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Post by Vidalu Na'an on Oct 26, 2016 5:45:55 GMT -8
Yet Na'an didn't turn to go just yet. She cocked her head, leaning down to Kent's level to get a good look at her face. The girl wasn't looking her directly in the eye; rather, she seemed to be focused elsewhere, as if trying her best to hold back some powerful hurt. Not that she was doing it very well--she was broadcasting it for anyone with the perception to see, easily.
"Hey," she said, gentle but firm. "If you want to make it here, you shouldn't say things you don't really mean. And if the demands of the Order are enough to break you...This is the life those of us who are trained in the Force lead. It's not a luxury. We're not going to make a big deal out of small shit--we just do what we have to."
The kid was surprisingly fragile, for someone who led the life she'd claimed to lead. But the Force did strange things to those it touched for the first time, and even stranger things to teenagers. Rutil had always told her that that was one of the reasons the older Orders capped their trainees' ages--teenagers lacked the discipline to control normal emotions, let alone the Force, and they lacked the flexibility of younger children.
Maybe the older Orders had a point.
She stood, placing her hands on her hips and, for once, looking down at the girl who'd attached herself to her. "So if you've got anything to say about this, you're in a safe place to do so. Say it now while I'm being nice."
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Kent
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Post by Kent on Oct 26, 2016 21:12:40 GMT -8
Kent looked at the women, in the eye. The Force guiding her motions. She looks, but her eyes are empty. Her face showed no emotion. Her voice was calm, almost hypnotic. Be safe and come back. I guess I will go to the gardens to think. The force guided her around out of the woman's grip and she walked away. The broken spirit of the girl dragged behind and moved out of this wing of the base.
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Post by Vidalu Na'an on Oct 27, 2016 16:27:46 GMT -8
"Somehow I doubt that thinking is what you'll be doing."
Na'an paced after her; after two decades of training, her grip was not so easy to break as all that. "You don't get to play that card, missy," she said, a little more roughly this time. "You're clearly upset. But if you're not going to talk, I'll say just a few words before I get going.
I'm sorry if I'm a disappointment, but I warned you. I'm not exactly someone worth pinning your whole self-esteem on. I'm not even a Knight. I just do what I can, which was pulling you out of that dungheap and putting you somewhere safe, which, by the way, you're welcome. As far as me leaving? Guess what, I don't want to go to Yavin. But here's a real lesson for you: more than anything else, the Jedi are servants. When we are called, we go, not because we want to but because it is our duty. If this setback is too much for you, if you're not willing to try rolling with the punches or even talk about what's going on with the one person bothering to ask, no Jedi worth the time will train you.
If you're still here when I get back, you can rail at me then. In the meantime..."
At that, the young woman finally let go. She shrugged, then turned on her heel and stalked out of the dormitories. Leigh followed closely behind--this time, in uncomfortable silence.
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Post by Mesh on May 7, 2017 0:05:03 GMT -8
*Another night passed like almost all of the rest: Horrific, terrifying, traumatizing. It was rare he didn't awake in a cold sweat, and very little did these Jedi "healers" or their "meditation" help. It didn't help he was so far from his home, on a world that was so strange to him still; it too was a jungle world, but not the jungle he knew. Not that it mattered much, considering he had been for the most part confined inside the Jedi Base. The transition from open air to solid walls did very little to help with his psyche. And yet, even when he traveled to the Gardens, the simulated scenery did little to ease his thoughts.
He was a difficult man to deal with, he could tell by the way those who kept a watchful eye on him, the way they seemed cautious, hesitant, perhaps impatient with him; and he thought Jedi were supposed to be paragons of patience. But he couldn't blame them; he wasn't very cooperative, or even trustful of them. And that didn't even include all the swearing aimed at them or elsewhere.
The Jedi stationed at his door never entered his dedicated dorm unless they sensed something wrong, so he at least was allowed his privacy. He would think his frantic awakenings would be a cause for investigation, but perhaps after a while they simply accepted it as routine. Mesh was almost at that point himself... but the trauma was proving a difficult obstacle to overcome.
Every morning after awaking he would wash his face and make his morning meal, all the while staring at the walls of this cage he lived in. People called these things homes... he couldn't begin to imagine how one could do such a thing. Were they all conditioned to accept such a lifestyle?
A knock at the door caused him to look up with a scowl, wondering who was going to bother him with what, but he adjusted his senses and, after learning who waited outside, smiled. He reached out and gestured, the door sliding open; he was at least able to learn that trick during his time here.
Standing on the other side of the door was the only bright spot of his life.*
"Hey, Morgan."
*The small girl beamed as she entered, said,* "Good morning!" *and turned to gesture the door closed before facing him again and joining him at his small table.*
"How are you today?" *he asked.*
"I'm okay."
"Any adventures planned?"
*She shook her head.* "Nope. Unless you count babysitting." *She giggled.* "Daddy has some time off, so I thought I'd spend time with him and my baby siblings today. But I wanted to come visit you, first!"
*He chuckled.* "Well why would you do that? You know I'm boring." *Though he was incredibly glad she had.*
"I want to make sure you're okay!" *she answered earnestly.* "You know that. Are you doing better?"
*His smile faltered and he hesitated a moment before he at last frowned, lowering and shaking his head.* "Not particularly. You know all this 'therapy' is as good as tusker poop."
"You use that phrase a lot..."
*He let a soft, almost-sincere laugh escape his mouth.* "If the boot fits."
*She didn't seem amused, only further concerned.* "If I can do anything, tell me! I want to help..."
"You being here's good enough." *He didn't smile, but he meant it. Not a day went by he didn't think about how this girl, who had spent little more than a day in his presence, had risked her life to come back and free him, with what he assumed were the only people crazy enough to help her. It was honestly quite a stupid decision... but she had survived, and pulled him free from that living nightmare. That she cared enough to even do so, and had even succeeded...*
"I know... But I wish I could heal your mind somehow..."
*He watched her for a moment, adoring her commitment. At length, he smiled and reached out to ruffle her hair.* "You've got your own problems, kid. I'll get mine taken care of."
*She instinctively reached up to fix her hair, only frowning.* "Doesn't mean I can't help if I want to..."
*Stubborn, this one. He had known that since meeting her. He admired that about her, but he also didn't want her concerning herself with him all of the time.* "Look, girl, if these healers are having a hard time, I'm not sure there's much more you could do. I'll be okay. Just show up now and then like you do now to keep me a little sane, got it?"
*She stared at him a moment before at last giving a small smile and nodding.* "Got it."
*Glad to have that settled, the rest of Morgan's visit was spent with little more than small talk, which also did wonders for Mesh's mood. It was a good distraction and allowed him to focus on the present, instead of reflecting on the past or his cage. But the moment she bid farewell, those things came back in full force. Amazing how the presence of one child could change his perspective, and her removal making him feel caged again. He sighed and contemplated a visit to the gardens... Instead, he remained seated idly at his table.*
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Aerandir Calmcacil
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Post by Aerandir Calmcacil on Nov 13, 2017 23:31:55 GMT -8
*The burning had only gradually subsided during the journey home from Caamas, but it was enough that he was able to walk on his own power from the ship and into the embrace of his wife and one-year-old son. Little Lucy, now almost three, could sense the state her daddy was in and begged to be held. Cassie almost attempted to convince her otherwise but Aerandir took her up in his arms anyway; her presence reminded him of his driving force, and if anything invigorated him more than rest.
And the Grand Master of the Jedi Order couldn't afford to show weakness, even in front of his own.
He returned to his quarters with his family; Michelle and Annabelle had accompanied them. Despite their curiosity, they didn't pester their brother for information, although Michelle complimented him on how "awesome" he had been. This he smiled at, but once they were safely within the privacy of their own home, he practically collapsed on the couch.*
"Did you know it would get like this?" *Cassie inquired, hazel eyes boring into him.*
"Had a feeling," *Aerandir groaned.* "I'll get better."
"Just so you can do it again?!"
*He winced.* "Not exactly. It was a bluff."
*Michelle gasped.* "I get it!"
*Cassie blinked, seemingly not getting it herself at first. When realization showed in her eyes, she only sighed and lamented,* "Your own sister still understands you better than I do."
*Aerandir shook his head and started to reply—*
"Whussa bwuff?"
*He chuckled softly at his youngest daughter's question and gently stroked her wavy, light brown hair.* "It's when you act all tough to scare your enemy into backing down, even if you're not that tough."
"Oh. But you tough, Daddy!"
*She grinned and giggled, bouncing a little in his arms.
He smiled and shrugged.* "Maybe, but I can't always be as tough as I just was."
*She snuggled against him and he held her close. Truthfully, being surrounded by his family was the greatest therapy yet. Even if his wife couldn't shake her concern over all of this.*
"So you don't plan on using it again?" *she asked.*
"Not unless I need it... and I'd keep it to shorter bursts, if possible. It was the sheer length of exposure that did a number on me."
"So you're okay if you don't do it for long?" *Annabelle asked.
He nodded.* "A mortal body can only take so much exposure to such raw Force flow. I spent a long time in that state."
*Cassie sighed and sat down beside him at last, situating Alvis in her lap. The infant crawled to his father, hoisting himself up onto his shoulder and babbling away.*
"I understand. I never was this worried about you before..." *Cassie glanced at both of the children attached to their father.
He nodded, smiling.* "I do this for them."
"I know! But they— No... I can't use that. We knew the risks. Always did."
*He slowly nodded, saying no more, only putting an arm around her.
But the moment hardly lasted for there was already a ding from his datapad. He sighed, releasing his wife and reaching for it.*
"Master Calmcacil, we've received an emergency distress signal from Naboo calling for aid. It seems the First Order's sent a small attack force against the planet."
*Aerandir grimaced, trying his best to keep Alvis from blocking the frame before he was taken away by his mother.* "That's quite a distance from here, but if we can get some men out there, so be it." *He paused a moment then added,* "Get Keith notified on Lianna. He'll want in."
"Roger, sir."
*The link cut and Aerandir groaned again; his muscles still ached, but not nearly as much as before. Truthfully he might have answered the call himself were it not for this needed recovery, but such was the way of the Force.*
"Send me!" *Michelle suddenly proposed.
Eyes widening, Aerandir shook his head.* "First Order raid on your own? Not happening."
*She frowned.* "But it's okay if Morgan robs a train just because Keith's there?"
"These are armies, Michelle."
"Yeah, that I've fought against already!"
*Aerandir shook his head again.* "That's on the other side of the galaxy. Extraction would be difficult. I'd have a little peace of mind knowing you weren't potentially stranded that far away. Or worse..."
*Michelle wanted to argue, she truly did. Her skill was excellent and she knew he knew it, and she was eager to further prove it, but her brother was also in the worst state she had seen him in... well, ever. At length, she sighed and reluctantly nodded.* "Fine..."
*Aerandir closed his eyes, attempting to relax.* "There will be other times."
"I know." *She turned and walked towards the door.* "I'm gonna go practice, I guess."
"Sounds good."
*She disappeared without another word, leaving the five of them alone. Aerandir's eyes didn't open; if anything, he felt himself falling asleep. He didn't fight it, soon dozing off with Lucy in his arm. Not wanting to leave his side, she simply made herself cozier until she too fell asleep. Cassie and Annabelle decided to leave the two in peace and went to go occupy Alvis's attention elsewhere so that Aerandir could more efficiently recover.*
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Eruestan Duskhand
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Post by Eruestan Duskhand on Jan 5, 2018 16:46:16 GMT -8
Eruestan found his old room much the same as when he left it a few years ago. The layer of dust would indicate that someone had come in at one point and cleaned up, but everything else was untouched. Not that he had much to touch. He spent the rest of the afternoon in the shower, cleaning the stink of years of living in the wilds of Falucia off. He also tamed his hair and shaved off the few whiskers that formed a "beard" as well as a few other hygienic things that couldn't be done out in the jungle. After all this he dried off and would meditate for the remainder of the night, reflecting on what it would mean to start teaching a new padawan.
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Aerandir Calmcacil
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Post by Aerandir Calmcacil on Jan 6, 2018 17:41:30 GMT -8
*The first moment he had available to him, Aerandir sought out Maggy immediately. He spoke with the young teen privately, explaining to her about the man who'd recently returned to the Order and was potentially willing to take her on as a Padawan. He asked her if she felt she was ready. Only the briefest hesitation preceded her agreement, which at that point any doubt in her mind had been stricken. And so, with her at his side, he led her to the dormitory of Eruestan, knocking on the door then patiently waiting for his answer.*
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Eruestan Duskhand
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Post by Eruestan Duskhand on Jan 8, 2018 16:20:45 GMT -8
As her head the knock at the door Eruestan rose and, straightening his gray robes out and made sure he was looking as put together as he could. He crossed over to his door, taking a deep breath before opening it to greet the Grand Master and his soon to be Padawan learner. Smiling at the pair, he stepped out of the way of the door and offered them to come in. Several of the surfaces were still a bit dusty, he hadn't taken the time to dust the whole room, but there were a few chairs at a small table close to his bed. He offered the pair the chairs while he would take a seat on the bed. Then he would clear his throat and saw with his still not quite back to normal voice, Greetings youngling, I am Eruestan, who are you?
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Maggy Dawson
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Post by Maggy Dawson on Jan 9, 2018 17:41:58 GMT -8
*This was the man who could be her teacher, then. Aerandir told her of his recent return and his initial state; he cleaned up well in a short amount of time. Eruestan Duskhand... she had committed the name to memory, perhaps earlier than necessary. As she entered with Aerandir, she noticed that the room showed plenty of signs of long-term disuse, not that she blamed him at all for it.
At last, he formally introduced himself and asked for her name. She answered,* "Maggy Dawson. I've been a member of the Jedi Order since I was five, when Aerandi— Master Calmcacil found me." *She spoke with a quiet determination that belied her own inner turmoil, which she opted—and preferred—not to talk about.*
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Eruestan Duskhand
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Post by Eruestan Duskhand on Jan 10, 2018 14:25:47 GMT -8
A pleasure to meet you, Maggy Dawson.
The knight looked her over, taking in her physical characteristics, such as speed, strength, and endurance. Next he felt her presence in the Force. He was almost sure she was doing the same to him. Eruestan had not missed the voice of someone not wishing to confront their past. Having lost his parents violently at a very young he was familiar with the feeling. As he was doing this investigation, which took only a few moments, his warm smile never faded.
How much have you learned already? And what path within the ranks of the Jedi do you seek to follow?
These were not deal breaker questions by any means, he was simply looking for what focus he should take with her training. Though that was likely to change, in younger years he had hoped to be a healer before switching to the warrior path to become a Knight of the order.
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Maggy Dawson
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Post by Maggy Dawson on Jan 11, 2018 20:20:34 GMT -8
*She opened her mouth but no answer came. She closed it, opened it again, then once more closed it. There were many paths in the Jedi way, and, while she had a purpose, she still needed guidance for it to fully take shape.* "I've been trained in all of the basic arts and combat forms and am adept at them all. I want to further refine my abilities in a way that's proactive in preventing others from being blindsided by the forces of the dark. I don't want to see another family torn apart by evil ever again." *She spoke with a quiet, earnest intensity, borne from experience.*
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Eruestan Duskhand
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Post by Eruestan Duskhand on Jan 15, 2018 10:08:43 GMT -8
Eruestan watched patiently as she tried to get her thoughts in order. And as she spoke he nodded in agreement. These are all worthy goals for a Jedi to have, but it is a hard one, to tread, you must learn to temper your expectations. Sadly you will not be able to help everyone in the galaxy, that is a hard lesson to learn. He stood up and started to pace. But it is not a goal that should ever be given up, for that is how we as Jedi will become complacent. We must always work towards that impossible task, but be able to know that it will never be accomplished, a job that is never done. Because of this we must be content and happy with even our smallest victories over the Darkside. He stopped and then noticed that Aerandir was still in the room and that he had started a lecture before even officially taking the girl as a padawan. With an apologetic bow to the Grand Master, I am sorry, Master, I seem to have gotten ahead of myself.
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Aerandir Calmcacil
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Post by Aerandir Calmcacil on Jan 16, 2018 22:47:33 GMT -8
*Aerandir simply observed the conversation in silence, allowing the two to speak and assess each other in their own way. He was briefly tempted to remind Maggy that her referring to him by his first name was fine but decided to allow the formality for now; it was better if she left a proper, respectful opinion on Eruestan. It was only when Eruestan gave a rather heartening speech before apologizing to Aerandir that he made his first interaction:
He slowly clapped.*
"Don't apologize," *he said with a smirk after lowering his hands. The smirk then became a genuine smile.* "It's the truth, really. We can't ever and won't ever be able to save everyone, but the ones we do save make it all worth it." *He scrutinized Eruestan a moment longer before adding, "It sounds to me at least that you're ready to become a teacher again. Question is..." *He slowly looked over at Maggy.* "... are you ready to become a student?"
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Maggy Dawson
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Post by Maggy Dawson on Jan 16, 2018 23:23:18 GMT -8
*His response initially came off as disappointing to her, at least before he continued. He was, she hated to admit, right. It was something she already knew as well, but she'd let her resolve get the better of her and she hated to admit that. Still, she lowered her head and nodded reluctantly, then looked up as Aerandir added his agreement. He was right: The ones they could save were worth it.
She was one of those, after all.
But the question then came: Was she ready to be taken on as an apprentice. She had already made that decision before coming here, so her response was to immediately sit up straight and nod once.* "Yes." *She then looked Eruestan in the eyes.* "I am."
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Eruestan Duskhand
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Post by Eruestan Duskhand on Jan 18, 2018 8:55:56 GMT -8
Eruestan's eyes locked with Maggy's, and even in that brief moment, he could feel her determination, her resolve. He smiled at the girl.
Well, in that case, I would be happy to teach you, Padawan Dawson.
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Aerandir Calmcacil
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Post by Aerandir Calmcacil on Jan 19, 2018 17:41:57 GMT -8
*A hint of pride entered Aeradir's smile, both at Maggy's determination and Eruestan's acceptance of her as his Padawan. At this, he stood and said,* "Excellent." *He gently rested his hands on Maggy's shoulders and looked down at her, a look of approval and encouragement in his eyes as he nodded to her. Looking back up at Eruestan, he added,* "It's settled, then. I leave Maggy's teaching in your capable hands, Master Duskhand. May the Force be ever with you." *He gave a short bow and then a quick thumbs-up as he headed for the door, departing the quarters.
Hopefully, this was exactly what Maggy needed to fuel her purpose as a Jedi.*
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Maggy Dawson
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Post by Maggy Dawson on Jan 19, 2018 17:50:45 GMT -8
*"Padawan Dawson"... Even before Aerandir announced it, she knew that meant it was official. She felt one weight lift, but the relief was brief as another replaced it: Being a Padawan was no simple task. She knew this all her life, had been taught as such. But it was a weight she was willing and eager to bear regardless. She gave Aerandir a nod as he departed, then looked upon her— her Master.* "So what do we do first?" *After a brief moment, she added,* "Master." *That was something she would have to get used to.*
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Eruestan Duskhand
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Post by Eruestan Duskhand on Jan 20, 2018 20:57:01 GMT -8
Eruestan bowed to Aerandir as he left before turning his attention back to Maggy. "Well, it sounded to me like you are wishing to take a more active roll in fighting the Darkness. And by more active, I mean with a lightsaber? Correct me if I am wrong in that assumption, but either way, we should head to the training area. Unless you are too tired and wish to wait till tomorrow to start?" He asked this not as a pass or fail sort of test, but as a way for him to gauge how enthusiastic she was for the training process.
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Maggy Dawson
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Post by Maggy Dawson on Jan 23, 2018 23:59:12 GMT -8
*Maggy considered his assumption briefly before answering,* "W-well, using a lightsaber is part of it, yes, but I know the Force is more than just that. And yes." *She eagerly stood to her feet.* "I would love to have my skills assessed. ... Master."
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Eruestan Duskhand
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Post by Eruestan Duskhand on Jan 26, 2018 10:55:10 GMT -8
Eruestan smiled at her eagerness to get started. He gathered his lightsaber from the bedside table, along with a bag he had prepared earlier that day. It contained, three remote droids, a number of "stackable" rocks from the jungles, and a data pad for recording her progress.
"Very well, follow me training area."
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