Private Forever Young

[Pitie]

While Veradune had been her home all her life, the young Zorren wanted to leave the forest and explore the Galaxy. Her family, friends, and everybody else she had known growing up were long gone and separated from her. She was a stranger walking in a strange world, and even if it was comforting, Pitié knew there was more to living.

Making her way to the spaceport on Veradune, she flitted from landing pad to landing pad before finding an unguarded transport. Stowing away in what was probably the cargo hold, she was in for an uncomfortable flight. The girl knew nothing about modern technology or how to bypass certain things.

With her stomach growling, she came out of hiding to find something to eat. Her movement triggered an alarm with security, and soon enough, she did have something to eat—as a captive, though. Even though she got what she wanted, she didn't know where they were going and didn't even ask. Instead, she focused on filling her empty stomach and only cared about that.

As the transport traveled, the crew decided what to do to the young lady. Once they landed at their next destination, she was kicked off alone in the spaceport. In a blur of motion, she attempted to run out. Not caring if she ran anybody over, she kept running until she could run no more and had to stop to catch her breath.

Braze

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Pitie

​

Braze was making his way back to the temple grounds, his arms laden with boxes of food supplies. The air was crisp, and the scent of the nearby woods filled his nostrils, a comforting and familiar presence. He enjoyed these quiet moments, away from the hustle and bustle of his usual activities. As he walked along the winding trail, his thoughts were interrupted by the sound of rapid footsteps crunching on the gravel path behind him. Before he could fully turn to identify the source, a sudden force collided with him from behind. The impact was swift and unexpected, causing Braze to stumble forward and drop several boxes.

One of the boxes burst open as it hit the ground, and sesame seed balls scattered across the dewy grass, rolling away like tiny, lost planets escaping their orbit. Regaining his balance, Braze quickly picked himself up and turned to confront whatever had hit him. There, sprawled on the ground and looking just as surprised, was a young person, not much older than he was.

"Are you okay?" Braze asked, extending a hand to help the other up. His tone was concerned but calm; he was no stranger to the occasional mishap and often found himself in much rougher tumbles during his training. He assessed the newcomer for any sign of injury, ready to tap into his healing skills if needed.

 

[Pitie]

The collision was surprising, and the agile Zorren found herself on the ground panting like a thirsty dog. Looking at the extended hand, she wasn't sure what was being offered. Her glowing eyes traveled up the arm and to the face of the young man in front of her.

Trying to skitter away like a crab on the ground, she didn't go too far before wrapping her arms around her legs. Stopping next to one of the seed balls, one of her hands lowered to grab it quickly.

"Fine."

One word came out of her mouth, and then a bit of the ball went in. Finishing it off in a few bites, she chewed on it noisily and then swallowed. Pointing to her torso, she spoke again.

"Pitié."

It sounded like she said pity, and then the teen was silent once again.

Braze

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Pitie

Braze tilted his head, puzzled by her actions, and straightened up as he watched her eat a ball of food off the ground. "Oh no... uh..." he began, but it was too late; she had already popped it into her mouth.

"You don't have to eat the ones off the ground... I have others you can have," he said, quickly moving to pick up a box that hadn't opened. He opened it and offered it to her. Inside, it contained rice balls with sesame seeds on top and filled with various ingredients.

"Here, eat these. They aren't covered in dirt and grass," he said, brushing himself off before moving to collect the fallen boxes. He used the Force to assist him, levitating the boxes into a neat array once more. "I'm Braze, by the way... if you want more food, you can come with me and join me for dinner," he offered, giving her a friendly smile.

 

[Pitie]

Swallowing the last rice ball, Pitié tilted her head much as a dog would as she listened to Braze. Her social interaction was limited; she had been alone for the last 50 years. At that time, she had almost reverted to a child in some ways.

His quick movements startled her, and she jumped back about a foot from him. There was now a sense of her being tense, but she didn't run away. Something told her Braze did not mean her any harm, and his next offer gave her a bit of east, and she relaxed slightly.

Looking at the box of food offered, she accepted it and started to eat more of the balls. She could eat a lot for a small body, and by the time he finished picking up the remaining boxes, most of them had disappeared into her mouth.

When he mentioned dinner, her ears tipped forward, and it was clear she knew that word. Nodding, she closed the box and stood up. Having introduced herself a few moments ago, she didn't think she needed to repeat her name, even if he hadn't caught it.

Trying to return his smile, it might appear more like she was snarling...with the corners of her mouth pointing upward. She did not display any hostile emotions, though; he should be able to pick up on that.

Braze

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Pitie

"You can have more of those if you like, but they might ruin your appetite. We aren't too far away." Braze pointed to the woods where a large section of bright, colorful purple flowers poked up over most other trees. "That's where we're going. It's a pretty big temple, an old one at that." He spoke gently as he gathered the last of what he'd dropped and tidied up the little boxes before starting that way.

"Do you... live around here?" he asked curiously. "I haven't seen anyone like you before. You kind of remind me of this one funny old man I know named Vulpesen . He's super old... older than dirt, I bet," Braze added in a conversational tone as he led her towards the temple gates of the Ashlanti Elysium.

 

[Pitie]

"What is temple?"

Clutching the box he had given her, Pitié was docile and curious. That wild edge remained, but it was starting to soften. Looking at Braze in confusion, some of his words didn't make sense to her. However, when he mentioned Vulpesen, her eyes widened, and she almost dropped the box of rice balls.

"He is prophet, guide and leader. Pitié only knows of him. He brought me back to live out of the darkness."

Taking a firmer grip on the box, she again tried to smile at him.

"You are like him and taking me to someplace."

The young Zorren was learning to communicate better and still needed to figure out the right words to use.

Braze

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Pitie

As Braze walked slowly through the dense forest, the gentle rustling of leaves creating a soothing melody around them. The air was crisp and cool, carrying the earthy scent of moss and pine, mingled with the faint sweetness of wildflowers. Sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor, where patches of soft ferns and fallen leaves created a natural carpeted floor underfoot.

As they approached the small river, its gentle babbling added to the soft sounds of nature. An arched wooden bridge spanned the clear, shimmering water, its surface reflecting the vibrant greens and browns of the surrounding forest. Braze paused, allowing the tranquility of the scene to seep into his being, then gestured to the bridge with a subtle nod before crossing over. Painted fish swam beneath the surface.

He thought about it... what was a temple? He'd grown up there for a long time, but how do you explain that idea to someone who had never been inside one?

"Hmnn... well... I suppose a temple is like a house... a biiiiiiig house," he said, elongating the word for emphasis. "It's a house that houses a community usually... a community or large group of people who all share, or agree and feel the same about specific beliefs." He offered lightly, trying to think about how to use smaller, simpler words as he spoke, thinking they might be easier to understand. He didn't talk down to her, however; he just wanted to be understood the best he could.

They crossed the arched bridge, the wood creaking softly under their feet. On the other side, nestled among the trees, stood a grand set of gates, ancient and weathered, but still standing proud. Vines and ivy had claimed parts of it, intertwining with the wood and stone, creating a beautiful contrast of nature reclaiming the old structure.

"This temple is an old one from some long-lost society that we are fixing up and making our own," Braze offered softly.

"I don't know how much like him I am, but yes... I am taking you someplace. I've met him a few times... I play a fun little game with him whenever I see him around," Braze said lightly, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips as he spoke.

 

[Pitie]

Walking a few steps behind Braze, the young girl looked around them. Taking in everything and ensuring nothing would jump out of the forest and hurt her. On Veradune, almost everything wanted to eat you, and she was used to being ready for attacks. Her ears twitched in the directions she heard sounds coming from until he started speaking again.

"I have never been to a temple."

Catching up with Braze, she stopped when he did and stood still. Peace wasn't something she was used to, and the thought of just being tranquil did not cross her mind. Looking over the edge, she saw the fish swimming and feeling the wood move a little. Not wanting for the bridge to fall out from under her feet, she dashed ahead of him and waited for Braze on the other side.

"Old like my people. We wandered many years, and Vulpesen brought us out and gave us new life."

Tilting her head as he continued to speak, she was silent until he finished.

"What game?"

If he would teach it to her, then maybe she could have also play it with Vulpesen.

Braze

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Pitie

"Yeah? I'm sorry, I don't know much about Veradune or the Zorren people. I have wanted to visit... maybe I should try asking Vulpesen for such." He offered as he stepped beyond the gates left ajar. He headed across a second smaller arched wooden bridge and started up stone stairs, leading towards a building perched atop stone and interwoven with a truly massive purple wisteria tree. "Hmm... well, I have these bells, and I try to sneak up on him and tie them to Vulpesen's tail. Right on the tip. I caught him once."

"This is the temple," Braze said, gesturing to the towering building. It was being worked on and restored little by little, but the front entry had been completely redone. "I know a nice place to sit and eat, come on." He said, leading her inside.

 

[Pitie]

Wrapping her arms across her body, Pitié rubbed at them slightly as if trying to warm up.

"You die to visit."

Hopefully, her message to him was clear. If he tried to visit Veradune, she felt he would die. She could only warn him of her home without knowing anything about Braze.

"Pitié alone for fifty years at home. Killed there by hunters, lost, and wandered for 400 in the darkness. Pitié doesn't have good memory of that. Just a blur. Then Vulpesen brought us out to the light again."

Listening to him describe the game, the girl smiled.

"Game is fun. You try that to me, maybe."

As he opened the temple doors, she paused before walking in. Breathing in the air, she smelled no threat inside and followed Braze.

"More food, you said? I'm hungry for more."

Smiling, she stepped aside in case anybody else wanted through the doors.

Braze

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Pitie

"Four hundred... and fifty years? That's uh... a very long time," Braze offered lightly. He led Pitié through large hallways with vaulted ceilings, heading all the way back to an area that opened up like a covered port, but much larger, with a balcony overlooking the landscape of large waterfalls, mountains, lakes, and rivers. Painted fish could be seen swimming in the rivers below in large swaths of schools. Braze set the belongings and food down, setting up a nice low table for them to sit at and arranging the food neatly.

"Are you cold?" he asked, having noticed her rubbing her arms.

He looked around the peaceful environment, wanting to ensure she felt welcomed and safe. Taking off his cloak, he gently placed it over her shoulders, offering its warmth.

"This place is one of my favorites," Braze said, gesturing to the stunning view. "It's peaceful and offers a chance to reflect."

He hoped the tranquility of the surroundings would help Pitié feel at ease and allow them to connect more deeply over a shared meal. He set the table for both of them nice and neat. " I can also brew us soem hot tea if you'd liek and that coudl warm you up as well. "
It seemed he was trying to be as kind as possible to her and moving slowly and with a gentle notion as notto acidentally frighten her.

 

[Pitie]

"Is not a long time. Pitié will live for thousands of years. Vulpesen will live for thousands of years. Not long or old."

Nodding when she finished, she looked over the area Braze had led them to. Leaning over the balcony edge, she saw many colorful fish swimming, and she reached a hand out to try to catch one. When Braze set the food down, she stopped hunting the fish and turned to look at her new friend.

"There is peace here."

Tilting her head like a dog when he asked if she was cold, she shook her head.

"No. Memory made me shiver. You walk 4oo years and not feel that way when remembering."

It couldn't be said that her communication skills weren't improving. While they were not yet perfect, they were much better than they were a short time ago. The girl felt she could be herself with Braze, and talking became easier.

"It is nice. Why reflect? What does that do? Pitié can look in a mirror to reflect."

Sitting at the table, she pulled the cloak closer and tried to figure out what to eat first.

"What do you eat first? Drink is good."

The wild animal inside her appreciated his care, and the look of a deer started to fade a little.

Braze

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Pitie

"Yes... It's very peaceful here. Time can be relative in some respects," Braze offered lightly, his gaze drifting to the serene surroundings. "Depending on what you're wrapped up in, the perception can seem long or fast."

He paused, searching for the right words to explain the importance of reflection. "Sometimes... it's hard to just decide what to do. Thinking about things and reflecting on what's happened or what options might exist can help you decide what to do. If you have time to think about what actions might give you the greatest and best results, it can make a big difference."

He brightened, shifting to a lighter topic. "I start with soup first," he chirped with a smile. "But I love the tempura rolls and the rangoons."

 

[Pitie]

Some of the actions of Pitié were that of an animal. Many of them had grown subdued, and she had started to become tame. With Braze's quiet help and patience, she was calming down even more. Becoming almost human in how she acted and moved. Then again, she was still part wild child, and she tilted her head again as she listened to her new friend.

He explained things in a way she could understand and comprehend.

"Pitié should have done that before crying when her parents died. That memory gives me chills. It caused Pitié to die too. Then Vulpesen brought us out of the darkness, and wandering stopped."

Braze gave her the time she needed to speak and listened with attention to her. She did the same with him and looked at the food before her. Smiling at him when he gave her one, she carefully moved the soup to sit in front of her on the table. Picking up the bowl, she lifted it to her lips and slowly sipped at the liquid.

"This is good."

Setting the bowl down, she picked up a roll and took a few bites. Then, as he suggested, she sampled the rangoons.

"These are all good, Braze. Thank you."

She rubbed her eyes a little as she finished eating the food before her.

Braze

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Pitie

Braze nodded softly, a warm expression on his face. "I'm glad you enjoy the food. You're welcome to stay as long as you need," he said, his voice gentle and reassuring. "Master Tirin Raene oversees this place now. It's a sanctuary of healing and rest."

He paused, letting the words settle. "You're free to come and go as you please," Braze continued, his tone inviting. "And if you'd like to wash up, there are facilities here to get everything clean and comfortable."

 

[Pitie]

There seemed to be a theme to Pitié about something people suggested to her. Braze was now the second person to mention getting cleaned up.

"Is clean normal?"

Slurping down the soup, the girl returned the bowl to the table. Pitié smiled and nodded slightly as she understood what he said.

"Who is this master? Are you a slave to Master Raene?"

Reaching for a plate of food, she started eating that with her fingers as she waited for Braze's answer.

Braze

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Pitie

​

"Cleanliness is important, yes. It feels good to be clean—to wear fresh clothes and lie down in fresh sheets. It smells nice and feels amazing," Braze remarked. "Being clean is pleasant for yourself and for those around you. It makes people want to be near you, and it helps prevent illness. Staying clean is an important part of staying healthy," he added lightly.

"My master expects me to be clean. I have rules to follow about cleanliness, or else I might get into trouble. Most people wash their hands before eating and after using the bathroom because we touch so many things with our hands. It's important to keep them clean to avoid spreading germs. I brush my teeth and wash my face daily. I shower twice on training days—once after morning training and once before bed—and once on my off days. I wash my clothes twice a week and change my bedding weekly. Staying clean helps keep your skin healthy too."

He shook his head gently. "No, I'm not a slave. Jasper Kai'el is my master. He's skilled in the ways of the Jedi. I want to be a Jedi too, so I learn from him and follow his guidance. I respect his position as someone who has mastered this way of life, this art form, and I seek his teachings. In return for his guidance, I do as he asks. It's a small price to pay for the value of what he offers me as a master."

 

[Pitie]

The young woman listened to Braze's answer and advice. Since he was the second person to suggest that being clean was normal, Pitie began to feel a little self-conscious. Some color came to her cheeks, and she almost attempted to cover up her dirty clothes.

Her glowing eyes blinked at Braze, and a look of awe crossed her face as he told her how often he bathed and cleaned his clothes and bedding.

"I don't think my parents ever cleaned that often! Do I need to start that since I'm with you?"

Wiping her hands on her pants was the best she could do now. Once again, she reached out for more food and quietly listened when he said he wasn't a slave to his master.

"Why do you want to be a Jedi?"

Pitie had already learned about these people but didn't know much else. They liked to help people, and she was glad Braze was like that.

Braze

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Pitie

Braze chuckled lightly, considering her question. "Master Tirin definitely likes to keep things and people clean, so I'd say yes. We can find you some fresh clothes if you want to get cleaned up," he suggested. "Master Tirin runs this place for those who need time to gather their thoughts and heal, whether it's mentally, emotionally, or physically."

He handed her a few stuffed crispies filled with cream cheese and crab. "But try not to eat too much at once—you can always get more later. You don't want to make yourself sick," he advised with a smile.

When she asked why he wanted to be a Jedi, Braze blinked in surprise, then smiled warmly. "I think, at first, it was because it's what my dad wanted for me... I miss him a lot." His voice softened. "For a while, I thought I was doing it for him, but then I realized I want to be the best Jedi I can be, for myself. It's all I've ever really known. I tried living a 'normal' life, but it didn't feel right. I like helping people... and I like fighting the Sith."