Rubbing Shoulders

[Aryn Teth]

Aryn Teth

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Iziz Royal Palace, Onderon, Japrael System, The Inner Rim​

Interacting With: [member='Inyri Takan']​

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Diplomacy had never exactly been Aryn's strong-suit, he was a military leader first and foremost, and yet in taking his position among the Alliance, attending noble galas and political meetings had become a relative norm in the man's life, regardless of the efforts that he went to in order to avoid them. This particular event however, had been different. Aryn had found some difficulty in tracking down the information he needed on Onderon, but what had become evident in his research was that the man would need access to the royal palace, a feat in and of itself considering that Onderon was not aligned with the Alliance.

Luckily, Aryn's position had worked in his favour for once, and the man had found himself invited to one of Iziz' numerous royal balls. What the actual celebration was about was lost on the Jedi, but the event already reminded him of far too many noble dinners he had been to in his youth, often dragged to such events by his parents. The rich and powerful rubbed shoulders, dancing and chatting over drinks and food, the atmosphere decidedly warm considering the world's relatively recent incorporation into the Free World's Coalition.

Unfortunately, while the Onderonian royalty had been kind enough to extend an invitation to the Alliance's supreme commander, he was only afforded so much hospitality as the majority of the guests. The throne room, where Aryn needed to be, was still off-limits to the Jedi who was essentially trapped in the ball room. It was not a great distance, but it was enough to be a source of significant irritation on the side of the Supreme Commander as he sipped from the glass of wine he held, eyes flicking across the guards around the room, debating how best he could sneak away from the ball without causing a significant diplomatic incident.

 

[Inyri Takan]

Onderon, Iziz Royal Palace, Ballroom, Evening | Wolves Without Teeth

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Gawking at the bewildering amount of guests, Inyri wondered again how she had gotten invited to such a glitzy environment of politics and power.

It had begun simply, she knew, and had quickly gotten out of hand from there. Something about diplomacy, representation, putting on an affectionate smile, and the next thing she knew she had a digital invitation invoiced to her and someone was dragging her by her ankles up a shuttle, prattling about evening attire and that, no, her electro saber would not be coming with them. It was all showboating, and it was difficult to stomach, but she had to simply grit her teeth and get this all over with. Soon enough she'd be back in Sovereignty space, back on Eadu, back with the Guardians. It was just a matter of drinking as much alcohol within the allotted party time and hoping somewhere along the line that a plan of action would come to her.

That time never came. Instead, she hunkered in a corner, in a dress that felt far too restricting, watching partygoers with the sharp eyes of a hawk. On occasion, some would approach, curious about the people she was representing. Admittedly, every time someone came to speak she felt a twinge of guilt. It wasn't... Necessarily her fault that she was completely out of her depth, but she could have at least tried to network a little better with the guests.

During one of these mindnumbing conversations, she felt it. It was like catching sight of a rare animal in the wild, one minute it was there and the next it had returned to its game of evasion. A familiar, warm feeling brushing by, and instantly the Grey Knight disconnected from her pleasantries to look over the dignitaries' shoulder, scanning the crowd with quickly-revealing intensity. The diplomat grumbled off after he'd seen that Inyri was no longer following or interested in their conversation, but she quickly set her wine glass down, gathered her skirts, and began to sweep.

Beginning from her corner she started down one length of the room, her otherworldly feelings already reaching out beyond her, drifting around the room to see if she could identify the source of the reaction. It didn't take long; her keen sensitivity was accurate and true, and with amusement in her posture, she soon found herself behind Aryn Teth. Of course. Despite the passage of time, she could recall with clarity their last encounter, and the distinct impression his aura had left on her.

"I hope you're not here to arrest me again," It seems Inyri wasn't quite letting him live that one down yet, gently clasping her hands over her abdomen before continuing to speak, "I shouldn't be surprised you received an invitation, due to your status. How are you enjoying the party so far?"

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Spoiler: Interacting With

[member="Aryn Teth"]

 

[Aryn Teth]

Aryn Teth

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Iziz Royal Palace, Onderon, Japrael System, The Inner Rim​

Interacting With: [member='Inyri Takan']​

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The voice over Aryn's shoulder was an unexpected one. It made sense that a delegate from the Sovereignty would be present at the ball, but it was not a thought that the Jedi had considered during his search through the crowd for an escape. The fact that he would be familiar with the delegate in question was even less likely in Aryn's mind, but it seemed his expectations had been quickly dismissed as he turned his gaze over towards the Grey Knight, recalling their meeting on Pillio with clarity, and focusing once more upon that link which had spawned between them. It was a link he regarded with far less fondness now, since they had last met, he had grown much more distant from such connections, almost actively pushing away from it.

Yet the smile on Aryn's face seemed to display no such effort openly, and his gaze met hers with a clearly amused warmth. "So long as you don't stir up any hostile wildlife, i'm sure we can part this evening without anyone under arrest." He chuckled softly, pleased at the very least to be remotely familiar with anyone at the party. His previous conversations had been with a number of local lords who fancied themselves military leaders, all eager for advice or discussion with the Supreme Commander as to what strategies were best, presenting hypothetical situations the likes of which only served to bore the Jedi intensely.

"It's an interesting crowd." Aryn commented to her query with an almost palpable sarcasm, chuckling softly as he glanced around over some of the other faces, and more importantly - the guards around the room, before he turned his gaze back to hers. "But it's still not the worst party i've been to."

 

[Inyri Takan]

Onderon, Iziz Royal Palace, Ballroom, Evening | Wolves Without Teeth

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"I can't say the same, sadly." Inyri exhaled wearily, the corners of her mouth tugging up into a smile despite how clearly exhausted she was of the celebratory atmosphere. Though she'd never let too much slip through her cool exterior, secretly she was very pleased with his presence here. If anything, it meant that she had someone to talk to. Their esoteric, warm connection wasn't lost on her mind -- In many ways, it was even stronger now with their close proximity, like thick ropes binding -- but it had been buried deep on her list of priorities when it came to 'conversation topics'. Watching him look around the room, she quirked an eyebrow, doing a similar action, craning her neck for better sight angles of guard and guest alike, "So, tell me... What or who, exactly, are we looking for?"

It was an educated guess, but hopefully, she was on the right track; it was impossible to miss his tells. A playful tone had managed to slip into her last sentence as Inyri resumed their ruthless scan of the crowd, the well-matched pair looking every inch the sophisticates as they stood side by side in the center of everything, and Inyri adjusted her skirt innocently as she spoke, significantly quieter now, "What would the Onderonians have that you'd like, I wonder. Must be something fascinating."

With a refreshed, almost enthusiastic smile fixed on her face, she relocked her eyes on his. There was a certain hardened, insatiable curiosity behind them now that hadn't been there the first time. Whether Aryn had wanted it or not, it seemed he'd managed to wrangle himself an ally within the Royal Palace.

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Spoiler: Interacting With

[member="Aryn Teth"]

 

[Aryn Teth]

Aryn Teth

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Iziz Royal Palace, Onderon, Japrael System, The Inner Rim​

Interacting With: [member='Inyri Takan']​

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Though Aryn urged himself not to draw upon the link that had developed between the two of them, he couldn't help but feel somewhat relaxed by the warmer presence that he felt now with Inyri around. It was more of a fond familiarity than anything, but the feeling still served to put the Jedi somewhat at ease as he searched the area around them. That was when she spoke up with her question. His gaze turned back towards her with a hint of surprise, but considering their connection, it faded rapidly. The fact that she understood he was looking for something was to be expected considering how easily she could walk among his mind, yet in that moment, he wished it was something he could've blocked her out of.

Still, the smile he gave her was friendly, mimicking the playful tone and demeanour the woman herself had. Her inquisitive nature and questioning was almost infectious, despite his refusal to give much away in his expression aside from a smile and a small glint to his eye. He chuckled softly at her words, shrugging his shoulders as he turned and started to move to a more quiet point in the room. Once they were free of surrounding guests and guards, he turned to speak to her in a hushed tone.

"I need to get to the throne room, ideally without attracting attention." He explained with a shrug, glancing around curiously. "I don't suppose you've got any close friends in the guard staff, hm?"

 

[Inyri Takan]

Onderon, Iziz Royal Palace, Ballroom, Evening | Wolves Without Teeth

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Remorsefully, the Guardian shook her head slowly. This is gonna be tricky. The throne room? Who knows what valuables were kept under guard there... Or which one Aryn intended to go after. If he was robbing the joint, that is. She suspected he wasn't, that he had underlying intentions beyond a smash and grab that would implicate his government. And, as much as Inyri felt concerning this kindred spirit? Was that the correct term? It didn't matter. She couldn't let her actions jeopardize the Sovereignty even if they were to help him, of all people, "I'm afraid I have no ideas either. Unless--"

For once her stone-cold demeanor seemed to pause as, for the briefest of seconds, color rose in her cheeks. Shuffling in her place briefly, Inyri lowered her voice to a conspiratorial tone, an edge to it now, "Well. I believe my chambers are near the throne room. If I... Needed assistance back to my room, I'm certain they wouldn't look twice at us. Or if we detoured." Their link fluctuated like ripples in a still pond, acting as ever the complication. It made it so simple to touch upon his mind and feel his reactions and emotions, to the point she wouldn't even need a verbal acknowledgment of what he thought of her plan. But it looked like she wasn't waiting for one either, reaching behind her to the refreshments table, fingers clasping the delicate stem of a full wine glass. Hopefully, it'd be strong, and she knocked back in one impressive motion. It burned viciously, and she cringed as she swallowed it down. There. Now if they needed true proof, they could easily smell the drink on her breath.

"Just... look gallant. Somehow I suspect that won't be a problem." A dryness permeated her voice, before, like she had just switched physical masks, Inyri suddenly appeared to not look so well, almost a little ill.

In reality, she was slightly manipulating her body with the Force, just enough to give the pallid, sweaty appearance of someone who had far too many 'free beverages'. It was a subtle yet effective tactic, and unless one of those guards possessed a degree in identified raging alcoholics, it was the perfect disguise to get them by towards their target. Setting a hand on the nearby wall to 'steady' herself, looking every inch to be in discomfort, her sharp brown eyes watched him. Silently, like someone pulling on a leash, she mentally tugged on their connection, with an insistent nature about it too. Urging him to hurry up and get their charade underway.

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Spoiler: Interacting With

[member="Aryn Teth"]

 

[Aryn Teth]

Aryn Teth

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Iziz Royal Palace, Onderon, Japrael System, The Inner Rim​

Interacting With: [member='Inyri Takan']​

To say that Aryn was surprised at Inyri's sudden idea and quick moves to begin enacting it would have been a slight understatement. Being caught in any attempt to steal something from the Onderonian throne room would have easily thrown the Sovereignty into hot water just as it would have done to the Alliance, yet Inyri seemed quite willing to involve herself. Of course, there was no stealing going on, Aryn needed only step into the room to learn what he needed to from the holocron which rested comfortably on his belt, hidden from site from the majority of those at the party. Still, he had not explained his intentions to her yet and already she seemed almost eager to involve herself in whatever trouble Aryn was likely to get himself into. It was... Unexpected.

As Inyri moved over to speak to him, he raised an eyebrow and could smell the alcohol on her breath as she began to make herself vaguely appear more and more under the effect of the alcohol. It was a strong effort, quite evident in Aryn's mind as he moved over to her and gently put an arm around her waist, taking her hand gently with his own as he began to lead her out of the ball room and past the first guards, gentlemen who needed only a brief explanation of where they were going, along with a glance at the 'drunk' woman, before the two were sent on their way.

Luckily, the halls outside were relatively empty. Onderon was a rich city but it was one which had few enemies at that point in its existence. Security was not of the utmost importance and the vast majority of guards seemed primarily focused on the party itself. Only a few smaller patrols wandered the halls, ones which more often than not were easily evaded as the two made their way through the winding palace halls.

 

[Inyri Takan]

Onderon, Iziz Royal Palace, Ballroom, Evening | Wolves Without Teeth

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It felt as though electricity was racing up and down her body at the touch but she didn't flinch away, letting Aryn lead her through their deception and out into the halls. Almost as soon as they were out of general earshot of the guards, Inyri straightened herself and smoothed her dress down, the charade dropping almost instantly as her general visage began to improve. Gently, almost reluctantly, detangling their hands, the Guardian looked around briefly to assess their position, "I think it's this way." Her voice was soft as she stuck close to him, knowing he'd hear -- If they were too loud someone could come to investigate.

"Are you going to tell me why we're doing this, or are you leaving me to guess?" She mused, her pace quickening as her senses alarmed, a patrol of two guards rounding the corner behind them. That particular group hadn't noticed them yet, but there was an acute urgency in Inyri's movements now as she practically hauled Aryn to the right, down a longer, more ornate corridor, out of sight of the guards. Her hand was fisted in his sleeve as her leverage and she let go after a second, clearly expecting some explanation now that they were temporarily safe.

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Spoiler: Interacting With

[member="Aryn Teth"]

 

[Aryn Teth]

Aryn Teth

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Iziz Royal Palace, Onderon, Japrael System, The Inner Rim​

Interacting With: [member='Inyri Takan']​

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Releasing his grip on Inyri as the two moved further through the halls of the palace, Aryn was relieved by the time they were finally freed of any surrounding guards. The halls were eerily quiet once they were far enough away from the ball room, the incessent chatting and music which filled the place was dulled and eventually lost to silence as only their footsteps and conspiratorial whispers could be heard. He hadn't heard the guards that Inyri did, and was momentarily surprised as the woman reached up to grasp at him and haul him into an alcove away from the approaching guards, pulled into it with her as the darkness enveloped them somewhat, his gaze flicking over his shoulder briefly before it returned to focus upon her.

As she questioned him, he reached down to his belt and gently pulled the holocron from it. Holding it up, he rested it gently in his palm and glanced up to her. "Before this will activate properly, I need to get it to the throne room, the Jedi who made it preferred to make my life difficult, it seemed." He explained himself in a vague and particularly plain manner, instead focused on the guards passing them by, and the gentle glow of the holocron which was intensifying now as the two neared the throne room proper. Turning his gaze back towards her, he focused on her for a moment, and shrugged. "Other than that, it's a pretty long damn story."

 

[Inyri Takan]

Onderon, Iziz Royal Palace, Ballroom, Evening | Wolves Without Teeth

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The Knight processed that, the dark little nook granting them surprisingly privacy as her face was bathed in blue light from the mystical box. The location offered a unique place for this exchange, the way the illumination threw the shadows out of place created an almost haunted, enchanted atmosphere between them. Admittedly, Inyri had never been this close to a proper, old Jedi holocron before, and it was clear she was extremely interested, but a part of her was also respecting his desire for things to remain vague... For now. There was definitely a glint of 'you will be explaining this later' in her eyes as she nodded her head in acknowledgement, whispering, "I happen to like long stories. Very well, let's see what your toy says, then perhaps you'll elaborate." Inyri glanced past Aryn's shoulder to the hallway beyond briefly, seemingly confident that for now, the risk had passed, and she gestured for him to move so they could continue on towards their goal.

The royal palace of Iziz featured an ornate throne room, open to the air and dangerously exposed, she had briefly seen it in the day when she had arrived and had been impressed with its grandeur. The throne, in the middle of the vast room, stood solemn and empty now as moonlight flooded the room, invasively. Below them, the city was quiet, and plainly visible out the open wall to the far back of the room. Inyri took a few hesitant steps into the room and briefly reaching out -- Feeling nothing, she continued moving in, looking back to Aryn and expecting him to move along with the holocron.

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Spoiler: Interacting With

[member="Aryn Teth"]

 

[Aryn Teth]

Aryn Teth

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Iziz Royal Palace, Onderon, Japrael System, The Inner Rim​

Interacting With: [member='Inyri Takan']​

Unable to help the smile which split his lips, Aryn gave Inyri a gentle nod as she pressed him into promising more of a story in regards to the holocron. Tucking it away, he sighed as he took a step out of the alcove the two had opted to take cover within, briefly casting his gaze up and down the hall to confirm that no guards were coming down it again before he made to continue along towards the throne room. The trip was brief, and by all accounts Aryn was more than a little surprised to find the room itself empty when the two arrived.

In a way it was no surprise to Aryn that the guards had instead focused upon the ball room where the guests were, there were some as well around the quarters, but it was still unusual that the throne room itself was empty. Yet, the Free Worlds Coalition and Onderon itself had no real enemies in the way that the Alliance did, in a way he found the idea somewhat quaint, the fact that the Onderonians could afford such a lapse in security, it was almost comforting.

Following along behind Inyri, Aryn took a deep breath and pulled the holocron from his belt again, feeling the thrum of energy from it as he opened his palm, feeling it float from his hand to hover near the throne, the image of a man appeared then, brown-haired and in Jedi Robes, speaking in a clear voice as if it were a recording of some sort. "When the Exile stood before us in the council chamber, we felt what we had not before, it was if the force within her had died, become hollow. She formed bonds so easily, and they flowed strongly between her and others. The death within her was like an echo, calling through the force to those all around, though even we could not find her. Such echoes could be felt across battlefields around the galaxy, where great number of lives had been lost, echoes like the one within her thrived, as if she drew upon them." After a brief moment, the holocron faded and closed again, leaving only that brief lesson, and a grim expression on Aryn's face.

 

[Inyri Takan]

Onderon, Iziz Royal Palace, Throne Room, Evening | Wolves Without Teeth

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The Guardian listened with a strained silence as the holocron's recording spoke, her heels producing a muted clicking sound against the smooth, flush stone floor of the Throne Room that was barely audible under the tones of the hologram. Soon Inyri was next to Aryn again, looking up at him with an expression of concentration, a tight frown on her face, "I've never heard of someone like that. With such a damaged connection to the Force." It was impossible to miss the slight hints of concern and almost confusion in her voice -- Without the full story, she was left to piece together her own explanations for what she had learned this evening, and it was clear her mind wasn't coming up with the happiest or nicest answers. After a second more of her internal thinking, she got that look again. The look indicating she was expecting context from him. It was almost familiar to him now, easily identifiable.

Before she let that face linger for too long, Inyri turned her head to their entrance then lowered her voice to a hushed whisper, insistence behind it, "You will tell me all about this, but not at this moment. I'm sure someone could have heard your little friend speaking, and I don't think either of us wants to be caught in the Throne Room doing God-knows-what. We ought to retreat before discussing anything further..."

Her suggestion wasn't entirely unreasonable. Every second they remained increased their chances of being caught if a patrol decided to go ensure the chambers were secure. It was just a matter of escape now, escape back to safety where they wouldn't cause significant problems if 'caught'.

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Spoiler: Interacting With

[member="Aryn Teth"]

 

[Aryn Teth]

Aryn Teth

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Iziz Royal Palace, Onderon, Japrael System, The Inner Rim​

Interacting With: [member="Inyri Takan"]​

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As Inyri spoke, Aryn fought to keep his expression plain. He was unsurprised that Inyri had never really heard of any such connection, people who were able to survive the trauma to become a wound in the force were exceedingly rare, and more often than not gave themselves to the dark side, causing their own destruction in the rare occasions that it happened. Indeed, Aryn had not even known the reality of his situation until after the force had returned to him. Even the fact that the man had cut himself off from the force at any point in his life was known only among the Supreme Commander's most trusted circles, and even there it was a rarity. As he pulled the holocron back into his hand and rested it on his belt, he made no effort to grant her the context Inyri desired, turning his gaze towards her as she spoke again.

"You're right, I suppose I owe you some bit of an explanation from all this, but it can wait for a more safe locale." He agreed as he began to follow after her. Getting back into the halls was easily enough, and due to the proximity of her room, it wasn't long before the two were away from prying eyes once more, the regal quarters granting them ample room to discuss what they needed to as the Jedi moved further within the room, taking the holocron off his belt once more to glance over it.

The item continued its gentle blue glow, not as strong as it had previously been, but stronger than it had been when the man arrived on Onderon. He understood well that with each development and each lesson the holocron imparted, it came closer to revealing all of its secrets to the Jedi who had taken ownership over it. It would only be a matter of time before he had completely unlocked whatever lay within.

 

[Inyri Takan]

Onderon, Iziz Royal Palace, Private Chambers, Evening | Wolves Without Teeth

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Sensing the turmoil sprouting from his end of their connection made Inyri frown whilst Aryn's back was turned. It was like a game of tug-of-war between them, and he had reefed on the line too hard and left her stumbling and off-balance. It was hard to avoid a physical trip from the sensation but with a bit of help from the Force she kept her actual balance in those forsaken high-heels. While emotionally, she briefly spiraled, her feelings of confusion, worry, and her own turmoil only flourishing and easily revealed. The shared, esoteric link behaved almost like a hyperspace route for their inner, unspoken sentiments. There was something he was hiding, she could gather that much; but if he wasn't willing to share, it wasn't like she could grill him for it when he already seemed so secretive about the holocron and its tale. Yes, indeed, it'd be better to find out about that, then shutting him up entirely with intensity. That wasn't the goal.

The moment they reached her chambers, hardly skipping a heartbeat or even leaving room to breathe, Inyri turned on him expectantly. The duo was nearly still in the doorway, but the Guardian seemed to wait for no man as she quirked up an eyebrow in anticipation for his explanation. In the corner of the small room, a brazier crackled on happily, providing modest warmth to the surprisingly chilly night on Onderon. With eyes searching his face, she waited with an air of concerned impatience for his story to begin.

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Spoiler: Interacting With

[member="Aryn Teth"]

 

[Aryn Teth]

Aryn Teth

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Iziz Royal Palace, Onderon, Japrael System, The Inner Rim​

Interacting With: [member="Inyri Takan"]​

​

As they moved into the quarters, Aryn paused for a moment as Inyri halted with an expectant look. Briefly rolling his eyes, he stepped past her into the room proper, choosing to get more comfortable as he found a seat close enough for him to relax, taking out the holocron once more and gently setting it upon the coffee table in the room as he looked up towards her. "I found this some time ago on Malachor V, it was made by an ancient Jedi Exile who was known as Meetra Surik." He explained, searching Inyri's expression briefly for any indication of whether or not she may have heard the name before, waiting for any expectant or intrigued expression on her end before he chose to continue.

"The Exile and I share similar abilities, we make connections with others with considerable ease, and can often influence people through such connections as well, even without willing it. I've been sent to find the locations the Exile travelled to in search of her old masters, and teachings I can get from the holocron when I get there." He explained with a shrug, watching Inyri closer. He of course had not given her the full story, the fully story was far darker and would likely do any less than concern the woman with him. Besides, he still did not know her so well, she was of the Sovereignty and technically an ally of the Alliance, but Aryn's secrets on this particular topic were held for those in his closest circles, and she wasn't there... yet.

 

[Inyri Takan]

Onderon, Iziz Royal Palace, Private Chambers, Evening | Wolves Without Teeth

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For the briefest of moments, a grin passed over her face as she spotted his eyes rolling, at least pleased with the little emotion expressed. The smile vanished fast, though, passing like the sun in a storm. Whilst Aryn began his explanation, Inyri's body language noticeably became becalmed and relaxed. She was clearly allowing some internal defences to disarm now that they were in, assumedly, private, and she listened politely as she began to slowly approach both Jedi and holocron. The name he mentioned briefly offered a spark of recollection, but not much; the Guardians valued their knowledge and history-keeping greatly, but that didn't particularly mean that Inyri did, personally. It was more as though she had seen the name while perusing their archives, and had simply taken note of it and nothing more. The only expression she offered him after he began his first act was a quirked eyebrow, still suitably interested in where this was going.

Her eyes dropped to the cube sitting innocently on the table following Aryn's last remark. Connections. That felt appropriate. Or perhaps it was ironic? Tilting her head in an inquisitive manner she nodded in understanding, swallowing before beginning to speak again, "I see. And Onderon's throne room was one of these places... Where else have you gone, then?" There was an unspoken, secondary question lingering in the air following that, but something inside warned her against asking it aloud.

And what did you learn?

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Spoiler: Interacting With

[member="Aryn Teth"]

 

[Aryn Teth]

Aryn Teth

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Iziz Royal Palace, Onderon, Japrael System, The Inner Rim​

Interacting With: [member="Inyri Takan"]​

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The brief recognition which crossed Inyri's face for only the span of a moment was enough. Aryn knew that she clearly did not understand the specifics in the way that others had, but he was not surprised. The Exile was ancient enough to be far beyond recognition of even some of the most learned historians. The Gulag plague had ensured that those who may have had the already-limited knowledge of the Exile and her journey was even more limited. Had he known more of the specifics of how Taeli had known what she did and been able to send Aryn on his journey to discover more of the Exile and her holocron, then perhaps he would not have continued down the path he had been set on.

He nodded gently in regards to her question, and considered her next. The hidden question was noted by Aryn, and his own apprehension in asking it was clear, it was rare for him to have even shared as much as he had with her. Onderon was different, but among the Jedi knowledge of his other destinations would have likely given more than a degree of concern. He was unsure how Inyri would react, but he sighed, deciding to relent and give her the answer that she desired. "Telos, Dantooine and Korriban have been my other destinations thus far, the journeys to each have been... Interesting." He dared not tell her of his time on Korriban and Dantooine, those he would keep locked away to himself for many years to come, Telos was the only one for which he had any remotely good memories.

 

[Inyri Takan]

Onderon, Iziz Royal Palace, Private Chambers, Evening | Wolves Without Teeth

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"Those indeed are interesting places to go, Supreme Commander." Inyri emphasized those words in particular, and for good reasoning; Even if she had no information regarding the Exile and her journeys, it was clear that she did at least know where those planets sat on the spectrum of light and dark, and especially their political alignments -- Those trips would have been terribly risky for him to undertake. Taking her own seat then, setting her forearms on the tops of her thighs she briefly locked gazes. Attempts were made to mask her deeper emotions, failing at some points as brief flickers of concern passed through. After a moment of that heavy silence, Inyri struggled to resume speaking, clearly attempting to parse a reply through her distracting thoughts, "I... Feel as though your path is muddled," then more quietly, head ducking low enough to no longer meet his eyes, she added, "And perhaps unwise." But it wasn't as though she held any sway over him. Yet.

Exhaling heavily, she sat up and looked back down to the holocron sitting between them, nodding a bit to herself in self-affirmation. The tenseness in the air hadn't left yet, but she suspected it wouldn't for a while, "Thank you for telling me, really. I know you have no real cause to trust me. Though, I think I would like you to." Stifling herself after that foretelling, final line, the Guardian fell silent, probably in self-reflection of how awkward that sounded.

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Spoiler: Interacting With

[member="Aryn Teth"]

 

[Aryn Teth]

Aryn Teth

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Iziz Royal Palace, Onderon, Japrael System, The Inner Rim​

Interacting With: [member="Inyri Takan"]​

Aryn struggled to suppress a sigh of irritation at Inyri's emphasis, and the hidden meaning behind many of her words. They were not unexpected, and certainly echoed many of the opinions he would have expected in sharing his journey with any more reasonable force users, especially those among the Jedi Order. Even travelling into the territory of the Sith Empire was difficult, and dangerous to a considerable degree. It certainly would have been foolish to say that Aryn had not faced any dangers in his journey either, but he had survived thus far, and more than a few instances have ensured that he needed to learn more of his abilities, if this was the only real way to do so, he'd happily accept it, regardless of danger.

He gave no reply as she urged him that his goals were unwise, only giving her something of a polite smile as he reached forward, taking hold of the holocron and sighing as he tucked it back onto his belt, leaning back in his chair. "The Sovereignty and the Alliance are allies now, regardless of how I might feel about your Sovereign, i've got no reason to distrust you." He commented in a knowing fashion, his tone gentle as he watched her, sighing softly.