Private Paper and Fire

[Junko Ike]

Zavra Shae

She gave a nod of her head and stood across from her. "Do not fret about it. This is what we do." She said it and held her hands out while she looked at Shae with a grin on her face. Allowing the force to move through her body... from her breathing and expanding outwards with the white current. The area around shimmering as the courtyard was being disguised.. the palace slipping away and endless sands all around them. More of a desert while the sun was coming down with a small look on her face of interest. "The white current is an aspect of the force that deals with illusions, there are also skills for augmenting your own body, clouding the minds of others and sensing the future. Each one is its own set of skills."

She said it and moved around in the sands, walking in a way she didn't shift it beneath her feet. No grains of sand disturbed. She was moving around as she came close and pulled out a second saber. The curved hilt gleaming silver and inlaid with jade accents. The curve of it there as it matched the jedi princesses and she spoke. "It will be a little more tricky but I use a curved blade for dueling. So practice with my second blade." She adjusted it and locked the settings so it wouldn't sever limbs just singe the robes for the moment. Her hand coming out when she smiled. "I want to see what you are more skilled with when it comes to the force. For sabers well generally you will learn shii-cho and my style of makashi with a chance to study the other forms."

 

[Zavra Shae]

She seems to want to test me in combat at first, and I must say that I have no particular background I'm going to get beaten up properly. The saber with the curved blade she told me about is really pretty; just the handle must be worth a lot. Luckily, I turned off the option to display prices, otherwise my head would have spun, I think.

"Are you sure, Mistress?"

The handle is quite light, which is surprising. I expected something much heavier; it must be quite manageable as a weapon. I press the button and the light blade comes out with a distinctive sound, typical of lightsabers.

It's just as I thought it's really light. You don't feel the weight at all compared to a metal sword; you're much freer in your movements. I test the direction of the weapon, and it responds perfectly to my small wrist movements. It's the first time I've had the chance to use and hold a weapon in my hands.

The color is also magnificent, mesmerizing with the scene of the sunset; it could be seen as a new start for a new life, probably.

I need to stay focused on the action at hand and on what the mistress is saying—I don't want to make her repeat herself either. She then talks to me about the different forms of lightsaber combat, specifically mentioning shii cho and makashi.

I must admit that I have no idea about the outcome of the two styles, as this kind of knowledge was forbidden for former slaves to prevent them from being able to rebel.

"Well then… Let's begin, Mistress. What is the rules for a training with a lightsaber ?"

Junko Ike

 

[Junko Ike]

Zavra Shae

"Stick em with the pointy end." She said it with a grin but moved off to the side and front as she unclasped her blade. The bones bleached hilt over the silver and gold. The sound of the snap-hiss as the amber blade activated aand Junko held it with one haand as the curved hilt of the saber with her hands gripping it. She held the blade and looked at Shae with a nod fo her head. "Position your hands like mine." She stood next to her and held the blade out in front of herself with both hands gripping it. Blade pointed outwards away from her and her feet shifting in the sands. "This is the jedi ready stance, from here you can adjust yourself into any form needed."

She said it while standing there and was prepared... "Hold the blade and place your feet like mine... spread out enough and with your center of gravity in your knees so thaat you are comfortable but will not be pushed over. Then slowly clear your mind.. allow the force to speak to you as you inhale and then hold it... allow it to stretch out through your body and limbs... down to your toes and fingers and then exhale." Junko said it and showed what to do.. allowing the force around herself to expand outwards and take in what was there to sense... her padawan and a few onlookers but she was maintaining the illusion around them of no one else.

 

[Zavra Shae]

I nodded slowly, observing Junko's every movement with intense focus. Her words resonated within me, a symphony of discipline and instinct. "Alright," I murmured, adjusting my hands on the hilt of my deactivated lightsaber. The cold alloy of the hilt beneath my fingers felt oddly reassuring.

I took a stance similar to Junko's, my feet planted firmly in the sand, slightly apart, my knees bent. The weight of my body distributed naturally, and I felt a slight tension in my legs, a mix of vigilance and readiness. I activated my saber with a soft snap-hiss, the vibrant glow illuminating my face.

"Like this? Mistress ?" I asked, adjusting my grip and orienting the blade in front of me. My gaze shifted briefly from my stance to Junko's, then I closed my eyes, focusing on my own sensations. I recalled her instructions, seeking that inner calm.

Taking a deep breath, I tried to do as she had said, letting the Force flow through me. I felt a slight shiver, a tingling at the tips of my fingers and along my spine. A gentle warmth emerged, not just within my body, but all around me.

I let that sensation expand, still a bit tentative, but gradually finding that strange balance between concentration and release. I try to copy what she do, and forget the rest. But that's not easy. I watch her carefuly and i slow down my mind, to enter in meditation area.

Junko Ike

 

[Junko Ike]

Zavra Shae

SHe waited for a moment so Shae could settle and then looked at her and was moving around. SMall adjustments with her finger so she could get a better idea of where to be. "Better, for this stance you want to be at the ready always... to dodge, to deflect and if need be attack.... and some will say a jedi doesn't ignite their blade or draw it unless they plan to kill... this is not true. The blade is as much a negotiaation tactic when words fail in some cases as anything else and can end most conflicts simply by slicing their weapons in half." She said it and went back to her position as she showed her the same stance and then was moving. Adjusting the blade so it was rotate and pointing to the right side of her. Then rotating it slowly so it went to the left side through the ready stance. "Go slow and get your movements just right. THis will allow you to maintain control and build the foundation for what you are learning. Your breathing will allow the force to keep your muscles from tiring easily and your heart rate steady."

 

[Zavra Shae]

I nodded slowly, absorbing every word she spoke. There was a gravity in her voice, a certainty in her movements that made me realize every word was precious. The stance she had given me seemed simple at first glance, but I already sensed there was more to it than met the eye.

I took a deep breath, my fingers tightening around the hilt of my saber. The cold metal against my skin contrasted with the warmth of my slightly trembling hands. But I tried not to be distracted by this small doubt, knowing that every detail mattered.

I made my first movement, swinging the blade from right to left cautiously, trying to follow the fluid motion she had just demonstrated. The saber hissed softly through the air, and my body suddenly felt heavier, as though the weight of the moment was pressing down on me. My arm, still hesitant, traced a slow arc. I felt each muscle in my arm tense and relax with every movement, like a silent dance I was still trying to master.

Trying to imitate the fluidity she had in her gestures, I straightened slightly, seeking her gaze for a sign of approval. My heart pounded in my chest, but I did my best to maintain steady breathing, following her advice. Each breath, each movement became a conscious effort, a attempt to connect my mind to the Force.

I took a moment to observe her own saber, her precise movements, as though they had been engraved into her body forever. Then, I felt the warmth of the Force flowing through my limbs, a sensation that, although new, felt incredibly familiar. This was not a battle of brute strength, but a game of balance, timing, and presence.

"It's sad, though, to come to using weapons, Mistress, but I suppose we don't have a choice... And as a former slave, I understand these terms perfectly. As long as people feel stronger, they'll inflict corporal punishments."

I whispered these words almost under my breath as I continued my slow rotation. The sentence sent a shiver down my spine and caused me to miss a movement, but I carefully corrected the gesture immediately.

I straightened slightly, trying to relax. Through my eyes, I could sense the Force around us, fluid and omnipresent. I knew every gesture, every breath, was a step toward something greater, even if it was just a small part of the whole. But something deep inside me, an intuition born of the Force, told me that I was on the right path. Yet, I knew the journey was still long, and each moment spent here would open me to a deeper understanding of the discipline she was teaching me.

"sorry for my mind, a bad memory, i promise be more careful Mistress what is the jedi code if i can ask ?"

Junko Ike

 

[Junko Ike]

Zavra Shae

She listened and watched her as she followed it... adjusting as needed and making it into a smaller kata that the girl could do to build her fundaamentals. Speaking as she mirrored her. "Something my master said once was 'even now there are jedi wielding savage weapons.' We are peacekeepers and many have different views but there is one fundamental thing.. we do things for others. We can endure, we can make the future better even though we might never experience it ourselves.... and for nearly ever jedi from padawans to masters you will be faced with having to draw your blade." She saaid it and kept the movement as the subject of it came there... the jedi code was important and it would go a long way.

"As for being a slave, it will give you a perspective others do not have. Because someone who hasn't known power or the high status can respect it a lot more.... also you might not spend all of the credits on things but when we get to that I will explain the intricacies of it as well as why the darkside is bad." She said it with a nod of her head and she had written her pillow book with such things and given them to the jedi... but she would teach a padawan when she spoke for the last part. "The jedi code is as follows." She said it while working on the blade and keeping pace so that she could speed up a little more each rotation.

"There is no emotion; there is peace. There is no ignorance; there is knowledge. There is no passion; there is serenity. There is no chaos; there is harmony. There is no death; there is the Force."

 

[Zavra Shae]

I listened attentively, observing her movements carefully. She took the time to simplify the kata, adjusting each gesture so it was within my reach. I could feel that she was trying to give me a solid foundation, something I could build upon. Her words resonated deeply with me, and I realized she was sharing wisdom that went far beyond the movements I was mimicking.

I could feel the truth in what she said a truth I hadn't fully grasped yet but wanted to embrace. The idea of enduring for a better future, even if I might never reap its rewards, felt both terrifying and noble.

When she spoke of my past servitude, I lowered my eyes slightly. It was an open wound, but hearing her see it as a strength rather than a weakness gave me hope. Perhaps this experience, as painful as it was, could guide me and teach me to see the world in a unique way.

Then she recited the Jedi Code, each word carried with a quiet conviction. I softly repeated after her:

"There is no emotion; there is peace. There is no ignorance; there is knowledge. There is no passion; there is serenity. There is no chaos; there is harmony. There is no death; there is the Force. Thanks you for take the time to explain me the code Mistress"

These words felt heavy with meaning, carrying a philosophy I had only just begun to explore. I lifted my eyes to her, my gaze filled with determination.

"I want to learn not just the movements, but everything it means to be a Jedi. To show that I can be more than a slave, more than a painful past. I want become a good person Mistress"

I matched my movements to hers, trying to keep up with her increased pace. My breathing was calm, my mind clearer than it had been in a long time. I was ready to commit fully, to follow this path, no matter where it led me. I was grateful to her for answering my questions. For me, Jedi philosophy, the kata movements everything was important. And I must strive to become something good.

As for credits to spend, well, I don't have any anyway, so that solves that problem…

Junko Ike

 

[Junko Ike]

Zavra Shae

She gave aa nod of her head to the girl and smirked. "You will be, being a jedi is something personal to everyone and it is what you will have to discover." She said it and speeding up the kata movements so that the girl could keep it going and get used to the movements and placements of her arms. "What makes me want to be a jedi, what drives me might not be the same for you but all of it is usually relevent." She said it while she more casually fell into the movements and style. She smiled for the padawan as she was gettign comfortable with it. "Then once you are comfortable add some footwork... go to the left.... then back and to the right... and then back and to the left." Junko continued to work at it and she was maintaining her concentration here... her illusions around them holding easily as longer lasting as there were others looking in on them mostly medical personnel and handmaidens who would be aable to come at a moments notice.

 

[Zavra Shae]

I listen attentively as she explains her reasons, and her explanations are perfectly clear. What will my purpose as a Jedi be? I ponder this for a moment while mimicking her movements, adding a touch of fluidity to my own actions as I follow her advice and attempt to absorb the basics of what we are working on.

"I think that if I had the choice, I would want to help people in difficulty, just as I was. Slavery left me with a bitter taste."

I believe this is a noble answer, one that justifies dedicated training to avoid finding myself in the kind of trouble I experienced before. I take a step to the side, but I stumble in the sand and fall to the ground. I'm not yet accustomed to this type of movement, and my legs struggle to synchronize.

Feeling a bit embarrassed, I pick up the fallen lightsaber and return to my stance to resume the sequence of movements.

I slow down a bit to better replicate the master's technique, and occasionally, I try to improvise a little to begin developing autonomy in my own movements.

"I hope to make you proud by becoming an accomplished Jedi, Mistress."

I give her a warm smile because I am grateful for the time she is taking to train me despite her already demanding schedule. I'll repay her kindness one day. All I hope is to learn well enough to avoid being captured during missions again that would be unfortunate and would mean I haven't learned properly.

Junko Ike

 

[Junko Ike]

Zavra Shae

There was a moment of pause... once Shae slipped up with her movement.. Junko had her saber there for a moment and was prepared to stop until she got back up and went back to working on her bladework... slowing down to better navigate and she matched it. Adding a little but she was following the movemen when she spoke. "Just me good enough for yourself, if you try and accomplish for others it can trap you in judgement and cloud your judgement. You'll want to do more and more visible things to get praise or attention." She said it and remaine at the ready though as she was moving slow with her movement but stepped toe first and then slid her heel down itno the sands.

"ANd helping others is noble but broad and vague. It is something you don't have to answer now... don't even fret about it... just be for now and you can find your goal, your niche within the order. Allowing the force to guide your movements and provide guidance." The jedi princess said it as she moved around offering another movement but she started to twirl a little... The saber making rings in the sand as she moved up and down... stepping carefully. "Slow and careful, allow your movements to flow into each other... allow your mind to feel th movements coming. In a combat scenario this might be altered but you are working to build yourself up first."

 

[Zavra Shae]

I hang on to her every word, determined to follow this path for myself in the future. It's true that I haven't really thought about what I want to do, but one thing is certain: I can't see myself becoming a Sith. The Jedi path has always called to me, and I have no intention of leaving it.

She then changes her movements, demonstrating large circular and semi-circular motions. I make an effort to imitate her slowly, paying close attention to the position of my feet and allowing the Force to flow through me in what feels like active meditation.

I watch the Mistress carefully as she moves and do my best to mimic her actions. I'm determined to learn and to memorize these movements so I can practice them later on my own.

Whenever I feel my posture isn't right, I take the time to correct it I have no desire to rush and end up making more mistakes.

"I think I'm beginning to understand how this works."

The visual interface also provides me with real-time guidance, helping me focus even more on what I'm doing. It's incredibly useful, and I'm also considering storing assembly schematics so I don't have to struggle when repairing ship components. It would save me time during such procedures.

"Does the Atrisian family have any specific codes or regulations I should adhere to, Mistress?"

Since I've sworn allegiance to the princess, it's only natural to seek her advice on cultural norms or the importance of following internal rules.

Junko Ike

 

[Junko Ike]

Zavra Shae

She gave a nod of her head. "That would depend on the family. Much of Atrisia is united in their dedication... after all of the war and pain from offworlders. It pushed us towards unity even with so many differing idealogies." She said it and mirrored... both following and leading the movements so that Shae could keep up. Her footwork being part of the kata so that they talk while doing it. "My family is two fold, there is my mother and faather and my emperor and empress." She said it and debated internally how to explain it as complicated.... but. "My and my brothers parents have served the throne for yeaars going back to our planets unification wars. After the latest war the emperor and empress were sadly without heirs so they adopted myself and Shoma to prevent power struggles. It was what allowed me to return to the world from the order."

 

[Zavra Shae]

I listen attentively to her story. As I suspected, in any noble family, there are succession conflicts, and it absolutely requires a skilled mediator to resolve them, though that's not always the case.

My gaze wavered slightly when she mentioned being adopted I have to admit, I find it hard to believe. She carries herself with all the poise of a noble, a good person, someone who would fit seamlessly into the upper echelons of society.

It shows me how much farther I have to go before I can reach her level one day. I started at the very bottom, and I fully intend to climb the ranks step by step.

I hope to serve her interests with the utmost diligence and devotion. Even if it means finding myself bound by chains again, the conditions are so vastly different this time that it doesn't compare. This time, it's something I've chosen willingly.

I stay focused on the princess's movements, mimicking the circular patterns she draws in the sand. But I have to admit, I'm starting to feel hungry and thirsty. Even though I concentrate on the Force, this exercise remains difficult for me, as it doesn't come naturally I've only just learned how to do it.

"May we take a break, Mistress?"

I venture to ask her this, fearing I might receive a blow from a stick for my request. But on the other hand, I'm tiring much faster since I've only just begun my training. It's entirely normal to struggle a bit at the start.

Junko Ike

 

[Junko Ike]

Zavra Shae

"Of course." She said it and moved as the illusion shimmered away... the attending maids there as well as others who had food and drinks... a dozen others coming to see the show as it were and Junk deactivated her lightsaber with a smile on her face. Taking a moment and standing there as she was holding her hands out to the sides. Two of her handmaidens coming over and bringing her a bottle of water. She motioned for Shae as she moved to find a place to sit and there were many others around as the table was being brought over and set up for them. The different foods laid out while Junko rolled her shoulders and took a seat. "Come, eat, drink and relax your body. You have done well."

 

[Zavra Shae]

The contrast is so overwhelming compared to my previous life, where people used to come to beat me with sticks, and now, on the street, people come to offer me food and drink. I can hardly believe it; I think all this must be a dream, and I'll wake up soon, won't I?

"Thank you, mistress. I'm sorry, I'm still struggling a bit with the exercises."

My body and mind are both tired, but I've absorbed the combat lesson she started teaching me. I think I can start practicing it on my own. I decide to return the lightsaber she lent me since it's far too precious. I wouldn't want to accidentally damage it, and besides, I have no idea how it works. Maybe I should do a visual scan with the new interface to try and understand how such things function.

Since the mistress invited me to eat, I take a portion of food and drink and begin eating only after she starts, out of respect for protocol. I'm careful about the way I eat, almost mimicking her movements. I need to learn how to become someone noble despite my status as a slave.

"Besides the training, do I have any other specific duties?"

I think the question through because I assume that being the princess's servant must involve tasks for the household here and there, especially for the princess herself. I'll be able to focus on work and the household while balancing training and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Most importantly, I'll finally get to eat enough and try lots of new flavors. Everything on the platter she presented to me is something I've never tasted before. Each bite is a culinary discovery it shows just how far behind I am.

Junko Ike

 

[Junko Ike]

Zavra Shae

"Yes, normally court is held and the people in the surrounding towns from the islands or outside the palace come with problems or to get judgement. Some for blessings or to present their children to be trained in the force or work within the palace." She said it and looked at the girl. "Sertitude on Atrisia will be something different to see... all of those attending, serving here did so because they wanted to. Social class and status is one thing sure and it is easier to get government positions with connections. If they served as required of all citizens in the royal military they are able to have plenty and the pay allows many to start their families for themselves or get their own ships."

She said it with a smile though. "But you are not a servant or a handmaidens like some... most of them are here because of me and their families want to maintain higher status. Most of them are the daughters of the lords and ladies from the different regions or crucial to alliances." She said it while eating some more bites and the rice with the fish was what she enjoyed as more maids were coming around and clearing or refilling. "For you aside from lessons, it is less about duties then it is about acclimation. I want you to be comfortable here, I want you to have a home and of course learn your jedi lessons. Movement and meditation for now."

She said it and relaxed where she was having the second saber and returning it to her belt. She had plenty still for the two fo them to do but there was no rush. She had come all the way here... and even more they had traveled all of that time over in the airship.. and now she was seeing the palace.... and there was always more. She had her own maid and ones who would get her what she could want orr needed for the asking.

 

[Zavra Shae]

Because we have an additional salary? All this information she's giving me is almost overwhelming. So much freedom and so many possibilities I could even have my own ship if I wanted. It's tempting, but is it really reasonable?

Clearly not. However, she points out that with this amount of money, many people use it to start a family, buy a house, get the best equipment, or simply improve their standard of living. Wait a minute I don't even have a bank account yet!

"But if I'm supposed to receive credits, I don't even have a bank account yet, Mistress!"

I also don't have my own personal comlink line. With this device, I can contact the Mistress if needed, or anyone else I decide to register. It works a bit like my datapad; it just gives it a more hands-free interface. Yeah, that's exactly it a hands-free version.

I finish the cup of tea I just tasted. It's excellent. I never thought there were such refined dishes in the galaxy. I'm still so clueless; I have so much to discover and experience. There's so much to take in that it's overwhelming for me. It's the same with hot water I don't even know what that is. I've always cleaned myself with cold water.

My own maid? You can't be serious. I wouldn't even know what to ask of them, to be completely honest. I've always been used to doing everything myself. Not that I ever had much of a choice, anyway.

"This is so much to take in, I'm struggling to retain it all. Please forgive me, Mistress."

My mind is wandering in all directions; the possibilities are endless. However, I bring myself back to reason and focus on the Jedi Code to help my mind stay calm. It's all too much for me.

The palace is almost in sight. I hadn't even noticed we were moving during the training. It's incredible what an installation. Not a single jolt or turbulence.

"I'm sorry, administratively speaking, we'll have to start from scratch. I only have my ID card."

As a former slave, I wasn't entitled to much. Everything administrative forms, credit accounts, personal phone lines, social security, and now personnel? Since when do I have personnel?

Junko Ike

 

[Junko Ike]

Zavra Shae

"WOrry not, we will take it slow. There is so much but you don't need to do everything at once." Junko said it while she was sitting there and looked at the girl.. it might have been a lot but she wasn't going to make her do everything within the first few hours of meeting and getting to know each other. "This is about taking your time to learn and when you are ready we will move forward." She was remaining there for the moment and listening to the girl on her other parts. "And we'll take care of everything you need. From clothing, to food, to anything you need. Just focus on getting used to it and well try not to get lost in the palace."

 

[Zavra Shae]

I'm wondering if there's a map of the palace. I might actually get lost in such a huge building. In the worst case, I could always ask a staff member who surely knows the way, but I'd feel like I'm bothering them every time I do.

'Is there a map of the palace? Mistress ?'

For now, it's true that I need to focus on my Jedi training, and that's exactly what I'm going to do. I want to honor the Master, and at the same time, I need to learn to use the Force and all its subtleties so I can achieve my goals. At this point, I don't yet know what those goals are, but I'll work to ensure that they're something good to help the galaxy in my own way.

I grab one of the pastries nearby and devour it quickly I was starting to feel hungry as well. I haven't eaten much since I've been free because I believe food is a precious resource and shouldn't be wasted, even for myself.

'I promise to make an effort to follow my training, and I'll manage to create my own lightsaber, Mistress!'

I think I'd like something simple: an open blue blade with a perfectly crafted hilt designed to stay straightforward sometimes that's the best way. As long as the saber allows me to defend myself, that will be more than enough

Junko Ike