What is a life?

[idontneedluck]

The night is beautiful in the courtyard of the Temple of the Kyber. Summer on Jedha isn't exactly a tropical paradise, but the air is crisp instead of bone-chilling, which is an improvement. Braziers burn in the courtyard, the scent of burning herbs perfuming the air.

Chirrut Imwe sits meditating on one of the benches usually meant for temple visitors during daylight hours. It seemed much more pleasant to do so out here after his evening chores, than to stay inside where he'll be cooped all winter anyway.

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[idontneedluck]

Chirrut slumps in Baze's hold, his head hanging low. Between his terror over losing Baze, the disapproval of the elders, and the disquiet of the Force, he is an emotional wreak.

"They were coming for the kyber, and they killed..." He trails off, miserably, as he realizes he was so caught up with his own stress he hadn't stopped to see what would be done for their fallen brother.

[iprotectyou]

Baze encircles his friend in Baze's large, powerful arms, embracing him--and effectively pinning him. "Yes," Baze says, rubbing Chirrut's back. "They did kill, and they planned to kill again. We shall have a pyre. For all of them. There has been too many deaths here."

[idontneedluck]

Normally Chirrut would huff in mock-annoyance at so tight a hold, but now there is only relief.

"I will get better, faster, so you will not have to kill for me." He has not yet reached the point of feeling true regret for wanting vengeance on that gunman, boy or no. He can feel guilt for inspiring Baze to kill, however. He would prefer the evils of the universe never touched that gentle heart.

"Now," He continues as he tries to pull up, with very limited success, "Will you not let me serve you? It is one of the very few tasks allowed to me at the moment,"

[iprotectyou]

Baze sighs and releases him. "I don't want you to have to kill," the larger Guardian murmurs, feeling very, very old. "But you can serve me if you wish. I am awfully thirsty."

[idontneedluck]

He is eager to, near-giddy happiness adding a twist to his already out-of-control emotions. He was worried Baze would show the same remote anger that the elders did, even if it is well deserved.

He would have taken it. He would have accepted it as his due and rejoiced that Baze was alive to give it. ... But he's so very happy this isn't the case.

So now he finds the water, movements slow and careful, and brings it to Baze.
"Are you hungry? I could go find food."

[iprotectyou]

Baze has never enjoyed being fussed over--he prefers to be the one doing the fussing--but he recognizes that Chirrut needs this, for whatever reason. The bigger Guardian shifts in the bed, barely sitting up so that he can greedily suck down the water Chirrut brings. "No, thank you," Baze says, yawning. "Unless you're hungry, you don't need to find food. I'm rather tired, still. Sit with me?"

[idontneedluck]

Part of him objects, unable to square with the idea of requiring penance.. but he could deny Baze nothing in this moment. Never mind that he craves some stillness and quiet right now as well.

"I will have to - you've taken my bed." Chirrut observes, his usually smart tone a little flat and worn... but he makes the effort. His movements are still slow as he makes a place for himself by the bed. He knows he's exhausted, and that makes him clumsy... and he wouldn't jar Baze for the whole of Jedha.

[iprotectyou]

Baze takes Chirrut's hand, squeezing it. "Take mine," he says, closing his eyes. The bacta did good work on his lung; his breathing is hardly impaired at all. The wounds' aches pull on him, but not enough to prevent him from slipping away into darkness.

[idontneedluck]

Chirrut listens to Baze sleep, the sounds subtly different from the unconsciousness he has been listening to since the attack.

Finally he sighs, and shakes himself. If he doesn't move, he'll fall asleep sitting up, and he imagines Baze will have something to say about that. On cautious feet he crosses the room again, curling into the space in the blankets left by his larger friend. He should pray, he drowsily recognizes as the world closes in on him. Tomorrow. In the morning. Then, there is time enough to try and make amends to that wild and powerful guide.

With that thought swirling through his head, he drifts off towards dreams.