Faction [NJO] Among the Roots, We Grow

[Valery Noble]

Tython

​

Outfit: Combat Jumpsuit
Weapons: Lightsabers

The morning mist clung low to the stone steps of the Tython Temple. Birds sang lazily overhead — not the chirping of domesticated perches, but the wild, knowing calls of a world steeped in the Force. It was the kind of morning that hummed with potential. Valery stood at the base of the temple's grand stairway, her arms folded loosely across her chest, hair swaying gently in the breeze. Behind her, the Temple loomed — not with menace, but with history. Ahead, the forests stretched deep and unspoiled, green canopies swaying over trails older than the Jedi Order.

She glanced upward as the first of the Padawans began to arrive.

Some came with eager steps, eyes wide and bright with anticipation. Others held back a little, more cautious — uncertain, maybe, about what this really was. A mission? A lesson? A test?

In truth, it was none of those.

And all of them.

Valery smiled, just slightly — the kind of smile that promised both comfort and challenge, depending on how the day unfolded. "Good," she said, her voice calm but carrying. "You all made it." She waited for silence. Waited until they were all watching her. "I know most of you don't know each other yet. That's about to change." Her eyes swept across the group — new robes, new faces, new hopes. "The Jedi are not just trained in solitude. We grow stronger together — by understanding, by trust, by shared experiences."

She turned slightly, nodding toward the dense tree line beyond the clearing. The path ahead was narrow, but well-trodden.

"We're taking a walk into the forest today." She let that hang for a moment, then added, "A chance to talk. To listen. To learn who you're walking beside."

A pause. Then the faintest smirk.

"And a chance for a little adventure."

Open to NJO
Tydos Kaldan Xuko Pagoi Auren Kah'el Valoria Elryne Kas Larsen ​

 

[Jobbi Chantin]

Tython

Pet (hair): Fuzzy (Sha'rellian toop)

The jungle air was thick, and not just with mist or birdsong. Somewhere along the pathway of stone and vine, the smell began to announce her arrival long before the squish of her passage did.

The undergrowth parted.

And there she was.

A mountain of a child—11 feet of green-gray bulk in damp Jedi robes that had seen better centuries—Jobbi Chantin hauled herself into the gathering space with the sort of effort reserved for moving fallen starships. Her arms were thick, her eyes wide with wonder, and a soft-boned creature clung lazily to her shoulder: Fuzzy, her pet Sha’rellian Toop, curled into the folds of her robe like moss grown affectionate.

She paused when she saw the others.

Not out of fear.

But because she didn’t want to break anything.

“…’Scuse me,” she murmured in Basic, her thick tongue wrestling the words. “Is this—am I late?”

The scent of swampwater and warm milk followed her like a cloak. Her fingers clenched her satchel—filled not with datapads or training gear, but a few half-mushed snacks, a worn plush figure, and a lightsaber far too small for her hands. She didn’t look anyone in the eye. Instead, she lowered her head bashfully.

The Jedi Temple was many things to many people.

To Jobbi? It was hope.

Even if she still smelled like home.

@OPEN​

 

[Kas Larsen]

Equipment: Jedi Jumpsuit | Utility Belt
Tags: Valery Noble | OPEN

Arrived with his siblings who went inside of the Temple grounds to be inducted and settled in as new members of the New Jedi Order. Kari hugged Kas before they parted, their brother and sister twin bond was strong. Darex high-fived his older brother as he took his sister's hand to go inside. A grin was on Kas' face as he had crouched down a bit to acknowledge his younger brother.

It was strange being on a different planet. Kas unfamiliar with Tython he kept his guard up and remained sharp. Watched the gathering of other Padawan Learners meet a woman up ahead. Stood at the base of a grand stairwell of a Temple behind her. Was it a lesson, a mission or a welcoming?

Thoughts ran around inside of Kas' mind ones that were shielded always. Anyone trying to breach, probe or read Kas' mind. They'd have a tough time in their attempts.

Finding an empty spot by a tree Kas walked over there to lean on it but still close-by. Paid attention to Valery and he was able to relax a little from the shuttle ride from Panatha to Tython.

"So a gathering to get know each other. Plus some adventuring? Guess you can count me in."

Seems like nobody had introduced themselves yet so Kas waited and watched.

 

[Auren Kah'el]

More familiar now with the Temple's winding halls and echoing atriums, Auren made his way swiftly to the entrance platform. He'd risen early, not out of nerves, exactly, but to make sure he arrived precisely on time alongside his new peers. He didn't want to stand out, but he certainly didn't want to be late. Punctual, but not overeager, that was his aim.

The cool Tython air greeted him as he stepped through the Temple's archway, brushing lightly across his face. He drew a deep breath as he descended the grand stairway, each step calm and deliberate.

Ahead stood Grandmaster Valery, poised as ever — her presence composed, quietly commanding. Auren caught the curve of her smile just before he noticed the others: two Padawans already gathered, their robes similar to his own. He offered a polite smile and nod as he joined them, keeping a respectful distance. Not out of shyness, but curiosity. There was value in watching how others held themselves, how they entered shared spaces, whether they offered a greeting or kept to silence.

Auren wanted to connect, even if he still felt a little tense. He didn't want to intrude, so for now, he waited.

As the remaining Padawans arrived and gathered, Valery began to explain what was in store. Auren focused, appreciating how she set the tone — not just to instruct, but to inspire. His gaze followed hers toward the treeline, where the forest stirred, then settled, as if it, too, were observing.

Listen, learn, and remember, he reminded himself.

He wasn't sure how far along the others were in their training, or how attuned they were to the Force. But that wasn't what mattered most. What mattered was that he was here — ready to learn, to contribute, and to begin forging his place within the Order.

With a confident gesture from Valery, the group began moving. Auren stepped in line, the tall grass brushing against his robes, birdsong weaving through the canopy, and the occasional buzz of insects darting by. He reached for the thread around his neck casually, tracing it down to the smooth, familiar shape of the carved stone pendant. He rubbed his thumb over it smoothly, anchoring him in the here and now.

He was once again surrounded by trees, the wind, and the earth beneath his feet. An echo of something remembered.

 

[Valoria Elryne]

Valoria took a deep breath. It was quiet out here, amongst the trees. A nice change to the halls she's been limited to for the past few months. She was supposed making her way towards the designated meeting point, but she needed a moment to just pause and get herself together. To collect her thoughts so that they would provide less distraction once she did get there.

It had only been just under a week since she'd been granted permission to continue her training. A week since she'd gotten her lightsaber's back. She couldn't help but feel like a bit of an imposer. Valoria had even considered not showing up. That was, until she realised it was expected of her to attend. And if she didn't, she was certain the council would have a lot to say about that, considering her situation.

It wasn't that she didn't want to. Of course she wanted to. She just didn't really believe that she deserved it. Still, it was leagues better than being stuck at the temple all day long.

Her thoughts would have continued to spiral, had they not been interrupted by the soft shrill of a bird. Her eyes wandered towards the source of the noise, and found a bird perched amongst the lower branches. It looked at her for a few moments, head tilted at an angle, before spreading it's wings and flapping away.

Right. She had to get moving, or else she'd be late.

She emerged from the tree line just as Grandmaster Valery began to address them. Quietly, so as to not draw attention to herself, she joined the back of the small group. Looking around at the others, she noted that she definitely hadn't met anyone here before. And perhaps that was for the better.

As far as they knew, her slate was clean.

 

[Alamie Hulo]

---

Tags: Valery Noble OPEN

Alamie tried, as she often did, to adopt a more professional demeanor when meeting up with the Grandmaster and her fellow padawans. When she was a child, Alamie’s excitable nature and enthusiasm for adventure got her into trouble plenty of times. She’d learned as she grew older that it was easier to conceal that childish part of herself– to be the person everyone back home had hoped she’d be. Then again, she was a long way from home, maybe she wouldn’t have to pretend anymore.

Looking around the lush green forest, Alamie felt like a fish out of water. She had arrived rather late into the night and hadn’t had much of a chance to get a lay of the land. All her life she was surrounded by huge sheer rock faces of grey stone and blankets of white snow that covered the plains. It was quiet where she grew up, even more so in the winter when snow would swallow all the little ambient sounds. She’d never felt such liveliness before, the wind whistled, the trees rustled and swayed, insects scuttled around the forest floor and birds danced above them. It was nothing short of incredible.

Alamie’s mask cracked in seconds as she beamed up at the canopy of life around her. She hurried down the rest of the way down and came to a stop beside her new peers. The woman standing before the steps was Master Noble; although they had not formally met, Alamie surmised as much.

Alamie bowed first to Master Nobel, then to her peers. “It is an honor to meet you all. I look forward to working with you.”

---

 

[Reina Daival]

Location: Tython
Tags: Valery Noble Jobbi Chantin & the other Paddies
Outfit

Finally. Reina didn't feel like the newest padawan anymore. A small sigh escaping her lips as she prepared to set off into the jungle. She did a few little checks on her prosthetic leg, tapping it with her knuckles and letting the metal ring out for a moment. It didn't seem like it was going to play up right now. Not yet at least. She just had to hope that she wasn't going to get rocks or stones stuck in any of the motors of it. She checked through her bag for a moment, making sure she had the tools she'd need to work on it in case it did play up.

That's when she looked up and spotted Jobbi Chantin . A small frown coming across Reina's face as she thought back to the moment of meeting Jobbi's dad...and then listening to Valery's words about how the Jedi got stronger through trust and understanding...

And so Reina made her way over towards the little Hutt...Well, "little" Hutt. Though she blinked for a moment at the sight of the weird little fuzzy creature on her shoulder. That was...new. She shook her head at that however, giving the Hutt a small thumbs up alongside the best example of a smile she could give.

"Don't worry. You aren't late. We're all still here."

At that, she jabbed her thumb over towards the other Padawans, trying to reassure Jobbi. Reina had no clue who the rest of the Padawans were right now, but at least she somewhat knew Jobbi...Very little of what she knew about Jobbi was good, but she wanted to make an effort to understand it all. To trust Jobbi. It was how they got stronger...and Reina knew she needed to work more at getting stronger. She was doing fine on the physical side. She had to work more on the emotional side.
​

 

[Tydos Kaldan]

The brisk air of the woods offered nothing but strange discomfort for the archive-obsessed recluse. His robe was fresh, clean and orderly, his hair maintained even more so if that could be believed. It's true that the Master had not set out yet from the Temple, it was Tydos' choice to venture on his own, for a moment of solace and private meditation. His eyes found the temple before the others found him, and he was certain now the path he had taken was correct.

Tydos was three years an adult, an older padawan with experience on the training grounds and the forest paths that surrounded the Temple. He was also an academic, a studious mind with an obsession that attended Jedi history. He certainly portrayed that in his demeanor as he approached the already gathered padawans.

To Auren Kah'el 's observations, Tydos was the silent sort. He took no risks in greeting, offering a polite bow to the group as he took his place among the ranks. Yet, he did not speak. His saber, rather basic in design, sat firmly against his belt. Everything about him conveyed an uptight and regimented preparedness ritual.

Grandmaster Valery, a familiar sight. It offered the familiarity he needed to emerge ever so slightly from his mental isolation. He brought his hands together in front of him, preparing his mind and what lay within for the adventure ahead. It was a common practice he often engaged in prior to any training.

'Set aside your worry, your fear, your uncertainty. There is only the force.'

His inner monologue repeated the statement three times, and he rejoined the group in spirit as they began their journey into the woods. Curiosity now drifted to his companions, who he began to craft questions about within his mind.

Valery Noble | Other padawans

 

[Xuko Pagoi]

Standing on the weathered stone steps of the Tython temple, his soft leather boots standing where millennia of Jedi had walked before him, Xuko tooka deep breath of the fresh morning air...

...when suddenly the wind shifted and immediately he wished that he hadn't.

Being downwind of Jobbi Chantin was not a desirable place to be, and Xuko resisted the urge to shift his position amidst the ever-growing circle of Jedi as more and more Padawans arrived. It wouldn't do to dwell on the nauseating odor that wafted off of Jobbi; instead, he flashed her a quick smile and hoped that his eyes weren't watering too much. "Hey, Jobbi- not sure if you remember me from class, but I'm Xuko" he said, waving up at the Huttlet. She was one of the few whose names he knew- and also the easiest to spot in a crowd.

Xuko widened his perspective to take in the rest of the group. There was the serene presence of the Grandmaster, but just as exciting- if slightly less intimidating- were his fellow Padawans... the Jedi who he would continue to learn with.

On the other side of Jobbi was a fiery-haired girl with hazel eyes. Two serene humans with black hair- one cut short, and the other worn long. A Chiss whose excitable nature made a smile tug at the corner of Xuko's mouth. A green Twi'lek slipping into the back of the group., and another human who seemed to still be adjusting to the heartbeat of Tython's jungles.

Xuko had no idea what lay in store for them- either in this exercise with the Grandmaster, or in their journeys ahead.

He was, however, excited to find out.

Valery Noble @Padawans

 

[Kas Larsen]

Equipment: Jedi Jumpsuit | Utility Belt
Tags: Jobbi Chantin | Auren Kah'el | Valoria Elryne | Alamie Hulo | Reina Daival | Tydos Kaldan | Xuko Pagoi
Mentions: Valery Noble

Kas watched as more Padawan Learners had gathered round to engage with the Jedi Grandmaster Valery Noble he hadn't met her officially. Nor any of the other students amongst the Order. The gentle air brushed around Kas and continued to feel the Light-side energy of the Force beating around like a heartbeat. It seemed a bit too quiet and tense until he heard and saw Jobbi Chantin chat away with Reina Daival and Xuko Pagoi that gathered round.

The teenager got up off of the tree he leaned on to break the ice and isolation that hung in the air among some of the other Padawan Learners. Made his approach to introduce himself, his sister Kari would clock him over the head for being rude, taking a page out of her book.

Kas spotted the female Twi'lek Valoria Elryne being at the rear of the small group. Decided to make conversation with her first. He did notice she was rather quiet unlike a few of the others. Maybe he can help lighten the mood.

"Hey, everything alright? Noticed you were hangin' back a bit. I'm Kas. Kas Larsen. Only just arrived here. Came with my twin sister and young brother. Some Jedi Watchman helped us get here."

He offered out an arm and hand to Valoria a handshake gesture since Kas wasn't formal or used to the Jedi's formalities in bowing their bodies or nodding their heads to one another.

Now Kas was deeper within the group of Padawan Learners where he can hear and interact with them better. Overhearing the trio of Jobbi Chantin , Reina Daival and Xuko Pagoi although first time being this close with Hutt species. The scents emitting from Jobbi was strong he had to endure it.

He noticed a blue skinned, ginger haired female bowed over to Valery Noble being formal. First time he's seen a few species up-close. Seemed to carry herself with respect and passed it on. Kas gave Alamie Hulo a casual two-fingered salute preferred to keep his visuals clear and not block them unnecessarily.

Kas' attention fell back to the conversation he started with Valoria. All the while he noticed the other two Padawan Learners that were quiet. It left him wondering who they were, seemed to look older than the others. Young adults, mind 20's perhaps he thought and could possess a lot of experience, knowledge and training already by now his sights briefly caught Auren Kah'el and Tydos Kaldan before returning back to Valoria Elryne he conversed with initially.

 

[Valoria Elryne]

She stood off to the side, not distant from the group, but not within it either. She wasn't shy or antisocial or anything. She was simply reserved. Didn't want to stuff things up before they'd even begun.

Valoria knew, of course, that realistically, very little could go wrong. The worst that could happen really is her saying something and getting weird looks in return. Which, if it was going to give her weird looks, it would be something she'd never even say in the first place.

From her position from towards the back, her gaze was fixed on her fellow Padawans, watching as a few hesitantly struck up conversation.

I should probably do the same. She found herself thinking. That's kind of the whole point of this after all.

Still, Valoria didn't feel overly eager about it. Besides, she wasn't entirely sure how to approach them. It's been a while since she'd been in a setting like this. She glanced around the group again, debating who she should approach first.

She almost jumped as a voice seemingly came out of nowhere.

Turning, she found a boy who looked almost human. Something seemed slightly off though, which told her he wasn't human. Whatever it was, she couldn't quite pick it.

Valoria hadn't noticed him earlier, standing against the tree, aside from the rest of the group. Considering she'd been lost in her own thoughts until she arrived, it didn't surprise her too much that he'd gone unnoticed to her.

She realised she hadn't replied yet.

"Hi. Sorry, you scared me there," She admitted, knowing it hadn't slipped past his radar. "Don't worry about me. I'm fine. Really."

Valoria gave a small smile as if to prove it.

"It's nice to meet you, Kas." Hesitantly, she took his hand, giving a soft yet strong handshake. "I'm Valoria. Elryne."

She withdrew her hand, but the smile stayed. Behind the smile, her mind was running at a hundred miles an hour. As always.

Tags
Kas Larsen | Valery Noble | @Padawans​

 

[Aris Noble]

Aris gently sipped at his mug. Not because the liquid was scalding (it was) but rather, he was enjoying the flavor. It'd felt like forever since he last had this type of hot cocoa. Been a while since he'd really done anything with his mother. He'd been too busy, too pulled into his own direction. Now, though, he was here to help. His expression seemed blank, controlled without any emotion in the slightest, but to those who actually knew him, he was smiling. More and more Padawan's had ended up joining the Order too, so why not meet some of the newer folks?

Grant it, he towered over everyone here. For now he stood to the side, watching and listening to the conversations abound. He'd join in when he was certain he wasn't about to intimidate someone again.

 

[Auren Kah'el]

Auren watched discreetly, making sure not to stare, as Jobbi Chantin sluggishly rolled her way into the circle of Padawans. A distinctive odour trailed faintly after her, steadily growing stronger as she approached. When the Huttlet timidly asked if she was late, Auren glanced around to catch the reactions of the others. He was quick to offer a reassuring smile, and was relieved to see the rest of the group respond with quiet encouragement. There were many species Auren had never seen before arriving on Tython, and Jobbi was perhaps the most unique yet. Still, something about her demeanour told him this was all new to her as well. The smell, however, was... challenging. Auren found himself focusing inward, trying to centre himself and remain unaffected.

Just off to the side of the group, not far from Valery Noble , stood an athletic-looking young man with dark, piercing eyes — Kas Larsen Larsen. He leaned casually against a broad tree, exuding a quiet confidence. Auren noted his composure; calm, alert, but not arrogant. It was clear he was listening to Valery with a mix of respect and curiosity. When the Grandmaster mentioned the nature of the day's task, Kas took the opportunity to speak up, expressing his enthusiasm. Auren admired the natural charisma in his voice, though he noticed the other Padawan didn't offer his full name. Looking around, Auren felt a bit more at ease seeing that, besides Jobbi, the others all seemed to be close in age. He quietly hoped this wasn't going to turn into some kind of competition.

Continuing to take in the group, Auren couldn't help but notice a subtle, almost pulsing energy from the Twi'lek Valoria Elryne who had joined the circle. He recognised her species from others he had seen around the Temple, though something about her stood out. Normally, Auren read people by their posture and movement, but she was harder to read. She didn't seem overly confident, nor did she appear unsure of herself. He found himself shifting slightly, as if waiting to see whether she'd speak to anyone. Just then, Kas stepped forward, offering a greeting. Auren's gaze locked onto Valoria's reaction. Her deep emerald eyes caught the light, and for a second, Auren lost track of what was being said. Something about the way she looked at Kas lodged itself in his thoughts. It wasn't an idea, exactly. More of a feeling.

Around them, some of the Padawans exchanged greetings, a few bowing politely to Valery and others chatting quietly with familiar faces. Auren considered introducing himself to someone, but now that the group had grown, he hesitated. It wasn't anxiety — not quite. Just... internal noise. His mind was busy. He found himself thinking about where everyone might have come from, how far their journeys had been. Perhaps even farther than Leratis.

He had wondered the night before what today might hold, but now he felt lifted by the energy around him. There was no room to break everyone down and analyse them one by one.

He breathed in, reminding himself: One grain of sand through the hourglass at a time. It was a grounding thought. One that brought him back to centre.

His time would come — to speak, to connect, to grow within the Force. He proudly anticipated what would come next.

 

[Kas Larsen]

Equipment: Jedi Jumpsuit | Utility Belt
Interacting: Valoria Elryne | Aris Noble | Valery Noble | OPEN

Kasmade himself flinch when Valoria had jumped and was startled as he came to greet her. A soft chuckle came from him. Adjusted himself as Valoria took his hand and gave it a firm shake.

"Sorry, didn't mean to make you jump Valoria. Nice to meet you."

The teenager looked around to the others but focused back on Valoria. He was wondering where she came from. Not knowing much outside of his home world Kas was keen to learn about other people and planets he wasn't aware of.

Noticed another Padawan Learner who did in fact look as though they were a good foot taller than Kas. Gave him a two-fingered salute casually to Aris Noble while conversing with Valoria Elryne within the group of Padawans. Followed the Jedi Grandmaster Valery Noble down the path.

"Y'sure you're alright? Looked as if you had things on your mind there."

 

[Valoria Elryne]

She started moving down the well-tracked path with Kas Larsen , matching his pace. Valoria was half glad he'd approached her. It meant she didn't have to be the one who does the approaching.

Her back prickled, giving her that feeling you get when you know someone is watching you. Her gaze wandered the group once more, getting yet another look at everyone gathered here. She locked eyes with Auren Kah'el momentarily, her deep green eyes narrowing ever so slightly towards his blue ones. He'd obviously been the one watching her. She gave him a short, kind of awkward smile, mentally making note that she should introduce herself to him at some point.

Valoria's attention returned to Kas. It hadn't been gone for long. The polite smile stayed fixed.

"I'm just thinking about some stuff, it doesn't matter." She replied, trying to shut down that conversation before it even happened. "It's just a lot, being here. You know what I mean?"

Hopefully, no questions would follow. Her thoughts weren't bad or anything. Just rather personal at the moment. She would definitely, without a doubt, prefer to go without saying.

"Have you been to Tython before?" She asked, steering the conversation away from herself. It was just small talk. She took a small breath in, the fresh, clean scent of the forest around them aiding her to clear her mind and try to give Kas Larsen her full attention.

It was a challenge, especially considering there was so much going on around them. But it was nice. Being around so many people her age who could somewhat relate to her. There was no need to worry she didn't have anything in common with anyone. She'd never been worried about it in the first place. There was at least one thing they all shared, one thing that everyone in this gathering had in common.

And that was the force.

Tags
Kas Larsen | Auren Kah'el | Valery Noble | Other Padawans
​

 

[Alamie Hulo]

---

Tags: Auren Kah'el Valery Noble OPEN

Alamie had never had much luck making any sort of connection with her peers before, she grew up amidst a reserved people– most of whom did not appreciate Alamie’s friendliness. However, she reminded herself, this was not Pantora. A cold, impersonal facade would do her no favors. And besides, she’d be a fool to throw away an opportunity to get to know some of her new peers.

She straightened up out of her bows and looked around. Alamie briefly made eye contact with a young man who gave her a two-fingered salute. She might have approached him but he seemed to be conversing with a twi’lek girl and decided not to bother them just yet.

Alamie turned to find many of the others had already clustered off into smaller groups, chatting amongst themselves. Great.

As the group began its trek into the forest, Alamie found herself falling in step beside Auren Kah'el . She wasn’t really sure how to start. Should she introduce herself? That seemed like a good move. Or maybe she should ask about him. People do love it when you ask them about themselves. But maybe he was a private individual, in which case that would be a terrible opener. Who knew this would be so stressful!

“It’s beautiful out here, isn’t it?” The words fell out of her mouth before she even knew what she was saying.

Her comment hung between them for a few seconds. She lifted her head, suddenly unsure of herself. Should she have introduced herself?

“I’m Alamie, by the way.” She added, a little clumsily. “I just got in last night.”

---

 

[Tydos Kaldan]

Tydos kept a measured distance from the rest of the group, not for any ill feeling or allergy to strangers, but simply for his own curiosities to bear themselves out. He never truly made friends at the temple, preferring the company of books or a training droid. Still, a deeper part of him longed for it, it would have to wait.

His hands looped together in front of him, the robe draping to cover his hands as he kept a regimented walking pace with the others. On occasion his eyes would drift to their Master, the elusive Grandmaster of the order. Otherwise, he listened rather attentively to the other padawans.

OPEN

 

[Valery Noble]

Tython

​

Outfit: Combat Jumpsuit
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery had been quietly observing as the young Padawans began to find their rhythm — some bonding quickly, others still feeling out the edges of the group. Each one brought something different to the forest path ahead. She could feel it — in their nervous glances, in the subtle swell of excitement in the Force around them.

And then, her gaze landed on a familiar figure standing a little apart from the group. A mug in his hand. Stoic. Calm. Trying very hard not to look like he was watching over everyone.

Her smile deepened.

"Sweetie," she called across the clearing, warm and unbothered, her voice unmistakably Mom, "You going to come walk with us, or just supervise from the sidelines?"

Then, she blinked and realized.

"Sorry," she added to the group, smirking just slightly. "Jedi mom privileges."

Right, that helped.

She stepped forward then, her tone shifting gently back to that calm, guiding center. The playful glint didn't leave her entirely — but now there was direction behind her words.

"Alright. We're heading into the forest, but this isn't just a walk. You'll be talking, observing, listening — to each other, and to the world around you." She paused, letting that settle.

"Pair up. Twos or threes. Pick someone you haven't spoken to yet if you can. Trust me, the Force tends to teach us through the people we least expect."

She nodded toward the tree line, the narrow path dappled with morning light.

"Let's go meet it."

Open to NJO
Aris Noble Tydos Kaldan Xuko Pagoi Auren Kah'el Valoria Elryne Kas Larsen Jobbi Chantin Alamie Hulo Reina Daival ​

 

[Jobbi Chantin]

Pet (hair): Fuzzy (Sha'rellian toop)

Jobbi didn't expect a response. She never expected a response.

So when Reina Daival gave her a thumbs-up and a kind smile, something in her enormous chest thudded and melted at the same time.

"Oh. Um. Thank you."

"Bo shuda. Uba gee wamma."

She tried to smile back. Tried. But it came out too wide, too slimy, and she immediately shrank again, tucking her face behind Fuzzy—who had begun waving at Reina with a hair-like paw like she was royalty. Jobbi gently placed Fuzzy back on her head, like a wig.

Then a voice called her name.

"Hey, Jobbi—"

She turned – it was Xuko Pagoi – she remembered him. Class with the balancing stones. He smiled at her. Said her name. Waved. And she caught it—just for a second—his eyes watering. Downwind.

Her soul died on the spot.

"Ohh no I—sorry—"

"Da pee naga mi. Jobbi jee oto."

She tried to shift her bulk sideways to spare him, only to bump her satchel. It popped open. A plush Tooka doll flopped out and hit the moss with a gentle fump.

Fuzzy immediately leapt after it, bounced off Jobbi’s tail like a trampoline, and launched toward one of the quieter Padawans— Tydos Kaldan

Jobbi squeaked in horror.

"N-no no—Fuzzy—he doesn't—he's not dangerous, just rude—"

Fuzzy froze a few inches from his boots, tilted his head, and mimicked Tydos’s stoic pose with wide, blinking eyes.

Oh stars, Jobbi thought. Why is everyone so calm and cool?

She dared a peek at Auren Kah'el . He wasn’t talking. But he hadn’t run away either. And she could feel—just faintly—his mind centering itself rather than recoiling. He wasn’t pretending she didn’t smell. He was just being okay anyway.

Her eyes started to sting from relief.

And then she glanced, just for a second, toward the tall boy leaning against the tree. Kas Larsen

She didn’t even know his name yet. But she knew she couldn’t breathe when she looked at him.

"...Oh no." she whispered.

"Jobbi wamma peetchu hee tee."

She immediately turned a full shade of swamp-green and buried her face in her satchel. Or tried to. It was too small. She ended up just pressing her snout into it like a dying starfish.

Fuzzy climbed back onto her shoulder and patted her head, returning to act as her pseudo-hair.

"...Pair up?"

Her head slowly lifted from her satchel. She peeked out, eyes darting between the others. Kas. Reina. Xuko. Auren. Tydos. The pantoran. The Twi'lek.

"...Oh no."

She was going to have to talk to someone.

Fuzzy chirped encouragingly.

“Let’s go meet it,” the Grandmaster had said.

Jobbi whimpered.

Reina Daival Xuko Pagoi Kas Larsen Auren Kah'el Tydos Kaldan Valery Noble @Padawans​

 

[Kas Larsen]

Equipment: Jedi Jumpsuit | Utility Belt
Tags: Valery Noble | Auren Kah'el | Tydos Kaldan | Aris Noble | Xuko Pagoi | Jobbi Chantin | Alamie Hulo | Reina Daival
Interacting: Valoria Elryne

Kas nodded his head to Valoria Elryne as they walked together keeping up with the rest of the group. He did agree it is a lot to come here and start a new life. Kas wouldn't want to probe Valoria Elryne any further about herself. He decided to be honest and open about himself.

"Yeah, I understand where you're coming from. I have my sister and brother to lookout for. Kari and Darex are their names. We haven't been to Tython before no."

Kas answering Valoria Elryne as he was opening up a bit. He was getting more comfortable with a fellow Padawan Learner. It was the least he can do for now. Continued on down the path leading into the forest. Kas turned his attention briefly toward Valery Noble who was speaking with Aris Noble but didn't quite catch on to what they had been saying to each other.

"Do you want to pair up, find a third or go separately into different pairs or trios? Seems the master wants us to interact and learn from each other." Kas said to Valoria Elryne as he walked.