Hoping for a Change.

[Hope]

A cool breeze swep through a silent almost empty prairie. On a hill A Loth-Wolf sat, under a large tree overlooking a meadow. The Loth-Wolf would close it’s blue eyes as he felt the breeze run through his white fur. The sun was just rising over the mountains, inside, the Loth-Wolf felt happy at peace, yet there was a nagging feeling. The feeling of: adventure, getting to know the larger galaxy. Yet the Loth-Wolf wasn’t rushing to it, if the force willed it, it would happen.

The Loth-Wolf had faith in the force. He felt a slight itch behind his left ear and began to scratch it with one of his hind legs, this went on for a good minute before he finally stopped. The Loth-Wolf stood up and stretched out to his full size, looked to the sky and howled. It was a low thunderous howl. As he finished he reached out through the force hoping to draw a force user near.

“It has been some time...” The Loth-Wolf said aloud, his voice booming. He gazed at the empty prairie below.
[member="Caedyn Arenais"]

 

[Caedyn Arenais]

Lothal.

If Caedyn's memory was correct, there were supposedly some crystal cave deposits known to the World; such was why he had decided to take an impromptu trip to the World situated on the Outer-Rim. The Repertoire had landed in the open wilds, the land spanning the far horizon far out from the reach of civilization; frankly it was nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of sentient Cities.

Along for the adventure was the young Ashla bouncing about in her prance and bound, darting over the overgrown grasses of the prairie. The Pup was a fond friend of Caedyn's, and he'd always found an easy love when it came to nature and the wildlife of these sorts of worlds, animals of an innocent and natural nature, unlike the arrogance and selfishness that humanoids were so capable of.

"C'mon then...-Let's go find us something that Asa might like, shall we?" He grinned to the little one, imagining the smile on Asaraa Vaashe's face should Caedyn return with a rare lightsaber crystal or some likely gift that might brighten her days.

[member="Hope"]

 

[Hope]

Spoiler

sorry forgot to explain where we were in the thread.

The Loth-Wolf took a moment cocked his head to the side and listened. Nothing. That’s how it usually was, well nothing out of the ordinary. The Loth-Wolf took a few more minutes to bask in the morning sun, before deciding to stand up. As he did, he felt a presence through the force, just as he felt the presence, he caught a scent. He raised his hind legs and shook off his fur before making his way off the hill. In the distance was a male human along with him, a small creature. This is what he was looking for.

Slowly the Loth-Wolf approached the duo slowly, he didn’t want to scare them away. The Large wolflike creature panted softly. His eyes filled with curiosity with the human and his tiny companion. As he got closer he looked to the Male human. Yes, he was definitely the one with the strong force signature. Hope was now only a few feet away from the two, the musk off the wild seemingly radiating off his fur. Hope remained silent, his eyes fixed on Ashla. Such a tiny creature. So innocent untainted by the endless problems of man. His blue eyes darted to [member="Caedyn Arenais"], his true colors were yet to be seen. But of course, Hope didn’t sense any immediate danger. The Loth-Wolf wagged it’s tail a little bit as he remained standing on his four legs.

 

[Caedyn Arenais]

Movement caught his attention, the Force seemingly calm despite his peripherals telling him that they weren't alone. Ashla almost jumped out of her fur at the sight and smell of the larger Wolf and Caedyn turned to look in [member="Hope"]'s direction a little startled that he hadn't realized until the great wolf was within attacking range of him. Curiously, he felt nothing in the sense of caution or fear, no hint or warning from his connection to the Force that the creature was aggressive or looking to attack.

"Well hello there..." Caedyn spoke gently, moving to lower himself to a crouch so that he didn't appear at all intimidating. His left hand moved to settle lightly upon Ashla's head with a little pat, calming her in the presence of such a larger Canine; "You're a sneaky one..." He smiled to the Wolf, not actually expecting Hope to understand him but hopefully his tone being enough to keep him settled. Reaching out with his right hand, he gestured for the Wolf to approach so that he might be able to give him a pat.

 

[Hope]

"Well hello there..." Came a gentle voice, far from what Hope was expecting.
Hope observed silently as [member="Caedyn Arenais"] crouched down, showing compassion to his pup. It was definitely an odd site for the wolf. The Loth-Wolf tilted his head as the human called Hope sneaky, it nearly made Hope laugh, but he decided to be silent for a few more minutes. Hope looked to the man's outstretched hand, beckoning the wolf closer. Hope put a paw closer to the duo.He brought his head down low to the ground, allowing the man to pet him and allowing the Yorshi to sniff at him.

"I am Hope." The Loth-Wolf said softly and slowly. He hoped not to scare off the two in front of him. He would raise his head slightly. His eyes meeting the human waiting for a reaction.

This was the first human he's come into contact with in some time, Hope had to be careful, but the force didn't alert him to any immediate danger. The Loth-Wolf moved to a seated position. He was back to being quiet that is, until he worked out the Human's intentions.

 

[Caedyn Arenais]

Caedyn smiled, relief washing over him as the Loth-Wolf seemed willing to let him pet the beautiful looking animal; his fingers running through the creatures white fur, able to feel the movements of it's form breathing in and out. The last thing he was expecting was to hear the Wolf speak to him, yet that was exactly what he got, an introduction in a manner he couldn't have seen coming!

"I am [member="Hope"]".

Caedyn blinked, his hand halting against the beasts fur as he tried to comprehend what had just happened. His gaze drew back to meet the eyes of the Loth-Wolf in obvious question and surprise. "You can...Speak?" He asked a little dumbfounded by the discovery; Ashla couldn't do any such thing herself, though she seemed intrigued by the larger Wolf as well. The Force was responsible for the creation of many amazing lifeforms in the Galaxy, so he really shouldn't have been all that surprised, but these things weren't exactly something that you went about expecting in your day to day.

"My name's Caedyn....-You can understand me?" He introduced himself, though questioned too. He wanted to be sure that the Wolf new his language and would understand that he had nothing to fear from the young man; "You don't have to be afraid" he said reassuringly, a smile of warmth being offered to the creature. Wolves truly were majestic creatures...

 

[Hope]

Hope closed his eyes as Caedyn ran his hand through his fur. Like he expected, the human was taken aback when he spoke. Hope’s gaze was met by Caedyn’s blue eyes. “Yes Caedyn. I can speak, and understand you.” Hope said he turned his head to the horizon as the man reassured Hope that he didn’t have to be afraid. Hope nodded to Caedyn. A light breeze blew through the prairie again. While the warmth of the sun on his fur felt nice, he wouldn’t say no to the nice breeze.

Hope brought his gaze down to Caedyn. He could feel warmth radiating from the young man. “You are right, I thank you for not attacking me on site.” The Lothl-Wolf said his voice low yet soothing. He would give a small smile. “What brings you here to Lothal young one?” Hope asked as he cocked his head, his curiosity got the better of him, it wasn’t often that humans would set foot in the area. They were far from civilization. Strangely odd. He would continue to pant softly, his eyes fixed on Caedyn Arenais. He felt pretty confident of what would come from this encounter. It was not by chance but the will of the force. Well from what Hope could tell.

 

[Caedyn Arenais]

"Attack you on sight?" Caedyn repeated the words with a questioning tone, "You certainly got the drop on me, but you didn't feel aggressive or as though you were going to attack me, so I guess I didn't need to be defensive?" He tried to explain, not really knowing how to word himself. Caedyn wasn't the sort to go on the attack first, his fighting only came from training and the defense of others; "I'm a pretty friendly person...-I like to think, atleast" he chuckled quietly under his breath.

"As for what I'm doing here, well I do a lot of travelling really. I used to be part of a group that loved to travel and explore, but these days I spend most of my time on Kashyyyk. I'm here today because someone told me there were some sort of caves where crystals can be found" he replied, suddenly wondering how well the Loth-Wolf knew the lay of the land and whether or not [member="Hope"] might be able to help Caedyn find the suggested place.

Ashla gave a playful bark at Hope from behind the Wolf, nipping at the large canine's tail and hopping about, hoping to get some sort of play out of the other. It caused Caedyn to grin to himself, thinking that she was showing a fair deal of courage in the face of such a larger creature who were well known for their hunting and pack-roaming tendencies.

 

[Hope]

Hope let out a small chuckle “Don’t worry to much Caedyn I understand.” The Loth-Wolf said as the young human explained himself. Hope nodded when Caedyn said that he liked to think of himself as a friendly person. Hope was definitely glad to hear that, he wasn’t used to friendly people. The last group of humans that came by left the Loth-Wolf with a parting gift, earning him the scars across his muzzle. He shook off the thought as Caedyn began to explain why he was on the planet. An explorer, adventurer. He must see a lot of the galaxy. Hope’s ears perked up as he heard Caedyn mentioned the crystal caves. He knew them well, his pack in fact were protectors of a segment of the caves. Guarding it from outsiders who would seek to do harm with the aforementioned crystals.

As he felt Ashla nip at his tail, the Loth-Wolf would sway it fast enough to be of interest to the pup, letting out a playful growl.

Hope looked to Caedyn taking a moment to gather his words. “That is a close kept secret. But you have shown that you have no ill intentions so far, For that I will take you to the caves.” Hope said as he dropped down low enough for Caedyn to climb on along with his pup. “Don’t worry, you may grip my fur.” Hope reassured with a smile. Once the two were on, he would begin trotting at a slow pace. He would glance back at Caedyn. ”Once we are at the caves, I must determine if you truly are worthy of access. The force shall guide me on my judgement. If it helps, I have a good feeling that you’ll be permitted to enter.” Hope said as he continued to trot through the prairie.
[member="Caedyn Arenais"]

 

[Caedyn Arenais]

The prospect of riding astride the Loth-Wolf came as equal a surprise as the fact that the Wolf could speak his language. Caedyn looked a little perplexed for a moment before deciding to pick up Ashla by the scruff of the neck, the little pup giving a playful yelp though seemingly comfortable with the way the lad handled her, Caedyn knowing how to take her without causing the wee one any discomfort or pain, forever careful and nurturing of the Yorshi whom he adored. Before long, the two of them were sat upon [member="Hope"]'s back, Ashla nestled safely within his lap whilst Caedyn himself seemed a little unsure of taking the Wolf by the fur.

"I hope this doesn't hurt you..." Caedyn asked cautiously, though did so as he didn't intend on falling and hurting either himself or Ashla. Suddenly these Crystal Caves seemed all the more interesting now that Hope had confirmed their authenticity, not to mention the process of determining Caedyn's worth. "I was hoping to find something that my girlfriend would like, she's with the Jedi...-Or do Wolves not know about the Jedi?" he stopped himself, needing to ask the question as he wasn't quite certain just how much knowledge and awareness Hope would have of the outside Galaxy.

"You know of the Force?".

 

[Hope]

“It takes a lot more to hurt me. As long as you and your pup are comfortable, I am fine.” Hope said. At the mention of the Jedi, the Loth-Wolf nodded. Before he could speak, Caedyn asked if he knew of the Force. The Loth-Wolf focused back on the path ahead as he continued to trot at a decent pace. He would tilt his head. “The Force. Yes we know of it. The force resides in all living creatures. It surrounds us. In a sense binds is together.” Hope said. He began to pick up speed, eventually breaking into a run. “The Force seeks a constant balance, it is to my understanding that the Jedi seek to bring balance to the force. Of course correct me if I am wrong. I do not get visitors much.” Hope let out a laugh.

“Now about your love. You call her a Jedi? But you do not name yourself amongst their ranks? Why is that?” He asked it wasn’t meant to be an attack, the wolf was just curious. It was always interesting hearing about why people were the way they are. Hope smiled. “At any rate I am sure she will love whatever you give her.” Hope said reassuringly. They were still a few miles from the nearest cave entrance.

”We shall be outside the caves within a few minutes.”
[member="Caedyn Arenais"]

 

[Caedyn Arenais]

"Her name's [member="Asaraa Vaashe"]" Caedyn informed [member="Hope"] rather happily, Asa always bringing some form of light to his life, even if only in passing mention; "She's been with the Order of the Silver Jedi for most of her life, where as I grew up first on a World called Commenor and later joined the Je'daii Order when I was twelve". There were many differences between the Jedi and the Je'daii, though there were also many similarities that often left Caedyn questioning whether those he talked about the Order with, understood what separated the two from being one in the same.

"I guess the easiest way to explain it is that the Jedi use only the Light-Side of the Force, where as I and the Je'daii before me, believe that both the Light and the Dark coexist and are therefore equals. I was encouraged to learn about all aspects of the Force, where as the Jedi do their best to restrict themselves". Talk of the Darkside was often met with uncertainty and apprehension, yet even though Caedyn knew how to practice a number of abilities within the Dark-Side, it had not corrupted nor made him an inherently bad person; "Balance in the Force is something that we revered above all else. Balance and Knowledge".

Hope mentioned how far out they were, and Caedyn was suddenly relieved that he didn't have to walk all that distance. He'd been following on rumors, though he never expected to be riding atop a Loth-Wolf across the open plains. "Despite our differences though, the Jedi do believe in a lot of the same things that I do. Protecting the innocent for example" he explained, not wanting to give Hope the wrong impression; "I live alongside them on Kashyyyk now that my Order has been gone for so long".

 

[Hope]

As the prairie met the foot of the mountains other Loth-Wolves would be noticed watching from vantage points on cliffs. Hope would give them glances as he passed by. Caedyn would give the name of his significant other. Hope smiled. The human explained that she was Asaraa was apart of the Order of the Silver Jedi. Caedyn then explained his upbringing with the Je’daii Order. The Loth-Wolf listened attentively as the human explained. Hope smiled, his speed began to slow as they reached a clearing on a mountain path. He glanced back to Caedyn. “Thank you [member="Caedyn Arenais"],” Hope would say, he was grateful that the human had taken his time to explain the views of the two different Orders to an outsider. “You are right. A balance of light and dark, they coexist, you cannot have one without the other.” Hope agreed. “As long as you keep the balance within, you won’t be corrupted.”

The Loth-Wolf did admit, he was disconnected from the happenings of the galaxy. It helped having someone explain. Hope stopped in the center of the clearing. They were surrounded by mountains. Just ahead was a cave entrance, the Loth-Wolf would let out a low howl. “The pack has been tracking our progress following us since our venture up this mountain.” Hope states as he got low enough for Caedyn to dismount. When he did, he would rise back up to full size. “Despite your differences with the Jedi, you choose to coexist. Through that you show yourself as a person who strives for balance, and you fight to protect the innocent. Truly a righteous cause.” As he spoke Loth-Wolves of his pack would come into view. A couple would exit the cave, and the rest would be seen on the cliff sides of the surrounding mountains.

“They are cautious of outsiders. But will trust the Force.” He explained. The pack watched silently. Hope looked to Caedyn. “Young Je’daii, not one during my encounter with you has the Force given me a bad feeling about you. From what you say, you truly are trying your best to balance your use of the Force. Through your differences you choose to alongside a people, an Order with opposing views: however small the difference are.” The Wolf pauses. “You do not have any Ill intentions that much is clear, and For that, you are granted access to the crystal caves. May the Force guide you to your goal.” The Loth-Wolf said.

The pack would respect the decision and howls would be heard throughout the mountains. “I shall accompany you into the caves as you search for the perfect crystal for Asaraa. She is quite lucky to have a devoted partner.” Hope said as he shook off his coat and let out the final howl. He’d be sure to ask more about the Je’daii Order as soon as he got the chance.

Hope would slowly walk to the cave entrance making sure to go slow enough for Caedyn to keep up.

[member="Caedyn Arenais"]

 

[Caedyn Arenais]

How amazing it was, the ways in which one's day could be swept out from under his feet in the most unlikely of ways thanks to the mysteries and miracles of the Force in all it's glory. Caedyn smiled appreciatively, standing now alongside [member="Hope"] with little Ashla held in his arms as he looked towards the Crystal Cave and that of Hope's fellow Pack.

"I never expected any of this..." Caedyn admitted with something of a slightly sheepish grin, "Thank you, very much Hope" he added softly. He wasn't the type to think much of himself, especially for these seemingly positive remarks that the Loth-Wolf spoke of, that the young man otherwise took for normal behavior in and of himself. Perhaps it was thanks to his parents and to his Je'daii Master that he had been raised to act with integrity in his life, yet he didn't do such things for any sense of reward or acknowledgement. Simply because it was, atleast in his eyes, the right way to be.

After a brief moment of hesitation and second thought, he soon nodded to the Loth-Wolf at his side, confident that with Hope along for the adventure, there wasn't a lot that could go wrong given that he knew the territory and the other wolves seemingly content with his decision to allow Caedyn entrance. "I don't suppose your pack know what sort of Crystals are in this cave?" He soon asked, "I'm only here on rumor..." he drew his Lightsaber from his belt, only after setting Ashla down to the ground floor so that she could walk on her own alongside them. A Snap-Hiss of charged energy illuminated the mouth of the cave around them, the light suddenly clearing the way for Caedyn to be able to see better, his left hand raising the blade up high to be held at a horizontal angle so not to frighten or appear threatening in any sense to the other two.

 

[Hope]

The cave system they were entering was vast, larger than one would think. many of the turns very well could be your last. Pitfalls, dead ends, winding turns, collapsing tunnels. Hope shook the thought off,he still had a good feeling that [member="Caedyn Arenais"] could find the correct path. He looked over to the young Je'daii, who held Ashla with such care in his arms. The human said that this whole experience was unexpected, continuing to thank Hope. The Loth-Wolf brought his gaze up to Caedyn's eyes. He would give a smile. ​"No Caedyn Arenais, thank you. You have allowed me a glimpse into your world. For that I am grateful." Hope said. He nodded to the Je'daii, when he asked if his pack knew what crystals the cave held, because it was only a rumor that he heard.

"Yes, the caves hold what you call..." Hope paused as the words processed through his mind. "Kyber Crystals." Hope finished he watched as Caedyn ignited his lightsaber. It had been sometime since the Loth-Wolf had seen one. Hope walked a little behind Caedyn. "One can easily get lost in these caves. Let the force lead you, It shall bring you to the Crystal you seek." Hope added with a smile. Not much harm could come to him witha pack of Loth-Wolves near, and faith in the Force at is side. "You said earlier that the Je'daii Order has been gone for some time. If I may ask....What happened?" Hope asked with curiosity filling his voice.

Hope looked to the tunnel walls which were illuminated by Caedyn's lightsaber. Hope looked to the young Jed'aii. "I am sorry for prying young one,I do not wish to bring up bad memories. I am just curious, for we share very different life experiences." Hope stated

 

[Caedyn Arenais]

"They were never very big to begin with" Caedyn answered as they walked through the underground cavern system; "My Master [member="Asha Hex"] was the leading steward of the Je'daii Order, and for a long time they resided on Aurum, travelling between worlds where we had other Je'daii Temples and places of learning established", even though she had departed, Asha would always remain his Master in Caedyn's eyes. "Unlike the Jedi and the Sith who have originated from the Je'daii of the ancient times before even the existence of the lightsaber, we were always meant to respect and honor the Force, not fight over which side was superior" Caedyn's eyes squinted against the dark path ahead, his lightsaber offering a clear direction, though he too called upon the Force to guide him as had been suggested. [member="Hope"] seemed a very like-able Wolf, though Caedyn wasn't exactly experienced when it came to meeting talking animals.

"Many parts of the Galaxy have become engulfed in war by the Sith Empire, as well as non-force users, though equally as terrible" He continued, "My Master and the rest of the Je'daii chose to remove themselves from the equation, to seek out peace and tranquility in their hiding away from all the fighting. They're off now somewhere, travelling the Galaxy in a great big Praxeum Ship...-A space-faring Temple, if you will". Caedyn hadn't joined them however, both because his Master had disappeared first without so much as a word to why, as well as the Order's disappearance that seemed to follow in the wake of her absence. He had tried to do what he could to encourage others to follow in the Je'daii ways, yet he had failed and instead turned to [member="Asaraa Vaashe"], hoping to find his place with the Silver Order.

 

[Hope]

Hope listened as [member="Caedyn Arenais"] attentively. "Asha Hex. She must have been a very good teacher to leave such an impact on your life. And I agree, the Force should be honored, not be debate for petty squabbles." Hope said. He was very glad that the Force had ordained this meeting, it had been far too long since the Loth-Wolf had been in touch with the galaxy. From what Hope could tell, Caedyn was exactly what a Je'daii should be, seeking harmony for all who follow the Force, to honor it. Hope continued to follow the young Je'daii he seemed to know where he was going, Hope smiled, the human must've been following the Force.

The Loth-Wolf cocked his head when Caedyn spoke of His Order choosing to alienate themselves from the rest of the galaxy. to find peace and tranquility and to avoid the fighting, aboard a space temple of some sorts. "How interesting. And while your Order chose that path, you chose another? To stay. To try and coexist with the Silver Jedi Order. Possibly to try and share your ways?" Hope wondered aloud.

The Loth-Wolf was very intrigued to say the least. He smiled. "You are faithful to hold on to your teachings even though your Je'daii Order is away...in a sense. Very commendable." Hope added.

 

[Caedyn Arenais]

"I suppose it's the only way I've been taught" Caedyn replied, not really having thought too much about why he had kept to the Je'daii way. "Most of my time these days is spent travelling and trying to learn more about the Force and what it's purpose is for me in this Galaxy". They were quite far into the cave system now, the air had grown colder with a steady breeze flowing against them, seeking to exit through the mouth of the cave they had entered, also suggesting there were more than one way to get inside. The light of his blade kept the three from succumbing to any perilous falls or unstable footing and their journey was short lived, rewarded as they stepped out into a larger enclosure walled with earth and rock, in the center there being a number of crystal formations which reflected the light of his lightsaber.

"The Force is responsible for some really beautiful things in our lives..." Caedyn spoke softly as they neared the open ground and he moved to crouch nearby the closest formation to them, "I won't take more than one, [member="Hope"]" he wanted to reassure the Loth-Wolf that he wouldn't abuse the privilege he'd been given to walk this path. The blade of his lightsaber was more than enough to carve a shard from the formation, a good sized crystal piece falling into the palm of his left hand and causing him to smile; "Asaraa will love this...".

With that said and done, Caedyn rose back to his feet and turned to look back to his new companion; "Thank you again for this, it really is quite amazing down here".

 

[Hope]

“Well you’ve been taught right. Only you can figure out the purpose the Force has for you.” Hope would say. They now were walking into a large enclosure. The many formations of crystals showed a beauty that not many saw. Caedyn seemed to be awestruck, Hope smiles at the human’s comment. “Indeed.” Hope said not looking to ruin the moment. Caedyn reassured Hope that he’d only take one. “I thank you [member="Caedyn Arenais"], you show a respect that many others would not.” The Loth-Wolf watched as Caedyn carved out a crystal shard from one of the formations, giving a comment about how his significant other would love it. A warm feeling rose in Hope, he was happy to bring joy to someone else’s life, even with the smallest gestures.

The Loth-Wolf nodded as Caedyn looked to him and gave his thanks. “It was my pleasure young Je’daii. Yes the beauty is another reason the pack protects it, we seek to preserve it and see that no harm comes to it.” Hope said. He closed his eyes and felt the cool air run through his fur. A few seconds later his eyes would slowly open. “You have shown me that there is much more out there than what I’ve previously thought.” He paused and met Caedyn’s gaze. “I have a favor to ask. I’d like to accompany you a bit longer.” Hope said as he kept his eye contact with The young Je’daii.

 

[Caedyn Arenais]

"Accompany me, longer?" The young man asked, looking for clarification; He didn't plan to be on Lothal much longer than was needed. "I don't mean to sound rude, you've been really kind to me but I was only hoping to be away from Kashyyyk for the day. After this, I'll be making my way back to the ship and heading home..." He informed [member="Hope"], not wishing to insult the Loth-Wolf, though also not wishing to mislead the creature in any sort. Of course, Caedyn wasn't expecting the Wolf to be wanting to explore the Galaxy, he had interpreted the request as more time spent there on Lothal and still within reach of his Pack.

"Unless...-That's what you're asking?" Caedyn spoke up again after a little consideration, "To leave this World, I mean?". The sunlight from the mouth of the cave was starting to illuminate their path as they grew closer to the entrance, and so he disengaged his lightsaber, returning the weapon to his belt where it locked in place via magna-lock, metal clicking as it was pulled to it's magnetic counterpart and firmly situated within hands-reach should it be required again.