1.0 - The Rescue of Hethan Romund

"No, no, no!" says Hethan loudly. "Stop that, immediately! And Dagger! We have discussed this. Have you forgotten the scrap of the Jedi code I've taught you? There is no emotion, there is peace. Everything I've researched says that you must learn to find your center -- you must face these challenges without wasting human life or," she looks at Urik, "having an inexcusable display on a corpse. Really!" She puts her hands on her hips and looks quite stern. "If you do not find a way to master yourself and conduct yourselves in a manner that's above reproach, then you'll just become a new Malefax. And where will I be then?" Her rebuke is real, and forceful.

Hethan nods, "There is a difference, Dagger, between someone who is an active threat and someone who is subdued. The active threat seeking to kill you? This is a different thing. Then when you act, you are acting to defend life. Your life, or someone else's. But to execute an unarmed, unconscious being is not justice or righteousness. Of course, I'm not sure I understand what we could have done with him as a captive -- but perhaps there's something he knew that could have helped us."

Hethan paces a bit, "I am grateful for my rescue, of course -- but I would prefer to be in Malefax's thrall than to see you turn into Malefax himself. Perhaps this temple will have more guidance for us -- I see archives, and though they may be sorely ruined I have hopes that there are things yet to learn in this place. We are in an out-of-the-way place in the Outer Rim, it seems like as good a place as any to tidy up and settle in while we learn."

The gatekeeper speaks up once more, "As I mentioned, there is a place where these two," he points to Dagger and Urik, "should go and meditate. It will help them clear their thoughts. I suspect that residual taint of Malefax and the dark side are no doubt helping to stoke the fire of fear and anger. It would be wise to remove that taint." The previously stationary gatekeeper now paces, ironically mimicking Hethan's own movements, and occasionally flickers in-and-out of existence as he does so. Noticing, he apologizes, "I'm sorry -- not all of my emitters and sensors are in excellent working condition. Your mentor is correct -- insofar as she remembers a part of the Jedi code. Would you like to hear the code in its entirety?"

Urik's grip on the sword is uncertain -- and emotions of fear and loss begin to overwhelm him.

He adds to Urik, "I do not think, youngling, that the way to cleanse a weapon of the Sith is through more death -- Sith or otherwise. But.. my knowledge of these matters is uncertain." He gestures, "Instead -- calm your mind and search your feelings. Does it seem right that a weapon forged by beings who used oppression and callous disregard for life would be cleansed by the death of any other being or beings?"

OOC: It is possible for a light-side minded person to wield the sword without challenge, but they must be stronger in the Force than any in the party is today. Perhaps some research within the temple or otherwise will help you identify how to remove the taint from the weapon in due course.

The gatekeeper smiles, "Excellent." He then faces south towards the entrance and points off to his right (west). "If you take the corridor just there -- follow it to its end, around a curve and past some stairs going down to the lower level. There are some living quarters there, by the way." He pauses, "You'll then go down a set of stairs into a room with a door, now open, underneath those stairs. Go through that door." There's a brief pause as he appears to think, "I believe I've managed to turn on the lighting -- it's a roughly hewn tunnel that will curve around itself and bring you to the meditation terrace. I also believe I've managed to open the door to the terrace so that you can proceed unhindered. If you run into trouble, just call to me -- I may be able to assist if there is someone who can see better than I can, there."

Hethan, still only hearing parts of the conversation decides to accompany Dagger and Urik to the meditation terrace. "I wonder what it will be like. I promise I won't disturb you, but I'd like to look around a little bit now that, you know, it seems safe to do so." Hethan, Dagger and Urik follow the directions provided. The tunnel carved into the mountain leading to the terrace is poorly lit, but outside of being a bit dusty, quite serviceable. A brief flight of stairs takes them back up to the same level as the assembly hall and through a door that opens noiselessly onto a terrace facing west-southwest down the slope of Mount Teloc and across the valley.

The view is, breathtaking. The natural beauty of Sprintir is on display, and without the threat hanging over Hethan or their own lives, it's much easier to see the scenery and enjoy it. By all accounts, the wall of the balcony is probably on the other side of the corridor you came down -- so it seems like the terrace has been intentionally separated from the bustle of the temple.

Hethan says, "Well isn't this lovely?"

OOC: I'll post a map/image of the balcony and path there later this evening, Eastern. Urik and Dagger -- please roll an easy (1 purple) discipline check if you do choose to meditate.

Back inside the temple, the gatekeeper says to Kaveri, "You may stand or sit as you like. This will be a form of guided meditation. I'll be asking each of you to be calm and center yourselves -- then draw upon the Force as we work through the cleansing. Depending on your collective ability this could take some time, or it could go relatively quickly -- I think experience will tell. Find a position of comfort and let me know when you are ready and we can proceed."