Journey to Ilum

[Jsc]

​

Planet Ilum

Ilum was a snowy white world. Filled with sharp blues and a soft purple sky. She had been hidden away from the universe and her Starcharts for thousands of years too. A hidden world. Sacred to the Jedi. A Force World were the largest Force Crystals in the galaxy grew. Powerful little crystals that came in all sorts of colors. From blue and green to yellow and purple. This frozen planet was the perfect place for a new adventure.

The Republic Frigate set itself down just outside the Magic Doors of the Mountain Caverns Jedi Temple. Hissing and whistling as the engines came to a warm end. Landing itself softly in the frozen snow. Letting the inside cabins rush with cold air as the landing ramp came down with a thud. Oh yes. It was already time to depart.

All ashore.

___

Jedi Knight Karen Roberts stood at the top of the exit ramp. Clad in her gray spacesuit and cloaked in a white arctic shawl. Pistol on her thigh and twin swords over the small of her back. She was ready. The planet was ready. It was time for another adventure.

"Okay everybody! Listen up. Sound off and show me you're ready for the cold planet. I want to see winter jackets and gloves on everybody. It's cold outside people. Let's stay warm and toasty while we're here. ...R2. You have the ship."

~ Dweep Donk ~

The happy droid replied. Leaving Karen to smile and wave all ashore. It was time to get frosty.

___

OOC: Post Order Loose. Replies Daily.

[member="Ayden Quell"] [member="Lilin Imperieuse"] [member="Korrin Arranda"] [member="Elizabeth Verdan"] [member="Dajara Boshtet"] [member="Lahi Te'ala"] [member="Quinncolson"] [member="Ben Corscifine"]

 

[Eli-Mae Forrest]

Quinn walks up clad in her winter jacket and gloves "I'm here." She says as she looks at the majestic yet frozen landscape of Illum that lies before her she has only ever been here one time and that was over 800 years ago, the landscape had changed a lot from when she was here but yet it felt so familiar to her she looked back to see the other Padawans coming to join her

[member="Karen Roberts"]

 

[Dune Rhur]

OOC: [member="Karen Roberts"] I'm tagging along too but I don't know about [member="Leina Snowfire"]

It was time to go Illum, his Master had told him. For a Padawan, that meant one thing: construction of a lightsaber. Logically, the act was symbolic by and large. Any Force adept could do it provided they had the knowledge. Dune still felt a sense of excitement and anticipation that he couldn't explain.

He knew the real danger was the frigid weather. But he'd prepared accordingly, wearing warm layers with stout boots and gloves. What caused a sense of unease was the journey into the Crystal Cave. There wasn't any physical danger, he'd learned, but the unknown mystery awaiting him was causing a sense of trepidation.

He'd been quietly meditating when they touched down, attempting with only partial success to calm himself. As the Knight responsible for the mission made her announcement, Dune listened.

"Present." The Bith replied simply.

 

[Lahi Te'ala]

The Diathim was wrapped in a thick white coat, with a thick white scarf, and - well, most of her outfit was both thick, and pure white. Despite covering most of her skin in the front, however, holes had been made to fit around the girl's six wings, then rebuttoned to close around the thinner portions - leaving only the beautiful glowing white wings visible, of all the natural parts of Lahi's body. Technically her species could fly through the reaches of space without freezing, but when told that she would be able to wear whatever winter gear she could want, she simply could not resist the chance to wear as much as was possible - and besides, it served to damper her hypnotic effect on others.

A few steps down to follow her guide, Karen, and she was at the bottom of the loading ramp, once again towering over everyone else there - having to duck to not hit her head as she disembarked, even. The world was beautiful, the snow glistened so purely, so untouched by any hands, so wonderful, she wanted to fly through it, to explore it - but she did not, though she bounced as she stood near the Master, not exactly the most respectful of the Padawans, "This is truly beautiful, is it not?" She smiled towards Quinn, she hadn't really talked with many of the other Padawns before, "We are truly lucky to come here, are we not!" Dune was given a big grin from the Diathim, though it was hidden behind the tightly tied scarf,

 

[Ayden Quell]

[member=Karen Roberts] [member=Quinncolson] [member=Dune Rhur] [member=Lahi Te'ala]

Typically, when a student journeyed to Ilum they did so under the pretense of their rite of passage. The goal was simple - travel to the icy planet, find your way through the frozen caves until you find your crystal, meditate on the crystal awhile, then construct your lightsaber. Easy enough, right? Except, Ayden had done all that before.

And now, sitting in the belly of the Republic Frigate, Ayden sat wondering why he came. Allocated mental energy was spent trying to discern the question, but by the time the cruiser entered Ilum's gravitational orbit he still had no answer. There remained a feeling, some kind of drive, and his face would contort to a picture of pure determination when he thought of it. It wasn't the easiest explanation to understand.

While freezing to death wasn't exactly on his bucket list, the benefits of seeing the beautiful ice plains and crystalized glaciers was worth the cost, at least. Black boots crunched against the layer of snow as he stepped on the planet's surface. The wind snapped at his cloak and the cold started to settle into his bones almost immediately, but the sense of adventure was warm in his blood. And he saw the age-old beauty once again; it was like Wabi-sabi, a beauty in organic purity.

"Here" Ayden replied, mist rising, as snowflakes fell from the sky. Already this visit felt different from the last. Though that was probably because he came prepared this time, which was the beauty of having come once before. You learned that to survive Ilum, relatively intact, was simple - pack extra socks.

 

[Dajara Boshtet]

@Everyonebecausetherearealotofyou

Dajara was there with her masters insistence. Her new master, her first master within the order as the small young padawan smiled looking at the ones there. She was lowing brightly while stepping on her tip toes with the protective robes from sasori abnd the lightly clasped golden circlet she was able to work on and use to p[rotect from the cold. Working to avoid getting touched and bruised by the others as she smiled offing a warm glow in her cheeks that extended around her making the thick black hair look very solid. "I am here." She spoke with a soft voice and bowed from her small frame.

 

[Ben Corscifine]

[member="Karen Roberts"] | [member="Quinncolson"] | [member="Dune Rhur"] | [member="Ayden Quell"] | [member="Dajara Boshtet"]

This was it.

Ben had spent years training at the Temple for the day when he would finally construct his own lightsaber. The green-bladed saber which he carried on Lothal was a dear possession, but he had not constructed it himself. It was given to him for practice purposes; the crystal was artificial. With that blade, Ben had discovered a deep love for saber combat, and the peace that comes with it. On this mission to Ilum, Ben would finally be able to construct a weapon that was his.

But more than this, the trip represented Ben's first outing since he was told that he was on the path to failure in his training. The Ben Corscifine that entered these Crystal Caves would have to be left inside, replaced with a more humble, more peaceful young man. As the transport landed on the planet, Ben felt a rush of power emanating from the icy landscape that spread out before him. This was one of the most clear instances in Ben's training when The Force washed over him completely. For a moment, he allowed himself to believe that there was something greater than himself in this galaxy. If there was any place where Ben could get back on track with his training, this was it.

It was a perfect place for Master Roberts to have brought Ben at this particular point in his training. Ben had seen her around the Temple on Lothal, but had never been personally mentored by her. As he understood it she had quite the history as a warrior for the Republic, but she was retired now. She was tall and striking, with bright blue hair that contrasted sharply with her white arctic gear. She looked like the kind of person a young Jedi like Ben could learn from. She called roll and demanded that the Padawans be prepared for the nippy weather on Ilum.

Ben had come prepared, knowing that Ilum was a planet made mostly of ice. He was dressed in a borrowed set of dark gray set of robes made of heavy material, which he wore over top of his usual brown robes, burnt orange tunic and brown pants. He had brown gloves and a pair of heavy brown snow boots. Although they only added about an inch to his height, Ben felt as though he towered over the world around him with the boots on. Even still, Master Roberts dwarfed him. He tried to push the thought out of his mind, recognizing it as self-conscious and feckless. Not helpful to his turning over a new leaf.

Still, his preoccupation with his size may have shown in his voice as he boomed, "Padawan Ben Corscifine. I'm here, Master Roberts!"

 

[Jsc]

Excellent. The group was shaping up nicely. There was even a Diathim. Whoa. Not even in Karen's thousands of adventures, did you see that everyday. Good grief. She was impressive. Mm.

Knight Roberts smiled to the group and nodded. They could set off.

...

"Okay everybody. Grab a partner or two and stay with me. We'll be hiking up the snowy steps to the Hidden Door into the Mountains. So stay warm and don't get separated. The last thing we need is to get lost in the flurry out there. ...Here we go."

The blue haired woman trotted down the ramp and out into the snow. The wind was chilly and the snowflakes were falling fast. It was a quiet planet however. The air was crisp and the sky went on forever. You could see everything up there. From the stars to the meteors, the misty auras and the whole Pink Nebula. One big grand painting for all the eyes to see.

Karen hiked up the frozen steps outside the mountain cliffs. Her feet crunching with every step. Careful and secure, she came to the stone circle that marked the hidden entrance to the Jedi Temple and the Crystal Caverns beyond. Here in the snow. Up to her mid-calf with snowflakes all a flurry. She waited for the others to catch up.

"Gather around everyone. Our first task lies ahead. ...Now. Hidden in the snow here are twelve standing stones. Each one representing a starry constellation in the night sky. So let's spread out and dust off these sacred Standing Stones. Once all the constellations are uncovered we can open the Hidden Doorway and proceed inside."

She clapped her hands to all around. Motioning for them to begin searching in the snow piles and amongst the snowdrifts beyond. 12 Standing Stones would need to be found before they could begin. Luckily, it was a very easy task. (The Standing Stones were as tall as a man and easy to spot.) ...And they had plenty of time.

"Chop chop. Let's find the stones. They should easily be nearby. If you're having trouble remember to quiet your mind and use the Force. Let the planet's spirit help you find your goal. She is a patient one, Ilum. Don't be afraid to ask the Force for help. Hehe."

___

ooc: gack! too many people to tag and @mention everybody now. okay. You can subscribe to the thread at the top of the page. Just click the "Follow This Thread" button near the title. Then you can get an update notification anytime we post here. That way we don't need to use @ with every post. Lulz. PM with questions. Otherwise. Enjoy.

[member="Ben Corscifine"] [member="Dajara Boshtet"] [member="Ayden Quell"] [member="Lahi Te'ala"] [member="Dune Rhur"] [member="Quinncolson"]

 

[Eli-Mae Forrest]

"Ben be my partner?" Quinn said as she sized up the other padawans and she quickly chose out Ben

 

[Lahi Te'ala]

Pairs, the words from the Master made her suddenly light up in joy and bounce a little more, and the tall winged girl quickly moved to grab [member="Dune Rhur"] by his hand, "I think we will be a good pair! We will do the best, don't you think?" She didn't seem intent on giving the Bith the ability to say no, judging by how she started to pull him out towards Master Roberts, as if he had already agreed to accompany her as her partner. Despite her lack of lightsaber, she seemed more enthused about the people and planet itself, than any goal they might have, "Now if we get lost, or you're cold just tell me! Okay partner? Oh, right! I am Lahi! Yes, introducing is good." She made attempts at a bow, while still holding the Bith by the hand, which was much easier said than done.

Her eyes lit up as they danced along the beautiful sights of the world though, still intent on holding Dune's hand until he had her stop, for no reason other than honestly seeming to forget that she was even holding it. The journey up the mountain seemed rather tiring to her however, as she refused to make use of her wings - not explaining why, but obviously wanting to experience it as the Master intended it to be experienced, despite her own... endurance issues. The cold itself seemed to hold no problem for her at least, as she walked through the snow.

Gathering around as told, she lit up suddenly, her wings unfurling in a quick motion that almost hit at least one other padawan, before suddenly folding over again, "No, no, will find like Master Roberts says! Will not fly, promise! Stay with partner, use Force, yes!" She nodded a few times, seeming a bit apologetic at almost rushing off on her own, more towards her partner than to the Master. She still stood taller than everyone else in the group, and was used to the blinding white color of the snow, so she was certain she could find what they were looking for, if she did her best!

"Mind-quieting hard, with planet so amazing and full of wonderfabulousness. Will try if we get lost, Master Roberts!" She was already trying to pull her partner off to go looking, far too inquisitive for her own good, though she started to talk as she began pulling off to leave, "You have ideas? Want find fast, so we see most of planet! Like seeing planet!"

 

[Korrin Arranda]

Korrin sat on the floor in one of the many small crew cabins that dotted the ship. He was in a light meditation, calming himself before having to face this momentous occasion. Today was the day that Korrin would attain the crystal for his very first lightsaber. If he let his excitement get the better of him he'd be nothing but a hindrance on this journey, so meditation was his first thought to help relax his eager soul.

As they landed on the planet Korrin exited with the rest of the group and followed along silently. Lagging near the back of the group as they headed out he could be seen looking about the snow covered planet beneath his long hood in curiosity. Korrin had never visited Ilum before and the white-washed surface was a new experience for him, but when the group stopped and Karen charged them with finding the stones, Korrin focused himself back on the task at hand. He looked about the fellow padawans before deciding it may be best to search for one on his own. With that resolve in his mind he used the force to help guide him to one of the twelve standing stones that helped open up the caves to access the legendary crystals.

OOC:

Spoiler

Sorry about the lazy first post, I had to rush through it. I promise the next one will be better, just wanted to make sure I kept up with everything and didn't fall behind.

// [member="Karen Roberts"] // [member="Lahi Te'ala"] // [member="Quinncolson"] // [member="Ben Corscifine"] // [member="Ayden Quell"] // [member="Dune Rhur"] //

 

[Dune Rhur]

[member="Lahi Te'ala"]

"I...," began Dune but he was quickly pulled off by his new partner. He got not a word in for several minutes as she chattered excitedly. They walked along quickly, boots crunching into the powdery substance. They stopped and the Bith looked up at his partner.

"We should search with the Force, Lahi," he said "It will guide us."

With that, he raised his free hand and began to focus....

 

[Tanith Alde]

Kitty trailed at the back of the group. Noone wanted to be her partner it seemed. This was nothing new to the Felacatian. She managed to make it look as if she was a part of the group without directly being involved in it. Besides. Today she would get her very own lightsaber. Kitty hoped it was a yellow one. KItty loved the coloure yellow after all, but only time would tell, and Ilum was a large world.

[member="Karen Roberts"]

 

[Dajara Boshtet]

She was glad to be going into the snow and cold with the circlet that allows her to have warmth and heat as she stood there with a smile on her face. She was moving with the orders from the jedi master bringing all of them here while she went to find and uncover the stones her tip toes leaving the barest visible prints in the snow while some more of her attention seeing all the others ones out there. The different padawans that had come on this trip were a welcomed sight before she just became a boll of small bouncing light in a white silk robe illuminating the design of it and the orange-red underneath of the jedi robe.

 

[Ben Corscifine]

Great, Ben thought, first chance to prove myself and it's "let The Force guide you." Still, this was exactly what he needed. He took a deep breath and studied the party. Roberts had told them to partner up and search for the standing stones. Ben generally preferred to work alone, but maybe some teamwork would be valuable to the whole "turning over a new leaf" initiative.

Let's see: There was the Bith, Dune Rhur, who Ben had recently met for the first time at the Temple on Lothal. He seemed like a competent enough young Jedi, and he clearly was stronger than Ben in trusting The Force. Then there was the Diathim, whose name Ben did not know. She was impossible to miss, with her imposing stature and even-more imposing beauty. Then there was--

Before Ben could finish his summation, a soft voice came from behind. The two had not had a personal conversation, but he knew who he was. Ben turned and saw Quinn Colson, a relatively famous Padawan on Lothal. Rumor had it that she was trained hundreds of years ago by a member of an ancient Jedi Order. When her Master died, she was frozen in carbonite and only recently had she been brought back to the galaxy of the conscious. She certainly had an air of mystery about her; Ben was intrigued. Besides, her eyes were piercing and purple, unlike any he had ever seen. She must not be fully human, or else those must be artificial. Either way they were nice to look at. Ben smiled. Apparently Quinn Colson knew who he was, too.

"Sure thing." Ben led Quinn away from the party and into the snow drifts. These stones weren't supposed to be hard to find, Roberts said, but the snow was picking up and it was hard to see. Ben couldn't rely on his sense alone. He turned to Quinn, who was close behind him. He snorted a little sardonically, then caught himself and said, with less sarcasm, "Looks like we really are going to have to 'ask The Force for help' here."

 

[Eli-Mae Forrest]

Quinn looked at Ben and when he looked back she could see that he thought she was unique and mysterious when he accepted her as his partner she was thrilled she thought she would be ousted because of her age but Ben was not that way. When he lead her away she turned to him and said "didn't she say to stay with the group?" she said unsure of herself

 

[Ayden Quell]

[member=Quinncolson] [member=Dune Rhur] [member=Karen Roberts] [member=Dajara Boshtet] [member=Ben Corscifine] [member=Korrin Arranda] [member=Elizabeth Verdan]

Snowflakes sauntered across the sky; big or small they perpetually spilled from the sky and gently fell upon the troop. Each snowflake was unique, their designs transiently beautiful. But there was a familiar quality in all of them - their fragility. Each was delicate, melting when left alone to succumb to the warmth of a face, or a lucky tongue. But together, they were a raging storm; a shower that soon accumulated into nature's fury; millions and millions of them together and eventually you got this - Ilum.

The gathering of Jedi was similar. They dispersed - some in one's, some in two's, as they marched boldly forth; each was unique, but bound by a singular cause. Together they were the future of the Jedi Order. Together as one unit they could accomplish anything, or so the young, and admittedly naive, Padawan hoped.

After the snow you had to worry about the temperature. The cold was deceptive at first, until it crept in bone-deep. Then you were at its mercy. Ayden trudged forward, cloak wrapped tight against his body, as the primary drive for warmth drove him forward. He heard a few students mutter or shout suggestions; a smile when the Bith, a species known for their high intelligence, suggested using the Force. It was a good idea, but the young Human wanted to do things the natural way. Though the Force always had a plan of its own.

Blue eyes located a snowdrift; elevated unnaturally high, with small icicles hanging below it. He knelt before a mass of ice, as if submitting himself to the might of nature, and synthleather gloved hands sifted through the snow, trying to find one of the twelve sacred stepping stones.

 

[Ben Corscifine]

[member="Quinncolson"]

Ben was slightly agitated when Quinn suggested that he hadn't listened, but tried not to let it show. Besides, she sounded a little unsure. She probably just wanted to make sure not to jeopardize the mission. He nonchalantly gestured with a thumb over his shoulder at the rest of the group, which was dispersing across the nearby snowbanks in search of the Standing Stones. "We need to spread out to find these Stones." He winked, "I promise not to take you too far away or get you into trouble."

Still, Quinn's question stopped Ben in his tracks. He turned and looked back at the party of Padawans. Rhur was with the Diathim, and the other Padawans seemed to be going at the search alone. Ben could feel the the planet responding to the confluence of Force-users united in a single purpose. It was an exhilaration that Ben didn't usually feel, tending to think of himself as an individual and not a member of something greater. This must be what it felt like...being a Jedi at one with The Force and with the rest of The Order. All of a sudden, Ben felt a concentrated tremor in The Force, like a vibrating pin jabbing into his temple. They weren't far from a Standing Stone. Ben could feel it. The moment he sensed The Force speaking to him, he grew excited--and impatient. He grasped on to the intuition firmly, and immediately lost it. Frustration filled him as he snapped out of his momentary Force Trance. Apparently he had made a bit of a spectacle, as Quinn was looking at him both intently and with noticeable confusion.

"I had it." He explained. "I definitely had one. It's nearby, but I lost it." He noticed that he was frustrated, and considered for a moment the need to control his emotions. He took a deep breath, but could feel the desperation in his reaching into The Force. He looked to Quinn and sighed, "The Force is so strong on this planet; it's hard to relax."

 

[Eli-Mae Forrest]

"Yes I know" Quinn feels what Ben had felt earlier and she took off in a dead Sprint after grabbing Ben's hand she runs chasing the source of the force signal

 

[Eli-Mae Forrest]

[member="Ben Corscifine"][member="Ben Corscifine"]