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𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟏

𝐆𝐀𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐌

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Blue walked along the winding pathways of her kingdom and sighed when she saw who had summoned her to the Weirdwood Tree, the white giant that towered over the beautiful marble city.

"Why are you here?" she asked the man with gray skin, streaks of red tracing his skull like angry veins. He smirked, his eyes smoldering like embers in the dark.

"I want you to know that you will have a few Jedi on your borders soon," he said, the arrogance in his voice causing her to narrow her eyes at him.

"And you're telling me this why?" she replied, her tone icy.

He leaned back slightly, the shadows deepening around him, and for a fleeting moment, she wondered if the looming trees were absorbing the light itself in his presence. "Because, dear Blue, a storm is coming, and I thought you might want to prepare."

Her heart quickened, a mix of curiosity and dread washing over her. The Jedi were both a blessing and a curse, and having them near could change everything for her and her people. "Prepare for what exactly?"

His smirk widened, revealing teeth that seemed too sharp, too predatory. "Ah, that's for you to discover, but trust me, it will be... enlightening."

As he spoke, the air around them chilled, and the leaves of the Weirdwood Tree trembled with an unseen power. Blue felt the weight of his words settle over her like a heavy cloak. "If the Jedi are coming, then we must be ready," she muttered to herself, resolve surging within her.

"What do you know of readiness?" he taunted gently, stepping closer, the space between them crackling with tension. "You, who have never faced real darkness? But I suppose we'll see how far your courage can take you."

With that, he turned and began to recede into the shadows of the towering tree, leaving Blue standing alone, her thoughts racing as she contemplated the path that lay ahead. As the air regained its warmth, she took a deep breath, her heart set on the challenges that awaited her kingdom. The winds of fate were shifting, and she was determined to steer her course through the storm.

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You walked into the courtyard where Mother Ermalld tended to a small child with a tail and horns. "Go on then, little one," she said gently, and the child scampered off, leaving you to face your mother, who lifted her head and smiled.

"Blue, what can I do for you?" she asked, straightening up with grace, rubbing her claws against the fabric of her robes.

"Jedi are coming," you said sharply, sensing the gravity of your words.

Mother Ermalld blinked, her expression shifting from warmth to concern. "Jedi? That's impossible! The continents are too far off for them to care about us."

"But it's true!" you insisted, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "A man with gray skin and red streaks came to warn me. He said we'll have a few of them on our borders soon. This isn't just a rumor."

Her brow furrowed, and she took a step closer, her ancient eyes narrowing with scrutiny. "What do you know of this man?"

"He was... unsettling," you admitted, recalling the way his smirk twisted with arrogance. "He implied that it's all part of something bigger. He spoke like he knew there was danger approaching."

Mother Ermalld sighed, the weight of your words settling heavily in the air around you. "If the Jedi are truly coming, it could mean they're responding to something more than mere threats. They might sense a disturbance in the Force, something that could put us all at risk."

You nodded, the implication sending a chill through you. "We need to prepare. If they come seeking help—or worse, to assess a threat—we need to be ready for whatever they bring with them."

Ermalld crossed her arms, her expression thoughtful. "Then we must gather our people and fortify our defenses. But we must also be wise. The Jedi are not our enemies, but their presence may attract others who would see our kingdom as ripe for conquest."

A deep determination welled within you. "We can't let fear rule us. We have to understand what's happening and not let this unknown force dictate our actions."

Mother Ermalld's claws dug into her robes as she considered your words, and then she nodded slowly. "You're right, Blue. Let's gather the council and prepare for the encounter. Knowledge is our best weapon, and we must be ready to face whatever comes."

As you turned to leave, her voice called you back. "And remember, child, sometimes the unknown can reveal strengths we didn't know we had. Trust in our people, and in yourself."

You left the courtyard with a renewed sense of purpose, the air thick with anticipation. The storm was approaching, and you would be ready to weather it.

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You and Mother Ermalld stood in the throne room, you in your golden opulent throne, silver crown perched on your brow, and she dressed in her dark blue robes, a delicate circlet adorning her head. The atmosphere was tense, charged with unease as the guards in golden armor dragged in three figures—two Jedi men and a child, their presence both disconcerting and intriguing.

Your eyes narrowed as you observed them, your white hair swaying slightly with the motion as you rose from your throne. "What's the meaning of this?" you hissed, your voice cutting through the silence like a blade.

The younger of the two men stepped forward, clearing his throat nervously. "We are the Jedi Knights of Coruscant, and we—" he began, but the words trailed off as his gaze met yours, stunned by your presence.

Confused by his faltering, you tilted your head, a small, mocking smile creeping onto your lips. "Oh, do go on, little Jedi," you encouraged, your tone laced with a mix of amusement and impatience.

The man swallowed hard, regaining composure. "We come seeking counsel," he managed to say, the urgency in his voice returning. "There are disturbances in the Force that connect your kingdom with a greater conflict. We wish to understand the situation better and to offer our assistance."

"A child?" you questioned, nodding toward the small figure clinging to the taller Jedi. The child's wide eyes darted nervously between you and Mother Ermalld, a small quiver of fear betraying an otherwise brave facade.

"Yes, she is one of us," the other Jedi spoke up, his voice deeper and more authoritative. "We brought her because she has a unique sensitivity to the Force. We believe she can help us understand the nature of the disturbances."

You studied the child closely, sensing a flicker of something extraordinary beneath her timid exterior. "And you think she can just... feel what's happening?" You crossed your arms, skepticism lingering in your tone.

The first Jedi nodded earnestly. "Yes. But we need your cooperation. This isn't just about us; it involves all of your people and possibly more than you can imagine. We need to work together to address this threat before it escalates."

Mother Ermalld stepped forward, her expression stern yet contemplative. "If there truly is a disturbance, we should consider what they are saying, Blue. But we must proceed with caution. Trust is earned."

You bit your lip, glancing between your mother and the Jedi. A part of you was apprehensive about allowing strangers—even those who claimed to be allies—into your realm so quickly. Yet, another part recognized the weight of their message. "Very well," you said finally, your voice steady. "You may stay, but know that any ill intent toward my people will be met with swift consequences."

The two Jedi exchanged glances, relief washing over their faces. "Thank you," the second Jedi replied. "We will make sure to earn your trust."

The young girl stood a bit taller, her eyes alight with determination, and you couldn't help but feel a glimmer of curiosity towards what she might reveal. The storm was gathering, and perhaps together—Jedi and your kingdom—you could stand against whatever dangers lay ahead.