A Jedi's First Step

[Lynn Nantaris]

Jacen departed the ship on Voss stopping on the landing pad. He looked over the landscape, clearly seeing the Temple in the distance. He had grown up in the Jedi Order of the Republic, but now they had sent him to Voss. He was sent to find Jedi GrandMaster [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] for training. He did not know if this man was to become his Master or just teach him a bit or if there was another Master all together.

He departed the ship completely with what little he had in tow. He didn't believe in material possessions so he only had training clothing, his traditional Jedi robes, and items needed to maintain hygiene. He followed the path to the Academy noticing all the people near by and the different races and dress attires. It was more...diverse here than in the Jedi Order. Jacen, however, would stick closely to the Jedi Code and pursue the path of the Jedi, the true path with no dilution. Hopefully, under the training of the Silver Jedis he would one day return to the Jedi Order and help rebuild them to their former place in the Galaxy.

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Again found within the confines of his office, pouring over reports from the Coalition's ongoing efforts to secure the world of Jabiim steadily flowing in via Antarian Ranger communication arrays, Thurion was suddenly interrupted by a soft knock on his door. After rubbing the weariness from his eyes using the palm of his hand, he rose from his seat and stretched a bit before answering the door. On the other side stood a young Togruta boy, no more than 10 years old.

"Oh, hello there, Zee," he greeted the little one with a smile. "Did our guest arrive?" The boy merely smiled back and nodded his head, causing his tendrils to bounce and sway. The Grandmaster settled a hand upon his head. "Good job! You may return to Master Vorn's class now. If he asks where you've been just tell him I sent you on a secret mission." The Togrutan giggled before running off. To Thurion, there was no sweeter sound than that of children's laughter.

Making his way downstairs to the grand entrance hall of the Silver Temple, it became no difficult task making out the new arrival in the form of [member="Jacen Clanstrider"], an eager young padawan sent from Republic space for training. That was about the extent of information he'd been given when the Jedi Order made their request. He'd have to find out the rest from the man himself.

"Jacen Clanstrider, I presume?" He approached the teenager and offered the standard Jedi greeting in the form of a bow. "I am Grandmaster Thurion Heavenshield. We've been expecting you."

 

[Lynn Nantaris]

As Jacen made his way up towards the temple, his nose was graced with many pleasant smells. If someone were to say Jacen had vices, food would be the most common. Being half Valkyri meant his body was growing rapidly and thus his body craved food the majority of the day. It also didn't help that he hadn't eaten since he left the Republic as the shuttle had no onboard food. He was drawn to one food market in particular. He wasn't sure what they were cooking, looked like a soup with noodles, but it smell amazing. It was here that Jacen began contemplating whether he had time to eat before meeting with the Grandmaster. His body ached as it begged and pleaded with him to be fed, but Jacen had a duty, he could not indulge.

Jacen closed his eyes and began to draw on the Force, using the calming techniques he had studied and how Jedis would go weeks without food in deep meditation he used what little of that ability he could to calm his stomach so he could press on. He let out a deep breath as contemptment filled him. He continued his path for the temple as he wondered what all he would learn here.

He had been told of Master Heavenshield and his life as a Jedi. Jacen could not say he knew a lot of the man, but from what he was told it sounded like this man was truly an accomplished Jedi and a follower of the light. It was not everyday you met a man with such a war record, but who had never killed anyone. Jacen wasn't sure he believed it. Sure, he wanted to never kill as he believed in the darkness there was still light, but to actually meet someone who had accomplished thus far this feat was a bit unbelievable.

As the Temple took over the scenery a man emerged from the Temple. Jacen's first reaction was to notice the man's height and build. In a way, it was similar to Jacen's build, but also very different. He assumed by the way this man held himself and was dressed that this was Master [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] or at the very least a Jedi Master. Jacen was pleasantly surprised that the Jedi greeting was given and Jacen returned the greeting and chester. He also smiled a little as he found himself right on who this was, but then returned to a serious demeanor and nodded in response to his name before speaking. "It is an honor to meet you Grandmaster. I hope I am not keeping you from anything important with my arrival, but I do look forward from learning the way of the Jedi from the Coalition and my new Master if you see it fit to grant me one.

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Looking the lad over, Thurion smiled. "We'll get you sorted, don't you worry about that. In the meantime, let's take a tour of the temple where much of your time will be spent. Come with me, please." He gestured for the young padawan to follow, and so the tour of the Silver Temple began.

"This is the main entrance hall, as you might have guessed. When the temple was constructed, it all originated from this. The stairway leads up to the dormatories - where you'll find a room and a bed has been prepared for you - as well as my office." He turned and placed a hand upon Jacen's shoulder. "Don't hesitate to come see me for anything. I like to keep an open door policy." He then pointed to their left. "Through those doors is the kitchen and mess hall where you can always grab a bite to eat. We try and cater to all species and diets, but if you're allergic to anything you'll need to inform the kitchen staff."

Walking leisurely through the complex, they soon found themselves outdoors in the courtyard. "Here is where most training exercises are held, as well as group classes on every aspect of being a Jedi imaginable. There's training dummies and non-lethal equipment for lightsaber training and sparring." As they moved through the busy courtyard full of people from every corner of the galaxy, Thurion looked to Jacen. "So, where does Jacen Clanstrider hail from? You mentioned the Republic, but which world do you call 'home'?"

[member="Jacen Clanstrider"]​

 

[Lynn Nantaris]

Jacen Clanstrider nodded with a slight bow as he was told he would be waiting on finding out who his Master would be and thus he would need to practice patience. Following closely behind Master [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] he made sure to commit what he heard and saw to memory.

He looked around the entrance hall noticing the pieces in this part of the building were indeed older, though well maintained. How he could tell it was older was mainly the railings. They were stained and polished, but it was clear that years of friction and sweat had worn it in certain spots.

His eyes caught the lights in the room and he could not help, but notice they were simple yet had a warming elegance about them. He was then led near the kitchen and smelled the food being cooked and his hunger was remembered by his mind. He took this desire to eat and channeled the Force through it to satisfy his need so he could continue the tour and eat later.

Upon leaving he saw the training grounds and Jedi his age training with lightsabers. It was only recently he had found reason to learn combat, but he still had no weapon or weapon training. He was then drawn to the Grandmaster's words. "I rarely left Yutan where I was trained and raised from a very young age. I do not remember my parents."

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

A soft "hmm" could be heard from the Grandmaster as they walked through the busy courtyard, eventually leaving it behind them as they reached the edge of the forest. "Come on," he turned and said to the padawan, a grin on his lips. "I saved the best for last." Upon entering the forest and following a small cobbled pathway, they walked for about a minute before Thurion presented Jacen with the woodland glade he would often times find himself in to meditate.

A small creek ran through it, adding to the peacefulness with the sun being granted access due to the lack of canopies blocking it. "This is where I go to find inner peace when the meditation chambers seem too sterile," he told Jacen, allowing the lad to explore as he saw fit in the meantime. "The Living Force is strong here," he added while his thoughts went to Master Asha, prompting a smile on his lips.

Thurion took a seat in the soft bed of grass, gesturing for Jacen to join him. "Did the masters of the Republic ever speak of the Living Force, Jacen?" He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Every forest creature, every blade of grass, every drop of water... All are connected by the Living Force. People too. One does not have to be Force Sensitive to sense a familiarity with nature, or experience companionship with an animal." Opening his eyes, he ran a hand through his golden hair. "Still, the concept of the Living Force is far from a popular one amongst traditionalist Jedi, I'm afraid," he added with a chuckle.

Thurion then tilted his head ever so slightly to the side as their eyes met. "Ask me your questions, son. I can tell there are many."

[member="Jacen Clanstrider"]​

 

[Lynn Nantaris]

The young Jacen Clanstrider followed the Grandmaster [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]. He was a little put off by the grinds it made him feel the next thing that was going to happen would be a bit mischievous. Then they walked into the forest and Jacen felt a reassuring feeling.

As they entered the beautiful clearing Jacen could indeed feel the presence of the Force. He was then asked about his knowledge of the living Force. While he was well studied, Jacen could not recall much. He reached into his bag and pulled out a worn leather book and began filling through the pages with handwritten words. Towards the end he stopped and read the page a bit before looking at the master.

"I do not have much on the Living Force. It is said the Force is in everything, but that was all I found in the subject. I am afraid I do not know the difference between the living Force and the Jedi's belief of the Force." In some ways, he did not like not knowing something, but in other ways mystery excited him and made him hopeful of solving the mysteries.

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Thurion smiled. "Don't get me wrong; I'm not trying to influence your philosophy on the Force with my own. Here in the Sanctum we allow each individual to find their own path in life coupled with religious freedom. You'll find plenty of Force users who do not count themselves as followers of the Jedi ways. There are even those who adhere to the Dark side of the Force, but decide to use their powers to ease the suffering of others." His mind went to the likes of [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"], who the Coalition owed much to in terms of lives saved. In spite of her often surly disposition, she was a hero to many people and he considered her a friend - if not a personal one then at the very least to the Silver Sanctum as a whole.

"Of course, we're always on the lookout for any Sith worship. Religious freedom or not, it won't do to have our enemies worm their way into the minds and hearts of the people under our protection. With worlds such as Korriban and Dromund Kaas under our care, the corrupting darkness becomes even more of a common threat to those unable to resist the temptation. Always use caution," he emphasised as being Jacen's first lesson upon his arrival on Voss.

Brushing his fingertips against the soft blades of grass surrounding him on all sides, Thurion could feel the calm of nature spread through every fibre of his being and would share the sensation with the young man in front of him via the Force. "Now then, my boy - what is it that you wish to know? I am an open book to all my students."

[member="Jacen Clanstrider"]​

 

[Lynn Nantaris]

The breeze in the air flowed through the trees and the grass surrounding them. He wondered sometimes if the air and the Force were the same. It was silly, they were clearly two separate things, but both exist everywhere at all times.

His thoughts turned to his Master's words, words that left him confused. He spoke about many philosophies among the Silver which Jacen agreed with until he mentioned the Dark Side. While Jacen agreed the Dark Side was still apart of the Force. The Dark Side though was not a path of peace nor a path to help others.

"With all due respect, I do not agree Master. While the Path of the Jedi is not for everyone, you do not need to be a Jedi to follow the light. What I fail to see is how the Path of Destruction can ease any suffering. To fully emerge oneself in the Dark Side is to emerge oneself in selfish desires and thus you don't think of others over yourself. Again, all due respect, but I fail to understand."

Before answering the Padawan's confusion he was presented with a question, one he did understand. "The Force, I wish to understand the full mystery of the Force. I also do not like the idea of a lightsaber. I see it's usefulness, but the item of permently hurting another. I do also hope to one day return to the Republic with all that I have learned to lead the Jedi Order back to a place where it can protect and serve once again." Jacen smiled as he picked a leaf from a tree. A leaf that had a very sweet, wooden smell. " I also have some theories on the Force. In my study I came across Magic, Sith Magic and Alchemy. I have looked into the basics of it and have a theory that a Master of the Force could make a reverse version, one for good. I want to gain the skills to dive into this mystery."

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Allowing the youngster to speak his intentions in coming here, to Voss and to see him, Thurion again closed his eyes as Jacen spoke. One deep breath later, and he'd finished answering the elder's question. "It's alright to disagree with someone, Padawan. Disagreement often leads to debate, and through a calm demeanour and open mind one may find a compromise they did not think of to begin with that will please both parties. This is one of the foundations the Coalition was built upon."

Thurion's eyes opened once more to look upon Jacen. "If there is one thing I've come to realise from decades of battling the Sith, it's that there is more than simply light and dark. There are the extremes, of course - on both sides of the spectrum - but there are so much in between that so many fail to notice because they do not look for it. Throughout history people all across the galaxy have been able to take one look at a person and judge them right there and then, based solely on that one stand-out thing. It's no different in our time." He paused, plucking a withering flower from the ground and resting it in his palm. Before it could shed its final petal, the flower started to regain its vibrant colours and more petals began appearing.

"There is more to the dark side than mere destruction and chaos, just as there is more to the light side than purity and nobility. I've met so many people in my years, and each had their own story to tell of how they ended up where they were - both conscious decisions as well as choices made without their consent. The same is true for me, and I'd wager it is true for you as well, Jacen." The flower in his hand had by now fully returned to life, and so Thurion sat it back down in the grass only for it to fuse back together with its stalk, as if it had never withered in the first place.

"Do not be so rash as to presume that just because someone does not follow the light, they're a bad person. Such should not be the Jedi way, despite what the acts of my generation and beyond has may have impressed upon you. You are young, still, and have so much to see and experience that life has to offer - do not waste it on judging others." His lecture was over, and so a smile returned to his lips. "Now then," he said and leaned back until he lay down on a bed of moss, eyes watching the clouds above. "To understand the Force, as you put it, has been attempted by many throughout the known history. For some it became an obsession that ultimately led them down a path of ruin, while others accepted what they did come to know and moved on. Me, I've never bothered learning the how's and what's and why's, but instead find comfort in knowing it simply exists."

He craned his neck to look over at Jacen. "Not that that should keep you from trying, of course."

[member="Jacen Clanstrider"]​

 

[Lynn Nantaris]

As the Master spoke, Jacen reached into his pocket drawing out a pen and opening his journal to a black page to begin taking notes. He was ashamed to admit his understanding of the Force was still very basic in many regards. The light and the Dark was what he knew, but to think there was something in between? Jacen had never considered someone being raised in the Dark Side, but choosing the Light while still using one's training to try to do good. This brought his mind to Force Lightning and Lighting Judgement. The same ability really, but used in different means and purposes. Could this mean the Dark Side could be used for good or was the Master meaning that a darksider could change what was once used for destruction to heal? This raise many questions.

While this opened Jacen to a realm of infinite possibilities, it also showed him how dangerous this Galaxy really was. He had assumed that Dark Side was the enemy and Light Side the ally. While this was true, a 'follower of the light' did not guarantee they were a friend and a 'follower of the dark' did not guarantee they were an enemy. One thing was certain, this reinforced Jacen's desire never to kill as it meant it was possible anyone could be saved.

Having taken down the Master's words fully he nodded to agree never to judge someone at face value. Then he was once again amazed as he watched his Master take a dying flower from it's roots, heal it, and then return it as if it never left. Jacen knelt down near it and let his hand over through it. He could feel his Master's force signature present, but also could feel the flower refreshed and clearly in the Force, this raised a question Jacen wanted an answer for at the moment. "Master, if you can give your connection to the Force to a flower and heal it, could things like plants and animals willingly give you their connection to aid in strengthening your own?" Jacen had begun a study recently to craft an idea he had when he read about Sith Magic to bring something he'd call Jedi Magic as a counter balance. In this situation he was wondering if he could build a connection with the world around him to aid him to stop someone or in some cases make his abilities stronger. An example would be to pull from the world around him to make a more powerful Force Light attack.

At the moment it was speculation and questions.

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Chuckling to himself at young Jacen's fascination with what he had just witnessed, Thurion lay back and propped his head upon both arms as he watched the clouds drift peacefully across the blue sky. "Someone once told me that there is no limit to what the Force can do. There is only a limit to what you can make it do." He then sat back up, legs crossed, and placed a hand upon the lad's shoulder. "What you theorise can be done by someone proficient enough, I'm sure," he said before his face lessened in cheerfulness and grew more grim. "But take great care, Jacen; should you rely too much on the strength of other living beings and draw too much from them, you'll leave naught but death and desolation in your wake."

His features softened as he eased his grip of Jacen's shoulder and instead gave him a soft pat on the back, while his gaze dropped to the flower he had mended back to life. "The Sith take so much from the world - strip it of its beauty and wonders." As he reached out to caress its bright red petals, the once-withered flower would appear to nuzzle up against his fingers. "I was taught at an early age that it is the Jedi way to give life, rather than take it away." Reaching for his lightsaber bearing Valkyri writing, he presented it to the padawan as it began levitating inches above the open palm of his hand. "All my life I have had to fight something, Jacen. My first enemy was starvation. My second was despair. At the age of twelve I fought my first man and at eighteen I saw my first battlefield. Yet these all pale in comparison to my greatest fear; that of loss." He nodded to himself and ran a hand through his golden beard. "Aye... I've fought that battle for as long as I can remember."

Thurion then offered Jacen a subtle gesture, giving him permission to examine the lightsaber hilt closer if such was his wish. "This weapon has been with me through my many years in the service of the Light, and yet I have never deigned to take a life. For when I stare the enemy down, I do not see the Sith Lord or servant of Darkness - I see the man or woman behind the facade they've spent years trying to build, and they are just as scared as anyone else. Very few ever get the luxury of choosing their lot in life, and in this regard the Sith are to be pitied more than most." He finally let out another chuckle as he sat back.

"Forgive my ramblings, Jacen. I grow old and my tends to wander a bit."

[member="Jacen Clanstrider"]​

 

[Lynn Nantaris]

Javen nodded, he saw the fine line in between using the world to help and taking too much could make one the enemy. He thought deeply on this idea, but then decided it served no purpose to theorize when he was so inexperienced in the ways of the Force. He was about to ask when his training would begin when his Master drew his lightsaber.

Now, Jacen had no lightsaber and honestly wasn't sure he wanted one. While he liked the idea of a weapon that could also seal the wound upon cutting, he thought a lightsaber to finite. He did notice something, writings. They looked familiar, very familiar. He reached into his shirt and pulled out a necklace the only thing he had that told him he did have parents. On it was not the same characters, but the writing had similar properties. He was now very curious about the lightsaber, but more so the writing and if there was a connection between his necklace and the lightsaber, or Jacen and Thurion. "Master, what is this writing? I have this...necklace with similar writing." Unknowing to Jacen, the Necklace was a Valkyri necklace for soldiers who proved their valor and honor. Who were elite warriors.

Spoiler

If you want, make the necklace say whatever you feel fitting. I just thought this would be a good step to him learning of heritage.

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

A curious "hmm" escaped the Grandmaster as he examined the necklace Jacen presented to him in response to the Runian symbols etched into the hilt of his lightsaber. It was difficult to ascertain which symbols adorned the necklace, as they were very worn from long use. This heirloom of Jacen's was clearly fashioned many decades ago, possibly even centuries. "Where did you get this," he asked and turned to the lad, who upon closer look did possess some semblance of common Valkyri features. At this point this was merely a theory of Thurion's, who had spent much time on Midvinter ever since discovering his own heritage almost 20 years ago.

"Well, there's no question this writing is in Runian - the language of the Valkyri of Midvinter. As for what it says, I can only make out a few letters. Nothing that will help us discern its meaning, I'm afraid." He placed a hand upon Jacen's shoulder and handed back the necklace. "But there's a way to find out for sure," he then said. "Give me a few weeks to prepare, and we'll go to Midvinter together and see my brother. We'll discover the meaning behind this heirloom of yours."

Giving him a pat on the back, Thurion then rose to his feet and brushed some dirt and dust off his robes. "In the meantime, I believe a room has been prepared for you in the dormatories on the upper floor of the temple. Why don't you go and make yourself at home? Take the rest of the day off and explore your surroundings, hm?" Summoning his lightsaber into the palm of his hand, his gaze fell upon its carvings once more while his thumb traced their jagged shapes before putting it away on his person.

OOC: We can end it here or after your next post, if you'd like.

[member="Jacen Clanstrider"]​

 

[Lynn Nantaris]

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]


(We can end it here, I can only write a short post and make it long with unneeded fillers.)