Private Desert Stars

[Tempo]

TAGS: Jalen Kai'el

​

Tempo's ears perked up as he settled on the couch, giving the cushion beside him a soft pat, inviting Jalen to join him. "Only if you're comfortable," he said, his tone gentle but warm. "If it's something you'd like to talk about, I'm here to listen."

There was a certain excitement simmering beneath Tempo's calm exterior, a quiet anticipation that came with learning more about Jalen—each detail a small glimpse into the person he was growing more curious about. Jalen was kind, a bit shy, and awkward in an endearing way. Tempo found himself drawn to that, feeling a connection he hadn't expected. The thought of Jalen sharing something so personal made his heart quicken, but he didn't want to push—he just wanted to listen, to understand, and to be there.

 

[Jalen Kai'el]

Tatooine
Tags: Tempo

Delta-7​

"Well... I left my home for a reason," Jalen noted. "Lothal, I mean... My home wasn't very large, just a little farming town. I must have been about seven. I... just remember shadows filling the sky... raiders descending on the streets with with flamethrowers. All the... screaming and horrible explosions... I didn't see much of it cause I hid under a table. I remember looking up when the ceiling caved in. The last thing I ever saw was the fire..."

The padawan let out a sigh, his face naturally drifting towards the open palm of his hand. He conjured a flame within it before just as quickly snuffing it out.

"I have control over the very thing that took away my home..." he muttered. "I'm terrified of myself."

 

[Tempo]

TAGS: Jalen Kai'el

​

Tempo remained quiet as he listened to Jalen's retelling of what happened. He frowned lightly, especially at the end. After a moment, he spoke gently.

"Fire is dangerous, no doubt… but without it, we wouldn't have the civilizations we do now. It keeps the Tuskens warm at night here, and it fuels so much of the life we see around us."

He paused, watching Jalen carefully.

"You've been through more than most could ever imagine, and controlling fire—that shows strength. The fact that you fear it… that means you understand its power, and that's important."

Tempo's tone grew more encouraging as he continued. "It's not the flame that defines you—it's how you choose to use it. You've come so far already, Jalen. You don't need to be afraid of your own strength."

He then added, gently, "Fire is both destruction and life. In many ways, it's like the Force—dangerous if unchecked, but also capable of lighting the way forward. Maybe that's why you were given this power."