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Meira
She don't mess around
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Half awake in our fake empire
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Dec 10, 2010 17:44:26 GMT -5
Post by Meira on Dec 10, 2010 17:44:26 GMT -5
The sun was setting crimson and purple along the horizon as the small ship came sailing through the atmosphere. It set a fire that consumed the entire left side of her view port. In contrast, the right side was sinking into inky dark blues and blacks, with the more ambitious stars making their appearance in the sky. Below, the ground was enveloped in a verdant blanket, spotted here and there with the signs of civilization; a tall building, a landing pad. It was for the landing pad that the vessel was bound.
Noiselessly, landing gear emerged from the smooth sides of the small transport's hull, uncurling like claws then bracing as the ship settled its weight onto the ground. The hum of the engines slowly faded as within the cockpit, the vessel's pilot flipped switches, turned knobs, and allowed the machine to rest. Eyes as green as the trees around the landing pad scanned the area, apprehension making them flighty, determination making them sharp. This time there were no children dancing around on the edges of the landing pad, no villagers waving their arms with white teeth smiling a streak across dark skin. No doubt she would find those smiles and those dancing children in the streets of the village. They'd simply not known to come this time.
They'd not known because Meira Valli had not decided to return until she stood in the hangar at the Jedi Temple and one of the hangar crew members informed her that the ship was ready. Meira had meditated for days on end after her talk with Master Took. Much of her confusion now laid in his formation of what he called the Blades of the Order, a group of Jedi that decided to go to war with the Republic against the Sith Empire, in spite of the fact that the Council had not called them to. They were not directly disobeying the Council, but Meira still felt their actions were wrong. That is why she had declined Master Took's invitation.
But she had to put that worry aside. Master Took had told her himself not to rush into anything without being at peace within herself first. She had a feeling that she would not have that peace until she confronted her knowledge of her parents. For other Jedi, the information might not have been so damaging. But for Meira, who'd danced with her uncle, her master, on the edge of what the Council would allow, the news was vertigo-inducing. Overnight, she'd been overwhelmed with a yearning to know her parents, to love them, and be loved by them. It was a basic instinct that she'd never had to face, and it shook her. After days of meditation, she had managed to calm the torrents of emotions. They still flowed through her, but they did not rage as they had at first. Finally, she'd come to the decision that she wanted to face her parents, with all the cards on the table. From there, she didn't know what would happen, but she felt she could not move forward until she had.
And so here she was, walking down the ramp of her ship just over a week since she'd been in the exact same place. The night air was warm, with a dampness to it that indicated rain had recently fallen. Insects, in the millions for sure, sang their songs into the night as the last rays of daytime retreated from the sky. Her boots were crisp against the stone beneath her feet, her robe whispered just behind.
Kia ora Meira! A woman came walking from the building that sat at the edge of the landing pad. Her dread locked hair bounced around her shoulders as she hurried forward to embrace the young Knight.
Tena koe. Meira responded, returning the woman's hug. This same woman had been operating the landing pad last time Meira had arrived, and left.
Do you want me to call the Arik and let him know you have returned?
That's alright. No need to bother him right now. I'll go see him soon. Thank you.
The woman nodded and returned to her post as Meira made her way toward the small Valli clan village. The path that ran to the settlement was wide and cleared for large loads to be brought to and from the landing pad, but this evening, it was empty. The road was not paved, but the years of use, by foot and transports had hardened the packed dirt so that it was nearly like stone. Though the trees that edged the path had been trimmed back, the highest branches still arched overhead, shadowing all that moved beneath it. Small lights were hung at intervals from trees or mounted on poles to light the path, but patches of darkness still lingered in between the the pools of light. It was quiet here, save for the sounds of the forest.
Meira breathed in the air. Her heart still beat somewhat erratically, a sign of the lingering nervousness she felt in spite of her resolve. It wasn't that she feared what would happen. She knew she had the strength and the will to face no matter what came. She knew deep down that, no matter what, she was a Jedi and she would keep to the code. But she worried for Terum and Somi. They'd suffered, and she feared that this would only add to that suffering. But she was here now. She'd made up her mind. The path was before her and she had decided to follow it.
[Kia ora and Tena koe: Maori greetings]
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Rugs
The ring-dang-doo, now what is that?
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Dec 13, 2010 16:54:11 GMT -5
Post by Rugs on Dec 13, 2010 16:54:11 GMT -5
The evening brought silence, and with it, peace. Kaven sat on a large rock near the edge of a pond that was out on the verge of the Valli village. In his hand there was a smaller stone, with a smooth grey surface. He'd been turning it over thoughtfully for a while now, not really paying attention to it or anything, really.
Insects sang a song that filled the air with a gentle hum, and a bird gave its last mournful cry before it went off to turn in for the night. It was beautiful. It was peaceful.
Kaven sighed and shifted on the rock. How long had it been since he'd truly been at peace? It had to have been going on years now. Life in the Sith military was good enough, all things considered, but it was hectic. Chaotic. Always moving from one place to another, never with a chance really settle down. Not that he had anywhere to settle down. There was only one place in the Galaxy that he could really call home, and he was sitting there.
Emerald green eyes flicked to the left as his head turned in the same direction. The village was behind him. It was his home. The people that lived within were his people. If there was one place he could come to settle back down it was here, and he'd gone a decade without returning.
He shook his head and turned back to the pond's still waters.
It wasn't as if he didn't like doing what he did; he'd joined the Imperial Army willingly, if for selfish reasons. And he was damn good at what he did, but...
I'm getting soft, he groused within his head. With an easy flick of his wrist, he tossed the stone out to the pond. One, two, three skips it took before falling into the water. He watched the ripples spread out across the pond's surface, distorting what had been a near-perfect reflection of the sky above.
Being home had been good, in some ways. When he arrived, Kaven had intended only to make a quick stop before continuing on in search of his sister. If he'd stuck to that plan, he would've been long gone. But things had a way of changing. Besides, it wasn't like he had any concrete lead with which to chase her. To find her and capture her, he'd have to be careful. Meticulous. Rushing headlong across the Galaxy would get him nowhere.
He'd find her in time. For now, it wouldn't hurt to take some time to catch his breath. With his defection from the Sith military, it wasn't as if he had anywhere else to go, anyway.
But at the same time, he couldn't stay here for too much longer. Already a week and a half had gone by, and he was getting comfortable here. That couldn't be. That was dangerous.
The distant roar of engines caught his ear and he looked up at the darkening skies to see a speck of light drawing nearer. It was a ship of some sort, and seemed to be heading for the landing pad near the village. Kaven pushed himself up to his feet with a sigh and stretched out. Perhaps he'd go see who the visitor was.
It wasn't like he had anything else to do.
-----------------------
A few minutes later, Kaven was strolling along the path that bridged the land between the village and the landing pad. He'd seen the ship go down to the landing pad as he walked, and so he knew that there was someone arriving. Chances were that it was nothing, but Kaven would go to look anyway. An alarm hadn't been raised, so whoever the arrival was couldn't be an enemy.
The road was wide, and empty save himself, as far as he could tell. No, there was another. A woman was walking further along on the road. She was alone.
Kaven didn't recognize her. The back of his mind tingled with a since of familiarity, but he couldn't place why, exactly.
Could it be her?
He shook his head. The odds of that were so stupidly bad he didn't even want to think about it. He'd see the woman back to the village though.
"Ho, traveler!" he called. Now that they were nearer, he recognized the tattoos on her. They were the Valli markings, as expected.
Maybe it is her... No. Couldn't be. Fate would have to smile on Kaven far too much for him to have his sister dropped into his lap. Kaven pushed his mullings out of mind and put on the same warm smile everyone got from him. The facade was an easy one to wear now, after so many years.
"Welcome to the village," he said, stopping a few paces away from her. "I saw your ship coming in and came out to meet you. I can escort you back, if you'd prefer?"
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Meira
She don't mess around
2,830 posts
583 likes
Half awake in our fake empire
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last online May 11, 2023 23:01:34 GMT -5
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Dec 18, 2010 10:46:58 GMT -5
Post by Meira on Dec 18, 2010 10:46:58 GMT -5
Pulling her robe around herself as she walked, Meira turned her mind to how she planned to broach the subject with Terum and Somi. Would she just find them and blurt it out? Would she feign some forgotten item, or a request of some sort? She couldn't see any use of dancing around it, other than to ease her own mind. But Meira highly doubted that any amount of stalling would do anything but make things worse. She supposed she'd just trust herself to find the right words when the moment came.
"Ho, traveler!"
Her eyes had been on the ground before her, so they darted up at the sound of the voice. Farther along the trail, a figure walked. She could not make out his features well, as the light behind him on the path made him seem little more than a shadow. But as the two neared, and he stopped some feet before her, Meira made out the man's features. The clan tattoo, so prominent on the faces of her people was the first thing she noticed. Followed by his height and eyes. A very bright green. The Valli had many green eyed members, but the brightest green....
"Welcome to the village. I saw your ship coming in and came out to meet you. I can escort you back, if you'd prefer?"
She smiled. Perhaps some cousin... Thank you. She said, inclining her head slightly to accompany the words. I think I would like the company. The village was not far away. Already she could hear the muffled sounds of life. As she continued, her new companion falling in beside her, she noted that the air around them seemed to be growing brighter, and affect from the brightness of the village streets, she was sure.
She turned her eyes on the man, studying him again in the growing light. He had a strong nose, and chin, so much like Terum's. He must be a cousin. The thought made her wonder. If she was to reveal her knowledge of her parents, should she know her relationship to the rest of the clan? Should she know her cousins? Her aunts and uncles? Did she even have any? I have a brother...
The thought almost made her stop in her tracks. But she continued the walk, not wanting to have to explain herself to this man. This man who looked very much like Terum. More so every time she glanced at him. No. Somi misses her son as much as she misses me. He must have left the clan a long time ago.
They were nearing the village now, Meira could see some of the buildings up ahead, faint shadows of people moving around beyond them. Meira realized she'd spent their entire short walk in silence.
I'm sorry. She said, as they were closing on on the buildings. She could hear people's voices now. I never asked your name. She presented her hand to him, and at that moment, two children came running by. Meira had to pull her arm back as the children ran between herself and the man, squealing with laughter in their chase. When they were safely past, she held her hand out to him again. My name is Meira.
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Rugs
The ring-dang-doo, now what is that?
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Jan 6, 2011 12:59:47 GMT -5
Post by Rugs on Jan 6, 2011 12:59:47 GMT -5
"Of course," said Kaven with a slight bow of his head to the woman, "it would be my pleasure." His smile was warm, his tone welcoming and friendly. It really had gotten easy to wear that mask over the years. He was starting to wonder if lingering here in the village was making it a little too easy, making the mask a little too comfortable.
It didn't matter. Within a few days, he'd be gone from this place and back on the hunt for his sister.
Now that he was nearer to the new arrival, he was able to get a better look at her. She was one of the clan, but he'd known that on seeing the tattoos. More than that, that nagging sense of familiarity kept eating away at the back of his mind, but he didn't know why. This woman wasn't one that he'd seen before, as far as he could tell. Why the feeling then?
Could she be...? He cast a sidelong glance at her from the corner of his eyes, then shook his head slightly. No. Meira just left this place. What reason would she have for coming back? He sighed quietly, looking up at the aura of light that continued to bloom as they drew nearer to the village. I don't even know what she looks like these days, anyway.
Finally, they reached the outskirts of the village. The dim din of conversation was clear now, steadily breaking the silence that had at once only been punctuated by the birds' calls. Kaven could hear the sound of two children running about, and they were visible for a moment before darting off behind a building again. Verin's kids, no doubt. Those two kids were always up to something, it seemed.
"I'm sorry. I never asked your name."
Kaven, who'd drifted off into his own thoughts for a moment, blinked at the sound of her voice. "Oh," he started with a soft chuckle, "I'm-" suddenly the two kids went running through, cutting him short and making her withdraw her hand. Kaven stared after them for a moment, shaking his head.
"My name is Meira."
"Verin should tell those kids to pay more attention to where they're running," he groused before looking back to her and taking her hand. "Nice to meet you Meira. I'm Kaven."
He shook her hand, let his grip withdraw and turned to continue on toward the village...
And then it hit him.
"My name is Meira."
There's no way. Kaven stopped after taking only a single step. His body was still and stiff as a board. It can't be her. His breath stopped for a moment and his heart pounded in his chest.
Was it really her? After all the years of brooding and searching and hunting, was it really her? Had she just unwittingly delivered herself into his grasp?
He let his posture relax, trying to keep his mind clear. If she was his sister, he couldn't let her know how he really felt about her. Instead, he turned around to face her again, that same warm mask still on.
"I'm sorry, you said your name is Meira? The same Meira that went on to become a Jedi, if I know the story right?" He smiled at her. "I mean, if you are that would make you my sister.
"I didn't think I'd ever get to see you again." Kaven chuckled softly, as if amused just enough at some thought to laugh a little bit. "I just got back here myself not too long ago; I thought I'd missed my only chance when I heard that I got here right after you left."
He studied her for a moment. So here was Sister. Delivered right into his hands. It was almost too good to believe.
"Though, I find myself wondering what brings you back to the village so soon after leaving?"
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Meira
She don't mess around
2,830 posts
583 likes
Half awake in our fake empire
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last online May 11, 2023 23:01:34 GMT -5
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Jan 21, 2011 10:33:18 GMT -5
Post by Meira on Jan 21, 2011 10:33:18 GMT -5
Kaven. She repeated the name with a smile. A pleasure.
Like her companion, Meira had turned once again to continue the walk into the village. But when Kaven stopped, it took her another step or two to register that he was no longer at her side. She turned to find him standing very still. She couldn't help but sense a moment of... what was that? It was an intense sensation, but so quick to fade that she'd barely felt it at all. Within a blink of the eye, Kaven was relaxed again, that easy smile returning to his face. He did look so much like Terum.
"I'm sorry, you said your name is Meira? The same Meira that went on to become a Jedi, if I know the story right?"
The same. She replied, her smile modest.
"...that would make you my sister."
I- sister? Now it was Meira's turn to pause. Could it truly be? Her eyes looked into his again, that bright, vibrant green. How could there be any doubt? How could she not have known instantly? She felt a rush of compassion for the man. Though he was a stranger by all rights, she couldn't stop the feeling. She wanted to hug him. But just as quick as the emotion came, so came the hesitance. Now she had to confront this, as well as her parents. She chewed on the inside of her lip as he spoke, trying to decide how to handle this. She certainly hadn't expected him.
"Though, I find myself wondering what brings you back to the village so soon after leaving?"
Hmm? Oh, I... Was there really anything else to do than just face it all? She turned to continue their walk into the village, though she kept herself slightly turned toward him to speak.
Well, Kaven, you must remember my... our uncle Evos? He took me away to the Jedi? Well, when I reached the age, he took me as his padawan, his apprentice. He taught me all about our people. He even brought me back to get the clan tattoos. Were you not here then? I know you've been gone a long time, I heard Terum and Somi talking about it.
They reached an open square in the village, a fountain in the middle. She sat down on the edge, her eyes studdying her feet for a moment. Anyway, Evos took great care to keep the knowledge of our family a secret. As Jedi, we aren't supposed to form attachments. But he wanted me to know our culture. It was a fine balance. And then... After he died, well... I've learned who Terum and Somi really are. And now I know who you are as well. I know it must not seem such a grave thing to you, but this knowledge is something that I have to learn to accept... and then let go of.
She chuckled, turning her head to look at the fountain. She ran her fingers across the surface of the water and took a deep breath. It was a lot to unload. Perhaps she should have waited... but she did feel a measured amount of relief. That was a lot for our first meeting, wasn't it? I'm sorry. She turned her eyes back on the man that was her brother, still unsure of what that would mean.
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Rugs
The ring-dang-doo, now what is that?
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Feb 12, 2011 12:36:38 GMT -5
Post by Rugs on Feb 12, 2011 12:36:38 GMT -5
He watched the woman through his mask as she started to move again. Meira... Sister.... Jedi. If ever he'd been an unidentifiable cocktail of emotions, it was now. Oh, part of him simply longed to laugh! To throw his head back and cackle in delight! So many years of waiting and searching and hoping and then his sister simply dropped herself into his lap.
But on the other hand...
He could feel the disdain rising in his gut already. It tasted of bile and disgust and hate. Here was the woman who'd taken the hearts of everyone in the village, who'd stolen all the praise away from him when he'd actually done things, simply because she could touch the Force. It had been incredible. They'd lauded all sorts of praise and adoration onto her, when she was too young and too stupid to understand a word of it.
Jealousy's seed had been planted that day. And over the years it'd bloomed and bore the fruit of full-on hatred.
But sister can't see that. No, no, she can't know yet. He smiled at Meira as they walked along, listening to her as she talked. I have to welcome her back with open arms, of course. And it would be those open arms that planted the knife in her back. All he needed was time. And caution. Had to keep his thoughts shielded, clouded behind a mask as he'd been taught to do in his time with the Jedi Hunters. Couldn't have dear sister learning how he really felt before the time came.
"Well, Kaven, you must remember my... our uncle Evos? He took me away to the Jedi? Well, when I reached the age, he took me as his padawan, his apprentice. He taught me all about our people. He even brought me back to get the clan tattoos. Were you not here then? I know you've been gone a long time, I heard Terum and Somi talking about it."
"No, I was not," he said, shaking his head as they came into the village's square. A few people milled about, but it was quiet now. Peaceful. "I've been away for many years now. Couldn't stay here, as nice at it is." As he looked over to her he flashed a little smile and shrugged slightly. "Wanderlust, some call it. Needed to move, get out and see the Galaxy for myself. Doesn't seem to be part of me to just be able to stay in one place for long."
He stopped when they reached the fountain. His sister sat, but he remained standing, letting his thoughts churn within his mind. One of his fingers ran along the craggy stone as she began to speak again, and he listened, nodding when she was through.
"No, no, it's fine. I'm sure it's a lot for you." Kaven chuckled softly in his throat and turned around to sit next to her. The stone around the edge of the fountain was a little damp, but he didn't mind. "It was a lot for me, even, when I came home." Again he let a faint let smile touch the edge of his lips as he leaned back, putting his hands on the rim to steady himself. "I've been here for about two weeks now. Actually arrived right after you left--as you were leaving. I know, what are the odds? I never thought I'd get to see you again, but.... Here you are again."
He chuckled as he looked around the square, watching the little group of children come running back in as they played. "I'm very glad to see you again, though. Especially since we've never really been able to have a real meeting, since you were so young last I saw you."
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Meira
She don't mess around
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Half awake in our fake empire
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Feb 19, 2011 11:33:38 GMT -5
Post by Meira on Feb 19, 2011 11:33:38 GMT -5
"You're like Evos then." She said, her eyes lighting up with her smile. "He was the same way, always on the move. I got to learn so much because he wanted to be out there." She jutted her chin upward, emphasizing the last word and referencing the sky and the stars. She hadn't much shared that same passion for adventure. She enjoyed her journeys with Evos, of course, but she was also content to be in the temple, or here, she supposed.
"I'm very glad to see you again, though. Especially since we've never really been able to have a real meeting, since you were so young last I saw you."
She smiled, and got that urge to hug this man again. It was strange, feeling such an affection again. She hadn't felt it since Evos died. But the affection she'd bore for him had taken time to develop. Even though she knew him to be her uncle, as his padawan, Meira saw Evos fist and foremost as a teacher. Yet now she felt that bond so quickly that she wondered if it was genuine. Did it come because they shared blood? Was it an instinctual thing? Or was she fabricating it? Was her mind creating this feeling simply because she believed families were supposed to feel this way for each other?
"Meira! Meira! You're back!" A small group of children came running up to the two siblings. Their little arms reached out, patting her on the shoulders and tugging at her hair playfully, Meira laughed, her own hands reaching out to tickle under their skinny arms, causing them to recoil and squeal with laughter. Then, quick as they came, they were off again, shouting her name at anyone they passed.
"They'll stir up the whole village in a matter of minutes." She said, rolling her eyes as the children disappeared from sight. She sighed and stood up, stretching slightly. "Well, I better go say hello to our parents." she said. The words sounded so strange. She turned her eyes back to Kaven. "Would you come with me?" She was certainly nervous. She didn't know if his presence would really help, but it couldn't hurt.
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Rugs
The ring-dang-doo, now what is that?
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Mar 9, 2011 15:42:23 GMT -5
Post by Rugs on Mar 9, 2011 15:42:23 GMT -5
She said he was like Evos. Those words made Kaven smile a little bit in spite of himself. Terum had told him the same thing ago, when he first returned to this place about two weeks ago. Maybe it was true then, that things like that ran in the blood. Or, maybe it would have been true if Kaven was speaking the truth to his dear sister. Or more than half-truths at least. Sure, he'd travelled a great deal in his time away and had seen things ranging from the Empire's greatest grandeur to the chaos of the front lines of a battle, but not because there was some inherent desire buried deep in his bones to cross the stars.
Meira could not know that, though.
Most importantly of all, she could never know the real reason he'd left; that would have to remain a secret, tight under lock and key, until the time was right. Until that time came--and hopefully it would be sooner rather than later--she would see what she wanted to see. She'd see the facade, as so many others had. Kaven would just have to take care that the mask did not get too comfortable, lest it become a problem for him to take it off.
"Meira! Meira! You're back!"
Kaven looked over at the sound of the eager young voices to see some more children come running up to them. He watched as they assaulted his sister with their affection, touching her and playing with her hair, and he even chuckled softly as she tickled them back.
"Yeah, I suppose they will, if the village hasn't already started to stir." Amusement, almost genuine, twinkled in his vibrant jade eyes as he looked at her with that warm smile plastered on his face. "Word spreads fast in this little place, you know. Wouldn't surprise me if a herd of people came running out to see you in the next few moments."
Chuckling, he stood up and nodded to her question. "Of course," said he jovially, stretching his arms and back out, "I thought you might want to go see them." A little smile grew on his face as he looked at her and he started to walk off in the direction of their parents' residence, knowing she would follow. "Stars only know they'll be delighted to see you again."
A bird gave its last song of the night as he led her on through the village. It was a wonderful sound, echoing through the evening's quiet with a mournful beauty. Kaven glanced back to Meira as it sounded. "In fact, now that I think about it, this will be the first time in a very, very long time we'll all be together as a family, won't it?" He smiled again and chuckled to himself as he turned to face the front again.
"I think that will just make it even more special."
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Meira
She don't mess around
2,830 posts
583 likes
Half awake in our fake empire
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Apr 2, 2011 14:25:24 GMT -5
Post by Meira on Apr 2, 2011 14:25:24 GMT -5
"Terum! Terum! Wake up you big oaf!"
A sharp smack rang out as the fabric of a cleaning cloth lashed out, striking just at the tip against Terum's uncovered arm. The man's eyes shot open as his mouth let out a grunt at the sudden pain. Rubbing the spot on his shoulder, those vermillion eyes squinted at the woman standing over him with about as much wrath as a lazy old dog could muster.
"Woman..." he began, but Somi cut him off, waving her hand in front of his face to silence him. Indignantly, he clamped his lips shut as she pushed his legs down from the couch he'd been napping on and sat down. The sheer joy that was lighting up her face ensured his silence continued until she finally spoke.
"Terum, it's a miracle!" she announced, her eyes dancing and happy. He watched his wife, waiting for her to say more, but it seemed her throat was stopped by a squeal of delight. Confounded, he opened his mouth to demand what miracle was so great that it would require waking him, when he heard the door open. Terum and Somi both turned their heads to the door.
There, in the dim light and framed by the night sky behind them, stood two remarkably similar beings. As their features became even more clear, Terum's eyes widened in shock as he realized these were his children, both of them. His mouth, still open from his interrupted response to his wife bobbed a time or two before he decidedly closed it and stood.
Gathering his composure, Terum aproached the two, extending his arm to clasp his son on the shoulder as he cleared his throat. "Kaven, I see you've met Meira. I don't know if you are old enough to remember when Evos came and took her away to the Jedi." His eyes looked into Kaven's, as if trying to get the younger man to play along with the story. But Meira stepped forward then, smiling.
"It's alright. Kaven and I did meet, just as I landed." Her eyes moved from Terum to Somi, and then back again. "I've come back because I need to speak to you about something. It's good that Kaven is here. Can we sit down?"
The four moved around, until all were settled in the main living room of the Valli clan leader's home. It was quiet for a few moments. Terum and Somi sat, curious, waiting for Meira to speak. The young knight took those quiet moments to settle herself, find a center within, and to breathe.
"Evos took great pains to help me keep a balance between my heritage and my life as a Jedi. I know he employed you both in this task, as well as every other knowing member of our clan. I can't tell you how much it means to me that you all have done this for me. I'm sure that Evos is proud of us all. But, if he were still alive, I wonder if he'd ever have told me the truth. Part of me believes he would. He knew his own family, after all, surely he would want to guide me in the same."
She took a breath, steadying her nerves for the next part. Without thinking, her eyes glanced up to connect with Kaven's. She found a reassurance in his presence and, contrived or not, she was glad for it, and glad that he was here.
"The day I left, after visiting with Arichi, I accidentally overheard the two of you speaking." Her eyes focused on the elderly Kiffar clan leaders now. "I know who you are to me now."
Somi gasped, her hand covering her mouth as she turned to Terum, as if he would have some answer, some solution to why her heart had suddenly stopped beating. But Terum was still as stone, his eyes unfocused as his mind processed Meira's words. Somi's eyes began to water as she finally turned back to her daughter.
She stood, slowly approaching the daughter she had not held as her own since she'd given her up as an infant to become a stranger. She clasped Meira's hands and sank down next to her, tears flowing freely. Meira fought to control her breathing. Somi's emotions were strong and they filled the air around her so thoroughly it was hard not to become wrapped up in them.
Then Terum rose from his place, also crossing toward his daughter. As he moved past Kaven, his hand grasped his son's shoulder. He sat down next to Meira, putting his arm around her, his hand finding Somi's back. His other hand extended toward Kaven, holding his arm just above the elbow.
"I never believed this moment could have happened. I have dreamed for many years of my children at home with us this way, but I never believed..." His voice caught and Terum stopped, unable to continue.
Meira's relief at the burden lifted was profound, but the emotions of her parents were overwhelming. The love, the pride, the years of pain they'd suffered, she could feel it all. It was all she could do not to drown in it, not to give in and accept it. She couldn't do that. Meira had feared this moment. In all the meditiation she'd done since discovering this truth, she knew that the most dangerous moment would be this one. This was the time of uncertainty, where two paths were open to her. This was the point that she could not plan, for she did not know how she would feel at this time.
And she felt so many things. The prospect of the love she could share with a family, with her parents and brother, was a powerful thing. If she chose, she could remain here for the rest of her life. She could sleep under their roof, prepare food with her mother. She could watch children play in the streets and among the fountains. She could find love here, have children of her own to share this feeling with. It was a beautiful and powerful dream.
But it was just a dream.
Meira was a Jedi. Even now, amidst the peaceful possibility of a life here among her family, she could feel that it would not be her life. She had a connection to the Force. It ran deep within her and called her to a different purpose. It called her to a life that was not for herself, but meant to serve others. She could not deny that calling that echoed in her bones any more than she could deny her own name. She was a Jedi, and even this... this most perfect promise of happiness could not bury that calling deep enough.
She could let go of them. She'd not been certain before, but now, somehow, she knew that she could. Squeezing Somi's hand, Meira stood, stepping away from the embraces of her parents and turning back around to face them, and Kaven as well.
"I know I've caused so much pain and worry in your lives, and I fear I've caused more by coming here again. But I had to. With this knowledge, I was unsure of myself and my future as a Jedi. A wise man told me that I needed to be at peace with myself before I could move on. I've found that peace, but it means that I have to let you go. Your love has helped me, more than I could ever explain. But I cannot return here. I'm sorry."
She turned and moved quickly to the door. It opened, then closed behind her. Meira didn't look back. Any more time in that house would have pulled her in. The ties had to be cut. She knew now that she had the strength to walk away, but knowing and doing were two different things. The steps were hard to take, but they were taken all the same.
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