Homesick

Liylou stretched happily, feeling the grass and dirt move under her as a light mist rained down on her face. Listening to the sounds of her sister training with her father in the background she wondered how there could possibly be a better planet in the universe than Dromund Kaas.

She had traveled out of Kaas city for the afternoon with her parents, sister and the usual brigade of favorite aunts and uncles. She always felt most at home out here.

Turning over, she watched as her mother and Kaliyo set up a makeshift camp, putting out afternoon rations and drinks while Andronikos set up for a game of Huttball.  Farther off toward a crop of trees, Vector meditated murmuring softly to unseen friends while Talos dug eagerly around a cropping of rock.

She knew every talent and skill practiced by her extended family, even the Dashade Khem, whom her and her sister had spent hours climbing over when they were young.

Staring at her hands, Liylou felt suddenly jealous wondering at what hers would be. Her sister had shown ability with the force earlier than either of her parents had expected, and her ease and skill at using it with every lesson was evident. Liylou had no such skill, the force having passed her over.

Staring expectantly at her mother’s pack, Liylou stood, walking toward it. Maybe whatever she was meant to be, she would find in there. Her mother always had such interesting items buried below more mundane items like the spare socks she always carried for father.

Liylous’ favorite so far had been tiny thermal detonators developed by her mother and Andronikos. While she had never been allowed to hold them, watching the field tests they were put through had been one of her favorite days of memory.

Searching the pack she found nothing that elicited as great an interest as the detonators.

Sitting down with a sigh, she instead pulled out her mother’s gray and gold practice jersey, her hands skimming over the logo on the front before running her fingernails across the cool metal bracings of the harness. Lifting it to her nose, it still smelled of smoke and accelerant.

“Find something interesting?” Liylou looked up to see her mother standing above her, a warm smile crossing her blue features. “The detonators were left at home… away from your prying hands.”

Liylou felt her face fall as her mother laughed, placing a warm hand under her chin. “It gets boring watching them, doesn’t it?”

“Yes. I don’t have the force like they do….” Liylou pulled her attention back to the Jersey, not wanting her mother to see her jealousy.

“What it is, Liylou?” Dougless stroked the back of her daughter’s hand.

Liylou cringed as her voice caught on her words. “What will I do if I don’t have the force?”

Sitting down fully in front of Liylou, Dougless grabbed both crimson hands, forcing her daughters gaze. “You have a lot of time to figure that out Loane, you are still young.”

“I am eleven! And Kate already knows.” Dougless could not help but laugh at the huff the followed Liylous words.

“It will be ok. You have plenty of time, and whatever you decide your father and I will be right here. Now… “Dougless stared at the jersey still clutched in her daughter’s hands. “Why don’t you come play a game of Huttball with us?”

Liylou beamed at her mother, moving to stand quickly. “Yeah?!”

“Yes, but first things first…” Dougless pulled the practice jersey over Liylous head, watching the golden eyes light up. Pulling the bands that held Liylous red hair in pigtails out, Dougless used the bands to hold the sleeves up and away from the small hands. Tying a knot in the shirts end, she hiked it up around her daughter’s waist, tucking the ends into the band of her pants. “Now you look like a real FrogDog!”

“Hey little gundark, you gonna play with us?” Kaliyo pulled a Corellian bottle from the case, watching Dougless and Liylou.

“Yep! Look! I’m wearing mom’s jersey!” Liylou cooed, nearly bouncing by her mother’s side.

Kaliyo laughed as she took a drink. “Good, you’re on my team. Your mom cheats. Hey! We can do some target practice after.”

“Kaliyo.” Dougless warning tone was contradicted with her smile.

“What? You do cheat and you’ve seen the way she eyes your pistol. It will be fun.” Kaliyo grabbed Liylous hand, laughing as she led her to the field.