Fallenreaper

[Ryloth, 6 ATC 6] A Long Year Amongst the Twi'Leks

Week 7, Day 1, afternoon

---

Lo turned to the hut's doorway. She watched Aren and Val enter the hut, stepping down the stairs into the main floor. The young Bothan noticed the concern in Aren's voice as she looked back to Master Rothul. His form still and silent compared to their conversation. It took Lo a moment to collect her strength to answer Aren's question.

"To be honest, I'm not sure. He's been in a coma for a week now. I've healed more of the critical injuries and... I think he's getting better. He's started to respond with soft, physical contact, so I think he can hear us at least." Her uncertainty and fear leaked into her voice.

When Aren thanked her, Lo nodded. Though she didn't understand why, she didn't question it. She watched as the Jedi Knight moved to her master then looked him over. The woman wouldn't find anything different from what she had revealed. Distracted by the warm gesture, she felt Val's hand rest on her shoulder. Her head turned to glance at him then back to the two masters, finally realizing his intentions. She nodded as she rose upright to follow him.

Her eyes flicked from him to the village itself. Despite the hardships, the small number of Twi'lek tried to make the best out of their situation. It amazed her how resistant the people had become. Part of her wondered if their arrival had something to do with it. She returned her attention to Val when he spoke.

Lo smiled weakly. "It's not much. I wish I could do more, but I can't. Only a few Twi'lek clan members seem to have any faith in my ability and all of that is thanks to Sar."

Instinctively, she began to redirect their walk away from the village's activity. Her ears caught the crackling fire and roasted scents. It seemed the community meal had started and would be finished around evening time. Thankfully all the pits had no crystals close enough to combust.

As she walked, her shoulders slumped a bit more. All strength and confidence evaporated from her figure as she continued to speak.

"I am glad you and your master arrived. It will hopefully make things easier than it has been. So what do you think of Ryloth so far?"

[Ryloth, 6 ATC 6] A Long Year Amongst the Twi'Leks

Week 7, Day 1, Midday

---

As Lo navigated over and through the forest like terrain, she found all her stress begin to fade. She covered all the events since she arrived at Ryloth, including the injury of her master. There were times she had to stop herself from falling into long-winded explanations. Each time she inhaled then focused on the facts and minimal details.

Whenever she skimmed on the topic of her master, Lo's heart hurt causing her to stop. The thought of him still in a coma pained her beyond words. Even with his improvements and her attempts to be hopeful about the future.

Upon arriving at the Pathfinder, Lo's eyes traveled up and her figure stopped in her tracks. The image of another near identical starship made her think of the Mirage. A thought crossed her mind to check in on the ship and determine if the Sith had impounded it or not. Sar would certainly want to come just to ensure her safety.

Lo nearly moved to help the other Twi'lek when she noticed Aren come to rest beside her. Patient as always, the Bothan's head turned to the Jedi Knight and listened.

A moment of silence passed before Lo answered.

"Out of the survivors, about twenty-one suffered injury. Over half are still in recovery, including my master, from the bombs. Others are from cave-ins during the excavations of the tunnels. It's a high risk of cave-ins and injury." She inhaled then continued.

"Any medical supplies is helpful. No matter the form it is. My force heal has come in handy, but it is draining. The supplies you brought will help become less dependent on it."

With everyone helping, the trips to haul the supplies got immediately shorter. On the last run, Lo stayed behind to direct the supply storing and treating the wounded. When Aren and Val got back with the last of the load, Lo had finished applying some of bacta into Master Rothul. She curled her legs underneath her as she watched him, waiting for the others to return.

[Ryloth, 6 ATC 6] A Long Year Amongst the Twi'Leks

To be Added Later.

As well as get some OOC activity off the ground! Woot!

[Ryloth, 6 ATC 6] A Long Year Amongst the Twi'Leks

Week 7, Day 1, Midday

---

Lo watched how Val'Ko's grin softened his indifferent expression. The silent and modest gesture filled her with familiarity. Such a rare emotion during this time and for that, the young Bothan found herself grateful. She shifted into a more relax posture by bring her feet closer together. Her attention shifted to the darker haired Jedi who Lo had been certain was Val's master.

Aren bowed then introduced herself causing Lo to return a brief mimic of the greeting. When the older Jedi finished speaking and had glanced at her ship's direction, Lo's eyes turned to Sar.

"Sar, can I take some villagers with me to help Master Bec and Padawan Sate?"

"Yes." Sar pointed to one of the four and sent him down for additional help.

Lo bowed her head briefly before she turned it back to the two Jedi to explain. "Many of Sar's clan are skilled at being unseen. Ryloth is a dangerous place and speed is essential for survival. The fewer trips, the less risk Slavers or the Sith can track it."

About three more Twi'lek arrived and filed in behind the rest, all of them ready to help their clan. Lo, in her gut, knew they had reached the max they could spare. Most the others dug out the tunnels, attended to daily needs, and monitored the wounded. Her mind flashed to Master Rothul causing her to subtly choke then right herself once more.

"Please lead the way and we will follow." Once the Jedi began to walk, she and the other Twi'leks would follow. The sooner they got this done, the better.

[Ryloth, 6 ATC 6] A Long Year Amongst the Twi'Leks

Week 7, Day 1, Midday

---

On most days, Lo could overlook her shortness being a hassle. Not today. Their current mission was an urgent one as the small group moved to the surface. Her legs moved at a faster pace and pushed to keep up with the taller Twi'lek warriors. Her eyes skimmed each one's appearance. Their skin tones varied from blue to the pale pink. Dark paint formed various tribal patterns indicating tradition or individuality. Their lekku bore no such markings. In a primal world, it showed strength without speaking a word.

Upon approaching the exit, the sun's harsh rays poured down upon the group. Lo's hand rose to shield her eyes briefly. A few moments passed until her vision adjusted. Even through the small padawan showed no outward aggression, her weapon hung on her belt. Just within her hand's reach.

When her vision cleared, she glanced at the two humans that stood before them. Their robes indicated the traditional Jedi robes causing Lo to pause in her thoughts. Relief swept over her worried mind as her muzzle cracked into a gentle smile. Her hand rose to her longer hair where she adjusted her padawan braid.

"Hello. My name is Lo Lya'Tre, padawan of Master Rothul. Bluntness tends to be best in these cases so please excuse my lack of elegance. Seeing you here, can I safely assume you're here to help?" Lo's gut seemed to agree with yes, but she felt assumptions were rather rude. Calmly she waited for an answer as she briefly scanned the horizon. One could never be too careful.

Something familiar swam in the back of Lo's mind about the older Jedi woman, but she couldn't place it. With the stress and trouble they faced, her memory failed her right now. Her head tilted to the right when her eyes fell to the Jedi's Padawan.

"Val'Ko?" The name slipped through her lips. Memories of H'Ratth, weak and distant, crossed her attention. Her head immediately righted itself.

[Ryloth, 6 ATC 6] A Long Year Amongst the Twi'Leks

Week 7, Day 1, Dawn

---

Lo’s legs crossed and folded underneath her. Her arms rested on her thighs while she inhaled then exhaled, her breath locked in a steady rhythm. A faint blue tint outlined her brown fur sticking out of her robes. The crystals’ light cast away the shadows in the clay house used for her master’s healing, adding the calm mood. Lo’s force stretched across the stones. It followed the floor like a snake before it branched out and spread to the local surroundings. A small, serene smile flicked onto her long muzzle.

Unlike Tython, Ryloth’s humidity required her to change a lot about herself. She had shed the tabards, sticking mainly to the under tunic and pants due to the humidity. Even her obi had a thinner leather belt to lessen the layers. The colors remain earthly, but much lighter than her first arrival. While she couldn’t remove all of her fur, she could arrange the longer strands. Her bangs were woven into a fish tail and wrapped about her head. The end twisted into a bun toward the base of her skull. She repeated this with the other side. To hold the buns’ shape, she used tightly twisted pieces of clothes too small to patch a wound.

Over all, her look give her youth a more mature appearance. Lo hoped the change would help to build confidence in the capabilities she had already proven. She had a good feeling, both Sar and her master had approved of her appearance.

The Twi'lek man had made it back to the village in no time, winding his way through the dark tunnels and then finding Sar once he had made it to the cavern.

News of an unidentified ship was both a blessing and a curse for Sar. Were they enemies? Or an ally? The village couldn't tale much more conflict, not with their lack of medical supplies, lack of rations, and not with the Jedi Master still in a coma. Morale was low, but his people pushed on; for that, he was thankful.

After receiving the report, Sar immediately made his way to the hut being used to shelter Dominik as he healed. Lo was in there meditating next to Dominik, the older Jedi still not having woken from his coma. It had been a week at least; Sar couldn't help but feel worried for Lo, no doubt the young Bothan was feeling lonely. He didn't want to push the topic though, so he had remained close in case she reached out to him to talk.

Now though, Sar would have to interrupt her meditation. Hurrying up to the doorway, Sar looked inside and towards Lo before speaking.

"Lo, I'm sorry to interrupt," he said, glancing from the young Bothan to her Master's still form on the bed and back. "One of our scouts spotted a ship. He's not sure what kind, they landed not far from here."

"You didn't interrupt. I was aware you were there when you walked in." Lo reassured his concern as she collected herself. Gradually she began to rose up onto her feet and dust off the dirt on the back of her legs.

She took a moment of silence, digesting the information.

"Well, we'll won't know if they are friend or foe until we approach them. I rather get a sense of their intentions before they get too close to the village. Do we have any individuals able to volunteer for a short walk?" Her dark eyes settled on Sar, turning her body to face him.

"We do, I have a few men already prepared." Sar replied, nodding to the Bothan as she turned towards him. Sar withdrew from the doorway and walked back towards the men who were ready, knowing Lo would join them shortly. Then they could investigate this ship, and hopefully uncover an ally or two who had arrived to help them.

Sar could only hope.

[Ryloth, 6 ATC 6] A Long Year Amongst the Twi'Leks

Lo Lya'Tre

[Korriban, 6 ATC 5] Trial by Sith

Working on a collab with Alma and Emi, mainly to get over this writer's block I made with Dash. Character is being stubborn since I waited this long. XD If anyone feels they should be included, then shoot me a pm on discord or mention here.

Btw, make sure to keep tabs over what rooms you all go into. There're some traps laid out for any reckless students and Mara hinted to at least a few of them. I'll try to let you know beforehand, but it's hard unless I know what rooms you're going into. I'll pm you the answers and details so you can include them in your posts for a big reveal. <3

Edit: Correction, I'm working on a collab with Emi. Hope to have it up in a few days.

[Ryloth, 6 ATC 6] A Long Year Amongst the Twi'Leks

Chapter 7

Finding Hope

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Week 4, Day 5, Dawn

Trekking outside and leaving the safety of their underground base was not something to do so soon after being attacked, but with their medical supplies low and having no form of communication to get a message to the Council, it needed to be done. Sar, Ro’sara, Lo, and one other Twi’lek male planned to greet the early morning light as the sun started to rise over the horizon. The light of a brand new day would be a welcoming sight to the older Twi’lek leader, as the night previous had been hell for everyone involved.

He had taken his time and visited the downed Jedi Master before they had left. He didn’t know much about the Jedi, and knew even less about the Force, but in a way Sar had hoped Dominik could still hear the words he had spoken.

”We’re leaving soon, Master Jedi. If my people are to be saved, if you are to wake to see another day, we must get to your ship and send out a call to the Jedi, or anyone for that matter. Lo is coming too, I will not let her go alone. I promise I’ll keep her safe, just as you have kept my people safe. We’ll see you again soon.”

Sar’s thoughts were on his words to Dominik, if the Jedi had actually heard him, if this mysterious power they called ‘the Force’ could actually keep them safe. Eyes moved to the young Jedi just ahead of him. He wanted to give Lo her space, for he couldn’t imagine the turmoil she was feeling inside. Sar hoped she would open up a little during their trip. He was worried for the young Bothan’s well-being during all of this chaos.

Lo adjusted her belt and bag, checking her gear before they were ready to set off. She had decided against bringing a medical kit. Their trip stretched across the safer terrain to the ship and limited the potential danger. At least, she hoped it would.

Her hands adjusted her braid while she glanced back at Sar exiting out of Dom's hut. She flashed him a forced smile.

"We ready?" Though guilt swept through her, Lo ignored it.

She had to ensure she took care of everyone. Master Rothul would've wanted that before she risked mentally breaking down. On the outside, she looked calm and collected. Inside... a storm brewed that would eventually break out.

“Yes, I believe we are.” Sar said, walking up to stand next to Lo, looking to Ro’Sara and the other Twi’lek male who both signalled they were ready.

Leading the way through the tunnels, avoiding partial collapses and navigating through the darkness, Sar and Lo finally emerged from the tunnel with Ro’sara and the other Twi’lek, Cur’taca, close behind. The morning sun was just starting to peek over the horizon, a sight which Sar embraced, bringing a smile to his face.

“Once we get to the ship, Cur’taca and I will keep guard while you get the message out. Okay?” Sar asked, looking to the young Padawan as they walked, wanting to make sure everyone understood the plan before they arrived.

All three nodded in solemn silence. Their eyes locked on Sar before Lo broke it with her next words.

“It will take me a while to locate everything, activate the communications, and to pop up the speeder bikes. Hopefully neither the Zygerrians nor Sith have decided to 'claim' the ship." Her eyes scanned the forest area as she followed the others.

“We’ll make sure you’re protected, Lo. Our back up plan will be to take the ship should we encounter any resistance. Better to take it and have to hide it again versus trying to flee and letting the enemy have it.” Sar explained, looking to everyone as they continued forward.

“And Lo,” he started again, looking directly to the Padawan, “If we encounter any resistance and getting away seems impossible, you will leave us, do you understand? We’re all prepared to pay the price to help our people, but you must be there for your Master.”

"Sar..." Lo began, but she paused. She knew that look and the words hit far closer to home than he knew. A sharp inhale purged the clawing emotions in her heart.

"I'm important, but so are you Sar. You helped the people trust and accept Jedi assistance. Your contribution and experience as one of their own is important too. As a Twi'lek, you will be able to sway many more into helping the cause than I ever could."

She paused for another breath.

"So... let us all try to focus on staying alive and safe."

---

Sar attempted to keep track of the time as they made careful progress towards the ship. Dominik had stowed and hid it in a place that his allies could easily get to, but made sure it would be hidden well to their enemies. Dominik hadn't touched the Mirage in at least a month, simply because it wasn't worth being spotted when travelling to the ship, and keeping their main source of transportation hidden was always the best idea.

Sar kept a very watchful eye out all around them, constantly glancing behind as they trekked across the landscape, using the natural geography to their advantage and attempting to stay under cover for most of the time that they moved. Eventually, deep into the forest, the ship slowly started to come into view through the trees. It had been covered in a blanket of leaves and other natural foliage to better conceal it to wandering eyes. To one who didn't know better, it looked completely abandoned.

Lo halted before the ship. Her eyes darted up as she spotted through the camouflage. She noted the curves and the neglect paid to it, sparking heavy feelings over the ill-treatment. Green vines dangled from their anchors into the smooth hull of white and red. Lack of activity gave it a metal bestial impression as it loomed over the small group. Memories of the past surfaced to fill her with shame and pain.

It took her a moment to focus through it. She couldn't be weak or helpless, her allies needed her strength. Again, Lo let the negative flow from her center. She had a job to do.

She raised a hand and used the force to guide a few branches from the Mirage's lower half. Dropping them to the side, she stepped up to the ship. Her finger pressed a button on her wrist link causing the boarding ramp to lower to the ground. She turned back to the Twi'lek staying behind.

"Be safe." Then she entered the ship with Ro'Sara behind her.

Taking up defensive positions around the ship, Sar nodded to Lo as she started inside. He shot her a smile, trying to give the girl some positivity during this hard time, before Ro'Sara continued inside with Lo.

For the Twi'lek girl, who was only slightly older than Lo, the ship was something she had never seen before. As she walked up inside, feeling the cool air greet them a draft started to move around, her mouth was open in awe.

"Lo, this is amazing. This is you and your Master's ship?"

The young Bothan didn't linger long. She was already heading to the nearest room, her mind fixed on the mission and determined to finish it.

"Sorry, Ro, but no time for a tour. We need to get the supplies first." Lo's arm pointed to the southern part of the ship as she continued.

"Head that way and take a left turn. The medical bay should be about one third stocked, which is better than nothing. We have some bacta bottles, patches, and more still in there. I’ll head to the cargo bay and see what we have there. I can also get the speeder bikes ready.”

Ro couldn't help but feel sorry for the awe she had in the ship despite the importance of their mission. "Alright, I'll get looking." She said, nodding to the Padawan before her feet quickly turned towards the medical bay, aiming to give it a thorough look and find anything that could be useful.

When Lo entered the cargo bay, she pressed a code into the panel. Mechanic hissing and grinding sounded as two speeder bikes rose up from the floor. The young bothan didn't let her emotions distract her. She began to check each one and ensure they didn't need repairs. Thankfully, both her master and her had repaired most of the damage from prior trips.

Satisfied with their condition, she lined them up with the lift then turned to help Ro.

"Bikes are all set up and ready to roll when we are. We just need to load them up. What did you find?"

Coming back out with a smaller satchel full of supplies, Ro’sara set it down and pulled some of the pieces out to show Lo.

“There wasn’t much, a few more rolls of bandages and a couple bottles of bacta. But I found some extra sheets in there too, so I grabbed them, they’re in the bottom here.” Ro explained, packing everything back into the satchel nicely so that it was secured for the trip. She moved to one of the speeders, placing it in one of the small side cargo holders and closing its top.

"We'll find more in the bunks. We might need to wash all of these just to ensure they are sterile, but that is easy. Next is the upper level."

She gestured for Ro to follow her toward the back of the ship. A simple press of a button released the ladder down the access hatch allowing them to scale to the next level.

Lo paused at the top to help Ro'Sara up before explaining their next step.

"All right, we need to head this direction. The storage for the supplies should be to the left of the door. We should have a good amount of rations left in there." The padawan gestured for the Twi’lek to come with her.

Ro’sara nodded at Lo’s instruction and wasted no time before following after her. She knew they had to be quick, but in the back of her mind, she was worried for Lo and the turmoil the younger girl might be dealing with. No doubt it was hard to be back in this ship without her Master. In time, Ro’sara was confident the other Jedi would wake up, his body just needed time to heal.

Lo continued on and headed into the bunk room. When she spotted the first bed, she began to rip off the sheet and rolled it up neatly. Each one had been stuffed into her bag until none remained. A small task considering there was only three bunks. As she searched for any missed spares, her vision brushed over her master's side of the room.

She swallowed heavily. Dominik's modest nature showed easily with the meager belongings he set out. In the small storage closet, about four extra sets of robes hung in good condition. Her hand reached out to touch the material as sentiment warmed her heart. A faint smile flickered to her muzzle. When her eyes leaked again, her palm wiped the tears away.

"I really need to stop crying." She muttered under her breath.

Something blue and copper in color caught her attention. Lo paused then leaned in. Her hand pulled out a small, cube-like device hidden in the corner. Carefully she turned it in her hand while she examined it. Enlightenment glowed in her eyes when she identified it.

Master Rothul's Jedi Holocron.

The padawan just stared, unable to think or feel. Gradually her expression softened as she held it tightly. For a moment she had to remind herself of a critical fact: Master Rothul wasn't dead. The thought gave her hope.

Carefully she placed it into her bag among the sheets. Once more securing the bag to her shoulder, Lo exited the room.

Ro was quiet as she searched the room for supplies. She found a good amount of rations left in storage along with sealed bags of smaller-sized rations, and some in capsule form, just as Lo had said. The Twi’lek girl wasted no time in taking them all out, stacking the small containers neatly in her hands before following Lo out of the room.

"Do you need help?" Lo's right eyebrow raised as she meet Ro half-way.

She watched the older Twi'lek struggle with the rations, frowning. With a wave of her hand, her force pressed the small packs together and brought them to her. She opened her bag to lower them inside.

"How about you take this and what you have left down to the cargo bay. I need to work on the holoterminal. Wait for me there."

Accepting Lo’s help in her struggles, Ro’sara watched the young Jedi pull the supplies to her with the Force, and then pack everything neatly away into the bag she had been carrying. Ro’sara took the bag with a nod, “Alright, I’ll let Sar know we’re almost done.” she said before her form moved to the ladder and started to descend down into the other level.

Lo watched Ro disappear down the hatch before she turned to the holoterminal. She sighed then got to work. Her fingers clicked in the coordinates to contact the Jedi Council. The holoterminal began to start up, but the machine sputtered and died abruptly.

"Oh come on!" Lo protected.

Her foot flew out then smacked the base. Once then twice until it rumbled back to life. She pulled around to face the viewer as she left her message.

"My name is Lo Lya'Tre, Padawan of Master Rothul. The twi'lek village we provided aid to has suffered a heavy attack. During it, Master Rothul was critically injured. We're low on medical supplies and aid. Any assistance is greatly needed now." Lo stated in her clearest and firmest voice.

After she checked the replay, she included the coordinates of the village. With a single push, she sent it. She hoped the Jedi Council would send help in the form of additional medical supplies and other Jedi. Until then, she had to protect what progress they made.

Getting down to the speeder, supplies in hand, Ro’sara secured what they had to the other speeder and double-checked the first one. She peeked outside, relieved to still see Sar and Cur'taca still there, and let the older Twi'lek know what was going on. He nodded as his focus returned to the world around them, blaster at the ready should any surprises show themselves.

Lo paused just at the entrance to the cargo bay. Her eyes tightened and her head moved to the side, feeling some off. She expanded her sense with the force.

An inky, darkness in the force presented itself. She had difficulty in actually determining what it was, but the unfamiliarity put her on high alert. The sensation curled her fur causing it to fluff out in alarm. Her eyes snapped open as she rushed into the cargo bay. She slapped the panel to lower the bikes down to the ground, shouting orders.

"We need to go. NOW."

Urgency in her tone indicated danger as she straddled her master's speeder bike.

“Why? What did you see?” Ro’sara asked quickly as she climbed aboard the other speeder bike. She watched her friend nervously. She had heard nothing indicating an attack, nor had Sar said he had seen anything suspicious. As the bikes were lowered, Ro’sara followed Lo’s lead in pulling them out and down the ramp. Sar and Cur’taca were right next to the ramp as the bikes pulled out. The older Twi’lek leader could tell by Lo’s posture that something was wrong. He climbed onto the back of her speeder and watched as Cur’taca joined Ro on the other one.

“Lo, what’s wrong?”

“I’ll explain on route. We need to move now because we’re being watched. Watched by something… bad.” Lo pressed another button on her wrist link causing the ship to start locking down. She roared up the bike’s motor then took off.

[Ryloth, 6 ATC 6] A Long Year Amongst the Twi'Leks

Chapter 5

Unsettling Future -cont.

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Week 5, Day 6, Morning

Dawn cracked across Ryloth's skies, the night's purple faded away to reddish gold. The light climbed through the crude door. Separated into bars, they stretched across the dirt floor toward Lo. The young Bothan sat cross-legged while she inhaled then exhaled. With each breath, she spread out her energy. Letting it mingle with the outside world as a peaceful mood spread over her.

It didn't last long. Her head cocked when her ears caught the sounds of foot steps bolting toward their hut.

"Master, I believe we will have company shortly."

Just when she finished, a young Twi'lek shifted the dangling planks aside and stepped in. The youngster, Ro'Sara, was Lo's senior by only a year or two. Pale blue skin painted by the dark stripes and tribal markings of her original tribe caused her to stand out. She wore the simple, streamline garb fitting for both modesty and the humid weather. Her eyes shifted from Dom to Lo, her voice breaking the silence within.

"Jedi Rothul and Lo! Sar needs your help. Come quickly."

Lo's eyes opened and concern crossed her expression, showing in her bristled fur. With grace, she shifted to her feet then looked to Dom to note his reaction.

Hearing Lo’s warning, Dominik began to stand from his crude bed as the young Twi’lek burst through the crude doorway. The man adjusted the boots on his feet before looking to Lo, and then back to Ro'Sara. “Lead the lay, Ro'Sara.” he said. He made sure Lo was ready before following after the Twi’lek girl, out their crude hut and towards the place in which many of the farm animals for their small village were kept.

Adjusting the robes on his shoulders, Dominik spotted Sar as the younger Twi’lek rejoined the group. “Sar, what’s wrong?” he asked as he stopped right beside the Twi’lek man.

“The gate wasn’t shut properly on the Rycrit’s pen. They’re all gone. Our hunters have searched nearby but could not find any of them.” Sar explained.

“Lo and I will take a look. Pay attention to your wrist com, if we find them I’ll let you know.” Dominik said, thankful that one of their most recent supply drops had included some older technology they could use to communicate in short distances. “C’mon Lo,” the man said, looking to his Padawan next before turning towards the treeline, “We need to hurry before they wander too far.”

"Agreed. A large herd like that is bound to gain the attention of a few Gutkurrs'." Lo stated as she glanced to the ground. The Rycrit's cloven tracks sank into the dirt, but barely left traces or indicated a direction. She wiggled her muzzle before turning to Dominik with an uncertain look.

"I have no idea how to track them, do you?" She was blunt in her addressing of the problem and lack of skill.

“It’ll be tricky, but I do. Come, I’ll show you.”

Dominik didn’t wait much longer before he led his Padawan towards the treeline, where the faint tracks disappeared amongst the underbrush and foliage. He kneeled down upon reaching the start of the thick brush, seeing as the tracks disappeared but many other clues presented themselves.

“Look here, on the brush.” He explained, his fingers moving to grab a small tuft of fur from the rough foliage. “We can keep a look out for their fur on the brush, it might take us far if we can keep finding it.”

Lo carefully watched him. Her dark eyes narrowed and absorbed into his lesson. When he brought forward the brown fur of the Rycrit, she leaned in to get a good sight of where it came from. Her eyes lifted to look deeper and farther into the indicated direction.

"Are there any other sights we can look for too? Fur can't be the only way to track them, can it?" Her questions once more rapidly fired from her muzzle.

“Come.” Dominik said at her questions, leading her into the brush now, quietly, his old eyes scanning their surroundings for clues. “Broken twigs on the ground, disrupted leaves, bent foliage. Like this, here.” Dominik explained, his hand caressing a small leaf that had been torn as an animal had ran by.

Lo quickly followed in Dominik's wake. Her eyes gradually began to piece together the faint, but clear impression of a path within the foliage. It wove farther from the village as she smiled, finally catching onto the lesson. Her head turned when she sensed her master about to give her additional instruction.

“Use your senses Lo, close your eyes, listen to your surroundings.” He explained, looking down at the young Bothan before his eyes scanned through the trees.

She nodded. Her brown eyes sank behind her eyelids as she inhaled then exhaled. Her force began to reach out into the surroundings and take stock of all living creatures within it. Faint flickers of living creatures, their various shapes outlined in her head, darted throughout the flora. After identifying each one, she got a tug into one direction. Her arm rose to point them into it.

“They went that way. Toward water.”

“Very good.” Dominik said with a quick nod and a smile before his feet started in the direction she had pointed. His form kept low, hidden in the brush in case they were to come upon the unsuspecting herd, or worse. He took the lead in front of his Padawan, following the clues, reaching his senses out and feeling the herd as well. His eyes scanned the forest around them as his senses remained out, feeling the aura of the forest and seeing many of the surrounding creatures.

As Dominik led her, Lo expanded her senses. She mimicked him in his posture and alertness, understanding the importance. Her foot stepped on a twig causing it to loudly snap. Immediately, she froze in place.

Two of the six Rycrit rose their heads, their four nostrils inhaled. The wind blew downwind pulling the jedi's scent away from the beasts. With some hesitation, they lowered their heads and satisfied their thirst.

Just to the right of them, three Gutkurr stalked the herd. Lo immediately caught their energy causing her to whisper to her master.

"I think we need to hurry. The Rycrit won't be safe for long." She didn't know why, but she got an unsettled feeling for them to hurry.

Dominik heard Lo's warning so he closed his eyes and focused. He could feel the energy too, and hear their huffs and large clawed feet on the forest floor. He could feel their passion for their prey, could feel the vibrations of their muscles as they prepared to launch towards their prey.

"Lo, go directly to the herd. I'm going to intercept the Gutkurr." Dominik instructed. He didn't wait for Lo to ask any questions before he started moving towards the small group of Gutkurr to their right.

Lo opened her mouth, but she shut it when she spotted her master take off. She sighed. Her legs tensed and pushed off the ground, her figure pushing into a quicker pace. She remained in stealth as she continued to pull closer. Just a meter or two from the drinking animals, her foot snapped on a twig.

All six Rycrit's heads lifted into her direction. Lo gave a guilty and toothy grin. Exposed to their line of sight, they snorted then began to bolt away.

"Crap..." She cursed then began to rush after them.

Master Rothul heard the herd bolt before he saw them, and then saw his Padawan chasing after them. He brought a finger to his wrist link, activating it and sending a signal to Sar that they needed help.

As the Rycrit bolted, the Gutkurr charged after the running herd. Dominik's feet pushed off the ground in order to keep up with them, the man suddenly seeming a lot younger than he was as his speed matched the large animals. He jumped a few moments later, flying through the air before his feet found the hard shell of the Gutkurr's back.

The creature started banking left and right at the realization that something was on top of it. Dominik drew his lightsaber and activated it, the blade shooting down into the creatures head. Keeping his saber active, Dominik jumped onto the next closest one, shoving the end of his saber down into its head. The creature collapsed immediately and Dominik caught himself on the ground, not a moments hesitation before he chased after the final one.

Lo's eyes narrowed on the Rycrit. She picked up her speed and pushed forward, rushing from the tall grass onto the river's shore. Dust kicked up behind her with each step, driving her closer to the nearest Rycrit. The nostrils shorted in heavy breaths as it raced forward. Her mind shuffled through numerous solutions to get them to stop.

Her attention snapped up to the head Rycrit's open back. She smirked then picked up her speed to get to the nearest one. Her eyes closed and she focused her force within her. With a coiling of her legs, she released then jumped into the air.

Lo's eyes snapped open. Her legs came together when she managed to land on its back. The beast snorted and jerked causing her balance to shift. A small yelp escaped her muzzle as Lo wobbled, catching herself. Her eyes jerked to the lead Rycrit.

She inhaled deeply then leapt again. Flipping herself over, her foot slipped when she landed. Her arm shot out and gripped a fistful of fur. Desperately she hung onto the beast's side while it continued on. Each twitch and sway threatened to knock her off as she fought to keep on.

"Oh no... oh no." Lo uttered while her original grip slipped.

With heavy effort, her other arm came up. It tugged on another fistful of fur, and she scaled up the creature gradually. Reaching the back, she gripped the creature's hunches.

“Why did I think this was a good idea?” She asked herself.

Looking ahead as he ran, Dominik noticed his Padawan moving amongst the herd, balancing on their backs and finding her balance in the chaos that was the raging herd. The remaining Gutkurr charged faster towards the Rycrit as they moved as one, its large eyes spotting even larger prey moving amongst them, Lo. Dominik saw the creature’s desire for food fuel it’s movements as it sped up. Dominik moved fast, pushing hard off the ground and finding very unstable footing on the back of the Gutkurr. It bucked and struggled immediately, it’s desire for food outweighing the alarm at the feeling of something on its back.

Lo felt the Rycrit’s movements jar through her own body. She winched with each bump they trampled through as they continued to stampede. Her eyes widened when she glanced to the right. Large biped, segmented Gutkurr bared down on the herd’s side. Gritting her teeth, the young Bothan scooted higher on the hunches and gripped the ears of her stead. She jerked the head to the side. A small resistance before the Rycrit she rode turned. With its guidance, the rest started to follow as they pulled away from the predators.

Seeing the Rycrit herd change direction thanks to Lo's quick thinking, Dominik's focus moved back to the Gutkurr. Two more had come up from within the treeline to one side, making three again.

Suddenly he jumped from the one he was one, propelling himself forward and landing just before the small group of Gutkurr as they charged their prey. The Master Jedi held out one hand, eyes closed as he took the Gutkurr's attention with the Force. The three predators skidded to a stop almost immediately, their focus suddenly taken by the Jedi Master as he stood before them, attempting to buy Lo some time to get the Rycrit herd under control while he held the Gutkurr at bay.

Lo knew the Rycrit wouldn't settle down until they no longer had the scent or sight of the Gutkurr. Her hands gripped the Rycrit's ears as she continued to veer them away. She glanced back to see her master fully ceasing the Gutkurr's attention on their prey. A smirk crossed on her muzzle as her eyes caught the small figures of Sar and his group coming in to intercept the herd.

"How do I stop these things?!?" She shouted.

“Show them you mean no harm!” Sar called back, racing somewhat close to the Rycrit herd with his Blurrg. “Place your hand on its forehead, you have to show the leader it has nothing to fear!”

“Easier said than done!” Lo yelped as the Rycrit bucked.

She lost her seat and began to slip down the side, her hands clinging desperately to the fur. Her eyes widened in panic while she pulled herself back on. Gently her arm stretched out to rest her hand on the creature’s head. He snorted then began to slow down, the gallop trickling down to a walk. Lo laid against the Rycrit’s back as it continued its meandering pace, her jawline pressed into the neck.

“That was an unpleasant ride…”

Coming in riding on the back of a Blurrg, Dominik joined the rest of the group around the herd of Rycrit who had calmed down. A few of the other Twi’leks had dispatched the Gutkurr that Dominik had been dealing with, leaving the Master Jedi to check on his padawan.

A chuckle could be heard as he slid off the back of the Blurrg, walking amongst the Rycrit who had now come to a stop. “Very well done, Lo.” he said, walking up to his Padawan and giving her one, then two pats to her back as she rested on the Rycrit. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you have a way with animals.” He said, half joking as he had seen what she had done to finally stop the herd. “Now, shall we get them back to the village?”

“I seriously doubt that. They refused to listen to me and if not for Sar’s instructions, I would still be hanging on for dear life.” Lo huffed in exhaustion, her eyes rolled into her master’s direction. She let her arms hang down while she felt the beast move underneath her.

“Yes, please. I don’t think I could handle any more excitement today.”

Week 6, Day 4, Midday

“Pace yourself.” Dominik said, his saber lit as he struck falsely towards Lo to his front. After many sparring sessions, the Master Jedi had decided it was time to pull out their sabers, to make it as realistic as possible. A injuring blow and the sparring would stop so that they could discuss with each other, right and wrong.

“Your breathing, your strength, you must control it all; otherwise you’ll tire easily and give the enemy the upperhand.”

“I’m trying to, Master.” Lo stated as her arm fidgeted and rose to block the fake out attack.

She ducked underneath his next swing. She lifted her leg and went to instinctively kick his side. The little Bothan hesitated. Her second guessing caused her to retract it and missed an opportunity, adjusting her stance.

Decades of experience was one of the things that separated the two Jedi as they sparred. A man of hundreds of conflicts and duels versus a young Bothan with a trying past and troubled present. “Do not hesitate, Lo.” Dominik said, noticing as the young Bothan adjusted herself for a kick but backed off at the last moment; he knew it wasn’t just because they were against each other, there was more to it. “If you start something, you must commit to it, no matter where it may take you.” He began, swinging his saber and catching Lo in a parry before he used a light Force push to force the Bothan backwards. He watched her stumble at the sudden push, so went in for a feinted strike towards her form.

Lo widened her legs but her balance suffered. She fell to her side as she raised her blade to protect from a downward strike by Dominik. She flipped back onto her feet and swung at his feet, ducking underneath his next incoming attack. Despite her grace, her mind continued to race. It questioned her actions and choices. With each parry or block, her strength threatened to give. She inhaled then exhaled, trying to purge her mind of the negativity.

Seeing and feeling everything from his Padawan, Dominik stopped immediately. His saber was withdrawn and he stood, taking a few deep breaths as his body pulled out of it’s sparring tension. “You’re hesitating. You cannot hesitate Lo. Your enemy will see that and take advantage of it immediately.”

“It’s not like I’m doing it on purpose.” Lo’s frustration showed in her voice causing her to flinch.

She closed her eyes and inhaled, her own blade deactivated in the same motion. “Thoughts just keep flying into my head whenever I try to do something. I try to shut it off, but…”

Her foot shifted and scraped the dirt. She found the ground with her eyes.

“Remember what I’ve told you. Trust my words, trust yourself, and trust in the Force.” He said, taking another stance before his saber was activated. “Again.” He said.

He gave his Padawan a few moments to prepare herself before the years of experience suddenly began to show from Master Rothul. His feet moved in almost practiced grace and fluidity as he covered the distance between he and Lo in a heartbeat. His saber hit hers, but he didn’t wait unlike before. He moved again, and his saber was caught with another parry. The Jedi struck at Lo with precision only one could gain from the experience Dominik had been a part of his whole life. Despite the Master kicking it up a notch, he made sure to give his Padawan a chance. He purposefully left openings as he struck, seeing if she would notice them, and, in time, use them to her advantage.

Lo's eyes widened in surprise when Dom's attacks came. They struck with unfamiliar aggression and precision. She had little time to think as her body reacted.

Her blade wiped out to block. First right, left, then jump. She flipped over him coming down with a vertical slash. He blocked it causing her arms to push herself away.

A tingling sense warned her of danger. Her eyes shifted to see the green blade swing around for her legs. She stretched out an arm. With the force, she gripped the nearest tree. With some effort, she jerked herself to it. Landing on her feet, she spotted the opening. She spun on her leg as her blue blade went for it. Every ounce of her committed to the attack.

Her master's green blade buzzed while it blocked her. Plasma hissed and sparked when they locked. Lo gritted against the man's strength. Her feet lost grip when he pushed her back. The blade released each other, once more engaged into a whirling battle.

Lo continued to parry, dodge and block. As her master's last swing missed her, a right leg shot out. She aimed a round kick to his shoulder connecting with flesh.

Dominik almost immediately noticed the change in Lo’s attacks and parries when he gave her little time to think. This was as close as he could get her to an actual duel right now. He watched her reflexes, as she handled her saber and her footwork while doing so. He could hide the smirk on his face as he became impressed at how quickly she was learning.

The man felt Lo’s kick to his shoulder; strong and committed. It knocked him off balance as he went down to one knee, catching himself. His saber was withdrawn immediately before the man raised a hand, signalling the end of their duel. “You learn quickly, little one. Now do you see what I mean?” He asked, referring to how her actions changed when she trusted each movement and counter. “You’d do well to remember this.”

Week 7, Day 1, Midday

Lo’s head shifted and took in the ambient noises. Avian creatures rustled in the trees. They chirped their songs, calling to mates or chasing away the silence. Water ran its course through the land at a steady, relentless pace. Its noise calm and inviting. Sunlight peeked through the canopy’s gaps placing a dapple light pattern on her brown fur. A smile cracked on her muzzle while she looked into her basket hung. She lifted the arm it hung from as she shifted through the damp moss and leaves.

“Master, make sure to keep the leaves damp. They are less likely to wilt. If that happens, it would be harder to press and properly dry them later.” Lo commented as she turned to glance at her master.

Hearing words of wisdom from his Padawan, Dominik looked over to her and smiled. "You're the expert." He teased, watching her for a moment before his eyes moved back to the surrounding forest. Now that the caverns were halfway finished, the Twi'lek people were preparing themselves, stockpiling herbs, food, and even water down in the cave system. Everyone knew war was coming to Ryloth, it had already begun. His old eyes moved to the Twi'leks around them who were helping to gather different kinds of herbs. Some for healing, some for cooking or other things. Children and adult alike were all helping to better their now large village and prepare for the worst. It was something that constantly ran through Dominik's mind.

Far from Tython, from the Republic, he was prepared to do anything necessary to protect Lo and make sure she made it to see more worlds than just Tython and Ryloth. It was his duty as her Master, and as a Jedi.

Lo flashed him a wider smile, her lips curled back and exposed the white canines. She checked her basket then spritz some water over the plants with the force. A faint mist wafted over them to keep them fresh and moist.

She couldn't help the pride or oddness that filled her from teaching her master something. Her figure leaned down as she examined a flower. Noting its odd colored markings and buds, she carefully trimmed off a sprout then placed it in her basket. With the proper care and attention, it would regrow roots.

A Twi'lek child rushed toward her. In his fist he clenched a small vine of leaves.

"Lo! Lo! I found some clot vine!" The child squeaked. His foot caught in a tangle of roots as he stumbled, a large thump echoed from his landing.

The pale twi'lek yelled causing Lo to jerk upright. Carefully the navigated her way to the fallen child, seeing the young boy holding his leg. A large bleeding gash ran from mid-calf to the ankle.

"Shh, it's all right. Let me see?" Lo asked as she sat down, her arms raised to gesture for the leg.

The boy, Na'seca, shook his head causing the Padawan to frown and thoughtfully put her finger to her lips. Her attention turned to Dominik as she shouted.

"Master, can you bring some of your herbs and the bandages?" Meanwhile, she looked through her basket of plants for a specific one.

Dominik heard the commotion from his location, not too far from his Padawan. Stepping through the foliage, he rummaged through the bag he held to find what Lo had requested. His fingers found what was needed and pulled out the roll of bandages, as well as a handful of the herbs a moment later.

He held them out for Lo, helping the Padawan with an extra hand for when she was ready.

Lo turned to Dominik then nodded her thanks. She gently took the materials from his hand as she set the plants into her basket creating a bundle. Her hand gestured causing two rocks to float toward her. One large and flat and the other small and rounder. They would create a crude mortar and pestle. Finally, she passed both the rocks and the twisted plant bundle back to Dominik.

"Can you grind the herbs into a paste? One will stop the bleeding, another is for pain, and the final one is to accelerate healing. Please sterilize the surfaces with water." She was calm and confident in her knowledge while she turned back to the boy.

"Na'seca, isn't it? I can't heal it if you don't let me see it. I know it hurts, but I'll be gentle. Promise." Again her hands reached out to gently take the Twi'lek's leg.

The boy inhaled then let her examine the gash. It was thankfully shallow as she turned to her master.

"Are those herbs done?"

Listening to her instruction, Dominik did as he was told. The Jedi master hadn't done much in the way of healing in his time, besides dressing wounds in the battlefield and treating others in a proper medical environment.

He followed Lo's instructions so that when she asked if he was finished, they were ready. He handed the crushed herbs back to the young Bothan carefully, letting her take them and continue treating the Twi'lek boy with relative ease and wisdom. The Master watched her, his eyes moving from his Padawan, to the Twi'lek, and back again. He couldn't help but be proud in that moment.

Lo adjusted a stray bang in her eyesight. She curled her finger around the tip and pulled it behind her ear, the curl caught in place. Dipping a forefinger into the mush, she reached over and spread it across the wound. The boy recoiled then relaxed. Once a generous amount had been applied, she placed the crude mortar and pestle aside. She stretched out the bandages to wrap about the leg tight enough to hold, but loose enough to not hurt.

As the young padawan’s eyes shifted, she noticed the sunlight dying. Night was coming causing her to frown. She leaned into her master’s direction and pointed to the evidence.

“Sar stated no one should be out past dark. We should collect everyone and start heading back, we can determine what else we need tomorrow. I think Na’seca needs some help.” At those words, she pushed herself upright.

In a smooth movement, she slipped the Twi’lek’s arms onto her shoulder and scooped up his legs. Carrying the boy on her back, she handed off her basket to Dominik.

“I hope you don’t mind carrying that.”

“Not at all.” Dominik chuckled, taking the basket from Lo and watching her lead the way back to the village. He almost felt like he was the student, and she was the master for a moment; the way she held herself when assessing and caring for a wound was something Dominik had noticed and almost seemed natural to her. Lo was a very knowledgeable Padawan, despite her lack of experience in the field.

A smile on his face and confidence in his heart for his Padawan, the older Jedi followed the young Bothan back as she led the way to the village.