Faction [A Severed Thread | Departure from the NJO]

[Corazona von Ascania]

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When Cora had first arrived on Coruscant, she hadn't known what to expect. Raised in the upper crust of Ukatian society, the Viscount's daughter was used to servants, luxury, and having her every whim tended to. She was always shown proper respect by those beneath her, and learned to navigate the tricky protocols of outlandish courtly conduct.

The Jedi were, for better or for worse, far removed from the ideals of Ukatian culture. The dorm rooms were spartan at best, independence was just as important as learning to rely on your comrades, and respect was to be earned, not automatically given based on family name. It had been a jarring adjustment for the young noblewoman.

As she paced the long corridor to the hangar, Cora wondered if she could pinpoint the exact moment when she'd adjusted to life as a Jedi. Was it the first time she'd been sent sprawling in a spar courtesy of Jand Talo ? Or pulled by Dominik Borra from the fires of Exegol? Maybe it had been when she nabbed Colette in the hall and dragged the poor Padawan to her room for a makeover, or when Jasper Kai'el had shown her the cloning pod he'd grown in. Perhaps it was the excursion she and Silas Westgard had taken into the underworld, or a similar trip she'd taken with Tenn Kalos .

It could have been when she and Capris Halcyon , along with Kahlil Noble and Valery Noble , saved who they could of the villagers on Batorine from the twisted machinations of Maw cultists.

Valery.​

Cora stilled, heart sinking into her stomach. Their investigation into her Master's disappearance had yielded nothing so far—and though she clung to threads of faith that Valery was still out there and alive, it wasn't enough to keep her throat from tightening at the thought of never seeing her again. The Sword of the Jedi had been more of a mother than the fragile husk of a woman who'd given birth to her, a guiding hand and a pillar of support.

After a few steadying breaths, Cora resumed her slow steps towards the hangar. There was no rush. No hurry. She'd draw this moment out forever if she could. The bitter decision to leave Coruscant, and by extension the Jedi, had weighed heavily ever since the day of her unwilling engagement to Prince Horace von Cholmondeley III .

She'd never share another teasing yet amicable conversation with Desric Terassi , never walk through the gardens with Cailen Corso , never sip tea again with Sion Lorray or borrow another eyeliner pencil from Dreidi Xeraic . She'd even miss the likes of Caden Evesa , and being on the end of a sharp glare from Maeve Linahan . She'd never be patched up by Amani Serys after a particularly hard or embarrassing training session, or attend another concert with Ko Vuto unintentionally . She'd never hear Makko Vyres tell her about something he'd learned from Starlin Rand that day. Cora bit her lip.

Makko.​

Their relationship had been a secret by her own request. Never did she imagine that genuine affection could blossom out of their shared irritation for one another, but it had all the same. Her departure had crushed him, and yet Makko had done what he could to make her comfortable until the bitter end. He'd even helped her acquire the ink at her hip, a shattered rendition of the crest of House Cholmondeley, as an act of rebellion. One of his own tattoos was done in a similar style, and Cora liked to think that it linked them, even tenuously.

It all felt terribly unfair that she'd spent the time to forge these vibrant connections, only to have them ripped away by duty. Maybe there was no specific event that defined her acclimation to the Jedi lifestyle. Maybe she hadn't even fully adjusted. That didn't make walking away from her friends—some of whom she considered family—any easier. It only made everything more brutal.

Ever the dutiful daughter, Cora steadied herself and carried on towards the hangar where a royal Ukatian corvette would be waiting to transport her back to her homeworld. In a week she would be married. Wearing a gorgeous dress made by the skilled hands of the Jedi seamstress Thelma Goth , no less.

This may have been her last day as a proper Jedi, but she still walked with her shoulders level, her back straight, and her steps purposeful. Cora would never be caught dead publicly slouching or dragging her feet in despair; instead she moved with the poise of a Princess.

After all, she was a Lady.

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[Jasper Kai'el]

Coruscant, Jedi Temple Hangar
Tags: Corazona von Ascania

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Jasper couldn't quite quell the sinking feeling in his stomach. Even as a member of the Jedi council, he had no control over the safety of his people. Valery was lost, leaving the temple turbulent with the cold wind of uncertainty, and now Corazona was to be whisked away to a lifetime of torment. He was powerless to stop any of it, but what could he do? Ultimately holding Cora here against her will would be no different than forcing her to marry for some twisted idea of honor.

All they could do was let her go.

He wore none of his insecurities on his face, only a warm smile. With their sword missing in action, the New Jedi Order needed composure. That and he wanted the departure between him and Cora to be on a good note. It seemed highly unlikely that they may ever meet again. It wasn't long before she arrived to board her shuttle. Even in the face of a soul crushing future, the girl remained composed.

"I suppose this is goodbye," Jasper called out. "You can tell you're family you've made a lasting impression on us. A positive one. It certainly won't be the same without you."

He let out a sigh.

"I... can't speak for Valery," he admitted, "But I don't think she could have been any more proud of a student. She'll return safely. I promise... I won't hold you up... but just remember that no matter what happens, you'll always have a place here. Good luck."

---

Jalen did not come to say goodbye, not face to face. Yet, even so, the faint sound of a hallikset could be heard from off on the far end of the hangar, filling the air with a melancholy tune. A song of final departure, one which could not be reciprocated by words. Jalen was terrible with words.

 

[Colette]

Corazona von Ascania // Jasper Kai'el

A curious ship had set down, and Colette was between exercises. While it was most likely none of her business she would nonetheless grant herself the opportunity to check it out. And no sooner than she had found out what it was did she wish that she hadn’t. Or perhaps, to put it more accurately, she wished Cora hadn’t.

The Ukatian might have been a lady of grace and poise, but Colette absolutely was not. The second that Jasper was done, a loud shrieking roar would echo throughout the entirety of the hangar — somehow.

“NO!” It roared. “TO HELL WITH THAT.”

A storm marched right over to Corazona von Ascania: princess of culture, prisoner of expectation. With each step that Colette took she would glare daggers at the procession that had come to take their princess home. Was this a diplomatic incident? Who cared?

Well, most people except Colette probably. She put her hands firmly on Cora’s shoulders to force her to look into Colette’s. She wasn’t speaking to this husk of but-I-have-tos, she was speaking to the soul in charge of moving it around.

“Once you realize that this is the biggest mistake that you’ll ever make, I will be there to come pick you up.” Her eyes then moved over to the procession before shifting back. “And anyone standing in the way of returning you to where you truly belong won’t find a rock big enough to cower under once the call has been made.”

The hands on Cora’s shoulders let go only for Colette to wrap her arms around Cora in a tight squeeze of a hug.

“You’re my sister, and I love you, okay?” She said and let go. “Stay safe, get your head out of your ass, and come back soon.”

 

[Dreidi Xeraic]

Location: Coruscant
Outfit: Jedi Robes
Tags: Corazona von Ascania | Colette | Jasper Kai'el

The news had been rippling throughout the Jedi temple that it was the final day of Cora's time with the Jedi. She was heading back home to be wed to some prince who most did not like. Dreidi struggled with the notions of she did not like her friend heading off to be forced to marry but did not want to preemptively judge the future husband since she had no idea what he was like. For all she knew, he was dreading the day as well since it was arranged for both of them. While unlikely, or perceived as wishful thinking, it was the Jedi way to hope in the best for people.

Didn't mean that Dreidi wasn't going to head down to the hanger and tell her friend to not do this. Or at least suggest some ways out of this.

With her hair tied up, her Jedi attire adorned and her make up done in a manner that she knew that Cora thought was on the heavier side. Dreidi headed down to the hanger, there she could hear someone playing a sad song, it was being played well and Dreidi smiled sadly, thinking that this was going to be the last time that she would see Cora as a fellow Jedi. In the future, she would be a princess on a world where Dreidi would have to take time from training and doing Jedi business to meet her. If Cora was able to meet her.

Entering the hanger, there was a new Padawan of Valery Noble, Colette, Dreidi thought her name might be. As well as Jasper. Dreidi headed over to where Cora and Colette were. They were sharing a hug, clearly formed a strong bond recently which was nice to see. Dreidi waited politely, a smile flashed to Cora.

"You know, you could have always told me that you didn't want to spar with me instead of running off like this." It was a joke to try and lighten the mood that seemed very dower and to get someone to cry. That shouldn't be the last memory of the Jedi that Cora deserved to have, it was sad to see her go but this was her life and Dreidi was sure that she would be a great queen if that was what she wanted.

Stepping in closer, she gave Cora a tight hug. "If you ever need help leaving, learning how to teleport and not just myself. So should be able to get you out, also if he is anything but the perfect, kind husband that he should be. I'll curse him and make sure he is never comfortable or safe again. So, you might want to warn him that a Nightsister of Dathomir is keeping tabs on him."

Dreidi had no idea if this Horace was a nice guy or if he knew what a Nightsister was but if he wasn't then she was going to make sure he would find out why you don't cross a witch, or her friends.

 

[Maeve Linahan]

Maeve watched Cora leave in silence.

Princess von Ascania was braver than she knew. She held her head as if she already wore a crown. She walked like she'd rehearsed it a thousand times. What waited for her beyond the luminous halls of the temple was a wild and uncharted sea, but she steered towards it fearlessly and with purpose. As sorry as Maeve was to see her go, she could not stop her.

But she wanted to. Ashla's Light, she desperately wanted to.

Cora was a good girl. The kind who believed in all sorts of nonsense. Gnomes. Reincarnation. True love. Maybe what she was doing now was an extension of that foolishness, a mistake, and someone had to keep her from it. No girl deserved the fate of a loveless marriage.

But what more could Maeve do? Murder and ravage the escort crew waiting ahead?

In a kinder universe, Cora might've stayed on her own. But duty was a chain that shackled them all, and Cora's had her by the throat. To deny it would be to lose her family, her homeworld. Maeve could not rob her of the choice she'd made. She could not stop her from answering duty's call. She could only watch as she left.

The Jedi Shadow lifted her chin as the Princess approached. When their gazes locked, she bowed slightly, but her eyes never left the former Padawan's, and through the Force, her thoughts cut heavy into her mind. Six simple words and a sharp demand.

Do not let him break you.

She turned. What else could she say? It was the best advice Maeve could offer, and she never did know how to say goodbye. She'd never been very good at it. Not now, especially.

Corazona von Ascania​

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[Ko Vuto]

Location: Couruscant, NJO Temple
Tag: Corazona von Ascania

Ko for now, did not realize what was going down. Having not known what today was for some Jedi. At the moment he was in his dorm putting his mind at ease with a very zen like moving meditation. On his desk by the window sat a tiny bonsai tree that he was tending.

All part of his own moving meditation as he delicately and precisely took care of the diminutive tree. Watering it to the exact amount, clippers pruning it to the exact millimeter it needed to be cut down to. All the while pleasantly clearing his mind. But then his datapad began buzzing, likely crazy. Frowning under his mask he forgot to mute the device, but considering how it was going off he checked to make sure things were alright. Seeing what had folks in such a stir before his eyes went wide.

Not a moment later the door to his dorm slid open and the Kel Dor padawan bolted away in a solo race to the hangar. Close isn’t quite how he’d describe his limited relationship with Cora. So he didn’t really know of anything that was going down. Leaving, marriage, heck he didn’t even know she was a princess. All that was new to him, yet was of little concern now, he just hoped he wasn’t late as he scurried across the monolithic complex that was the Jedi Temple.

Eventually Ko and his rushed heavy steps entered the hangar with the others. Where he was relieved to see he wasn’t too late. Slowing down he bent down some and brought his hands to his knees to catch his breath and collect himself some. He spent so much energy running here he didn’t even think about what he was gonna say. Soon enough though the Kel Dor teen straightened his posture some. And it seemed to be his turn to say goodbye.

“Hey Cora, sorry I uh, was running a little late.” That would be his cover, not the fact that he didn’t even know this was a thing that was happening. He wasn’t sure what he was supposed to say, so he just went with what he wanted to say. “W-When I was at Ord Providence I picked up something that reminded me of you.” Reaching under his robe he pulled out a Datacard to give to Cora. It was a Sithspit album. “Got it after their show, signed by all in the trio. Meant to give it to ya earlier, but didn't really get a chance.” He’d spare her the story that he had to fend off an onslaught of fangirls just to acquire it. Wondering what else to say Ko simply bowed his head some. “And Cora, may the Force be with you.” Was that cliche? Perhaps, but he couldn’t think of a more fitting time to say it than now.

 

[Jand Talo]

Despite a rough start to their relationship, there had been some instances that broke through the misgivings and dislike, no less than the latest being the mutual saving of the other's life. Exegol had been a trying ordeal, but it had resulted in a barrier being overcome for Jand, one that allowed him to see beyond the pompous and self-righteous behavior that Corazona exhibited, to look past the sense of superiority because of royal status; and in that understanding, Jand had come to realize that - like himself - Corazona was a product of expectation and loyalty.

Few would understand like they did; and fewer still could accept selfless adherence to cultural obligation.

In that way, Jand respected Corazona. She knew what needed to be done, she was willing to do it, and stood against the continual swathe of concerned sentients that kept telling her not to. Truly the Nagai was perplexed by those that thought reminding Corazona of the worst aspects of her obligation to Ukatis was the best approach, those who only thought of the individual, and showed their own selfishness with that focus.

Perhaps, one day, they would glean some understanding.

Perhaps not.

Nonetheless, Jand stood silently to one side of the hangar bay, as Jedi approached and offered words or embraces or reassurances with the departing Princess of Ukatis. He remained still, gray eyes the only movement, as he waited for Corazona to get nearer. Only then did Jand step forward and reach out, to place a calloused hand on her shoulder, to halt her.

"As a Jedi, you can help people," Jand said in a low voice. "As a Queen, you can change planets."

The Nagai offered a tight-lipped smile.

"You may not like where your path leads, but the potential it offers is limitless. Reform does not happen immediately, but soon you will be in a position to affect galactic sectors and alter the course of millions... do not take that lightly, remember the Jedi ideals, and guide Ukatis to betterment."

Jand glanced to Colette, then back to Corazona.

"I look forward to seeing what you are truly capable of, Corazona von Ascania of Ukatis."

With a bow of his head, Jand stepped back and waited for Corazona's departure...

Corazona von Ascania​

 

[Thelma Goth]

Like the others, Thelma came to bid her fellow Jedi farewell. When Cora reached her, the little vampiress gave her a hug.

She didn't really know what to say, but she did know what not to say. There was no point in trying to change Cora's mind. Loudly expressing her displeasure over her upcoming marriage would solve nothing. No, the decision had already been made, and the best she could do was respect her choice, even if it upset her. All Jedi—no, all people had to do what they thought was right. Otherwise, what were they doing?

In the end, Thelma settled for something simple. "Goodbye, Cora," she said. "Be well."

Corazona von Ascania​

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

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The hallowed, spacious hall she walked seemed so cold, so finite.

Until it was dotted with pinpricks of Light. Slivers that grew in heat and intensity as she moved, slowly pacing toward her destiny like a funeral procession. They chased away the chill of her future, momentarily displacing the sorrow of leaving her comrades and the life she'd been slowly building among the Jedi.

Jasper Kai'el was the first to call out to her, and when she turned to face him, the Knight was the picture of calm. He'd walked these halls long before she'd come to Coruscant, and Cora looked up to him as a pillar of determination and honesty.

"Thank you, Jasper. I will carry your words with me, always." Extending a hand, she grasped his arm firmly and met his gaze directly. This was troubling for him—that much she could tell when she looked into his eyes, when she read the melancholy notes in the Force—but he did not bend to his uncertainty. "I hope I am not too forward in saying this, but I look to you as the older brother I've never had." A partial smile lifted one corner of her mouth before her lips settled into a thin line. "Please, let me know if there is news of Master Noble. I know not if there is anything that I can do to help, but-"

Cora stopped herself there, and gave Jasper's arm a squeeze before pulling her hand away.

“NO! TO HELL WITH THAT.”

"Once you realize that this is the biggest mistake that you'll ever make, I will be there to come pick you up."

The solemn silence they shared was shattered by tempest, and Cora suddenly found her attention manhandled directly on Colette. "Mist-" Her eyes flared in surprise, then softened in understanding. Colette had made her displeasure with the arrangement crystal clear from the first time it had been mentioned. Simultaneously, Cora was both jealous of the other Padawan's ability to express herself plainly, and warmed by her own expression of staunch dedication.

"Oof," The Princess-to-be grunted softly as she was pulled into a bear hug. Public displays of affection were not common in the aristocratic circles of Ukatis, but Cora found herself enveloping Colette in her arms, squeezing the other girl back. "I love you too, Colette. I know that this is not what you wanted, but I swear to you that I will be safe." Pulling back, Cora kept her hands pressed to either of Colette's arms to look at her. "And in return, you must promise me that you'll watch a star as it is born." A sad smile, and she squeezed her sister while Colette's own words from their previous conversation echoed in her head. "Be well, and look out for Master Noble once she returns."

"I'll curse him and make sure he is never comfortable or safe again. So, you might want to warn him that a Nightsister of Dathomir is keeping tabs on him."

Cora couldn't help the soft chuckle at that. Dreidi Xeraic always had a knack for easing tension, a trait she was envious of. Even in the aftermath of Exegol, she'd made a game out of showing off their battle scars. Back then Cora had found it odd—and to be fair, she still did—but there was a measure of comfort to be found in the normalcy of it all. When they embraced, the Witch issued a vague but potent threat to Cora's betrothed. "You can curse someone?" A well manicured blonde eyebrow arched at that, but she didn't seem particularly bothered by the idea of Horace being cursed. Lucky him.

Dreidi and Colette's protectiveness made her feel cherished. It was a feeling she'd only been exposed to on Coruscant, warm and comfortable—and now, bittersweet.

Cora's heart felt heavy as she pulled away from her friend and nodded towards Colette. "Thank you—the both of you—for your offer of protection. And Dreidi-" Her face firmed as she addressed the Jedi-Witch directly. "You'll be in charge of Colette's eyeliner from now on."

A wry smile almost tilted her lips, but warmth eased her aristocratic features. "The bond between Jedi is strong, and I hope that you two will look after eachother."

As she turned back to her path, Cora's heart thumped rapidly in her throat. A presence to her side drew her focus, keeping the emotional tide at bay for now. Maeve.

In many ways, the Shadow was her polar opposite. Where Cora was energetic and friendly, Maeve Linahan was stern and aloof. Their work together— the retrieval of a strange Sith artifact and the hunt for a politician's incriminating video—had served to highlight those differences. Yet, they'd completed their tasks successfully. The elder Jedi was fierce, determined, and unyielding. She may not have been approachable, but Maeve was cunning and focused. She did her work and she did it well.

Do not let him break you.

In short, Cora looked up to her. Idolized her, even. Maeve knew who she was and what she wanted, and she never let anyone tell her otherwise. It was touching that she'd shown up to watch her depart, even as the telepathic words pierced into her mind like a blade. Cora inhaled sharply, firmed her gaze, and looked at Maeve head-on.

I may bend, but I will not break.

It was a promise that she hoped to keep.

Heavy footsteps clattering against tile drew her sharp focus to Ko—the Kel'dor approached slightly out of breath, and Cora smiled softly at his apology. The two had met through the strangest coincidence; a concert where she'd hid her crush on the lead singer behind Ko's sturdy form. Right now, she was a far cry from the bashful girl he'd first met.

“Got it after their show, signed by all in the trio. Meant to give it to ya earlier, but didn't really get a chance.”

She received the data card, a thread of bewilderment touching her eyes before realization filtered in. "You had it signed? Goodness." Fingers traced over the signatures of Xeno, Luxar and Klocto with wonder. The music that Sithspit produced was certainly not appropriate for a Noblewoman, but perhaps that was why Cora liked it so much. It was moving that Ko Vuto had recognized her appreciation for the band and had gone through the trouble of getting a signed album for her. "I imagine you had to fight through throngs of fangirls to get this. Thank you, Ko. I love it." With so much uncertainty in her future, the familiar would be comforting.

Cora bowed in return to his own gesture, a deep nod of her head. "May the Force be with you and guide you always, friend."

As she slipped the data card carefully into her pocket, a chalk white hand rested at her shoulder.

Jand Talo did not like Cora at first. After what they'd been through on Exegol, she liked to think that the Nagai was beginning to warm up in his own way—or at least, the two shared a mutual respect and a level of trust for one another. He saw duty through the same lens as she did. Though radically different in personality, both were unwaveringly dedicated to their respective families and would do anything to keep them from harm.

His words brought a spark of congeniality back into the solemn way that she held herself. Instead of just surviving, perhaps she could one day thrive as Queen of Ukatis. Chip away at the ancient customs that held back her people from becoming galactically prosperous, and open the door for women to find equal footing in their society not just as mothers, but as leaders and capable figures. It would be a lot of work, perhaps enough to fill a lifetime and more.

"I look forward to seeing what you are truly capable of, Corazona von Ascania of Ukatis."

"I will do my best to live up to your expectations, Jand Talo."

A simple, almost curt response, but her expression was subtly wry. Jand was not someone who spoke simply to fill the silence, and Cora hoped that his faith in her abilities was not misplaced. It was difficult for women on Ukatis—even Queens—to become politically influential. But not impossible.

"Be well, friend."

When Thelma Goth approached, Cora returned her embrace. The little vampiress, quiet though she may be, had been a constant since Cora had arrived at the Jedi temple. She would certainly be missed, as would her handiwork with a needle that had saved Cora's expensive clothing on more than one occasion.

"Goodbye, Cora," she said. "Be well."

"Goodbye, Thelma. And thank you for the wonderful gown. I look forward to seeing what you can make as your skills progress even further." Pulling back, she thanked the other Padawan for the wedding dress she'd taken such care to make. Cora's only regret was that such a beautiful garment would be attached to such an unpleasant memory.

As they parted, Cora gave Thelma a small, lingering smile. It was then when she noticed the faint twang of plucked strings and paused to listen. With closed eyes, she took a few moments to observe to the sorrowful melody. Even though he hadn't come to give his regards in person, Jalen Kai'el was saying goodbye in his own way.

Eyes fluttering open, Cora refocused on the monumental task in front of her.

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