The End (Friends welcome)

[Bolt]

Zaiden slowly nodded; the man spoke truth, more than he knew. While it seemed to the Shadow Master that the other meant her metaphorical legacy, Zaiden planned the same: to preserve her essence. Who would know though the opposite points at which they stood? One to save her knowledge, the other to bind her Spirit!

But he immediately clamped down on that thought, he was a great telepathy, more thwn capable of protecting his thoughts, however he wouldn't risk it anyway.

Zaiden nodded, "It isn't outside my expertise to heal, this I am sure. But Feena has accepted her next steps. If I could change her mind though, we would not be blood: it is something that comes from our parents. We never bend to others. Even when I was under the control of another, I only did what felt ethically correct!" He shrugged, "Grand speeches are a bit over rated anyways, right? Its so much easier to simply remember and tell those memories as they come."

[member="Vorhi Alestrani"]

 

[Feena]

When her son left, the former Queen felt... drained. Emotionally. More so than ever before. Could it be that she'd been... dreading that conversation? Afraid that his last words to her would be 'I hate you'? Afraid he would bring up her mountain of failings as a mother? But now that it was over, she just felt... tired. Not relieved. Just tired.

"[member="Keter"]?" she asked when the door had closed behind her son, "Send in Master Alestrani, would you kindly?"

[member="Vorhi Alestrani"]

((Sorry, [member="Cyril Grayson"] . Took a while to post and I wanna keep this moving.))

 

[Keter]

Still as silent as a statue, as if denying the world and it's existence around him, Keter just...was. He was a void, no anger, no sorrow. Just emptiness. His wife lay dying, and he would never stop it. She wouldn't even let him. He had cheated her of death once. And no one got the better of Feenarah Mason twice. Her pride would never allow it. The blond bowed his head, his movements stiff as he moved to the door, seeking out his wife's friend. "Master Alestrani," he said softly, red eyes shrinking ever so slowly into pinpricks. "Feenarah wishes to see you now."

[member="Feena Mason"] [member="Vorhi Alestrani"]

 

[Vorhi Alestrani]

[member="Keter"] [member="Feena Mason"]


Vorhi stood up slowly as he was addressed. He'd barely ever seen Keter, but he respected the man. It wasn't easy finding a balance between light and dark, between sanity and power, between violence and peace. Somehow, that miscreant had made it work--and even gotten to be with someone he loved. Still, he wouldn't envy him today. Nope, he'd been where Keter was now, and it was not a great place.


He nodded. "Then I suppose I shouldn't keep her waiting," He said, a little weak, his age showing for the first time since he'd gotten here. A life of rough living took its toll every no and again. He nodded to Keter before approachign the door. As if to say thanks fro something.


He walked into the room, quietly. No formal stance. No preparation for war. For the first time in a very long time, Vorhi Alestrani was not analyzing the room for a potential threat. He turned to face his old friend, lying in bed, teetering on the brink. "Greetings, Master Templar," he said with a smile. "Tell me--should I begin, or should you?" he said, half a challenge in his tone. He hadn't pulled himself out of the gutter for no reason, after all. He had the crystal in his pocket. And now, well, it was her decision. Her movement. Her court. He'd make his move later--the galaxy would wait for him, as it tended to. For now, he would mourn his friend and honor her wishes. That would manage, for now.

 

[Feena]

Master... Templar. It had been forever since she'd been anything but 'Her Majesty'. So long since she ran almost two dozen systems herself. Ah, to be at her peak again. That was around the time Celeste was a tiny thing... If she could only go back...

"Oh no. You're my guest! You first, Master Alestrani."

She smiled, clutching her bloodied handkerchief with numb, blue-ish fingers. The end. It was fast approaching. Their friendship had been strong, spanning years. And she was not willing to give it up, just because she was dying!

[member="Vorhi Alestrani"]

 

[Vorhi Alestrani]

[member="Feena Mason"]


Vorhi nodded, producing a crystal on a chain from his pocket. His tone was solemn, collected. "A data crystal, containing the Obsidian enclaves noted on healing. About eighty per cent of it's your work, with a few other members contributing," he said calmly. "It's a decent read, even if a great deal of it is out of my league."


He smiled weakly at her friend. She had been a lot of things to a lot of people, ranging from queen to teacher and back. And now, she was prepared to die. But even in death, a few ripples would move on, a few impacts would remain. Like a stone hitting a pond, the impact would reverberate for some time. He nodded calmly. "The data isn't of much use to me, but it deserves to continue. Tell me, Feena," he said calmly, "How would you like your work preserved?"


It sounded like a simple question, but it hadn't been to him. Dac, the Techno Union, Naboo, the Protectorate, the Jedi--there was a small army of people who would eagerly fight and strive for that knowledge. What he'd compiled on her behalf could start and prevent a great a great deal of conflict. However, it would accomplish nothing squirreled away in the Seala Kasi's vaults. No, she would make the call on where her archives were copied to. He'd keep a copy with himself, however. One never knew if a great healer would arrive among the Hidden Fists.

 

[Feena]

Oh. This was quite question indeed. She'd been loyal to many factions in her life, from the Republic, to the Confederacy, to the Protectorate. They all had one thing in power- they all used people. They used their healers, they used their citizens, they used their students. And Feena had... well, she'd frankly had enough of that. She eyed the crystal.

"Knowledge is for everybody," she said, "Those who wish to learn must be given the opportunity. I wanted to teach once more before the end. To create a place where anybody could come to learn. Where education and guidance would be given to all, no matter their background. A true Sanctuary."

She considered how to do this. Then a smile appeared on her face.

"The unique thing about healing is that it's power can only be used to help, never to hurt. [member="Vorhi Alestrani"] , Give knowledge to all. Spread it as far and wide. I think, that someday, we will all be wise enough to understand that there are better ways than war. A little knowledge can only help."

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

One by one, people were sent in, then out. The Jedi Master would nod as Feena's son would walk out. His face was grim, and he looked a little more pale then he had before. As if the stench of death in the air had drained the colour from his face.

Joshua would try to relax, finding a seat and closing his eyes... He knew he should save his tears... Hold out long as he could... Hopefully, he'd see Feena before her time was done. Even if just enough time for one more laugh. That's all that he could ask for.

Death was a cruel mistress. She took your money, your kids, your house and your best friend.

 

[Vorhi Alestrani]

[member="Feena Mason"]


He smirked. Of course she'd be generous enough to turn her life's work into a gift for the galaxy, he thought. Hell, it already had been. He nodded and pocketed the crystal. "Well, I've said my piece," he offered rather calmly. "I believe it's your turn."



He was, despite all feelings and appearances to the contrary, cordial and warm. The truth is that he was angry. Angry that his friend was dying--even if a peaceful death surrounded by family is the sort of death she deserved--it was fitting for her to die in love as she lived it. But this soon? A pile of fething flaming poodoo with salted on the ashes so it can't be used for damn decent fertilizer.



The truth is, the oracle without any eyes always saw death with a hint of rage. That was the heart of a man who'd seen too much, fought too much, killed too many. He envied her peace. He did, however, know a publisher who could get the holo-crystal into production. But that would be a plan for another day. But he'd hold his anger back. For this woman that reminded him of his old Mestare....for the woman who was just as much a nuisance as any. He'd hold back his anger. For now.

 

[Feena]

Her blue tinted finger tips pointed weakly to the bedside table. She had a small collection of items there. Little things. Pieces of memory. She smiled, pointing to an dusty old rock.

"I know you have your thing with rocks. This is one of the ones you once used to save my life. Do you remember? I was shot in the shoulder in my own apartment? You saved my life. With this."

She'd kept it, carried it with her for a time. Just a silly grey rock from who knew where, but it was always in the pocket of what ever dress she wore that day. She swore it gave her luck.

"I'm returning it."

She put her numb hands back down on the top of the blankets, holding back another series of coughs.

"You will miss me when I die. But I won't be gone, you see. We never do disappear completely."

[member="Vorhi Alestrani"]

 

[Vorhi Alestrani]

[member="Feena Mason"]


Vorhi sniffed slightly. While Miralukians didn't cry, per se, they did suffer from sinus inflammation during times of stress. He smiled softly, taking the stone form her hand gently and laughing. "You did always have a knack for getting shot, Feena," he said with a nod. "I am happy for you though. You get to die as lived--a peacemaker surrounded by loved ones," he said with a nod. He looked at the gray stone. A smooth pebble. But, as he fully knew, a pebble was once an boulder, and would become dust, and the dust would form a new rock. That's how it worked. Things kept on happening, like it or not.


"You will continue, in pieces, as all things do," he said with a nod. "The people here...they will remember. And I will see to your quest concerning the data," he said calmly. "One more gift to the galaxy. It'll out last you, as the scrolls will outlast me," he said with a laugh. "All these years trying not understand history, and we got to make it. Fortunate, I suppose," he said with a smirk, less weak than the last two. Still sniffling a little, but no resignation. Laugh at the pain. Smile when you're bleeding. That was his path. "Don't know when I'll join you on that side of things, but, if there's room....brew a strong cup of tea, heavy on the persimmon. And, should you meet a raven-haired woman with dress made of burnt grass and a quill in her hand, tell her Vorhi says hello. And that I owe her a sparring match for the ages," he said, nodding firmly.


"Thank you, Feena. You've been quite the friend. Who would you like me to call in next?"

 

[Feena]

Feena nodded in response. A promise. She didn't know what death was like. If it was like a big waiting room full of people, if she'd wander forever, or if most of her consciousness would vanish. But her daughter saw the dead, and she saw them frequently. Feena had a sneaking suspicion death would be similar to what she experienced almost two years ago.

"I promise. I will pass on your message, and when we meet once more, I will bring out my best china for you then. "

His sadness was temporary. She knew it. She did not allow herself room to pity him. This was not forever. He would smile again soon. And she would be there to smile with him, one way or another.

"I believe Master Dragonsflame has been waiting patiently," she answered, "Do send him in."

[member="Vorhi Alestrani"] [member="Joshua DragonsFlame"]

 

[Vorhi Alestrani]

[member="Joshua DragonsFlame"] [member="Feena Mason"]

Vorhi stood up. Today he'd mourn. Tomorrow he'd drink, probably get in a fight. Day after that, work on getting this published. He nodded."Thank you, Feena. I appreciate the indulgence." He rose slowly, waving to his friend. "Goodbye Feena. I will likely stumble upon you again, all things being equal."


With that, he bowed and left the room quietly, walking over to Joshua Dragonsflame and gently tapping the man on the shoulder. "She'd like to see you now," he said, smiling a little weakly. "Say your piece," he said, walking over to Felicity and smiling as the baby. "Cute kid. Never thought you'd be the type to adopt," he said with a chuckle. He smirked. "You know, I remember when you were just running around Feena's place on Dac. First thing I though about was how much energy you had. You were always up to do things. A real head for action," he said with a chuckle.

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

It almost felt as though it had been forever since the last person had gone in. But the Jedi didn't mind too much. There was a long list that had more importance in Feena's life then an old friend who had spent a few days conversing with Feena and her family in the past, and had been on his way to do so again before he had found out about all of this. If there was only one thing he could have in this situation... It was more time. Years, even, to have been able to know Feena longer. But this was it... And he would make the most of the time he had been allotted.

His trance would end when [member="Vorhi Alestrani"] would inform him that Feena wanted to see him now. The Jedi would smile and nod. "Thank you" He said as he rose to his feet. His gaze moved toward [member="Felicity Mason"] and the baby for a moment. Had the child been there before? The child not having their grandmother there... And the girl not having her mother to guide her should not have been happening.... But it was. And it was a damn travesty at that.

Finally, he'd step forward into the room of [member="Feena Mason"] and would stop for a moment in front of her. A silence, almost a respectful, but sad one, hung for a moment. Finally, he managed to whip up a small smile.

"Hey... Didn't think you were going to go out without me coming to visit at least one more time, did you?" The Jedi Master would snark quietly, scratching his head. Though afterword, his expression turned grim.

"... You're sure there's nothing that can be done? Your families going to miss you, Feena... All of us are. Myself especially" He added quietly, biting his lip to the point of it almost bleeding. He didn't want to say goodbye. Part of him was still in denial that this was happening at all.

 

[Feena]

In came the famous Master Dragonsflame. Feena have him her familiar calm smile when he approached.

"As I told my son, you are welcome to try, but I have already had some of the Galaxy's best healers approach and attempt to heal me. All have failed. Now it is my time to go."

She lifted her numb fingers and pulled something small and shiny off the bedside table.

"Everybody has their time. It is nothing to feel bad about. I lived a good life. I am not sad to die."

[member="Joshua DragonsFlame"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

The Jedi Master let out an exasperated sigh at that revelation.

"Just my luck I came in hoping to help, only to find out the best of the best already tried. Sadly I don't think I could heal a stick, much less a dying woman, in comparison" Josh would joke faintly, with a sad smile crossing his face. "Why is it that the good die young? Well, I'm pretty sure anyway. You look young enough to pass for dying young" The Jedi would crack. Humour was his vice in times of sorrow. In times of pain. In times of depression. Laughing kept him from crying - at least for a little bit.

"I'm going to miss you, you know that?" He asked, smiling down at her. "Nothing ever seemed to worry you at the worst of times. Even with assassins knocking down your bloody door. That rubbed off on people. It kept them calm... They worried less around you. Maybe that's why you look like you're dying young... They say that worrying gives you wrinkles" He added, a small grin crossing his face.

[member="Feena Mason"]

 

[Feena]

The dying healer smiled and managed a laugh at his jokes. He loved humor, especially in the darkest of times. Those were the times it became the most necessary. Like now. Everything was so grim, so sad. But didn't they see the truth in this? Everybody died. But she'd gotten the chance to really live! That in itself was something beautiful and perfect. Nothing could ruin it.

"No. You're wrong," she smiled, "Living keeps you young."

She pulled out something and held it out. Nothing much at all. A small pin in the shape of a silver flower. Almost a little feminine, in a way. She knew he wouldn't mind.

"This is for you. A reminder that even the weakest deserve a chance. The person you may deem to be insignificant, may in fact grow to do something beautiful."

[member="Joshua DragonsFlame"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

Humor was how he tended to cope. Without laughter there was just quiet, and sadness. It was a necessity for him. If he wasn't lying, or smiling... He was another emotion, and that was never good. Especially when he had to deal with death, which had become more common as of late... But personal deaths never got any better. Instead.... They hurt more and more every single time.

The Jedi smiled faintly at her answer. "Perhaps you're right...." He said. "Doesn't change the fact that you must not have worried one bit, I don't see a wrinkle on you" He would tease with a playful tint to his voice, laughing just a little. The gift caught him by surprise. No matter how small... It still caught him off guard, and he gave a touched smile as he would gently take it when offered.

"Thank you..." He whispered, biting his lip. "I'll remember this... And your words. You've given me so much in the time we've known one another.... So much laughter, so much joy... I don't know if I can ever repay that..." He added quietly. He didn't have enough time. "Of course... I could have a hundred years and it still wouldn't be enough" Josh would add, smiling faintly.

[member="Feena Mason"]

 

[Feena]

She laughed, but her laughter quickly turned into a coughing fit that stained her sleeve with blood. She wiped the blood from her mouth with edge of her already ruined handkerchief.

"At the end of it all, there are no debts, Master Dragnsflame."

She shook her head with a smile. No. He owed her nothing. Nobody did. Doing a kindness for another was not a form of currency. The sooner the Galaxy realized that, the sooner peace could be found. But she would not live to see it. She'd started something, but it was not her's to finish. That would depend on those she left behind now.

"Would you send my brother in? she asked softly, "I think my time might be fast approaching, and I could not be forgiven if I left without giving my last words to my twin."

[member="Joshua DragonsFlame"] [member="Razor Shot"]

 

[Felicity Mason]

[member="Vorhi Alestrani"] spoke to her just then. It caught the young woman off guard. She knew him well. He had taught her a lot, but over the years, she had chosen a different path. She'd ignored her abilities as best she could, afraid of what they could do, of what they showed her.
She kept her eyes on the sleeping infant in her arms.

"I had to adopt," she replied slowly, "Nobody else could take her in but me."

She remembered being a child. How often he would visit her mother. How he would sometimes play games with her. It was rare, but Felicity remembered it fondly.

"Master Alestrani..." she murmured, "Can I ask you something?"