A Crystal's Calling. (Cixi, Seth, and Yuroic)

[Seth Brackson]

Seth was back at the training academy at Kashyyyk. Following the events of a chance encounter. Cixi and Seth were once more upon the home world of the silver order. Which was both an exciting prospect and one which meant. Seth was inevitably nearing more training under his mentor's guidance. Which was a positive thing.

Though right now the pressing matter. Was what had happened during the two Padawans adventure together. Seth had acquired a lightsaber crystal.. Sort of. He actually took off a chunk of the crystaline structure that could make several blades and have some spare. He kind of forgot to bring a cutting tool along, and so used the force to acquire his crystal.

The chunk of crystal he had was made up of two colors. Part of it was a sea green, part of it an electric blue. Though it was odd. As this particular day the planet was undergoing a thunderstorm. As such the bit of Seth's (http://starwarsrp.net/topic/140161-tempestite/) crystal. Was singing a melody. The tune was different from the time [member="Cixi Lu"] would of first heard the melody. Though it was still a sobering one none the less. Also every time thunder came so to would the crystal make a clapping sound, and pulse. As if though adding an ill places beat to the melody it hummed.

The ship landed and Seth hopped out. Heading towards the enclave. Setting out on the search for his mentor [member="Yuroic Xeraic"] hopefully with Cixi in tow. As he had prior contacted his mentor. Saying he had something he needed to discuss with him.

 

[Cixi Lu]

Cixi followed from a respectful distance, not wishing to cause any problems with her presence.

Though she had been the one escorting Seth about these last few days, she wasn't sure how comfortable she was with people knowing how close they'd become. Normally, she was a rather private person - honest, but private.

Besides, much like his acquisition of the selfsame crystal - this was part of his personal journey, his personal path. It felt almost wrong to interfere. If it came down to it, she would introduce herself as the humble servant of the Silver Jedi that she was - a Padawan and a Healer at that.

Still, she wanted to meet @Yuroic Xeraic as he was Seth's respected Master. At least introduce herself to him once the two were done talking.

[member="Seth Brackson"]

 

[WelshPsych]

Yuroic had spent his morning exercising on his own. He had gotten Seth, his Padawan into the training as well but he allowed the young man to go on a mission solo. It was good for Seth to explore on his own and learn things at his own pace. It was even better for him to make friends and travel with them in a group. Socialising was important no matter who you are. Yuroic finished his shower and dried himself.

Checking his messages, he noticed that there was one from Seth stating he would be returning and need to talk to him. Yuroic shrugged, he grabbed a loose grey shirt and pulled it on and wore baggy navy jeans. His Lightsabers clipped onto his jeans as he walked through the temple. When he was training, Yuroic enjoyed not wearing Jedi robes, even though he found the ones he had were comfy, it was nice to wear something different.

Spotting Seth at the hangar, he noticed that he was accompanied by another Padawan. Nodding his head, he gave a smile. "Hello, I'm Yuroic." He said to the young woman before turning to Seth. "So what did you want to discuss Seth?"

 

[Seth Brackson]

Seth was pleased when he discovered he wouldn't need to be hunting much for his mentor. Who took it upon himself to be present near the hangar. In turn Seth smiled a bit. While Yuroic addressed Cixi with a greeting. Seth would of otherwise been more than happy to introduce the two. The circumstances he met [member="Cixi Lu"] had been.. Well.. Circumstantial. The events that followed peculiar in a positive manner.

Seth nodded his head to his mentor. "Right." He reached into his satchel and pulled the crystal out of his bag. Holding it as it continued it's slow hum. Still staying true to clapping everytime thunder was occurring. In fact it was practically perfectly timed with the thunder. "I ended up stumbling.." Seth paused and shook his head a little bit. "Let me rephrase. I ended up being guided to this." Seth expressed to his mentor. His tone neutral now while he studied the crystal and it's reaction to the thunderstorm. "I have an instinctual belief this can be used for a lightsaber.. I have been meditating upon it. Trying to learn more of it.. And it seems to respond oddly to my interactions." Seth expressed calmly.

"I was wondering if you saw a crystal like this before, and have any advice about it?" Seth expressed. He trusted his mentor to answer any question. His mentor could answer, if and when he believed Seth was ready for an answer. Seth was hoping his mentor [member="Yuroic Xeraic"] had some insight into what type of crystal this was. If he had any clue about the properties of the crystal. As well as perhaps advice on what Seth should do with the crystal. As he wasn't sure his mentor's opinion on Seth constructing a lightsaber, or lightsabers with little experience in using the actual weapon. Thinking about it. Seth had an idea how dangerous it would be trying to wield a weapon with such short experience. Though he also found it odd the crystal chose for him to seek it out. When it decided to do so.

 

[Cixi Lu]

Cixi sat on a rock nearby, watching the two. In truth, she was more invested in this than she gave on. She wanted things to go well for [member="Seth Brackson"], and moreover, wanted to ensure his happiness.

It seemed, at least, that her own overbearing attitude in regards to [member="Yuroic Xeraic"] had been entirely unnecessary and unneeded. Really, she shouldn't have expected so little of a Jedi of the Silver Order.

She had to consider where her trepidation came from. Was it a desire to keep Seth safe? Or something more deep-rooted that fueled her disdain.

Either way, she was in a place to watch, and act or stay inactive as the sittuation unfolded. So watch she would, and remain on the outside until she was needed.

 

[WelshPsych]

When Cixi decided not to greet herself and remain situated slightly afar from Seth and himself, Yuroic thought it somewhat strange. When he felt the strong emotions coming from her due to his strong abilities in Force Sense, Yuroic slightly smirked to himself. He understood Cixi a fair amount better, even if he didn't know her name yet. He was interested in where the two's relationship might go, noting mentally to keep an eye on them both.

When Seth revealed the crystal to him, Yuroic gazed as the intriguing item behind taking it from Seth to give a closer inspection. His suspicions were correct, however, he knew there was more to this crystal than he could tell. Handing it back to Seth, he studied the boy, he was still too inexperienced in Yuroic's mind so he had to be careful with his words. Yuroic had chosen to delay his gaining a Kyber crystal and beginning his creation of his Lightsabers, just because he was years behind most Jedi in Lightsaber training. He needed to wait till he was ready.

"That is a unique Lightsaber crystal. Seems to me that it has chosen you to be the one to use it. I don't know the type of crystal it is, it is completely new to me. However, like most other saber crystals spend time bonding with it, complete your connection. When you have figured out the hilt you want and the fighting style best for you, then we will build a hilt to house it." Yuroic stated in a matter of fact tone. "Don't worry, finding a crystal is a good thing. Means you are heading in the right direction. I'm just disappointed I wasn't there to find it with you."

Looking over to Cixi then back to Seth. "When I found my first crystal, I was with a friend too. Though, she became much more than a friend after that." Yuroic commented remembering when he first opened himself up for a relationship. "Anyway, glad to see you have made a friend here. Friends are very important." Yuroic stated, he wasn't insinuating anything between the two, he genuinely believed that Seth expanding his social circle was a good thing.

[member="Cixi Lu"] | [member="Seth Brackson"]

 

[Seth Brackson]

Seth absorbed his mentor's words like he normally did. Dissecting them and trying to pick out his mentor's intents. Analyzing things was starting to become a common thing for him. Of course a lot of things Seth did would still be off instinct. He was pleased when the crystal was returned to him. Placing it back away in a place of safe keeping. "Thank you, for your advice on the matter. It is an invaluable resource. I too wish you could of been able to have been around." Seth expressed to his mentor. Then looked back to Cixi and studied her for a bit.

"This is Cixi. She means well by keeping her distance." Seth expressed in regards to her. While he seemed a little cautious about how much to express. For now he kept his own feelings controlled. Both for respect to Cixi, and her desire for privacy on the matter. As well as the meeting Seth had called for. Was focused around his discovery of the crystal. So, keeping things on task was important. Plus, Seth was using this as practice to make sure. If ever a situation called for him to act without emotion. He'd be able to set aside stronger emotions to do such.

It was better to practice around an ally. Who at most Seth would guess. He would recieve a reminder about being sure to be cautious. Then he would testing it around an enemy. Where his actions, thoughts, and decisions might place more than himself into danger. Seth wouldn't be very forgiving of himself. If emotions towards someone lead them to recieve a bullseye painted onto their forehead. Especially one such as Cixi who on his short time knowing her. Had helped him more than he could ever express.

Seth looked back to his mentor. "How've you been doing these past few days?" Seth asked. As he listened to the tune the crystal hummed. This helped his thoughts center on what was important. He had a feeling Yuroic was already aware to some extent of him and Cixi's unexpected closeness. Though he was appreciative his mentor was not drawing any open conclusions.

[member="Cixi Lu"] [member="Yuroic Xeraic"]

 

[Cixi Lu]

Wait! Was she being rude? Cixi hadn't considered that angle whatsoever!

At this realisation, her eyes drew open so wide that it was almost comical, making her look almost ridiculous.

Well, she had chosen to distance herself in this instance, and while it was a sunk cost fallacy, she chose to continue along this path with her prior reasoning. She was here to support Seth. To interrupt would be rude and callous.

But really, she had to work on reading social cues. The fact that she'd been out of the loop for a while was no excuse.

[member="Yuroic Xeraic"]
[member="Seth Brackson"]

 

[WelshPsych]

Yuroic noted the cautious attitudes of the two and smiled warmly. "Don't be afraid to be open about your feelings, plenty of Jedi in this Order have relationships, platonic and romantic. Being close with another person is good." He hoped that he reassured the two that there was nothing that they needed to find about how they felt. It was understandable to be cautious, the Jedi Orders of old used to forbid such relationships believing that they were dangerous and blinded oneself. However, most Jedi saw that love could open your eyes and have you understand more.

Turning to Cixi, "don't worry yourself, I didn't think of you as rude. Just shy and cautious. I know Jedi have a history of coming across cold and calculated, devoid of emotions but that just isn't so here." He gave her a friendly smile before turning to Seth. "My days were no different really, filled with physical training, bow practice, hunting and Force training. I did some work around the temple, helped sort of the archives but you haven't missed much Padawan." Yuroic stated. Fhe current peace the SJO was feeling was a good atmosphere for training and learning. Gaining insight and stepping away from the bloodshed.

"So, what did you have in mind to do next?" Yuroic stated as he looked to both of them.

[member="Seth Brackson"] | [member="Cixi Lu"]

 

[Seth Brackson]

Seth softly heaved a sigh. Much work to do he had to learning to shield his feelings. As it so seemed to be. Which did annoy him in the slightest bit. Though he set it aside as he figured he had time to learn. "I understand." Seth expressed and glanced to Cixi. He then glanced back to his mentor. "To be fair. Training is probably soon in order." Seth admitted. His shoulder ached a little to remind him of that. He'd... An interesting journey collecting his crystal, and a group of smugglers had the last laugh after he'd damaged their ship.

Though again. Cixi worked wonders and now all that was left was time to finish the healing which she had progressed quite a bit. Seth thought a bit about what to do. Before he looked back to [member="Cixi Lu"]. Then back to [member="Yuroic Xeraic"]. "I was wondering. I am considering... Raising animals at some point. Training them as companions on my.. Adventures. Is there a way to create a link between oneself with another living creature? Such as an animal, or say another person?" Seth asked curiously. Wondering if his mentor would know the skills Seth would need to create a bond between himself and an animal.

Seth was starting to get more comfortable using the force to read things. In fact the first day he knew Cixi. When they both found out they were allies at the very least. To try and help better understand Cixi. Seth had viewed her essence through the force. Now within the time that passed. Seth was fairly confident he could sense Cixi's signature with relative ease. He figured at some point he would test familiarizing himself more towards his mentors signature. Though it was difficult for however good Seth found his mentor at detecting things.. His mentor was much better at concealing them.

"Also.. Can we delve more into stealth, agility and endurance techniques and training later?" Seth inquired curiously. He found his mentor was pretty easy going. With how Seth wanted to proceed with his training. If ever Seth requested learning something his mentor did not approve of. He would know, and respect that decision. Seth enjoyed learning as much as he could. Though he also knew he had limits, and often his mentor guaged them better than he did. He turned to Cixi. "Do you have any opinions, interests, or desire to participate.. Or are you just wanting to observe?" Seth inquired to her softly.

 

[Cixi Lu]

The topic switching to her left Cixi with a deep blush, the crimson burning her cheeks in such a way that deeply contrasted with her paper pale skin.

"H-hey! Wait, why didn't you mention pets to me?" Cixi spoke, standing up. "My ship's a hospital, not a veterinary clinic."

Without the intention of it actually hurting him, she walked over and papped him on the head, making sure for it to make a loud noise.

"Don't go deciding things like that without me," she berated him, holding her hands tight to her hips. Once she was done, she turned and bowed deeply to Seth's master.

"I apologise deeply. My name is Cixi Lu, Padawan of the Silver Order. If it's okay with you, I believe it would be a benefit if I were to train alongside Seth. I foresee us working in tandem a lot in the future," she asked earnestly, standing up straight.

[member="Seth Brackson"]
[member="Yuroic Xeraic"]

 

[WelshPsych]

With his hand resting on his face, Yuroic watched the pair interact with a knowing smile. It was good to see that they had become close in such a short space of time. Looking over to Cixi, he returned her bow. "Greetings Cixi, I'm glad to have another person keeping this one in check." Yuroic joked as he gestured to Seth. His attention turned to Seth and thought about the question. He wasn't an owner of an animal himself, his life was too busy as it was, however he knew what power Seth wanted to learn.

"Bonding with animals is easy compared to bonding with other people. Force Bonds are links between two Force Users, however these can be dangerous and with plenty of risks. Better to avoid them when possible. Bonding with animals, there is Beast Control, it allows you to communicate with animals. Show them that you are not a threat and that you want to be a friend." Yuroic explained. "Connecting with the animal this way can turn them into allies. Takes a lot of focus and time."

He thought on where to train. "Today. Today, we train away from the Temple, need to find animals to practice on, I know a place." Yuroic stated as he gestured them to follow, leading them out of the Temple and on a trail.

[member="Cixi Lu"] | [member="Seth Brackson"]

 

[Seth Brackson]

Setto looked to Cixi with a clearly agitated expression. "You never bothered asking me.. Hey.. You ever intend to get a pet down the road? As well as I Didn't make any decision without you.. You are right here. We have training, though, and we can discuss this subject later." Seth spoke in a manner that strongly indicated they'd be hashing this out later. His features then softened and he offered a soft smile. "If it truly bothers you. We will work something out." Seth noted in a much gentler manner. By work something out though. Seth was assuming he'd just acquire a ship for himself... How he did that... Well he was grasping the basics of piloting... And someone out there surely was.. Morally questionable, and with a ship in need of repurposing.

Seth turned to his mentor. Catching most of what he said as he was pulled from his thoughts. Bugger. Women were trouble. This was the first time Seth wasn't fully on the ball with his lessons. Though Seth wouldn't trade Cixi's companionship for anything he could think of. So, he'd have to make sure he treaded lightly. To avoid invoking further wrath from her. He held enough to understand. Beast control was the skill he would be learning. It would help him communicate with animals, and befriend them. In general.. Exactly what he needed.

Plus.. Training outside the temple! This was a rare occurence. As most of what Seth recieved for training could be done on the grounds. As it usually consisted of him getting smacked around. With either a reminder or a new lesson to be accompanied by the smack. He was still very eager to land a hit on his master at some point!! "Thank you for taking your time to train me and Cixi, Mentor." He expressed to Yuroic. Before he prepared himself to tag along to wherever the man lead them for the lesson.

[member="Cixi Lu"]
[member="Yuroic Xeraic"]

 

[Cixi Lu]

Seth's internal monologue was lost on Cixi as she got herself pumped up for training, her eyes shining rather brightly as she prepared to follow after Seth and his master.

This wasn't really her area of expertise - the world of beasts one removed from that of people.

That didn't matter. She wasn't here for her own sake, she was here for Seth. Here to help him train in the direction he wanted to go, and help make him a great Jedi.

The act of bettering oneself was its own reward, after all.

"Indeed. I'm ready to begin."

[member="Seth Brackson"]
[member="Yuroic Xeraic"]

 

[WelshPsych]

"Well Seth, as your Master, it is my job to train in you the ways of the Force. Wouldn't be very good at my job if I didn't teach you." Yuroic chuckled as he shook his head. Placing his hands behind him, he continued to lead the way, letting Seth and Cixi discuss Seth wanting pets.

Yuroic watched the two with a smirk as he led them down a path, his eyes looking around before he reached a clearing. In the clearing there was target dummies made from fall branches, a small obstacle course and several bows littered around. Yuroic used the Force and moved the objects to one side as smiled. "Sorry for the mess, I have this setup for training with a bow in stressful conditions. Have to complete the course while hitting the targets, completing it as fast as one can while being very accurate. Difficult but keeps the skills sharp."

Yuroic stood in the middle of the clearing, looking around. "Hmmm... Normally they are here by now." Yuroic paused and scratched his beard when he heard a branch snap. Yuroic smirked and turned just as the akk wolf positioned itself to pounce on him. Yuroic lowered to one knee and petted the large reptile as he smirked at the animal. "Well, tried to catch me that time, need to be wary where you step." Yuroic then stood and faced Cixi and Seth.

"This is an akk wolf, I found him as a pup when I was travelling around nearly a year ago. He's the leader of his pack here on Kashyyyk. Only four of them here, I tend to donate offspring to charities and farmers in need of a guard animal, which is what akk dogs were originally used for. Anyway, all four have strong Force Bonds to me, they imprint heavily on their owners that they create a Force Bond. It wasn't ideal at first, could feel their pain and hurt at first but we've gotten closer for it. Also means that they are perfect for practicing beast control."

Yuroic studied the pair before he whistled loudly and three akk dogs entered the clearing, all smaller than the akk wolf by Yuroic. "Now, go stand by one. Just get to know them, I'll explain Beast Control in a bit."

[member="Seth Brackson"] | [member="Cixi Lu"]

 

[Seth Brackson]

Seth nodded his head. While he walked instinctively towards the akk dog towards the left. While he studied it's markings. Moving back only when he noticed the dog tense a bit. He didn't do so in a quick manner. More of a polite gesture of giving space where it was needed. While he went back to observing the creature.

This time he studied the temperment, and behavior of the creature. It seemed initially guarded towards his own presence. Though giving the space, and some time. It seemed to accept Seth as merely being an observer more so than a threat. Therefore in turn the features relaxed a bit.

He then settled and turned back to his mentor. Where he waited patiently for [member="Cixi Lu"] to find the hound that resonates most to her liking, and nature. Then patiently wait for [member="Yuroic Xeraic"] to begin with the teachings for the day.

 

[Cixi Lu]

"Akk wolves," Cixi spoke pointlessly, looking at the dogs that Yuroic had brought them to.

They were the very sort of animal one would imagine to be a guard dog, big and heavily muscled, with beady little eyes and big, sharp teeth.

Her mother would have been all over them in a moment, petting them, stroking them and hugging them. It was a habit that Cixi had never picked up on, always wary of animals - never mind big hulking guard animals.

Still, there was no holding back. Good dog now. Don't go biting auntie Cixi, or she'll be rather cross.

She approached one of them sternly, striding barefooted - as always - and knelt before it, meeting its eyes. With slow, firm motions, she stroked its fur down from its head to its back, waiting for the inevitable chain reaction - the tail wagging and tongue panting - that marked canine happiness.

"Who is a good dog?" She asked tonelessly, patting it on the head.

[member="Seth Brackson"]
[member="Yuroic Xeraic"]

 

[WelshPsych]

Yuroic watched as Cixi stroked the reptile's scaly neck. He smiled, the animals were far from aggressive to other sentient beings. Watching Seth and Cixi choose their partners to train with, Yuroic nodded his head. "Right, so Beast Control is all about connecting to the animal, you aren't aiming to dominate the mind or take control as much as the name infers that you are. This is about mutual understanding. Bonding with the creatures around you, getting to understand their needs, wants and desires."

"All animals have them and it's important to understand that. We aren't superior to these creatures, we just live a different life, thinking slightly different and see ourselves different. Don't try to explore their minds too mucb at first. Just sit, feel their presences and try to understand what guides them." Yuroic explained as he crossed his arms and watched to see how they would go about this task.

[member="Cixi Lu"] | [member="Seth Brackson"]

 

[Seth Brackson]

Seth looked to the Akk wolf which he was beside. Studying it's build and such. It was wary of him. Though he could tell the wariness was mostly an uncertainty to what Seth might do. He took Yuroic's advice and thought about it. It made sense. Like when Seth force felt the flow of the force, and realized that it was not meant to be forced or broken, it to would sensibly apply to the mind of another. As for feeling and understanding something. That was something Seth had practice with. In fact though ir was not second nature to him yet. It was something he was slowly and at a healthy pace gaining confidence about.

Theseus closed his eyes and focused. While he waited a moment or two. Then opened himself to the flowing of the force. Instinctively his vision tunneled in on [member="Cixi Lu"] and the energies that flowed through and around her. Reminding him of the summer breeze. Though with effort he redirected his attention to the creature beside himself. Then began to inspect the creature. Trying to get a feel for it.

It was.. Well it wasn't human. To start off that much was certain. Next Seth determined the creature was a bit hungry. Not famished though hungry as if though it had a meal recently. Though felt some sort of obligation to cut it short. Next he felt the wariness and came to an understanding of how it was Seth's uncertainty on how to interact with the creature initially, that had set the creature on edge.

The last revelation spurred Seth to focus on further calming his mind and relaxing. Before he carefully reached out and patted the creature. He looked to his mentor [member="Yuroic Xeraic"] watching quietly. Waiting for the next set of instruction. While now he just felt the feelings, and movements of his companion through the force.

 

[Cixi Lu]

"It was once believed by the Jedi's predecessors that animals were, in their own way, sentient - souls of sentient beings punished for ill deeds in a previous life by being placed in a body that could not communicate its distress," Cixi replied to Yuroic's own musings.

That thinking was out of line with her own. Inequality was the natural order, even within the Force. Everything and everyone was manifestly different, and so it was only natural that some rose to the top. Sentient beings were generally more highly evolved, having risen to the top of their planet's food chain. That degree of separation had to be noted, understood, acknowledged.

It was the same line of thinking that made a Jedi. By their connection to the Force, they were naturally different - some might even say superior. All this meant was responsibility - a responsibility of guidance and protection.

Her akk wolf was tired, its muscles aching, and its body weary. No wonder it had so placidly taken her hand; there was no fight in it. There was no room in its mind for else but rest, yet the eyes of its brothers kept it awake. Even within beasts there was pride, even within beasts there was loyalty.

[member="Yuroic Xeraic"]
[member="Seth Brackson"]