Private Family Reunion

[Ala Quin]

Kashyyyk
Near the Shadow Temple​

High up in the canopy of the Wroshyr, Ala lay on a sturdy ancient branch watching a Wroshyr louse make its way home with its food. She wondered why these little critters could be such a pest to the Wookies, but so prized for their sweet syrup. Curious how something so pesky could provide something so delightful. Perhaps that is how Calvin felt about her? Pesky but delightful? She was OK with that.

He knew she was here. But he was busy and she was patient. He had asked her to come. He needed some help apparently, which was all that needed to be said. She had missed him, and so much of his life recently. The galaxy was such a big place and the Force had deemed their paths not to cross as frequently as they once did. She was happy to force the change though and respond to his request.

Her elven ears perked up the moment she heard movement on a nearby branch. It certainly sounded like someone big.

"I have curly hair now!" She called down to the large silhouette of a moving boulder, "what do you think?"

Caltin Vanagor

 

[Caltin Vanagor]

LOCATION: Shadow Temple | OBJECTIVE: Catch up with family | POST #: 1
TAG (ALLIES) : Ala Quin

It was a busy day.

It seemed like everyone and their proverbial mother wanted to come by for a tour, which was fine, as well as all of those who wanted to sign up for classes but were trying to negotiate what they learned. This was not a place for Padawans generally, not a negative reflection on them, but the instruction criteria was set up with specificity in mind.

It was stressful.

It made him grumpy… something he had not felt in a long time…

It’s like she knew!

Who was “she”? Not Chrysa…

Someone he had known longer…

Walking out the flightline and up to the nearest Wroshyr tree, he followed her aura. Ala Quin’s aura was “distinct” and he knew from anywhere but it was still a little “different”. Maybe it’s because they had not crossed paths in a long time. Maybe it was the period he actually felt like it wasn’t really “her”, after all, she was cloned, multiple times. That was the past though and not worth holding onto, after all, they were “brother” and “sister” for over 900 years, technically speaking. He was almost up to the city level when he saw a diminutive silhouette sitting and playing, or at least examining critters.

Yeah… that was her…

Almost didn’t recognize you… it suits you. When he reached her branch, Caltin sat close enough for a hug, it was up to her though. How’ve you been, kid?

​

 

[Ala Quin]

Without invitation, she leaned her head on his shoulder. It was a safe place, always had been. She patted his arm and with each pat she let the Force flow between them. A little of her light passing to him. He was so tense.

"Better now," she said, almost melting into his presence.

There wasn't much to tell. It was almost like her story had been on autopilot for a time. It wasn't bad. It just hadn't felt alive. Things were different now though.

"You seem a little less stressed than normal...which is still in the 'bad for you' range of stress levels, mind you," she said, offering a concerned glance up at him. She knew he would dismiss her worries, but she would worry nonetheless.

"We are getting on in years, brother," she said, knowing she still looked young, her soul though...it felt the years, "we can't keep treating ourselves like a recyclable resource."

Caltin Vanagor

 

[Caltin Vanagor]

LOCATION: Shadow Temple | OBJECTIVE: Catch up with family | POST #: 2
TAG (ALLIES) : Ala Quin

She didn’t need an invitation, she never did.

Patting her knee as she seemed to just feel “at home”, Caltin enjoyed the view for a few moments. He had forgotten what it was like to just enjoy a view. She was trying to relax him, but one thing Ala had never seemed to learn was that all she had to do was be around.

He had forgotten it too, to be fair.

Thanks… I think… He chuckled. I’m just having a busy day… but I get what you’re saying. With a smirk, he got himself up again. Especially after her observation about their age.

I would quote Master Yoda here, but… well… it doesn’t work here. I get it though. It's probably why I worked on getting the new place set up. It's been remarkably cathartic, even on the "rough" days.

Another smirk…

You haven’t seen the new “house” yet, have you? Come on. Offering a hand to help her up, he squatted quickly as a recklessly fast X-wing blazed by them. It gave him a momentary scowl, but it was gone just as fast. Connel’s back.

​

 

[Ala Quin]

She was happy for him. Caltin had always needed a project. She knew that he had struggled to accept it when she wasn’t his project anymore. She loved him for it all.

Ala took his hand and got onto he feet. As per usual, she bounced about with excitement. “The grand tour? Yes, please.”

The X-Wing grabed her attention. Just for a moment she felt concerned. It was moving too fast. A worried glance was forestalled by Caltin’s announcement.

”Connel!” She said with a grin before catching his expression, “OH…it’s like that is it?”

Caltin Vanagor

 

[Caltin Vanagor]

LOCATION: Shadow Temple | OBJECTIVE: Catch up with family | POST #: 3
TAG (ALLIES) : Ala Quin

Regaining his composure as he helped her up and then hopped down to the next branch, and the next one and so on.

Not exactly. He has engines on that thing that were built for a freighter. He thinks it will help him become a more capable pilot. Hopping down to the flightline and turning around to catch her, even though Caltin knew she did not need the help. He also found himself forcefully shrugging off the earlier scowl.

It’s just me worrying about him. You know me… have to be overprotective… right? There was truth and honesty to the words he spoke, as if finally, truly accepting his faults, but there was also a chuckle to it as well.

The flightline was full of parked ships off to the side as well as several being prepared for take off. Two separate “pilot” classes were going on as they walked inside. The design was as technological and sleek as it was rustic and relaxing. Chrysa Vanagor was standing by one of the pillars with Connel’s best friend, a Gallinorese Mountain Aak Dog (“Buster”)by the leash. The pup was patiently waiting for Connel to come out of the changing room, no longer in his flightsuit but his “shadow gear” as he calls it.

A quick wave to catch his attention as Chrysa was clearly happy to see Ala.

I’m not gonna say it…

Connel turned to his Master, and Father and let out a sigh. He was also busy picking up his best friend and giving him scratches. I know, I’m working on the stabilizer…

Connel turned to gaze on his “aunt” with a huge smile and an offered hug (one armed, he was carrying a pup after all). I hope you’re staying for a while. I need to run to Coruscant, but I’ll be back in a couple of days.

Without really saying much else, after a good long embrace and a whispered request to “chill father out”, Connel put Buster on the ground and asked him several times if he “wanted to go bye bye?” and “wanted to see Ryana and Pip?” and was off. The young Knight was indeed a busy one.

Caltin just watched with another sigh, he was trying to be accepting of it, but Ala knew him too well for that. Chrysa had work of her own going on, so she said her “goodbyes” for the moment and was off in her own direction. She works a lot of outreach. She based herself out of here. Come on. I have more to show you. Remember the old Temple on Yavin 8? That was the inspiration for this place.

​

 

[Ala Quin]

The catch was not just accepted but leaned into, as Ala jumped in a complete trust fall and let Caltin catch her. It wasn't hard for him, the span of his arms always seemed greater than she was tall. She patted his chest again, exuding calming Force energy as he put her down. "Thank....you," she said in a peppy clipped tone.

"If Connel is anything like his dad...he will be great at what ever he sets his mind too," Ala said while looking on with pride at what Calvin had built for himself. Namely, family. She felt a slight pang of jealousy, but pushed it aside with haste. This was her family.

"Overprotective? I call it coming in clutch," she said with a wry smile that knowingly referenced the countless times that Caltin had saved her life, even resurrecting her at one point.

Ala took Chrysa into a lingering hug. "He seems to be doing OK?" Ala whispered to her, and the whispered affirmative made the curly haired Jedi smile with ease.

Attention was turned to Connell, and the pup in his arms. Ala welcomed the hug from her adopted-nephew and scratched the pup behind the ears. This was a relatively new addition but the little fluff ball seemed instantly smitten with Ala, as she was with him. "I am here for a bit...but I will be sure to stick around until you return...provided you don't decide to stay on Coruscant for months on end," she said with a playful shrug, then followed up with a whisper, "this is about as chilled out as he gets buddy...trust me."

She watched the Knight leave with a strange sense of pride, pride that was entirely unearned. Connell was a good sort. Caltin should be proud of him. She was sure he was.

At the mention of Yavin 8, her eyes widened and seemed to glisten with tears. So many memories.

"That is a place I would dearly love to remember...lead the way," she said, looping her arm around his, "hey...are your muscles getting...smaller?"

Caltin Vanagor

 

[Caltin Vanagor]

LOCATION: Shadow Temple | OBJECTIVE: Catch up with family | POST #: 3
TAG (ALLIES) : Ala Quin

He wasn’t sure about the “clutch” comment, but that was okay, she was being supportive. He was still concerned about Connel. Make no mistake the younger Vanagor was THRIVING in the path of a Shadow and it made his heart soar as both a Master and a father. However there was something that made the big man certain that Connel had a bit of a death wish but could not figure out a way to talk to him about it in a manner he would be receptive to.

Good ole’ Ala… picking on him already…

I actually missed this…

Hey! “When nine hundred years old…” Instinctively flexing his arm as if defensively, Caltin shook his head.

Nope, still can’t say it. I’ve been busy getting this place up and running. I still work out, just not 20 hours a day. He actually laughed as they passed by the sparring arena, a class was going on, it was for Shadows. There was of course the huge Dining Hall which they stood in front of for the moment. All of the individual stations for everything from omelets to griddle cakes to nerf burgers.

He looked down at her with a smirk, fully waiting for her to make some joke about his appetite. Come on… you know you want to say something…

A quick wave to a couple of Knights who caught his attention and they were off.

Notice the theme of the place yet?

He wondered as they were off and moving on to the study hall where various seers were sitting in a group. He lead her a little further past as there were Jedi of various disciplines, but there also were Wookiees and sentients of all races. Almost like they were tourists.

I designed this place to be like a resort to “hide in plain sight”. To keep everything relaxed while being safe at the same time. The Wookiee tribe I am associated with have agreed to supply security outside in the capital city and leading up to us.

​

 

[Ala Quin]

Her hands lifted in self-defence. "I have nothing to say...I am innocent," she said with a wink. He was not going to get the satisfaction of the easy jibes. She would keep him on his toes.

She marvelled at all the students that Caltin had under his care. It was really quite a special thing. He had always been the mentor type. It was his gift, and she delighted in seeing him use it.

"I mean...the place screams Caltin Vanagor...if that's what you mean by theme," she said, checking out the wonder of his work.

She nodded, understanding the connections he had made with the Wookies, and the hidden-in-plain-sight manner of its creation.

"You have done a wonderful thing...really, you have," she was a few steps ahead of him, before turning back to look at him, "now...don't you go telling me you invited me all the way to Kashyyyk to ask me to be a teacher or anything like that...you know I would annoy you to no end and drive you crazy with my lack of organisation."

Caltin Vanagor

 

[Caltin Vanagor]

LOCATION: Shadow Temple | OBJECTIVE: Catch up with family | POST #: 3
TAG (ALLIES) : Ala Quin

Uh huh… Following along, he was surprised when she gave the answer she did about “theming” but maybe she wasn’t far off. After all, she knew him better than almost anyone.

I actually tried to make it more like a “resort”. Not only to add to the “hide in plain sight” schematic, but this place is an “Advanced Temple”. We do bring in Padawans but it’s mostly Knights who are not on their path yet. He gestured around, thinking about those days of having to practically beg to learn more distinct skills. You remember what it was like. Everything was so “linear” like the Temple was “one big classroom”. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t trade those memories for anything, but… He shrugged.

Knights, and Padawans ready to be Knighted who have either just found or have not leaned on a path yet can come here and learn. Jedi Ace, Weaponsmaster, Seer, Shadow…

He waved to a couple of Knights who saw him. He then smirked as she was starting to see right through him. Of course he had to keep her on her toes.

Really? So you thought I built this in a manner that would bring back memories for you… parade your sister-n-law… and nephew out… and walk you around all in the hopes of getting you to stay? To be able to teach what you want and come and go as you please?

Now he was of course laying it on thick.

It’s like you don’t know me at all! Stopping himself completely breaking into laughter he dropped his head for a moment and looked back up. That ridiculous grin ever present. It’s up to you if you want to or not, and I mean that. Either way, you have a permanent residence here. Wanna see it?

​

 

[Ala Quin]

"You drive a hard bargain, Caltin," Ala said, following it up with a punch to the shoulder.

She flinched, and rubbed his shoulder. "Sorry, didn't mean it to be that hard."

She looked about and sighed. Caltin was always so good to her. Too good to her. "Yeah, show me the way...you know...I think I am going to like it here."

Looping her arm around his again, she leaned into his arm, about where she had just hit him. It was her hope that her closeness would drive away the reminder of her 'assault'.

Caltin Vanagor

 

[Caltin Vanagor]

LOCATION: Shadow Temple | OBJECTIVE: Catch up with family | POST #: 3
TAG (ALLIES) : Ala Quin

Did he have to be this way when it came to Ala?

Naw… may be at one time, but not now. She had carved and walked her own path for a while. She deserved this life she had.

Did that stop him?

Naw…

She gave his shoulder a good shot, but in truth, he wasn’t paying attention as several memories of their history together had flooded his mind. Good memories. Huh? Oh it’s okay. Thanks. Taking her arm again, he stared off at the shocked looks he got from some Jedi who had never met the Sentinel. There were thoughts of anything “illicit” but those who were giving him the looks were doing so with good natured ribbing.

I’m glad you feel that way. I wanted this place to have a purpose, but to be “relaxed” at the same time. We as Jedi have enough stress in the galaxy… we don’t need it here. Leading her to one of the lifts brought them up to the upper “respite zone” dormitories.

Each “apartment” or “quarters” assigned to the Jedi were large, and by design. The ones they were going to… were… larger…

What do you think? He asked, opening the door.

​

 

[Ala Quin]

Slowly she released his arm, and walked in a way that was increasingly on her tip toes. This was as sure a sign as any that she was excited about something.

Ala essentially bounced to one of the chairs and sat down. She bounced up and down a bit, and grinned. "Mmhmmm."

Up! She skipped a step or two and sat in the middle of the sofa. Her hands ran over the surface of the cushions. The joy she expressed was unchanged from the youthful girl she had been all those many years ago. "Caltin this is...."

Up again! And bounding over to the windows she was still on her tiptoes peering out at the view. Kashyyyk was so peaceful, and alight with the Force.

Ala felt a knot form in the throat. He was always so good to her. Spinning on her toes, she was back over to him and wrapping her arms around him, as far as she could reach at least. A soft whimper betrayed her joyful tears.

"...just perfect."

Caltin Vanagor

 

[Caltin Vanagor]

LOCATION: Shadow Temple | OBJECTIVE: Catch up with family | POST #: 3
TAG (ALLIES) : Ala Quin

She liked it.

Of course she did, he knew her likes and dislikes.

It was important to him though, he had spent so long “alone” and keeping others at arms distance. He never liked it, but it’s who he was, some twisted sense of honor that he needed to be at risk so that none of them would.

That was the past.

He meant it when he said that this place was hers, regardless of her decision. Lightly clapping her back a few times, he smiled as she held onto him for dear life.

Shall I leave you alone to settle in? Or no? I was hungry and thinking about getting something to eat soon.

​

 

[Ala Quin]

She did not let go. Instead, she let the moment linger, arms wrapped around her brother. There was no reason to think of him as her adopted brother any more not really. They were family, true as any family could be family.

"I think I will take a little time to exist in here...try and make it feel like my space," she whispered, finally pulling from the hug and whipping her eyes a little.

"You know what I mean?" She said, eyes asking as well, "it is mine...but...it needs to feel comfortable to be in too."

She stepped back, feet flat on the ground again. She felt so small before Calvin's boulder-like proportions. She always felt safer when he was about. Like she actually, truly relax. Sure, she was capable now. She could fend for herself in most circumstances, but there was always an edge of uncertainty. He took that away.

"Then. Will you tell me what you really got me here to do?" Ala said, eyebrow quirked. She knew there was more to this.

Caltin Vanagor

 

[Caltin Vanagor]

LOCATION: Shadow Temple | OBJECTIVE: Catch up with family | POST #: 5
TAG (ALLIES) : Ala Quin

I get that, it makes sense.

This felt like old times, those days she would just jump on him and try to squeeze the breath out of him. She was happy, so he was happy. That’s what family does, right?

What she said made a lot of sense too. After all, the apartment was very… general… right now. She needed to make it “hers”, and that took time. He didn’t expect her to want to leave right away, but the offer to eat was there just in case. She’ll get her time to spend here, and even maybe explore on her own. Caltin understood that that was one aspect of her personality he lacked, as far as he was concerned “If he fits, he sits”.

Way to make me sound like a feline.

The question she asked after that genuinely caught him off guard, and all that he could do was open his eyes wider and look around.

I don’t really… know… I mean I brought up the thought of teaching, and this is yours regardless…

​