Open Where am I?

[Ashen Kade]

"Great to meet you Thunger". Ashen smiled as they limped across the frigid desert. He often found it difficult to sense the force in others, and the situation was no different with Thunger. Unaware that the strange man is, or was a Jedi in the past, Ashen fully believed he saved him from the source of that terrible ripple in the force whatever it may have been. Delivering his name to the Order should he perish was an odd request though. Not many people in the galaxy still felt any gratitude toward the Jedi, but he didn't mind it. He wasn't in it for the reward at the end. Who is this man though? Ashen knows his name now but his mind raced with confusion, unable to piece the puzzle together.

Thoughts brushed aside, he focused on the situation at hand— getting the man to safety, and he was determined to do just that. "We'll get through this just fine." His optimism was always a breath of fresh air in such a turbulent galaxy. Whether it was misplaced or foolish even, it inspired hope. "And then you'll get to tell them yourself"- he smiled.

Dusk loomed around the corner, the settlement peeking over the horizon, basking in the sunset's flaming beauty. It wasn't far now. Luckily too, the night was fast approaching, temperatures falling even further than they already were.

@Iorthunger

 

[Iorthunger Broadspear]

Positivity on this barren moon radiates only from Ashen. Still confused by this, Thunger continues by his side. Heavy footsteps turn to a partial drag, inadvertently increasing the difficulty for Ashen along the way. Thunger drifts in and out of consciousness for split seconds at a time - catching himself on Ashen's nearest available limb each time as apposed to greeting the ground with his already damaged face. Thoughts crawl to a halt as the duo make their way through the horrors of "yesterday." Only a hellish journey continues. The state of shock temporarily numb any pain of the past and feelings of the cold wind. Not even the first rays of sunshine in lifetimes can pierce through the state of shock. Teary eyes turn to a blank stare as they continue. Almost emotionless in appearance, certainly motionless, fixated only on the treacherous path.

Minutes might as well be hours at this point. Any remaining sense of time is depleted. Mental disorientation further settles. As Thunger's vision returns to black while his consciousness again fades away, he does not reach to Ashen for stability. He crashes face-first to the surface. Any new harm as a result of this fall is insignificant compared to what is within.

It is a much needed sleep, though fortunately or unfortunately, not likely to be permanent.

@Scrumppe

 

[Ashen Kade]

Bang! Thunger face-planted straight into the sand beneath him. "What the kri-" Ashen exclaimed, biting his tongue in an effort to compose himself. He knew the journey would be far from easy but Thunger passing out or falling asleep was not expected at all. Though then again he didn't know what to expect and admittedly this was far from unusual for someone who's gone through as much as the man has.

With a deep sigh, Ashen bent down and mustered all his remaining strength, lifting most of Thunger onto his back, the man's feet still dragging in the sand. It was difficult, but he knew they couldn't take a breather now with the sun setting and their destination in sight, so close yet seemingly so far away at the same time. His legs threatened to give in as he took his first step forcing him to stop briefly, but he couldn't afford to. He reached out to the force, shutting out all his other senses in the process. "There is only the force." He whispered to himself as he pushed forward with all his strength and concentration. It wasn't an impressive feat by any stretch, but it drained him greatly all the same.

After what felt like an eternity, the crunching sound of a gravel footpath momentarily grabbed Ashen's attention. The focus of his concentration started to deteriorate, and once again, he felt the overwhelming burden of Thunger's weight. They finally reached the settlement just in time as the young Jedi's last bit of strength fully sapped away, collapsing to the ground along with Thunger.

@Iorthunger

 

[Iorthunger Broadspear]

Illustrations of a distant time fill the lines between Iorthunger's ears. Recollections of a brief peace. A time he was engulfed in the Jedi code and the way of his brother's and sisters in the Order. A time he learned to dance in the form of Makashi with his master, developing timely footwork and defensive proficiencies. He recalls compliments of the elegance in his movements from his then master, as he moved fluently to block his strikes in their training sessions. In this time, there was indeed only the Force, guiding him effortlessly with his beaming crystal.

Voices of his brothers and sisters echo in harmony throughout his dream.

"Emotion, yet peace.
Ignorance, yet knowledge.
Passion, yet serenity.
Chaos, yet harmony.
Death, yet the Force"

It brings him back to a time even further back. A time as a child, between the ages of twelve and fifteen, when he was first introduced to the code. The times before or after that luckily do not enter his mind at this time. Only his brief moments of peace replay beneath his eyelids as he lay unconscious on Ashen's shoulders.
The brief moments are enough to further stimulate his will to live. He is happy in this moment. If he were to not know better, he would beg to not be awakened to continue enjoying his serenity.

Despite the growingly harsh temperatures on the pilgrim moon as the sun now begins to shade, the pigment of his skin and hair continue to improve. Minor, but sure signs of recovery can be clearly observed by an attentive eye. His scent of the Force strengthen immensely, despite remaining in a coma-like state, as he enjoys the rare moments of peace throughout his life. His physical body being constantly shifted and maneuvered in Ashen's struggle do not cause the slightest bother.
There is only peace.
A brief peace...

@Scrumppe

 

[Ashen Kade]

As the night fell, the pair found solace in the deserted village street. Ashen gathered his energy while sitting beside Thunger, who remained in a trance-like state. The young Jedi could sense the light emanating from the man as he seemingly continued to make a slow recovery. Peace. Serenity. Harmony. It was another unexpected occurrence. Is he a... Jedi? Or one of those monks who've been on this moon for aeons? He didn't know and at this point, he may as well just give up guessing. Whatever the case, it was a pleasant surprise Ashen hadn't anticipated with all the darkness looming over the galaxy.

He slowly rose to his feet in an effort to have a brief look around the area. Encounters with bandits and other unsavoury characters were not unusual in places like this and he lacked both the physical readiness and the inclination for an altercation. Thankfully, the modest "spaceport," if one can even label it as such, was conveniently located within a short walking distance. With a gentle prod, Ashe attempted to rouse Thunger from his slumber. "Wake up sleepyhead."

@Iorthunger

 

[Iorthunger Broadspear]

Temporarily oblivious to the surroundings and distance covered on Ashen's back, memories of his initial trainings with the Jedi Order continue to dance through his mind.
This brief peace was disturbed by Ashen's efforts to awaken him...
His vision resets to the reality surrounding him: His condition, the destruction of NiJedha, and now an exhausted Ashen are the real reflections in his eyes.

Thungers suppresses his emotions as he again regains his bearings.

Taking notice on Ashen's state of exhaustion from carrying him all this way - Thunger makes his best effort for humor - as an attempt to match Ashen's pleasant personality.
"Come on.. I'm not that heavy. Shouldn't your Jedi forces have given you better legs?"
Thunger jokes in a far clearer voice, as he makes an attempt to get back to his own feet without the aid of the Force. Stumbling backwards before making contact with the ground again with his rear end. Setting himself up for another humorous moment should the younger Knight capitalize on it.

Thunger's exhaustion and pain remain overwhelmingly present. Though, his connection with the Force is slowly returning to it's normal state.
His body, only physically able to wield it to a fraction of maximum potential, continues for now - still desperate for medical aid.

@Scrumppe

 

[Ashen Kade]

Ashen rolled his eyes at Thunger's comment, though he couldn't suppress the grin encroaching on his face as he shook his head with a dramatic level of disappointment. "It's not nice to poke fun at the legs that just hauled your heavy ass across the desert." He grinned as Thunger plopped back on his backside, though he refrained from making any further comments. Instead, he let out a small chuckle as he extended his hand to help the man back up. It was a nice change to share a humorous moment with him, but Ashen didn't let it be a distraction from the situation at hand.

With a decisive pull he helped Thunger up, automatically accepting his weight on his shoulder. "The spaceport isn't far now." He stated plainly as they slowly made their way across the cold and barren streets. Everyone had seemingly retired for the day beside the odd window here and there lighting up the pavement. It was truly a serene night, the chimes ringing out in the wind's gentle whistling and whirring.

The spaceport itself was dimly illuminated from within, only a token guard seemed to be on shift though she wouldn't give the two Jedi any problems as they entered the hangar where Ashen's Atlatl-class Starhopper was safely docked away, even if it didn't exactly feel like a "safe" environment. "Here she is." He smiled as they made their way up the ramp. It was by no means an impressive ship, but it comfortably seated two nonetheless.

Ashen released Thunger as they boarded the ship, figuring he could make the two-step journey to the cockpit on his own and take the passenger seat while he himself sent out a brief but urgent message to his former master to meet as soon as possible (@Volene). Before long, they took off and made the hyperspace jump to Starlight Beacon.

@Iorthunger

 

[Iorthunger Broadspear]

Finally finding comfort in an actual seat - Thunger let's out a dramatic breath of relief. Even though he was unconscious throughout a large portion of the journey, the modest seat is a dramatic improvement when compared to Ashen's boney shoulders, and most certainly the place he woke up from days ago.

Thunger's eyes begin to wander while taking notice to unfamiliar functions and new (to him) technology onboard, before turning back in the direction of Ashen.
"This is lightyears more comfortable than what I've become familiar with." While further fiddling with the seat functions to gain improved comfort from his physical pains and mental exhaustion.

It is not a concern to Thunger where the end destination will be after the jump to hyperspace. Exhaustion aides his calm state as he is vaguely present in the moment. Positivity within the Force is felt as they approach Starlight Beacon prior to it becoming visible to their eyes. Thunger leans back in the passenger seat as his brain dances between consciousnesses.

@Scrumppe

 

[Ashen Kade]

Starlight Beacon. Home. They've actually made it. Ashen rose from his seat as he landed the ship in one of many hangars aboard the station. The place was truly a marvel of engineering and Jedi ingenuity— definitely worth a tour but that had to wait until another time. "Let's find you some help" he smiled and wished he listened to his master's lessons about healing, but if he knew anyone who could help now it was her (@Volene).

Same as before, Ashen gently bore Thunger's weight, guiding him through the station rather aimlessly. Unsurprisingly he neglected to give Myrell a specific place to meet...

Spoiler: OOC

The thread ends here, gonna start a follow-up on Starlight. @Iorthunger