There is Power in a Union

[Jairdain]

It was rather difficult for Jairdain to not watch either the movement of Krest, his weapon or even the sound of it. Instead he had asked her to give up almost any advantage she had and focus on feeling with the Force.

Maybe it helped that she was granted visions from time to time or had been through the Mystic Trials on Voss. Whichever it was or none of them, what he wanted she was able to do.

However, not accustomed to fighting, her blade was a hair too slow to block him totally.

[member="Krest"]

 

[Darth Ferus]

"Hmm..." Krest paused for a moment in his strike, watching [member="Jairdain"] for a moment. He wasn't going to teach her this way. So he stepped back, lifting up his saber. "Soresu. The defense form. It involves feeling out with the Force for a perfect defense, bringing your saber around in quick efficient movements to deflect attacks to the side. For who you are this would be the best fit."

He fell silent again, glancing around the area. Then, inspiration hit him. With a grin he turned his saber off and stepped further back. "I'm gonna throw some pebbles at you from random directions. Listen to the Force, let it guide you. You'll know the danger before it happens if you listen close enough, and your saber will fall in place before the attack is even launched. That's what it means to use Soresu."

 

[Jairdain]

"I actually know that one a bit. It's been quite a while though. In fact it's the only Form I studied with any great attention to detail. Didn't get very far though."

​When he turned his saber off, Jairdain lowered her guard and she waited for what he going to do next. Knowing he stepped away, she looked at him with the Force, her confusion clear on her face.

"But I can hear the sound of the stones being moved. This'll be easy."

@Krest​ [member="Vaulkhar"]

 

[Vaulkhar]

There has been a fair bit of good and bad since Vaulkhar had left the Sith with his master, Krest. He had found so many peaceful days on his master's domain, hours have been spent in meditation, training, and dozens of other relaxing and enjoyable exercises to ease the young half breed's mind. However, things have not entirely been easy. Nearly every time he left the planet for various errands, whether it be for Krest or himself, Vaulkhar had found himself narrowly avoiding interaction with the Sith in hopes of keeping his desertion a secret. It would not bode well if his father, the damn Emperor, became aware of his departure until it was time for he and his master to do their work. Today was thankfully a peaceful day, one Vaulkhar took full advantage of. His morning was spent enjoying a filling breakfast followed by two hours training with the soldiers of the palace, offering them lessons as well. And at the end of it all, the half breed made his way back to his quarters to rejuvenate, meditate, and clean himself.

Hours passed before Vaulkhar finally exited his room to come face to face with one of the various servants.

"Master Vaulkhar, I do apologize for interrupting your morning routine," the servant, a young woman named Elizabeth if Vaulkhar recalled, bowed to the man.

"Just Vaulkhar is fine," the half breed waved away the notion of formality with a flick of his wrist. "No need to apologize and the bow is entirely unecessary; anyhow, what can I do for you, Elizabeth?"

The young woman visibly brightened as he properly recalled her name, causing a smile to come to both of their faces. She dug about in a small pack at her side for several seconds before procuring and revealing what looked to be a datapad to Vaulkhar. She held it out to him while beaming up to him.

"Lord Krest must review these files, it is in regards to the recent harvest. Do you think you can bring them to him? I would myself but I've been unable to locate him, it's believed he's enjoying a personal day but this is of course important," the smaller woman gently stomped her foot to accent her point, causing a faint chuckle to escape Vaulkhar's lips. Ironically, he found the staff of his master's palace to be a rather interesting and enjoyable lot to be around. He took the datapad from her and nodded his head.

"Of course, Elizabeth. Rest assured I'll get this to Krest before the day is done," Vaulkhar slipped it away before moving past, gently patting the woman's head. "I'll go find him, you feel free to take the rest of the day off. Spend it with your family or friends, whatever you so desire," with that, the half breed made his way from the palace. He closed his blind gaze and focused upon the force, reaching out across the planet slowly but surely as he sought his master's signature. Minutes passed before he found a small blip upon his senses, which caused a knowing smirk to return to the half breed's face.

Visiting her, hm?

Vaulkhar made his way there swiftly, taking a speeder from the palace for the sake of saving time. He enjoyed the planet, he enjoyed it's people, but most of all, he enjoyed the peaceful countryside. A fair bit of time passed before he pulled up in front of Jairdain's house and parked the speeder before hopping out. This day he wore a simple white, silken shirt that gently fluttered in the breeze, as well as a pair of black silken pants and his signature black boots. He was dressed casually, something he appreciated greatly. No threat of assassination here. He followed the signature until he wound up wherever the duo was, announcing his presence with a cleared throat.

"I do hope I'm not interrupting anything."

[member="Krest"] | [member="Jairdain"]

 

[Darth Ferus]

"Not at all. I'm currently failing to teach." The Zabrak smirked as he felt [member="Vaulkhar"] approach, glancing over his shoulder to his apprentice. Another powerful ally he brought to his homeworld, and the only one currently in on his plans. To say he trusted the Half Breed would be an understatement. Krest offered a shrug to [member="Jairdain"] , a deep sigh escaping him as he did. "My usual methods for teaching are brutal and cruel. Too long with the Sith has really ruined my attitude with mentorship. Vaulk, why don't you take over, hmm?"

He grinned devilishly, not that either of the two with him could see it. With them both being blind the Zabrak hoped Vaulkhar might be able to show her things that he with his sight simply couldn't understand, and in exchange learn what it was to be the mentor. Vaulkhar had grown incredibly strong in the past months, and soon Krest hoped to name him a Master. But while a Sith need not prove such a skill, a Templar must always be able to train as much as they learn. Old traditions that the King hoped to revive.

"In the meantime I'll look over the datapad you brought me, yeah?"

 

[Jairdain]

The woman still held her saber ignited but lowered when she heard the sound of an approaching speeder. Not expecting any visitors, Jairdain wondered who it was. When he approached and cleared his throat, she turned her attention to him since it did not appear Krest was going to send those rocks at her at the moment. Of course, she wouldn't be surprised if he did it when her attention wasn't on him.

Her first feeling from him was that he was quite dark within the Force and made her want to raise her saber up to defend herself. Even being as weak of a fighter as she was, she felt the need to have something between them. She did not do this though as he had only just walked up. Besides if he intended to harm her, Krest was present and she was sure he would prevent it from happening.

The second thing she felt from him was depression. That was something the former sith knew all too well. Some very recent happenings in her life had brought her to the same mental position. She wanted to get to the bottom of the reason. Having all the time in the world, provided they got along, perhaps she could help him. When she had been a shattered sith in the arms of the Silver's a suggestion was given to her then. In an attempt to help her heal, she should go heal others. She did that then and it really had helped. Once again, even if it was for different reasons, she was falling apart and needed healing.

Krest ended up speaking first and said he was failing to teach her. Shaking her head at this, she would wave a hand in his direction with a little smile.

"That's what happens when you're gifted with sight, Krest. Can't imagine what it's like not to see? Maybe. To be fair we've only just begun so not failing yet."

He then suggested the o​ther man take over. With the dark aura around him...she wasn't sure that was a good idea. Though when they had met, she had been a beacon of the light and he was darker than this new person.

"I am Jairdain. Since he gave your name it's only fair you know mine."

[member="Krest"] [member="Vaulkhar"]

 

[Vaulkhar]

Vaulkhar perked a brow at Krest, finding the suggestion a healthy mix of confusing and curious. It had been sometime since he'd taken an apprentice. He swore off any semblance of teaching within the Sith and the dark side considering he did not wholly believe in such, though as he looked upon Jairdain his mouth fell agape momentarily. She shined brilliantly within the force, more so than any other jedi he had met in the past. With years of war under his belt, he met and faced the likes of former Grandmasters, though none were as bright in nature as the woman before him. He stood stunned for several long seconds, eventually shaking his head to recenter himself. Vaulkhar turned his attention elsewhere momentarily, one hand resting upon his hip, the other rose to his face and pinched the bridge of his nose.

Stupid.

The former Sith looked back to the duo after his silent berating of himself before he dipped his head in response to Jairdain's words. Truth be told, he knew the woman. What happened on this planet became his business the moment he was invited here by his master. And anytime he left the palace on an errand, personal or work related, Vaulkhar did not allow Krest to do so without some semblance of information gathered by the former. He knew little of the woman beyond her name and status as an ally to his master. Though as he looked upon her through the force, he could not help but to desire more. To the woman, he likely reeked of curiosity and possibly even attraction to her brilliance. Though once more he steeled himself and pushed his emotions deeps inside; where they belonged.

"If we are to make this fair, you likely should know my whole name, miss Jairdain. I am Vaulkhar Zambrano," for the first time ever he revealed his birthright to someone he just met. Those within the Sith could likely tell considering his affiliation with his father. Though outside of it, he made it a habit not to overshare for obvious reason. "Krest is... A good teacher, though I agree his methods are brutal. Our first encounter he summoned me into a dark room and nearly killed me as my introductory lesson to Djem So. It was, enlightening, to say the least."

The half breed offered a grin to the woman before moving closer to the pair. His gaze drifted between Krest and Jairdain, though it lingered on the woman with each passing second as if he was unable to look away from her. Rather than continue to near the duo he paused his movements entirely. He reached into his pack and withdrew the aforementioned datapad before gently sending it drifting through the air towards his master. Upon completion his gaze flickered back to Jairdain.

"I can offer some semblance of aid in whatever it is you are learning, I suppose."

[member="Krest"] | [member="Jairdain"]

 

[Jairdain]

What he observed within her, she had no way of knowing since she was in a way blinded to herself. She felt some shock from him when he looked at her, but had no idea why. He stood silent and various emotions were clear to her. Eventually though he pushed them down and spoke. Providing his full name told her which family he belonged to, but she had never actually met the man. Jairdain had only ever heard tales of him and that was enough for her. He had been a person that helped put her in the sate she was in...Not in any direct manner though.

She couldn't help but have a small smile with him as he described one of the teaching methods used by Krest. It was certainly a far fiercer manner than she was used to, but it was the ways of the sith. Yet, she felt this man held Krest in respect. She did as well. If she didn't, she wouldn't be here right now.

Remembering she still had her saber on, she turned it off and clipped it back to her belt. There wasn't any need for it right now. It didn't appear he was going to trounce on her for being of a light calling than he was. A blessing in her mind.

"You do realize attempting to hide emotions from me is an almost useless prospect?"

He walked closer, but didn't get close enough to shake hands. As he did that, she felt his attention flash between her and Krest. Each time his look remained on her slightly longer. Once he delivered the datapad to their apparent mutual master, he offered to lend some aid in helping her.

"Ismet, my whole name is Jairdain Ismet."

Now it was her turn to move and she would do just that. Bringing herself close enough to offer a hand to shake if he wanted to.
​
"He started to teach me Form III and then moved into a Force skill, but I'm not sure what it's called. The ability to anticipate where an attack is coming from?"

[member="Vaulkhar"]

 

[Vaulkhar]

"It may be a useless prospect, but it will at least save my pride. I am not sure my master wishes to watch me faun over you in our first meeting."

The half breed stared down at her hand in silence, still unsure of what to do. She had been entirely honest with him, sharing her full name, some of her abilities, and their small training regiment. Offering him a semblance of respect as well with this and the shake. Vaulkhar's eyes returned to her face where he stared silently, his eyes narrowing in a squint as he just stopped and stared as if seeing something for the first time. Several long seconds passed before he once more shook his head and reached forth to take her hand, offering a firm shake. His cybernetic right arm was in no way hidden, aside from the glove he wore likely for such an occasion as an introductory handshake. He held on a fraction of a second too long. Awkward.

Vaulkhar's hand fell to his side before he looked back at Krest. Soresu and a more advanced form of force sense he'd wager? It was never explained to him the name of whatever ability allowed him to feel danger around him, though he felt it through the force in the same way he saw the world. So perhaps it was all the same. He considered questioning his master, though he felt no need. By this point, Vaulkhar had an idea of what Krest desired of him, so once again his attention returned to Jairdain.

"I..." Vaulkhar began, though he stopped almost immediately to keep himself from stumbling over his words. Every time he looked back at her he was taken aback by her radiance. It was a beautiful sight to the half breed, one he was unable to overcome as it surprised him without fail. Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes, centered himself, and reopened them to speak. "Soresu is a very good style for defending one's self, especially through the senses acquired through the force. It offers techniques that will create an impenetrable defense, while also offering quick and efficient attacks to make use of openings forced onto your foes via your defense work. I will gladly work on that with you," his smile returned and quickly grew in size at that prospect.

The opportunity to take on a student he wouldn't hate himself for training, it overjoyed him. Not only that, but the half breed had the opportunity to help Jairdain overcome a weakness he once faced. The idea warmed his heart. And possibly above all else, he would be able to bask within the brilliant light that washed off of her in waves, overwhelming him the longer he remained within her presence.

"We can start first with helping you feel through the force what surrounds you and what comes at you. Then we can work on the actual lightsaber work. If you can't feel what threatens you, you can be the greatest combatant in the universe and it wouldn't mean a damn thing."

Vaulkhar's smile widened considerably.

[member="Jairdain"] | [member="Krest"]

 

[Jairdain]

She chuckled a little at his comment about Krest not wanting to see him fawning over her. Especailly at their first meeting. Making no further comment on that, a thought did cross her mind. Even though it was not something she had anticipated when bringing Krest back from death, she had brought him closer to the Light. Perhaps she could do the same for Vaulkhar. Not because she disagreed with his calling or alignment, but she felt within him something akin to her. A question of where he should go.

Not at all noticing he held her hand slightly longer than normal, Jairdain was one that craved physical touch. It was how she saw the world as much as she could. So she thought nothing of it at all.

After she explained what Krest had begun, he was silent while he thought about how to go about accomplishing teaching her. She had yet to know he was as blind as she was and assumed he had sight as well. After several moments he started speaking, stopped and then continued saying something different after taking a few breaths. Already knowing she had some sort of effect on him, she wondered what he was going to say originally.

Listening to what he was saying though, she nodded. Already having studied the Form, she understood what it was for, just not having any real formal training...made her a weak fighter. To the point she pretty much actively tried to avoid it. Instead she had focused on the mental aspects of the Force. So she could scramble a person's mind, she couldn't fight.

As he spoke, she sensed a form of happiness and joy from him. It rubbed off on her and made her feel happy as well. Having the feeling this was going to work out, she did wonder how it well it was going to go.

"How do we begin?"

[member="Vaulkhar"]

 

[Vaulkhar]

Vaulkhar considered the question for a moment before stepping forward once more, scanning her form with the aid of the force. He unfortunately knew nothing about the woman or her stature, which would make putting together training routine difficult. With a faint sigh he stepped forward and raised his hands to about head level with her, judged via her voice.

"Well Jairdain Ismet, if you would step forward for me, it would be greatly appreciated. I've no idea what you look like, your stature, or any of your physical attributes. If I'm to train you, I'll need to start with this then we can get on to a basic exercise," Vaulkhar waited patiently, looking over the woman in silence after his small explanation. Thus far, this has always been the hardest and most difficult portion of training an apprentice. Convincing them to allow him to run his hands along their face, arms, shoulders, etc. It allowed him a stronger mental image of their form and potential, but most didn't particularly care for or understand the reasoning behind such. Most just found it awkward. Never a fun part of the training process.

The half breed continued to just start at the brilliant entity before him, seemingly lost in the light that was Jairdain as he awaited her consent. The longer he stared, the more his composure broke away to just reveal his blatant interest.

[member="Jairdain"]

 

[Jairdain]

The next few seconds of his actions and words basically grounded Jairdain. Not that she hadn't been serious before, but with the realization he was as blind as she was brought her attention fully to him.

Without any sense of hesitation or awkwardness, she stepped forward to where he requested her to stand. He would feel her understanding and comprehension instead. No sympathy though. She wasn't sorry either of them were blind and that granted them maybe a far greater understanding of the world around them. Certainly of what people were really like.

"You are the apprentice he mentioned earlier. I am also blind so would like the opportunity to see you as well if you agree."

As his hands passed ove​r her, he would feel that her hair was free flowing and went down her back with very light waves to it. She was also human and stood a few inches shorter than he did. Wearing almost a simple tunic, it did not contain any embroidery or decoration. Not wearing any cloak, jacket or vest, her build was on the small side. If he felt her legs, he would find cloth pants as well that were loose and would be quite comfortable, under them were ankle boots. Her only weapon was the saber clipped on her belt.

His interest was certainly felt and with the new knowledge that he was blind as well made her feel a new connection to him.

[member="Vaulkhar"]

 

[Vaulkhar]

"I must be, if Krest mentioned a blind apprentice. As it turns out, he doesn't have many of those... Just one, really."

Vaulkhar offered a faint smile at that before his hands rested against her cheeks. Via the palms of his hands and his fingers he explored her cheeks, running his fingers along the length of her jawline before pausing at her chin. His thumbs would weakly press against the center of her lips before moving outward. Afterward his fingers ran up the bridge of her nose, along her brow, circling the forehead and eyes alike. Upon finishing examining her face his hands trailed through her hair, his head gently bobbing up and down in a nod.

"You take very good care of your hair, Jairdain!" The half breed chuckled faintly and lowered his hands to just below her ears, running them down the sides of her neck to her shoulders where each hand independently judged her build, specifically how broad she was as well as the overall strength within her shoulders. He'd take one of her hands within both of his, his fingers running up each of her fingers individually before exploring the palm and the back of her hand. Vaulkhar's nimble fingers then inched up her arms, his thumbs kneading her forearm, bicep, and tricep. He repeated the process on her other arm before dropping to a knee. He continued his analysis, his hands pressing against her abdominal muscles, judging her level of fitness before running down her legs as well.

"You seem to be in very good shape, Jairdain. It should be easy getting you through the early stages of the training," he straightened and moved closer, pausing inches before her. He looked down with a smile. "Of course you can see me, you've honored me with such so I would not deny you."

[member="Jairdain"]

 

[Jairdain]

"I have met less than a handful of others that are blind and even they are Miralukan. Where I am human.

Knowing just how important this was to a blind person, Jairdain stood still and did not move as he felt her face. He may never know what she looked liked on a visual spectrum, but this would certainly allow him the opportunity to put a face shape to her voice. As his fingers went up around her eyes, they closed on their on. Even though they were essentially useless, nature wanted to protect them.

Allowing him full freedom to see her, she smiled at his compliment on her hair care.

"Being the advisor to royality and friends with another does have its benefits. Thank you though. I do the best I can."

His fingers and hands continued to explore, feel and see for him and Jairdain did not feel any sense of being uncomfortable. She actually liked the attention to detail he paid. Vaulkhar did not spend extra time on any specific area and kept moving. Eventually it ended and he stood up to stand even closer to her.

Giving her permission to do the same, she wasn't about to waste the opportunity. Her own hands lifted and she started at the top. Moving from the top of his head and down from there.She was unaware of his full genetics, but knew of the Epicanthix blood within him. So when she felt around his eyes, she assumed he was just a blind epicanthix. Her hands and fingers traced his face and as many details there, moved down his neck, across his shoulders and down his arms.

In a similar manner, she felt his fingers and noticed right away that his right arm from the elbow down was cybernetic. It was tough being sith and as the Emperor's son it would have been even harder on him. She wanted to ask what happened, but refrained for now. Not keeping her emotion or thought hidden, he might pick up on it and she would be a little surprised if he didn't.

Letting go of his hands, she went back to his torso and ran her hands in a frim but gentle manner across his chest, stomach and sides. Moving lower to his hips and then his legs. So similar in their actions, it was wonderful to do this.

Staning up, her hands fell to her sides, but she did not step back. There were still only a few inches between them and while looking up at him did no good, her head tilted up and she smiled.

"Thank you, Vaulkhar. I feel we will do well together in this."

 

[Vaulkhar]

"I've not met another blind individual outside of those who raised me in the place of my father. So I am rather happy we've met in this manner."

Aside from his cybernetic arm, Vaulkhar was whole physically. His body was well fit, well muscled, and spoke of a warrior's upbringing beneath the Sith. His facial features were angular, as expected of an epicanthix, much like herself it was clear the half breed paid a fair bit attention to hair care and general hygiene; perks of noble blood most likely. He seemed rather comfortable with her actions, though this entire process was an entirely new feeling to him, something she'd easily pick up on. Though to Vaulkhar, it certainly felt right to share such a moment with someone in a similar position as himself.

He managed to pick up on her reservations in regards to the cybernetic limb, though he opted to make no comment in regards to it. If the conversation eventually went there, he'd discuss it. If not, he was fine with such a turn. While he was comfortable with what he had become with the Sith, he likely didn't enjoy the telling of war stories. As she came to a pause and looked up at him, he returned the ultimately pointless gesture. Beyond the encompassing light that was Jairdain, he could begin to make out the general shape of the woman. No longer did he see a brilliant orb of bright energy, rather, he saw the form of a woman smaller than he, radiant in energy, beautiful to his blind gaze.

Unable to control himself, his hands drifted upwards to her face once more. His fingers gently rested on her jawline as his thumbs rested on her cheekbones. His eyes closed as he focused entirely upon her, his other senses taking Jairdain in entirely. The soft, supple feeling of her flesh. The scent of her hair as it gently wafted towards him from the light breeze occupying their surroundings. The sound of each breath she took within the moment. It all flooded into his conscious aside the warmth of her very being washing over him.

"Don't thank me, I-" Vaulkhar paused as he once more refused to stumble over his words in this moment. "I thank you for allowing me this oppurtunity. And I think we will do great things together, Jairdain Ismet."

[member="Jairdain"]