Fun? Do Jedi Even Know Fun?

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Although he was looking down at the very uninteresting pathway Norah seemed so thrilled with, Théo grinned at her comment. "Yeah, but one day I will have a beard just like my Papa", he declared. "No wait .. It will be better then my Papa's", yes he would grow a beard for the ages. Well actually, he was more in mind of a goatee. Yes, that is more like it!

Kicking along the path, suddenly there was a spike in the force warning him of a presence up ahead. "Norah wait!", he called out but too late as she had seen the presence of a large creature firstly. Strange how the presence was somewhat familiar to him, they had met before? that did not seem possible as Théo looked upon the figure of a large black cat-like beast.

Théo estimated the distance between the cat and themselves they are out of range but it would not take long for the cat to be upon them if it so wished. Théo watched it for a moment, his hand reaching for his saber and curled his fingers around the hilt. Not taking his eyes off it, it did not appear to be a threat to them, in fact it was watching them as well.

"Yes lets go", he whispered to her, but still his curiosity was keeping him in place.

​

[member="Norah Kitts-Castillon"] | [member="Ryn'Dhal"]​

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

The massive beast cocked it's head to one side, giving a soft call to the two. Almost as if asking for them not to go. It then lazily dropped from the branch, making nearly no sound upon the ground. The large beast, promptly started moving, not towards the younglings, but parallel to them, only a few strides, before doing a quick turnabout to lay lazily upon the soft grass. The large, defensive spikes along it's back were in clear view. And from it's supine position, it seemed somewhat less imposing, even if technically closer to the children. It's golden eyes seemed to trail about lazily, though any time it scanned away from them, at least one of those large, very keen ears remained trained upon the younglings.

The beast was obviously not a natural creature. Far too intelligent, far too obvious in it's attempt in showing a lack of hostility or aggression towards the children. And, to the young Jedi, the beast gave off no taint of the Dark-side. Should the children remain, and not seek to retreat, or venture too far from the beast, it would remain laying, content to merely be in their presence. A silent, watchful guardian.

As a special treat though, should one or both of the younglings dare to approach the beast, within about ten meters they would be able to hear it purring. Within five, they'd feel the purring.


[member="Théodred Heavenshield"] | [member=Norah Kitts-Castillon]

 

[Delila Castillon]

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


Norah didn't have a fancy sword like Theo. She didn't have much on her beyond her report and a pen to write with. Her battle skills left something to be desired. Honestly, even if she had some type of combat training she didn't think it was going to matter. Rows upon rows of sharp teeth would see to that,see that she wouldn't be able to get in a fair fight.


Not that she wanted to fight some animal. Norah loved all creatures....at a safe distance. It was watching them. Possibly toying with them...toying with his meal before eating. Feet had found the cobblestone path once again. She was slowly backing up, keeping the large cat in her sight at all times. Theo seemed frozen in place, staring.


She didn't want to explain to Mrs.Heavenshield that her son got eaten...but....well, it may turn out that way.

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Théo could sense the trepidation from Norah, and rightly so. She did not have the ability to sense the large cats intentions through the force, it is handy to have that ability but even still, the large creature could overpower them both. Théo turned his head to see her backing off, that was a good idea, at least she could get away back to the Temple if anything was to happen now. However, he held up a hand to stop her, to wait just for a moment because there was something about this cat that Théo recognised. Or at least he thought he did. It was in the eyes, he had seen those eyes before but could not place it.

His hand lowered, and he began to take a few steps toward the cat, no ill will toward him or Norah, but more a sense of curiosity and .. protection? Théo's head tilted slightly confused by why this cat would feel these motions. But as he came closer he could see in the eyes intelligence far greater then that of a normal creature. And he could hear purring... that lovely contented sound that soothes the soul not only of the creature itself, but to those that hear it.

It took a large amount of effort for Théo not to reach out and pat the cat, instead he walked around it lay there as if ignoring him. Théo knew just as well that the cat knew he every move. An urge to speak to the cat filled him, and so he did.. "H.. Hello?", he asked to see if there was any form of understanding, even though he felt a little foolish doing so.

​

[member="Norah Kitts-Castillon"] | [member="Ryn'Dhal"]​

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

The great beast watched the girl start to withdraw, ears drooping slightly as she did so, but when the boy approached, those ears perked back up, eyes alight as he did so. Then, the lad greeted the great beast. A slight wink would be given. Yes, the beast winked to the boy.

"Hello.... Théo...." The low, gravely growl of a voice emitted. Offering a slight bow of the overly large head. Sensing the boy was no longer likely to take flight, the beast settled down, head resting on paws, as its ears resumed pivoting about, alert for any sounds of potential threats to itself, or more importantly the younglings. Eyes, half-lidded, watched the girl, curious as to whether or not she'd take the opportunity to flee, or would she instead approach the beast. It was curious, how would the younglings react, to a beast of unknown origin being capable of speech.

This proved likely to be an entertaining exchange. The beast was less fearful of rejection from children, as they, with their vast imaginations, and great innocence, tended to take things at face value, rather than over-thinking and holding irrational judgments over new people, places, or things. That, and their honesty. It dared not reveal itself to it's peers back at the temple, the adults, those that might view a creature such as itself with extreme scrutiny. It knew that it resembled a creature of nightmares. Or perhaps a creature of dark Sith magick.... But, in truth, the beast knew not it's true nature and origin, but only knew what it was now. At this time. And at this time, it was guardian, protector, and stalwart watcher for these two younglings.

Should any threat approach these children, it would first need to deal with four hundred kilograms of savage muscle, fang, and claw.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"] | [member="Norah Kitts-Castillon"]​

 

[Delila Castillon]

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


Of course, Theo would walk closer to the giant cat. She wasn't sure why. Perhaps his magical Force was going to protect him. Maybe it was the lightsaber that laid on his hip. Maybe he was trying to impress her? Boys were always doing stupid things like that, especially when girls were around.


Now he was talking to it? Norah crossed her arms, standing far back on the path. There was no way she was getting closer. Her mother didn't die to see her ripped to shreds by a giant black cat.


Watching, the big cat was actually talking back....and knew Theo's name. Norah was confused by that element. Blue eyes narrowed and she began to look around the woods. Maybe it was a trap. Someone wanting to kidnap herself and Theo. Lure them in with trust or a sense of adventure.


"I...I think I am going back Theo..."

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Théo jumped back with the cat-like creature spoke his name. His face would show wonder and he shot a look over to Norah, almost trying to find confirmation that he was not hearing things. The look on her face, and her words was enough to tell Théo she had heard it too.

"How .. ", he found a word. "How do you speak?". stupid question but the brain did not work that well in these situations. "Who are you?", ah that was better. But Théo remained at a safe distance as he moved back toward Norah. "Just wait a minute", she said to her in a whisper.

"I know you don't I", he stated finally, "Or at least you know me". Théo remained on alert, his saber not far from him if the cat was to pounce and he would need to protect Norah. "I sense something Norah, this creature is attuned to the force and it speaks with intelligence, which means it is sentient".

Théo cocked his head to the side looking over the cat-like being, it reminded him of Ryn in a strange way, the eyes looked the same as his. Although Théo had not sent much time with Ryn in the cave, his eyes were unique and memorable. It was a long shot but he had to try...

"Ryn?".

[member="Norah Kitts-Castillon"] | [member="Ryn'Dhal"]​

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

The great beasts ears folded, but not in a hostile gesture, but one more akin to an animal being scolded, when the young woman mentioned leaving with or without Théo. The intimidating animal actually seems almost hurt that the girl was so afraid of it. But, in the same breath it seemed to understand and appreciate her concern. But then it's attention returned to the boy as he seemed to work his way through the mystery that was the great animal.

He began nodding, very slightly, when Théo mentioned knowing the animal, prompting the lad further. Then the finale, when the boy uttered the great beasts Basic name. A slow, dramatic nod would be given. "That is.... Correct...." The great beast, Ryn'Dhal, would speak. Looking to the girl, the massive head bowed slightly, partly in greeting, and partly to show that he was, in-fact, not a threat. "I am.... Padawan.... Like.... Théo...." The vocalizations seemed labored, though this form seemed to not be properly designed for ease of communication.

"Like.... Théo.... I am.... Training.... But.... Learning.... to mas... ster.... Master.... this form...." The great beast would heave a sign, one of exhaustion. "Give me.... a moe.... moment...." He would ask, focusing more upon the young girl with his request, before rolling to his massive paws, proceeding to stroll away towards the tree. The younglings would see the beast pick up a satchel in it's maw, and carry it around behind the tree.

After a few brief moments, not even a minute, a significantly smaller form emerged. Still definitely feline in appearance, with those large ears independently pivoting about, and tail flicking idly behind his back, but bipedal and clothed. His robes were similar in nature to Théo's, though were black as his fur, and at either hip would be his own curved-hilt lightsabers. Approaching to his previous location, he'd offer a proper bow of greeting to the young girl. "I am Ryn'Dhal, and I must beg your forgiveness for my.... deception? Perhaps that would be accurate.... I am learning more of my.... dual.... nature.... And I sensed my friend Théo here, entering the forest. I did not feel comfortable leaving the Grandmaster's son completely alone in the woods... Though by the time I cross your paths and caught your scent, I'd already committed to following. Not that I doubt your capabilities my dear friend!" He'd say, glancing quickly to the younger padawan. "But, as some of the woods are still relatively unexplored, I felt some extra.... surveillance.... wouldn't be amiss."

After a brief pause, he'd continue his relatively long-winded apology. "And as for the display just now.... I have no idea how the older Jedi would take to witnessing me in such a state, so I took a risk, to see how you two would react.... Mostly because I was certain if either, or both of you, took offence and wished to lash out physically, that I'd be able to outrun you.... At least with much greater chance of success in fleeing than if perhaps pursued by one of your parents." He'd state, chuckling to Théo.

Looking to the young woman once more, Ryn would offer a slight bow once again. "Once again, I hope you'll forgive me... Miss....?"

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"] | [member="Norah Kitts-Castillon"]​