Private Forgotten Echoes

[Aadihr Lidos]

Forgotten Echoes

Outfit: Field Attire
Weapons: Walking stick / Lightsaber Pike

Spoiler: Mission Dossier

Mission Brief:
The Jedi Council has dispatched two Jedi to investigate strange disturbances emanating from an uncharted jungle world, Terlath Prime, in the Outer Rim. Reports from nearby star systems suggest inexplicable migrations of native wildlife and ancient energy readings. The mission is one of exploration and discovery, with the added responsibility of ensuring the safety of any sentient species on the planet.

Mission Objectives:
Investigate the Disturbances:
Locate the source of the mysterious energy signals and wildlife agitation.
Ensure Sentient Safety:
Protect the local primitive population, the Terlathi (a reclusive, peaceful species), from harm caused by aggressive alien beasts.
Explore the Ruins:
Uncover the secrets of a recently discovered ruin that appears to predate even the Republic.
Retrieve or Neutralize:
Secure any artifacts or technology that could pose a danger if left uncontrolled.

Setting Details:
Planet: Terlath Prime
Environment: Dense jungles with towering, bioluminescent trees; deep ravines filled with mist; ancient stone ruins.
Flora and Fauna:
Predatory creatures such as Skreelancers (flying reptiles) and Drakarans (hulking six-legged beasts).
Sentient population: The Terlathi, a small, amphibian-humanoid species with deep spiritual ties to the Force.
The Ruins:
Location: Hidden in the heart of the jungle, surrounded by natural obstacles.
Architecture: Ancient ziggurats carved with strange glyphs and illuminated by faint, ethereal light.
Threats: Automated defense mechanisms and Force-driven traps.
Mysteries: The ruins pulse with residual Force energy, hinting at ties to an extinct Force-wielding culture.

Challenges and Encounters:
Jungle Navigation:

Hazards include sinkholes, carnivorous plants, and aggressive wildlife.
A storm disrupts commlinks, forcing the Jedi to rely on their instincts and the Force.

Alien Beasts:
Potential encounters with territorial Drakarans and flocks of Skreelancers.
A massive Alpha Drakaran hunts in the region.

Terlathi Diplomacy:
The Terlathi distrust outsiders. The Jedi must gain their trust through dialogue or by defending their village from beast attacks.
Optional Objective: Assist the Terlathi in retrieving stolen sacred relics from a rival tribe.

The Ruins' Defense Systems:
Force-sensitive traps react to the Jedi's presence, requiring clever problem-solving and teamwork to bypass.
Encounter a swarm of Force Wraiths—manifestations of the ruin’s ancient guardians.

The jungle canopy above was dense, a chaotic lattice of tangled vines and bioluminescent leaves that blocked the twilight sky. Aadihr Lidos moved silently through the undergrowth, his senses extended far beyond the physical. Being Miraluka, his vision came not from his eyes but from the Force itself, which painted the world in shifting, ethereal hues. The air was thick and humid, clinging to his robes and making every step feel heavier than it should. Yet, despite the oppressive environment, Aadihr’s thoughts drifted to the Council’s words from just days prior.

The mission had seemed straightforward at first—a disturbance in the Force on an uncharted world, wildlife behaving unnaturally, and an ancient ruin radiating peculiar energy.

Aadihr had accepted the assignment with the calm expected of a Jedi Knight, though the addition of a Padawan was… unexpected. Azurine Varek had been assigned to him at the last moment, with little explanation other than a gentle nudge from Grandmaster Noble. The girl was young and spirited, her connection to the Force raw but potent. She had proven quick to act and quicker to speak, a combination that could be both an asset and a liability in an environment as unpredictable as Terlath Prime.

As he pushed aside a cluster of broad, waxy leaves, Aadihr paused to attune himself more deeply to the Force. The jungle teemed with life—skittering creatures in the branches, distant echoes of predators stalking their prey—but it was the subtle, discordant note in the background that drew his focus. It was faint yet insistent, like the hum of an unbalanced lightsaber crystal. He could feel the disturbance tugging at the edges of his awareness, emanating from deeper within the jungle, where the ruins lay hidden.

The briefing had described the Terlathi as peaceful, a species deeply attuned to their world and wary of outsiders. The Jedi Council had stressed the importance of earning their trust, which would undoubtedly require patience and respect. Yet Aadihr’s mind lingered on the other part of the mission: the ruins. Ancient places like these often carried the echoes of their creators—voices long silent but not forgotten. He had encountered such places before, and they were rarely as benign as they appeared.

A sudden rustle nearby drew his attention. He stopped, hand instinctively gripping his staff. The presence in the Force was not hostile but cautious. A flash of muted color—brown robes and pale horns—told him it was Azurine catching up. She emerged from the foliage with a faint grin, mud streaked across her face, and a spark of defiance in her stride.

The pair moved onward, Aadihr leading with measured steps and Azurine trailing close behind, her presence a mix of curiosity and untempered energy. The jungle seemed to grow quieter as they neared the source of the disturbance, the usual hum of life replaced by an almost unnatural stillness. Aadihr could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on them, the mission’s true challenge waiting just ahead.

For now, though, he allowed himself a moment of reflection. This was not merely a journey through a jungle or a search for answers in ancient ruins. It was a crossing of paths—his and Azurine’s—each with lessons to offer the other. And whatever lay ahead, they would face it together, guided by the Force.

"I hope your reputation isn't exaggerated" Aadihr teased, knowing full well the Padawan had more field combat experience than he.

Azurine Varek​

 

[Azurine Varek]

To Infinity And Beyond

Outfit: Clothing/Armor | Glove | Right Arm | Talisman
Weapons: Lightsaber 1 | Lightsaber 2 | Hook Swords

Azurine had volunteered for this. The curiosity and desperation to see more of the galaxy alone had been enough for her. Of course, as she was still a padawan, she had to be cleared for it by her master, Valery Noble . Luckily, she didn't have to beg. It was approved almost immediately. Grandmaster Noble had always been pretty accommodating with away missions, even more so now, seeing as how she was limited in what she could supervise. She couldn't pretend she didn't see that mischievous look in her master's eyes when she saw the accompanying knight would be Aadihr Lidos, though.

No matter who the other had been, she was overjoyed to get to be part of the exploration. So much so that she was practically vibrating with firey energy the entire day before they headed out. She had ended up making a couple of good-natured blind jokes in taking the pilot's seat for the scouting vessel that would take them where they needed to be, just to mess with him. She had years of piloting experience by now, and navigating an uncharted world would be a test of that experience to her. One she passed with flying colors.

As Azzie pushed past the foliage behind Aadihr, she moved to wipe the mud from her face, trying—and failing—not to laugh. "The next time you see something I don't with that radar of yours, you could tell me instead of letting me walk right into it and get mud flung at me by some unhappy little monkey thing." She quickly finished the sketch of the animal in the datapad she carried and went back to working on the map she was putting together.

Crouching on the ground, she pulled a small sensor scan from her bag and placed it into the ground, watching the readings come up on the screen. She made a few quick adjustments, glancing up at the position of the sun and then making a few more notes. "It looks like their standard solar hours are about 16 in light, and the sun sets to the southeast." She muttered more to herself as she made her notes, her intense curiousity flying like a wildfire through her very soul and lighting it with an array of color. Picking up the sensor and storing it away, she moved over to a tree to make a quick mark on the bark with a biodegradable marker. Just in case.

"Kriffing, I have a rep now? That's probably not as much of a good thing as you think it is." She joked right back, playfully pushing at Aadihr's arm only hard enough to make him stumble a little, not to knock him over.

"So, what's on the docket first, Knight Lidos?" She asked, being overly formal this time as a way to mess with him further, the sly grin plastered onto her face.

Aadihr Lidos​

 

[Aadihr Lidos]

FORGOTTEN ECHOES

Outfit: Field Attire
Weapons: Walking stick / Lightsaber Pike

“You’d better hope that's only mud” Aadihr teased. Azzie was already making notes on the astronomical and geographical details of the planet. She was ever curious, a scholar raised among warriors.

Continue to tease the Padawan he made his arm frictionless with a shield of deflection as she nudged, earning her a slight stumble of her own as he replied “a reputation, not a record. Yet.”

Her overly formal question was met with a serious response, though still playful.

“First, we check on the Terlathi, not far from here. They've been affected by the increase in hostile fauna and we should ensure the tribe we've had contact with is still safe. Their lexicon has been added to our translators, so we should be able to communicate, proper nouns aside”

Aadihr scanned the forest around him. So much life, so much brightness it was actually more difficult for him to see than in the dark. A predator could mask themselves among the brush easily, but Azzie’s sight and both of their precognition should help.

“Then, we’ll get the precise location of the ruins from the Terlathi once we've ensures their safety.” Aadihr walked onward, using his pike as a walking stick, relying on far-seeing to guide him towards the village.

As they pressed deeper into the jungle, the light grew dim, filtered through the bioluminescent canopy above. The air carried an electric tension, a precursor to danger that prickled at the edges of Aadihr’s awareness. His connection to the Force hummed with quiet urgency, a whisper of warning that made him slow his pace.

It began with a sound—a low, guttural growl that seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at once. Aadihr stopped, holding up a hand to signal the Padawan. He focused, extending his awareness outward. The growl was layered, a complex vibration that carried through the ground and the air alike. Whatever made the noise was large, predatory, and cunning enough to remain unseen.

The underbrush shifted several meters ahead, revealing the first glimpse of their foe: a Drakaran, a towering, six-legged beast covered in dark, chitinous scales that shimmered faintly in the dim light. Its elongated snout bristled with sensory tendrils, which writhed as it sniffed the air. A pair of small, glinting eyes were recessed in its angular head, giving it a faintly reptilian appearance. Jagged, serrated spikes jutted from its back, and its muscular frame rippled with coiled power.

Aadihr’s Force-enhanced senses picked up more than the physical. The creature exuded a raw, primal hunger—a predator driven not just by instinct but by something more chaotic, something out of balance. The Force around it felt jagged and discordant, as if the natural order of the jungle had been twisted.

Without warning, the Drakaran let out a shrill, reverberating screech, and the jungle around them seemed to erupt into chaos. Two smaller forms burst from the shadows on either side of the trail—juveniles, flanking their quarry with practiced precision. The pack had been hunting them, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

Azurine Varek​

 

[Azurine Varek]

To Infinity And Beyond

Outfit: Clothing/Armor | Glove | Right Arm | Talisman
Weapons: Lightsaber 1 | Lightsaber 2 | Hook Swords

Azurine stumbled a bit when her hand bounced back, almost like magnets pushing back against each other. Her grin still remained the same. "You say 'yet' as if that's an ominous warning." She joked, waving it off with a quick wink and laughing quietly so as not to scare the wildlife. Trouble had always seemed to have a way of finding her directly throughout her entire life, rather than the other way around.

The jungle pressed in around them, its thick canopy dimming the bioluminescent light to an eerie twilight. The air was heavy and humid, carrying the scents of damp earth, alien flora, and an undertone of something sharper, more primal. Azzie moved with deliberate caution, her every step silent as her senses stretched outward, feeling the rhythms of the world around them and taking notes—charting maps and marking trees—as she did so.

She barely broke stride as the Drakaran's screech cut through the jungle's heavy stillness. Her hands instinctively found the hilts of her lightsabers, and in one fluid motion, she drew them. The faint hum of their plasma edges thrummed in counterpoint to the snarls around them, casting yellow and orange light across her face that clashed with the different blue bioluminescent glows from all around them.

Exhaling slowly, Azzie let the Force flow through her, reaching out to the Drakaran’s presence like an open hand. She sought not to confront it, not yet, but to calm it, to ease the discord that made its energy feel jagged and raw. She focused in on the patterns of its aura, attempting to shape its emotional spikes and keep them from rising. "Shh, it's okay. I don't want to have to hurt you. Calm."

The Drakaran’s sensory tendrils twitched, tracking her every movement. It tilted its angular head, its smaller eyes narrowing with something that might have been curiosity—or calculation. For a brief moment, Azzie felt the faintest flicker of connection, a thread of understanding that sparked like a fragile ember in the darkness.

But then, the ember snuffed out.

The creature let out another piercing screech, its discordant energy moving wildly in the Force. Azzie staggered, clutching her temples as the chaotic vibrations and distorted patterns seemed to crash against her like waves.

"Looks like they've decided to skip the formalities." She said swiftly, her tone sharp but tinged with that same kind of mood-lightening humor she liked to carry with her whenever she could. "Maybe you should have made a better first impression, Aadihr."

Her crystalline, amethyst-hued eyes darted between the creatures, assessing their movements with both precision and her intense curiosity. The juveniles were swift and coordinated, working to hem them in while the larger beast stood as the unyielding anchor of their formation. There was a brutal efficiency in their strategy, something Azzie could almost respect—if it weren't directed at her. Her fiery determination flared again, but this time it carried a flicker of guilt. She had truly tried to meet the beast with empathy instead of violence, but the galaxy was rarely that kind.

The larger Drakaran surged forward, its weight shaking the ground beneath their feet. Azzie turned to face it, her breath steady despite the sheer size of the creature. Her battle precognition surged visions in front of her eyes, feeding her flashes of the fight to come. Its misshapen energy felt like a storm in the Force, chaotic and overwhelming, but she met it with the same unyielding determination that had carried her through countless battles before. "Come on, then." Her voice was almost lost in the cacophony around them. Her blades hummed, the glow of their plasma casting a faint halo around her defiant stance. "Let's see if you're as tough as you look."

Azzie planted her feet and spun her blades into a defensive flourish, deflecting a swipe from its elongated claws. The impact sent her skidding backward, but she used the momentum to launch herself into another high flip, somersaulting over its snapping jaws. Her blades spun in tight arcs as she twisted, carving a blazing X across its scaled back. The beast roared in pain, stumbling as she landed behind it in a perfect crouch.

Aadihr Lidos​

 

[Aadihr Lidos]

FORGOTTEN ECHOES

Outfit: Field Attire
Weapons: Walking stick / Lightsaber Pike

Aadihr watched as Azurine attempted to calm the beasts, and saw the pushback from the anomalous force signal. She had launched into a frenzy of movement. In stark contrast, Aadihr kept walking, waiting until the first juvenile Drakaran lept to tackle Aadihr, instead finding the end of his staff already firmly pointed as the beast’s own momentum jabbed it, sinking the pole into its abdomen.

With a sigh, Aadihr lit up the crystal, impaling the juvenile Drakaran with the blue beam of light and half-bisecting it as he pulled the staff away. Without breaking his stride, he continues lazily behind Azzie. The second juvenile tested Aadihr - leaping as if to strike only to find the pike's beam of light awaiting it from every angle it tried, never finding an opening. Aadihr didn't bother turning his head as he reoriented his pike defensively, slowly stepping in the wake of Azurine and the Adult Drakaran. He studied the way she fought, mobile and offensive. Aadihr seemed almost lazy by comparison.

He pointed the pike in the path of the surviving Juvenile once more, seeing it back off and put its predatory mind to work thinking of how to get a bite of the Mirulaka without impaling itself.

“Need any help? You look like you've got it handled.”

Azurine Varek​

 

[Azurine Varek]

To Infinity And Beyond

Outfit: Clothing/Armor | Glove | Right Arm | Talisman
Weapons: Lightsaber 1 | Lightsaber 2 | Hook Swords

Azurine barely registered Aadihr’s voice over the chaos of the fight, her focus locked on the Adult Drakaran before her. Its bony crest caught the sun, giving it a menacing glow as it roared in anger, swiping its massive claws at her. She ducked low, letting the swipe pass harmlessly over her head, and rolled to the side, her dual blades flashing in an unpredictable pattern meant to confuse and distract as well as attack—a signature of an Ataru practitioner.

"Handled?" She scoffed, her voice breathless but dripping with her usual sarcasm. "Oh, I’ve got it alright—just me, an oversized lizard, and this nagging suspicion you're taking the scenic route over there."

She ducked under a wild swing of the Drakaran’s tail, rolling to her feet in one fluid motion. An idea struck her, and she flipped herself forward to hook her arm around the tail that had almost knocked her over, using its momentum to fling herself up onto its back. Her blades were a blur, carving glowing trails as she kept the creature at bay, each strike purposeful and precise. The leader's cries were a discordant backdrop to the rhythm of her movements, bucking to fling her off. Eventually, it succeeded, putting her in a position where she needed to flip backward before she lost her footing entirely.

Drawing on the Force, Azzie slowed her breathing and reached deep into its currents, letting the energy flow around her like a shroud. She shifted her stance, and in a blink, her form began to shimmer, fading from sight. The air around her bent, distorting the light until she was utterly invisible. The Drakaran skidded to a halt, confused. Its nostrils flared as it sniffed the air, its predatory instincts trying to track her. Its glowing eyes darted around for a target that was no longer there, eventually resting them on Aadihr. The beast turned its attention to him, mistaking his leisurely posture for an easy target.

All the while, she moved silently, circling around the massive creature with her yellow and orange blades poised. Every step was measured, every movement precise, as she exploited its disorientation. Just as it prepared to charge Aadihr, her deliberate stealth fell, and she reappeared in a flash of motion. Her blades sliced upward in a fluid arc, biting deep into the beast’s exposed flank.

Once again, images flashed in front of Azzie's mind, and she quickly sidestepped to try to avoid the oncoming pounce. She was only barely too late, muttering a few curses in Zabraki under her breath as she found herself stuck beneath the creature's arms. Its claws dug into her shoulder while she held up her blades in an X in front of her face to deter it from snapping at her, but she didn't seem to notice all that much. Fire blazed through her eyes, and she wrapped her legs around one of the limbs, pinning her down using a combination of enhancing her own swiftness and telekinesis to flip it onto its back with her on top.

Azzie made it quick, bringing both her blades down into its chest where she felt its heart to be. Its struggling stopped almost immediately, going slack against the ground. "Now, it's handled."

Aadihr Lidos​

 

[Aadihr Lidos]

FORGOTTEN ECHOES

Outfit: Field Attire
Weapons: Walking stick / Lightsaber Pike

The last juvenile fled when Azurine slayed the adult Drakaran. Aadihr admired the prowess on display, but continued his leisurely pace.

“Handled, indeed.” Aadihr said, returning the staff to its primary role as walking stick. Perhaps he was playing up the jest of the elderly mentor too much, but it was still funny to him. "Very handily, by my eye." Aadihr let slip the lame joke of both their missing pieces.

“These are the beasts that have been stirred by something within the ruins, that have been terrorizing the Terlathi.” Aadihr reminded Azzie. “Their village shouldn't be too far ahead, and are expecting us, somewhat.” Aadihr let his tone turn a little more serious.
“What did you make of the Drakaran? Predators, yes, but did you feel the jagged edges of their aura, like radio interference disturbing a signal?”

The woven structures of the Terlathi village could be seen through the bioluminescent trees in the distance. Shorter amphibious creatures with ashen pikes calling to each other, sounding like taut strings being pulled, varying in pitch. The tufts on the back of their heads raised in curiosity upon spotting the pair of Jedi. They watched curiously, readying to lift their village's bark and fiber woven defenses.

A single Terlathi awaited them, just outside the gate. Decorated in seed husks, fibers, and symbols, the bioluminescent markings indicating both their age and status.

"Regardless, we'll be meeting with their elder soon." Aadihr continued after Azzie's response.

Azurine Varek​

 

[Azurine Varek]

To Infinity And Beyond

Outfit: Clothing/Armor | Glove | Right Arm | Talisman
Weapons: Lightsaber 1 | Lightsaber 2 | Hook Swords

Azurine deactivated her twin lightsabers with a sharp hiss, the yellow and orange blades retreating into their hilts as she clipped them back onto her belt. Her breath came in steadying pulls, though the adrenaline from the fight still hummed through her veins. Aadihr’s voice, dry with that particular brand of humor only he could manage, pulled her out of the moment.

“I’m not sure if you’re talking about the Drakaran or my ego at this point.” Her smirk tugged at the corner of her lips as she gave him a sidelong glance, catching the glint of amusement in his otherwise composed expression. "Keep acting like an old master, though, and I may start treating you like one."

At his question about the beasts’ aura, Azurine’s demeanor shifted. She nodded thoughtfully, her brow furrowing. "It looked distorted. Normally, auras ebb and flow like the tides. These ones pulsed erratically, uneven and sharp, like a broken rhythm or a heartbeat gone wrong. And it was loud. As if they were being pulled in different directions or something inside them splintered. It wasn’t natural."

She glanced down at the creature she'd had no choice but to essentially put out of its misery. A small spike of guilt flashed through her expression, her mind wandering to what could have influenced it in such a way and if there was anything that could be done to change that. "Poor thing."

Azzie made a few quick notes in her datapad, including taking pictures of the creatures' distinctive features and the distinction of their erratic behavior. She leaned down, digging through her bag for the tools to take a couple of quick samples, not just from it but from some of the surrounding flora and fauna as well. They might be able to get some more information from them later.

As they moved forward, her gaze drifted toward the bioluminescent forest ahead, where the faint glow of the Terlathi village began to emerge. The air was thick with the sound of the strange amphibious creatures calling to each other, their alien melodies filling the space between the trees. Though strange, it was still beautiful. It made her aura flicker with her curiosity, and she made sure to write down a few more notes.

Azzie straightened, brushing dust from her clothing as her eyes fell on the lone Terlathi figure waiting just outside the village gates. She focused on his aura, trying to get a read on anything out of place. "Hello, thank you very much for allowing us into your village." She stated, letting the translator do its job while also allowing her friendly energy to radiate through her and outward. Hopefully, that might help ease their guard down a little bit.

Aadihr Lidos​

 

[Aadihr Lidos]

TERLATHI VILLAGE

Outfit: Field Attire
Weapons: Walking stick / Lightsaber Pike

The Jedi were ushered into the central platform of the Terlathi settlement, surrounded by the soft glow of bioluminescent plants and the low hum of jungle life. Villagers peeked out cautiously from their homes, their glowing patterns pulsing with a mix of curiosity and unease. Guiding them was Elder Taar’od, a wizened Terlathi with deep indigo skin, his bioluminescent patterns faded with age but still flickering in deliberate bursts.

Elder Taar’od was small, even by Terlathi standards, and his head crests drooped slightly, lending him the appearance of a perpetually grumpy amphibian. Despite his diminutive stature, his booming, croaky voice carried an air of authority that silenced the murmurs of the crowd.

Taar’od took a step forward, wobbling slightly on his webbed feet, and raised his hands in what seemed to be a grandiose gesture of welcome—only to immediately smack his hand into a dangling vine. He grumbled under his breath, untangling himself with an exaggerated flourish, before addressing the Jedi in a strange melody of plucked notes, repeated though Azurine's translator.

"Ah! Outsiders!" he croaked, his eyes blinking rapidly in what the Jedi soon realized was a Terlathi expression of concentration. "Jedi, is it? Shiny blades, hmm? Poke-things of light? Good, good. You’ll need 'em. Jungle’s hungry, and you look... edible."

Aadihr raised an eyebrow under his blindfold, slightly tilting his head sideways at Azurine. He mostly managed to keep a stoic expression.

Taar’od continued, pacing in a lopsided circle that made the fins on his head flap comically with each step. “The beasts—Drakaran! Big, nasty brutes with too many legs and not enough manners! They chew up trees, smash our homes, and don’t even leave a thank-you!” His bioluminescent patterns flared in frustration, then dimmed as he muttered, “Rude.”

Aadihr leaned to Azzie and whispered, "are you sure your translator's not damaged or something?"

Elder Taar'od stopped abruptly, turning his wide, shimmering eyes toward Aadihr, who quickly returned to a formal posture. “You’re blind, aren’t ya? I can tell. My cousin Taar’tip was blind. Walked straight into a bog. Never came back.” He sighed deeply, as if reliving the tragedy. “Could’ve used one of those shiny blades, hmm?”

Aadihr cleared his throat, then replied, “Elder Taar’od, we Jedi are here to help protect your village. We’ll do everything we can to stop the source of the Drakaran attacks.”

“Right then!” Taar’od barked, raising a hand to silence the laughter. “You’ll need more than bravery. Drakaran aren’t just jungle pests—they’re angry, cursed, and meaner than a Hoot-claw in mating season. They’re smarter than they look too, which is sayin’ somethin’, ‘cause they look dumb as rocks. But we—” He jabbed a finger at his own chest, then toward the villagers. “We’ve got the home-field advantage. The jungle likes us more than them!”

He turned dramatically toward the massive sacred tree at the center of the settlement, spreading his arms wide. “The Spirit Tree watches over us, keeps us safe—well, most of the time. You’ll need its blessing if you’re gonna survive. Or maybe just lots of luck. Can’t hurt to have both.”

Aadihr bowed his head slightly, his voice calm and measured. “We are grateful for your guidance, Elder Taar’od. We will do what is necessary to restore balance to your home.”

Taar’od blinked again, this time in surprise. “Balance, huh? Fancy words for slicing up nasties.” He nodded approvingly. “I like you. Quiet. Serious. Probably doesn’t get into many bogs.”

Taar’od squinted up at Azurine Varek , his fin-crests twitching. “Ah, brave one, are ya? Horny, too.” He blinked twice, then corrected himself. “Horns! Pointy horns! Good for headbuttin’ maybe?”

The village erupted into a ripple of amused chuckles, like an orchestra of children plucking stringed instruments out of tune, their bioluminescent patterns shifting in wavelike bursts of humor. Aadihr cheeks reddened, as he bit back a smile.

Azurine Varek​

 

[Azurine Varek]

To Infinity And Beyond

Outfit: Clothing/Armor | Glove | Right Arm | Talisman
Weapons: Lightsaber 1 | Lightsaber 2 | Hook Swords

Azurine watched the exchange between Elder Taar’od and Aadihr, her brow furrowing at the amphibian elder’s quirky blend of humor and bluntness. She couldn’t help but notice the odd mix of jest and warning in Taar’od’s words—a peculiar Terlathi wisdom wrapped in comical banter. She nudged Aadihr with an elbow, a sly grin flicking across her face. “Well, I think my translator is working perfectly. He certainly doesn’t sugarcoat things, at least. I like him already.”

As Taar'od spoke, Azzie took meticulous notes of anything she thought might be important to either ask him about or investigate later. Then the discussion took quite a bit of a turn, and Azzie blinked, her normally fiery gaze and violet eyes frozen in stunned disbelief. For once, her sharp tongue was at a complete loss for words. She even opened her mouth to say something, but immediately closed it again. The laughter from the villagers rippled through the air like a chorus of chirping crickets, only fueling her understanding that she absolutely had not misheard it.

Yeah... that's what I thought he said.

“Excuse me?” she finally managed, her voice laced with equal parts shock and incredulity. “Did you just—” She cut herself off, shaking her head as she started laughing right along with the rest of the Terlathi. She laughed harder than she expected, but she honestly couldn't help it. Tears came to her eyes, and she grabbed Aadihr's arm to keep herself upright.

"You know, Elder Taar'od," Azzie replied, her voice laced with equal parts amusement and defiance, "of all the things I've been called throughout my life—and there sure have been a lot of them—'pointy headbutter' is certainly a first. I'll take it as a compliment."

The ripple of laughter in the crowd grew louder, the villagers' glowing patterns now pulsing in sync with their mirth. Azzie turned slightly, glancing at Aadihr, whose faint smirk betrayed his attempt to stay composed. "Glad to know I’m a comedy act now,” Azzie muttered under her breath, but there was no hiding the faint smirk tugging at her lips. She shook her head and turned toward the sacred tree, muttering, “Let’s get on with it before someone starts writing songs about my horny head.”

Behind her, Taar’od’s blinking expression suggested he was already considering such a thing.

Azzie shifted her gaze back to the Terlathi man. "If the jungle likes you, maybe it’ll like us too. Elder, can you possibly tell us more about the Spirit Tree and what we might have to do in order to earn its favor so that we can better help you?"

Aadihr Lidos​

 

[Aadihr Lidos]

FORGOTTEN ECHOES

Outfit: Field Attire
Weapons: Walking stick / Lightsaber Pike

Aadihr adjusted his grip on his lightsaber pike as Elder Taar’od began leading them through the jungle toward the Spirit Tree. The elder’s gait was more of a waddling bounce, his webbed feet slapping softly against the mossy ground. Despite his aged and comedic appearance, Taar’od navigated the treacherous terrain with ease, occasionally pausing to mutter at an uncooperative vine or scold a particularly noisy insect.

The Miraluka Knight walked a few paces behind the elder, his Force-enhanced awareness absorbing the strange harmony of the jungle. The entire environment seemed alive in ways that felt more deliberate than other worlds he had visited. The bioluminescent plants pulsed faintly, and even the air seemed to hum with an undercurrent of energy. Beside him, Azzie continued laughing with the villagers, pulling on his arm. Aadihr suspected maybe the Terlathi were laughing at them, not with them. Taar’od cursed under his breath at yet another "rude root" blocking his path.

“The Spirit Tree doesn’t hand out blessings for free, y’know,” Taar’od croaked, glancing back at them with one wide, unblinking eye, almost menacingly. “You gotta show respect. Earn it. Do the Ritual of Glowing Trust. Very sacred. Very important. Big trust.”

Aadihr arched a skeptical brow, his blindfold and white hair catching the faint glow of a nearby fungus. “And this ritual, um, what does it involve exactly?”

“Simple,” Taar’od replied, waving a hand dismissively. “Sing a bit, dance a bit, maybe toss some mud at each other. The tree likes a good show. Keeps it entertained. Spirits hate boredom, you know.”

Aadihr merely inclined his head and leaned to Azzie as his brow furrowed. “I… I think he's serious.” he whispered to Azzie dryly. The corner of his mouth twitched ever so slightly, both of mirth and a growing sense that he's been made a fool of.

Azurine Varek​

 

[Azurine Varek]

To Infinity And Beyond

Outfit: Clothing/Armor | Glove | Right Arm | Talisman
Weapons: Lightsaber 1 | Lightsaber 2 | Hook Swords

The jungle seemed to breathe around them, alive with a vibrancy that felt almost sentient. Thick vines draped from towering trees whose trunks glistened with a faint, bioluminescent sheen. A carpet of moss cushioned every step, muffling the group’s passage, though the occasional snap of a branch or the rustling of undergrowth betrayed their presence. The air was humid, thick with the mingled scents of earth and blooming flora, and the buzzing of insects wove a symphony that both complemented and challenged the deep hum of energy that Azurine both felt and saw through the Force.

The path abruptly ended, dominated by the colossal Spirit Tree. Its trunk rose skyward like a monolith, its bark carved with flowing, natural patterns that pulsed faintly with an inner light. Its branches stretched out in a lattice that glowed softly, each leaf shimmering with a spectrum of colors that shifted in response to their approach. The ground around its roots was slick with mud and dotted with large pools of bioluminescent water, glowing faintly green.

Azzie narrowed her eyes, studying the Terlathi in front of her with a mix of suspicion and amusement. The Elder's tone was so matter-of-fact that it was impossible to tell if they were being serious or pulling her leg. Her gaze flicked to their aura, an intricate pattern of swirling colors and subtle vibrations that spoke louder than words. She let her aura sight take over, brushing against the emotional energy radiating from them. There it was—calm, steady, and completely sincere. Her expression shifted from doubt to silent resignation. "Nope, he's not joking," she muttered, more to herself at first than to Aadihr. “Think of it this way—this might be the first time you’ve ever performed for a tree. It's going to make one hell of a story later."

She looked to Aadihr, not necessarily knowing what to do. What she found entertaining and what she had the ability to do at this moment was a Venn diagram that didn't overlap as much as she had hoped it would. "I guess it's not exactly a good thing that I'm a lousy musician, then. I can kind of dance, and I'm pretty good at acrobatics. Maybe if I add fire to it... that should be entertaining enough." She voiced her thoughts outloud.

"I've never heard of the Force wanting entertaining... but I guess there's a first time for everything."

Aadihr Lidos​

 

[Aadihr Lidos]

JUNGLE RHYTHM

Outfit: Field Attire
Weapons: Walking stick / Lightsaber Pike

The jungle seemed to pulse with life, each step drawing the group deeper into a world that seemed both ancient and alive. Aadihr’s senses reached out through the Force, the environment a tapestry of vivid energy. He could feel the hum of the Spirit Tree even before he saw it—a massive presence at the center of the jungle’s rhythm. The air grew thick with a symphony of scents and sounds, underscored by a weighty stillness, as though the jungle held its breath.

Beside him, Azurine’s mood was almost tangible, her quiet remarks filled with an irreverent humor that contrasted with the gravity of their surroundings. Aadihr offered no immediate reply, but he tilted his head in her direction, acknowledging her words with a faint nod. He wasn’t entirely sure if her acrobatics—or the suggestion of fire—would improve their chances with the Spirit Tree, but he appreciated her resolve to adapt.

As they stepped into the clearing, the Spirit Tree loomed before them. Aadihr paused, taking in the sacred site. Its towering form radiated an immense power that resonated through the Force. The light filtering through its branches cast rippling patterns across the glowing pools at its roots, creating an almost otherworldly stage. He listened carefully as Azurine’s voice shifted from skepticism to wry acceptance, her suggestion about the Force craving entertainment lingering in his thoughts.

Elder Taar’od shuffled forward, clearing his throat with a series of wet, croaking sounds that echoed strangely in the clearing. “Now listen up, horny headbutter and blind-eye stick swinger!” he began, wagging a webbed finger at them both. “The Great Glowing One doesn’t bless just anyone. You’ve got to dazzle it! Make it laugh! Make it feel! Make it think, ‘Wow, these two really know how to party.’”

Aadihr inhaled slowly. He couldn’t tell if the elder was completely sincere or enjoying the spectacle of throwing two Jedi into such an unorthodox situation. Judging by the barely-contained glee radiating from Taar’od’s aura, it was likely both.

The elder continued. “First, you gotta chant. Not some boring Jedi nonsense. Something with oomph! Passion! You”—he gestured at Aadihr—“take the low notes. You”—he turned to Azurine—“make up something catchy on the fly. Improvise! Then, you both dance, but not just any dance! The wobbly shuffle! Like this!”

To Aadihr’s quiet horror, Taar’od demonstrated the so-called wobbly shuffle—a chaotic mix of flailing limbs, erratic hopping, and what could only be described as an impression of a fish gasping for air. The elder seemed entirely unfazed by the absurdity of his movements, his wide eyes gleaming with determination.

Aadihr exchanged a glance with Azurine. He saw her biting back a grin and decided it was best not to question her ideas about acrobatics. Perhaps they would balance out his inevitable lack of rhythm.

Taar’od wasn’t done. “And the grand finale! You gotta tell a joke. The tree loves jokes. The worse, the better. Puns are the tree’s favorite. Really gets its branches swaying!” He gave a conspiratorial wink, as though revealing the galaxy’s greatest secret.

Aadihr did his best to avoid turning his face to meet Azzie's gaze. He knew she was getting a kick out of this.

Azurine Varek​

 

[Azurine Varek]

To Infinity And Beyond

Outfit: Clothing/Armor | Glove | Right Arm | Talisman
Weapons: Lightsaber 1 | Lightsaber 2 | Hook Swords

This was absolutely, hands down, the most ridiculous thing Azurine had ever heard by far. Her lips twitched as she fought the grin threatening to spread across her face. Wobbly shuffle. Puns. She found her emotions becoming a wild mix of flabbergast and curiosity—along with others—and she couldn't tell which of them was more prominent. She cast a sideways glance at Aadihr, whose expression could only be described as a mixture of dread and resignation, and nudged him lightly with her elbow.

"I guess you're lucky it's me that you got stuck with for this one and not some stranger, huh?"

Azzie cracked her knuckles, though she too already had a string of embarrassment surging through her. “Well,” she said, voice laced with mock solemnity as she tried to lighten the situation from utterly ridiculous to something more manageable, “guess it’s time to show the Spirit Tree that Jedi really know how to branch out.”

She stood for a moment in thought about how to even begin, eventually settling on repeating some old Iridonian stories that she used to read when she was a child. Those words were always ones with passion, though they hit harder in the native tongue. So, that's what she did. Started spouting off these writings about the heart of the warrior and the bond of heroes in Zabraki, the fire in her eyes a testament to how much they had colored her view of life growing up. Of course, she had never spoken them like she was doing a poetry reading before, but it certainly worked. Sure, she wasn't a singer, but she was a pretty convincing actor when she wanted to be, using the words to paint pictures of these old stories.

The difficult part was trying to keep that in sync with Aadihr's improvisation, but honestly the shifts in rhythms that clashed were funny enough to her to make her chuckle, so he hoped the tree might think the same. That, and attempting to replicate whatever the hell movements that Elder Taar'od had demonstrated for her while doing it. That alone made her laugh so hard at how stupid she probably looked, yet at the same time, there was a spark of joy in her amethyst eyes from it.

"Here I am trying to come up with another good tree pun, but it turns out I'm stumped." Azzie finally added, a familiar playful glint in her eyes. "I knew someone who tried to make a belt out of watches. It was such a waist of time."

She glanced quickly at Aadihr, that mischievous blaze in the patterns of her spirit getting even brighter at what she thought up next. She couldn't stop herself from chuckling before she even said the words, more so as she continued, "I just found out he's color blind; the news must have come completely out of the green!" Then, she was fully laughing.

Aadihr Lidos​

 

[Aadihr Lidos]

Outfit: Casual Attire
Weapons: Walking stick / Lightsaber Pike

Aadihr closed his eyes briefly, exhaling through his nose in a slow, measured breath as Azurine launched into another pun, her voice sparkling with laughter. She’s enjoying this far too much. His lips twitched despite himself, caught between amusement and a deep sense of mortification. He could feel her energy through the Force—playful, mischievous, and utterly unbothered by the absurdity of the situation.

When she nudged him lightly, teasing about how lucky he was to have her along, he turned his head slightly toward her, raising an eyebrow beneath his blindfold. Lucky. Yes. That’s the word I’d use for this ridiculous ritual. But he couldn’t deny the warmth in her tone, the way her presence grounded him, even when everything around them seemed to spiral into chaos.

Her dramatic recitation of old Iridonian warrior tales, complete with fiery passion and animated gestures, was something he hadn’t expected. The resonance in her voice as she spoke in Iridonian carried an intensity that made him pause, his Force-sight catching the vibrant ripple of her energy as she poured her heart into the performance. It was... captivating, though he’d never admit it aloud. Focus, Aadihr. The tree. The ritual. Not her eyes. Definitely not her laugh.

He found himself trying to match her rhythm, which was easier said than done. Between her impromptu poetry and the increasingly bizarre movements required by Elder Taar’od’s instructions—was he supposed to wobble his hips like that?—Aadihr’s dignity was hanging by a thread. He attempted a passable imitation of a shuffle-step the Elder had demonstrated, feeling the Terlathi’s gaze on him like a judge appraising a contestant in some cosmic dance-off.

When Azurine’s laughter bubbled over again, a genuine, unrestrained sound, it drew his attention back to her. He felt a tug in the Force—not from the Spirit Tree, but something subtler, more personal. The way her aura flared with joy, the sparkle of her energy lighting up the otherwise oppressive jungle... it was like a melody he hadn’t realized he’d been missing.

Elder Taar’od interrupted his thoughts with an enthusiastic clap of his webbed hands. “Yes! The Spirit Tree loves humor, loves bond! You must make each other laugh—heartfelt laughs, not the fake ones!” The Elder’s glowing patterns pulsed with delight. “Laughter feeds roots, yes! Try harder, pointy headbutter and blindfold stick-twirler!”

Aadihr froze mid-step, turning slowly toward the Elder. “I beg your pardon?”

But there was no escape. The Elder gestured dramatically toward the Spirit Tree, its glowing branches shifting in response. “Spirit Tree says you are too serious! You must connect more! Be silly! Be close! Show Tree you have spark for each other!”

Aadihr felt heat rise to his face, though he kept his tone even. “This is a sacred ritual, Elder, not—”

“Not sacred if no fun! No life!” Taar’od interrupted, wagging a finger at him. “Tree sees your sparks! You both have the glowy feelings! Stop being stiff as swamp log and show connection!”

Azurine’s laughter threatened to undo him completely. He could feel her amusement radiating through the Force like a bright, irrepressible flame. The glowy feelings? Sparks? This can’t possibly get worse.

And then it did.

“Dance!” Taar’od demanded. “Together! Like leaves in wind! Flow! Swirl!” The Elder spun on his webbed feet, demonstrating a series of twirls that somehow managed to look both graceful and entirely ridiculous.

Aadihr shot a sidelong glance at Azurine, his expression a blend of resignation and reluctant amusement. “If you laugh one more time, I’m making you lead.”

She didn’t stop laughing.

Reluctantly, he stepped closer, extending a hand toward her in a gesture that felt far too formal for the absurdity of the moment. The Terlathi villagers clapped in encouragement, their glowing patterns pulsating with delight as the two Jedi began an awkward, improvised dance. Aadihr tried to focus on the movements, but the closeness of Azurine’s energy—bright, warm, and undeniably magnetic—made it difficult to think straight.

“Careful, pointy headbutter,” he warned dryly, though the corner of his mouth twitched upward. “I might start to think you’re enjoying this.”

The ritual, ridiculous as it was, seemed to amuse the Spirit Tree. Its energy shifted, its glow intensifying as the two Jedi moved in sync, their laughter breaking through the jungle’s humid stillness. Aadihr couldn’t help but chuckle softly, the weight of the mission momentarily forgotten.

And then, with a deep, resonant hum, the Spirit Tree’s branches trembled, releasing a cascade of shimmering light that enveloped them both. The Force swirled around them, warm and serene, as if the Tree itself approved—not just of their efforts, but of the connection between them.

Aadihr felt his breath catch. For a brief moment, everything else faded—the jungle, the villagers, even the mission. All that remained was the glow of the Tree and the presence of the woman standing before him, her energy as bright and undeniable as the stars.

He couldn't help himself. Under the shining force-light radiating from the spirit tree overhead, as the center of attention for the entire Terlathi village, and despite the Elder 's ungraceful movements, Aadihr found himself fixed on the color he labelled as 'purple' - the color of Azurine's aura. He spoke the words, half breathless from the movement and without truly thinking, lost in the moment and the dance,

"You're aura, it's. . . Beautiful and vibrant and so wonderfully purple"

Azurine Varek​

 

[Azurine Varek]

To Infinity And Beyond

Outfit: Clothing/Armor | Glove | Right Arm | Talisman
Weapons: Lightsaber 1 | Lightsaber 2 | Hook Swords

Azurine's heart was racing—not from anything Aadihr said, of course, but from the ridiculousness of the dance, the absurd demands of the ritual, and the sheer awkwardness of being the focus of so many glowing, expectant eyes. She tightened her grip on his hand as she spun once more, narrowly avoiding tripping over a root.

Then the confusion hit like a speeder truck. Glowy feelings, really? Elder Taar'od's bizarre commentary swirled in her mind, and she could only shake her head again, grinning to herself. Whatever this connection nonsense was about, it didn’t matter. They were friends—partners on this mission. The warmth she felt was the Force, the laughter, and the jungle heat... nothing more. Surely, it couldn’t mean anything else. Could it?

Azzie felt her laughter catch in her throat, her mind briefly blanking as Aadihr’s words cut through the playful chaos. Beautiful. Vibrant. Wonderfully purple.

Wait, what?

Maybe Aadihr had spent too much time staring at the Spirit Tree’s lights—or whatever it was he did with the Force since he couldn’t technically use eyes to stare that he didn't have. She stared at him, momentarily forgetting how to move her feet, her rhythm faltering for a heartbeat before she caught herself. The look on his face—calm, sincere, and completely unaware of the grenade he’d just lobbed into her mental space—only made it worse. She felt heat creeping up the back of her neck, her brain scrambling for a response, any response that wouldn’t make this moment as awkward as it suddenly felt.

“Alright then, stick-twirler,” Azzie quipped, her voice carrying just a hint more volume than necessary as if compensating for the way her heart suddenly hammered in her chest. “You know, flattery might actually make this Spirit Tree combust. And then what will we do?"

She twirled away from him, her grin sharp and mischievous, though her cheeks flushed faintly as she felt the sincerity in his tone echo through the Force. Aadihr’s face was the picture of composure—at least outwardly—but Azurine caught the faintest flicker of amusement around his lips. It wasn’t every day that she managed to chip away at his unyielding stoicism in such a drastic way.

Nope. Not thinking about that. Definitely not.

The Spirit Tree seemed to hum louder, glowing with what could only be described as approval. It shimmered above them, its light wrapping around them like a warm embrace, but Azzie focused instead on the villagers’ laughter and the Elder’s enthusiastic clapping. They cheered enthusiastically, their glowing patterns pulsing brighter. Well, step one of gaining the Terlathi's trust was complete for the most part, at least from what she could tell. And there it was again—that flicker of something she refused to name because she didn't believe it. She’d chalk it up to the absurdity of the situation and move on.

Aadihr Lidos​

 

[Aadihr Lidos]

Outfit: Field Attire
Weapons: Walking stick / Lightsaber Pike

Aadihr sobered up at Azurine's tease. "Don't push your luck, I can tell when you're fishing for compliments." He said despite the pink in his cheeks betraying his emotions.

The clearing was silent for half a beat. Then, the Spirit Tree flared to life, its light bursting outward in waves that sent ripples through the air. The branches above swayed in time with an inaudible laughter, their movements slow and deliberate.

Aadihr froze, stunned by the reaction. He glanced at Azurine and then at Taar’od, who gave him an approving nod. “Not bad, fancy stick swinger. Not bad at all.”

The tree’s light enveloped them both, a warm, serene energy that filled Aadihr with an overwhelming sense of clarity and connection. For all the silliness of the ritual, the blessing itself was profound, a testament to the Spirit Tree’s enigmatic nature.

Taar’od sniffled loudly, dabbing at his eyes with a webbed hand. “Beautiful. Truly beautiful. Now, don’t go dying out there. The Great Glowing One doesn’t like wasting its blessings!”

Aadihr let the force-light that descended from the tree like pollen land all over the two of them. The trees, leaves, and vines of the forest seemed to ripple with a reverberating wave from the trees light that dappled the pair of Jedi. The forest itself seemed to recognize the blessing and aid, empowering both Jedi with a small contribution from every light of the jungle's flora, turning a jumble of lights into one clear backdrop for Aadihr's Sight.

Azurine Varek​

 

[Azurine Varek]

To Infinity And Beyond

Outfit: Clothing/Armor | Glove | Right Arm | Talisman
Weapons: Lightsaber 1 | Lightsaber 2 | Hook Swords

Azurine stood motionless, her head tilted up toward the Spirit Tree as its light cascaded over them. For a moment, the sarcastic gleam in her golden eyes softened, replaced by a rare, quiet reverence. The Spirit Tree’s energy hummed through her like the resonance of a distant song, and she exhaled, as though shedding the weight of a dozen unspoken worries. For all her sharp words and brash demeanor, even Azzie couldn’t deny the profound peace the Spirit Tree’s blessing carried. It fascinated her and probed at her curiosity as to what aspects of the Force could create reactions like this.

“You make it sound like I don't deserve them.” She muttered under her breath, just loud enough for Aadihr to hear. Her lips quirked into a half-smile.

Her words were teasing, but her gaze lingered on him for a fraction longer than necessary. His flushed cheeks hadn’t gone unnoticed, and despite herself, she found a flicker of amusement at both his expense and certainly at her own, given the level of heat she felt in her face. Still, she didn’t push further—not in this moment, not under the Spirit Tree’s watchful glow. Even she knew when to temper herself—well... sometimes, at least.

The ripples of light radiating from the Spirit Tree seemed to dance along her pale skin, tracing the patterns of her Iridonian tattoos like a silent promise. A promise that, no matter what dangers lay ahead, they were bound by more than their training or the dictates of the Order.

As Elder Taar’od sniffled, his exaggerated emotion breaking the moment’s solemnity, Azzie gave him a sideways glance, one brow raised, though she couldn't help but chuckle a little bit, the sparkle of fascination still deep in her amethyst-colored eyes. “Don’t worry, Elder, we’ll try not to waste the Great Glowing One’s blessing. Wouldn’t want to upset the jungle.”

Aadihr, still bathed in the tree’s luminous energy, looked like he was transfixed on whatever it was he was seeing—that being a relative term, of course. Azzie tried to focus on the tree’s blessing, trying to intuit how it all worked, on the warmth coursing through her veins, but her attention kept slipping back to him. The glow caught in his starlight-colored hair and illuminated the features of his face. Even his aura mimiced the beauty of the light around them. She couldn’t deny the admiration that swelled within her. She saw him not just as another Jedi, not just as her companion, but as someone who bore the weight of his burdens with a quiet strength and gentleness she found herself drawn to.

Her eyes lingered—much longer than she intended—as if to permanently etch the moment into her memory. The jungle seemed to hold its breath around them, the rustling of leaves and the hum of the tree’s energy fading into a silence that was heavy with unspoken meaning. Reaching out to brush her hand across Aadihr’s shoulder to get his attention, she gave a quick smirk. "Alright, let's go solve this mystery."

Aadihr Lidos​

 

[Aadihr Lidos]

Outfit: Field Attire
Weapons: Walking stick / Lightsaber Pike

The mist clung to the jungle like a shroud as Aadihr and Azurine prepared to leave the Terlathi village. The Spirit Tree’s glow had dimmed, its blessing still a lingering warmth in the Force. Villagers gathered in a semicircle near the edge of the settlement, their glowing patterns dim but rhythmic, a sign of their gratitude and fond farewell.

Elder Taar’od stood at the center, his posture proud despite the slight stoop of his frame. He waved his webbed hands in an elaborate flourish, his patterns flashing erratically as he spoke with his usual mix of seriousness and absurdity. “Horny headbutter and blindfold stick-twirler! You have done well. Spirit Tree likes you, yes. But now, you must go. Jungle is restless. Ruins call for balance.” He paused, his glowing eyes narrowing as he wagged a finger at them. “But do not forget—laughter is best weapon. That, and not getting eaten.”

The villagers hummed in agreement, their bioluminescent bodies pulsing softly. One small Terlathi child darted forward, holding a crudely woven garland of glowing vines, which they shyly offered to Azurine.

Taar’od stepped closer to Aadihr, his wide mouth spreading into what might have been a solemn smile—though it was difficult to tell with Terlathi expressions. “Protect her,” the Elder said, his voice quieter but no less firm. “And yourself. Spirit Tree sees both as strong, but stronger together.”

Aadihr inclined his head respectfully. “Thank you, Elder. Though she may be the one doing the protecting.”

“Of course she will,” Taar’od replied with a dismissive wave. “Now go before jungle changes mind and eats you.”

The path through the jungle was less a trail and more an ever-shifting labyrinth of roots, vines, and thick foliage. The air grew heavier as they moved deeper, the ambient noises of insects and distant bird calls giving way to a pervasive silence. Aadihr could feel the disturbance in the Force growing stronger with each step—a pulsating, erratic presence that tugged at his senses like a discordant melody.

The terrain became treacherous, the ground slick with moss and dotted with pools of bioluminescent water. Aadihr used his lightsaber pike to push aside hanging vines, its unignited shaft a useful tool for clearing the way. The journey was quiet save for the occasional snap of branches underfoot and the distant rustle of unseen creatures. He glanced at Azurine from time to time, noting the determined set of her shoulders and the spark of focus in her aura. Despite the absurdity of their earlier ritual, she seemed ready for whatever lay ahead.

The ruins appeared suddenly, their presence almost startling against the natural flow of the jungle. Towering, crumbled walls jutted out of the undergrowth, overrun with vines and moss that glowed faintly in the dim light. The architecture was angular and ancient, its design alien but eerily symmetrical. A massive archway marked the entrance, flanked by two decrepit statues whose features had been worn smooth by time and weather. The air around the structure thrummed with residual energy, the Force pulsating from within like the heartbeat of a restless giant.

Aadihr’s Force-sight traced the faint outlines of automated turrets perched atop the walls, their targeting arrays scanning for threats. One fired abruptly, sending a burst of plasma into the jungle. He followed the trajectory to its target and froze.

Drakarans—sleek, six-legged predators with chitinous hides that shimmered faintly in the light—were pouring out of the underbrush in a frenzied swarm. Their movements were chaotic but precise, their claws tearing at the ground as they surged toward the ruins. Interspersed among them were Skreelancers, their leathery wings beating furiously as they dived at the turrets with ear-splitting screeches. The combination of aerial and ground attacks overwhelmed the automated defenses, which fired in all directions, leaving charred craters and smoldering vegetation in their wake.

The predators’ rage was palpable, their presence in the Force a seething maelstrom of primal fury. Aadihr tightened his grip on his pike, his blindfolded gaze sweeping over the scene. The disturbance they had been tracking was like a beacon, drawing these creatures here in droves, their instincts frayed and their aggression amplified.

The ruins were still some distance away, but Aadihr could already feel the danger radiating from the swarm and the artifact that lay within. He glanced at Azurine, her aura flaring with the same determination he had sensed earlier. Despite the chaos ahead, her presence was steady, her connection to the Force unwavering.

Azurine Varek​

 

[Azurine Varek]

To Infinity And Beyond

Outfit: Clothing/Armor | Glove | Right Arm | Talisman
Weapons: Lightsaber 1 | Lightsaber 2 | Hook Swords

As the small Terlathi child approached, their glowing patterns flickering with nervous energy that were mimicked by the shifting patterns and glow of their aura, Azurine crouched down to their level, a soft smile breaking through her usual smirk. A curiosity as well as shock moved through her spirit and her expression. She gently took the garland of glowing vines, holding it with surprising reverence for someone so brash. “This is incredible,” she said, looping it carefully over her head. Its bioluminescent glow reflected in her fiery eyes. “Thank you. I’ll keep it safe, I promise.” She reached out to pat the child's head, oblivious to the exchanged words between the Elder and Aadihr.

Her thoughts churned as the glowing patterns of the Terlathi village faded behind them, her gaze lingering on the garland looped over her forearm. The child’s timid gesture had warmed her, and she absently traced a finger along the bioluminescent vines. Laughter is the best weapon, Master Heavenshield had said something similar. She chuckled faintly to herself, her voice swallowed by the thick silence around them.

When the ruins finally loomed into view, Azzie stopped short, her breath catching. The structures felt alive in a way that sent a chill racing up her spine. The Force was thick here—she felt it just as clearly as she saw it in the patterns of the echoes attached to it—a discordant vibration that wormed into her thoughts and made her jaw clench.

Who built this? And why does it feel like it’s waiting for us?

She glanced at Aadihr again, this time more serious. “Well, isn’t this just inviting? All it’s missing is a nice little welcome mat.” Her sarcasm masked the growing weight in her chest—a combination of the pulsing disturbance here and the sheer magnitude of the possible danger ahead. The Spirit Tree’s blessing was a faint ember in her mind, not enough to shield them completely but enough to remind her that they were not alone.

She studied the crumbling walls and the looming archway, her curious gaze tracing the symmetry, analyzing the entirety of the situation as much as she could before that time could end. A sparkle went through her eyes, and she flipped quickly to face the Miraluka.

"Alright, I have an idea." Azzie stated, her determination flashing through the purples of her eyes and in her aura. "It's kind of risky, but if it works, then we won't have to fight two different fronts just to get in there."

She gestured softly out to the turret systems that were defending against the multiple attackers. The creatures were clearly focused on their fight at the front, barely being kept at bay. They could use that. If they left it alone rather than try to disable it, those defense systems could give them more time to search those ruins and put the pieces together.

"Given the defense systems, whoever built this had to have added some kind of backdoor exit, right? Like an escape route. So, you protect my six, and I'm going to get as close as I can to one of the debris pieces to see if any echoes hold traces of one that we can get to without having to put ourselves at risk by blindly searching for it."

Aadihr Lidos​