Ask Sernpidal From One Prankster to Another, Maybe?

[Hiraya Manawari]

Amidst the hallowed halls of the Jedi Temple, a sense of restlessness had settled upon Hiraya. With no missions assigned to him nor any classes to be attended at the moment, he found himself grappling with an overwhelming sensation of boredom. The monotonous routines, strict discipline, and diligent studies had left him yearning for a touch of excitement.

As if to emphasize what he felt, the Tiefling mumbled a dreary, "Bored."

He got up from his bed and shuffled out of his dorm room. When he first set foot on Sernpidal, wonder and excitement filled the Padawan for days as thoughts of adventures and related discoveries filled his mind. He had imagined himself going out into the desert, or even the beach, in search of something fun to do. But lessons, training, more lessons and training, halted such plans. The

prom last time was a break from the monotony, but after that?

Hands shoved in his pockets, the Tiefling wandered down the halls idly. There was nothing much to do today, it seemed. He had already gotten bored with the games he installed in his EZPhone. He left his P9-H1 droid, Itty Bitty, charging in his room. His friends were on missions with their masters, and even the Knight Hiraya had befriended, Zion, was nowhere to be found. A pout crossed the Tiefling's face. Was there anything he could do to alleviate this boredom-?

A flash of inspiration made the Padawan's pointed ears flick. With mischievous thoughts swirling in his mind, Hiraya's attention fixated on a particular Jedi Master who emanated an air of stern authority, someone who had given him a stern talking to after pulling a harmless prank on the younglings just a week ago. A strict and disciplined human named Master Harrin, known for his unwavering dedication to the Jedi Code, seemed the perfect target for Hiraya's playful antics. Resolute in his decision, Hiraya resolved to lighten the atmosphere and sprinkle a dash of mischief into the Master's day.

Steeling himself with determination, the Tiefling Padawan plotted his prank with meticulous care. He knew that Master Harrin conducted meditation sessions in an oasis located in the enclave gardens each afternoon, seeking peace and quiet there. Hiraya snickered to himself, aiming to disrupt the Master's measured tranquility.

He made a detour to the kitchen, masking his intent with a helpful smile as he offered to bring snacks and refreshment to his target. One of the cooks asked for Hiraya's help to prepare the vegetable stew Master Harrin favored. Amid the bustle in the kitchen, the Padawan sneakily snatched one of the small shakers containing a spicy condiment and stowed it in his jacket pocket, hoping that no one saw his stealthy thieving.

@Wills

 

[Johanes av Holsen]

Sigh. Being confined to a bunch of lousy temples was hardly fun. Funny how he expected more independence after joining the Order, rather foolish in hindsight. If anything he was even more confined now, at least until he was deemed self-sufficient enough anyway. For the most part, training was interesting, more so than the school he would be attending should he still be on Sverend. He missed it though— home, his family, his friends... even his brother. Not that he'd ever admit that to him, there was absolutely no chance, but perhaps it was time he did something instead of lamenting. He could go on a wander around the temple, maybe? Admittedly it was about time he explored it a little so he wouldn't get lost in the future. Besides it seemed to be the prime way to kill some time.

So there he went, in some direction. Which one? He didn't know, but it most likely led somewhere. That wasn't the point anyway, he'd connect the dots eventually. For now, his sole purpose was to saunter through the grand, ornate halls of the temple until he saw something interesting, and something interesting he saw. His steps slowed momentarily as he laid eyes upon a Tiefling seemingly similar age snickering to himself as he made his way down the hallway. Most curious. Now, any respectful Jedi would continue about their day as if nothing happened; good thing he neither had decorum nor was technically a full Jedi yet. No, he was far too nosy to pass this up, he had to see what went down.

Without hesitation, his pace quickened as he made the sharp turn into the bustling kitchens with the singular purpose of closing the distance just enough that he'd hear or see what went down. Luckily for him, it was hardly difficult to spot a tall Tiefling in any crowd.

As Johan entered, he nonchalantly greeted the other Jedi working in there, as if his aims for being here were perfectly well-intentioned— not unlike the other teenager he followed in there. No, Johan simply watched him slyly grab the spice shaker, curiously just after he'd been asked to help with someone's stew. This wasn't the Sverender's first rodeo, the Tiefling was clearly up to no good... and Johan had to be a part of it! He casually strolled up behind him with muted steps. "What're we looking at?" he gushed, peeking at the vegetable stew from behind the Tiefling with a shit-eating grin and whispered teasingly; "You're not planning on messing with that perfectly good vegetable stew, are you?" The number of times he's done this at home... he'd tell you if he could but unfortunately, he lost count of it a long time ago.

@marshland

 

[Hiraya Manawari]

Preoccupied with chopping vegetables after sneakily snatching the spice shaker, Hiraya's ears twitched at the question poised at him. A saintly smile made the corners of the Tiefling's lips curve upward, but the impish glimmer in his crimson eyes spoke of a different story.

"Oh, you know," answered the Padawan as he added the vegetables into the boiling broth, taking an appreciative whiff of the aroma wafting from the pot. Twirling the knife expertly between his fingers, the Tiefling set the tool aside where no passing youngling would reach before picking a spoon to taste the broth. "Just cookin' some good old fashioned stew!"

But the follow-up question, whispered with teasing intent, made Hiraya look at the speaker over his shoulder. Wavy dark brown hair and hazel eyes met his gaze, followed by an equally teasing smile that matched the mischief in the human's voice. An embarrassed flush momentarily covered the pale Tiefling's face but he composed himself, clearing his throat and adopting a beatific smile offered to the other male.

"I'm planning something, alright," Hiraya admitted easily, earning him a curious look from a nearby cook. "And it involves making this stew so delicious, it'll blow the socks off of anyone who tastes it!"

The deflection seemed to work as the cook shook her head in fond exasperation at the Tiefling's playful declaration before focusing back on her own task. Grinning mischievously, Hiraya shifted his focus back to the newcomer.

His voice then lowered in a whisper. "Not gonna mess with the stew, dude. I'm gonna... how would you put it..." A flicker of rascality flashed across Hiraya's face. "...spice things up a bit, if you get my drift!"

The spice shaker felt a little heavier in his jacket pocket now, but it only served to build the Tiefling's determination to see his prank come to fruition. And judging by the look on the other teenager's face, it was either he would join the Tiefling or rat him out. So as he waited for the stew to finish cooking, he turned to face the other Padawan - well, he looked like one, and he seemed new to the Order - and matched the latter's teasing grin with his own.

"I can tell that you're new here. It's the first time I've seen you!" exclaimed Hiraya happily before offering one hand out for a handshake. His tail wagged behind him with a speed that rivaled that of an excited puppy's. How it hadn't knocked anything over was a mystery, but maybe it was because the edge of the counter halted its progress as the tail thump, thump, thumped against it. "I'm Padawan Hiraya Manawari, but just call me Hiraya. Or Hira, for short! And you are?"

@Wills

 

[Johanes av Holsen]

Spice things up eh? Now that sounded fun. Whoever the tiefling's victim was, they were in for a blazing afternoon, that's for sure. "Same thing. Messing is good." Johan's grin widened, his gaze shifting from the Tiefling to the knife. He didn't fail to notice the expert-like precision Hira twirled it with between his fingers, very impressive.

"I'm Johan," his gaze returned to Hira, shaking his hand politely. Was it rude to introduce himself simply as Johan though? Yeah, probably; he could almost feel his mother's stern gaze burning a hole in his back. Good thing she wasn't here.

With a light, yet exasperated sigh he shook his head slightly. "Padawan Johanes Anders Henrik av Holsen, but please don't call me by any of that, I beg." Titles and his frankly too many middle names were not his thing. Just Johan was perfectly fine for any situation in his eyes. It also didn't scream "I'm privileged, look at me!" at the person he was talking to. Even if that was the case.

With that hopefully out of the way, he studied Hiraya for a moment. It wasn't often he'd met a Tiefling before joining the Jedi, or Devaronian, or anyone that's not human for that matter. Honestly, he hadn't met any non-humans besides maybe a Twi'lek or two, perhaps a Mirialan if he recalled correctly. One thing he knew for sure though; his crimson eyes were cool as hell, not to mention his horns! Stunning— and he seemed like a chill guy to top it off.

@marshland

 

[Hiraya Manawari]

"Yeah, messing is good! Especially if it makes people laugh!" Hiraya happily agreed, his tail still wagging behind him. The Tiefling gazed happily at his fellow Padawan as Johan introduced himself, snickering good-naturedly at the length of the latter's name as well as the reminder not to call him by his full name - and maybe even one of his middle names. Hiraya remembered his time over at "regular" school, and he'd come across a girl with many middle names like Johan, and she always was so smug about being born as a high-class or something like that. Maybe Johan was from a rich family, too? But Hiraya would not pry; it was not in his nature to be so overly nosy about other people's personal lives, especially when it wasn't his business.

His smile widened, brightened, even, when Johan accepted the proffered handshake. Hiraya's grip was gentle but firm, and he did not linger for much longer to avoid unwanted awkwardness. He was interacting for the first time with a potential new friend and partner in crime when it came to pranks and mischief.

"Well, well, Just Johan," he told his fellow Padawan lightheartedly, never meaning it as an insult, thinly veiled or otherwise. Just pure, lighthearted and friendly banter. "Pleased to meet ya!"

Even as he averted his gaze to glance at the stew, Hiraya could feel Johan's eyes on him, as if the latter was studying him - or his features. A slight blush covered his cheeks momentarily, not quite used with being stared at. But Johan's gaze didn't feel judgy or anything of the sort, just... curious. Maybe he'd never seen a Tiefling before...?

The Tiefling's attention was momentarily shifted to the timer as it chimed, announcing that the stew had simmered enough. Putting out the fire, Hiraya used his tail to grab Master Harrin's cup then flicked it over and caught it with his free hand while the other plucked a ladle from a nearby rack. Carefully ladling a generous amount of vegetables and soup in the cup, Hiraya glanced at Johan with a warm smile.

"It'll be ten minutes before I bring this to Master Harrin," the Tiefling told Johan, then lowered his voice in a whisper, "And I'm gonna add the secret ingredient once we're out of here."

He winked at Johan mischievously, subtly inclining his head towards the pocket where the spice shaker was hidden. Then, voice coming out to the normal volume, he offered his fellow Padawan, "Wanna grab something for a bite first? The food they make here is great! They have something sweet, something sour, something spicy... and we can make anything you prefer to eat! I help here in the kitchen a lot, so I'm kinda confident with my cooking skills!"

His Ma always told him that the way to a man's heart was through his stomach... or something like that? And that was how he made friends during middle school - he baked cookies (with help from Ma, of course!) for his classmates during his second week as a newcomer. All the girls loved it, but almost every boy in class called him "girly" for it. Well, he really didn't care (even if he got disheartened for a hot minute). What mattered was that he made friends out of it!

@Wills

 

[Johanes av Holsen]

Johan chuckled at his fellow padawan's approval of his sentiment. Messing was good, and fun and it made people laugh. Sometimes. That was enough though, not everyone had a sense of humour after all. Johan's eyes narrowed at Hira with a cheeky grin forming on his face, unable to contain his own amusement as the Tiefling rightfully snickered at his full name. "Just Johan," the Sverender agreed wholeheartedly in a playfully firm tone. "In that case, nice to meet you too." A chuckle escaped him, it would've been a pleasure either way; he had yet to meet a like-minded padawan like Hira.

Snapped out of his thoughts, he glanced over at the timer as it chimed. Ten minutes, sure thing, he could wait around that long. An appreciative smile formed on his lips as Hira offered to help him get something to eat first. "You know how to cook? That's awesome!" he beamed, amazed at the revelation. Though, he probably should've figured that out on his own based on Hiraya's impressive knife skills. "I suck at it, we had a 'bake a cake' day at school, and it didn't go well when I tried baking one at home to take in. Safe to say my mum was not happy," he giggled at the thought, his mother wailing in absolute terror at the state of their kitchen. Though he only really felt bad for the cleaners afterwards... "Anyways, I could grab a bite." Truthfully, he didn't have much preference, and this would be a prime chance to try something new and unexpected. "Since you're an expert, you choose for me. Anything" Unlike his sisters, he wasn't much of a picky eater, thankfully.

"I have to say though, you look... cool. Really cool." It couldn't be helped, he seemingly had a compulsive need to always say what was on his mind, for better or worse. Especially if in his eyes it was a compliment. "I've never met a Tiefling before. Or many non-humans honestly." That was the best bit about joining the Jedi though, there were people from all over the galaxy here; he loved seeing all the different cultures around and the diversity.

@marshland

 

[Hiraya Manawari]

"I had my fair share of mishaps before I learned how to cook," Hiraya told the other Padawan, that same bright smile still on his face. Fanged teeth glimmered under the lights. The Tiefling's tail wagged happily again at the praise, flushed cheeks dimpling. "Thank you!"

Hiraya playfully offered Johan a dramatic bow when the Sverender told him that he could choose for the latter. With the vegetable stew done, the Tiefling opted to give his fellow Padawan a taste of that same dish - minus the spice, of course. He plucked an empty bowl with his tail, his hands busy with grabbing a spoon and ladling a generous amount of the hearty stew into the bowl. He then tipped his head to a nearby empty space on the counter and served Johan the stew, setting the bowl on the surface and - once again - dramatically offering the other Padawan the spoon, bowing deeply at the waist like a deferential butler.

"Your stew, milord," said Hiraya, trying not to break character, and yet a sliver of pure mischief shone through. The banter only meant to amuse and not offend, however. And when he straightened, an impish grin almost full of fanged teeth was plastered on his face.

Not wanting to let his fellow Padawan eat alone, Hiraya also ladled himself some of the stew in a bowl and stood beside Johan. He began to eat, watching his new friend from the corner of his eyes to check if the latter liked or approved of the stew. The food was hot, hearty, and flavorful, the taste not too overpowering but balanced, leaving anyone wanting a second serving. Hiraya then plucked two slices of bread from one of the passing cooks with a cheerful "Thanks!" then offered the other to Johan.

Predictably, Hiraya blushed again when Johan told him that he looked cool, even if the latter's observation was made with the Sverender's admission of not having met a Tiefling before. His pointed ears twitched, long tail swishing again that mirrored the Padawan's delight. One hand, fingernails painted an alternating red and black, almost bashfully brushed against one of his pointed black horns.

"Thank you!" he told Johan gratefully, managing not to stumble over his words. His crimson gaze flickered between Johan's hair and eyes, and Hiraya blurted out, "I like your hair and eyes!"

It was too damned cliché, but then again Hiraya wasn't really good with praising outward appearances. He just went on with what physical characteristic stuck out to him the most. And didn't his Pops tell him that the eyes were the windows to the soul, or something like that?

The Tiefling's curiosity was then piqued by Johan's following comment. "Oh...? You, um, don't travel much?" he asked his fellow Padawan, interest shining in his eyes.

@Wills

 

[Johanes av Holsen]

Oh for god's sake. Johan couldn't help but facepalm as the Tiefling bent down for a dramatic bow. Frankly, he should've expected Hiraya to take the piss, especially after hearing his 'fun' plans for Master Harrin's vegetable stew. Amused, the Severender watched Hira's theatrics unfold, accepting the spoon from him when he finished. <Mann...> "I'm not the king of Onderon. Or a 'lord'... or royalty," he furrowed his brows dramatically, acting as if he was offended by the implication.

With his stew in hand, Johan shook his head at Hira's antics with an amused grin. "Thank you though," he took a spoonful and whisked it into his mouth. "Wow, you really are a good cook"— he'd know, having been served by professional chefs and the like his entire life. Admittedly it was definitely different to the 'high-class' cooking he was used to at home, but most certainly a refreshing change from all the fancy schmuck his parents insisted on being served at the Holsen estate.

A radiant smile stretched across his face as he noticed the Tiefling blushing at his compliment, glad that he didn't take it the wrong way. Still, Johan never actually expected Hira to return the sentiment, complementing the Sverender's eyes and hair. Whether it was nice or one of those backhanded comments old people liked to hand out, it was only ever his aunts and grandparents who felt like commenting on his features.

"Thank you, it's nice of you to notice." His expression settled into a content smile as he let out a chuckle. "My whole morning routine may or may not be just styling my hair." Did he go totally overboard with it? Definitely. Did that mean he'd tone it down a tad bit? Absolutely not— can't have perfection without putting the time and effort in after all.

His head cocked to the side slightly as he considered Hiraya's question. It felt like he'd been asked if he lived under a rock all his entire life; a valid assumption to make and one that would've probably been better than the alternative. "We do... quite a lot actually, but my parents never really took us anywhere diverse. On purpose I'm guessing," he admitted, unsure of how the other would feel about that. Sure, it was through no fault of his own, not like he had a say in where his parents would take them on holidays, but it left a growing sense of guilt festering within him regardless.

@marshland

 

[Hiraya Manawari]

A hint of understanding flickered in Hiraya's eyes as he mulled over Johan's response. He didn't want to assume anything by it, out of respect for his fellow Padawan and the latter's parents. Whether if the decisions of Johan's parents were with purpose or not, Hiraya would not needlessly pry and would not make his new friend uncomfortable. So instead, the Tiefling found himself good-naturedly commenting,

"Well, you're part of the Order now. I'm sure missions will take you anywhere, and you'll meet lots of people," he assured the dark-haired Sverender with an assuring smile. His optimism shone through when he added, "Er, sure, there's bad sorts of people out there, but lots are pretty good, too!"

Hiraya continued his meal, scarfing it down quickly with as much grace and poise as he could. Still, tiny crumbs of bread clung to the edge of his lip which he promptly wiped away with the back of his hand. He waited for Johan to finish eating, and once done, they could finally commence with their prank.

Carrying Master Harrin's stew on a tray, with a spoon neatly placed on one side, Hiraya began to lead Johan down the hall leading to the enclave gardens. Very few passed by the hall at this time of day, with younglings and other Padawans alike busy with classes while the other custodians were absorbed with their work. As they turned to a corner, Hiraya paused and withdrew the spice shaker from his pocket with his tail.

"A little hand, please, my brother in crime?" asked Hiraya with a mischievous grin, politely motioning for Johan to remove the bowl's cover. Once done, the Tiefling poured a generous amount of the spicy condiment in the stew, and stirred with a little nudge from the Force. With the deed done, Hiraya continued to lead Johan towards the garden.

Sunlight dappled the garden in gentle strokes as it streamed past the canopy of trees that offered a generous shade for anyone seeking refuge in this small oasis. And there, sitting on a mat placed atop the ground, sat Master Harrin, the elderly Jedi Master's eyes closed in meditation. Glancing at Johan, Hiraya offered his friend an encouraging grin before he himself stepped forward, lips parting to break the silence Master Harrin was basking in.

"Master Harrin, g'day, delivery!" the Tiefling loudly and energetically greeted the older Jedi, bright smile showing off pearly fangs. "I got ya your veggie stew, as requested!"

The Jedi Master opened one eye, then another, before letting out an exasperated sigh that bordered on... fond? "Alas, what semblance of peace I find is taken yet again," grumbled the old man - though to Johan, he would be able to sense that there was no real heat in the words - before gesturing with his hand for Hiraya to put the tray down in front of him. "I hope you're not skipping class and dragging Padawan av Holsen with you, Padawan Manawari."

Hiraya gave the Jedi Master an innocent smile, all bright and happy, mirrored by the wagging of his tail. "Never in my wildest dreams, Master!"

Placing the tray in front of the seated old man, the Tiefling took a step back and subtly nudged Johan with his elbow.

"Anyway, Master, we're off! I've been told to show Johan around, and... buh-bye, see ya 'round!"

With a final cheerful wave, Hiraya ushered Johan back into the hall, then paused as he looked out onto the garden to watch Master Harrin uncover the bowl. An impish grin lit up the Tiefling's face as soon as the elderly Jedi frowned the moment he caught whiff of the stew's aroma. Instead of being overtly suspicious, however, Master Harrin spooned some of the stew and ate. Looking back at Johan, Hiraya honest to god, straight up giggled.

"You ready to bold, Johan?" he asked his new friend, just as an indignant yell from the garden sent birds flying in all directions.

"HIRAYA MANAWARI, WHAT IN HIGH HELLS HAVE YOU PUT IN MY FAVORITE STEW?"

@Wills

 

[Johanes av Holsen]

The corners of Johan's mouth quirked up at Hira's sentiment; the Tiefling was right and there was no use mulling over his parents' past choices. He wolfed down his stew and wondered what those missions Hiraya mentioned would be like. Jedi had a lot of responsibility, that much he knew, but what it entailed eluded him. Though, if nothing else, he hoped he'd get the chance to be assigned with his newfound friend.

Wasting no time, the mischief-makers finished their delicious meals and set their sights on their main objective: delivering Harrin's eye mouth-watering stew. A part of Johan pitied the old master— it was an impeccable dish; so sad the padawans had a funnier idea. Funny for them, but for Master Harrin? No comment.

Johan glanced over as they stopped, watching as Hira retrieved the spice shaker with his tail— a neat trick he thought. "Don't even have to ask," his eyes flickered with mischievous anticipation as he lifted the cover from the bowl, observing with a roguish smirk as Hiraya unloaded the spices into the stew.

Approaching the enclave, Johan forced his trademark expression— radiant and mischief-free, perfect for fooling the unknowing victims of his pranks. He watched as Hira delivered the stew, the Sverender's charmingly flawless facade remained unwavering as Master Harrin regarded him. As they made haste to leave, Johan turned momentarily, addressing the old Master; "Oh, by the way, Master! It's just Padawan Holsen, you don't need the 'av'!" he winked at his senor with an innocent grin, a prelude for what was coming before turning to follow Hiraya. It was only courteous to make sure Harrin had his name correct, after all, respect was a hallmark of a good Jedi.

Matching Hiraya's giggle, Johan chuckled as the two observed Master Harrin's reaction—a bellow worthy of a dying bantha. Losing his composure in a fit of laughter, Johan turned to his partner in crime— "Yup, let's go!" —before bolting out of there.

Success! Hira's plan worked like a charm and they avoided punishment, for the time being... But that's all that mattered for now. Turning to face Hiraya as they slowed down, Johan gently elbowed him with a wide grin. "You're a seasoned prankster, huh?" he joked, still chuckling at their shenanigans. "That was great, flawless even."

@marshland