Catching Up With The Past

[Arekk]

LITHIOS​

Downtown, Ethos City ​

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INTERACTING WITH: [member="Lilla Syrin"] ​

"Thank you for listening. This conversation is making me go through all sorts of emotions, like a rollercoaster."

He then said as the rain poured on their backs as the frying pans and heat coming from the small noodle shop offered them some heat against the weather. It wouldn't be smart to stay outdoors for a while unless you wanted to get sick or something.

This deep and intriguing chatter made him question so many things, past decisions and go through every situation lived and trying to come out with different alternatives. So many "could have beens" and the like.

"What are you gonna do after this?"

Ar'ekk's question did not have any double meaning or hidden intentions hidden beneath at all whatsoever but he had in mind that Lithios was not a place that offered its visitors with a pleasant weather, specially at night. His noodles bowl was almost empty too and the coffee cup laying by the counter had already gotten cold.

"Walking your own path is important. But when someone gets in yours and you try to balance that out, what do you do?"

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[Lilla Syrin]

Lilla smiled. If she had a gift, it was for listening. Truly listening. Not simply the avoidance of talk. Not just pausing for her own chance to speak – with her mind considering what to day next. No, Lilla listened because she valued what people had to say. Because they deserved to be heard and – as her Master used to say so often – you have two ears but only one mouth for a reason.

“Sometimes it doesn’t have to be a complicated exchange to help you see things in a new perspective. Sometimes, just sharing your thoughts is enough. Unpack them, lay them out, then re-pack them. Maybe they go back in just the way they came out – and that’s fine. And perhaps they make more sense when you put them back? But I suspect nobody ever felt worse for sharing – quite the opposite.”

Lilla finished her noodles – the last few mouthfuls eaten swiftly, as they cooled rapidly once the bowl was under half full.

“Me? I plan to carry on doing what I’m doing. My immediate focus is to help some Padawans to Knighthood – to give back to the Order. Then, I’m less sure. I can’t see one role that is me. I suspect I’ll spend time with Padawans indefinitely, but also carry out the duties of a Warden, or Ranger. Or maybe life has something else in store for me? All I can do is be open and ready.”

“And continue to walk my path, whichever route that takes. As long as I continue to move towards the light, I shall be content – even if I have to make a detour to avoid something, or someone, in my way. But it will only be a detour – I will not be driven off-course.” She smiled – it was clear she was driven but not overly serious in her approach.

“And what about you? What are your next steps?”

[member="Arekk"]

 

[Arekk]

LITHIOS​

Downtown, Ethos City ​

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INTERACTING WITH: [member="Lilla Syrin"] ​

Ar'ekk smiled too. He knew personally that a Jedi's life was all about sacrifices and forging your own path, to help keep the peace and help those who need it and the qualities required to uphold such things were there for Lilla. She was young and intelligent, a proper Jedi Knight like the ones heard in ancient tales.

"I don't know. Lithios is a vast world and I feel much more attached to this city than any other, specially Aurum. Maybe my destiny is here and not with the Je'daii or the Jedi Order itself despite that ship having sailed long ago. Maybe live a normal life with someone or alone, it is not written."

His eyes lingered on Lilla for a brief moment as the cold weather reached an almost unbearable point, the rain simply not giving out for the night. Seeking comfort on his empty bowl of noodles, Ar'ekk asked the vendor to pack them some more food for the road.

"You have ambition and I respect that. You're what a Jedi should be."

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[Lilla Syrin]

“No,” she said, shaking her head softly “I am what I should be. A Jedi can be many things — and I certainly don’t profess to be any sort of a role model — and I am slightly embarrassed and moreover uncomfortable to be considered such. I am the best I can be right now. Who is to say where my path leads.”

“My advice, if it is of relevance, is not to be the best Jedi, or best Jed’aii. But to be the best Ar’ekk you can be. And if that is a version of yourself that lives here an is settled down with a family, then that is no more than anyone could ask for.”

“Someone once told me that we are where we are for a reason. Embrace that thought and do not seek to be something…anything…you are not. Be true to yourself. I know I shall be. And today, that makes me a Jedi Knight. Tomorrow? I’ll find out in a standard day, won’t I?”

“Home is where the heart is, they say. Be happy and follow that heart…please.”

[member="Arekk"]

 

[Arekk]

LITHIOS​

Downtown, Ethos City ​

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INTERACTING WITH: [member="Lilla Syrin"] ​

"Fairly said, Lilla."

"Life alone, like it is right now, is hard to live with. But I will follow my heart and try to do the best I can. It's been too long since I've felt pity for myself and I won't let those thoughts get back in my head. No matter what, I'll keep my chin up. And so should you, regardless of the slump or hardous situation you find yourself into."

"Family or not, an order to defend or not, a title to uphold or not, I'll make the best of it."

He reached over to grab his pack of cigarettes from the counter and light one up, letting smoke come out of his nostrils and evaporate into the cold air. A credit chip was left on the counter and quickly taken by the noodle shop vendor as Ar'ekk paid for their food.

"The night is still young. Do you plan on departing or you'd like to continue walking and talking? The weather's getting worse but we can manage."

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[Lilla Syrin]

“It is a paraphrase of an old saying, but none the less a truism. It is not our beliefs or titles that define us, but what we do.”

“So, every night, before I go to sleep, I ask myself – is there truth between my heart and the Force. If the answer is yes, then I can sleep easy. So far, I’ve never had any trouble in that regard.”

She watched as the vendor collected their finished bowls, chopsticks and payment and Lilla thanked her again. “If you’re OK with the weather, I am too. I was in my late teens before I saw my first rain. The novelty hasn’t worn off quite yet.”

[member="Arekk"]

 

[Arekk]

LITHIOS​

Downtown, Ethos City ​

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INTERACTING WITH: [member="Lilla Syrin"] ​

"It's been only a week since I settled down here, the weather's not that bad once you get used to it. However that's just me talking because I tend to spend most of my time working at my cozy apartment than staying out here in the rain. A cigarette under harsh conditions doesn't hurt anyone, though."

Ar'ekk gave Lilla a short smile as he grabbed the small food box by the small string that was wrapped and tied up around it, initiating the walk further into Ethos City's downtown.

"Where are you from, Lilla? This deep conversation drained my thoughts so much that I'll have to do so much soul searching in solitude to come up with something to say. Hope you don't mind a little small talk..."

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[Lilla Syrin]

“A death stick?” Lilla said, “Never harmed anyone? I can’t imagine you actually believe that. But each to their own. I’m not about to tell you to go home and rethink your life.” She smiled at the obvious pun – it was a weakness of hers, and she knew it.

She looked at her host for a second before answering his question. “There is a short version and a long one. But if we’re not pressed for time, I’ll give you the long version as short as I can make it.”

“In truth I don’t know where I’m from. No parents, no family, no connections. My life did not exist before I was the age of four or five. And I don’t even know my year of birth, let alone my birth day. I was found by some Jawa on Tatooine. Alone and abandoned. At least that’s what I’m led to believe. I could have been pulled from a crashed ship for all I know or remember.”

“And here is where I speed up. I was immediately sold into slavery, escaped, became a scavenger, was made a slave again – but with amazing training, I was going to be sold as an assassin or spy, and then I escaped again. Then a Jedi found me and I left Tatooine for the first time in my living memory.”

“What about you? Family? Friends? Loved ones? Loyalties?”

[member="Arekk"]

 

[Arekk]

LITHIOS​

Downtown, Ethos City ​

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INTERACTING WITH: [member="Lilla Syrin"] ​

Ar'ekk let out a brief chuckle at Lilla's funny pun, finding it amusing for a brief moment. Releasing a thick cloud of smoke and letting it fade away with the rain, he refocused on the girl and nodded.

"We've lived similar lives if not an exact carbon copy. I grew up in Coruscant, the underworld of CoCo Town in foster homes until I was taken by a lone mother and her child who I was happy to call my brother even thought we weren't of blood. I grew up without parents or connections until last year when I met my younger sister, I didn't know I had one of course. Came as a shock."

"A Silver Jedi Master found me and the rest is history, as I told you previously."

Keeping the cigarette tucked between his lips, the Je'daii offered Lilla the last death stick available inside his pack of twelves.

"I'm living alone now here. It's just... me."

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[Lilla Syrin]

Lilla listened – and the broad similarities in their lives were more than superficial. Maybe this was something that encouraged a person to become a Jedi – or variation thereof.

Lilla had not been to Coruscant – but from what she had heard, it was a planet of extremes. Tatooine had hardship, but the opposite end of the spectrum was not so far removed. Yet the former seat of the Galactic Republic had – by contrast – a huge gulf between the haves and have-nots. Not simply in terms of wealth, but in every aspect of life, from the weather to the simple availability of daylight.

And she wondered if fate would present her with the news that she had siblings – or at very least the existence of parents of some ilk. Something tangible to relate to. Not that she expected it to be all plain sailing – clearly for Ar’ekk the news was something of a surprise.

Lilla declined the death stick with a firm but gentle hand gesture. It was not that she had a significant moral position to maintain with regards vices – but she did not drink any spirits and consumed wine and beer infrequently, and only in small amounts. And as for other stimulants? She had never had the urge and was not about to start now.

“I wonder if Jedi are ever anything other than alone? It’s not like we work in an office and see the same people every day? Since I have become a Knight, I haven’t had any regular contact with an individual – I’ve been travelling most days. But I do enjoy the variety and the opportunity to meet new people. But I suspect that one day that might change – just not yet.”

“So, do you see much of your sister?”

[member="Arekk"]

 

[Arekk]

​

LITHIOS​

Downtown, Ethos City ​

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INTERACTING WITH: [member="Lilla Syrin"] ​

Of course, she rejected his cancer sticks. Not like he blamed her for not taking one for at least one occasion but a Jedi is a Jedi. There's an image to respect and a way of life too, so he kept that in mind.

Blowing smoke out of his nostrils, Ar'ekk wagged his finger and spoke once again.

"I think being with someone is part of our life, you can't deny that no matter what. It's part of us, what makes us human. When I was a Jedi Knight, I saw myself differently... To abide by such a restrictive doctrine was taxing so I made sure to make a change. Show that we're more than peacekeepers but also people who are not perfect, despite how everyone thinks of a Jedi."

"You will probably settle down one day, alone or with someone that will make you happy. I'm sure of it, it's inevitable. Sometimes... it's a good thing."

A thick cloud of smoke dissipated while the rain downpoured with practiced bravado. His eyes remained on Lilla for a brief second before speaking again.

"She was here a week ago but had to leave. It had been six months since we first met at all, in funny circumstances I might add. I wish she had spent more time here but I'm not someone who's gonna force her to stay. Or anyone, for that matter. We'll see each other one day, I'm sure of it."

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[Lilla Syrin]

Lilla listened and reflected. Ar’ekk made good points – and she would be foolish to ignore any advice out of hand. But she also knew her own mind – at least as far as the here and now was concerned.

“I cannot agree or disagree with you with regards being with someone – at least not right now. I grew up a slave and at times a vagrant. I had no friends – time was measured in days, if not hours – and relationships were not a part of my life. And now I am a Jedi? I have a connection with my master of course – but only time will tell if other bonds develop. So, I cannot confirm nor refute your belief on that score. In the end, I think we are all different.”

“For example, I do not see the Code as restrictive, so I do not feel the need for a change. But perhaps one day I shall. And I shall be honest with myself and listen to my head and my heart in these matters. For I, for one, do not see myself as perfect – but I know what I must do to respect the Code, the Order and other Jedi.”

Lilla allowed a short silence to fall between them before she continued. “I have never had anyone, so I cannot imagine – not really – what it must be like to lose someone. Or to find someone but remain relatively distant. But I am a firm believer in acting upon our instincts and not relying on fate. Don’t wait indefinitely, if you need – or want – to see your sister again…reach out to her.”

[member="Arekk"]

 

[Arekk]

LITHIOS​

Downtown, Ethos City ​

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INTERACTING WITH: [member="Lilla Syrin"] ​

Ar'ekk stopped for a moment and moved to the side, leaning against the railing and starting deep into the never ending abyss that was down there. His cancer stick was neaering its end, so he puffed for the last time and threw it away to the unknown.

"What I'm telling you is my own opinion and view of things, Lilla. Of course there's certain things I have said that we might not share right now because it's my personal take. You and I have different views about the Jedi Code, their lifestyle and regarding the need of a partner in one's lives."

"You'll probably find the answers to the many questions we've raised today in the future. All I did was give you a glimpse of what I went through as we share a similar path in life. It doesn't mean it'll lead you through what I endured, perhaps your experience will be vastly different."

"You just never know..."

The silence was not awkward but enjoyable. He returned a smile to Lilla before resuming.

"I know. We'll see each other soon but you must understand that she has to live her own life, see the world through her own eyes. Sometimes we've got to stay away from doctrines and codes to find answers because if we stick by them forever, you'll lose yourself."

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[Lilla Syrin]

Lilla smiled. “There is an old saying on Tatooine. ‘Only fools and the dead never change their opinion.’ There is nothing wrong with having them, and believing in them – or even sharing them. And I listen to others and use them to better inform my own views – less anyone thinks I am a fool, or dead.” Her smile became a grin.

“Opinions are not facts, so there can be no absolute. So the galaxy can easily accommodate many viewpoints – and it is no doubt a better place for it. And, as long as they are not damaging opinions, we should embrace all of them. What is right for me – is right for me. I do not see it appropriate that everyone acts or thinks like me.”

“And, as you say, the future will present new opinions, new facts, and shape who I am into someone different than the person you see in front of you today. That is life, is it not?”

“For example, it is the very fact that I am a Jedi that I am comfortable sticking to a Code – I am a servant of democracy, not someone who feels the need to demonstrate my individuality. Will that change over time? Perhaps. But I am pragmatic on that score. If it does, it does – if not?” She shrugged, “Then it doesn’t.”

“So, what are your immediate plans?”

[member="Arekk"]

 

[Arekk]

LITHIOS​

Downtown, Ethos City ​

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INTERACTING WITH: [member="Lilla Syrin"] ​

"I respect that. It's a very marvelous way of seeing life, the Code, the Jedi doctrine. Everything."

Rubbing his palms together nervously in an attempt to give himself some warmth, Ar'ekk answered Lilla's question.

"For now, settling down. Lithios is my new home and there's nothing else I'm looking for. Just want to live a normal life after so many hardships and set backs. Sounds like an utopic thing to say but I'm sure this fresh start can be something positive."

"My apartment is nearby. If you want, and please do not take any other meaning to this, you can come over to warm up. It's the least I can do. A cup of coffee to continue our conversation. The weather's getting too cold for the both of us and trust me it can get really unforgiving at times."

"Can barely feel my nose right now."

Truth be told, Lithios and its weather was really harsh at times with newcomers. You'd have to spend at least a week or two to get accustomed to the fierce rain and dangerous winds. Ar'ekk lived in the good side of town and not too far away from where they stood, by the Financial District.

"Or at least somewhere indoors or we'll freeze to death."

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[Lilla Syrin]

Lilla was pleased she had made contact with Ar’ekk. And her happiness was twofold. Firstly she was delighted to have learned more about the Jed’aii. The more she understood other doctines, and more importantly – in her opinion – other views of the simple Jedi Code (and ways and means of upholding justice), the better informed she felt she was about her own journey, her own path.

And she’d made a new acquaintance. She was not thinking ‘friend’ – and not because of any negative reason – but because she had none, and so had no reference point to relate to. In her currently simple life therer were: people she didn’t know; people she had met and had an issue with (mostly Sith and criminals); people she knew and was ambivalent about; people she knew and had a positive disposition towards. Ar’ekk was definitely in the last category.

“Simple is good,” Lilla replied, “So take each day as it comes. And yes, I would not object to warming up a little. Rain may be a novelty to me, but icy water down the back of the neck can be interesting for only so long before it becomes an annoyance.”

[member="Arekk"]

 

[Arekk]

LITHIOS​

Downtown, Ethos City ​

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INTERACTING WITH: [member="Lilla Syrin"] ​

"Good. Let's take a shortcut through here, we'll get to my apartment faster."

The sound of thunders and lightning going off in the sky were just a mere alert of an lot awful weather approaching, the current icy and furious rain was categorized by most Lithiori as "usual" or within the normal limits unlike somewhere else in the galaxy. This planet was definitely something else and it hooked you in the weirdest ways possible.

As the two of them broke off from the main hub of Ethos City and made their way through several alleyways as the rain poured down on them with extreme strength and fervor, they would eventually enter the Financial District.

This section of Ethos City was much more well accomodated and "rich" in terms of buildings, roads, people and the like.

Ar'ekk's apartment complex was right in the heart of the district, its entrance was peculiar and breathtaking at the same time. A massive glass facade acted as the front, allowing their visitors within a marveously (and really cozy) main hall covered in the finest rugs and neatly designed walls.

"How's your night going, Mr. Daesharacor?" The man behind the reception desk said to the two of them as they entered, finally finding shelter from the rain.

"Good to see you tonight, Jael."

The turbolift next to the main desk would lead them directly upwards to the man's apartment floor, both doors opening before them as soon as the lift stopped. As they approached the door and Ar'ekk used his key to open up his residence, a robotic voice would welcome them too:

"Welcome home, Ar'ekk and visitor."

His eyes lingered on Lilla briefly, a smile forming upon his face and pointing towards her feet.

"If you don't mind... shoes off. We don't want to make a mess with all the mud and dirt."

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[Lilla Syrin]

Lilla followed Ar’ekk’s lead.

Thunder and lightning were still a novelty for Lilla – far more so than rain, which she’d encountered often enough. She knew the science behind it – and for one that could access the Force, it was odd she found the whole thing magical – but she did.

Lilla navigated the alleyways carefully. For all of its faults, Tattooine did not have a litter problem, which could not be said of most urban sprawls, especially those that were in the less salubrious part of towns.

But, as she’d often found, one street here or there changed the complexion of a city and as they exited an alleyway, she saw a marked change. Not just in the lack of litter, but also the absence of graffiti and also the change in people. Their clothes and overall demeanour was different. Not necessarily better in Lilla’s opinion – just different.

This was where Ar’ekk lived it seemed. They entered the glass fronted building and immediately had shelter from the rain. It was not until the constant downpour stopped that you realised just how incessant and noisy it was.

Lilla smiled and offered a short bow to the man that greeted them. He seemed genuinely friendly.

Lilla entered the lift and quickly they were out of its confines and in Ar’ekk’s apartment. She glanced around and then realised Ar’ekk’s attention was on her. “Of course,” she said, removing her boots.

She smiled at the situation. “Do you know, this is the first private dwelling I’ve ever visited. Honestly. Other than on a mission of course.”

[member="Arekk"]

 

[Arekk]

LITHIOS​

Ar'ekk's Apartment, Ethos City ​

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INTERACTING WITH: [member="Lilla Syrin"] ​

"Really? Then I am truly honored to have you here. I will make sure your stay is worthwhile."

Ar'ekk said so with a friendly tone as he hung his jacket on one of the nearby chairs. The rain continued to severely hit everyone outside but they were in the shelter of a cozy and warm home, the temperature hitting just the perfect spot of enjoyment and relaxedness.

His apartment was organized to an extent but as any other residence there was a specific mess such as the one in his bed. Sheets not tucked in, the pillow resting by the edge of the bed and the cover almost touching the wooden floor.

The Je'daii Ranger roamed around the apartment in mere socks which made him feel at freedom within the confinment of his own home.

"Please, make yourself at home. Do I get you anything, Lilla?"

He motioned the leathered couch right next to the open kitchen where they could sit down and talk, him watching her from there and so on.

Ar'ekk started to prepare the kitchen by leaving the leftovers they brought from Jovim's Noodle Shop inside the refrigerator and bringing out a plethora of vegetables and other delicious ingredients to cook a nice meal for the night.

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[Lilla Syrin]

Lilla felt a little odd as her eyes swept over the apartment. Typically she would do the same when entering a dwelling – but she’d be scanning for clues, not ascertaining the occupant’s taste in décor.

Lilla removed her cloak and left it near to the front door – better to leave a minor puddle there than carry a dripping garment throughout the apartment.

Lilla’s eyes took in the general untidiness. As a Jedi, it was not something she was used to – in part because she had no belongings to leave in disarray. And secondly, because, since being a Padawan, she was taught to make her cot every morning. Not that she was judgemental in the slightest, it was just how circumstances had shaped her.

“Water would be nice,” she said, in response to his offer. Despite the precipitation outside, she was actually thirsty and water was always her preferred drink. And then she sat on the sofa, tucking her socked feet under her as she made herself comfy.

“What made you choose this place?”

[member="Arekk"]