Faction [NJO] Among the Roots, We Grow

[Tydos Kaldan]

Tydos' cadence continued along the path until a most curious disturbance caught him in low guard. The creature had leapt from Jobbi's person, landing just in front of his right boot, causing him to awkwardly shift and halt in his tracks. Immediately his brow narrowed and it appeared he was quite frustrated about it, only for his face to soften as he knelt down to meet the creature's eye line.

"Hello, friend."

The greeting was uttered with plural intent, perhaps both to the creature itself and Jobbi Chantin who had taken such effort to avoid overt public displays. Tydos had made up his mind to finally break forth from his silence.

"My name is Tydos."

The introduction came with a smooth intonation and cadence, a calmness that may indeed be true, or an edifice to a contemplative, disordered mind beneath. Still, outwardly Tydos appeared at peace. His hands returned comfortably to the confines of his robe.



Valery Noble Kas Larsen Auren Kah'el Xuko Pagoi Aris Noble Reina Daival Alamie Hulo

 

[Auren Kah'el]

Auren quickly shifted his eyes, pretending to focus on a nearby patch of forest beyond the group. Adjusting his posture, Valoria Elryne in his periphery, he felt the warmth of embarrassment rise faintly to his cheeks. Still, the brief connection — that flicker of eye contact, her narrowed gaze, and that tentative smile — lingered in his thoughts.

He hadn't meant to stare. It was just… something about her presence had caught his attention. The quiet confidence maybe, or the unreadable look in her eyes. Auren glanced back after a few seconds, and by then saw Valoria responding to Kas Larsen .

He rubbed the back of his neck and cleared his throat softly, pretending to study the curve of the trail ahead. Then, a voice pulled him from his thoughts. It was Alamie Hulo , following behind. He appreciated her comment on their surroundings. He looked around at the swaying trees, the filtered sunlight catching in the mist. He glanced back at Alamie as she added her name, and her tone brought an extra warmth to his smile.

"Yeah, it really is." he replied sincerely.

There was a beat of silence, but it wasn't uncomfortable. Just the sound of footfalls and birdsong for a moment.

"I'm Auren," he said, offering a nod. "Nice to meet you." He hesitated for half a second, then added, "It's not easy being a new arrival, is it?" His tone was light — inviting, without putting her on the spot.

He adjusted the strap of the small satchel at his side, running a hand briefly through his hair. "I arrived just few days ago myself," he continued. "Still trying to find my footing. Master Valery has been very welcoming." His gaze lifted toward Valery, who lead the group with quiet confidence just a few paces ahead. He eased his stride, matching pace with Alamie.

"Leratis is home for me," he added. "It's… quieter than this. But it kind of reminds me of it here. Especially the air."

He paused, then gave a small, slightly self-conscious chuckle. "Sorry — I tend to ramble when I'm trying to be sociable."

Auren glanced sideways at Alamie, the faintest smile still on his lips. "I guess I'm still getting used to being around new people. Everyone seems to carry their own story, you know?" He let that sit for a moment, then turned his gaze back to the path ahead.

"What about you?" he asked, gently nudging the conversation her way. "Where's home for you?"

His shoulders relaxed a little. It was nice, walking beside someone and just talking — not because he had to, but because maybe, like him, she was looking for someone to feel a little less new with.

 

[Reina Daival]

Location: Tython
Tags: Open
Outfit

Huh. Pairing up. Made sense. Reina just let herself start lagging behind a little bit. Whilst she wasn't as opposed to being social like she used to be, in her eyes, it was better to let the newer Padawans mingle amongst themselves to get to know each other. Reina was used to doing things herself anyway, as she stretched her arms behind her head for a moment, trying to take in the feeling of the Jungle. It still wasn't something she was a fan of. All of the roots, the trees, the mud. It was a pain to clean at the end of the day.

Either way, she reached her hand out to use the Spirit to pull a rock into her hand, mostly for the redhead to pass between her hands in boredom. Reina always had to keep moving. It was hard for her to stay still for too long, and so she did whatever she could to keep herself busy. Even if it could be classed as a waste of energy, it at least helped her mind keep active.

There were plenty of conversations already happening amongst the group, but Reina was zoning out of all of the discussions happening. They weren't important to her. It was rude to eavesdrop anyway and since none of the conversations involved her, she had no need to listen. She couldn't help but smirk at the little treatment Valery was giving Aris. Whilst Reina wasn't exactly familiar with how a family dynamic worked, it was still nice to see every so often. She was finally at that point where she didn't feel left out from not having a mother to treat her like that.

For now, her eyes turned towards the jungle, letting herself try and listen to the Flora and Fauna around them. She wasn't a fan of land animals, nor plants. The sea was her love but that didn't stop her from trying to listen. Everest might have a better job at this stuff than Reina did...but that wasn't going to stop her.
​

 

[Valoria Elryne]

Valoria was nodding along as he spoke, but she wasn't really paying too much attention, watching her feet as she put one foot in front of the other. Still, she glanced back up at him as he finished his statement.

So he hadn't been here before. That wasn't surprising. She figured most people here were probably in the same boat. A complete new group of people and a complete new planet.

"It's a beautiful planet." She commented. Small talk again.

Valoria had been to Tython once before. Around two years ago. There had been business here that her... her Master... had needed to attend to. She'd just tagged along for an opportunity to see a new place.

Her mood had shifted slightly after that thought. Less positive.

But it didn't show through her expression or behaviours. The only thing the changed was that her smile didn't quite reach her eyes.

The mood didn't last too long, as she was soon distracted by Master Valery's words. Pairs or trios. That sounded fine.

Her brow furrowed slightly as the last part was spoken.

'Let's go meet it.' Valery had said as she dismissed them again.

'It.' What the hell was 'it?' She glanced around at the other Padawans, none of which seemed to even remotely share her level of concern. People were simply too busy worrying about getting into a group so they don't end up as that one person who is left alone. No one had stopped to question what they were about to do.

If you asked her, 'it' sounded pretty ominous. Hopefully, whatever 'it' was, 'it' would be something friendly, preferably something that doesn't want to eat their heads.

She kept the thought to herself for now.

Instead she focussed on answering Kas's question.

"I was going to..." She trailed of. She had been planning on introducing herself to Auren, but seeing he was now talking to some Pantoran girl, she figured she'd leave it for now.

"You know, it's fine. If we want to pair up I don't particularly mind. Up to you really."

Valoria replied. She knew Valery had specified it probably shouldn't be someone you'd already spoken to, but she and Kas had litually just started talking. Besides, she didn't want to have to approach someone else.

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

 

[Xuko Pagoi]

Spoiler

Apologies, y'all- if this feels like a hard swerve for the character, it's because it is. I've got some big edits to Xuko's bio since muse on his second post is much different than the first. I'm hoping it'll result in a more interesting character to write, especially given the dynamics of this Padawan group!

Xuko didn't know Huttese, but he didn't need to in order to understand that Jobbi Chantin was some combination of embarrassed and hurt. Xuko frowned inwardly- his body had betrayed him and had caused hurt to others; he would have to be better next time.

"The fault is mine" he said, before something furry- a pet of some kind- jumped down in pursuit of something Jobbi had dropped, causing Jobbi's attention to shift fully to apologizing for the fuzzy creature. Xuko didn't understand the appeal of the this particular pet. Its only function in battle would be to distract the enemy, which might've worked had its owner not been a Hutt. The Zabrak resolved to approach Jobbi at a different time (and direction) with that question.

Then Valery Noble was talking, and Xuko blinked in confusion at her words, not understanding the sudden shift in vocabulary or tone. He followed the Grandmaster's gaze over to yet another Padawan who towered over him; one of the most beautiful creatures Xuko had seen in his life. Aris Noble had perfectly-groomed silver hair, flashing green eyes, and carried himself with an easy grace that stood in stark contrast to the nervousness that characterized so many of the other Padawans.

Xuko despised him immediately.

And if Aris' presence on this excursion wasn't annoying enough, after all the pairings and trios were sorted Xuko found himself walking alongside the Grandmaster's sweetie in the back of the group. The quiet presence of Reina Daival to his left did little to offer a distraction until he noticed that the rock she was tossing back and forth between her hands never actually touched her fingers. Xuko thought back to the classes he'd taken where they'd been challenged to move rocks with the Force. Although the stones in that class were no larger than the one Reina used now, Xuko had always felt exhausted after just a few minutes.

"Why are you doing that?" he asked, indicating the rock bouncing between her hands. "It seems..." he searched for the right word, not wanting to insult a second Padawan in as many minutes. "...inefficient."

 

[Reina Daival]

Location: Tython
Tags: Xuko Pagoi
Outfit

Reina's eye twitched for a moment at Xuko's words. She had gotten better at keeping her temper under control, but the entire concept of inefficiency and efficiency was an easy way to set her off. Either way, she continued to pass the stone back and forth, perhaps a little bit more rapidly at this point as she kept her gaze ahead of herself instead of looking at the other Padawan.

"A lot of things can seem inefficient. Even if it's fun. Even if it's someone's livelihood. People don't care unless it's an "efficient" use of resources."

That was the main reason she had ended up arriving at the Jedi in the first place. It had been deemed that fishing by hand was too inefficient. Her and the people who had raised her were put out of a job because it was far easier to have droids do it all. It was relatively water under the bridge but just like a clear pool of water, the waves could always get a little bit active every now and then, clouding the water.

"Everyone has a reason for doing something. Even if it might seem "efficient" in your eyes."

It was strange for Reina. She'd normally just shut down being social by this point and rely on glaring at people to get them to leave her alone. Today was at least somewhat different she supposed. There was the entire group of Padawans here, plus Grandmaster Valery. Reina always brought out her best self around the Grandmaster. Or it would be more precise to say that Valery was able to bring out the best of Reina. Valery and Everest were part of a small group of people that were able to do that for Reina.

"...Also, next time. Maybe leave out the "It seems inefficient" part. That could offend someone. I'm sure you'd get the same answer if you left it at asking why they're doing it"
​

 

[Xuko Pagoi]

The subtle increase in the tempo of the rock flying back and forth between Reina's hands, combined with the subtle edge in the red-haired Padawan's tone, informed Xuko that he had, in fact, managed to insult another Padawan. The Zabrak's face scrunched together in thought as he contemplated Reina's words, as well as her rebuke, before coming to the conclusion that hadn't received an answer to his original question.

Some Padawans might've taken the hint that was the warning note in Reina's voice. Xuko chose to ignore it.

"I meant no offense" he replied, trying a different tack. "I see now that I should've instead asked how you are doing that. Trying to move a rock for even a few minutes drains me." The Zabrak banished the unwelcome thoughts of his earlier failure in class that bubbled, unbidden, to the forefront of his mind. The harder he had tried to get even smallest rocks to move, the less success he'd had... and by the end of the class he had been sweating almost as much as Jobbi Chantin was currently. And yet here was another Padawan scolding him while using the Force to play with a rock bigger than the ones they'd used in class earlier.


Reina Daival Aris Noble (within earshot)

 

[Kas Larsen]

Equipment: Jedi Jumpsuit | Utility Belt
Tags: Valoria Elryne | OPEN
Mentions: Valery Noble | Auren Kah'el | Alamie Hulo

Kas glanced to the side viewing Valoria Elryne as the pair continued to chat away and walk within the group of fellow Padawan Learners among the outer grounds of Tython. Headed down the path leading into the forest. A slight hint of sensing a shift in the mood was unconsciously felt through the Force but Kas wouldn't probe Valoria any further.

Tython is indeed a beautiful planet and one to highly respect as a Jedi. They originated from here apparently and this seemed to make sense that recently the New Jedi Order had relocated from being on the city planet known as Coruscant to Tython.

"Yeah, different from back home in a way." Kas stated while the two continued their walk together.

His attention then altered to the Jedi Grandmaster Valery Noble whom mentioned about going to see something. Curious but cautious Kas was wondering what the Jedi Master was referring to.

Briefly he did notice that Valoria Elryne did fall a little quiet for a period of time. Perhaps she was a little anxious in what the Grandmaster had said toward the group.

"Hey, I'm not fussed either way. Happy to pair-up with you, etcetera. Don't need to stay on my account haha. Up to you." Kas was being friendly and kind by not enforcing anything on Valoria.

Noticed that her sights did go toward Auren Kah'el and Alamie Hulo who seemed to have formed up as a pair as well as the rest of the Padawan Learners grouped together while Valery Noble led them along and through the forest path.

 

[Reina Daival]

Location: Tython
Tags: Xuko Pagoi
Outfit

"How long have you been trying to do it for?"

She kept her gaze ahead of her, as she played with the rock, passing it beneath her hands. It was second nature to her by this point to be able to use telekinesis. She had grown up using it on the Ship, so that was why the question was important. She had years of practice, before she even joined the Jedi on how to do this.

It was strange however...Reina expected herself to feel smug at the idea of being able to do something easily compared to someone who struggled but...that pride and smugness never came. Urgh. Everest was rubbing off on her too much. The redhead rolled her eyes for a moment to herself as she threw the rock a few times into the air before bringing it back. Letting the wind flow past her as she kept her focus on the Jungle around them.

"It's harder to get the Spirit to respond to you when you don't need it. The Force, I mean. You'll find it's more often than not easier to use in dire situations. I was just raised in a lot of dire situations. So...I have more experience than most."

Most of what came naturally to her did so because of its importance for a life at sea. Breath Control, Hydrokinesis, Telekinesis. They all helped her survive as a child. She just never expected to actually be trying to help someone with their own usage of the Force.
​

 

[Aris Noble]

"Sweetie,"

Aris blinked. Then blinked again. He glanced towards his mother, straight faced as ever. But she'd see it. The hint of embarrassment on his otherwise stoic features that only his closet friends and his family would be able to notice. That, and the little smile he offered. "I'm not sure yet." His generation of Padawan's had already started to move on. Would it be better for him to help as a teacher's assistant? Or would it be better if he was a fellow student here?

He'd figure it out in time.

Aris stepped in time with the group, still idly sipping his drink as he walked. His hand would occasionally start to glow a bright, burning red as he heated the drink. To keep it the proper heat, the ideal temperature. Training, in a way. Feeling out the temperature had become difficult for him, so this was a good way for him to make sure he didn't forget them.

Otherwise mom's best hot cocoa would be tarnished by scalding or being too cold.

 

[Alamie Hulo]

Tags: Auren Kah'el Valery Noble @padawans OPEN

---

Alamie smiled, glad for Auren Kah'el 's friendly response– well, responses. She didn’t mind though. She was a rambler herself. “I hail from Pantora, all the way on the Outer Rim.”

She smiled and added, “The few times I was off-world as a kid, I used to tell people I was from the capital.” She waved a hand, “Not that I was, like, ashamed of where I grew up. Just that I was tired of explaining that my hometown was about as far from the big city as you could get.”

“I’m embarrassed to say I know nothing about Letaris. But if it’s anything like Tython I bet it’s beautiful!” Alamie said, “I just can’t get over how green everything is!”

That sounded really stupid.

“Well, I mean, it’s not like I’ve never seen a forest before!”

That sounded even more stupid. She decided to cut her losses and drop the subject.

Master Noble’s voice rang out from her position at the front of the pack with instructions to form pairs or trios. Alamie was still so nervous about this whole thing. The safe choice was to ask Auren, she already liked him and he seemed friendly enough. But what if he said no? Then who would she ask? But at the same time she didn’t want to make him feel like he had to say yes. She took a deep breath and reminded herself that actual interactions were far less terrifying than whatever she cooked up in her head. Just ask!

“Auren,” She said, “Do you want to pair up?”

She rolled her shoulder, trying to look a little less ridgid.

“No pressure of course!” She added.

---

 

[Xuko Pagoi]

"I have been training in telekinesis for approximately three standard weeks" Xuko said, his voice betraying his shame. Although he knew as well as anyone that skills like this took time to perfect, he usually was able to notice improvement over time... which he hadn't been able to in this instance. The Zabrak bent down as they were walking and picked up a rock of his own- smaller than Reina's, but not by much. Xuko examined the stone, tracing a finger along its pockmarked surface and brushing some dirt off as he did.

Then, Xuko reached out with the Force, trying to will the rock to move. For the briefest moment, he thought he saw the stone wiggle, but whether it was because of his efforts or the relaxing of his grip he couldn't tell. His fingers closed around the rock again- tighter this time, feeling its rough edges digging into the skin of his palm. Failure. Xuko took a breath to calm his rising annoyance before tossing the stone off into the foliage. With it out of sight and out of mind, he considered the rest of what Reina had said.

"I shall have to ask our telekinesis instructors to introduce an element of danger next class. Perhaps that is what I am missing." Reina was correct, Xuko thought. He had felt moments of clarity and connection on Iridonia when faced with dangerous circumstances, even if her experience seemed to contradict his instructors' teachings about searching for serenity and calm to connect with the Force. Regardless, Xuko recognized the opportunity to learn from Reina.

"Your scars indicate that you have survived many challenges" he said, a note of admiration in his voice. Iridonian Zabraks valued resiliency, and scars told the stories of survival. "What dangers have you overcome?"

Reina Daival Aris Noble (still within earshot) Valery Noble @Other Padawans

 

[Jobbi Chantin]

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

The group had begun to move.

One by one, the Padawans found each other. Auren with Alamia. Kas and Valoria—of course they fit together. Reina and Xuko drifted side by side, quiet but certain. Even the Grandmaster’s son was no longer standing still, and that—that—was enough to keep Jobbi rooted like a boulder pretending to be a fern.

She didn’t move.

She couldn’t.

Not because she didn’t want to.

But because the idea of turning to someone—anyone—and saying “Will you walk with me?” felt like trying to lift a starcruiser with her brain.

She knew the Force could move mountains.
But she didn’t think it could move her heart out of her throat.

Fuzzy made a small squeak and climbed down her tail. He waddled a few steps toward the trail, looked back at her, and squeaked again. Come on, he seemed to say.

"I-I know..."

She lowered her gaze. Her tail curled protectively inward. She tried not to watch as pair after pair disappeared beneath the trees, laughter and voices fading beneath canopy shade.

"...Maybe someone'll need a partner still."

She whispered it to herself like a prayer.

Then added, under her breath—

"No gee Aris, pleeze."

Fuzzy returned, perching back onto her shoulder like nothing had happened.

She lingered at the rear of the group, letting the path open up ahead of her, hoping someone—anyone—would look back.

@Open Valery Noble @Padawans​

 

[Valoria Elryne]

If it were to be by her preference, she wouldn't pair up at all. But it seemed like it was mandatory, and considering most people had formed groups already, she figured she might as well pair with Kas.

He was nice. That was something. At least she hadn't gotten stuck with someone rude. Or self-entitled. Or unpleasant, like that Huttlet who was bringing up the rear.

She chided herself the second she had that thought. It was wrong to think that. The poor thing couldn't help it.

Perhaps, had she been walking closer, Valoria would've taken pity on her and invited her to join them. As it was, they were walking towards the front, and it would simply be too awkward to do so.

But she felt bad now, having thought that, so if the Huttlet were to approach her at any point during this journey, she'd do her best to be polite.

Although her best might end up being a grimace and sour look.

She shook those thoughts off, bringing her attention back to Kas.

"Sure. Why not." She replied, glancing across at him. "If you're happy to, I'm fine with it."

It made her life easier anyways.

Kas Larsen | Jobbi Chantin | Valery Noble | Other Padawans
​

 

[Kas Larsen]

Equipment: Jedi Jumpsuit | Utility Belt
Tags: Jobbi Chantin | Valoria Elryne | Other Padawans | OPEN
Mentions: Valery Noble

Kas was listening all around him as the group of Padawans continued following the Jedi Grandmaster Valery Noble through the forest trail. It was rather pleasant to be apart of and witness. A new generation of Jedi was starting out and with them united, the better they stand.

It sure was something to be here on Tython and being a recent recruited member of the New Jedi Order. Kas is glad and relieved he wasn't the only one perhaps feeling and thinking he is out of place. It is a lot take on board at least Darex and Kari were with him going through it together.

"Alright good, glad we can-." Kas had noticed everyone else was heading up front but couldn't help notice Jobbi Chantin went quiet nor was around. Made him start to examine the area.

The Huttlet was at the back of the group leaving Kas confused as to why she'd isolate herself from other Padawans. They were all pretty much on the boat as each other or near it in experience. "Gimme a few moments. Think we have a straggler." He said to Valoria Elryne as the young Padawan Learner went to the back to meet up with Jobbi Chantin out of concern.

"Hey, what's up? Fallin' behind the group. I'm Kas. Kas Larsen, I'm completely new to the Jedi and such. Believe the Master wanted us all to pair or team up." Kas introducing himself to her.

"How about teaming up with Valoria Elryne and I? I'm not leavin' anyone behind c'mon." Kas hoping he was encouraging the Huttlet to not isolate from the others and mingle with them.

Stood there waiting, he was beside Jobbi Chantin enduring whatever scents came from her and paid no attention to be ill-intentional with her. If anything to help her and others along.

 

[Reina Daival]

Location: Tython
Tags: Xuko Pagoi
Outfit

"So you're willing to put your fellow Padawans in danger, to make it easier for you to learn Telekinesis?"

She wasn't exactly accusing. It was more of a curious question as she folded her arms along her front. If that was the lesson Xuko was taking from this, it wasn't one Reina approved of. Sure, she might be hypocritical in her belief but that was how she thought of it. You shouldn't go out looking for the danger. The redhead just shook her head with a sigh, staring out ahead of her.

"Not everyone can do everything. Some people struggle with certain techniques. Throwing a fit over it won't help. You just keep trying. Again and again. You don't throw it off into the woods, because you're frustrated."

Once again, Xuko had appeared to say the wrong thing, or perhaps it was because Reina was just that prickly. Her eyes narrowing ahead of herself as she took in her words before she spoke.

"I have not overcome anything."

Perhaps that came off as more harsh than Reina had intended, but it was a thought that quite aggravated her. She was not some great survivor, a conqueror of dangers. No. She was lucky. Nearly every scar she carried was a situation where she should have died because of her stupidity or her own mistakes but didn't. Because she'd always end up being saved or spared in some way.

"I did not overcome the sea. I did not overcome the Mandalorian who attacked me. The Gammorean who took my leg. The Sith who wants to break me. I barely even survived them. I've been lucky. Luck isn't something you should admire."

Maybe Reina was being too harsh...but she didn't want someone to admire her for any of that. Sure, she was alright with someone admiring her stubbornness. Her resilience. But they shouldn't admire her for what came down to pure luck. She wasn't someone to look up to.
​

 

[Ilaria Morvayne]

Chapter Two: A Mask of Death and Shadow

---

[OPEN]

The forest waited like a sleeping thought — ancient, unbothered, alive.

Ilaria Morvayne stood at the edge of the gathering, just a pace behind the last row of Padawans. Not quite distant enough to be conspicuous, but far enough to be alone. The morning air brushed against her robes, cool and damp, carrying with it the earthy scent of moss and tree bark. The mist curled gently around her boots, as though even the ground was reluctant to let go of the silence.

She didn't speak.

There was no need to. Not yet.

Her hands were folded in front of her, the sleeves of her Jedi robes lightly creased but impeccable. She hadn't shifted her stance since she'd arrived. Not because she was stiff or afraid — she simply hadn't found reason to move. Her emerald eyes remained steady beneath dark lashes, taking in the others not with judgment, but with quiet observation. How they stood. Who leaned forward with excitement. Who looked around for reassurance. Who held their breath without knowing.

She was already learning who they were.

Valery's voice cut gently through the morning stillness, drawing the attention of the others like gravity — subtle, firm, familiar. Ilaria listened without lifting her gaze. Each word held shape and weight. A promise of unity, of shared steps forward. Of bonds forged not in the crucible of battle, but in the unspoken spaces between conversations.

That, more than anything, made her wary.

The forest did not concern her. The paths, the terrain, even the promise of adventure — these she could face with calm. But the invitation to connection, to closeness… that was more precarious ground. Harder to anticipate. Harder to control.

And yet, she was here.

Because this, too, was part of the training. Not just lightsabers and meditation. Not just the Code etched into datapads and memory. But trust. Empathy. Understanding.

Even if it felt unnatural.

Ilaria drew in a breath through her nose, subtle and grounding. The Force stirred faintly in her lungs — not loud, not blazing. Just present. Like the wind in the trees. Like the pulse of a world long watched by the Jedi.

She looked past the group, toward the narrow trail weaving beneath the canopy of leaves. Shadows dappled the path. Sunlight broke through in places, golden and soft.

This was not a trial she could approach with swordsmanship or theory.

This was something quieter. Harder.

But Ilaria Morvayne never shied from difficulty.

Her boots shifted slightly in the gravel as the first of the group began to move. She followed, wordless, letting the rhythm of the footsteps ahead guide her pace. Always at the back.

Watching.

Listening.

And waiting for the moment where silence might no longer be enough.

​

 

[Auren Kah'el]

Catching his attention, Auren found himself momentarily distracted by the tense exchange unfolding between Xuko Pagoi and Reina Daival . The palpable friction between the redhead and the Zabrak contrasted sharply with the friendly, comfortable conversation he was sharing with Alamie Hulo . The subtle, passive-aggressive tones stirred an instinct in Auren to mediate, to smooth things over—he always felt compelled to help ease conflict whenever possible. Yet he hesitated. These were new peers, not yet friends, and he wasn't sure it was his place to intervene. He reassured himself that either Valery Noble would step in, or the pair would resolve things on their own.

Turning back to Alamie, Auren's expression softened into one of reassuring warmth. Her apparent nervousness was oddly comforting, mirroring his own uncertainty. Her openness about Pantora and her experiences far from the capital further eased his anxiety. It felt good knowing someone else understood the awkwardness of having to clarify exactly where home was.

When Alamie mentioned Leratis, Auren chuckled softly. "There's no need to feel embarrassed—most people haven't heard of it," he reassured her gently. "It's beautiful, but quiet. Ancient stone temples, melodic winds that hum through them... But Tython is just as beautiful it it's own way too."

As Valery called for everyone to form pairs or groups, he noticed Alamie visibly tense beside him. He hesitated, unsure if suggesting they pair up might come across as presumptuous, but before he could speak, she asked him first.

"Of course," he replied immediately, relief evident in his voice. He adjusted his satchel once more, this time with genuine enthusiasm. "I was just about to ask you myself."

He offered her an easy smile, sensing her lingering tension. "Besides, I think we already make a pretty good team."

After a moment, he added lightly, "And don't worry, I never tire of places like this either."

Throughout their conversation, Auren noticed Valoria Elryne and Kas Larsen speaking quietly together nearby. Although he couldn't discern their exact words, he felt a subtle relief seeing them paired off. It wasn't that he was concerned about pairing with either of them, but he felt strangely comforted knowing the Twi'lek had someone to connect with—though he couldn't quite pinpoint why he cared as much as he did.

As the group of Padawans continued their trek deeper into the forest, Auren felt another presence join their ranks. Glancing subtly over his shoulder, he saw Ilaria Morvayne strolling gracefully at the back of the group. Her jet-black hair, piercing eyes, and impeccably kept robes instantly caught his attention. She carried herself with an air of confidence and quiet importance, intriguing him immediately.

 

[Jobbi Chantin]

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

Jobbi was seconds from giving up.

She’d already picked out a nice patch of moss she could roll into and perish quietly. Maybe she could lie down and pretend to be part of the scenery until the mission was over. It wouldn’t be the first time she’d been mistaken for terrain.

Then—

"Hey, what's up?"

She blinked. Slowly.

Kas Larsen. The tall boy with the dark eyes. The voice like rocks under riverwater. Talking to her.

She froze in place.

I'm Kas. Kas Larsen, I'm completely new to the Jedi and such. Believe the Master wanted us all to pair or team up."

He said his name. He had a name. Her brain blue-screened. She nodded. Or tried to. It was more of a seismic tilt of her upper half that made Fuzzy slide off her shoulder and land in the dirt like like the detached wig he was

"Uhuh," she said, very intelligently. "jee—Jobbi—me, I'm Jobbi—uh—Hi."

It was the worst sentence ever spoken in Basic. And then he said it.

"How about teaming up with Valoria Elryne and I? I'm not leavin' anyone behind c'mon."

Valoria.

The Twi’lek. The gorgeous Twi’lek. The one with flawless skin and cheekbones that looked like they could deflect blaster bolts. The one with long legs and graceful poise and green skin that looked like nature, not mold, and absolutely zero stink lines trailing behind her. The one that was walking beside Kas like they belonged on opposite covers of a Jedi recruitment holomag.

Jobbi’s brain started melting. Not only was she being invited to walk with him, she was also being inserted into a triangle of aesthetic doom. A soggy Huttlet and two prime genetic achievements.

She wanted to die.
But also maybe to hold hands.
But also to disappear.
But also to maybe look cool just once in her life.

Her voice cracked as she tried to answer.

"I—I would—yes—I mean—if—if that’s okay, I—I can walk slow—I mean fast! I can keep up. I can—"
"Bo shuda! Jobbi panka youk."

Fuzzy, now back on her shoulder, mimicked her tone with a squeaky OINK and gave Kas a hair pseudo thumbs-up.

Jobbi’s entire body locked up with mortification.

She looked over at Valoria. Couldn’t read her face. Couldn’t tell if the Twi’lek even liked her being added to the group. Couldn’t tell if she was smiling or about to vomit.

Jobbi decided, bravely, to just smile anyway. Big. Nervous. A little slimy.

"I—I'm not usually this... squishy."

She was. She was always that squishy. But it was a nice lie.

She gathered her satchel, placed Fuzzy back atop her head under one arm, and slowly slithered forward toward her new teammates. If she couldn't be pretty, maybe she could at least be brave.

Or funny.

Or... something.

Kas Larsen Valoria Elryne @Padawans Valery Noble​

 

[Tydos Kaldan]

Tydos watched as the others congregated with their partners, while he stood off to the side, content. The brief interaction with Jobbi's pet had offered a reprieve from his silence and detachment. Now he was scrambling internally, realizing he may be left without if he did not move soon. Yet, for all of the internal push, the padawan did not move.

Like Ilaria who had just arrived, he intended to wait. He watched Xuko and Reina with a curious gaze, lacking judgement but certainly not interest. Both personalities caught in a spar that he could learn from. Ilaria Morvayne 's silence when she took her position amidst the group, her own observant personality. How much did her posture resemble his own? Or not at all? Perhaps that was his problem, he saw others as living lessons rather than potential friends or partners in battle. He dismissed the thought, today was not the day for such existential introspections.

Instead of allowing a moment to arrive, he decided to begin with a series of breathing rituals common to the padawan's training regimen and taken frequently before battle. As the group progressed through the woods, the breathing became audible those close to him, but still quite faint. Inwardly, Tydos paid that no mind. He felt the ebb and flow of the force within him, and he felt at peace. The worry of finding a partner for the exercise departed as swiftly as it arrived.


Xuko Pagoi Reina Daival Ilaria Morvayne