Open Yavin IV The Founding: Beer and Food

[Vahn Berand]

Vahn Berand was surrounded by a small throng of Jedi and a few lay-persons of the Temple not too far off from where Alex (@Valen Pelora ) and Yvain (@Braden Drake ) were tending to the gathering. Mostly, he was surrounded by Jedi of the younger sort, padawans and newly minted knights.

“Okay so Jakku actually has a lot of canyons, so this trafficker bastard dove into one, probably trying to hide from me. Problem is he was trailing smoke, so you can imagine it wasn’t hard at all to follow him. And then there was the fact that there was a really big boom when his repulsors gave out and he hit the canyon floor," he said, miming the motion of two starfighters with his hands, thumbs and little fingers splayed to suggest wings.

“So I land just a little way down from him and just follow the plume of smoke expecting to have to track him down. But then when I get there the guy’s leg is ruined; just absolutely mangled. But get this, he’s got a blaster and he’s trying to look all scary propped up against the wreck of his ship.”

“So- Okay so get this, he lifts his other hand and in it is this like, metal object. He then says in this horrible tough guy voice; ‘I’ve got an overcharged Rhydonium detonator in my hand. I’ve pressed the trigger but if you start running now you might get out of the blast radius,” his imitation of the tough guy voice was, predictably, over the top and ridiculous.

Vahn couldn’t help but start laughing, waving his hands defensively.

“Sorry, sorry. Okay, so I just stare at him for a while in complete disbelief and then I say; ‘Sir. That’s a standard code-lock cylinder for your ship’s cargo bay. I have one too’ and then I reach in to my pocket and pulled one out as well,” He bit his lip, biting back a grin and a bout of mad laughter.

"Then he says 'Well you can't fault me for trying. Just don't tell the bounty marshall about this.'" Vahn shook his head slowly

"No can do, I say. I am telling every single person I know about how this went down. A code cylinder, really?"

Vahn bit down on his knuckle as he quietly laughed.

"So then what happened Master Berand?" A young voice chirped up, and Vahn looked down to see a young Padawan; human, still a boy but just now starting to grow like a beansprout.

"Please, just Vahn. But then he tried to pull his blaster up to try and get a shot off but I was close enough to just club him with the hilt of my lightsaber," he hefted the silver and black hilt, gesturing vaguely towards the ridged pommel of the weapon. "Right here. You could hear the crack echo up and down the canyon. It was great."

"The best part however is that when I got back to town, Arias was-" Vahn paused, his gaze distant. Arias. How long had it been now? Three years? Longer? Why couldn't he remember? His jaw set firmly before he gave a weak chuckle. "Actually that part actually isn't as good as I remember. A story for another time perhaps."

There was a frustrated muttering that spread throughout the small crowd, and Vahn looked panic stricken for a moment before adapting.

"So who wants to hear about how I dueled a Echani sword mistress, and in defeating her won her heart and admiration? Eh? Eh?" Vahn asked. He couldn't change the subject fast enough.

 

[Indy Sati]

She could sense the tension in Drast's shoulder, and gave it a light pat before offering a shake of her head. "No, no food for me, thanks. But I remembered the Founding and couldn't resist." Golden eyes crinkled at the corners, lips curving into a faint smile before offering the young Padawan a light nudge to the shoulder. She was proud of him. He had his faults, but he always had a knack for being social. However, there was another presence she knew.

She quickly turned on Arctus, and strode over, giving the man a nudge to his own shoulder, smiling down at the sleeping face of the youngling nestled into him. "You've got a good touch. Far better than mine." She offered out her arms, giving a nod to the food. "I can hold onto him while you eat, if you like."

@Rhogar @Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Drastus Drahr]

Drast would see @Arctus Friers out of the corner of his eye and it took every ounce of self control to not roll those eyes. Here he was surrounded by kids. He always was, it was kinda weird. Like a big weird ice cream man without the truck. But, he did something good and he didn't interrupt Drast and Indy. It was something that Drast could actually respect him for, especially given the current state of things: he felt as if he was the extra Padawan these days, the one not worthy of her time. And that was a fault he couldn't put on Felix, the first.. Or Arctus. So he would eventually have to make peace with the latter. "Well then, let me know if you need anything."

He would smile up at her at the nudge and just as he was about to say something, she strode off to Arctus and that pain returned. Now he could have followed after her and interrupted, but he wouldn't do what Arctus himself had the decency to not do. Respect earned is respect given. So with that, Drast would sigh as he moved to the grass off to the side and sat down, wrestling with his thoughts. If the burger was good, he wouldn't have noticed, his mind wrapped up in a dozen different things.

He'd then lay back in the grass, hands clasping over his chest. He would do what his father taught him to do many years ago. He would pray silently. To the Old Gods.. for guidance, strength, clarity of mind, and the conviction to see it all through.

@Killa Ree @Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Vinry Forge]

Vinry sat precariously atop a branch, munching on some dried jerky, and sniffed approvingly at the smell of the burgers coming from behind her. Keeping watch, waiting for whatever could go wrong to go wrong.

 

[Jarrell DiVos]

Jarrell remembered his first Founding. While much of the early days in the Jedi Order were a jumbled mess in his mind, The Founding marked a turn for him. He remembered noble Knights, wise Masters, and eager Padawan alike join in sharing and celebration of the Jedi past in a way that he never forgot. The at-times reserved mannerisms of the Temple gave way to genuine cheer and joy that could border on raucous. However, it was always clearly, genuinely, out of an unending appreciation for the uniqueness of the Jedi philosophy and its ability to survive, and thrive, despite extreme tragedy.

This year would be no different. Jarrell cleaned a spill off of his leather brown boots, an accident caused by a frolicking Youngling that had barely registered his presence. While he had avoided his black tunic and pants, the bright red stain would need to be treated at some point to be fully cleaned. He had avoided eating, and largely interacting, out of precisely this fear. Now that the proverbial floodgates were opened, he decided to saunter over to the grill.

Knight Yvain. Jarrell, of course, recognized the venerable Jedi Knight. His mastery of botany was an intriguing, inspiring use of the Force’s ability to heal and grow life. But then, doubted the Knight recognized him, in return. Better to avoid names altogether, perhaps, to keep his elder out of an awkward situation.

“May I have a Bantha Burger, please? The whole of the Order seems quite pleased by them.” He offered a soft smile as he met Yvain’s eyes, before quietly musing. “This has been a wonderful day altogether, and a needed beacon for our people.”

 

[Alexandria Voran]

Alex was a paragon of the Light. A Master of the Force who had stared down Darkness thousands of years old. Her strength was legendary. Her exploits fairy tales. Jedi Master Alexandria Voran had stood against the coming Darkness himself…Darth Stolas. She was the embodiment of the Jedi Order...and suddenly she found herself surrounded my laughter. Her open mouth clenching around a burger patty. Her eyes bore holes into Yvain. She chewed and swallowed. Very ladylike. “I swear by all that is holy I will put you back in the swamp that spit you out.” Her eyes searched around. Quickly, the Force filled her chest. Yavin was humid, water droplets hung in the air all round them. You just had to look.

Alex suddenly coalesced those thousands of droplets, two balls of water floating above either palm. She struck, sending the water directly towards the face of the cackling Jedi Knight. (@Braden Drake) Vaguely she could hear Vahn blathering on in the background. Golly, did he ever love to talk. Alex raised her voice. “Vahn, get over here and help me drag Yvain to the dungeon….he has insulted a Jedi Master!” (@The Steel Stag) Her voice was filled with mirth. A laugh bursting from her lips.

 

[Sevrin Valtiere]

“You didn't win her heart. She was ready to do anything to get you to stop talking,” Sevrin’s voice cut in smoothly as Vahn finished up his story.

The Sephi stood out a like a sore thumb as always, towering over most of the others gathered. Like a few of them, he was a long lived species and had been witness to several Foundings. He actually regretted not attending them often, shooting spikes of pain going through his chest as he recalled all the Jedi that were no longer here. He recalled the young padawans that attended one just prior to the Ajan Kloss attack and had lost their lives.

He pulled his thoughts back, his face never betraying any emotions. The music was a bit too loud for his sensitive ears, but seeing the others all here was worth it. He was adorned in white Jedi robes, his long hair neatly tied back and resting down his back, the jet black contrasting against the white.

Sevrin gazed at Vahn for a moment, amusement dancing in his eyes. It wasn’t in his nature to smile or laugh often, but those that knew him could read his sharp silver eyes. The Sephi grabbed a glass of wine before glancing over towards Alex.

Sevrin looked over in time to catch the interaction between her and Yvain, the sight comical and a nice change of pace from the usual doom and gloom. His eyebrows rose at Alex’s accusations, and he crossed his arms over his chest.

“But Jedi Master Voran,” He cut in, “You haven’t yet told us how you like the burger.”

More chortling erupted around them.

@The Steel Stag @Valen Pelora

 

[Isen Ramm]

Isen was late. He had a strict workout schedule and nothing, short of an order from a superior or a mission, would prevent him from his training. It was no secret that the young Jedi Knight wasn't much of a "social butterfly," but even he had to admit that he worked himself into having a rumbling tummy. He nodded and gave half-hearted smiles and waves to several acquaintances and friends as he made his way to the grill.

He wouldn't partake in any boozy beverages if they were available, but after he ate, he might look to see if a game of baggo was set up around there somewhere. Good, healthy competition was fun and kept the wits sharp.

He watched with some amusement as Yvain played around with flipping the burgers. Isen got close enough that such shenanigans wouldn't be necessary. "Are double bantha burgers with cheese on the menu today or are we being mindful of good heart health?" Isen's eyes wouldn't betray his dry humor, and with his deadpan delivery, some may find it hard to distinguish if he was serious or not.

@Braden Drake

 

[Vahn Berand]

A single thought entered Vahn’s head the moment he heard Sevrin’s voice. He sucked in a breath, and braced himself.

Here it comes.

Then he winced, cringing as his fellow Jedi’s words struck like a blow. The peel of laughter from the small crowd he gathered brought a tinge of red to his cheeks as he scrubbed a gloved hand at the back of his neck.

“Ah come on man, that’s one of my best stories!” he pleaded. “Okay, okay, how about the story of when I-” already the small crowd was clearing out from around him. He’d lost them. He’d have to think of something fast to recover what little dignity he had remaining!

Then, Salvation. The words of Master Voran! Vahn practically skipped over towards her, if only to try and shake off the sting of Sevrin’s words.

“Dungeon? I think I have a better idea for such...transgressions,” Vahn said, a mad glint growing in his eye. He reached to his side, producing from under his silver-white robe a roughly forearm length chromed canister, which he set down on a table nearby to Master Voran, Yvain and Sevrin. A faint sloshing could be heard from within. Vahn crept around the table, arms extended to frame the cylinder as if he were presenting fine jewelry.

“Have you ever had...kombei? It’s a Rylothi tea, brewed from a very particular leaf along the equator. Usually you can’t drink it, but if you mix in some lye, some crushed egg shells, and then let it ferment for a while it becomes...palatable. I’m told the health benefits are profound and increase with age. Mine’s been fermenting in my X-wing’s cargo bay for, oh, I’d say eight months now,” Vahn said. The look on his face was terrifying to behold. He slowly unscrewed the cap and an ominous hiss slithered from the neck of the canister. There was no way there should have been that much pressure behind the cap.

"I think Sev should try it first if you'd ask me. He's so intent on knowing how things taste, after all."

@Sreeya @Braden Drake @Valen Pelora

 

[Arctus Friers]

"Eh?"

Making a show of pulling a sad face at the Jedi Knight's playful response, Arctus shifted his attention to where he'd last seen the twins and found them hovering by the small crowd of Padawans and newly-minted Knights around Knight Berand (@The Steel Stag). The siblings must have felt the former smuggler's gaze on them because by the time they turned to look at him both boys were sporting mischievous grins.

"Ah, c'mon now," the Padawan pleaded, puppy-eyed as he watched Yvain (@Braden Drake) prepare Maikee's food. Playing along he let his shoulders droop in defeat, ever mindful of the sleeping kid in his arms. Dipping his head in defeat, hazel grey eyes glimmered with barely concealed amusement as he took a plate and waited to be served. "I guess I'll accept that as punishment for my mistake."

Then, turning to the twins who were sneaking off to wreak more havoc, Arctus called to them loudly, "You bunch'a tattletales! Behave, or I'm gonna tell Knight Yvain not to give cheesy burgers to naughty younglings!"

The twins, of course, deigned to ignore him with high-pitched laughter, flitting past a Sephi Knight (@Sreeya) before jumping on other unsuspecting Padawans. Arctus couldn't help but smile fondly at the Togrutan boys before he felt a nudge on his shoulder. The smile on the former smuggler's face turned soft and a little boyish at the sight of Indy who was gazing at Maikee in his arms. Pink rose to his cheeks at the praise, smile turning into a grin at her offer. He looked away for a second, spotting Drastus heading off to who knew where. The greeting meant for his fellow Padawan died from his lips, a flash of sadness cutting through Arctus like a knife.

One day... One day he would gather the courage to approach the kid and talk. Drastus seemed like a nice person who was willing to do anything for the people he cared about. Someone Arctus aspired to become one day, really. The young man looked like he needed his space, however, so Arctus would let him walk off.

One day, though. One day.

Turning then growling lightly at the Pantoran Jedi Master, Arctus shied away from her with his teeth bared like an angry loth-cat protecting her kittens. "You will not take my child away from me!" he snapped at her jokingly, eyes bright with mischief. The Padawan couldn't hold the act for much longer and ended up chuckling as he gently and carefully transferred the sleeping youngling to her waiting arms. "I'm kidding, Master Sati. And thanks," he said, not forgetting to use her title this time. Arctus still hadn't forgotten the embarrassment he felt when Drastus corrected him before. "Fair warning, though: he may be a sweet little ankle biter, but Maikee's dead to the world when he sleeps. And he sleeps a lot. Probably gonna wake up sometime later, or when the others go back for him to play."

Once the youngling was secured in Indy's arms, Arctus was free to swipe one burger from under Knight Yvain's nose, looking thoroughly unapologetic as he took a bite of the food. Washing it down with a mouthful of water, the former smuggler shifted his focus back to his Master and friend.

"How... er, how's stuff these days?"

He wouldn't ask if he was done being concerned. Perhaps Arctus would always be – that was one of the crosses he always bore long before he decided to come with Indy to join the Jedi Order. He knew he wouldn't be able to do much and he accepted that fact, but Arctus was certain that he won't falter in showing anyone from the Order the support he could always offer. More so Indy and the younglings, but that was just him being biased.

She didn't seem to want to partake in the food for the moment, her attention when she approached him earlier focused on the sleeping kid. Arctus made quick work of his burger, however, ready to take the youngling from her should she express a desire to eat.

@Killa Ree

 

[Brienna Lanaamer]

The Founding. It was always an occasion that Bri enjoyed. What started out almost as a joke by the new Jedi of the Order, it had matured into a yearly celebration. A time for lighthearted joy, fond fellowship, and of course, outdoor cooking, grilling, and barbequing. This year, there seemed to be a theme of including many of the new Padawans and Knights that had recently joined. There were many faces that Bri did not recognize, but still a few who were familiar.

Groups congregated around the grills and its grill master, the diminutive Jedi, Yvain (@Braden Drake ) to acquire a variety of grilled meats, and the occasional vegetable. Others joked and laughed with each other, which brought a pleasing smile to Bri's face. Spending so much time 'on the road' it was rare that she found herself interacting with large groups of Jedi. Events like these helped Yavin to feel more like a home. The blonde Jedi had fond memories of past Foundings on Ajan Kloss. Though every time she looked back into her memory about the old jungle planet, she always felt a twinge of sadness.

Shaking the feeling from her head, Bri surmised to be more 'present' with her surroundings. She sat on one of the nearby stone segments, legs hanging freely off the side. Though some had arrived in more formal Jedi robes, Bri was adorned in a simple pair of workout pants and tank-top. The evidence of a recently completed training exercise was nearly apparent on her. The Jedi took a healthy bite of the bantha burger that rested on the paper plate in her hands. It was tasty, almost unexpectedly so. I wonder how he got it tasting so good? Bri was nowhere near close enough to even consider herself a 'chef' and was always impressed with those who were.

Bri reached down and took a swig of the can that was on the stone next to her. It was a grain alcohol, and paired rather nicely with the bantha burger. A smirk appeared on her lips as another burst of laughter rose from a group of Jedi, this time at the apparent expense of Vahn (@The Steel Stag ).

 

[Indy Sati]

In a sense, she almost wished Felix was here too. But after their last conversation, she wasn't sure if any of her Padawans wanted to talk too much to her. She couldn't blame them; she had a lot of mistakes to amend for. But still, she was about to turn to invite Drast over so the three of them would talk, but he already vanished, and she frowned absently, golden gaze scanning for the boy that was more or less like a second son to her.

"Hmm?" she gave Arctus an amused sideways glance and resisted the urge to flick him on the forehead. Seeing him smile, fitting in with the group and especially with the younglings, eased any worry she held in her heart. Bringing him here was a stroke of luck in the Force; though it meant repairing rifts between her other two Padawans, it was nothing she didn't need to work on before. She would do her best to help all three of them.

She carefully supported the weight of the youngling, mindful to balance putting his head in the crook of her neck and settling down carefully, mindful of his arms and legs settling in a more comfortable position. She was never particularly good with kids, but holding Maikee, watching the other younglings play, she felt a subtle stab of regret she didn't have enough time with Roland to have any of that.

By the time Arctus had returned, her gaze had grown distant and pensive, absently rubbing the little tyke's back. At his words, they seemed to snap her back to the present, and she gave him a slight smile.

"Stuff?" she teased lightly, nodding to a seat next to her. "I'm alright. Just..." she paused, nibbling on her lower lip a moment, before the smile resumed, almost no more than a slight lifting of her lips. "Taking things day by day. Working with you three helps," she gave him an amused side-glance, "but... seeing the three of you together got me thinking. You are all so similar, you know. All of us with our own difficult pasts to struggle with. But... I'm proud of you. You've been doing so well... I have no doubts you belong." She glanced up at him with a warm look, before feeling Maikee shift once, then mumble something as he slipped back into sleep.

@Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Drastus Drahr]

When his eyes finally reopened, he wasn't sure how much time had passed, though he would sit up and look around for the one person he really wanted to see, despite knowing they would be leaving and have plenty of time. He never saw her pink skin or violet hair amongst the crowd, so he would pop up to his feet, dusting himself off before grabbing his plate and moving to throw it out.

Along the way, he'd happen upon a familiar face just sitting on a stone segment and as he walked past, he'd bump her with his shoulder. "Oooh Knight Lanaamer. How nice of you to grace this Temple with your presence." He teased. "Any more ship mishaps?" He would once again make sure he stood with her on his right side so she wouldn't see the scarring outright. He would fish his flask from his vest and offer it to her. "Might go a little better with the burger. Tisane mixed with tihaar, so a spiked fruit tea."

As he spoke, he bore a smirk on his face, his eyes drifting back to where his Master was briefly, before looking back at Brienna "Really though, how have you been?"

@ModernMarvel

 

[Brienna Lanaamer]

Entirely concentrated on the burger in her hands, Bri looked up quickly at feeling her shoulder jostled. It was a poor timing, as the Jedi had just placed another large bite into her mouth. She managed to put forth a smile, before chewing vigorously to help respond in an expedited manner. It was the Padawan Drastus Drahr, aka Drast. Bri had met him on a few previous instances, most notably where he had been helpful in a patch-up job for her ship.

"Oooh Knight Lanaamer. How nice of you to grace this Temple with your presence."

The Knight smirked at the comment, before replying. "It's been known to happen from time to time," in the interval between his next comment, Bri took another sip from the can next to her. She chuckled at the mention of her ship. "It's just sort of in a constant state of repair at this point," with a shrug. Truthfully, there hadn't been anything majorly wrong (or self-inflicted) since the Padawan had last helped with repairs.

"Oh no, I think I'll stick with the beer," Bri laughed. It didn't sound too dangerous, but Bri was suspect of any homemade liquid (was it even alcohol?) that a Padawan wanted to offer her. The Galaxy was full of ... interesting ingredients to make drinks with.

"I've been alright," the Jedi judged with a balancing nod of approval. 'Alright' was probably a good way to put it, all things considered. The war against the Sith weighed heavily on her mind, and she had had the unfortunate experiences of seeing the consequences up close, firsthand. "But, it's nice to be back here," she added with a smile, looking around at the gathered Jedi unquestionably having a good time. "How about you?"

@Rhogar

 

[Drastus Drahr]

"Well, for what it's worth, I am glad ya found your way back. For at least this. Never been to one before, but I bet these get more exciting than Master Yvain flipping meat into Master Voran's mouth. Or.. two Jedi discussing who should drink nasty tea first." he'd say with a laugh. Oof that came out better in his head. Oh well, he said it, and he was going to run with it.

He couldn't blame her for turning down his drink, though it was probably for a reason different than what he thought. So, he'd just shrug and take a sip, wincing from the strength. "Yeah.. probably best. I don't think Outsiders can handle Mandalorian booze." he'd tease with a smirk. "Although, it's pretty arguable that this is just degreaser relabeled."

He would turn to face her when she spoke as to her state of being, and it was then that she would finally get a good look at the burn scars along the left side of his face and neck. "Glad you been alright. Know this war has us all over the place. I survived Denon, so that was a blessing I guess. Did some other quests and whatnot, nothing too thrilling or exciting. Kind of funny that you arrive as I am getting ready to leave though." he'd offer with a light laugh and one of his grins, though it bore some of that tarnished look from the scarring.

@ModernMarvel

 

[Yvain]

Yvain still cackling away to himself as another Jedi Knight came up and asked about having a double Bantha burger, now this man had both taste and style. "Why my dear friend, double Bantha's are a culinary delight!" He shouted to the man, his mood still elated from stuffing the Bantha Burger down Alexandria's mouth. The little green Jedi began to prepare the double burgers for the young man, an eye on the now seething Jedi Master. She was up to something but he was unsure exactly what it was.

As the double burger was ready, she struck water droplets turned into water bombs, a dastardly tactic from her far gone youth he thought. As the water balls travelled towards him he done the only thing he could do at the time, finish preparing the burger, as the water based attack hit the little green man square in the chest, sending him flying from his stool. He used The Force to flip the double burger up into the air. "Catch it." He cried as he tumbled over backwards.

He was spluttering on the ground, as Voran's accomplice Vahn appeared with his bottle of misused tea. Nope this was not the time for drinking this was the time for combat. Pulling The Force inside him, Yvain leapt up from the ground performing a double summersault, the tongs and spatula still outstretched in his hands like a pair of lightsabers. Landing before the Jedi Master on the other side of the grill he pointed the two BBQ instruments at her. "I challenge you, to a duel." He paused for dramatic effect. "Of the culinary arts! If you fear my prowess I will let you leave with your dignity intact!"

@Valen Pelora @The Steel Stag @Isen

 

[Isen Ramm]

The burger lifted in the air, and Isen's quick refexes allowed him to grab a plate and sneak it under the double bantha burger before it would fall to the ground. Unfortunately, as part of the day's food fight, much of the water that plastered Yvain (@Braden Drake ) made it's way onto the burger. Isen looked at it, the bun soaked and soggy. He shook his head and sighed. He watched the little green Jedi make a challenge to one of the Masters and told him, "Thanks."

After adding some sides and taking a water for himself, the Kiffar made his over to where Vahn (@The Steel Stag ) was holding court, and by the sound of the laughter, had been upstaged by Sevrin (@Sreeya ). Isen would nod to those that he knew before taking a long look at his soggy burger. If had been logged down with grease, that would be an entirely different matter, but free burgers are free burgers.

 

[Arctus Friers]

Arctus gratefully and graciously accepted the offer and sat beside Indy, placing the now empty plate on the table behind them. He would help with the clean up later, but the thought was far from his current priorities as his gaze shifted to the Pantoran Jedi Master and the youngling in her arms. His brief absence had allowed her thoughts to wander, that much he knew – and an action the former was very much guilty of if he was given the chance to admit. Before he met Indy and been made a part of the Jedi Order, Arctus pretty much lived by a code that only benefited himself and his loved ones. He would carelessly never give a kark about other people's plight if others or they themselves kriffed up their lives. His business was his own, and theirs weren't his unless he could benefit from either their happiness or misery.

He wasn't selfish in nature, no – life made him the opposite because, well, life had a habit of messing things up even for the most miserable wretches in the galaxy. He just happened to be the recepient of the short end of the stick, but that didn't mean that the universe revolved around him. Arctus's past and present woes paled in comparison to those who were suffering around and away from him.

Long explanation cut short: he didn't like seeing and feeling Indy sad. Nor the other people he cared about, for that matter.

His face exploded in a brilliant shade of red at the light teasing, and Arctus fought the urge to grumble bashfully at his sudden lack of eloquence. The embarrassment didn't last long as his attention was caught by the Jedi Master's response. Even as he looked away to observe the goings on before them, he knew that she was smiling while she spoke. It was evident in her voice.

Arctus never bothered to find any real strength to playfully complain at being called similar with both Drastus and Felix. Those two were much better than the kind of man the former smuggler was today, and they would be more than the flawed but kind, great young men that they were. He wasn't thinking that way out of being self-deprecating, no. His fellow Padawans might be calling him "old man" or not really feeling up to trusting and liking him immediately (and Arctus understood that, he really did), but they were good kids.

And if he could be open and honest right now? He wouldn't deny looking up to the two of them. Drastus and Felix might have gone and done what they felt and knew to be right behind Indy's back, but Arctus felt that they only meant well. They made mistakes, yes, but that's just one side of learning.

"Felix and Drastus are awesome," said the former smuggler, not realizing that he had uttered the words out loud. It had taken him almost half a moment to be made cognizant of what he'd just uttered and before he could come up with an explanation the next words Indy spoke halted Arctus's thoughts. The warmth in her gaze as she looked at him most certainly didn't help, and Arctus was reduced to a blushing, stammering mess.

He was always so quietly insecure and doubtful about belonging and truly being a part of the Order, and airing those thoughts out felt as if he was rendering Indy's help and everyone's acceptance void. So he kept them all inside day in and out, spending many a sleepless night fearing that he might finally mess up one day and find himself kicked out of the Temple. It was a fear that manifested the first time he set foot on the Temple, the first time the Jedi welcomed him with open arms. He was afraid that the warmth and happiness he felt would be taken away if he messed up, if not by the battles they waged against the Sith.

Irrationality had always been his companion.

But feeling Indy's pride and hearing her words of affirmation chipped away more of the irrational thoughts that plagued him, and confidence and humility bloomed side by side once more in Arctus's heart. Cheeks turning red, the former smuggler gingerly rubbed the back of his neck as he bashfully averted his gaze, vision settling on the ongoing culinary fight between the Morellian Jedi Master and Knight Yvain.

"W-Well, the kids are also making sure that I get reminded everyday about that," he said with a happy and grateful smile that reached his hazel grey eyes. They were bright – not with unshed tears – as he shifted his gaze to Indy. "And I'm glad that I can help you like how you're helping me now. If there's anything you need, Master, anything... you can depend on your friends and Felix and Drastus. And, well, there's charming ol' me, but I'm what my little brothers jokingly call a 'last resort', so..."

The culinary fighting spiralled into a challenge of a culinary duel, and Arctus let out an amused chuckle at the development. With the current state of the galaxy he was grateful for these moments of light-hearted banter among the Jedi. Presently he brushed the worries away, even only for a day. One hand gently patted the back of Maiko's head when he mumbled something in his sleep.

"I know I keep saying this and I doubt I'd tire of it, but thank you, Master Sati– Indy," Arctus muttered softly, gaze findig hers once more. "For being kind and patient to me on Onderon. For bringing me here and teaching me. For giving me this life. I owe everything I have now to you."

The doubts and fears were all on him, sure. But the kindness, the warmth, the sense of belonging not just to the family who loved him back in Corellia and the life he owed to his Mandalorian savior?

He would never stop being grateful of Indy.

She might have outranked him in the Order, but Arctus sure as hell was older with a brotherly instinct that was too great to tame. The hand on Maikee's hand soon found Indy's shoulder in a tentive but comforting and assuring touch.

"I'm here for you, alright?" he told her with a smile. "Whatever happens, I'm right here. If you need anything, don't hesitate to reach out. I'll be there in a heartbeat."

Arctus resisted the urge to lift a hand and ruffle her hair. He might be older, but he sure as hell wasn't the Jedi Master between the two of them, the last time he checked. He still had a long way to go to even reach Indy's level, and even if he did the former smuggler knew that hr wasn't cut to be a Jedi Master. The Order would be doomed.

Looking back at the duel by the grill, Arctus couldn't help another chuckle before shifting their discussion to a more light-hearted one. "Are the Knights and Masters always this... lively here in the Temple, Master Sati?" he asked her, a playful teasing in his voice. "I know the younglings are, based from experience, but–"

He gestured at the little green Knight and Morellian Jedi Master, then to Vahn Berand and a Sephi Knight with an air of stoicism around him that Arctus was sure wouldn't go out of place in either a funeral or a graveyard.

"And I sure as kark have no idea what a Founding is! Is it something like a foundation day, but for Jedi?"

@Killa Ree

 

[Brienna Lanaamer]

Bri offered a bright laugh at Drasts' comments. "Well, I think it kind of depends on the crowd," she nodded, making a point to look a the other Jedi who were gathered around. "And what? You're not enjoying the burger flipping?" adding a not-so-innocent sounding question with another laugh. "I've always enjoyed the burger flipping. Real highlight," the Jedi nodded quite positively, before taking another bite of the burger on her plate.

"If I'm not mistaken, that sounds almost like a challenge," Bri replied, after swallowing. "Outsider, huh?" she looked over with a raised eyebrow. The idea of drinking degreaser was entirely unappealing. But, I think I've tasted worse before. For almost a fleeting instant, Bri cursed her competitive spirit. The Galaxy was always full of surprises.

The Jedi had spotted the scarring on Drast's face before he turned his head, but she got a clearer look at it as he spoke. Bri was, of course, relieved that he had managed to survive the struggle on Denon, but there was the twinge of sadness that she heard. Perhaps it was her own thoughts affecting judgement. "Don't be so down on yourself," Bri advised with a nod. "Its a definite positive," she added reassuringly, patting his shoulder. Her interest was further piqued at the sound of his imminent departure. "Where are you off to next?"

@Rhogar

 

[Drastus Drahr]

Drast had forgotten how much of a breath of fresh air Bri was, and it always seemed she appeared when he was in his darkest places to give him a laugh or two. "Well it definitely shatters any serene monk view, the rest of the galaxy has on us." he responded with a laugh. "But hey, if you like burger flipping, ya like burger flipping. Nobody can stop that." he'd sit down on another stone segment beside her, relaxing some.

"Ohh.. it most definitely is a challenge." he said with a wry smrik, holding out the flask a bit and giving it a slight yet welcoming shake. "Outsider, ya know, non-Mandalorian. It's kinda like a club. We pay dues and whatnot."

"I'm only down because I got someone else hurt. I mean, I didn't do the exploding, but I was the one driving." he'd say with a shrug. "Guess I had my speeder mishap, eh?" he added a dry laugh. "Uhh the Core. Coruscant. I got summoned there by Master Thrall for something. Don't know the specifics I just hope it will be fun. How about you? Staying for a bit? Or back through the revolving door? And if you are staying and -still- haven't gotten a room, mine's free now. Cleared all my stuff out, but you can have it."

@ModernMarvel