Private The Ties That Bind

[Heinrich Faust]

Heinrich Faust: Grand Marshal of the Ashlan Crusade

Location: The Golden Forest, Ession

Tags: Oraada Laabre

Theme

Heinrich took a deep breath as he entered the Golden Forest, taking in the warmth of his surroundings as he stood within this holy place. He had been spending a considerable amount of time here lately, taking time to seek clarity within its blessed aura. His encounter with the strange man on Pho Ph'eah had left him feeling unsettled, as if a greater darkness was on the horizon, and the unknown future involving that darkness was something that made the Grand Marshal quite uneasy. Thankfully, he had been able to find solace in his home.

He had sent an invitation to Oraada to meet him here some time ago, as he had wished to see her once again. The pair had spent a considerable amount of time together, and the Grand Marshal had enjoyed every second of it. Despite those moments of happiness, Heinrich had begun to notice that Oraada had been acting odd. He couldn't put his finger on it... in truth, he wasn't even sure that she noticed. In an effort to find out what was troubling her, Heinrich had offered to meet her here, in hopes that perhaps the blessed aura of the forest would put her mind at ease.

He quite cared for her, after all. She had been a rock for him in his darkest moments, having given him her montral ornament as a keepsake during the battle for Tython. It was that ornament that kept him sane when the very fabric of reality had been shattered, and it was the thought of seeing her again that kept him alive when facing the very face of evil itself. For that, he couldn't thank her enough...

Now he would return the favor by helping her through whatever it was that was troubling her.

 

[Oraada Laabre]

Oraada Laabre, Ashlan Crusader

Jedi Knight​

Objective: Meet with Heinrich Faust
Location: The Golden Forest, Ession
Thread Partners: Heinrich Faust

​

Things were getting out of hand. From nightmares to strange, yet not unfamiliar lines of thought, it seemed that the darkness Oraada feared was encroaching upon her. It made her wonder how long it'd be until someone ran their lightsaber through her. How long until Heinrich was the one holding the blade. The Togruta shook her head. No, he would never. The Ashlans preached redemption and light in all things. Even if she was thinking about forbidden subjects, there could still be salvation. Unless, of course, her purity of heart was all an illusion.

Getting an invitation from Heinrich was always a pleasant surprise, although part of her had worried he wouldn't care enough to ask. These days, there were more important matters to attend to in the Galaxy. Wars, devastation, and the Maw. All of it was more important. Still, she had to take what was given and see him. Oraada knew she was probably holding on too tight; after all, while hybrids weren't an impossibility, he was certain to find a nice human woman at some point. Someone who could continue his legacy untarnished. Or so she assumed.

As she stepped into the area and sighted the golden gleam of Heinrich's head, a smile pulled at her lips. "Glad to see you in one piece," she joked more casually than she should have. "You wanted to see me, though?" Oraada asked, wondering if there was something he needed. After all, he had been the one to ask her to be on reserve at the Temple. Perhaps... perhaps it was time to get out there again?

Or maybe...

Her eyes glanced down at the bracelet on her wrist.

Maybe it was the sting of rejection, waiting.

 

[Heinrich Faust]

Heinrich Faust: Grand Marshal of the Ashlan Crusade

Location: The Golden Forest, Ession

Tags: Oraada Laabre

Theme

Heinrich smiled as Oraada approached. For all of the darkness and death in the galaxy, she had a strange way of bringing that smile out of him. Even though they had things to discuss, he would allow them a moment of peace before diving into the matter. He took a step forward, his demeanor calm and his voice soft.

"Yeah, I was one of the lucky ones..."

His voice trailed off for a moment as he spoke of the fallen on Tython. So many brave souls extinguished in a single day. Sure, they had been successful at stopping the insane plan of Solipsis, but at what cost? The experience had hit Heinrich hard, sending him into a self-exile for some time on Ossus. It had taken time to heal, and it was only when he had left the planet with Eina to spend time with her and Geiseric that he was able to get his mind right. Since he had returned to Ession, Heinrich had his mind set on helping others get through their struggles as he had, especially those he truly cared about.

Reaching into his pocket, Heinrich pulled Oraada's montral ornament from it, offering it to her.

"This kept me from losing hope. When the very fabric of reality had crumbled around us, and all seemed lost, you were there keeping me from giving up."

He placed the ornament in her hand, enclosing her fingers around it and holding his hand on hers.

"Thank you, Oraada."

As he spoke her name, Heinrich turned toward the rest of the Golden Forest, looking forth into its endless beauty as he motioned forth.

"Will you join me for a walk? The Golden Forest is quite beautiful this time of year."

He said it partially in jest, as the Golden Forest was beautiful year around. But Heinrich would attempt to keep the mood light as best as he could, despite the fact that she could likely tell that something was on his mind.

 

[Oraada Laabre]

Oraada Laabre, Ashlan Crusader

Jedi Knight​

Objective: Meet with Heinrich Faust
Location: The Golden Forest, Ession
Thread Partners: Heinrich Faust

​

What was the saying? The brightest smiles often hid the greatest pains? For Oraada, it was simply a part of her that she denied, both in acknowledgement and feeling. But to see Heinrich so rattled, it made her feel worse. She wished so dearly to dive in and make everything better within his heart, but she settled for an understanding look.

"I heard about how horrible the battle was. I can only thank Ashla for bringing you back to me," she nearly whispered.

There was no use thinking about the insane loss of life. They would be with Ashla now, had they proven pure. There was little doubt they did, of course. Why would she doubt that? Nonetheless, many Sith went down as well. The Bogan had taken a blow, which was momentous. Yet, looking at Heinrich's haunted expression, it made her want to march into Maw space and force all of them to surrender. A wild fantasy, certainly, but someone had to pay for all this harm. Was that hot anger trying to bubble up through the cracks in her porcelain body, glazed over with her deep tan and white markings? Like a good Jedi, she did her best to push it back down. Just like she always had.

When she saw the ornament still fully in tact, there was a light gasp. Gingerly, her mottled hands cupped around it like it could break at any moment.

"I..." Oraada said, speechless past that first sound. "You kept it with you, through everything. I'm thankful that it helped you so much. You deserve so much happiness and peace... I wanted to give you something that would keep that in your mind."

When it was thrust into her hands, his pale digits encircling hers like a fortress, there was such a genuine smile.

And as he thanked her, turning to the Golden Forest as though he might disappear into it, there was a flutter. The Togruta nodded without a hint of hesitation.

"Of course. But it's even better with you in it. I think that's the secret ingredient," she teased back.

Inevitably, the two of them began their romp through the Golden Forest like two songbirds who, despite their affinity, were still a little scared to sing. Nonetheless, she kept close.

"It's easy to forget to have these little moments, isn't it?" Oraada asked, seemingly randomly. "With the fate of the Galaxy on the line, restorations to do, and futures to secure... it's so easy to forget what makes life worth it. People you care about."

 

[Heinrich Faust]

Heinrich Faust: Grand Marshal of the Ashlan Crusade

Location: The Golden Forest, Ession

Tags: Oraada Laabre

Theme

Heinrich sensed the frustration within Oraada as he spoke of Tython, yet chose to refrain from bringing it up for now. For now... he just wished to enjoy her company. His hands continued to enclose hers, his gaze never leaving her own as she spoke of the ornament.

"It kept you with me, and that was what got me through it. You see, Ession is my home. I wanted so badly to see it again. I wished to walk the halls of the temple with my friends, and to get back to some semblance of normal, if only for a moment. But the thing that I was the most worried of losing was the opportunity to see you again."

As they began to walk, Heinrich found himself feeling much like he did when they spent their evening together upon the balcony of the temple. The familiar warmth of the first glimpse of the sun over the horizon, or the first sip of a hot drink on a cold stormy night. Comfort... home...

He allowed himself a chuckle at her teasing remark, never letting go of her hand as they waltzed through the beauty of the Golden Forest. Their steps were light, and Heinrich found himself lost in the moment, taking a bit to simply take in the smallest of details of their surroundings.

"Indeed... with all of the chaos among the stars, it is sometimes easy to forget exactly what we are fighting for."

A quick look was shot over to Oraada, implying that he was walking next to that very thing he fought for. A brighter future for all, but also a future for the two of them. The Grand Marshal wished for a day that he could... settle down? Such a strange thought for a man who had experienced so much pain and darkness in his life. Yet, there the thought remained, lingering in the back of his mind as he continued attempting a shred of optimism.

Soon, his steps slowed, the smile slowly drifting from his face as he once again looked into Oraada's eyes.

"You know... I thought that I had lost Geiseric and Eina on Tython. And I would have, had Ashla not saw fit to bring them back in the final moments of the battle..."

A brief pause followed as Heinrich slightly choked on his words.

"I realized in those moments that there are those that I do not wish to lose... and in truth, it was your face that remained in the forefront of those thoughts..."

A deep breath... and the Grand Marshal managed to regain his composure.

"How are you, Oraada? I can't help but to feel as if something is troubling you."

Well, there it was, the moment of shedding the guise of unhindered happiness and addressing reality. Heinrich's smile returned, though this time holding the slightest hint of concern. There was something disturbing Oraada, though he knew not the source. He simply hoped that he could find a way to help, even if it meant having a difficult conversation in the process.

 

[Oraada Laabre]

Oraada Laabre, Ashlan Crusader

Jedi Knight​

Objective: Meet with Heinrich Faust
Location: The Golden Forest, Ession
Thread Partners: Heinrich Faust

​

"I only wish I could have been there in person," Oraada lamented. "You made it through, but every moment without word... it was difficult. I know not if it would have made anything better, seeing as Ashla's plan saw it fit to lead us to this moment, yet... hind sight is perfect in comparison to the hazy picture of the future, isn't it?"

There wasn't really an opportunity to clasp the little ornament back into place. Ever since handing it off to Heinrich, she'd not put anything in its place. It was an act of solidarity and a reminder that Heinrich was not someone who could be replaced. No one was. But knowing that the trinket was clasped between their hands, that was truly something else. A symbol of some union that was on the verge of glory or ruin. Whichever came first.

The forest helped the mood, glittering in its beauty around them. It made her wonder how anyone could want to destroy planets like these. Tython, Csilla... any one world at all. They were all beautiful and full of life.

It was almost surprising to hear that, in spite of many planets in need of defense, it was her who inspired his gallantry.

"And you're fighting for... oh. You're smooth." A small smirk pulled at her lips. Far be it from her to comment. Yes, she had her insecurities, but she also knew that he wasn't a liar. Heinrich was an honest man, sometimes painfully so. It assuaged some of her fear of being abandoned.

Part of her even fluttered despite the amount of time they'd known each other. It was like a fresh spark of flame every single time. Not quite passion, but friendly warmth. When he moved on in subject, becoming more serious, she wiped the smirk in time with his loss of mirth. If he was hurting, she wanted to comfort him. Yet there was a sneaking suspicion that something else was looming around the corner of sincere, if a little honeyed, words.

Before she knew it, they had almost entirely frozen in place. When he looked, she wondered, what did he see in her eyes? Something comforting... or something worrisome?

"That... I hadn't realized that they were almost lost like that. I've always thought of you three being cloaked in such holiness that nothing would rip your lives away before your times..." she murmured. Still, when he paused, her breath caught. "Truly?"

Now was the time for honesty, but all she wanted to do was run, lie, or disappear into the aether.

"I can't explain it, not easily. It's this creeping dread of something. Is it the unknown? Is it uncertainty? It's difficult to say. I feel like the answer is so simple, but it's also elusive."

A sigh escaped.

"Someone once said something to me. First, it was a person I trusted who abused that trust in her attempts to gain power. Then, it was someone I met in passing who, I'm sure meant well, asked... difficult questions. 'Why do you act the way you do, Ashlan?'" Oraada said, mimicking the voice of the woman. "It was a dissection of belief. I'm almost... afraid to think about it."

 

[Heinrich Faust]

Heinrich Faust: Grand Marshal of the Ashlan Crusade

Location: The Golden Forest, Ession

Tags: Oraada Laabre

Theme

"You were there, even if not physically. You never left my side, despite the light-years between us in those moments."

He never let go of her hand as he spoke, as if he would hold on to her for ages to come. And perhaps he would... was that the thought of a future he was having? A future for him... no, for them? The thought of a life beyond war and clashing against the Bogan was so strange to the Grand Marshal. He had been on this road for so, so incredibly long, that he had almost forgotten to think of what would come after. Perhaps it was because, at times, there seemed to be no end in sight. Yet, the hope seemed to find its way into his mind, opening him to an endless sea of possibilities.

A chuckle followed at he comment about his apparent smoothness. Her playful tone was a comfort to him. Somehow, Oraada had a tendency to make him feel more relaxed, shedding at least some of that usually stoic demeanor that seemed to follow him wherever he went. Despite this, the moments of loss felt on Tython still held some sway over him, forcing a bit of a sigh from him as Oraada spoke.

"Yeah... it was... not easy. One of the New Sith cut them both down. Such a terrible man, filled with such hatred. If Ashla hadn't seen fit to bring them both back, I am not sure that I would be okay right now."

He listened intently as she attempted to explain what had been going on. Still elusive, yet there were the beginnings of a conversation, which was more than Heinrich could have asked for.

"Many things are uncertain in the galaxy these days. I know I have had similar feelings in the past, no matter what image I put on for others."

His free hand moved to her shoulder, gently placing it on her as he did his best to comfort her.

"Do you feel as if your faith is shaken?"

It was a tough question, but if Heinrich was going to help her, he would likely have to ask more than a few of them.

 

[Oraada Laabre]

Oraada Laabre, Ashlan Crusader

Jedi Knight​

Objective: Meet with Heinrich Faust
Location: The Golden Forest, Ession
Thread Partners: Heinrich Faust

​

Oh, how she wanted to believe that sentiment. Moral support was good and all, but it felt so hollow in comparison to action. Still, she wasn't the greatest duelist to ever exist. What if she hurt Heinrich more by falling in battle? Regardless of that possible alternate reality, she smiled. It was such a sweet thing to say.

Despite all the promises of an eternity after each passing moment, cascading in a chain of connectedness and mirth, there was still that warped perception that it could all crumble in a single blow. Oraada knew she wanted to spend her life with someone-- no, she wanted to spend it with Heinrich-- but there would always be that terror in regards to loss. It had happened once. Would it happen again? Hope clashed with fear, each emotion chasing the counterpart in the endless cycle within. But if they had each other, than any one good thing was possible. She had to believe it.

There was something about the way Heinrich laughed. Like tickling a loth-cat into a purr. Such a temperamental creature showing its soft spot for the right individual. Yet, like any being that lived long enough, Heinrich had his fair share of guilt and weights of contrition. Such was life for sentients. They not only had emotions and drives, but long memories that could be colored by complex thought.

Her brow, marked by little tan gaps in her mostly white upper face, furrowed with worry. She didn't have much of a comment that hadn't already been said plenty of times prior. It was bad, very bad, what the New Sith did. It was just that extra sting that it was someone so close to either of them. Someone so strong and righteous.

As he tried to show his sympathy, something echoed in the back of her mind. It professed a deep-seated anxiety. You will never be half the Jedi-- half the person-- Heinrich is.

"It's hard to believe someone like you could be shaken in such a way," Oraada said softly.

Then the blonde's hand met the shoulder where the skin was exposed. The electric current from each of them met right there, holding them together like magnetized metal.

"Perhaps. I'm not sure. One of the examples that woman used was... a child. If excessive emotion, such as anger, is evil... do we punish those unable to control it for reasons that aren't their fault? I don't think any of us would harm a child, but it's the principle of where justified violence is appropriate, I suppose."

Another avoidant look.

"How much blood is necessary? Once the Maw is defeated for good, where next do we look?"

 

[Heinrich Faust]

Heinrich Faust: Grand Marshal of the Ashlan Crusade

Location: The Golden Forest, Ession

Tags: Oraada Laabre

Theme

"We all have our weaknesses... myself most of all."

The failures of his past had been a constant nightmare from which he could not wake, yet in recent months, he had finally found a way to enjoy the waking world around him. As if waking up from a long, grueling coma, the Grand Marshal had finally began things anew. Well, for the most part. There would always be remnants of those demons haunting him, but for now, he would find solace in how far he had come.

"I don't have the luxury of showing such weakness on most occasions. There are many that expect strength from the Grand Marshal, and many look to me when we are staring down the Bogan in battle. In truth, you are one of the few who has really seen me, Oraada."

A faint smile returned as he spoke her name. She tended to have that effect on him, even in the moments he was meant to be Grand Marshal. Yet, he found the smile fading once again, the look of concern showing itself once again as he let his hand fall to his side.

"These darksiders are not children. They are sick, infected by the most terrible of ailments. If we could save them, then we would. But some are not willing to be saved, and the innocent suffer due to the continued spread of their blight."

He caught himself, noticing that the Grand Marshal was starting to come out of him, and he didn't wish for it to be so... not around her. He turned toward a nearby bench, leaning forward on it as he took a deep breath.

"In truth, I don't know. There's just such an insurmountable amount of darkness within the galaxy. I am not sure that we will even see the end of it in our lifetimes..."

Another deep breath followed as he turned to face her again, his voice growing soft and comforting once again as his body relaxed once again.

"But we must keep fighting nonetheless. We have to hold on, for every single individual that will suffer if we don't. And yes, doubt is inevitable, but it is also fleeting so long as we hold onto what we know is real."

His final comment was followed by Heinrich taking her hand in his once again, signaling that he wasn't only talking about their faith.

 

[Oraada Laabre]

Oraada Laabre, Ashlan Crusader

Jedi Knight​

Objective: Meet with Heinrich Faust
Location: The Golden Forest, Ession
Thread Partners: Heinrich Faust

​

It felt treacherous to contest him on his very character. Where Heinrich showed vulnerability and soft spots, Oraada was determined to maintain the illusion that he was unshakeable. Yet the truth was as apparent as the rise of the sun on a planet's horizons. Still, it was difficult to accept that even someone as strong as Heinrich could be brought low. If he was susceptible to the ravages of sorrow and time, then what did that make others? What did that make her?

"I.... I'm sorry for treating you as they do. Invincible, infallible, and like someone that I should lean on without providing that service in turn," she said. "Even if you have weaknesses, you are beautiful when you loosen up. When you smile, when you laugh... it's a bright spot in the darkness of war and strife. I just hope I can be the same for you."

When he responded so strongly to the notion of the Dark Side, the Bogan, Oraada did her best not to shrink back. She had been raised in Alliance space; the Ashlan way had been more of a conversion effort than something she was born into. Did that make her faith weaker? Did it make her lesser? Nonetheless, she did what she could to understand the illness others perceived.

"I know that. I know-- never mind. It's clear that, every time a darksider does anything, people suffer. Cause and effect. Something has to be done, it always has to be done. It's just a matter of hitting it where it begins, like uprooting a weed." Oraada said with a special intensity.

It was like a challenge. His words against hers, testing if she was still as true and pure as he needed. Like the predator and prey a Togruta was in ancient times, Oraada could play the game of asserting herself when she needed. She just hated that she felt threatened by Heinrich when he used his specific tone.

Still, she found herself following to that bench to do what she could to calm him.

"You're right. And as long as we keep fighting, we can protect what we love. People who need us," she nodded. "People who are real. You... are real, aren't you?"

A little squeeze was made against his hand, as if to assure herself that, yes, Heinrich was really there. That this was really real.

"I think you might be. It sure would be a shame if you weren't and I was just imagining the kindest, bravest man I've ever known..."