The Cat and the Fiddle

[Aliyah Phoenix]

The Cat and The Fiddle
-Music-

~Death Disabled~​

Aliyah calmly walked along the banks of a tribute that reached across the forests right outside Tython's temple, continuing some ways down into a valley before joining a large stream and forming into a river. She didn't have any particular purpose or mind to her step, she didn't have any rhyme or reason to her walk. The girl was just gently sang along, with a hawthorn walking stick in one hand and a large thermos of peppermint tea in the other. She was going to eat by the river. Or maybe draw by the river. Aliyah might even have the chance to do both. The forested path was lovely, and the sounds of chirping and rustling could be heard from all directions. It was a calm place, a gentle place, somewhere that would be good for relaxing.

"...Singin' hey diddle dee, answer me this riddle..."

She'd parked her freighter, The Riverboat Fantasy, somewhere closer to the temple and out of the way, so that she didn't interrupt another Jedi's view with the ship. It was a beautiful starship, really, but it was a little off-putting in a place as natural as Tython. The cozy correlian design had served as her home, this ship better than the last one she had. But it still wasn't a proper place to live, and seeing as she probably wouldn't be parading across the Galaxy nearly as much as she used to, it was time for Aliyah to figure out living arrangements.

I'm sure that I'll get an idea today. Maybe I should just build my own hut...

She'd toyed with the idea of staying on the temple grounds themselves and remaining in the bunks inside. The company was nice, but she needed peace of mind, that was half the reason she was walking right now. Not that she didn't like socializing, it was just a little harder getting used to carrying this kind of weight. The kind of weight that pushed down on you even though you weren't really sure what it was, if it was sadness or responsibility or maturity. But it was definitely something, she'd changed, and maybe it was a change for the better. As she reached the base of the river, in a forested clearing just outside the tree range, she unclipped the pack on her back and set it down. Unfurling a long blanket, she threw it across the grass, and set her supplies down. A book, some drawing materials, brunch, tea, paint. And then, she sat down with a sigh, sitting cross-legged and staring at the waters in front of her.

"...Dance all day with the Cat and the Fiddle..."

 

[Grug]

Spending time on Tython was not on the top of Grug's favorite things list. Everyone was way to clean and the planet was too serene. Grug enjoyed mud and cold weather. Grug enjoyed a little darker atmosphere and a lot less cleaning. The temple had a lot of people that radiated judgement towards the Gamorrean for his large stature and larger smell. Going into nature was an escape when he could find the right conditions.

Where the smaller stream flowed towards a bigger river was an easy spot to manipulate the land a little. Grug used the force to pull at the stream and create a small mud put off to the side. It was no Gamorr paradise, but it would do the trick. Grug tossed all his equipment and clothing off to the side before jumping into his new creation. It was cool, soothing, and dirty. All the attempts to make Grug clean would be for not after this mud bath. The naked Gamorrean was relaxing, half emerged, when he heard the strangest thing. Someone was singing. It was getting closer.

"...Dance all day with the Cat and the Fiddle..."

Grug now heard the voice basically on top of him. He stood from the mud, the gunk slowly dripping off his fat body as he stepped onto the grass. The Jedi forgot to put on any clothing as he approached the source of the singing itself. It was a Twi'lek woman. She did not seem too familiar but she was clearly a Jedi from the temple like himself.

"Hi." He grunted at her, standing naked and covered by mud in the important spots (for now).

@Autumn's Firefly

 

[Aliyah Phoenix]

Hmm? What could that b... OH.

She had just finished putting down her thermos and started straightening out the blanket she was going to sit on, when she heard movement from behind her. Aliyah hadn't expected anyone to be out here already, which is why she nearly jumped as she spun around to see a naked Gammorean. Yep. Immediately, she started staring at the closest tree almost obnoxiously, desperately keeping her vision just out of his range. It wasn't to be rude or anything, but... this was probably the weirdest situation she'd been in part of in all twenty six years of her life. Trying not to look incredibly awkward, she gently smiled but kept looking at the tree, before turning around completely and sighing. The thermos opened as she poured a small cup of tea into a small, detachable metal mug, before taking a long sip. It took her a few seconds before she got around to responding, not really sure what to say or how to tell her fellow Jedi that he was missing the majority of his clothes. When people had warned her to be prepared for the unexpected, she hadn't realized this could be part of what they meant.

"...Hello there."

She started tapping her feet gently as she drank. Aliyah didn't want to be rude, he was welcome to join her if he wanted, but she'd prefer having dressed guests. Maybe that was just her thing, but somehow she gathered most Jedi would probably ask for the same. He'd have time to do whatever he was going to do, but she'd keep her eyes away until he was covered up. It was already forgiven, though, she was interrupting him after all, not realizing that there was somebody in this part of the woods already. To some people, she was sure that this strange Jedi could be repulsive, but Aliyah wasn't one to judge based off of appearance or attitude. Everyone was unique in their own way, and this Gammorean Knight was obviously skilled in the Force. She knew he was going for his mastery trials, probably after if not around the same time as hers, but she didn't know his name off the top of her head. They'd never met. She started unpacking some of the arts supplies anyways, placing down a sketching pad and thumbing her pencil casually.

"You, uh. I think you forgot your clothes somewhere."

@Cazar

 

[Grug]

Mud dripped slowly off of Grug as he stood waiting for the girl to answer. She seemed afraid to even look at Grug. That seemed pretty typical so it didn't hurt his feelings anymore when people did it. The Gamorrean Jedi watched as the twi'lek woman took out supplies and seemed to set up a picnic of sorts. He sniffed the air wondering if maybe she had food to share. Food was the best. Grug's mind turned to what wonders she might have with her for eating and drinking. Plus she seemed to have other supplies. By the time she mentioned his lack of clothing, his mind was gone.

"Brought snacks? Enough to share?" He grunted, totally ignoring the fact that she noticed he was naked.

Grug knew he was nude. He was also mostly covered by mud despite it slowly falling off. To him this was not too odd but some cultures disliked nudity. The Gamorrean was certainly a special guy. His stench would actually not be too bad right now due to the layer of mud and the fact that is covered up or washed away a bit of the mold. If not for being nude he might be tolerable to hug right now. Not that he'd stop someone anyways.

"Oh, you art? Draw Grug? Am Grug." He added with excitement while pointing at himself.

@Autumn's Firefly

 

[Aliyah Phoenix]

Ohhh kayyyy I guess we're just gonna carry on?

The Jedi didn't seem to hear her comment, or maybe he just didn't care. Instead, he started talking about the food she brought, and asked if there was enough for the two of them. She internally sighed for a moment. Aliyah had some extra food, alright, and she'd share it. But unlike her fellow Jedi she wasn't really used to or okay with the whole nudity thing, it just seemed unnecessary to her. But she didn't understand his culture, and he didn't understand hers, so she decided it shouldn't matter. Still, it was awkward to look directly at him, so Aliyah did the only thing she could without being too obvious about it. She lifted the sketchpad with the Force and held it just in front of her eyes, enough so that she could only really see the upper half of Grug's body. It wasn't perfect, but it was better than nothing.

"...yea. I've got snacks. Pastries and fruit, mainly, not sure if you like that kind of stuff."

Moving her tea over, her face lightened slightly as he asked about art. Or asked if she was art? Wasn't really too clear, but she got the message. She gently started laughing as he said to draw something called Grug. And then he pointed at himself, excited and happy, and she felt her heart melt a little bit. He was a little obnoxious, sure, but you couldn't say he wasn't funny or endearing in his own weird way. This really was the last situation she though she'd be in, but she was here now. The Twi'lek guessed that at this point she could pretty much say she'd seen some of the weirdest things in the Galaxy. At least, this part of the Galaxy. She gently got up and opened her pack, taking some of the food containers out and setting them down on the grass between her blanket and Grug. They weren't open yet, but with a nod she let him know he could start without her. Aliyah had just woken up, she wasn't hungry just yet, and the tea was hitting the spot just fine as is. As she replied, she shook her head slightly, the smile fading slowly.

A good distraction. But there was still a lot on the mind.

"Well, eat first. Maybe clothes? Then I might draw, who knows."

@Cazar

 

[Grug]

Pastries and fruit were very acceptable snacks for Grug. The naked Gamorrean jumped with joy, shaking off just about all of the remaining mud as he did so. He ran forward to get the snacks, causing his belly to jiggle and the rest of him to jiggle too. When he reached the snacks he popped open the containers and dug into the pastries first. He had to be careful not to eat them all so he could share with his host and not be a... pig.

"Yum. Thank!" Grug grunted between bites.

This time around the Gamorrean did catch a comment about clothing. Grug looked himself over and figured he would do some clothing if it made her happier. Though he also liked being annoying sometimes. In exchange for food he could wear some clothing. That would be a fair trade in his mind. He turned around, which was likely not much of an improved view, and waddled over to his pile of gear. He bent over 90 degrees to fish up his undergarment loin cloth and then loosely tossed his robes on as well. The clothes were smelly but Grug wouldn't notice.

"Grug am beautiful now?" He said as he came back, giving his still exposed belly a slap.

@Autumn's Firefly

 

[Marion Espaa]

-Music-​

This was the second time Marion had come to Tython in the last month. The time prior had been for the funeral of Venatus Phoenix, one she had been close to, one she had once fallen for. Since that day, she'd spent the majority of her time focusing on the issues her own people faced on their frigid homeworld. But, a sudden jolt through the Force drew her attention back to the greenery of the Jedi world. She had felt the life force of her only son, Arhena Espaa, fade away. And now, on this day, she had come to discover why yet another of the ones she cared for had fallen. She was not angry, not truly, Marion had come to accept that his death was a strong possibility. But she hadn't expected it to be so soon.

The familiar voice rang out from across the clearing. The voice of Aliyah Coven, now known as Aliyah the Phoenix. Or, just Aliyah Phoenix for short. Like her father, she had much inner strength, wisdom and power. Marion had no doubt that the girl would one day grow to become an exceptional example of what every Jedi should strive for an achieve. It was for that reason, and that reason alone, she had forgiven the girl immediately. If her own pain was any indication, Aliyah was likely in a much worse place than she, and that was dangerous. Even for a normal force-wielder like her, but even moreso for a Jedi with such destructive powers at her command. Her eyes shone with a solid determination, her face impassive and bold, she walked through the forests like she belonged among them. She did not act with disrespect when asking a Jedi where the girl could be found, however, remembering Venatus' lesson on humility.

What's this? Intriguing.

To her surprise, however, she found that Aliyah was not alone. There was another Jedi with her, this one a Gammorean with a surprising lack of attire drabbing his body. As the warrior maiden approached cautiously, she could hear the conversation take place, and almost began to laugh at how ridiculous the situation had become. The Varite could tell, even from this distance, that Aliyah was trying her upmost to be respectful and courteous in the face of such an absurd encounter, and the inner child within begged her to egg the situation on. She could also sense the girl's confusion and pain, bleeding through the surrounding area, and decided that perhaps some cheering was required. The green skinned Jedi was doing a fine job on his own, but a familiar face would always provide comfort, especially considering the bond that had grown between them even before they'd met the Vahla that changed their lives.

"I'm sorry, am I... interrupting something?"

@Cazar @Autumn's Firefly

 

[Gûry Sündr Gantz]

Gûry had been working on his Force awareness, so being torn from a state of projected consciousness by the commotion of three people meeting randomly. Opening his eyes, he saw nothing. Which freaked him out for a brief second before he remembered that he'd found 'the perfect spot' for meditation. A tree with a hollow center that could only be found from the top was highly unlikely, but then again, so was a Deucalian Jedi, so Gûry wasn't entirely worried about it. What he was worried about was the aforementioned group of three currently meeting outside his tree. And thus we return to the start.

Shucks. Is this place allowed for meditation?

Then an idea struck him, and he grinned as he closed his eyes, though the gesture was a bit unnecessary. The excitement and anxiety faded into peace as he fell back from his own consciousness into an awareness of all that surrounded him. For about seven feet in any given direction. He found two presences that, while familiar, were still unknown, and another that just barely registered on the edge of his awareness. Rather than speak, he would listen quietly, not only to the people and whatever strange encounter they were having, but to the ebb and flow of all life around as well, because he was not skilled enough to distinguish anything from anything else.

 

[Jubba the Mutt]

Jubba had kept himself deeply covered in mud while Grug wandered off. The mud had such a comforting appeal to the Hutt despite being something he usually wouldn't do, only after the insistence of Grug did he try it. While he wouldn't readily admit it, Jubba had noticed that all the time he had spent with his friend had seen additional pounds added to his waistline as he neared another dreaded milestone of 1,700 pounds.

Yet all the weight seemed lifted as he floated happily in the mud and enjoyed the bubbles popping of flatulence, rising in large pockets before exploding into the air around him. Such simple little treats were rare things to enjoy in between nature walks, truffle hunts and saving the galaxy from the bad guys.

When Grug didn't return, Jubba grew to worry for his friend and waddled his way out of the thick dark mud which now mostly covered his figure. Unlike his buddy, Jubba enjoyed being much cleaner and thus he carefully washed away the mud in the stream before putting his very stretched out Jedi robes back on and making his way to what sounded like a very happy Grug.

It seemed that in his absence he had found another friend indeed, not wishing to be rude Jubba waved like an excited seal and introduced himself.

"Hi ams Jubba, friend of Grug."

@Cazar @Autumn's Firefly @TheMorrigan

 

[Aliyah Phoenix]

"...yes..? I think you look much better!"

The drawing pad stayed hovering where it was. Grug wasn't a bad Jedi at all, and he seemed really nice. But this entire... situation... was a little weird for the girl, and anyone walking up would be able to tell. There's a lot the Jedi had prepared her for. This wasn't one of those things. She nearly yelped as Jubba came out of nowhere, dressed in Jedi robes that looked really tight. At almost the same time, a voice she loved to hear came from behind her. Another presence had popped into her senses nearby, the same aura of that deucalian kid. Wow, so much for a quiet spot of tea. Still, she beamed, happy that she at least had company. Her face turned a bright shade of red when Marion asked whether she was interrupting something. She tore out a piece of paper from her notebook as she turned around to face her friend.

"Stoppppppp!!!"

She threw the piece of paper at Marion lightly, and it floated away in the wind. This wasn't the first time Marion had teased her over something for no reason. Just because she was alone with someone didn't automatically mean there was something going on. Unlike Mary, who was totally like that, so it made sense she thought Aliyah was the same way. Though it did look really weird, and she really hoped that she wouldn't be left explaining why she was here or anything. The Hutt introduced himself as Jubba, one of Grug's friends, and she threw up her hand to wave hello. Her heart sank slightly when she realized she hadn't brought enough for everybody to eat... and then it almost broke again as she felt Marion's emotions flood around her. She was hurting, Aliyah could feel it, but that didn't seem to be stopping her. Aliyah couldn't understand how Marion could just keep soldiering through pain like this, a blanket over everything she did that just sucked the fun out of life. She shook her head again. Happy thoughts. Happy thoughts.

"Hey Jubba. Mary! AND YOU TO GÛRY!!"

@Cazar @TheMorrigan @Ero @Xorism

 

[Grug]

Things got too crowded all of a sudden. Grug had been excited to see the painting of himself but his new friendly artist threw away the work when others came. The Gamorrean pouted a bit at that but he was happy to see Jubba joined them. Maybe they'd still get a painting out of it. She could draw the pair together in battle poses. That would be awesome. Grug drifted off in his mind as he began imagining the glorious pieces of art that would depict the battles of Jubba and Grug. Jurg? Grub? Grubba! That was the combined name he had heard once before for them. Grug would commission this art for certain to show their friendship.

"Hi Jubba. Want get artwork? Us together!" He grunted and pointed at Aliyah with her drawing pad.

Another woman had appeared and it seemed more would come. Grug was not sure this was going to happen but he had to try. The Gamorrean simply stood and looked between the women. Aliyah and this Mary person seemed familiar. Grug did not recognize the other one at all. It seemed odd, but Grug did not want to think about it too much. After all, thinking was hard.

@Xorism

 

[Jubba the Mutt]

Jubba grinned in delight when the pink Jedi responded, simple hutt, simple pleasures. The day was perfect with all his new friends arriving for his birthday, Grug had said there was a surprise to come but he had thought that meant the mud bath not this!

"Draw Jubba birthday? yes!" This was the best birthday ever for him in all 186 years and definitely was better that one time his father beat him with jumper cables for not being interested in taking on the family business. Jubba was a humble Jedi and didn't expect his friends to have brought gifts, them being kind enough to be there for him was enough after all. Suprise parties were the best definitely as Jubba sat down on the grass next to Grug while adjusting his robes that were holding on for dear life.

"Jubba bring cake, want?" Jubba pulled half a dark chocolate cake from inside his extremely wide mouth where he had been hiding it for later. There wouldn't really be enough to stretch it out for the whole group but he was willing to share as Jubba broke some off for Grug who he knew would want some.

@Cazar @Autumn's Firefly @TheMorrigan

 

[Marion Espaa]

This little gathering had certainly turned into an interesting array of strange happenings. Aliyah, ever to form, pitifully and jokingly tried to toss a blank piece of paper at her. Aliyah's face grew to a faded complexion of crimson as the Twi'lek replied to the Varite's layered question. It was all a tease in jest, of course, Marion didn't truly believe Aliyah to be a girl like that. She was much too like her Father to try anything so foolish. Placing her palms across her waist, Marion cracked a large and friendly grin, walking into the clearing as a Hutt began to emerge from the nearby sludge created by the flow of the tributary. Unlike the young Jedi, however, she did not yelp nor make any movements in surprise. She did, however, twitch her hand to her sword for a second only, not knowing the being until they introduced themselves as a friend of the Gammoreans. It was not odd to see the species work together.

"Hahaha. Pray tell, why would I ever do that?"

As she paced forward, shrugging slightly at the heat the planet gave off. The maiden much preferred the frigid climate of her homeworld, having been far more accustomed to snow than this mild weather. The belief that she would do anything with a man was a foolish one indeed, only one among the Galaxy's number had even come close to catching her eye. And he had promptly explained his duty outweighed any emotion he felt, and Marion could not deny he had been correct. Maidens take their title from abandoning the bloom of their youth, it was no simple honor. Reaching out with her mental prowess, she gingerly touched Aliyah's consciousness and transmitted a short message.

I would speak to you of Percival when we have the opportunity. I wish to know everything.

The woman found herself barely able to stomach the sight that welcomed her, as the Hutt regurgitated what appeared to be nothing more than the very same sludge he had been wading in prior to joining the collective. Grimacing, she gave a small yet harsh smile and averted her gaze gently. The comment on this being the day of his birth was not lost on her, however, she would not partake of the cake and respectfully declined. Under usual circumstances, she would have been severely less welcoming of the sight, but these were the ones Aliyah worked alongside. Marion owed it to the Knight not to cast the woman in a bad light. The Varite had no valuables that she could gift, none save Alacrity, which was the only silver she owned. But, like Aliyah, she could provide a musical melody with her own bardic prowess. The nights spent singing among the fading light of a campfire were pleasant memories to her. Marion had not come to surprise the Hutt at the Gammorean's request, but it would not be she who destroys the image of this moment.

"Happy birthday. I'm afraid I am on quite a harsh diet right now, and as such I can't really partake. I am also aware that Jedi do not usually take physical belongings, so I brought with me something that can be shared. Music. Perhaps Aliyah would be so kind as to join me for the little jig."

@Cazar @Autumn's Firefly @Ero @Xorism