Charms and Graces [Completed]

[Coci Heavenshield]

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Ossus​

[SIZE=10.5pt]It is early morning on Voss. Coci is up early, dressed in her Silver Jedi robes and making her way to the hangar. She had notified the crew to prepare her personal ship, an YT-1250 named The Sting, corellian of course. Alongside her rolls R2-T2, an old unit she had given to her fiancée [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] as a gift. But today she has need of him.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Entering the hangar the ship awaits prepared and humming, the crew have the engines warming. She gives thanks to them as she passes moving up the ramp. She removes her outer cloak hanging it in the entrance as R2 rolls to the cockpit, immediately she pushes the button to close the ramp. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]The take-off cycle complete, Coci pushes her ship out the hangar and toward the skies over Voss. She is bound for Ossus, to visit the Temple and the archives. She is on a personal mission, to find as much information of a Jedi from the past. Jedi Knight Sarah Valerious. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Coci had had many thoughts around taking this trip after the battle of Midvinter and even more so since she had been feeling .. different, whatever this feeling was, was driving her to do this, to find out as much as possible about a mother, for a son. The ship soon reached the atmosphere and pushed through, and open space faced her. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]“T2, log in co-ordinates for Ossus”,[/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt] as the droid did so, Coci pushed the ship into hyper. It would not take long to arrive over Ossus and she could only hope that she would find something, anything on Sarah. [/SIZE]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

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Ossus Temple​

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She had returned to the cockpit carrying a white box. Opening it, she allowed herself to smell the aroma of the contents with closed eyes, she had had them delivered all the way from Corellia, from a chef she knew in her youth and for reasons unknown to her, she just had to have them. Corellian Puff Cakes. Before long, Coci had consumed half the box, the white soft sugary coating falling over her robes, but she did not care.

The ship's controls issued warning they where about to exit hyper over Ossus. "Oh lord!", she said standing up to brush away the offending crumbs, just in time to take control of her ship once more. In no time, she banked the ship to descend to ground, near the Temple. It had been a fair while since she had revisited Ossus, the last being as a member of the Jedi Order and in charge of Temple security. She wondered how she would find the place after such time.

After the regular check ins were over and clear to proceed to the Temple, Coci bounded up the steps to the main entrance and through the doors. She could feel the living force of Ossus strongly, much life exists here, of all nature and the Jedi are present. She passed a number of them, giving her acknowledgement as she went with a bow of her head, although she did not recognise most of them they accorded her the same respect.

She located the hall of the Archives, and found a librarian to assist her in her search. Coci was assigned a terminal for her research, and generally code give for access to the general database, as she is not here to 'raid the cookie jar', only to find information of a fellow Jedi. She opened a link to the files associated with Tython and began her search.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Ossus Temple​

Archive Room​

[SIZE=10.5pt]“T2 patch into the system will you”,[/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt] she asked the blue droid beside her. “See if you can locate anything on Sarah Valerious”. R2 rolled over to the terminal and connected his computer interface arm to the archives. As it rotated in search through thousands upon thousands of files, Coci waited, sitting back resting against the chair. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Her mind occupied, now with thoughts of Thurion and growing relationship with his father, which is wonderful to be a part of and watch bloom. But he knows nothing of his mother save for what little Thrand had told them both. Thrand, reluctant to speak of his wife, which she understood, but dwelling in the past makes one forget to live for future, and no one wants a loved one to suffer such a life of emptiness.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Coci rested a hand on her stomach, a little habit she had developed recently, but she paid little attention to, she watched the stream of blue files continued to scroll up the screen almost hypnotic. She pondered on why she had grown more sentimental of late, longing for the day when she would be back on Tabaquai with Thurion and Nina, just being together in fun and love. She misses them both terribly. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]An excited series of beeps issued from T2 as he rocked on his rollers. Understanding binary, “On screen T2, quickly”. As the file appeared on screen she read eagerly the contents.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]

[/SIZE]​

[SIZE=10.5pt]Only to be disappointed as there was not much added information to give her or to provide a lead. “Take a copy of the file, T2 please .. .. .. wait there is an image, open it”. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]A holodisplay leapt out of the terminal, a young fair woman with the most extraordinary greens eyes looked back at her. Coci understood instantly why Thrand had called her Seren and why he loved her, apart from her apparent natural beauty there is an air of grace over her entire countenance. A woman, a Jedi and wife, and a mother to her beloved, she smiled now, finding something that Thurion could treasure, at least he would know his mother’s face. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Then something more caught her eye, Coci leaned in to look more closely, her mind racing with an idea. “T2 we are go to visit Pelagon, take a copy of the image and lets go”. [/SIZE]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[SIZE=14pt]Pelagon System[/SIZE]​

Tapini Sector​

[SIZE=14pt]Omega Protectorate Space[/SIZE]​

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[SIZE=14pt]

[/SIZE]​

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[SIZE=10.5pt]“Welcome to Protectorate Space Master Sinopi, you are cleared to land[/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt]”, came the faceless voice from OP Security – Pelagon.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Coci eased the ship into descent entering into the Capital of Pelagar, the official had provided her with clearance and co-ordinate to the star port, and there she would refuel for the return journey home to Tabaqui. Her length of stay here would depend on how well her search for more information would go, but in truth, it was like trying to find a needle in a hay stack, but for Thurion she would leave nothing to chance or overlooked. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Firstly, she would go to the Birth, Deaths and Marriages Department, located in the central government buildings in Pelagar hoping to find any records of Sarah’s place of burial and Thrand and Sarah’s last known address of residence. If anything or anyone proved to be problematic, she had with her one of the galaxies finest splicers in T2. The shifty little droid, not only had one of the most colourful vocabulary, enough to make any pirates wife blush, he is also clever, a quirk of never having his memory erased. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]“Now T2, I want you to behave, I need to get into the records and see what more we can find on Sarah, even the smallest piece of information might glean something more”. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Docking procedures completed, which Coci was most grateful for, although she much prefers to be in command of a ship then passenger, she never felt more relieved when on ground. Outside the star port, she hired transport to take them to the government department. They are expecting her, having arranged an appointment prior to arrival, and giving them the reason, in which they seemed most helpful to try and locate all information for her and have it ready. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]The transport pulled up in front of the tall building and Coci and T2 entered the main foyer and proceeded to the check in desk. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]“I have an appointment with Valya Blin, please can you inform her Master Coci Sinopi has arrived”. [/SIZE]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Not waiting long before the figure of a girl approached Coci. Valya Blin, a humanoid local Pelagonian dressed in a white curators coat. Her light foot falls echoed around the main entrance circular with thick white columns reaching up to the ceiling which is domed and made of glass to let in the light.

"Master Sinopi, I have everything ready for you. We did not find much however, so your trip might be a wasted one", she began. "Please follow me to room I have set aside for you".

"Thank you for all your asistance, Ms Blin, it is much appreciated", Coci bowed her head before following Valya toward the back of the entrance. After as Coci was concerned any further information was more than they had and valuable beyond any precious jewels in the galaxy.

As they passed through the doors and entered a long corridor, Coci noted the vast difference between the main area and the back rooms, although the architecture is of high quality, it is simply in design and practical, something she admires as a person and Jedi. Eventually, Valya came to a door and opening it revealed a small room with some datapads placed on a table, she invited Coci to sit and view the data.

"As I said I found very little on Sarah Valerious and Thrand Dawnbringer, her husband. Although we have record of her death here on Pelagon, her burial chamber remains a mystery, there is no account of any service or resting place. All we have is this image", she opened a file on one of the data pads, and the image Coci already had appeared. "And this one of Dawnbringer".

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"I would like a copy of that image of Dawnbringer too if I may, you can give all information and files to T2 here", she asked with a grin, now aware of where Thurion got his good looks, a combination of the two.

"I also located their last known address here on Pelagon, which I will include in the files, but I am afraid that is all we have here in the Department", Ms Blin concluded and stood up.

"Thank you for all your help, I will not keep you a moment longer", Coci stood to leave to return to her ship. But it was not time to leave Pelagon just yet, she wanted to go and visit the place Thrand and Sarah once lived.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[SIZE=10.5pt]“R2 process all data on Sarah into the ships computer please and can you find the location of the last known address, I will visit the residency tomorrow”,[/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt] she asked of the droid. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Coci would remain on The Sting tonight. So far the journey had been long and she is away from home, her mind drifted around the circumstances and all that she had found and the possibilities of tomorrow. It had not been a wasted trip at all, not with the image of Sarah to be able to show Thurion, which was a good fine, it was something. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]She did not really have to go to the residency, but something was keeping her here, as much as she wanted more than ever to return home, to her beloved, she had the ‘sense’ that there is something more, something left and waiting. The Force is beautiful thing, strange and mysterious and ever present to guide those that listen. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]In the small galley of her ship, Coci prepared a meal for herself, and sat to eat. As she did, once more she looked over the data and that image. Golden blonde hair and emerald green eyes, so full and penetrating even from the picture of her. Swan like neck, held high a head of nobility, soft honey skin and ruby lips. And Thrand, how young he looked, regal brow that has never left him, a few more lines etched on his face, hair now silver with time, but still, he features are clear to those that have had the pleasure of meeting him. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Little did they know of the coming events that would shape not only their lives, but those of their son’s. Even though Coci is very hungry, she pushed her plate away, having now lost her appetite. A long sigh escaped her lips as she leaned back in her chair. Thinking on the events that change one’s life, by comparison, hers relatively unscathed although she had lost close friends. Her emotions began to rise, not known to usually do this as she keeps control, but alone here tonight she feels the isolation. Her hand rests on her stomach, without much thought to the act, and she retrieves yet another file, the image of her Thurion, that she carries with her everywhere. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]She can sense him, through their force bond .. .. .. he is sleeping. [/SIZE]

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Going to bed had proven more difficult than ever. Suddenly their queen-size bed seemed so much bigger, as if swallowing him whole. Each time he'd turn around he half-expected seeing his beloved lying right next to him with a sleepy smile on her face, and each time he was just as disappointed. She had not contacted him to let him know where she was and that she was safe, which was unusual even for her. True, both were busy people in terms of responsibilities to the people they serve, be it as guardians or teachers, but he suspected this had little to do with official Jedi matters. Perhaps that is why she hasn't told him about it.

Refusing to think the worst of the situation, Thurion attempted sleeping once more. He shut his blue eyes and allowed the undeniable comfort of their bed to sooth him, but yet again he was interrupted, only not through lack of sleep. Someone was knocking softly at the door. It got his hopes up a bit, although why would Coci even bother to knock instead of just stepping inside? Crawling out of bed, he opened the door and found little Nina stood in her nightgown. She looked upset. Immediately she hugged his legs, prompting him to pick her up into his arms and holding her tight.

"Aw, my poor baby! Did you have a nightmare?" Nina said nothing, of course, but rather nodded in response. She'd actually gotten quite good at understanding Basic at this point, having been exposed to it since leaving Umbara several years ago. She may not be able to speak it, herself, but at least she could understand when someone else was talking to her without having to resort to telepathy. "Come, you can sleep in here with me." Thurion put her down where Coci would sleep had she been present and tucked her in nice and tight before crawling back into bed, himself. As soon as he did, Nina moved closer and the two held each other until they both found sleep.

While asleep, Thurion had a dream. In it he saw his bride-to-be, so full of life and joy, holding hands with Nina in one hand and in the other... a young boy? It was hard to tell; the figure was tiny and very young, so the gender was difficult to discern. It was a toddler, black of hair like the woman holding it yet bearing his eyes. They were teaching the babe how to walk, it looked like. They waved and laughed as he approached, yet before he could reach them he awoke once again, eyes wide open and Nina still in his arms, resting peacefully. Suddenly it all made sense; the sudden bursts of hunger she would display lately, the upset stomach of hers... all of it!

"Pregnant..." he whispered to himself just as fatigue settled once more.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

The breaking day did not find her, alone in her ship and laying awake in her long narrow bunk. Her back ached and body stiff, the bed no longer inviting, she got up to get ready. However, Coci sat on the edge of the bunk pensive, in thoughts of the future. There is so much to be done, and time just not available to them, strange really, Time infinite .. only for Time itself. If this trip had shown her something, it had shown her life is fleeting, and they only have set years to live a physical life to the full, you are too long dead. It has reminded her that anything can happen at any time and change the very fabric of your consistent life, one routine or mundane, let alone a life always looking for the darkness in order to remove.

She rubbed her hands up and down her exposed thighs before pushing up to go to refresh and dress. After which she found T2 in the cockpit recharging and today he will stay with the ship. Her cloak hung by the ramp exit which she took and placed around her shoulders covering her clothes of white shirt and cream trousers. A jacket hide her light saber and black boots clicked along the ground surface of Pelagar. Coci retained the hired transport and soon pushed the vehicle forward to begin her descent into the lower quarters of the city.

There are not many levels, but light escaped them here, however, it is much cleaner then she remember Coruscant and far less beings on the streets. This level is by no means a wealthy area, but there is a air of community here. As she walked toward residency that was once Sarah's, the Pelagonians began to stir and enter the streets to go about the beginnings of their day. Coci felt no threat or sense of lacking, they are happy in their lives.

Checking her data pad, for finally confirmation, she stood at the end of the street on which Thrand and Sarah once lived.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

There was no garden, nor grand entrance, just a door leading straight onto the street with one step to deliver entry to the small home. Coci stood in front of the door, and took in a deep breath, How shall I explain this?, she wondered as she felt the presence of three people inside. After all it is not every day she arrives at someones home unannounced or uninvited and ask to come in. At this point she wished for all the world that [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] was with her. Not simply for comfort but to see this place, there is something here, and it is calling her.

Her brow knitted as she raised her hand to knock on the door, she could hear muffled voices inside before they stopped at the sound of the tapping. The door soon opened and there stood a man, a Pelagonian by the look of him, mid thirties and dressed to leave, but more curious is the fact the man is force sensitive. Two boys soon joined him, curious to see who would be calling on them at this time of the morning, it was unusual at any time of the day.

"How can I help you Miss?", the man asked with a puzzled look, and placing a hand out to stop his boys for coming nearer.

"Forgive the intrusion, my name is Coci Sinopi", she began with a look of thought on her face. "I have come to Pelagon researching, to ... find information about a family that once live on this planet, their last known address was this place, your home. My apologies for arriving at your door like this, but I was curious to see .. and I know I am asking a lot, but can I come in?".

The man said nothing but looked her over deliberately as if sizing her up, furthermore she could feel the force reaching out to her from him, she remained open to it as he is searching for answers. His eyes locked onto her's, a faint sign of recognition flashed in his brown eyes and he nodded as he step aside to allow her entry.


As she took that step and crossed the threshold, Coci entered a humble room.

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The two boys stared at her unsure. "Boys go and get ready", the father commanded. Reluctantly the boys left, to full of curiosity to know who the visitor is.

"Thank you, I shall not remain long", she bowed her head in appreciation.

The man grinned slightly, "Welcome to my home, Jedi. I have been expecting you".

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

"Expecting me?".


The man smiled knowingly as he moved over to the kitchen. He filled a kettle of water and placed it on the oven to boil. Coci watched him, now she is the curious one, and her eyes followed him as he prepared a tray of cups and a pot which he filled with tea.

"Please take a seat", he offered her, as he turned to wait for the water to boil, Coci moved to the kitchen table and sat there. "You have been .. 'called'.. here yes? and not by me".

She shifted uncomfortably in her seat as the man delivered the tray of hot tea to the table and poured them both a cup. "I am Kal, Kal Moore, former Knight but not of the Jedi Order".

"I had a vision of a woman with the blackest eyes that the night sky would be dull by comparison, she came to me, to my door not knowing why, it is you and I know what you seek even though you do not".

Coci looked into the face of Kal, what had drawn her here was not the man across from her, she knew that much, but a connection to her purpose for the journey. Jedi and their ways, cryptic as usual, she looked at him and grinned.

"You are correct, initially I came out of curiosity to see the place. My purpose for coming here is to find as much as can about a mother .. of a son .. that I love dearly. He does not know I here or why and already I have much to show him and tell him. But what more is there?".

Kal sat back in his chair crossing his arms over his chest as he let out a long breath. "A connection". He stood up and walked out of the room toward the back of the home. Only moments later he returned carrying a small wooden box which he placed on the table in front of her.

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"Open it".

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Her eyes flicked between the box on the table and Kal as she leaned forward to take a closer look at the box. It is small, wooden and lined with golden metal work, a symbol sits upon the lid, she has seen that symbol before. On Midvinter. A simple Valkyri pattern.

"Oh my.. ", whispered out of her lips, as the dawn of recognition entered her. Kal smiled.

For a moment, she dared not reach out to touch it, fearing this a dream or that it would vanish, there was nothing in the room save for the box that sat awaiting to be opened. Coci's hand reached toward it and unclipped the golden latch and raised the lid. In side is a cloth concealing and protecting the content. And as she peeled back the cloth, she experience a sense of joy and calm from it, or someone, as if they too were waiting for this moment.

What lay in at the bottom of the box is a chain and locket.

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Beautiful, exquisite and elegant and written on the inside of the box lid is the word .. Sarah.

Coci could not longer hold her emotions, she tried to stifle a breath and cry but tears began to well in her eyes. Her body trembled, oh why am I so emotional you are Jedi for the love of the force, she chastised herself, but to no avail, as the tears fell down her cheeks.

Kal just watched her, "So much for peace and no emotions", he laughed as did she now through sobs, completely unable to speak a word.

Spoiler

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[SIZE=10.5pt]“I was doing some renovations to this place, when I came across that box, it was hidden in the wall, a concealed compartment I did not know was there. I opened it but did not touch it, I could sense something, a presences around it and I knew one day someone would come for it”. Kal said drinking his tea quickly as he knew the boys would be returning soon. Coci nodded her understanding but her eyes could not leave the locket. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]“You must really love him”, he added to which Coci blushed, a rare thing indeed. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]“Yes”, came her simply reply still fighting for words. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Her hand moved over the locket only inches from it, her force tendrils gently touching the box and the gold locket, she could sense the essence of the wearer, Sarah, but she would not touch it at least not until Thurion had. Reluctantly she closed the lid and relatched the lock.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Kal’s two sons came running into the kitchen, ready for the day. They stood beside their father looking once more at Coci with questioning eyes. “Are you a Jedi Knight?”, one finally gained the courage to voice their thoughts. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]“I am Jedi”,[/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt] she answered. “A Master I would think by the ‘look’ of you”, Kal smiled. The boy’s eyes widened. “Oh! We have never met a Jedi before and a Master too!”. The other spoke now. Coci eyed their father, now it was her that had the questioning gaze. But she said nothing. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]“We must be leaving Master Sinopi, our day begins with chores and school”, Kal stood from the table. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]“And I must return home”,[/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt] she said bowing to Kal in respect which had grown with each passing moment. “I don’t know how to thank you Kal”. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]He shrugged her comment away with a wave of his hand. “No thanks required, May the force be with”. They took leave of each other at the door, and Coci walked back to her transport with an old wooden box under her arm.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]T2 had remained in the cockpit, “T2 ready the ship for take-off, and set co-ordinates for Tabaqui, we are going home”. For the first time in her life, Coci Sinopi could not wait to fly.[/SIZE]

The end.​