A Cold Wind Bloweth [Silver Sanctum]

[Ryker Wylde]

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] / [member="George O Rourke"]

Whoooaaaaa Cooool The tiny Togruta gasped in awe as Master Heavenshield and the Knight O'Rourke channeled the force, The stone wall before them cracking in twine and opebeing. The massive room on the other side shining bright as the sun hit it for the first time in eons..

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"] / [member="Zak Dymo"] / [member="Nina Heavenshield"]

Sliding back into reality once again he made his way over to the other Padawans, His happy smile stretched across his little red and white face as it always did even in this blistering cold. A soft lao slipped out of him as he watched the young Nautalon writhing, His attention however quickly being pulled to the young boy that had just introduced himself as [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] and his sister as [member="Nina Heavenshield"] , Before his own playfully happy tone emitted in response.... Su'cuy Theo and Nina.....I'm Ryker of the Aliit Tal'verda of Mandalore.....Nice to meet you, Are you here to find crystals for your sabers too?

 

[Nima Tann]

Rhen Var. A familiar planet that she could remember coming here a few years ago. Things didn't change, except the fact that the weather got worse and it was much colder right now. Great, just what she needed. She wondered that why life was making things difficult for her these days. For some reason, she hated cold, but she couldn't put a finger on it. Masters and Padawans all together for this lucky event and the first step in Padawans lives, she preferred to be on the background, yet she also examined her Padawan, who was near Master Heavenshield and probably he was being told to be careful, which was a good thing since Rhen Var was too quiet today, it meant bad things. She started to move faster, since she sensed that something was about to go wrong, wouldn't be wise to stay behind the group if her senses would become the truth. She moved towards Master Heavenshield to catch up with her, also see how's it going with her Padawan. Finally she arrived yet Master Heavenshield was nowhere to be seen, probably went in the cave to explore if the cave was clear.

"Theo." And placed an encouraging smile for the boy. Then nodded to the girl near to them, she didn't know who she was yet it was a familiar aura. The smile never vanished, since it would make him more relaxed since it was a pretty big event for her, she could emphatize. The caves were near, and it was almost time for Theo to make his first step towards the Jedi. "Don't worry." She said, she made sure to sound both couraging and caring. "You are going to get your crystal and we'll be there to make sure no one tries something funny." Being a Master, she didn't lose the child side of hers, that's why she was able to communicate with children better than the adults. As the cold breeze touching her skin and triggering some headaches, they stood near the cave entrance waiting for a signal from inside. The Padawans started to appear here and there, it was going to be a big event.

"Now let me see if everything is okay inside." There was a hunch that, when everything seems normal that there would always be a problem.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] [member="Nina Heavenshield"] [member="Ryker Tal'verda"] [member="Zak Dymo"]

 

[George O Rourke]

[member="Nima Tann"] | [member="Ryker Tal'verda"] | [member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Nina Heavenshield"] | [member="Zak Dymo"]

As Master Coci exited the cave giving the all clear it was time to assemble everyone in the main cavern. The cave wasn't too far from there but Master Coci thought it would be wise to bring everyone to a central place and getting a little speech in before they all head off on their journey to find that all important lightsaber crystals. As he walked towards the entrance that he and Master Coci had opened he could see everyone waiting and the young ones still playing in the snow. "Everyone, please come into the cavern!" He bellowed to the crowd hoping everyone could hear him and would follow the instruction. He waited at the entrance for people to enter making sure that everyone had entered before giving Master Coci the go ahead for the rest of the introduction to the cave.

 

[Serana]

She was standing there in the area waiting for the news, the fine hair across her body slightly damp as the circlet kept her mostly dry and able to move. She gave a small grin seeing some of the others when the voice came to her and she moved looking at George with a shaking of her head from side to side while she snorted. Clicking her teeth together while moving forward and going into a comfortable position while her mane went to the one side touching the ground below. Her eyes going forward towards the ones who were going to explain it as her wings twitched a little resting on the satchels on her back and hips.

 

[Vakarian]

[member="George O Rourke"] | [member=Coci Heavenshield]

Coryn had followed the group into the area silently, his eyes searching his surroundings for any immediate hint of danger. It was a natural reaction for him, after his battle on Midvinter, he just didn't trust icy worlds as much anymore. His mind was eased though, as it touched the crystal he had found on Dagobah - its light flooding into every facet of his consciousness and the mental image of the beautiful white wolf danced across his mind, its knowing eyes twinkled with approval and pride. At first, he had been unable to make contact with the wolf that he had seen in his mind and whom had spoken to him in the cave some time ago.

It did not take him too long to discover that she only showed herself when he was in great distress, or when he doubted who he was. He didn't pretend to know if she were a real creature or not, nor did he care to find out - he only knew that whenever she was around, he felt safer and stronger. He knew that it was the crystal that made him feel this way, so perhaps the wolf was a manifestation of what he imagined the crystal's energy to be? He wasn't a scholar by any means, but he did like to believe that there were things - parts - of the Force that could not be explained, and he believed that this was one of those things.

It was clear to him that the crystal was to go into his lightsaber, a part of its construction, but it was not the crystal that gave the saber its color. The crystal seemed to only enhance his connection to the Force and allow him greater feats of energy, but he still tired just as quickly - likely due to his lack of training in most areas. But, given time and effort, he would grow stronger. He would become the Guardian that he was meant to be.

It was with this in mind that he followed the Knight sent to retrieve those who would be going into the cave, though he still did not speak. He hadn't really spoken to anyone in the Silver Sanctum while on missions, aside from [member=Audren Sykes] a Sephi who had been with him in both Midvinter and Tygara. He wouldn't call the sephi a friend, but he would certainly like to think of him as an acquaintance.

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

[member="Nina Heavenshield"] | [member="Nima Tann"] | [member="Zak Dymo"]​

​

All of a sudden Théo became nervous. This is a big deal to him, for so long has he wanted his very own lightsaber and now today he will acquire a crystal to make it. Lucky for him the boy came and spoke to him taking his mind off his nerves. "Hello [member="Ryker Tal'verda"], it is nice to meet you too! Yes .. but I am a little scared", he lowered his voice a little with the last of his comment. A large step for any Jedi is this experience and he knew within the cave there was more dangers than a creature or two or someone lurking in the dark. They are all going to be tested, the lightside of the force will see to that as will the cave. It was good to have his friend Zak here too, Théo knew he had his saber and was here to help the younglings, which was a great bonus to have friends around.

As Knight O Rourke announced they could enter, Théo turned to Nina and smiled holding her hand with a firmer grip. She too is here with him and will seek her own crystal and all he wanted to do was take her away and find a place to keep her safe. He took in a long deep breath and with Nina they entered the cave. "Ryker? you coming?", we wanted to make sure the new boy was cared for as well.

Théo found the cave cold, prickling on his skin is the bit of it, but it was nice to the Valkyri boy, it reminded him of Midvinter and there is no place like home. In fact all he wanted to do now was to take Nina there now and visit grandfather, play in the fields of ice and learn more of his heritage. The tall columns that held up the roof looked like giants of ice carved from the very rock of the mountain, reaching up beyond the sight of Théo's eyes. The marble stairs on which they would all walk to enter the cave glistened with the intruding light from the outside, a soft glow within the flecks of minerals is beautiful. The place is a marvel that very few get to see and Théo is pleased he is here now. A familiar voice spoke to him and her turned to find his master standing waiting for him to come. He did not want to let go of Nina but mother is here for her and so she will be safe. Théo looked at her and squeezed her hand one last time before letting her hand go. "You take care in there, I don't want anything to happen to you, and may the force be with you .. always Nina".

Théo went to his master and stood in front of her looking up into her face with a small smile. "I will be fine master, but I don't know what to do? how do I find my crystal?".

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

The Jedi Master stood up as everyone began to move into the main entrance. "Master Tann, it is good to see you. All is well in the cave, Knight O Rourke and myself have checked it, there is no presence of anyone or dangerous creatures within", it would be hard for them to have entered the cave with a Jedi. But there is always more to these caves than this. The soft whispers of Jedi of old and Sith alike reside here, their 'presence' clinging to the very rock and haunting the vaulted rooms. The force is ever present and will be here to guide them as well as provide them a test of their virtues and abilities. The inner self can be the worst of enemies.

Coci saw Théo with her and smiled, she will take care of him until he enters the cave alone to seek what he requires. She is proud of them both, Théo and Nina. How they have grown .. to fast. Coci reaches for Nina's hand and takes her, she will guide Nina today and the others as well that do not have their master present. "Shall we give our last minute instructions?". She waited for Kixi to move closer and the others.

"Everyone come close", she began. "Through that entrance you will find the cave system, there will be crystals throughout and many passages that will lead you deeper through the system. The force will guide you. Trust it, like you always have and .. it will take you to your crystal. Use your abilities to find it, open your mind so that when and if your crystal calls to you, you can 'hear' it. Now, the cave will not give up it's precious crystal so easy, it will test you be mindful of that. The cave has been checked for the possibility of intrusions but it is clear. Only you stand in your own way. When you ready please enter and may the force be with all".

Coci turned to Nina and took her aside and spoke to her through telepathy. "I know you can understand me .. but .. I need to make sure you understand. Today you will enter the cave on a journey to become what you wish. It is a journey you must take on your own, I know you will want to look after Théo but he will be fine he is with his master she will take care of him. I have no doubt he will want to look out for you too but he too must do this alone. I love you Nina and if there is any sign of trouble .. you call me".

When the Padawans are ready they may enter at their leisure.



[member="Nima Tann"] | [member="Xander Stanforth"] | [member="Ryker Tal'verda"] | [member="Zak Dymo"] | [member="Nina Heavenshield"] | [member="Serana "]| [member="Maya Whitelight"] | [member="George O Rourke"] | [member="Sochi Ru"] | [member="Coryn Raxis"] | [member="Kixi Rajki"]

 

[Kenrath]

Xander listened to [member="Coci Heavenshield"] talk about the cave system. It was unsure what half of what she said meant. What tests, what more was there than the test of combat?

He stepped into the cave. He didn't know where he was going when he was about 10 or 15 feet in he looked around. He was still confused about what the caves was all about. He remembered something Maya had said to him one time.

He sighed taking a kneel. He closed his eyes. He tried his best to focus tried to let the force speak to him and through him. He had no clue what he expected to hear or feel but he was going to try anyway.

 

[Ryker Wylde]

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

Its OK, I'm scared too He Stated to the boy before him with a smile. Just then he heard the voice of Knight O'Rourke and made his way into the chamber behind Theo and Nina. His tiny form trembling a bit though he was not sure if it were from the cold or his worry, He was unsure and scared....What if he wasn't a Jedi what if he wasn't strong enough....

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

He listened carefully as Master Heavenshield gave advice to her daughter, He was new and had no master yet so he listened to all the Jedi around him speak. Still just as unsure as before he entered the crystal cave still not knowing how he'd know which Crystal was calling to him, Or if he'd even hear it when it tried. As he wondered about all this he had continued walking thru the cave and was Now properly lost within, He couldn't even hear his fellow padawan anymore, He was cold and alone..... And afraid

Not knowing what else to do the young Togruta slumped to the floor, He was tempted to just sit there and cry but he knew that would not help him at all. Just then he remembered something he'd heard about the Jedi and how they meditated to find answers, So he started by clearing his mind,Then he began to relax as he inhaled slowly through his nose and out through his mouth and soon he was almost warm as he began to slip Into a deep meditative state

 

[George O Rourke]

[member="Ryker Tal'verda"] | [member="Xander Stanforth"] | [member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] | [member="Coryn Raxis"] | [member="Serana "]| [member="Nima Tann"]

As George awaited the arrival of all the Padawans and Masters alike he could feel the force surrounding them all. As he watched all his fellow Jedi enter the cave he couldn't help but observe one of the younger jedi here today. A little Togruta male could be seen shaking as he entered he cave. He could feel Padawans insecurity and worry as he walked past. "Are you alright my young friend? I am Knight George O Rourke." He spoke calmly with a smile. Hoping he would too be able to calm the Padawan down before he entered the cave in search of his lightsaber crystal.

 

[Serana]

Listening to the jedi master speak brought her attention around at the others more waiting to begin. She had grown up and visited the crystal caves under the sepulcher with sithspawn. It had her ready for anything as finally she pounded her foot on the ground to get some more traction before she was heading in. The fum of the force making her horn vibrate as she walked into the cave entering her own state of meditation to follow the force energies while she closed her eyes. The hum of the crystals within were leading her more then the lights as the circlet clinked lightly on her leg,

 

[Kixi Rajki]

Kixi cautiously entered the cave. It felt cold. She felt the crisp cold air on her exposed arms and hands. All she was wearing was a light vest, pants and boots. Perhaps she should've worn more coverings for her upper body she thought to herself. But then she shrugged it off. As she would soon be concentrating on the task at hand, she would soon forget about the coldness that surrounded her.

As she walked deeper into the cave, she felt an odd feeling deep down in one of the caverns to the right of where she stood. The dark side of the Force unmistakably it was. And she couldn't understand why, but she could feel it call to her. Then suddenly she fell on her knees. Her head began to ache as she put both hands on her head and momentarily shut her eyes. "Not again", she cursed to herself. "Not now". She was experiencing one of those spontaneous visions that she had no idea why, that she had been experiencing for some now, and of what appeared to be some sort of future past. It always felt real, and always in agony she was when they occurred.

"Ha, ha, ha", a voice called out to her. Kixi, opened her eyes. That voice hadn't come from her vision, but instead from somewhere in the direction where the Dark side of the Force was strong. She got up and quickly ran towards the direction the voice had come from, the direction where the dark side was prevelant.

She stood there a few minutes. It was dark, cold and no one appeared to be there. "Who are you, reveal yourself to me", Kixi yelled out. But there was silence. Then suddenly wind came out of nowhere and light. Kixi strode back a few steps as a tall bearded man she clearly knew from her past stepped out. "Terron Hesh! What in the name...", Kixi was cut off from Terron's speech. "You are a tyrant girl, I made you into one, no matter how you manipulate events, that you can never change". Kixi closed her eyes once more. "Nooooooo, get out of my head. You are long gone and I'm no tyrant of yours". Terron remained ever present. "Deny it all you want but you know it is true, otherwise why would I be in your head tormenting you now. But this can all stop. All you have to do is except who you really are. A Dark Jedi, a tyrant, a murderer". Kixi began to screem and yell, eyes still closed and hands on her head, "No, no, no. Go away. Get out of my head you. None of that is true, it can't be, you are the killer, but I stopped you. Leave me now". Suddenly Terron was gone.

Kixi opened her eyes. She could hear her heavy breathing and could feel the cold sweat running down her forehead. "What the hell was that", she thought to herself. She needed to get the hell out of where she was. She ran, deeper and deeper into the cave. As she ran she soon realised that the only way the crystal in which she sought would come to her was to defeat the dark demons within her. The encounter with Terron Hesh had only just been the beginning.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"], [member="Nima Tann"], [member="Xander Stanforth"], [member="Ryker Tal'verda"], [member="Zak Dymo"], [member="Nina Heavenshield"], @Serana, [member="Maya Whitelight"], [member="George O Rourke"], [member="Sochi Ru"], [member="Coryn Raxis"]

 

[Micah tol Powl]

Bringing up the back of the cattle line was the young Nautolan.

Shuffling through the snow, the green-skinned amphibian watched as the assembled padawans began to cross into the mouth of the cave. In a manner of speaking, the boy was mildly jealous of the mysterious circumstances shrouding this ceremony. His own master's approach to this same task had been infinitely more straight-forward. That is, having a Greater Krayt Dragon try to add Nautolan to the menu.

As a tactile child, it had been an experience that Zak could immediately understand. And appreciate for the opportunity to use a lightsaber to obtain his crystal through an adventurous quest to overcome the mighty beast! But, what he heard of all that Jedi had seen or felt in these cave excursions almost made the boy feel as though he'd missed out on some serious Force mumbo-jumbo by not having taken the more traditional route.

Of course, Zak's Force Sense never quite worked out of water. So maybe it was for the best.

Smash the dragon in the face with lightsaber was a concept he fully appreciated. 'Use the Force, Zak'... not so much.

 

[Kixi Rajki]

Kixi ran deeper and deeper into the cave. She could hear her own breath as she breathed the now stale but cold air. Eventually she stopped. She found herself within a narrow opening. She could hear water rushing. It seemed to be coming from a little further down the path she was following. She slowly walked towards it as she regained all of her breath. There was like a small crack along the cave floor. The drop was probably around 5 metres down, and a river of water flowed through it. The distance to the other side was around 6 metres in width. She could easily Force leap across if she needed to.

Then someone called out to her from behind. A sweet voice she recognised instantly. Mako! But it couldn't be, as she was back on her starship. "Hello Kixi, where have you been, I've missed you". Mako spoke to her as moved in closer to Kixi. "Okay, your not really here, this is an illusion", Kixi spoke out to her. "An illusion? What you don't miss me Kixi?", Mako spoke in a sweet loving voice. "Of course I do Mako, you're the most important person I care about". As Kixi spoke the words, Mako approached Kixi, put both hands on her cheeks and kissed her on the lips.

Suddenly she let go, everything went dark, Mako's body changed from that of a human, to that of a half cyborg, half human. "Help me Kixi, you have to help", the half cyborg version of Mako cried out before she vanished. "Ha ha ha ha", another voice echoed through. Then he appeared again, Terron Hesh. "The truth will never escape you tyrant. Ha ha ha". His laugh got louder and louder as did his voice which echoed in all directions. "The truth will never escape you tyrant". Kixi just stood there and concentrated on the Force. "You are not real. You are just an illusion in my head. I can defeat you. Fear, that is the key. I need to overcome my fear". In that moment, Terron Hesh disappeared once more. Kixi realised that she was breathing heavily. The ordeal had ended for now.

It was time to keep moving. She force leaped across the small flowing river and once on the other side, kept walking going ever so deeper into the cave.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"], [member="Nima Tann"], [member="Xander Stanforth"], [member="Ryker Tal'verda"], [member="Zak Dymo"], [member="Nina Heavenshield"], @Serana, [member="Maya Whitelight"], [member="George O Rourke"], [member="Sochi Ru"], [member="Coryn Raxis"]

 

[Ryker Wylde]

He could feel something.....Something powerful...Something calling to him. He'd been meditating for quite awhile, His breathing slowed to the point that it would barely be noticeable aside from the tiny clouds being exhaled from his tiny blueing lips. He could feel the crystal calling for him, it wanted him as much as he wanted it.

Just as he reached out in his mind, His will just barely grazing the crystal, Images that he shouldn't be able to remember, Images of the Sith murdering his mother and brothers and sisters filled his mind. Fear and terror wracking his mind as his eyes shot open, But he was no longer in the crystal cave on Rhen Var.....He was back on Tatooine...Back, trapped again in the cave with the Krayt Dragon. His mind racing with fear as the mighty Krayt Dragon moved towards him, His tiny frame frozen in fear. He wanted to scream but nothing came out, Wanted to run but he was froze in place as the Krayt drew closer.....he new this was his end. Finally the Krayt let loose a groundshaking roar and Ryker let out a horrid scream as his feet finally broke free and he ran. He ran as fast as he could still feeling the dragons hot breath on the nape of his neck, knowing the beast was baring down on him. He continued screaming as he ran and suddenly the cold was back and the dry desert cave formed back into the icy cavern, the hallucination over as quick as it had began, but he still ran screaming. Finally turning back to check for the Krayt he didn't see the crystal formation hanging low In front of him till it was to late. The young Togruta turned back around just in time to see the crystal smash into his face, The force of the blow slicing a small gash down his cheek and knocking him unconscious and chipping a small chunk from the crystal. There he fell limp to the ground as his blood flowed from his face and to the ice below him, The small Crystal chunk landing upon his chest.....

 

[George O Rourke]

[member="Ryker Tal'verda"] | [member="Kixi Rajki"] | [member="Zak Dymo"] | [member="Serana "]| [member="Xander Stanforth"] | [member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] | [member="Coryn Raxis"] | [member="Nima Tann"]

As all the Padawans entered the caves there was not much left for George to do. They were on their adventures by them selves. It was not up to the Masters to intervene. Not unless absolutely necessary. With time drawing out almost standing still he decided to move away and sit, meditate on those inside the cave. George wanted to get a feeling of how they were going inside the cave. He knew there would be dangers, but not ones they wouldn't be able to handle. After all, they were only manifestations of the force to guide them through.

As he closed his eyes he connected through the cave. Getting a reading of all the Padawans in the cave he reached out getting an understanding of how they were going without them noticing. It required a steady focus. But he manage to get a glimpse of how they were going so far. The little Togruta was cold, he didn't seem to be moving, there was an emptyness about him. Was his senses wrong? Or was there actually something physically wrong? Was there a barrier that did not allow the Jedi Knight to connect with the Padawan. Hopefully the answers wouldn't be too far away.

 

[Kixi Rajki]

Kixi slowly and now cautiously continued further down into the cave's tunnel. She felt she was getting closer to finding what she sought. The dark side however, was still prevelant where she walked and approached.

Then she again felt a wind out of nowhere begin ticking the back of her neck. And then there he was again. Terron Hesh and holding Mako Zaneca at knife point by the throat. "Ha ha ha ha. So tyrant girl what is your next move. Deploy your biological weapon creation on the enemy or I slit her throat. You know what you really did, you might have changed things, but the original memories are still in your head, thus why I stand here before you now".

Kixi stood there for several seconds starring at Terron as he held Mako. "Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering. I'm long past this Terron. You are nothing but a distant memory. That's all you are just a memory. A memory that has been purged from actual reality. I fear you not anymore, the light will guide me, has been guiding me and will in time complete me." In the moment, the images before her dissipated. All vanished in an instant. The memories of the past, altered or not altered can never be erased in full, but Kixi locked them away into the further most reaches of her mind. At least that of Terron Hesh for the time being, but it was a start in the right direction. In doing so Kixi could suddenly feel the light side of the Force present. Directly ahead. A light was shining directly behind the wall. She had almost found the crystal she needed. Just one more thing awaited her on the other side of the wall before the crystal would finally reveal itself to her.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"], [member="Nima Tann"], [member="Xander Stanforth"], [member="Ryker Tal'verda"], [member="Zak Dymo"], [member="Nina Heavenshield"], @Serana, [member="Maya Whitelight"], [member="George O Rourke"], [member="Sochi Ru"], @Coryn Axis

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

It was time to enter the cave, his master had joined him and given the last of the instructions and the added voice of care. His eyes found his mother's and Nina's and gave them both a smile, more for their sake than his own. His stomach twisting and turning with nervousness, strange for Théo normally so eager to run head long into such a place. The other padawans had already gone inside, the sense of anticipation building and from the cave Théo could sense much disturbance but mostly coming from the others. This did not help stomach.

Taking in a deep breath, he walked the stairs up to the entrance of the gaping mouth, a cold breeze issued from within chilling to the bone .. but from where it came he did not know. The light dimmed as he entered, shadows formed across the rock face but there is enough light for them all to see, equally as strange as the breeze, for there is no avenue of light from the outside to enter.

He startled as he heard the cry of one of the padawans, it sounded like [member="Ryker Tal'verda"], the young boy he had met only moments ago. He wanted to go and find him, see if he was alright, but he knew mother and the others would take care of him, they are watching and protecting if need be. Slowly Théo walked through the cave, deeper and deeper marveling at the sight of it all, already he could see many crystals of all colours pitted within the rock. Some of them saber crystals others, gems and such. He stopped .. he could hear water dripping. Not very unusual for a cave, especially one set in ice. But no! running water? surely it should be frozen?

Théo turned to the right and found a small passage way in the rock face, the sound of the dripping coming from within. He squeezed through, a tight fit even for him, until reaching through the passage and entering a vast cavern. In the center is a pool of water, could almost be described as a lake, in his wide eyes. The cavern filled with all manner of crystal formations, yellow and cream of hue, some blueish just like on Midvinter. Théo pulled his fur around his body, he is not cold, but more for security. He walks onward, toward the edge of the pool, the water still save for the ripples generated from the dripping. He looks around, it is beautiful here, and he wished his Nina was with him to see it.

He sensed nothing, no crystal calling to him. What do I do now?

Théo walked around the edge of the pool, it is darker here the shadows baring down around him, the rocks slippery with moisture and unstable. Yet he moves using the force to reach out .. to find. He places his hands on the rock to help climb over the slippery surface his footing giving way, slipping. Why so foolish to climb? your hooves are not designed for such .. a voice entered his head. He had heard this voice before, the voice of the song of Midvinter! Théo stopped frozen like the ice around him. Child of the Vhaanir ...

[member="Nina Heavenshield"] | [member="Nima Tann"]​

 

[Nina Heavenshield]

When her mother pulled her aside as the group began to disperse and the padawans enter the cave network, Nina looked up at her with knitted brow. She was determined to find the crystal which spoke to her, knowing full well how important a part it was of the struggle to become a Jedi. She wanted to follow in her father's footsteps; she'd been with him longer than anyone, for as long as she could remember. He had been nothing but good to her - they all had. Once Coci had finished her speech, spoken directly into her mind using telepathy she herself knew so well, Nina offered her a smile as she embraced her mother. "I love you too," she replied. "I understand, mother." Nina centered herself with a deep breath before noting Théo wandering off. He would be fine; father's strength and mother's wits are with him. She then turned away from Coci and set out on her own through one of the tunnels.

The muffled sounds of her fellow padawans that had entered the caves alongside her didn't take long to disappear entirely as she journeyed further into the maze of tunnels. Now there was just her, alone and unable to depend on others for help. Her entire childhood she had enjoyed the constant vigilance of her father, but she was not a helpless child anymore. Time and dedication to the Jedi ideals had made her a more confident and capable person. Still, she'd kept her innocent outlook on life and undeniably introvert personality; it was pretty difficult not to when unable to express herself in the spoken word. She liked to think her father was still the same child who was once in her shoes, and perhaps mother as well.

As she pondered, she entered a vast open area with countless lights of every colour imaginable glittering across the cave ceiling and walls. Upon closer inspection they were all crystals, some bigger than others, all radiating with the power of the Force to some extent. Wide eyes observed the plethora of colours, and yet she kept going. None of the ones she'd come across resonated with her on a personal level; it didn't matter to her what colour it was or what size - every Jedi requires a connection to their crystal. It's a highly personal experience to find one, and so you should emerge with something personal.

When Nina eventually stumbled upon a dead end, she shrugged and was about to turn back when suddenly, she was trapped. The way back was just gone! Was this some trick of the mind being played on her? As she tried to find another way, it was as if the warmth of a hand was placed upon her shoulder. She immediately spun on her heel and brandished her training saber, but there was no-one there. Nothing at all. When she then turned to face the would-be exit again, it had suddenly re-appeared, only not: This was not the same path she'd walked earlier. Had the room shifted somehow? There was little use trying to make sense of it, and so she simply followed the new path wherever it may take her. Thoughts went to her little brother and what kind of challenges he would face. She hoped he was alright.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

 

[Kixi Rajki]

Kixi slowly made her way across to where the bright light was emanating from. And there, before her very eyes, stood a man. He wasn't flesh and bone, but of light, emanating in a spirit like existence. The man that stood before Kixi was her father, Hajkon Rajki.

Kixi was stunned and surprised at what she was seeing. "Father is that really you, or...... or are you just another manifestation in my mind?" Hajkon's spirit figure smiled at his young daughter as he spoke. "No it is really me." Kixi immediately felt unsure of this, doubt was cast in her mind. "But you are trillions of light years away, how.....", Hajkon spoke over Kixi, "Through the Force time and space has no means or ends, through the Force you see and speak to me now. I've watched over you my young child for a long time now. You have indeed changed, you are walking the right path. The path of the light side. The Jedi path you were always meant to follow, you finally have found your way. But a long hard road ahead of you it is. This here is just the beginning. Your master Coci, much she can show you, much she can teach you. Follow her guidance, and a great Jedi of the light you will indeed become". Kixi was overwhelmed with joy, small drops of tears ran down from both her eyes. Yet she felt confused. Something wasn't quite right.

"Father if you have been watching over me for some time......", Hajkon already could sense Kixi's confusion and answered the question she inevitably was about to ask. "It means I'm no longer amongst the living but one with the Force". Kixi froze in total shock as she heard those words from her father. "Much has changed since your departure Kixi, our worlds have been consumed by darkness. All have fallen to legions of darkness. The entire Confederate as you remember it has collapsed. In its place an Empire of darkness has risen". Hajkon stopped as he observed the short moments of joy he had just witnessed in his daughter turn to sadness. "I fought to defend our world, our homeland, our allies, yet many lives were lost for our cause. After all the battles, the destruction, a dark emperor consumed by pure evil now stands as supreme overlord and absolute ruler.
Search your feelings child, you will know who I speak of". Kixi looked up and said the name, "Lord Xiz'Jhan, only he it could be". Hajkon nodded to his daughter. "This is why now that you have found your way, why you must continue down that path. Xiz'Jhan's forces of darkness are at the present time, nothing more than a distant and non existent to your Galaxy. However you must train and learn Kixi. Many years into the future, the time will come, where you, a complete master of the light you will have become. Ready to face this menace by then you will be. Focus and stay on your path so you can serve and defend the light and all that it serves to stand for".

Hajkon waited for his young daughter to absorb all of what he had revealed to her and continued. "I want you to know how very proud I am of you. A gift for you I have. The beginning of your long road ahead, your journey at becoming a master of the light. With this you'll always have me close to your heart". Suddenly Hajkon became a flash of light. The light turned into whirlpool of light as it spun around furiously. It moved around Kixi, then engulfed her. Kixi felt overwhelmed. She felt joined as one with her father. At last he was proud of her, now he could be there as a spiritual guidance and mentor for her. The news he spoke about regarding their home world had however sent chills down her spine. Yet she had years to prepare for what undoubtedly lay ahead. Then finally the light that had been her father vanished. On the ground where she stood, it lay and shone before her. Her lightsabre crystal. Kixi bent down and picked it up. She starred at it as it shined brightly. Kixi smiled. "Father I will not disappoint you". Kixi spoke the words aloud to herself. She then carefully placed the crystal in her small pouch. Slowly she made her way back to the surface and to the cave's entrance where her master and the others awaited her.


[member="Coci Heavenshield"], [member="Nima Tann"], [member="Xander Stanforth"], [member="Ryker Tal'verda"], [member="Zak Dymo"], [member="Nina Heavenshield"], @Serana, [member="Maya Whitelight"], [member="George O Rourke"], [member="Sochi Ru"], @Coryn Axis