Be It Ever So Humble (D9, MN)

[Galen Sol]

"I'm pretty useless without my rifle." he admitted. "That was enough earlier today, but not in our fight tonight. It would be nice to have other options when I get into trouble."

[Aphr Ahaya]

"I see" Aphr nodded "makes sense, although a blaster would also work. Are you going to learn the Force more now? I thought you didn't want to."

[Galen Sol]

"I'm not opposed to learning." he shook his head. "I just don't think I can play by the rules of either Order."

[Aphr Ahaya]

"So what are you going to do?" Aphr asked, her eyes on Galen now

[Galen Sol]

"The Jedi, I guess." he shrugged. "I may be able to convince them that I'll redeem the weapon. I'll need some training, regardless."

[Aphr Ahaya]

"I see" Aphr nodded, a little sadly as she went to look out of the window "I'm going with Moyr."

[Galen Sol]

"I thought you might." he nodded again. "I wish I could go with you, but I don't think the Sith philosophy is right for me."

[Aphr Ahaya]

"And neither is the Jedi way. And you know..." she looked over at Galen "neither really suit me either."

[Galen Sol]

"Well, we don't have many options." he sighed. "I'm pretty sure whoever that acklay belonged to won't be interested in teaching me anything. Lyshea suggested she might be able to teach me unofficially, but that isn't a certainty. And, I know you don't trust her. I suppose we could ask about former Jedi or Sith who might be willing to teach."

[Aphr Ahaya]

"I disagree" Aphr shook her head "neither order are right or ideal. However, I would be considered too emotional for the Jedi. I've already been told I have too much attachment, and one of the Jedi masters has said I'm surrounded in darkness. No, they wouldn't train me, nor will they likely train you. We're too old. The Sith, however? They judge you on your strength. They'll train me, they'd likely train you, and what you do after is your call."

[Galen Sol]

"Is it? How many former Sith do you know?" he asked. "I've heard of Jedi leaving the Order. I've never heard of any Sith simply walking away. Apparently it was two Sith fighting who brought down that barge."

[Aphr Ahaya]

"The Jedi I recommended to you was a former Sith. I can't say I've heard of many leaving either side, which means either those who join don't normally leave, or can't normally leave."

[Galen Sol]

"Did she tell you how she left?" he asked. "I'd be curious about that."

He moved closer. "I'm not saying you shouldn't do it if you feel that's what makes sense. Just be careful. What you told me concerns me and I don't want to lose you."

Leaning against the wall, he added. "Both Orders follow extreme codes, in my opinion. One distances themselves from natural instincts. The other exalts power over everything. I'd rather find a balance somewhere in-between. The closest that I am aware of is within the Jedi, their original code. That's what I want to know more about."

[Aphr Ahaya]

"I spoke with one of my ancestors, through the holocron. I'm not sure even the older version of the Jedi suits us." Aphr sighed, moving closer to Galen "I want to be stronger, and I want to protect. What I did today was to protect, but it wouldn't be the Jedi way. The Sith path may be based on power in a different way to the Jedi, but both are still opposite ends of the same coin. I chose based on who I believe would help me, and where I can get the help."

[Galen Sol]

"I am pretty sure a Jedi would have done the same." he shrugged. "They just may have acted on different emotions. That's what I was trying to say earlier. That desire to protect is emotional. Love and compassion are the foundation of the Jedi mission of peace and protection, whether they acknowledge it or not."

"Do what you need to do, Aphr." he pulled her into a hug. "You are not a scared, angry little girl. You are a brave, compassionate woman. Please, don't let anyone change that."

[Aphr Ahaya]

Aphr hugged Galen tightly, closing her eyes and enjoying the closeness. She didn't want to talk about Jedi or Sith anymore. "Hey, Galen...promise me something?" she whispered.

[Galen Sol]

"Anything you want." he whispered back.

[Aphr Ahaya]

"No matter where we end up. Jedi or Sith, or...anything. That we'll always be close, and never turn against each other" she moved back slightly, her eyes on his "the path we're walking would mean we're supposed to be enemies, but I don't want to be your enemy."

[Galen Sol]

"I could never raise a hand against you Aphr." he assured her. "I don't care what titles we might end up carrying. I love you."

[Aphr Ahaya]

Aphr looked stunned. "W-what?" she managed to say

[Galen Sol]

"The same way you love me." he chuckled. "I'm not proposing."

[Aphr Ahaya]

"Don't do that!" She hit him in the chest, flushing like he'd never seen before. Even her lekku had blushed from it "I...you know I love you. You're the person I admire most in the universe. Maybe almost as much as Moyr."

She sighed.

"I wish you'd come with me."

[Galen Sol]

"You are cute when you blush, but you're the closest thing to a sister I have." he smiled. "I want to be at your side, always. But, do you really think I'd do well among the Sith?"

[Aphr Ahaya]

"Yes" the still bushing Twi'lek said "or at least, as well as you would with the Jedi. Neither of them are wide open spaces, but from what Moyr told me of the challenges on Korriban I think you would do well. You'd make sure nobody picked on your little sister either I'm sure."

[Galen Sol]

"I'll think about it." he promised. "If I am told that I must join the Jedi, then I'll come with you. If I go with Lyshea and find I don't belong, then I'll come find you."