(D0 Night) Behind the Curtain

[Cynella Andrim]

"A mere technicality," Cynella agreed. "That is why I am here, in fact. Alderaan would do well with Kuati ships to defend it in the upcoming war."

She held up her hands. "But I won't drag you into such politics. I was curious, though, what specific advice you had, master Jedi. I do really wish to do... More."

[Tethys Carrack]

"Hm. I try to start where I am, by asking people what they need, and listening." Despite the simplicity of this answer, Tethys seems to take the question seriously, tucking her hands in her pockets as she considers it. "You have great wealth. I imagine some of it is at your disposal. Intelligently applied, money helps with quite a lot of problems."

"Other skills..." An apologetic smile pulls at the corners of her lips. "We've just met, so you know better than I what you're capable of, but I can estimate some of it. You're educated--a member of your class has to be. Capable in high society, influential on your home world. A leader and organizer of others, a negotiator perhaps. And you're healthy and strong." She shrugs one shoulder. "I don't know Kuat well, but on every inhabited planet there are beings with conflicts to mediate and hardships to soften. Here on Alderaan, too. This is a rich planet, but it has cracks and fissures like anywhere else. You'd be surprised how much of being a Jedi is helping people avoid falling into those hazards."

[Cynella Andrim]

"Ah, well, actually, much of it is under the control of my parents. They take care of me well-enough but I've been told my expenses can be, erm, excessive if left unchecked." She hadn't really done well in math courses before.

So the mention of educated made her laugh awkwardly. "So what you're saying is... I should try to guide people to a better path then?"

[Tethys Carrack]

Tethys's own laugh bubbles like water again. "Does that sound silly to you?"

[Cynella Andrim]

"It's not absurd by any measure! I just don't know where I'd begin." Cynella pressed her lips together then sighed. "I can make life on starships more comfortable, at the moment, but that's about it."

[Tethys Carrack]

"That's somewhere to start, then." She opens her hands palm-up. "You can't always chart the whole course before you leave atmosphere. If I start to feel lost... I pay attention. The next action usually suggests itself."

She shakes her head a little, though a smile still plays at the corners of her lips. "Besides, if I just tell you what I think you ought to do, is that any different from your parents?"

[Cynella Andrim]

Cynella smirked. "I suppose the rumors were right about Jedi having mysterious pieces of advice." She pursed her lips. "You've left me with a lot to think about. I'm not so sure if you can say the same in return, though I hope you got something from this conversation nonetheless."

[Tethys Carrack]

"Don't undersell yourself." Despite the tall Jedi's air of reserve, there's some warmth behind her words. "This has been a most interesting conversation. I think I'm beginning to understand why I felt a warm presence in the Force here."

[Cynella Andrim]

"Right, of course," Cynella said, lifting her chin like a dutiful child. Etiquette school had certainly been an experience. "I don't wish to oversell myself either. I possess no talents like yours or other Jedi, though I'm glad you've appreciated my company nonetheless."

[Tethys Carrack]

"Jedi have a different set of responsibilities." Tethys shrugs one shoulder. "We're not all-powerful or anything."

Cynella, Tethys reflects, really isn't young enough to be making Tethys feel this old. And yet here they are!

[Cynella Andrim]

"I don't think I'd be able to fling a tank ever in my life. You, however, may one day do that if you haven't already." Cynella smiled. "Though with the late hour, I suppose we should both be getting some rest so we have energy for our 'different set of responsibilities.' "

The difference in age-related mannerisms was certainly tied to their backgrounds. Were Jedi wizened? Were noble heiresses prone to naiveté?

[Tethys Carrack]

"Sensible." Tethys's half-smile vanishes as quickly as it had appeared. "Catch you another time, perhaps?"

[Cynella Andrim]

"I'm sure we'll be seeing more of each other soon. The festival can't be that large, can it?" She tapped her lips in thought. Maybe she was being too bold in her proclamation. "Anyways, rest well, master Jedi."

[Tethys Carrack]

"Good night to you, Lady Cynella." Tethys lifts a hand in farewell... then strides off into the nighttime fairgrounds.

[Cynella Andrim]

Cynella watched the Jedi go, wondering if those Force powers allowed her to meld into the night or the wind. When it was clear that Tethys was walking away like any other human being, the Kuati lady headed straight back to her accommodations.