From the Midnight Sun Where the Hot Springs Flow (open to SSC, others PM for invite)

[Nima Tann]

After all this little unneccesary conflict finished and done, it was the time for the depressive Nima to kick in. She listened to the conversation between Sio and Phylis, then nodded to her, who definitely had something in her mind and wanted to leave the party. She couldn't help but think that it was her fault somehow. It was her fault letting him distract her, that was the problem. Between the guilt and sadness, she talked, sighing to calm herself before she got all panicky for doing something wrong. That Nima was, indeed, still around. "I am glad to meet you as well, Phylis. And I am sorry... for all this. I was hoping you could stay a bit longer, I would like to know you better. But if you want... I am sorry, I am speaking too much." Well, here we go. The panicky, awkward Nima at her best. And Ice wasn't happy seeing her like that as well, which caused him to bump his head to her legs gently, if he could speak that would be "Pet me.". Well she would expect something more like, "Don't worry, it's going to be okay." But of course, he was a mutated wolf, so she was content with the petting. She smiled to Ice, and Ice countered it with a big happy face. Well, he was indeed an adorable 2 meters tall killing machine.

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] [member="Phylis Alince"]

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Phylis Alince"], [member="Nima Tann"], [member="Valiens Nantaris"]


Siobhan frowned. Phylis hadn't said she saw her as a sister, too! "Well, yes. No seducing you. You do feel the same way about me, right?" It was probably not a good idea to say no. "We can do fun things together. And I'd love to meet Izzy!"


Fortunately, Siobhan finally noticed that Nima was unhappy. This spared Phylis from hearing about Sio's plan to improve her fashion style and find a good woman for her to hook up with. Turning to face the woman, she stroked her lekku gently. This was one of the instances where the gesture was more soothing than sensual in nature.


"Nima, stop it. No being depressed, no feeling guilty, no apologising. None of the nonsense earlier is your fault. You stood up for yourself as you should. I'm proud of you, sweetie." Sio's tone was soft, but firm.

 

[Audren Sykes]

There was little linking this place and Cholganna. A sculpted and maintained forest versus a wild one. The plants were different, even the smells were different. That threw him off for a moment, but he quickly realized that comparing this place to the planet he'd grown up on did this place a disservice. Even minorly sculpted as it was, the place was impressive.

Still, it was close enough to his home planet that the minor comparisons kept showing up. The only time he could remember doing something like this was as a kid, with a group of other kids and some chaperones. He'd never put two and two together, never realized how much effort must have gone into keeping the group safe. It wasn't like they'd been in the middle of a city or village, behind the walls. They'd been out in the forest making plenty of noise like kids did. Years later, he'd been part of a group escorting some bigshot around. That had been hard enough.

But this place? This place was peaceful, tension back at the main party not withstanding. Rare that he got to experience anything of the like.

[member="Abaigeal E'ron"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

She could see his reflection on the surface of the water. Swirling pockets of motion made his reflection look like it was dancing, the water is not still, moving slowly toward the next drop and so on, until vanishing from ones sight around a corner and into the mystery of the forest. What does lay around that corner? more of the same? or a complete alteration of environment. There would be only one way to find out, to take the plunge as it were, and follow the path of the stream. Just like one does in life ...

For the moment, she would leave Audren to his thoughts, which seemed to have spirited him away. The magic of the forest playing upon his mind would brook no intrusion from her or any artificial voices cutting the tranquility. And so, Abaigeal let go of her skirt allowing the hem into the water and crouched down. Cupping her hands she scooped up crystal clear water and drank as she had become parched. She took water until satisfied, it had tasted pure with a hint of woodiness and once done, she stood to flick away the water remaining on her hands.

"It is good to see you again", she finally broke the silence, and she meant it. At that moment, the environment of the stream filled with laughter from those inside, she could hear the voices of the others chattering again. Abaigeal had forgotten them there, and once reminded she still did not want to join them. Taking in a deep breath, and turning her head toward the bend in the stream she began to walk in the water toward it. Stepping down from on level to the next until she turned back to Audren.

"Fancy finding out what lay beyond the bend?".

​

[member="Audren Sykes"]​

 

[Aldera Antilles]

The tall Human woman was tired as she left one of the conference rooms and headed toward a large window overlooking the Luminous Gardens which gave the resort its notoriety on Vaynai and beyond.

She was well-dressed and coordinated in her tailored violet pant suit with matching bootlets, orchid blouse, and iris gloves. Her auburn hair was tied back with an aubergine band.

Who but a group of scholars could spend all day cooped-up in seminars when there's a sylvan paradise to be explored just a few meters away? she mused.

Shaking her head, she thought of the three hours she had just wasted listening to a Gamorrean plod on about some bit of esoterica. Who knew that someone who could write so eloquently would turn out to be such a tedious speaker?

She let out a long sigh, but still managed a small smile, because she had delivered her paper before her esteemed colleague, and Dr. D'an, the noted Bith xenoarchaeologist, would be presenting his seminar tomorrow, when everyone was refreshed and attentive. She eagerly awaited to hear about his latest research and findings.

As she gazed out the window, she saw a group of people congregating just past a nearby bridge.

Is that ... could that be ... Dr. D'an?!

Stepping outside to investigate, she crossed the bridge and, with fluid grace of motion, headed toward a nicely-dressed Bith.

"Dr. D'an," she said to [member="Dune Rhur"] as she extended her gloved hand, "my name is Aldera Antilles. I don't know if you remember me, but I assisted your team with off-world field study for two summers when I was doing my early graduate work at the University of Nozho. It's an honor and privilege to see you again, Sir. I'm looking forward to hearing you speak tomorrow."

 

[Dune Rhur]

[member="Aldera Antilles"]

Dune looked at the tall woman and cocked his head to the side. "I'm a Jedi, not a doctor," came his curt reply. "The robes tend to give that away. Also, do all Bith really look that similar?"

He sighed and shook his head. "Excuse me, I've gotten confused with whoever he is several times today. My name is Dune Rhur." He took her hand and shook it. "I'd guess you're here for the archeology conference. I'm not Dr. D'an but I do some work for the Order in the field."

 

[Aldera Antilles]

Embarrassed by her faux pas, Aldera's face flashed fuchsia and she averted her eyes from [member="Dune Rhur"] for a moment.

Nicely done, Aldy, she chided herself. Could you be any more of a social klutz?!

Regaining some of her composure, she looked back at the Bith and smiled weakly.

"My apologies, Master Rhur. I saw you through the crowd and didn't realize you were wearing Jedi robes. All Bith most certainly do not look alike. I guess I got a bit hepped-up because Dr. D'an is one of the pre-eminent xenoarchaeologists of our time ... and something of a hero to me."

Sheesh! Just keep digging yourself in deeper and deeper, Kid.

"I'd enjoy hearing about your work ... if you'd like to talk about it."

Aldera's smile grew a bit warmer as she considered the prospect of "talking shop" with this Jedi.

"Maybe it was the ... um ... Will of The Force ... which brought us together today," Aldera said with a lop-sided grin.

Smooth, Aldy. Reeeeeal smooth!

 

[Dune Rhur]

[member="Aldera Antilles"]

The Bith smiled reassuringly. "Maybe it did, after all. Yes, I've read his work before and he's fantastic. Factual without being boring, a quality I try to emulate."

He made a dismissive gesture and shrugged. "My own work is largely Jedi-related. Your work is probably more extensive and important. Please, tell me more about your work."

 

[Phylis Alince]

[member="Nima Tann"] [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

“It’s not your fault, Nima. None of this is your fault,” Phylis said firmly, smiling at the Twi’lek. “You can’t change how other people feel – you can only change how you deal with them.”

Vague philosophy over, she turned to Siobhan.
“Yes, I do think of you in that way. Hmm, though my frame of reference for sisters is not that good,” she admitted.

“But yes, I would love to bring Izzy around. She’s a sweet girl, lost her parents, and was reduced to living on the streets before I found her. She’s coming on well. Her and Six-Nine are in league against me, I know it!” she added.

 

[Audren Sykes]

The reverie was broken when Abaigeal spoke. It had been falling apart anyways, there was only so much in terms of memories that he could entertain at a given time. Memory was the past, and one couldn't change the past. The present was the important part, and the future. So when she said that it was good to see him again, he didn't mind. Few enough would have the sentiment in any case. And it felt honest too, not just something said to be polite.

"You as well."

In the short time he'd been thinking, she'd lowered her skirt-dress-thing. He had no idea why, unlike some his mind didn't really keep paying attention when its attention was elsewhere. Around that moment laughter sounded from the main party. It was a startling break from the mood that had settled over there, one that he'd sensed without realizing it. The tension was largely broken then; he both wanted and didn't want to know why the tension had arisen in the first place. If it was important, no doubt he'd hear about it sooner or later. If it wasn't, good riddance. Still didn't want to join them though.

"Fancy finding out what lay beyond the bend?"

That brought up a small grin, a mischievous one. That was a loaded question if he ever heard one.

"You know what's always around the bend? Another bend."

The response might have been seen as pessimism, but it wasn't intended as such. It was humor, and though not everyone would understand it he suspected she would. Regardless of whether she did or not, he began moving forward. Slow enough to simply slosh rather than splash, but steady enough to cover a fair distance surprisingly quickly.

[member="Abaigeal E'ron"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

A slight peak in her brow and a grin that matched his was returned. There was a look of mischief within his eyes that delighted her and she smiled fully, his response produced a soft laugh. "I hope so, I would be disappointed otherwise", she said as he approached. "I prefer the long way round, to journey's end". The walk along the stream, would be a journey unto itself as Abaigeal discovered small pockets of deeper water and found herself thigh deep in some places before she would climb out of them.

Eventually, the two rounded the bend, the light had dulled somewhat as the canopy thickened above them, it appeared this part of the garden had been left to thrive on its own, unattended and unfetted and she loved it more. There was no real change in the plant life, apart from a denser nature that had carpeted the undergrowth, and the signs of small creatures that had made this place home, could be felt through the force as they darted and ducked with fear of the new comers.

"Unruly", they had stepped from 'the room' of clipped nature to the wild of it. She took a moment to enjoy it, allowing her eyes to take in the change of colour in the leaves and budding flowers. Crouching down to feel the water run between her fingers, her eyes remained in the scenery, until they found Audren again. She wondered just how 'clipped' he is, what lay behind those eyes and beyond into the soul and talk about economy of effort, a phrase she used when they trained together, he certainly is not the chatty type. With that thought, a cupped hand raised quickly out of the water to splash him, it would not be a drenching but enough to give him a start.

"Soothing, yes?". His reaction to this is entirely a mystery to Abaigeal and it is this mystery that is part of his charm.

​

[member="Audren Sykes"]​

 

[Aldera Antilles]

[member="Aldera Antilles"]

The Bith smiled reassuringly. "Maybe it did, after all. Yes, I've read his work before and he's fantastic. Factual without being boring, a quality I try to emulate."

He made a dismissive gesture and shrugged. "My own work is largely Jedi-related. Your work is probably more extensive and important. Please, tell me more about your work."

"I heartily concur with you about Dr. D'an's manner of writing," Aldera said to [member="Dune Rhur"]. "He's able to capture the salient points of his research while bringing the subject matter to life in an interesting and captivating manner. Although I'd worked on digs with my parents and even contributed a bit to their papers, I'd always considered it to be a time for family bonding more than a scholarly endeavor. When Dr. D'an choose me to work with him and his team for two summers, it really built-up my self-confidence in my own abilities. My parents were extremely happy for me, as they also respected Dr. D'an's work. I think they looked forward to my one day stepping out from their shadows as well."

Keep going. You're on a roll, Kid.

"Although I was one of several graduate students to work with him, I must admit that it was a rather heady feeling to win a much-coveted place on his team, considering the number of applicants who likely applied for such a posting. Since then, I've built quite a career for myself, but I consider myself extraordinarily fortunate to have worked with my parents and Dr. D'an. Without their guidance -- and patience -- I would likely not be here at this conference speaking with you.

"I've made some remarkable finds, including underwater ruins on Manaan, the recovery and cataloging of relics and artifacts from Yavin IV, a few discoveries on Athiss, and ... "

Aldera leaned a bit closer to the Bith Jedi and spoke in a conspiratorial whisper.

"... even managed to sneak on to Korriban to take a look at some of the tombs and the ruins of the Sith Academy over there."

 

[Dune Rhur]

[member="Aldera Antilles"]

Listening attentively, Dune found that he liked Aldera. She was passionate about her work and that was a truly rare quality. He nodded appreciatively as she spoke. The mention of Korriban pricked up his auditory senses.

"Korriban," he said "I've been there, especially the Academy. Sadly, it was levelled almost entirely. My colleagues ran into some k'lor'slugs and literally brought the building down on top of them."

Sighing, he shook his head. "Knowledge is important, even that relating to the Sith. We can learn and better prepare."

"That's why I digress from the Galactic Alliance. They want nothing to do with the Dark Side as if pretending it isn't there means it doesn't exist. I'm sorry, Jedi politics are another subject."

 

[Aldera Antilles]

[member="Aldera Antilles"]

"Korriban," he said "I've been there, especially the Academy. Sadly, it was levelled almost entirely. My colleagues ran into some k'lor'slugs and literally brought the building down on top of them."

Aldera cringed at the news that the Sith Academy had been destroyed, and her demeanor became a bit depressed.

"Such a loss," she said sullenly. "Did all of your people escape from the destruction?"

[member="Aldera Antilles"]

Sighing, he shook his head. "Knowledge is important, even that relating to the Sith. We can learn and better prepare."

"From an historical perspective, there is *still* much we can learn from the ancient Sith ... and your own Jedi ... as well as similar belief systems."

Careful. He's a Jedi. He might not take kindly to apparent sympathy for the Sith.

"Comparative Ideologies is a particular interest of mine," she explained. "It's especially fascinating to me because I know that I could never have the sorts of powers attributed to adherents of 'The Force'."

 

[Dune Rhur]

[member="Aldera Antilles"]

"Unfortunately we lost some of the Antarian Rangers," he shook his head "I believe it may have been avoided had they not blundered in making a racket."

"Yes," he nodded "I believe you are right. As for the second part...."

He shrugged and skilled cryptically. "Have you ever been to Illum? There's a Temple there I'm planning to revisit with my learner."

 

[Aldera Antilles]

"I'm sorry to hear about the deaths of the Antarian Rangers," Aldy said sadly.

At the mention of a Jedi Temple on Ilum, her spirits rose a bit.

"No. I have not been to Ilum. I hear that it is a desolate and foreboding place. Still ... I am always up for a challenge where gaining -- or re-gaining -- knowledge is concerned. I most certainly welcome your invitation. Thank-you."

 

[Audren Sykes]

He didn't quite agree with taking the long way around to the journey's end, but he left that unsaid. Rather, he preferred to take the road to completion. The short road could be a short cut, but the long road could simply be avoiding the other end. Sometimes an issue, sometimes not...yet long or short, finished was the goal.

The Sephi was a step behind Abaigeal when she first encountered the deeper parts of the river. At first he thought she'd fallen, but she didn't go horizontal, simply sank. It was then he realized that there were pockets where the water was deeper, especially when she climbed out and back to the normal depth. Rather than continue his sloshing stride, he slowed. There was no point in hurrying now in any case, he'd nearly caught up with her. Instead he inched his way forward, dragging his toes and feet across the bottom of the river to test for those same pockets. It was far from foolproof and the number of stubbed toes suddenly skyrocketed, but it was effective. Using the Force to plumb the unseen surface would have been simpler...it would have been cheating.

Despite his concentration on the riverbed, he still noticed the change in the forest around them. They'd apparently entered a part of it where the gardeners didn't go, where nature was in control. Subtle changes were the indicators: the decreased light from thickened canopy, increased brush, the tiny paths made by native wildlife, even the rougher sides where the water met the land. No more consistently easy slopes and smooth sand and mud here, the slopes were harsh and flatter areas were covered with stones. Unruly was one word for it. Natural was another. Many saw disorder, even chaos in this sort of area and attempted to tame it. In the bigger picture though, it was nature that was the more balanced, which was thrown into disarray by attempts to manage it.

She interrupted his reverie. Again. This time was with a splash of water, shockingly cold against his face. His legs might have become accustomed to the temperature, but his face hadn't. He instinctively flinched away from the water. In doing so he lost his balance and stumbled a few steps over away from his companion. Though the depression he stepped in exacerbated his floundering, he was able to catch himself before fully losing his balance. Over here the current was stronger, though still not enough to sweep him off his feet. The stumbling had changed his position enough that he could now see around the corner. What he saw amused him, combined with her comment even more so. He shot her a grin as he indicated with his left hand what he saw...what was blocked from her sight by the bend.

"That's one word for it..."

Maybe fifteen meters around the bend, the water started churning. The increased current, combined with the rocks jutting from the riverbed and a series of tiered drops, turned what was once a serene flow into whitewater rapids.

[member="Abaigeal E'ron"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

The problem with journeys, whether they are long or short and have run to completion, one always has to find ones way back. But the whole purpose is the trip itself, what one learns along the way, even if that lesson learned is that there is always not only another bend, but one that would take them further and further into uncharted 'waters' which may or may not be prudent to follow. It seemed that the stream had had mysteries of it own only the brave dare to discover. Or those enjoying each other's company, at least for Abaigeal, this is true.

His reaction to the splash of water, caused her to cover her mouth to stifle a giggle but as he 'threatened' to over balance and fall she lunged forward and reached out to Audren to grasp him for support but she was out of reach and it was clear he did not need her help as he regained his footing. Again, she felt bad as it seems she is always 'unbalancing' him as she remembered the sight of him on his back in the training room. Even thought she gave him a look of apology through a thin smile, she received a grin as he pointed up stream. This threw her momentarily as she quickly glanced in that direction.

She could see nothing from her view point but clearly he had the advantage and so Abaigeal moved toward him, teetering on the way as her feet found large peddles under foot threatening to unbalance her. She raised her arms to steady herself and try in vain to look into the churning water to see secure ground but finally, she made it. Standing beside him now, Abaigeal looked up stream to see the rapids, the white foaming water barreling over the rocks and the noise was amazing. Water always issues a sense of power, but when one sees it in this aspect it is a little frightening. So what would be the sensation of stand on the precipitous leading to a large cascading waterfall?

"I am game if you are", she said taking her gaze away from the rapids and give Audren a cheeky grin.

​

[member="Audren Sykes"]​

 

[Audren Sykes]

She first tried to look where he pointed, though the view was blocked by the curve. Rather than moving forward as he'd expected though, she moved towards him to match his view. She wavered a bit on the way, looking like she was about to fall over, but made it without doing so. Much to his surprise, when she saw the rapids spearheading a waterfall she got an impish grin. If Audren thought he couldn't be any more astounded, he was proven wrong when she told him that she was game if he was.

Make that astounded...and confused. Game? For what, jumping off the waterfall? At this distance they couldn't see how far down it went, but the lack of a visible impact cloud meant it didn't travel far or it went very far. The Sephi was no slouch, but jumping off a water fall without knowing any details about the bottom was mental. He hoped his face didn't betray the confusion and skepticism he felt - though on one level he knew it did - as he glanced back and forth between Abaigeal and the edge. More specifically, peering around her at her back then to the edge.

"You hiding a pair of wings under there? Most people want to know what's at the bottom before jumping down a waterfall."

[member="Abaigeal E'ron"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

She turned her grin toward the rapids, she too noted the lack of spray coming up from the drop and he would be right in his assumption that this could mean either a low drop or a plummet into depths of who know what. But where there is a will there is a way and so Abaigeal closed her eyes and focused her force senses to the environment. Her 'search' directed to the water and beyond that, to the edge of the drop and downward until she felt the current of the force rippling back to her, telling her it was a steep long drop into deep water. "Can you not feel it?, use the force Audren", she said. Over time, much time, this small stream have carved a deep pool at the bottom but there too is the danger of water churning in a maelstrom that could threaten to take them to it's depths never to return.

"No wings to fly", she said softly with her eyes still closed. "Save for the wings in my heart".

Abaigeal opened her eyes and saw the look on his face, yes it was a mad idea but sometimes it is good to take a risk even when not knowing the details or the possible outcome. She pulled her intestinal fortitude in and began to make her tethering way toward the rapids until standing with the pull of the current. The water is deeper here, enough for her to lay in and let the fast running water take her away.

As the rapids pulled her down stream, her adrenaline reached it's peak and her heart thumped in her chest, her breathing became difficult but this was exhilarating. She did not even feel the rocks bruising her legs and back when the water pushed her against them and as the edge of the waterfall approached, she held her breath and before she knew it, she as airborne. Her stomach seemed to find it's way to her mouth and yet she was able to find voice and let out a scream of pure excitement and terror.

​

[member="Audren Sykes"]​