Faction A Camping We Will Go [Open to Jedi & Allies]

[Kuhbee]

Jedi Camping Adventure on Akiva
​

The lush, vibrant world of Akiva stretched out as far as the eye could see, its dense forests thick with towering trees that reached toward the sky like ancient sentinels. The air was heavy with the scent of rich earth and damp moss, a refreshing contrast to the sterile confines of the Jedi Temple. The campground, nestled deep within the wilderness, buzzed with excitement as Jedi from across the galaxy began to arrive, their lightsabers and robes cutting through the verdant canopy. It was an annual tradition—one that brought young Padawans and seasoned Knights together to reconnect with the natural world and hone their survival skills. The camp was a place where the hum of the city could be left behind, replaced by the song of birds, the rustle of leaves, and the occasional roar of distant creatures.

The younger Jedi, eager and full of energy, darted around the camp clearing, setting up shelters, collecting firewood, and marveling at the untouched beauty of the world around them. The Padawans were particularly excited. For many, it was their first time away from the comforts of the temple, and their eyes were wide with the thrill of adventure. They would spend the coming days learning the ancient Jedi art of survival—tracking, foraging, navigating through the dense wilderness, and understanding the ways of the Force that connected them to the natural world. It was more than just physical training; it was about learning to listen to the whispers of the Force in the wind, in the rustling leaves, and in the very earth beneath their feet. A different kind of knowledge would be gained here—one that went beyond the lightsaber.

The older Jedi, meanwhile, relished the chance to step away from their more demanding duties and reconnect with the simpler aspects of their training. They, too, would participate in survival exercises, but for them, it was more about refreshment than learning. The Force flowed more clearly in the wilds of Akiva, where its presence could be felt in every tree, every stone, and every flowing stream.

The campsite is the main hub of activity on this camping trip. Tents are set up, sleeping bags are rolled out and Jedi eagerly enjoy each others company. Some of the activities at camp include board games, cooking, drinking, and listening to music. Here Jedi relax or fix up their gear to make sure they are prepared for the wilderness. Its a great way to socialize and take it easy while connecting to nature.

Listen to the music, find a snack, or enjoy a fun game with another Jedi all in the lush campsite

Several Jedi have formed a group to go explore the woods around them. They are prepped for a hike through the wilderness and excited to catch glimpses of the local wildlife. There is laughter and excitement as water bottles are filled and boots are laced up. Many Jedi wonder how far the hiking trail will take them and others are excited to climb the rolling hills and get a great view at the top.

Hike the trails with fellow Jedi, look at local wildlife and enjoy the fresh air

Under the serene glow of the planets sun, a group of Jedi gathered in a quiet clearing where a pristine water hole opens from a rushing river. Here there is joy and laughing as swiming takes place, and other Jedi star fishing with the hopes of roasting their catch over an open fire. The water is crisp and refreshing and the day is a perfect one for sun bathing or collecting fun rocks at the waters edge.

Enjoy a dip in the refreshing water, skip stones on it's surface or try your luck at fishing for tonight's dinner



BYOO

If something sounds fun and fits the threads theme go for it!​

 

[Jack Wright]

​

(Tags: OPEN)

Crunch

That's twig number fine; Jack clicked his tongue and removed his right foot, apologizing quietly to nature with a pack hoisted over his shoulders, secure. Re-adjusting his pace, a firm slope of pathway he diverted from leading further through the woods, the Jedi Knight saw fit to do a little relaxation himself, while others had their securing the camp in mind.

Before the gorgeous hole, just plenty of feet enough not to get wet over the boulder, in case someone opted to make a splash.

Settling down, Jack unfastened the pack and set it close to a cool, sturdy bush, resting his own back against the tree trunk. Good resting place, nice view of the hole. Today objectives sprung to mind:

Relax.

And work on a personal project in mind...

 

[Serina Calis]

Tag: Jack Wright [OPEN]

As the warm rays of Akiva's sun filtered through the dense canopy, Serina Calis found herself uncharacteristically restless amid the tranquil setting. While others soaked in the joyous atmosphere, her mind was racing, buzzing with the desire for more engaging pursuits than mere relaxation. Unlike her peers, the thrill of leisure did little to soothe her ambitious spirit.

Near the water hole, her discontent had morphed into subtle mischief. She was deep in conversation with Lyra, a fellow Padawan whose appearance mirrored Serina's except for her jet-black ponytail and piercing green eyes. Their discussion, however, wasn't just casual banter; it was a keen observation of their peers, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses under the guise of harmless gossip.

Glancing across the water, Serina caught sight of Jack Wright, the Jedi Knight who had taken the simplicity of the retreat a bit too earnestly for her taste. He was sitting peacefully by the hole, evidently lost in his thoughts and personal projects. A mischievous smirk crossed Serina's lips as an idea sparked in her mind.

With a subtle flick of her wrist, she called upon the Force, directing it with the precision that had become her signature. A large branch, previously lying innocuous on the ground, lifted smoothly into the air, twirling gently. With another slight gesture, she sent it flying across the water hole, aiming perfectly to disrupt Jack's serene setting by smacking him lightly across the face.

"Sometimes, you have to create your own entertainment," Serina whispered to Lyra, her eyes still fixed on Jack, waiting to catch his reaction. This little act of rebellion against the calm of the day wasn't just for fun—it was a test, a probe at the boundaries set by their elders, and a slight nod to her deep-seated belief that mastery of the Force could offer far more exhilarating experiences than mere meditation or relaxation.

 

[Jack Wright]

​

(Tags: Serina Calis , OPEN)

Catching the branch a mere five inches from his deadpan features, Jack didn't spare the wood a glance whilst lowering said item, setting it with care. He didn't even need to know, her presence palpable by this point.

This woman.

Rolling hazel eyes over across the pond, the Knight smirked coyly, waggling his brows with a nice call-out, "Really?" Let it not be said he was above childish retaliation. With a simple flick of his left hand, rested above the bent knee.

A splash of cool water shot out to the young Padawan, Jack's smirk widened with childlike mischief.

 

[Serina Calis]

Tag: Jack Wright [OPEN]

Serina wiped the cool droplets from her face, her smirk barely faltering as Jack's retaliatory splash reached her. She turned to Lyra, her eyes sparkling with both annoyance and amusement. "He thinks he's clever, doesn't he?" she murmured under her breath, loud enough for only Lyra to hear.

Lyra, grinning mischievously, nodded in agreement. "Oh, very clever. Just like his last attempt at guiding that meditation session. Remember? Half of us nearly fell asleep standing."

With the playful banter continuing, Serina's gaze shifted back to the other Padawans scattered around the campsite, her critical eye dissecting each one. "See that one?" she nodded subtly towards a Padawan struggling to light a fire. "He can't even summon a proper spark without burning his fingers. And yet, he prides himself on his survival skills."

Lyra snickered, leaning closer to Serina. "And what about her?" she gestured discreetly towards a Padawan who was meticulously arranging her sleeping area, aligning everything perfectly. "If only her sense of the Force was as developed as her obsession with symmetry. She might actually stand a chance in the field."

Their laughter was low but filled with a sense of superiority that only young, ambitious minds could harbor. Serina, feeling a surge of boldness from their whispered critiques, decided it was time to escalate her playful war with Jack. With a flick of her wrist, she summoned a small wave of water from the river, molding it with the Force into a series of small, icy projectiles designed to pelt him like light hail.

With pinpoint accuracy, she directed them towards Jack, each one spaced to hit just as he managed to dodge or block the previous. "Let's see how well he handles this," she said to Lyra, a challenging gleam in her eyes.

Her actions were not just about causing mischief; they were a display of her prowess and a test of Jack's reflexes and patience. In her mind, every interaction was an opportunity to learn and to assert her dominance, even in the seemingly trivial context of a campside prank.

 

[Jack Wright]

​

(Tags: Serina Calis , OPEN)

Jack just had to stare flatly ahead at the forest, sensing the oncoming projectiles of water. Without even sparing the shots a glance, the Knight just raised a right palm.

The many projectiles ceasing, bouncing off an invisible Force shield, harmlessly sliding down the rock beneath his spot for the crystal swim hole. Exhaling through nostrils, the young Knight smiled, dispersing the shield.

And merely made a motion with his hand, downwards.

A sudden rain of twigs and light branches descended from the trees the pair hung out under, aimed to dismantle hair and paint their bodies in leaves. Jack smirked in smug triumph, reaching into his pack with a light, easygoing hum. Score two for the Knight, Princess...

 

[Colette]

Serina Calis / Jack Wright

Akiva, forests, fun, calm, a whole other host of words that could be used to describe their surroundings. The people were doing their best to learn new survival skills and Colette was happy to be there to happily help them. This was her whole life, and when she heard the comments of certain privileged and infantile children, well… She couldn't help but interfere.

She was supposed to be dragging another cut down tree of just about manageable size over towards the camp, but nope. She gently let it down onto the ground and shook her head as she made her way over towards Serina and Lyla.

They were ambushed by branches and leaves. A sad display of equally childish disrespect from someone that was meant to shut it down.

"Are you going to sit around and be assholes all day or are you going to help?" She asked as plainly and bluntly as ever as she knelt down next to Serina and Lyra. "Raise the others up if you know how to do something they struggle with. Stop putting them down."

"You know better."

 

[Aadihr Lidos]

Outfit: Casual Attire
Weapons: Walking stick / Lightsaber Pike

Aadihr had taken a liking to his role keeping an 'eye' out on Padawans on outings like this. The Miraluka Jedi Knight's specialization on his natural force sight and clairvoyance, allowed him to keep watch on flocks of children at time, as well as potentirely dangerous flora, fauna, or even sith assassins utilizing the art of the small if they somehow arrived to harass the padawans at play.

He could see the aura of a Padawan misbehaving from a parsec away. Aadihr sighed, getting up from his relaxing perch to intervene. Serina Calis held a questionable aura - Aadihr's usual inquisition was investigating darksiders infiltrated amongst the knights and masters, but the alignment of this Padawan was already dangerously tinged - arrogant and ambitious, unlikely to pass their trials without some course-correction. Ashla forbid she ever mistreat a future Padawan this way.

On his way, he sent a quick report of the incident to his log, as he'd have include this in his report to Valery Noble once the trip was complete, sending the write-up in advance.

If her aura read of a harmless prank this would be much less troubling. Instead it sought to assert dominance, testing her elders, even. While Aadihr had no issues with Jack Wright retaliating playfully, his aura read of harmony and a desire to relax.

Aadihr emerged near Colette , his tone much more stern than usual. He did not hide his knowledge from his expression.

"Lyra, I suggest you find another activity unless you wish to join Serina on latrine duty."

He turned his eyeless face to the blonde child with the questionable alignment. He wouldn't be forgetting her force signature any time soon. "You, Serina. Do you make a habit of trying to display dominance in petulant displays?" His tone seemed overkill for a typical mischevious child.

Aadihr may be blind, but even he could see this was not mere mischief. He put on his fool facade once more. "Try to find something less antagonistic and relax a bit, yeah?". He would be watching her much more closely after this.

He then turned to Colette Noble, one of the Grandmasters family and apprentice, "Hey Colette, I've been dying to ask you what was in that mystery box you won at the life day raffle on Veridia?"

Additionally, somewhere around here was a wookie Padawan that Aadihr was dying to meet, hoping it was the same one he tried to save from the Mandalorian Neo-crusaders on Keshi, Kuhbee .

Aadihr stayed to chat with Colette a bit, but his smile didn't reach his empty eye sockets. He kept his Sight closely monitoring Serina's force presence.

Colette | OPEN​

 

[Serina Calis]

Tag: Jack Wright [OPEN] Aadihr Lidos Colette

Serina, her face a picture of calm despite the flurry of branches and leaves, slowly brushed the debris from her shoulders as she stood. Her gaze shifted from Colette to Aadihr, each word from their interventions weaving a complex tapestry of challenges in her mind. Her posture remained poised, her expression controlled—an outward reflection of the serene force presence she meticulously curated.

"Knight Aadihr, Colette," Serina began, her voice smooth and measured, the timbre reflecting a respect that veiled her inner turmoil. "Your concerns are noted, and indeed, they come from a place of guidance and guardianship, for which I hold great appreciation." Her eyes, cool and blue as the Akiva sky, met Aadihr's sightless gaze with a sincerity that was practiced and precise.

"However, let me assure you, what transpired here was in the spirit of camaraderie and the playful exchange among peers," she continued, her hands clasped in front of her in a gesture of openness. "Jack and I—our engagement was nothing beyond the light-hearted jest that friends indulge in. We have both completed our designated tasks for the day, and this was merely a moment of levity amidst our duties."

Serina paused, allowing her words to settle before addressing Colette's point directly. "And as for the matter of teaching or assisting our fellow Padawans," she added thoughtfully, "it is not out of a sense of superiority that we refrain from stepping in. Indeed, it would be presumptuous and perhaps even condescending to assume that they cannot overcome their challenges without our intervention. Each Padawan must face and forge their path, learning from the environment and the very struggles that shape us all."

Her demeanor shifted slightly, a hint of passion seeping into her controlled exterior as she addressed the broader implications of their behavior. "Moreover, to shield one from the natural friction of interaction—the exchange of words, even those less flattering—might very well soften the resolve we all seek to harden. The trials we face are not merely physical or spiritual but also social and emotional. By engaging fully, with all the complexities that our interactions entail, we prepare not just as Jedi but as beings capable of navigating the vast and varied spectrums of the galaxy."

Serina's gaze flitted between her fellow Jedi, her expression composed yet assertive. "In essence, while I understand and respect the desire to cultivate a harmonious environment, it is also essential that we do not create a cushion so soft that it fails to test the resilience required of a Jedi. Hardship, in its many forms, hones the spirit as much as the lightsaber sharpens the mind."

She then lightly touched on her mastery of the mental shield, a subtle nod to her adeptness in the Force. "Rest assured, my intentions and actions here are aligned with the teachings of the Order, shielded not to deceive but to maintain personal focus amidst a myriad of external pressures." This was her true strength, not her lightsaber or her force powers, but her mouth, the tongue of which even the most skeptical are swayed by.

Concluding her response, Serina offered a slight, respectful nod. "I will heed your advice, Aadihr, and seek less antagonistic avenues for relaxation. Your guidance is invaluable, and my respect for it runs deep." Her words, carefully chosen and delivered, masked the true depth of the darkness that lay hidden beneath, her Force presence finally muted to an unassuming grey—a testament to her not yet mastered, but proficiently used, mental shield outside of the temples.

 

[Jack Wright]

(Tags: Serina Calis , Aadihr Lidos , Colette , OPEN)

"As you can tell," The Knight spoke up from his end of the pond, light and mirthful as he sorted casually through his travelled pack. "Padawan Serina facies herself a walking encyclopedia, she's got an answer for everything!"

Ah, there we go! Jack smiled upon retrieving the datapad, settling himself more comfortably against the trunk; the gentle breeze of Akiva adding a pleasant disposition. The Knight grunted, rubbing his shoulders against bark with care, starting to get working on his own personal affairs, while fellow Jedi and friends have fun around the swimming hole.

He couldn't stand swimming, personally.

 

[Colette]

Serina Calis / Jack Wright / Aadihr Lidos

Levity and the spirit of camaraderie didn't arise from knocking others down. Call it a complete miss for Colette, but the big words and the fiery passion behind them did little to assuage her unamused stare.

Jack offered a witty response to which Colette kept from smirking even if it was an admittedly pointedly valid criticism of what the blonde had said. People used big words to obscure lies and put themselves above others. A good leader, such as they all were hopefully aiming to become, spoke in a way that their purpose and intentions were clear for all to understand.

Being a fellow padawan herself it was not in Colette's place to really judge Serina, but that didn't mean she wouldn't do just that. The blonde came across as entirely fake to her. Something in the way that she carried herself, the way that she seemed to weigh her words very carefully didn't sit right.

"No, not just relaxation." Colette said and raised her finger, clearly bothered by the response. "You meant avenues for survival."

She lowered her hand and shook her head. This wasn't worth the effort. She picked up the cut down tree again and put it on her shoulder to continue dragging it over towards the main camp.

"If you can offer help to others, offer it. If they reject it, they reject it and you offer help to the next one. Simple as that."

Colette took her first step before she realized,

"Oh!" She exclaimed and looked over at Aadihr. "It was a whole container's worth of stuffed toys. I handed it over to a local children's hospital and orphanage once I picked one as a keepsake for myself. You know what they say about material things and the soul and all that."

She continued to walk and talk, just in case he followed along.

"Never really understood the whole 'ownership' thing. Wasn't very big where I'm from."

 

[Aadihr Lidos]

Outfit: Casual Attire
Weapons: Walking stick / Lightsaber Pike

Aadihr grinned a little a Jack's comment, then called back to him, "Did that branch look like it was thrown in the spirit of camaraderie to you? I didn't quite see it happen myself".

He was thankful for the restraint Colette showed compared to her aura. At least things seemed less tense now.

Aadihr would let it slide aside from the report. Latrine duty was trivial with the force anyway. He returned to address Serina, subtly noting the sudden mask of her aura. He hoped her explanation was to spare her indignity, and not something more sinister. It was enough that Aadihr could relax, for now, but he would remain watchful.

"A textbook answer and eloquently delivered. While there is truth in friction strengthening one's resolve, every individual's tolerances are unique, and a branch pushed too hard will snap. Not that I imply that as a concern in this specific instance, I merely want to highlight the consideration for other's individual limits and capabilities."

Aadihr paused for a second, trying to shorten his lecture so everyone could get back to relaxing. "To borrow your analogy, the cushion must be overly soft to catch everyone. Only once know another's resilience we can lessen the cushion at their pace. Our goal is to exercise the muscle, not injured it."

Aadihr smiled and hoped his initial observations were just youthful arrogance. The idea of the alternative in a Padawan pained him. The nature of her reply sounded like she operated in intellectual analysis and not emotional intuition.

"If you need someone to talk to and discuss the rationale of some of the order my door, er, tree stump is always open."

Aadihr gave a slight bow and let any lingering tension drop from his shoulders turning to Colette and grabbing a bundle of firewood. He replied while following along, "That's very kind of you, which did you keep for yourself?"

Jack Wright Colette Serina Calis​

 

[Vera Noble]

​

Tag: Colette

​

The forest was alive with the soft hum of life, the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze, and the occasional sound of water splashing from the swimming hole. Amidst it all, a familiar, youthful voice called out, breaking through the chatter and the quiet tension of the moment.

"Hey, Sis!"

Bounding into view, Vera's fiery energy was as radiant as ever. Her eyes scanned the group until they landed on Colette, and her face lit up with excitement. She practically skipped over, her pace quickening with every step. It had been too long since she'd had a moment to spend with her big sister, and this camping trip seemed like the perfect opportunity.

"I was looking all over for you!" she said with a bright grin, finally reaching Colette's side. She moved to give her a quick, affectionate nudge with her shoulder, but as she did, her eyes flicked around, and she caught the subtle tension hanging in the air.

Her grin faltered just a little, curiosity and caution flickering across her face. She glanced between Colette, the stern-looking Aadihr, and the composed Serina, who stood as if preparing for a formal debate. Even Jack, across the pond, seemed to be keeping his distance, his tone light but his gaze cautious.

Vera tilted her head slightly, her eyebrows raising in mild confusion. "Uh… Did I interrupt something?" she asked, her voice quieter now, but still tinged with her characteristic playfulness.

​

 

[Colette]

Vera Noble / Aadihr Lidos

"A really cute little tauntaun." Colette said and smiled for herself. "Reminds me of my sister."

Vera was subtle, Colette was not. She outright dropped the log on her shoulder once her sister jumped into view.

"Hey, Vera!" She exclaimed and pulled the kid in for a tight hug once she had tried to nudge her. "Oh, it's nothing the knights can't handle." She said and ruffled Vera's hair. "Come on, grab the other end of this thing and we'll make it over to camp in no time."

Colette shouldered the other tree again and waited for Vera to take the other end.

"Have you met my sister, Aadihr?" She asked very enthusiastically of the blind man, her aura most likely beaming with excitement and joy. "Biggest pain in the butt, but also the best friend one could ever ask for."

Sometimes it felt nice to gush over a sibling.

"Very good at keeping you humble if you ever slip up."

 

[Aadihr Lidos]

Outfit: Casual Attire
Weapons: Walking stick / Lightsaber Pike

Aadihr laughed gently at the scene of the sisters, distracting him from the lingering pain of possibility.

"I can't say I've seen her around before" that was low hanging fruit, even for Aadihr.

In truth, he did recognize the aura. One of the poor children that the contemptible Zeltron Nos Voros was playing at war with on Niv Hani. It seemed the trenches did not break her spirit, however, and their sisterly bond was all the brighter for it.

"A pleasure to meet you, young Vera," Aadihr introduced himself formally. "I suppose your reputation as a humbler you, I'm Aadihr, Uh," Aadihr tried to think of titles or deeds worth mentioning, coming up short, "just Aadihr. Friend of Azurine Varek , your mother's Padawan?"

Colette | Vera Noble | OPEN​

 

[Thea Nyko]

Thea had decided to come along on this camping trip as she was highly skilled in tracking and hunting, and thought she could help pass those skills to the next generation of Jedi. Another part of her thought it would be a fun experience to be out in the woods with other Jedi helping and learning from each other. The forest around them was serene yet alive with the hum of insects and the distant calls of native wildlife, making her feel surprisingly at home.

She had heard of a nearby water hole that she was curious about, and after dressing in something fit for swimming, she made her way over. Thea was carrying a small satchel containing essentials: a towel, a bottle of water, a compact datapad in case she wanted to make notes about the trip later, and her lightsaber.

When she finally reached the water hole, she paused, momentarily stunned by its beauty. The pool was framed by smooth stones and shaded by towering trees whose roots twisted toward the water as if drawn by its purity. Sunlight danced on the surface, creating shimmering patterns that looked almost magical. A gentle breeze carried the scent of fresh water mixed with the earthy aroma of the forest.

Thea was about to enter the water, when she heard others nearby. Looking over, she spotted a small group, seemingly getting a talking to from her perspective.

"Everything alright over there?" Thea asked, wanting to make sure nothing serious happened.

Colette Jack Wright Serina Calis Aadihr Lidos Vera Noble

 

[Roman Vossari]

Tags: Colette | Jack Wright | Serina Calis | Aadihr Lidos | Vera Noble | Thea Nyko

​

The air thrummed with the promise of freedom as Roman sprinted through the Akivan forest, his boots barely touching the mossy ground. Camping gear, carelessly abandoned at the edge of the clearing, marked his hasty arrival. He had shed his heavy robes for simple swimming shorts. The vibrant colors of the forest blurred around him as he followed the sound of splashing water, the promise of a swim a powerful lure.

He found the clearing, a jewel of serenity nestled in the heart of the woods. Jedi were already gathered, their laughter echoing through the trees. Some splashed in the pristine water, others tried their hand at fishing with makeshift poles. Roman's gaze didn't linger. He had another goal in mind. A sturdy tree, its branches reaching towards the sky like welcoming arms, beckoned him.

With the recklessness of youth, Roman scrambled up the trunk, ignoring the sting of bark scraping against his bare chest. He reached a thick limb high above the water, where he produced a long, sturdy rope he had been carrying. After securing it with a knot he deemed sufficient, he dropped back to the ground, tugging on the rope to test its strength. "That'll do." he muttered, a self-satisfied grin playing on his lips.

The water shimmered below, cool and inviting. Roman backed up, feet planted firmly on the ground, heart pounding in his chest. He focused, the Force responding to his will, and with a mental push, he launched himself forward. His feet flew up, and he swung out over the water, the rush of wind whipping through his hair. In mid-air, he tucked into a nimble flip, before completing his arc with a resounding splash as he cannonballed into the water.

The cool water closed around him, a welcome embrace. Roman surfaced, slicking back his vibrant red hair from his face, a triumphant grin stretching from ear to ear. "That was a 10!" he declared, his voice ringing with confidence. He looked around, expecting to be met with applause or at least some sign of acknowledgment for his daring dive, the youthful need for recognition burning bright within him.

 

[Kuhbee]

TAG: Open

Kuhbee had spent the early morning gathering fire good and carting water to the camp. His strength made tasks like these ideal for him so he was happy to help out. When his chores were done he'd set up his tent and his sleeping bag, hopping to set it up in the vicinity of Roman Vossari . The other padawan was quickly becoming a fast friend for the Wookie pup.

He saw that many others were gathering on the edge of the campsite at the swimming hole. He might go for a swim latter but there was talk about forming a hiking group and that was exciting to the young Wookie. He wanted to see how many species of birds he could find. He jumped up on one of the tree branches and swung from it while waiting for the hiking party to get formed. He was still so young and full of energy as he swung from a tree with glee.

 

[Inanna Harth]

Resh
​

"Mom, can I go swimming? Please?"

Inanna stepped away from the fire, pack slung over one shoulder. She looked from her son's pleading eyes toward the hill, beyond which the swimming hole lay. From what she had seen, most of the kids at the swimming hole were teenagers or fully grown adults. Not exactly ideal company for a boy who wasn't quite eight years old yet.

"Did you ask your dad?" she asked.

"He said to ask you."

Of course. "If your sister goes with you," she finally relented. "And the two of you stick together and don't get in trouble, I'm okay with it."

"Okay." Asher nodded in agreement, then ran off to find his sister.

Inanna watched him for a time, a blue little boy darting through the camp, before she turned to face her waiting apprentice. "Are you ready to go?" she asked Resh.

That's right: they were going hiking. It wasn't just for fun either, although she had a feeling Resh would enjoy it regardless. He seemed drawn to nature, probably because he had very little experience with it prior to joining the Order. His curiosity about the natural world had led her to seek out other teachers for him that could cultivate his interests—though as he learned more about plants and animals, rocks and sky, his master had also received the same education. Perhaps because she was a shapeshifter from a jungle world, a lot of it came, er, naturally to her.

"I want you to practice what you've learned," she said, putting her other arm through her pack so that the weight was evenly distributed across her shoulders. "Talking to birds on the Vonnuvi is one thing, but this is next level. We'll be chatting up some wild animals. Hopefully they won't try to eat us first."

 

[Caelan Valoren]

ATTIRE: Link
COMPANION: BD-F8
TAGS: Serina Calis | Jack Wright | Vera Noble | Roman Vossari | Colette | Thea Nyko | Aadihr Lidos

The water had seemed inviting to him, at first. It was a spot reminiscent to the little pools that he and his sister would have played in back at home on Lazerian IV. In fact, he'd fully intended to go for a swim when he first approached it, but after seeing a stick thrown at one of the Knights, and then several back and forth hijinks between him and some girls on the other side, he decided that maybe going for a swim wasn't the best idea. Fate seemed to think the same thing.

"Dwooo-beep bwoo-dweep vrrt-dwoo! Bwee-dwoop bwoo vrrt-dweep wooo-dwoo beep-beep."

"Yeah, there must be some history between them," he said, standing with his hand on a tree. "And I know you don't like water. You could have stayed at the camp, like I said."

"Bwoo-dweep vrrt-dwoo dwoo-beep beep-dweep."

"I can understand that."

Honestly, the idea of being alone was not enjoyable to him, either, but at least then he wouldn't get annoyed by some girls that didn't know how to keep their antics to themselves. In the meantime, he decided he would collect some sticks so that he could at least start a fire back at the camp. Those who were swimming would want to warm up and dry off after they did, so at least he could be useful in that manner since he wasn't going to go swimming any longer.

A he picked up sticks to use as kindling, he noticed Roman climbing up into one of the trees. He seemed to be doing something before he returned to the ground, and Caelan realized he'd tied a rope onto the tree. What was he going to do with that? Well, he needed only wait a moment to see him run forward and swing out over the water, flip, and then cannon ball into the water with a huge splash.

"Bwoo-OOO!"

"Yeah, that was something else," he agreed, smiling as he approached the waters edge. "Nice flip, Roman!"

Least he knew someone here, even though Roman had clearly gotten a hair cut. Part of him wanted to ask if he'd seen Annie lately, but he didn't want to broach a sore subject if he, too, hadn't seen her in a while. Instead, he focused on the moment.

"After I get a fire started, I might have to try that!"

"Dwoo-bwee vrrt-dweep beep!"

"No, not with you," he agreed, shaking his head and chuckling.