Roots

[Trextan Voidstalker]

[member="Choli Vyn"]

“Right, yeah…”

Trextan wasn’t breathing as she took her hands away. He hadn’t missed her keeping her eyes low. It was almost painful to feel so self-conscious all of a sudden. They’d barely had time to say hello once more before being rushed away by squib soldiers. At least they hadn’t crashed.

It felt like a wall ahead of him that had been built brick by brick by time apart. If only he could have stayed at the hospital longer.

His left hand came up, bringing the pale fabric draped over his shoulder with the arm. The back of his hand towards her he took her right hand before it could escape.

“Missed you,” he muttered. It took another half second to meet her eyes again.

 

[Choli Vyn]

[member="Trextan Voidstalker"]

He caught her wrist, encircling it as his hand took her own. That contact was the catalyst that brought her gaze up, breath catching a bit in her throat again. His hair was in bad need of a trim, dark forelocks peeking out from under the cowl she had just set over his head. It gave depth to the shadows along those hawkish features, the light barely cresting over high cheekbones and deepest brown eyes.

He missed her? Hearing that made her belly flutter again. Choli gave a rock of her heels and she knew her face must have turned another shade of ruddy pink.

"Yeah." Her throat bobbed. Where was the confident Rogue Lieutenant Commander now? Asmus would have been groaning in exasperation.

"Missed you too." Her fingers gave a small twitch in his hand, nervousness growing.

Of course R4-D9 was watching everything unfold. Oh this was going to be good.

 

[Trextan Voidstalker]

Her hand was warm. The backs of her fingers were smoother than the pads, worn by flight controls. Trextan swallowed. He hear the faint whirr of R4 twisting his dome from one and to the other.

Realisation crept up on Trextan. That he was holding her hand and doing absolutely nothing but look at her. His index finger gave a gentle brush up the back of her fingers before he brought them to his mouth and kissed them.

Be-arp

Trextan rather quickly let go of Choli's hand, assuming he was being admonished by the droid. Instead R4 had actually said "cowards".

"Right then. Think I should wear anything else?"

 

[Choli Vyn]

[member="Trextan Voidstalker"]

Unlike Trextan, Choli fully understood what Arr-Four beeped out. Now her face was flaming, and she also took a step back. Ducking down, the girl began to collect her possessions, ensuring that they were once again packed snugly into her bag.

"Arr four got check on how much fuel we need and such. And the rent for the space-- don't go taking the first offer, it's always too high." Of course, a way to make the busy body droid leave. He was bound to sass her more mo doubt.

"I'd make sure your saber isn't too obvious. That's a quick way to find trouble. Most don't like Jedi out here. " a hot puff of air blew the wayward strands of hair away from her face. She'll need to braid it back too.

"Don't know how breathable those robes of yours are, but your boots should be good. " they way she ducked her head kept making that thick hair slide forward, brushing her hot cheeks.

 

[Trextan Voidstalker]

"Sorry if that was, erm, too much," he mumbled. He hadn't been flying with his weapons on him so he opened the locker he'd stuffed his gear into. Trextan grimaced as he was greeted by the sight of start white robes with gold trim. They truly were awful.

He had a small bag. Urban camouflage rather that desert. GADF issued, but the same brand that had been used by countless militaries for hundreds of years. It was nicely worn too. Inside were some items, though not as neatly packed as Choli's gear. A compact bed roll, some rations and two water bottles. And suntan lotion. The justicar slid his saber into the bed roll before strapping his holster to his thigh.
[member="Choli Vyn"]

 

[Choli Vyn]

[member="Trextan Voidstalker"]

"Huh?" Too much what? Her hand was still tingling a bit upon the place he'd kissed her hand. Her thumb couldn't help rubbing over it, curling over and up.

She heard him shuffle around to the waning roll of the Pebbledrone giving an indignant be-ep!

This was all confusing and made choli feel even more out of sorts. Catching a glance over her shoulder, she saw him fiddle with adjusting the holster around his thigh.

Oh, he mean the saber?

 

[Trextan Voidstalker]

[member="Choli Vyn"]

"Erm," he replied. Now she clearly hadn't thought anything of it and he had to explain himself. "Stealing your hand," he offered quietly with a shrug. His attention was now fixed very clearly on the holster.

The occluder hand cannon was a heavy, robust looking thing. It was certainly obvious against his thigh. Jacen had always used one, but Trextan had struggled with its weight before losing his arm. After their discussion he'd been practising on the range. His prosthetic arm coul draw and fire in a blur now and his aim was much improved. Another smaller sporting blaster was in his bag. Just in case they needed a little more range than the Occluder offered.

"Silly thing to apologise for," he added before she could reply. He slung his bag over his right shoulder.

 

[Choli Vyn]

[member="Trextan Voidstalker"]



"Oh... that." Okay how do I answer? Wait, that didn't sound stupid right? Ugh, more angst went running down Choli's spine.

"It's fine. Just a hand." okay just play it cool. Wait, was that too cool? The girl bit her lower lip, returning her attention to her bag. Her fingers gratefully took the moment to busy themselves securing the ties.

For a second she had thought he meant the kiss after that bit, but it was all too confusing. Should I say more?

But then he seemed to be nonchalant about it. Unfortunate that Choli was not a Lorrdian to read body language and intent so the girl merely took the straps of the duffel bag and stood.

"You ready to go?" her quiet voice rang, a bit unsteady, brows slightly forward, unsure. Not her usual self. Those eyes of her swirling in a glaze of viridian gold flecked nervousness.

 

[Trextan Voidstalker]

[member="Choli Vyn"]

Trextan was anything but nonchalant. He gently tugged at his left earlobe with finger and thumb, then tried to pass it off as an itch. She seemed to want to change the subject and he was happy to go along with that. Unless that meant she didn’t want to dwell on it? No just a hand. She was right. Hadn’t even gathered the courage for a hug.

“Yep, all good,” he said. “Onwards to adventure. But mostly Uncle Kellan’s place. Do you know the way to Haydee’s marketplace? If not I have it on the datapad, but thought walking around with it out would probably see it pinched by a jawa.”

I wish I could read your eyes. Or your thoughts he privately thought to himself. Did she want him to kiss her again? Was she awkward because she just wanted to get this done with after agreeing to it?

The young Jedi told himself, quite firmly, to get a grip. It was just sometimes hard to imagine catching a break and actually enjoying himself and someone’s company.

 

[Choli Vyn]

[member="Trextan Voidstalker"]

"Haydee's Marketplace?" Choli swung her pack high, threading her arms through the loops so that she could secure the straps along her shoulders. It rested comfortably on her back, the girl hooking her thumbs on the straps just over her shoulders.

"I think so,". Tatooine was a world of scattered towns and outposts of varying sizes. However, things could change depending on circumstance. Choli studied Trextan for a few seconds, noticing how he would scratch at his ear, shift the conversation.

He had so easily hugged her at Skor. Well, maybe not so easily. Shifting on her feet, Choli took a deep breath. Well, no sense standing around here forever. They had things to do. Focusing on that made her at least feel a little less silly. Even if her hand still tingled where he had kissed it. Why had he kissed it though? Was he going to kiss her again then? But then Arr-Four came in and --

Said droid gave a solid thunk along Choli's right calf. "Hey!" Came her cry, almond shaped eyes swiveling over to the astromech Pebbledrone.

"Bossy thing. Did you figure out pricing?" That was fast.

 

[Trextan Voidstalker]

[member="Choli Vyn"]

Trextan was rather bemused by the droid's behaviour. If he'd spoken the language it would have painted more of a picture over the last few days. The droid did break the awkward moment but not in the way he would have liked.

R4 jabbered away, rolling beside Choli as they headed for the ramp. In fact the droid rolled at an angle that quite obviously placed its body between them.

"What's up with you?" He asked in amusement. Bashing Choli's shin and then rolling quite obviously between them seemed very rude. The droid swivelled its head and made a few sour sounding noises. Trextan decided that was enough. Lanky legs took a long stride and cut across R4's path and without warning he took her right hand with his left and drew her alongside himself. That wasn't going to far was it? He thought to himself. To walk holding hands?

 

[Choli Vyn]

[member="Trextan Voidstalker"]


"What's going -- on.." the sudden capture of her hand surprised her, as did the close proximity of Trextan when he came in darting close and drew her in. His hand was warm again against her own, shoulders brushing for a light bump before they both straightened.

"Oh, hey" heat rose again over Choli's cheeks, and she wasn't quiet sure what to do. Well it was just holding her hand right. That was okay. Just... normal. Well, okay not normal. Walking around holding someone's hand was a rather odd sensation for Choli. Taking someone's hand usually had a purpose. A handshake, grabbing someone off the floor, or taking an item that had been offered. Not just.. holding a hand to hold.

THe thought made her hand a little bit clammy, fingers lightly wiggling in his grasp. Arr-Four, of course, found this to be quite amusing now, after he had done his best to try and work between them.

Beep, beep, hoot, and lowwww whistle followed in a pointed, 'Oh, so now he is making his move!'

"Umm.. yeah, no. I mean." There she was stammering again, caught between answering Arr-Two and Trextan, on the whole, what was up.

"Sorry, he can be a bit sassy." Again, trying to apologize for Arr-Four, but at least she didn't move her hand away. It was nice. They came up to the airlock and the ramp. A press of her thumb would release the ramp, starting the low groan of metal and hum of hydraulics as the bright light of the Twin suns came pouring in. Immediately Choli gave a squint of her eyes.

 

[Trextan Voidstalker]

Trextan really wished he could know what R4 was saying. The droid made a sound that definitely had an edge of amusement in it. Yet the pebbledrone was also able to roll a path that displayed mild annoyance at having to go on the outside. It turned its head in as it rolled past them both, turning to watch Trextan as it went.

The Justicar found it amusing. Even if he'd been annoyed it would have drowned in the sea of satisfaction at Choli staying at his side with his hand enclosed in hers.

"It's fine," Trextan said. He was trying to keep the almost smug smile from his face. He worked his fingers between hers and closed them around her hand. They became a weight at the end if their arms he could swing playfully.

"Kellan will probably like him as much as he will you. Just as long as not too many people start hanging around trying to buy him. Actually he'll probably charge them for drinks."

Sand underfoot. That was a sensation he hadn't had for a very long time. Already he could imagine sand between his toes.

 

[Choli Vyn]

[member="Trextan Voidstalker"]

And just like that, Tatooine seemed to blast its way over her senses. The arid hot baking air, the almost constant haze of fine sentiment that floated with every push of the wind, the blindingly bright light of two suns.

"Gioo vl ghey gvi gredikoe hal guski vae henskibl!" «That will be five credits to berth your ship!» A sudden abrupt voice in thick ProtoBasic broke all happy go lucky illusions from Trextan Voidstalkers' naive mind. Things were not going to be so easy, and this was a wake up call straight out of the patchwork mess of a starship he'd received as a gift from Beequay.

Choli gave a pause, and one could almost see the distinct shift in her expression, a slight hardening of her features and the lift of her chin. The pair came to a stop as the Pebbledrone began a series of indignant chirps and beeps, the crown of his head swiveling back and forth between Choli and the Devaronian asking for more pay.

"We paid already. " the hum of the ramp closing shut behind them signaled that at least the ship would be locked down.

"Talked to the port master and gave his due. You aren't fooling no one by asking for extra credits"

Talk about a sudden switch in tension.

 

[Trextan Voidstalker]

[member="Choli Vyn"]

The devaronian managed to look at them both with amusement and disdain. The sharp point of a tongue moistened dry and cracked lips.

Trextan smiled. He didn't let go of Choli's hand. Time in the Justicars had introduced him to a range of criminals from petty to exceptionally dangerous. This was almost more normal than he would find day to day life in Espa.

The devaronian thought they looked young. Young and potentially naive. <<That didn't include...>>

"Didn't it?" Trextan asked. "We should go and check with him." He would have used the Force but Choli had made a note that he often overused it. The devaronian gave a shrug and moved on. Clearly not that naive. And well armed too. There were others to make credits off. Certainly their ship didn't look like it was worth breaking into.

 

[Choli Vyn]

[member="Trextan Voidstalker"]

[SIZE=9pt]The whole conversation from the outside looking in might have seemed typical. However, for Choli it still felt a little self-conscious because through it all, Trextan held her hand. It was at the same time supportive and comforting as it felt surreal.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]"Well, welcome to Tatooine," choli sighed out with a semi-annoyed edge to her voice. There were bound to be plenty who would try and take advantage. Arr Four went rolling ahead, chittering behind the departing Devaronian as if to chase him away. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]"Alright, let's get going. " a small squeeze to his hand and a brief flash of those hazel eyes. That he'd stood up and hadn't escalated the manner was met with a faint half smile. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]"Yeah, we look fresh out of the spaceport. Just keep an eye out and keep your stuff close. Pickpockets abound .”[/SIZE]

 

[Trextan Voidstalker]

[member="Choli Vyn"]

She almost had to tug him along. It wasn't just the smile. He'd seen her smile plenty of times. It was that it was definitely a smile for him. It had filled his thoughts before he remembered that he needed to keep some space for what was going on around them.


It quickly became apparent what she meant. Everyone here looked as if their clothes had been sandblasted for weeks. Trextan had felt as if his clothes had looked well worn, but by comparison, they looked brand new. The worst resident appeared dressed in little more than layered rags.


Subconsciously he tightened his grip on the strap of his bag. It would take a mechanical vice to prise his prosthetic from his belongings. The arm stood out too, and he regretted not covering it better. It looked far to smooth and well sculpted compared to the prosthetics on show here.


Another tourist, a falleen in bright colours, walked ahead of them. A gran angled his walk towards him, nimble fingers ready. Trextan didn't need the Force to confirm his intentions, but it did. Perhaps he should have been grateful not to be the one receiving attention, should have kept his head down. But there was too much of his father in him.


"Hey," he called out. It wasn't a shout, but a clear and directed call. The gran snatched his hands back and turned all three stalks on the pair. He looked at the arm and the handcannon.


Not many had the credits for gear like that. Too young to be a bodyguard of the falleen. Well funded mercenary gang then? Looked too fresh.

 

[Choli Vyn]

[member="Trextan Voidstalker"]

[SIZE=9pt]Oh, this is going to get interesting. Choli gave herself a small mental sigh, a little warning revealing itself with the slight squeeze of her hand upon his own.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]"Yeah... couldn't wait until we were at least a few meters away from the ship?" came her wry commentary, the Gran narrowing its three eyestalks at Trextan and at Choli. Arr-Four gave a chiding hoot, but to whom? Well, that was up in the air.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]The Gran took their fresh appearance and mentally considered just what it all meant. He weighed the pros and cons, but the possibility of getting something for his foiled pickpocketing overshadowed any possible disadvantage. He started towards them.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]"Is this how you typically make friends?" the girl would murmur to the Justicar beside her.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Maybe she could talk their way out of this. Doubtful, but maybe.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]"I wouldn't if I were you." Once again, Choli's eyes had hardened into slate, and she gave a slow graze along her the BodoBaas gunbelt.[/SIZE]

 

[Trextan Voidstalker]

Trextan offered the gran a thin smile. Perhaps he had embarrassed Choli already, he considered. Once he'd picked a course, he could stick to it stubbornly, particularly if he felt he was doing the right thing.

He felt rather than saw Choli's movement at his side. It clearly caught the attention of the gran because its three eyes left Trextan got the first time.

Trextan stretched out with the Force. The thief's aggression was a maelstrom in the flow. He tried to temper it just a little.

"That wasn't yours," Trextan added. His prosthetic fingers flexed outwards. The gran's eye stalks went from each of them to their weapons in turn. It's too lip curled up in a snarl. It grunted and turned away, giving them a dismissive wave as he went.

"See, good friends now," Trextan murmured. His heart was pounding in his chest. "Sorry about that," he added quickly. "I'll try not to do that again but it's a little hard to let things go sometimes."

As they walked on the droid gave a little whistle of relief. "Jacen says that he hopes one day we can be less like soldiers again and more like something the people want to see on their streets. Hope." His voice trailed off as he suddenly felt very silly. She made him so self conscious.

 

[Choli Vyn]

[member="Trextan Voidstalker"]

[SIZE=9pt]"Yeah well. Gotta remember that even though Arceneau Trade runs the bulk of operations here, plenty are quick to escalate matters. We don't want to stand out." it was an odd conundrum. Choli could understand the desire to try and make things right or do what was right; however, sticking your neck out here on Tatooine meant you had to weigh the pros and the cons.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]A glance around would search to see if anyone had caught the movement from Trextan. Someone was always watching.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]"Come on," Choli added, this time the one to walk with purpose and tug Trextan along beside her.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]"You're arm is a bit too shiny for the locals. We'll need to get you a jacket of some sort. The cowl will only do so much." the sound of chatter, music, and the wafting smell of grilled meat and hydraulic fluid was a rather noxious combination. Add to it the fine film of sand that floated in the air and burned the lungs was the seasoning most could do without. For Choli, she was well used to it. Tatooine was a medley of scents, sights, and senses. Mos Espa one facet. The Wastes another. Even the Western Dune Sea had its own unique aroma; hot sand, dry sage, and dry baking heat.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]"People make a living off pickpocketing. Same as those who salvage... or trade in slaves. Most now call it indentured servitude, but it is what it is. "[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Arr-Four went weaving in and out, keeping up with the pair. They rounded a few pourstone buildings and a cantina playing a catchy tune.[/SIZE]