"You have to leave Kaeryth."
Nora was not a tall woman. In fact, Kaeryth was almost certain she was taller than her mentor. But she was imposing, and the one person in the galaxy Kaeryth had never been able to stand up to. She stared at her now, wanting to question her, wanting to fight her, but she couldn't. Blood was dripping from the cut on her arm, more from the gash on her thigh. Her hair was tousled and her clothes ripped. She had been fighting, again, because some idiot had decided that the recent rewards she'd gotten from the job she'd completed should be his instead. It seemed to be a common occurrence lately, with more and more members of the crew becoming jealous of her position with Nora.
"I'm sorry about the fight, I'll clean up the mess hall..."
"Don't apologize Kaeryth. It won't help." The older woman sighed. The girl sitting on the bench in front of her still seemed like a child to her, but she wasn't. Standing in front of her, her hands clasped behind her back, she knew she had to be firm. "You've outgrown this group. It's not your fault and it's nothing you can change. I knew this day was going to come, I just didn't realize it would be so soon. It's too dangerous for you to be here."
Kaeryth was silent, biting her bottom lip. What was she supposed to say to this? After five years she was being kicked out of the only home she'd ever really known. Nora had been the one to take her off the streets. She had been the one to really teach her this trade, to help her make contacts and secure jobs. "I can't...how....Nora you can't really mean that. I'll make it up to the guys...they'll get over it eventually, they always do."
"Kaeryth. You're ready for this. I've taught you everything I know these past five years. It's a big planet out there Kaeryth, you'll find work quickly. Trust me." Nora met Kaeryth's eyes, and Kaeryth knew she was beat. With a sigh, she nodded. "Good. Now get yourself cleaned up. I want you out of here sometime tomorrow, understand?"
The next 24 hours were hard on her. She left most of it, packing only clothing and other necessities. She didn't complain, not once. While Nora was the one person Kaeryth had never been able to stand up, that didn't mean she would lose her attitude because of her. She was a fighter and she wouldn't let this little occurrence change her life. In fact, it was like a fresh start for her. Maybe she could lead her own group, she wasn't 15 anymore after all. She had years of professional experience now, that would make a difference.
She was ready to leave by evening the next day. Nora was the only one that knew and was there to say goodbye. It was harder than she thought it would be, in truth, but Kaeryth was not one that showed emotion much. "Thank you, Nora." That was all she could think to say at this point, anything more and she would crack. And she couldn't allow herself to crack, not now.
"Take care of yourself Kaeryth. You're smart, don't let anyone every make you think otherwise. You can lead your own group one day, I have no doubt of it. You have to make sure you don't doubt yourself." She smiled softly, seeing more of herself in the younger girl than she could ever truly explain. "Now get out of here before you managed to get attacked again."
And without another word, Kaeryth hugged the older woman. After a few moment, she
released the hugged, turned and walked away. This was the beginning of a new chapter in her life and she was determined to make the most of it. How to begin,
however, was a different matter...
(ooc - From what I've read on these boards so far, I haven't been able to figure out what a good planet would be for a bunch of smugglers/criminals to
call their home base. I was thinking Corellia, unless someone can recommend somewhere better?)
