Abi Bruce
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
Posts: 94 
Affiliation: Jedi Lords
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Post by Abi Bruce on Oct 15, 2019 17:31:21 GMT -8
Motioning for Aurora to rise, Abigail once more curtsied to the gathered lords, particularly the Duke and excused herself. Walking with Aurora from the holotable and back towards the main camp, the Countess turns to her Bannerwoman.
=Abigail=
I cannot express how thankful I am that you are so willing to fight for me, still after all these years. I had feared people would have forgotten my family's legacy, or would not wish our return. But as soon as we arrived, you were their, ready to risk life and limb for someone you had not met and only heard stories of my family. I guess what I'm trying to say is, well... Thank you.
After finally getting that off her chest, Abi gave her signature crooked smile as she put a hand on Aurora's shoulder. Aurora was a strong and loyal woman, someone the Lady Bruce was glad was at her side. Taking her hand off Aurora's shoulder, Abi took out her datapad and began sending messages to her men, telling them of the meeting place by the windmill/
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Lucien Malvern
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
Posts: 240 
Affiliation: Jedi Lords/Ossus Jedi
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Post by Lucien Malvern on Oct 21, 2019 12:46:38 GMT -8
The hour came as a communication from Malvern's staff was made to Abigail and her team. The clock counted down to the last few minutes before the artillery emplacements across the siege line opened up with resounding bombardments and shelling of the enemy's trenches and defenses. Battlecries pierced the surrounding area as troops issued forth, supporting mechanized advances, against the entrenched enemy. The Lord Commander did not care for success or failure, he needed the necessary degree of chaos to allow Bruce to infiltrate the castle and let the enemy not be aware of Conclair's advance too. As such, much was committed to apply pressure against the enemy.
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Post by Aurora Valhalla [RETIRED] on Oct 21, 2019 19:24:39 GMT -8
Motioning for Aurora to rise, Abigail once more curtsied to the gathered lords, particularly the Duke and excused herself. Walking with Aurora from the holotable and back towards the main camp, the Countess turns to her Bannerwoman.=Abigail=I cannot express how thankful I am that you are so willing to fight for me, still after all these years. I had feared people would have forgotten my family's legacy, or would not wish our return. But as soon as we arrived, you were their, ready to risk life and limb for someone you had not met and only heard stories of my family. I guess what I'm trying to say is, well... Thank you. After finally getting that off her chest, Abi gave her signature crooked smile as she put a hand on Aurora's shoulder. Aurora was a strong and loyal woman, someone the Lady Bruce was glad was at her side. Taking her hand off Aurora's shoulder, Abi took out her datapad and began sending messages to her men, telling them of the meeting place by the windmill/ N-no thanks are necessary... Aurora gingerly placed her hand atop Abigail's wrist while it remained there, getting her bearings for a momentMy family has fought for and protected your family for generations. My parents gave their lives because they believed in your House, my lady... I do not believe they would give their lives for someone not worthy of such a sacrifice. And you have done much to prove their faith, and my faith, is not misplaced... She let go her grip on Abigail's wrist then, as the other woman removed her hand. Aurora working hard to fight back the blush and her briefly elevated heart rateI shall see you at the windmill... Aurora gave one last bow of her head to Abigail, before heading out towards the part of the camp where her forces were gathered. Ready to gether the best of her fighters and assemble them at the windmill...
Aurora arrived to the windmill with a half dozen former commando's of House Bruce that had been held captive by Derek and his men. Each was as rearing and ready to go as Aurora was, when at last they found Abigail and her forces. Her attention soon taken by the sounds of battle sounding from far across the field. Letting her know the time to begin their infiltration had begun. Aurora motioned toward the Windmill for Abigail to lead the wayAfter you... |
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Abi Bruce
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
Posts: 94
Affiliation: Jedi Lords
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Post by Abi Bruce on Oct 23, 2019 19:03:39 GMT -8
Accompanied by two of her guardsmen and five Raven commandos, Abi lead the force up to the windmill. Ancient, and now almost in ruins, the stone building seemed to shutter as the door was opened. A large room stood almost empty except for the two mill stones and spoiled or empty flour bags littering the floor. The Countess crossed over to the bedstone and reached out with the Force and with her guards aid, moved the massive sandstone and the contraptions attached to it off of a small trap door. The trap door itself was sealed with a lock only able to be opened by a Force user.
=Abigail=
Aurora... You will need to open the door. I fear... if we set this down wrong... it'll collapse the whole structure. It's a simple lock... just spin the dial... 270 degrees... clockwise. Then everyone... get inside before we set this down.
Abi was short on breath. Even with her two guards help, the stone was heavy and seemed to want to return to it's natural state of not being in the air.
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Post by Aurora Valhalla [RETIRED] on Oct 31, 2019 19:55:28 GMT -8
Aurora followed closely behind Abi, as the Countess lead the way up into the windmill. The entire structure certainly looked rather run down and like it had seen better days. Especially as evidenced by the state of disrepair the inside mill was. The commando's filed in close behind her as Abigail and her guards started shifting the sandstone mill up off of a trapdoor, allowing Aurora to move closer and examine it
As you wish... But once everyone else gets in, I'll take the weight of the stone. I suspect this structure will collapse no matter what...
Without giving her Liege Lady a chance to argue, Aurora turned to the trap door and reached her hand out. Her eyes taking on a soft blue glow as she reached out with the Force, seeking out the dial that Abigail had mentioned. Finding it quickly enough, she grasped the object and turned it 270 degrees clockwise, feeling it click into place before pulling the trap door open. She stepped to the side then, allowing the group of Commando's to file in to the hatch and down to the safety of the tunnels below. Aurora slipped down below soon after, before focusing her thoughts upon the millstone. Using the Force to take some of the weight to allow Abi and her guards to get down safely
Ready!
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Abi Bruce
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
Posts: 94
Affiliation: Jedi Lords
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Post by Abi Bruce on Oct 31, 2019 21:08:11 GMT -8
Shifting the weight of the millstone to Aurora, Abi and her guards quickly jumped down into the passage way. As the stone was set down it shifted the whole mill. Above them the rumble could be heard of the building collapsing and cutting off the last light from above. Now they faced a long dark tunnel. It was wide enough for two to walk side by side and tall enough that most only barely brushed their heads against the ceiling. Drawing her saber, Abi lead the way, though left room for Aurora to walk next to her. After crossing under the no-mans-land from bellow, they started to go upwords till they came to a cross.
=Abigail=
This path she pointed left leads to by childhood bedroom. This one right leads to the pantry. And this one foreword leads to the throne room. Which path should we take?
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Post by Aurora Valhalla [RETIRED] on Oct 31, 2019 22:19:46 GMT -8
Once Abi and the Guards had jumped down into the passageway, Aurora had done her best to let the stone down gently. But the ensuing crash and darkness proved that the windmill had not been able to handle the shift in the structure. Causing her to jump back a couple feet in the darkness to avoid any rubble from hitting her that might have come through the hatch. Raising her left arm, she activated the blue wrist mounted lightsaber to add to the light given off by Abigail's saber before walking alongside her Liege Lady through the tunnels. Enjoying this moment they shared side by side, despite the less than ideal circumstances under which they were here.
As Abi came to a stop at the crossroads, Aurora stopped as well. Taking note of where each path lead. The last time Aurora had visited the castle, she had been a child, barely able to remember anything of substance. She closed her eyes then, her eye lids taking on a dim blue glow as she reached out with the Force. Sensing the commotion of the battle and trying to figure out where everyone was. She opened her eyes then
Derek is undoubtedly in the Throne Room. While sneaking in through the pantry may give us some surprise, we also risk running into any force between the kitchens and Derek... I suggest we just head straight there, and hope the element of surprise is on our side...
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Abi Bruce
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
Posts: 94
Affiliation: Jedi Lords
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Post by Abi Bruce on Nov 1, 2019 23:28:20 GMT -8
=Abigail=
Very well, this way.
Taking the lead as the path narrowed to a point where only single file was possible, Abi lead the infiltration force into a surprisingly large circular room with a column in the center, taking up most of the room. The area between wall and column was as large as the path way, allowing the team to file in and make a ring around what was actually a lift.
=Abigail=
We are bellow the throne room now. I have the access code to lower the lift. Be ready, once it starts to lower, we will have alerted them to our presence.
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Post by Aurora Valhalla [RETIRED] on Nov 5, 2019 19:45:54 GMT -8
Aurora gave a nod and followed after Abigail, as the Countess of House Bruce lead the way along the path. She slid in behind Abigail as the corridor narrowed, before filing around the central column in an opposite direction to Abigail, meeting her Liege lady as their teams filed in behind them. She activated her second blade then
I'm ready to go. Hopefully Duke Malvern is providing enough of a distraction what forces will be alerted are much fewer... Let's end this my lady...
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Abi Bruce
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
Posts: 94
Affiliation: Jedi Lords
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Post by Abi Bruce on Nov 11, 2019 21:11:40 GMT -8
The warriors and guardsmen all drew weapons ready. Once she had steeled her own nerves, Abi activated the lift. The column descended, exposing a large hole in the floor. A couple of Derek's men were standing on the decorative floor as it lowered, shocked. They were shot almost immediately by the Raven commando's. As soon as enough space between the ceiling and column had cleared, Abi leaped up on to it and began deflecting incoming fire, covering her allies as best she could.
=Bruce Guardsman=
FOR HOUSE BRUCE!
One of the older guards gave a battle cry as he and the other guards followed their lady up onto the platform, holding up their shields to also protect others from the blaster fire.
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Post by Aurora Valhalla [RETIRED] on Nov 14, 2019 20:31:43 GMT -8
Aurora followed close behind Abi in leaping up onto the platform once enough space had cleared. Her wrist mounted sabers moving to intercept blaster bolts, until enough space cleared for the Raven Commando's and then Aurora's Commando's managed to make their way up onto the the platform. Her eyes glowed blue, as Aurora immersed herself in the Force, scanning the crowd of people until she spotted Derek. The man sitting proudly upon the rightful throne of House Bruce
DEREK!
She pointed toward the throne then, her blade tip accentuating the gesture to draw her Liege Lady's attention that way. She leapt over the circle of guardsmen and their shields, her blades striking swiftly through the air to cut down anyone that stood between her and Derek. Derek rose up from his throne, pulling out and activating the crackling red bladed lightsaber. Aurora stood strong
You shall be served justice! for the deaths of my parents, and for the deaths of the Lord and Lady Bruce!
She pushed forward then, her blades meeting Derek's blade, the man parrying slice after slice by her. But while it seemed Aurora posed the threat, it was the person upon whom his attention was not mainly focused upon, that Derek should be concerned about. Aurora's mind reached out to her Liege Lady's, remaining away of where Countess Bruce was at all times
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Abi Bruce
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
Posts: 94
Affiliation: Jedi Lords
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Post by Abi Bruce on Nov 15, 2019 10:08:19 GMT -8
Abigail would have loved to also join Aurora in fighting Derek, but was almost immediately set upon by Derek's guards. These men were lightsaber wielding thugs with a minor atunement to the Force, but were still a threat that need to be dealt with. The Commando's soon arrived as the lift finally come all the way back up. They scattered to find cover as more reinforcements were being called in by Darak and his men. Abi's speed though was beyond what the guards that came at her could overcome. Soon she had cut down one and was free to move to help her Bannerwoman. Moving swiftly, she brought a strike down at Derek, but her emotions had clouded her judgement and was quickly repelled by a Force Push.
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Post by Aurora Valhalla [RETIRED] on Nov 26, 2019 18:47:57 GMT -8
Aurora did a sideways flip through the air with the aide of the Force, missing the wave of energy that had been sent in her direction from Derek. She dashed forward then, her blades and body a flurry of movement as she sliced and struck at Derek. Spinning this way and that like a dancer might execute various dance moves. She struck hard and fast, moving to put Derek between herself and Abigail. Giving her Liegelady the opening needed to strike the man down. at the end of the day, as long as Derek was dead, it would be vengeance enough for Aurora. And so she took his strikes, lashing out with her own wrist mounted blades in response.
On more than one occasion she performed an acrobatic jump to avoid a Force Push, other times she jumped and spun backward to dissipate one that managed to strike her. Her own attacks in turn through the Force not affecting the man much either. Their skill's seemingly evenly matched
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Abi Bruce
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
Posts: 94
Affiliation: Jedi Lords
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Post by Abi Bruce on Nov 27, 2019 18:21:52 GMT -8
Abi saw an opening again, as she picked herself up off the floor. Aurora was doing a good job keeping Derek busy. This time the Countess would approach slower and quieter. And only when she was upon him did the Dark Jedi notice. She brought her saber up on her left side, to make an upward slash, but it was a faint. She quickly brought the saber in a circular motion over their heads and brought it back around and down against her enemies legs. Separating them at the knee. Derek howled in pain as he collapsed. It was now, when her opponent was helpless, that Abi could finally avenge her parents, and all those in her lands that had been harmed by his cruelty. A dark and sinister look flashed across her face as she concluded he was too evil to be left alive. She raised her blade for a final stroke, fueled by the anger and sorrow at the loss of her parents.
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Post by Aurora Valhalla [RETIRED] on Nov 28, 2019 18:31:08 GMT -8
Aurora remained a few steps away as Derek finally turned his back on her when he sensed Abigail's presence when she was finally within striking range. Time seemed to slow down as her Liegelady feinted her slash, the blade traveling through the above and around Derek, before slicing through the man's knees. And then a wave of unease came over her. The Force seemingly shivering and shifting as it knew what was about to come next. Aurora saw the look that flashed across Abigail's face then, not so much in real time as a moment of premonition. Her heart ached as she felt and sensed a dark path about to be traveled by the woman she cared so deeply for.
Derek needed to die, that fact was indisputable. But Aurora knew it could not be done by Abi, not when the woman was feeling like she did in that moment. Aurora quickly deactivated her right blade, before spinning around. Thankful for the Commando that had moved just within reach. The Force wrapped around her then, her movements faster and swifter than ever as she pulled the blaster from the Commando's holster. She took a brief moment to aim, before firing off the shot. The blaster bolt striking Derek right in the top of his head.
Her grip remained tight on the blaster, as Aurora looked up to meet Abi's gaze. Her arm falling to her side as she finally remembered to breath, only to do so in ragged breaths. Instead of anger, or pride, or any sense of accomplishment. Aurora looked sad. While the man that had caused her so much pain and grief was now dead, she knew that she had denied Abigail the justice that her Liegelady sought. An act of defiance that she could not help but feel would have its repercussions
I'm... I'm sorry...
She dropped her gaze then, the guilt overwhelming her. But she held strong in her place, knowing that it was far more important to save Abigail than it was to have given her what she so darkly desired in that moment. Aurora would accept what ever punishment her Liegelady sought fit to inflict upon her
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Abi Bruce
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
Posts: 94
Affiliation: Jedi Lords
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Post by Abi Bruce on Nov 30, 2019 10:49:06 GMT -8
The blaster bolt rang out in the middle of the embattled great hall like a great bell tolling. Abi froze in place for a moment, as if she had been struck by it. A moment passed as she regestered what had just happened. A wave of emotion washed over her as she looked up and saw Aurora standing with the blaster still in hand. The look of shock turned to frustration. She had been denied avenging her family and people. She had been refused a chance at payback for years spent in exile. It was too much for her in the moment to properly process. She turned her back to Aurora, hiding the broken composure of her face before turning her head to speak slightly over her shoulder.
=Abigail=
Leave me. She said to mostly Aurora, but as she looked around and noticed that the battle was over in the great hall, she yelled to the others. LEAVE ME.
As the commandos escorted the prisoners to other sections of the castle, the Guardsmen were reluctant to leave, though the tone their Lady had taken was one they had not heard from her before. They left the room, but stood at the entrances and made sure she would not be interrupted. Once, alone, Abi fell to her knees and wept in the middle of her childhood home. She felt sorrow for what she had almost done, and frustration for not being the one to kill Derek.
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Post by Aurora Valhalla [RETIRED] on Dec 2, 2019 19:53:52 GMT -8
Aurora let the blaster pistol fall to the ground as Abigail turned away. Her heart sinking as her Liegelady at first commanded Aurora to leave, before more aggressively yelling the command. She deactivated her remaining saber blade and waited until everyone else had left before moving over toward the large double doors. It was there that she paused. Turning her gaze back to Abigail. She wanted to say something, anything to make things right. But she knew deep down that what had been done was done, and there was no changing it. Nothing she could say now would fix it. So, with a heavy heart, she slipped out through the double doors and pulled the shut behind her. News was already traveling from the Commandos to Malvern's forces of Derek's death, while those that had been captured also relayed the information to their own people.
The battle was won, but Aurora did not feel victorious. She may have saved Abigail from what she had been about to do, but Aurora felt like she had lost the woman. A fact that scared her more than she could imagine. He placed her hand against the doors for a moment, pulling herself together, before turning around. After instructing the Guardsmen that she would be on the balcony of the tallest tower, she made her way through the Bruce Castle. Teams of Commando's were spreading out through the castle to look for any lingering holdouts. Allowing Aurora to navigate the hallways and staircases in peace. It was a few minutes later, when she pushed open the doors and gazed out across the battlefield.
The forces of the Jedi Lords on the far side of the field were unchanged and pure, while the closer her gaze fell to the Castle walls, the more of Derek's men were interspersed among the crowd. She leaned against the railing, her face coming to rest in the palms of her hands. Her whole life had been spent fighting against the man she had killed. Her parents had laid down their lives to resist him and to fight for House Bruce. And with a single action, she had stolen away the vengeance she knew should have belonged to Abigail. She stood shaking for a moment.
She stood up then, and tore off the armour on her forearms. Tossing them across the balcony in frustration, before doing the same with the rest of her gear. Soon enough it was all in a pile on the far end of the balcony as Aurora sat down in just a bodysuit. Her knees pulled up against her chest, while she laid her head forward. Her braids falling down the left side of her form. She had barely spent a month as an official knight under Abigail, and she was pretty sure it was all about to be over. She had failed her oath, and soon she will have failed her family
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Abi Bruce
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
Posts: 94
Affiliation: Jedi Lords
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Post by Abi Bruce on Dec 9, 2019 18:25:58 GMT -8
Minutes passed before one of Abigail's guards came out upon the balcony. His visor was up, allowing Aurora her first view of the man. A human of advanced years, almost as old as Alesha, looked down at her beneath thick bushy eyebrows.
=Guardsman=
Lady Valhalla, your presence is requested in the great hall, by Countess Bruce. Please, this way. He stepped aside to allow Aurora to lead the way.
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Post by Aurora Valhalla [RETIRED] on Dec 10, 2019 18:43:48 GMT -8
Aurora had remained hunched in silence as the time passed by, waiting for when she would inevitable be found. She lifted her head as she heard the Guard come out onto the balcony. Her eyes red from the tears that had since passed. Her braid fell down across her back as she studied his face for a moment. The time to face her actions had arrived it seemed, as she pushed herself up off the ground. She glanced at the pile of armour as it sat there, almost seeming to taunt her. She took a deep breath and shook her head. Turning to look at the guard
Very well... Let us get this over with...
She strode forward, taking the lead in front of the guard. She kept her pace steady and slow, allowing the man to keep stride with her as she lead the way back through the castle. She came to a stop in front of the doors to the great hall where a pair of guards were waiting. They pushed open the doors then, granting Aurora entrance to the hall. She did her best to remain calm and steady as she concentrated on putting one foot in front of the other. Her gaze fixed upon the woman that was about to decide her fate.
Aurora came to a stop a couple of feet away, dropping to one knee and bowing her head. Remaining frozen there
My Lady Bruce...
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Abi Bruce
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
Posts: 94
Affiliation: Jedi Lords
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Post by Abi Bruce on Dec 30, 2019 14:15:44 GMT -8
Abi's face was dour. Something that didn't suit her at all. However, this day had been difficult on both her and those fighting for her ancestral home. Upon her throne, she looked down at Aurora. Normally she would have bid her most loyal servant to rise, but not this time... Standing, and taking slow deliberate steps, she descended from the dais. Most of the force that had joined them in the assault seemed to have been recalled back into the room, and all eyes were upon the two women. The Countess took her eyes off Aurora and looked around to those gathered.
=Abigail=
My comrades, loyal guards, soldiers. We have won this battle. Derk lies dead. But I was not the one to strike the killing blow. That was taken from me. Her eyes shifted back to were Aurora knelt. Her expression still stern. One among you defied me and stole the death stroke from me. But, her tone softened, in my grief and anger, if I had taken that man's life it would have started me on a Dark path. One I would not have returned from. And for that... She drew her saber and ignited it. A reward is due. Taking the saber she nearly touched Aurora's right shoulder. You have knelt for the last time as Bannerwoman Aurorianne Valhalla. Her saber moved over Aurora's head to just above her left shoulder. Now you shall arise for the fist time as Lady Aurorianne Valhalla, Baroness of Dunbar!
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