Looking Back

Eisa Swan

Rebel with a Wrench
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OOC Note: This is an open thread for the Jedi and Members of the Galactic Alliance only, looking to use the Pilgrimage as a good opporunity for your character to reflect and remember those that had fallen and been lost - Death / PvP Etc All Disabled


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It seemed that no matter what state the Galaxy was in, Kashyyk always was the most welcoming of the worlds. Its native inhabitants were always gracious enough to share in their culture to those who's bonds lay as deeply rooted into the planet's history as the great Wroshyr trees that covered the forest world. Even though fealty had been declared to the Mandalorians and the presence of the Jedi had seemed to fall back into rumour and speculation in the wake of the anti force user sentiment that had washed across the galaxy - there was still a welcoming few of the planet's natives that would honour the ancient bonds held with the Jedi Order, either by decorating the long vacant temples in honour of the holiday. Or by showing solidarity through more secretive means, deep within the black forest small gatherings were held for those who wished to emerge out of the shadows and take part in a time honoured celebration of solidarity and remembrance.

Stepping through overgrown track, an ashen haired figure made her way over towards the flickering light up ahead - her gaze narrowing slightly as she cautiously observed the movements of those gathered around the fire. A metallic hand raising slightly to signal the young figure behind her to stay still, even though it had long since become a force of habit over the decades, she had learnt the hard way not to let her guard down. A moment of silence fell over the two, as the lead figure reached out with the Force to make sure that they were indeed in the right location, she could sense the presence of other Jedi and Wookiees up ahead. A relieved sigh escaped her lips as she relaxed in her stance, before venturing further into the clearing.

It seemed like a life time had passed since her first life day celebration had taken place, back in the days when things seemed so much simpler, before her eyes were open to the ways of the Jedi or the Force. Whilst there had been many pilgrimages shared with the Wookies in the years that followed, none really seemed to hold much of a comparison to the mixture of emotions from that day, yet alone the lingering pain from being suplexed and then pinned to the ground by a fully grown Wookie as a result of a mix up in Shyriiwook translation between the words for Drumming with Fighting - that had her slight teenage self have to square off in a ritualistic fight with her then group commander Greybok.

Stepping through into the clearing, the ashen haired Jedi turned her gaze towards those who had already gathered around the isolated camp fire at the base of Life Tree. A warm smile crossing her lips as her emerald gaze fell upon the familiar faces of the crimson robed Wookiee elders, who had marked the pair's approach with a light series of barks growls - remarking as he often did about the amount of grey hair that the Jedi sported. Causing the Jedi Master to grin at the comment, as she closed in to embrace the elder. "Well you'll catch up soon enough, Breylak" Eisa remarked with a chuckle, as she eased away from the embrace, her bright emerald eyes looking upwards to the towering Wookiee as he continued to speak out in his native tongue, before her gaze shifted over towards the young girl that had followed her into the clearing. "Yep, she's definitely grown since the last time we were here" the Jedi added with a warm smile as she regarded the dark haired youth.

Nodding as Breylak invited the two to join those already gathered around the fire, Eisa set herself down on an overturned stump of a felled tree beside her daughter - loosening the fastenings of the cloak that hung over her shoulders. The crackling fire bringing a welcoming warmth to the cold damp undergrowth, offering a comfortable setting for those to gather and reflect on those unable to share this rare moment of peace with. For those who had received the various encrypted and cryptic messages or even felt the carried whispers through the Force, it would be an occasion to gather once again and reminisce and perhaps even take a moment to raise a glass for their absent friends.
 

Kyi Wavestrider

Jedi Padawan
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Kyi, no longer a young man, decided to bring his twin children Mael and Kora with him on the pilgrimage with him. It was their first ever time on Kashyyyk and he wanted his children, now Padawans, to have a bonding experience with not only each other - but the other Jedi that planned to make the pilgrimage as well. On their way to the campfire, the ageing Knight was excited to see his old friends again and for them to meet his children.

Using his cybernetic eye, the freckled Knight saw that his old friend Jedi Master Eisa and her daughter were already there and were mingling with the other Wookiees. "Dad, how far left?" asked Kyi's freckle faced son - although it wasn't out of annoyance or impatience, he genuinely wanted to know. Although before he could answer, Kyi's intuitive daughter had already interjected with her own response to his question "Soon, Mael. I can sense the presence of others not far up ahead." this led the ageing Knight to smile to himself as he began to feel the love and appreciation of his children only increase.

Finally stepping through the clearing and arriving at the campsite, Kyi let out a goofy grin at seeing his old friends again - he noticed Eisa hadn't changed much except for a few greying hairs.
"Eisa Swan, Star Three! It's good to see you!" he exclaimed excitedly, before turning to his children and gesturing to the older Jedi Master "Mael, Kora. This is Master Swan, I served with her in Star Squadron...well, I served under her." he said, correcting himself at the end. Mael and Kora took slight bows to show respect to the ashen haired Jedi.

After this, Kyi introduced the twins to the Wookiees there as well before they took their seats on a nearby tree log and unpacked their travel equipment, before engaging in further conversation with everyone there.

@Topher
 
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Zex Vric

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Kashyyyk wasn't a planet the GA lieutenant visited a lot, but it was a planet he did enjoy, there was something calming about the Wookiees and their peaceful ways of life despite their strength and martial prowess, it reminded him of better times. Zex had been quite busy the last months, still fighting alongside the jedi like he did most of his life now, it was his choice to not leave the GA after the republic came along, no one forced him to stay and fight alongside them against the Mandalorians. Yet, it was a tiring fight that had earnt him a couple scars, a fight he had been part of for over twenty years, it was nice to rest from time to time, and there was not a better time for resting and relaxing than Life Day.

Zex finally arrived at the campfire, wearing a suit even now like he always did, a smile appearing on his face as he recognized two people, Eisa Swan and Kyi Wavestrider "Kyi, Eisa! It's good to see you two are still alive and kicking!" The Nautolan said as he approached them, noticing, of course the three kids that were standing with them "So, I take you two have men someone special, huh? that's good" Zex waved at the kids, his smile getting wider, a smile that was characteristic of the Nautolans "My name is Zex Vric, nice to meet you".

 

Tycho Draykon

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As the General approached where everyone is gathering at, Tycho realized it had been a long while since Tycho last visited Kashyyyk. Years perhaps. Yes years ago when he was a lieutenant. Now he is returning as a General. He has no idea if the wookies he had helped to free will recognize him or not. Either way the man is going to attend the gathering.


Silently walking along, with only the crunching of the ground under his feet giving away his approach. The man nodded to the wookies present, then looked to the others. Spotting Eisa he approached the Jedi Master, "It is good to see everyone gathering together after so long." He will say as he looked to all the Jedi and GA members as everyone gathered. He noted that some came along with children. He had brought his wife and children. Leaving it up to Ashlynna and the kids if they will attend the gathering or not.

@Plebometer
 

Horus Tempest

Rebel Rebel
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D65-B47-DB-511-C-4-B8-E-9-AE7-9-C43-CEC6-B238.jpg


-Music-
The stick flew forward, ending with a resounding crack as the elderly man caught it against his own. The clash only continued, with the younger, blonde Vahla attempting to strike rapidly at his elder as the continued along their path. Griffon, the youngest of the pair, had believed that a quip at his elderly guardian would be wise. The old man hasn’t wasted any time in engaging the teen, and the pair only continued to jokingly fight as they approached the meeting spot. For all of Griffon’s practice, however, he could not land a single blow on the elderly Vahla. Each strike was countered, and the result was a number of large welts that would inevitably bruise. The young Vahla was getting increasingly annoyed, shaking his mop of blonde hair at the old man. In the end, though, the youth knew he could not have beaten him, nor even if Mustafar itself had frozen over. Why? Because he was Horus Tempest, a Jedi Knight, and Griffon knew his adoptive father was no pushover. Neither of his fathers where.

“I don’t understand. I do exactly as you say, and I’m still no closer to beating you…”

“Yes. That’s why I am teaching you, and not the other way around. That tends to be how it goes. Come on, we’re going to be late. And that would not look good.”

Horus chuckled to himself, remembering that he was almost always late. He arrived when time permitted, and figured that the Force likely detested the idea of time as much as he did. Ahead, he could both see and sense many presences, though he recognized but two. Eisa Swan, and Typho Draykon. They had known each other for a very long time, since his beginnings as a Padawan, and Horus was want to see his youngest meet a Master of their Order. And besides, it had been some time since he last saw the small statured woman, or his alliance counterpart. It would be good to catch up. In the time since they’d seen one another, Horus had continued to lay as low as he dared. During his travels he had met another Vahla by the name of Bel. The two had hit it off, emotionally at least, and when Griffon’s mother - Horus’ sister - passed due to illness and complications, the pair had adopted the child without question. Griffon had never met his biological father, so in his mind, the Force provided him with two to make up for it. Both Vahla missed his mother dearly, and although Horus had known he could have healed Kerowyn, it was by her request he did not. The funeral had been two years ago to the day, and it still wore on them both.

“Hello, all.”

“It is good to see you again. Everyone. To those we have not met… my name is Horus. This is my ward, Griffon. I don’t think Bel will be joining us anytime soon.”

“No, dad’s currently at his anonymous meeting thing. He’ll be done in an hour, so, maybe.”

Horus smiled. Even though they likely would have trouble recognizing him. The years had not been kind to the Vahla, as it was to humans, as most of his species were a short lived race. Not since the days of their home planet had a Vahla lived long past the age of eighty, and Horus was already halfway there. How time had flown. He held no qualms or regrets about age, there was no death, there was the Force. He may not enjoy time, but he recognized it was necessary and could do nothing to slow its passage. His skin had become wrinkled with the lines of furrowed brows and joyful laughs, his hair greying and thinning down from its once raven mane. The young adult the Order once knew was long gone, replaced by an elderly and jaded version of the Illusory Knight.
 
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Ke Pasa

Blood Carver - Hunter
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A tall, skeletal form clad in shifting, loose robes slipped out from the shadows like a wraith of legends. His clothing was colored dark crimson, like in the past, although the armored vest he had over his frail torso bore faint scorch marks and dents from numerous battles. His hardened chitin was still golden, although the vibrant coloring begun to fade recently, as did the stark pale blue of his intent eyes. By Blood Carver standards, Ke Pasa was middle-aged when his Extension begun and he joined the ranks of Galactic Alliance as one of the Outer Rim Rebel militias swearing their allegiance. Now, he was at the point where others of his species could consider him an elder, and although he paid back his tribe and immediate family for the debt of taking their household rifle and transportation off the planet in the first place, he was still not allowed to return from his exile. A grotesque crack in chitin over one of his beak halves, scar from a class call during one of the missions he ran for the GA, was a testament that this was not due to the lack of trying to prove his valor in combat.

Still, with every Life Day Ke Pasa hoped that it was the year when he would be able to finally return home to retire and spend the rest of his days raising his children and grandchildren. This was what brought him to Kashyyyk, for once forgoing the chance to see his family once more. Instead, the Blood Carver was intrigued with calls to hunts in the planet's Shadowlands and more untamed regions. Ke Pasa believed that if he would participate in one of these hunts, and bring back a grand enough trophy to his homeworld, his Extension would be finally lifted and he would not have to deal with these crazy humans and other aliens anymore. The scheduled expeditions, however, were still a day or two away, so he had some free time. Although usually he would rather spend it on his own and prepare for the trials ahead, he remembered fondly the times he would decide to open up on the Life Day even and try to be more sociable with strangers. This was what lead him to this campfire, receiving invitation as one of the Galactic Alliance's agents and deciding to take them up on it for once. Also, perhaps he could find someone to join him for the upcoming hunts there, or someone who would need to be escorted through the Shadowlands.

As for others, they may have recognized the strange alien joining them by the fire, perhaps some of them even knew his name or encountered him previously during various missions he would undertake for the Galactic Alliance as a scout and a marksman. If any Jedi would have been able to spend some time around him in the last 20 years, then it would be no secret that Ke Pasa was a Force user, although trained within the traditions of his people, and too old to join the Jedi Order by the time his abilities in the Force were known. Still, he would say little about his own beliefs on the Force, unless pressured to talk on the topic.

He rounded the barely lit edge of the gathering spot, his steps barely audible as his robes shifted slightly with every movement of his lanky, long legs underneath the fabrics, eventually finding a spot by the fire were he would not be particularly too close to anybody. He may have showed up in a rare gesture of willingness to be part of some group activity, but he was still as quiet and somewhat awkward as always. He didn't carry any weapons with him for once, knowing that his safety was more or less guaranteed unless they would venture out into more untamed regions of the planet. If that would be the case, his weapons were stored not too far away, so he could always retrieve them before an expedition or a pilgrimage.

If anybody would look towards Ke Pasa, the alien would greet them with a subtle nod.
 

Eisa Swan

Rebel with a Wrench
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It wasn't long until more faces began to emerge from out of the shadows and into the flickering amber glow of the camp fire that had been set up for the secluded gathering, Jedi and Rebels alike. Many of whom who had not been seen for many years, the younger ones having sprouted up several feet since the last time they had crossed paths - a warm smile crossed the aged Jedi master's lips, as she wrapped an arm around her daughter's back, pulling the young girl into a light embrace as her bright emerald eyes observed the various faces that were gathering, her gaze shifting off the side where she could hear the sound of some very young voices and an all to familiar presence cross into the threshold of the clearing. Getting up onto her feet with a light groan she approached the first of the latest batch of arrivals, A Jedi knight accompanied by his own children the sight made Eisa chuckle lightly as she regarded Kyi point her out to his kids, approaching Kyi, Eisa opened her arms and pulled the taller Jedi into a light embrace. "Kyi, glad you can make it" the Jedi master spoke out as she eased out of the friendly embrace, before turning her attention towards his offspring. "Kriff, Mael and Kora have certainly sprung up, haven't they" she added as she regarded the two youths, before her attention moved over towards the Jedi Knight, flashing him a light grin before returning her attention back to the two children. "It seems like yesterday that you pair were barely able to walk" she remarked, addressing the two twins in turn.

As she continued to interact with the two young twins, the Jedi Master beckoned over her daughter to come and meet the two younger twins. As she did so her attention was pulled away by the approach of a young - well by her age at least, nautilan rebel who addressed the two Jedi. Turning round to greet the newest arrival in much the same fashion as Kyi, Eisa looked over the Rebel Lieutenant as she stepped back, the warm smile on her features faltering as he enquired whether she had met someone special. Whilst it was true, she had met someone that she had connected to on such an intimate level, she had also suffered the heart wrenching loss of seeing him fall in the midst of battle. Sighing slightly Eisa brought her mind away from such thoughts, after all her partner may had fallen but he was always with her, carried by the currents of the infinite energies of the Force. "Pleasure to meet you Vex, glad you could make it here safe and well" Eisa spoke out as soon as she had regained her composure, it seemed that it was becoming rush hour for the gathering as another two familiar faces stepped out into the warm glow of the camp fire.

First of the latest additions was the Alliance General, one of the few remaining commanders that stayed to support the Jedi in the collective efforts of the Galactic Alliance. Taking her leave from the nautilan, the ashen haired Jedi master made her way over towards the aged man, who was starting to catch up on the amount of grey hair as she sported - admittedly he had grey'ed naturally unlike herself who through her countless years of dying her hair had managed to bleach all the colouring out of her hair. Pausing slightly in her advance, the ashen haired master spoke quietly to one of the near by Wookiees, giving a subtle word that it was nearly time to start making preparations. "Tycho" Eisa spoke out as her attention shifted away from the wookiee and towards the Alliance commander, stepping forward and as she had so often done before in the past abandoned all military protocol and greeted her commander as a friend rather than her superior. "it is a rare opportunity, but none the less it is warming to see everyone together again" She responded, before curiously looking around the immediate area, a pensive look crossing the slight woman as she cast a questioning look up towards the aged General "Where's Ash and the Kids? You've not just gone and marched ahead again leaving her to play catch up have you?" Eisa questioned, firing a playful yet stern look.

As soon as the pleasantries between the Jedi master and the Alliance commander had finished, her attention moved away over towards an aged and all to familiar looking face. Her gaze softened a little as she recalled the recent news that had reached her. Even though it was a few years ago, the loss of Horus' sister still weighed heavy on his shoulders. Slowly approaching the elder Vhal, the ashen haired Master, gave him a warm and reassuring embrace. "Horus, I'm glad you made it" Eisa spoke out as she eased away from the pair's embrace, her eyes conveying a deep sincerity to her words. "and of course the same to you Griffon" she spoke out as she greeted the Jedi Knight's ward. Her emerald gaze lingering over the Elder Vhal for a moment, sensing that the grief was still eating at her oldest friend. Her metallic artificial hand reaching out to lightly grasp his forearm. "It'll be alright Horus" she offered casting him a knowing look, before giving his arm a reassuring squeeze. Her attention regrettably being pulled away by the approach of several more crimson clad Wookiees, carrying trays littered with small glasses of various shapes, styles and patterns, but all containing a brown, peaty smelling liquid.

As the Wookiees, moved around the gathered members, handing out a single glass to each of the those who had gathered, before in turn setting down two more upon the stone circle that surrounded the camp fire. The Jedi Master retreated back towards the stump that she had earlier sat upon, taking her offered glass and carrying it back with her. Her attention briefly moving over towards a tall skeletal looking figure, standing out towards the peripherary of the gathering. Her emerald eyes narrowing slightly as she regarded the figure, she wasn't sure if she had met the rebel before or whether he was a new addition to the cause within another of the Alliance's cells. Still she guestured for the tall figure to draw closer, inviting him into the gathered group - before handing her glass to her daughter and stepping up onto the overturned log. Her eyes panning over the gathering, as they mingled and exchanged plesantries amongst themselves, whilst the Wookies continued to distribute the glasses out to those who had gathered and even those that were still arriving, until the point was reached that every one would have their own glass, and the camp fire would be surrounded by untouched glasses.

And once everyone was ready and had settled down, the Jedi Master would address all those who had gathered.
 

Omnis Waszylla

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Omnis was usually punctual, though this time he was arriving a bit late to a gathering of his peers. The last couple of decades had been quite long for the Jedi Knight, doing his best to protect his fellow Jedi and carry on in Arda's memory. He'd been one of the few Jedi who had been left in Jedha just before the attack, evacuating most of their forces and technology before the Mandalorians had attacked. It had been because of her that they had even managed to complete their mission, as he had been the one to return after the enemies had left to lay his brethren to rest properly. Of course her lightsaber had been taken, that had always been a practice of the warrior culture, but the Grandmaster's influence and power hadn't been contained in a simple weapon. It was in her teachings, her wisdom, and the memory of her compassion and dedication, that Omnis would draw strength from. If he had been a follower of the Jedi Code before, he was even moreso afterwards.

He returned to Coruscant, taking over the family theater while also buying some of the surrounding buildings to serve as housing for his pet project: An orphanage for children who had lost family and parents in the conflict, especially for those who were Force Sensitive. He would help teach them the Jedi ways and how to control their power to hide, if they wished, or to continue the work of the GA and Jedi at large. Everyone in the orphanage helped with the performances and even though Omnis never married or had his own children, he considered everyone he gathered to be his children and family. There had been close calls, sure, but ultimately they were successful in keeping their presence hidden while under the guise of putting on entertaining performances for the general public. They made good money, unfortunate children found homes and families, and the galaxy became a little bit of a better place for it. The constant work really built up his musculature and melded his normal and heroic personas into a single complete person. He also carried mementos of both Hugo Ion and Grandmaster Arda with him at all times, never wanting to forget two people who had been so important to him.

"Hey there, sorry I'm late. I had to make sure the kids didn't burn the place down when I left." He gave a smile and a chuckle, the light glinting off his perfectly white teeth as it strangely did as if it had a mind of it's own. He could see other Jedi and members of the GA here, greeting them and shaking hands to see old friends and comrades. He could tell Eisa wanted to address them, though, so he kept his greetings short to listen to what the Jedi Master had to say. Though he had never reached the rank himself, he was still satisfied with the work he was doing. Hopefully what he created today would last down the line to the future, after the current madness of the Mandalorians had passed. And pass it would, the signs already there of their war machine starting to fracture. No empire lasted forever, after all.
 

Kyi Wavestrider

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After Eisa had reminded the twins of meeting them when they were only small tykes, she then summoned over her own daughter to meet Mael and Kora. Mael was his usual self and greeted her in a laid back way with a simple hand wave and half smile, whereas Kora elected to go about in a more thoughtful way, introducing herself and shaking her hand. Kyi introduced himself to her as well, shaking her hand "Hi, you probably don't remember me but I'm an old friend of your mother's. I remember back when you were this high-" he gestured to his knee to visualise how small she used to be "But look at you now, huh!" he continued with a smile. After that, he allowed his nineteen-year-olds and Eisa's daughter to engage in their own conversations.

Sensing another familiar presence, he, along with Eisa, turned their attention onto a familiar looking Nautolan face - albeit slightly older. The freckled Knight grinned ear to ear
"Zex Vric! How are you?!" he exclaimed excitedly, approaching him with his arms outstretched. Kyi briefly and lightly embraced Zex before pulling away and allowing his old friend to introduce himself to the twins. Still engaged in conversation, Mael and Kora simply turned their heads toward him, Mael waved and Kora gave a slight bow.

Shortly, more and more people arrived, all of them seeming to have some form of history with the ashen haired Master. Kyi gave off a nod and shook Tycho's hand, he had met him only once before twenty years ago, however he knew that he was together with Ash and the father of her children - if Ash was with him, Kyi knew that Tycho must have been a good man. Then a man and his ward came, Horus and Griffon - he had never met the two before but he knew Horus was a Jedi Knight, like him, Kyi introduced himself and the twins to Horus and Griffon, although Kyi sensed a hint of sadness within the man.

And finally, an old friend of his; Omnis Waszylla had arrived - Kyi greeted him with a friendly embrace
"Good to see you again, Omnis!" he said happily before introducing him to Mael and Kora. Kyi hadn't seen Omnis in some years but the man had completely changed, he was much more built than before and had a more chiselled and mature face too. He had heard that Omnis had began running an orphanage for young Force-sensitive children which he commemorated him for, Omnis was always a generous person. However, seeing his old friend reminded him of how he couldn't be there on Jedha to help out all those years ago which still wracked him with guilt - but he was happy that Ash and Omnis were there to help.

After meeting with everyone, the Wookiees began handing out glasses to everyone which Kyi gratefully accepted, before summoning Mael and Kora over who had their own glasses. Before stepping up on the overturned log, Eisa gestured for another person to come over, they were tall and skeletal like but Kyi greeted him with a smile and a nod regardless. Now with the ashen haired Master on the overturned log, his and the twins' attention was drawn on her as they waited for what she was about to do next.

 

Ke Pasa

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The tall alien spared a curt nod to Eisa, the pale blue wizened eyes of the xenos fixated upon her before that piercing gaze was flicked aside, drawn in by movement and similar gesture from Kyi. The Jedi Knight was also given a similar greeting, although Ke Pasa did not exactly smile back. His biology wouldn't allow him to do so after all, although the lines of his beak-like chitinous snout over the lower portion of his jaw split his face in a perpetual serpentine grin, it was not an expression of mirth to him. Instead the alien returned Kyi's gesture by lightly shifting the hardened plates on his snout, twitching them and relaxing, gap between two halves of his beak widening slightly.

It was then that a Wookiee came over, growling out an offering of a drink on a carried platter. The insectoid looked to the creature as tall as he, then to the drink, then back to the shaggy alien once more. His beak clamped, chittering out words unheard by all but the wookiee. Perhaps Ke Pasa could understood Shyriwook well enough by then, perhaps he just assumed what the gesture meant, either way he nodded after the brief exchange in thanks and took the glass, his too-long fingers wrapping around it once, tips of his fingers extending past the curve of the glass as he held the small container in his grip comfortably.

The alien pulled his slender leg forward, gliding over closer to the fire and the circle of people with almost-silent footsteps, movements betrayed only by the soft rustling of forest floor under his weight and the shuffling of his crimson robes. He looked at the glass, pulling it up to the snout his beak clamps twitched lightly as he sniffed the contents. The three parts of his mouth opened up, beak halves spreading, lower jaw hanging lightly, making an opening just enough to fit the glass as he pressed it to his mouth and tilted. The awkward method allowed him to taste a sip of the liquid, unable to do it as humans would as he did not possessed lips, his throat shaking and gulping like a duck feasting on some insects. As he entered the light of the campfire more, the orange glow of the blaze danced over his iridescent golden chitin, dazzling it with its illumination, his pale blue eyes glowing lightly as they reflected the light like those of a feline predator hidden in the shadows.
 

Valerie Tagge

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The mechanical fingers of Valerie's cybernetic arm tapped lightly on the flight control as her mind pondered a decision that she had yet to make. It had been hours since her arrival and she had yet to disembark. Her thoughts spun in circles of regret, determination and fear for what she had come here to do. The uneasy feeling seemed endless and slowly her frustration grew. Valerie's eyes were fixated on a familiar sight through the cockpit glass, one that she had not witnessed in many years and one that she did not expect to ever see again. This was the place where everything began yet it too was where it all went wrong. Leave this place Valerie, you shouldn't be here, Her conscience whispered. You must face your past, Her heart boomed.

Nestled in her other hand was a worn, engraved wooden handle. She had fished it out a box from the depths of her cargo hold where she had left it to gather dust. Her thumb brushed over the hardened surface, feeling the grooves on her skin. It was beautiful and was created to house great potential yet it remained unfinished, incomplete... Useless. This was a mistake, she thought to herself as her mechanical cybernetic hand reached for the ignition. It froze but a millimeter away. "You're just going to run away again, aren't you?" The voice seemed to come from outside her head but it was one that she knew all too well. "Yeah, classic Vee." Another voice chimed. Valerie dropped the handle and grasped her temples. "Just leave me alone." She spoke aloud. This wasn't the first time that the voices had started. Ever since her awakening all those years ago, she had been tormented by them. Family, friends... Enemies. A host of different personalities that all differed yet shared one thing in common. They were all long dead.
"You are alone." The first voice whispered, "You've always been alone... Ever since you turned tail like a coward." The second agreed. Valerie spoke quietly with an uneven tone, "I was afraid, I had no idea what I was anymore. It wasn't my fault." Pictures of Aurora, her mother and many others flicked across her mind. A cacophany of laughter echoed around her. "Keep telling yourself that Vee." The voice said jokingly before fading away into silence once more.

Valerie remained seated for but a few more seconds before she gritted her teeth and sprung from her chair, snatching her jacket that hung on its back. "Who're you calling a coward." She grumbled. The boarding ramp descended from her ship and she tentatively stepped out onto the grassy floor of the forest clearing. The earthy smell of the undergrowth and the light humming of music from Rowrakruk hit Valerie as if it were a thermal detonator of nostalgia. Dizziness overcame her senses and it took her a few steps to regain her composure. It did not take long before she arrived at the village and although she recognised the scenery, it did not provide the same awe-striking reaction for her as it had before. A wookiee approached Valerie and stood towering above, its eyes fixated on her. "H-hello..?" She said, unsure of what it wanted. It stood dead still for a few seconds before grabbing her with both arms, lifting her up, and squeezing her tightly. The strong smell of her fur caught Valerie's nose. She realised immediately and let out a hoarse giggle. "It's... good to look you... too." she said while gasping for air. The wookiee let out a gleeful growl and placed her back on the ground. "See how high you've arrived" She said in broken shyriiwook. The wookiee gave a quick nod and gestured to how much taller she was than Vee. "Yeah I can look! last moment I looked you, you were still a small below my elbows." The wookiee gave her a confused look but nodded nonetheless. "It was good to look you again." Vee said as she excused herself. She had forgotten the kindness and welcoming nature of the wookiees towards her.

As Valerie approached where she remembered the meeting place to be, doubt once again plagued her mind. What would they say? she asked herself anxiously. The temptation to turn back tugged at her but she had committed and so she pressed on. She reached the outskirts of the meeting place and began to scan the premises. There were many faces she could not recognise. It had been so long after all, the likelihood of her seeing anyone she knew was pretty low, that she knew. Regardless of this her heart began to race as her eyes fell upon a certain few in the crowd that she did know. Omnis. Tycho. Eisa... Even though it was obvious, Valerie was surprised to see how much they had changed. She too was older but her memory of them had been frozen in time, only now updated. Anxiously she took a couple steps into the clearing.

(OOC: It's been forever since I was last here. Just wanted to give Vee a little sendoff since I fondly remember this character.)

 
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Riyan Vrei

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Life day, it had been many years since Riyan had attempted the pilgrimage to the hidden gatherings of the Order on this day. The Echani Knight had fallen out of contact with the Jedi remnants for eight years, and for some he might have been viewed as dead. Physically Riyan had changed very little in the past decades, save for the scar beneath his left eye from a vibroblade that a Mandalorian had taken to him in his mid twenties. Instead it was his experiences which had seemed to age the Echani Knight more than anything. There was almost a weight around his silver hued down turned eyes that spoke to the lives lost, and battles fought during this tumultuous time. Ever since the fall of Ifrane Riyan had seemed to have been on the move. Helping out Jedi where he might, and in general just trying to keep a step or two ahead of the Mandalorian purge. He had eventually come to hide out back on his home world of Eshan when news of his mother's passing had reached him. It was in meeting his family again for her funeral that he learned of his younger sister Aayla's marriage, and the birth of her son Athin. Pulling Riyan away, Aayla informed her younger brother that her child was different like he had been as a baby. She was worried if he was discovered the Mandalorians would take him from her and she had wanted his help to make sure he was safe. In meeting his young nephew Riyan confirmed her greatest fears, and swore to his sister he would teach her son. It was in the course of the next year he met his future wife Sidara Juna, and two years after that when she would give birth to their first child Rhia. Much like her older cousin Athin, Rhia too showed affinity with the force, and it was then that Riyan revealed to his wife his past.

Now, five years later, Riyan made his way through the dark forests of Kashyyyk to the old meeting grounds of the Order. The feel in the force, so vibrant and alive, was something he hadn't felt since Ifrane. That connection to life and the greater feel of the force had brought a smile to the Echani's lips as he moved through the dark. In tow were two young Echani, a young male who looked remarkably like Riyan if he had been ten years old. Then by the very young Echani's side was a younger one still, a little girl no more than five who indeterminately tried to keep pace. Her face was even more similar to Riyan's own, if that were possible, save for an almost imperceptible angle to her nose, longer hair tied back in a pony tail, and her almond shaped eyes. The trio were...relatively quiet, especially given the age of the youngest member of their group. They would find themselves late to the arrival as they had gone to the meeting point of years passed, and only in opening himself to the force would Riyan find the familiar pull that guided him to the current meeting site. Still out of eye sight and ear shot among the wroshyr trees Riyan paused as the distant glint of the fire caught his attention. Turning to his two wards the elder echani knelt down and smiling reached out to place a hand on each of their shoulders. "Alright young ones. We're about to meet more and greater Jedi than myself. Be sure to show respect to the elders, and remember we do not judge on appearance. The greater galaxy is not like our Six Sisters, and we Echani are just a variant in the greater tapestry of life and the force." Riyan spoke in the native language of the Echani people to his nephew and daughter. His silver hued gaze looking in mirroring eyes from each as he imparted his point.

"I understand Uncle."
Athin replied in their native tongue, dignified and bold like his mother was.

"Yes papa!" Rhia exclaimed happily in Echani; her own eyes shining brightly in excitement which reflected more her mother than Riyan's own serene nature.

Riyan nodded as the warmth filled his gaze, and after ruffling their hair he rose back up and took in a deep breath. Stealing himself then he said only,
"Follow me." and continued towards the fire. Eventually breaking through the tree line the Echani would smile and greet friends and new faces both long since past and new.
 

Eisa Swan

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Standing from her vantage point, the Ashen haired Jedi Master could spy a few other familiar faces that she had not spotted from amongst the growing crowded gathering. A fellow Jedi and Pilot, now an owner of an Orphanage that was a clandestine refuge for Force senstive children, providing them with the much needed safety from the persecution of the Mandalorians. Whilst she had still to make the journey to Coruscant herself to visit Omnis, it was was a welcome sight to see him having arrived within the gathering of fellow rebels - as well as a reminder to make the journey deep into the Core worlds from the backwater world of Batuu where she had settled down on.

What she had not expected, was to see a face from what seemed like a long since passed memory - Valerie, or as she often went by the nickname of as Vee, having not seen her since the evacuation of the Rebel outpost on Hoth prior to the Sith Empire's attack. From what she could see of the woman, Vee had not fared well in her path - like the ashen master baring a cybernetic replacement for a lost limb. Eisa made a mental note to seek out Vee to catch up with her, if the time permitted. Now however was the matter of addressing the gathered group, seeing that the Wookiees had finished distributing the countless drinks, and the camp fire surrounded by scores of glasses sitting untouched - giving a visual reminder for those who had assembled, of those who were no longer there to celebrate in the life day festivities with them.

With a light cough, the ashen haired Jedi cleared her throat as her bright emerald hued gaze panned over all the faces who were looking in her direction - both familiar and those who she had only just met. "Friends" Eisa spoke out, before her face faltered a little as the thought of the Gotal engineer Mig flashed into her mind, recalling that was how he addressed everyone. "Thank you all for making the journey here to share in the Life day celebrations with our valued and honoured hosts" She continued before pausing slightly to raise her glass in salute to Breylak and his fellow Wookiees, whom without their efforts it would have been difficult for the members of the Galactic Alliance to take part in the pilgrimage in safety. "It is a pleasure to see so many of you again after so many years, and warming to know that although for many of us our paths may have diverged, we find ourselves gathering to share in the celebration of family, life, harmony and joy" The Ashen haired woman, continued as her attention moved towards her fellow rebels gathered around the camp fire.

"And in a short while, Breylak will be inviting us to take part in the time honoured pilgrimage to the Tree of Life, that whilst some of us have taken part in this tradition, it will be the first time for many of us to show our respects and solidarity to our Wookiee friends" Eisa continued, before pausing for a few moments as the warm smile spread over her features softened into a more sombre expression. "But before that, some of you may be wondering why you have been handed a glass of what clearly smells like alchohol, and why there is a collection of glasses sitting around the fire?" She spoke out, as she swirled the amber liquid around the glass held in her robotic hand. "When I was fifteen, probably about a week before I joined the Rebellion, over three decades ago. I was given a few bottles of 18 year old Tevraki Whisky as payment for repairing a freighter captain's hyperspace engine on Savareen. I thought that perhaps I would hold onto them, thinking that it might be worth a few credits to put towards a ship" the ashen aired master continued, before a light chuckle passed her lips, recalling her days before she had even became a rebel yet alone a Jedi.

"But then I encountered the Rebel Cell on Savareen, and I soon found myself fighting for a cause that I truly believed in. I decided that those bottles of Whisky, would be hidden away" The Jedi master continued, as her gaze lowered to the floor briefly. "Although I had hoped that those bottles would be used in celebration, I thought that whilst Lifeday is about celebrating the purest of life's gifts. It is also about honouring and remembering those who are no longer with us" Eisa resumed as she raised her gaze back up towards the crowd. "Many of us have lost; comrades, friends and even loved ones over the years fighting for a belief that we all shared in. Many giving their own lives so that we can continue the fight in their stead, the sacrifices of Grand Master Breaux, Commander Ion have not been in vein, the ideals of the Galactic alliance will continue to bring hope to those in need"

The Jedi master fell silent for a few moments, as her mind called upon those whom she had known over the years and their shared interactions; from the sage and guiding council of Arda, the resolute stead fast determination of Hugo, the challenging of her views and beliefs that from devil's advocate that she found in Hask, the respect and appreciation from life that she found from being part of Greybok's honour family, and even the tender embrace of her late partner and more. Each and every one of them had helped inspire and shape the Jedi Master into the woman she was now, as without a doubt how the lives of those no longer present had helped guide and shape those who had gathered around the campfire. And with that thought in mind, Eisa raised her glass high into the air "To absent Friends"
 
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