A Walk in the Woods

[Isla Ashen]

Isla lifted her chin slightly as they proceeded into the forest. For a moment, her eyes shifted past the canopy above them and looked towards the sky. Teaching did not seem to as naturally as she had hoped, it was still something to get used to. She glanced to the side at [member="Misha Ren"], once more taking stock of the young woman’s strengths and weaknesses. Isla kept her pace fairly brisk, but still casual enough to carry on a conversation.

“Hmm,” She took another moment to gather her thoughts, “Have you ever used the force to try and slow an enemy?”

It was an ability that Isla had only practiced a few times herself, but it could be useful – especially for defense. She looked around; surely they would be able to locate an easy target on their walk. The simple minded creatures of the forest would be a good place to start.

“We must tap into the opponent’s mind, cloud their thoughts and slow them… mentally and physically.”

Isla arched her brows, inviting any questions from her apprentice, and giving her the chance to put this technique into action.

 

[Susanoo Tsukuyomi]

[member="Isla Ashen"]

She was looking over the forest at the creatures as her master had been talking and trying to think about it. She had never really tried intentionally to cloud and slow others minds. To reduce their skill, she generally looked at as a new to keep them distracted in the background while soldiers were moving into combat. "Not intentionally or trying for it." She stayed there with a look on her face though when they went through all of it. The force was around her and she could smell the wet fur of some of the creatures in the air. She looked at one as she thought about it and sought to connect with its small mind. To really feel what was happening with it and give herself the small advantage of influencing its thoughts before it was looking over at her and paused carefully. Almost in anticipation of what might happen and then she was focused. Eyes locked with him as it seemed to want to try and run away and then wasn't able to do it. Misha focused her attention to his mind allowing thoughts of mud, fog and clouds all coming from it to the other being.

 

[Isla Ashen]

Isla nodded as [member="Misha Ren"] spoke her answer. Indeed, it is a force skill that one might unintentionally employ in an urgent situation, without even realizing it. Reaching out with her own senses, she could feel the small tether of energy moving from her disciple and to her target. Glancing to the side, she could see the concentration present in the young woman’s dark eyes. The small, furry creature was still and even appeared calm on the surface. But inside, even Isla could tell that its tiny mind had succumbed to the will of Misha. Of course, this was the easy part of the test.

With a smile of approval, Isla moved forward and turned to face Misha. “Good, now I have another test for you. Try to slow me down. I will resist, I won’t make it easy.”

Her smile grew for a brief moment, and she turned to take off in the direction of the Ewok village. Her long legs began to sprint, and she cleared her mind. Isla drew deep, even breaths in and concentrated on protecting herself. Now, she would wait to see if her apprentice could keep up…

 

[Susanoo Tsukuyomi]

[member="Isla Ashen"]

Hmm trying to reach into the mind of her master and face it when she was looking. interest and all of the would be would be there but she needed to be careful. Risking getting herself lost in her masters mind. A good defense to go against mental attacks before she went over with a couple more things. Turning her head so half of her face was in the shade of her hair and one black eye peered at her. The cracked lines of her face where the darkside was pulsing underneath it all. "Understood master." She waited there there a moment to not tell her when she was going to start. Meeting her eyes and plunging into them when she allowedd her mind to whisper and feel. To prod, probe and penetrate those mental defenses where she could feel it and search for a weakness. Anything that might be there from childhood fears to people she had met and had things shift within. Allowing more fo the force to go as she sought to slow her masters perceptions down my glassing over her eyes to make her unable to see.

 

[Isla Ashen]

It was a strange sensation, the feeling of another force user brushing against her mind. In her time with the Ren, she had not suffered any mental attacks before. It was new territory for the redhead. For a brief moment, her mind raced as she attempted to calm the storm of thoughts. She could feel the presence of her disciple, almost like she was hovering just next to her ear. Her legs kept moving, running towards the horizon. But it was becoming increasingly difficult to concentrate.

Her eyes narrowed, and she drew a deep breath. Isla’s mental defenses were cracking, and before she knew it… she was having a difficult time keeping the memories hidden. If her disciple had broken into her thoughts, she would see an old house situated on an expanse of farmland. There were images of dirty hands working the soil, children running in the grass, and one lonely girl with flame-red hair, completely ignored by the rest. There was a feeling of sadness and loss to accompany this history.

Her current surroundings had reminded Isla of her old home, and had conjured pictures of things that were normally well hidden. Slowly, Isla could feel her feet becoming heavy; it was difficult to move them. Isla’s pace slowed dramatically, she even stumbled once or twice. She was working to push forward, trying to repel [member="Misha Ren"] from her mind.

Her athletic form had not come to a complete halt, but it was close. Isla’s last attempt at defending herself would either work, or she would end up giving in to her disciple’s will.

 

[Susanoo Tsukuyomi]

[member="Isla Ashen"]

Misha continued to push, one of the benefits of being in a chair and not having the use of half your body meant you didn't have your mind trying to control and move your legs. The machines made sure her legs were ruined even though she couldn't feel them. it gave her mind a place where she needed to be able to work. The power of it pushing outwards when she was seeing her masters mind and she could see a lot more as there were images going across her eyes and her mind. She wanted to work on it more before the force energies bled through and she pushed more to try and finish it. To make her master stop doubling what mental strength she could have and taking it from what little control she had for feeling in her bodies. It might have looked silly to others how she was likely sitting but she was also prepared for it with her hands clenching on the arms of the seat. The glow in her eyes when she was letting her chair appear until she shook almost visibly to try and force it over her masters resistance so she would be there and stopped.

 

[Isla Ashen]

Isla’s eye twitched, a bead of sweat rolled down her brow. Though she was a knight, she could not deny the fact that her mental abilities had never been superior. However, [member="Misha Ren"] was a different story. The young woman had been forced to develop these abilities to compensate for her condition, and Isla could feel the power she poured into breaking into her mind. Taking in a gasping breath, she found that her limbs felt even heavier than before. It was almost like trying to move through water, and it was becoming difficult.

Finally, her legs halted in place, unable to lift her boot another step. She stood still, eyes focused on the horizon, but no longer attempting to reach it. Misha would know that she had been successful in this test, and Isla knew that she would need to put in extra time to develop her own skills further. When her disciple retreated from her mind, and she could feel the control slowly returning. But she would need a moment to recover.

“Good,” she said with a tiny nod, still swiftly pulling in breaths. When she had gathered herself, she spoke again. “How far to the village? We should be close now.”

 

[Susanoo Tsukuyomi]

[member="Isla Ashen"]

Misha was looking at her master as the woman was there, paused for a moment and she could see e in her mind when Misha finally retreated from it. She could hear her master while she gave herself a moment with a small nod of understanding and breathed in and out. feeling the strain that came from it. The interest that they had here before she wanted to see parts of it. There was a looking when she heaved in some air and while she might have been able to breach her masters mental shields she had also used a lot of energy and strength to do it. She would have fallen down if she wasn't already there speaking. "It should not be that much further, about an hour or two in the shadow of the mountain." She was looking at it and bringing up the information for the computer and guiding them when she spoke. "I hope I pleased you master."

 

[Isla Ashen]

“We should continue on our way.” Isla breathed out, but she offered a smile to [member="Misha Ren"]. While it was obvious that she was still recovering, she offered a grin to her disciple. She was quite pleased; the young woman was a fast learner and easily put her skills to practice. Straightening up again, she gazed out towards the mountain range up ahead. They still had some ground to cover, but she was sure they would get there before the afternoon.

The sun was shining down on them now, but the two were still somewhat shaded by the canopy of trees. Still, it felt nice to feel the warmth of the sun. Isla walked on, with Misha moving alongside in her hover chair. Her hand found her flask of water; she took a sip before offering it up to Misha.

Now, her thoughts turned towards their task at hand. Having never dealt with the strange creatures called Ewoks, she figured that they should be prepared for anything. Even though they were the primitive sort, they might not take kindly to strangers wandering into their territory. Isla hoped that their offers would placate the creatures. As the pair continued to travel, the trees towered above them, sheltering them along their way towards the mountain. Isla squinted; the trees up ahead looked different.

It was then that she realized there were structures built into their trunks.

"Not much farther," She said with a nod, "We should proceed with caution."

Already, there was the sensation that they were being watched...

 

[Susanoo Tsukuyomi]

[member="Isla Ashen"]

She had some relief that her master seemed to be fine. looking it all over when they moved further into the forest towards their destination. Misha had a small look though now that she was able to really see the forest for the trees and not worrying about some fo the creatures here. They were looking around at more of what could be the planet. She herself was checking for ewoks in the trees or soething that they would be looking to see them coming. Being careful as she tapped hercontrols of the chair moving a little slowly but staying there hovering with a small nod of her head to her master. "Understood." She was looking over it seeing the first signs that were coming in the distance. Wooden bridges and the signs of a hutt when she could hear a horn in the distance.

 

[Isla Ashen]

Isla’s eyes shifted here and there, momentarily catching branches rustling around them. It could easily have been the breeze, but she knew better. If she turned her head fast enough, she occasionally caught sight of fur and leathers, but they were always gone before she could squint to get a better look. It was almost as though the forest was coming to life. Her hand motioned for [member="Misha Ren"] to continue forward, and Isla moved alongside the disciple.

Now, they were close enough to make out the structures above them. From what she could tell, the huts and bridges had been crafted quite well. It was interesting, for she had not seen anything quite like it before. It wasn’t long before a small line of four ewoks emerged; they stood just outside their huts, small spears held in tiny hands.

Isla paused and glanced to the side at Misha.

“Hmm.” She tilted her head, “It seems they have come to greet us. How do you think we should proceed?”

 

[Susanoo Tsukuyomi]

[member="Isla Ashen"]

Misha was looking at them while she stayed around there, sticking around there as she stopped when the Ewoks came out looking at them. Sitting there in the golden chair when the four moved around. Taking up small positions and holding the spears as she guessed they didn't often see things like this. See machines for mobility at least. Misha didn't speak when one of the creatures poked it and met the metal with a surprised yelp. Tapping it then and looking at her and her master. THe long white hair served a point of interest as another guess she had was about her skin tone and how she was pretty much bleached white. Misha was looking at everything around them when she had some interest. "They seem more curious then anything. If they are not going to be hostile we might not have to harm them." The Ewoks looking at her pushed her arm and jumped back when she turned to look at him. Staying there before she moved forward and they seemed interested but there wasn't a lot that could be here. Misha pointed with her finger towards the center where they were being led and more stood around looking at them. One of the older grey ones holding a staff with the crystal itself.

 

[Isla Ashen]

Isla nodded slowly, for the moment the small furry creatures did seem curious. But like most wild animals, she suspected that could all change in an instant. It would be best not to make them feel threatened, though they were physically quite small, looks could be deceiving. Her emerald eyes had also found the crystal that was set into a simple staff, carried by one of the elders. Judging by the way the other seemed to follow behind this Ewok; he was likely their leader. Isla was curious, it did seem that this crystal played a ceremonial part at least; it might be difficult to convince them to part with it.

Well, there was only one way to find out if their plan would work.

“Let’s move closer and try to make some sort of… introduction.” Isla said.

With that, she began to take the first steps towards the small party of Ewoks, with [member="Misha Ren"] moving at her side. She kept her posture fairly neutral, just in case. Isla continued forward until they were close, but still at a respectful distance.

“Greetings,” She said tentatively, “My companion and I come seeking to trade with you. We are looking for a crystal,” She pointed towards the staff, and the Ewok elder drew it closer to his body. “Do you have more?” Isla added, seeing that he was quite possessive.

“I don’t know if they understand.” Isla shrugged slightly and looked to Misha.

 

[Susanoo Tsukuyomi]

[member="Isla Ashen"]

She had to agree and as the creatures were looking at the staff with a nod of her head. She was uncertain about how to speak their languages. They might need to invest in one of those universal lexicons that the ships use if possible for languages. She would be able to have it built into her chair easily enough when they were going over with some parts here. Offering a few of the things they might like and she pointed to the crystal itself though. She was seeing more of them there with a small look on her face. getting a chance to look at the furry creatures themselves where it was not as much a problem here. Misha was speaking to them and locking her eyes so that they would hopefully be able to understand her with the force here. "We would like to trade for the crystal if at all possible or for another one of them." They seemed to be looking at her and understanding when they backed away showing the staff but also showing some of their other things that were around.

 

[Isla Ashen]

Isla stepped forward as the little creatures unfurled a small bundle of cloth. From what she could tell, there were a few crude weapons, a couple of wooden carvings, a sapling, and what appeared to be jewelry. For a moment, her eyes lingered on a beaded necklace. There were round baubles that were carved out of wood, smaller ones crafted out of natural stone, and a crystal dangling from the center. Her green eyes shifted from the necklace to the staff several times, as she tried to decide if the two were of the same variety. In appearance, they were quite similar. If she reached out with the force, the crystal mounted on the staff had a distinct feeling about it. She was pleased to find that the one on the necklace did, too.

“Misha, look at this.” Isla lifted the necklace carefully with her hands, “What do you think?”

Isla tried to signal that this was what they were looking for, but that they should attempt to keep their cool. If they made a fuss, the Ewoks would likely wish to raise their asking price. Speaking of which, they did not know what the creatures would be willing to trade for such a trinket.

“Try to propose a trade,” She said with a glance to her apprentice, after all… this was going to be her crystal.

[member="Misha Ren"]

 

[Susanoo Tsukuyomi]

[member="Isla Ashen"]

Misha was looking at them with a look on her face, she was offering some of the small things she had brought. It might seem mundane to her and her master but they might be able to risk giving away and trading to these beings who seemed to take a liking to it. A few of the rations and smaller food packs got their attention as well as when she showed them a sharpener for a blade. Indicating it could be used to sharpen their spear tips and where they could use it. A small look so all of them. They tapped her chair while she was there looking over with some interest. Some things when they were bringing the staff over to her with the black and white stone that she could see and the necklace her master had that had a smaller crystal on it. Eyes watching them before spoke spoke using her hands. "You take this... we get these." She got a small look from them and was indicating it as one of the grey ewoks stood there offering them and taking the full thing of supplies and small things from the ship and her chair.

 

[Isla Ashen]

Isla arched her brows as [member="Misha Ren"] worked to convince the Ewoks to trade. She could see the thought the tiny creatures seemed to be placing into this decision, and she was relieved when they pushed the necklace towards them. With their new items in hand, they looked a bit preoccupied as they examined them. So, the Knight of Ren turned towards her disciple.

“Well done.” She said with a smile, “This will come in handy, that’s for sure.”

Her gloved hand gently lifted the beaded necklace and set it in Misha’s pale hands. The crystal pendant seemed to glow, responding to the strong presence of the force. A few dark eyes flickered in their direction, but appeared to pay no mind. The sun was still fairly high in the blue sky, but it was beginning its descent. They would need to start their journey back to the Bastion, but at least they did not have to do so empty handed.

“Come, we should start back for the ship.”

 

[Susanoo Tsukuyomi]

[member="Isla Ashen"]

Misha was looking at the small creatures with a nod of her head, checking out what they had here. She offered them a little more food for being so good when there was a small look. "Perfect." She said it holding the staff witht he crystal and she set it across her lap as well as the necklace her master had taking it in her hand for a moment and checking out the black and gold swirling stone. The ewoks were interesting in their trinkets but they had a chance to head back to the ship itself and back home.. or whatever it was. She was uncertain about how far they would be going as she spoke. "Yes master, back to the ship." She was certain she could do a great deal with the crystals for her lightsaber. She would have to figure out how best to make it but something like a pike would be important.to use as she turned the chair around and looked up at the sunlight seeing her master.