In Nocte Consilium

[Gianna Aegis]

In Nocte Consilium
"Tomorrow is a new day."

---

Location: Gianna's Homestead on Naboo
Tag: [member="Cassius Droma"]
Setting: It is the middle of nowhere, deep in the countryside, with long winding paths and an overgrowth of greenery. It will become clear that the rather expansive location has been upgraded recently. Some parts of the buildings are still covered in sheets and dust from years of not being used but the main house seems to be making nice progress. There are no longer holes in the room and the exterior looks to be freshly painted. The interior is much the same. Only one of the kitchens is currently operational but otherwise, it seems to have been given a facelift, in shades of white, soft blue, and green. There are open windows with muslin curtains and comfortable places to relax. It is a home. Loved, and lived in.

It was a beautiful day. Gianna was busy in the main kitchen, setting the table, while awaiting her guest. It wasn't quite noon yet so the flame-haired Jedi had opted for a bit of brunch. Sweet and savory smells filled the air and no small amount of flour dusted the counter. It was clear that she'd made an effort to clean it up, but, she was far more focused on getting the food on the table while it was still hot. Cooking was one thing she had learned to do very well at a young age. After her Father passed, her Mother immersed herself in her work, and Gianna had often been left to fend for herself.

With ample time, cookbooks, and ever-fresh ingredients? She'd learned fast. The softly-tanned beauty rarely even used the auto-chef, even if, it was a meal she found that she liked a great deal. She hummed while she worked and when she glanced at the time-piece on the mantle in the dining area. The table was filled with far more food than any two humans could consume. Perhaps, she'd gone overboard. Maybe just a little. Gia really didn't know the meaning of half-measures, but, there was nothing wrong with left-overs.

A gentle display of telepathic ability led her to reach for the Jedi that slept on the floor above. He'd had a long night of studying and practicing a few new techniques that she thought might be useful in his endeavors. She was very selective in what she taught him when. Already, he was more practiced than most of the other students she'd maintained, but more than anything required a level of refinement. 'Cassius...It's time to wake up.'

Her voice, sweet as honey, would echo in his dreaming world to lull him from slumber in the easiest way possible. Instead of an abrupt shaking, it would be akin to landing in a cloud. Harder to wake him, but, overall easier on the senses. `Cassius...`

When she felt him stir she smiled and returned making sure everything was exactly as it should be. Gianna had something to give him. It would require his full focus and she wouldn't put him through such a trial on an empty stomach. For any man, that was just mean, and the Jedi Knight was far from cruel.

He would find her seated at the table, with red-hair almost burning in the sunlight, dressed in a plain taupe dress. There were slits up the side to reveal practical pants underneath. Robes, of a sort, but decorated with a green sash. Truly, she was a Jedi all her own.

 

[Cassius Droma]

It had been quite some time since Cassius Droma had slept in a bed so comfortable. His quarters at the fledgling Jade Squadron base on Teth were adequate, as well as the ones on the Stardust Melody, but to be able to actually sleep in a bed… it was something entirely different. When his body had hit the soft mattress the night previous, his back and neck thanked him profusely. He was drifting off to sleep within moments, which was unusual for the young Jedi. In new environments, he found himself unable to rest well.

Not here, though.

A voice, sweet and familiar, echoed through his mind. His limbs moved across the sheets as his body stretched out. A deep exhale escaped him as he finally opened his eyes. Golden rays of sunlight were starting to come in through the curtains. Swinging his legs out from the covers, his feet touched the warm wooden floors. He stood and stretched once more, moving his arms above his head.

His feet softly padded across the floor as he made his way over to the window. Squinting, he cracked open the curtains and took in the splendor of Naboo. His view was that of the pool next to the main house, as well as the vegetation that stretched on for miles. He took in a deep breath. It felt good, to get some Jedi training under his belt in a beautiful place such as this.

Getting dressed in his simplistic Jedi robes, he got himself looking presentable and headed downstairs. He could smell whatever Gianna was cooking – such a mix, it was hard to identify just what exactly she’d prepared. That was something he found amusing about his mentor: she seemed to go overboard on the little things in life, sometimes.

Cassius finally made it down to the dining area, smiling at the redheaded woman already sitting at the table. “You know, I already said it before,” he said, fully scanning the room, “but you really did great work putting this together. I’m just sorry I was off playing adventurer to miss most of it.” The entire room seemed to glow with the colors mixed with the light pouring in. This was so opposite to what he grew up with – it wasn’t exactly a bad change of pace.

He sat down at the table, briefly wondering how much time it must have taken to prepare such a meal. “So… what’s on the docket today, master?” he asked, picking up a sweet roll and placing it on his plate.


[member="Gianna Aegis"]

 

[Gianna Aegis]

Location: Gianna's Homestead on Naboo
Tag: [member="Cassius Droma"]

Gianna smiled once she could hear Cassius coming down the stairs. They squeaked still, just a little, though they had been very carefully restored to their former glory. The entire area had become a pet project for her. A canvas of sorts where she could let personality, color, and love dominate every square inch of space. She had cleared the spacious home of various pieces of ancient brick-a-brack and old-fashioned statues to let a little more light in. It was a place to relax. A place where her friends and loved ones could find peace. Time to learn, heal, and train a good clip away from the bustling City of Theed.

Pale-Green eyes found her Padawan when he entered the dining room and there was a sense of obvious fondness written all over her expression. Attachments were, for the most part, against the code. But there was never any harm in caring for others. Cassius was a breath of fresh air. A much-needed change in what had slowly become a very stagnant existence. Being a virtual nomad could be beneficial for her work but it was entirely exhausting. Having a student gave her purpose that didn’t at all feel like duty.

“Good morning sleepy-head…”, the red-haired woman spoke over the rim of a cup of hot tea. It was in a plain cup with an amateur picture of a Loth-Cat on the side. “Thank you, but, there’s still plenty to do I have no problem putting you to work if training isn't enough for you...”

In all honesty she was just happy to finally have wrangled him into visiting. He was so busy with the Jade Squadron and his activities in wild-space she was beginning to think that dragging him home by force was the solution. The thought of pulling him across the galaxy by the ear made her giggle and she let the mental image float toward his mind. The context would be missing, but, the playful intent would still be felt in the emotion that followed.

When all was said and done—she liked being his alarm clock.

“I’m just glad you’re here.”

The slender woman raised a brow when Cassius referred to her as Master. It was the truth but it was the way he said it that caused her to flick a cloth napkin in his direction. Her head tilted when she saw he went straight for the sweet roll. Men. A silent motion of her hand caused an empty plate from the end of the table to rise in the air. From there she began portion off little bits of everything for him to try. “You need more than that. I have a surprise for you…”

The plate settled down in front of him and she lifted his silverware to make it dance before his eyes.

“Eat before it gets cold.”

 

[Cassius Droma]

He caught the napkin, smiling. It was really the only way he could say that word without it being weird. He envisioned someone he would call ‘master’ as being an old, wise person, sitting cross-legged and trying to teach him how to meditate. Much like the Bendu monks on Ando Prime, perhaps… but he didn’t even call them ‘master’. It was probably his non-Jedi upbringing that determined that – the word had a slightly different meaning, where he was from.

His eyebrow quirked as she began to load up his plate for him. Was she being the impatient one, for once? Cassius would have gotten to the rest of the food eventually, of course – he wasn’t about to let all her hard work go to waste.

“A surprise?” Cassius asked, his mind starting to speculate as to what that would entail. Would it be something innocuous, or something else entirely? It was hard to tell sometimes, with the woman who seemed to find intrinsic happiness and value in everything.

As the plate finally landed at his place, he reached for his silverware, only for it to start dancing in front of him. He shot Gianna a sly look before plucking it out of the air. Cassius began to dig in, his hungry stomach amplifying the taste of the already scrumptious food. A small, satisfied groan escaped him as he took the first few bites. This was certainly something he could get used to. On their future adventures, Gianna would from here on out be the designated cook on the ship.

“You’ve been holding out on me,” he said, after gulping down some meiloorun nectar. “Really though… what are we doing today?” he asked. The day previous, they had gone over various techniques – telekinesis, sensing, and even a few specific ones like shatterpoint and a little bit of astral projection. They were all things that a well-rounded Jedi would need to know. Most of it were things that he’d already had a decent grasp of, but Gianna was helping him refine it, make him better.

[member="Gianna Aegis"]

 

[Gianna Aegis]

Location: Gianna's Homestead on Naboo
Tag: @Cassius Droma

Her ever-present smile still remained strong over the brim of her teacup. It widened when he asked about his surprise but there was nothing in her that had any intention of giving anything away. Not even the slightest hint. Her little laugh would ring in the air like silver bells, sweet, and light when he snatched the silverware out of the air. “Growing boys need a balanced diet. I could hardly expect you to fire on all cylinders if you stuffed your tummy with sweet rolls.”

Still, amusement lingered. Gianna could only assume that being called a “boy” was not high on his to-do list but the Jedi Knight was known for being playful. This was nothing new. There was nothing in her that didn’t feel content at watching him devour the contents of his plate. Everyone needed a home-cooked meal every now and again. “We’ve been on your ship for the most part. I didn’t want to commandeer your galley or use ingredients that would cause your auto-chef to come up with creative substitutes.”

Sometimes, the changes worked and weren’t too terrible. The problem lay with the fact that machines didn’t have taste buds. An auto-chef followed specific recipes that had either been pre-loaded or added by the user. If it couldn’t find what it needed, often, it would still try to create a dish with what it deemed an appropriate replacement. Sugar was not the same as salt.

His drink of choice, meiloorun nectar, had been stocked well. Gianna had tried to be subtle about including things around their home that he might enjoy from time to time. Perhaps, it would lure him to return more often.

“My lips are sealed, Padawan.”

She said Padawan in the same way he had spoken Master. Two could play at that game. She had pushed his limits the day before with reviewing multiple techniques that she thought would aid him the most. When Younglings were first taken in by the Order they were taught a variety of ways to strengthen themselves. Gianna aimed to help him walk with the Force before he decided to fall into a run. His unspoken mindset of being a pilot first, Jedi second, was a hurdle that they both needed to overcome.

“It’s a beautiful day and I refuse to waste it indoors.”, Gia intoned lightly, opting to change the subject, lest he did manage to bait it out of her. The flame-haired woman had a hard time denying anyone, let alone a student, and friend, of which she adored. “After bunch, we'll clean up, then we’ll take a walk through the orchard. Some of the newer lemon trees have just started to blossom and it smells wonderful.”

Of course the Jedi could not take care of everything on this land alone. She had a variety of droids that tended the fruit-bearing trees and gardens that required a watchful eye. Considering the orchards and gardens produced far more than she could ever need in a lifetime, the southernmost sections, far from the main buildings, were tended by a few local farmers. Whatever they grew they could keep, sell, or do with whatever they pleased. She didn’t believe in letting things go to waste when there were plenty of people that could make good use of it.

“We’ll get to the surprise eventually.”

The young woman stood and briefly excused herself to get another cup of tea. “Do you need anything? Salt? Pepper?”

If he looked closely as she left, he would see her stepping carefully, treating the shafts of light that poured in through clear windows like a game. She didn’t worry much for falling out of communication for a moment, mostly, because if he needed anything her mind was always present for him. Not to mention that, honestly, he was well and truly capable of taking care of himself.

When Gia returned she skittered back to the table as if the floor had turned to lava with a small tray of forgotten lemon-tarts floating behind her. Somehow, all of the scalding hot water stayed in her teacup. The tarts joined the rest of the items on the table and she beamed at Cassius when she sat back down. The already bright dining room seemed almost brighter when she returned to it, happiness and delight almost bubbling over, but somehow, she kept her excitement contained. Barely.

 

[Cassius Droma]

She refused to give anything away, proving herself to be a vault of information. There was one thing, though – they’d be outside for the day. That still left open a litany of possibilities. He knew, however, that he should just trust her, and that whatever she had in store, it was good. His mind still continued to speculate as he ate, thinking of all the good – and bad – things that could be counted as a ‘surprise’.

Cassius turned and looked over his shoulder as he chewed, looking past the curtains and out to the trees speckled with yellow. “You know, I don’t think I’ve ever even been in an orchard…” he said absent-mindedly. Searching his memory for anything of the sort, and he couldn’t think of ever being in a place that was specially set up to grow fruit in that manner. He had been to the harshest planets, flown in the most dangerous starships… and yet he’d never had that experience.

As Gianna left the table, Cassius glanced up from his plate. “Uh, no, I’m alright…” he said. His voice drifted off never so slightly as he watched her. Never before had he met someone so warm, so kind. Being here, in this house, having an actual cooked meal for breakfast, with Gianna… it was almost as if, if she wasn’t his mentor…

No. He shouldn’t think like that. He needed to focus. When the redhead started to come back to the table, his gaze went back to his plate for a moment, only the slightest hint of shame pulsing in his chest. It had vanished as soon as it had appeared, and a wide-mouthed smile came across his face as he saw the plate of lemon-tarts gliding over.

“I hope you’re not purposefully filling me up,” Cassius said, “I don’t want to puke during any sort of extensive training later.” He smiled at her as he had another sip of nectar. The fact that it so happened to be his favorite drink and that she had it here was not lost on him. She took him into consideration so often… sometimes, Cassius wondered if he thought about her as much as he should. Was he being irresponsible, running off to Teth and Wild Space to form Jade Squadron? Should he be here more? Wild Space was an area where he lived for years, patrolling to keep it safe for cargo freighters and civilians just trying to make a living. Maybe there was a way he could do both.

For now, though, he was in paradise. Soon enough, he finished his meal and stood from the table, grabbing his plate. “Let’s go walk some of this off,” he said. “I feel like I’m about to burst.”

[member="Gianna Aegis"]

 

[Gianna Aegis]

Location: Gianna's Homestead on Naboo
Tag: @Cassius Droma

Something deep in her chest became saddened when Cassius informed her that he had never been to an orchard. There was something about it that made the jade-green of her iris dim. His homeworld was cold. Endlessly, cold. He wouldn’t have had access to rolling green and gold fields. Was spring even possible on Rinn? Gianna didn’t think so. She hadn’t extensively researched the seasons but she was mostly sure it only had one. Ice. When that got boring? Snow crossed with bitter cold.

It made sense. Still, it bothered her. It was just one more thing, no matter how small, that she wanted to show him. Eventually, she wiped the melancholy away. He would see an orchard today and that was that. Preoccupied with the fact that he had missed out on so much, she missed his brief sense of guilt, and instead focused on the joy lemon-tarts brought him. His happiness fueled her own and her expression became a mix of fond and indulgent while she chuckled. “You’ll be fine…”

“It’s not the obstacle course—But you will need your strength.”

Brunch went well. They ate and drank their fill keeping a light mood, on her part deliberately, making sure that chatter never stopped. Gia didn’t want to give him the chance to try and guess what she had hidden away. Clean up was a fairly simple affair. A mix of telekinesis, storage containers, and clean film saw all the leftovers stored properly in the chiller. She would be found toward the very end wiping down the table with some sort of natural lemon spray.

Once finished and everything was tidy the young woman took off her apron and tossed it in the hamper. She washed her hands thoroughly, dried them, and then waited for Cassius to finish up anything else he needed to do. Gianna had been rather shamelessly monopolizing all of his time since he’d landed on Naboo so she wouldn’t have minded if he took a moment to himself. She didn’t dote on him to clip his wings, to change him, so much as she did to show that wherever he was, whatever he did, someone always cared.

He would always have a place with her. Jedi or pilot.

When they were ready to go she wrapped a light linen around her shoulders and they headed out. Her crimson hair seemed even brighter in direct sunlight, pulled up in a high ponytail, with curling strands framing a heart-shaped face. Her pace was slow, almost, achingly so. The Jedi Knight moved as if the light wind carried her, metaphysical senses spread wide, like open doors. “Really…All you have to do to know where to go is follow your nose…”

“It’s the happiest smell in the galaxy.”

Citrus blossoms were very pungent, very sweet, and Gianna was on cloud nine while they made their way toward the nearest orchard. They passed several droids hard at work, pruning, and collecting lemons that had already ripened. It might have been her favorite part of the whole property. Eventually, they fell back into light conversation. The gentle Jedi would point out her favorite paths to walk, meditate, and swim. She encouraged him to take it all in. It wasn’t like Kashyyyk or Teth or Rinn…

There was a sense of peace on Naboo that most were hard pressed to find anywhere else. Despite the dangerous creatures that lurked in the deep, there was an air of magic, and of ease. Every breath would come easier. They would pass row after row of trees filled with bright oval shapes. Some would be attached to a trellis that they would need to walk under and others were just hanging naturally. “The place we’re going to is in the heart of this orchard. It’s different than the others. Quieter.”

No less stunning, but there was something here, and she had chosen this spot for that exact reason. After cresting a far-flung hill he would see a small temple of sorts. It was completely open and airy. There were no doors, no windows, just pillars strung with muslin cloth. The only thing that protected it, seemingly, was a civilian grade shield. They passed through easily enough.

They would walk through tall, waving grasses, which were spotted with wildflowers. Within the sandstone temple seemed to be nothing. Just a place for relaxation, respite, and introspection. It overlooked one of the many lakes that dotted the Nabooian countryside. There was a presence about it. A feeling of light—Empowerment. “This is my secret place.”

“When things get hard, or, when I’m questioning myself…”, she trailed off lightly, turning, to offer him a faint smile. For all her perceived goodness even she wasn’t perfect. “I come here.”

Gianna let him inside. She didn’t walk in the middle of the room and halted him just before he stepped on a certain tile. “That slab will raise if you will it. Find your center, your goodness, and let your heart lift it. Don’t force it.”

There, hidden, he would find his surprise. A warm, pulsating, pale blue box.

 

[Cassius Droma]

As far as first visits to orchards went, this was pretty great. Granted, they were on Naboo, where everything was bound to be beautiful. Even before he’d visited here for the very first time, he knew of the planet’s inherit splendor from holos and stories. It was why he’d chosen it has a vacation spot. He’d spent some time in Theed, taking in the local culture… before being slightly interrupted. It was then that he’d met the queen and helped her retrieve a stolen lightsaber. After that, Cassius had taken his A-wing and flew out into the Lake Country, in an isolated area where no one would find him camping.

And now… was this home? Ever since he’d left Rinn, he had yet to find a place that felt like home to him. Commenor, Deneba, Kashyyyk… they were just places he had stayed. The Stardust was probably the closest thing, but what kind of home was a ship, anyways? As much as he loved to be in the cockpit, he needed solid ground under his feet from time to time. Why not have that solid ground be in a place that was breathtaking?

Eventually, they came across some kind of structure. It looked so simple, that Cassius wouldn’t have paid much attention to it if he’d seen it on his own. With Gianna, though, it had some significance. As they crossed the shield and into the area, he could feel how the Force moved here. It was obvious that Gianna meditated here often – it was saturated with her presence. Standing inside, he felt as though he was in her consciousness, as he had been so many times before.

As Gianna elaborated on the purpose of the space, he turned to her, giving a warm smile. Everything in him wanted to put a hand on her perfect cheek, to confirm his solidarity and connection to her. He didn’t, but she would be able to feel the sentiment from him all the same. If anything, it made her more human. She laughed, she cried, she felt pain… just like him. The first crack in her armor, and she had shown it to him willingly.

He was given some simple instructions – lift a slab of tile. Thinking it was an easy task, he put his hand out, expecting the tile to come up at a moment’s notice. It hardly budged, though, and Cassius could feel his mind strain. “Ah. I see,” he muttered. This was a little heavier than it looked. Pausing, he closed his eyes, inhaling deeply. He focused on the tile, feeling out how heavy and big it was. It was certainly something that he wouldn’t be able to lift as a mere human.

Was it really that heavy, though? The Force permeated through the entire galaxy… it was massive, expansive, omnipotent. This stone slab, in the grand scheme of things, was infinitesimal. The let the Force flow through him, bolstered by the presence of his mentor, the beacon of light that she was. With a grinding rumble, the stone slowly lifted, and it floated over to the side.

Looking down into the hole he just created, he spotted something. He knelt down and reached in, gingerly picking up…

“A holocron?” Cassius asked. It certainly looked like one. Was she… was she giving it to him? He looked up to her in curiosity and excitement. As much as he studied them in other temples and sought them for knowledge… he had yet to own one.

[member="Gianna Aegis"]

 

[Gianna Aegis]

Location: Gianna's Homestead on Naboo
Tag: [member="Cassius Droma"]

Gianna felt an indulgent sense of contentment when she realized that Cassius was enjoying himself. Part of her was a little bit afraid that Naboo would eventually prove too peaceful for him. It was too quiet. There were no wars here. There were injustices, certainly, as there were all over the Galaxy but it was nothing like Wild Space. His smile when they arrived at the sandstone temple made her feel more confident in her decision. It was high time that he had a reason. A tether.

Someone to look up to that wasn’t her.

The flame-haired woman tried her best when it came to training. She was unorthodox. There was a method to her madness, however, others might have taken a different path. They would have created a leash to keep the Padawan safe, educated, and well within the light side of the Force. Gianna let Cassius move about freely. More than anything, because by the time they’d met, he was already a man.

Padawan or not, nothing, would take the pilot out of him. It had become deeply ingrained, just as much, if not more than his connection to the Force. There was no separating him from that and Gianna had no desire to. It would change him. Frankly, she liked him the way he was. Inquisitive, intelligent, altruistic. What more could any Master ask for? Cassius didn’t have to speak, or act, to convey the depth of emotion this location drew fourth. She felt it too. He would feel her presence wrap around him, offering warmth, and reassurance.

Yes. His Master was imperfect. “Perfect in our imperfections…Are we not?”

The Jedi Knight smiled softly the first time Cassius tried to lift the slab. There was more weight to it than a simple stone but the young man caught on quickly. He always did. She remained standing whilst he knelt down to retrieve his hard-earned prize and her arms crossed behind her back while her eyes glimmered. The excitement she’d held at breakfast was returning.... “No...It's a paperweight.", she teased, before amending, "Yes. It's a holocron.”

“It is unique. There are larger holocrons. Some with more advanced techniques…But this one is special. It was imprinted on by a deceased Jedi Master that I very much admire.”

Gianna reached out and touched his shoulder, gingerly, to lend another well of warmth. He looked so much little a youngling on Life Day that she wished she would have thought to encapsulate the moment. Primrose lips were still settled into a soft smile. Her free hand moved and the slab floated back in place. There were other things, hidden below, but as suspected her Padawan was drawn to that which was her favorite. The hand that touched his shoulder slipped down to tug on his sleeve. The young woman guided him toward a sitting area on the opposite side of the temple.

There were weather-resistance pillows, soft mats, and a low table. It seemed as if there was a small collection of dried tea and a water purifier. Though, no water, and no heat source. “Sit with me. Today, I want you to open this holocron. Just like the slab—it isn’t hard. It’s not designed to be a trick.”

“It’s simply different. See it was clear eyes, a focused mind, and an open heart. Then you will find out who gifted us these teachings.”

The green-eyed woman patted the empty space beside her. How many had he opened alone before? She was uncertain, some, if any. This one would prove to be a challenge. It wasn’t so much the techniques that were so very worthwhile but the wisdom that had been deeply embedded in every facet of the device. It was made of a weaker metal than some, making its survival through the ages, more than a little surprising. “Never fear though—I’ll be here.”, she added in, nose scrunching some as she smiled, before letting her hands settle in her lap.

It was going to be an interesting afternoon.

 

[Cassius Droma]

A deceased Jedi Master? Cassius wondered who that could be. Long dead, or perhaps recent? He couldn’t hide his smile or his bursting anticipation. The young Jedi held the cube in his hand as if it were a delicate egg, fearing that it would crack if it came into contact with anything else. He stood and followed Gianna over to the sitting area, one that looked as if it had come from a grand palace. It certainly looked comfortable.

“How old is this?” he briefly wondered aloud, noting some of the wear on the metal. It looked like it was kept in good shape, but the age still shown through a little. The stylings of the markings and designs of the metal, as well as type of crystal, made him think this was from possibly during or after Palpatine’s Galactic Empire. A litany of Jedi Masters he knew from that era flew through his mind, but he couldn’t figure out which one.

He eased into a cross-legged sitting position on a circular pillow and placed the holocron in the center of the low table. Nodding as she explained how to open it, he said, “Don’t worry, I’ve opened a holocron or two in my day.” He’d come across quite a few during his time at other orders, as well as his archaeological expeditions. Those had been easy enough, as they’d been made by Knights or even higher-level Padawans as journals. Not to mention, it had been a holocron that taught him his very first lessons in the Force.

Closing his eyes, he cleared his mind and focused on the holocron. He remembered that not only was focus important, but so was openness. One needed to be willing to learn. When it came to Jedi holocrons, knowledge for the sake of power was not a valid reason to open it. This one was a little more difficult to open than the others. He could tell that it had been imprinted upon by someone very powerful, who didn’t want their knowledge falling into unworthy hands.

With some soft clicking sounds, the holocron reconfigured, the corners turning and forming a new shape. The holographic interface activated, and the figure of a Kel Dor appeared. It was dressed in a typical tunic and brown robe, hands clasped in front. Although the hologram had a bluish tint, the orange skin of the alien was still visible.

“Greetings,” he spoke, his deep voice filtered through a standard breathing apparatus. “I am Master…”

“Plo Koon…” Cassius finished under his breath. By now, his eyes were wide. As a historian, he of course knew of Jedi Master Plo Koon and his accomplishments. The man was, in Cassius’s eyes, one of the greatest Jedi to ever live. Known for being calm, collected, compassionate, and a skilled pilot, Cassius saw a lot of himself in the Kel Dor. He managed to rip his gaze away from the Jedi Master for a moment to look at his mentor. “Where did you get this?” he asked.


[member="Gianna Aegis"]

 

[Gianna Aegis]

Location: Gianna's Homestead on Naboo
Tag: @Cassius Droma

“Old.”, Gianna responded sweetly, however, rather cryptic. She wouldn’t spoil the game for him by spilling the beans by accident. What would be the fun in that? She had held on this long. She could keep her lips sealed a little bit longer—“From a time long before the four-hundred years of darkness.”

There. A small hint.

Cassius was just so much himself when he was trying to figure something out. The sitting area was comfortable enough for meditation and perhaps a light picnic, but, it was far from the spectacular arrangements that many on Naboo hosted. For Gianna, it was a touch of home, and emulated a small outdoor patio that she’d grown up with. She could remember having lunch with friends. Lessons from her Father in levitating small objects. It brought her back to a simple, steady mindset.

He assured her that he’d opened a holocron before and she couldn’t help but chuckle. Certainly, he had. The pair had met through a diplomatic mission that had turned into an archaeological nightmare. “Every holocron is different.”, she responded, not doubting him, but guiding. Once his eyes closed and he began to concentrate she quietly joined him. It was easier through touch, however, providing focus and strength was something she excelled at.

If she couldn’t manage to silently bolster her Padawan from three feet away—what kind of Knight was she?

A silent wave of pride rolled through her when he managed to open the holocron on the first try. When the familiar sight of Plo Koon appeared the flame-haired Jedi felt her shoulders react. There was a particular expressed she wore. Fondness. Gianna had never met the Jedi Master but she had explored ever topic the holocron had to offer. It left her with an intense impression.

“Yes. I am Master Plo Koon. What can I aid you with today?”

It was a programmed phrase. There were dozens of them, some, that Gianna had yet to even hear. The hologram before her was an imprint of memories of the Kel Dor that had lived through so much. There was an essence of calmness that Cassius would find notably familiar. Her love of life, her respect, and the ease of which she befriended others…It was all here. Of course, some of it was innate, but she had honed many skills simply by asking for a story. “You were an amazing pilot. Weren’t you, Master Plo?”

As the gatekeeper of the holocron, this blue-tinged vision of the long dead Master knew that he was not the original. With its purpose made plain and a lack of true artificial intelligence, the knowledge base was limited, however, still better than most of that day and age. New information and previous interactions were remembered, but, they were still talking to the personality of the creator at the time the holocron was made. It was not an evolving being. The hologram inclined his head, hands folded, and Gianna could almost imagine the smile in the tone.

“I was adequate, Knight Aegis. My teachers were very thorough.”

Gia smiled again. It was easiest to use this holocron through common dialogue. Commands were possible, however, it reacted as the original Plo Kloon would have. It knew everything prior to a very final battle on Cato Niemoidia. The exact year of reference in which the memories stopped for the holocron were hard to discern. “This is my Padawan. Cassius Droma. He is very pleased to meet you.”

The hologram nodded, seeming to look at the Padawan, though it really had no frame of reference. “As am I. What can I help you with young one? A story? Or are you looking for training? Perhaps both?”

It was clear that it couldn’t quite tell how old Cassius was, however, it was charming nonetheless. Gianna hadn’t realized that the man beside her already knew so much about this particular Jedi Master. When he asked where she’d acquired it, she smiled, and her chin tucked down a little. “I’ve had it for as long as I can remember. Even before I knew what it was.”

One of the many things her mother had nearly thrown away when her father passed. The woman had been so injured, so broken, by the death of her husband that any sort of reminder hurt her all over again. She blamed the Order as so many widows and childless mothers did.

It was what made her understand the need to remain unattached. It taught to her love all, to care for all, versus loving one so much that it clouded her judgment. “Talk to him.”, she urged Cassius, smiling still, though some part of her felt as if it had drifted. Memories of her youth could be draining, even though, she did her best to hold on to the positive notes.

Her Father had not died, but, he had returned to the Force. He would not return as some Jedi Masters did. His abilities were varied, however, his connection to the Force had never been documented to show that level of control. This holocron was one of the few things she had left. Gianna wanted Cassius to have it. He deserved the knowledge and wisdom that lay within and she trusted him to take care of it.

It was time to let go.

 

[Cassius Droma]

Cassius couldn’t help but marvel at the quality of the hologram. Un-crossing his legs, Cassius stood, now only a head shorter than the Jedi Master. As the Kel Dor and Gianna interacted briefly, Cassius lightly paced around, looking at every inch, watching how everything parallaxed and even interacted with the light in the room. A majority of the holocrons he had studied were old and had been carelessly discarded, so their crystals had been degraded. In turn, the holograms were crackly, and had major distortions in voice and image. This, however, felt as if he was interfacing with the Jedi Master through a hologram transmitted on the same planet.

It had been well taken care of, Cassius could see that. Already, he foresaw getting a sturdy, padded box to store it in.

The attention was turned to him, and Plo Koon asked him a question. It seemed to think of him as a little younger – indeed, most Padawan of his era were Knights by the time of their early to mid-twenties.

That was when Cassius had asked Gianna the origins of the box. As she explained, he started to understand a little bit more. This was more than likely owned by her father, a Jedi that had died when she was a child. The holocron was no doubt a precious item to her, something that could have provided guidance and wisdom in the Jedi way in place of her father.

Not wanting that to go unnoticed, Cassius kneeled down and took one of Gianna’s soft hands in his, green eyes meeting hers. “Thank you, Gia,” he said. “This won’t go to waste.”

Standing back up, he looked to Master Plo. What would he ask one of the great heroes of the Old Republic? There were so many things, as the Jedi Master had a long and storied history of service. The first thing that came to Cassius’s mind, however, was the beginning of Master Plo’s prominence in galactic history.

“Tell me about the Stark Hyperspace War.”

It had been a conflict nearly twenty years prior to the Clone Wars, in which a pirate by the name of Iaco Stark had taken the Republic by the throat by infecting navicomputers and disrupting hyperlanes. The conflict itself had not lasted long, but it had come close to bringing the Republic to its knees. Plo Koon had been hugely instrumental, and it was seen as a great turning point for the Knight that would soon become a master.

The hologram began to explain in great detail, including his use of telepathy to interact with the enemy and his niece light-years away, as well as the loss of his master and ascension to the Jedi High Council.

[member="Gianna Aegis"]

 

[Gianna Aegis]

Location: Gianna's Homestead on Naboo
Tag: [member="Cassius Droma"]

Gianna remained where she was while Cassius evaluated the hologram from head to toe. Had he never seen a gatekeeper before or was he truly so enamored with Master Plo Koon? The representation of the great Jedi Master paused, uncrossing his hands, before he laced them back together. Even in the form of a recorded imprint his patience and wisdom could be felt in the air.

She was a little startled when her Padawan suddenly dropped. He took her hand, easily, since she didn’t shy away and the slender woman let their gazes meet. There was never anything to be afraid of from her Padawan. No reason to look away, to be uncomfortable, or to see his actions as anything other than genuine gratitude. She smiled gently at his thanks. Cassius could be so very perceptive when he wanted to be. “…See that it doesn’t.”

He pulled away just as quickly as he had knelt in the first place.

She exhaled slowly, relieved, that he didn’t seem to want to discuss it further. It was an emotional topic. Normally, Gianna was very much in touch with how she felt, and, with how others were feeling but this was one subject she was never sure how to broach. At least, not without a hot cup of tea, and a good cry. This was a happy occasion. Not a sad one. It was a sign that, truthfully, her Padawan was growing.

He wouldn’t be her Padawan forever. Sooner than later he would learn all that she could teach. He would be a Knight, as she was, as he deserved. Gianna sometimes thought he could take his trials now if he wanted. The only thing she waited on, truly, was him. He needed to want it, to feel ready to spread his wings, versus being kicked from the nest.

The skin around Master Plo’s eyes crinkled a little at the question Cassius asked. “Ah, good question, my young Padawan learner.”, the hologram responded, silent for a moment, while the holocron queued up the correct memories. In reality, it just looked like the Jedi was trying to think of where to begin.

“The Stark Hyperspace War or the Stark Conflict as some call it was a difficult affair. It took place in 44 BBY. I remember most of it as if it were yesterday. Some people don’t know it or weren’t privy to the details but the whole debacle actually began on Thyferra. An alazhi processing plant exploded and due to this, bacta, became extremely scarce. The price of bacta went up, and then rose again, when the value was realized.

A group rose up and began stealing from Trade Federation ships so that they could sell it to the ailing people of or the Outer Rim. It went for much cheaper than what the Federation could manage so the people began to look upon the Stark Collective as a group of heroes. They stole from the rich; provided for the poor.”

The story went on and on. Gianna had heard it before and instead let the comforting sound of Master Plo recounting these details ease her mind. It was a tale of deceit and misinformation. One awful decision led to another, and another, until war was the only way through. Master Plo had played a key role in ending the fighting by convincing Iaco Stark to defect and he elaborated for Cassius the methods of which he had used to do so. Telepathy, to convey his message, and wisdom to mark Stark see the truth. His take on it was more detailed, different, than historical holos that seemed to be slated one way or the other. There was a solemn feeling that passed from the hologram as he relayed the details of a series of costly battles.

“The end was final, however, far from a victorious matter. Greed, corruption, and duplicity cost many people dearly. Due to the bacta shortage both sides suffered higher death rates than expected. Those that did survive bore scars and injuries that would heal incorrectly, and thus, remained with them. The war also proved to be a training ground for pirates, mercenaries, and terrorists. They began to put their learned skills into practice for their own nefarious ventures.

I replaced Master Tyvokka on the Jedi Council shortly thereafter. A new Senator was appointed and the Stark Commercial Combine was completely dissolved. The sacrifices of all those involved, as well as the lesson earned, will never be forgotten.”

Gianna remained quiet for a long moment. A moment of silence for the fallen. The Jedi in question, the people that Master Plo spoke of, those who had suffered, deserved more than that. But it was all she could give. These were memories, motivators, that inspired her to do the most good in the galaxy that she possibly could.

“Thank you Master Plo.”

“You are very welcome Knight Aegis, Padawan Droma.”

The imprint almost seemed bothered that he had left them with such dour teachings. Yet, that was the nature of balance. Accepting the good with the bad. He could not properly relay the events that had transpired without revealing the mistakes made along the way.

Gianna stood from her cushion, unfolding like a flower, and reached to place her hand on her Padawan’s shoulder. She would wait for him to turn before speaking. Jade eyes remained soft as they swept over his features. They were almost the same age, simply, with different experiences. She respected the man before her a great deal. Enough, that she would willingly entrust him with one of the few things she held dear. “Master Plo has helped me over the years more than I can say. Nothing in the galaxy is actually as it appears to be. There will come a time when your faith will be tested. When you'll feel all alone, as if the Force has turned away from you, and everything you care for. No matter the truth, no matter the strength of your convictions, we are all human, and it will feel that way. You will struggle. Sometimes, you will fail. But you will also learn from it. You'll stand back up. You will overcome it."

"If the only thing you take from today is this, please, remember that you're never, ever alone.”

Her head tilted to give a half smile to the still standing visage of Master Plo before her attention returned to the dark-haired man. The Knight lifted her hand from his shoulder and carefully pushed a few strands of wayward hair away from his forehead. It was affectionate, whilst, she rolled words around in her mouth that she really didn't want to say.

“...Even if I’m not there.”

 

[Cassius Droma]

Despite having a breathing mask that altered his voice, Master Plo Koon had a somewhat soothing voice which was easy to listen to. Over the various holos and recordings he’d listened to over the years, Cassius found that the wide variety of Jedi sometimes made for unpleasant listening material. It wasn’t just the sound, either – his voice was calm, confident but humble.

Cassius listened with great interest to the story of the Stark Hyperspace War. He’d briefly read about it before, but it wasn’t exactly a topic that many Jedi studied due to it being overshadowed by the Clone Wars happening so close to that time. It also wasn’t a very long conflict, with a few historians claiming it shouldn’t be labeled a ‘war’ to begin with. Regardless, Cassius was more than thankful to have a first-hand account, especially of someone who had played such a vital role.

He didn’t think it was possible to have such far-reaching telepathic abilities, as Cassius had only communicated with people short distances – usually on the same planet. Yet, Plo Koon had been able to speak to people from across star systems. The Kel Dor were known for their telepathy, and the Baran Do sages of Dorin were known to be especially proficient in it – perhaps he could visit them some day.

The story ended, and Cassius gave the hologram a nod. “Thank you, Master Plo. I look forward to future teachings.”

There was a hand on his shoulder. Turning, Cassius faced Gianna. He nodded as she explained the hard times ahead – standard for any Jedi. His mind went back to Ando Prime, when he was climbing a sheer rock face with frozen winds whipping about him. He had felt more alone than he’d ever felt in his life, and that the Force had left him. Thankfully, he had been able to rediscover it, but there had been this innate fear that he would find himself in that situation again one day.

What he’d learned since, though, and what Gianna had reinforced for him, was that the Force was like a blanket – it might get thin, but it’s always there. If Cassius could have Gianna by his side forever, he would… but he didn’t know how their story ended. Eventually, he would outgrow her training, and with the way things were going at the moment, he was liable to run off to the Outer Rim to play hero. Could he really leave her here, in paradise?

Her fingers barely brushed his forehead, and he felt a warmth pass through him unlike anything he’d felt before. Instead of saying too much, Cassius merely smiled and pulled in Gianna for a tight hug, whispering,

“I know.”

[member="Gianna Aegis"]

 

[Gianna Aegis]

Location: Gianna's Homestead on Naboo
Tag: [member="Cassius Droma"]

​

Surprise.

Gianna loved surprises, though, she didn’t routinely expect them from Cassius. He was practical. Not at all incapable of fun, or smiling, but his upbringing had been far different from her own. Naboo fostered a sense of warming peace that not all worlds could afford. A home was made up of more than four walls, certainly, but it still made an impression. With that in mind when the dark-haired man swept her up for a hug—she was surprised. “Cassius…”

Her face tucked against his shoulder, hiding peridot eyes, before her arms slipped around him in kind. She could feel his smile over seeing it, though, it didn’t make it any less real. Whereas she normally might have kept it light she held close for a moment. The soft-hearted woman didn’t want him to see her face. The combination of passing on the Holocron, plus, the simple acknowledgment of mortality on such a peaceful morning was a lot to take in. Even for someone that had practiced the ways of the Force as long as she had.

“That’s not to say that I intend to leave you early…”, she breathed out, eventually, clearing her throat a little bit. Her form relaxed, slowly, and her emotions leveled. There and gone. His scent was a comfort and Gianna breathed in deeply. It was clean, like muted spring, with a touch of grounding earthiness. She moved to withdraw, though, caught herself hesitating. “But…”

He knew. She knew, he knew, but it still wasn’t something she liked to think about. Her hand lingered on his side for a moment before she turned to acknowledge the hologram of Master Plo. The less than sophisticated AI seemed to recognize her expression and he nodded back, before, the off-blue light faded away and the holocron became inert. “Don’t think you’re off the hook. I expect you to use every bit of knowledge stored there.”

The Jedi Knight rolled her shoulders, as if to shrug something off, before her frown fully turned upside down and she returned to her usual sunny disposition. She moved around the lightly decorated space and stepped toward a cupboard full of things that, to the naked eye, seemed to be harmless trinkets. “You’re welcome to take anything you find here. Even if you just need a quiet place to think. I’ve collected little things, here and there, from crystals to minor artifacts that might help you in your journey. The more potent items are hidden where you found the Holocron.”

Gianna slid back into the role of a mentor as fluidly as water moved downhill. It was easy, once, perspective settled in. She had actually light-sided charms all over the temple. It was part of the reason it felt so good to be there. It was easier to breathe and there was a sense of clarity that was unparalleled to anything else on the property. There was a ward that kept the area preserved. Books did not decay. The sandstone did not wear down.

“Any questions?”

When her gaze turned back toward him jade eyes were once again full of light. As if night had fallen and fireflies were flickering. Her head tilted, as her arms locked behind her back, and a light smile danced over her features. Water from the stream that passed rose, seemingly, of its own accord and the Padawan would likely see it out of the corner of his eye before it passed him. From there it formed a funnel and slipped into the small filtration unit. Whilst he perused, Gianna, would make tea.

 

[Cassius Droma]

Sometime later…

Cassius was back on Naboo, sitting in meditation at the small temple structure. He listened to the wind rustle by, the water in the distance… it was peaceful, in contrast to the rest of the galaxy. In the time that had followed his receiving of Plo Koon’s holocron, Cassius had quite a few adventures: he’d helped a First Order doctor defect, extracted a number of minor artifacts from Sith-controlled Ossus, and participated in a few conflicts that had tested his resolve as a Jedi. He’d even helped Gianna Aegis on a mission on Hoylin.

In between assignments, he had studied the holocron of Plo Koon as much as he could, talking with the imprint of the Jedi Master for hours upon hours. He also kept in touch with his redheaded mentor through the HoloNet when they were apart, asking her often for advice or just to talk with her. He’d learned so much since coming under her tutelage – it was as close as he ever got to a master-apprentice relationship, despite them being apart so much.

He’d come back when he could, always to learn a new technique or improve on an old one. He found that making the trip to Naboo was easy, and he was starting to stay for days at a time. It really was starting to feel like home.

The Stardust Melody was in the hangar bay at the house, as well as an RZ-2 A-wing. His new VCX-100, Spectre Melody, had just been completed at Corellia, and he’d be heading there soon so he could pick it up. For now, though, he waited for Gianna at the little temple, since she apparently had something special planned for him.

[member="Gianna Aegis"]

 

[Gianna Aegis]

Location: Gianna's Homestead on Naboo
Tag: [member="Cassius Droma"]

Pull. Shake. Toss. Pin.

*pause*

Pull. Shake. Toss. Pin.

The monotonous nature of putting sheets on the line to dry was something most people hated to do. As with most, simple, menial tasks, Gianna found a little bit of enjoyment in it. For every sheet she successfully hung, smoothly, so that it would dry properly she popped a piece of chocolate past her lips. It was a guilty pleasure, certainly, but Naboo made it hard to avoid the sweeter things in life. Overall, it was a good day. Why? Cassius was here. She would finally get to see him again, face to face, instead of through the HoloNet. Her heart was full. Happy—Just to know that her Padawan was close at hand.

If that was the case…Why was she procrastinating by doing the laundry?

Gianna could feel him, not far away, through the lemon groves. His aura was a small beacon in even the darkest of places. If she closed her eyes it appeared as a shade of green that she had no name for. It held flavor, sound, and a presence that she could only liken to the pilot-turned-Jedi. It only belonged to him, and with that in mind, she would know it anywhere.

“Just do it.”

She chastised herself, as if, the wind could somehow bolster the courage she needed to gather. It wasn’t her Padawan she feared. Far from it. He was everything anyone could ever wish for a student. Independent, intelligent, respectful, strong, proud…The list of qualities she found endearing could go on, and on, if she didn’t stop herself. What kept her from the quiet temple was silly. It was what she needed to say, that bothered her, and kept her hanging sheets on the sunny afternoon.

Eventually, she stopped. Lavender lids fell closed over pale-jade eyes and she sighed heavily. Cassius had learned patience, however, her not-so-little Jedi would not wait forever. They both knew the day would come. Gianna…Gianna just hadn’t realized it would come so soon. Nothing in her, no part of her, wanted take the next step, but she would be doing her closest friend a disservice if she did not.

She had to set him free.

Sighing heavily, the flame-haired woman took off her apron, that was dotted with clothespins, and tossed it into the empty wicker basket. She was wearing a pale set of robes that were dotted with little pink and orange flowers. It was styled like that of a Jedi, with pale cloth visible beneath, and a sash tied rather tightly about her waist. Beneath it, she wore a pair of leggings that tucked into a pair of soft boots. Her hair had been left free of bindings, and fell down her back, in long, easy waves. “Just…Do it.”

She steeled herself and started toward the temple. It was an easy walk, but, it felt like it took an eternity. Even the scent of the lemon and freshwater couldn’t take away the slight ball of anxiety that had formed in her stomach. Her eyes fell to the young man, catching him in meditation, and a soft smile spread across her features. It was indulgent. Fond. “…Cassius…”, she murmured as she approached, coming to stand beside him, while her hand fell to his shoulder.

“...Welcome home.”

 

[Cassius Droma]

In the increasingly swirling tempest that was his life, Naboo was a beautiful refuge. All stress and worry seemed to melt away when he was here, no matter what had been on his mind previously. Just seeing the blue and green marble from space was enough to make him breathe a little easier. With his increasing involvement with the reorganized Pathfinders and a very important side project being offered to him, his calendar was starting to add up, but it was almost like those things didn’t exist here.

The environment wasn’t the only thing that soothed him. Gianna was always an anchor, something he could cling to. She almost didn’t seem real, sometimes. Often, he’d joke to himself that she really wasn’t real, that he’d merely dreamt her up – the perfect Jedi. Soft, kind, steady and gentle. They didn’t always have a lot of time to spend together, but she instructed him in more ways than she could imagine. With a galaxy full of Jedi of different shades, Gianna taught him how to be one just by virtue of the example she set.

She approached, and when she placed her hand on his shoulder, he smiled, eyes opening. Uncrossing his legs, he stood from the small mat. “Hey,” he said. “It’s good to be home.”

He knew how she felt – a certain nervousness bundled up inside. Cassius couldn’t help but reciprocate it a little. The young Jedi was ready; they both knew it. Once a young patrol pilot in Wild Space, now a Jedi in his own right: an explorer, an investigator of history. Although their relationship in its current state was bound to end… that didn’t mean it had to end entirely.

Gianna might not have known, but he had a little surprise for her, as well.

[member="Gianna Aegis"]

 

[Gianna Aegis]

Location: Gianna's Homestead on Naboo
Tag: [member="Cassius Droma"]

​

A soft smile spread across her face when Cassius stood and she reflexively moved to wrap her arms around him. He felt solid. Strong. That was good. The green-eyed man had some idea of the indecision that rang through her, but, he would never know how much Gianna wished she could keep him right where he was. Safe.

Unfortunately, that wasn’t right, or possible. He wasn’t a little bird that she could keep tucked away in a nest. The flame-haired Jedi Knight pulled away and reached up to straighten his collar from invisible wrinkles. She didn’t know what to say. She’d spent all morning, planning every word, working it out so that it sounded like some grand graduation—but this wasn’t the rites of old. Often, official trials, were passed over in favor of experience in the field. With his unorthodox training, it seemed more than appropriate.

She would pass over the ritual, the lightsabers, and the stories. Instead, she eased into a sense of calm, slowly but surely, coming to emulate the peace of the temple. Whether it was the location or the proximity of her Padawan that comforted her would remain unclear. There was a point of clarity in which her expression softened, and she knew, that he already had an inkling of what she was going to saw. “I’m terrible at keeping secrets, aren’t I?”

In truth, she was good at it when she needed to be, but Cassius knew her too well. She smiled again, though this time, it was softer. Touched with a combination of mixed feelings that emulated sadness and pride. The small speech she had prepared had flown out the window. Instead, she reached into the pocket of her robes and pulled out a small object. It was a bracelet, made simply, from some sort of precious stone she had found on the property. It was dark in color, onyx, with transparisteel wrappings that gave it texture. From there it was held in a setting with thinly wreathed metallic ropes and dark treated leather. “You…”, she trailed off, pausing, to tie it around his wrist. There was nothing special about it. Nothing, but memories, faith, and care. “You have grown so much.”

“I want to keep you here. As my Padawan…You’re obligated to come home. But, you’re beyond that. You’ve been beyond that for quite some time. Every mission you’ve been on, returned from, every adventure—It has only strengthened you.”

“I’ll always be here for you. Always. But, it’s time.”, she murmured, letting go of his wrist, so that she could look at him fully. It was a good day for a new beginning. No matter how bittersweet. Gianna had realized, with a start, that she had delayed this promotion out of her own hesitations. Cassius was more than ready. She, was not. It was a very backward viewpoint to hold, especially, when she was guilty of holding him back from his own path. “From this moment…You are a Knight, Cassius. You are my equal.”

It was simple. No ceremony, no, pomp and circumstance. Instead, she rose her hand and pulled mist from the stream, raising it, to bring a multi-colored band of light over the lemon groves. Light refracted as it entered the small droplets and her nose crinkled, slightly, in enjoyment at the sight of a rainbow. It was a sign of good luck on Naboo, just as blooming Rominaria, caught the attention of every woman for a solid city block.

“Congratulations.”

 

[Cassius Droma]

He closed his eyes and took in a deep breath as they embraced. Part of him felt as she felt, that he could stay here forever with her in paradise. Perhaps he could – would the galaxy really miss him? There were plenty more Jedi, pilots, and archaeologists. Yet, how long would that really last? How long would it take until something drew him back into the fight between the light and the dark, between good and evil? As they parted ever so slightly, he knew that he couldn’t stay, not while he was able to help more of those in the galaxy.

Cassius cracked a smile at her comment about not being able to keep secrets. Yet, he still didn’t say anything yet – words couldn’t come to him. There was an anticipation in the air that bid him silent. As Gianna tied the bracelet to his wrist, he looked down at it, tracing over the intricate patterns with his fingers. It might not have been imbued with the Force, or unlocked some sort of hidden power, or transformed into a suit of armor… but it was imbued with Gianna’s love, and that was enough for him. It was a symbol, a reminder of their time spent together.

His hand clasped over hers as she spoke, and he could feel the emotion welling in his chest. When she had called for him to come to Naboo in person, he had a feeling it would be about this. A part of him felt guilty, for how much he’d spent away. If he could go back, he might not have taken so much responsibility with the Silver Jedi Order, and had stayed here instead. Although… just because he would no longer be under her tutelage, didn’t mean he had to go forever.

When she finally said the word – called him a Knight – Cassius let out a long breath. Wow – it had finally happened. His mind went back to when he had just been a curious fighter pilot, searching through some old ruins all those years ago. What he had gone through between then and now… it was enough to fill up volumes of history. Now, there was something to show for it.

He was Cassius Droma, Jedi Knight.

“Gianna, I…” he swallowed, then smiled. “Thank you,” he finally breathed out.

“Look, I have something for you too.” Cassius dug into a pouch on his belt and retrieved a small communications cylinder. Stepping forward, he placed the cylinder in her palm, lightly pushing her fingers around it and holding her hand. “These are the access codes for the Stardust Melody. She’s yours, now. I know you don’t fly as much as I do, but if there’s one thing about the Stardust… it’s that she’s always brought me home.”

“I’m not going to be leaving you. I’ll still come back. This is still my home, if you’ll still have me. But, at the same time… while I’m out there, flying around the galaxy, I can’t imagine anyone else being by my side but you.” Both of his hands held hers, now.

“The galaxy needs us, the both of us.”

[member="Gianna Aegis"]