The dark times come...

[Stardust Solus Skirae]

After gray had left the palace Stardust called and canceled every meeting, travel, and such. Her council was worried and tried contacting her the only response they got was along the lines of "watch my house" nothing more or less. Inside of her off she had flipped the table over in a bit of emotions before using shatterpoint on it...she screamed out in frustration falling to her knees with tears falling like rain down her face....a few people outside heard this commotion but dared not peek inside, for what radiated was pure anger and sadness even causing a few people nearby to become depressed. Her wing of the area was cleared out and the council was informed. Stardust had barricaded herself inside of her own office and wouldn't respond to anyone...not by voice or on her comms...

Back side the office she sat with a few book cases broken and books scattered all about...she looked at a camera in her office and used the force to crush it...all feeding back to security which got a shock from watching stardust act this way

The council made a hard decision...they had to call in a few people who might be able to route her out one of them being [member="Avin Starfire"] , the next @Ra'ah'mah for being her sister...if anyone could get her out and get her to talk they new it had to be those two...they played so for they worried for their queens health...within good reason

 

[Riamah]

The home of her friend was not far from where Ra was at the time she got the call that something was wrong with Stardust. Even without the call coming in, she felt the distress through the Force. They may not be blood sisters, but they had shared blood and adopted each other as such. Their connection went beyond mere friendship now and Ra had to answer the call.

Making sure her schedule was clear, she assigned any tasks that were on it to others to attend to and headed for her sister's home.

Only a few hours later, she arrived. The people had seen her a few times over the years, knew who she was and didn't attempt to block or stop her. Only the council approached and filled her in on the situation. Without knowing herself the why to anything, she listened to what was told to her and nodded. Stepping away from the council, Ra walked to the closed doors of Stardust's room.

Not bothering to knock, she pulled one of the door off by its hinges with the Force and stepped into the ruined room. Replacing the door, the hint would be given they needed to be left alone.

[member="Stardust Raxis"]

 

[Avin Starfire]

The Jedi Order had been good to Avin's connection to Imahalayan and his responsibilities. All the same, it had caused tension with his own personal connections, he had failed his duties to Imahalayan and his master before due to his inability to let the past die and here he was again with a choice to be made as the message came blaring up on the holographic projector. The small blue colored figure spoke words of which he did not want to hear. The Council spoke of his master falling back into herself and an isolation from voice or reason on their behalf. It unsettled Avin for he remembered to her teachings were of the balance of light and dark of emotion and reason yet the description was not one of a healthy balance.

Avin folded his robes into a neat pile at the foot of his bed on the Nadiem Enclave before calling for his fighter to be readied over the intercom system and made his way through the halls to the hangar bay. Arriving on the scene was the new fighter craft issued by the Republic for his fellow Knights and Masters of the Order.

Moving into orbit Avin connected to the Hyperspace ring before keying in the coordinates of the Imahalayen system and pushing the ship to its full power before the space around him swirled away into a shift of blue and white.

His eyes fell shut and he reached out in the force to his Master and Queen through the darkness of the war-torn galaxy.

"I'm coming..."

[member="Stardust Raxis"]

 

[Stardust Solus Skirae]

@Ra'a'mah [member="Avin Starfire"]

She didn't respond to ra ripping the door off and placing it, instead she was greeted by Stardust looking over a few old photos on a holoprojector. Her lightsaber were set out in front of her along with a blaster pistol setting in her lap...the photos seemed to be different things and people even including Stardust who looked much much younger

three...he makes three

She said in a hoarse voice as a photo of gray before he became blind came up, she looked it over and switched to another picture. She finally turned it off and grabbed a nearby bottle taking a drink out of it...not like it would help she couldn't get drunk anyways.

just like that he left me...least he didn't die this time...or forget about me...it was only a divorce at least

Her hand gripped the blaster pistol suddenly....she glanced back to maul with empty eyes....she was done it looked like

im cursed it seems, I can't hold a husband at all...whats the damn point...am I to die unwed and alone? Haven't I done enough in this...life! What more does the force require of me! Kark it! Kark it all I say!

She heard a voice in the back of her head...oh avin...she was so sorry but she didn't want him consumed by this curse...head feel her pain and sadness but that would be the only response

 

[Riamah]

By the time Ra had met Stardust, she had already been married to Gray. She knew some of her sister's past, but not all of it. The fact she had been married two previous times was something she hadn't known or if she did, she had forgotten. Her eyes looked over the room and the pictures displayed by the projector. The items in front of Stardust and near her.

Not stopping her from taking the drink, Ra listened to what else was said. Her other husbands had forgotten her or died. Preferring one of the other and now the news of Gray divorcing her, brought a raised brow from her. When her friend grabbed the blaster though, Ra had to step in.

She didn't want to fight her sister and friend, but Ra would do what she needed to do to keep her safe. They were more than friends, closer than family and Stardust was the only person Ra could really say she gave a damn about.

A silent plea was in the eyes of Stardust when she looked at Ra. A mix of a desire to hurt, but also a sense of no purpose. Ra was here to help her and that is what she would do. Ra didn't make a move, but looked at the gun and sent a focused Force manipulation in an attempt to knock it out of and away from the reach of Stardust.

Finally breaking her silence, Ra looked down at her sister. There was sympathy on her face, but her voice was calm and firm.

"You son needs you, Stardust. Look at me though, one doesn't need to have a partner or husband to make it in the galaxy. That's what friends and family are for. To support a loved one when needed. What you need right now is a purpose to focus on. In time, this will be memory."

[member="Stardust Raxis"] [member="Avin Starfire"]

 

[Avin Starfire]

The new starfighter so kindly given to the Jedi Order made Avin uncomfortable. He was used to some sort of noise and rumblings filling the air around his ship and yet in the shining new craft there was nothing but the low hum of lightspeed to accompany the five-hour long journey inwards from the Enclave on Nadiem. The ship itself felt a very little shudder with its hyperspace maneuvers being met thanks to the large ring of additional engines surrounding the central capsule to provide a much smoother ride than most hyperspace capable fighters.

Avin sat within the ship with his eyes still closed in a meditative state. Time seemed to pass quicker as his mind sitting in a state of deep thought and reflection. Whence he had reached out to his Master and friend Stardust he had not received a reply but for the feelings of intense pain and sadness. It troubled his own mind to see someone of such power and wisdom take this stance and yet it hurt him too for as much as the order had forced him to ignore his feelings he still felt for her.

The spiraling blue and white of hyperspace continued by as Starfire made his way home. To the place, he had sworn to protect. To the woman, he had pledged his sword and heart.

[member="Stardust Raxis"]

 

[Stardust Solus Skirae]

@Ra'a'mah [member="Avin Starfire"]

Stardust felt the pistol ripped away, quickly she tried to grab it but it slid so far away and she only ended up falling flat on her face and simply rolled to the side as she started crying, a women this strong looked so weak now. But as they say...the strongest people hide their wounds.

what purpose could be given to me, I've already done so much and lost just as equal. I've seen maybe thousands die before my eyes...many under my command

She said quietly as she glanced to her lightsaber, she held a hand out and it slid right over to her...the other setting alone, she looked it over the lovely green finishing on it with complex designs in it....rebuilt to show off the art of her planet...

he left....my son doesn't even know who his father is...he'll likely never know at all. A man I fought besides nearly died for

She Angled the saber towards her shaking violently, she closed her eyes then scream tossing it away as she curled up crying harder....

I thought I had it....then that damned war broke out! We fought for a blood thirsty tyrant! I won't forget that battle...snow everywhere artillery rained down on me like hellfire....gods above I want I just cant....i remember getting shot and nearly dying...after that...after I got back with gray he didn't seem normal...then he disappeared

She sobbed as she shook, she stirred a bit and looked to ra as she simply had no strenght to sit up. She finally slowly sat up to get another drink

avin....hes likely on his way, he's taken care of me when gray was gone...swore his blade to defend me and the planet. Such a fantastic force user...

She looked down and closed her eyes as she focused on avin

please avin...make haste

She shook and looked to her sister...

 

[Riamah]

Stardust made a move to catch the gun before it was away from her, but missed. Glad to have that out of the way, Ra sat down next to Stardust and would put an arm around her if her sister allowed it. As the saber flew into her hand, Ra didn't pick up any intent that would be used on either of them so she allow her friend to look at it. She asked what purpose she could have and Ra raised an eyebrow at her, however, Stardust kept speaking and Ra didn't interrupt her.

She mentioned another person was likely on his way and Ra nodded. Having already busted the door, this Avin person wouldn't have any issues getting in when he arrived. Her friend was stuck in her memories from the sound of things and all Ra could do was support her through this hard time.

Not having been in a situation like this before, she was at a loss on what to do. Support, protect and keep her friend company she could do. Give her a purpose she could also do, not yet though. Time was what was needed right now. A shoulder or two to cry on, not much more.

"Remember when we found him?"

[member="Stardust Raxis"] [member="Avin Starfire"]

 

[Avin Starfire]

Her voice seemed to penetrate his mind like an arrow through cloth and its barbs taking hold whence in place as not to let go. Distress and sorrow seemed to follow in the echoes of his mind. Avin had already felt her call hours earlier but it was a distant feeling this was more overwhelming. It took Avin close to a minute before his mind had settled back into its equilibrium of tranquility and thought. He had struggled in the past to cope in social situations without a flask of alcohol, not that it was even possible anymore with his return to the Jedi order banning it.

"I'm coming I promise..."

His return was short but all he could manage as the lights seemed to flash amber before the white and blue swirl stopped suddenly with a jolt to reveal the planet of green and blues before him glinting slightly as the nearby star shone down upon Imahalayan.

[member="Stardust Raxis"]

@Ra'a'mah

 

[Stardust Solus Skirae]

@Ra'a'mah [member="Avin Starfire"]

Hah! I remember perfectly, I remember being so happy to see him and possibly have my family again...then I brought him here and he woke up and...the...the hate in his voice the words he said! He didn't believe a word from me at all. Whatever happened to him in his absence they fed him lies! Made him break and not trust me any more....i remember him...saying so much that wasn't true

She took another drink any weapon of hers wasn't near her any more thrown away her had been knocked away or maybe simply she was just so damn tired she couldn't even pick up anything to do her harm

then once he left I didn't hear from him at all, except for when we went to mandalore to try and help people during the civil war...even then he was so distant...after that he went his way and I mine to rule my planet in peace.

She looked down her eyes distant as she sifted through her memories

then the attack on my planet from the droids...thats another time even then he was only there to defend the people

She tilted her head a bit as she blinked as if thinking hard

before he cane to me about divorcing a representative of the mandalorians came asking for help...they wanted food and she needed grays help for some mando...ah yes yasha actually....after all that I knew he went to mandalore then came back and...well ended it so easily....

She went to take a drink and looked into the bottle seeing it empty as she threw it to the side as she looked to the holoprojevtor and crushed it suddenly

said there was no love between us....that we were weighing each other down...that our marriage...THAT OUR MARRIAGE WAS FOR SHOW!

She said raising her voice as a few items crushed in her anger as she covered her face as she shook her head

I worried about him, I went and fought through junkers! To save him because I cared! And then he goes...he goes and says that

She said and let her hands drop

maybe he's right....maybe it wasn't worth it of he wanted the divorce maybe I was being a terrible partner

She fell to her side as she teared up seeing the blaster so far out of reach, however the force called it over but it flew past her and out a window

I'm sorry ra you have to see me like this....im sorry....im so sorry

 

[Riamah]

The sense of Stardust wanting to hurt or kill herself faded and Ra relaxed on that account. Still needed to be there for her sister and here she would stay for as long as she was needed. Just bringing up the past ended up causing Stardust some pain, but there was some good in there too.

Hugging her now, it didn't matter they were laying on the floor together. While Ra was unable to cry with her sister, she could give her sympathy.

Barely noticing the gun go flying over them, only hearing the sound of breaking glass and briefly looking up at it. She turned her attention back to her friend.

"What can I do for you, Star? There's so much I can offer to help."

[member="Stardust Raxis"] [member="Avin Starfire"]

 

[Avin Starfire]

Avin thumbed the release switch and felt the sublight engines kick the ship forward in a spurt of agility towards the green and blue planet ahead of him. He watched the map in his display blink away from the hyperspace ring as he accelerated through the outer designation of Imahalayan's upper orbit.

After getting himself cleared with the system space controllers Avin followed the planet around for no more than a few minutes after pushing his craft to full sublight capabilities. It wasn't until he broke the layer of clouds that Avin was suddenly broken from his steely focus with a sense of nostalgia and nervousness in his stomach. It has been a fair while since he had last spoken to Stardust. He still had to explain the republic and his past to her. Yet maybe another day.

Starfire stepped from the cockpit and stretched out his arms and back from the cramped space before being ushered through the lower levels of the Royal shuttle bay to a nearby speeder. The ride pushed him through the city he had once lived in and watch fall at a high speed. As he looked around Avin noticed the escorting law enforcement vehicles.

It was good to be home, but this was no celebration.

[member="Stardust Raxis"]

@Ra'a'mah

 

[Stardust Solus Skirae]

@Ra'a'mah [member="Avin Starfire"]

I don't care what you do...bury me on work so u can forget and be productive take me somewhere end me....I want a purpose in life....I've done so much I've lost any purpose because I've done it all...I'm a washed up soldier....

She looked towards a certain direction and seemed to follow it. She blinked and sat up as she wiped her eyes. Avin had arrived and was quickly heading to her. She sighed as she bowed her head

he's here....avin....your so close I could almost feel you

She said through the force and looked to ra

 

[Riamah]

For the moment, Ra remained silent and was just there to comfort Stardust. Listening as her sister replied to her on the aspect of keeping her busy enough to not dwell on her situation, she nodded. There would be time enough to deal with it when it wasn't so painful and harsh. What Stardust went through though was either going to break or make her stronger.

As these thoughts passed through her mind, Ra knew Stardust rather weak right now...Ra was a sith and could use this as an opportunity to turn Stardust. Not one to force anything though, it would be done slowly, gradually and to the point where Stardust wouldn't even notice it herself.

"Even washed up soldiers can have a purpose, Star. You're more than that though, you're my sister and I will help you."

When she mentioned Avin​ had arrived and Ra not knowing anything about this new person, she hid her Force signature. This was second nature to her and was in place in a heartbeat.

[member="Stardust Raxis"] [member="Avin Starfire"]

 

[Avin Starfire]

The stair cases were as he remembered them from the older days, in their full glory of winding woods ancient stones and metallic fineries. Last time he had seen this place it was till recovering from an onslaught of war and occupation. That war had changed him whether for better or worse. He had fought alongside the people of imahalayan to protect his queen from the shadows and yet whence it was all over they had stayed seperate. He had heard of the return of her married husband about the same time as those days of fighting came to an end. The complications that the King brought with him were enough to send Avin off world yet always reminding those that needed him of his allegiances and that he was but a call away at any one time.

As he came to the top of the first flight of stairs Avin heard her call again, this time more intense within his mind. Her call was pained still and its power caused Avin's head to ache for a few seconds after.

Avin pushed on down the hallway past a gaggle of security personnel and worried politicians and civil service workers standing at safe distances away from the cordoned-off zone of the Queen's private office. His footsteps echoed from the silent corridors as he progressed closer and closer to the door. His stomach had started to flurry with a state of nervousness and his mind ever felt the strong force presence of his master and her current emotional state. As his footsteps stopped echoing he had reached the door, or lack thereof, to his master's office.

Upon stepping through the door he let his gaze fall upon the scene. Furniture and doors seemed to have been thrown and ripped from there positions to create a mess around the office space. His eyes continued to survey the area when they fell upon the two women. One, a stranger of red hair and seemingly no force sensitivity whom he had not met before and the other being the reason for his return.

"I came as fast as I could..." Avin dropped to one knee and bowed his head towards the queen now slumped in the corner.

"I... I'm sorry."

[member="Stardust Raxis"]
@Ra'a'mah

 

[Stardust Solus Skirae]

[member="Avin Starfire"] @Ra'a'mah

please do help me sister, there's so much I can do in my own....but I need help

She felt him closer and closer, she looked up from the middle of the floor as she let her breath out and shaky as she swallowed watching him enter as she smiled lightly then frowned. She rushed forward and hugged him tightly as she teared up again. His touch and his force signature....it felt so warm and comforting

you came....you came back to me avin...

She bowed her head and whispered

I'm sorry you must see me like this

 

[Riamah]

As Avin entered the room, even if he was welcome, Ra kept her arms wrapped around Stardust. She gave him a through look from head to toe and back up before relaxing her grip enough to allow her sister the ability to rush away from her. Observing the reunion between the two of, Ra stayed against the wall. Allowing it to take happen, not feeling it her place to interfere. Her naturally gold eyes looked at the two of them, but for once she didn't feel any sort of jealousy at the displayed relationship between them.

Not knowing who Avin was or the type of relationship he had with Stardust, she didn't know if he was a potential partner of Stardust, a past one or if they were just friends. Feeling it was likely the last, Ra knew Star needed all the support she could get right now. If the two of them wound up together as lovers, maybe it was for the best.

Keeping silent, Ra would wait until introductions were made before speaking.

[member="Stardust Raxis"] [member="Avin Starfire"]

 

[Avin Starfire]

Her touch was not as he had remembered. It was once warm and calming to Avin, now it was colder. Her hands held a shudder to them and even as he embraced her the feeling in his own gut did not fade. Alas he was here for her now as he had sworn. Whether it be his sword, heart or mind he would answer her call and here he was to be with his master in her time of need. He had come back for his friend.

Avin embraced Stardust with all he had to offer before breaking away and running his hand over her shoulders before fixing an eye contact with her. The emerald green that normally sat in such beauty upon her face was wrought with sorrow and tears that still had escaped her

"I came as fast as I could, I swore an oath to you and no matter is too great to keep me from you in your time of need. As for how I see you, I don't care how I see you, all that matters is you and your wellbeing at a time like this."

Even as he had finished speaking he knew that his presence here would not sit well with those of the Jedi Order yet his cares were here with the one he had pledged himself to. His queen. His master. His friend.

[member="Stardust Raxis"]

@Ra'a'mah

 

[Stardust Solus Skirae]

[member="Avin Starfire"] @Ra'a'mah

She looked at avin as she wiped her eyes quickly but to no avail tears still held on and stained her face sliding down slowly, she put her hands on his arms and bowed her head as she took a deep breath before speaking

heh...you feel so much stronger now....truelly you've been busy haven't you? Last I saw was maybe a few months ago...before he suddenly returned....then I didn't see you for awhile but who could blame you

She said as she looked back up to him, she was shattered in places that likely couldn't heal...and if they did it would be simple mending cracks would still show on her.

he divorced me....suddenly and without warning....but...I don't care now, why should I shed tears....he's not mine anymore it's not my worry!

She said raising her voice not really talking to anyone...that little stint of the dark side popping up within he signature then fading..