Memories! [Astra] (Closed)

[rythmicjea]

TheTraveler — 06/06/2021
1.01.0960

The Gladius was everything that Sol had told Astra about. Sum two hundred teams of cadets competed against each other in order to secure prestige and victory for their respected families.

The events range from duels, mastery over Force Powers, to even tests of knowledge and skills in performances. Thousands of kids push them selves far beyond breaking points.

Victory brings celebration and praise, where in some cases, defeat brings disappointment and sorrow. Some kids take the loss harder than others.

For the Olavan Temple, who is playing host, it was an opportunity to show case all they brought to the table. The first day of the two week long event was nothing short of breath taking.

A host of performances were set up in honor of the kids competing. Flavors of Olavan were on full display during the first day feasts.

Even during this first day, with out Sol's help, Astra could see the battle lines between families. Rivalries went from friendly, like those between militaristic Graffs and their Core World Counterparts, the Ilushans. Then there were Rivalries that were just down right bitter and volatile.

One such rivalry was between Shribeh team and just about everyone else. They dominate the duelist events and true to Sol's words. Their new entries, the Krishan sisters, looked to be tough competitors. All eyes were on Atril Thel-Tanis of the Rupnarain Family to finally unseat the Shribeh as event Champions.

Beyond the thousands of kids competing, there were three times as many guest who had come to watch. Many were here solely to support the kids competing. But an equal number of Masters have come to select the very best to become their new Padawans.

Of all the VIP's, one draw Astra's attention. A tall woman in Jedi Military Grab, with white hair. Her age couldn't be much more than early twenties, yet she held a rank much higher than one would expect.

Astra Korraay — 06/06/2021
Astra was amazed by the competition. But when she noticed the tall jedi with white hair she turned to Sol. " hay Sol do you know who that jedi is?" She asked. She did not want to point and draw attention so she started to describe her.

" she has to be the youngest jedi I've ever sean" she said as she watched some of the event. They would be back to work soon getting redy to leave might as well enjoy there brake for a few moments right. " So your family expects you to push yourself to the braking point why" she added after a moment.

TheTraveler — 06/06/2021
Sol gazed at the woman with white hair, "That is Princess Lenora Delphinium. She remained undefeated in the Strategic Battle Simulator for three years straight." He leaned back as he tone deeper with respect. "Despite the rumors of scandal around her and her family, she proved herself on the simulated battlefield time and time again."

He laughed, "her last year, she was challenged by the Dooku's to a three on one battle. At first she rejected, but then accepted the final day of the Gladius."

"The strategy she employed, Mobile Sacrificial Warfare is now required reading even at our Academy. Her run was ended when she graduated two years early to join the Jedi Special Operations."

As he spoke of the woman, Astra noticed a hooded figure sitting next to Princess Lenora. Though nearly concealed by the curtains of her balcony, Astra was sure there was a figure sitting next to the Princess.

He nodded then shrugged, "its not an expectation more of something we all want to do. Out there, we can prove ourselves and be recognized for that." He thought for a moment, "there is more to it than just what is expected of us. But how we see ourselves."

He leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees, "I want to beat either of the Krishan Sisters. Hell, even if I can get a match with one of them. That would guarantee me a Dueling Master."

He turned and looked at her, "before I came here, it was all I could think about.

Astra Korraay — 06/06/2021
Astra blinked amazed as she just listened the strange figer on the balcony acting her agent and briefly distracting her. " Is Dueling realy all you want. You great at alot? I know this kind of thing is important to you Sol but don't hurt yourself while trying to get there I would hate to see you in pain your way to kind for that" she said with a smile.

She continued to watch for a moment in silence. " Hay Sol there's sumthing that's been bugging me. You remember the day we meet?" She said. She looked back across the area.

TheTraveler — 06/06/2021
He blinked at her, "there was a time when I could only think of that. And don't get me wrong, I really want this."

He frowned, "I had this dream....." he paused and looked at her and smiled. "How could I forget," he robbed her on the head. "Little Rock thrower," he joked.

Astra Korraay — 06/06/2021
Astra pushes his hand away. " I'm only a few years younger I'm not that little, it's a nightmare and a half as it is to keep neat." She said with a half smile. Distracted for a moment. " what dream.... was it a dream or a vision" she was completely Distracted for the moment.

" as for that day we'll you said you heard me call for help I remember thinking I needed help but I never actually called for help so how did you know I was in trouble. " She asked after a few more moments of silence.

TheTraveler — 06/06/2021
He smiled playfully then took both hands to her hair and sushed it up, "you look better this way he said jokingly."

He pulled back and frowned for a moment, "I guess you didn't realize you called out. I heard you calling for help." He looked down slightly, "I have this dream that I am drowning . I try to scream out but no one can hear me as I slip in to the darkness."

Astra Korraay — 06/06/2021
Astra giggled " oh yah is that so" she said and messed up Sol's hair.

Astra blinked " I never actually called for help Sol, I know that if the bully brothers got caught I could be exspeld " Astra said. She frowned in response to his dream. " do you know how to swim?" She said with out much thought it was the first question to come to mind. She then smiled at him. " that dream is wrong I'll come to help you. Thought I don't know how to swim so that might be difficult. Have you told any of the masters about this dream I'm shure they could help you sort it out" Astra said.

TheTraveler — 06/06/2021
He shook his head, "no I haven't talked to anyone else about it. And no, I don't know how to swim either."

He laughed, "maybe we both can learn how to swim."

There was a desperation to change the subject in his tone, "I don't know Astra. I know I heard your voice call out for help, so I came."

Astra Korraay — 06/06/2021
Astra blinked a concerned look crossing her face. " Sol that dream is bothering you maby you should talk to master Xia Maes. She could help. She may seam like a brick wall but she is actually a really nice person" Astra said.

TheTraveler — 06/06/2021
He leaned over to her and rested his head on her shoulder, "you know the funny thing. I feel comfortable talking to you."

He shifted and moved so he was laying his head on her lap, look up at her. "I can't believe you work like this all the time," he joked. "And you are top tier of your classes."

Astra Korraay — 06/06/2021
" I like talking to you too." She said then grined ." Would your family approve of you and I being friends" she said half jokingly. She know Sol was held to a high expectations. "How much trouble did your litte rescue mission get you in" she asked. The bureaucratic and social nonsense that seemed to be the noble family's was funny to her." I can only imagine the look that must have been on your dad's face. As crazy as they seam your luck to have a family" Astra said.

" I am , that's news to me. You know you can't run away from your problems Sol. " She said with a smile shaking her head with a smile. " aren't you sapose to know this already your are older she said jokingly. Besides this is nothing compared to the drills you all have to do on the parade grounds boy those are hard" she said giggling at him .

TheTraveler — 06/06/2021
He laughed, "why would I get in to trouble for bring friends with you. Cause your an orphan," he questioned. "We Kenobis aren't that high up the social ladder for that to matter."

He pointed to the balcony, "now royalty, that is a totally different thing." Astra noticed Princess Lenora speaking to that hooded person and for just a moment, it appeared like she was looking at her.

He motioned to Atril, "her family is like mine, but they spent a fortune on getting her the very best dueling Master. I hear they literally spent an entire world to have Grand Master Windu teach her."

He leaned back on her lap, "as for my rescue, sure it made them mad. But I don't regret it."

He frowned, "I am not running away from my problems. I just don't like talking about it. I have had that dream for as long as I can remember. So why worry about it now."

Astra Korraay — 06/06/2021
Astra turned her head sideways and studied the princess and the hooded person. " you see the hooded guy talking to the princess any clue who that is" she asked. She thought for a moment her mind going back to that day. " there was a hooded mail that talked to me the day I met Sol I wondered if they are the same person" Astra thought.

" why would they do that did your family spend a lot to send you to the Sereno academy to train with Lord Sereno?" She asked. She was just confused now.

Astra blinked at the new information. " are you sure it's a dream. I mean if it's a dream then are you afraid of sumthing" Astra asked.

TheTraveler — 06/06/2021
He shook his head, "Lord Serrano refused such payments. Not that my family didn't try." He laughed, "he said that if i was meant to be taught by him, than the Force would ensure."

"So here i am trying to earn his respect and prove to him that I am meant to be taught by him," Sol said softly.

He looked up at the balcony, "I don't know," he said confused. "Why do you ask "

Astra Korraay — 06/06/2021
Astra smiled "I'm glad he dose not buy into such nonsense, I'm sure you will impress him and become his apprentice. You can already do so many cool things with the force and fighting" she said Italy braiding a lock of Sol's hair.

She looked back to the balcony. The we meet there was a hooded guy with the Jedi instructor. I never saw his face bit he apparently thought I was funny. It would be funny if that same man showed up here" Astra said shaking her head and giggling.

TheTraveler — 06/06/2021
He looked up at Astra, "it's not nonsense," he said genuine hurt. "I worked really hard to prove myself to my family," He set up a bit. "I know it may sound like nonsense. But think of it like this. Hundreds of kids competing for a limited number of Masters. Not all can become Padawan, even less can fall under the guidance of a real master in a chosen field." He tilted his head slightly as he spoke, "I worked really hard to earn my place. Only the best rose to the top, and I bet them all. So my family offered Lord Serreno a donation to his Academy, if he would consider me." He held out a hand and counted with his fingers, "This was after years of hard work, Competing within the family's own tournaments. And finally proving I am the very best my family can offer." He blinked, his tone not harsh or angry. Just hurt, "I know it seems like nonsense to you, looking in from the outside. But its not."

He moved a bit to get up then stopped, "Astra, I don't mean to be like this. But you don't understand how your words are hurtful." He looked up to her to open his mouth, then closed it. He wanted to say more but changed his mind. Instead he leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on her forehead, "I am not mad." he said pulling back trying his best to have a smile on his face.

Astra Korraay — 06/06/2021
Astra smiled and blushed when he kissed her for head. " that's not what I ment, I'm glad that Lord Sereno gives eveyone an equal chance. I would never call your hard work nonsense" she said then huged him. " you unlike other childern have had to work to get where you are and it shows. I was poking fun at the family's who try to pay masters to take there child as the padowon. If they are gifted and really want to be taught be a specific master then they should have to work hard and prove themselves like you, I never ment to hurt you. Please forgive me" she added. She was genuinely sorry she had hurt him by not being clearer with her words. " sumthing tells me the Jedi will be luck to have you" she said.

TheTraveler — 06/06/2021
He smiled, "they will be lucky to have you," he said taking her hand and laying back on her lap. "I am just another bright blade among many. There is something wholesome about you. Something that is pure."

His tone signaled the change of subject, "and that guys isn't the same from the Academy." His statement told her that there was more to it. Something left unsaid, though not a secret. More like common knowledge, well at least to him.

Astra Korraay — 06/06/2021
Astra smiled her face red from his comment. She started playing with her own hair. A nervous habit. Sol's next stamen caught her attention. " do you know who the guy at the Academy was? I have not seen him again though I didn't really get a look at his face I'll rember that voice though. Anyway I have not be able to figer our who he was ether" she said.

TheTraveler — 06/06/2021
Sol shook his head, "I didn't get a good look at him, but he had to be someone important. The Instructor never questioned him. And you would never see a Dooku with a Delphinium. Unless they are trying to kill each other," he said laughing.

Astra Korraay — 06/06/2021
Astra blinked " why would they want to kill echother. That seams conter productive" Astra said. She turned her head sideways and just stared at him dumbfounded. Then said " I don't understand all the complicated noble stuff can you teach it to me? " She asked she wanted to understand.

TheTraveler — 06/06/2021
He nodded, "so the Dooku-Delphinium feud has been one of the longest and most violent of all the rivalries within the Legacy Families. And probably beyond that. They share a common boarder, and that boarder has turned in a conflict zone in the past." He motioned up to the Princess, "her last challenge is just another example of it. There are two mining colonies that Dooku lost after that challenge." He shook his head, "and based on how psychotic her father and grandfather is, I am surprised the Jedi hasn't gone in and removed them from power. She probably is going to be worse then both of them. I saw her once at a Gladiolus, I watched her defeat opponent after opponent as if it was nothing. She is cold as ice, that one is." He explained.

Astra Korraay — 06/06/2021
Astra blinked and looked up at the princess. " the gladiolus is a really important competition she was probably focused on wining. It's not nice to judge people befor you get to know them. Just because her father and grandfather are psychotic dose not mean she is. She could just ack that way to please her family.

TheTraveler — 06/06/2021
He smiled up at her, "you see, wholesome and pure." Someone yelled for them. Their little break was over, "well back to work." He stood up and pulled her to her feet. But in to his arms. It was unintentional, and it felt like he didn't want to let go. He did, and smiled to her, "you will bring something to the Jedi that hasn't been part of us for a long time." He motioned her to come with him, "come on...."

Astra Korraay — 06/06/2021
Astra blushed she did not even know how to react to Sol. " I don't even understand what your talking about..." she said clear confusion and frustration in her voice. Then she smiled and followed " good job Sol any more confusing and you will sound like a jedi master" she joked and they headed off to get there work done.
End scene