Love In The Color of Grey

[jedi334]

“Tell me younglings….where does a Jedi’s strength come from?”

Chias Nero stood in front of the large semi circle of young children as they sat before her one of Coruscant public parks. They were mostly human, the children in her group save for a female Wookie and male Zabrak and the second instructor a young but rather large male Iktotchi named Saru. He stood at the far back of the group his arms crossed on his chest as he watched her, a half smirk on his tanned lips as he had heard this lesson before.

The youngling all looked to another for a moment as silently asking one another as if asking each other who would be brave enough to answer, the two Jedi picked up on this and smiled to each other A young girl with dark skin and had long black hair pulled into a long braid raised her hand as the Echani nodded to her.

“The Force?” she said

Chias smiled and nodded “Yes, the Force is indeed a Jedi greatest ally when dealing with this vast universe.” She said, slowly beginning to walk back and forth in front of the children, her pale bare toes curling into the deep green grass and dark soil under it “But I ask again, where do you think it comes from?”

Another collection of confused gazes until a boy with spiky red hair confidentially raised his hand. “That is easy Master Chias.” He said “The Temple!”

She quirked a thin white eyebrow upward to his response “Oh?” she said “And why do you do you think this?”

The boy looked perplexed and a bit annoyed since he seemed quite satisfied with his answer “Well…” he said slowly “We are Jedi…and we all live there. Where else would it be?”

She gave a gentle shake of head “True, the Jedi Temple here in the capital and others other planets across Republic space are places strong areas of Force energy and it is there that the Order is at it’s strongest.” She paused for a effect “But it is not where it resides..."

All eyes were on her as she spread out her white sleeved arms to the large park land in the heart of the endless metropolis. “It comes from everywhere around us.” She said clasping pale hands together “The Force is living younglings, and it is drawn to all living things whether it is you, I or Master Saru…”

She knelt down on and ran a hand through thick growth of green as she kept her eyes on the students “Down to a simple blade of grass, the Force resides in all things and connects us. One day hopefully you will be Knights of the Republic and you will serve it in many different ways."
She put her hands behind her back as she continued “You will go far and see much, being called away from here. Perhaps you will never return and spend your lives amongst the stars but if you clear your mind and focus you will connect to the Force energy flowing all around you no matter where you are, connection is the key to anything in life. Connect to an idea, place or person and you will find purpose and direction.”

She looked to the class and saw her words were sinking in “Do this my young friends…” she said “And you will never be alone.”

She looked back to Saru who gave a nod as she smiled “And that concludes today’s lesson, find your partner and go with Master Saru back to the Temple. I shall see you later.”

She watched as the children gathered data pads and lunch containers, finding their assigned partners and holding hands so they would not get lost on the way back to the Temple. Chias gathered her own belongings as Saru came up to her, his large horned head tilting to the side a bit “You are not coming with us?” he asked

She looked to him as she put her data in the small pack she had brought with her “I have been feeling rather restless these past few days." she said. "This was my last class and the evening meal is not until later, I figured I would take a walk…find a quiet spot in the park and meditate. It is to nice a day to spend inside.”

He chuckled a low rumbling laugh as she put a large hand on her shoulder “Chias Nero actually spending her free time OUTSIDE the Temple. These days are truly strange indeed.”

She smiled shyly as she slid the pack strap on her back and brought her hood over her head “We are at war Saru...” She said walking away and looking over her shoulder “We need to enjoy the quiet moments while we can.”

________________________________________________________________________________

She walked for an hour, simply wandering through the vast park lands taking in the sights and sounds it had to offer, glancing over her shoulder to see the Temple getting farther in the distance as she walked.

She had brought the younglings here for a simple day out, to let them explore and to simply relax, leaving the lesson until the very end of the field trip. The point of it was to show there was life outside of the Temple walls and all one need do is to step outside it is walls.

Perhaps this lesson was a reflection of how far she had come in the last year. She gone from a shy teacher of children and kept to herself to someone who willfully explored the unknown and protected those could not protect themselves.

She had made friends and discovered strength in herself that had been long hidden. She wanted her charges to experience these things as well, they would become better Jedi because of it.

Time passed until she felt her legs begin to tire, her icy blue eyes looking for a place to rest as she saw a line of trees leading into a small forest grove, how Coruscant officials were able to cultivate a small forest on a planet wide city was beyond her realm of understanding but she was impressed nonetheless.

She found the largest tree and set her things down, sitting on her thin legs under her gown as she closed her eyes and began to breathe gently as she began to clear the clutter within her mind and used the Force to sense all things around her.

She knew of other Knights levitating objects or having visions during mediation. She gathered this was how her mind operated during a session, it organized thoughts and expanded. Boring to some she was sure but it was her approach to dealing with the world around her.

All of a sudden, she felt a chill rush through her body which made her visibly shiver a little, considering it was warm period during the planet cycle she had no idea why it would be so cold all of a sudden.

Then with out warning, a wave of grief came into her mind. It was so intense that Chias had to blink back a few tears and use her focus to keep herself from bursting into tears…but she had no idea why she wanted to cry in the first place. She refocused herself and fought past the emotions within her expanding her mind to reach out to the area around her.

“This is not something I am just feeling.” She thought sliding her pack on her shoulder and rising “Something or someone strong in the Force is causing my emotions to be erratic. And they are in the grove somewhere.”

She looked up at the sky seeing the orange sun beginning to set in the West. It was going to be dark soon and part of her knew she should go back, find some other Knights and investigate this further. “By the time we return who or whatever is there will surely be gone." she thought “I need to be sure before I tell anyone anything.”

She entered the grove, focusing on that cold feeling as moved down a moss covered path until the sounds of they city were distant and the tree canopy was so thick that it blocked out but a few sliver of orange sunlight. And the farther Chias went; the presence became more defined and real. Along with the cold she felt many different emotions which became stronger as she moved.

Anger.

Confusion.

Emotional Pain.

But out of all of these unfamiliar emotions the one that bore into Chais’ mind the deepest was something she and every Jedi Knight knew. Something she felt as a child when she left her home world of Eshan and left her mother and father for the Jedi Order.

Loss.

Whatever this presence was, the feeling of unimaginable loss hung over it like a black cloud that would never dissipate. The path emerged to reveal a large cave. It looked like the hibernation den of a large animal that long since abandoned it. She set down her pack as a hand instinctively went to her side, pale fingers brushing the hilt of her lightsaber she gave a deep shaky sigh as she felt reassured.

She moved closer to the mouth of the cave, seeing it littered empty food packets and empty bottles of liquor. She knelt down and picked up one of the bottles and saw a naked female Twi’lek. Her curvy dark green frame covered in a white satin sheet which she held to her body with one hand while the other held on to a full glass of green liquid as she toasted it high above her with a seductive smile on her nearly black lips.

Below the picture in gold cursive text read:

Dezhivi's Premium Brand Whisky:
Brewed at the Belacki Brewery
New Vertica, Nar Shaddaa

"Guaranteed to melt your troubles away!"

She set the bottle down and rose as she focused her body and mind to the cave, the mouth black and showing no signs of anything inside. But as she listened, her sharp ears picked up a sound…it was soft and quiet but echoed of the cave walls.

“Crying…” she thought “Someone is crying in there.”

She bit her lip as she thought, she could not go in there with her lightsaber drawn, it might frighten the poor soul and she did not want that, but she could just the leave the person alone if they were hurt.

She cupped her small hands around her mouth, wanting increase the volume of her small voice. “Hello?” she called, hearing voice echo slightly “Is someone there?”

[Valcor]

    'An Apprentice? Do they know who I was? What I did?!'  Maris fumed from her place seated at the bar she had spent the better part of a night slumped over.  'I'm a damn master! I won battles with my mind!' she continued to vent within her own head, barely managing to not spout her drunken rantings out loud before all those in attendance.  Not that that they might have paid her any mind in her current state anyway.  Maris was a mess.

    Her hair was matted and hung flatly at her cheeks, having been given little care ever since Maris had departed the company of her servants that had once done her up.  Her typical clothing was stained with food, drink and sweat, clearly having gone quite some time since being washed.  The accompanying smell was likely just as off putting as her appearance.  Only the fur that draped around her shoulders gave any hint that the, otherwise drunkard slob of a woman at the bar was anything of note, yet even it was beginning to show a lack of hygiene, bearing it's own stains.  To the other patrons of this shoddy establishment, Maris was just another soul drowning itself in drink, and they treated her as such.

    As the bartender went to take away her empty glass, Maris showed the first signs of consciousness, gripping his wrist.  "I'm not fishished yet." She slurred slapping another handful of credits down onto the oak bar, the pile far exceeding the cost of even the most expensive bottle, and yet Maris did not care.  "I think you are Ma'am, why don't you head home?" The kindly Ithorian hummed, his pity for the woman showing in his voice as he took his free hand and rested it on hers.  "Take the Credish Formaw... and bring me another..." Maris growled, her already wobbly head flopping back down with a 'thud' as she finished.  The aging alien, not seeing any use in denying her further, only gave a quiet sigh, a shake of his head, and a small pat on her back before walking back towards the lines of bottles that marked his supply.  

    Now back inside her own head undisturbed, Maris continued to rant to herself.  'Recruit me! and then see fit to stick me with a bunch of kids?! Bah! I'll show them!'  Only her soft mutterings and quiet moans even indicated her mind was still functioning.  'Maybe I'll just kill one... Yeah I can do that... That'll show those-' "Excuse me miss?" Came a human tone and a human voice, interrupting her train of thought.  Rolling on her forehead to face whoever was addressing her, Maris opened one eye to see a young man barely half her age, and no doubt attempting to spark up conversation.  "Can I buy you a drink?" He asked with a small half-smile, daring to hold eye contact with the Sith woman.  Sitting up slowly, her intoxicated state showing through in the uncoordinated movements that she took, Maris turned to face him.

    Just then the Ithorian returned and placed Maris' purchase beside her gloved hand, "Do I look like I neeeeed you to buy me any'ting."  With one eye half open, she took the bottle by the neck and practically threw it at her face, excess liquid spilling down her cheeks and splashing on the smooth fabric of her jacket.  With this the few other patrons rumbled with soft chuckles, both at the young man and Maris herself, causing only one of the pair talking to blush.  "My Hushzband is twice the man you are! and *hic* he providesh!" Maris spouted, spitting droplets of alcohol at the boy.  The would-be suitor stood up, clearly flustered at being rejected and spat on, "Well clearly he doesn't give a damn about his wife! Leaving her to a place like this!" He roared in a fury of injured pride.  This silenced the few others within the bar, and caused a pair of large men to even halt their board game.

    Soon the mood of the bar grew icy as Maris let her emotions flow forth once more with no pain killers to inhibit them.  Tears spilled over deep black circles beneath her eyes, and her pain radiated outward.  Maris' eyes quickly darted about, searching instinctively for her meds she knew she would never find.  Her hand on the bottle shifted it's grip, and her body fidgeted in clear discomfort before she could hold back no more.  

    In a torrent of tears and half formed sobbing words she tore from her stool towards the door.  Many present tried to assist her, including the boy himself, but she frantically swatted their helpful hands away, the still open bottle of liquor clutched in her fist, spilling it's contents all about as it was swung left and right.  "Leave me be! Leave me be!" Maris bellowed in a fit of hysteria as she flung herself from the bar into the night of Coruscant, stumbling towards no where in particular.  

    Into the darkness of night Maris stumbled, her tears flowing freely down her face, her emotions a complete battleground.  Many passers by averted their gaze and made space for her, not wishing for trouble as she walked, but many more stopped and wiped at their eyes, feeling but an ounce the sorrow themselves that Maris herself did.  This continued for nearly an hour, as the pale, drunken, husk of a woman dragged herself aimlessly through the streets before she could take her own thoughts no more, and threw herself into a mini-mart for more alcohol.  With the slam of another handful of credits, and the clinking of a small paper bag, Maris finally had what she had craved so long, and without the pestering of a bar along with it.  Smiling an empty pain filled smile, Maris slunk into a deep dark cave that she prayed she could have to herself to drink and be alone.

    Finally collapsing in the darkness, Maris cradled her drink and set about washing the world down and forgetting everything it held with it.

[jedi334]

She waited for a time and eventually the crying stopped and silence filled the small wood. She sighed heavily to herself as she looked back briefly and thought of going back to the Temple and getting help. And once again the little voice in her head (which was her father) told that this person could be dead by the time she returned.

“I could never live with myself if that happened.” She thought as she unclipped her saber hilt and gripped it lightly “But better safe than sorry I always say.”

She entered the cave as her bare feet felt cold damp stone as she moved, her sharp eyes adjusting to the gloom as she moved nimbly down the stony corridor. Her left foot caught in an unseen crack and she fell forward with a yelp as she felt a sharp pain and then heated throbbing in her ankle as she rose, stifling a whimper as she realized sprained her ankle.

But she would deal with that later. “Considering I’ve been shot twice and was nearly cut in half by a Sith science experiment a sprain is pretty easy to deal with.” She thought as she limped on. She emerged into what she assumed was the creature former sleeping quarters. It was a small cavern strewn with small skeletal corpses of birds and other of the parks local wild life. There was a hole in the roof in which the bright lights of the city filtered through.

Sitting slumped against the back wall was a woman. She was human, and a lot older then Chias, her hair despite being dirty and matted was dark with streaks of grey and her skin was very pale. It was not as pale as her own skin but it was clear this person did not enjoy going out into the daylight much.

Her clothes were worn and dirty and it shown that she was someone of importance…at one time at least. Chias moved to kneel beside her, the mixture of the sweat and booze mixing in her breath as she Chias gently gripped the woman’s shoulder and shook.

“Miss?” she said softly “Can you hear me?”

She heard nothing at first but she heard the woman stir and move hrt head, mumbling incoherently until Chias heard three words “Vuur...Delvin…Korr.” Then her head began to slump back but Chias caught it and kept it level. “No no no!” she said “You need to stay with me...just stay with me. Open your eyes.”

Slowly the woman eyes opened and the two locked on to one another as dark green but bloodshot eyes looked into her own…a mixture of anguish and bitterness in them as they tried to place her but couldn’t

She smiled gently to the mysterious stranger “There we are.” She said “You must try and stay awake.”

She looked around the cavern, seeing more empty bottles of the same make of the one outside of the cave and a few more food wrapping but the majority of the litter was empty bottles. From what she could gather, whoever this woman was she was trying to numb something with alcohol or simply drink herself to death. Either scenario was not a good one.

She ignored the throbbing in her ankle as she positioned herself and draped the woman’s arm around her shoulder and rose slowly, surprised at the woman height and weight as Chias almost fell and balanced herself as they moved.

“Just lean against me.” She grunted “And please try and walk. We must get you some help!” She heard the woman mumble a slurred protest, taking a few staggering steps but more letting herself be dragged out of the cave and through the grove until they emerged from the tree line to the park. The area was pretty much deserted as night had come, the lights of the endless metropolis lighting the skyline as Chias looked for anyone to help but saw no one.

She gave a labored sigh as they moved to the walking path and headed to the entrance she had came with her class with, her own injury and the woman’s weight, height and lack of cooperation making a simple five minute walk into a nearly twemty five minute hike until eventually they emerged from the entrance.

She stood on the sidewalk, passers by giving them both odd looks as they walk, assuming they were two young women who had to much fun in the Eastern sector. She looked South and saw the Temple far off in the distance, given it took nearly an hour to simply get them out of the park, it would take twice that long to get back by foot. She could hail speeder cab but she given how drunk her charge was she doubted he would trust her not throw up all over his rig. She could make a go for the hospital but that was over 50 blocks away and her ankle was throbbing.

“I must get off it and tend to myself before I do anything else.” She thought, her eyes coming to a small motel on the other side of the street. She gave a deep sigh as they began to move again as Chias ignored the woman’s grumbling protest as they entered the small shabby lobby. A courtesy droid watching them enter.

“Greetings!” it said cheerfully as Chias shambled to the desk “Welcome to the Parkland Inn! I trust your evening is going well?” Just then the woman wretched, vomiting all over Chias’ shoulder as yellowish green liquid covered the right sleeve of her white robes as the Echani face barely hid her annoyance.

“It is going just splendidly.” She said flatly “I require a room please.”

“Excellent!” the droid said “we have various room packages and stunning views of the cit—“

Chias held up a hand and stopped the robot “Just a simple room please.” She said, placing credits on desks “Preferably one that is quiet and away from other guests.” After signing the proper paper work and getting their room key, they made their way to the room as Chias moved the woman to the large single bed and laid her down.

Almost immediately she began to convulse and vomit as Chias grabbed the trash can and gently patted the back of the woman’s neck as she hopefully purged the booze from her system.

Eventually she settled and began to sleep, during this time Chias tended to her ankle; it was slightly swollen but no where nearly as bad she thought. She used one of her pain management injection to dull the pain and used one of the leather foot wrappings in her pack and wrappaed tightly around the ankle.

“That’ll do for now.” She thought “At least until I get my new friend some help.” She then went ot the Holonet looked up how treat alcohol poisoning. Calling the courtesy to the room and giving it a list of meds she would need. She waited for it to return she moved to the woman to the bathroom, undressing her like a young child and bathing her in the walk in shower.

Chias had never bathed another person besides herself so she unsure if she was doing it right but it definitely looked like the woman needed it as she scrubbed the dirt and vomit off her and washed the grease out of her hair, soaking Chias own clothes n the process. She dried the woman off and got her back into bed wrapping her up to keep her warm and keeping her on her side in case she vomited again.

Time passed and the droid returned with the supplies and Chias gave it the woman’s clothes and her own robes in two large bags and requested they both be cleaned and pressed, leaving Chias in her gown and tunic. But given she had in store modesty was the least of her worries.

The night passed slowly as the Echani keep watch, attaching an IV drip of saline and vitamins as the woman was clearly dehydrated. Every time Chias began to leave to get help she would begin convulse again until eventually the morning arrived Chias kneeling by the small window as sunlight sifted in, her head slumped down as she slept, being brought out of her slumber as she heard a low grumble filled moan and saw the woman begin to stir.

She stayed where she was sitting, unsure if rushing to the woman’s side would be wise, the coldness she felt from the day before still there as she woke. But from what she saw the IV had done it job as the sweating had stopped and while still pale some color had returned to her features.

“Good morning.” Chias said, her voice tired and drained but she smiled nonetheless “Glad you to see you made it through the night.”

[Valcor]

    With every sip of her drink, time seemed to melt away for Maris.  In the darkness of the cave, Maris let herself flop down onto her back, drowning away her worries in the bottom of bottle after bottle.  Hour after hour, drink after drink, Maris was content simply to lay back and empty her mind.  Tears stained her cheeks, sloppily drunken alcohol stained her lips, and sorrow stained her thoughts.

    Soon a familiar haziness fell over Maris' mind as her second emptied bottle clinked away from her finger tips.  'They were no painkillers, but the liquor would do' Maris thought to herself as her hand dug it's way back into the brown paper bag to retrieve a third fifth.  The world began to spin around her as the hard whiskey hit her system, sending Maris' finer motor functions into the realm of intoxication.  

    Even bringing the bottle to her lips became a chore, as more and more was spilled with every attempt, but the Sith pushed onward.  Were Maris able to see in the darkness of the cave she made her dwelling, she would no doubt find her vision to be even worse than her mobility; but as she was, only her growing feeling of nauseousness told her how intoxicated she was.  Even this however, did not deter the drunkard.

    Along with her pain and sorrow, time seemed to melt away around Maris.  Minutes, hours, days, she did not even comprehend how long she lay there, everything was a blur of nothingness.  That is, until a certain intrusion yanked Maris back to reality.  This break from the intoxication, came in the form of a young adult girl, or what Maris assumed was a girl, everything was so dark and blurry she could barely tell.

    The woman spoke out as her presence pressed into Maris' personal space, causing the barely conscious woman to crack open her blood shot eyes.  "Ivantshmmm..." Maris practically drooled out as her limp head rolled away from the approaching Jedi.  The more the young girl spoke, the more Maris tried to resist listening, like a child might trying to remain in bed before school.  However, this resistance to the new presence was weak at best, for the amount of alcohol pumping in her veins left the woman barely able to think clearly.  When the figure began to move Maris, all she could do to resist was murmur and clumsily jerk her arms, neither of which did her much good.

    Slipping in and out of consciousness, the sickly woman was barely able to keep her feet beneath her as whoever this was began dragging her out of her den.  For all Maris knew, this could be anyone from an Emergency Paramedic, to a criminal intent on who know what, and she reacted appropriately.  Every step the two took, Maris made difficult, uttering a variety of phrases, both pleads for help and obscene insults, all of which were mostly slurred beyond recognition.  However, even with her sight distorted, Maris could tell she was being dragged back into the city.  The blinding lights the dotted the streets, and the return of curious stares were most unwelcome to the fallen Jedi, who responded with childish groans and whines.

    The further the pair walked, the more ill Maris began to feel as well; the increase in blood flow causing the woman to realize just how intoxicated she was.  Soon the fallen Jedi began to feel a strange bubbling in her gut, one which she could only barely recall from her time with child.  Maris' mouth grew dry, her throat felt as if it opened ever so slightly, and finally her eyes grew wide.  Before she even realized where she was, or in what company she was in, she wretched.  It was misery, and the experience was only worsened as the woman's mind was filled with memories of morning sickness.  Soft sobs followed the putrid vomiting as she was taken into the darkness of another space once more.  Maris was only happy to finally be prone again.

    Curling up away from whatever was pricking, pulling and patting her, Maris receded into the fetal position, her awareness of what was around her vanishing as she delved back into her own mind.  There she remained for the rest of the sickness and sorrow filled night, slipping in and out of the waking world only to empty her stomach and return to shivering sleep.  When morning finally came, Maris looked and felt like absolute death, without the sweet recompense of rest that came with actually joining the force.  It was only when Maris let out a pained groan that she realized another was present with her.  Whoever it was seemed quick to acknowledge Maris' consciousness.

    "Good morning" came the gentle feminine tone of the girl sitting across from Maris.  To this, the Dark Jedi only saw fit to respond with another low groan.  Despite this clear indicator that Maris did not wish to share words, the girl continued, "Glad to see you made it through the night." To this Maris actually dignified a response, if only barely such, "Where am I?" The widow croaked, her voice marred by her dry throat, giving her speech an almost wheezing quality.  

    As she spoke, Maris reached up with one hand to rub her throbbing head she only just then became aware of.  It was then she also became aware of the IV tethering her arm to a small bag of fluid, which might have been only a minor irritant were Maris' own body not already punishing her for the night previous.  In a show of frustration and pain, the woman quickly tore the small needle from her arm with her opposite, before rolling away onto her side to cradle herself.  

    When the girl finally responded, Maris only paid attention enough to gather that she was neither in a hospital or the Jedi temple before ignoring the rest of the youth's words altogether.  Almost interrupting the girl, Maris spoke again, "Any food?"  The shadow of a woman spoke only the minimal amount to get her request across, almost as if doing any more would tax her beyond her abilities.  

    Whoever this girl was, she had cared for Maris so far, and the fallen Jedi figured she would continue for now, so Miss Kitall would save inquiries for later.

[jedi334]

Chias rose and walked over to one of the dressers in the room and grabbed a glass and filled it with water from a pitcher and brought over to the bed, kneeling down and setting it in the woman’s hands.

“Drink.” She said “The IV hydrated you but you still need fluids.” She watched her tear off the IV drip with a tinge of irritation, though she was no doctor or Jedi Healer she thought that her charge would need one more bag to be safe, but it was clear this woman was more annoyed by her help than thankful…perhaps it was the after effects of a binging of alcohol or maybe it was the woman’s nature either way Chias was not going to push, she already felt like she was in over head at this point.

She rose and moved to the other side of the of the bed, removing the empty IV bag from the bed post rolling up the tubing and throwing in the trash, all the while giving the woman small glances while feeling those hard green eyes following her as she moved, the ever presence of cold residing in her mind.

“You are in a motel just outside of the park where I found you.” She said, walking over to the chair where her newly clean robes lay folded “I would’ve taken you back to the Jedi Temple but—ahh!”

She lurched foward slightly as her ankle flared in pain, the meds from the night before warring off as she bit her bottom lip hard and closed her eyes briefly, reopening them to see the woman staring at her “I injured myself while getting you out of that cave.” She finished, limping over to her robes and wrapping them around her small frame.

“As for food, I am afraid this charming establishment has no kitchen.” She said moving to the door. “But I will bring some back with me when I return. I have been gone the entire night and there are those who will want to know where I have been, also I must look to this ankle.”

She blushed slightly realizing the woman’s lack of clothing despite being covered by the bed sheets. “I had your clothes washed and folded. They are in the bathroom. I should not be more than an hour or two. I’ve given the droid at the from desk instruction that you are not to be disturbed.”

Still the woman said nothing, her head tilted slightly to the side as Chias felt the coldness subside just slightly to which to Chias gave a small shy smile “The room has been paid for today and tomorrow. Sleep if you can, you certainly look like you need to.” She brought the hood of her robe up.

“I shall return shortly.” She said walking through the door as it slid open looking over her shoulder as the twos eyes met…Chias feeling her heart race a little “And before you ask my name is Chias.” She said “Chias Nero.” And then she was gone, hailing a speeder back to the Temple and going to the healing sanctuary to get her ankle looked at.

The droid said it was a mild sprain but was lucky that she did not tear a ligament, it wrapped the injured foot with bandages covered in dark green kolto gel to help the swelling go down. She showered and dressed in a fresh gown and was once again heading through the Temple large main entrance way about to leave when she saw Saru run up too her.

“Chias!” he said “There you are. When you did not come for the evening meal I figured you were in your garden and did not wish to be disturbed. However when your had missed your morning lesson with the younglings I had become concerned. I was just about to go look for you when I saw you leaving. Where have you been?”

Chias bit her lip slightly, unsure of what to say. She could have told him the truth, but this woman whoever she was in a bad spot. Chias barely knew her and had no idea why she was in that cave in the first place…obviously to be alone and drink but for what reason she had no idea. She needed to know more before she could figure what to do, though she knew she would have to lie to a good friend in order to do so.

“My friend Mal Denton.” She said smiling “Do you remember him?” The Iktotchi thought and nodded “Ah yes, the bodyguard for the Junior Senator…the one with lightsaber scar.” He said.

“That’s him!” she said with a nod, leaning in and whispering “Unfortunately he had his heart broken last night and he drank himself into a stupor. The owner of the cantina called me to collect him and I took him home.”

She giggled lightly and sighed “The poor man spent all night crying all on my shoulder.” She said “He fell asleep a little while ago, so I came back to shower and to check my messages.”

Saru gave a slow nod and sighed “The heart is an odd thing.” He said “It makes us do things and takes us places we never thought possible. He is lucky to have a friend like you looking out for him.”

She winched inside her mind but smiled nonetheless “Indeed.” She said “I just want to make sure he is okay. I hate to ask but…” He held up a large hand and smiled “I will cover your classes for today.” He said “Go tend to your friend.”

She bowed her head deeply “Thank you Saru.” She said “I shall make this up to you I promise.” He returned the bow “You made it up to me by being honest. May the Force be with you.”

“And may it be with you my friend.” She said, turning and making her way down the long steps of the Temple, the happy smile on her face quickly turning to a shameful frown as she walked, feeling awful for being so dishonest to someone as trusting as Saru.

“I shall tell him the truth when I know who this woman is and why she has such a strong connection to the Force.” She thought “Once I know…”


She returned to the Inn, carrying four large plastic bags of groceries her hands as she walked through the lobby, the courtesy droid rushing to help her. She asked if the woman had left but it had said she had not and no one had come to see her either to which Chias was glad, at least she was would not have to chase this person all over the planet,

The door slid open and Chias saw the bed empty and the woman sitting at the small table, her eyes lost in thought. Her attire took Chias aback now that she saw it clean and in daylight. The black leather body suir clung to her frame tightly and the plate of armor on her chest gave her the look of a warrior…or someone who use to be a warrior. The tattered brown cloth tinged with fur that was wrapped around her neck and went to down her back reminded Chias of her own robes.

“She could be a Jedi Knight.” She thought “But why would she be drinking let alone not at the Temple?”

And the last thing she saw was the dirty bandages going the length of both arms. Chias had removed them when bathing the woman the night before, taking the horrible burn scars that covered her arms and being amazed she survived such injury…but Chias had brought something with her that may help with that…if the stranger was willing.

Despite all these thoughts going through her head she smiled, seeing her black hair wet from the shower. “Good to see you up and about.” She said, setting the bags down and taking the contents of vegetables, fruits, breads, cooked meats, salad, and cakes and set them neatly on the table a small contianer of juice and another of water being set last.

“I was unsure what you liked so I got a little of everything from the market.” She said carefully “I am sure you must be hungry…miss…I am afraid I do not know your name.” A slight shade of red came over her pale features and she looked down at the ground.

[Valcor]

As the other occupant of Maris' personal space forced a small glass of water towards the sore widow, a slender pale hand stretched out to meet it.  Having been almost 12 hours since Maris last ate, not to mention her body dispelling any food she might have had left over, the sickly woman was as weak as frailest elderly person or small child.  Despite how the older woman loathed being ordered around by youths like the one present, she was certainly in no condition to resist the demand to hydrate.  Finally her slender delicate digits gripped the small glass, yet the moment they were required to bear the full weight of it, they showed their weakness.  The clear container trembled as it was brought closer to her dry mouth, and only stabilized once the water within vanished past pale lips.  After gasping down some air following the long gulps of water, Maris finally managed another few words to her attendant.  "No temple..." She groaned more than spoke before turning away from the girl to drift back into the peace of sleep.

As she did so, her attempt was shattered by the quick yelp of the girl behind her.  Slowly rolling her head on the pillow, Maris gave the girl a curious, almost skeptical look, as if doubting the authenticity of the younglings words.  Maris made no comment however, and simply made a mental note of the supposed injury to herself before turning her head back away from the girl.  After hearing her words, Maris still suspected some ulterior motive to be at play within her helper.  Years spent hating and loathing those who took everything from her had left Maris quite devoid of trust or gratefulness for anything, even if it did involve saving her life.  Not that Maris gave that much worth anymore.

When word came on the food situation, Maris let herself respond once more with a disappointed groan, not bothering to voice her displeasure fully.  Even though her stomach ached from having been so recently purged of poison, Maris could still feel the twinges of hunger and the weakness in her body that accompanied it.  Beneath her covers, Maris cradled her gut, curling her knees and arms around herself as if it would ease the pain she felt.  The water had helped slightly, easing both the emptiness of her stomach and the slight tinge of alcohol that still held place within her, however this was only slightly.  Even the gentle rubbing of her stomach she did with her hands only soothed it slightly.

It was just as Maris began this that she realized just how clothed, or lack thereof, she was.  Her eyes suddenly widened as she felt the bare skin of her torso, and the lack of gripping of pants.  Just then, Maris furrowed her brow, 'She undressed me.' The bitter woman thought to herself in disgust as she grumpily pulled the covers further up on her shoulder to hide her bare skin as much as possible.  Silently Maris confirmed her fears about this 'savior', convincing herself this youngling got some kind of sadistic pleasure out of having control over others, a pleasure Maris was determined to not allow any further.

When the girl informed Maris that the latter looked as if she needed more sleep, the ex-Jedi scoffed and snorted in contempt, seeing fit to oppose this little upstart at every turn, even if it was hindered in her weakened state to simple snorts and body language.  

Maris was almost ready to ignore the remainder of the girl's words, until she informed the sickly widow of her intent to depart for a while, giving Maris some much needed time to herself.  To this Maris finally allowed herself to relax, if only slightly.  Maris was ready to finally climb to her feet when she finally was able to put a name to her savior.  "Chias..." She repeated softly as the door clicked shut once more, leaving Maris on her own.

After taking a moment to ensure Chias had truly left, and would not return to retrieve anything she might have forgotten, Maris crawled from her cocoon of covers.  Her weak frail body could barely muster the effort to drag itself fully upright, so for the next 10 minutes Maris half crawled, half dragged herself from the bed to the bathroom to actually bathe herself.  Once there Maris fumbled with the pitiful excuse for a shower, attempting in vein to get the damn thing to heat up, before finally settling for a plain cold shower.  The initial shock of the icy water made Maris jump and gasp slightly, but after a few moments, the ex-Jedi settled into the temperature, only shivering slightly as a result.  As Maris stood beneath the beating droplets, her mind couldn't help but wander; a cruel curse that she normally dosed with drugs to keep at bay.  In fact, Maris couldn't remember a shower where she hadn't been under the influence of her narcotics, and she was starting to remember why.

Without the distraction of purpose or the ability to busy her mind with some idle task, Maris began to delve inside it.  Memories returned in full, and pain long pushed deep slowly resurfaced, and it was all Maris could do to keep herself together.  Bathing went slowly, separated by long periods of standing motionless, but after nearly an hour, the pale woman finally exited the bathroom, skin cold as ice, yet clean.  At the same slow pace as her shower, Maris clothed herself, too lost in her own mind to even comprehend how much time had passed, or if Chias would be returning soon.  All that occupied the widow's mind was memories.

After clothing herself in an almost trance-like state, Maris took a seat at the only other piece of furniture that dotted the shoddy room, a small round table with two chairs at either side.  Clasping her hands in front of her mouth and just below her nose, Maris lent forward onto the table with her elbows and let her mind drift away back to times when she was happy, albeit with a bittersweet aching in her gut as she did.  When Chias finally did return, Maris almost did not notice her enter, as her back was to the door, and was only alerted to the girl's presence when her slightly nervous high pitched voice pierced the silence of the room.  Slightly surprised by the noise, Maris whirled around before calming her tense muscles once she saw the girl.

As Chias spoke, Maris let out a soft sigh, her fears about the girl having been long forgotten as the ex-Jedi was now able to see just how un-threatening the young teacher was.  When the soft blush danced across Chias' cheeks, Maris sighed, remembering days when she was just the same.  So nervous, so concerned with the fate of the galaxy and everyone in it.  Naive.  With a slight shake of her head, Maris relaxed her features and spoke the first full sentence the other had likely heard out of her, "It is quite alright." Maris paused to take a prepackaged salad from the pile before continuing, "Right now, all of this looks good."

Delicate fingers pried open the packaging and reached for utensils before icy eyes glanced up at the girl who brought the food; still standing over the table as if unsure how to proceed.  Maris let an ever so slight smile touch her lips before raising her eyebrows expectantly at Chias, "You want to sit? I'd rather not have you watch me eat." Maris' tone was soft as always, yet her body language seemed to carry an air of eloquence and command to it.  Her shoulders were held back, her posture that of a woman befitting her wealth, and despite how poorly she appeared the night before, Maris looked the part of a businesswoman, if only in poise and speech.  

Once the young Jedi took her seat opposite Maris, the elder of the pair began to eat, fork grasped delicately in one hand, knife in the opposing.  Despite her hunger, Maris held back from simply scarfing down her meal like her body ached to, and kept each bite of her leafy meal to a minimum.  As a mother she all too often had criticized her boys, and sometimes her own husband, for eating like animals and too that end she herself had to teach herself to restrain to keep the trio from mocking her as a hypocrite.  After eating nearly half the full salad, Maris was finally sated enough to give her companion another glance, slightly curious of the youngling.  

When she lifted her eyes however, she found the girl's own on Maris' arm wrappings.  Maris had no doubt the girl had seen her scars when she was removing the widow's clothing, an action Maris was still not sure she found to be justified.  Slowly returning her own eyes back to her meal, Maris spoke once more, "Go on. Ask." Her tone was not aggressive or scolding, merely flat and neutral, more surprised anyone would give them the time of day.

[jedi334]

“Oh!” Chias said as she moved to the other side of the the small table and settled herself “Of course.” She looked at the various types of food and got the second salad and a small bowl of berries pouring as small container of heavy crème on them and then pour a small glass of juice as she began to eat.

She could feel those eyes, those deep hard green eyes watching as she he ate with small careful bites smiling slightly as she heard the woman say she liked all of her choices of food. A quiet filled the small room as the two women ate their meal Chias observing that the older female ate a lot like herself, quiet and precise and without aggression. But there was something else that Chias could sense.

She could sense that this woman, whether it was intentional or not was looking down on her slightly. Perhaps it was because of her youth, her size or her own demeanor but it was clear that she did not take the Echani seriously.

It was not the first time she encountered this reaction from people and most of the time Chias would let pass over her like wind, but given what she went through the previous evening to simply keep this woman alive and maybe it was because of lack of sleep and having a proper meal she couldn’t let it pass, this woman was clearly out of danger now and was time for some answers.

“Ask…?” She said slowly her blue eyes locking with those deep green one as they tried to look away as her small voice was firm “What you like to me to ask exactly? Would you like me to ask why I found a grown woman nearly comatose and mumbling in a cave? Would like to me to ask why I see a clearly importantly person looking like a homeless bag woman in the capital planet of the Republic? Would you like me to ask why I see someone with a clear and firm connection to the Force numbing her senses with alcohol? Would you like me to ask why a Jedi Knight is nowhere near the Jedi Temple? Would you like me to ask where you got those burns or why you haven’t told me your name?” She saw her words were piercing that hard veil, just barely but just enough to let Chias know that she was not talking to a wall, it also told the young Jedi that this woman was not use to being spoken to like this. “Tell me…what would you like me to ask?”

[Valcor]

As the young timid girl grew more and more frustrated, Maris simply continued to eat, keeping her eyes trained on the food.  Having raised two boys for quite some time, Maris was quite accustomed to meal time arguments, and fell back on old habits quickly.  Once Chias finished speaking, Maris kept her eyes trained on her food, allowing a few moments of silence to pass before swallowing her most recent bite and moving to speak, "Please, one at a time, remember 'There is no passion...'."  With that Maris curled the edges of her thin lips into a slightly amused grin before allowing it to vanish back into neutrality.

Despite the severity of last night's events, Maris was far too numbed to find nearly dying even half as traumatizing as Chias appeared to.  Maris took a moment to look the youth over; whom was now certainly a Jedi herself.  She bore the face of concern, yet her brow was furrowed slightly, conveying frustration, not that it irked Maris in the slightest to have someone frustrated with her.  Last time it happened, the person tried to murder her, so this was barely even a drop in the bucket.  Yet something else caught Maris' eye, a certain sternness that Maris had not seen before in the youth when she had been caring for the widow.  

Seeing that the girl was less than amused at Maris' earlier remark, the elder of the pair sighed and continued. "I suppose you are entitled to some amount of answers, but mind your tone with me girl."  With that, Maris stood up, her flimsy plastic bowl of food now empty.  Without giving Chias a second look, Maris took her waste to the bin and tossed it inside, before slowly returning to the table, bracing slightly for the coming interrogation.  Once seated, Maris folded her arms across her stomach, and crossed her legs, taking on the body language of a woman fitting her class.

Now that she was bathed and clothed properly in her attire, as opposed to having it draping off her body, Maris now appeared as the woman she really was.  She still bore the sunken eyes of an addict and the slender body to match, but she now carried a small amount of respect about her, even if she did not purposefully do so.

[jedi334]

Her pale features furrowed a bit when the woman had brought up the Jedi Code in an almost mocking way as her frustration shown through as she fumed “I’M NOT BEING PASSOINATE I AM SIMPLY---“ she stopped herself, seeing the woman was smirking and Chias scolded herself realizing she fallen quite dumbly into the trap the older female had se up for her. And what made it worse was that she was right, she was asking a plethora of question and not letting her charge answer.

Perhaps it was the explorer within her that made her act this way. When confronted with an unknown artifact or dig site a billion questions of who, what and why would enter her mind overwhelming her of what to do next.

But this wasn’t a place or thing she was dealing with…it was a person. A possible Jedi who may have needed help.. She sighed deeply and closed her eyes briefly as she fought pass the fatigue and confusion as she focused herself organizing the question in her mind picking the ones were most importantly at the moment.

She reopened her eyes and smiled shyly her voice quiet “You are right.” She said “You are no doubt more confused at this situation than I am. We shall start with three questions. I just wish to know a bit more about you, all I ask is you be honest. First…who are you?”

She rose and began to walk to the door of the bathroom speaking as she did so “Secondly, are you a Jedi like myself?” she said, he bare feet turning her turning a slow graceful circle as she leaned against the small dresser next to the bathroom door, giving the woman some space but still letting her know she was not going anywhere without some answers.

“And lastly if you are a Jedi...” she said slowly “Why I have never seen you before last evening?” True there many in the Temple she never spoken with given her position but she at least knew most of their faces…but this woman whoever she was unknown to her, a fact that was making her more uneasy as time passed.

[Valcor]

Maris could not help but grin when the younger girl before her grew visibly and audibly frustrated at her sarcastic chide.  The grin was slight, and only ever so, but it was there for markedly longer than before when Maris had first uttered the scold.  The amused grin lasted throughout Chias' outburst and prolonged pause after, with Maris finally succumbing to quiet chuckling.  Clearly this girl was taking this situation far more seriously than Maris herself had any intention of doing.  Maris had been this close to death from substances she had ingested on many other occasions, and had become quite numb to the possibility of demise.  Due to this, she had little real feelings about last night, save for a slight desire to repay this girl in some fashion.  This was more due to her desire to not owe some Jedi her life down the road, considering the path she was headed down anyway.

When Chias finally calmed herself and began to speak once more, Maris remained quiet, allowing her smirk to vanish into a blank expression she was comfortable wearing.  When the questions came again in a calmer more collected tone, Maris took a deep breath and began to respond, her typical empty voice present throughout, "My name is Maris, and I am certainly nothing like you.  I believe that answers all three of your questions."  As she spoke, Maris made no move to alter her seated position, keeping her legs and arms crossed.  In addition, the woman kept her gaze just as focused, her steely eyes locked on Chias as she rested against against a dresser opposite her.  Despite being seated, Maris still maintained an air of control over the conversation, not giving an inch to her standing conversation partner.  

"And no, I am not confused in the slightest." Maris added after a short pause in the dialogue, content to keep any question's she might have had to herself.  Something about Chias just gave the woman the feeling that the youth was more than willing to give her all she wanted to know without asking.  She seemed a bit on edge and unsure, if only in appearance, but an appearance was more than enough for Maris to assume weakness.

This was a view of Chias, Maris was beginning to show she believed more and more.  Her lack of answers, her slight attitude of superiority, and her body language all conveyed her inner belief that this youngling was little more than some Jedi goody-two-shoes.  Maris, in her time with the order, might have been warmer and more receptive to such a person, as she herself was not too far off from such a personality at the time, but now, Maris could only see these traits as naive and inexperienced.  Were it not for some internal sense of obligation for being saved, Maris doubted she would even remain another moment in Chias' presence.  

Beneath it all, Maris mostly felt the need to be superior to this Jedi because of simply how similar Chias was to herself many years ago, a peroid Maris now looked back upon as a time of pain and loss. 

[jedi334]

Chias said nothing for a time, simply observing blushing as the older woman slightly as she realized Maris was watching just as intently. “Nothing like me.” She thought curiously “So it is clear she is no Jedi…” Her eyes widened ever so slightly as a chilling thought came into her mind.

“A Sith…by the Force did I just save a member of the Sith Order!?!” But she reassured herself realizing panicking would not help anyone. Clearly if this woman was a Sith the High Council would’ve sensed her the minute she set foot on the planet and sent the appropriate Knights to deal with her, yet it was Chias the least likely Jedi that found her nearly half dead in a cave.

This along with the fact she carried no single, double bladed, or dual lightsabers made it even more confusing to the young Historian. True she knew of Knights losing their sabers or had them destroyed in battle but the majority went to constructing new ones almost immediately. Though she had very limited knowledge of how the Sith operated she figured they did things in a similar fashion.

“Or the Master simply kills the apprentice for showing such weakness.” She thought shifting her pale feet as she leaned, noticing her sword hand was close to her saber hilt as she took a breath.

“Be calm Chias.” She thought “If this woman was a Sith you two would be dueling throughout this hotel by now. And by the way she has been talking to me she has very little interest in anything. The ever burning hatred that most Sith exhibit is not there…at least not yet. All I sense is coldness of a once warm heart and the heaviness of loss. But if she is not Sith, then that means she is a---“

“Dark Jedi...” She said finishing her thought aloud to which Maris perked up ever so slightly “You are a Dark Jedi.”

Given her access to the Archive she knew many different types of Jedi classes and positions. Sentinel, Guardian, Consular, Sage, Healer, BattleMaster, High Councilman, Historian she knew them all. She was aware of some rankings of the Sith but never really studied to deeply fearing it might take her down a dark path.

She knew of the Grey Jedi those who walked the thin line between Darkness and Light though had never met one. And lastly she knew of the Dark Jedi, dark side practitioners (be they fallen or rogue Jedi) that used Force abilities and a lightsaber, but were not always members of a certain organization, some eventually joined the Sith

She took a slow breathe gathering her thoughts trying not to let her emotions over take her. “To my knowledge…” she said, her tone staying as neutral as possible “Some Dark Jedi go to Korriban to seek the approval of the Masters of the Academy to begin their training.” She took a tentative step, all the while watching Maris for movement or a reaction “Most leave with their lightsaber.”

Step.

“The clothes on their backs and nothing more…”

Step.

“Never returning to the Temple or the Order…”

Step.

“And yet I find you on Courscant…”

Step.

“Drowning your connection to the Force in alcohol and numbing your senses with a grief you can barely contain…”

Step.

“True the Sith tolerate no weakness, but from your lack of caring of anything I doubt they would wasted time following to collect you.” She said, stopping so she wasn’t encroaching on Maris’ personal space but also showing she was not backing down. “You could’ve gone anywhere yet you came back here to die in a cave…”

Given that this woman could possibly be an enemy, Chias figured that her own thoughts would be suspicious, cautious even combative. A voice screamed in her mind to leave right now and tell the High Council.

But given what the two went through the previous evening and given the fact she could feel the sadness flowing out from Maris…Chias couldn’t bring herself to do it. An unfamiliar feeling that the Echani could not place was in her mind. A need to understand this woman and if she wanted it to help her. Though how Chias did not know how...or more importantly why.

“So tell me…” she said, her face pale features a mixture of confusion, empathy and concern. “Why are you here Maris?”

[Valcor]

The silence between the two women seemed to last an eternity to the elder.  Maris had grown accustomed to the short conversations that made up the majority of her human interaction.  It was either orders for servants, orders for food, or responses to sith lords.  The last of which had only previously been on the list, but Maris could not help but note how preferable being ordered around was to being interrogated by some overzealous Jedi youth.  

The way Chias spoke, that tone of concern-... no, pity even to Maris made the woman uncomfortable in her own skin.  Maris never did anything out of a desire for pity.  When she doped, she did so to forget, when she drank, she did so to numb herself, and when she spoke, it was to either give orders or respond to them.  Pity was for those who did not earn their lot in life, and to Maris, everything hole she fell into, she had dug herself.

When words finally did fill the now claustrophobic space, they held an air of fear rather than one of pity, an oddly welcome change for the ex-Jedi.  "You're a Dark Jedi." echoed through the room in the silence that followed.  To this, Maris only screwed up her face, as Chias' words barely even came close to describing the way ex-Jedi saw herself.  Maris had barely thought about which side of the force she fell on anymore.  To the elder of the two women, the force did not seem so black and white, good and evil.  Maris never left the order in hate or malice, she did so because she felt the Force called her to do so.  

Even when given new purpose by the Sith, Maris still did not see herself as a 'Dark Sider' it was only that.  New purpose.  However, Chias' words still rang with truth the more Maris thought about it.  She had indeed traveled to Korriban to see the Sith Lords, and even held a rank in their order, but again, Maris' vision of where she stood as a Jedi was blurred.  Ever since Mandalore... Maris never even used the word Jedi to describe herself.  'Perhaps this youth has some truth in her words?' Maris thought for only a moment, before banishing any similar thought to the back of her mind, more afraid of their repercussions than out of disagreement.

"There aren't always distinct sides Chias..." the ghost of a woman nearly whispered, the proximity of the other occupant in the now encroaching room grating on Maris' nerves'.  Diverting her gaze from Chias', Maris tried to somehow escape from this discomfort.  Her normal forms of intoxication were nowhere to be found, and it seemed as if Chias' body was now blocking any physical attempt at escape.  'What is with all these people and trapping me?' Maris thought in slight frustration, thinking back on how similarly she felt when in the presence of Lord Visari.  After a moment of glancing around the room, the cool grey eyes of the ex-Jedi fell on the tentative hand babying the hilt of a lightsaber.  Finally finding the strength to respond, Maris commented, "Is it really the Jedi way to strike down the unarmed? Or is this passion again?"  Her tone held a touch of sarcasm, but the serious turn which the dialogue had taken kept Maris from chiding the youth too off-handedly.

Intentionally ignoring the comment as to why Maris was on Coruscant at all, the woman lifted her eyes to Chias' once again, mild irritation now plain in the grey pair, even if it was feigned.  No longer feeling in control of the conversation, Maris abruptly stood up, mid response from Chias, decreasing Maris' already encroached personal space.  Clenching her jaw and steeling her likely quivering voice, the woman spoke once more with no regard for Chais' justification, "Maybe I like Coruscantian ale? Maybe I'm not done with it?" And with that rather curt response, Maris moved to brush past the young historian for the door, eager to be away from this prodding and prying youth, but more so, the memories she seemed so eager to dust off.

[jedi334]

She took a few tentative steps back sensing that despite the Echani best efforts to give her space that the human did not like her being so close. But watching her face she could see that her words sinking in ever so slightly. Whether that was a good or bad thing she was unsure but given what little she knew of Maris it seemed like she rarely listened to anyone.

She moved her hand away from her saber hilt and looked apologetic once Maris brought up the point of her being hostile “No it is not…at least not the way I choose to deal with things.” She said “My father always taught me to be wary of others. Then my Master taught to let that wariness fade when they have shown no ill will toward you.”

She bowed her head slightly “I apologize.” She said “It is just…I have never encountered a Dark Jedi before. I have read historical accounts, holo journal entries of various Knights and Masters and even a few Republic soilders. I attended a few lectures of what drives both Dark and Grey Jedi. You speak of “sides” when it comes to the Force. I must say I agree with you. One gifted with Force sensitivity is not destined to be Jedi, Sith, Dark or Grey nor are they for the Light or Dark side of the Force. It it how the wieldier chooses to use his or her ability that defines them.”

She rocked back and forth on her feet as she talked “Many in the Order thought because I am Echani that the battlefield was my path.” She said “but I chose instead to teach future Jedi. To help them choose their path whatever it may be. You think I am going to bring before the Masters of the High Council but I do not any wish to do so. I simply wish to--”

Her eyes went wide as she saw Maris rise and begin to move to the door and she quickly blocked her from leaving. She knew the human knew was larger and probably stronger than herself and could easily move her, but she had to try and keep her here.

“Wait!” She said “You’ve barely eaten and are still weak. I doubt you'd make it 50 feet from here without collapsing. Drinking more will only worsen your situation...” She saw the woman’s hand move to the opposite bandaged arm and rub it slowly as if to soothe the scorched flesh underneath, Chias saw Maris unconsciously biting down on her lower lip as she fought back the urge to groan from the pain.

“I assume the Sith gave you pain killers to deal with the pain from your burns?” she said moving toward her pack and rummaging through it “I brought something that could help that. True it is not Nar Shadda whiskey…but it will make the pain more manageable.”

She produced two large rolls of dark green cloth bandages, holding one in hand. “The ones you are wearing now are filthy and worn.” She said “Let me put these on…afterwards if you wish to go I will not stop you, but drinking will not help heal your arms.” She gave the woman her best and warmest smile trying to let her know she was no threat.

“Please Maris?”

[Valcor]

As Chias continued to speak on light and dark, good and evil, Maris felt herself grow uncomfortable.  She was not proud of the life she had led, and certainly not the path she had chosen most recently, but being lectured by some Jedi youth made her immediately defensive.  'Who was this girl to pass judgement?' Maris thought to herself as her face twisted into an expression of anger.  In a sudden snap, Maris cut off the girl when Chias offered the bandages.  

"You think I'm in need of your help? You think only by your higher benevolence is some wretched creature like me worthy of saving?!"  Maris gave a short pause, huffing in her mounting rage before stepping forward into Chias' personal space to begin again, "You... think just because you're some Jedi, that I'm beneath you enough that you can strip me in my sleep and take care of me like some wounded animal?  No 'Chias' you're the one who is sick... sick with delusions."

Most of her anger was indeed stemming from the lecture she felt she was being given, but the majority of the rage came from the request to change Maris' bandages.  Maris did not wear the thin pieces of cloth to promote healing on her burn wounds, they had long since healed.  No.  Maris wore the bandages as a reminder, a reminder of how much the universe can hurt, and how much she lost.  Maris wore the tattered remains of the dirty bandages because it was all she had left of a life blown apart, and she was in no mood to lose them.

Snatching the green fresh wrappings from Chias' hands, Maris turned for the door, and without a word stormed out, slamming it behind her as she did so.  Maris wanted to leave this place.  Leave this hotel, but mostly leave this girl that brought up emotions Maris had spent so long burying away.

[jedi334]

She stood dumb founded for just a moment, her usual agile mind moving slowly as it processed what had just happened. Chias then bolted out off the room and down the long hall way, entering the lobby she saw the courtesy droid. It lay crumpled in a sputtering and sparking heap against the back wall, the small impact crater showing it had been slammed.

She could sense this was Maris’ work; thankfully the motel was mostly empty at this point in the day, while she felt bad for the robot if anyone had gotten hurt Chias would never forgive herself.

She ran out on the sidewalk, quickly looking back and forth but not seeing the older woman amidst the ever moving flow of people. She focused her mind on Maris own mental imprint. The ever present cold as it moved eastward.

She moved quickly as she could, nearly shoving people out of the way and running out in the cross walk as she moved. She heard Maris’ accusation of her being arrogant and delusional echoed in her mind, and trying to ignore the thought that she might have been right.

She was only trying to help, that was a Jedi’s purpose after all…to help those in need. But did she overstep her role by assuming Maris wanted her help in the first place? She did open some unseen wound with her questions?

Did she make things worse rather than better?

She followed the cold for two blocks and then stopped at a long entrance to an alley way. The towering megascrappers making it dark and uninviting. It was here the sense of cold ended, she could have followed but doubted she could catch her amongst the billions that lived here.

“MAAAAAAAAAARIS!!!!!!” she called through small cupped hands as her voice echoed slowly down the long corridor, hoping for a response but knowing she would not get one.

She sighed slowly, instinctively bringing her hood up and turning to head back when she stopped, her icy blue eyes catching something.

Lying on the ground just inside the alley’s entrance way there were two long pieces of cloth. They were thin and dirty and looked as if they not been tended to in years, sweat and blood stains pocked each strip.

She knelt down and picked them up…rolling each carefully and biting her bottom lip as she looked down the alley one last time and then headed back to the hotel.

She settled her bill for the room and also gave the human owner enough for repairs to the protocol droid…it would be a while before she had that many credits again but her lack of money was the last thing on her mind.

She returned to the Temple, not going to her garden and taking her meal in her chambers. She then showered, though it consisted of her sitting against the back wall of the large stall and just letting the hot water flow over her, her legs pulled close to her pale body as she hid her face on her knees and cried softly to herself as she experienced her first real failure as a Jedi Knight.

“No 'Chias' you're the one who is sick... sick with delusions."

She lay in bed later that night, holding up Maris’ wrappings and examining them. Her logical side told her to forget the encounter all together. She tried her best but if Maris was to stubborn or so much of addict to see that then it was not the young Echani problem.

But the unknown feeling that Chias felt before still lingered, a feeling that the Force meant for Chias to find Maris in that cave and to help her…that it meant to bring them together.

“A Historian and a Dark Jedi.” She thought, slightly chuckling to herself as she rolled the wrappings up. “I’ve read of strange pairings in the Archive records but I must say that is the strangest. Most of the oppsites do not long together, most simply drift away from each other.”

She slid out of the bed and began to move to the waste basket to throw them away and then stopped biting her bottom lip and moved to her dresser, kneeling down opening the bottom drawer and setting both in the far back as she quickly shut the drawer and sighed a bit.

“Then why do I get the feeling that the Force is not done with either of us?” she thought as she padded back to her small bed “Why do I think...I shall see this woman again?”

She settled into the deep warmth of the comforter as she began to slip into an uneasy sleep, those hard yet beautiful green eyes looking back at her in her mind.

“Why do I think my path…both of our paths…are about to change?”



TO BE CONTINUED...