines with us."
@Astra Korraay
Astra Korraay — 07/08/2021
Astra lisoned quietly " that's a lot. Well the support part of your team it seems like the group of jedi are small is that normal for hunter groups also is it normal for family members to be part of the same group, waght our there pad was they aren't assigned a master" she asked.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 07/08/2021
He laughed, "normal," he questioned. "It would be abnormal for a team like ours wasn't."
The source of her confusion dawned on him, "so like about half of the Hunter Teams, we are mostly Kiffar. While only my Father, my mother and myself are directly related. The rest minus Master Thoin are all Kiffar."
Astra Korraay — 07/08/2021
" wow it is a huge tradition for your family" she said quietly. It made her wish she know more about her own family traditions. " makes me want to know the history of my mother's family more" she said with a smile shaking her head.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 07/08/2021
He smiled and nodded, suddenly filled with pride, "it is a tradition among my whole people."
"As for your family," he added with a smile. "It is nothing, long hours of research," he said motioning towards Tesara. "Can't resolve."
Astra Korraay — 07/08/2021
Astra smiled " are you aware of how adorable you are or you just do that on accident" she teased. She steped closer to him. She got quite close. " if you keep teasing me about my lack of knowledge in history ill challenge you to a staring match." she said grinning. She know she would lose of he did take her up on that but it would still be fun to see his reaction.she was playing with him now.
" oh I almost forgot" she said stepping back. " there's going to be an even at the summer palice I would love it if you would come with me" she said with a smile.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 07/08/2021
He smiled as he looked down then away. He felt his cheeks warm under her playful smile. Though her closeness triggered a sense of panic within him. He gently took a step back.
Searching for anything to break the moment of silence between them. He smiled nervously, "I will have to check with Master Thoin about it first. If I am allowed, I would love to attend.
Astra Korraay — 07/08/2021
Astra giggled. " you ok that reaction was not what I expected" she said playful. She had thought he would tease her back not panic and back away. " are you ok? I did not mean to upset you I was just having some fun really" she said gently worried she had scared him again.
" he has to approve eveything?" she asked. She did not realise knights still had to have Masters approve to do things.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 07/08/2021
He shifted uncomfortably, "no, its me. Normally, I can control my barriers." Once more his cheeks burn, "There are times when those barriers can weaken and I don't want to violate your memories."
Seeking to change the subject, he tilts his head slightly, "well we are on a hunt and he is the leader of our team." He smiled, though his nervousness showed through, "shouldn't I ask him?"
@Astra Korraay
Astra Korraay — 07/08/2021
"So you can see memory's then. I know the subject uncomfortable but i need to know did i do something to weaken your barriers. I just don't want to do that again?" she stepped back. She felt horable for heaving made him uncomfortable. "Im sorry Quinn" she said looking down at the floor.
"I just was not aware that Knights still needed there masters permeation to do things, i have not been with the order for a year there are some rule's that i may have forgotten. hopefully I can rejoin the order. Do you know what the Dooku family has been up to in the past year" She said quietly. She still stared at the ground unwilling to look at him she still felt horible for upsetting him. She was not afraid of him just sad that she had upset him.
TheTraveler — 07/08/2021
Quinn shook his head, "sorry, I didn't follow the Dooku's since Roza's disappeared, um....Her murder"
He drew a deep breath, "so I can do more than see memories." He moved closer and lowered his voice, "I can do so much more." He pulled back, "yes it is something that bothers me to talk about it." He frowned, "I am sorry about the last time we talked about this. Its just something I am not used to talking about."
@Astra Korraay
Astra Korraay — 07/08/2021
Astra nodded her understanding of his comment about Roza. " perhaps it's time I find out who my biological father is. Lord sereno and that family are lost to me at the moment. I'll look into it later" she said with a smile.
" that did not answer my question? I wanted to make sure I did not course you problems again." She said. She thought about what he said. " there are mental abilitys other then reading minds" she asked more to herself then actually directing it at him. She did not expect and answer she understand he did not like talking about it and he would tell her when and if he wanted to.
Astra Korraay — 07/09/2021
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 07/09/2021
He looked around and sighed heavily, "well yes there is." He smiled softly as his eyes turned back to Tesara to make sure that she was not doing anything wrong. "There are entire grades and skills within the technique," he explained. "I showed some of them to Roza," he said then realized what he had said. "Well that was right before she was murdered."
@Astra Korraay
Astra Korraay — 07/09/2021
"What did you show Roza?" she asked turning her head sidways.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 07/09/2021
He frowned realizing his mistake, "I," he said softly trying to find a way to back out of his mistake. "I well I showed her a little trick...It really wasn't anything."
@Astra Korraay
Astra Korraay — 07/09/2021
" quinn if it was not anything why dont you want to show me?" she asked.
TheTraveler — 07/09/2021
He let out a sigh and took her hand in to his gloved hand, "come here," he said leading her away from the railing and in to the stacks. He turned and took her deeper in to the stacks where he was sure no one would notice them. "Okay," he said softly holding her hand upward facing between them. "Clear your mind and relax," he softly instructed. "Close your eyes," he commanded. "I am going to sprinkle water in to your hand." He removed the glove from his hand and watched her face as his finger tip danced over her palm. "I hope the water droplets aren't too cold," he said with concern in his voice.
@Astra Korraay
Astra Korraay — 07/09/2021
she look him for a moment before closing her eyes and clearing her mind like he asked. An involuntary shiver ran throw her as ice cold water hit her palm she opend her eyes to see her hand was dry." What did you do" she asked confused and even more interested.
TheTraveler — 07/09/2021
He smiled, "its a simple suggestion," he explained. "I told you what you were going to feel and then allowed your mind to feel it." He took a deep breath, "It freaked Roza out......alot."
Astra Korraay — 07/09/2021
" why thats seresly cool was it had to learn" she asked.
TheTraveler — 07/09/2021
He shook his head, "I tried to explain to her the whole thing. But she couldn't get over the link between our minds was so easy for me to make."
Astra Korraay — 07/09/2021
" yah that is a little scarry, how dose that link work could we use it to talk too echother" She asked.
TheTraveler — 07/09/2021
He nodded, "yes, but that is pretty high level stuff." He pushed his hair back over his hear, "thanks for not freaking out."
Astra Korraay — 07/09/2021
"how dose that work" She asked. she only became more cerous. "I mean you did not freek out over my vision of the jedi order falling, why would i freak out over this i know you will not invade the privacy of my mind unless i say its ok" she said.
TheTraveler — 07/09/2021
"well its just like that, a link between two minds. The distance is only an illusion, so it doesn't matter where you are, we could, if you were able, still talk." He smiled with a playful smile, "well, if wanted too, I could without you even knowing about it."
Astra Korraay — 07/09/2021
" you would not do that though right" She asked. she wandered if he would do that there were things in her mind that she know he could not see. she kinda wanted to let him see the vision she saw with Roza but was not sure about that so she would keep that thought to herself. " Why is it so easy for you to make the connection?" she asked.
TheTraveler — 07/09/2021
He smiled, more sincerely than trying to be playful. "Never," he said softly. "I took an oath," he reaffirmed.
He shrugged his shoulders, "it is my gift," he explained.
@Astra Korraay
Astra Korraay — 07/09/2021
" Then I have nothing to worry about. I chose to trust you." She said with a smile.
" like my gift for predjcting death and destruction" she asked half-heartedly joking.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 07/09/2021
@Astra Korraay
He nodded and lead her back to the railing and Tesara. "Death is a natural party of life," he explained.
As they approach, they saw Tesara waiting for them at the railing. "It appears our time has come to an end."
Astra Korraay — 07/09/2021
" I know but it's still upsetting to go from a place like this to one where everything falls apart in the blink of an eye" she said.
" will I see you again, don't you dare say it's in the cheesecake" She gained. She stood on her tiptose to hug him bringing her head close to his ear. " I want that dance lesson" she whispered so not to embares him. Then she turned to leave with Tesara.
@TheTraveler
(I believe this is the end)
TheTraveler — 07/09/2021
He smiled at her sudden unsolicited hug. He pushed the awkward feeling to the back of his mind, as he tried to not be offended by her assumption.
He tried hard to not allow any skin on skin contact, but her action caught him by surprise. The moment her skin touched his, her mind was opened to his. Like a book which was suddenly opened up to him.
The surprise and direct contact blew past his barriers despite his best efforts.
In her mind he saw through her eyes. She was in a house of Local design and architecture. There was a group of people he recognized and some he didn't. He saw Lady Forma, Tesara, and others.
He broke the hug as quickly as possible and laughed off the event nervously. "I promise, I will give you that lesson."
He motioned to a near by Temple Guard, "please see my guest out." There was an odd nervousness in his voice that he hadn't shown before.
The Temple Guard kindly motioned the two ladies out as Quinn bowed respectfully and departed their company.
(Scene End)
@Tesara Anerin
@Astra Korraay
If you two want to talk 9n your way home please feel free
Astra Korraay — 07/09/2021
(((OOC well astra will not be doing that again ups lol)))
TheTraveler — 07/09/2021
((OOC: Astra doesn't know the full extent of her action.))
Astra Korraay — 07/09/2021
((( OOC: she knows she made him uncomfortable and that something that will bother her)))
Astra Korraay — 07/09/2021
" is it me or do all my dates with him end in disaster. I was trying to avoid emberesing him guess that backfired" she said quietly. Her face turning red. She was really bad at this and she know it. Though to be fare she did end up with her childhood playmate. She needed to remind herself that Quinn was a difret person no mater how much he reminded Sol. " so you made some new friends" she said.
TheTraveler — 07/09/2021
(OOC: this conversation will take place in the speeder on the way back to the Summer Palace)
@Tesara Anerin
Tesara Anerin — 07/09/2021
Tesara watched Astra going through all the emotions written clearly on her face. “Don’t worry about embarrassing him. He’s a grown man and can handle himself. From what I understand, the training to be a Hunter is very intense. If he falls apart a little in front of a pretty girl, then it’s just the teenager in him that didn’t ever get the chance to be a goofy teenager because he was training to be a hunter. I think it’s sweet. I like him, Astra. I see that he really likes you and he’s desperately afraid of scaring you away.”
She smiles at her friend. “Yes, I did make friends. I could have very easily gotten lost in that library.”
@Astra Korraay
Astra Korraay — 07/09/2021
" yah I can relate to that to a point jedi training in general is demanding but I also kinda fail at flurting I had the advantage of growing up with Sol we even had the same master. Though training got more complicated after Lord sereno adopted me. I think he was trying to prepare me to take his place. "She said a sad look crossing her face for a moment as she remembered her own training but it disappeared almost as quickly as it appeared.
She smiled at Tesara's statement. " im glad maby we can go back some time I could use some help learning about my family history apparently every one knows more about it then I do. Though I was raised to be a Dooku." She admitted so her focus was on that familys history and traditions." I focused on that familys history and traditions. I don't even know who my actual dad is mother refused to tell me. Anyway would you be up for that? " she said shaking her head in frustration.
@Tesara Anerin
Tesara Anerin — 07/10/2021
Tesara frowned for a moment. "You want to find out who your father was? Your mother didn't tell you?" She asked, trying to search her memory to see if that was something Astra had told her or not. After a whole afternoon having her brain filled with information, this was escaping her.
@Astra Korraay
Astra Korraay — 07/10/2021
" no she did not she refused" astra said shaking her head. " Anyway learn anything interesting" astra asked dripping the subject for now. She douted Tesara know.
@Tesara Anerin
Tesara Anerin — 07/10/2021
Tesara frowned again. "Would Vinh know? If not, there might be records kept somewhere in the palace..." She trailed off, pondering.
@Astra Korraay
Astra Korraay — 07/10/2021
"Oh he knows he refused to tell me too. And after the attack and mother being taken away. Iv not exactly been willing to argue with him I know he feels horrible about what haped the day of the exploration. " she said shaking her head. She looked out the window for a moment. " Mother said the story was painful and that she needed to get to know me what she did say is I was born when she was 12 and my grandmother had me taken away for reasons she still did not know. When I asked Vinh later that day he told me it was her story to tell, and that may children born to the summer palice had fallen to the assions blade," She said quietly. She wished she know more but she did not.she only know what she had been told so far. It bothered her not knowing like a part of who she was was missing. She tried to hide that though she was a dooku after all. Lord Sereno would be disappointed if he saw her now.
@Tesara Anerin
Tesara Anerin — 07/10/2021
Tesara inhaled sharply. "Twelve!?" She shuddered a moment, a ripple of unease going up her spine. "Astra, at twelve, your mother would not have known how to care for a baby. That is likely why her mother, your grandmother, took you away. What she DID with you is what is concerning. You were a royal baby born of the Delphinium line. Why did she put you in an orphanage?" Tesara was obviously confused. "That means she wanted no one to know about you, or to find the truth. But why? Did your mother even know you had survived being born? I think you said she knew who you were when she met you at the Gladious, but couldn't say so, right? Again, why? Why did she have to pretend you were not her daughter? This is the key, Astra. The why of this is your father." She bit her lip.
@Astra Korraay
Astra Korraay — 07/10/2021
She looked at Tesara thoughtfully for a moment. " She...she..." She started then trailed off as if trying to recall sumthing. " she did not now that I survevered she hoped I had but did not know for sure after she and lord sereno fell in love she told him about having lost me..." She posed taking a deep breathe and trying to fit the entirety of the story that she know together. " Lord sereno found me I don't know if it was before or after I was placed at the Academy but he found and adopted me that's how she know who I was at the Gladious we'll both Gladiouses. The first one she wanted to take me Home because I had almost been killed on are way back to sereno. The second time we actually meet face to face. She could not tell me then because my grandfather was still in power and was trying to find and kill me. She claimed it was to hurt her. Are you saying there was another reason behind his actions the man was psychotic. He and his sun" she said shaking her head. Why it not being known who she was be. For any other reason then to protect her from the bounty hunters after her. " a bounty hunter almost killed me at the Gladious I had that he was targeting Sol at the time. And then the one that got Roza but im not shure that one may have actually been after her she got mixed up with the hunters and the olivan nonsense" she said quietly.
@Tesara Anerin
Tesara Anerin — 07/10/2021
Tesara was listening intently. "Your grandfather wanted you dead. That is why you were taken from your mother and hidden. But why did your grandfather want you dead? Was it because you might have more of a claim on the throne than his son did? Maybe the prince was illegitimate?" Tesara frowned. "It doesn't fit though. The prince was older than his sister, your mother. She didn't even come to Baklid to take the throne until both your grandfather and the prince had died. She was the last living descendant as far as anyone knew." Tesara absently stroked the fabric of her tunic and watched the city passing through the window. It was an old habit she did while thinking hard on something. "Maybe I can try accessing the holo-net when we get back to the palace. I've been learning how to use it when Nova is busy. I'm nowhere as good as she or Lysire are, but I'm learning. But maybe we both need to go see Vinh first. I liked him. Perhaps we can wheedle it out of him." She smiled at her friend across from her.
@Astra Korraay
Astra Korraay — 07/10/2021
" she did not want to come back Tesara she only came back so that she could bring peace to her people and save them from a tyrents. The summer palice was actually a gilded cage and it was hell for her when they were alive. Vinh told me that." She watched tesara for a moment. " It not going to be on the holonet the ofishal story is that I was born on sereno. What ever happened it was kept secret. I could always order him to tell me but I really don't want to go that rought he's been thow so much. You know he still keeps an eye on me when we are at the summer Palace." Astra said shaking her head with a sad smile. " he's not a guardedner by the way that's just a cover" she said wondering if Tesara know who he really was.
@Tesara Anerin
Tesara Anerin — 07/10/2021
Tesara smiled a little sadly. "I don't know what his true role was, but whatever it was, he did it well." She said, then sighed. The idea had begun to form in her head, but she desperately didn't want to tell Astra. The girl had been through so much already. "Maybe we'll work on it on our own for a little longer, then." She said, hoping to buy more time. If what she feared was true, it would answer many things, and cause so much more pain and anguish to her new friend. "Have you given thought to notifying the Sorreno family that you are alive? They have no idea whatsoever that you possess their legacy crystal."
@Astra Korraay
Astra Korraay — 07/10/2021
Her eyes went wide. " Are you crazy they were angry with the fact that I was part of the family in the first place if they know I was alive and her with the crystal it would I be bad really bad. We need to be patent ones in managed to bond to the crystal and we can get Baklid under control I can take my place and keep them out of the offers of this plant" she said gently. That was one question she know the answer to. " if I don't bond with the crystal before hand they will simply take it remove me from the family and throw me in jaill" she said.
@Tesara Anerin
Tesara Anerin — 07/10/2021
Tesara nodded. "My apologies, I wasn't aware they were not happy with the fact that you had been adopted by Lord Dooku Sorreno. And they would never know about the crystal unless you told them, which obviously you won't do." She paused. "You're going to have to focus on bonding with the kyber crystal. I'll help watch Roza when I can, and I am sure Ava and Nova will offer the same. You'll be more help to Ava with that crystal bonded to you. Together you can take the power to set things right here."
@Astra Korraay
Astra Korraay — 07/10/2021
"yeah lord sereno bypassed the family council to adopt me. They were not happy about that at all he fell out of more fave with them because of it. And taking over his place will not be easy even after I have bonded with the crystal. Once iv bonded with it they should not be able to take it from me but I will still need to win more fave with the console to become lady sereno. There's also the issue of who my mother is the two families have been fighting for a very long time. However, I would likely have the support of the Jedi when I do deal with them as the family is currently in hot water and is in danger of having the academy on sereno shut down. " she said. She shook her head thinking about bonding with the crystal. It called to her she could feal and had had some strange dreams sense getting the crystal. She assumed it was the call of the crystal. " I know I need to bomd with it but im afraid I don't know im afraid I will brake it or that im not actually worthy the crystal only fell to me because my brother died." She said finally.
@Tesara Anerin
Tesara Anerin — 07/10/2021
A wash of sorrow for Astra washed through her. "Hey, Astra...look at me..." She waited until she was certain Astra was looking directly at her. "The Force would not have led you to that crystal unless you were made to have it. We do have free will, but we are also guided by the Force. You cannot break the crystal. You might have a long way to go before bonding with it, but I have some advice if you will hear it?"
@Astra Korraay
Astra Korraay — 07/10/2021
Astra took a deep breath and looked at Tesara. She for a moment felt like she may cry the waght of all of this was allsomst crushing. She still saw herself as that stupid orphan who got into trouble and fights she could not possibly win. These were things for a noble to deal with. She took a few deep breaths as she lisiond too Tesara. "What is your advice" she asked.
@Tesara Anerin
Tesara Anerin — 07/10/2021
Tesara gently reached out and took Astra's hand in her own, squeezing a little to reassure her friend. "The crystal won't bond with you unless you feel you deserve it, that you have the right to claim it. If you don't believe you deserve it, or if you are afraid of it, it won't bond with you. And right now I know you don't feel that way. So trying to bond with it when you don't feel like you deserve it is a waste of time and will only frustrate and upset you more. So, set it aside for a little while. Somewhere extremely safe. Then focus on what you CAN control, and what your next steps are. I think what you need to do the most is figure out what YOU want. You've spent so much of your life being told what to do or who you should be. Now you have a little bit more freedom to make those decisions on your own. Once you do figure out what you want, you can take steps to get there. My mother once said: 'If you don't know what you want, you cannot have it.' So take a little bit of time to sink in to all the realities you just got tangled up in. No one is forcing you to do anything right now. You have time."
@Astra Korraay
Astra Korraay — 07/10/2021
She shook her head " I know what I want Tesara but what I want is not important. Baked is im running out of time as are the people of Baklid. All I want now is to me the women they saw me as. But right now all I can see is the dumb orphan that got into fights she could not win" she said shaking he head. " She said quietly. She looked down how did she explained that she felt trapped with no we're to go. She took several deep breaths. That was not how a lady of the Dooku family acted. She reminded herself. She sat up straight in her set and looked at Tesara. " the moment those adoption papers were signed and I became not just a lady of the Dooku family but a jedi padawone my fate was sealed mine and his." She said posing letting the waght of her words register. " I have to do this Tesara, I have no choice in the matter a lady of the Dooku family fose not run and hide from responsibility. I have no clue what a princess would do but weather I like it or not I am a princess and it's time I start acting like one. " she said finally. Her expression softened " I could use your help getting finh to tell me the entire story many you and Ava. Right now I feel like I might brake. But I need to know my history I can't begin to understand who I am until I know that" She said quietly.
@Tesara Anerin
Tesara Anerin — 07/10/2021
Tesara started to speak, but paused. She looked at Astra for a moment, choosing her words carefully. "You've been in Ava's inner circle with her plans for Baklid. She's said several times that this is going to take a long time. Years, even. While I know you have to act like a noble member of both the Dooku and Delphinium families, no one is expecting you to be someone you're not - overnight. You're the mother of a baby, essentially a widow and all of this just got dumped on your head. You're doing the best you can. One day at a time." She said as gently as possible. "And I will do whatever you need me to do. I promise."
@Astra Korraay
Astra Korraay — 07/10/2021
Astra smiled shaking her head. " I think you are missing something." She said with a smile. It was almost funny." Tesara we are both jedi that will not change but I need your help I am unable to see the path ahead as clearly as a use to. Before all this, all I wanted was to be a jedi. But now I just want my father to be proud and to prove I do deserve to be his daughter. That his belief in me was not misplaced." She said finally putting a voice to her wishes.
@Tesara Anerin
Tesara Anerin — 07/10/2021
Tesara nodded. "That does help narrow down what you want. What exactly do you think Lord Sorreno be proud of you for doing? Give me some examples."
Astra Korraay — 07/10/2021
She shook her head. " not hiding that's for sure, I failed to protect him and Sol I failed to do anything to stop them from hurting my mother and brother. Though was quite pregnant at the time there was not much I could do. Let me just tell you now being pregnant is not fun at all. I love Roza and don't regret having her but I don't know how my mother did it at 12 years old" she said having distracted herself on gone off-topic.
She took a deep breath. " im sorry I distract myself. I used to be better at not doing that." She smiled. " I think he knows I would be a good Jedi but I also think he may have expected me to take his place as head of the sereno family. I'm not sure it's just one of our last conversations that lead me to believe that. He loved me. I know he did. He was warm and kind. He was also really hard on me and never once gave a state answer. Oddly enough when we found out I was pregnant he seemed happy. I was convinced he was going to kill Sol and me" she burst into giggles. " it's hard to tell what he was thinking or what would make him proud, though he would definitely not approve of all my feet dragging and indecisiveness," she said.
@Tesara Anerin
Tesara Anerin — 07/10/2021
"OK, so we have established that he would want you to be more assertive and decisive. Got it. He was hard on you because he wanted you to succeed, but he also adored you and wanted you to be happy. Do you think for a split second that he would blame you, while you were in a state of end term pregnancy, for not being able to stop a bombing you had no clue was coming? And to stop the Sorreno's from taking your mother while you were in deep hiding?" Tesara smiled a little, there was a hint of amusement in it. "Did he think you could read minds and fly? Or have the ability to move forwards and backwards in time, correcting bad things?" Her smile widened a little. "If he did, that was a bit rude of him."
@Astra Korraay
Astra Korraay — 07/10/2021
Astra giggled shaking her head. " No and we had only just found out about the baby at the time of the booming but I can see into the future I should have seen it coming or tried to I could have wornd them. As for my mother and brother, I am a Jedi we should not hide but I did what my mother asked without question. I don't think he would have blamed me for all of that especially when my visions at the time were separate and happened even when I was not reaching out to the force." She said quietly. Then smiled catching the humor in Tesaras stament.
" are we sure your not a jedi knight yet... Like you are way ahead of me in turms of wisdom and maturity. I thought we were close to the same age." She giggled shaking her head. " talking to you sometimes is like talking to a Jedi Master. Your the best you know that Tesara. Please don't ever change because you are amazing " she said with a grin. The car continued to drive and the summer Palace became visible over the traffic.
@Tesara Anerin
Tesara Anerin — 07/10/2021
Tesara grinned and pulled her friend into a quick, but warm hug then sat back. "I'm only 19. I sound like a Jedi master because I took everything that D--" she paused then continued, "My master told me to heart. I was so very lucky in that my life on Lanus was so peaceful before I was left to die and he found me. It was a rare gift that he and I had such a long time together with hardly any outside forces pulling me this way and that. It was only he and I. When we left and came here...that is when things became more chaotic and complicated. Also, I do no have the distraction of a cute boy making googly eyes at me." She grinned a little. "Not sure what I would do if anyone looked at me the way he looks at you. Probably blush from my toes to the top of my head and run away." She laughs.
@Astra Korraay
Astra Korraay — 07/10/2021
Astra turned her head sideways " Left to die? What who would do that to you" she said shock running across her face.
Astra giggled " at least he likes me for how I am and not what I am" she said giggling. " but severely why we're your left to die and who's ass should I kick for doing something so horrible." Astra said. That last statement was meant to be protective. She absolutely adored Tesara is would do anything to protect her. She had already lost one sister she was determined not to lose another one.
@Tesara Anerin
Tesara Anerin — 07/10/2021
Tesara waves her hand dismissively. "Oh it was a long time ago. The Yilsaani of my village was training me to replace him, and he believed a demon in the jungle was poisoning our river, and the only way to appease the demon was to sacrifice me to it. So he brought me out into the jungle and left me there." She snorts a little. "No way was I just going to sit there waiting for some kind of demon to come eat me! I got up and started walking. My soon to be master found me near dying of dehydration. Come to find out, he was the demon the Yilsaani believed was causing the river to be poisoned. His crashed ship was leaking fluid into the river and he didn't realize it. He fixed it and we returned to the village. With me. Not dead." She sounds slightly bitter. "But that's over and done with now. The Yilsaani himself ended up dying to protect the village from pirates. Master and I left on one of the pirate's ships we took and that was that."
@Astra Korraay
Astra Korraay — 07/10/2021
She looked at Tesara a confused expression on her face. " A demon? Human sacrifice?" She said as if her brain had exploded. She pulled Tesara into a hug. " You poor thing, how could anyone even think of doing something to horrible" she said she held Tesara tightly for a moment then let her go. " are you sure your ok? I'm so sorry that happened to you. I can't believe your own people would do that" she said gently. She was very consumed by this.
@Tesara Anerin
Tesara Anerin — 07/10/2021
Tesara smiled at the hug and hugged her back. "Really, it was a long time ago. I was probably 14 years old. It was just a thing that he believed. It's really okay. I survived. I'm right here with you and not in danger of silly beliefs anymore."
@Astra Korraay
Astra Korraay — 07/10/2021
Astra looked at her. " 14 you were a child," she said even more horrified. " im sorry something like that is so horrible, and ushered of here" she said.
@Tesara Anerin
Tesara Anerin — 07/10/2021
Tesara smiled. "That's so sweet of you. It was awful at the time, but the Force led me away from that path so I could learn to be a Jedi. If that had not happened, I would be either dead or the village Yilsaani and not here with you."
@Astra Korraay
Astra Korraay — 07/10/2021
She smiled " well im glad you are here" she said with a grin.
Tesara Anerin — 07/10/2021
They were pulling up to the palace. "I am too." She grins and opens the door when the speeder comes to a stop. She gets out and waits for Astra to join her so they can go back inside.
@Astra Korraay
Astra Korraay — 07/10/2021
Astra gets out and follows her back inside. " we should take roza to the beach sometime" she said with a smile.
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