Raise Your Weapon

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10.5pt]"Oh I have no doubts at all about you being able to take a few hits. You showed it while we were sparring. Not to mention you can certainly pass them out as well. I offer no insult in my apologies, just simply stating how I felt about the situation." Nikias said as he followed [member="Joza Perl"] . Once again Nikias was like a child let loose as he examined just about everything they passed while listening to Joza. While Hora hadn't been behind at all in aspects of technology so many things were focused on war that the cities they had weren't like the large skyscrapers and wild cities that he saw on this world and others like Alderaan. [/SIZE]


[SIZE=10.5pt]"Hmm... Your homeworld isn't to different from my own so I know what you mean. You seek those wild nights, good conversation, great food. Some may look down on you or your people for such things, but its what makes your people unique. Though I'm sure there are none others like you." Nikias offered to ensure her that he didn't mind what she was telling him about her people. It all seemed very much like his homeworld. A homeworld he'd soon have to return to in order to see his siblings and uncle. Just like all Hellyni, Nikias was immune to things that could alter their mind so he had no clue about the pheremones that were being released besides the occasional glances from those they passed but their attention was on Joza more so than him.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Approaching the bar Nikias heard what Joza said but continued on as though they didn't bother him as they truly didn't. "Hmm as long as you and your mother had a good relationship that's all that matters." Nikias said opening the door to the bar for Joza to enter first. "Plus as long as doing such a thing was your choice I think no one should judge you for it. I've done plenty of things that I do not feel bad about and I shalt not judge you for doing something you possibly enjoyed."[/SIZE]

 

[Joza Perl]

“Are they really that similar?” She hadn’t been to other words that could match the hedonistic Zeltros, but a slow smirk began to curve her lips. ”I guess that explains why you’re not wearing a shirt, then.” Her tone was light and teasing as they stepped into the bar, tilting her head in thanks as he held the door open for her.

Joza chose not to comment on her relationship with her mother. While Annika had been a good, attentive mother, she and Joza often butted heads about her leaving home. In the end, Joza disappeared without a word and hadn’t spoken with her mother in several years. Perhaps now that she was further along in her training, she should pay a visit home. Joza perked up slightly in order to keep her features from sinking into too much of a thoughtful look.

“Typically, yes. It’s hard not to get sucked into it when you’re around it all the time.” She laughed shortly, seating herself at the bar and ordering an ale. “There’s nothing like waking up next to a handful of strangers after a night of over indulgence…” Her voice took on a wistful tone for a few moments before she shook her head. “I’m sorry. That was un-Jedi like of me.” In truth, she’d thought that the last part had stayed in her head and didn’t plan on verbalizing it. Then again, she doubted he’d be surprised by it. Joza’s life was a constant battle between her baser desires and lofty aspirations.

Leaning an elbow against the wooden counter, she rests her head in her hand while fixing him with a curious stare. “Alright, your turn.” She prompted him, curious to hear about his home and how it compared to Zeltros.

[member="Nikias"]

 

[Akhilleus]

"Yes our worlds are incredibly similar, though I don't think to many will call it a vacation spot." Nikias said as he took a seat at the bar ordering an ale that came in a large glass. Taking the first sip of the drink while listening to Joza he smiled. "Not wearing a shirt is my choice, don't go enjoying the sight to much... Though none of the other men of my family wear them often either." Nikias added almost as an after thought as he drained some more from the mug before setting it down. He could feel the alcohol's warmth spreading through him and warming his body dulling the sting of the welts even more.

[SIZE=10.5pt]Chuckling at Joza's statement Nikias waved his hand. "Only a handful, eh? Don't worry about such things whether its jedi-like or not. One can not deny what they are, we all have those base cravings and at times its best to give in to them. Its how we can still be sure we're still human... That we can feel. Letting yourself loose is only natural." Nikias said placing a few credits on the bar to pay for both Joza and his own drinks. "We've all done it before." [/SIZE]

Nikias had been turning to look at Joza but now that it was his turn he spun in the seat to completely face her the mug resting in his left hand. "As I said before my homeworld is very much like your own. Hora is its name, and my people are like yours in many ways except the planet is embroiled in war between four factions, my own being one of them. I served in the war, and I was not always meant to be the first prince." Nikias said unsure of how much more he should tell her. His hand tightened around the mug but he took another breath. "Me and my brother were Prisoners of War, and that is when this happened." Nikias said waving a hand over his body.

[member="Joza Perl"]

 

[Joza Perl]

Joza took a sip of her own ale as it arrived, setting the glass down and shifting it so that the liquid inside swirled gently. “Had I not been a Jedi and only a Zeltron, I would agree with you.” She paused, a thoughtful look coming to her face before continuing. “But, I am a Jedi before I am a Zeltron. Giving in to such things would hinder training and understanding of the Force.” She lifted the glass to her lips once more, fixing him with a mildly curious look as she took a slow drink. “Although,” She gasped softly in refreshment as she brought the glass down once more. “It’s not good to suppress oneself to the point of collapse. That’s why the Jedi—moreso the Sanctum—are far more lax than the Jedi of old. I suppose. Completely cutting oneself off from any type of emotion or attachments is what lead many down a dark path.” She recalled the words of Knight Mullarus, a former Sith. The patient man had an impact on her, offering her a guiding hand in her early years.

Indulgence in all things pleasurable was in her nature, but it was a slippery slope for someone like her.

Moving on, she gave him her full attention as he turned to face her. At the mention of war, a brow raised but she said nothing, letting him speak his piece. Ah, so he does have experience in batt—wait, what?! She’d been lifting her glass to take another drink, her expression a mix of skepticism and surprise. “You’re a Prince? Why didn’t you mention that—you know what, nevermind.” She chuckled faintly, finally taking another drink as she took in his next words. A sympathetic frown tilted her lips as she let her gaze fall over his scarred flesh. “I’m sorry to hear that such a thing happened to you and your brother.” Noting the hand tighten on his glass, she continued. “You don’t have to tell me anything you don’t want, but you’re welcome to speak as freely as you’d like.”

[member="Nikias"]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Draining the rest of the mug Nikias waved for another one. Due to his sheer size it would take more than one or two mugs to get him drunk or put him out of commission for any significant amount of time. Though he was slightly troubled by Joza's words. It wasn't the first time he had heard one say that their duty to the jedi came before themselves. It was something that Nikias as a prince was used to, but even then one had to still be truth to themselves. In his eyes it would be better to strike a balance between the two before setting one before the other. "I am sorry for my ignorance, I have yet to wrap my head around your code completely. Being a prince and having been there I understand having to put duty first at times, however not at the cost of oneself completely. Maybe its better to strike a balance? Who's to say you can't be a jedi and follow your urges? Sorry if I'm questioning what you're taught. It's more of me myself being curious and coming from a different experience." [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]The Duros bartender returned with Nikias' mug filled to the brim with ale a bit of foam leaking off the side of it. "Hmm? I didn't tell you I was a prince?" Nikias asked. Usually when introducing himself he was sure to mention it. "Sorry, I am Nikias, First Prince of Makrosia and the heir to the throne." Nikias said though there was a slight edge to his voice upon mentioning the throne. It was something he loathed, it was not rightfully his. It was supposed to be his brothers. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]"Our past is what creates us, what makes us the beings we are... I am fine speaking about what happened, as I have come to terms with it. I can't escape what happened, everyday I wake up and look in the mirror I am reminded." Slightly bitter Nikias sipped at the foam of the ale to get it down a bit. "The poison that gave me these eyes is still in my veins, the Attikan's forced me and my brother to fight to the death while the poison guided it. But as always my brother was the stronger one and was able to sacrifice to save me..."[/SIZE]

[member="Joza Perl"]

 

[Joza Perl]

Joza watched with mild interest as [member="Nikias"] finished off his first glass whereas she had only made it roughly half-way through her own. She had the sudden urge to drain the rest of the liquid—probably trying to keep up with him subconsciously—but figured it would be better to pace herself. Zeltrons were known to have an abnormally high tolerance to alcohol, but it had been quite a while since Joza had a drink. Taking another long sip, she considered his words before placing her mug back down.

“You are right, balance is what I’m trying to attain. But it’s difficult to not swing too much one way or the other.” She shrugged, peering into her glass as if in distant thought. “Some Jedi wouldn’t allow it at all. Who am I to say that they’re wrong?” Balance was a good concept, but hard to maintain. In truth, she was afraid that she’d disappear down the rabbit hole of spice fueled sex addiction, and for good reason. But she didn’t know Nikias well enough to confide in him.

“Heir to the throne…” She repeated his words to herself, mumbling. She was grateful for the shift in conversation topic, but it was still a little strange to her. A little much to take in, but she was curious. A dusting of a frown passed across her lips as he explained a bit more of his difficult past, but she hid it behind the mug as she took another drink. “It sounds like your brother cared for you.” She chose her words carefully, not wanting to pry or stir up anything particularly unpleasant. Pausing for a moment, she put down her nearly empty mug as her face fell into a startlingly serious expression. Her eyes flicked subtly back and forth a she examined him, taking every visual cue in. Even if she couldn’t feel his emotions, she could still glean some information from body language and facial expressions. “Have you really come to terms with what happened?” Her tone was not accusatory or harsh, but suggested that he think about his answer.

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10.5pt]This time it was Nikias who had to weigh his next words and think on what Joza had asked. He had saw her also seem to take a while about him talking about her nature earlier which means she was somewhat conflicted to, about what he did not know. Nor did he expect for her to tell him as they had only just gotten to know each other. However, when she asked him about whether he had come to terms with his brother’s death it had seemed to freeze him. Turning back to the bad and looking at the mirror behind the bar Nikias took a long gulp from his mug. This was a question that he asked himself many days and was in question about. "I will be completely honest with you as there aren't too many others I can confess such things to without being judged. Especially other jedi, but I haven't come to terms with it... Every day I wake up and hear a voice that tells me to do things I don't want. To bend others to my will, that tries to convince me that I killed my brother. Sometimes I think it’s right, what if I'm just imagining everything? That he didn't sacrifice himself but that I ran him through when he was able to break away from the poisons control?"[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Sighing heavily Nikias' broad shoulders sagged. He was tired physically and the confession had worn him down mentally. "I know part of your code says there are no emotions, but I can't come to terms with that just as much as you can. You at least make an effort to strike a balance, I can't do such a thing just yet. Not till I know the truth. Though what I do know is that I can say for certain that I'd rather feel something than nothing. I won't tell you that you should feel the same way, but that being honest with yourself and feeling those emotions can be just as beneficial as denying them... That's coming from what I know having served in battle."[/SIZE]

[member="Joza Perl"]

 

[Joza Perl]

Joza would resume resting the side of her jaw in her hand, propped up on the counter by her elbow. She remained silent but interested as Nikias spoke, sipping at the remainder of her drink until it was gone. Placing her mug back onto the counter without taking her eyes off of the Hellyni, she motioned for the bartender to refill her empty glass.

She was certainly surprised by his words, but the edges of shock had been dulled. So many of the Jedi and even Sith she’d meant had difficult backstories, but it didn’t mean that Nikias’ own story was invalidated in her mind. Instead, she was able to keep her composure and let him continue until his words died down. Interrupting his train of thought with questions was unlikely to help.

Shaking her head gently, she straightened out and faced [member="Nikias"] fully. “You’ve been though a great deal, it seems. I haven’t experienced a life nearly as harsh, so take my words with a grain of salt. Or not at all, your choice.” She nodded vaguely to the barkeep when he slid her now-full mug back to her. “The Jedi Code is old. Interpret it as you will, but many contemporary Jedi do not abide by the old way.” She almost laughed at the thought of her coming to terms with herself as he had suggested. But she didn’t laugh, because he didn’t know how weak she felt for struggling with her racial nature. Taking a sip of the fresh ale, she sighed in satisfaction and sank down on her stool, once again propping up her head in her hand.

“I started my Jedi training before you, so I have the advantage of being taught how to deal with myself sooner.” She sipped at the mug again, already the booze beginning to loosen her up. Which was strange, considering that her kind had a naturally high tolerance for alcohol. Though, not that odd considering that she hadn’t had a drink in a few years…maybe her second liver atrophied by now. “Believe me, I was a fething wreck when I first joined the Alliance. Froze up in battle, then went too crazy in battle. Neither was good, I got my ass kicked for a while until I figured out how to reign myself in.” A short laugh followed as she remembered her anxiety fueled days. Not good times.

“But, you handle yourself in a fight well. So if you haven’t given in to this voice completely, then it’s possible you can learn to triumph over it.” She shrugged, draining her glass so that it was now half full. “Anyway,” She paused to take yet another sip. “You’re here now. Reflection and self-exploration are kind of the Jedi’s thing, so you’re going to have to face your demons.” Another pause as a thought struck her. “If you fall to the Dark Side, I’ll have to cut ya up.” The threat held no weight to it, but it wasn’t exactly lighthearted either. But she was buzzed, so who knew if she’d even remember it.

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Nikias honestly thought he would've gotten a scolding or would've massively changed Joza's opinion of him after telling her the truth about the voice that haunted him. About his doubts in himself. Nikias had even thought she'd leave to tell one of the masters of the Silver Sanctum leaving him to be kicked out or put under watch. The fact that instead of doing any of that and she was still kind to him meant alot. So as she spoke he turned to face her their knees almost touching. "No I shall take your advice. You've been a jedi much longer than me so what you offer is as good as I'll probably get... I really appreciate it." Nikias said placing a hand on her knee before quickly withdrawing it realizing his mistake. It would probably be fine to do such things on his homeworld but now he was among the jedi. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]The only reason Nikias didn't blush or act flustered after his incident is because he thought it the best way to play it off. In battle soldiers often embraced or touched each other when talking. So turning and draining away most of the ale till there was only a quarter left in it he looked back to her feeling a slight tingle, but not much more. Due to his size it would take more than nearly two mugs of Ale to put him out of commission. "If I have to face my demons I just hope I am ready to face them. I don't know about what I'll find or if it will change me. But I promise to do my best not to fall. I'd hate to end up on the opposite side of the battlefield from you."[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]"Though taking the conversation off me, what about this alliance? Why aren't you still with them? How many battles did you serve in. Even if you lost the fact that you're still living is a testament to your skill."[/SIZE]

[member="Joza Perl"]

 

[Joza Perl]

“Still, I’d encourage you to take it with a grain of salt. I’m far from becoming some wise Jedi Master. But, I’m sure you’ll learn a lot about yourself while you're here.” She tilted her head down, brow raising again as he placed a hand on her knee. She didn’t scowl—maybe she would have had she been completely sober—but now she only seemed mildly amused at having been caught off guard, if anything. As [member="Nikias"] removed his hand just as quickly as he’d placed it there, she refrained from making any remarks.

“As would I.” She replied smoothly, punctuating her words with another slow sip. “Facing yourself is probably more difficult than facing a hundred enemies.” She mused at how pseudo-deep that sounded, draining the rest of her glass quickly. Strangely, her own internal conflict never went away, it only changed. At first she was homesick, completely cut off from everything she knew and ended up suppressing everything Zeltron about her. Now that she was more battle savvy and comfortable with the Jedi lifestyle so to speak, she’d begun to crave the wild nights of Zeltros. If feeling like this was normal, she didn’t think that it was.

“Ah. The Galactic Alliance.” She drained the rest of her mug, peering into it idly before setting it down. “It’s where I got my start. I’d never been in combat before then, but I certainly gained the bulk of my battle experience there.” She paused, though buzzed she was able to hold herself back enough from spilling all of the intimate details. “But yeah, lost a lot of them. I would have likely been some Sith lackey’s kill if it weren’t for my allies. They absolutely played a part in saving my ass.” Raising a hand, she wiped the makeup from the side of her cheek with the sleeve of her robe, a light pink stain on the fabric as she let it fall.

With the concealer wiped away, her facial scar was now visible— a few inches of lighter, irregular skin skin signifying a burn mark. It was nothing horrible or gruesome—in fact, mild by some standards—but to her it marred her appearance. “I got this in my first battle. A Sith’s lightsaber burned my face.” She said simply. Her tone had no malice or irritation, likely due to the ale. That, and she refused to let the memory resurface lest she be overtaken by the trauma of her first battle

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Nikias wasn't sure why but he felt as though even with being older than Joza she eclipsed him in wisdom. It wasn't the first time he had felt such a way when coming to the Silver Sanctum but it never ceased to surprise him. Which while he may not have faced a hundred enemies directly he had lead larger forces in battle and met extremely large ones. "That statement could be no truer." Nikias said as he finally drained the rest of his glass and set his hand on top of the mug to ensure that the bartender knew that he was done drinking. While Nikias could feel the warmth spreading throughout himself he dare not over indulge in drinking as for one from the way Joza had seemed to be changing over the time she drank Nikias felt that she may need someone to carry her back to the temple. Or at least ensure she didn't get into any extra trouble.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=10.5pt]"They sound like Great People; why did you leave to come here? Are the teachings beneath them so different that they chased you away? Or did you just no longer wish to serve in battle?" Nikias asked while Joza wiped away the makeup and the scar was revealed. Nikias had seen plenty of them on more occasions than he personally wished but he did not look down upon them. IT didn't even seem to mark Joza's appearance negatively. Considering the makeup, she used to cover it meant that she thought otherwise and this time Nikias did set his hand on top of hers and shook his head. "No... There is no need to cover that scar, what do you fear from it? That it shows failure? That it makes you look worse in some way? Neither are true. Even if I may be overstepping my bounds in saying this you do not need to cover the scar. It will not change how beautiful you are, inside nor out. Trust me I have enough of my own."[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt][member="Joza Perl"][/SIZE]

 

[Joza Perl]

When asked why she left the Alliance, Joza pursed her lips in thought, recalling the events that eventually led her to Voss. “Several influences. One was a Sith turned Jedi of the Sanctum who had come to visit Sullust, the Galactic Alliance capital. He helped me learn some of my saber forms early on, and suggested I visit Voss.” Her eyes drifted to her empty mug, finding that she had missed Knight Mullarus. She hadn’t seen the man in a while, and he’d had a pretty big impact on her when she first became an apprentice. “The other, a Jedi Master that I actually met on my homeworld of Zeltros as a child. I wanted to learn under him, but he wouldn’t allow me to.” She shrugged, recalling the conversation she had with Jericho on Sullust. He had partially influenced her journey to the Jedi. “Anyway, I liked it so much that I decided to stay here. The Alliance was a little too political, too battle driven. And Sullust was like living inside a volcano. Voss is much nicer, more isolated.”

Had she revealed her scar to him while sober, Joza would have been watching carefully. Instead she was wavering back and forth with the idea of ordering another ale. Her hand twitched when she felt Nikias’ own cover it, simply from being started with the contact. She listened to what he had to say before quietly withdrawing her hand into her lap. As a Zeltron she certainly did not mind the physical contact, but she was caught off guard by the track of the conversation and how intimate it had become. What did she fear? That others would judge her? Plenty of Jedi had scars. Was she afraid that she would stop getting attention? Possibly, but she was unsure.

“Do not touch me.” Her voice dropped an octave, lowering so that only they could hear. Her eyes hardened for a moment, but softened quickly with a sigh. Again, the physical contact did not bother her, but she wasn’t sure if this was simply how his people were, or if he was testing the waters for something else. “I…don’t know.” She admitted. “A mix of both, perhaps. I wouldn’t show up back home with this uncovered.” To a warrior, a scar was not something bad. To a race of pleasure and beauty obsessed people? Perhaps.

“We should go. It’s getting late.” Her voice returned to normal, though her gaze didn’t meet his. “Thank you for the drinks.” She pushed herself off of the stool, her normally graceful footing a bit wobbly.

[member="Nikias"]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10.5pt]"Seems as though alot of things were pointing for you to join the Silver Sanctum. Maybe it was always meant for you to find your way here, and to guide others." Nikias said hearing her backstory, it was surprising hearing how a Sith had turned jedi, from what he read it was usually the other way around. It was proof that one even with a dark heart and being influenced by the Darkside to turn back to the light. "Do you like being here? Isolated from others where you don't have to worry about battle? Would you go back to the Alliance if they needed you?" [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Paying the tab for both his own and Joza's drinks the words Joza said were not lost upon Nikias and he removed his hand from hers. Though he gave her a look that was one of concern, not disappointment, nor anger. He was worried about the Zeltron, while she was a jedi and seemed wiser than him the fact that such a thing struck a chord so powerfully gave a very strong impression that something was bothering her. Though Nikias was smart enough not to push the issue in the bar, if it broke down into a mass argument or even a fight he didn't want any stragglers to be caught up in it or see just how much damage the two could cause. If in a sparring match they left each other with welts in live combat they'd probably seriously maim or even kill each other. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]So as Joza rose he did as well leaving a large tip for the waiter before moving to Joza's side to ensure she didn't fall. "Hold on just a second. We're both going in the same direction, and you seemed to have had just a bit too much to drink." Nikias said with a tone an older sibling would take. Being the oldest of six others Nikias often took this tone when talking to someone younger than him and he even offered his shoulder to Joza to lean on. Not touching the subject of what happened till they were in the Voss streets Nikias breathed a heavy sigh knowing he'd probably soon ruin a new found friendship. "I do not think you should cover it. You are still a gorgeous woman even with a scar like that, our worlds are very much alike in that way... Remember? You should not fear showing what happened to you, you spoke of me not fearing the voice I hear and that I'll one day have to face it. Why can you not do the same? I have lost nearly everything that signified my people. My eyes, my hair, the scars that litter my body. But that doesn't mean you have to hide them."[/SIZE]

[member="Joza Perl"]

 

[Joza Perl]

“Guide others?” She wondered aloud, more to herself than to [member="Nikias"]. She certainly didn’t feel like the sagely type. But he did have a point. It did feel like she was meant to be here, a part of the Sanctum. Pondering his follow-up questions, Joza let her eyes roll upwards in thought for a few moments. “I do. Voss has a peaceful atmosphere and it makes it that much easier to meditate. Though, the Sanctum is not safe from attacks. Not too long ago, a Sith Lord made his way here and captured two Jedi Masters while somehow evading capture himself.” Shaking her head, Joza still didn’t know what to make of that strange whirlwind of a situation. “I am technically still a part of the Alliance, so yes. But my allegiance is to the Sanctum first.”

“Mhm.” Joza idly mumbled, her mind elsewhere and not scrutinizing the semi-authoritative tone Nikias took on. As they made their way out of the bar, the Zeltron frowned as her scar was brought up once more. The situation was quickly beginning to irritate the inebriated woman, but what annoyed her most was that he made a valid point.

“Don’t tell me what to do.” She growled, stumbling over her feet and grabbing onto the man’s shoulder for a moment to steady her movement in spite of herself. She took a few seconds to right herself before continuing. “Yeah, I get it. You think I have some big issue with this thing on my face. Maybe I do, maybe I don’t, but that’s my business. If I want to cover it, I’m gonna cover it. So what? What do you care? Or maybe you’re so damn used to being cut up that it doesn’t bother you anymore.” She scowled, hand still on his shoulder as they maneuvered through the streets.

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Nikias easily noticed the frown as Joza made no attempt to hide it. While some would've took that as a signal to stop the prince had no intentions of doing such a thing. He was going to still attempt to make Joza see reason if it was the last thing he did. Even if he ruined their newfound friendship he would be fine with it as long as she could come to terms with it. Nikias did his best to support Joza and while the height difference wasn't to vast it was still enough to make their walk awkward. "I am not telling you what to do. I would never do such a thing. It is not my place. You are no kin of mines, nor a soldier I command. You are a friend and I am simply giving my take on the situation." Nikias said almost tripping over himself as he had to keep himself a bit lower to offer balance to Joza. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Tiring of it Nikias simply scooped her up in his arms similar to how one would carry a wounded comrade from battle. "I do not do nor say what I do to get anything from you, nor turn you to my side. I simply do it because you offered me advice, I intend to repay that favor. However the same advice you gave to me I want you to be able to follow as well. You do not need to constrain yourself so much nor hide what happened. You wouldn't hide the scar if it didn't bother you. I know that." Though Nikias stopped his walk as he heard her throw the insult. A part of Nikias told him to drop Joza on the permacrete and leave her behind, but the part of him that had been in a similar predicament for years told him not to. "I will never get used to what happened." Nikias whispered low enough for Joza to hear though letting his white hair fall into his eyes. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]"I spent close to an entire year being tortured and across from me I had to watch my brother suffer the same. I will never forget nor get used to the scars that I was left with... I wasn't telling you to do so, but what I was saying was that you should accept it is all." Finally starting to walk again with Joza in his arms Nikias kept his head bowed low. [/SIZE]

[member="Joza Perl"]

 

[Joza Perl]

A silent gasp left her lips as he picked her up and carried her in his arms, but no attempt at a struggle was made beyond her shifting to get more comfortable. At this point she was aware that she was unable to walk unaided, and figured that [member="Nikias"] thought this to be the better option. Her head was filled with such a mix of emotions that she didn’t have time to protest. Though she certainly would have if sober…probably.

As much of a brat as she could be, Joza quieted down when Nikias began to speak. Her intuitive empathetic abilities allowed her to feel the pain that came with recalling such memories, and she felt her stomach sink at realizing that she had touched a nerve. The Zeltron was far less tactful when inebriated.

“I’m sorry.” She muttered softly after he had finished. “I didn’t mean it. And I don’t want to bring up bad memories.” She said simply. Letting out a heavy sigh and perhaps getting too comfortable, Joza rested her forehead against his bare chest. Simple contact were things she missed. “I will accept it when I am ready.”

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Nikias stopped for a second when he felt Joza moving in his arms as if she had offered any resistance or complained about what he had done, he had no qualms on letting her walk again. Though when no words were said Nikias continued his walk feeling the warmth of Joza against him. Though the warmth seemed to spread through his entire body as he continued walking through the streets and suffice to say the two got quite a few looks. They were probably the most awkward pair considering one was a Zeltron and Nikias being nearly unrecognizable. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]"I know you didn't mean to; don't worry I shall not take it personally." Nikias said feeling Joza rest against his chest. Suffice to say while from a species that would've took advantage of such a situation Nikias didn't. This was neither the time nor place, especially considering Joza currently being slightly drunk and confused about her own emotions. Yet he could not deny that it was comforting. "I know you will, I just wanted you to know that the scar means nothing. And any that has the nerve to say anything negative about you or it just don't realize how special and kind of a person you are." Nikias said climbing the steps to the Voss temple.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Thankfully the two need not worry about getting fussed at by temple masters or being caught by padawans as it was incredibly late at night and the only lights besides the temples came from the moon. "Hey where's your room? I'll drop you off and head to my own. don't even think about saying no. you can barely walk." Nikias asked looking down at joza and slightly froze seeing the young women resting against him. [/SIZE]

[member="Joza Perl"]

 

[Joza Perl]

Joza remained silent as they made their way back to the temple. One would likely think she was asleep with her lack of movement, but her brows her furrowed in thought. Confusing thought. Drinking made her head swim. It also removed her filters.

“Uhm…” She lifted her head from his chest at his question, squinting from the light. “Down there.” She pointed to one of the corridors, taking a few seconds to orient her mental map. Letting out a yawn, the drowsy Zeltron rubbed at one eye like a child would. “Usually my tolerance is way better. Zeltrons have two livers, you know.” While that fact was true, her half-aware tone made it sound like something she made up on the spot to excuse her poor handling of the alcohol.

[member="Nikias"]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Nikias had been a few seconds from shaking Joza as he thought she was sleeping, but just before he did she answered. Turning and walking down the dimly lit corridor Nikias had a feeling that not to many padawans were out at this time of night and that the masters would be even more disapproving of seeing the condition Joza was in along with Nikias carrying her. However, for a second Nikias didn't care as he saw Joza rub at her eye. To him it was cute in a way and it almost felt like he was back home in the family castle. Due to having so many younger siblings Nikias had carried them alot. Though carrying Joza felt different, it almost made his stomach knot up as they walked. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]"Hmm that's something you didn't tell me... Maybe its a good thing we left when we did then. I couldn't imagine you getting drunker than this." Nikias said as he followed the directions Joza gave through the long halls. It was impressive just how many people the Silver Sanctum could fit inside the large temple at times which made Nikias' job of sneaking in harder. He wasn't a small nor light man and was forced to watch how he walked to ensure that his boots didn't make noise against the white tile. Finally reaching Joza's room Nikias pressed the panel built into the wall causing the door to slide open with a hiss louder than he would've like. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Stepping in he would take in Joza's room while he had the chance to do so. Usually seeing how one decorated was a better way of getting to know them than talking for hours. However, Nikias still moved to Joza's bed moving so he could hold her in one arm while his other pulled the blankets on her bed back. Nikias almost felt like a parent at this point as he laid Joza down and tucked her in and as he looked down at her he brushed a strand of red hair from her face. "Have a good night." He said to the zeltron women before rising to leave. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt][member="Joza Perl"][/SIZE]

 

[Joza Perl]

“’m not drunk.” She insisted, sounding more like a whining child than an adult. Her voice was softened by an edge of fatigued and muffled slightly against his chest. “Jus’ tired.” While it was true that the Padawan had become sleepy quickly, she did feel bad for hitting a nerve with him. He could have just as easily dropped her, or even bit back with an insult of his own, but he didn’t and that spoke to his character.

But slowly, those thoughts began to fade from her mind as she drifted off to sleep before they even entered her room. She did not stir as he placed her into bed carefully, her breathing steadying to gentle exhales. If spar of that caliber followed by a few drinks was enough to put her out of commission, she had to work on her tolerance on both fronts.

[member="Nikias"]

[Exit]