A Cold Wind Bloweth [Silver Sanctum]

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Held between his finger and thumb, Théo held the white solari crystal to the light. His eyes took it all in, it is clear, transparent and within it he could see the facets a the light from his training entered it. A soft gleaming sparkle issued as he turned the crystal, it is only a small piece, probably cut from a larger but it pulsed with power and light, energy and radiance. It reminded him, of Nina. It was almost as if it was she made in crystal form, so pure she is to him and without fault, just like his crystal.

"Nina", he spoke her name with the sudden memory of his purpose, to go find her. And grabbing his small leather pouch, which was still attached to his belt thankfully, he placed his crystal within the soil of Midvinter. He carries this pouch everywhere, it is his connection to his homeland. Securing it tight and back to his belt, Théo began to try and find his way to the surface of the cave.

Although there are passages, they are of little value to him, "How do I get out of here?", he said as if speaking to the cave and that it would answer.

Return full circle, young Vhaanir ..

The voice ease to hear now, and Théo has no fear of it. Yet he did not understand at this point. "I need to get out! I need to find Nina, she might be in danger". He said looking around trying to grab hold of the meaning of the buck's words. Théo searched through the force, a skill he is becoming proficient with now, and he found her presence within the cave system, although she seemed distant to him, but she is alright. This afforded his some respite in his worry, but still not completely, not until he sees her.

"Full circle? what?", he looks back to the water, the small waterfall running eternally into the pool, the sound of it constant and soothing. "You .. you mean I have to go back in there?".

There was no more words.

"I ... I can't swim up stream! I am not Zak", Théo wondered if Zak could do it, the water was running fast and powerful, but than it came to him. No, he does not have to fight the current of the river, he has to enter the pool and allow it to take him under. His shoulders slumped with the thought of it, fear entered his heart once more as the experience had not been a good one, even though he had not died.

I will face my fear, he walked toward the edge of the pool, the water lapping at his boots and he entered slowly until waist deep. His heart pounding, Théo dived into the crystalline waters and allow them to take him away ...

He did not fight it, not this time and as he sunk down watching the surface of the water above recede he waited, even though his lungs screamed for air. The darkness surrounded him again, just like before but he did not panic, he allowed to come and all of a sudden he began to fall through the air.

Now he opened his mouth to yell out and he descended through the vast cavern and hit the surface of a pool with a loud splash. Pulling himself up until he broke the surface of the water, Théo swam to the edge and got out. Looking around he recognised the place and he smiled. He found his way to the passage that had lead him here, and would take him back out and to the entrance.

[member="Nina Heavenshield"] | [member="Zak Dymo"]​

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

A great deal of time had passed, and Ryn finally returned to the waking world. His vision swimming, he stared at a blank, black HUD, the only visible light coming through a crack in the faceplate. He was confused, as he pulled the mask off, golden eyes blinking rapidly in the pitch dark cavern. He knew most of the system had plenty of light from the crystals and the ice, but this area. No. The light was exceedingly limited. His keen eyes pierced the darkness with the limited glow of the crystals with an ease few other races were capable of.

He slowly remembered where he was, and why he was there. Then the voices returned.

<Did it sleep well? Did it? Did you, ssssssslaaaaaaveeeeeeee?>

Ryn slowly shook his head, placing his face into the gloved palms. "I am no slave. I know why I have failed in the past...." <YOU KNOW NOTHING WORM!> "You stated it correctly. I did not trust them to accept me. And I must."

<YOU CAN'T! THEY'LL NEVER ACCE->

"SILENCE!" Ryn bellowed with such conviction that a platform out in the cavern cracked slightly. "Your words mean NOTHING. I KNOW what must be done, and there is nothing that can be said to change my mind. If they will damn me to oblivion alone, then so be it. It would be my own doing for hiding whom I was. Justice shall be done, as those who were treated unjustly shall deem!"

Several minutes passed with no words from the disembodied voice. Ryn meditated on the Force, on his surrounding, and on preparation for his challenge before him. A gentle calm, a warming, flowed through his person. He felt his already ample reflexes sharpening, his legs tightening and loosening at the same time, and an exhilarating rush of vigor flow through his body.

His golden eyes snapped open, and he sprung into action. With both durasteel blades drawn, the padawan started off running along the wall to the edge of the tunnel, using the slight elevation off the ground to aid him in getting maximum distance as he would leap out into the void. He would reach the first platform barely, the tips of his toes touching down at the edge. He knew he had to keep his momentum, as he pushed forwards. The next two leaps were easy.

The fourth platform though, somewhere down the length of the pillar a crack had formed, and Ryn's landing on it caused it to give way and start to fall. He was fortunate the force of his landing caused it to fall along his path of travel, rather than AGAINST his path. Using the combination of the forward fall of the platform, it's length as a runway, and his Force Enhanced speed, Ryn made an amazing leap for the goal of the far end of the cavern.

Both durasteel blades were jammed to the hilt into the ice, several feet below the exit of the chamber. "Well... I liked these two...." the padawan lamented. A surge of effort, and a pull against the swords, found the padawan sailing through the air into the awaiting opening of the exit tunnel. He had spares, but he disliked the feeling of waste. They weren't broken. Only stuck. Oh well.

Moving on, the padawan felt drawn down yet another left fork in his path. He found himself in a magnificent room, large stalactites and stalagmites of solid ice. It truly was a sight to behold. But, a small stalactite and stalagmite pairing, the two almost meeting in the middle, seemed to be the source of draw for Ryn. The smallest two in the entire chamber, Ryn felt an overwhelming impulse. He knew he needed to get into them, but he was unarmed. He reached with the force, poking and prodding, metaphorically speaking, the twin ice spikes. Something, almost alive, seemed to call out to him from deep within both spires.

After much reaching and digging, Ryn began to move his hands in a slow jostling motion, much like one would do to try to get a stick that was stuck in swamp muck loose. Eventually, the stalagmite, along with a mass about twenty centimeters across broke free of the ground. Using the force, he held the stalagmite aloft, and noticed a soft, almost pulsating, silvery glow within the mass at the base of the stalagmite.

"It's so.... pretty...." Ryn softly intoned, as he gently places the ice mass down. The process was carefully repeated to the stalactite, and much the same results. He took time then to carefully work away the ice to free the treasures hidden within. Holding the two crystals in the palms of his hands, he couldn't refrain from smiling broadly. They were perfectly imperfect. Rough sides and angles, and not identical to each other in any way other than color. The suited him perfectly. An imperfect agent seeking purification and sanctification. Silver just seemed to be a fit color for healing, at least in Ryn's mind.

With crystals in hand, he proceeded through the cavern, seeking a new tunnel, and eventually, a path to the surface!

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Strong sensations Coci could feel through the force, the Padawans that had entered the cave at varying degrees of success and all finding their way through to a new phase of their lives. Tests within tests and objectives shifting, this was and is the way of the Jedi, to seek to learn and grow.

She watched the two young boys leaving for the ship and it's comforts, a well deserved reward awaits Ryker if Zak had anything to do with. Her brow raised slightly knowing what Zak can do, she just hope some part of the ship would be left for them to fly back home in. But still she will wait with the Knights and Masters for the others to complete their mission.

"George, shall we walk?", she said still requiring some form of distraction by both Nina and Théo are inside. There are more places in this cave than the main entrance to the fields of crystals.




[member="Nina Heavenshield"] | [member="Xander Stanforth"] | [member="Ryker Tal'verda"] | [member="Coryn Raxis"] | [member="Zak Dymo"] | [member="George O Rourke"] | [member="Serana "]| [member="Nima Tann"] | [member="Kixi Rajki"]

 

[Serana]

Serana continued to move through the cave, her eyes flicking back and forth almost in away with her tail while it swatted at the wet droplets of water from the ice falling. Small drips coming until she was in a quiet place pulling her wings in closer to squeeze through and then standing there. The force had been leading her horn and as illusions seemed to want to form on the edge of her vision she spoke to the air and to herself. "You aren't real, human logic dictates the masters checking the cave would have handled it if there was real danger and jedi logic states they must be truthful. Lying serves no purpose in their wanting to teach... so you cannot be real." She said it and stood a little taller with her face pointing forward, the force reaching to search around while it was quiet and there seemed to be a glow at her feet. The area under the ice while she started to stomp t it. The ice cracking while she made a hoof print and then a hole revealing the crystal, her horn coming down while she gripped the glowing crystal in her teeth. while she brought her head up with the crystal gleaming as slowly she moved. Going to a corner with a flat section of stone and setting it down, the parts for the blade and the solari crystal while letting a breath out. She slowly began working on it with the force assembling the blades and the ring, the power cell and converter while she worked on the casing, the grip with a smaller ring for her horn it. Slowly with the force she inserted the crystals letting the saber click in place with the waterproof casing inside and the external ring. The saber touching her horn as it remained there with her concentration breaking. The new weight not terrible but not something she was right away used to rising up to activate it with the force as the duel snap hisses came. The sound of the motor starting while it spun with a dazzling display of hot pink light on the ice.

 

[George O Rourke]

[member="Serana "]| [member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Ryn'Dhal"] | [member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

As the remaining Padawans were still seeking out their crystals and Zak and Ryker had left for the ship it was once again quiet in the cave. Beautiful and peaceful for George. Something he loved about Voss, the trees, bushes and the breeze that ran through it. It really calmed him down, even when he was as cool as a cucumber. Anyhow as George waited for the Padawans to return Master Coci made her way over, asking if he would accompany her on a walk. He never even though about the rest of the cave, he was caught up with the Padawans in the crystal caves to even think about the rest of the structure. George accepted feeling that it wasn't just about looking around for the Master, but a distraction to keep her mind at bay.

"Sure Master." He replied as he began to follow her. "You've made a lot of little Padawans happy with this trip. You sure do know how to organize an adventure for these young ones." He said with a smile as he walked beside her.

 

[Ryker Wylde]

[member="Zak Dymo"]

He happily jumped onto the young nautolan's back and held on tight to the Padawan as they made their way back to the ship. The blistering cold outside nipping at their faces. Though he had gotten a new scar Ryker was haveing the best time he'd had since leaving his home one Mandalore, And his smile showed it.

I'll take this one!! He stated joyously as he wrapped his now warming hands around the glass of cocoa without marshmallows floating around in it. He was happy to be back on the ship and warm once again. Happy to have found the crystal chunk that he'd use to create his lightsabers once they returned to the academy....And happy that he hopefully had made a friend

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

Depositing the crystals into a pocket, Ryn'Dhal felt a surge of energy. A combination of the sheer positive emotion of the Force flowing through him, as well as good old fashion natural adrenaline. He began to run, using all four limbs, hands and feet, to traverse the caverns and tunnels. Springing over ice shelves, tumbling around stalagmites, and launching himself off of stalactites, Ryn was a blur of motion.

He couldn't resist giving a mirthful laugh as he rolled into the entry tunnel. He came to a halt, kneeling not too far from where Master [member="Coci Heavenshield"] and Knight [member="George O Rourke"] stood. His face lowered, hood shrouding his now unmasked face from view entirely, Ryn'Dhal spoke up, his almost musical voice dancing audibly.

"Master Coci, may I a word?" He said, a smile audible in his voice. It was time to reveal himself to more than just his own Master as to whom and what he was.

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

No more voices in his head, no more obstacles to stop his path. But still he did not want to leave, Nina was still here .. somewhere. But he could not go to her, instead he found his way through the cave and back to the entrance. For a moment he stood there in the frame of the entrance looking to see who was back, only the master and knights are there and his mother. He smiled seeing her, but at the same time his heart sank .. there is no Nina.

He felt for the pouch hanging by his side, the radiant force issuing for the crystal within and his touch reassured himself it had not been a dream. Reality and vision had blurred in there, his way of find himself somewhat for one so young. Now Théo bounded down the icy stairs to find his mother and his Master @Nina Tann. He found his mother first, and interrupting them he declared. "Mama! I have it! I have my crystal!".

​

[member="George O Rourke"] | [member="Ryn'Dhal"] ​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

They strolled around the main area of the cave, George is very good company and did a lot to take her mind off the emotions and fears she sensed from all that remain in the cave. She sensed Théo, he is out of danger and she can feel his delight, but there is more to his heart than that. She senses his love for Nina and his worry, Thurion and herself and instilled the great value and virtue of love and protection for all not just their immediate family but Nina is special to him.

"Yes George, they have deserved his trip .. all of them have worked hard to get to the level of this search. It will be a day they should never forget".

Padawan Ryn'Dhal had emerged from the cave, his sense of joy palpable within his aura and she turned to see him approaching them. Coci offered him a smile, "Of course Ryn'Dhal, what is on your mind?".

However before he could answer, Théo came bounding down the stairs, excitement lit up his face as he ran to his mother with the news of finding his crystal. "Oh that is wonderful!", she knelt down to take him in her arms in a warm embrace. "Your father, as I am, are proud of you and Nina". The two had a moment together, Théo showing her his solari crystal which caught Coci by surprise at the colour of it. "Oh wait till your Papa see you and your crystal". Théo looked proud of himself as he put his crystal safely back in the leather pouch he always carries. He looked up into the face of Knight O Rourke and Padawan Ryn'Dhal with a grin to match their own. The Nautolan Knight seemed like a friendly guy, just like his friend [member="Zak Dymo"], now Théo knew what he friend would grow up to look like somewhat.

"My apologies Ryn'Dhal, my son excitement over took my attention, please do go on".

​

[member="George O Rourke"] | [member="Ryn'Dhal"]​

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

"Master [member="Coci Heavenshield"], I would personally find great disappointment in you had you elected to pay attention to myself over your own child." the padawan stated, a friendly smile thick in his melodic voice. Turning to her son, Ryn offered a bow, congratulating his fellow padawan. "To you, my young friend, I bid a firm well done! A fine crystal for a fine knight. And based on what I have learned of your parents, a fine knight you shall be!" The way he spoke the words, they held a special conviction. As if his words were not merely a compliment, but more as though it were certain fact!

His face, during all of this, was still shrouded in the cowl of his robes. He turned back to Master Coci, before speaking again. "My trials in the cave are only partially complete, Master. I learned a necessary truth I must embrace, or else release my crystals back to the cave." He revealed his twin crystals, both giving off a soft, silver glow. He returned them to a pouch, hidden in the folds of his robes, before continuing. "I have hidden my identity from the Order, for fear of my own safety. I have never encountered another of my kind who was not in captivity, so I held an irrational fear of a return to that life, should the Order find me out. But, the deception was wrong, and is not something I can abide any longer. So I feel that to yourself, as one of the Heads of our Order, I should first reveal my true identity to. No mask to hide behind, keeping myself distanced from my Brothers and Sisters in the Order."

Ryn then took a long, steadying breath. His heart raced. He knew not if there would be a strong reaction, or none at all. Would it be good? Or bad? He knew not what awaited him when he drew back his hood, but he knew that the Force impressed upon him to cease his hiding in the shadows among those he wished to call friends.

The cowl fell about his shoulders, as his large, golden eyes were now clear to view without the mask. Pupils narrowed, with the bright light streaming in from the mouth of the cave. Large ears affixed more towards the top of his head pivoted independently, taking in sounds from all directions, as nose positioned at the end of his short muzzle twitched, gathering information from the air. The felacatian stood, revealed before them, soft black fur moving slightly as the breeze raced past them.

"This... Is me..."

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"] | [member="George O Rourke"]

 

[Nina Heavenshield]

Nina could sense her brother. She knew he was in here somewhere, but yet it felt so far away. As if he'd been on the other side of the planet. No doubt Théo was facing his own trials. She wished she could be there for him. No matter how big he'd become, he would always be her little brother, which meant it was her job to look after him. In truth, however, they were both looking after each other. The thought of him made her smile even as she traversed the dimly lit cavern hallways. She thought back to when he was a baby, the tiniest little thing she'd ever laid eyes on with the bluest eyes and darkest hair. Even then he'd cause trouble, somehow. She missed being able to carry him around like she used to.

"Nina," a voice echoed from afar, and suddenly she found herself in pitch-black room. She knew that voice; it was her father's. She wanted to call out to him, but she couldn't. She'd never been able to in the first place. "Nina, where are you?" the voice asked, becoming more distressed. "Nina, I can't find you! Where are you?!" Nina scanned her surroundings, becoming just as distressed as her father's voice. Despite opening her mouth to cry out, she was unable to. All she could muster were faint whimpers. Tears welled down her cheeks as the voice grew weaker, until there was silence. She fell to her knees, weeping as hope began to drain from her. Then suddenly, there appeared a single snowflake slowly descending before her welled-up eyes. It was soon followed by another, and another. Soon she found herself on what had to be Midvinter.

"Nina," her father's voice returned. She turned around to see three figures stand before her. In the middle stood Thrand, her grandfather, and with him were her father and a man she didn't know. His eyes were set ablaze, yet something in her told her he was not to be feared. "Come here, child," her grandfather spoke with open arms, as if inviting her. Hesitant at first, Nina stepped towards the three figures, a weak smile on her face as she drew closer. Reaching out, they then dissipated upon touching them, and in their place there was a bright light as if the sun was rising mere inches away. Her sensitive Umbaran eyes forced her to close them and turn away from it, but upon opening them she found herself inside the caves she'd entered in the first place.

On the ground where the figures had stood there sat a small crystal, burning like the sun within its crystalline walls. She plucked it off the ground and let it rest in the palm of her hand as she studied it. It filled her with warmth; the warmth of her family and loved ones. She let out a small giggle before putting it into her pack on her belt, then made for the exit behind her. She'd found her lightsaber crystal, and she'd passed her test. She was not afraid anymore.

Exiting the cave at long last, the outside world was a welcoming sight, as was the people awaiting her return. She was relieved to see her brother safe with Coci, and without second thought she ran up to her and threw her arms around her. "Mommy," she cried out telepathically as she nuzzled into her during their embrace. "I found it," she then said and revealed her bright-orange crystal from her pack. Letting Coci study it on her own, Nina then embraced her brother. "I'm so glad you're safe," she told him, unwilling to let go. For once she felt truly safe again.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

 

[Kenrath]

Xander pushed his way into the cave taking a few turns following a path he was not entirely sure why he was following. Around the last turn he saw something that he was not sure he was really seeing.

In front of him he saw himself surrounded by Maya, Matsu, Ella, and even the young Mysa. They were each speaking the same words about his path. Each pulling him in different directions. The paths of the Force, the path of the saber, the path of a Jedi. Even the image of Mysa seemed intent on to question him on everything. Xander just watched slightly confused. He had no idea what it meant. He remember his talks with each one of them. Maya about meditation and the dangers of resorting to combat first. Matsu about the dark side and...............well he never really understood what she was getting at. Ella about her visions of destruction and whether or not he was really ready or meant to be a Jedi.

He smiled.

His talk with Mysa was the only one that he had enjoyed. Her innocence and curiosity was refreshing and entertaining. he watched for a few moments.

"What is this supposed to be?" "A guilt trip?"

The visions all turned to him as he spoke. It caused him to step back instinctively reaching for a saber that was no longer there. He sighed.



[member="Coci Heavenshield"] [member="George O Rourke"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

The young man that stood before her, is surrounded by much suffering. Not only of his own doing, but of a history that is sad and like others in the galaxy have experienced eons of servitude or who have fallen under the yoke of evil, in whatever form that may take. Sith are at the top of the list but there are many out there that only exist to cause pain and suffering to others. She sense a guilt within him, almost as if he blames himself for not being strong or having escape this life destined to his people, and Coci regarded him more after he showed her his crystals.

But what followed was a revelation but not how he believed it would be, but a revelation of his own demons set before him. She watched as he uncloaked, his fear rising as if not only a fear of being accepted but coming out from a place that had been his solitude or solace behind the mask. A letting go of securities and taking a step toward an inner strength that would have him considered with high esteem. The cowl drops to show her a man with feline features, dark fur and yellow eyes that sparkle with life, he is beautiful.

"Hello Padawan Ryn'Dhal, it is a pleasure to meet you", she bowed her head in respect to the man and to a Jedi. "Oh the Order has found you out .. as you put it. We have found a very strong man to enter our family among us on Voss.". She took up his paw and placed it between both her hands and held him in her touch, "You are the first of your kind to be free, don't be the last. We do not tolerate anyone to be in servitude, and if it is in our power, we will help those break free. I hope in time you find more of your people and help to free them. Be their Champion".

Her breath caught in her throat as a warm sensation washed over her, it was the presence of Nina. Coci turned to she her coming out of the cave and running toward her. Coci met her in an embrace only seconds after she called to her. "Oh Nina", was all she could say, as she held her tight. But in her excitement, Nina eager to show her her crystal made Coci finally smile with some truth to conviction. She pulled both Théo and Nina to her in a mother bear hug much to Théo's protest of wriggling. "I am proud of you both". Although she voiced her words, Coci uses telepathy in conjunction to make sure she is understood. It was now she noticed Théo wet and cold, "Where is your fur? .. you will freeze to death". Coci removed her coat and placed it around her son.

"Now, I have to wait for the others to come back out, but you two should go to the ship and warm up, Zak is there with Ryker, he will look after you", Naturally they could stay if they wished. "But before you go, I would like you to meet Padawan Ryn'Dhal and Knight O Rourke. You will see a lot of them on Voss".

​

[member="Nina Heavenshield"] | [member="Ryn'Dhal"] | [member="George O Rourke"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Théo could not take his eyes of Ryn'Dhal. "Wow!", escaped his lips, but he wished it had not, he did not want to appear rude or anything. But then came, "Awesome!", and that he meant. But he did not interrupt his mother as she spoke to him. Instead he moved toward Nina and took her hand, so thankful she is alright and by his side once more. I am glad you are safe as well. I was so worried Nina. I .. I do love you, you know that? These words no one would hear but her. It was the first time Théo had told her, he is growing up and more mature, his emotions although still raw and unbridled are real enough.

The suggestion to go back to the ship is appealing even though wrapped in his mother's cloak, Théo is cold to the core but if Nina wanted to stay he would too. However, he pulled her away by the hand until they are out side and standing in front of the trunk that housed the saber components. Théo looked down into the trunk and did no more. This boy, oh so wanting to have his saber hesitated. I think .. I will wait. He turned to Nina and smiled, I want father to be there and grand father too, when I construct my light saber.

​

[member="Nina Heavenshield"] | [member="Ryn'Dhal"]​

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

As Master [member="Coci Heavenshield"] spoke of the Order 'finding him out', his ears reflexively flinched back, as if cowed. But as she continued, and the young padawan realized this was not an admonishment, and that his irrational fears before were just that, irrational, his ears instead perked forward, focusing intently of every word flowing forth from the Masters mouth. A grin danced across his muzzle, as he seemed to verily radiate his joy.

"A champion for my people...." He repeated her words, before having another stunning realization. "That is misleading at first thought...." He mused softly. "My 'people' cannot simply be my race. But any slave, current or escaped, I come across. I must champion their cause. To do any less is an insult to my late Master's sacrifices for me." He placed a closed fist over his heart, and bowed. "Both you, and the trials in the cavern, have instilled much in me, Master."

Then the Master instructed her children to greet him and Knight [member="George O Rourke"]. Run couldn't resist a chuckle at the young boy's reaction, and his immediate embarrassment at his own words. "My padawan brother," the felacatian began, kneeling down to look the youth eye to eye, "Be not afraid of any imagined offense. I am new to you, so it is only natural. But now that we are no longer new to each other," he continued, slipping off the gloves he wore to conceal his furred hands, offering them to [member="Théodred Heavenshield"], "accept these, as my first token of our friendship and brotherhood." As they were freshly removed from Ryn's hands, they would retain much warmth. Though they were still quite large for the boy, they were of good quality, with thick padding at the ends of each finger. After the boy would have accepted his gift, he would give a slight wave, a rolling of his fingers, as his claws extended and retracted one at a time with the rhythm of the wave.

Smiling still, his attention shifted to the daughter. She was quite lovely to behold, but strangely silent. Ryn'Dhal would wager, had he been a betting man, that the family used some sort of silent communication to interact with her, as she had said no words to any yet, but Master Coci had replied to an unspoken statement from the young woman. As he felt certain a conversation would be impossible with the young woman, and his new found liberation coupled with his feeling of inadequate awkwardness around the woman, being of similar age, forced him to give a quick, simple greeting accompanied by a bow. Had anyone known what to look for in the fur on his face, the subtle shifting of the fur on his cheeks, they'd know him to be blushing from awkwardness. But, he was relatively unique, so they played in his favor at keeping his discomfort mostly concealed.

Thankfully, the siblings left, hand in hand, out the cave, easing a significant measure of pressure from Ryn, whom turned his attention to Knight Rourke, golden eyes glinting warmly. Ryn, for once, truly felt like he was starting to come into his own.

 

[George O Rourke]

[member="Ryn'Dhal"] | [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] | [member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Xander Stanforth"] | [member="Nina Heavenshield"] | [member="Ryker Tal'verda"]

As George stood beside Master Coci he saw the unavailing of Padawan Ryn`Dhal. He had done a stellar job of hiding his true self till now, but something in the cave destroyed that shield and for him it was the time to reveal himself to the Coalition, well Master Coci first, but everyone else seemed to make their way though at some stage. George watched as he lifted his hood showing his feline features. It was quite spectacular to see. He had not came in contact with one of his species before, nor had he seen one before. They were interesting creatures. The fur gleamed and was truly magnificent, George was struggling to wonder why he would want to keep such a beautiful fur coat hidden for so long. But George knew he had his reasons and left it at that.

As Master Coci spoke to Ryn her daughter returned from the cave. Along side her brother they both received a massive hug from their mother. Not surprised seeing that she was worried sick the entire time, but it was nice to see, the smile on Georges face was brightening as she introduced him to her children. "Nice to meet you both." He replied with a smile. He noticed that Nina hadn't spoken since she returned, but someone managed to get her message across to both her mother and brother. He bowed respectfully at them both as they turned and wondered off.

As it was just Master Coci, Ryn and himself left Ryn turned to face George. His gold eyes warming the room. "There is no need to fear Padawan. You are no different to the rest of us. We are all here to make a difference for the better. Our pasts, our mistakes, our people and our appearance mean little. For you, no matter what are my brother, and I will stand by your side." He raise his right hand, placing it on Ryn's left shoulder. George smiled as the Padawan gleamed with what seemed to be a new life. No more shade, the furry man was unleashed and it was great to see.

 

[Micah tol Powl]

And, just like that, Zak got stuck with the marshmellows.

Little, fluffy orbs of sugar sweetening the cocoa when it should have been briny shrimp adding a salty taste to the beverage. Well, he could pretend they were krill anyway...

The green-skinned boy took a sip and found his senses immediately assaulted by the saccharine taste of the sugar-laced beverage. Shuddering, the aquatic immediately wished he could have gargled sea water. Or a salt lick. He could probably have sucked on a salt lick like it was a popsicle.

"You wanna play a game?" the Nautolan asked, lowering his mug of hot cocoa. "I brought some tradechips with me," the boy offered brightly.

[member="Ryker Tal'verda"]​

 

[Ryker Wylde]

[member="Zak Dymo"]

His head tilted curiously as he observed the look on Zak's face.....He could tell the young Nautolan didn't enjoy the cocoa as much as he did. Growing up on mandalore, Ryker didn't have many toys really other than ones he'd made himself out of various droid parts here and there. But having know idea what a TradeChip was he figured he'd just as well ask..... Whats a TradeChip Zak?"

 

[Micah tol Powl]

The Nautolan set his cocoa aside and returned a moment later with a small case in hand.

Inside seemed a smaller, more juvenile version of a sabaac card-chip sorter, from which the green amphibian withdrew ten chips. Alternating between the Togruta and himself, he set down a hand of five chips each. "TradeChips is a, like, trading chip game," the boy explained as he set up the start of the game. "You... your, like, this bombad Supreme Chancellor an'... an' your chips are like your army an' stuff."

As he activated the card sorter for the game, the tradechips in either boy's hand lit up with a random selection based on the available starter and booster packs that Zak had managed to assemble. "There's all kinds of TradeChips. Jedi TradeChips, Imperial TradeChips..." the youngling added. The faces of the cards included soldiers and familiar icons -- X-Wing Fighters, R2 droids. "This is the New Republic pack, so, like, the Jedi chips are rare cards."

Shuffling through his own hand, Zak remarked, "You use your chips to, like, attack, defend, or do other stuff depending on the chip type." His own hand seemed to have a mix of options. "There's engineering chips that can repair, and some Jedi cards can heal -- which allows you to recover a spent chip."

[member="Ryker Tal'verda"]​

 

[Serana]

With her saber constructed and resting on her horn while she was moving out fo the cave towards the ship. The circlet on her ankle and her wings pulled in tightly as she went out to it and made sure it was known she was safe with her saber. The temple here is where she stayed and trained running off at a gallop while she went over the ice and snow towards the large temple