The Resolving of Gray

[Wyck]

"First comes the day
Then comes the night.
After the darkness
Shines through the light.
The difference, they say,
Is only made right
By the resolving of gray
Through refined Jedi sight."​

― Journal of the Whills, 7:477​

* * *​

It did not take long to construct the new Jedi Fortress on Prakith. The ruined "Sanctuary" that had once been occupied by the Jedi Exiles had been salvaged and built on top of until nothing remained of the old site. And, with the erection of the new Jedi temple, the darkness that the Exiles had brought to the mountains it occupied was covered over by Jedi light. Almost symbolically, dawn on Prakith shone brightly over the new fortress, sending invigorating sunlight glimmering over the dew-covered valley.

The Grand Master of the Jedi Order—Wyck—stood on the roof of the fortress and took in the breathtaking vista in front of him. The temple had already been dedicated. The ships he and Azar had acquired from their venture into the nearby shipyards sat in its hangar (but were due to be transferred to other systems shortly) and now was a time of rest. This was the third temple Wyck had dedicated in recent months. Though the Order had recently lost its foothold in Sith Space and, tragically, Jon along with it, the Jedi were far from defeated.

Wyck had summoned Jedi from Tython to occupy the new fortress. The Jedi who assembled here would be tasked with policing Prakith and being the inhabitants' defenders. With the opening of the fortress, the Deep Core world, which had once been an Exile hideout, was completely a ward of the Jedi Order, per the Grand Master's agreement with the planet's Prime Minister. He wanted the Jedi of this world to be seen; for Prakith to serve as the example that entire worlds could turn their backs on the dark side.

And so, while the Jedi socialized, Wyck stood on the top of the tallest tower of the fortress, cloak fluttering the cold wind—a silent protector and watchful guardian over his healing Order. @Vosrik @Shalken @Phoenix

* * *​

OOC note: Open to Jedi only. Death/capture/destruction and general craziness disabled. Use this as a social to build connections or whatever you guys want to do.

 

[Azar Torsin]

Azar Torsin had never been huge on gatherings like this. He'd always blamed it on his natural Firrerreo instincts, but he knew the weight of what they were doing here. The new temple on Prakith was a step toward rebuilding and replacing. The assault on Prakith had been a pyrrhic victory in Azar's mind. They pushed the Exiles out of their base, but lost one of their Councilors and a large portion of the assault force in the process. They land itself had been stained with the Dark Side, and even now he could sense its final tendrils subsiding.

But there was a much more prominent presence here now. The Light Side was blooming and growing, scrubbing the air of the noxious taint of the Dark Side just like a new plant. The Jedi had put behind them the pain and loss. Azar regretted not being there for the battle, but he had accepted that those lost had moved on to become one with the Force. There were still battles to be fought, but today, Azar was happy to have made progress.

Music played lightly in the background and the Jedi watched those who played it. A mixture of all different species who called themselves Jedi, playing for the sheer enjoyment of it. It was peaceful and relaxing, and it offered a reprieve from the stresses and realities of life.

He made his way toward the refreshment table, picking a surprisingly sweet drink off the table and raising his glass. To new beginnings and new growth, he said, raising his own small toast for anyone nearby to drink with him before sipping from his glass.

 

[Lucian Volante]

A Jedi Temple on Prakith.

Lucian hadn't been a member of the Order with enough training to act as a Jedi Knight when the Jedi and the Exiles had clashed on Prakith in the past and he had not been present for the trials and tribulations that had happened along the way to taking the planet back for the natural order of the Force - for the Light.

He probably wasn't going to be staying too long here either.

His ship was being refuelled already and his departure for Brighthome was already scheduled... but there was little harm in being part of the festivities was there? He took up a small glass of alcohol from the refreshment table and as he did so caught another Jedi making a toast.

Time to be social he supposed.

"To new beginnings and new growth." he toasted from one side of the other Jedi, raising his glass, "And to those who ushered them in."

 

[Aliyah Phoenix]

There was two things in this Galaxy that Aliyah knew without a doubt could be relied on. The first thing was the Force, and the second was their Grandmaster. It had been a really weird week for her, and she had a good deal of doubt about everything right about now. But she didn't feel any doubt surrounding this decision. It was the right thing to do. It was a good show of faith in the Order, and it was a good show of faith to show the Galaxy the Jedi where still around. This was a good way forward in showing the people that even in the face of defeats, in the face of loss, the Order was still stronger than ever.

She was hopeful, and she was content with absorbing the moment. She couldn't help but shake the feeling there was a lot of turmoil in store for them, but this time around she felt they'd be ready. Aliyah was back in her robes, not wanting to wear armor right now, walking through the crowds filled with her fellow Jedi. She smiled a little, remembering how she used to be so loud and upbeat. She'd have been running through these crowds grabbing everyone that looked alone and talking to them. Now? Well, now she was happy she had something to do.

I wonder what they're drinking. Can't be something strong, but I really don't feel like it tonight anyways.

And now she was determined to at least socialize a little. She knew the Jedi could actually be really fun sometimes, or she could have a really philosophical discussion. That would be great, those discussions usually kept her mind busy for hours. She eyed the drinks that where offered but politely shook her head, continuing past the table and somewhat out of the crowd. The music was nice, reminded her of Marion's more upbeat songs, somewhat causing her head to nod in response. Turning around after finding a wall, she turned around and just... watched. She watched the Jedi hang out and be an Order at peace, even for this short amount of time, it was beautiful to see.

Aliyah found her fingers gently gravitating towards her father's lute/mandolin thing that he whipped out at every opportunity. Her fingers found the notes, and she started to play along to the music. It was slow at first, she didn't really know what notes they where hitting, but after a few minutes the beat became clear and she was playing along as though she was part of the band. It was one of the most calming experiences she'd ever felt, apart from meditation. She spotted Lucian in the crowd and nodded to him, still leaning against the wall strumming away. She saw Wyck for a second, up there in the clouds. But she was polite enough not to stare.

 

[Fiona MacBheathain]

Theme

Prakith.​

Five years ago, this was a place of immense evil. Fiona had not been on this planet in five years; the very spot the fortress rested upon was the site of a nigh-cataclysmic battle between the Jedi and the then-Exiles. Fiona remembered the battle vividly. Spurred to action by the devastation on Devaron, the Jedi sent an elite strike team to avenge the fallen and prevent the darkness that was to come.

They failed.

An ancient evil rose from the depths of the mountains themselves; horrible, terrifying things borne of darkness and hate, awakened by the apocalyptic displays of power. They had ruined everything. The Jedi may have won that battle, were it not for the abominations. Fiona would not have had to flee with her Knight-brothers, were it not for the abominations. Fiona would still see Master Dan’ela around, were it not for the abominations.

More importantly, the Sith would not exist, were it not for the abominations. They – Alais, Kal, and the others – escaped death that day with the sudden arrival of the very things the Exiles had created before. Now they ruled an empire of darkness, festering and corrupting all they touched.

Still, it was pointless to dwell on the past. Now, the Jedi had claimed this land in the name of the Light and driven back the darkness, as it should be. The battle here drove the Exiles out, which would eventually be a victory for the Jedi, though at great cost. Sacrifice was part of life for the Jedi and Fiona considered the thought that one day she may have to give up her life for the galaxy.

Now, however, the Force was in balance here and it was time for festivities. She felt at ease here, strangely enough. Around her were brothers and sisters of the Order enjoying themselves, assigned to this planet as its new guardians and peacekeepers. It was a time for the Jedi to relax and breathe easy.

Fiona approached the refreshment table, grabbing the first drink she saw, raising it in unison with the other Knights, joining them in the toast. ”Tae new beginnings 'n' new growth,” she toasted from the other side of the white-haired Jedi, ”'n' tae they wha ne'er got thes far.” She poured a small bit of her drink out in libation for Master Dan’ela and all the Jedi who died to the Exiles in defense of the galaxy before taking a sip. looking at the other Jedi around her.

 

[Jubba the Mutt]

Jubba answered the call to celebrate a Jedi victory on Prakith once again, it was a good feeling to see that the Order was striving forwards and making progress against the terrible evils of the Sith and this one was a well-fought one. For this moment at least, they could relax and enjoy each others company and indulge in a small celebration of achievement.

A rare treat for the order but an important one to acknowledge. His fellow Jedi were all here for various reasons but they could all appreciate the accomplishment. Jubba clapped with appreciation and wobbled around making acquaintances with anyone who would be willing to talk with him.

 

[Grug]

Where Jubba could be found one could often find Grug. The pair were quite unorthodox when it came to the Jedi Order but they had so far stood the test of time. Grug had come to the party for only one reason; to enjoy the food. Refreshments and snacks were abundant in anticipation of those coming to celebrate the new temple. No one could have truly prepared for Grug and Jubba to arrive though. No amount of food could satisfy their combined ability to eat. The Gamorrean heard a few toasting to the temple so he decided to join them, grabbing the biggest drink he could possibly find.

"Yeah!" He said as he raised his glass, not saying the line so much as loudly agreeing.

Once the toast was done, Grug moved back to collecting food. Anything made of meat went first. After a good pile of meat was gathered he would top it off with the more unorthodox bits of food he could find. It would not be a meal most would want, but it pleased Grug. Round one was just the start, but he wanted to leave some for others if he could help it. The smelly Jedi would make his rounds and say hi to people as he slammed the food into his mouth from the large plate he gathered.

 

[Tynian]

Prakith. The place wasnt very familiar to Tynian, but he came nonetheless...
The celebration of a new Jedi Temple was too good to pass up, especially as it held the chance to meet a few more Jedi.

It had been a while since he was among his brothers and sisters of the Order... missions had been taking him away from them, but that was his purpose, and he mind or neither did he complain in the least.
He was happy to be part of the Order, and equally happy to be a servant of the living force.

Upon seeing the crowd he simply stood on the edge of the gathering, clasped his hands together in front of him and just watched.
He would talk to them eventually, but for now he was content to just watch.

 

[Vollen Shai]

The journey into the mountains was one of great reflection for Vollen, though by journeys end one of great value and worth.

He had heard tale of the assault on Prakith all those years ago now, that had pushed the Sith from the Core and out into the Outer Rim. But there they ha grown in strength, power, influence, as the Jedi Order found its feet. But now they had Tython again, now they stood here on Prakith again, and slowly the whole deep core became their allies. The Order had a haven for a time now, time to rebuild its strength and strike out from. And if relationships with the Republic continued to strengthen, a great ally surrounding them for protection.

It would be a good day.

The Grandmaster had placed an open call to see the new fortress here, tucked away, protected. And it seemed more than a few had answered, as Jedi whirled around it was a good reminder of where the strength of the Order was. And that was its members. While he had joined in for the toast at the refreshment table, he realised the Grandmaster himself was curiously absent from much of the festivities, much as he had been at the celebration on Tython.

Vollen sighed, and began to move into the building to look for him, carrying a pair of glasses with him, and set off to search for the absent Grandmaster.

None should be allowed to spend such a celebration alone.

 

[Jinlo Halan]

Prakith, if there ever was a planet's name that could still cause the stomach to turn in the raven haired Master it was this one.

The last few weeks had been spent aiding in the establishment of the new medical facilities, training and instructing those within the newly established temple to become Healers. The requested duties she had found herself carrying out had proven to be more than enough of a distraction from the past significance that the planet held for her. But now, after her work had completed and the temple was being opened up to the rest of the Order, the Raven haired master could not find herself enjoying the festivities.

The dark haired master was thoroughly shaken by the events that had long since transpired. Not because of her actions under the influence of dark side Nexus, but at how her earlier years of trauma and suffering that had been suppressed deep within her conscious had broken free so easily, the Darkside had well and truly consumed her for that period of time. The sight of her father being murdered in front of her eyes, the consuming darkness of enduring both her parents deaths, the years of fending for herself and the calculated deceit of her fallen master to corrupt and utilize her fall to the Darkside so that her psychic abilities could be exploited to subvert the seats of power in the galaxy. All breaking loose and reeking havoc on her persona as she cut her master down in anger.

Even though every last trace of the Dark side's influence was eradicated from her mind through her years of self imposed exile, there was a deeply rooted dread over the prospect of returning to the planet where she had fallen and for the briefest of moments embraced the darkness.

The subtle sounds of footfall reverberated through the somewhat dormant halls of the Temple, The Jedi had all gathered within the central court, the sounds of their laughter and merriment echoing throughout the halls. After an almost blissfully serene walk from the infirmary, the raven haired Jedi master approached a large set of mahogany doors, that would lead out onto the upper mezzanine level of the central courtyard where the celebrations were taking place. Stepping through the large doorway, feeling the groan and creaking of the great wooden doors as they turned on the metal hinges, the Raven haired master gazed over unfolding celebrations below. A light smile crossed her face, as she leaned against the stone balustrade quietly observing the festivities from above lost in her own thoughts.

 

[Albert Penumbris]

Albert hadn't been on Prakith to help with the restoration or the slaying of the abominations. Instead he had been helping the Republic create a fleet of medical ships to bring healing in the wake of battle. Some Cartel agents had tried to poach some Republic veterans to become meat shields for the Cartel, yet Albert had been there to stop them. He had helped win the fight with no loss of life, something he was glad for, and he hoped to see the fruition of the plan to create the fleet soon. Perhaps he could have done more to help with the Prakith work as well, though he was trying to practice moderation in his activities. He'd almost overextended himself before and it almost turned him to the Dark Side.

That was why he stood apart from most people again, just watching them instead of interacting. Again, this was not a battle he had been a part of so it didn't sit well with him that he would celebrate with those who had done the hard work. There was much that he still had to learn, despite his age and previous experience. One thing he did know, though, was that ever since he had started down this new path, the one of enlightenment instead of combat, he had been growing stronger in his connection to the Force. He was now easily learning the different ways to use that power from Master Wyck. Perhaps with just a bit more work, he could try for the rank of Master. He doubted he would ever truly deserve the rank, yet he would try regardless. Not now, though. He still had more to prove, mostly to himself.

 

[Austin Wolfe]

theme​

Standing resolutely against the balustrade of the upper mezzanine level overlooking the main courtyard, Austin Wolfe smiled as he watched the festivities. Although he wasn't one to turn down a celebratory drink, he wished to spend this time of victory simply enjoying the view. Galahad Vult stood beside him, grasping his sturdy Kyber crystal-topped staff as he always did. The feeling was still setting in within the doctor — he, along with Galahad, had played a crucial part in the creation of this new fortress. It was, in fact, one of the first field assignments that Austin had embarked on since his long stay in the Jedha infirmary.

"This place looks nothing like it did when we were last on Prakith," he commented absentmindedly. "It would be hard indeed to believe that the Exiles once made this place a home for their dark arts." As Austin's gaze traveled up to the highest peak, where Wyck stood watching above them all, he was reminded of the day that the Order had elected the Jedi as their new Grandmaster. Wyck had challenged all of them as Jedi, and as one they had made a commitment to be the light in the darkness that the Galaxy sorely needed. The Grandmaster had not failed on that promise yet.

Then, the great mahogany doors behind the two Jedi creaked open as none other than Master Jinlo Halan stepped through. Turning his head to see who approached, Austin nodded his head in respect as she also came to the balustrade. "Good afternoon, Master Halan," the doctor greeted. He returned his gaze to the festivities and drinking below. It was good that the Jedi had some down time, but Austin could not help having a nagging thought at the back of his mind. "With war between the Republic and the Cartel having erupted, I cannot help but think that despite all we have done...it may not be enough." It was not like the doctor to worry, but this was something deeper that he felt. Something in the Force that goaded him further into preparing for an oncoming storm.

@Shalken @Plebometer​

 

[Galahad Vult]

Galahad breathed deeply, eyes closed, enjoying the fresh mountain air. Not just fresh, but free. Free of the Dark Side. It was hard work, cleansing the taint they left behind, but Prakith showed that it could be done. Opening his eyes when Austin spoke, Galahad smiled. "You speak truly. But you have said many times that the Light is stronger, have you not? Indeed, what darkness could stand against us forever?" While he was not wrong, Galahad knew that the forces of the Sith were not to be underestimated. They were very strong indeed, and the Knight knew that it would be no easy task to free the galaxy of their grasp. Even still, it was good to celebrate their victories, however small.

Turning as the Jedi Master entered the balcony, Galahad nodded to her in respect. He had never met her personally before, though it seemed apparent that Austin had. It seemed she had come up there to enjoy the victory away from the festivities, as Vult and Wolfe had, so the former guard let her be, returning his gaze to down below. Galahad was surprised when Austin expressed his thoughts on their efforts as an Order, and how they could be doing more. "There was little we could have done to stop the Cartel from growing. They gained power in the shadow of our war with the Exiles, and we barely had strength to protect even our own borders. Even now we struggle to fight the Empire head-on. We must assist our allies in the Republic, yes, but I think we cannot rely on them. Though they are not like the Empire or the Cartel, they are still politicians, many of which are greedy and selfish." Sighing deeply, he continued. "Our duty lies with keeping the balance of the Force, and helping those in need in the galaxy. We must make that our primary focus and help the Republic's citizens, but be wary to not get caught up in the politics and bureaucracy. I see it becoming the death of our Order if we are not careful." Looking above him into the cloud-shrouded tower, Galahad could feel the presence of their fearless leader watching quietly from afar. "Our Grandmaster has not led us astray yet, and I will continue to follow him, wherever that leads."

In fact, there were doubts that gnawed at Galahad as well. While he warned against external dangers to the Order, evil was known to spring up from where it was often least expected: from within. The Jedi had taken much action in restoring their order to its former heights, and while much was being done to reform its internal structure like the new programs and trials of mastery, it seemed there were few that kept watch over their own number to keep them in check.

@Vosrik​