Originally called Notron

[Lilla Syrin]

“Only some secrets are well kept on Coruscant.”
―Rear Admiral Nils Tenant

Lilla yawned. It had been a long journey.

Around her rose the many levels of Coruscant, the city that covered a planet. She was standing on a landing platform at one of the high levels of the city, surrounded by tall buildings with spires and turrets. The mists around her could be atmosphere or clouds. The sky was filled with transports, large and small, that negotiated the air lanes with skill and daring.

She thanked the space hauler pilot who had let her hitch a ride to Coruscant.

"Sorry I can't bring you all the way," the pilot said to the Jedi. "But there are plenty of air taxis cruising this neighbourhood."

"I am grateful for your help and I wish you a safe journey home," Lila said, smiling.

"Always glad to help out the Jedi," the pilot answered, giving her a cheerful wave.

Coruscant was where the Jedi Temple was located — back in the days of the Republic, and the Temple was once home to all Jedi. This trip was something of a homage — if only her ship hadn’t malfunctioned and she’d been forced to hitch a lift, due to a pressing matter that the Council insisted she investigate.

It involved a number of kidnapping attempts on Republic dignitaries — and the latest one was here, a matter of days ago.

Lilla strode to the end of the landing platform and activated a temporary crossing bridge to the next level. Here in the old Senate district, the buildings were close together and the walkways were easy to navigate without relying on air transport.

Lilla had information about the location of the cafe she needed to visit. She travelled along a pedestrian walkway past shops and restaurants, all catering to the tourists and business people who traveled to Coruscant to tour the old sights. Occasionally she would have to activate a pedestrian bridge to move from one level to another. The walkways were crowded with beings from all over the galaxy. Talk bubbled around them in Basic as well as several languages unfamiliar to Lilla.

She stopped before a small restaurant on a corner. It appeared shabby beside the grander restaurants next door. An attempt had been made to improve it by painting the windowsills and doorframe a cheerful shade of yellow. But the fresh coats of paint only made the cracked and pitted stone walls appear more run-down than they were.

Still, Lilla noticed that the restaurant next door was empty, and the dingy cafe was packed. She could see everyone inside, sitting at small tables crowded together, all talking, gesturing, and eating enormous plates of food.

Lilla stepped into the bustling cafe. Tables were packed so closely together she could barely squeeze through. But she had to, as — according to her source — someone that works here knows something about the kidnappings.

[member="Abigail Meredydd"]

 

[Abigail Meredydd]

Coruscant.
It was nothing like Abigail could have ever imagined. How could such a vast place even exist? She'd heard about the city, sure, but she had never expected someting like this.
She was here for a few simple reasons, she was looking for some kind of Temple- and she was just eager to visit this place. All her life had she heard that if she ever had the time, she had to go to Coruscant. 'You won't believe your eyes', they had said.
She'd been told something else as well. Something regarding the 'lower levels'. She believed they had said something like: 'The lower you go, the worse it gets'. But what that meant, Abigail didn't know.

After her transport touched the ground, and after she thanked the pilot, she exited the vessel. She then proceeded towards the bridge where the landing areas ended and the busier streets started.

Abigail couldn't believe the variation in the streets. She had never seen so many different species before! And the languages, how could anyone even understand each other with so many different languages.
It was all very new and fascinating for Abigail, which made it so that she wasn't paying attention to where she was going. She was merely moving, perhaps in random directions or perhaps she was guided, following a set path.

As she wandered through yet another crowded street with shops and restaurants on both sides, she saw a smaller shabby restaurant on the corner. Not giving it much attention, she walked past it. Yet the moment she did pass it, she suddenly felt a light push against her chest. Knowing better by now than to think it was the wind, she stopped walking and whispered, "What?". She saw and felt the air and Force around her shape, leaning towards the cafe, which seemed to be quite crowded. "What? I'm not going in there, I've literally just eaten and I need to explore further. Maybe I'll wander into a fancier cafe in a few hours or so", she whispered, and with that she carried on. However, she hadn't even taken more than two steps before she felt a push again, a bit harder this time. "Stop being so childish. Go away", she hissed before walking again..
..to no avail. This time the Force blew her shoulder back with such strength it caused her to stumble back. "What's the matter with you?!", she whispered quietly but harshly after having regained her balance. She clenched her fists. "Roger, leave me alone. What's up with you and this stupid cafe anyway? I have better things to do." She then noticed the Force slowly growing more tense around her. After a while she gave in, as she felt an unnatural and strange will. "Fine", she hissed. "But only for a few minutes"

And with that Abigail too entered the crowded building as the Force around her eased up again.

[member="Lilla Syrin"]

 

[Lilla Syrin]

Lilla was unsure who or what she was seeking – the brief simply gave the location. As she squeezed between tables and waitresses, she felt a hand clamp on her forearm.

Looking down, she saw a Sullustan sitting at a small table – alone – with a plate of untouched food in front of her.

“I think fate sent you here, master Jedi.”

Lilla did not know where to start to correct the stranger. That she was a knight, and not a master – or that it was a mission directive that brought her here.

But she was a Jedi and would not turn her back on anyone in need of help – so she smiled and spoke. “Is everything all right?”

“No…” The Sullustan paused.

Lilla squeezed into the small gap opposite the Sullustan, on a chair that was clearly designed for children to sit on.

The Sullustan rubbed her hands together and fixed Lilla with a mournful gaze.

“Master Jedi,” she said, “I am afraid. Danger stalks me. I need your help.”

“Tell me what I can do,” Lilla said. “I will help if I can.”

The Sullustan took a deep breath. “Only two days ago, I was almost kidnapped. I was simply walking down the street when a man wearing armor came at me from behind. Luckily a Wookiee happened to be standing near. He didn’t like the fact that he knocked passed him to get to me. He gave chase with a rather large vibroblade and the armoured man had to abandon his attempt.”

“Who was he?” Lilla asked.

“A bounty hunter,” the Sullustan said in a whisper. “I asked around.”

Lilla gave the Sullustan a piercing look. “A bounty hunter? Why is he after you?”

“I’m convinced the bounty hunter is not after me. No doubt some government on another world has confused me for someone else. It happens, you know.”

“What would you like me to do?” Lilla asked.

“Talk to him and tell him that there’s been a mistake. Convince him that I’m innocent,” the Sullustan said earnestly.

“How would I find him?” Lilla asked.

“I know where he is staying. An inn not far from here,” the Sullustan said rapidly. “You could go right now. For a Jedi, this is a tiny favour. It will take five minutes of your time. So easy for one as wise and strong as yourself. He cannot ignore a Jedi.”

“All right,” Lilla said. “I will see your bounty hunter.”

The Sullustan beamed. “He is at the Three Moons Inn. It’s in the old Senate Quadrant.”

“I will return shortly,” Lilla said. “Try not to get into any more trouble while I’m gone.”

[member="Abigail Meredydd"]

 

[Abigail Meredydd]

Abigail slowly made her way through the crowded cafe, trying to find a place to sit, when she bumped into a dark haired woman who appeared to be leaving the cafe. After apologizing, Abigail continued moving forward until she spotted a free space where she could lean against the wall. Once she had done so, she whispered, "I still don't see why I had to go in here..", but she received no response. She didn't notice this, however, as her attention had already shifted towards an odd looking creature, who was sitting alone at a table. Abigail thought she recognized the species, but she couldn't think of the name.
Without looking to obvious, Abigail slowly observed the creature.
"Something's off. See if you can hear something, okay?", she whispered and not a second later she felt the Force shift, away from her and towards the creature, who appeared to be talking into a small communicator. Abigail let her head too lean against the wall, let out a deep sigh and then closed her eyes.

And just like that as she reopened 'her' eyes, she was nearer to the creature, able to hear her words. The creature seemed to be babbling into the device in some foreign language unknown to Abigail. With a bit of focus, she managed to make out a few words. Together with the fact the tone sounded questioning, she understood the following, "Another....young....room....now....?".

"Shaadlar, child!"
Abigail jumped slightly as she opened her eyes again and saw an angry looking and mask wearing man in front of her. After looking at him with questioning eyes, he pointed towards the wall she leaned on. Or actually, towards the door she'd been leaning on. "Oh, sorry", Abigail mumbled as she stepped aside, after which the man disappeared through the door while shaking his head.

"I think fate sent you here, soldier"

Abigail turned around towards the noise and was surprised to see the odd creature was the one speaking to her, in perfect Basic. A bit hesitant, she stepped towards the table, leaning with her hands on the small chair. "Why would you think I'm a soldier. And how come 'fate sent me here'?", she asked, slightly suspicious.

Ignoring the first question, the creature spoke again. "Something terrible is happening to me. I need your help", the creature said. The look on her face was a mournful one- or it probably was at least. Abigail found her face a bit hard to read, but why, she didn't know.

"There's a bounty hunter after me", she whispered. "But he's mistaken, that bounty was meant for someone else, not for me!"

"Okay...but I don't exactly have the be-"

"You seem very fit and capable of defending yourself. Could you please go tell him he's been misinformed? He is at the Three Moons Inn. It’s in the old Senate Quadrant "

"Look, okay, I'm not-"

"Please?", the creature asked with a pleading voice. "It's what a real hero- a Jedi - would do"

'A Jedi'. Outch, that was exactly what Abigail was meant to live up to. She was still reluctant to listen to the female, but that word pushed her over the edge. If this was what a Jedi would do, she had to try- at the very least. She sighed heavily.
"The Three Moons inn?", she asked.

The creature nodded with a relieved expression and then Abigail made her way out of the cafe again with mixed feelings.

 

[Lilla Syrin]

The old Senate quadrant was not what it once was. Instead of it being taken in by the upper levels of Coruscant, it had instead become more of an extension of the disgusting underworld.It was not quite at the same level, but it was becoming closer and closer every day.

And so every street Lilla walked along, there was a visible difference. Litter became commonplace. Then graffiti. Then boarded up windows.

Finally she sensed the lawlessness of the blocks, as she followed the directions to the inn. And with the lack or order came the sound of blaster fire.

Lilla threaded her way through lanes that were becoming more and more narrow and crowded with detritus that had settled slowly and never been cleaned. Cables and signs now swayed overhead, hanging so low in places that Lilla was forced to duck beneath them. But despite the conditions, the Jedi knight moved with grace and surety.

The sound of blasterfire grew louder ahead of her.

Lilla stopped in an alley that stank like a bantha's droppings — and Lilla knew precisely what they smelled like, being a native of Tattooine. A swinging light flashed fitfully on and off above, casting rubbish and filth in unwanted relief.

An old droid watched her with blinking red eyes from a filthy niche, rusted fingers protectively gathering wires and servos back into its gaping chest plate.

The shooting intensified. Her hand reached for the grip of her lightsaber, and she called the Force to her, to allow her to remain calm and serene — as befitted a Jedi.

The sound of screams broke her out of her contemplative trance. Between one heartbeat and the next she was gone, the lilac of her lightsaber lingering a split instant behind her, brilliant in the gloom.

[member="Abigail Meredydd"]

 

[Abigail Meredydd]

After asking around here and there, Abigail eventually managed to find the old Senate Quadrant.
It wasn't what Abigail had expected. Where the streets she had been walking before were relatively clean and the buildings looked pretty decent, here the streets were filthy and the buildings looked like they could fall apart any moment.

"Watch my back", Abigail whispered as she slowly made her way deeper into the district. She soon learned that the deeper she went the worse it got. Cables hanging everywhere, streets full with graffiti and litter. Abigail hadn't gone far before she started to question her reasoning as to why she was doing this. Oh yeah, because the creature mentioned the word 'Jedi'.
Stupid.

The deeper Abigail ventured into the district, the more methodical and cautious her movements became. She unconsciously started to quickly glance into every alley, around every corner, checking for anything threatening. You could never be certain in places like these, and her feelings got strengthened when the distant blaster fire became louder and more frequent. Abigail quickly moved through the streets like a soldier crossing a warzone, just like she'd been taught. It might not look all too elegant, but it'd keep her safe, together with Roger.

She stopped when she noticed an old and weird red-eyed droid, who was holding some kind of wires, staring towards an alley. Abigail was still too far away to see what was around the corner, but before she was able to walk towards the corner, she suddenly heard screams. The girl immediately froze in response before looking over her shoulder.
Nothing.
Was the screaming originating from the alley? In the corner of her eye, Abigail saw the old robot hold one of its hands in front of one eye, with his gaze still fixated towards the street around the corner.

[member="Lilla Syrin"]

 

[Lilla Syrin]

Lilla’s blade flashed, her hands a blur, yet her body appeared to be moving in slow motion. For aficionados of the Soresu Form, it was known as the eye of the storm — her blade moving so fast, it made the job of deflecting the blaster fire relatively straightforward, whilst the Jedi herself remained calm and composed — assessing the situation as she advanced on what was clearly a turf war.

At least six species were present — and all were armed with a variety of blasters. They were firing indiscriminately at first, but now Lilla ws the focus of their attention — as if she were suddenly the common enemy.

She had no desire to take a life, but she could not maintain this approach indefinitely. Well…actually she could, but she was on an errand and this was delaying her. So she pressed forward - switching from a passive defensive posture into a more dynamic proactive style.

She was pleased to note that nobody died — although blasters were destroyed, hands severed and a few limbs were neatly removed. And soon the rival gangs decided to lay down their arms. They began to scatter and Lilla considered giving chase, but decided to allow them to run — allowing her to return to the task in hand.

She emerged from the alleyway and almost walked into a young woman. Lilla’s hand instinctively pulled back her cloak to revel her saber — but she did not grab it. The young woman was Force sensitive, Lilla sensed it. Was she here on the same mission, or was this just a coincidence?

And Lilla did not believe in coincidences. So she gave a slight bow and as she straightened, she raised an eyebrow. “I am Lilla. And you are?”

[member="Abigail Meredydd"]

 

[Abigail Meredydd]

Just as Abigail slowly approached the corner, another woman suddenly came out of the alley, almost bumping into Abigail.
When the woman suddenly showed she was armed, Abigail took a step back with her hand in front of her. "Sorry, my bad, didn't mean to get in your way", she said before she turned around, planning to quickly continue on. But instead of just going further, the other woman spoke to her. Abigail froze for a second before turning back around.
"Uhhh," she stumbled as she quickly ran her eyes over the woman, "I'm Abigail. But I'm not from here, I'm actually just passing through so..you know. I won't bother you again, Miss"
Then it struck her that saying you aren't from a neighborhood like this while you were in it wasn't the smartest idea ever. To some more sinister figures you're the perfect prey if you say such a thing. In defence, Abigail quickly added her reason, to make it look like she knew people here. "I was actually just going to help someone I know. I'm.. meeting a guy in the nearby inn for her. It's just a quick errand really, nothing special. It's the.. Three Moons, yeah. Even though I'm not from here I still now the place quite well", she lied.
Her lies weren't the best ones ever, as she had been kind of intimidated by the woman's lightsaber, but they were still good enough. Her lies would definitely fool the common thug, so if the woman was one, Abigail'd probably be safe.
But if the other woman wasn't a thug, and she definitely didn't look like one, and if she took the time to observe Abigail's tone and movements, it would be clear to her that the young woman was lying.

 

[Lilla Syrin]

Lilla was caught in two minds…well, three actually. Possibly even four. She quickly counted them in her head – yes, definitely four.

Firstly, there was the reason she was here on Coruscant – not that she was yet aware of the real purpose, but time would reveal all, she was sure.

Secondly, she was obliged to solve the woman’s mistaken identity dilemma. That was more pressing than the first item on her ever-growing list.

Next, there was the current altercation. She was putting that one at the top of the agenda so far – the danger was current and the threat real.

But this young woman presented a new and – Lilla hoped – final challenge to prioritise. A natural empath, had Lilla been making an effort, she would have understood not only the lies told, but the emotions behind the falsehoods. But, in her currently distracted state, the young Jedi was merely aware of the woman’s desire to hide the truth. Was she a victim or a perpetrator – or maybe just a pathological liar.

Lilla ruled out the latter and very quickly replayed the facts in her head. She was not being fleeced and there was enough discomfort in the young woman’s body language to suggest she was the innocent party in whatever was bothering her. So, Lilla decided to make this conversation her top priority.

“Abigail,” Lilla echoed, deactivating her saber with a hiss-snap. “You’re not in my way.” The Jedi had a smile on her lips, and her voice was calm and gentle – but carried authority none the less.

There was enough in what the young woman said – plus her aura – for Lilla to begin to make sweeping deductions. But she didn’t she held back – although she did consider the similarities in their stories to be worthy of better underastanding.

“I’m not from around here either. Tell me, before here,” Lilla pointed to the ground, to indicate this spot, as opposed to ‘this planet.’ “Where were you exactly? And who did you meet?”

Her voice remained passive and hopefully non-threatening.

[member="Abigail Meredydd"]

 

[Abigail Meredydd]

Abigail quickly eyed the woman down again as she deactivated her saber. Even though the woman didn't appear to be a threat, Abigail was still wary and suspicious.

Doubting for a little while whether to answer the woman or not, she eventually decided telling her this truth wouldn't be dangerous.
"I was at some kind of bar or something, it was quite crowded despite its looks", she replied. "There some a... certain creature- I don't know the name of their species- asked me to do a favour regarding a misunderstanding or something. I'd advise you to stay away from her, something felt wrong about her", she then said. "Wait, you're not with her, right?", she then asked while slightly stepping back.

Then her suspicion got the better of her. She couldn't help it; this place was just extremely unsettling. Abigail just had to know a little more about the woman to feel at ease.
"What about you? Why are you here? And where did you get that from?", she asked as she nodded towards the lightsaber. Abigail hoped the woman would respond by telling her that she was with a certain light sided faction, but asking her alliance would be too direct. For now knowing whether or not the lightsaber was hers was enough.

 

[Lilla Syrin]

Lilla smiled – but it was a wary show of humour, given what the young woman had shared.

“I promise to answer all of your questions,” she said, no sarcasm in her tone, “Even if my responses aren’t necessarily in the order you asked them.”

She glanced around, clearly deciding the current fracas was no longer worthy of her immediate attention. Turning back to face the young woman, Lilla’s brows knitted slightly – and then she bagan again.

“No, I am not with that person. I am a Jedi of the Republic Remnant. The saber…was gifted to me by an Ewok. Where he found it, I don’t know, as it is ancient. But I restored it and placed new crystals in it – ones attuned to me.”

“I am here on this planet as part of a mission. I was required to go to a certain restaurant – but before I made contact with whoever I was supposed to meet, I was approached – by the same person you were. At least, the coincidences are too close to be anything but one and the same encounter – clearly part of a scam. But to what end I do not know.”

She sighed softly. “You were right to be suspicious – something I failed to be. So, tell me, as I think it’s my turn to ask now…” Her smile was genuine and full of warmth.

“I presume you are aware that you are Force sensitive - but more importantly, are you prepared to help me uncover whatever this web of deceit is all about?”

[member="Abigail Meredydd"]

 

[Abigail Meredydd]

Abigail's expression gradually relaxed as the woman answered her questions. It looked like she spoke the truth and Abigail slowly started to trust this woman. Slowly.

But there was one problem. The woman claimed to be from the Republic Remnant- and Abigail believed that she was- but that still meant Abigail somehow hadn't seen this woman before. To be fair, she had only just met her new master and she was very new to the Remnant, but still, Abigail was just a bit too on edge to be very trusting.

Also, what was this thing called 'eewok' or something? Abigail thought she had heard it before, but she didn't know for sure.

Abigail then smiled and nodded. "I do know I'm Force sensitive, but in a different way than you. Tell me, master Lilla, do you know master Feanor by any chance?"

Of course the woman did- or, if she really was with the Republic Remnant she did anyway. It was the last small 'test' so to say to banish Abigail's suspicion and also a way to get Lilla to maybe even trust her. The fact this woman was with the Remnant was extremely lucky. Somewhere inside her Abigail was secretly relieved to have found a friend, or at least an ally, in such a dangerous and dark environment.

 

[Lilla Syrin]

Lilla smiled. "Who doesn't know the Grand Master?" She is someone I know, but I could not venture to say I was her friend necessarily - not that I have many friends, truth be told." Lilla explained this in a matter of fact way - there was no self-pity in her voice.

"And given I spend almost all of my time on missions, it's not surprising I don't mix with many of my peers. Mostly I work with my Padawans. Which is all very interesting - but not going to get us anywhere."

"So, at the risk of repeating myself...will you help? And as an aside, how do you know the Grand Master?"

[member="Abigail Meredydd"]

 

[Abigail Meredydd]

So it was true. That was good to hear. The woman was really with the Remnant, that would make things a lot more comfortable from now on.

Abigail gave Lilla a heartwarming smile before she responded.
"Of course I'll help you, master Lilla. This entire thing indeed sounds like a scam and I'm willing to bet we aren't the first ones it has been tried on."
Abigail quickly looked around her to asure they were still safe and alone before she returned her attention towards Lilla.
"Well, I know master Feanor because... I am her new student", she told the woman with a smile. "So we're on the same side."

"Now on the subject of the whole scam thing, what do you think would be wise? We could go back to the creature who told us to go to the Inn, or we could continue our path to the inn. Either way we should probably be wary, I don't like this place one bit", she admitted.

 

[Lilla Syrin]

Lilla presumed the young woman was wary of her credentials, but a genuine smile suggested Lilla had passed whatever test she’d been set.

“I am glad you have such a capable master, and she has such an attentive Padawan. And just Lilla, please. I’m not a Master and I prefer to be called by my name – unless it’s formal business, when I accept my title is relevant.”

She glanced around at this point. “This area has changed over the years I believe. So you’re right, we need to be wary. And as to where to head to first, what is your counsel?”

[member="Abigail Meredydd"]

 

[Abigail Meredydd]

Abigail nodded. "Okay. I understand", she said as she too looked around. She knew it was probably a bit rude to ask, but her curiousity was just too big at this point.
"So, you are a Knight then?", she asked. The woman felt too skilled and calm to not have been trained well. If she wasn't a master, she had to be a knight.

Abigail was slightly caught of guard because Lilla asked what she would do. After taking a slight moment, she answered. "If we wanted to do the safe thing, we would have to turn around and leave. But considering how you want to solve this - and I want to do that too - going back isn't going to help us. The creature-person won't help us, she'll just play dumb. She won't give us any answers unless we force her to- and that probably wouldn't be very Jedi-y."

Abigail slightly sighed as she looked further into the dark and dangerous streets with confidence. "If we want to solve this, we need to keep going. But we need to do so with great caution."

It was only then that she realised how she was talking. Was she telling Lilla, who was probably a Knight or at least higher in rank than she was, what to do? That wasn't very appropriate. She quickly and shyly added, "At least that's what I think", to show that Lilla would have to approve of it first and that Lilla would ultimately be calling the shots.

 

[Lilla Syrin]

Lilla listened intently. Being a Jedi was not about taking orders – not truly. Yes, they served, but their value to the Order – to those they protected – was in independent thought. Independence linked to the Jedi Code, naturally, but individuality none the less. Unlike an army, that survived on following orders meticulously – given that’s how the strategists saw victory as most likely – a Jedi was typically operating alone. To constantly second guess what the chain of command thought was at best debilitating, at worst paralysing.

So Lilla’s approach was to discus and listen to a Padawan’s thought process. More often than not it was a good solution – and on those occasions, Lilla would go with the plan. Even if there was a better one – for Jedi (like most people) learned more through trial and error than following orders. She would only step in if the suggestion was going to present a danger to the Padawan or innocents.

“Yes, I’m a Knight. I completed my trials a while ago. Which allowed me to take on Padawans of my won – something that I enjoy more than any other aspect of life as a Jedi.”

And then she focused on Abigail’s plan. “Safe has merits, you’re right – but rarely resolves things. So, you’re correct again. And you’re also right to focus on the sharp end of this puzzle – as opposed to the beginning.”

“So, I am in your hands. We carry on – as you recommend – and cautiously, as your warning dictates.”

“Lead on…”

[member="Abigail Meredydd"]

 

[Abigail Meredydd]

"Oh-oh. Okay", Abigail slightly stuttered as she was told by Lilla that she would lead. "Of course", she then added as she looked around her. She observed the streets for a little while, trying to print this place into her head. It could prove to be useful later. When she was done, she pointed towards the direction they were supposed to go and started walking.
"So uh.. follow me. We should be on the right track here".

They walked for a few minutes without saying anything as Abigail was too busy scanning the environment. Everything looked the same to her. Abandoned houses, messy streets, hanging cables and broken droids.

"I've never been to Coruscant before, but I have to say... it's not exactly pretty", she said, just to make some small talk. Before Lilla could even respond, however, a set of stills flashed in front of Abigail eyes. Only she saw them, images of the real world, paintings of the frozen reality.
Warnings from him.

The images only showed themselves to Abigail for a split second, but that was more than long enough for her to see what she needed to see. Two men, ahead of her. A knife- and a blaster. A big blaster. The type from which you don't want to be looking into the barrel.

As she processed the information presented to her, she quickly turned around, grabbing Lilla and pulling her into an small alley.

"We need to hide. There's danger nearby", she whispered as she pressed her back against the wall. Her breathing became slower as she focused on the sounds around her. No footsteps yet, but they would come. She had seen them. They were there.

Abigail had probably overreacted a little bit, considering she was accompanied by an armed Knight, but in that moment she had to play it safe as she wasn't exactly heavily armed herself. And it's always better to avoid conflict in a place.

But no-one came, and after about 20 seconds, Abigail started to doubt herself. Was she wrong? Had she gone mad?
She looked next to her and towards Lilla, who in turn looked at Abigail with what probably was a confused or questioning expression. Abigail was about to speak and apologize to the Jedi Knight as she suddenly heard it;

"Can you believe it?"

As she heard a male voice, she quickly pressed her back against the wall again. She was right. The men were here.
He never lies.

 

[Lilla Syrin]

Lilla suppressed a smile. It was her way — but right now, it might suggest she was amused by Abigail’s situation, which could not be farther from the truth. No, her smile was because she knew that, as the mission progressed, Abigail’s confidence would grow — and for Lilla, that was a key factor in teaching.

Lilla nodded as Abigail began to lead them to the rendezvous point.

Some liked to talk under stress, others preferred silence. Lilla was unsure which camp Abigail fell into, and so allowed the Padawan to lead any conversations initially. If she proved to be the chatty type, Lilla would do her fair share of the talking.

Lilla sensed danger a split second after Abigail’s warning. She could not pinpoint the why or the what, but she knew it was ahead. Abigail’s quick reading of the situation impressed Lilla — it was a trait that could keep her out of danger…and others too.

They waited what seemed an eternity — and Lilla would have doubted her own reading of the Force, were it not for Abigail’s response. And so the Knight rode the silence and waited — she was blessed with patience anyway.

And finally it came — a man’s voice.

Lilla looked at Abigail and raised an eyebrow. It was an expressive eyebrow — and asked a simple question…what next?

[member="Abigail Meredydd"]

 

[Abigail Meredydd]

Abigail's eyes flickered towards Lilla, who in turn was looking at her. It didn't take Abigail long to figure out that Lilla expected her to take care of the situation- or to at least make a plan. She turned her head back towards the street on which the man and his companion was walking. As the men talked with eachother, thoughts raced through Abigail's mind. She could try to play it off and act innocent, or maybe she should go on the offensive and scare them off? There even was a possibility the two men were so invested in their conversation they wouldn't even notice the two women hiding in the alley.

So considered so many options, yet chose none of them. As the men came closer, the Force around her became increasingly restless again. She waved her hand to brush it off before she leaned against the wall.

"I don't know", she mumbled. "I don't know what to do. Can't decide", she kept mumbling as she nervously bit her lip.

The two men were now close. Too close for comfort. Their voices were loud and clear by now. Abigail still nervously stood against the wall, almost stunned because she didn't know what to do. Just before it looked like Lilla was about to do something, some kind of metal object fell over. The sound originated from the streets, from behind the men.

"What was that?", one of them spoke. There was a small silence before the other responded. "Probably just a rat, lets just keep moving. Keep your guard up"

Abigail eyes almost sparkled as the sound gave her an idea. She looked next to her, where there was nothig Lilla could see, but something Abigail could. She nodded and with that it shot away. Its presence quickly faded and not a moment later, from the same spot the previous sound originated, something made out of glass was loudly shattered.

"Chit!", the first man yelled. "That ain't no rat, man!"

"Who goes there?!", the other yelled in response. "We- we're armed!", he added as he drew a small gun. She stepped forwards but the other grasped him arm.
"No no no, man. Didn't you hear what happened to William the other night? Arm cut right off. And I like my arms, man. We gotta run"

The other doubted for a bit before he too gave in to the fear. It was a mix of the sounds and this creepy and horrible place.
"Lets go!" was the last thing both Abigail and Lilla heard from the men as the ran past the alley, not bothering to look into it.

She waited a few second for the footsteps to die out. After they had, Abigail turned her head towards Lilla. Her eyes were sparkling with pride, yet she didn't say a word, she waited until Lilla spoke first.