Time Alone on Chandrila

[Oncaro]

Devoter Estate
Outside Hanna City, Chandrila​

The Devoter family was well-known in Chandrilan society: wealthy philanthropists and patrons of the arts and sciences, the current head of the family was Gerrod Devoter III, a man renowned for his intellect, smart business sense, and numerous treatises on Galactic history and philosophy, from the founding of the Republic to the impact that the Jedi Order and other Force cults had on the Galaxy. His wife Serana Allan Devoter had similar interests, but was more famed for her charity, her beauty, and her willingness to get down and personally work to help the less fortunate; to that end, both husband and wife were players in Chandrilan politics and even the wider politics of the Republic itself, though they held no official positions of power and had no interest in abusing their wealth to get what they wanted.

And it seemed that the best qualities of both these two had come together into one being: Their daughter and only child, Deashe. The young woman had only within the last few years reconnected with her parents after they had given her to the Jedi Order long before to make use of her gifts in the Force, but there was no awkwardness between them-- only happiness at seeing each other again, and eagerness in making up for lost time. It had been made clear that Deashe was welcome at her old home for as long as she wished, and that she would inherit it and all her parents possessed should they meet an untimely end.

The Devoter estate, a large villa that was almost like a palace unto itself, well into the peaceful Chandrilan countryside, was currently inhabited by Deashe and a multitude of servants and workers while her parents were away, men and women who were well-paid and cared for in return for keeping the estate in excellent condition. At the moment, Dea was striding along an outside walkway that passed through a large, beautiful garden and toward an inground pool. Her steps were leisurely, clacking along the polished Durosian marble in towering heeled sandals that exposed her perfect feet. She was clad in a simple sundress, though it was backless and showed her utterly flawless legs, her hair done up in an almost beehive fashion and her face lightly done with makeup. She loved showing herself off, and the mild climate of Chandrila allowed for that quite excellently.

As she reached the pool, her gaze alighted on her guest: Valia Locke, a young Knight who seemed to follow her around like a lost puppy at times. Dea had invited her to relax on Chandrila after their mission to Stenos, and the girl had readily accepted. She had been treated quite kindly by the Devoters, and whatever she had desired while staying was attended to-- something both young women had to get used to no doubt, but which Dea certainly found herself enjoying despite her being raised as a Jedi. It was difficult not to, with such helpful people.

"Valia," Dea said, flashing the girl a gorgeous smile. She knew the girl responded positively to her attention, and if Dea were honest, she did the same with Valia's. She simply couldn't help savoring the way Valia looked to her even as she subtly worked to make the girl more comfortable around her. This, being in a relaxing environment with only a prettily-dressed Dea for company, was part of that effort. The more exposure Valia got to her, the less starstruck and more normal she would become. Or that was the plan, anyway.

Taking a seat at a small table across from Valia, Dea crossed her long legs daintily, still blasting her with that perfect smile. "I take it you like the pool, hm?"

@Valia Locke

 

[Prudence]

The only word that could describe how Valia felt about this place was... perfect. Everything here seemed so well maintained, so pristine and amazing. The ground around the pool, a mixture of pure white permacrete and sparkling marble seemed to shine. The water of the pool itself was crystal clear and mesmerizing, drawing her eyes into their swirling depths. Valia was dressed simply, wearing a thin pair of short black shorts, and a turquoise crop top, leaving a small strip of skin between the hem of her top and her shorts. She timidly sat in a soft chair beside one of the tables that surrounded the pool. Before her on the glass table sat a tall sweating drink, filled with some fruity looking liquid the likes of which Valia had never tasted before.

Valia was more than slightly jealous that Dea knew her family, let alone had such a nice relation with them. She didn't even know who her parents had been, let alone what world she'd been from before she was taken to the Jedi. She'd tried, researching it endlessly, but she was unable to locate any records as to where it was that she came from. She was beginning to accept that she wouldn't ever figure it out, and that was alright. Then again, times like this made her wish she shared a similar bond with her family. She shifted nervously in her chair, unsure of where Dea was. The young Jedi Knight had been invited to the estate by Dea herself, probably more compulsory than anything else. Valia had clung to her during their mission to Stenos, and suggested that the two socialize again sometime. Dea was likely being all too nice and placating her by inviting her here. She had been ushered to the pool by the groundskeepers and told that Dea would be out shortly.

Valia had a small bag with her, and folded within it was a small swimsuit, along with her lightsaber and some other personal effects. She hadn't really known what to wear, but she was starting to consider changing into the swimsuit if Dea took much longer. Valia had seldom been to Chandrilla, and she had forgotten how hot the summers could be. The sun beat down against her pale skin, making Valia fantasize about the feeling of submerging in the cool water. Waiting another moment she didn't see Dea show up, so she stood up and stepped away from the table. There was a structure near the pool, serving as a restroom and changing area she guessed, so the young Jedi Knight stepped inside with her bag and changed out of her shorts and top, and into a small black bikini. As she stepped out of the building she could feel the air now, on her exposed skin. The heat of the sun was still there, but the breeze sent chills through her body. She could hear a song she hadn't ever heard before coming out of the speakers near the pool as she returned to her seat. It had a strange beat but it made her sway her hips a bit to it. Just as she was approaching the table once more she saw Dea coming. The woman was exquisitely dressed, wearing a small sundress, and Valia could feel her cheeks flushing. She felt under dressed now, her bikini pitifully exposing compared to Dea's lovely dress.

"I-yes, I love it!" She blushed a little, "oh and good morning Dea!" She flashed the woman a smile before taking a sip of her drink.

 

[Oncaro]

Dea's smile widened as her gaze moved over Valia's bikini-clad form, admiring her from her head to her toes. The girl truly was beautiful, and something about that combined with her awkwardness and that cute blush on her face was absolutely adorable.

"Good morning to you too, Valia," she said. "That bikini looks lovely on you," she continued, casually uncrossing and recrossing her legs. The tips of her toes brushed against Valia's, causing Dea to shiver slightly at the sudden contact. Her perfect smile never wavered though.

"It is rather warm out though, so how about I just..." she trailed off, casually undoing her sundress and letting it fall away, revealing an aqua bikini of her own. This had been chosen for a few reasons: The first to gauge Valia's reaction, the second to again get the girl more accustomed to her, and the third because she planned on getting in the pool at some point. Every motion she made, the tone of her voice, the look in her eye-- all of it was meant to tease the younger Knight; partly because it amused Dea and partly to help educate her. If things seemed to be heading in a wrong direction, Dea would gently steer things back onto a level course and make her intentions clear.

"So, you seem to be enjoying your stay. I take it you've never been in a place like this?" Dea asked conversationally as she casually set her sundress aside and readjusted her sitting position.

@Valia Locke

 

[Prudence]

Dea's smile widened as her gaze moved over Valia's bikini-clad form, admiring her from her head to her toes. The girl truly was beautiful, and something about that combined with her awkwardness and that cute blush on her face was absolutely adorable.

"Good morning to you too, Valia," she said. "That bikini looks lovely on you," she continued, casually uncrossing and recrossing her legs. The tips of her toes brushed against Valia's, causing Dea to shiver slightly at the sudden contact. Her perfect smile never wavered though.

"It is rather warm out though, so how about I just..." she trailed off, casually undoing her sundress and letting it fall away, revealing an aqua bikini of her own. This had been chosen for a few reasons: The first to gauge Valia's reaction, the second to again get the girl more accustomed to her, and the third because she planned on getting in the pool at some point. Every motion she made, the tone of her voice, the look in her eye-- all of it was meant to tease the younger Knight; partly because it amused Dea and partly to help educate her. If things seemed to be heading in a wrong direction, Dea would gently steer things back onto a level course and make her intentions clear.

"So, you seem to be enjoying your stay. I take it you've never been in a place like this?" Dea asked conversationally as she casually set her sundress aside and readjusted her sitting position.

@Valia Locke

Valia could practically feel Dea's eyes on her as the Jedi acknowledged her back, and then noted that her bikini looked lovely. Valia's cheeks flushed at the compliment accompanied by the surprise brush of Dea's toes against her leg. "I - uh -Thank you!" Valia flashed a radiant smile at the older woman as she adjusted in her seat. She heard Dea comment about the weather and she was preparing to reply, saying "It is quite hot ye-" and then she saw Dea stand, unfastening her sundress. Valia's jaw actually dropped a little, her eyes locked on Dea. Is she actually-oh. She watched as the thin dress fell, and revealed the turquoise bikini below.

Though the act was not quite what she had expected, her breath was still taken away by the sudden change in wardrobe. Her eyes were glued to Dea and her radiantly tanned golden skin. She took a breath, trying to speak but nothing came out. To cover the cough/mutter she took a sip of her drink and tried again, "That bikini l-looks really great on you Dea!" She diverted her eyes away, becoming aware of how intently she'd been staring. "I have been! It's really nice here... and no.. I've never really been anywhere this.. nice..."

Unable to fidget in her seat anymore she stood and began towards the pool, shooting a look back towards Dea, "W-would you care to take a swim with me?" She stood near the edge of the pool, waiting to see how Dea would respond. At this distance now she could take in Dea as a whole in the bikini, and Valia couldn't say she was even remotely disappointed.

 

[Oncaro]

To say that Dea wasn't enjoying the fact that a beautiful young woman was eating out of the palm of her hand would be a lie. The staring, the blushing, the stammering: it all felt wonderful, to the point that Dea was beginning to feel her resolve to be a subtle mentor slipping. She could almost taste Valia's raging hormones, and something about that just made her smile.

She watched Valia as the younger blonde stood and hurried to the poolside, and again she allowed the girl's gaze to wash over her like before, savoring the attention with a shiver before coming to her senses.

No! Bad Dea! This was a young woman who was very clearly enamored with her, and indulging in that simply because it felt good spelled potential trouble for them both. And yet...

She found herself eyeballing the girl again as she stood by the pool, her eyes taking in every detail. Perhaps...

Snapping herself out of it again, Dea blinked rapidly as she recalled Valia had asked her to swim. "I'd love to go for a swim with you, Valia!" she said, smiling dazzlingly to the younger Knight. Unable to stop herself, she slipped out of her sandals and sashayed over to the other girl, smiling still. She was wary, very wary, of the sexual tension that was tempting her so suddenly, but she did her best to hide this inner conflict as she stood close to the other young woman and extended a hand for Valia to take. She hoped that the water would cool them both off figuratively and literally, because she needed to get this under control, and fast.

@Valia Locke

 

[Prudence]

Valia felt her whole body heating up. She was swaying her hips now to the music as she shot an eager grin towards Dea. The gorgeous Jedi woman had agreed to dip into the pool with her and Valia was ecstatic. She watched as Dea swayed towards her, Valia's eyes trying to maintain eye contact with Dea and ultimately failing. As she grew closer Valia ran towards Dea and grabbed her soft hand, tugging on it. She had meant to catch the woman off balance and tumble into the pool with her, mischievously dunking them both. As soon as she took hold of Dea's hand something kicked her in the gut, instantly turning her stomach. She released the hand and stepped a few steps back, still unconscious and reeling from the blow.

She felt it, the sickening feeling of.... pain. Millions of voices crying out, and then... nothing. The nothing wasn't just a normal nothing, it was the absence of something that had once been there... that had always been there. Her breathing quickened as she stumbled back even further. Gone was the eager grin, and the flirtatious sashaying. Her face was now pale white, taught and drawn in sickness. Lives that she had always felt, like a warm hand on her shoulder, lives that she had grown up with, winked out. But even more so, the warmth of a planet infused with the Force was gone.

Valia had no idea what had happened, but she could feel it turning her blood cold. She could feel the death, oh so much death. She had always craved action, craved adventure and excitement, but this turned her stomach for such things. She had felt death, felt life leaving a body, but nothing on this scale. Valia lost her footing and began to fall backwards towards the pool. She had lost all control over her body. She was vaguely aware of the tears pouring out of her eyes, streaking black lines that had once been perfect makeup down her cheeks. She was aware that her hands, and her jaw, were shivering, and she was aware that she was falling. The death had drawn her in though. She didn't know what had been done, nor who to, but she knew who had done it. The Sith had committed some horrid war crime, some desecration. But why?

 

[Oncaro]

The moment Dea felt the soft skin of Valia's hand against her own, she too felt it: That sharp, incredible pain, seeming to knock the air from her lungs. She reeled back, her mind working furiously to understand it, but at the same time she knew precisely what was wrong.

A wound in the Force had formed. The sort of catastrophic disturbance in the Force that only occurred when many, many lives were lost in a short amount of time. It was like the Force itself were crying out in immense pain, and Dea could scarcely handle it. All the death, all the emptiness-- it was overwhelming.

She managed to open her eyes, and she watched as Valia trembled, tears streaking down her beautiful face, as she lost control of herself and started to fall toward the pool, as of in slow motion. With all the willpower she could muster, Dea moved quickly, wrapping her arms around Valia to catch her in a bridal carry. Her own body echoed Valia's quaking, reverberating with the too-powerful ripples of the Force, but she held the other Knight in her arms nonetheless, focusing on her as if she was the only other thing in existence for the moment.

@Valia Locke

 

[Prudence]

[theme]​

Valia didn't feel the splash, nor the cold shock of submersion. She didn't feel the water pouring into her lungs, and instead felt soft hands gripping her. She felt as she was whisked off the ground, brought into a warm embrace. The warmth clashed with the cold chilling inside of Valia's body, and the ice in her veins. She stared blankly up at Dea as she began to sob, her tears streaking the makeup she had otherwise been so proud of across her cheeks. Sniffling, Valia leaned into the carrying hold, pressing her face into Dea's exposed shoulder. "I.. I don't understand.. W.. what happened.. who did they kill? Why.."

Her words came between sobs as she wrapped an arm around Dea, holding herself against the woman. Valia's whole body was shaking, and she felt paralyzed. She didn't know why she felt this way, she didn't know what exactly had caused the wound in the Force she now felt, but it was destroying her from within. "Dea what... what did they do? Are we.. are we safe?" Valia knew it was a stupid question. She wasn't a child anymore, but she was still young. She was eager and excited, but inexperienced. She craved action, but when action like this found her, she curled up against the only thing.. the only person.. that made her comfortable and just cried - begging to feel safe.

 

[Oncaro]

Dea closed her eyes as she held Valia close, and she simply allowed the girl to let her emotions out; even if she wasn't still in a partial daze, she would have allowed it anyway-- for something as traumatic as this, even the most stoic Jedi wouldn't have been able to hold themselves in.

"Shhh... Shhh..." she crooned, allowing Valia to wrap around her tightly and cry into her shoulder. She ran her fingers soothingly through the younger woman's blonde locks, shushing her still.

"Shh... Hush, Valia," she said softly into the girl's ear, forcing herself to be the rock which she could cling to. "You're safe... You're with me. You're safe," she continued, briefly lifting up Valia's head and looking to her makeup-smeared face. The look of distress and desperate need for comfort pushed Dea to do the only thing that made sense at the time: She brought her lips to Dea's forehead, kissing it gently, comfortingly.

"Come on, let's... Let's get you cleaned up..." she said, her tone gentle. Shifting her position a bit, she put an arm around Valia's waist and began leading her back into the villa, doing her best to push all she had felt from her mind.

@Valia Locke

 

[Prudence]

Valia's body stopped shivering for just a moment as she felt two warm lips press against her forehead. Valia pinched her eyes closed, allowing the warmth of the moment to give her what comfort it could. Tears still streaked form her eyes, but the shaking had subsided. She heard Dea's words of comfort, telling her that she was safe... and Valia believed it. She trusted Dea, and the woman inspired confidence in her. Valia felt her arm move down to her exposed waist and slowly the two began walking away from the pool, towards the villa. It was Dea's words about cleaning her up when she realized what a mess she'd become, "I'm so sorry.. I got my makeup all over you.." Valia's hands shot up to cover her face, "My face must look awful.. I- I just can't help it. I've never felt anything like that before..."

She leaned her head in, so that her blonde hair rested against Dea's cheek as they walked, "I.. I don't want to leave Chandrilla right now Dea.. can I stay here longer?" The two had crossed the patio now and were stepping through the doors of the Villa as Valia spoke. "I.. I like being with you. We're friends.. right?" She was in one of the living spaces of the Villa now, and she could see all the ornate furniture around her. What really caught her attention, however, was the breaking news CNN report, that early reports were indicating that Tython, the homeworld of the Jedi, had been... destroyed.

Valia's knees buckled, and the strength she had found to walk left her. A wail escaped her lips, enough to split ears as she looked at the screen, her tears beginning once more, "Tython.. t.. that's what I felt.. they- no! They can't have.. That's my home! I grew up there!" Dea slumped, resting on her knees and threw her hands downward. The viewscreen groaned before falling off the wall. Around her all of the glass that framed the ornate windows of the villa shattered at once, "No no no no no. Not my home.." Valia was incoherent at this point, hands now covering her face in grief.

 

[Oncaro]

Dea said nothing as she walked Valia into the villa, simply allowing her to talk as she held the younger Knight close to her. But when Valia asked if she could stay longer, Dea smiled in spite of herself. The young woman really did seem like she hadn't grown out of her teenaged years somewhat. And she supposed that made sense: Valia had never had anything like a "normal" upbringing, and wasn't used to this kind of charity even among the Jedi. Dea resolved to keep giving it to her.

"Of course you can stay with me, Valia," she replied gently, soothingly. "You can stay here as long as you like, my parents certainly won't mind. We are friends, after all."

She stopped when Valia stopped, and glanced toward the views, catching the CNN report. Her veins seemed to freeze over as her blood ran cold, and she stared in disbelief.

Tython... No... was also she thought, as all sounds faded away; even Valia's piercing wail didn't get a reaction from her.

Her home-- the world she had called home for most of her life-- was gone. She felt the same kind of pain Valia had felt-- No. Not the same, not really. She hadn't been raised completely on Tython, unlike Valia. She had had her parents for the first few years of her life; vague, faded memories of happiness and contentment that only a young, innocent child who had good parents and a stable life could have. Valia had not had that luxury, and it tore at Dea's heartstrings.

Valia's unconscious use of the Force snapped her back into focus, and she gave a start of surprise and slight indignation as the windows in her home were shattered. My home!

But she quickly calmed down, getting on her knees to wrap Valia up in a tight hug, attempting to console her as she did just a few minutes earlier.

@Valia Locke

 

[Prudence]

Dea said nothing as she walked Valia into the villa, simply allowing her to talk as she held the younger Knight close to her. But when Valia asked if she could stay longer, Dea smiled in spite of herself. The young woman really did seem like she hadn't grown out of her teenaged years somewhat. And she supposed that made sense: Valia had never had anything like a "normal" upbringing, and wasn't used to this kind of charity even among the Jedi. Dea resolved to keep giving it to her.

"Of course you can stay with me, Valia," she replied gently, soothingly. "You can stay here as long as you like, my parents certainly won't mind. We are friends, after all."

She stopped when Valia stopped, and glanced toward the views, catching the CNN report. Her veins seemed to freeze over as her blood ran cold, and she stared in disbelief.

Tython... No... was also she thought, as all sounds faded away; even Valia's piercing wail didn't get a reaction from her.

Her home-- the world she had called home for most of her life-- was gone. She felt the same kind of pain Valia had felt-- No. Not the same, not really. She hadn't been raised completely on Tython, unlike Valia. She had had her parents for the first few years of her life; vague, faded memories of happiness and contentment that only a young, innocent child who had good parents and a stable life could have. Valia had not had that luxury, and it tore at Dea's heartstrings.

Valia's unconscious use of the Force snapped her back into focus, and she gave a start of surprise and slight indignation as the windows in her home were shattered. My home!

But she quickly calmed down, getting on her knees to wrap Valia up in a tight hug, attempting to console her as she did just a few minutes earlier.

@Valia Locke

Valia was still in Dea's arms, allowing the older woman to hold her for a moment before she seemed to realize what had just happened. Instantly she began to wriggle, trying to pull away from Dea, her eyes frightened now. "I'm so sorry.. I ruined your windows..."

Valia struggled, pulling and twisting in Dea's arms, but she was weak with grief. The knowledge that her home and her childhood memories were just... gone, left her sapped. She finally gave up fighting and slumped into Dea. She had seen the look of indignation on the woman's face when she'd lashed out and busted the windows, and she realized that she'd made a truly bad mistake. Sniffling she said, "I.. I can pay for it.. I-" She lifted her head from Dea's shoulder and looked her in the eyes, her own puffy and red,

"They.. they destroyed Tython Dea... that was my home.. that was the only childhood memories I had.. and it's.. it's just gone... can I please stay here..? I don't have anywhere else to go.. I'm so sorry."

 

[Oncaro]

Again Dea did her best to calm the younger Knight even as Valia squirmed in momentary panic, trying to get away from her while apologizing, as if she were frightened that Dea would yell or hurt her. It was here that it truly hit her just how much Valia sought her approval, which was honestly rather shocking. What about her had caused Valia to develop this need?

"Shhh... Hush, Valia..." she said softly, looking into her eyes. "I know... I know, Valia, I grew up on Tython too... And yes, you can stay here. In fact my parents will probably insist that you do. The windows aren't a problem, those can be replaced. I'm not mad at you, I promise..."

Again she planted a gentle kiss on the other blonde's forehead. "Come on... Let's get you cleaned up, I mean it," she said, and she carefully picked Valia up, taking her to the nearest bathroom, which was itself as ornate as the rest of the building's rooms.

@Valia Locke

 

[Prudence]

Valia allowed a smile to once again grace her face, even if it was a little weak. She felt devastated, as did likely the rest of the surviving Jedi. As Dea picked her up she kept her arms wrapped around Dea, but she relaxed a little. She had just thrown a fit, an outburst that had resulted in damages to Dea's house... and Dea was okay with it. It was now that she was realizing that maybe... just maybe the Jedi woman was here to stay. She swallowed hard, the tears that had been flowing down her tears finally stopping, "I'm.. I'm gonna stay here with you.. but I.." Her eyes hardened as she settled to her feet in the bathroom - cold tile meeting her bare soles.

"I'm going to make them pay."

The words were cold and hard, but she meant it. They'd taken away her home, they'd taken away her friends, and she would make them pay. She didn't know how, and she didn't exactly know who, but one of them would pay for it. Valia was sure that Dea wouldn't approve of the vengeful spirit, but that was alright. Dea wouldn't stand in her way. Valia was seeing blood now.

 

[Oncaro]

As Valia worked through her thoughts and spoke about what she planned to do, Dea did not respond immediately, instead setting about cleaning off Valia's face with a wash rag wetted with warm water. In this silence she allowed herself to think, pondering Valia's words.

When the war first began, four or five years previously, Dea had been amongst the staunchest opponents to... not necessarily, perhaps, the idea of combatting the Sith, but how... How eager so many Jedi were and became in being proactive and taking the fight to the old enemy-- and how easily such a mindset led to the Dark Side; even if they didn't become cackling madmen literally stabbing others in the back and tossing lightning from their fingertips, the fall of the Jedi Order to the Dark Side was always a danger in this wartime footing, where even the most justifiable actions to fight the Sith led to a slippery slope.

Unable to reconcile her pacifism with the necessity of fighting the Sith, Dea went on a temporary leave from the Order-- not a resignation, but a hiatus in order to find herself and determine what she should do. This hiatus had lasted for several years before she felt the Force call her back to the Jedi. And it was at this point that she had thought she had her answer: Help the war effort, but in more passive ways.

Well, the larger part of the Order had decided to be passive, and now Tython was destroyed. Would the war have been over by now, long before now perhaps, if the entire Order had thrown in behind the Army of Light? Would Kira Elan have been spared a fall to the Dark Side and what had to have been a painful death? How many lives could have been saved?

And just how many more lives would have been lost? To death, or the Dark Side?

It doesn't matter now, Dea thought, harshly, abruptly ending her train of thought. Wondering about what could have been helps no-one.

She looked to Valia, not bothering to hide the concern from her face. She didn't know the girl well, but perhaps, just perhaps, she could convince her to avoid acting rashly.

"Valia," she said, her tone gentle and soft like always. "You know that vengeance is not the Jedi way. Please, think about your actions before you--"

@Prudence