Faction Restoration Efforts (NJO)

[Lysander von Ascania]

Zaiya Ceti Mahsa

Lysander stood rooted in his current spot, enveloped by the present moment and simply consumed by the scene before him. Everything else faded into the background as he fixated on the details of what was unfolding before his emerald eyes. Though he was aware of his sister's proximity, he made the choice earlier to break away, have a taste of independence, and follow his own path here at Caamas's Temple.

A sudden flicker of movement then caught the Padawan's eye, shattering his concentration. In that split second, he wasn’t sure if a wicked rune had conjured something dark, or if it was something more sinister. His eyes widened in shock as the impact slammed into his shoulder, throwing him back.

“Aahhh!”

Time seemed to slow as he hit the ground with a loud thud, the air knocked out of him, and a heavy weight fell over him.

Before he ever had a chance to react, the boy was sprawled on the ground with someone much taller on him. His head was pushed back by another suffocating pressure. He desperately tried escape, struggling to catch his breath. It was as though he were pinned to the ground, feeling helpless.

With a desperate shove, he forced the person off him, only to discover it was another Padawan. While standing tall and trying to regain his senses, his cheeks burned with embarrassment as he pieced together the humiliating event. Brushing off the dirt from his tunic, he looked at her. "You should try to be more mindful of your surroundings and the objects you carry," he said.

Lysander soon caught sight of a small box on the ground, seemingly out of place, as if it didn’t even belong here. He rubbed the back of his head slowly, wincing, before returning his gaze back to the girl. She looked oddly familiar, especially with her unique skin complexion made of different hues. "Do you happen to be an employee of Yum Bunnies or something? I never would have imagined there being one nearby."

His head rotated to the other person who just arrived, nearly identical in height. He was genuinely confused. "I guess I should've worn a helmet."

Then he saw Connel not too far away. The Knight was easy to recognize from the Shadow Temple on Kashyyyk, where he had recently learned from Master Caltin along with a handful of others. He wanted to pretend like this moment never happened, but it would be impossible, and already felt like all eyes were on them. Guessing it was the right thing to do, and still feeling the heat on his face, he offered a hand to her. He didn't offer his name just yet; he was just trying to help her back up.

 

[Roman Vossari]

Lightsaber: X | Armor: X | Training: X | Casual: X
Tags: Kuhbee

​

Roman's mind wandered. The solitude of the task of clearing stones was beginning to weigh on him. He craved interaction, a break from the repetitive nature of this work. He longed for the lively banter and some form of entertainment to distract himself from the monotony of the manual labor.

The silence of the temple, broken only by the occasional groan of shifting stone and the rhythmic pounding of his own heart, was a stark contrast to the bustling energy he often encountered at other temples. The humidity of the temple's interior clung to his skin, and he'd already sweat through one of his spare shirts. Roman searched for something, anything, to occupy his mind, something to enliven his senses and break the boringness of the day.

Just then, a sound cut through the air, a howl of pain, sharp and piercing. It came from across the courtyard, a distinct and unmistakable sound of distress. Roman's head snapped up, curiosity and concern warring within him. He followed the sound, his steps quickening as he neared the source. His eyes widened at the sight of a young Wookiee, a wide-eyed cub, clutching at his injured foot.

Roman had heard tales of the Wookiees, their tribal culture, their impressive strength. He'd spent time on Kashyyyk during his training, studying at the Shadow Temple and learning the ways of their culture, but he never encountered one who could speak Basic. Roman wondered if he could understand him at all.

Approaching cautiously, he hoped his facial expression conveyed his intent to help. "Hello." he said, his voice soft, "My name is Roman. Are you alright? Do you need any help?" His hands instinctively tried to do aid with his communication, but he was afraid it might just make him look like a fool if the Wookiee could understand him.

 

[Fulo Ritiki]

Tag: Jack Wright
Gear: Jedi Robes | Lightsaber | Utility belt

The hall had to lead to somewhere and by the stars, Fulo was hoping it wasn't going to lead to a dead end. But that only spoke to how expansive this temple was, no wonder the order tried so hard to uncover this place. There was probably a trove of relics and artifacts here, unfortunately Fulo was not an archaeologist so he didn't know the right way of recovering jedi artifacts. But hopefully his new compatriot knew what to do. As the duo continued down the hall, the walls covered in overgrowth, Fulo looked ahead and with his blue saber lowered it and realized they were coming to a halt. Their trail seemed to have stopped as they came to what looked like a dead end. Fulo was not convinced. He felt around the wall trying to find something, but he did not expect to feel something, the force was calling to him, and he concentrated on what it was trying to find him,

With closed eyes and steady breathing, Fulo guided his hand around the wall until he found the source that called to him. A piece of the wall had slid open. At first it seemed like another dark passageway, but suddenly there was light. Torches that were suspended on the wall emitted its own light. Fulo could feel the force that was in the light, its purpose was to guide them or at least someone with a deep connection to the force to this room. And what this room appeared to be was an archive. It didn't have a second floor like the temple on Coruscant, but it looked like it stretched for miles. Who knows how long these have been sitting here for, there were rows upon rows of holobooks and potentially other data storage mediums here.

Fulo turned off his saber and found himself wandering one of the rows to get an idea of what was stored here. He took a peak at the books, pulling each one out of the shelves. Some of them he knew archivists at the temple would find fascinating. Camaasi Pacifism: A Consular's Analysis. Rainbow of the Sunshine Festival: A Lesson For A Continuous Galactic Future. Polygamy and its Contradictions to the Force. To Love Without Attachment: A Camaasi and Jedi Collaborative Work. The Failure of Core-Centric Democracy.

It seemed Fulo had stumbled upon the philosophical or maybe the anthropological section of the archives, or at least one of them. A lot of these works seemed to be in collaboration with Camaasi scholars which would make sense. The jedi were some of the best archivists in the galaxy and shared a common goal with the Camaasi. Peace in the galaxy.

"There's a lot of books here." Was all he managed to say to Jack.
​

 

[Colette]

BB-610

OBJECTIVE 1

A content look set out across the swept floors. A visible trail had followed Colette in her work, a distinct lack of weeds and excess dust absent in the parts she had covered. As she leaned back up again and leaned in against the broom that had done all the hard work, a small sound seemed to pierce through the music.

Woah can it be? The voices calling me~...

Colette's foot gently tapped against the floor to the rhythm of the song only to see Bee roll in and offer her a flower.

"Oh! Thank you, Bee." She chimed and knelt down to grab it. Droidspeak was new still. She couldn't make much sense of what the little thing was saying but she could certainly guess? "I think they called this music stone music. Lots of stringed instruments and vocals."

She pulled out the device to look at the screen.

"Oh. Rock music." She said and shrugged before she pocketed the device and proceeded to put the flower in her hair. "What's up, Bee?"

"Doing some gardening?"

 

[Kahlil Noble]

Kahlil knew many curses in his life. Words of power that could afflict pain and agony, often utilized by Sith Sorcerers in particular. Words that invoked the Dark, commanding the Force to twist and turn. Even here, such words were used to rip souls from their rightful rest, breaking the cycle the Living and Cosmic Force had. But there was one curse, one dreaded phrase that even Kahlil refused to use outside of drastic measures.

"Valery Amara Noble."

He'd felt her exerting herself. He asked the Jedi to help him because he knew, he knew, Valery would try to handle this herself. Considering the pregnancy now though? And what these runes were used for? Kahlil didn't even give her a chance to run, just plucking her right up in his arms. "What do you think you're doing?"

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

"Valery Amara Noble."

Valery blinked, her head snapping up in surprise. Nobody used her full name — ever. She stared at Kahlil, wide-eyed, as the weight of his words sank in.

I'm in trouble.

"Kahlil, I can—" she started, but before she could finish, her instincts screamed at her to run. She tried to rise swiftly, her exhaustion forgotten in her bid for escape. But he was faster.

In one smooth motion, Kahlil scooped her up into his arms, and Valery let out a startled gasp. "Kahlil!" she protested, squirming in his grip as he held her tightly. Her hands pressed against his chest, and she wriggled, determined to free herself. "Put me down! I'm fine!"

His expression, however, left no room for negotiation. Calm but firm, Kahlil held her close, ignoring her protests. "I can handle it," she argued, her voice tinged with frustration. "Let me go! Seriously, I was almost done!"

"This is ridiculous," she huffed, though deep down, a part of her appreciated his unwavering care — not that she’d admit it right now.

Kahlil Noble ​

 

[Helen of Ossus]

Wearing: Armor weave gown.

Armed With: Herself

Objective 1

Ten years ago...


The Academics of Flesh, ever since they knew the process worked, with their Headmaster being a chief example, had happily spent the years since creating Academy Golems from willing participants.

The war against the Dark Side always provided the latter. Sith never lack for making enemies.

The Master of Forging awaited on a throne like seat in the abandoned Force Church with all her other recruits. Out of all of them, she was the most bizarrely dressed, in her red and black catsuit, calmly awaiting the Patient as her students pushed them in on a repulsor-equipped Bacta Tank.

The Occupant was as much of a mess as she had been told. You see, the Occupant had been at the temple on Coruscant when Darth Solipsis had been revealed as Epoch's Senator and his Forces had attacked the temple itself. A lot of Jedi had been killed. Some only wished they had been killed, due to their extensive injuries.

The Occupant had been smashed under the falling rubble of the temple as parts of it had come down. By some miracle of the Force, they had not been killed instantly when the rubble had fallen on them.

The Master observed the broken figure, missing her limbs. Most of her lower torso had been crushed. The rubble had been on fire, so much of her skin was gone. Only the spy in the temple had managed to keep her alive with forbidden Alkahest rituals after digging her out. But she was running out of time. She was a fighter, but at this point the Bacta was the only thing keeping her alive. She was barely coherent, body flooded with pain killers...face unrecognizable...

"Another victim of Sith Treachery..." The Master observed. "Sadly far too common, still..."

She rose from her throne, circled the crushed occupant in the tank...

"Your body is failing. Even the Bacta can't save you now..."

"Will...of...The...Force..." The Occupant said in slurred speech aided by implanted cybernetics.

The Master shrugged.

"Perhaps...but it might also be The Force's will you have been brought here. To us. Do you know who we are?" she asked, gesturing to the congregation behind her, composed of people in both tattered, faded Jedi gear and simple civilian clothing.

"No..."

"We are The Academics of Flesh. Sworn to hunt the followers of the Dark Side by any means necessary. You are here because the Jedi way has failed you and your comrades, made you easy pickings for ambitious Sith..." The Master said. "I... would offer you a way from your predicament. An escape. But there will be a price."

"What else...is new?" The Occupant slurred.

"Ah, still a little energy left for sarcasm! A great sign. Yes you're definitely a fighter. No wonder you survived getting crushed. But your strength of will will soon fail you..."

The Master walked over to a large mound of bubbling, boiling clay with glowing green veins in a pit.

"In this pit...is the means to your renewal..." The Master offered, putting the Occupant in the same position Magdalena Bloodscrawl had once put her adopted son, Nathan, in. At least, in the metaphorical sense. And at least Nathan had gotten to keep his body.

"Won't... betray...the Jedi..." The Occupant slurred.

"I am not asking you to. I'm asking you to do work for us at the same time, hunting Sith. Surely that is not so daunting a prospect?" The Master asked. "Take my offer and you get to linger in this world, bringing justice to vermin. Justice for your slain friends and students. Justice for your own shattered body..."

The Occupant was silent.

"Jedi...still...friends...?"

"Yes. You will still be among them, doing everything you would normally do. You will never be asked to kill one to preserve us. You are as forbidden from hurting them or civilians among us as you are with them. But when we ask you to let us know when they find our outposts, when we ask you to hunt and kill a Sith, or obtain something for us...you will do it. That's the best deal someone in your situation could possibly hope to get, and you know it..."

The Occupant was silent for about a minute.

"I will...be...whole?" The Occupant asked.

"Yes...after a fashion..." The Master answered confidently. "I myself underwent the process..."

Another three minutes of silence. Of terrible memories of being crushed, watching friends die, feeling them die...

"Alright..." The Occupant finally said.

The Master nodded. She held out her hands. The Occupant shuddered as their spirit was peacefully transferred to the mass of boiling clay, their vitals flat lining in the tank.

Slowly but surely...a shape started to form in the pit as the The Master worked her alkahest ritual...

Present day...

Helen of Ossus, a Jedi Master with a long career as a respected healer in the NJO walked the surface of the Caamaas jungle in a simple green gown, armed with only a simple, basic lightsaber dangling from her belt. The animals and insects fled her, sensing something about her most Force users didn't.

She wished she was here for pure reasons. But it wasn't just the Jedi's will that propelled her here, but the makers of her clay body, a secret she had concealed ever since, walking the edge between loyalty and subterfuge.

She helped where she could. With injured students and Padawans, but she was here to do something the Academics had never asked her to do before...pick up materials from a fellow double agent. But what could be so important that they would risk two of their spies in the same place at the same time? And surrounded everywhere by Jedi?

Helen kept a serene expression all the same. She knew the spy was among the people in this temple, she just had to find him...

...and without the both of them getting caught in the process.

Ostensibly here to help clear up the place, she was not surprised to find Jonyna Si and Service Corps Jedi and a few others busy by the southern wall. She held up her hand.

"Do you need any assistance? I'm pretty good with Telekinesis. I'm Helen, by the way..." she mentioned. "Been fixing up Padawan injuries all morning, so if any of you get hurt, I can help with that as well..."

So easy, she thought glumly.

So easy to slip into the whole 'Ordinary Jedi' life. The simple pleasure of helping others...

Tainted by a concern in the shadows...

Kuhbee

BB-610

Zaiya Ceti

Mahsa

Valery Noble

Kahlil Noble

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x x x | Weapons: x x x
Interacting with: Lysander von Ascania Mahsa Nulgath Zardai

Everything had happened so fast, Zaiya barely understood what was going on. All she knew was that one second she was moving forward, and the next, a sharp pain shot through her knee, sending her tumbling over the other teenager onto the cold, grimy stone floor. Her hands scrambled to catch herself, but all they managed were scrapes as they skidded across the uneven surface, even as the body underneath her at least cushioned some of the blow.

Then she realized she wasn't alone. a startled shuffle and gasp came from underneath her as she fell, her face heating up instantly. Glowing coral and silver edged across her skin, the bright colors flashing over a suddenly pewter hue as she blanched in mortified alarm.

Oh. My. STARS!

"Gaah!!" Zaiya squeaked, her voice pitching higher as the person below her shoved her off, sending her sprawling onto her side, the ochre fabric of her robe tangling around her legs. Thank the stars she had decided on breeches today -- a painful lesson learned from that sparring match with Braze where she'd forgotten pants altogether.

She lay there stunned, stray strands of her cobalt, magenta, and teal hair falling from her braided hair and splaying around her face in a wild mess. A curt, slightly accented if noble, and annoyed voice sliced through her daze. Zaiya looked up, blinking, to see a red faced blonde teenager, dusting grime off his tunic with furious swipes.

"I... I'm sorry," Zaiya stammered, but froze when she heard what he muttered next, the glowing edges of her spots now pulsing with silver in utter disbelief.

A Yum Bunny? Did he just call me a Yum Bunny?

Her mind shot to the waitresses on Arceneau Trade Stations with their Lepi ears, bouncing around serving hot Nuna Wings.

"A Yum Bunny?" she echoed, horrified, her voice coming out louder than she'd meant. She couldn't help picturing the ridiculous image -- herself in a tight white shirt and black short shorts, which was not exactly Jedi approved temple attire.

She'd never been so baffled, even a little insulted. Sure, she should've been paying more attention, but it wasn't like she'd crashed into him on purpose! Feeling her cheeks burn, she ignored his outstretched hand and scrambled up on her own, lavender streaks and silver biolumenence flashing over her cheeks in a flare of indignation.

"I am sorry I crashed into you," Zaiya managed, brushing herself off as she adjusted her robe, still blushing furiously. "But you didn't have to be so rude!"

A shifting sensation in the Force cut through her embarrassment. She glanced around, her instincts tingling as the familiar presences of both Mahsa -- and someone else, someone she hadn't sensed since their time together back on Tython -- drifted closer.

Oh my stars! They saw the whole thing!!!

 

[Aris Noble]

"I'll give the benefit of the doubt that that wasn't from you."

The char of ozone, the smell of burnt flesh. It wasn't something Aris could ignore. What he found was a surprise to say the least. A corpse, walking. He knew of them from Zaiya Ceti and Mahsa , if it was the Sith they'd brought back from Tython. The Order had deemed him helpful enough to be worth the chance, but here he was, toying with a rune.

Benefit of the doubt indeed, or perhaps Aris was a bit peeved at a comment he heard from Lysander von Ascania from around the corner. Yum Bunnies. The fact Aris knew what it was was bad enough, but to suggest his best friend worked there? His expression relaxed, though to anyone who didn't know him it just looked like the same, neutral expression as always.

"You smell signed. You alright?"

Nulgath Zardai

 

[Jack Wright]

Jack had no answers, at first, currently preoccupied staring like a wide-eyed child at the sight of such an elaborate, ancient archive. The giddiness of exploration powered tenfold, the man almost dropped his lightsaber, the weapon deactivated in a heartfelt Swish.

Clipping the hilt, the Knight silently made his way for the closest right of neon shelves, boots echoing the only noise of acknowledgement made to his companion. That shortly, a right hand skimmed the spins of many-a collection, almost reverently, mouthing the very titles unseen even from the wide variety of Coruscant and New Cov. Without thinking, Jack pulled one particular book, not to read; simply to hold.

History of Cassmasi Crystals, Unique Properties of the Lightsaber.

Yeah. Jack placed said book back, fitting its perfect slot; he was gonna have a fun time taking a sweet look around, as was likely Fulo from the sounds of his search. Stepping away.

The Jedi proceeded to seek out the opposing shelf, addressing his comrade in a tone of light-hearted, unrestrained zeal from his discovery, "I wonder how many are older than the Temple," The implications were exciting, as Jack eagerly showed pulling out the recording device.

 

[Kuhbee]

TAG: Roman Vossari


Kuhbee had dropped the large stone he was carrying and was clutching his foot when another Jedi approached him. At least Kuhbee assumed it was a Jedi because they was the only people who were here. Luckily Kuhbee understood Basic so he got the newcomers name but Wookie vocal cords were not equiped to speak basic so he wasn't sure if Roman would understand him.

[Oh yea... I just dropped something on my toe...] He spoke in his native tongue which sounded like growls and howls but he pointed to his foot where sure enough it was bleeding.

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"I'm aware of what you can and can't do, but you've a passenger now." He bridal carried her, leaving no room for argument whatso ever as he walked from the rune she'd been working on. Too often he wasn't there to be with her while she was pregnant, and he wasn't going to start this one off by ignoring the fact she was working on runes that absorbed life.

"There's plenty that needs to be done. We'll find something else, that doesn't involve you trying to erase runes that could blow up and hurt you, mm?"

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery shot Kahlil a stubborn look, her amber eyes narrowing as he effortlessly lifted her into a bridal carry. "Kahlil," she whined, her tone somewhere between exasperation and affection, "I'm fine. It's going to be a long time before I'm out of commission."

Despite her protest, she knew exactly why he was doing this — his concern for her and their child was written all over his face. But that didn't mean she was going to make it easy for him.

Valery wiggled in his arms, trying to shift her weight. "Let me down," she insisted, though there was a playful edge to her voice now. When it became clear that he wasn't going to budge, she changed tactics. She slid her arms up and around his neck, pulling herself closer to him.

"Come on, love," she murmured, her body still squirming to try and get out. "I'm not exactly fragile, and I need to stay active." Her eyes sparkled with determination as she gave him a mischievous grin. "You know I'm just going to escape if you don't let me go willingly, right?"

Kahlil Noble​

 

[Nulgath Zardai]

"I'll give the benefit of the doubt that that wasn't from you."

The char of ozone, the smell of burnt flesh. It wasn't something Aris could ignore. What he found was a surprise to say the least. A corpse, walking. He knew of them from Zaiya Ceti and Mahsa, if it was the Sith they'd brought back from Tython. The Order had deemed him helpful enough to be worth the chance, but here he was, toying with a rune.

Benefit of the doubt indeed, or perhaps Aris was a bit peeved at a comment he heard from Lysander von Ascania from around the corner. Yum Bunnies. The fact Aris knew what it was was bad enough, but to suggest his best friend worked there? His expression relaxed, though to anyone who didn't know him it just looked like the same, neutral expression as always.

"You smell signed. You alright?"

" 'Alright' is a matter of opinion, isn't it?" he said, his voice a low rasp. He gave a dismissive wave, though his ego stung more than he'd ever admit. Being around those that showed concern for his "wellbeing" was difficult for him and he had not heard anyone comment on his hygiene or complete lack thereof from anyone in decades. A more human part of him wanted to be less cruel but the reality of his situation he never seemed to adjust to. Darth Immortuos, Sith pet of the Jedi Order. That was what his emotions told him, his pride and mental wounds.

"The outcome," he began, his tone edged with bitterness, "would have been different... if I it came from me. " He smirked and briefly imagined the entire temple flashing with intense light and energy disintegrating every mortal form in the vicinity. Oh it would be so easy. If... I wasn't crippled in the force. The Epicanthix's jade eyes scanned over the other padawans assisting nearby. Playing, training, laughing, smiling, being embarrassed. Observing it made his anger and frustration fade and transform into past memories. I dont have time for this now.

" Jedi Knight," He paused and glared at Aris Noble unsure of his name. He assumed he was a Knight based on his height alone and felt confident enough to voice it. " You dont need to feign consideration or pity for me. Naught less you wish to vex. What do you need?" He looked away and rubbed his temples with his hands.

" What is this phrase Yum Bunnies?" he asked himself lowly in his breath.

Objective II
Tags: Zaiya Ceti Lysander von Ascania Mahsa

 

[Carlo Von Corrino]

Objective 3: Search for hidden knowledge.

It had been a while since Carlo had ventured beyond the familiar confines of his routine, and the vast, enigmatic expanse of the Galaxy felt almost like a breath of fresh air. If he was being honest with himself, the mission at hand was as much a mystery as the ancient world he now found himself exploring. From the moment he'd entered the crumbling ruins, it was clear this place had once been a grand temple, a relic of a long-forgotten era. While Carlo could easily lose himself in studying the history and architecture of such a site, that wasn't his purpose for today's excursion.

Navigating the dimly lit corridors with careful precision, Carlo moved slowly, mindful of any hidden traps. Though he had no doubt in his own ability to sidestep danger, he couldn't help but consider those who might follow in his wake—he wouldn't want to leave them stumbling blindly into peril. His metallic fingers lightly traced the walls as he proceeded, and a mischievous grin tugged at his pale lips.

"Ah, what secrets lie hidden in these halls?" he mused aloud, his voice low and thoughtful. He paused for a moment, then added with a hint of amusement, "Or perhaps, what kind of trouble is waiting to be found?"

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"I- know."

Kahlil let out a sigh as his expression softened. He was still very much not going to let her down yet, but as she hugged him he couldn't really argue. She was fine, still able to move on her own. She wasn't that pregnant yet. But he still wanted to keep her safe. He didn't want her to get stabbed or have to go into hiding, or zapped by these damn runes. Maybe he was over reacting?

It was a momentary pause, but knowing Valery, it was something she'd absolutely take advantage of.

Valery Noble

 

[Silas Westgard]

Location: Caamas
Objective: Help Jasper
Tag: Jasper Kai'el

Old ruins of a time gone by never ceased to amaze Silas, it gave them insight into the past and allowed them to walk the same stone as their ancestors. If any of his had come here, they were surely seeking destruction for such a place. It seemed like they got their wish in the end, especially after seeing its state. The Sith or whoever got it first had left it in a sorry state for hundreds of years, its memory seeping through time like most things eventually did.

However, after Kahlil Noble and Valery Noble rediscovered the temple a huge operation was underway to return it to its former glory.

Silas, who was fond of artifact hunting was tasked with retrieving any lost relics left behind. He wasn't expecting to find many, during its early years it had probably been looted quite frequently. His troubles did however find a holocron or two tucked away already, so it wasn't all doom and gloom for now as he made his way through the crumbling temple.

Whistling to himself, he casually juggled one of the holocrons in his hands until his ears caught shuffling from one of the rooms. Curiously walking to the left of the doorway, he peeked his head around to see a familiar face messing with what looked like a huge crystal. What Jasper was trying to do was anyone guess, but there was no harm in finding out.

Leaning up against a wall, he folded his arms and smiled slightly "You'd think your hand writing would have gotten better after reaching master..." Silas teased "Maybe a lesson from your old friend will get you back on track."

​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery felt the slight shift in Kahlil's stance, the momentary pause in his resolve. Her lips curved into a knowing smile as she tightened her hug, leaning in to press a soft kiss to his cheek. "See?" she whispered sweetly, her tone laced with playful affection. "I'm fine."

But just as his defenses began to waver, Valery suddenly shifted her weight and wriggled with surprising agility. "Hah! Got you!" she declared triumphantly, springing free from his grasp and landing lightly on her feet. Without missing a beat, she turned on her heel and bolted down the hallway, her laughter echoing behind her.

"If you want me to sit still, you're going to have to catch me first!" she called over her shoulder, her tone teasing and full of mischief. She knew Kahlil wouldn't let her get far, but for now, she relished the playful chase.

Kahlil Noble ​

 

[Aris Noble]

"Padawan Aris Noble. Not a Knight." Aris was, despite very actively listening to the seeming walking corpse beside him, watching Zaiya and the others. She was, despite being flustered, very much standing up for herself. Which was good, considering the fact Aris had at some point started to crack the stone he'd been leaning on as his fingers dug into it. He let out a breath, turning his gaze properly to Nulgath.

"Zaiya and Mahsa both are worried about you, for better or worse. It's not pity, at least."

He paused as his eyes narrowed again. Just a little. To those who didn't know Aris, his facial expressions were basically none existent asides from those really good at reading faces. He heard the brief muttering. He cold hear everything, after all.

"Yum Bunnies is a restaurant where half naked woman serve hot wings or something. It's an insult to suggest someone works there."

Nulgath Zardai | Zaiya Ceti | Mahsa | Lysander von Ascania

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Interacting: Caelan Valoren
Mention of: Zaiya Ceti Lysander von Ascania

Cora smiled. It was a worn expression, as if the corners of her lips were fighting against the sinister aura that lingered around them.

"Certainly, Padawan Valoren."

With the recent influx of initiates, it had occurred to her that she was no longer a part of the newest generation of Jedi. Imparting what she knew had become just as important as continuing to learn.

At the far end of the hall, the figure of Connel Vanagor caught her eye. His familiar presence followed, and she tilted her head to him in greeting, her smile gaining a hint of geniality.

'A long time indeed. Always a pleasure, Knight Vanagor.'

Her sentiments carried easily on the flow of the Force. "Another Jedi Knight, here to aid us in our task," she gestured towards the shadow and his pup, who was busy providing his own brand of morale support.

Turning back to the wall, Cora removed the glove from her flesh hand and pressed it against the carvings. Her gloves did not blunt the Dark presence, but the roughness of the stone beneath her fingertips was a more tactile sensation. It helped her to better focus on their task.

"Tell me what you feel here. We cannot combat the Dark properly without first observing it."

Understanding the Dark, now that was a slippery slope.

"Some Jedi forbade learning about it from even an educational standpoint, but knowing-"

The scuffle of feet and surprised voices, followed by a decisive thud, momentarily drew her attention.

"Oh, dear," she sighed. "I do hope they're alright."

They’d be fine, probably. Jasper Kai'el and his giant rock would see to that.