freedomliveson

You never see it coming[Freedomliveson/The Elvenqueen]

Gave you some time to introduce yours before we move onto sending them off to Malachor

You never see it coming[Freedomliveson/The Elvenqueen]

Hmmm...maybe no one would be there except for logs that Revan and the Exile left? I suppose them leaving logs would make sense considering that they probably would know that someone would EVENTUALLY muster the courage to get onto Malachor. I would also assume they would want to leave something behind in case they didn't return...which they didn't xD

Also, almost done! Going to introduce my apprentice near the end of this one!

You never see it coming[Freedomliveson/The Elvenqueen]

The dinner itself was pleasant enough for the occasion, Matthew and Malu even floating among groups of students to not only comfort, but to tell rather funny stories about the image Voldon projected versus the one that was a bit less gruff, including a story about getting bearhugged by a Wookie on Nar Shaddaa. This was one that Yerbol would HAVE to ask about later, seeing as NONE of the Elders bothered mentioning this. Matt was the one who actually saw the incident, but the Champion could only assume that it was shared among the group of leaders with Voldon sitting there as grim as ever and Matt with the largest grin on his face. It struck him then that Matt and Voldon probably had the longest standing relationship between any of the Elders, seeing as both mentioned multiple times their combined efforts in several different instances and Voldon seemed to listen to Matt more than the others when things got heated in discussions that Yerbol and Aria were present at(Kira excluded). The Champion filed the observation away, deciding to talk to Matt about his relationship with the former Battlemaster later, instead focusing on the event at hand; after all, he was well aware that most would not just be watching the Elders, but the two Champions as well. It was odd feeling like his every action was scrutinized, every word potentially parsed for information about the inner workings of the Qyaari, but he supposed that when one had saved the galaxy as many times as they had, it was rather easy to be lifting up to almost celebrity status. Even he and Aria's WEDDING was broadcasted to the whole bloody Holonet as a "symbol of progress for all Force users". Not to say he wasn't grateful for the progress they had made(not to mention the little lady who went to bed with him every night), but to be so...publicily important was off-putting. He wondered how the Elders managed to make it all look so effortless. Maybe that was a class they missed at their former academies: how to not feel OR look like galactic pressure was weighing on you 101.
"Are you alright, Champion?" A Selkath Alliance diplomat who sat next to him inquired politely, the alien's normally narrow eyes even more narrow than normal.
"Yes...yes, my apologies, Ambassador. My mind was on...well, seemingly another planet."

___

When the dinner concluded and guests were in the process of leaving the hall(which was being tidied up by a combination of students and hired on help), Yerbol and Aria managed to sneak away up to their quarters where the former stripped himself of formal attire and faceplanted sloppily into their bed. After a few minutes, he could feel prodding in his side, the Champion finding his wife inquisitvely staring at him.
"So you picked up on what I was thinking during the ceremony, huh?" Yerbol explained his sentiments as best he could, telling Aria about the nagging feeling that Saresh was hiding something from them, that there was an almost ominious aura radiating from her. His wife offered some reassurances that made sense rationally, but didn't dispel his emotions entirely. When she mentioned keeping an eye on her, Yerbol nodded in agreement.
"I'd like to be wrong and just chalk this up to whatever...well, whatever I've been dealing with since Voss, but something just isn't sitting right with me." He placed a hand on Aria's arm, smiling as he continued:
"But let's not worry about that for right now, eh? I just want to lay here with you and sleep in. Remember when we could do that? You know, that one week in our entire relationship? I'm REALLY looking forward to not waking up with an alarm or a direct summons." A pleased sigh escaped his lips as he closed his eyes just for a moment, just to rela-

_____

Their holocomm unit buzzed obnoxiously, Yerbol suppressing the urge to throw said unit across the room and turn over, but the Champion knew that whatever was beckoning them out of slumber MUST have been important...somehow. Right? It had to be. He groaned, slamming the "receive" button on the device as he asked groggily:
"Who's asking for us this time?"
"I think we ought to see about demoting you if you're going to use this tone with me." Malu had lost some of her Imperial accent, but at times it shone through, lacing her voice with a kind of authority that would make any sit up a bit straighter. Thankfully there was a comedic lilt in her voice or Yerbol would have thought twice about ever sassing the former Lord ever again. Before Yerbol could respond, she added:
"We need you both in Chambers as soon as possible. There have been some developments that require your attention."

Developments?

____

The duo walked into the familiar meeting room and would have took their normal places in seats that were stationed near the center of the room that faced the middle of the semi-circle of seats the Elders sat in, but those seats were currently occupied.
"Good. Come alongside these two." Matt motioned for the Champions to come forward, Yerbol finding himself next to Kin, one of the trainers they had met before their deployment to Voss. His visage was a bit more solemn than their first meeting, but he looked up at the Champion with a sparkle that was unmistakably reflective of his regular personality. Next to him was Paix, Kin's partner both in training and(he assumed) romance based on their initial encounter.
"We brought Kin and Paix to put forth their final recommendations for something that we as a Council have been discussing for quite some time." The trainers stood up as Matt continued:
"This next missive that you both will be taking on might prove to be a fantastic learning opportunity for not only you, but Knights as well."
"Knights?"
"Indeed." Malu chimed in, leaning forward in her chair, elbows on her knees, one hand supporting her chin.
"Kin, Paix and Waylon have enough combined experience to provide more advanced training for Knights that have been identified by their instructors as having significant potential for the rank of Champion." Yerbol chuckled slightly.
"So you weren't kidding about the demotion?"
"Quite the opposite, my dears. We're not getting any younger and Voldon's passing made us all realize that there needed to be a succession plan in order for the Qyaari to continue to progress."
"What...what are you saying?"
"Don't worry, Yerbol: we're not going anywhere anytime soon, but some of us have come to terms with the reality of our current existence. We're short-staffed at the highest ranks of leadership. Acolytes, Apprentices and Knights are all fantastic, but we have our only two Champions taking on a workload that's unsustainable over time. We need more manpower and we are now going to start to build it through you two. From here on out, you will both be assigned an apprentice who has already been ordained the title of Knight and has shown exemplary leadership in both the field and the classroom."
"The two we recommend are going to blow you away. Trust me." Kin glanced at the Champions with a smirk as Paix added:
"They're ready. These two have shown their ability to rise to the rank of Champion, given that our initial Champions groom them willingly." A moment of silence passed before Yerbol offered:
"This is a massive responsibility that I'm...honestly, I don't know what to say."
"You don't have to say anything as of yet. Kin, Paix, please leave us."
"Of course." Upon the duo's exit, Matthew spoke:
"You both are ready for this, have been ready for this. You two have spearheaded our efforts to make the galaxy a harmonious and peaceful place for all sentient life to call home. You might be young, but as we have all seen, youth sometimes doesn't equate to level of wisdom. Your experiences have created a kind of unshakable trust within all of us." He paused, then added:
"Do understand, however, that are you are now responsible for the training, development and overall success of another Force user. They will depend on you for guidance, leadership, wisdom and safety as they develop. It is a heavy responsibility, but we all believe you can bear it proudly." He motioned to the other Elders, giving them the opportunity to speak before he concluded:
"As you can see, we believe in you both. Stay true to your ideals and you'll do just fine. Ready to meet them?" Yerbol gulped down a ball of anxiety forming in his throat as he nodded, the door to the Council chambers sliding open to reveal two figures, one of whom was a auburn-haired, hazel eyed young man whose build was almost like Yerbol's except his shoulders and waist were broader. His crimson red, floor length robe glided across the floor as he walked alongside Yerbol, glancing at the Champion with an unreadable emotion before he turned his attention to the Elders.
"This is Ethan Pewsaa. He was a part of the first group of youngsters trained at the Academy and proved himself worthy of the title of Knight. Ethan has run several operations for us on Taris, Coruscant and even Nal Hutta. In short, he's a proven asset." The young man's cheeks blushed slightly.
"Thank you, Elder Carnagie. It's an honor."
"Indeed it is, to be trained underneath Yerbol Massani, Champion of the Qyaari, is an honor that none other have had. Always remember this."

You never see it coming[Freedomliveson/The Elvenqueen]

Ok, make that monday...gots to grade xD

You never see it coming[Freedomliveson/The Elvenqueen]

Stay warm and safe! I'll be getting you a post in the next day or two, so no worries :)

Malachor V sounds good! Hmm...we'll have to see who remained.

You never see it coming[Freedomliveson/The Elvenqueen]

Yep, will do on pushing us to the Council meeting.

Duuuuude, I listened to Starset this morning for plot inspiration and I've got a few ideas on what's going to happen to Yerbol and this whole "wound" thing. I won't tell you too much because I want it to be a shock, but it's going to be...interesting to say the least. The Last Jedi also inspired my decision for Yerbol's character, so there's that too xD

Hey, did we ever decide on what the first steps would be in terms of finding Revan and the Exile? Because all we had them see was a vision. I suppose maybe they'd have to go to the last place Revan was rumored to be? Which would be...well, I don't know. Any ideas?

You never see it coming[Freedomliveson/The Elvenqueen]

About Saresh? Ha, well, I'm trying to emphasize that Yerbol's as yet to be fully fleshed out "force wound" is tainting the way he sees people that have made a strong emotional impression on him(positive and negative). I'll keep developing it as we go so hopefully it'll make more sense.

You never see it coming[Freedomliveson/The Elvenqueen]

There we go! You can move to the next day or I can in my next post. Up to you :)

You never see it coming[Freedomliveson/The Elvenqueen]

Not done yet! Be done in a couple of hours :)

You never see it coming[Freedomliveson/The Elvenqueen]

The preparations were made with as much haste as possible, students and overseers alike fully cognizant of the gravity that the ceremony possessed. This was the first memorial service for a Qyaari Elder, one of their own leaders. Most students hadn't really given thought to the notion that the Qyaari leadership was vulnerable, let alone subject to the same fate that all known sentient life had to face. It was sobering, humbling, jarring, even. Some students had to be calmed down throughout the process, reassured that although this was a somber occasion, it was also one for reflecting on how much of an impact Voldon had in bringing about the Academy halls that they walked casually through between classes, the peace that Force users had across the galaxy in choosing their own path to fulfillment and re-establishing order in the vacuum of chaos that Bracknell threw the galaxy gleefully into. Being part of the "comforting" task force was something Yerbol had gotten used to since his arrival back on Zinuthra, but mentioning past events as a reminder of how far the Qyaari had come thanks in part to Voldon was a sublime experience, one that prompted much reflection on his part as well while arranging flowers the way he was told to by someone who had more experience in creating aesthetically pleasing bouquets(which, not so coincidentally in his mind, were the women) or helping some of the media personnel who had arrived early figure out where the restrooms were(that was a fair question, seeing as the atrium where one first entered was a massive space that branched out in several different directions). Dwelling on how he and Aria had their entire realities at the time shattered into fragments and scattered across the galaxy was sobering indeed, but the fact that they managed to recover from that and be a part of something so great, so restorative thanks to the efforts that Voldon was a part of made the Champion massively grateful for what the former Batlemaster had sacrificed. Even after his death, his legacy would be one of the foundational building blocks that the Qyaari can use to move forward and grow. He had told Voldon's casket as much, hoping that where Voldon's "presence" was that he had heard what Yerbol had said and knew that the Champion meant every word of it.

When preparations were finally complete, Aliel gave them a "suggestion" to come greet the Chancellor, Matt agreeing:
"Cheriss' suggestion is a good one. Come on, you two." Yerbol snickered quietly, telling his spouse:
I've got to think that there's a reason for this, right? Maybe because we're the only two Champions in existence right now and we're sort of their "Special Forces" unit? Maybe they feel better with us around because we represent what the Order can become? Or maybe we're just eye candy so no one notices Matt's graying hair. If that's the case, then I'd say they've got it all wrong. If they want eye candy,
they might as well just leave me out of the picture. You're more than enough. He shot her a teasing glance alongside a gentle nudge as they proceeded towards the hangar, which currently had it's bay doors flung wide open to reveal the elegantly designed Z-Class ship that Saresh and the Alliance cabinet was emerging from along with several heavily armored and armed guards. The Qyaari and Alliance parties met at the hangar door threshold, Saresh offering a firm handshake to each of the Force users as she said somberly:
"I wish that my visit were on better terms."
"I agree, Chancellor, but we appreciate you and the Cabinet's presence all the same."
"Of course. The Alliance has lived up to it's name thanks to our relationship with the Qyaari. That's largely due to Voldon's presence with no disrespect meant to the other Elders, of course."
"None taken, Chancellor. There was a reason we all decided that Voldon would be the first Presiding Elder. He was the voice we needed. Calm, collected and firm when he needed to be. Although there were times I wish he had spoken just a bit more...' A few slightly awkward (according to Yerbol anyway) chuckles before Matt spoke again:
"The service begins in about an hour. Let's get you to where you need to be."

There were only so many seats in the garden, which forced many to resort to standing on the steps leading up towards the Academy facing the meditation garden. They were able to hear the sequence of events thanks to the earpiece slash microphone combination that those speaking received beforehand, sound traveling through miniature but powerful speakers planted in a circular pattern around the garden. The Elders, Alliance politicians and Champions were seated in two rows on a raised platform with Voldon's closed casket to the right hand side of the rows. Kira was nowhere to be found and when Yerbol asked Malu about where she was as they took their places, the Miraluka whispered:
"Not all of us can face the death of a loved one in such a public space." With Kira absent, the only two that spoke to the assembled audience were Matthew and the Chancellor, both of whom delivered short messages on the virtuous life that Voldon led and the impact that his actions will have on the future of the Qyaari. Matthew's address was well done, but it was almost hollow in comparison to the private ceremony held just a few hours earlier. He was happy the Elders had summoned them.

It was Saresh's address, however, that piqued Yerbol's interest; more specifically, it was a string of thoughts near the end:
"Although Voldon has passed on, his legacy will continue to remain an example of how we as a governing body should always be servants of the people, not overlords. To act in the best interests of those we have the pleasure of serving, not to destroy their wills. The Alliance will continue to act in conjunction with the Qyaari to ensure galactic peace, to make the galaxy a harmonious, stable place for all who call it home." This naturally led to a burst of applause from the audience, Yerbol included, yet the Champion could feel something...strange as she spoke. The words felt almost forced, as if she were putting on a strained performance than speaking what was actually on her mind. Maybe it was him projecting his old feelings of mistrust onto her that came from his reminiscing about the old "Alliance", but he would bring up his feelings to Aria in private to see if she felt the same.

Matthew concluded the service by summoning the pallbearers to carry Voldon's casket past the meditation garden to a shuttle waiting just a few hundred feet away where, according to Matthew, the casket would be flown to Ord Mantell and buried on a private plot of land that the former Battlemaster had purchased several years ago and swore that he would use one day as a place to retire and start up a small vegetable garden. This elicited a few chuckles from the audience, most of whom couldn't imagine a seasoned warrior of the Qyaari in a straw hat farming for bell peppers.

The pallbearers, who included Matthew and Yerbol along with two Alliance soldiers, trudged to the shuttle and loaded the coffin as the assembled audience began to disperse towards the Academy, an announcement made before the ceremony telling any who wanted to stay that there would be a meal in the dining hall. It seemed like most would take them up on that offer.
"Never thought I would see this day." Matt commented with a sad chortle, looking up at the departing shuttle for a lingering moment before examining the crowds moving slowly up the stone steps.
"Voldon's death?" Yerbol suggested, to which Matt shook his head.
"I knew that Voldon would go out in some sacrificial manner. He was too bold to go quietly in the night. No, I just..." He blew out a sigh.
"I just never thought in my heart of hearts that we could pull this off." He motioned at the Academy.
"We have a flourishing student body, Knights who are maturing into the Force so rapidly that I almost feel like I need to take a class from them and a government that doesn't want to enslave Force users. Satele would've been proud of what we've accomplished."
"I think so, too." Matt clapped a hand on the younger man's shoulder as he told him:
"We've got more work ahead of us though. This isn't the height of where the Qyaari could go, what the order can do; this is just the beginning."