Roots

[Choli Vyn]

[member="Trextan Voidstalker"]

Choli felt her ears burn. She'd caught some of the passing commentary, the murmurings of Trextan's uncle and his patrons spreading heat across her face that had nothing to do with the warmth of the sun. Thank goodness for stepping out into the bright sunlight. It gave Choli an excuse to bring her hand up to block off the brightness of the twin suns; never mind that she had goggles to begin with.

"Know anything about Drocken?" the inquiry was made to keep conversation focused on a specfic topic and not on the titters of the older woman nodding approvingly at the mention of a 'found himself a local girl..'

Janes would have likely had joined in to gossip as much as any magpie had he'd been here. Or maybe just embarassed her further.

Off a couple of more steps and R4 went rolling himself in between the pair, giving a few beeps as if saying, hey wait up!

 

[Trextan Voidstalker]

Trextan veered aside to let the rolling droid through. He hadn't quite worked out R4 yet. After his little telling off the droid had seemed to reduce the cheek a little. The youth didn't realise how far back they went. Looking down at R4 he did start to get the sense that he wasn't the only one after Choli's attention.

He didn't look up at Choli. That last comment had floated on the breeze a little too easily. Odd how the little pushes set things down different paths. If not for that comment, or the droid making some space, or her hand blocking out the sun he might have tried to take it.

"Not at all," Trextan replied a little wearily. "There are a few people he's said were nice who..." He finished the sentiment with an expression. A cant of his head and scrunching up his nose. "But maybe that's because I was small and easily scared," he chuckled. In hindsight walking hand and hand through a market like this probably wasn't a good idea anyway.

 

[Choli Vyn]

[member="Trextan Voidstalker"]

Choli swung her gaze back to Trextan, catching the way his face scrunched up and his hair fell over his brow under the shawl. He had the appearance of one who was still out of his element but was getting to a point where he could likely blend in. The glint from his shiny cybernetic arm, however, reinforced that they would need to do something about that soon enough.

"Well, you aren't small anymore." she gave him that, turning her attention forward. Note that she didn't mention about not being easily scared. Amusement made her eyes swirl in a jade green hue. The Bazaar around here was getting louder and more crowded. High noon would arrive soon, so shopping before the bulk of the heat would bake down was important. There were a few open stalls to the left and right, with their vendors peddling their merchandise. A few traders on their desert Banthas overloaded with salvage materials for trade, and a few moisture farmers selling their barrels of water.

 

[Trextan Voidstalker]

[member="Choli Vyn"]

It crept up on him as they walked through the market. It moved quietly to keep him from pushing it away. But then it had him and he was left bemused. He was enjoying this. Perhaps it was the connection to happier times. Maybe it was just stepping away from the Alliance and Jacen. Maybe it was a little of both and also getting to spend some time with Choli again. He perused the market with interest, but Choli seemed to approach it more directly as she looked for what they needed.

"I guess I've started to show you the bit of Tatooine I know," he said softly. His expression was slightly distant as he watched a jawa lead a beast of burden, laden with goods, through the market.

"Guess you get to show me some more of the parts you know. Do you like coming back here?"

 

[Choli Vyn]

[member="Trextan Voidstalker"]

[SIZE=9pt]They were both doing their own bit of tour guiding. Trextan had more of the city experiences whereas Choli would shine a bit more once they were out there. They both had their pros and cons, to say the least; although to be fair, maybe Trextan's memories were just a little bit more romanticized and seen through the lenses of a child than the ones Choli was used to.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]"Here?" she followed back up with, weaving to the right as R4 kept up with her brisk pace. Every now and then she came to a stop, glancing left and right as if to situate her self, "... some parts yes. Others no." no need to lie. Tatooine had its charms as it did its skeletons. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]"The heat can be a bit overbearing," she admitted, those hazel eyes swinging back to Trex. " But I imagine no one likes baking in their sweat."[/SIZE]

 

[Trextan Voidstalker]

[member="Choli Vyn"]

Trextan cocked his head to one side quickly, indicating that he was considering and mostly agreeing with the sentiment.

"I'll be honest I'm struggling a little bit already. Should have turned the heat up in that ship on the way here to acclimatise. Didn't really want to push any buttons if I'm honest," he chuckled.

"Not for sale!" he said suddenly as a pair of jawas quite obviously started hustling towards R4 whilst Choli was turned towards a stall. The pebbledrone retreated behind him until the jawas moved on.

R4 made a grateful sounding whistle and Trextan chuckled. "So here they take cover during the worst of the heat. What do you do out there?"

 

[Choli Vyn]

[member="Trextan Voidstalker"]

[SIZE=9pt]"If you don't stick close you know someone might grab you, Arr four." Cho gave a small chide at the droid, who immediately chirped back as if to say, not my fault! The two Jawa's attention, however, was quickly diverted to other far more interesting shinies. That is, Trextan's arm.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]"Jabuba ootan Ja Ji go! Poka Poka Janaba Jaka Oobani ho tra trini!" One cried out rather excitedly, moving in close to try and brush away the shawl that had been covering, for the most part, the Jedi's arm. Choli caught sight of it quickly, her hand extending out to bat at the Jawa's paw, rushing out in a smattering of Jawaese trading language, " Obantani hoona ba tootoo!" affirming that it was NOT for sale. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]"Jago ba boota!"[/SIZE] the taller Jawa countered, suggesting that everything is for sale. "Bano toni ta dooda? Esspa boo toni oobani bani?" an offer of barter along with the suggestion that they are good Jawas, skilled jawas, and can provide good trade. The smaller Jawa did his best to try and wiggle a little bit closer as if to determine just how high up that fancy shiny arm went to. So far, he made it just behind Trextan by his butt. A paw came out to try and peek under the shawl.

 

[Trextan Voidstalker]

"Oi!" Trextan said. He rounded on the jawa and pointed a finger at them. He used his right hand, which turned out to be a mistake. The jawa clasped two black hands around his own and pulled it closer for an inspection. Or more accurately it pulled itself closer.

Trextan groaned and tried to lift his hand up out of its reach. Instead he ended up with a small jawa hanging from his arm. It kicked its little legs in the air but carries on trying to appraise the arm.

"Ateeny oobatta!" It called out. Exceptional quality . It carried on jabbering, listing what it found and also expressing that they might struggle to find a buyer with the credits.

"Choli!?" Trextan's eyebrows came together as he looked to her pleadingly.

 

[Choli Vyn]

[member="Trextan Voidstalker"]

"Yanna kuzu peekay!" Choli added with a louder cry, glancing left and right to see if there would be any more little Jawa friends that might join the entrepreneuring Jawa attempting to negotiate for Trextan's arm.

"Yukusu kenza keena!" The one dangling on Trextan's arm quipped, back, attempting to back the first Jawa by suggesting they could make a deal.

"No, no deal!" She managed to switch from Jawaese Trade speech to Basic. Poor Trextan had the woebegone expression of a teenager who had absolutely no idea what to do. It was almost comical, how the insistent Jawa clung to his cybernetic arm, trying its best to test and see if --

"Oobai yasa ateenta nos keeta keeta!" The jawa hanging by Trextan's arm suddenly became even more excited. A rather industrious creature, it had discovered that there were added attachments to the arm. He was close to activating the shield in three... two...

"Okay, that's enough." Choli went reaching out, grabbing the Jawa by the scruff to tug him away from Trextan's arm.

"No sale!" She emphasized, glowering at the two Jawas.

 

[Trextan Voidstalker]

The jawas waved their arms emphatically as they backed away. Trextan dared not take his eyes off them as they went. The pair of determined creatures were nearly bowled over by cart of goods pulled by a tall, four legged herbivore. The jawas were as vociferous is arguing with the merchant about whose fault it was as they had been in bargaining with Choli and Trextan. They did at least seem to be easily distracted.

"Well...that was... a thing " Trextan said. His expression seemed to switch between annoyance and amusement from instant to instant. In the end he gave an exasperated sigh and shook his head. "Thank you for that. I think if they had been of them they have have teamed up on you whilst more snuck up and disassembled it off me before I could protest!"

 

[Choli Vyn]

[member="Trextan Voidstalker"]

[SIZE=9pt]"Come on before they latch onto you again!" Before Trextan knew it, choli took the Justicar's hand, her gloved fingers curling through his to drag him off. R4 gave a few encouraging beeps, not wanting to chance the jawas wanting to peer too closely at him and perhaps grab him![/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Tugging Trex, the Bedouin went weaving her way through the crowd. A few bazaar patrons moved out of the way, grumpy cries and annoyed glances shot at their direction.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]"[/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]Let's[/SIZE][SIZE=9pt] just find what we need before someone starts picking you for parts!"[/SIZE]

 

[Trextan Voidstalker]

During their stay in the hospital Trextan had come to realise that he was quite taken by the way Choli's long hair swayed as she walked. With it mostly tucked away he realised as he was pulled along that perhaps it was just as much the way her hips swayed. Choli wasn't a curvaceous figure but that didn't stop her being a noticeably feminine figure, even in the robes. Events had moved so quickly since that stay. He had barely been afforded the time to reflect on those days. Certainly they'd grown closer, but it was difficult to gauge where they stood. The mind could play tricks given enough time and could obfuscate the past.

What Trextan was certain of was that he didn't want to be left with just one arm again. Those memories were perfectly clear for some twisted reason. Blood soaked bandages and sheets. Medical staff not looking worried, but moving with a sense of purpose and urgency that betrayed how badly he'd been wounded. He could still feel the pain of that blade cutting deep. Trextan grimaced as he was pulled down a quiet side street made of stalls and tents. It was cooler in the shade here, fabric flapping in the light breeze overhead.

"There's no rush you know!" A voice called after them. Even here they were causing trouble together. His grimace became a smile.

"[What are you two doing rushing about for?] Called an elderly and familiar dug.

 

[Choli Vyn]

[member="Trextan Voidstalker"]

[SIZE=9pt]R4 managed to roll right behind Trextan's calves, bumping against the teenager and drawing both of their attention. All the while, Choli had kept a tight grip on the Jedi's hand. She had, after all, tugged him along with all grace of Bazaar bargain shopper. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]As if realizing how silly they might look, her grip began to loosen and if Trextan should move his fingers, would find them slipping away.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]A glance up at the overhead sign and the few sigils meant they were where Trextan's uncle had intended them to go. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]"With high noon coming, no one wants to stay out under the suns,". No more information than that, however, she took a step forward as if to get a closer inspection of his shop.[/SIZE]

 

[Trextan Voidstalker]

[member="Choli Vyn"]

Back at the hospital Trextan had been inexorably drawn into Choli's wake. That hadn't been as direct as being tugged along by a firm grip of the hand. She'd been in charge back then as well, even if he had resisted admitting as much.

Now, under scrutiny, he allowed her hand to slip from his own. The manner he let it go was a subconscious resistance. His fingers curled such that his fingertips clung for a fraction before his arm fell away. Trextan had never imagined that such a brief touch could send chills down his spine like that.

The dug clambered up the back of his stall and pulled himself up using the metal scaffolding that formed the frame of his stand. It allowed him to peer down at Choli and Trextan suspiciously.

[You off worlders?] He asked. Trextan was able to get the gist of the question, deciding that it would be best for Choli to answer.

 

[Choli Vyn]

[member="Trextan Voidstalker"]

The token inquiry of ‘You offworlders?’ always had some manner of connotation that suggested that anyone who wasn’t from around here was apt to be taken advantage of. Granted, Choli would muse, her color-shifting eyes drifting on over towards the Jedi, Trextan was rather apt to immediately stand out.

Choli gave a shake of her head from left to right, a quick response in the negative; although she did nudge Trextan forward. It would be easier to watch after him if he was in front of her rather than behind. The last thing they needed was for another Jawa or pickpocket to come along.

“Just gathering supplies.” the brunette said plainly, her eyes scanning over the merchandise. Hazel eyes flew back up to follow the Dug, watching his gruff manner as he sat himself down.

“That I have. That I have.” there was a mild measure up as if to determine just where they stood. Of course, Choli wasn’t the one who was green behind the ears. Now it was a matter if Trextan was going to say anything about being sent by his uncle.

 

[Trextan Voidstalker]

[member="Choli Vyn"]

Trextan was oblivious to why Choli had nudged him forwards. It wouldn’t have immediately occurred to him that it was to keep him within her line of sight. He knew he wasn’t a barterer by any means. He preferred things the way they were in the city. An item had a price on it and you paid it. Done. Better yet, you could order it off the holonet and avoid any interaction. He was aware enough to see it coming. The dug watched her carefully, trying to gauge her interest to measure up his first line. Trextan hadn’t noticed the sign. Instead he wondered if it would be appropriate to ask the dug if he was Drockon. He decided to phrase his question carefully.

“Do you know a Drockon?” he asked. The dug moved quickly for his age. Two quick steps and a swing over his knuckles and he was eye to eye with the Jedi.

“Who’s askin’?” the dug asked abruptly, seeing potential for some amusement in the situation.

“Oh… my uncle...Kellan. Well no, he said that Drockon was the best person to see about…”

“Oh you’re a Voidstalker? From the soft side of the family?”

Trextan wasn’t quite certain how to translate the second question. “Yeah…”

“What did you need?”

Trextan turned his gaze towards Choli.

 

[Choli Vyn]

[member="Trextan Voidstalker"]

[SIZE=9pt]From the [/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]soft[/SIZE][SIZE=9pt] side of the family.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]It took some for Choli to not give a half chuckle, instead, her lip gave a small twitch. Turning to glance at the Justicar in training, the Rogue could agree that perhaps on first glance, Trextan might come off as a little bit soft around the edges. However, the glint of his arm would provoke a different image in her mind; that of Skor and how they had both faced off that dark entity -- and how it had been Trextan, the boy from Coruscant, who had plucked her from the sky and saved her life.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Soft? No. Just inexperienced. There was strength in there that Choli admired - if a bit reckless at times. Granted, she wasn’t one to cast stones either. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“Desert gear, his size,” Choli said promptly, taking a step forward. Best get on with it, see what he prices it all. “Goggles, a breathing mask.” the desert sand would be harsh enough as it was without a sandstorm; in one they’d be lucky to breathe. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Her brows gave a small furrow, looking around to see what else Drocken had. [/SIZE]

 

[Trextan Voidstalker]

[member="Choli Vyn"]

“Ah good price for a Voidstalker,” Drocken mumbled as he dropped back off his tables and started sorting through several racks of survival equipment. “Good price.” His initial price was going to be nothing of the sort, but saying so would maybe convince the pair it was. The girl seemed more shrewd. A local guide probably.

“Might as well buy two sets while you're here!” Drocken called as he emerged once more. The clothing was slung over one shoulder, the long leg of one set dragging through the sand. The aging dug only came up to Trextan's waist but he drew himself up as tall as he could to size the youth up. Then Drocken rocked back onto his arms and used his hind limbs to toss the garments at him.

“Should fit, let me check for a mask.”

Trextan was thinking about how bad the situation could get out in the desert to need breathing apparatus. He’d heard tales of sandstorms that could strip the flesh from the bone. Were they heading into conditions that bad? More than at any time before he was glad that he had a guide he could trust. He didn’t know Choli that well - not as well as he would have liked anyway - but he knew he could place trust in her in a way he couldn't with a paid stranger.

“Worth getting two sets?” he asked Choli as he sized them up against himself.

 

[Choli Vyn]

[member="Trextan Voidstalker"]

[SIZE=9pt]That was the game merchants along the bazaar would play. It was a game, try and play up a sale and make it seem as if they were doing the patron a favor. However, the ‘favor’ wasn’t the sort Choli was going for. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]She took the first set of desert attire, her hands gathering the beige fabric in her hands. It wasn’t new, had seen some wear, and smelled weakly of sage brush and sweat. Likely either found, traded, or pawned off. None the less, it was of notable quality, no holes, rips, or blaster singe marks. Or blood stains, so all the better. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“Just one.” Choli replied, as she already had her own gear. They only needed the basics, anything beyond that was unnecessary weight they didn't need to carry.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“Here, try it on.” She tossed it over to Trextan, while deft fingers took the breathing apparatus into her hands. It also went through the same critical inspection. It was plain that Choli actually expected the Jedi to make sure they fit. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“This needs a new filter.” She added, those hazel green eyes meeting the Dug’s. Yup, local guide alright, and not one who was apparently willing to take advantage of the one who hired her. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“I’ll give you ten credits for the robes, and an additional fifteen for the mask -- another ten for a new filter.” Here they went. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“Those robes are at least worth at least twenty-five,” the barter had begun. [/SIZE]

 

[Trextan Voidstalker]

[member="Choli Vyn"]

The dug could be criticised for trying to upsell them unnecessary gear, but not for hs ability to size Trextan up. The young man eyed up their surrounds. This wasn’t because he was concerned about modesty in stripping down to a vest out doors, but because his arm was about to come out in full view. With no jawas in sight he slipped off his cowl and jacket.

He ran a hand through his hair, finding with distaste that it was already dusted with coarse sand. That wasn’t going to get any better through the trip, he reminded himself. He pulled on the loose clothing over his upper body and rearranged it. It was immediately apparent that it was cooler than the jacket he’d been wearing. The flowing fabric was even longer across his right shoulder and arm, obscuring most of the prosthetic.

Choli was in the midst of negotiating but he turned and gave her an enquiring look. He enjoyed seeing her in her own element. When pressed it was difficult to get a read on Choli. He was the one who had managed to make their time in the hospital together awkward, but it was Choli that tended to be reduced to ‘yeah’s when he took conversation into dangerous territory. Or did something rash like hold her closely as another battlefront moved towards them. She had been so very bold at first, it was a behaviour he hadn’t expected. But he thought it was sweet. True it was a little frustrating not knowing exactly where they stood, but he thought it meant he mattered. He hoped, at least. He liked her more like this than in her element in the cockpit. He didn’t have to hold on to anything and pretend he wasn’t forcing his breakfast to stay down. Just keep a straight face as the dug narrowed his eyes and put forth his counter offer.