The Dark Academy on Korriban

"Of course," she says, offering the next with a little smirk, "Even if you sometimes strike me as a mad fool."

It was a tease, one grazing the edge of insult but mere banter between comrades at worst.

He jokes back, "And sometimes I think these med droids may need to perform surgery to remove that stick in your ass. But you wouldn't be the sith and soldier you are without it." He smiles deviously at her.

"Giving all the praise for my merit to a mere stick, should I be insulted?" she said as she leaned back into the chair that she was sat in a bit.

"If you weren't I'd be insulted," he says with a chuckle. "I think this is the part where you slug me for being an ass and we laugh it off. Or does that stick prevent that?" His smile widened.

"Of one thing you should be sure. If it were not for this sprain I suffered you would have received one, given the circumstance I am forced to let this one slide," she said in good humor.

"Well then, you'll just have to owe me one and let me have it when I least expect it," he replies. "Maybe sometime when we share drinks after a battle or excursion."

"That proposal offers you an opportunity. Rather than waiting for a strike when you least expect it you might save yourself the trouble and instead be the one to buy the drinks."

"That I can do," he says with a nod. "What do you usually drink?"

In a mockingly afraid tone, he quietly say, "Please don't be expensive, please don't be expensive..."

"I could direct you," she says but then a smirk forms at her lips. "However, I would find it far more acceptable if you were to take the initiative on that matter. You are Zeno Deathwright after all. I have heard from a credible source that you enjoy risk."

"It is true, a bit of risk does get the heart pumping and the adrenaline going. I'll do my best not to disappoint, in order to not earn that punch despite my efforts."

He looks out at the camp. "So many people late to the party. But then again, I guess I was too the first day. At least I brought a holocron back with me though. I expect nothing less from the others." He smiles at that when he looks back at Kristal. "I found it an acceptable detour."

"Punctuality seems to be suffering at this academy," she said with a light distaste.

"You found a holocron? Interesting. If I may ask, what was contained within it?"

"Teachings of a long past apprentice to a powerful master. I still have more to study," he replies. He then smiles, "Secrets."

"Interesting, surely. I won't waste your time reminding you of the dangers that possess', you certainly are aware of them already."

"I am. Danger is my middle name," he says with a grin.

"Well, actually, it's Dinami. But I think you get the point. No risk no reward."

"Certainly, but there is no shame in knowing when you have met an obstacle you cannot clear alone."

Certainly Kristal held that opinion, but never did she quite allow herself to think it. For she had to be capable of anything that she might need to face. There was only one person she could truly trust to be able to perform, and that was her and her alone. Lead by Example.

"I anticipate you will be seeing yourself off into the forest at the first chance then Zeno? Given our objective here."

"Eventually," he says. "I relish the challenge."

"And I understand the need for teams. I'm not green. I just love the challenge."

"Avoid bringing any of that trouble back to camp," she said simply.

There were a few unspoken acknowledgements there. They did however remain unspoken so directly.

"Yeah, I know how to not get my allies caught up in any trouble they don't want caught up in," he says with a nod.

"Good," she said, with a little finality to it. Surely she could have said more, but there really wasn't more to say that came to mind in the moment. Useless chatter was, well.. just that.

"When dou plan on heading out?" he asks.

"As soon as I am able. With this camp being set up there will be a need for a patrol of the area. I do not intend to allow Captain Harad's men to take that risk alone."

"They'll be in capable hands then. I'd join but im taking care of other things," he replies.

"Understood," she replies with that cut to the tone.

"Whatever calls your attentions, may your wits be about you."

"You as well Kristal," he says. And since that feels pretty final Zeno gives her a nod and steps away, only to go greet Shaisha.

Only after Zeno turned away would Kristal lean her head back. A sprain sucked, a nasty sprain even worse, walking back to camp on one?