Private Life Day Traditions

[Judah Dashiell]

JOIOL

It was a Life Day tradition for the last twenty years or so ; to go fishing. When Makai was younger, it was always done on Life Day itself. Typically the week before they would have dinner with the Arceneau family, let the kids run amok and exchange a small gift, before he and his son went off to spend time on the ocean. Always a different world. Even last year, Makai had graciously spent Life Day with Myra Arceneau Dashiell early, allowing for the actual Life Day to continue with standard tradition.

What a difference a year could make.

This year Life Day fishing trip wouldn't be on Life Day itself, but a little earlier. This year also marked the first time Balun Dashiell would join in the tradition.A lot of changes but Judah found the time to spend with his sons welcome.

The sailboat drifted along quietly. A new type of boat engineered by Makai's speeder company, their first foray into something different. It was powered by a droid brain with automatic sails. Not the traditional set up Makai preferred but it kept all of them free to fish and spend time together. A 'boys day' outing on the planet as it were.

 

[Balun Dashiell]

Apparel: X.
Present Company: Judah Dashiell & Makai Dashiell .

Balun leaned against the sailboat's starboard railing, the salty sea breeze tousling his hair. In his right hand, he idly spun a battered cigarra packet, the faint crinkle of its foil punctuating the rhythmic lapping of waves against the hull. His gaze drifted over the shimmering water, unfocused and distant, as though searching for something just beyond the horizon. But his thoughts were miles away, tangled in the unresolved emotions of that last night with Nouqai Veil—the night everything had changed.

He hadn't spoken to his father or Makai about it, though he suspected they already knew. Nouqai's absence the next morning had been conspicuous, and Balun's own restless demeanor did little to mask the turmoil within him. Whatever had unfolded between them wasn't something he was ready to unpack, even with those closest to him.

The weight of his mood sat heavily on his chest, tinged with guilt. This trip was supposed to be a rare moment of peace, a chance to reconnect with his family. He had almost opted out, not wanting to risk dragging their spirits down with his brooding. But Makai's infectious energy and their father's steady presence were exactly what he needed, even if he wouldn't admit it out loud. They were his anchors in a world that suddenly felt adrift, and he clung to them quietly, resolving not to let his melancholy spoil the trip.

Balun flicked open a lighter, the flame briefly illuminating his furrowed brow as he lit the cigarra now perched between his lips. He inhaled deeply, letting the smoke fill his lungs before exhaling slowly, the plume dissipating into the open air. He'd stopped hiding the habit in recent days, smoking openly despite knowing it might draw disapproval. Still, there were lines he wouldn't cross—Myra and the kids would never see him like this. That, at least, felt important to preserve.

For now, he stood alone with his thoughts, the cigarra a fragile comfort as he tried to navigate the uncertainty that had taken root in his heart.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

It wasn't unusual to smell cigarra smoke around his father. He had grown up with his father and Danger Arceneau smoking, often taking the opportunity to light up at business functions or after a meal. For him, it was a comforting smell, the sweet smoke reminded him of home. Of travelling with Danger as a young boy and seeing how Arceneau was run, asking every question he could think of that he couldn't ask his father.

So it was unusual for him to see someone else lighting up, in this case Balun Dashiell .It was odd to him to see how alike his father and Bale really were. It brought to mind the debates of nature versus nurture and what play upbringing had in personality and habits over the long term. Something had happened to his little brother but Makai hadn't said a word. He had a few ideas but none were his business to pry into. If Bale wanted to talk then they had all day to do so - wasn't as if anyone could overhear in the middle of the ocean.

"Someone really takes after Dad and I don't think its me."

He paused, standing back a few feet, not wanting to encroach. Makai knew all too well about wallowing in misery of any sort - he was the type that tended to do it alone.

"If uh...if you want to talk or just hang out I'll be at the stern. Going to toss out some crab pots too, just to see if we get anything. No pressure, just letting you know."

 

[Balun Dashiell]

Balun took a slow drag from the cigarra, the glowing tip flaring against the salty breeze, his gaze fixed on the waves rhythmically slapping against the yacht's hull. The ocean, vast and unyielding, mirrored the emotional storm churning within him. He exhaled, watching the smoke dissipate into the air, only to be interrupted by a familiar voice calling his name.

Makai Dashiell 's tone was warm and steady, a lifeline cutting through Balun's swirling thoughts. Turning away from the sea, Balun's lips curled into a practiced smile, a fleeting effort to mask the chaos inside. It was good to see his brother—really, it was—but that warmth couldn't fully extinguish the lingering ache from the abrupt and brutal ending to his time with Nouqai Veil.

"Thanks, brother, but I got it," Balun replied, his voice even but tinged with unspoken gratitude. Makai's offer to be a listening ear meant the world, but vulnerability wasn't something Balun gave freely, not even to family. Despite how close they had become, there was still a gap he couldn't bridge. His father's sharp critiques of the Jedi hung in the recesses of his mind, a shadow cast from their first meeting. And Makai, with his own life brimming with responsibilities, didn't need more weight to carry.

The Life-Day fishing trip—something they'd both been eagerly anticipating—deserved to remain untouched by Balun's personal turmoil. He wouldn't let himself be the one to sour the moment they'd been planning for days.

"Crab pots sound good, though," Balun offered with a hint of forced levity. "Maybe you can show me a trick or two?" He pushed himself off the railing, using the movement as a way to shift the conversation—and his thoughts—away from himself.

Taking one last drag from the cigarra, he flicked the stub overboard, watching it vanish into the frothy waves below. The sharp scent of tobacco lingered as he stepped toward Makai, gesturing for him to lead the way. "Let's get to it," he added, his tone lighter now, as if willing himself to embrace the distraction his brother provided.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Not the type to pry if not needed, Makai wasn't going to ask any follow up questions or push. He had placed the offer out there and Balun Dashiell would come to him if he felt so inclined. At the very least his brother seemed willing to come and spend time with him at the stern and begin fishing.

"I hope that when we invited you to come that you didn't think we weren't fishing. You've fished before? Or spent time our on the water?"

He was hoping to turn the conversation to something different. In many ways, they were still feeling each other out in some ways. Makai couldn't imagine living life without his brother now. Balun was an interesting character and in some ways, very much like his father. The half-Galan was beginning to see he was more like his mother than first thought.

"No tricks. Although Dad might have some different techniques for the actual fishing. He goes out more than me currently - I don't mind just typically when I'm on the water I'm sailing."

Ambling back to the stern, Makai spotted his father hunched over the crab pots, repairing some rope.

 

[Judah Dashiell]

Focused on repairing the larger holes where crabs could easily escape, he didn't hear the two boys until they approached closer, catching his eye. Tying off a length of rope, he straightened, trying to stretch his back. Oceanic gaze took in the pair, taking in the expressions of the two. Something was going on with Balun Dashiell but he hadn't figured out what just yet. Mentally he had narrowed it down to Jedi trouble or girl trouble.

"Nice of you two boys to come and finally help your old man. Fixed now, Makai. Both can be tossed in and we can circle back tonight and snag them. I'll be sure to mark them down on navigation." Judah stretched a little more, focused on Bale. "First fishing trip. Hopefully many more after this, that is if you don't get scared away."

 

[Balun Dashiell]

"Oh, of course." Balun's response came with a half-smirk, a scoffing laugh slipping out as though it was absurd his brother had even needed to ask. The entire point of the trip was to fish, after all—a chance for the boys of the family to spend time together: Balun, Makai, and their old man. Despite the hollow ache he carried from how things had ended with Nouqai—so close to this time of year, no less—Balun was genuinely glad to be part of the tradition.

"I've done a bit of fishing over the years, yeah," he added as they began making their way across the yacht, footsteps thudding softly against the deck. "Off the coast, from a vessel… I've used rods, traps, cages—even a speargun once." His tone carried a casual confidence, though his eyes shifted now and then, betraying the heaviness that lingered beneath the surface.

As they rounded a corner, Balun's gaze landed on their father, Judah Dashiell, who was already hard at work with the crab pots. Balun blinked in mild surprise; he hadn't expected to see him just yet, assuming their father was busy elsewhere. Apparently, he'd been right—Judah was always busy.

"Hey, Dad," Balun greeted, forcing a smile as they approached. Judah's sharp comment about their late arrival landed with ease, the kind of ribbing only a father could deliver. Balun shot a glance toward Makai, grinning despite himself. The banter came naturally among the three of them—boys being boys, teasing as much as they bonded.

"We figured we'd better come and help you, yeah," Balun replied, his grin widening. "Although those pots look pretty beaten up. We were worried you might screw them up, but looks like we're too late." His voice carried a playful jab, the kind that made it clear this was exactly where he wanted to be—sharing in their familiar camaraderie.

This was why he needed the open water. The salt-tinged air, the rhythmic slap of waves against the hull, and the easy company of his brother and father. Out here, distractions were plentiful, and the weight of his troubles felt a little lighter. The loss of what he'd had—of what might have been—still lingered, but being here reminded him there was still joy to be found, still a life worth living.

Judah Dashiell & Makai Dashiell​

 

[Makai Dashiell]

"I've done spear fishing before as a teen, when I lived on Dac. I really enjoyed it. Haven't done it since I lived there but maybe in the future you and I can try our hand at it again. Its intense, you know? A real workout and that's coming from someone who can swim well."

As his father spoke, he and Balun Dashiell shared a look, as if to say of course. His father had been dispensing more of his old fatherly quips. Dad jokes. Little barbs. A sign things had improved since last year. There was still a weight there but it had either lessened or his father had learned to live with it.

Makai suspected a little of both.

"I don't think we'll scare Bale away. in fact I think we're on the cusp of a new tradition ; boys only Life Day fishing trip. Eventually - well, I don't know, I could end up with all girls...but eventually I'm sure the next generation of Dashiell men will join in as well."

 

[Judah Dashiell]

If there was one thing Judah did expect about having two sons was how quickly the pair bonded - over torturing him. Concerns had lingered about Balun Dashiell and Makai Dashiell not getting along due to the nature of the situation. Makai was grown, married with his own child on the way. It was a lot to ask to suddenly pivot and be an older brother. As for Bale, Judah was certain it was a stretch for the boy to be part of a family.

"The major holes are repaired. They'll catch plenty if you stop making fun of your father and toss them overboard."

Cleaning up the pieces of rope he had cut, oceanic gaze looked over to Bale.

"So what are you doing on actual Life Day?"

 

[Balun Dashiell]

The idea of going spearfishing with Makai someday lit a spark of excitement in Balun's mind, but he swallowed his reply, mindful not to cut into their father's response. Politeness won out over enthusiasm, and he decided to bring up the idea with his brother later when the moment was right.

Instead, Balun focused on the task at hand. He grabbed one of the crab pots, the rough metal cold against his fingers, and passed it along to Makai before taking another for himself. Turning his attention to Judah, he answered his father's question about Life Day plans with a casual shrug.

"I dunno. Whatever you guys are doing, I suppose," he said, his tone light but without much direction.

The truth was, Balun had no plans at all. Spending time with Nouqai was no longer an option, and with the Tingel Arm Coalition behind him, his life had narrowed to family and work. The thought weighed on him for a moment, but it also felt like the right time to share the news he'd been holding onto.

"I can't remember if I told you guys or not," Balun began, setting the crab pot down as he looked between his brother and father, though his eyes lingered on Judah. "I left the Tingel Arm Coalition. I'm no longer serving in the Aquilian Rangers." His voice was steady, but the weight of the revelation hung between them.

"The Coalition lost the war to the Empire of the Lost and disbanded," he continued. "So, I'm no longer serving in any military capacity."

Balun let the words settle, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth as he studied his father's reaction. He knew Judah would likely be relieved by the news, the older man's concerns about his sons' safety never far from the surface. This wasn't just an update—it was a reassurance, a way to bridge the distance that sometimes lingered between them.

Judah Dashiell & Makai Dashiell​

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Tossing his crab pot in, Makai watched the bright orange buoy bounce in the wake off the water. The buoy was able to transmit data about location, making it easy to circle back later in the day and collect. It wasn't his first time using them but it was his first time using them on Joiol. Hopefully they would get enough to perhaps use on Life Day, despite it not being in his meal plan.

"Quiet morning with the family first before starting Life Day dinner. Standing nerf roast, my gratin potatoes. gomgourd pie, roast vegetables...same thing I made last year minus the nerf. Did roast nuna instead. You two are welcome to come over later in the afternoon for dinner. It's not going to be anything overly exciting at the house but its something."

Balun Dashiell Judah Dashiell

 

[Judah Dashiell]

"Never got into celebrating Life Day, so my plans will most likely end up being taking Makai up on his offer. Don't think I have any other plans? None that come to mind anyway."

Judah had never been one to celebrate, especially when his ex-wife left. Could never bring himself to do it, which spawned the fishing expeditions with Makai as a substitute. Not having plans or not being invited anywhere didn't bother him, it was just another day. Which spawned some ideas on what he could potentially do before spending the rest of the day with family.

Upon hearing Balun Dashiell 's news, he nodded slowly. He couldn't appear to eager. Or too pleased. It could send the wrong message of being happy which Bale may not be.

"I'm glad you are out of danger for now." A small pause. "Any plans to serve in the military in the future? Maybe join up with some type of Jedi group?"

 

[Balun Dashiell]

"Dinner with Myra and Makai, then?" Balun repeated, a warm smile spreading across his face as he turned to Judah. The thought of another family gathering filled him with quiet joy, the kind that came from knowing he was beginning to reclaim the moments he'd missed. Holidays, seasons of celebration—memories that could have been his had he grown up with his family instead of the New Jedi Order. It wasn't something he dwelled on often, but it lingered in the corners of his mind. Making up for lost time felt like a balm to the ache of what could have been. Judah and Makai had a way of grounding him, keeping his focus steady and his spirits lifted.

Balun watched as Makai hurled a crab pot into the glistening water, the buoy bobbing on the surface before disappearing into the depths. Once they had drifted farther, Balun followed suit, gripping his own pot tightly before tossing it overboard with a fluid motion. The buoy splashed into the waves, settling at a distance from the yacht's starboard side. He lingered for a moment, the prospect of a successful catch giving him something small to look forward to, before rejoining the others with an easy stride.

"No, nothing in the visible future," he replied when his father probed about his next steps. He chuckled inwardly, knowing the answer would please Judah. "The Tingel Arm Coalition was a cause I could believe in—a way to protect a corner of space that was chaotic at best. Piracy ran rampant, and the Imperials weren't shy about making their moves, annexing one world after another. We did what we could to stand in the way, and that brought me here. But now? I don't see myself aligning with any of the major powers in the galaxy. If anything, maybe a Force-user organization, but even then, they're so steeped in their own dogma. I've outgrown that."

He spoke with the ease of someone who had weighed these thoughts countless times. Dating a Sith apprentice had been the most obvious sign of how far he had diverged from the path many lightsiders walked. But it was more than just his relationship with Nouqai. Iona Starchaser had been right to call him out on his tendency to leap into a fight, yet Balun's perspective had always been nuanced. He believed in fighting when it was necessary—when it meant protecting the vulnerable from harm. But unlike the Jedi Order, he didn't see Darksiders as the enemy simply by virtue of their beliefs. They were people, following a different path, and he couldn't bring himself to condemn them solely for that.

Balun's voice softened as he glanced back at the horizon, the conversation leaving him reflective. "The galaxy's not as black and white as I was raised to believe. It's more… complicated." He let the thought linger, unspoken but understood, as the waves carried them gently forward.

Judah Dashiell | Makai Dashiell​

 

[Makai Dashiell]

"Great. I'll let Ells know you two are coming over in the afternoon. Like I said, its nothing exciting so don't get your hopes up over some grand entertaining. Still going to be nice however."

Crab pots in, Makai was eager to do a little fishing. Conversation turned to Balun Dashiell no longer serving in any type of military, which was more of a conversation between his half-brother and father. Makai had nothing to say on that front. Bale would have to make his own choices and interfering wasn't on his agenda. Not that Makai didn't worry or want his brother safe. Of course he did. Yet it was important for his half-brother to make his own path as a man, his own decisions.

If fighting for a government was one of those, so be it.

So instead he focused on pulling the squid out of a cooler to bait his line. Makai could listen to the conversation with half and ear while also getting the important part of this Life Day excursion under way ; fishing.

 

[Judah Dashiell]

"The galaxy is complicated. Nothing is rarely as it seems. Perhaps dating a certain someone has shown you that?"

Judah didn't know the status of his son and Nouqai. All the same, his point would still stand, that even someone who presented as 'evil' according to one dogma may not be. Life was certainly nuanced. The old salvager moved closer to Balun Dashiell ,coming to clasp him on the shoulder, giving a small squeeze of reassurance. A quiet reassurance that while life may seem to have drifted him to another path, perhaps it was the correct one to be on.

"It is. Perhaps life has drifted you in one direction for a little while on purpose. Not sure where you're going to end up but maybe this is a perfect time for some self-discovery. You've got your home here in the woods. You're set on credits. I think now it may be beneficial to sit back and perhaps explore some of your wants. You've mentioned nature and herbs and the like to me before, might be time to reflect and enjoy that aspect of your life more. At least until you decide what it is you want out of your next journey."

 

[Balun Dashiell]

"Yeah, I've always loved nature," Balun said, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he spoke. "Exploring, walking among wild creatures—it's incredible. With my connection to the Force, I can bond with animals in a way that feels… deeper, more instinctive. That's part of why Luna and I are so attuned to one another. We share this spiritual connection that lets us understand each other on a level most people can't even imagine." His gaze grew distant for a moment, the memory of Luna bringing warmth to his voice. "Animals are pure like that. They don't act with malice or evil intent, not like people can. They live by the natural cycle, hunting because they must, not out of cruelty."

His fondness for wildlife was evident in his tone, his words carrying a quiet reverence for the untamed world. To Balun, animals represented a kind of innocence, a balance that sentient beings often disrupted.

He shifted slightly, his expression thoughtful as the conversation turned. "Herbology, horticulture, biology… even chemistry—those have always fascinated me. I can make medicines, even poisons, from herbal extracts if I wanted to. Not that I do. Poisons aren't exactly my thing," he added with a wry chuckle. "And herbal medicines? Well, they're not in high demand. I've got a small personal stash for emergencies, but it's just a hobby, really. Not something I'd ever turn into a profession or anything."

Balun's voice carried a note of nostalgia as he explained further, his mind briefly wandering back to his time with the New Jedi Order. Back then, his interest in working with flora had been more pronounced, a passion that fit neatly within the structured life he'd led. But now, his path felt less defined, and he found himself searching for new pursuits to fill the spaces left by the life he'd outgrown. For now, the simplicity of his hobbies—quiet and grounding—seemed to suit him just fine.

Judah Dashiell | Makai Dashiell​

 

[Judah Dashiell]

"You'll have to spend time with Caspian Dashiell if you love nature and animals. A relative of ours who owns a massive nerf ranch back on our homeworld of Saleucami. Excellent steaks. Throws amazing parties. Dashiells are well entrenched on the planet...well, in that province, so if you ever want to see what the rest of us are like. Or where you came from, in a sense."

Judah worked on putting sinkers onto his line, listening to Balun Dashiell speak of herbology and general love for the biological sciences. It was reassuring to see both his sons had a passion for something beyond the day to day. For Makai it had been various bits of geology, it seemed for Bale horticulture was it. Perhaps both a little obsessive, which brought some of the nature versus nurture in his mind.

"I think the Ithorians have the herbal market on lock, doesn't mean you can't do it and maintain the skill. Never know when it will come in handy. Could be tomorrow, could be fifteen years from now. Sometimes its nice to pick up and expand a hobby for a little while. To be a little selfish and enjoy yourself. Or enjoy the quieter parts of life."

Attaching a piece of squid, Judah expertly cast his line into the ocean, immediately starting to let out the line.

"Just let me know before you go running headlong into another war."

 

[Balun Dashiell]

"Yeah, I'll probably keep using the wild herbs in the forest near home from time to time," Balun said, his tone casual but tinged with a quiet pride in his knowledge. "There are still some good ones out there. Rose hips for anti-inflammatories, Reishi mushrooms to boost the immune system, marigold, poppy, St. John's Wort…" He trailed off, a faint smile crossing his face as he thought about the time he'd spent cataloging the wilderness. Exploring the fields and forests with Luna had been more than just a pastime; it was a way to help his Merqaal companion adjust to a more settled life after the transient one they'd shared for so long.

He paused, his smile widening with a touch of hope. "Visiting Saleucami and meeting more of our family would be incredible. The Nerf Ranch sounds brilliant—I'd love to see that someday." The thought of a sprawling ranch filled with animals sparked a vision in his mind, a simple life surrounded by nature and kin. Maybe, he mused, that was the sort of life he could see himself settling into one day, far from the chaos and noise of the galaxy. Perhaps when he grew older, when the itch to travel and explore finally subsided.

Joining his father and Makai at the yacht's railing, Balun retrieved his casting rod from its upright holder. He moved with a practiced ease, securing bait onto the hook before angling the rod over his shoulder. With a smooth motion, he released the safety, holding the line lightly under his index finger as he cast it into the open sea. The bait and sinker flew through the air, landing with a gentle splash yards away. He watched the ripples spread across the water, nodding in quiet satisfaction at the throw. It had been a while since his last fishing trip, but the motions came back to him easily.

"For me to be fighting, I need to believe in the cause," he said after a moment, his voice steady but reflective. "I'm not interested in war right now. And honestly? I don't know anyone outside our family that I trust enough to get involved in their struggles. Right now, it's just me, Luna, and you guys. That's all I have the time—or the energy—for."

Judah Dashiell & Makai Dashiell​

 

[Judah Dashiell]

"We will have to reach out to the cousins and see a good time for you to come over and be introduced. See where the Dashiells decided to settle once we escaped from the Hapes Cluster. Saleucami is boring but its very diverse. Lots of different environments. You'll enjoy it."

And honestly? I don't know anyone outside our family that I trust enough to get involved in their struggles. Right now, it's just me, Luna, and you guys. That's all I have the time—or the energy—for."

Judah arced an eyebrow. He noted there was something missing from that list. Someone that had not too long ago come over for dinner. An interesting experience. He neve had that with Makai - Myra was his childhood friend and known to the family. Coming over to dinner was a near weekly practice.

"I notice you didn't mention Falentra. What happened to your girlfriend?"

 

[Balun Dashiell]

Balun's jaw tightened subtly as his father honed in on the one topic he'd been hoping to avoid. Judah's question cut straight to the heart of a matter Balun wasn't ready to discuss, especially not today. It wasn't a lack of trust in his father or a reluctance to confide in him—it was the fear of casting a shadow over what was supposed to be a joyful day. He didn't want to dampen the mood, not for Judah or his brother.

"We're not together anymore," Balun said, his voice calm but clipped. He made no effort to correct his father's use of Nouqai's Sith name, Falentra, something he'd always been quick to do in the past. It seemed too trivial, too inconsequential now. He didn't elaborate on the reasons for the breakup, but after a brief pause, he offered Judah a bit more, unwilling to leave his father feeling excluded.

"I'm sorry, Dad," Balun added, his tone softening. "It's not that I don't want to talk about it, but… I'd rather we focus on today, you know? This is a family day—it's special. I'm trying to keep my mind off her for now." He forced a smile, his gaze shifting back to Judah, as if to assure him that he truly was fine. His expression seemed to plead for understanding, a silent promise that he wasn't holding back out of resistance but out of a desire to preserve the moment they were sharing.

Judah Dashiell & Makai Dashiell​