Cleansing Hunt

[Apillis]

Tython, the ancient birthplace of the Jedi Order... easily its most sacred place within the entire galaxy.

The world of Tython has always held much fascination for Lamilia, and how could it not for any Jedi? But as a historian and healer of the ancient Jedi, this planet is particularly intriguing to her. In many ways as a Jedi, coming to Tython felt no different than coming home after having been away for so long. A fulfilling contentment that can only be felt at the place where the heart lays. For the Jedi Order that is Tython, it is where it all begun, Tython is where its heart developed and grew, and for one so devoted and connected to the heart of the Jedi, Tython for Lamilia is easily that place where the heart is.

But with establishing and solidifying the Jedi Order's presence there once again, Lamilia as one of the High Council as well as one of the Order's historians--has chosen to devote her time to aiding and help lead in the Order's efforts there. Obviously with Tython being the Jedi Order's ancestral home, there is much the Order can learn from the wonderful forested rocky mountainous blue planet. The opportunity to study there is nothing shy of a privilege and joy, and not a day goes she does not thank everything that is blessed within the Force for her being able to be there and learn from the wonderous place.

However, Tython is not without its dangers as she soon tragically discovered. If the local canabalistic native species were not a source of violent problems the Jedi Order had to deal with on Tython--there was something else--something far more dangerous and terrifying--even to Jedi. This was only confirmed to the Jedi upon the discovery of the body of a Jedi Knight slain a most terribly violent manner. Among the Jedi Healers examining the poor deceased Knight was Lamilia herself as there are few not just Jedi but those in the entire galaxy that her calibre in the Healing arts in the Force. In the end, the Jedi Healers all agreed upon their examinations of the victim that the violent act was carried out by one of the most foul and unnatural abominations developed through the corrupting aspects of the dark side's most heinous secrets--the Teretatek.

Known for possessing the strength and power to slay Jedi, such abominations are not to be taken lightly by any measure. In her studies Lamilia knew that at the time of the Great Hunt, where three Jedi embarked upon a journey to eradicate the twisted abominations--there were teretateks that were killed upon Tython's surface. And it had always been a mystery to Lamilia how they had ever gotten there as from what she understood in her studies, they were created by the Sith--yet, the Sith had always been unaware of Tython's location. So how the teretatek ever came to be on Tython has always served as something of mystery to Lamilia, unless the Jedi over all these centuries have been mistaken in their conclusion that Sith are unaware of the planet. However, that would be an investigation for another time, perhaps. For now, it could simply be deduced--or perhaps rather, assumed--that the Great Hunt failed to eliminate all of the teretatek on Tython.

Among the masters leading the re-establishment of the Jedi Order upon Tython, the consensus among them decided that one of them as well as at least one other volunteer of Knight or Master rank would take care of the teretatek problem. Lamilia was among the consensus and volunteered herself to be the one of their number to go. As a member of the High Council she was one of the most powerful Jedi overall there, and her ability and knowledge within the Healing arts of the Jedi could most definitely prove crucial for when facing monsters such as the teretatek.

When the leading masters inquired to the gathered masters and knights in general who would travel with Lamilia to purge the teretatek threat. There was no shame to those who chose not to go. There are not many who are strong enough in the Force to face something as dangerous and potent as a teretatek. Many Jedi have lost their lives to the monsters. To face one while uncertain of one's own abilities would simply earn their own death, and nothing more--there would be no point in doing such a thing.

But who wound up choosing to be her company upon this hunt, Lamilia gave a very warm and grateful smile to them--acknowledging their courage.

[Aramius]

A Terentatek on Tython.

The words held a sense of import that weighed upon the minds of any who even briefly considered the implications. One of the most lethal creations of the Dark Side, a beast whose only purpose was to slaughter and consume those who follow the Jedi path... and one was loose on the home planet of the Jedi Order. A place where so very many Jedi, from Younglings fresh from their families to the most venerable and skilled Masters of the Order, came to study and learn. A place long since considered a safe haven for the Jedi in times of peril... and now, a Terentatek roamed its plains, and had already claimed one victim.

It did not take the Jedi Council long to seek volunteers to face the threat, and those who had heard the news had given the matter much thought. It was also not a surprise that many chose not to volunteer, and Alyssandra could not fault this, no matter how much her sense of honor said otherwise. A beast whose very meaning of existence is to end your own is a challenge that few would care to face.

To Alyssandra Patterson, a recently promoted Jedi Knight of the Sentinel path, though, there was very little internal debate, and though she felt nervousness, even anxiety, it was tempered by a measure of cautious confidence. She was not headstrong in this feeling, though - although she was quite capable in the Ataru and Shii-Cho forms, and competent in the basics of Soresu, she was by no means an expert wielder of the lightsaber, nor was she a prodigy in use of the Force. No, the reason for her to volunteer, and the reason she held a measure of cautious confidence, was simple.

It was a duty that needed to be fulfilled, lest more Jedi perish at the claws and fangs of this dread beast, and it had been done before. Formidable as they were, Terentateks were not invincible. They could, and had, been killed before.

So it was that, when the time came, Alyssandra approached the other volunteer for this purge, wearing her customary white inner robe and black cloak, fingerless black leather gloves, and tough black leather boots, her Dual-Phase lightsaber clipped to her belt and in easy reach, should it be needed. Her outfit was stripped of any unnecessary accessories or utilities - better to go in light, so that she could fully exploit her agility and utilize her Ataru training to its fullest potential.

The trick to engaging a Terentatek in battle, and living to tell the tale - at least, to Alyssandra's mind - was not to go head-to-head in a contest of strength. Every record pertaining to Terentateks described them as hulking monstrosities, possessed of a surplus of brute strength backed by a twisted, corrupt mind. Add the lethal, corrosive toxins the creatures employed and directly engaging one in close combat would be suicidal at best. Her strategy would be one of speed and agility - avoiding the claws and fangs, striking hard and fast when the opportunity presents itself, and evading counterattacks. In this, her Ataru training would - theoretically - greatly aid her, as would her Dual-Phase lightsaber, which would hopefully allow her to strike deeper and from farther away.

Hopefully.

Of course, all of this theoretical knowledge could go out the metaphorical window when they engaged the beast in combat personally, so sparse was the knowledge in this area.

Alyssandra shook herself mentally as she walked up to her fellow volunteer, recognizing her as Master Lamilia of the High Council, a healer of great renown and one of the Masters who had examined the Terentatek's first victim. Swallowing a sudden wave of nervousness and anxiety, she stopped in front of the woman, and managed to return the smile she offered with a small smile of her own, one tempered by the seriousness of the situation, before introducing herself.

"Master Lamilia, it is an honor. Alyssandra Patterson, Jedi Knight. Alyx, for short."

[Apillis]

Her long blue robe of fine, silk-like material was simply drapped over her shoulders. Lamilia held it closed in a way a bit like one holds closed a comfort blanket that is wrapped around themselves.

"Master Lamilia, it is an honor. Alyssandra Patterson, Jedi Knight. Alyx, for short."

The Hapan Jedi Master merely smiled warmly at the young Knight in response with a modest nod in acknowledgment.

"We have a long trek ahead of us, Alyx.", she said in response, her natural soft, gentle tone of voice carrying a little bit of a lilt to it, "There is no telling exactly how far the two terentatek have gone... Those creatures are not known for their wanderlust. They tend to have a dwelling they stick to for very long peroids of time--lifetimes even for many sentient lifeforms. In all likelihood, the poor Knight who was mamed by at least one of them stumbled upon their hunting ground given where he was killed. So, it would be as of a place as any to start, and begin tracking them to their lair... Which is probably a cave or cavern of some kind... there are many in Tython's mountains.", she let out a brief sigh, "Well... we best start now before anymore time escapes us."

Strange to many but Lamilia even in this moment exude such a calmness and serenity with her powerful affinity to the light, that need or desire to see death or harm done upon these abominations of the dark side simply was not there within her. It was not even a detachment within herself from the thought of killing the creatures, it was bigger than that--even with those twisted, unnatural creatures the thought of dealing with them non-violently was something that most prominent to her. How that would even be possible was not even something she even gave any thought to, but rather simply accepted whatever may happen will happen and accepted the inevitability of whatever the Force may bring, and did so without resistance, fear, or question.

With a soothing smile and little nod to the young Knight, Alessandra, Lamilia signalled for the two of them to carry on their way. Where the old Jed Temple of Tython sat is deep within Tython's forested mountain ranges, so right when getting off the beaten path they entered far lesser travelled into the wilds of the ancient Jedi homeworld. Where very much unlike the Jedi, it was utterly unforgiving and ruthless.

As they walked Lamilia turned her kind cyan eyed gaze to Alessandra, and asked only for clarity with that warm smile of hers that is almost as comforting as being wrapped up in a warm blanket by the fire at home, "Are you certain you want to do this? There is no shame in choosing not to go further, and there will come a point there will be no turning back."

[Iota]

Since stepping down from the council, Jedi Master Gaius Fal'kirk took time to reconnect with himself as a person and with in the force, for the years spent on the council some how detached him from his duties and role as jedi Master, or atleast that is how he felt, he needed to be out there, in the dark void of space and on remote planets helping those who cannot help themselves and to help rebuild the order in anyway that perhaps needs doing.

Gaius, the Falleen, often questioned the personality traits of thehuman jedi, such pride and arrogance which seemed to be a common trait, it bothered him as a Falleen and as a jedi, he would hope that training and guidance would sort these personality traits out, but he wouldn't hold his breath as he knew many humans in his time. The Jedi Master spent quite a lot of his time aiding the re-estbalishment of the jedi temple on Tython, in a way it would help him reconnect as this was rumoured to be the birthplace of the jedi themselves, so where better to start?

Gaius had been at the meeting of the Masters in regards as to who should take part in this adventure, Gaius kept his views to himself, he wanted to see who was going to volunteer for the mission. He thought it would be wise to 'bring up the rear' just incase any of these beasts try to flank his jedi companion, although that would be an unlikely circumstance, he had learnt in his to time never to underestimate anyone, or anything.

The two Jedi, one who is on the Council, and a relatively unknown jedi to Gaius, perhaps a young knight? were en route to the alleged last known location of these beasts. the two jedi started to head out eventually, talking to one another. He proceeded to follow, he didn't try to cover his actions or try to remain hidden, he just wanted some peace of mind in the knowledge that his fellow jedi would not some how become out-flanked.

[Apillis]

((With Aramius being gone for awhile now, so I'm just going to go ahead and post to keep things moving. And if he comes back and wants to continue to RP in the thread he can catch up whenever.))

Even knowing she is soon to face a couple of the ever deadly terentatek, it did not seem to truly disturb Lamilia, or rather more accurately cause even the slightest amount of fear or worry. There was simply a level of seemingly pure serenity that she could find within herself, and center her inner-most self around that and with a clarity more sharp than a crystal polished to luminescent shine.

She never learned how to conceal in her presence, so the light that shines within her is laid bare without restaint. A light that radiates an equanimity to an extreme, even among Jedi there are few who can find the level inner-peace that Lamilia has managed to.

While her perceptive through the Force is simply a little better than the garden varity Knight, still, for aways she had been aware of someone else following. Though, they in turn did not seem to be making any effort in concealing themselves on that same token.

Nevertheless, after a ways, Lamilia stopped in tracks and uttered to the one who had been trailing behind--the Falleen Jedi Master, "It's a lovely trail. Why not have company along the way?"

[Iota]

Gaius hadn't tried to conceal his tracks, for he wasn't stalking the Jedi infront of him, he was simply bringing up the rear. experience had taught him to take precaution, especially in this kind of enviroment, it was often hard to switch off the battle element of being a Guaridian and weapon master. He noticed that the Jedi Knight had noticed that he was following them. Gaius knew that you should never underestimate any living man or beast when working in groups, the hunter-predator mentality can even surprise and now and again be the demise of an unsuspecting jedi.

"It's a lovely trail. Why not have company along the way?" - the jedi asked, the Jedi Master smiled softly as he gave a slight nod out of respect to the Jedi Knight "Very well.. it is a rather pleseant day, just remember to stay focused, these jungles have devoired many a jedi over it's history.. let us not be another statistic, shall we?" Gaius caught up with Lamillia and stood by her side, he placed his hands behind his back and stood up straight in a regal fashion before raising a slight eyebrow and turning his head a couple of degrees towards the jedi Knight "I have seen you a few times, forgive my rudeness, i am usually in a rush.." Gaius gave another slight nod in the Jedi Knights direction "I am Master Fal'kirk.. but i am sure you are probably aware as i was once on the council" Gaius returned his gaze to the winding path ahead of him, taking in the all the looking surroundings and wild life, it was a beautiful planet, butnot with out it's danger.

[chazar]

Chazar Talek took his first step on the planet of Tython. A planet that he had never visit before. Turning his head to the pilot he made a nod, thanking him for the trip. Talek had just returned from a mission when his master Kik Nulish , let him know about the event on Tython. At once the knight accepted the mission, and traveled to find the two Mastered that were on the same task. The Kel'Dor could feel here a sphere of calmness to be placed inside of him. Truly, this place was having an aura of a master. Calm, peaceful and flightless. It would seem impossible that creatures as Terentatek, would still be here. There were two possibilities. Either the creatures stayed hidden and now were out in the world again, or they were brought here.

The first idea was easy, simple, not equivalent of an investigator. Maybe, it was that his mind was now thinking like Master Nulish. Nulish , even if he was a jedi, would see everywhere enemies. But it was true that if someone indeed had brought the monsters, then the temple could be in danger. For long time the Jedi order believed that the Sith and didn't know this place. What is this fact was not true anymore? This could be a warning or a distraction. This is how to place full of force was slowly covered with shadows.

The Kel'Dor though, would seem clam, but his head was racing. Still he had no evidence, and the two masters that were here already would probably have a theory themselves. Their opinion no only had to be respected, but had probably more weight than his own. Now, he could only offer his skills to the members of the council in order to finish this mission. Still, why Nulish would tell him about this mission? Usually, his Master didn't care for small things. It could be one of his practical jokes, making Talek think of the trap when there was non, or it could be something much deeper.

The first place the Sentinel had to go was the “crime scene” hoping to find a clue. The life in the forest was wilder than the he was use to it. He couldn't hide from himself that it was making him a bit anxious. Somehow, the walls of a lab or a city seemed much more safer. But being a part of the world Talek had to accept this. Soon, ahead of him he noticed to figures. The Kel dor was far enough to hear that one of them was a master. Speeding up his step would be soon near them.

“Greatings, Master.” said the young Kel'Dor with his voice coming from his breather.

“I am Knight Chazer Talek, send to assist you in your search.” and he walked near them in the tray.

[Note: If I am 48 hours late to post, feel free to pass me]

[Apillis]

((Meh, don't worry about posting frequency, this thread is moving a bit slow anyway, and I don't get to post very often myself with work and Skyrim and Fallout: New Vegas doing a fine job distracting me lately.))

As the Falleen Jedi Master gave her his advice and introduced himself while announcing he was once a member of the Council, she merely smiled warmly to him and responded politely, "Of course, Master Fal'kirk."

"I am Lamilia.", she humbly introduced herself as, not seeing the purpose of stating exactly her positions within the Order in this moment. What was simply on her mind was the problem at hand, and titles will mean little to a terentatek, nevertheless a couple--she did not worry much about personal perception at this point, not that she ever really did.

Before continuing on, she gave a kindly nod to the late arriving Jedi Knight who volunteered to join the two Masters. She gave a gentle smile that seemed all to common to her as she uttered, "You are welcome with us. If either of you need aid, simply ask--and I will give it."

The Hapan Jedi Master then turned her attention back to the trail cutting through the mountainous forested terrain of Tython. The strength of the Force had always been powerful upon the planet, and because of that it did not surprise her that terentateks could be hidden upon its surface and/or subterranean caverns within the mountains. The sole thing that caused her concern with the monsters' presence is the fact they are even there in the first place.

However, given the how the tracks of the terentateks have been going as they follow the trail it was becoming more apparent that they were beginning to close in on the monsters' lair sooner than she expected. The bones of their prey leading up to the caverns atop the mountain the Jedi currently treaded across.

[Dire Wolf]

Terror.

The knight had rarely ever felt it before then. She had leaped from building, fought dark things without hope of victory, and been grievously wounded before being left for dead. Tahlia felt no fear during these events. Rage? Yes. Sadness? Certainly. Fear? Never.

Fear's icy tendrils gripped her heart when she first saw it approach. It was a great dark thing, looking almost insect in nature at least to her eyes. The feeling that it exuded was pure malice, and the two knights she had accompanied charged in after a few moments hesitation. Sprinting head first into the fray was never her thing, despite how reckless she may have been. Tali was more accustomed to supporting with telekinesis and protective abilities.

The first of her companions was maimed almost instantly, and cast aside as if he were a rag doll. Her second friend fought valiantly, but neither saber nor force power seemed to work against the dark beast. A blast of telekinesis surged forth from an open palm, tearing up clumps of grass and bark from the trees. It continued well past the beast, who was more or less unaffected. Cursing through clenched teeth, the girl rushed forward with her lightsaber held high.

The beast's arm slammed into her friend just as Tali got within arm's length, sending a spray of crimson droplets across her face and sending the larger woman flying off to the side. Dead. Tahlia felt the woman's presence vanish from the Force. It was all Tali could do to stand and watch the last of her friend's lifeblood drain from her.

Tahlia had never run so fast in her life. The girl had once run ten miles in just under an hour, without the assistance of the Force. Tali was little more than a blur as she flew down the mountain side, stopping once only to look back. The big beast wasn't following her. "What the hell was that thing," she asked no one in particular. That thought was cut off as she turned to see one of those things, or at least she thought she saw one.

Which was about when she threw herself at the nearest tree. Her hands wrapped around each branch in a grip that an angry rancor couldn't hope to break. Tali's feet launched off each one as if she were about to land on a semi-sentient mushroom. once at the top, the woman stayed there with her sword of blue fury unsheathed. There she waited for the dark beast to come for her.

It wasn't until she felt a new presence wander about the edges of her awareness that she climbed out of the tree. Tali did her best to stay and look calm as she carefully walked towards the new comers. A single flick of her thumb called the furious blue star back into its scabbard and those red eyes gazed at Masters Gaius and Lamilia. One was a former member of the council, the other a current one. "Masters," her head bowed for a moment before she spoke again. "There's something up there. It... it killed Thane and Sigrid. Threw them. Like they were toys."

The dried blood splattered across her almost hapanese face complimented the mop of fire she called hair, and the crimson pools that were her eyes. "I'm no coward.... I tried to help... but I ran after Sigrid was killed. It was a big black beast... argh. I hope you're here to kill it, Masters."

((+5 points if you get all the references.))

[Apillis]

Lamilia paused in her steps for a moment, she felt the approach of another. Who or what she could not exactly perceive outside of them being a Force-sensitive strong in the Force, the presence felt like that of a Jedi. She turned into the direction of the individual's approach, and through the brush coming toward them she saw a young woman with crimson hair armed with a lightsaber--a Jedi.

"Masters, there's something up there. It... it killed Thane and Sigrid. Threw them. Like they were toys."

The Jedi Healer reached out with her presence to the young Jedi, letting her aura wash over and envelop the Jedi. As balmy and gentle as a coastal summer's afternoon on the beach, and as rejuvinating as sinking into warm tropical ocean waters. With a soothing voice as comforting as a warm fleece blanket she responded to the young Jedi Knight, "We know about the beasts. It's why we are here. You're safe with us."

"I'm no coward.... I tried to help... but I ran after Sigrid was killed. It was a big black beast... argh. I hope you're here to kill it, Masters."

She had not reaction to the young Jedi stating she was no coward, Lamilia would have never thought her one anyway; for no Jedi is coward--no one with cowardice ruling their hearts could ever pass the trials to become who they are. And the words of death evaporated within Lamilia's mind the moment she heard them. Killed? Died? Death. Only with the dark side is there death. The concept of death held little significance to her outside of joining the Force and the Force is the macrocosm--thus in 'death' one simply becomes one with everything living, so no Jedi truly dies in her mind. "They will be handled", she simply stated.

A little ways up the trail she spotted the bone of one of the two beasts' meals. Even for her level of talent it was a simple matter to reach out telekinetically and bring it to straight into her hand. She held out what was a fractured bone in the palm of her hand to the young crimson haired Jedi Knight before her, "The bone of one of their prey. The stench of the dark side lingers on it still--the stench of death.

"I'm... sorry... but you and your friends stumbled onto a pair of terentateks' lair.", she uttered truly before tossing the bone aside, "If you need care before returning back to the temple. I am here. If not, would you like an escort back?"

Asking the girl to join them after losing two of comrades to the beasts never crossed Lamilia's mind. She figured the young Jedi had been through enough for the day, and should be tended to.