Innocence Lost, Stoking the Flame

[Paa'lee]

S h i l i
C o r v a l a

Her heart had been broken, such happened when you were young and naive. Was she really? In fact they both shared a common love for one another, but unbeknownst to them both, as much as they were meant to be they were meant to be apart. It was just how their destiny' worked out. She no longer wanted to stay home...she wanted to experience what was beyond her world so that maybe she could understand [member="Ignus"] that maybe...

Well every scenario to go down in her head were maybe' but there were no coincidences, that had become one of her favorite sayings...and it was all too true.

She traveled very far to Corvala, with the hopes of studying some healing techniques and finding transport of the planet. She knew nothing of how such things were organized but while she figured things out she was able to find solace with an older Togrutan women who was a friend of her mothers; she was like a mother to her. It was from them both that Paa'lee even learned the basics of holistic healing...but her desire to prove her worth as a hunter overshadowed one of the other traits she was skilled in.

----------------

She sorted out an assortment of herbs, most days were like this, people came here to barter. Nearly every block was full of vendors or healers of some kind; trade was almost everything here. Whenever she wasn't learning, she was manning the stall for potential customers or patients.

In her rush she knocked a few phials over, and always would rush to pick them up; It was all in her frustration. She inhaled, and slowed her pace while shaking the emotions off.

"Eveng...you've always had the hands of a taronyu..." an older woman's voice crawled up her back and she smirked before turning to her elder. "Rough, and in a rush...what happen to my sweet lady?" she said playfully. Yes, she'd never been gentle, having to learn the value of it much later.

"She's still present sa'nok...albeit slightly overshadowed." she smiled, shrugging her shoulders. "You know I prefer to hunt..." she looked down towards the table.

"It gets better Da'len...I see it all over you."

A wise old woman, but perhaps it was almost like knowing your own daughter.

"You have a calling on your spirit..."

[member="Elpsis Elaris"]

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

[member="Paa'lee"]


Healing was a very respected profession. In the light of the fact that barely a week passed without a brush fire conflict, natural disaster, a major war or a random war crime occuring, the Galaxy was in dire need of doctors, healers and medicine (wo)men.


It was one of Elpsis' quirks that she had a slight distrust of modern medicine. A bad experience way back in her childhood had jaded her when a quack doctor mucked things up. She also disliked medical bots, partly because it was difficult for a blind empath to, well, empathise with an emotionless automaton. Traditional healing seemed more natural to her.


Long story cut short, she'd been spending some time on Shili, getting away from galactic civilisation and its troubles, hunting and meditating. It was easier to hear the call of the Great Spirit here. It was a way for her to clear her mind. There was other business as well, but without further ado, our firemaned heroine chose this moment to step into the shop, while Paa'lee and the Togruta matron were having their deep conversation.


The human girl was dressed simply like a spacer. One would probably not realise that she was the niece of a corporate magnate, given her tank top, faded dark trousers and Bloodwalker boots that could use some cleaning. Her skin was tanned from having spent a lot of time outdoors. An imposing looking revolver was holstered on her thigh and the trained eye would recognise an unignited lightsabre strapped to her belt.


"Hunting's fun, I know. But don't knock the herbs. Saved my butt a few times," the human suddenly interjected when she reached the tail end of the conversation. Was it proper to intrude on it? Maybe not. She cleared her throat.


"Uh, name's Elpsis. I'm looking for phegebi root and Black Sorrel," she spoke, looking over the assortment of herbs in the stall, inhaling their scent and letting it fill her nostrils. "You ladies got that?" Her eyes fell upon Paa'lee, giving her a smile. They were milky-white and vacant.

 

[Paa'lee]

She nodded, almost as if she denied any assumption from her elder. Then their attention turned to a costumer who approached the table, both women lowered their heads to greet her. Paa'lee took notice, she smiled at her words. Honestly, she could agree. Her constant attempts at trying to keep up with the other more advanced hunters were only possible due to the basic first aid she knew.

The elder nodded at the request, a hand on Paa'lee' shoulder before exiting to gather what she had. "You're...a hunter?" Paa'lee asked with the most curious expression on her face.

Honestly, her understanding of matters beyond the Province from where she was from was seriously lacking. There was a lot she had learned in the few days she'd been here. Though, Paa'lee felt some sort of connection to this young woman. It was as if she was drawn to her in some form or fashion. She couldn't put her finger on it.

She noticed a cylinder-like shape on her belt...it seemed similar to the one Leos had. So she assumed she was either Jedi or Sith...

[member="Elpsis Elaris"]

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

[member="Paa'lee"]


"Yeah, kinda. Not full-time though. Hunting's a good way to stay sharp and connect with nature. At least if you honour your prey and don't mow it down with a blaster cannon and a swarm of droids and then brag about how great you are." Elpsis had strong - and perhaps somewhat romantic - opinions on such matters.


While the elder had wandered off to fetch the supplies, Elpsis scrutinised the Togruta who'd addressed her. She could not read the woman's physical features, for she only saw an aura, but she picked up on her curiosity. The Fire Adept pegged her as someone who probably had not met many offworlders. Or left the planet. However, she could also sense the Force emanating from her, though she could not discern whether the woman was aware of her gift or not. "What's your name, hun?" she asked warmly.

 

[Paa'lee]

Well she certainly had her attention, it was the way she spoke about, you could tell she was knowledgable. It was almost as if she had known how she was taught back home, she was definitely intrigued with this woman. First the connection, then the cylinder shaped device on her person, then the way she spoke about hunting...just exactly why was she here. She'd been learning to pay attention to these types of moments...and then there was the fact that this slightly made her feel better about everything.

"Interesting...very." she said with a smirk, nodding along.

She asked for her name, in the beginning she hesitated only because she was a stranger but she'd have to grow accustomed to it. She took a deep breath, letting a moment pass before she said a word.

"Paa'lee..." she said softly, as it rolled off her tongue and was amplified by her exotic accent. "My name is Paa'lee" she nodded.

Just then she felt the touch of a hand on her shoulder, her initial reaction was to turn and look; it was the elder. The older Togrutan woman walked forward and reached out towards the human woman on the opposite side. She handed her the product in a black sack, small enough to fit in the palm of her hand. "Black Sorrel...the last of it. Sadly, no more Phegebi root. For the inconvenience you take that free of charge..."

[member="Elpsis Elaris"]

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

[member="Paa'lee"]


"Paa'lee," Elpsis repeated, the name rolling off her tongue. "That's a nice name." She totally did not say that to all the ladies. Girl Scout's honour! Besides, the Togruta had a cute, exotic accent. Shame Elpsis could not really see her face.


Then the older Togruta woman returned and Elpsis took the offered black sack. She opened it slightly and sniffed, inhaling the scent of the herbs. Hearing the woman's words, she shook her head. "Nah, that ain't fair. I can pay for the Black Sorel. It's no problem," she said with a cheery smile.


"I may steal your friend though." Once again, her white-within-white eyes drifted back to Paa'lee. "So you're really into hunting, huh? I take it you know the forest valleys of Shili well. What kinda prey have you gone up against?" she asked curiously. As Elpsis knew, the apex predators of Shili were called Akul. They were nasty, vicious buggers.

 

[Paa'lee]

Paa'lee smiled, the elder nodded with a smile of her own. However, she turned to look at Paa'lee when the woman spoke of stealing her. of course there was no harm behind it, they all knew. But it was the fact that Paa'lee was new to this and the woman felt some sort of responsibility to protect her.

Paa'lee exited the stall, fluidly maneuvering around the table and out into the market streets. She turned back to the redhead. "Back home...I was a hunter in my tribe." her voice was dreamy, as if she was imagining it as she talked about it. "We were required to know the land, I am from the East where things are slightly different, but yes. Often time we track Akul...massive and ferocious beast. It's to ensure our survival. They can destroy settlements..."

She spoke about them, emphasizing the description of the Akul as they are the apex predators here...

"Tell me of your hunts...from where your from."

[member="Elpsis Elaris"]

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

[member="Paa'lee"]


"Akul, huh? I heard of 'em. Nasty, vicious buggers. That's impressive." To track an Akul, let alone hunt one and live to tell the tale, was no simple feat. Spoiler: Our heroines must totally hunt an Akul because that would be cool.


"I went up against a terentatek once. Well, helped kill it. They're massive, mean beasts. Fought giant spiders and tamed a big lion once. He's outside and probably pining for an antelope or something like that to sink his teeth in," she said dryly.


"And I've fought a bunch of Sith, if you're counting humans! One turned into a...volcanic cyclone. No, I'm not making that up." That duel was never finished, but this writer is self-servingly claiming victory. Granted, in her eyes Sith barely counted as human, but this was not about Elpsis' ideological and religious views or her lack of tolerance for individuals commonly stereotyped by the media as having veiny skin, yellow eyes, black robes and red lightsabres.

 

[Paa'lee]

Hmmm...

The Togruta could only look on in awe at the women, impressive. She didn't know what any of those animals were but she assumed they must've been worth the thrill. She menitoned she fought Sith, which sort of provoked a response. The muscles in her face shifted and she thought back to what Leos had told her. He was a Sith... So she must've been...

"So...you are Jedi?" she asked promptly, well she didn't know but it would certainly explain the lightsaber on her belt. Her eyes glanced down at the woman' belt.

Perhaps she could take her off this world. She could only think of the dream that she had prior to this, analyzing it now maybe this was her first step and figuring things out and finding the answers she needed...

"You have that..." she pointed towards the hilt.

[member="Elpsis Elaris"]

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

[member="Paa'lee"]


Elpsis noted that her mentioning Sith provoked a spark of recognition in Paa'lee's features. So she knew of them. At this stage, the redhead was unable to discern whether this was due to personal experience or simply having heard the name.


"Me a Jedi? Nope, so not a Jedi," she laughed at that. "Used to be one when I was a kid. Then I dumped them. Most of them a bunch of useless, sanctimonious hypocrites - and Sith are evil megalomaniacs. Neither respect the Force."


Her tone was laced with contempt when she spoke of Jedi, which turned to venomous disdain when she referred to Sith. "I have the same powers as they do, but I can walk my own path. I follow the call of the White Wolf, the Force and my own conscience."