As The Force Wills It

[Wit]

This thread is Death-Disabled and is open only to Jedi Players

Jedi Outpost, Dantooine

​

The fall of Tython had left the Jedi fractured, shaken and confused by the magnitude of what the Sith had managed to pull off. Not years ago the Jedi had been the bastion of hope for the Galaxy, today many Jedi found themselves bereft of that very hope. Their friends dead, their home destroyed, the very heart of the Jedi Order wiped out in one swift strike.

It had become obvious to Annileen that a change was needed, if the Jedi continued as they were it would not be long before their light was completely extinguished from the Galaxy. The Jedi needed to regroup, to rediscover their purpose and their role in the Galaxy. Circumstances had forced them to become warriors, soldiers in a war against the Sith. But that was not all that the Jedi were, they were supposed to be so much more. Teachers, healers, diplomats, guardians of peace.

But before they could look to the future, they had to make their peace with the past. So the call had been sent out, summoning any and all Jedi back to Dantooine. The Jedi did not stand for a great deal of ceremony, or much pomp and show, but they did have some traditions of their own. A fallen Jedi's body was often burnt, in the hopes that they may become one with the Force. Tython had left no bodies to burn, so a simple pyre had been constructed to honor their fallen brothers and sisters.

She knew well enough that a simple ceremony like this would not offer all the healing that many Jedi needed. But as simple a task as this was, it would offer a measure of closure to some. And if not that, a gathering of the Jedi in strength would reassure those who were loosing faith in the ability of the Jedi to persevere. Today Dantooine would shine like a beacon of light, lighting the way to a new hope.

Spoiler: tags

@Phoenix @Toasty @Sreeya @Valen Pelora @Aberforth @Green Ranger @Talon maara @Shalken @jamessour @Kori Buor @Vinn Esper @Undine @Alastar-Ro @Ulysses @Marty McFly @Anthkir Kinclo @Jabonicus @Mr.BossMan @Braden Drake @DeltaWolf @Alhon @christhebarker @Versok @TheBeta @Kaylara Dornelles @Relent @Black Noise @Releqy @Raydo @Die Shize @Elijah Brockway @Gian Greydragon @Clayton @Landsknechte @Rom @Mistress @Thadd @Bigfatpenn @Eddes Nosmah @Ender Jedi @Narsi @Baobhan @Zenya @Swan @Fyston @Orbis @Vosrik
@Prudence @Oncaro

 

[Oncaro]

She didn't know why she had heeded the call to come back to Dantooine. By this point, there was simply too much pain and division amongst the Jedi. And with the death of Valia Locke on top of everything else, from the destruction of Tython to the attack on the Senate, to the assassination of the Moff Council and Emperor Malon's public threat against Corvo Vis and his family, Dea had been struck by a realization not long after encountering a very special person on Onderon.

This war had eroded her faith in the Jedi. Not in the Jedi ideals, but in the Jedi themselves. Corrupted by the Dark Side, so many had become. Dea had desperately tried to keep herself from getting involved in this war, determined to keep herself from straying from the Jedi path, but her pleas to her fellows to not take up the sword so quickly, years ago now, had fallen on deaf ears. She had felt the righteous fury of Annileen Draay when they fought the Sith on Chandrila, and fell under the belief that this powerful, forceful woman, for all her good intentions, had no use for Dea's way of thinking, and that had hurt her just as much as the war's beginning had.

And yet Dea had, alongside Senari Gravis, come back to Dantooine for this meeting, if only out of courtesy for the remnants of the Order. She questioned herself the entire way-- she and Sen had discovered Kira Elan's only living relative, her daughter Karyn, on Onderon, and every fiber of her being told her to keep Karyn away from the Jedi if she wanted the girl to live. And that hurt even more. What had gone so wrong in the Galaxy that she now wished to keep someone away from the closest thing to family she could probably ever have? A family denied to her over a decade ago when she was born?

Why had she even bothered to come here? The Jedi had no use for her now, she was sure of it. This whole meeting was sure to be just one rallying cry for the Jedi to act even more aggressively and to act more decisively, not scale back against the Old Enemy. That was all she had seen the Jedi, or at least this so-called Army of Light, move toward since the beginning. And now there wasn't even an Order anymore to rein them in. An Army that stripped people of the Force and mistreated and no doubt tortured prisoners, an Army that assassinated the Imperial leadership, an Army whose members attempted to strike at Korriban itself with nothing but vengeance in their hearts and paid a steep price for it.

Dea had told Karyn to remain in her yacht while she and Sen attended this meeting. She did not want her comrades to know of the girl's existence, lest they start frothing at the mouths to kill the spawn of Darth Solum, or something. And honestly, Dea fully expected that she wouldn't remain at this meeting for very long.

And now she wondered: What had gone so wrong with her, that she had finally taken a turn for the cynical? It was a feeling that hurt more than perhaps any other, as she approached the pyre and looked to Annileen.

"Master Draay," she said softly, doing her best to form a smile. But the conflicting emotions in her heart and the inner pain she was acutely feeling now, and no doubt Annileen and others would notice, made it difficult.

@Prudence @Elijah Brockway @Wit

 

[Talon maara]

His staff struck against the ground softly, unlike before, he treaded towards the pyre slowly, deep down the Master knew why said pyre was aflame....His heart felt deep for he loss of their own. Master Kip reminisced about his companions of old, from centuries ago when he first stepped into the walk with the force till this moment intime.

Reaching down Kip picked up a few twigs that had layed beneath his feet, closing his eyes he muttered a small simple prayer.

'My Comrades....I have squandered my days with plans of many things. This was not among them....But at this moment, I beg only to live the next few minutes well. For all we ought to have thought, and have not thought; all we ought to have said, and have not said; all we ought to have done, and have not done; I pray to thee not only for forgiveness the strength and wisdom to not remain lost....'

A prayer not just for the dead, but also the living. His prayer was not meant to ask for those who passed remain in peace nor ask for forgivness or for the living but rather he prayed for the fallen ones to help guide those of them who remained.

Raising his eyes to the sky and back to the Pyre, Kip slowly held his hand near the fire releasing the twigs to fall within the flames. Hope filled the masters heart that the Jedi as a whole would once again heal and be able to find its true meaning once again.

Looking around the grounds the master eyed his comrades,

"Tis a shame..."

He muttered, not just to himself but to those who resided in the force.

"A shame to see so many faces lost, and such young ones risking it all to take their place...."

His sight focused on the one they called Deashe, a fine young woman. One who he had noticed roaming the halls of various sites, reading and learning as much as she could of their history and where they came from. Hoping to aid in leading the orders path to righteousness.

With a gentle smile he nodded, hoping that the newer youngling growing up to be , to themselves jedi would follow a similar course. A course of knowledge, One that would help strengthen their future....

 

[Valen Pelora]

General Valen Pelora stared out at the plains of Dantooine. A soft wind blew through grass, pushing his hair into his face. He had come to the stronghold seeking peace. There were few places in the galaxy left to find tranquility. He had always counted on Tython, that was lost. He could not center himself on the Jedi home world. All that was left was a molten husk. He had failed to find the inner peace he sought. Dantooine was awash in the Lightside, but his mind was adrift in the dark. Meditation brought only images of war. Death. His faith was not shaken. His belief in the Light was firm. Yet, he saw no end in sight. The Darkness was spreading and they were barely holding it at bay. He feared what the Jedi would become to win.

That was why he found himself outside the stronghold starting at the expansive plains. He had looked in the mirror and not recognized the man staring back. His hair was graying, dark circles under his eyes, his mouth set in a frown. They had claimed ‘victories’ but at what cost? The Emperor was dead, but the Republic was falling. Tython, the Order, and the Council were dead. Most of the Moff, and Dark Council had swiftly joined them. Death answered death. A victory for the Darkside. He had thought that was the end of it. He had prayed that was the end of it, but no.

Young Valia Locke had convinced Soshat to run off halfcocked to exact their pound of flesh. It had left another Moff dead but Valia had lost her life. Shae Vis had, thankfully, managed to extract Soshat. His heart ached for those they had lost. So many were terribly young. He would need to remind Soshat they could not take such foolish risks. The burden of directing the Army fell on the Generals. Their ‘Lord’ had vanished. Corvo, Shae, Valen and Kenny, were responsible for protecting what remained. The Army was all that was left of the Jedi. He knew they needed to heal the rift with the few members of the Order that remained. He simply was not sure how.

He had fought alongside Kenny. He did not always agree with the vibrant General but he did respect the man. He knew Corvo, and Shae through reputation only. He doubted either knew much about him. His exploits were far less heroic. It was their duty to help guide the Jedi, they needed to speak. He had wallowed in his sorrows long enough. He could sense the Jedi gathering in the stronghold. He turned from the plains and headed back towards his family. He wore plain battle worn Jedi robes. A part of him felt strangely vulnerable with armor. He strode through the stronghold, arriving among his fellow Jedi. He quickly noticed Dea, and Annileen. He felt the burden of his office settle around his shoulders. He had responsibilities to attend to.

 

[Phoenix]

Corvo let out a heavy groan as they prepared to head over to the funeral. Shae had bugged him and nagged him about going to this. He'd happily volunteered to stay home and watch Ciri while she went off and had "fun." She wasn't having any of that, had quickly called up Edin, and was practically shoving him out the door.

There were more objections over what he was wearing, but it was bad enough that he was being forced out of the house. After enough back and forth, she at least got him to take his helmet off - a big step mind you - but he wasn't budging on the rest. So, waving goodby to Ciri and locking the door to their old quarters. the two made their way toward the funeral, with Corvo grumbling the whole way.

He was going to go to this and be a circus animal. Everywhere he went, people already gawked and stared at him, whispering after he had passed and apparently thinking that he couldn't hear them. Some admired him, others hated him, and he didn't really want to talk to any of them. But that's what he was supposed to do in his new position, wasn't it? Without a Jedi Lord, it fell to him and the others to make sure the Army stayed on course. The problem was, people couldn't seem to agree what "on course" was and Corvo didn't have the patience to debate it with them.

Even now, as the galaxy was torn apart by war, the Sith had destroyed Tython, burned the Senate, and practically killed the Republic, there were those in the Order (or what was left) who were still promoting "peaceful resolution" or some shenanigans. He could feel anger and self-doubt in the other in the room about what had been done, but this was not the time to lose one's nerve. The galaxy was on the edge of a knife, if they wavered but a little, it would fall and spell the ruin of all. These were hard times and they needed hard men capable of swift action without indecision.

But tonight, apparently, his wife - in all of her wisdom - wanted to go be social and somehow this time he'd been inescapably roped into it. So he was going to go get to mingle...

He leaned over to Shae as they entered and quietly spoke into her ear (quiet enough so that others wouldn't hear). Just in case you weren't aware before now... I don't want to be here. If they had been alone, he might have smiled and laughed, but not here. Here he was uncomfortable and the mood was far too somber.[/size]

 

[Sreeya]

“Literally the most anti social person in the history of the galaxy,” Shae rolled her eyes as Corvo yet again complained about having to show up. She had to practically beg him to not wear a stupid helmet at a social gathering. She had even gone as far as to suggest wearing nice, dressy clothing. Of course, she couldn’t win every battle.

As much as she loved Corvo, there were some parts of him that were entirely too deep rooted to ever change. Social gatherings irked him every single time, and as a result the couple had become much more reclusive. Where Corvo was content with being a hermit forever, Shae often liked being around others.

“Honey, please at least try not to look like you want to stab someone,” She glanced over at his expression. Maybe it would have been better to keep the helmet on after all to spare everyone his permanent scowl...With a sigh, they finally made it over to the Jedi gathering, her arm linked with his. Though they looked like a couple arm in arm, it was mostly Shae physically dragging him along.

As he muttered yet again in her ear how he didn’t want to be there, Shae pointedly ignored it, throwing on a smile. She looked around, spotting the bonfire and sensed the other Jedi there. With a grimace, she realized this was the perfect place for Corvo. Everyone was broody and depressed, and she immediately wondered if coming here was a good idea.

“Whatever, I’ve dealt with too many angsty Sith to put up with this,” With that, she made a beeline to the nearest bar. She ordered two shots for her and Corvo. Naturally Corvo said no, and she downed both, ordering another drink and looking around. She spotted Valen, another known General in the order. Shae made her way over to him, offering him a cheerful smile and reaching out a hand to shake his, “Shae Vis, don’t think we’ve had the pleasure of officially meeting. We don’t really get the chance to all be in the same place at once. So uhh....you think there'll be dancing here or is this supposed to be a gloomy sort of affair?"

 

[Ulysses]

"Watch the Interceptor R7," Al-Ric said as he turned his steps toward the gathering. As he reached the outskirts of the group he paused, finding his place. In both rank and temperament, he was an outsider. By coincidence, he had not lost anyone particularly close in the tragedy being remembered (though the odds were in his favour, not having a large circle of associations). Therefore he took the opportunity to reflect on the broader significance of the proceedings.

Is it pathetic fallacy? or a kind of irony? or is the symbolism deliberate? Al-Ric didn't move in the right circles to understand the politics and the intentions for the future. But it seemed to him that the whole order of things (he smirked to himself as he noted the tragic pun) that he had known, grown up with and been trained in was on that pyre. The key thing now would be what the Jedi leadership built on those ashes.

Al-Ric knew the the textbook answers: that the light side of the force was for defense, not attack; that anger and retribution led to darkness; but also that the vulnerable needed to be protected. That was easy when there was a benevolent political regime, but what would this look like as the Sith empire grew? What does it mean when protecting the vulnerable means taking the initiative against an oppressive regime? How does a Jedi deal with the resulting power vacuum if they're successful? Are the risks for hubris too great?

In this uncertainty Al-Ric would like to have been planning what he should do if the leadership didn't make the right decision - whether to make a principled stand or submit to their wisdom - but he couldn't even see what principles to stand on, let alone what the right decision was.

And so, feeling helpless, he watched.

 

[Swan]

[fancybox2]Initiate Swan was surrounded by unfamiliar faces. As one of the youngest members there, she was one of the few people who were not actively involved in the recent conflicts and so didn't share the experience or perspective of her compatriots. In fact, she couldn't even comprehend what some of them had lost, what trials they had pushed themselves through to get to this point on Dantooine, alive. The gathered company was practically all that was left of the once grand Jedi Order, if what she had heard was to be trusted. Was she really choosing the right path in life? Could this small group of men and women really tip the scale back towards good?

Teelo scanned the faces of those around her. Not a shred of recognition flashed in their eyes or hers. Used to looking up at people (literally, because of her height) Teelo was sat cross legged on the dusty floor in front of the pyre, soaking in the atmosphere of the occasion. While the gathering continued she would be more than happy to sit and meditate for a while, but Teelo had big plans. One reason she was here was to meet people - network, if you could call it that. She longed to experience new parts of the galaxy, to meet new species and civilisations. Through all of this recent turmoil she had never been in conflict of her own, never tested herself fully. She had never seen the destruction of the Sith first hand. Maybe that was a blessing, but Teelo couldn't live with herself if she wasn't of real use. She wasn't frail or useless in any sense of the word (a little unfit, perhaps, but nothing she couldn't work on). In fact, she fancied herself fairly talented at dueling for someone her age. She could certainly hold her own.

So that was her plan. Meditate for a while, soaking in the atmosphere, the energies of the people around her, before mingling, talking to the more experienced Jedi members and try to find a way she could be helpful.[/fancybox2]

[fancybox2][/fancybox2]

 

[Valen Pelora]

Valen watched as more Jedi arrived. The conversations were muted, the mood dreary. Defeat hung in the air as the Jedi watched the pyre burn. He could sense the somber affair clinging to the courtyard. This wasn’t right. The Order and the lives lost should be mourned but not like this. This felt like an end, not a beginning. He looked around at the broken faces of those he cared for. Everywhere he looked he saw resignation. It felt like the war was over, like the Jedi were giving in. He shook his head. This was all wrong. They should pay their respect and remember the dead. The lives lost should serve as a reminder for why they fought, motivation to fight to the last. The funeral felt like it was for all of them. He would not let his go on.

As if summoned, Shae Vis approached. The General was easily recognizable, and her attitude stuck out in the depressing scene. It was oddly refreshing. His eyes slid past Shae to land on Corvo. The hero was cloistered away from the rest of the Jedi. His aura was strange, unlike anything Valen had ever felt. Valen would need to speak to the General, even if Corvo had no interest in socializing. He stuck out his hand and returned Shae’s handshake. A smile spread across his face. There had been a time he had not been so serious.

“It is…” He searched for the right word. “Depressing. The pyre was unexpected.” He had thought the meeting of the Jedi would be just that, a meeting. The funeral had come as a surprise. He didn’t know Shae but he hoped he could honest her. “Frankly, this does no one any good. We might lose sleep over the state of the Jedi, but this display won’t help anyone. The Initiates are mostly children, the Knights are young, they don’t need the weight of the galaxy on their shoulders. They don’t need this.” He gestured towards the increasingly sad affair. “We could all use some levity.” Happiness didn’t win wars, but it helped the warriors come home whole.

@Sreeya

 

[Prudence]

'Stay in the ship'
Of course that's what Dea would tell her to do. Dea was smothering her like a brand new mom with her baby, and to be fair Karyn didn't necessarily dislike the attention. However Karyn had been on her own for too long now to just willingly roll over and sit around bored. To Karyn's defense she'd tried everything to keep herself entertained. She'd tried watching the holonet, she'd tried taking a nap, she'd tried eating the food in Dea's galley - none of it had kept her interest.

In Dea's credit she had taken quite a few precautions to make sure that Karyn was trapped on this BORING SHIP, the most frustrating of which included locking the boarding ramp. Karyn sat infront of the control panel poking it repeatedly, and hearing the negative sound each time the door refused to open. Dea had such a nice yacht, so it was a shame that Karyn was gonna have to mess up part of it. She worked her way back to the quarters that Dea had given her and found the small leather satchel that all her belongings had been in. From the bag Karyn retrieved a scuffed and dingy sunspear pistol. Bingo.

Karyn retraced her steps back to the boarding ramp, pressed the muzzle of the Sunspear to the control panel, and fired a single bolt into it. The pistol kicked hard, and nearly popped out of her hands, but the deed was done. The boarding ramp popped and hissed as it lowered to the ground, and Karyn tucked the hot pistol back into her bag. Success. It had been a long trip to Dantooine, during which Karyn had learned some things that rocked her to her core. She had learned of how her mother had left the Order and joined the Sith. She'd learned of her ascension to Dark Lord... and then her death. The last one nearly brought tears back to Karyn's eyes, all her dreams of meeting her mom ruined. That all left Karyn with a burning curiosity, however. She wanted to know about the Jedi... what they were.. who they were. Part of it because they had rejected her at such a young age, and another part because they had driven her mother to leave them.

Armed with curiosity and her leather satchel Karyn hurried down the ramp and onto the dry soil of Dantooine. She could see the rising smoke of the pyre on the other side of the Jedi instillation, and could hear low murmuring voices. Slowly, and stealthily - to avoid Dea's wrath - Karyn worked her way around the building towards the outside gathering. If questioned she'd lie, she'd pretend to be an initiate, and maybe in the process learn even more.

 

[Talon maara]

Kip overlooked his comrades enter the festivities, some with mournful expressions and some with empty emotions. All of which concerned kip, the force was in a turmoil even here on Jedi grounds. Many letting their emotions pool up and expressing itself vibrantly within the force: sadness, fear, anguish and even forms of hatred, not of the sith but themselves for the events that had unfolded over the past.

Slowly the Master worked his way around the flames, greeting the younger beings that gathered there. His head he held high, not for his emotions or pride, but rather for the younger jedi gathered around. He wanted to hopefully steer their thoughts in a more positive way, seeing one of the jedi Masters not letting this meeting and setting get to him.

Kip would notice various higher ranking jedi too trying to approach this 'funeral' or 'party' what ever it may be in a decently good tone. But none the less it sickened Kip seeing everyones thoughts control their demeanor.

Glancing Kip noticed two generals conversing, slowly kips staff guided the Old man to their persons. His body was worn and tired but none the less he stayed his course, ever so slowly working his way to the duo.

"Greetings...pardon my intrusion..."

The Master greeted the generals, not looking for a debate between the two ranks approach to the war but as a fellow Jedi....as a friend.

@Phoenix @Valen Pelora

 

[Phoenix]

Well he figured if he was stuck here, he might as well... follow Shae around. Let's be real, if she could do the talking for both of them and keep people occupied, he was just fine with that. As Shae found conversation with one of the other Generals - Valen, he thought - Corvo grabbed a cold glass of water and made his way over to the two, catching the end of their conversation about the gloomy state of affairs.

He extended a hand to the other Jedi, I don't think we've had the pleasure. Corvo, he said, shaking the man's hand firmly and forcing a smile. Well, this is certainly a morale boost if I've ever seen one.... Everyone was so fixated on the past and loss that it was hindering their ability to move forward. He glanced around the room at the long faces and wondered how many of them would still be here when the war ended. Regardless, if they fixated on their own mortality, they'd lose this war. Somehow, they needed to snap out of it.

You'll find more cheer at a Sith gathering.... Any ideas for diverting attention? As he finished speaking, another man (@Talon maara) walked up. Corvo had never met him before but he gave a quiet nod of hello, letting one of the other two (@Valen Pelora @Sreeya) do the greetings and conversing.

As the others conversed, Corvo looked at Shae and raised his eyebrows a bit with tightly pressed lips, something no one but his wife would notice or interpret, but she would immediately recognize as saying "Oh this is a bundle of fun. Thanks for bringing us out, darling."

 

[Elijah Brockway]

Senari had agreed to join the gathering with Dea on Dantooine, although truth be told, he'd rather be anywhere else. It was bad enough that he himself was drowning his sorrows on the daily, but being around a bunch of other Jedi when they decided to mourn would only make it worse. It didn't help that the Force and its ability to help one pick up on emotions granted, basically, an increased level of empathy to everybody involved, which in Sen's mind, could easily get out of hand.

Which was why he was excessively surly at this gathering, because that was the other emotional disposition he could latch onto to prevent himself from falling into the emotional pit everybody else was going to be in. So, with a slight scowl on his face, he walked along with Dea into the large group, although the third member of their little group was stowed away on the ship. Senari didn't particularly agree with the idea - in his mind, Karyn deserved to see the grouping of the Jedi, and he doubted that anybody would be so foolish as to try attacking a child (even then, nobody would have any idea who she was unless it was told to them); he was planning on separating from Deashe and getting back to the ship to let her out. All in due time.

"Master Draay," he said, inclining his head in greeting to the only remnant of the Jedi Council. "It's nice to see that you're still alive and well." His eyes turned more towards Dea than Annileen with his next words. "If you'll excuse me, though, I'm going to walk around the group, see how many of these people I still recognize." Even though he'd always been fast to form friendships in the past and genuinely enjoyed talking to people, Dea at least would remember that he never enjoyed being so near the center of any large groups, preferring to find people along the edge to talk to. Without waiting for a response from either person he nodded at the both of them again and retreated quickly, making his way far out of the center of the gathering.

Once he reached the outskirts of the group he started looking around, only to notice a short, familiar person creeping up towards the group a ways away from him. So she made her own way out. Should he and Karyn make eye contact, he'd nod his approval towards her; in his mind, she'd long since proven she could take care of herself, and he doubted that anybody present - including Corvo Vis - would be willing to hurt a child due only to her parentage, should they find out about it.

 

[Green Ranger]

Somber was certainly the correct word to describe the mood of the evening. Many Jedi had arrived from far and wide to Dantooine, seeking answers or wisdom that perhaps the senior Jedi did not possess. There was a hunger for hope that remained unsated, and the tension ran through the ceremony. Many huddled together in their own circles, talking only to close friends. For Gladys Keane, this was not an unfamiliar sight. Even Jedi turned to their loved ones in times of crisis, revealing deep fractures within an order buckling under the weight of great stresses.s Understandable as it was, it was still cause for concern.

Still, the Jedi Master had concerns of her own. As the ceremonial pyre cast fingers of flame high into the sky, the Jedi Master stepped forward, a datapad in hand. "Eitri Vaal," she said quietly, not seeking to interrupt the conversation that was taking place elsewhere, but continuing with a measured cadence as she continued the list. "Doryn Tyus. Erick Feln. Maiya Plar-Koo. Hera Stiix. Aethys Moone. Agatha Morne. Tyrn Aelder. Marigold Niir-Talyx. Beryz Firaxa. Warren Als. Baxxen Kiix. Nyaada. Haramen Folasz. Reiken Lei. Taiken Lei. Zix. Tycho Haal-Duraas. Morgana. Cestrys Nuul. Kyal Fex. Micah Quell. Horace."

On and on the Jedi Master continued listing name after name, reciting the countless lives lost on Tython. Though she had begun the list boldly, head held high, strong and defiant as she recited the list, by the end her hands trembled as she leaned on her cane, shrunken and trembling, her voice hoarse and quivering. With each name she recited from the datapad, there was a face depicted as well on the screen, and Gladys forced herself to look at each and everyone one of the deceased as she named them as dead. Many faces she recognised, and even more she knew well as former students. The burden of their losses weighed on the Jedi, and as she forced herself to read out the list, the memories associated with so many of them spilled to the surface. Not even decades of Jedi discipline could hold back such grief, and by the end of the list of hundreds of lost Jedi Gladys herself could feel tears streaming down her cheeks. As she read the last of the names, she struggled to regain her composure, clenching her jaw as she looked up at all the Jedi gathered.

"There is no death, there is the Force," she whispered hoarsely, before giving a stoic nod of appreciation to the collective group as she leaned heavily on her cane, hobbling over to a nearby bench to rest her aching and exhausted body. She had become somewhat accustomed to outliving many a Jedi who were supposed to outlive her, but this? This was something else entirely. No person was meant to suffer grief of this magnitude.​

 

[Releqy]

Fire did not represent destruction, nor even power. Not really. Many younglings would be deceived into thinking such a thing as it was, for some reason, the most obvious. No; fire was life. It was Light. While, yes, the immediate aftermath of fire was death and destruction, it would result in new beginnings and growth. It was all the more fitting, then, that the Jedi gathered around a symbolic pyre to pay their respects to the dead, to remember them and their sacrifice, while they steeled their resolves in order to push forward despite these events to keep the peace and enforce justice throughout the galaxy.

Releqy, just recently back from Saleucami - her first mission off-world in years - had made a special trip to her garden a couple miles from the Stronghold. It allowed her to be alone with her thoughts in quite while walking, allowing herself to focus on something mindless, rather than the devastation that was wrought within the Force by those that wish to destroy it. She pitied them because they knew not what it was they were doing.

Her sorrow and grief were thick and heavy in her soul when she made her way to the garden. On her way back, though, there was a meager peace that had taken hold and would begin to grow. By the time she made it back to the outpost there were many Jedi gathered. She knew none of them, looking for a face she might recognize, yet finding none. This did not dampen her spirits, though, as this simply meant she would make new friends. It was going to be necessary, after all, in order to survive from here on out.

The group had begun to condense due to the volume of bodies. Releqy did her best to slip by them without too much disturbance, but would require a couple to move for her so she might be able to get by. Her eyes lightened up to compensate for her lack of a physical smile, choosing to keep her sharp teeth to herself for the time being. She knew many were mourning and didn't wish to distract from that.

Eventually she came to the circle's edge to reveal, just in time for the listing of names, in her left hand which was concealed by her long sleeves, a single flower unlike any would have laid eyes on before. It was a simple flower; three alternating leaves on a green stem which held purple-to-white petals which curled up into each other at their tips. She'd hold it up with that single hand before letting go and giving it to the Force to bring to the pyre. It would hover towards the base, just within the flames, but would not burn. Not for some time.

Eventually it would blossom - the petals folding out and flat. Within the flames the colors, indeed, the very form, was largely lost. That was of no consequence to the Caamasi. She meditating, performing her own ritual, as she had done many times before back on her homeworld of Caamas when they mourned the passing and celebrated the life of one of the clan. To her, it signified that her will would persist despite the passing of the other. Still, that a part of her would go with them into the Force to be with them always, as they would be with her always.

More time would pass and the flower would eventually wilt within the flames. She'd unteather the connection she had made, at that point, and allow it to catch fire and turn to ash to float in the air and fly away in the winds. It was physical representation of the Force, she believed. It made her feel a little better. Her small contribution had been made and, so, she made her way towards the middle of the groupings, nodding and striking up conversation with whomever was around that might be in the mood.

All the while, she kept an eye out for signs and signals of a leader. The Jedi would need a leader now. Not more than ever, as there were more strenuous times for the Jedi in the past. Still, many were distraught, and rightly so! She was curious who would take the helm, now, and protect the Ways of the Jedi, while enforcing peace throughout the galaxy. She wondered what path the Jedi might, now take. She had always been of a minority within the Jedi, really only here out of duty to the larger Order as a whole. Now that it had been decimated, the fate of the Jedi was up to those gathered here today.

 

[Zenya]

Lanna had been to quite a few social gathering. Each one was fairly entertaining to the young girl, and fed her curiosities, because they gave her the opportunity to meet large amounts of interesting people. This one, however, was slightly different than all the others she had attended in the past. Before she was an initiate, but today was her first occasion in the shoes of a Jedi Knight. She felt grown in a way. Excited for the future, and in this moment, carefree.

It was a lovely way to mix things up, for she had been stuck in slow motion for a while now. After the battle of Coruscant, she was practically running out of will to continue the Army's bidding. Luckily her newfound companion Vallia Locke introduced her to alcohol, and it's special properties. To Lanna's horror, she recalled a night filled with dancing, gambling, and the close acquaintance of a specific pink Twi'lek.

Brushing off the thoughts, she told herself that Vallia was dead, and Lanna's secrets were safe with her. As morbid as it was, she was relieved besides the sadness of losing a fellow sister in the army.

Even though the evening was one signifying new beginnings, and a bright future for the girl, the actual occasion was bleak.
It was a funeral. For all those that had died on Tython. A planet she had grown up on, along with so many of the other Jedi around her.
She and the other members of the Army stood around, listening to an elderly lady announce the list of their fallen brothers and sisters from Tython. What a tragedy. And despite Lanna's own recent achievements, she mourned like everyone else.

Giving a small smile, she waved at a familiar face. Valen. (@Valen Pelora ) A Jedi Master who she traveled to Endor with to assist in protecting a tribe of Ewoks. What a trip that was.

Turning, she went to grab a refreshment of some sort, when she passed something familiar. All too familiar for her taste.

"Kira... No."

Taking a step forward, she tapped on a girl's shoulder. She looked to be around her same height, yet the stench of something bitter lingered around her in the force. (@Prudence )

"Excuse me. Hi, I'm Lanna," She swallowed. "Do I know you?" Reaching out her hand to shake the girl's, she could see something familiar in her eyes.

 

[Prudence]

A swirling of turbulent emotions washed through Karyn as she ventured towards the small gathering of Jedi. She hadn't ever really seen this many Jedi before, though she had often dreamed of one day becoming one when she was younger. She thought of what it must have looked like, when her mother was among them. She thought about what Dea had told her, about how her mother had not willingly joined the Sith, but it didn't sit right with her. Her whole life she had seen her mother as this strong independant woman, and even now she knew that her mother wound up as the Dark Lord - assuming that it was all against her will made no sense to Karyn. She saw Sen catch sight of her, and for a moment she thought that he would inform Dea of her presence outside of the ship. The man simply gave her a nod, and in return Karyn shot him a mischievous grin.

She was starting to approach the outside of the gathering when she felt a hand touch her shoulder. Instantly her hand shot down into her satchel, gripping her pistol, though not drawing it, as she wheeled on her assailant. She found, standing behind her, a young human girl, though seemed older than Karyn herself. The two were the same height, but the older girl's face and figure were both more defined than Karyn's own.

Karyn stared upon her with a wild look in her eyes, her arm still stiff and clutching the pistol. After a bit of hesitation she released the blaster and withdrew her hand from the satchel, "Hi... I'm Karyn.." she worked to calm her rapid breathing as she shook her head, "I don't believe I know you... I spend most of my time on Tython anyways.. I'm only here for the gathering.." Unbeknownst to Karyn, Tython was gone. Dea and Sen had forgotten to inform her of the fact on the trip over from Onderon. The conversation had been dominated by discussion of her mother, and her death. Usually Karyn just blended in with a crowd, but that was on the dingy streets of Onderon. Here she stood out like sorethumb, but she hadn't expected to be approached - especially not from behind. Her mind raced as anxiety bloomed within her while she steadily worked to form the lies she would feed Lanna - blissfully unaware of the mistake she had already made.

 

[Kori Buor]

By the Force, this place is a bloody drag. If I had known everyone was going to be so somber and depressing here I would have stayed in the archives and kept reading about Master Sai's adventures than come here and be around so many people who are moping because another Jedi died trying to bring an end to the Sith. Ahzek Shahi hummed as he thought on the contagious and depressing mood that pervaded the area, the dull blue-grey aura's of those who were acting or feeling dejected. Of course, Ahzek knew that there were other reasons; the loss of Tython, the rise of the Empire, the fracturing of so much. The Dark Side was strong and growing stronger, but the Jedi stood against it. Ahzek had stood against it with Shae on Chandrila, something he would do again if it meant bringing down the darkness that swept across the Galaxy.

Taking a deep breath and focusing himself, the young Jedi Knight stepped forward and almost immediately noticed that a familiar presence was nearby once his senses extended outward and began feeling those present. Shae. One of the few Jedi he considered a true friend and the woman he had witnessed kill the last Sith Emperor. At least he would have someone to talk to! Walking forward, Ahzek's eyes scanned the Jedi present; there were several faces he didn't recognize, a few he did, but only by reputation, and oddly a couple of young initiates. Spotting Shae was easy once he had started looking for her, and surprisingly he even manage to spot Corvo at the same time. Never would have expected to see the former Dark Lord at a Jedi gathering, no doubt he was only here because of Shae.

Making his approach, he smiled once he had Shae's attention. "Hello, Shae. How are you doing? I see you dragged your husband here. How's you manage to do that?" The smirk on his face told the woman he was being rhetorical for humor's sake. "Well, things sure do seem lively here." He looked around and his eyebrows raised as he looked back at Shae indicating he was being very sarcastic. "Is it normally like this at Jedi gatherings? I honestly haven't been to one in a while. Can't say I'm regretting it now, though. Anything to do besides drink?"

 

[Shalken]

As Shalken stepped towards the group of Jedi standing around the pyre that burned away steadily, he could not help but think back to happier days. Before the Empire, before the GAR, when the Sith were just a dark cloud on the horizon and the Jedi were pioneering their way across worlds, like he had done so many years ago on this very planet. Back then, he had found little reward in clearing out that disgusting Kinrath nest, but now it seemed his hard work had paid off after all.

And yet, despite all of the Army's victories, here they stood - gathered around a funeral pyre that burned for the thousands of lives lost on Tython, their jewel planet. His home. And yet, despite this loss, Shalken felt no burning desire to exact revenge on the Sith. Though he was no longer serving as the Chancellor's bodyguard, he still felt it was his duty to defend what remained of the Jedi, not strike out in retaliation. He was sure many of the others would likely wish to do so, and while he was in no place to stop them, perhaps he could serve as a voice of reason in the troubled times ahead.

As he stepped through the crowd, Shalken was becoming increasingly aware of how long he had been away from the Army. Most of these people surrounding him he did not know very well at all, beyond mere acquaintances. Sure, he recognized some faces - Shae, little Lanna, Valen, and Corvo - but these few were hardly enough to keep him from feeling like a complete stranger, despite his physical resemblance his brother, Vosrik. Surprisingly, the ex-Lord was not present, cementing the fact that he had indeed disappeared into exile. The man that had accompanied Shalken instead, while no Jedi, was an esteemed politician and a friend of the Jedi Master that wished to pay his respects. (@Vosrik)

Shalken motioned towards the bar. "I'm off to get a drink to lighten my spirits. Shall I fetch you one as well, Marcus?"

 

[Logan]

The idea of a Jedi gathering was never something that particularly interested Logan. They always seemed more akin to the side party in space high school, the one where all the nerds and band geeks went, where they served sparkling apple juice instead of cold beer because well, they were nerds and that's all their moms would buy them. Up until this point Logan had been standing mostly by himself, becoming somewhat bored and sipping from what was probably his fourth or fifth bottle of beer at this point. Maybe it was his sixth or seventh, he couldn't really remember, but that would explain why he suddenly found himself slinking away from his hidey-hole and approaching three of the Jedi's finest Generals.

"Keep pursing your lips like that and they'll get stuck that way," he said, rolling his eyes at the clearly uncomfortable Corvo. (@Phoenix). He had never seen the man not look like he was pissed off at the world, probably just a layover of angst from his Sith days. You'd have thought by now he'd have shed those teenager mannerisms. Maybe his wife found the dark, silent and boring type hot and interesting. Logan wondered what that said about her.

His ears perked up at the mention of dancing, that was one of the things Logan actually enjoyed. Probably had something to do with his old girlfriend being a giant fan and the bug to jig never really left him. "If old sour puss here isn't gonna take you up on the offer, I sure will." Logan said, clearly speaking to Shae. (@Sreeya) He had a genuine smile on his face, a stark contrast to many of the dour people that seemed to be filling the place. Logan didn't like sadness, or mourning or tears. He had had enough of those for one life time many years ago. A funeral didn't have to be a gathering of depression, it should be a celebration of life. Everything became one with the force in the end, and that was something that gave Logan comfort.

Noticing the green Jedi (@Valen Pelora), Logan nodded his head in greeting. "Maybe we can even get old General green skin to get the stick out of his ass and come with us to the dance floor, eh?" Logan said playfully to Shae. "Either way, someone needs to break the sad air around here. These kids should know more of the Jedi than death and fighting."

Lifting two fingers towards the bartender, Logan ordered two more bottles of beer. He would offer one to Shae but wouldn't care if she didn't take it. There was never enough beer for Logan.