Faction The River's Gift [Force Imbue]

[Corazona von Ascania]

Ukatis
​

"Objects left in the presence of a Force nexus for an extended time eventually became saturated with the Force, which imbued the object with special abilities, like a blade-edge that would never dull, the ability to absorb certain Force powers like Force lightning and electric judgment, or even the ability to enhance the wielder's perception of time, allowing him to think and react faster than otherwise possible. Objects imbued with a particular aspect of the Force—be it light or dark—could become saturated enough to make their very presence intolerable to those of opposite alignment."
-Vergence

A river wove deep within the heavily forested lands of Ukatis. Its waters were still and serene, and the surrounding flora bright and verdant.

For a number of years, this river carrier the Dark within its flow. A slow, steady, corrupting power that gradually spread beyond the body of water and into the surrounding woodlands. Some of the Jedi present today would recall the scene – an ashen, lifeless husk of a forest and inky black waters. Together, they'd cleansed this land of ichor and brought the Wyndvane nexus back into balance.

This river is not a beacon of brilliant Light, but a thread, thicker and stronger than the rest, woven into the tapestry of Ukatis. A gentle, steady chord in the Force.

The Jedi have gathered here to meditate, to reflect, and to ask the nexus to impart its gift upon items of importance. Blades, tomes, talismans and more can be submerged beneath the waters to be imbued with the essence of the Light. Some Jedi prefer to work solo, while others complete this task in pairs or small teams. Others seek only to meditate, opening themselves to visions brought forth by the nexus.

For those who have not brought an item to imbue, native talismans are provided. These rings of metal have been smithed by Ukatian artisans for thousands of years, and were often thought to protect travelers from evil. Rather fitting for the Jedi.

(OOC: This thread will be largely self-guided, so have fun! Feel free to have visions, conversations, or imbue something. For imbuing objects, please keep it to 1-2 items and nothing outlandish please. Participants will get a Ukatian Talisman of Protection.)

Standing at the very edge of the riverbank, Cora turned the metallic ring over in her hand, feeling the divots from the ritualistic markings. They had held a clearer meaning to her people, once, long before her time. A metalworker from Stonegrove produced them at her request – though it had taken some convincing given their antiquated nature – as a thanks for protecting their village when the forest had attacked.

Dangling on its chain, she held the ring up to peer though it, observing the Jedi within the river. One Master was deep within a meditative trance, his cross-legged form hovering just above the surface of the water. Nearby, a pair of Padawans had submerged a spherical object, hoping for it to receive the nexus's blessing.

Serenity pervaded the area, a far cry from the uneasiness she'd last felt while navigating the desiccated forest. It had taken time, given how deep the roots of corruption had spread, but the land had healed. The flora and fauna returned to their splendor; nurtured and healthy, sustained by the embrace of the Light.

Idly, she wondered what would happened if one were to make tea from some of the more medicinal plants at the river's edge.

Cora's focus returned to the talisman. A folk charm once carried by travelers, said to offer protection on their journey. Perhaps, for thousands of years, this had been some sort of magic on its own.

 

[Jack Wright]

Giant river. Gorgeous forests. Pristine, beautiful skies. Almost felt like a beat Alderaan.

Footsteps softly crunched the edge of the crystal reflection, Jack found himself peering over, hazel eyes danced with their own against the clear water, finding a wistful smile emerged 'pon bearded lips. Hello handsome.

Was a shame he was late to the party, but otherwise, there were no complaints. The lesson was one to be proven useful, an rather expectant of any age or role. Feeling himself kneel over, on the short, beautiful grass, Jack pressed a knee down while continuing his admiration of the water's surface, nostrils inhaled deeply the pleasantry aroma, finding a joy within the purity of his environment.

After months of Crouscant, this was a welcome respite.

 

[Mica Raha]

Mica stumbled towards the river and sank her knees into the soft riverbank. The moist soil felt cool and relief washed over her. She wasn't used to a place like Ukatis—a planet with a beauty that was almost terrifying. It was nothing like Empress Teta or Coruscant, the only two planets she'd known until now. There were no brutal facades of steel and concrete, no mobs of people, no flashing neon signs. There was a horizon. Plants were vibrantly lush. The sunlight was piercing. It was dizzying, overwhelming, and captivating.

After a few moments, she tried to collect herself. She felt the calmness of the river flow. Steady and powerful, it was everything she wasn't. But Ukatis had been ravaged by corruption. It was healing. Had been healed. She hoped she could be, too.

On a chain, dangling from her neck, was a pendant. A kushiban was crudely carved into it. It had been a gift from Fyrin, thus far the closest thing she'd ever had to family. But he was gone now and the pendant was all that remained of him. It was her most prized possession and she'd never removed it from around her neck. Her soft, pale fingers caressed the grooves of the pendant. She shuddered slightly, trying to contain her involuntary trembles. The sunlight suddenly felt unbearably warm.

 

[Eloise Dinn]

Eloise studied the talisman she'd been handed by one of the Jedi on the riverbank, spinning the polished durasteel ring so that it shone in the sunshine. It was a pretty enough trinket, she supposed, though she wasn't sure what the hell it was for. The Jedi had mentioned something about protection... Well, she could look into it later. Right now she had a job to do.

She tucked the talisman into her backpack, continuing her trek upriver. As part of her ongoing training as a healer, she was due to meet with a Jedi Master in a nearby village, where they would be offering medical care to the people—and hopefully not entering into too much conflict with the local physicians, midwives, and quacks peddling dubious potions in the process. She still remembered that "medic" picking through the rubble after the Mando invasion, using methods that were centuries out of date to stabilize a badly injured survivor. It almost made her sick just thinking about it...

Ukatis had been the setting for some of Eloise's most important experiences since joining the Order. She had participated in the planet's defense against the Mandalorians, assisted the wounded after the battle, befriended one of its lords and defied its tyrannical king to save him. For all this heroism on her part and that of countless others who had risked their lives to save the planet, Ukatis was still a backwater run by a despot. But hey, at least they let the Jedi wander around freely now.

She spotted the outline of rooftops in the distance, along with the spokes of a quaint little watermill built on a river delta. She adjusted the heavy weight of her pack and quickened her pace, determined to reach the town square on time.

Corazona von Ascania Jack Wright Mica Raha​

 

[Ryana mina]

Tag: Corazona von Ascania

Companion: pip

Ryana had heard about the class cora as hosting on ukatis and of course she told pip who got super excited he loved going to ukatis and especially seeing cora so they flew out to ukatis for the training thread. As ryana began landing pip was doing laps around the cockpit his cheerfulness and excitement made ryana smiled "Alright you need to calm down otherwise your gonna tire yourself out before we find cora" she said knowing pip wouldn't listen and that maybe it was a good thing he did.

As the ship landed and she shut the ship down with the help of droids she stood up and pip climbed her like a tree and took his usual spot on ryanas shoulder. Purring still excited and happy which made ryana scratch his head as they departed the ship and older r2 unit beeped that ryana had found and had help restoring and making it pip proof or atleast as pip proof as was possible.

Ryana smirked as she remembered and grabbed a small box patting the r2 unit on the head as it beeped "watch the ship while we are away" she said as the r2 unit beeped accordingly and the ramp closed. As she made her way towards the river she could sense pip was getting anxious to see cora and be in the water the lethan twi'lek patted pip on the head as they found the river and saw cora.

Pip practically jumped off ryana and ran to cora as fast as his little legs could carry him as ryana sped up her walk to catch up. Pip began climbing coras leg purring and chittering as he did so "hey cora pip get down" she said as pip got to coras shoulder looking satisfied looking between the two women. "I'm sorry about pip" she said taking pip off coras shoulder holding him as the little racyon motioned for cora.

 

[Gil Horn]

Location: Ukatis
Tags: Open

Gil was lost. It was not a physical sense of being lost. He knew where he was in a general sense. After returning to the temple from his mission with Valery Noble and getting treated by the medical staff at the temple, everyone had told him to lay low. Rest, recover and adapt to his new situation. That had lasted all of five days before Gil had snuck out of the medical ward. He had joined other Jedi on their way to a class far from the temple. He had boarded the ship and had not looked back.

No, the feeling of being lost was not of a physical sense, but of a more personal, spiritual sense. Gil walked along the length of the river, the stump of his right arm, still wrapped in bandages and bacta pads was cradled against his chest. Every few steps, Gil swore he felt the pain of losing the hand all over again. A physical pain that paled in comparison to the sheer mental shock that still hung heavy around his shoulders.

Betrayal. That was the thing that had cast him adrift.

Coming to a stop along the river, Gil lowered himself down to his knees. He reached out with his good hand, letting his fingers run through the cold water of the river. He pulled his hand from the water, droplets falling from his fingers, reaching out instinctively to where his lightsaber should have been. It took was gone, taken by the same man who had taken Gil's arm. A man he had thought of as, if not a brother, at least a good friend.

Movement caught Gil's eye. A small fish, almost golden in color flowed along the river. As it drew nearer, it suddenly altered course and leapt from the water. It arced through the air, gleaming in the light before landing with a splash. A stream of the water struck Gil in the head, and the dark, brooding thoughts and cloud that hung around his mind cleared for a moment. He reached into the fold of his robe, withdrawing two dimly glowing synthetic kyber crystals. One of them was his own, salvaged from the wreckage of his old lightsaber, and the other, the last attachment he had of his old master, Ohognh.

His mind made up, Gil closed his hand around both crystals, and lowered them into the water of the river. He opened his mind to the Force, the feeling of Ashla that was part of the river itself. He poured his will into the crystals; his drive, his determination and his need to redeem himself, and to bring a foe to justice. He closed his eyes, and began to recite the Jedi Code. When he finished, he opened his eyes and saw two of the golden fish swimming in a slow circle around his submerged hand. As one, the fish both touched his hand, before swimming away down the river.

A smile came to Gil's face, the first real one he'd had in days as he withdrew the crystals from the water. The dim glow had brightened, almost to a blinding light in Gil's hand. He blinked away the light, and was shocked to see an aethereal form crouched next to him. A massive fur covered form, intimidating in sheer scale, but familiar to Gil. It was his old master, the Wookiee Ohognh.

"Master..."

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x x x | Weapons: x x x | Companion: Domxite
Hanging out by herself with Domxite

"Objects left in the presence of a Force nexus for an extended time eventually became saturated with the Force, which imbued the object with special abilities, like a blade-edge that would never dull, the ability to absorb certain Force powers like Force lightning and electric judgment, or even the ability to enhance the wielder's perception of time, allowing him to think and react faster than otherwise possible. Objects imbued with a particular aspect of the Force—be it light or dark—could become saturated enough to make their very presence intolerable to those of opposite alignment."
-Vergence

"So, this is what Force Imbuement is, Domxite?" Zaiya murmured, her voice thoughtful as she reviewed the notes from the earlier lesson alongside the entries she'd pulled from the archives. Apparently, there were all kinds of imbuements, and while the Jedi had their methods, they weren't considered the true masters of the practice. Other Force traditions had honed it into an art, masterworks, even, but finding them was a different matter. Would they even share their secrets if they were still out there? Probably not.

She turned the small talisman loop in her hand, studying the simple design. The instructors had handed them out earlier as part of the exercise, a way to learn how Force Imbuement worked and dip into the river where the Force Nexus as a way to imbue the object with the Force and strengthen its connection to the Light. But the archives hinted at another method, one that used the Force of an individual instead. That process was far less documented, and frustratingly, Zaiya didn't know anyone who could explain how it worked.

"Hmm..." she hummed, amber glows rippling over the intricate patterns of her skin in a contemplative shimmer. The Lovalla Padawan ran her thumb along the loop's edge, trying to imagine the Force flowing into it as the Masters had described. Beside her, Domxite nudged her arm, their presence in the Force a warm burst of comfort and gentle encouragement.

"I know, I know," Zaiya said with a soft laugh, turning to the crystal companion in a droid chassis, meeting their reassuring energy with a smile and an answering bioluminescent shimmer.

"Sorry, I'm just thinking too much again." Her gaze dropped back to the talisman.

"Does this mean I could make an item myself, dip it into the river, and imbue it with the Light side of the Force?" The thought made her eyes brighten, a flicker of citrine peeking through the conteplative amber tones on her face.

Domxite nodded, the Force emanating with an affirming nudge that brought a small wave of excitement rippling through her.

"Oh!" Zaiya's expression lit up.

"Do you know more about imbuement?" she asked, her voice suddenly eager. She shifted closer to Domxite, unsure of just how much her crystal friend might know about the process -- or how much they might teach her.

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Tags: Open

Though Lysander's heart often struggled with conflicting emotions when returning to Ukatis, he couldn't deny the soothing energy that started to envelop him near the river. Between that and the rich greenery, it created a peaceful atmosphere that was perfect for meditation and reflection. Even in a landscape he'd seen countless times, he paused to appreciate the beauty that still existed here. Glancing down at the talisman received recently, he carefully slipped it around his neck and adjusted it just right.

Moving further back from the river, the boy settled just off to the side, seeking a bit of solitude. Simple and elegant robes with earthy hues flowed in the breeze, which also played with locks of his hair. Nearby, his sister and a few others remained unbothered for now. After all, there was an entire day ahead to be annoying if desired.

With grace, Lysander descended to the ground, finding comfort on the grass. He settled into a cross legged position, and both eyelids shut. Every single inhale and exhale promised to bring him closer to peace. Finally, both hands were placed on his knees. As the meditative state deepened, thoughts began to drift. At first, he recalled the busy streets of Coruscant, where he spent most of his time. The lessons at the Jedi Temple were often demanding, constantly challenging him to further his understanding of both the Force, and his own abilities.

From there, the mind wandered to a recent event on New Cov. It was a really special night for him in so many ways. Introspections then shifted to friends, reflecting on the camaraderie they shared and the support they offered. One by one, he recalled the faces of all the other Padawans, and some of the Jedi Knights too. A warm sense of gratitude radiated from his core.

As the visions flickered and faded, a surge of renewed energy invigorated him. Much of what he had witnessed seemed familiar, making him wonder if the nexus might reveal a new insight should he continue. He could sense the gentle currents of the Force swirling all around him. The sounds of nature became background noise. And before much longer, his awareness of the physical world faded.

 

[Nulgath Zardai]

Tags: Open
Location: Opposite side of the Riverbank.​

Adorned in new white robes and clothing, a gift from the Jedi Order, the unnatural being that was Nulgath neared and approached the location of Lightside power.

All over the river bank Jedi of different sizes and ages began the process of imbuing objects with power. It was a process that the Epicanthix was very knowledgeable of and a part of him held curiosity for the manner in which some of the force users started this process. Every had their own path and way about them and those who did not would seemingly find their way.

Jade eyes scanned the scene over and over again in observance. The effects of the Nexus on the sentience here seemed serene on all life. Life being the key word in that sentence.

The river sang to him...

Not with a melody that ears could catch, but with a resonance only the Force could carry. Nulgath's hollow form recoiled at its touch. The nexus exuded a purity that pressed against his essence, every wave of light striking his very being like a tidal force crashing into a crumbling seawall.

As Nulgath moved closer from the opposite side of the river, his hollow form was stark contrast to the vibrant life of Ukatis. He was flanked by two Jedi Sentinels that stood watch nearby. Their presence was not just a quiet guard, but a constant reminder of his precarious position—granted a chance at redemption, yet under strict observation. The Sentinels' Force awareness rippled in the air, their vigilance poised to intervene should his inherent nature—his connection to the Blackwing Hive—surface and threaten the delicate balance of the nexus. Their purpose was twofold: to guide him along the narrow path of Light, while ready to contain the darkness within him should it ever rise to endanger the greater good. They spoke little to him and normally only did so unless Nulgath engaged them first in question. And those were rare inquires indeed.

Nulgath knelt on the bank, his charred, leathery fingers pressing into the soft, damp earth. His attempt to meditate had been a reluctant concession—one born of necessity rather than desire. The Jedi students nearby sat in quiet communion with the Force, effortlessly weaving the river's serene energy into their meditation or imbuing their trinkets with light. They acted as if this was as natural as breathing. But for him? It was agony.

The Light battered him like a tempest battering a vessel. Where others drew strength and solace, he felt stripped bare. His mind twisted in protest, the nexus' energy an invasive force crawling across every inch of his consciousness, burning away the unholy void that sustained him. Only for the Blackwing Hive mind stirred in response to the nexus. At first, it whispered—a faint chorus of fragmented voices murmuring in the corners of his thoughts. But as the light pressed harder, the Hive began to grow louder, surging like a tide of black venom rising to fight back against the radiance. Their whispers became snarls, and their snarls became screams.

"You don't belong here."
"Leave. This is not your domain."
"The Light will unmake you, but we will preserve you. Let us in."

 

[Jack Wright]

All admiration aside, it's high time Jack probably started what he came here. By extension, all who were present, surrounding this flawless trail.

Raising himself from the knelt spot, the young Knight started a good search for a nice, comfortable seat amidst the grass, not too far from the crowd, but distant enough not to perturb anyone from their own practices. Let's see...

Ah. There seemed a good spot. Beaming wide, Jack commenced his step over nature's paradise, the light in the Force thrumming in bliss; echoed like drums from all Jedi present. They were merely a chorus, echoing the Nexus' orchestra.

In a nice patch surrounded by dense trees, the young Knight took his seat, cross-legged as was the Jedi motif, settling in calmly. Taking position, hazel eyes fleeting skimmed over the Padawans and Knights, meditating in serenity with the Force, adapting towards the art of imbuing the Force through non-organic matter. The seat was ready, his back straightened, everything was prepped for the moderate challenge ahead.

Just only one matter...

Jack was awful at meditating.

Abruptly the moderation felt like an intensive challenge.

 

[Carlo Von Corrino]

Although he hadn't anticipated returning to the planet for this particular reason, Carlo found himself intrigued by the upcoming lesson on imbuing the Force into an object. The concept, particularly the limitations of this ability, sparked his curiosity. As he made his way toward the lesson's location, he took a moment to appreciate his surroundings. There was something oddly calming about the planet's rustic, natural beauty. Yet, if he were honest with himself, the climate posed a challenge, especially since he was more accustomed to the snow-covered mountains of Cardia. But in the name of House Corrino, he would endure. He always did.

From what he'd heard, the lesson would require an object to serve as a vessel for the Force. While he was certain that participants without their own items would be provided with one, Carlo already had something in mind. A small medallion in the shape of his house's crest—a canine-like figure adorned with intricate, rune-like patterns. It had been a gift from his mother before he left home to embark on his journey as a Jedi Padawan. Needless to say, it held significant sentimental value.

Slipping the medallion into his pocket, Carlo took a deep breath, adopting the familiar blend of noble resolve and mischievous charm that he was known for. Then, with purpose, he continued on toward the lesson.

Tags | Open

 

[Jonyna Si]

TAG: Open to interaction, mostly telling a small solo story.

The offensives had stalled, and all it had done was open Jonyna's eyes. When she had imagined the great GA military, finally striking back against the Forces of darkness, it had been envisioned in her mind as a grand offensive. A victory of the forces of good, celebrated in the annuls of history. She had poured her credits and time into making it so, and all she was proven was naïve of the reality of it.

So long had she spent trying to overcome the faults of the past. So long had she spent preparing the Alliance for a war that only existed in her mind. Alliance firepower finally overtaking the Imperials of her past.

Instead, she found a tidal wave. A hurricane. A hellish demon that only reminded her of her brief glimpse into the other side.

Darth Carnifex

She had seen what he had done to her Lyrana. She had seen what he had done to the machines of war that she had so desperately built to combat the evils of the galaxy.

All it told her was a simple fact.

She needed to get stronger.

And so, she sat at the edge of the water, sword in hand. The same sword that she had forged out of scrap, stolen from the battlefields of Geonosis. The same sword she had once referred to as her 'Saber'. The same sword she had used to fight the Empire, and the same sword that had gotten her her only lucky break against the Monster that had wounded her love.

Sally, the Black Blade of Rebellion.

Jonyna was no stranger to imbuement, but she had never done so to the first weapon she had ever made. Her first blade. Her first saber. Before she was a jedi, before she could call herself a hero, she had made a blade to allow herself to call herself a warrior.

Now she stood where her younger self had only dreamed about. Now she stood as a Jedi Master, a guardian of harmony.

She needed to get stronger, and it had to start from the beginning.

The cathar closed her eyes, as she dipped the blade in the water, drawing it one last time in it's current form.

Chast tak Shad ohzro'o.

Chast ot yu'ika sko eta Kta

Chast tak Lya jurn srd.

The blade shined a blinding light, before the black of the blade seemed to be washed downstream, leaving only a white, glowing blade.

The blade of her future. The blade of a master. The darkness of her past, washed away.

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

​

A soft breeze rolled through the forest, rustling Cora's attention back to the river. Imbuing an object with the Force took hours of steady meditation, but with the aid of the nexus, that process could move much quicker.

Here, it was easier to feel those who lived within the Light. Her affection for Lysander von Ascania , who was meditating a short distance away, drifted to him gently on the wind. Despite how often she nagged him with her concern - the path of a Jedi was a dangerous one - she was proud of her brother.

It was something of an honor to witness Jedi meditating among the waters of her home, a place she sought to cast in a better light despite its numerous shortcomings. Her attention lingered briefly on Jonyna Si as she worked, before shifting away to give the Jedi Master her privacy.

Even those unfamiliar to her, - Jack Wright and Gil Horn among them - gave her a sense of peace as they explored the river's gift.

Yet, there was an aberration among them. On the opposite bank drifted the skeletal form of Nulgath Zardai and her gaze hardened a fraction. He might've found acceptance with Zaiya Ceti , and Cora wondered if the girl had seen something in him that she had not. The former Sith had shown no remorse for what he'd done to the crew of the orbital station, and after having the Dark seared from his body, had shown no interest in redemption, only survival.

In that, she could not fault him, but she did not trust him. Nor did she like him.

An excited bout of chittering approached, and her focus panned from Nulgath, over the retreating form of Eloise Dinn and the approaching form of Carlo Von Corrino , finally landing on a familiar racyon.

Cora chuckled softly as Pip climbed up her robes, settling onto her shoulders. She managed to give him a quick scratch behind the ears before Ryana mina pulled him away. "Hello Pip, Ryana. I'm glad to see you both."

A stumbling form caught the corner of her eye, and Cora turned her head a fraction to watch Mica Raha fall to her knees. Her brow crinkled faintly in concern - both the forest and the Light had always been a place of peace for her, but it could be overwhelming or uncomfortable for those unused to it.

She caught Ryana's gaze and gestured towards the river with a tilt of her head, then knelt down to unlace her boots. Once removed along and her socks tucked neatly inside, she padded through the soft grass to the rocky bank.

A hand descended onto Mica's shoulder, giving her a faint squeeze. Then, with slow, careful movements, she stepped into the river.

The water was cold enough to send an involuntary shiver up Cora’s spine, but still suffused with a warmth of its own. She continued onward, bare feet finding careful purchase on the slippery rocks below as the long edges of her tunic floated atop the gentle current.

Then, she turned towards Ryana and Mica, and extended a hand, her serene smile nearly illuminated by the blessing of the water. It was an invitation for the two women as much as it was for those around them.

"Only if you want to, of course."

 

[Gil Horn]

Location: Ukatis

Gil walked along the river, the spectral form of Ohognh beside him. He knew she was not truly there. She had lived a long life of service to the galaxy and the Jedi Order in different iterations. That career, that legacy, had come to a peaceful end, something rare among the Jedi. She had passed in her sleep among her people on Kashyyyk. Gil had been one of the few outsiders allowed to attend the ceremony, and he had been there to watch her body become on with the Force.

So had Heron Crawl.

"I am sorry, Master," Gil said, his voice low. "I should have seen it, should have known something was wrong. Perhaps if I had, Heron would not have..."

Ohognh reached out a hand, the half visible hand resting on his shoulder with a familiar weight. "Enough of that, Gil." The rumbling voice of Ohognh had the familiar tones of Shyriiwook echoing in his ears, though Gil heard them as if she were speaking Galactic Basic. "The failure of others is not yours to bear."

Gil shook his head, looking out across the river. "He betrayed you Master. He betrayed your legacy, he betrayed everything the Order stood for. He betrayed...me. I failed to stop him."

Ohognh shook her head. "Heron has betrayed no one except himself. The path of the Dark Side is alluring to many, but those who truly understand know that it is a narrow path, and promises nothing but pain and regret. Heron was always a troubled man, and his time as my Padawan was not easy for either of us. His steps were always too close to the Dark, but I did what I could. His ultimate fate is not the burden of others to wear like a shackle." She stopped, looking down at Gil. "It is not the fate I wish for you."

Gil could not meet Ohognh's eyes, not right away. He let her words stir through his head before finally, reluctantly, nodding his head. "I understand, Master."

Ohognh nodded her head, a reassuring rumble echoing from her throat. She folded her arms behind her back, and as Gil watched, she started to fade. "I know it will not be easy to find peace with what has happened, but I have faith that you will find your path. I have faith in you, Gil. May the Force be with you." Her last words drifted on the wind for several seconds as Gil watched her leave.

"And may the Force be with you..."

 

[Mica Raha]

LOCATION: RIVERBANK
TAGS: Corazona von Ascania | Ryana mina | OPEN

In a single, deliberate movement, Mica carefully removed the pendant from around her neck. She held it in the palm of her shaky, clammy hands. Mica didn't realize she was crying until her teardrops hit the pendant. The moisture caused the pendant to glisten as it caught a ray of sunlight.

It reminded her of the last night she spent with Fyrin. He had just sank his feline fangs into a jogan fruit. Sweet, sticky juice dribbled down his hairy chin and glistened in the luminescent backlight of his datapad. They were huddled in their cold, dark apartment on Empress Teta. A far cry from where she was now.

It was a simple moment. These days, she longed for simple moments.

Mica snapped back to reality when a hand squeezed her shoulder. Her Balosarian antennapalps involuntarily protracted. She felt foolish for letting her guard down, but when she saw the source of the squeeze, her tension eased. She was grateful for Cora's gentle gesture of reassurance. She smiled.

Mica watched as Cora unlaced her boots, tucked her socks into them, and carefully wade into the water. The older female Jedi extended her hand, welcoming others to join her.

"Only if you want to, of course," Cora said.

The young padawan nodded. With her left hand, Mica brushed the moisture from her cheeks. But as she did, the pendant in her right hand slid from her grasp, the chain slipping between her fingers. It hit the riverbank, bounced, and plunged into the river. The pendant dutifully followed the flow of ribbony running water.

With rapid panic, Mica rose to her feet. She swiftly discarded her boots and socks, then scrambled down the rocky embankment. The moist soil and rocks gave way, too soft and too slippery to keep her steady in her mad dash. After a few steps, she stumbled and slid down the small slope of the riverbank. Her tiny, pale feet hit the surface of the cold water and the liquid caressed her ankles. The rest of her body, stopped by friction, laid back against the rocky soil. Grayish blue strands of hair fell forward and obscured her vision. Her antennapalps wiggled in the cool breeze. Embarrassed, she thought she heard Fyrin laughing.

So much for simple moments.

 

[Aris Noble]

Infusion. Imbuement.

Aris sat by the source of the waters. A spring in the mountains, one he climbed to the top of. Or more accurately, jumped. His strength had been increasing over the years. How far he could jump. What was he? He knew he was bound to the Force in some way. He couldn't feel it, but given what he could do, what he'd seen, it was all but clear that when his father made him, he'd been infused directly with the Force.

It was getting clearer every day that it wasn't he couldn't feel the Force so much as he simply was.

But what did that mean? He reached a hand down, dipping it into the waters. It was cool to the touch, yet deep down, felt warm. There were others down stream imbuing different artifacts and items, making weapons and shields. Maybe even things to heal with healing. But was that all they were for now? Tools to be utilized for the betterment of others?

Where was the art? The soul?

The young Jedi took a breath before he waded into the source, dove under the water. He could feel the Force from others, when they touched him, when they brought the Force to him. So, would be able to feel it here? Would this do.. Anything? He wanted to know. No, he needed to know.

OPEN

 

[Azurine Varek]

Letting Go And Moving Forward

Outfit: Clothing | Right Arm | Glove
Weapons: Lightsaber | Hook Swords

Azurine wasn't necessarily here to make weapons. She wasn't here to collect trinkets. She had made the journey because she wanted to surround herself in a place of peace as she worked to stitch the torn pieces of her soul back together again. After she had passed through the grasp of death—said her final goodbye to the ghost of the man she'd been so bound to—and came out on the other side, it was time to press onward towards the future, whatever that could possibly mean for her. What better place to begin than a nexus of light?

Before she had even set foot on the ground, she could already feel the pulse of this place. It was as though she had found herself in the presence of a twin soul, beckoning her onward with a calm reassurance. Was this a place she had been before? She didn't think so, but the strength of it was so familiar, and almost every plant and object in view glowed with such a spectacular aura that it was like the stars had fallen from the heavens themselves and surrounded them. She couldn't view her own aura, but if she could, she would have been able to see the resonance it shared with its surroundings and how that resonance alone slowly began to fill the cracks left behind to renew the light that had always been so tightly woven in her soul.

She closed her eyes and let the melodic song pull her towards what she was looking for, the metal talisman she had received curled around her fingers. Once at the river's edge, her breath caught a bit in her throat from the fear she carried. At first, she decided this was where she should stop, taking a seat on the edge, only close enough to be able to reach her fingertips at the water itself. However, that melodic song only continued, pushing her forward as if to tell her that this was not where the journey would end.

She scooted a little closer, peering over the edge of the bank and into the clear water. She could see the stones at the bottom, and the aura. It held no malice, only comfort. Glancing around, she noticed Aris close by, walking through it. Of course, it got deeper as he moved until he dived under, but near the edges—

There is nothing to fear here. You are home here.

Azzie didn't give the time to second-guess herself, pulling her boots off and unclipping her weapons and utility belt to set it aside. In one swift motion, she set her feet down into the water. It came up to just below her knees there. As cool as it was, it carried a loving familiarity that balanced to quell her fear. Before she could move any further, her skin's contact with the riverbed made her vision flash with a blinding white light, and her eyes rolled back into her head.

She watched the history of the echoes play through her mind, the darkness this place once held, and all of the struggle before it became what it is today. The redemption, the hope—all of it sank deep into her mind before she gasped when time came back into view.

She found she had fallen back to the grass from the force of such strong echoes that made the river what it was. all of that repeating the same message;

You are welcome as you are. You belong.

So, she took a step forward. Then another, until the water came up to her waist. Her eyes gained the same neon purple glow they'd had on Tython when the brilliance of Ashla had brought out a strength of light within her she hardly understood herself, though this time they contained flecks of sprinkled gold as well.

Aris Noble​

 

[Katherine Holt]

Tags: Open
​

Any excuse to leave the confines of the Jedi Temple or Prosperity were a worthwhile venture to Katherine. It was a bonus that it was Ukatis, a planet she had wanted to visit for ages. But war and numerous skirmishes had kept the Padawan otherwise occupied. It was ironic then, that her current…handicap provided the opportunity to visit.

Something of a silver lining, no matter how thin it might be.

Katherine had learned about Ukatis’ more recent history, of its turmoil dealing with a river that had been tainted by the Dark and twisted into a Darkside Nexus. Its corruptive influence had spread out to the neighbouring fauna and flora. The New Jedi Order were able to eventually purify it, but it had taken time for the river to return to its previous state.

Restored under the warm and gentle embrace of the Light.

The intent for a lot of the Jedi present was to focus on imbuement. Whether it be an item of their own, or the necklace provided by the Ukatian artisans. Katherine had brought nothing of hers, so she had opted to accept one of the necklaces.

But that wasn’t her own personal objective for the visit.

Katherine could feel the Light radiating off the nexus, not as bright as a beacon but it flowed and weaved seamlessly with the very nature around it. She settled her hoverchair down close to the river’s edge, enough to be able to shuffle herself off it and onto the ground without too much of a fall. The Padawan then proceeded to ’scoot’ to the riverbank, finding a spot where she could comfortably sit. Katherine let out a sigh, before going about rolling up her trouser legs, until each was at least passed her knees.

One after another, she carefully shifted her legs into the river’s water.

She wanted to heal, she prayed that something about the Nexus would help her.

Because what fragments of hope Katherine still had, were steadily vanishing…

 

[Jack Wright]

Alright, he was in trouble...

But no biggie, Jack could handle a little meditation requirement to unlock this Force Skill, or at the very least, master it. Shifting for about the fifth - sixth? - time in position, the Knight centred himself readily, shutting his eyes to tune out the outside world, and focus on the harmony within. Remembering the lessons told on New Cov.

The Force resides in all things, it is not needlessly exempt from inorganic material. Often an ally to any defence needed, in serve of the greater good. To master the power, one must master their own intent.

Like all lessons, it sounded simple enough, foot twisting below his left knee, Jack grunted quietly as he tried to tune out the sounds of waving river, and billowing flowers. Being a man who despised sitting in one place for too long, the body itched to keep moving, opting not to cooperate; downright refusing to.

Jack couldn't clear his mind, constantly in thought, always dwelling on the most barest of necessities. As such, to say this agitation was preventing any significant process in the first, most basic step in Jedi lessons?

Was a massive understatement.

 

[Roman Vossari]

Lightsaber: X | Armor: X | Training: X | Casual: X
Tags: Open

​

Roman knelt by the tranquil riverbank, the forest whispering secrets in the gentle breeze. In his hands, he held the simple metal ring, a Talisman of Protection, offered to all Jedi present at the river. Beside him, his fishing pole stood upright in a small hole, a silent companion in his moments of solitude. The line, cast into the river, danced with the current, a promise of peace and quiet reflection.

Roman had come to Ukatis, not merely to witness the nexus's power, but to seek its blessing. The river, once a festering wound of dark energy, had been cleansed some time ago and now pulsed with the Light. Roman, like many other Jedi, hoped to imbue an object with this essence, a tangible reminder of the Light's strength.

Cupping the talisman in his hands, Roman dipped them into the cool waters of the river. His eyes closed, his focus centered on the ring. A gasp escaped his lips as the water's touch sent a wave of tranquility through him, a sensation unlike anything he had ever experienced. The Light of the river, a vibrant and flourishing energy, seemed to flow through it. He felt the pulse of life and Light, its beauty breathtaking.

Roman relaxed his body and mind, surrendering to the river's rhythm. His thoughts drifted, memories surfacing. One particular memory lingered, a scene from his childhood on Serenno, his homeworld.

He saw himself as a young boy, a fiery haired child brimming with excitement and dreams. He was on a riverbank, much like this one, holding the same fishing pole he held now. Little Roman, with his bright blue eyes, had been beside his father, Cassian, a towering figure of strength and warmth. It was one of his last memories of genuine connection with his father, a time before duty and honor took over his upbringing, before the warmth of their relationship started to fade.

He remembered Cassian's instruction, his laughter as they cast their lines and tried to catch their dinner. He remembered the struggle of reeling in a fish, far larger in his young mind than it really was, and the proud grin that bloomed on his face as he showed off his catch. Cassian's hearty laugh and the gentle ruffle of his hair were etched in Roman's memory, a bittersweet reminder of a simpler time. That day on the Serenno river, they had enjoyed each other's company, father and son, sharing a moment of pure joy and connection.

A tug on the fishing line next to him startled Roman back to reality. He opened his eyes, his hand instinctively lifting from the water. The talisman felt warm against his palm, thrumming with the Light. A wave of warmth and happiness washed over him as he placed the talisman around his neck, a comforting weight against his chest. He felt the Light radiating from it. Roman turned his attention back to his fishing pole, the line still tight with the promise of a catch.

The memory of his father, his carefree laughter, and the warmth of their shared experience, brought a sense of longing. Roman missed those days. It was not long after that joyous fishing trip that his father had begun to change, growing cold and distant. He yearned for that connection, for the father he remembered, but duty and expectations seemed to have built an insurmountable wall between them.

The realization dug into him with a painful sharpness. He felt a disconnect, a chasm between who his father once was and the cold, distant man he'd become. A fire ignited within Roman, a determination to understand what had happened to his father, to try and bridge the gap, to reclaim that lost connection. Perhaps, with the gift of the nexus, he would find a way. Perhaps, the talisman, could help him to heal the wounds of the past and rekindle the bond he so desperately craved.

The river flowed on, mirroring the unpredictable currents of Roman's life, but in this moment, he found a renewed sense of purpose. He would find a way, he would try. He would understand. He would, if at all possible, fish with his father again.

With a renewed determination, Roman reeled in his catch...