Shadows of Bankor

The Aznuri have come to theTree of Tribes, neutral ground to see the butcher that had killed so many of the exiles… word had reached them that the vengeance of the people was delayed but it was unclear if this was due to Ru’ni’s reluctance or the interference of the Jedi and Resistance.

But here she was presenting herself before the elders of so many tribes. Even the Chaldi were present, and the Habnu as well. Standing alongside Neela was Master Oraka Hin, he would not allow her to go without support. On behalf of the Resistance, Yusandr had come herself as she felt the matter deserved her personal presence.

The matter was grave, as Neela had given her fate over to the Aznuri.

Would there be justice or vengeance?

OOC: Open to anyone interested in this matter.

Neela was quiet her head bowed as she waited for judgment.

Oraka had not been enthused with this course of action but understood the purpose. He was stoic and quiet.

Yusandr crossed her arms as she looked at the gathered tribes of the Aznuri.

Sacha stood nearby, representing both her own investment and the Mandalorian interest in Neela's fate. She waited to see what the Aznuri had to say on the matter.

A togruta elder of one of the tribes stepped forward and said, “The exiles call out for justice and blood has been shed but we are not of the cities of the laowai, who will speak for the sky-touched? Who will sing the songs of the exiles so that we may know the truth of things?”

“Who will speak for the exiled dead?”

Ru'ni was there obviously. He had gone full tribal, paints and furs, he had even followed tradition of leaving his weapons behind from this sacred place, though he could understand if the laowai did not.

He knelt in contemplation, not far from the prisoner, his prisoner. Though he wasn't sure whether he would speak in her defense or condemnation.

There were so many moments and memories flowing through his head though, he wasn't sure how to interpret it.
D8EE Discipline+Force for a conscience. Hard. Destiny: 1eA+2eP+1eF+3eD 2 failures, 1 threat, 1 Triumph, 1 Light Side


Thankfully his inner turmoil was not projected outward, in fact, anything but.

Beside him, in place of his armaments, was a small sack.

Dapper Dog wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 16, 2020 9:38 am

A togruta elder of one of the tribes stepped forward and said, “The exiles call out for justice and blood has been shed but we are not of the cities of the laowai, who will speak for the sky-touched? Who will sing the songs of the exiles so that we may know the truth of things?”

“Who will speak for the exiled dead?”

Ru'ni rose to his feet. "I am Ru'ni Wayne, walker between worlds. Those who know me know this is truth. I have spent more time with the Exiles than most here. I am in love with one of their Sisters, but that will not colour my story."

"This one before us led the attack upon the Enclave. I saw it with my eyes. Many were put to death by her weapon, and more badly wounded, before she fled the field. She does not deny this."

He paused, giving others the option to weigh in if they wanted.

Dak was present, his feelings about this issue were complicated but he had faced Neela in combat twice and was one of the ones to bring her in he was at least curious of the outcome.

As a killer for higher it wasnt often he felt right to judge the actions of others but the things he had seen Neela do as 13th sister were chilling even to him.

Qareme was there, standing as close to Oraka and Neela as she was allowed. She didn't agree with this either, however she respected Neelas decision.

Qareme Torth wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 16, 2020 4:15 pm

Qareme was there, standing as close to Oraka and Neela as she was allowed. She didn't agree with this either, however she respected Neelas decision.

Oraka said to Qareme, "This is the first of your many responsibilities, will you speak for your fellow Jedi Knight?"

It was Xanna's first visit to the lands of the Aznuri. She had expected to take a trip with Sloan to meet his people, but instead was faced with this rather different proposition. Jedi stood together, so perhaps the presence of a Master and multiple Knights would show the Aznuri how seriously they were taking this matter.

She positioned herself with the other Jedi and attempted to assess the mood of the crowd.

Oraka Hin wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 16, 2020 4:43 pm

Oraka said to Qareme, "This is the first of your many responsibilities, will you speak for your fellow Jedi Knight?"

There was a small look of surprise at the request, before Qareme nodded. "Of course. I would be happy to."

Qareme moved forward to stand with Neela, unsure of the process and when she would need to speak.

The togruta elder said to Qareme, "Does this one speak for the killer of the exiles?"

Sinnya had had time to clean up, but not much else. She was... who she was, a person in between. It wouldn’t have felt true to dress up like Ru’ni.

“I’m an Exile’s daughter, and I was there when it happened. I’ll speak.” The tips of her lekku trembled with tension, but she managed to appear calm otherwise. “Out of all the troopers and officers and pilots who m-murdered the people that night, who made songs out of lies saying they deserved to be killed... only one person is here. Only one person admits it was wrong. Even if she’s way too smug about that.”

“And the rest of the Empire people want to kill her for it, because they can’t stand anybody saying they were wrong to murder the Exiles and the Mandalorians.”

She frowned. “I don’t know what should be done to make this right. This woman owes the people a huge debt. It might take a whole lifetime to repay. But... when the Jedi and the First People undid the great curse on the forest, the people didn’t burn down the Calm to punish it for what it had been before.”

Dapper Dog wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 16, 2020 6:10 pm

The togruta elder said to Qareme, "Does this one speak for the killer of the exiles?"

"I speak for Jedi Knight Neela Takee" the large Zabrak said before going silent as Sinnya spoke. Allowing them a moment to consider the Twi'leks words

"Then speak, laowai," the elder said.

A nemoidian stood at the far back, watching and listening. He tried to be as discreet as possible for he might suspect he was not quite welcomed.

Vaya had felt like her head was spinning when she had heard what had happened in the ruins of the Enclave. She wasn't sure what aspect of it had affected her so deeply. The Razing had been in some ways the most harrowing of her life -- and if anything beat it out, it was the personal attention of Neela's fellow-former-Inquisitor. She had only grown more invested in the Anzuri, keeping company with Sinnya, and Ru'ni, and visiting the Chaldi and Hbande, and wanted to see their will respected -- whatever that meant in such a large group of diverse beings.

And now Qareme, whose wisdom she'd come to appreciate, was speaking on Neela's behalf, and Ru'ni... against her? And Sinnya something not quite so simple. Many movers and shakers were here, not least the mysterious flesh-and-blood Master she had heard spoken of in whispers by the Padawans. She stood close but aside. It was not her place to address the assembly, although she felt tense, as if perhaps her word in the right ear at the right time could make a difference. Or maybe she was just supposed to pay attention.

“Smug?” she said calmly.

Neela was getting a bit annoyed at this woman and then let it go and said, “I have said to you, to Ru’ni, and to any that have asked that I did what I did and if that warrants your justice of death then so be it, as a Jedi I do not believe that an eye for an eye truly heals the galaxy but that is not the debate.”

“If you seek that then I know there is no death, there is only the Force.”

She then said to the Elder, “I cannot bring your people back, I cannot undo the misery and cruelty I did before now I can only spend what time I have left to do what is right and good. If that is not enough then deliver your justice, the Jedi will still aid you, it is who we are. What I strive to be even if you think otherwise.”

“The people are wise and will find what suits their way best, I am guilty of what I have done and I strive to do better if that isn’t enough then so be it,” she finished.

Dapper Dog wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 16, 2020 6:55 pm

"Then speak, laowai," the elder said.

"Thank you" Qareme offered the elder a bow before stepping forward.

"For those who do not know me, I am Qareme. Knight of the Jedi Order."

It felt weird saying that, but it was still true.

"I stood in defense of the Aznuri, alongside your people and the others such as the Jedi. I fought with Neela, and was captured defending your lands. I understand the pain you and your people have felt. However, it feels that all that has happened has been placed upon the shoulder of one person, as if Neela performed these actions alone of her own accord. The Empire has come to this planet, oppressed and attacked any that did not follow the enforced rules of the Imperial law, and have killed many many more. The situation with the Chaldi also comes to mind, with the Imperial taking control via one woman, and she was to be executed for her crimes."

There was a pause, before she added "she was not. Instead, she was given a chance for redemption, and has proven herself to be willing to learn from her past, even if she cannot change what she did. I understand the Aznuri would call it something different, however it has given her a second chance."

Qareme looked at Neela.

"Neela cannot change what she has done while blinded by the Dark Side. She knows this, and will live with the pain she has caused for the rest of her days. Yet do we need more blood? Does this cycle need to continue? The Jedi believe strongly in redemption. To return from the Dark to the Light is not a simple feat psychologically, as it means you have to face everything you have done, and many cannot face that. It can take months or even years for the strongest of us."

She turned back to the Elders.

"The Jedi have stood as allies of the Aznuri. We have helped each other before, and will continue to help each other as Darkness tries to engulf every corner of this world, this galaxy, and everything that we believe in. We understand that it is difficult to overlook what has happened, but ask for you to allow us the chance to work together and create a future where we stand against the true enemy. Allow the Light to shine in the darkness. No more blood needs to be spilled."

“What does that mean? ‘Striving to be better?’ Creating a better future?” Sinnya looked at the other Jedi as well; perhaps this was something they could answer. “No, we can’t ‘overlook’ it, and you have no right to ask us to. You’re my friend, Qareme, but come on. Isn’t there something in between blood and... nothing?” Her eyes pleaded with the Jedi and the elders.

“Actions are worth a lot, words aren’t worth much. What can you offer to help people trust you? How will you work on healing what you hurt? Because it’s still hurt. Families are still broken, children still lost their parents.” She spread her hands.

“And for kriff’s sake, don’t just say you all feel bad about it, or... or you did some charity or something. Think about us. Talk with us, not at us.”

"Tell us what you want then," Neela said firmly.

"We don't know your people."

Qareme place a hand on Neelas shoulder, trying to comfort and calm her, before looking to Sinnya.

"Forgive me Sinnya, but as Neela says we do not know your people. What we have is the Aznuri talking to us about vengeance, asking for blood or for death. I understand the feeling, but it is not the way forward. You say there is something between nothing and blood, but we do not know what you or your people wish as the only thing that has been offered is blood."

“And all the Jedi have to offer is nothing!” Sinnya shook her head and blew out a frustrated breath. “You’re asking the people who are hurt and still bleeding to be the ones to discover a new treatment.”

She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, opened them again. “Neela. If we asked you to stay here and serve the Aznuri and protect them—not as some kind of morally superior guardian, because it’s going to be a really long time before you have any right to that! If ever!” Sinnya crossed her arms and frowned as she dragged herself back on track. “Um. As, well, a penitent. A child who needs to learn our ways with humility. Could you accept that? For a while at least, no matter what people say about you?”

She looked carefully at Neela, then with equal concern at Ru’ni. She had no idea if her suggestion would be acceptable to her mother’s people either, really.