Private Sisterhood of the Force

[Anneliese Kaohal]

Items: Lightsaber II Engagement Ring II Outfit X X II Equipment X X X II Theme Song II Bloodline Tattoo
Tags: Corazona von Ascania
Location: The Prosperity
Objective: Meet the Predecessor
​

Its a small world -- very small.

Anneliese sat on a bench which gave her view of a beautiful cascading waterfall where she waited for Corazona von Ascania to arrive. It was interesting... interesting that she'd known and even been in classes with Knight Ascania, but to find out she'd been one of Valery's Padawans? She was so excited -- she was about to come face to face with her predecessor.

It was like meeting an older sister, just one she'd never known about.

Fidgeting just slightly, her hands came up as she began to braid a strands of her unruly red hair into an intricate weave -- one of her normal nervous habits... but the difference now? As she braid, her soft emerald gaze fell upon the ring that now adorned her left ring finger -- her mind remembering the sweet promise that it represented... a warmth flushing in her face as her mind now came to Roman and the trip they had just returned from not long ago.

It was amazing she thought -- time, in the grand aspect of things moved so slowly at time... but when you were away from it, almost like looking at a puzzle, you then realize just how quickly it goes by. It was... a bittersweet thought, but gave her a new perspective and appreciation for living and being in the moment, never taking anything for granted.

As her thoughts came back to the present, she inhaled deeply and exhaled, centering her nerves... the whole purpose of this meeting was to ask Knight Ascania if she'd work with her in regards to plant surge -- Annie knew it would help move her forward in her training, in regards to her natural infinity to the things of nature, a perk she assumed thanks to her heritage.

​

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

The Prosperity didn't quite feel like home. Cora had completed her training on Coruscant, and knighthood had her scattered across the galaxy. The longest stretch of time she'd remained on the ship had been only a few weeks, before she left for another mission.

She wondered if it felt like home to those who'd joined the Order after the Empire's destructive invasion. Though the Alliance had chased them off, they'd done so at the cost of many lives and widespread damage.

The natural facilities here were, she had to admit, quite nice. Anneliese looked like a picture, seated amongst the greenery and near the waterfall.

"Padawan Kaohal." With hands clasped together beneath the flowing sleeves of her tunic, Cora dipped her head in greeting to the apprentice. They'd been in the same room together, sure, but they'd never had the chance to speak or introduce themselves.

She had noticed, however, that she was often accompanied by a certain Padawan. One who - upon further inspection of Annie's height - dwarfed them both by a solid foot or so.

"How are you finding the gardens?"

Anneliese Kaohal

 

[Anneliese Kaohal]

Items: Lightsaber II Engagement Ring II Outfit X X II Equipment X X X II Theme Song II Bloodline Tattoo
Tags: Corazona von Ascania
Location: Gardens I Prosperity

​

As Anneliese overheard Cora’s soft footsteps approaching, she stood to attention as she bowed ever slightly and greeted her. Bowing her own head down, Annie’s warm voice chimed forth. “Knight Ascania… thank you for meeting with me, I understand you must have been busy and I appreciate you taking time out of your schedule to be with me.”

As she rose from her bow, her hands came up and moved the unruly curls of hair that found their way in her face, fixing herself as Cora asked how she enjoyed the gardens.

“I love them — very much so. I frequently take walks in them when I find myself in need of soul searching… it helps ground me.”

Annie never felt more at home in then when in nature — it was were she found belonging. Things made sense — it slowed things down, and she found that life’s problems somehow became more tangible for her — easier manage.

“I was said to hear that I missed your class, that is before our etiquette class and I was hoping that I might ask for some private instruction… plant surge has been a fascination of mine and I would love to learn it…” She paused as her emerald eyes lit up, both hands coming up — the light catching the ring on her left hand. “Only if you had time that is!”

​

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Cora canted her head slightly to the side, a sign that she was listening to Annie. There was something so eager and earnest in the way she presented herself that reminded Cora of her own Padawan days.

Though, to be fair, the redhead seemed far less arrogant. Her lips twitched into a fond smile.

A row of hedges sat next to the bench. Soft blue blossoms were nestled among thick green leaves. Cora reached out and traced the petal of a flower slowly.

"I'd be delighted to - have you used plant surge before?"

As Annie moved her hands, the ruby set into her ring caught both the light, and Cora's eye. A glint of interest sparked in her expression, and for a moment she looked more like a young noblewoman than a Jedi. She held a hand out, beckoning Annie's hand into her own if she so chose.

"May I?"

Anneliese Kaohal

 

[Anneliese Kaohal]

Items: Lightsaber II Engagement Ring II Outfit X X II Equipment X X X II Theme Song II Bloodline Tattoo
Tags: Corazona von Ascania
Location: Prosperity Gardens
​

Annie nodded her head as she continued to fiddle with her hair, all the while admiring just how poised Cora seemed to be, not only her attitude reflecting her refinement but even the very appearance of her commanding it.

“I’m not sure to be honest with you. In the past, I’ve had… bursts of unexplained power.” Pausing and trying her best to word what she had felt she continued. “Best instance, when I was trying to defend a heavily fortified position on one of my earlier missions, I became — overwhelmed and the air seemed to become charged, as if somehow the atmosphere was reacting to the maelstrom within.”

Taking a soft breath, she began to wrap up. “I’ve also helped bring life back to dead plants as well, but… it’s small. I do know this, when I’m in nature, it’s when feel most at home, the most connected to the force — if that makes sense.”

The she asked about the ring.

Her face turned red as her eyes fluttered. She wasn’t use to wearing the brilliant promise that Roman Vossari had given to her — let alone tell anyone yet what had transpired on their private trip to his homeworld.

Letting the locks of hair fall gently down, she gave her hand to Cora and allowed her to inspect it. “It’s… a promise, from someone I love… dearly.” Her emerald eyes shy, and her breathing uneven as she spoke.

​

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Cora nodded slowly as Anneliese described becoming overwhelmed in a stressful situation, and how it began to affect her surroundings. It was a common happening among the Jedi, especially as they learned to work with their more esoteric abilities.

"The Force can be a great ally in our time of need," she agreed. "We wield a power than can alter lives; intense emotions can cause it to react in unexpected ways. That is why control is an important aspect for Jedi."

When Annie described her ability to breathe life back into wilted plants, Cora's expression softened. She had a tender spot for nature, coming from a world that was heavily agricultural. Especially so, since she'd witnessed the Dark side siphon life from the forests of Ukatis.

"To restore life is no small feat, Padawan Kahol."

A crimson flush bloomed across Annie's face when attention was called to her ring. A manicured blonde brow rose, intrigued by her reaction. Cora took the girl's hand in her own, inspecting the piece with a discerning eye.

"Oh - it's gorgeous. The cut and color are remarkable - no imperfections in the stone at first glance, either."

She turned Annie's had slightly to the side, inspecting the ring at a different angle. It was clearly an antique, but a well-kept one. The knight hummed in approval, both her tone and body language more congenial.

"Whoever gave you this ring must love you very much."

Cora had a bit of a hunch, but she would let Annie be the one to reveal their identity if she so wished.

"Does this person treat you well?"

Anneliese Kaohal

 

[Anneliese Kaohal]

Items: Lightsaber I Engagement Ring I Outfit X X II Equipment X X X I Theme Song I Bloodline Tattoo


Tags: Corazona von Ascania
Location: Prosperity Gardens
Objective: Learn Plant Surge​

Somehow -- hearing the acknowledgement of her latent abilities was the highest compliment Annie felt she could receive, especially when it came from Knight Ascania.

As Cora held her hand gently and looked at the promise ring that Roman had given her, and commented on how the person that gave this ring must love her very much -- a warm, contagious smile spreading across her face. "He - He does... He gave this to me, despite what his father thought... I -..." She paused as she recalled the events that had transpired. "I'm not from a noble house. I was born and left orphaned at the Sliver Rest. In his fathers eyes, I am nothing, and putting it mildly, he wasn't very happy... But... I told him I would change his mind.... somehow, someday. Like all things... it'll just take time.."

She paused once again as she asked if the person who gave it, treated her right. Knowing to this point she'd yet to mention his name, her eyes once again meeting hers.

"Roman thinks I'm everything -- and I do too. Its as if gravity no longer keeps me tethered, but rather... he does, and I do to him."

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Roman. That name sounded familiar.

Cora’s lips pursed into a concerned frown as Anneliese described a situation that was all too familiar - a noble and a commoner falling in love, with the obstacle of a traditionalist family. Still, they were determined to be together. That on its own had her heart swelling.

Cora nodded as she released the Padawan's hand, pleased to hear that Roman was treating her well. Relationships could be tricky to navigate, and though she didn't know Padawan Vossari personally, he seemed to conduct himself well. Noblemen often fell into two categories; the picture of chivalry and politeness, or spoiled brats with a sense of entitlement.

"I'm glad to see that you two share a bond. As for his father…" Cora drifted off, choosing her words carefully.

"I've one just like him. It can be challenging to change the point of view of men molded by tradition."

A gentle warning, if there was one. Annie seemed spirited, like she was willing to fight for what she and Roman had.

"Is Master Noble aware?"

Anneliese Kaohal

 

[Anneliese Kaohal]

Items: Lightsaber I Engagement Ring I Outfit X X II Equipment X X X I Theme Song I Bloodline Tattoo


Tags: Corazona von Ascania
Location: Prosperity Gardens
Objective: Learn Plant Surge​

It was comforting to know as Cora spoke — she wasn’t alone in the situation regarding Romans father… her voice was understanding, but the fresh hurt that it had caused both lingered in her mind.

As Knight Ascania asked if Val was aware her face flushed more as her eyes fluttered and she stumbled on her words. “I — I uh, I haven’t had a chance to… privately discuss things with her yet… it’s been a little while since our last meeting.” Her emerald eyes flashed with anxiety as she looked at Cora. “I’m not sure how to approach the subject. Do you think she’ll be mad at me? The ring is more of a promise at this point… well, more than but, I — uh, any advice?”

Her heart fluttered in her chest as she stared at Cora. While things of this nature were highly frowned upon, there was no real rule against it, or at least one she’d known of… not to mention, the rate and the way things had taken off, she’d learned of her species ability, rather — trait to imprint on a person — which only further deepened her feelings for him, but even then, he reciprocated them ten fold.

One person, for life. This was no fling, but something at her core she felt, and she loved Roman.

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

"Mad at you…?"

Cora frowned, lips almost pursing. That type of fraternization among Padawans wasn't explicitly encouraged, but it seemed as though that bell had already been rung. Several times, in fact.

With a gentle hand, Cora guided Annie to the bench with her, and sat.

"I can't envision Master Noble being upset that you've fallen in love with Roman. If anything, I'd imagine her being supportive of a healthy relationship."

There was an edge to Cora's smile - not a wary one, but perhaps a tic of embarrassment as she recalled her own ventures as a Padawan.

Anneliese had asked for advice, and Cora fell quiet in thought.

"I know that it might be uncomfortable, but I would tell her. Relationships can be tricky to navigate - especially as Jedi. I wouldn't…wait to be caught. It could be terribly embarrassing."

Cora cleared her throat, a brief pink flush surfacing on pale cheeks.

"So I could imagine."

Anneliese Kaohal

 

[Anneliese Kaohal]

Items: Lightsaber I Engagement Ring I Outfit X X II Equipment X X X I Theme Song I Bloodline Tattoo


Tags: Corazona von Ascania
Location: Prosperity Gardens
Objective: Learn Plant Surge | Hone Latent Power​

Annie let out a small sigh as she listened to Cora. She knew she was right -- but there had been plenty over the past few weeks and month or so she'd blatantly hidden from Val... mainly due to thinking she could handle "adult" situations on her own, but as she continued on, a resolve, a yearning -- likened to a child needing her Mother crept within her.

She would have to tell Val the next time she met with her, and she knew deep down... Val's love for Annie would prevail, but that wouldn't necessarily dismiss the consequences of her actions. Punishment wasn't necessarily bad, in her eyes she knew it was love still -- because children without punishment meant it was the absence of those that cared for them.

"Your right -- I know your right, and I just feel silly now for thinking otherwise..."

Noting however the slight flush of pink across her cheeks, her vibrant emerald eyes sparked as she smiled softly at her.

"Oh -- I suppose so, but, one hypothetically imagining so... right?"

Her eyebrow raising as she giggled softly. Cora had this... air about her, this way of making someone feel comfortable, like you were just two old friends catching up and it was a breath of fresh air to her -- like an older sibling.

"So... where would we go from here? As far as... I guess, learning more about this power?"

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

"Strictly hypothetical," Cora agreed. With her luck, Valery might let it slip how Vera had witnessed Cora and Makko sharing a tender moment in the corridors of the temple, which then lead to an extremely awkward lunch between the four of them.

"Valery will understand. She knows all about these sorts of feelings, and…she'd only want you to be safe. And happy."

Satisfied that Annie wouldn't withhold her budding relationship from Valery, Cora rose from the bench and turned her attention to the waterfall behind them. The rushing water was cut into a makeshift cliff, surrounded by greenery.

Kneeling on the grass, Cora motioned for Anneliese to join her. From the pocket of her robe, she retrieved a small packet of seeds and sprinkled them into her hand.

"Aura blossoms," she explained, "are a favorite of mine. Native to Endor, and they play well with the flora we've planted here."

She passed some of the seeds to Annie, then disseminated a few into the soil below. Cora pressed her fingers to the earth, and over the span of a few seconds, several seedlings sprouted. They rose from the dirt, growing taller, until their buds unfurled into spherical, white tufts that gave off a luminous glow.

"Find the natural path of growth, and encourage it."

Anneliese Kaohal

 

[Anneliese Kaohal]

Items: Lightsaber I Engagement Ring I Outfit X X II Equipment X X X I Theme Song I Bloodline Tattoo


Tags: Corazona von Ascania
Location: Prosperity Gardens
Objective: Learn Plant Surge | Unlock Hidden Potential​

"Totally hypothetical." Her pearly white teeth flashed into a full and infectious smile as the two shared their small moment.

In this moment, Anneliese stared at Cora, feeling in her heart this must be what having an older sister must be like -- but not only that, the camaraderie that this moment held was precious in her heart beyond words. Possessions held very little for Annie in the sense of treasure, it was moments like these that Annie lived and breathed for... they were treasures no moth, nor flame or man could steal or take away.

As Knight Ascania set down in a green tuft of grass, patting next to her for Anneliese to join -- she moved quickly over as she removed her outer robe -- allowing the light to now fall onto her sun-kissed and freckled skin. Sitting down, she moved her hands towards her hair, wrangling the unruly strands of hair that managed to fall in her field of vision.

As she listened to Cora, and watched intently, a small and soft gasp would escape her lips as she leaned in closer -- watching the life sprout before her very eyes.

She made it seem so easy... surely it couldn't be that easy... least not for her.

No.

Shaking her head slightly, she pushed back the negative voice that only gave rise to doubt -- she had to believe in herself, in her ability. Master Val, Master Creed... Master Ascania -- not to mention countless other people she'd been blessed to meet all had one solitary theme in common, they saw and believed in Anneliese and her ability to rise to any occasion.

She could do this.

Taking the seeds in hand she stared down at them as she closed her eyes and held them delicately -- whispering something almost inaudibly, but it was sincere and reverent. "Ashla -- give me the strength to bring life... to create as you do."

Placing the seeds in the soil and allowing her hands to sink down and bask in the warm moist ground, she began to breath -- inhaling and exhaling, the rhythmic sound of her breathing becoming a cadence in the quiet area they sat in. Focusing on allowing the light within her mind to expand, but rather -- also the warmth that was the light she began to allow the force to channel within her body -- but extending it out and into the seeds... pleading, willing, encouraging them to grow.

Feeling joy, peace and contentment swelling within her body, she felt the seeds beginning to grow -- life now sprouting forth and blossoming, an outward expression of just how far Anneliese had come on her own journey.

As she opened her eyes, an excited gasp escaping her lips as her emerald eyes shimmered joyously -- the Aura Blossoms now standing in full splendor as she looked up towards Cora. "I-I did it." A satisfied giggling escaping her mouth as she leaned forward and into the flowers, whispering down towards them as if speaking with an old friend. "Thanks little ones..."

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

A shiver of trepidation, like a pebble dropping into the serene face of a pond, rippled gently in the Force.

Ah.

Cora smiled, quiet and still as the water settled again. Whatever the feeling had been – self-doubt, worry, or uncertainty – Annie had pushed past it. It was nostalgic in a way, but she'd keep that thought to herself.

The Padawan's lips moved, whispering a prayer between herself and the Force. There was no sense of urgency here, no rush. They were safe in the garden. Cora was a firm believer in being able to do things correctly rather than quickly. Once you were confident in your craft, the speed would come in time.

Fresh green sprouts peeked out from the beneath the soil, growing further until they blossomed until mature flowers. The space between them filled with luminous blues and purples, and the knight's smile stretched fondly.

"Well done, Anneliese. It seems you have an affinity for plant life."

Cora leaned forward, pressing both hands into the grass. The buds of the aura blossoms slowly shifted in color, from pale blues to deep violet.

"Tell me, how did you and Roman meet?"

As she spoke, their stalks grew and thickened, rising ever upward. The once delicate plants grew sturdier, firm yet flexible like rope. They seemed to twine around Annie, circling the redhead in a halo of vibrant, glowing blossoms.

Then, in an instant, they lashed out and wrapped around her limbs and torso. Not so tightly as to cut of circulation, but they could not be moved by physical force alone. Cora's gentle smile never wavered.

"Try to escape, but do not harm the flowers or their vines in the process."

Anneliese Kaohal

 

[Anneliese Kaohal]

Items: Lightsaber I Engagement Ring I Outfit X X II Equipment X X X I Theme Song I Bloodline Tattoo


Tags: Corazona von Ascania
Location: Property Gardens
Objective: Learn Plant Surge | Unlock Hidden Potential​

It wasn’t praise that she lived for, nor was it something she desperately sought — but something about the acknowledgement Cora gave her, allowed an inner joy to arise… she was proud, proud that her time practicing when others weren’t around had finally begin to pay off.

It’d been a long road — and there were still days she felt insufficient for the challenges ahead. That was her inner doubt, a voice she constantly had to suffocate and shut out.

“Thank you Master Ascania…”

As Cora asked her the following question — inquiring how the two met, her head bowed slightly as her cheeks rose, and a contagious smile broke out on her face… his name alone was enough to cause her heart to backflip, her cheeks to flush snd her pulse to race.

“I was out practicing early morning as I typically always do — it was sheer happenstance that he came across me… but he said it was my tenacity and strength of sprint that drew him in.” Out of sheer habit, Annie moved several strands of hair from her face and tucked them neatly behind her ear as she continued. “Truth be told — I’d admired Roman from afar for sometime… it was, surreal to hear my feelings reciprocated back. We’ve been inseparable since.”

Roman was her great love, her light — a rock in the temptest that was her energy. He was the anchor in the storms and her example of true grace. He was strong and resolute… and like magnets his very being drew her to him anytime he was near and even when apart, her soul felt as if something was missing.

Two halves, one whole.

As she began to finish, her jade eyes shimmered as she felt anxiety creeping up her neck, her body tensing as the green tendrils from the flowers made there way to her arms and around her body.

Her eyes flashed to Cora as she instructed to remove the tendrils without harming them.

Suppose there’s a first for everything.

Annie sat there as her mind began to process her great escape. Normally, Anneliese was a wrecking ball, not that she lacked finesse or grace — it was just… easier sometimes to charge in, and for such a young lady, her terrifying strength only helped her do so. Bringing to remembrance to life’s most basic lesson — when you couldn’t find a way or it became too much, you brought it all back to the most basic need.

Breathing.

As she closed her eyes and slowly inhaled and exhaled, she allowed the force to channel into her body. She couldn’t will anything, she couldn’t force anything — she was merely a tool, a vessel for the force to indwell in and then be poured out. Feeling the life within the vines, she began to coax the tendrils to retract, the vines now beginning to move and shift…. But, as they did, they began to constrict tighter, a small whimper coming from her lips as her fist tightened.

Fear had no place in her mind, it had to leave — and once it does— only she would remain.

Continuing to breath in and out, a small bead of sweat rolling down her forehead from her sheer level of concentration she continued to will the vines to retreat — the tendrils on one side of her arms retreating down and away from her body as she sat there, not rushing anything.