Zeradias Mant
Democracy Dies in Darkness
Name: Lenny
Loyalties: Village of Itaku
Role: Guardian of the Itaku Forest
Development Threads: N/A
Age: 4 (at time of death)
Species: Jester
Appearance: Lenny was a small Jester belonging to a young lass by the name of Aayla. His fur oft poof out in every which direction, getting tangled with itself and ensnared with small twigs and other shrubbery. His most notable feature though were his eyes -innocent of all wrongdoing, no matter what he did. Broke a lamp? Innocent. His poofiness knew no bounds, with his neighbors affectionately giving him the nickname "Lord Poof".
Personality: Often aloof, Lenny followed Aayla wherever she went. While inseperable, Lenny proved his absentmindedness often. It became a joke in the Village of Itaku that you could round a corner and Lenny would cease all movement, waiting for his leader to return. He's often cheery, eager to see Aayla or anyone else that came to visit. He was the type of Jester though where you'd have to come to him to greet him. His biggest feature became most apparent during his final hours - his high regard for family and friends, and ultimately, his selflessness for those he loved.
Force Sensitivity: No
Weapon of Choice: N/A
Skills: Sprinting, hopping, sleeping
Wealth: Whatever's in the local garden
Combat Function: Moral support
Notable Possessions: A small collar that bear his name as well as that of Aayla's, as well as where to return him if lost
History: 838 ABY - Aayla and Lenny were going for their daily walk through the forest. Often times, they would play tag as they ran from tree to tree on the path from their village. Known for it's tranquil serenity and general peacefulness in the section of woods near the village, dangerous beasts often intruded during the night hours. One night, Aayla and Lenny stayed out too late. The sun was setting, but thanks to the thick tree canopies, it was already relatively dark in the forest and there was no way for Aayla to visually see the time of day. Lenny though, sensed it. When it was his turn to hide, he always ran and hid closer to the village. When they played tag and Aayla was 'it', Lenny ran in one direction. For he sensed that night was coming, and with it danger.
"Lenny! Where are you? I Give up!"
Hopping out of his hiding spot, he let out a startled squeal. Aayla's face turned into that of shock. She had never heard him utter a noise like that before. Running to him, she leaned in to give him a comforting hug. However though, Lenny evaded her and leaped behind her. As Aayla turned, there stood a large nexu, teeth grinning as it prepared to consume it's prey. After a brief horrified whimper, Aayla let out a piercing scream of fear. Avian life scattered from the treetops, and the men of the nearby village could be heard shouting. Lunging to make a kill out of Aayla, Lenny forced himself into the leaping nexu. It was enough to veer the large feline off it's course and narrowly miss Aayla. This angered the beast. Changing it's target, the nexu jumped at Lenny with swinging claws, swiping across the jester's body. His snow white fur quickly was tainted with a bright red, as blood seeped out of the wounds.
In tears, Aayla ran to her companion's side, despite the clear and present danger confronting her. Whimpering, she picked up the bloody Lenny and gave him a tight hug. It hurt, but Lenny didn't mind - for he not only passed in the loving embrace of his master and friend, but he also passed protecting her. For a jester, a tame animal no less, to commit to such a noble act out of love was unheard of. Then, a piercing shot rang out, echoing through the forest. In that moment, the image of a tranquil forest was lost, but tranquility was restored. Hunters from the village came and found the two and shot the nexu beast that threatened them both. Uttering a pained cry, the nexu attempted to run before another shot went off and killed the beast. One of the men, Aayla's father, ran to embrace his now safe daughter. This would be the worst Life Day of his life to date. Yet, it was this Life Day that would give all future one's true meaning.
In the days and years that passed, Lenny was revered as a hero. The village chief had ceremoniously declared him the Guardian of the Itaku Forest. Some jokingly mock the notion of celebrating a jester, yet no one questioned why. They all knew Lenny the jester was the one who saved that young girl that night. There have since been rumors of a jester running between rocks and trees, hiding from passersby. Incidents have even been reported where young children playing have heard scary sounds in the woods, but Lenny kept them safe.
Aayla though, was impacted the most of all. She had lost her best friend, yet he was always with her. Every Life Day, she would put out a bowl of food and treats for her missing companion. For it was because of Lenny, that she could truly appreciate life and all it's bounties.
Intent: A submission for the Codex's Life Day Challenge
