[He...shouldn't be here. Cal can't quite recall just where he should be, but there is an absence of weight at his back and when he looks up at the sky, he feels a longing, like the place he needs to be isn't on this planet at all.
But it's not like he can just fly out there, not on his own. So this soggy village it is, at least for a time. He walks the streets to get a feel for his current residence and to gather as much information as he can. While out, a gaggle of children follow him, whispering loudly amongst themselves. The clothing that has been given to him must denote a certain role in this society, as well, because some of the braver children finally approach him, asking him to do a trick.
At first, Cal is confused, but then he remembers the passport papers he was given. His cover is a traveling magician, apparently, and while he doesn't have a large repertoire up his sleeves, his powers can do what others might perceive as magic tricks.]
All right. You see that basket over there, across the street? Keep your eyes on it.
[Cal stands so that the children are gathered at his left side and his right hand is blocked from sight. He upturns that hand and the lid of the basket begins to float above it. The children all gasp and start to jump up and down, shrieking in delight while demanding more, more! So Cal indulges them, wiggling his fingers so that the lid appears to dance along the rim of the basket.
It feels a little wrong to use his powers like this, but it's also harmless fun.]
they sleep
[Cal hates mourning.
Of course, he suspects no one in their right mind actually likes it, but to then be told to pretend to be a grief-stricken relative of the people in these burial boats? That's even more disrespectful, he thinks. There should be integrity when dealing with the dead, not a farce for...for who? Who do the villagers want them to impress by faking it?
The past ten years, Cal has lost more people than anyone should, and especially in the last few weeks. The flames of funeral pyres are still burned into the backs of his eyes, a sight he can't push away when he doesn't keep his head in the present. At least these boats haven't been set on fire, but he still doesn't want to interact.
And yet, at the same time, what if there are no loved ones of the dead? Shouldn't someone still spare a thought for them?
Shouldn't he, as a Jedi, be the type of person to lead by such an example?
So he does, though he stands off by himself while the boats return to shore. He does not weep and he does not initiate any conversation. Just...offers himself for this vigil. Being the one left behind is a rising talent of his.
As the ritual continues and the boats are opened, Cal does grow concerned when there are no bodies inside, not even any evidence that there had once been any corpses. It doesn't make sense, but then this planet seems to run on different logic or even magic than any he's known. The galaxy is vast. No one person can ever know every single mystery kept within.
Still, he can't help but stare at the empty boats, his feet slowly dragging him closer to the water. Slow step...by slow step... His eyes start to fall closed, but he still edges closer, his steps taking him into the shallows, but he doesn't notice.
And then, a moment later, Cal sways and falls toward the water.]
wildcard!
[eyyyy hit me up if you want a different flavor or a different topic entirely!]
cal kestis | star wars | tourist
[He...shouldn't be here. Cal can't quite recall just where he should be, but there is an absence of weight at his back and when he looks up at the sky, he feels a longing, like the place he needs to be isn't on this planet at all.
But it's not like he can just fly out there, not on his own. So this soggy village it is, at least for a time. He walks the streets to get a feel for his current residence and to gather as much information as he can. While out, a gaggle of children follow him, whispering loudly amongst themselves. The clothing that has been given to him must denote a certain role in this society, as well, because some of the braver children finally approach him, asking him to do a trick.
At first, Cal is confused, but then he remembers the passport papers he was given. His cover is a traveling magician, apparently, and while he doesn't have a large repertoire up his sleeves, his powers can do what others might perceive as magic tricks.]
All right. You see that basket over there, across the street? Keep your eyes on it.
[Cal stands so that the children are gathered at his left side and his right hand is blocked from sight. He upturns that hand and the lid of the basket begins to float above it. The children all gasp and start to jump up and down, shrieking in delight while demanding more, more! So Cal indulges them, wiggling his fingers so that the lid appears to dance along the rim of the basket.
It feels a little wrong to use his powers like this, but it's also harmless fun.]
they sleep
[Cal hates mourning.
Of course, he suspects no one in their right mind actually likes it, but to then be told to pretend to be a grief-stricken relative of the people in these burial boats? That's even more disrespectful, he thinks. There should be integrity when dealing with the dead, not a farce for...for who? Who do the villagers want them to impress by faking it?
The past ten years, Cal has lost more people than anyone should, and especially in the last few weeks. The flames of funeral pyres are still burned into the backs of his eyes, a sight he can't push away when he doesn't keep his head in the present. At least these boats haven't been set on fire, but he still doesn't want to interact.
And yet, at the same time, what if there are no loved ones of the dead? Shouldn't someone still spare a thought for them?
Shouldn't he, as a Jedi, be the type of person to lead by such an example?
So he does, though he stands off by himself while the boats return to shore. He does not weep and he does not initiate any conversation. Just...offers himself for this vigil. Being the one left behind is a rising talent of his.
As the ritual continues and the boats are opened, Cal does grow concerned when there are no bodies inside, not even any evidence that there had once been any corpses. It doesn't make sense, but then this planet seems to run on different logic or even magic than any he's known. The galaxy is vast. No one person can ever know every single mystery kept within.
Still, he can't help but stare at the empty boats, his feet slowly dragging him closer to the water. Slow step...by slow step... His eyes start to fall closed, but he still edges closer, his steps taking him into the shallows, but he doesn't notice.
And then, a moment later, Cal sways and falls toward the water.]
wildcard!
[eyyyy hit me up if you want a different flavor or a different topic entirely!]