#❏. shi'al valorum — scriptures

[sithsjedi]

STAR WARS: THE SHATTERED TIMELINE

a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away …

Paradox! When JEDI PADAWAN SHI’AL VALORUM travels to retrieve her stolen lightsaber from the SITH LORD SUTEK, she discovers that his late master DARTH SIDIOUS has MEDDLED WITH TIME ITSELF in an effort to clone the legendary JEDI GRANDMASTER YODA. Instead of producing a clone of Yoda affiliated with the DARK SIDE, however, Lord Sutek has summoned ANOTHER YODA from ANOTHER UNIVERSE.

Padawan Valorum returns home with her lightsaber and this second Yoda in tow, but her REAL QUEST has only JUST BEGUN. Thrown unceremoniously into a world where the JEDI ORDER was NEVER DESTROYED and where EMPEROR PALPATINE never reigned over the GALAXY, Yoda struggles to acclimate to this new timeline and is left floundering like a fish out of water.

If Yoda is to thrive in this new world, he must learn to TRUST AGAIN and befriend his other self. This is easier said than done, for even amidst the onset of a JEDI RENAISSANCE, darkness still lurks around every corner …

The last time that he saw the Jedi Temple, it was IN RUINS — and yet, here before him now this beloved house of worship stood, fully present just as he remembered in all its glory.

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀Walking through the corridors of his former home was SURREAL. This had to be a dream. There was no other way to explain it. Trapped in a daze, Yoda ran a calloused hand along the Temple’s walls, breath hitching as his very soul was filled with its light. Chancellor Valorum’s daughter — and since when did his old friend have a daughter, let alone a Padawan Learner who had begun training in her twenties and wielded DARTH SIDIOUS’S LIGHTSABER? — kept glancing behind her to confirm her companion’s well-being, yet the old Grandmaster paid her nor the test subjects that she had rescued from Sutek no mind. What the species were of these individuals — may the Force bless their souls, for they were the ones who had broken him out of that Force forsaken test tube — he could not recall. This was a mystery he would solve later; all that mattered now was determining whether or not this was a dreamlike vision.

He had almost forgotten what it felt like when the Living Force was at peace, for his universe has been at war for so long.

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ “ Wrong this is.” Yoda muttered to himself whilst his eyes darted anxiously around the achingly familiar space. Shi’al paused, turning around to gaze at her uncle figure with unabashed concern present upon her visage. “ Destroyed these hallowed halls were. Witness it firsthand I did. A lie or an illusion — a dream, or some form of an afterlife — this must be. ” The Valorum heiress merely shook her head, and the corners of her lips turned downwards into a frown as she continued about her merry way.

Whispers followed Shi’al and her entourage throughout their journey. Yoda strained to listen, in the hopes that the gossip of this day may perhaps fill in the missing pieces of the puzzle that was this peculiar world. Unfortunately, however, most of the whispers concerned HIM. The Jedi who crossed paths with Shi’al and her motley crew found themselves BAFFLED by him. “ He feels like Master Yoda in the Force, yet at the same time he doesn’t. ” Yoda overheard one confused Padawan mention to their Master. “ Yoda is happy, almost impossibly so. This man … this man feels sad. ”

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Hobbling along with the aid of his gimer staff, Yoda eventually came to a temporary rest when Shi’al stopped walking entirely, her visage lighting up in pure JOY. The padawan held up a hand, bringing the entire party to a halt. “ Wait here for a moment. I’ll get my master, and we’ll get to the bottom of all this. ” She instructed quietly, her tone gentle yet firm. Her eyes were fixated on a Master-Padawan duo up ahead, and Yoda startled slightly when he realized that he did not recognize these individuals either.

“ ALFIE! ” Her jubilant, childlike shout rang through the temple’s halls, garnering the attention of all who heard the cry. “ MASTER AURELIA! ”

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀Her mission was successful, and yet, she has gotten far more than she originally sought. Nevertheless, the wayward padawan has returned.

@vendettavalor

[sithsjedi]

The 𝚅𝙾𝙸𝙲𝙴 𝙾𝙵 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙿𝙴𝙾𝙿𝙻𝙴 tilted her head whilst listening to her companion speak, brows furrowing as she processed his words. Nevertheless, the implication that she possessed POWER at her fingertips has an instantaneous effect upon her visage; it made her eyes gleam with pride, her back straighten, and her lips twitch upward into a smile.

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ “ I’ve never thought of myself as a threat, Master Kenobi — on the contrary, all I’ve ever wanted is to help others, not harm them. ” Shi’al admits, reaching up and re-centering the string of pearls which hang around her neck, then permitting her hand to fall back down to her side. “ Still, though, I think I grasp your point. I want to use my privelege for goodwill, but that upsets the oppressive system that has been in place for centuries. Therefore, I’m a threat. If that’s the reason behind such a label, then I think I’d be alright with it. ”

“ I can’t stand being cooped up here in Coruscant. I want to be out there helping the Republic’s people face-to-face, and doing what a public servant is supposed to do. But Papa and Godpapa — well, that is to say, Chancellor Palpatine — both say it’s too dangerous. ” It was within these rambling words that Shi’al’s youth crept out of hiding from behind her otherwise immaculate mask of maturity; here, the young woman’s musings became petulant grumbles. This was a sore topic. “ I suppose they’re right, since your Jedi Council has agreed to send you here at all, but if I could be out there doing something to help then I would. Alas, I can’t, so I just try to channel that energy into my performances instead. ”

@spokewar

“ music tells stories of love and hate … greed and beauty … life … and death. stories such as this one. ”

— Shi’al Valorum to Obi-Wan Kenobi

──✶prompts from the dark pictures anthology

"I can see why you threaten them so much, young one." The separatists would always fear those who could talk circles around them and their empty vows. Rather than answering questions, they tended to counter with their own in weak attempts to shake the fundamental beliefs of their enemies and those who would dare question them. Obi-Wan was not a man trained for war—quite the opposite—but even he knew their final battle would not be dictated by who pulled the last trigger, but by who had the loudest rally behind them. The war would end in favor of those whose spirits had never broken, whose words could not be silenced. It was why people like Shi'al were so important; she was no senator, jedi, nor battle-hardened general; she was a reflection of the people (something Obi-Wan and his fellow soldiers could ever be). "But please be careful where you speak, you have a good head on you and I hope to still see it at the end of the war."

[sithsjedi]

“ this is an emergency. ”

— SOURCE: “ The Parent Trap ” Sentence Starters

Shi’al was NO STRANGER to OTHERS WANTING HER DEAD, but she was in fact a stranger to gentlemen barging into her dressing room unannounced. Upon recovering from her initial shock, the SONGBIRD rose to her feet, movements kept steady and deliberate so as to ensure absolute calm.

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀It was a mark of her adeptness at the delicate art of handling emergencies that Shi’al’s visage was not governed by PANIC. Instead of permitting the aforementioned emotion to conquer her mind, the former chancellor’s daughter merely arched a brow at her companion, arms crossed in such a fashion as to conceal her exposed chest.

“ Emergency or not, Knight Skywalker, please do attempt to knock next time. ” Her words may have been intended to scold, but there was no bite behind them. As she spoke, Shi’al uncrossed her arms and deftly tied the strings of her silk robe together, seizing the pair of throwing knives resting upon her dressing table. “ Nevertheless, I thank you for the advisement. My foes have made a direct threat against my well-being at tonight’s performance then, I presume? Or is the threat of a larger scale? ”

@mutatiio

[sithsjedi]

Damn her godfather’s ability to read her like an open book.

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Only for a brief moment did the Valorum heiress allow hints of righteous indignation to flicker across her porcelain visage before she schooled her features into a far more diplomatic expression. Nevertheless, the damage was done; Chancellor Palpatine was still permitted the slightest of glimpses into his goddaughter’s inner thoughts, all of which validated the supposition woven into his subtext. His suspicions were confirmed.

Shi’al slid off of the edge of Palpatine’s desk — on which she had previously made herself comfortable — and turned to face her godfather whilst donning her carefully crafted mask of neutrality. He could see through it, of this she was certain, but she still hoped it may assist her with damage control.

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ One day, although this was a fact not yet revealed, maintaining this mask to convince Palpatine of the truth within a lie would be a matter of LIFE and DEATH.

“ It is entirely possible for me to be concerned with both issues and to advocate for both involved parties, godpapa.” Shi’al responded, a hint of steel present underneath her otherwise cordial tone. “ With activism, I have come to learn that such duality is often necessary. There is nothing that I adore more than our Republic and I will do what is necessary to secure peace, but remember also that I fight on behalf of those who cannot speak up for themselves. Until the Republic gives them the due credit that they deserve — citizenship, or if this goal is too lofty for the corrupt majority in the Senate, more humane treatment — then my platform includes the Clone Army. ”

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ This was another lie; for as long as she lived, Shi’al Valorum would always be concerned with the well-being of the Clone Army. Palpatine, however — as much as she loved her godfather — did not need to know that fact.

“ I desperately wish that this conflict could be solved without war, but unfortunately it seems as if though Count Dooku is hellbent on tearing this Republic apart. ” Shi’al muttered to herself, as she surveyed the chessboard positioned front and center on Palpatine’s desk. Her gaze flickered up to meet her godfather’s once more, features now marred by the presence of a frown. “ He had a point, you know, before he became a secesh traitor. Master Yoda told me about the changes he wanted to make before his fall. ” While she spoke, Shi’al moved her Queen into the perfect position to conquer Palpatine’s King. “ He was right. There is far too much corruption in the Senate. As much as it pains me to admit, the vast majority of your peers — save for perhaps yourself, Senator Organa, and Senator Amidala — have forgotten what it means to be a public servant. Checkmate. ”

@vendettavalor

@sithsjedi said: “ that’s pretty … extreme. ” — Shi’al to Sidious

⚔️ Garrus Vakarian Prompts // CLOSED ⚔️

"I agree, my dear. But while normally I would not condone such methods, these are times where, unfortunately, the most undesirable choices are likely to be the most impactful. The council has informed me that it is necessary to send all available troops out on a rotating schedule." As comforting as the words sound, the worried smile on his face does little provide any actual assurance to assuage her concern. Hands remain folded gracefully at his waist, a forced expression of neutrality masking the conflict bubbling just below the surface.

The Jedi Council say the situation on Mandalore has grown exponentially worse. The death of Satine Kryze has destabilized the planet's government to the point of collapse, and the group known as Death Watch - an infamous terrorist cell to be certain - has seized control in her absence. But from what has been reported, something isn't right. Something more is going on. Something darker.

He intends to pay the planet a visit before the Jedi have the chance.

In the interim though, the clones will be stepping in. The brunt of their army will begin a military occupation of the planet on a rotating basis, trying to deliver supplies to the civilians and detain the group and its allies until such a time arises that a more viable solution can be identified. Many are unsatisfied with this idea, thinking it will leave many key worlds - Coruscant included - vulnerable without their standing military on guard. Still, with a little encouragement from himself, the Senate has decided that neutrality is no longer an option for the people of Mandalore. And this is what compromise looks like.

There is a pause as he turns back to his desk to organize several piles of paperwork before stopping. He doesn't look at her, but he doesn't have to. He knows how she will respond.

"Could it be that your concern lies less with the security of the planet or the concerns of the Senate, and more with the clones themselves?" The subtext to his words is clear. He doesn't mean the clones as a whole, but one very specific clone.

Tech.

[sithsjedi]

Here in the GALACTIC SENATE, danger lurked around every corner. Coruscant may be far removed from the front lines, but it was a BATTLEFIELD nonetheless. War was waged with words instead of weapons, and political alliances took the place of armored battalions. Shi'al may be no senator, but her status as an ACTIVIST still rendered her privy to the great conflict fought behind closed doors. After all, it was this very conflict which she sought to REFORM, for the sake of ALL SOULS under the Republic's governance. Reform, however, was a painfully slow process — and the republic COULDN’T AFFORD to be slow.

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀Unfortunately, it seemed as if Shi’al was the only individual who possessed this sentiment, for all others were fixated on the war against the SEPARATISTS. The war was of enormous importance, of course — this Shi’al could not deny — but so too was the CHANGE that she desired. Every day that they waited, the slave trade in the outer rims increased in MAGNITUDE and POWER. Every day that they waited, the CHASM of marginalization promoting discriminatory behaviors towards certain beings grew ever wider.

There was NO TIME TO WAIT, but the war has ensured that Shi’al was all but trapped on Coruscant. If there was one thing that Finis Valorum and Chancellor Palpatine agreed on, then it was that intergalactic travel was presently FAR TOO DANGEROUS an endeavor for THE CROWNING JEWEL OF THE REPUBLIC.

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀It was by these very circumstances that Shi’al became the individual to bring Chancellor Palpatine and a delegation from the Jedi Temple their preferred selections of tea. Although most in her situation would, Shi’al did not forget about the PADAWAN LEARNER that had accompanied one of the masters. She had not yet met this Padawan ‘till today, but she did know what it was like to be forgotten.

The padawan in question seemed familiar, like the ghost of a vague memory. Shi’al could not help but smile upon hearing her speak, nodding in acceptance of the Togruta’s request. “ Of course you may, ” She agreed, inclining her head as a form of acknowledging the other's presence. " In fact, I might as well join you. I am glad you enjoy the tea, by the way - it's Alderaanian, easily one of the best. "

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀Shi'al settled down on the ground, her back pressed up against the wall whilst she made herself comfortable beside Ahsoka. A momentary study of her companion's visage made the question of her identity click, and a hint of recognition crept into Shi'al's piercing gaze.

" You're Knight Skywalker's Padawan, aren't you? I'm pretty certain that I've seen you around here before, though I've never caught your name. To whom might I be speaking? "

@naturesbeat

[sithsjedi]

It was with a surprised yelp that Shi’al found herself nearly tackled to the ground by her sibling-padawan, and it was only because of her many years as a ballerina did the Valorum heiress remain standing. Shi’al recovered surprisingly quickly from the disturbance, and pulled Alfie into a hug of her own whilst genuine laughter escaped her lips.

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀" Whoa! Easy there, Alfie! " Shi'al giggled, her eyes sparkling as she let go of Alfie to hug the being that Yoda assumed was her master. The unsettled sensation within his stomach only grew as he realized that this individual, too, was one that the Grandmaster of All Jedi did not recognize. “ Thank the force that the two of you made it back alright — I knew that you would be able to hold your own against any threat, but I was still worried! ”

All unsettling sensations of unfamiliarity aside, a small smile nevertheless crept onto Yoda's ancient features as he watched the interaction unfold. Shi'al's pure and unabashed joy was infectious, even for a being such as himself who has known nothing but heartache for many years. He stepped forward, placing a feather-light hand upon her shoulder.

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ “ Great potential your padawan has with a lightsaber. ” Yoda could not resist the urge to comment, his expression softening as Shi’al’s back straightened and her smile stretched even wider. “ A dancer she told me she once was, no? See it in the way she wields a blade, I can. ”

Yoda removed his fingers from the young woman’s shoulder, only for her to gently seize his hand in her own. He shifts the majority of his weight to his gimer staff, but still permits Shi’al to cling to him.

⠀ “ Master Pta’hoa, it disturbs me greatly to inform you that Sutek’s experimentation goes beyond living souls.” Shi’al reported, her grim tone presenting an eerie dichotomy to the joyous light that she was mere moments prior. “ He has inadverently meddled with the very threads that hold not just our universe, but the multi-universe in its entirety, together. Allow me to introduce you to Master Yoda. ”

@vendettavalor