Log:Resting in Restuss
Chani and Aryn travel to Rori again.
OOC Date: December 15, 2020
Location: Restuss City, Rori
Participants: Aryn Cole, Chani Tahn
The swamp moon of Rori has changed little since the last time Chani was here. The days are still hot and humid. People mill about the streets, stopping at vendors, carrying packages, and cruising down the open streets with nary a care in the world. For Chani, it's a stark contrast to the past week. Here, there are no white-armored figures with itchy trigger fingers. Here, there aren't any supposed-to-be-dead tyrants commanding vast ships and armies attempting to subjugate a population. In truth, Rori hasn't been free of that for very long, but the things that she saw on Byss.. it's incomparable. Even in the day on Byss, there was an oppressive weight hanging in there. Here, Chani feels like she can breathe. "Do you know how the refugees are settling in?"
"I am not certain, truth be told. I had planned to stop in and look around. I was fortunate enough to come away from Chandrila with some medical supplies the staff at Beacon should find useful though. Would you like to come with me to see the grounds?" Aryn seems better rested and moving lightly on her feet. Without the oppressing weight of armor to wear, Aryn looks more herself. There are still signs of exhaustion on her face, but it is not nearly as prominent as it had been when they were on Byss and constantly beneath the confines of a restrictive helmet. Her hair has been straightened again, brushed thoroughly too, and decorated with braids that kept bright blonde from cupping her face. She even had a green ribbon tying her hair together and orienting it down the back of her neck. Her clothing is more aligned with the weather of this moon, and she's traded boots for sandals if only to show off her matching nails and help forget the uniformed boots and armor they'd been confined in.
"I'd like to. I think seeing some people being helped is just what I need right now. The past week was.. rough." Chani seems a little stiff in gait and range of motion, but the helmet's confines and the force pike's weight had done their number on her body, leaving her with sore muscles. The trip to Byss was not an easy one, and that was for someone who had done effectively little to aid the cause of those that had gone. "Are you feeling okay? For something to hit so hard that it cracked armor.." Chani doesn't finish the sentence. "It still amazes me. The kind of things you're able to do because of.." She doesn't finish that one, either. Aryn will no doubt understand the intent and suggestion behind it. "Even the humidity can't bother me today, I think."
"I am okay, but I have a big bruise," Aryn confides, touching the top of her chest near her collar. "Whatever that thing was shattered my plastoid chest piece. Shattered it. I do not recall anything being quite so powerful as to shatter armor like that." Aryn says, swallowing afterward. "I am just thankful it is over, and we are all healthy.-- One day, that will be you, Chani. I have little doubt you will be anything short of amazing." Aryn offers a small smile, then looks ahead. "Oh, humidity? I had not noticed..." The sly sound of her voice changes when she pauses a moment and looks to Chani, closing her eyes.
Despite an outward appearence of seeming focused and serene, Aryn was still mitigating the circumstances of her injury, and that was a catalyst in maintaining her focus, or rather, disrupting it. After a moment of concentration though, the space around Chani felt cooler, and more comfortable. Aryn opened her eyes, her sly grin replaced with something more neutral and reflective of the pain she experienced, but it was not a telling or haunting look; just a very focused one. "Tell me if you get too cold," Aryn remarks quietly before stepping off again. "It is one of my favorite techniques."
"Droids, maybe?" Chani wonders aloud, mind turned to the task of ruminating on what might be able to generate that kind of force over such a short distance. "I didn't get to see them up close." The tone of her voice isn't shy about hinting she's relieved that such a thing is fact. "You're too kind, Your Highness. I have a long way to go." Something in the way Aryn speaks prompts a discerning look from the Naboo native. She's latched onto whatever's there, hidden beneath the surface, but she can't quite figure it out. Whatever discomfort exists in the air seems to evaporate seconds later, leaving Chani feeling like the temperature is more proper for a pleasant spring day on Naboo rather than a heat-thick one on the swamp planet they're on. "...You must teach me that one." The awe suggests she was almost speechless.
"Definitely automatons, so maybe it was the atmosphere of the room and the surprise of being hit that took me off guard. I know one thing, I wish it never to happen again. Having the wind struck from your lungs is an unpleasant experience, and fear inducing." Aryn shares, dismissing any thoughts that come from that night. Her hand rose idly to touch her sternum.
"You have already encountered some of the more trying aspects of our duties. You have seen things most people never witness in a lifetime, and you have shown bravery in the face of adversity and violence. Few live with such distinctions, but it conveys your devotion to this purpose. I am thankful you have been willing to follow me."
Aryn leads them down a path to the south where a large sign indicates Beacon Outpost is nearby. When Chani insists Aryn teach her this skill, Aryn laughs. "I would be delighted."
"I can only imagine. Sometimes when I played quoits I would find myself in a position to struggle for breath, and it was never a pleasant sensation. Having it literally taken from me like you did would be even worse." Chani doesn't miss the gentle touch the noble gives to her chest. "I'm sorry if I played any part in that. I know you were concentrated on defending me, too." She doesn't feel like she deserves any kind of praise, so she is silent when Aryn provides it, save for a quiet expression of gratitude. "Thank you, Your Highness. I will continue to try my best." Her best, so far, has been lacking compared to everyone else's, but Chani tries not to focus in on anything being a competiton. They are, after all, in it together and working together.
"Chani, you have nothing to be sorry for. This is.. simply a reminder that I must be faster on my feet. An opportunity for learning. We are both set on the path of self improvement; some lessons are just more.. painful than others.-- That is all I have asked from you." For her best! Aryn smiles, and moves ahead, her hand returning to her side while they walk. "Come, I believe this path will bring us to Beacon. I am eager to see what your people have accomplished.
"Those reminders grow more deadly each time," Chani offers, though in a soft tone meant to convey she means no criticism or judgment. "When I'm around, I mean. I look forward to the day when we can protect each other, instead of it being one-sided. Anyway, I don't mean to dwell on this. We deserve some rest after what took place over the last few days. I'm glad to be here. Even if it's not Naboo, being somewhere familiar, where people are free is comforting." Saying no more, Chani follows the Princess down her chosen path, heading for what she knows is Beacon Outpost but has never been to. She recalls its history and how its been here for a long time. Chani makes a quiet promise to herself to visit more places around her home that she knows of but has never been. Despite some of the suffering she has seen, Chani's eyes have been opened by their travels, and she's hungry for more knowledge.
Beacon Outpost was no longer a military installation but a small village capable of self-sustaining life. It had a landing zone, its own flight tower, protective measures around the entire arrangement, apartment buildings that were both spacious and representative of the hosts, and parks with other amenities, even structures for children. This was a home, or a place to call home, and it was such a stark contrast to what Aryn had seen during the war that it stopped her in her tracks and left her dumbfounded. "What a transformation," She manages to say, turning in place to watch as a group of children laugh and run by. People are using the park, exercising, there's even a couple working on their physical therapy-- a class near the fountains for stretching and dexterity.
"I wonder how much money was raised to deliver such an amazing result."
"Has it changed a lot?" Chani's gaze is busy inspecting everything the eye can see. From the apartment buildings to the numerous stations set up to aid incoming refugees, this outpost has become a hub of activity. Her gaze settles on families huddling close together, and the fingers of children pinched to their parents' clothing. "It's heartbreaking to see them like this. I can't imagine having to leave my home against my will to come to a strange place, not knowing what will happen next." She keeps her tone low, intent on not allowing their conversation to be overheard by either passersby or refugees alike. They have enough on their shoulders besides worrying about two strangers seemingly gossiping about their situation.
"Can we help out for awhile?" Chani asks, though the question is rhetorical as she advances forward, looking for the nearest official to inquire where she can volunteer.
