The Gathering [Silver Jedi/Iron Empire]

[Vitha Na'iv]

Following behind her master Vitha stayed mostly quiet even through the speech. She was trying to figure out a way out of this. She'd been miserable on Midvinter, the action and battle had been a good distraction but she highly doubted a war would break out. Sighing the Avogwi turned to Arisa and, balancing on one leg, adjusted the saberstaff strapped just above her left foot with a talon.

"No chance of combat I suppose or anything dangerous? I'm going to get very bored otherwise." as she said this the bird started scanning over the others in the hanger. Mostly padawans, flight crews, and pilots. No serious military presence, no lizards to bother either. Her master clearly wasn't expecting a fight. "Also do they have proper food?"

 

[Kaden]

As Jairdain approached, Kaden's narrow eyes analysed and studied her. It would have likely seemed rude to anyone bearing witness, especially the woman herself, but Kaden meant nothing by it. It was natural in Sith culture, at least his ancient culture, to size up anyone new. He wasn't a master in reading people by any means, but her aura was anchored in the light side and she seemed quite fond of Yuroic.

After she introduced herself and flashed a smile, the Sith returned a very slight smirk in response.

"Kaden," the pureblood replied, holding out a crimson hand for a shake. "We should get our things and board the LAATs, we're departing soon."

With that, he gave Jairdain a curt nod and turned on his heel.

---

The pureblood sat in a crowded LAAT, still docked in Hangar B. A rather empty duffel bag adorned his lap and he'd changed into his armour. The exposed durasteel of his battle-scarred breastplate glinted dully in the light of the passenger hold, the amber glow of his eyes hidden behind closed eyelids. Every so often, a tendril on his chin twitched; the only sign that something was bothering the young Sith.

[member="Audren Sykes"] | [member="Kurayami Bloodborn"] | [member="Yuroic Xeraic"] | [member="Josh DragonsFlame"] | [member="Samara Galloway"] | [member="Arisa Yune"] | [member="Jairdain"] | [member="Vitha Sat-thuron"] | [member="Tempest Yore"] | [member="Ford Darkling"] | [member="Viathae Qarmast"] | [member="Caelag Vass"] | [member="Aster Rose Baelor"] | [member="Jakkor Kess"]​

 

[Jairdain]

As she said her name, Jairdain would extend her hand in a handshake to Kaden as that was her people's custom as well. She felt his gaze almost sizing her up, but did not take offense at it as it was the first time they met. His shake was firm and polite and he quickly broke contact with her after introducing himself and saying they should gather their things.

Jairdain was already prepared and boarded the shuttle that was there to take them to the surface. Being the first one aboard, she got her pick of seats and took one near the front and on the left side. She was confident she would sense or hear the people as they boarded the ship and hoped Yuroic would pick the spot next to for the journey down.

As she waited for the others to join her, she started humming some tunes to herself that she learned growing up. Why the inspiration to suddenly do this was beyond her, but if anybody was close enough to hear, they would not know the melody.

 

[Kurayami Bloodborn]

Kurayami heard the words 'short briefing' spoken by [member="Arisa Yune"] and forced himself to suppress a laugh. He had heard that plenty of times and then had to sit thorough multiple hour long briefings that covered every outcome that could be planned for. Thankfully this was not such an occasion, breathing a small sigh of relief, he scanned the area around him again, noting that [member="Audren Sykes"] had made an appearance, not long after his own, though he did inwardly curse himself for not flying his own ship here as insurance in case something went down. That wasn't overly important in the end, or at least hopefully it wouldn't be. He seemed far more intent on the A-10 LAAT's in the hangar than keeping track of the younglings. It was true that someone might scold him for such, but it was in his blood.

Making his way over to one of the craft he started to walk around it at a measured pace, looking over the entirety of the craft as he did so. Were he a mechanic this would not have been out of place, and in his mind it wasn't given his status as a pilot, even if he wasn't flying today so far as he knew. The overall design was the same as the ancient ones from centuries back, but it seemed that the weaponry, armor, and shielding were all nicely updated. He knew nothing as to the state of the sensors, targeting systems, or avionics and control packages as he had no information on those. He remembered flying these a few times during his tenure as a commando, the last time...well the last time had not ended well, to put it nicely. Still the memories brought a small smile from the man as he boarded the ship and took a seat in the middle of the craft near where the door would open upon landing.

[member="Kaden"], [member="Yuroic Xeraic"], [member="Jairdain"], [member="Ford Darkling"], [member="Tempest Yore"], [member="Viathae Qarmast"], [member="Caelag Vass"], [member="Aster Rose Baelor"], [member="Vitha Sat-thuron"], [member="Samara Galloway"]

 

[000]

It was then just as Ronin had done finish working thru the shuttles diagnostics when the call came in which he was directed to take the shuttle off planet. Which if anything peeks his interest given that he reckon he'd had still couple days to his suspension at the hangar bay. Steam from a previous stunt he pulled taking one the shuttle out for a joyride with a fellow apprentice in tow. And getting into quite a bit of trouble for it both for himself along with one the head hangar supervisor on the floor. But then again the call said it was urgent and it needed all able hands on deck. So he went with barely take the time gather enough of the particular of the mission other than the rendezvous point.

Which much to his surprise and sort bemusement was Illum......a place where he too had a bit of an amusing history with. Given he stow away and kinda crash in on the trip when he was not supposed to. Along with all the misadventure soon after it felt strange to find himself back here thought in a seem more official capacity so to speak. Given the task to assist in piloting one the shuttle for the mission down to the planet surface for the most part. And maybe if needed as he'd hope to get the chance to participate now that he'd hopefully proven himself able to handle himself in a more mature manner. Rather than the misguided youth that he initially was when he came back......

 

[Ford Darkling]

Ford found himself in a large room, hustling with people. His eyes jumped from person to person, trying to work out who were Jedi among the people and who were not. A security officer met eyes with him, and he quickly looked away, pulling his robes over his blasters. He did not want to draw any attention to himself.

Ford did not recognise any of the faces, nor did anyone strike him as a Jedi. He looked at Q7. His looked was met by a low buzz. He shook his head and walked over to one of the small vendors setup up in the corner of the room and bought a warm snack. He wasn’t sure what it was, but it was warm, which was enough.

“I guess we wait.” Ford mumbled to himself as he went to sit cross legged next to the vendor’s store.

 

[Eugen Aker]

With all questions taken, it was time to depart for the surface. Arisa would take the lead, being the first to exit the hangar on one of the A-10s she was piloting herself. The other gunships would soon follow and they would be off for the fortress.

As these models of LAAT were equipped with particle shielding, the ships could punch right through the atmosphere at high speeds with no worry about drag or minor collisions. While the gunships were screaming down planetside, none of the passengers would feel a thing with inertial dampeners engaged. Fortunately, none of them would be able to see the ground rushing toward them at Mach 5, either.

Within about 20 minutes, they would all be there, entering the private spaceport of the Iron Pantheon one by one. After the fleet of A-10s landed, All the Jedi and other passengers within would file out to exchange pleasantries with their IE counterparts and begin to settle into their quarters.

Arisa herself would go on to spend some quality time with Aster, catching up on events as they were both kept busy by their duties within their respective spheres. The Jedi Master had even been kind enough to bring with her some of those sweet flakey Cronuts that the Iron Princess so loved, all the gourmet pastries baked herself, kept perfectly preserved within stasis pods.

The afternoon would lead to a quiet but joyous evening as everyone found their own entertainment to enjoy before calling it a night. By early morning, Masters and Knights would start rounding up all the initiates and padawan after breakfast so they could all load up in the A-10s again. This time, their destination being the crystal caves nearby the Pantheon.

Kiribian scientists would be there to meet them at the head of the cave, a small station having been erected near the entrance. Arisa would quickly skip out of her A-10 to go converse with her fellow Kiribians for a bit while the other Jedi and Rangers would unload and split up to begin the Gathering with their respective pupils. Normally, she would have led Yuroic herself in the actual crystal gathering phase, but he had insisted he go do it with Jairdain. Before she was a Jedi, Arisa was still human, and could clearly see some chemistry growing between the two. A proponent for personal relationships, she just found the whole affair rather cute. So she let him do his thing, with the understanding that she would be the one to oversee the construction of his first lightsaber.

So that would probably leave her with Vitha, Kayda, and some other initiates without a master of their own. Aster should have been with her as well, but she wasn't sure if her friend was quite interested in gathering a crystal for herself. But anything could happen. During the Gathering, it wasn't so much about finding the right crystal, but rather the right one finding you. A lot of people couldn't understand why Jedi were often so deeply attached to their lightsabers, but that would be the reason. There was often a strong, intimate bond between a Jedi and their blade, an extension of themselves as they quite literally poured their essence into its construction.

[member="Vitha Sat-thuron"] [member="Ford Darkling"] [member="Tempest Yore"] [member="Jairdain"] [member="Audren Sykes"] [member="Viathae Qarmast"] [member="Caelag Vass"] [member="Kurayami Bloodborn"] [member="Aster Rose Baelor"] [member="Kaden"] [member="Yuroic Xeraic"] [member="Vitha Sat-thuron"] [member="Jakkor Kess"] [member="Ford Darkling"]

 

[WelshPsych]

Yuroic waited patiently as they headed towards the planet, the ride was smoother than he thought it could have been. He looked at the other Padawans that were going to the planet as well, most he hadn't met before, he was curious to see what was going to happen. Would they leave the same person they were when they arrived? He felt his fingers twitch nervously before they landed on the planet. He stepped out of the vehicle, pulling his cloak in tighter, colder than he thought it would be. And he thought it was going to be karking cold!

He watched as the others gathered with his Master, then looked over to Jairdain. He was glad that Arisa had let them do this together, he didn't feel confident in having to face whatever was in there with all those strangers watching him. What if he roamed around the caves forever, never finding whatever he was meant to during the gathering. The thought tug deep at him as he shook himself of the cold and nodded to Jairdain to head inside. He wandered in, nodding to Kaden as they past. He looked around the cave as he approached, he wasn't sure what he would end up finding within the cave but he knew that he was going to do it.

Thanks for joining me Jairdain, not sure what I'm suppose to be looking for around here but not going to let that stop me now. There was some steel behind his words, he was growing more determined every day to become stronger and better.

Yuroic slowly walked into the cave and took a left, he felt that it was the right way to go. He could hear a whisper of a voice, it sounded familiar but he couldn't tell who it was. He wandered through the cave, carefully listening out for the voice as it drew him closer and closer to it. Do you hear that voice Jairdain? It sounds so recognisable but I can't remember where from... He walked on, his hand close to his practice saber. He didn't like the way that this was going. There was a bad feeling in his gut.

[member="Arisa Yune"] | [member="Jairdain"] | [member="Kaden"]

 

[Jairdain]

Jairdain was fully aware of what the weather was going to be like and the same as the day before, she was dressed for it. She nodded to the other Jedi politely, but looked for Yurioc. He got off his transport and she walked over to him with a large and friendly smile. Her eyes would show more, if somebody looked into them.

Since they had met, their relationship with each other was sealed. A friendship at first, a bond had been formed that day. Friendship had turned into companionship, they did almost everything together. At functions, they had formed a working relationship and that allowed them to get to know a different facet of themselves.

She felt honored he had asked her to accompany him in this gathering. Jairdain had faced this alone when it was her time and knew just how important this was in the evolution of a Jedi.

Taking his arm as they walked into the cave, Jairdain listened to what Yuroic was saying and nodded with a smile.

"Just imagine how I felt! Going in blind so to speak."

Her voice was full of humor and she was smiling. They walked slowly and she knew of an upcoming test, it was different for everybody so when Yuroic pulled away from her, she let him go. This was not something she could face with him, he had to go alone. However, she would give him as much support as she could.

"I'm sorry, Yuroic, the voice you hear is for your ears only. This is your test, my love."

It was the first time, she had spoken that word, but deep inside, she knew it was true. His test had begun and Jairdain did not know if he even heard her speak.

[member="Yuroic Xeraic"]

 

[Samara Galloway]

- [member="Arisa Yune"] -​

For the most part Samara stood out of sight of the other Jedi gathering. She observed each individual interaction, drawing her own conclusions concerning the success of this trial. Though Samara herself had never participated in a ritual like this, until now, she had spent many hours within the archives learning all she could. The master had even endured a sith version, though it was far more deadlier then anything the Jedi would force their own to endure. Still she had her misgivings about this group.

Most Jedi younglings that participated in The Gathering did so after years of preparation. The same could not be said about everyone here. Samara approached Arisa as they boarded the A-10. “Master Yune, are you sure that everyone is ready for what they may experience down there?”

 

[Vitha Na'iv]

Vitha was an unusual sight, a silver thermal blanket had been wrapped around her body but kept her wings on top. The mixture of orange and silver stood out against the whiteness of the snow creating a bit of an eyesore. All this was in addition to her visibly shivering.

She'd turned up the heating unit in the blanket to maximum but that only kept her main body warm, her head and wings still felt the full force of the cold. If her eyes were built to cry they would but seeing as an Avogwi's body was meant to preserve as much water as possible she lacked tear ducts. The only real good news was her bare legs and feet didn't have much blood flowing through them so she was decently safe from freezing.

Turning to Arisa, Vitha clacked her beak in annoyance. "So I just have to find a crystal when I get inside? I don't have to do anything special for it do I because I highly doubt I can stand another ten minutes outside in this cold without killing someone." Tone a bit more angry then she meant it to be Vitha began realising just how annoyed she was. With no combat to get her blood pumping and having to be decently nice when interacting with their hosts she was starting to get to the end of her patience.

[member="Arisa Yune"]

 

[000]

Vitha Sat-thuron Ford Darkling Tempest Yore Jairdain Audren Sykes Viathae Qarmast Caelag Vass Kurayami Bloodborn Aster Rose Baelor KadenYuroic Xeraic Vitha Sat-thuron Jakkor Kess ​

​

It by then seem been such a simple task as much one might think it mundane. That he found himself back here and memories of what little past he could have recover thus far along with new one he'd made upon his return. Came flood back in his mind that it elicited a faint smirk on his face. As he walks amongst those gather who at best seem oblivious to his present. Perhaps think him no more that simply as one the ground crew or such as for all intention purposes. He did not exhibit nor look appear anything as one would assume a Jedi would. Cloth in the way he was and acting so nonchalant at best on top of which make good use of the training he'd earn thus far. With those few a Master he'd been fortunately been in contact with or had gotten the chance to train under. Did well to compliment the harsh lesson learned while on his own out on the streets. That he'd hoped well to work conceal himself within their midst.....

For despite the times he'd spent here amidst the Jedi and the Silver. Trust as was much being open to others he'd just met or come into contact was not so easy. As there were still old wounds deep not seen that yet had heal and mistrust due to things he had yet to fully know or understand linger. At any case care not to linger on such thought and instead turn his focuse to the task at hand. He set about moving forward prepare the ship to take on passengers head planet side. Which as far he could fathom seem rang the who gamut of individuals ....master with their apprentice, Jedi on their own and include a few familiar face he'd met once before. One of which was a seem familiar massive wing individual.


And so it then didn't take long for them be on their way which incidentally was head down to the planet surface he knew once before. That being of Illum as slight chuckle escape his lip reminiscing in his mind something in the past. When he was but newly starting his way back as a Jedi. How out curiosity and guile that he snuck into one the transport ship head here.And with it the memory of the incident in the cave of which involved a certain crystal. That for once reason or another caught his fancy to maybe check out if he could once they got top side. Seeing although he'd been putt it off for quite some time he reckon try his hand at finishing rebuilding the saber he'd had with him. Which as far he could see had been at best put together well enough that the only thing missing from it was. A crystal.....

 

[WelshPsych]

Yuroic was lost in his mind. He hadn't even realised the test had begun. He hadn't heard Jairdain's claim of love, falling into a deep trance. Within the trance Yuroic couldn't tell that he was dreaming, to him nothing had changed and he was still in the cave searching for the body that belonged to the voice. He looked back as he realised that Jairdain hadn't answered him, but she was gone. Had she left him? Why? He called out to her but there was no answer. The cave was silent. Only the calling of the mysterious voice could be heard.

Why would she go? I trusted her... No, no she wouldn't just leave. Where is she? Yuroic's thoughts were sporadic and he held his head, lost and confused. He couldn't think on what to do. The voice taunting him as it continued to call out.

Who are you?! What do you want from me?! Yuroic shouted out as he ran his fingers through his hair, he felt like he was going mad.

Don't you recognise me boy? The voice was closer, sinister in tone. Yuroic shivered. It came back to him, hitting him hard as he realised who it was.

Ti'Mihaj. His former master. The blue skinned Twi'lek moved into sight, his red eyes fixated on Yuroic who was now paralysed in fear. Fear and anger were the only emotions he could feel when seeing the man who tortured him. Ti'Mihaj laughed as he saw Yuroic, which caused him to blush and look down in shame.

Trying to be a Jedi boy? What a fool you are! You are nothing, NOTHING! The Twi'lek shouted at him. Yuroic stood there, taking the words to heart, it cut deeper than any sword could. This man, monster, was here and he was ridiculing Yuroic.

No. You, you can't be here. This can't be real. Jairdain! Jairdain, help me! Yuroic cried out as he attempted to move, he slapped his head trying to wake himself up.

She's gone. Left you like everyone else. Why would she want to be around a piece of dirt like you? The twi'lek smoked a deathstick as he walked slowly around Yuroic.

No, she's different. She wouldn't do that. She cares about me. I love her. Yuroic confessed as he watched Ti'Mihaj move around.

Ha! Love. You don't love her. You can't love. You are nothing but an ungrateful slave boy. A failure, certainly not a Jedi. Yuroic closed his eyes and tried to will the man away but it didn't work.

Instead he grabbed his practice saber and flung it was the slaver, who vanished in a puff of smoke just before the saber would hit him. Yuroic fell to his knees and cried hard. What torture place had Arisa brought him to. Perhaps Ti'Mihaj was right. Maybe he couldn't be a Jedi. This just seemed too hard. Too much for him to deal with.

[member="Jairdain"]

 

[Aster Rose Baelor]

Aster's face flushed a rosy shade of red as Caelag addressed her by her title. "You have thanked me more than enough," the blonde-haired girl turned to look at the miraluka. "Be loyal to the Iron Empire, and protect our people - that all I will ever request of you in return," she spoke with a stern tone clearly trying to imitate her uncle – a man she greatly respected.

“How have you been enjoying your time in the Iron Empire so far, Miss Ayla?” Aster teased the woman, her expression softening as she spoke. “Only good experiences I hope,” she smiled as the Silver Jedi fleet landed.

Greeted by her friend [member="Arisa Yune"], Aster caught up with the Jedi, and introduced [member="Caelag Vass"] who had accompanied her to the woman. After an afternoon of cronuts, conversations, and tea, the princess excused herself and retired to her private quarters until the early morning when those gifted with the Force would make their way towards Ilum's crystal caves.

Escorted by the Wolfsglaive in a private speeder, Aster met up with the Jedi who had arrived at the crystal caves ahead of her. Unsure as to whether she wished to participate in the gathering, the blonde-haired teenage followed the Jedi and watched as they partook in the event.

[member="Yuroic Xeraic"] - [member="Ronin Wendigo"] - [member="Vitha Sat-thuron"] - [member="Samara Galloway"] - [member="Jairdain"] - [member="Ford Darkling"] - [member="Ronin Wendigo"] - [member="Kurayami Bloodborn"] - [member="Kaden"]​

 

[Caelag Vass]

Caelag blushed in turn when the princess used her pseudonym, the identity she had used as a school teacher up until she had been convinced to join the Iron Empire. A fortunate change of events that day had lead to the two of them fending off pirates that had come for the very antique she used for a weapon.

A strange day that had been.. "The men under my command respect my position and we serve proudly. I couldn't ask for much more."[tcolor] She operated almost entirely on her capability to perform as a soldier. It was hardly strange for her to equate her time there with the level of service she could preform.

She spent much of the afternoon anf evening with Aster, meeting and politely conversing with Arisa as the night went on. She retired for the night shortly after Aster excused herself, thinking it important she be awake and well for when they all headed off for the caves.

She was fully armored and geared when they left in the morning, with the addition of her cloak to compensate for the missing helmet. She made her way to a speeder, one that had just enough room for herself and her gear, and met with everyone there. She intended to run as a vague sort of security, venturing into the caves only if she was ordered to or believed she had to go protect someone.

Of course who knew how it would go? Things worked strangely when the force was at work.

[member="Arisa Yune"] - [member="Yuroic Xeraic"] - [member="Ronin Wendigo"] - [member="Vitha Sat-thuron"] - [member="Samara Galloway"] - [member="Jairdain"] - [member="Ford Darkling"] - [member="Ronin Wendigo"] - [member="Kurayami Bloodborn"] - [member="Kaden"] - [member="Aster Rose Baelor"]

 

[Kurayami Bloodborn]

Kurayami knew well the reputation of the Crystal Caves of Ilum. The nexus that was present tended to test any who decided to venture within, and somehow this helped the one being tested find a crystal that was calling to them...it made no sense to him. He spent the relatively short hop down to the surface combing the Holonet and any other sources he could find for more details about Ilum and what those who entered the caves could expect. He himself had never gone in the caves as part of this gathering ceremony, and from what he heard that may have been for the best. If Korriban were any indication of what could be expected then it most likely was. His left hand rested on the hilt hanging on his hip, not making any motion to remove it. It would seem to a casual observer that he was only making sure he hadn't left it behind. And they would have been partially right.

There was a slgiht bump as the landing struts came into contact with the ground followed soon after by the doors opening. The sensation of stepping onto the world was one he remembered, but not in any manner that would be described as 'fondly.' The exact details were hazy in his mind but he knew that he had been here before for...something. The question now was what. Also why could he not remember? It couldn't have been that bad could it? Was this where the accident with the gunship had happened? Something with his old merc crew? Jenni? Raylia? His eyebrows furrowed and he shook his head, trying to banish the questions running through his mind. He knew that the answer was somewhere here, where exactly would remain to be seen.

While everyone else was celebrating the upcoming ceremony, he took the time to find a secluded space and work on his saber skills. While he was well versed with a blade, he knew that he could always grow and refine his skills. The viridian blade sprang to life with a familiar hum as he started working through the motions of Shien, before moving into the equally aggressive Djem-so. The motions of Djem-so were clearly more foreign to him than those of Shien, but it could be seen that he had at least some practice in the style.

He paid no mind to the temperature around him as time wore on, he simply kept himself open to the Force, maintaining an almost meditative state as he trained. Eventually when everyone began to retire to prepare for the next day, he decided that for now at least, he had done all he could. It had helped clear his mind of other things and gave him a solid outlet for the aggression brought on by being so close to another hazy memory from his past. He would worry about the answer tomorrow, for now it was time to rest.

[member="Arisa Yune"], [member="Yuroic Xeraic"], [member="Ronin Wendigo"], [member="Vitha Sat-thuron"], [member="Samara Galloway"], [member="Jairdain"], [member="Ford Darkling"], [member="Kaden"], [member="Aster Rose Baelor"], [member="Caelag Vass"]

 

[000]

Vitha Sat-thuron Ford Darkling Tempest Yore Jairdain Audren Sykes Viathae Qarmast Caelag Vass Kurayami Bloodborn Aster Rose Baelor KadenYuroic Xeraic Vitha Sat-thuron Jakkor Kess

It was then once the shuttle had landed and much if not all the passengers had departed that Ronin jump off himself. As the nagging thought lingers in his mind in regards to the incident in the Illum cave and the crystal in the past. So young and reckless as he was back then sneak in to come uninvited and unintentionally harvesting a crystal before it would been his time to do so. But then again he did his best return the crystal back and not thought of it since that is until his return now. At any case once his feet touch the planet frigid surface that the thought occurred to him maybe check it out. Thinking if it was his fate to have them it should not be a problem for him find them again despite really having no idea where exactly it was.

So pick moving ahead he came make his way towards the cave.....and seem to note that other seem gone ahead and leaving but a few seem still lingering by the cave entrance. At which time, he figured join in and work his way into the cave himself...

 

[WelshPsych]

So this was his test. His past was literally coming back to haunt him. Yuroic took a deep breath, he had to steady his nerves if he wanted to continue and not let fear dictate his actions, like it had when he threw his weapon. He stared at the saber, it was on the floor, Yuroic walked over to the weapon picking it up. He inspected its handle. The saber was meant to look and feel like a lightsaber would, hopefully after this test he was going to get his own. Yuroic lifted the practice saber, balancing the weight of it in his hand. Was this truly the weapon he wanted to hold? Was he possibly going to use something different?

Later. Worry about that after grabbing the crystal. Yuroic chastised himself. He was never in the moment as he needed to be. His thoughts were drawn so often to the past, to the future that he left the present unnoticed.

He continued into the cave and noticed a flicker of a shadow moving in the distance. He steeled himself, he knew that there was going to be danger ahead and that it was likely linked to his past. This was biggest fear when entering the cave, some form of test involving his past. He wondered if everyone else was facing their past. Or perhaps it was just because this was his biggest weakness currently.

A voice called out. Softer than Ti'Mihaj, female in tone. Yuroic sharply inhaled as he realised who the voice belonged to. Knowing this was all about his past, he knew it wouldn't be Jairdain like he wished it was.

Yuroic. Yuroic dear, come here. We want to help you. Yuroic's fist clenched tight. His body was on edge. He hadn't heard that deceptively kind tone in decades. The voice of the woman who sold him. Used him for credits, gave him false hope in the form of a possible family.

No. No. You abandoned me. Left me to that wretched Twi'lek! He shouted, he could feel the tears leaking down his face as his anger boiled hotly. Why? Why couldn't you just stay? Look after me, love me!

He turned around the bend of the tunnel he was following. There they stood, the family of four, two boys and their parents. We needed to leave the planet. It was for our own good. We didn't know what he would do. How could we?

I... Doesn't change the fact you sold me like I was not human! Hesitation had him faltered briefly but he stood by his anger, the misery he felt for years was because of them.

Does being sorry, regretful for our actions mean nothing? Isn't forgiveness meant to be a Jedi way? The female was the voice to be heard but all of the family's mouths moved in sink with the words.

Yuroic bit his bottom lip as he remembered that Jedi were meant to be humble and forgiving to even those who do harm unto them. Do think you know the Jedi and their ways! I'm a Padawan not you!

But we are you Yuroic. They then vanished into mist as Yuroic was left stunned by their words. They were him, at least his memories, his thoughts and it was giving him more and more to think on after this was all over.

[member="Jairdain"]

 

[Jairdain]

As Yuroic moved further into the caverns, Jairdain knew he was still in his trance. If she wanted to communicate with him, it would be impossible.

His trial was different than hers, he faced a challenge of his own. She felt his emotions rise and fall as she followed him. If there was nothing she could do to help him through this at least she could keep him from harm from any outside source.

Staying close that if something were to happen, she would be there to protect him. Jairdain was far enough away that if he stopped, turned around or lashed out, he would not touch her.

Remembering her own trail here, she took care to make sure no little spiders found her again. She had no idea what would happen to her if that occurred again nor did she know if those were what brought on his vision. This was a different part of the cave system, so she didn't think that was the case. Besides, he wasn't getting wrapped up in webbing.

Chuckling a little, she followed her love on his own personal quest to find the crystal that called to him.

[member="Yuroic Xeraic"]

 

[Kaden]

The evening before the excursion was a quiet one for Kaden, who chose to explore the compound in solitary adventure. He'd never come across the Iron Empire before and chose to observe how they operated and conducted themselves. Additionally, he found himself gazing into the storms of Ilum through many a window. The climate was so different to what he was used to, so alien. The pureblood had not seen snow until he was eighteen, so to witness it now in multitudes of blizzards was quite something. There was a calm to be witnessed in its chaos.

The next day, he exchanged brief pleasantries with the other Jedi on board the LAAT en-route to the caves. The small talk was shallow, though, the pureblood seemed to be preoccupied with his own thoughts.

Upon landing, he departed into the howling weather of Ilum, protected only by his robes and what little insulation his armour provided. Snow crunched underfoot as the Sith made his way towards Arisa; his guide in the absence of Thurion.

"Arisa," he greeted her, rather informally. Behind his gaze was apprehension -- an uncertainty of what he was about to experience.

[member="Jairdain"] | [member="Yuroic Xeraic"] | [member="Ronin Wendigo"] | [member="Kurayami Bloodborn"] | [member="Caelag Vass"] | [member="Aster Rose Baelor"] | [member="Vitha Sat-thuron"] | [member="Samara Galloway"] | [member="Arisa Yune"] | [member="Ford Darkling"]​