Ask Welcome to the Jungle

[Renfry]

Renfry had returned to Felucia once again. As far as worlds went it was far more preferable to many of the others she'd visited. It felt like home away from home. As the thoughts of Dathomir tugged at her mind, she pushed them aside. She still had work to do here and kept her path straight along the river through the small spaceport. It wasn't a large port by any means, and it was near to the village she'd stayed at the last time she was here and served her purposes well enough.

The native Felucians - particularly the ones living in the jungles - were not typically friendly with outsiders, and it was part of the reason she'd returned here. She'd made a good relationship with them last time, and she had hopes that she could cement that alliance and begin putting together something... more.

With a pack filled with essentials, she began to follow the river away from the port, heading toward the jungle and the variety of dangers that it held. It was exciting. Perhaps it was because this was where she felt more at home or perhaps it was simply the prospect of what was to come, but either way, she was in a particularly good mood today.

 

[Darth Tiamat]

This seemed like a good idea until Lyra stepped onto the jungle world and was immediately reminded of what a jungle entailed: heat and humidity. Her red hair when from smooth long locks to wavy and frizzy and she felt like she was continuously sweating. The last time she was on this world was when she encountered a stranded Jedi, well before her time with the Sith, she had at the time regretted not leaving with him just to get off this world, but now seemed relieved she had made that decision as she found most of them incompetent. But thinking she would ever return, that thought had placed itself in the unreachable stars, only to reveal itself in opportunity.

The acolyte had joined Renfry in this journey, not entirely sure what she needed on this world other than they were going to meet with some of the natives here. She had kept quiet a majority of the journey, a habit she had picked up from her training with Emryc, less vocal and more watching, listening, and waiting. In the acolyte's opinion, Felucia was not anywhere she would volunteer to venture unless it really was required, but Lyra was undoubtedly intrigued as to what Renfry had in mind. Deep down, she really just wanted to watch Renfry crush skulls, literally, and then be in awe at the sight. There was a respect that her aura demanded and Lyra found admiration and ambition to achieve that same trait within herself.

With her own pack, she trailed behind Renfry as they followed the river deeper into the jungle and there were plants and flowers that Lyra had yet to see. Finding them almost fairytale-like, challenging the acolyte to keep her focus and not to lose Renfry as she seemed to move through the jungle like second-nature.

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Renfry was oblivious to the fact that Lyra wasn't enjoying herself. She moved along the edges of the river, over branches and around bushes, eyes and ears alert to the shifting sensations of the jungle. This was predator territory and this was soon to be Felucian territory. While they may have known her, she didn't fancy pushing her chances and surprising them.

As she leapt over a fallen tree hanging out over the water, she stopped and turned back to see whether or not Lyra was keeping up, remembering she was not traveling alone.

Do you enjoy nature? she asked. Although the two women had briefly met before, that was in very different circumstances. Being in the city wasn't Renfry's home, but she guessed Lyra had been born and raised in the city and probably felt a great deal less comfortable in the wilds. @GABA

 

[Darth Tiamat]

Lyra had stopped to watch some salamanders wiggle through stones along the shallow ledge of the river, trying to keep Renfry within eyeshot until she wasn't. Lyra would quickly catch up, fairing through the foliage until she saw Renfry leap over the fallen tree that crossed the river. Wiping her forehead with the back of her hand and then her sleeve, the acolyte picked up her pace, leaping over the tree to meet by Renfry's side.

They continued along the river and Renfry spoke, asking if she enjoyed nature. Lyra frowned as she thought about the current environment, "Yes, not the humidity though." she explained and then smiled to her thoughts, "I love the ocean, I used to visit it often on Corellia growing up." Lyra glanced at the woman to gauge her interest, "It wasn't the beach as it was more underwater. It was gorgeous."

Recalling the creatures and plants she used to see, Lyra looked up at the canopy at the green lanky vines and large violet mushrooms, "Kind of like this world...but underwater." she explained and then fell quiet, feeling she had been speaking for too long.

"Do you like nature?" she asked.

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Renfry listened without interrupting, giving no indication that she found the woman's words annoying. She hadn't expected the answer she received, and that made it interesting to her. She had assumed that people who grew up on city worlds preferred them and not the freedom of nature, but that didn't seem to be the case with Lyra.

She didn't stop moving as they spoke, continuing on and toward the mountains deeper in the jungle.

I do, she said. She much preferred being in the wilds instead of being in the cities.

I grew up in the wilds. Societies are just... she tried to pick the right word.

They just suppress what nature intends, she said. That was why she appreciated the Sith. She was still unconvinced they were correct about everything, but they didn't deny natural instincts.

I'm more comfortable out here, she said. The jungle was her home.

Which is why I want to get the Felucians to help me set up an area to operate out of, she said. @GABA

 

[Darth Tiamat]

Lyra found it relieving to be talking to someone who would actually speak when she asked questions. As much as she grown to known Emryc and his mannerisms, she understood his silence, but it was far from the familiarity of what she would consider normal interactions with others.

Renfry described her preference for the natural world such as this one and her unease with being in larger societies which Lyra assumed she meant the cities much like the one they had first met. She could understand that feeling, even she felt like she could be suffocating if she did not get out of the city and experience something that was more...vibrant.

She spoke of the Felucians and that was something probably covered in galactic studies to which she never paid attention in school and had to start paying attention in her training. Regardless, Lyra knew very little of them, "Are they wary of outsiders?" she asked as they continued through the jungle; she probably already knew that answer, she didn't see too many Felucians in the wider galaxy. However, they were moving through their home and she hoped Renfry knew what she was doing.

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Renfry wondered if it was some sort of hesitation or uncertainty that she felt in Lyra or if that was simply in her own head that she imagined that. Something about her felt different than when they'd first met, but Renfry pushed the thought aside.

Very, she answered. They mostly kept to themselves and while they may not directly attack an outsider at the first opportunity, it wasn't likely to be a warm welcome.

But I know the tribe we're going to, she said, soothing the discomfort she could sense over the answer. If you're with me, you'll be fine until they adjust to you, she said.

She paused a moment later as they came to an area where they could cross the river. It became wider, slower, and shallower here, but she didn't cross right away.

Reach out, she said. What do you feel here? she asked. Renfry felt at home in the jungle, but she wondered what someone who hadn't grown up here - or on a world like this - felt when they reached out with the Shadow. It was a question she'd never had the opportunity to ask before. @GABA

 

[Darth Tiamat]

Very

Lyra frowned, but Renfry continued, adding on to help ease the acolyte's concerns. Her shoulders relaxed as she listened to the explanation of the woman's experience with the tribe and how they would react to the acolyte. She would trust Renfry's lead, discipline has taught her when she just needed to follow.

They reached a wider bend in the river, the water moved at a gentler pace and they could cross it without being swallowed by the currents. The redhead started to step into the riverbank when she realized Renfry was still standing, having not proceed with her. Lyra returned to her side, asking her to reach out and describe what she felt. Curiosity bit at the teen and instead of asking what the woman felt, she would feel for herself. She took a deep breath and exhaled, closing her eyes to feel the jungle that surrounded them.

Just as vibrant the jungle was visually, Lyra could also feel it in the Force. The ferns, mushrooms, and the creatures that inhabited this place held it together in a balanced, yet delicate, ecosystem. However, it was more than just life, there was the necessity for survival, it was about finding the best access to food, shelter, and water.

"It feels primal, everything here works toward self-preservation in the end. If you are weak or if you stray from the flock, you die." Lyra peaked open an eye to glance at Renfry, "Far from the harmony those strive for in cities...here... one would assume it is inhumane. Even press for order."

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Renfry listened to what she said, thinking of what she felt. The two women had vastly different experiences, and yet not all of what they sensed was different. She stretched out and felt all the layers of existence on top of one another. They were competing with one another, working for their own survival, but ultimately, they were all in balance finding their own strange harmony.

Do you disapprove? she asked, noting some of Lyra's word choice as she opened her eyes and started walking again. She walked through the river and toward the other side. She knew they weren't too far from the village now, but she found her mind carried away to cursory topics as it often was.

She ducked under some low hanging branches and then noted the small clearing on the other side. It looked like a trail, well laid down and no longer requiring the more intensive hiking as she followed along it and awaited Lyra's answer. @GABA

 

[Darth Tiamat]

Lyra looked out into the jungle, watching butterflies bounce across the surface of the river. Their wings reminded her of stained glass and she wondered why the Sith couldn't have more colored windows as such. Renfry spoke, asking her if she disapproved as she moved across the river; Lyra's attention was still on the insects until they disappeared behind ferns and the young Sith followed.

"Disapprove?" she questioned and smirk, "[color=#009150No, I just don't like the humidity here.[/color]" she said, which was the truth, she probably would not mind as much if she were not carrying a pack or had less clothing to keep herself cooler. The ferns, vines, and trees became more dense on the other side of the river and Lyra kept close to the woman. "So why Felucia?" she asked Renfry, "Why not go back to... d...-Dathomir, right?" she tried to remember the world where she heard the woman was from.

She tried to think of why Renfry would not go back to where she grew up, but as she did, she felt her cheeks grow red from possibly asking a dumb question. It felt like if she had not returned, it would have been for good reason, just like she did not take the time to return home. However, she would let the woman share what she wanted.

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Renfry smirked as she said that she simply didn't like the humidity. A keen evasion of the question perhaps. The Sith and nature were both dangerous by definition. There were few in the Sith that felt that all things should be equal for all people. Rule of strength was the foundation the Sith were built on.

When Lyra asked why she hadn't gone back to Dathomir, Renfry was silent for a moment. That was a complicated question that she wasn't going to go into. She wasn't interested in sharing the strained nature of the relationship, so she settled for a partial truth.

I don't want to risk bringing war there, she said. Even as a Sith, there was a deep feeling of needing to protect Dathomir from outsiders that had been drummed into her as a child. Plus bringing outsiders there would only further strain things. Perhaps one of these days she should try to repair that relationship... if she even could.

Felucia is also strong with... she stopped mid sentence and stopped in her tracks. She sensed a subtle shift in the sounds of the jungle as if something or someone was nearby. She reached out and thought she felt some sort of higher intelligence.

A Felucian emerged from the tree line a moment later, having done a spectacular job of remaining hidden as they approached. His spear was pointed at Lyra and he began "gently" nudging her with the point, eyes narrow in skepticism. @GABA

 

[Darth Tiamat]

Lyra was surprised by the woman's response; it was not what she assumed at all. She did not say anything in response, trying to process the meaning behind keeping Dathomir protected from war. Though it may have been the case she was uncertain of what this world held regarding resources. She never thought it a place where systems fought over, in fact, she thought it was a place people avoided. Stories of disappearances and ghosts that seem to come from most spacers who travel near the world. The young sith opened her mouth to speak when she felt something subtly nudge her in the Force and even Renfry was cut off as her attention took to the jungle.

Lyra stopped and was carefully looking around, seeing if she could see anything that would be out of place, but there was nothing that she could detect immediately. She felt like she was missing something and her attention took to the sounds of the jungle itself, unable to hear some of the calls of insects and other creatures from earlier.

Then the Felucian appeared and Lyra felt herself fall into a moment of awe to the exoticness of the tribesman. However, Renfry was correct in their skepticism toward outsiders. He seemed less concerned about Renfry and more concerned about herself as he took his spear and pressed it against her. Lyra remained still, her eyes flickered to the tip of the spear and then a quick glance to Renfry, "What do I tell him?" she asked looking to bridge a moment of trust to avoid any undesired outcomes.

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Renfry watched as the tribesmen surrounded them and Lyra asked what she should say.

As it turned out, one of the warriors recognized Renfry and began to speak in the native tongue. Renfry only knew it from when she was here before and began making similar barking-esque noises in response before turning back to Lyra.

Just don't do anything too... abrasive or violent, she said as the warriors started leading them back in the direction of the village.

They stopped prodding Lyra at least, which was nice.

Have you dealt with any tribal people before? she asked. Other than Renfry, of course. Although Renfry technically qualified, none of their interactions had been on Dathomir. She actually knew scarce little about Lyra and her history and suddenly realized she didn't like that at all. That would have to be amended. @GABA

 

[Darth Tiamat]

Then there were more of them that appeared, they had blended in and Lyra wondered how many sounds she had heard now were just them communicating as they stalked the two women through the jungle. Unfortunately, Lyra now had more than one spear pointed toward her and started to weigh options for the worst case to happen. One of the tribesmen then spoke, seeming to have recognized Renfry, who replied back in sounds and gestures that Lyra found unusual. However, it would be enough to have them stop prodding her with their spears as Renfry warned not to do anything abrasive or violent.

The young Sith frowned, mentally crossing out any options that seemed even mildly abrasive if some what if situations occurred. She stepped in sync with Renfry as they lead the two back to their village, observing the movements of the clan as they walked ahead, noting their head pieces, their clothing, weapons, and how they moved through the underbrush of the jungle. There was truly an innate movement they had with such surroundings that she had even noticed within Renfry when she moved about the jungle. It was clear Lyra did not trust her footing as much as she should have, moving with a bit more consequence around plants and roots.

Renfry spoke, asking of her experience and Lyra shook her head, "No, never." she glanced at one of the warriors walking beside her, quickly adverting her gaze. She was certainly having feelings of unease, more so uncertain of the nature or customs of such groups on Felucia and what to expect when they stopped again, "What should I know about them?" she asked, welcoming for any information that would avoid causing a strife.

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

She started moving along, glancing back at Lyra and intentionally slowing her pace. The jungles were not very easy to walk through, but the path was at least relatively cleared. Still, there were roots and rocks protruding at fairly frequent intervals and the last thing either of them needed was to twist an ankle.

Well, this will be exciting, then, she said with a smile. Renfry was probably mean for thinking how much she would enjoy this, but it would be fine.

They all belong to one tribe, technically. They're very impulsive and they're all sensitive to the Force, she said. Lyra would have no doubt noted that this world was incredibly vibrant with the Force, and its inhabitants were very in tune with the shifts and changes.

If you're lucky, I might be able to convince them to let you ride a rancor. Every seen one before? she asked, smiling mischievously. It was an experience that one would never forget. @GABA

 

[Darth Tiamat]

Lyra was trying to interpret what she meant by fun and if that was either by Renfry's standards of what would be enjoyable for her or by what Renfry thought the acolyte would enjoy in the lessons learned from this little adventure. Renfry continued, giving a brief explanation of Felucia's natural inhabitants and their connection to the Force; Lyra felt like she could relate on the impulsiveness spectrum, but she wondered if for the Felucians present if it was connected to the sensitivity of the jungle. It was strong with the Force on this world and she was beginning to understand Renfry's desire to find a home here. However, their connection could have influence their decisions.

"What? A rancor?" Lyra felt a bubble of excitement, "I've seen them on holofilms and in books, but never face to face with a real one." but then she paused, "Wait, are you serious you can actually ride one?" she asked Renfry, an eyebrow quirking with slight skepticism. Though she was uncertain about riding one, she was certain it was not like riding a horse or a speeder, clearly these beasts were much larger, and probably a bit more...aggressive than even an untamed stallion.

Lyra noticed the tree line started to thin and clear as they approached the village, "Unless is that a test? To ride the rancor?" she asked with a hint of a frown.

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Renfry could sense Lyra's skepticism and offered no explanation, smirking slightly. She knew the other woman would be fine, but that didn't mean Renfry couldn't have a bit of fun. Besides, she actually thought Lyra might enjoy parts of this as well.

For instance, she lit up at the mention of riding a rancor. It was quite an experience. Some of her sisters on Dathomir kept them as pets and though Renfry had certainly ridden them, she had never had one of her own.

I'm quite serious, she reassured. Felucia contained rancors as well, and there were absolutely Felucians who rode them.

But was it a test? She supposed it was, yes, but Lyra was already attuned to the Shadow, she only needed to attune herself to the planet and the wildlife.

I suppose it is, she said with a shrug. It certainly was a test for some of the Felucians, but Lyra was already trained.

Have you ever been taught how to calm an animal with the Shadow? she asked. You'll need to be in tune with the planet and animals. I know you can feel the energy here. Still interested? she asked.

 

[Darth Tiamat]

Renfry was enjoying this, Lyra could tell by the women's expression and responses. It was something new and Lyra could appreciate something that took her from the meticulous accounts of history recited by Emryc during her studies. The man was passionate about the topics, but Lyra could not share the same enthusiasm he had from reading narratives and journals for past Sith Lords. The worst of it was it bored her so terribly, it would not put her to sleep at night, and instead, she found herself memorizing dates, worlds, names, and significance of people and battles through history.

However, with Renfry's enthusiasm about the natural world, she could at least appreciate being outdoors and moving. She asked the redhead about calming animals with the Shadow and Lyra shook her head, "No, never thought..." she paused thinking about the Krayt Dragon she fought on Tatooine, "...thought I could or how it would serve me..." she explained in honesty about the ability to bring calm to an animal using the Shadow. She wondered how that fight would have gone if she knew this ability when she sought the pearl for her saber.

"I am very curious now."

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Renfry strongly disapproved of Lyr'as comment about thinking it wouldn't serve her. What had Emryc been teaching her?! She frowned but didn't say anything about it.

At least Renfry had piqued her curiosity, and that was a good sign. They made it to the village a short time later, and Renfry was glad to see that things appeared to be going well. It all looked just as she remembered it, and there were several people that greeted her excitedly.

After a few moments, she turned back to Lyra again.

I need to see the Chief, but you don't have to come with me, she said. She hoped she was fine to leave Lyra alone, but the word was already getting around that the two of them were here, so she wasn't likely to see any trouble from the locals.

You can probably use that hut to meditate... she said, motioning toward a building in the village that she had stayed at during her time here. ...or explore if you want. I shouldn't be too long, she said. There was a great deal to do even if she didn't speak the language and a great deal to discover if she began poking around. @GABA

 

[Darth Tiamat]

There was much to take in as they entered the village; Lyra's attention quickly went from one end of the village to the other, and then back again, unable to find just one place to focus. Several of the villagers came up to Renfry to greet her, speaking again in their native tongues that Lyra worked just a bit hard to figure out what common gestures and mannerisms existed when they interacted with Renfry. It would be short lived as she felt herself become distracted from a few of the villagers taking notice to her red hair, picking a few strands to feel and observe it.

Renfry turned her attention to the girl, explaining she needed to speak with the Chief and pointed to one of the huts where she could meditate. Lyra quirked an eyebrow, ready to protest in such a suggestion, but then she suggested to explore the village and Lyra was more than happy to be whisked away to see what was here.

Lyra stopped where there was a group gathered around a large fire pit where they were currently cooking what looked to be a large fish. As she watched one of the villagers add different fruits to a skewer, she was handed a small bowl with a white liquid. She eyed it for a moment and then at the Felucian who had handed it to her; he spoke and Lyra was still not entirely sure what it meant and she repeated as best she could the sounds she was able to hear. The villager repeated again, and Lyra stumbled over the rolled consonant, but seemed satisfied with her effort, pushing her hands with the bowl to her face. Lyra took a quick sniff, finding it surprisingly fruity. She took a sip, finding to be it sweet and therefore tilted the bowl back to finish off the drink. However, within moments, her whole body felt like it was on fire and Lyra gasped to the sensation while handing back the bowl. Uncertain of what anyone was saying, they seemed satisfied she had drank, allowing her to explore further.

She saw some of the villagers taken to domestic duties, repairing ceremony clothing and weaving and started to head in their direction.

@Phoenix