Not to be travelled lightly…

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus smiled - but in a friendly way. "Some times, as a Master, your role is to provide the question marks and not the exclamation marks. What that means is, there are occasions when it is best to learn for yourself. The answer will present itself to you. It may be today, in a week, a month or even a year. But when it does, the learning will be all the more valuable because you achieved it yourself."

She chuckled. "My old master used to say quite enigmatic things. Some I'm still not sure what they meant. But in time, one by one, they became apparent when the time was right. What you have experienced is similar. You have that crystal for a reason - ahead of all the others in the cave. It is therefore important to your life as a Jedi and I'm sure it will play a part in your understanding of that vision. The Jedi and the crystal are one."

Corvus paused and was clearly not going to rush her Padawan at this point. They would return to their ship only when Kaia was ready.

[member="Kaia Vullen"]

 

[Kaia Vullen]

Kaia's hand clenched around the crystal. It was hers for a reason, this was true. She was still shaken by what she had seen, but by Corvus' voice and words, she calmed down. The master had that effect on Kaia, bringing her back down to the ground when she was blown away. She nodded as she accepted the Master's advice. This vision was hers, and she would come to understand it, be it in a week, a month or many years from now. And when she did, the crystal in her hand would aid her.

"So, some day. I will come to understand what this vision meant. I don't know when or where, but some day. The Force will guide me there." She smiled a little at the prospect. Many would have thought it terrifying to not know when something so horrid would show itself in reality, or otherwise have some major impact on their life. Kaia settled with the idea that she would know in time. Still, the images of her vision lurked in the back of her mind like ominous background noise. "Should we go back outside? I would really like to feel the suns again." She looked back into the crystal cave without turning her head more than a centimetre to the side, and the skin in the back of her neck crawled. She did not want fear of her vision to control her actions, but neither did she feel it wise to linger on it when she did not understand,

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus remained patient until it was clear Kaia wanted to move on. So she led the way back to the mouth of the cave and the warmth of daylight before they climbed back up the ropes to the surface of the canyon’s roof and then walked back to their ship.

“Our next stop isn’t so far away.” Corvus grinned widely and kept to her words. Within minutes of taking off, she was landing again. As they disembarked, Corvus pointed to what appeared to be the entrance to an old moisture farmer’s dwelling – except there were no vaporators visible.

“My home,” she smiled. “Or it will be when I am too old for all this.” She walked towards it. "Probably best we rest up, there’s no telling how long you’ll be tomorrow, so a good night’s rest will do you the world of good.”

As she opened the door and led them downstairs – for the dwelling was below ground due to the heat – she gave her Padawan a quick tour of the home. It was Spartan yet comfortable. Her only personal effect was a mural of Corellia at night on one wall of the living area.

She grabbed them a couple of blue milk’s from the kitchen and sat at the large dining table. “Oh, one thing I should have mentioned. The location? This was the site of Ben’s old hut. The Jawas and time pretty much destroyed it – but the dome up top is original, if repaired. One day I plan to raise dewbacks and eopies here. But for now, it’s a place I can come to if I need.”

[member="Kaia Vullen"]

 

[Kaia Vullen]

Kaia smiled when they came back outside and faced the twin-suns of Tatooine. When she felt the warmth on her face she stretched her hands into the air and soaked up every ray she could, and as if she was solar-powered, a spring was returned to her step. Though she could not see light, she could most definitely feel it, and after such an experience, it was one of the most welcome feelings possible.

A climb and a quick flight later, Kaia set her proverbial eyes on Corvus' home. It was somehow reminiscent of where Kaia had grown up, mostly because of the simplicity. The structure was different, and there were no plants, but the feeling she got from the place was that of a good home. She couldn't help but marvel at the mural of Corellia, and run a finger across the surface.

Blue milk, it was certainly refreshing enough after such a day. However, when Corvus mentioned that the home stood not only on the ground of Old Ben's hut, but that the dome was original, Kaia almost sprayed blue milk all over the table. She managed to hold it in and swallow it, but looked at her master with a certain puzzlement "Master Corvus, how did you find all of this? Not to mention restore it?"

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus felt the calmness in Kaia now they were away from the cave. Crystal hunts could have that effect. Given the Sith ring she was tricked into wearing after her trip to the caves on Rhen Var, Corvus’ experience was decidedly unpleasant.

So they settled into her home and as they relaxed over a blue milk, she was almost surprised that Kaia was shocked at her choice of location.

“I thought everyone was familiar with my…interest in Master Kenobi. When I wanted to craft my shoto, this was the first place that I thought of. Given I use broadly the same design – handed down to Master Skywalker in notes he left. So I did my research and followed his route to this place. And here I found my old Master. She somehow knew I was coming here. And she shared with me…but that would be spoiling it.”

“Anyway, I found out this land was vacant and so, when my parents died, I took my inheritance, bought the land and had the old hut restored – but enlarged slightly. It means I could even take a Padawan if I wanted and never have to leave the site. The rest of the money I received I just gave to charity but set a small sum aside to buy some eopie and dewbacks when I want to start my ranch up. The vaporators are paid for but simply not installed. And the local Tuskens look after the place when I’m not here. And yes, they’re not all bad you know.”

“So, get a good night’s sleep and we can start work on your saber in the morning, yes?”

[member="Kaia Vullen"]

 

[Kaia Vullen]

While Corvus' interest in master Kenobi was known, the full extent of it was unknown to Kaia. The shock lay mostly in the sudden realisation that she sat under the same dome where master Kenobi had lived, and certainly other great Jedi masters had visited in their time. In hindsight it made sense for Corvus to want to build her house there, but some times it was not easy putting two and two together, especially after a long day such as the one they had.

She gazed around in the room, her mouth open in an expression of amazement "Wow. I mean, like really wooow. It's one thing to read the stories, and to see the legendary planet, but to sit right here. So you really own it? This is where you will live, raising eopie and dewbacks." She grinned at the mental image of the stalwart defender of the Jedi living as a farmer. Even if it was far from uncommon, it was a strange immage.

"Oh yes, I'm exhausted." And yet, the prospect of constructing a sabre had her just as giddy as ever.

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus smiled and showed Kaia to her bedroom before retiring to her own.

The following morning Corvus was up early and ran a short course before the suns had risen. Having then showered, she made an omelette for their breakfast - it was becoming her signature dish - and then tidied up before getting ready to go.

They emerged from the home early in the morning and Corvus had brought plenty of water with them and had ensured Kaia had brought the saber components. Glancing around, Corvus pointed at some nearby hills and started walking.

About twenty minutes later, they had reached the rocky outcrops and ahead of them was an unassuming opening. To call it a cave would be an exaggeration - it was big enough for one person to sit in comfortably.

"That's were I built my shoto," Corvus said. "But more importantly, my Master showed me this cave. Why is that important? Because she knew who used it before me. This is where Luke Skywalker built his saber. The first saber he crafted for himself." There was a broad grin on Corvus' face. "I told you it was special."

[member="Kaia Vullen"]

 

[Kaia Vullen]

The Kaia that emerged in the morning was a lot different from the one usually seen in the Academy of Ossus. Unless one shared dormitories with her, in which case one may have spotted a zombie shuffling about with a crow's nest on its head. It took her about half an hour to wake up, she shuffled about and struggled through some morning exercises before catching a quick shower. Step by step, the every-day-Kaia emerged. When breakfast was consumed, the place was tidied up and they set their feet outside the door, then she was truly recognisable as Kaia. She took a deep inhale of the Tatooine morning air and her steps grew springier and springier as they walked to the hills. The lightsabre components jangling a little in their bag.

She was just about to ask why Corvus master had shown her this place when the question was already aired and answered. The stone felt very soothing, still and strong, but not dominating. Sort of like Corvus, when she thought about it. Powerful, but not insistent on applying said power. Her head snapped towards Corvus "No way! And that's where... And I'm going to... I can't even." She clenched her hands around the bag of components, not hard enough to really do anything, but she needed to hold on to something tightly. With a complete spin she somehow managed to regain control of herself. She had a wide smile on her lips, making her dimples as dark as the crystal caves where they had found the durindfire crystal the day before. "Can I just... sit down, there?" The stone that was once so sturdy now appeared to be made out of the most fragile of substances.

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus nodded and could barely contain her own enthusiasm. A very long time ago, Master Skywalker sat in this very spot. A relatively short while ago, Corvus sat here and now it was her Padawan's turn.

"Yes of course, make yourself as comfortable as you can. Have a drink of water before you start and rest assured I'll wait out here until you're finished. Time tends to do its own thing when you're crafting a saber, which is why I insisted on a good breakfast." She smiled again.

"Off you go."

[member="Kaia Vullen"]

 

[Kaia Vullen]

"ThankyouMasterCorvus"

Kaia almost took off, but halted and took several large gulps of water -and some air- as suggested. Followed by a moment of nausea and a withheld burp when the air decided to come back up. She would have been in there already if only she had drunk slowly. When she was finally ready, she assumed what she thought would be a correct posture and headed inside the outcrop. She was very cautious as she sat down, but once she took her seat and let go of the tension in her body with a deliberate exhale, then everything aligned perfectly. She could feel the presence of the Force congregating in this spot, as it had probably felt for the Jedi before her. She felt solid, but relaxed, like she had become a part of the rock itself. A movement in the warm air kissed her skin as she smiled, and with a sure hand she opened the bag of lightsabre components.

She allowed the presence of the Force in the rock radiate and flow through her, guiding her hands and her mind through the elaborate process of assembling the signature weapon of the Jedi: The lightsabre.

Her right hand cupped the bottom of the bag, while her dominant, left hand hovered over the open top. Kaia raised her hand and the components floated out, swirling slowly as if gravity was nullified. She gently put the empty bag flat on the ground in front of her and smoothed it out before placing her right hand under the floating components. With delicate movements of her fingers, the components begun to sort themselves into groups. She halted, then took the schematics for her sabre and placed them on the ground in front of her, while her right hand kept the objects floating. She did not even think about it, her concentration was so deep. As her left hand hovered over the schematics, she paused and then straightened up again and placed her left hand back on top. She found she did not need the schematics any more, almost as though the flimsiplast itself spoke its secrets to the Miralukan padawan.

Even in deep concentration, she smiled. The components shifted and aligned; metal bent to the right shape of the outer shell, sized to fit her strong, but delicate hands. Last and perhaps most importantly came the crystal. It floated out from a small compartment on the inside of her belt, where she kept small things for safekeeping. The silvery crystal rotated and reflected the light brilliantly before taking its' place in the alignment of the construction. Some of the other components shifted and bent to assume the perfect shape for a snug fit of the sabre. Then, everything started to truly assemble. The components fastened themselves to each other and slid inside the cylindrical metal shell, the buttons and blade adjuster became fitted, and finally the composition became locked together.

While sitting there, she lost all concept of time, she was too focused to feel hunger, thirst or fatigue. She was completely enclosed between the Force and the becoming lightsabre. The cylinder turned around in all possible directions as she investigated every little aspect of her work. Her brow furrowed over her blindfold as she probed it for all and any faults. If it was off in alignment, then -as Corvus had previously mentioned- it could explode. Her hands clasped around the hilt as she rejoined with the rest of the world. She could almost feel a hand on her shoulder, patting her reassuringly as she rested her thumb on the activation button.

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus sat outside for some six hours. Not doubt to Kaia the time flew over. And finally she sensed her Padawan was ready and sure enough, she emerged from the cave. The stiffness she no doubt felt was not in evidence and so Corvus gave the saber a cursory glance both with her eyes and using Force Sight. It all appeared in order and the Force gave no warning to her.

So she looked at Kaia and put her hand on her shoulder.

"The moment of truth. One you'll never have again - the first time you activate your own saber."

And Covus stepped back, allowing her Padawan the room to swing the saber if she wished - but also to be at one with it - to savour the moment alone.

"The crystal is the heart of the blade. The heart is the crystal of the Jedi. The Jedi is the crystal of the Force. The Force is the blade of the heart. All are intertwined. The crystal, the blade, the Jedi. We are one." Corvus finished repeating the Crystal Code and fell silent. Now was Kaia's moment.

[member="Kaia Vullen"]

 

[Kaia Vullen]

Corvus hand on Kaia's shoulder felt reassuring, and she rose slowly to her feet while gripping the sabre properly. Her slender fingers glided over the metal of the hilt before the index finger of her left hand settled on the activation button. She savoured the moment and bit her lip lightly before pressing it. The split second before the sabre ignited felt like a day, and then it was over. The silvery blade shot out from the hilt with the signature snap-hiss and Kaia grinned was wide as ever. She repeated the last sentence of the Crystal Code.

"We are one."

Those words were applicable to so many parts of the Jedi way. From the way they lived, the way they learned, the way they would fight the approaching darkness. The petite Miralukan padawan moved her blade around, taking in every aspect of its balance, its sound and manners. She felt the heart of it, almost as if it had a pulse. It hummed as she moved it. At first her waves were almost gingerly, then they became more defined as she learned her new weapon to know. She looked at her master and deactivated her silver blade. The deactivated hilt turned in her hand as Kaia turned to her master and once again lunged at her in a tight hug. It was about then she became aware of the stiffness of her own joints. Her hips, knees, ankles and shoulders hurt; a deep rumble emerged from her belly. Still she took the moment to give thanks to her master.

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus smiled. "It's a wonderful feeling isn't it? No other saber will ever feel the same. Those aren't just words - you are one with your saber. It will perform better for you than any other Force User. And you will use this better than any other blade."

"But you need nourishment and a rest I suspect. So let's head back to my home and feed you. Then you can have a shower and a nap before we decide what's next for you. In truth, I have a few missions that need my attention and feel we should focus on those. Training will happen as we go along. So when you're fully recovered you can tell me what you'd like to learn next - whilst I decide the most appropriate mission for you to lead us on."

The last few words were a throwaway but meant. Kaia would soon have to lead rather than being led - and where better to learn than alongside your Master?

[member="Kaia Vullen"]

 

[Kaia Vullen]

Her lightsabre, yes. There would be many like it out there, but this one was her's and that made it special. Food, rest, shower, all of the things sounded fantastic. Weariness was washing over her as her mind caught up with the situation of her flesh. She nodded to Corvus' words and mulled them over in her head, again and again. For you to lead us on. She felt a mixture of anxiousness and excitement, much like the day Corvus had taken her on as an apprentice. Kaia was stepping into the responsibilities that came with the life of a Jedi. The hilt in her hand was a testament to her resolve; it was a weapon never to be used for selfish purposes, but to defend against the darkness that threatened the galaxy.

"Yes Master Corvus. Can you give me some water, please? I'm parched."

Kaia would drink quite thirstily on the way back. Looking over the land Corvus had bought and planned to farm, she was quite reminded of Alpheridies. Perhaps it was the brush with the Force that brought back the farmer in her, but she could see how the land would develop if treated right. She also imagined Corvus, the shield of the Jedi and Grand Master of the order, as a farmer. It was still a funny image, but not so strange any more.

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus knew the water would be needed and it was. And given the nature of the container, at least it was cold and fresh despite the heat of the desert.

So she kept an eye on her Padawan as they trekked back to her house - taking almost twice as long to cover the distance and once there she made a snack for Kaia and poured out blue milk for both of them.

As her Padawan ate, she realised how she was growing up already - Jedi Knight trials would be looming soon. So while Kaia showered and napped, Corvus checked over the available missions.

Finally, when they were together again, Corvus posed the question. "So tell me, where do your strengths lie? Diplomacy, combat, problem-solving, a combination? Or something else entirely?"

[member="Kaia Vullen"]

 

[Kaia Vullen]

The water she drank felt like ice, wonderful ice running down her gullet and into her belly. She ate hungrily and savoured each little bit of the food and sweet milk. The tastes felt different than just earier that day, more crisp. The water that washed over her felt softer, and she could almost feel every drop before it fell. Her sleep was restful, and quite unlike the morning, she woke up quickly and quite rested. Her hair was still tousled into a crows' nest when she woke, but it always did. She came out from her bedroom smiling as always, her fingers busy tying the end of her padawan braid, which had loosened a little while she slept.

Upon receiving Corvus question, she became quite still as she thought. What were indeed her strengths? . "I am not sure. I suppose I have never felt so useful in any of the things. I want to make peace, but I am no good speaker, nor particular good with people." She touched her own left cheek lightly. "I am willing to fight, but I'm no soldier. So far my strengths have been in keeping my friends safe, pushing them on." After Telti she had even taken classes in the art of Force Healing, feeling she would be more useful as a healer than as a fighter. "Problem-solving perhaps? I must admit I don't entirely know what that entails."

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus smiled. “I’ll let you into a secret. I always wanted to be a Lore-keeper. Work in the Archives and perhaps one day be the Librarian.” She shrugged in a gentle way. “The Force and circumstances often has different ideas for us.”

“So if you’re not sure where your strengths lie, that is not a bad thing at all. Just a thing. Time will reveal what you are to make of your life, and being adaptable and able to help out pretty much anywhere is not a bad place to start.”

She wrinkled her nose.

“I think I have the perfect mission. I’ll confirm things with the Academy, make sure any lessons I’m due to take are picked up by someone else and then we can set off tomorrow.”

She smiled at Kaia. “And I know you’ll do well.”

[member="Kaia Vullen"]

 

[Kaia Vullen]

"Really? A lore-keeper?" Kaia could absolutely see Corvus crouched over a book, considering the places they had visited and things they had seen at the master's side, at the same time it was amusing in the same way Corvus the farmer was. "You wanted to read books, but wound up protecting the galaxy. I'm curious what will happen to your farm." There was a bit of a joking tone in there, but no mockery.

Corvus encouraging words settled her mind on the subject of choosing a path. Of course, the Force had a path laid out. She would simply have to walk it as best she could. Still, she was glad she had a guiding hand to help her along when she got stuck or distracted. "Thank you, Corvus. I will do my best." She hardly even noticed dropping the 'master' part. It was something about being in Corvus' house, eating with her and training outside of the more set ways of the Academy that just brought down certain walls of formality.

[member="Corvus Raaf"]