The Storm

[Reisier]

There is something about a rain that seems to soothe a torn soul; there is something about the salty spray that sprinkled across the face, about the monotonous rhythm of the falling water, and the crisp, soothing breeze that left one at ease. It didn’t matter whether the rain came as a gentle drizzle or if it shook the city with power and might, the results were the same – they swept all troubles away. The city had fallen silent – save for the few times that traffic made its presence known – there were no crying babies, no mother shushing them, no loud conversations or arguments taking place. It was so peaceful. The wind rushed by, flicking hair forth – the clouds rolling in thicker, darker than before. At the time it didn’t matter what one feels, whether it be love, or depression, or stress – the rain had a monotonous, melancholic way of making all reflect on the day, on the past, or on the future. The rain allowed all to view the good as well as the bad that had been lived, it allowed for one to study and accept them.

It was becoming darker – the clouds were forming, rolling, growling. The wind picked up, clouds of dust traveling across Coruscant in ravenous gusts. The clouds came thicker, slowly stretching across the morning sky – time was passing, it would become noon soon. The sky was a dark color – a crisp, cold gray – like asphalt, or an afternoon on a cool September day. It was stark, but beautifully so. Anahid squinted; her head tilting back as she looked up at the sky, slowly becoming aware of her surroundings. The objects were slowly becoming murkier, their shapes less defined. The once recognizable shapes that surrounded her now became hazy – foreign sights for her weary eyes. The statues, stood on either side of the entrance – forever watchful of who entered and left, bronze sentinels. It was the first sight that greeted their eyes as they approached the temple. Before the doors, before the masterfully created façade, her eyes would always see the figures stretching above her head. Anahid tried to remember the very first time she came to the temple – she scrunched up her face, a quizzical expression fleeting across her eyes. It had happened a long time ago, far before her cognitive memory had begun – but, if she thought about it, it may have happened on a rainy day like this, if, perhaps, a bit cooler.

The rain tasted of salt, mingled with the icy spray that froze all who it touched., her eyes glancing upward as thunder came crashing down, its unmistakable presence echoing through the Temple in a menacing blow. The lights flickered; darkness came. It was in matter of minutes that the air and sky became a single, roaring beast. The whole world seemed to be made out of water and its roaring façade. Anahid blinked, trying to comprehend the chaotic torrent that now surrounding her being. The roaring winds, violent and wild, pulled at the doors and windows, trying hard to get in. She heard Younglings yelling, confined in the Temple as the storm roared, yet it all sounded like a distant murmur in the wind. The Jedi shook slightly as she sat on the steps, slowly taking over the rest of her body, her robes fluttering briskly over the turbulent winds, striking against the stone floor in an unsteady beat. “Please pay attention!” The words were almost indistinguishable above the creaking of the building and the ringing of the windows. Anahid reacted instinctively to the instructor’s command, smiling softly as the Younglings stopped their horsing around abruptly – her legs crossed in a single motion, even though her brain wasn’t particularly employed, overwhelmed by the thundering, lightning-lit beauty that surrounded her. It was so loud, so overwhelming – it was a true sight to behold. Magical – beautiful – pick whatever word you liked, it described all the same.

Taking off the boots that covered her feet, followed by a pair of socks, Anahid nestled her feet before her, the ledge extending above her head protecting her, to a certain extent, of the raging tempest. There was no telling how long she could stare at the storm. Even if it was pitch-black and the wind was raging, there was a hypnotic quality to the rain; even when it was threatening to worsen and the lightning was beginning to fall closer to them, Anahid could not seem to tear herself away. Regardless of how she cringed every time thunder crashed out at see, the combination was just so appealing that she could not see herself leaving. Four hours without end she watched as the storm continued giving no indication that it would stop.

[Ghostie]

Sirius had taken the day slow so far, or at least as slow as Master Ka had allowed him. They had spent the last few days at the Jedi Temple, letting Sirius rest a little bit from their last mission. And get used to new changes. His cybernetic hand was something Sirius didn't think he'd ever get used to though. It operated the same as his own hand, and he could still hold a lightsaber the same and work with technology like he did, but it just didn't feel right. Sirius loved to delve into technology and take things apart and put them together. But he soon found the first piece of technology he didn't appreciate. It just seemed wrong.

The day so far had been slow, and somewhat uneventful. Sirius had decided to visit his old Jedi Master, Master Oberon Kellar. Or what was left of him at least. After the encounter with the dark Jedi, Master Kellar had lost his memory and gained a permanent bed in the Healing Ward instead. Sirius visited from time to time, and one of the few things Master Kellar remembered was who Sirius was. It was comforting to know that, to know that he would never be forgotten by Master Kellar. And although the old man couldn't have a proper conversation, he was always there for Sirius to poor out on.

And then afterwards Sirius had volunteered to take the spot of padawan who had gone on a last minute mission, but was suppose to be guarding the Jedi Temple's main entrance today, along with the Gate Keeper and four other padawans. Sirius had nothing else to do today, all his training was done. And it was just a lot of walking and standing around. A perfect time to think. There wasn't any real threat to the Temple after all, so there was not much to do.

Sirius loitered around the outside of the entrance mostly. He leaned against the wall of the Temple and watched the speeders flying by in the afternoon, and saw the storm clouds rolling in. The rain started, but Sirius remained where he was, just raised his hood and continued with his guard duty. There was a Jedi sitting on the steps however. In the middle of the rain and the storm. Sirius instantly thought they were crazy, just sitting there and watching the storm rage, not caring at all. If he wasn't suppose to be out here, Sirius had no doubt in his mind he would be nice and warm inside. Sirius approached the Jedi and sat on the steps next to her.

“Shouldn't you be inside?”

[Reisier]

The rain had settled into a monotonous rhythm, its gentle pitter-patter now enveloping all who stood near. Anahid sat, in quiet solitude, enjoying the unadulterated peace that had settled throughout the city; even the war that raged far beyond their skies didn’t seem so troublesome. It was in that moment of silence that the woman had come to understand what had already been said – everything was bound to be alright. Regardless of the wars that tore nations, destroyed families, and ate-away friendships; regardless of the deaths, senseless killings and violence, everything was still alright. The world would carry on living, unaffected by what horrors it saw. While she would be unable to carry on with such serenity and acceptance, it would be in her best interest to at least try; that, after all, was all that was left – trying. Despite everything that happened – and despite everything that was happening – one could not stop living. The breaths that had come heavily, now came as easy sighs – her body felt clammy, dank from the salty water that splashed unto the ground.

Anahid smiled softly, her eyes stuck on the stillness before her, hair fluttering and clinging unto her chin and cheeks; once, she attempted to hold it in place, but the strands had protested, instead leaving her with her head sticking in odd angles and positions. She smiled, certainly enjoying the silliness of it all. Though, sillier still was her considering these conditions as lovely – she could get used to living in this weather; enjoying afternoon showers before night came. Her mouth curled into a soft smile and Amelia found herself closing her cyan eyes, enjoying the breeze as it blew against her face. Yeah, she could get used to this all right.

“Shouldn't you be inside?”

The voice greeted her ears – an unexpected noise – and as her eyes fluttered open, she could see a figure settling by her side. “Shouldn’t you?” [/color] Though, the man probably had a more valid reason to be venturing this weather, Anahid decided as she glanced away, “Besides, why should I stay indoors when we’re blessed with such a wonderful weather?”[/color] Anahid let a small laugh escape her as she realized how ridiculous she sounded – little to no one would consider a raging storm to be pleasant; that is, pleasant enough to be sitting in the middle of it. She laughed again, this time a bit louder; she felt a little bad for her companion, the young man probably thinking the Jedi was mad.

[Ghostie]

Sirius acted as polite as possible, which meant he had to hold back a laugh at the Jedi's comment about being blessed with such weather. Blessed, really? Sirius couldn't see anything good in such weather. It was dark and depressing, and could even be dangerous. It, in someways, reminded him of the darkside.

“I'd love to be inside, believe me.”

Sirius said next to the woman in silence for a few moments. He was getting soaked, but he stayed, interested in why this Jedi found the storm so great. He put his cybernetic arm on his lap and pulled his sleeve around it, trying to keep the mechanical limb dry. He still didn't know how it reacted to water. He pulled his hood around head tighter as well, although it didn't do much to keep his dry now.

“What makes this weather so great? It seems rather depressing.”

Or that could just be Sirius's mood. Between his arm, visiting his old Master who possessed no memory, and spending the day walking around the outside of the Temple it was pretty easy to say Sirius wasn't at his happiest. The storm only amplified it.

Yeah, there was nothing great about the storm.

[Reisier]

Her eyes darted towards the male besides her, curious to see what had brought a sudden change in his voice. While remaining polite, there was something odd, different. There was something puzzling him, just the slight detail of how he presented himself, and how he worked his ways. She tried to ignore it, but her mind wouldn’t allow it; there was something about the way he spoke. Or, maybe she was just imagining things. Her eyes glistened as she watched on, her cheeks perking up as she seemed to give something of a little laugh. She wouldn’t blame him, the warmth of the temple being much more inviting than the weather outside. It was bright and unwavering; warm to all who saw, and something about it that gave a beckoning call, and yet, she couldn’t help but disagree – Anahid would not want to be anywhere else but there. She couldn’t pinpoint the reason behind it, what had originally inspired the idea, but Anahid knew there was more to it than what she saw. She heard the young man speaking again and held a smile for a moment listening to him speak; the voice of reason to her unreasonable persona.

“Depressing, really?” Anahid countered with a frown, “I’d say it’s more – comforting.”

Water had filled her shoes and now she could feel her toes growing cold. The nipping wind caused her to shudder, bumps forming quickly under her skin. It never ceased to amaze her how it could get so cold in summer. Just a little rain and a shudder would run through your back, add a little wind and you’d be shaking like mad-and, Anahid was very close to making the latter a reality. She scrunched her shoulders together as she gave a heavy sigh. Eyeing the entrance expectantly, Anahid shrugged. She heard the young man speaking again and held a smile for a moment listening to him speak; the voice of reason to her unreasonable persona.

“Because, it’s the one thing that never changes – the feelings, the scent, its presence, it’s always the same.”

The world – their world – was changing constantly; folding upon itself and creating new societies, foreign as far as the woman could recognize. The worlds were so different from what she remembered as a child and far more different, she expected, from when she was born. Yet, here was this wonder, something that remained unchanged regardless of time – it was ageless and, as a result, it was beautiful.

[Ghostie]

Sirius wasn't about to debate weather with the Jedi sitting next to him. But in his mind, the storm was always changing. The clouds, the power of the wind, the size of the rain, there was always something different or new. Some new problem different from last time. Yes, Sirius wasn't convinced the storm was comforting.

The only thing that had ever been unchanging in his life was the Jedi Order, and the Temple along with it. Sure, Jedi passed through all the time. There was never the same combination of Jedi on Coruscant at any one time. But it was still the same building and rooms, and it was home to Sirius. The Jedi Order was always the same Code and ideals and rules, and it was Sirius's life. He had never saw a single thing change.

He adjusted his feet on the step below him. They seemed to be the only thing not wet so far. After Shili, Sirius saw how good footwear could make all the difference. He was able to get some better boots, boots for hiking through different environments and such. Survival boots, they were water tight. But the wind started to really pick up now. It became colder, much colder, very quickly. Sirius pulled his cloak tighter around himself, as tight as he could and still talk to the Jedi, whomever she was, next to him.

The Jedi didn't seem to be the most... sane person Sirius had ever met. Or maybe her outlook was just very, very different from his. But he had to admit, Sirius didn't know anyone before today who would call a storm comforting. It just didn't seem reasonable.

Physically, when standing or in their case sitting, in a storm it was rather uncomfortable. You grew wet, so wet that you became drenched to the bone. The wind made everything feel almost twenty degrees colder. Unless they were made for water, such as Mon Calamari, Sirius didn't think anyone else would find this comforting. Perhaps the Jedi was from a world which had regular weather like this, or the weather reminded her of someone. That at least seemed plausible.

“I find the Temple is pretty unchanging. Sure, Jedi pass through all the time. On the way to war, or if a child is discovered to be strong in the Force. But it's still the same building, the same rooms. It's still home. And I think home seems pretty comfortable compared to this storm right now.”

[Reisier]

Anahid blinked, staring blankly across the storm that engulfed them. The temple was more comforting than the storm before them?

Anahid blinked, staring blankly across the Temple behind them. It wasn’t particularly intimidating, it didn’t loom in any particular way, nor was it painted an ominous color. In fact, as far as she was concerned, the place was relatively inviting – a grandiose building, a pale crème color with a black trim, set atop a clean floor. There were a vast array of statues and tapestries – bright depictions and vast explanations often retold to the Younglings. As far as the eyes could see, the place was beautiful, without a doubt, calm and collected; and yet, the very sight of the room filled the Knight with a sense of confliction. She felt cold, palms clammy and sweaty, hands coiled and uncoiled into fists, heart beat madly against the cavity of her chest. Her stomach clenched, full of dismay – regardless of the cool serenity that emanated from the Temple, Anahid found anything but comfort in it. She felt, conflicted – as if she could no longer find comfort in the walls that had, for so many years, protected her.

The thoughts floated to her from all directions, shining with the same ominous haze as that of the heavy storm. She shook her head – no, the Temple had been her home, it was were she had found peace once and where, she hoped, she would rediscover it. This was honestly unnecessary – she was fine, perfectly so – sort off. Sure she had lost someone dear to her, very close, and of course her vision of the Order had changed, but she still loved them, and she still respected them and the Temple that represented them.

She opened her mouth, trying to formulate an answer – a good answer, but before she got the words out, the man continued and made her heart drop slightly. Perhaps he felt a lot more uncomfortable than she thought, “I am sorry, but would you like to go inside? You seem rather… weary.”[/color] She shifted unconsciously, feet curling against the cold stone before Anahid rose to a stance. Her hands clutched the brown leather boots she had discarded to her side, her feet firmly planted unto the ground as she offered the Jedi a helping hand.

[Ghostie]

The Jedi seemed uncomfortable with the mention of the Temple. Had Sirius said something wrong? He certainly hoped not. The Jedi seemed nice enough, slightly crazy, but kind all the same. He didn't want to offend her.

Sirius accepted her helping hand to get up. But he reached out with his cybernetic arm without thinking. His sleeve slid down his arm, exposing it fully. It had only been a couple of days since receiving the replacement. Sirius wasn't comfortable with it himself let alone to show anyone else. Only Master Ka and his friend Vance had seen it so far. But the damage was done. There was nothing Sirius could do about it now.

He stood up with the Jedi's help, and shook the sleeve back over his robotic arm. Sirius tried to act as if nothing had happened, as if he wasn't embarrassed. But it was hard, so very hard. How did you act as if you weren't embarrassed by something, when in all reality it was probably one of the most embarrassing things to happen in your life?

“I am sorry, but would you like to go inside? You seem rather… weary.”

Sirius laughed. Yes he was weary, but not because of the Storm.

“If I'm weary, it's probably because I've just met the craziest Jedi I know. And that's saying a lot.”

Sirius looked from the Temple to the Jedi and back again. Sirius could finally get a good look at who he was talking to. She had to be around his age, so it was impossible to tell whether she was a Knight or Padawan. She was shorter than he was, and her black hair was either plastered to her face because of the rain or being whipped around by the wind.

“But no, I need to stay out here. I'm part of the guard today. But I wouldn't mind the company if you wanted to stay out here.”

[Reisier]

As Anahid’s hand coiled around the Jedi’s wrist, she was met by the cold, smooth surface of metal. Her eyes widened slightly as she watched the long, metallic nimble fingers coiled around her wrist. While the sight itself was not an odd one to encounter, it was still striking, especially since the Jedi was close to her own age. Anahid quickly averted her gaze, focusing her attention on his face instead. Upon doing so she was met by a pair of round silver glasses, nestled quietly above a straight nose.

“If I'm weary, it's probably because I've just met the craziest Jedi I know. And that's saying a lot.”

She gave a small smile, “Crazy? Well, I will admit I have never quite been described like that before.”[/color] Anahid listened on, a small smile on her lips as she tried to make sense of what she was told – crazy, really? Well wasn’t that a funny thought? The Knight was not entirely sure if she understood him, was it really so odd for her to enjoy the peacefulness of the weather? She did try to understand him though, wrapping her mind around his every word as best as she could. Then again, standing outside in the middle of a storm, soaked to the bone, wasn’t necessarily the actions of reason. Her eyes glistened as she watched on, her cheeks perking up as she seemed to give something of a little laugh. “But, I do suppose my sanity is rather questionable at the time.”[/color] If it even was present. She couldn’t blame him though, if the roles were changed, she might have thought the same about her counterpart as well.

“Well, I wouldn’t mind accompanying you in your duty,”[/color] She explained, “I was already planning on staying outside for a while longer.”[/color] She paused and quirked a brow, “That is, if you don’t mind the company of a mad Jedi” Though her statement came out rather quickly, it held no malicious undertone nor did it seem like a study. In fact, she seemed to be all-to-amused, smiling sheepishly as she gave a laugh.