Endor
New Rebel Alliance
"No man is good enough to be another's master."
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Post by Endor on Sept 20, 2024 6:33:16 GMT -8
"RRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!" Endor roared, only for it to turn into... "Wha..." And then... "Ooophf!" As the next thing the General knew, the twi'lek was swinging off his arm and twisting around his neck like a kowakian monkey lizard with a nose full of spice, the maneuver using the burly former woodsman's own forward momentum against him. Thrown forwards, Endor landed flat on the sparring mat with his back, briefly knocking the wind out of his sails as he let out a winded breath. He lay there for a moment, staring up at the ceiling, blinking a few times to clear the flying ewoks from his vision. What the heck just happened? Oh, right. He was fighting another Jedi and not some heavily armoured Imperial thug of the First Order. The sort of Corellian cantina brawler style tactics that the Rebels made effective use of against stormtroopers weren't going to work against an agile Jedi. If he didn't want to embarrass himself, he would have to change up his style. Slowly the grizzled General sat up, taking a moment to smooth his bedraggled beard before putting a hand on his knee and casually climbing back to his feet. He looked across the sparring mat as Xabi, who was looking quite pleased with herself after scoring a quick first point. A bushy brow lifted over Endor's right eye as he met her eye. "Luck." He said, as if that explained it all. It didn't, but it made the bump he had just taken more palatable.
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Xabi Choi
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Affiliation: Jedi Order
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Post by Xabi Choi on Sept 20, 2024 18:28:21 GMT -8
Xabi's smirk returned as she stood from where she had rolled off Endor's shoulders. She shook herself and quickly flexed out her arms to the side as if reloading them and brought them up to a ready position. She rolled exaggeratedly rolled her eyes at Endor's decree of her point being scored because of 'luck.' That's the problem with Corellians: It's always "Oh I was lucky," or "oooo you were so lucky." It's never about if you're good enough. So, Master, show me how good you are. It was obvious how confident Xabi was feeling after her initial take down of Endor. But she knew better than to think she'd be able to pull off the same move again, or that he would come at her the same way. No, for as big of a beater Endor seemed to be, he wasn't dumb. Xabi just needed to make sure she could put up a good showing in this next round, and then she'd be more than ready to face him with a saber. With a flip of her head, Xabi flung her lekku back over her shoulders and then motioned for Endor to come at her again.Tamiyo gave a soft round of applause at the take down, but she saw how confident and cocky that had made Xabi. It was maybe time to humble her former student. And so, she let the Battle Meditation fade to nearly nothing, no longer assisting the agile Twi'lek. She was proud of the Knight, and how expertly she had executed that take down maneuver. Knowing that Xabi was strong and willful, there are just some opponents, like Endor, that could not be overcome with strength and power alone. So Tamiyo had taught Xabi to be light on her feet, and to fight with guile. She was proud to see the lessons taken to heart. Tamiyo however, did not teach her student how to trash talk like that. That was all Xabi.
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Endor
New Rebel Alliance
"No man is good enough to be another's master."
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Affiliation: New Rebel Alliance (NRA)
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Post by Endor on Sept 26, 2024 6:01:09 GMT -8
"Ha!" Barked Endor, pleasantly surprised by the brass set of Death Stars on the young twi'lek Jedi. "I didn't realize I'd be defending Corellia's honour today, but..." He paused long enough to run his weather worn fingers through his beard as he often did when in contemplation. "...if you insist, I suppose I don't have much choice. Just remember one thing." The Rebel General spread his legs wide and bent his knees at nearly a 90 degree angle, dropping down into a sumo stance facing towards his opponent, with his hands resting on the tops of his knees. "You asked for this." He finished with a wink, then sucked in a deep breath of sweat stinking training room air, filling his lungs to their max capacity. Slowly he exhaled, a long frigid breath, as though he had captured the winds of Hoth in his chest. Anger, irritation, wounded pride...it all faded away, replaced by calm serenity. His exhaled breath became a breeze that continued across the room, circling it in a cooling rush, invisible to the naked eye but easily felt upon their exposed flesh. That breeze pressed against Endor's back as it inevitably looped back towards him, catching under his arms and making his entire body feel light as a leaf on the wind. Likewise, as the wind pressed against Endor and slipped past his broad shouldered body, it was manipulated by the old forest druid in such a way to press towards Xabi's front to form a mild resistance.
When he was ready, Endor slid his right leg back and went up on his toes, allowing the breeze at his back to catch against the now exposed soles of his boots. Then he sprang into action, hurtling towards the twi'lek Knight as less of a bear and more of a runaway hover-train, clearing the distance between them in a single stride. He didn't try to punch, he didn't try to kick, he didn't even try to grab hold of her. Instead, he kept it simple, just like him. Keeping his arms tucked in towards his chest, the forwards springing freedom fighter lowered his posture and attempted to drive his right shoulder into Xabi and bulldoze her off her nimble feet, all the while aided by the wind.
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Xabi Choi
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Affiliation: Jedi Order
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Post by Xabi Choi on Sept 30, 2024 14:35:56 GMT -8
Xabi, whose smile had indeed reached the level of 'shit-eating,' quickly faded as she saw Endor hurtling towards her like a rock he had thrown himself. A little shocked and taken aback by the move, the twi'lek noticed all too late that she was being slowed down by the very air around her. While she managed to dodge to the side enough to evade the boulder-formerly-known-as-Endor hitting center of mass, their shoulders still collided. A grunt as she was sent spinning to the side, but still able to find her feet. She shrugs and rotates her shoulder, good, not dislocated. Seemed this old hairy man still had a few tricks, not just brawn up in that red head of his. Xabi focused again, needing to counteract the slowing effect around her, she channels the force into granting her Speed. She closes the distance on the now far more nimble Endor and starts to strike, aiming specifically for the known human pressure points. The taunting had stopped, she was all business now, still eager to show Endor how good she is.
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Endor
New Rebel Alliance
"No man is good enough to be another's master."
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Post by Endor on Oct 10, 2024 15:41:35 GMT -8
Whatever momentary reprieve his shoulder check earned him, it was short lived, because seconds later Xabi was back at him like a kowakian monkey lizard with a snozzle full of spice. Her speed was impressive and immediately put Endor on the defensive, forcing him to back peddle and give ground with each exchange of blows, which with a bit of help from the wind he was just able to meet with a block or deflection. Even so, it couldn't last for long, as he risked a quick glance over his shoulder and saw that he was being backed up towards the training room wall. While they hadn't established boundaries, the General was sport enough to consider that out of bounds, thus knew he had to do something to avoid stepping out of the ring. As he blocked the last few sequence of strikes, he waited for a pause as the young twi'lek prepared to throw herself into the next attack, then sprang into action at last second. Their hands and feet had been moving so fast they presented little more image than a blur, so when that opening came it seemed as though the two were briefly caught in a moment frozen in time, before reality sped right back up. Endor dropped his right hand to his side and released a pent up surge of Force energy in the form of a gust that propelled his body to the side, sliding across the sparring mat on the tips of his toes without ever taking a step, until the kinetic force behind the expenditure of power was spent and his heels dropped back to the floor, arrested his sideways slide.
It gained him a few feet of clearance between them, enough this time to raise his guard, as he bladed his stance and held his fists in a boxers stance out in front of his bushy bearded face. A beard that like his greasy mane of hair, was as brown as the bark on the redwood trees of the Forest Moon, despite rumours to the contrary. Before Xabi had time to close the distance, Endor raised his right knee up to his chest, then thrust his heel out towards the recently elevated Jedi Knight's chest in a stiff side kick.
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Katja Eve
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Affiliation: New Rebel Alliance (NRA)
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Post by Katja Eve on Oct 10, 2024 18:39:41 GMT -8
Katja stayed well on the side lines whilst observing both Xabi and Tamiyo. Honestly, she would have happily lent Xabi some help if only to teach Endor a little bit of humility, but there was little and less she could do since she was not Force Sensitive like her crew mates. But she at least got a good show as the pair of Jedi in the ring faced off one another. Knowing their potential new recruits strengths and weaknesses would help with best determining where they would be the most useful to the Rebel Cause, especially for the battle on Mon Cala. They just needed to see how good both women could swim next... Perhaps she needed to figure out a reason to get them both into a pool...
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Dalo
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Finding the Balance...
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Post by Dalo on Oct 12, 2024 6:05:13 GMT -8
Dalo entered the training with and scanned the surroundings in awe. They did a very good job in constructing what he's seen so far of this new Temple, or at least new to him. Ten years is a long time and when he thought of missing all of this gave him a small degree of guilt for being absent for it. Alas, the Force has an interesting effect of life's many pathways and he regretted very little. Dalo wouldn't be the young man he is now if he hadn't chose to leave with the pirates and vagabonds who found him aimlessly and recklessly searching for a way out, to get as far away from the Chaos conflict as he could. He was only 10 at that time mind you so it could be found to be understandable to want to leave it all behind and start something fresh and new. To forget.
Dalo dropped the crystals off in a spot he could guess the best to be a workshop or storage. These crystals were purposed for new training sabers after all that Jair had 'hired' him to help deliver. His part in this was done, but a part of him felt like this was not over for him. The Force vibrated in him, a sense of calm and curiosity took over him as he watched whoever may be training at the time, or simply studying the architecture of the room. Flashes of memories of his own training sometimes slipped through into his mind, clear to him that the Force wanted him to see, to feel with opens eyes and mind and heart. It was trying to convince him of something he never believed in him himself. Dalo stayed in this state as he awaited for Jair to relieve him.
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Jair Crawford
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Post by Jair Crawford on Oct 12, 2024 10:31:01 GMT -8
***Before Current Felucia Time***
Jair did a quick count of the crystals Dalo had dropped in the supply area. Once he had a count on them, he went to one of the training wing computer consoles and entered them in. Jair figured Aerandir would appreciate less "paperwork", as Raven would have called it. Once he had taken care of that, he caught back up with Dalo where he was standing and observing the goings on.
"What's on your mind?" Jair asked him, somewhat curiously, yet still quite casually.
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Dalo
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Post by Dalo on Oct 12, 2024 11:23:47 GMT -8
Dalo looked at Jair contently as he answered. "Heck of a place you guys got here. Who are your engineers? And what did this set you back?"
He knew that was not exactly what Jair was looking for but Dalo was slightly hesitant on whether or not he should ask what he should be asking. Another part of him wasn't sure if he really wanted it. Sure, the Force was with him and he was one with the Force but aren't all things? He made it this far without too much help in the physical means but deep inside, Dalo knew this was the plan that the Force guided him to.
"What happens now, old friend?"
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Jair Crawford
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Post by Jair Crawford on Oct 12, 2024 11:39:05 GMT -8
***Before Current Felucia Time***
The darkness that once permeated and ravaged the planet the last time Dalo was on Felucia, was gone. The sense of tranquility and harmony between the Force, the Jedi, and the planet itself would be much more tangible now than it ever was during his time on Felucia during the Chaos Wars.
Jair pondered his question, but in truth, it was the High Council that took care of the vast majority of the contract work at the time. Jair hadn't been helping out with the infamous "paperwork" quite yet at that point. "I'd honestly probably have to ask Aerandir. I wasn't looking at any of the numbers at the time of construction."
"What happens now?" Jair turned to Dalo, but pondered on the question for just a moment before speaking. "I think ... only you can answer that question. What is the Force speaking to you? Where do its currents tug?" He wouldn't press it any further than that for the moment. Dalo did not have to make any big decisions right now. All Jair wanted to see was for him to be mindful of the Force in this moment.
"You can stay as long as you need a place to stay. You don't have to make any decisions right now. But in the meantime, if you want to go ahead and put that new crystal in your lightsaber, this is the perfect place to do it." Jair suggested with a smile.
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Dalo
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Post by Dalo on Oct 12, 2024 13:01:53 GMT -8
Dalo smiled genuinely, knowing Jair would say something cryptic like that. Honestly, it was one of his favorite things Dalo liked about the fossil. "The Force hasn't said anything to me since we found my crystals in the caves on Dantooine. But yet when I focus my thoughts on this place it seems...right. Nothing like the last time I was here, almost as if it never happened."
Dalo took out his 3 crystals that the Force specifically lead him to and sat on the floor with them separated out in front of him. From another pouch, Dalo took out a housing unit for a lightsaber, focusing lens and emitter. With these laid out in front of him, Dalo closed his eyes and breathed slowly and deeply. "Lets see if I still know how to do this." Dalo chuckled with a hint of nervousness. He relaxed completely over the span of a few minutes despite it feeling like more, and he gave himself completely to the Force.
He could see the familiar glowing mist that lead him to his crystal. The Force slowly revealed the space in front of him through the Force's eyes. The source crystal that was meant just for him glowed a fantastic blue, strong in conviction as if it was justice reincarnate. The other two crystals were just synthesizers, almost like focusing crystals to help bring through Dalo's Force signature through his blade once he turns it on for the first time. With the Force's guidance, Dalo slowly suspended the housing in the air to position it for assembly. Then came the emitter and the focusing lens. The smaller two crystals slide perfectly into place and Dalo exhaled with relief, despite the trickier part was yet to come. The source crystal, beaming with anticipation, spun and tilted into place with little to no issues and everything seemed to sing as this happened. Dalo hoped it was the right song and began to enclose the rest of the hilt before gently placing it in his hands.
Dalo opened his eyes to inspect his new hilt. This one was pure, and simple. The fine metal shone beautifully reflecting the rooms light around it. It still had a bit of a curve at the end to accommodate his fighting style but there was no markings like his training saber of old he kept safely stored away now for keepsake. This one was cold to the touch but it felt good in his hands, better than he expected. He activated the switch and the blade shot out truer than the finest blades known to the galaxies prestigious craftsmen. It was a deep, spectacular blue, with the outlining a lighter that seemed to match the color of his eyes perfectly. Dalo stood, staring in awe but also proud. Proud that the Force deemed him worthy of such a gift. He smiled as he turned his gaze to Jair.
"Freaking awesome.."
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Jair Crawford
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Post by Jair Crawford on Oct 12, 2024 13:48:03 GMT -8
***Before Current Felucia Time***
Jair observed the blade curiously as he watched Dalo activate it. Seeing a new lightsaber emit its color for the first time was something that would never get old to Jair, no matter how many times he would witness it. Interesting. It appeared to somehow be both a light, yet deep blue. Blue certainly suited Dalo.
"Blue!" Jair said, somewhat excitedly. "My second saber is also blue. It still carries the same Ankkares Sapphires I obtained from them many many years ago. I find it useful if I ever need to go into a bit of Jar'Kai, or if for some reason the orange is too confusing for some people, and they assume I'm some sort of Sith or Dark Jedi." Jair rolled his eyes with a bit of a smirk at the thought. It had happened on a couple of occasions.
"You seem to have remembered how to assemble it very well!" Jair was rather impressed.
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Dalo
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Post by Dalo on Oct 12, 2024 14:10:07 GMT -8
Dalo laughed excitedly as he deactivated his saber and holstered it in a more prioritizing position on his belt, displaying it with pride. " Surprised me too, but nothing is impossible with the Force so it seems. As for the colors, I like the badge of office that comes with it. I could care less of the opinions and rumors of others. How you act reflects someone's true nature." Dalo spoke trying to be as encouraging as he could.
Dalo's crystal indicated he would be best suited as defender of the people. To bring justice with each swing, or not, at a time. He liked the thought of that. The desire to protect others was always hardwired into his personality. "The Force is wise indeed. Seems to know me better than myself. I think it wants me to help bring justice to the galaxy and protect those who cannot protect themselves. But how do I protect people from myself, potentially?" Dalo asked sincerely.
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Jair Crawford
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Post by Jair Crawford on Oct 12, 2024 14:36:58 GMT -8
***Before Current Felucia Time***
Jair looked at Dalo quizzically for a brief moment before it dawned on him what he was asking about. Then, his brows arched in recognition. Of course, Dalo spoke of being a Jedi Guardian. Impressive. He remembered his Jedi history lessons very well too.
"Well... truth be told, my philosophy is a bit different from the ancient traditions when it comes to lightsaber colors and what they mean." Jair explained, but in a rather gentle, casual manner. "However, I do not reject the old traditions either." Jair clarified, as he looked down at his own saber hilts, and then over to Dalos.
"If the tradition of a Jedi Guardian is what the Force is calling of you, then that is what you will be. But know that the Order no longer requires such strict designations. And if you are a Guardian, it is solely due to the call of the Force, and not simply because your lightsaber happens to be blue." Jair said with a smile.
Dalos last question was yet another deep, and serious one. Though this time Jair would answer a bit light-heartedly at first, with a chuckle. "Well, the cliche Jedi answer would be, 'meditate more'. 'Meditate on the light'. 'Practice calmness of the mind'. And all of those are the correct answer..." But Jair's expression grew a bit more solemn, though not in a negative way, but merely to emphasize the importance of what he was about to say next. "But I don't think you'll have much difficulty doing those things. Again, I sense that, the real work for you, will be learning how to forgive yourself."
He had said it once before, but for Dalo, he sensed that this was the key. Dalo just put together a lightsaber with ease. He used the Force naturally in battle earlier. He probably already knew how to meditate. it would not take him too long at all learn how to meditate in the Light. But learning to forgive himself... yes. That would be key.
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Dalo
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Post by Dalo on Oct 12, 2024 14:52:43 GMT -8
Dalo grinned, "I might have swiped a few lessons or two before I left to learn off of while I was away." He chuckled nervously, a little ashamed of the behavior but it wasn't without it's rewards clearly.
Dalo listened closely to Jair's advice and nodded with understanding. Then he spoke with all the truth he had in his heart, " I'm only 20, and the ways of the Force are still widely unknown to me. But from what I remember of your teachings and texts I have read, I believe I'm correct in saying this IS the will of the Force. However, I have not the training nor mentorship yet to grasp such a calling, though it is my strong desire to do so and do it well enough to make a difference."
This next process Jair guided him in was going to be the toughest lesson of all, and Dalo feared this is what could break him should he let it. "Forgiveness...Masters have the utmost difficulties with this. How would I stand to such a task? But you have my word that I WILL meditate on his thoroughly." Dalo breathed deeply, looking at Jair with gratitude in his eyes. Grateful they would each other when they did, and appreciated the guidance of the Force.
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Jair Crawford
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Post by Jair Crawford on Oct 12, 2024 15:06:31 GMT -8
***Before Current Felucia Time***
"How would I stand to such a task?" Truth be told, these were all great questions. It was a legitimate question, but not one so easily explained. Jair pondered for a moment, trusting in his intuition and leaning into the Force, before speaking once again. "The first thing you should do, is change entirely how you approach this. Do not look at the task of learning how to forgive yourself as if it's some insurmountable mountain looming ahead of you, because it is not. Rather, it is but the path set before you."
Dalo promised to meditate on this specific thing, and Jair nodded with a reassuring smile, but he also continued to reiterate. "Make your meditations on this matter a part of your life. A lifestyle. A common practice. That way you will learn to walk through the process, not fight through it." Jair paused for a moment again. There would still be difficult moments, most likely.
"If you do become distressed at times during the process, pause. Meditate on other things. Remember, the Light of the Force is your friend, and greatest ally. There is never a wrong time to calm the mind."
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Dalo
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Post by Dalo on Oct 12, 2024 15:22:52 GMT -8
Dalo smiled again finding himself taking in Jair's wisdom once more and it rooted in him like one of the great trees of Kashyyyk. "You are the wisest person I know, Master Crawford. Thank you for your continued time and effort." Dalo meant that with every fiber of his being. The joy in his heart could be felt through the expression on his face and aura in the Force. Jair radiated truth and it was infectious like a pathogen.
"If there's nothing else until we could speak with the council, I would like to meditate on this now for the moment and put your guidance to action if you don't mind. Unless there's something more exciting planned in your day?" Dalo winked as he clearly jested with Jair.
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Jair Crawford
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Post by Jair Crawford on Oct 12, 2024 17:18:00 GMT -8
***Before Current Felucia Time***
Jair thought for a moment... "I don't think Aerandir would have any issues, honestly. These days I usually just consult directly with him." Jair explained. The council had been dispersed around the galaxy of late. But it did not worry Jair. This was a time of relative peace for the Jedi. And that was a good thing. "But I do think meditating is a good idea for sure. I might do some myself here soon."
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Dalo
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Post by Dalo on Oct 12, 2024 19:53:50 GMT -8
Dalo sat with his legs crossed on the floor and looked at Jair, inviting him to the space across from him with a wave of his hand. "Join me then?" he said with a smile. Dalo closed his eyes and focused on his breathing, steadily getting deeper, slower and longer with each exhale. The Force surrounded him like a blanket, and he felt some comfort in that. He could feel the Force pull him all around, towards the walls, the ceiling and the floor like everything needed his attention for some reason. So Dalo focused on Jair's words that were spoken earlier, and the sensation lessened and indicated Jair's presence as his focus. Very faintly, something whispered in his mind, Master...
Dalo knew what he must do now. To pick up the pieces and continue what he started so very long ago. This gave him mostly relief but some worry as well. He did not want to fail and he did not want to disappoint Jair if things didn't go the way he, or the Force, foreseen them to. He tried to shake these doubts and fixated on the forgiveness his reoccurring Master had so wisely lectured about. Forgiveness for others but more importantly that for himself as well.
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Jair Crawford
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Post by Jair Crawford on Oct 12, 2024 20:16:20 GMT -8
***Before Current Felucia Time***
Jair nodded, as he sat down and did the same. His meditations were peaceful. Tranquil. Conjuring images from the old Felucian Jedi Base Gardens, and the current Gardens, as well as images from the Room of a Thousand Fountains on Coruscant. All places he had often meditated. Every now and then, though, he would see an odd thing. As if he was floating in some sort of ethereal plane... but it was so quick, he shrugged it off as his imagination as the tranquil images continued. He heard Dalo call to him in the Force.
Yes, Dalo?
Speaking through the Force was like second nature to Jair. He didn't stop to think if that was something Dalo had well practiced or not, and hopefully it didn't startle him at all.
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