These Shattered Stars -- Logs

Freyja wakes up the next morning early. While she's very warm and comfortable dog-piling with Vakkal, she's eager to see Zero up and healthily about as well. She grins, playfully running her fingers through Vakkal's heavy ruff and whispering interestedly, "You awake yet? Let's go be there when Zero's decanted, hai?" She knows quite well it'd be hard for the poor guy to sleep through her bouncing up and leaving, so is attempting to make the wake-up at least pleasant and relaxing.

Vakkal rouses himself. "I'm awake," he says wryly, sitting up and stretching. "I'd not make a good Soul- that is, huskarl if I couldn't awaken immediately. I admit to being concerned if someone should come upon us and not know that I am your bodyguard in the most sensible place to be, but there's little to be done for it..."

Freyja grins cheerfully at Vakkal, already sliding out of bed to pull her belt, boots, and cloak over, "Well, as my mother is fond of saying, 'ill to them that think ill!'" She stands, running both hands through her short, fluffy mane (and making a gleaming disaster of it in the process), "Shall we?" The two depart the Jedi building for the hospital, arrive shortly before the medical droid awakens Zero.

The young Sedraki awakens in the warm, mildly viscous bath of the bacta tank, and is drawn upward by a pair of medtechs. Within minutes they have clothed him in a warm hospital garment, set him onto a bed, and wheeled him right into the recovery ward under a bank of monitoring sensors, where Freyja and Vakkal are there to greet him. Freyja bounces cheerfully on the tips of her toes, "He looks all in one piece again to me, Vakkal! Haiyo, Zero... you still groggy, or are you awake yet?"

Zero mutters agreeably as he can. "It's a lot of fuss for a gunshot wound, don't you think? I was fine to walk to meet you myself." Freyja grins at Zero's grumbling, and politely stays out of the way of the techs and monitors.

The medical droid provides helpfully, "The full-immersion bacta tank provides unparalleled healing in the shortest amount of time, Padawan Satau."

Zero says, "Yes, I know that. I could have walked out of it myself just fine-" He stops and shakes his head. "I should know better than to argue with a droid. The anesthetic must not have worn off yet."

Freyja grins at the ever-helpful droid, then at Zero, "So... if I were a droid you'd do what I said more often, as far as calling for backup when you got shot?" She has to cover a giggle at the wildly varying expressions that her comment provokes.

Zero says, "You were just as busy as I was. Besides, it wasn't as bad as all that. It wasn't bleeding, at least."

Freyja smiles, "I was not, and it was so, 'hero.' Anyway... you're all in one piece now, hai?"

Zero says, "Of course. Everything went smoothly after I left? The daitu didn't give you any trouble, did they?"

Freyja says, "Hai, it was fine. Everything's go for trying to meet the natives tonight, too, although the local police asked me to take a different rifle instead of the one that's evidence. Oh, and I need to talk to Paladin Dakkan for just a second before we go..." she grins, adding, "-and I have some real interesting news for you too! For later, in private."

Zero says, "I'm starting to hate it when you say that."

Freyja blinks, her expression at first startled, then a little hurt, "Er... what? Why?"

Zero tchs and shakes his head. "Don't take it so seriously, Freyja. I'm just joking."

Freyja says, "Oh!" She considers for a moment, then grins, "You have a weird sense of humor, Zero, you know that?"

With Jedi Diath's assistance at the Jedi building, Freyja puts in a call to Paladin Dakkan at Ark Nova. She relates to him her giving his name to Karrac, and that the young dog Sith might ask to speak with him... then apologizes for not asking permission first. It had seemed like the right thing to do at the time, she'd thought. She hopes he doesn't mind?

Paladin Dakkan doesn't mind, no. Freyja smiles, looking relieved, "Ah, good. I was hoping that would be the case." She opens her mouth to say something else, then goes still, thinking furiously as she half-notices Jedi Diath, "Oh! And I, ah... uh, maybe you'd like to talk to the- to Karrac, Paladin Dakkan? Maybe ask him if he'd like to help with the translations? Ah, and maybe Jedi Diath could escort him upside?" She gives an intently inquiring look at the Jedi as she says this.

Padalin Dakkan looks a bit intrigued, and welcomes the assistance. Diath is a little concerned, of course, but since Karrac hasn't been a "problem prisoner," doesn't seem to mind. Knight-Captain Baas is a little leery of the idea, but so long as (conveniently enough) Diath keeps an eye on the young Sith, she agrees to the little trip. Arrangements are made for Diath and Karrac to catch the shuttle to Ark Nova later that day.

The three take the mid-afternoon speeder bus to Zero's home, where, perhaps predictably enough, he is nearly assaulted by his concerned parents. However, since he has survived rougher things, the bubbling concern and expressions of worry simmer down somewhat, though of course his parents are glad that he made it through in one piece!

Freyja grins, watching quietly from the sidelines. She thinks it's really nice to see Zero fussed over so. She sets the cloak-wrapped rifle down next to her. She'd thought it would be wiser to be discreet about carrying the thing publicly on the reservation.

Zero's reaction to the various fusses is something like a resigned (and slightly embarrassed), 'yeah, I got shot again...' But as he's all in one piece, and apparently not too badly off for the wear, it doesn't take long before things calm down. Freyja has to cover a small giggle or two at Zero's resigned, "again," and happily rubs the little dakang's ears when he lightly clambers up her arm again.

Later, as twilight approaches, the three head out, with a word of caution to stay safe from Akikou and a light snack of soup and rolls from Wulong. The road along the edge of the reservation is pretty much empty, taking the three past the old fortress where Zero spent most of his childhood; it is quiescent now, lit by some spotlights in memorial. Zero is very quiet. He just looks out at the empty walls for a while, then turns his eyes back to the road.

Freyja will, once the group has found a nice, calm grazing herd of hakaast, suggest they settle at the edge of the road for a bit and chat a moment? She gives Zero a concerned look as she adjusts the rifle across her back so it's not in Jiaohua's way, "Are you all right, Zero?"

Zero says, "Yeah, I'm fine. Just thinking, that's all."

Freyja says curiously, "What about, if I may ask?"

Zero shakes his head. "Nothing important. Dead memories, that's all. Bad times."

Freyja studies Zero for a moment, her head tilted... then smiles a bit ruefully and steps forward to put her arms around her brother Padawan in a gentle hug. She murmurs quietly, "Be here, in the now, like you always tell me, my friend... hai?"

Zero hugs Freyja gently. "Don't worry... like I said, dead and gone now. It's done with."

Freyja smiles again, rubbing her cheek lightly across the top of Zero's head. Interesting... he doesn't smell at all like Vakkal, but his short hair's very soft, like Vakkal's face fur. "All right." She straightens, adding happily, "I've got some interesting news for you, too! Here, let's sit for a bit, since we've got some time until twilight."

Freyja settles cross-legged at the side of the road next to a large, flat rock, which she sets her datapad on. When Zero's also comfortably settled, she plays the message from Paladin Diana, and shows Zero the scan of the odd medallion. She grins cheerfully at him once it's done, "Fascinating, hai?"

Zero scratches the back of his head. "Stang," he murmurs, "This gets more complicated by the day. Well... at least some of the pattern's starting to fall together, at least."

Freyja nods interestedly, "Hai, that it is... at least part of it. I wonder if she's being taken to some gray stronghold?" She tucks away the datapad, scritches Jiaohua's ears absently, and glances out at the grazing herd. "Hm... shall we go see who we should put you up on, Zero? I know Vakkal's going to want to stay on his own two feet." She grins at the big dog Sith as she fluidly rises.

Vakkal grimaces a little as he stands, "Considering that they were considerably faster than I last time, then I should probably ride..."

Freyja grins over her shoulder at Vakkal, "All right! So, we need three... the two largest, and one for me." She studies the herd thoughtfully, quietly explaining to her friends how to stay on, keeping one's center of gravity close to that of the hakaast's, and staying loose in case the beast should swerve unexpectedly.

Zero says, "Yeah, they're quick. No surprise the natives like 'em. Always surprised they're so docile around people... but must be some kind of environmental thing, I guess."

Once she's picked out the two largest, Freyja will take a moment to make friends with them. She wants to put Zero on the second largest, and Vakkal on the largest. Any of the others will do for her, as long as it's large enough to carry her without strain. She adds to her friends, "Just stay calm and quiet, and they'll do all the work. They're the largest, so also the slowest."

Members of the small herd bleat a little at the approach of the three. This time a number of them are watching the approaching trio, and they make no complaint about getting climbed onto. Zero mms, and mutters to his mount. "All right, ugly... let's both keep this as civil as we can." Freyja giggles at Zero, comfortably settling herself, rifle, and dakang.

Once all three are mounted, they have been apparently watched, as a curious, warbling whistle drifts within hearing from across the plain. It's almost too faint to hear, but the animals hear it; the three who have been mounted begin to edge their way out of the herd and start out at an easy canter across the slightly hilly plain. Freyja waves happily, "Yay, they must've been watching -- here we go!" She rides easily, keeping half an eye on her companions, but mostly looking curiously ahead to see if it's Linijast again. Zero doesn't say anything at all. Guess some things don't change.

Up ahead perhaps a mile away, just on the outside of the reservation but closer than where Freyja first met Linijast, there is actually a pair of figures astride the local mounts. With the dim moon tonight it's hard to tell who they are, but closer they can be seen to be nomads. One is clearly Linijast; the other is a male, possibly the one from the night previous as well. Both carry rifles, upright and resting against their legs. The beasts the three ride slow from their canter, and stop obediently a few feet from Linijast.

Freyja smiles and gives that open-handed greeting, "Good eve, Linijast and Linijast's friend." Her tone is quite sincere -- she's happy to see the native woman again. "I know you said it was not wise to come back, but I wanted to tell you what the Jedi have learned about the worms. If you like, once I've done that we'll leave."

Linijast nudges her beast a little, and it moves forward a few paces. "Knew would try to return," she says wryly. "Am not surprised. Mothers of clan have spoken; will listen to what you have to say." She blinks then, her eyes falling on Zero -- or perhaps more accurately, his hair of winter-white. She pauses, then indicates the other male. "Is Klaimistrea, is... how say... one of mother's sons. Not brother. Skss... another will explain later. Know Va-ka-kal. Who is... third friend?"

Zero narrows his eyes a little, but doesn't say anything for the moment. Well, that's great. Another cultural incident, and I didn't even say anything that time... Freyja grins cheerfully, not disagreeing at all with Linijast's statement of her likely actions. She looks pleased, "Thank you for speaking to the Mothers for me. I hope what we have to say will help them." She nods politely to Klaimistrea, "Greetings," then swivels at the waist to indicate Zero with a smile, "This is my, uhm... his family lets me stay with them while I'm here. He's... let's see... my Jedi Master is his Jedi Master also? His name is Zero Satau." Zero nods politely.

Linijast somehow manages to understand that. She nods. "Zer-ro. Sat-taw." She turns to the male and says something in their quick-flowing language. He nods and slips off his mount, carrying a bundle of what look like riding- collars for the beasts. "Suggest to you to hold on tight," Linijast says, as Klaimistrea starts fitting the collars onto the animals. "Is two-hour ride to place where clan is camped for moon-cycle. Will be moving when moon disappears." Above, the moon itself is just a crescent of white light, while the fury and glory of the Core stars provides some illumination besides.

Zero sits back to let Klaimistrea do his thing. He elects to stay quiet until he knows exactly what's going on; for some reason Linijast seemed surprised to see him, and that makes him uneasy, for some reason he can't completely verbalize.

Freyja murmurs quietly, "Thank you," to the... half-brother? -watching carefully so she can put on and remove the riding collar herself later. Once that's done she eyes her two friends carefully, trying to think if there's anything she can do to help them. A two-hour ride means they'll both be... uhm, rather stiff and painful tomorrow, she wryly suspects. Freyja will gently nudge her hakaast over to the side of Linijast's beast to murmur quietly, "I thought you should know my friends are not riders. Also, I would like to behave properly around the Mothers. Can you tell me what is correct?"

Linijast nods. "Had guessed that. Not worry; mothers also know you do not know. Be respectful. Listen when they speak. Head their words. Is all." Louder, she asks something of the male, who finishes up the collar on Vakkal's beast. He nods and replies, settling himself onto his own mount. Linijast warbles something to the three beasts, reaching over and lightly touching each of them on the foreheads, before setting her beast out to canter forward, further beyond the reservation. Klaimistrea lets the others go ahead before bringing up the rear.

Freyja nods, relieved at Linijast's words, and simply settles comfortably for the long ride. The beasts don't get much faster than a well-paced canter, not at nearly the breakneck pace they had traveled the night before. Linijast must know the route relatively well, however, and the fivesome see the nomad encampment ahead just a bit shy of two hours.

This is a fairly small family, it seems to Zero. There are perhaps fifty people in the encampment all told, the majority being adults or young adults. Most wear some shreds of clothing, and seem to use body tattooing as an art form. Near the main fire in the center of the encampment, near where they enter, an older man is seen painstakingly painting the shoulder of a younger man, with some of the camp's youngest watching raptly.

Freyja brightens, pushing her windblown hair back and sitting up a bit on the hakaast. She shifts the rifle, pats Jiaohua, and grins in anticipatory fascination. Zero watches quietly. This seems fairly normal, for what he knows. He remembers the tattoos all too well. Blues and greens and darker colors all blending together; at times it seemed like they were being attacked by an ocean. Beautiful in retrospect... at the time it was... was it frightening? It's hard to say. He didn't let himself feel much then. He watches the old man work, from his spot on the back of the hakaast.

Freyja wonders curiously how hot it gets out here on the plains. Light clothing usually indicates nudity pragmatism. She smiles at the tattooing... she thinks it's lovely. Then the fascinated social scientist in her kicks in, and she starts noticing who sits near whom, and which gender is where, and who's carrying weapons or other tools, and... there's so much fascinating data!

The arrival of Linijast and those she has in tow causes a bit of a stir in the encampment. Nomads are gathering at the fire, casting at first curious looks at the three as they approach the firelight. For some reason, there are audible gasps from the villages as they enter the rings of light cast by the main fire and the satellite cooking and warmth fires.

Linijast stops her mount nearby a larger tent -- most of the dwellings seem to be made of woven cloth or leather, and all are decorated in much the same way as the nomads themselves, in water-like colors. Most of the nomads except for the very youngest are armed -- or perhaps more appropriately, equipped -- with curved-handled knives. Some of the older men and women have rifles, some extensively decorated, some not -- the females seem to have the most- decorated ones. Near the fire, the Humans catch one of the males staring in their general direction, and blinking -- but he recovers, trying off a string of blue-green beads to the rifle he carries, and proffering it respectfully to the female beside him. She smiles to the male, patting his thigh lightly before taking up the rifle and standing, watching the three arrive.

Freyja watches curiously, attracted by the brilliant colors on the beads, and vaguely wishes her rifle were nicer looking... neh, wait, it's not really hers. She sighs quietly and smiles ruefully at herself. She's such an obsessively immersive observer sometimes... a fault as well as a blessing, in the field of xenopological studies.

Linijast dismounts, then moves up alongside the three, speaking quietly. "Am needing to be warning you. Am not knowing whose hakaast those are," she says, pointing to a trio of the beasts who are grazing not far from the encampment. Their markings are different from the ones of the beasts the three ride. "Am knowing are from a deep clan, but which am not knowing. Come. Mother will speak to you now."

Freyja nods to Linijast, "We'll do our best." She slides off her hakaast, patting it affectionately on the shoulder, then waits to be sure both her friends are successfully dismounted -- and more importantly, walking. Zero feels a bit conspicuous, pale, wearing his boots and long coat, black and blue and white, a shadow on the sea of water colors. Ah well, he thinks, It's not like I was expecting a particularly warm reception anyhow. He dismounts carefully, and follows. Freyja murmurs to her friends, "You're both all right?"

Zero says, "Of course. Don't worry."

Vakkal nods, "I'm fine, Freyja. And you?"

Freyja smiles to Zero, "All right. Just checking." She rubs the lightly snoozing Jiaohua's ears and grins at Vakkal, "I'm actually having a lovely time!" She gives the same useful information to her friends that Linijast gave to her, then grins cheerfully, "Let's go!" She quickly and quietly follows the native woman. Jiaohua meefs softly and sleepily, peeking around with no concerns as to what he's been taken into, before curling his tail lightly around Freyja's neck and returning to sleep.

Linijast leads them to the fire, and a faint murmur comes up from the nomads as they better take in the three. There are some few uneasy moments before a woman emerges from the larger tent.

If Human standards are any measure, she is a bit past middle aged, but quite clearly hale, hearty, and healthy... and strong. Calloused hands, weathered face -- she isn't exactly the picture of a Valkerrie from Balmorran legends, but she's close, in a very dignified, thoughtful way. She studies the three for a moment, before inclining her head. "My daughter's daughter said you wanted to meet with us," she says, in Aurabesh with a very strong Sedraki accent, mingled with the accent of her own people's language.

Freyja smiles interestedly and gives the open-palmed greeting gesture, "Hai, please." She pauses, considering... then politely introduces herself and her friends.

Zero bows politely, "Sah. Honored to be received here."

The woman -- a bit shorter than the Human average but slightly broader -- nods to each person in turn. Unlike Linijast and a number of others, she wears enough to keep riding in a saddle from being discomfiting, and nothing else. This, if anything, only adds to her apparent strength. "You are welcome," she says, then narrows her eyes, looking at Zero. "Satau... You are the... the son of the Devil, are you not?"

Zero nods. "That's right." Freyja smiles, turning to look at Zero... then frowns as it hits her that this might not be a good thing. She shifts her weight slightly in case she needs to move quickly. Zero says, "She would be honored to know that she's remembered." Freyja raises a thoughtful eyebrow. Good answer.

The woman's lips quirk in a bit of a smile, even as some few in the audience who apparently know Aurabesh translate quickly and quietly for the others. There is quite an exchange of murmurs and gasps. "We should have known. The hair... we would not forget one such as her. Well. What, then, brings you three amongst us?"

Freyja grins in quiet relief, then replies, "The worms. The Jedi have discovered some things about them and we thought the information might be of use to you." She pauses, then adds, "Also, there are three other Jedi who went out from the reservation who are missing. If you know where they are, we'd like to take them back home, please."

The woman nods. "Of course. Of those Jedi we do not know ourselves, though we have heard of them from some of the deep clans. Of the worms, though, we are interested. They have-" She breaks off, considering, then says only, "They have made things difficult for us as well."

Freyja nods, her expression a bit grim, "Hai. Well... I do not know if we share words for this, but we'll do our best." She slows her speech, trying to consider carefully the words she's picking, "The worms can sense powerful sources of energy, and they eat them. They can also sense the, ah... the 'burn' of how Jedi use energy, and how Jedi 'feel' in the Force. Uh... in... in moving around normally, I mean. So we have ways to suppress that, but we didn't know how, uhm, how your people expressed themselves when speaking to your gods... and we worried that if how you did that was at all like how the Jedi use the Force, you might accidentally attract the worms."

Freyja takes a breath, then says worriedly, "I hope that translates?" She is abstractly fascinated that they're talking outside the tent, away from the "deep clan" people. She wonders why... hm. Usually sharing food and drink indicates welcome; perhaps this woman is hoping to shoo them off relatively quickly. Freyja can understand that, if the deep-clan folk are likely to be hostile to Humans.

"Stop, Linikaito." The female voice, somehow carrying through the walls of the tent, interrupts the mother's words, and she very quickly falls silent, glancing to the tent and taking a few steps back.

Zero turns slightly to face the source of the voice, impassive. Freyja looks around curiously. Linijast, Linikaito... the first two syllables must be the family name. Let's see, that'd make her... Riggfrey- neh, wait, bet it's mother's family name?

The flaps to the tent open. The woman standing there is significantly older than Linikaito, but no less healthy- looking, and unlike the mother wears a loose, sleeveless robe that is elegantly decorated with beadwork. The coarse weave of the robe shows her well-decorated skin beneath; a rippling ocean of blues and greens and other, cooler colors. And her hair, gathered at the nape of her neck, is as winter-white as Zero's.

Zero's eyes widen a little. Uh oh. So that's why they were staring... Freyja tilts her head interestedly, observing... then smiles and salutes the woman politely; unconsciously she's dropped into Balmorran reactions towards older wise women. "Greetings, grandmother. I hope my friends and I bear useful information to you."

The woman walks forward; her pace is slow, measured, but not at all that of someone with an old injury. She stops in front of the three, looking at each in turn; her eyes are a bright, vibrant, startling gold. She inclines her head to Freyja. "It is, child of the Jedi," the woman says. Though she speaks quietly, she has the kind of voice that seems able to carry for miles. "That the Jedi face the same threat from the worms was known to us, from the ones who were taken in by the clan of another of my daughters."

She looks over the three -- noticeably pausing in front of Zero, studying him before giving a quiet, almost wry smile -- then says, "Tell me now for true, Jedi, if you know. Where did they come from? Against whom were they sent: the Sedraki Jedi or our matrons? For what reason were we attacked by them before we had to hide ourselves from our own Lady?"

Freyja blinks, taking a deep breath and wondering if she'll be able to communicate all that information well. "It's a long story, grandmother, that spans the stars, but I'll try." She bites her lip, her eyes getting distant for a moment as she organizes her thoughts as to how to best relate this saga.

The woman nods. "Very well. If it is a long tale, then be welcome here."

Freyja blinks again, her ice blue eyes focusing on the matron... then she smiles and nods politely, "Thank you, grandmother." She wonders if that's a significant phrase with some meaning... or should she just start talking?

Linikaito starts to say something, but silences as soon as the older woman looks to her. She inclines her head and starts to say something in the nomad's tongue before the as-yet unnamed woman speaks something else, then says in Aurabesh. "Use their language. Let us not be rude."

"Of course, matron."

Freyja is politely expressionless, but relieved to hear that... it would seem the welcome was sincere. She remembers Linijast's warning, and waits to listen to and heed the words of the two older women. The matron looks to Freyja, grinning faintly at something, before turning and moving to the space around the fire. "'Grandmother'," she murmurs to herself, almost in amusement.

Shortly, food is served to the three as they are ushered to the fire -- it's Tammak dhymsun, much as how Wulong cooked it their first night on Sedrak but of a subtly different flavor. The herbs used seem to be cast almost whole into the broth, rather than finessed and diced, lacking the dhymsun dumplings Wulong had added and substituting bits of savory jerky of some kind.

The culture is not entirely like those pre-space flight nomadic cultures Freyja's read about in the past, so the hierarchy, if there is one, is not readily apparent. Linijast appears to be one of the younger women in the clan, though she isn't the youngest who appears to have been given a rifle. The matron is, of course, accorded a great deal of respect, being served by someone who appears to be Linikaito's husband instead of retrieving her own bowl of tammak.

Perhaps predictably, Zero's hair gains more than a bit of attention, and while the clan gathers and the meal begins more than a few eyes are cast towards him. Zero simply keeps quiet and polite, not wanting to make too many waves. He suspects his appearance and his reputation have put him in a delicate situation, and he doesn't want to make Freyja's job any more difficult. He graciously accepts the dhymsun, eating quietly.

Freyja smiles quietly at the matron's amused glance, but doesn't say anything, since she's not been asked. She's relieved that Vakkal doesn't seem to alarm anyone, and she grins cheerfully at her friends, settling comfortably between them when food is served. She hopes they're having as nice and interesting a time as she is. She emulates the other armed women, as far as how to handle the rifle. She enjoys the meal quite a bit, mostly keeping silent as she eats. Her gaze darts back and forth incessantly, watching with bright-eyed fascination the way the people behave around each other. She grins as Jiaohua promptly wakes up for food, however!

There are a few chuckles as Jiaohua murks! and skitters down Freyja's arm towards the bowl in her hand, sniffing at it. Though Freyja carrying a rifle does raise more than a few eyebrows; there is no immediate result from that, until Zero feels a light tapping on his shoulder. It is one of the younger men in the nomad clan. "'Ey," he asks quietly and politely. "Why have not made workings for yourlady's rifle?" He seems to be a little younger than Zero, meaning he probably did not play much part in the Ten Year's War -- if his particular clan was even involved in that.

Zero raises one eyebrow, but replies softly, "She and I have been fighting an enemy. No time for workings for five cycles."

The young man ahs and nods. "Am understanding. Was just wondering." He returns to his own meal, though Zero can't help but notice a couple of the other young men questioning him quietly in their own language, probably wondering too why Zero hasn't made 'workings' for Freyja's rifle.

Freyja grins at Jiaohua, gently remonstrating, "Hold on, small one... remember, you ask first." The tiny dakang sighs gustily, but politely sits back and waits as she calmly eats a few mouthfuls... then brightens and happily collects in his small fingered paws the little piece of meat from the bowl that she offers him. Freyja blinks over her shoulder interestedly at Zero's comment, then grins and leans to whisper very quietly to him, "Did you just imply I was your lady?"

Zero returns to his dhymsun, "Would have been hard to explain our relationship to him. Besides, I don't want to ruffle them too much..."

Freyja considers Zero thoughtfully... then smiles ruefully, "I'm guessing you'll have to at some point, Zero. Might want to give it some thought... family linkages are incredibly important in most of the non-star-faring cultures I've read about?" She doesn't say anything else, though, simply going back to her meal. A few bites later she gives Vakkal a look, then has a long, thoughtful glance around the fire. It's just occurred to her... who or what do they see Vakkal as?

A moment later an even more startling thought occurs to her, and her curious gaze sweeps the group again -- how do they see her? As a potential lady? a threat? rival? ally? Or something else entirely? She ponders a bit... then grins. She so loves finding out new things!

The meal progresses with relatively little conversation. Once the matron finishes, though, she sets down her bowl, and while those who haven't finished yet continue to nibble, they all look up expectantly; there are a few comfortable and satisfied burps here and there around the fire. "Well, then, daughter of the Jedi," she says mildly. "We await your story."

Zero folds his hands in front of him and sits back a bit to let Freyja tell her story. Maybe, he supposes, in the retelling he may come to some insight he'd missed before... maybe something will click now, and it won't feel like groping in the dark. One can only hope...

Freyja nods, putting her empty bowl down and tapping it lightly. Jiaohua gives a small, happy meef as he skitters down her arm again and grabs the edge with both small fingered forepaws. He industriously commences licking the bowl clean as she gently and absently strokes his back. Her focus, however, is more on her story than the little dakang, "To tell this story, gran- er, matron, I would like to use words and concepts we both share. So... let me see..."

She ponders a moment, then starts speaking, unwittingly sitting up a bit straighter, her voice getting lower, clearer, and carrying better in atavistic response to the moment... the small group sitting around the dancing fire, faces alight in its warmth and glow as it presses back the darkness... "Do your people's clans ever war amongst themselves? Are there, for example, perhaps two or more that have always been enemies, that hate each other with almost unreasoning passion, that usually stay away from each other's territories because they simply cannot come near each other without clashing violently?"

Freyja says, "And are there, amongst those two or more clans, perhaps some young hot-heads who long for battle, who dream of seeing the other clan gone forever, and who do not listen to the words and warnings of those older and wiser than they?"

The matron nods. "Not since the Sedraki came, but yes, we once did. And, yes, there are some who are too eager to impress the other members of their clan."

Freyja nods thoughtfully, "I understand. Well, the Jedi have something like that. The, ah... enemy clan is called the Sith. While I do not know a great deal about them, from what I've seen they and the Jedi are usually careful to keep all conflict between themselves -- to not involve innocent bystanders in their battles. Unfortunately there is a group within the Sith who are, as I mentioned before, hot-heads who wish to see all Jedi dead... and who are not very careful about whom is injured in their attacks on the Jedi." She sighs quietly, adding, "-and... who brought the worms here."

The matron nods slowly. "So it was the Sith in their war with the Jedi -- or rather, the 'hot-heads' in the Sith, who brought the worms here. They had no quarrel with us? It was against the Jedi of Sedrak?"

Freyja nods, "Hai, matron. Unfortunately the worms are not harming the Jedi of Sedrak... they are harming the peoples of Sedrak. Your people, and the Humans also. This group is, um... a shame, a dishonor in the eyes of the Sith -- they would gladly see all the hot-heads dead, from what I have heard -- and is even unknown to most of the Jedi."

Freyja adds quietly, "As I noted, the group is not particular in who it harms. The Jedi are very unhappy about this, and we are trying as fast as we can to figure out how to stop or control the worms. We know the worms eat herd animals out on the plains, as well as the big energy-producing buildings of the Humans. We think we may have figured out a possible way to control them -- we think -- but we do not yet know for sure, and wish to not attract the worms to where anyone is to test this."

The matron sits back, considering. "Interesting. Our Lady told us to hide ourselves from her light. So it seems the Jedi were right and there are more similarities between us than we had thought, or liked." She makes a quiet sound. "I will apologize to them. Do you know what we may do against the worms, daughter of the Jedi?"

Freyja listens in fascination -- their Lady warned them ahead of time?! How did She know? For that matter... who is She? The moon? The sun? A moment later another of the comments registers, "Er... 'had liked'? I am sorry if this news is not welcome...?"

Freyja pauses, realizing she missed a question; she shakes her head, "I do not know, matron, I'm sorry. We know the worms are attracted to strong energy sources; that there are four of them; that their, ah... herder? handler? -is dead... and the other things I've told you. Aside from that, you already seem to be effectively hiding from them, I think?"

The matron shakes her head. "Do not be. We had ideas when the Jedi first came... but that should be discussed later, if at all. They are things for matrons." She studies Freyja and Zero for a long moment, then nods a little. "We are hiding from our Lady's light, in which the worms seemed able to find us. It is not pleasant."

Freyja looks a bit wistful -- she'd adore being able to sit silently and listen in on that conversation! -- but simply nods... then blinks, "Wait, please. Did you say you are hiding -- but the worms are still finding you? Finding your herds? -or finding people who... who speak to your Lady?"

The matron shakes her head. "No. The worms could find us in the Lady's light. Which is why we've had to hide from our Lady's light."

Freyja sighs in faint relief, "Ah, I understand." Zero frowns. Bleak news after bleak news. He folds his arms, listening.

Freyja considers... then sighs again, although this one is more frustrated, "So... at some point when we can set things up so we are far from any others who might be harmed, I know the Jedi will try calling the worms by removing their suppression of their connection to the Force. When the worms come I will talk to them and see if I can persuade them to stop attacking what they call the 'burn.' That's it, really... that's all the news I have for you, matron." She considers, then adds quietly, "I'm sorry it's not better news."

The matron folds her hands. "So, then. It is well enough. What would you ask of the nomads, then, daughter of the Jedi?"

Freyja looks a bit puzzled, "I? I do not understand, matron?"

"You came to us with news of the worms and what the Jedi had learned. What would you ask of the nomads to do against the worms? Or should we rely that the Jedi will handle it?"

Freyja ohs silently, understanding now. She frowns, considering for a long moment. Finally she says, "Matron, I don't have anything I would ask of the nomads... just that your people and the Humans on Sedrak remain at peace, and maybe someday in friendship. The Jedi will do their best to fix this, since it happened because they are here." She considers for another long moment, then says slowly, "I guess... advice, perhaps? If the worms remained on the planet but did not attack Humans or nomads, would that be bad? Should the Jedi turn their efforts towards either removing or killing the worms, or is it sufficient to teach the worms not to attack us?" She gives an inquiring glance over her shoulder at Vakkal and Zero, to see if either of them have any suggestions.

Zero says, "The worms don't belong on Sedrak. I don't think killing them is proper... since they do seem to be somehow sentient. But left here they could do a great deal of harm in the long term."

The matron considers for a long moment, then smiles a little. "How much do they eat? How many of them are born in a litter? This world, any world is a delicate balance. Some must be born, some must die, some must persevere; all in balance. The worms may eat more than the world can sustain, they may breed more than the land can support." She nods. "He speaks true. Without knowing more, we can only think that they will cause harm."

Zero says, "I think that it's in our power to learn more... we know what they were before the Sith bent them to their purposes, and we have the notes of the woman who made them. There are minds in the Republic who could tell us what we needed to know about them, armed with that."

Freyja grins at Zero, then nods to the matron, "All right. Thank you, matron; I'll tell the Jedi that's what you advise." She smiles a little shyly, "And... thank you for letting us visit you. I... it's been quite fascinating, riding bipedal creatures -- and letting us sit and eat with you is very kind of you."

The matron smiles a little. "You are, as I said, welcome. Thank you all for coming out here and sharing what you know. Please come to us and tell us when you have succeeded -- or perhaps more importantly, if you have not. The other Jedi will be allowed to return." Her eyes flicker over to Zero, then. "Tell me, Devil's Son... you are, as the daughter said, a son of the Jedi, as well?"

Freyja nods to the matron, then listens curiously for Zero's reply. Zero nods. "I am. Found later in life than many, but a son nonetheless, if a prodigal one." Freyja grins at Zero cheerfully.

The matron nods. "I see. That would explain your hair, then."

Zero says, "Pardon, matron? I don't think I understand...?"

"Your hair. It is the color of the Lady's light. Only matrons are graced with it, when we first find ourselves bathing in Her light."

Freyja listens interestedly. Zero says, "I see. It was a gift from my mother." Freyja smiles. Zero's got a nice way with words.

The matron smiles. "That is quite a gift, then." She taps her chin, studying Zero for a few long moments, then looks to Freyja. "Is he yours, Jedi daughter?"

Freyja grins, then says, "Before I answer, matron, could you tell me what you mean by 'yours,' please?"

The matron's eyebrows shoot up; the yellow fire casts curiously toned shadows upon her blue skin. "Yours. Your mate, your husband, your betrothed, your life mate, your... I am running out of words, Jedi daughter..."

Freyja grins a little sheepishly, "I'm sorry, matron, I just wanted to be sure. Um..." she looks at Zero, adding amusedly, "I think this question is yours, Zero!"

Zero says, "Freyja is my partner, matron. If you're asking if I belong to her... I am not her servant. I trust her with my life, and I make it my business to safeguard hers. If you are asking if I care about her... I rode into your territory with her knowing that your people still call me the Devil's Son." Freyja smiles at Zero, then looks back at the matron. Then she gets a faintly bemused look as part of Zero's answer registers. He thinks husbands are property?! Uhm... maybe she misunderstood that...

The matron smiles a little. "I see, then." She looks to Linikaito and nods a little, before standing. "I must sleep, for on the dawn I ride to return to the deep clans. As I have said, the Jedi with us will be returned to you. Stay if you wish; go if you must."

Zero nods and bows politely. "Safe ride, matron. Thank you."

Freyja rises and bows politely, "We will stay, then, thank you, gran- er, matron." The matron inclines her head, smiling a little, then returns to the tent she came out of. Freyja looks pleased as she glances at Linikaito, checking to see if the other woman also considers them welcome.

Linikaito clears her throat a little. "I will repeat what the matron said," she says easily. "You are welcome if you stay, and you may go if you must." She casts her eyes to Zero. "Though there is curiosity if you are husband to anyone, Devil's Son." She adds with a grin, "If we must someday expect son's sons of the Devil."

Zero grins a little. "Maybe someday. I'm too young a demon for a family just yet."

Freyja laughs! Her sideways glance at Zero is mischievous... then she smiles at Linikaito, "Thank you, wise woman, for the welcome. Will the other Jedi be brought here? Should we expect them tomorrow, or go meet them, or what, please?"

Linikaito also laughs, as do a number of the other nomads. She shakes her head to Freyja. "No, they are with one of the deep clans. They will be returned to where they left the reservation, though I cannot say where exactly that will be. But it will be a week. They will not be abandoned at the border."

Freyja nods happily to Linikaito, "Thank you! It's a great relief to hear that." Curiously she adds, "May I ask why they weren't allowed to leave?"

Linikaito nods. "It is as the matron said. They attempted to equate the light of the Lady with the Force the Jedi practice. I understand that they tried politely, but the deep clans are... sensitive about the nature of the matrons."

Freyja says, "Ooooh..." She nods slowly, thinking, That was a mistake... and that was why I tried to keep it relatively nebulous also. "I understand, wise woman, thank you."

Zero says, "Is it allowed for an outsider to know more about Her?" Freyja smiles, looking around -- then goes utterly still at Zero's question. She takes a slow breath... then tries to look calm and unflustered. Maybe that's not a taboo subject for them.

Linikaito inclines her head to Freyja, then looks to Zero speculatively. "It is... not forbidden. But there is still a lot of... how do you say... 'bad blood.' Especially with the deep clans. That is why many of them are deep this day; many amongst them used to roam the land that is now the reservation."

The clan by now has been drifting off or drifting back to the main fire, either listening to the outsiders talk with the clan mother, or working on their own chores. On the other side of the fire, the older man returns to work on the younger man's tattoo, and another man, this one at least as young as Zero, begins work with skilled, quick fingers on fancy beadwork, upon what seems to be the sling for a rifle.

Zero says, "The reason I ask, wise woman, is because I'm afraid I may be doing a disservice."

Linikaito looks curious. "In what way, son of Devil and Jedi?"

Freyja relaxes slightly in relief, smiling again. She watches the beadwork with interest -- those glowing cobalt blues and shining deep purples are her favorite colors -- as she listens, quietly stroking the now comatose dakang. Zero says, "More than one person has looked at me... even the matron herself. And I can hear them whisper about the gift my mother gave me, the blessing of the Lady. But I don't know Her. If She gave something to my mother, and her to me... I don't want to dishonor Her generosity. Can you tell me what it means?"

Linikaito looks across the fire at the bead worker, and a mirthful glitter appears in her eyes as she smiles. "Still courting Linijast, I see, Nistikani." The man looks up and makes a cheerfully affirmative sound to Linikaito. The clan mother chuckles, and looks back to Zero. "You ask a difficult question. Your mother became known as the Devil because the way she fought, we felt an avenging aspect of the Lady must surely have touched her. That gave some of our warriors pause, I should say, but of course only a few. But you... we knew the Devil had a son. We did not know that the Lady touched you as well. You should know that the men of the nomads who have been touched by Her are few and rare. I have been told that it is a prophetic event, almost -- that the appearance of men touched by the Lady is so rare that some of the matrons of the deep clans have, as their overriding study, when another might appear."

Zero says, "I can understand that." Freyja smiles at the young man's interchange with Linikaito, wishing she could spend some weeks amongst these people to get to know them better. Fascinating... the males court the females? She glances quietly at Zero, then back at the native woman, wondering if the matrons want to cultivate such men... or not.

Linikaito nods. "I am sure that the matron will be telling the other matrons of the deep clans of what she has seen and heard here, and not merely of the worms. Before you worry, I think I can say with clear mind that there will be no calls for renewed war. But it will present the matrons with an interesting question." She thinks for a moment, then nods, "They would not want you to dishonor the Lady. What you have is a rare gift, Devil's and Jedi's son. And if the worms did not force the matrons to hide from the light of the Lady, I am sure she would have had more to say of it. When the worms' hunting has been curtailed and the matrons may again be bathed in Her light, return to us, if you would, and I will see if a matron would not wish to speak with you of your gift. Would you like for this to happen?"

Zero nods. "Yes, I would, wise woman... I'd like that very much." Freyja sighs quietly, looking down at the dakang in her lap... then smiles faintly as Jiaohua rolls over comfortably to have his tummy rubbed. She strokes gently, wondering how Zero will do that, and still make Commenor... well, Zero's made it clear he's his own man.

Linikaito smiles and nods. "Good. I think the matron would like that very much."

Zero nods. "Maybe we can see the start of putting the bad blood to rest."

Linikaito nods, "That would be very good all around, I think. There are many in the deep clans who are still resentful." She turns to Freyja, tilting her head to the side. "If I may ask, since the Devil's son is not husband to anyone, does the Jedi's daughter have anyone?"

Freyja looks up and says quietly, "A husband?" She smiles ruefully, her frost-blue eyes distant, and says slowly, "Things are... different where I come from, wise woman. Where I was born, the family selects another family to ally with, and marriage is purely an economic arrangement. Husbands are... business. Paramours are for love." She smiles diffidently and shrugs one shoulder, looking back down at the contented dakang in her lap, her demeanor a little unhappy, "So... hai, I have someone I'm supposed to marry. Paramours, neh."

Linikaito's brow furrows as she tries to translate the terms. "Ah, I see. I... think. Business? How... what business would be so vast and powerful and important where it dictates whom you may take as a husband?" She pauses, then shakes her head. "No, I apologize. I should not ask; I see the topic bothers you."

Freyja smiles ruefully, looking up at Linikaito, "Oh, it is something I am used to. As the inheriting child, I've known since I was old enough to understand it that my family would be selecting who I would marry." She pauses, then says gently, "With this marriage, my family will become the most powerful on the planet of my birth." She does not sound like this is particularly exciting to her... instead she adds quietly, "I do not mind my family selecting my husband... I just wish..." She pauses, considering... then flushes faintly and looks down at Jiaohua, "Well... nothing, really. I just wish I could find a paramour that was not interested in me solely because of my family's status."

Linikaito arches an eyebrow; Freyja can probably tell that that kind of scale is a bit beyond the nomad clan mother. "So you are... will be, sort of... a matron of matrons?"

Freyja looks embarrassed, "Uh, neh, wise woman... I don't pretend to that. They just have a lot of wealth and power, that's all."

Linikaito ohs! and nods, "I understand now." She smiles wryly. "I shan't ask how large your herd will be, then. I suspect it has nothing to do with hakaast." She reaches over and gently touches Freyja's hand. "If you cannot find love in your husband, then may you find love in your paramour."

Freyja nods gravely to the woman, "I hope so." She pauses, then adds more quietly, "I... hope I can recognize it..."

Meanwhile, one of the other men who has been listening to the group, and is sitting relatively close to Zero, glances over to him. "So... you are not husband to anyone?" he asks curiously. His gaze moves down a little, taking in Zero's long coat. "You wear quite a great deal," he comments.

Zero blinks, not exactly certain how to respond to that. "It's... normal for where I've been traveling. Too much?"

The man shrugs. "Too much. It's probably no wonder you are not taken, then. My apologies."

Zero shrugs and takes off his overcoat. "No need to apologize. I'm a traveler," he adds, unbuttoning his shirt. "I have to live like the people I travel among. Just to stay safe." He takes off his shirt. There's a barely-discernible line of freshly-regenerated pale flesh on his side, the same light shade as the rest of him; and his torso is punctuated in places with tiny scars and marks, souvenirs of a time before there was bacta on Sedrak. "Better?" He grins.

The man blinks, looking surprised as Zero takes off his coat, and as his attempt at a challenge gets called. "Er..." he says, unable to keep from noticing all the scarring, "-er... yes. Better." Looking rather startled, he stands and makes his way to elsewhere in the camp.

Linikaito smiles quietly to Freyja. "You will. Even if our ways are simpler, I can say that much: you will know. If not immediately, then in time. Just remember: it is never too late." The mild commotion draws her attention, and she glances over -- then blinks. "Lady's breath!" she murmurs. "Jedi's son, how many fights have you been in?"

Freyja glances at the young man talking to Zero... then pauses and takes a longer, more thoughtful look. There's a faint smile quirking the corners of her lips momentarily as she turns to look back at Linikaito. She sighs quietly and reflectively, leaning slightly against Vakkal and staring into the fire as the natives exclaim over Zero. She's not sure why thinking of husbands and paramours has her so depressed. She watches the young man with the nimble fingers working on the rifle sling, and quietly envies Linijast.

Zero blinks, "Er..." He looks himself over briefly, then grins sheepishly, "More than I can remember, wise woman. I'm... not always proud of it. But I try to remember where I got these. It's good to remember, sometimes."

Linikaito nods to Zero. "Ai, yes, it is. It would be unusual for our younger ones who were not in the war to have as many scars." She smiles wryly. "That may have startled him out of challenging you." She looks to Freyja speculatively, then smiles a little. "Perhaps, Jedi's daughter, you may tell me how you came to be in possession of such a rifle? I had thought that only we the nomads used weapons such as that."

Zero smiles, "I hope so. We didn't come to start a fight."

Linikaito smiles quietly and nods to Zero, "We know. At least, we know now."

Zero smiles and folds his hands behind his back. "That's very good to hear."

Freyja looks up, blinking her distant thoughts away to re-focus on Linikaito, "Hey? Oh... actually I was going to ask you where you got them from, wise woman. This is part of an illegal shipment." She studies the rifle silently, wondering why she'd wished only moments ago that it was more decorated, like the other rifles here... after all, it's not really hers. Nothing she has on her is, really.

Linikaito arches an eyebrow. "'Illegal shipment'? You mean coming through the reservation." She considers for a moment. "I do not know where we got the weapons from. When the call to arms for the clans came and we assembled, we were given the weapons by the deep clans. They proved useful in hunting, so after the war we kept them. If all goes well with the worms, I shall ask. There may be some in the deep clans who would then not begrudge that information to the Jedi."

Freyja says, "Thank you, wise woman. I know the Jedi would appreciate knowing that. Ah... and the slugs? Do they come from the deep clans also? Er, neh, that's not the right word. The, um... bullets?"

Zero keeps silent, and has to look away to hide a frown. Daitu. He calms himself and nods, "Bullets. Or cartridges." He smiles, "Slugs works too."

The woman says, "Yes, generally. We trade with other clans that we meet who have more than they need at a given time. We do not fire them much, however, so we are only rarely in need of more bullets."

Freyja glances with faint amusement at the now silent young man who'd been pushing Zero a bit before. Talk about taking the wind out of one's sails. Then she nods a silent thanks to Zero for his clarification, and says to the wise woman, "I understand. I know this will interest the Jedi." She runs a finger lightly over the smooth, plain, gleaming wooden stock, studying it silently and wondering why the tongs are trying to bring in more. Perhaps they expect more war between Humans and natives over the worms.

Linikaito looks between Zero and Freyja for a moment or two. "Yes, I can see why they would concern you. Before the war we did not have them, yet when it began, we did." She lifts her shoulders a little bit. "I will not apologize that we had them, though I can tell from experience, Jedi's son, that the scar you bear upon your face came from one of them. But I will ask where they came from for you."

Freyja looks around, quietly studying the decorations on the other visible rifles... beads, feathers, carving, some painting like the tattoos. She looks then more closely at the people seated in the dancing firelight, seeing similar decorations... then down at herself. So plain... so stark. Maybe the young man is right... why so covered up? What do the Jedi hide, she wonders... she looks up at Linikaito and nods once, silently, even though she does not know why the woman would think an apology was expected.

Freyja is hard to see, her body camouflaged by her flaring cloak and her face shadowed by her wide hood. Barely visible long legs reveal the strong, supple musculature of an athlete. What can be seen of her sturdily practical clothing under the all-encompassing cloak consists of snug breeches; the lightly armored, taped combat gloves of a swordswoman; and well-worn, sure-footed, soft leather boots. Her heavy all-temperature cloak is belted snugly at the waist.

Zero says, "My scar's just another souvenir, wise woman. There's no need to apologize for what happened between us. If you can find out... it'll be to safeguard us from another ten years." He grins a little. "Demons or nomads, I think we'd both like our kids to grow up not knowing what we do."

Linikaito nods, smiling quietly. "There are many who share that feeling, Jedi's son. That our own sons and daughters will know nothing of the war." She shrugs a little. "The reservation is a small price to pay for that. And perhaps someday, or clans will roam the plains on other worlds. It is late. You are welcome to bed here for the evening, or Linijast may bring you back to the reservation, as you wish."

Zero smiles. "There's a big galaxy out there, wise woman. I had to go find it before I could come home again. I hope you get to see all the stars that keep your Lady company... I think you'll find it worth the trip." He turns, "Freyja? What would you like to do?"

Freyja looks up belatedly, her quiet face hiding her emotions. She's not sure why she feels so strange tonight... perhaps it's hubris deflated. If so, she probably deserved it. She sighs quietly. She doesn't feel particularly useful or special or necessary... just sort of... there. No point in taking up their space and equipment, she supposes, unless Zero'd like to stay. "Whatever you'd like, Zero."

Zero says, "Why don't we wait until morning... rather than make Linijast ride through the night just for us." Freyja nods. Zero says, "...if that's all right, wise woman." Freyja goes back to quietly stroking Jiaohua's tummy.

Linikaito smiles and nods, "I'll have someone bring you bedding for the evening, then. The weather will be good for tonight; it is a good evening to sleep under Her light." She stands and goes off to have someone find spare bedding, leaving Freyja and Zero to themselves.

Zero watches the wise woman go, "...not a conversation I imagined myself having." He turns back to his partner; "Freyja?"

Freyja looks up a bit listlessly, "Hm? What conversation?"

Zero says, "Talking to the wise woman like that. Freyja... are you all right? You seem like you're... someplace else. What's wrong?"

Freyja looks into the fire for a moment, swallowing a sudden and unexpected lump in her throat... then smiles wanly as she replies, still staring into the fire and automatically petting the sleeping dakang, "Nothing, Zero. Just... someplace else, hai." A moment later she adds quietly and honestly, "I'm glad you can talk to her so easily, Zero. Maybe you should have been the one to talk to the matron too."

Zero frowns and pads to kneel down next to Freyja; he's never heard her voice quaver in the entire time he's known her. "Freyja..." he leans a little closer, "I may not have your senses in the Force... but a deaf man could hear that. What is it?" He pauses, adding more softly, "...please. You can always tell me anything, Freyja."

Freyja smiles faintly as she looks up at Zero, "Oh... I was just wondering at myself, that is all. It is exciting and interesting to find things out, and to help people, and so on... I suppose I assume erroneously that my meddling so makes me special, or necessary, or needed, or something." She sighs, looking back into the fire, "I... understand hubris should be... shattered when it occurs... but... it is not much fun when it happens." She rubs her face with the gloved back of one hand, then settles it back in her lap.

Zero says, "Freyja... do you think that we don't need you? That I don't need you?"

Freyja grins tightly at Zero, although it does not reach her eyes, and her voice is pained more than anything else, "You will say now that you need me? Do not go there, Zero, please. I do not want to hear that story just now, however well-meaning." She pats his knee gently, looking back at the fire, "This is not the fault of anyone... I am just handling realization poorly. I will get over it."

Zero rises, "I'm sorry, Freyja. Maybe I should have said something sooner." He throws his coat over his shoulders. "I'd have bled to death on that warehouse floor. I knew that from the moment he shot me. I was afraid for you, so I wanted him to face me instead. Next time I'll say so sooner." He shrugs into his coat. "I'm going to go get some water."

Zero wanders out to where a few of the males are tending a large pot of water. He ladles a big drink out when offered, and swallows. He takes a deep breath. I don't know... maybe I shouldn't try so hard. Or I'm not trying hard enough. Something. Is it my fault? Is she sad about what Linikaito said about Balmorra? Or what I didn't say about the shootout? Stang, how should I know... I'm not a telepath. So why do I still feel responsible? He shakes his head, running a hand through his hair. "Thanks, guys," he says to the males around the pot. "Stay warm."

The males at the pot mostly don't speak Aurabesh, but they seem reasonably friendly, without trying to challenge Zero the way the other man had. They give him some nomad wish for a good sleep, or good night, or whatever it is they're saying.

Freyja studies the fire in silent bemusement after Zero leaves, wondering what that meant. Sometimes Zero's like an open book to her... other times she has no idea what he's thinking or means. She's afraid this is one of those latter times... is he upset he got hurt, or that she wasn't there, or... or what? What is it he's sorry about; what did he think he needed to say sooner? She doesn't know, and doesn't want to call him back to ask when he prefers leaving. She sighs unhappily, gently setting Jiaohua aside, then bringing her knees up to wrap her arms tightly around her legs, and rest her cheek against her knees.

After a few moments one of the nomad males comes up, carrying three bundles. He blinks a little bit, then makes a quiet sound, smiling. "Have bedding, as wished. A bit from fire might wish to sleep; would not wish to catch stray spark."

Freyja looks up at the nomad a bit confusedly -- it takes her a moment to parse the sentences into comprehensibility, in her current tired state. Then she nods, unfolding and rising to accept the bundles, "Thank you. I'll make sure Zero and Vakkal know that too."

The nomad nods and hands off the bundle to Freyja. "Best to curl up," he says, "-but will be good evening under sky. No rain."

Freyja nods, having figured out it will be chill already. Fortunately her cloak is an all-weather one, as is Zero's, and Vakkal is normally warmer than Humans anyway. She sets one of the bundles down a bit from the fire, as directed, then paces silently over to hand another bundle to Vakkal, murmuring the same warning about distance from the fire to him. Vakkal looks up to Freyja, his ears flat, and nods silently in thanks, setting up his bedroll beside Freyja's. Freyja blinks, breaking out of her mental fugue somewhat at the flattened ears, "Vakkal? Is something wrong?" She frowns, "Did someone hassle you?"

Vakkal shakes his head. "No, Freyja," he says quietly. "Just that something is bothering you, and I do not know what it is either."

Freyja says a little blankly, "Oh." She blinks, then says slowly, "You... are unhappy that I am unhappy?"

He lifts his shoulders a little. "As is Zero. Isn't that obvious?"

Freyja blinks again, considering... then sinks down to sit cross-legged on the unrolled bedding, "He is? I... don't know, Vakkal. I, um, can't tell very well with him sometimes, I'm sorry." She pauses, then adds dryly, "I had no idea he thought being a husband equated to servant, after all... and he always gets upset when I try to get him to call for backup when he's hurt." She sighs, reaching out to collect up Jiaohua and cuddle the dakang close, rubbing her cheek lightly against the somnolent little creature, and murmurs unhappily, "I don't want to be a nag, Vakkal... and I can't tell when he thinks I'm being one."

Freyja sighs, straightening up, "And... I should face what's really bothering me. I was... so sure I would be some... I do not know, something special. I guess I am too used to being Arving Lady, and all that 'strong in the Force' stuff, and all... and really I am just one more Padawan sure they are going to change the universe all by themselves... are I not?" She looks down at the dakang, a bitter quirk to her lips, "Do not we all want to be the center of the universe? But it is not much fun finding out it is all self-aggrandizement." She takes a deep breath, determinedly squaring her shoulders. "So... better an unpleasant truth than a pretty lie, as they say."

Vakkal shakes his head. "I doubt that is what he thinks. A husband equating to a servant, that is. Look at the context in which it was asked. The nomads are more aggressively matrifocal than his own people are. Perhaps that inequality is enough of a distinction. It could be for any species. It would certainly be for the Sith, where even the barest hint of possession is power, and the purebloods certainly do not like to perceive power enacted upon them."

He studies her for a long moment. "That depends. What is it that you think has happened to make you want to see yourself as a hubris-filled being?"

Freyja smiles ruefully, "Oh, I am not shocked I do not really understand what he thinks... he just catches me by surprise sometimes. His actions and his words do not match up in my head, and I do not know what to think, or what he really feels, or anything. I know they are probably completely consistent to him... I just do not understand very well how he thinks. It is my failure, not his."

Freyja is silent for a moment before answering the second question, absorbedly studying the dakang in her arms. Finally she says slowly, "I... have always known I was the plain one, that Syffie was the beauty. I found my pride in my intellect instead... and later, in my ability to touch the Force. I suppose I found too much pride in it, after a while... I had people on Balmorra remarking on my quick wit, and Sith lords and Jedi Masters saying I was strong in the Force, and people were amazed that I could talk to animals, and impressed at..." her tone gets self-deprecatingly dry, "-at the astonishingly stupid risks I would take for what I told myself was the right thing to do. Now though... I find myself wondering if what I was really doing was... seeking to impress others in the clan, to use the words of the matron. I wonder how in touch with the Force I truly am... when nothing I do is that unusual, or different... or, really, necessary."

Freyja murmurs against the dakang's fur, "I feel... stupid for not realizing that sooner."

Vakkal makes a quiet sound. "You are saying it is your fault, but your words themselves do not agree with that sentiment. You are hurt by what he has said, and by what he has done, but do not say that 'it is your fault and not his,' because even if true, that is beside the point. I am not speaking about fault or blame. You worry for him, and do not know why he did not call for backup in the warehouse. In fact you are angry with him for that. And it made you angrier when he told you, just now, that he needed you. Because you did not believe him, and a part of you wanted to believe him. But you could not reconcile him saying that he needed you with him not calling for backup."

Vakkal folds his arms. "And on a world where you dare not demonstrate your strength in the Force, where you have been blinded to it by necessity, you decide to wonder if strength in the Force alone is really enough to differentiate yourself from the un-awakened masses of the Galaxy, and are saying that it isn't. The phrase we have for that line of thinking, in the Sith Empire, is 'wyrm kibble.' I believe Fhazil and I've used that term before.

"We are multidimensional beings, Freyja, all of us, Sith and Jedi and un-awakened, Sedraki and Corellian and Alderaanian, Human and people of Khar Velos and Wookie and all. We are not defined by a single thing, such as 'strength in the Force' or 'ability to fight' any more than our genetic code consists of a single chromosome. In fact, if I do say so, this is the danger of the Jedi's arrogance: they are so strong in the light side of the Force that it becomes what defines them, and what drives them.

"The Templars... do you think they fight, do you think they break their oaths of never leaving the Temple, because the Republic needs their ability? Because another world might fall. No; they fight because they fight the Sith. That is enough for them, but it is all that defines them. I have seen it in some Sith as well. One thing, one thing alone, defines them, drives them, and pushes them on to the heights of their power. They choose to define themselves that way. They are the Oath of Fire, and they define themselves by their hatred of the Jedi."

Vakkal sighs. "You are not Oather," he says gently. "And neither is Zero. Neither of you are. Neither are you the rigid, dogmatic Jedi of the Council, or those who pursue this war against the Sith simply because it is against the Sith. You define who you are by more than just your allegiance to the Jedi Order. Do not define yourself solely by your strength in the Force. You are more than that single definition.

"And I cannot believe that you define yourself by no more than that. I cannot believe that you truly, honestly believe that you have done nothing unusual or different or necessary. In fact, Freyja, if you were not my sworn liege, the one for whom I was Soulguard, and so obviously distraught... I would be insulted by you saying that. For it was you who gave me hope for life when all I saw was an Oather's assassin's blade awaiting me, or an eternity in some Republic penitentiary, if not death at Jedi hands. If you had not done that, then I would be, quite simply, dead. And I honestly don't believe any other Jedi would have given me that chance."

His tone becomes a little dark and dry at the same time. "Despite much of what I may have said, I like living. And I am grateful for this, and I like being your Soulguard." He pauses. "So. I dare you to again say that was not unusual, different, or necessary. Because to me, it was all three."

Freyja opens her mouth to retort... then goes still, silently considering. A moment later she sighs quietly and hugs the big dog Sith tightly, curling up against him. While what Vakkal's talking about isn't absolutely, precisely, exactly what she means... he is, in essence, quite correct. And... it feels oddly good to hear someone else say not only that she is worthwhile... but also to express clearly what's been bothering her about Zero. Maybe that means it's not just her being delusional, or stupidly possessive, or something. Muffledly against his fur she mumbles, "Thank you, Vakkal... I am sorry I was being stupid..."

Vakkal blinks a little and hugs back gently. "Do not worry about it. The point is, neither of you are making the same mistakes that the Templars and the Oath are making. You're both more... I don't know... balanced than that. If you did not react this way then I would be more worried, but as it is, you can now take what steps you need to."

Freyja smiles ruefully, "Well, I still do not know what steps to take with Zero, but hai, I will stop sitting around moping and pitying myself." She sighs quietly, then adds, "We should bed down... and I will try talking to Zero sometime when he wants." She'll curl up warmly with Vakkal, but keep an eye out for Zero, hoping he comes back before she falls asleep.

Zero comes back to the fire about then, rolling out his bedding some distance from the fire and from the others. He's pulled his shirt back on and is busy throwing his coat over himself like a blanket. Freyja hesitates, wondering if she should bother Zero when he obviously wants to be alone... then sighs quietly. She should at least try. He can always say neh, after all. She waves a hand, hoping to attract Zero's attention. Zero pauses and sits up. "Yeah? What's up?"

Freyja glances over her shoulder at the snoozing (and warm) Vakkal, then holds a finger to her lips. She'll whisper, hoping Zero will either hear, or come over to hear, "Do you have a moment?"

Zero stands up and pads closer. "I think I can squeeze something into my busy schedule of nothing at all. What is it?"

Freyja grins, then whispers, "Want to put your bedding down here, at least while we talk, so we're quieter and you're not cold?"

Zero looks over his shoulder at the bedroll... then at the fire... then sighs, "Yeah, sure." He drags the roll back toward the others. "What is it?"

Freyja says quietly, "This isn't easy for me, Zero. I'd rather not discuss it right now if you're tired and not really interested."

Zero says, "No, if it's important I want to hear it. It's the middle of the night in the middle of the grassland. I'm certainly not going anyplace."

Freyja sighs herself. This sure isn't starting at all like she'd hoped. Should she even go on? She sure doesn't want Zero doing something like laughing at her. Still... if she could face Vakkal seeing how she felt, and bluntly saying it to her... surely she should be able to actually say the words herself to Zero? Zero waits, drawing up his legs and folding his arms across his knees.

Freyja says, "Zero... I have trouble understanding you sometimes, and... um, well, it is... kind of hurtful. I... have trouble matching up what you say with what you do. I just... well, I worry about you. I do not know why you did not call for backup in the warehouse... and it scares me when you are dismissive about it. It scares me more when you say things like you need me, like earlier, after incidences like the warehouse. It means I do not feel I can believe you... and... and a part of me would really like to believe you... but I do not know how to reconcile you saying that you need me with you not calling for backup."

Freyja pauses, considering, then says in a low voice, "It... makes me angry. I do not want to be tossed aside that way, Zero. That is how it feels to me. I would like to know how we could change that... if that is what you want."

Zero says, "Freyja... I didn't call you because I was afraid for you. It was hard enough for me to stay ahead of Tukang... and when I saw you come up behind him I was terrified that if I didn't hold his attention he might hurt you badly. I didn't call out because I thought it best if I was a distraction. If not for the damned worms I'd have spoken it to you through the Force... if I'd known it was going to happen I'd have said it beforehand. I made a decision in the moment. Maybe I didn't say the right things afterward... it was never, ever my intention to make you feel bad, Freyja."

Freyja says softly, "Zero, thank you for caring... but we're both Jedi, even if we're just Padawans. Neither of us can completely protect the other from all potential harm, no matter how much we might wish to do so. Knowing that... working smoothly together is the best way I know of to protect the people I care greatly for." She sighs quietly, then murmurs softly, "Please call when you need help, Zero... don't shut me out?"

Zero says, "I'll call, Freyja. Promise."

Freyja says, "Thank you. I don't want to lose you to... to misplaced heroism or something, Zero." Her smile is rueful, "I want you around for a long time."

Zero hehs, and shakes his head. "I don't feel very heroic, honestly."

Freyja smiles ruefully again... then gets a faintly puzzled look, "Do you, um... did I misunderstand, or do you really see being a husband as being like a servant?"

Zero says, "Huh?" He blinks, "Uh... no. I just said that because I thought that was what she was asking me."

Freyja says, "What you said to the matron... she asked if you were a husband, and you said you weren't a... oh, all right." She looks curious, "Huh... that is not what I heard her say at all. Well... maybe it was me that heard wrong."

Zero shrugs, "I hardly think it matters. We've come this far without causing a Ten Minutes' War; that's good enough for me."

Freyja says, "Think what matters?"

Zero says, "A little misunderstanding like that. It's not like either of is planning to marry into the tribe." He smirks, "Are we?"

Freyja says, "Ah." She tilts her head curiously, "And yet you are coming back later, hai? I wonder how they see that." She smiles, watching the way the moonlight silvers Zero's hair in a halo effect around his head, from her perspective curled up in her bedding and looking up at the seated Zero.

Zero says, "Just for a day or two. I want them to tell me what the real story is... so I can tell my mother too. A little more understanding... maybe that'll be the start. I want to see the end of the stupidity. No one else needs to grow up like I-" He pauses to looks around and sighs a bit. "-like we did."

Freyja says, "A day or two? Um... Zero, if the matrons are going to be showing you the meaning behind their Lady's generosity to you... well, it is my expectation that it will be at least a week, probably more. It is... ceremony, ritual... like my betrothal, I think... at least from the way they were talking?"

Zero says, "A week's fine. We have a long time to go before Commenor."

Freyja's smile is quietly teasing, "But if you like, I will be sure to tell them you are not available for marriage into the clan." She giggles softly.

Zero says, "Well. Enough time, I guess I should say. Seems like everything's happening fast now."

Freyja says, "Really?" Her voice is interested, "Like what?"

Zero says, "No, I don't think that'll be necessary... I doubt anyone here wants to buy damaged goods." He pauses, "Like what? Like everything. Feels like I was still on Coruscant working for the Senator yesterday. Like I hadn't seen my parents in years. Like I..." He takes a breath and blows it out slowly. "Like the whole damn galaxy's going to several hundred of the Thousand Hells around us."

Freyja is silent for a moment... then smiles, one hand coming out from under the covers to lightly touch Zero's leg, "You were not listening if you think they consider you damaged goods, Zero. They consider you blessed by their Lady... the son of the Devil and the Jedi." She's silent a moment, then adds quietly, "Maybe it is... I do not know. But... that is what we are here for, I believe... to do our best to prevent that from occurring, hai?"

Zero mms. "I wonder if we can. I said I don't feel heroic, before... I just do what I do. Most people aren't stupid enough to do what I do, so they call it heroism." He repeats more quietly, "I just do what I do. Because I think it's right." He closes his eyes, "I guess we can't really do any more than that, can we?"

Freyja says, "Neh, not that I know of. But still, is that not a good thing? If you do always what you feel is right... then you need never look back in shame, hai?"

Zero says, "It may not be realistic to expect that we can pull the galaxy back from the brink of war on our own. On the other hand... who else is going to have the daigut to try?" He grins wanly.

Freyja laughs softly, "Indeed." Her own smile gets wan as she adds, "They... are not going to like it, you know, hai? Neither side will... especially the ones that desire war. They will hate us with a passion, I fear."

Zero says, "They'd hate us anyway for disagreeing even if we did nothing. Believe me, I've been around a lot of soldiers, zealots included... it's all or nothing with them."

Freyja says, "Really?" She sighs quietly, curling up one hand under her pillow. "That is... sad..."

Zero says, "It is, a little. But when your worldview's that narrow... you have to be that way. It's a survival trait. If they let just anything come along and shatter their position, they'd not know what to do with themselves."

Freyja asks hopefully, "Do you know how to change that? You changed... and so did your friend -- the one that used to work with you for the Senator?"

Zero says, "I never believed in his cause, though... I knew his 'cause' was power. I was only banking on that power for him was less for a crime lord, or a petty bureaucrat. I couldn't say what drove Uri... maybe credits, the thrill, something... I lost faith in that the good I was doing would outweigh the bad. So did Uri. We found something better."

Freyja nods slowly, considering, "So... in effect you just have to convince them the good they are doing no longer outweighs the bad? Is that correct?"

Zero says, "That's how it happened to me."

Freyja says, "Huh. We should remember that." She's silent for a while, considering... then says very softly, "You can sleep here next to Vakkal and I, if you like, tonight?" She smiles quietly, a bit sleepily.

Zero mms. "Yeah. That sounds like a fine idea."

"Hoo! Well, you're one who doesn't visit Jedi Harranda all that often! What brings you to the Pursar's Office, Templa-- er, oh, my apologies, Jedi Colburth."

Colburth shook his head. "No, it's all right. I just came by to confirm a stipend."

The unusually slender, but still corpulent, Hutt looked carefully at Colburth. "A stipend?" he asked, speaking strongly accented Aurabesh. "You're talking about a knight errant's stipend, aren't you?"

Colburth hesitated, then nodded.

The Hutt made a curious sound, then brought up data on his computer screen. "Let's see. Here it is. Jedi Harranda doesn't get very many entries in his books for errantry stipends." A small credunit ejected itself from a slot on the pursar's desk, and with one squat arm Karranda plucked it up and offered it to the Human. "Here you go, Jedi Colburth. And if you are the knight errant assosciated with this account, then a fifth-hand spacecraft is waiting you on the landing grid outside the gates."

He nodded, as he accepted the credunit. Outside the gates. Of course. "Thanks, Jedi Harranda. I appreciate it."

"Are you sure you want to go with that humble bucket of bolts and circuits, Jedi Colburth? With your stipend Jedi Harranda can arrange for more fitting transportation. Along with more protective transportation. Not to mention safer."

Colburth shook his head again. "No, but I appreciate the offer. I... need something humble, for the time being."

Harranda studied Colburth for another long moment, then gave a soft grunt. "It's well, then. Jedi Harranda has seen many knights errant and paladins come through those doors, and all of them -- the ones doing it for the right reasons -- said the same thing when he made that offer. Go, then, Jedi Colburth. May the Force be with you, and may you find what you seek."

Colburth bowed slightly and in all seriousness to the Hutt. "Thank you, Jedi. And also with you."

He left the Pursar's office and made his way down to the ground levels of the Temple proper, where the structure stood atop the mountain or zigguraut of marble. The four vast halls here were the first things visitors to the Temple saw, depending on which of the eight gates they entered by.

But in the Bendu wheel, there are nine stations....

He made his way to the North Hall, vast flying buttresses of dark marble, the hue of the walls and cieling and the dim lighting lending a coolness to the air within. Before him stood the two entryways, the Third and the Fourth Gate. The bright moonlight cut a swath upon the polished floor, and a soft balmy wind danced through. He paused in the center of the hall, looking between the two. Fourth Gate, then, he decided. It's fitting, after all, I suppose.

He began to walk. Coruscant never really went to sleep, there were many noctournal species in the galaxy who were more comfortable working at night than in the day, and certainly they would be active and busy. But most visitors kept their appointments during the day, preferring to enjoy the social life of the world in the evenings. The Temple District was no exception, and neither was the Rostrum District.

As he walked, he wondered why he was not getting closer to the Gate. Then he realized that it wasn't that he was not getting closer, it was that the doors were closing. He stopped, staring, as the doors slowly shut, finally sealing with a muffled sound as the moonlight was barred entry... and he was barred exit.

He fought down a moment's irritation. May I not even be allowed to leave in peace?! he thought. Then, behind him, he heard a quiet voice.

"Jedi Colburth. I can't let you leave like this."

He tensed a little. He should have known that this would happen. Didn't every quest require the knight to fight his way out of the Netherworld before reaching the Kingdom of Light? He turned, slowly, and found a Miraluka standing there, the "working uniform" of the Templars clashing slightly with the brightly-decorated band of cloth that covered her eyes. Or rather, where her eyes should be.

He swallowed. A short Templar mantra ran through his mind, for calm and serenity, and he let it run through a couple of times before squelching it. "Bhanoael," he said quietly. "Don't."

The near-Human woman shook her head; it was a little disturbing the way he felt like she was not turning her gaze from him at all. "It has to be this way, Colburth. The Grand Commander can't let you leave like this. You were a Templar."

"Was," he said, perhaps a little too sharply.

"And a part of you always will be."

"Perhaps. But I have to put that behind me now."

"Why?"

"I need to... think on some things."

"Then ask, and go to a commandery for as long as you need."

"Not those kinds of things." He struggled to find words for what he'd never been able to properly explain. "Marnaas was --"

"Don't speak of Marnaas," she said quickly. "The Seal--"

"Marnaas!" he barked very un-Templarlike, his patience gone. "Marnaas, Marnaas, Marnaas! Marnaas was a gentle world before they were visited by a cult of Sith bent on destroying all Jedi! I saw more lives shattered on that world than I have during the entire war with the Sith, Bhanoael, and every last one was a tragedy unto itself, deserving of honor and compassion. Instead, what do the survivors get? Seals! Seals from the Council, and mind-probes from the Watchers!" He paused. "This isn't the place for me, Bhanoael."

Bhanoael was silent while he ranted, and for a few moments after he finished. "They are listening, Jedi Colburth," she said quietly. "They hear every--"

"Let them hear!" he said with rising anger. "They already know. I know the Seal, I know what it keeps me from saying. They can rest easy that I won't tell anyone outside of these walls. But I cant' remain here. Isn't it enough that I am no longer a Templar? Just like Sammiss Tul before me--"

"Don't say her name, Colburth," the Miralukan said, starting to show some inner pain minute by minute.

"I'll say whomever's name I wish," he said, trying hard to rein in his emotions. "I haven't been put under any sort of Seal about her."

"She dishonored herself and the Templars, Colburth. You're not making this easy."

"Why should I make it easy? I am no longer a Templar. And now I am a knight errant. I have made my choice, and the Order has accepted my decision. I have to find my own answers, Bhanoael, don't you understand? I won't find them in the Temple, or a sector priory, or a chapterhouse or a commandery or a monastery. I won't find it in hermitage. And as much as I appreciate the offer from Master Nulvak, I will not find it as aide to a battlemaster. No; the answers I'm looking for are... they're out there, somewhere. Somewhere in the teeming masses of the Republic.

"I will find those answers, Bhanoael. Don't try to stop me."

She tensed, then held very still as he said those words. Then she sighed. "I have to, Colburth. It is my duty."

"Well, then. Do we desecrate the Temple by crossing lightsabres in duello?"

"No." She drew forth from her back two long, narrow rods which tapered slightly into nubs at one end, each rod about a meter long.

Colburth frowned. "Glaives," he said quietly.

"The weapon of the Templar while on the Temple grounds." She tossed one to him, and from practice he caught it easilly. She spun hers into a fighting position; a brush of her fingers upon the touchplate brought a faintly crackling blue light to the end of her weapon, as the small forcefield enveloped the tip.

He shook his head; this had gone far, far beyond what he had wanted. "This is insane, Bhanoael!"

"What is more insane?" she challenged. "To let you cast yourself out into the galaxy, directionless, with what you know? or to try to keep you here, and help you?"

"You aren't helping...."

He could see something in the way she carried herself; he had sparred many times with the Companion of the Second Gate before him. In all times previously she was rock-steady. Now... it was subtle, and he could barely see it.

She didn't want to fight him. She knew this was as insane as well as he. Bhanoael wanted didn't want to just let him walk out like this, but neither did she want to fight him to keep him here.

"We all have to find our own way, Bhanoael," he said, gently and quietly.

She tensed a little, and for a moment he thought she would attack him. But then he saw her sigh a little, and nod almost imperceptibly. And the glaive in her hand lowered slightly.

Colburth was tired and frustrated, at what had made someone who was once a comrade into almost his enemy, and he threw his own glaive accross the hall into the shadows where it hit the wall and rebounded off, the sound a harsh, sharp crack. He could hear the rapid footsteps of what must surely be other Templars, released from holding back, rushing to try and halt him, but he was tired of this mess. He turned sharply and stalked towards the Fourth Gate, narrowing his eyes. The doors did not, of course, open. He swore he would sooner walk through them than stop.

"Colburth!" Bhanaoel's voice almost made him slow in his steps. "We really can help you! Why won't you let us?"

He kept walking, and did not answer. Only within can one find the answers. Only without can one find what is within.

"If you're so intent on leaving, then at least just spend some time with the Bendu, that is an old and honorable practice."

He smiled tightly. He had no intention of going to the Bendu, despite the lengths of time he had spent reading of them, and she knew it. There is more to life beyond the discipline of order and the triumph of light. There is enlightenment, which is neither the triumph of light nor the defeat of darkness.

"Let him go!"

He really did pause in his steps with that last voice; it had not been Bhanaoel. After but a moment, he continued walking; he would not look back. He would not meet the gaze of the Grand Commander of the company of Templars.

The doors remained closed as he approached them, and he began to reach towards them in the Force to open them -- how odd, how wondrous, it was, to see with eyes awakened to the Force, with eyes awakened to so much more than the Force! But then they clicked, and rumbled, and opened, and the moonlight-bathed park beyond beckoned to him. On the landing grid beyond, stood the small ship he had dubbed the Osprey of Marnaas; oh, the many levels of meaning in that name, and how many of those meanings had given concern to his old comrades? Without pausing, the doors barely brushing his shoulders as he walked forward, he crossed the threshold of the gate into the open air beyond.

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Last modified: 2002-Jul-16 16:14:54

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