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Grabbing the Bantha by the horns 2/28/22
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/28/2022
Both Hadaza and Astra receive a message on their communicators shortly after lunchtime:
[ Please meet me in the Classroom; formally Storage Room 2. - Durro ]
@Haj
@Princess Astra Korraay
Haj — 02/28/2022
Hadaza is the first one to arrive. "You called, Kjære?"
She no sooner says the words than her brain catches up with her eyes. The transformation is amazing, especially given the short amount of time. "Seems you have been busy today, Durro", she says with a smile.
@Princess Astra Korraay
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Princess Astra Korraay — 02/28/2022
" Master?" Astra asked entering shortly after Hadaza.
" Hadaza did you not see tesara yet" she asked jestering to the brouse. " Let me ill give Tesara some help" She said holding out her hand.
She looked to Durro with a smile. " Are we starting lessons alredy?" She asked with a slight smile.
@Durro Thel-Tanis @Haj
Haj — 02/28/2022
"Lessons?", Hadaza says with no small amount of alarm. "What lessons?"
@Durro Thel-Tanis @Princess Astra Korraay
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/28/2022
(((Like the image, but in the ship not on a planet.)))
The Storage Room has been transformed, where once was all of the ship's cast-off junk there were now nine desks in three rows of three. A screen-board is at the head of the room, and a larger desk beside the board facing the nine. A long counter runs along the left-hand wall with all sorts of learning aids; storage and a place for students' belongings line the right and rear walls respectively.
Durro is sitting on the teacher's desk, grinning when they enter. He has the same manic energy he exhibited at the Market with Hadaza; a buzz of barely contained excitement that can be felt like an electric current through the Force.
"Welcome to our classroom!" He gestures around the room. "Handyman and I have been busy this morning!"
He hops off the desk and strides over to them, to see from their angle.
"I mentioned this to Astra and Tesara; but I plan on educating the children while we have them in our care. Maths, Science, Technology, Galactic History and General Knowledge! Everything a child needs to be a functioning member of any interstellar society!"
He walks briskly back to the head of the room, speaking as he walks.
"Of course; we'll have to teach them Sy Bisti first, only the one girl speaks it. If we have the time; I would also like to teach them Basic. My curriculum will be focused primarily on preparing them for life in The Chaos, as that is where they are from, but we will also cover topics suitable for Republic Space, in case any of them accompany us back."
He turns to face them, his face lit up with excitement.
"Most importantly, we'll teach them how to control the Force abilities they all posses. How to meditate, to listen, to use the Force for knowledge and defense."
He looks directly at Astra.
"This could be the start of what I've thought about."
The happy, manic energy dies just a tiny bit and he looks slightly crestfallen;
"Tesara thinks keeping them with us past Origin is a bad idea; so we may not get to educate them much at all. Though since the future is uncertain, I want to have a good routine going from the beginning. Children need structure; they need discipline!"
The energy returns and the crestfallen look vanishes.
"Thoughts?"
Image
@Haj
@Princess Astra Korraay
Princess Astra Korraay — 02/28/2022
Astra lisons intently but remains Quiet for now to give Hadaza a chance to speak.
@Haj @Durro Thel-Tanis
Haj — 02/28/2022
Hadaza is swept up in Durro's infection energy. "This is amazing!" she says with a bright hug and a quick kiss on the cheek. "I'm impressed! You guys are going to be great with them."
@Princess Astra Korraay @Durro Thel-Tanis
Princess Astra Korraay — 02/28/2022
"Grows get a room" Astra said with a mischievous grin on her face. She could not help but tease them. "We are will all do great with them and your own abilitys ability could be helped by helping teach Hadaza" Astra said with a smile.
@Haj @Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/28/2022
Durro returns the hug, grinning down at her.
"'You guys'?" He quotes incredulously. "You don't want to help teach? While I'm sure you can learn some things alongside them, things you don't know yet; you'd also be a valuable asset as a teacher. Physical discipline will be part of the regimen, and you have the most energy out of all of us. You'll need it to keep up with nine little girls; I had my hands full with just one!"
Glancing at their faces he clarifies;
"Tesara, guys. I taught Tesara on Lanus. You think she learned how to read and write Basic and about the galaxy from the River People?" He laughs a short laugh.
"I'll be posting a daily schedule for the girls to follow; and while I'd encourage everyone to follow the relevant portions I'll not require anyone to. Teaching will also be a volunteer thing; if you do not want to teach I cannot make you. I highly encourage it though; I know from experience the best way to learn is to teach."
@Haj
@Princess Astra Korraay
Princess Astra Korraay — 02/28/2022
She looks at hadaza's blown kiss and decides to disappear behind Durro poking her head out from her not hiding place to make a funny face at hadaza.
" you know I will teach" Astra said with a grin remaining a more serious composer.
@Haj @Durro Thel-Tanis
Haj — 02/28/2022
Hadaza looks up at Durro, then over at Astra, stunned. "Me? Teach!? Have you both lost your senses?"
She disentangles herself from Durro and walks over to sit on one of the desks. "I mean, I suppose I can run PT for them. They're going to get a little stir crazy without burning off all those cupcakes once in a while."
She's not sure how she got roped into this, but here she is and ... and ... and now what? Now she needs to address the second part of their plan. "I'm not sure that I want to be sitting in on classes as a student myself, though. I see the benefit, please don't think otherwise. But ... how humiliating. Think you could pass me off as a TA and I could learn surreptitiously?" She covers her face with her hands, as if unable to look at the prospect of 9 pairs of eyes mocking the woefully underdeveloped adult.
@Durro Thel-Tanis @Princess Astra Korraay
Princess Astra Korraay — 02/28/2022
"That's a brilliant idea, honestly thinking about it going from no Students to 9 overnight is a bit overwhelming to think about" She said with a smile.
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/28/2022
"Hadaza, count the desks." Durro says with a smile. "There are nine desks and nine little girls. You can learn by teaching, or helping teach. I simply wanted your agreement to be here, in the room, when learning is going on."
He sits back down on the larger desk.
"Thanks for taking charge of their physical education; I'll leave that in your capable hands. I would like to teach them to defend themselves; some basic unarmed martials arts to start. Maybe staves after that. No weapons, not until they are much older. If we have them that long."
"Well, classes start tomorrow; five days a week with two rest days. I'll post a schedule and get with both of you on what and when you will teach. Tesara will likely be a teacher as well; I invited her here but she said something about a quiet day in the library, and told me she'd come check this out later."
He slides off the desk and heads for the door.
"She also said something about 'beware the puppy pile', but I've no idea what that means."
@Princess Astra Korraay
@Haj
Haj — 02/28/2022
Haj tries, and fails, to stifle a chuckle, blushing right up to her roots at having been caught in the little jest. She'll have to have a word with Tesara later.
Hopping off the desk, she says, "OK, I'm in. Basic unarmed defense. No weapons. No acro. And I'll TA the rest of the day. I'll can as both task master and disciplinarian, so that you guys can been the softies that they turn to when they need help. So make sure you let me announce the homework assignments. Keeps you in their good graces."
Eyeing the both, she continues, "And before you get your datapads in a knot, discipline will be nothing more than extra PT with me. I've got to keep up appearances, after all. And something tells me we don't want the Professor responsible for that. I'll wager that his idea of discipline would be to dangle them by their feet over a cupcake they can't reach. Or worse," she finishes, "give them to Handyman for an afternoon."
She blinks, "Hey, that's not a bad idea. Can we make sure that Handyman is in the rotation somewhere. He's got the bedside manner of a Rancor, but he's got knowledge that they may need. And he won't get aggravated at their endless questions."
@Princess Astra Korraay @Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/28/2022
"Despite his help this morning; I hadn't considered that." Durro says, stopping and turning at the door. "Good idea; I'll ask him."
"When I say 'discipline' I mean the enacting of routine and the use of willpower. I do not mean punishment. True punishment should be saved for severe offences only; these girls have been through enough. Though you can never have too much PT."
"As for homework." His eyes twinkle. "Worksheets and assignments will be kept at a bare minimum; mostly practicing reading and writing. Any other work will be accomplished in class."
"We will all be strict, but fair. We will make sure they know they can approach any one of us. Nobody will be 'the mean teacher'." He give Hadaza a playful smile. "Though if you want that role, I'm sure you can accomplish it. I doubt they've seen a zabrak before you." He winks at her.
@Princess Astra Korraay
@Haj
Princess Astra Korraay — 02/28/2022
Astra lissions quietly. " Those poor children have been throw hell, we should be careful. They will no doubt have some issues to work though. " she said gently.
@Haj @Durro Thel-Tanis
Haj — 02/28/2022
"Guess that means I'm back in my veils. Good thing we bought the scarves," she says, the laugh twinkling in her eyes.
She heads out behind @Durro Thel-Tanis . "If we are getting started tomorrow, I'll need to get busy creating a modified course and making lesson plans and I can't believe I just said that."
She pokes him in the back, "What are you doing to me? I'm supposed to be invisible. How can I do that if I'm standing in front of a classroom?"
Stopping, she turns around, "@Princess Astra Korraay, have you got a few minutes to talk? I'm going to need your help with this."
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/28/2022
"Use the Force." He grins, nudging her back.
"I'll see you both here bright and early tomorrow morning!"
He breezes out of the room, the door hiss ing closed behind him.
@Princess Astra Korraay
@Haj
Haj — 02/28/2022
She shakes her head at the closed door, smiling and rolling her eyes.
She turns around and walks over to @Princess Astra Korraay, not willing to touch her, but letting her know that she's not alone
"Highness?"
Princess Astra Korraay — 02/28/2022
" Yah I have some time" Astra said with a smile. She watched as durro left. " How are you?" She asked.
@Haj
Haj — 02/28/2022
"I'm fine, Highness. How are you?" She reaches towards the bruises on @Princess Astra Korraay's cheek, but pulls up short without actually touching them.
Princess Astra Korraay — 02/28/2022
" It's ok Hadaza im fine really" she said forcing a smile. Boy she was bad a hiding stuff.
" I did have a question for you" She said.
@Haj
Haj — 02/28/2022
Haj curls up on one of the desks near Astra. She wasn't fooled by Astra's statement, but if the Princess chose not to talk about what happened, she would not push the issue. Hadaza knows better than anyone what it's like to have people press you into talking when you aren't ready.
"Ask away, Highness."
@Princess Astra Korraay
Princess Astra Korraay — 02/28/2022
" During the dinner why did you insist on standing Behind my chair like that? You know that's why Quinn thought you were a servant. Also im really sorry he got a chance to hurt you. He's not the man I love anymore Quinn would never have done that" She said quietly.
@Haj
Haj — 02/28/2022
"Very simply this, Highness. I wanted to make sure you knew that someone had your back if you needed it, whether that was to help you stand up to Quinn or so that he couldn't position one of his men to grab you without your knowledge or consent. Don't be sorry for him thinking I was a servant. What he thinks of me is of no consequence, though I know better now not to think that of him."
She leans against the teacher's desk, crosses her arms and ankles, and continues with a sigh, "As for him hurting me, I take full responsibility for that. I used a Stun Baton on a Nydak and learned something valuable as a result, though it's a mistake I'll be sure not to make again. You bear none of the responsibility for my foolish bravado, Highness. This one, like so many others, is on me. If anything, I owe you an apology."
She drops her hands, but not her eyes. "I antagonized him. I hope whatever frustrations he had with me didn't add to … what he did to you." She swallows hard; this was a bitter pill. "I'm sorry that I wasn't strong enough to either distract him completely or to keep him off you. And I'm sorry that I never will be."
@Princess Astra Korraay
Princess Astra Korraay — 02/28/2022
Astra shook her head. She reached out to take Hadazas hand. " What happened to me was not your falt. No one was going to be able to stop him. At least not at that point and honestly if he had decided to take you, prisoner, along with me it would not have stopped what he did to me" she said. She took a moment closing her eyes and taking a few deep breaths the subject was hard for her really hard.
" You would never have been able to distract him. He only has eyes for me. We fell head over heals for each other befor the sith queen got to him. Now that love has become sumthing dark." She said trying to explain. She looked down at the ground wanting to cry but she refused.
" How is you neck did Tesara take care of it" She asked.
@Haj
Haj — 02/28/2022
She pushes off the desk and walks to Astra. She tentatively touches the young Princess's shoulder. No kindness that she could say that would lessen the impact of the truth that Astra already knows and needs to accept.
"Mourn him, Highness. Let your tears carry who he was and the love you shared to whatever peace comes after this life. It's right to do so. When you are done, rise from the bier and be firm in your conviction that a terror now wears his face."
She runs her hand down from Astra's shoulder to her fingers, holding them gently. "I know what it's like to see a stranger in someone who should be familiar to you. Its heartbreaking, disorienting, and frightening. So cry for him, Astra. Cry for what you've lost. Your tears are the river that flows out to the sea ... to join all creation once more. Give his shade that gift because you can't give it to the man."
She squeezes Astra's hand before letting go.
"To answer your question, no. Tesara was unable to help at all. She said the damage was too severe and suggested a salve from the medbay might work."
@Princess Astra Korraay
Princess Astra Korraay — 02/28/2022
" I'm not going to let the sith brake me" she said quietly.
" can I see it. I may be able to help" She said.
@Haj
Haj — 02/28/2022
"Highness, it's not about the Sith breaking you. It's about letting him go. Crying for one you love is not being broken. Its the greatest healing of all."
She gazes into the Princess's eyes, unsure if her words will ever reach their intended target. She has said her piece and will let it the rest lie.
She tilts her head back more, exposing the extent of the damage given to her by Astra's former lover. "If you can, please do. It hurts more than I let on."
@Princess Astra Korraay
Princess Astra Korraay — 02/28/2022
(Heal another 27 restore 6 wound points)
Astra's vision began to blur as tears formed and streatked silently down her face. She tried to stop them but was unable.
She took her time looked at Hadaza's neck. It took her a bit longer examining then usual as her vision was still a bit blurry from the silent tears. She turned her head sidwas Tesara could not heal this?. She put her hand against Hadaza's neck and reached out to the force curling it around Hadases wound. In a very short time it was healed. " Is that better" she asked.
@Haj
Haj — 02/28/2022
The relief on Hadaza's face is obvious, a pinched quality around her eyes releases as her features go slack with the cessation of pain. Her head drops. "Thank you, Highness", she whispers. "I didn't want to say anything, but it was excruciating both physically and mentally. I'm grateful to you."
She looks down on the younger woman. She notices the wet face, but says nothing about it. Instead, she simply hugs her and kisses her cheek; the tears are salty on her lips. She holds the moment, and the Princess, for a heartbeat before pulling away a little and saying, "Get a room?"
@Princess Astra Korraay
Princess Astra Korraay — 02/28/2022
"I can understand" she said she pulled the sleeve back to show her arm. " The only reminders of that event i cant get right on there are way more then i wish to count. On the bright sided Durro was able to help me get the tangled mess Quinn made of my hair fixed." she said with a smile.
Astra burst into a fit of giggles. " Your to funny so what's up with you and Durro" Astra asked with a smile.
@Haj
Haj — 02/28/2022
Hadaza runs her hand gently up and down Astra's injured arm. She doesn't ask why Astra didn't ask Tesara, or Durro, to heal them. On some level, she knows.
Hearing her laughter was worth cracking this door, one she absolutely intends to close as quickly as possible. She's not ready to share either of their hearts just yet. Hadaza smiles, saying , "His energy for this project has lit a fire that's infectious. We've been without joy for as long as I've been on board. If these children bring a playfulness and passion out in him, some modicum of hope, especially after what he has endured, what you both have endured, who am I to discourage it? Wouldn't you agree, Lillesøster?"
@Princess Astra Korraay
Princess Astra Korraay — 02/28/2022
Astra smiled " You deflecting" she giggled but not series about getting the truth. She smiled a bright genuine smile. " Don't worry I want to demand an answer. Anyway yes some joy would be amazing. I can't wait to start teaching how about you" She asked with a smile.
@Haj
Haj — 02/28/2022
"I don't have the fervor for teaching the way Master Thel-Tanis does. Nor do I have the nurturing spirit of Master Anerin. And I think you'd give lessons to your Mister Hops, if you thought he were able to absorb them."
She gives an exaggerated shudder. "Nothing in me feels called to children in any capacity. Having no memory of my own childhood, I have no understanding, context, or connection to them. But I'm willing to be open, as the call may be too quiet for me to hear just now. Maybe spending time with them will stir something in me, some piece of my past, to come forward."
She ends her comments on a melancholy note, one that surprises her. She thought she had laid all yearnings for her former self to rest. It seems, however, that there is more there to unpack.
@Princess Astra Korraay
Princess Astra Korraay — 02/28/2022
Astra smiles " To him no but maybe to Razo if she were her" She reaches out gently picking up one of Hadaza's braids. " Her hair is the same color. I think you would like her though she was only two years old when we left" Astra said distracted. she let go of hadaza's hair and smiled. I know how to share Images using the force. there one I would love to share with out if thats ok?" she asked.
@Haj
Haj — 02/28/2022
Hadaza nods, not willing to break the spell that Astra is currently under
@Princess Astra Korraay
Princess Astra Korraay — 02/28/2022
(Telepathey 15)
Astra smiles noddes closing her eyes and focusing. She closed her eye and shared an image of Quinn and Baby roza was holding his hand and giggling. he was in dark blue jedi robe. Roza was wraped in a blanke and in some kind of baby safe thing." he was gentle once Roza loved him at lest i think she did" Astra said with a smile.
@Haj
Haj — 02/28/2022
"That's a beautiful memory, Highness. As one who does not have them, I would tell you to treasure it because you never know when it will be gone", she says wistfully as the vision fades from her mind.
Her tone sobers, "But don't confuse the past with the present. And don't let it become your hope for the future." She realizes that she's speaking as much to herself as she is to Astra.
A small smile passes over her features as she thinks of her own future ... wherever it leads ... "Let your hope for the future be something wonderful, not something that brings you pain. Like these children, for instance!"
@Princess Astra Korraay
Princess Astra Korraay — 02/28/2022
Astra smiles " I looked forward to the day my daughter is grown and ready to take on the universe on her own. I am excited to see the kind of women she will become" She said.
" As for Quinn I know he is gone there's no hope of saving him. And I fear I will spend the rest of my life running from him" She said.
@Haj
Haj — 02/28/2022
Haj laughs vindictively, "I'd like to believe that he's in a very deep, very dark, very painful hole right now begging the Sith Queen for his death, which she will greedily deny him, for he is too delicious to release so quickly. And may he suffer a thousand lifetimes in a Sarlacc's gullet once she does."
She puts he hand on Astra's upper arm. "But let's not invite trouble where none currently resides. He is not here now. There is a passel of young ones who are and they need us, if Durro is to be believed, though Tesara seems to have some doubts on that front. Either way, tomorrow starts their lessons and we both have planning to do."
She hugs Astra once more and heads for the door. "How, in the name of all the Great Gods of Seething Darkness, am I supposed to create a workout for people who aren't as tall as my legs are long?" She shakes her head in disbelief. Astra can hear her muttering something about licking his damn nose when she sees him next as the door hisses shut behind her.
@Princess Astra Korraay
Princess Astra Korraay — 02/28/2022
Astra looks at her wide eyes. " Hadaza that so violent" Astra said a bit shocked.
She smiles "Yes I can't wait to get started" she said.
" I sigest coming up with some games like doge ball and Tag" Astra called after her. Then sent Durro a text. I think Hadaza wants to lick your nose IDK why she grins mischievously as she hits the send button.
(End @Durro Thel-Tanis so you can see the text Astra sent lol)
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