2008-01-20 - War of the Souls

Coruscant: Retreat of the Jedi Knights - Council Chamber
There is a somber feeling about this wide circular chamber, enclosed all in simple white stonework. The roof ascends overhead in a subtle dome the peak of which is lost to the soft lighting in shadow. Set about the circumfrance of the chamber are a number of simple chairs, each carved of dark wood and uncushioned. Each of these chairs varies in size and shape, but all are of nondescript design.
Spaced about the perimeter of the chamber are several small open doorways leading without into the courtyard, and between each of these a small recess holds a fountain built into the stonework of the tower walls, bubbling and gurgling with the good cheer and peace of a natural creek. The bowl of each fountain holds a cunning spherical lamp that bobs and floats in the water, and each of these is subtly tinted somwhere in the spectrum between blue and green. The affect of this moderate light dancing with the water across the domed ceiling is ghostly, and the indeed the chamber seems a world of its own: a sanctuary apart from the galaxy without.
Players: 
Aure Kaia 
A'den 
Menglor 
Graham 
Wolf 
Obvious exits:
[Open Doorway] into Courtyard. 
[Stairs Up] to Retreat of the Jedi Knights.
Things:
C5A1 ZZ Protocol Droid [droid]
R1-T1 Astromech Droid [droid]
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"I am hopeful, for this future. The path seems clearer before coming here I had no course of action, only a want to help where I could." the young padawan Graham stores these thoughts of hope they are pleasant to him and he wishes to keep this as he is told strength to guide him in times of dark.
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Smiling, there is hope again in those glowing blue eyes of the Lady Knight. SHe releases Graham's shoulder. "Come, sit with me' She motions for him to do so, leading the way to an open portion of the tower. Dark waves of hair stir down to her lower back, freshly washed and groomed. Her saber rests at her side and the sash about her waist stirs in her passing. Slowly she moves to sit, beckoning him over.
Once seated, she reaches out with the force and lifts a sphere off the far table, a training sphere. Slowly it weaves through the air towards her, spinning and dancing towards her slender outstretched fingers.
Once guided there, it hovers just above them, her smile soft as she manipulates the force, "A Jedi has the Force as his ally, an untouched, untapped pure living power that runs through and around everything. The sphere is not alive, but the force is around it. Since I sense the force, I can move it, will it and like an extra hand, I can beckon things to me. She slower lowers her hand, the sphere still hovering in place as she turns it, holding it before him.
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Entering the central chamber, A'den stops just inside the doorway. Turning his blue eyed gaze around the room he smirks to himself. Not many times he thought he'd be here, especially now. But as his eyes fall upon the two in the chamber, a smile spreads across his face. Walking off to the side of the door he crosses his arms over his chest and simply listens and watches.
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The form of this young man moves swiftly to follow his teacher. Graham watches almost with amazement as she lefts the sphere up as if with strings. The padawan listens closely at the explanation of the force. "So the force surrounds it causing it to be lifted pushed and pulled? he concentrates on the area around the sphere as if trying to feel or see taking place.
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The extra presence goes unnoticed yet, Master involved deeply in her knowledge being imparted, "You do not so much cause the force as will it. The force lives within you Graham.." She smiles softly, "It lives within me.." She turns the sphere, rotating it above her hand, keeping it hovering till she brings her hand outstretched her side, the sphere remaining in the air between them, "Knowing that Force is there, it exits means you can touch it, sense it, call upon it. It is your friend, your truest ally.." The sphere continues to turn before her.
"It guides you, your path, who you are. The Force weaves everything together. Light and dark." Her passion for it shows upon her face, her smile warm as she studies Graham, there profiles offered to the watcher. She leans forth then, willing the sphere upward as she talk to him. "The Force is you..it is me. It is not separate from us, it is us. So you are not moving something ..you are moving a part of yourself, just like your hand or mouth.."
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Graham nods his head "Ah I understand better." he says to his teacher. He watches the sphere for only a moment looking mostly at his teacher as she speaks on this it is clear that she had studied this well and imparts this knowledge well and true to him. He takes in all that he can.
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She is studied, but doesn't know all. A new risen Knight still has many things to learn. Aure watches him then. "Touch the sphere, try to hold it.." It is then her gaze flickers over, seeing the movement of A'den's head. SHe falters, the sphere faltering as well before she lowers it to the ground. "A'den.." She seems relieved oddly, her breath coming quicker.
Blue eyes remain on him, studying him closely. "Graham.." she says, remaining where she sits a moment, "This is ...A'den." A soft introduction.
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Stepping forward, more into the room, he nods his head forward. Arms still over his chest he looks to Graham for a moment before turning back to Aure, "I see you've taken on a padawan finally. I trust you will teach him your beliefs and not just simply the narrow view of the rest of the Jedi order." A'den turns his gaze to Graham again, "You would do well to take everything she says in as gospel. She has had experiences that will help you should you become a Jedi. I trust her more than any other Jedi, by far. And so should you."
FORCE: You experience a gentle feeling and think of Aure Kaia.
FORCE: You experience a loving feeling and think of Aure Kaia.
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The new padawan is in mid lean towards the sphere, when his attention is brought back to the other entering. Graham turns back and nods his head. "It is good to meet you." he looks between the both for a moment but is brought back to the newcomer by his words. "I will learn all I may from her, already so much.."but he doesn't speak any further.
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Something slips across her face, the Knight slowly rises, turning to facehim his words sparking a new look of hope, "I would have had a padawan already.." Her sentence is meant only for him apparently. She draws a breath, looking between Graham and A'den. "A'den" She states gently. "did you stay with..him?"
There is a tightness to her jaw as she asks, an untended worry in her gaze that he can see, she keeps her face turned from Graham.
FORCE: You experience a loving feeling and receive a vision: Aure still offering you her hand, open arms, hope... 
You think of Aure Kaia ...
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Smiling his smile he nods his head, "That you would have, I suppose had I taken your offer." His eyes close for a moment as his head turns to the side for a moment, seemingly running through a picture in his mind's eye. Then as his head turns back his smile broadens, "It depends what you mean stayed with and with whom. Did I stay on Tatooine after you left? Indeed I did. As for my the offer of yours for the Jedi, it is like I have said before, I cannot join the Jedi at this time. From what I have seen most are too concieted and pompous for their own good. Knight Lindo's actions that night proving some of that point. When the Jedi have changed, when they no longer sacrifice others for their own dogmatic views, then perhaps I would join. There is something in the Jedi ways that says attachment is to be avoided, but how can you care about something or someone without attachement? You can't. Which is why a good deal of your wizadry order cares nothing for the Republic or it's citizens."
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Graham looks on from one to the other as they speak. The padawan moves a bit closer to where his teacher is, for the moment the sphere is forgotten and stays on the ground where it had been. He can hear the conversation and it strikes up the thoughts of the earlier conversation.
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Her face darkens, his words not something she obviously wishes to hear, "I am sorry you feel that way...but if you trusted me, how come you did not let me train you?" Aure lifts her chin, her breath coming quickly again. "He will lead you only to darkness, A'den." She shakes her head, "Darkness and corruption." The woman before him gathers her strength, again facing the opposition that threatens to steal her footing. "Do not trust him."
FORCE: You experience a gentle feeling and think of Aure Kaia.
FORCE: You experience a loving feeling and think of Aure Kaia.
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His smile still remains as he listens to the Jedi. Shaking his head his smile turns from one of happiness to one that is forced there to look as if he is enjoying where this conversation is headed. Blue eyes meeting hers he remains silent for a moment, "Who says I am being trained by him, Aure? I do not trust many people in the galaxy. Actually I can count on one hand the number of people I trust. And I don't mean 'I trust you aren't lying to me or I trust you not to steal my credits.' I mean the kind of trust to know that someone is not going to hurt you no matter what. Or that they'll always be there no matter what. The path I will take will be my own. Not one chosen by the Jedi when they require me to give up everything i fight for, everything I hold dear just to learn."
Sighing the smile fades from the man's face as he shakes his head, "I did not accept your offer to train me because of what happened. You know the Jedi are corrupt, that their ideals are flawed. But yet, on Tatooine you were given the choice and you chose the Order over those of your friends. That is what the Jedi view on attachment fails, that is why they have no true compassion, no true heart. It is one thing to say that you fight for freedom and the people. It is another thing to do it and to actually care about those you fight for."
FORCE: You experience a loving feeling and receive a vision: Aure reaching out to wrap her arms around you, holding you close, shielding you from everything. She kisses your brow ~Jedi or Sith, I will protect you from them.~. 
You think of Aure Kaia ...
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His words harm her and it is obvious as it wars across her face. "Stop." She says finally, her voice carrying some strength though it is soft. She shivers and closes her eyes a moment, "A'den, you do not understand what that was...or how that made me feel. Jedi make many decisions and hardly any of them easy. You do not know all of that story.."
Her eyes open, "If you would be let me tell you...then you might know. Then if you trust me to be there for you, let me trust you enough to tell you." Her hand unclenches and clenches again, tension running through her every fiber. "You can not lie to me, he has taught you, at least something. You asked to learn and if you will not learn from me, then it is him you have chosen."
She stands tall, trying to remain strong despite her revelation. Her breath comes quickly again and her glowing blue eyes remain fixed on him.
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Shaking his head he moves closer a few steps. His face has become more stoic as his brow furrows. "What do you want me to say? If I said that he has shown me certain things, things like you were talking to this young man about, what would that mean? Would you have an obligation to report me to your masters? Yes, there must be decisions you Jedi must make that I have no idea about. You chose the Order in that situation because you had to, I suppose. If it is the same with what I say, then I put you in the predicament that I don't want to. To cause you even more grief."
Raising his hand he points out the door as if it represents those outside of it, "You want me to put my faith in those masters of yours? The same ones that have done nothing for the people of the Republic? What if I still do not wish to be taught by the Jedi after I meet with your masters? Can you honestly tell me what will happenen then, that the Masters will just let me be on my way knowing I am force sensitive, to do whatever it is that I do? You may have faith in them, and I believe you do to a certain extent, but I do not. They have shown me nothing to give my trust to them. Perhaps I would accept your teachings but I will not sign my life over to the Jedi order. To be bound by their rules, rules that restrict me from helping those I love....from actually loving period."
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The new padawan stands close to his master, he has only been listening to the two speak, normal emotions and feelings tell him enough despite what he has heard today. He may be listening in to something that he should not he also doesn't feel that he should leave at the moment. Graham looks on to his master a moment in his head he concentrates on again reaching out to her.
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Aure stands in the center of the room, Graham slightly behind her. She faces A'den who has now stepped closer, his back towards the door. The Knight listens still, a long breath drawn before she closes her eyes once more, "A'den...you don't know me. Jedi do love...I have and still do." Her brows furrow. "If I didn't..then I would not fight for you like I do. I would not worry over the path you choose, I would just cut you down where you stand to prevent you from .." she pauses, closing her eyes as she touches her head. There is confusion on her brow. "Graham, it may be best if you take the sphere and attempt to move it, just move it.." 
Her eyes open, slowly as she looks at A'den, then something passes between them in that silence.
FORCE: You experience a loving feeling and receive a vision: The man he spoke to stands alone..,his face peels away to reveal another, tattooed, emerald gaze she intones his name as she appears, -Orin- They reach for each other and embrace. There is light around her, darkness around him. ~A'den..this man who taught you..he is my love. He once was a padawan till he used the darkside. He fell. He lied to me..he faked his death. But through the Force I could sense him. He used this force to kill people...and he fell away. I love him still..it is why I refused to hunt him down as I was asked. Stay with me...and I will teach you the way you wish to be taught.~~. 
You think of Aure Kaia ...
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Moving silently, as Seifer always did, he moved to the corner of the entrance, peeking inside at the goings on. Taking a step out, his black robes caught in the wind, blowing them the opposite way to where he wanted to go. He moved quickly in through the door, walking right in to the scene that was unfolding. Two people he hadn't met before, and the Jedi knight he had barely met. He sidestepped to the side of the door, and leant against it, folding his arms and observing and listening. It was all he could do lately, he hadn't seen Obi-wan all day and it was starting to get late.
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Shaking his head his face turns to one of slight anger, "Strike me down to prevent me from becoming what? This is why I do not trust the Jedi! They have the belief that whatever is not like them, that if someone doesn't choose their lifestyle then they must be dark, they must be evil because who wouldn't want to be a Jedi. There is no otherside for them. You are either with them as part of their order, or you are dead. No middle ground." His voice trails off as his eyes close and his head turns to the side once more. His eyes move behind his eyelids as if he is dreaming or images are racing through his mind.
Suddenly his eyes snap open. Turning his head quickly once more he faces Aure. His anger is melting away as thoughts begin to race. "This...that...it's impossib.... I mean it's improbable." Shaking his head still he turns to face the wall as if out into space. Squaring his shoulders he turns back to face her, "It changes nothing though. I will not surrender myself to the petty beliefs of the Jedi as they are now. If that means you have to strike me down, then go for it. I would rather be struck down by a friend then some Jedi assassin for following what I believe in."
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Graham nods his head low to his teacher. He turns to the sphere which rests on the ground. He holds his hand above it concentrating on moving it. The sphere doesnt budge only rattles slightly. The padawan continues at it though with little success just yet.
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'Following what he believed in', 'Do not trust the Jedi!' 'Petty beliefs of the Jedi'. These words rang through Seifers head as he stood there. His mind still rare from the days earlier, this man easily struck everything the Jedi stood for down, why? What was so bad about these people? ..though the 'worried' words of Obi-wan about his feelings started to ring through his head, why should they care? What does it matter to him? He wasn't a Jedi, he didn't know anything about this force and he knew he couldn't use it. Why was he here? And where was this guidance he was supposed to receive. It was all starting to un-ravel for him. This man was different, he /felt/ different then the others, then the pretty lady jedi. He sucked it up, and held it all inside, his attention going back to those in the room.
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What little has passed between them keeps her mouth shut and as he continues on, she does not speak a word. Instead there is a gleam that gathers in her eyes and might soon manifest itself as something else. She becomes rigid, tense and says nothing, wishing not to speak. Instead, she claims other ways to do so.
Aure keeps his gaze, her face remaing gentle, warm. ANd finally she intones, "No, I will not strike you down." She shakes her head, "I am sorry you think I would." She takes notice of Wolf and pauses, her eyes widening. But again, as she does not fail, she looks to A'den. "You are my friend."
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FORCE: You experience a loving feeling and receive a vision: Aure taking your hands, leading you away from the other Jedi, teaching you what she believes, both of you going out to defend the innocent. Lightness around you both. ~A'den...if you trust in me, trust my teachings. Learn from my experiences. Stay with me....please.~. 
You think of Aure Kaia ...
A'den shakes his head he simply stands there in silence. His blue eyes do not leave her's. Then as thoughts begin manifesting in his mind his eyes seem to glaze over. When they pass he turns his head so that he is not looking at her anymore, he can't bare to. When he does turn back his eyes are watery as something inside him is tearing him apart. He thinks of the Jedi and what this choice is causing him to lose already. "And you are my friend Aure. But....but, I cannot give my life over to the Jedi. They have not earned the respect needed for the loyalty they demand. In fact, their recent actions I have witnessed have lowered them in my eyes. You are the only Jedi I respect, that I love. I would like to learn your views of the force, but I will not join you as your padawan. I cannot."
 
He pushes his shoulders back and holds his head up, "As for what I have learned from...him. Know that I can control my emotions. They are what give me strength." He hesitates before continuing as he looks to her young padawan that seems to be engrossed in his training. Then as he looks back he catches her glimpse to something behind him. Turning his neck around he looks to find the man standing back there watching the converstation. Quirking an eyebrow he frowns not recognizing him.
 
Making eye contact for just that few seconds he turns back to face Aure, "As for him. If this is true, that what Agrippa Junik said about the man is actually truth, then know that he must have had his reasons. If one chooses a life outside of the Jedi it does not always have to be a decision of greed and petty power. It must have been the right decision. You loved him once, trust him now then."
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The young man still listens in perhaps this is why Graham fails at his task. The padawan concentrates harder on the sphere upon the ground, and for a moment it wriggles on the ground and than lifts up only a little bit. The young man raises his hand and it follows but as he listening in again the sphere falls back to the ground.
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Feeling that same fake feeling again, Seifer knew what was happening this time. Fortunately, this time, his mind wasn't in turmoil and went the way Aure wanted it to go. His thoughts brightened again, and the pretty Jedi filled his head. Though his mind wasn't as weak as Krugt's, and was strong enough to keep his curiosity of this new man. As the 'force happy' continues it weakens and dilutes as his own thoughts dance around his head. The sudden explosion of emotion from the man opened Sef's eyes even more. Who was.. 'him'? and this person he loved? and Jedi are allowed to love? Wasn't that.. another dangerous emotion? If so.. then why was this man letting it all out? Using his emotion makes him... stronger?
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Even as his words spill forth, Aure finds hope in some of them, in that look upon his face. Her own eyes reflect the gaze he gives to her. She remains for the most part silent again, calm as she can be. Within her gaze is that raging tempest, a woman fighting to stay above the tide of emotions. "I will fight for you, if that is what it takes. I will fight for you. And even through that darkness I will continuously reach for you. Whether or not you ever reach back."
Her chin lifts, the other two within the room throwing her off a bit. She closes her eyes, a small quench of what is casting the glimmer of her eye breaks free to trail down her cheek. She quickly brushes at it, dark strands brushed back behind her ear. Again that silent exchange.
FORCE: You experience a loving feeling and receive a vision: Aure never turning away, like a guardian you do not address, she follows at your back. She remains there, understanding, kind, loving ~I love you A'den, stay...I do not wish to tear you apart in this. My lessons are the only ones you will learn.~. 
You think of Aure Kaia ...
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Thoughts enter his mind again causing him to fall silent for several moments. Then finally he smiles as he looks towards Aure. Shaking his head he chuckles. "You think I am falling to darkness, when all I am doing is living my life. I do not wish to lose your friendship, ever, Aure. You once trusted 'him', and I trust him now. You shy away from your feelings of love and warmth, why? Is it because the Jedi tell you too or is the real reason because you are afraid of being hurt? From what I know already while you Jedi shy away from your emotions, there is the possibility of embracing your emotions. They make you stronger. While you block them away denying them, others welcome them. They are a part of you, of who you are. To shut them in, to deny them is to deny a part of yourself. It is then that you are not whole."
 
For a moment he turns to look upon the padawan situated away from them continuing his attempt at training. As he moves the sphere slightly this causes A'den to smile, it reminds him of his first training session. Turning his head around again he looks on the young man that has seemingly remained quiet during this conversation. He looks upon him wondering what is it that brought him here. He didn't appear to be a Jedi, but then again looks could be deceiving.
 
Sighing again he turns back to look Aure in the eye, "Please. Do not think you are failing me simply that I am not joining your Order. I choose to make my own impact, to follow what I believe in. I would ask you to come with me. To travel with me to all the warzones of this galaxy so that we can help the innocent. The Jedi cannot do that."
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Graham listens in to the conversation, he turns away from the sphere he cannot help it even from the short time he has made a connection to his teacher. The man obviously upsetting, gives a trial, but he keeps his thoughts and emotions in check, and even smile crosses his face with a gentle feeling coming through the connection. He knows she is in control now but still watches.
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At the door a shadow appears, and it is that of Marshall Menglor -- coming into the central tower like a wraith from the Shadows. He is dressed in the Olive-Grey uniform of the Republic Guard, over which is worn their black blast armor, and upon his head the open faced helm of an Officer. Girt at his left hip is a sword which signifies his rank, holstered at his right a blaster pistol, and slung over his shoulder his Carbine. To say the least his figure is impressive, and daunting. His demeanor hard like stone, and his voice as grave as death itself when he speaks from the door.
"She does what she knows is right," Menglor speaks in a voice that fills the room with ease. "She has ever spoke her mind, nor hid her feelings, but sometimes the right thing is not the easiest one. Now, if you are speaking of who I think you are, then you had best leave this place, and this planet right now. It might not be safe for you here."
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That was it, every word the man just said contradicted and reinforced Seifer's own thoughts. Everything he questioned Obi-wan about was answered by this man, he needed to find out who he was, and why he so openly protested the Jedi in their sanctuary. Using his emotions for strength.. sounded better then trying to sort them to the side. Then Menglor entered the room, making his presence known from his first word. "Wait." Seifer said aloud, breaking his silence and that of the room after Menglor was done. "Tell me." he said, "Who is this man you speak of? Who are you?" he asked, his blue eyes looking up at A'den as he walked towards him.
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Shaking her head, Aure looks to Graham and Seifer, her lips parting as she begins, "A'den, let us take.." She stops, Menglor's shadow cast precariously close to her foot. It is his voice the rings out in her ears and she shifts enough to see past A'den. She meets the Marshall's gaze, studies his face. Ever the Officer. Slowly her chin lifts, looking up at A'den. "A'den..do not go back to him. If you do, I have failed. You are my dear friend as was your brother before. Stay." She tries, despite the words of Gregge. For her, there is always hope. But then her fears are realized and Seifer steps forward then to speak to A'den. "Seifer, no. Please wait for Knight Kenobi.." She furrows her brows, a gentleness washing over her. "Please, wait for him." She says again.
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Turning slowly towards this new voice, A'den looks to see the Marshall entering the chamber. Smirking he remebers seeing this man on Ord Mantell previously. Shaking his head he simply chuckles looking the soldier over. Nodding his head he gives the man his 'of course' smirk, "I know this woman better than your tone suggests. Marshall Menglor isn't it? I believe you have come in on the wrong part of the conversation. You do not know which of it you speak. While I relish in your coming to the aide of my friend here, it is not needed. She has done quite the job defending her order already, and making me feel sad for denying her earlier."
 
As the young man speaks finally A'den turns to look upon the boy. His smirk flourishes into a large smile, "My name is Timin Jax of Yidri, better known as A'den to some. I am simply a warrior, friend of the Jedi Aure Kaia here, once faithful servant to Chancellor Persee." Bowing he smiles, "And who might you be?" He waits for a response before continuing. His eyes go to Menglor but his words are still focused towards the young man, "As for the man being spoke of, he is simply a friend or foe to many, it depends on your outlook I suppose."
 
This brings his eyes back to Aure. Shaking his head again his smile gives way developing into a frown. With a sigh he looks down at his boots before his head rises again, "Once again you deal with me in the Jedi absolutes, Aure. Like the Republic the Jedi are becoming infested with the same sickness. If you do believe in everything they do, you are their enemy. Like this soldier behind me has suggested I leave simply because I have a friend that he does not like. You say that if I do not stay here to learn the Jedi ways, you have failed. That if I leave this place now you immediately write me off towards this darkness. Do you have that little faith in me? Do you honestly believe me to be that weak, that I need the Jedi teachings to survive? I was raised by my brother, the man you say you were a friend of. Trust in me, and me alone. You once trusted our friend, not only with your life but with your heart. Those feelings never change, no matter what. Never forget the love that you once had for him, do not forget the love I have for you and that I know you have for me. This love will keep me from falling to this darkness you speak of. But, I will continue on, to fight for you, for my homeworld as best I can. And that path does not involve the Jedi."
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"Your words are poison, and you are a friend of the Blacks. Whisper like a snake all you want, it will do you no good. This is your last chance to leave, I would take it if I were you." Menglor says in a voice that is deep, and as hard as stone. Even as he speaks these harsh words, the Marshall reaches into his pocket, and draws forth a comlink. "Corporal Cass, move your squad to outside of the Jedi Retreat if you would." The orders are swift and resolutely given. "A friend of the Blacks is no friend of mine, nor of Coruscant. I have fought and bled with this Jedi here. What have you given her?"
COMSYS: (single channel) Menglor says, "Corporal Cass, move your squad to outside of the Jedi Retreat if you would."
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"I'm Seifer Wolf. I'm here, learning under Mr. Kenobi, though I have no idea why I'm here and why they want me to get rid of all my anger. I can't seem to get a straight answer out of anyone here." he said, looking up at the man, his thoughts go back to what he's saying and how everything is now crashing down on his head. Again, he is in turmoil, though this time he doesn't openly show it. He knew what they all wanted to see, and that was his calm-ness. The pretty Jedi must want it too, after the answers that A'den gave her. He looked at Menglor, his eyes seemed to narrow at the man. "Hate and violence aren't apart of what this place is. I won't allow you to disrupt my meditation spot." The innocence of the way he spoke contradicted what he said to the man.
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Graham has remained quiet though things seem to heat up again. He looks away to the sphere which he know has made float up a bit a few times. He looks to his master as she gazed to him a moment. "I am collected master." he says with an assured nod to her. He looks to the others now waiting to see what will happen next.
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"I will never give up on you...never." She repeats, his words scoring deeply. The Jedi, now with the Marshall here lifts her chin. Glowing blue eyes fade slightly in their luminance. "Go A'den, go before worse happens here. Know that I am always your friend, even if you do not agree with what I wish for you."
She draws a long breath, "Be careful the path you tread, it is a thin line." Menglor's call for troops has sent her even more rigid. She speaks not in comment to Menglor's question to A'den. She nods thought to Graham, a faint hopeful smile upon her lips as she looks to Seifer, her gaze lingering. But it is to A'den her smile falters.
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Turning his head to the young man he smiles his blue eyes meeting the young man's. Inclining his head in a soft bow he rises again, "A pleasure to meet you young Wolf. This is the place for that type of training if it is what you want." A'den's gaze is brought to the Marshall now. The smile fading from his face he remains quiet. Even though he does not turn his gaze from the man, A'den takes notice of young Seifer Wolf's words and actions. Nodding in approval, he squares his shoulders before responding to the soldier, "I am not a member of the Blacks. I simply do not have the short-sighted view of most Republic members. I have friends in the Republic, which I am loyal too, but it seems that lately with me my loyalty means nothing as the Republic continues to enforce it's will."
Shaking his head he turns to look at Aure, a painful expression on his face, "As for what I have given her, it is simply my friendship and my love. I have fought alongside her also, I have tried to protect her as best I can, to follow her leadership. But apparently it is never enough." Facing Aure completely now he bows, "This is why I cannot stay. There are always those too stubborn to accept another's viewpoints. Your Jedi are no different, and you know this. I would not be accepted. I would merely be a blacksheep and I would cause too many ripples. That is something I cannot do to you. And as it would seem I must leave, by your words." The look on his face is now one of pain and loss. His friend hadn't even stood up for him. It would appear the choices had been made. They were both on their paths, and perhaps they were diverging. This thought tore his heart apart, and if one knew him you could see it on his face and his eyes. With that he turns his back to Aure as he heads to the door. With one quick nod he smiles weakly to Seifer before continuing out.
FORCE: You experience a gentle feeling and think of Aure Kaia.
As he nears the door, just before he leaves a thought enters his mind. He recognizes the touch and it gives him pause. With the door open, A'den stops in the archway. Turning his head as if to look back he stops staring to the side. Then shakes his head and continues out. The door closes behind him like a sign of something. The touch ignored.
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A'den moves to leave, and Menglor steps aside. His hand moves to the holster of his pistol and draws it forth -- the leather creaking quietly as it does. The Marshall does not bring it up to point at A'den, yet as that man leaves the soldier turns to follow. The look on his face is grim, as if all the weight of the world bore down upon him, and silently he stalks after A'den -- like time after each sentient.
----
Watching, annoyed, Seifer's eyes follow A'den out of the room. All his questions went unanswered, even the man that seemed to disobey everything he'd been told didn't give him a straight answer. And this new soldier, barged in here, claiming justice, but disturbing all that this place stood for. There was another choice in the back of his mind. This new man was one of those beings he had to stop from shooting a few days ago. Though his mind was young, he still managed to keep his composure, even though it seemed the end of the blaster under his robes was itching to be against Menglor's leg. He shook his head, and decided to follow A'den outside, he was going to try and get some answers. What he was trying to supress, had decided to flow out, his hand reached inside his robes and he moved off after Menglor.
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The gun is noticed, the pause and then loss of A'den seems to strike the most. She draws a breath, as if actually hit. She pauses then, watching him go as she remains standing where she is. Eyes close slowly and she draws a long breath, even as Seifer follows after. Soon the Knight is left with her Padawan and she rubs at her face. There is another wet tear that flows through her fingers and silence.
Lifting her head again, she opens her eyes, collecting herself as she wipes it away. "Graham, forgive me. If you have questions about this...I will take them." Her gaze is distant her back still to him as she stares out of the Tower.
Category:January 2008 RP Logs