Faction 30 Years of Running, 30 Years of Searching (Weik Reformation)[Ask to join]

[Kaleleon]

W E I K
Vossport
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The Nightsinger landed down just outside the city. The "Spaceport" that they had was barely functional by modern standards. Even after years of not being home, I came for a reason. The Jedi and the work associated was work as it was. Normal. Yet all of the trials I am going through, all of this in which I was fighting for, was just another stepping stone that I had to do before I could be a "Jedi Knight" once more. I wanted a break. I wanted to go home. See my family and to just do something else for a time. Yet, the planet was still no where near the level of technological power that other simple "farming" planets had. Weik has never been a power house of an economy. Trading was the main value of things upon the world. Credits were rare, so to have them at all was to be considered rich. However, it was still home. Walking down the ramp of the landing pad, The Charhound following me like a shadow, The man who stood before me looked up. His face brightening.

"Kale? Holy- what the hell are you doing here? I thought you left to become a Jedi?"
"I am."
"Its good to see you! Come here."

Leaning into it, I hugged the man. Aros and I grew up together. Both aspiring to become Paladins as children, with me being the only one who was able to do so. They hadn't accepted him for some reason. Even he doesn't know. Yet now, he worked here in Vossport to ferry in whatever ships they had. The small number of them he had to deal with. His hug was like the people accepting me back. It felt good. Not having hugged someone in a long while.

"Aros, its been forever."
"Years, but here you are."
"Yeah, just visiting I think."
"Well, I know your mother will be excited."
"Why is that?"
"Lets just say, she needs help that a Jedi can offer."
"Well, then mind taking care of my ship?"
"Always man. Also, it looks slick man. What is it?"
"Custom Interceptor. Name's Nightsinger."
"Oooo, I can't promise not to take it for a ride, but it will be safe."
"All yours."

A handshake was shared between us before I walked to the shuttle that would be leading me to the main central hub of Vossport. It had grown quite a bit, but the original foundation of the city stood in its center. In which I was going to a meeting with my mother now I guess

The Leader of the Paladins of the Adamite Tower.


OOC: This thread can have Jedi/Adjacent, Mandalorians, or other "Good" people join the thread if they so wish to interact with Kale, or the people of Weik. Please ask to join via DM or on Discord.

 

[Kyric]

Standing aboard a completely separate shuttle from that of Kaleleon , Kyric Karis and Sol Dara stared out at sprawling green fields tended to by devout workers. The kiffar couldn't imagine the myriad flora that called Weik home. Years at his father's table meant eating a mostly vegetarian diet growing up, so the boy had something of a refined pallet for those kinds of things.

Tearing his eyes away from the fields, he couldn't help but notice the old speeders rolling up and down cobbled roads, delivering goods like an old-fashioned courier system. The rustic allure of the planet and its people brought a smile to Kyric's face. Weik would prove ripe with opportunity for the young Jedi, that he was certain. But such things could wait. The more experienced of the pair shifted his attention from the fields to his companion, Sol.

Looking at her was like seeing her for the first time, every time. Kyric couldn't be sure what about the mirialan perplexed him. Maybe it was the subtle way she gently squeezed the hem of her robe when left to her thoughts. Sol could be poised, the perfect example of a Jedi Padawan in one instance. Other times Kyric couldn't be sure if she had a day of training in her life.

"Man..." Kyric feigned a groan. "I can't believe we were so unlucky to be sent all the way out here to this beautiful planet!" He gently nudged Sol with his elbow. "I don't know a lot about Weik personally, but I know a lot about the guy we're going to talk to."

Kyric fished a tiny holodevice from his jacket pocket and held it aloft for her. A flick of his thumb sent a swirling mass of blue light through the air. It took the shape of a Jedi somewhere north of twenty-five, with short, shaggy orange hair, and a splash of freckles across his handsome features.

"This right here is Kale, the most accomplished padawan in the history of the Jedi Order," Kyric introduced the man with a wide grin. "At least, that's what my old man used to tell me." The image shifted from a bust of their soon-to-be host to a freeze-frame of Kale bursting through a line of Sith-Imperial troopers with a massive shield on one arm.

"Trained by Jedi Master Romi Jade , Kale's been an active part in this fight for as long as either of us has been alive." Kyric slipped the device away. "I'm not lyin' when I say convincin' him to stand with us would be a boon we could not ignore. He's the down-on-his-luck type, but don't believe it for a second, Sol."

Kyric spoke with the conviction of a man about to witness history firsthand.

Their shuttle slowed as it began its descent from the low-hanging sky lanes. The doors automatically slid open and the ramps descended once the ship made contact with the dirt. Civilians strolled out in groups of three and four, discussing mundane things like the harvest, or the matters of who would propose to who during the Starfall Festival. It was all adorable, really, so Kyric absorbed the overabundant positivity all around them and basked in its warmth.

"Ahh! I'm so excited we got out here!"

 

[Sol Dara]

Weik was certainly interesting. It was always nice to see a place teeming with more flora and vegetation and less skyscrapers and durasteel.

Sol didn't mind a bustling city, nearly limitless in potential for the people you may find or the products produced. But in comparison, Weik was far simpler. Less overall background noise. A focus on agriculture. With mountains that were one hundred percent visible. Comparing a place like Weik to Coruscant was comparing night to day.

It felt more homely here. Serene. Not just because there was far less technology that made much less noise, or its population count. Something more that had the young woman taking in all that she could see. Maybe the padawan romanticized a simple life, disconnected from the galaxy's greater problems. Maybe it was the force nexus.

"Man..." Kyric feigned a groan. "I can't believe we were so unlucky to be sent all the way out here to this beautiful planet!" He gently nudged Sol with his elbow. "I don't know a lot about Weik personally, but I know a lot about the guy we're going to talk to."

Sol glanced at Kyric as he nudged her. She raised a brow and smiled as she turned to face him. Watching as the kiffar produced the holodevice, the padawan held off on giving a quick lesson on Weik. Unlike Kyric, Sol didn't know much about the man they were looking for. She liked to be well-studied but there were too many influential people, past and present, to commit everyone to memory. Let alone in a timely fashion.

The device sprung to life with blue light, revealing the image of the Jedi they were here for.

"This right here is Kale, the most accomplished padawan in the history of the Jedi Order," Kyric introduced the man with a wide grin. "At least, that's what my old man used to tell me." The image shifted from a bust of their soon-to-be host to a freeze-frame of Kale bursting through a line of Sith-Imperial troopers with a massive shield on one arm.

A soft, "Ooo," left Sol, half out of intrigue, half to show Kyric she was following along.

"Trained by Jedi Master Romi Jade, Kale's been an active part in this fight for as long as either of us has been alive." Kyric slipped the device away. "I'm not lyin' when I say convincin' him to stand with us would be a boon we could not ignore. He's the down-on-his-luck type, but don't believe it for a second, Sol." Kyric spoke with the conviction of a man about to witness history firsthand.

Sol wondered exactly what Kyric meant when he said, 'down-on-his-luck type'. Taking the words at face value, Weik seemed like a good home for someone who felt that way. It was far from the more civilized parts of the galaxy and a great place to lay low if need be.

"Since you know more about him, I'll follow your lead," nodded Sol.

As she felt the shuttle slow, the mirialan raised her arms above her head. Tight, black sleeves barely moved a fraction of an inch under the much more loose top layer of robes as the girl stretched. She stayed only a foot away from the kiffar as the doors opened and the pair descended from the shuttle.

"Ahh! I'm so excited we got out here!"

"It's a nice change of pace." The young woman's eyes went one from one group of people to the next as the two walked, stopping where they wouldn't be blocking the flow of foot traffic. No talk of gargantuan threats, planetary annihilation, Dark Lords or an incoming invasion. Instead, a man wasn't sure if he had enough seed. Another was happy to be on his way home to his wife. Another misplaced a particular tool. Just life. The little things.

"This would be quite the place to retire." Blue eyes never stayed focused on one thing for too long as the mirialan took everything in. She loosely folded her arms and shifted her weight to one hip. After a moment of silence, Sol's gaze fell to Kyric. "I know we've only touched ground, but it feels so nice here. Their complaints pale in comparison to the woes of some parts of the galaxy. I'm envious," Sol spoke with a soft smile, then faced the crowds again before grinning. "Almost jealous." After a pause, the grin faded into a faint smile. "But my path has been chosen."

----------
Kaleleon | Kyric​

 

[Kaleleon]

Walking through the port and into the city, It was home to me. Changed, and different now that I had been off galivanting across the galaxy in servitude of the Jedi Order, but it was still home. Trees, grass, plants and animals so much different from that of Tython or Coruscant. It was good to be back home. Even with familiar faces that I had not seen in literal years. So many people going about their day with older vehicles, and even beasts of burden pulling carts of crops and trading value held within. I held this notion that I was here to help my mother. To go see her so that she could tell me of what ailment that had befallen her and the Paladins.

While their home was among the forests far from here, a singular tower that was actually the bridge of an old downed republic battleship from years and years ago. The ship was beneath the surface of the earth, but its command tower, was the only part that was held above the land that so looked out to the world. For now, many Paladins, with their number increasing quite a bit in my absence, were among the people here of Vossport. Passing a couple of them as I came to the building in which was used for all commerce within the city.

However, before I walked in, there was a pull. Something was here. Someone was here. It felt familiar but different. Turning around, I looked but found no one. Instead, elected to just stand here. Waiting for whomever this was, or until the de-factor leadership of the Paladins would produce herself from the meeting she was in.

Reaching down to the holowrist link, I started to get notifications that my ship was flying at quite a speed. Chuckling lightly as I knew that Aros was taking it for a ride. My attention was pulled again as the Charhound laid down directly at my feet. Seemingly just bored of what was going on. It took no effort to kneel down and just let my hand graze over the incredibly warm flesh of the creature.

"Its alright boy. I know you don't want to be here. But there are things I need to do."

His head looked up at me like he understood my words. The emberite eyes wanting not just attention, but also to just go back "home" for him and rest. Rolling my eyes, I pulled a small bag out from the pouch on my utility belt. A small sliver of bantha meat. cooked and seasoned just how the hound like it. Giving him the treat, he almost scarfed it down in one go.

"Only one for now. More later when we are done. Okay?"

Kyric Sol Dara

 

[Kyric]

"This would be quite the place to retire."

"I know we've only touched ground, but it feels so nice here. Their complaints pale in comparison to the woes of some parts of the galaxy. I'm envious,"

"Almost jealous."

"But my path has been chosen."

Kyric listened to Sol's musing silently. He couldn't say he disagreed with the sentiment of slower, quiet living. His years on the Treicolt Homestead were some of the best in the boy's short life. When he stared out at those rolling hills of green, it wasn't difficult to imagine a small patch of land sequestered away just for himself.

Did his father think something similar when he first laid eyes on the old bar?

"I'm glad you decided to stick it out with Lady Ashina. I have a feelin' I'll be relyin' on you a lot in the future, Sol. If we're seriously goin' to war, things are gonna get ugly. We'll need level heads."

They veered off one of the many thoroughfares toward the Tower. The gigantic hunk of metal looked like a blade driven into the planet from where Kyric stood, but he could sense the reverence that Weik's people felt for their protectors.

Tiny skitters could be heard coming up from behind them rather suddenly. Kyric didn't even turn as the tiny BD unit leaped onto his shoulder. The Big Chieftain chirped rapidly, complaining at great length about being left behind on the ship. The Jedi's knowing smile did little to hide his tricksy intentions.

"I figured you could use a break, lil' dude. Don't get mad at me!" Kyric's budding laughter was immediately interrupted by a pained groan as BD-8 clamped down hard on his shoulder. "Ok- okay! My bad! My bad!" He massaged his shoulder once the Chieftain skittered over to the opposite. "Well-" Again he was interrupted, this time by a lone figure spotted standing outside the Tower.

"Kaleleon!?" Kyric excitedly bapped Sol's shoulder and speed-walked over to the redheaded Paladin. "Hey there, my name's Kyric, my friend Sol and I are here to talk to you about the missive from Clan Ashina."

Kaleleon | Sol Dara ​

 

[Sol Dara]

"I'm glad you decided to stick it out with Lady Ashina. I have a feelin' I'll be relyin' on you a lot in the future, Sol. If we're seriously goin' to war, things are gonna get ugly. We'll need level heads."

Sol thought over the young man's words. She definitely wasn't as extreme as some of their allies, but she understood their feelings. "Thank you, although I'm not too sure how many of the other heads will listen to the words of a padawan. It's nice to know that you appreciate my thoughts," Sol smiled.

As they took a turn toward the Tower, Sol gave it a quick once over. It was interrupted by the sound of something coming up behind them. She turned, and her eyes followed Kyric's little droid as it honed in on it's owner, jumped onto him, and immediately let it's dissatisfaction known. The mirialan quietly giggled to herself.

"I figured you could use a break, lil' dude. Don't get mad at me!" Kyric's budding laughter was immediately interrupted by a pained groan as BD-8 clamped down hard on his shoulder. "Ok- okay! My bad! My bad!" He massaged his shoulder once the Chieftain skittered over to the opposite. "Well-" Again he was interrupted, this time by a lone figure spotted standing outside the Tower.

Well...? Looking to the Tower, Sol realized what had stopped Kyric's train of thought in the same moment the boy loudly announced the man's presence.

"Kaleleon!?" Kyric excitedly bapped Sol's shoulder and speed-walked over to the redheaded Paladin. "Hey there, my name's Kyric, my friend Sol and I are here to talk to you about the missive from Clan Ashina."

​

After a short delay, Sol followed closely behind Kyric before slowing the last five feet or so. She'd never been this close to a Charhound before, and didn't want to scare or surprise the animal if Kyric's sudden appearance didn't already. Sol came to a silent stop next to the boy, and offered Kaleleon a brief bow of her head in greeting. Then, a simple and soft, "Hello." The padawan then fixed her posture, blue eyes glancing between the hound and the man before settling on the latter.

Kaleleon | Kyric​

 

[Kaleleon]

I was not wrong in thinking that there was something else for me here. I had not been really paying attention to anyone else when I heard my name being yelled out from across a bit of a distance. Walking up was a human male, and a Mirialan female. The girl bowed with quite a bit of respect. Which I was not expecting, but I did noticed she was warry of the Hrolf. My charhound. However, the man spoke up a bit more. Introducing themselves as Kyric and Sol. I bowed my head in return to the young woman. If she showed respect then I would do so in kind.

Apparently they came from a Clan I had never heard of. Ashina. Well, The name sounded familiar but I couldn't place it at the current time. However, what made me really interested was the man's features. It looked familiar for some reason. Unsure of why he seemed familiar, but not quite. His youth was apparent, but his eyes spoke leagues of being mature beyond what he may seem.

"Uh yeah. Not a problem."

Not sure why I said that, but I did. Turning to the woman who was introduced as Sol, I spoke gently. Trying to reassure her and indicating how the hound stayed laying on the ground, but had only raised his head.

"Don't worry about him. He looks scarier than he is."

Standing up, I removed my glove of my right hand before presenting it to the man. Offering a hand shake as I answered him.

"What is this missive you are going to provide to me? And uh.. this Clan Ashina, why are they sending you to find me?"

I had some ideas. Maybe something like wanting to join their Clan, or maybe they needed help with Jedi business. There was a part still wondering of what this would be for. Because normally it was the other way around. Me seeking out others to aid what I may have been doing. This time, I was being called on. New, but not unwanted.

Kyric Sol Dara

 

[Kyric]

Standing up, I removed my glove of my right hand before presenting it to the man. Offering a hand shake as I answered him.

"What is this missive you are going to provide to me? And uh.. this Clan Ashina, why are they sending you to find me?"

Kyric took Kale's hand and gave it a firm shake. "Oh? It didn't reach you?" He asked. "I s'ppose that's what happens when you prefer parchment and ink in a digital galaxy." He fished out one of the more generalized invitations Inosuke Ashina had hand-written in preparation for the coming meeting. The kiffar handed it to the Paladin and motioned back to Sol again.

"We're representatives of Clan Ashina. A lineage of Jedi founded on Atrisia that predates the current squabblin' goin' about in our galaxy. We were hopin' to convince you to come to a little meetin' happenin' back on Atrisia, hosted by our masters."

All of Kyric's knowledge on the Jedi of and before his father's generation came from war stories and old records. Nothing firsthand given he was merely a child for all of it, and only came to know Ryv Karis in the man's final years. The Kid didn't have a basis of rapport to go off of. Not without name-dropping his father directly, but that felt wrong. He wasn't Ryv Karis. The late Sword's reputation wasn't a tool for his son's convenience. He needed to see this through his way.

And that meant trusting in Sol.

"Sol can fill you in. She's a lot better at this talkin' stuff than I am." Kyric stated.

Kaleleon | Sol Dara ​

 

[Sol Dara]

"Don't worry about him. He looks scarier than he is."​

"Oh, I'm not scared!" Sol waved, "I've just never seen a Charhound before. I was more worried that it would be scared by us suddenly walking up to you."

Sol lowered her hand to her hip as Kaleleon and Kyric spoke. Ever patient, Sol stood quietly, eyes always on the current speaker.

We're representatives of Clan Ashina. A lineage of Jedi founded on Atrisia that predates the current squabblin' goin' about in our galaxy. We were hopin' to convince you to come to a little meetin' happenin' back on Atrisia, hosted by our masters. Sol can fill you in. She's a lot better at this talkin' stuff than I am."​

A smile tugged at the mirialan's lips. Although she knew she was a better speaker than Kyric, the compliment was still appreciated. "Thank you."

"With Tython taken and the Core in danger of completely falling into the hands of the dark, Clan Ashina seeks those who wish to take a more active approach in this ongoing war. Those who feel as though they cannot align with the New Jedi Order or the Galactic Alliance, rogue Jedi, retired Jedi. Any who wish to join are welcome."

That was Sol's primer. The young woman's hand slid off her waist. After a brief pause, she continued her small speech. Her tone shifted. A bit serious, but never losing that polite undertone. "But not without stipulation. The goal is the end of the sith, and the dark at bay. Agents of the darkside are to be cut down wherever found. Clan Ashina believes that the sith must meet their match, not a shadow of the light's former glory. You were part of that era- a hero from a time where leaders were on the front lines of battle, not abandoning their people. And so," the young woman bowed her head momentarily, "the head of Clan Ashina, Inosuke Ashina, has requested your presence at the Hirata Estate. He is inviting all like-minded Jedi to gather in hopes of reigniting a fire within the heart of the galaxy and the heart of the Jedi, to push us closer to the dawn of a new era- An era where there is finally peace."

Kaleleon | Kyric ​

 

[Kaleleon]

Kyric made some kind of an excuse for how the previous message had not reached me due to the Clan preferring physical communication. It was a fair one, but I would likely find it later. In which case, I'd keep it with me should I need it. However it was the next series of words that continued to grab my attention. Giving a short listing of the family that were within this clan, and their heritage. Having not heard of them before, It was interesting. I knew of many different sects of Light-side aligned groups. Hell, the Paladins could be considered one if one tried. Yet Kyric passed it off to Sol.

My eyes hovered on Kyric for a moment as Sol spoke. Still trying to figure out his face. But finally came to the woman's eyes as she spoke of this group, people who wanted to put the hurt on some Sith and Dark sided factions. With many reports of Tython from the Empire, The Sith Order having a State over in the heritage worlds, and even an Empire of remains from others that formed all around Mandalorian Space, it was clear, that the larger offensive of Dark siders was growing. Even among the Mandalorians, there were Sith like individuals there. So it didn't surprise me that people would stand against that.

What did get me intrigued, was why they were inviting me.

I had been part of a group of exiles who fought the Sith and the Mawites. people who sought to bring the end of the Alliance, and many others. They wanted someone who had done this before. Who knew these kinds of consequences where even one galactic power could be dangerous, so three of them were even more so.

What I did not expect at all, was being called a Hero. Bowing before me, head deeply held to show respect in a way I had not received before. Only given to others. I held out a hand and ushered her to stand up.

"I believe you and the Ashina's have the wrong image of me."

Shaking my head, I looked down to my hands. Bringing them up to my sides. The callouses and scars of battles past very clear and apparent. Even the tattoos on my arms were visible to them. I kept my head low. Even as the words dripped from empty lips.

"I am no Hero of battle. I am not some Jedi Grandmaster, nor an idol anyone should look up to. I am sorry to say, I'm just a famer who happened to be at the right place, at the wrong time. Anyone in my position would have done the same."

Arms dropped and head locking into both of their faces. Moving between the two with an intensity.

"I am sorry you came all this way for someone you have the wrong perception of. I will take the offer, but I cannot promise anything."

Breathing in deeply, I relaxed a little. They were just messengers. Not the people actually wanting such. And likely, they thought of me of some kind of Hero of the Second Great Hyperspace War. In truth, I was just a scared kid who rushed into battle with no fear of death. Now that I have something to live, not fight for, I didn't want to lose that. I had my family coming together. Friends who I had been making. Promises I had to keep and hold. Even to those who are no longer among us.

"You are asking me to potentially leave my home, and the order I returned to, to pay for consequences of my actions. Which is not something I can break so easily. I do not pride myself on being an Oath-breaker. I do what I feel is right, and right now, part of that is keeping the oaths and promises I have made. A vow of such, even asking to remove such, is a heavy price."

Kyric Sol Dara

 

[Kyric]

Kyric understood Kale's misgivings better than either he or Sol could ever know. Not long ago, the kiffar had been the unwilling victim of a conversation not unlike this one. He studied the tower beyond Kale, considering its vaunted halls, and ages-old history. No matter how they tried to phrase it, Kyric knew they were asking the Paladin to walk away from a good life. One of devoted service to the people who called this planet home.

"Back on Denon, Dagon came into the bar like this, you know?" Kyric took a step closer to Kale, placing himself about equal distance from either him or the mirialan. "He told my dad the Jedi needed their hero." Pain blossomed in the boy's heart. It oozed out of his very being with each syllable. "I didn't know it up until that point, but it turned out my dad was also my biggest hero... but you know what? The New Jedi Order has forgotten him. They've forgotten a lot of good folks in favor of... I dunno."

The intensity of his emotions nearly boiled over, but Kyric took a few seconds to collect himself.

"I guess what I'm tryin' to say, sir, is what makes a hero is purely subjective. As far as I'm concerned, you stand head and shoulders above any ten of those Jedi. Sir."

Kaleleon | Sol Dara ​

 

[Sol Dara]

The intensity of his emotions nearly boiled over, but Kyric took a few seconds to collect himself.

Sol glanced at the boy beside her before returning her gaze to Kaleleon, gauging his reactions to the kiffar's words. Sol may have been better at formal speaking and negotiations. But Kyric was great at speaking honestly and naturally from the heart. Something Sol felt she still needed practice with sometimes. It was why she was happy to hear she was being sent to Weik with Kyric. They naturally filled in the gaps for what the other lacked. She was well-mannered and respectful, which could get her far. But Kyric had charisma.

"I guess what I'm tryin' to say, sir, is what makes a hero is purely subjective. As far as I'm concerned, you stand head and shoulders above any ten of those Jedi. Sir."

The mirialan nodded at Kyric's words, and didn't miss a beat with her quick follow-up.

"I understand if our interests do not align. No matter what you decide today, you are still welcomed to visit our estate in the future, even if it is only out of curiosity. We already know of your previous sacrifices, and we understand if you do not wish to make them again." Sol punctuated her sentence with a warm smile.

She hadn't been on the planet long, but as she had told Kyric, she understood the appeal. It tugged at the girl's heart that Kaleleon didn't see himself how Kyric saw him. How others saw him. She wondered if or for how long the man might've struggled, wondering if his efforts were recognized or in vain. Either way, Kaleleon had done his time fighting. Why should he not be rewarded with a quieter life on the edge of the galaxy? Why should he not stay here and help the people of his home, and fulfill the promises he treasures? It gnawed at the young woman. Not that Clan Ashina would seek to take this man from his home, but that this man was not alone in his wishes. There were so many who fought tirelessly and never got to rest. It was a reminder for why she stayed fighting after being given the chance to walk away. She would fight for others to know peace in the hopes that one day she will know it herself.

Kaleleon | Kyric​