SS Hot Mess shows up to mingles 15 minutes late with Starbucks

[notzubats]

Who: The Huntress Crew and Visitors
Broadcast: Maybe!!
Action: SS Huntress!
When: From now until end of the system!

[There's been an elf invasion! And an Ellen Page invasion! Also there's a star system! Come in Huntress, it's been awhile, so it's time for a mingle! ]

Comments

[beardstrokes]

I don't know how many of my stories are appropriate.

[ They're all vaguely tinged with war and loss. ]

[twicewed]

Why is that? There is nothing you can't tell me, Obi-Wan.

[Finwe reached out to pat Obi-Wan's hand for a moment in comfort before his hand returned to his lap.]

[beardstrokes]

[ The touch, as always surprises him. ]

Even so, I'd hate to tell stories without a pleasant end. Though . . . perhaps I could talk about the siege of Ryloth.

[twicewed]

What happened during the siege of Ryloth?

[Finwe doesn't hide his eagerness to learn, leaning forward slightly.]

[beardstrokes]

There was a village taken over by the Separatists, our enemies. I sent my men to scout around to find a way to free the hostages. Two of my men came across a little Twi'lek girl named Numa.

[ It was certainly one of the smoother missions he had. Minimal loss of life, being able to save the hostages . . . making a difference to that one starving girl. ]

She was taken to them, calling them brother. With her help, we managed to sneak under the hostage camp and liberate the village.

[twicewed]

[He had never heard of a Twi'lek before but it didn't matter to understand the story.]

Your men sound kind, to take care of a child during a battle. And what of Numa? Was she able to reunite with her family?

[beardstrokes]

They're good men.

Numa did find her father after their escape. The story had a happy ending.

[ The unhappy part was Waxer's demise. Waxer, who was so taken by the experience that he had etched the tiny picture of Numa on his helmet, the best sign of his identity and died on Umbara. ]

[twicewed]

That is good!

Your men, they are your friends as well? You seem to know them well.

[beardstrokes]

I try to.

[ But there are limits. Always. ]

My men are different from ordinary people.

[twicewed]

How are they different?

[Finwe had thought that there was little variation among Men but he was learning that they were so varied in many ways.]

[beardstrokes]

For one, they're . . . clones. Copies of another man.

[twicewed]

Clones? Your people created another race entirely? [Finwe's eyes widened, shocked.]

[beardstrokes]

Not my people, but essentially yes.

[twicewed]

[Finwe was silent for a long moment as he processed this before he finally looked at Obi-Wan once more.]

Why would they create the clones?

[beardstrokes]

[ He exhales softly. ]

To fight wars. A war that engulfed the entire galaxy. All the stars in its wake.

[twicewed]

Fighting among the stars...[Such a concept is even painful to think about. Varda's stars are meant to bring peace and comfort with their gentle, scared light.]

If your people are blessed to travel among the stars, why would you wage such a war? Does the shadow hold that much sway?

[His fists are clenched without him realizing it, his voice gone cold. Speaking of anything regarding the works of Morgoth is a sensitive subject but it's nothing he'll shy away from.

But the coldness is gone a moment later as he reached out to take one of Obi-Wan's hands in his.]

If you have the strength and conviction to fight against evil and darkness, then that is to be admired. I cannot judge your people.

[beardstrokes]

[ His expression freezes a little at the touch. ]

Ah. It is the role of the Jedi to fight the Dark.

[twicewed]

That may be true but you still made a choice. Don't think that doesn't count, Obi-Wan.

[Finwe doesn't let go, squeezing Obi-Wan's hand to try to comfort him. If he was one of Finwe's children or grandchildren Obi-Wan would be drawn in for a hug and snuggle time but he'll let Obi-Wan decide that. For now.]

[beardstrokes]

[ He shrugs a little helplessly. As much as he believes a choice is involved, Obi-Wan has never understood the desire to give up or even the temptation of it. Even at his lowest points, the thought never occurs to him.

He was never taught to let it go. ]

It wasn't a difficult choice to make.

[twicewed]

Obi-Wan, here, with me, you don't have to shoulder that burden. [Finwe recognizes pain when he sees it as he squeezed Obi-Wan's hand once more.]

I never let my grandchildren to do that, everyone needs a chance to set things down once in while. Everyone deserves even a little peace.

[beardstrokes]

Peace is the enlightenment of the Jedi. It's not something we're handed or given.

[twicewed]

Well, I am giving it to you now. Not you as a Jedi but as a person and I hope it will help. [and like he did with his grandsons and children when they were sad he leaned over to kiss Obi-Wan's forehead affectionately before sitting back.]

Now, have some more cake, Findekano won't take back leftovers.

[beardstrokes]

[ He stands up abruptly. ]

I -- Thank you. But I should go.

[twicewed]

You are welcome back anytime, Obi-Wan. I mean it, Elves do not require rest so you would never be disturbing me if you should need anything.

[beardstrokes]

[ He hesitates before nodding quietly and taking leave. His heart was hammering tightly and Obi-Wan felt . . . lost. ]