Private Off the Grid and On the Edge - Alt Timeline

[Desbre Gensan]

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Location: Undisclosed​

Equipment: Simple Jedi Robes, Silver Sigil, inherited lightsaber, light-filtering lenses, Hush-style comlink, aquata breather, liquid-cable launcher, stim pills, nutrient/food pack​

Tag: Milya Vondar​

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The trip out to this little section of the Outer Rim had taken the better part of a month from Kashyyk. More than enough time for Milya to be back on her feet, with the help of bacta dunks and the efforts of the Silver Healers. And of course any ministrations from Des herself. While not a dedicated healer (yet) she had picked it up from fast from Master Vanagor. Even so, she'd let Milya sleep as much as she wanted. Recovery was important. Des supposed she needed the downtime too.​

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She'd not had to face to Bryn'adul. On some level she was grateful for it. While the Force was her ally, she held no illusions about her ability to survive battle with them, army to army. Individually, sure, maybe. But they had Force adepts of their own. As hard as she trained, physically, and even mentally, she doubted she could have made it out of there. That Milya had was a testament to her friend's skills and ability. Or maybe sheer dumb luck.​

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Either way, she was glad Milya was still alive. And maybe she could help keep her that way.​

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After a few stops along the way for fuel and consumables, they'd touched down near the coast of this particular planet. From all the survey data she had, it was temperate, with relatively calm seas and low seismic activity. Meteorological data suggested full seasons, But here the weather wasmild, balanced by the ocean and being away from severe weather hotspots. Though early models suggested there could be monsoons or tropical storms coming form the south east, coming up the coast, but they would be weakened.​

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It was as good as any place.​

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Setting down with the ship not far away, with a little help from a few construction droids, and the Force, had started building a small base, or basecamp. Decent sized house, improvised plumbing, water systems, cooking systems, power, environmental systems. Des had built a dock nearby, then a port/garage/work area. There was a large fire pit with seating on four sides enough to hold a small gathering, though guests were unlikely. It could provide heat and warmth and light , and served as a secondary work area outside.​

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For the most part the area was pristine, untouched. The land was wild and untamed, with forest for miles with meadows and clearings here and there. And who knew what fauna resided there.​

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In the intervening months, it had gone from being a little more than a glorified campsite to being a small bubble of civilization, a touch of home, in an otherwise wild land.​

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As the sun's rays peeked through the roll-up blinds of thin chutes of a bamboo-like plant, Des grimaced, and made a note to get more material for the futon type mattress she was using. Slipping off the platform style bed, she padded into the main area of the house on pale bare feet, making her way into the kitchen in just a loose comfortable shirt that came maybe to mid-thigh. Casting about, she didn't see Milya moving about. That didn't mean much here.​

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Working quickly she loaded up the caff maker then leaned against the counter, waiting for it to do it's thing. The smell of fresh-brewed caff began filling the space. Des barely noticed it as she looked out the window into the trees turned golden by the rising sun over the waters. They were cleared just far enough away to not fall on any of the structures the two of them had put up. And of course, left room for any gardening, if they decided to stay here that long.​

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Lost in thought, she idly stroked her messy platinum white braid. The electric blue streak through her hair was starting to fade as the metabolizer was wearing off. Natural colors lasted longer. In truth it was the furthest thing from her mind.​

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[Milya Vondar]

Tag: Desbre Gensan

Milya stirred softly, Des softly as she tread wasn’t enough to escape the echani’s senses, Milya yawned rolled over in her bed shielding her eyes from the morning sun as it beamed through an open window blinding as it was it had been casting a warm blanket of light over her that had made her unwilling to wake, but now she had. She slipped quietly from the covers and stood before looking out the window briefly as the waves crashed along the shoreline she had requested an ocean view and of course Des had obliged her.

The smell of the cafe filled the small house that they shared and it served to wake Milya gently from her stupor. She reached for a band on her nightstand and reached up to tie the long white hair into a ponytail. She had been letting it grow a bit, unusual for most of her kind but she felt it looked good. She stepped out into the living room and made her way toward the kitchen, modesty was never a thing for the echani so for Des that meant the eternal struggle was keeping Milya in a respectable amount of clothing.

Here however there was no other soul for miles so Milya freely walked about the house dressed only in a sports bra and some tight fitting sport shorts to go with it. To call the fit skin tight would be accurate, very little was left to the imagination. Milya stretched her arms toward the ceiling and as she entered the kitchen and shot a smile toward Des. It only took a few moments for her brain to wake up enough to register what Des was wearing, her gaze lingering on a moment before she made her presence known.

“Morning Des, the cafe smells great.” She moved to lean against the cabinet nearby her friend and looked up at the ceiling as she arched her back in another stretch. On her stomach there was still a scar from a mandalorian slug thrower, Milya had insisted that she kept it as a reminder to herself that she was lucky to be alive but first and foremost that she needed to train more and be more mindful of everything something that Des had been drilling into her ever since that day.

 

[Desbre Gensan]

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The faint whisper of feet on the solid hardwood floors made her ear twitch. Other tells would have entered her mind but she was far away. Still, it registered, but coming from inside the house, with Milya's gait and weight, it triggered no alarm. Her friend's presence filtered in just the same, but passed all the security checks too, not disturbing her in her reverie. Not until Milya's voice cut in. Even then there was a notable lag time, then blinked at Milya with an absent, "Huh?" Then her mind started catching up. "Oh, uh.. yeah. It does. Sorry if I woke you. Couldn't sleep anymore," she murmured. "Should be done in a few minutes," she added.​

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Finding herself staring, she forced her attention back out the window, even as her face began to burn. Dank pherrik. Terrible sabaac face if I ever had one. Even if Milya couldn't see that far into the infrared spectrum. Idly she wandered back in time, a decade, and at the same time almost nine hundred years. Was it this hard for Brandyn? She'd been deliberately pushing his buttons, but sensed nothing like that from Milya. Still, there were days it took a supreme effort to focus on the task at hand.​

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It wasn't like.. It wasn't like she deserved anything like that. And it wasn't like Milie was really interested in her like that. Was she? her mind wandered back... It was at least a year ago? Or was it two? It felt like weeks. It felt like a lifetime ago. They'd both been in a pretty rough state and taken at least a little comfort and connection, but nothing really like that.​

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With a sigh, she reached back and unbound her braid, shaking it loose with some finger combing so it fell in loose waves down to her mid back. She'd tame and sort it out in a bit, before the day truly started. The day... What to do for the day?​

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"How'd you sleep," she asked. The tone was almost absent at first, but she turned to rest one hip against the edge of the sink station, focusing on Milya. Such a question wasn't idle though. it was an indication of her state of mind, her health, recovery from training, and more. Yes, Milya was a big girl. But Des was responsible for her. And well, she cared about her well-being all the way around, both as teacher and friend.​

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[Milya Vondar]

Tag: Desbre Gensan

A soft chuckle escaped the echani’s lips as Des also needed time for her brain to wake up “Not your fault, I have always been a light sleeper. The sound of a leaf falling would wake me up. Besides the sun is up we wouldn't want to waste the day no?" She watched her friend turn to look out the window again, as if something caught her eye. The echani followed her gaze but found nothing of interest and instead turned her eyes back to her friend, Milya did one more stretch and got her shoulder to loosen up finally.

Des let out a heavy sigh and Milya's smile slipped slightly as she watched her unbraid her hair and let it fall free. “Everything ok?” she asked her question gently yet as she did Des asked hers own question in turn and a brightness returned to the ehcani’s face. “Slept well enough. How about you? and What’s on the agenda today?” she turned away from Des and walked over to rummage through a cabinet for something to eat. Bending over she reached into the cabinet and found some crackers, she popped one into her mouth before turning around with a big smile "Want one?" she made her way back to Des and offered the pilfered food, once more leaning against the counter.

 

[Desbre Gensan]

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Des shrugged then grimaced. "Slept like crap, really. Starting to feel my age I guess," she mused. Of course, the Force allowed Des to refresh herself. "As for what's on the agenda for the day, that's a good chunk of what's rattling around in my leaky brainpan." She broke into a momentary smile, pleased, and amused, but no teeth. Rays of sunlight peaking through her dark skies. It was a rare occurrence, or had been, but happened more often these days. Since her journey to Illum and also reaching Knight status. She was lighter now, with significantly less weight on her heart, on her soul. The wounds were scarred over now, rather than so raw and livid.

"And sure, send me one," she mused. "I was just considering breakfast and what to have too." For just a glimmer of a moment there was a look in her eye, as fleeting as it came it went.

Munching thoughtfully on the cracker sent her way, she continued. "Maybe some caff and then a run. And by then might be hungry enough for food." It was a lot to think about.

If nothing else, she felt like she was floundering in the dark. She knew what she would have done for training for herself. But for Milya? She had no idea what her needs really were. Physical training wasn't as much guesswork. But she wasn't as proficient in her skills in the Force as she probably should be. Des had been working on the most minimal basics until she had a plan of attack for it. Ideas, of course, came to mind. Taking notes from her own training, long before Caltin had given her a second look on Kashyyk. In part she missed his guidance. He was always a warm, steady presence, a rock she could put her back to, or hold onto until she got her feet under her again. Others might not care for him much, but she owed him so much, even if their time had been short together. He was family in a way that very few were.

What can I do to not screw this up?

Just breathe, bug. A faint smile played across her lips. She recognized that voice now for what it was. The one that had been with her through all of her training. When she was floundering, when she felt lost. At times it felt like just the Force. Other times, her grandmother, Karlize. Maybe there wasn't that much distinction. But it always seemed to have just the right touch.

So, she took a deep breath and let it out slowly, turning it into a Jedi Calming technique with just a touch of the Force. "Yeah. I need to go for a run to clear my head. Or at least shut my body up. I'll eat after. You in?"

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[Milya Vondar]

Tag: Desbre Gensan

Milya watched Des for a moment, knowing her friend well and when she got quiet like this it meant she was in her head. She shoved another cracker in her mouth and crunched down on it before setting them down. She cracked a smile again at Des and shook her head “If you have a leaky brainpan we are both in trouble. I am only good for breaking things” she swallowed what was left of the cracker and pushed off the counter. She flicked a cracker over to Des and halted it right in front of her mouth with the force.

“Sure, let's go for a run. We’ll figure out food after." As soon as Des devoured the cracker Milya grabbed her hand and dragged her towards the door. “Caltin always said the outdoors was best for clearing your mind right? See I paid attention sometimes.” she paused again looking at what Des was wearing. “Running in that might not be the best idea actually” she laughed and turned Des around gently nudged her towards her room. “I’ll wait outside.”

Milya didn’t wait for a reply but instead headed outside and stretched a bit to get her legs ready for a run. She paused briefly and closed her eyes listening to the waves crash into the shoreline, the time here on the planet had shown her one thing, what peace actually looked and sounded like. She was lighter here, serene no doubt Des saw it too, but there were still things that weighed on Milya the she hadn’t shown to her friend. Maybe one day but not yet.

 

[Desbre Gensan]

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As Des went to catch the cracker with the Force, Milya had gained control of it. There was no need. instead, she snatches it out of the air and popped it into her mouth, then shook her head. "I wasn't gonna go for a run in this," she said with a giggle as Milya shoved her toward her room. "Swimming maybe, but not for a run." With that she stuck her tongue out at the Echani before vanishing deeper in.

A few minutes later she stepped out int o the morning light, wearing a pair of black form fitting lycra shorts and a rich blue sports bra, along with her chrono wrapped around her wrist. She jogged the short distance to Milya, then slowed, and stopped, joining in stretching. The air was cool with a gentle breeze and a thick marine layer of fog still burning off.

It felt good to stretch and move. It was one of the things she'd come to enjoy about training. A good stretching session late in the day always left her very springy and limber with a little stretching in the morning. It was something she did at least two or three times a day now and had been for years.

They didn't have a real weight set here, but she had plans to improvise one soon enough. That was something else she enjoyed. Using her body with resistance. She supposed that was a throwback to her genetics. Being nimble but also strong and sturdy for mining work. Runs were something she'd learned to enjoy. Or rather since she'd trained with Keeva all those years ago, had found something she could love. Running with the Force, using it for Speed and precision. It felt more like flying than running. And allowed her to push her body's limits. Since then.. she never hated it. Always looked forward to it. It was a different kind of freedom.

Feeling loosened up, she rolled onto her shoulders, then kicked sharply, popping herself into the air and onto her feet in a sharp kick/kip up. That was a fun little trick she'd taught herself years ago too. "Ready?"

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[Milya Vondar]

Tag: Desbre Gensan

Milya heard and felt Des approach as she stretched, there was a brief moment of them both stretching for a run and then Des was ready Milya nodded rising from the sand. And dusting herself off she turned in time to see des kick off the ground and launch herself up into a standing position. MIlya simply chuckled, “That’s one way to do it I suppose.” MIlya nodded “Ready to go” she jumped a couple of times in place before getting in a ready stance. She waited for a signal from Des and she started to run at first under her own power letting her legs get used to the speed, then she applied the force and she took off.

A testament to Des’ teaching ability, it was that long ago that the simplest of force abilities were beyond her reach. Milya, while frustrated time and time again had a friend that stuck with her and guided her, would she be the greatest force user of all? Not likely but at least she would no longer feel like a failure.

The thing that Milya didn’t enjoy about running was all the time that was spent in her head thinking about other things, some would say you should probably be focused on the run itself but when you have a head full of concern and regret you tend to dwell on it more than you should.

 

[Desbre Gensan]

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Des saw her leaning, waiting to break into a run and shook her head. She started off at a walk, then a faster walk. Then a trot, picking up the pace into a jog, stride slowly lengthening and picking up the speed until they were at a low run. A walk was good enough to help burn away the anxiety and stress built up in her nervous system, but a run opened everything up in such a different way. At a jog they could probably talk, but a faster run required more oxygen., more breath. Though it was still an easy pace. Both were athletic, Milya born from a warrior race, and Des's offshoot designed for hard work, hard labor... and both with years of intense physical training.

For Des, it was weird, but also nice to have someone to run with. The company was nice, and the occasional competition only sharpened both of them. There was no talking, not just then. For Des, Milya's presence was more than she needed, though she could feel her friend's turmoil brushing up against her. It was small, and she worked to keep it contained and to herself. It was less anything specific that Des could hear, and more like seeing the boiling clouds of a storm forming in the distance.

Milya had always kept to herself. Des supposed she was just trying to protect herself. And maybe she was protecting others from herself too. Some people were like that, knowing that they could say or do something at the wrong time, lashing out at the wrong person. And could do some real damage either with words or her abilities. In many ways, Milya was a living weapon. But she supposed, now, so was she.

That was another thing on her mind, was how to bridge that gap.​

Finally having settled into a steady pace, Des put her head down, accelerating, and began to pour the Force into her body, firing muscles harder, faster, making them work more efficiently. Her braid began to stream behind her as the air began to rush past, starting to cool the sweat that had started to glisten against her skin. "Come on slowpoke," she said, turning away from the beach and onto a game trail that had turned into a legitimate trail in the months they'd been there.
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[Milya Vondar]

Tag: Desbre Gensan

Was Milya running to somewhere or from something, that’s the first thing someone wiser than her would ask, the obvious answer was running from. Her young life had much trauma, not unlike Des but when trauma is internalized it eats away at you, when you make no effort to deal with it, it consumes your thoughts that is where Milya was, everytime she slept, when she woke, when she ran.

The only time her mind was clear is when Des was around, and true to form she came bursting up from behind unbeknownst to her just in time to pull Milya from her dark thoughts, a smile touched her lips as Des made he challenge, Milya crouched lower and leaned slightly more forward and then turned up the force even more.

Competitiveness was in the blood of the Echani, there was no scenario where she did not accept the challenge if Milya won or lost that didn’t matter. To challenge her meant she would give it her all. And so she burst forward at even greater speed, Des was always faster but Milya always strove to catch her or at the very least stay only a step behind.

 

[Desbre Gensan]

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Feeling Milya brighten up, tune in, and pour on the speed sent a grin spreading across her lips. "Should make.. you.. do this.. blind," Des called between breaths. She still trailed behind. She wasn't really sure Milya's senses and Force Sight were up for that yet. But at least there was a way to test things out. As they ran, Des matched pace, closing some, but not trying to overtake as the wind rushed past the two of them now.

Scrabbling about with the Force, she found what she wanted, low, off to the right. Latching onto it she gave a sharp pull. From the forest floor a thin stick shot into the air, tumbling end over end toward Milya. Not enough to do any real damage, but it would sting. Not meant to stop her or slow her down, but test her awareness, her reflexes, her speed.

Keeva had done the same thing to her all those years ago. She'd started with a good sized branch though. And rocks. The rocks. At first she'd hated it, but almost immediately it had become a game for her. And for a little while, pulled her out of a dark place, so much darker then. "Head's up," she called out on the tail-end of her throw.​

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[Milya Vondar]

Tag: Desbre Gensan

Milya kept her pace up, her exertion was intense but she had the endurance and stamina to maintain it. When Des called out she grinned at her taunting and laughed a bit between breaths. “Running blind in a straight line isn’t exactly a challenge”

When Des decided to hang back a bit she knew she was up to something though she didn’t know quite yet what she was up to, she sensed a change in the force ever so slightly and she turned her attention forward as Des called out her warning. She pivoted, altering her course slightly her eyes following the branch as it flew past her head.

A satisfied smirk touched Milya’s lips. ”That all you got Des?" She called out to her.

 

[Desbre Gensan]

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Des would have been disappointed if Milya couldn't handle a surprise missile, but as she challenged Des back, the Arkanian broke out into a grin. Of course, Milya was up for it. The woman had spent plenty of time dodging and deflecting blaster bolts, same as she had. A moment later a rock not much bigger than a marble shot out of the underbrush, speeding for Milya's torso from the front. A branch followed from off to the left, right on it's heels.

The path was anything but straight, as it wound and wove through the trees, . Ahead was a river where the trail led. There was a log across the water, but it was likely a temporary bridge, as things washed down from higher terrain all the time. But for the two of them it was great spot to cross in a leap, at least at speed. Des poured on the speed over-taking Milya, just enough to take the lead and break off toward the water which was still a ways ahead.

Off the trail, she vaulted and leaped over logs, or shot beneath another, using it as an excuse to change things up. The river wasn't far now.​

 

[Milya Vondar]

Tag: Desbre Gensan

Milya watched as Des surged ahead and she sighed slightly, she was going to feel this in the morning. She pushed the force down into her legs letting them surge forward even more; her breathing immediately became more labored, the amount of control Des had was certainly superior to what Milya could do, but that simply meant the Echani would have to push past her limits.

And push past she did, the Milya was pushing hard she sensed the rock hurtling toward her and reached out redirecting its path up and into the sky. As for the twig she slid to the side using the force, almost like she was skating on the ground she glided out of the path and then burst toward Des again.

Milya pressed on following Des, leaping, ducking or diving under obstacles. Des was skilled but Milya had sheer determination of not failing on her side, and when the Force was involved will was a very important factor. Though Milya knew she wouldn't have much left soon, pushing as she was it couldn’t be maintained for long, already the sweat was dripping down her back and her brow and at these speeds a stumble could be bad.

She wanted to hold on though just a little bit longer so again she pushed through but she did slow her pace slightly.

 

[Desbre Gensan]

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Tag: Milya Vondar​

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Des could sense Milya tiring. It was a good workout, and they were burning their bodies faster than a normal athlete would. Milya was strong in the Force, but perhaps not as strong as Des. And combined with getting shot? Bacta could do a lot, as could ryll. But it could still be a long road to recovery. Especially with the nasty weaponry that had been used on Millie. But, at the same time, pushing was needed. Gentle pushes. Last thing they needed to do was put Milya back in the hospital.

"Come on," Des puffed as she caught up to her friend, running side by side, slowing a bit, then bringing it down to a steady run. Still at speed, butnot flying now. Des lead them on, trying to ignore the sweat rolling down her body as well. Back home, on Arkania, sweating was bad. Sure it allowe done to cool off, but that could quickly turn to hypothermia. The offshoots had been made tougher, but on a warmer world like this... well. She tried not to think about it too much. It wasn't like she was in danger of freezing here.

Slowing more, she drew them down to a jog, then a trot. By now, the sound of rushing water had reached their ears, and within a few moments, Des lead them to the rocky shore of a river flowing into the ocean. The stones were all rounded and smoothed by the water and tumbling down stream. Many were dark, black, volcanic basalt type rocks. The air was clean, and misty here, coming from a short set of falls a short ways away.

Des ambled over to a small boulder and dropped down next to it, letting it suck the heat out of her body slowly. "Come on, let's sit for a few."
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[Milya Vondar]

Tag: Desbre Gensan

Des began to slow her pace as she came along side Milya, Des was being cautious, but for good reason Milya knew pushing too hard too quickly could be disastrous. If it had been a regular blaster shot that had hit her it would have been one thing but a slug that was superheated by trying to deflect with a lightsaber simply turned one projectile into a shotgun blast of superheated metal.

By all accounts Milya was lucky to be alive and being bedridden despite her numerous attempts at escape, her body had naturally weakened and while she continued to train there was always an understanding in her mind not too push to far too quicly. As Des finally slowed to a brisk walk the sound of flowing water hit her ears. Her body already running near its maximum she passed by Des and held up a finger. Milya waded into the water near des and tested its depth, it was cool with a brisk current nothing too strong, in the next move Milya dove under the surface dissapearing for a few moments before finally surfacing nearby her starting position.

A satisfied sight escaped her lips as she emerged from the water, she slowly walked to Des and floopped next to her by the rock. She gently wrung the water out of her hair and leaned against the rock. "Maybe, just maybe you are right and I need to take things a little bit slower." she gave a lopsided smile at the Arkanian and leaned her head against Des, while her hair was not soaked anymore plenty of water transferred to Des in the act..

 

[Desbre Gensan]

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Location: Classified​

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Des watched Milya head for the water, confused for half a second, then broke into a grin. "I was gonna do that in a minute," she said when the Echani surfaced again. She stared for a half second as Milya made her way out of the waves. The morning sun glittered across her skin that wreathed her in golden light. it trailed along every curve and turned her outfit translucent while it clung to her like second skin. Des finally tore her gaze away from the vision in front of her as Milya was almost to her. Only for it to wander back, watching her as she sat.

Desbre's skin was flushed, almost hot to the touch after the water. She made no move to pull away at the cold, almost clammy contact. Instead she smiled and for a moment seemed to take it in. A moment later her gaze lowered, and her hands stuffed together between her thighs. What the hell am I thinking? Biting her lower lip, she shook her head ever so slightly.

Training. Training. She still wasn't sure what she could really teach Milya. She'd gotten better with Alter: Move Object. Earlier was a good example. Her skills with a lightsaber were quite good. She'd seen that first hand on more than one occasion. Hand to hand, even injured, she was sure that Milya would be a nasty challenge. Milya was very physically oriented. That thought made her face burn. Great, I'm glad she can't see in infrared so much. Not that it matters if she's paying attention with the Force .. oh hells. Completely mortified, she pulled her legs up to her chest, wrapping her arms around her thighs, tucked below the bend of her knees.

What would Caltin do? She didn't know. Or any of the other teachers she'd had over the years. What would Grams do? Internally she scrabbled around, looking for purchase. Even as Milya spoke it was hard to keep her gaze from drifting toward her,, but at the same time she dared not look up just then. What would she even see? The question left a knot in her gut.

After a moment she took a deep breath and let it out in a heavy sigh, doing her best to let it go, to let the Force wash over her. But it was cold solace. What have I gotten myself into?

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[Milya Vondar]

Tag: Desbre Gensan

Milya chuckled as Des "I can go for another swim, it was very cool after all that running." Milya felt her tense slightly when she laid her head against Des' her relaxed mood changed slightly when she saw Des shift to wrap her arms around her legs and pull them up to her chest. She leaned up slightly and turned to look at her, seeing her skin flush she lifted a hand turned it over before pressing it gently to Des' forehead and frowned slightly.

"Did you overheat? I did say this world might be a bit too warm for you." Milya quickly stood up and grabbed ahold of Des' hands before helping her to her feet, holding onto one of Des' hands she led her to the water. As she stepped into the water she continued to hold Des' hand until she had her footing turning to watch her just in case.

 

[Desbre Gensan]

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Tag: Milya Vondar​

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The feeling and weight of Millie's head against her shoulder was welcome. A moment later she let her head fall to rest atop of Milya's, not minding the cold damp hair. Oh by the Force, kill me, she thought as Milya placed one cool hand against her forehead. Then cheek, checking her temperature. The concern that radiated off of the Echani, just for a moment, was palpable. Des smiled weakly and shook her head. "N-no. I'm fine," she protested weakly, but still allowed Milya to draw her to her feet.

Seeing where Millie was leading her, Des kicked off her shoes and picked her way over the frigid rocks. The water was cool, almost cold, but surprisingly refreshing. It stole the heat from her skin rather quickly. Still holding onto Milya's hand, she slipped below the surface, mindful of the current, feet planted. Facing upstream and tilting her head back she surfaced, plastering her platinum white hair back. How was she going to sort all this out. If anything she felt like going on another run. But there was nowhere to really run to. Only from. Running from Milya. And the job she said she'd do. And her own mixed up state of mind.

Gently she squeezed Milya's hand but didn't let go. It took everything not to hold on for dear life. Looking at the water, the river upstream, then the ocean it was draining into, then back at Milya, it was clear the gears were turning in her head.

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[Milya Vondar]

Tag: Desbre Gensan

Milya of course being who she was, didn’t take no for answer, he hand only clasped tighter around Des’ when she protested, not enough to hurt but enough to let Des know there was no escape from the Echani. Though she did stumble a moment when Des kicked off her shoes and followed after, that was when she was certain of her victory. Milya let out a sigh as she descended into the water once more. “The water is just the right temperature, let's just spend the rest of the day here.”

Turning she watched as Des disappeared beneath the water and though Milya had loosened her grip on her friend's hand she still held firm, when she came back to the surface Milya gave a gentle tug on Des’ hand she she moved toward the Arkanian “Hey Des, seriously are you ok? You seem very distracted?” Milya was inches away from Des, silver eyes studying her face with a look of concern. Softly she lifted their interlocked hands and she wrapped her other hand around hers.

“Listen, I know I am not the best when it comes to conversation, but I hope you know whatever it is you can talk to me.” she gave a soft and unusually genuine smile to Des.