New Adervez Nelvaan Archive: Cadomedd, Rik, Et All
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Kaytren Li
- Posts: 86
- Joined: Sun Dec 15, 2019 1:28 am
New Adervez Nelvaan Archive: Cadomedd, Rik, Et All
(Content belongs to its original writers to preserve, re-format, or do with as they please.) <3
I will not be made useless. I won't be idle with despair. I will gather myself around my faith, for it's Light the Darkness most fears.
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Kaytren Li
- Posts: 86
- Joined: Sun Dec 15, 2019 1:28 am
Re: New Adervez Nelvaan Archive: Cadomedd, Rik, Et All
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New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2019 1:39 pm
by Cadomedd
The old Adervez was in ruins, the last revolt saw to that. The white wolf had been dethroned, and Nelvaan has been blossoming ever since, its crowning achievement was New Adervez, a city was built on the ruins of the old capital. For the past 20 years, New Adervez has been kept hidden from the world. During that time its inhabitants have created a metropolis, a bustling and thriving city, dedicated to its people.
Image
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2019 6:00 pm
by Cadomedd
It only took a few hours for Cadomedd to reach the edge of the city. With each step the beast took he began to reminisce about his past, the adventures he had been on, the friends he had made, the love he lost. His thoughts were more of a whirlwind today, it might be because of his recent abode being destroyed, but Cadomedd found himself aimless wandering. Seconds turned into minutes, and the beast was lost in focus, has it been 30 years since he made contact with anyone from his old life.
“Oi! Cad!”
Cadomedd jumped, snapping back into reality. It looked like the hulking mass of blue fur found himself at the threshold of Adervez, the Holnap bridge. He turned towards the source of his disillusionment, an older Nelvaanian flipping various meats on an old grill.
“Orvos!” Cadomedd bellowed walking over to the cook. “What is on today’s menu?”
“The Horvoz is might fresh, but personally, I would go for the bantha.” Orvos smiled with a mouth full of holes. The old man had been working the stand for a while now, and was loving referred to as the guardian of Adervez, in order to get in you have to buy one of his grease-covered sandwiches. “Well, Bantha it is” Cadomedd said, eagerly rubbing his hands together.
With reflexes of a much younger Nelvaanian, Orvos danced over his grill. A flip here, a slice there, he was perfect in his rhythm. Without skipping a beat, Orvos continued talking to Cadomedd letting his muscle memory take over.
“Haven’t seen you in a while. What brings the Guardian of Nelvaan to the city today?” Orvos asked cheekily.
“Got a call from my boy. Apparently, he needs to talk.” Cadomedd said staring at the cook’s hands, almost taking notes in case he found himself in a position like this someday.
“What’s the kopaz want with you?” The Nelvaaian moved the meat off the grill and began to build the sandwich. “You didn't punch Ruz again?”
“God, no ” Cadomedd said shaking his head. "He's probably just missing his old man is all”
Orvos with the skill of surgeon wrapped up the sandwich in foil and handed it to Cad. “I don’t know, Big Blue. The holo-net has been buzzing about this whole galactic alliance thing.”
Cadomedd’s eyebrows raised as he took the grease trap. “I never took you as an alliance guy, Orvoz.”
Orvos raised his arms up in the arm. “What can I say? Nelvaan keeping its head of the galaxy has been one of the best things that son of yours has ever done.”
Caromed chuckled as took a big bite of the sandwich, meat juices sliding down his chin.
“But I knew what I was getting in for with those red-tape loving bastards, I have no idea about this Lux Dynasty.”
The old Nelvaanian grabbed a towel and wiping the grease from his hands. He looked back at Cad, his eyes showing an air of concern.
“Change can be good. God knows if we didn't have change, Mari wouldn't have given me another shot." The old man stopped and stared right into Cadomedd's eyes. " I just want to know why the change. I just don’t want some fancy boys knocking on our doors.”
The sandwich was gone before Orvos finished his sentence. Cadomedd began to lick his fingers clean.
“We’ll just have to see what happens.” Cadomedd said hating the lack of determination in his voice. Truth is he really didn’t know what was going to happen next. His world has been focused on Nelvaan for so long that he kind of thought the stars in the sky would continue to spin. Maybe this is what, Sean wanted to talk about.
“I stole your ear for too long,” Orvos said waving his furry hands to dismiss the beast. “Go see your son.”
Cadomedd smiled back and began to walk away.
“Oh and Cad!”
Orvos chucked another sandwich at the fur ball.
“Tell Sean he needs to eat. Poor thing's not going to survive winter”
Cadomedd chuckled, placed the sandwich in his pocket and continued down the Holnap bridge listening to the hum of hover-cars dancing above him.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2019 8:19 pm
by Blue
It was cold. The kind of cold that crept into the soul and stayed there. Sean held his arms to his side as he walked down the hallway. He had never been here before, he didn't even know how he got here. He was surrounded by black glass. Each step he took echoed down the hallway. Sean continued to walk, for what seemed like days. Each and every step he took felt like agony. His eyes began to shut, and his body fell.
He crashed through the floor and watched the dancing glass shards around him descend into the void below. With a thud, Sean was on the floor again but this time he was in the center of a room, a room filled with rows and rows of what appeared to be stone slabs all facing the same direction. Sean took a step closer to a slab, he reached out a hand and scrapped off the frost that was built around the monolith, with one brush of his hand he could see a mask.
Suddenly the mask turned bright pink. The rest of the room quickly followed suit. The color drowned out Sean’s sight as he began to sleep into the bright supernova. His hand reached out, and he felt his body slip once more.
WHAM!
Sean woke up.
He was back in his office. A room decorated in crystal, and classic Nelvaaian art. The symbols and shapes hug the outline of the room sending off a wave of importance to the office. If one were to stand in the center they would realize the circular room drew you towards Sean’s desk, as if it’s geometry forced your gaze.
Sean rubbed his head, he could feel the bump for the recent collision. Damn, that was smarts. He looked down at his hands and felt his arms. Everything seemed to be back to normal. He turned towards his office window and stared out at the bustling scene of hover-cars and spacecraft whizzing by his window. The stars were drowned out by the bustling lights of Adervez. It looked like the night shift was beginning for him.
He walked out of his office and into the main meeting space. A few Nelvaaians were scattered around working diligently at different terminals. The blue-haired man made his way over to a bot of some hot liquid and began to pour a cup. His eyes were heavy. His fingers quickly tried to rub any sort of sleepiness from his face but it was no use. With a mighty yawn, the blue-haired man walked into an office on the side.
A nelvaanian is sleeping at his desk, a terminal of his pulled up. Sean walked over to the terminal and began to read. This looked like a follow-up report on what happened on the outskirts of town, and it seems this blue wolf-man fell asleep in the middle of it. Sean smiled and walked behind the sleepy canine, he kicked the Nelvaanians seat.
I WILL FIGHT YOU FOR HER HONOR!
Shouted the Nelvaanian standing up fists at the ready. Sean quickly burst into laughter behind him.
“Oh very funny, Chief Blue,” said the Nelvaanian adjusting his political robes.
“I'm hilarious,” Sean said wiping a tear away from his eye. Ruz had been Sean’s right-hand man for nearly 10 years now, he has also been Sean’s biggest pain in the butt. At every single Arviz festival, Ruz would always challenge Sean for his seat of power, and each year Ruz would wind up face down in a ditch somewhere. Ruz was smart, he was ambitious, and he was exactly what this planet needed, that’s why Sean wanted him working for him, and not captaining this ship by himself.
“I was finishing the report of the ruffians your father dealt with on the outskirts of the city,” Ruz said straighten himself up, and adjusting his golden spectacles.
“Anything interesting?” Sean said scanning through the document a little more closely.
“Not really, your typical intruder” Ruz replied, typing vigorously on the keyboard. “Your dad might have more information on this.”
Sean nodded and finished his mug of hot deliciousness. “He’s coming by, I have to tell him about what's going on”
“Why do you tell that old fart anything?” Ruz said not looking up from his terminal.
“He's my dad, Ruz. Plus he has more experiences with the crazy outside world than most of us. I feel like he deserves to know”
Sean walked out of Ruz’s office and turned on a large screen. He watched the recent speech given by a Samantha Lux on screen. Sean paused the message and replied it about five times. His eyes were gripped to each movement. During his childhood, Sean bumped into a fair number of Jedi but the ones talked about Sean didn’t know, he doubted that his father even knew. Then again his father didn’t go out of his way to gather information. Sean poured himself another beverage and waited for his father to show up.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2019 8:45 pm
by Cadomedd
Cadomedd could feel the corner’s of the elevator on his shoulders. He always hated these things. With enough force Cadomedd was able to turn his body to see the beautiful city of New Nelvaan. His eyes traced the outlines of each tower that clawed at the sky, remembering the past couple of decades. The pain, the change, the hope. Cadomedd shook his head trying to get his mind off of the past.
DING!
The elevators doors opened and Cadomedd tumbled out onto to the main floor of the Cloud Scraper, the name given to the offices of the head of state. The large beast straightened himself out. His hand grazed by his shirt pocket to feel the grease stain that now began to soak in. Cadomedd groaned this was one of his best shirts too. The blue fuzzball took the sandwich begrudgingly out his pocket and continued his journey.
The guards posted on either side of the wall smiled at the wolf-man. Their eyes meeting his, they quickly looked down at his wardrobe. One of them reached into his back pocket and handed the old hero a new floral print shirt. Cadomedd took the shirt with a nod of appreciation and made his way into the open doors.
Sean turned his head.
“Not this again,” Sean said smiling at his father who was struggling to put a new shirt with one hand.
“I am dad, I am hunter, I bring son food,” Cadomedd said pretending to drag his knuckles on the floor. He cracked a wide toothy smile and hurled the burger through the air.
Sean gracefully caught the sandwich, and much like his father devoured the burger faster than one could blink.
“So what ya need?” asked Cadomedd placing one more sleeve through the brightly colored shirt.
“To talk,” Sean said turning back towards the monitor with the picture of the Lux Dynasty Ambassador
“She’s pretty, but I’m not looking for someone right now, Sean. I’m a single father after all” Cadomedd chuckled walking towards his son. His eyes began to scan the floating terminal.
“Oh no, my ruse!” Sean said with sarcasm dripping from his mouth. He walked back towards the small kitchenette pouring another cup of warm java. “This future mother of mine is going to change up the entire galaxy.” He made his way back towards the monitor and handed a warm mug to his father.
“Orvos was telling me about that” Cadomedd said taking a sip of the hot liquid.
“I need to put him on my staff” Sean smiled turning to his father. His eyes shifting from warmth to concern. Cadomedd knew that look, it was the “Sean is now the big Kahuna” look.
“I have to go.”
“How long?” asked the nervous father. He knew this conversation to well. His son had really grown into his position but when those eyes appeared he knew that his son would have to do something that he was not looking forward too.
“A week or two” Sean sighed scratching the exposed side of his head.
“Are you taking anyone?”
“Ruz”
“How much are you telling them?”
Sean paused.
“As much as I need to”
Cadomedd smiled and slammed his son against his chest for an unexpected hug. “I’m so proud of you. My little boy doing diplomacy”
“Dad, trying to lead a planet here,” Sean said through muffled fur.
Cadomedd let go of his son, they both took a brief second to share in a moment. They usually didn’t get many of those, these days. Sean took a seat on one of the nearby tables.
“Are you going to take care of this Mr.Q situation?” Sean said dusting the bits of grey and blue fur off of him
“I have a guy who can help” Cadomedd replied, his demeanor changed. “His ear is always to the ground, I pretty sure I can scratch up some details.”
There was a pause in the air.
“I might be gone longer than expected,” Cadomedd said staring at the monitor once more. Yesterday he was being crushed by a spaceship, today he was parting ways with his son. He was hoping that the next few days were going to be less eventful. He could hear fate laughing at the distance as the thought entered his brain.
“I figured” The blue-haired embraced his father once more. They had been through a lot together, and it was finally starting to feel like they were on the same page. For years Sean was lost in space, but his dad managed to find him and bring him back to Nelvaan.
“Oh,” Sean pulled out of the hug. “Is your contact still on coruscant…what was his name…Mr. Whitaker”
Cadomedd’s head turned in surprise, he hadn't talked to that man in 5 maybe even 10 years. He scratched his head.
“I don't’ know. Maybe?”
“Figured as much”
A wide-eyed Nelvaanian poked his head out of a nearby office “Sean, we need to go.”
Sean looked back at Ruz, who disappeared as fast as he entered. He smiled and turned back to his dad.
“Looks like I’m off”
Cadomedd’s eyes filled with warmth as he extended his hand.
“El szabadon”
“Vagy Megpróbál”
The men clasped hands. It was an old Nelvaanian mantra that roughly translated to “live free or die trying.” Sean began to head out of his offices, flipping a travel bag over his shoulders. He looked back at his dad.
“Oh! One of the outposts noticed some odd movement by that old crash ship” Sean said quickly walking away from his dad. “Might want to check it out before you leave.”
“Will do!” Shouted Cad watching his son leave and feeling an overwhelming sense of pride overtake him, it was that or the heartburn from the burger. Cad chose to believe it was the former. He waved until his son left his vision, and with a quick turn around he made his way out of the tower.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2019 9:01 pm
by Cadomedd
Cadomedd once outside of the cloud scraper made his way to his son’s personal garage. With a few swipes of his fingers, the doors opened up to reveal a beast of a swoop bike. It’s white trim reflected in the sunlight, the tribal markers danced in Cadomedd’s eyes, and with his son, gone Cad could really have some fun. The beast hopped on the bike and revved the engines. The mighty wolf let out a howl as he shot off into the setting sun. The White Bantha was back on Nelvaanian soil, and it liked it. Cadomedd sped towards the old Mandolarian ship, hoping that this blip was just a blip.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2019 10:51 pm
by Rik Idanian
Again... Two to four months ago...
Rik Idanian made it to the city by nightfall. One moment the light was fading all around him and the next the neverending light of city life sprang before his eyes as if a magician were revealing his grand finale. With a few questions to some local passers-by, Rik attained the location of the nearest public-use holonet terminal. He sat down at the display and happened to see the timestamp on the crono at the bottom of the screen.
"That can't be right? Can it?"
It read that roughly twenty years had passed since his last memory. It was unthinkable, ridiculous! But somehow, Rik knew it to be true.
"Damn, I sound like a Jedi already! All melodramatic and using strange diction. Who says diction nowadays anyway? Wait... I wouldn't know, would I? I've apparently been out of the loop for twenty years! Let's hope this call id still works."
He keyed in the recipient identification and pressed the record button.
::Hey Valor, it's Rik Idanian. Don't know if you still remember me but I've got some problems that are right up your alley. Or you know, at least in your bailiwick. I'm attaching my coordinance and where you can reach me when you get here, and Andrew? Hurry. I'm starting to get a bad feeling about all of this.::
Rik sat back and reviewed his message. After finding it satisfactory he toggled the encryption key, sent it to himself, then encrypted it seven more times just to be sure before sending the message. You're not paranoid if someone is ACTUALLY out to get you... at least that was one code to live by.
"Now to find someplace to lay low...or live it up... maybe a bit of both."
And with that Rik Idanian disappeared into the city.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2019 8:53 pm
by Rik Idanian
Two to four months ago.
On top of the tallest tower in New Adervez. Well… not exactly the tallest. At least the one with the best view.
Rik Idanian stat cross-legged on the ledge. He was simply taking everything in. The view was spectacular and Rik was enjoying it and basking in the newness of being connected to it all. Time passed. He wasn't in a hurry. For the first time in a long time, he had nowhere to be. No obligations. No schemes to guide his mind, or his feet. Hours past. Days. Weeks maybe. None of that mattered compared to the stillness, the calm of resting in the living Force. At one point during his sit on the tower, Rik noticed that he was no longer alone. A pigeon had appeared. At least in Rik's mind, it was a pigeon. An interstellar fowl expert he was not.
"Hi!", Rik said excitedly. The pigeon did not answer.
"Oh, not much of a talker? I get it," Rik continued as he turned to sit facing the bird.
"I'm not usually either. You DOOO look like a GREAT listener though! And man, have I been having the craziest couple of days!" It may have been possible that Rik was a little undersocialized at this point.
"You know, up until a couple days ago, I can't remember anything that's happened in the past twenty years? I KNOW! Crazy right! Anyway, the last thing I remember was I was on this cargo run... I used to find and sell rare commodities. Antiquities, old tech, pretty much anything you wanted I could get it for you. You know, all for the right price of course. So I had the thingy, strange Red and gold cube-like thing that looked like some weird volcanic glass that had been carved all over with aggressive, angular symbols. An exquisite piece, beautiful if you like that sort of thing. I was just about to contact the buyer and line up the delivery when the next thing I know is I'm falling from the sky of a strange planet a whole galaxy away from where I was with no memory for the past twenty years! And That's not even the best part!"
Rik stopped and took a breath. He noticed that the pigeon had backed away from him a few steps, likely from his increasing animation and volume, but Rik didn't seem to mind. Instead, Rik scooched himself even closer to the pigeon and continued.
"I could feel something! I felt connected, plugged straight into the universe. It's amazing! I feel the Force! It's so bright and exciting and calming all at once. You know, before all this I was just worried about money? I was always looking for the next big payday. Come to find out that twenty years of interest on a couple really good investments later and I'm rich. I have more money now than I know what to do with." He sighed. "And it means nothing." They sat in silence for a while. Rik's voice turned contemplative, quiet. He turned again to look out at the wide world of Nelvaan. The city was once again alight, each life a spark, like a dot of paint on a canvas. They were beautiful on their own but together? Together they painted a masterpiece. "All that money. And I don't even want it. I tried spending some of it, you know. Went to the nicest hotel money could buy. I rented the fanciest room, the most comfortable bed. I couldn't even sleep on it. I ended up sleeping on the floor. I slept better on that floor than I can ever remember anywhere else.
When I first woke up, falling through the sky, I had these clothes on." He pulled on the rough spun, simplistic robs of earth tones he wore. "I hardly thought of them as clothes. But now? Now there's a familiarity to them. They're simple. They lack pretence or hidden agenda. They simply are. What am I becoming? What have I already become? The Idanian twenty years ago wouldn't have thought these things. He hardly thought in comparison."
Rik looked back to the pigeon. While he was talking it had moved to perch on his knee. It looked up at Rik, and he down at it. Rik could see the living Force flowing through the tiny bird, pulsing in time with its heart. Rik smiled and reached out a finger. The bird obligingly stepped onto it and Rik raised it up to eye level.
"Thank you for listening," Rik said with a small smile. The pigeon bobbed its head with a coo and fluttered away. The Jedi closed his eyes in contentment and peace. The whole planet was still and calm. It was a place of rest, of growth, and of learning. Rik turned his gaze toward the heavens and though his eyes were closed he could See. STARS! Millions of them burned in his vision. That was when he felt it. It was familiar but not in a good way. It was like remembering a bad dream or the ache of a not quite healed wound. Nelvaan may indeed be at peace but in that moment Rik Idanian knew that the galaxy was at War. And when stars waged war in the heavens there were those to whom it was given to bring peace. Those who could perceive the balance were duty bound to seek in in all things. Rik lowered his gaze and found that he was holding his lightsaber in his cupped palms. "Here I am," he wispered to the heavens. "Send me."
And then, Rik got to training.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2019 9:45 pm
by Rik Idanian
And training he did.
....Two to Four months ago that is...
This next period of time in Rik's life found him doing little else than training. Instead of fancy hotels, the ever increasingly ascetic Jedi Knight slept under the stars in the cities many parks. Those passing by thought of him as nothing more than an eccentric, hippy homeless dude or some strange travelling yogi. His poses bordered on Epic!
The Force flowed through him. Rik's once averagely fit body now exploded with strength and endurance. He took to stretching out his 5' 9" frame in the morning, doing some active stretching, breathing exercises and then increasingly difficult poses including one-handed handstands. He didn't give much thought to what he was doing but simply followed his body and what felt natural. Though his mind couldn't recall the learning his body ached for it! And with the force as his ally, Rik was more in tune with his body than ever before. After stretching he ran. His lengthening, medium brown hair created a kind of short comet behind him as he did. Those seeing him would think it a bit silly looking but his own blue eyes shown with mirth as he continued to push his body to the limit. Rik took to doing laps around the city. He ran for the thrill of moving at all new breakneck speeds and for the calming, meditative reflection to be found in a quiet jog. Although his new jogging pace was almost twice his old sprinting speed was previously, something he would have thought of as non-sustainable before his new found skills showed themselves.
After his run, Rik would find a large tree and focus on his boxing. Bare-knuckled. Versus a Tree. The tree always won, but Rik was a good sport, bowing to his opponent after every bout. He may have taken a little too much pleasure in these mock battles. And then, It was lunch time! And Rik had long since discovered that the best place for lunch was at Orvos' grill. The next hour of his day was spent stuffing his face with succulent meats and having the juices get lost in his beard. That and chatting it up with the friendly patron of course.
Afternoons. Afternoons were for sabre practice.
Rik found lightsaber combat an... intuitive exercise. For the practice felt both familiar and yet he couldn't remember doing anything like it before. Above all though, lightsaber practice was explosive. To the onlooker, it would have looked like nothing more than a blur. If that same onlooker had a highspeed holo-recorder the snapshot images would take the form of flying leaps, impossible handless cartwheels, and even more intense seemingly gravity-defying aerial manoeuvres. The untrained eye, it would have looked like chaos. To the initiated? It was a work of art.
The blue flame of Rik's sabre hissed through the air as he cut slice after slice, stab after stab. Sometimes it was with two hands, other times with one. The Jedi and his weapon were one. Such as they had been day after day. There was a deadly purpose to his movements, every strike meant to kill. For a Jedi never entered lightly into combat but his purpose should be clear.
Rik thumbed the ignition on his lightsaber and the blade retreated. He sat where he was, panting with exertion. Such thoughts bore further reflection. And so he sat. Waiting. Listening. Communing with the Force. For everything, there is a time and place. A time for war, and a time for peace. A time for judgement, and a time for mercy. Such was the way of the universe.
"And it's up to me to know the difference."
Rik sighed. It wasn't easy, but it was his duty. And so he breathed in deep and set all doubt aside. The time for indecision was over, and the time for decisive action had come. Rik heard something behind him. Well, not hear precisely. Using the Force to reach out beyond himself and feel things wasn't exactly old hat for him just yet. But the feeling brought a smile to his face. An old friend had finally arrived.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2019 6:45 pm
by Rik Idanian
*Memory, an image steeped in emotion and...something deeper... nebulous... bled into his mind. There were no words, no sound, no names. Just faces. Familiar. Foreign. Lost... Time. A large cave, light from above. Growth on the rocks that encircled. Two girls. Young women. Sisters. Smiling. Why? Unknown. One was fair of face, a familiar face, one that another shared...Twins? No. The other dark of skin, eyes, hair. She seemed vibrating with energy. Even when still... Friends. Another approached. Silent. Pale. So pale that he was almost pure white...yet...in shadow. A Shadow. Dangerous. But good. A smile remembered. Not a tame Lion. Trustworthy. All of it was strange. Like impressions and reality had blended, merged. And then it was gone. They were gone. Lost to time. And he was falling...falling... falling...*
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2019 8:26 pm
by Cadomedd
...Two to Four Months Ago...
Cadomedd had been watching the new visitor for a few weeks now. He had instructed Orvos to keep his prices low, and the burgers fresh. It wasn't often that someone stumbled upon the invisible city, especially someone that had a lightsaber. Sean wanted the man off the planet, but Cadomedd's curiosity was a bit too strong for his adoptive son to argue with. Everywhere the man went, the beast followed. Every interaction he had Cadomedd followed up with. He wanted to see how long it would take for this stranger to realize that he was on a planet that no one expected him to be on. Apparently, the answer to that question was a lot longer than some locals were happy with. So, here Cadomedd was standing at the top of a tree watching a man stare at a lightsaber.
The beast moved gracefully through the branches. Usually, Cadomedd would be rather forward in his introductions to strangers, but the man before him seemed stranger than your typical guest. Cadomedd was left with one other option, the meet & greet. Personally, that was Cadomedd's favorite option. The wolf-man with one final swing placed himself calmly on the ground right by the tree. The large beast leaned against the thick trunk. He waited and listened. Cadomedd swore he heard something that sounded like...know the difference. Either way, the beast smiled
"Beautiful day, don't you think?" Cadomedd said preparing himself for the face of the stranger. It isn't every day that someone meets a 7 and half foot tall beast, clad in a floral print.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2019 7:45 pm
by Rik Idanian
...Two to Four Months ago...
Rik's smile froze. It didn't quite disappear for it was as interested to see what would happen next as anyone would be. A bit clumsily Rik used his hands to pick himself off the ground, while still remaining in his cross-legged seated position, and with a couple motions turn to face the newcomer. The newly realized Jedi (to his knowledge at least) looked up...and up... and up to see the face of his gigantic blue conversation partner. He cocked his head to the side as a dog would with that same quizzical smile on his face.
"You're not who I was expecting."
Soon the tilt of his head and the continued craning of his head caused Rik to fall backward. But that was ok. Rik simply went with the flow and let his momentum carry him to his back. It was a much better position in which to view the massive, blue, floral-clad wolfman before him.
Though to be honest, I haven't had a whole lot of practice at sensing who's coming and going... though...you do seem familiar...or at least feel familiar... But then again that's been happening a lot lately.
Rik suddenly came to his feet in a burst of force aided motion. Barely a second elapsed between him laying and then standing toe to toe with the Nelvaanian before him but to Rik, it could have been all the time in the world. With his sudden movement, all levity seemed to have drained from his facial expression. Instead, a deadly calm had come over him. Rik was again immersed in the Force. He felt everything, was ready for anything for The Force was his ally and his friend. He took a slow measured breath.
Though the day is gorgeous and the park beautiful this time of day I have a feeling that there's something else on your mind, Master Nelvaanian.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2019 9:24 pm
by Cadomedd
"Master Nelvaanian?"
Cadomedd couldn't keep in his laughter, it poured out of him like a waterfall. It was a thick baritone laugh that echoed across the city. The beast wiped a tear that had formed at the corner of his eye.
"I'm sorry, I haven't been addressed so polietly since...well...ever."
Cadomedd lowered his hands, placing them back on his hips. Even though the beast went through his usual antics, he never stopped focusing on the stranger. He found it odd how fast his mood shifted between jovial to stoic. Cadomedd almost found it mesmerizing. The walking and talking fuzzball raised an eyebrow as he continued to analyze the oddity before him.
"How long have you been here...Mr....lightsaber?"
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2019 9:51 pm
by Rik Idanian
Rik smiled again at the Nelvaanian's joviality. Though he wasn't exactly sure what to make of the whole "Mr. Lightsaber" thing. He looked down at the instrument in his hand. It had only been with him a short while but it seemed familiar to him. Like an old friend. He had never really considered it's construction but as he looked at it the pieces to that particular puzzle all came together. He laughed with the large wolfman.
Mr Lightsaber, indeed. Well, you may call me Rik Idanian if you'd prefer a proper name. As to how long I've been here is an interesting question. I haven't honestly been keeping track of the time! A week here, twenty Years there, what does it matter in the grand scheme of things. It's a funny thing you should mention the lightsaber though. I can't remember how I got it, but when I look at it, I know. I just know. Some damn fool, sorry excuse for a smuggler took his favourite, trusty Blastech DL-44 and used the parts to make a lightsaber for himself!
Rik chuckled again as he clearly saw the wooden piece of the handle a little below a piece that had once been his blaster's heat dissipater. And the flash hider sat right on top, doing a fabulous job of shielding the emitter.
I guess I've been here about three weeks now. Over the past couple, I've sort of gotten into a routine but that first week I got the weirdest looks! Like I'm not supposed to be here or something. But if I'm not supposed to be here then why am I here? That's the question for you. Not how long. But WHY am I here? That, I couldn't tell you. Because I don't know. I don't even remember the past twenty years! He passed a hand up through his brown hair. All is I can tell you is that I fell out of the sky in that direction. He pointed. And during that twenty years that I can't remember I must have gone and turned into a Jedi! Because memories or not, I Know that this is where I NEED to be. Any of this making any sense?
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Fri Feb 01, 2019 2:25 pm
by Rik Idanian
Memories again. Darkness surrounds. Fear, anger, suffering surround like a fog. Thick, swirling, choking. Alone. Lost. It was a forest, unlike anything he had ever seen. Massive trees raised themselves up to form a canopy but, somehow, they were just wrong. Bent. Twisted. No healthy tree looked like that. Felt like that. Those looming beings had an aura of oily blackness. It seemed to ooze from the bark, drip from the leaves, and puddle at the roots. An unholy, self-perpetuating cycle of evil, fetid decay. It was a forest of death. And Rik was alone. Surrounded. Consumed by this insatiable, vile jungle.
Panic began to set in. It gnawed at his sanity and threatened to send him to his knees in desperate, hopeless abandon. Then he heard something. Voices. People? He shouted, ran in the direction of the sound. There was no one there. The voices, the whispers circled him, ensnaring his soul in another attack on the fabric of his being. No hope. No rescue. No salvation. Just evil surrounding, looking for an opening. Searching for soil ripe for the planting. Rik was their soil. His fears, regrets, sins, their nurishment.
Rik gripped his blaster. Drawing it he fired at something, anything, everything. It’s familiar report as he squeezed the trigger was a balm to his addled, embattled mind. It’s crimson fire lit that twisted jungle, dispersing the fog of fear, of doubt, of infection. It left a smoking hole in one of the learning trees whose depth began to weep evil onto the forest floor.
Well, that’s creepy, he thought regaining some of his levity. Using humour as a shield and his blaster as a sword, the beleaguered smuggler chose a direction and started walking. The looker-on would have seen a man, slightly crazy around the eyes for his experiences quipping rye comments at the darkness, firing his blaster at shadows but above all making progress in a direction. The right direction? That was yet to be seen. But at least it was a step forward.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Sun Feb 03, 2019 7:25 pm
by Cadomedd
Cadomedd stood in silence for a few seconds, stunned by the man's torrent of words. He felt like he stumbled into an awaiting bear trap. The beast wasn't prepared for this level of...well...crazy.
"Woah, there Rik."
The beast said raising his hands to emphasize his point.
"I may look like a young bantha calf but you gotta give this old wolf some time to breathe."
Cadomedd let out a slight chuckle.
"How about we start things off a little slower. My name's Cadomedd, and you have made it to New Adervez, the secret jewel of the outer rim." Cadomedd smiled as he pointed at the skyscrapers. "AIn't she a beaut?" Cadomedd stared at the horizon, taking in the majestic beauty of the titans that scratched the sky. He let out a sigh full of pride.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Sun Feb 03, 2019 8:18 pm
by Rik Idanian
Rik, stymied by the Nelvaanian's words, stopped and considered. They stood, gazing on and pondering the grandeur for several moments.
The slightly eccentric Jedi (whose current state of being was possibly due to years of memory loss and the shock of waking up being connected to EVERYTHING) smiled."It is quite a sight," he said with a quiet sigh of contentment.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2019 5:46 pm
by Rik Idanian
Another memory slips in.
Rik was in a cave. Not as big or as well lit as the one from his previous memory but it felt more solid, less peripheral. It was as if his memories were returning to him with greater detail and clarity. The cave was of medium size, neither large nor small. The stone floor was smooth as if someone had shaped it to suit their present need. It felt of food and of companionship but also of learning. There was indirect light coming from the cave's opening and a few candles along the periphery.
He was surrounded by children. Well, children to his midling twenties at least. An older figure was standing in the entryway backlit but not really visible. The one, obviously in charge by their bearing, had just given instructions and had left them all to it. From the looks on the kid's faces, it was definitely a chore. There was some grumbling and Rik watched from the back row as the kids set about the assigned task: cleaning up after the meal. A quick idea brought a smile to his face.
Hey, kids gather around.
There was some hesitation. Rik was a grownup but most of them had known each other for a long time. Time enough for familiarity. But Rik? He was still unknown. Weird even. Why hadn't he been trained earlier? Why was he just learning to sense and use the Force now? Who was he to give instructions? But, after a little more coxing, they did as he asked. He knelt down in front of them.
Alright here's the deal. There's a lot of work to be done but you know what? I think everyone needs a little break. Don't you? Good because here's what I want you to do. Ready? I'm going to stay here and make sure everything gets cleaned up but you....get tooooo... PLAY!!!
At his antics, the younger children burst into giggles and the older smiled openly at the prospect of no chores. They all ran from the room at Rik's gestures to do all those amazing things that only children can think of to do.
And have FUN! he called after them.
And then Rik got to cleaning. Dishes were first. There were a lot of dishes! They were of various sizes and shapes. Some carved of wood, some chipped from stone. All were made for different hands and the range was broad! As he worked Rik let his mind rest. He recalled the exercises the masters had been trying to teach him. Calm your mind. Listen. FEEL the Force. Hours past. Dishes finished. He now had a twig broom in hands and was carefully sweeping every spec of dirt and dust he could find. Rik closed his eyes. He felt the rhythm of the broom the measured, steady pace. His steps slowly began to take on a form. Soresu. Each stroke of the broom, a stroke of the lightsaber. Each step planted carefully but not slowly. Precision. Waiting.
Rik stopped. His eyes were still shut. Though he couldn't see anything he was beginning to get a grasp on feeling. The floor was all but clean. He could feel it. There was just one spot on the floor that was obscured. Rik frowned. He felt sure he had gone over that spot thoroughly just as he had all the others. He opened his eyes to where he had missed. Not durt. Not pebbles did he find. But feet!
I blush of sudden and overwhelming self-consciousness washed over him as his eyes shot up to meet eyes with the one who'd watched him work. In the back of his mind, he knew who it was. Even without looking he knew. Master.
But as quickly as it began, his memory began to fade once again. The face of his Master, that one person who had believed in him, blurred. Their name? Lost as the rest. All lost. Gone.
New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2019 1:39 pm
by Cadomedd
The old Adervez was in ruins, the last revolt saw to that. The white wolf had been dethroned, and Nelvaan has been blossoming ever since, its crowning achievement was New Adervez, a city was built on the ruins of the old capital. For the past 20 years, New Adervez has been kept hidden from the world. During that time its inhabitants have created a metropolis, a bustling and thriving city, dedicated to its people.
Image
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2019 6:00 pm
by Cadomedd
It only took a few hours for Cadomedd to reach the edge of the city. With each step the beast took he began to reminisce about his past, the adventures he had been on, the friends he had made, the love he lost. His thoughts were more of a whirlwind today, it might be because of his recent abode being destroyed, but Cadomedd found himself aimless wandering. Seconds turned into minutes, and the beast was lost in focus, has it been 30 years since he made contact with anyone from his old life.
“Oi! Cad!”
Cadomedd jumped, snapping back into reality. It looked like the hulking mass of blue fur found himself at the threshold of Adervez, the Holnap bridge. He turned towards the source of his disillusionment, an older Nelvaanian flipping various meats on an old grill.
“Orvos!” Cadomedd bellowed walking over to the cook. “What is on today’s menu?”
“The Horvoz is might fresh, but personally, I would go for the bantha.” Orvos smiled with a mouth full of holes. The old man had been working the stand for a while now, and was loving referred to as the guardian of Adervez, in order to get in you have to buy one of his grease-covered sandwiches. “Well, Bantha it is” Cadomedd said, eagerly rubbing his hands together.
With reflexes of a much younger Nelvaanian, Orvos danced over his grill. A flip here, a slice there, he was perfect in his rhythm. Without skipping a beat, Orvos continued talking to Cadomedd letting his muscle memory take over.
“Haven’t seen you in a while. What brings the Guardian of Nelvaan to the city today?” Orvos asked cheekily.
“Got a call from my boy. Apparently, he needs to talk.” Cadomedd said staring at the cook’s hands, almost taking notes in case he found himself in a position like this someday.
“What’s the kopaz want with you?” The Nelvaaian moved the meat off the grill and began to build the sandwich. “You didn't punch Ruz again?”
“God, no ” Cadomedd said shaking his head. "He's probably just missing his old man is all”
Orvos with the skill of surgeon wrapped up the sandwich in foil and handed it to Cad. “I don’t know, Big Blue. The holo-net has been buzzing about this whole galactic alliance thing.”
Cadomedd’s eyebrows raised as he took the grease trap. “I never took you as an alliance guy, Orvoz.”
Orvos raised his arms up in the arm. “What can I say? Nelvaan keeping its head of the galaxy has been one of the best things that son of yours has ever done.”
Caromed chuckled as took a big bite of the sandwich, meat juices sliding down his chin.
“But I knew what I was getting in for with those red-tape loving bastards, I have no idea about this Lux Dynasty.”
The old Nelvaanian grabbed a towel and wiping the grease from his hands. He looked back at Cad, his eyes showing an air of concern.
“Change can be good. God knows if we didn't have change, Mari wouldn't have given me another shot." The old man stopped and stared right into Cadomedd's eyes. " I just want to know why the change. I just don’t want some fancy boys knocking on our doors.”
The sandwich was gone before Orvos finished his sentence. Cadomedd began to lick his fingers clean.
“We’ll just have to see what happens.” Cadomedd said hating the lack of determination in his voice. Truth is he really didn’t know what was going to happen next. His world has been focused on Nelvaan for so long that he kind of thought the stars in the sky would continue to spin. Maybe this is what, Sean wanted to talk about.
“I stole your ear for too long,” Orvos said waving his furry hands to dismiss the beast. “Go see your son.”
Cadomedd smiled back and began to walk away.
“Oh and Cad!”
Orvos chucked another sandwich at the fur ball.
“Tell Sean he needs to eat. Poor thing's not going to survive winter”
Cadomedd chuckled, placed the sandwich in his pocket and continued down the Holnap bridge listening to the hum of hover-cars dancing above him.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2019 8:19 pm
by Blue
It was cold. The kind of cold that crept into the soul and stayed there. Sean held his arms to his side as he walked down the hallway. He had never been here before, he didn't even know how he got here. He was surrounded by black glass. Each step he took echoed down the hallway. Sean continued to walk, for what seemed like days. Each and every step he took felt like agony. His eyes began to shut, and his body fell.
He crashed through the floor and watched the dancing glass shards around him descend into the void below. With a thud, Sean was on the floor again but this time he was in the center of a room, a room filled with rows and rows of what appeared to be stone slabs all facing the same direction. Sean took a step closer to a slab, he reached out a hand and scrapped off the frost that was built around the monolith, with one brush of his hand he could see a mask.
Suddenly the mask turned bright pink. The rest of the room quickly followed suit. The color drowned out Sean’s sight as he began to sleep into the bright supernova. His hand reached out, and he felt his body slip once more.
WHAM!
Sean woke up.
He was back in his office. A room decorated in crystal, and classic Nelvaaian art. The symbols and shapes hug the outline of the room sending off a wave of importance to the office. If one were to stand in the center they would realize the circular room drew you towards Sean’s desk, as if it’s geometry forced your gaze.
Sean rubbed his head, he could feel the bump for the recent collision. Damn, that was smarts. He looked down at his hands and felt his arms. Everything seemed to be back to normal. He turned towards his office window and stared out at the bustling scene of hover-cars and spacecraft whizzing by his window. The stars were drowned out by the bustling lights of Adervez. It looked like the night shift was beginning for him.
He walked out of his office and into the main meeting space. A few Nelvaaians were scattered around working diligently at different terminals. The blue-haired man made his way over to a bot of some hot liquid and began to pour a cup. His eyes were heavy. His fingers quickly tried to rub any sort of sleepiness from his face but it was no use. With a mighty yawn, the blue-haired man walked into an office on the side.
A nelvaanian is sleeping at his desk, a terminal of his pulled up. Sean walked over to the terminal and began to read. This looked like a follow-up report on what happened on the outskirts of town, and it seems this blue wolf-man fell asleep in the middle of it. Sean smiled and walked behind the sleepy canine, he kicked the Nelvaanians seat.
I WILL FIGHT YOU FOR HER HONOR!
Shouted the Nelvaanian standing up fists at the ready. Sean quickly burst into laughter behind him.
“Oh very funny, Chief Blue,” said the Nelvaanian adjusting his political robes.
“I'm hilarious,” Sean said wiping a tear away from his eye. Ruz had been Sean’s right-hand man for nearly 10 years now, he has also been Sean’s biggest pain in the butt. At every single Arviz festival, Ruz would always challenge Sean for his seat of power, and each year Ruz would wind up face down in a ditch somewhere. Ruz was smart, he was ambitious, and he was exactly what this planet needed, that’s why Sean wanted him working for him, and not captaining this ship by himself.
“I was finishing the report of the ruffians your father dealt with on the outskirts of the city,” Ruz said straighten himself up, and adjusting his golden spectacles.
“Anything interesting?” Sean said scanning through the document a little more closely.
“Not really, your typical intruder” Ruz replied, typing vigorously on the keyboard. “Your dad might have more information on this.”
Sean nodded and finished his mug of hot deliciousness. “He’s coming by, I have to tell him about what's going on”
“Why do you tell that old fart anything?” Ruz said not looking up from his terminal.
“He's my dad, Ruz. Plus he has more experiences with the crazy outside world than most of us. I feel like he deserves to know”
Sean walked out of Ruz’s office and turned on a large screen. He watched the recent speech given by a Samantha Lux on screen. Sean paused the message and replied it about five times. His eyes were gripped to each movement. During his childhood, Sean bumped into a fair number of Jedi but the ones talked about Sean didn’t know, he doubted that his father even knew. Then again his father didn’t go out of his way to gather information. Sean poured himself another beverage and waited for his father to show up.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2019 8:45 pm
by Cadomedd
Cadomedd could feel the corner’s of the elevator on his shoulders. He always hated these things. With enough force Cadomedd was able to turn his body to see the beautiful city of New Nelvaan. His eyes traced the outlines of each tower that clawed at the sky, remembering the past couple of decades. The pain, the change, the hope. Cadomedd shook his head trying to get his mind off of the past.
DING!
The elevators doors opened and Cadomedd tumbled out onto to the main floor of the Cloud Scraper, the name given to the offices of the head of state. The large beast straightened himself out. His hand grazed by his shirt pocket to feel the grease stain that now began to soak in. Cadomedd groaned this was one of his best shirts too. The blue fuzzball took the sandwich begrudgingly out his pocket and continued his journey.
The guards posted on either side of the wall smiled at the wolf-man. Their eyes meeting his, they quickly looked down at his wardrobe. One of them reached into his back pocket and handed the old hero a new floral print shirt. Cadomedd took the shirt with a nod of appreciation and made his way into the open doors.
Sean turned his head.
“Not this again,” Sean said smiling at his father who was struggling to put a new shirt with one hand.
“I am dad, I am hunter, I bring son food,” Cadomedd said pretending to drag his knuckles on the floor. He cracked a wide toothy smile and hurled the burger through the air.
Sean gracefully caught the sandwich, and much like his father devoured the burger faster than one could blink.
“So what ya need?” asked Cadomedd placing one more sleeve through the brightly colored shirt.
“To talk,” Sean said turning back towards the monitor with the picture of the Lux Dynasty Ambassador
“She’s pretty, but I’m not looking for someone right now, Sean. I’m a single father after all” Cadomedd chuckled walking towards his son. His eyes began to scan the floating terminal.
“Oh no, my ruse!” Sean said with sarcasm dripping from his mouth. He walked back towards the small kitchenette pouring another cup of warm java. “This future mother of mine is going to change up the entire galaxy.” He made his way back towards the monitor and handed a warm mug to his father.
“Orvos was telling me about that” Cadomedd said taking a sip of the hot liquid.
“I need to put him on my staff” Sean smiled turning to his father. His eyes shifting from warmth to concern. Cadomedd knew that look, it was the “Sean is now the big Kahuna” look.
“I have to go.”
“How long?” asked the nervous father. He knew this conversation to well. His son had really grown into his position but when those eyes appeared he knew that his son would have to do something that he was not looking forward too.
“A week or two” Sean sighed scratching the exposed side of his head.
“Are you taking anyone?”
“Ruz”
“How much are you telling them?”
Sean paused.
“As much as I need to”
Cadomedd smiled and slammed his son against his chest for an unexpected hug. “I’m so proud of you. My little boy doing diplomacy”
“Dad, trying to lead a planet here,” Sean said through muffled fur.
Cadomedd let go of his son, they both took a brief second to share in a moment. They usually didn’t get many of those, these days. Sean took a seat on one of the nearby tables.
“Are you going to take care of this Mr.Q situation?” Sean said dusting the bits of grey and blue fur off of him
“I have a guy who can help” Cadomedd replied, his demeanor changed. “His ear is always to the ground, I pretty sure I can scratch up some details.”
There was a pause in the air.
“I might be gone longer than expected,” Cadomedd said staring at the monitor once more. Yesterday he was being crushed by a spaceship, today he was parting ways with his son. He was hoping that the next few days were going to be less eventful. He could hear fate laughing at the distance as the thought entered his brain.
“I figured” The blue-haired embraced his father once more. They had been through a lot together, and it was finally starting to feel like they were on the same page. For years Sean was lost in space, but his dad managed to find him and bring him back to Nelvaan.
“Oh,” Sean pulled out of the hug. “Is your contact still on coruscant…what was his name…Mr. Whitaker”
Cadomedd’s head turned in surprise, he hadn't talked to that man in 5 maybe even 10 years. He scratched his head.
“I don't’ know. Maybe?”
“Figured as much”
A wide-eyed Nelvaanian poked his head out of a nearby office “Sean, we need to go.”
Sean looked back at Ruz, who disappeared as fast as he entered. He smiled and turned back to his dad.
“Looks like I’m off”
Cadomedd’s eyes filled with warmth as he extended his hand.
“El szabadon”
“Vagy Megpróbál”
The men clasped hands. It was an old Nelvaanian mantra that roughly translated to “live free or die trying.” Sean began to head out of his offices, flipping a travel bag over his shoulders. He looked back at his dad.
“Oh! One of the outposts noticed some odd movement by that old crash ship” Sean said quickly walking away from his dad. “Might want to check it out before you leave.”
“Will do!” Shouted Cad watching his son leave and feeling an overwhelming sense of pride overtake him, it was that or the heartburn from the burger. Cad chose to believe it was the former. He waved until his son left his vision, and with a quick turn around he made his way out of the tower.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2019 9:01 pm
by Cadomedd
Cadomedd once outside of the cloud scraper made his way to his son’s personal garage. With a few swipes of his fingers, the doors opened up to reveal a beast of a swoop bike. It’s white trim reflected in the sunlight, the tribal markers danced in Cadomedd’s eyes, and with his son, gone Cad could really have some fun. The beast hopped on the bike and revved the engines. The mighty wolf let out a howl as he shot off into the setting sun. The White Bantha was back on Nelvaanian soil, and it liked it. Cadomedd sped towards the old Mandolarian ship, hoping that this blip was just a blip.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2019 10:51 pm
by Rik Idanian
Again... Two to four months ago...
Rik Idanian made it to the city by nightfall. One moment the light was fading all around him and the next the neverending light of city life sprang before his eyes as if a magician were revealing his grand finale. With a few questions to some local passers-by, Rik attained the location of the nearest public-use holonet terminal. He sat down at the display and happened to see the timestamp on the crono at the bottom of the screen.
"That can't be right? Can it?"
It read that roughly twenty years had passed since his last memory. It was unthinkable, ridiculous! But somehow, Rik knew it to be true.
"Damn, I sound like a Jedi already! All melodramatic and using strange diction. Who says diction nowadays anyway? Wait... I wouldn't know, would I? I've apparently been out of the loop for twenty years! Let's hope this call id still works."
He keyed in the recipient identification and pressed the record button.
::Hey Valor, it's Rik Idanian. Don't know if you still remember me but I've got some problems that are right up your alley. Or you know, at least in your bailiwick. I'm attaching my coordinance and where you can reach me when you get here, and Andrew? Hurry. I'm starting to get a bad feeling about all of this.::
Rik sat back and reviewed his message. After finding it satisfactory he toggled the encryption key, sent it to himself, then encrypted it seven more times just to be sure before sending the message. You're not paranoid if someone is ACTUALLY out to get you... at least that was one code to live by.
"Now to find someplace to lay low...or live it up... maybe a bit of both."
And with that Rik Idanian disappeared into the city.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2019 8:53 pm
by Rik Idanian
Two to four months ago.
On top of the tallest tower in New Adervez. Well… not exactly the tallest. At least the one with the best view.
Rik Idanian stat cross-legged on the ledge. He was simply taking everything in. The view was spectacular and Rik was enjoying it and basking in the newness of being connected to it all. Time passed. He wasn't in a hurry. For the first time in a long time, he had nowhere to be. No obligations. No schemes to guide his mind, or his feet. Hours past. Days. Weeks maybe. None of that mattered compared to the stillness, the calm of resting in the living Force. At one point during his sit on the tower, Rik noticed that he was no longer alone. A pigeon had appeared. At least in Rik's mind, it was a pigeon. An interstellar fowl expert he was not.
"Hi!", Rik said excitedly. The pigeon did not answer.
"Oh, not much of a talker? I get it," Rik continued as he turned to sit facing the bird.
"I'm not usually either. You DOOO look like a GREAT listener though! And man, have I been having the craziest couple of days!" It may have been possible that Rik was a little undersocialized at this point.
"You know, up until a couple days ago, I can't remember anything that's happened in the past twenty years? I KNOW! Crazy right! Anyway, the last thing I remember was I was on this cargo run... I used to find and sell rare commodities. Antiquities, old tech, pretty much anything you wanted I could get it for you. You know, all for the right price of course. So I had the thingy, strange Red and gold cube-like thing that looked like some weird volcanic glass that had been carved all over with aggressive, angular symbols. An exquisite piece, beautiful if you like that sort of thing. I was just about to contact the buyer and line up the delivery when the next thing I know is I'm falling from the sky of a strange planet a whole galaxy away from where I was with no memory for the past twenty years! And That's not even the best part!"
Rik stopped and took a breath. He noticed that the pigeon had backed away from him a few steps, likely from his increasing animation and volume, but Rik didn't seem to mind. Instead, Rik scooched himself even closer to the pigeon and continued.
"I could feel something! I felt connected, plugged straight into the universe. It's amazing! I feel the Force! It's so bright and exciting and calming all at once. You know, before all this I was just worried about money? I was always looking for the next big payday. Come to find out that twenty years of interest on a couple really good investments later and I'm rich. I have more money now than I know what to do with." He sighed. "And it means nothing." They sat in silence for a while. Rik's voice turned contemplative, quiet. He turned again to look out at the wide world of Nelvaan. The city was once again alight, each life a spark, like a dot of paint on a canvas. They were beautiful on their own but together? Together they painted a masterpiece. "All that money. And I don't even want it. I tried spending some of it, you know. Went to the nicest hotel money could buy. I rented the fanciest room, the most comfortable bed. I couldn't even sleep on it. I ended up sleeping on the floor. I slept better on that floor than I can ever remember anywhere else.
When I first woke up, falling through the sky, I had these clothes on." He pulled on the rough spun, simplistic robs of earth tones he wore. "I hardly thought of them as clothes. But now? Now there's a familiarity to them. They're simple. They lack pretence or hidden agenda. They simply are. What am I becoming? What have I already become? The Idanian twenty years ago wouldn't have thought these things. He hardly thought in comparison."
Rik looked back to the pigeon. While he was talking it had moved to perch on his knee. It looked up at Rik, and he down at it. Rik could see the living Force flowing through the tiny bird, pulsing in time with its heart. Rik smiled and reached out a finger. The bird obligingly stepped onto it and Rik raised it up to eye level.
"Thank you for listening," Rik said with a small smile. The pigeon bobbed its head with a coo and fluttered away. The Jedi closed his eyes in contentment and peace. The whole planet was still and calm. It was a place of rest, of growth, and of learning. Rik turned his gaze toward the heavens and though his eyes were closed he could See. STARS! Millions of them burned in his vision. That was when he felt it. It was familiar but not in a good way. It was like remembering a bad dream or the ache of a not quite healed wound. Nelvaan may indeed be at peace but in that moment Rik Idanian knew that the galaxy was at War. And when stars waged war in the heavens there were those to whom it was given to bring peace. Those who could perceive the balance were duty bound to seek in in all things. Rik lowered his gaze and found that he was holding his lightsaber in his cupped palms. "Here I am," he wispered to the heavens. "Send me."
And then, Rik got to training.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2019 9:45 pm
by Rik Idanian
And training he did.
....Two to Four months ago that is...
This next period of time in Rik's life found him doing little else than training. Instead of fancy hotels, the ever increasingly ascetic Jedi Knight slept under the stars in the cities many parks. Those passing by thought of him as nothing more than an eccentric, hippy homeless dude or some strange travelling yogi. His poses bordered on Epic!
The Force flowed through him. Rik's once averagely fit body now exploded with strength and endurance. He took to stretching out his 5' 9" frame in the morning, doing some active stretching, breathing exercises and then increasingly difficult poses including one-handed handstands. He didn't give much thought to what he was doing but simply followed his body and what felt natural. Though his mind couldn't recall the learning his body ached for it! And with the force as his ally, Rik was more in tune with his body than ever before. After stretching he ran. His lengthening, medium brown hair created a kind of short comet behind him as he did. Those seeing him would think it a bit silly looking but his own blue eyes shown with mirth as he continued to push his body to the limit. Rik took to doing laps around the city. He ran for the thrill of moving at all new breakneck speeds and for the calming, meditative reflection to be found in a quiet jog. Although his new jogging pace was almost twice his old sprinting speed was previously, something he would have thought of as non-sustainable before his new found skills showed themselves.
After his run, Rik would find a large tree and focus on his boxing. Bare-knuckled. Versus a Tree. The tree always won, but Rik was a good sport, bowing to his opponent after every bout. He may have taken a little too much pleasure in these mock battles. And then, It was lunch time! And Rik had long since discovered that the best place for lunch was at Orvos' grill. The next hour of his day was spent stuffing his face with succulent meats and having the juices get lost in his beard. That and chatting it up with the friendly patron of course.
Afternoons. Afternoons were for sabre practice.
Rik found lightsaber combat an... intuitive exercise. For the practice felt both familiar and yet he couldn't remember doing anything like it before. Above all though, lightsaber practice was explosive. To the onlooker, it would have looked like nothing more than a blur. If that same onlooker had a highspeed holo-recorder the snapshot images would take the form of flying leaps, impossible handless cartwheels, and even more intense seemingly gravity-defying aerial manoeuvres. The untrained eye, it would have looked like chaos. To the initiated? It was a work of art.
The blue flame of Rik's sabre hissed through the air as he cut slice after slice, stab after stab. Sometimes it was with two hands, other times with one. The Jedi and his weapon were one. Such as they had been day after day. There was a deadly purpose to his movements, every strike meant to kill. For a Jedi never entered lightly into combat but his purpose should be clear.
Rik thumbed the ignition on his lightsaber and the blade retreated. He sat where he was, panting with exertion. Such thoughts bore further reflection. And so he sat. Waiting. Listening. Communing with the Force. For everything, there is a time and place. A time for war, and a time for peace. A time for judgement, and a time for mercy. Such was the way of the universe.
"And it's up to me to know the difference."
Rik sighed. It wasn't easy, but it was his duty. And so he breathed in deep and set all doubt aside. The time for indecision was over, and the time for decisive action had come. Rik heard something behind him. Well, not hear precisely. Using the Force to reach out beyond himself and feel things wasn't exactly old hat for him just yet. But the feeling brought a smile to his face. An old friend had finally arrived.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2019 6:45 pm
by Rik Idanian
*Memory, an image steeped in emotion and...something deeper... nebulous... bled into his mind. There were no words, no sound, no names. Just faces. Familiar. Foreign. Lost... Time. A large cave, light from above. Growth on the rocks that encircled. Two girls. Young women. Sisters. Smiling. Why? Unknown. One was fair of face, a familiar face, one that another shared...Twins? No. The other dark of skin, eyes, hair. She seemed vibrating with energy. Even when still... Friends. Another approached. Silent. Pale. So pale that he was almost pure white...yet...in shadow. A Shadow. Dangerous. But good. A smile remembered. Not a tame Lion. Trustworthy. All of it was strange. Like impressions and reality had blended, merged. And then it was gone. They were gone. Lost to time. And he was falling...falling... falling...*
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2019 8:26 pm
by Cadomedd
...Two to Four Months Ago...
Cadomedd had been watching the new visitor for a few weeks now. He had instructed Orvos to keep his prices low, and the burgers fresh. It wasn't often that someone stumbled upon the invisible city, especially someone that had a lightsaber. Sean wanted the man off the planet, but Cadomedd's curiosity was a bit too strong for his adoptive son to argue with. Everywhere the man went, the beast followed. Every interaction he had Cadomedd followed up with. He wanted to see how long it would take for this stranger to realize that he was on a planet that no one expected him to be on. Apparently, the answer to that question was a lot longer than some locals were happy with. So, here Cadomedd was standing at the top of a tree watching a man stare at a lightsaber.
The beast moved gracefully through the branches. Usually, Cadomedd would be rather forward in his introductions to strangers, but the man before him seemed stranger than your typical guest. Cadomedd was left with one other option, the meet & greet. Personally, that was Cadomedd's favorite option. The wolf-man with one final swing placed himself calmly on the ground right by the tree. The large beast leaned against the thick trunk. He waited and listened. Cadomedd swore he heard something that sounded like...know the difference. Either way, the beast smiled
"Beautiful day, don't you think?" Cadomedd said preparing himself for the face of the stranger. It isn't every day that someone meets a 7 and half foot tall beast, clad in a floral print.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2019 7:45 pm
by Rik Idanian
...Two to Four Months ago...
Rik's smile froze. It didn't quite disappear for it was as interested to see what would happen next as anyone would be. A bit clumsily Rik used his hands to pick himself off the ground, while still remaining in his cross-legged seated position, and with a couple motions turn to face the newcomer. The newly realized Jedi (to his knowledge at least) looked up...and up... and up to see the face of his gigantic blue conversation partner. He cocked his head to the side as a dog would with that same quizzical smile on his face.
"You're not who I was expecting."
Soon the tilt of his head and the continued craning of his head caused Rik to fall backward. But that was ok. Rik simply went with the flow and let his momentum carry him to his back. It was a much better position in which to view the massive, blue, floral-clad wolfman before him.
Though to be honest, I haven't had a whole lot of practice at sensing who's coming and going... though...you do seem familiar...or at least feel familiar... But then again that's been happening a lot lately.
Rik suddenly came to his feet in a burst of force aided motion. Barely a second elapsed between him laying and then standing toe to toe with the Nelvaanian before him but to Rik, it could have been all the time in the world. With his sudden movement, all levity seemed to have drained from his facial expression. Instead, a deadly calm had come over him. Rik was again immersed in the Force. He felt everything, was ready for anything for The Force was his ally and his friend. He took a slow measured breath.
Though the day is gorgeous and the park beautiful this time of day I have a feeling that there's something else on your mind, Master Nelvaanian.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2019 9:24 pm
by Cadomedd
"Master Nelvaanian?"
Cadomedd couldn't keep in his laughter, it poured out of him like a waterfall. It was a thick baritone laugh that echoed across the city. The beast wiped a tear that had formed at the corner of his eye.
"I'm sorry, I haven't been addressed so polietly since...well...ever."
Cadomedd lowered his hands, placing them back on his hips. Even though the beast went through his usual antics, he never stopped focusing on the stranger. He found it odd how fast his mood shifted between jovial to stoic. Cadomedd almost found it mesmerizing. The walking and talking fuzzball raised an eyebrow as he continued to analyze the oddity before him.
"How long have you been here...Mr....lightsaber?"
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2019 9:51 pm
by Rik Idanian
Rik smiled again at the Nelvaanian's joviality. Though he wasn't exactly sure what to make of the whole "Mr. Lightsaber" thing. He looked down at the instrument in his hand. It had only been with him a short while but it seemed familiar to him. Like an old friend. He had never really considered it's construction but as he looked at it the pieces to that particular puzzle all came together. He laughed with the large wolfman.
Mr Lightsaber, indeed. Well, you may call me Rik Idanian if you'd prefer a proper name. As to how long I've been here is an interesting question. I haven't honestly been keeping track of the time! A week here, twenty Years there, what does it matter in the grand scheme of things. It's a funny thing you should mention the lightsaber though. I can't remember how I got it, but when I look at it, I know. I just know. Some damn fool, sorry excuse for a smuggler took his favourite, trusty Blastech DL-44 and used the parts to make a lightsaber for himself!
Rik chuckled again as he clearly saw the wooden piece of the handle a little below a piece that had once been his blaster's heat dissipater. And the flash hider sat right on top, doing a fabulous job of shielding the emitter.
I guess I've been here about three weeks now. Over the past couple, I've sort of gotten into a routine but that first week I got the weirdest looks! Like I'm not supposed to be here or something. But if I'm not supposed to be here then why am I here? That's the question for you. Not how long. But WHY am I here? That, I couldn't tell you. Because I don't know. I don't even remember the past twenty years! He passed a hand up through his brown hair. All is I can tell you is that I fell out of the sky in that direction. He pointed. And during that twenty years that I can't remember I must have gone and turned into a Jedi! Because memories or not, I Know that this is where I NEED to be. Any of this making any sense?
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Fri Feb 01, 2019 2:25 pm
by Rik Idanian
Memories again. Darkness surrounds. Fear, anger, suffering surround like a fog. Thick, swirling, choking. Alone. Lost. It was a forest, unlike anything he had ever seen. Massive trees raised themselves up to form a canopy but, somehow, they were just wrong. Bent. Twisted. No healthy tree looked like that. Felt like that. Those looming beings had an aura of oily blackness. It seemed to ooze from the bark, drip from the leaves, and puddle at the roots. An unholy, self-perpetuating cycle of evil, fetid decay. It was a forest of death. And Rik was alone. Surrounded. Consumed by this insatiable, vile jungle.
Panic began to set in. It gnawed at his sanity and threatened to send him to his knees in desperate, hopeless abandon. Then he heard something. Voices. People? He shouted, ran in the direction of the sound. There was no one there. The voices, the whispers circled him, ensnaring his soul in another attack on the fabric of his being. No hope. No rescue. No salvation. Just evil surrounding, looking for an opening. Searching for soil ripe for the planting. Rik was their soil. His fears, regrets, sins, their nurishment.
Rik gripped his blaster. Drawing it he fired at something, anything, everything. It’s familiar report as he squeezed the trigger was a balm to his addled, embattled mind. It’s crimson fire lit that twisted jungle, dispersing the fog of fear, of doubt, of infection. It left a smoking hole in one of the learning trees whose depth began to weep evil onto the forest floor.
Well, that’s creepy, he thought regaining some of his levity. Using humour as a shield and his blaster as a sword, the beleaguered smuggler chose a direction and started walking. The looker-on would have seen a man, slightly crazy around the eyes for his experiences quipping rye comments at the darkness, firing his blaster at shadows but above all making progress in a direction. The right direction? That was yet to be seen. But at least it was a step forward.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Sun Feb 03, 2019 7:25 pm
by Cadomedd
Cadomedd stood in silence for a few seconds, stunned by the man's torrent of words. He felt like he stumbled into an awaiting bear trap. The beast wasn't prepared for this level of...well...crazy.
"Woah, there Rik."
The beast said raising his hands to emphasize his point.
"I may look like a young bantha calf but you gotta give this old wolf some time to breathe."
Cadomedd let out a slight chuckle.
"How about we start things off a little slower. My name's Cadomedd, and you have made it to New Adervez, the secret jewel of the outer rim." Cadomedd smiled as he pointed at the skyscrapers. "AIn't she a beaut?" Cadomedd stared at the horizon, taking in the majestic beauty of the titans that scratched the sky. He let out a sigh full of pride.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Sun Feb 03, 2019 8:18 pm
by Rik Idanian
Rik, stymied by the Nelvaanian's words, stopped and considered. They stood, gazing on and pondering the grandeur for several moments.
The slightly eccentric Jedi (whose current state of being was possibly due to years of memory loss and the shock of waking up being connected to EVERYTHING) smiled."It is quite a sight," he said with a quiet sigh of contentment.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2019 5:46 pm
by Rik Idanian
Another memory slips in.
Rik was in a cave. Not as big or as well lit as the one from his previous memory but it felt more solid, less peripheral. It was as if his memories were returning to him with greater detail and clarity. The cave was of medium size, neither large nor small. The stone floor was smooth as if someone had shaped it to suit their present need. It felt of food and of companionship but also of learning. There was indirect light coming from the cave's opening and a few candles along the periphery.
He was surrounded by children. Well, children to his midling twenties at least. An older figure was standing in the entryway backlit but not really visible. The one, obviously in charge by their bearing, had just given instructions and had left them all to it. From the looks on the kid's faces, it was definitely a chore. There was some grumbling and Rik watched from the back row as the kids set about the assigned task: cleaning up after the meal. A quick idea brought a smile to his face.
Hey, kids gather around.
There was some hesitation. Rik was a grownup but most of them had known each other for a long time. Time enough for familiarity. But Rik? He was still unknown. Weird even. Why hadn't he been trained earlier? Why was he just learning to sense and use the Force now? Who was he to give instructions? But, after a little more coxing, they did as he asked. He knelt down in front of them.
Alright here's the deal. There's a lot of work to be done but you know what? I think everyone needs a little break. Don't you? Good because here's what I want you to do. Ready? I'm going to stay here and make sure everything gets cleaned up but you....get tooooo... PLAY!!!
At his antics, the younger children burst into giggles and the older smiled openly at the prospect of no chores. They all ran from the room at Rik's gestures to do all those amazing things that only children can think of to do.
And have FUN! he called after them.
And then Rik got to cleaning. Dishes were first. There were a lot of dishes! They were of various sizes and shapes. Some carved of wood, some chipped from stone. All were made for different hands and the range was broad! As he worked Rik let his mind rest. He recalled the exercises the masters had been trying to teach him. Calm your mind. Listen. FEEL the Force. Hours past. Dishes finished. He now had a twig broom in hands and was carefully sweeping every spec of dirt and dust he could find. Rik closed his eyes. He felt the rhythm of the broom the measured, steady pace. His steps slowly began to take on a form. Soresu. Each stroke of the broom, a stroke of the lightsaber. Each step planted carefully but not slowly. Precision. Waiting.
Rik stopped. His eyes were still shut. Though he couldn't see anything he was beginning to get a grasp on feeling. The floor was all but clean. He could feel it. There was just one spot on the floor that was obscured. Rik frowned. He felt sure he had gone over that spot thoroughly just as he had all the others. He opened his eyes to where he had missed. Not durt. Not pebbles did he find. But feet!
I blush of sudden and overwhelming self-consciousness washed over him as his eyes shot up to meet eyes with the one who'd watched him work. In the back of his mind, he knew who it was. Even without looking he knew. Master.
But as quickly as it began, his memory began to fade once again. The face of his Master, that one person who had believed in him, blurred. Their name? Lost as the rest. All lost. Gone.
I will not be made useless. I won't be idle with despair. I will gather myself around my faith, for it's Light the Darkness most fears.
-
Kaytren Li
- Posts: 86
- Joined: Sun Dec 15, 2019 1:28 am
Re: New Adervez Nelvaan Archive: Cadomedd, Rik, Et All
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2019 6:44 pm
by Cadomedd
A few moments passed as the pair stared at the skyscrapers, the afternoon sun hung high in the sky and its sunlight soaked into everything it touched. A light breeze blew through the park causing the trees to sway. In these few moments, there was calm, a calm Cadomedd so greatly appreciated. The beast took a deep breath and began to reach out towards the stranger. He wanted to figure out what this man was going through, and there was no better way to do that then connecting at a moment. The beast slowly closed his eyes as he let out his breath.
"Rik..."
The beast didn’t falter in his baritone, as he placed a hand on the man's shoulder. The physical connection helping the beast focus the energy building up inside of him.
“Breathe”
Suddenly, as if a dam had burst, the force rushed out of Cadomedd. It was a whirling downpour of energy that crashed into Rik’s persona. The beast began to see visions of color, blues, reds and vibrant yellows. Each shifting color an emotion, a thought, an idea that swarmed around Rik's brain. Cadomedd was never good at reading these thoughts, he knew what the colors vaguely meant but he never understood the hidden details in their hues.
The energy continued to flow until Cadomedd could feel the sole of Rik’s shoes. Cadomeddd had made another connection, a connection Cadomedd had not been prepared for.
Most people don’t know this about Nelvaan but the planet has a kinship with those who dwell on its surface. It doesn’t talk to them, or give them advice, or even communicate. Nelvaan just connects. It connects creature to creature, relative to relative, past to present, ancestors to people. This connection is at the heart of Nelvaan. When one finds a way to connect into the planet, much wisdom can be found.
Cadomedd’s hand gripped Rik’s shoulder tighter as he could feel the connection to Nelvaan grow. In an instant, Cadomedd was no longer standing with Rik in the middle of New Adervez, the pair of them were now in the depths of a cave. A cave lit by the flickering whips of a large campfire. Sitting around the inferno sat old Nelvaanians, ancient Nelvaanians. Their wrinkled skin, and white hair a tapestry onto itself. Seven of them stared at the beast and the man without his memory. Their greying eyes not faltering for an instance.
One of them began to sing, a low guttural song. The disharmony shaking the cave walls. With each syllable uttered the cave began to shift and create shadows. Another joined in. The shadows shifted once more into images, a story.
A white wolf with two swords watches a burning tree, as the black ram runs into the night holding a star.
The ram kneels before a man masked in shadows presenting him the star.
The wolf with two swords gives chase.
The man masked in shadows sets the remaining world on fire
The wolf with two swords confronts the masked one.
The wolf with two swords falls.
A blue owl, carrying a bow, helps the fox up.
The fox teaches the owl how to use a sword.
The pair rushes off to find the masked man.
The Black Ram appears and confronts them.
The owl falls
And falls
And falls
The wolf searches for the owl and finds nothing.
The owl is alone
The shadows on the wall began to turn, shift once more.
Now only a masked man stood
Then a line of masked men appeared behind him.
Then another line.
Then another one.
The whole cave was engulfed by the rows and rows of masked soldiers kneeling before a masked man.
Darkness enveloped them all.
The song stopped.
A silence filled the room.
One of the seven ancient nelvaanians raised a gnarled branch of a finger at the stranger. His cracked lips forming a soft whisper of a word.
“Kék Bagoly”
As the words slide out of the elder’s mouth, the cave began to vanish in a flash. Cadomedd and Rik now stood back where they were in the middle of a park, on a very nice day.
“That was new”
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2019 8:23 pm
by Rik Idanian
Continuing to be two to four months ago...
The large, beflowered Nelvaanian placed his hand on Rik's shoulder.
"Rik, breathe," he said. As he spoke his grip began to tighten. Uncomfortably. Like wow, this really HURTS!
Before Rik could make his complaint known or let his furry friend know that breathing in any steady fashion wasn't too compatible with large amounts of pain everything went black. It felt like a hammer had dropped on the top of his head and squashed his brain down into his feet. Rik was NOT prepared for this kind of mental projection. In hindsight... might that be why the wolfman had asked him to breathe? The hammer continued its path downward carrying Rik's consciousness with it until he was in a cave.... surrounded by crusty old wolfmen...
Rik looked around. Huh, he though.
Things were started taking a turn toward the surreal when those same crusty old wolfmen began to growl at him. The shadows shifted with the growling and shapes started to form. Rik's thoughts ran along the lines of, Gee, I really hope these guys aren't as hungry as they seem.
The shadows seemed to be telling a story... Rik didn't really get it and his brain was doing it's small rodent on a stationary wheel thing trying to make sense of everything when the old wolf guys pointed a clawed finger at him and made his ominous pronunciation.
“Kék Bagoly”
Come again?
And then in the blink of an eye, they were back. His tall furred companion was saying something but Rik couldn't make it out. He was too busy being violently ill on the big guy's feet.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2019 8:40 pm
by Cadomedd
...Continuing two to four months ago...
"Yeah...that seems about right..."
Cadomedd said staring down at his stained feet. The fur bucket took a scrap of floral print cloth from his back pocket and began to clean his feet, one large toe at a time.
"I..well..that.."
Cadomedd was at a loss for words. He stood next to Rik dumbfounded.
"So, I wasn't expecting that..."
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2019 7:21 pm
by Rik Idanian
Rik wiped bile from his mouth. Well, that was all vaguely allegorical. He spat to clear the taste of half-digested lunch out of his mouth. While still bent over from losing his lunch Rik turned his head to look up at Cadomedd. And what if the hell were you expecting?
The large beflowered being before him had just done something completely foreign to Rik. He had used the Force in a powerful yet unexpected manner. It was still the living Force. Still pure, still right. But the experience? It had been jarring, offputting, not to mention straight up invasive. Rik had to figure out a way so THAT never happened to him again. A mental barrier maybe? Could he do that?
Who ARE you?
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2019 4:37 pm
by Cadomedd
"Sh*t"
Something inside of Cadomedd snapped into the right place. After 20 years of guarding this city, he forgot what it was like to, well, deal with people who have the force. All Cadomedd had to do was howl, punch a guy from a distance, and start chanting in Nelvaaneese in order to get people off the planet. He forgot the, well, sensitives around the force, in fact, Cadomedd would have to say he forgot all basic manners.
"My son tells me I'm really bad at meeting new people. He says it stems from the fact that I decided to purposefully isolate myself for 20 years. I think he's full of bantha fodder."
Cadomedd cracked a smile in hopes to calm the situation down.
"Look, I was trying to just get a feel for your blight..."
Cadomedd mulled those words over and groaned.
"That's a lie. I really just wanted to see if this whole lost memory thing was a gimmick or not. I know I could have...like...talked about. But, this was more direct...invasive...awkward, and well...uncomfortable."
The beast sighed a bit and scratched the back of his head. This whole stranger arriving too the city had certainly thrown him for a loop.
" I don't get too many lightsaber wielding dudes around. In fact, the only one who comes around these parts is less than social."
The beast smiled reassuringly once more.
"How about I get you a drink of water, and we can...talk...like normal people. Or at least....somewhat normal people. "
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2019 8:01 pm
by Rik Idanian
Rik considered the big furball's response. As disjointed as it had been he at least seemed genuine. Sincere in his apology even. Rik also knew that a rambling, not one hundred per cent clear explanation was probably a lot closer to the mark then it would be otherwise. People who lie to your face are usually quite good at making up excuses and sounding charming at the same time. Rik would know. That used to be him! Rik sighed. It was turning into a long day. But... a drink did sound good. The weary Jedi took a long calming breath, centred himself in the Force, and looked Cadomedd square in the eyes. But...eyes are round...Round in the eyes? Where do these expressions even come from?
I suggest we start over. He stuck out his hand. The name's Rik Idanian, Jedi Knight. Don't worry, the whole memory thing has been kicking my butt for a while no so no offence taken. And I would love a glass of water.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2019 10:29 am
by Cadomedd
Cadomedd's smile grew more into a glistening crescent moon. Thank the stars for second chances.
"Wonderful! Just follow me."
With a turn of his heel, and a swish of his floral print shirt the beast walked out of the park, and over to the only location that would serve water in a 100ft radius, Orvos'.
Orvos, the older Nelvaanian, was head was deep in a datapad. He didn't even notice the behemoth of a man approaching him from a distance.
"Orvos?"
The old nelvaanian didn't respond, it seemed that whatever was on his device had grabbed all of his attention.
"Orvos?"
Cadomedd voice rose a little. The beast surprised that Orvos hadn't noticed him yet. Cadomedd rolled his eyes.
"ORVOS"
The old nelvaanian jumped out of his seat, almost tumbling to the floor. The datapad soared through the air, seeing its life flash before it's very led eyes. A hand, however, stopped those memories short as Cadomedd gripped the device. The old nelvaanian jumped to his feet.
"GIVE A WOLF A BLEEDY HEART ATTACK WHY DON'TCHA!?" Orvos screamed filling the entire park. Cadomedd sighed once more. This whole greeting people thing was not doing well for him today.
"Can I get a couple glasses of water, and a number 2." Cadomedd said feeling the guilt of scaring an old man.
"Sure...but next time would you kill me outright, I hate all this suspense. " Orvos began to work as he handed Cadomedd two metal bottles. The beast walked over to a table and gestured for Rik to join him.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2019 7:32 pm
by Rik Idanian
Rik stood there, hand still outstretched to shake as the Nelvaanian walked away. He blinked. Then raised an eyebrow. Apparently, Rik wasn't alone in being out of the loop for a while. Rik followed. He waved amiably at Orvos on the way over to the table.
I'll take a number seven, all the way! Extra bacon too! OH!!! And throw in some of those little crunchy things! Whataya call them? Ya those! I'll take um on the side, please. You're the best Orvos.
Rik turned back to the table and sat down. He thumbed over his shoulder. That guy's a hoot!
He clasped his hands in front of him on the table and leaned forward toward the Nelvaanian. I'm sorry, I don't think I caught your name.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2019 8:34 pm
by Rik Idanian
Yet another memory slips into existence. It's remembrance a warm flush rising from Rik's tows to the crown of his head.
It was night. Darkness had again conquered the light. But it had not succeeded. Not entirely.
Rik stirred on his pallet, unable to sleep. Something called to him.
He sat up. Though it was night and all were asleep he felt ALIVE. Sleep could not hold him. Darkness held no dominion this night. For there was a light in the cave.
There, deeper, a glowing.
The Nexus.
Drawn by a pull he couldn't explain he walked toward it. Transfixed.
The Light pulled him, the Force compelled him. Not against his will, but with it, beside it, in perfect concert with it.
The darkness of the forest he had been subjected to had no place here. Though powerful it was evil, corrupt. This was LIFE.
This was the Living Force. The Force as it should be. Truth.
Rik walked on. He knew in his head that this was crazy. He was no Jedi. The Force couldn't possibly need him, want him.
Could it?
The answer came to him as he came face to face with the Nexus.
YES!
Rik has obviously seen this cavern before. It was round, open, the arched roof of the cave swept up to a glorious skylight. It's walls were covered in greenery so that during the day the hall had a verdant cast. But at night... at night it was dark. Just as any cave would be.
But not this night!
There Rik beheld a cascade of light! Brighter than any star but with no pain. White light so pure it stripped away all shadow and darkness, but also as warm as a campfire or a solitary candle.
And it called to him.
Come
Rik came.
Closer
Rik stepped to the centre.
He was bathed in it, suffused with the LIGHT. He was light.
Sit
Rik sat.
Rest
Such rest he had never had before. Nor never would again.
He and the Force,
the Living Force,
were One.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Sat Feb 09, 2019 12:20 pm
by Cadomedd
Orvos began to man the grill, like a master painter staring at a blank canvas. The sound of sizzling meat filled the air, an orchestra that Cadomedd couldn't get enough of. The beast sat down placing a bottle of water next to Rik.
"The name's Cadomedd"
He leaned back in his chair, indulging in the sweet squeak it let out.
"And I...have talked to a few Jedi during my time. In fact, I use to be something of a Jedi"
Cadomedd smiled as he thought about his past.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Sat Feb 09, 2019 1:55 pm
by Rik Idanian
Cadomedd, pleased to meet you.
Rik's ears perked up a little at Cadomedd's mention of being familiar with a few Jedi. Did he know someone who could help? A quiet desperation started to well up in his chest. Rik NEEDED his memories back. There was so much that was left blank, like an incomplete painting, or an empty grill... Man, guess throwing up all over someone's feet can really make a guy hungry! Who knew?
Do you know anyone who could help with my...condition? I've reached out to a friend I knew back in the day, a Jedi, but I haven't heard anything back. I'm not even sure he exists any more... if you catch my meaning.
He frowned at the last part. He didn't know much about the ins and outs of being a Jedi but he wasn't sure one could simply...stop.
I have a feeling there's a story connected to that last part.
Rik sat, waiting expectantly.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Sat Feb 09, 2019 6:01 pm
by Cadomedd
Orvos, the master crafstman, brought over their food. It was a mountain of grease, and meat stacked to the heavens. Cadomedd nodded to Orvos, the old nelvaanian smiled wiping his hands on an apron.
"Don't get him started..." Orvos said through a fang-filled smile. "Once you get him started...you...well...you will look like me"
Orvos bellowed with laughter. He pretended to wipe his eye as he went back to his grill.
Cadomedd rolled his eyes. Orvos was right, however, his story was long and complicated. Cadomedd remembered the first time he unloaded his life story on Orvos. Orvos didn't serve him for a week. Cadomedd chuckled and grabbed one of those bacon covered angels.
"It's a bit of a story...."
And Cadomedd began to tell it. He told Rik of his childhood, a miserable experience inside a test tube. He told him of his first experience with the force on the frozen wasteland of a planet he couldn't remember, of the man swaddled in cloth who trained him in ways that he couldn't possibly imagine. He told him of the travels he made as a young man, wandering around from planet to planet looking for an odd job and an even odder people to give it to him. Cadomedd told Rik of his first real home on Naboo, where Cadomedd bartended for both Sith and Jedi. He told him of his first pupil, a young lady by the name of Leyana destined for great things. He told Rik about the academy he started, an academy for people lost like him. He told Rik of a man from his past that destroyed that dream, but in that destruction, he found his adoptive son Sean. The beast paused every now and then to eat various grease covered things, each bite punctuated the next part of his story. Cadomedd continued to tell Rik of the last part of his life, of a war that he lost, a love that had gone away, a call that was answered, and finally, he told him about his return home to a planet that called him an outcast.
The beast finished his story and wiped his chin. Cadomedd had barely noticed that the sun was now setting in the distance. He chuckled.
"Aw crap...I did it again. I'm sorry, Rik. The time must have gotten away from me. Thank you for indulging an aging wolf."
Cadomedd smiled slowly clean his tray.
"So, what can you remember?"
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Sat Feb 09, 2019 10:03 pm
by Rik Idanian
Rik listened with rapped attention. There were many great and wonderful things in the universe but few did Rik enjoy more than a good story. With Orvos providing sustenance all his focus was on Cadomedd. From beginning to present it was a story full of ups and downs but through it all was a nearly imperceptible thread. It was like listening to the base note in a chord. Rik smiled in recognition, like seeing an old friend or hearing a familiar story or a song's musical refrain.
Time passed but it didn't matter. There was contentment here. Good food and new friends.
At Cadomedd's question, Rik smiled.
Well, it all started a long time ago on the streets of Corellia.
Though Rik had the feeling that Cadomedd hadn't meant everything that he could remember he, at the same time, felt that Cadomedd's tale deserved one in kind.
So Rik started with his childhood, growing up as an orphan on the streets of Correlia trying, like so many others, to eke out an existence and find his way among the stars. He told of how he couldn't remember his parents but knew that at least some of his roots were from that world.
The last name is kind of a giveaway. He explained.
He went on to tell of his time working for a fence there on Corellia and how he quickly distinguished himself for his eye for rare and costly artefacts... and his fast hands and light fingers.
Long story short, there was a ship, a crew, some piracy, some mutiny, a marooning, a bar fight on Nar Shaddaa followed by a new ship and crew. Fortunes won, fortunes lost and then falling from the sky!
The only memories of the past twenty years I have are disjointed and confused. There was a forest. It was...evil...bent. There was shadows...creaturs... I wandered in it for a while.
Next was a...Nexus? It was full of light and warmth! Light and truth. I don't know how else to explain it. It was beautiful.
Then there were people I've lost. A master. Friends. I know I've learned the ways of the Force because I can feel it! My body, my muscles remember. But my mind? It's gone. He gave a sad smile.
Then I was here, trying to put pieces of my puzzle back together. I just wish Valor would get back to me! I'm sure he could tell me what's going on, or at least point me in the right direction.
Rik glanced up and noticed, almost exactly how Cadomedd had that it was late into the night. The moons had danced their celestial dances for a long time. Light was once again beginning to colour the horizon.
And here we are!
All times are UTC-05:00
Page 1 of 2
Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2019 6:44 pm
by Cadomedd
A few moments passed as the pair stared at the skyscrapers, the afternoon sun hung high in the sky and its sunlight soaked into everything it touched. A light breeze blew through the park causing the trees to sway. In these few moments, there was calm, a calm Cadomedd so greatly appreciated. The beast took a deep breath and began to reach out towards the stranger. He wanted to figure out what this man was going through, and there was no better way to do that then connecting at a moment. The beast slowly closed his eyes as he let out his breath.
"Rik..."
The beast didn’t falter in his baritone, as he placed a hand on the man's shoulder. The physical connection helping the beast focus the energy building up inside of him.
“Breathe”
Suddenly, as if a dam had burst, the force rushed out of Cadomedd. It was a whirling downpour of energy that crashed into Rik’s persona. The beast began to see visions of color, blues, reds and vibrant yellows. Each shifting color an emotion, a thought, an idea that swarmed around Rik's brain. Cadomedd was never good at reading these thoughts, he knew what the colors vaguely meant but he never understood the hidden details in their hues.
The energy continued to flow until Cadomedd could feel the sole of Rik’s shoes. Cadomeddd had made another connection, a connection Cadomedd had not been prepared for.
Most people don’t know this about Nelvaan but the planet has a kinship with those who dwell on its surface. It doesn’t talk to them, or give them advice, or even communicate. Nelvaan just connects. It connects creature to creature, relative to relative, past to present, ancestors to people. This connection is at the heart of Nelvaan. When one finds a way to connect into the planet, much wisdom can be found.
Cadomedd’s hand gripped Rik’s shoulder tighter as he could feel the connection to Nelvaan grow. In an instant, Cadomedd was no longer standing with Rik in the middle of New Adervez, the pair of them were now in the depths of a cave. A cave lit by the flickering whips of a large campfire. Sitting around the inferno sat old Nelvaanians, ancient Nelvaanians. Their wrinkled skin, and white hair a tapestry onto itself. Seven of them stared at the beast and the man without his memory. Their greying eyes not faltering for an instance.
One of them began to sing, a low guttural song. The disharmony shaking the cave walls. With each syllable uttered the cave began to shift and create shadows. Another joined in. The shadows shifted once more into images, a story.
A white wolf with two swords watches a burning tree, as the black ram runs into the night holding a star.
The ram kneels before a man masked in shadows presenting him the star.
The wolf with two swords gives chase.
The man masked in shadows sets the remaining world on fire
The wolf with two swords confronts the masked one.
The wolf with two swords falls.
A blue owl, carrying a bow, helps the fox up.
The fox teaches the owl how to use a sword.
The pair rushes off to find the masked man.
The Black Ram appears and confronts them.
The owl falls
And falls
And falls
The wolf searches for the owl and finds nothing.
The owl is alone
The shadows on the wall began to turn, shift once more.
Now only a masked man stood
Then a line of masked men appeared behind him.
Then another line.
Then another one.
The whole cave was engulfed by the rows and rows of masked soldiers kneeling before a masked man.
Darkness enveloped them all.
The song stopped.
A silence filled the room.
One of the seven ancient nelvaanians raised a gnarled branch of a finger at the stranger. His cracked lips forming a soft whisper of a word.
“Kék Bagoly”
As the words slide out of the elder’s mouth, the cave began to vanish in a flash. Cadomedd and Rik now stood back where they were in the middle of a park, on a very nice day.
“That was new”
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2019 8:23 pm
by Rik Idanian
Continuing to be two to four months ago...
The large, beflowered Nelvaanian placed his hand on Rik's shoulder.
"Rik, breathe," he said. As he spoke his grip began to tighten. Uncomfortably. Like wow, this really HURTS!
Before Rik could make his complaint known or let his furry friend know that breathing in any steady fashion wasn't too compatible with large amounts of pain everything went black. It felt like a hammer had dropped on the top of his head and squashed his brain down into his feet. Rik was NOT prepared for this kind of mental projection. In hindsight... might that be why the wolfman had asked him to breathe? The hammer continued its path downward carrying Rik's consciousness with it until he was in a cave.... surrounded by crusty old wolfmen...
Rik looked around. Huh, he though.
Things were started taking a turn toward the surreal when those same crusty old wolfmen began to growl at him. The shadows shifted with the growling and shapes started to form. Rik's thoughts ran along the lines of, Gee, I really hope these guys aren't as hungry as they seem.
The shadows seemed to be telling a story... Rik didn't really get it and his brain was doing it's small rodent on a stationary wheel thing trying to make sense of everything when the old wolf guys pointed a clawed finger at him and made his ominous pronunciation.
“Kék Bagoly”
Come again?
And then in the blink of an eye, they were back. His tall furred companion was saying something but Rik couldn't make it out. He was too busy being violently ill on the big guy's feet.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2019 8:40 pm
by Cadomedd
...Continuing two to four months ago...
"Yeah...that seems about right..."
Cadomedd said staring down at his stained feet. The fur bucket took a scrap of floral print cloth from his back pocket and began to clean his feet, one large toe at a time.
"I..well..that.."
Cadomedd was at a loss for words. He stood next to Rik dumbfounded.
"So, I wasn't expecting that..."
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2019 7:21 pm
by Rik Idanian
Rik wiped bile from his mouth. Well, that was all vaguely allegorical. He spat to clear the taste of half-digested lunch out of his mouth. While still bent over from losing his lunch Rik turned his head to look up at Cadomedd. And what if the hell were you expecting?
The large beflowered being before him had just done something completely foreign to Rik. He had used the Force in a powerful yet unexpected manner. It was still the living Force. Still pure, still right. But the experience? It had been jarring, offputting, not to mention straight up invasive. Rik had to figure out a way so THAT never happened to him again. A mental barrier maybe? Could he do that?
Who ARE you?
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2019 4:37 pm
by Cadomedd
"Sh*t"
Something inside of Cadomedd snapped into the right place. After 20 years of guarding this city, he forgot what it was like to, well, deal with people who have the force. All Cadomedd had to do was howl, punch a guy from a distance, and start chanting in Nelvaaneese in order to get people off the planet. He forgot the, well, sensitives around the force, in fact, Cadomedd would have to say he forgot all basic manners.
"My son tells me I'm really bad at meeting new people. He says it stems from the fact that I decided to purposefully isolate myself for 20 years. I think he's full of bantha fodder."
Cadomedd cracked a smile in hopes to calm the situation down.
"Look, I was trying to just get a feel for your blight..."
Cadomedd mulled those words over and groaned.
"That's a lie. I really just wanted to see if this whole lost memory thing was a gimmick or not. I know I could have...like...talked about. But, this was more direct...invasive...awkward, and well...uncomfortable."
The beast sighed a bit and scratched the back of his head. This whole stranger arriving too the city had certainly thrown him for a loop.
" I don't get too many lightsaber wielding dudes around. In fact, the only one who comes around these parts is less than social."
The beast smiled reassuringly once more.
"How about I get you a drink of water, and we can...talk...like normal people. Or at least....somewhat normal people. "
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2019 8:01 pm
by Rik Idanian
Rik considered the big furball's response. As disjointed as it had been he at least seemed genuine. Sincere in his apology even. Rik also knew that a rambling, not one hundred per cent clear explanation was probably a lot closer to the mark then it would be otherwise. People who lie to your face are usually quite good at making up excuses and sounding charming at the same time. Rik would know. That used to be him! Rik sighed. It was turning into a long day. But... a drink did sound good. The weary Jedi took a long calming breath, centred himself in the Force, and looked Cadomedd square in the eyes. But...eyes are round...Round in the eyes? Where do these expressions even come from?
I suggest we start over. He stuck out his hand. The name's Rik Idanian, Jedi Knight. Don't worry, the whole memory thing has been kicking my butt for a while no so no offence taken. And I would love a glass of water.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2019 10:29 am
by Cadomedd
Cadomedd's smile grew more into a glistening crescent moon. Thank the stars for second chances.
"Wonderful! Just follow me."
With a turn of his heel, and a swish of his floral print shirt the beast walked out of the park, and over to the only location that would serve water in a 100ft radius, Orvos'.
Orvos, the older Nelvaanian, was head was deep in a datapad. He didn't even notice the behemoth of a man approaching him from a distance.
"Orvos?"
The old nelvaanian didn't respond, it seemed that whatever was on his device had grabbed all of his attention.
"Orvos?"
Cadomedd voice rose a little. The beast surprised that Orvos hadn't noticed him yet. Cadomedd rolled his eyes.
"ORVOS"
The old nelvaanian jumped out of his seat, almost tumbling to the floor. The datapad soared through the air, seeing its life flash before it's very led eyes. A hand, however, stopped those memories short as Cadomedd gripped the device. The old nelvaanian jumped to his feet.
"GIVE A WOLF A BLEEDY HEART ATTACK WHY DON'TCHA!?" Orvos screamed filling the entire park. Cadomedd sighed once more. This whole greeting people thing was not doing well for him today.
"Can I get a couple glasses of water, and a number 2." Cadomedd said feeling the guilt of scaring an old man.
"Sure...but next time would you kill me outright, I hate all this suspense. " Orvos began to work as he handed Cadomedd two metal bottles. The beast walked over to a table and gestured for Rik to join him.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2019 7:32 pm
by Rik Idanian
Rik stood there, hand still outstretched to shake as the Nelvaanian walked away. He blinked. Then raised an eyebrow. Apparently, Rik wasn't alone in being out of the loop for a while. Rik followed. He waved amiably at Orvos on the way over to the table.
I'll take a number seven, all the way! Extra bacon too! OH!!! And throw in some of those little crunchy things! Whataya call them? Ya those! I'll take um on the side, please. You're the best Orvos.
Rik turned back to the table and sat down. He thumbed over his shoulder. That guy's a hoot!
He clasped his hands in front of him on the table and leaned forward toward the Nelvaanian. I'm sorry, I don't think I caught your name.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2019 8:34 pm
by Rik Idanian
Yet another memory slips into existence. It's remembrance a warm flush rising from Rik's tows to the crown of his head.
It was night. Darkness had again conquered the light. But it had not succeeded. Not entirely.
Rik stirred on his pallet, unable to sleep. Something called to him.
He sat up. Though it was night and all were asleep he felt ALIVE. Sleep could not hold him. Darkness held no dominion this night. For there was a light in the cave.
There, deeper, a glowing.
The Nexus.
Drawn by a pull he couldn't explain he walked toward it. Transfixed.
The Light pulled him, the Force compelled him. Not against his will, but with it, beside it, in perfect concert with it.
The darkness of the forest he had been subjected to had no place here. Though powerful it was evil, corrupt. This was LIFE.
This was the Living Force. The Force as it should be. Truth.
Rik walked on. He knew in his head that this was crazy. He was no Jedi. The Force couldn't possibly need him, want him.
Could it?
The answer came to him as he came face to face with the Nexus.
YES!
Rik has obviously seen this cavern before. It was round, open, the arched roof of the cave swept up to a glorious skylight. It's walls were covered in greenery so that during the day the hall had a verdant cast. But at night... at night it was dark. Just as any cave would be.
But not this night!
There Rik beheld a cascade of light! Brighter than any star but with no pain. White light so pure it stripped away all shadow and darkness, but also as warm as a campfire or a solitary candle.
And it called to him.
Come
Rik came.
Closer
Rik stepped to the centre.
He was bathed in it, suffused with the LIGHT. He was light.
Sit
Rik sat.
Rest
Such rest he had never had before. Nor never would again.
He and the Force,
the Living Force,
were One.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Sat Feb 09, 2019 12:20 pm
by Cadomedd
Orvos began to man the grill, like a master painter staring at a blank canvas. The sound of sizzling meat filled the air, an orchestra that Cadomedd couldn't get enough of. The beast sat down placing a bottle of water next to Rik.
"The name's Cadomedd"
He leaned back in his chair, indulging in the sweet squeak it let out.
"And I...have talked to a few Jedi during my time. In fact, I use to be something of a Jedi"
Cadomedd smiled as he thought about his past.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Sat Feb 09, 2019 1:55 pm
by Rik Idanian
Cadomedd, pleased to meet you.
Rik's ears perked up a little at Cadomedd's mention of being familiar with a few Jedi. Did he know someone who could help? A quiet desperation started to well up in his chest. Rik NEEDED his memories back. There was so much that was left blank, like an incomplete painting, or an empty grill... Man, guess throwing up all over someone's feet can really make a guy hungry! Who knew?
Do you know anyone who could help with my...condition? I've reached out to a friend I knew back in the day, a Jedi, but I haven't heard anything back. I'm not even sure he exists any more... if you catch my meaning.
He frowned at the last part. He didn't know much about the ins and outs of being a Jedi but he wasn't sure one could simply...stop.
I have a feeling there's a story connected to that last part.
Rik sat, waiting expectantly.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Sat Feb 09, 2019 6:01 pm
by Cadomedd
Orvos, the master crafstman, brought over their food. It was a mountain of grease, and meat stacked to the heavens. Cadomedd nodded to Orvos, the old nelvaanian smiled wiping his hands on an apron.
"Don't get him started..." Orvos said through a fang-filled smile. "Once you get him started...you...well...you will look like me"
Orvos bellowed with laughter. He pretended to wipe his eye as he went back to his grill.
Cadomedd rolled his eyes. Orvos was right, however, his story was long and complicated. Cadomedd remembered the first time he unloaded his life story on Orvos. Orvos didn't serve him for a week. Cadomedd chuckled and grabbed one of those bacon covered angels.
"It's a bit of a story...."
And Cadomedd began to tell it. He told Rik of his childhood, a miserable experience inside a test tube. He told him of his first experience with the force on the frozen wasteland of a planet he couldn't remember, of the man swaddled in cloth who trained him in ways that he couldn't possibly imagine. He told him of the travels he made as a young man, wandering around from planet to planet looking for an odd job and an even odder people to give it to him. Cadomedd told Rik of his first real home on Naboo, where Cadomedd bartended for both Sith and Jedi. He told him of his first pupil, a young lady by the name of Leyana destined for great things. He told Rik about the academy he started, an academy for people lost like him. He told Rik of a man from his past that destroyed that dream, but in that destruction, he found his adoptive son Sean. The beast paused every now and then to eat various grease covered things, each bite punctuated the next part of his story. Cadomedd continued to tell Rik of the last part of his life, of a war that he lost, a love that had gone away, a call that was answered, and finally, he told him about his return home to a planet that called him an outcast.
The beast finished his story and wiped his chin. Cadomedd had barely noticed that the sun was now setting in the distance. He chuckled.
"Aw crap...I did it again. I'm sorry, Rik. The time must have gotten away from me. Thank you for indulging an aging wolf."
Cadomedd smiled slowly clean his tray.
"So, what can you remember?"
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Sat Feb 09, 2019 10:03 pm
by Rik Idanian
Rik listened with rapped attention. There were many great and wonderful things in the universe but few did Rik enjoy more than a good story. With Orvos providing sustenance all his focus was on Cadomedd. From beginning to present it was a story full of ups and downs but through it all was a nearly imperceptible thread. It was like listening to the base note in a chord. Rik smiled in recognition, like seeing an old friend or hearing a familiar story or a song's musical refrain.
Time passed but it didn't matter. There was contentment here. Good food and new friends.
At Cadomedd's question, Rik smiled.
Well, it all started a long time ago on the streets of Corellia.
Though Rik had the feeling that Cadomedd hadn't meant everything that he could remember he, at the same time, felt that Cadomedd's tale deserved one in kind.
So Rik started with his childhood, growing up as an orphan on the streets of Correlia trying, like so many others, to eke out an existence and find his way among the stars. He told of how he couldn't remember his parents but knew that at least some of his roots were from that world.
The last name is kind of a giveaway. He explained.
He went on to tell of his time working for a fence there on Corellia and how he quickly distinguished himself for his eye for rare and costly artefacts... and his fast hands and light fingers.
Long story short, there was a ship, a crew, some piracy, some mutiny, a marooning, a bar fight on Nar Shaddaa followed by a new ship and crew. Fortunes won, fortunes lost and then falling from the sky!
The only memories of the past twenty years I have are disjointed and confused. There was a forest. It was...evil...bent. There was shadows...creaturs... I wandered in it for a while.
Next was a...Nexus? It was full of light and warmth! Light and truth. I don't know how else to explain it. It was beautiful.
Then there were people I've lost. A master. Friends. I know I've learned the ways of the Force because I can feel it! My body, my muscles remember. But my mind? It's gone. He gave a sad smile.
Then I was here, trying to put pieces of my puzzle back together. I just wish Valor would get back to me! I'm sure he could tell me what's going on, or at least point me in the right direction.
Rik glanced up and noticed, almost exactly how Cadomedd had that it was late into the night. The moons had danced their celestial dances for a long time. Light was once again beginning to colour the horizon.
And here we are!
All times are UTC-05:00
Page 1 of 2
I will not be made useless. I won't be idle with despair. I will gather myself around my faith, for it's Light the Darkness most fears.
-
Kaytren Li
- Posts: 86
- Joined: Sun Dec 15, 2019 1:28 am
Re: New Adervez Nelvaan Archive: Cadomedd, Rik, Et All
Page 2 of 2
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2019 3:48 pm
by Cadomedd
Cadomedd listened to Rik's story intently. He was surprised to hear that they shared a similar past, one of heartbreak and broken homes. He gripped onto every word that Rik spoke. It had been a long time since he had asked someone for their story. Cadomedd was grateful that someone was willing to share. Most of his experiences with people dealt with sudden departures. But, currently Rik had engrossed Cadomedd and there appeared to be no one darting for a spaceship.
As Rik finished his tale, Cadomedd began to pick up both trays, cleaning up from a feast fit for a king. After all, a good deed is a pretty good payment for a good story. Cadomedd let Rik's last few words go out of focus as he continued to tidy up. Cadomedd didn't know what Rik was talking about when he talked about a nexus. He felt for Rik's lost but Cadomedd didn't know how he could really help. That's when Rik said one name. Valor. Cadomedd turned back on his heels.
"Wait, who did you say you was getting back to you?"
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2019 4:48 pm
by Rik Idanian
A Jedi friend of mine...well...at least he was... that was a long time ago.
Rik frowned.
If I remember right his full name was Andrew Jeremy Valor. No... that's not right. Hang on Andrew Johnathan? No no no. Definitely not Andrew... James! That's it! Andrew James Valor. I tried calling him Andy once but he gave me this look like he was going to lop off all my limbs and leave me to burn in a river of lava if I ever did it again. Kinda grumpy at times for a Jedi but a good egg despite that. He was a... an Echani I think. I could be wrong though. All humans or near enough humans look pretty much the same to me. It's funny when you first showed up I thought I was sensing Andrew walking up on me! Wierd huh? guess I need to work on my senses huh? Oh! This one time we were in this bar...
Rik proceded to retell his bar story to Cadomedd only realizing halfway through that the big blue fuzz ball had a strange look on his face.
And then I stabbed it with my sword and it imploded! REALLY nice sword too. Beautiful piece, red and gold demasked, great at chopping and pretty decent at thrusting toooo... I'm rambling, aren't I?
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2019 5:20 pm
by Cadomedd
Cadomedd's mouth began to hang open as Rik began his rant. He described Andrew James Valor to a tee, a rather grumpy tee. Andrew had always been a good friend to Cadomedd, he even tried to help him during the first of the Nelvaanian civil wars. How did Rik bump into him? The last time Cadomedd had spoken to rick it had been years ago, and he was hunting down some slaver scum for some government bureau.
"I know, Andy"
Cadomedd said, his energy growing with each passing moment.
"He's a friend of mine? It's hard to tell sometimes. He fought with me during the first civil war Nelvaan ever had."
The beast stopped talking for a moment.
'We gotta get those 20 years back...."
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2019 8:16 pm
by Rik Idanian
You KNOW Andy!?
Rik's mind was racing. If Cadomedd knew Valor and had a better way of contacting him then Rik was that much closer to getting his memories back. Or at least in having some solid advice on How to get his memories back. Everything was falling into place and Rik was freaking out! He took a breath. Then another. And another. With each breath, he centred himself. He reached out and again grasped ahold of his connection to the Force. Peace. Contentment. The worry and excitement were still there, but they didn't hold sway. Emotions were always a part of the human equation and always would be. But the way of the Force was to not let those emotions control you or sway you from doing what is right. There was a reason for Rik being here. Cadomedd and his knowledge of Andrew was just more proof of that. The Force was strange and wonderful but didn't always make sense at the moment but, with a little hindsight, would never steer him wrong. The new Rik, the Jedi Rik smiled, knowing everything was under control.
Ok, what's our play?
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2019 8:58 pm
by Rik Idanian
As Rik asked his last question a sensation latched upon him. It was the restless energy of one who has been still for too long. Rik stood quickly from his chair. Too quickly. His chair was catapulted backwards by the force of his movement. But Rik was fast! In the blink of an eye, he adjusted his mistake leaning back to snatch the chair by its seat with an outstretched hand and whipped it back in front of him to sit on it backwards with his chin resting on the chair's back.
So. I'm feeling a little restless.
Rik then brought up a fact that had been pocking around in the back of his brain.
I see that you don't carry a lightsaber...but you're trained in the ways of the Force. Point is, I don't see you with any weapons at all. How does that work with you being the "Guardian of Nelvaan" and all?
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2019 7:16 pm
by Cadomedd
Plans, they always seemed to ruin the best ideas. Cadomedd was not much for a planner, he was much more of a...not...planner. The beast had been sitting rather stunned trying to put together pieces of some sort of procedure. Suddenly Rik flew out of his seat and with speed Cadomedd was not expecting turned his chair back around again. Whoever trained this guy in the past 20 years did a really good job. He adjusted his face to not appeared as stunned as he felt and listened to a question that Cadomedd didn't get as often as you would expect.
"Right..." Cadomedd said looking down at his hand. He clenched and unclenched his fist. Letting the force flow around each of his knuckles. The small sensation almost felt like someone was blowing air onto his fur. He lifted his hand up and continued to look at them.
"You see, I'm a bit clumsy. A lightsaber is a weapon of elegance, of tact."
Cadomeed stopped talking to let go of a burp that he was keeping inside.
"And I'm not either of those things."
The beast smiled a wide grin as he moved closer to Rik.
"So, I taught myself to be really good at only a couple of things...Pushing, Pulling, Absorbing, and Deflecting."
With each aspect, Cadomedd listed he raised a finger. He never really got a chance to talk about how he fought. Most of the time people kind of just assumed Cadomedd acted like a cannonball on the battlefield. Now those assumptions might be true but Cadomedd felt like he had more nuanced than that.
"With those four things, I can block a lot of stuff..."
Cadomedd stood back and placed both of his hands in front of him curling them into fists. He slid his feet into position, it something that he picked up during his time as a shock boxer. Cadomedd felt like he was putting on the old gloves as he stood in the middle of the tables.
"How about a demonstration? Take your best shot."
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2019 9:06 pm
by Rik Idanian
Rik grinned.
I never have been one for lengthy explanations.
At least not that he could remember...
Without another word or thought, Rik plunged his being into the Living Force. It surrounded him, flowed through him, coursing like a mighty river. Rik leapt from where he was seated clearing the table and igniting the blue fire of his lightsaber. He flew through the air toward Cadomedd, lightsaber held in two hands as he swung them up and behind his head to deliver a powerful vertical chop. Left undefended his attack would split the larger than average Nelvaanian in two. Curiously, the thought of whether Cadomedd were able to deflect such an attack never really crossed Rik's mind. Maybe it should have. But Rik was lost in the excitement. Pleasure at this contest flooded through Rik but did not consume him. Nor did it control him. Peace and calm were at his center. The Force was his Center.
The rest?
The rest was just fun!
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2019 7:33 pm
by Cadomedd
Cadomedd felt the fur on the back of his neck stand-up. He hadn't been in a duel since Andrew forced him into one. He said Cadomedd needed to keep practicing or he would get rusty. Cadomedd said how could he possibly get rusty if his body was filled with grease from Orvos' grill. Andrew did not find that funny. But right now, Cadomedd was grateful that Andrew kept him in shape because if he didn't Cadomedd would not be ready for what was going to happen next.
As if Cadomedd was programmed his arms moved from his boxer stance to something more defensive. He placed one arm over the arm positing his fore-arms to take the brunt of the attack. Cadomedd quickly inhaled letting his body connect to the well of energy inside of him. He began to shift it, almost mold that energy over his arms.
That's when the blade landed. He could feel the heat burn the tips of his fur. There the blade stood hovering a paper's width above his arms. Cadomedd smiled.
"And that's what that looks like."
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2019 8:51 pm
by Rik Idanian
Rik swung his blade down with a mighty blow! And it stopped...
...on his arm...
"And that's what it looks like," Cadomedd said.
Rik grinned even broader. The Cheshire Cat had nothing on him.
Sorry, didn't quite catch that! How was that again?
He swung again, this time a horizontal cut from right to left. A feint!
Rik pulled his arms in closer to his body to avoid Cad's block and instead stepped forward in a two-handed lunge at the furry beast's midsection.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2019 9:21 pm
by Cadomedd
The heat from Rik's blade left its dark mark across Cadomedd's fur. This was a decent presentation of Cadomedd's technique. It was at least better than the time he had Sean try to do the same thing, the kid almost took Cad's ear off. Either way, Cad had successfully sought out what he wanted to do. He relaxed a little until he heard the voice of a man who was looking to do more than just a demonstration. Rik's blade lifted off of Cadomedd's fur and became a blue blur. Cadomedd could hear Andrew in the back of his head scream, "Every blade could kill you." If Andy was here right now Cadomedd would have punched him across the face.
Rik, however, didn't have an angry Echani in his head. So Rik was doing the right thing and try to hit Cadomedd's midsection. The beast shifted the force once more to the edge of his floral shirt. After all, it wasn't just a fashion trend. Cadomedd found that if he focused on a thinner layer of material he didn't have to use that much energy. He was prepared to let the blade hit his side, and in retaliation, Cadomedd shifted his body. It was like a large gear turning into place as the beast moved his weight. He stuck out his leg and with the grace of a man much smaller than Cadomedd, the beast attempted to kick his smiling opponent across the face.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2019 9:35 pm
by Rik Idanian
The first thing that went through Rik's head was "Man he can move quick for being such a big guy."
The next was Cadomedd's food.
Maybe I overextended? Or maybe I should get a sparring partner a little more...spritely? Tree's aren't exactly nimble.
The gentleman of fortune turned Jedi contemplated all of these things as he flew backwards through the air. He even considered turning his momentum into a neat little flip to land on his feet. That is until Orvos' table got in the way.
There was a large crash as the Jedi and table became a little better acquainted.
Ow.
Didn't expect the kick.
He popped back up to his feet from behind the table, grin still in place but with the addition of a stream of blood trickling from his nose.
Let's try this again!
And again, using the same leaping attack he used the first time, Rik closed the distance once more with a shout of determination... if not intelligence.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2019 9:42 pm
by Cadomedd
"So far I've gone over one of the things I'm good at..."
The beast used the rest of his momentum to turn his body around. His feet landed instinctually back into that shock-boxer stance. Cadomedd extended his right hand and raised two fingers.
"Here's number two"
Cadomedd using those two fingers as a point of focus let the force flow through him and then out of him like a well primed grappling hook. The beast wanted to pull Rik's foot upwards in hopes of getting him on his back.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2019 8:35 pm
by Rik Idanian
Rik's shout... may have ended a little higher than it started. Men don't scream. Everyone knows this. His voice simply rose in pitch one or two...octives...
Needless to say, Rik was surprised. Halfway through his leap, it was as if an invisible shepherd's crook grabbed him by the ankle and PULLED. If he had been standing, he would have ended up on the ground but while in the air? Rik was yanked into a series of less than controlled backflips.
The Jedi was not amused.
How could this happen? He thought. I'm supposed to be better than this! I'm a Jedi, right? Aren't I supposed to be skilled? Poised even? Like, untouchable?
But the more he thought, as he pinwheeled through the air in subjective slow motion, the more he began to realize what he had been doing. Rik had been calling on the Force to help him, not letting the Force guide his actions. The excitement had gotten to him. It had distracted. It had defeated him more swiftly then even Cadomedd had. The joy wasn't bad or evil. The lightheartedness wasn't wrong. He had called on the Force and it had answered, but it gave to him what he asked. No more. The point was to wait. To wait and see what was best, instead of reaching for what was good, and immediate.
And so, with this revelation in his heart...and egg on his face... Rik, though flying foolishly through the air, centred himself. He called. Then waited. And the Force FLOWED through him.
If one had imagined a river before, one would have had an accurate description. But now? Words can't suffice.
His tumbling through the air carried him over Cadomedd's head, and then, he was no longer tumbling. The twists were controlled, elegant, beautiful. Rik landed in a crouch and slowly stood. His smile was still in place but it was different, tempered maybe. It was still happy but had an understanding behind it. A weight that led credence to the emotion. It was not an entirely comfortable thing to look at without careful, sober consideration of the implications.
Rik raised his lightsaber up to a high guard, hands at eye level. Blade parallel to the ground. Eyes closed. One squinting mischievously open.
What's number three?
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2019 6:39 pm
by Cadomedd
"Number 3"
Cadomedd's smile grew one inch more. Number 3 was Cadomedd's personal favorite. The beast shifted his feet back into that old familiar boxer stance. He began to bounce back and forth. Feeling his old training begin to kick in. The force responded to Cadomedd's movements. It moved from his sides towards his fists. The beast could feel the current wrap around his knuckles.
"Number 3, is push."
Like lighting, Cadomedd's fist flew from his side sending the force from his knuckles towards Rik's hands.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2019 9:28 pm
by Rik Idanian
The beast smiled.
And PUSHED.
His fist lashed forward with a rippling atmospheric distortion. Fast as lightning. It hurtled toward the calm Jedi with blinding speed, breathtaking power, and unerring accuracy. If one were at Orvos' watching this sparring match one might have heard the old wolf say something like, "That's it, the kid's dead!"
No one could avoid this blow. Not even Andrew Valor, for all his speed, could have dodged this masterful strike.
And so, Rik didn't dodge.
He didn't avoid.
Rik simply closed his eye.
And waited.
And waited.
Then.
At the last instant.
As the blow swept near enough to reach out and touch.
Rik Idanian. Jedi Knight. Reached out with his left hand. And touched it.
The power before him was like a wildfire. It was a wrecking ball of focused energy as dense as a black hole but as bright as a supernova. There was no standing against such power. Beyond thought. Rik Felt. And drew the power in. It was like a hurricane in his stomach, a storm on the high sea within his soul. It was powerful, beautiful. It was life and death. It was the power of stars and the presence of air. It surrounded and penetrated. It was the Force. And it was his friend.
Rik stepped his left leg back and bent his elbow quickly into his side like he was catching a fast moving object. Then he took a deep breath and held it, opened his eyes with perfect focus, and thrust his lightsaber toward the ground two feet in front of Cadomedd.
Then he exhaled. And let all that power wash out of him.
There were two sudden ripples in the air between the end of Rik's lightsaber and to where it pointed, as if an object were steaking outward alone that line.
And then the ground in front of Cadomedd exploded with the force of a thermal detonator.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Sat Mar 02, 2019 2:34 am
by Andrew North
:: New Adervez Memorial Park, Near Orvoz's Stand :: 05:00 Hours - Several Days Ago ::
Come Down to The River - (Andrew James Valor, Rik Idanian, Cadomedd - OPEN)
"He spoke of God, like his closest friend" - Did Not Our Hearts Burn - Jess Ray
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Combustion." A voice cut through hanging dust, smoke, and the pinging inside nearby ears. Familiarity gave the voice it's edge. "Also called Flamusfracta. A nearly forgotten technique that allows the wielder to press the living force so strongly against an object that it explodes. The calling card of one Griffith Firefoot and -". He paused, the silence sounding like a man shaking his head in disbelief. "A damn fool technique for a sparring match."
As the dust faded, the air behind it appeared to crackle, like a pane of tempered glass. The speaker had his outstretched fingertips pressed against that invisible wall. He stood, leaning forward as if bracing that hanging sheet of glass, head lowered looking down at the small hole dug in the park grass in front of him, between his outstretched arms. That barrier traced around him in a curve, sheltering both the lupine giant behind him and Orvoz's stand to his right.
The barrier crackled again, for a microsecond, and vanished as Orvoz looked up from behind his stand and yelled something in Nelvaanian that the speaker was sure wasn't to be repeated in mixed company. It's moments like this I'm glad my Nelvaanese is still at "where's the bathroom .
"Rik, you mind telling me what the hell you were thinking?", his voice edged with the kind of instructor's tone that quiets a training yard. "That, and where in the nine heavens you learned how to do that?. It's not a technique the order has ever authorized."
They hadn't taught it for a reason. He took a short breath in and then exhaled slowly as he returned his arms to his side. There he stood, the grey-haired, pale-faced, Bakuran knight. Idanian's old friend, and Cadomedd's welcome nuisance, Andrew James Valor. He grimaced, mouth tensing under the skin-tight, black undershirt that covered him from the nose down. Over that, he wore a long, loose, black shirt with an armorweave vest, a worn, field green. His eyes narrowed too, into a severe look, made more so by the vertical scar over his left eye.
If I hadn't absorbed that, there might not been an Orvoz's. If I hadn't been here... . He blinked the through away. Even still, where did he learn this?. His face had bewildered painted on it's usually placid exterior. First the message Rik had sent him, something about waking up a Jedi. The last he'd seen Idanian was looking up from the splintered floor of a Nar Shaddaa dive. A man with no use for Jedi, the force, and Ashla.
Now, the once rakish mercenary looked more the monk, no, felt more the monk. Something had changed in his old friend. A change that caused the master's sternness to part for a smile, just for a second. I'm happy to see you, Rik. But we have a bear of a conversation waiting for us .
--- A few minutes earlier ---
"Idanian... where in Ashla's name are you." He received Rik's frantic communication yesterday, almost knocking his glass on Orvoz' sidewalk in the process. The first he'd heard from the mercenary in well, decades, and a personal message at that. "Something in my bailiwick. What could that ..."
He stopped, in front of Orvoz' stand, facing the memorial park. He came this way for the air. Nelvaan was one of the few places he was comfortable. It was away from a universe spiraling out of control, and reminded him of the Bakuran mountains. At least, that was what he told himself. Though his stomach told him he came this way more for Orvos' two-egg breakfast than any high-minded nonsense about how "Bakuran" the air in new Adervez was.
The telltale arcing sound of plasma through still air caught his mind's attention almost before his ears.
Rik leapt from where he was seated clearing the table and igniting the blue fire of his lightsaber. He flew through the air toward Cadomedd, lightsaber held in two hands as he swung them up and behind his head to deliver a powerful vertical chop. Left undefended his attack would split the larger than average Nelvaanian in two. Curiously, the thought of whether Cadomedd were able to deflect such an attack never really crossed Rik's mind. Maybe it should have. But Rik was lost in the excitement. Pleasure at this contest flooded through Rik but did not consume him. Nor did it control him. Peace and calm were at his center. The Force was his Center.
He smirked slightly, the smile hidden under his armorweave undershirt, and took a quick breath. The living force pulsed over and around his nerves, providing a comforting warmth around his eyes as the world slowed. Everything around him moved as if underwater, slowly and slightly blurred. He focused intently on the ragged man next to a bulk that was unmistakably Cadomedd, as he launched into the air, tipping the chair over behind him.
Well, he has Rik's disregard for private property. His smile, that fighter's smirk, it's unmistakable. Andrew had an uncanny memory for faces, more so than he'd like. Sometimes forgetting faces, places, and experiences is the best medicine we can give ourselves. It's a medicine Andrew never tasted, a man just a little too attached tot he world he dedicated himself too. But the robes and the saber, that's not Rik.
Nor was the way Idanian moved. That leap is classical Ataru, unpolished, but there's no denying it. That's how we taught the opening cut at Bakura. The execution reminds me of someone, but I can't place it. He's not just sensitive, or accidental, , the Echani considered this as Rik's attack neared Cadomedd, almost frame by frame. He's been trained. And trained somewhat well, by the first impression.
The Echani's smile widened as Rik hung in the air for a moment, his blade clearly hanging just micrometers from Cadomedd's outstretched forearm. Glad to see you're paying attention to defense this time, Cadomedd. Every blade can kill you, after all..
Sorry, didn't quite catch that! How was that again?
He swung again, this time a horizontal cut from right to left. A feint!
Rik pulled his arms in closer to his body to avoid Cad's block and instead stepped forward in a two-handed lunge at the furry beast's midsection.
He tracked Idanian's fall, grin growing ever wider. Good play Rik. . The stroke pattern of jumping lunge to pressing thrust was, as far as Andrew could remember, the first three steps of velocity three from the Bakruan order's Ataru curriculum. Not a bad play against a typical opponent. Close the distance and use your speed to force an opening. But . He paused, allowing himself a moment to shake his head as the frame-by-frame fight continued, Cadomedd isn't a typical opponent. He's a brawler, and by that measure damnably hard to predict.
The beast shifted the force once more to the edge of his floral shirt. After all, it wasn't just a fashion trend. Cadomedd found that if he focused on a thinner layer of material he didn't have to use that much energy. He was prepared to let the blade hit his side, and in retaliation, Cadomedd shifted his body. It was like a large gear turning into place as the beast moved his weight. He stuck out his leg and with the grace of a man much smaller than Cadomedd, the beast attempted to kick his smiling opponent across the face.
Andrew maintained his, almost involuntarily proud, smile as Rik corrected his Cadomedd-induced takeoff. He shook his head again as the newly-minted Jedi threw the velocity three opening again.
"Here's number two"
Cadomedd using those two fingers as a point of focus let the force flow through him and then out of him like a well primed grappling hook. The beast wanted to pull Rik's foot upwards in hopes of getting him on his back.
As Rik landed, Andrew felt the living force surge, like waves crashing against a lighthouse against Rik's form. An aura that felt sea-green, strong, full of life, of conviction, but untamed, Still wild. At this, his smile faded almost in an instant, and his hand instictively went for the shoto on his left side - just in case.
Cadomedd's smile grew one inch more. Number 3 was Cadomedd's personal favorite. The beast shifted his feet back into that old familiar boxer stance. He began to bounce back and forth. Feeling his old training begin to kick in. The force responded to Cadomedd's movements. It moved from his sides towards his fists. The beast could feel the current wrap around his knuckles.
"Number 3, is push."
Like lighting, Cadomedd's fist flew from his side sending the force from his knuckles towards Rik's hands.
The Echani's eyes narrowed quickly, and the warm energy that surrounded his nerves went hot, flooding into his muscle tissue as he took the first, running step toward the fight. He shouldn't have been able to re-route that, not at the level he's at. We don't teach tutaminis to students of that caliber, they can't regulate it. . Then, he felt it. The ground right in front of Cadomedd, right next to Orvoz's, began to quake. A quaking imperceptible except to Andrew's imbued eyes.
Dammit. Combustion! He's rerouted all of that energy into. If I don't get there, no one's walking out of this. .
To outside observers, the Echani in the green vest vanished and then appeared sliding in a crouch in front of Cadomedd, just as the wolf's arm dropped to his side. As he landed, he took a quick breath, pulling every joule of living force from the ground into his legs, then into his arms. Shit. It's too much to completely diffuse. I've got it down to just about a firework, but that's not enough .
He exhaled quickly, throwing his arms in front of him as he stood, and as the explosion ripped out of the ground, it hit a thin wall of raw energy, binding the air in front of Andrew's fingertips. The wall buckled, and cracked like glass, but the wave of energy reflected skyward, rather than into Orvoz's.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Sun Mar 03, 2019 2:12 pm
by Cadomedd
It's not every day that a wandering white-haired man jumps in front of you but for Cadomedd it happens more often than one would believe. Cadomedd mouth slowly lowered in amazement as Andrew James Valor, the "man of the hour", stood in front of him holding back an explosion. Usually, Andrew leaves some sort of message before he arrives, but Cadomedd was thankful that he didn't. If Andrew was stepping in then maybe this sparring match was getting too heated.
The streak of flame exploded skyward. The sound of Orvos cursing in Nelvaaanese quickly filled the air. Cadomedd rolled his eyes and dusted his shirt off. The old codger should learn to expect moments like this. He walked past the Echani.
"You didn't let me get to four, Andy"
Cadomedd said picking up two tables effortlessly.
"You could have least let me get to four"
Cadomedd chuckled as he tried his best to fix the mess that he and Rik caused.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Tue Mar 05, 2019 6:36 pm
by Rik Idanian
The explosion... surprised Rik. He had intended to force push a clod of dirt into Cadomedd's face. The sparky spark boom was totally unintended. Cool, like super cool, but unintended. Surprised as he was at the Ka-fricking-boom he was even more surprised to see the one and only Andrew James Valor standing before him like Rik's combustion had spontaneously sparked life! He looked angry...
ANDY!!!
Rik was in such a good mood! The lecturing aside (Andrew was always a little surly) Rik had been waiting what felt like forever for his friend to show up and hopefully shed light on the past twenty years.
He deactivated his lightsaber and hung the repurposed blaster from his belt.
I don't know! He said in response to Andrew's question. I don't know anything!
Rik continued in a rather frantic recounting of the past several days, all in increasing speed and pitch as he walked toward his long lost friend. His gesturing was quite wild toward the end. With ten paces to go Rik put on a force aided burst of speed and caught Andrew in a friendly, if a little clingy, hug. There may have been tears.
I'm just so HAPPY to see you.
All times are UTC-05:00
Page 2 of 2
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2019 3:48 pm
by Cadomedd
Cadomedd listened to Rik's story intently. He was surprised to hear that they shared a similar past, one of heartbreak and broken homes. He gripped onto every word that Rik spoke. It had been a long time since he had asked someone for their story. Cadomedd was grateful that someone was willing to share. Most of his experiences with people dealt with sudden departures. But, currently Rik had engrossed Cadomedd and there appeared to be no one darting for a spaceship.
As Rik finished his tale, Cadomedd began to pick up both trays, cleaning up from a feast fit for a king. After all, a good deed is a pretty good payment for a good story. Cadomedd let Rik's last few words go out of focus as he continued to tidy up. Cadomedd didn't know what Rik was talking about when he talked about a nexus. He felt for Rik's lost but Cadomedd didn't know how he could really help. That's when Rik said one name. Valor. Cadomedd turned back on his heels.
"Wait, who did you say you was getting back to you?"
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2019 4:48 pm
by Rik Idanian
A Jedi friend of mine...well...at least he was... that was a long time ago.
Rik frowned.
If I remember right his full name was Andrew Jeremy Valor. No... that's not right. Hang on Andrew Johnathan? No no no. Definitely not Andrew... James! That's it! Andrew James Valor. I tried calling him Andy once but he gave me this look like he was going to lop off all my limbs and leave me to burn in a river of lava if I ever did it again. Kinda grumpy at times for a Jedi but a good egg despite that. He was a... an Echani I think. I could be wrong though. All humans or near enough humans look pretty much the same to me. It's funny when you first showed up I thought I was sensing Andrew walking up on me! Wierd huh? guess I need to work on my senses huh? Oh! This one time we were in this bar...
Rik proceded to retell his bar story to Cadomedd only realizing halfway through that the big blue fuzz ball had a strange look on his face.
And then I stabbed it with my sword and it imploded! REALLY nice sword too. Beautiful piece, red and gold demasked, great at chopping and pretty decent at thrusting toooo... I'm rambling, aren't I?
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2019 5:20 pm
by Cadomedd
Cadomedd's mouth began to hang open as Rik began his rant. He described Andrew James Valor to a tee, a rather grumpy tee. Andrew had always been a good friend to Cadomedd, he even tried to help him during the first of the Nelvaanian civil wars. How did Rik bump into him? The last time Cadomedd had spoken to rick it had been years ago, and he was hunting down some slaver scum for some government bureau.
"I know, Andy"
Cadomedd said, his energy growing with each passing moment.
"He's a friend of mine? It's hard to tell sometimes. He fought with me during the first civil war Nelvaan ever had."
The beast stopped talking for a moment.
'We gotta get those 20 years back...."
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2019 8:16 pm
by Rik Idanian
You KNOW Andy!?
Rik's mind was racing. If Cadomedd knew Valor and had a better way of contacting him then Rik was that much closer to getting his memories back. Or at least in having some solid advice on How to get his memories back. Everything was falling into place and Rik was freaking out! He took a breath. Then another. And another. With each breath, he centred himself. He reached out and again grasped ahold of his connection to the Force. Peace. Contentment. The worry and excitement were still there, but they didn't hold sway. Emotions were always a part of the human equation and always would be. But the way of the Force was to not let those emotions control you or sway you from doing what is right. There was a reason for Rik being here. Cadomedd and his knowledge of Andrew was just more proof of that. The Force was strange and wonderful but didn't always make sense at the moment but, with a little hindsight, would never steer him wrong. The new Rik, the Jedi Rik smiled, knowing everything was under control.
Ok, what's our play?
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2019 8:58 pm
by Rik Idanian
As Rik asked his last question a sensation latched upon him. It was the restless energy of one who has been still for too long. Rik stood quickly from his chair. Too quickly. His chair was catapulted backwards by the force of his movement. But Rik was fast! In the blink of an eye, he adjusted his mistake leaning back to snatch the chair by its seat with an outstretched hand and whipped it back in front of him to sit on it backwards with his chin resting on the chair's back.
So. I'm feeling a little restless.
Rik then brought up a fact that had been pocking around in the back of his brain.
I see that you don't carry a lightsaber...but you're trained in the ways of the Force. Point is, I don't see you with any weapons at all. How does that work with you being the "Guardian of Nelvaan" and all?
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2019 7:16 pm
by Cadomedd
Plans, they always seemed to ruin the best ideas. Cadomedd was not much for a planner, he was much more of a...not...planner. The beast had been sitting rather stunned trying to put together pieces of some sort of procedure. Suddenly Rik flew out of his seat and with speed Cadomedd was not expecting turned his chair back around again. Whoever trained this guy in the past 20 years did a really good job. He adjusted his face to not appeared as stunned as he felt and listened to a question that Cadomedd didn't get as often as you would expect.
"Right..." Cadomedd said looking down at his hand. He clenched and unclenched his fist. Letting the force flow around each of his knuckles. The small sensation almost felt like someone was blowing air onto his fur. He lifted his hand up and continued to look at them.
"You see, I'm a bit clumsy. A lightsaber is a weapon of elegance, of tact."
Cadomeed stopped talking to let go of a burp that he was keeping inside.
"And I'm not either of those things."
The beast smiled a wide grin as he moved closer to Rik.
"So, I taught myself to be really good at only a couple of things...Pushing, Pulling, Absorbing, and Deflecting."
With each aspect, Cadomedd listed he raised a finger. He never really got a chance to talk about how he fought. Most of the time people kind of just assumed Cadomedd acted like a cannonball on the battlefield. Now those assumptions might be true but Cadomedd felt like he had more nuanced than that.
"With those four things, I can block a lot of stuff..."
Cadomedd stood back and placed both of his hands in front of him curling them into fists. He slid his feet into position, it something that he picked up during his time as a shock boxer. Cadomedd felt like he was putting on the old gloves as he stood in the middle of the tables.
"How about a demonstration? Take your best shot."
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2019 9:06 pm
by Rik Idanian
Rik grinned.
I never have been one for lengthy explanations.
At least not that he could remember...
Without another word or thought, Rik plunged his being into the Living Force. It surrounded him, flowed through him, coursing like a mighty river. Rik leapt from where he was seated clearing the table and igniting the blue fire of his lightsaber. He flew through the air toward Cadomedd, lightsaber held in two hands as he swung them up and behind his head to deliver a powerful vertical chop. Left undefended his attack would split the larger than average Nelvaanian in two. Curiously, the thought of whether Cadomedd were able to deflect such an attack never really crossed Rik's mind. Maybe it should have. But Rik was lost in the excitement. Pleasure at this contest flooded through Rik but did not consume him. Nor did it control him. Peace and calm were at his center. The Force was his Center.
The rest?
The rest was just fun!
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2019 7:33 pm
by Cadomedd
Cadomedd felt the fur on the back of his neck stand-up. He hadn't been in a duel since Andrew forced him into one. He said Cadomedd needed to keep practicing or he would get rusty. Cadomedd said how could he possibly get rusty if his body was filled with grease from Orvos' grill. Andrew did not find that funny. But right now, Cadomedd was grateful that Andrew kept him in shape because if he didn't Cadomedd would not be ready for what was going to happen next.
As if Cadomedd was programmed his arms moved from his boxer stance to something more defensive. He placed one arm over the arm positing his fore-arms to take the brunt of the attack. Cadomedd quickly inhaled letting his body connect to the well of energy inside of him. He began to shift it, almost mold that energy over his arms.
That's when the blade landed. He could feel the heat burn the tips of his fur. There the blade stood hovering a paper's width above his arms. Cadomedd smiled.
"And that's what that looks like."
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2019 8:51 pm
by Rik Idanian
Rik swung his blade down with a mighty blow! And it stopped...
...on his arm...
"And that's what it looks like," Cadomedd said.
Rik grinned even broader. The Cheshire Cat had nothing on him.
Sorry, didn't quite catch that! How was that again?
He swung again, this time a horizontal cut from right to left. A feint!
Rik pulled his arms in closer to his body to avoid Cad's block and instead stepped forward in a two-handed lunge at the furry beast's midsection.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2019 9:21 pm
by Cadomedd
The heat from Rik's blade left its dark mark across Cadomedd's fur. This was a decent presentation of Cadomedd's technique. It was at least better than the time he had Sean try to do the same thing, the kid almost took Cad's ear off. Either way, Cad had successfully sought out what he wanted to do. He relaxed a little until he heard the voice of a man who was looking to do more than just a demonstration. Rik's blade lifted off of Cadomedd's fur and became a blue blur. Cadomedd could hear Andrew in the back of his head scream, "Every blade could kill you." If Andy was here right now Cadomedd would have punched him across the face.
Rik, however, didn't have an angry Echani in his head. So Rik was doing the right thing and try to hit Cadomedd's midsection. The beast shifted the force once more to the edge of his floral shirt. After all, it wasn't just a fashion trend. Cadomedd found that if he focused on a thinner layer of material he didn't have to use that much energy. He was prepared to let the blade hit his side, and in retaliation, Cadomedd shifted his body. It was like a large gear turning into place as the beast moved his weight. He stuck out his leg and with the grace of a man much smaller than Cadomedd, the beast attempted to kick his smiling opponent across the face.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2019 9:35 pm
by Rik Idanian
The first thing that went through Rik's head was "Man he can move quick for being such a big guy."
The next was Cadomedd's food.
Maybe I overextended? Or maybe I should get a sparring partner a little more...spritely? Tree's aren't exactly nimble.
The gentleman of fortune turned Jedi contemplated all of these things as he flew backwards through the air. He even considered turning his momentum into a neat little flip to land on his feet. That is until Orvos' table got in the way.
There was a large crash as the Jedi and table became a little better acquainted.
Ow.
Didn't expect the kick.
He popped back up to his feet from behind the table, grin still in place but with the addition of a stream of blood trickling from his nose.
Let's try this again!
And again, using the same leaping attack he used the first time, Rik closed the distance once more with a shout of determination... if not intelligence.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2019 9:42 pm
by Cadomedd
"So far I've gone over one of the things I'm good at..."
The beast used the rest of his momentum to turn his body around. His feet landed instinctually back into that shock-boxer stance. Cadomedd extended his right hand and raised two fingers.
"Here's number two"
Cadomedd using those two fingers as a point of focus let the force flow through him and then out of him like a well primed grappling hook. The beast wanted to pull Rik's foot upwards in hopes of getting him on his back.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2019 8:35 pm
by Rik Idanian
Rik's shout... may have ended a little higher than it started. Men don't scream. Everyone knows this. His voice simply rose in pitch one or two...octives...
Needless to say, Rik was surprised. Halfway through his leap, it was as if an invisible shepherd's crook grabbed him by the ankle and PULLED. If he had been standing, he would have ended up on the ground but while in the air? Rik was yanked into a series of less than controlled backflips.
The Jedi was not amused.
How could this happen? He thought. I'm supposed to be better than this! I'm a Jedi, right? Aren't I supposed to be skilled? Poised even? Like, untouchable?
But the more he thought, as he pinwheeled through the air in subjective slow motion, the more he began to realize what he had been doing. Rik had been calling on the Force to help him, not letting the Force guide his actions. The excitement had gotten to him. It had distracted. It had defeated him more swiftly then even Cadomedd had. The joy wasn't bad or evil. The lightheartedness wasn't wrong. He had called on the Force and it had answered, but it gave to him what he asked. No more. The point was to wait. To wait and see what was best, instead of reaching for what was good, and immediate.
And so, with this revelation in his heart...and egg on his face... Rik, though flying foolishly through the air, centred himself. He called. Then waited. And the Force FLOWED through him.
If one had imagined a river before, one would have had an accurate description. But now? Words can't suffice.
His tumbling through the air carried him over Cadomedd's head, and then, he was no longer tumbling. The twists were controlled, elegant, beautiful. Rik landed in a crouch and slowly stood. His smile was still in place but it was different, tempered maybe. It was still happy but had an understanding behind it. A weight that led credence to the emotion. It was not an entirely comfortable thing to look at without careful, sober consideration of the implications.
Rik raised his lightsaber up to a high guard, hands at eye level. Blade parallel to the ground. Eyes closed. One squinting mischievously open.
What's number three?
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2019 6:39 pm
by Cadomedd
"Number 3"
Cadomedd's smile grew one inch more. Number 3 was Cadomedd's personal favorite. The beast shifted his feet back into that old familiar boxer stance. He began to bounce back and forth. Feeling his old training begin to kick in. The force responded to Cadomedd's movements. It moved from his sides towards his fists. The beast could feel the current wrap around his knuckles.
"Number 3, is push."
Like lighting, Cadomedd's fist flew from his side sending the force from his knuckles towards Rik's hands.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2019 9:28 pm
by Rik Idanian
The beast smiled.
And PUSHED.
His fist lashed forward with a rippling atmospheric distortion. Fast as lightning. It hurtled toward the calm Jedi with blinding speed, breathtaking power, and unerring accuracy. If one were at Orvos' watching this sparring match one might have heard the old wolf say something like, "That's it, the kid's dead!"
No one could avoid this blow. Not even Andrew Valor, for all his speed, could have dodged this masterful strike.
And so, Rik didn't dodge.
He didn't avoid.
Rik simply closed his eye.
And waited.
And waited.
Then.
At the last instant.
As the blow swept near enough to reach out and touch.
Rik Idanian. Jedi Knight. Reached out with his left hand. And touched it.
The power before him was like a wildfire. It was a wrecking ball of focused energy as dense as a black hole but as bright as a supernova. There was no standing against such power. Beyond thought. Rik Felt. And drew the power in. It was like a hurricane in his stomach, a storm on the high sea within his soul. It was powerful, beautiful. It was life and death. It was the power of stars and the presence of air. It surrounded and penetrated. It was the Force. And it was his friend.
Rik stepped his left leg back and bent his elbow quickly into his side like he was catching a fast moving object. Then he took a deep breath and held it, opened his eyes with perfect focus, and thrust his lightsaber toward the ground two feet in front of Cadomedd.
Then he exhaled. And let all that power wash out of him.
There were two sudden ripples in the air between the end of Rik's lightsaber and to where it pointed, as if an object were steaking outward alone that line.
And then the ground in front of Cadomedd exploded with the force of a thermal detonator.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Sat Mar 02, 2019 2:34 am
by Andrew North
:: New Adervez Memorial Park, Near Orvoz's Stand :: 05:00 Hours - Several Days Ago ::
Come Down to The River - (Andrew James Valor, Rik Idanian, Cadomedd - OPEN)
"He spoke of God, like his closest friend" - Did Not Our Hearts Burn - Jess Ray
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Combustion." A voice cut through hanging dust, smoke, and the pinging inside nearby ears. Familiarity gave the voice it's edge. "Also called Flamusfracta. A nearly forgotten technique that allows the wielder to press the living force so strongly against an object that it explodes. The calling card of one Griffith Firefoot and -". He paused, the silence sounding like a man shaking his head in disbelief. "A damn fool technique for a sparring match."
As the dust faded, the air behind it appeared to crackle, like a pane of tempered glass. The speaker had his outstretched fingertips pressed against that invisible wall. He stood, leaning forward as if bracing that hanging sheet of glass, head lowered looking down at the small hole dug in the park grass in front of him, between his outstretched arms. That barrier traced around him in a curve, sheltering both the lupine giant behind him and Orvoz's stand to his right.
The barrier crackled again, for a microsecond, and vanished as Orvoz looked up from behind his stand and yelled something in Nelvaanian that the speaker was sure wasn't to be repeated in mixed company. It's moments like this I'm glad my Nelvaanese is still at "where's the bathroom .
"Rik, you mind telling me what the hell you were thinking?", his voice edged with the kind of instructor's tone that quiets a training yard. "That, and where in the nine heavens you learned how to do that?. It's not a technique the order has ever authorized."
They hadn't taught it for a reason. He took a short breath in and then exhaled slowly as he returned his arms to his side. There he stood, the grey-haired, pale-faced, Bakuran knight. Idanian's old friend, and Cadomedd's welcome nuisance, Andrew James Valor. He grimaced, mouth tensing under the skin-tight, black undershirt that covered him from the nose down. Over that, he wore a long, loose, black shirt with an armorweave vest, a worn, field green. His eyes narrowed too, into a severe look, made more so by the vertical scar over his left eye.
If I hadn't absorbed that, there might not been an Orvoz's. If I hadn't been here... . He blinked the through away. Even still, where did he learn this?. His face had bewildered painted on it's usually placid exterior. First the message Rik had sent him, something about waking up a Jedi. The last he'd seen Idanian was looking up from the splintered floor of a Nar Shaddaa dive. A man with no use for Jedi, the force, and Ashla.
Now, the once rakish mercenary looked more the monk, no, felt more the monk. Something had changed in his old friend. A change that caused the master's sternness to part for a smile, just for a second. I'm happy to see you, Rik. But we have a bear of a conversation waiting for us .
--- A few minutes earlier ---
"Idanian... where in Ashla's name are you." He received Rik's frantic communication yesterday, almost knocking his glass on Orvoz' sidewalk in the process. The first he'd heard from the mercenary in well, decades, and a personal message at that. "Something in my bailiwick. What could that ..."
He stopped, in front of Orvoz' stand, facing the memorial park. He came this way for the air. Nelvaan was one of the few places he was comfortable. It was away from a universe spiraling out of control, and reminded him of the Bakuran mountains. At least, that was what he told himself. Though his stomach told him he came this way more for Orvos' two-egg breakfast than any high-minded nonsense about how "Bakuran" the air in new Adervez was.
The telltale arcing sound of plasma through still air caught his mind's attention almost before his ears.
Rik leapt from where he was seated clearing the table and igniting the blue fire of his lightsaber. He flew through the air toward Cadomedd, lightsaber held in two hands as he swung them up and behind his head to deliver a powerful vertical chop. Left undefended his attack would split the larger than average Nelvaanian in two. Curiously, the thought of whether Cadomedd were able to deflect such an attack never really crossed Rik's mind. Maybe it should have. But Rik was lost in the excitement. Pleasure at this contest flooded through Rik but did not consume him. Nor did it control him. Peace and calm were at his center. The Force was his Center.
He smirked slightly, the smile hidden under his armorweave undershirt, and took a quick breath. The living force pulsed over and around his nerves, providing a comforting warmth around his eyes as the world slowed. Everything around him moved as if underwater, slowly and slightly blurred. He focused intently on the ragged man next to a bulk that was unmistakably Cadomedd, as he launched into the air, tipping the chair over behind him.
Well, he has Rik's disregard for private property. His smile, that fighter's smirk, it's unmistakable. Andrew had an uncanny memory for faces, more so than he'd like. Sometimes forgetting faces, places, and experiences is the best medicine we can give ourselves. It's a medicine Andrew never tasted, a man just a little too attached tot he world he dedicated himself too. But the robes and the saber, that's not Rik.
Nor was the way Idanian moved. That leap is classical Ataru, unpolished, but there's no denying it. That's how we taught the opening cut at Bakura. The execution reminds me of someone, but I can't place it. He's not just sensitive, or accidental, , the Echani considered this as Rik's attack neared Cadomedd, almost frame by frame. He's been trained. And trained somewhat well, by the first impression.
The Echani's smile widened as Rik hung in the air for a moment, his blade clearly hanging just micrometers from Cadomedd's outstretched forearm. Glad to see you're paying attention to defense this time, Cadomedd. Every blade can kill you, after all..
Sorry, didn't quite catch that! How was that again?
He swung again, this time a horizontal cut from right to left. A feint!
Rik pulled his arms in closer to his body to avoid Cad's block and instead stepped forward in a two-handed lunge at the furry beast's midsection.
He tracked Idanian's fall, grin growing ever wider. Good play Rik. . The stroke pattern of jumping lunge to pressing thrust was, as far as Andrew could remember, the first three steps of velocity three from the Bakruan order's Ataru curriculum. Not a bad play against a typical opponent. Close the distance and use your speed to force an opening. But . He paused, allowing himself a moment to shake his head as the frame-by-frame fight continued, Cadomedd isn't a typical opponent. He's a brawler, and by that measure damnably hard to predict.
The beast shifted the force once more to the edge of his floral shirt. After all, it wasn't just a fashion trend. Cadomedd found that if he focused on a thinner layer of material he didn't have to use that much energy. He was prepared to let the blade hit his side, and in retaliation, Cadomedd shifted his body. It was like a large gear turning into place as the beast moved his weight. He stuck out his leg and with the grace of a man much smaller than Cadomedd, the beast attempted to kick his smiling opponent across the face.
Andrew maintained his, almost involuntarily proud, smile as Rik corrected his Cadomedd-induced takeoff. He shook his head again as the newly-minted Jedi threw the velocity three opening again.
"Here's number two"
Cadomedd using those two fingers as a point of focus let the force flow through him and then out of him like a well primed grappling hook. The beast wanted to pull Rik's foot upwards in hopes of getting him on his back.
As Rik landed, Andrew felt the living force surge, like waves crashing against a lighthouse against Rik's form. An aura that felt sea-green, strong, full of life, of conviction, but untamed, Still wild. At this, his smile faded almost in an instant, and his hand instictively went for the shoto on his left side - just in case.
Cadomedd's smile grew one inch more. Number 3 was Cadomedd's personal favorite. The beast shifted his feet back into that old familiar boxer stance. He began to bounce back and forth. Feeling his old training begin to kick in. The force responded to Cadomedd's movements. It moved from his sides towards his fists. The beast could feel the current wrap around his knuckles.
"Number 3, is push."
Like lighting, Cadomedd's fist flew from his side sending the force from his knuckles towards Rik's hands.
The Echani's eyes narrowed quickly, and the warm energy that surrounded his nerves went hot, flooding into his muscle tissue as he took the first, running step toward the fight. He shouldn't have been able to re-route that, not at the level he's at. We don't teach tutaminis to students of that caliber, they can't regulate it. . Then, he felt it. The ground right in front of Cadomedd, right next to Orvoz's, began to quake. A quaking imperceptible except to Andrew's imbued eyes.
Dammit. Combustion! He's rerouted all of that energy into. If I don't get there, no one's walking out of this. .
To outside observers, the Echani in the green vest vanished and then appeared sliding in a crouch in front of Cadomedd, just as the wolf's arm dropped to his side. As he landed, he took a quick breath, pulling every joule of living force from the ground into his legs, then into his arms. Shit. It's too much to completely diffuse. I've got it down to just about a firework, but that's not enough .
He exhaled quickly, throwing his arms in front of him as he stood, and as the explosion ripped out of the ground, it hit a thin wall of raw energy, binding the air in front of Andrew's fingertips. The wall buckled, and cracked like glass, but the wave of energy reflected skyward, rather than into Orvoz's.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Sun Mar 03, 2019 2:12 pm
by Cadomedd
It's not every day that a wandering white-haired man jumps in front of you but for Cadomedd it happens more often than one would believe. Cadomedd mouth slowly lowered in amazement as Andrew James Valor, the "man of the hour", stood in front of him holding back an explosion. Usually, Andrew leaves some sort of message before he arrives, but Cadomedd was thankful that he didn't. If Andrew was stepping in then maybe this sparring match was getting too heated.
The streak of flame exploded skyward. The sound of Orvos cursing in Nelvaaanese quickly filled the air. Cadomedd rolled his eyes and dusted his shirt off. The old codger should learn to expect moments like this. He walked past the Echani.
"You didn't let me get to four, Andy"
Cadomedd said picking up two tables effortlessly.
"You could have least let me get to four"
Cadomedd chuckled as he tried his best to fix the mess that he and Rik caused.
Re: New Adervez, Capital City of Nelvaan
Posted: Tue Mar 05, 2019 6:36 pm
by Rik Idanian
The explosion... surprised Rik. He had intended to force push a clod of dirt into Cadomedd's face. The sparky spark boom was totally unintended. Cool, like super cool, but unintended. Surprised as he was at the Ka-fricking-boom he was even more surprised to see the one and only Andrew James Valor standing before him like Rik's combustion had spontaneously sparked life! He looked angry...
ANDY!!!
Rik was in such a good mood! The lecturing aside (Andrew was always a little surly) Rik had been waiting what felt like forever for his friend to show up and hopefully shed light on the past twenty years.
He deactivated his lightsaber and hung the repurposed blaster from his belt.
I don't know! He said in response to Andrew's question. I don't know anything!
Rik continued in a rather frantic recounting of the past several days, all in increasing speed and pitch as he walked toward his long lost friend. His gesturing was quite wild toward the end. With ten paces to go Rik put on a force aided burst of speed and caught Andrew in a friendly, if a little clingy, hug. There may have been tears.
I'm just so HAPPY to see you.
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I will not be made useless. I won't be idle with despair. I will gather myself around my faith, for it's Light the Darkness most fears.