Ask Let's Go Fishin'

[Perun]

EPISODE 3
LET'S GO FISHIN'

Finding himself on the aquatic planet of Pillio, young Ma’alkerrite Jedi Knight PERUN makes a new acquaintance on his journey to explore the observatory of former Sith Emperor DARTH SIDIOUS.
.

As his starcraft descended through the planet's atmosphere, Perun could see the coral canyons of Pillio stretching out before him. The landscape was a dizzying maze of twisting, spiky formations rising from the glittering azure waters below.

The air was thick with the salty tang of the sea, and the Jedi could feel the sun's warmth on his face as he stepped out onto the makeshift landing pad. He took a deep breath, taking in the fresh, briny scent of the ocean and the faint hint of seaweed. The coral canyons towered around him, their jagged peaks looming high above.

As he made his way down onto the beach, the Perun's bare feet sank into the warm, gritty sand. He could feel the tiny grains pressing up against his padded skin, the heat of the sun radiating through the soles of his feet. The water was crystal clear, shimmering in the bright sunlight. The Ma’alkerrite waded out into the shallows, feeling the cool, refreshing embrace of the sea around his legs. He could feel the gentle tug of the tide pulling at his ankles as he moved further out.

The coral formations were a riot of color, their twisted shapes bursting with pink, purple, and blue hues. As the Jedi explored the canyons, he could see schools of shimmering fish darting in and out of the coral, their scales glinting in the sunlight.

The Jedi's senses were alive with the rich tapestry of life that surrounded him. He could hear the gentle rustle of seaweed swaying in the current, the distant buzzing of a scritter circling overhead.

The Jedi's connection to the Force grew stronger as he pushed his senses outwards into the coral canyons. He could feel the living energy of the planet pulsing all around her, the ebb and flow of the sea and the wind blending in a harmonious symphony, yet as he prodded deeper, he could sense something amiss, as though ripples still perturbed the balance of Pillio.

Abruptly, Perun’s contemplation was brought to an end as he sensed the approach of a new presence.

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra was always thankful for all the sailing opportunities he had on Mon Cala and other aquatic planets. Pillio was one that he sought to conquer, and he soon found his way onto its surface. Unfortunately for him, he discovered that most of the planet was covered in corals and shallows, the water not deep enough to get the kind of waves he wanted without disrupting marine life.

He decided instead to get some snorkeling gear and venture out to take a swim. The waves brushed against his feet as he walked on the sand, his sensitive ears picking up the distant sound of a scritter. He also thought he heard some splashing and he surveyed the surface of the water for a few seconds. Ezra knew someone was in there, but the Thorne was hardly the type to go say hello. He decided to mind his own business and sit down on the sand. Ezra was cleaning his snorkeling gear, and he even had fins.

He always had a deep love for the ocean, so he always felt at home on any aquatic planet. He just hoped that other figure wouldn’t be a nuisance…

@Aberforth

 

[Perun]

Perun could sense that someone was watching him, but he couldn't quite place the figure, the sun blinding his sights. He turned to get a better look and was surprised to see a young man sitting on the sand nearby who seemed to exude an aura of quiet confidence and independence. Perun had sensed the newcomer's approach, and while he couldn't yet discern their intent, he was wary of their presence.

Walking along the shore, he noticed the stranger sitting in the sand, cleaning their snorkeling gear. The Ma'alkerrite approached cautiously, keeping his guard up but still maintaining his typical carefree demeanor.

"Good day, stranger," he said, his voice dripping with irreverent humor. "I must say, you're quite the sight to behold, sitting there with your fins and snorkel like some kind of overgrown tadpole."

Perun chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eye. As a Jedi, he was all for communing with the Force, but sometimes, it was good to take a break and appreciate life's simpler things, like mocking strangers on the beach.

"What brings you to this idyllic paradise?" he added, hoping to strike up a discussion. As the two continued to converse, each would try to size the other up and determine their motives. It was clear that they both had their own agendas, but whether they would clash or work together remained to be seen.

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra looked around himself when the Jedi addressed him. Stranger? Clearly he lived under a rock if he didn’t recognize Ezra Thorne, son of the ISC President. He scowled as he took off his snorkeling mask, “And you smell like wet dog,” He said dryly, the mask already leaving a ridiculous red outline around his eyes.

He quirked a brow at his question, “To roleplay as a tadpole, obviously,” He remarked flatly. Ezra pushed off the flippers, sizing up the stranger. He certainly hoped this simian race was less infuriating than his time with the Ellorans.

“I came to sail but didn’t realize it’s almost all shallows,” Ezra said grumpily, gazing out at the waters.

@Aberforth

 

[Perun]

Perun couldn't help but be amused by the stranger's retort, his cerulean eyes crinkling at the corners as he let out a hearty laugh. The Ma'alkerrite appreciated a sharp wit, and it appeared this newcomer, Ezra, possessed one in spades. Though the initial exchange had been a tad acerbic, Perun found himself warming to the snarky human.

"Well, I must admit, you have a point there," the ape-man conceded, raising a paw-like hand to his nose as if to sniff himself. "The name's Perun, by the way. I don’t think we've met, though I've heard about you, of course."

As the salty breeze tousled his fur, Perun observed the vast, shallow waters surrounding Pillio's coast. He could understand Ezra's frustration. The crystal-clear shallows stretched for miles, beckoning visitors with their deceptive promise of depth, only to disappoint those who sought to sail upon them.

Perun's ears twitched, picking up the rhythmic lapping of the water against the shore, the distant cries of seabirds overhead, and the faint rustle of wind through the nearby foliage. The environment was vibrant, alive with the hum of the Force, yet tinged with an undercurrent of mystery. This was a place that held secrets, and Perun felt a tingle of anticipation at the prospect of uncovering them.

"Ah, yes," he mused, "Pillio can be a bit misleading, can't it? These shallows are both a blessing and a curse. But don't be too quick to judge, frogling. This planet has much to offer, if you know where to look." He paused, casting a sidelong glance at his new acquaintance. "And who knows? Perhaps our meeting here is no coincidence. The Force works in mysterious ways, after all."

As Perun spoke, he couldn't help but feel a subtle connection forming between himself and the young man. There was something about him that intrigued Perun - a hidden potential, perhaps, or a hidden danger. Regardless, the Jedi Knight sensed that their paths had crossed for a reason, and he was eager to discover what that reason might be.

His curiosity piqued, Perun decided to probe further. "So, Ezra, if you don't mind me asking, what exactly does the son of the ISC President do for fun when he's not impersonating amphibians or cursing the deceptive depths of Pillio's waters? Are you here seeking adventure, or merely attempting to escape the burdens of your prestigious lineage?"

The Ma'alkerrite's words were laced with a subtle undercurrent of empathy. As a Jedi, he understood all too well the weight of responsibility that came with a storied heritage. But he also knew that such burdens could serve as catalysts for personal growth, if one was willing to embrace the challenge.

As he awaited Ezra's response, Perun's senses remained alert, attuned to the nuances of their conversation and the ever-present thrum of the Force. The sun's warmth radiated against his fur, while the scent of briny sea air filled his nostrils. He felt a growing sense of anticipation, as if the shifting sands beneath their feet were rearranging themselves to reveal a hidden path. Whether that path would lead to enlightenment or peril, there was only one way to find out.

//Didn’t know if Ezra's status as Emryc's son was public knowledge. I deduced so from your previous post, but let me know if not and I'll edit.

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Frogling? That had to be a first. Ezra stared blankly as the stranger rambled, but in a sagely sort of way. He was even more shocked when he bluntly outlined his lineage and whether Ezra was running from it. All of that hit far too close to truth than Ezra would have liked. He almost considered saying nothing and brushing him off like he normally did with strangers. However, the guy using the cheesy Force tagline that Jedi loved gave away what he was.

“All right, I heard there was an observatory here that belonged to Palpatine,” He admitted flatly, “It’s well hidden so I started looking for it, got lost, gave up and came here instead,” Ezra shrugged. Clearly the observatory wasn’t meant to be found, and after so many years it was likely under tons of forestry.

“Shouldn’t you be at a temple telling padawans how to float rocks and practice abstinence?” He asked coolly, “You seem the type..” He muttered under his breath.

@Aberforth

 

[Perun]

Perun chuckled at Ezra's candid admission and biting remark about Jedi teachings. "Oh, I assure you, I'm not your typical Jedi," he quipped, his tail swishing playfully behind him. "The Force may be strong with me, but so is my penchant for straying from the beaten path." The Ma'alkerrite Jedi Knight appreciated the young man's tenacity and the fact that he didn't shy away from a verbal spar.

"Ah, the elusive observatory," he mused, his voice tinged with intrigue. "A fascinating piece of history, to be sure. The refoundation of our Order rests upon it aster all. As it happens, I'm here for the same reason."

Perun paused for a moment, considering the potential for a teaching moment in this encounter. He believed in the power of the Force to guide individuals toward growth and understanding, and perhaps their meeting was the universe's way of telling him that Ezra could benefit from his guidance.

"You know, frogling," he began, "the Force has a way of revealing hidden truths, if only we are open to its wisdom. Take, for example, the art of psychometry. Are you familiar with it?"

He carefully observed Ezra's reaction, gauging his knowledge and interest in the topic. Psychometry, the ability to sense the history of an object through touch, was a skill that few possessed but many found valuable in uncovering the secrets of the past.

As he spoke, Perun reached into a small pouch at his side and withdrew a tiny, intricately carved box. The craftsmanship was exquisite, its surface adorned with delicate etchings that seemed to tell a story. He had acquired the box during a previous adventure, and it held a mysterious allure that he had yet to decipher.

"Take this box, for instance," he said, gently extending it towards Ezra. "I retrieved it on a distant world, hidden within the ruins of a crashed cruiser. To the untrained eye, it's a mere trinket, a beautiful relic of a time long past. But to someone with the gift of psychometry, it could reveal a wealth of knowledge, and I sense it is key to unlocking the secrets we both seek."

Perun watched as the sunlight danced across the box's surface, casting a mesmerizing array of shadows and reflections onto the sand. The salty scent of the ocean filled the air.

He extended the box toward Ezra, his golden eyes locking onto the human's as he awaited his response. "Go on, give it a try. Focus your mind, and let the Force guide you."

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

“I thought you had to be born with it,” Ezra remarked about psychometry, rattling off whatever he was lectured on at the academy. He wasn’t sure what to make of this guy. On one hand he seemed like the typical Jedi Master that taught classes and had infinite levels of patience. On the other hand, he didn’t seem to have a stick up his ass. He stared blankly at him for a moment.

“You have a real dramatic method of speech, anyone tell you that? Sounds ominous and shady,” Ezra muttered, eyeing the box. It was like he was egging Ezra on to do some dirty deed he himself wouldn’t do. However, he could tell the man was a Jedi and Ezra’s own curiosities were off the charts.

He closed his eyes and concentrated on the Force, reaching a hand out to touch the object. He called on some of Zathria’s teachings to clear his mind and focus. The Force came to him easier here than it did when he was surrounded by people, noise and the bustle of Brighthome. Here, there was nothing but the sound of the waves and the calmness of his mind.

Ezra drew on the Force to seek what the box could tell him…

Dice: 16/20 for psychometry

@Aberforth

 

[Perun]

Perun observed Ezra's initial hesitance and skepticism, his golden eyes gleaming with a hint of amusement. "Indeed, psychometry is often mistakenly considered an innate talent," he acknowledged, "but anyone who is sensitive to the Force can learn to tap into it, given the right guidance."

As Ezra commented on his dramatic speech, Perun couldn't help but chuckle, his laughter resonating like the chime of distant bells. "Oh, I've been told that once or twice," he admitted with a sly grin.

Perun watched with quiet satisfaction as Ezra closed his eyes and focused on the Force. The young man's determination and receptiveness to guidance stirred a sense of pride within the Ma'alkerrite Jedi. He could feel the energy around them shift as Ezra's connection to the Force deepened, the gentle ebb and flow of the tide resonating in harmony with the rhythm of their surroundings.

As Ezra's hand made contact with the box, his mind would be flooded with visions and sensations. He would sense the intricate network of hidden mechanisms within the box, understanding that it was not only a beautifully crafted container but also a cleverly designed, multifaceted key. It would unravel in his mind's eye, revealing itself as a spherical astrolabe, it’s true shape conceal, but able to be revealed by a precise sequence of tapping on the box's exterior. The celestial patterns woven into its design hold the secret to locating the observatory, but also much more.

The box would hum with a latent energy, as if it was eager to guide them on their journey. Ezra would be able to feel the presence of the dark side, woven into its very essence. Some of the mechanisms would only be activated through the use of dark side power, a lingering reminder of Emperor Palpatine's twisted genius, the sound of his maniacal laughter. The box emanated a sense of pride, as though it was a testament to the Sith Lord's cunning and ambition.

Perun could sense the information and understanding flowing through Ezra as he connected with the box. The Ma'alkerrite Jedi's heart swelled with trepidation, knowing that they had unlocked a powerful tool, but also recognizing the potential danger that it represented.

"Very well done, Ezra," the older Jedi praised softly, his voice carrying the weight of both encouragement and caution. "Do you think you can activate the box and guide us to the observatory now?"

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

The box gave him a sense of direction, but there were other unwanted impacts from it as well. As the hollow laughter of Palpatine echoed in his mind, he also saw glimpses of the red visor that haunted him for so long. His connection to Darth Raze was like a cancer, a disease he couldn’t completely erase that always lingered in some corner of his psyche. It was triggered by touching into the memories of his box, Ezra’s own unwanted origins drawing to the surface.

Externally, Ezra was physically thrown back from the object, his psyche violently rejecting the object touched with so much darkness. The part Sephi blinked his eyes open, gazing up at the sky while on his back. There were hints of yellow in his eyes that rapidly faded to return them back to their normal silver.

He said nothing for a moment, still shaken from the experience. After a few seconds, he sat up in the sand, gazing at Perun with a mix of dread and conviction, “If we find it, we are destroying it,” He stated flatly before he stood up and dusted off the sand, “The Sith that broke off from the Empire have been aggressively searching for any artifacts or remnants from the old Sith,” He explained, recalling a recent brush with a Sith that did just that.

If the other Knight agreed, Ezra would turn and start to walk. His body language betrayed that he was rattled from what he witnessed, but he wasn’t about to blurt to a stranger how he was connected to Darth Raze.

@Aberforth

 

[Perun]

As Ezra was thrown back from the box, Perun's eyes widened with concern. He could sense the young man's struggle, the echoes of fear that clawed at the edges of his psyche. The Ma'alkerrite Jedi's heart ached with empathy, understanding all too well the burdens of one's past and the shadows that could linger within.

As Ezra sat up, his silver eyes filled with determination, Perun regarded him with a mix of admiration and compassion. "I understand your concerns," he said gently, his voice firm yet supportive. "And I agree, we must ensure that the knowledge and power within the observatory do not fall into the wrong hands."

Perun paused, his gaze locking onto Ezra's as he added, "But let us not be hasty in our actions. The destruction of the observatory could irrevocably alter the delicate balance of this planet. The Force is a complex tapestry, and sometimes even the darkest threads can serve a greater purpose. We must approach this with wisdom and discernment, lest we become blind to the potential lessons that may lie hidden within."

As they began to walk, Perun could sense Ezra's lingering unease, the tremors of emotion that radiated from him like ripples in the sand. The Ma'alkerrite Jedi found himself torn between the desire to comfort his newfound companion and the instinct to respect his privacy. In the end, he opted for a more subtle approach, hoping to alleviate some of Ezra's anxiety without prying into his personal demons.

"The path we walk is never an easy one," he mused, his voice soft as a whispering breeze. "But we are not defined solely by the scars we bear. We are also shaped by the choices we make and the connections we forge. And in those moments of uncertainty, when our past threatens to consume us, we can find solace and strength in the knowledge that we are not alone."

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra’s ears twitched when Perun suggested not to be hasty with destroying the outpost. The sentiment about darkness serving a purpose made him bristle. He exhaled and looked at the other Jedi. Normally people would yell with the amount of rage he felt then, but his Sephi origins processed things a bit differently. He maintained a calm external demeanor as he addressed the Knight, “What purpose does someone like Darth Raze serve? What lesson have we learned from Ithor and the slaughter of hundreds of innocents? What have we learned from Firerre?”

This may have delayed them, but Ezra was not going to stand for philosophies that tried to justify the evil that existed in the galaxy. There was bias in him which temporarily blinded Ezra, but it only fueled the disgust he felt for the Sith. For the truth that his parents had once been Sith. He couldn’t help from having some of the venom slip into his dialect, though it was clear none of it was directed at Perun as an individual.

“No one enables the Sith more than the Jedi..no one..” He said barely above a whisper, looking away. He had been wounded by Sith and the concept of them time and time again. His friends had been hurt by Sith and many had been killed.

@Aberforth

 

[Perun]

Perun's heart clenched as he listened to the hidden pains in Ezra's voice. He understood the young man's anguish, the visceral revulsion he felt towards the Sith and their atrocities. It was a rage that Perun had seen consume many, and he knew that such darkness could be a dangerously seductive force, drawing even the purest hearts into its depths.

He let the silence linger for a moment, allowing Ezra's words to echo like a mournful lament. The Ma'alkerrite Jedi gathered his thoughts, searching for the words that could bridge the chasm between them.

"My friend," he began softly, his voice imbued with a profound compassion, "I cannot claim to understand the depths of the suffering you speak of. But I assure you, I do not speak of darkness with any intention of justifying the actions of those who choose to wield it as a weapon."

Perun paused, his golden eyes filled with a solemn resolve as he continued, "What I speak of is the understanding that the Force is a balance, an eternal dance of light and shadow. And while the acts of those like Darth Raze are unspeakable, we must not forget that their existence is an unfortunate part of the greater whole."

He drew in a deep breath, his senses acutely attuned to the myriad life forms that called the aquatic planet home, the delicate balance of nature that thrived within this secluded sanctuary. "I do not wish to enable the Sith, nor do I seek to defend their heinous deeds. My purpose, as a Jedi, is to protect and to heal, to guide others towards the light and to defend those who cannot defend themselves."

Perun's voice gained strength as he went on, his words flowing like a river that sought to wash away the unspoken anger and bitterness that clouded Ezra's heart. "But in order to do so, we must recognize that the darkness exists, that it is a part of the cosmic tapestry that binds us all. By acknowledging its presence, we can better understand its nature and find the strength to stand against it."

He met Ezra's gaze, a flicker of sadness in his eyes as he added, "I do not know the weight of the burdens you carry, and I would never presume to trivialize them. But I also believe that it is in the darkest moments, when all hope seems lost, that the true nature of the Force reveals itself, guiding us towards the light and showing us the path to redemption."

Perun reached out a hand, a silent offering of support and camaraderie. "Together, we can face whatever lies ahead, and together, we can ensure that the legacy of those who have suffered at the hands of the Sith is one of hope, not despair. We are all connected, Ezra, and in that connection, we find the strength to overcome even the darkest shadows."

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra’s biggest enemy was his own mind. He could only think of Raze or the Sith that they fought on Berchest. He could picture Dash when he was injured or Ferrin when he was near death twice. There was no rhyme or reason to the chaos. There was nothing they could study that would help them prepare for it. But perhaps it could help them weather it when they were forced to do so. Perhaps it could bolster their strength in the Force to withstand darkness without falling to its whims.

He was silent as Perun spoke, knowing the other Knight was right. However, that didn’t improve his mood in any way. He stared at him briefly, eyes narrowing, “You know you talk like you’re 200 years old, right?” He asked flatly. Ezra wasn’t big on philosophical speeches, but this was his way of implying he did listen. He started walking in the direction he pieced together from touching the object.

“Were you born with it? Psychometry?” He asked curiously as they walked. Their path took them up a precarious ridge that curved along the coastline. Ezra planted a hand against the cliffside to keep his balance, jagged rocks in the shallow tides just to the left of him.

@Aberforth

 

[Perun]

Perun's lips twitched into a smirk at Ezra's dry remark. "Two hundred? Perhaps I did listen to one too many holocron," he quipped with a sly grin, his eyes sparkling with good-natured humor.

As they navigated the precarious ridge, Perun's long, agile fingers brushed against the rough surface of the cliffside, feeling the weathered indentations and cracks that spoke of centuries of erosion. Beneath his palm, the rock was cool, a stark contrast to the warmth of the sun on his back and the salty sea breeze ruffling his fur. His senses, heightened by the Force, picked up the distant call of seabirds and the gentle rustling of the foliage that clung tenaciously to the cliff's edge.

The question about his psychometry caught him off guard, pulling him out of his silent communion with the environment. He couldn't help the chuckle that bubbled up, a light, teasing sound that echoed off the cliffside. "Ah, my foray into psychometry... now there's a tale. It’s actually how I found out I was Force-sensitive," he said, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he glanced at Ezra.

"Picture this. Little Perun, barely as tall as a Womp rat, finding an old, battered speeder bike helmet in the back alleys of Ma'alkerr. I was as curious as a Loth-cat, you see, and I just couldn't resist," he started, his voice laced with amusement as he recalled the memory. "So I touch the thing, and boom! Next thing I know, I'm reliving the thrilling, albeit a tad reckless, exploits of a local swoop gang member."

His eyes twinkled as he recalled the incredulous feeling of barreling down the rough-hewn streets, the wind howling in his ears, the adrenaline pumping through his veins. "I might've been too young to fully grasp it, but boy did it feel like the wildest ride of my life. It scared the living daylights out of me, of course, but I was also... well, hooked."

As they continued their trek, Perun hoped his light-hearted anecdote would serve to ease some of the tension, reminding them both of the unexpected, often humorous paths the Force could lead one down.

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra couldn’t imagine having that as a power, “What if you get the memories when you don’t want them?” He asked, genuinely curious. Psychometry was notorious for being unstable and sometimes outright dangerous. There had been multiple instances of people going insane or touching something seeped in so much darkness that it tormented their thoughts. While Perun’s story had been lighthearted in nature, Ezra was eager to learn more about the skill.

He began to descend down the path, practically hugging the cliff face to keep from slipping. He didn’t have a fear of heights, but the sharp drop on the other side was enough to make most people nervous. After they walked down a natural ramp, Ezra came across what appeared to be a wide mesa protruding out from amidst the canyons. His brows furrowed in confusion.

“It was…supposed to be there..” He muttered, genuinely puzzled.

@Aberforth

 

[Perun]

Perun contemplated Ezra's question for a moment, the sea breeze playing with the strands of his hair as he considered the complexities of psychometry. "You're right, frogling," he admitted, his voice earnest and thoughtful. "Psychometry can be unpredictable, and there are times when memories sneak up on you when you least expect them. But as with any Force ability, it's all about control, balance, and knowing when to put up barriers."

He paused, recalling some of the more challenging experiences he'd had over the years, moments when the flood of memories threatened to overwhelm him. "With practice and guidance, you learn to filter out the noise, to focus on what's important, and to let go of what isn't," he added, offering a reassuring smile to the younger Jedi.

As they descended the precarious path, Perun couldn't help but appreciate the raw beauty of the environment; it all spoke to the untamed, elemental power of nature, a force unto itself. His senses, enhanced by his connection to the Force, drank in every minute detail, from the rough texture of the rocks underfoot to the distant crash of waves against the shore.

When they reached the wide mesa, Perun followed Ezra's gaze, taking in the seemingly empty expanse with a furrowed brow. He sensed the younger Jedi's confusion, but instead of giving in to frustration, he allowed the Force to guide him, scanning the landscape with unerring focus. In the midst of the barren plateau, he spotted an inconspicuous indentation, like a subtle, almost imperceptible seam in the rock.

"Perhaps," he mused, a sly grin tugging at the corners of his mouth, "what we're looking for isn't meant to be found by the naked eye."

With a fluid, confident stride, he approached the indentation, his fingers skimming its edges as he sought to understand its purpose. He could feel the latent energy within the rock, a pulsating, almost magnetic force that seemed to beckon them closer. "Ezra," he called, his voice tinged with excitement, "I think we might be onto something here."

Perun's fingers traced a series of intricate patterns along the seam, the Force guiding his movements with uncanny precision. And as he completed the final, delicate stroke, a low rumble echoed through the air, the ground beneath them trembling as if in response to some hidden signal. Slowly, the mesa began to shift, revealing a hidden entrance that had been concealed beneath the unassuming surface.

"Shall we?" he asked, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he gestured towards the newly revealed path, eager to discover what secrets lay hidden within the depths of the observatory.

//Rolled a 14 for : are we on the right path?

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra, like Perun and most people, wasn’t super inquisitive by nature when it came to ancient ruins or things he wasn’t familiar with. The Thorne kept a respectable distance as Perun happily touched and felt up the indentation. Sure enough, there was a rumble and Ezra thought about leaping clear back. However, he stood his ground - his giant ego compelled him. He couldn’t let a damn monkey show him up, could he? Especially after those damn Ellorans bruised his ego.

He stared at the pathway, grimacing, “I might be too tall to fit through there..” He said dryly. Sure enough, he had to hunch quite a bit to fit through the entrance, his broad shoulders scuffing up the sides. Dust fell on him and he half wondered if the entire thing was about to collapse on them.

Ezra was not having a good time navigating the tight space. He bumped into the walls, scuffed up his elbows and ran into Perun a few times. His pointy ears managed to graze against the walls. At some point he knocked too hard into the tunnel that abruptly got even tighter and a chunk of debris fell on his foot.

“Ouch!” He hissed, jumping away and practically tumbling over Perun in the commotion. It was dark, smelly, and cramped. Clearly this place was meant to be sealed up and now Ezra was stuck stumbling his way through a cave far too small for him.

“Is there anything even worth looking for here?” He asked, his tone irritable, “If you answer with a proverb, I’m hitting you,” He politely warned the Knight.

Roll: 4/20 for Ezra navigating through the entrance

@Aberforth

 

[Perun]

A chuckle, deep and sonorous, echoed from the ape-man. A smirk tugged at the corners of his wide mouth, revealing a hint of his sharp canines as Ezra stumbled and hissed with discomfort. The dim luminescence of the cave accentuated the golden hue of his eyes, which glimmered with amusement. "You know, Ezra, there's an old Ma'alkerrite proverb which says, 'The jungle does not adjust its width for the great narlg beast,'" he started, cheekily ignoring Ezra's warning and waggling a large finger in mock reproof. The Ma'alkerrite’s mirth filled the dark, constricted pathway.

He allowed a few seconds for his words to sink in before resuming his original thread. "As for what we're looking for, well, Palpatine wasn't known for his modesty. A man of his stature didn't squirrel away trinkets for the sake of whimsy."

Perun moved slowly, his large hands gliding along the rough stone, sensitive fingers tracing the patterns of millennia-old wear. The musty scent of untouched earth filled his nostrils, and he closed his eyes, tuning into the whispers of the Force. “Palpatine had a multitude of these vaults peppered across the galaxy, each one a sphinx-like riddle wrapped in an enigma, waiting to be unwound. We know of their existence, yet their purpose remains shrouded in mystery, a vestige of the past that refuses to unveil its secrets."

Pausing in his tracks, his golden eyes opened, reflecting a glint of intrigue. He turned to regard the intricate astrolabe, his large, clawed finger delicately tracing over its filigree surface. "Interestingly, our little mechanical marvel seems to be responding to something in our vicinity." His voice filled the enclosed space, a low rumble reverberating off the walls of the tunnel. "It seems to sense the presence of another artifact, though its nature remains unknown" His chuckle rumbled again.

As Perun pressed forward through the narrow, winding path, the oppressive claustrophobia of the cave began to ease. Without warning, the tunnel gave way to a large, rounded alcove. The abrupt transition was akin to taking a breath after being underwater for too long, the space opening up like an exhaled sigh of relief.

Directly opposite the entrance of the alcove, a hulking metal door stood embedded into the cave wall. The door was an incongruous sight amidst the natural rock formations, its surface tarnished by age and elements, yet exuding an undeniable air of stoic perseverance. Riveted panels created a pattern of rectangles across the surface. The door seemed strangely ominous.

@Sreeya

Spoiler

Rolled for what was in the observatory:
1. Nothing
2. Force nexus
3. Force wound
4. Sith artifact
5. Encrypted holo terminal
6. Kyber crystals obtained from the destruction of Jedi lightsabers

I got a 4 - Sith artifact.

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra had to call on all kinds of calming Jedi techniques to keep from smacking Perun upside the head. People told him he was like Emryc Thorne, but really he inherited Jaikus’ simmering impatience just beneath the surface. Emryc would have spent hours just studying the entrance until Perun threw himself off a cliff from boredom.

Ezra sighed in relief when the room opened up. However, he felt the pulse of the Force in an uncomfortable way. He suddenly stood where he was, gazing towards the door before them. A chill ran down his spine. It was dark. Whatever it was, it was evil. Whispers he had silenced began to come up again. He had been in the plane of the Force and there it had been revealed he had a connection to Darth Raze - that a part of him manifested within Ezra. Because they were blood.

He always ran from that truth. But when he faced the Dark Side, when it manifested in objects or within a nexus, the lure was powerful. It was the true reason he sought to distance himself from the convention path of the Jedi. Even now, that darkness through the door pulsed and he felt it clouding his mind.

“There’s something in there…” He said. If Perun looked, he would notice the terror in Ezra’s silver eyes. There was a thin ring of yellow forming around the irises. The Thorne heard the whispers again - the promise of power, to surpass his father, to kill Darth Raze. All he had to do was tap into his full potential. The galaxy was his to take.

@Aberforth