Private Stranger

[Duma Shallotte]

He accepted her words of apology and then expressed that everybody had a past. Some better than others or the other way around, but each one turned these people into who they were today. Nodding as they walked, he then practically gave her a headache with his mental slap. At least it felt that way. There was a great deal of emotion involved here and Lakura picked up on that. Even with the slap, he still did not appear angry at her.

Looking entirely mortified, her already pale skin went even whiter and she looked rather like a wilting flower or somebody that was about to get sick. Muttering another apology, she fell silent until he asked what she was wanting to accomplish on Kashyyyk.

"I came for help."

In the end, she's messed up so often that she was starting to think she was beyond help. This situation was just another example of that.

Josh Dragovalor

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

He wasn't upset at her, but he had already established he was protective of Jason. On top of that, she had also dredged up a touchy subject, on accident or not. He did feel a bit bad that he had clearly mortified her, but what's done was done. She had stepped out of line with Jason and he had corrected her. And he would continue to do so until it stopped.

"You came for help?" He asked, once the statement came up. He would stop and regard her with a curious expression.

Lakura Salim

 

[Duma Shallotte]

By the time the question had been asked and answered, Lakura was starting to feel a little better. At least, her head didn't hurt quite as much as it had before. Chewing on her lower lips when Josh pretty much repeated what she had just said. Only he phrased it as a question.

"Look, I was with a Sith group that got stamped out by another Sith group. Then I have been on the run for so long."

Letting out a sigh, some of this she had already told him.

"I'm lost, alone and unwanted. Usually unwelcome as well. I have no idea what I'm supposed to be doing, going, or anything! All I want is help, Master Dragonsflame."

Speaking quietly, it totally matched her shy demeanor and attitude. In a way, she was scared of getting another mental slap and hoped that wasn't going to happen since she admitted just how weak and helpless she was.

Josh Dragovalor

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

"I think you misunderstand me" He spoke softly, lightening his tone when she would suddenly seem to get very defensive. He didn't ignore what she had said, of course. She was involved in a Sith group, that had been taken out by another Sith group, and ended up on the run. Pretty standard fare, to be honest. But he wasn't sure just what it had to do with the story she had been telling so far, or what it had to do with why she was here. Was she here simply for sanctuary?

"I'm asking what kind of help you're looking for" He clarified gently. Her sudden outburst had spooked Jason, who had hid behind his father again. But Josh remained calm as he placed a hand on his head, while he continued to look to Lakura with a gentle expression. It was the best way to diffuse things quickly, he figured. "If we know what you're looking for exactly, and what help you want, perhaps we can help."

Lakura Salim

 

[Duma Shallotte]

"Oh sorry."

Now feeling even more sheepish, the white-haired woman look to the ground and then back up just briefly when Josh continued. It wasn't hard to confuse Lakura, but once something was clarified, she could answer better.

"That's what I'm saying. I don't know what kind of help I'm looking for. I just know I need it. Maybe I need a purpose? Something to strive for? A goal of some kind?"

Her answers might not help much but perhaps Josh might come up with something that would help her. Wrapping her arms around herself, both he and Jason might be able to tell just how unconfident she really was.

Josh Dragovalor

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

She didn't know what kind of help she was looking for, only that she needed it. He slowly nodded his head. He supposed that made sense. She was lost, simple as that. She didn't have anywhere to go, and no idea of what to do. He thought about it for a little bit longer, before answering.

"Well, I suppose this is as good a time and place as any to find your place. As for suggestions... Why don't you volunteer your services here?"
he suggested curtly. "Think about it. Getting to help people out who are in need, while having a chance to explore the cosmos and find out plenty about yourself and those around you. It could do you a lot of good."

He shrugged his shoulders. "But that's just me. I could be biased, I suppose. Having been at this for years and all. Your call, really."

Lakura Salim

 

[Duma Shallotte]

At first, the silence was unsettling, but then the thought occurred to Lakura that she wasn't in danger here. There was no reason for her to be afraid and the quietness wasn't the calm before a storm because that storm wasn't coming. As if a weight was lifted from her shoulders, she just started to enjoy the scenery around them.

When Josh finally did answer, she turned her head to look at him and listened. Her knee jerk and automatic reaction were almost negative and she considered asking why she should help others since nobody had ever helped her. That wasn't the truth though and deep down the woman knew it.

"That actually sounds like a good idea. Thank you. Perhaps I will be seeing you and your son around."

Stopping to kneel down just in front of Jason, she gave him a quick smile and held a hand out to him. Even if he did not take it, she would still speak to them.

"I'm sorry if I scared you earlier, little one. Enjoy your walk and we will meet again."

Standing up, she bowed to Josh and started walking away. His advice was sound and came with good intentions. Now it would be up to her if she followed it or not.

Josh Dragovalor