Princess Astra Korraay — 02/13/2022
After seeing Tesara and Hadaza Astra gose looking for Durro. She is unsettled worried about Hadaza and is still a bit off-balanced with having just because a Jedi knight. So she seeks the comfort of Durro's company. " Master?" She calls. On hand held the braid she totally forgot to remove.
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/13/2022
(((Does she hide her braid?)))
A low rumble eminates from Durro's quarters. It stops as she approaches, his voice muffled through the closed door.
"Come in, Astra."
@Princess Astra Korraay
Princess Astra Korraay — 02/13/2022
((( no she has totally forgotten it's not supposed to be there anymore )))
" Master are you ok" as she steps into the room. Apparently Hadaza is not the only one who is having a ruff time. " Master?" She said. Worryed.
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/13/2022
Durro sits on his bunk in a meditation position, eyes closed. A Jedi holocron sits on the bedside table.
"I'm fine, why do you ask?"
@Princess Astra Korraay
Princess Astra Korraay — 02/13/2022
" oh the noise coming from. Your room" she said with a smile. She shook her head her codurn disappearing. " how has your morning been" she asked.
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/13/2022
"Just music, that's all." He gestures to the holocron on his table.
"My morning has been quiet." He says with a smile. "So far, anyway. What about yours?"
@Princess Astra Korraay
Princess Astra Korraay — 02/13/2022
" It's been ok. You have an interesting choice of music. I went to see Hadaza im I worried about her Tesara is with her now though so not much to worry about now. Im sure tesara can handle what ever is bothering her. " She said. She sat on the floor in front of Durros need so she was across from him. Bearing his poster and closing her own eyes.
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/13/2022
"I've not seen Hadaza since your Knighting and I haven't spoken with her since we returned, so I can't say what's bothering her."
"As for the music; it's a song I liked when I was a Padawan. It's on the holocron I was given when on my Mountain quest on Baklid; which makes it thousands of years older than the song I knew, but they are virtually identical."
"Speaking of holocrons; you've recently acquired one I understand."
@Princess Astra Korraay
Princess Astra Korraay — 02/13/2022
" That Holocene is put away master and is not safe for either of us to mess with. Besides it belongs to Ashanti, I never thought you know what was wrong with her I was simply answering your question," she said with a slight smile. A sith Holocron was dangerous and Astra was not about to risk anyone getting to it who was not ready to handle such a thing in particular Hadaza. There was also the fact that it belonged to Ashinti.
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/13/2022
"It belongs to Ashanti, does it?" Durro asks evenly, no trace of humor or levity in his voice. "Does she, or for that matter do you, trust a gift from a location designed to trick us? To entrap us by promising what we most desire?"
"Do you know what the Order I came from did with Sith Holocrons? Locked them away, only Jedi Masters could access them and even then only with good reason. I would wager both Orders here treat them with similar respect. Lacking any such structure between us, I must request that I hold onto the holocron. Neither you or Ashanti should be subjected to whatever dark teachings lie within: I will ensure it's safe and that nobody else can access it."
@Princess Astra Korraay
Princess Astra Korraay — 02/13/2022
Astra shook her head. " Master I can't do that. I don't understand why Ashanti needs to investigate it but I trust her. If you wish to speak to her about it you can. I don't think Ashanti is striking me she would not do anything to harm me well there was the incident in the labyrinth where she was briefly lost to the dark side but still. Ashanti is who she is and she needs answers," Astra said gently. Desperately hoping Durro understood.
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/13/2022
"Then let me speak with her." Durro says. "I can go to her, or she can come to me. Your choice."
@Princess Astra Korraay
Princess Astra Korraay — 02/13/2022
"Which ever you prefer master," she said glad he was at least going to speak to Ashanti and get a full understanding of the situation.
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/13/2022
Durro, has has yet to open his eyes, reaches out and attempts to connect with Astra's mind.
((Assuming she lets him
)
He finds himself in the Sith Village, looking around at the people walking around, going about their daily lives.
"Ashanti?" He says normally, approaching her home. "Ashanti, I'd like to speak with you."
@Princess Astra Korraay
@TheTraveler
Princess Astra Korraay — 02/13/2022
Astra let's him and gives Durro no trouble. " She may be with adoh still" Astra said from beside him.
@Durro Thel-Tanis
TheTraveler — 02/13/2022
Ashanti moved from the house, "you know, I thought I wouldn't have to entrain another Jedi for a while." Her smirk was more than enough to tell she was joking. Though Durro could sense the powerful guilt filled emotions buried deep behind that smirk.
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/13/2022
"I'm pleased to see you survived our last field trip." Durro says with a genuine smile. "May I come in, or would you rather talk outside?"
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 02/13/2022
She waved her hand and the village and the illusions of people all vanished, "I had no hand in that. As for what happened," she frowned. "I can't take back what happened."
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/13/2022
"I don't expect you to." Durro says. "Everyone learned a great deal; we take those lessons and we move on. Which brings me to the main purpose of my visit."
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 02/13/2022
She rolls her eyes, "figures..." there was a hint of surrender in her voice, "get it over with, Jedi..." here was disdain in her voice, and a strange sense of acceptance. To Durro's surprise, even a hint of relief.
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/13/2022
"It sounds like you knew I'd come asking for the Sith Holocron you recovered. Well you're right, but there's more to it than that. Astra says it's yours, and that you want to study it. I'm here to listen to your reasons, but you must understand that what you want to play with is dangerous. My order locked away such things so that only Masters had access and even then had to justify studying them. I'm sure the Orders in this universe do the same or similar. So what's so important to learn that can only be found in this holocron?"
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 02/13/2022
There was a hint of surprise in her eyes, as if death its self had suddenly walked away from their mists. It took her a moment to realize the surprising change in the conversation. Still her face attempted to hide the surprise and failed. It was a strong tell to Ashanti's lack of ability to deceive.|
She took a step back and frowned, "I can't tell you, because I don't know. I just know its important."
She crossed her arms as she turned her back on him. "Do you remember what I told you about the Professor and my dreams before I could dream?"
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/13/2022
"Yes, I do." Durro answers simply.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 02/13/2022
She pulled her arms tightly around her torso, "I know that what is in that holocron is important to that dream." She paused a moment before continuing. "You can never understand. You were born, you had a life time to figure out who you are. I just became. I know, I can feel it. My answers are there in that thing."
She paused for a long moment, "But it wasn't what that place offered. All I had to do for it, was to want it bad enough."
She closed her eyes and looked up to the sky, "I never was so close to freedom than that moment. That moment where I could taste it. But I couldn't kill her for it. I spent my whole existence protecting Astra, I couldn't kill her, if even for my deepest desire."
"That holocron is the only thing I have, and it holds answers for me," she said as she turned to him. Forcing her arms to her side in an impressive show of will, "I don't care if you take it away. I will find a way to get it back. I have to know."
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/13/2022
"How do you intend to study it without a body?" Durro asks, raising an eyebrow. "It didn't sound like Astra wanted anything to do with it, not to mention your memories and experiences are separate now. Assuming I understand this correctly."
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 02/13/2022
Ashanti frowned deeply, "Astra and I have worked out an agreement regarding how we will do this."
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/13/2022
"Are you sworn to secrecy?" Durro asks. "I feel like I'm dealing with two conspiratorial sisters."
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 02/13/2022
She let out a smug huff, "it was agreed that you would be allowed to know as well as Saba." She grinned as if it was time for her own surprise, "you both will be there to watch and ensure that I am not consumed by what is within it."
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/13/2022
"Allowed?" Durro asks, again raising an eyebrow. "Just who do you and Astra think is in charge around here?"
He holds up a hand and takes a deep breath.
"Look, I came in here with an open mind. I'm willing to trust you; to let you look and try to find whatever you sense is in there for you. I have one condition and one request."
He holds up a finger.
"Condition: I have the holocron when you're not using it. Both to keep it safe and because as Astra's master and in a way yours, I would like to know what you're studying. Knowledge isn't forbidden, and shouldn't be, but we all need accountability."
He holds up a second finger.
"My request is that you consider this: That holocron came from a place of deception, and a Dark Lord who would tell you whatever you want to hear in order to entice you to stay, forever. Use some discernment, and don't take everything at face value."
He lowers his hand and waits.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 02/13/2022
Ashanti listened with a plain face, but once more her in ability to mask her emotions or intentions showed through. She didn't like the tone being struck. But she kept her tongue.
Ashanti's smile was both in pure defiance as well as mockery, "no one is my master," she said plainly as a matter of fact.
She took a deep breath, "you will not take that which is mine, unless you wish to take it by force." Her tone reflected her honesty and her sense of intention to defend that which was hers. "That said, I will share with you all that I learn. But you must do so within the agreement that Astra and I have already struck."
She thought for a moment, "you are right about the Dark Lord who tempted me to nearly killing Astra. The dangers are very real."
She taught carefully for a moment, "As I said, when I study from it, you can be there."
She frowned, "trust is a two way street, Durro. I want your word to respect that which is mine and do not steel from me while I sleep."
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/13/2022
"If trust is a two-way street; then why am I the one doing all the trusting?" Durro asks. "At least let me take and study it when you're not. I'd feel better knowing where it is, and the security measures around it; after all, there's more people on this ship to consider than just you, me, and Astra. I acknowledge it's 'yours' and that you can study it all you like, but if I'm trusting you to do that and trust is a two-way street; then you should trust me to return it when requested and to keep it safe in the meantime."
"It shouldn't be a difficult arrangement; if I'm there when you study I'll just bring it and take it with me."
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 02/13/2022
Ashanti narrowed her eyes, "you know because I am trusting you not to deny me. Astra wanted me to trust you and not keep this a secret from you."
She tilted her head, "or is that not a show of trust in the first place?"
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/13/2022
"It's a start." Durro acknowledges. "The Art of Negotiation is that there's some give and take. You want everything you've already decided with Astra, without thought or consideration of what others on this ship, on this crew, might think or be comfortable with. I've made what I feel are some reasonable requests that you won't even consider, and those are already a concession; an attempt to meet you halfway they are not what would make me happy or comfortable. If you're not willing to trust my judgement, than I'm not sure I trust your maturity in handling the contents of that holocron. If you want a contest of martial prowess to prove you should have it, then be my guest; name the time and the place."
"Or, alternatively, we can meet each other halfway and both get some of what we want while leaving some of what we want on the table."
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 02/13/2022
Crossing her arms across her chest, unlike before her arms were loose and her elbows pointed outward, "first and foremost, the others on this ship have no consequence of this. They set ideally by while murder was conducted on the innocent." She looked around in an over exaggerated way, "I don't see the murderer here. I suppose he was too busy to face those who he wronged," she said with sneer in her voice.
She brought her eyes back to Durro and brought her voice back to normal, "and you are correct, it is give or take. You presented an offer and I countered with an offer." Her smile slowly transformed in to a grin, "sounds to me like you are the one unwilling to consider the counter offer."
Moving her hands to her hips and stepping forward, "and when I do beat you, Jedi, will you accept my counter offer to your terms?" Once more, her intentions were on her sleeve for him to see. "If you win, I will accept your terms."
She reached out a hand, "or we can find terms that we both can settle with."
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/13/2022
"You countered with the same offer; that's not how negotiation works." Durro points out. "Though what do I expect from someone who's only negotiated with her lightsaber."
"The offer currently is; you study it when you like, and I have it when you're not using it. I acknowledge it's yours and must respect when you want it, but you let me keep it safe when you're not around. Neither of us like it, but we both get some of what we want."
"Or, we can settle this in the cargo bay. A non-lethal lightsaber duel; in accordance with tradition. Rule of Arms, which I believe is your preferred style."
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 02/13/2022
She couldn't help but laugh, "no, though spoken like a real Jedi." She moved forward in a seductive way, and Durro couldn't help but draw a comparison to the only woman that ever shook his resolve. Ashanti was no Sinya, for which he was grateful, and her feedable attempt only proved her lack of experience in such areas.
She placed a hand on his cheek, "I countered with, I will share with you all that I learn. And you can be there as I study from it. Though I will maintain ownership and passion of what is mine."
(OOC: okay, I couldn't help it @Durro Thel-Tanis It really seemed fitting here after your daddy statement earlier lol)
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/13/2022
"What makes it yours, other than claiming it by beating Astra?" Durro asks with slight smile. "Is it because it's Sith? Or is there more to it than that?"
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 02/13/2022
She took a step back and tilted her head in pure confusion. The sudden change in his tone and mannerism seemed to through her off. Once more, her lack of experience in social interactions throwing her off guard. It took her a moment to regain her train of thought, "its more than that."
She pulled her arms tightly across her chest once more, "killing Astra had nothing to do with it. It was the only thing that was really there, but wasn't. The trap was for me to kill Astra, this much I know now. The promise of freedom was only another illusion. But this wasn't part of it," she tried to explain.
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/13/2022
"So this holocron was not part of the trap of Labyrinth? If simple possession is not what makes it yours than what does?"
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 02/13/2022
She pulled her arms closer around her, her fingers digging in to her own elbows to such a point that Durro could see small tracks of blood, "I don't you, I can't explain it. But I know it was meant for me."
Once more she turned her back on him, "like it was there for me. The other holocron was nothing more than an illusion, just like everything else."
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/13/2022
"Very well, I'll accept your counter offer." Durro says evenly, his hands held in front of him inside the opposite sleeves. "Saba and I will both be there as you study, and you will keep me informed of all that you learn. You can retain possession of the holocron as long as it's secured: find a lockbox or something only those you and Astra allow can open."
His points a finger at Ashanti and his voice takes a firmer but not unkind tone.
"Know this though; if you break any part of this agreement, if I find or even suspect you're not being totally honest with me, I will take possession of the Holocron. Even if I have to go through you to do it."
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 02/13/2022
She nods but doesn't turn back to him, "If for whatever reason, I am being dishonest with you, then you better do more than just take it." There was a sense dread to her voice. "No one understands the risks more than me. Remember you were born to a body. All I have, is this existence. If I loose this, than Astra will not be safe from what ever I become."
She let out a long sigh, "Saba and I had a long talk about this. And it terrifies me," for the first time, Durro heard a tremble in her voice.
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/13/2022
"Good. It should." Durro says in the same firm tone. "Matters governed by a Sith Holocron shouldn't be taken lightly."
His tone softens, back to its normal, even sound.
"We do care about you, Ashanti. If we didn't we wouldn't have administered the antidote, and I wouldn't be here trying to talk to you instead of just doing what I feel is best. I don't claim to understand yours or the other's situations or even what you are, but I recognize you're all individuals and I care about you the same as any other member of our crew. Whether you have your own physical existence or not. Keep that in mind, and please ask for help if you need it. Astra and I care about you, and are here to support you. If you need to talk to someone about what you find, I'm here and I'll just listen, without judgement, if that's what you need."
"Speaking of which, how is Ar'alani? Has the antidote helped her?"
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 02/13/2022
He couldn't see her tears, "I know you do. Astra," her voice broke slightly and she closed her eyes. More in embarrassment then anger, but it was there too. "I love her like, the others." Though Durro could detect the truth she was withholding. Not about Astra, that much was true, but she holds one higher than the others. "Why do you think I even allow you here. I never once thought that the murderer would dare to show his face here. He only proved what I already knew in my heart." She hated feeling like this, but she didn't understand how to control it.
Her voice broke once more, "she still grows weaker and I don't know why." Her voice trailed off. He couldn't see the blood her fingernails were causing on her arms as she dug them deeper in to her flesh. The sleeves of her cloak further concealing her pain and guilt.
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/13/2022
"I'm sorry." Durro says softly. "I'll see what I can find out."
"It's hard to bear such burdens alone." He adds. "I know this better than most. It helps immensely to have someone to talk to, and I'm afraid I'm not up to the task. I'm sure you know how much Tesara means to Astra. I'm also sure she'd be more than happy to listen if you need someone to unburden to." He smiles slightly. "She's a knack for this sort of thing that I lack, though I'd do my best if you so desired. Please, just don't try to bear this burden alone. Take from someone with personal experience; it never ends well."
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 02/13/2022
Ashanti spun on him with rage and pain in her eyes as she pointed a blood soaked finger at him, "NO" she snapped. "She stood by and allowed this to happen to her! I will never forgive them," her voice filled with anger, and Durro could also sense her pain. So much pain, that it moved him. "You alone tried to understand, you alone cared enough to listen to us," she added. "I will never trust them, never forgive them for what they did to her..." she quickly corrected herself but it was too late, she uttered the word, "them..."
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/14/2022
"I'm sorry." Durro says calmly. "I can see you have strong feelings about what's happened."
"I understand the reaction to what's been done, it's natural. But you're no longer merely a representation of Astra's fear and rage, you're your own person with a full range of emotions. The fear, rage, and hatred will consume you if you let them. Do you think that I'd what... 'they' want for you?'
'I don't care who you talk to; me, Saba, or anyone else. Share the burden, before you lose yourself."
He turns to leave.
"Let me know when you want to start studying the holocron."
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 02/14/2022
Ashanti pulls her arms in and watches him turn to leave. She frowned, but not from anger or sadness. She looked at Durro with a mix of confusion and disappointment. Mostly in herself.
"You know, some of your lessons in blade work fall flate," she said trying to be light hearted and felt her attempt fail. Her emotions were to much out of control to present a solid front.
"Jedi are not trained as warriors despite their reputations," she drew in a deep breath. Then gave herself a nod, "you want to train with a real warrior, just ask."
Her lips smiled, but Durro saw something else. Her words were of the truth, and her eyes didn't hide her pain. "I won't take it easy on you."
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/14/2022
"I might just take you up on that." Durro says with a grin. "Until then."
He nods and breaks the mental link.
@TheTraveler
@Princess Astra Korraay
Princess Astra Korraay — 02/14/2022
Durro finds Astra waghting for him to come back. Though this time she had found his data pad and drawn a poster on it. She will hold it out for him to take. " I got board so I drew something for you. So what's the plan?" She asks and hands his data pad back to him.
@Durro Thel-Tanis
((Here was he has now))
Image
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/14/2022
Durro takes the datapad and smiles. Then he sighs and stands up to stretch.
"The plan now is to wait. Ashanti told me that you two had agreed that Saba and I would be present when she studies the holocron; so I'm holding you both to that. She's also going to share with me what she learns. I don't like it; were it up to me I'd take the Holocron and lock it away like my Order did, but I'm trusting Future Astra and trusting Ashanti. I just hope my trust isn't misplaced."
@Princess Astra Korraay
Princess Astra Korraay — 02/14/2022
" Future Astra, you know you sound crazy right" she said. She turns her head sidwas "there was more to that vision then you cared to tell me" she said a slight smile. The question was serous but her town was gental not accusing or agitated.
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/14/2022
"I told you everything that was relevant." Durro says a voice gruffer than he intended. "I'm trusting you trusting Ashanti. I just hope I don't regret this."
"Though Ashanti did diss my lightsaber skills before offering to let me train 'with a real warrior'. I'm not sure what to make of that, honestly. Of the two of us; which one has fought in an actual war? Oh that's right; me. 'A real warrior...' Still, it couldn't hurt to spar with someone other than you and training droids."
"Actually, it probably will hurt."
@Princess Astra Korraay
Princess Astra Korraay — 02/14/2022
" master take a deep breath." She said. Then she reaches out to the force to try and see what Durro's emotional state is.
Image
@Durro Thel-Tanis @TheTraveler
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/14/2022
(((Against DC 18 (10+Astra's Force-User Levels).)))
Image
"I am calm. I just get the sense that Ashanti thinks she's in charge; she's not used to being told 'No'. I'm only trusting her because of my vision-experience; had that not happened I would have put my foot down. My instincts tell me this is a bad idea."
@Princess Astra Korraay
Princess Astra Korraay — 02/14/2022
Astra gives him a questioning look. " your, not the only one worried about that. Though I suspect that's not the only thing bothering you master. " she said. She stood up started to nervously play with her hair. " the way you spoke to me just now it's not usual for you what is bothering you" finally looked right at him. Something in the look on her face said she was not dropping it. There was clear concern behind her eyes.
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/14/2022
"Nothing is bothering me." Durro says calmly. "I was still a little aggravated with Ashanti's attitude. She's just as stubborn as you are, but angrier. Which makes sense, but talking to her is like talking to a binary droid."
"Oh, you can take out your Padawan Braid. Normally the knighting master cuts it off after doing the shoulder movements; I thought you had stopped wearing it since we're not advertising that we're Jedi."
@Princess Astra Korraay
Princess Astra Korraay — 02/14/2022
" Master Ashinti is really good at getting under peoples skin. I feel like it's a defensive mechanism of sorts. Though I do find it hard to believe Ashinti can get you so Aggravated on her own." she said gently.
Aastra blinked " oh right I totally forgot iv worn it for so long. Waght cut it. Seriously like eeew burnt hair smell. I'm kinda glad you did not see it when you knighted me now. I never took the braid out just left it hidden. It's a part of who we are" she said taking the braid out.
" so you want talk about your feelings or would a sparing match be better for you?" She asked. She watched him carefully.
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/14/2022
Durro smiles at her.
"That's what I mean, the stubbornness. If you want to get your chrono cleaned again, I'm all for it. I have some research and reading I'd like to finish first. Perhaps this afternoon?"
@Princess Astra Korraay
Princess Astra Korraay — 02/14/2022
Astra shook her head. " you have no idea." She retorted with a mischievous grin.
" What Research can I help" She asked.
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/14/2022
"I don't think so; I'm working with Handyman to learn all we can about the Swarm weapon tubes we brought aboard. I'm 'attuned' to one of them, so I'm seeing what we can learn. You should brush up on your velocities if you hope to finally beat me in a lightsaber duel."
He gives her a roguish grin and moves to leave the room.
"I'll see you this afternoon in the cargo bay."
@Princess Astra Korraay
Princess Astra Korraay — 02/14/2022
Astra shakes her head. " I don't think playing with those things is wise Master." She calls leaving the room after him and heading to the Traing course to practice.
@Durro Thel-Tanis
((End))
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/14/2022
/end
