Open [Yavin 4] Early Access, or Meet the DLX Crew

[Lani Tallis]

If you walked around the Jedi Temple on the 4th moon of Yavin, you'd notice a lot of commotion. The landing area in front of the ancient pyramid was over capacity—it was never meant for all the ships of the entire Jedi Order. You'd see spontaneous landing pads, lean-tos, and cargo containers all around the temple and far into the jungle. Our story takes us to the outskirts of that impromptu camp.

Local time: 11:27 am

The place was a perfect refuge. A clearing in the jungle large enough for a Jedi shuttle and then some. An empty cargo container to serve as an impromptu garage for Lani's new black "Starhawk". A wide and long canopy reaching from the container to a couple of poles—for shade from the sun and for protection from the rain. A karking lake nearby! And most importantly, far enough away from the temple and the more by-the-book Jedi.

That was Lani's sanctum on Yavin: a place to work and unwind. Train, play Pazaak or Sabacc, fiddle with the swoop, store the most prized possessions. Such places begged to be shared with close friends, and Lani had done so with Drastus and Xiann—her partners in crime and the other two founding members of the self-proclaimed "DLX Crew".

That's where Galania spent most of her time. Especially after she was given a half of her sister's split-saber. Despite the saber not being hers, the Padawan saw it as an opportunity to start proper training earlier. She had been told of all the safety requirements ages ago; so now she was performing the katas of Shii-Cho—the first and the most basic form of lightsaber combat.

But for all of Lani's knowledge of precautions, there were things she had to learn herself. And now those things manifested as the singe traces on her arms, sides, and even one or two on the legs. Even in training mode, the lightsaber could leave nasty—albeit not always lasting—marks on clothes and body. The young Zeltron had learned it the hard way. That's why Lani no longer tried to cosplay her older Jedi Master sister and wear her leather jacket while practicing. In fact, she didn't even wear the Jedi robes.

Instead, the Zeltron had opted for a sporty white cropped tank top, and black sweatpants to boot. Not the most Jedi-like of attires, but convenient for hot weather. And for... "Kark you!" Yes, for accidentally hitting yourself on the arm again. Wiping beads of sweat off her forehead and flinging the Padawan braid behind her ear, Lani extinguished the saber and let it float toward the rack where the two parts of her electrostaff resided. "At least I'm getting there. Only one singe this time."

@Rhogar @Xian @Monimus

 

[Drastus Drahr]

Drast had been on his side of the makeshift garage playing grease monkey to his beloved Leggo My Eggo, which had sustained some damage during their adventures on Coruscant. Xiann had proven to be a wealth of knowledge in that department and soon, his speeder was almost back to perfect. Gone were the fancier clothes and now was he wearing a pair of shorts and shoes and nothing else. He'd wipe some sweat from his brow before popping up at the outburst. "Kark me yourself, you coward." he replied with that patented grin.

He'd wipe his hands with a towel and toss it aside as he exited the garage, grabbing a pair of water bottles on the way. "Here ya go, Lana." he'd say with a wry smirk as he tossed her one. Of his exposed skin, most of it was either covered in tattoos or scars, some more prominent then the rest. He would then take a long pull from his water bottle, before squirting at her with some. "At least your form is looking better, yeah?"

@Catbert @Xian @Monimus

 

[Casper Qel Darra]

Casper settled down by his tree, at his rock pool, in his spot. The day before had been an unusual one, but something that on the whole had turned out to be a day he very much enjoyed. Nonetheless, he was glad to have this day to himself. The early hours of his morning had been spent sparring against training droids nearer the temple, and he still wore his activewear that consisted of an oversized, grey jumper and black, slim-fit joggers. He liked to wake up early every morning to fit his physical training in, and it meant the rest of the day was free for other pursuits – such as reading, which he now hoped to do. He’d managed to check-out an archival folder that contained the incomplete pages of a now long-lost book detailing warbeasts used by the Sith. The events the day prior had more than sparked his curiosity.

Just as he began to open the folder and examine the contents, his peace was disturbed by a not-so-distant yell of frustration, though he couldn’t make out exactly what was said. That’s odd. He thought he’d heard what sounded like somebody training on his way up to the rock-pool, but had dismissed it out of hand. It was probably nothi—Clink, clink, clink. What was that? Hammering? Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me. The sound seemed to be coming from further down, in the direction of the water flowing from his rock pool, in fact. Now he knew there was certainly something going on – and if the advice from Fiach the day before had taught him anything, it was to be more aware of his surroundings. Besides, he wasn’t going to be able to lose himself in his reading as he so enjoyed doing if there was uncertainty in his mind about something, or someone, nearby. Especially if they were going to be starting what sounded like the worst impromptu metal drum session he’d ever heard.

A quiet, disappointed sigh escaped his lips as he set the folder down beside the tree. The reading would have to wait. He just couldn’t catch a break these days.

Making his way through the wilds, he headed in the general direction of where he thought the sounds had come from. Clambering over rocks, pushing aside stubborn branches, and jagging himself on more thorns than he cared to count – Casper soon found himself on a slight overlook of a lake. It seemed to connect to his rock-pool that sat slightly above it, deeper in the wilds where he had come from.

Close to him, he observed what looked like some sort of refugee camp. A canopy stretching from a container – and what was this, a young Zeltron? He didn’t recognise her, but he caught a glimpse of her de-activating what was presumably her lightsaber. The worst was yet to come.

"Kark me yourself, you coward."

No. No. Force, no. Casper would recognise that loud, bashful voice anywhere. Drastus. This was not fair. What had he done to deserve this? Yesterday was fine, and he at the very least hoped to see Fiach again. But now Drastus, and so close to his spot? Why were all these others starting to flock into the wilds? Casper wrinkled his nose, scowling in frustration as he observed the pair. He almost wanted to go down and tell them to get lost, to find another spot. But that wouldn’t do him any favours.

Calm down, Casper. This doesn’t have to be bad. There’s someone new. Drastus is probably leading her astray. Go talk to her.

It took him a few moments of mentally psyching himself up to gather enough courage to hop down from his little overlook, and approach the two. His hair sat untidily in a ponytail over his left-shoulder, though several strands of hair sat out of place and fell down his face. Around his waist, his lightsabers bounced visibly with each step. Drastus tossed his friend a water-bottle, and just after Casper spoke up.

“You’re going to hurt yourself.” Perhaps not the best choice of ice-breaker, something he evidently realised, quickly changing the topic to an introduction. “…I don’t recognise you? I’m Casper.” He jerked a thumb over his shoulder, before bringing the same hand to tuck several threads of golden-blonde hair behind his ear. “I heard you from up there. Apparently I’m not the only one who likes it here.”

His attention remained on the Zeltron, and he consciously chose not to address Drastus. No, the less they spoke, the better.

---

@Catbert @Rhogar @Xian

 

[Lani Tallis]

A bare-chested Drast stepped out of the impromptu garage, presenting his muscles and tattoos for all to see. Lani flinched as she heard a reply to her own frustrated cursing. Even if it hadn't directed it at anyone in particular, the young man had a different idea. "Only in your wildest dreams," Galania retorted with a friendly chuckle followed by a wide grin. Despite the message, the delivery wasn't nearly as hostile.

The exercising Zeltron didn't pass up the offered water though. Focused on it, she made sure that both her hand and the bottle itself were in the right place for a good catch. Galania was just finishing the first greedy gulp when a new arrival approached and introduced himself. With her mouth filled with water, Lani was about to nod... But instead spat all of it, caught off-guard by a squirt of water from Drastus that landed on her side.

Unless that newcomer Casper was fast enough, he'd be in for a much worse shower than Lani. Unwillingly, the Zeltron's mouth and cheeks would act like a sprinkler. The intent to nod made it worse, as the drops and squirts of water would aim not only at the Padawan's chest, but also abdomen and even legs. Trickles would also down Lani's chin: dropping on the ground, sliding onto the neck and further down. Before long, the traces would reach her clothes too. Despite the sweat of prior training, the water would still leave noticeable dark wet marks on the white tank top.

After coughing and spitting onto the ground, Galania would flash-turn her face to Drast. The brown eyes would be drilling him, her tone indignant: "THE KARK WAS THAT FOR?!"

@Rhogar @Monimus
@Xian (whenever you'd like)

 

[Drastus Drahr]

Drast just shot her one of those winks at her retort. He watched her movements a bit before the playful squirt and would have to really pull all the stops to bring the laughter back to just a grin. He was just trying to squirt her a bit with the water bottle on the leg, but the show that followed was nigh hysterical. He worked hard to reign it in before his gaze drifted to Casper, kriff, he was here too. Aww and he was even trying to ignore Drastus, so cute. His gaze would shift back to Lani "Your leg was looking a little thirsty too, so you know me, always a giver." he replied with a smirk.

"This is Casper, one of the more... scholarly Padawans. He's currently got the record for the longest stick wedged up there, but I'm removing it little by little. Despite his enjoyment at mocking my position in life prior to coming to the Temple."

@Catbert @Xian @Monimus

 

[Casper Qel Darra]

Casper hadn’t seen the girl training, but taking together the fact he did not recognise her face and that Drastus made mention of an improving form, he could only assume she was something of a beginner. Maybe I can help her out. Force knows what Drastus has been telling her. Only just that morning, Casper had been practicing the Mynock Form to maintain his reflexes against incoming fire. He was pretty good at it, too, he thought. Yeah, I can definit— SPLASH

He was stood perfectly still when the mystery girl drenched him, and Casper remained still afterwards. He wasn’t quite sure how to process the torrent of second-hand water that had just soaked him, and his gaze was fixed ahead, like an Alderaanian Deer in the headlights of a speeder. Slowly, his head tilted downwards to check out the ‘damage’ that had been done. His oversized sweater of light-gray was something else entirely, with only patches of mercifully dry fabric holding out against the darker stains. He could feel the fabric sticking to his skin. He hated that feeling.

"THE KARK WAS THAT FOR?!”

Yes, this was definitely the same girl he had heard cursing only moments before. In fact, despite being thoroughly sodden, it was a price he was willing to pay to hear somebody else shout at Drastus. It was usually him doing that.

Lifting his head upward, his gaze finally fell to Drastus who was now cracking another joke. You are the most infuriating person I have ever come across. The joke itself was bad enough to force a quiet sigh from Casper’s lips, but the words that followed only further enflamed his rising temper.

…stick up my ass, that’s only the fiftieth time I’ve heard that… Your position? It’s not like I had it easy. At least I’m trying to make something of myself.

Thoughts of a retort raced through his head. Nobody could get under his skin like Drastus could – not even a warm-water-spraying Zeltron. Just as he was to address Drastus, Casper remembered their last interaction. He’d already lost his temper in front of one new arrival. Did he really want to make that two? No, he didn’t.

…but it wasn’t so easy. His eyes narrowed, and his jaw tensed as Drastus’ words hung on his mind. ..scholarly… up myself… kark you, Drastus.

“Step up and I’ll show you just how much I know.” His words through gritted teeth were laced with irritation, but it was perhaps a little harder to take the soaked-through Padawan seriously.

---

@Catbert @Rhogar @Xian

 

[Xiann]

Xiann was engrossed in her work putting Lani’s swoop back together. It would have been a shame had they gone through all that trouble only for the thing to explode as soon as they turn it on for the first time back on Yavin. The engineer climbed out from under the bike after tightening the final bolt on the undercarriage, the bike was in one piece once more and it was time to test it. She stood by the side of the vehicle and turned it on just as another person joined their little group.

However, she was distracted before recognising them as the bike began to hover but was slanted. “That’s not right…” The Twi’lek knelt down by the rear-right hover pad and loosened one of the bolts above it slightly, it’s hum raised in pitch until it was matching the others and the bike leveled out. “Perfect.” She stood and powered the bike back down before walking out to meet the others.

“Bikes all fixed up Lani. Should run smooth as sweat off a Hutt.” The burns and injuries suddenly registered on the oil and grease covered youngster, “Are you ok?” She looked at the newcomer and recognised him from when she first arrived, “Blondie! How ya doing? Been keeping busy?” A loud click could be heard as she placed her wrench in it’s holder on the back of her belt.

Xiann smirked as the Casper challenged Drastus. She walked up and nudged Lani with a wry grin, “Men and their measuring. They’re never happy are they. I mean here they are with two pretty, scantily clad ladies, sodden and greasy, and all they can do is pay attention to each other. Almost makes me a little jealous, how about you?” She let out a small giggle as she gave the two males a sultry look and smile.

@Catbert @Rhogar @Monimus

 

[Lani Tallis]

Wet clothes was no joke. But experiencing Drast's reaction to "water-spraying Zeltron" made up for it... Almost. After all, the newcomer's anger was a factor, even if Lani wasn't as attuned to him as to her old partner in crime. "Sorry," that was the only thing she could mumble to Casper, slightly frustrated that their first meeting had to go like that.

Meanwhile, Xiann had finished working her magic on the swoop, and wasted no time informing Lani. That bit of good news finally brought the Zeltron's own emotions into the equation. "Thanks, Xi," the purple-skinned alien replied with a wide soft smile. "I owe you one." The concern for Galania's well-being was noted too. The purple palm ran across a few older burns on the opposite arm: "Yeah, just getting used to the saber."

Speaking of sabers... While the Rutian was greeting Casper, Galania extended her hand to the side. Unshackled and unsecured, the lightsaber hilt with a familiar crystal inside traveled freely from the rack to Lani's palm. The other hand still held a half-empty bottle of water. Lani nearly spilled more of it after a nudge from the Twi'lek. The Zeltron remembered that grin and that tone from the apartment on Coruscant. A familiar mood engulfed Lani, as she looked at the situation from Xiann's angle.

"Almost, huh? And only a little," Galania replied quietly, with a purr and a wide grin. "If they keep at it, I'm perfectly fine with taking a page from their book. Or taking my swoop for a ride," The young Zeltron chuckled, reminiscing something. Then she tilted her head to the side, talking to the Twi'lek sideways: "These two do look and feel like they're best frenemies. I hear that the usual advice on Zeltros for such situations is 'kiss and make out'. Most likely not applicable here."

@Rhogar @Monimus @Xian

 

[Drastus Drahr]

"I mean, you could always measure the stick, so yes, measuring is involved Xi." Drast would then return his focus to the two women, nearly forgetting Casper was even there. "I'll keep that Zeltros advice in mind, Lani." he responded with that returning grin.

Twisting the Rutian he'd shrug "There are only two focuses in my life, you two." he said with a laugh before looking back in Casper's direction.

Kriff, he was still there. "You are the one that came here, so I would assume it's your job to step up, Casper. Even say it with your chest a bit. There is a difference between training and real combat." Drast would turn to head for his weapon rack, it was beside an armor stand with his other recent project. As he turned, it would reveal the scars from several lashes from a what looked like it could have been an electrowhip, as the skin around the markings was singed. "I will be leaving soon for an op, so this should prove helpful."

@Catbert @Monimus @Xian

 

[Casper Qel Darra]

Just as the tension rose to breaking point, Xiann emerged from the containter positively caked in oil, mechanical grease, and whatever else she’d managed to find in the garage. Her demeanour was still as chirpy and carefree as it had been when he first met her just the other day. As chance would have it, their second encounter also involved Casper losing his temper with Drastus. It wasn’t exactly the best look, but she didn’t seem much bothered.

His eyes flicked toward her as she offered a friendly greeting and asked how he was. Wet, was the first thought that came to mind, but he didn’t offer up a reply. Not because he didn’t want to, but because he found himself in the all-too familiar position of not knowing quite what to say after being worked up. It was quite hard to stay angry when there were two perfectly friendly others chatting to both him and each other. You are such an idiot, Cas’. Why do you do this to yourself? Instead of being stuck in a state of anger with Drastus, his mood had fallen to something of cringing embarrassment. Here he was, well-and-truly soaked through, almost starting a fight at the hangout of a group of friends.

Drastus seemed to lose interest in their momentary spat, too, mercifully. Maybe they’d be able to pretend it never happened. The girl – who was apparently called ‘Lani’ – had thoroughly spat water on him, and he’d nearly started a fight with her friend. They could probably call it even. Casper began to wring out the lower half of his jumper, though stopped short of removing it. He wasn’t wearing a top underneath, and had never much been one for removing his clothes when he didn’t need to. It wasn’t so much that he was self-conscious (maybe a little), but more that he couldn’t stand other men who insisted on putting themselves on display whenever the opportunity arose. Drastus was one of those men.

Soon, though, Drastus returned to the challenge laid by Casper. Kriff. Casper’s temper burned bright, but it burned fast. All it had taken was the brief and more-than-likely unintentional intervention of Xiann to cool his nerves, which meant he now found himself in the even more awkward situation of refusing a fight that he’d tried to start. He could already hear the gloating from Drastus of how he was too scared – and that alone was great motivation to instead go through with it. Still, now that he’d calmed somewhat, he was well aware of the reality. Two Padawan’s fighting one another? It was silly, and not the impression he’d wanted to make with Lani, or Xiann.

“You’re right, I did come here.” His tone had returned to his usual, entirely deadpan delivery. “…but I don’t want to fight you. We’d both lose.”

Every instinct within him screamed for him to leave, to make an early exit and retreat from any attempt at being social for the next thousand years. Still, he pressed on, and gave his attention to Lani.

“Nysillin gel. It helps with the burns.” Casper recalled the hours of training he’d gone through with sabers throughout his time on Ajan Kloss, and the burns were a painful memory. Literally. At the very least, they’d learned that the healing plant was particularly useful as a soothing balm for the scorched skin.

“…and it’s fine, by the way.”, he added to address her earlier apology.

Not exactly a master of conversation, but he was trying. That was something.

---

@Catbert @Rhogar @Xian

 

[Xiann]

Xiann grinned at Lani as she played along with the flirtations, “Zeltron advice you say? Perhaps I should learn even more about you.” She gave her a wink before turning back to the competitive pair, “Easy now Drast dear, Blondie here isn’t particularly dressed for a fight.” She focused her sultry eyes on Casper, “Though I can’t say I’m not curious what he’s hiding under that jumper of his. You all do some pretty intensive training I’m told.”

The newcomer tried to back down from fighting with Drast, much to the Twi’lek’s disappointment. She had yet to see this impressive training in use properly. Watching Lani swish her lightsaber around was impressive, but seeing two trained people spar was far more thrilling. Not that she wanted either party to be hurt either. “Come on, we did come here to train anyway, why not show the ladies how it’s done?” She stepped forward and held her hands near his waist, “I’ll even help you take the wet jumper off if you’d like.” She never broke eye contact with casper, though now she was much closer.

@Catbert @Rhogar @Monimus

 

[Lani Tallis]

It looked like everyone but the newcomer was appreciative of "Zeltros culture"... or whatever Lani thought was Zeltros culture after reading it on the HoloNet and watching a few vids. Even if she didn't want to, Lani's lips mimicked Xiann's wry grin as the remarks kicked in. The teeth bit the lower lip without the young Zeltron even realizing it. The Zeltron just stood there, not saying a word, as the events unfolded.

The only remark she slipped in was a dreamy "Thanks, Cas" in response to him mentioning the Nysillin gel. "I might be needing a lot of that." But judging by the tone of Lani's voice, it remained to be seen whether it was the gel she was talking about. The Jedi Council was still out on that one. For now, she stared at the company and took in every emotion, savoring it. Lani's cheeks and ears flushing red — from the training, obviously! — and the grin remained.

Realizing that she still had a half-empty bottle of water in her hand, the Zeltron had a pull at it again. The water remaining on her chin ran down again — probably complimented by new trickles — but it didn't matter. She'd have to get a shower and change after training anyway.

@Rhogar @Monimus @Xian

 

[Drastus Drahr]

Drastus had finished pulling on the harness of his beskad as Casper backed out. Really? The kid challenged him, then backed out? Could he have called him out on it? Sure. He could have, but even though him and Casper didn't exactly see eye to eye, he wasn't going to embarrass the kid. Despite all their bickering, his intent with Casper had never been to isolate or embarrass the kid, just to let him know there was more to life than constant study. After all, how could they understand what they were fighting for, if they themselves didn't experience it?

Keeping the harness intact, he'd grab the first aid kit as he crossed back over to Lani. Setting the kit on a nearby rack, he'd open it. eyes scanning the various jars and bottles. Lani would be able to sense a slight, yet momentary frustration emitting from him before he saw a symbol resembling burn cream. Liberating the jar he then stepped to Lani's side, sticking the open jar (which read Nysillin Gel) in her free hand. One hand would dip into the gel before he began to apply it to some of the less visible burns. "Here, I got these burns, Lani." the touch was gentle and he was careful to make sure he was applying the gel safely.

He'd hoped that this deviation would help save Casper some embarrassment. "Casper, go put your books back, change, then come back, yeah? Don't want those books getting dirty at your spot." he'd say as he applied the gel.

@Catbert @Monimus @Xian

 

[Chom Doneeta]

Chom sighed softly as he walked across the temple grounds. His immediate oversight by the Jedi Council had been recently lifted and as much as he’d been expecting to enjoy the new freedom it turned out that the Twi’lek hadn’t a clue what to do with himself.

The recommendation had been to socialise with some of his peers. There were many Padawan on Yavin who came from all walks of life. The wiser masters had suggested that he could learn from them as much as any instruction. Afterall Chom had never really enjoyed freedom. He’d started as a slave and then after his freedom he’d been a Sith which, in hindsight, had turned out to be another type of slavery.

As much as he enjoyed his new life he was finding dealing with anyone but a superior to be very difficult. After a few days of not joining any of his fellow Padawan on the practice groups he’d received a stern talking to about how he was impeding his own progress as a Jedi by locking himself up in his room.

So he’d woken up early. Put on the wanderer robes that a kind instructor had given him, sensing his discomfort in not wearing protective clothing, and grabbing his new weapon he’d left his private room.

The weapon in question was a BD-1 Electrostaff, a suggestion when the former saberstaff wielding Chom had asked for something with a stun setting. He’d been too afraid of his own abilities to carry anything with a sharp blade and he needed something that could stand up to even a training lightsaber without getting damaged over time. It had been one of the masters who’d given him the old electrostaff to use for practice.

So he’d headed straight to the practice area.

After a short study session in the archives to read over some interesting historical information about the early Jedi Order.

And after he took the ship assigned to him by the Order after the Masters had figured out that the Twi’lek had a love for flying fast fighters.

Of course he just couldn’t fly without giving R6 a good check up. Just to be safe.

So it was that 5:45 am had somehow become 11:30 am. It had suddenly occurred to Chom that if he had just gone to the training grounds after getting dressed instead of procrastinating he could have got there before the other Padawans woke up.

Silently chiding himself, with the usual anxious feeling twisting at his stomach at the thought of socialising, the Twi’lek decided to take the long way around from his landing zone rather than heading straight to the Temple.

With R6 walking alongside him he smiled at the little beeping machine, talkative as it was, “If only everyone was as easy to talk to as you are buddy.” he said getting a reassuring series of beeps in return. R6 was probably the closest thing Chom had to a friend, arguably the closest thing he’d ever had to a friend considering the unhealthy nature of his old relationships.

Pausing mid-step the Padawan frowned. He could swear he just heard a shout but that was surely unlikely as far out from the Temple as here.

”Beeeeppp!”

R6 shot off through the bushes completely undeterred by the uneven ground and foliage.

With a stifled curse the Twi’lek shot after the astromech somehow moving slower than the wheeled garbage can.

“Get back here you garbage receptacle!” he shouted with annoyance after the droid. One downside to having made R6 his closest confidant was that he avoided memory wiping the small droid which in turn led to it having a rather… unusual personality.

As he pushed his way past some trees he saw R6 sitting not too far from a group of people. Presumably other Jedi, Padawans from their youth he would guess, and bit back a groan.

Shuffling forward awkwardly Chom saw the group was made up for Zeltron female, Twi’lek female and two Human looking males. Two of whom looked partially wet for some reason.

Realising there was no way to grab R6 without being seen he reluctantly stepped closer to the group.

“Uhm… hello.” he half-muttered self-consciously. “Sorry to interrupt you it seems I lost control of my little friend here.” he added glancing at R6-T9.

“Uhm I’m a Padawan at the uhh local Temple.” he said with a grimace at his own stupidity. Where else would he be training to be a bloody Padawan?

With an internal sigh Chom could only imagine if his former allies could see him now. The feared Sith Assassin Kharnas is now almost too frightened to talk to a bunch of kids.

“Sorry.” he apologised again “I didn’t mean to interrupt your gathering.”

@Catbert @Monimus @Xian @Rhogar

 

[Casper Qel Darra]

‘Blondie’ was the first nickname anyone had given Casper – well, excluding ‘asshole’ anyway – and he wasn’t quite sure what to make of it. In fact, it was probably better to say that he wasn’t sure what to make of Xiann overall. Does she look at everyone like that? Probably, but he wasn’t sure. It wasn’t as if he’d met her all that much. Even more confusingly, it sounded as though she wanted him to fight. Force, being social was a struggle. It was much easier to be alone, and he was starting to remember why he was so fond of it. There was no embarrassing yourself, and no having to try to read those around you.

“...maybe another time. As Jedi, we can’t let our emotions rule us… and if I were to fight now, I would be...” His voice kept his signature deadpan tone, though he sounded almost robotic as he listed off his teachings. Still, even if they didn’t care much about it, he did.

Casper tensed a little as Xiann got closer while he spoke, her hands moving to his waist as she suggestively offered to help relieve him of his soaked jumper. Almost instinctively, he took a little step back, lifting his hands to show his palms toward her. “No, it’s alright.”

Just then, yet another newcomer appeared. Okay, what the kriff? Casper’s activities for the next day had just been settled. Finding a new spot.

Turning away from the group, Casper gave a cursory nod to the approaching Twi’lek, and began to take his own leave. “You didn’t interrupt anything, I was just leaving.” He’d heard Drastus’ earlier suggestion, and for the most part agreed – though he didn’t much fancy coming back. Not today, anyway.

---

@Catbert @Rhogar @Xian @Lazy Swordsman

 

[Xiann]

Xiann pushed out her lower lip and pouted slightly when she was rejected by Casper. It was all just playful banter but it still stung slightly to be so easily denied. Though the feeling didn’t last long as her attention was drawn back to Drast as he seemed to be aggressively applying first aid to Lani. But she was already happily doing it herself. Was Drast jealous of her giving attention to Blondie?

Her wide grin came back as watched him attempt to lay claim to the poor Zeltron with his own gel. Xiann was sure Lani’s emotion sense was tingling, but would it pick up on that? The Twi'lek still wasn’t totally sure how that worked or how sensitive it was. Questions for later as yet another newcomer approached the group. Another Twi’lek, though this one seemed to be dressed as a proper Jedi and he was also chasing a droid. Now that she could relate to, she glanced over to the garage where Rusty was crouched charging in the garage.

She turned her smile to the newcomer, “Don’t worry about it. We’re not doing anything private really.” She glanced over at Drast spreading the gel on Lani, “Though some of might want to.” She returned her gaze to the other Twi’lek, “We just came to do a bit of training. You’re welcome to join us if you want.”

@Rhogar @Catbert @Monimus @Lazy Swordsman

 

[Lani Tallis]

Drastus took the initiative and went for the Nysillin gel before Lani could. A bland smile appeared on the Zeltron's lips as Drast rubbed the ointment on the burns. It was a breach of personal space, but the Zeltron was much looser in that regard. "Thanks, Drast," she mumbled, as she observed the scene between Xi and Casper. Both felt uncomfortable: the human first, and the Twi'lek second, if only for a while. And then there was a droid and another uncomfortable Twi'lek.

Xi was the first to greet the newcomer, recovering from the little sting like it was nothing. A joke brought Galania back on track, as she cast a sideways glance at the human, and then at her Twi bestie and smirked: "Some, huh?" The Zeltron then turned her face to the new arrival: "But yeah, what she said. Not a problem. I'm Galania, this is Xiann and Drastus." she tilted her head towards the people she introduced.

@Rhogar @Lazy Swordsman @Monimus @Xian

 

[Drastus Drahr]

Drast would glance at the arrival of another voice, man their little spot was really drawing in some crowds. Two droids, maybe three if you counted Casper, and another Twi? Drast wondered silently if he spoke Ryl, come to think of it, he never asked Xiann if she did. He'd begin to hum as he worked the gel over the burns, pausing at first to only speak to Casper without looking at him. "Make sure you come back, Casp. Mean it."

Once finished, he'd look up to Lani and smile. "You're welcome, Lani." at Xiann's joke he smirked. "In some circles, I count as two, so that does qualify as some."

Taking his bottle to wash the gel from his hands, he'd dry them on his pants before looking over to Chom. "There's a local Temple here?!" He asked, sounding alarmed before he laughed. "Welcome to our little slice of jungle, bud. Glad you found us."

@Catbert @Xian @Monimus @Lazy Swordsman

 

[Lillian Prismarte]

Lillian lost her shoe. That was it. She had no idea when she had lost it, but it had just come off at some point while she was admiring the local flora, she mentally slapped herself for this one, “How the Kriff did you not notice that your foot was meeting the solid ground you fool?” Mystified at herself, and how she was so distracted the black haired female carried on, clutching her notebook and pencil tightly-the last thing the Padawan needed was to lose the notes she had been working on too! She was looking forever, it was useless, she couldn’t find the damn shoe. All of the walking was getting on her, expecting an hour long note taking experience she had figured her robes would be fine, but now she was sweltering.

“Kriff if I can’t find it, I mean-what am I gonna do with the other one? Throw it away? Keep it? Hold onto it till I find the other side of the pair?” Eventually the heat was too much, as Lillian lamented her ability to schedule and plan but not keep her damn shoe on, she began to strip off her top, eventually after removing the upper garments of the robe she tied them around her waist and sighed of relief, thankfully she had worn a form fitting lowcut grey tank top underneath, nice and airy but also not straight up

Lillian wandered further, her sights set on locating the missing shoe-but luckily the noise of laughter distracted her from the fruitless endeavor. Intrigued she followed the noise to the clearing, emerging from the bushes clasping her notebook, her ponytailed hair equipped with a few leaves and sticks, only a tight tanktop covering her upper body and missing a shoe, Lillian was sure a sight to behold.

Scanning the group she recognized a few of them from around the temple (but the shy girl had ever met them personally) and then began to speak, “Ah, Hello I don’t think we’ve met, I am Lillian Prismarte, a pleasure to meet you all. ” Glancing around once more at the group it hit her that one of the humanoid males was shirtless-now THAT was temptation right there, his chiseled body was nice enough but all of his tatoos provided intrigue, Lillian noted that she’d have to ask to get a closer look at some point. Her face slight with a slight blush, due to both Drastus’ body and her embarrassment at losing her shoe and not having her robe on when she met her fellow Padawans. Stepping within a reasonable range, she offered a slight smile through her blush as her mismatched feet crossed across the earth to the colorful group.

After a moment the black haired girl supplied, “It’s a nice day isn’t it? It’s been a wonderful day to take a walk.”still blushing and smiling she figured she wouldn’t mention her shoe, or the chiseled body of the tattooed male.

@Drastus Drahr @Xiann @Lani Tallis @Chom Doneeta @Casper Qel Darra

 

[Xiann]

Xiann glanced over as a new voice approached from the side. A Curvy woman covered in leaves, sticks and was missing a shoe. Had she come to them for help? The Twi’lek spotted the robe tied around her waist, this scruffy person was a Padawan? She gave her another look over wasn’t she a little too slender and curvy to be a Jedi fighter? Then again who was she to talk.

“Are you ok Lillian? You seem a bit bedraggled.” She pointed at the twigs and leaves in the others hair. She wandered into the garage and started rummaging through one of the crates before pulling out a pair of shoes. They weren’t anything special, but they’d get the woman around without damaging her feet. Xiann returned to the group and offered Lillian the shoes. “They're not pretty, but they’re practical. I’m Xiann by the way.” She gestured to the others, “Drastus, Galania, Chom and Blondie. We came here to train and stuff. Mostly stuff right now.”

@Catbert @Rhogar @Lazy Swordsman @LeonDrandell