Pilgrims on a lonely journey

[Nova Elgrin]

When his hand reached for her arm and she could feel the comforting warmth of his skin on hers, she smiled. It was an honest smile, sweet and caring and yet concered. "I'll try...I promise" that was the only thing she could promise indeed, that she would try. She didn't know if it was in her nature to be more....yes, more what? Cautious? Wary? Or maybe she should be less compassionate? Or less naive? But all of these things seemed so hard to accomplish.
She thought of her father. He used to scolde her in quite the similar way Tyûk did now. He wasn't as harsh in his actions (at least the actions she knew of) but her companion still reminded her very much of her father.
But it was about time to get back to topic! After all they shouldn't waste any time. "So did you learn anything?" she asked. Nova suggested he did. She guessed he would have still been in the kitchen dealing with the innkepper, if it weren't the case.

 

[FinnSimmons]

Nova would try. That she promised. It wasn't too big of a promise, but he would remind her of it if she didn't change at all. For now he would let it go. He smiled at her with a bit of brotherly pride and released her arm. They had more pressing matters to deal with. Like the woman the Zabrak had mentioned, one Enara Adina. Finn wasn't sure if that was her actual name or an alias. The Alien had hinted at not believing that the woman was indeed who she claimed to be. But Finn was confident that with the Name they had Nova and he would be able to find the woman.

“We are going to Hesperidium.” He told Nova and closed his eyes to reach out in the force. The shelf Nova had moved in front of the door was lifted out of the way by an invisible force. It toppled over onto its side but remained thusly only for a fraction of a moment, before it toppled over to stay lying on its front. When people looked inside from the outside Finn moved his jacket so that his lightsaber became visible. “Jedi business! Move along!” He said, used the force to give his words some more persuasive prowess and waited for the people to disperse. While they slowly did, some of them trying to get a glimpse at what was going on inside the inn.

“We have to find a woman who calls herself Enara Adina. She is the one who paid the innkeeper to poison your food. She supplied the poison, too. Apparently Hesperidium is her base of operations.” Finn said and stepped closer to the door, to see if it was clear for them to move out. The people that had tried to steal glances had backed off but where still close enough to the inn to watch Nova and Finn leave.

 

[Nova Elgrin]

"Hesperidium.." Nova softly echoed. She wasn't familiar with said place, she wasn't even quite sure if it was a planet, a space station or just a city.
When Tyûk moved the shelf and a couple of young zabrak wanted to enter, Nova observed her companions reaction with a sceptical glance. Jedi business? She didn't quite like the idea of pulling the Jedi into her affairs. As much as she wished she could be part of their ranks, she was not, and her and Tyûks actions would reflect on them. However the girl stayed silent. Her giant friend was not someone to have a lot of back-talk, that much she had understand already.
Together they left the Inn. Their pace was purposeful and hasty, yet their soles meeting the ground didn't cause more than just subtle sounds, that wove themselves into the environment quite naturally and so their hurry didn't cause them to catch any attention. Nova couldn't really help but to have admiration for his swiftness, and the almost casual grace that defined most of his motions. This combined with his handsome looks and the alluring mystery his eyes promised had her wondering how many girls had fallen for him. Of course he was waaay to old for her, also they were friends, however that didn't mean she was blind. Oh wait, had she thought about this too loudely in her head? By the spirit, she hoped he had not just heard any of her inner raving.

She forced her thoughts back on where they belonged "Enara Adina hm? Let's find the cu...!" She stopped just in time. He didn't like swearing, and actually her father would have been dissapointed as well. She had clearly not learned words like this from him. But in the heat of the moment, it was hard not to insult someone like this despicable person.
"Sorry..." she muttered. "Is Hesperidium far away? I've never heard of it" She hoped it wasn't.

 

[FinnSimmons]

Finn walked at a brisk pace and Nova kept up with him. They made their way back to the ship and while they were walking through one of the more busy streets Finn caught a few thoughts from Nova through their shared connection in the force. He actually became somewhat distracted by her thinking about the way he moved. For a fraction of a second he shifted his attention to his body's movements. But her next thought had him feeling uncomfortable. That was surely not the way a little sister should think about her older brother. At least she realized that much. He was too old for her. And also her brother. Stars! He had to make absolutely certain this didn't evolve into more than some sort of childish and innocent crush. Was this her version of when he had been young and wanted to marry Sam? He hoped so.

Finn didn't even hear what she said after that, he was so weirded out. Had she asked something about Hesperidium? He didn't know. Being so focused on what was going on inside of his little sister's hormone swamped, teenage head left him not paying enough attention to what she had said out loud or even where he was walking and so Finn ran straight into a Zabrak market vendor carrying a crate of wares. He was walking fast enough that the woman fell over and the crate fell towards the floor. With a reflex reaction his hand shot forward, he reached out with his mind and caught the box midair. Like steel cables his mind's feelers wrapped around the box and held it tight.

“Stars, watch where you are going woman.” Finn yelled and put the box down. Then he looked at Nova and because his mood was properly ruined now he was about to scold her too. By the Rings of Monastery, the girl needed to watch her thoughts. He clearly wanted to say something but for some reason he relaxed and looked at Nova with an odd expression. He turned towards the woman and helped her up. Without a word the Zabrak woman and Finn agreed that it was nobody's fault really and moved about their business.

Finn continued on through the streets and made sure Nova stayed close to him, looking at her mostly out of the corner of his eyes. He hoped this awkward thought sharing would not become more numerous in the days to come. For now he was still in a bad mood because of what had just happened and while he didn't want to blame her he was upset with her still. So as not to let her feel it too much he pieced together what little he had heard of her question and just told her something.

“We got to get some fancy, stuck-up clothes to blend in on Hesperidium.” He mused and told his sister: “I know a place where we can get some.” Telerath was a great place to buy fancy and stuck-up things. Also Eamar would probably like to see Finn again. Maybe the fence even knew something about who this woman they were after really was. The old man would definitively be surprised to meet Finn's little sister.

 

[Nova Elgrin]

Nova didn't instantely realize how his behaviour subtly changed. When he accidently pushed the elder zabrak woman over, Nova bowed down to help her to get up on her feet again. When she heard Tyûk growling at the passenger, not one but two puzzled looks met him. He had struke Nova as a very focused kind of person, so this inattentiveness didn't quite seem like him. Oh...wait. By the spirit, had he become aware of her thoughts? The possibility alone made her cheeks and ears suddenly feel very hot. She hoped it was not the case though. Still, she cursed her - appaerently way too loud - mind.
(But after all he was a handsome one! It was not her fault!)

When they continued their way back to the Aurora, Nova thought about his statement. Fancy, stuck-up clothes? So basically all the fine dresses she had always admired from afar, but never have had the chance of wearing herself. "Alright..." the else-wise whirlwind-like girl had become somewhat silent as for now. The stuck-up part was starting to get her worried. Even though she had always loved the sophisticated aspect of the tales she had been told, and even though she had a certain weakness for fine fabrics and pretty gems, she had never been surrounded by real decadency. It was not a natural habitat for her.
If they needed to blend in, what would happen if she ruined their ruse by unconsicously acting like a bumpkin?

So Nova remained hushed untill they entered the Aurora. She was greeted by a very excited Luna of course, while Tyûk was heading straight for the cockpit. When she followed him only moments later, she found him seated in the pilot seat. In the very first second Nova wasn't quite sure if his dominant attitude was much for her liking and she thought about calling him out on it, yet the feeling abandoned her by the next heart beat. Actually, she felt grateful to have someone accompaning her, someone who took her hand and was willing to lead. Not that she really admitted this fact to herself.

Without any protest or even commentary she took the seat meant for the co-pilot. She even smiled at him when his gaze met her for a mere second, as to support his claim. She wanted to be a good girl. As much as her temper tickled her to rebellion, there was no time to fight and discuss about minor things like this, right?

Under Tyûks capable piloting the take off was as smooth as there was no gravity to hold them down at all. When they left the atmosphere and found themselves back in open space, Nova regarded him. The distant echo of the smile still adorned her lips. She really had gained hope, hadn't she? "You know, when we finally find my father, he might be able to tell us more about the connection that the the both of us share. He is very knowledgeable when it comes to the force."

 

[FinnSimmons]

Finn took the pilot seat once they were back on board and launched the ship. Unlike Novas somewhat rough takeoff his was more refined and lacked the disconcerting swerves her's had exhibited. Once they were in a stable orbit and the autopilot could take over he let go of the controls and turned towards Nova. She had just asked a question that troubled him. Would she be ready for the truth by then? Would she ever be? He steeled his mental barriers as to make it harder for her to get a glance at what he was hiding. If she found out like that it would be worst he figured. In a controlled situation he might be able to properly explain to her the nature of their relationship. Then the fallout would be least harsh. She might be angry, but she would forgive. Or so he hoped. It was was not something he could say for certain. “Maybe.” He said very monosyllabic. “Maybe not.” He turned his head away form her. He noticed the hope in her, the change in her voice, her look. He didn't want her to have too much hope. That could only end badly. “We have to find him first.” He said to lower her expectations a bit.

 

[Nova Elgrin]

When the friend of her dreams didn't sound quite as enthusiastic as she had hoped for, it caused her heart to totter. When he denied her his gaze and turned his head, her smile died as slowly as a flower to everlasting shadows. "Mhhmmm" was the only answer she gave him.
Her own gaze lowered itself and her eyes found her hands. Her fingers were intertwined in the way some believers used to pray. And indeed, in her mind, she asked the spirit for its blessing. She asked it to grant Nova the strength she needed to weather the storm.
She didn't want to think about the possibility of not finding her father. She knew he was alive. Sometimes she could see him in her dreams, but it was so very different from what she had shared with Tyûk. This brought her back to her initial question "What do you think it is, that connects us?" she asked.
Not just was this something that had her wondering for quite some time now, but it was welcome distraction, because the moment she fell silent her thoughts began circeling. Circeling around master Glorra, the redhead, and the wound the zabrak had suffered from her companions hand..

 

[FinnSimmons]

He was almost glad that she had shut up. Sadly she didn't remain quiet for long. She picket the topic back up with renewed vigor and threw the question her master should have answered at Finn. Why were they connected in this strange way? Well because they were siblings, of course, but he could hardly tell her that now. So he had to fabricate something out of thin air. Thankfully he wasn't all that ignorant when it came to matters of the force. So he could construe a theory that would hopefully shut her up for a while. “There is a bond that Jedi, force users in general, can share. The bond between master and pupil is descried as very close .” He said and looked out of the front window while he said so. “I wouldn't know how or why we would share it.” He said and glanced at Nova. “But the force surely has its reasons.” He added and hoped that her trust in the invisible power that permeated the galaxy and seemed to control everybody's fate would finally manage to shut her up about this. It wasn't as if he could tell her the truth. Not right now.

Finn put in the coordinated for Telerath. There were countless shops and tailors that would be able to provide them with the proper clothes for their visit to Hesperidium.

 

[Nova Elgrin]

"Hm.." was the only thing Nova replied. There was not much to say anymore, at least concerning that matter. She turned the space radio on again when the threat of silence became unbearable for her. When she asked him if he prefered any space radio program he denied. It didn't seem to interest him at all so Nova had no guilty consciene plagueing her, as she zapped through various programes. In the end she stayed faithful to her own favourite program. Most of the time there were ballads and love songs running. Right now it played one of her all-time favourites.

It took them approximately ten hours to reach their destination. Of course Tyûk couldn't refrain from sending her to her room to get some sleep. A little nap in her seat would have been more than enough! But in the end, as soon as she lay down, her eyes were getting quite heavy and she fell asleep only moments later. Luna had stayed with Tyûk, either to make sure he didn't break the ship or as she seemed to really like him. Which was weird enough. Normally she was more on the reserved side towards strangers.
When Nova woke from her dreamless sleep, six hours had passed. How could she be so tired all the time? She got out of the clothings that she had been wearing for Iridonia, and chose something according to the temperature of the ship.
When she left her room and returned to the cockpit, she asked Tyûk if he was hungry. They shared a plain but filling meal and when they were finished, the destination was near.

It was a rather quick stop, but the warm sunshine and the cool breeze on this planet surely felt like paradise to her. Her father would have loved that planet! And master Glorra had surely liked sunshine as well....
They met with people Tyûk seemed to know well, but Nova stayed discreetly in the background and avoided asking any questions. In fact she was uncommonly quiet, but she knew piercing him with questions would most likely just cost them more time. They were sent to a tailor who took their measurements, and within one hour their order was completed. A few weeks ago the chance of wearing such a lovely dress would have gotten Nova all hyped, but now? She thanked the tailor and within no time they had returned to the Aurora.

A whole nother day would pass by, till they finally reached Hesperidium. Nova had been sleeping a lot again, and she started to feel guilty about it. Tyûk had to do all the work...But she just felt so tired. And she had never been one to sleep exesively long before!
When a quiet knock-knock was to hear on her door, she just muttered "I'm coming" Her companion informed her that he had arranged they would be picked up by a shuttle as soon as they reached the space port and they should get ready now. Nova simply nodded and told him she would join him within a few minutes. The dress she was wearing some time later was the dream of every girl. A precious piece made out of fine fabric, a soft cream-coloured fanasty adorned with apricot shaded chiffon. As her father had never allowed her make up there was not much else she could do to smuggle some maturity onto her features, so she just brushed her hair till it shone and her curls turned into a golden cascade. She removed the tiny feather from her Padawan braid, yet the gift of her father of course remained as humble but wonderous adornment.

When Nova finally met with Finn her eyes grew all big as soon as she spotted him. The vibrant red flattered him and pronounced his blue eyes due to the loud contrast. She inhaled deeply while squeaking and at the same time rose her hands that folded themselves to cover her mouth and nose. Like this she remained for a second and the admiring gleam in her eyes was hard to overlook. "You look like a prince!" she uttered instantely.

 

[FinnSimmons]

The time it took them to get the clothes they would need on Hesperidium wasn't very much. On the way to Telerath he tried to make sure that Nova had a halfway decent meal and then he let her go about her business. He didn't want to impose any more than was necessary. This was her ship after all. He was only a guest.

They were on Telerath for only a short while. Sadly Eamar wasn't there so Finn could not introduce Nova to his old friend. He would have liked to toll someone else that he had a sister. By now the knowledge was starting to scratch on the insides of his skull. The urge to share the news was not going away. For the time being though he would have to keep it to himself for a while longer. While keeping secrets was not generally a problem for Finn this one was not one he wished to keep but had to keep from Nova. Under the circumstances he was willing to keep it a secret from Nova for as long as he had to but he felt he had to tell someone or he would simply explode. He had hoped Eamar would have been that person.

On the way to Hesperidium Nova sleep some more. Finn was glad she did as he wanted to make sure she was not still weakened out from her ordeal on Fest. After they had arrived in the Coruscant system and were close to their final destination Finn put on the clothes he had gotten on Telerath and woke Nova by knocking on her door and telling her that they would arrive on Hesperidium soon. The time it took her to get dressed was enough to land the ship and he was actually on his way towards the airlock when he met his little sister. She was coming from her quarters and wearing a dress that was fit for royalty.
First Finn had only wanted to make sure they didn't look out of place on Hesperidium when he had made sure she got something expensive like this, but he had noticed quickly that he had easily been influenced by Nova. In the end had simply let her choose whatever she wanted and had done so gladly. He had to watch out that she had not wrapped him around her little finger even before she knew that he was her older brother. He had the terrible feeling that once she knew he would not be able to withstand the onslaught of her puppy-dog-eyes if she could easily combine them with the argument: 'I'am your little sister and you love me'. He knew that he would cave far more quickly than he would have liked.

With her in her dress, looking pretty and maybe dressed a bit to fancy even for Hesperidium she was ready. When she saw what he was wearing she squeaked and he could tell she was impressed. For a few heartbeats he felt very uncomfortable.

“Uhm ...”

Was the only thing that he managed to bring forth. He checked his wardrobe and could not share her enthusiasm. Just one of Eamars designs. Nothing too fancy he felt. Sure not something he wore every day, but he had never thought the clothes looked too special.
He didn't know what to say in response. Not only had she payed him a compliment, which was not something had heard all that much from his mother, but she was clearly crushing on him again. Finn harrumphed and pointed in the direction of the airlock.

“The shuttle is waiting … and … uhm … nice dress?”

He said not really knowing how to compliment his little sister.

Spoiler: Finn's Clothes

 

[Nova Elgrin]

An impish smirk appeared on her lips when he payed her a compliment in return, in his...very own way. "Oh? Hm, thank you. I had hoped I would be flattering the dress and not the other way around, but I'm glad you like it" an amused chuckle released itself from her throat. Coming ever closer to achieving the pieces of information she needed to find her father felt like an ongoing rush of adrenalin. She tried to cover the fact that her mind and body were constantely hyped up, and most of the time not in a good way, but it was succeed in this task. However Nova was of course aware that if she entered the realm of the wealthy and influental ones, even if it was nothing more than a ruse, she had to radiat the sereneness which lots of credits seemed to grant their owners.
She asked him of their excat plan, and when he informed her about their false identities and how they would utilize the force to gain access to the gala, Nova nodded. "I hope it works. Funnily enough we should pass easily enough as siblings" she smiled while regarding him "I mean we've both got blonde hair and blue eyes." however just when she was talking about his eyes, he denied her his orbs and further analysing of their shade again, and instead his gaze lowered itself to the ramp.

When they left the Aurora Nova had to hold her breath. This place was for certain one of the most beautiful ones she had ever been to. Everything was so tidy and clean, even the air felt more fresh than on many other planets. Everything that was made out of metal of some sort or another was polished and not a single spot was to find on it. The architecture was a whole new discovery for her as well. Many designs were richly decorated with ornaments of every possible motiv one could imagine. Flowers of all shape and sizes, some as humble as blueblossoms, some as majestic as roses. Animals of unknown origin which glanced either shyly or daring at the guests that walked between them. But of course not all flowers and bushes were crafted out of marble or shining metal. There were even more real flowers which filled the air with alluring scent. Slender trees with a magnificence of red leaves remained as silent guardians along the many paths. How much Nova wished her father could see this. She knew he despised all decancy, but this place was just so stunning, how could one not be overwhlemig by it if there was any sense of art and beauty in ones heart?

They didn't have to wait as the young man that we would be their chaffeur tonight was already awaiting them. That he seemed somewhat puzzled about the fact of two such wealthy heirs traveling with a rather small ship was forgotten the moment they tricked him into believing he had just witnessed landing a large cruiser that was in possession of their family.

It was not a long flight till they were reaching a spacious property, with a lonely tower of curved design in its centre.. The chaffeur informed the guards about the names of his guests and within the next moment they found themselves within a large park. Many other guests were wandering around or stood in small groups, chatting and laughing. If Nova had feared her weakness for pretty dresses had make her chose the wrong gown, the concern was unjustified. Compared to the pompous dresses of some Ladies she felt almost like a beggar. It was much to her relief that said women seemed to be the exception and that her companion and herself blended in quite perfectly. At least jugiing from the physical appereance.

Her hand had rested in the crook of Tyûk's arm so far, but when they were nearing the entrace of the tower, she could not calm her rushed heart beat. Her fingers clawed themselves into the red fabric of his jacket. Even though she was wearing shoes with a least a bit of heel, she still felt tiny next to him. She leaned closer and between deep breaths confessed: "I'm so nervous. I've never been to...something like this before"

 

[FinnSimmons]

Finn explained the plan to Nova and felt a sense of relief that he could treat her as his sister for a while. Even if it was just a short one. It would be a nice valve to release some steam. Allowing him to extend the half life of this little ruse he had going.

When she brought up that they did indeed look like they were related he felt like she was suspecting something. But when she attributed it to their eyes and hair color he felt relieved. So she hadn't discovered that their ears and noses were similar enough in their shape to be copies of each other. And when she smiled she looked a lot like himself. Not that she would have noticed, since he wasn't exactly mister smiley face. So that part of the secret was safe for now.

When they stepped out of the ship Nova was 'oohing and aahing' at the sight of the pompous architecture, the excessive use of ornaments and the overabundance of exotic plants that surrounded them. Finn gave the whole shebang a quick and unimpressed look and pointed to the Shuttle that would bring them to the reception they were going to attend. They had found out that the woman they were looking for, Enara Adina, was attending these events on a regular basis. She seemed to use this public gathering as a place for her business meetings. She seemed to have a lot of wealthy clients. They would have to separate her from the crowd and get her somewhere where they could talk to her alone, in private.

After making sure the chauffeur did not get suspicious because of the ship they arrived in Nova and Finn enjoyed the flight to the large property that hosted the regular event. While Nova was more or less glued to the window of the Shuttle, absorbing every new sight like a sponge did water. Finn actually liked to see her like this. She almost seemed happy.
When the flight came to an end the shuttle touched down like a feather landing on the ground. Finn made haste to get out before Nova and instead of letting the chauffeur help her out of the shuttle he did.

They walked into the garden of the estate and Finn immediately felt somewhat lost. The garden seemed to continue on forever and he could not tell if it ended or went on past the horizon. Nova was also visibly impressed by what they were now surrounded by. Both the place and the people were sure a sight to see. Some were so overflowing with expensive fabrics and jewelry that Fin suspected there to be micro repulsors hidden in their ornate dresses. Otherwise how could they still stand with all that junk dangling from their heads, their necks and on their fingers? It was scandalous what people did if their wealth transcended every conceivable level.

Nova told him how nervous she was he told her to try and calm down. “Remember; you are the daughter of awfully affluent parents and you fit right in with this crowd.”

They had passed the entrance when a man in a servants uniform approached them and asked if they had their invitations. Finn looked at him and with a slight nudge in the force he told the man off.

“You don't need to see our invitation.”

>>I don't need to see your invitation.<<

“You will just let us right through.”

>>I will just let you right through.<<

Finn walked past the man and further into the garden. When a servant with a tray full of glasses filled with sparkling liquid approached them and asked if he could offer them a drink Finn sent the man away with a stern look. Stars, he had a child with him. How could they offer her alcohol? This place was certainly lacking proper morals. He wondered how and where they could find Enara. This place was huge and they would have to ask around for her without attracting too much attention.

Spoiler