Session export: Social Bonefire

[IC] Social Bonfire

“Oh,” came a voice from nearby. As the invitations had been issued and word had been spread, it had eventually reached a set of bat-like ears curled at the tips and sparked both curiosity, excitement, and care.

The meat, was…well. Unbearable. So much so that he had stopped his breathing altogether, which admittedly left little by the way of concentration to keep his bare toes from aching in the marrow with cold. But it was fine.

For there were friends to meet, and litluns to greet.

“Who is this?” a willowy, tall figure in a dress asked. His lavender skin was rose-bloomed with a chill at the cheeks and elbows and ears and nose, his saffron eyes and scales bright, but not so bright as his iridescent, metallic hair that shone and shimmered in the firelight, tones of violet melting into carmine into goldenrod. His tail flicked shyly behind him, and he bore a basket on one arm, the other absent a hand. “Ah, Mistress, ma'am.”

A deep bow was added in greeting of the handler.

Melissa was beside the bonfire, helping watch over the various meats. They were all cooked by this point but they were kept so that they’d remain warm until cut. The young woman was wearing a pastel red combo, a long sleeved crop top and skirt with gold trimmings. She had brown boots on, mostly at Anderson’s insistence when she departed from the Astral Drake to not return leaving muddy footprints everywhere. Considering how stressed everyone on the ship was, Mela had opted to go along with it this time. It wasn’t her favourite, but it’d keep the peace.

It was a lovely day and while the invitation was less directly for the Echani, and more so her seeing it occuring through her visions, no one had batted an eye at her appearance. Bar one, at least. A Vulptax had decided she was rather interesting, a small thing compared to the group they’d split away from that was now sat beside her. The company was good, at least, and the air abuzz with activity. If one ignored the circles under her eyes, she was perfectly content.

With arrivals beginning to come in, she glanced over at the path to ensure no one got lost. It wasn’t really her duty yet, it was one Melissa was opting to take up while the family handled so much else.

Thane sighed, tugging at his shirt’s collar. At least he wasn’t stuck in his usual gear. It was like a precursor that he was about to deal with political tomfoolery. Like donning a cloak of stuffy arrogance with a side of stick up your—right, anyhow, he had opted for a rather casual turn of attire for the ‘cookout’ as it had been described to him. He wore a plain, water-proof black jacket with a buttoned grey plaid number underneath. His pants were a dark denim fabric and he was able to pair it with exceptionally comfortable beige loafers.

Naturally, after their initial meeting, the local farmgirl had failed to contact him. Now, as he discovered later through means that rhyme with “James” (well, more than rhyme) and a subtle so-called abuse of power, Thane was able to figure out that his contact had failed to save on her end.

Hilarious.

Almost as hilarious as the diplomatic notification to Ood explaining Thane’s presence and destination. Yeah, that was one of the conversations of all time.

But, it was now in the past and Thane was sitting on a transport bound for the outskirts of Lulaire’s family farm. He would walk the rest of the way, naturally, as he tended to do. He liked the mobility of his own legs. And the quiet. Mostly that part.

And so, the Deputy Grand Master gave a nodded farewell to the pilot as he disembarked. He again tugged at his collar before sliding his pale hands into his pockets. The walk was nice, the cold nipping at his ears with every gust. They began to turn red but he showed no other outward signs of discomfort. Then he stepped into the glow of the farm’s lights and had to blink rapidly as his sensitive eyes adjusted.

Alex’s soft bootfalls carried him toward the blazing fire, a medium-sized crate obscuring most of the torso of his valet droid Steven who followed behind him. Tucked into the armored boots belonging to his beskar’gam were a pair of well-worn denim jeans, the fabric clearly thinner at the knees and along the outside of the left thigh. A blue-and-black plaid shirt rested below black suspenders, each side bearing a silver clasp in the shape of a Mythosaur skull. His green eyes sheltered from the bright flames behind a pair of sunglasses - silver frames with reflective golden lenses - riding atop his usual casual grin.

“I understand there was no imperative to do so,” his voice rang out as he indicated for Steven to set the crate he carried down on the table clearly designated for hard drinks, “but it is against my nature to attend a social event without some sort of gift for the host. A case of 22-year Single Malt Tevraki whiskey from my personal stores; to be enjoyed by the guests of this bonfire and any left by the end for the host to keep or distribute at their leisure.”

The KX droid, now unencumbered, straightened out the custom-tailored maroon tailcoat he wore and turned his impassive faceplate toward his charge.

“If there is nothing else for now, Master Alex, I should like to retire to the edge of the area. The smoke and ash from the fire will do little of any good to my systems, and I would prefer not to have to replace my filters outside of schedule.” A brief, hard stare was delivered to the metal butler before being driven off with a shake of the Mandalorian’s head and a half-hearted wave of the hand.

“I had hoped you would at least attempt to enjoy yourself here, Steven, but if you insist on playing the wallflower it is not in me to stop you.” Alex turned his attention to the path approaching the area of the get-together, looking out to see who else may arrive.

From down the path, someone spotted a speeder creeping toward the bon~~e~~fire. Some of those present guffawed at the three massive hover containers tethered behind and the one driving, who was obviously too big to be doing so. The chromium plating gently reflected orange flickers of light from the fire as it slowly approached to reveal Furios Morega bringing who knows what to the gathering.

“Anyone want to help me unload this thing?!” he called out as the vehicle came to a stop not far from the group.

The Epicanthix was dressed in the dusky robes of a Chief Inquisitor, his hood up and cloak drawn tight to protect from the chilly night air. The tall Sith exited his speeder gracefully and moved to the first tethered container. It opened with a hiss as cooled vapors escaped the sealed box and the hinged lid rose to reveal an expansively wide variety of different meats. It held everything from Bantha steaks to Voorpak ribs, with everything in between.

Melissa jogged over, waving to Furios. She peered into the container, letting out a soft woo at the sheer amount of additional food.

“I think you just doubled our stock! We have plenty on the fire already but we can get as much of this as you want ready to go on next!”

She lifted a single steak, and quickly realised she would likely be a very slow helper. Still, she smiled.

The air was thick with the scents of roasted meat, tilled earth, and woodsmoke. The bonfire’s flames cast a living glow across the homestead, sending long shadows swaying over the ground. H’Grah’s towering form emerged from the edge of the farmland, his steady tread as deliberate as the beat of a ceremonial drum. Dark-brown fur caught the flicker of firelight, braided locks swaying against his shoulders, each bound with leather worn soft by time. His lightsaber hung silent at his side - not as a warning, but as a quiet part of him, no more dangerous than his own heartbeat.

He had been pulled here by the Force, though not by urgency or danger. In his meditation earlier that day, the currents of the Force had shown him an image - a warm fire under a wide sky, and the scent of animals in their element, unafraid. It was a vision of peace, and something within it whispered of rest, not for the body, but for the soul.

As he crossed the boundary of the stead, the chorus of life touched him all at once, each mind brushing against his like ripples in a still pond.

A nerf, contentedly chewing, thought only of the rich, dry sweetness of the hay in its mouth - and of guarding its pile from the tooka, whose sleek mind darted like a flickering shadow, plotting how to sneak closer without being chased away. The strill pups by the far fence played a chaotic game of who could bark loudest, their thoughts a whirl of I win, I win, I win! that shifted instantly to I’m cold, I want the fire, before tumbling back into play.

The bantha’s presence was a slow, unhurried wave, basking in the comfort of heat radiating from the bonfire. Its thoughts moved like drifting clouds: Warm here. Belly full. The herd is safe. Somewhere farther off, the low, almost song-like hum of grazing eopies murmured to one another about the taste of the grass and the satisfaction of a day without predators.

Some animals noticed him more keenly. The tooka’s eyes followed his approach, catching the way his steps disturbed the ground just slightly - not from weight, but from a presence it could feel more than see. The bantha turned its head ever so slightly toward him, its deep-set eyes holding no fear, only the vague recognition that this being was kin to all life here.

H’Grah opened himself to them in return. His thoughts were calm, a gentle tide that reassured: I bring no harm. I come in peace. He could feel the Force threading between them all, uniting predator and prey, Jedi and beast, in the same quiet rhythm.

He wondered, briefly, why the Force had brought him to witness this. Perhaps it was a reminder that the galaxy’s storms were not endless. That somewhere beyond the battles, the peacekeepers, and the shadows, there still existed pockets of pure, unfiltered harmony.

As the fire’s glow painted his fur in warm tones, H’Grah stepped deeper into the stead. He was not here to disturb this balance - only to honor it.

“Yes, Miss Lula!” the man all but squealed, a happy purr rumbling from him and sharp teeth like her own showing in his giddy smile. He took the bottle with ease, though hesitating in eyeing the roba’s size compared to his half-arm. “Hello, little hungry mushroom. I would love to feed him, is it very much like humanoid litluns? I have raised many of them, but only fed a few infantile animal species. This was not one of them, but Miss Shadow had motts, voorpaks, tookas, porgs, vornskrs like Mistress Tahiri…” He rattled off a list.

“Uh… I think I can just handle it myself… thanks though,” he stated, mentally noting the significant difference in physique.

Furios watched the interactions of the various sentients and quickly realized that he must have misread the invitation. This was not, in fact, a bonefire, but just a plain ol’ bonfire. He surmised that not only had he brought too much meat for this event, but the second container, which had every type of alcohol he could find, and the third container, full of dried and polished bones for burning, were going to be of little use to anyone. The presence of children made it more apparent that neither of the latter two containers should be opened by anyone but him, so he slid the key card into a small, secretive pocket under his cuirass that could only be accessed by reaching in under the neckline of his armor.

The Epicanthix closed the refrigerated container full of raw meat and untethered it from the cargo chain, moving it away from the rest with a small heave. He reconnected the two remaining containers to his speeder, intending to leave them both locked unless the situation required chilled liquor or skeletal remains. Gripping the meat box tightly, he dragged it over to where it needed to be for cooking. If any were not going to make it on the fire, the container would be right there to store it.

“Excuse me… pardon me… on your right…” the Plagueian offered to whomever he needed to get around so he could maneuver the container of meat into the right place. With his contribution provided, he took an open seat by the fire and relaxed, reminiscing for a moment about the last bonefire he’d attended.

Bweep boop…

“Shh, Skeeter, just keep your feed going and try not to draw any attention to us.”

One guest was not at the bonfire like the rest. Instead, she had made the very wise and premeditated decision to watch from the shadows of a nearby brush of bushes. The Zygerrian had a pair of quadnocks around her neck, despite being able to very clearly see everyone milling about the fire without them. Also the fire kind of made the cool night vision features less effective. STILL. It just felt weird to do a sting operation without goggles, so she had brought them in her kit.

Her focus was on the Lord. She had to make sure no one ruined the magic, and revealed his true identity to the Farmer. For by some miracle, Lulaire was one of the few members associated with the Brotherhood that was chronically offline.

Zig Kaliska wore combat fatigues and a longsleeeve shirt with a camouflage pattern on it. Her still-short-cut hair was nested under a military-style cap she’d borrowed. She had two streaks of black eye paint under each of her eyes.

She was also covered in leaves in parts of twigs. And her stomach threatened to rumble at the smell of food.

Still. The mission continued. The fate its success still hung in the balance…

Furios was musing about his previous bonefire when he noticed something amiss in the brush nearby. Without a word he slipped away from the gathering and approached what appeared to be a Zygerrian woman in fatigues watching from afar, accompanied by an ID-9 unit.

“Ahem,” he faked clearing his throat. “The party is over there. Also, black stripes on your cheeks are pointless. Should have gone with the full black and green,” he suggested, waving his hand around his face indicatively.

Zig froze and tried to go still as stone. She swallowed the sudden lump in her throat. Maybe if she stood really, really still, no one would-

Her stomach rumbled loudly. Her floating droid made what could have been a sigh-like beep.

“Er…noted,” she said as she carefully stood up from the bushes and tried to dust herself off. She spit out a leaf that somehow got into her mouth with a puff of her cheeks.

She sheepishly approached the bonfire, her auburn skin and indigo hair now making her stick out even more. “…howdy folks,” she drawled.

Melissa laughed somewhat sheepishly, nodding and stepping back so Furios could handle the goods himself. It waas rather much.

However she did walk ahead to help guide him to where to place the box before drifting back into the group. “Howdy Zig.” She waved as she passed by, the fire highlighting her silver hair with warm flickers of red and yellow. She didn’t recognise anyone else, noting a man interacting with a droid and offering him a wave too.

She made a note of the faces, reaching out with the Force to sense over the group. The dark and light side alike meshed, with many who had no ability in the Force. It was lovely.

Zig waved at Melissa, then suddenly realized that she hadn’t checked her datapad in a bit. She quickly went for it, and checked her messages. There was a missed few from Esen.

Zig typed back a quick update of her position/status.

She then saw her last message from Zuza was unread. Probably busy doing what she did. She had manged to send an emoji reaction in their group chat with Vez and her. So at least Zu knew she was in system, but no impetus.

Hm.

There may have been a grievous miscalculation in attending the bonfire on Thane’s side. As his black-gold eyes flit from face to face, an internal counter kept going up. So many people. People were exhausting.

However! There were also so many creatures and plenty of space to become scarce should the need arise. That was good. Know your exits and what not. Still, Thane kept himself contained as he always did and strode up to the flames themselves. His hands were still firmly in his pockets (because why else have pockets?) while he stood with the flickering light dancing and seeming to make his eyes shine. The heat licked at his features and brought a faint red blush to the surface just through natural transference. It was nice. A bit of cold contrasting with the waves of heat.

Now if he could find the refreshments…

It had been some time. She had heard about the farm at the festival she had run into her brother again after so long, but circumstance kept her from finding the petting zoo then. And then, she had tried to find out about it through traders passing through Aldebaran Station.

Now, she had found it. A nice, big farm. Away from the bustle of court life and away from all the hidden snakes in the Empire. Miho rather enjoyed Kasiya the last she had been invited to what amounted to a bar crawl with the Emissary and her brother.

She also remembered the trip home being fairly miserable as the hangover made her skull several sizes too small.

No drinking this time.

She looked up - and up - at her accompanying guard and smiled. “Primarch, I appreciate you attending with me.”

The mountain towering behind her in golden armor grunted softly. “Madam Councillor, your propensity for traveling to places that might not be friend is…”

She seemed to think for a moment, her soft voice always exceptionally hard. “Known. I will not have the same antics you pull on the twins.”

From beneath her wide brimmed hat, a small trill came from the little droid clutching the back of Miho’s jacket. <<This one knows you too well.>>

The small Odanite growled under her breath. “This is exactly why I ditch all my nursemaids. You’re all busybodies. I just want to find the animals. Maybe some food later. Is that acceptable to you two fusspots?”

Miho pulled the front of her hat lower over her face and flushed a soft pink. To hear these two tell it, Miho was forever getting into trouble no matter where she went.

Not that they were wrong, but still. Wasn’t it rude to point it out so openly? Pips whistled happily as the pair started walking towards what seemed to be animal pens.

As the number of guests rose and the time needed to get his hands on fire-roasted meat was dragging on, Furios was starting to get a little antsy. He decided to take matters into his own hands and bee-lined for his speeder.

Once there, he fished around in one of the vehicle’s storage compartments and found himself his casual drinking thermos, marked with a hand-scrawled label that said “Furios’ - Do Not Touch” in basic. With that in hand, he also fished the key card out of his armor and, quickly glancing around to make sure no mischievous children were in range, unlocked the refrigerated container full of liquor that was tethered to his speeder. Finding a bottle of Korada Chalice, he uncorked the icy vodka and filled his thermos with the clear spirit. Sealing his thermos and corking the bottle, the Epicanthix returned the remaining liquor to its refrigerated container and locked it again before stashing the key card back in its hidden pocket and clipping the thermos to his belt.

With his drink situation covered, the Plagueian turned his attention to meat. He waved through and around the various sentients mingling about to arrive at the refrigerated container he’d brought that was filled to the brim with carnivorous delicacies, some of which he’d gone out and hunted himself. Digging through the menagerie of choice cuts, his hands found what he was looking for, one of a few packages containing a full-sized kod'yok tomahawk. He shuffled the remaining meats back into place and took his prize back to his seat, pulling the chair closer to the fire and catching a few glances from various attendees.

Once settled, Furios tore open the packaging on his kod'yokahawk and, gripping it by the exposed rib bone, began to cook it over the bonfire. With his free hand, he unclipped the thermos from his belt and unscrewed the lid before taking a swig of the chilled vodka within. With alcohol in hand and a large cut of meat cooking right in front of him, the Sith could relax again and continue to reminisce about bonefires past.

“MIHO!”

This joyful, jubilant trilling cry was accompanied by a flurry of motion, a menagerie of shimmering sunfire color, as Rue sprinted across the farmland. Rather than go around people starting to crowd around the bon(3)fire in his excitement, he just vaporized mid-stride, a flash of misty light that resolved into a multicolored tooka leaping over logs and diving between legs. Emerging on the other side was another blur, and then the animal was Rue again, and he was throwing all his wet-paper bag weight against Miho as he wrapped around her in a hug, chirruping loudly.

Of course, not three seconds later was he seized by the back of the neck and peeled off, a terrified squeak leaving him before the hybrid went totally limp in the hold and silent, not daring to look away from the ground in a gold-plated grip.

Thane offered a quick nod in greetings as he ran into Lulaire. He also was left rapidly blinking as he found a bottle in his hands before he could even say anything and then bombarded by an apology.

He tilted his head to the side for a moment as he appraised the Firrerreo before his lips scrunched up for the briefest of flashes. Then he sighed. “Apology is not required,” came his lilting voice and a vague gesture towards his exposed skin. “It is something that happened. Can only ensure it does not happen again.”

The Deputy Grand Master casually flicked with the fingers of his other hand and the bottle of mead popped open of its own accord, so far as anyone watching was aware. He then took a quick sip and was rewarded with his nostrils flaring as the sweetness and tart assaulted his senses with a wildfire in tow.

Unexpected. Good, to be clear…but unexpected.

He allowed a cough and offered a smirking half-smile to Lulaire. “Few more of these and it will be a story you shall have.” Thane’s attention turned then towards the available platters and meats, more than willing to get his hands dirty as he claimed some braised ribs and a liberal application of both dry rub and sauce.

H’Grah’s towering form came to a halt just within the circle of firelight, his shadow stretching across the packed earth. Chocolate eyes swept the stead, though it was not his sight that searched. The Force whispered, tugging at the edges of his mind with the name he carried.

His voice came without sound - a deep, resonant presence that flowed like warm water through the minds of those nearby. It was slow and careful, not to startle, wrapping each word in reassurance.

I seek the Arcane Shepherd.

The thought was not just a phrase, but a vision: starlit grass swaying in a midnight breeze, animals gathered in a calm circle, their trust radiating like soft lantern light. The image pulsed with quiet warmth before fading, leaving only the sense of his patience.

The animals reacted first. The nerf lifted its head, chewing more slowly, a flicker of curiosity rippling through its mind. The tooka’s thoughts darted like sparks - I know! I know! - before leaping into something entirely unrelated, as tookas often did. The strill pups erupted in a joyful tangle of impressions: Run! Chase! Friend! They knew nothing of the Arcane Shepherd, but the kindness in his presence made them eager to share in it.

Even the great bantha stirred, offering a slow, steady wave of recognition: The shepherd walks with the herd.

A few of the children had turned toward him now, sensing the unusual stillness that followed his message. H’Grah allowed the Force to carry a second, softer impression to them - the way the sun feels on fur after a cold night, the sound of breathing animals at rest, the certainty that no harm would come from him.

His gaze lingered on them with quiet kindness before drifting back to the crowd.

WHUD

The impact staggered her a bit before she was balanced by the weight being removed. Still, the small Odanite stumbled a couple of steps before coming to a rest still upright.

“This, Madam Councillor, is why you have bodyguards.” Yuki said, giving the offender a gentle shake in Miho’s direction.

She looked at the golden giant and then her eyes registered the scene. It was, unexpectedly, quite humorous. “It’s Rue, Yuki. Put him down. He’s harmless.”

“Harmless.” The voice was flat, unfriendly, very bodyguard-like. “No one is truly harmless.”

A sound of exasperation from Miho and the laughing trill from Pips just seemed to make everything worse. “Yes, fine. Mostly harmless then. Seriously, put him down.”

Yuki studied the being called Rue for a moment, her pale blue-grey eyes serious. “It would be wise to make sure people expect you before bounding in. Others may not be as gentle.”

The giant set Rue on his feet, returning to a position of watchful readiness close-by but not underfoot.

If anyone her size could be considered *under*foot.

Miho smiled at Rue, “Sorry about that. They get a bit overenthusiastic about security when we aren’t back home.”

She lifted the brim of her hat and looked up at the Kessurian. “I didn’t expect to see you here. Do you know anyone here?” She paused for a moment. “Other than me, of course.”

Rue was completely limp as he was shaken and generally puppeted about and given his warning, an order to which only then he then whispered a, “Yes, Mistress. This one apologizes Mistress.”

…and tried to bow while being held. He did so properly once set on his feet, deep enough that his long hair dragged in the churned dirt and hay (not that, just by existing here, his massive braid hadn’t already collected ALL the hay, fur, and dust. Still, it shone.)

Only Miho drawing him up seemed to draw him back out of his servile shell. He nodded to her explanation, and then, having the simple task of her question, answered immediately.

“I know some!” he pointed low towards the Arconan Proconsul. “He is Sir Duke Alex Draconis. He is helpful. He will also break any promise.” This was confided in a soft murmur only for Miho. A brighter tone added, “And his droid Steven is very stern but this one quite likes him. It often finds droids to be more…relatable at times and often overlooked. It empathizes.”

Saffron eyes flicked back around.

“This one has just met Miss Lulaire or Lula. She is kind. And the roba baby is up for adoption.” He nodded to the Zygerrian. “That is Zig. Esen and Remy knew her. She made the filters for the air and water requisition systems on the Voidbreaker which is their ship with the Arcona. She has a ‘blog’ which is a personal regularly updated holopage published by an individual that is written in an informal conversational style as opposed to an essay or study. Esen did not want me to read it.”

He frowned slightly, still puzzled as to why.

“That is the violist from the Flitz…” a nod to Thane, “and this one does not know the others. It was hoping to see friends and meet the animals.”

Miho followed along as Rue pointed people out, smiling and registering all the little tidbits as well. The last stop of the ride of information was the violist.

Violist?

She turned violet eyes back to Rue, her face an unexpected serious. “That’s no violist.”

She had no reason to really bother the man and he probably had no reason to bother her. They were little more than acquaintances who shared, to her opinion, a similar dislike of kowtowing. If she ducked around him enough, maybe they could both avoid it.

“A baby roba?” She smiled at Rue gently and gestured for him to lead the way. “Let’s go see the small animal first. Maybe I’ll take it home myself.”

Rue’s metallic brows furrowed. “But he played the viol…we danced to it…” Still, Miho was moving on, and wanted to see the baby(.gif). And the baby was currently with Miss Lula and the not-but-also-violist. So Rue beamed and looped his half-arm with hers carefully, just able to bend at the joint, while still carrying his flower basket. As they stood close, there was a rustle from his hair, and a black and white voorpak poked out, sniffing at Miho.

“Serrulata says hullo,” he informed her.

Melissa passed by the duo, moving away from the growing crowd around the bonfire. Flickers crossed her vision, faces matching with the faces before her but- no. The Echani grasped onto the Force, taking firm control of its wanderings.

A grin passed over her face as Melissa came back into the present. It wasn’t time yet. Not for Lulaire and Thane, and not for anything else just yet either. And then realised she’d probably been watching them for too long, hurriedly getting back on the move again.

The so-called violinist watched Lulaire as she left, eyes lingering momentarily before turning towards the assorted meats he had collected. He was about to enjoy a bite when some wonderous aroma hit his nostrils. Whatever it was smelled so good. He quickly turned his head this way and that, searching for the source. At another table, he spotted a loaf that had been baked to a beautiful golden brown, laced with something green and flashes of orange. Hm…cheese and herbs?

Whatever it was, he wanted it. He made a grasping motion, concentrating on an ability he had been practicing of late, using the archives and some specialists within the Brotherhood. The loaf seemed to be caught in an unseen gust, disintegrating into smoke as it blew away. Then, in almost a complete reverse of the same, re-formed in Thane’s palm.

Jalapeno cheddar cornbread attained.

Allowing himself a grin, Thane sliced out a few chunks and mingled it with pulled meat before his fanged teeth tore into it. His pale skin was now splattered by reddish brown sauce, but he paid it no mind.

Things had started to pick up while Alex stood by the somewhat-guarded table of drinks, with many new guests arriving. He made note of a few of them - familiar faces such as Rue and Zig - as well as some he knew only by reputation. The Sol’Vida Farms had started on Selen, deep in his own territory, so he knew of the proprietors and had been keeping an eye on their expansion into Kasiya; there was always potential for some amount of conflict when things spanned across different systems like this so it was worth at least being aware of. The operator of this farm, Lulaire, seemed peaceful and content enough to just raise the animals and grow the crops from what he was seeing at least.

He had also made a point to study and memorize dossier information in the Dajorran Intelligence Agency’s systems, so it was impossible for him not to immediately clock the arrival of the Deputy Grand Master of the Brotherhood. Whether others did not recognize him, chose not to make a big deal out of it, or if it was just in his nature to not have a fuss made about him - Alex had not personally met the man and didn’t want to make any assumptions - it seemed like folks were content to just let him enjoy the gathering on his own terms.

Cracking open one of the bottles he had brought and pouring a decent amount into a glass, he observed with amusement as Thane performed some sort of Force conjuration to pull a baked good to his hands. Drink acquired, Alex approached casually, raising his glass in the most loose of greetings as he did so.

“You know, most of us just walk over and grab things. Seems a lot simpler, honestly,” the words flowed forth in an easy drawl from behind a wide smile.

The Firrerreo paused his chewing to glance up at Alex. The moment was short-lived though, as he simply shrugged and finished his task. Once he had finished cleaning off his chin with a nearby napkin, Thane leaned back in his seat and turned half towards the other man.

“Best to practice one’s skills, lest they atrophy,” came Thane’s lilting reply.

The Deputy Grand Master’s eyes showed no question in regards to Alex’s identity. It was his business to know those who held any sort of political influence within the Brotherhood.

“Fair enough,” Alex took a sip of his drink as he considered the reply.

“Cannot say I know a whole lot about how all that works,” he waved his free hand about in the air a bit in a vaguely ‘mystical’ sort of gesture, “but I guess it makes sense that it would be just like a muscle or any other skill. Practice, training, experimentation to find out just what the limits are…and how to break past them. At the very least I can appreciate the desire to not stagnate into complacency, though it does get harder and harder as the years stack up.”

Miho smiled at the small furry creature with odd colored eyes, waving with her free hand. “Hello, little friend.”

It was a bit endearing how Rue always seemed to have a small companion with him. First Alk and now Serrulata. Perhaps there would be others in the future.

Life always seemed like a toss of the dice where Rue was concerned. His reactions to some people seemed like conditioned behaviors and to others it seemed like a real Rue was peeking out and trying to get a feel for the world.

The small Odanite leaned lightly on the arm looped with hers. “This is the first time I’ve seen you without Alk. Is he well?”

It seemed like a topic that would be appropriate between friends, but seeing as she mostly only had Pips for a friend it was hard to say.

As if thinking about him summoned his attention, Pips (the little gremlin) whistled over her shoulder. <<What is an Alk?>>

Meanwhile, Furios was watching for the marbling to render on his kod'yok tomahawk. The outside was properly seared while droplets of oxidized blood were dripping into the fire through whatever pores opened up in the slab of meat. He took another sip of his vodka and returned his watchful gaze to his steak. Finally the drippings that poured from the meat started to run clearer, indicating that the fat was starting to cook as well.

“Perfect,” the hungry Epicanthix muttered as he pulled the tomahawk from the fire.

He blew on the rare steak a few times, causing steam to scatter from the slightly charred surface. After a few moments of waiting for it to cool, Furios opened his mouth wide and bit forcefully into the kod'yokahawk, causing blood and grease to splatter onto his armor and drip down his chin. The freshly cooked meat was hot, eliciting sharp exhalations around the bite, attempts to cool it further without spitting the piece out. As the temperature of the food approached something more manageable, the Plagueian chewed and swallowed before letting out a satisfied sigh.

“Delicious,” he stated before taking another swig of vodka from his drinking thermos.

Rue laughed lightly. “I suppose I do nearly always have him with me. He is here, he went to perform his diplomatic duties in saying hullo to the herds.” The hybrid paused in his step, more letting Miho drag him forward as his stare went distant a moment, and then he blinked back to her and conferred, “He is with the…ah, this one does not know the name for this animal. Perhaps Miss Lula can tell us? But before that he was making friends with the tuggles and roba and nerfs.”

Report given, he leaned over slightly to beam at the droid, chirping back in a similar fashion but what was definitely not Binary; more like Rue’s usually chattering and meowing.

“Who is this?”

Melissa made her way back through, catching snippets of conversation but she had a purpose.

She approached the Plagueian, waving a little as a greeting before diving in. It was always more weird and awkward if she tried to lead into explaining shed seen them in a vision before, so the drop it and run method was continuing for the Echani.

“In three- no, two weeks. In two weeks, you’re gonna be about to duck under something. You will need to jump. You will hit your head on a rock or something but its better than the other thing. Uh- if you want stuff the family cooked for everyone its over there. You dont have to cook, unless you want to anyway.”

She bowed at the shoulders, her hair falling in front of her face causing Melissa to haphazardly brush it away when she straightened, taking a small step back.

The breeze shifted.

Where others had moved away, she had remained. Not still, not waiting - present.

The Force clung to her like dew on early grass. Not loud, not shaped, but alive. H’Grah watched her with the eyes of the soul, not the body. She had spoken only in passing, her voice light, a note in a larger chord - but the Force rang in reply.

This was her.

The one he’d seen in vision - not as a figure cloaked in robes or crowned in light, but as the warmth in the soil where roots thrived. The pulse at the center of a living field.

His head bowed, mane brushing the front of his cloak.

Arcane Shepherd…

The thought was offered with the hush of a temple door opening.

Though you have not called me, I have come.

The vision led here. Your stead is known to the Force… and I feel its breath strongest near you.

A soft, deeper current followed - like the sound of a drum beneath a heartbeat.

With humility, I ask permission to remain within your grounds. Not as hunter, not as teacher, not as guest. But as kin of spirit.

He raised his gaze slightly, enough to meet her without expectation - only clarity.

Among your animals, I seek to remember my own silence. Among your company, I seek to learn. And near the pulse of the Force that gathers here, I seek to listen.

There was no fear in him. No demand.

Only a request.

And the quiet strength of one who had waited many years for this moment to arrive.

Melissa tilted her head at the ghost. It wasn’t the first she’d seen, though it was unexpected here. She smiled, looking into the stars as the falling one flared a tiny trail of red and yellow across the darkened sky. This was a good place. A peace settled within her that wouldn’t stay, because that wasn’t how the galaxy worked but the contentment was refreshing. A cool breeze against warmed skin.

Matie reminded her of her brother, in a way. Though she’d never gotten to witness him older than one was when they still smushed words together when forgetting what they actually wanted to say.

She let herself wander away from the fire a small distance, keeping an eye on those still arriving and those sticking to the edges of the gathering.

The eating Sith looked up at the petit Echani, chewing a mouthful of kod'yok, meat juices dribbling down his chin. He nodded and quickly chewed through the food, swallowing it with an audible gulp.

“I’ll wear a helmet and thanks for the offer, but I’ll stick with the way I cook. I presume you’re some kind of seer?”

Melissa nodded, not pressing the issue further. At least he’d take her vision into account, that was good.

“I am. It’s nice to find the faces I see on occassion. I can’t guess at what you are though, other than a chef.” She smiled lightly at him.

The ‘chef’ washed down his previous bite with vodka and casually wiped the drippings from his face with his forearm. His eyes spoke to an inability to understand how he’d gotten roped into a conversation with a seer, but he’d also experienced stranger things in his life.

“I’m Furios Morega di Plagia, Sith Adept, Epicanthix, and woefully ill-equipped for this kind of gathering. It would appear that you’re an Echani, but it also seems as though you don’t practice the arts of one,” he explained, nodding toward Melissa’s light figure.

“Melissa Luxor.” She introduced herself, “Currently a resident of Clan Taldryan. And… no. I lost my family before they could impart our people’s learning on me. I plan to reconnect, someday, though the path of a seer is rather distracting.”

Sith. The whole concept of the hatred between the dark and light shed been so thoroughly taught about rarely seemed relevant amongst the Brotherhood.

“I cant say I know much about Epicanthix, are you all so tall?” She chuckled, noting the fact that despite her standing and Furios sitting, he was still more or less at eye height with her.

Thane continued his shared glances with Alex and the oncoming narglatch. It was certainly a creature of…well, focus and sheer will.

Frankly, it reminded him of someone. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but Howlader came to mind. As quickly as the thought came, Thane shook it loose and reached into his pile of ribs. He tossed a few at Bafforr with a soft smile and a nod, then his face slipped back into its stoic mask like an elastic snapping back into place.

“Time makes fools of us all,” the Deputy Grand Master remarked in response to Alex’s words. “Best to accept and adapt.”

<@102435651189743616>

The seated Sith almost chuckled in response. If he were standing, like he’d been when Melissa first greeted him upon his arrival, their difference in height would be as significant as their difference in muscle mass. Though his version of diplomacy usually involved fists and sabers, he was aware that shorter beings were usually more comfortable being spoken to on the same level physically as well as emotionally so he remained seated.

“Some are and some aren’t. I’m definitely one of the tallest I’ve met thus far, but some of my kind reach heights of two and a half meters,” he explained, reminded of the ongoing joke he had with another of his species about being just a bit taller than her. “Admittedly, I’m not well-versed in my own kind either. I only received a sort of ‘crash-course’ myself while growing up, though it was enough to give me some respect for my heritage while also explaining some of my… proclivities.”

Furios paused for a second to find something else to talk about. It was uncomfortable for him to start discussing his past, which is why he wondered why he’d started to in the first place. His past was mostly for him to know and others to not. He decided he needed to change the subject.

“On that note, I hold great respect for the Echani method of communicating through combat. If you’re interested, I could teach you some of the basics of their martial arts, of which I actually am well-versed,” though he only offered to do so in his ongoing desire to have more variety of training partners. “Although, saying that, I would also advise that my training methods are… intense.”

“I may take you up on that someday. Though honestly I prefer to not fight when I don’t have to. Maybe I’m further from my heritage than I thought, but I’m certainly no Jedi. I think I fit under the term pacifist. I see enough pain and death without inflicting it myself.” Melissa’s tone remained even, unbothered speaking about the topic at least. She looked back to the fire, the embers growing within the wood that eventually collapsed into the ashes below.

“I do understand it is sometimes necessary, at least.”

Miho looked over her shoulder at Pips and smiled. “His name is Pips. He’s been around long enough he’s like a pair of old shoes.”

She thought about if there was anything else to add about it and shrugged. “He usually just follows around and gripes at me. Pretty sure he thinks he’s the one in charge not the other way around.”

Rue did not know the relative lifespan of various types of shoes or their maturity rates, but he could infer that his friend was at least indicating advanced age. He bowed respectfully to Pips.

“It is an honor to meet you, Sir Pips. This one is humbled and respects your wisdom. I am also, I believe it is common to remark upon in sympathy, considered old by many species’ standards.” He smiled, free of any hint of wrinkle, freckled and scaled skin unblemished save his two hidden scars, looking for all the world not just still in his prime but ageless.

Briefly, he heard the echo of laughter, and his eyes were drawn towards the fire, to the visage of a young woman spun of moonlight dancing off into the stars. She looked very much like Miss Lula, but it was difficult to discern, her apparition fading fast as dew kissed by morning light. Rue blinked after her, whispering a prayer.

“Goddess carry you.”

“In the eyes of someone like me, who lives their life knowing those necessary times could always be just around the corner, that’s a step in the right direction,” the Sith offered with sincerity. “When someone precious to you is at risk and you fail to save them, it eats at you.” He explained further. “You feel like you could have done more, been more prepared, been more capable. I embrace my ways to prevent that, maybe even in fear of that, but the Force does what it wants and always gets its way in the end.”

The di Plagia let his words hang for a moment amidst the sounds of the crackling of the bonfire and the mingling of the other attendees. He realized that he’d let the topic of conversation get too solemn. It wasn’t very good manners for this kind of event and he shouldn’t have let it go that way.

“Besides, in a galaxy this big, it’s easy to find oneself removed from their heritage,” he remarked with an upbeat tone. “At least the ways of the Echani aren’t some ancient, forgotten knowledge that’s difficult to attain. Just enjoy this peaceful bonfire and appreciate that you’re in a position that doesn’t require such knowledge. Nobody here is an enemy on the battlefield today.”

“I daresay I rarely need the efforts of time to do that for me,” Alex pointedly pulled at one of his suspender straps before letting it snap back into place. “People never look too hard at the fool and so life is easier to head through unremarked upon.”

Alex reached out and gave a scratch to the narglatch behind one of its ears as the beast went to town on the proffered ribs.

<@216702440140046336>

Either the timing was strangely aligned for a crowd, or this farm was going to be a larger operation than expected. Plenty of vessels and vehicles had pinged across the local scanner when the freighter sought a landing site. Plenty of faces were expected. Hopefully they’d be welcoming enough. This wasn’t exactly a job for the full crew, so only two disembarked.

After a good ride carving through the trees, the Flare-S finally came to a slow as the settlement came into view. A black-and-white bothan in a long coat sat at the controls and brought the vehicle to a stop. He just about rolled his short figure off the seat, but raised his chin in full pride. An old messenger’s hat came off his belt and went over his mop of black hair, bearing the letters NTPS across the front. Behind him, a cathar in flowing clothes and a poncho slid off the passenger’s seat. Her reddish-brown hair hung loosely parted in front with three messy buns in the back. With a hopeful look, she turned to the back of the speeder to unfasten its cargo: A round, fatty animal with bulging eyes and a tiny trunk. The cathar hugged it close as she helped it down, then gently urged the creature forward. Her bothan friend leaned against the speeder in wait, lighting himself a smoke while she and the animal stepped toward the settlement.

Quite a few people seemed to be floating around the area - and right at dinner time, too, and what a feast it looked to be! Not sure exactly who was the best person to approach, the cathar merely smiled and announced herself with a loud, “Hi!”

While Pips totally responded because Atty told Jack he had to, the Kessuryn hybrid more than easily heard the hello and had already started to turn when the speeder approached, unusual among all the sleepy farm noises. When he spied the baby mammal, he squeal-chirped, much like he had for the robilet, and ADHD’d, is this what I made him? Oopsscurried over towards the Cathar, sliding down on his knees in a flurry of skirts in a second. He crawled the last few feet silently and carefully with his voice hushed, save for his happy purring.

“Oh, hullo, litlun, who are you?” Rue whispered.

The cathar chuckled, then brushed aside some of her hair. “I… don’t know,” she said matter-of-factly. “He hasn’t told me his name yet. I’m starting to think he might not know it… But mine’s Meren!” Her head lowed in a slight bow.

The creature briefly backpedaled from the approaching stranger, but the slowed crawl seemed to put its widening gaze at ease. His tiny trunk went from sniffing the rich soil beneath the grass toward the newcomer, momentarily seeking out the flowery scents.

“He’s a puffer pig,” Meren declared, though her smile dropped for a cautious look. “Uh, be careful. Theyyy…” Her hands rolled around one another, then quickly pulled apart in an explosive gesture. “…puff, when they’re spooked.”

“So do many creatures, it is alright,” Rue confided, almost speaking more to the pig, as if sharing a secret. He happily allowed the sniffing inspection, giggling at the tickle of the trunk on his limbs, skirts, and flower-braided hair. Serrulata shyly climbed down from the top of his head to his wrist to sniff back.

-# huffhiffhuff

The hybrid beamed, then looked up at the Cathar and bowed back as much as he could while already kneeling.

“Hullo, Meren, Blessed Night. This one is Rue, and this is Serrulata, and Alk is… Oh, he is coming this way.”

Alk, as if sensing a new friend to diplo…whatever the verb is, trotted his diplomottic self over at top baby rhino speed from the nerf pen. He slowed at Rue’s call in Shiryyywook when he got closer, and the wriggling mott came up to join in sniffing both Meren and the pig, tossing his head and stamping feet, tiny tail whipping furiously in excitement.

A giddy giggle escaped Meren at the new creatures’ enthusiasm. She must have come to the right place, after all. “Is this your home?” she asked, lifting her gaze to peer around the campfire.

Rue shook his head, then laid down right there on the ground, content to just let Alk and the piglet step around, over, and on him, showing them he was friendly. He didn’t seem to care a wink about the dirt; in fact, his bare feet and the herbs in his skirt ✨ pockets ✨ and flowers in his mass of hair implied dirt was welcome.

“This one lives on a different planet, Selen. It is most beautiful! There is so much sunlight. And lovely ocean and plants. All the animals are very strange, just like me.” He glanced past puffer big butt smushing into his face as the piglet wriggled around and walked on his ribs with somehow magically 100x its weight per step, and grinned at Meren. “Miss Lula, just over there, seems to live here though! Where is your home, Mistress Meren?”

At the question, Meren opened her mouth, though she hesitated. Her gaze visibly drifted as she thought on how to answer.

“That’s a work in progress,” her bothan companion called from the swoop nearby. He plucked out his cigarette to add, “We’re camping in a ship while some stuff gets sorted out.”

Meren nodded back to him with an appreciative smile. “Um. I should… go find that owner you named. Thanks so much!” The puffer pig was probably fine there, right? Yeah, definitely.

“Oh, hullo to you as well, Master, Sir!” Rue called, upsidedown, looking to the Bothan. He waved, as the piglet had him happily pinned. “This one and my dearest friend Hunyi also camp! Not in a ship, however. We camp on the beaches on Selen and forage in the jungle forests. It is perfect. What is your name? Oh! This is Miho! And Sir Pips the Old As Shoes.”

The sight was a little absurd, but harmless. His mouth tugged to one side as he let out a chuff. Here, he’d been thinking Meren was unusually carefree. This was some kind of advanced looseness - probably what he should have expected from following a lead she picked, though.

“Badger,” he replied, then took another drag of smoke.

From the distance, the towering shape of Doon grew closer. He only had a vague idea of where Miho had gone. It was not the first time she had left ahead of him and the Shistavanen had no doubt it wouldn’t be the last.

He slowed as he grew within earshot of Miho and the collection of people that had gathered. He came to a stop near a fence, then swiveled in a slow circle to take in the area with his singular eye. As he moved, he drew a cigar and lighter from his pocket. With a click of his sharp teeth, he nipped part of the rounded end off and spit it into the grass. He kept his distance from everyone as he lit up, and let out a long exhale of smoke through his nose. He carefully leaned back against the fence which creaked under him, taking a few moments to himself so he could people watch and relax.

Following Rue’s gesture, Meren made her way to the other side of the field. The couple of faces right along her path earned a wave, though the animals creeping up on the people around the campfire really grabbed her attention. Stopping to play would have been excellent. That tuggle put a smile on her face that would have made the trip worthwhile on its own. Though her hand dared to reach out, Meren kept herself focused. Couldn’t lose track of why she was here, at least not yet. That lady was near.

“Hey, excuse me,” Meren said when she drew near. Long, multi-toned hair; a healthy figure; warm aura about her - that all seemed to fit what she expected. “Are you Lula?”

With charcoal fur fluffing in the warm breeze, and chocolate eyes gazing across the woman’s face, a soft smile grew upon him. While tussling with the herds of bovine, or running with lone wolves can give a person some sense of freedom, this felt different. To the Wookiee, being accepted into his own community, of his own type of people, was never an experience he expected again. Not since the temple. Never since the crisis.

Like waves of seafoam rolling onot white sand beaches, the Force washed to and fro between the pair; from Wookiee to Firrerreo and back again. Golden eyes to brown eyes.

Inhale

A soft calling came to her. Like it wasn’t really a voice, but a warm embrace. Of joy, of peace, and of compassion. Swirling like ribbons across Lulaire’s aura. The feeling of a golden sunlight dawn, caressing her skin. The tightening hug from a loving family member. The soothing words from a peer, showing their pride in you.

Gratitude

Another subtle word dropped into her thoughts. Only this time, she knew it was the towering Jedi. It was his thanks.

H'Grah scanned the scene before him, a roaring light backlighting the barn, homestead, and pens of numerous domesticated animals. Rows of beasts chewing on hey, digging their noses into troughs, or snoring while they snuggle. Whispers and clinking of cutlery echoed from the gathering before H'Grah. It bloomed of peace.

When H'Grah walked towards the seating area near the bonfire, he planted his furry rear on a bench next to a Human, wearing suspenders and beskar pieces. His gaze followed his free arm, which ruffled and scratched the itches from a hungry Narglatch.

Greetings, kind sir.

The thought gently slipped into the Human’s daydreaming.

My name is H'Grah

The Wookiee planted his saberstaff hilt gently on the dirt by his feet, while adjusting the threads of fabric left dangling from his shoulders. The robe had clearly seen better days, or what was left of it.

May I know your story?

The open ended question placed into the Human’s inner ear. Like a freshly printed envelope. Or a strong handshake.

<@216702440140046336> <@102435651189743616>

Pips whistled softly. <<Pips isn’t that old. Miho just talks funny.>>

Miho grinned over her shoulder at the little droid. How long had it really been since she found Pips, then only known as BD-LE, two years ago? Maybe closer to three now that she qa thinking about it.

<<Pleased to meet Rue either way.>> Pips gave a little bit of a dance while still attached to the back of the Odanite’s jacket. <<Perhaps we can meet Steven too?>>

Miho shrugged slightly. “Maybe.” Her eyes followed Rue’s gaze as he whispered. Then, with what could be only described a shrill elation, Rue was off. Bounding away to find another new friend.

“Should we follow him?” The Kyataran asked softly.

<<You should eat.>>

Miho rolled her eyes and shrugged. “I suppose I should eat.”

A sound of agreement from just over her shoulder and they were off in search of what manner of tasty goods had been prepared.

“It’s lovely, isn’t it?” Melissa nodded as she looked out, following his gaze to the others here before bowing shallowly again, “It was nice to meet you Furios di Plagia. I’ll leave you to it.”

And so, the Echani departed from the bonfire’s edge, a soft smile warming her features even away from the heat of the flame.

Left to his own devices, Furios gnawed through the last strips of kod'yok steak, leaving a clean rib bone that he casually tossed into the bonfire. The addition made him feel better about the fact that this gathering wasn’t the bonefire he’d expected. Needing something new to munch on, he hefted himself out of his chair and clipped his thermos to his belt. He headed for his refrigerated container full of meats to find something to cook, examining the contents with a critical eye. Bantha, ronto, shaak, nerf, nuna, all of which would take too long for his growing hunger. His eyes finally landed on a bouquet of thirteen skewered gorgs enclosed in a clear bag, perfect for cooking over a fire. He grasped the butcher’s dozen by the wooden sticks and pulled them out of their bag. Knowing that they alone wouldn’t be enough, he grabbed a raw, foil-wrapped tip-yip to roast while he ate the gorgs. Closing the container with his forearm, the Sith carried his haul back to his seat, reclining into it before staking each of the skewers on the bonfire’s edge and setting the foil-wrapped bird in the fire.

While the gorgs roasted, the Epicanthix pulled his thermos from his belt and took a sip, quickly realizing that it was the last. He grumbled slightly and got out of his chair once again before heading back to his speeder, weaving around whichever attendees were between him and his vehicle. Once there he fished the key card out of his armor and opened the container that held all the alcohol he’d brought. He found another bottle of KCD vodka and refilled the thermos, making sure to lock the container behind him when he was done. With his drink topped up and the key card safely back in its hidden pocket, he weaved around the same sentients he’d passed by before and sank into his chair once again, just as the first of the gorgs on a stick was done cooking. Furios pulled the skewer from the ground and took a large bite, eliciting a satisfied ‘Mmmm’ as he chewed.

“Hullo, Badger!” Rue chirped back, and craned his neck to see if Miho was coming over to meet the piglet or not. Rather, she and Pips seemed to be conversing, and Pips seemed to be ordering her, as any Master did, to do something more towards the food, if his dancing feet gesturing were any indication. Miho walked off, and Rue forwent straining so hard to watch, instead trying to give Alk scratches with his hand and pet the piglet with his arm stump. It was not very effective. “Are you joining us?”

Badger pushed up the brim of his hat to get a better look around the field. Overly sociable animals and plenty, plenty of people wandering about. Could be nice. The smells hitting his nostrils were the real kicker, though. Hey, if they were offering, maybe the trip would be more worthwhile than he’d expected.

With a shrug, he answered, “Might as well.” He took one more good drag, then lifted a foot to put out his cigarette on the sole of his boot. The remainder of it was flicked over his shoulder.

Rue beamed up at him and finally negotiated sitting up, but only because Alk went to greet Badger with a hand slobber and the piglet took to nosing at him, looking for food too. He was glad to see the cigarette put out, as Elly would be along at some point and if she brought the girls, she did not like smoking around them, justly so, from his research on the things.

“All the food and drink is free for the taking…as much as you would like for leftovers too. Miss Lula there can answer any questions. You are welcome here. Only respect the animals and the land. Also if either of two dogs, who are Po and Tator, should chew something of yours, the twins are responsible for it. Just tell Miss Lula.”

The puffer pig gave a little whine, and Rue looked back to it.

“I should find this litlun a bottle like the robilet… do you know when last it ate, and what? How old it is? If it has any parasites?”

While he had been to the Sol'Vida farm on Selen several times, he had not dedicated study yet to the multitude of animals Lulaire and the family kept – Elly’s law books and the Selen legal code, galactic flora, Gand atmospheric chemistry, and various marriage educational materials were keeping him busy – and wasn’t sure how to gauge the baby’s age. He took a more careful look over the creature by firelight, enthusiasm curbed by the caring and patient touch of a healer.

<@301514304845381632> <@216702440140046336>

The encroaching animals sent Badger’s hands up before they could get too comfortable loving on his fingers. He frowned, not quite sure what to do with them pushing up against him like this.

“Uhh– right, the pig. Yeah. Not a clue there, chief. He definitely ate something back on the ship a couple hours ago, but hell if I know his diet. You gotta ask Meren, bud.”

As he spoke, he tried to shuffle between the animals, hoping to at least get in front of them. Getting pinned to the bike wasn’t on his ticket tonight.

“Alk,” Rue called, then, in the Wookiee tongue, “Heel, trouble-taster, come to me. Come on.”

The mott paused, little ears flicking, looking up at the Bothan with pleading dark eyes…then snorted over Badger’s feet and turned to trot over. Rue gave him a few good scratches in reward.

“Apologies if you do not prefer animals.”

Ellisyn, as usual, was running late to the party. It had taken some time to calm the kids down enough to be left with Xi in a hotel room back in Holmes. The Firrerreo had bribed the older of the two with the chance at getting another sharp thing, and the younger of the two with some candy.

The woman strode towards the camp, her longer sleeves and vast mane keeping her warm despite tummy out. She caught sight of Rue’s metallic hair shining from the setting sun and made her way towards the third newest addition to the Kendis clan. She made no attempt to interrupt or interject, simply choosing to watch her brother interact with newer people, feeling great pride in his progress

Melissa, now a small distance away found the Vulpterex at her ankles, chomping at her shoelaces needily and growling into the fabric.

She crouched down, intent to pat the little one on the head and see if she could work out if she was hungry or just… wanting a cuddle. It was hard to tell while standing so far above.

She received a smile in return and a gentle head bow as she clasped her wrist. “Meren! I was told I’d find an animal farm here, and that you’re the owner. Looks like I heard right!”

Badger crookedly bared his grit his teeth and tilted his head with a shrug. A quick memory was stifled to instead say, “I just don’t know how to deal with them…”

Satisfied with the examination of the piglet to be in decent health – Meren had done well – Rue gently nudged them to Alk and stood, brushing off his skirts a bit. He stepped softly on his toes over to Badger, taking Serrulata out of his hair and offering the palm-sized creature for inspection, but not too close. Lata sniffed and rubbed at his face, cleaning his tall ears with little swipes.

“Would you like to learn a bit? It is alright to be afraid. This one is afraid all of the time. But also happy, and grieving, and many other things.” He smiled. “Lata is shy. He does not like meeting many people. But he does like storing nuts and nesting materials in my hair. It takes a very long time to brush.”

The Sith was not about to let some small critter have any of his food so he aimed a small bolt of Force lightning at the ground near it’s furry, little feet. The voorpak yelped and jumped in surprise, scurrying off with all the speed it’s legs could provide. The Epicanthix smirked, pleased with his act of deterrence, and took another bite of his skewered gorg.

The Deputy Grand Master, having noted attention was once more diverted from himself and his new non-sentient friend was happily nomming, returned his attention to the food.

He topped up his plate with some sort of brisket, sloppily scoped into a kaiser roll and sauced. And so he busied himself with eating. Om nom nom and what not.

And… was that humming?

Yup. Thane was softly humming (as if he was playing his viol) while enjoying the offerings.

Badger was just waving his hand to say, “That’s alright, pa-AH SHIT–” He leapt forward and twisted around with a gun in his hand before he knew what the hell was happening.

A nerf. A nerf was happening.

Badger blinked, then lowered the pistol. “Oh. Kriff’s sake…”

As soon as the gun had been spotted, Rue had thrown himself in front of it, between Badger and the nerf. His expression was cracked open in fear and pleading, even as he clutched Serrulata protectively and stood between them.

Thankfully, the pistol was lowered quickly. Rue’s wide, scared look snapped to his sister over Badger’s head, and he slowly shook his own, hoping she wouldn’t be too upset the man had been startled.

<@301514304845381632>

“It is alright, Badger, she is eating…she is large but will not hurt you.”

At least, not the bantha grazing and drooling down his back.

Badger sighed hard, clenched his eyes, and rolled back his head. “Yeah, I can see that,” he muttered, exasperated and embarrassed. The pistol was quickly holstered so he could drag a hand down his face.

Before Meren could answer, a new friend came to say hello. She beamed at Bluebell and raised a hand in turn. “May I?”

Elly had already taken a step towards Rue, despite his silent protests, before her ears twitched at the sound of someone coming closer at a speed too fast for a simple gathering. The lawyer turned her head to see Hakani and her eyes widened in surprise.

Surprise soon shifted into a smile as the woman stopped mid stride to fluff up her hair and address her something-or-another. “Hey you,” she said, noting the adjustment to Hakanai’s hair. “It’s been awhile.”

Yuki turned, her eyes flat and unfriendly for a moment before they fell on the targon. Blue-gray eyes met the four feline amber eyes. Then the hulking Nagai grinned. Grinned.

“Well, hello there. Did we come to get some snacks? Come. I find you snacks.” She reached down and ran gilded fingers along the creatures mane. “Such a pretty kitty, aren’t you.”

The massive, unfriendly, lethal mercenary led the way expecting the targon to follow, smiling the entire time. It was for the best. Miho was near the food and it was easier to protect her tiny principal if she was closer. Maybe she’d even get help from the ‘pretty kitty’.

Melissa slipped her hands under her front legs, gently scooping her up and shifting to stand again. She adjusted the little one, getting her laid in the crook of her elbow with enough weight against her chest that it wouldn’t strain her arm if the nap extended longer than usual.

“I’ve got you little one.” Mela murmured, scritching between her ears as she continued her meandering walk around.

A giddy giggle escaped Meren at the reaction to her claws. “Aww, girl… She’s cuuute.”

Without stopping the scritches, Meren snapped back to her presence and cleared her throat. “Uh, right– I was… really hoping I could have you take care of an animal for me. I don’t know if you’re okay to take in more and all, but… he’s a puffer pig, and he needed a home, and we tried, but it’s not going so well for the ship, and… yeah.” Her eyes darted between the tauntaun and Lula, a blank middling gaze between anxious and hopeful.

Rue’s face softened again as the threat passed and his own heart continued rabbiting in his chest. Seeing Elly get stopped by a dark-skinned female with a mane of white hair, he took the opportunity to stick Serrulata safely into one of his dress pockets and patted the bantha, leaving it to its special grass. Then he touched Badger’s hand lightly.

“Come, clover, it is alright,” the hybrid murmured, tipping his head towards the tables laid with food. Alk had the piglet well in hand, already showing it around. “Let us get some food and eat on the porch? This one has noticed that people Outside like walls very much, to feel safe. You can stand against the house and the animals won’t…” he trailed off as he recalled how when they visited the farm on Selen, there was less furniture inside than there were animals napping, running about, or ‘helping’ make pancakes. “Well, fewer of them will come close.”

JV Cora II, cockpit

Kalen sat in the pilots chair of his brand new GX-1. It was a significant upgrade from his former Sheathipede, which he had used in trade for the new shio. He had been very delightfully suprised when the opportunity to buy the versatile and useful vessel arose at the end of his last mission.

One of the vessels that House Ventress had leased for the ‘cartel job’ was actually owned by a starship salesman. He had manned the ship with a few assasin droids as gunners and was trying to use the mission to build a name for himself and his new starship customization shop on Trelkas 3. The Blue coloured GX-1 had been customized with some refits, and had been equipped with both a Laser Cannon turret and an Ion Cannon. At the end of the mission, a chance encounter had allowed Kalen the chance to buy the ship for 34998 credits, an absolute bargain. Kalen’s pay and bonuses on the mission gave him more then enough to afford it, so he had bought the ship on the spot.

He had been so excited, he had called Cora immediately and had her take a few days off from her fathers shop, and come for a ‘shakedown’ cruise with him. To which Cora had gladly accepted.

After picking her up and grabbing some fuel, they decided to have a few ‘shakedowns’ in the bed in the main compartment of the ship.

Later, Kalen recieved a message from Furios on his commlink, inviting him to a social gathering at a set of coordinates on a planet that just so happened to be only a few hours away.

“Wanna go to a party at a letting zoo babe?” Kalen had already began typing in the coordinates, knowing she was a social butterfly and would gleefully accept

Hollering from the back “For sure hun, I think I brought an ensemble thats got rustic bush party vibes.” Ever the tailors daughter.

Kalen chuckled and altered course to hang with his big buddy Furios.

A critical look spread across Badger’s features, but that food was still calling his nose from afar. “Uh… Yeah. Sure. I’ll take your word for it.” He sighed. “Hey chief, I don’t wanna keep you away from all your critters. Promise I won’t shoot anything if you’d rather hang out with them instead of me.”

As Kalen approached the coordinates he had recieved from Furious, he could see what looked like a farm compound with a large open courtyard infront. Their was a river on his right, and their was several other shuttles and vessel parked around the farm. But Kalen could not make out and other features in the nighttime darkness.

He slowed his vessel to a hover about 100 feet short of the bonfire he could see. And then proceeded to turn on his headlights.

What they revealed was scene of well over a dozen people mingling around the fire. Along with that the area was littered with animals of all different shapes and sizes. After noticing several of the people block the light from their eyes, or turn away, Kalen quickly rotated the ship to the starboard and slowly moved the ship to his left in hopes of finding a safe landing spot off to his left.

The newest – yet oldest – of the Kendis Clan cocked his with a little, mrrp? “I am glad you would not shoot anything. I am also happy to do the hanging out with you.”

He started backing slowly towards the food, long tail swishing low and curling as if to beckon Badger along, before turning fully to lead the way. Rue’s bare footfalls were light enough to pick silently through the grass with the noises of the gathering about, and he took them a winding route that skirted around all the animals present and even most of the people. They came at the tables from the other side, and the hybrid offered Badger a plate before he began to pick at a few things himself. He didn’t touch a single bit of meat on offer, taking only some of the sides, vegetables and breads.

Just then, one of Kalens engines kicked out and sputtered. He attempted to recover the manuever and land safely.

The ship incoming was far too low. Melissa turned, tucking the critter close against her chest and raising her hand to the sky.

It was too heavy for her alone. But she got a grip beneath it, feeling the reactions of others quickly following in suit.

The sudden blinding light in the sky interrupted Meren before she got an answer. An arm raised to shield her eyes as the sound of an engine roared into the area.

Bang!

It gave her jump, same as most everyone around her, by the look of it, and then the lights began to spin.

Meren gasped, then raised her hands. Whatever this ship was, it wasn’t coming down smoothly. Her thoughts concentrated. Maybe she could slow it.

Hearing the noise and flash much like the others, Rue’s head snapped around as he flinched and his plate hit the ground. Realizing the death that awaited, he too threw out his only hand and willed the ship to stop, thinking of Remalia doing so, only with something much, much larger than a set of metal fidgeting balls.

While Furios was casually munching on a roasted gorg, he suddenly felt a lot of Force energy being gathered somewhere very close and looked around hastily to find out what was going on. He noticed the mass of ethereal power pushing on an incoming ship that was inbound at a horrid angle, an obvious threat to his ability to continue eating in peace. With all the strength he could muster, he reached out to add his own fuel to the proverbial fire and pushed the ship with all his might as well.

The prickle of impending doom tickled the back of Miho’s mind. Looking up, she saw the ship coming in and getting dangerously close to landing on a herd of creatures. Pips whistled sharply as the small Kyataran’s hat blew off.

A look of vexation crossed her face as she flung a hand out, pulling the Force deep within and reached out to grip the ship. She was going to have to have words with this pilot who couldn’t land a ship. Now her hat was dirty, Pips was jabbering at her about safety and other things, and there was probably dirt on the food.

It seemed no matter where she went there would always be something to pose a threat to the woman. Whether it be a journalist getting too close, someone with a blaster, or some guy who’s about to commit vehicular manslaughter, it was always something.

Unlike the others, Elly couldn’t reach out with the force in her current state, all she could do was focus on what was in front of her and what she could do with the estimated amount of time she’d have. On reflex, she grabbed Hakanai and pulled her in close, spinning the both of them so Elly’s back was to the ship and Hakanai was away from it, crouching down to make them both a smaller more secure mass. It was a rather useless thing to do given her lack of Beskar in the moment but it was the most protection she could give.

As Kalens ship was coming down, he soon realized that the flat ground he thought he was about to land on was actually a herd of furry creatures huddled together, their fur acting as camouflage. Kalen ramped up his repulsors to maximum to try and compensate for the sputtering engine, and was narrowly able to miss the herd and come to a somewhat gentle landing 80 feet further away from the firepit.

His landing skids had dug in and scrapped a few inches of topsoil as the ship came to halt. Apparently his stabilizer on his engine had disengaged as he began his landing manuever and the amount of dust his intakes sucked in had caused the one engine to sputter. He made a mental note to check it out before he took of again.

“Sorry hun, not the gentlest landing.” Kalen kissed Cora on the cheek and then walked over to the exits ramp hand in hand.

From where he’d leapt for cover, Badger peered out, ears high on alert. No crashed ship.

“Kriff’s sake, man…”

The red under glow from Korvyn’s speeder was visible long before the sound of the engine. It had been way to long since he had left the confines of the Monolith on Seraph and just got away. His shirt pressed up against his chest as he floored the speeder increasing his speed across the plains of Kasiya. The air was cold but not horrible, he had certainly dealt with worse in the past.

His GPS locator pinged that he was soon to arrive at his destination and he slowed the speeder bike down to a safer speed. He didn’t want to scare the livestock or risk crashing. As he approached the gate he parked the speeder and set the alarm. Even this far out he still didn’t entirely trust people.

“Time for a beer,” he said to himself as he enteredt the grounds of the Sol'Vida Farms

Kalen and Cora came walking over and before the shouts and hisses began he put his free hand up in the air and waved “My apologies everyone, I am so sorry everyone, lost a stabilizer on an engine as I was coming in…did you all know theres a big herd of…somethings over there.”

“Yeah, its a Kriffing farm you lugnut! What did you expect” someone shouted as they walked up to the fire and Kalen saw Furios in the distance.

“Is everyone alright? Again, I’m really sorry about that all…”

Furios was chewing through his last gorg on a stick when his eyes spotted the most beautiful visage he’d ever seen. She was taller, even than him, and more muscular, even than him. In the eyes of the combat-oriented Sith, it was love at first sight. He tossed the last empty skewer into the fire and wiped the grease from his face and hands, trying to suddenly look more presentable in the eyes of a potential partner. He drank some more vodka to cleanse his palette and did a quick smell test on his breath. He was greeted with the scent of alcohol and meat, but shrugged it off. With all the grace his partially inebriated state could muster, he grabbed his chair and strode over to the giant Nagai woman his eyes couldn’t look away from.

Placing the chair next to Yuki, he stepped onto the seat, reaching something approaching eye-level with her. “Hi I’m Furios,” he greeted. “But you could turn me into ‘Joyos’ if you’d give me a kiss.”

I am rolling on the ground, overcome with paroxysms of laughter after seeing Furios on a chair hitting on a Nagai woman.

Kalen stopped waving as no one had pulled a lightsaber yet, so he assumed that they had accepted his apology. He saw Furios oddly stand on a chair and begin talking to an extremely tall alien women. He decided now wouldn’t be the best time for him and Cora to go say hi. As he got closer to the bonfire a little group of squaking flightless bird like creatures began clusters around his feet.

“Nice landing wild man. Where’s your new wookie friend?” Kalen recognized the voice from the mission he had just finished a few days before. It was Badger.

Kalen responded “Badger, good to see you, wow…yeah sorry about the noise and the landing and the headlights there. I lost a stabilizer as I was hovering…new ship and all. Oh by the way, Badger this is Cora, Cora this is Badger, I was working with him last week.”

“Its a pleasure” Cora said as she reached out to shake Badgers hand.

“Karracca went home to Kash'yyk to deal with a family issue and grab some gear apparently. He’ll meet me on Aliso next week.” Kalen nodded at Badger.

Zig checked her wrist-comm and fired back a quick “Affirmative” response.

The mission continued and had added parameters.

Zig padded over to the Deputy Grand Master and the droid. She had quietly taken a whiskey tumbler and filled it.

She did a reverse head nod to Alex. “Sup.”

Having let the ship (Kalen’s, not Farmer in the DellLord) down gently along with the others in a unified feat that was unlike any he had ever experienced before, Rue took a moment to catch himself against the table, trembling slightly. As Badger crawled out from under it, and was suddenly greeted by a Human male and his female companion, the nerf that had followed them and been hiding behind Badger behind the table (which was half its size) promptly moo’d. Rue put his finger to his lips frantically to shush it, hoping that Badger was too busy with the hands of shaking to notice.

Scurrying around the table, Rue pressed his forehead to the nerf’s own wider, shaggy head and wished the thought into its mind, feeling the connection flow between them as a river round the bend.

Badger is very uninteresting and not at all tasty. He impressed upon the nerf not the image of the Bothan, but the idea of him, and especially his scent, foul cigarette smoke and the metal of his speeder. Go on now back to your brothers and sisters and tell them so. There is much tastier grass thataway.

With a softer moo and naught a thought in its placid black eyes, the nerf slowly turned and shuffled off. The hybrid sighed in relief, feeling sharp tension in his skull, and smiled. He turned back to quietly gather up the food he had dropped before and set it aside for himself, then began gathering a plate with a bit of everything for Badger.

<@152256842473406464> <@1178915035049902120> <@216702440140046336>

Badger’s shoulders tensed at the creature’s noise, and he slowly turned his head. Same nerf. Damn thing was stealthier than him.

And then this Rue guy freaking poked it in the mouth, put their heads together, and it left, just like that.

Badger scratched his head under his hat. “The hell did you just do?”

After a recovery sigh of her own, Meren smiled back and bowed her head. She gladly returned her clawed fingers to the tauntaun’s fur as her heartbeat slowed.

The suggestion was fair, though it surprised her. “You have more than one farm?”

Rue smiled at the Bothan as he finished stacking a plate extremely high with the little bits of everything on offer. Thankfully his tail was dexterous enough to serve with, and he offered it to Badger with a precarious wobble.

“I told it to give you some peace and that there was tastier grass elsewhere. Here. I apologize, I do not know what you would like, but I am told it is all good.”

He had had to stop his ability to smell or taste entirely since he arrived, but that was alright. Everyone else was happy for the cooking meat.

Yuki raised an eyebrow at the chair, grinned slightly as the Epicanthix climbed up on it. She listened to the pick up line and wondered what he meant by ‘Joyos’.

The targon that had followed her leaned against her leg, also watching as the giantess ran her fingers through the mane again. “A kiss, hm?”

She thought about it for a minute - a long minute - and then shrugged. It wouldn’t hurt anyone, besides people kissed each other all the time. If anyone asked it was for research to what a ‘Joyos’ was.

“But, only if you get off that chair. It makes you look ridiculous. Adorable, but ridiculous.”

<@882372854115610694>

Thane was still humming, reaching out tentatively to let Cotton sniff at him and approach on her own terms before giving her scritchies.

A bit later, his humming stopped as Zig showed up. Already through several fingers worth of the mead, Thane was feeling the burn in his throat, chest, and even his face. All over, really. His black-gold gaze narrowed at her. “I do not trust your intentions. Why are you here?”

After a few moments without a crash, Elly brought herself and Hakanai to a standing position, proceeding to take a deep breath while running a hand through her hair to move it from her face. She had no patience for reckless individuals who seemed to have no regard for safety, but she must keep her cool.

The Firrerreo proceeded to brush off her ‘friend’ and said, “I’m so sorry, reflexes got ahead of me.”

“My ‘story’ - such as it is - is quite a long and winding one, and I am quite afraid there is not enough time or enough drink this evening for me to go into all of it,” Alex smiled pleasantly at the Wookiee, his face betraying nothing of his thoughts. “Suffice to say I have been around a very long time, and have many stories I could tell. Some sad, some glorious, many not fit to share before the younglings have gone to bed. I try to live every moment as if it may be my last, even though as far as I can tell it never will be.” Another long sip from his glass provided pause, and yet afterward it became clear he was not intending to elaborate any further on his statement.

“At the least, my life has been the kind of one where I do not startle easily, even at a thing like a ship hurtling toward a party I am attending.” A soft chuckle escaped from him at this.

As the events of the evening continued to unfold, Alex held up two fingers and drew out the staff and low crossbar of a Mandalorian letter in the air toward Steven. The droid’s eyes flashed in acknowledgement and he approached from the edge of the field, proffering a small plastic bottle with a squeeze handle at the top. Alex took it from his valet and nodded in acknowledgement, the droid bowing slightly before retreating back toward his previous position. The Mandalorian warrior turned and held out the spray bottle full of water, handle-first, toward Thane.

“Here,” his drawl taking on a bit of a playful lilt, “I find this can often be useful in dealing with Zig when she gets a certain way…”

<@185936112441622529> <@189568236201705472>

Oblivious to Possible Doom, Alk, ever the gentlemott, spotted the hat fly off and trotted over to fetch it, mindful to make sure his new piglet friend was following. He grabbed it up in his mouth and padded over to Miho, holding it up, only a lot more drool-soaked and crumpled than before. The puffer piglet wobbled along behind.

“You wound me, sir,” Zig feigned offense. “Can’t a girl just enjoy a cookout?”

She sighed as she looked over at her Proconsul.

“Gee, thanks boss,” she looked to the KX droid for support. “Steven, can you believe this? I get no respect…”

Steven’s faceplate remained passive, as ever, as he simply replied “I’ve read your blog, Miss Zig.”

“Touche, Steven. Touche,” she nodded as she finished her drink.

“Anyway I was just checking in. You’re about as easy to read as Marick, but dare I say you’re enjoying yourself?”

She un-subtly glanced over into the direction of forest where Lulaire had gone.

If eyes could narrow twice over, Thane’s managed the feat at Zig. He also heavily contemplated the squirt bottle.

“Well…I suppose I am. It is…” Thane sighed with another flush of heat from his drink, making the same glance as Zig. “She is intriguing. Straightforward. Strong and uncorrupted by all—”

Thane paused to gesture around at all the things and people.

“—this.”

The Wookiee slowly nodded in response, taking in the words of wisdom from the Human. His brown eyes never leaving the direction of his face. H'Grah smiled and gave a soft nod. His thoughts wrapped across Alex’s

I can respect your life choices, Sir. Fortunately yours are much more exciting then mine. Excuse me.

The Wookiee stood and slowly approached the woman he spoke to before. The Force connected them, as his words faded into her mental existence.

Parden me, miss. Maybe this humble Jedi can have a word?

<@216702440140046336>

Furios, possessing nothing resembling emotional regulation, grinned that specific kind of grin that came from a positive response to requesting a kiss from a pretty lady. He stepped off the chair, lowering his height back down to her shoulders, though his green eyes never left her beautiful blue-gray ones. The Epicanthix shifted closer to the taller Nagai woman and rose to the balls of his feet to get closer for the aforementioned kiss.

Zig’s eyes got big and from the firelight nearby looked to be sparkling. She quickly tried to control her emotions, not to squee out loud, but did do a bit of foot tapping in place at her excitement.

“I’m glad,” she said quietly, a sigh of relief.

The explanation of magic animal handling was almost lost on Badger amidst the sight of that much meat piled onto a plate with his name on it. Signposting free food was one thing, but getting handed a week’s worth of food with no one to get stingy about it was quite the unexpected shift.

“Uh, thanks, bud,” he said to Rue, taking the plate. His eyes darted around to see if there was any sort of storage box he could stuff most of this into for later - scarfing that much food in one sitting would be a damn waste, if he could even get to the bottom.

In turning, his gaze shifted past Kalen again. Different people were actually talking to him. Go figure.

“Right man, so… after a near-crash like that, surely the trip’s gotta be worthwhile, yeah?” He shrugged. “What brings you out this way, chief?”

<@244244163002892288> <@1178915035049902120>

Meren nodded. “Thank you so much for this. I should probably go see one of them…” She rose on her toes to peer around for either of the people described.

Rue stared at Badger with a thoughtful, openly concerned expression, crinkling the corners of his eyes softly while the Bothan turned away to converse. He knew so very well that wide-eyed and desperately hungry expression, had been listening to how Badger’s smaller-than-it-ought-have-been stomach had been bubbling and clenching the whole while.

All his litluns had always been hungry. He had always been hungry. Until he forgot what hunger even was. He still did not feel it. He merely ate on a schedule that Hunyi and Elly had recommended him.

Perhaps he could have a word with Lula about preparing some containers for Meren and Badger both…whatever could be fit on the speeder bike…

His musings had him quiet as he retreated slightly, looking over to make sure Elly was alright after all the excitement. He watched as Hakanai dipped over her hand and kissed it, and tilted his head.

Sulla had shown him several holos with this behavior. Mostly they involved princesses with swords and sparkles. It was a “very romantic!” gesture.

The hybrid hummed consideringly.

A little bit aside, Alk was offering Miho her hat. And the piglet was still with him, which was very good. Serrulata snuffled in his hair, and he offered up a piece of corn to his ear. Three of six tiny paws reached out lightning-fast and snatched it, retreating into the depths.

And then– oh, he knew that heartbeat approaching!

<@141239709291511808>

“Lifes just a river of experiences in the grand scheme…every trip you survive is worth it in a certain sort of way.” Kalen noticed Badger looking around as if for somewhere to put the heaping amount of meat.

“Need a cooler pal?” Kalen asked, and without waiting for an answer, Cora realized what Kalen was hinting at. She was carrying a small cooler with beverages for her and Kalen. Without hesitating she placed the small rectangular insulated box down. She opened it and retrieved the 4 ‘Sullustan Sunrise’ canned cocktails from it, passing 1 to Kalen and placing the other 2 on top of nearby fuel drum, and cracking one for herself.

“Here, use ours, we only brought it to carry a few drinks anyway.” Cora said offering it in a way that Badger would feel awkward to refuse.

With Cigar gently bit between sharp rows of teeth, his head slowly twisted to look over his shoulder at the presence lurking behind him.

Badger wasn’t exactly expecting charity, but he wasn’t about to deny an offer for something he needed. “Hey, if you’re sure,” he said, parting a hand from his plate to take the freshly emptied cooler.

Now loaded up on far more than he’d expected in full, he turned to find that porch Rue had mentioned. Not a far walk at all, and yeah, something solid at his back was an appreciated thought.

“Welp, I’m off to sit,” he announced as he stepped away from the food tables. “Come chat if you want,” he said openly.

“Gotta keep the teenagers out of the booze,” Korvyn replied before turning his attention to the rather large coolers. As he opened the first cooler condensation formed like mist in a thin layer rising out of it. He reached in and grabbed a couple of the beers and put one in each of the pockets of his cargo shorts. Best to not waste time with beer runs.

The brand was unfamiliar to him as he eyed the can. Moisture dropets began running down its side as he opened the beer and took a long swig. Cold, refreshing, and cheap. It was perfect, as the Hand of the Emperor he spent way too much time entertaining diplomats. They always brought out expensive drinks and ales. They were good but nothing beats a cheap beer and the smoke of a bonfire.

Elly’s cheeks gained a slight silver tint at the gesture. Given her complicated love life, she had no idea how to feel in that moment. “I almost put you in the dirt over nothing,” she said, beating herself up a bit with her words

Okay, Azarea. With a quick pointer from Lula, Meren wandered off to find someone fitting the description. Her path briefly crossed with Alk and the puffer pig again, who both received a quick headrub before she moved on.

The people here were intriguing. A mix of uniforms, robes, and more casual getups dotted the crowd. The people here must have been broadly connected for such a spread. And even though several of them had just displayed a connection with the Force, it occurred to Meren that none of them were jumping at her, at least yet. She hesitated to assume as much, but maybe they could afford to relax here for a while. Surely the encroaching planetside starscape would be lovely without any major cities close by, so long as no more ships bled intense lights.

With a content little hop in her step, Meren finally made her way to the presumed Azarea. Hopefully there wasn’t another lady with bright hair and a bee skirt lingering about.

“Hi there,” Meren said from behind her, waiting to wave.

|| <@216702440140046336> ||

Kalen and Cora followed Badger over to the porch and they all sat down together.

“Oh, so to answer your question, we just came to hang out because Furios invited us and we happened to be nearby. What brings you to this little get together Badger?” Kalen sipped his beverage.

Badger was scarfing down the first slice of meat on his plate when the question came up. A muffled garble of noise came out when he tried to annunciate his answer in vain. When that clearly wasn’t working, he simply pointed toward someone in the crowd: a cathar girl with messy hair buns and a patterned poncho.

“Ah let me see here..think I got the coordinates correct. Some sort of farm with meats, company and fun. My kind of place.” Chuckled the pink colored Sephi. Vance wore his standard outfit of jeans, boots, and V cut black shirt. He sauntered up towards the farm with a smile on his face. His long pointed ears could already pick out the sounds of folks chatting and eating. He made sure to wave politely as he made his way past the gate up towards the farmhouse.

The young Zeltron sent a quick message back to Zig “ah sorry I’m late— approaching imminently.”

Esen attempted to march in at a controlled pace. Posture squared, head held high, attempting to look unbothered by the ten bags that she carried spread between each arm.

… okay maybe she was a little rushed. These bags were heavy and cumbersome. Varying in shape, sizes, and fullness.

Her deep blue hair was down for once, and she wore a set of black high waisted skinny jeans which flared slightly at the ankles. The flared pants were bloused beautifully over her set of well loved and worn combat boots. Her top consisted of a black pullover hoodie… which ended just above her bellybutton, exposing her midriff. A deep slit was made along the shoulders, in a stylish fashion, causing it to drape down her upper arms a bit more.

As she nonchalantly hurried her way to the snacks table, she had spotted Rue, flashing him a quick smile as her arms were a bit occupied.

Once she was near the tables, she dropped all her bags with a big hwumff and began to carefully move items around to make space for the goodies she brought.

She dug through her bags, placing on the table a bag of sweetpuffs, cinnamon wafers, and sweet cacao blocks.

Digging once more into her bag, she placed a small wooden sign that had hand written instructions on how to make Roasted Sweet puff sandwiches.

Step one: Roast a sweet puff cube by the fire until desired cooked level. Step two: Place roasted sweet puff cube in between two halves of a cinnamon wafer and a bit of sweet cacao block. Step three: Enjoy! Careful, contents may be hot.

She dug out a package of skewers, and then placed a bag of extra ingredients under the table for later if needed.

<@244244163002892288> <@189568236201705472>

“Oh how sweet, I used to wear my hair just like that as a child. How long have you been together for?” Cora asked as she shift her own have from one shoulder to the other.

Kalen was content to let the man eat, and gently put his hand on Cora’s knee under the table. She got the hint. Kalen gazed around looking for Furios and the tall alien woman, he did not recognize her species at all having lived such a secluded life.

Badger’s ears flicked up, and he quickly gulped down the food in his mouth to rush out, “Nah nah nah, we ain’t like that, chief! Look, she’s cute, but she’s just crew. I came to watch her ass.” He paused. “Not like that– Ugh, you know what I mean.”

‘Oh Sith, I’m so sorry, I shouldn’t have assumed that, forgive me…but you think she’s cute huh?’ Cora asked slyly. She’d always fancied herself as a bit of matchmaker in her circle of friends back home on Aliso.

Kalen jumped in and changed the subject “So are one of these vessels parked around here yours then?”

Badger waved his hand dismissively toward Cora. No need to cry over a bad call.

“Nah, none of these are mine. We parked a ways out and then rode in on that.” He pointed toward their swoop bike, a Flare-S.

Vance walked up towards the snacks table taking a gander at what was available. He saw a young zeltron placing down some snack he had never tried before. He smiled to her. “That actually sounds pretty good. Think I will try to make one of these roasted sweet puff sandwhiches.”

Zig noticed Esen’s arrival and grinned. She glanced down at her glass which was now empty. “Going for refill…ya’ll want anything while I’m over?” she asked Thane, Alex, and of course Steven. Even if none of them deserved it for being mean, she was a proper lady- or something like that.

“Oh very nice. I guess I should look into getting a speeder myself now that I have a ship large enough to carry one.” He exaggerated slightly, as he certainly could have fit a small speeder in the hold of his old Sheathipede.

“I’m gonna go a grab some snacks for us babe, that certainly is an amazing spread on that snacks table” Cora said as she stood up headed back to the table near the firepit.

“I am still sufficiently supplied for the moment, thank you,” Alex raised and indicated with his still half-full glass. “Not the sort of thing you go through too quickly. Unless you are some sort of heathen.”

For his part, Steven simply stared at Zig in response. He knew it was mostly a joke on Zig’s part - she obviously knew well enough the droid could not eat any of the meats or imbibe the available drinks - but even the small part of it that was just intended to be polite was not a thing he could respond accurately to in a polite way himself. As such, he chose to remain quiet, his golden yellow eyes glowing unceasingly as he simply stood there.

He chuckled a bit at the younger preteen. “You sound very adventurous adding eight of the puffs, however I think your mom is a wise lady, How about we try four? I haven’t ever had one before either and I am curious. Figure we can see what happens.” He replied. “I am Vance by the way.”

The Wookiee points to the slatted tiles on the farmstead home, with pillars of wood and panels to match, each painted carefully. But its clear time has worn away from it. The barn too, carefully structured and decorated by hand, but the echoes of time and the local weather have demonstrated they are not to be trifled with.

Once again, H'Grah’s gentle thoughts pressed into Lulaires mind palace. Like a brother whispering in your ear.

My fair lady, it appears your home has seen better days. I will make preparations to start repairs and renovate the structure. It will be compliant with the Aleena health & safety panel. I assure you.

He brings out a few tools from his belt in preparation; a vibro-hammer & a plas-cutter.

A convenient amount of days ago

“`

Dear Mister Miss and/or Magister Friend Carmen,

Hello and Blessed Day or Night, friend. I am the writing to wish that you are well and hale and happy and healthy and also not too much of the overhanging, as I am told this is deeply unpleasant. I am also told to advise you to hydrate and consume greasy foods, though I find this mildly puzzling, as typically grease further exacerbates gastrointestinal irritation. Thank you again for inviting me to the bar crawling. It was an enlightening experience and I was joyed to know you better.

I am writing also to invite you to a bonfire party on the planet of Kasiya. It is on the new Sol'Vida farm. While it is very warm here on Selen, Kasiya is colder, and I would suggest a sweater. There will be many animals and great deals of food and drink, along with the grease, as the family primarily cooks meats. Perhaps we can speak more of engineering and I can introduce you to Alk and Serrulata and perhaps I can do your hair for you. I know plants are not to your interest, but the socializing is, and so I thought of you. I am hopeful to see you again but also can speak another time.

Goddess walk with you. Thank you. Good-bye.

-Rue Kendis”`

<@147021450706944000>

Esen smiled and nodded,

“Plenty for everyone, let me know if you have any questions! I used to make these with my family when I was younger. Was always a hit. O-oh Please enjoy,” She said as she gestured to the table as she stepped to the side, no longer blocking the way, allowing the folks to grab their puffs. As she giggled watching the children with bright eyes filled with wonder.

“P-please be careful kiddos. Pointy stick… and hot food–” Aaaand they were gone.

“Ah-er sorry. I’m Esen. Ah- Esen Dulle… By the way. My social skills are a bit "rusty”. B-but Mom always said that was okay as long as I bring snacks!“ She said with air quotes, chuckled awkwardly, and rubbed the back of her neck with her arm. A deep pink flush blooming on her cheeks.

She gazed out to the folks around the fire, letting the light dance and flicker off their faces as she studied their features. Some folks she recognized, and many she didn’t. One figure approaching looked very familiar… The pointed ears, and the purple hair….

"ZIG!” Esen waved, before picking up a few bags that didn’t belong at the food table.

<@216702440140046336> <@189568236201705472>

Elly chuckled with Hakanai as she pointed out the absurdity of her worry. “I prefer the cold, actually. Kasiya is where I moved to after leaving home for the first time. Made Holmes my home,” the lawyer reminisced on her past with longing. “Though I never visited hot springs, at least not on Kasiya. Went to Elysia for that. I wouldn’t be opposed to exploring here, though.”

He grinned as he took the skewer. “Good snacks, drinks and food always tended to do well to bring folks together and hey not to worry, I think you are doing just fine.” Carefully, he gathered the rest of the materials needed for the sweet puff sandwhich and went towards the fire to warm the puffs. Once he had sat down closer towards the fire, setting down the materials for this interesting sandwhich, He stuck the puffs into the fire and twirled them a few times. He watched as the puffs lit on fire. “Whoa! Hot stuff!” He quickly pulled it out and began to blow vigorously on the slightly charred puffs. “Welp, think I overdid these.” He laughed as he took his left hand to pull a bit at the charred outside. As it came way a nice gooey creamy center was there. “Well look at that! Seems salvageable.” He followed the instructions and soon had a nice sweet puff sandwhich. “Now for the real test.” He then after a moment of cooling and watching the puff melt the sweet cacao bar, he took a bite. Politely, Vance chewed and swallowed it before taking his handkerchief from his jeans and wiped his mouth. “Sticky, sweet, and so delicious. I give a ten out ten. Thanks Esen!” He looked out then at the other folks. Quite a few were new to him, but he did recognize Alex. He smiled and realized he forgot to grab a drink.

Again, Thane was left both in his own world and to his own devices with Zig running off and Alex’s focus elsewhere.

It was the perfect chance for escape.

With his plate suspiciously empty, Thane decided to explore a few more of the offerings. He found himself in front of a bubbling cauldron with meatballs of some kind, but they smelled…sweet?

The Deputy Grand Master looked around questioningly only for someone to answer with a quick, “Barbeque jelly meatballs.” He paused a moment, shrugged, and spooned himself up a hefty helping.

Thane then began to saunter around the bonfire, trying to take in the property while using a toothpick to spear the delicious little orbs of meaty goodness and pop them into his mouth.

The hired speeder eased to a stop just shy of the farm gate, engine winding down in the cold evening air. Socorra stepped off the passenger side, boots crunching on packed dirt, the fringe of a bright, handwoven shawl flaring in the breeze along with a long, wind-whipped messy braid. The unkempt halo of raven and white hair definitely helped the dark-skinned woman pass for casual.

She adjusted both over one shoulder. The shawl, a gift from Appi and Ankira’s little girl years ago, was a vivid splash against otherwise muted clothes and boots. Dark kohl rimmed her one pale arctic eye.

In truth, the retired Herald wasn’t sure why she was here. She did not know the host, family, or farm. She hadn’t brought Turi, though he would have loved to see the animals. It was too late in the day, and if history held, something was bound to happen on Kasiya. Last time it had been a blizzard that nearly froze all life. The year before, a murder at a Life Day party where she had been a prime suspect…even with a newborn in her arms. And once, long ago, an insidious kidnapping she did not care to revisit.

No gift either, something that itched at her. As Grand Master Evant’s Praetor, she had always been required to bring one to every event, including his own: something karkin’ odd, stupidly expensive, rarely useful. Always difficult to source. Dacien’s gifts had been practical. Ashen’s were sentimental. Pravus… did not give gifts, not that his era had many jovial socials.

Still, it irked her. Public transport meant traveling light. Socorra could easily have mentally compelled someone to fly her out, but taking from the average galactic civilian without fair trade wasn’t the example she wanted to set for her son, nor the person she wanted to be. She would just make up for it later.

From her spot near the gate, the woman could already pick out several familiar threads of presence in the crowd by the bonfire’s glow and several more beyond. Rue’s signature was as distinct as his smile when their eyes met, slightly tugging the corners of her mouth upward in return. At least there would be one friendly face in whatever Kasiya had in store this time.

Not far from him, Korvyn - which she almost did not believe - at the coolers in full casual, tucking ale bottles into his pockets like contraband. Furios and a towering woman nearby looked like they were about to reenact that old holo episode where giant warrior women drag men off to death by snoo snoo.

On the ride in, she had also seen a ship fly in frighteningly low, nearly plowing into the farm. She was not one to judge piloting, though; with a jetpack alone the questionable Mando woman had trouble hitting the broad side of a Death Star.

Her dark brow lifted, amusement flickering. She had concerns about coming by herself, but perhaps it would not be so bad after all.

She noticed the person posing as gate warden and waited. The only visible clue of a weapon was a clipped boot sheath, but any farm hand worth their salt carried a pocket knife. They just didn’t secretly carry the absurd amount that Socorra did under the clothes.

<@216702440140046336> <@244244163002892288>

“Socorra!”

Such was what the desert woman heard before a light shape impacted with her, all thin limbs and purring incandescent joy. Rue had contained himself long enough to check again that Badger was settled, then went running to give the woman a hug.

Inviting everyone he knew to this was proving a successful experiment thus far.

He ducked and rubbed a cheek against hers, then pulled back a bit, smiling.

The new vantage point also happened to give him a better View of Elly and Hakanai, and seeing the normally less social of the farm family and his very not social and awkward sister smiling and chatting while Ellisyn blushed silver and both their heartbeats ticked up and the romantic hand kiss all summed in his head to a result he couldn’t resist gasping at.

Normally, Rue didn’t telepathically speak to Elly very much. She didn’t like it. Only for emergencies, she’d conceded. Sulla, though, classified matters of True Love and dating as emergencies, as she had when he’d started asking questions, even if those questions had gone nowhere…

So it was that he reached out to her mind, even his melodious mental voice squealing a bit as he asked, Elly! Elly Elly are you in a the date?

<@301514304845381632>

Zig tried very hard to not tackle Esen. But she did wrap the Zeltron in a very big hug. “HI YOU MADE IT.”

Yuki laughed softly as the Epicanthix climbed down from the chair and went up on tiptoes for a kiss. It crossed her kind to pick up one of the creepy squeaky things called porgs, but in the end, she pressed her lips to his for the briefest of moments before turning away and resuming her watch over the small Odanite Proconsul. She wasn’t one to be distracted for very long and her children would never let her hear the end of it if she lost a principal after so many times teaching them.

“That was acceptable. Perhaps, I will look you up again some time.” Abrupt, cold, possibly disinterested, Yuki began to move around the bonfire to be more immediately available if needed.

Miho grinned and accepted the lost article from the gentle diplomott. “Thank you, Alk. I appreciate it.”

She rummaged through her pockets for a moment and produced a small herbivore-friendly biscuit, offering it to the Mott. “I am haply to see you in attendance and doing your mottly duties as usual.”

“Who’s that?” Cora asked. A few other people had joined her, Kalen, and Badger on the patio. Cora was referring to the Deputy Grand Master who was over near the fire with a toothpick. Cora had noticed he had the air of importance, and always the socialite, she was curious.

Kalen had to do a double take before he recognized the person. They had never met, and Kalen had never thought he would meet the Deputy Grand Master, but yet, here he was, at the same campfire cookout as him.

“That’s just someone from work hun.” Kalen assauged Cora’s curiousity, not wanted to have his girlfriend gossiping back on Aliso to all her friends about how she had been at a party with the Deputy fliffin Grand Master.

Kalen then began chowing down on some of the meatballs that Cora had brought back to the table for everyone, and he cracked the other can of Sullustan Sunrise, it was sweet, fruity and only about 8% abv this time, Kalen was certainly trying to avoid a repeat of his first meeting with Furios, which had led to a rather nasty hangover(Kalens first severe hangover ever in fact) the next day.

Melissa, still carefully carrying her sleeping Vulptax, was still gently walking around the edge of the gathering, watching the hubbub with a slight smile. A young woman entered the fray, armed with enough bags that it almost seemed rude for another person to be bringing so much extra food to a food based party, until the contents were revealed to be sweet treats that were certainly not available otherwise.

Her smile brightened as children and the curious gathered around to try the ‘s'mores’, though her magnetism wasn’t in relation to the threat. It was the familiarity in the woman’s face.

I know you

But where? It took the minute Melissa took to cross to where Esen was standing to realise what vision had revealed the Zeltron’s face to her. She approached directly, the knowledge putting a pep into each determined step. She waited for the hug with Zig to seperate,

“Hello Zig. Sorry to interrupt but-” She looked very intensely at Esen, “The blue fluid, commit to using less of it. You’re on the right track.”

The vision hadn’t given her a label. But it was blue and- Well, hopefully that was enough context. Probably.

“A big adjustment. It’s been over a year and I still can’t stand the Selen heat. You can always put more layers on but there’s only so many layers you can take off, y'know?”

The woman’s cheeks flushed further silver as her maybe to the springs was taken as a yes. Surely nothing could go wrong there.

She looked to the group around the fire, seeing what was being made. “I have, yes. It’s a lot of sugar but it’s quite nice. Nothing our metabolism can’t han-” Elly’s whole body tensed, a spurt of anger flaring and dissipating as soon as it came. She looked around to see Rue looking over, excitement on his face. He was too innocent to get upset at, so she sighed and looked back to Hakanai.

“Sorry, my brother is not only nosy but a force user, too. He said something in my head, you didn’t do anything wrong,” she apologized, not wanting her something-or-another to feel bad. “Anything similar happen with Lulaire?” <@244244163002892288>

Rue gave Elly an enthusiastic thumbs up as he’d been taught, as if to say, you have gotten the this.

Zig nodded along with Melissa’s offered advice. She knew enough about the woman’s space-magic that this was just how she be. She’d long since given up questioning Mune, or Kirra, or Ele, or-wait how many “mystic Seers” did she hang out with? Something to introspect at a later point.

“Agreed,” Zig said, still staying close to Esen but giving her space.

Vance had finished up his puff sandwhich and now needed a drink. As he looked out by the fire, he spotted the deputy grand master. “Well there is a rare sight you don’t get to see everyday.” He looked over at what he was eating. “Meatballs? Okay now I need some.”

“Yes, Lula, sorry. I got used to just saying Lulaire with how often I needed to write her full name in documents.” Elly was completely oblivious to any of Hakanai’s inner feelings, her demeanor seemingly not changing enough for the lawyer to notice in the dark, let alone while she was flustered

The Epicanthix grinned even wider, elated that he’d opened the door to a relationship that could potentially lead to the tallest offspring around. If anything, she’d at least make an amazing sparring partner. Whether that regular sparring would turn into night-time sparring was anybody’s guess with the gorgeous mercenary woman. Furios simply accepted his good fortune as it came and went to see what these ‘smore’ things were.

When he finally approached the table where the ingredients to assemble these treats were located, he was quite amused by the process. Roast a ‘marshmallow’ over the bonfire and then sandwich it between chocolate and some “graham cracker’ things. Seemed simple enough so Furios, who knew not the meaning of the word ‘moderation,’ found a dry, leafless tree branch and started skewering the sugary, white puffs on the empty, improvised stakes. When he was done, they totaled twenty-six.

"Perfect,” he declared as he took his seat and started roasting the puffy treats.

Alk pranced and stamped his front feet happily, doing a little dance as he took the ✨ BISKOT✨ . It disappeared in seconds, barely chewed, and he licked her hand in gratitude.

Then the mott’s head lifted, horned snout swaying, as he scented more familiar scents in the mess of many. He turned towards the fire, seeming focused on Esen, the giver of snacks and salads and personalized mott beds, and started to trot her way…

…but not without looking back at Miho and Pips and staring a long moment before tossing his head. He turned back and put his mouth gently around her hand and began to tug. This way this way.

They were both shiny moving things people. It was known.

As if sensing the potential blood in the water that was Ellisyn and any evaded question – it was a lawyer instinct, she said, while keeping all her secrets from him for months – Rue tried to thumbs up …more. but it was not very effective. He frowned from where he still hugged Socorra, then a flash of realization crossed his face, and his only hand made a half heart shape while his tail flicked in front of him to make the other half with its curling tip. <@301514304845381632>

When Kalen noticed his boss, who had invited him to the gathering head over to the table, he grabbed Corra and headed over to him. As he was leaving he mentioned ‘chatting more later’ with Badger.

There was a table that had been setup with some sugary concoctions that Kalen could not for the life of him decipher. Many of the kids and others around did seem familiar with the ritual though. As Furios was starting to roast his mashed Mallow, or whatever it was called, Kalen and Corra came over to him at the side, “Hey, boss, thanks for the invite…sorry about the landing thing…you remember Corra?…This is fun, did the owners provide all the meat being cooked?

<@882372854115610694> <@152256842473406464>

Vance strode back over to the table and grabbed a few of those meatballs before heading to the cooler to see what drinks were available. “What kind of drinks do have in the cooler?” He mused as he started to look them over and grabbed some lemonade. Vance then pranced happily back to the fire again. Softly, he plopped himself down against one of the wooden benches closer towards the fire and smiled when the pleasant warmth of the fire hit his pink skin. As he drank some of the lemonade a sweet memory swept over his mind and he sighed happily. “Reminds me of simpler, sweeter times, where there was no violence and we could just enjoy life for what it is.” His pink pointed ears twitched at the sounds of laughter and banter from everyone around him. He had missed a lot of nice fun things like this. He leaned back a bit more relaxing as he set his plate to the side and placed his arms behind his head.

Vance turned a moment, his ears picked up a snorting next to him. He looked down and saw one of the local farm creatures had absconded his plate of meatballs. He let out a laugh. “Well serves me right leaving my meatballs unattended. So fella, hows your day?” He replied to the creature beside him as he took another drink of his lemonade.

“Oh so you just wanted the plate then.” He smirked as he picked up the meatballs from the ground and used a napkin to set them on. “You know I am not quite familiar with a critter like you. Don’t worry, I won’t hurt ya.” He gave a soft smile as he gazed curiously at the bordok.

Furios was trying to focus on the act of roasting a couple dozen marshmallows, but thoughts of his surprisingly earned kiss with Yuki were distracting him. To make things more difficult, he was still hungry and a bit inebriated. The kod'yok tomahawk and thirteen gorgs on sticks were enough to ebb that hunger, but his amorous activities after the fact had burned that fuel already. Then, to add more distraction, Kalen Joss had approached and started blathering something in his ear.

The di Plagia suddenly realized that he’d let the tree branch holding all his marshmallows droop into the bonfire, scorching more than half of them. He yanked up on the branch to try and save the sugary puffs, but the sudden shift caused more than a dozen of the burnt ones to slip and fall haphazardly into the flames. He sighed and counted eleven that were still in tact.

“What was that?” the Sith asked Kalen out of confusion as his brain caught up. “Oh, yeah, the hosts cooked all that meat over there,” he said, nodding toward the farmhouse.

He was quite unhappy that his dessert was more than halved by the mishap, but he could hardly blame Kalen for it. It was ultimately his own neglect that cost him the marshmallows while the Jedi was simply talking as it happened. Furios had to worry about how he’d get the chocolate and graham crackers while holding a half-full tree branch.

“If you want though, there’s a refrigerated box with some more exotic stuff over there,” he offered with a gesture towards the large container he’d brought. “It’s still raw though, so you gotta cook it yourself, if you’re interested. Now if you’ll excuse me for a moment, I have to figure out how to smore these,” the Epicanthix stated as he went back to grab the necessary ingredients he’d forgotten.

Meren’s concerns were briefly forgotten as attention was drawn to the flowers. Her head tilted at the sight, interpreting the view.

“…Isn’t that a tea flower? And the others, they all mean well, but they feel out of balance.”

H’Grah nodded in compliance, then returned his tools to the belt. He looked around the twilight of the farm’s soft glow and saw a flock of furry, horned, mountain creatures near the main house.

I understand, my l…Lulaire, please allow me to help settle the animals for the night. I will help the Kod’yok

With thighs and calves as thick as trunks, the Wookiee was surprisingly soft with each step. He stepped across the dirt track of the farm and headed for the west side of the main side, where several shapes of shaggy fur, horned crowns, and tusks stirred and circled their herd. H’Grah extended a hand and closed his eyes. The soft pitter-patter of heartbeats emanated through his mind, along with the clip-clop of hooves. The smell of oily dung and freshly cut grass. The vibrations of hooves clip-clopping against hardened mud and gravel. Each ribbon weaved towards the Jedi’s hand as he focused on their minds.

It is time for rest. Sleep.

The command came naturally to the Wookiee, echoing through the Force along the ribbons of activity, to the restless Kod’yok. One by one, their front legs folded, then their hind legs, then their head tucked under their stomach. Nose snores and bubbles left their snouts as the group were swept off to the land of dreams.

Beautiful.

His thoughts flourished with enthusiasm and happiness. H’Grah then rubbed his hands softly and turned to the larger pen, with thicker wooden fences and hanging baskets of hay.

Now for the Nerf and Bantha herds.

“I believe it’s called a s'more,” she said, mildly suspicious about the squinting. It was dark outside, why would she need to do that if not for some emotional reason?

“As I said they’re mostly sugar but they’re a nice treat if you like chocolate. Do you like chocolate, Hakanai?”

Out of the corner of her eye she noticed Rue once again trying to get her attention, this time with an adorable little heart. She gave the man a wave, hoping he’d take the hint that she was busy trying and failing to put the schmoves on a lady. <@244244163002892288>

Meren’s brow lifted. “Oh, sure! That sounds delightful,” she said with a small grin.

After Furios left to get ‘Some more’ of something Corra decided to try her own hand at making some of the gooey goodness and went to the table to retrieve some of the required materials. Just then a person walked up beside Kalen as he stood there with a few of the younglings roasted there marshmellows. <@216702440140046336>

“Oh, what, me? Yeah I’m totally fine…oh, you mean the landing, yes I’m ok, thanks you for asking. I just lost a stabilizer on one of my engines….well, that and its a new ship.” Kalen said as he shrugged.

“Is this your place?” He sat down on a nearby log as Corra returned with a random child in tow with several more raw smore material.

Corra was busy discussing the fine points of smore making as she knelt near the fire and began preparing a marshmellow on a stick. The youngling, who had obviously recognized a potential source for extra treats was deftly follow her every word. Kalen couldnt help but notice how good Corra was with the children around.

<@216702440140046336>

“Uh how about I just grab the plate and maybe see if we can find you something else to munch on.” Vance then extended his arm to see if he could take the plate away from the bordok. “Easy there, I think we can find you some nice uh…vegetables I am sure.”

Kalen smiled, yeah, he should.

“You’re right, I should. I think I need a stick to participate though…thank you so much for hosting this by the way, this is really something…I’ll be right back…” he got up and went to grab a stick and a few of these mashed mallows, or whatever they were called.

Vance took the plate carefully, smiled and nodded to the Bordok. “A promise is a promise. Let’s see if I can find you some vegetables.” He thought for a moment. “This is a farm I suppose there are some vegetables around here somewhere, but, I might need some help to aquire them.” He looked out at the bonfire where some of the kids were working on their sweet puff sandwhiches. A small smirking mischievous grin formed on the Sephi’s face. “I have an idea.” He replied as he gave a friendly pat to the Bordok. He then stepped towards the bonfire, nearer to the younglings. He gave a very charming friendly smile and motioned for them to come over. He hoped that perhaps one of them could help him with his predicament.

Doon leaned away, taking in another breath of the smoke. He exhaled it slowly, not directly at the beast, but not avoiding it either. He wasn’t sure what this creature wanted, but its curiosity was evident. Damned if he was going to hand over the cigar though

Okay, arrangement. Meren raised her hands to it and briefly hovered. Here went something.

One quick motion pulled them all out together. She examined the bunch, twirling them altogether, then picked one out and set it back in. One by one, she hand-picked out the rest and set them back in a steadily growing bush that mixed each of the colors evenly and spaced out each unique bloom, with one such flower on top.

She clasped her wrist and looked back to Azarea blankly. “Is this better?”

Eventually, lost amongst all the noise of the party, Thane managed to slip away from the fire and make it over to the ranch proper. He made it look casual like, as if he belonged, so no one would ask too many questions.

As if he belonged…

That made the Firrerreo pause. He cast his gaze slowly over the structures and fields, distant laughter and calls reaching his ears. The ghosts of a time long past.

“Atra!” A feminine voice called out, echoing within his thoughts. It was warm, like a breath of spring, and wrapped around him with a sad caress. “That’s my boy right there,” another reverberated, a man this time. Standing a little taller, Thane looked towards the main house and saw their silhouettes there, flickering in the warm glow of the fire that managed to cast off this far.

Then he blinked.

They were gone.

They had been gone a while now. So long that he had almost completely forgotten. Time had that effect. That and so much pain that it was easier to just forget. But that was his curse. Thane wasn’t allowed to forget. His mind wouldn’t let him, and he was damned for it. It and the choices he had continued to make.

His chest rose visibly as the man took a heavy breath and cleared his mind.

Zig’s datapad pinged with a series of incoming messages:

“`hey ziggy have i told you how much i love and respect you especially how you handle potentially infuriating situations with grace and good humor. and also how you customize the code base for ship components whenever you tweak the hardware, super cool and sexy, definitely wife material even if you dont comment your code and that leads to unintended consequences for other slicers. but really these are situations we can all laugh about later.

anyway, so yeah. i was working up some tweaks to overpower the jets in the hot tub on the vb for enhanced therapeutic use and i swear it was a very straightforward job. but i forgot about all the aftermarket mods you had to use for the shista fur and well you know how nonstandard code gets when you mess with it.

anyway long story short zuzas foot got sucked into the filter and i cant find the pid for the hot tub to kill it and get her out could you please tell me what it is also please dont be mad”`

<@189568236201705472>

ouch

As H'Grah turned to the north of the farmstead, he noticed the amber hue of the sunlight fade into the indigo blanket of night. The plains before him, littered with wild flowers of pink and violet hues, stretched as far as the forest cradling the horizon. H'Grah found comfort in the night of the countryside, feeling the warm winds lick at his fur.

The Force blesses us this day.

He smiled as the thought danced from his mind, catching in the minds of a flock of Voorpak. They were too busy play-fighting to notice the towering ebony-furred creature. A few meters in front of him were the Nerf herd. A strong, pungent odour wafted across H’Grah as he inhaled deeply. It wasn’t as bad as people mentioned, they smelled similar to himself after a hard shift lifting timber. The coarse, curly fur darkened as the light faded. But the curved horns gave a soft shine, which allowed H'Grah to recognise them. Same as before, he extended his hand and closed his eyes. Focusing on the herd, his concentration grew intensely as a single thought left his mind. Weaving and wrapping into green ribbons, like a plat, the command entered their minds.

Rest. Be at peace.

What occurred instead was considered unthinkable. One by one, the Nerf herd trudged their way towards the Wookiee. They circled to close the gap between them, then it dawned on the Wookiee, as he lost use of his arms. In staggered approaches, with front legs curling and hind legs thudding down, the herd eventually rested. Albeit with H’Grah inside.

Oh dear. Guess its time for a nap.

The Jedi chuckled at the thought. This wasn’t the worst predicament he feel into.

“I have something you might be interested in doing. The reward is all the Puff Sandwhiches you can lift while I distract the adults.” He grinned. “But first I need you as well as any of the other younglings that wish to participate in the Puff Sandwhich heist to get me some vegetables for this wonderful Bordok here. So what do you say? Help me get these veggies and I will make sure you and anyone with you get’s to take as many puff sandwhich materials as you can muster.” He then smiled and gave Joankio a sly mischievous wink.

Meren quietly chuckled in response. Then her brow winced up.

“I almost forgot,” she said with a hint of forgetful embarrassment. “I came to you for a reason! I’m told you have a farm much like this where you can take in rescued animals.”

Doon gently shoved back, placing his large hand against its head and guiding it away from him as he growled out in Shistavanen. “Away, not for you. Go to your kin” he gestured with a hand to the nearby group of beasts as he stepped away from the fence. He still held the cigar clamped between teeth as he continued slowly backing up towards the gathering of people.

At the table of smore materials, Furios had made himself eleven of the sugary little sandwiches. Well, ten of them really. The first attempt had resulted in a messy, mangled wad of stickiness peppered with shards of broken graham cracker and crumbles of chocolate throughout. He shrugged. It probably tasted all the same so he put it on his plate along with the ten better attempts.

With his plate of sweet goodies in hand, the Epicanthix returned to his chair by the fire and started devouring each one with a single bite. He quickly decided that these smore things were a great culinary innovation and that he would have to make another attempt with the tree branch later, after eating more meat. It was after his seventh one that the scent of fully roasted tip-yip reminded him that he’d put one in the fire to cook before his earlier romantic endeavors. He quickly shoved the remaining intact smores into his mouth and set the plate with the wadded, failed attempt aside on the ground.

Furios was chewing through the multiple smores in his mouth, his cheeks looking like those of a Nelvaan squirrel preparing for winter, when he reached out with the Force toward the foil-wrapped bird in the bonfire. He gripped it gingerly with his mind and steadily lifted it from the flames. The tip-yip rose just beyond the fire’s reach when some passerby bumped the Epicanthix’s chair from behind, breaking his focus on the telekinetically raised roast chicken. With the lightning fast reflexes of a starving Furios about to lose his next meal, he sprang to his feet and snatched the bird out of the air before it could fall back in the bonfire. Having saved his dinner, the Sith leaned back into his chair only to feel something very hot and very liquid drip onto his lap. It was grease that had leaked from an opening in the foil.

The fire burned in its pit, illuminating the are and filling the openness with a delicious wood scorched scent. Not ordained in her recognizable armor, the Sephi named Eevie strode into the fray, her bubbly personality emanating off of her.

Adorned in a black tank top, flannel, and cream colored goofy white pants, she stepped towards the socializing space. She had a white cap on over her pink and silver hair pixie-like hair, and her white shoes crunched along the dirt floor.

“Hey y'all, hope im not interrupting anything.”

Elly smirked, her own canines flashing a bit at the thinly veiled flirt. “Save it for dessert. Well, after dessert since we’re about to have chocolate. Second dessert?” The woman went on a bit of a tangent trying to think of what you’d call having dessert after dessert.

She caught him just as he was getting his thoughts in order and thus as close to off guard as he was bound to be.

The Firrerreo glanced up and turned towards Lulaire, watching her as she approached. Her darker skin tone helped her blend in more easily to the nightscape. Not something he was going to do any time soon. A smile tugged at the corner of his lips but he fought it off.

“Lulaire,” he intoned with a downward nod of greeting. He wasn’t exactly trying to hide, nor was he looking for space. Just exploring and wondering. “Thanks again for inviting me to your home.”

Kalen came back with a small plate with all the ingredients to make a smore…or so he had been told by the child who had coached him on the process at the dessert table. He also had a long tree branch.

He returned and had a seat on a log behind Corra, who was still kneeling with several children around the fire pit, engaged in the browning of the sugary vaguely cylindrical candies.

Kalen had brought a longer, nearly 2 metre long stick, and after skewering 2 mellows on the end, he reached over Corra and the kids and began slowly rotisserieing his desert. He was careful to not allow the treat on the end of the stick near the open flames, instead using an area of the fire which was made of mostly red hot coals.

It was a deeply personal and engrossing activity, rolling and monitoring each side of the marshmellow for signs of charring. A small child informed him that he wanted ‘to make it golden on all sides, and soft in the middle’. So thats what Kalen attempted to do.

“So when you’re done hun, then you tell me, and I’ll prepare your ghorman cracker and chocolate, and you place the marahmellow on the chocolate, and i make a little sandwich for you.

4 minutes later

"Alright lets get serious with this now Corra, we wanna mass produce these things…I’m almost done my second one, I might need more supplies from the table.” After the first one, Kalen had been hooked, now wolfing down his next one.

The hot mellow melting the chocolate sandwhiched inbetween the crackers had been a sublime experience. Sweets and candies hadn’t been a big thing while growing up in a desolate corner of the other galaxy. So it was now time to make up for lost time. One of the children around the fire then volunteered to retreive ‘smore supplies’ for Kalen. He suspected the child simply wanted an excuse to go and sneak s'more chocolate for himself too, but Kalen decided to aide and abet the younglings planned chocolate caper, and allowed him to take his plate and refill it.

“Perfect, thank you all. And now for my end of the bargain.” He took the crate and set it down, opening it for the bordok. “There you go buddy as promised, fresh vegetables.” He then winked to the kids and strode over to Joankio’s mother. “Well hello Mam’, Nice to meet you, I am Vance Whitlock and I am one of the Sadowan guests here. I heard that you had quite a nice farm full of fresh meats and vegetables. You mind taking a just a short little walk with me. I just wanted to talk about what kind of livestock and plants you grow here. I am sure you know quite a fair bit and I am curious.”

The Sith owner of the face-planted-upon wad of smore ingredients looked down at the child whom had done the face-planting. His mouth and gloves were covered in grease from the roasted bird he was avidly devouring. The Plagueian might have gotten angry that his smore-like wad of sugar was further ruined by the kid’s face, but he was too focused on the meat in his lap.

Furios shrugged. “At least I got chicken.”

Socorra stopped short, one brow ticking upward.

“Check age?” she repeated, heavily wasteworld-accented tone flat but edged with incredulity.

Her pale eye narrowed as she looked from the droid to the man with the datapad, paranoia flickering into plain view. “And just how you know age?”

How the kark would a rustic farm on Kasiya have that kind of information? The operative went through painstaking measures to keep the Collective, Children, hell anyone from it. That was… concern.

She shifted her shawl more snugly over one shoulder and flipped a burn-scarred hand, palm up.

“Datapad. Let me see.”

Her Force sense found an extreme few with that level of access. Thane. Zig could slice it. She leaned a little closer, voice dropping conspiratorially. The Rs expertly rolled off her tongue. “Did Deputy Renatus give t’at to you? Did Zig?”

A pause. Certainly the head of the ISB could get it, but this wasn’t a planned rendezvous, for once a completely spur of the moment last minute decision she wasn’t known for. “Korvyn?”

Ughhhh this was supposed to be casual and country and there she was, freaking out over two numbers that were simply too high with Human existential dread.

Whether she got a look at it or not, Socorra’s gaze slid toward the crate of whiskey. “Pick my poison,” she echoed quietly, almost to herself. “If you knew anyt’ing about me, you already know which one.”

So distracted was she that the tall, gangly ryn’s pounce caught her completely off guard.

“Socorra!”

The voice hit a fraction before the impact of thin lavender limbs and purrs. Her boots slid half a step back on the packed dirt as Rue wrapped around her.

For a second, it clicked. Rue had invited. So there was at least one person who possibly knew she was coming. Could he have known her age?

I am getting too old for this osik.

Socorra’s first instinct was a half-second of tension, the old reflex to fight off sudden unexpected contact. Then she exhaled, letting his cheek rub against hers. “Rue,” she said quietly, the syllable carrying more relief than she’d intended. She did reciprocate the hug, though not the face rub. She had no facial hair, although she supposed her wild wind-whipped hair could pass as a lion’s mane.

When he pulled back with that wide, unguarded smile, the corners of her ruby lips tipped upward a bit in return. “Careful,” she added, tilting her head toward the booze protector. “You might make t’em t’ink I wort’ letting in.”

“Ploy, no not at all. I am genuinely interested in how you got this farm going so well. I know my associate Tasha'Vel would be highly interested in a lot of the happenings on this farm, chores included. As for your son, not to worry he did help me with a task I needed and He did it very well.” He smiled warmly to her. “See I also used to be a slave too and this just you knwo really reminded me a lot of my home.”

Furios shrugged, as the kid ran off, and repeated his self-assurance. “At least I got chicken,” he muttered, continuing to eat.

It was only after he’d picked the bird down to the bones and discarded them into the fire that he considered the other delicacies in his seemingly magical box of meats. He suddenly remembered a large, raw mykal that was being kept chilled within and also remembered that there was a Wookiee somewhere around who might appreciate some of the Kashyyykian delicacy with him. The Sith scanned the present attendees, looking for the Person of the Trees amongst the beings, many of whom were just as hairy, but couldn’t find him.

After retrieving a 3rd round of smore supplies at Corra’s insistence. Kalen had made up his 4th smore, this one, one of the children had declared to be a ‘double double’. It had 2 marshmellows and 2 pieces of chocolate, one on each ghorman cracker.

“Oh yeah, this is the stuff right here” Kalen said as he chewed the gooey goodness. He was starting to realize what a truly sheltered life he had lived up until now.

“Really?” Meren tilted her head. It seemed so nice here. “Well– yes, Selen! That’s what Lula told me. It must be lovely, the way you both describe it. And the animal, he’s a puffer pig - that puffer pig!”

As if on cue, the creature waddled by. Meren leaned down to rub her hands over his neck before he stepped out of reach.

Astralis strode into the soft, orange light of the fire. “I heard there were s’mores available?” He grabbed some grahams and chocolate, along with a handful of marshmallows. “Let me show you how it’s done!” Astralis poked two marshmallows onto a skewer and placed them well within the nearest wisp of flame. They quickly caught on fire. “Perfect”!” He said, rotating them so that all sides became equally engulfed in flame. He then pulled out the little balls of fire and with one big breath extinguished them. He set them between the graham cracker and chocolate and using light pressure, pulled the non-black interior out along with the skewer. He closed the sandwich with another cracker and thrust the now small marshmallow cores back into the flames. He repeated the process, getting two s’mores made with only crispy, black sugar and little white marshmallow left. “Now THAT is the only way to eat these - the burnt part is the best part!”. Astralis grinned at the disgusted looks from Furios and a few others and popped one entire s’mores into his mouth. Then he smiled, chewing as he went back into the shadows with his second prized confection.

He looked over his shoulder as he left just to see if anyone had any comments about his burnt treats - he never did like marshmallows much, so burning them beyond recognition was the only way to make s’mores.

Thane chuckled at her explanation, having already known. Still, he appreciated the admission. “By all means,” he consented to her offer. “Though one is already here,” he added to himself quietly.

That was supposed to be his inside voice. That mead was something else.

He glanced back towards the fire momentarily, tracking the others who were there while downing another several fingers worth.

Carmen awoke warm, but itchy. The darkness pressed in around him with a thousand needles, and he barely managed to keep from landing forwards, which would have undoubtedly push those points into his eyes and skin. Without a movement or a sound, he cast his sleep addled mind to the task of figuring out where he was, and what was happening.

Ah, someone probably put hay in that cart he was sleeping in.

Carmen leaned forward, the hay on top of him shifting and sloughing off the cart as he made his escape.

It wasn’t like he had arrived early, a space-wizard always arrives precisely when he means to, but there had been a lot more preparations than party this morning, so he decided to stay out of sight. At least it wasn’t a dung cart. He set to picking hay out of his hair as he moved to the barn door, where he was noting the sounds of people. Good, the event started, and he was fashionably late.

Stepping out of the previously unused barn, he made unhurried, yet brisk movements towards the drink table and downed a cup of water before refilling it with wine and casting his eyes across the party.

Rue didn’t have trouble parsing Socorra’s speech, not because he was overly familiar with her accent but because many of his litluns had had varying ability in speaking around various deformations or enhancements. His attention pulled to her from Elly’s date happenings as he pouted with a little MRP, tail flicking. “But you are worth the letting in. You are already here.”

Esen gave an enthusiastic smile and a small head nod to those who came up for smores, walking away slightly to not pressure them.

At Zig’s approach she returned the big hug back in kind. Letting Zig’s warmth linger for a moment to quiet the small chill that had accumulated.

“Hi yeah! How’s things?” Hug finishing and pulling away.

Being approached by the Seer was quite interesting. The blue fluid? Esen did mental math trying to make sense of this person in front of her. Was she speaking of her studies? More mental math as she tried to keep a neutral face, thinking back over her notes. The blue liquid… less of.. hmm.

Then it hit her. That was something she hadn’t tried yet! She had used more and different amounts but it wasn’t equaling up. Use less, yes.

“O-Oh thank you. That is… a good suggestion. I shall do that, um- thank you.”

<@189568236201705472>

Melissa grinned, bowing briefly though still careful of the Vulptax cuddled into her elbow before wandering away from the duo.

“Bye!”

As the smore frenzy ebbed slightly Kalen and Corra had sat on the log and just listened to the party going on around. It was an eccentric and eclectic bunch to be sure. Corra marvelled at how Furios just kept eating, non stop, retreiving mystery meat from a large cooler often. Kalen on the other hand, had been falling even more deeply in love with Corra with each passing minute.

She was many things he was not but always wished he could be. She was kind, chatty, outgoing, and great with children. He on the other hand, was kind like her, but he was much more reserved and certainly an introvert. He also felt awkward around children, especially ones he didn’t know. His experience with children was limited, though he had grown up with a large group of peers as a child himself.

As he had gotten older, he had pursued his Jedi studies and focused on service to the community of isolated survivors in that far off galaxy. Unlike many others who gladly pursued the pastime of babymaking to ensure their survival as a colony.

“Lets go grab some more drinks hun” Corra said as she finished a conversation with someone across the firepit. She kissed him on the cheek and stood and led him by the hand over to the drink table.

Over Rue’s shoulder, her one-eyed pale gaze fixed on the first man. The missing eye was covered with a blank, black patch today, mostly hidden under a shock of white locks.

“No care you check age,” she said evenly, waving a hand. “Just how you obtain.”

She glanced toward the farmyard, then back to him, brow furrowing. “But why you tell me karking sons? Teenagers… I no want to know you eit’er. T’at is some karked up osik.” -# sorry sorry sorry

Without waiting for a reply, she turned her attention fully to Rue, the tension in her shoulders easing. “You too kind,” she murmured, as if the last exchange had never happened. “Let get booze and fire. Always good combo.”

As she steered him she noticed the new body nearby, a very fond and familiar female Sephi, and sister Erinos, one she had not seen in ages.

“Eevie?”

<@244244163002892288> <@206692046424113152>

“I have learned that ‘booze’ indicates alcohol in which case combining such with fire would be an incendiary combination which this one would rather avoid…” Rue hedged. When Socorra paused to say hello to her friend, he squeezed their joined arms. “Please, I still need to say hullo to some others as well …then perhaps we can all sit together? And try these some-mores?”

He sounded so terribly hopeful. As Socks let him go, he checked briefly if Esen was busy, and seeing her speaking to Lady Zig, decided he would scramble to ✨ glomp ✨ Carmen, who had just emerged from one barn!

“caaaAAAARMMen!” Suddenly the hay-covered Hapan would find themselves wrapped in a tackling hug.

<@147021450706944000> <@267489687902486530> <@227653769842655233>

Alk, meanwhile, was not about to wait on any other company of Zygerrians. He turned and, still showing Miho the way if she chose to follow, stampeded at polite speed up to Esen and started excitedly bopping, nudging, and licking her person.

The quietude surrounding them was the first thing Thane noticed. Sure, the sounds of nature fell upon them like a cool blanket but that wasn’t disruptive. Instead, it was calming.

His moon-kissed skin seemed to glow without the sepia glint from the bonfire colouring his features. Having paused for a moment, he let out a long breath and ran his fingers through his two-toned hair, black and a dark grey that was beginning to slowly fade towards silver. That wasn’t even to mention the gold glint of his eyes set within a sable pool.

The Deputy Grand Master nodded at her pat, taking it for the summons that it was, and slowly approached. Tentatively. Like he was unsure and had to remember that it was okay to do. He placed the bottle of mead next to her legs, where it would sit between them, and flared his jacket a little to allow an easy lean down to take the seat. He could feel the cool grass and followed her gaze towards the bonfire and the silhouettes surrounding it. He then turned his gaze towards the sky and its twinkling veil.

He was calm. Much more so than he had been at the Flitz. Not the least of which because there were significantly fewer people surrounding him and he wasn’t rushing from political conflict to political dumpster fire.

After about 7 minutes and 8 seconds away(because thats how long it should take) from the campfire Kalen and Corra came back to the firepit. They had fresh drinks and wide grins on their face. After they grabbed seats on one of the logs again, one of the kids on the other side of the fire began demanding ‘campfire stories’.

Soon it became a chorus of chants and playful demands from all the children. He heard a Force voice in his head asking ‘Do you have any scary stories to tell the younglings Kalen?’ with all the force users around it was nearly impossible for him to figure exactly who was asking. So in his mind he simply said ‘I may have 1.’

Doon had strayed closer and closer to the party after the interruption of his cigar smoking. Now, he was close enough that an exhale of smoke could bother anyone with a sensitive nose. So, with a final inhalation, he decided to snuff the cigar.

It was only recently lit, and despite what others may think, the pockets of the Knight-Commander were not indeed bottomless. So he held the cigar aloft, and with a smooth motion, used a sharp claw to slice through the outer wrapping. With another motion, he sliced through the inner leaves, letting the ashen tip fall to the ground. He watched where it landed, and scooped some dirt over it with a quick backwards kick with his large foot paws. Once it was covered with dirt, he stepped on it and tucked away the remainder of the stick.

Now, he stepped into the party proper, avoiding stepping or bumping into most people as he made his way to the food and drink, where, he found the small Carmen. He followed the smaller man’s lead, filling a cup with wine before standing over him, granting him the shade of his height. “Carmen.” He grunted a soft greeting. “I would not have guessed to see you here.”

“I am unfamiliar with t’ese some-mores but yes, I will at least look.” Socorra then shooed him off to whatever or whoever he was excited for and grabbed an Alex-whiskey before heading to the bonfire.

Cheers, she mimed to Alex with raising the small bottle as she looked for a seat, or at least standing room very close to the blaze.

<@102435651189743616>

“Thankfully, my days with that are behind me. I look forward to a much better future.” He smiled to her. “I might have to go ask one of them about the farm. As for your son. He reminds me a lot of when I was a youngling. Spirited, adventurous and a touch rebellious. Don’t be too harsh on him,we all were young once, and when we get older, we don’t get that time back. Please let him enjoy some of these moments of peace and happiness with his fellow younglings.” He then gave her a charming wink. “Plus it gave me a chance to talk with a most lovely lady today.”

Thane chuckled, forming a genuine smile briefly that utterly transformed his ever impassive face.

“Can confirm,” he remarked with a nod towards the bottle, accepting it back and taking a drink of his own.

“No reason to be tense. Reminds me of my original home.” Thane paused, staring at the bottle before placing it back down. “My parents’ homestead.”

As the small clamour for ‘story time’ around the firepit began to wane, Kalen again heard an unidentifiable Force voice in his head “tell them the whales story Kalen” was what it said. As he grinned and looked around the fire, realizing that the voice had just narrowed down the possible suspected greatly. He had only told a few about the story of his groups return to this galaxy.

Kalen laughed lightly “Ok ok, you kids want a story. I got a story for you. So everyone gather round and let uncle Kal tell you all the story of the squadron and the space whales” He used the term Uncle Kal, because back home, in their tight community, if the kids weren’t yours you were called Uncle/Aunt by tradition.

One of the younglings asked obtusely “Whats a squadron?” To which one of the other kids whispered in their ear presumably explaining what it was.

‘Its a small group of ships. Have any f you heard of type of spaceship called a Dreadnaught, an old republic dreadnaught. And since the Dreadnaught was a playable ship in one of the popular video games the kids played, most of them nodded in the affirmative.

“So this story take place a long time ago, aboard a group of 5 dreadnaughts. Now these ships were off exploring the outer rim, and everything was going fine one day until all of a sudden, out of nowhere a large pod ofnsoace whales came soaring through space, and the 5 Republic ships were all caught up the wakes of the massive creatures. The whales can fly so fast through space you can can barely even see them….sometimes though…if you look up at night, you can see a feint smudge zipping across the sky, sometimes that a group of space whales, and the number 1 rules about space whales is…” several others in the crowd joined Kal in reciting the axiom.

“When you see space whales, get out of their way, unless you want to go on a long voyage.” They all said in unison.

Kalen continued as a few other younglings had scurried up to the fire and taken a seat with their friends.

“The space whales dragged the little squadron along with them for days and days…and then suddenly the huge whales flicked their takes and released the 5 ships…when the crews had got a chance to check their positions, they were shocked to find out that they were in a whole different galaxy almost 2 MILLION light years away.” He paused for dramatic effect, and murmured from the children began.

“The people on the ships were very scared, and they started to worry that they might be stranded and they might never be able to come home. But they kept their spirit up by working hard and exploring the region of the new galaxy around them. Eventually they found a small inhabitable moon, that had still capable of growing vegetables and small Vole like creatures that they could hunt for meat. So they started a colony and made families and had many younglings just like you all around their colony. After many many years, the group unexpectedly spotted some space whales on their scanners. The whales were heading towards their colony, and in the direction of their homes, so everyone quickly got back on their big ships ships and took off. The 5 ships barely made it in time, but they were able to get close enough to ride the wake of the whales again. This was a much rougher trip then the first one, the ship was badges and bounced around as they travelled for several days again. The shaking and ahiving of the ship made it hard for the people inside to even move around…all they could do was huddle together, and trust in the Force to get them home. Then one day on the one of the ships, they felt a large thud. And they noticed they weren’t being dragged by the whales anymore. So everyonenrished to their stations and they all cheered when found out they had made it home…” pausing for effect again.

“But when they looked around they couldnt find any of the other ships…”

“Not to worry Mam, he will eventually learn the error of his ways from the hard way, or he will wisen up and take heed of what he’s been told. And from what I can tell, he’s got a good momma to help keep him on path.” He grinned. “I think I am gonna see if I can meet some others before I head out, but thank you for indulging me with such pleasant company and conversation.” Vance nodded politely still grinning and began to walk his way about the farm. His heart was light, he felt quite happy and was enjoying his time here.

One of the kids at the fire exclaimed “What happened to them? What did the whales do to them”

Kalen shrugged “Nobody knows, they had just disappeared” he said trying to sound spooky. But it was obvious that the intent didnt land with the kids, they looked more confused then anything. In hindsight it was actually a stupid decision to tell this story. It was his own story in fact, and in real life the 4 ships hadn’t just disappeared. Kalen had seen all 4 be destroyed 1 by one on their trip home, the last got smashed by whales tail flick right before dropping his ship off. Kalen had modified the end of the story to make it a ‘ghosts story’…but he decided to cut it there, lest he might start to get choked up.

“Thats it, thats the story…no one knows what happened, some think they might have become ghosts.”

One of the kids hollered “Well thats just silly…”

Kalen smiled, he tried, and failed, but he stayed cheery and went and sat back neck to Corra and retrieved his drink.

“Anyone else got any good stories?”

“Urgh that guy was stinky.” One kid grumbled into their knees, squishing their hands into their cheeks as they stared into the fire.

“That’s not what stinky means.”

“Yes it is.”

“Nu uh.”

“But whales don’t eat ships.”

“What does that have to do WITH ANYTHING!”

The squabbling continued, as the pair delved into an exact arguement as to why the story was bad, and why Kalen was in fact not “stinky”. Or that he was. It was hard to tell as tongues got stuck out.

A guitar strummed behind the group, a masculine chuckle audible over the lightly struck chord. “Zu, you didn’t tell me there were critters here.”

Gwaine Lottson sat at the fire, Zuza a few steps behind him. Her eyes scanned over the area.

“I totally did. Why, aren’t you up to it old man?”

She laughed as her father swatted her, “Go on, go find Zig. You did tell her we were coming right?”

Zuza paused mid step away from the bonfire, pulling out her datapad. Then slloooooowly putting it away.

“I.. certainly tried.”

“Zu!”

Zuza grinned briefly, before scurrying off to locate her girlfriend, leaving Gwaine at the fire. He settled in front of a log, leaning back against the wood as he set the guitar in his lap. “I could fill in for story time if they’re giving you a hard go of it mate.”

Eevie looked to who was calling her name and memories flashed in her mind. Erinos Clan. Her brothers and sisters, fellow Mandalorians. She remembered her initiation. Faces of her chosen family; Jax, Foxen, Socorra, Minnow, L'ara, Bril…and…him.

The dull ache in her heart hasn’t vanished. Even after this long. Remembrances of their time together, too short… taken to quickly. Their first… rough meeting. There one night stand that become two…three….ten nights long. His rescue when she’d been taken and tortured.

She remembered his asking her to join their clan, their family. She happily accepted. And then… it was just over. He had found another. Replaced her…tossed her aside like she’s been her whole life. And she couldn’t even be mad at him for it. He didn’t choose where his heart traveled. She dreamed he was hers. But he never really was.

She couldn’t be around after that. She didn’t leave the Clan, but she kept her distance. Too many emotions. She was losing control. Falling back into old habits. The drinking. The reckless gambling. The promiscuity. Taking on the most dangerous jobs. But nothing filed the void left behind.

And now, her sister in arms was here. And she was calling her name. Eevie was filled with shame. But it was time, wasn’t it?

She needed to move on. To stop being half alive. To leave Avery in her past, lest his memory destroy her future.

“Hey Soccs.” She answered with a sheepish smile. Not awkward at all.

Carmen staggered to the side as a multicolored blur slammed into him, almost knocking his wine hard enough to spill. Luckily, Rue was wispy enough that it wasn’t really that big of an issue.

“H-hey Rue! Been a little bit. Sorry about being late, I was just getting some sleep. You seem energetic today!”

He did his best to return the hug from the awkward angle, Rues hair a soft and pleasant sensation.

<@244244163002892288>

“My, my, Knight Commander, is it that strange to find a lone Hapan at a cookout?”

He paused to take a long drag at his wine. Nothing fancy, but far from bad. Probably the best of a batch from a local vinyard that wasn’t good enough to warrant auctioning.

“Maybe it is,” he mused, looking at his now empty plastic cup. He nodded slightly and mumbled, almost to himself, “another.”

He set the cup down and refilled it, feeling proud of himself.

<@160141735354171394>

Zig blinked once. “I…how did she even…no I don’t want to know.” She pinched the bridge of her nose and exhaled slowly.

It's ₂₃₇₆ ...lucky you're cute. And don't think I can't be flattered and annoyed at the same time, because, well, dammit I had something for this...

She trailed off her message and hit send, and looked up. She saw teh exchange between Thane and Lulalaire and froze in place, not daring to move and listening with all of her listening power. She blinked once, sensing…something. Ever since coming back from the Ethereal realm, she could “feel” when certain people were nearby. She meant to ask Marick or Mune about the “tingle” but knew it would be awkaward to explain to the two Elder space mages.

She heard music, her ears twitching slightly, then froze fully when she saw Zuza poke through some bushes. What was she…Zig had told her she’d be in-system but that was never a gaurantee she’d get to see her…

Her heart skipped a beat and then fluttered. She tried to keep cool. Fly casual…

The Epicanthix gave up on looking for H'Grah, for now. Offering the Wookie some roasted mykal was still on his agenda, but his raw meat stash was more than accommodating enough for the Plagueian to cook and eat something else in the meantime. He silently scanned his long mental list of exotic meat choices and decided on some robust Kath shanks. He went to his meat storage and fished the set of four cuts of hound meat, complete with large metal skewers running through the flesh and perpendicular to the bones. It was only with his next meal in tow that he noticed the large gathering around the bonfire.

The Sith weaved his way through the audience and back to his chair, which nobody had tried to sit in for some reason, just as Kalen was finishing up his story about whales and ghosts or something. He staked his four Kath shanks near the bonfire to roast and reclined into his chair with his drinking thermos.

“What’s that?” a child asked the Plagueian with more cheer than he was used to.

“Kath hound legs,” he responded casually.

“You eat dogs?!” the child exclaimed in disbelief.

Furios shrugged. “A dog is a fine meal.” His voice was as relaxed as ever, not seeing any problem with his dietary choices.

It was after the short interaction about Kath hound meat that Kalen asked if anyone else had any good stories for the bonfire. The Epicanthix watched as the kids gave negative reviews of Kalen’s tale and saw a man with a guitar offering to take over in the child entertainment department. The Sith decided he could use a good distraction from waiting for the shanks to cook, so he offered one up to the group.

“I’ve got a story,” he declared, leaning forward in his chair. “Some might say it’s a ghost story. Others might say it’s about a monster. Either way, it’s pretty scary,” he said with a sly grin. “Music would probably be more palatable for everyone.”

“Story!!!” The kids all bellowed. The mob had spoken.

With elbows fidgeting and tails swishing to find their comfortable spot, the Nerf scootched closer and tighter towards H’Grah. The Wookiee Jedi writhe and wriggled softly, with the aim of somehow free his arms to make an escape.

By the Force, this takes me back.

A brief memory of joy and happiness flashed into his mind, one from the temple and his younger days. With Master Shotta’Tani. With lime-green skin and thick montrals, the Jedi Master of Creature Control darted and skipped between the giant lily pads of the Jedi Temple. The walls were ancient, covered with hanging moss, etched languages from a millennia ago, and the occasional lightsabre scorch. The pair were hopping across a large pond, enticing the Oggdo to leap and snatch at their waiting ankles.

“Patience my Padawan,” Shotta urged, as she watched the teen Wookiee slap the water surface. “The beasts would feel enticed and take you as their next meal.”

The Padawan, H’Grah, fur spiking and faintly smelling of lavender. Eyes bright oak-wood colour, and stick-like limbs to match. The young Wookiee wasn’t the usual image of his kind.

But Master, I want to snuggle them!

His telepathic thoughts blossomed out, like pink lily petals, into his Master’s mind. She tugged him away from the pond, just as the tongue of the Oggdo whipped out to snatch its breakfast. H’Grah leaped across to another lily pad, bobbing on the surface of the pond, bubbles emerging in anticipation.

YOINK

The slimy, salmon tongue of the Oggdo snatched the Wookiee by the waist began tugging him down.

Ah! Master help!

The thoughts telepathically radiated from H’Grah, red microwaves zig-zagging to Master Shotta’Tani. Looking forward, he saw she too was in her own predicament, with two Oggdo rubbing and worming their way into her inadequately small lap.

I have to do this! I’ve got this!

His determination and stoicism shined out, like a holy golden beacon shooting to the sky. Shoulders shook to and fro, waist rotated anti-clockwise, the ankles began to kick and shake.

I have got this.

The thought brought his focus into the present, as his body copied the motion of wriggles. By the time his presence were brought back to, the Jedi’s face planted the floor outside the Nerf herd.

Oh, he stood and slowly brushed off the wet mud, I guess that was easy.

Maybe I should let the creatures rest on their own accord. Work on the buildings in the morning.

He nodded slowly in confirmation and headed back to the bonfire. The flames licking the night sky, and embers spitting nearby, it wasn’t as glorious as when he first arrived. When H’Grah pulled himself onto a log, he noticed two things. The first and more obvious, was the beautiful scent of chargrilled Mykal, coming directly from the joint in the hands of Furios. The Wookiee licked his lips. The second and less noticeable, was that one of the Humans, from his thoughts was called Kalen, held something identical to H’Grah’s saberstaff.

H’Grah patted his belt and waist. He did not have his lightsabre. That was his saberstaff.

My Master would kill me if I lose that. When did I drop it?

Kalen had spotted the saberstaff on the ground about 20 feet away from the fire. He got up and walked around the outside of the logs as Furios was talking and retrieved the device. It was obviously a ‘saber’ of some kind, but he had never come across this type of variant before.

After picking it up and examining it for a few seconds he heard a noise come from the nerf herd a further 30 or 40 feet away, when he turned to see what it was. He reached out with the Force and recognized the voice that had told him to tell the kids the story. Only this time the voice was talking to itself seemingly.

Kalen walked up to creature he soon recognized as a Wookie and started chuckling to himself. Kalen could sense from H'Grahs thoughts that he too was a light side Jedi.

Kalen had not been taught some of the more negative propaganda about the Sith where he was from. This was because the Jedi who taught Kalen, thought they were isolated from the Sith in that desolate corner of the far off galaxy. They hadn’t bothered to teach anything more then basic Sith defensive techniques. This had allowed Kalen to become somewhat accustomed to the ‘darker’ aura’s that often surrounded him since he had joined the Brotherhood.

But this, this wookie infront of him, was an actual Brother, a fellow Jedi. H'Grah, was the first one he had met since returning 7 months before. He almost got the urge to reach out hug the big furry alien.

<@204034522033946625>

“Careful with offers, they might just get accepted.”

Thane huffed out a quick chuckle, glancing around the grounds. The discordant sounds of distant conversation and the varying animals seemed to carry on the night air.

“Correct, though. Most would not assume such,” Thane replied. He didn’t exactly fit the farmer mold at first blush. Not like he had the chance to remain one. “Still do not know the how or why. They passed. I survived.”

He brought his knees up and folded his arms atop them, leaning his chin down and turning his gaze sidelong towards Lulaire.

“I did a lot of that. Surviving. Would find hope…a trap each time. After a while…” The man trailed off. His lilting tongue seemed to grow stronger with each word. Less controlled. His impassiveness remained, however, though tinged with a weariness. “It is difficult to recall a time where I was not in fight or flight. Eventually, something broke.”

At that, he gestured at the skin of his hand, the silvery tissue at odds with Lulaire’s warmer tone. What one expected from Firrerreo. He was the oddity full of scars he couldn’t hide, no matter how fast his kind healed.

The tall Sith rose to his feet, causing the light from the bonfire to create somewhat spooky shadows on his face. “It was at a bonefire instead of a bonfire like this,” he began, but was quickly interrupted.

“What’s a bonefire?” a child’s voice asked.

“It’s a type of ancient warrior’s ritual. They make a fire with bones instead of wood and get excited and angry before a battle. There’s lots and lots of meat eaten to add more bones to the fire, lots of dancing and singing and roaring to get pumped up for fighting, and lots of… ‘lemonade’… for… sugar rushes…” the Sith explained, careful not to divulge the borderline alcoholism that took place at a bonefire to children. He paused.

“Anyway,” he continued.

I was at the bonefire with several of my brothers and sisters in arms. It was in a large clearing surrounded by forest, somewhere we really had to trek to. We were having a great time, lots of fun dancing and eating and drinking ‘lemonade,’ when the wind started to pick up. It was gentle at first, a breeze that cooled our skin, which we enjoyed as we’d gotten quite warm from moving around the fire so much. I remember myself and others giving a sigh of relief when it first started, our bodies heated and sweaty from the sheer amount of activity and consumption. As we continued to dance and sing and shout, the wind got stronger and stronger. It was really only when the fire started to blow out that it dawned on us just how powerful the howling gusts had become. It’s a bad omen to have a bonefire go out before a battle so many of us who were larger crowded around the sputtering flames to block it from the wind while others fed it more bones to keep it burning. We tried our best but the winds rapidly reduced the fire to embers, leaving us in darkness. Some of us started to grieve the ill fortune we expected in tomorrow’s battle and others fumbled in the dark for a lightsource, all while the wind continued to whip at us and howl wildly, like a mother mourning the loss of a child. Then it suddenly stopped, making us all stop with it. There was silence for a moment as we were stunned by the sudden change. Not even the sounds of nature could be heard in the darkness. Then the smoldering embers of the fire sprang forth once again, erupting into flames as if they’d never been blown out in the first place. Instinctively we all looked at each other in confusion, entirely unsure of what had just happened. It was only then that we noticed that Durak was gone.

“Who’s Durak?” one of the children asked loudly.

“Durak was a big guy, very strong, a Benathy, one of the best warriors we had-”

“What’s a Benathy?” another interrupted.

“They’re really big guys,” Furios declared with minor agitation. “Like three meters tall,” he explained, extending his arm up to approximate the height. “They’re very strong, covered in fur, and have tusks.” The children picked up on his growing irritation and stayed quiet.

“No more interruptions!” the Sith demanded before continuing once again.

Durak was missing after the unnatural winds and strange goings on with the fire. We all started to look for him, but couldn’t find him anywhere. A group of us decided to split off from the group, leaving the rest to watch the bonefire, heading out into the trees with torches to see if maybe he’d gotten lost in the forest while the fire was out. We searched for a while, calling out the warrior’s name, seeing only a short distance in front of us with the flames of the torches. It was when we decided to go back that we heard a shrill, piercing cry from the darkness of the forest, an otherworldly shriek that chilled me to the bone and made shivers run up and down my spine. Fearing that it was some forest predator that had gotten Durak, we ran toward the sound, weapons drawn. We came upon another clearing, though this one had a tall, rocky outcrop in the middle, jutting up toward the night’s sky. We’d found Durak, splayed out atop the boulder, his lifeless figure seeping streams of blood down its jagged sides… and on top of Durak, ravenously devouring his entrails, was the hulking creature.

It looked like a gundark but was bigger than any I’d ever seen. It was emaciated and pale with ash-white skin stretched thin over bony ribs and spindly limbs that ended with massive, sharp claws. Its fur was wispy and white, left only in small patches on its arms and chest, but it was its face that disturbed me the most. The creature’s face was gaunt, almost skeletal in appearance, with massive, twisting horns sprouting from its head. Its eyes were completely sunken in, glowing red as its gaping maw of sharp teeth tore at Durak’s insides.

It was then that it noticed us. The creature reared up on its hind legs and shrieked menacingly at us, the same deafening cry that had led us to the clearing, but louder and more unnatural from that short of a distance. Fear gripped me, but the beast had killed one of our brothers in arms. The warrior in me wouldn’t allow this creature to live. We opened fire on the monster, but it was fast, extremely fast. It dodged our blaster bolts with agility unlike any I’d ever seen. Before I could blink, it was on top of one of my comrades, tearing him apart with its claws and teeth. Then it was slicing through another of my friends, and then another, and another. I finally gathered the wherewithal to draw my vibroblade and lunged at it while it attacked another of my brothers in arms, driving the weapon between its exposed ribs. The creature howled that same ear-splitting howl before disappearing into a puff of white mist that let my blade fall to the ground, its shriek echoing in the forest clearing.

For a moment, I thought it was gone, that this creature dissipated when slain. Then the winds suddenly picked up again, faster and harder than they had by the bonefire, buffeting me with powerful gusts as I heard another of the creature’s shrieks cry out at me, then another, and another. I looked around desperately in fear, my blood pounding in my ears as I searched for any sign of the monster while the cries grew louder and louder all around me. Every way I looked, there were glowing red eyes in the shadows of the forest around the clearing, fading in and out, seemingly from all directions at once. Then, as suddenly as they started, the winds stopped, and the shrieking along with it. I looked around, my heart still pounding. It was gone, the eyes, the screams, the wind, all of it. I quickly realized I was the only one of my group left. I sank to my knees, my legs finally giving out from fear and exhaustion. A few moments later, a gentle breeze blew through the clearing. On it, I could distinctly hear, whispered to me as if by the spirits of the forest or even the creature itself, the name of that horrible monstrosity.

“Gundargo… Gundargoo… Gundargooo…” the Epicanthix whispered, concluding his tale.

“This one is quite happy, indeed! Joyful to see so many frrriends!” purred Rue, releasing Carmen after they hugged a moment. Thankfully with both of them already covered in hay, Rue being covered in dust and leaves as well didn’t leave much an imprint on Carmen’s clothing or skin. He giggled and twirled away just as quickly as he’d come, skirts flying. “I must say hullo to Esen but then you should join us also for the booze and some-mores and fire!”

Then he darted off, long, willowy lilac limbs catching shadows and the glow of fireflies, bare to the chill but seeming uncaring of it, his hair a glinting flash behind him.

He was just on his way to get to Esen, who had stepped back a bit from the bonfire, when he heard the children calling for a story. His heart leapt and lodged in his throat, and he stilled, chewing his lip and debating.

Another, a large Epicanthix male who reeked of cooked meat and fat juices drinking from his chin, began to tell a tale. Rue waited to see if how the litluns would respond.

That was a lot. An especially heavy topic for what was essentially their second meeting. He cast a glare at the bottle of mead. Damn you, Uncle Beynolds! The moment passed and Thane looked back at Lulaire, a glint of light catching in his gaze. Those golden eyes searched her face for several heartbeats.

He didn’t say what he saw there, but there wasn’t much that escaped his gaze. Firrerreo were lucky like that.

Not so much their prey.

“Can I pick neither?” he asked with a stilted laugh. Once more he couldn’t keep his attention on her, opting for the safety of the stars and far off nebulae. “I am tired of both. And I hesitate to hope.”

Silence. It settled like an old friend for several beats before Thane pushed out his legs and leaned back against the rough bark of the tree. He looked at the fire. The farm. Then Lulaire for a long time.

“This is a wonderful tapestry,” he finally stated. “I dare hope for my thread to be added. To remember what home feels like.”

He gave up holding her gaze and took another finger’s worth of the mead.

He finished out his words as almost a whisper. “Maybe who feels like home.”

“A- a gundargo?” One of the kids whispered, their hand over their mouth.

“HOW ARE YOU ALIVE?!” A little boy leapt to his feet, though while he put on a brave face he inched a bit closer to the fire.

“Did thr wind just blow?” Another boy asked, getting shoved by the girl beside him.

“Dont do that Je'a!”

“It did-”

Gwaine glanced over the kiddos as they tittered and theorized about if it was real, if it was here, waiting for a moment they were all quiet to strum the guitar, holding the strings low on the neck and producing a high sharp chord. All the kids jumped in place, two of them screaming as another inhaled so sharply they started coughing. Then all looked rather irritatedly at the man.

He grinned, offering a sly wink to Furios when the nervous grumbles started to dissipate.

It had been ages since they’d crossed paths. Avery had dumped her for Eevie - they were nowhere near compatible anyway, and his timing had been spectacularly awful. Fresh from a four-year coma, drowning in all the hell that came with it, and yes, plenty of Force terror on her part.

Not all his fault. Just… most. He’d matured since then, and she’d gotten better with Force control.

Later, in the wake of Eevie’s kidnapping and torture, Socorra had quietly finished what Avery started. She burned the slaver’s entire world to ash - his network, his business, every contact and ally - making sure there would be no legacy, no one to fill the void he’d left with his death. His name would be buried under the black sands, lost to fire and time.

Eevie didn’t need to know. She owed nothing for it.

“Want a drink?”

Socorra snagged one of the small whiskey bottles for herself and gave it a lazy wave toward the other coolers, booze and not-booze. She’d learned the hard way not to assume everyone indulged.

Eevie gave Socorra a friendly smile.

“I wouldn’t mind a drink or two. That said, I did sorts promise myself I’d cut back on it, so I can’t have more than that.”

Doon let out a sort of rhythmic growl that someone familiar with him might accept as a chuckle. He too drank from his cup, then held it down low, tilted towards the Hapan.

“Top me off, if you could.” Wine was not his preferred drink. In all, it was far too subtle on the nose. But he knew better than to be picky at a place like this.

After he had appraised the food from where he was, he turned back to look at Carmen. He went to speak but stopped, instead he lifted a paw to slowly pick a piece of hay out of the Hapan’s hair. “Slept well, I assume?”

“Oh? Um, this one is Rue, Miss,” answered the man, drawn from cooing to and chittering at and dropping a kiss on the baby’s head as it ate while Lulaire helped him hold it. He was a bit startled by the sudden offer of adoption when they had only just met. Should there not have been more screening? “This one would love to, but it does not believe it has a suitable home for such a creature. But this is a blessing from the Goddess. Thank you,” he enthused.

He made sure to give the young one and bottle carefully back, practically floating with happiness as the smells of hay and baby animal and milk and dirt all clung to him. He offered the woman a flower from his bag before going to look and wander with the animals. It was a large, beautiful bloom with wide petals and tall stamens, orange and yellow like her hair. Lula would recognize the Selenian hibiscus.

There was tension throughout Thane’s body, least of all from the unexpected contact with Lulaire. His first through fifth instincts were to push back. Get separation. Keep others away. Were he a cat, his fur would’ve been standing on end.

But he let it happen, hanging an elbow atop one of Lulaire’s knees. Lying there, a tinge of golden hue touched upon his skin. He let go of his instincts, if only for a moment.

Maybe he could steal a few more.

Eventually, he broke the now comforting silence. “Greedy of me,” Thane remarked. “Keeping you from your guests.”

The corners of the Sith’s mouth rose slightly in a gentle yet mischievous smile, content with the levels of fear and anxiety he sensed in their young hearts. Their reactions were a wonderful change of pace compared to Kalen’s story about the space whales. The cherry on top was Gwaine’s jump-scare strum on the guitar, which yielded even better reactions from the startled younglings.

“I lived because the Gundargo let me live,” he stated in response to the only question he cared to answer, unwilling to assuage their fears with the truth that he’d made up the entire story. “Maybe it saw me as worthy because I stabbed it.”

The children were finally willing to let the matter rest, their nerves on edge as the storyteller returned to his seat. With a triumphant swig of victory from his thermos of vodka, Furios noticed that his Kath shanks were done cooking. He used a gloved hand to pull the stakes one by one from where they stood and stabbed them into the ground to cool away from the heat of the bonfire. The scent of the roasted meat made his stomach growl loudly, a sound that may or may not have caused another startle in some of the anxious children.

The Plagueian realized he had worked up an even greater appetite whilst mongering fear to the youths and that while his current helping of meat cooled, it would be wise to start on the next. He remembered the mykal and the missing Wookiee he’d planned to share it with. He decided it best to proceed anyway and let the scent of the roasting delicacy attract H'Grah.

Furios leaned over and asked the sentient sitting adjacent to keep an eye on his cooling shanks before heading back to his container of exotic meats. He looked around, rearranging the packages until he found the butchered mykal. The Sith hoisted it under one arm and went back to the fire before setting the mykal cuts to roast on the skewers that had previously held the Kath shanks. He leaned back in his chair and ate the hound meat with a content smile.

<@204034522033946625>

The smell of wood and meat gave him a knot in the pit of his stomach. As a Zeltron drew closer, he felt his heart lift and then sink. Everyone was alight with conversation. Everyone had paired off in one way or another. All of these people, all of these beings, who were so at ease.

He was always the Jedi. Always, he was the outsider.

Atticus slumped a bit, even as he drew closer to the bonfire. He glanced between several individuals, but he did not feel it was his place. He had traveled far, and ventured long on his own. He still hadn’t gotten used to people.

Not that it would take much. It is never as bad as all that.

He gave a small smile. He had come so far over the last few months. Hearing about this Taldryan Republic had given him some measure of hope that even out this far people were trying to make the galaxy a better place. Maybe he would find a place here? Maybe there would be some succor to be found from the dark places. As much as he tried, as much as he fought, it seemed like the dark corners of the galaxy were determined to try to darken his outlook.

He glanced about, uncertain and wary. He tried to remain at ease, but he still found his heart beating in his throat. Casting down his eyes, he tried to push down his feelings but instead found his feet carrying him to the side of the bonfire. He cursed himself with every step. He could do better than this. Yet, he could not still his thundering heart. With a grunt, he dropped to his rear end, looking into the bonfire.

Always the Jedi. Always the outsider.

Vance had settled himself near the bonfire again,smiling as he heard the story that was told to the younglings. He always enjoyed a good tale of adventure and a bit of swashbuckling. He took in a breath just to inhale some of the wonderful smells of sweet puffs, meat cooking, and the bonfire burning. The sweet chatter around him was like music to his ears. Normally, he was usually shy about playing, but it seemed like a good a time as any for a little music. Carefully from his bag, he pulled out his guitar and began to strum a sweet, cozy tune.

H'Grah and Kalen stood facing eachother next to the nerf heard for a second before Kalen went to reach out and offer the wookie his saberstaff back. He was not a great practitioner of telepathy, but he gave it a since he only knew a few utterances of Shryiwook.

‘I think this might be yours….are you the voice that was telling me to tell the kids the whale story?’ He focused on consciously speaking the words in his mind and reaching out to H'Grah with them as his aunt had tought him. <@204034522033946625>

“Well enough to sleep through having a load of hay dumped on me,” he grumbled before snapping forward and catching the stalk Doon had removed in his teeth.

“But at least it means I can stay active all night. Your wine, sir.”

After finishing the pour into his own cup, he transitioned to pouring more into Doons with an overexaggerated flair before setting the bottle back in line with the others. He looked back up and switched the hay in his mouth from one side to the other.

“Running into you a lot, these days. For someone who has drinking as an… ‘ancilliary intrest,’ you called it? You sure seem to show up in a lot of related places. Unless there is something else you’re chasing?”

Rue had jumped too, nearly off the ground, at the sudden and unexpected loud noise, having no idea what it came from, though he did not scream himself, having learned never to over a century ago. He did stare for a moment at the handsome Human with the object, tilting his head and making a small curious noise as he examined it.

An instrument, perhaps? It looked like the violist’s viol, but much bigger and a little flatter. And there was no stick.

Hum.

That was a curiosity for another time though, picking up his skirts, the hybrid stepped into the firelight, seemingly at ease in front of such an audience of small faces (at least, mostly. He cringed from the adults). As another man drew his own big-not-viol and began to play, and Furious went to drink, and a new face joined the fire light, Rue raised his voice just slightly, speaking with a cadenced lilt.

“Now, now, litluns…that was quite the tale, have we thanked the teller?” More grumbles arose, but so did a laborious and unevenly-timed chorus of thank-you’s. Rue beamed at them. “Very good. My grandmother always said to me that stories were most important, and we should always be grateful for their telling, and so always thank our storytellers. And you all know to always listen to grandmothers, yes?”

This reply was much more immediate, prompt exclamations tinged with respect and even a squeak of terror, as though a disappointed grandmother would rival the Gundargo itself. With the subtle strumming as a harmony, the man naturally shifted his speech to adapt to it, nearly singing along, though not quite.

“Now, then…since we are thinking of the wind, I shall tell you one of my grandmother’s stories, yes? It is also of the wind. And no– not the kind that comes from your butts.”

-

That elicited a whole round of giggles and exclamations of “poop” and “farts!” Taking Sulla to and from school each day and entertaining her classmates on occasion had taught him quickly that, for some reason, children in the Outside all found flatulence hilarious.

Rue flicked his tail sharply, sweeping it close to the flames, and with it, to the watchers’ eyes, trailed simple sparkles and sparks, blazing with color, the fire leaping. He gestured again, grandly, and more little wavers of light arose; nothing terribly impressive, but faint, glimmering colors, as if the smoke had been dyed. When he swiped his hand through it, it curled into fields of green and waves of blue, then filled a fake sky with stars.

“A very long time ago, before any of our grandmothers were born, the first travelers walked their world. They tended the earth, just like you and your families do!” Shapes of nerfs and children, blobbish, emerged from the green smoke. “And they listened to the water and the earth and the wind when it told them things. They respected them, just like you do. And so the earth gave them food and healed them, and the water made them strong and grown, and the wind told them secrets. They learned how to reach for the stars high above from the wind. And you can learn from it too. But you must listen.”

This he emphasized with another flick of his tail, and the colors and smoke dissipated, fading up into the sky…where he pointed up at the stars, the moons, and the few scattered clouds.

“And if you listen very, very well…they may also teach you how to travel, as our ancestors did. How to reach to the stars, how to shape the clouds, how to fly.”

- His eyes flickered to a soft, glowing gold-white, his breath misting. Up above the farm, the clouds began to shift. Not subtly, as drifting on the breeze, but demonstrably twisting and pulling, revealing even more moonlight as they coalesced. Rue drew upwards with his finger, if only for show, and smiled when a word, clear and fluffy at the edges with misted frozen percipient, spelled out:

F A R T S

“So you see…the wind can be scary, yes…but it can also be your friend.”

Zig watched Gwaines added to the story. She had met the man, obviously, but still was anxious about how he felt about her. She chewed on her fingernail as she watched him, and idly listened to Furios’ story. If distracted her momentarily from other things…

Then further distracted by the thump of a short Human bearing many resemblances to the man by the fire.

Zuza Lottson did! Tackle hug!!!

“I forgot to press send.” She laughed nervously, into the hug.

Zig was saved from being completely toppled thanks to a commitment to not skipping leg day. She tried not to make it too obvious but her arms reflexively cling to Zuza, holding her close and burring her face into mess of hair.

“It’s ok, you goof,” she said with a quiet laugh. “Worth it either way”.

Atticus watched the Sephi play, his eyes growing slightly wide as he listened. He leaned back, closing his eyes as he listened to bits of Rue’s story as the words mingled with the music. He could not push away a sense of jealousy at the camaraderie he felt from the others gathered.

Yet he couldn’t bring himself to insert himself into their company. He just was not built that way.

Always the outsider.

He opened his eyes and looked deeply into the bonfire, watching the flames as he reflected on the music.

All he had to do was speak up. All he had to do was to gather his wits about himself. All he had to do was something, anything but he felt so lost. He felt isolated. They all had a connection, they all had a story. He was not part of it. He was a wanderer, a stranger.

He was the outsider.

He tried to stir himself. He tried to lift himself, but a deep fear mingled with his want for connection. So he sat, he listened, and he felt a deep sadness.

Once he had been open to the galaxy. Once he had been bright-eyed and hopeful. One day he had believed that a Jedi should, nay must reach out to and improve the galaxy around him.

But he couldn’t let go of that fear. Not yet. Despite his deep wants, he felt helpless. Each connection he forged was a risk. And he had lost so much in so short a time.

Zuza leaned into the hug, holding her close. Tighter.

“Wouldn’t miss you being around for the galaxy.”

She let the hug linger longer, before pulling back enough to look back out on the crowd. Suspiciously distanced…

“Who were you spying on?”

Gwaine provided gentle background music to Rue’s story, raising an eyebrow at thr illusions brought forth.

And… the weather changing like that.

It didnt really matter but it was a bit of a show off. He chuckled to himself at the thought, he’d never hear the end of it if he said that out loud.

Vance glanced and winked to Grymir as he had stopped his earlier playing and tuned his guitar. “Well I can certainly oblige the younglings with some music, though I hope that perhaps I could work alongside another to create a marvelous melodious masterpiece for all ages to enjoy.” He then smiled widely as he finished his tuning.

His mental aura reached for the Human, like an orchid flower bobbing.

I am, I did not think someone was listening. Thank you

He takes the saberstaff and straps it what was left of his belt. The scent of Mykal wafted across his nose, wriggling and sniffing the air like a hound. He turned back to Kalen.

I would like you to join if thats possible? We can grab a bite to eat and talk of your training.

H'Grah gracefully strides to the bonfire and plants himself next to Furios. His mental capacity streaming like a lighthouse, searching for Furios.

May I join you with that Mykal? It smells wonderful.

His ebony paw extended for the skewer, while his tongue lapped at his lips.

<@882372854115610694>

“Oh!” Rue mrowed, glimmering golden shimmer on his skin in the firelight, a flush of happiness from seeing the young ones enjoying so and unbothered by the Brutal Social Anxiety™ of the adolescents rolling their eyes or wrinkling noses. He turned his beaming smile on Grym. “Thank you, Master, Sir! Yes, celebration of the farm and change was this one’s hope in this story.”

He moved aside as the young man called for musicians, sitting beside the Zeltron. It was then he noticed the discordant note in the song of life around him, the undercurrents of anxiety, whispers. How parents had clutched children. His ears splayed back and down, tail curling in.

“Oh…Sir, did this one do something wrong? I apologize, deeply.” He bowed at the waist from his log seat, reaching to splay his hay-covered skirt too like a curtsy.

Zig flushed, but took the compliment in stride and just smiled. She grabbed Zuza’s hand and squeezed it, then leaned in to whisper conspiratorily into her ear. “The Lord and the Farm Girl! I sent you the mission briefing…”

“It was a briefing?” Zuza whispered back, biting her lip in amusement for a moment, “I saw that name pop up and thought youd sent me another one of your stories.”

She bumped her hip against Zig’s, “And my dad was uh, right there. Let me-”

Zuza pulled out her datapad for the ‘briefing’, intent to know who was the target today.

“` Mission Brief 001203221020282929

Top Secret.

Super secret.

Okay so remember how I told you about the Networking mixer where I may have used up a few favors to orchestrate a meeting of Lula and Thane? Well there is a party in your system so I hope to see you there but understand if you’re busy. Anyway, somehow, Lula is so offline she has no idea who Thane actually is. And I’m worried if she finds out it will ruin something. So the mission will be to observe, surveillance, and make sure to #ProtectTheShip. ”`

“Oh.”

A grin crossed Zuza’s face.

“Oh ho ho ho.” She giggled. “Ohhhhh this is great. Orders recieved ma'am. Operate normally, run interfence on technology. Easy.”

He was pulled from his thoughts by Rue’s words. He drew back slightly in his seated position, surprised and mildly alarmed.

“What? No. I am just-” He squirmed a little. “I am sorry. Everyone is just so happy and I-” He stopped, trying to pick his words carefully.

“You were telling a story, and he was playing music and here I was just-” He sighed. “No. You did nothing wrong. This one just didn’t want to make himself a bother in such joyful company. You were fine. Truly, I did not mean to make myself a bother.”

He looked back into the fire, nodding to himself. “The story was lovely in its own way. I did not mean to be a dark spot when everyone is having such a lovely time.” He cringed a little, worried that his pheromones had caused some unease in the gathering.

“And here goes Atticus, always making a pest of himself.” He shook his head sadly at the Kessurian. “If anything I should be apologizing for my poor manners.” He bowed his head slightly.

Zig felt her heart flutter with excitement. Not just at someone understanding her, but with being willing to so easily go along with it. But also that just being near Zuza made everything feel right.

She snorted as she laughed. “I’ll handle the technology part but you’re definitely better at the sneaky stuff. My attempt at camouflage was…not great.”

She gestured at the patterned shirt and combat fatigued she wore, and the random leaf in her still-short hair

Furios saw H'Grah reaching for the skewered mykal that the Sith was planning to eat and quickly swatted the paw away. “Not that one!” he hissed. “Never grab that one.” The hairy Jedi pulled away, looking confused at the unexpected rebuff. The Epicanthix shook his head in disappointment as he pulled a different skewer with a smaller, yet more choice, cut of mykal meat staked upon it. “Here,” he offered the Wookie, who took it with minimal understanding of why he’d gotten smacked.

The Sith pulled the skewer that H'Grah had previously reached for and took a bite. “That one is mine,” he explained through a mouthful of roasted mykal. “Never try to take mine. Didn’t anyone teach you to ask which one’s for you?”

<@204034522033946625>

H'Grah took the smaller skewer with discontent and nibbled on the meat. He savoured the smoky flavour along with the meaty texture of the Mykal. It pulled him back to a time when he was a pup, living with elders of his clan. He looked back at Furios and nudged softly.

So, what’s your story?

His thoughts permeated into the Sith’s mind.

“You take the lead and i’ll back you? How’s ya voice?”

Gwaine stood up, settling into a comfortable pose to hold the guitar. He gave a gentle strum, the strings still tuned.

Though he had been apologizing more to Grym as one of the farm hosts, Rue was quick to turn his attention to the Zeltron, easily feeling the fluster and warp of his emotions so close to him and with such strong senses. He blinked a few times with a little hum at Atticus’ outpouring, having a moment to recognize like for like. He smiled at the Zeltron, and gently set his hand next to the other man’s, upright in an offer, in case contact was wanted or unwanted.

“Oh you are quite alright!” he assured, purring comfortingly. “Be welcome and Blessed Night, Sir Atticus. The Mother Moon smiles upon you.” His saffron gaze flicked up, and he flushed slightly to realize his joke was, of course, still visible in the sky and detracting from the Night White Lady’s pale beatific countenance. It would take time for the new-formed clouds to dissipate or drift apart unless he rearranged them again. “My name is Rue. I promise that you were not bothering at all. Everyone is invited here for the drinking and the food. This is the goal of the party. It does not matter if you are a dark spot or some other shade. You are you, and you are here. Would you like a plate? Or of the drinks or some-mores?”

Vance turned to the older and stood up with his guitar. “I think I can handle the singing if you help me with the backup strings. Let’s make this a night they will not forget.” He then took center so he was facing all the younglings and those sitting before the crackling bonfire as Gwaine followed beside him. He deftly twirled his guitar in a very flamboyant flourish before he began to use his hand to start a soft beat on the guitar like a drum, then he began to strum. The rich melody of his guitar combined with harmonies and acoustics of Gwaine’s instrument began to fill the air with a lively and wonderful song. At first, Gwaine seemed a little unsure as the song wasn’t familiar,but he could hear and feel the beats within the song and soon became one harmonious enriching melody as they played together.Then a smiling Vance opened his mouth as his soft soothing tenor voice began to sing.

“I hear the wind, I feel the seas, and words spoken with the trees,and yet cannot forget what I have learned. We must hold fast, we must love hard and show our loved ones that we are there. Protect their hearts, live free and soar above the stars. Hold tight, hold fast and be happy with the ones you care about. Listen to the nature and world around you, it calls. Follow your true heart, dance, and sing and be joyful. You are loved, you are never alone with the harmony, balance and family before. So please take care of the ones you love, show them compassion, gentleness and kindness. Make the stars shine with your brilliance and light.”

‘That would be most agreeable’ Kalen thought intently. He following H'Grah back to the area of the firepit, and split off, heading back to Corra who was busy playing with 2 Porgs on her lap.

As he sat down Furios raised a skewer of me in Kalens direction, either offering him one, or making a ‘cheers’ motion. Either way Kalen was still from the meatballs and the 7 smores(2 of which had been double stuffed version), and politely raised a hang to wave him off.

As he sat next to Corra one of the Porgs yawned and hopped over only Kalens lap and curled up and went to sleep.

After curling up in a comfortable position the Porg on Kalen lap began either deficating or lying an egg, he wasn’t sure which, so he just shrugged it and the hard pellets off, the excriment falling harmlessly on the dirt next to his foot.

Atticus took the hand, his face parting in an uncertain smile. “I am pleased to meet you Mister Rue.” His eyes trailed towards the table, and he felt his stomach give an audible growl. “What do they ask for a plate….or these some-mores? I have but a few credits on me just now…”

“Oh, no no,” Rue rushed, brows crinkling much like when he’d heard Badger’s stomach growling. “It is all for the taking, there is not a cost. Though I believe that the some-mores are meant as a dessert, given the component of chocolate, which therein follows that if you are hungry you should have some of the other food first,” he advised, confiding, “This is generally the rule in my household, so that the girls have proper nutrition for growing. There is a great deal of meat cooked for everyone, and several side dishes, if you do not eat meat…I do not.”

Doon’s usual scowl was somewhat softened by Carmen’s antics. “These… related places. They tend to offer me a chance at what I am looking for.” He took a sip of the wine, glancing around the gathering before tilting his head towards carmen so he did not need to crane his neck down to see him. “That is… meeting people.”

His nose twitched at Carmen.

Just taking in the silence, Thane tried not to move. Bafforr wasn’t having it however. Thane reached out and began working a few fingers over her belly.

When he felt Lulaire’s hand on his arm, his other hand came over to rest atop hers. A moment later his eyes popped wide as he recalled something. “Here,” he said, popping a small device from his pocket. Thane made sure it was still working before handing it up over his head to Lulaire. “It is a direct communicator. Keyed to my code.”

He waited a few moments before adding, “Was told it could survive anything.”

“That all sounds,” Atticus paused, considering his words, “rather delicious. On future visits I may have to repay such kindness to the hosts.”

He considered asking why Rue did not eat meat. Many beings in the galaxy chose not to or could not. However, it felt rude.

“Well, I- um- I guess I should,” He shifted uncomfortably, “I guess I should go and, um, put something in my stomach before I- before I embarrass m-myself further.” He gave a grateful nod to Rue and turned towards the table, his face a deeper shade of red.

Could I be any more awkward?

This seemed like a nice place. He just hoped he could relax a bit more. The galaxy was a dangerous place, but this place seemed alright.

It had been a long time since he had felt really safe, but maybe he could try to let his guard down a bit. Maybe.

“Alright!” Rue chirped simply, and got right on up to go with him as he had Badger, smiling all the while. He was dancing on his toes to the music as he moved, hips and tail swaying and flicking, humming along. At the tables he grabbed a plate and offered it to Atticus, “Here! Have as the much as you like. There are always the leftovers. This one knows from experience that Miss Lula would be happy to give you some packed before you leave, whence you have finished partying.”

He said it with emphasis, like par-tay-ing, as Sulla had informed him was ‘cool.’

The Zeltron took the plate gratefully and started to pile up a veritable pile of meatballs and delectable treats. Besides the meatballs, he spooned a healthy helping of greens onto his plate. He eyeballed the some-mores for a moment before shrugging. He might give those particular snacks a try, but he was far from a fan of chocolate treats.

Once he was satisfied that his haul was sufficient- and starting to feel he might be acting greedy- he pivoted over to where the alcohol lay waiting. He looked over the selection for a few moments before realizing that he had no idea what he was looking at. His upbringing hadn’t offered many chances to indulge in such beverages and his master had drilled into his the importance of keeping a sober mindset.

Maybe sober isn’t what I need right now though.

He shrugged, saw the word lager on one bottle and decided that is was as likely to be good as anything else there. He lifted the bottle and considered it before slipping it into the pocket of his robe.

Just one for now. Must not appear greedy. They were kind enough to share their bounty.

“Thank you, Mister Rue.” He bowed his head.

With food in hand, he pivoted towards his place by the bonfire. He drew a deep breath, and just now began to really appreciate the warm and inviting smells that accompanied the welcoming sounds of the environment, of the company around him.

He let out a shuddering sigh, and for once felt some measure of ease. As he started to eat, he felt a stinging in his eyes.

This here. This is nice.

As he sang, Vance smiled to the younglings as he turned to some of the adults. He then gave them a charming little wink as his fingers seemed to glide over his guitar.The music allowed him to express some of his own feelings as he sang about love, home and family. Inside his mind, he hoped someday perhaps he could find someone that he could also share with. He still maintained his composure though. Someday I’ll find someone. As the song came to an end, he heard one of the parents and chuckled. “Well if you would like to hear more,be more than happy to continue, however I do have to ask my older back up guitarist here if he would enjoy playing another song.” Vance then with a nod and smile gestured with his left hand to Gwaine. “What do you think? And also I am sure there could even be others just as talented too perhaps even some from our crowd could come up. After all, it’s not just a duo here.” His violet eyes searching through the people listening.

Once Atticus has his food and drink, Rue glanced about and then followed him back to the fire, sitting down beside him again, close enough that his half-arm could brush the Zeltron’s when he moved. Just a small possible point of contact.

They listened to the songs and call for more and he smiled at the litluns’ complaints, trying to think of aforementioned songs, but he hadn’t memorized them yet, hadn’t spent that much time on the farm in Selen. Only melodies and snatches came to mind. When Vance called for volunteers, he shyly raised his only hand, offering, “This one can sing…I can harmonize with you if you start. I don’t know many Outside songs. Only my grandmother’s clan’s.”

<@1385116824814878940>

Vance’s violet eyes caught sight of Rue and a rather nice looking Zeltron beside him. He made a note to afterwards speak with the shyer one. “Well all right come on up, I am sure I can come up with a nice song or I could back up play if you wish to sing one of your grandmother’s clan’s songs.” He grinned happily.

Carmen gave a small snort and took a drink, “Meet people? Of all things, I didn’t expect you to be a socialite. I guess I’m not too in the practice these days either, seeing as I’ve mostly just been hanging out with soldiers for the last years. And with them it hardly takes more than a wink and a drink to make fast friends. The actual Brotherhood seems a lot more diverse… even if a good number of them are very ready to threaten instead of talk.”

This was a new battlefield. One he hadn’t faced in so long he had forgotten how to navigate it. Not to say he ever had before, but in his current state…yeah.

His mind was split between the logical and illogical. A voice cried out in warning, telling him hope was a trap. A logical fallacy. Just the Galaxy, or the Force, or whatever hand grasped the helm setting you up for another bitter fall. The harder you landed, the more it hurt, the greater the laugh would be. It was a deep bitterness steeped in pain and sorrow with a harty helping of bad choices from good intentions.

Then there was another, softer presence that drew his focus towards all the things he knew to be true. The naivete and unhindered openness. The warmth he felt and the cascading chills followed by pangs in his stomach, all from something as simple as touch. Something he tended to violently avoid. And, finally, the knowledge that it was okay. That it was only him standing in the way of a chance.

Maybe that was enough.

He hadn’t realized he was tunnel visioning so hard as the world’s cacophony came rushing back in and his awareness snapped out.

“Never apologize for animals. They follow their instincts. Good or ill,” Thane replied. “A measure of predictability.”

He eyed the bottle as Lulaire held it and smirked. “Bafforr adds to the cute company.”

The Sith was not used to speaking telepathically so he just responded like normal. “Well…” he began with a mischievous smile that held a mouthful of mykal meat. He finished chewing and swallowed. “I was at the bonefire with several of my brothers and sisters in arms…”

Furios knew that wasn’t what the Wookiee meant, but a story was a story. He’d already spoken of his past enough and wanted to keep it under wraps. Thus he lied. “I’m a traveling entertainer and acrobat. I suppose you missed the tale of the Gundargo, but I can do other tricks too.”

With that falsehood spun, the Epicanthix rose to his feet and stepped away to a clear spot near the fire. Relaxing into a simple and steady stance, he crouched a bit and leapt into the air, performing a perfect standing backflip to emphasize the lie. It was a remarkably flimsy deception with his armor and the saber obviously hooked to his belt.

<@204034522033946625>

Carmen stopped for a second, his eyes widening as he pointed across the yard.

“Woah, Doon, you see that flip? Frakkin sweet.”

Kalen and Corra clapped at the site of the feat of acrobatics.

“Hey careful who you’re calling old.” Gwaine laughed, giving a nod between Vance and Rue and settling to back the music. His eyes cast over the group, noticing Zuza and Zig and smiling slightly to himself. He played a passive tune, waiting to see what was chosen.

Zuza plucked the leaf free, letting it float down to the ground. “Yeah, you’re on a farm not trying to blend in with a parade.”

She chuckled, shaking her head. Following Zig’s guidance, it wasn’t difficult to spot Thane and Lulaire off in the distance. CUTE! But, no one was approaching them or making any action that would cause interruption.

“For now, I think we just enjoy ourselves it seems. Apparently its music time.”

He turned to Gwaine and chuckled back. “Hah, my apologies wise one.”

Gwaine stuck his tongue out at Vance.

Vance grinned showing his teeth and pointed at him. “You know I’m right.” He smirked a bit at him. He was enjoying the banter as they waited for Rue.

Internally, she was doing a victory lap and fist pumping into the air in excitement knowing Lula and Thane were enjoying each other’s company. It had all been worth it.

Externally, Zig nodded, shaking off the thoughts as she listened to her partner. She then got distracted momentarily by Zuza’s freckles crinkling as she smiled, and her mind went blank as fresh paper. Another moment and she recovered enough to talk.

“Fair. Looks like pops is hitting it off with the others…” she commented as she tucked a stand of chin length hair behind her ear. She almost reached for her long braid but had gotten used to it not being there.

“Um,” Rue hesitated, ears flicking back and tail flicking slightly, slightly pressing up to Atticus in a newly habitual curl towards another body. He caught himself and blushed all the harder. “Oh, apologies, Sir Atticus, for invading your personal space uninvited.”

<@297496904282144769>

To Vance, he turned back with a deep breath. “I…have never had the chance to share her clan’s songs like this, like they were meant to be shared…it would be an honor.”

Vance’s lips turned upwards in a sweet warm smile as he gave Rue a wink. “That’s what I like to hear and would love the opportunity to learn some songs from your clan.” He then extended his right hand out gracefully to Rue. “Come on up and join us then. You sing while Gwaine and I back you up.”

Swallowing his nerves, the Kessuryn hybrid drew himself upwards with another deep breath, touching his hand to his chest and murmuring a prayer. Then he stepped forward and leaned nearer to confer with Vance and Gwaine, quietly humming and singing the tune of notes of a melody and a harmony sample.

“It is…hum… apologies, it has been…some eighty years since last I heard the instrumental portion…it is …dum dum dum…dum dum…” he continued.

When they both seemed to have it, much more practiced musicians readily taking up a tune, Rue turned about, focused on the children rather than the adults present, and started to sing.

The song was about true love and impossible tasks showing its endurance, about a faire in the forest and herbs of blessings and remembrance. He’d sung it many times for his litluns, but always alone and never accompanied, where in Grandmother’s memories, she and her family had danced and played around fires with great joy and life, altogether, fluting on their noses and playing simple instruments.

Gwaine held the beat, providing the basis for Vance to take up the melody with easy practise.

As Vance listened to the tune, he took a breath closed his eyes as he focused on the beautiful melody surrounding the song. His practiced fingers danced across the strings of his guitar as he followed with Rue and Gwaine giving the beat to help him keep the tempo. Together, a beautiful harmonious song permeated across the farm to everyone. Vance could feel the music and in turn played with his heart to her song.

Thane shrugged a half-hearted agreement. He supposed that was true, but… “That gives them a pass I am unwilling to.”

He tilted his head a bit closer to Lulaire’s with his gaze somewhere far off. “For sentient’s, cruelty is a choice they make.”

The wrong choice.

The Firrerreo didn’t say much more than that, but the heaviness of the words said enough.

Atticus felt a warmth at the proximity of Rue and shook his head with a smile at the apology. He would have told his new friend that it was quite all right but he was stopped as he started to dig into the small feast on his plate. He hoped that his eyes would convey his apology well enough as he ate.

He smiled as Rue rose to join the musicians. He looked to the trio, and found his heart do a flutter.

It was confusing.

He had spent a lot of time with his Master. He had spent a lot of time secluded from the rest of the galaxy. He had met plenty of sentients from all walks of life.

Few had stirred anything in him. Yet as he watched Vance playing, he was met with a warmth he had not experienced since he was a child. The man was pretty. Sure, he could appreciate the handsomeness of individuals in an almost academic sense. He knew, but for the first time he felt something he had not experienced before.

Maybe he had not had time. Maybe it was all the time focusing on Jedi teaching. Maybe it was because he was so often zeroed in on serving the greater good. Yet when he looked at the Sephi he was struck by the strength the man embodied. He was muscular, his hair delightfully swept to one side, the striking balance created by his faces and those lovely ears and-

It was confusing.

But not wholly unwelcome, he reflected as he chewed. Perhaps I haven’t given time enough to consider the small wonders in the galaxy. He leaned back, slowing his intake of food. He closed his eyes to listen to Rue’s song and the playing of the music that accompanied.

Yes. This. This is lovely.

Vance looked back at the Zeltron voraciously eating and chuckled to himself as he played. He felt himself smiling a little more at him than he usually did with others, something about the man. He was certainly easy on the eyes no question. Vance could feel this small almost like bubble of feelings inside of him wanting to burst. He wanted to come over, get to know him better, learn about him and…He stopped his mind a moment as he played for fear of blushing and turning his fushia colored skin a much deeper pink.Don’t rush it Vance, slow down we need to talk first, get to know him, don’t do anything stupid and get yourself hurt.

Furios still wasn’t sure if his acrobatic feat was enough to convince the Wookiee that he was a traveling entertainer as claimed. He looked around quickly to see if there were any other tricks he could pull to make the lie more believable. His eyes could only find the cuts of mykal that he’d been roasting over the bonfire so he went for those.

Clutching five of the pieces by their skewers, the Epicanthix began tossing them up into the air. Each one that fell was deftly caught by its metal stake and returned to the sky in an alternating rhythm. As Furios juggled the food, he began to notice the meat gradually slipping off the skewers. Unable to keep the meat balanced on the shafts with skill alone, the Sith drew on the Force to boost his dexterity just a bit. Each time he caught a falling steak, he twisted it slightly to ensure it stayed on the skewer before lobbing it back up. As his ability to keep up with the ridiculous decision to juggle the roasted mykal began to wane, the Plagueian tossed each one a little higher before trying to catch them and end the spectacle. He did just that, grabbing one, two, three, four between his gloves fingers. As the final piece fell, with his hands essentially full, Furios leaned forward and chomped, catching the last cut of mykal in his teeth.

<@204034522033946625>

This display spurned a more boisterous applause from the crowd, the kids and most everyone arounded seemed to enjoy it.

Kalen stood and stretched.

“My turn” he said, loud enough for the other to here.

“Alright younglings over there, make way, spread out. Ill show you all a trick…just dont try this in front of your parents” has he walked away from the fire. At about 13 paces away he stopped, turned back to the fire and waved his arms for them to spread out on the other side and make room.

He sprinted toward the fire, in an awkward gangly sort of way, and as he got a metre away from the fires edge, he pushed off with all of his might, and adding some amplification to it, he sprang up and over the fire. He performed a double twisting front flip. His form wasn’t great, his spirals werent tight, and his body was cranked at his waist as he spun in the air. As he landed(with a step out and a performative little jog) on the other side of the fire. No one would mistake him for medal winning gymnast, but the feat was impressive nonetheless.

“My sister taught me that one” he said as he walked past H'Grah and Furios on his way back to his seat.

<@204034522033946625> <@882372854115610694>

Kriff it.

Usually, Thane kept things high level. Logical. He negotiated with his impulses and weighed the pros and cons. Thus far, however, this night had seen him unusually assertive in his wants. Cons be damned. Why stop now?

“Home sounds good,” came his lilting words, then he quickly cleared his throat and rephrased. “I mean, we could talk more freely at your home.”

His attention began to turn back towards the bonfire and the shenanigans therein. And his stomach grumbled. The little betrayer.

With a sigh, he gently sat up and separated from Lulaire. “Suppose we should get back, though…” He paused, looking her in the eyes as he addressed something that had been bothering him. “Do not hide yourself. The way you talk does not diminish your light. It adds colour.”

He spoke from a place of experience, having tightly controlled his accent for most of his life.

Thane let out a low chuckle that reverberated richly through his chest. Then it advanced to a full laugh. Composing himself, the tall (though less so than usual compared to some of the monsters in attendance) Firrerreo put a hand gently atop Lulaire’s head.

“I appreciate your words,” Thane answered, then pat her head lightly before running fingers through her two-toned hair. “And you are the sunrise after a long night.”

The Firrerreo nodded to himself and turned, leading the way back to the gathering.

H'Grah smiled warmly as he saw and petted the sleeping Porg in Kalen’s lap. He listened to Furios with honest intent and noticed the clean, but amateur, backflip as the armour and lightsaber clinked in the air. The landing was flawless and the form was straight forward but practice.

Well done, sir. That was clean.

He slowly stood from the log and clapped, albeit loudly. The Porgs flinched and whined. Like logs floating diwn river from a timber farm, the Wookiee walked towards Furios and slowly pushed him aside.

Now I’ll show you how its done.

What happened was a short hop from the Wookiee, then a short twist, followed by a furry face planting inti dirt and muck. With rear pointing to the stars and limbs sprawled, this wasn’t an appealing posture for the Jedi.

Good Job, H'Grah. Thats what happens when you show passion.

<@1178915035049902120> <@882372854115610694>

“Oof” Kalen winced and then chuckled a bit, when he noticed the wookie stir, proving he was still conscious.

“Holy Sith, is he ok?” Corra said as she saw the wookie face plant.

‘Iunno’ Was all he could come up with through the snickers.

Thane stared over his shoulder at the Droid unblinking as it beeped over and over at him. He made a quick grasping motion with the hand at his side and the small droid was yoinked into a suspended state beside him. “She is not to be manipulated. While it may not be important, it should not be withheld. That is her choice to make.”

His fingers relaxed and the Droid fell back to the soft ground. He paid it no further mind and committed to long strides taking him back to the bonfire proper. His gaze flit from person to person as he tried to get a sense of what was going on, other than the idiocy that was jumping over a raging fire.

Rue finished singing to Vance and Gwaine’s beautiful accompaniment, the last note fading. He blushed and curtsey-bowed deeply, a smile on his face and tears in his eyes.

It felt like he had done something that would have made Grandmother proud.

The hybrid skittered shyly out of the metaphorical spotlight, thinking to perhaps return to comforting Atticus, but he noticed how the two Zeltrons were exchanging looks. Perhaps it was time to say hello to Esen at last!

Thusly, picking up his happily filthy skirts, Rue rushed over to where his particular Zeltron had taken up a position at the “parade” rest – a confusing term, as there was not a “parade” most of the time, as he understood it – watching over the some-mores supplies instead of partaking in the partying, as was her general habit of reclusion when not expressly guiding he or Remy.

The thought of his other friend made him stumble. The last he and Esen had been together had been at Remalia’s funeral service, something Esen had had put together as the weeks went on while the third of their “trio” was Missing in Action. Rue had wept at length, silent – always always silent, he must be – under the starlit sky, when he had first heard of her death, and spent time praying over their precious memories together. Part of him, the Goddess’ Voice, murmured as a quiet brook that perhaps it was not so. But he trusted Esen, and so it was.

So it was Esen had informed him of Remy’s being alive after all, though she had not returned and her location remained unknown. It was a relief he had never had before, the returning of someone he loved, once gone.

But such were heavy thoughts, and this a joyful eve, with fire-jumping and storytelling and his grandmother’s songs sung together. Also, there was chocolate. And infant animals.

And hugging–

“ESEN!” Rue cried, already purring as he collided with said woman, snuggling into her and kissing the top of her bun of navy locks. “HulloBlessedNightImissedyou.”

As he finished the walk back to the bonfire, Thane helped himself to some hydration while getting comfortable. He was just enjoying another sip when he suddenly stopped mid motion and stared over the cup into the flames.

Wait…

Does Lulaire’s home even have guest rooms?

-# <@216702440140046336>

Furios grabbed the Wookiee by the scruff and helped him to his feet. He handed H'Grah a skewered cut of mykal meat.

“You may want to wipe the mud off your face before you eat that,” he suggested while struggling to avoid openly laughing in the Wookiee’s completely failed acrobatics.

As Rue finished that delightful song, the half Zeltron clapped and cheered as he watched him blush and curtsey. He took out his handkerchief to wipe a couple tears from his eyes. “Absolutely goregous Rue, thank you for sharing.” He then watched the hybrid quickly dash off, before turning his vivid violet eyes upon that crimson colored Zeltron sitting down. He smiled and strode over to the Jedi. “Well hey there, name’s Vance.” He gave a slightly flirtatious wink and grin to the Zeltron as he gently extended his hand out. “May I sit next to you?”

As Corra returned with another pair of drinks for her and Kalen, she realized she hadn’t been this happy in years. Even at the meadow parties back on Aliso with her friends, there wasn’t much joy or excitement. Her father just hadn’t been the same since her mother died from case of Ixxian Flu, several years prior.

She had contracted the disease aboard one of the military transport to Aliso as clan Plaguies had moved in. At the time her father had been in the Ascendant Navy as an Internal Affairs officer. But after her mother died, as a result of unpunished incompetence of several officers, had left the service and became the town, then cities tailor on Aliso.

Come to think of it, this was the happiest she had been since her mother died. Kalen was naive, and goofy, and downright odd sometimes, but he was a good man….no scratch that, he was now ‘her man’. He was so good with the kids and gentle with the animals, it made her smile just thinking about what could be.

“Here babe, I mixed it with some juice for you…the wines pretty strong” she passed Kalen the glass aa thebfamily sing along was occurring, everyone around waa getting into the mood. Even Kalen, who was entirely tone dead was beating a steady cadence with the tune, slapping and patting at his knees and thighs.

Kalen took the glass, “awww, thanks hun…yeah, its good.. the wine…” obviously showing the effects of drunkeness and also exhausted delirium. Kalen had actually been piloting the ship for 7 hours straight before they ‘landed’ here at the party. And they were now several hours and several drinks into the evening here.

Corra realized her boo likely wasn’t going to last much longer. He was putting up a brave face, but like some of the younglings who were already begining to yawn as they sang along with the music, Kalen probably needed to go to beddy bye soon.

Atticus jumped back slightly as the striking Sephi approached him. He felt his heart up in his throat. His heart pounded even harder with that wink, and those looks, and-

Calm down, you are a Jedi!

He looked down, then cursed himself for his rudeness.

What is wrong with you, Atticus?

He forced his eyes up from the ground, and he peered into the warm, violet eyes. There was something different, and something familiar to the man. It both comforted and unnerved him, and he couldn’t put a finger on why exactly. There was a connection there different than other beings that he could not place.

It was almost primordial.

And slightly intoxicating. What the hell is he?

He looked the Sephi over. He felt friendly and open in a way he had not experienced with many other beings.

Excitement and fear, hope and despair swirled in his head. He felt as though his throat was bone dry. When he opened his mouth to speak, he couldn’t form words. He felt horrible as he gaped like a fish on land. Desperately, Atticus tried to calm the maelstrom of emotions that boiled with him. He could not find the words. They just would not come.

So he did what he did many times before. He tried to focus on the familar. He thought back to his training. He thought of old Jedi mantras.

I am with the Force; the Force is with me. I am one with the Force and the Force is with me.

Sure, it wasn’t an exact fit to this situation, but as he focused on the words he felt his pulse slow. He still felt shaky, but as he licked his lips, he felt he could pick out his words. He reached out to take the offered hand.

“My name is A-Atticus.” He blinked, motioning with his other hand towards the spot beside him, giving an uncertain smile. So- um, yeah.I-I d-didn’t realize Sephi came in pink.“ He cringed as his own words echoed in his ears.

It was not his smoothest moment.

Vance looked at the Zeltron, blinking a moment as he processed through the statement. Gently, he sat down next to the Jedi and let out a hearty laugh before grinning at Atticus.

“You know that’s the first time anyone’s ever really questioned my skin coloring and you would be right. It is unique, but that is because I am not a full Sephi. I am actually half Sephi, my other half would be Zeltron.” He then chuckled as he set his hand next to him, but not touching as he leaned back a moment to rest himself.

“You also intrigue me as I haven’t ever really met too many Zeltron jedi before. To also note, you are a very nice shade of crimson yourself by the way.” He then thought a moment before speaking. “So why don’t you enlighten me with a little bit about yourself, Atticus?

I am very curious and kind of hoped to talk to you a bit, though it is getting later. I am gonna be heading off to bed soonish, however I was gonna ask for a room for the moment.” He smiled. “You are welcome to stay and chat with me for a little while longer though. I do kind of enjoy having some company.”

Atticus felt his heart soar, then fall, and then he felt some confusion.

That bit about a room. Was that an invitation? An instruction for him to keep his chatter brief?

He considered his options, his eyes searching the Sephi-Zeltron’s face.

“Well, I don’t know that there is a whole lot to tell.” He looked down, feeling his heart ache. He hadn’t had a lot of people ask about him.

What was there to say that hadn’t already been said in that short time? He was a Jedi, a Zeltron, and- he grimaced- and once again, an outsider.

“I have spent a number of years as a trainee of sorts. I don’t know how familiar you are with Jedi- um- Jedi traditions? Well I was- um- I am not- that is to say-” he groaned. “I am obviously not very good at any of this!” His fist balled around a clump of earth and grass, and he felt a sting of tears in his eyes.

This was new. This was unexpected. A wellspring of emotion bubbled up anew.

“Hey don’t beat yourself up,Atticus."He gently placed a hand on his back giving a gentle pat. "Sometimes opening up to others can be really hard after going through experiences.” His face showing empathy and concern for him. “I sadly am not actually familiar with all the different Jedi traditions and customs, But hey if you would like, you can tell me about them.” He smiled softly. “Let’s start with that.”

“Um- well- I am not sure about all Jedi- Jedis- Jedi? Anyways, I am not sure about what traditions other Jedis follow.” he shook his head, trying to gather his words.

“Okay, I can only speak to how I learned. I was found about ten years ago by this older Jedi. She was- she was great. She had this whole thing about love and peace and the greater good. She talked about balancing like love for your fellow sentient and defending the weak. She taught me all about- like- balance between us and the Force and the greater galaxy. She taught me about these high ideals of honor and bravery and- now I am just babbling.” Atticus sighed. He had been smiling for a moment, but he felt more foolish.

“Being a Jedi is supposed t-t-to mean something. I was supposed to be th-th-this- this whole thing. I was supposed to be a hero, like a Jedi Knight of old. I was supposed to be somebody. I was supposed to make a difference. An old Zabrak woman comes along, tell you that you are special. And the more horrible thing? You start to really believe it.” His voice cracked. “You start to really believe you can be good. You start to believe you will make a difference. You start to believe that you will save lives, that you will change the worlds you touch. You start to believe in your own and then-”

His shoulders slumped and his voice dropped.

“I a- I a-” he breathed. “I am a failure, Vance. I am not worthy to call myself a Jedi. Not really. I tried. I really did. But my beliefs, my virtues, my aspirations didn’t mean much against a bunch of thugs with blasters.”

His voiced dropped away, and he started to mentally kick himself.

Always the downer, huh, Atticus?

Vance’s eyes widened as he spoke, his heart now in his throat, choked up slightly. “You’re not a failure Atticus. You probably got dropped on and they fought dirty. I should know, I used to be a slave and have seen what kinds of heartless people are out there.”

He tried to fight back his own tears a bit. “Atticus..” He then gently placed his hands around his shoulders and looked him in the eyes. “You are not a failure, if anything your Jedi master would be proud for what you are doing right now. Reconnecting and trying to find your balance again. I understand the pain of loss, Atticus. From the sounds, you still are trying to process through your feelings. Please, let me help you get through them.”

“What is there to process?” Atticus’ broke as he let out a bitter chuckle. He shook his head. “If not for me, she would still be alive. If I had not lead her to help those slimeballs then- did you realize that? She taught me about charity. I embraced the lessons. And I was so stupid, I got her killed.” His voice was barely above a whisper.

“I don’t deserve your charity. Not after what I did.”

Esen smiled broadly and bright as she connected with Rue. Hugging him back tightly but careful of his hair.

Muffled into his chest she spoke.

“Hello Rue. How have you been? Enjoying the fire and the kiddos?” She pulled away, after a longer hug.

“I do hope you don’t mind that I -ah er, stayed here while story time and socializing happened. I feel my efforts are best suited… from the side. I do appreciate you coming to see me.” A soft genuine smile etched into the lines of her face.

“Ah- that reminds me! I brought a little snack that was common for my family back on Zeltros to eat during fun trips. You might be interested? If not there’s plenty chocolate to just have by itself.”

She whispered, leaning in,

“I made a sure to bring extra, so don’t feel pressured to need to eat the sandwiches if you don’t like them.”

She gestured to the table.

A slight breeze blew across her not commonly exposed midriff. Accepting and welcoming it. Cooling down her overheated skin from the embarrassment. However…. The breeze did cause her to recall the slight chill of Rue’s arms from the hug.

She bent down, digging through some of the bags she brought. Surfacing with a quilt and a bag consisting of a variety of chocolates.

“If you’re cold. I brought extras. I even brought all-species sunscreen unsure if there’d be sun, but it appears I don’t need it.” She trailed off looking around at the darkened sky.

“Atticus, I honestly could tell you things are gonna be okay, it’ll get better, but we both know that things don’t always go as we planned and shite happens.” He replied softly rubbing his back. “And we can blame ourselves till the bordoks come home, but deep inside you gotta make a decision on how you are gonna move forward from here on out. I can’t tell you what to do or wave my hands to force you to believe a lie, but I can promise to help you become better than you feel you are right now. I am part of the Dark Jedi brotherhood and an affiliate with someone who helped me get back on my feet after slavery. If you want you can join and be around me.” He smiled. “I aint gonna force you, but Atticus I kind of would like you to come with me. I like you, and who knows we might be able to help you get past padawan and be a Jedi knight or whatever ranks they have.” He chuckled a bit before yawning. “ I am probably gonna head to get a room, again up to you, but you are welcome to come with me and talk. I don’t mind the company and hell if it’s one bed, I am used to sleeping on the floor so no worries there.”

As the singing and merriment was still going full tilt at the fire Kalen got the urge to relieve himself, so he swing himself around on the log and stood up. He didnt make it 2 steps before the feeling of lightheadedness and the glittery view of stars as his vision became blurred out in a haze of white.

It may have been the fact he had been up for about 30 hours straight, it may have been the long time behind the stick piloting the ship. Or it may have been the 10 alcoholic beverages he had drank in the past 3.5 hours since arriving. Either way, he passed out. Fell face first, stiff as a board, out cold.

“Sithspawn, Holy, Kalen…are you ok?” Corra jumped up and hurdled over the log and rushed over to him. Luckily Kalens face and head had landed on a small pile of soft dried mud that had cushioned the blow. Or was it dried nerf dung? Regardless, whatever it was was now smeared on his unconscious face.

Indeed, Doon had seen the flip. He rumbled a soft “I did. You won’t see me attempting similar.” He sipped from his cup, eye drifting around the gathering.

Finally it settled on Carmen once more. “Our experiences with groups of soldiers too busy training to get proper socializing done has been quite different. But.. that may be an issue of rank.” He commented, watching the strand of hay bounce a bit.

Kalen came to, on his back, with Corra knelt to his side and a few others standing over him with concerned looks on their faces.

What had happened was the alcohol, exertion, and exhaustion had added with using his force abilities to converse with H'grah telepathically and complete his acrobatic jump over the fire, and caused him to pass out.

“Just put him to bed, he’ll be fine” Kalen heard someone say in the distance as he began to rise.

“Wooo, what happened” he said as he started feeling around his body, wondering if he had been shot. Corra grabbed one of his hands.

“I think you just like…passed out hun, youre tired, we should really get you to bed.” Corra said. She had only been awake for about 9 hours at this point, so it was only supper time according to her internal clock. But Kalen had flown 9 hours at the helm of his shuttle on his way to pick her up.

“Uh, we were just going to sleep in the ship but I guess yes…sure well take one of the fancy rooms.” Corra said as she helped Kalen up.

“Yeah…I am pretty tired, I could use some sleep.” Kalen said. He was bleary eyed but lucid and could stand and walk on his own. Though Corra did not let go of his hand the entire time.

Atticus paused, looking over Vance. He face was creased in thought. His heart raced.

He is inviting me to his room?

“I-I-I uh, I don’t want to be a bother though.” He chewed on his lip. “If it comes to it, I can always meditate in the corner. I do not want to deny you either your bed or rest.”

Vance chuckled. “Nah you won’t be a bother Atticus, besides be nice to hear more about some of what you can remember about your life and times as a padawan.”

H'Grah slowly lifted himself from his stupor and rubbed the muck gently from his furred chin. He gave a soft chuckle and nodded in respect to Furios and Kalen.

Apologies, children of the Force. I seem to have misplaced my balance. I will refrain from showmanship. I remain H'Grah

The Wookiee’s thoughts bloomed into their minds, like a newly pollinated pumpkin flower. He sat himself on a mossy log by the fire and grabbed a burning stick, prodding the charcoal. He lifted a piece of grilled Mykal and stabbed it onto the stick, then slowly twirled it into the flames.

Life here was bliss for the Jedi. Animals as far as he could see, all kin to his soul. Buildings in need of repairs, and folk who didnt mind an extra hand. He could settle himself here as long as he desired. Or, at the most, as long as the owner commanded. He picked up a small pine cone from the tufts of his temple and searched for Lulaire in the Force. He has a proposition for her.

<@216702440140046336>

As Corra and Kalen and the kind other samaritan were walking back past the fire pit, Kalen noticed his old(they met 20 minutes prior) buddy(they weren’t buddies they had just met) H'Grah sitting on a log roasting some meat. He staggered a bit and Corra helped steady him.

“Good evening my Wookie friend.” Kalen’s voice was clear if a bit slurred.

H'Grah caught the faintest glimmer of mental prying from a passing by being. Slumped, staggering, and looked more like a sack of Rootleaf than a Jedi.

It is indeed, my good friend. I take it you need assistance?

The thoughts of the Wookiee tethered to the assisting members as if prompting a reply. All he saw was a simple nod. H'Gragh speared his skewer into the crispening fire and stood. With arms like Bonshyr branches, he scooped the man up with ease and walked gently towards the residence.

Relax yourself, Master Jedi. For your willpower is in for the fight of the century.

A soft, low gruff came from H'Grah, it almost sounded like a chuckle.

<@1178915035049902120>

Rue purred hard into their hug, and it was still going, only slightly gentler, when they pulled apart. He smiled at Esen adoringly when she mentioned staying on the sidelines, in the patient way that promised he knew her awkwardness and loved her just as she was all the more for it.

“Oh yes, this one is very eager to try the some-mores,” he enthused, bouncing on his toes thrice, tail tip and ears flicking. He gave a delighted mrp at the appearance of the blanket, almost making a grabby-hand at it but the gesture shy and aborted, close to his chest, an echo of unsurety in being not quite allowed to do so. “This would be most lovely, for it is somewhat of a chillier night than I was expecting also. But you are kind and erudite as ever to bring the sun lotions and blankets and these snacks. Thank you, Esen.”

Carmen raised an eyebrow with a knowing smile, “Aye, everyone in the Helm seems pretty busy these days. Though I suppose nothing good lasts forever, so who could be surprised?”

Carmen downed the rest of his wine and started pouring another cup.

“Though, who knows? Maybe a legendary flip will break the ice?”

Kalen was too tired to put up much of a struggle at all. In fact Kalen found the wookies fur quite soft and cuddly.

“Aw thanks buddy” he said, He was asleep again before H'grah even plopped him down on the bed in the guest room.

With the drowsy Human nestled into the quiet comfort of threaded blankets and a flickering candle, H'Grah rejoined the party. He took another seat near the smoldering log. He excitedly snatched thr Mykal skewer and nibbled quietly, as small purrs popped from his lips.

Atticus shifted uneasily. “I don’t know there is a whole lot to really tell. I mean, isn’t one Jedi’s story much like another’s?”

He looked up at Vance, feeling slightly unnerved by the warmth in his eyes. His heart pounded harder in his chest. “I mean…I guess the room would be quieter. I don’t want to trouble the others with my mewling about my misfortunes.” His hand grasped at his side.

Vance, seeing this, slipped his hand into Atticus’s. The Padawan’s eyes became as large as saucers, and the half-Sephi smiled. Vance’s eyes seemed to silently assure the Zeltron it’s alright. You are safe here.

Miho grimaced slightly as she ran her hand along the brim of her hat to remove the Mott saliva. Animals were nice enough and she loved being around them, but a genuine hazard for the surprisingly fastidious young woman was the sheer amount of spit that usually ended up covered something of hers.

Placing the hat back on her head, she took account. Ship safely landed, hat safely returned, Pips…

<<Why do you always find places where people try to land on you?>>

“Oh that doesn’t happen. Except for this time. Shut up.”

A satisfied whistle from Pips and the small Odanite scowled even harder at him. “Can I go find something to eat now, Your Highness?”

<<Aren’t you watching your calories?>>

She stared over her should at Pips, violet eyes meeting glass optics. “Go frell yourself.”

She headed toward the bonfire and the food tables, grumbling under her breath about tiny droids who probably needed a trip to the memory wiper.

“Or my back.” He grumbled, squinting slightly at the smaller male seemingly chugging his wine.

Letting Carmen out drink him certainly wouldn’t do, so he downed his cup as well, matching the pace.

“Things should calm down shortly, even if only for a while. The ebb and flow of training, waiting, fighting, recovery, training…” he trails off, tilting his cup towards Carmen

Furios saw that the mykal meat he’d been sharing was dwindling and decided more sustenance was needed. He picked up his thermos of vodka and took a deep swig, contemplating what to pull out of his meat box of wonders next. A low growl in his stomach reminded him of a certain beast he’d butchered in preparation for a non-existent bonefire and so he figured now was as good a time as any to pay his respects and eat the robust flesh it had provided.

The Epicanthix opened the large, refrigerated container and searched for the specific meats he sought. He pulled out a very large rack of Traladon ribs, wrapped in foil and coated with that super special sauce that was a popular accompaniment, along with four round bone steaks from the beast that were reminiscent of the cartoons on the holo. He gathered the meat in his arms and carried it back to the bonfire.

The ribs were a simple matter, thus he placed them on the edge of the fire and allowed the heat to grill and smoke them from within their foil shell. The round bone steaks were a bit different. He staked three of them near the ribs, reusing the long skewers from the roasted mykal, and held the fourth to the flames in his hand, gripping the end of the bone to give his long arms that extra needed reach. He watched the outside of the steak slowly sear and gently char over the flames, moving it slightly out of the fire’s reach to let the heat cook the inside toward the bone without burning the edges.

After awhile, the bone around the cut of meat had just started to darken, indicating it had been cooked thouroughly enough for Furios, as he preferred many of his steaks rare and dripping with that red liquid reminiscent of blood. The Sith pulled the Traladon steak from the heat of the bonfire and admired his handiwork. His satisfaction at cooking it to his liking lasted mere moments before it was replaced with the greater satisfaction of experiencing the Traladon meat’s flavor and texture with a big, mighty bite.

Carmen snickers and pours Doon another cup, “didn’t realise I was a butler now, too.”

Taking his second drink more slowly, he looked out over the rest of the party, people eating and drinking, telling stories and songs, and found it all so strange.

“Wild how assassins and generals and mad scientists can all come together and be so… normal. Some nights i can’t sleep wondering if you’ll finally give the order that gets me killed the next day.”

His face dropped, only for a moment, but his personable nature quickly reasserted itself.

After making sure Kalen was safely tucked in bed Corra wasnt tired in the least. After all it was just after supper time by her internal clock. So she decided to venture back out into the party, but on the way she realized she barely knew anyone. Furios she knew vaguely, and she had been introduced to Blackhawk and a few mothers of the children on casual conversation around the fire and that was it.

So she went and sat next to Furios, who was still eating.

He gave a look as if to ‘say did you decide to sit there’

“What? I barely know anyone else here. You keep eating like that and I’m going to have to let out your tunic and resize you” She chuckled.

<@882372854115610694>

She handed him the quilt and small bag of cocoa truffles. Gesturing to the table.

“Would you like to make a smore with me?”

As she picked up a skewer and impaled a marshmallow.

“I would love that!‘ he squeaked in pure joy.

They proceeded to sit about the fire once more, and if Rue took some secret extra truffles to shove into his cheeks like a chipmunk, well.

"Hwwddeedo?” How do we do this? he might have said, settled just next to H'Grah.

<@204034522033946625>

Esen trotted over with him, giving a gentle smile to H’Grah. She held her skewer down towards the coals but far enough to not catch fire. Slowly spinning.

“Roast the sweets on the fire. Make them nice and warm. Careful they burn, but some people like them burnt.”

Rue mimicked the Zeltron’s actions and instructions diligently, holding the skewer in his tail so that he could spear the marshmallow, then extending it over the flame. The required rotation was a little trickiser and he used his hand instead, minding that things got golden on each side.

“How does Esen like them?” he asked. And then, politely and kindly to the Wookiee, he added in grwring Shirryywook, “Hello there, Blessed night to meet you. Would you like a some-mores?”

<@204034522033946625>

The Zeltron blinked, feeling oddly warm. He fished the bottle from the pocket of his robe. He eyeballed the word lager and worked at the cap to give himself a few moments to think. “Damn thing.” He rested a hand over the top of the bottle, gripping the bottle with his other hand as he did so. “I guess I should have brought some sort of tool with me today.” As he gripped the bottle, he pulled in the opposite direction through the Force. The cap came off with an audible pop, allowing the foam to spill over the top.

“Damn it.” He muttered. He put his mouth over the cap, feeling the liquid and foam pooling up in his mouth. He tried to drink to counteract it, but choked slightly as the flavor his hit tongue. He coughed several times, his eyes tearing up slightly as he did so. He felt humiliated.

“This is…not very good.” He coughed. “I never had a chance to indulge in this sort of thing while I was training. My Master was very serious about keeping my wits about me. I didn’t expect this to taste so-” He made a face. “Do people seriously enjoy this stuff?” He shook his head, taking an uncertain sip before his face twisted up unpleasantly again. He swallowed, and then nodded.

“There are plenty of stories I could tell you. I am just not sure how many of them are actually interesting. I am not a really interesting fellow. I mean, I like sweets- but I try to keep away from them, as they are a weakness of mine- and I enjoy warm summer days. I am very…basic. I am not very….experienced….in many things. I mean, the way of the Jedi as I was taught is a very solitary experience.” He nodded at the bottle of beer. “I am not really sure that I enjoy this. I have always liked a good book and a quiet evening. Crowds have never been my first pick in life, but that might just be because I was always-” His words trailed off, and his eyes screwed up as he reflected on what he wanted to say.

“I have always been alone. Even when I was with my Master, it was never really….”

He sighed. “It was never about me. I rarely gave thought to the things that I liked. I never really gave thought to people that I liked of I didn’t-” He clamped his mouth shut.

I said too much. He squeezed his eyes shut, and leaned down, grabbing at his knees. The tears came. He couldn’t help it.

Poor fellow, he really never had a chance it seems to experience anything, just stuck to his Jedi duties.

Without a thought, Vance wrapped his pink muscular arms around Atticus and pulled him into a hug. “Hey Atticus, you are gonna be all right. Dry your tears, for one you don’t have to choose to always be alone anymore. Look around you, here on this farm, you can have friends. You can choose to be who you want to be, no one but you can define you.” He rubbed his back softly. “It’s all right to not be all right, I’m here, Rue’s here too. And did I hear you say that you love sweets?” A grin on his face as he took his right hand and gently lifted Atticus’s chin gazing into his misty eyes. The Jedi could see the mercenary’s vibrant violet eyes gleam.

“You have got to try the puff sandwiches, they are so cool! I admit I burned mine first time trying them, but you simply must make one and we can get you a better drink. Lager is like something you would have to get used to. "He chuckled. "I would suggest one of the nice fizzy pops they got in the cooler. So how about we get you over to that table and grab a couple puff sandwich supplies as well as a different nicer drink. What do you say?”

Atticus wiped at his eyes and nodded. “That sounds nice.” He sniffed. “Some Jedi I am, losing my cool like this.” He shook his head. “No wonder I never made it to my trials.”

“Come on we all make mistakes, Atticus.” He leaned in and whispered. “It’s the mistakes though that teach us how to become better along the way.” He then let him go from the hug and offered his hand. “Come on Atticus let’s grab you some Puff sandwiches.”

He took the hand, and allowed Vance to pull him to his feet. “Are these puff sandwiches something somewhat like the some-mores that Rue was telling me about?”

“I like them a dark golden. All trial and error though to see how you like them. Don’t worry there’s plenty.” She giggled softly as she rotated her skewer.

Giving Rue gentle supportive comments. “Good job! Yes just like that.” She was excited and happy for him to try.

“When you are content with your state of roastedness we put it between two cinnamon wafers and a bit of cacao in the middle.”

The half Sephi grinned as he gave his hand a gentle reassuring squeeze. “Oh I am sure that most here wouldn’t be bothered at your tales, I am sure you have some interesting ones.” He then looked into the bonfire and smiled. “Though if you wish to stay here longer, the fire is still quite nice, the night is beautiful for enjoying chat and I’m already convinced staying up longer will be delightful. Plus hearing more about your life does intrigue and fascinate me. I also wouldn’t mind hearing more about things you enjoy, things you do not care for and so on.” As he gazed into the fire, he scooted a little closer to the Zeltron and smiled. This is a nice evening.

He then glanced across the bonfire and spotted Rue attempting to listen to a female Zeltron’s guidance on roasting the puffs. He chuckled happily.

Doon gently nudged Carmen with his arm, letting low rumble back his words. “That is my responsibility to worry about. Yours should be to live. Enjoy life. Better yourself. Have fun. That is my order to you now.”

He lapped from his freshly filled cup, his lone eye lingering on Carmen beneath him. “Don’t spend your days hesitating with worry. Find something fun to do.”

Thane got up after a while and found his way over to the drinks. He sniffed a couple times before discovering a curious jar full of what appeared to be apple juice with an addition of actual apples, cinnamon sticks, and a few more sniffs confirmed alcohol.

Oh yeah. It’s all coming together.

The Deputy Grand Master poured himself a healthy dose before returning to his place by the fire. Settling back down, Thane began a careful balance of his drink in one hand and casually directing a floating stick and speared marshmallows with the other.

“Oh, believe me, I do my best to forget my day job,” Carmen had to fight the urge to down the second cup.

“I’ll make do. It’s this or…” A small shudder ran through his body, “sales. There are many fates worse than death.”

The Jedi Knight was taken aback. For a ling while he has not heard the Tongue of the People of the Trees, but to also hear it from this…difference in life. The Wookiee adjusted his stance on the log to turn and face him

“Yes please. Thank you. Do you have any sauce or honey?” He smiled as he also took the stick from Rue.

“Your accent is very peculiar, with a drawl and some chirping to it. Where did you learn?” He queried, as he helped Rue with peeling the some-more.

Rue blushed a bit at the commentary on his ‘accent,’ a rare discomfort in hoping he wasn’t doing Hunyi a dishonor with his speech. While H'Grah took the s'mores from him, he tilted his head, a little chirrup at the first question.

“There are some sauces I believe with the food, chiefly for the meats…and yes this one carries honey.” He twisted to get back to his bag with its herbs and flowers, pulling free one leaf-wrapped bundle that revealed itself to be honeycomb, melted and a bit squished from body heat and jostling, but still decent. “This one was taught by my dearest closest best friend Hunyiiyaantii. She is a Wookiee also. I have been learning for roughly a year. My vocal cords can accommodate the language, for which I am grateful, but I realize I am no proper speaker…This one’s name is Rue.”

His gaze lowered shyly.

Corra returned to the seat next to Furios after reffiling her drink and bumming cigarillo off of someone. After taking a seat and having a puff she caught herself watching the often quiet Wookie doing another weird thing that looked like a staring contest with another bonfire goer. She had noticed the same thing had happened a few other times as well.

“So does that Wookie not talk at all? Like ever…all i see if him walking over to people and staring at them” she asked Furios. Shebquickly then noticed over the dinner of the fire that they 2 were actually conversing in the native wookie language.

<@204034522033946625> <@882372854115610694>

The Epicanthix raised an eyebrow toward the woman. “Telepathy,” he explained briefly. “It’s easier than hoping someone understands Shyriiwook.”

Corra giggled at her own dim wittedness. “Oh sith, that makes alot of sense, I should have figured that out. I mean I’ve been hanging out with you Plagueian lot since my dad was in your military, since I was a teenager actually. So is he a Jedi then or just a force user?”

She began to recall the times aboard ‘the fleet’ when they were worldless. Her father had been able to smuggle her and her mother off of Jusadih before the cataclysm. They lived for the next several years out of his small quarters on one of the Cruisers of the Ascendant Navy.

The Sith blinked slowly. “It’s been that long?”

Furios’ mind was reeling a bit in his drunken state as he struggled to get his memories in order. The increasing inebriation wasn’t helping. The destruction of the Jusadih system was many years ago, while it seemed like the tailor’s daughter became an adjacent only yesterday. Had she always been there? Had she always seen the Plagueians coming and going to get new outfits and alterations? How much did she know? Was this going to be an issue?

The thoughts were suddenly getting to be too unfocused to matter in the moment. The Sith wanted to drag his consciousness back to the present. He took another swig of vodka from his thermos and returned his gaze to the round bone Traladon steaks cooking by the bonfire. He pulled one of the metal skewers from the ground and slid the meat off the shaft. With a large bite of the robust flesh, Furios chewed and mulled his mind over to bring it back to the present, reigning in the thoughts that resulted in the young woman’s death and dismemberment.

“I guess it has,” he murmured after a loud swallow.

“Yeah dad always talked about staying loyal, even after he left the Ascendant Navy. First thing he did was open the tailor shop a few miles from the Pinnacle…” Corra was oblivious to the mortal danger she would have been in if Furios had decided her presence was a security leak. She casually took another puff of the cigarillo.

“Come to think of it, I’ve never dated a guy who wasn’t affiliated with the Clan somehow.” She giggled again.

Furios chewed through another large bite of steak and washed it down with more vodka. Alarm klaxons were ringing even louder in his head at the sudden idea that this woman’s influence went even further than simple observation. Who amongst the Clan had she dated? Who were the adjacencies? What did they know and so what did she know? In the current setting and with these current people around, he had no choice but to go along with the conversation. These questions would have to be investigated at a later date.

The idea of dating was practically foreign to him. The vastness of the galaxy wasn’t exactly conducive to it. In his eyes, most people came and went as they pleased and so most romantic activities he’d seen were either short-term flings or the occasional betrothal. Those who couldn’t afford to cross a planet, which were only ever seen on backwaters, simply fell into some semblance of love and got married after awhile. Even most of his own paramours, he thought while stealing a short glance at Yuki, were short-term as everyone had things to do and places to be. Based on this experience, he could only offer one piece of advice.

“Just be careful who you choose to date,” he suggested casually, knowing that it wasn’t exactly sound advice. “It makes sense that they’d all be associated with the Clan when the Clan keeps a tight grip on its domain.”

“The tight grip has paid dividends on Aliso from what I can tell. I can walk freely around the city at night the past few years, as where in the late 30s the east side of town was barely safe to walk around in daylight” Corra replied.

The Epicanthix finished his steak and casually tossed the bone into the fire before grabbing the next one. It was true that Aliso was one of the more civilized examples of planetary bodies in Wild Space and with the Plagueian doctrine of lawful evil within its own domain, the Ascendant Clan was entirely capable of curbing the average criminal threat. The resultant safety for the populace was simply a side effect that was consistent until the most recent changes.

“So what did you think about the Dread Guard running amok a few months ago?” the Sith asked.

“Is that who that was? I didnt stop to ask any of them which unit they were apart of.” Corra got real quiet, real fast.

Yes, I do believe they are.” He grinned as he walked alongside Atticus to the puff sandwich table and pointed out the instructions.

“So we need some puffs, a cacao bar, and these sweetened crackers.”

He then grabbed enough for both of them. “Next we need to put these puffs on a stick and cook them over the bonfire. Follow me, after of course. Just make sure to grab a couple fizzy pops from the cooler. My favorite is the cherry flavored one.” He smiled as he waited for the Jedi.

Furios immediately picked up on the fact that someone was scanning the area with the Force and quickly pinpointed Lula as the source. A devilish thought momentarily crossed his mind. What if he just hit her with as much energy in the Dark side of the Force as he could muster? He could throw together a concoction including a little fear, a little loss, some betrayal, some despair, and just a sprinkle of rage and fear aimed at the Gundargo from his ghost story. It would probably overwhelm a lot of the other things she was picking up through the Force and maybe cause some humorously adverse effects.

Then the Sith figured it might cause more tragedy than comedy and decided to just ignore it.

Violet eyes looked at the brim of her hat she could see just above her own eyebrows. “Thanks.”

Her voice was light, an accent beginning to show in her voice. “There are times it does get chewed on, but it is worth having in the long run.”

She looked across the fire at Thane. First at The Flitz and now here. And with the same woman. Miho watched Lula sort of half watch Thane.

How odd.

“Have the two of you known each other long? He seems…

Nice.”

She thought for a moment and nodded. “I remember seeing the two of you together before now.”

Miho watched Thane intently for a few moments. Long enough that it was probably felt like a physical presence before she turned back to Lula and smiled genuinely.

“You might say that. My brother has that look sometimes and, every so often, I wonder how it got there.” She turned back to the fire, warming her hands with it.

“Sometimes people just carry more than their share, I suppose.”

And some people, she mused to herself. Some people need to pay better attention.

“I’m sure it’s nothing a plate of tasty meat and one of those sticky white balls won’t fix though.”

H'Grah lowered his head in deep respect and smiled warmly.

“I welcome you, Rue, friend of Our Strong Voice.” The Wookiee replied with the name in his local accent and language, but to anyone who knew Shyriiwook, would hear the translation. He carefully takes the honeycomb from Rue and squeezes it between his smallest fingers. The drizzling across the some-nore rolled and rivered through the mallow. H'Grah then offered it gently to Rue.

“Here,” he nudged it further to his lilac lips. “Try it?”

While H'Grah is turned to the hybrid, Corra could hear the low, strong goals, the high-pitched trills, and snap gruffs coming from him. She could also hear the same vocals coming from the Hybrid, a purple-golden called Rue, with soft slim hands & limbs, contoured cheeks and somewhat smooth skin, dappled with scales here and there. Rue hunched his back toward, spoke in hushed tones and stared at the Wookiee. Always eager to please, always feminine and introvert.

H'Grah felt the swaggering force echo of a female individual, bursting with bravado and charm. Like a crisp, foaming pint on a sweltering day, her character resonated across the spectrum. H'Grah slowly turned to this rogue and nodded slowly.

I speak the Tongue of my land, to those who can understand it. And to those who are not accepted by the tribe, I join with their resolve for a more, he paused as a smirk crept over. Smothering encounter.

“Thank you,” Rue enthused, both for the welcoming especially and also for the some-more. “For your kindness and for this treat.”

If anyone would’ve expected discomfort with having something pressed to their lips, the hybrid didn’t show any. Rather he was still and docile, as conditioned, a half-beat of waiting to see if he was expected to complete the motion or merely be still while the object was inserted. As the Wookiee turned to silently address another across the fire, Rue bit into the honeyed treat and drew back, sugar spilling down his chin.

“It is sweet,” he surmised in the same language, licking at his teeth and lips and his nose scrunching and ears flattening as he tried to handle the sheer tenacious stickiness that was melted marshmallow. Trying to wipe at his mouth with his fingers did little to help. In Basic, he then commented as much to Esen as to H'Grah, “Oh, this white substance is– very thick.”

<@267489687902486530>

Melissa had found peace wandering the farm. Contentment soared in the air, and while the ghost who’d appeared to her earlier had retreated back to wherever she’d rested before, Melissa found it had nudged a memory. Or maybe created one.

The mind was a fickle thing.

She drifted through the bustle of people, a silver shadow filling the gaps between the quiet loner and the groups of chatter. The memory, or vision perhaps, sat on the end of her tongue. The person it was meant for was here but…

Oh. The one Lulaire wandered off with. He was creating a smore, unbothered and seemingly happily so but there would have to be a small distraction.

Pleasantries forgotten, Melissa approached Thane with direct intent. She ensured she got into view as soon as she could, waiting until the words would reach his ears alone before speaking them.

“She’ll fall into blackness but a gold light will save her.”

Thane blinked several times as he stared at Melissa. He checked over his shoulder. Then the other one. Back to Melissa.

His eyebrow raised and he gestured vaguely at himself questioningly. Like, was she talking to him?

Melissa nodded, then smiled somewhat sheepishly.

“Yes, you. Apologies, I’m Melissa. The.. I didnt want to forget it. You needed to hear those words, I’m not sure why.”

H'Grah blinked slowly and watched the mess unfolding from Rue’s lips, cascading down his chin, and across his dainty hands. With each panicked movement, the thick, white substance covered him generously. Each chewing and bite from his mouth, eager to consume, came the drizzle of honey and mallow, foaming from his excited expression.

Be patient, kind one. This is a puzzle you can solve.

The thought radiated into the hybrids mind, linking Rue’s resolve down like a golden anchor. H'Grah reached into his belt pouch and handed the hybrid a sanitised cloth.

This clue may elude to your moist, supple conundrum. H'Grah’s notion became a will-o-the-wisp for Rue. With a firm nod, H'Grah stood and decided to call it a night. He bowed with respect to the group and strode off to find the nearest herd of Banthas.

“Where the fluff is he going?” Corra asked the people still hanging out by the fire, after gently waving goodbye to H'Grah. She had noticed he was walking off, not in the direction of the parked ships and speeders, but towards the edge of the farm and the wilderness beyond.

“He coulda slept in our ship if needs a place to crash since Kalen and I are in one of the guess rooms…” Corra shrugged and finished her cigarillo before taking another sip of her juice diluted wine.

“Cryptic,” Thane intoned with a tilt of his head. Then he nodded, “but appreciated. Will try to remember.”

Melissa bowed, her hair falling over her shoulders like a curtain. It was a short gesture, followed by her taking a small step back. She had no intent to bother him longer than necessary, or polite.

“Trying is the best all of us can do. Even if its flawed, its-”

Melissa’s head turned toward the stick on which had once had a marshmallow. Instead there was a charred black ooze engulfed in flame.

“Uhm. You might.. want a new marshmallow. And stick.”

Rue’s mallow-muffled mewl of thanks was somewhat lost as he took the cloth and began to clean himself up. He sent a warm thought of Blessed Night and goodbye to H'Grah, then, once mostly certain he had freed his hand and face of spun melted sugar, turned his attention back to his friends, new and old.

To Esen he beamed, trying to show how lovely the snack she had introduced to him had been – he badly wanted another, but was hesitant to ask…only the extra truffles had been mentioned for him. A look to Atticus and Vance showed they seemed well in hand, Vance reaching around Atticus to place his hands over the Jedi’s, helping him to handle his stick properly as they twisted and gripped together, evenly roasting the puffs.

All around, it seemed quite lovely, even without the joy and comfort of the children as they were guided to bed. Lula speaking softly with Miho, Alk trying to play with Pips, the violist charring his mallow as he stared at Lula and the pale woman advising him, Miss Corra and Furios drinking, Carmen off chatting.

A Blessed Night indeed.

Miho looked at Lula like she was more than a bit thick-witted. How had someone like this survived past…any age? She snapped her fingers in front of Lula’s face to make sure she had total attention.

She pointed first at the table still heaped with cooked meats, “Tasty meats.”

She pointed at people around the fire that fought with the mallow cubes, “Sticky balls.”

She let her hand drop back to her side, one eyebrow raised in question. “What did you think I was talking about?”

Ever had a moment where everything becomes clear and focused? Where any fog parts to reveal the blinding light of day?

Yeah, Thane sobered real quick as Melissa directed his gaze to the literal fireball he was now holding in his telekinetic grasp.

“Well…” He blinked. “Sithspit.”

The Firrerreo released his grasp and the mallow laden stick fell into the embers of the bonefire bonfire. Just more fuel for the flames.

With his system cleared, Thane felt his fatigue like a weighted blanket over his shoulders. He sighed, nodding towards Melissa. “Apologies, I will be stepping out.”

He rose to his full height and returned what dishes he had accumulated to the bin. Thane then made his way over to Miho and Lulaire, offering eye contact and a downward nod of greeting to Miho. She reminded him of Muz, and that wasn’t an insult. His black-gold gaze shifted and focused on Lulaire as he made sure he wasn’t interrupted active dialogue before interjecting.

“Tired…” he began. “Your place unlocked? And is…?” Thane left the ‘where’ part of his query unsaid but the tilt of his eyebrows filled it in.

-# <@227653769842655233> <@216702440140046336>

Melissa had nodded, stepping aside and returning to her general wanderings. Picking up any mess, keeping an eye out and overall enjoying the thrum of activity.

After finishing her drink and watching Furios rifle another few pound of meat into gullet, Corra still wasnt feeling sleepy so she grabbed another cup full of wine, only this time she didnt dilute it with juice as much as before. Instead of returning to her seat next to Plagueian Aedile Corra went off to chat with some new people.

Seeing Miss Corra walking by, Rue noticed a bit of a stagger in her step, and felt some concern. He scootched down his seat on the bench to make some room – as Atticus seemed rather comfortable with Vance at his side – and called over, “Miss Corra, are you quite alright?”

“Huh, oh, what…who are you, oh do i know you?” Corra said as her eyes strained to make out who was speaking to her from across the fire.

She stumbled over to group. “Oh hi, I domt think we’ve met. I’m Corra, Kalens girlfriend” this was the first tike she had ever utteredbthe phrase, having decided she was Kalen’s official girlfriend only an hour or so before.

“I am Rue,” the hybrid said gently, thinking perhaps she missed him at the food table earlier or was quite intoxicated to be suffering such confusion, but as she was upright and speaking, her skin was not growing cyanotic, she was not vomiting or seizing, and her heart rate and respirations were not severely sluggish, it was not likely yet to the point of fatal poisoning, and should thus be permissible. “Hullo and Blessed Night, Corra, who is Kalen’s girlfriend, it is an honor to meet you. Would you like to sit?”

“Oh sure” she giggled “Thanks. So Rue was it? Where are you from?” Corra said as she cheerily plopped herself down next to Rue, almost spilling some of her drink in the process.

Miho watched as Thane approached, saw the flash of something across his face about her. She knew who he was. Of course she knew. People in her position didn’t last long if they didn’t know.

She also knew there had to be a reason he was here without announcing who he was. SenNet had a file on him that carried his name as well as his titles.

“Master Skotos. A pleasure to meet you face to face after so long. My brother has told me a bit about you.” She held out a hand towards the man in greeting. “He speaks highly of you as do many I know who have treated with you.”

She flicked a glance a Lula who, it seemed, watched the man like the sun coming over the horizon. It was sweet. Everyone deserved some measure of happiness but few had the ability to actually fight for it.

Turning her gaze back to Thane, she knew he had more than enough ability to carve out his own bit of happy if he wanted.

“Please don’t let me keep you from your rest, though. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. My brother knows how to find me at all times.”

She turned and smiled at Lula. “Come find me after you get your guest all tucked in and we can gossip some more.”

<@185936112441622529> <@216702440140046336>

Thane paused a moment, as if mentally flicking through an instruction manual, before taking Miho’s hand.

“A pleasure, Kei—” he began then stopped with a sudden introspective look. While it was quite the norm for Thane to refer to others by their last name, regardless of title or peerage, it was quite another when those holding the last name were so numerous. And she just mentioned her brother, anyhow.

“—Miho. I will be sure to do so.”

“Apologies for interrupting,” Thane offered as he followed Lulaire. His eyes constantly shifted and scanned the others around the bonfire, but always settled back to her.

Of the sins Thane carried, curiousity was the strongest. A home told a lot about a person. More than they’d say. Even the lack of one—which was a category he fell into—told much. Still, he would try his best not to disturb anything.

With quick reflexes Rue’s hand darted out to steady the bottom of her cup, and retracted just as quickly, tucking back close to his body. He dipped his head demurely.

“This one is from a very different place with very different rules,” he answered vaguely, but still smiled at her. “Now, though, I live on the planet called Selen. It is beautiful. And yourself, Mistress Corra?”

He took in all the little details. There were questions, to be sure, but nothing pressing. He would learn with time. Instead he offered Lulaire a genuine smile of appreciation.

“Thank you,” he said with a nod. “Sharing sounds…nice. I will not keep you.”

Thane chewed idly on the jerky, looking out the window for a time. The exhaustion was already clouding his thoughts.

“Will probably be asleep shortly.” The man turned to look at Lulaire once more. “I look…forward to the sunrise.”

Corra giggled at his uncommon way of speaking “I live on Aliso. I wouldn’t neccesariky call it beautiful by any means…but Aliso city is home.” She giggled again as took another sip of her drink.

“What is it like?” queried the hybrid.

‘Aliso City? Oh its getting pretty cosmopolitan actually…its really grown in the last several years. About a quarter million people…it is sort of desolate though. Theresl’s only one type of grass and one species of small poplar trees that actually grow on then surface, and only in small clusters at that..Kalen and I are were actually thinking of maybe buying a plot of land on the outskirts and building house. But after tonight I might talk to him about looking for places for sale here on Kasiya.“ Corra giggled and swayed in her seat as ahe looked around at the fire lit darkness as she could hear the sound of creek/river flowing off in the distance. <@244244163002892288>

Atticus quickly gathered the materials as he had been instructed to. He was careful to select the puffiest puffs, the tastiest looking cacao bar, and unbroken and sweetened crackers. He gave a warm but uncertain smile at Vance before choosing 2 fizzy pops from the cooler. He looked at the small bounty in his hands.

This is so much food. They don’t want me to give them any payment for it. Force preserve me.

His eyes were wet. He had denied himself so much in the interest of serving the Force, in the interest of remaining a selfless and subservient warrior. The idea he was being openly offered so much without required repayment was moving.

“So, wait Vance.” His nose scrunched as he chewed over a thought. “How do you balance the crackers and cacao bar on the bonfire? Do I…need to use the Force to cook the sandwich properly?”

Vance chuckled heartily as he helped him bring the food and drinks back near the bonfire “You are adorable Atticus. No, don’t need the force to cook it. Basically..” He went and grabbed a couple sticks before coming back. “We take those nice fluffy puffs and stick them on the sticks and place them in the fire till they turn a nice golden brown. Just be careful too long and they become black and crispy. Then we assemble the sandwhich. Cracker, then chocolate, then puff on top and finish with the second cracker. Here I can help show ya.” He stuck a puff onto one of the sticks and stuck it into the fire. After a few seconds, he quickly pulled it out and placed it onto the chocolate. He then placed the cracker on top and smiled. “See nothing too hard. Now you try.”

He nodded slowly. It seemed simple enough. He gripped one of the sticks near the tip and jabbed the puff atop it.

That should work, right? He looked at it intently, placing it just within the flames. He watched it for a moment, but his gaze slid sideways for a moment. He looked at Vance. The half-Sephi was so kind. He was so patient.

He is so *nice and nice-looking and-

A few seconds. That was all the longer that Vance had cooked his. He tried to pull up the puff. He didn’t want it to be black and crispy. He jerked the stick up a little harder than he meant to, and it started to fall.

“No!” He let out a strangled cry. He reached out, trying to catch the gooey treat, but he only succeeded in knocking it upward and-

Damn it.

The puff bounced. It twirled in the air. Finally, it hit the ground just outside of the flames. It oozed in the grass.

He looked down at it. It seemed so unfair. Tears stung his eyes as he scooped up the gooey mess.

“I….I ruined it.” He glanced at Vance, frowning deeply. He took in a deep breath, trying to steady himself. He felt so foolish.

He was not going to have a some-more today, it seemed.

Vance shook his head. “you didn’t ruin anything at all Atticus, all you did was drop a puff onto the ground. And so what, doesn’t mean the world just stops. You just move on and try again or sometimes one can ask for help too.”

He took out his handkerchief from his side pocket of his pants and gently took the Jedi’s hands and cleaned off all the sticky gooey mess of puff. “And don’t worry about my handkerchief, I can wash it good as new later. Now as for that some-more you wanted, here take mine that I just made. I already had one earlier so you can have mine.”

Vance grinned and while he was handing Atticus the puff sandwhich, he leaned in and kissed the Jedi’s forehead gently. “Don’t treat yourself so harshly. Relax, take in the balance of nature and enjoy the evening with me. You are safe here Atticus.”

Rue sat up straight, leaning into Corra’s space so they were nearly nose to nose, a sudden trilling MRPrprprp of excitement leaving him.

“Only one species of grass and tree?! True monocultures, with no biodiversity? That is astounding. And simply evolutionarily impossible. It must be manufactured! But why? A single bacterial or viral strain would decimate the entirety of the population…what are they called? Why were they cultivated? Do they reproduce sexually or asexually? What are their pollinators?”

“Huh? I’m just a seamstress, i have no idea about all of that…something about the planet coming out of a volcanic period thousands of years ago….there’s only in…fantile..in…Vader? Invader species are the only non sentient lifeforms?” Corra scrunched her face a bit thinking she definitely had that wrong. She felt an odd uplifting sense of well being and focus that seemed to be almost emanating from Rue.

“Only invasive species for flora and fauna? Fascinating…”

“Yeah, invasive, thats it.” Corra took another sip and giggled again.

“You should come visit us on Aliso sometime” Corra said excitedly.

Rue was about vibrating in his seat, as if through sheer excitement and sugar alone he could teleport to Aliso.

“Yes, yes, please, this one would LOVE to meet these trees and grass. Typically volcanic soils are most rich in compounds many species of plants need, that only these monocultures would survive is, is– fkrjgfdg. I have so many theories! I must write these down!”

There was that notebook again, as he pinned it to his knee with his tail and began furious scribbling. He didn’t need to look down, beaming up at Corra.

“Thwwrank ywwrou!” his words purred hard.

Corra giggled again more loudly this time, reacting to the positivity coming from Rue.

“Well..” She said getting ready to let loose with the juicy gossip she had only told her best friend about so far.

“Kalen and I have been talking about moving in together, I’d love for you to be one of our first house guest.” They hadnt decided if they were buying a house or an apartment or a piece of property to build on, or any other specifics but Corra breeze right past that silly voice in her head. She was making friends, the nitty gritty things like the truth getting in the way were inconsequential.

“Ohwr! This one would be honored,” Rue replied cheerily, bowing his head to the idea of being a guest. He didn’t have the context others did that might pull a more excitable reaction.

“Oh great, I’ll tell Kalen, it’ll be so much fun. The grass and the trees and the animals are all within several miles of the cities edges burp oops, scuse me giggled …apparently the invasive species spread out from wherever they were introduced or whatever” Corra took another sip of her drink.

Atticus looked at Vance, smiling weakly. “I am sorry. I-I just- I am sorry. I shouldn’t let things to m-me like that.” He could feel his cheeks hurting from the tension of a forced smile. He tried to still his beating heart. Was it thundering because of his emotional outburst or his proximity to-

Stop. He is being nice. Don’t look the gift bantha in the mouth.

He took the puff sandwich in both hands and took a large bite.

“Iff goo.” He nodded appreciatively through a mouth full of cracker and gooey puff. The flavors were delectable together. He chewed for several moments before swallowing.

“I am sorry.” He said quietly. “I am such a mess, and I have nowhere to go after here. I keep letting my emotions get away from me.”

He smiled. “Glad you enjoyed it Atticus.”

He then folded his hands and placed them under his chin a moment and closed his eyes as he thought. He remembered back to the time of his freedom. His slave master slain at the hands of a blue Twi'lek with a violet lightsaber. Him laying there on the ground looking up at her. “I have nowhere to go.” And her voice was surprisingly soft for a Sith and gentle. Then come with me, I will take you and anyone else and give them a home. You are free.

“Freedom."He whispered softly as tears fell. "True freedom from a hellish life.” He wiped his eyes with his right hand.

“Well Atticus, that’s where I stop ya and say no you are wrong. You have somewhere you can go. See I work for a very interesting Twi'lek that is part of some clan in a huge organization called the Dark Jedi Brotherhood. And she told me that if I knew of anyone that needed help getting on their feet, they were welcome to join and be a part. So Atticus.” He smiled as he took the Jedi’s hand. “How would you like to travel the stars and come with me? I can promise you that I would feed and give you a roof over your head. And..” He chuckled. “At least someone to spend time with what do you say?”

Atticus blinked. He had expected a kind, listening ear. He had not expected an offer. His eyes searched Vance’s face as he considered the implications.

“Are you- are- are you that you-um, that you want to put up with me?” He realized how ungrateful he might have sounded and bit his inner cheek. “I mean - I - you see-” He looked into Vance’s kind, genuine face. His heart and face burned. “You want m-me to travel the stars with you?” His blood pounded in his ears. “If you - I mean - only if you are sure. I promise, I won’t eat much, and I will stay around long enough to- um - to make myself scarce, so you can enjoy your privacy. I know how much solitude can mean to some people.” He paused. “Wait, join whom?” He looked concerned. “I mean, wouldn’t someone part of a Dark Brotherhood have no interest in a disciple of the Jedi Order?” He sighed, remembering his Master-less state.. “Or a former Padawan, I guess?”

Vance laughed. “It’s just a title. There are all sorts of folks that are part of it. Jedi, Sith, Mandalorians, and also those that are not force sensitive either. Of course they would have an interest in you, though..” He blushed a little..“Well guess ya could say that uh..I have an interest in you.”