Private Where Roots Run Deep

[Ala Quin]

​

Ala's eyes were wide with awe as she took in the breathtaking beauty of the Temple of the Elements. Everything about it felt otherworldly—the towering Wroshyr trees, their thick trunks seeming to stretch far beyond the sky, the soft, ambient glow from the bioluminescent plants that lined the paths. The air was rich with the scent of moss and earth, and the steady hum of distant waterfalls gave the place a peaceful, almost magical rhythm.

She walked with an almost giddy step, her hands brushing against the various strange plants that seemed to pulse beneath her touch, curious about everything. She found herself weaving through the common area, glancing at the local artisans working their trade and Jedi mingling in casual conversation. It was an entirely new world, and every corner offered something unexpected—colorful flowers, serene pools, quiet alcoves, and whispering winds between the trees. She could hardly believe she was here.

Ala's gaze then landed on a nearby fountain, where water cascaded in perfect symmetry. This place is like a dream... she thought, but as she took a step closer to get a better look at the glowing stones surrounding the water, her foot caught on a small, hidden root. She gasped as she flailed, arms windmilling in an attempt to steady herself.

Whoops!

With a quiet squeal, Ala managed to stumble forward into the fountain's edge, her body twisting in a spectacularly ungraceful way. She landed awkwardly, slipping off the stone, but caught herself before making a bigger splash. A small gasp of horror escaped her as she realized the situation. I just gotNow my my robes wet... come oooon.

She pulled herself up and straightened, looking around sheepishly. Luckily, there were no onlookers. She quickly took a deep breath and muttered to herself, "Okay, Ala... deep breath... it's just water... It's fine."

Still slightly embarrassed, she began looking around for Caltin. Surely, he'd be nearby. Where is he? He said he'd be at the Temple today, but... where? She started asking the nearby Jedi and locals if they had seen him, her voice filled with quiet anxiety. "Excuse me... have you seen a tall, big guy? Jedi Master Vanagor? About this tall, maybe with a lightsaber on his belt? Like...most Jedi would have..."

Some Jedi nodded in passing, others just gave her curious glances, but no one had seen him.

She sighed, muttering, "Typical. I can never find him when I need him..."

Determined, Ala continued her search, weaving through the crowds, hopeful that she'd bump into her overprotective older brother soon enough. Surely, she'd figure out this Temple... with or without his help.

Caltin Vanagor​

 

[Caltin Vanagor]

THE MORE THINGS CHANGE…
Kesh - Eskellen Mountains
Temple of the Elements - Starport

The Temple of the Elements was designed much like the Shadow Temple was, with a few serious differences. For one, the Starport was two to three levels below the Common Areas are now, where Ala is. Caltin is in the Starport, overseeing the incoming of ships with supplies, staff, and Jedi. There was still much to be completed in the construction of the Temple, but things were coming along, and the most important aspects (to him), like security were in place. The big man had no issue with death if he was protecting those under his watch(after all… Tython?), but others? That was a facet of his personality that has always held him back, and it was doing so here, thus the added security, like the biots, the Guardians, everything that was supplied graciously by Master Matsu Ike . Caltin was pleased with the progress, ensuring that the Starport's operations ran smoothly. The incoming supplies were crucial for completing the Temple's remaining sections, and the Jedi presence added an air of purpose to the bustling activity. Security remained his top priority as the Temple neared completion.

Connel was here as well, he was upstairs getting his gear together, getting ready to head out on a mission to the planet “Devaron”. The Shadow was really coming into his own, and proving to be out of the old man’s shadow (no pun intended).The Shadow’s growth was evident in his confidence and skill. Caltin couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride, knowing the young Jedi was stepping into his potential. With the Temple’s progress and Connel’s development, the future seemed bright, despite the challenges ahead. Right now, with the next wave of ships not coming in for a bit of time, Caltin could check on other things. However, that was not going to happen as he sensed something…

… or, you guessed it, someone

Her presence in the Force was as undeniable as always. So he gladly nodded to Knight Bucket who stood and watched over the construction of one of the lifts to the lower levels of the Starport and made way to a lift upwards. She was in the common area, and while he could sense her, she could no doubt sense him at this point. It had been some time since the two of them had caught up. She would sense him no doubt by now, but what she would sense would be something different. It was Caltin, no doubt, that had not changed, and there was nothing dark, or sinister about him, but she would notice a familiarity that really no one in the galaxy would at this point. She would sense the aura from “the old days”, the sensory power that made him who he was. Not the change that many had gotten to know and see to this day. There was no doubt a story there, but was there a need to ask about it?

He saw her fall into the fountain, and mentally chuckled, but didn’t say anything. He would however slip into one of the side rooms, not before requesting that no one give his location away, and look through some spare robes that were of her size. Finally picking one that fit her build, and her personality, he stepped out, the robe draped over his shoulder and looked.

Looking for someone?? He said with a smirk, offering the robe. You want something dry? Or is that the new Naboo look?

Ala Quin • TAGS are open but please ask first
[Text in Brackets is spoken on Comm-link] ~Like this is through the Force~​

 

[Ala Quin]

​

Ala spun on her heel at the sound of the familiar voice, curls bouncing with the motion, only to freeze mid-turn when she spotted the robe draped over Caltin’s shoulder.

She blinked.

Then narrowed her eyes.

Then exhaled a long, defeated sigh that might’ve carried half the Common Area’s humidity with it.

“You saw that, didn’t you?” she asked, reaching up to smooth out her damp sleeves with as much dignity as a soggy Jedi could muster.

She padded forward, shoes still squeaking softly against the stone path, and took the robe with a sheepish smile. It was perfectly folded. Of course it was.

“Thank you. I mean it. And for the record, no, this is not the new Naboo look. It’s the ‘I fell into a glorified birdbath because I got distracted by shiny glowing flowers’ look.”

She tucked the dry robe under her arm and glanced around, as if ensuring there were no more witnesses before adding in a mutter—

“The moss was slicker than it looked.”

Despite her embarrassment, her tone was light—teasing even—as she looked back at him. A grin tugged at the corner of her lips.

“I’ve missed you, you know.” Her voice softened just a little.

“They said you might be down by the Starport, but I got a little... sidetracked.” She gestured vaguely to the still-dripping edge of the fountain.

“This place is incredible, though. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Her gaze wandered again, soaking in the cascading light, the greenery, the softly drifting petals from above. She looked small amidst it all—like a spark of mischief in the middle of a sacred grove.

“Show me around later? If I don’t trip over something else first?”

She nudged him lightly with her elbow, her grin finally winning over her earlier fluster.

Caltin Vanagor ​

 

[Caltin Vanagor]

THE MORE THINGS CHANGE…
Kesh - Eskellen Mountains
Temple of the Elements - Starport

Stopping and putting hands on hips as he playfully glared at Ala as she faked a smile, nudged him, and even joked about tripping over anything again. He didn’t buy any of it, well, except for missing him. I miss you too. All the time. Still… there was something.

You’re going to make me do it, aren’t you? Sucking on his gumline with a “fecal” eating grin. He held up an index finger and stepped over to a computer panel before speaking out loudly to everyone in earshot.

Everyone! I’m sure that you just saw what happened to my sister here. Now, before any of you point and laugh… He said grinning. I want you to see that it can happen to anyone. Pressing a button lit up one of the projectors, and security footage of “The Room of a Thousand Fountains” lit up the South Wall. Master Vanagor himself was standing there quietly looking over the room, on the edge of one of the splash pools and sipping on what was no doubt a cup of caf.

Then… out of nowhere…

“BARK!”

A four month old Gallinorese Mountain Aak Dog, no, not “Buster”, but @Chrysa Vanagor’s new puppy “Cooper” being his ever rambunctious self.

Well, Caltin was fully engulfed in his surroundings, and the puppy scared the “Sith” out of him. The big man jumped about six inches in the air and ended up goofy-falling into the splash pool. What was he going to do? Be mad at a puppy who was now licking him in the face?

Then he saw the camera, and the footage ended.

There was laughter, but it was subdued as everyone was looking at him with a mixture of shock, surprise, and respect.

Caltin was of course looking at Ala with a smirk, after showing everyone his trademark “grumpiness”, even if in obvious jest. ”It” happens. Don’t worry about it.

The surprises were not done, as, speaking of “Cooper” he and Connel’s dog “Buster” were playing, running through and into the common area, saying “Hiiiii!” to everyone they came in contact with until Buster saw Ala. His eyes lit up and he TORE OFF after her, stopping short. Sitting in front of her, his tail going sixty parsecs a minute, his entire body wiggling and wriggling.

Connel was walking along toward them, he was in full gear, and his astromech “BRAD” rolling alongside. Chrysa as well, whistling and clapping for her puppy as she caught eye of Ala and smiled, not letting the girl get away from a hug. Of course Connel was next. I have to get going, but I wasn’t going to miss this.

Buster heard that, and the pup’s head dropped and he slinked up to his hooman. Of course the Shadow’s entire body softened as he picked his best friend up. I know… I know…. I won’t be long! You have to be a best friend to little Cooper! Cooper of course was now hopping up and down nipping at Connel’s knees. Buster took a minute to lick his face, and he was fine as Connel put him down.

Caltin was just looking at Ala. Now… what are we doing?

Ala Quin • TAGS are open but please ask first
[Text in Brackets is spoken on Comm-link] ~Like this is through the Force~​

 

[Ala Quin]

​

Ala's gaze immediately shifted toward Caltin as he grinned, showing everyone the hilarious footage of him tumbling into the splash pool. She raised an eyebrow, the playful glint in her eyes matching his.

“Oh, really? You had to share that?” she teased, crossing her arms. “You're lucky the camera didn't catch you squealing like a Togruta in a spice market.” Her playful tone softened a little as she caught his gaze, offering a warm smile. She knew he was just having fun, but part of her couldn’t help but feel a tiny bit embarrassed for him too.

As the video finished and everyone chuckled, her attention turned to the puppy antics. Cooper and Buster came tearing through the Common Area, their enthusiastic greeting sending Ala into a delighted laugh.

She crouched down as Buster bounded up to her, his excitement almost contagious.

“Hey there, Buster!” she exclaimed, her hands finding his soft fur as she scratched behind his ears. The pup’s tail wagged so fast it almost blurred. She chuckled at his enthusiasm. “Well, aren't you just full of energy?”

When Connel and Chrysa approached, she stood up to greet them, her smile widening at the sight of them. She gave Chrysa a quick hug and then turned to Connel, grinning despite his serious mission gear.

“Are you sure you're not just here to supervise the dogs?” she teased, nudging him lightly as she stepped back. She couldn’t resist the warmth of their camaraderie. The Shadow’s affection for Buster and Cooper made her smile even more. She even caught a glimpse of how gentle Connel could be with his loyal companion, something she hadn’t seen much of before.

After Buster returned to Connel's side, Ala took a step back, her expression softening. Her eyes returned to Caltin, and she shrugged slightly, a quiet, cryptic tone taking over.

“I’m going to find out more about my past... at least, I hope I do. I’m heading out with Master Phylis Alince to explore the ruins of that cloning facility... the one you saved me from. You know, Venetia's facility? It’s been bothering me. But...” she hesitated, looking at him carefully. “I’m telling you, just in case something happens...you are the one person I know who will always come looking.” Her voice was low, serious for a moment, though the air around her carried a sense of resolve.

“I’ll let you know everything I found out. Maybe it’s time we finally get some answers.”

Caltin Vanagor​

 

[Caltin Vanagor]

THE MORE THINGS CHANGE…
Kesh - Eskellen Mountains
Temple of the Elements - Starport

“You're lucky the camera didn't catch you squealing like a Togruta in a spice market.”

Quirking an eyebrow, he shrugged a moment later. It did, I had the volume down.

As the little reunion was happening, and Connel was promising his best friend that he would be back soon, another Jedi took a moment to show something to the big man on a datapad, it was nothing of vital importance, but needed his attention, he looked it over, nodded and sent the Knight on her way. Once Buster got busy showing Cooper how to be “such a cuuutey!” Connel could look and answer “Auntie Ala”

“Are you sure you're not just here to supervise the dogs?”

I wish… but duty calls.

Then when Ala started to explain what she was setting out to do, Caltin quipped absentmindedly… Phylis Alince , haven’t heard that name in awhile…[/COLOR] He was about to ask he she still did the visceral “harumphs” out of habit when more details came out. A little more serious tone crept across the massive Jedi Master’s face as he processed what she told him. She was not the little girl always in over her head that he needed to save every five minutes (or so it seemed). She was more than capable on her own… and his tone showed that… well… except for his left hand that hung down to his side. The left hand that was balled into a fist so tightly that it was shaking.

Memories of that time period flooded his mind. Recollections of events he had never told her, times that he did not want her to feel pain over. On top of all that happened. Connel noticed this after giving his mother one last hug and gave him a meaningful look, one that Caltin would know. The Shadow was about to forego his duties to the New Jedi Order and keep an eye on his aunt. Caltin shook his head subtly and momentarily so as not to cause a stir. As much as he wanted to do this. This was as much something she needed to do on her own. He didn’t like it, and didn’t hide it, but he accepted it. As long as you are prepared to accept whatever you might find out there.

As Chrysa took to playing with the pups, Connel took advantage. I have to get going. “BRAD”, you ready? The Astromech rolling up whistled excitedly. Let’s get going. Be safe you five!

Ala Quin • TAGS are open but please ask first
[Text in Brackets is spoken on Comm-link] ~Like this is through the Force~​