The First Day... (Open)

[Valae Heavenshield]

Valae blinked a few times. “A Sith?” She said, her voice a bit quiet due to her lack of understanding. “Is that something bad?” Valae added, marking the fact that she was still very new to everything here. Her attention shifted as the Twi’lek woman moved through their group and approached a lone figure. Valae’s brows rose slightly and she tilted her head to the side to get a better look, not that she was trying to be nosy, but she was letting curiosity get the better of her. By the way the two stood, it appeared that they were not well acquainted, or perhaps just very formal.

The new padawan’s eyes turned back to Audren for a moment, and she noticed the way he was watching the shadowed figure and the Twi’lek. There certainly seemed to be a connection between the word Sith and the masked man. “Oh, is it… him?” Valae asked, nodding her head in the man’s direction. It didn’t appear that the stranger was being overly threatening, though she couldn’t hear the exchange between him and the Twi’lek. She continued to watch the scene unfolding and saw that the two eventually shook hands. That was surely a friendly gesture, and now Valae was even more confused.

She decided to hang back and see what happened, she didn’t want to get herself into any unnecessary trouble on her first day.

[member="Audren Sykes"], [member="Zak Dymo"], [member="Rayliav'enci"], [member="Krux Mullarus"]

 

[Rayliav'enci]

She glanced over her shoulder, the feel of tightened reflexes coiled up like a spring.

A heavy sigh came from the deep blue Jedi as she rolled her shoulders back and straightened her posture. She could feel the anger spike from the young man behind her, the doubt and self loathing from Krux in front of her and the confusion from the girl. This situation could spiral wildly out of control and although she had her saber on her person, refereeing a fight between these parties was not on her list of priorities for the day.

She considered stepping away from Krux to assure the other three that the matter was well in hand with her but that could possibly alienate Krux. Nothing was ever easy with people.

"Well Krux, what can I help you with today?"

[member="Valae Kitra"] [member="Zak Dymo"] [member="Krux Mullarus"] [member="Audren Sykes"]

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

Perched in the trees, close enough for his keen senses to pick up the interactions from the now two groups of humanoids, the felinoid would cock his masked face towards one shoulder, then the other. The darkness that had welled up within him weeks prior had greatly diminished, no longer driven by blind rage and lust for revenge. But another here carried a greater taint than his own, though unlike the felinoid, this other had embraced his hate. His rage. The felinoid's own negative emotions were born of confusion and desperation.

But, what intrigued him further, was the Sephi's response to the 'dark one'. A smooth, rolling tumble would find the masked felinoid on his feet, strolling along at a steady pace towards the trio. As he strode, his cloak trailed behind him in the breeze, his twin curved saber-hilts hung at his hips, and across the small of his back one could easily see the hilts and sheaths of a pair of what looked like short-swords crossing his back. He took stock of the trio as he approached. The youngling was familiar to him, having participated in a group spar so long ago. Zak, the acrobat. The Twi'lek and the other masked entity were unknowns to the felinoid, as was the brunette humanoid.

Advancing on the trio, his mask dipped in greeting to the two he recognized. "Zak... Audren...." His voice seemed to linger a fraction of a second longer than perhaps would be perceived as 'normal' on the Sephi's name, before turning those molten golden eyes onto the young woman. Those eyes, visible through the thin slits in the mask took the woman in. Not just visually, but her aura, her purity. A slight tilt of the masked face, before offering a bow of greeting. "Ryn'Dhal." He'd say plainly in introduction. Turning his attention back to the glowering contest Audren seemed to be having with the other mask-wearer, Ryn couldn't help but chuckle. His light-haired friend was apparently well versed in making 'friends'.

"Dare I ask... Why such hostility?"

[member=Valae Kitra] | [member=Zak Dymo] | [member=Krux Mullarus] | [member=Audren Sykes] | [member="Rayliav'enci"]​

 

[Micah tol Powl]

There was something fishy going on.

None of the adults were paying any attention to him, which was usually a boon. However, in this case it was because they were all focused on whatever was going on with the guy in the corner. With the mask. And then the furry mask brah came.

Zak had met him, like, five times now and still couldn't remember his name. Then again, Zak was nine. He didn't even know the names of Thurion or Coci Heavenshield, the Masters of the Order. He only knew them as they related to Theo and Nina. Because those were kids his age, who would play with him.

If you were prepared to wear holes in the knees of your pants, get down and get dirty with some serious action figure play and work that street cred on the playground, then Zak would remember your name. Adults? Adults were a dime a dozen. Ain't no one got time to learn all those names!

But this? This was starting to feel like trouble.

And Zak knew trouble. He was usually on the receiving end of it.

Reaching out, the youngling took hold of the nice Valae lady's hand. "Uh, why don't we find you a room?" the boy remarked. If there was trouble, he and the new girl-person probably get out of the way of the Jedi.

More so if there was Sith involved.

[member="Valae Kitra"] | [member="Ryn'Dhal"] | [member="Rayliav'enci"] | [member="Krux Mullarus"] | [member="Audren Sykes"]​

 

[Krux Mullarus]

At this point, Mullarus could easily see the eyes of [member="Audren Sykes"] burning holes in his very soul from where he stood. Either he'd know soon, or already could tell he was his enemy not too long ago. He took a deep breath, then the kind blue-skinned twi'lek asked her question.

"Actually" he said, "I was really just...curious to see the other Jedi. Though, it looks like they'd...rather not see me. I understand. If leaving will stop the imminent strife, I will. I'd rather not make enemies my first day here."

Now that he thought about it, he was feeling a bit hungry.

"Which way to the caféteria?" he asked [member="Rayliav'enci"]. Accepting Master Harrison as his formal master to guide him down the Path of the Jedi and having a rather emotional conversation with his friend Tormax, whom he lent his starship, had taken a toll on him and Krux realized he hasn't eaten since he was impaled through the gut by the lightsaber of Darth Pyrrhus.

[member="Zak Dymo"] / [member="Valae Kitra"] / [member="Ryn'Dhal"]

 

[Dezoti]

And another to step through the doors! Well, figuratively at least. Krest found himself wandering to the crowd, curious on how the Silver Jedi tended to interact with one another. At the moment, peacefully, though with some tension? Why was that? The blue eyes of the Zabrak trailed over to [member="Audren Sykes"] , where the tension seemed to be emanating from. Following the blond mans gaze, it wasn't hard to figure out why.

[member="Krux Mullarus"] . Krest did not know him, but he could recognize what was a Sith from miles away. He had spent enough time around them. Not that Krux was a Sith though. The Light was there, suggesting redemption? Or perhaps an attempt at it. Which would hopefully succeed! The Dark was a blight after all, and just like death sticks, it was rather good to quit while you still could. For now though the red man would watch on, dressed in simple sand faring clothing with a lightsaber hilt on his hip. Krest really wanted to see what would happen.

[member="Zak Dymo"] [member="Ryn'Dhal"] [member="Rayliav'enci"] [member="Valae Kitra"]

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Valae heard a voice addressing Zak and Audren, and she turned to see another masked man. She could only see the newcomer’s eyes through the thin slits in his mask and she listened as he introduced himself. While she understood that there were likely many reasons for one to opt for a mask, it felt a bit odd for her to address him, as she couldn’t read his expressions like everyone else. Though, one could tell plenty about a person by their eyes, and he seemed relaxed enough, judging by his tone of voice. “Hello, Ryn’Dhal”. She said with a smile. “My name’s Valae, nice to meet you.”

She looked around for a moment and noticed that their group seemed to be attracting more attention. It seemed that Valae would have no shortage of new acquaintances, and she hoped that this would lead to friendships. Her attention was drawn in Zak’s direction when he took hold of her hand. As the young one offered to show help with finding her room, she nodded a couple times. How could she resist? “Sure, that sounds like fun.” Valae said in a light tone, as the pair began to edge away. Valae looked back towards to those that would be remaining behind and she waved to them. “See you later.” She smiled, there would always be more time to get to know each other.

“Ok, let’s go!” She squeezed Zak’s hand.

[member="Audren Sykes"], [member="Zak Dymo"], [member="Rayliav'enci"], [member="Krux Mullarus"], [member="Ryn'Dhal"], [member="Krest"]

 

[Rayliav'enci]

"Food always helps. It's this way, come on. I'll walk with you. I think I could use a snack myself."

Raylia motioned for the doors, her thumb pointing over her shoulder as a playful smirk tugged at the corner of her dark blue lips.

"It's hard to be a new person in a place sometimes. It helps to make a friend. You seem like you could use one, Krux."

It was hard to turn off the need to fix things once the empathic part of her had felt the hurt and pain in others. The quiet library or a dig site out in the wilds alone was a welcome respite to Raylia, and allowed her to refocus her energies on herself after being close to so many others. However, the empathy and healing she worked helped so many, it was worth the overwhelming emotions and pain to ease the troubles and hurts of others.

Krux might not have physical pain at the moment, but he hurt just as much. Ray could feel it now that she allowed herself to get a small impression of him.

[member="Valae Kitra"] [member="Krest"] [member="Krux Mullarus"] [member="Zak Dymo"] [member="Ryn'Dhal"] [member="Audren Sykes"]

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

Mask cocked slightly, confusion dancing across those golden eyes, before giving a slow shake of his head. Audren seemed content to stare at the other mask wearer, and the new girl was slipping away with Zak. A slight shrug would be followed by a shifting of weight as boots trumped down steps towards the blue twi'lek and the target of Audren's ire.

"Time. Just takes time...." His masked face would angle up towards the other, Krux, faint understanding showing in those molten golden eyes. "You'll be fine, just through time..." He smiled, the gesture mostly lost with the mask, but the tone of his voice and the slight glint in those golden hues would give a faint hint to Krux and Ray.

Having said his piece, he'd turn and begin moving towards the woods from whence he came. Glancing back towards Audren, he'd call out as his stride continued carrying him forward. "Breathe my friend. Breathe. Not all is as it seems." And without further fanfare, the cloak dancing in the breeze, the masked Jedi would fade into the darkness of the woods without another word.

​

[member="Rayliav'enci"] | [member="Valae Kitra"] | [member="Krest"] | [member="Krux Mullarus"] | [member="Zak Dymo"] | [member=Audren Sykes]​

 

[Audren Sykes]

Audren heard Valae's question and couldn't help but glance at her in surprise with an eyebrow raised. Wherever she'd come from, she must not have paid much attention to the outside galaxy. He'd been very much like that on Cholganna, uninterested in outside news despite it being available to him. He'd learned his history of course, how Sith and Jedi had affected the galaxy at large, but that itself hadn't delved into the Sith. Even now, knowing so much more than when he first arrived, he wouldn't be able to discuss overall Sith strategy beyond confusion and expansion. She'd learn though, and quickly. She was the Grandmaster's Padawan after all.

The chances of violent confrontation had gone down immensely once Rayliav'enci had approached the Sith. More and more people were taking notice now, some of them approaching. Ryn'Dhal and another the Sephi didn't know. As they closed, the Knight returned the inert hilt to its place on his belt and slowly released the Force power he'd gathered. If things were to devolve into a melee now, there were more than enough Jedi to step in. An unlikely possibility though. Just as the Knight was about to respond to the masked Jedi's question with an explanation though, Zak and Valae began edging away and made their escape with a wave and smile. A bit late, leaving as the situation was coming off of the knife's edge, but still smarter than not.

His momentary distraction there was enough for Ryn'Dhal to move towards the Sith on his own. At this distance, even the Sephi's sensitive ears couldn't hear the conversation around the Sith, but he could definitely hear the masked being's advice to breathe. Not all was as it seemed? The Force didn't lie, and the man was a Sith. The history was there, and the darkness was still there. Arguing would be a waste of his time, especially with Ryn'Dhal returning towards the woods, the Sith and Twi'lek heading into the Temple, and Zak and Valae off on their own goals. Without a word, Audren turned and picked up his bag, giving the red-skinned being barely a glance, then left for where he'd been heading in the first place: his ship.

Spoiler

Apologies, I post slowly at times.

[member="Valae Kitra"] | [member="Zak Dymo"] | [member=Rayliav'enci] | [member="Krux Mullarus"] | [member=Ryn'Dhal] | [member=Krest]

 

[Micah tol Powl]

Let's go!

Leading the Valae lady new type person inside of the Silver Temple, the Nautolan showed the older girl the cafeteria and then led her further inside of the hallways toward the dormitories of the Silver Jedi. Checking in with the Antarian Ranger's, who served as the temple guardians, the boy was able to get her issued meager quarters facing toward the Hanging Gardens -- a tranquil section facing outward, where the jungle overhung winding paths up the mountain.

Many people considered the views from that side of the temple to be breathtaking.

Getting some fresh linens from the service droids, and the absolutely obligatory pillow, the small Nautolan had the human, or very nearly so, girl set up with her own monastic quarters inside of the Silver Temple in little more than minutes. "The service droids can supply you with new clothing if you want," Zak noted. The Silver Jedi had, for years, been served by the clothiers of the company known as Sasori, with the standard robes being commonplace among the Voss Academy.

Nodding, obviously quite satisfied with himself for the effort, the small Nautolan turned and looked up at the taller lady. "Is there anything else that you need?" the boy asked. This was a start. The room needed some work. Maybe some posters..."Training saber? Lightsaber crystal? Datapads?"

[member="Valae Kitra"]​

 

[Dezoti]

As soon as he came, the rest left. Blue eyes darted around as the whole group dissolved, leaving Krest alone with [member="Audren Sykes"] , who was also leaving. The Zabrak couldn't even get a word out before the others had left, maybe he could get something with this one? A red hand raised up in a wave as a glance was cast his way, but as soon as his hand went up, the blond one turned to leave. A sigh escaped the lips of the older man as he moved his hand to rub the back of his head.

"I'm not too good at making friends, am I?" Krest mumbled mostly to himself out of annoyance. It wasn't anyone's fault in the slightest, just he had quite the timing. Or bad timing. Really, just bad timing. His blue gaze would move to the holoprojector, which had turned on upon his own arrival, giving it's message of welcome.

"At least you won't leave, right?" The hologram's message finished, and it shut down. A stare of disbelief was all Krest could muster as he looked where the Grandmaster's image was just residing. He let out a dry laugh, shaking his head ever so slowly.

"That figures."