All Souls Night

[Lorenza Dalenak]

The warm lights of sunrise bathed the surroundings of the Great Building as Lorenza flew the freighted through the skies, getting closer to the landing pads she knew like the back of her hand. It brought a smile to Lorenza's lips as she maneuvered the ship.

As much as she longed to, she couldn't call Kiffu home. She was tolerated, even appreciated, for her hard work; but she was still on the fringe, as it had been the case most of her existence. Yet she always liked coming back to the planet after a trip elsewhere, even though she enjoyed her traveling.

Some forested parts of the planet reminded her of childhood hikes on her home world, which felt like a different lifetime altogether. It had been over five years since she had left Lorrd and imperial culture behind. She knew it was her calling, her hatred for chains and leashes too strong for her to ever fit the mold. She missed her family at times, but she had known from a young age that she would never be like them. She had tried hard, supressing her soul's song for too long, until she couldn't bear it anymore; and simply disappeared into the vast galaxy.

In the last weeks, she had had dreams and felt stirring in her heart. She wasn't sure what to make of them, especially as her latent talents had remained unrefined. She also felt awkward at sharing such personal things with anyone on Kiffu, even though she had forged some decent ties with certain locals in the past years, especially other workers and their families at the Great Building.

For now, she focused on the piloting for she was only minutes away from landing. Then she would have a lot of supplies to unload, for it had been a three-week ordeal on a couple of worlds to accomplish her tasks.

[Ad'ana Saesrin]

In a week's time lightning season would begin as Kiffu and Kiffex conduct their yearly convergence. This was how the planets maintained power throughout the year, absorbing the brilliant electrical display that lit up the sky. Large white streaks illuminated the heavens as erected towers centuries old harnessed that power into generators under the surface of the planet.

This was a sacred time for the Kiffar people which included a celebration that led up to the first spark in the sky. There would be food, drink, and praises sung until lungs exhausted air in gratitude, for Kiffex blessed them with life sustaining energy. Kiffex would do the same.

It was why black armored Guardians stood at entrance to the docking back designated for the familiar offworlder. This was the first time that Dalenak had the honor to bring back delicacies across the system for the city to enjoy. Usually such a task was reserved for a Kiffar. The woman had proven trustworthy since she first stepped on Kiffu years prior, a fact the Truth Seeker of Kiffu would confirm.

Ad'ana Saesrin of the Clan Saesrin was that Truth Seeker, the only in existence. Her inherent Force abilities caused all of her senses to be extraordinarily heightened, forcing mutism, as it took all of her strength to keep herself from going mad with information inundating her mind, her body, her very soul. A curse from being born with psychometric abilities and unlimited potential. With the healers and the Guardians working diligently with her, Ad'ana was able to develop the ability to speak telepathically to others with short, simple, words and phrases. With that breakthrough, she had been elevated as the judge of law.

In happier circumstances, she was a holy symbol and enjoyed these days of joy that went beyond condemning the guilty. She could celebrate with renewed hope.

She watched the cargo ship begin its landing procedures, a faint smiling tugging at the corners of her lips. The strength of the repulsors billowed her shimmering blue and green robes, which were free of the black vest she normally wore on official duty, though duty was never far behind. Her mere presence was duty, but the physical weight of Truth Seeker could be left behind at her quarters in the Great Building that housed the Guardians.

[Lorenza Dalenak]

Lorenza had learned about the festivals and several aspects of the Kiffar beliefs since she had first arrived. While she knew she remained an outsider, she was grateful for being allowed greater glimpses into the local practices as she carved her little mark by working faitfully for the Great Buildings' maintenance, as well as extensive supply runs for the Seeker of the Truth. The upcoming convergence had been one of the most visceral experiences she had had on Kiffu, even as an off-worlder. There was something so magical about the planet coming at one.

When she had been told she was assigned to retrieve some of the delicacies for the yearly event, she had been surprised. She was even more so as she saw the black armored Guardians awaiting at the edge of the landing pad after she touched down.

She then felt it, felt her, the Great Lady, as she thought of her in such words.

She was beginning to rummage through the cargo hold, when she knew the Seeker herself had stepped onto the landing pad. It was a rare honor, and one she appreciated more than she should.

Out of habit, she quieted her mind, not so much out of fear of what the powerful Kiffar might find; but out of respect. She knew that the grand overwhelm was a difficult burden to bear, even for the extraordinary soul possessing it. While she was but a blip among the crowd, she was happy to provide even a tiny bit of relief to the Great Lady.

Lowering the boarding ramp, she climbed down, waiting for the guards or maybe even the Seeker herself, to go through the manifesto, and seeing that everything had been found as desired. She approached in silence and bowed her head with a soft smile, handing the datapad containing the report of her successful errand, awaiting directions.

[Ad'ana Saesrin]

There were two guardians with her to assist in unloading the cargo. With but a glance from Ad'ana, one stepped forward and offered a respectful nod to Lorenza. His qukuuf marks were of two dark blue slashes under both eyes, the sacred tattoos of the Kiffar that delineated maternal lineage in most cases.

"Welcome back Lorenza," stated the guardian with an even, official tone. "Kiffu is grateful that you have return safely with the festival offerings."

His eyes were drawn to the datapad in her hand and went to reach for it but stopped in midair upon seeing that Ad'ana had stirred from his peripherals. He immediately lowered his head in a gracious bow and took steps backwards as she approached the pilot, returning to his original position.

The Truth Seeker's features were warm, eyes welcoming, and her smile pulled at some of the intricate qukuuf markings on her cheek. They were the most intricate patterns ever given to a Kiffar - a melding of both Ad'ana's unique position and maternal heritage. Yellow was the color of the Saesrin family and the seemingly endless circles represented wholeness and unity - the faith that the people of Kiffu had in her to be an honorable adjudicator and holy presence.

Ad'ana raised her hand and waited to receive the datapad, finding Lorenza's mind tranquil. It made it easier for her to reach out and gently touch her mind.

Thank you.

Her voice was soft, almost like a whisper that barely brushed against an ear.

[Lorenza Dalenak]

Lorenza had always been fascinated by the markings Kiffars bore. She always made sure she didn't stare though. There was something enticing about the Kiffar culture, not some mere form of exoticism; but a complex history and intricate society that had made her spend countless hours studying since she had arrived on Kiffu years ago. It was really weird to her to develop such an interest for she had never felt close to the history of her Lorrdian lineage, and had felt like an outright outsider in the Empire.

"It is my honor, Guardian," she said softly with a bow to the the one who spoke to her. She was proud to serve the Great Lady, especially as she had been appointed to bring certain festival delicacies for the first time since her first arrival.

There was a quiet fierceness about Lorenza, which nevertheless melted as she saw the Seeker of Truth move forward. It took of all her willpower not to feel her legs give way, or let her mind run amok. She couldn't do it, not before the Great Lady. She had briefly interacted with her a couple of times, and been in her presence more over the years, as she had been earning her place; but that was quite a surprise.

She stood in place, hoping her features didn't betray her shock, or even the deep joy that filled her soul. With a bow, she handed the datapad to the Great Lady. It was difficult, she believed, not to be in awe of the Seeker of the Truth. Even untrained in the arts of the Force, Lorenza felt the sheer fabric of the universe glow when close to the Great Lady.

Her extensive efforts to keep her mind quiet unexpectedly paid off, even if her main intent was to make it easier for the Seeker, when the unique woman before her gently touched her mind and thanked her. Lorenza's smile widneed and she allowed herself some of her very few words before her, especially to her.

"Always happy to serve you, Great Lady," she replied in a whisper.

[Ad'ana Saesrin]

Ad'ana gracefully accepted the datapad with a gloved hand to protect her from another gift she had been born with, psychometry. It was the ability to obtain information by the act of touching an object - similar to how one gifted with the Force could sift through memories of a being. Instead, Ad'ana could look through events that an object has witnessed. It was particularly useful when she was needed to pass judgement on an accused, but it came with a price. If the object was tainted by an act of evil, it had the potential to affect Ad'ana's mind. She required extensive meditation to counteract any influence which could last weeks in some cases. Her sensitivity to the Force helped to balance this affliction by stripping away all emotion in meditation until Ad'ana could find her center without malignant shadows lurking within her mind. It was her perfect clarity. Her inspiration.

The sound of her mother's voice for the first time whispering her name in awe.

When that meditative state would be reached, Ad'ana knew her soul had been cleansed of negative energy. Which is why the gloves were necessary most times as it was nigh impossible to constantly control the flow of information from objects. She had grounded herself with these gloves and became so familiar with their texture and form that she could block her ability from working.

As she browsed the manifest, her features brightened as everything requested had been obtained. The Guardians approached and nodded to Lorenza.

"The Seeker extends her gratitude that you were able to fulfill Kiffu's wishes." He turned to signal the dock workers to begin unloading the cargo vessel. Hover lifts whirred to life and were pushed up the ramp. "We'll get this done shortly to not delay you."

The Guardians dispersed on orders from Ad'ana to assist, hoping that it would quiet some of Lorenza's nerves. She was one of a handful of outsiders that showed humility and devotion to the Truth Seeker of Kiffu. Lorenza's behavior and feelings were conflicted but kind, always kind. Ad'ana had hoped her expression of gratitude would have quieted the other woman's mind.

She signed off on the shipment and handed the datapad back with a small shake of her head in hopes to remedy this error of needed formality.

Ad'ana. Please. The ... festival. Informal.

It was the only time during the year that Ad'ana was just another Kiffar. Her appointment as Truth Seeker was set aside so even she could enjoy the festivities without worry of duty. Any accused that required judgement would be brought before her after the festival was over.

[Lorenza Dalenak]

Lorenza was very well aware that her Force potential was but a pale figment of power compared to the Great Lady's supernatural essence, especially as it had been untrained, and might remain as such for the rest of the Lorrdian's life. Yet she was grateful she had been able to learn to be quiet in her presence, as much as it made her even more sensitive to the ethereal presence she was graced with. It really was ambivalent; but the brunette had no other way to express it. Somehow, she guessed that the paradox she was feeling about her latent gift and the Great Lady was a very much diminished albeit true echo of what the Kiffar lived with, because of her quasi-divinity.

She watched the Kiffar review the report on the datapad. She stood straight, offering all due respect to the Seeker; but there was a lack of tension in her shoulders, a measure of peace that she had always felt whenever in proximity of the woman before her. She knew how the Kiffars revered if not outright venerated her; but she wondered whether the trained Force sensitive among them experienced her presence in a more poignant way. She might never know. As much as she was grateful for having become a welcome outside, it was still what she was. Nothing she would ever do would make her Kiffar.

She simply focused on appreciating the immense honor of her current position, and she smiled as the Guardian thanked her on behalf of the Seeker. She nodded to him and bowed to the Great Lady.

"Of course," she replied in a whisper.

It was interesting to her how she used to hate having any stranger go aboard her ship until specifically invited to; but had grown not to mind the Guardians and other servants unload her cargo, or even inspect her freighter. It was simply the way it was; and she trusted them because the Seeker did the same with them.

She retrieved the datapad from the Seeker's gloved hand, and tilted her head to the side as she saw her shake her head.

A silent "oh," formed on her lips as she felt the Great Lady's gentle voice in her mind.

"As you wish, Ad'ana," she replied softly, unable to help smiling warmly to the Seeker.

She felt joyful at the rectification; almost feeling as if she belonged among the Kiffar. While she had lived with them for several years, the Seeker's words made her feel more deeply embedded in their society, in the actual people. It made her happy, even though part of her felt unworthy of such an honor.

[Ad'ana Saesrin]

Ad'ana's smile was broad and pure, immeasurably delighted that Lorenza had respected her wishes. It was joyous elation that rippled from her that the Seeker had hoped would make Lorenza feel at home. There were select few off worlders that chose to stay on Kiffu or Kiffex, wanting to integrate and make the twin worlds home, to be of the people, to live and work and to love.

She wondered when Lorenza would understand that instead of coming and going so often, she should allow herself time to harmonize with the people. The woman's distant behavior confused Ad'ana because she sensed a need for belonging, something fervently apparent right now. The joy hung between them so potently but it warred with the justification of being honored. Ad'ana wondered why the sharp juxtaposition when clearly the sacred duty of providing for the festival was given to her. Lorenza's successful return was greeted warmly and gratitude showered upon by the Guardians and the Seeker herself.

Lorenza was a curious, albeit, conflicted being.

The woman had stayed for the festival in the past and the Seeker hoped that would remain true for this convergence. There was a lot of preparation for tomorrow's first spark, when the celebrations would begin and continue for an entire day. Kiffu and Kiffex would not rest as workers manned the machines to absorb the energy spikes, taking turns with others so they could enjoy the festivities with every babe to elder. Work had to be done, but it was a must that everyone had a chance to have fun with food, drinking, dancing, and gaming.

You stay? For ... festival? asked Ad'ana, her voice gentle and hopeful.

[Lorenza Dalenak]

Even though Lorenza still felt out of place and was awed beyond measure because she was in the Great Lady's presence, she relaxed and her already mostly quiet thoughts, hummed back into a quiet and peaceful whisper, as she happily looked at the Seeker's smile. It was difficult, if not impossible, to remain stoic or worried before her. It was part of her mesmerizing talent, the outsider believed.

The Lorrdian's often worry and feeling of inadequacy melted into a measure of peace. It was rare for her, given that even after a few years, she still felt that she had to prove herself over and over again to glean mere space among the Kiffar. And if she were honest and not letting her anxiety get the better of her, she would realize it was mostly due to her own mind that she was still at the edge of the group. While some Kiffars were still a bit wary of a foreigner's presence and unwilling to let her in, most others saw that she was hard working, willing to learn, and genuinely serving the Seeker.

Part of Lorenza longed to stay for longer stretches of time on Kiffu, and maybe - just maybe - be allowed more time at the temple, even studying with some Kiffar mentors about the history, instead of almost smuggling datapads to read by herself. She couldn't help feeling she needed to find a way to make herself worthier. She was still mind-blown that the Great Lady herself would spare a look and a word to her. It was both humbling and terrifying in a weird way that barely made sense in her mind, and only there.

Such considerations were only forgotten figments of a anguished mind, for Lorenza basked in the Seeker's presence, enjoying the little moments as her cargo was being unloaded.

Surprise nevertheless showed on her face at the Great Lady's question. Of course, she would be there, for she had already volunteered to help with a few tasks, so the natives would be able to enjoy everything. Yet something in the way the Seeker spoke and looked at her made Lorenza realize that she likely meant it as actually partaking in the convergence celebrations, and not just work during it. While it would have been fine with the Lorrdian, as she had done the previous year, she actually took the question to heart.

She wanted to say she would just help; but something stirred in her soul, and her answer surprised her.

"Yes... I look forward to the festivities," she replied in a quiet but joyful whisper.

[Ad'ana Saesrin]

Ad'ana's smile was dazzling like the rays of Kiffu's sun upon sunrise. It tugged her eyes wider with genuine happiness that Lorenza was going to stay.

Good.

Then after a moments thought, nodded as she came to a decision.

After cargo. Come. To temple. Stay.

She glanced as her guardians efficiently worked with the dock hands to unload Lorenza's ship. Large pallets heavy with crates were loaded onto larger transports that would be taken for storage, its contents to be prepped into enormous amount of food for the celebrations in a few days time. Her attention returned to her honored guest, for she was one in the Seeker's mind.

Itinerary. None. Saw.

Ad'ana nodded to the datapad.

Sorry. Was ... curious.

Lorenza was a blip on the radar, coming and going so fast most times that Ad'ana was delighted there was nothing scheduled taking the woman off planet. Yes it was bad manners taking a peek at her navigation system schedule but she wanted to make sure that her offer would be valid and considered.

She didn't communicate this much in such a short period of time and it was taking a small toll on her with a headache looming just out of reach. Lorenza wouldn't be able to notice.

Please stay. Better than ... ship.

[Lorenza Dalenak]

Even though Lorenza felt nowhere close to being worthy of being in the Great Lady's presence, some of her insecurities could do nothing but melt away at the sight of that smile. She bet that it could melt even the ice hills of Hoth. If there was any proof of the Divine in the galaxy, it was the Seeker.

She was surprised though at the Great Lady's happiness at her promise to stay for the festivities. She didn't understand why it mattered to her; but she had sworn to be of service, and if that included partaking into the annual event, she would be happy to help however she could, for making herself useful and worthy was deeply intertwined in the confines of her troubled soul.

As much as she mustered all her focus to keep quiet before the Great Lady, muzzling her thoughts and anguish as not to cause further trouble to the Kiffar, she couldn't hide the surprised that showed on her face and rippled through the Force when the Great Lady asked her to stay at the Temple after the cargo was unloaded.

She promptly regained her composure, although her heart was still beating faster and louder than usual. Having grown so accustomed to keep calm and quiet, a silent whisper in the tapestry of the Force, she noticed such details with greater clarity than a few years ago.

She hadn't been able to respond that the Great Lady spoke about having seen no upcoming itinary in her logs. While she would normally feel threatened for someone to look into such things, she was more shocked that the Seeker had any interest in actually looking. How was it possible?

When the Great Lady actually apologized to her, it was even more bizarre and she felt so unworthy, wishing once again that her latent potential, her skills, could be enough to be in company of the Kiffar.

She buried such thoughts deep within her, and bowed her head, smiling at last.

"I will stay, Great Lady," she whispered.

"Thank you," she added, her smile widening and her stance relaxing just a little.

[Ad'ana Saesrin]

Ad'ana understood the conflict that was within Lorenza. She had hoped that if the pilot would stay inside the temple she coveted, perhaps some of the insecurities and unworthiness that the woman felt would diminish. The temple was a place of worship and justice, of peace and security. Most importantly - to learn. She knew Lorenza craved this. Now she would have the opportunity to act upon her wants.

She also felt her shock and how she diminished her own talents compared to the Seeker's. Ad'ana control was strong and she did not sigh at this disconnect as many would have. She was patient as always and hoped that one day, Lorenza would not compare herself and embrace the potential that was within. The potential that made Lorenza special.

Ad'ana.

She gently reminded with a smile that made her eyes squint.

Welcome.

Her eyes relaxed and looked to the guardians then back to Lorenza as one of the Guardians approached. They would speak on her behalf as it would assist with the small headache approaching. She knew their minds well and it was easier to communicate her will and wishes.

Perhaps in time, the same would occur with Lorenza.

"The Seeker offers to bring you to the temple now if you are all right with us finishing up here. Your ship is safe with us as an honored guest."

[Lorenza Dalenak]

Lorenza felt color rise to her cheeks when the Seeker gently corrected her, and welcomed her.

"Thank you, Ad'ana," she replied softly.

Even though she was still in shock and awe at the Kiffar's personal welcome and her invitation to stay for the festival and even sojourn at the Temple for a while, the Lorrdian managed to remain a quiet ripple before the Seeker. Not only was the Great Lady's presence a beacon of warm light; but Lorenza admired her so greatly that it helped her keep quiet despite her inner turmoil. Doing her very best as to minimize extra disturbance for the Seeker was dear to her heart.

She observed the Great Lady look to the guardians. She had witnessed such things before, though mostly from afar. Based on some questions she had found courage to ask to other Kiffars, she knew it meant that the Seeker was getting tired because of the added strain.

She bowed to the guards, as well as the Seeker.

"I only need to retrieve a few belongings aboard my ship and I would be honored," she replied clearly but still quietly.

She hoped her request was appropriate. She knew exactly what she needed to bring and she preferred taking care of it herself. She would have hated if anyone else than the Great Lady's personnel handled her cargo; but she was alright with them taking care of it.

[Ad'ana Saesrin]

Ad'ana didn't hesitate nodding at the request. The guardian did as well. "She is pleased to hear that and we will wait here. Take all the time you need."

He activated the communication device on his gauntlet and informed staff of the new guest that would be staying at the temple until at least the end of the festival. Ad'ana smiled encouragingly, wishing Lorenza wouldn't second guess herself. The Seeker heard the reverence in the woman's voice and felt the hope that no untoward offense would be created by the simple request.

It made her unhappy, but Ad'ana couldn't shift such strong emotions that her presence invoked within Lorenza. She hoped that staying in the temple and spending time preparing for the festival could tame some of the immediate reactions.

As Lorenza went to retrieve the items she needed, Ad'ana slowly circled the ship, watching the crew continue to unload the cargo and haul it off. They made sure their steps wouldn't cause the Seeker's path to be disturbed out of respect. Their minds were full of purpose and high regard for her, not overshadowed by inadequacy. Yet they were Kiffar and raised with established traditions. When Ad'ana had been groomed to take on the responsibilities of the Truth Seeker the moment she was born, nothing changed for the people of Kiffu except to understand that the new Seeker's abilities were special. They were a gift as much as a curse, but her power would be righteous and fair for the people. That promise came to pass and Ad'ana was honored but she was also Kiffar. No one treated her differently then what was expected of her title and duty.

Until the offworlder Lorenza had come to Kiffu on contract. Ad'ana had experienced respect, indifference, apathy, disrespect ... but never had an outsider treasured her in a way that surpassed her own people. It puzzled her, but it was not her duty to solve the puzzle. That would cause Lorenza distress and would be rude to pry. But the Seeker could welcome the woman into the temple and allow Lorenza the chance to learn.

She glanced up at the ship whose shadow she walked through and wondered if her idea would work. Ad'ana trusted the Force nudging Lorenza to stay and not ignore the pull of the other woman ...

[Lorenza Dalenak]

Lorenza relaxed her shoulders, which she had tightened without realizing, when she saw the Great Lady nod and the guardian confirm she could take her time. She smiled and bowed her head.

"Thank you," she replied quietly and genuinely.

She headed back to her ship, making her way straight to her quarters. She had already taken care of the post landing check up, and had provided her documentation, so all she had to do was pack up for her stay at the temple.

As she stood in her room, she pondered for a brief moment of what to take with her. She only considered that as a temporary stay, knowing she would be on the space routes again sooner than later given her work as a pilot. She also didn't want to make it look as if she was moving in with the Kiffars who lived at the temple. She knew the Great Lady was honest and generous with her offer, but Lorenza was nevertheless wary of looking as if she was putting herself on the same level as the natives.

She was tempted to take nothing but the bare minimum; but something tugged at her. There was a little voice of hope within her, the one that wanted to see things in a brighter light, one that attempted to make her see she was worthier than she thought herself to be. While the Lorrdian mostly squashed what she considered lies most of the time, she did pay attention to it this time.

While it wasn't anything outstanding, she chose to take two bags this time. She put clothing and personal items in one of them, and then gathered her datapads and books and some tools she liked working with in case she got to help repair something, in her backpack. So she had everything she needed to last her for a while.

Besides the festival, she was hoping to get to spend time at the temple's library. She loved the quiet there and it was one of the few locations where she felt the least like an outsider, for all who went there sought to expand their knowledge.

Ten minutes later, she returned to the platform, and smiled to the Great Lady and the guardians.

"I am ready," she simply said, even when apologies for having taken this small amount of time were on the tip of her tongue.

Without her deep affection for the Great Lady, she wouldn't have been able to bring herself back to a state of quiet, quelling her insecurities as deep as she could.

[Ad'ana Saesrin]

The guardian that had spoke on the Seeker's behalf, stepped forward and offered to take the bags. Ad'ana had just recently returned to boarding ramp after her little stroll around the ship.

The Kiffar was pleased that her Guardian had already stepped forward to assist Lorenza with her things and that her guest had packed comfortably. She took that as a good sign and one that would flourish in the week leading up to the festival.

"If I may," said the Guardian, patiently waiting on Lorenza to hand over her belongings. "A room is being prepared for you, which should be ready when we reach it."

Ad'ana nodded for him to continue.

"There you will be given a keycard that will have limited access to the temple. Your room, of course, the library, the dining hall, gardens, and docking bay in case you need anything else from your ship. If you feel you need access to another area, you may make a formal request for review. The keycard will also double as access to the library archives. You are flagged as a guest and can retrieve files and texts under that designate. The Seeker hopes that these arrangements are acceptable to you."

That was when Ad'ana smiled encouragingly for Lorenza to speak her mind, having been watching her reactions closely by sight and through the Force. She didn't want to overwhelm the pilot but offer sincere welcome as her personal guest.

[Lorenza Dalenak]

Lorenza still felt unworthy of all the attention, especially the honor the Great Lady was bestowing upon her by her presence and invitation; but she was nevertheless feeling utter joy. The contrast of her two opposite feelings was difficult to bear; but she tried to stay focused and be as quiet in the Force as possible, as always putting the Seeker above her own self.

She bowed her head and handed her bag to the Guardian in thanks.

Her eyes wandered back to the Great Lady as her steps brought her closer again. For a brief moment, she genuinely and gently admired her beautiful features, noting her delicate features beyond the tattoos that indicated her unique position in the Kiffar culture and society.

Her attention returned to the Guardian when she heard his next words. Her mouth opened and closed, for she didn't know where to start expressing her thanks. She was wrapping her mind around all that he was saying, and she instinctively grinned like silly the moment he mentioned the library archives.

"This is.... wonderful."

Part of her wanted to hug the Great Lady, and she felt color rise to her cheeks when she realized her immense gratitude and bold want to express it was probably obvious to the Seeker.

[Ad'ana Saesrin]

Ad'ana kept her features welcoming despite the discouragement felt through the Force with Lorenza's self-deprecating emotions ever so strong. This was an uphill battle with a resolution that the pilot would decide on - the Seeker could only show her possibilities. Acceptance and growth had to come within. She was pleased that her guest wished to be treated as such and gave her bags to the awaiting Guardian.

Then their eyes briefly met before Ad'ana noticed how they flitted about but never straying from her direction. It was a quick, significant moment that the pulse of the Force allowed a breath of unrestrained familiarity pass between the two. This was a curiosity to the Seeker, never quite having such a potent exchange that barely lasted a heartbeat.

She would meditate upon it later as Lorenza's unbridled gratitude filled her senses. It was not only a potent emotion felt, Ad'ana saw the shock shift to genuine thankfulness before her dazzling smile immediately coaxed one from the Seeker. She took no offense at sensing Lorenza's wants because it was an exhilarating feeling to be surrounded by her true self. It was simply beautiful.

The Guardian spoke the words from the Seeker's heart. "You truly honor the Seeker."

Ad'ana eyes brightened while stepping to the side.

"If you would please, walk with her."

[Lorenza Dalenak]

Time stood still the brief moment her gaze locked with the Seeker's. Inner turmoil and blinding peace collided in the utmost rare instant of pure joy. Joy didn't even begin to do justice for the weird emotion that made Lorenza's heart flutter for blink of an eye, leaving a powerful trace behind, which kept her smiling.

While the Lorrdian understood that the mysteries of the Force were not magic as some believed them to be; there was nothing short of magical in the Great Lady's presence.

Lorenza had often wondered of the nature of her appreciation for the Great Lady, often falling back down how she had little faith in her own abilities to carve an honorable place among the Kiffar.

She smiled and bowed her head to the Guarrdian's words on behalf of the Seeker. She looked at the tattooed woman, one of a kind who all revered on Kiffu.

"I am looking forward to my time here," she replied without thinking twice, speaking straight from the heart. For a brief moment, she wasn't plagued by her insecurities, simply grateful for her stay at the temple and the perspective of the festival.

She couldn't explain why but she didn't even hesitate when invited to walk with the Great Lady. She wasn't utterly confident but there was no embarrassment. She naturally fell in stride with the Seeker, her expression calm but still evidently happy.