Private To New Friendships

[Phillip Slate]

Tags: Persephone Dashiell

Phillip stood outside the Dashiell Estate, taking in the sights of the waves ahead of him. Trying to put the image to memory, it was a beautiful sight and one that he'd want to try and imitate when he was back in his room with his supplies. After all, painting was the skill he was trying to refine at the moment. He might not be as perfect as his mother, but he was at least somewhat decent. Of course, that wasn't good enough for him or his family but he was trying to put that thought out of his mind as he stuck his thumb up for a moment, squinting towards the ocean.

"...I could go with a realistic blue for the ocean...or maybe more of a pastel colour? Maybe I should go for less of a realism piece...Oh. Wait. The time."

Considering Makai Dashiell 's very generous offer to Phillip, allowing the lad to go and look at the crystals and gems that could be found in Makai's mines, Phillip had decided it would only be right if he had brought some thank you gifts. He had already delivered a fair few of them, mostly in the form of small paintings, sculptures or jewellery that his family had given him. They would be better appreciated by the Dashiells than by Phillip. At least that was how he saw things. He basked in the warmth of the sun for a few more moments before taking his glasses off to rub against his sleeve. It was time for him to check who was next on the list...

Persephone Dashiell . He had no clue what she looked like if he was being honest. Now that he thought of it, Phillip probably should have asked for images to go alongside the names. It's fine! Persephone was such a...unique name, he was sure that it would be easy to find her! It's not like it was a common name, like Luke. Of course, he could just ask someone for help, but he was a strong independent lad! He didn't need to ask for help, that would just make him look incompetent. So instead, he wandered along the Estate, taking in the sights around him.

"...This seems like the kind of place my parents would like. I need to make sure they never come here. It won't be long until they start asking me when I'll get an Estate like this...Just because I'm not as good with money as they are..."

After a few long moments of wandering around the Estate...Phillip finally decided to cave in and ask for help. Whilst he would prefer to look competent, he had a feeling that walking around like he had no clue where he was going made it more likely that he'd get yelled at for being where he shouldn't be. So he took in a deep breath and just headed off to find the first person he could so he could ask where Persephone was!

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

Sitting up on her window bench seat, Persephone had the good fortune of a room with an ocean view. Her legs were stretched out as she surfed along the HoloNet, searching a high-end fashion retailer for a new dress. Something different to wear to the gala - which was the question. There was one eternally on the horizon, especially at an age where she could be considered a budding socialite. Looking up from her search, she spotted someone wandering the grounds. Security was tight at the Estate, so the person was a screened visitor.

Looking closer, it appeared the person was lost, looking at the ocean then looking around, as if searching for a building. Putting two and two together, Persie immediately knew who the visitor was here for ; Balun Dashiell . Her cousin always had weird Jedi types coming to see him and his boy. Trouble was the stone home was in the woods, her cousin living his best hermit lifestyle. Perhaps it was a test of wits and intelligence if one was able to spot the footpath that lead into the woods.

Putting down her datapad, she sighed and worked her way downstairs. No need to let this guy fail the test of wit and intelligence. Jedi were so difficult - why not give instructions to follow the path through the bright green lawns? Everything had to be dramatic and mysterious she had learned.

Stepping into the bright sunshine, she squinted, spotting the person still wandering. A teenager by the looks of it. Maybe here to be trained by Bale? She had come to learn he was quite the expert in herbology.

"Hey!" Persie called out as she crossed the lawn towards the teenager. "You looking for Balun? Gave you a mysterious message? You want to go down the sloping hill past the house...you'll see a crushed coral path. Follow it into the woods, you will find him there."

Phillip Slate​

 

[Phillip Slate]

Tags: Persephone Dashiell

His head snapped over towards the voice and blinked for a moment as he saw the source of it. And froze. Phillip's worsst nightmare had come to help him find directions. A pretty girl. Phil stuttered for a moment, as the lad tried to figure out what he wanted to say. Though it felt like his mouth and his brain had been disconnected as he jabbed his finger towards the bag he was carrying.

"I...No...Erh...Giving gifts to Mr Das-...I mean Makai's family. I'm looking for a...Persephone? Do you...know where she is?"
If he had full function of his brain, Phillip probably would have been able to put two and two together. The girl in front of him, he hadn't met yet and she looked around his age. He knew that Persephone was meant to be around his age but something about seeing a pretty girl who was also normal and not a Jedi had caused his brain to have a small malfunction.

"I'm...erh...Phillip. Slate...My friends...call me Phil. It's...nice to meet you. Erh..."

Breathe. The poor lad had to take in a deep breath as he steadied himself. He took his glasses off for a moment, rubbing them against his sleeve once more. Considering this wasn't any Jedi business, and more something he was doing personally, Phillip wasn't wearing any form of robes. Nope, he was just dressed smart but casual, as he then adjusted the collar of his sweater.

"I was...trying to find her myself...but it feels like I was walking in a circle...So I'd appreciate some help finding her...if that's alright...Do you know what she likes? I was going to give her a painting...but maybe she'd like a sculpture more? A necklace? I might have one of those left...Oh! Do you...want something as well? It'd be rude...to leave you out."

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

Phillip Slate​

Giving gifts to the Dashiell family? Brows furrowed. Persephone wasn't sure of the what and why behind the visit. Was this a teenager helped by the medical charity? Seemed odd then to be on the proverbial doorstep of their home. Scratching that idea, all she could come up with some type of business associate. Or son of a business associate.

"I'm not sure what Persephone likes anymore." Shoulders shrugged and she gave a small smile. "I wouldn't stress about such a thing though Phillip. The fact you travelled all this way is very thoughtful. I hope it wasn't too arduous of journey given the current state of the galaxy. Joiol is relatively quiet however. Just agriculture."

She paused, wondering if she should introduce herself yet. Not giving her name yet was just a way of ensuring the teenager wasn't a psychotic serial killer. Granted he had been screened by security but that didn't mean anything. If something was to happen, holding her own should be easy enough.

Holding out her hand in greeting, Persephone decided to just go for it.

"Persephone Dashiell, a pleasure to meet you Phillip Slate. My parents aren't home at the moment but my fathers personal assistant is, if you are here for pressing business matters. Can I get you a drink or anything while you wait?"

 

[Phillip Slate]

Tags: Persephone Dashiell

Phillip's face fell at the mentioning that the girl didn't know what Persephone liked. Drats, Phillip was hoping he could make a good impression with that but it appeared not. Though the girl did say that Phillip shouldn't stress about it...That was easier said than done at the end of the day. He was nearly always stressing, or overthinking about something. Perfection had always been key for him as he rubbed at his glasses once more, a little nervous tick of his.

"The journey wasn't...that difficult. I've had training that was harder work...But erh....Joiol seems to have more than...agriculture to me. 'Cause...erh...look at the views. They're beautiful. You...don't get those everywhere in the Galaxy."

He waved his hand around, as if saying there was a beautiful view wherever they went before turning his attention over towards the girl as she held her hand out, and he reached forward to give her a somewhat weak handshake. And then she introduced herself and Phillip felt like his whole world was starting to collapse around him. This was Persephone? He just made a fool of himself in front of her?

"I...You're Pretty? I mean Persephone? I...Oh. Erh...Give me...a second."
Taking a moment to just breathe in the air and calm himself down, Phillip tried to basically restart his brain. He could do this. Just talk normally. Reintroduce himself. Yeah.

"Like I said earlier...I'm Phillip Slate. A Padawan, with the Order of Shiraya. I met Makai at an auction, and he offered to let me visit his Firegem mines if I needed any gems or crystals. So...I wanted to thank him for his hospitality. Which...are what the gifts are for. I'm not just some random kid who gives out free art."

And with that, he took his hand back to rummage around in his bag to offer up a wrapped up painting to Persephone. It wasn't anything fancy in his eyes. Just a simple landscape work of the Gallo Mountains on Naboo lit up by the sun that he had decided to do after his recent visit there.

"If you don't like it...I can get a new one? Or I can make you one? I can paint the beach, or I can paint you?...On an easel I mean. Not...actually you."

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

"Nice to meet you Phillip Slate , a Padawan of the Order of Shiraya."

Mildly amused at being called 'pretty', she wasn't going to embarrass the fellow teenager any further by drawing attention to it. Seemed he was a bit of the nervous type to begin with. How he managed to get down into a Firegem mine was beyond her. Not that it was an overly dangerous operation on Tatooine, but there was an element of being deep underground with the crushing weight of the planet up above.

"I appreciate it. Really, I didn't need a gift. I didn't even do anything. I've never even been to that mining site."

Gently taking the painting, a critical eye looked it over. She didn't know the planet or that it was the Gallo Mountains, but it was beautiful regardless.

"You have excellent composition. I see you've used the radial line method on the mountains to make them backlit. A good example of contrast while still putting emphasis on the towering mountains. They have a large presence in the frame, as any mountain should." Persie looked at the teenager. "You are an artist as well? A hobby or a serious vocation in addition to your studies?"

 

[Phillip Slate]

Tags: Persephone Dashiell

Phillip nodded for a moment. What Persephone said was true. Phillip didn't have to bring the gifts, but that's why he did it. He struggled with what he had to do. His training, making his family happy, figuring out who he was. But when it came to stuff he didn't have to do? He enjoyed it. As much as he was a nervous wreck right now, Phillip was at least somewhat happy to meet a new person that wasn't related to the Order.

"Somewhat of a hobby, somewhat of a serious vocation. I'm from Moenia on Naboo, so a lot of my family are into the arts. I've been trying to impress them. I mostly work on painting or sculptures., since they're what my parents focus on...I have been dabbling in poetry as well. It's...freeing to write down my thoughts as an art form."

Slowly but surely, he was coming out of his awkwardness, now that he was thinking of Persephone as a fellow artist and not just a pretty girl. It was nice to be able to talk to someone with the same interests that wasn't his own family.

"It's why I'm grateful for my training. It's let me see sights I never could have dreamed of."

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

"Oh Moenia. The artists enclave. I've been there before, visited a few fashion houses. Its a lovely place. Would I know your parents? Are they famous? Or infamous?"

Persephone made a note to look up 'Slate' from Moenia on the holonet later on after Phillip was gone. Not everyone wanted to broadcast their parents or who they were. Phillip was perhaps the type that was trying to made his own mark. She got a inkling that may be the case after he mentioned seeing the sights on his own. Trying to strike out and be his own person perhaps.

"I'm sure you are very talented. Painting. Sculpting. Poetry. That is impressive."

Poetry she preferred to read rather than create. Sculpting? Never tried. Painting she was more into, having been taught for over two years now at this point. She was no expert but Persephone tried to hold her own. To learn more. It was more hobby than anything she could seriously live off of or make a name for.

"Did you want to take a walk? Or sit? I'm not sure how soon you need to return to...wherever you came from. I don't want to keep anyone from important Jedi business."

Phillip Slate ​

 

[Phillip Slate]

Tags: Persephone Dashiell

"I'd say somewhat famous? They aren't anything special. They're good enough to keep us well-funded, but not good enough for us to be rich and famous. Also good enough for me to feel like nothing I'll do is good enough for them. So that's fun."

He sighed to himself at that, running a hand through his hair in frustration. Phillip knew he should be more in control of his emotions and frustrations but he was still human at the end of the day. The whole idea of being a peaceful and fancy monk wasn't something that was suited for him.

"I'm not that talented. It's just...how a kid with my kind of parents end up. My sister is trying to break out into the music scene, whilst my brother is trying to work on dance as an art form. They're trying to be unique...whilst I decided being a Jedi would be better in the end."

Phillip shrugged his shoulders. For some reason it was easier to talk to Persephone. Maybe it was because she wasn't a Jedi, so he didn't have to reserve himself around her, plus since she wasn't family, he could talk about those issues without being judged either.

"Oh. I'm based on Naboo...but don't worry. We can take a walk. I have all the time in the Galaxy to spend with you today. I made sure to use one of my days off to come visit the Estate. I didn't want to be in a rush. So I can answer any questions about the Order of Shiraya...or about me? I don't know. I'm not...good at talking."

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

"Hmm, yes I know what its like to not meet expectations of the adults in your life. Seems your siblings have found the solutions and you have too. I'm sure being a Jedi is great for you. I mean, they haven't kicked you out yet."

As Phillip Slate mentioned they would be taking a walk, Persephone did a small jog back up to the house, placing her new piece of art on one of the patio chairs. She didn't want to risk messing it up by carting it across the expansive estate. A walk would be interesting, but she really wasn't sure what to ask Phillip about. He seemed interesting enough, it was more about not wanting to pry too much.

Returning to the spot she left him in, Persephone motioned towards the beach.

"Come on, I saw you checking the ocean out earlier. We can start there." A small pause as they got started. "Did you get the crystal you needed?"

 

[Phillip Slate]

Tags: Persephone Dashiell

"I haven't been kicked out yet...but I feel like I don't fit in. I'm not some cool badass like the others. I'm just...me."

Phillip shrugged his shoulders, shoving his hands into his pockets. There was a part of him that wondered if joining the Jedi had been a hasty decision. One that he'd regret. And maybe he did. But at the same time, Phillip wasn't the kind of person to go back on a choice once he's made it. He's a part of the Order now, so he was going to need to get used to it all.

"I haven't looked for any crystals yet, no. I just want to make sure it's...what the Force wills and all. I don't know. I still think it's a bit nonsensical still."

He flicked his hand out for a moment towards the beach as they walked towards it, letting a small wave of the Force push out from his hand. It was mostly a little way for him to show off, even if he wasn't meant to be using the Force like that.

"I'm not...sure what kind of lightsaber I want anyway. What type would fit me...I need to find a bunch of other materials as well."

He shoved his hand back into his pocket as they walked towards the beach, his eyes focused on the waves. There was still a little bit of awkwardness for him, walking and talking with Persephone but he was trying to ignore it for now.

"...So how's the water here? I haven't went from a swim in a while."

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

"So you haven't even gone searching for crystals or gemstones in one of the mines and yet you have come bearing gifts." Brows furrowed, finding it slightly odd. Perhaps there was more to the story. She wasn't aware of the details and supposed that maybe the standing offer when Phillip was ready to go on his journey warranted the paintings. "Sounds like you were just trying to get off Naboo for a bit."

Ignoring the Force bit, her shoulders shrugged.

"I'm not sure, I don't really swim. I suppose not too bad, my little sister goes in. Nothing has happened to her yet." Critical eye came to look Phillip over, assessing. "What are you going to do, skinny dip? A bit bold for a first meeting."

Phillip Slate ​

 

[Phillip Slate]

Tags: Persephone Dashiell

"Well...I thought your family would appreciate them more than I do. They just build up dust in my room. And...you're kinda right. It was an excuse to get off world...Naboo is great but...I dunno how to put it into words."

There was a small pout on his face as his usage of the Force was ignored. It was selfish of him to expect some kind of reaction. He had wanted to seem cool, and never thought that for some people, the Force just wasn't impressive.

"No, no. I'm not...going to skinny dip. It was just...an idea. For next time I come...If I come back I mean..."

Urgh. There went any sign of him keeping his cool as a small blush was coming over his face, running his hand through his hair in embarrassment. He was ruining his first introduction wasn't he? All of those negative thoughts about how he wasn't good at talking to strangers, or introducing himself was starting to crawl out of the woodworks and come front and centre to his mind. This was why he didn't have any friends. He was weird.

"So...erh...why don't you swim? You just don't like it...or something else?"

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

"Ah...I don't see why you wouldn't be able to return. Especially if you entertained Makai about crystals in any shape, form, or fashion. You may have given him an impression you are just as interested in shiny rocks. Let alone would earn you free reign on the Estate at any point. I mean you were allowed to visit us now..."

Persephone could easily see Phillip returning if he had barely even mentioned being interested in gemstones. Whether or not Phillip Slate would take the family up on an offer to return remained to be seen.

"Oh." A long, awkward pause. "I grew up in a massive city. Nothing bigger than a bathtub. So I don't quite know how to. Not well enough to be in an ocean. I can stand in the shallow end of a pool."

"Swimming has not been high on my priority list."

 

[Phillip Slate]

Tags: Persephone Dashiell

"Honestly? I think he might be more interested in rocks than I am. I'm just a fan of beautiful things. Crystals and gems come under that. So does the ocean. Music. There's a lot of things to find beautiful in the Galaxy. It helps...me to smile."

He nodded at that, mostly to himself. It was just the thing he needed to talk about to get his mind out of the doom spiral it was going on, turning his head over towards Persephone as she spoke, giving a few short nods. She came from a massive city. Interesting.

"I can always help you learn. There's no...rush for it. If the ocean is too big, I'm sure I could ask if you can come to Naboo? There's a few spots that would be safe to swim in that I can show you. If you want I mean. I don't want you to think I'm demanding it or anything."

It totally wasn't because he wanted to see Persephone another day. No. It was because swimming was...an important skill to learn. Yeah. That was it. He just nodded to himself, to convince himself of that.

"It's...nice to go under water sometimes. It's quiet."

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

"You would have to ask my parents. I don't think they would be thrilled about me going to Naboo with a boy they don't even know. That I don't even know."

Just a few years ago she would have made the case to her parents to go. To make them see the value in having her run off in every which way, to give her a chance to explore and see things she never had before. Now, after several heartbreaks, she didn't have that same spirit anymore. In some ways becoming more guarded. Less quick to act upon impulses that would just bring about m ore trouble in the long run.

"I'm comfortable not knowing how to swim. It really doesn't look all that its cracked up to be."

"It's...nice to go under water sometimes. It's quiet."

Underwater? Persephone shot a skeptical look to Phillip Slate as he mentioned this.

"I'm sure it is but realistically how long could you even hold your breath to enjoy it? I guess you could use a rebreather. " A small pause. "I will just take your word for it."

 

[Phillip Slate]

Tags: Persephone Dashiell

"Huh? My parents didn't care about me coming here..."

That statement caught Phillip off guard as he cupped his chin in his hand. Did it mean his parents weren't worried about him? No. Maybe they trusted the Dashiells...Honestly, he couldn't see how dangerous it was coming to visit Naboo but if it came to it, Phillip supposed he could talk to Persephone's parents. He just...had to make sure not to put his foot into his mouth.

"I get that. I won't try to push you into swimming. It's not for everyone. It's...just nice. To feel weightless for a moment. I guess you can get it out of zero gravity simulations as well..."

He kept his chin cupped as dozens of different thoughts were rushing through his mind, before stopping at the mentioning of a rebreather, as he glanced over towards Persie, shaking his head."

"Oh. No. No. I just mean...It's nice to hold your breath. Just hold your head under water. It's like time stops for a moment...but then you have to come back to reality.

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

"My parents just have different rules. They probably think you can hold your own since you're a Jedi and all."

So he lived with his parents? Perhaps it was something similar to what Bale was doing with his boy. Training but still living in the four walls of a familial home. Or maybe this Order of Phillip's was too poor to board the students. Persephone had never heard of the Jedi being too poor, they all seemed to be independently wealthy, but there was a first time for everything in life.

With shoes on, they were drifting towards the edge of the sand where it met the water but she didn't stray closer. No need to get wet when there was a wide swath of sand available to them.

"See the coming back to reality part ruins it for me. However, I get the sentiment. Glad you've found something that works for you. I'll stick to enduring the horrors for now."

A small smile, she was partially joking after all.

Phillip Slate​

 

[Phillip Slate]

Tags: Persephone Dashiell

"Eh. My parents think it's a joke. The whole Jedi stuff. It might be."

He waved his hand dismissively at that, sighing to himself. It might have been a joke and a mistake of his to join, but he wasn't going to admit that to his parents. He would stick by his choice no matter what. Sure, he'd probably have more credits if he decided to stay with his family instead of joining the Order but Credits didn't make everything. Okay, well...they helped to get most things you'd like, but Phillip didn't care about that.

Whilst Persephone stayed away from the water, Phillip stepped closer to the waves, crouching himself down gently to run his hand through the wet sand alongside letting the waves crash over his hand gently. It reminded him of how peaceful the Galaxy could be in some places.

"Trust me. I wish I didn't have to come back to reality. But...rebreathers mess up my hair. I have to take care of my hair. It's one of the few good things about me."

He gave his own small smile at that, glancing over towards Persie, blinking for a moment.

"...You've got a real nice smile, y'know that?"

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

"Your hair is nice. Proper haircare is vastly important. Many don't seem to realize the necessity of hydration for each type. Just a quick holonet search would put so many in the right direction."

As a teenager, looking her best was important at this stage in her life. Really, it always had been for her. So it wasn't surprising that she preferred to search the holonet for ways to make her appearance even better. Hair was one of those things that some didn't even seem to think about. Especially boys, although as she grew older, she found a number who actually seemed obsessed with their hair.

Hopefully Phillip Slate wasn't one of those couldn't-have-a-strand-out-of-place of guys.

"Oh, thank you." There was a small flush to her cheeks as he mentioned her smile. "I'm sure you tell that to all the girls. It works."