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10Tickler
Should probably be stopped sometime soon
1,569 posts
7 likes
Entropic Overload
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last online Sept 25, 2023 19:53:30 GMT -5
Master
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Dec 2, 2012 14:52:03 GMT -5
Post by 10Tickler on Dec 2, 2012 14:52:03 GMT -5
Swirling flurries, snow that collided with itself, a maelstrom of cold and wind that sliced through clothing to the skin itself with cruel force that seemed almost willful in it's brutality. Amidst all of this, an ancient stone Temple stood, coated in an era's worth of ice and snow, cracked stone creaking in the wind, yet standing still.
The temple's front was more of a Facade than anything, providing a decorative entrance to the Secret that this lost planet held. Deep within the depths of Ilum's icy crust, the Jedi's most ancient secret lurked, growing slowly over the eons, forming from minerals deposited e'er so gradually by dripping and pooling water. The very depth and heart of the Jedi's most recognizable symbol, the Lightsaber. From the deep caverns of Ilum, a planet Swathed in secrecy, was where the Jedi for time immemorial, had harvested the Crystals that provided the blades of their tool, and tradition had brought every Padawan learner here since the Order could remember.
It was logical, in this case then, that the Jedi Knight Silene Stellata would be back, having visited this icy hell in her youth, surviving thanks to an array of Heating and UV lamps that helped to keep her warm, alive and nourished during the trying task of Finding and charging her Crystal, and now that she was back, this time with a girl about the same age as she was when she'd first visited. The girl was her Padawan, named Myri. Unsure and filled with Trepidation about the future, as all such children were at that age, yet filled too with the promise of a brighter future, granted with the ability and chance to learn from the mistakes made by the elder generation who came before, and to change what needed changing.
So, according to Tradition, the small ship that had landed on the Planet's surface had expelled the Two Jedi, Knight and Learner, as well as basic supplies. Food, Drink and for Silene, a good-quality UV Lantern to help meet her daily dose of sunlight on this wretched excuse of a planet.
It was with much hurrying and rapid movement that the two finally made it inside of the Temple's hall, caverns leading off, into the dark distance, Crystals sporadically sprouting from floor, wall and Ceiling on every side. Settling in somewhat, establishing a 'Base camp' if you will, Silene set her Padawan up with a warm meal, preparing her for her next challenge.
Because of the Very nature of this part of your training...I will go no further than this she explained with a soft smile, her voice muted in these echoing halls and corridors. The Force will call to you, will lead you to a Crystal that will feel...harmonious with your own energies, and you'll know when you find it. Even if you don't plan on using your Saber, it's something you must have, and as such...this is your first big step towards knighthood. she told Myri, working on the food as she spoke, a simple stew, with vegetables and a lighter meat, something that wouldn't weigh the girl down as she went spelunking into the darkness below.
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last online Nov 1, 2020 9:24:53 GMT -5
Youngling
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Dec 3, 2012 21:11:24 GMT -5
Post by darkrei9n on Dec 3, 2012 21:11:24 GMT -5
Myri was cold. So cold infact she had pulled the strings to close her hood over her eyes. Pretty much the only visible of her skin was her lips and nose. She couldn't even believe that a world could be this cold, sure she had learned in classes that some planets were so cold that even fuel would freeze, but this? She hadn't been prepared for this. Her hands were right next to the fire for the stew and she wasn't even sure the heat was getting to her hands. She felt like she could have lit her glove on fire and it wouldn't do a thing to warm her up.
Her master explained to her that she would stay here and let Myri go down deeper into the caves, just the thought of being alone on this planet without anyone around was scaring her. She knew she was expected to rely on the force but she still didn't feel ready, even with the confidence that Master Silene had in her abilities. She was afraid of failing, of being alone in the caves in this freezing cold place, at least other apprentices could see where they were stepping.
"I won't fail you Master Silene." Six simple words, she wasn't speaking as if she was trying to reassure Master Silene that she wouldn't fail, she was speaking to reassure herself. However just the act of telling her Master that she wouldn't fell her filled her with a kind of strength, she wasn't sure if she wanted to prove to her Master that she had made a good choice or that Myri wanted to prove to herself that she could do this. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves.
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10Tickler
Should probably be stopped sometime soon
1,569 posts
7 likes
Entropic Overload
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last online Sept 25, 2023 19:53:30 GMT -5
Master
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Dec 4, 2012 0:15:52 GMT -5
Post by 10Tickler on Dec 4, 2012 0:15:52 GMT -5
Smiled at the words that her young, blind, Padawan spoke. Trusting the Force was important for this task, yes, but in a way, finding one's way through the caverns was a trial in and of itself, an unspoken test of one's own determination and drive. Some, those students with the drive to push themselves further and further, no matter what, would follow the pull of the Force down into the depths of the planet, finding rare crystals in vibrant colors. Others, more interested in mediocre pursuits, would Find themselves discovering the crystal, or crystals that called to them perfectly in a matter of hours.
Serving the steaming-hot stew, loaded with chunks of tuber and other filling, nourishing ingredients, Silene made sure that Myri was eating before she spoke again, a soft smile crossing her face as she watched. Allow me to tell you a story, it's a true one, that happened in these very caverns she began, taking a sip of the stew and feeling the warmth fill her body, spiraling out from her core before she continued. A master who'd taken two padawans before came here with her last student. This child was uninterested in learning anything to do with lightsabers, had trouble realizing the potential of the Symbol that each and every Jedi wears on their person. She was a little slip of a girl who merely sought peace and comfort for those around her, be they warriors wounded in battle, or plants in a garden.
As Silene continued to speak, she tried to use her words as a brush, to see if she couldn't help the Sight-deficient student paint a picture in her mind's eye. Myri might have trouble understanding colors, but Silene had a feeling that for her, emotions would provide a more powerful imagery.
This girl was, perhaps, the worst kind of student. Completely willing to forgo one of the traditions of the Jedi order, in order to focus on everything else, completely incapable of realizing that balance is required in everything. This planet made her miserable, but for her Master, she decided to at least go through the motions. Smiling inwardly a bit, Silene remembered what she was like, how she'd felt when she was Myri's age. She was Stubborn, selfish and in a way, greedy. But something about finding that pulsing energy that called to her in these caverns, something about taking the time to construct her saber...these things built upon themselves, and later on in her life, when faced with insurmountable odds, the girl found the strength to draw her blade. Not in self-defense, but to defend those who could not defend themselves. It was, in this way, that the lesson was finally completed. she said, taking another sip and scratching her chin in a contemplative manner.
I know how it feels, I might not have the same challenges as you, my student...but challenges are what let us grow, as a person and as a Jedi. This might be hard, but it is something that you will overcome, and through it, become stronger. Some day, you will be lost, trapped and surrounded by scared people who look to you as a pillar of strength, morality and kindness, and because you succeed here, you will be that person for them she finally finished. Now, eat, fill yourself with warmth and get to work. I have work here to do to prepare for your return, so that you might get a good rest in a warm place before you get to face the second task of constructing your Lightsaber
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last online Nov 1, 2020 9:24:53 GMT -5
Youngling
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Dec 5, 2012 20:04:54 GMT -5
Post by darkrei9n on Dec 5, 2012 20:04:54 GMT -5
Myri took the stew and nearly inhaled it trying to eat it. The stew may have been hot now but in this temperature she wasn't sure if it would remain hot if she even left it alone for a few seconds. So before her Master even got halfway through the story the stew was completely gone. It was nice, filling, made it so she could finally feel her fingers again.
Myri sat with rapt attention to Master Silene's story. Something told her that the story was about her Master herself, she doubted the thought though, her Master didn't seem anything like the young girl in the story now, perhaps Silene had had another Padawan before her? She never did learn how old her Master was. She wasn't even sure how long her Master's species lived, they could live for millenia for all she knew.
One question nagged in the back of her head, something that she only thought to ask now. It had floated around in her head on the way here, but she had never asked it, now she had to get it out now. "Master Silene, what if I don't come back?"
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10Tickler
Should probably be stopped sometime soon
1,569 posts
7 likes
Entropic Overload
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last online Sept 25, 2023 19:53:30 GMT -5
Master
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Dec 8, 2012 14:00:11 GMT -5
Post by 10Tickler on Dec 8, 2012 14:00:11 GMT -5
Refilling her Padawan's bowl Slowly, Silene sighed a little. Myri was interesting but difficult in her own, special way. She was timid, moreso than any of the younglings that Silene had seen or taught at the Temple. Honestly, she seemed to lack...self-worth. From everything that her apprentice had said so far, it felt almost as though she couldn't see any value in herself, and if Silene would change anything about her Padawan, she'd show the girl what she was actually worth.
With a kindly tone, she finally spoke. You won't fail. she told her padawan, Trust me on that, You'll head down, find what you need, and be back. I know this, because the cave system branches in pretty much one direction, with one central tunnel pretty much, it's pretty hard to get lost down there
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last online Nov 1, 2020 9:24:53 GMT -5
Youngling
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Dec 10, 2012 23:31:43 GMT -5
Post by darkrei9n on Dec 10, 2012 23:31:43 GMT -5
Myri flinched as her master sighed at the timidness of her apprentice. She felt useless most of the time, no matter how hard she tried she constantly screwed up why shouldn't she? She had been sure that she was the worse youngling at the temple when she was one and had been surprised at Silene's choice. She was surprised at the confidence of Silene in general towards her, her Master seemed to honestly believe she could do anything.
She took the offered bowl and started on it, taking more time with it then she had with her first. It was odd how much Silene trusted her. She was sending her down to create her first lightsaber, a weapon that could take a limb off with barely any resistance, and her master was going to trust her with one. She bit her lower lip slightly before finishing off her second bowl of stew.
This was going to be an interesting experience for her. The first time where no one would be around except for her. She was frightened but for some reason she didn't feel afraid. She felt ready, as if she had found a strength in her that she wasn't aware of. She took another deep breath and stood up.
In her bravest voice she spoke up, she wasn't confident in her abilities, but this wasn't about her abilities, it was about her not giving up, not letting her fears stop her from doing anything. "I'm ready Master Silene." Her voice came out as a squeak, as if her body was betraying her mind in this voice of action.
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10Tickler
Should probably be stopped sometime soon
1,569 posts
7 likes
Entropic Overload
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last online Sept 25, 2023 19:53:30 GMT -5
Master
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Dec 11, 2012 0:55:19 GMT -5
Post by 10Tickler on Dec 11, 2012 0:55:19 GMT -5
She could watch as the girl drew strength from within. Her own thoughts leading a clearly-visible circuit around her mind, pulling herself together and standing finally, after finishing her bowl of the stew. When Myri announced that she was ready, Silene stood as well, smiling softly and reaching into her robes quietly. I am glad to hear it she told the young, blind girl. However, before you go, I have something I want you to take with you she added, giving a soft chuckle as she withdrew a small, leather pouch. Inside, three small items seemed to clink against one another, making a soft tinkling sound.
You really thought I'd let my Padawan go into caverns on a frozen planet without being able to keep tabs on her? the Jedi asked, joking with the girl. Not to mention, you'll need the Jewler's hammer and chisel to remove the Crystal that you feel a connection to, right? she teased, leaning over and strapping the small pouch over Myri's shoulder gently.
Stepping back, the Jedi Knight smiled once more at her apprentice. If nothing else, you had the courage and drive to accept my teaching, and the courage to stand tonight and begin your journey into the Caverns and into the path of the Jedi. You may not be a Knight, but you're already a Success in my eyes she said, finally, seating herself and closing her eyes, starting the breathing patterns that would take her into a Light Meditative trance.
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last online Nov 1, 2020 9:24:53 GMT -5
Youngling
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Jan 6, 2013 8:48:02 GMT -5
Post by darkrei9n on Jan 6, 2013 8:48:02 GMT -5
Myri took yet another deep breath as she took another step down the deep corridors. She could feel the anxiety in her bones. Telling her this wasn't a good idea, that she could freeze to death and never be found again. However her mind told her that her master would never let her down here if she thought it was that dangerous. She felt a small twinge in the force, she was wondering if it was what she was looking.
She screamed when she felt something prod her belly as she walked. Putting her hands out she realized it was just an outcropping of ice or crystal. There was no telling which through the thick gloves she wore. She hadn't been trusting the force, she had been thinking to much of what could happen, not what was happening. She resolved to let the force guide her, but still put one hand on the wall and one hand in front of her to help her.
As she walked she couldn't help but let her mind wander again. The only thing that was of note was thinking she had been stabbed by someone with a knife in what was likely the second most safe place in the galaxy. The only other thing she could notice was the force, and how ancient the place felt in it.
She felt a nudge from the force and followed it, suddenly switching sides in the corridor and following a turn. Her master had told her the force would guide her through here, so she listened to it, and much to her surprise she wasn't having second thoughts doing so.
The passage of time was a mystery to her while she navigated the caves, the only thing she was aware of was the sound of her footsteps echoing through the corridor and the force provide a subtle push to turn left, right, or go forward. Then it suddenly told her to stop. She felt something here with her, she grinned wildly, she had finally found it!
Myri wasn't surprised that she could find her way to her master. Something felt different now for her, she couldn't place it. Once again her hands moved over the crystal in her hands, examining the surface. She brought her attention back to her master, and spoke up. "Master? I'm back."
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10Tickler
Should probably be stopped sometime soon
1,569 posts
7 likes
Entropic Overload
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last online Sept 25, 2023 19:53:30 GMT -5
Master
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Jan 14, 2013 7:39:00 GMT -5
Post by 10Tickler on Jan 14, 2013 7:39:00 GMT -5
Eyes lidded, Silene's breathing was muted as the Force flowed through her, time becoming more and more irrelevant as this powerful place worked it's wonders, not only rejuvenating her mind, but offering different viewpoints on her universe and her place in it. Silene was no longer a mere healer, no longer simply there to take away pain, to knit skin and muscle and bone. No. She'd become something more by taking Myri into her care, under her wings, so to speak. As a teacher, she owed Myri more than her own personal views, her own feelings on what the universe was like.
Suddenly, as though she could hear her own master laughing, Silene realized the problems that Itl, her own master, had been forced to deal with, not once, but three times over, culminating with the Zelosian's training. To be a teacher was to be more than yourself, to be responsible for giving a balance to the views you presented, in order to give your Student a chance to learn their own opinions on the Galaxy around them. It was...a big lesson, an Epiphany, the sort of insight that only came after one had begun a difficult task. It served to reinforce the single rule of Existence, how as things grew more complex, so did each individual decision one had to make based on how it would affect those around them.
"Master? I'm back"
The words broke through the reverie that Silene had shared with the Force, her eyes opening and a smile crossing her face as she looked at her pupil, radiating warmth and pride in the Padawan's decision to continue her training, as well as in the completion of what had to be one of the more difficult tasks towards becoming a Fully-fledged Jedi. Shifting from her seated position, the Knight looked upon her Padawan and nodded.
A warm welcome to you, and congratulations. she told the girl, shifting closer to her, triggering one of the UV lamps with a remote as she moved, beaming warmth and nutritious rays upon them both. I am hoping you remember the next few steps involved in the creation of your lightsaber, or sabers, if in fact the Force guided you to a pair of crystals she said, basking in the rays happily. First, I think we'll take this chance to eat if we're hungry, rest our bodies with sleep within the hold of the Ship, and then, tomorrow, I'll lead you through the process of Charging and familiarizing your crystals with your personal Force Energy. Once that's done, you can assemble your Saber to your own tastes, and we'll discuss which styles you might wish to learn while you do so. Come, sit...Tell me about how it felt down there
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last online Nov 1, 2020 9:24:53 GMT -5
Youngling
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Jan 16, 2013 1:19:12 GMT -5
Post by darkrei9n on Jan 16, 2013 1:19:12 GMT -5
Myri beamed with delight at the praise given to her by her master. She was a tad surprised that she had made it back to the Zelosian without getting lost. She found it strange how the force felt so much easier to find her, to let flow through her than on Coruscant. Maybe it was the place around her, or perhaps a change in her from her master's earlier pep talk. She didn't know, perhaps her master knew but she decided not to ask.
When she felt her master closer to her she hugged the plant humanoid, feeling a need to somehow spread her own excitement. She was careful to pocket the crystal, afraid to let it fall and possibly shatter. Not that it likely would ever happen, but even the remote possibility of going back down there inspired caution in her.
She spoke up as her master finished. As fast as she could before Silene could even finish her last sentence. "I'd like to go back to the ship and rest. Its so cold here." As if to add emphasis she hugged her master tighter hoping to absorb any heat if possible and shivered slightly. "Really cold. If we never return here I would be happy."
Prying herself away from her master Myri rubbed her hands against each other, hoping the friction might warm them up. "How long was I gone Master Silene? At some points it felt as if I had been there hours and others it felt like I hadn't been gone for more than a few minutes." Myri turned her head expectantly in her master's direction and grinned wildly. This was her most important question. The one that she had been saving for last, it wouldn't matter to her, but it still felt somewhat important.
"What color is my crystal?" She was giddy with energy, the cold that was at the forefront of her mind a few seconds ago vanished to the back as she asked it. It felt as if she had had far to much sugar for her own good. Perhaps it was something in the air or something about her crystal.
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10Tickler
Should probably be stopped sometime soon
1,569 posts
7 likes
Entropic Overload
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last online Sept 25, 2023 19:53:30 GMT -5
Master
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Jan 17, 2013 5:36:29 GMT -5
Post by 10Tickler on Jan 17, 2013 5:36:29 GMT -5
With a soft chuckle, Silene took her tired student's hand in her own, sharing her warmth willingly with the girl. It is a bit cold down here she agreed, only to start leading Myri towards their small ship and it's small area set aside for rest and meditation. As she led the little blind girl, she was, however, barraged by questions, more than most tired children would bother to ask on the way to a nice warm bed and maybe some soup.
"How long was I gone?" Myri asked her floral instructor, making the woman simply smile in return, not that the student could really see the expression, and just as she was about to answer, another one. "What color is my Crystal?"...
An odd question, considering...
Blinking a few times as she tried to wrap her mind around the implications of that question...Silene was...stumped for a good minute, standing on the landing ramp to the ship, before pushing the munchkin up before her. Get on board, you rascal she said, laughing out loud and following the girl's steps. You were gone for about 6 hours. So, I'm not surprised that you're tired, and by what color it is...I'm betting you can see the color better than I can, even without your eyes, once you start focusing your energy into it tomorrow. It will resonate through the Force, and I'm pretty sure you'll know then...but if it's that important... Pausing she pictured the Crystal when Myri had arrived, before pocketing it. When you see it, I think you'll like it. It is a deep and thoughtful color, not quite green, but not deeply blue enough to be teal. Viridian is a good word for it, I think. she finally said, leading the Padawan towards the Resting area, where a pair of Mats lay, waiting for them already, as well as two more bowls of the stew that Silene had made earlier. I felt you coming back, so I had the Astromech heat up something warm for you to eat
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last online Nov 1, 2020 9:24:53 GMT -5
Youngling
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Jan 19, 2013 21:15:33 GMT -5
Post by darkrei9n on Jan 19, 2013 21:15:33 GMT -5
"It felt like it only took minutes, then sometimes it felt like it took hours down there. Was it really only 6 hours? What's Viridian like? How long until I get a real lightsaber?" Myri was rather excited about this part. Getting her first lightsaber. Although some parts of her were hesitant about having a weapon in hand. Especially considering how much she damage she did to herself with a training blade then her target.
She was hesitant to discuss that fear with her master, and instead removed the crystal from her pocket and began examining it for the umpteenth time since retrieving it.
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10Tickler
Should probably be stopped sometime soon
1,569 posts
7 likes
Entropic Overload
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last online Sept 25, 2023 19:53:30 GMT -5
Master
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Jan 20, 2013 6:47:34 GMT -5
Post by 10Tickler on Jan 20, 2013 6:47:34 GMT -5
(Before I post. Shall we end Here-ish? Nothing else really has to be done here, rest can be done on the ship, and we can start working on other things, like training and missions)
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last online Nov 1, 2020 9:24:53 GMT -5
Youngling
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Jan 20, 2013 16:08:15 GMT -5
Post by darkrei9n on Jan 20, 2013 16:08:15 GMT -5
(Aye, end here.)
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