To Lay a Foundation [OSL]

[Valae Heavenshield]

Valae set down the next pair of bricks, being careful not to pinch her fingers as she did so. There were more voices nearby, she was near enough to listen passively to the words [member="Elijah Henson"] spoke, and she turned to capture a momentary glance at the man. He wasn’t familiar, but then again… she had yet to meet any familiar faces here. Shifting her attention back to the matter at hand, she took a couple of steps back to inspect her work and make sure that the stones were aligned nicely. Her concentration was so focused that she didn’t even notice that someone had stepped up to her side. Valae’s shoulders tensed slightly at the sound of a voice, and her chestnut eyes blinked a couple of times before looking to [member="Elisea Korrado"].

“Oh! Don’t mind at all.” She said, and threw on a bright grin.

As she moved over to grab a few bricks, she couldn’t help but let her gaze linger on the young woman. There was something so… regal about her. Perhaps it was the graceful way she carried herself or her pretty features. Valae’s eyes turned down towards the toes of her boots, where she found only worn leather and the ground beneath them. Standing next to someone so pretty, she couldn’t help but feel like a scrappy ragamuffin.

Her smile remained as [member="Electroheart"] came to offer assistance, and nodded in response. Just like before, she took a brief moment to look over the newcomer, a man with azure-hued skin and vibrant eyes. She recognized his species… Chiss, if she was not mistaken. She let silence hang in the air between them for a minute or two as they worked, but decided to speak up before things had a chance to turn awkward.

“I’m Valae Kitra, nice to meet both of you.” She said, offering up her hand. But she withdrew it quickly in order to dust it off on the front of her trousers, and then held it out again to both of her new companions. “Y’all from around here?”

 

[Jakkor Kess]

He could sense his wife's curiousity, and irritation of not being told what was going on. He walked along the path with a look of serenity underneath his mask. He looked at her and said calmly. "Well dear. I saw a vision through the force, their were many Jedi like you or me, that stuck to the traditional values of what it meant to be a Jedi. They were coming from all walks of life like you or me to here. We are on the world of Monestary." With that he continued purposefully along the path. He walked for what seemed like hours, but never felt tired. He felt that he had a new sense of purpose hit him, and grew excited that their were Jedi who were not clouded with thoughts of battle, and war as he once was, and encountered himself.

After sometime he felt lost, and so unaware of where he was continued walking until he saw what looked to be a structure. It looked magnificent something he had never seen before, and continued the march towards the light side nexus which he assumed must be the temple still under construction. He kept walking till he saw figures and heard voices in what seemed to be in a normal conversation. He reached out with the force, and felt that they were quite strong indeed. He approached slowly hoping his appearance would not alarm them despite being clad in Jedi robes. "Hello excuse me. I hope you people can help a traveler find where all the Jedi are heading towards, or am I in the right place?" He asked the group calmly slightly confused at where he was.

[member="Viktoria Kess"]
[member="Valae Kitra"]
[member="Elijah Henson"]
[member="Elisea Korrado"]
[member="Electroheart"]

 

[Elisea Apollodor]

"No," Elisea replied while rolling up her own sleeves. Sidestepping, the Avalonian began the process of setting the bricks. Valae Kitra. A pleasant enough name she thought so anyway. "I'm from Avalonia," a slight pause in her speech as she brought up another brick, "on Dosuun, actually I'm Elisea Korrado."

A soft bit of laughter, "it's fine I don't mind it at'all." She said of the dust, "please, the pleasure is all mine Ms. Kitra." Elisea took the hand offered to her and shook.

The brunette's voice was warm enough, and as she took view of Valae in full. She admired a hardworker, Elisea felt that often times there wasn't enough of hem, hardworkers as it were. Looking past the woman she noticed, a Chiss. She presumed him to be Chiss, Balance knows she had seen several in service to the First Order. "You?" She asked, her Avalonian accent was heavy on her words. "Where are you from?"

Taking a second look, Elisea noticed the worn leather and the somewhat rugged appearence. If the galaxy had been built on anything less than hardwork then there wouldn't be much of a galaxy at all. She then waited for [member="Electroheart"] to introduce himself and as she waited, another approached their circle. By the Balance, what was this crea-person, person. Stilling herself for a moment she defered to Ms. [member="Valae Kitra"] for this matter. Jedi? Heavens. Most Jedi in this galaxy were nothing more than terrorists in her eyes. Reserving her judgment she gave both [member="Jakkor Kess"] and [member="Viktoria Kess"] a tight smile and continued her work.

 

[Zara Lianna]

Hearing what Jakkor was saying was a big surprise. How had she not seen this vision herself?? Deep in self thought, she looked to him for a second and just nodded. There wasn't too much for her to say, but there were questions upon questions to be asked. None of which she could pick from. So they were on the world called Monestary.. it sounded familiar, but nothing she knew of.

Still, they continued on until they reached a few Jedi. Reaching out with her senses, she could tell that there were more Jedi further up. Perhaps where everyone was.

"Dear, I think they're further ahead."

she responded. His question was aimed at the cluster in front of them, but Viktoria already knew where they were going without really knowing. Looking ahead, Viktoria saw what would be a building being rebuilt. Curiosity getting the best of her, she looked to [member="Jakkor Kess"] quickly before turning back to the path and going to lend a hand with the heavy lifting. As she walked by, a rather pretty young lady covered in dust by the name of [member="Elisea Korrado"] gave a smile, which Viktoria returned with a smile of her own and a respectful nod.

Then seeing a brunette woman a little further along, she walked up to [member="Bethany Kismet"] and spoke.

"Mind if I lend a hand?"

she asked with a kind and genuine smile.

 

[000]

[member="Calder Icehammer"] | [member="Bethany Kismet"] | [member="Elijah Henson"] | [member="Saint Monica"] | [member="Valae Kitra"] | [member="Jakkor Kess"] and co.


"Likewise Ronin."

It was then that Calder spoke back to him though it seems his eyes as well something else about him stirred as did he the closer the pair got farther up the trail and closer to the facade of Monastery of sort. Which for whatever reason stirred a sense of calm and peace in him that latter part what his conversation with his companion sort trailed off. And looking about as well briefly before his thought turns back to his companion who replied.

"I.. Sorry. I zoned out for a moment. Could you repeat yourself?"

To which he could only smile a bit and replied reach over pat Calder on the tight seeing how large he was.

"Yeah hear yah....have said place have an interesting vibe to it that really hard not zone out. But yeah sure thing as I was saying earlier....I wasn't really call out here but more like happen come here. Figured after earning my keep back at the temple that might go explore on my own for a bit....maybe meet or see this place to check it out. This Order of Sacred Lotus...."

At that time further, they walked in that they happen come upon a fairly petite woman. Clothes in seem simple gray garb speaking with few other that appear to gather around or near her. Yet thru his training with Silvers and life on streets he couldn't help sense that was not so. At which case walking over to her with a slight grin on his face Ronin came speak to her.

" Heard you guys needed few spare hands help around some and the big guy figured to drop by help? "

 

[Bethany Kismet]

Bethany blinked at [member="Michael Sardun"] for a moment, then laughed. "That's a fair point my friend. I think that if you stick with the basics however, you'll be fine. Just pretend they are all tiny mice and I'll have faith in you," she teased.

Watching as he and [member="Hal Terrano"] tromped off, she shook her head slightly, smiling to herself. What a strange pair those two were- but she couldn't have asked for better friends. A familiar voice gave her pause however, and she turned, tilting her head slightly in surprise.

"Miss Kismet, we've come to help wherever possible. I'm sure there's something this rag tag of idiots can do."

Of the people Bethany expected to find making their way to Monastery, [member="Elijah Henson"] would not have been among them. He had been.... rather adamant in his refusal, and she had accepted it at the time without arguement. It wasn't her way. So to find him here, now, was a pleasant, if unlooked for, surprise.

"Indeed, I'm sure we can find something for you,. It's good to see you again Elijah," she said, a twinkle in her eye. She made no comment about how their previous interaction had gone, no word about his change of heart. Simply welcomed him and his group without hesitation.

"We need the ground to the west leveled," she said. "The local plants and animals have already been relocated- you can see the bare earth from here," she continued, pointing. "It slopes too far down on the far end, and rises too high where it will be meeting the rest of the compound, see? If your group would begin to tackle that, I would greatly appreciate it. All of the tools necessary for the job are in the pod off to the left."

Several people had taken Bethany up on her request for help with the stones of the wall, pitching in without hesitation or a word, and she offered them an appreciative smile. [member="Valae Kitra"] in particular marked her attention for a moment. There was so much going on that she only had the time to take note before someone else was speaking.

Bethany seemed to move from person to person, task to task with ease and an aura of calm. Despite the press of duties, she didn't seem phased in the least.

Turning to [member="Jolyn Vahr"], she nodded, motioning the woman closer. Stepping up herself, the petite woman immediately included her in the larger gathering.

"Not random at all. Helping is the word of the day," she said with a chuckle. "It looks like we have this area well covered," she paused, nodding to [member="Elisea Korrado"], [member="Electroheart"], and [member="Jakkor Kess"] as they joined Valae. Yes, this job was well in hand. "But there's work to do inside, let's see who else we can grab."

"Mind if I lend a hand?"

" Heard you guys needed few spare hands help around some and the big guy figured to drop by help? "

"Excellent timing," she returned with her own smile. If she was off put by the sudden appearance of the small crowd included a rather large bear, she didn't show it, including [member="Viktoria Kess"], [member="Ronin Wendigo"] and [member="Calder Icehammer"] in her words. "Let's head inside the main building. I didn't expect to get as far as starting to lay the floor in there today, so thank you all for your willing hands and generous hearts."

The main building, several stories tall, was built of the same white stone the others were working with. Here was a space much farther along, however, several stories topped by a rich blue roof. Stacks of white stone tiles were piled at the edges of the subfloor that had already been put down. The spiraling staircase up on the far end of the room was still constructed of wood, but Bethany hoped to remedy that in the future.

"The tiles are wide and heavy," she said, her tone apologetic. "Michael can handle one by himself, but it's really a two or three person job for the rest of us."

Spoiler

[member="Malok"] [member="Kaalia Voldaren"] [member="Solana Murphy"] [member="Saint Monica"] [member="HK-36"] [member="Artyom Kirilov"] [member="Lt. Sage"] [member="Cambria Zadira"] [member="Faith Highwind"] [member="Andy Khor"]

 

[Viviana]

"Sacred Lotus? Never heard of them." The bear scratched the side of his head as he tried to think of anything his old friend might have said about the group. He was pulling up nothing. But soon enough, the two of them met up with [member="Bethany Kismet"] , and finally he found himself face to face with a Jedi. The spirits were so calm around her, and what she asked of them made him blink.

Floor tiles?

With a smile he nodded once and moved over to them. They were big, almost as tall as he, and probably just as heavy. And so the big man laid down his hammer, and hefted up one of them. He made look easy, but he was a giant after all.

[member="Ronin Wendigo"]

 

[Kaalia Pavanos]

Arriving at the place where the people gathered, Kaalia found a larger crowd than expected. It was a beautiful place, the valley's rock formation being a sight to behold. The majority of the people was helping with building something, which piqued the woman's interest. She was silent in her approach, but her troubled and conflicted presence in the Force announced her presence clearly. Still wearing the hood she may have come over as suspicious to some, but she was so far lost in thought that it wasn't on her mind.

She wanted to help. The feeling of community between the seemingly ragtag group of people was a powerful one, but the wounds of Kaeshana were still present which hindered her from doing anything physically demanding for a while. Instead she closed in towards the place, took off her hood when she realized it was still on her head, and sat down in a meditative position. The redhead didn't want to interrupt their work, and so she waited until they considered their efforts enough for the day. For now, she would take in what transpired before her.

Spoiler

[member="Malok"] [member="Bethany Kismet"] [member="Solana Murphy"] [member="Saint Monica"] [member="HK-36"] [member="Artyom Kirilov"] [member="Lt. Sage"] [member="Cambria Zadira"] [member="Faith Highwind"] [member="Andy Khor"]

 

[000]

[member="Calder Icehammer"] | [member="Bethany Kismet"] | [member="Elijah Henson"] | [member="Saint Monica"] | [member="Valae Kitra"] | [member="Jakkor Kess"] and co.

It was then in the midst of their conversation with Calder that he soon came look bit perplex as he'd ask.

"Sacred Lotus? Never heard of them."

To which he replied.

" Yeah, same here thought I heard....."

His words cut short as a reply soon came to his query it seems from her.

"Let's head inside the main building. I didn't expect to get as far as starting to lay the floor in there today, so thank you all for your willing hands and generous hearts."

To which he then turn face her giving a slight nod and was about a reply but then again opted not to as he followed right along with them. His gaze no less wandering to take in the sight as they moved along take note of those that were there along with the layout of the place. Which as best he could fathom looked quite ancient and had seemed to see better days though with much those there pitching in. He reckons it is all remedy or very least be around for quite a few more season more. Ar any rate once they've made their way inside that the kind of work she was talk about....laying the floors was somewhat of a daunting task given the massive size quite a few the tiles were compared him. Which Calder seem not to mind and immediately jump into work on soon he place his massive hammer down.

At which time thought it seem somewhat impossible task given their size difference. Ronin figured take moment assess the situation as he put down his satchel near Calder massive hammer. At which time try his best remember his training he then picks up one the buckets of mortar. Lay in well enough one the massive tiles to be placed by calder before moving on to give lifting one the tile slabs. Using what he'd learn how to use the force. It slightly shifts before slowly but carefully lifting up.

 

[Causstik Rahn]

BUM, BUM, BUM, BUM, BUM. A great sound as if a hundred drums beat at once could be heard emanating from the jungle. Trees swayed violently to and fro as if harassed by a great tempest. The noise became louder and those nearest began to slowly back away in terror. The Trees shook as if a hurricane roared amongst their midst until finally all became dead quiet like the eye of the storm was upon them. Then finally several large roars could be heard and one obnoxiously loud war horn.

Suddenly the final stretch of trees exploded outwards revealing several Drouk and Rancor war beast charging forth. Amongst their legs ran hundreds of Trandoshan warriors. Those among the crowd would scream in fear. But, upon closer inspection the Trandoshans wore not battle armor. But, plain coveralls and jump suits. They wielded not blasters but pickaxe and las drills. They would plow through the crowd of gathered onlookers and attack the stone with a simple zeal that only a Trandoshan could manage.

These large creatures had a one track mind, and that was to serve their infallible leader Caustik Rahn. And now, the leader demanded stone! The great war beast hammered at the walls of the quarry with claw and fist. Great clumps of stone would fall to the earth where it was soon swarmed by a hundred Trandoshan warriors. The usual pirates and slavers used their primal instincts not to wage war or pillage today, but to help. Even if it was only to please their glorious leader Causstik Rahn.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Causstik Rahn. Followed his war band in close pursuit. The notorious pirate wore not plate and chain today, but simple overalls. He held in his hand a great power hammer for smashing stone. He approached the temple proper and the crowd merely stared at the war chief as if anticipating an explanation. But, the war chief did not explain himself to anyone but the goddess. He did not come here to be liked, but because he was ordered.

He gazed at the crowd and a fire seemed to light in his eye. He hated these worthless peasants. Hated them with a zeal that only a Trandoshan could manage. The voices within his head demanded he make trophies of them all. Demanded the saber of every Jedi present, but he stayed his hand. For now. The crowd parted before him and he approached the being who had brought he and his hoard here.

Malok, the great Ape and leader of ApeX. The mercenary company Causstik had signed his allegiance too. “[member="Malok"],” He growled simply. He needed no order he knew what was to be done. He would build a temple so grand, so as to make even the Scorekeeper weep. No one would hunt others on these grounds without suffering great casualties themselves. Causstik approached an idle Drouk and cut a large crate loose. It toppled from the beast back and its contents came spilling out. Inside was revealed to be large blocks of durasteel and electrical components.

Aside from pillaging and burning things Causstik had taken a crash course in electrical engineering at the Mandalorian Vocational Institutes. Before he decided to become The Great Hunter, of course...

[member="Ronin Wendigo"] [member="Kaalia Voldaren"] [member="Calder Icehammer"] [member="Bethany Kismet"] [member="Viktoria Kess"] [member="Elisea Korrado"] [member="Jakkor Kess"] [member="Valae Kitra"]

 

[Progflaw99]

The last leg of his descent went slower as he savored the moments, there wasn't exactly a rush - part of his choice to travel by foot was to decompress away from everything anyway, it was best he enjoy the solitude while he could. Gently lowering himself down, the satisfying crunch of his boots against the small spot of gravel below. It only took him a couple of minutes to secure the rope, making sure he could use it later once they had completed their work. After doffing his harness and stowing his gear, he took a sip from the canteen clipped to its webbing. Swishing the clear liquid around in his mouth quickly he screwed the cap back on and swallowed the water, a refreshing taste after his exertion of the morning. Taking a purposeful step towards the center of the sweeping valley he paused abruptly. There, just a stone's throw away seemingly watching his progress sat a Twi'lek - *I wonder how long she's been there?* he mused silently.

Raising a hand towards her in greeting, he smiled.

"Hey there! You manage to see all that?" he said, hand shifting towards where he'd descended from. "View's pretty grand from up there, you can see the whole valley."

Art had done a quick assessment of the woman, she definitely didn't seem like the sort to ambush wanderers, especially someone like himself - maybe she was responding to the summons, just as he had been. Either way, it didn't hurt to be friendly, that was the entire point of this endeavor in the first place wasn't it?

"Name's Art, you here to help out with.. that?" He said, pointing in the direction he was traveling in.

[member="Cambria Zadira"]​

 

[Bethany Kismet]

Bethany nodded with approval as [member="Calder Icehammer"] dove right in. His size and readiness to work was hard to not appreciate. As [member="Ronin Wendigo"] pitched in, her gaze grew thoughtful for a moment. He reminded her of someone she had known half a millennia ago. It had been so long, and her time with Zonama Sekot had been a period of distance. She couldn't quite put a finger on who he reminded her of. Smiling ruefully, she shook her head. It didn't really matter.

After all, it had been so long ago.

The diminutive woman felt the ruckus before she heard it. She frowned slightly, an uncommon expression on her face.

"Will you all excuse me for a moment?"

Hurrying back out into the hazy sunshine, a look of concern flashed across her face. She took in the scene, feeling the slight tremor through the nearby forests, and then moved off back in the direction of @Malok.... and [member="Causstik Rahn"].

A small smile settled back on her features by the time she arrived. Inclining her head slightly she spoke.

"Welcome to Sanctuary- My name is Jedi Master Bethany Kismet."

She didn't usually utilize her title. This warranted it however. As she spoke, her words were soft and gentle, but firm. Despite being dwarfed by Malok and Causstik, she wasn't intimidated by either.

"Thank you for coming, you and your people," she started. "All hands looking to build are welcome here on Monastery while the Sacred Lotus begins to build our humble home."

This was no false modesty, but genuine. Though the stark white of the buildings stone glistened in the light, the lines of the work were simple, elegant but not gaudy. This was not to be a grand temple or a sweeping palace- it was to be a home and place of safe haven for those who had a need of it.

"I would appreciate, however, if you and your friends would be mindful of the planet and her forests," Bethany continued, her tone still gentle. Despite that, it was not actually a request. "We have been allowed to come here to Monastery as a gift- and though we require stones from the quarry and to clear some of the land to build our home, we are very careful of the balance of the world we are sharing here. Plants and animals were moved from the lands we are building on, and the stones are being laid by hand so as not to disturb the soil more than necessary with the tread of heavy machinery. The rainforest and it's denizens are, ultimately, our neighbors, and I will thank you all to treat them as you would someone you wished to be at peace with in your own home."

She smiled up at him serenely.

 

[Elijah Beckett]

"Indeed, I'm sure we can find something for you,. It's good to see you again Elijah."

"You too, Kismet." All things considered. He didn't voice the last bit, but the look in his eyes towards [member="Bethany Kismet"] said it all the same. A slight, joking glare and a small smirk. Their last and only other interaction had occured some months ago, in the fifth or so city he had tried to hide in. Elijah had no idea what her purpose there was, though he was fairly sure it hadn't been to seek him specifically out. It had been a 'in the right place, at the right time'. At least it certainly had been for him, even if he never realised it then.

Elijah mentally chuckled as he remembered that night. He was drunk as hell, stumbling his arse back to whatever temporary hidey hole of a home he had. Then he ran into Bethany and immediately tried flirting with her.

I think that was the last time I got flat out drunk. My sober self would've punched drunk me for doing something like that.

Somehow in his drunken haze, Bethany had managed to pierce through it and have her words that night sink in. Even after he had seemingly sobered and just outright refused; quitely rudely too. He never forgot though.

In fact it hadn't been long after that night when he ran into Samuel, the young man who had been trying to keep a rag tag group together, trying to survive day by day. Elijah had somehow found himself helping them out, and in turn Samuel would eventually keep him from ever drinking himself into a stupor.

Then; months later, when Elijah had found himself 'leading' this group of volunteers, it came back. He remembered how she had spoken with such conviction, with an infectious drive to see her plan for Monastery and the Order come to fruition. It had resonated in him, and he knew it was the right path to follow, both for himself and those who were in his care now.

Elijah gave a nod to Bethany, both in acknowledgement of her orders and his appreciation of not dregging up their last encounter. With that he turned around to face his men.

"Alright lads, you heard her. Get your arses over there and we'll see where we can start."

"Uh, what about the machinery we brought? I don't think any of it will be useful for that job." And of course Samuel had to chime in.

"Just go put it in a corner or something, maybe there's a desigated section for it. I'm sure someone else could make use of them."

Samuel seemed to agree with this as he turned to the others and began ordering them about, to move the machinery and then group up at the area Bethany had indicated. As they did this Elijah took a quick head count and realised they could probably do with maybe one or two more.

With a quick look over to the assembled group, he decided at that moment to just pick whoever he first landed on, this ended up being the Chiss, [member="Electroheart"]

"Hey you, the name's Elijah. We could do with another pair of hands if you're up for it?"

 

[Leos Palle]

He glanced over at [member="Valae Kitra"] when she asked if he and the others nearby were from around there. It was an odd question to ask no matter when it was asked, but he supposed it was sort of a standard when you didn't know someone, but met, even informally, someone new. She only asked because she was curious, not because she had malicious intent. In fact, if he had to guess, she asked because the silence had become quite awkward among the group of them. And he waited politely as [member="Elisea Korrado"] spoke up before he did. He wasn't going to interrupt her. That would be bad manners.

"I know my species can present sincere animosity towards others," he said as he glanced between those gathered. "However, I am pleased to meet you all. I am not from around here, no. I love on Serenno, though I am not from there either. And you may call me Electroheart."

It was an odd name and he was sure that it would get an amusing, to some, reaction, but that was life for him. His real name was not Electroheart, of that he was certain. But since he didn't know his real name, this was the only one that he could give. It would have to do. Either they would accept it and move on, or they would continue to question it and leave him lost in the menagerie of questions, quietly slipping away from being prodded incessantly over something he could not answer. Even the more practiced Force users he'd met couldn't find the answers inside of his mind. It was such that they were all but lost, gone forever. The damage to his memories was irreparable. He'd learned to deal with it.

He was putting more bricks into place when someone approached and called out to him. He paused, mid-placement, and his eyes fell onto [member="Elijah Henson"] as he was the one who'd called out to him.

"I can provide assistance," he said, placing the last stone. "Provided that metal hands will suffice for the task." He glanced to the others. "Pardon me, it seems I'm needed elsewhere."

Dusting himself off, he climbed down and approached the assembled group of individuals. It seemed they were set for some important task or other, likely in concert with what was going on here, and that was fine with him. The more time he spent with these people, the more he would come to understand just what it was that was going on here, and just who this Sacred Lotus group really was. He didn't intend to fully join them, but if they truly meant to be open an peaceful, he could be a friend to them.

"May I inquire as to what our task is?"

 

[Cambria Zadira]

[member="Artyom Kirilov"]

As the man walked towards her, the blue-skinned exotic alien slid her Twi'lek dagger back into the boot sheath where it was kept, then she pushed up off the log to stand and readjusted her silver-hilted lightsaber and shoto from where the Jedi weapons hung from the utility belt slung low on her shapely hips.

"Greetings... and I did. I am sure it was a most impressive view indeed. One I hope to partake in for myself sometime, if time allows in the future," Bri replied with a small smile gracing her naturally berry-colored lips; the Twi'lek's smooth native accent touching each of the words spoken.

The Guardian sensed no malice in the dark-haired climber as he seemed to here for the same thing as her... to enjoy the peace and beauty of nature that Monastery offered this hour of the day before work began.

"It is nice to meet you, Art. I am Cambria," she said with a respectful cant of her head and a swish of her lightly tattooed lekku across her back before the Rutian Twi'lek leaned over to pick up her cloak. The rust-colored fabric was slipped on over her two-piece skort outfit, then the golden-eyed Knight joined the man as he strolled toward the grounds where others were gathered.

"Yes... I am a Jedi, here to help the Order however they deem I may. And you?"

 

[Darth Metus]

With grit and dirt caking her hands, [member="Bethany Kismet"] made quite the impression. At but a glance, she created a chasm between her and the "stereotype" personified by modern Jedi. She did not sit on her hands...and when she spoke, sincerity was present in every word. The Behemoth found himself rather impressed by the woman - especially since she was unafraid of leading the charge into labor. With a grin upon his face, the Behemoth briefly turned to his men in order to bark a series of orders. At once, they complied - if Malok had anything to say about it, the wall would be finished that day.

"We'll put everything into finishing this wall timely, Bethany." he began. Yet before he could continue, the ground beneath his feet shuddered. It was if the very earth were a drum...one that was being beat upon furiously by heavy hands. Krish! Krek! Thud. A cacophony quickly followed the shudders, for a mighty horde came rampaging through the forest. Some would be defensive. Some would be frightened. Yet the Behemoth opened his arms wide as if to receive the warriors into an embrace. "And so you've come! Excellent!" he called over the din. "Speaking of extra hands, Bethany this i-"

He was cut off by her approach of the horde's leader - his own comrade [member="Causstik Rahn"]. She, with words as radiant as the Sun, informed him of the Order's arrangement with Monastery. She did not condemn, banish, or seek to reprimand. No...this was...benign enlightenment. A heartfelt request not to trample the greenery. The Behemoth stepped closer, standing at a pace between his comrade and the Jedi. A glance was cast at the path taken by the Trandoshan's horde...

"Perhaps we can turn the...damages...into something productive? Although unintentional, a large tract of forest has been cleared. We could collect the wood, see to it that nothing is wasted, and convert it into a path to your esteemed neighbors?"

Either that, or Malok was going to offer his checkbook. That said, he reached out and placed a hand on the Trandoshan's shoulder. He was genuinely glad the reptile had come, especially since this was vastly different from their usual work. A nod was given - one of respect and confidence - before Malok looked to Bethany for a response.

 

[Jakkor Kess]

Jakkor followed [member="Viktoria Kess"], he felt a sense of calm in solidarity in the serene place that he was in. It reminded him of his days in the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, years before the Clone Wars he had walked the halls and trained with his best friend Kana Mekesa. He smiled at the former memories but than whenever he thought of her, he felt sadness he remembered the haunting memory of the Jedi Purge and leaving her behind only to be captured by Darth Vader and twisting her love for him into some sick hatred. He remembered facing her in the under levels of Coruscant than the Second Sister and being forced to kill her. He shuddered at the memory as he was brought back to reality, he hoped that he could seek peace here within the force.

He helped his wife with the stone tiles, using the force he gently set down each one one at a time. He found tranquility in this work, knowing that this foundation will bring about a new generation of Jedi the likes of which he hadn't seen since the golden age of the old republic. He couldn't be anymore happier to contribute to creating history within this very place, and being able to act like a Jedi once more. He sweated as he made sure the white stone tiles were set in the proper places. He checked to see if they were their neatly and correctly setting the heavy tiles in their proper places, he made sure that he and his wife did them together,as one by itself is physically exhausting he worked with her making sure they didn't mess up in the process. Once when they were finished he looked at [member="Bethany Kismet"] who gave them the task. "Excuse me Jedi Kismet, What other Tasks do you need help in doing?" He asked her calmly and politely.

 

[Zara Lianna]

Watching [member="Bethany Kismet"], she listened for direction and then followed her inside the main building that was suggested. Walking in, she could tell that everything had come quite a ways along. For a building so simple, it was beautiful. Looking over to Bethany as she seemed to be apologizing for how heavy the stones were, Viktoria offered a small smile before pitching in to help.

"It's alright. A little hard work never hurt anyone. Besides, I could use a little heavy work."

she responded. Have two girls of her own and adopting another girl before them, left very little time for Viktoria to work out and stay in shape. She still had a tiny frame, but she felt like she had been lazing around for too long even though she was training her girls. Viktoria was always on the move but it never felt like it.. or she just didn't let that feeling get to her.

When [member="Jakkor Kess"] came over, Viktoria gave another smile as they both then lifted and dropped stones into place. They were both pretty strong as they had done quite a bit of weight lifting before they set their Jedi lives aside to raise their girls, so Viktoria new she was still pretty strong for the job. She felt like using the force to lift the stones, but everyone else was using their bare hands, so she figured blood, sweat and tears being put into this job would be best.

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

So far, Valae had learned that [member="Elisea Korrado"] was from First Order space – from their capital planet, even. She’d seen the world for herself, just once. The image of Avalonia filled her mind; she remembered the classical architecture and the cultured populace. The First Order did have a… reputation, but Valae wouldn’t be quick to judge. It just wasn’t her way.

And it turned out that [member="Electroheart"] come from Serenno, but wasn’t really from there. Hmm, he was certainly an interesting fella with an equally intriguing name. Valae couldn’t deny that she felt a powerful curiosity, but she wouldn’t pry. Instead, she tucked her questions away and gave him a nod.

Her attention shifted once more, finding [member="Jakkor Kess"] as he approached. But just as she opened her mouth to form an answer, the lovely form of [member="Viktoria Kess"] appeared and began to draw the man away. Valae watched as the pair moved past their group, and on towards [member="Bethany Kismet"]. It seemed that there would be no shortage of willing and able hands – it only made her smile only grow. Valae bent to take up another couple of bricks as [member="Elijah Henson"] called out to Electroheart.

“Sure thing, we’ll see ya around.” Valae said as the Chiss politely excused himself, and she waved as he went on his way.

Valae brought the sleeve of her jacket up to wipe her forehead and stretched her back to loosen the muscles that were growing tight. Now she was left alone again with Elisea, and there was plenty of time to make conversation.

“Avalonia’s a lovely place,” She smiled, “Been there once, a while back.”

 

[Alkesh Vizsla]

Though of average height for a female human, Solana was short for her species and felt even more dwarfed by the newcomer when he drew up to his full height. Droids didn’t particular unnerve her as she’d seen others bothered, but it was hard to shake the impression of him fighting with foliage once he’d finally drawn up to them. The humor diffused any nervousness though - the finger-pistols surprised her at first but then she was fighting a laugh. The blue-haired woman and the droid seemed to be familiar enough though the amicable air to the conversation seemed kind of one-sided.

Soon however Solana found herself in the headlights, expecting warmth from the red glow of the droid’s eyes though it never came. She couldn’t help the amused smile at his comment about her hair. Certainly nothing she hadn’t heard before but somehow it didn’t seem like a judgment when he said it - just an observation.

“Thanks. I think?” she answered, unconsciously reaching up to press a hand to her dark mane.

“I’m Solana. I wasn’t really sure who I was looking for around here, so if you don’t mind I’ll tag along.”

She was quiet as they traveled the short distance to the slowly expanding temple, mostly because there wasn’t room for her words as the droid and woman ‘caught up’. That was more than fine with her. There was too much going on in her head and the pair were more than amusing enough to keep her focused on something besides her own nerves.

Upon reaching the construction she couldn’t help but be somewhat touched by the act of so many people working on something so simple. Some were lifting large pieces of tile together and her eyes stuck on that simple act of teamwork. A woman, brunette and kindly, stood among the volunteers and seemed to have something of a gentle command about her. Turning her head to her companions, she finally spoke up again? “Is that who you were looking for?” she asked, nodding towards [member="Bethany Kismet"].

[member="Saint Monica"] | [member="HK-36"]​