The First Step is the Hardest [Jace]

[Mara]

[... coming from Council Chambers thread]


The Falleen padawan Xierra Zalq wrapped her brown Jedi robes more tightly around herself after she departed the transport she had been on for the better part of half a week, traveling mostly through hyperspace. It had been a long trip from Coruscant to Ilum, but now she had finally made it. A trip that seemed to be both the end of a part of her life and the beginning of the next stage. And she also knew this would be one of the hardest things, to let go of her padawan self and become a Knight.

She brought her hood over her black wavy locks and watched as the transport lifted off. It was a public transport, one that had graciously offered to bring her off-course to Ilum, after some persuading from herself and other members of the Order. Xierra smiled, remembering how the pilot had reacted upon seeing a Fallen enter his ship, and one who was a Jedi at that. But with a few extra credits in the palm on his hand, he didn't care whether she was sarlacc. But she hadn't wanted to overstay her welcome, so she kept to herself during the entire trip, mostly spending her time meditating and thinking about what was to come.

Xierra had thought long and hard about this last step in her training, the creation of her lightsaber. The few days' time had gotten her over the initial shock of learning her master's thoughts about her training and his wish for her to be knighted soon, along with the Council's decision for her to travel to Ilum.

With this coming milestone, she knew that her master would be proud of her, and sometimes during her meditations she could almost feel his touch and his presence surround her. Xierra no longer heard his whispered teachings, but she knew that he was still there, out there somewhere watching her, a part of the Force that surrounded every living being.

She felt a lot calmer now, felt like she was ready for this step in her life now. No longer was she wary of it and had finally accepted it. Now was her time to go forth into the Order just as her master before her. Of course, she hadn't learned everything she possibly could; she was far from it. But now she could have a bit more freedom to pursue her own lessons and learn on her own while also taking on missions with other Jedi of the same rank.

Despite the long journey she had been on, with lots of bumps and bruises along the way, she was ready now to accept her place among the Jedi. Xierra had always thought she was at that level of acceptance, but a tiny part of her had always wondered whether she would be staying. Her activities as a youngling upon her arrival were an obvious setback. And after going so long with Master Revisc in continuous training, never to advance before his death, she had thought her luck had finally ran out.

But here she was on Ilum, finally about to complete her trials, finalize her formal training. Weeks from embarking on her informal training and socializing and working with other Jedi. With the transport away, she wrapped her cloak even tighter and turned away from the small landing area, towards the crystal caves and the temple there.

Bending her head against the sudden bitter wind, she crunched slowly along the icy ground towards the shelter ahead. There she would find Master Beleren somewhere within the temple cave. She pulled upon the Force and announced her presence, letting the Master know what had already sensed: that she was there, willing and ready to forge ahead on her path to knighthood and beyond.

[Jace]

Jace was nearing the entrance of the temple, he had sensed her presence sometime before. This would have been her first trip to Ilum and it wasn't exactly known for its welcoming climate. His footsteps echoed through the empty halls of the temple. The silence could be disconcerting to some, but for Jace it was almost reassuring. He had lived a good portion of his life away from any sort of friendly contact.

Jace finally reached the entrance of the temple, and could see a robed figure slowly approaching. She was pushing her away through the harsh wind of Ilum. When she finally reached the entrance, Jace waited until they were fully inside the temple before speaking.

"Xierra, it is good that you have come. Your journey must have been long, relax for a few moments."

The journey from Coruscant to Ilum was long, and add that to Ilum' harsh climate and it could do a number on a person. Jace studied her closely as she was taking a brief respite. He didn't sense any deep grief, she was sad, but it was not consuming her. This was a good sign.

"So Xierra, you have come to Ilum to finish your final step into becoming a member of the Jedi Order. What do you know about lightsaber construction?"

Many young Jedi, studied the art of constructing a lightsaber thoroughly because they wanted their saber to be perfect. Others didn't study at all, and trusted completely in the Force. Neither way was wrong. Jace himself had done a combination of both, mostly due to his Masters influence.

[Mara]

She smiled welcomely at Master Beleren as she stepped fully into the temple enclosure and out of the harsh wind. Xierra took a moment to glance around herself but looked back at him as he started to speak. Indeed, it had been a long journey, but traveling for various missions with Master Revisc had given her quite a repertoire of long journeys. She almost always had welcomed the time to herself to think upon his lessons or mediate on other matters.

But on this last trip she had no lessons to go over in her mind. And her master was not on the same ship as she was. Xierra had been alone, despite the couple dozen other beings also on the transport. Something she would have to get used to, finally after being without him for two weeks now. It would soon be her time to shine, to become a full member of the Order. There was just one more thing remaining: her own lightsaber.

Xierra nodded to him and walked off a few paces to get a better look at the inside of the temple, dropping the hood of her cloak and revealing more of her features. At this close to the entrance, there were not a whole lot of distinguishing features, yet the young Falleen could feel the power in this place. It was paradoxically both serene, quiet and loud, powerful.

After Master Beleren's question, Xierra realized she knew little about lightsaber construction. Her master had given her a lightsaber to use and had focused more on her training with the weapon than with the creation and inner workings of it. The only knowledge she had were the few tidbits she had gleaned from her lessons as a youngling in the Temple, and those were pretty sparse. She only had a vague idea of how the things actually worked.

Xierra looked the man in the eye, easily done due to her tall height, "Very little, Master Beleren."

[Jace]

He began to walk towards the crystal cave along with Xierra, explaining the various steps to constructing a lightsaber.

"Well that is alright Xierra, one does not need an intricate knowledge when constructing their lightsaber. The Lightsaber is a different object to each Jedi. To some it is a weapon, to others it is a tool, and for some it is both of them. It is a weapon for obvious reasons, but should never be used in aggressions. Many weapons kill, but the lightsaber preserves. It is a tool for it aids in constructing of ourselves and our souls.

Remember this though, that no matter what you belief, it is an extension of you. Your lightsaber should not feel like as if you are holding something in your hand. Always keep that in mind, Xierra.

It is important to construct your lightsaber based on the right crystal and guidance of the Force. When you swing your lightsaber, it should feel as if you are swinging your arms, not a blade. Your lightsaber should be a reflection of you. That is why the crystal is so important to you...."

Jace remained quiet after that for a a few minutes, until they reached the cave. He stopped in front and then turned to Xierra, giving her a look of reassurance.

"Just as a Master chooses their padawan, so shall you choose a crystal. There will be one crystal in there that will call out to you Xierra. Finding the crystal could take anywhere from minutes to days. So do not despair, I shall be waiting for you when you have found the crystal. After you have, I shall explain the rest of the lightsaber construction.
Good luck young one, and May the Force be with You"

Jace watched for the second time as a Jedi entered the cave in this day. Jace stood at the cave entrance for a few moments, and realized he hadn't informed Xierra that Erfies was there. He figured nothing would happen though, so he let it go.

Jace would have a good deal of time on his hands, so he made his way back towards the temple to meditate. It was very peaceful here and there was a great presence of Force on Ilum.

[Mara]

The young Falleen listened quietly as the walked further into the caves. Xierra forced herself to focus entirely on his words and not at the sparkling things around her that appeared as they went deeper. There would be plenty of time, she was sure, to look at them later. She took in his words as a sponge would take in water. This trip was already giving her plenty of knowledge, and she was sure her former master would be proud of her.

She nodded slightly as he mentioned the lightsaber being a part of a Jedi's body, as if it was attached and not a separate entity. Xierra had already felt that at times while training, or lately while sparring with the Knight Aser. That was probably part of the reason why she had drawn her weapon so easily and without thinking. She hadn't thought about as anything else at the time. It was completely understandable how the lightsaber would become as much as a tool as the Force was; something that was merely an extension of her body, as was the Force.

Xierra stopped and looked him as he gave his further instructions and thoughts. She understood the importance of the process and knew that there was no set time for finding a crystal. The waiting would not bother her; perhaps Master Revics would come and commune with her during her mediations. But that would probably be too much to hope for, she thought.

"Thank you, Master Beleren." She bowed slightly and turned away from him, entering into the caves which were almost as bright as Coruscant could be, even at night, all lit up from the jeweled crystals just as all the glowpanels on all the skyscrapers. Xierra pulled her hood up around her face and walked deeper inside, opening herself fully to the Force, to see where it would lead her.

[Jace]

Jace made his way slowly back to the temple, he could still sense Xierra so he wasn't worried. It was unlikely that anything would happen to her, but caution was in his nature. He was back inside the temple ten minutes after he parted from Xierra. He sent his conscience out one more time making sure he could sense Erfies,Xierra, and Talarian. Satisfied that he could still sense them all, he made his way to the center of the hall. He removed his lightsaber from his side and placed it on the ground next to him as he sat down.

He sent his thoughts outward and focused inward, instantly clearing his mind. His breathing was steady, and his muscles were relaxed. He would use this time to reflect on what had already occurred. He spent a great deal of time meditating in the Council Chambers but that was usually to deal with daily tasks. Seldom did he get the chance to be in isolation and truly reconcile with himself.

As he sent his thoughts outward from Ilum, his thoughts became clouded. The darkness in the galaxy was growing, he knew it, and so did the rest of the Council. Jace's instinct as a shadow told him that the Jedi should be proactive in dealing with it. His prudence told him that the Jedi way was not that of the aggressor. Many in the Order had been voicing their opinion about dispersing this cloud of darkness before it becomes too strong. The ranks of the Jedi were slowly but surely thinning out. The lure of the darkside was just too strong for many Jedi.

I may have already faced the darkness on Korriban but that does not mean that I am not susceptible to it. I must be constantly vigilant, and make sure those in the Order are also. The darkness will begin to move soon, and the Jedi must be prepared.

He pushed away the thoughts of the dark side for now. Just thinking on the dark side for extended periods of time could be dangerous. One need not travel to the heart of darkness do be seduced by its power.

Jace then slowly opened his eyes, and reached to the side and grabbed his lightsaber. He stood up and looked around him; he remained this way for a few moments. Then the snap-hiss of a lightsaber being ignited resounded through the Temple. A faint orange glow encompassed the area around Jace.

It was time for some Lightsaber training....

[Mara]

The tall figured walked slowly, going deeper into the cave, her eyes half-closed. Her guide was the Force, and she wasn't relying on her other less reliable senses. The Force surrounded her, giving her a feeling that was unlike anything she could ever experience with anything else. Xierra loved this feeling; she felt like everything in the galaxy was perfect, at least for the moments she drifted in the Force as she was now.

Her footsteps gradually quieted as she left the icy ground and found purchase on the more solid stone of the inner caves. Feeling a crossroads, she stopped a moment to see where the Force would lead her. Xierra calmed herself even more, emptying her mind of any other thoughts; there was only her and the Force as one entity. She could feel nothing else. A smile crossed her face as she felt the answer come to her, and she took the passageway on her right.

Xierra slowed her pace even more, almost at a crawl as she passed through into this smaller cave. The only light came from the crystals shining all around her, and from the Force acting as her beacon. At utter peace, her eyes closed fully, and she relied entirely on her gifts with the Force to lead her on. There was something deep within this cave that seemed to be calling her. Whether it was the crystal that was her destiny or something else, Xierra was not sure. She was sure, though, that she would find it.

The pull was strong and her steps gathered a little more speed. The Falleen didn't feel any hostility, nor anything welcoming. Just an overwhelming sense that she needed to go there. She walked on and on, deeper and deeper. The crystals on the walls became less plentiful, and so their light diminished on her passing. Xierra did not notice, so drawn she was to this pull of the Force.

She had no idea how long she had been walking through this cave. It could have been merely an hour or weeks. Xierra had lost all track of time, so immersed in the Force as she was. But she felt she was getting closer to her goal, to whatever was calling her. Her hands were limp at her sides, the only movement the slow pumping of her legs moving her ever forward.

Xierra turned a corner and was suddenly awash with a bright light, a light brighter than anything she would have expected in the cave. Thinking it was her crystal, she opened her eyes to look, and her mouth opened in a gape as she saw what was in front of her. Yes, there were crystals; they were embedding everywhere in the walls of this little cul-de-sac cave, mostly shades of greens shining along the cave walls. Her face glowed a dark emerald enhanced by the gems.

But there was something else, someone else. Xierra almost couldn't believe it and almost dropped to her knees. The vision in front of her spoke with a smile.

I have been waiting for you.

[Jace]

Jace placed both his palm on his saber, positioning his legs slightly apart, his saber vertically upward. Ataru was one of the first forms after Shii-Cho that Jace had focused on. It was also the stance that Jace had used to defeat the Dark Jedi who had killed his master. It was the first time Jace had taken a life but the last time he had taken one in anger. He had killed after that day though, and he knew that one time was more than enough.

Jace began to slowly work his way into his training routine. His orange blade gradually picking up pace. Soon he was doing more than just slashing but also spinning, twisting, and flipping. He was now a mere blur, moving quicker than the eye could see. Then with a twirl of his saber he brought it down do his side. He used these few peaceful moments to reflect on his form and catch his breath. Ataru was taxing on the body, and not meant for prolonged combat, yet Jace slowly tried to improve his endurance with the form.

His saber was then at his side, pointing downward, his feet a shoulder width apart. Makashi was a style that was sadly becoming somewhat outdated. Though its precision and elegance was unsurpassed, it could be broken by sheer power. Later styles have slowly begun to wear away at the elegant form II. Still, Jace had used Makashi on many occasions. The use for saber to saber fighting was growing due to the many Jedi turning to the dark side. His lightsaber was once again a blur as he began to swing his blade. He moved only forward and backward, in an almost perfect line. He continued this for another ten minutes, and once again reflected on his force, taking a brief respite.

Jace began to repeat practicing both the forms again. He would do the practice of these two form, three times before switching to the other forms. It was an old habit that Jace had, which he picked up from the weaponmaster who accelerated Jace's lightsaber training. As Jace was reflecting he felt a sudden change in the Force, in the vicinity of the cave. He did not move though, for it wasn't a disturbance and seemed to have only benign intentions. He stood motionless for a few more moments before going back to his training.

[Mara]

The Force swelled around Xierra more fully than she had ever felt it before. It was almost if she was the Force itself and not merely immersed in its grasp.

"Master... what...." She stammered trying to make sense of out the vision standing in front of her. It was Master Revisc, her human master for ten years; she instantly had recognized him. But it wasn't; there was a strange glow around him. The Falleen swallowed quickly and tried to settle her skin, which had been blossoming all over the color spectrum for the last few moments.

With a deep breath she tried again, as the vision in front of her remained silent, smiling. Waiting. "Waiting for ... me, Master? How did you--" Xierra had to stop again, this time actually falling to her knees, overwhelmed. Was she dreaming all of this? Had she really come into this cave while she was awake. Part of her felt she would just wake up, back in her sparse room in the Temple, never having gone to Ilum. Never being in front of the Council and Master Beleren telling her the glowing reports sent by her master. About...

Xierra sighed from her spot on the ground and moved her legs, fitting them in a more comfortable crosslegged position before looking up at the blurry man in front of her. With more confidence this time, probably because she was no longer standing, "You said I was ready. Ready for the trials." Tears glistened in her eyes, her skin now once again changing from its normal hue to a more darker green shade. She waited for the vision to speak, to say something again. So she would know that she wasn't hallucinating. It had been a hard week after all.

Look inside of yourself, Xierra. Do you not feel ready? The ephemeral voice had a bit of amusement inside of it. Xierra could almost hear the cocked eyebrow in what Master Revisc, or the vision of Master Revisc, had said.

She broke her eyes away from his face and glanced around the cave she was in, giving herself a chance to think as well as gather her surroundings. She hadn't had much chance to look around it when she had first entered, so surprised by the figure before her. Xierra ran her dark eyes over the various crystals, wondering to herself what she really felt.

Xierra knew the figure would wait an eternity for her answer; it was the one thing that always infuriated her about her master. His extreme patience. Now she was glad for it.

The Falleen gathered the Force that surrounded her and brought it inward, searching her soul for answers to his question. Was she really ready for the trials? Did she really believe she was? Obviously others had confidence in her, but she have the same confidence in her own abilities and skills?

She closed her eyes and relaxed her body, turning even farther inward. Xierra's life flashed behind her eyelids as she relived the various milestones from her young life. Her family back on Falleen whom she barely remembered. Her arrival at the Temple and her rambunctious life as a youngling. A troublemaker to some. The lessons she had, all the things she learned with growing interest. Her advancement into the padawan ranks as Master Revisc chose her to travel with her and train her. When he taught her Ataru and honed her hand-to-hand fighting skills, to refine them. To teach her restraint and give her areas to pour all her energy into more useful areas. Her greatest fear realized as she defended her dying master. As she had to say good-bye to the being who knew her the best and try to figure out what was next for her life. Her travel back to the Temple, as her training became full circle.

All this went through her mind and more, as Xierra wondered to herself if she really was ready to take on the mantle of knighthood. She forced herself to think deeper and listen to the Force, going into deep meditation. Clearing the slate of her mind, all her thoughts and weaknesses and doubts disappeared, leaving her only with the Force.

Moments or hours later, she had no idea-her master would stand there as long as it took for her to come to a conclusion--Xierra opened her eyes and looked up at Master Revisc, her skin silent and naturally greenish gray. Without a lilt in her voice, she said steadily, "Yes, Master."

[Jace]

Jace could feel an almost ethereal presence in the Force, a small smile crept onto his face. The Force worked in mysterious ways, and still held many surprises for Jace. He wiped the perspiration off his brow, even in this cold climate he had managed to work up a sweat.

Jace paced the open lobby, to the untrained eye he might look anxious but he was nothing of the sort. He tended to go for a walk after his training but he would rather not go outside, so he paced inside instead. Even though Jace was still technically far away from that planet, he was much closer in relation to being on Coruscant. Memories from that day flashed through his mind; he could still feel the harshness of the climate on his face. That trip had pushed Jace to his mental limits. He had faced countless foes, but none compared to the darkness within.

Jace strongly believed that the darkside was not some external force. There was the Force, and the Force did not take sides, it was the people that took sides. A Force push may be used to push someone off a building, or push them out of harms way. The Force hasn't changed...two different types of Forces weren't used there. No. It was the intention being the use of the Force, that made an act light or dark.

Yet that trial in Korriban had led Jace to be stronger, in will, then he had ever been. He was in the heart of darkness, it tried to seduce him, and he rejected it. He knew he had not rejected it for good, for the tempation of the darkside was ever present.

He suddenly stopped his thought process, it was becoming erratic. He had already thought upon the events at Korriban many a time. It was rare for Jace to get worked up, and his thoughts to get erratic. His survival as a Shadow largely depended on keeping a cool head, and calm demeanor. Somehow, whenever his thoughts rested on his trip to Korriban, this changed.

He pushed those thoughts aside, and began to focus on the present and future rather than the past.

[Mara]

"Yes," she repeated. "I am ready. I finally see what you see in me, Master, and what the Council sees in me." Xierra smiled at the blueish vision standing in front of her, looking up from her sitting position on the cave floor. "I suppose I was hiding from it, but the Force doesn't keep any secrets." She chuckled, feeling the Force ebbing around her and splashing off the cave walls and the crystals. "Sounds like something you would say..."

Still, though, the visage remained quiet. The Falleen began to wonder if she was imagining it, but no, a smile slowly broke over its face as well. Xierra grinned back at him, glad that she could please her master just one more time. Overjoyed that he was proud of her. Now all she had left to do to feel at peace and become a Knight would be to find her crystal. Which was the reason she had come to this cave, only to find her dead master instead. The Force indeed did work in mysterious ways.

Now, then, I believe you have some work to do. Master Revisc gestured around the crystal cave. Somewhere in here lies your destiny. But it may not be where you would expect. May the Force be with you, young one. Always. With his last words, the vision slowly faded, leaving only the back of the cave wall.

Too busy trying to absorb his words and the obvious puzzle within them, she reached out too late, trying in vain to grasp at her master. But he was gone, gone into the Force. Xierra opened herself more to the Force, closing her eyes, but she could not feel anything that was inherently her master's presence. Just the general presence of the Force and of Master Beleren and others within the caves and temple.

She opened her eyes and glanced around the cave, wondering why he had meant. It was obvious that his sense of humor and love of enigmas to help teach her did not leave him when he became one with the Force. Here was yet another multi-faceted lesson for her. Not where I expect? But all the crystals are attached to the cave...

Restless, Xierra stood up and paced around the small cave that was now much darker without the blue visage of her master lighting up the crystals and the walls. There was only a dim light coming from the crystals themselves. She kept herself open to the Force, waiting for one of the crystals to speak to her or to wave a giant sign or something.

[Jace]

Jace wasn't sure how long he had been pacing but it must have been awhile for his legs hurt. He could have easily dispelled the discomfort with a quick technique but decided against it. It made him feel more alive, so rather than use a technique, he just sat back down on the floor. The tension on his legs was instantly reduced, and he breathed in an out slowly three times.

Jace closed his eyes, and once again let his mind clear itself. He first made sure he could clearly sense Xierra and the others. He then sensed the area around him, a precaution to make sure nothing malicious was about. This of course was not full-proof for one could mask their presence in the Force, but Jace wasn't worried. Jace's thoughts stretched throughout the galaxy, he focused on the Outer-Rim. Jace couldn't be sure, be he sensed that a battle ensued over there.

Maybe the Sith Empire has made its move. Maybe it is a group of rebels. It is too far away to tell, but I will surely hear about it soon enough.

Things were now in motion, Jace could sense it. He of course couldn't tell what specifically but he knew. The galaxy would be in transition soon; a change from peace to turmoil. Jace had had visions of the future, or atleast of one future. He knew the future constantly changed based on what happened in the present. Visions of the future were dangerous things, the inexperienced in such matters tended to react to what they see.

Jace had been having a recurring vision of late; he was certain it was no dream. It was simply a Jedi or possibly Dark Jedi in shadow. He assumed it was one or the other because this shadow of a person had a lightsaber. Even though his lightsaber was ignited, its light did not reveal the person. Jace had found this little fact to be quite ominous.

A light that could not penetrate the shadow. I may have a powerful foe in my future...

[Mara]

Somewhere in here lies your destiny. But it may not be where you would expect.

Xierra was still puzzling over her master's latest teaching as she stared at the cave walls surrounding her. The crystals washing her with a soft, mostly green glow. What did Master Revisc mean, that it wasn't where she would expect it? Was her crystal not in this particular cave? Maybe she needed to leave this one and attend to the many other caves and pathways.

She stopped her aimless pacing and was about to leave her cave, when a thought came to her. If her crystal wasn't here, why would her master lead her so obviously to this one? The Force had led her here. But where was the crystal? Frustrated, she fell to the ground and wrapped her arms around her legs. She was getting nowhere. What would Master Beleren say? Xierra sighed to herself but kept herself open to the Force. Just in case her crystal magically appeared in front of her.

A little uncomfortable, she moved her legs to get into a crosslegged position once again, but this time she heard a soft clink. Her lightsaber! Xierra fumbled underneath her heavy cloack and pulled it out, gazing over its plain but beautiful features embedded in the hilt. The one Master Revisc had given her to use when he took her as his padawan. Not quite a training saber--it was full-powered--but also not quite up to the standards of a Jedi Knight of the Republic, either.

Xierra sighed. Reaching inside again, she pulled out the dark hilt of her fallen master, comparing it to her own. So alike yet so different. They were both lightsabers formed by Jedi, but they both served so different purposes. One had a light green blade, the other a dark blue.

She studied them while thinking of her master's latest puzzle. Her answer couldn't lie in these completely sabers, surely not. Part of the reason she was here at the temple on Ilum was to construct her own personally unique lightsaber. To find her own crystal. It would be cheating to just tell Master Beleren, after hours spent in this cave, that she just wanted to use the lightsaber given to her. Or to use her old master's saber, which she would never do. That blue-bladed dark lightsaber belonged in the Jedi Archives back on Coruscant with the other artifacts. No, she was obviously missing something.

Pulling away her robe, she tucked away her master's saber and was about to do the same with her own, when she noticed an aura around it, something she didn't notice earlier with both hilts in her hands, the crystals blocking each other. What was the Force drawing her to, and why her own lightsaber? It had to be something with her crystal, she thought, otherwise she would have felt the Force surround her lightsaber many times earlier. Xierra turned it around in her hands, peering at it, trying to figure out the origin of the Force call.

Somewhere in here lies your destiny. But it may not be where you would expect.

Feeling a spark of an idea, Xierra placed her fingers around the hilt at different pressure points until finally it opened up to her touch. She pulled off pieces of it until she got to where the crystal lay. Gently, she grasped it and lay it in the palm of her hand. The warmth from the small green crystal was unbelievable to her. The power emanating from it. Was this the crystal she was to use? Was it calling her?

She melded her mind into the Force, trying to focus on the Force presence within the crystal, to almost talk to the crystal, asking it if it was the one. The Force poured from her into the crystal and back out of the crystal into Xierra. There was definitely a message here, if only she could read it.

Moments passed, maybe an hour or two, she didn't know, but Xierra finally opened her eyes. She couldn't say for sure, but what she did know was that the Force wanted her to use the crystal Master Revisc had put in her first lightsaber. And was meant to use it to build her own hilt around it. She gathered up the pieces of her lightsaber and put it back together the best she could, leaving out the crystal. That she needed to save for later and she pocketed it inside her cloak near her heart. Staring at the now lifeless lightsaber hilt, she wasn't sure what to do with it; the Force nor her fallen master had told her that. Not wanting to litter in the cave, she decided to take it with her. Perhaps Master Beleren would know what to do.

Suddenly hungry, not knowing how long it had been she she last ate, or since she had come to this planet, she stood up. Xierra patted her chest where the small green crystal lay in an inner pocket. Finally, she would be ready for the next step in her journey towards knighthood. Bowing at the cave for taking care of her and wrapping the Force around her, she turned and made her way out of the small cul-de-sac cave and back into the larger tunnels.

[Jace]

Jace realized that he was focusing too much on this cloaked figure. He should focus on the present rather that what may occur. He sat there for many minutes, maybe even hours. He wasn't meditating, reflecting, or contemplating...he just sat there. Once every so often it was good to think of nothing...no that wasn't right...it was good to not think of anything.

Jace's thoughts slowly came back to them, now he could understand them more clearly. He didn't have to search the clutter of his mind, for they appeared one by one returning to it. He saw things that had been,that were, and that would be. Once again Jace saw darkness from the past and the present. Jace didn't fear the darkness, but respected it in a way, for it was the most formidable of all foes. If one does not respect their enemy, then they have already lost.

Jace suddenly felt a large wave of calm and satisfaction from the direction of the cave.

Ahhh it looks like someone has found what they are looking for

He thought maybe he would go over to the cave, but then figured he would wait here. Constructing the lightsaber inside would be much more comfortable.


(Blargh not very inspired...but meh whatever:p)

[Mara]

Xierra finally reentered the temple area after making her way through the maze-like caves of Ilum. Her hungry had mostly dissolved with her further anticipation of completing her first step in becoming a full Knight--finding her own crystal. Or, rather, her crystal had found her, put in her lightsaber by her former master and waiting idly by for this moment. At least, that is what Xierra wanted to believe. Why her master led her to a cave to be alone with her and speak to her again from the ethereal plane of the Force. To teach her one more time with one more puzzle.

She couldn't help but smile to herself as she thought about the time spent in the cave. Though he wasn't a physical being, it was still great to communicate with him, even for a short time. The time was bittersweet, though, because she knew he could not stay with her forever. But at least she got the most out of his brief visit. Xierra would never forget this moment in her life; a memory that would stand out among all the others.

Inside the temple proper, she brought out her awareness, looking around for Master Beleren. The young Falleen needed to report to him for further instructions. Xierra just hoped that he wouldn't be disappointed in the fact that she did not find a new crystal, but was rather going to use the one her master had given her. The only thing she did know for sure was that he wanted her to use this one and the Force had led her to this conclusion as well. She only need now build the hilt to rest the crystal inside of. Xierra would use this crystal to its fullest potential.

Seeing Master Beleren sitting up ahead, Xierra slowed her steps as she approached. She stopped a few paces from him and bowed her head slightly, knowing that the Force would be conveying all he needed to know without any words from her. Folding her legs beneath her, she joined the human Jedi Master on the temple floor, immersing herself fully into the Force, letting it envelop her and waited.

[Jace]

Jace sensed as Xierra entered the temple, he remained still as she sat on the floor near him. He felt her immerse herself in the Force, as she calmed herself. This was a truer more purer way of communication, and frequently used by Jedi.

"I sense you have found what you were looking for" he said softly, his eyes remaining closed.

He sat there, unsure of how many minutes had past, not uttering another word. The Force was emanating strongly from both of them, Jace sensed Xierra's resolve. The Force could tell one so much about what another was thinking. People mistook it for mind-reading but it was more of reading the others emotions.

"You have completed the first step, now we must on to the next" He finally said. "Immersion in the Force is key when building ones lightsaber. Your surroundings will disappear, and it will only be your essence and that of your lightsaber.

Integration between all the parts and the crystal is essential. You must believe and you must also be perceptive. You will know when your lightsaber is ready, so do not falter. You will find all the necessary parts aside from the crystal in front of you"

Jace paused after giving his final instruction, making sure she fully understood what he said. A box not too far away from them, floated serenely over and rested in front of Xierra without a sound. This box held all the necessary parts for lightsaber construction, which Jace had brought from the ship.

"The crystal is the heart of the blade. The heart is the crystal of the Jedi. The Jedi is the crystal of the Force. The Force is the blade of the heart. All are intertwined: the crystal, the blade, the Jedi. You are one." He said as his voice slowly faded from the external world.

It is what his Master had told him, and a mantra he had believed to the core. It was he always told others when he was instructing lightsaber construction.

[Mara]

Feeling no response was needed, Xierra merely bowed her head, her hair making a black halo around her. She closed her eyes, bringing herself even closer to the Force. Yes, she had found what she needed and could feel the crystal's power vibrating near her heart. Whether it was a physical vibrating or just its life within the Force, that was something of a gray line. The important was that she was ready and that Master Beleren knew it as well. And so did Master Revisc.

The young Falleen was eager to start on her lightsaber construction but pulled on the Force to calm herself. This was not a time to rush. She needed her utmost concentration and hold of the Force to construct the many working parts of her new lightsaber. Parts she had only gotten a glimpse of when removing the crystal from her old hilt.

Xierra absorbed the master's next teaching and looked to the box. She didn't need to open her eyes to feel the location and contents of the construction materials. There was something about them that told her what their purpose was. They were not calling to her, but she could still feel the power surrounding them.

She repeated the mantra to herself, letting the words take herself ever deeper within the confines of the Force with every letter. The crystal is the heart of the blade. The heart is the crystal of the Jedi. The Jedi is the crystal of the Force. The Force is the blade of the heart. All are intertwined: the crystal, the blade, the Jedi. You are one. With each successive sentence, she lost more of her surroundings and very soon it was just her and the box; even the temple had disappeared from her awareness, so immersed she was in the Force.

Xierra moved her hand and waved it over the box, opening it to reveal its contents. Then she reached into her cloak to pull out her own deadened lightsaber hilt. She couldn't understand why she did it, only that the Force was pushing her in that direction. On some level she thought that she could use a mixture of the parts to create a wholly unique lightsaber. Her lightsaber.

Slowly she reached again into her cloak, this time higher, and pulled out the crystal she had taken from her original lightsaber. Eyes still closed, she held it between forefinger and thumb, concentrating on the crystal itself, speaking to it via the Force. Xierra knew the crystal had more to tell her, and she was willing to listen.

[Jace]

Jace waited until Xierra had fully immersed herself in the Force, until he moved. He got up in one swift yet serene movement, and began to walk away soundlessly. She needed the space,even though she probably didn't even know he had moved. He walked up at a flight of stairs off to the right of the expansive room. He ascended it and found himself in another lobby of sorts, with a balcony overlooking the open area. He could see Xierra clearly from up here, he could see the Force radiating around her.

Jace turned back and walked over to the open lobby that was behind him. It was pretty much devoid of furniture except for the scarce chair or two. He walked to the center and sat down cross legged, just as he had done earlier. Some of the younger Jedi always wondered how and why the older members meditated so much. In truth, Jace felt that he didn't get enough time to meditate, there were just so many things to deliberate on.

Jace once again sent his consciousness out through the galaxy, passing over planets and beings alike. He still sensed the conflict in the Outer Rim, he would be needed back on Coruscant soon, of that he was sure. He still could not pinpoint what exactly was happening, but he had a couple of guesses. There was so much conflict in the galaxy; he would have preferred if things were in peace. He lived in the real world though, and he knew that ending conflict,hatred, the darkside were not universally attainable goals.

[Mara]

Very slowly, Xierra worked meticulously as she fashioned her lightsaber. Each small part looked insignificant on its own but would have a big role to play once put together with the rest. The partially finished pieces in her hand looked nothing like the lightsaber they would eventually grow to become. Eyes still closed, she had the blueprints in her mind, resting against the inside of her eyelids. She didn't know where the idea came from or how it came to be, but she just inherently knew that that was how her own lightsaber was supposed to look like.

She had completely torn apart her previously lightsaber, and its parts were mixed in with the ones Master Beleren had provided her, all laying around her in a fan shape as she sat crosslegged. Deeply embedded in the Force, it provided her with the insight she needed of which parts to attach next. Sometimes attaching with her own fingers and hands, sometimes using the Force to attach the most delicately small pieces. Without the Force, Xierra would have never been able to put this lightsaber together. It was like having a third and fourth hand. And a fifth, in some cases with some really intricate work.

The Falleen continued building the lightsaber, completely oblivious to everything around her, only acknowledging the Force that surrounded her and the lightsaber parts spread in front of her. Slowly but surely, the pieces were coming together. Slowly, the mangled mess in her hands was being to resemble the weapon it was turning into, though she was only about halfway with the creation.

[Jace]

Jace had fallen into a Jedi trance, almost in the same way that Xierra had done. He was only vaguely aware of his surroundings; he knew they were safe here. He couldn't say the same thing for many of the places in the galaxy anymore. It was only a short while ago when the Sith Empire attacked and occupied Dantooine. There was nothing that could have been done; the Jedi were not omniscient.

Jace's mind suddenly focused on a figure but then it was suddenly blurred. This was not the first time that such things had occurred; the Force was directing him towards something. He was sometimes able to see what it was, but many a time it was out of focus. These were the ones who noted carefully, for he believed the held dark portents. His mind was suddenly thrown into darkness, one that could not be pierced.

Suddenly laughter filled the area, echoing, almost as if someone was speaking into his ear. It wasn't any normal laughter though, it was a cruel twisted laugh, and then he heard it...

Ahh so this is the weak one, the one who let his master die the persecution was heavy in the voice.

look at him, how pathetic, even his thoughts betray him...He is a member of their council? to think the Jedi would have fallen to such a level. the voice continued on.

Jace willed himself to remain calm, but he was hard pressed. He knew this was not reality, that this was not really happening. He had never had these encounters until he visited Korriban. Jace should have known he could not travel there and remain untainted. Jace was stronger than this, he would not be submit to these visions. He channeled his frustration away from him, and a wave of peace flowed through him.

Begone fiend, leave my thoughts, I have important things to deal with. his voice was strong and commanding, it demand respect.

So be it creton, but we are not done... the voice said as it faded away, and Jace could sense truth in it.