Shiraya's Sanctuary | Meditation Summit
Lorn stepped out onto the rock that jutted out off of the mountain, kneeling down into a meditative position. Taking in a deep breath, Lorn let the breeze wash all of his worries away, the late evening sun to bath his face, and the Force to flow freely through him. This place was truly something special.
His mind wandered, letting the memories wash in, one in particular grabbed hold of him.
It was the beginning of his great adventure with his Master Soloman Varnell. Lorn had only spent a year or so within the New Jedi Order at a young age. He had known for some time that he was attuned to something he had no idea how to control, but enjoyed the modest life with his family. His father had always wanted more for Lorn, so when his father passed he was sent away to honor his father's wish for his only son. That year within the structured order was filled with grief and anger. Until one day, when Lorn was taking his rage out on a training dummy, a newly anointed Knight stumbled upon him. Soloman, a rather young Knight took him under his wing and set out for the man's home world with Lorn. They hadn't meant to stay away from the Order but Lorn remembered his first day of this new adventure with Soloman like it was yesterday.
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They camped outside of the Kingdom on their first night of arrival. Stars shining over the plains and the Kingdom bustling in the distance. Soloman had instructed Lorn to start the fire while he laid out his cot for himself and kicked off his boots, feeling the grass between his toes. Lorn looked on and did the same, wanting to emulate the man before him, it felt good, it felt freeing.
A moment of silence passed as they enjoyed a meal together.
"Lorn," Soloman began, his voice a gentle baritone, "tell me, what do you believe your purpose is in this grand galaxy?"
Lorn shifted in his seat, a nervous flutter in his chest. "I… I don't know. I suppose I just… I want to help people. Find a way to make a difference, something noble."
A warm smile spread across Soloman's face. "A noble desire indeed, young one. It's a path many Jedi walk. But what does that 'noble pursuit' look like to you? What are your dreams?"
Lorn's eyes shone with newfound conviction. "I want to protect those who can't protect themselves, Master. To use the Force to bring peace and justice wherever I go."
"Hm," Soloman nodded, a contemplative glint in his eyes. "We shall find plenty of opportunity for that here. It's a place where the balance of the Force is delicate, where the need for compassion and justice is ever-present." He paused, his gaze softening. "Lorn, if you trust me, I will guide you. I will strive to help you become the best Jedi, and the best man you can be."
A genuine smile bloomed on Lorn's face. The words were simple, but they held a depth that resonated within him. "I trust you."
Soloman's smile deepened. "Good. Now, let's begin our journey." He gestured towards the kingdom, lights illuminating its walls. "Your training starts now, Padawan."
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Lorn's eyes opened to the sun nearly set over the mountains. An overwhelming sense of peace yet grief fell over him. He missed Soloman dearly, it was a pain he would have to find a way to heal from. The memory of his Master's gentle smile and unwavering faith in him spurred a new determination within Lorn. He would honor Soloman's memory by continuing his journey, by becoming the Jedi his Master believed he could be. He would use the Force to bring peace and justice, not just for others, but for himself as well.
Rising to his feet, Lorn stretched and felt the familiar pull of the Force, a comforting presence that had been his constant companion throughout his life. He looked back towards the Sanctuary, a beacon of hope in a sometimes dark galaxy. He would find his way, one step at a time. For now, he would make his journey back to the sanctuary, ready to face whatever the future held.
