Honor the Fallen: Ven, Jace, Eivor

[Aliyah Phoenix]

Honor The Fallen

Venatus

This thread is open to anyone who knew Venatus, Jace, or Eivor and wanted to say farewell!
-Music-​

Aliyah walked along the flora and fauna of the thick jungle world of Tython, murmuring beneath her breath as she collected a gentle amount of items to bury in the place of her father's body. She had been warned against trying to retrieve is, so she didn't rush off and get herself killed in the process. She'd let the majority of those people who had been close to him know where the small and humble funeral would be held. All of his possessions had been placed on a funeral pyre, as was custom, and she knew that he'd want to go out in the fire like his father before him.

We lost you too early. But at least you're at peace now.

She hoped she wouldn't be alone. After this, she planned to "bury" Jace and then Eivor, giving each of them the respect they deserved. A respect the Sith would never show. But this wasn't the time to think about the Sith, or the war, this was a time to think about her father and what he had done and accomplished in his life. What had Venatus Phoenix been to the Galaxy? What had he meant to those who knew him best? To her, he'd always been a father figure, even before they were close. He struggled with a lot of self blame, regret and despair when it came to the fate of his home and family. He had extreme symptoms of amnesia and the messy things that came with it, including a loss of purpose in his life, a purpose she'd been told had been returned to him.

The Jedi Order had given him a home in the last few weeks of life, and she'd never seen him happier, and she was so thankful that he died knowing that he was cared for. Most people only ever saw the hard and serious side of him, but he had always genuinely been a fun and caring person, and definitely the strongest she'd likely ever know. He wasn't leaving just her behind either, her adoptive sister Kathry was still out there with the Sith. And his son, a son that she doubted even he knew about, walked with the Jedi still. Aliyah would make sure his legacy was carried on, she would carry the torch that he once did and do everything in her power to stop the ones that had killed him. Placing the last stone on the pyre, she stepped back and took a deep breath.

It's going to be time soon.

Jace

-Music-​

Of all three, it was Jace's death that had shocked her the most. She had only just started to know him, and she didn't think it would have stung nearly as bad as it did now.

Well I guess we'll never know... I'm sorry, Jace...

She knew others would be coming. Jace was know throughout the Order for his positive attitude, he'd touched the lives of more people than she could think to count. He always seemed to see the best in people, and tried to help them with whatever problems holding them back. And somehow, he always managed to do it while dealing with his own issues, smiling the whole way through. He'd been one of the most fun Jedi she'd ever met, and she'd always heard he was a pleasure to be around.

Aliyah had no idea what they would have become had he lived, and the more she thought about the possibilities the sadder she seemed to grow. So instead, she decided to think about all the positives he had done. He'd helped the Jedi Order retake Tython, working with the likes of Jedi Masters Hinlo and Sage to bring down the many vicious abominations that had once called Tython home. Even the earth she walked on now was free thanks in no small part to him. He'd been there on Kashyyyk, and helped defend the wookies from trandoshan slave traders, earning favor for the Order. He'd done so much for so many people, this was absolutely no way for a guy like him to have died, but at least he went out doing what he believed in.

Eivor

-Music-​

Eivor had been a new person in her life, one she'd only ever met once. But she knew that Jace had viewed her as a close friend, and that was enough for Aliyah to trust her. There were many rumours going around about exactly how trustworthy she'd really been, but whatever had happened on Manaan... She'd died like a true Jedi. And the girl hoped and prayed with all her heart that she would finally find some rest. Life didn't treat Evee right, it never had, and she did what she had to do to survive. It's especially hard to turn on those who you once considered family, only after realizing they would kill you just as soon as help you. To Aliyah, no matter what the Galaxy may say, she would always be a Knight, and she'd be buried like one alongside those who had fought and died beside her. It was the right of anyone and everyone to be buried with all the respect and honor they deserved, and hopefully her soul would pass quickly and join with Ven and Jace in the Living Force.

I'll wait for the others, then we can start.

 

[Azar Torsin]

The truth was that Azar hadn't known any of the Jedi who had been killed except by reputation. Of course, all the Jedi had heard of all three and Azar was starting to wonder what kind of an affect it would have on the rest of the Jedi. He watched the burial as it began. It was somewhat irregular and more typical to have a funeral pyre, but it seemed they had their requests.

His heart grew heavy as he paid his respects to each of the dead. They were just more friends fallen. More people looked up to and known well throughout the order and yet they had fallen to the Sith. The Sith were going to stomp the rest of the galaxy into oblivion if someone didn't stop them. But he also knew another thing: the living could only meditate on the dead for so long. The rest of the Jedi needed to stand up and stop them.

May you find rest in the Force. May the Force be with you... always, he said with a bow of his head. It was time still to tend to the living. He only hoped that there would yet be time to turn the tide of the war. Or perhaps he would be the one on a pyre before long. Whatever the outcome, he knew the Force would guide them. It had never let him down yet, and if it did, he likely wouldn't be here to see it happen. All was as the Force willed it.

 

[Marion Espaa]

For the first time in months, Marion had left Rhen Var and her clan to come to yet another Jedi Gathering. But this gathering... it was not for battle, or celebration, but to mourn the loss of somebody she held dearest to her heart. Walking gently up to Aliyah and giving her a long hug, she didn't bring herself to look at the pyres yet. She didn't want to get emotional, not while Arhena might show up. It had been a long time since she'd seen Venatus. The last time they parted ways, it hadn't been on good terms. Though by now Marion had admitted to herself that demanding they stay together had been selfish of her, especially considering she never told him why. She never told him of the son they shared together, because he seemed so adamant about saving the Order that she couldn't bear to mention it. Venatus would've dropped everything to raise him, Marion knew it, he'd have dropped the Order too. And she couldn't have that, the Galaxy had needed him as he was... as Venatus Phoenix, a Jedi Warrior... not Eiric, not Ven.

Not with me. Never with me.

"Hey. How are you holding up, Ali?"

They were like sisters, but like mother and daughter, in the strangest of ways. She and Aliyah had started off as friends, but as her relationship with Venatus developed she took on more of a motherly role for the girl, despite their similar age. Aliyah may be older in body, but she'd never had the chance to be a kid. And it showed, her pain showed, it was equally as obvious in her eyes. She had something to discuss with the girl, something she thought deserved to be told. Hopefully Arhena would come, he deserved to know who his father was, and they both deserved an explanation as to why she'd kept it a secret for so long. She never wanted him to grow up like his dad, to go off an fight in a war that wasn't his, but now that she saw how powerful the Sith had become, it was obvious enough they'd always need him. And he was in every way his father's son, he took after Venatus in ways that surprised even her. He even had the darker hair, instead of her red... She was here for the others, too, but she didn't know either of them. She'd heard of Eivor once or twice in passing, but she was sure Aliyah would tell their tale.

"I've got something I need to tell you, when we have the chance..."

 

[Vollen Shai]

Th crackle of flame joined the sounds of the forest in a quiet symphony, a contemplative one that Vollen now entered, letting it wash over him in the quiet of the grove. A number had gathered to pay their respects to the dead. Though their bodies could not be there this was their burial all the same. And everyone here knew to respect that.

Hood up, he made his way to the pyres, taking time before each to pay his respects. He’d met them all in some form, though Venatus he knew the best. A strong, proud man. And a good man. Lost on Manaan with the others. A loss for the Order, all.

There was only so much time one could spend mourning though. And looking across he could see Aliyah being comforted by another he didn’t know. He offered her a weak smile, there was little else he could do, though he lingered a time, he knew this would be hard on her. In a free moment she had he’d wander over and speak to her,

“I dare not say anything now, but if you ever wish to talk, I’m always ready” he offered, giving her a moment to reply. Otherwise, he would linger a time as the flames wreathed around the pyres, taking a moment himself to reflect, on the role of a Jedi, on the likely death so many of them faced in the coming days. It was something he’d have to make peace with.

He wasn’t quite able to just yet.


@Autumn's Firefly

 

[Silas Rin]

Silas had never actually been to Tython during his life as a Jedi, but knew of the ancient Jedi world. He had heard through Ralaa that the world had been recently reclaimed and through her had heard of the tragic news of Eivor's passing.

He was able to get onto to the Jedi World with the codes Ralaa had as Jedi Master from there he sought the blend in. He wore a plain gray robe, hood pulled his head. He wasn't here for any of the other Jedi, though their passings were likely equally as tragic.

Eivor had been a friend to him, first coming to him as an Exile, trying to convince him to join that Order. She had threatened him that she wouldn't likely be the last Exile he saw, but Silas had felt the conflict in her then. She desired peace, spoke of the golden fields of her home.

She had followed up on her threat to return but was changed, she had found a home in the Jedi. She had helped him build a home for his children, help protect that home from cultist. She had left an impression on many who often ask after the Red Haired Woman. He only hoped she found the peace she had been looking for the first time they had met.

He couldn't help but feel a bit of anger. This is what the Jedi did. They spoke of peace but this was they left in their path, death. He lay the small bundle of flowers the children had picked on Andara for her next to the grave site.

"Goodbye, Evee." he whispered before stepping back into the crowd of Jedi.

@GABA

 

[Jinlo Halan]

Stepping out into the cool evening air, a young raven haired Jedi Master let out a long reluctant sigh as she drew her woven grey shawl that hung over her white dress robes, tighter around her neck to keep the edge of the colder climate off of her exposed skin. Slowly she stepped down the stairs from the Temple's Healers wing, the light breeze whipping through her long flowing ebony locks of hair as she made her way towards the clearing in the Forest where the funeral pyres were being prepared for the funerary ceremony.

Three knights had fallen during an mission on Manaan; Knight Eivor Vivas, a vibrant and capable Jedi who Jinlo had encountered briefly on this very planet as they fought to return the once corrupted planet back to the light. Knight Venatus Phoenix a once displaced and wondering soul who the raven haired Master had observed during his Trails of Masterhood. And Knight Jace Tokani, the female master's closest and dearest friend within the Order, who's falling had completely blindsided her as new came right in the middle of the attack on the Jedha Temple.

Pacing her way through the forest path, the raven haired master's vibrantly glowing Ice blue hued eyes, scanned over the path ahead of her trying to find some form of solace in the tranquil and peaceful world that surrounded her. This was not the way that she had envisioned her arrival on Tython at all, plans had been made for Jinlo and Jace to travel to Tython to witness the result of the restoration works for themselves following the combined efforts of many Jedi Knights and Masters to bring light to what has now become one of the few safe havens for the Order.

Since her return to the Order she had come to see Jedha as her home, now it was that Tython was to be called her home. The plan for the two Jedi to share the sun rising over the temple, bringing a surge of life within the Force, now seemed to be a distant faded hope, her first interaction with her friend was to bid farewell as his body was committed to the Force.

Stepping through into the clearing, Jinlo's eyes scanned over the gathered Jedi briefly before focusing on the three prepared pyres. With a heavy breath she made her way forwards to the nearest pyre. Her solemn eyes falling upon the body of Phoenix, son of Vhal. Quietly she stood beside the fallen Knight, offering a silent prayer for the man. With a deep breath she made her way towards the next, her ice blue hued eyes scanning over the body of Eivor, similarly the raven haired Master offered a prayer for the woman, before reaching out to gently tease the errant strands of copper hued hair that the wind had blown out of place. With a long resigned sigh Jinlo made her way over towards the third and final pyre.

As soon as her eyes had set upon Jace laying peacefully in his final rest, tears had started to form in the corners of her eyes. Her stomach was heavy as she silently regarded her friend. As much as she had fallen numb as soon as the news was broken to her, seeing his body at rest seemed to make the initial news pale in comparison. Gently she reached out a trembling hand to take Jace's hand, her fingers wrapping tight around his. "Looks like I won't get to haunt you after all" Jinlo murmured trying to lighten her sorrow over her recent threat that she would forever haunt him as a Force ghost should she fall before he did. "Thank you Jace, thank you for showing me there is more to life than just the Archives" she continued her softly spoken words choking out through her sobs. "I hope you finally have found peace, I'll see you on the other side my friend, I promise" the raven haired master added, before releasing her hold on her friend's hand and reluctantly turned round and stepped away from the pyre.

Raising her sombre gaze from the floor, she looked towards the gathered ranks, forcing a weak kindly smile on her tear soaked face as she stepped forwards and fell into place among the gathered Jedi. With a heavy sigh she turned to face the three pyres, before raising the cuff of her wrist to her eyes to wipe away at the channels that had formed on her alabaster skin. Quietly she will stand as the final tributes are paid before the three knights bodies are released into the Force.

 

[Arhena Espaa]

What a somber day. He'd heard of all three of these Knights, each of them were said to be amazing at what they did, some of them were almost legends in their own right. And all three of them, snuffed out like a candle in a hurricane... lights that burnt brightest, snuffed by the shadow's ever creeping embrace. This only solidified Arhena's view that taking a step forward to directly confront the Sith was the way to go. But that wasn't why he was here, he was here because his mother had asked him to come. And he was here because of the mysterious parcel that Marion had entrusted to him; what seemed to be a holorecording of sorts. Excusing himself from the crowd and smiling to the purple Twi'lek he had met moments before, he placed the holorecording down gently.

"There. I'm not sure what's suppos-"

At once, the holorecording spurred to life and began to transmit a flickering and pixelated image of a man in steel armor. He was fiddling with the device for a moment, before backing up. As he stands back into the center of the frame, the hologram becomes clear, and you can visibly see Venatus, as he was in his younger days. He was clad in strange armor and seemed to be sitting aboard a freighter, with what seemed to be music being strummed in the background. Aliyah would recognize the scene, the day she had decided to practice with his lute.

​

*****
-Music-​

"I wish I could see you under better circumstances, but I fear that I may not return from my next endeavor.

If you are listening to this message, then I take solace in the fact that you are all safe from harm. Aliyah, should my skills fail me, or my ambition lead me astray, do not seek retribution in my memory, but ensure that our light never fades. My story is one of many thousands, and the galaxy will not suffer if it ends too soon.

To my son, I know not what you are named, and Mary. I wish I could've been there, to watch him grow, or that you would have seen fit to tell me. But I heard a calling, and I knew I was needed elsewhere. I hope that you will answer the same call one day, to help the helpless ones, that all look up to you. And to defend them, until the end.

Friends, I'm sorry I couldn't see you one last time. All I ask is that you don't waste your tears on me. Celebrate how I lived, don't mourn how I fell. Go, smile, and save somebody for me.

Aliyah, Vollen, Bri'ella, Kane, Jace, Tynian, Teluranis, Alek, Dune, Austin, Galahad, Jon, Marion. May the Force be with you.

We'll see each other again, I promise."​

Arhena paused, and exhaled deeply. So that's what they wanted to talk to him about? Aliyah had mentioned it moments before this, his mother had known, heck even the father he'd never met knew. Why had he been the only one kept in the dark for so long? This was the day he'd bury the father he never had the opportunity to meet... what prime cruelty was that? But, in a way, it did comfort him knowing who his father had been, and that in a way he was following his footsteps. His story was one of the most fulfilling and emotional, even unto his end. Shaking himself from his thoughts, he gently raised a single hand and waved to the hologram as it faded away.

"Goodbye, Venatus."

Venatus Phoenix had long struggled with his self doubt, his grief, and most importantly, his fear. Ironically, the eventual recovery of his past was what ultimately brought him the clarity he needed in the end; not just on what he was meant to do, but also on embracing his whole self. He has become an example of what a true Jedi should be: Not fearful of his attachments and darkness, but rather acknowledging and overcoming them. He was right, some things were worth fighting for, and he'd be right alongside those fighting for them. If this was the legacy he had to live up to, it was a steep one indeed. Arhena had a lot to learn before he could come close to holding a torch to any of these legendary Jedi, but if the Force was kind and fate was willing... He would try and become at least half the man his old man was revealed to be.​

 

[Galahad Vult]

theme​

A light, cool breeze ruffled Galahad's short blond hair lightly as he stood before the funeral pyres. He leaned heavily on his gnarled makeshift cane, the tip of which dug into Tython's soft fertile earth. Even as many Jedi were celebrating Wyck's rise to Grandmaster and preparing for their next move as an Order, but now was not the time. Today was a day of remembrance, one where they would honour the three Jedi that fell in battle on Manaan.

Eivor and Jace Galahad only knew of by reputation; but what a reputation they had indeed. Both had fought bravely against the darkness, terrors, and swarms of abominations that plagued Tython. They had even fought The Tower, a monstrous and powerful abomination, and by their teamwork were able to fell the great foe and cleanse the planet of corruption. And now they were gone, returned to the Force. "Farewell, Eivor and Jace. Your great deeds in life will be remembered and praised for generations of Jedi to come," Galahad spoke somberly.

Before Knight Vult could pay his respects to Venatus, a young man approached the pyre and laid down a holorecording which sprung to life. In his final words, the late Knight encouraged them all to help those that were in need and to protect the innocent, a call to action that resonated deeply with Galahad. He remembered fondly the day that Venatus had joined him and Austin that day on Jedha. Knight Phoenix had even offered to provide Galahad with a way to relieve the pain from his leg, going out of his way to help him in his time of need. To be counted among Venatus' friends was truly an honour. Fighting back tears, the former guard uttered his respects. "Farewell, Venatus. The galaxy is a colder place without your fiery spirit, and we shall strive to carry on your selfless deeds. The Force was with you, and now you are one with the Force."

 

[Austin Wolfe]

theme​

The scene that Austin beheld around the three funeral pyres was one of mourning and serenity. Three great Jedi had died in defense against the Sith, sacrificing themselves for the Galaxy and the Force. The doctor slowly tread the soft green earth next to his friend and colleague, Galahad Vult. It pained him to see the Knight struggling on his makeshift cane, though recently both his crutches had been destroyed and Austin was unable to acquire new ones. Their resources were spread thin, and most of the doctor's supplies were currently on Vrogas Vas after the devastating assault on Jedha.

It pleased Austin to see that Aliyah was here. Clearly his words of admonition were enough for the Knight, and this was indeed the proper thing to be done after the loss of her father and friends. Now was the time to mourn their passing, but the doctor hoped that his reprove had been firm but not too harsh. Attachment was a dangerous thing for a Jedi — becoming emotionally intertwined and having that severed was often times unbearable. A Knight's duty was first and foremost in service of the Force, and they had to train themselves to let go of such things that would cause them to stumble.

Though Austin had never met either Jace or Eivor, he silently wished for their spirits to rest easy as they became one with the Force. Suddenly, a holorecording of Venatus appeared, relaying his final words to those who gathered here in their honour. It greatly surprised the doctor to have been mentioned and recognized as a friend of the man. They had only met twice, although both times were indeed notable experiences. Firstly, he with the help of Aliyah and Austin placed wards on Galahad's leg to reduce the pain in his crippled leg, despite having just met them in the marketplace not an hour earlier. Then, later that day, the doctor had run into Venatus in the Kyber crystal caverns deep beneath the Holy City. What the Force had shown him there was remarkable, and it ultimately led to Austin letting go of his sister's death and finding new purpose in the Order. These were moments that Dr. Wolfe would not forget.

"You will be missed indeed, brother Venatus. May your soul find its peace within the Force — one day we shall meet again." Clasping his wrist behind his back, Austin nodded his head in respect for the fallen. Though their spirits burned bright no longer, the Jedi gathered here would carry that fire with them for the rest of their days.

 

[Aliyah Phoenix]

Spoiler: OOC Note

I'm gonna wrap this up, we'll have the next little bit to say our piece then the pyres go up

-If You're Reading This-​

"After this - I think we could all use a good talk."

Aliyah gave Marion and Arhena a weak smile as they approached, trying to give off what little comfort she could. It was hard, really hard, for her not to break down and cry. The father and daughter relationship they had shared was not a normal one, because he'd chosen to be there for her and she'd chosen to be there for him. He'd taught her everything she'd known, he was the template for how she thought a Jedi should be, and he'd traveled with her since her very first and humble beginnings. When a young Knight thought she was strong enough to take on a slaving ring alone, a mysterious stranger jumped in to save her from her own foolishness. What hurt the most about his passing was how sudden it was to her. They had so many plans, and she had so many hopes for what he could've done. She'd also helped him as best she could with his own problems, and together they'd fixed each other in a way, with her tempering his reclusive nature and him holding back her impulsive tendencies. It wouldn't be the same. Not without Ven, monster hunter, shadow slayer. Singer of melodies and bringer of light. But she knew now that even in his final moments, even when he knew that the mission was suicide... he'd went anyways. And he'd left a message for them all to hear, one that spoke to her profoundly.

Oh, why did it have to be you?! Why did you have to go play the heroes...

She remembered that night like it was yesterday. And as she lowered her hand towards his lute, which now sat at her side, tears began to flow from her eyes as she tried to choke up words and thank them for coming. All of them. This was more that she'd expected, and she was really grateful... for the warm presences and for the care it showed the dead. She didn't even want to think about Jace right now, she'd only just begun to sort out how they fit together in the Order and he was stolen from them cruelly. And Eivor. Poor Eivor... She died thinking the Order believed her a traitor. Wiping away her tears with one hand, she also realized the unspoken truth that the recording had told her. All that training, all those days talking about what might happen when he passed on and left this world - it wasn't training anymore. She was the Phoenix of Vahla now, and she had to make sure that her father... their father's mission succeeded. That was another surprise for the day... she had a little brother. She smiled and straightened her back slightly as Vollen offered to talk as well.

"I think I'll take you up on that offer... A lot's changed, Vollen. Too much."

Shaking her head, and clearing her mind, gently reciting the Jedi code over and over rhythmically as she turned to Master Halan and a familiar if not weathered face; Silas Rin. He'd also been there during her first little escapade, and he'd been the one to warn her about the bounty on lightsabers. Of course, they hadn't seen each other since, but she'd heard about his exploits from time to time. A good man, and he seemed to be here on Eivor's behalf. It was good someone had come that could speak for and about her, she'd feel bad inventing nice things to say, even if they were true. She also turned a softer gaze on Jinlo, who seemed just as broken by Jace's loss as she was. He meant a lot, to a lot of people. Master Halan had known him better than she had, and she didn't really feel comfortable speaking about him right now. She needed to take this one step at a time, or the emotions would overwhelm her and she knew how bad that could be.

"Thank you for coming, all of you. If anyone would like to say a few words about the dead before I light the pyres, I know that Jace was close to you, Master Halan. And gathering from how you watch over her, I'd say you knew Eivor way better than I did Silas. I'll speak for Venatus..."

She took a long breath, clenched her fists, and continued.

"Venatus was my father. But he acted like a father to everyone he met. That's who he was, always trying to pass on what he knew to somebody else, trying to help them become better versions of themselves. His light was a fire that burned brightest when in the presence of others, and he died as he lived, defending somebody else without regard for... his own safety. I plan on doing what he asked, and remembering how he lived, how they all lived. We'll save them all, Dad, you just sit back.... and... watch... you don't have to fight anymore...

...Sorry, go ahead..."