A Cold Wind Bloweth [Silver Sanctum]

[Théodred Heavenshield]

"Who.. who are you?", he finally found breath to speak. Slowly he began to move backward, on all fours gripping as best he could to the rock. His hands red with the cold but Théo did not feel it.

Search your heart Théo and you will know who I am ...

His breath became laboured, due to the exertion of the climb and the fear in his heart. His eyes darting around, looking for anything to give a sign of his intruder but nothing he would find. Théo looks down to see the pool below him, the waters still and beneath the surface are crystals, hundreds of them all sparkling with this strange light. Energy pulses through the cavern, not there before and he senses it .. the Force.

You will never see, you will never find, if you have fear in your heart ... you will never be what you want to be. SEARCH!

He stopped once more, an innate pull of the force around to protect from this voice in his head, but instead he begins to search. Entering his own mind to locate the voice, its author that has 'visited' him on Midvinter. An image begins to form, it is the young buck from the forest. Just like he witnessed through the trees, the buck raises his head and looks toward him, a soft white glow on it's hair, the buck stamps it's hoof, a warning. You .. you are he?

I am you!

The rock on which Théo is prone gave way and fell into the pool, so did Théo. He let out yell as his body hit the surface of the water. The fur coat of Midvinter became waterlogged instantly and began to pull him down. Théo began to panic, gasping for air, he tried to swim, just like how [member="Zak Dymo"] had taught him, but the coat was too heavy and pulled in under. Thrashing about, trying to remove to coat, but it would not come away and with one last effort he broke the surface of the water and sucked in air.

"Mother! .. Nina! .. Father!".


It would be his last breath before the waters claimed him.

The pull of the water took him down, his lungs burning and scream for the life giving gas, and he opened his mouth only to take in water which filled his lungs. Panic had gone, his mind clear and resigned to the fact that he was about to die. He became calm and allowed the water to take him, his body relaxed arms and legs floating. His eyes remained fixed on the surface of the pool which became distant in his sight.

Darkness began to encroach his sight, all he wanted to do was to sleep and so he closed his eyes. Before him, the image of the white Vhaanir stamping it's hoof, it shifts to another, a young man laying in then snow dead.

​

​

His eyes fixed and the once sapphire blue orbs dulled with death. Théo knew it was himself. His eyes flashed open as suddenly he had a sense of falling, time and space shifted and Théo's body landed hard on a hard surface. His body aching from the impact and yet he still moves. He does not understand how or where he is. Another hit and the water racing and spits him out on the shore.

Théo somehow manages to crawl to the pebbled edge, his lungs spewing up the water until evacuated and he is able to breath once more. His lungs burning again with the sudden intrusion of air and he crawls panting out of harms way. He turns to lay on his back, totally exhausted, his eyes fixed to the ceiling of the cave in which he finds himself.

​

[member="Nina Heavenshield"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

It was very difficult to remain seated when ones children are in the cave like that of Rhen Var. She felt a growing sense of nervousness, just like those that had been ready enough to enter and find their test and crystal. Coci looked around and watched George meditating, Zak was near by and kept to himself for the moment. She wondered how he was, how his training was proceeding.

Suddenly Coci stood up, her breath caught in the back of her throat, "Théo!", all but a whisper. She ran to the entrance of the cave, the natural reaction of a mother when her name is called to her child in danger. She can sense his fear and something is disturbing him, but she stopped, and rested herself against the curve of the entrance, her hand placed against the biting ice.

Coci searched through the force, directing the weaving threads toward all the Padawans inside. She senses much troubling feelings for them all, but they are safe, Nina is too and Théo is ...

"I think I need a drink", she said more to herself. Coci turned and walked back down the stairs, her face looked tired and she remains worried. To take her mind of the situation, she walked over to Zak and with a forced smile, "Zak? .. may we talk?".


OOC: Those of you RPing in the cave, please take as much time as you want to complete the search. There is no hurry!

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

 

[Ryker Wylde]

One eye of the tiny Togruta flickered open, The other swollen completely shut, Vison blurred. His wound was still bleeding a bit so he couldn't have been out very long, he was still dizzy as he sat up slowly. The boys good eye catching a glimmer as a chunk of the crystal dropped from his chest and into his lap.

He wondered if this was his Crystal, it was very beautiful, It reminded him of his home planet and his family, this had to be it. Even through the pain in his right cheek, the Togruta let that happy smile cross his little bloody face. As the light headedness finally left him he stuffed the fist sized chunk into his pocket, picked up a handful of snow, and holding it onto the two inch long cut on his cheek until the pain dulled a bit. With that the boy would turn to the hanging Crystal and give it a nod of thanks before turning and walking off to find the way back out of the cave

 

[Serana]

There were sensations within the force, energy rippling while her horn seemed to hum low and at the ready while she moved within the cave finding herself standing in an open area while the glow within the ice seemed more like veins of crystal with her face going towards the wall to get a good look. She couldn't touch it with hand but she could with her horn as she was letting the tip touch the cave wall. The force pulsed under her touch and Serana moved back a little watching it while she reared back onto her hind legs coming down with a smash from her front hooves to crack the ice as it slowly fell away revealing golden veins before she moved back preparing again to smash it and get a chunk. Her focus on the moment and the goal coming with the determination over the flickers on the edge of her vision.

 

[Micah tol Powl]

Being there to observe, Padawan Dymo was doubtless expected to stand the Guardian's Vigil at the mouth of the crystal cavern.

Pius and alert, the proper Jedi would assume a meditative posture. Enduring the freezing temperatures of Rhen Var whilst meditating on the Force, and how it moved in mysterious ways. Never moving from that solitary post as a sentry keeping watch for those who did their soul searching among the crystals and faced demons of air and darkness for their endeavor. It was the challenge of the ascetic, to surrender the all and exist in a moment where nothing and harmony collided together in the Force.

...Yeah. That was never going to happen.

Instead, the Nautolan youngling was plopped down quite happily in the snow. His butt on the ground and his legs folded back on either side in a posture that would have made any adult flinch just for uncomfortable that would have been for anyone older than 18 for more than a second or two. A rough assortment of small 'snow castles' had sprung up, with the boy carefully packing snow with his hands to create miniature snowmen to populate the city-scape diorama he had erected in the frost and ice. Then, like some godly architect, the boy leaned back to look over the small world that he had raised, and smiled.

Stretching out his hand, the boy's small, slender fingers cast a foreboding shadow as it passed like a cloud of darkness over the frozen city below.

Then it came down, crushing one of the snow castles beneath it as the boy yelped, "It's NAUTOZILLA!"

Smashing, crashing, and otherwise making a frosty mess, the young Nautolan un-did all his hard work in creating the masterpiece. As he did, he unleashed a flurry of sound effects, as his hands stomped through the make-shift streets of snow like some fictional holo horror monster. "shhh-CRSSSS!" the boy uttered, as another building was flattened. A mock squeal-scream was let loose, as the boy lifted up one of the miniature snow people...

"Zak? .. may we talk?"

Pausing in mid-monster mash, the green-skinned child fell quiet as he craned his head back in order to peer up from out of the world of his own imagination, played out in the slush at his lap, and found his large, black eyes staring at the familiar face of a human woman. "Hi, Mas..."

Wait, what was her name?

Seriously, what was her name? He knew who she was. She was the Master of the Order of the Silver Jedi. Like, THE Master of the Order of the Silver Jedi. Master of the Council type Master. And also Master of being Theo's mom, but the Nautolan was coming up on a blank as to what Theo's name was.

His name was Theo. That was a first name, last name, middle name, nick name...

None of which helped him with the question of what HER name was. Because he just called her 'master'. Her name was Master, right? Wasn't that, like, what ALL Jedi Master's were named?

First name: Master.

Last name: Master.

Master Master, the Jedi Master. Or, Grandmaster Master Master, Master of the Order.

That was how Jedi rolled.

Heavenstake? Heavenshake? Heaven-something-or-other? "...Master Theo's mom," the boy chirped, without so much as missing a beat. Then the eye swirls in the child's eyes shifted with uncertainty as a question popped into his head. Without even thinking about it, the boy said, "Why are girl Jedi called 'Master'?"

"Shouldn't it be Mistress or, like, Lady Master person?"

​

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

 

[George O Rourke]

[member="Ryker Tal'verda"] | [member="Zak Dymo"] | [member="Serana "]| [member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

As George continued to mediate, peering through the cave with the use of the force he felt each and every Padawan in the cave. As he sat and felt the Padawans moving around something burst through his head, the vision of a little boy on the snow gasping for air as water came spewing out of his mouth. It was not a pleasant sight, at almost the exact same moment he noticed Master Coci running towards the cave, up the stairs and almost in. That must have been Theo I saw... He though to himself as he opened his eyes and saw Master Coci returning from the cave. Did she enter? She couldn't have in such a short amount of time. She looked worried, more so than she was previously.

She made her way over to the young Nautolan who was playing with the snow. Crashing and bashing his little miniature snow city was interrupted by the Master. He was making a ripe old mess, but no matter it was soon sink back down and form the layer of snow that everyone had moved across, no harm done.

George decided to let the Padawans searching the caves to be alone, he closed his eyes again, this time meditating on his lightsabers at his hips, lifting them into the air he twirled them around. Moving them precisely and ensuring all the pieces of the weapon were in their correct places. A simple task but something to past the time. It was a time for peace and tranquility for George, there had been much fighting over the past few months and it was nice to just be able to relax with some good company whilst the little ones searched for their crystals.

 

[Ryker Wylde]

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

Blood stained his tiny face and coat, Seeping lightly from his wound which had nearly stopped bleeding by the time he made it to the caverns entrance. Ryker could see the young Nautolan as well as Master Heavenshield talking to one another, And also the Knight George O'Rourke just inside the entrance. Weak shuffling steps drew him ever closer to them, Each step draining him more and more. His head was pounding and the pain tearing through his face was almost unbearable..... He was tired, Cold and tired.

Whether it was the loss of blood or the sheer coldness of his tiny body he was unsure, What he was sure of was the fact that with each step the world around him grew dimmer. Only a few more steps and he'd be out of the cavern. His gaze set solely on O'Rourke since he seemed closest to the door, And with the last bit of his strength the young Togruta nearly hurled himself from the cavern before tumbling unconscious onto the Jedi Knight as he sat meditating....

 

[George O Rourke]

[member="Ryker Tal'verda"] | [member="Zak Dymo"] | [member="Serana "]| [member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

As George sat messing around with his lightsaber making sure all the parts were in the right place and working properly. As he finished up and returned the two lightsabers to his belt something came falling into him. He quickly opened his eyes seeing the little Togruta Padawan resting unconscious on his lap. "Master Coci quick!" He bellowed across the room to the Jedi Master as George quickly moved the young Padawan off of him and onto the ground, resting him on his back. He saw the gash that had most likely caused his pain and his unconscious state on his forehead. Without a second thought George raised his hand over the young boys forehead. Palm facing in, closing his eyes George summoned the force using it to partially heal up the young Padawans cut. Closing up the wound was the first step, but George didn't know what to do next. He wasn't much of the Jedi healer, he had little experience but that was it.

He watched over the young boy but he remained unconscious. He continued breathing which was a good sign but he was weak, very weak. He could feel his grip on life slipping away, he hoped that Master Coci knew what to do. Her experience would help the situation.

He looked at the boy laying there, he looked over to Master Coci. He thought to himself. I am so glad she is here. I don't know what I would have done. It didn't seem like a very helpful thought but it was true. He was a Jedi Knight and would eventually take up a Padawan, he would have to make choices that affected the both of them and would have to be confident in his ability. Hoping watching and learning more from Master Coci would help him and his future Padawans.

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

Ryn had been in the temple, doing some research at the request of Master [member="Cathbodua"], when he was informed of a excursion of Padawans to the crystal cavern. He didn't wish to miss out on the opportunity for his own crystals! He'd headed out as soon as he got word, but trekking through the snow took time.

He had just arrived near the entrance of the cavern, seeing a woman, whom he recognized as Master [member="Coci Heavenshield"] from some holovids, and a young Nautolan. He had just started lifting a hand in greeting towards the two when he heard the call for help. His golden eyes widened in shock behind the mostly featureless faceplate. He willed the Force to flow through his body, as snow flew behind him as he became a blur of motion. He stopped dead at the entrance of the cavern, turning his mostly neutral faceplate towards Master Heavenshield.

"Master, permission to enter and render aid?" He inquired, his melodic voice seeming to give a sense of ease, even if holding a slightly metalic tone from the distortion of the mask. "Master Cathbodua has trained me in the Healing Arts." He knew not what could be awaiting in the cavern, but he felt through the Force, that he just might be of use in whatever situation was to be found within.

[member="George O Rourke"] [member="Ryker Tal'verda"] [member="Zak Dymo"] [member="Serana"] [member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

She smiled down at Zak as he addressed her, the best title ever to be given to her in her mind. He did an enormous amount to remove the tension in her in a few words. She was about to join him, in his play, now have a lot of experience with Théo in the same like but her attention turned for the moment to [member="Ryn'Dhal"], a healer Padawan recent to the Order. "You may enter the caves, but not render aid. The Padawans there are engaged in a journey they must complete on their own, which includes my daughter and my son. If you wish to enter to find a crystal for a saber or construct one ... then go ahead", Of course if something bad happened to any of the padawans inside she could go and find with whoever would wish to join her. Although some of the pawadans are experiencing hardships, they are fine for now.

George called to her, his voice sounding the alarm of distress and she approached. "Zak come", she said as she lowered to see Ryker. Her hand immediately raised and only a few inches above Ryker's face, Coci used the force to ascertain his situation physically, mentally too she entered his mind. He is unconscious, his body rendering him into a 'sleep' in order to protect itself. Her healing abilities are well above average now, considering all the healing she had to do of late with her family. And so she nullified any harmful germs that may lay dormant, frozen in the ice which had entered his flesh. George had closed the skin with great care. Ryker's eye all swollen, she soothed with the force removing any pain and dulling the aggressive welts. He would have bruise but at least he could open his eye.

Ryker? she spoke to the young boy directly to his mind. Wake up, her voice a gentle song to his mind. You are safe and you have succeeded.

[member="Nina Heavenshield"] | [member="Xander Stanforth"] | [member="Ryker Tal'verda"] | [member="Zak Dymo"] | [member="George O Rourke"] | [member="Serana "]| [member="Nima Tann"] | [member="Kixi Rajki"] (love that name!)​

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

When Master [member="Coci Heavenshield"] lead the way into the cave, Ryn breathed a sigh of relief, watching her healing the young Padawan. He always held a soft spot for children. He never had anything remotely resembling a childhood, so younglings, in his eye, were a treasure. He waited until she finished dealing with the unconscious [member="Ryker Tal'verda"] before speaking again.

"Master, would it be improper for me to seek two crystals?" He would inquire, his melodic voice still soothing even when altered by the faceplate. He shifted his robes to reveal his twin long-knives, one on each hip, signifying his desire for assembling a pair of twin-sabers.

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

The rise and fall of his chest begins to lessen and settle to normality. He pulls himself up to rest on bent arms, he is in a new place, a river of water speeding passed his feet. Théo pulls back, crawling backward to get away from it, as if it might claim him once again. Finally he felt the cold of the ice against his back, he sits shivering wet and cold. His focus had gone, no longer using the force to keep the body at a good temperature. Although his Valkyri blood would see him last a lot longer than most, even he would eventually succumb to it, the biting cold. Using the wall of ice, Théo pulled himself up onto his feet, he looked around for a way out and found none. No crevices in wall, no passageways and the pebbled shore only small and afforded no path. The only avenue to leave was the river.

Théo's heart sunk, all he wanted was to go and find his mother and Nina. He let out a yell of anguish, coupled with a growing sense of anger. He lashed out at the wall with his foot, only to immediately experience the pain of his endeavour, which of course only made him more angry. For a moment he allowed the anger to satiate his emotions, before he calmed, and looked around once more. The place is covered in crystals, but he had all but given up on find one, it was the last thing on his mind now, all he wanted to do was find Nina. His sudden fear that she might be in danger, experiencing something similar to him and he could stand for that. Not his Nina.

Théo's driving force, his love for her now pushed him forward toward the raging river, all sense of self preservation gone, replaced with his need to find her. Without hesitation, Théo removed his fur coat and let it fall where it may, it would remain in the cave forever, he would need a new one. Théo ran into the water before he dived in and allowed the rushing waters to sweep him away ...

[member="Nina Heavenshield"]​

 

[Ryker Wylde]

[member="George O Rourke"][member="Coci Heavenshield"][member="Ryn'Dhal"]

With his wound healed and closed, his tiny eyes would flutter open and immediately lock onto Master Heavenshield. Though his cheek was still a bit sore his happy smile shone brightly upon his lips as he reached into his pocket and pulled out the chunk of crystal. Ryker held the chunk out to Master Heavenshield so she could inspect it while he rubbed his scarred cheek with his free hand..... This is what found me Master. It was with me when I woke up in the cave

He would slowly raise himself into a seated position, His mind still dizzy as he moved causing his tiny eyes to blink a bit as he tried to focus on those around him. Shivers hit his body as he sat there in the snow beside the Knight called George thinking about his home.

 

[Micah tol Powl]

The boy listened obediently for Master Theo's Mom's response, but she was distracted by the arrival of an older padawan.

It was while addressing the other Jedi that the pair were alerted to the plight of the young Togruta by the blue-skinned Nautolan, George. At the beckoning of Master Coci, the amphibious boy followed the master over toward the young Togruta. Quietly, the boy watched the exchange between the older Jedi.

After the smaller boy had spoken, Zak piped up quietly. "Do you..." the boy began, pausing as he thought about what he wanted to say. "I can take him back to the ship, Master," the young Nautolan offered, altering the question he'd been about to ask into a statement instead.

It would probably be good to warm the Togruta up. And Zak could make the boy some cocoa to help with that.

...he wondered if the ship that brought them here carried Byss Miss salted krill flavored hot chocolate...

This might require investigation!

[member="Ryker Tal'verda"] | [member="Ryn'Dhal"] | [member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="George O Rourke"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Ryn'Dhal"] | [member="Ryker Tal'verda"] | [member="Zak Dymo"] | [member="George O Rourke"]​

​

"Ryn'Dhal, if the force wills you have two, you have two". She stated before he would enter the caves. "Be mindful of your surroundings and may the force be with you".

Coci smiled back as Ryker came back to them, so proud of his achievements is he and rightly so. The young boy had been through his test and had come out with the rewards and his crystal. There is much more to learn through this 'adventure' than simply knowing how to get a crystal. "Well done Padawan", she whispered to him as her hand touched his face with a gentle caress. Her heart projecting the will of a mother to them, since Théo and Nina are not here and she is still anxious.

She turned to Zak, and nodded her approval as he spoke good sense. "Yes Zak, see what you can do for him and make him comfortable". She stood up to let Zak have room enough to assist Ryker to his feet.

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

His heart just about exploding from his chest, the river taking him along it's path with a rapid speed that took his breath away. What little breath remain saw fits of coughing and splattering as water found it's way in his mouth. Théo laid back as best he could, tried to relax as best could, but the adrenaline pounded through his body. It is frightening and it is .. exhilarating, a passenger to the river and nothing more is Théo, completely at it's mercy. The cave passed over his head, if one had the time to look one would marvel at it's beauty, vast catacombs filled with all manner of crystals and gems, intricate cave sculptures etched from ice and water rise up and down the area but Théo did not see them. The river taking him deeper into the caves of Rhen Var, dipping and twisting following an ancient path carved over the march of time. Then without heed from the river, it dipped once, twice before the river plunged leaving Théo in air, at least that is what it felt like to him.

A waterfall, not large dropped him several meters before he hit the surface once more, the current now slowed considerable and gently delivered him into a pool within yet another cavern. Théo swam to the edge and got out, for a moment standing there collecting his breath, before looking around to see where he finds himself. But the light here is far less and he is unable to make anything out. His training saber by his side, securely strapped to his belt safe and so he took it and ignited the blade. It offered enough light to see his way, but would never be enough to fill the vast cavern.

Always be aware of your surroundings, the words of his master entered his mind, and pushing out search through the force, Théo could 'see' the cavern. All of its fractures, nooks and passages, he could sense the force strong here and there is a presences resonating around him. Théo stamped his foot, just like the young buck did in warning, the force entered his body and again, he stamps his right foot. The small rocks under his boot turned to powder as he hit them, the force powered leg coupled with his ancestral strength crushed them. Once more, he stamps his foot and even to Théo surprise a wave of the force issued from him, rippling along the surface, up the walls of the cavern and to the ceiling. Cracks ran through the ice as the wave traveled upward, sheets of ice began to peel away from the walls on which they clung and fell crashing to the ground around him. Large chunks dropped from the ceiling none of which danger to him, however one large piece landed directly in front of him. Théo lowered his gaze toward it, it called to him. Inside the ice is a solari crystal capture in the frozen cage.

He stands atop the 'prison', and for the forth time his foot smashes the ice and the solari crystal is free. Théo pushes away the ice still clinging to it, as if the cavern still will not yield it's capture, he lays the crystal in the palm of his hand, his training saber illuminating it, it is unusual .. it is white.

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

 

[George O Rourke]

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"] | [member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Zak Dymo"] |[member="Ryker Tal'verda"] | [member="Ryn'Dhal"] | @Serana

As George watched as the young Togruta came to as he heard another voice coming from the otherside of the room. It was one of the mysterious Padawans, he seemed quite a bit older than the majority of the Padawans that were here today. But that meant little. George too was quite an old Padawan compared to the likes of Zak and Rkyer. Anyhow he wondering if it would be alright to get multiple crystals as he was interested in having two lightsabers. George understood and was thrilled to hear of another dual wielder amongst them. As Master Coci replied to his question George to also chimed in. "As Master Coci said, let the force guide you. I am sure you'll leave here with what you need." He have a gentle nod as he finished. "I shall see you again when you return. May the force be with you."

As the Rkyer awakened he was a little disorientated but that didn't last long. Zak offered to return him to the ship and get him comfortable after the adventure he had in the cave came to an end. It was the best idea for the situation and Master Coci agreed, letting Zak take the injured boy back to the ship. George had done well to close the cut up, but once again Master Coci proved her skill. Completely healing the cut on his head and reducing the swelling in his cheek. Something George would have to work towards.

 

[Ryker Wylde]

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

His normally bright smile brightened just a bit more as Master Heavenshield rubbed his cheek, Reminding him of his own mother for a moment. He then carefully and very slowly climbed to his feet and tucked the chunk back into his pocket before turning to the young Padawan named Zak. The the curious look on the padawans face caused Ryker to wonder what the boy was thinking about......He hoped it was a warm blanket and some cocoa like Rawnie always made for him on Mandalore.

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

After reconfirming that the youngling was fine, Ryn faced [member="George O Rourke"], and gave a slight nod of acknowledgement, his masked face unreadable. A loose fist was raised in a gesture of solidarity with his Nautolan Padawan brother, before a soft, melodic, "And with you as well," was uttered in return.

Ryn then moved deeper into the initial chamber of the crystal caverns. He knelt near a series of paths and began to meditate. After what felt like only moments to him, but was in actuality nearly an hour, Ryn felt led down one of the paths. The left most one. Springing lightly to he feet, the padawan started off, icy ground crunching with each step.

Over the next hour, at each intersection, the young masked padawan would practice his Moving Meditation, until he was moved by the Force into a new direction. This continued until he found himself wearily pulling himself up a sharp incline overlooking a seemingly bottomless cavern.

Many platforms of varying surface dimensions and elevations littered the room. A natural obstacle course. The detraction? Only one of greatly elevated physical capabilities could hope to reach the other side alive.

His faith in his connection with the Force was great. His Will was strong.

Or so he thought, until the presences of the Dark Side decided to finally make themselves known.

<You won't make it. Ssssssslaaaaaaaveeeeee.....>

The padawan slammed back against a wall, both blades drawn. The HUD in his faceplate showed no visible signs of enemies, and his senses within the Force showed now threats either. But, he knew he head a voice....

<You're going to die in here.... Sssssssslaaaaaaaaveeeee.....>

The voice hissed again as the padawan shook his head violently to dislodge the disembodied voice. "I WILL make it! I've come too far not to!"

<Let's say you DO make it.... It doesn't change the fact that you are what you are.... Sssssssslaaaaaaaaveeeeee.....>

"I am no ones slave!" The padawan declared defiantly, his resolve firming.

<Yes you are. You are ssssssslaaaaaaaveeeeee to your feeeeeeaaaaaarrrrr......>

This set the padawan back. He knew he had fears. Everyone did. But he let no fear rule him.... Did he?

<You feeeeeeeaaaaaaarrrrrr what others with think! How they will reject you outright when they learn who, and what, you REALLY are!>

This struck the padawan like a freighter. His knees buckled, and his swords clattered helplessly to the floor. "N-no... I... I... I am... not...."

<YES YOU ARE!!!! COWARD!!!! PRETENDER!!!! WASTE!!!! YOUR MASTER SHOULD HAVE JETTISONED YOU OUT THE AIRLOCK WHEN HE PICKED YOU UP ON NAR SHADDAA!!!!>

The padawan clutched his faceplate in his hands, attempting to concentrate, to block out the voice screaming in his mind. He attempted to meditate on the Force, on the Code. The screaming seemed to start to fade....

<YOU DONT DESERVE PEACE!!!! YOU DESERVE DEATH, YOU LIAR!!! HOW CAN THEY TRUST YOU WHEN YOU DONT TRUST THEM!?!? DROP YOUR MASK, AND YOU WILL SEE THE TRUTH OF THEIR 'COMPASSION'!!!!>

The voice tore through the mental wall he was attempting to construct. He screamed.

His scream was physical, mental, and in the Force. The anguish welled up within him so great, for it resonated with his one fear so great. The Dark Side presence within these caverns amplified negative emotions, and fed on the fears and negativity one held in their core. His greatest fear was being cast out. To be nothing. To hold utterly no value. And he realized now that the voice was correct.

Deep in Ryn'Dhal's core, he 'knew' that he would not be accepted within the order. He 'knew' they would end him, or worse,,send him away, exiled. He'd rather die, as exile would only the a longer, more terrifying, agonizing death.

All this came out in a scream, the cavern rumbling and shaking with the force. During all this, his faceplate cracked, the HUD went dark, just at the same time consciousness left the padawan.

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

 

[Micah tol Powl]

Stepping closer, the Nautolan turned around as he approached the smaller Togruta.

Kneeling down, the green-skinned amphibian dropped his arms back in an indication of offering the other boy a piggy-back ride back to the ship. "All aboard!" the youngling chirped brightly, waiting for the Togruta to accept or reject the offer.

It was only a short distance back to the shuttles which had brought the Jedi to Rhen Var. Boarding the transit ship, the Nautolan brought the smaller boy through the interior airlocks to a warm part of the ship's passenger compartment. Getting the other youngling settled, the Nautolan then made his way over to the galley -- equipped with an autochef! That was basically a droid that prepared meals based on a pre-set menu of available stores.

There were two options for hot cocoa, neither of which involved krill. Just with or without marshmellows.

Seriously, marshmellows.

Who DIDN'T want small shrimp floating around their hot chocolate? Especially on Glee Anselm or Lamared, where you could get fresh krill and not the freeze-dried stuff that came in pre-packaged cocoa like the autochef's offerings.

Taking one of each, the Nautolan would leave it up to the Togruta which he preferred. Though the Nautolan would totally understand if the boy protested for lack of seafood in his cocoa.

[member="Ryker Tal'verda"] | [member="Coci Heavenshield"]​