Private Distant Memory

[Korvan Toldreyn]

​

870 ABY | Rakaan Horne​

The sparring rings were usually busy, particularly in the late afternoon. When most of the Padawans had finished their training for the day, they would oft make their way there in order to train with one another. Though they clearly didn't like the masters knowing as much, Korvan was aware that some of those same Padawans had begun to set up a tourney of sorts, a competition intended to determine who among them was the best with a lightsaber. For Korvan in particular, it was a practice he discouraged - while skill with a lightsaber was something any self-respecting Jedi should aspire to, such a competitive nature was far from what they should strive for.

At the very least, surely his own Padawan would not engage in such practices. Of course, that was what Korvan might have said if he didn't know Rakaan as well as he did. Yet, having essentially raised the boy, it wasn't too much of a stretch of the imagination when he had learned that Rakaan was not only an active participant in such things, but a leading competitor.

Well, credit to my teaching, at least...

Faint pride aside, it had meant that Korvan had chosen to limit Rakaan's access to the training grounds. He could attend them only for sessions Korvan himself had scheduled for the Padawan, more often than not sessions which were with Korvan directly. It was for one such session that Korvan made his way into the training grounds now, sparing a few nods to passing students and instructors as they went about their own days and lessons. Inwardly, he recalled his own time learning in such places, Coruscant had been an utterly different sort of place to the temples the Jedi had rebuilt, they lacked the life and vibrancy, he found - but there was a charm to them all, a fragment of history which remained.

As he wandered down the steps into the ring he had assigned them, Korvan's lip curled upward in a smile at the sight of his Padawan, already waiting on him. "Were you to take to your other studies as rigorously and passionately as you do this, then you might already be a knight, Rakaan." The Jedi Master hummed as he slipped his hands behind his back, watching his student intently.​

 

[Rakaan Horne]

870 ABY | SPARRING GROUNDS:-
Korvan Toldreyn

“I think you’ll find I’m growing more powerful by the day, Master.” The teenaged Padawan tilted his head with a familiar smirk, “Can ask the other Padawans. They’ll tell you all about it, when I get the chance to show them.”

His expression briefly soured with eyes that met the floor. Korvan sheltered him unjustly, least in his mind, unable to get ahead and be better; be the best there is.

 

[Korvan Toldreyn]

870 ABY | Rakaan Horne​

"And I must remind you, Rakaan - power is not what the Jedi aspire to." The first lesson came quickly, more a scolding than anything. The galaxy was a dangerous place, and the close links that the New Jedi Order held to the Galactic Alliance meant that often it had been tied into the Alliance's conflicts. There was not a day that passed where Korvan could not recall the Endgame of the Great Galactic War, how many Jedi had fallen to the grip of the Sith because they sought such things?

Power, passion, love, and attachment.

Stepping into the ring properly after he removed his outer robes and lay them aside, Korvan pulled his lightsaber from his belt and activated it, letting the blue blade thrum with energy as he held it up, the tip of the blade directed towards his Padawan. "Perhaps if you are so capable of facing your fellows, you might actually best me today, hm?" It was a deliberate taunt, one that Korvan was sure would rile his padawan up. He had done what he could to raise Rakaan, to teach him the ways of the Jedi, of peace - but he was willful and arrogant, he always had been.

Korvan still hoped that with time, such things would dissipate. He was only young after all, and Korvan could still recall many of his own failings and missteps in his youth. Some more than others.

 

[Rakaan Horne]

870 ABY | SPARRING GROUNDS:-
Korvan Toldreyn

Shamefully, Rakaan averted his eyes. The bustling cityscape of the Coruscant horizon, crowded by the skyscrapers that threatened to breach the atmosphere and the lanes of traffic at all heights filtered between. To lead a normal life, the Padawan mused on the satisfaction and boredom that could be found in it. Or so he thought.

“The Jedi are guardians of peace and freedom,” he droned on sarcastically, as if to recite a line he had heard a thousand times before. “I know, I know.”

Hardly the scholar that Korvan had been.

But Rakaan teased a faint smile whilst his own saber hummed to life - the blue blade twirling around in his hand, before two hands gripped it out in front of him.

“I guess we’ll just have to see.” He remarked boldly, and lunged forwards with a series of swift and heavy strikes.

 

[Korvan Toldreyn]

870 ABY | Rakaan Horne​

The sarcastic tone with which Rakaan spoke was not new, and the boy's wit and self-assuredness in another situation might have been a boon. But there was more that was told by his words that lay hidden beneath the surface, a faint look of disapproval crossing Korvan's face as he spoke. "Knowing those words is one thing, Rakaan - but you're a long way from embodying them." The Jedi Master mused contemplatively.

His gaze remained on his student, watching as he activated his blade and took it in two hands. The teacher made no moves to launch an attack, it was always predictable enough that Rakaan would rush into the fray as soon as the opportunity was afforded him.

As the first flurry of strikes came, Korvan gave ground easily, shimmying back across the ring as he blocked and parried the incoming strikes, making no move to counter with an attack of his own. After Rakaan had gained some ground, Korvan moved not to block, but to dodge an incoming strike as he spun around his student, bringing his free hand up to shove Rakaan past him instead, a move designed to use his momentum against him and send him off-kilter as Korvan recovered, circling around with his weapon still held at the ready.

"You rush in too readily, Rakaan. Patience means you will not fall into traps."

 

[Rakaan Horne]

870 ABY | SPARRING GROUNDS:-
Korvan Toldreyn

Stumbling forwards, Rakaan had been thrown off balance from the expertly practised move from the Jedi Master; day after day, month after month, year after year - Korvan and Rakaan had danced the same dance a thousand times over, and so often had a wilful arrogance put the student on the back foot.

So often convinced of his own skills, whether it came to the lightsaber or the Force itself. Few surpassed Rakaan in the flock of Padawans, certain that even some Knights paled in comparison. But no matter what, Korvan had the edge over him. Maybe the familiarity the two shared, or maybe Rakaan simply wasn’t as skilled as he thought.

He liked to think it was luck.

Wordlessly, the Padawan turned to face his master with a narrowed frown. He rushed ahead in an effort to prove a point, another barrage of swift and strength-laden strikes reached out. Passion flowing through each flashy swing of his saber, amidst all the twists and turns, the twirls of the blade even.

“You’re too patient,” he said as the two blue sabers monetarily locked, “Strong offence is your best defence.”

 

[Korvan Toldreyn]

870 ABY | Rakaan Horne​

Much as Korvan had expected, it wasn't long before Rakaan was back on the attack, charging forward once more to begin his passionate assault once more. Once more, the point of the lesson was eluding Rakaan, it seemed, but the Jedi Master was a patient man. He would repeat this as long as he could. Such aggression would not fell all comers, only those who succumbed to the panic or the need to respond that such things sought to bring out. Rakaan's efforts would only work against those more inexperienced, or those less willing to wait out the perfect opportunity.

If he was ever to be a more capable bladesman, he would need to learn to adjust to his situation, he would need to learn to see the other opportunities. He would need to learn to look beyond his opponent and his own desire to best them.

Of course, it certainly didn't help Rakaan any that his master was a well-known practitioner of the third form. Korvan was quite content to remain on the defence, his saber twirling through the air as it gathered momentum with each block and parry, the calm expression on his face almost seeming bored by the encounter, appearing utterly effortless as he worked against his Padawan. "Such a mentality does have value..." The Jedi Master conceded as they continued, beginning to use Rakaan's momentum against him once more as he leaned into each block and parry.

In time, the Jedi let his foot slip out, waiting for Rakaan to over-commit on a strike before he swept his foot to the boy's ankles, tripping him up.

"But such a mentality also lies in its surprise, a surprise offence is only any good when your opponent is not expecting it, Rakaan."

 

[Rakaan Horne]

870 ABY | SPARRING GROUNDS:-
Korvan Toldreyn

Yet another snide lecture. One of thousands, if not millions. For all his wisdom, not a bit of it had removed the often smugly taught preachings of the Jedi Master. If nothing else, it was only tool in his arsenal to put Rakaan back in his place. He thought on that point in particular as he cast another dissatisfied look, this time from the polished and marbled floor. His lightsaber having retreated back into its hilt.

“It’s more of,” he ran a hand through his hair between breaths, before he propelled himself from the ground from one hand with both legs extended, aimed for Korvan’s chest, “A continued barrage.” Rakaan said with a strained voice in the middle of the movement.

His saber snapped and hissed into action, all in an effort to continue the same assault as before. The same passionate swings, the strength-filled strikes, as fast as they had ever been before. A merciless onslaught of them, never relinquishing even for a moment.

“You can admit I’m the better swordsman.” He remarked smugly with a smirk.

 

[Korvan Toldreyn]

​

870 ABY | Rakaan Horne​

​

Rakaan did not quit. To be completely honest, Korvan would have been disappointed if he had. It was one part of his student's wilfulness that hethought a true asset, though even it had its limits. Often, Rakaan would push beyond what was necessary, he would go past his own limits and leap head-long into danger, leaving himself open to being trapped or exploited. It was one of his greatest weaknesses.​

​

As Rakaan's legs collided with his chest, Korvan slid back across the floor with a groan, yet he was not set off guard enough to stop his Padawan's new assault as he caught the incoming blows once more. Maintaining his nigh-impenetrable defence, Korvan's blue saber danced through the air in a dance, deflecting and parrying Rakaan's assault. "I will admit you are the better swordsman when it is true, Rakaan." The teacher scolded his apprentice as he awaited the next mistake his Padawan would make.​

​

His words would draw out a more desperate and eager assault from Rakaan - the kind that would be designed to try and win the bout as quickly as possible. The kind of assault that would be sloppy. Of that, Korvan was all but certain.​

 

[Rakaan Horne]

870 ABY | SPARRING GROUNDS:-
Korvan Toldreyn

Years apart. In age, in experience. Years to hone in skills with the beaming lightsaber, the feel of it, the movement of it, and the use of the Force alongside it. To see battlefields marred, repaired, and destroyed all over again. End the lives of countless Sith, of soldiers, and more. Korvan had all the time in the Galaxy to become the best version of himself that he could, to be better than someone he taught. And yet, Rakaan refused to accept it as an excuse for a loss; there was none, no reason he should lose, and anything short of outright success was a failure - no matter the lesson learned, if one at all.

Stubborn, and arrogant.

His blue blade twirled around in his hand as gracefully as a softly guided breeze. From one hand to two, the movements between them were as expertly executed as each powerful swing of his lightsaber. The hissing collision of the two beams connecting began and ended in less than a second, onto the next, again and again. He attacked from all angles - side to side, above and below, and all that remained inbetween. His master conquered the third form, crafted an impenetrable shield around himself, one that Rakaan was oh so content to break through.

But even one slip was enough, a millisecond of imperfection, and Korvan's sword hovered next to his neck. Rakaan still held his stance all the same, lightsaber held by his torso, the rounded tip pointing towards the roof. Just another disgruntled look settled across his face. Awaiting another lecture.

 

[Korvan Toldreyn]

​

870 ABY | Rakaan Horne​

​

There was no smug look on Korvan's face, no satisfaction that emanated from him as he held his blade a short distance away from Rakaan's neck. Had this been a true battle, had they stood on opposite sides of a field, it would have been a killing blow. Even if it had not been Rakaan, and instead had been a true and worthy opponent, there would have been no reason to celebrate, no victory or joy to be found in such a success. And so Korvan only frowned at his Padawan.

"You are a skilled warrior, Rakaan - far more skilled than I was at your age." The Jedi Master began, his thumb pressing down on the switch of his lightsaber, letting the blade dissipate as he lowered it to his side once more. "There is not one of your peers you have not bested, and there is not a Knight or Master in all the temple who thinks you aren't ready to take the trials." He conceded further, not quite a lecture it seemed, but knowing Korvan, there was likely a lesson to come, or one buried in his words.

With a gentle smile, Korvan lifted his shoulders in a shrug. "So why are you trying to prove yourself still?"

 

[Rakaan Horne]

870 ABY | SPARRING GROUNDS:-
Korvan Toldreyn

He could have noted that it was true. Rakaan could have found himself satisifed with the fact, rather should have found himself rather content that he was better. Is better. His fellows, no matter who, paled in comparison whenever it came to their skills with the blade or their connection to the Force. He beat them. And Rakaan knew it, but what was all that worth if he still failed?

"It isn't enough," his eyes that met the marbled floor and each vein that ran through it had then risen to find Korvan's own. In them there was a fire, and once his mouth started up again there was a thin layer of composure that threatened to snap with each syllable that followed. "I am better than them. I can run circles around each and every one of them, they're nothing to me."

His words hung in the air. He wished to take them back, no one more ashamed of his arrogance than himself. It was clear across his thundering features. But it was done, so be it, and seconds afterwards the young Padawan continued on his tirade. Venting, airing out the laundry, even if they were thoughts he never should have harboured let alone say aloud.

"But what does it matter if I can still fail?" He pleaded with a shrug, "I'd be dead if that was a real fight."

Rakaan wouldn't dare look him in the eye. He turned his back on his master.

"I won't disappoint you. I have to be better; the best."

 

[Korvan Toldreyn]

​

870 ABY | Rakaan Horne​

Korvan listened to his Padawan's outburst, without interruption. For any Jedi, even for a Padawan, the boy was showing a great deal of emotion. Rakaan had come to the order later than most, and that was always a challenge, but Korvan had been confident he could help his young student overcome it, that he could help him get the better of his baser instincts. Rakaan had such potential, it was why he had taken the boy under his wing, but Rakaan ever seemed oblivious of his strengths, and all-too-aware of his weaknesses.

With a quiet sigh, Korvan hooked his lightsaber onto his belt and stepped towards Rakaan as he turned away. The Jedi Master's hand came up, resting on his student's shoulder and giving it a squeeze, for the stoic Korvan it was among his stronger shows of affection, simple as it was. "You have never disappointed me before, Rakaan - and I doubt you ever shall." He assured his student in a gentle tone. Outside of the Order, it might have been the way a father spoke to his son, and in truth that was almost what Rakaan was to him. Certainly he was the closest thing to a son that Korvan imagined he would ever have.

"I have trained you since you were a small boy, Rakaan, and I am prouder of you than I could ever be of a student. You're strong, and when you stop and think for a moment, you are wise beyond your years." The Jedi Master intoned with a soft chuckle, another gentle squeeze of his shoulder. "But you do not need to be the best, you simply need to be who you are." Another gentle pat, and Korvan lowered his hand from Rakaan's shoulder to cross his own arms over his chest.

"If that means one day you are the best, then so be it - but let the force guide you there, be patient."