Oneirataxia

[Nilia Saavilin]

​

(n.) the inability to distinguish between fantasy and reality​

​

​

​

Eadu, Irenic, Elysian Districts, Nilia's Apartment, Bedroom, After Midnight | When It Comes To Us / On His Knees

---

More often than not, Nilia's nights were utterly mundane.

And it may be driving her mad.

It was a slow ride by train from the Senatory Hall to her apartment building. An even slower elevator ride to her floor. These days, Nilia's secretary and roommate Eyris was fast asleep by the time Nilia got in, causing her to have to be very quiet lest the young Togruta woke. That limited her nocturnal activity to her chambers, quiet padding about in her bedroom, adjoining bathroom & office before crawling into bed and staring at her ceiling for hours on end. Truly, the life.

Sleep had gotten difficult lately, and it was hard to tell why. The stresses of the Senate were nothing new, and easily handled; she didn't get into her position by simply being a pretty face, her sharp mind got her this far and it'd take her even farther. No, this wasn't because of that. It was an emotional heaviness weighing on her now, dark and intangible like someone had dropped a boulder on her gut. It was a mix of fear, despondency and worry. Perhaps the looming wars were causing all this, the idea of her beloved government thrown into chaos was certainly enough to make her teeter on the edge.

And even when she did manage to drift off for a few precious hours, it was never for long. It was as though something kept pulling her mind to the surface of sweet oblivion, keeping her from fully enjoying the luxuries of a good deep sleep. How maddening. Nilia glanced at her clock. She could hardly see it through her bleary eyes, but it was late, for certain. The grey lights of the city shone in through her blinds and the Senator let out a long and deep sigh as she sat up, feeling that substantial mental burden return. Everything just felt like too much at the moment for Nilia, like someone had overloaded her brain with life itself.

A part of her was already reaching out, through the Force, across worlds. Maybe he'd answer. That would certainly improve her bleak mood.

---

Spoiler: Interacting With

[member="Arekk"]

 

[Arekk]

THE EBON HAWK​

Ar'ekk's Bedroom, Crew Quarters​

---

---

INTERACTING WITH: [member="Nilia Saavilin"] ​

Sleeping was a distant thought now, finding it hard to conceil the sleep every night. Mind flooded with awful images of old occurances, painful memories of loved ones and brothers-in-arms. Nightmares that wake you up at night in cold sweat, that keep you up late until you no longer are able to stay in one place.

Resting by the edge of his bed and sinking his palms on his face, Ar'ekk woke up in the middle of the night. It was late and no one roamed through the Ebon Hawk but himself.

The cockpit had become his go-to place to think and appreciate the wonders of the vacuum of space, his route undefined for the time being. As always, the Force trembled and the half masked man could sense it clearly.

Her.

"Can't sleep?"

She could hear him through this connection they shared, a tone so non-chalant like he got used to the idea of speaking to the air when they were not.

He could see her through their Force bond as Nilia wandered around her bedroom aimlessly, trying to find an answer to this mental burden that weighted tons of kilograms on her shoulders.

---

---

 

[Nilia Saavilin]

Eadu, Irenic, Elysian Districts, Nilia's Apartment, Bedroom, After Midnight | When It Comes To Us / On His Knees

---

"Something like that."

Nilia paused at the windows, her eyes looking past the blinds to the twinkling lights of the bustling city below her. The rain was gentler now, likely to transition into snow by tomorrow, and there was barely a rumble of thunder or a streak of lightning that was so iconically Eadu. Her planet felt as melancholic as she did, as if nature itself couldn't muster up enough energy to even produce a storm.

Surprisingly, she no longer felt any shock at his sudden presence either, as she might have before. It was a welcome feeling, and she let out a heavy exhale as the connection between the two strengthened with the open line of communication, "I'm afraid it hasn't been getting any better, either. You're on a ship?"

Obvious question, obvious answer. It was clear that he was of course on some vessel, from what she could tell on her end, but the specifics of why he was there or what he was doing were lost to her. Before Ar'ekk could reply the weary Senator moved to sit on the corner of her bed, and despite appearing like she was staring at and speaking to empty space, had every inch of her attention squarely focused on him. Cupping her hand to her mouth, she yawned rather unceremoniously, clearly still tired despite her bouts of insomnia as of late.

---

Spoiler: Interacting With

[member="Arekk"]

 

[Arekk]

THE EBON HAWK​

The Cockpit, Captain's Seat​

---

---

INTERACTING WITH: [member="Nilia Saavilin"] ​

Covering his mouth with his hand, Ar'ekk yawned deeply by the same time she did as well which was contagious. Finding it hard to see through the dark, all the lights in the cockpit lit up dimly enough for him to see the controls. His destination was unknown. A cup of hot caff was ready to for him by the time he sat down, leaning backwards in his comfortable chair.

The man's eyes dawdled around what seemed to be Nilia's bedroom, little raindrops touching the window nearby although the blinds covered the entire frame. Eadu was beautiful at night, snow was a foreign concept for him yet he could feel the cold outside from this far away. The Senator's bedroom was warm and cozy unlike the Ebon Hawk.

"I am. It's hard to sleep when you're traveling through the lightspeed, the entire ship rumbles like crazy."

Rambling thoughts, non-interesting topics. He felt pleased to be in her presence, their bond strenghtened as they conversated. It was a good moment to share, to laugh, to smile.

Hopefully, sleep soon too...

"What's keeping you awake?"

---

---

 

[Nilia Saavilin]

Eadu, Irenic, Elysian Districts, Nilia's Apartment, Bedroom, After Midnight | When It Comes To Us / On His Knees

---

Shrugging a half-bare shoulder, Nilia spoke in a quieter tone than before, her gaze on her lap as she focused all her energy on making him feel as clear as possible. As the connection strengthened, she could better feel him across the galaxy; the physical difference between them was irrelevant now, "I wish I knew what it was. It feels as though everything is about to explode, like everything's catching up with me." In a way, it was going to explode. Her Sovereignty was going to war, after all, and it brought immeasurable risks.

She took comfort in him though, shutting her eyes now with a heavy sigh leaving her, "Where are you going? Anywhere interesting?" A part of her felt silly for asking something so mundane, like they were talking via a simple holo-communicator rather than an esoteric Force bond, but she was genuinely curious. A fine distraction, if anything.

---

Spoiler: Interacting With

[member="Arekk"]

 

[Arekk]

THE EBON HAWK​

The Cockpit, Captain's Seat​

---

---

INTERACTING WITH: [member="Nilia Saavilin"] ​

A much familiar sensation that struck home, Nilia was undergoing the same feelings that Ar'ekk experienced not long ago. Her clouding and worrying thoughts made him worry and he couldn't help but pry on the matter, trying to be as subtle and gentle as possible.

"I know how you're feeling. But even if things are looking dire, you've gotta keep going. It gets better, no matter the circumstances."

This little conversation through this "weird" (for others) connection was soothing, to say the least. They found comfort in each other and spoke like they've had done this before a thousand times. Even a simple mundane topic with her was a good topic choice for Ar'ekk, it really didn't matter at all.

"Nowhere, actually. Just drifing in space without a set path. I don't know where I should head next."

---

---

 

[Nilia Saavilin]

Eadu, Irenic, Elysian Districts, Nilia's Apartment, Bedroom, After Midnight | When It Comes To Us / On His Knees

---

"Go somewhere sunny and beautiful," Nilia teased as she heard that, her eyes looking back up to Irenic's dreary landscape, an amused grin on her face now, "And maybe relax on my behalf." Despite her light tone, it was clear she was taking what he'd said before seriously, nodding her head a few times in quiet contemplation. Beyond her chambers, the rain kept falling, in ever-softening sheets and soon she knew the snow would start to fall. It'd be something to look at, at least -- The Capital saw enough snow for it to be familiar, but the uncommon and mystical aura it'd bring in the morning would be a sight worth seeing for many of the inhabitants, she included.

Maybe a chance of pace would be what would help with this rut. Sighing gently, The Senator gently ruffled a hand through her brown curls and rolled her shoulders before speaking up again, "But how are you doing? You were... Working on your lightsaber on Manaan, weren't you? Is it all finished?" Speaking aloud felt like second nature now.

---

Spoiler: Interacting With

[member="Arekk"]

 

[Arekk]

THE EBON HAWK​

The Cockpit, Captain's Seat​

---

---

INTERACTING WITH: [member="Nilia Saavilin"] ​

"I would if I could, the Hawk's running out of fuel. I'll have to go to the nearest space station here in the Outer Rim."

Truth be told, Ar'ekk wasn't really far away from Eadu at this point in his journey. Traveling without a destination in mind was something that the young Jedi always did to clear up his mind, go on a "mystical" trip to attune himself further with the Force and the vacuum of space. It helped a bunch to shun away all the clouding thoughts trying to gain control over his head.

"Pretty good, to be honest. The lightsaber's ready, all parts functioned pretty well. I would show you if I could but I don't think it's safe to turn the weapon inside a ship."

Letting out a heartfelt chuckle and shaking his head, the man simply looked Nilia's way as she sat in her bed. The look on her face demonstrated anxiety for the upcoming events but also the desire for something, not really knowing what.

"Yourself?"

---

---

 

[Nilia Saavilin]

Eadu, Irenic, Elysian Districts, Nilia's Apartment, Bedroom, After Midnight | When It Comes To Us / On His Knees

---

The Senator opened her mouth to reply but something drew her attention, her head turning towards the entrance to her private chambers. She could feel something beyond the door, her voice dropping to a low murmur, "I think I might have woken someone up." For a few strained seconds she waited in silence, but soon the presence she felt passed on and she was left to her solitude again, attention back to Ar'ekk, "Me? Umm. As well as I can. Work is work. You'll get a chance to show me it eventually, I'm sure."

Little did she know how true that might be. Another heavy exhale and she grinned as she recalled a particular recent bit of work, bringing it up quickly in a much more enthusiastic tone, "Oh, well, I wore that gift you got me, to a gala. It was quite the hit." She could recall that night on Alderaan quite vividly, it was the first time she'd tried the specific dress on. Her assistant had nearly had an aneurysm at the suggestion of that gown for the event and fluttered excuses about how it simply didn't go with the themes of the party but Nilia had insisted on wearing it. Her only regret might have been that he hadn't been there to witness it, but, hey, there were always other times.

---

Spoiler: Interacting With

[member="Arekk"]

 

[Arekk]

THE EBON HAWK​

The Cockpit, Captain's Seat​

---

---

INTERACTING WITH: [member="Nilia Saavilin"] ​

An abrupt silence overtook their conversation briefly, Nilia was worried that someone in her household was awake in the midnight. He felt that speaking loud so late wasn't so good and to be honest, he kinda felt sleepy now. She returned to the bed and their friendly chatter continued like nothing happened.

"You're right. It's nothing too complicated but I'm sure you'll like it, I hope."

Looking downwards to conceal a smile, Ar'ekk brought himself up from his seat and walked around the cockpit with the cup of coffee in his hands. It was warm yet where he found himself in was cold, bare feet touching the cold metallic ground. That's a good way to get ill.

His eyes shined with a sparkling light at the mention of the dress. She probably looked wonderful in it, he just knew such thing. It was a thoughtful gift which was put in good use, nothing else. The code for the party might have mattered but if Nilia felt comfortable, then he found comfort in such thought.

"I'm glad you liked it. It's weird I didn't get to witness that, though. Maybe another time."

The clock ticked off to signal it was late and the automatic pilot was on for the rest of the night, his ship able to maintain its unknown course for at least thirty minutes before running out of fuel.

"Warning, running out of fuel. Nearest refueling station: Eadu. Do you want to proceed?" - A robotic voice could be heard coming from the controls.

What do I do?

---

---

 

[Nilia Saavilin]

Eadu, Irenic, Elysian Districts, Nilia's Apartment, Bedroom, After Midnight | When It Comes To Us / On His Knees

---

"You should do it."

Nilia had no idea of what, specifically, Ar'ekk was wrestling with, but she could sense enough of his struggle to know he was trying to make a decision that was hard. But it felt like whatever choice he was debating, he should go through with it. It felt right, "I mean-- I don't really know the stakes, but you should do what you think would be good. Would do good. I trust you." If anything she was being honest. She did trust him, implicitly. Perhaps a part of that was that he was a Jedi and seemed inclined to do the right thing, but she couldn't deny that a large part of it was also their bond. It was easy to trust when you could feel what someone else felt. Despite how long they'd known each other, that sentiment had developed quickly.

---

Spoiler: Interacting With

[member="Arekk"]

 

[Arekk]

THE EBON HAWK​

The Cockpit, Captain's Seat​

---

---

INTERACTING WITH: [member="Nilia Saavilin"] ​

The navicomputer went off entirely, awaiting for the user input to automatically set its current course and change it. All lights reflected on the man's mask and the robotic voice continued to ask the same question over and over, loudly enough for anyone to hear.

"You think? I don't know..."

He was hesitant of touching down on Eadu, knowing that was were Nilia lived. The Sovereignty was undergoing a series of conflicts and Ar'ekk tried most of his life (and still continues to) get away from. War never changes but it does change people for the worse, breaks minds and souls. It wasn't the right choice but he never made a good call before, not even in the battlefield. Victories were had but at the end they were... pointless.

Was this pointless too? What are you looking for, Ar'ekk?

The half masked man's hand hovered over the navicomputer as the holomap surfaced in the screen, a few seconds away from simply changing course automatically without waiting for the captain's input. It was now or never.

"Warning, running out of fuel. Nearest refueling station: Eadu. Do you want to proceed?" - The voice continued to say in a constant loop.

A decision was made. Touching down but only for a few hours to refuel and be on your merry way, that was the choice. Typing into the keyboard, Eadu was the Ebon Hawk's destination for the time remaining.

Don't stay, you cannot do that.

"I'll have to refuel on Eadu."

---

---

 

[Nilia Saavilin]

Eadu, Irenic, Elysian Districts, Nilia's Apartment, Bedroom, After Midnight | When It Comes To Us / On His Knees

---

At first she wasn't sure if she'd heard right, so she almost asked him to repeat what he had said.

But something in the back of her skull was already processing and confirming that she had heard to be true. She hadn't misheard.

Now fully-awake like someone had flooded her body with potent electricity, the Senator sat forward, their connection briefly strengthening like a rope going taunt as she spoke, "You're coming to Eadu?!" A part of her knew that her homeworld was a rather major point of interest in both the Outer Rim and Wild Space, and would most certainly be a popular destination to refuel and recover in between jumps for someone exploring those commonly uncharted areas.

Immediately she hushed herself, cursing silently afterward. Too loud. Someone could have heard. But in that brief moment, Nilia didn't care if her entire apartment building awoke.

She was far too excited.

---

Spoiler: Interacting With

[member="Arekk"]

 

[Arekk]

THE EBON HAWK​

Eadu, The Outer Rim​

---

---

INTERACTING WITH: [member="Nilia Saavilin"] ​

"Woah, alright. Easy there, girl."

She cursed pretty loud, to be honest. That made him laugh, never expecting that a Senator like Nilia could say things like that. Either way, the Ebon Hawk was already nearing the one percent of fuel and docking was inminent. To enter Eadu's space, Ar'ekk required the landing codes or an authorization to dock in one of the bays planet-side.

"A little help would be nice. Can you tell these two beautiful starfighters to let me land, please? They look a little upset."

Now that the Sovereignty had a conflict in other planets, their security had tightened which is why two armed to the teeth starfighters packed with deadly guns were escorting the milennia old ship side by side. He knew that outrunning these fighters was pointless so he waited for an answer on Nilia, who seemed to be day-dreaming still.

"Anytime now."

---

---

 

[Nilia Saavilin]

Eadu, Irenic, Elysian Districts, Nilia's Apartment, Bedroom, After Midnight | When It Comes To Us / On His Knees

---

"Oh-- Oh! Of course." Reaching over to her side table, the no-longer-sleepy Senator grabbed a datapad. It was one of many strewn across her apartment, that allowed her to stay in touch with the majority of Irenic's systems and organizations with the access her station granted her. In an instant, she was able to notify the garrison of his arrival, specifically noting that he was a guest of the Senator -- And should be treated as such, which obviously meant no shooting. Satisfied that he'd be safe from any harassment now, she set the slim tablet down on her bed, letting out a weary exhale.

"You should be good to go now," Her voice lower now that the excitement had passed, gaze returning to watch the far side of the city, where she knew he'd be landing; in her mind's eye she could see his location anyhow in the cockpit, but that was irrelevant, "Hopefully you won't be ripped off for fuel."

---

Spoiler: Interacting With

[member="Arekk"]

 

[Arekk]

THE EBON HAWK​

Eadu, The Outer Rim​

---

---

INTERACTING WITH: [member="Nilia Saavilin"] ​

"Sweet, thanks! I'll touch down now. Hopefully, they won't."

Of course, that didn't matter. Credits weren't an issue and if they were to actually rip him off he would find out either way yet making a big fuss out of it wouldn't work at all. The Ebon Hawk drifted casually towards the main refueling station on Eadu as the storm and the rain drops touched against the window of the cockpit, making it hard to see even though the air was full of lights that created a path towards the docking bay.

Once the ship touched the ground and Ar'ekk made his way outside to provide identification papers to the respective Sovereignty officials, the legendary freighter's refueling started right away. That'd give the half masked Jedi at least an hour before being able to depart, however...

"Attention all visitors, attention all visitors. All outbound departures are cancelled for three days due to unforseen circumstances, we're very sorry. See your local official for further information, if none available it'll be put at your disposal soon."

Stranded, just what he needed. At least it wasn't foreign territory.

---

---

 

[Nilia Saavilin]

Eadu, Irenic, Elysian Districts, Nilia's Apartment, Bedroom, After Midnight | When It Comes To Us / On His Knees

---

But just like that she felt him slip away, their communication ending as gently as it had begun, "Ar'ekk?" The Senator whispered, but she knew that, for now, he couldn't hear.

And outside the windows, she could see the rain beginning to pick up to speeds more familiar. The storm was returning to Eadu after gracing the night with a gentle drizzle. Now there was lightning above, and thunder across the sky. That was home. Rubbing her eyes, Nilia weighed her options.

Ar'ekk was in her city. On her world. Yes, they had recently met in Manaan, but this felt different. Much different. The last time it had been chance, but maybe this time it was fate. Shaking her head with a weary sigh, she stood up and moved out of her bedroom towards the kitchen of her rather luxurious apartment. A drink was in order, to settle her jittery nerves. With the increasingly bad weather outside, she could only hope that he'd find shelter either on his ship or elsewhere.

But of course, it wouldn't be that easy. Whilst the Senator had no knowledge of the current lockdown occurring at the docks, she also had no idea of what that entailed -- Mainly, a few security personnel politely requesting that the operator of their newest arrival, the Ebon Hawk, vacate his ship and the hanger it was stored in. They'd politely suggested a hotel as an alternative form of shelter for the coming storm front.

Nilia watched as her tea kettle began to heat up, with a bored expression, oblivious to the fact that Ar'ekk was now stranded in the rain.

---

Spoiler: Interacting With

[member="Arekk"]

 

[Arekk]

EADU​

Somewhere In The City, The Outer Rim​

---

---

INTERACTING WITH: [member="Nilia Saavilin"] ​

Ar'ekk forgot that he was keeping in touch with Nilia through their bond which dissipated strangely enough, however he was too focused and worried about having to leave the Ebon Hawk in a foreign hangar and having to find shelter somewhere else as a massive storm was coming to get him and the people of Eadu. They were used to this but not the young Knight, seeking shelter in a place you've got no idea how it is was hard.

An officer of the docks approached the half masked man and gave him very clear instructions on how to proceed,

"Make sure your vessel is locked up properly, you'll have to vacate the premises for the time being. Three days. Find shelter in one of the hotels in the upper district, you'll be given free entrance for the trouble."

Being stranded on what apparently was Nilia's homeworld wasn't something that worried him, it was the storm shadowing the entire city that did. He didn't bring any blankets or extra clothes from inside the ship just because they were already used by people and were never packed again, that meant having to wander around under the rain and be soaked wet with nothing dry to wear. Awful.

As he made his way outside, Ar'ekk covered his head with the robes he had on to at least make it to the hotel. The walk lasted twenty minutes as the rain poured on him as if the water just decided to only dampen him only. From afar, this particular building looked more like a luxurious penthouse more than a hotel, maybe it wasn't the place but that was the only visible place and most recognizable one so he took the chance.

Coming up to the entrance of the building and opening the windowed door, the Knight made his way inside. The desk was empty but the hall was lit up in a cozy manner. Finally warm. A sign by the turbolifts said that the "Administrator's Office" was somewhere in the upper levels.

Great, he was getting close to getting a room. But this place didn't look like a hotel because he felt something was off. Probably follow your guts, huh?

Soaked wet and shivering from the cold, Ar'ekk took the lift that took him to the floor where this office was located. No number, of course.

That's why he ringed a door that was supposed to be the right one but perhaps it wasn't...

---

---

 

[Nilia Saavilin]

Eadu, Irenic, Elysian Districts, Nilia's Apartment, Bedroom, After Midnight | When It Comes To Us / On His Knees

---

A knock on her door distracted the wearied Senator from watching her tea begin to brew. It's so late, who could it be? Perhaps someone needed something. Though, if it was urgent, they would have simply pinged her through her datapad, as opposed to sending a foot soldier in the storm to beat her door down.

She let out a long sigh. Maybe someone just needed directions? Amusing, but an unlikely idea. Moving over to the door she began to work with the lock, clearing her throat before speaking as she opened the door simultaneously, "Can I help yo--"

Nilia's breath caught in her throat, blinking in surprise as if ensuring what she was seeing was what she was seeing. Ar'ekk, soaking wet on her doorstep, the Force bond between them intensifying three-fold as she locked startled brown eyes with his, tugging her robes around her as the cold air of the hallway floated into the room. For a while she didn't know what to say until she finally blurted out, "You must be cold, you should come in..." Immediately she stepped aside, giving him access to her rather ornate apartment. Her face was still evidence of her shock at his appearance, but it was clear that her first priority was getting him inside and getting him warm. Eadu's rains were not forgiving, and she'd hate for him to get a cold on his first visit.

---

Spoiler: Interacting With

[member="Arekk"]

 

[Arekk]

EADU​

Nilia's Apartment, Elysian Districts​

---

---

INTERACTING WITH: [member="Nilia Saavilin"] ​

Cataloguing his feelings as shock and disbelief would fall rather short. The Force worked in the most mysterious ways possible and this was the definitive proof that their bond had gained the most of strength's as they reunited per act of magic despite being miles away and with the half masked man not even knowing about Nilia's whereabouts in Eadu.

Once the door slowly opened and Nilia came to his presence, his heartbeat increased to a maximum and while caressing his arms to warm himself up he couldn't usher a word. All that Ar'ekk could hear was her inviting him inside the warm apartment, from outside it looked cozy enough to be in.

Warm, finally. The cold had stopped for now.

"I uhh... I'm sorry I had to interrupt your evening."

Really? That's all what the young man had to say to the Senator herself? Showing up to her doorstep soaking wet from head to toes in the middle of the night and out of nowhere wasn't enough, probably. Standing by the frame of the door before entering, Ar'ekk nodded as they both went inside.

He stood awkwardly in the middle of the room, looking around aimlessly. Trying to gather his thoughts was difficult, his palms continuing to caress his arms to warm himself up. Although the mask concealed his mouth, his teeth were clearly chattering due to the cold.

---

---