A Knight's Errand [Aster Rose]

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Csilla - Training Grounds
House Palace

[member="Aster Rose Baelor"]

A brisk morning met Théo as he entered the training grounds of the Iron Empire. He walked across the field past the main viewing platform to the center of the arena where the Legion come to test their metal against their fellows in training and tournaments. He pulled of his glove and curled his hand around his sword and unsheathed it. The glow of the lightside still rested upon the blade as true as ever. The sound of footfalls drew his attention, he turned to see an Iron Legion Centurion approach, "The guard is in place, Knight Heavenshield. All entrances are secure".

"Good", he returned the address, "Lady Baelor's safety is paramount, I don't fancy informing the Emperor that his niece has been taken once more. Once Lady Baelor arrives escort her here to me". The only reply Théo received was a slight grin and bow of the head in understanding before the Knight returned to his station.

Théo turned his gaze to the skies, such a grey sky which is normal for this planet although there would appear to be no snow today. A pity. While he waited for the Lady to arrive, he began his warm ups to pump the blood through his body and loosen the limbs. His sword flashed through the air running through set positions and mock defenses, a drill taught to him as a young boy by his grandpapa all those years ago on Midvinter. This was a way in which Théo could be close to him, recalling all the times spent with his hero and although with the memories comes sadness they are treasured.

The Lady would arrive soon, and so would start her journey toward her path.

 

[Aster Rose Baelor]

Sat before an elegant white vanity that matched the decor of her private quarters, Aster stared into the mirror before her as a handmaiden prepared her for the day ahead - a luxury she had missed during her time at the Voss Academy.

"Everly is waiting for you outside to escort you to the training grounds, Lady Baelor," the handmaiden informed her mistress, her tone polite.

"I see, thank you." Aster stood up taking one final glance at the mirror before she exited the room.

Though her face looked flawless, even emanating a healthy glow, this had been something achieved through the power of makeup as, without it, her skin was dull and dark circles surrounded her blue eyes. The makeup that covered her face, like her usual demeanour was a facade she wore; one that concealed the loneliness that lay within her and those sleepless nights where her memories would torment her, reminding her of things she would much rather forget.

“Good morning, Lady Baelor,” Everly smiled as she greeted her charge. “A breakfast of danish pastries, yoghurt, and a salad of fresh seasonal fruits accompanied by butterfly pea tea has been prepared for you in the dining hall.”

“That sounds lovely,” Aster replied. “However, I am not hungry at the moment. Please give it to the hungry; I will have something after the training session with Centurion Heavenshield.”

“Understood,” Everly nodded.

Past the many rooms of the House Palace and down the empty hallways, the pair – bodyguard and princess, made their way towards the training grounds where an Iron Centurion awaited their arrival.

“Good morning,” he received the women and led them to where [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] was waiting.

“Centurion Heavenshield, it is a pleasure to see you again.” Aster greeted the young man with a polite bow of her head.

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

He had come to know of Aster's presence in the force, and this informed him of her presence arrival to the grounds and before she approached he sheathed his sword and stood with hands folded behind his back as the Lady entered the arena flanked by her body guards. The woman departed as soon as they found him, Aster's guards standing a few paces back from them as she greeted him with a bow. "Good morning Lady Baelor", he returned her bow deeper. "I is a pleasure to see you as well".

This morning's training was to be one of physical vigor, partly force training and self defense with a weapon. Although knew of her intent to never carry one it does not help to learn the art, just in case. However, he noticed that she was not fit for this today, a heavy sense of fatigue could be sensed through the force and her energy levels low. A slight cease etched on his brow. "Come my Lady, shall we walk for a moment?", a change of direction in the course of the day. The presence of the body guards did not concern him as he is used to them shadowing her since the kidnapping.

He turned to start, but waited until she was along side him and they would meander across the grassy arena heading to the seating on the viewing platforms. Once out of ear shot of the guards, "Aster, you seem tired .. what worries you?", he dropped all formalities. Her face a pretty as usual, but heavy laden with makeup which is something Théo never understood of women of beauty with such natural features. He could not fathom why they would hide it. Except maybe because there was something to hide. He could not see her dark circles about her eyes.

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[member="Aster Rose Baelor"]​

 

[Aster Rose Baelor]

Aster nodded, smiling sheepishly at Theo's suggestion and followed the young man. "I..." she began, not quite sure how to start or what to say - many things troubled her. "My paternal grandmother has recently contacted me and wants to see me," she finally said and nibbled on her lower lip. Of everything that troubled her, this upset her the most. Her happy memories of the woman ended with her father's death.

"She is not a pleasant woman to be around to put it nicely," Aster said matter-of-factly. Though the memories of the time between her mother's suicide and her desperate decision to run away to find an uncle she had only met once or twice before - the only member of her family who was not embroiled in the vicious custody battle, the memories still hurt. "It's really nothing - a minor headache at the most," she lied. Conceal, don't feel, don't let it show, she reminded herself.

"If you don't mind me asking, what about my apperance gave you the impression that something was affecting me?" she shot Theo a look of curiosity. Her act was perfect - or at least she'd like to think so but if there were any cracks in her carefully constructed mask, it was something she must know.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

"When I was very young, one of the first lessons my master taught me was to never trust what you see .. with your eyes", he said as they reached the lower seating and invited Lady Aster to sit with him. "She showed me how to 'look' through the force, which provides a more clear picture of what might stand before you. To be aware of ones surroundings, to be mindful of your thoughts when with people and how to guard them from others".

He leaned back a little and looked up into the skies of Csilla, it would snow soon, but then it always did on this planet. "It was not your physical appearance that informed me Aster, but your presence in the force. Your aura is familiar to me now, and I could sense your energy low and your mind plagued .. and I even did not have to try". Until such time as she learns to block her mind from others, she would remain an open book. Her lie was also apparent to him, but he would not press her on this issue.

"If this woman, your grandmother is not 'pleasant' a person then why do you need to see her? can't you simply not go?", he turned to her, this time out of genuine interest and concern. Of course Aster might need to do this to gain some form of conclusion to part of her life and that was important as well. "If you require a friend to go with you, I would do so for you".

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[member="Aster Rose Baelor"]​

 

[Aster Rose Baelor]

Aster accepted Theo's invitation to sit and sat across him as he continued to speak. "I see," she replied smiply, feeling a little self-concious. "I suppose that means I need to learn how to be less of one then." It made her uncomfortable to know that her mind was free for any trained Force user to read as they willed.

"While my grandmother may not be plesant, she is still my grandmother," Aster bit her lip. "And you are mistaken, she does not want me to come to her, she wishes to come to me," she trembled as she spoke. The very thought of her grandmother intruding upon her home made her feel sick and yet, she could not deny the elderly woman of visiting her. After the death of her father, she was all her parternal grandparents had left.

"And even though my recent memories of her were not the best, what if she has changed and seen the error of her ways?" the blonde-haired girl added, trying to believe the words she spoke.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

"Yes Aster there is always hope", he said in response to her hope for her grandmother and if this was the case, at least Aster would have some connection to her family once more. What their history had been he was not privy to so could not comment further. After all family business is simply that and none of anyone elses. And it might be something she needs to confront alone.

"Closing your mind to others takes time, but with practice it builds very quickly. At least to a point where you can hide emotions. More talented force users that can 'read' you or enter your mind .. stronger ones well .. that is more difficult but not unobtainable". In fact this skill in the force was very subjective and each individual would approach the ability to block their mind according to how they view themselves, or rather their mind.

"If you would like, I can teach you this skill .. right here, right now". He turned to smile at her gently.

​

[member="Aster Rose Baelor"]​

 

[Aster Rose Baelor]

The thought of another trespassing into her mind unsettled her. For another to be able to intrude into her mind to hear her thoughts and view her memories would be one of the greatest violations of her privacy - something she hoped might never happen.

"I would appreciate that very much," Aster replied with a dainty nod grateful for the offer and returned Theo's smile. "With frequent practise, how long would it take for one to become proficient in the skill?" she added, nervous at the thought of another entering and perusing the contents of her mind. Though she had few secrets and none of them scandalous, there were still things she wished to never be reminded of.

"It scares me to know that someone, if powerful enough, can become privy to the contents of my mind," she admitted as there was little point in attempting to conceal what he could probably discern from the ripples in the Force.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

No one every truly masters the force, even a life time of study and doing very little would never see the end of it, so her question was open ended to answer. "That would depend on you .. some do this a whole life time and still do not become complete in their studies. But.. we must start somewhere, or we get nowhere".

"It is not just your thoughts or memories that are in danger of others but your mind as well. Some of the most powerful Sith can break you down and control you with their will, that is more dangers then someone knowing what you think for a moment or two". Knowing secrets is one thing, using them to control a person is what she needs to guard against.

"They can use anything that you protect in your mind against you. Find out information, memories, gain the knowledge of who you love and use that, their methods of evil are endless, just with this alone". Theo looked over into her face, and realised he was probably frightening the girl but .. she must be made aware of it, just in case. She had been lucky with the kidnapping in a way.. it could have been far worse.

"I am sorry I really don't mean to scare you, but I guess what I am trying to make you understand is that this skill is very valuable to have for anyone". He moved in his position until square on to her "Are you prepared to allow me to enter your mind .. just a little .. so we can train you to block me".

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[member="Aster Rose Baelor"]​

 

[Aster Rose Baelor]

"B-break me down and control me?" Aster stuttered as her face paled. To be controlled and used against those she cared for - she could think of no crueller fate for herself. "I'd rather die than allow that to happen," she said, trembling. The very thought of some unsavoury individual taking control of her and using her to hurt her uncle or the people they were duty-bound to protect.

"And there's no need for you to apologize, that's something I would rather know. Plus, I'm grateful that you're willing to teach me how to defend myself. Thank you, Theo," she smiled weakly, speaking the words in a sincere tone. Though she had been scared by the young man's words, those words also inspired a strong sense of determination within her. I will never allow myself to become another's tool, she thought, clenching her teeth.

"I'm ready," Aster said reluctantly after a short pause.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

"You sound more and more like a Jedi with every word you speak", and he could sense her build of determination which pleased him greatly and he returned her smile. This whole morning would be dedicated to this training, she needed this more than most as Aster Rose Baelor is a target whether she or the Emperor like it or not, simply because of her position. Sometimes it is necessary to frighten people, not because you want to do so, but to get them to understand the dangers. Aster is a clever girl, he did not really have to scare her as she would know already, but sometimes a good reminder is warranted.

Theo took hold of her right hand and rested it in his own before place his other hand over it, she had such small hands it disappeared within his, "Now I want you to think about your mind, what you would envisage it to be", he stopped for a moment, trying to find the right words so she would understand what the hell he was getting at. "For example, when I think of my mind, I see a vast field of snow when my mind is open .. but to stop force users from reading me or worse, I stop them or block them from progressing by using the the force of the wind and blizzard. Pull in a much defenses mentally as you wish to stop me".

He looked deep into her eyes, giving her a moment of thought before he would begin. Then he slowly closed his eyes and focus on Aster seated before him, her hand will remain rested in his for the lesson. He found her easy enough, so skilled in this art from years and years of seeking out Nina in order to talk to her was like breathing to him. Aster would begin to feel his presences, just sitting on the periphery enough to be able to 'see' her current thoughts. Entering her mind deeply would only come with permission and when she is ready of it. He 'spoke' to her .. Aster, I am here. He waited to see her efforts to push him away.

[member="Aster Rose Baelor"]​

 

[Aster Rose Baelor]

Unaccustomed to having her hand held by members of the opposite gender save for those in her family or her protective detail, Aster blushed feeling a little flustered as she listened to Theo instruct her on what to do. Then, closing her eyes, she imagined a place carpeted in a colourful array of flowers, all in full bloom. This scenery made her feel strangely at peace.

However, this sensation of peace would not last as she began to feel an odd sensation. Though she couldn't be sure of the cause of this feeling, she assumed Theo had possibly entered her mind. Aster, I am here, a familiar voice said as if to confirm her suspicions.

Theo... I am ready. She replied to him through her thoughts. While idea of sharing her mind with another scared her, she trusted Theo. He was one of the few she considered a friend.

What happens next? She inquired, unable to hide her anxiety from the young man. Her mind was laid bare for him to read and interpret as he wished.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

He sat on the periphery of her mind and had not progressed further until she would acknowledge his presence, which she did with a strong sense of concern and anxiety. A slight grin moved this lips but not out of any amusement of her but because within his hand he held a small trinket that might help ease her somewhat and help in this. Immediately she would feel the calm of the small turtle, and over time as she wears it, the power of it will grow with her.

I shall proceed to walk through the field of flowers and do nothing more than that to start with, he spoke from mind to mind. He could see all the beautiful blooming flowers lay before him, it was vast as one would expect, some had their petals closed as if not wishing to show what lay beneath while others displayed their colour almost showing off their radiance. Like her outward appearance, always on show to those that see her. There was a strong sense of pride in them and yet it would not take much for him to squash that pride with his foot. Aster can be fragile, is fragile but beneath it all there is a strong woman yet to realise herself.

I am going to reach for one of the flowers open, I want you to close it for me. This flower would hold a recent memory nothing major he assumed for it lay bare for him to take if he so wished. It would be easy for him to pluck its flower from the stem.

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[member="Aster Rose Baelor"]​

 

[Aster Rose Baelor]

An unnatural sense of tranquility filled Aster and a serene smile found its way onto her lips. For the first time in a while, she was finally able to relax.

Okay, she thought in reply. While the idea of allowing others into her mind usually filled her with fear and discomfort, she felt nothing of the sort. Relaxed, Aster took deep, slow breaths as Theo walked through her mental field of flowers and waited, wondering what he was going to do next.

I am going to reach for one of the flowers open, I want you to close them for me, Theo informed her, causing her heart to speed up a little and her breathing a little difficult. The idea of him reaching for one of the flowers made her uncomfortable but she understood it was necessary for this exercise.

I...I'll try my best, she replied, fighting back the urge to preemptively close the buds of her flowers and as if bracing herself for something painful, waited for Theo to choose a flower.

Once Theo had chosen a flower and reached for it, Aster would quickly close it and the flowers that surrounded it upon sensing that his hand was near. Every bit of privacy she was able to protect from others was something very precious to her.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

He was pleased with Aster's first attempt, she even managed to close flowers around the one he had chosen. It was interesting she had picked this image of the flowers in the fields, it was so Aster. Each one would hold something of importance to her, a thought, a memory .. feelings. He could sense them but did not reach to intrude upon them, that was not why he was here. Although in time, and maybe with her new master, this skill would have to be pushed to a higher level in order for Aster to release just how vulnerable she truly was. His mother had the greater skill at bending minds, twisting thoughts and memories to the point that the author of them could never tell they had been interfered with. An illusion would become their reality in her hands.

Jedi have just as much power to do this as any Sith. Mother just chooses not to.

Very good Aster. Now I shall walk through the field, I will not tell you what to do .. you need to find a means to protect them.

Théo placed his feet gently through the flowers swaying in what could be a gentle breeze. Yet there was a shifting in the vision before him, the flowers more stronger and vibrant, no doubt things in the past maybe? or deeper feelings and memories and then to a wall at the end of field. Very high, build of stone or something he could not quite make out. After all this was Aster's mind not his. He walked along the length of the wall for a while looking for a place to enter but found none. Not yet anyway..

He could jump probably, scale the wall and enter into the deepest of recesses of her mind .. he reached out and placed his hand upon the wall. It was cold to the touch, almost biting into his skin but he started to climb.

Permit me no entry .. do what you must. His voice softly spoke to her mind.

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[member="Aster Rose Baelor"]​