Private Blades That Bind; Blades That Divide

[Bernard]

​

Atrisia, Ashina Estate
Headquarters of the Lightsworn
Outskirts​

The mild scent of cherryblossoms filled the air atop a hill overlooking the Ashina estate's courtyard. Sunlight danced between branches and leaves that cast a wide shadow around the lone, ancient tree. Its crown reached toward the heavens, several times taller than most similar trees Bernard had seen in his short time at the estate. He sat cross-legged beneath its shadow, enjoying a reprieve from Atrisia's relentless spring sun. A small bundle of wrapped cloth sat in front of him. Ornate, dark blue linen folded and wrapped in a roughly rectangular shape that was thicker in the length-wise center.

Bernard watched the courtyard. Warriors, tiny silhouettes from this vantage, moved back and forth over the sand in what must have been practice drills. The estate had become filled with bustling activity over the last weeks. Jedi either returned or departed with soldiers in tow, on missions to bring Light into the galaxy. The plains beyond the estate had become a makeshift landing ground, with neat rows of transport shuttles and fighters tended to by Ashina guardians.

Among those, one stood out. A common design in the Alliance, but rarely, if ever, seen in the ranks of the Lightsworn.

Bernard's gaze settled on the ship, as he waited. That would be the one, he nodded to himself. It wouldn't be long before his guest arrived. It relieved him that the invitation had been accepted so readily. Atrisia was by no means hostile territory to Alliance Jedi, but then, following recent developments, it wasn't entirely friendly territory either. There was a measure of ambiguity, leniency perhaps, that required resolution.

Bernard kept his gaze on the far-off, foreign spacecraft. He waited, patiently, for the guest to Ashina estate to arrive at the ancient tree overlooking the valley.

Valery Noble
( Inosuke Ashina Kaleleon )

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Link | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Double-Bladed Lightsaber

Valery sat inside the shuttle as it moved along a plotted trajectory over Atrisia. The soothing hum of the engine's hull made it easy for her mind to slip into a meditative state. One she almost desperately needed after the battle on Coruscant. Her clash there with the son of Kyrel Ren had shaken her up, and she was still recovering from some of the injuries she sustained. The worst of which weren't physical, but wounds within her soul.

Wounds that wouldn't heal overnight.

Today, however, she wasn't focused on recovery but another situation that demanded her attention. Some time ago, she had received and responded to a letter from the Lightsworn, and they had accepted her request for a meeting. The chosen planet: Atrisia. It was their home, but with its place within Alliance borders, it made for a safe and excellent location to meet for both sides.

Bernard was someone she had served with on the Council as well, and even after all these years, she trusted his word and he had guaranteed a meeting without disruptions.

The shuttle soon touched down near an ancient tree, and Valery emerged from the ramp as it lowered. Her fiery gaze swept over the terrain and briefly lingered on the tree. A smile tugged on her lips, though it shifted into a more neutral, focused expression when she noticed him nearby.

"Thank you for the invitation," Valery began as she approached. "It has been a long time."

Bernard ​