Faction [NJO] Among the Roots, We Grow

[Xuko Pagoi]

Xuko frowned as he pulled his thoughts together following Reina's question. He had some clarifying to do. "That is not what I had envisioned. Whether they participate or not is their choice. And I would not ask anyone else to do something I am not willing to do myself." The statement was not boastful; it was simply pragmatic- relying upon others was a rare circumstance on Iridonia, and as such its people were not inclined to sit idly by. "But waiting for danger to present itself and hoping that the Force is easier to connect with in that moment seems unwise... it is a luxury to be able to learn in a classroom. I shall have to think more on this."

The Zabrak simply shrugged in response to Reina's comments about the rock he'd tossed away. As far as he was concerned, there were dozens of similar-sized rocks along the path for him to choose from if he wanted to replace it,. Besides, given his struggles with Telekinesis, this wasn't the time to practice.

Especially as Xuko begun to realize that despite her scars, some of Reina's wounds were still in the process of healing.

He'd touched a nerve- of that he was certain- but Xuko decided to press the issue. He'd done enough retreating over the course of their conversation, and he sensed that this was an important moment... for her to process, for him to better understand, or both. Xuko stopped on the path and tilted his head at the red-haired Pawdawan. The others near or behind them ( Aris Noble Valoria Elryne Kas Larsen Jobbi Chantin Ilaria Morvayne Tydos Kaldan ) would be faced with the choice of how to navigate the sudden holdup while those ahead, led by Valery Noble , continued their trek.

"That is the only lesson your near-death experiences have taught you? That you have been lucky?" Sarcasm wasn't something Xuko utilized often, but it felt appropriate here. Of course Reina knew her lived experiences better than he did- he wasn't trying to dispute that- but Xuko couldn't wrap his head around the mindset she'd seemingly adopted in the aftermath.

"Do not diminish yourself. You survived the sea and have lived to breathe the air on Tython. A Mandalorian attacked you but did not claim your life. The Gamorrean took your leg, but you still walk. And judging by your inclination towards verbal sparring, the Sith has failed miserably in breaking your spirit."

Xuko locked eyes with Reina, his gaze every bit as intense as his voice.

"I do not admire your luck- I admire the way in which you live on in spite of your scars."

Reina Daival

 

[Kas Larsen]

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

Kas flashed a polite smile he was being patient with the Huttlet who he approached and offered her to join him in teaming up with Valoria Elryne to go on their little adventure that Jedi Grandmaster Valery Noble was taking them through.

It seemed Kas unconsciously presented a warm aura of a presence among others. He was kind and open not judgemental of anyone around him. It was perhaps a trait he naturally picked up being with his siblings; his twin sister Kari and younger brother Darex. Always together as a team.

"Jobbi huh. Nice name better than mine aha. It's nice to meet you." Kas extended a hand out towards Jobbi Chantin to engage in a handshake as he did with Valoria Elryne prior.

"Hey, it's alright Jobbi. We'll go at a pace we're all comfortable with alright? You probably know more than me about being a Jedi heh." A reassured tone coming from Kas.

The young gentleman walked alongside the Huttlet going at her pace and being by her side as they form up with Valoria Elryne to make their trio. The more the merrier Kas had thought to himself.

"Hey Valoria, hope you don't mind being a part of a trio. I reckon we'll make a great team together." Kas said to them both with a grin at the corner of his mouth. Calm and confident he was in this trio of Padawan Learners that formed together.

Valoria Elryne reminded Kas of his twin sister and Jobbi Chantin did draw him back to how his younger brother Darex can be at times. Almost felt like he hadn't left home being among others.

 

[Reina Daival]

Location: Tython
Tags: Xuko Pagoi
Outfit

She could feel the eyes on her. Not that she overly cared. She wouldn't be where she was now if she cared about what people thought. Though Reina raised an eyebrow at Xuko's words for a moment, a rare smirk coming to her face as she still kept her gaze ahead of herself.

"You're smarter than I am then. I've done plenty I wouldn't let someone else do. You're right though. It's a luxury to learn in the classroom. A luxury I haven't always had. I struggle to read as it is."

After all, living in on a fishing boat didn't give you much of a reason to learn how to read and write more than a beginner's level. It was why Reina relied on learning through the physical or the visual. Reading off text was some of the most mind-numbing stuff in her life.

For someone who was keeping her gaze ahead, as soon as Xuko stopped, Reina did the same, though she stepped off to the side of the path to let others walk past. As much as she might have seemed ignorant to the people around her, Reina was always more aware of her surroundings than she wanted to let on. Her gaze finally settled on Xuko however, as she folded her arms along her front.

"No. I've always learned that I'm too stubborn for my own good. That my stubbornness and refusal to quit will get me killed. That I've always needed someone to rescue me. Or that the only reason I'm alive is because I was let go."

It was strange. She was annoyed. Obviously. Yet...she didn't feel herself getting angry. She didn't want to yell. She didn't want to say how wrong Xuko was. Honestly...it made her proud of herself. Maybe her volatile nature was slowly starting to fade.

"I survived at Sea, because it was all I knew. I should have died as a baby, left lost at sea."

She raised up one finger at that. It was clear that she was getting ready to retort each of Xuko's points. In a way, it was ironic. This wasn't stuff she'd normally say to a stranger. Seems like the best way to get to know her was to get into an argument.

"The Mandalorian didn't claim my life, but he claimed one of my last possessions to my past, when it broke when I claimed his life."

A second finger went up at that. She missed that knife. It was still on her agenda to get a replacement sooner or later but she hadn't really had a change to buy one...

"I might still walk, but the loss of my leg is a constant reminder of my failures that I need to learn from. That I'm not strong enough yet."

A third finger went up and then at the fourth finger, Reina hesitated for a moment. Her eyes darting to look down at the floor for a moment.

"...And the Sith might not have broken my spirit...but they broke my trust and my friendship. You shouldn't admire me. I'm karked up in more ways than most. There's better people to admire. Grandmaster Noble for example. Or if you want people closer to our level Everest Vale , Azurine Varek Aadihr Lidos . They're real Jedi. They're who you should admire for what they've been through. Not me."

Reina wasn't the aggressive and fiery redhead she had been when she had first joined the Order. The woman who believed that she was right. That she was strong enough to take on the Galaxy all by herself. The one who's arrogance ruled over her mind. That wasn't who she was anymore. She just shook her head, letting out a long sigh before turning her head back towards the group.

"...Come on. Let's hurry up. I don't want to run in this Jungle with my prosthesis."
​

 

[Valoria Elryne]

Valoria groaned mentally as Kas broke away from her, going back towards the Huttlet. Great. No doubt he was about to invite her over here. Then she'd have to put up with her the entire walk. How fun.

She normally wasn't like this with people. She never used to be, at least. But she hadn't really been social with anyone her age for 6 long months. Probably longer, if she were to be honest.

Her attention was momentarily drawn by Reina Daival and Xuko Pagoi who had stopped in the middle of the path. Arguing. About something. She should step in. Break up the dispute.

Then she glanced ahead at Grandmaster Valery Noble . If things were to get too out of hand, the Grandmaster would sort it out. It seemed like things were resolving themselves anyways.

Valoria tried to act indifferent to the fact that Kas was inviting the Huttlet. Kept her expression neutral, her pace steady. Trying to ignore the developing stench in the air that told her the Huttlet was approaching from behind.

As the pair came even with her, she forced a polite smile on her face. Just her luck.

"No, uh, not at all." She replied, doing her best at not making the Huttlet uncomfortable. And failing. Miserably.

"I don't mind at all. No problems whatsoever." She was lying through her teeth. She had every problem with this. It was wrong of her. But she did.

"Yeah. Yeah, I'm sure--" She broke off, getting a particularly nasty scent. "I'm sure we'll make a great team."

If she didn't hate this walk before, she did now.

"I'm Valoria." She couldn't bring herself to offer a handshake as Kas had. Just the thought of touching that slimy-ness made her shudder. Instead she gave a simple dip of her head.

"It's a, uh--" Her eyes inadvertently looked the Huttlet up and down.

"It's a pleasure to meet you. Really."

She did not sound convinced.

Kas Larsen | Jobbi Chantin | Valery Noble | Reina Daival | Xuko Pagoi | Other Padawans
​

 

[Aris Noble]

There was the tension. Aris continued to sip at his drink, eyes forward as he walked beside the group. But he was listening. To all the conversations around he was listening. Learning. Reina Daival and Xuko Pagoi had quite different views on what Reina had gone through. Practicality, but on two different sides of it. It'd be good if they could see each other's side, but they'd have to get their on their own, right?

What really had his attention right now was Kas Larsen , Valoria Elryne , and Jobbi Chantin . Even he could hear how uncomfortable Valoria was with the idea of Jobbi joining them. Why? More accurately, why didn't she voice as much? Was it to spare Jobbi's feelings? Or perhaps just to avoid making a larger issue of it all? There were all manner of questions going through Aris's head on that group. Being a Jedi meant not letting judgements cloud learning, but also respecting that people would be uncomfortable about things.

Which was more important?

His gaze drifted, focusing outward. He hadn't looked at the people he was listening to, but now his calm gaze was scanning the trees, the woods around them. The animals had gone quiet. There was always worry about it, but considering the group of Jedi walking through he wasn't too surprised it had been as quiet as it was. Now, though, he was listening to the quiet footfalls a distance away. Nearing them.

Something had come to investigate the Jedi, it seemed. He took another sip from his drink. It would be interesting to see what the others thought, and if they noticed.

Valery Noble | Tydos Kaldan | Ilaria Morvayne

 

[Xuko Pagoi]

For a moment, Xuko thought he'd pushed too far. Despite the conversation they'd been having, he and Reina were practically strangers. He wasn't even sure he'd made a good first impression on the fiery-haired Padawan, given the overall course of their dialogue, and Xuko could sense the occasional prickles of unease from some of the other Padawans in the area as their conversation veered into a tense exchange.

The Zabrak did, however, have the good sense to simply listen as Reina shared more details about the circumstances she'd experienced. As she did, Xuko felt his intensity softening somewhat as understanding took its place. He still thought Reina was focusing too much on what she had lost, but here was someone who'd endured more in their brief existence than most experienced in three lifetimes. Physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional distress had been her teachers; no wonder she felt bitter about her past.

He had managed to listen through almost her entire response without commenting when she began listing "real" Jedi; again, at her own expense. "Very well. If you will not have my admiration, then at least accept my respect- for although you may not feel it, you are every bit as much of a Jedi as the names you just listed." Xuko didn't finish the rest of his thought; it would not be a good career move given the present company to point out that even Valery Noble made mistakes. One of them was probably within earshot ( Aris Noble ).

A moment of silence, broken by a heavy sigh from Reina, marked the end of that conversation. Xuko nodded quietly, cast his eyes down the path where he could see the rest of the Padawans up ahead, and resumed walking next to Reina.

Reina Daival

 

[Jobbi Chantin]

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

When Kas extended his hand, Jobbi stared at it like it was a holy relic.

He was touching her hand. Willingly.

"Jobbi huh. Nice name better than mine aha. It's nice to meet you."

She made a sound. It might have been a laugh. It might’ve been a wheeze. It came from deep in her throat and startled even Fuzzy.

She extended a hand in return—too fast—and accidentally slapped his palm with her whole slimy mitt. A wet schlop echoed through the jungle like a falling melon. Her face turned a darker shade of green.

"S-Sorry! I—I sweat when I’m nervous. And also... when I’m not nervous."

Then Valoria spoke. And smiled. And looked at her.

And Jobbi melted.

Valoria’s voice sounded like it belonged in a music holofilm. Her lekku looked like they belonged in an art gallery. Her eyes briefly flicked over Jobbi, and Jobbi, oblivious to any disdain, misread it as interest. Or approval. Or at least curiosity.

"It's a pleasure to meet you. Really."

Jobbi flushed. Hard. Her tail coiled tightly beneath her like a rope.

"Y-you too!" she chirped. "You're very symmetrical!"

Fuzzy squeaked like he was trying to save her from herself.

She backpedaled. "I-I mean that as a compliment! You just—you look—um—really organized? Face-wise. Not—not like your room. I’m sure your room is great. Probably smells like soap and flowers. N-not that I know what your room smells like, hahah... That would be weird!"

She was dying. She was actually dying. This was how she died. Force-choked by her own voice.

Fuzzy curled around her neck to hide.

"I can carry stuff if you need," she added quickly, desperate to be helpful. "Heavy stuff. I’m strong. I can lift a hovertable. One time I ate a crate of survival rations and didn’t throw up. You can count on me."

That was... not relevant.

But she said it with her full chest.

As they walked together into the jungle, Jobbi squished dutifully behind them, absolutely unaware of any tension, beaming like sunshine in slug form.

She had teammates.
She had friends.

And if she played this right, maybe someday, she'd be cool too.

Kas Larsen Valoria Elryne Valery Noble @Padawans​

 

[Reina Daival]

Location: Tython
Tags: Xuko Pagoi
Outfit

Reina didn't acknowledge much more of what Xuko had said as she carried on walking. Her attention was mostly on their surroundings now, a small frown on her face for a moment. It was never good when it was quiet. Not out in the wild nor in the cities. Sure, the group had been loud...and by group, she of course did not mean herself at all, but this was a different kind of quiet to herself. You'd normally hear some kind of bird call. It wasn't something she was nervous about but it was still a curious situation.

That's when her attention was brought over towards the trio of padawans of the male, the twi'lek and...the Jobbi. What? She didn't know the other twos names. It was nice somewhat to see Jobbi making friends. It was better than Reina trying to become friends with the Huttlet. Jobbi should try to make friends with normal people. It's what Whomuttz would want. It wasn't a good idea for Reina to get closed...considering it had been one of Jobbi's father's henchmen who had caused her to lose her leg. Reina didn't resent the Huttlet for it, but if anyone found out...Well, they'd assume Reina would hold some kind of resentment.

For now, Reina turned her attention towards her prosthesis for a moment, bashing her fist against it for a moment to knock out some of the mud and dirt already starting to gather up. She'd need to get a good replacement again once she had a moment to herself...There was going to be a lot more thought put into it. Maybe it'd have been easier if she could move like Jobbi without legs...Wait. Wouldn't that be more like a mermaid? She tilted her head at that thought, staring off into the Jungle as Reina now imagined herself as a Mermaid.

...Gross.
​

 

[Alamie Hulo]

Tags: Auren Kah'el Valery Noble @Padawans OPEN

---

Once Auren had agreed to teaming up, Alamie relaxed. “I think we’ll make a good team too!” She appreciated his comments about his homeworld, as well; It was a needed reminder that all of the other padawans were people just like her– nervous, eager, headstrong.

With the lapse in conversation, Alamie followed Auren’s gaze to a minor scuffle between their peers. Auren looked troubled but ultimately tore his eyes away. It wasn’t hard for Alamie to guess what he was thinking, after all she was thinking it too. “Think they’ll work it out? Or maybe we’re witnessing the birth of eternal enemies!” She tried to keep the smile off her face to no avail.

As the group walked deeper into the forest, Alamie found herself growing impatient. She was eager to begin training, and taking a long walk felt like a waste of time. However, she reminded herself, this was an excellent exercise in perseverance.

Instead of counting seconds, Alamie focused on smaller sensations. The wind at her back, the crunch of footsteps all around her, that clean scent on the breeze mixed with something salty and sour.

---

 

[Ilaria Morvayne]

Chapter Two: A Mask of Death and Shadow

---

[OPEN] - Mentions: Reina Daival Xuko Pagoi Kas Larsen Valoria Elryne Jobbi Chantin Aris Noble

Ilaria Morvayne walked as she always did — with precision.

Each footfall placed deliberately, not too soft to seem hesitant, not too firm to draw attention. Her hands were lightly folded behind her back, the motion of her robes silent despite the underbrush whispering against their hem. She had remained near the rear of the group since their departure, not out of isolation, but choice. Observation required distance. Distance, in turn, revealed everything.

The forest was breathing.

It wasn't just the natural hush of wildlife parting for sentient presence. This quiet was different. A measured pause. As if the world itself were leaning in to listen.

So was she.

The conversations ahead were too scattered for perfect clarity, but not beyond discernment. Ilaria's memory did the rest. A glance here. A half-turned shoulder there. Tone. Tension. The weight behind certain names. Xuko Pagoi and Reina Daival. That was where the pulse of friction beat strongest.

And friction was where people revealed themselves.

She didn't look directly at them — not even when Reina's voice rose in something almost like defiance, then softened unexpectedly into reflection. Not when Xuko's stoic retorts gave way to something close to conviction. Ilaria absorbed it all, each word another stroke in a portrait of personality. She had little patience for melodrama, but the exchange was useful. Enlightening.

The Zabrak was rigid, principled. Unapologetic in the way most people became only after pain. There was merit in that — if not balance. The redhead, meanwhile, was a paradox. Unrefined, yet growing. Still stumbling through the emotional debris of her past. Broken in many ways, but not completely. Not yet.

"I should have died as a baby, lost at sea."

That line lingered.

It struck her as desperate — but not dishonest. There was no pity in Ilaria's heart for the girl, only curiosity. Pain shaped people. She had shaped her. Just as Ilaria was shaped by her.

She tilted her head slightly, letting her gaze drift along the edges of the path where Kas Larsen, Valoria Elryne, and the Huttlet child — Jobbi — walked. That pairing intrigued her more than she cared to admit. Not because of its oddity, but because of what it meant. The Jedi were changing. Broadening. Softening. Once, a Hutt would never have been allowed to walk these trails under Jedi colors.

Her expression remained composed, but her eyes narrowed faintly. What would come of it?

Kas radiated natural warmth. A leader without needing to posture. Valoria, quiet but measured. And Jobbi… too endearing for this world. Ilaria could already see it. The child's eagerness. His innocence. The affection others offered so quickly. He would either inspire something great…

…or be the first to fall.

And fall hard.

Her eyes lingered just a moment longer before shifting away. No need to dwell.

The forest floor changed slightly — denser roots, older growth, thinner air. Ilaria drew in a breath, subtle but attentive. Even the scent was changing. She wasn't a tracker, but she knew when a place grew watchful. The birds had stopped calling.

Which meant others had noticed it too.

Ahead, Aris Noble's posture had shifted ever so slightly. He hadn't said a word, but his head had tilted, his drink raised with casual precision. Ah, she thought. Another one who listens with more than ears. She approved of that.

She recalled on the memories, although a flurry, Aris had schooled Ilaria in the past, taught her to be less rigid, maybe a thread to pull on in the future?

A flicker of something passed through her thoughts. A pattern. A curve. A spiral.

She adjusted her pace slightly.

Not yet, a voice within whispered. Not yet.

Her posture did not change. Her expression remained composed. But for a single, near-invisible second, the rhythm of her breath synced with the forest around her, with the silence, with the tension gathering like a storm cloud in the distance.

Then, just as smoothly, she exhaled.

The others had paired off, grouped up, connected. Ilaria had not. It wasn't loneliness. It was strategy.

And for now, she was content to remain the quiet eye in the storm.

​