After discussing the matter with Master Dhahlee, Denari retrieved the Holocron. It still held the slight blue glow it had shown back when they found it, though the scent of junkyard was no longer present, fortunately.

Even so, the item seemed reluctant to give up its secrets, as if the knowledge inside of the crystal latice was being protected in some way. Each time she focussed her mind on the crystal, Denari could feel some sort of psychic barrier blocking her efforts.

Yet this wasn't some sort of defensive mechanism, she finally realised after spending the day meditating on the item - rather, there was some sort of condition entered into the Holocron that had to be met in order to unlock it fully.

Piercing deeper to figure out those conditions was getting more difficult as fatigue set in, but just as she was about to give up, strange flashes went through Denari's mind:

~ Thick forest revealed an overgrown and abandoned, but surprisingly intact Jedi Temple. ~

~ A strange mushroom that seemed to glow in the exact same blue colour as the Holocron. ~

~ A primitive people revering the temple itself, as if it was some sort of sacred place. ~

It was clear that these were visions of some sort of place, though it wasn't immediately clear what place they could be. Perhaps the Holocron was intended to be opened there?

When she opened her eyes, she found Kial sitting in meditation across from her, focussed on her own thoughts. Kial had just come out of the temple where the Jedi Masters had discussed whether or not she'd be allowed to engage in the knight trials, Denari knew, though she wasn't sure what decision they had come to.

Kial had been observing Denari meditate on the holocron. Following the path Denari's mind took with her own, if from a respectful distance at least.

Sensing Denari ending her meditation, Kial considered trying to open the holocron herself. Having thought of a few alternative avenues to approach from. After a while she decided against it.

"I heard you spoke to Master Dhahlee. I hope you found it beneficial."

She finally spoke, opening her eyes. A curious look in them.

"Would you care to share what the holocron showed you?

After the holocron had given her the vision, she thanked it for it’s cooperation and decided to end the session there.

She finished her meditation exited and relieved. Exited that she managed, and that it seemed to point to a place with strong nature, and relieved and a bit surprised that it didn’t take the week or weeks she had mentally prepared herself for.

As she opened her eyes and saw Padawan Valian sit opposite of her, her thoughts returned to Master Dhahlee’s lesson of harmony. Denari did not agree with several parts of the other Padawans world view, and considered some of them downright dangerous. However, that same Padawan had been evolving and Denari had also seen decisions she had respect for. When considering the Universal and Living Force philosophies, there were two options: trust the Force that they would eventually reach harmony, or actively try to live in harmony now, and trust that that would lead to a future that would not beed to be feared. The latter seemed more logical to Denari.

The other Padawan spoke just as she had made up her mind.

“The talk was very enlightening. Here,” she held out the holocron for Padawan Valian to hold. “There is some kind of barrier around it. It gave me a vision of an intact temple in a forest somewhere. It’s on an inhabited world, but I’m not sure where yet. I might have to pry a little more for details or visit the library, but I think I’ll first ask Mira, since she had been studying the Miriali Route.”

She paused for a moment to give Padawan Valian some time to respond or take a look herself.

“How did it go with the Masters? Have they decided on a Knights Trial for you?”

Kial merely stared at the holocron. Looking back to Denari, she spoke.

"I've been given a mission."

She simply stated.

"I'm to escort you and, probably, Padawan Mira. Other then that they were a bit vague as to my objectives. Though, I suspect that is part of the trial. The Force will guide us."

She got up.

"Shall we find Padawan Mira?"

Denari also got up and stored the holocron in her robes.

“Yes, let’s do that.”

The two jedi could find Mira in the garden. She was easy to find as she was next to one of the paths. From a distance, the two jedi saw that the white skinned girl was dancing to some music only she apparently could hear.

Being a musician, Padawan Denari could notice that the movements of Mira her dance were in tune with one of the standard chords, but what song it would be was still guesswork.

While getting closer, they could notice all kinds of objects floating around Mira. With every movement, a new object started to float, or another gently landed back on the ground, or objects moved around all in a fluent choreography and silent melody.

Being totally engulfed in her activities, Mira seemed not to notice the two padawan and showed no sign of ending her dance anytime soon.

Kial was no stranger to meditating alongside physical exercise. She could regularly be found meditating while balancing on the tip of her toe or upside-down on one hand. Finding balance in mind and body.

The difference was Kial always kept some awareness of her surroundings. To Kial it seemed Mira did not.

Kial cleared her throat in an attempt to get the Khawchaxlk girls attention.

Not being in a particular hurry, Denari was tempted to work herself into Mira’s exercise with music, both as a method to draw the Dancers attention, as well as a way to steer the exercise to a finale after a while.

The sense of purpose with which Padawan Valian usually moved, made her reconsider though. So instead Denari quietly followed along.

"Bless you" Mira said, mostly on instinct. Only then she seemed to notice the two padawan. The Khawchaxlk girl stopped her dance and turned to padawan Kial. All the objects promptly fell to the ground, luckily non were on the path or in they way so there was no danger. A single rock fell close to Mira, which she caught easily.

"How is leg?... your leg... How is your leg?" she asked Kial while mind absently holding the rock.

"It's fine." Kial answered in a dismissive tone, after a second of silence she added in a more normal tone: "Thank you for asking."

Taking a breath she continued.

"Apologies for interrupting your meditation, Padawan Mira. Padawan Merelle was meditating on the holocron that was found in a local junkyard. It showed her something she would like to ask you about."

Turning slightly to bring Denari into the conversation, Kial let the Theelin girl explain further.

“There seem to be some conditions to be fulfilled to access what is within. It showed an intact temple that seemed abandoned, yet was worshipped.

“Since you are studying The Meryl Odyssee and there are places like that on your home planet, I thought maybe you would know where it is.

After Denari explained what she learned, Mira exclaimed happily: "Home! The holocron talks about home!

Wait, no, it talks about abandoned temple. Home is not abandoned. Many people live home.

Wait, let me check my notes."

Mira placed the rock she was holding somewhere on the ground. And picked up a datapad from the grass.

(( I need clarification from the Storyteller. I suspect the holocron hints about my home planet, but I have no confirmation yet. ))

Kial patiently waited for Mira to get her datapad.

The Chiss woman was wondering about how the girl could be so carefree.

In silence she stood there, stoic as ever.

Mira frowned in concentration for a moment while she studied her notes: "No, only temple with people is home. I know no other temple with people. Or maybe this temple we are now? No that is wrong. This temple not in forest like home temple.

I'm sure: Biggest chance is home!"

“Do you have an image or description of that temple?”

If she didn’t Denari would attempt to describe the shape of the temple better and ask Mira to do the same to see if they would match. Denari was reasonably sure it would, but it couldn’t hurt to double check.

After Mira shared what images she had of home, Denari was reasonably sure that if it wasn't the same temple, then it would have to be a very similar one to the one she saw in her vision. With few other leads, it seemed like this was definitely the direction the Force seemed to want to take them.

After checking with the Jedi Council, the padawans were given use of the Alula to travel to Mira's homeworld!

Unfortunately, the team lacked a pilot, but Padawan Macuy volunteered to fly them there and back again, provided he'd get a chance to make a side trip to Thala, which was located somewhat near Dawkeraah. This would mean they would not have use of the Alula while they were visiting, but the Padawans doubted they would need a ship while visiting a temple anyway.

Once they were all in agreement, the heroes packed their gear and readied for the trip!

Kial had some feelings about being stranded on an unfamiliar with, what she considered to be, a lack of civilisation. But seeing as there was no alternative, she kept those thoughts to herself.

She informed the other two she was taking the Recyclable Emergency Survival Kit and suggested to the others to take the Red First Aid Kit and the TransVox Translation Matrix. This in order to cover the basics.

She packed her things, along with the survival kit, and boarded the Alula.

Denari had already considered the TransVox Translation Matrix to be the most useful to her, so simply confirmed to Padawan Valian she was requesting it without spending unnecessary words.

With her linguistics skills, it would allow her to understand more complex texts and conversations, should they run into such clues again.

She thrusted that her first aid training and survival skills would be sufficient to make do without the full kits, but it would definitely be better if they were inside the team.

During the flight, Denari asked Mira if she could try to teach her the basics of her language.

Mira did not really understand why Kial was so branded on taking so much stuff with her. They were going to a perfectly fine world after all. But since Kial invited her on this mission, Mira took the requested Red First Aid Kit. Even if it was just to proof the Chiss woman wrong. After all, it has been a while since Mira left her home world and she was not squandering this opportunity to visit her family by petty infighting.

At first Mira also did not understand why they needed the translation matrix, but as the others noted they did not spoke her language she felled a little silly.

Finally, Mira also went for a little souvenir. If possible she wanted to bring a little statue of the Union temple or a figurine of one of the entrance statues of the temple. Else she would settle for just a picture of the temple or Union city.

Kial kept to herself for most of the journey. Quietly meditating during their flight.

Once they had dropped out of hyperspace, she approached the two female jedi.

"Padawan Merelle, Padawan Mira. As part of my trial the Council tasked me with ensuring your safety. To that end I would like to ask you two to remain close to me, where I can protect you."

Looking at Mira she continued.

"I understand this is your home, but from what I understand we will be entering a forest. We might encounter dangerous creatures there. In addition, Padawan Merelle and me are outsiders. Not all peoples are welcoming to outsiders. If push comes to shove, I will prioritize our safety over that of your people."

Kial looked if Mira understood the deeper meaning of Kial's words.

"I'm not saying it will happen. I just want you to be aware of where I stand. I will follow the guidance of the Force and hope it will not lead to any confrontations with your people."

During their flight, Mira taught Denari about the language of the Sangkmhpa Mí. Though Mira clearly lacked a decent linguistic education, Denari her skills were sufficient enough to stir Mira in the right directions.

Apparently, trees where important for the Sangkmhpa Mí, as there were a lot of different words for 'tree'. There was barely any way to describe a or village. There were however, multiple ways and words to describe the Force.

As Kial described her mission parameters to Mira, Mira looked a little confused at Kial: "Of course we land in forest. Dawkeraah is forest. You cannot escape forest on Dawkeraah, all is forest. Or mountain."

"On Dawkeraah, you are with me. You are my group, I am your group. We go to my home, I let you meet Kèa Thisud, I let Kèa Thisud meet you."

From the lessons on their way, Denari knew that Kèa Thisud was a title, not a name. Though it appeared that this was so obvious to Mira that she did not tell so to Kial.

¨As you are my group, I am your group, Kèa Thisud will accept you. We then ask for permission to enter temple. Kèa Thisud will give permission. We are Jedi."

Mira was able to find the souvenirs she wanted to bring, and soon the Alula was launching into hyperspace, the quiet whir of the engines accompanying them along the way.

Once the ship had dropped out of hyperspace over Dawkeraah, they found that there was very little in the way of space infrastructure, and Macuy informed them he'd be landing them manually.

'Landing manually' sounded a lot more ominous than it was, as instead they were given a grand display of the forests and mountains of Dawkeraah as the Alula flew above the treeline while Macuy tried to find a proper place to land. Mira hadn't been kidding, the entire planet seemed to be covered in vast and endless forests. And the occasional mountains.

Once Macuy had spotted a good landing site near their destination, the Alula slowed down and settled in an elongated glade, though instead of a landing pad, there was mostly just grass and undergrowth. Mira was familiar with this place, as a rather unlucky merchant had crashed here many years ago, and it had remained an open area ever since - and she'd taken off from here when she had traveled to Unity.

When the landing ramp opened, a hissing sound let fresh forest air into the ship, a welcome contrast to the clean but recycled air they had been breathing for the past few days in the ship. The forest held many shades of brown and green, and it was clearly quite beautiful.

Soon they were greeted by a waving motion coming from a bush, an old umbrella sticking out and moving about, followed soon by a young Khawchaclk boy, maybe seven years old.

"Hello!" the boy greeted them in the language of the Sangkmhpa Mí. Denari would know that word from her lessons with Mira, and Mira of course spoke the tongue fluently, but it might sound off to Kial.

If the boy came from the village, Mira surely knew him: "Tamaiti, is that you?" she replied in the native tongue: "You have grown so much!

Do you remember me? Mira, the sister of Midna. I went to space to become a jedi. Come Let's go to the village. I can't wait to show it to my friends." And she gestured to her travel companions.

Denari eagerly took a deep breath of the fresh forest air as it greeted them.

She made a short translation for Padawan Valian of what Mira said to keep her in the loop: “She knows the boy, introduced us as Jedi and proposes to go to the village.”

Denari followed Mira down the ramp and immediately started looking around her to get a better feel for the forest, things that lived in it and tried to place some of the things Mira had tried to teach her, that she might not have fully appreciated yet.

Kial stepped of the ramp after Denari. A quick look around to get her bearings.

"Padawan Mira, keep the boy clear." She called out as she quickly walked around the Alula, joining the others after.

Making eye-contact with Macuy, she raised a thumbs-up. Then she moved her arm slightly away and up while she pointed. Signalling for him that the ship was clear and to take off.

After the Alula had taken off, Kial would keep an eye on the boy. Though seemingly relaxed, she carefully kept track of her surroundings and remained guarded towards the boy. After all, in the Military Caste, children his age were already trained soldiers, ready for combat.

The forest was dense with high trees. The area gave no indication of civilization, but than again, on their approach the Jedi saw no indication of civilization on the whole planet. The air was slightly humid, but with a pleasant temperature for humans and most human-like species.

Around them, there were all kinds of noises from strange animals. Though none of them sounded close by. It was most likely the animals fled from the landing space ship. This meant however, that they could return now that the ship had left.

On an opens space, in a strange forest, with a native child present, there was no indication of where to go.

Padawan Mira however, seemed not concerned and gestured to the others: "This way. Village is this way." While gesturing in the direction the little boy was coming from.

Then she started talking to the boy again in her native tongue: "These people are my friends. They are Jedi too! See the blue one? She is very brave. She once protected many people from a dangerous sith but lost her leg. But she is better now!"

Mira suddenly remembered that her companions probably couldn't follow a word of what she was saying: "This is Tamaiti." She introduced him to the other padawan: "He is from my village. Tamaiti will take us there. But no worries. I know way too."

Denari was happy to let Mira and the boy lead the way. It would give her time to observe her surroundings, while keeping an eye on their urban fellow, if she could simply follow.

She was quite in her element in the wilderness, but stayed on the safe side and stuck close to the rest, for now. She hadn’t been on this planet before, after all.

Kial cocked her head, having the strange feeling she was being talked about, even if she couldn't understand a word of it.

When Mira introduced the boy, Kial gave a polite nod.

She followed in a staggered position behind Mira, staying at arms length so she could physically pull the girl behind her if the boy made any hostile moves. Trying not to get distracted by the over-abundance of foliage around her, Kial kept an eye on their surroundings.

While walking through the woods, Mira kept chit-chatting with the boy. Asking about things like how the people from the village were and that she couldn't wait to see her parents again, If there had been any good catch lately, if he already started his dance.

Meanwhile Mira kept an eye on the boy. After all, if something would happen to him, the village would be very mad at Mira.

Traveling through the woods, anyone not accustomed to forests quickly lost all sense of direction and location. Sunlight was creeping through the leaves at some places, while at other places dark shadows filled the ground. The noises from the woods started to get closer again with every passing moment.

Being quite small was actually an advantage for Tamaiti, as he more easily could traverse between the plants and the undergrowth. Mira had to stop Tamaiti every now and then to let the others keep up.

After a short walk of a couple of minutes, the jedi suddenly found themselves eye to eye with three people. Two men and a women. Their white skin and black markings indicates that they are most likely Khawchaxlkies, the native people from the planet. One man and one women carried a spear like weapon, while the other man carried a shoulder bag.

Tamaiti immediately ran with open arms towards the front man in a manner which would be the universally sign of a child running towards his father, accompanied with a happy: "Whaaaa!" sound.

The man, who appeared the strongest and the leader of the lot, took the boy close to him, but kept his eyes on the jedi. He held his free arm protectively around the boy. The woman with the spear went standing next to the man while the man carrying the bag stayed a little behind. The Khawchaxlkies took a short moment to take in the jedi. None of them actively readied their weapons, but held them in a protective manner, points to the sky but ready to lower in a moments notice, would anyone or anything decided to jump on them. They seemed cautious and a little surprised before the man spoke in the local language: "Mira? And who are these people?"

"Pemburu, yes its me. Wait, they don't speak our language, let me translate."

Mira turned to her companions to say in the common language: "Kial, Denari, this is Pemburu from village. He want you to introduce you self, I translate."

When Taimati started running,Denari adopted a neutral stance at a respectfull distance next to,and slightly behind Mira.

When prompted to introduce themselves, Denari tried in the local language.

“My name is Denari Merelle. Jedi Padawan like Mira.”

Denari was gifted in reproducing sounds and patterns, and they had gone over introductions during the language lessons with Mira. Her exposure to the language had been very limited, obviously, so though she could make herself understood, she still spoke very slowly and with an accent.

Kial stepped past Mira. Stopping a little ahead of the girl in a position that made it easy to cover her if needed.

She bowed slowly. Her usual stoic expression adorning her face.

"Padawan Kial Valian."

A moment passed before she straightened herself again.

When Denari introduced herself, Pemburu and the others were visually happily surprised: "You speak our language? You honor us, noble jedi." Pemburu said and made a formal bow in the way of the jedi.

The two in the back whispered: "Jedi? They are Jedi, have they returned?" While Pemburu remained in a neutral stance, the other lady with the spear lowered her weapon, completely disarming her stance. It was clear she saw no threat here.

When Kial moved in front of Mira, Mira was forced to translate from behind Kial her back, which made the interaction a little awkward as Mira tried to look past Kial again to speak to Pemburu.

The man looked not impressed by Kial here move. Yet, when Mira translated for her, Pemburu again made a formal bow in the way of the Jedi. Mira translated: "Pemburu says: We are honored by your presence."

Then Pemburu said something more which Mira translated: "Pemburu saw ship leaving. He asks if jedi will... live? In temple. Not live, something like live. You know what I mean.

...

He can bring us to village. Kèa Thisud cannot wait to meet you."

Around the party the forest continued its orchestra of strange sounds, but none of the Khawchaxlky people seemed to take any notice.

It didn't matter to Kial if the locals were impressed by her movement. She was now in a position to shield Mira and Denari from them if needed.

Barely waiting for the man to finish his bow, Kial turned away. Her eyes scanned between the trees. Slowly cocking her head from one side to the other, trying to isolate the various sounds by their direction of origin.

Ignoring the locals, Kial slowly turned further. She continued to scan the forest. Listening to the sounds, trying to hear if any sounded aggressive or coming closer.

Upon the question translated by Mira, Denari took a moment to formulate a sentence. She didn’t know all the words, but Mira could fill them in, of course.

“Not live now, but…” she looked at Mira “what is ‘visit’?”. “but visit. We still learning from Jedi Masters at Unity”.

Denari let the sounds wash over her, much like the locals did. Or perhaps it was more like washing through her as she her Force and that of the Forest met. She thrusted the Force, her instincts and the locals to provide a timely warning if something was amiss.

While Kial was ignoring the locals, they started to be a little dumbstruck. The male and female looked at Pemburu, clearly asking him what to do. Pemburu at his turn looked at Mira.

Kial tried to make sense of the forest sounds, but found that the forest was much more chaotic than city life, or at least a completely different kind of chaos. With not enough relevant experience in this area here, she was at a loss.

Denari however, felt quite safe and realised why her instincts told her so: Not only were both the locals and Mira, who might be called a local as well, relaxed and apparently saw no danger here. Often in forest life sound could be considered a sign of safety: Predators normally are as quiet as possible to prevent detection. Prey is quiet as well to prevent being detected. When animals make a lot of sound, it would imply that the animals feel safe.

Denari formulated her replay and Mira helped. "It is a honor to finally have the jedi visit the holy grounds. Let us guide you to the village, you will see we have maintained the temple quite well." Pemburu replied, according to Mira. He gave a little nod to the man behind him with the bag, who then brought his hands to his mouth and made a sound which sounded much like some sounds of the forest. A moment later, out of bushes, from a flanking position, came another Khawchaxlky woman, carrying a bag much like the man.

"These are Malanza, Borzá and Ragèl." Pemburu said, introducing the woman with the spear, the man with the bag and the woman with the bag respectively. Which Mira quickly translated for Kial.

"And I believe you already met my son, Tamaiti. Please follow us".

Mira grabbed Kial her right hand and started pulling her towards the locals: "Come on, lets go-ho."

Denari greeted the different people that were introduced and then looked at Padawan Valian with a friendly questioning look, to check if it was now OK to move on.

When Mira grabbed Kials hand, the Chiss woman winced in pain. She breathed in sharply through clenched teeth. Underneath her glove, the plasma burn scars were apparently rather sensitive.

Despite the pain, Kial let herself be pulled along willingly. She took slow, audibly breaths through her nose. She kept observing the surroundings.

Of course, she did pay enough attention to where she was going to avoid tripping over anything. But the group of locals seemed ill equipped to be a hunting party, yet the fact they carried arms suggested there was danger in the forest to Kial.

Observing, she follow closely behind Mira.

Upon noticing that she was hurting, Kial, Mira immediately let go, but it was likely much later than the Chiss woman would have liked. “Sorry.” She apologized.

While the party made their way through the forest, Ragèl came walking closer to the jedi. As it turned out, she spoke basic common galactic and was happy to talk to the jedi and answer any questions they might have before reaching the village. Any attempt by Denari to speak the local language would be met with patience and the group of locals would happily help her through the words.

Ragèl told: Malanza was Pemburu’s partner, while Borzá and Ragèl were partners as well. When they saw a ship entering the atmosphere, they believed it was a merchant, so they went investigating.

Meanwhile, Tamaiti hopped from left to right, making ‘Ha!’ and ‘Ghia!’ sounds while striking invisible enemies with his umbrella, every now and then being called back by his father if he strayed too far behind. Kial could recognize similarities to some of the jedi styles in Tamaiti’s make-shift moves, but it was clear the young boy had a very, very long way to go.

While walking, the terrain started to get rougher. More rocks, steeper hills and slightly less growth. Then, what felt like a sudden change, the party stood on a open space. They reached the village of the Sangkmhpa Mí. There were a dozen houses visible, but it was clear the village went deeper. There were still plenty of trees here, but there was enough space between them for permanent residents. Some houses were constructed in the trees but most of them stood on the ground. They were made out of stone and wood and here and there a piece of metal or other trace of civilized material. A tarp, held up by a metal rod which looked like it was part of a spaceship long ago, an antenna sticking out of a roof.

Left and right there were people with white skin and black markings. Women here where washing or weaving, while men there were woodworking or constructing. There were very few children visible. Something that would be expected from a modern society with advanced economics and healthcare, but not from a village living in the woods. There were, however, plenty grown-ups doing things like playfully running around, playing some game with a ball, or doing some hand-clap game. Three people were a little more to the side engage in a dance of some sorts. The whole image gave vibes of a peaceful village of people living their lives not bothered by the dangers and problems of the galaxy.

Pemburu and Malanza stepped into the open area proclaiming: “We have returned, and we have guests!” While gesturing to the jedi. Some people were already watching the group entering the edge of the village. But at this proclamation, a commotion started to spread through the local people and more and more people started to look, abandon their activities, and gather around the newly arrived.

As the amount of people grew, Mira suddenly noticed two of them and ran happily forward: ”pappa, mamma!”

With Pemburu and Malanza gone up in the crowd, and Mira ran towards two of the people in the crowd who she greeted and hugged very friendly. The other two padawan were no facing what seemed like a wall of Khawchaxlk people.

It was easy for Kial and Denari to feel exposed or awkward, not sure what to do. Borzá and Ragèl were kind enough to keep them company and probably provide translation though.

But then the crowd parted and an older woman strode forward with Pemburu at her side.

“Greetings Young Jedi Padawan Learners,” she said in the common tongue: “I bid you welcome to our village. I am Indrindra, the Kèa Thisud. I was told there were three of you, where is Mira?”

As they walked through the forest, Kial casually asked Ragèl if their weapons were just spears or if there was more to them. The Chiss woman seemed to have noted the relaxed attitude of the locals and relaxed a little herself.

She was rather unimpressed by the young boy's swinging of his umbrella.

Arriving at the village and Kial was rather surprised by the lack of children. Generally, the amount of children increased when the standard of living decreased. Not to mention the lack of children would mean this village would die out in due time. Though perhaps most of the younglings were visiting other nearby villages. Such contact was vital to increase the amount of intervillage couples and avoid inbreeding. The Military Caste regularly moved personnel between the six cities for that very purpose.

Rather than be taken aback by the crowd, Kial was exasperated by Mira completely ignoring the request she had made on the ship. Having seen adults play around, she was not surprised by the lack of discipline. What did surprise Kial, however, was Mira's apparent lack of respect for her. Even if they were technically still at the same rank, Kial had made a sincere request of the girl and she now ignored it completely. Such behaviour from someone who is a comrade... Kial felt a little insulted.

"She ran into the crowd, I'm afraid." Kial told the elder woman. Bowing, she introduced herself. "I am Padawan Kial Valian. Here as part of my Knight Trials. Should I go get Mira?" She asked the elder woman and Denari.

After Ragèl mentioned who partnered with who, Denari asked some questions to find out more about parnerships among the Sangkmhpa Mí. As Ragél started with the topic, it might be quite important to them, and therefore she felt it important to understand. Was a partnership for life, or for periods? What responsibilities or obligations did partners have towards each other? Did a partnership also mean some obligation to the community they live in?

As they entered the village, Denari was a lite surprised that it was mostly ground bound. It was logical given the opener space, but she had originally expected the village to be ‘built’ up in the trees. On her home planet, there were a few peoples that did that, in marshes and thick forests.

As the crowd gathered Denari waited patiently at Padawan Valian’s side. Having grown up with a nomadic tribe of performers, she was quite accustomed to such happenings. She simply waited for elders or leaders to welcome them formally, or, in very rare cases, send them away.

Denari introduced herself after Kial, also bowing. “My name is Denari Merelle. I saw a temple in a vision while meditating on a Holocron. Mira recognized it as home. I am here to learn, from the Holocron and hopefully also from your people.”

Denari expected Mira to either return around that moment, on her own or at her parent’s suggestion. However, if the Kèa Thisud indicated she would appreciate it if they fetched her, she would do so with Padawan Valian.

Ragèl told Kial that the spears were just regular weapons. She and Borzá both had a sling to deal with animals from a save distance. This raised an interesting topic for Kial though: What would happen if she would deflect a rock with her lightsaber? Would the rock be split in two? Would it evaporate? Or would she be splattered with little burning pieces of molten rock?

Ragèl continued: "There are some traditional weapons in the village, but they are only used during ceremonies."

Ragèl told Denari that it is most common that partners stay together for the duration of raising children. So normally for about 5 to 10 years. After that couples generally split up in search for new ones. Though when they have children, the obligation of raising and caring for the child falls within the community. As it cannot be expected of 9 year olds to be responsible enough to take full responsible themselves. Especially young parents who have their first children. Older people could take responsibility of children themselves but this seldom happens as they normally stay with tradition.

In the village, after exchanging greetings with the Kèa Thisud, Denari and Kial saw that Mira her parents were directing her back to the two newcomers in the village. Mira came hopping back while Indrindra and Pemburu were looking a little disappointed.

“Mira, who’s guests are Padawan Kial Valian and Padawan Denari Merelle?”

“But Pemburu…” Mira started to interject, however the simple guesture of raising a hand from Indrindra made Mira instantly shut up.

“Mira, you have a duty and a responsibility here, now give a good example.”

“Yes, Kèa Thisud. I am sorry.” Said Mira lowering her eyes and making a bow.

“This is Padawan Kial Valian. She is very brave and a great fighter. She lost a leg when protecting many people from an evil Sith, but she is better now!

This is Padawan Denari. She is very kind and a great friend. She once helped protecting important artifacts.”

Indrindra bowed to the trio “The Sangkmpha Mí, guardians of the sacret Jedi Temple are honored by your presence, young Jedi Padawan Learners. Be welcome.”

The lady turned around to address the crowd. In response of what she said, every member of the village present made a formal bow towards the jedi. The old lady turned back to the jedi and dismissed Ragèl and Borzá: “Mira, the guests are probably tired from their travels. Take them to the room.”

As the crowd started to disperse, Mira indicated to Kial and Denari to follow here: “This way, then we can talk to Kèa Thisud in private. And we do not disturb village.” Mira guided the others to the biggest house, which was also the house with an antenna sticking through the roof. As they made their way, the people of the Sangkmpha Mí parted to make way for them.

In the house Mira led the party to the back room. In the room before there could be some scarce pieces of electronics be seen, of which also an ancient radio. The backroom itself had a sober interior. The floor was empty safe for a couple of big sturdy round puffs, big enough for a human, or human like species to comfortably sit on cross legged. The corners of the room had smooth stone round pillars. There were windows, but shutters were closed, letting in just enough of the daylight to see.

“Take a seat, I bring drinks.” And Mira left through the door. A moment later she returned with cups of water.

“Kèa Thisud will return soon, you can ask questions and ask permission to her to enter temple.”

It appeared that there was a moment before the village elder would join them to allow the guests to settle and ask some questions to Mira.

Kial felt a little vindicated by Indrindra's reprimanding of Mira, but quickly squashed the feeling, for it was not very jedi-like in Kials mind. Obviously, non of this showed on her face.

As politeness demanded, Kial returned the bows of both the elder and the collective village.

She thanked Mira as she received her drink and took a small sip. Kial also made sure to leave a seat free for Indrindra. Kial would sit on the floor if needed.

Having followed along, much like Kial, Denari took a seat at one of the puffs. After she had accepted the glass of water, she had few questions for Mira. Not so much as to what was about to happen -they would know when it was time- but about her species.

“Mira, how old are you?” And after giving time to answer: “And the people that were playing outside? Do they only look like adults, and are mentally still growing up?”

There were five puffs in the room, so there were enough seats for everyone.

"I am 11, but nearly 12. I had my coming of age ceremony here last year." Mira answered Denari. "The people playing ball are much older, like 15 or 17. The girls doing the clapping game looked like 9 year olds. But I am not sure. And Tamaiti is... 4 I believe.

The ball players are all old enough to have children. So they are adults. Just like me! But as Ragèl said, at that age, people are not smart enough for raising children. So that is done by the group and older people. So when you are like, 20 years old, you can take care of children. As is the tradition."

After a while, giving plenty of time for the jedi guests to settle. Indrindra entered the room and sat cross legged on one of the remaining puffs.

"Once again, welcome. I hope you had good travels?" She asked, mostly out courtesy. Though she would listen to what the others had to tell would they feel the need for small talk.

Then she came to the point: "I understand that you are here for the temple. Can you tell me more, mostly of why there are only padawan among you? Where is your master?

Has Mira told you who we are, of our history, and the significance of your arrival on our planet?"

Then, Indrindra turned specifically to to Kial: "Young Padawan Learner Kial, Pemburu told me you act as the leader, is that correct? He described your actions as 'possessive' towards Mira when he met you. I am very curious to what happened to make him describe you that way."

Kial stood up when Indrindra entered. Then sat back down after the elder had. After the woman had posed her question to Kial, she quietly stared at her for a while. Trying to figure out the elder. Finally, Kial answered.

"As am I, ma'am. I don't consider my actions since I arrived on this planet to have been 'possessive' towards anyone. And I most certainly haven't acted in a leader capacity. Quite the opposite, in fact. I've mostly been following, even before our departure from Unity."

There was a very minor undertone of confusion in Kials voice. Everything she said was completely true though.

"The Jedi Council has instructed me to protect these two, you see." Kial gestured towards Mira and Denari. "It is part of my Trials to become a Jedi Knight. Even if I fail at other parts of my Trials, I refuse to fail at that. Regardless of whether the... innocence of one of my charges makes that difficult."

“When we landed on Dawkeraah, Padawan Valian asked to make protecting us not to difficult. I can imagine that at least my behaviour to honour that request could be interpreted as if she was in a superior position.” Denari added in an attempt to make clear that behaviour could be interpreted in multiple ways.

“The initiative that lead us here, were my meditations on a holocron, allowed by one of our Masters. It gave me a vision of a temple, as if it belonged here, or as a prerequisite to learn more. Mira thought it most likely that the temple from the vision was the one here. Our Masters therefore sent us here to learn. So far they have always thrusted us to be safe enough go and come back in groups…”

She hoped that would suffice as an explanation that would take away the insult, if any had been caused.

“Mira told bits, but I would very much like to hear the full history and significance.”

"I see, I can imagine how Pemburu would see that as possessive. As you might have experienced, our ways can be more free than people expect." Indrindra said after the two padawan explained Kial her role as protector.

Then, the village elder began to tell the story of the Sangkmhpa Mí: "A long, long time ago, the jedi constructed a temple on this planet. Needing a way to take care of their construction, the jedi then bestowed the honor of guardians of the temple on my people. A duty we fulfilled for many generations. A duty we continued to fulfill for many generations more, even after the jedi left. We did so because we had trust in the force and that the jedi would eventually return again.

We kept the temple in good condition. We continued the ways thought to us passing the teachings from generation to generation. We stayed one with the force, while the force stayed with us. All in preparation for when the jedi would return to their temple and started using it like they had before.

And now, that time has come. Our patience and work has been rewarded and the jedi have returned.

But instead of good news, I am presented with a dilemma. You see, the jedi returned as padawan, without a master or even a knight. So what do I tell my people now? That our generations of trust and staying honest to our duty are not good enough for the jedi? That the jedi have forgotten us? That the jedi has lessened their connection to the force? Because that surely will cause quite a commotion."

The Kèa Thisud let a silence fall, allowing the padawan to come up with a story to tell the Sangkmhpa Mí. Though the story told might actually be of great importance, as it could shape the future of these people.

Denari took a moment to let the story sink in. She wondered if, and hoped that, the Jedi of old had treated the Sangkmhpa Mí fairly and given enough back for their labours to build the temple. They kept the Jedi in high regard, and that could easily be exploited, deliberately or unintentionally.

"Much has been lost during the Times of Chaos," Denari started, breaking the silence with a respectfull and slightly sad tone, "histories, connections, knowledge. We may be few, but The Force is strong and guides us to recover what was lost."

"A while ago, it guided us to an ocean planet now known as Piraus-3, to another ancient temple. Of that one, however, mosly ruins remain. Three of us Padawan met the remaining old Maester there, introduced him to our Masters and now the connection has been restored. Learners can now go there to meditate on special crystals that grow there, and in turn the Jedi protect that site."

As she spoke, the sadness in Denari's tone made place for hopefullness and a tinge of excitement.

"I feel that the Sangkmhpa Mí and the temple here may be even more special. I see Mira's connection to the Force, how it guided her to Unity and how the Force now guided us back via this Holocron as evidence of that."

"In short, and I will be honest: Yes, the Jedi had forgotten. But the Force runs strong through the Sangkmhpa Mí and the Jedi, and now it has brought us together. Your thrust and devotion have not been in vain."

She let a short silence fall, before continuing. The tinge of exitement making place for a tinge of remorse.

"That the Sangkmhpa Mí mainained the temple and kept the teaching alive all these years, is incredibly impressive. I'm not sure how the Jedi used the temple before, but I guess it was as permanent residence. If that is the case I fear we may not yet be able to live up to your expectations in the way the Sangkmhpa Mí deserve.

"We are still few, we have tree Masters, the Knights can be counted on one hand and the Padawan on two. I thrust that the Force and our travels will connects us to more people and places, and that our numbers will grow untill it will be as it once was.

"Untill then, would it be acceptable for the Sangkmhpa Mí to work together with our Jedi Order, like we do on Piraus-3?"

Kial sighed. "Honestly." She said as she shook her head. Looking at Denari, she continued. "You shouldn't encourage them, Padawan Merelle. Their view of the Jedi is already twisted enough as it is."

Turning towards Indrindra, Kial's voice became quite cold.

"I don't know what you are trying to accomplish by trying to put the burden of this legend on our shoulders. Nor what you think insulting us and the Jedi Order will help with that. And in all honesty, I don't care."

"What you tell your people is non of our business. We're here for the temple, nothing more. You and your people need to let go of the past and think for yourselves. Get up and start moving forward."

Denari hd expected to feel resentment or anger to ris up in her, but instead, she still felt quite calm.

She looked at Padawan Valian and stated calm and with a neutral tone: “You’re being selfish. We use the name of the Jedi and claim to propagate their legacy. With that comes responsibility for the past.

“We can also encourage these people to move forward from a place of mutual respect and harmony.

“But I suppose what has been said, has been said, and almost gives a complete enough view for Indrindra to draw her conclusions from.”

She turned to Mira, giving no space for an argument to escalate, while she was still feeling calm.

“Mira, what is your view?”

Kial quietly drank the rest of her water. Seemingly unfazed by Denari's words.

In the Chiss woman's mind, history was not an objective account of the truth, but rather a deformation over time that made it easier for the authors to swallow. The story that Indrindra had told simply didn't add up for Kial. Why would Jedi require guardians for their own temple? They should have been more than capable to do that themselves.

Kial had worked hard to get to where she was now. The way Indrindra had insinuated that a Padawan was less of a Jedi the a Knight or Master, rubbed her the wrong way. Especially when the Jedi's connection to the Force was being called into question by someone whom had yet to show any real knowledge of the Force.

On top of that, Kial felt uncomfortable with the reverence the Sangkmhpa Mí showed the Jedi. She felt it would lead to a much darker path.

To Kial it seemed all of this had led the Sangkmhpa Mí to stagnate in development. To break that stagnation, the Sangkmhpa Mí would need to move past their servitude. In order for the Jedi to truly be able to cooperate with the Sangkmhpa Mí, the Sangkmhpa Mí would need to rise to a level of development that would allow them to join the Union.

However, that development would be pointless if it wasn't something they did for themselves. If Kial needed to draw the Sangkmhpa Mí's ire in order to dispel their illusions about the Jedi and thus let them take their future into their own hands, she would happily take that burden.

"And you're being naive. How do you think the Senate would react if the Jedi suddenly align themselves with an unknown world? We would instantly lose their trust. These people would be considered a threat for being allied to the Jedi. If not by the Union then certainly by an outside world. How long do you think these people would last against a pre-emptive first strike?"

Kial replied calmly to Denari's back, simply looking at her cup. She then shifted her gaze to look Indrindra in the eye.

"If they truly want to cooperate with the Jedi they need to join the Union like everyone else. And unless they find the will to rise to that level themselves they will never truly be able to do that."

"But Dawhkera is not unknown. I came from here. And there is occasional trader. Pemburu told: they expected trader when we landed.

And if the force guided jedi to piraus-3, then this is same right? Jedi go to other world with important temple. Align them with old allies. Everthing is fine.

How are we threat when allied to jedi? Why would Union see us as threat?"

Beying in the middle of a discussion between her old people from the Sangkmhpa Mí and her new people from the jedi, Mira her alignment shifts a little from one to the other, depending on what she tries to say.

"But what my view is: I think this is not legend, but truth. Many teachings from here are like teachings from jedi. There is temple. Sangkmhpa Mí are old guardians from temple I think Kèa Thisud is very nice asking jedi for guidance. She was not insulting. She was telling of dangers. Of our responspi... repson... sibitily.. role model here. Like Denari said. And you cannot just go to temple, that would be bad!

We are jedi. We should help people, bring peace, be one with the force. We should be selfless, and kind and and and... not just walk in a place like home like we want and take what we want as that is bad and sith."

"I think that what you suggest will cause problems in the long term. The universe is not as kind as the two of you. And I think the Sangkmhpa Mí would be better off standing on their own without clinging to anyone, including the Jedi."

A resigned tone crept onto Kial's voice.

"Since you two so clearly disagree, I will defer and leave the rest to you."

She turned back to Indrindra.

"I offer my apologies for my outburst, ma'am. That was unbecoming of me and undeserved on your part. We Jedi aren't anything special you see. We're flawed just like everyone else."

"I accept your appology. You come from a more individualistic society, based on individual merit over performance of the group if I am correct, young padawan learner Kial?" Her tone was inquisitive, but she continued before Kial could answer: "Here on this planet we are reliant on each other. Seeking to create communities, or in this case, revive an old community is in our nature. We have been standing on our own for a long time now and are yearning to rebuild what is lost.

The temple was used as a training and meditation area. Padawan and knights would stay in the village or the temple for a period of time and enter the temple to train and deepen their connection with the force.

I do not know how the allies of the jedi would react to our existence and former bond with the jedi, but if any ally of the sith would come here, I am afraid it matters little anyway and we will be seen as a threat regardless.

It is clear to me now what happened and what to tell my people: The Times of Chaos have been hard on anyone, even the jedi. As the jedi are rebuilding, they are reconnecting with old masters first. Which is to be expected. Guided by the force, they came here next. We offer the temple as a place to learn while we continue our task as guardians of this place and maybe can even help revive old teachings.

That seems a practical enough story that honours all parties involved."

"Now I believe you came here to ask me one last thing." It seems tat all that was left was for one of the padawan to ask for permission to enter the temple.

Relieved that the explanation was accepted, Denari posed the prompted question: “Kèa Thisud Indrindra, may we enter the temple?”

Kial maintained a respectful silence.

Indrindra gave a warm smile: “Of course you may. If you will, allow us to practice one more element of our way life. When you leave the building, we have a little surprise, so please don’t be alarmed. I know you want us to live our lives in our own way. But for now, try to see and enjoy it as a little show Instead.”

Mira was starting to get a little giggly and restless, clearly eager for what was coming, but she kept her mouth shut.

Indrindra stood up and walked out of the house, indicating the jedi to follow her. Outside was an even larger crowd gathered than there was before. The news that jedi had arrived must have spread like wildfire. The people kept a wide area clear and there was a clear path. More importantly, the words of Indrindra carried wight as there were twelve individuals standing out waiting directly at the entrance. They wore gold and white robes and an ivory white mask with gold paintings hiding their faces. Any padawan who studied the past could recognize their outfits as jedi temple guards. Only they were carrying ancient ligtbow bowcasters each instead of double bladed lighstsabers. To organize this, the people had to dress them surprisingly quickly. Maybe this was the actual reason why it took the village elder so long to enter the house in first place.

Indrindra gave a small speech in her native tongue to the people gathered. By the way she was talking, it had a celebrating and grand tone. Mira quickly translated quickly: “She says for first time in generations, the temple will be used by jedi. Let us celebrate by guarding jedi to temple.”

Mira added whispering to the other two: “This is traditional ceremony. When someone officially enters temple. Four people guide her to temple. In traditional cloths. This is second time for me. First time was with my adult ceremony.” She couldn’t say more though, or risked talking through the village elder.

The Kèa Thisud turned around to face the jedi: “Young padawan learners, allow us to guard you to your destination. For the temple will judge you of your worth. Go, may you be one with the force, and may the force be with you.”

As Indrindra stepped back, the twelve guardians stepped forward and took positions around the padawan, 4 guardians for each padawan. The little parade started to walk through the village, following the path left open by the villagers.

Two things became clear: To get to the temple, the jedi had to go through the village, and the whole guarding thing was a pure ceremonial business. After a short walk, the group reached the back of the village where suddenly the village ended at the edge of a cliff. There was a path leading to a small stone bridge and the stone bridge ended at small plateau. The plateau was part of a giant stone monolith standing in the valley, out of which a temple was carved. In fact, it looked like the entire temple was carved out of a single monolithic structure. The temple was supported with columns and enormous statues on the left and right corner. The whole temple was decorated and ornamented with bronze. A set of stairs led to a three meter high entrance into the temple.

Denari warmly and patiently took part in the last bit of the ceremony.

Once at the cliff, she took a moment to take in the craftsmanship of the temple. She was unsure if she had ever seen something made by people,a nd on land, that was so detailed and impressive.

She asked her fellow Padawan if they minded if she went first. If anyone else did, or preferred to go together, that would be fine with her.

Approaching the entrance and leaving their escort behind, the Jedi felt a charge in the air around the temple. The large monolith that the building had been carved out of seeming to be a natural store of force energy, while the bronze decorations were not just for show but seemed to focus the energies. In some sense, it reminded them of when they were building their lightsabers, how the energy used to form the blade was shaped by the geometry of the handle and the lightsaber crystal. Had the energy always been here, and merely focussed by the temple, or had the temple effected the energies?

(( Denari asked a relevant question as to who will enter in what order. Once that's been decided, I will post the description of the ante-chamber and you can pick your path ^_^ ))

Kial followed quietly, taking ques from Mira and the escorts. Having no real preference, she gestured to Denari to go ahead.

Unless Mira specifically wanted to go last, Kial would end the line and enter last.

(( I have no interaction to add at the moment ))

(( I have it on good authority Mercury is, and has been, very busy. ))

Having conclude both Mira and Denari had no desire to hear her opinion, Kial had decided to remain silent until they returned to Unity. At least unless spoken to or anyone's immediate safety was at risk, lest she invite more conflict.

As they approached the temple, however, something stirred her tongue.

"Though the Force flows and shines bright
Not all are born in the light
Trapped in fire, rock and stone
Shaped not of flesh and bone

It cries out to be released
Yet its imprisonment is not ceased
Water, wind and time eat at its cage
Its incarceration does not assuage

Then suddenly a crack begins to form
The cage is blown away, as if by storm
Tiny creatures swiftly cut it away
Freeing what was trapped and putting it on display

The Temple now in its full glory
Neither the beginning nor end of its story
Adorned with metal to give it focus
Letting the Force bloom like a crocus

It provides shelter to its saviors
Teaching them the Forces behaviors
But after a while they become fewer
Not by disaster or wrongdoer

The users of the Force have gone
People, however, are still being drawn
Though time causes misunderstanding
The Temple provides a safe landing

Every so often they come by
Never the same face, but never shy
They leave shortly after
Most of the time with laughter

Three faces, strong in the Force, approach
Will these three finally encroach?
One familiar face and two quite strange
How shall these Force users change?"

(( It's in a codeblock because without it enters between lines are made into enters between paragraphs. Which just kills the look and feel for me. ))

(( Ok, good to know. Perhaps we could try to fill in some time with talks between our characters :) ))

Denari listened attentively as Padawan Valian spoke. Was she so open and such a compatible medium that the Force or this place spoke through her? How would she feel about such a crossing of boundaries? Or was the Padawan perhaps secretly that poetic herself?

“I suppose there is one way to find out.” She said with a smile after a short pause. “Are you OK?”

Kial gave Denari a quizzical look.

"I'm fine."

After a short pause she added:

"Why wouldn't I be?"

“Oh, the way you just spoke just was different from how you usually present yourself.”

After a moment she added:

“You do remember what you just said, right?”

"Did I say something strange?"

Kial asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I usually write my poems down, but as I lack a pen and paper here... Is it that hard to believe I have a hobby?"

Padawan Valian had a hobby? Was a poet? That did give Denari a pause.

"I actually found it lovely to listen to and indeed hadn't considered the possibility that you had a hobby. Since I discovered most of my hobbies during playing..."

"How did you come across poetry as a hobby?"

"Thank you."

"Officer cadets are introduced to several classical art forms during advanced officer training. I chose poetry."

Kial gave a curious look.

"You have multiple hobbies? Wouldn't you rather dedicate your time to one, rather then have to split your time between several?"

Denari nodded at Kial’s explanation, it sounded quite logical to her.

“Sure I have multiple hobbies. In the education system back home we are encouraged to pick up at least one physically active hobby, like a martial art or sport and a creative or intellectual one. And it’s not uncommon for people to combine multiple in a category, for practical or personal reasons. Since it is for recreation rather than profession, it works for a lot of people I’ve met.”

“I enjoy and am dedicated to my training and probably future life as a Jedi. I may also enjoy acrobatics, making music, observing insects and flowers and cooking, but I do not want to dedicate myself to those professions. Therefore, it wouldn’t make sense for me to choose one hobby over others unless I feel like it.”

“What made you choose poetry over other classical art forms?”

"That's... private. I'm sorry."

Kials gaze became distant. For an instant a look of sadness crossed her features, until she noticed something that distracted and brought her back to the present.

"Wait, you said you observe insects and flowers as a hobby? I didn't realize you came from such wealth. Are you nobility perhaps?"

Denari needed a moment to deconstruct Kial's question.

"There is no nobility on Kotimme." She started hesitantly. "And any lineage before my ancestors settled hardly matters. Even less so at this stage in my life..."

She paused a moment before moving away from the subject.

"Flowers and insects are still very common place where I come from and I grew up outside, so it was a hobby that required nothing more than a few functioning senses."

Another pause.

"How does it change your perception or expectations of someone if they come from wealth or nobility?"

"I see." Kial blinked a few times, taken aback. "That's still a hard for me to imagine."

She looked at Denari with curious eyes for a moment. Then, with a shrug her face became neutral again.

"It doesn't. I don't know anything about the wealthy or nobility outside the UPT, so I reserve my judgment. I doubt they're as bad as the Noble Caste."

"Does that answer your question?"

“It’s a bit of a shame that we do not have time to engage with nature deliberately on most missions. Perhaps, if you’d like and the Master allow it, I could take you a few places to help you really experience it for yourself.”

Denari smiled and it was obvious that the offer was sincere, but she did not demand a response, now or ever.

“It answers my question partially. What is the Noble Caste in the UTP like? And why do you consider them bad?”

Kial had a conflicted expression, but after a moment it became one of acceptance.

"I don't consider the Unified People of Thanda Noble Caste to be bad. I find them vile."

Her tone was matter-of-factly.

"They demand excess and extravagance while hoarding their wealth, rather than using it to aid the rest of the UPT."

Kial started counting off on her hand.

"They don't understand the struggles of the other Castes, nor do they wish to."

"Their servants, which are part of the same Caste by the way, are malnourished. While the Nobles..." Kial made air quotes with her hands. "... are horribly obese."

"Did I mention the amount of inbreeding?"

"And to top it all off, they actually believe they deserve to rule the UPT. They can't even rule themselves. The Military Caste manages them to prevent their extinction."

Kial shook her head.

"I once had the displeasure to meet one of them when I was a cadet. Let's just say I would rather talk to Leba the Hutt again. The Noble Caste disgusts me." She concluded.

"Shall we move to more pleasant subjects?"

“Well, that sounds roughly like the reasons for the rules on Kotimme against hoarding money and acknowledging nobility… But yeah, lets move on to more pleasant subjects.”

“I could talk for hours while studying these plants here in detail, but what would you find a pleasant subject to switch to?”

Stepping inside, the heroes entered into the temple ante-chamber. The air here was cooler than outside and the lights dimmer than one might expect, with the rays of sunlight peeking in from outside. The decorations inside were similar to the outside appearance, finely carved into the stonework, with copper detailing, and extended into the floors and ceiling, which gave a mosaic like appearance, only carved out of a single block of stone. Several small copper bowls served as braziers, though they had not been filled so the only light was what was coming in from outside.

From the ante-chamber, a second door and a short stairway down opened into an even bigger hallway. Here four giant arches were holding up the ceiling, each carved with geometric patterns that most reminded them of Khawchaxlk face markings. In the center where the arches touched, a large crystal had been placed, serving as a sunroof letting in light that illuminated the hallway.

From the great hall, three stone gates lay before them, north, east and west from where they entered. Behind each gate lay a spiral staircase leading downwards, though it was impossible to tell from here how far down they went or where they would lead. A clue though could perhaps be found in the details of each gate:

The east gateway was blocked by a door made of white stone, with black lines crossing over it. Mira recognized the style of lines as a form of abstract art that her people sometimes used. It seemed like something that had been retrofitted into the doorway, as it contrasted with the rest of the stonework. With how much her people respected the temple, there was probably a mechanism of some sort hidden that allowed the door to be opened.

The north gateway was open, but markings could be seen on the walls in the stairway, a mix of scratch marks, always four at a time, making slashes along the stone, and several spots where a lightsaber had marked the stones - or some similar weapon at least. The path beyond it was dark, and the air in the room seemed to flow towards it, as if some sort of wind was present near the entrance. Kial could feel a strange energy coming from there, seemingly echoing against the stone like a soundwave.

The west gateway finally looked older than the other two, or at least more weathered, cracks in the stone showing the passage of time. A blue glow came from the staircase behind the gateway, produced by bioluminescent mushrooms that seemed to grow there. The colors reminded Denari of the holocron she was investigating.

Though the temple was imposing, the heroes noticed that everything here was clean and well maintained, the Sangkmhpa Mí having meticulously maintained the temple. That at least meant it was probably at least somewhat safe to proceed.

(( Glad to have you back! ))

After the conversation with Kial had finished and they entered the temple, Denari took a moment to take in the various impressions and admire the craftsmanship of the interion.

“Mira, was this place or these gates like this, the previous time you went here?”

“It seems like this is where we split up for now. The gate with the blue mushrooms will be my way. The holocron showed me a huge version of those…”

"That... does seem to be the intended course of action..." Kials voice trailed. "Whether that is the prudent course of action..."

She gazed at the northern gateway.

"Very well." Turning towards Denari and Mira, she agreed. "Please, be careful."

Turning back to the north gateway, Kial started walking. Lightsaber in her left hand. Not active, but in her hand.