Making Steps

[Aiwaz Khath]

Song Family Estate, Voss (East of the Jedi Temple)​

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A silent figure stood within an inviting courtyard that murmured Autumn warmth. Despite its gradual decline towards Winter, much of Voss had maintained its late Summer temperature, and such heat bounced across the thick walls of the open square, promoting its select vegetation to continue to grow strong and vibrant as it had for much of the year. The courtyard's few trees stood tall, stretching up but not quite reaching the open apex of the estate. Their upper bodies swooned gently in the Autumn wind that curved along the edges of the building.

The figure, garbed in a tunic and robe, raised his head silently to watch as the leaves and branches overhead played with the wind in seasonal matrimony. He smiled a little; a small smile that soon removed itself. He did not smile as much as he once had done. Rather, seriousness and wistfulness prevailed more upon his person in recent times. His scars were beginning to heal, but there were many unsolved mysteries. His eyes shot back down to the statue he had been gazing at; that of his father's. The time was fast approaching for him to find him, to bring an end to the mystery and deliver elucidation to his family and the Jedi.

But now was not the time to indulge in thoughts of melancholy and despondence. His focus was broken as an ageing maid's voice cut through the peaceful silence.
"Master Auron," she said quite calmly, a warm smile upon her weathered face. "I received word that Master Harrison shall be here soon. Shall I prepare the tea?"
"Yes," he replied, turning his attention from the statue finally. "Thank you, Iris." The old lady nodded once charmingly, and seemed as though she was about to say more, but quickly turned and trotted off towards the kitchens. Auron knew what she was thinking, having known Iris for much of his life. As he grew up on Voss, Iris had served as nanny and carer on a number of occasions to a baby Auron, and was there a great deal for him when his father disappeared. She was aware of how deeply his disappearance had affected him, and she offered him nothing but love when he needed it most. Now he was a man grown and the pain worsened. She could feel it in him, and he knew that she could.

Exhaling silently, he returned his gaze to the old trees overhead that danced in the mid-Autumn breeze, merging with the golden clouds beyond.

[member="Connor Harrison"]​

 

[Connor Harrison]

Connor had debated whether or not to accept the invite from one Auron Song to his estate. Not that he didn't care, but he didn't have...the time. Things were escalating faster and faster and his time was spread thinly. However, on recovering from the beating by Keira Ticon, he limited himself to Voss while his scars healed, the bones set and the pain of even walking finally went away.

So he rode the speeder bike along East from the temple to the large estate that seemed to sit overlooking the plains. He'd seen this building - this estate - numerous times but didn't know the Padawan hailed from it. Kicking up leaves as he slowed down and reduced the engine, Connor peeled back his goggles and looked up at the estate as he came to a stop. Wiping the feeling of dust from his face, he stood up off the speeder, wincing slightly and made the walk up the pathway to the front entrance, or what he thought was the front anyway.

Walking a little slower due to the broken leg now healing, he glanced around at the fauna and high arching trees above and took in the architecture of the building. It was made with great attention to detail and an eye for craftsmanship and beauty. He nodded in slight approval.

Reaching a set of double doors under a large canopy, Connor knocked loudly and firmly because he imagined it was vastly large inside to hear a little knock.

[member="Auron Song"]

 

[Aiwaz Khath]

The hard rasp of the thrum thrum thrum echoed down the building's entrance hall, around its corners and along the many doorways of its rooms. It carried long across the stone, snapping at the cold slabs that pushed it along itself until it shimmered out into the courtyard, bouncing along its inner walls until finally dissipating into nothingness in the sky above. Auron's meditative spell stirred into waking consciousness once more, and he swiftly strode along towards the entrance.

The wooden doors squeaked and stammered as Auron pulled them open, and the early afternoon sunlight that leaked into the slightly dimmer entranceway caused his skin to glow gently.
"Master Harrison," he said calmly, and as warmly as he could manage, making a small bow. "It's truly an honour to have you here. Please, come in. We have fresh tea waiting." He spoke truthfully. He was indeed humbled to have the Jedi Master in his home, but when he spoke his voice was riddled with tiredness. Looking at the Master, he noticed that he, too, was harassed with layers of exhaustion, as well as some other less-than-desirable afflictions.

Auron began to stroll slowly along the main corridor. "How have you been, Master?" He knew it was a loaded question, and not one that could be answered easily, if at all. But the formalities of social interaction, he felt, were partially necessary for the time being. They had little chance to speak since Korriban, and it was quite obvious that the events that transpired there had deeply affected them both. He hoped not to open wounds for either of them, but there was a silence to fill and he struggled to find much else to fill it with.

As he walked, he occasionally glimpsed at the portraits found on either side that showed many noble Jedi Knights to have come from the Song dynasty, many of which were said to have been by given as gifts by painters over the years. By the entrance to the courtyard stood two proud statues on either side; one of the family's oldest ancestor, the Je'daii Master known as Sun Jeong, standing stern and fierce in a long robe, bearing the legendary blade that acquired a fame down the long line of his descendants; and opposite him the fearless Jedi warrior Shen the Mighty, often considered to the first Song. Both legendary figures in their own right in Song history, their stone effigies demanded a certain sense of awe and respect upon observation of them.
"After you," offered Auron, his hand gesturing through the entrance and into the courtyard. Within could be seen a set of stone stools and a table, upon which sat a tray of cups, plates, a teapot that steamed gently, and a selection of small cakes. Off to the side, Iris stood in waiting. "That's all, Iris. Thank you for the tea. Please, have the rest of the day to yourself."
"If you're sure, Master Auron." The old lady smiled gently to him, eyes glancing to his guest for a moment.
"Yes," he assured, smiling back a little. "We'll be fine." She nodded to Auron and Connor both, and trotted off towards the direction of her quarters. "Have a good afternoon, Iris," Auron called after her before sitting at the table. "May I?" he offered as he reached for the teapot, eyeing the Master's cup.

[member="Connor Harrison"]​

 

[Connor Harrison]

Connor gave a crooked smile when the door opened and the young Jedi greeted him. Very polite and full of good intention, right from the off before he even spoke. That much was evident in his positive aura.

”Thank you, Auron.”

Following inside, Connor took in the grand place around him, certainly a world away from the temple quarters. There was history on the walls, on the ceilings, in the décor – it was everywhere. Portraits hung that he inspected casually passing by as he spoke.

”Oh I’ve been better, that much is clear.” He patted his leg. ”But it’s all part of the course I guess, I’m still here so I’m doing something right.”

Warm light invited them both outside into a courtyard, and once again he looked around at the decadence that started to paint a picture that this Jedi Padawan was well connected or hid his heritage well. Taking a note of the maid, and the generous serving of tea and cake – something Connor didn’t mind admitting was his weakness – the Jedi Master nodded a little in respect to them both.

This certainly beat the backwater Voss-ka market. He sat on a stool, indicating to continue.

”Please do.” He sat on a stool, indicating to continue. ”So if there’s tea and cake on offer, it means you’re after something. Speak, and tell me what’you’re your mind.”

[member="Auron Song"]