Typically, Kanan was a person of few words. Particularly when it came to himself. River was one of the few people he was willing to make an exception for, however, especially at this moment. The Mandalorian warrior needed to stay alert. Given the circumstances, perhaps a light-hearted story was in order, and Kanan would attempt to draw it out as best he could.
“On Yavin 4, where I grew up, there’s a favorite spot the locals like to frequent. It’s called Skygazer Hill, aptly named because of the spectacular view it boasts of the sky. My older brother and his girlfriend visited there quite regularly, and more often than not I would ask if I could tag along with them, but the answer was always the same. I was too young and wouldn’t be able to keep up. Of course as I got older I realized they probably just wanted time alone, but as a five or six year old this was a great affront to my honor. As ridiculous as it seems now, I decided I had to prove myself.”
Kanan fell silent briefly, glancing at River.
“One night, after my mother had put me to bed and I was sure everyone was asleep, I snuck out and made my way through the jungle to the hill,” he continued, lancing over at River every few moments to make sure he was okay.
“The view was as beautiful as it had been on every other visit I’d made with my parents, but somehow standing there alone, it was even more breathtaking. Staring up at the stars with only myself for company, I felt like I was invincible. Like I could do anything, go anywhere. The possibilities were endless.
“That is until I heard my mother’s voice coming from the jungle. Nothing deflates a little boy’s ego like the sound of his angry mother yelling his name. I ran for the nearest Massassi Tree and scurried to the top. Luckily my mother had not seen me, but the Woolamander nesting in the tree certainly had, and it quickly let me know I was not welcome.
“Its echoing call scared me half to death. I lost my grip and fell, breaking my arm when I hit the ground. Worse than that, I’d been discovered by my mother. My little adventure was over, and a very long and drawn out lecture and punishment awaited me. Much more painful and memorable than the broken arm,” he briefly chuckled.
The sun had set and darkness surrounded the two of them as they rode along on the two tee-musses, but the lights of the small village were now coming into view.
@Feng Mian