Private Any Port in a Storm

[Corazona von Ascania]

Ukatis
Scilia​

"You want to...learn?"

The village of Scilia was no stranger to hardship. Their Lord Gallas von Nyvlt, with the aid of an unpleasant Sith by the name of Jogon , had captured and stowed the town's force sensitive individuals in a dungeon beneath his manor. After Nyvlt had been apprehended and the prisoners freed, the new Lord elected to make off with his cousin's treasury rather than manage his citizens. It was only when the desperate villagers took to stealing medical supplies did word reach the Jedi.

After speaking with the townspeople, Cora and Roman cleansed the lingering darkness from the manor and set to work pulling more bureaucratic strings. The Jedi had only been afforded a few short days to stay and oversee the village's recovery before being recalled to Coruscant.

A conversation with Lysander von Ascania had turned their attention back towards the little town with an unfortunate history.

When they returned to check in, the village was hardly recognizable. Barren streets were now bustling. People greeted them with smiles and kind gestures rather than peeking out warily from behind drawn shades. Even the fountain at the center of town was active, clear water flowing freely from decorative stone jugs.

Most importantly, the listless had become bright and inquisitive. While inspecting a packing manifest and comparing it to their stores – she'd have choice words for whomever attempted to short the villagers – Cora was approached by a dark haired teenager.

Miria had been one of Nyvlt's captives, and even after her release, the Darkness lingered within her. The Jedi had cleansed the malaise from her body, and though it was wonderful to see the girl feeling better, she had asked the Knight for lessons in the Force.

Cora hesitated. From behind her clipboard, a gaze of appraisal swept over the young woman. On one hand, she was pleased to hear that she had an interest in learning more about her natural sensitivity. Training from Jedi could encourage her down the path of the Light.

On the other hand, incomplete training could leave her with more questions than answers. They would not stay in this village for long, and would be unable to guide Miria if her abilities grew in a darker direction.

"Hmm," Cora murmured, lost in her rapidly mounting thoughts as the young woman squirmed.

Roman Vossari

 

[Roman Vossari]

Tags: Corazona von Ascania

​

Roman watched the exchange unfold with a quiet curiosity, leaning against the doorframe of the supply shed, a datapad clutched in his hand. He'd been cross-referencing ledgers, trying to make sense of the dizzying array of donations and trades that had flooded Scilia since their last visit. It was a good kind of chaos, a testament to the village's resilience, but keeping track of it all made his head spin. Still, a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. It was incredible to see the turnaround, to witness the vibrancy that had bloomed in place of the fear he remembered. He was proud. Proud of the villagers, and proud of Cora.

Much had changed since they had last been here. Cora had joined the Council, a position Roman thought she wholeheartedly deserved. Her insight and compassion would be a boon to the Jedi, he was certain. Roman, on the other hand, hadn't accomplished too much of note. He was just thankful for the opportunity to learn at her side, soaking in every lesson like a parched man in the desert.

Cora's initial reaction to Miria's request was not lost on him. The subtle shift in her posture, the way her gaze narrowed and focused, all spoke of the internal debate raging within her. He could see the weight of responsibility pressing down on her shoulders. It wasn't just about teaching Miria; it was about the potential consequences, the risk of incomplete guidance, and the lingering shadows of the Sith they had fought just weeks prior. It was a lot to consider.

He pushed himself off the frame, datapad held loosely at his side. Roman's steps were quiet as he approached the two, his presence a gentle addition to the already charged air. He stopped a few paces behind Miria, offering a small, encouraging smile that he hoped conveyed support without pressure.

"It's… a big thing, Miria, wanting to learn." he said, his voice low and thoughtful, his eyes flickering between Cora and Miria. He could feel the hum of her presence in the Force, a bright spark surrounded by a quiet intensity. He could feel the pull of it, too, the potential for something more. He wondered if that was what Cora was considering, if she felt the same.

Roman looked at Cora a little confused. He didn't know the proper protocol here for this kind of situation. Would they bring her back to the NJO? She would have to leave behind all of her family and the village she had been working so hard to rebuild. Though, he didn't imagine their duties would bring them back to Scilia too much, they were here just to make sure everything was operating smoothly. He didn't want to pull her from her life.

Roman shot a look to Cora, a silent question of what they should do in this situation. He knew she would do what was right, and he trusted her completely, but he hoped that they could find a way to support Miria without disrupting the life she had barely begun to carve out for herself.

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Beneath the searching gazes of the pair of Jedi, Miria's hands fisted into the fabric of her skirt.

"I...I know," she began, voice unsteady. She swallowed and pushed through regardless, looking between the two. "I just thought...since what I have was valuable enough for someone to kidnap me, I could learn to use it to protect myself. And the village."

Cora's pensive gaze softened. She did not speak as she looked to Roman, but her expression was not silent, a mix of compassion and sorrow.

"He is right, Miria." Speaking gently, she looked back to the girl and placed a hand at her shoulder. At her age, Cora had survived war and violent encounters with Sith. Each battle had left its mark on her soul, and that was not what she wanted for the young woman in front of her. "Becoming a Jedi is a commitment. It will take years of training, and you will have to leave your home. Are you sure that you are ready for something like that?"

Frowning, Miria shrugged her shoulder out from beneath Cora's hand and raised her head. She looked heartbroken. "You sound just like my father!" She whispered harshly. "He says that I am just a girl, and that such things are not for me to know…" Her voice trailed, quickly losing venom and shifting into something more somber.

Cora drew her hand back, watching Miria carefully.

"But I...don't want to leave my home. I can't," she sniffed. "I thought...that when I was captured, I was going to die. I felt sick for so long. Then you…" she looked up, first to Cora, then to Roman. "You two came and healed me. I'm grateful for all that you've done, but you cannot be here forever, and Scilia is often forgotten…I cannot be someone who leaves, too."

Her voice drifted again, shifting through a kaleidoscope of nerves, motivation, and sentimentality as she cast her eyes toward the ground.

Cora sighed. She cupped Miria's chin gently, and tilted it upward to meet her gaze.

"Protecting others is a noble responsibility. It is central tenant of the Jedi."

She looked to Roman, studying him for a moment before she tilted her head inquisitively.

"What do you think, Padawan Vossari?"

Roman Vossari

 

[Roman Vossari]

Tags: Corazona von Ascania

​

Roman's heart ached for Miria. He saw in her the same yearning that had once consumed him, that insatiable need to understand the strange hum that vibrated beneath the surface of reality, that whisper in the wind that spoke of something more. He remembered the confusion and frustration he'd felt as a boy, the feeling of being different, of possessing a power he couldn't control. To then learn the truth, and have access to someone who could explain it, had been life changing. He understood her desire to not only protect herself, but also the home she had fought so hard to rebuild, a place that clearly meant everything to her.

He glanced at Cora, then back at Miria, a quiet understanding passing between them. He knew Cora's hesitation was born of experience, of the weight of the Jedi Order, of the sacrifices it demanded. He respected her wisdom, but he also felt the urgency of Miria's situation, the fear and vulnerability masked by her fierce determination.

Roman knew of the darkness that lurked in the galaxy, the tendrils of the Sith that reached even to the forgotten corners of the Outer Rim. And he knew, with a certainty that resonated deep in his bones, that Ukatis was not safe. Not truly. The force was strong here, vibrant, a beacon in the quiet space of the galaxy. It was a breeding ground for light, yes, but also for shadows. He thought of that force nexus he had seen weeks ago, the water felt so alive, so brimming with potential and natural power. He couldn't just walk away and leave Miria, or any other force sensitive being, to the whims of the galaxy.

He picked at the edge of his datapad, feeling the cool metal against his fingertips. It offered no answers, no quick solutions. It was a weight in his hand, not unlike the weight of the responsibility he now felt for this young woman. "A Serennian Jedi had discovered myself at a young age. He was just an older man who enjoyed a quiet life," Roman said in a thoughtful tone, his eyes still flicking between Miria and Cora. "Maybe Ukatis has someone similar that could guide her?" he offered, a suggestion born out of the hope that a compromise might exist.

But even as he spoke the words, a deeper unease settled within him. It wasn't enough. He thought of the other force-sensitives who must be scattered across Ukatis, unknown, untrained, vulnerable. "But what if there are others?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern. "Miria and anyone else deserves the same opportunity, to learn and thrive here, protecting their own villages from the likes of another Gallus von Nyvlt." He looked at Cora again, silently pleading for some kind of solution, some way to help Miria without shattering the life she'd built.

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Cora quietly considered Roman's point. His way of speaking was direct, yet tactful, and he spoke from his own experience. There was one word that he used which struck her - opportunity. Something that was often not afforded to women of Miria's class.

Her hand slowly fell away from Miria's chin as the girl looked between the two with a nervous, darting gaze.

"There are not many Jedi from Ukatis," she admitted with a sigh. "Until about twenty or so years ago, we were largely isolated from the galaxy. Not completely, but travel was greatly restricted both ways. Those found to be force sensitive can train as court mystics and seers, but…"

When she next looked to Miria, there was a touch of private sympathy for the girl.

"…But that path is only tread by those with noble blood," the girl finished with a somber note.

"It is not as thorough of an education in the Force," Cora added. "And you'd be bound to the courts. To the King."

A few beats passed, during which she sighed in acquiescence.

"Very well. A few lessons in the basics of the Force, so that you may learn control." Miria brightened, and Cora raised a finger to stay any expression of gratitude for the moment.

"However, the crown does not look favorably upon Jedi. We should teach you in a place that is more…private."

Miria nodded eagerly, her presence brimming with excitement. Then she paused, tilting her head in curiosity.

"Why doesn't the King like Jedi?"

Cora brushed past that with a vague hand gesture. "Everyone has their reasons, I suppose. Oh, we should teach you at night, rather than during the day."

Miria's curiosity wasn't not satisfied, but she quickly shifted back to excitement at the mention of training. "Oh, to avoid detection?"

"Yes," Cora said, "and we've all work to do during the day."

"Oh!" Miria exclaimed, nodding eagerly. She straightened, bowing first to Cora, then to Roman. When she rose, she gave the Padawan a grateful look for his support, cheeks flushed.

Before she scampered off to complete her chores, Cora called out to the girl.

"Miria."

The teenager turned on her heel, back ramrod straight. Cora raised a finger to her lips. Miria nodded in understanding, then bounded away with the biggest smile on her face.

Once the girl was out of earshot, Cora sighed again. She looked to Roman with a weary smile.

"She reminds me of myself right when I came to the Jedi. Starry-eyed and eager to learn, with far too much energy."

Roman Vossari

 

[Roman Vossari]

Tags: Corazona von Ascania

​

Roman watched Miria turn away, her form practically radiating joy, a stark contrast to the apprehension he'd sensed earlier. "I suppose we were all like that at first..." he replied to Cora, a soft smile playing on his lips. He couldn't help but reminisce, his mind drifting back to his own early days, the sheer excitement of discovery, the burning desire to understand the Force that had pulsed through him.

It was strange to imagine Cora, with her calm and deliberate nature, as that same eager Padawan, but he could picture it now, seeing a little of her own boisterous younger brother in her.

He paused, his gaze lingering on the spot where Miria had just been. The idea that only those of noble blood were given access to a lesser form of Force training was bothersome. He'd been so focused on Miria's potential that the systemic injustice of it had not truly registered.

He believed they were doing the right thing, offering her a chance at something greater, even if the need for deception created a knot of worry in his stomach. The thought of sneaking around, the constant watchfulness they'd need to maintain, it felt like a weight added to the responsibility he already felt.

Turning back to Cora, Roman's brow furrowed with concern. "Why doesn't the King approve of Jedi?" he asked, his voice tinged with genuine curiosity. Roman understood Ukatis' opposition to the Alliance but with Jedi it seemed like such an arbitrary opposition, a strange and perhaps dangerous prejudice. He knew that the Jedi were not without their flaws, but they were largely protectors, not a threat.

His mind immediately jumped to the logistical issue at hand. "Where would we even train her?" Roman asked, his tone edged with concern.

"We can't risk doing it in Scilia, if even a whisper somehow got back to the crown..." He pictured the intricate web of the Ukatis court, and the paranoia it seemed to breed. He knew there was a danger to what they were considering, and the thought that they were risking not only their own safety made his heart hammer against his ribs. They would have to be extremely careful with how they approached this. They were walking on a razor's edge, and any misstep could have devastating consequences for Miria and themselves.

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Cora's face pinched at Roman's inevitable question. She hesitated in answering as she weighed her words carefully.

"I suppose he views the Jedi as meddlesome. During my engagement celebration - years ago - the Jedi who were appointed as security were rather unhappy with the…swiftness of the union."

It had been a clash of cultures; the coreward Jedi were horrified to learn that one of their own was forced into marriage, while the Ukatians viewed their objection as an overreach. Intentionally, she left out the bit where Jedi (and one senator) had effectively blackmailed the crown for her release after the death of Horace.

"Then came Mandalorian Enclave's invasion. While their reason for attacking Ukatis was not clear as we've no resources or strategic importance to benefit them, many people here saw it as a response to the Alliance meddling in the Enclave's affairs. Collateral damage in a conflict that was not our own."

A heavy sigh had her deflating a bit. "The Alliance and Jedi have done good here. Clinics. Reconstruction efforts. The cleansing of a dark-sided nexus. The people remember those, but they also remember the day that Mandalorian warships darkened our skies."

By the end of her explanation, Cora had crossed her arms over her chest. Fortunately, Roman's next question was easier to answer.

"I agree, we can't risk it here. There are, however, a number of abandoned settlements scattered across Ukatis. Many have been swallowed up by the forest."

Cora paused, rifling through the paper stacked on her clipboard. Datapads hadn't quite circulated to certain parts of the rural world, and many towns and villages still relied on paper. She retrieved a parchment, folded and yellowing, and tossed it to Roman.

"A map of the area surrounding Scilia. I'll take care of things here, but I suspect you may find something fitting in the forest we traversed earlier."

Roman Vossari

 

[Roman Vossari]

Tags: Corazona von Ascania

​

Roman listened intently as Cora explained the complicated history between Ukatis, the Alliance, and the Jedi. He nodded slowly, absorbing the information. It was a mess of politics and misunderstandings, a tangled web he was only just beginning to unravel with each trip here. He understood the King's perspective, the fear of meddling and the resentment born from a perceived lack of respect. The Mandalorians' attack, a tragic event for the people of Ukatis, had clearly solidified a negative image of the Alliance and its associated groups. It was a harsh lesson in unintended consequences, a stark reminder that even with the best intentions, actions could have unforeseen and devastating repercussions. He wouldn't press further, it was a lot of history to unpack.

"Abandoned settlement?" Roman echoed, taking the offered parchment map. He unfolded it carefully, tracing the faded lines and markings. A smile tugged at the corners of his lips, a flicker of excitement igniting within him. He was tired of checklists and meetings, the monotony of the usual routine here. This, a map, a forest, and a secret mission, that was something he could look forward to. "I'll find one!" he declared, a playful glint in his eyes. He abruptly handed Cora his datapad, the screen a jumble of tasks and deadlines, and began gathering his gear. He quickly saddled his horse and mounted, giving a nod in Cora's direction before setting off into the forest.

The forest was a dense labyrinth. The map, though old, was surprisingly accurate. Roman guided his horse through the winding paths, the sunlight dappling through the canopy above. He passed by forgotten hamlets, their stone structures crumbling under the weight of time and nature. Each abandoned site was a testament to the constant ebb and flow of life on this world.

He pressed on, following the map through the increasingly dense undergrowth, his eyes scanning the landscape for a suitable location. Finally, after hours of searching, he came upon a place marked on the map as Stanmore. The settlement was largely in ruins, the structures half-buried beneath thick foliage, a testament to a bygone era. It wasn't much, if he was honest, overgrown and in disrepair. Roman might have passed it by, but at the far end of the settlement, where the forest thinned, he saw an unexpected clearing. A hill rose before him, and atop it was a half-collapsed castle, its weathered stones overlooking the forest as if guarding it from intruders.

The sight made his heart quicken, finally finding the right place. This was it. Secluded and hidden from prying eyes, the ruins of Stanmore offered natural cover, and the castle provided an elevated vantage point. It was exactly what they needed, remote, but close enough to Scilia for easy travel. He marked Stanmore on the map, a triumphant smile forming on his face. With the sun beginning to dip below the trees, Roman turned his horse and began the swift gallop back towards the city.

The moon hung high in the sky by the time Roman returned to the inn. He had pushed his horse hard, eager to report his success. He stabled the animal quietly, then moved with equal stealth towards Cora's room, sliding the marked parchment under her door with a satisfied grin. The day had been long, but he felt a deep sense of accomplishment. He finally settled into his own room, his body aching from the long ride. He laid down on the bed, the image of the overgrown castle firmly planted in his mind, and drifted immediately into a deep sleep.

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

With the old map traded for his datapad, Roman set about his more exciting task with a renewed vigor. Cora, in turn, took on the day's remaining administrative duties. In the chaos of the galaxy, she found organizing files and supplies to be soothing. Almost meditative.

Though Cora returned to the inn before Roman, she had faith in his abilities to not only seek out an appropriate training venue, but to do so undetected. The knight was enjoying a cup of tea when a piece of parchment slipped beneath her door. Placing her cup into it's saucer on the nightstand, she retrieved the map.

One finger traced along a curved line indicating the flow of a river until it landed on the mark Roman had made. She squinted at the name, turning it over in her mind a few times before smiling.

Stanmore it is.

---​

"I think she likes you, you know," Cora mused as they made their way through the forest. She and Roman had met with Miria early the next day, and told her where to meet them at nightfall. It would look a tad suspicious if the Jedi had escorted her into the forest, so it was decided that they'd leave on their own and convene at Stanmore.

"She was blushing earlier, when we agreed to teach her. When she was looking at you." With one hand on the reins of her mount, she raised the other and pointed a finger upwards. "Don't you act like my brother and go breaking the hearts of village girls, now."

There was an admonishment there, but a playful one. If he became another Lysander von Ascania , Cora would have her hands more than full.

 

[Roman Vossari]

Tags: Corazona von Ascania

​

Roman's horse kept pace with Cora's, the rhythm of their hooves a steady counterpoint to the rustling leaves. His mind, however, was far ahead, already picturing Stanmore in its dilapidated glory. The discovery had sparked a fire in him, a sense of possibility he hadn't felt in some time. If he could find a hidden gem like this in a single afternoon, what else lay undiscovered on this planet? The thought of exploring with Lysander von Ascania , uncovering lost ruins and perhaps even establishing kingdoms side-by-side, sent a thrill through him. It was a grand ambition, to be worked on in due time.

The sound of Cora's voice snapped him back to the present. "What? Who was blushing?" he blurted, momentarily confused before realizing she was teasing him about Miria. A chuckle escaped him. Of course, the girl had been flustered. It was a normal reaction, one he barely registered anymore. He supposed it was the same for Lysander. "She likes what she sees." Roman teased, giving his hair a flick. He couldn't help it that his looks were a magnet.

His eyes shifted forward, excitement bubbling as Stanmore's outline came into view. "I'm not a heartbreaker… at least not anymore." he declared, a mischievous grin flashing across his face. His heart belonged to Anneliese Kaohal . No other would ever claim that bond. "But maybe I'll teach your brother some tips to being an even bigger heartbreaker. We still have a guys trip planned for Serenno, after all." A chuckle rumbled in his chest as he nudged his horse forward, picking up speed on the cobblestone path. He didn't give Cora a chance to reply as they burst from the trees, the ruins of the castle bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun.

"What do you think?" he asked, his voice full of pride as he gazed at the ancient stones. In the distance, he spotted Miria waiting by the fire. He trotted his horse up the steps, towards where she was standing. "Miria, remind me when we get a chance… I have got to introduce you to Cora's brother. Dashingly good looking. AND he is a prince."

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Cora tsked, then shook her head. She could not blame Roman – or Lysander, for that matter – for liking the attention they got from women. So long as they did not like it too much. Even as the Padawan cantered away from her, let it be known that Corazona von Ascania would not let an admonishment go unsaid. Even if she had to wait.

Nudging her mount, she was quick to follow after Roman. "The last thing his training needs is a string of broken hearts. I trust you to model good behavior for him on Serenno!"

With that done, she clicked her tongue, and turned her attention toward Stanmore. It's architecture was rather dated even by Ukatian standards, but the crumbling castle held a certain ancient charm. Moss and vines climbed up the stonework, but the structure itself still appeared rather sturdy and built to last. It reminded her of the old tower she'd hosted a plant surge training in.

As Cora dismounted her horse, her brow scrunched in confusion. "Prince? Is that what he's been telling you?" She scoffed, somewhere between surprised and amused. "Ukatis has no Prince, but it does have liars, so it seems."

"O-oh," Miria, cheeks flushed, clutched her shawl tighter to her chest. She smiled, perhaps a bit cautiously, amused by the banter between the pair. "I'm sure he's a lovely person."

A dry chuckle forced its way from the back of Cora's throat. "The polite way of putting it." She placed a hand against one of the bricks, sliding it along the stone face of the castle. "You chose well, Roman. Fine work. Now come, let us hitch up the horses and get inside."

The trio made their way inside, finding the building cold but spacious. Vines and other hardy plant life twined inward from cracks and holes in the walls, spreading out along the ceiling and floor in some places.

"I'll survey the rest of the building, and see what we might make use of." Cora turned to Roman and Miria. "In the meantime, Roman will instruct you in general aspects of the Force." A vague statement, perhaps intentionally so.

Before either of them could ask any questions of the Jedi knight, she disappeared down the hall.

"Um…" Miria trailed, looking a tad nervous as she glanced to Roman. "I kind of thought she would...stay?"

Roman Vossari

 

[Roman Vossari]

Tags: Corazona von Ascania

​

Roman's lips curled into a knowing smirk as he watched Cora disappear down the hallway. He waved a dismissive hand in her direction, as if to say 'don't mind her.' "He is a lovely person, Miria," he affirmed, his voice laced with amusement, "though perhaps not a prince in the way she means." He chuckled softly, a low rumble in his chest, his eyes twinkling as he looked at Miria giving a knowing wink.

He walked around the room, letting his fingers trail along the coarse stone of the walls, feeling the cool texture beneath his fingertips. He was still buzzing with the thrill of discovery, the knowledge that this hidden place had been just waiting for him to find it. The interior of the castle was even more striking than he had imagined. Jagged holes in the ceiling allowed the last rays of the setting sun to filter through, casting elongated shadows across the floor. Vines, thick and verdant, spilled from the cracks in the walls, adding a touch of wildness to the otherwise decaying structure. It was an odd blend of decay and life, a testament to the passage of time and nature's persistence.

He found a pile of old tapestries in a forgotten corner, their colors long faded but still hinting at their former grandeur. Rummaging through them, he unearthed a dusty, intricately carved wooden box. He lifted the heavy lid and finding nothing of value within. He let it fall back with a loud thud. As Cora disappeared, Roman stood there staring at her retreating form, a mixture of amusement and slight bewilderment on his face. Sentinel of first knowledge or whatever her new title was, he thought with a private scoff. He wasn't a teacher, not even close. He was a student himself, still figuring this all out.

"Uhm..." he began, feeling a bit out of his depth with Miria, "Right..." He began to walk around the room and lit a few of the wall sconces. The room flickered with the newly lit illumination, making those shadows dance. Spotting some discarded cushions in a corner, he dragged them over to a relatively clear patch of the floor and tossed them down haphazardly. He plopped down onto the cushions, patting the space beside him. "We don't need her anyway." he muttered, his voice lacking the usual confidence.

He tried to remember the very first time someone had tried to teach him about the Force. He remembered struggling, feeling clumsy and confused. He cleared his throat, trying to sound more authoritative than he felt. "Let's try this..." he began, looking at Miria, his gaze softer now and more inviting than before.

"Close your eyes," he instructed gently, leaning back on his hands. "Close your eyes... Don't try to see anything, just try…to feel." He took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. "Just feel the air coming in and out of your lungs, the ground beneath you, the warmth from the fire, the coolness of the stone. All of it." He continued to breathe deeply as he spoke, trying to guide her along with his own senses.

"The Force," he continued, his voice now calm and a little quieter, "it's not something out there. It's in everything. It's in the ground you're sitting on, the air you breathe, the fire burning there, even in you." He placed a hand on his chest, his fingers splayed out and resting over his heart. "It's the life force, the energy that connects all things."

"Think of it like…a light," Roman explained, trying to find the right words. "A warm, golden light that's always there, surrounding you, flowing through you. And it is flowing through all things too - it is what makes the vines grow, what makes the wild flowers bloom. Feel for that light, Miria, let it wash over you. It's always there, all you have to do is reach out with your senses."

He closed his own eyes, focusing inwards. He reached for that same feeling, that same warmth, letting it fill him up. He didn't focus on any particular sensation, but just on the feeling of the Force itself, on the connection to everything around him. He waited patiently, allowing Miria to follow along, hoping she could sense even just a tiny spark of the vast energy that surrounded them.

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Like Roman, Miria watched, bemused, as the Jedi knight disappeared into one of the castle's darkened corridors. She wasn't sure if the woman was up to something, or simply a bit daft.

"Oh," she said softly as Roman hauled a few of the dusty cushions to the center of the room. He looked a little uncertain, and she reflected that back at him. "Right." The girl still felt a bit awkward as they settled on their respective cushions, but Roman's softening expression made her feel a little more at ease.

Miria's eyes fluttered closed. She concentrated on the sound of Roman's voice, taking his instructions to heart as best she could. Life on Ukatis was a practical affair, so the concepts of meditation and attempting to feel esoteric energies were largely foreign. Still, she tried.

First, the cool rush of air flowing into her lungs, then the humid exhale from her lips. Then, the stiff cushion beneath her. The warmth of the fire danced over her face, casting her features in deep shadows. She took her time, recognizing each sensation as instructed.

The second part, she found a little more difficult to grasp. Magic energy flowing through everything? Even things that weren't living, like the ground? Her brow tensed, unconvinced. It sounded like a bunch of nonsense, but the Jedi had used this Force to heal her.

"You can sense all that," she murmured. "How do you keep from becoming...overwhelmed?"

Roman Vossari

 

[Roman Vossari]

Tags: Corazona von Ascania

​

Roman smiled faintly, opening his eyes. "Overwhelmed," he echoed, considering the word. He knew that feeling well, the sensation of the Force being too much, too chaotic. He'd felt it many times before, especially in the beginning. "It's... a good question," he admitted, leaning forward slightly. "It's like learning to listen to every single note in an orchestra. At first, it's just a cacophony, a mess of sound. But with practice, you start to hear the individual instruments, the different melodies, how they all come together to create something beautiful."

He tapped a finger lightly on the cushion beside him, his gaze drifting towards the flickering flames of the sconce. "You don't have to hear everything all at once. You learn to focus, to choose what you want to pay attention to. It's a skill, like learning to walk or to play an instrument."

He picked up a small, smooth stone that had been lying discarded near them holding it out in the palm of his open hand. "Try this," he said, his voice gentle again. "Don't focus on the big, overwhelming picture for now. Focus on this stone. Can you feel it? The smoothness? The coolness against your skin?"

He closed his eyes, letting his own senses reach out. He felt the minuscule imperfections in the surface, the subtle transfer of heat between his skin and the stone. "Feel the connection between it and you. It's small, but it's there. The Force connects us all, to even the smallest and seemingly insignificant thing. Like the stone in your hand, the air in your lungs, the warmth of a fire. It's all part of the same whole."

He opened his eyes again, looking back at Miria, and offered her the stone. "It's not about being a sponge, absorbing everything. It's about choosing what you tune into. Start with the small things, the simple things. And slowly, you'll learn to feel more." He paused, then added, a hint of amusement in his tone. "And if you get overwhelmed? You stop, take a deep breath, and feel the stone. Sometimes simplicity is best."

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Miria watched Roman, studying his expression intently. He looked so…serene, and the way he spoke was reassuring. So open with his knowledge too, unlike the court mystics who closely guarded their own information from outsiders.

Miria had never heard an orchestra play, but she imagined his analogy still worked for the tavern bands that were more common here.

The Jedi retrieved a stone and bid her to focus on it. Miria took the rock, cradling it in her hand. It sounded so…strange and complex, to try and focus on something that could not be seen. Just like before, she followed Roman's instructions.

Take a deep breath, and feel the stone.

Miria straightened out and curled her fingers around the rock, then closed her eyes. She felt its smooth, cool surface, then turned it over in her palm. A faint trace of warmth from Roman's hand clung to this side, which brought a rosy flush to her cheeks.

She imagined how long this stone had been here for, lying among the abandoned cushions in what was once someone's home. How did it get into the castle in the first place? What had happened to Stanmore to bring about its downfall?

Miria's idle thoughts were suddenly awash with a burst of color and sounds - footsteps echoing along a brightly lit corridor, and a chill of hushed voices. She seized, her breath hitching on a gasp. Whatever this was, it had forced its way into her mind.

The hand clasping the rock went rigid, and her brow furrowed deeply. Then, her fingers released their hold on the rock. It clattered to the ground, the sound echoing off of empty walls.

As suddenly as it had come, the vision had gone. Miria gasped sharply, and grasped at her trembling hand.

"Wh…what…was that…?? I saw…s-something…"

Roman Vossari

 

[Roman Vossari]

Tags: Corazona von Ascania

​

Roman's eyes widened slightly as the stone clattered to the floor, the sound sharp in the quiet chamber. He hadn't expected such a dramatic reaction, his gaze immediately snapping back to Miria. Her pale face was flushed, her hand trembling as she clutched at it. "Miria?" He leaned forward, concern etching itself onto his features.

Her stammered words brought a rush of understanding, and a strange sort of awe. "You saw something?" He asked, his voice lowered, almost reverent. Visions within the Force were, he knew, rare and inconsistent. He'd heard tales of Jedi Masters experiencing them, hazy glimpses into the future or the past, often shrouded in symbolism and difficult to interpret. He himself had only ever experienced anything even remotely like that in his dreams, fragments of images too fleeting to grasp, and nothing that ever carried the weight of clarity. That Miria had experienced one so soon after beginning her training was remarkable. He found himself deeply impressed by her natural connection to the Force.

"Interesting..." he murmured, more to himself than to Miria. He nodded slowly, his mind swirling with the implications of this new development. It was... fascinating. "Sometimes, the Force shows you things. It's... not always something you can control, not at first anyway." He swallowed, fighting down the swell of excitement and curiosity that rose in his chest. He had to remain calm, for her sake..

Roman reached out a hand, not to touch, but as a gesture of support. "Breathe, Miria," he said softly, his voice gentle once more. "You're alright." He paused, the question burning within him. "What did you see? What was it like? Did it seem... real?" It was an odd question, even he could hear it, what was real when touching the Force? He held her gaze, his own a mixture of astonishment and intrigue as he waited for her reply.

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Trembling, Miria's eyes darted around anxiously, as if the vision would appear somewhere in her periphery. It had filled her with an unsettling rush of power, as if she were peering in on some private moment not meant for her. "I-I'm sorry, I don't…I didn't mean t-to…" She cradled the hand that had held the stone, clammy and quivering.

Roman wasn't angry with her, and that in itself was something of a relief. His surprise, however, made her feel as though she'd done something wrong.

Miria breathed, following Roman's advice. A few gasps of breath had her steady enough to speak. "It was…here," She released her grip on her own hand, using it to gesture to their surroundings. "But it was a different time of day, because I could see sunlight. I heard voices, but I couldn't tell what they were saying. When I let go of…"

Her gaze dropped down to the stone, so small and unassuming.

"It stopped," she whispered. "As suddenly as it began."

Roman Vossari

 

[Roman Vossari]

Tags: Corazona von Ascania

​

Roman's brow furrowed as he listened to Miria's description, her words painting a vivid picture of the vision she'd experienced. Her focus on the stone, how it had started and stopped with the object, sparked a realization in his mind. It wasn't just a random vision, not some fleeting glimpse into the future or a symbolic representation of something else entirely. The stone, of course. How could he have been so blind? It was not her mind projecting this, but the stone acting as a conduit.

"Miria," he said, his voice now calmer, laced with understanding, "there's nothing to be sorry about. You didn't do anything wrong." He shifted closer to her, concern softening his features. "It wasn't you creating that image, it was the stone." He reached out, his fingers brushing against the cool, smooth surface of the small rock. He carefully took it from her, his gaze fixed on the unassuming object.

He turned the stone over in his hand, his fingers tracing the grooves and imperfections embedded within it. He closed his eyes briefly, allowing his mind to open and connect with it. Immediately, the world shifted. He was no longer in the quiet chamber with Miria, instead he was thrown into a starkly contrasting scene.

The bright light of midday flooded into his vision, the previously soft silence replaced by the hurried sound of footsteps echoing through a corridor. Roman could feel a tense, almost frantic energy in the air. Blurred figures rushed past, their forms indistinct. He could see some of them yanking open drawers and chests, scattering papers and materials carelessly. A wave of aggression pulsated in the air; these weren't casual visitors, but vandals. Then his focus sharpened, honing in on a larger figure hefting a heavy hammer. With a grunt, the figure brought the tool down on the stone wall, sending cracks crawling across the surface before breaking the stone free. It was torn from its place, a hard, violent impact, the stone he now held in his hands. They were searching for something, something located behind where this stone had been. Their purpose, however, was hidden, and the vision ended as suddenly as it began.

He opened his eyes, his breath hitched, his heart hammering against his ribs. The vision was sharp, vivid, and left a chill trailing down his spine. He focused back on Miria and offered her a small smile, "Don't worry, what you saw… what we both saw, was from long ago." He paused, allowing her to absorb his words. "Miria, this is remarkable. You have a natural aptitude for the Force that's truly impressive."

He took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "Objects can hold memories, echoes of the past imprinted upon them through the Force. It's like... like the stone was a recorder, and you, with your connection to the Force, were able to tune into that recording. This wasn't a vision of the future, but a glimpse into the past, a moment held within the stone itself." He gently placed the stone back in Miria's hand.

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Miria watched Roman with worried eyes. He appeared to be thinking intently. What if what she'd done was too odd for even the Jedi to explain? Oh, Gods – her concern began to deepen into panic until her teacher addressed her, his voice cool and even.

"It was the stone?" She frowned, pale cheeks tinging pink as he shifted a little closer. It made sense, well, no it really didn't. How could a rock invade someone's mind like that? This Force was strange and seemingly dangerous.

As Roman took the stone and was throw into his own vision of the past, Miria reminded herself how they'd driven the Dark essence from her body. If she was blessed with the ability to do the same, then she very much wanted to learn. She kept her gaze focused on the Jedi before her as he stilled, and found herself learning forward as his eyes opened.

"Remarkable?" Her blush deepened, and she placed one hand at her burning cheek. "I didn't...I didn't really do anything. I just tried to focus on the stone, like you said, and it just…" A little smile curved her lips, pleased at the praise, though she hadn't felt as if she'd done much of anything.

"I thought that the Force was just used to drive away evil, and to move things with your mind. To think that a stone could record a memory is...well, I'm not sure that many people would believe it if they haven't seen it?"

Her expression, a mix of awe and gratification, dropped into something more hesitant as Roman tried to pass her the stone. "Oh, I...I'd rather not. That was kind of scary." Miria pulled her hands back, uncertain. "Can you teach me to make things fly with my mind, instead?"

Roman Vossari

 

[Roman Vossari]

Tags: Corazona von Ascania

​

Roman chuckled softly, the sound a warm counterpoint to the lingering tension in the chamber. He understood her hesitation, the sudden, jarring glimpse into the past could be unsettling, even frightening. "I know it was startling, Miria," he said, his voice gentle, "but it wasn't a malevolent presence, just a moment in time. The Force is so much more than battle and defense. It's everywhere, in everything, and it connects us all to one another, to the past, the present, and yes, even the future".

He nodded at her question regarding public acceptance, "You're right, many would struggle to believe it. Even amongst the Jedi, this ability is not common. Some may even be skeptical, but it is a truth nonetheless, a beautiful illustration of how the Force encompasses all things."

He noticed her reluctance to take the stone back, and he didn't push, "That's perfectly alright, Miria. You don't need to touch it again if you don't wish to." He carefully placed it on a nearby table instead, before turning his attention back to her, the question of telekinesis lighting a spark in his eyes. "Of course, I can teach you to levitate objects with your mind. It's a fundamental skill for a Jedi. Though it may not seem as grand, as seeing the past, it requires a similar concentration, a similar connection to the Force."

He gestured towards the stone, now on the table, "Let's start with something simple, like the stone. Forget what you saw for now, let's focus on the present, on this object, and the Force around it. I want you to close your eyes and feel the Force within you, that energy that connects you to all things. Imagine it extending from within you, outwards, like fine, invisible threads. See those threads connecting to the stone. Feel its weight, its texture, everything about it, through the Force. I will help you guide your mind, just let the Force flow." He closed his own eyes, taking a deep breath, and letting the Force come to him as his guide. He could feel the stone almost humming, almost vibrating in a low frequency. But it was not moving yet.

"Now, with your inner sight still on the stone, imagine the threads of the Force lifting it, gently, slowly. Don't force it, merely guide it with your intent. It's all connected; you, the Force and the stone. Breathe deeply, and focus on this connection." He would allow Miria to find her connections, to feel the Force herself. It was so important that she was the one to initiate. He could feel it, he was confident she would succeed.