Roots

[Trextan Voidstalker]

“Thank you,” he said, peering at the little jar as if it was an entirely alien thing. There was a pause that gave the distinct, and accurate, impression that he wasn't sure what to do with lip balm. He poked a finger into it and scooped out a blob before spreading it across his lips. It did seem to help.

He had misinterpreted what she had meant. If she hadn’t mean for him to get up then had she wanted to stay there? That was a good thing, he decided, but it was too late now. Why was it that they could communicate perfectly well except for when they started exploring the realm of physical intimacy that was new to them both?

Probably because it turns you soft in the head. And her too, he told himself. That brought a small smile to his lips.

He finished sorting his bedroll out, keeping it within arms reach of where she was sat. He realised he had got sand back between his toes again.

“I’m sorry I didn’t understand what you meant,” he said after he felt that his heart rate had dropped to a regular rhythm and he could think straight again. “I should have asked.”

 

[Choli Vyn]

[member="Trextan Voidstalker"]

[SIZE=9pt]Now they were bumbling over their miscommunication. “It’s fine.” she waved it off, offering the hand she’d used to run through her hair and dust herself up with a small gesture of dismissal. It was her attempt to play pretend that she was totally in control of the situation when she actually wasn’t. It was false bravado that the bulk of the Rogues back at the subversion clung to when out at the cantina when speaking to someone of interest. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Rocking to her knees, the young pilot gave a quick sweep of her surroundings. Yeah, have to fix my bedroll too. It did not slip past her that Trextan kept his bedroll within arms length from hers. Any other time she wouldn’t have thought anything of it. Staying close out here meant providing additional protection and another set of eyes. Normally, she’d suggest sleeping in rotations, but with the sand storm roaring out there, the chances of anything stumbling into the cavern was negligible. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“Just wait,” she added, making small talk and providing a little bit of a challenge to the Jedi then. “Next time, I’ll win.” she bent down, smoothing and dusting off her bedroll of extra grit and sand. Glancing up, she shot him a smirk from the shadows, yet her voice relayed that she meant it. [/SIZE]

 

[Trextan Voidstalker]

“We'll have to set ground rules next time. No Force. No stealing my arm and I won't cheat either!” it was a suggestion that would be completely forgotten at their next bout.

It was almost a fine mist in the air now. Only the lightest grains of sand had floated into the cave. It was almost pretty, but it reminded Trextan that he would need his mask back on before they rested.

Looking around he came to the conclusion that even of they found no crystals and had to return back to the settlement that it would not feel like wasted time. Not after what had happened so far. Not of they had to spend another day alone in a cave playing around to pass the time.

 

[Choli Vyn]

[member="Trextan Voidstalker"]


[SIZE=9pt]“So just taking all the fun out of it, Voidstalker?” Choli quipped back, sliding her bag around to prep as her makeshift pillow. In all seriousness, they really did need to rest. A couple of hours of sleep would do them both some good. Right now they were avoiding the heat of the blistering Twin Suns. To a degree, it was a blessing that the sandstorm had hit them at this time. The question now would be if it would dissipate within the next couple of hours or if it will linger for days. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“Whatever happened to utilizing skills of opportunity?” Her breathing mask gave a slight swing under her neck as she settled herself down on her bedroll. There was a brief flash of her face as she gave Trextan a mischievous glance. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“Not everyone is going to play fair with you and stick by the rules. Remember that.” Laying herself down, Choli came to rest on her side, facing Trextan. Her hand came up, fiddling with the straps of her breathing mask. While the fine floating debris was tickling her nose and throat, she wasn’t quite ready to clip it back on. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“Just helping you keep your skills sharp.” Her mouth gave a twitch along the right corner. [/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]Now[/SIZE][SIZE=9pt] she began to bring her mask back up along the lower part of her face. [/SIZE]

 

[Trextan Voidstalker]

His hand moved out, fingers hooking across the top of her mask. His thumb stayed on the smooth plastic edge as his other fingers reached for her cheek. A gentle brush brought a wide grin to his lips.

He unhooked his thumb and slowly took his hand back. If he had been more brave he would have moved his bedroll even closer. Unfortunately he wasn't. Even though his lips tingled more for have known hers than for the balm she had given him. Even though his hand wanted to stay resting upon her instead of being tucked back into his own roll. He stayed where he was.

He wouldn't find sleep quickly. The chemical lights still cast vibrant colours up the walls. The wind still howled and hissed. The idea of sleeping in a mask and goggles stirred a touch of claustrophobia within him.

“Sleep well,” he said softly. It was more intimate than having her asleep in the next room. She was right there within arm's reach. That too would keep his thoughts too active to settle quickly.

 

[Choli Vyn]

[member="Trextan Voidstalker"]

[SIZE=9pt]“You too,” was Choli’s quiet reply, her voice once again tinged with that metallic resonance. The skin against her cheek where Trextan had brushed the pad of his finger still tingled. Flutters went dancing in her belly. A deep breath brought in the warm filtered air up her nostrils and into her lungs. No more fine dust tickling the back of her throat. Funny that she would have preferred to be able to talk to him some more without it. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]For a few moments, the Rogue’s eyes lightly went searching in the dim lit cavern across the few feet towards where the Jedi lay. She watched him, observing him. A million thoughts were racing through her mind. Swallowing hard, Choli let out an exhale. Even with the distant roar of the sandstorm, it still seemed to resonate with volume. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Sleep. Rest. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Priorities. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]However, her racing mind was making it bit difficult to get there presently. [/SIZE]

 

[Trextan Voidstalker]

A low growl woke him from his sleep. He turned his head quickly. It hadn’t come from Choli, nor had it come from his own throat. When the noise repeated he could tell that it was just the wind crossing the entrance of their cave. Perhaps in his sleep his mind had attributed it to a feral animal. Now he was awake it seemed obvious what it was. Choli barely moved, her bedroll rising and falling slowly.

Another howl and then it was a whisper. That caught his attention. The whisper continued and Trextan wasn’t sure if he was genuinely hearing it or not. It drew his gaze back towards the entrance to the cave. He had felt something similar before. Back before they had started wrestling across the floor.

Something called to him.

He knew that out there was a storm that could abrade the flesh from his bones and bury his remains for a thousand years. Yet it drew him from his bed. Trextan had been so concerned about what he could do with the Force that it could take time for him to realise he could learn from it.

Making almost no sound, he slid from his bed and stood. R4’s light come on and then flicked back out again. The droid had a proximity alert for anything approaching but it likely assumed he was heading to the corner of the cave marked for bathroom duties.

That wasn’t where he was going. The whisper continued, more insistent than it had been before. Trextan slid his pack from the ground and padded across the floor of the cave barefoot. The lingering dust seemed to part before him, drawing him in. It was like moving in a trance. All he could think about was following the sound and setting one foot in front of the other.

When he reached the opening he was met by an opaque wall of shifting yellows and browns. There was no malice to the storm. It was a force of nature. It simply was. It was something beyond that which called to him.

Trextan didn't even cast a look over his shoulder before walking on. The storm opened up before him then completely enveloped him. He was gone.

Thirty seconds later R4 beeped an alarm. The proximity alert had been set ff. Not by something approaching but by Trextan crossing that threshold.





The storm continued to part before him and close behind him. It flowed around him but didn't bury him. As the winds changed so too did the visibility. There were moments of clarity where he could see the dunes stretch out ahead of him and moments where he couldn't see behind his own little island of calm.

His absolute conviction that this was the right course of action faltered. If Choli woke she would fear for his safety. Something moved in the storm around him. He turned to follow the shadow but it clung to the periphery.

All of a sudden it boldly drifted past his view. It growled in warning. The fabled krayt dragon. He could see it directly, just the dark outline weaving through the storm. Long and elegant it drifted on the winds.

Trextan stopped. Most of his being told him to press on but he grew afraid of what hunted him through the storm.

The noise of the creature grew. With a flick of its tail it sailed overhead. As darkness fell upon him Trextan reached for his lightsaber. The violet blade burst into life. The invisible walls of the little protective bubble seems to crack and sand filtered through to fall across him.

The shadow twisted and turned. Then it shrunk down in size from a length to a circle. It was coming for him. Trextan altered his stance, dropping his weight and holding his blade high. With each second the shape developed more form: sleek ears and a jaw. It roared as it emerged from the sand and fell upon him. Trextan swing his blade and everything went dark.

When his vision returned it was obscured by the sand across his visor. He rolled onto his side and reached for the hilt of his saber. Its weight wasn't right. The emitter had snapped clean off. The exposed crystal sparked. The storm drew closer. The shadow drew near.

Trextan was immersed in darkness. Like the depths of Coruscant where he often spent days without seeing the sun.

That wasn't a Krayt dragon. They didn't really fly, he knew. This was his nightmare of what one could be.

He looked down at the exposed crystal. It had been forged in hate. The anger bled out of the crystal slowly. He could not defeat his fears with a weapon made from hate.

He tossed it out into the dunes. His eye of calm grew once more, the storm kept at bay. He stood straight and walked on. The monster followed, flicking its tail angrily. He ignored it and eventually it returned to sand with a pitiful hiss.

He stopped. Not from fear, but because he had come to the right place. Trextan sunk to his knees as the wind picked up. Just as the storms could shape new landscape they could expose the old. The ground before him eroded away until something gleaming caught the light.


If Choli were to venture out she would find him not far from the mouth of the cave at all. A sphere ten meters across had clear, still air. And at its centre he sat, cross-legged and with closed eyes. At peace.

 

[Choli Vyn]

[SIZE=9pt]Choli woke up with a start. It was a quickening awareness, like the flash of lightning within a desert storm. It took a few seconds for the young woman to clear her slumber away; eyes adjusting in the dark. Didn’t take long to notice that the bedroll beside her was missing a particular Jedi. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Alarm went racing through Choli’s veins like wildfire. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]She sat up, the dark slant of her brows arching forward. Turning towards the pair of droids, she noticed that they were still deactivated. Did he go relieve himself?[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt][ Trextan? ] [/SIZE][SIZE=9pt] the query fell into the shadows of silence, only the light reverberation of her voice seemed to echo. Beyond that the sand storm raged on. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Concern soon was coated with the icy frost of dread. “Arr-Four, did you see Trextan go anywhere?” came her quiet inquiry, the girl attempting to keep her nerves calm. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]The Pebbledrone’s ocular sensor lit up. His dome gave a quick spin left and right. A curious ‘boop’ followed a long ‘wooo.’ He’d seen him step away about an hour ago. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt][ Where? ][/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]It was the treble in her voice that prompted the astromech to roll over to her. The answer didn’t help matters. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]He wouldn’t. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Coming to her feet, the Rogue barely scooped up the chem light to head out towards the entrance of the cave. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]He did. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]It was a jumble of emotions Choli felt then. So much so that she didn’t pay attention to the underlying flow of energy amidst the storm. She was angry. She was worried. Concern, frustration, alarm, worry. They all went bubbling inside her along with an incredulous - [/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]How stupid could he [/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]BE?[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]What part of staying out of the sandstorm did he not understand?[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]It was dangerous out there. One could lose their way and be buried under the ever shifting dunescape within minutes. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt][ Trextan!?] [/SIZE][SIZE=9pt] she’d yell out, the name swallowed by the howling storm. It was a stupid, feeble attempt, but that didn’t stop her from doing it. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Idiot![/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]The irony being that Trextan had finally stopped to simply [/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]listen[/SIZE][SIZE=9pt] while Choli was too busy wondering where Trextan had disappeared into storm to notice. [/SIZE]

[member="Trextan Voidstalker"]

 

[Trextan Voidstalker]

[member="Choli Vyn"]

He didn't hear her. His little island of calm was still surrounded by the raging winds. The odd flash meant that there was enough static for some kind of electrical weather in the storm.

He felt her. Everything was laid out before him as it should be. The storm passed over them as it was meant to be. Water flowed through those underground caverns as it was supposed to.

But her fear sent little ripples through the Force that brought him from his meditation. He didn't even recognise the array of components laid out before him around the crystal.

She was a tiny bit angry too. He was on the cusp of something here. In the flow and needed to return that trance like state. But what if she boldly set out after him in these conditions?




Choli, came his voice without it really being there. His form slowly faded into view beside her at the entrance. It was the same as during that scan when fear had driven him from his own body. This time,in such a focussed state, it had seemed an easy thing to do again.

 

[Choli Vyn]

[member="Trextan Voidstalker"]

[SIZE=9pt]Choli was never going to get used to having Trextan’s image appear so. It was unnerving as it was unexpected, her brows bunching under her goggles as she glared at the appareation. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]The girl had a way of being unaffected by any mental alterations of her mind, but that didn’t mean she wouldn’t see an application of the Force via apparition. The first time Trextan had done this very thing had been back on Skor, during his medical check up. Now he was doing it here. It was a little bit sharper — clearer. His use of the Force was becoming more refined.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Didn’t mean that the Rogue wasn’t going to give him a piece of her mind.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt][ Where the blazes are you?! ] [/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]She was equal parts angry as she was relieved. He had left without a word from their place of safety into a roaring sandstorm. Did he not understand what she had told him? Did he NOT understand how dangerous this was?[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]The more she thought about it the. more she was livid. Had I not been clear on what I warned him about?[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Nevermind that she wasn’t asking him what he was doing. For all she knew, he was lost somewhere in the Wastes and unable to get back. With no knowledge of when this storm would end, he could very well DIE out there with Choli having no way to help him.[/SIZE]

 

[Trextan Voidstalker]

For a moment the clear anger surprised him. Then he realised what this had been from her perspective. She had woken up to find him gone, with no way of escape except the deadly storm. A place he had no right to go exploring. She was his guide and he had promised to do what she had told him. Not going into the death storm hadn't even been worth stating.

He bowed his head, looking suitably abashed, then met her gaze again. Despite his waver there was a determination that was rarely seen in his eyes.

I’m safe, he said quickly. I’m not far. I’m sorry I should have said...it called me out there. Out here.

It was strange. Not quite like being in the machine where he had been blocking out the physical realm. He was still aware that his hands were moving. The wind occasionally cut through the little island of safety but the sand did not.

I’ll come back soon

 

[Choli Vyn]

[member="Trextan Voidstalker"]


[SIZE=9pt]It called him?[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]What did that even [/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]mean?[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]If it had to do with Jedi things and searching for his crystal, fine. But even then, this was rather ridiculous. It was well known throughout the clan that if one would wander off into the desert in a storm, they might very well well not come back. The desert provides life as much as death. It was a cycle. Perhaps, if she wasn’t as frustrated with Trextan then, Choli could see through a level head that the Jedi was learning and growing in the Force and how it interested with Tatooine itself. In everything.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]But all she could think about right now was the howl of the sand storm, the orange red tint of sand that went wailing left and right, preventing seeing anything beyond an arms reach. Already the sand was pelting the expose bits of her cheeks, prompting the Rogue to reach up to wrap and tuck the scarf along the lower parts of her face, until she was only a hooded figure with orange tinted goggles protecting her eyes. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]There was a wealth of words Choli wanted to tell him then. He would not be able to see the aggravated purse of her lips nor read her anger. Even her body language was difficult to discern under the protection of her robes. Yet one didnt have to guess she wasn’t at all happy about the situation. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Not far could very well turn into lost within minutes. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt][ Soon. [/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]So—? ][/SIZE][SIZE=9pt] [/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]A sudden burst of wind cut her off. She bit her tongue. Turning out towards the desert, Choli continued her glower. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]There were names for such senseless risk taking. In her mind, she could not equate this to any ritual the Sand People would conduct. Yes, they would risk going on a bloodrite in order to bring great honor, but freely walking into a sand storm?[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]The first clash of cultures began then. Without another word, Choli spun on the heel of her boot, turning back into the cavern. Her robes fluttered aggressively with every step she took, perhaps due to the disapproving wind of the storm. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Trextan made his choice. He could live with it. [/SIZE]

 

[Trextan Voidstalker]

His apparition watched her walk away. He wanted to follow her to talk to her. But where did he even start when he wasn’t even sure why he had ended up out in the storm. He felt something like insects crawling down his spine. It took just a moment to realise that back out in the sands his concentration was faltering. Those were grains of sand running down his back.

Trust the Force? There was balance here. That didn’t necessarily extend to keeping Choli from wanting nothing more to do with him.

The apparition faded as he could do nothing more but give himself back into the trance that had drawn him out into the wastes in the first place. There would be time to suffer the rest of Choli’s wrath later. If he deviated from the path now he probably would end up buried out in the wastes.

It was ten minutes before he returned. The howling wind suddenly faded. The wall of sand parted. A very humble Trextan walked slowly back into the caves and the way was sealed back behind him. For a few seconds he stood quite still.

A quiet sigh and he raised his head. He glanced around the caves as if waking from a dream. His expression quickly shifted. It had been just minutes ago, but felt like weeks since she had berated him.

This wasn’t going to be pleasant.

 

[Choli Vyn]

[member="Trextan Voidstalker"]

[SIZE=9pt]It would be Vee Three’s low hum of his stabilizers that Trextan would notice, followed by the flash of a green scanning light a little further in. That was R4, the Pebbledrone rolling over to the Jedi once he recognized him. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]A series of chiding beeps befell him then, chastising the teenager. Trextan might not understand binary, but in light of the situation, he could easy make a guess as to what the droid was saying. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Choli was crouching down beside her bag. She was already rolling up her bed roll and securing it to her [/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]urtah[/SIZE][SIZE=9pt], her carrying bag. Not like she needed anymore rest. In her state of frustration, she knew she wasn’t going to get any more. It was the first glimpse into what the Rogue threw herself into when upset, she organized and cleaned up their camp. Her ties were secured, neatly tucked in to avoid any hanging straps on her bag. Any trash or outward sign that they had been here had been dusted away, made to look as if creatures had merely settled down for a time. The blue halo light had weakened it’s glow, so it was difficult to even really make out much behind muted shadows. Choli wasn’t going to crack open another one. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]She heard him approach, followed by R4’s chatter. Her hands fused with the last strap, heart thumping and her breathing spiking. The young pilot had not even removed her scarf, the breathing mask or her goggles. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Part of her was relieved Trextan came back, that he was okay. Another was still livid. He said he would do as she asked. That it would be on her terms. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Her lips drew into a thin line again, all expression hidden behind the very gear used to protect her from the elements raging outside. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Well, here’s hoping he found what he was looking for. [/SIZE]

 

[Trextan Voidstalker]

There was a reassuring weight at his belt. His hand patted against the device that now rested against his thigh. He could still feel almost an afterglow of the creation. That crystal that was as tied to the dunes as Choli. His heritage was here too, his family from another part of the cycle of life and death that spun ever onwards on this isolated world.

R4 had said something rude. What was worse was that Choli said nothing. He had frightened her and she had lashed out. And he hadn’t done as he had said he would. How did he even begin to explain that? A higher calling?

His head fell to be slightly bowed again. She might have noticed that he didn’t even have his mask or goggles in place. It almost hurt to know that he had disappointed her like this.

There is no point, he told himself, feeling sorry for yourself.

He walked over to his bedroll. Vee hovered up and moved towards the entrance as if he didn’t want to be a part of this. R4, by contrast, sat quite still. His little head swivelling from one to the other.

“I’m sorry,” he said quietly as he started to pack his things away. They didn’t even know when they could leave, he thought to himself, but he wasn’t going to say as much.

 

[Choli Vyn]

[member="Trextan Voidstalker"]


[SIZE=9pt]The response was an automated sounding inquiry,[/SIZE][SIZE=9pt][ Did you find what you were looking for?] [/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]With the breathing apparatus used to filter out any sand, the metallic tinge that coated her question just seemed to escalate the sense of detachment. Or more aptly, a representation of the separation between them. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]As if satisfied with her clasp, she gave it one quick jerk to secure the bindings. Yup, she was angry. The question was if his apology meant anything right now. Well, Trextan [/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]meant[/SIZE][SIZE=9pt] it. He was properly contrite over his actions. Didn’t meant that Choli understood or accepted them. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]He didn’t know Tatooine like she did. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Nor was this a game. It almost shamed her to think of how they had been joking around earlier. [/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]Did that make him take this any less seriously?! [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]It made Choli question her own judgement as much as his. [/SIZE]

 

[Trextan Voidstalker]

[member="Choli Vyn"]

Trextan left his bed be as soon as it was rolled up tight. Instead of finishing his packing he sat on a flattened out rock and faced her. He wasn't sure if she was going to look at him or carry on packing things away in such an aggressive manner.

He could remember how scared he had been to hear she had been critically hurt at Mustafar. Then the fresh raw anger he had felt at those who did it. It hasn't been the same as the deep resentment that had driven him to forge a saber to strike down Jacen. There was no one here to blame but himself.

He raised his hands as if he was about to start talking and then stopped still. Another pause, then he continued. It wasn't the most straightforward thing to explain. He has to talk now. If he collapsed back in on himself again that hot, fresh anger could become something worse.

“Yes. And no. I feels more like I was offered what I came for more than I found it,” he said. He face screwed up into a grimace. He wished he could bring stories to life like she did.

“You remember Skor how I wasn't sure what I did? Sort of like that. That's not me trying to make an excuse, but I half woke up and it felt like something was whispering to me. I walked out into the storm and it didn't touch me. Then there was…” he decided to skip over the Krayt dragon part. “...my old crystal was forged in anger. It's buried out there now and the winds exposed something lost for me. I know I shouldn't have gone without telling you.”

He stopped talking and chewed on his own cheek. His small victory was beginning to feel slightly more hollow. How much was this going to have cost him? Not everything could be fixed quickly. He'd made enough mistakes already. He would make more.

 

[Choli Vyn]

[member="Trextan Voidstalker"]


[SIZE=9pt]With no other available item to organize or to pack up, Choli found herself an an impasse. In these instances where she felt angry, frustrated, or restless, she’d find herself organizing or finding something productive to do. It is why while on the ship, the Rogue more often than not was turning a wrench under a starfighter. It is also why the young woman might come off as a force of unyielding nature. Trextan had his first brush with that back on the Polis Massa sickbay. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Only that this time, [/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]Trextan [/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]was the subject of her vexation. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt][ Then you no longer need a guide through the Wastes. ] [/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]Choli followed up, hands coming to rest on her knees, body lined with restless frustration as she shot to her feet. Her figure was a quick rising shadow in the cavern, almost menacing swathed in her desert robes. One could see why Tusken Raiders were perceived to be violent savages then. Shrouded from head to foot, there was no real way to humanize them. All the more when body language was so difficult to discern, and in Choli’s case, what went on in her mind. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt][ We will head back to Mos Isla once the storm is done.] [/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]it was so matter of fact. Cut and dry. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]With no other method of expelling her frustration, Choli stood there for a few moments, body thrumming with energy. Under her goggles, her eyes were kaleidoscopic orbs of turbulent hues. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]She was upset. [/SIZE]

 

[Trextan Voidstalker]

Trextan chewed on the corner of his mouth. He bowed his head. He had no response to her stern response. If there were ever a battle of wills between the two he wasn't going to win, even if his mother's temper shone through.

Right now he didn't feel angry. That emotion had been truly quashed out in the storm. Instead he felt crushed and deflated. It had felt a great victory to follow the Force out to what he had come to find.

It turned out that her opinion of him mattered more.

With his hands clasped across his lap he waited for the storm to abate for a very subdued ride back to Espa. However, the storm was extensive. The centre of the weather front hadn't even passed over them yet and they had a lot of hours to burn in silence.

 

[Choli Vyn]

[member="Trextan Voidstalker"]


[SIZE=9pt]Unable to keep still amidst her brooding silence and Trextan’s contrite mood, Choli mentally checked off a list of things she could do. They were in this cavern system. Check. They couldn’t go out into the storm. Check. She already packed up everything else in their cases. Check. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Check. Check. Check. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]There was literally [/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]nothing[/SIZE][SIZE=9pt] else for her to do. Nothing. Nothing but wait. As the seconds went ticking by, even R4 was starting to feel a bit on edge. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Hoo [/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]— he barely had enough time to make a tentative sound before Choli cut him off. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt][ I’m going to explore the rest of the cavern.] [/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]meaning, go beyond their little camp. She had made a preliminary scout of the area, but she had yet to investigate further. Dropping back to a knee beside her pack, she ironically began to undo the neat bindings she had so viciously organized minutes ago. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt][ Stay here and keep scanning for when the storm lets up, Arr four. ] [/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]every word was coated with that androgynous metallic tinge, filtered through the breathing apparatus. It did nothing to discern her emotional state, but just the short, stern words she spoke was enough. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Plucking out a few glow sticks, she tucked them into her utility belt. She had a grappling hook attachment already, as well as basic necessities. A rope, I might need a rope. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Purpose. Drive. The Rogue was doing her best to fill her thoughts with mental checklists so she wouldn’t just explode. On one hand, she was furious. On another, whatever he did had to do with whatever Jedi thing he had to deal with. Choli didnt understand it, but it certainly didn’t seem to be reasonable. All that aside, he had still left without letting her know, risking his life, a life that he had placed in her hands as her responsibility as his guide, in jeopardy. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]That rolling frustration grew. Jerking the clasp back into place, she once again shot to her feet. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt][ I’ll return in an hour. ][/SIZE]