Thread for Legends of the Blade Index | New Thread | Reply | Close | Stick | Delete  Legends of the Blade Galen Marek 2:35am, October 30, 2014 [Edit] [Delete] Ostrheinsburg. Still as war torn as he recalled. In all the years he had come to this place, as Apprentice and then as Master, he had always been drawn to this location. The Dark Side was strong here, passion and anger both in high measures for a prize he once held in hand before discarding both. He was young and brash then, secure in his power and seeming superiority. Now? He took inventory of himself as he knelt in the chapel, meditating on his progress. He was older, in every sense of the word. A veteran of war at the frontlines and from the role of commander. His left leg from the knee down was gone, replaced with a prosthetic of his own creation. His hands and body scarred by experiences that had molded him. And though his physical age was but in his thirties, a tinge of white would begin to be seen on his sideburns. The evidence of a stressful life and a consuming battle style that relied so much on his passions. In short, he had come so far and yet felt as though he learned nothing. Even the fact he knew he was cared about only made the guilt he felt twist harder in his gut. That was the entire reason he had come here after all, after that fiasco. And now, alone with his thoughts and as far away as could possibly be from everyone, he came to a conclusion. And standing atop the bell tower remains of the chapel, looked down at the ground far below with a dispassionate glance. That would be a way to go, especially if he refrained from using his abilities as he spoke aloud to the air. "I could do it...Just a step off and it would be done. I know you wouldn't stop me...As I know the Tardis wouldn't know." He gulped, trying to get his words in order before finally speaking. "If you're listening Goddess of Wanderers and Travelers... Please. I have walked in the shadow of death, bringing more blood in my wake then most. I have killed where I wished, when I wished for little more reason then boredom. I have done all I could to repent and yet I still feel as though it is not enough. What is it that my friends see in me, that makes them approach without loathing? Why do I not feel worth in me, that they so obviously believe?" He waited and for a moment, almost sensed something in the air...A butterfly flapping caught his sight, landing close and as it did, he blinked as the following occurred. As from his viewpoint and past the butterfly, he saw a familiar sight...A ragged, black sailed pirate ship that he was very familiar with as he scowled. His inner struggle discarded for now. He had work to do.   Galen Marek 2:46am, October 31, 2014 [Edit] [Delete] Galen. Wake up. Galen! He shot up from his pose, having fallen asleep since his dip...Dry, still reasonably warm. By his calculations, it appeared to be around six in the morning...His fire was dying. Picking up sticks, he began to feed it before using a spark of his lightning to light it up...The light illuminating a figure before him, which surprised him greatly. She was dressed in a cloak, covering most of her features...But her bare feet poked out from under and he could trace the outline of her full mouth from the hood. What disconcerted him the most however, was the fact he didn't sense nor hear her. And he had traveled far too long between worlds to take that for granted, especially here where he knew many would care to see him dead. His hand gripped a particularly thick branch as she watched him curiously, his instincts screaming to knock her out and ascertain her identity. It would be proper, it would be the smart thing to do. It was not his way and he tossed the stick into the fire as he peered into the dark of the hood, prompting a small smile from the woman. "....Come and sit by the fire, if you are cold." With the grace of a queen, she did so...Pulling back her hood to reveal a sight that took Galens breath momentarily. She was beautiful...Etherally so, in a manner that Galen hadn't seen on anyone before. Her hair was dark as the night sky, in the corner of her mouth was a kiss as her smile itself seemed to include him in some great secret. Her eyes were silver, and seemed to glow faintly in the dark and she giggled, her voice like she was about to break into song. "Aren't you interesting? Not so bad on the eyes either." Galen blinked in confusion, trying to piece it together as he spoke, his tone one of mild confusion. "...I'm sorry. I'd think I'd remember someone like yourself. Have we met?" The woman giggled, reaching up a hand to brush her bangs out of the way as pointy ears showed themselves to his sight. Her tone in contrast was amused and just a little bit coy. "No....But I know of you. And those close to you. One of whom has accepted my name and the other who has long championed my cause. For interests sake, what do you suppose I am?" Her gaze caught his, now calculating as she challenged. "What can you see, 'Dark Lord of the Sith?'" Galen pondered, considering her words and her image, weighing both solemnly in the same confused state...And then he used his senses to see her aura, opening his mind to her connection to the living Force. What he saw stunned him beyond belief. He saw infinity, the heavens and the stars shining bright in her presence as far as the eye could see. He saw a card game, between him and Quinn and Jack. He saw the glory of worlds he had seen, places traveled that he had helped protect alongside his friends...He saw...Too much and he averted his eyes, shaken as he whispered in awe. "God." "Goddess", actually." The woman corrected with a smile before reaching a hand to tilt Galens head to look up at her, as he had sunk to his knees from the presence alone. "You have called me here, and due to your efforts and those of your friends...To say nothing of my faithful, have granted you an audience. For my domain is that of the Travelers...Those who wander and are lost....So what would you ask of me?" To his credit, Galen managed to pull himself together, his questions numerous and racing through his mind. But despite his intents, what he asked was something else entirely. "What am I?" Her eyes softened at the sheer desperation underlying his tone, nodding as she stepped back to her seat, contemplating before she spoke. "A warrior. A hero. A leader and a great fool. In your pain and suffering, do you think yourself alone?" She challenged, eyes thoughtful as she continued. "Your path is one trod by many who have committed great sins and sought to pay their depths...Your friend Revan being one. Sir Lancelot of the Lake. Hitokiri Battōsai...The path of the Black Knight is a twisted one, where many seek redemption, all the while missing the most crucial truth of all. The fact, they have already had it." Intently now, she asked lightly. "Are your friends liars, Galen? Those who encourage and claim you are cherished and needed?" A shake off his head had her smile. "So the problem is not them....Its you. So long as you do not learn forgiveness, you will forever stay away in places untouched by starlight." "I am NOT the sort to-" Galen was wise enough to fall silent as she raised a finger. "You misunderstand... Until you learn to forgive yourself, you will always remain where you are. A journey never begins, unless you take the first step to a new place....Do not think that you dishonor them, by being happy." She added, watching his posture stiffen as she continued kindly. "It is not a sin to be happy, truly happy. It is not a sin to take pride in what you do, to set things right. And you have...Oh yes, you have tried so hard." She got up, walking over to where he sat, looking steadfastly at the ground before she stroked his hair, compassion in her eyes as though it was a child she was assuring after a nightmare. "...Hmmm...A very stubborn streak I see. Very well..See what you have wrought by your actions, Sith Lord. See what measure of a man you are, in the eyes of your peers." Galen gasped, eyes closing as information flooded into his mind- She never had a big brother before, but maybe this was what it felt like? Feeling safe and protected, knowing he'd always be there for her. Like how she'd always tried to do for Ruby. Sure, there was a few screws loose. So what? He more than made up for it by simply being there. Just knowing she could turn around when troubled and see him made up for so much he thought himself in whatever dark thoughts he had. Sad...He was so sad sometimes that it broke her heart. There was rage there, that she understood very well. But what did that matter to her? Despite all that, he tried and he was always there. And she'd be damned if she didn't reciprocate. If he could loose the Don Juan-a-be 'tude though, he might be perfect... There were few that the Inquisitor could speak to, that knew the consequences of the work they did. A life, any life was not simply to be taken because some nameless person said so. It was to be measured, weighed against the situation and then if called for, initiated swiftly and without pause. Still, she couldn't help but wonder whether or not he should simply because he could. He was a good, honorable man...As pure a knight, whatever he claimed to be otherwise as any Paladin she had met among her travels. With hands that had wielded anger and rage like a physical weapon, she had seen helping to uplift those who could not do otherwise. What he was, to her had no bearing as to what he is now. For what journey of discovery ever sought to return to a lesser truth then that which was greater? Through the many views, her voice broke through like sunlight through the clouds...Soothing, bright and guiding as she continued. "You are loved and respected for who you are and what you are. You have a family, friends because you have made efforts to change. Lift your head high, Ser Marek." And then he froze as a voice he had not heard in ages it seemed, echoed as though from a great distance. "There can hardly be one greater among the Survivors than him. He's been there the longest of all, without a break. Through insanity, heartbreak and...more." Shakily, he looked up...And standing, just past the woman was another...Green eyes shining bright as she looked intently at him before continuing. "He's a man. Stop wallowing in self pity. It's a weakness that only keeps you down. Useless." Behind her, a masked figure threw a lazy salute and as they all vanished, Galen found himself staggered...Feeling exhausted, but also...Cleaner? Purified. There was a heaviness to his limbs that had removed itself, a block in his mind now gone. He was at peace and in the corner of his eye, the goddess smiled broadly. And reaching for a rock on the ground, she held it in her grip briefly before revealing it on her palm...A smooth, clear crystal that on first view, looked as though it contained lightning within as she spoke. "A knight requires a sword to match...And you have carried your burden, long enough. This is my gift to you, Ser Marek....Use it well, as I know you will." In his hand, she bestowed the rock and closing his hand over it, leaned forward to kiss his forehead... The rush of divine power clearing his mind as she spoke. "In your heart of hearts, you have always looked for a destination...Now is the time, to take the first step." Galen closed his eyes, head bowed in respect as he strove to speak...Words failed him and as he opened his eyes, he blinked in surprise. She had vanished...The sun was up and all that had marked that she was not some figment of his imagination was the crystal in his hand and the butterfly that was flitting in the morning light. He pondered...For the first time he could recall, prayed and only then did he rise up and look up the sky, an exhilarated laugh echoing across the clearing. He had a journey to accomplish. It was time to return. Index | New Thread | Reply | Close | Stick | Delete