Open Yavin IV The Temple Wallflower

[Toki Ketra]

Adjusting to life at the Jedi Temple has been rather slow, yet thankfully uneventful for Toki. He spent his days studying in quiet solitude and exploring the wilderness outside the temple grounds from time to time, though he had yet to really make much conversation with others aside from passing remarks. It's not that he wasn't interested in getting to know people, he just didn't know how to break the ice. In a strange sense he felt out of place. There weren't many Lepi Jedi as far as he was aware, and he came from a life of relative comfort. He had heard that terrible things had happened recently, and that the Jedi had lost Dantooine along with a venerated Jedi Master. He couldn't imagine the pain they were going through and didn't want to accidentally make anything worse for others.

As usual, he wandered the temple grounds, his gentle, quiet steps not making a sound as he wondered what his future was going to hold. It was difficult to tell for certain, but he couldn't turn back now even if he wanted to. This was something he felt he had a responsibility to do. Perhaps he could even do his part to help the Jedi, as small as that part might be.

He enjoyed exploring the temple and the outskirts, it was calming and fascinating to see such a different world and atmosphere. Once he was able to explore the galaxy at his leisure, what other places could he find? He was sure there were plenty of amazing sights both tranquil and dangerous, but he was in no rush. Without proper training, chances are he wouldn't survive long on his own, especially if the Sith came after him if they ever detected him. That thought alone was the culprit in many a restless night. Maybe having someone to confide in or just befriend would help ease his worries, though he felt his own worries were so miniscule compared to others. With a soft sight, he sat down to rest for a moment, staring up at the temple architecture.

The days that he trained and learned more little by little were extremely fulfilling, but he couldn't help but feel he as behind compared to others. He brushed a hand down an ear to relax himself and took a deep breath. "To take the first steps up the mountain of mastery..." He said quietly. "I can do this...I must." He had conviction, at least. However, the lack of connection with others was starting to wear on him. He really needed to step out of his comfort zone and meet people so he could better grow as a person and as an aspiring Jedi. Maybe someone needed help, or someone wanted to train, or perhaps someone simply wanted to talk. He would welcome any of those possibilities.

 

[Issyl Damol]

Issyl had been on Yavin for months now, but has spent most of her time to her studies rather than talking to people. It wasn't that she wasn't interested or knew how to talk to people, she was just busy with her own interests. Her face was usually in the notebook she always carried around, constantly writing new findings in her research.

It didn't help that Issyl didn't attend any combat trainings, or really anything that involved physical labor. She primarily trained with other healers, and when no one was training she was out exploring. The jungles of Yavin were not as dangerous to her as others believed to be. There was always a calm and adventurous air whenever she journey through.

One day as she was about to go explore the jungle, Issyl spotted a tall Lepi male sitting just outside the temple. She didn't see many Lepi around the temple, and she has definitely never seen this one before. Issyl was mesmerized by his white coat, it was rather cute to her. She approached the man from behind and leaned over, casting a shadow over him. "Hello there" she said gleefully "You seem kinda old to be new."

@Connor Tavarin

 

[Toki Ketra]

The suddenness of someone addressing him made him jump slightly as he turned slightly to see who was speaking to him. The girl had pointed out that he seemed a little old to be new to the temple, a fact he knew would come up one way or another. He looked away bashfully and sighed. "I-I...well I only recently discovered my force sensitivity..." He admitted. "I chose to come here after I learned about it. I figured it was...my best option."

He stood up slowly and stretched, looking out into the forests beyond. "It's all a little surreal to me. That someone like me could be an aspiring Jedi." His tone was soft, maybe a little quiet, but he tried his best to speak to someone for the first time in what feels like an eternity. "My...my name is Toki Ketra. It's nice to meet you." He said with a small smile. He brushed off his robes a little and struggled to figure out what to say next.

Should he ask how she came to be at the temple? Or would that be rude? He rubbed his chin as he tried to think of things to say, though his timidity was well apparent. "Is there anything you...need help with? Or any advice you could provide about life at the temple? I....hm..." He rubbed the back of his head nervously. "I'm still getting used to everything, I'm sorry." He bowed his head apologetically. "I g-guess I should ask...how are you feeling today?"

---

@Altaria

 

[Issyl Damol]

"Ah don't worry," Issyl responded with a smile "there were other people who joined the order later in their lives." She wondered what made the man so timid and shy; was he like this naturally or did he have a difficult past? She wouldn't egg him on to figure it out, but his nervousness was cute. Issyl took a step back as he got up.

As she was about to introduce herself, Toki continued on. Issyl couldn't help but laugh at his series of questions. Standing up on her toes, she reached her hand up to ruffle with Toki's hair. "You're so sweet!" she exclaimed with a huge smile across her face. She took a step back and brought her hand back down, not wanting to make him too uncomfortable. Issyl over exaggeratingly rubbed her chin as well and looked up at the sky. "Well, I don't think there is anything I need help with. Can't really think of any advice other than to not cause trouble. As for me," she paused and looked back at Toki, placing her right hand over her heart "I think I'm feeling well. It's a good day today don'tcha think?"

"Oh I forgot!" she jolted slightly before extending her hand out to him "I'm Issyl Damol. You can just call me Issyl. It's nice to meet you Toki. I'm pretty bad with names but I'll try my best to remember yours!" She knew Toki would eventually open up, especially after meeting the other ragtag group of Padawans. Still, it was nice to not be the newest padawan anymore, although she might be closer to the youngest. "By the way" Issyl continued "What were you up to just sitting here? Trying to get a tan?" she asked while chuckling.

@Connor Tavarin

 

[Toki Ketra]

He clasped his hands together as she ruffled his hair. He didn't really expect anyone to find him endearing of all things, but he quietly appreciated the compliment. He smiled softly and looked up at the sky, glad she was doing well today. He let out a soft sigh of relief as it seemed he wasn't the only one to join the order a little later in their lives. He nodded when she mentioned that it was a good day "It is...it's a similar sky as back home. And don't worry, I'm not the sort to cause trouble...i-intentionally, anyway."

Issyl seemed very friendly and kind, traits he felt were necessary for one of the order, at least from the stories he as told of the Jedi. He had heard that some Jedi deemphasize and outright discourage emotion and kindness. That attachment leads to the Dark Side. He...disagreed, but he'd find it hard to say so outright. He believed that you couldn't make a difference or protect others in a meaningful way if you didn't have any attachment. Though...he understood the dangers, but his belief was that emotions shouldn't be shut out. Instead, he felt people needed to be taught how to cope with hardship and control their emotions in such a way where they won't lose control in the event of tragedy. Again...he wouldn't say this out loud, uncertain what others would think.

He snapped out of his inner thoughts when she introduced herself and extended a hand to him. He reached out and gave her hand a gentle shake. "I-I suppose I stand out and have a simple name...s-so maybe that will help." He chuckled softly. "Oh!" He exclaimed when asked what he was doing "I was just admiring the temple grounds some more. The artistry...the architecture...it's wondrous. I've always loved artistic expression, and there's always some new detail to see. I sometimes explore the outskirts near the temple when I'm not training, though I never stray too far by myself."

---

@Altaria

 

[Issyl Damol]

It was rather heartwarming to hear the man chuckle. Well, he was so timid and sweet Issyl didn't know whether to think about him as a boy or a man. Either way it was nice to see him slightly open up in just a short amount of time.

Issyl looked towards the temple as he spoke, before turning back around. "I don't really see the glamour in the temple, but I don't really care for architecture anyways. I get why others like it; it's definitely unique." Holding up her small basket in her left hand, Issyl continued "I also love to explore outside the temple! I collect plants and flowers to study, but it's also nice to go on a walk."

She stepped closer, her chest just an inch away from Toki's, and she looked directly up at him. "Don't tell me your too scared to go far though? You're tall and athletic looking there's nothing for you to worry about!" she chuckled. She took a step back and twirled around. "I'm a short frail girl and I have no problems!" Issyl gave a big cheesy smile. "How about you come along with me? We won't go too far just to the nearby river, I want to study some grenade fungi. Unless you're too scared.." she said childishly.

@Connor Tavarin

 

[Toki Ketra]

"I personally don't think things need to be especially glamorous to be amazing spectacles. There's a certain beauty in simplicity..." He said, hoping he didn't come across as pretentious. "I suppose it just adds to the peaceful atmosphere. It's fitting." He understood that architecture and such wasn't everyone's interest, and he bowed his head in understanding. He looked at the basket, then back at her "A nice walk does a lot to help people relax, for sure."

He blushed slightly when asked if he was too scared to go too far out the temple. He knew she didn't mean it in a malicious way or anything, she was just teasing...then she offered for him to go with her on her latest adventure. The invitation was heartwarming and her constant playful teasing only served to coax a smile out of him. Wait, grenade fungi? That didn't sound good...but either way, he kept his composure. "Okay, okay." He said, crossing his arms a bit, double checking that he had his training saber with him just in case. "I'll go with you. I'd like to see more of the planet."

His spirits were lifted. Someone approached him and offered their company and friendship. Maybe he could warm up to others here on his own...he would like to make trusted friends here, after all. He would be seeing a lot of them, so why not try his best to get along with others? "Thank you, Issyl. For inviting me along." He said. "I'm ready to go whenever you are."

@Altaria

 

[Severus Creed]

Plants and biology were one of Severus's greatest fortes. He had snuck away from the Jedi temple to all sorts of planets to collect samples for his mini lab in his dorm at the temple. He had tropical plants from Zeltros, to sea plants from Mon Cala, to even some exotic plants from Dathomir- namely the Bloody Gut.
That adventure was one he would never forget- first it started out with him watching a juvenile Nydak suffer from some sort of poisoning from a spider it had eaten, so he watched it grumble over to a Bloody Gut and eat a chunk out of it- eventually the Nydak began puking and vomiting until it seemed that the poison was no longer in his system.

So, Sev took a few seeds for himself to grow back home. Of course there was only the resistance from the older Nydaks and a few Bane-Back spiders that nearly melted his face off with their acid balls, but Severus managed to survive- lucky that a Sith hadn't come to intervene as well. In fact, Severus didn't want to go back at all, especially after the loss of Dantooine. He very well could've ben killed but the flora and fauna, but in the end, Severus lived, didn't he?

He was a little prideful in that secret expedition, but he wasn't going to ever commence it again. Sev's thoughts were cut off as he heard two voices happily chat along with each other while he read his book in his special Massassi tree. It sounded like they were going to the river, nearby, to study some...Grenade fungi, was it? They'd need to be careful around the greener looking ones- the darker shade of green, the more likely they were to explode if a slight breeze blew on it.

The black-clad Padawan wasn't sure if the two knew of the temperament the particular fungi had so he decided to drop from the high branches of his special hiding spot onto the pathway in front of them.
"Heard you two discussing Grenade Fungi, and I decided to drop in. Mind if join you? He asked with his cold stare, and a blank tone. "I'm Severus Creed, by the way- I believe I already met you, Padawan Damol." He said as he gestured to the female Padawan. He hadn't met the Lepi before- Severus hadn't met a Lepi before, so this was all in itself an interesting run in. He studied the Lepi with his hapahazardly bitter stare, but he wasn't being judgmental at all contrary to how Severus looked- simply taking notes on the greenie to learn more.

@Connor Tavarin @Altaria

 

[Issyl Damol]

"Yay!" Issyl exclaimed when Toki agreed. She was about to jump with joy but paused, looked toward the ground, and rubbed her chin "Wait, wouldn't this be considered a date.." she muttered to herself. She looked back at Toki and stared at his fluffy white fur and blushed. He was kinda cute. Issyl quickly smacked herself and shook her head a few times to snap out of it. "Lets go!"

Before they could explore, they were interrupted by a familiar face. She jolted back as the tall pale boy landed in front of them. It seemed he knew Issyl, but she was struggling to remember him. "Hmmm, Severus..... Severus...... nope I don't think we met yet!" she said cheerfully. She was pretty bad at remembering names..... and people. "Also it isn't nice to stalk people ya know?" Issyl noticed Severus was staring at Toki a bit too long and so she decided to get in front of Toki and be in Severus' view. She clapped her hands and jumped up and down to divert his attention "Staring isn't nice too!" she said childishly.

"If you want to come you better put a smile on your face" Issyl puffed her cheeks angrily, although her expression would quickly change to that of realization. "Oh yeah!" she turned to Toki "I forgot to mention that dried Grenade Fungi are super explosive. Don't worry though because the ones by the river are completely fresh, meaning they won't be reactive. I figured I should let you know in case the name freaked you out."

@Connor Tavarin @Charles

 

[Toki Ketra]

He didn't quite hear what she had said, but smiled anyway at her excitement. As they prepared to leave, they were met with another of the Padawan, one by the name Severus. While he knew Issyl, she didn't seem to recognize him. She did seem rather annoyed with him though. He felt a little bad that things were starting to get tense. "I-I think he was here beforehand, Issyl...he just asked because we happened to be going." He said, trying to defuse things. Severus' stare did make him a little nervous but it didn't bother him too badly "I-it's fine, it's fine. I wasn't offended."

He flinched slightly at the idea that grenade fungi can explode, but trusted her when she said the fresh ones won't react. He bowed his head politely to Severus. "My name is Toki Ketra. It is nice to meet you." He said to him. "I'm a recent arrival, but...I-I don't talk much unless I'm spoken to..." This wasn't really due to anything bad in his life. He as just naturally shy and just didn't know how to break the ice or really talk to people.

Severus asked if he could join, and he seemed knowledgeable. "I haven't been too far outside the temple yet, so any help would be greatly appreciated. If Issyl doesn't mind, that is." She didn't seem to, but there still was a little tension in the air. He hoped it wouldn't be a consistent thing. He'd rather people get along, but he knew that as a big ask for some. "I hope we can g-get along. If only a little bit, at least."

@Altaria @Charles

 

[Severus Creed]

Issyl was just as Severus remembered her. Happy and bubbly. And annoying. Very annoying. The new kid seemed to be much more respectful than the girl who continued to get in his face while he studied Toki. Then she accused him of stalking, but the Lepi was quick to his feet and noted that Severus was already here- which he was.

Apparently she had the memory of a goldfish as well. Did she not remember the training they had together with Master Alym Marr? Or we was she playing at something to bother him? Probably a bit of both, Severus suspected. "Nice to meet you, Toki. I don't think I've met a Lepi before- how far can you jump? Just curious." He asked, trying his hardest to ignore Issyl's strange stubborness. Severus also seemed to be a bit socially awkward like Sev, so they had something in common, at least. Something they could bond over if the topic arrived.

"And it's pretty much the same around here. Jungle this way, jungle that way. The weather's nice at least and the temples are like great spires in the sky, so it's hard to get lost. If you do get lost, follow the water downstream and you'll head for one of the other ruins so you can find your way back." Then Severus remembered that for some reason, it was up to Issyl on whether or he was allowed to stay. Not that it mattered. Severus could find Toki some other time and discuss the perks his race has over others.

"I could stop by and pick up a few grenade fungi and then leave you two alone. But I wouldn't mind exchanging notes on a few things along the way, if that's alright."

@Connor Tavarin @Altaria