The Heron's Song (Rugs)

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Note: bold italics can either be felt (regular bold italics) or heard and felt (colored bold italics) in the force.

Song link

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The wind tousled her hair gently as she stood at the railing of the viewing platform, her little guardian perched on one shoulder, tail curled over the other to help keep her balanced. The heavy green and gold colored coat fastened around her kept the wind that swept down from the tall cliffs and rocks of the bay city from blowing right through her. It had been a remarkably good investment…something that still surprised her. For the moment, however, the fugitive’s mind was elsewhere. The scenery, mainly, was what she decided to focus on…from the terraced city, to the imposing and almost majestic alabaster statue of what she’d heard tell was called a ‘tidebringer,’ right down to the glistening water that sparkled and danced and foamed beneath the ship as it ran smoothly through the waves.

Leaning forward on the railing with her forearms, Aunna mused silently over her most recent dealings with the force. After all, there was a reason she was coming to this specific city. It was a…vague…reason, to put it mildly, and she couldn’t remember half of it; see…that reason was a dream. Eressea had looked at her as if she’d lost her mind when she’d mentioned it; the fact that she was following a dream she’d had the night before seeming to settle wrong with the little droid. Not that Aunna really blamed her…it was still a rather far-fetched notion to her as well, but the urge to go to that city was just too great to ignore for long. Of course, she’d resisted a bit, a day or two perhaps, before that nagging draw on her finally getting the best of the woman’s willpower.

Of course, Eressea had been even less pleased to hear that there had been a man involved in her companion’s dream. “A big bear of a man” Aunna had said…as if things weren’t bad enough. Oh Vex would have an absolute fi—wait, no, maybe not. He had left her, after all…though that was an oddity in and of itself to the little droid. Whatever the case they were here now, the ship slowing as it reached port and docking with the practiced ease of many similar travels. Standing straight once more, Aunna turned to watch the observation deck clear of people as they disembarked, following after them once there was only a small crowd of stragglers like herself left.

As the woman made her way down to the lower deck and toward the pier, the REA perched on her shoulder shifted around to peer behind them at the people there before scanning the rest of the area around them. ”Well, here we are…where is this mysterious stranger of yours? Or was he destined to pick you up for a night on the town and is here waiting for you?” Now that statement bothered her…Aunna, obviously not Eressea. Stopping suddenly just at the edge of the pier, Aunna turned a scathing ‘green’ eyed gaze onto the droid settled atop her shoulder. It actually made the droid hunker down, her illusionary wings flicking in a blue and yellow tinted agitation. Good, she thought as she started walking again, maybe she’ll think twice about being snarky with me today. I’ve got enough to think about without having her act like I’m doing something wrong.

After walking down a few of the streets and meandering up the sloped and winding paths, she finally spoke. ”I don’t know either, Eressea. I don’t know where or why…not yet, but I have to find out.” There was a short, digitized, sigh from her shoulder but not another sound. Yes, she felt about the same way about the situation…confused and a bit frustrated, at least. At least it was a nice day out, even though it felt…wrong.

Pausing near a fountain, she gazed at the carved angelic figures riding sculpted waves of spray and miniature tidebringers. The image of the sparkling water dancing down off the curve of the waves and the hooded, robed, and winged beings seemed to stir something in her and she sighed heavily as she moved toward it quietly. The whole day felt wrong, her day…her world…off kilter, even though she was enjoying the early evening air and the scenery. Perhaps it was because she was enjoying them that it seemed so wrong. She certainly didn’t feel any immediate danger, or sneaking suspicions of something bad creeping up on her. So, for the longest few moments, she gazed at the fountain as she sat on its edge.

…Vex…why?

Quiet echoes of a song she’d hoped to forget stirred in her heart again, through the void he’d carved into it when he’d left her.

...The smile when you tore me apart…

Shaking her head, Aunna stubbornly tried to suppress not only the images of that night on Coruscant, but memories of burning ebony eyes set in handsome leonine features…mask or no. For a moment Eressea stirred on her shoulder again, the little droid’s systems readings fluctuating for a moment before returning to normal once more. She was used to it by now, the sometimes frustrating readings she got whenever her partner or Vex had used the force in too close a proximity to her. For a moment she wondered just what was going on in her companion’s mind, but she didn’t dare ask at this point.

Not that she needed to once that clear voice started singing softly.

”Sparkling angel
I believe
You are my saviour
In my time of need”

“Green” eyes were fixed on the dancing water in the fountain as she let her senses expand subconsciously. Her mind, however, was still fixated on the man she still had dreams about…still felt against her at night sometimes, only to wake and find him gone. It was funny, how she remembered him moving fluidly, like water, sometimes when he practiced.

”Sparkling angel
Couldn’t see
Your dark intentions
Your feelings for me.

Fallen angel
Tell me why?
What is the reason?
The thorn in you’re eye…”

Again she wondered just how good an actor he was. He was certainly better than Andrew…but why so possessive of her if he had simply planned on getting rid of her in the end? It was best not to think about it too much, every time she did it only hurt her more, but…there were things that…didn’t fit. Was he like Andrew, or wasn’t he? Had he just been using her…or hadn’t he? For a moment her senses reached through her thoughts to the forefront of her mind, feeling the movement of the air, the movement of the water and the people around before falling into the background once again.

”You showed me dreams
I wished they’d turn into real
You broke a promise
And made me realize
It was all just a lie…”

He’d taken her heart…hells, she’d given him her heart…and he’d torn it to shreds, along with her hopes of being any sort of trained. At least by him. With all they’d been through she’d hoped that…well, that he would have kept that promise. The promise to train her. Of course, he’d said that one day she would need another master, but…she hadn’t figured it would be because of this. Never because of this. Slowly she began trying to turn her mind away from him as her eyes wandered up the marble and bronzium fountain. What would he think of her moping like this? He’d likely call her a fool or something of the kind.

Maybe she was.

It certainly wasn’t a stretch of the mind, considering all she’d done for a dark jedi…and especially not since, on the edges of her senses, she could feel him.

”This world may have failed you
It doesn’t give the reason why
You could have chosen
A different path in life…

…The smile when you tore me apart…”

Her thoughts focused on the familiar sensation…something that, though she didn’t know it, had even become a part of her, if only in hints and whispers. That calm poise and self assurance, the warmth (though veiled most times, and rare enough), the inner strength, fortitude, and protectiveness…she could feel every nuance of that silken presence as if he were standing directly behind her. In fact, the more she focused on the sensation, the more clearly she could feel it, her spirit wrapping itself up in the sensation until, suddenly, she seemed to jolt (mentally at least) and stop singing immediately.

The sudden stop had been caused by a mixture of things, not the least of which being Eressea digging her front claws into her shoulder…the other being the fact that, suddenly, she’d felt Vex’s presence a little too clearly. Clearly enough to startle, and almost frighten, her…enough to get her to pay closer attention to the fact that there was someone coming her direction.

…A big bear of a man at that.

…Wait…what?

[Rugs]

Two Mythics left one of Agoue's great marble administrative buildings, high up at the top of the city's terraced slopes. "That meeting went well," one remarked to the other. "More so than I'd expected." HE was a great bear of a man, with a thick barrel chest and a massive arms. But his face was kind, his bright blue eyes perceptive, but friendly. He wore a fine dark blue tunic with the Mythics' Star in white on the breast, and fine trousers tucked into the top of dark brown boots. The black hair on his head was neatly trimmed, and greying slightly at the temples. He had the look of a veteran to him; his posture was relaxed but firm, and his stride had a subtle dangerous sort of grace to it. The broadsword that hung from his hip added to that image.

"I suppose," the other answered. He was shorter, smaller than the other, though he was well built as well. He wore robes instead of a tunic and trousers, with a red and gold armband around his left bicep, and a green sash around his slender waist. The wind gently licked at his auburn hair as he leaned against a rail on the far side of the street and looked at the city that spread out below. "The Etherium operations are still having problems that will need to be handled, though, Bors."

The larger man grunted. "Yes, Kvothe, I'm well aware. But these problems come from brigands. Likely from people trying to find a way to get food for their families. You know how the southern Plains have been dealing with a drought as of late."

Kvothe snorted. "The reason's irrelevant. They're still committing a crime. To steal Etherium from a mining operation is a direct affront to the jurisdiction of the To-"

"Kvothe," Bors cut it, drawing the young man to turn back to look at him over his shoulder. The orange was still there, in that thing ring around the outside of his irises. Mythos, what had turned him into such a hardliner about everything lately? "People that want to feed their families are not our enemies. They have done wrong, yes, but they have killed no one, caused no damage. We will ensure that it doesn't happen again, but these are the situations where we can help people. Not everyone deserves fire raining from the sky on them because they stepped poorly."

Kvothe looked at him for a long time. Bors swore he saw the man mutter the word 'soft' under his breath before he turned around, shaking his head slightly. "As you say, Bors. I will defer to your judgment, of course."

Bors resisted the urge to slap Kvothe. The boy's tone had been on the verge of mocking. "Yes, First Sword, Algaterra, you will." He sighed and shook his head slightly. "You mentioned being hungry before we went in to the meeting."

Kvothe nodded silently.

"Go on, then. Find a place to eat. I'll be in the lower levels. It shouldn't be hard for you to find me." Despite the size of the city and the millions of people that filled it. Bors was the closest thing Kvothe had to a master, and it was easy for one of them to feel the other through the currents of the Mythos.

"As you say," Kvothe muttered again. He pushed himself off the rail and turned to leave with little more than two clacks of his tongue to fall his familiar along.

Bors watched Kvothe's retreatign back for a moment and shook his head before he started toward a way that would lead down toward the heart of the city.

Something was changing in that boy. Bors wasn't sure exactly what, but ever since they'd returned to the Tower from the mission into the mountains where Kvothe's brother had led an ambush... He shook his head again. Kvothe was turning into a different man than the one he knew. The Kvothe he'd known would never beat and kill a girl, even if she was a prisoner. Nor had he been so unwilling to see anything but the harshest of punishments for the smallest of transgressions. His life had been difficult, yes, and the pressures he faced immense, but that was no reason for him to change like this. To let the pressures shape him.

What a shame, he mused quietly. Just as some had been starting to discuss raising him to High Sword. It would have made Kvothe one of the youngest in the Swords' history. Certainly the youngest of the current group. But any chance of that had been killed with his recent antics.

Bors pushed those thoughts from his mind. One way or another, Kvothe would be dealt with before caused more trouble. How that happened was entirely in the Rilan's hands. But there was no use mulling it now.

And so he wandered on through the city. There wasn't anything in particular he had to do, or anywhere he had to be. That was fine; it was nice to just be able to walk the streets freely, instead of on business of the Tower. Besides, it was rare that he came this far east.

As he meandered along the city's streets and pathways, he found the Mythos leading him along. To what, he couldn't say, but he'd learned long ago to trust the Mythos' call. On he went, until eventually, he heard a voice. Singing. He heard it through the Mythos before he heard it with his ears, oddly enough.

He looked around, for a moment, letting his senses ease out gently to lead him to the source, and that was when he saw her. A woman, near one of the Tidebringer fountains. There was a droid of some sort on her shoulder. And he could feel the Force in her.

Interesting, he thought as he watched her. It almost seemed like she was using it as some sort of meditation, though the song seemed mournful.

She stopped and seemed to notice him as he approached. "Hello," he said with a polite bow of his head. He came to a stop a few paces away from her. "I couldn't help but to be drawn to you once I felt your singing through the Mythos." He smiled softly. "It was a beautiful thing.

"But, ah, where are my manners? I am Bors." He held a massive hand out for her to shake. "High Sword of the Swords of Diligence, defender of Aiaru and of the Stellar Mythics."

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Even as ‘green’ eyes watched him approach, Aunna had to admit that he proved a rather impressive figure. Eressea was speaking softly into her ear, but the words seemed to be lost on her for a moment as she paid more attention to the deep, steady and strong rhythm of the man’s presence. It was certainly calming and most definitely thick with the force, but was that going to turn out being a good thing or not? The knowledge had her consciously hardening her mind and reigning in her emotions, not sure what he may, or may not, try as far as prying into her mind. As he paused before her, though, he gave her a little bow of his head and she found herself struggling with the sense of déjà vu that crashed over her from her dream.

“Hello. I couldn’t help but to be drawn to you once I felt your singing through the Mythos. I was a beautiful thing.”

That dream had become foggy as the days passed, many of the clear details being lost or smudged in her mind like the running paint on a wet picture, but this situation found her remembering it clearly. Even as he spoke she had to blink up at him, feeling a bit startled at the situation. Aunna didn’t believe she would ever get used to facing her visions coming to life before her waking eyes…ever. Everything from the scene behind him, to the smells, to the very sight and voice of him had her off balance simply because it was so accurate. Certainly it wasn’t as bad as when she’d remembered her previous visions of Vex, but it still shook her up because of the simple fact that the very details had been so precise.

“But, ah, where are my manners. I am Bors, High Sword of the Swords of Diligence, defender of Aiaru and of the Stellar Mythics.”

How does he deal with these visions so calmly? Every time I have one and I see it realized it spooks me…DRAT! And he heard me…of course he did. I should have known better than to sing in a public place like this… It wasn’t until a small cough from her shoulder and a sharp prick of Eressea’s claws that Aunna snapped out of her thoughts and noticed his outstretched hand, blushing just slightly from her embarrassment.

”I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean…ah…I’m Lumina, and this is Eressea.” Eressea shook her head slightly as Aunna finally seemed to find her voice, taking the man’s hand and shaking it after she stood. Those holographic wings of hers were stained a mixture of protective and wary copper, a mildly curious peridot, and a frustrated amber color as she watched the interaction silently. Only upon being introduced did she bother to give out a simplistic, ”hello, Mr. Bors,” before falling silent again. Internally all Aunna could do was sigh. Of course…after their last encounter with a Mythic, she couldn’t exactly blame her companion for being so brief.

”I admit, I wasn’t expecting a Mythic. No offense, but I almost wish you weren’t…the last time I came across some of your order the encounter was…less than pleasant.” She paused a moment, tucking some of her rich auburn hair behind her ear, forcing Eressea to shift her position on her shoulder to keep from falling off or getting a face full of forearm. In fact, the REA moved completely onto the opposite shoulder and hooked her tail under Aunna’s arm and around the woman’s side to help keep herself steady as she settled on her haunches.

”Indeed…threats are hardly inviting or appealing. That instance almost had us leaving Aiaru prematurely.”

Aunna could only glance over at her companion, for once baffled on what had made the droid decide to speak up. She hadn’t intended to bring up any more of that interaction than was necessary, and certainly hadn’t planned on mentioning the fact that she’d nearly left the planet because of it. Then again, she also hadn’t expected Eressea to argue the benefits and reasons for staying on the planet as opposed to leaving it, which was what Aunna had expected.

"...That...is certainly true. By the way, thank you for the compliment...about my singing, I mean. I've gotten it before but it's...normally nice to hear." That's right, "normally." After all, she could name a few instances where it hadn't been a compliment she'd wanted to hear from the person saying it.

[Rugs]

A small smile touched Bors' face as Aunna took his hand and shook it. His hand was massive, and were it any larger, it might have swallowed hers, but his grip wasn't crushing. It was firm, but there was a gentleness to it, just as there was a gentleness to this giant of a man.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Lumina," he said, nodding slightly to her. His eyes flicked to the droid on her shoulder and he nodded again, if a bit less than he had to the woman. "And you, Eressea." With introductions made, he let his hand fall back to his side.

”I admit, I wasn’t expecting a Mythic. No offense, but I almost wish you weren’t…the last time I came across some of your order the encounter was…less than pleasant.”

Is that so? Bors kept his expression smooth at that revelation. His weight shifted slightly from his left leg to his right. He raised a hand to rest on the top of his belt. What Mythic might've made a fool of themself to an offworlder? Perhaps a new recruit.

”Indeed…threats are hardly inviting or appealing. That instance almost had us leaving Aiaru prematurely.”

Now Bors' face did show a response. His thick eyebrows lifted, then furrowed in thought. "I see..." Someone had goofed. And Mythos help whoever it was if he found out who it was. Mistakes, he could deal with in stride, but stupidity and threats to those outside the Order were not things that would go unpunished.

Especially if they were of the nature that nearly had someone fleeing the blasted planet.

" "...That...is certainly true. By the way, thank you for the compliment...about my singing, I mean. I've gotten it before but it's...normally nice to hear."

Bors simply nodded in return. "Of course." His deep basso voice was a bit gruffer, now that he'd been made aware that someone had been acting as a fool. "Your voice is very pretty. I give credit where it's due."

With a sigh, he strode a few steps past her to the edge of the observation deck. He started silently at the bay for a moment, watching boats drift lazily across it as speeders zipped overhead. After a moment he turned around to face her again and folded his thick arms across his chest.

"I must admit this news of yours is troubling me, Lumina. Very troubling." He sighed and shook his head slightly. Now someone was making trouble with travelers. As if Kvothe's recent stupidity hadn't been enough of a problem. "First and foremost, allow me to apologize on behalf of the Order. We do not make a habit of being rude to guests on Aiaru, and I hate that one would take actions that reflect so poorly on us as a whole."

Especially now. With the Unum steadily gaining strength, the last thing the Mythics needed was their own turning the people against them. What a headache.

"I want to ask, however, if you know who the Mythic that gave you trouble was, and what was happening at the time. If you don't have a name, a description may suffice. I can assure you I will do everything in my power," and that power was quite considerable, "to make sure they are dealt accordingly."

And may the Mythos show mercy if it was one of my Swords.

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

His reactions, both in the force and in his posture and expression, had Aunna wincing slightly on the inside. She certainly hadn’t intended to make more waves…it had her sighing quietly at herself. Really? Was I supposed to meet this man just to cause trouble? Surely that can’t be the case…Of course, that made her wonder why, exactly, she had ‘needed’ to meet him.

“Of course. Your voice is very pretty. I give credit where it’s due.”

She had to smile and chuckle at that, following after him to the edge of the deck…balcony…whatever you wanted to call it and resting her forearms against the ledge there, allowing Eressea to clamber her way down from her shoulder to the ledge as well. ”Well…whatever the case, Mr. Bors, it’s a pleasure to meet you as well.” She chuckled quietly again and shrugged slightly. ”I may just pretend that this is my first impression, and try to forget the other,” she added as blue…no, green…eyes watched the movement of the city below, then wandered out to the boats and speeders moving along the massive bay and out to an island in the distance. After a moment he turned to face her again, folding his arms across his chest and looking down at her.

“I must admit this news of yours is troubling me, Lumina. Very troubling. First and foremost, allow me to apologize on behalf of the Order. We do not make a habit of being rude to guests on Aiaru, and I hate that one would take actions that reflect so poorly on us as a whole.”

Her sigh this time was more audible as she shook her head as well, shrugging slightly and allowing her fingers to trace the scrolling stonework of the ledge she was settled against. ”I’m sorry for troubling you in this way, it certainly wasn’t my intent. I don’t mean to cause a problem and if I’d thought my words were going to…” she let that thought trail off as she ran a hand through her hair, before focusing on untangling a little bit of it near the ends. ” And really, there’s no reason to apologize. I’ve been doing my best to blend in here and from what I learned from Sona whatever they were doing there had something to do with a faction you’re at war with. I understand that that sort of thing can cause undue tension, and if they didn’t believe I was an offworlder…”

She shrugged mildly as she watched Eressea turn her head this way and that, most likely scanning and watching the area for force only knew what. Half the time she couldn’t figure out what went on in that little droid’s processors, or why. She certainly seemed to have taken on the role of ‘guardian’ however…which sometimes annoyed the hells out of the woman. Other times, like now, she simply accepted it and let it go. Better to have an extra pair of ‘eyes’ and ‘ears’ than to have something creep up on you.

“I want to ask, however, if you know who the Mythic that gave you trouble was, and what was happening at the time.”

Aunna hadn’t needed the force to tell her where this was going from the moment he’d said he was troubled, and even with her subtle attempt at cutting the topic short and avoiding it, the tactic hadn’t worked. Would you like to file a formal complaint, Borgonia? Because that’s always worked out well for you in the past…the thought earned a huff of annoyed amusement and a slight smirk before she shook her head slightly.

“…I can assure you I will do everything in my power to make sure they are dealt with accordingly.”

Her face grew stony at that, and part of her wondered if that had been something Vinay had been told about her at one point…or if he’d told someone else that about her. For a moment she almost (almost) seemed to glare out at the bay as she thought over the situation before glancing up at Bors from the corner of her eyes. She didn’t know the man from a hole in the wall, and while he was kind enough on first meeting Vex had been helpful enough on first meeting as well. How could she tell what he might do with the information or what he might have done as punishment?

”As I said before, I’m not here to make trouble…not for myself and not for others, and since I can’t say I know you or what you might do, no offense meant, I’m hesitant about saying anything. I’ve a laundry list of reasons why I shouldn’t say anything, and a shorter one of why I should.” She’d look back out at the bay for a long moment before standing straight again and finally turning to look up at him properly. ”I don’t mean to be rude, but I feel the need to be honest…and I need you to understand that I’m not in a position to trust others easily.”

Sighing, she pinched the bridge of her nose slightly, putting pressure there with her thumb and middle finger before taking it away again. Folding her arms, she’d gaze up at Bors steadily for a long moment, seemingly trying to get the measure of the man through sheer willpower and the force. As much as she was afraid she might regret it, she couldn’t convince herself not to trust him. Dammit to all the hells…fine. ”Alright…well…I’ve obviously been called to meet you for some reason or another and hells know what that might be, but I may as well at least tell you. I doubt he’ll be leaping out of the shadow at me anyway.”

”He had best not, or he’ll wish he hadn’t.”

”Hush, Eres.”

”I’m just stating a fact.”

Ignoring the quip, Aunna gave an internal sigh, but remained outwardly neutral. She never had liked filing complaints.

”I was eating in a...what was it?...an etherium bar. I'd done some asking around Demas about where I might go to find people from your order. I...barely have any training...and I can't allow that to continue, so I came here searching for some possible assistance. Anyway...it was about time to eat, I'd just come from a shop and the owner had told me about the place. As I said, I'd started eating and then I was approached by a Familiar...Sona, was her name. We were talking while I ate when I heard this raucous presence not far off when these two Mythics and a wildcat came through the door. One of them was a Fosh and the other an auburn man. It was the second who was the turbulent one.” Aunna shook her head a bit, her upper back tensing just a bit at the memory of the presence. Every time she’d thought about it, it had had garnered the same reaction.

”Sona named him Kvothe, or something. They seemed to be searching for someone, and that Kvothe character paused at me for a moment before moving on. He all but assaulted another woman not far off so suddenly it was...concerning...especially considering Sona said that they were likely dealing with traitors, Unum is what she called them. Now, I understand war well enough, and I understand traitorism well enough...” She felt a pang of sorrow, fear and white hot anger all at once at what she was saying, at the word and implications of it in her life, though she did her best to ignore it. ”...But that was just wrong. She hadn't lifted a finger against any person in there and the way he continued to treat her had me...more than a bit angry. Now, this isn't my planet, it isn't my fight, and I didn't need the extra trouble so I didn't involve myself…but it was against my own desires with the way he was acting.

“He took her by force, literally...bound in the stuff and floated her around in it...but he stopped at my table again and not only insulted me, but threatened to drag me along as well if I didn't mind my own business. I told him that he should do the same since I hadn't done a thing to stop him or hinder him in any way. He didn't seem too pleased with that, but Eressea and I were quite ready to take action if he had tried anything because, honestly, neither of us could say we believed he wasn't about to do just that.” Again she sighed and eased out the residual anger and frustration as she turned back to look out over the bay, leaning against the ledge again.

“He ended up leaving, but not before assigning Sona to act as a little warden to make sure I stayed out of trouble...as if I was going to cause it.” She huffed slightly, shaking her head and pulling that dark auburn hair around over one shoulder. “At least the Fosh seemed to have some sense and decency. If that Fosh hadn't been there I would have stepped in, outmatch or not.” She chuckled a little sadly and self depreciatingly at that, ”It's a habit I seem to have...picking fights with those more powerful than myself over differences in morals.”

She smiled just a bit at that, even though the pain welled up in her heart again. Force knew she’d done so with Vex more than once, even if it hadn’t (always) come to blows. With a shake of her head, Aunna pressed it down again…though it kept prickling at the back of her mind and the periphery of her emotions. After a long moment she sighed and spoke again, ”Besides, like I said before, I have some experience in dealing with traitors and traitorism.”

[Rugs]

Bors watched the woman as she spoke, making light notes of the way she spoke, little cues of the body. There wasn't much to it, or much reason to do it for the moment, but it was a bit of a habbit.

He waved off her apology when she offered it. There wasn't any need for it; if one of the Mythics had been causing a scene, making both a fool of themselves and the Order as a whole in the process, then it would need to be dealt with through the proper avenues.

" ”As I said before, I’m not here to make trouble…not for myself and not for others, and since I can’t say I know you or what you might do, no offense meant, I’m hesitant about saying anything. I’ve a laundry list of reasons why I shouldn’t say anything, and a shorter one of why I should.”

That nearly got an eyebrow raise out of him, though. But his face remained calm, his presence in the Mythos easy and steady as it always was. He was tempted to ask what that laundry list might include; it wasn't as if he was going to drag the woman off to the Tower to interrogate her. But he let it slide, for the time being. A mental note was made, though. It spoke to the sad state of affairs on the world, but not everyone that walked Aiaru's many streets could be trusted.

Despite that, Bors gave many people the benefit of the doubt. No good running around believing everyone was an enemy. Kvothe would do well to learn that, he thought, shifting his weight slighlty and leaning his bulk lightly against the railing behind him.

She went on for a moment longer, and then started to tell the story.

Immediately, the set up struck a note in his memory. A sting in an Etherium lounge in Demas. Kvothe had been sent on one of those a few days ago. He'd brought the target back to the Tower, but never mentioned any trouble.

However, even before she gave a name, Bors knew who it was. That... His face remained steady, but there were signs of his rising anger. The muscles on his jaw bulged slightly as it clenched, his grip on the rail grew tighter, and his sapphire eyes went stony and hard.

That boy!

Disturbing the peace, using unneeded force... Threatening bystanders. It was an embarrassment, not only to himself and the Order, but to the Swords. The Swords were better than that. They here the Order's justice, yes, but they were supposed to stand above things like that.

"It is a narrow path we walk, Bors." Words from his old mentor echoed through his head. They'd been spoken on the day he was raised to become a Sword in full; a day that felt like it had happened a lifetime ago. "The line between justice and the line between revenge is a thin one, and one that often blurs. But a Sword of Diligence stands above their own vengeances, their own conflicts and wants. We are the Tower's hands, and administer justice only as the Tower commands it. The moment you take it into your own hands is the moment you betray everything we stand for. Always remember this, Bors, if you remember nothing else."

”Besides, like I said before, I have some experience in dealing with traitors and traitorism.”

For a while after she finished her story, Bors was silent. He yet remained calm in action, but the was something to his demeanor that had changed; his expression had hardened, his presence went cloudy with an intense, quiet fury.

Finally, he came up off of the rail and stood to his full six and a half feet, and turned around to face the bay and the city that stretched out to it. "That boy..." he muttered under his breath. Again his hands tightened on the railing as he shook his head.

"I know more about your situation than I first thought," he said, turning to face her again. His voice was soft, but it was hard. Bors was not a man that often yelled in his anger, but when he was truly angry, an edge came into his voice. It wasn't loud or boisterous, but it was sharp--as sharp as any blade might be. That edge was in his voice now.

Because right now, Bors Dracona was furious.

Yes, Kvothe was going to be in hot water, as if he wasn't already in trouble enough. Perhaps a doubling in his patrol duties. On Tower grounds. It was a job someone had to do, but for a Sword of Diligence to be put on that duty...

Bors shook his head.

"What a mess." He rubbed the side of his face with a meaty hand and shook his head. "On behalf of the Order, and on the Swords of Diligence, I would like to apologize for what he did. Kvothe is... well, I'm his superior. He was one of our best and brightest, but something's changed in him over these last few weeks."

Bors suspected he knew the root of Kvothe's problem: he'd found his older brother again, in that fateful expedition to the ruins far way in the Itzlis. And he'd been beaten. Again. But the knife had to have come when Vorian kidnapped Irirsorrie. Right from under Kvothe's nose...

Since that day, he hadn't quite been the same.

"I will speak to him on the matter." Bors strode over to the fountain and watched the water dance from the mouths of the little tidebringers. "Thank you for telling me this, though. Kvothe's personal issues are no excuse for the trouble he's been stirring up. He is a Sword. He should stand above that." Bors sighed solemnly, suddenly sounding disappointed. How couldn't Kvothe see what was happening to him? Or did he see and just not care? "He may need to be reminded of the oaths he swore on his raising..."

Bors turned to look back over his shoulder at the woman and her droid. "It's a shame that one man would stain the image of our Order in the eyes of a visitor. Especially when he clings so tightly to it."

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Eressea may have been little more than a droid, but she understood emotion and emotional tells well enough. As her partner spoke, the drake-shaped familiar watched more than just their surroundings, she watched the man near by. He certainly seemed to remain calm enough, but those dots formed by the facial recognition program she ran through her HUD for his face shifted slightly as she watched him. They narrowed and bunched together slightly, lifting in some areas and lowering in other in minute, almost untraceable motions…he was showing obvious (to her anyway) hints of anger.

A soft click sounded in her chassis as new readings appeared on her HUD and those facial recognition dots faded just slightly as other, tracking, markers brightened. She didn’t pressurize her Stinger (yet) but she was going to be cautious as she curled her back toward Aunna, keeping her head and tail facing this man they’d barely met. Those wings flickered a cautionary yellow for half a second then flickered out, the holographic program cut off as she brightened the backlight of her visor to keep her readouts from being seen from the other side…a tactical defense to hide her ‘emotions’ as well as what was going on in her ‘mind.’

Her partner, however, wasn’t ignorant.

Aunna didn’t need the force (though it helped) to know that what she was saying was getting Bors more than a little upset. After thirty years of life and living with people, not to mention a few crash courses in Kinetics 101 from Sam, Aunna was pretty good at reading some of the smaller details. She couldn’t know what it was that had made him the most angry, but she saw it not only in his face and posture, but also felt it…heard it…in the force. A turning and undulating throb and thundering like the desert dwellers drums on Tattooine, or…perhaps a more fanciful way of describing the sound and feeling would have been war drums or a war chant used by the Taung. She couldn’t have described it any better than that; it was all at once beautiful, haunting, and intimidating.

Green eyes watched him silently as he shifted his position to stand to his full height. Six and a half feet put him taller than Vex…an epicanthix, perhaps. No wonder he was intimidating in appearance…most of them were, and with good reason. Looking up at him as he spoke, Aunna felt the edge in his voice more than heard it. It was barely noticeable to her ears since she’d become so used to it with her brother (and later from Vex), but she could always feel it. Her reconnection to the force only enhanced the sensation.

Her attention was pulled away from the man briefly as she saw Eres move out of the corner of her eye, those simulated wings blinking out as her chassis scraped just slightly against the stone railing they were all settled against. Looking down she tapped lightly on her Familiar’s back and shook her head just slightly once when that brightly lit visor turned back toward her. Holding out her arm, she nodded to it and Eressea (no doubt unhappily) clambered up it to her shoulder, settling there a moment before prickling her way across Aunna’s back and to her other shoulder.

“On behalf of the Order, and on the Swords of Diligence, I would like to apologize for what he did.”

She nodded slightly, a slight smile coming to her face before he continued.

“Kvothe is…well, I’m his superior.”

That earned a raised eyebrow. Lucky bastard…I wish I had a superior like this man. I might not be in the mess I’m in now if I did. She huffed quietly, once. I certainly would have had better relations with Vinay if that had been the case. As Bors fell silent again for a moment, Aunna took a deep breath of the salty-sweet air and closed her eyes, picturing the gold beaches of Corellia until she opened her eyes again and nodded, looking back out over the foreign city. ”I wonder if he knows how lucky he is to have a commander like you at his back…” She was musing more to herself than speaking directly to Bors, but she had said it aloud for the benefit of his ears as well. I would have fought for the chance to have a man like this be my CO. She shook her head slightly. ”Some people just don’t know how good they have it.”

To say she felt betrayed by Vinay was the worst kind of understatement. What sort of officer pinned blatant treason on their subordinate…much less death?! If this Kvothe character took even one moment of his assignment to a commander like Bors for granted he was a damned fool. More than she’d thought. I suppose there’s always someone who takes good leadership for granted. Blasted idiots. She’d been so caught up in her own thoughts that, for a moment, some of them slipped from her and out into the force. Almost immediately she realized her error and checked herself as she watched him move toward the fountain.

“Thank you for telling me this, though. Kvothe’s personal issues are no excuse for the trouble he’s been stirring up. He is a Sword. He should stand above that.”

She shrugged slightly and leaned back against the railing just slightly, her coat swaying around her legs gently with the motion. ”Well, there are a lot of things that a lot of people should do or be in their line of work that they don’t measure up to.” Internally she winced. ”I—I’m sorry, that came out…I didn’t mean to sound so bitter. I just…am a bit bitter, I suppose. It’s been a rough few months for me.” Running a hand through her hair, she pulled it back and tied it up off of her neck in a ponytail. ”If it’s any consolation, I think I could change my mind by you alone. If there are more people like you and that Fosh around in your order, than there are like him…” A slight shrug was given as she searched for a new topic. Surprisingly, or perhaps not so surprisingly, it was Eressea that came to the rescue.

”Now that we know that Kvothe isn’t the norm in your order, Mr. Bors…perhaps you could tell us a bit more about yourself or the Mythics?”

Aunna breathed a silent sigh of relief, then chuckled quietly.

”If you wouldn’t mind, that is. We came all the way here to find out about the Mythics and…well, you seem like the best chance for us to get some answers. Heh…I wasn’t sure it would be the best idea just going to your ‘Tower’ waltzing up to the gates and saying I had a few questions.”

[Rugs]

Bors lifted a brow slightly when the woman wondered aloud if Kvothe knew how lucky he was to have him for a commander. It didn't seem to be directed at him, so he didn't respond, but the sentiment was noted. Maybe. He thought simply in answer. Bors rarely thought of how good or bad a commander he was, not in absolute terms like that. He just did was right, for the Order, for the Swords, and for the people that relied on him. The rest came with that.

Kvothe would say the same thing, he thought irritably. That what he's doing is right. And that was the rub. That problem would have to be worked out, and soon, if Kvothe didn't want to find himself stripped of rank, or worse, dismissed from the Swords. Bors knew how devoted the man was. But blind devotion and fanaticism would not be tolerated.

”Well, there are a lot of things that a lot of people should do or be in their line of work that they don’t measure up to.”

Something about that rubbed Bors the wrong way. He understood that she hadn't meant to say it... or say it like that, anyway, but the sentiment bothered him. Especially applied to Kvothe's current behavior.

"That is no excuse to brush your standards aside," he said softly, talking more to himself than her or the droid.

Bors was, after all, if nothing else, a man of ideals. That's not to say he was not a practical man, but he was the very embodiment of the job he performed, and he expected nothing less from those under his command. Kvothe had been just that.

Until recently.

And that was troubling.

He sighed softly, running a hand through his short black hair as he leaned against the railing. The sound of a bird calling caught his attention, drawing his eyes up to a star swallow that drifted by as the woman asked her question.

"He is certainly not a representation of us. Not these days, anyway."Bors huffed to himself and looked back at her. "Wasn't long ago when he was a model.

"But you may ask whatever questions you have. I'd be happy to answer."

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

“That is no excuse to brush your standards aside.”

Some people don’t have standards, or forget them along the way. Sighing, she looked up at the sky for a long moment before turning her eyes back to the people chatting as they walked through the area. Here and there the light caught on windows or shown through architecture to fall, glittering, on a plant or the street and the people in it. Why couldn’t life just be simple…full of simple pleasures and people who appreciated them? Again she shook her head, the ghost of a smile on her lips. I suppose that’s those ‘rose tinted glasses’ Vex kept referring to. Wishful thinking, I know, but…it’s still a nice thought.

"He is certainly not a representation of us. Not these days, anyway. Wasn't long ago when he was a model. But you may ask whatever questions you have. I'd be happy to answer."

Turning green eyes back to him, she studied him for a moment, considering what she might ask. It wasn’t as if she’d expected to run into someone from the Mythics here, today. She hadn’t the slightest clue that the man she’d seen in her vision had been someone not only in the mythics, but someone of rank in them. ”Well, there isn’t much information to be had on your order at all in the open databanks, so I’m at a loss for where to start with questions. The only thing I really have to relate to is the Jedi order.” It was an honest start, at least, and something that might help him point her in the correct direction or offer some information on the differences or similarities of the two…if people around here even bothered with the Republic or organizations affiliated with it. One couldn’t always be certain with independent planets.

For what seemed like the millionth time she sighed. She was having immense trouble focusing, trouble gathering her thoughts, and it was frustrating to her. It had been this way off and on since she and Vex had parted and it bothered her greatly. Putting a hand to her head for a moment she worked to push through it and narrow down her focus, to clear everything else out of the way. ”I suppose I should start with my greatest concerns…I understand, from what I’ve read, that your order works solely here on Aiaru. I, however, have situations in my life where I would need to come and go at some point in the future. Would this cause a problem?”

[Rugs]

”Well, there isn’t much information to be had on your order at all in the open databanks, so I’m at a loss for where to start with questions. The only thing I really have to relate to is the Jedi order.”

Bors nodded idly as the woman spoke. It was hardly surprising that an off-worlder wouldn't know much about the Order; though they had a fair few members, their ranks were small compared to an order like the Jedi, and their focus much different. Most people didn't even know the Mythics existed as an Order, much less had a decent grasp one what it was they did.

"That's understandable," he said simply.

”I suppose I should start with my greatest concerns…I understand, from what I’ve read, that your order works solely here on Aiaru. I, however, have situations in my life where I would need to come and go at some point in the future. Would this cause a problem?”

To this Bors scratched his beard again and folded his arms across his chest. The question itself wasn't a hard one to answer, though he did find himself curious what would have her coming and going as she said.

"Some of us do leave the Aiaru for stretches of time, yes," he said as he stretched out through the Mythos to feel for Kvothe's presence. He was still down in the lower terraces of the city, though he was moving about. Perhaps he'd had his meal by now, or perhaps he was still searching for one.

"One of the main pillars the Order is built on is the acquisition of knowledge. As long as the Order has been alive, we've constantly gathered and compiled information, whether it be ancient histories or contemporary compositions or reports on the year's crop harvests." If he was a man that showed emotion more openly than he did, a wry smile might have pulled at Bors' lips to the last. But as it was, there wasn't anything more than a subtle, fleeting twitch at the very edge of his mouth.

"I said all of that to say this," he continued, "it is not uncommon for some of us to go out into the Galaxy for extended periods of time on trips to gather information to bring back to the Tower. After all," he nodded slightly, "for all there is to learn on Aiaru, and for all the conveniences of the holonet, it's impossible to learn many things about many places without actually going there. And some things merely can't be acquired without a person there to claim them."

It was a verbose answer, especially for the usually-concise High Sword. Sometimes it was just a requirement, though.

"Of course, not all of our number always leave for purely information-gathering purposes," he added, a bit of an afterthought. Kvothe had been sent away for a few months recently, on a trip that was supposed to get him away from the strains his work was putting on his character. Recently Bors wondered if they should have kept him away longer.

"It may depend on your need, but I don't think there would be too much issue. So long as you don't drag issues of the Galaxy back onto our heads."

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Quietly both woman and droid listened as Bors answered her question. The curiosity he must have felt obvious in the briefest flicker of expression across his face and the gentlest brush against her senses. She almost missed that sensation in the whirl of emotion around the both of them from the people around and Aunna could only attribute her catching it to her focus on the man and her attempts to discover just what was going on behind that calm visage.

…Or maybe she was just imagining things?

A sigh of frustration was suppressed as she found yet another reason for her need to find a mentor. She could feel much, especially if whatever she was feeling was strong, but if it were subtle the woman second guessed herself. Was she actually feeling something or was she assigning an emotion to the person because of a visual cue and so she’d really felt nothing, or perhaps she had felt it but from somewhere else? There was too much to learn…it was no wonder the jedi took children so young. Half of her wanted to curse Jade for switching their blood samples; the other half of her knew that if he hadn’t he life would be much, much, different…and she wasn’t sure she liked that thought.

”I understand…” Still, this would require explanation, and explanation could prove very dangerous to her. Then there was his last comment; her joining them wouldn’t bring all of the issues the galaxy had down on them, but if anyone did come for her...Aunna disliked the choice. Agree and pray that nothing happened, that she was making the right choice or continue in her search for a mentor elsewhere and save these people the trouble. Turning, she leaned against the railing as well, her fingers steepled outward as she thought things over.

”I wish that this was an easy decision…or that one would present itself to me.” A shake of her head followed the comment as Eressea shifted around on her shoulders, her talons accidentally catching some of her hair and tugging it. With a slight wince, she’d reach up and pull that hair around over her empty shoulder before returning her hands to their previous position. ”When I saw you in my vision, I had hoped to be able to make my decision more easily based on whatever you might say. Now that I have more information…the choice is only made more difficult.”

For a long moment her thoughts strayed back to Corellia. When was the last time she’d been back there? Would she be able to live here and not wish to go back? Could she just forget everything that had happened and stay cloistered here? She’d spoken to Samantha already, plans were being formed more swiftly now…she would go back, both of them would, and face all of this mess. Where would that leave her? Could she, in good conscience, join this order and then leave to face who knew what Vinay might have up his sleeve? Closing her eyes she shook her head. No…I can’t do that. There are too many variables and if another jedi rummages through my mind it could lead them back here and cause trouble. I’ve already caused enough trouble for enough people.

Opening her eyes again, she smiled. It was slight, a bit tired and sad, flickering across her face only for a moment before it died, but it had left something in her eyes…resolve. Something else would come around for her, she just had to keep looking. Turning her head to look over at Bors, the smile returned, honest and small, but it didn’t fade this time. ”Well, Mr. Bors, I’m afraid I’ll have to continue my search for training elsewhere. After all, I have my own morals to uphold…and from what I hear your people already have enough troubles concerning traitors without me. Thank you, though, for the information.”

Eressea’s wings flickered a bright mixture of surprised yellow and annoyed orange at her companion’s words, though she kept herself quiet. As far as she was concerned this was likely Aunna’s best chance at finding the training and protection she needed while things came together. Why the woman was turning away from it she could only guess, but it certainly bothered the REA.

”Maybe, when everything is said and done, I’ll return with a different decision.”

[Rugs]

Bors listened patiently and quietly as the woman gave her answer. Ultimately, it seemed that she would not be joining their ranks, and would continue her search elsewhere. A small disappointment, maybe, but it was the way of things. Not every potential recruit joined, and in some cases, that was a good thing. Perhaps this was one of those times. Only the Mythos knew, and he knew it wouldn't lead them, or this woman, astray.

"I understand your choice," he said with a simple nod to her. He allowed himself a small smile as he stood up from leaning on the rail and held out a massive hand for her to shake. "The Order won't be going anywhere, so one day, should you return, you'll still have an opportunity. I do wish you well in your travels and your endeavors, wherever they may lead you."

The wind picked up, blowing up from the bay and bringing with it the smell of salt and the sound of waves crashing on rocks off in the distance. Bors looked out over the bowl of a city, at the lights and places people, at the birds wheeling overhead in the clear skies and the boats and speeders that roved through or over the waters. It was a scene uniquely Aiaru, and perhaps one day the woman would come back to experience more of the world they all called home.

As he looked out, he felt a familiar presence approaching. It was Kvothe, picking his way through the crowds back to Bors. That meant it was nearly time to leave and head back to the Tower.

It also meant it might be best to say his farewell, going from what she'd told him about Kvothe's previous encounter with her.

Turning back to her, he let a small smile touch his lips again and spoke. "I think it's time I moved on, then. Kvothe has finished his business elsewhere and I think it would be best to avoid another incident with him."It was a pleasure to meet you, Lumina. Perhaps I'll see you again somewhere down the road.

"May the Mythos always guide your way, and ever shelter you in its light."

And with that, he gave her a final polite bow of the head and turned to go meet Kvothe and Fas. It was a long ride back to the Tower, and a certain Rilan was about to be a heap of trouble.