Ask Onderon Picking up the Pieces

Hailee Lightwood

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So they had won. Onderon had not been sucessfully invaded, not today. Maura and Hailee had fought bravely and they had won the upper hand quite quickly...Even though Hailee felt quite proud, there was also a bitter taste to winning and she just couldn't shake that strange feeling...

Hailee had been incredibly worried about Maura, yet the young padawan had proven herself within a few minutes. She had injured the Sith acolyte visibly and that's why she had taken off to the hospital. It had warmed her heart to see that Maura was quite similar to her as Hailee had also a weak spot for the wounded...

She had done it before and now again she found herself inside a borrowed ship, the stunned Sith she had fought not long ago laying right in front of her. Deep inside her, there was this voice telling her that it was naive and stupid. As soon as he would wake up, he could possibly try to hurt her and she was also exhausted from the fight. Would she have the strength to beat him again?

The Jedi took no prisoners. It was meaningless...what would she even do with him? Keep him locked in a cell so that he wouldn't be able to invade another system? That was alwo just stupid and naive. Perhaps talking to him would help? But she was definitely not here to preach about morality or anything.

A deep sigh escaped her while she massaged her temples. She had carried him back to the ship with one purpose: Healing him. She couldn't have done it in the middle of the battlefield as there had been still top much commotion. Yet she had lost valuable time by bringing him back and she was almost convinced that he would wake up soon.

Should she restrain him? Oh this could only come across the wrong way. Should she have asked Thayd to help? Also not th4 best idea, as she didn't know much about the Knight and after all it had been pretty unlikely that he would have helped her heal the enemy. But even this term was just stupid. He was not the enemy. He had made a mistake by coming here to invade the planet and trying to help the Empire in its endeavor to forcefully overthrow the system. He had chosen his faction, just like her.

She nervously walking up and down, knowing that she had to come to a decision asap. Should she have just left him there? No she couldn't...he was hurt. Not badly, but still visibly and she had hurt him, so she would just quickly fix him.

She inhaled deeply before she closed her eyes and hesitantly stepped closer before she outstretched her hands, carefully placing them onto his wounded arm first. Would she even manage to concentrate with that inner tension? She wasn't quite sure, yet she would definitely try.


@Xorism
 

Caelian

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From the darkness, Caelian could see the withering leaves rustled and fell in the autumn breeze one cold morning on Eshan. A friendly hand peered through the pile of leaves that covered the young Echani and offered to pull him out, with a strained grunt the boy broke through to saw the beaten face of his school friend Jerox.

A subtle blend of tears and blood caressed both boy's red and puffy cheeks, the pair stood quietly catching their breath after such a heavy exertion. "Are you hurt, Cael? What happened?" Jerox stood a foot taller and looked him over concerned like an older brother might. "I....I'm fine, I think. That punk Petyr and friends jumped me just 'cause I kicked his ass in gym class today, I think I got in a good hit though." He forced a pained smile and rubbed the back of his head. "They musta' hit me with somethin' hard or something, 'cause man my head hurts."

Caelian moved slowly, as he paused to look over his shoulder. Jerox hugged his friend and relived his glorious comeback in detail, "Yeah man! You should've seen it, I had the three of them wailing on me, but that was when I slammed 'em against the fence and took them down one by one. I'm glad you're okay, I'm just sorry I wasn't here sooner."

The pair had been through thick and thin, neighbours at first, turned brothers in blood. Defenders of Sixth Street and associated treehouses, they fought side by side, always. These brothers in fists were inseparable, and yet they did.

The darkness returned and consumed the memory again, returning it to the deepest, most painful compartment of his conciousness as he slowly opened his eyes to an unfamiliar setting. His left hand crossed his chest to seek his right arm and the familiar comfort of his DoSS tattoo, but was interrupted by the sudden realisation of recent events.

Caelian sat up and jumped back against the wall, almost falling off the ad hoc stretcher in shock as he caught Hailee's visage for the first time since their fight. "You.." was all he could say before the tremendous amount of pain he suddenly felt coursing through his chest and arm caught up with him. His face was pained and scared, like all those years ago, but this time he was alone.



@LadyRen
 

Hailee Lightwood

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Her exhausted gaze lingered on the motionless, still unconscious Sith Champion while she let out another sigh. Yes, she was trying to do the right thing. She kept reminding herself of that while she had slowly approached. Her hands were slightly shaking at first, but as the carefully placed them on the gash on his arm, she somehow managed to control them.

Her touch was soft, yet a shiver went down her spine the very moment her skin brushed against his. It was not true as if he was radiating that cold darkness she was almost grown used to, but she couldn't deny that her stomach slightly twisted at the very moment she intended to begin.

She forced herself to inhale deeply as she closed her eyes, trying to block out her own exhaustion and the slight pain and to ignore her racing heart. He was still stunned, which was a good thing, yet it made her curious. She was tempted to dive into the depths of his mind, just like she had done it with Ronan, but she knew it wasn't right and so her own moral principles beat her immense curiosity. It was simply not right. She wouldn't abuse his disadvantageous position. No, instead she would simply heal his wounds and get it over with.

She was trying to focus, yet her thoughts kept drifting off as the intensity of the battle could not be forgotten just like that. She tried to remember her teachings, each and every word Pêro had said to her while simultaneously keeping her focus on the light. She tried to cling to the memories of her first healing attempt, as they usually helped her concentrate, but out of a sudden the Sith stirred.

She immediately reopened her eyes, instinctively jumping back while her right hand shot around her lightsaber's hilt. The weapon was still clipped to her belt, but she was ready to use it if necessary. Her muscles involuntarily tensed up while she slightly narrowed her eyes, wary of his own suspicion.

The blonde man wasn't necessarily hostile just yet. Instead, he was afraid. She could not only see it, but also sense the fright, but there was also pain. Not just physical pain from his injuries, but there was something else. "Yes, me" she began, mentally adding a 'stupid' inbetween the two words, "let's not make a fuss out of it. Sit down and just give me a minute, I'm just trying to help". She was trying to keep her tone soft, yet it was somehow colder than intended. There was still a decent a amount of anger inside her since she wasn't exactly pleased with what they had tried to do here on Onderon.

However, she knew that antagonizing him wouldn't help and sk she was just hoping that he would follow her order. She was not afraid of him, and she could also tell that even if he was quite suprised to her face here, he wouldn't just attack her again. She had beaten him, and she was confident to do it again if necessary. It would be nothing more than a waste of energy for the two of them though...

@Xorism
 

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To say that Caelian was surprised to see the blonde Jedi again so soon was a massive understatement, and yet it entirely made sense given what he could piece together from the end of their fight. Caelian was caught in between two emotional tsunamis between his past and present and was clinging on for dear life. Even if he wanted to, there was no fight in him in the present.

Caelian stared intently and tried to read this strange Jedi standing before him. He couldn't discern any ill intent, but his suspicions wouldn't waver so readily. She was after all the one who had injured him in the first place, but then again, he wasn't really in a position to fight her on technicalities on whose fault that was.

He slowly shifted back down onto the bed, holding his arm in pain, and winced. "Do..do you have anything for the pain? I'm miserable." The burn was significant on his right arm where the blaster grazed it, much to his relief the arm was still somewhat functional. His chest hurt a little and affected his breathing rhythm, which might be noticed by the observant.

The battle had taken a toll on the Echani, and he began to wonder how its tendrils might find themselves impacting his life in the future. He couldn't look the Jedi in the eye if she approached him, and he didn't know why.

Caelian could feel no sense of threat, but yet in the corner of his eye he could see that she was armed. He now regretted asking for medication but also, if he suddenly changed his mind now he'd look suspicious as hell. No, he'd have to take it and try to keep his wits in case she tried something. "Where are we?" he asked honestly, his curiosity breaking through his mistrust.



@LadyRen
 

Hailee Lightwood

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She tried to keep her calm, but her heartbeat was still betraying her. There were a thousands things on her mind and she couldn't help but to imagine countless possibile scenarios. He had no reason to trust her and vice versa and she couldn't assume that he would just take her word for it.

And yet he suprised her as his facial expressions softened. She could see how his initial fright was slightly ceasing, but it was also obvious that desperation led the Sith. What choice did he have after all? She was the one in possession of a lightsaber and she had made sure that the Champion would nit find his own so easily, and she was also in a much better state anyway.

As he shifted back, it also seemed as though he was relaxing his tense muscles and so she slowly rolled her shoulders to do the same. Her right hand carefully slid off the lightsaber's hilt and she forced herself to lose the alarmed frown. Instead, she was trying to keep her face neutral as she slowly stepped forward again, although he soon made her raise a brow in curiosity.

"Pain killers? Seriously?" she began, slightly amused even before she realized that she had no reason to be snappy, even though it was amusing how he still seemed to be convinced that he was in the position to negotiate terms. If she was helping him, she would do it on her own conditions.

"I wasn't planning on landing here so I'm not quite sure...there should be a med-kit somewhere, but I won't let you unsupervised" she replied as soft as she could, still rather hesitant in her movements and her tone was slightly abrasive.

Where did this sudden reluctance come from? Perhaps it was much more difficult because he was awake now. She could see that it wasn't just his arm that was hurting, but something seemed seriously wrong with his chest, but she would assess the rest of the damage later. At first, she wanted to tend to his wound.

She closed her eyes before she reached him, her hand carefully placed back on his arm again while she was trying to call on the Force again, but as he suddenly opened his mouth again, she slightly flinched. "Have you ever been on a ship before?" she teased with slightly gritted teeth. If he would just keep his mouth shut, maybe she could simply get it over with. She was not intending to give him an attitude, yet she couldn't fully hold back as the atmosphere was still tense.

@Xorism
 

Caelian

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Caelian held a confused look when she refused to help him with the pain. Fine, whatever, he was tough enough to make do without if she wanted to be like that, he thought.

As time elapsed, the Echani became more aware of his surroundings and the tension between himself and the Jedi in front of him. His body was still too weak to fight again, but that didn't mean that he couldn't utilise his own training, recalling a lesson from the academy that pain could also be a source of strength to users of the Dark Side.

His fear of her continued to reduce as he reasoned that if she had intended to kill him, it would have already happened. Did he trust her? No, but he realised that there would need to be some kind of truce between them for the time being.

Caelian didn't answer her cheeky comments, and instead closed his eyes to meditate and recite the Sith code mentally to help hold his focus while she manipulated his arm.

Peace is a lie. There is only Passion. Through Passion I gain Strength. Through Strength I gain Power. Through Power I gain Victory. Through Victory my chains are Broken. The Force shall free me.

He didn't know how much time passed, but once he opened his light blue eyes, calmness radiated from his pose.



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Hailee Lightwood

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She hated that she had no control over her racing heart and her thoughts still kept drifting off. She reminded herself to stay calm and focus on Pêro's words. If she wanted to quickly heal him, she needed to focus. Why was it so hard now?!

She was about to grow frustrated when suddenly she sensed something within the Force. It was his presence, but it had changed. He was suddenly radiating calmness and she was immediately tempted to draw from that. If soothed her and it helped her find her own way back, but she wasn't quite sure whether giving in was the right choice.

Whatever he was doing, she was almost certain that his meditative ways were somehow similar to her own...which was...ironic somehow. Since this wasn't her first close interaction with a Sith, she knew what to expect and what to feel, yet this was different.

She had been groping in the dark before, and she wouldn't do it again, so she tried to hold onto the light. Even though there was conflict inside her very self, she finally manage to break though and let it guide her.

While her touch had been soft at first she had to tighten her grip some more, but after a few moments the Sith would finally feel the sensation of relief as the broken skin was mended and the pain would be swept away.

It felt like she was done with the arm and as she reopened her eyes, she quickly examined her work before she looked back into the light eyes of the blonde Sith."Alright...the arm is done. The pain should be fine too. What is wrong with your chest though?". She wasn't fully sure whether asking for that was the right thing to done she could already feel how the healing had trained her exhausted body further.

She had noticed that his eyes were opened now as well, but she still couldn't quite tell whether she was fully confident with their frail truce. Mistrust still ran deep and so she remained cautious, attentive enough to react if necessary, even though he didn't show any signs of hostility right now.

@Xorism
 

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The calmness washed over the Sith like temperate waves on a sandy shore, the irons of pain that plunged themselves into his limbs became less of a burden and more of strength. The duality of the Jedi healing the physical wounds while Caelian himself dealt with the physiological damage, light mixed with dark, warmth against the cold.

He could feel each muscle strand restore and rebind, an unusual sensation that spawned light spasms as the fibres came back to life. Caelian's arm warmed unnaturally, but in his meditative state this did not concern him. The pain waned and waned, taking with it the warmth and discomfort. His eyes opened and before him stood his foe and healer, a helper and stranger.

Caelian's arm moved back in front of his chest, his other hand moving across the formerly damaged areas to examine her handiwork and finding his arm the way he had earlier in the day. A cautious smile broke through his otherwise neutral gaze as the pair stared each other down. "Thank you, it is." He hadn't really had a chance to examine his chest, but underneath the loosely fit armorweave the bruising was apparent and darkening.

He shrugged at her question, "I mean, it does hurt a little to move." Caelian unclasped the buttons along the garment from the top to reveal a fist sized bruise forming on his mid-chest.

What did he even know about this Jedi and why did he feel so relaxed around her? She was apparently a better fighter than he was, as Onderon showed. She weirdly wielded a crimson blade in battle, which was something he had never heard a Jedi doing. Where was his own lightsaber? Where would he begin?

"I'm Caelian by the way, to whom do I owe these bruises?" he added with a pained chuckle.


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Hailee Lightwood

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She couldn't shake the feeling...the conflict never left. The conflict that raged inside her was an unpleasant reminder of what had been not long ago and now she felt also conflicted about healing this Sith...the Sith that had literally attacked her after invading the planet.

Once she had finished his arm, she took a step back, attentive green eyes observing the Echani. As their gazes met, he seemingly forced himself to a weak smile that triggered a very weird feeling inside her. It was somehow infectious, as weird as their situation and as fragile as their peace was, yet the corners of her mouth also raised themselves. Their was a strange familiarity in this very moment, yet she couldn't quite tell why.

Her tense muscles unconsciously relaxed themselves after he affirmed that she had indeed managed to help him. She nodded, satisfied with her work, trying to block out the exhaustion that was creeping in, but she felt right awake once he began shedding his armor. She raised a brow in curiosity, dearly hoping that he wouldn't start stripping down as this would have made things much more awkward than they had already been.

She reminded herself to keep her cool and remain as professional as she wanted to be. She simply wanted to heal him before she would...well what would she do with him? Just set him free? Probably...but it wouldn't feel fully right. "Let me see..." she began, reluctantly stepping forward again while she carefully grabbed the fabric of his shirt. She pulled it down a little more to assess the full extent of his injury before she softly covered the bruise with her hand.

She was about to close her eyes to concentrate when his admittedly cheeky comment hit her. Her green eyes flicked back onto the target, a hint of anger and fire in her before she reminded herself, once again, that antagonizing wouldn't help and apparently he was open to humor. She didn't quite like how close their faces were now, yet she chuckled softly. "I'd say you can thank yourself. Invading Onderon was definitely a great idea..." she began sarcastically, "I'm Hailee...and kicking your ass was a pleasure" she then added with a rather mischievous smirk, well aware of the fact that she was playing with fire.

@Xorism
 

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There was little movement from the Echani as he patiently watched this Hailee, her viridescent eyes staring back, betraying her twisted emotional state. An intriguing creature stood just beyond his face, but yet as close as they were, he couldn't piece together the complexity that she radiated. What was she? He pondered quietly, to linger along the treacherous embrace of the dark side and yet remain in the light.

His curiosity piqued once more, "the blade you wield, do you feel it calling to you?" A kyber crystal had to be bled to turn crimson, an affront to its natural state and required a significant effort for a dark sider to inflict. The idea of a Jedi using the blade crafted curious thoughts through the Echani's mind.

He couldn't help but chuckle again at Hailee's remarks, replying in kind. "Oh, that was Onderon? I must have missed my stop." Truthfully, he had barely heard of the planet before the orders came down to invade, and he certainly didn't go for the scenery. An opportunity for glory and get his name out there was all Onderon meant to him, at least at first.

Now? It would be a memory of failure and weakness. Caelian did feel some sense of luck that Lord Raze hadn't been present to see his loss, the man's brutality was well known, and who would know how he would respond?

His Jedi opponent was well-trained at least, that made the sting hurt just a little less. He had been defeated by a worthy adversary, and neither had incurred lasting injuries which would prevent him from restoring his dignity at another date. Perhaps, in time, they would meet again and see his luck change?

The same couldn't be said for his brother in arms Wodan who seemed to suffer a more significant injury at the hands of the rainbow haired one. The worrying thought had just crossed his mind and returned his concerned look while shifting nervously forward, "My friend Wodan, have you heard anything about him?"



@LadyRen
 

Hailee Lightwood

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It was as if she was back on the Enigma again. This deep rooted fascination was driving her towards the dark, yet she didn't dare to indulge again. She knew it was wrong, no matter how tempting or thrilling the sheer thought of it, that was what the constant battle that was raging inside her had repeatedly proven.

She interpreted it as a good sign that her healing was still efficiently working since healing was one of the purest, light related skills and this sudden realization calmed her immensely. With her right hand still planted on his chest she kept summoning the light, all of her concentration momentarily focused on the Sith's inner wound while she literally imagined the injury from the inside.

It doesn't feel like any bones were fractured, yet there was a severe bruising and she was using her focus to soothe the impact-stricken bones underneath the purple tainted skin. At those very moments the Sith would feel an undeniable light aura encompassing the two of them, an almost pulsating orb quickly hovering around the bruised skin before it delved beneath the tissue.

He would sense this light presence and the warmth that soon followed if he was still aware of his surroundings by listening to the Force. Otherwise he would only feel this wave of pain release sweeping over him once she carefully lifted her hand again. Out of a sudden, she slightly staggered backwards, her own exhaustion eventually catching up with the blonde Jedi, but after two shaky backwards steps it seemed like she had regained her footing.

He could notice that she had slightly flinched as she could feel the draining effects of using yet another Force power, yet she overplayed it as best as she could as his next question was fired. So this Sith was apparently just as curious as she was...

Admittedly, this particular question completely caught her off guard. She fought hard not to look away or reveal any other sign of her internal conflict while she threw him a rather challenging look in return. "Last time I checked that was none of your concern" she snapped back, light green orbs eying him with a certain feistiness. It was truly none of his concerns, yet the main reason for her avoidance was that she did not want to consider that question again as facing the truth was hard. There had always been this subtle calling and resisting it was a struggle. A struggle, that was still, worth it though.

It was a good thing that the mood lightened up by his next remark and she immediately forced herself so chuckle slightly, her facial expressions softening as she smirked. "Oh so navigating isn't your thing either?" she teased in return, still hoping that he would continue to keep it humorous.

It was even before he mentioned his Sith companion that she realized that she was still feeling sorry for how things had ended. Of course, she was also slightly triumphant as she had sucessfully fought him off, but she simply hated hurting others. "He should me fine. Maura had brought him into a hospital nearby. I could contact her, if you want..."There was a decent amount of sympathy in her voice as she gave him this honest answer, her voice much softer than before. She was not regretting her friendly offer, yet there was a certain bitter taste to it again. Was she starting to do him another favor now? Why could she never lose her soft spots?

@Xorism
 

Caelian

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He could sense that his question struck an intricate nerve, her sensitivity on the topic was raw, which fought to break through the mask that she hid behind. Perhaps there was something he could entice out, but also perhaps it would be too much to see a reflection of her true self that was so masterfully hidden.

True, it was none of his concern, but they weren't exactly in a hurry to go anywhere and as far as he was aware, she could just kick him out at her own leisure. He didn't want to prod too hard in light of their circumstances, it could potentially be dangerous to evoke a wrathful response from her while he was unarmed and vulnerable, but this could also become her own vulnerability in suit.

Caelian would never fully understand the light side nor its innate strength, but there was something majestic about the ability to mend, to heal and recreate rather than destroy. She carefully placed her hand on his wounded chest and closed her eyes, Caelian felt a warming sensation similar to the one he had earlier as she strained to heal again. His thoughts drifted, was the warmth this strange connection between himself and the force, or was it more physical between the pair? He unconsciously moved his own hand onto the back of hers as she was completing the task, slipping away as she opened her eyes once more.

He sat there smirking with each response, their verbal jousting was certainly entertaining and worked well to pass the time. "Say's the one who doesn't even know where she landed." he added cheekily.

It was a relief to hear that Wodan was being taken care of, the pair hadn't really spent a lot of time together, but Caelian hoped to change that in the future once he had recovered. "No..I'm sure he'll be alright. Thank you." He didn't have a problem acknowledging her kind offer, but her inflection was not lost on the Echani.

He held his breath momentarily while choosing carefully his next series of questions. She seemed like a decent person, he had no idea why she was defending Onderon any more than she knew why he was attacking it, but yet her humanity came through in the end, and she decided, not anyone else, to help a stranger who had just moments before that been her opponent.

Caelian searched within himself, wondering if he would have the strength of character to do the same? The Sith wouldn't right? And neither should he, he thought. It was an interesting question, and it didn't escape his notice that Hailee was still acting with apprehension despite his friendliness. Did an association with the Sith forever badly taint one's soul in her eyes? He didn't think that he was, but then again, was that something that you could decide for yourself?

"Do you think I'm a bad person?" he finally asked pointedly.





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Hailee Lightwood

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She was genuinely happy and relieved that her powers hadn't betrayed her. She had indeed managed to mend the injured Sith, but that slight feeling of pride was distorted by the strange sensation that began to enfold the moment his skin had grazed hers.

Why the hell did hell did he do that? Even though it startled and distracted her strongly, she was trying her best not to lose her focus because she wanted to finish her task first. Still, she slightly flinched and her thoughts immediately drifted off.

She could at least stop herself from spiraling even though this touch evoked a thousand memories, but once she opened her eyes, the battle inside her was just trying to rage again while her mind was overshadowed by doubts. Had she made the right choice? Or was that just another mistake? Why did she always found herself so enticed by the dark?

"I knew exactly where I had landed" she lied, forcing herself to a grin to emphasize her claim, genuinely grateful about that distraction after all. She stepped back and stopped at a respectful distance of a meter, trying to assess whether there was any more damage that she needed to fix, before she simply nodded at his reply. "He'll be fine, yes. And...you're welcome I guess". Her words came slightly hesitant, but the smile that followed was more genuine and warm this time.

However as he went on with his curious questions, a deep shiver was sent down her spine. Did she think that? She had definitely caught herself having such thoughts when she had initially stepped on that battlefield to oppose the Sith duo. The pure thought of the Sith attacking Onderon had made her sick and furious. She knew that drawing from that rage wasn't right, yet it was a Sith that had taught her that rage could indeed be a source of pure strength.

She had tried not to become blinded by hatred and so while they had been fighting, it had never been her intention to kill or even fatally wound the Echani...yet there had been a certain amount of wrath and fierce determination behind her strikes. Or perhaps it had been just her usual fire. She couldn't quite tell and not knowing what had happened confused and frightened her at the same time.

It was about control and balance, everything was...and that was exactly why the answer to that very question he had just posed was of a complicated, multi faceted nature. "You're not a bad person. There are just a few people who are truly bad..." she began quietly, her green eyes still lingering on his light blue orbs, "I do however think that you have made a mistake. I'm also sure that you have probably committed atrocities under the Empire's banner and that is something I despise. Did you blindly follow the command to invade this innocent planet?" she tried not to be accusing, yet her curiosity was fixed with the slightest hint of reproach. "If so...why?".

"I am positively surpised now though. I'm not sure whether you had much of a choice either, but right now you seem like a reasonable, decent person" she then admitted with a smirk, knowing that her could have tried to attack her after all. She was confident she would beat him again, but she was happy he chose to remain peaceful as well.

@Xorism
 

Caelian

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Why had he done that? Time seemed to slow momentarily as they brushed for a second. He could sense the brief bonfire of emotion hiding under the surface before Hailee contained it. There was something there, Caelian was certain, but what might that be?

Did he find it humorous that she seemed to seriously consider her answer to his fundamental question? Maybe a little. It didn't have to be a complicated question, at least to the Sith. What would he consider to be a bad person? Would someone be a bad person simply for murder? Well, what if you could justify it? Could you not also be considered a bad person if you aimed to be a good person, but failed to live up to your ideals? Would you need to have committed any real acts of malice?

He listened quietly to her answer, their eyes fiercely locked in combat, managing to hold his tongue as she began until her question arrived. "Only the blind lead the blind." he said quickly with a little venom in his voice. "The Empire called, and I answered. I do not know why Onderon was chosen, nor do I chose who lives or dies in the greater purpose. I am simply one man with my own destiny, but if my going reduces the suffering by the choices I make, does that justify my decision to go, or make it worse?"

Caelian held his breath once more as the weight of his decisions bore down upon his shoulders. It's true that the people of Onderon suffered at the hands of the Sith during the invasion, but so did every people at every invasion. The Jedi were no stranger to invading planets and sacking temples, as much as they liked to think otherwise. The two orders were ancient and had both endured a long, bloody history together.

He pressed her ever so gently, "Did you blindly follow others to fight for your cause or choose it of your own accord?" Sure, it was just reversing her question back onto her, but it would be a good reflective question to move into what he had been thinking for some time. "Perhaps a better question would be, do you call yourself a Jedi because you blindly abide by its values, making you no better than the Empire, or because you would feel lost without it and cling to it in the hopes to find meaning?"

He sat quietly, awaiting her response. There was no hidden motive in the question he posed, other than to find the truth. His own truth lay hidden away, buried, as he suspected hers did too.


@LadyRen
 
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Hailee Lightwood

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She was wondering whether he sensed that wild conflict that was raging within her and not knowing the answer to that question was terrible. After all, he was wounded and his concentration probably drained and even if she had always been good at hiding behind a composed fassade, her own strength to keep doing that was fading away.

Has her answer been reflective enough? Or had she revealed too much of the fire that was burning inside her by slightly accusing him, or at least judging him for his actions? She had indeed been pissed about the Sith's arrival on Onderon and he had been the one to attack first, yet she still offered him the chance to explain himself.

As he began to answer, she could not only hear but sense that his attitude was changing. He was now also adding a certain fire to his words, but at the same time his reply was of a deep, almost philosophical nature, what surpised her.

The fierceness of their bith gazes didn't abate, but even if Hailee was generally a quite impulsive person, she knew that she couldn't get too emotional, or else just one of them would leave that ship alive. Words could be painful weapons too and he was definitely starting to throw accusations in her direction as well now, even if he concealed them through clever questions.

"Do you try to follow your own destiny though?" she immediately asked, her stare intense. "Or are you hiding benath that banner? Let's put it this way: Why do you even think invading an independent world is necessary? Why would you help overthrowing the government by risking the lives of countless, innocent inhabitants, just so that your damn Empire can expand its spehere of influence?", she hissed, her tone icy. Now she had slightly lost control and her fiery temper was already getting thr best of her. She cleared her throat and forced herself to breathe deeply, forcing the tension out of her muscles again.

Was he really that reasonable after all?! Her wrath grew, the fire was fueled, but she knew that she was entering dangerous terrain. She tried to focus on something different, but it was as if those next questions painfully twisted the knife that was already in her back. A cold shiver was sent down her spine as she was once again confronted with this particular set of questions. Should she even answer that? Or simply kick him out of her ship and be done with it, like she intended?

His questions challenged her though. She couldn't just let them unanswered...not because she was so desperate to find her own truth, but because maybe reflecting on it once again would offer more clarity, to him and to her. "I wasn't following anyone's orders. I received the news, immediately took a ship and jumped over. I never blindly abided by any values or rules. I was trying to protect the people and the planet...to prevent them from suffering from your hands" she replied, her voice surprisingly softer, but it seemed like that was just the calm before the storm. She knew she was accusing him again, but if he was really convinced that they did the right thing, he would soon have a problem...Was there a way that they would establish some common ground? Or was this just the beginning of them finishing what they had started outside?

@Xorism
 

Caelian

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Her immediate answers were evasive, combative even in their little verbal spar. Coming back at him with a series of fiery questions that poked and prodded at the Echani's logic. He waited quietly, listening to all that she had to say before releasing a hearty sigh and the pent-up tension in his chest, "I'm sorry." was all that he said.

Caelian considered arguing that Onderon was hardly innocent, it's Consul infamously claiming responsibility for a bombing of an imperial academy on Dromund Kaas. Like dominoes, one action led to another and brought the war uncomfortably close and within a handful of swings of a lightsaber from going the other way. He considered arguing that the Jedi, and other allies, had too brought worlds into their fold for their own greater good or purpose.

But he didn't.

Her reaction to his line of questioning made him realise that he had gone too far, perhaps some other time they could explore these emotions and the deeply personal crisis he was sure that tore at her soul like a black hole drew in light. The Echani in him overpowered the Sith as he broke down slightly.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that. You've shown me such hospitality and kindness when you could have left me to suffer, and this is how I respond?"

Her words hurt, and there was certainly a divide between them, but deep down Caelian had been fighting himself too. He didn't like to talk about it, but he seldom felt any pleasure in taking lives. A fair and noble death at the hands of a well fought warrior was one thing, even if somewhat distasteful, but the wanton slaughter and fire that the Sith were known for? He struggled with.

The Sith had done a bang up job trying to beat such weakness out of their initiates. Caelian was far too weak and meaningless to do anything about it, but that wouldn't always be the case. A terrible thought had plagued him for some time, in such would one bad thing be justified if it prevented an even worse one? Would he be strong enough to do it if the situation presented itself and then if it did, would he be strong enough to hold the aftermath together? Would it even be possible to reach that point and still find good left in him? Such thoughts haunted the Echani.

Their heated debate wasn't likely to be productive, at least not yet. His thoughts drifted again to their fight, and again to Hailee's compassion. "Thank you for tending to my wounds, I do appreciate it." he added sincerely. Melancholically he went on, "To answer your question, I don't know. The empire is my home away from home, my adoptive family. They've given me everything that I have, and I owe them for that, but...I don't always agree with what they do."




@LadyRen
 

Hailee Lightwood

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Was she internally preparing herself for a potential fight? Maybe...it seemed like out of a sudden the atmosphere was completely tense and she knew that their truce was fragile anyway. The tension in her muscles was growing, too, while her gaze remained attentively, analyzing each and every movement of the unarmored, injured Sith in front of her.

She was tensely waiting for his answer, whether it was verbal or even more. She involuntarily held her breath for a few seconds while there was simply a pin drop silence. But then he suddenly broke it with an apology. Immediately frowning, she froze up. Was that a trick? He sounded honest, but that was completely unexpected and catching her of guard.

She shifted from one foot onto the other, noticing that he wanted to explain that statement in further detail. Her thoughts began racing, unsure whether he was simply trying to deceive her, but what followed, left her speechless. She truly needed a few moments to regain her composure. She tried not to let him notice her nervousity, but she couldn't stop herself from playing with a loose strand of hair.

So was he a decent being after all? He thanked her...and surprisingly that warmed her heart. Her own troubles were momentarily forgotten while he had maneuvered their conversation in a different direction. She could not only sense, but see it. There was conflict hidden behind his facade as well.

It seemed like her words had served their purpose, he was honestly considering what she had said and apparently it wasn't too easy for him to answer. That...positively suprised her. The turn of their conversation generally did. This philosophical mind right in front of her was apparently more reflected than she thought and as she was smiling again now, that smile was genuine.

"It's okay..." she began softly, forcing herself to step closed again before she sighed. "I can understand that...it does not justify carrying out such actions though", as she went on their was sympathy in her voice, but also a hint of disbelief. "If you don't agree with them, why do you follow those orders then? What would have happened if you hadn't taken a ship to Onderon? What if you had told them that you wouldn't support this? Would they have killed you?".

Sure, ignoring an order was one thing, but he had talked about answering a call, so what if he had simply stayed away? It suddenly was as if they had turned this conversation around. Now he was the conflicted one in the midst of a crossfire. She suddenly felt hopeful. There was definitely good within him, but he had been taught to ignore those voices...

@Xorism
 

Caelian

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Why had he told her that? He felt a sickening tension twisting in his stomach as he considered the implications. There had been a fight in his soul between doing what was right that came from his parent's wisdom and doing what was needed that came from the Sith. Caelian had so far relied on his own intuition to determine which method made the most sense for the situation at hand, but rather than get easier, it felt like it was getting worse and worse.

Hailee's reaction to his revelation did somewhat start to disarm his fears, as perhaps they did have more in common than they had initially taken for granted. Her questions were sound philosophically, but not practical. Although that seemingly was Caelian's bread and butter these days.

He tensed up to answer her, "Justify to whom? Morality is not absolute, would you not take a life if it meant that such action would save more? And if not, does your inaction lend some responsibility to the events you did nothing to stop?" the question was meant rhetorically, but she might also consider it herself.

Her next question caused him more pause than the last, he waited a few moments to consider his answer in depth. "To defy orders is to defy the throne and risk punishment, I would think one would not survive long questioning every order given, even if it were justified."

Her question continued onto Onderon, damn that place, he thought. "If I had not gone, someone else would have gone in my place, and you would have fought them instead. My decision to come nor not would have no impact on the event taking place, but by coming, I can do whatever little I can do to minimise the carnage."

The Empire was a vast war machine, and he was, but, a tiny cog in an even smaller wheel in said machine. He knew that before he could have any real ability to do anything he would have to advance through the ranks, but in order to do that he was afraid of what he might be called to do.

There may have been an uneasy truce between himself and the Jedi, but there was an even greater battle on going in his soul. "I have seen good people in the Empire, we are not all monsters. I choose to believe that one day, it can use its immense might to protect, rather than to subjugate. But.." he stopped momentarily. "I fear such freedom may only come with the Jedi Order's demise."






@LadyRen
 

Hailee Lightwood

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If this still slightly tense situation was one thing as well, it was ironic. It seemed like their fight on the battlefield had not even been necessary. What if they had started talking before even raising the lightsaber the first time? That would have surely been interesting as well, especially because it was probably rare that a Sith and a Jedi discussed such deep questions of philosophical nature while meeting each other at eye level after they had viciously fought one another not long ago.

Her vibrant, green eyes lingered on the weakened Echani who was now posing even more complicated questions."No, of course morality isn't absolute. It subjective even..." she agreed, not answering that second half though, especially because it seemed merely rhetoric anyway.

Instead, she focused her attention onto what he said next, attentively listening to his carefully chosen, yet somehow seemingly honest words, but she couldn't ignore the fact that she had seemingly triggered a million deep thought processes inside him. Just like her, he seemed conflicted yet reflected, so she was genuinely curious about what else he had to share.

She soberly nodded as he mentioned that it would probably cost his life, considering that the Jedi, for example, wouldn't do such a thing. She contemplated whether she should share that thought, but as the Jedi were no saints either she refrained from adding more fuel to the fire.

"Was it truly your intention to avoid carnage?" she immediately threw back, more curious than accusing through. He had tried to knock her out by attempting to strike her with his Force lightnings, and yet, she had also seen that there was no blind brutality and hatred behind his strikes. He could have still vehemently hurled her, and there was an even more important question coming to her mind: "What would have happened if you had won? What if you would have fatally injured me?". Her voice was surprisingly soft for such a harsh, direct question, yet he would hear that she was expecting a completely honest answer and no sugar-coated half-truth that would attempt to her.

Once he went on, his voice slightly quieter, the statement truly shook her. She could hear how much it costed him to express those painful words and the truth hit her right in the face, another shiver creeping down her spine. "I...appreciate your honesty. I also know that there are many decent people amongst your ranks. I'm afraid you're not fully right though. Yes, our...religious differences divide us, yet I do not think that one side would have to face its immediate demise..." her voice slightly trailed off as she was questioning her own statement.

Was peace possible? Potentially, but it seemed like reformation was needed before that. Another acute question then came right into her conscience: "If it is not even possible for the two of us to establish a common ground, how should that work for the factions? And what does this mean for...you". With that last part, she was referring to the fact that he was still aboard her ship. Healed, but of course not fully fixed.

She was the one in possession of two weapons, while he wasn't even wearing his armor anymore, and admittedly fighting was the last thing she had in mind. Still, the question remained. Setting him free would mean that he would help invading worlds again. Perhaps he was a more decent opponent, as he would potentially spare a life, but he was still supporting the Empire...

@Xorism
 

Caelian

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What kind of life would he have in the future? There was an uneasy thought, to rise in rank and power would bring more respect and authority, but would that coincide with any more freedom? Or worse, would expectations become darker, more demanding and seize his morality like a vice grip.

No, he thought. He would overcome such restraints and stay true to his values. The galaxy may create monsters, but that didn't mean that he was destined to become one. He knew it would be a hard path, and that he might be forced to make decisions along the way that he didn't agree with, but the fear of failure lingered across his mind.

Hailee began asking curious questions, trying to analyse his intent from their recent combat. Caelian gently rubbed his beard back and forth while considering his answer. "Of course, but not just mine - we were all told to minimalise civilian casualties, but I imagine some did occur."

Her next question was more direct, more personal. His gaze broke away from hers, his expression disappointed. "That depends." he said, seeming to hold his breath. "You are a worthy opponent, and you fought well, your death at my hands would bring me great honour in my culture and within the Sith. But I am no savage brute, there is still honour in accepting defeat, and I would have wanted, in such a reversal of fortune, to spare your life."

How would he have treated her if the shoe was on the other foot? He certainly wouldn't have been able to heal her injuries, but beyond that he did not know. Her next line of questions he felt were more rhetorical, and therefore he refrained from answering, instead he continued to listen.

That was until she spoke of him directly, her question dangled freedom and captivity in front of him like a baited hook. From his position of vulnerability, if she tried anything, he would be at a severe disadvantage. As far as he knew, Hailee had both of their weapons, and although they both had used a significant amount of their force reserves, he didn't know her well enough to be able to assess her strength.

Forcing a half smile, he attempted to answer her question. "Well, I guess that depends on whether you consider me a stowaway now that you've helped me, or your prisoner." Caelian tensed slightly as he tried to gauge her response and tried to prepare himself mentally in case she attacked him for some reason. He didn't really feel like he was in a position to fight her, but if she tried anything, he didn't want to be caught off guard.

He might be unsure how this new empress would rule, but also didn't expect any grand changes in imperial policy to be rolled out regarding the Jedi. "Perhaps in time, our factions can come together and find common ground, or at least find reasons to stop fighting. If that's even possible."


@LadyRen
 
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