Remember to Think (Tugoro Taidarious)

[Slot 9]

The rolling plains of Naboo. As the afternoon sun shined down on the lake, the light mist above it sparkled in midair, an array of colors becoming visible in its center. A lone figure stood near the shore to observe this wondrous sight. To each who saw her, she would appear slightly different. But no matter what form she possessed, she would be stunningly beautiful, and her skin would have a radiant glow. She was a Diathim. A creature that defined beauty for the Galaxy. And she was there to meditate in the peace of the fading light.
[member="Tugoro Taidarious"]

 

[Tugoro Taidarious]

The young Jedi had spent several weeks on the planet of Kashyyyk, after the massacre of Grumparowora. Was he even a Jedi anymore? This question was something that was raised by his mind often, causing him to cross check everything he had ever done in his months as a Padawan. He had participated in several large scale battles, ones that included mass bloodshed and violence under the guise of Republic peacekeeping. Even having Jedi operate within the military was frowned upon by the Order, he wondered how they would judge him if they knew of all his misadventures. Tugoro was fond of action, he liked to contribute to society through means conflict, most of the time ending in his favor. Which was the Jedi's favor. Right?

His thoughts were rampant and uncontrolled, as he gazed out the glass view port of his super fighter. The boy's face matched his blank tone, something that was unusual, especially when he piloted his incredibly awesome and rare space craft. The darkness of space seemed to converge upon him, threatening to consume and extinguish the weak light he possessed. Reaching forward, the young Padawan would begin to press a few buttons on one of the consoles, activating his communication systems. Landing on Republic planets was always difficult, given the Imperial design of his fighter. After several minutes of bickering between air traffic control and several government higher ups, Tugoro was allowed access to the planet, his Aleph flying through the atmosphere in a burst of speed. The craft would touch down in a relatively remote area, which had a large lake nearby. The rest of the area was covered in trees and grassy plains, the latter happening to be the ideal landing zone.

Peering off into the distance, Tugoro would spot a lone individual, one who radiated brightly through the force. He hadn't expected to find another force sensitive, though perhaps that was what had drawn him there in the first place. Now that he focused, he swore that it was someone he knew. Securing his fighter's hatch, the Padawan would set out, slowly approaching whoever it was in the distance.
[member="Ilanthria"]

 

[Slot 9]

Ilanthria gently sat down upon her knees. She lied her hands out on the sand, letting the waves wet them. She closed her eyes and cleared her mind. All of the life of the planet, every plant, person, and creature could be felt by her. The peaceful aura she absorbed was also secreted from her, as if she were its link to the surface. She could feel a troubled spirit coming closer to her. It was Force Sensitive. She remained where she was as they approached.
[member="Tugoro Taidarious"]

 

[Tugoro Taidarious]

Why in the kark was [member="Sasha Santhe"] on Naboo, and how had they coincidentally met?! After closing a majority of the distance between the two, Tugoro would narrow in on the female's form, identifying her as the extremely rich woman he had met on one of the Empire's failed Death Stars. Though, to his knowledge, Sasha was not a force sensitive, and yet this individual was radiating an aura of peace and light from her being. Either he had been tricked all that time ago, or there was some sort of species mumbo jumbo going on. Still equipped in his armored Jedi tunic, Tugoro would approach the female, one that looked like one he knew all too well. Having left his weapons in the Aleph star fighter, Tugoro would show no hints of hostility, despite the strangely weak aura of light side energy he carried about his person.

"Who are you?" The boy struggled to question, speaking in a blank and almost rushed tone. It was such a strange question to ask, especially to someone who looked like someone he knew. Or was it actually them? Shaking his head back and forth, the young Padawan would simply cast a glance to the lake, getting fed up with his confusion.
[member="Ilanthria"]

 

[Slot 9]

Ilanthria turned her head and opened her eyes, smiling warmly at the boy. "My name is Ilanthria," Her soft, soothing voice replied. She slowly rose to her feet, looking down at him from her 7'6" height. "It is perfectly alright to be confused, dear one. Many who see Diathim react in the same manner. What is your name?"
[member="Tugoro Taidarious"]

 

[Tugoro Taidarious]

[member="Ilanthria"] was right, for Tugoro was extremely confused. Even so, his neck would crane slightly to glance at the female, as she stood up from her sitting position on the sandy shoreline. He hadn't wished to disturb her, his curiosity simply got the better of him sometimes. Upon hearing her unique name, the young Padawan would nod, before listening to the rest of her explanation. One of his earlier guesses had been correct apparently, for she was a Diathim, whatever that was. He had only heard of their species in old tales before, the reason he did not recognize it was because they had been referred to as angels instead.

"Padawan Taidarious. Don't mind me," He spoke quickly, his tone sounding almost emotionless. He had only begun to learn the basic language in his early years of Jedi training, which also included studying on Jedi history and the like. He had always been far more fascinated by the legends of space wizards as a boy, which lead him to neglect his language skills. "What are you doing?" He questioned, taking another look at the lake, as if he were expecting some sort of creature to attack.

 

[Slot 9]

Ilanthria turned her gaze back to the lake. "I was meditating upon the life of this world. Its beauty and abundance helps me better feel harmony." She looked back to him. "Would you like to join me, Taidarious?" She asked friendlily.
[member="Tugoro Taidarious"]

 

[Tugoro Taidarious]

"...Of course," the boy would reply, as he weighed his options. Either he could meditate with a pretty girl, or roam Naboo aimlessly. Leaning forward, the Padawan would begin to lower himself to the ground, sitting in a cross legged fashion. Both of his forearms would lay themselves upon his thighs, as he placed him bottom on the soft shoreline. The waves would begin to pick up, only coming as close as the tips of Tugoro's leather boots. Closing his eyes, the youth would attempt to focus and clear his mind, remembering the last time he had meditated. He had done so to access his force abilities for the first time, it had been an eye opening experience for him. Perhaps this was exactly what he needed.

"Can you...Teach me?" He questioned, having never sensed out an entire planet's life force before. It sounded like an incredible and impossible feat to his mind, even though he was capable of doing so with much effort. The boy could not help but envy [member="Ilanthria"], for she seemed to calm and at peace with the force. Hopefully she would be able to assist him.

 

[Slot 9]

Ilanthria sat down next to him. "Of course, dear one. First, clear your mind. Let all thought and emotion drift away." Her voice cooed. She had met many who had trouble meditating as she did. She knew that it was difficult because of the things they had been through. So, she did her best to help them heal the wounds they had so that they could hear the Force strongly and clearly.
[member="Tugoro Taidarious"]

 

[Tugoro Taidarious]

The young boy would nod slowly as he listened to [member="Ilanthria"]'s words, allowing them to penetrate his mind. He understood what she meant, for he had done so before long ago. Slowly, Tugoro's eyelids would drop, sealing his sight from the outside world. He had to get rid of all distractions, before he could delve into that peaceful meditative trance. The recent events that loomed over the boy were the most difficult to clear, for they held so much significance. How could he just push away such strong emotions? His pain was the greatest, for he had felt each and everyone of the deaths on Kashyyyk on that night. The bright flames that haunted his memory would slowly but surely extinguish, while the ashes of his friends were swept away into the dustbin of tranquility. Many other events plagued him, and Tugoro would do his best to push them from his thoughts. He envisioned the force energy around him with his sensing abilities, allowing his consciousness to flow along it as if being pulled by a powerful current.

"Okay..." He spoke quietly, feeling himself begin to calm drastically.

 

[Slot 9]

"Good. Now, reach out with your perceptions. Feel what is around you. Feel me, living and breathing. Feel my heart beating. Feel the life that is in the grass, and the trees. Let the Force guide you. Let it show you every plant, every creature, and every person." Ilanthria said, closing her eyes and doing the same as if she were guiding him with her own energy.
[member="Tugoro Taidarious"]

 

[Tugoro Taidarious]

The maelstrom of negativity that had raged wildly within the young Jedi's mind would begin to disperse, as [member="Ilanthria"] aided him in his meditation. A sense of tranquility would begin to sweep over his being, as his calmed breathing assisted in his concentration. All of the thoughts of pain and death were slowly but surely fading, bringing the positive aspects of peace and nature into his main focus. The female's words would ring within the boy's head as he begun to slip into a trance, one that allowed him to feel the force energy all around him. The water was brimming with microscopic life, as was the sand and grass nearby. The trees and creatures that lived within and among them were all noticeable as well, even if their life force wasn't too strong. What stood out most of all, was the Padawan that talked him through the meditation, for her aura was incredibly bright.

With his sensing abilities, Tugoro's reach with the force would expand considerably, sweeping across the landscape like a nuclear bomb. Millions of life forms became apparent to his mind, something that would have never happened if he hadn't taken a moment to calm down. It was beautiful in a sense, to indulge in the nature that surrounded and made up all living beings.

 

[Slot 9]

Ilanthria could feel him reaching out with her. Through this, she would begin to help him. She spoke directly into his mind. "All life is precious. The Force created us, and all that is around us in nature. We, as Jedi, learn to cherish all things, from the smallest insect to the largest beast. Even when we must take the beautiful existence before us, we commend its spirit. For when something dies, it joins the Force once more. The Force we were, and the Force we shall become. Life never truly ends. In many ways, it becomes stronger. When we leave our mortal bodies, we rejoin all who came before us. We take on the purest form and reunite with all of our loved ones. Together, we shall live eternally. There is no death; There is the Force..."
[member="Tugoro Taidarious"]

 

[Tugoro Taidarious]

The boy's mind would become lost in the force, feeling it's essence all around him, for it surrounded the duo for miles on end. It was everywhere, as well as the basis of all things. This would become apparent to the trifled Padawan, as he listened to [member="Ilanthria"]'s guidance through telepathy, his mind able to comprehend each word even while in the trance like state. His body was unwavering as he remain seated, his eyes having been closed for several minutes now. It was true, all life was precious to Tugoro, he did not enjoy taking the lives of others deep down. The female Padawan's words would remind the youth of some of the Jedi's most common principles. His heart and mind would now be able to rest easy, for he understood that life was a never ending cycle. His friends that had passed did not truly leave him, they were still present all around him. It really was beautiful in a sense, so beautiful it actually made the boy cry.

Even as the tears streamed down his face, Tugoro would remain quiet, his blank expression slowly turning into that of a warm smile. After a few moments, the young Padawan would raise to his feet, grateful for the insight he had gained. "I owe you." He spoke, turning to give the Padawan a polite bow.

 

[Slot 9]

Ilanthria would smile in return, rising with him. She held up a single hand. "There is nothing to be owed, Taidarious. I help others find the peace that they deserve. And, in turn, it gives me peace as well. I am happy to have helped you find yours." She said. She lightly placed a hand on his shoulder. "Always remember this feeling. When you face the darkness, you will feel as if you are alone. It will seep into you, and try to turn you into something you are not. Remember that you are not alone. The Force is all around you, dear one. Everyone you love is always by your side, watching over you, guiding you every step of the way. Take comfort in that, and fight until you see the Light again."
[member="Tugoro Taidarious"]

 

[Tugoro Taidarious]

Tugoro would nod his head back and forth, as he felt the female's palm placed against his shoulder. Lifting an arm of his own, the boy would run his tunic's sleeve across his face, wiping the tears that had stained it moments ago. Smiling kindly, the boy would listen to the rest of her advice, it being as valuable as phrik at this point in his life. He was extremely grateful, far more than [member="Ilanthria"] would ever know. At least, that is what he thought. Exhaling loudly, a sense of relief would wash over the boy, for he knew that he was not alone anymore.

"Thank you. I won't forget this." He stated, before turning, and walking slowly towards the forest's edge. As he entered the thick brush, the young Padawan contemplated whether this Ilanthria even existed, and if their exchange had even happened. It could've been a figment of his imagination, either way that did not lessen the impact it had on him. Departing towards his Aleph, Tugoro would keep those words in his heart from there on out.

 

[Slot 9]

((OOC: The End...... *sniffles*))