Crystal Caverns

[Marina Giulestei]

Now this was a planet where the ice sheets were as old as the hills they clung to. In some ways a competing thought, the kriffing stuff should be old enough and heavy enough to keep in one piece as she moved her way into it. But on the other hand it also meant that it wasn’t going away anytime soon if something happened to her here. On one hand the artifacts would be safe, stashed away in a location a Jedi would be able to find, assuming they had the information. On the other hand, where that was was a place so remote that they better get it quick or else they’d freeze.

Hoth. A hell of a place. But hopefully one where the Sith would never look.

Here on the planets northern hemisphere Marian found herself spelunking into the depths of the ice, scaling the side of a crevice that led further in, geothermal jets heating the bottom hit enough to thaw out space to make her way in. It was beautiful, in a lonely way, as if one could slip away into meditation, lose them self in the vast expanse of white that surrounded them. She hadn’t quite the same intention. On her back a large pack contained a great set of relics of the Jedi Order. Some far older than any of the Jedi she’d ever met, things that would guide new generations, provide advanced teachings to those capable of finding them. And only a Master would want to come to a place like this. For her part, Marina felt safe enough attached to her line as she sailed down the crevice, what she would find within as she made her way to the location, she scarcely wanted to find out.

@Zigara

 

[The Storyteller]

As time passed the temperatures had begun the dip deeper and deeper into the negatives. Such was the case of a forever ice planet, and Marina would have to discover this as she had ventured forward. Fortunately for her she was wearing appropriate gear - but could you truly be ready for the extremes of Hoth? That would be a test for all; one she would have to face when she returned to the surface. For now however, she was able to beat the cold as she began her decent into the depths below.

The ice would glisten, the line would hold - for now, but caution would be needed to ensure that the Jedi had a method of departing the depths later this day. The location she was given was a location secretly guarded by the Jedi as it was still new news and very few people were actually aware of the plans. For this location was the location that the Grand Master had considered for the construction of a hidden temple at a later date. A dream that would never come to fruition as the galaxy and the Order were ignited and the ashes of hope began to fade away, to smolder and stew until such a time when it could reblaze.

As Marina would decent she'd find herself arriving at a ledge of ice and the small nook she had been eyeing. With a swish and kick she'd find her feet safely on the ground, on the ledge. But the ledge was not rock, no, the ledge was a ledge of ice - one that had grown wet and the dangers of slipping were very real. She was deep enough now that the heat had started to lick the ice like a frozen treat enjoyed by a small child. Of course the only knowledge of this potentially dangerous situation was common sense; no Force talent would indicate that the ice would prove to be dangerous.

The scattering and scraping of tiny claws off in the distance indicated that something might have been aware of the newcomer; but at the time the sound was so faint and so easily missed - there was no telling what was to come. Something was stirring but nothing indicated the presence of hostility.

@Nightfall096

 

[Marina Giulestei]

Touching down onto the chasm floor m, she felt the wind from up above die away, unable to find a path down to where she now found herself. But, it was darker here, the light only coming so far down the crack in the ice for her to find her way forward. Hoth was hostile, all things considered, and she alone could not tame the planet. Though perhaps she could atleast do her duty. Tugging at the line, it seemed stable, for now. That was as much as she could hope for here,

“Pray to the force that you don’t go anywhere” she muttered under her breath at it, before turning and beginning to move deeper into the hole. There could be no turning back. Though underneath her feet she could feel the ice crunch, hear it strain, the sounds echo round the space like crystal. Beautiful but dangerous. She kept her senses on high alert, imbuieing them with the force and extending her feelings out beyond their normal barriers. She wanted to know before anything went wrong, or else she’d fall even further, with no hope of return.

Not exactly an ideal setting to be in.

Holding her hands to her mouth to keep warm, she pressed forward. The opening down the bottom seemed to become narrower, she’d have trouble trying to get her pack with the artifacts through, though hopefully with a bit of manoeuvring she could push though it, though much of her focus was maintained on keeping her feet. The ice was slippery, one wrong step would mean death. Hopefully it would be her only danger on her way in...

@Zigara

 

[The Storyteller]

Of course when you adventure into the depths of the unknown, you're not likely to go unnoticed or interrupted. Hoth was cold, and it was icy for sure, but that didn't mean there wasn't any wildlife and soon Marina would discover she wasn't alone.

As she entered the cavern and the darkness began to become a bit more prevailing, a sound off in the distance - a couple of them actually. She heard some small squeaking in the corner of the room and soon she'd have a small furry rodent rush past her in a desperate effort to hide from the strange tall creature entering the shelter. A small little Snowmouse would be her first obstacle. Harmless and rarely seen though, but in the darkness feeling something quickly run by someone unexpected would certainly get a little jump but other than the potential for the small scare, there really was no danger of that mouse.

But a little deeper in and another 4 legged rodent, stretch the length of about 20cm sat patiently with a cohort. The two, Ice scrabblers watched the human in their midst, watching, waiting, they could tell the girl had some rations - some food. Their noses were just that good they'd slowly edge toward Marina, their beak like noses sniffing at the air - eyes wide. These furry critters looked like sorry pathetic dogs, think enough coat but not enough meat. But that was their build, they weren't exactly starving - they had burrowed themselves down here in search of the planet's natural lichen. Which meant there might be drinkable water in these depths, a natural aquifer.

@Nightfall096

 

[Marina Giulestei]

Seeing the creatures glinting eyes in the dark of the cave, feeling their presence in the force encroach upon her, Marina gathered the force to her and instead covered herself in it, generating a field that would hopefully diminish the threat she posed to others, here that being the ice scrabblers. If it worked they’d hopefully not hamper her further progress into the cave.

The things reminded her of dogs. Long, floppy ears that hung against their bodies, sappy skin that blended in with their environment. If it weren’t for her force abilities she may not have even noticed them. And as much as she wanted to simply leave them whatever they wished and move on, she couldn’t be sure what that was. Stealth seemed the safer option here. Especially when all she wanted to do was get in and get out of the cave. This was no place to live. Not out in the open anyhow. But that did mean it would be forgotten, and that’s what they needed right now. Hopefully that also meant that all that would bother her would be the wildlife, with no other trespassers to speak of.

Equally, she tried to keep her breathes slow and her steps quiet, trying only to add her to attempts to limit any attention she might draw. As harmless as the scrabblers looked there were far worse things on the surface of Hoth, and she had no intention of meeting them anytime soon.

A thought though, the creatures had to come from somewhere, somewhere they lived for longer periods of time. Perhaps that would be a more hospitable passage to her goal than other means. Edging round the back of the beasts she would make her way into wherever they had appeared from and begin to follow that direction, hopefully pressing toward her goal.

@Zigara

 

[The Storyteller]

The two critters watched as the girl attempted to evade them. But they offered no resistance, they were passive and more interested in trying to score some food from the stranger - it was there, they could smell it. They followed her with their eyes but none made any additional advances toward her; they wanted to but they were skittish and were uncertain with her actions. Marina would have no issues skirting around the Ice scrabblers and normally they would tag a long but something was unsettling of her direction, her advancement. The scrabblers turned away and scurried off into the opposite direction without making a fuss.

As Marina made it around the location she would soon come face to face with the many burrowed tiny tunnels that could fit nothing more than a small critter - something closely resembling the size of the scrabblers. This was likely where they came in and may have used as a tunnel to reach other destinations. Marina could widen the holes if she wanted to but it would likely take a lot longer than she wanted to spend down here. Though sheltered down below, it wasn't some luxurious spa or tropical climate. There was still a certain chill in the air, the saving grace was the lack of a serious wind that would be faced on the surface, but as Marina stood by the burrowed marks, she could feel the soft breeze of fresh air wrapping around her.

But overall, this is where she would want to be. They would have came down here for a reason and if Marina was ever vigilant she would realize that the tunnel - though dark did extend and that the familiar scent of water would be present but to that affect... the familiar tingle of living beings was also present in the same corridor, and not small creatures. Something bigger that the two separate species she had already met native to this planet, and there was more than one.

@Nightfall096

 

[Marina Giulestei]

For now she managed to keep the wildlife at a safe distance. Even if she didn’t think they meant her any harm, it was easier for her to stay back and let the potential harms of Hoth move round her, rather than any other way round. Assuming she was in a position to do so that is.

As the tunnel round her continued, she’d lose more and more space to manoeuvre, and that meant facing some things head on. Much like the life form she felt as she dipped her feelings into the living force and stretched them out around her. Hoth had far more going on beneath its surface than one might ever expect. Exciting for a biologist, undoubtedly, worrying for her, as she moved her way further in.

But, on the other hand the place was especially beautiful. The way the ice shimmered in the low light, shadows playing off the walls. The deep blue and stark whites that coloured it. There was certainly something to be said for it. Thogih, perhaps a single visit would be enough, she realised, feeling the freezing temperatures against herself.

With the tunnel drawing in closer, it clicked in her head that the thing, no, things, she felt, she would not be able to get around and still follow the tunnel and the fall of water she held to,

“Here goes nothing” Marina whispered to herself before igniting her lightsaber and jumping the corner to where she felt the presences. It was now or never to keep her task moving.

@Zigara

 

[The Storyteller]

As her lightsaber hissed to life and she jumped around the corner she was greeted by 4 Skels who had taken refuge in the cave. The small hairy beasts with pig like features screeched in surprise but quickly came charging toward Marina with a pack lack mentality and desperation. It was tight quarters but enough space to manuver and only a few meters away. As they came baring down on the Jedi the two leading the charge opened the attack one leaped into the air while the other took a dive, both with their sharp claws exposed - the first looking to land on top of Marina, the second attempting to latch onto her legs.

The other two following had no plan of attack they had simply decided to charge the girl in hopes that they can get a piece of the flesh.

@Nightfall096

 

[Marina Giulestei]

Well.

Bugger.

Marina threw herself left, against the wall of the cave, letting the two leaping Skels sail past her. The creatures were somewhat sentient after all, if she didn’t have to kill them she wouldn’t. If only her jump had scared them, now she needed another plan altogether. For now, seeing the other two oncoming in a charge meant she shot out with the only thing that she could think of that might spare lives this day,

“Stop!” She commanded, splaying her hands and charging her words with the force, attempting to try and subdue the minds of the pair that rushed for her now, hopefully keeping them from coming against her. Though she still had to others to look after, and glanced back over her shoulder to keep track of their movements, to be ready for any follow up they might try.

Jedi weren’t required to not kill, not totally. And the creatures here today didn’t seem to have any qualms about going after her. She could do better though. This mission, as she well knew, would be one of the last she’d ever undertake as a Jedi. If ever there was a time to truly live up to that title it was now. For, if she slipped now, as their days were numbered and their prospects slim, it will have meant nothing for her to survive if she was no longer one of them, if she let fear in any form cloud her actions.

This was her proving it wouldn’t. Not from monsters. Not from the icy depths of Hoth. Not the Sith.


@Zigara

 

[The Storyteller]

The two sailed past the human with her moving to the side as they were already in full flight the moment she made her movements. They were simple creatures and no fearsome warriors - not like a wookiee. The landed with little hindrance and quickly turned tail to launch a second volley, the first one - the one jumping high didn't need much of a recovery as the second who had dived down.

As Marina commanded the other two to cease their attacks, they stumbled a moment but wouldn't give up the ground. They weren't powerful creatures but the pack mentality kept their will in check and able to challenge the Force - but it wasn't ineffective completely, the froze in their tracks for a moment as they're minds were assaulted but they would recover in about a round and continue trying to take some shots in. Once they recovered they'd continue to run directly at Marina with no cares of their own lives with sharp claws ready to swipe down. When the first one of the two reached her they'd take a downward strike from her right and down; the second would attempt to scratch across the stomach.

The first leaper attempt to pounce a second time, hoping to get the edge and an unsuspecting Marina and grapple her and attempting to stab at her throat - if they managed to get a hold of Marina. The diving one got to it's feet and also charged looking for any open space to strike.

They were a pack of animals. They must have thought the Jedi would be easy prey - but was it for hunger or just self-preservation? It was hard to tell in the frenzy.

@Nightfall096

 

[Marina Giulestei]

She had bought herself time, and nothing more. Better than nothing, she supposed. Not that she would have much time to think in the interim though, with multiple foes she could do little to stem the tide of their attacks for long. She had to get them all at once, or run. And that second option didn't particularly appeal to her. Though Marina knew her goal lay deeper into the ice, she couldn't know if there'd be another way back out, or if she'd just seal her fate even further in.

No, now was one problem at a time.

Marina stepped back and right, letting the two who had leapt jump past her again as she traded places with them, leaving the four creatures now facing her, the other two not yet having recovered from her efforts before. The four skels now arrayed before her, she reached out with the force and blasted a wave of kinetic energy toward them. With the power she could muster it would hurl the things back, hopefully knocking them about enough they'd give up the fight, and allow her to pass to her goal unharmed.

Well, that was what she hoped anyhow.

@Zigara

 

[The Storyteller]

The blast of Force hit the 4 creatures fairly easily and it wasn't much effort on Marina's part to do that, however, an open blast like that caused the caverns to shake slightly. She had succeeded in her goal and the skals were blasted back and against the cavern walls. When they regained their footing, they say little reason to continue a fight and the blast was enough to scare them as well. They scattered across the caverns and took off with little rhyme or purpose in their efforts.

But the blast was not a simple case. While the cavern wasn't exactly falling apart but such a blast of kinetic energy made its presence known as Marina could hear some ice cracking, the Force would gently whisper caution in her ear. A warning that she must be careful going forward as the cavern could be unstable - it was ice after all.

For now, though, the girl would be left alone. She could continue into the depths if she so desired.

@Nightfall096

 

[Marina Giulestei]

Within a moment she felt a whole collection of different emotions. Relief, that the beasts had chosen to back off. Curiosity as to where in the ice they might have slinked off to. And then worry.

Fully formed, deep, actual worry as she heard the ice crack and heave. As strong as it was, as old and hardened to the elements, it was still only as hard as it ever was, and a blast like the one she might deliver was not exactly something it naturally held against. A hasty move, with a follish outcome if everything went south after it. She should have thought more before doing that. But, for now there was only onwards, and with haste. Either she made it in and out in a flash, before any more ice was undone. Or she fled, her mission failed. And she wasn't quite ready to accept that second option.

That meant forwards, following the crevice deeper into the ice, and further into what she hoped would not be her tomb. Keeping her steps as light as possible, and her mind focus so as to avoid any sudden or dangerous actions, she began to move down the hollow, following the directions she had been given to the storage place. Reflections of her face danced of the blue ice, warping her features, morphing her into someone else with every step. It was probably true, in a sense. It seemed to her every planet she visited, every experience she had now seemed somewhat more profound, more final, as what was normal to her slowly faded from the galaxy.

She had to find what this new galaxy would be like, and that meant finding out what her place in it would be all over again.

For now though, her place was still among the Jedi, a Knight on a mission, a mission of which she could tell, as she eased herself down the halls and fissures of the ice, was nearly over. Or so she hoped, anyhow.

@Zigara

 

[The Storyteller]

She would face no further obstacles. She would have to tread carefully, but soon enough she would find herself at a natural spring; the waters crystal blue and free-flowing. She was also near a geothermal vent which gave one of the natural forming pools a pleasant heat to rise up off of; a natural hot spring and a natural source of water. This was clearly the location the skals and the other critters were familiar with and what they had been down here for.

Fortunately for her, however, she was now deep under the planet's crust. Could this prove to be a good space for the items? Clearly, they were out of the way and most likely protected by the planet. This might be a good spot to set up camp and wait things out or learn in peace. No one would truly know though, she could keep on if she so sought to though.

@Nightfall

 

[Marina Giulestei]

Stepping into the opening, she nearly had to pull her coat down, the sudden change in temperature (that being, the fact that there was any warmth at all) came as a shock to her senses. She felt as if she wanted to sweat, but a pause, some slow breathing, her feelings neutralised.

Despite her initial discomfort, Marina felt a calmness here, as if the crushing weight of the ice, the world around her was lessened here, held back. This would be the place. She knew it.

With the Skels having dispersed she was safe, alone in this thermal cavity, pool bubbling slowly before her. But she had a more particular plan for how she might contain the artifacts. Stepping out onto the water, Marina drew the force to her, crafting a hardened sliver of ice before her that jutted out into the centre of the pool. She walked slowly, careful not to break her concentration or the ice she walked on. As pleasant as the hot spring might be the rapid temperature change would do her no good now.

Instead, as she reached the centre, she looked to the roof of the cave, and redirected her power there.

With a firm application of cryokinesis she pulled at the ice above her, a great stalagmite slowly forming from it as if she pulled it free from there. Carefully, the construct drew down above her, stopping some space above her head as she took the pack from her back, emptying it onto the ground. The objects within floated upwards, turning slowly about themselves as they made their way to the centre of her icy cage for them. They would be safe in here, hidden away, as she continued to create the stalagmite around them.

They hovered their now, motionless in the ice. This would be their final resting place. At least until some Jedi of latter days sought them out. For now though, they would look upon them no longer, her task on Hoth complete. She breathed, coming out of her meditative state,

"Okay. Now off this kriffing iceball"

@Zigara

Spoiler: OOC

/EndThread?

 

[The Storyteller]

// ## END THREAD ## //

Spoiler: OOC

Yes.