When is peace a lie? [Gr Jedi Order training]

[Mantic Dorn]

The dome of the mediation chamber held a certain air to it by itself and the statues holding watch in the alcoves further increased a sense of mystery to the ancient chamber. The deeds that had been accomplished here traveled the course of the many paintings and sculptures on the walls.
Because while it had not been a place for heroism or glorified battle the many and legendary jedi who had come here managed to stay both balanced in the force and sane to their mind despite all they had endured on their travels.
This was a sanctum, a place for jedi to collect themselves and restore what was lost.

To Mantic places like this was the closest thing to home. He returned here as often as possible, to meditate or train in between his own journeys. A moment of peace that he had learned to master.

Now he wanted to share this with the younger ones of the order. Without it a jedi would find herself ill equiped when the temptations of the dark side was knocking, and even though the young padawans of the order was forced to face the these very perils far to early Mantic had hopes to give them some sort of tool to keep on going despite it all.
He had chosen the time on purpose. It was evening and the weather was fine. Stars painted the evening sky with diamonds of various strength and Mantic hoped that the setting would help summon a sense of tranquility and peace to the minds of the students.

Around the middle circle of the room there were plain blankets unfolded, giving room for a class to sit around the room on the various steps of the leveled short steps leading down to the very center of the room.

The center of the room was empty beside a few rocks and stones laying scattered about.

He turned to face the entrance. As students were about to arrive he greeted each one in person and assigned them to pick a blanket and try to remain still and quite for the time being.The lesson would start shortly.

 

[Yumi Serizawa]

Word had spread about a possible lesson being taught in the Jedi meditation chamber by [member="Mantic Dorn"] . As a studying padawan herself Arrikabukk had felt obligated to at least see for herself. Although the way it sounded the lesson itself was likely one of concentration with the Force. Not something she was too keen on at first. Being a wookie Arri had always agreed that strength was the better weapon, even more so when that strength was aided by a lightsaber in combat. But as her master and many others had told her it also relied on the use of the Force to be a truly gifted Jedi. With that in mind she figured it best to take what she could get from this lesson if it meant helping her to understand this aspect any better.

Arriving in the chamber she could see Master Dorn waiting. She approached, standing tall above him, before giving a bow of respect to him. A little growl in her throat as she did, indicating she was glad to meet him even if it wasn't a social gathering.

 

[Bal'danna Erlaos]

Adam had also received rumor that the Jedi Knight, [member="Mantic Dorn"] had been offering open lessons to anyone in the Meditation chamber. Adam was only a Youngling, yes, but it there was never a time he wouldn't give up playing for practice. Walking by himself, receiving smiles from the older people down the area leading to the meditation chamber, he arrived, finally. Preparing himself for whatever a 9 year old boy could, he stepped into the room. Looking around in awe, Adam saw two people, assuming the Human was a Jedi Knight, and that the Wookie was another Padawan. The walls were well decorated. Almost overly decorated.

Stepping towards the assumed Padawan and Knight, Adam gave a short bow. He had been taught manners, but no force abilities, but BASIC lightsaber training. Opening his mouth to speak, Adam paused.. He was taking a big step in his life, and perhaps the step that would decide his fate.

"Hello, M-Master Dorn? Master? Or Knight Dorn?"
He hadnt been taught what to properly address a Jedi, so he just used the term master, or Knight.
Looking up at the Knight, he waited for what he had to say.

[member="Arrikabukk"] | [member="Mantic Dorn"]

 

[Aston Jacobs]

It had been too long, since he had looked upon the structure that was the Jedi Temple. For the longest time Aston wasn't sure of who he was and what he was supposed to do. While his sister [member="Spencer Jacobs"] had been through much, he essentially lived through her due to he hive mind that they shared. But it wasn't that, he wanted to experience things for himself. And for a long while he did, to being captured by enemies of his father, to traversing the planets of Kashyyk, Dathomir and Arbra and others. Still searching for that semblance, and every time he was drawing to a close with himself. No matter what all roads still came through and led him back here, to the Galactic Republic. A Jedi striving to bring peace and prosperity to the galaxy. Even if just for a short time, as long as those few experienced peace. Eventually they would strive for more and do more to help. And hopefully one day things would be as they should.

And perhaps then Aston would find out who he was, as far as who he is supposed to be. But for now, he had returned to the Jedi Order prepared to serve with the Jedi again and strive towards their goals, and his as well.

Aston peered into the room just to ensure that he was in the right place and he could see Master [member="Mantic Dorn"] along with two others. "Master." Aston spoke with a small nod and bow as he moved towards the blanket that he was assigned to and awaited for further instructions.

Aside from everything, this place was quite peaceful.

 

[Isshbecca]

The rumors breezed simply through the word of mouth that a lone Jedi Knight was teaching within the chambers of meditation. Oh what a feeling it was for Isshbecca to be simply given the chance to be here, representing his wookiee heritage with honor and fulfillment. Isshbecca was not about to disappoint his heritage and was quite eager to learn, so any chance to learn and move forward in the Force was a plus for him. So he rushed through to the chamber, hoping to make the class in time.

Isshbecca arrived within the chamber's entrance, with a face stricken mad with ultimate determination to learn. He would first notice the Jedi Knight, [member="Mantic Dorn"], obviously stuttering, not knowing what to do around high ranking Jedi. Though he has been around Jedi before, he has never been around them in a formal setting. Isshbecca gave a quickening bow of his head, before being pointed to his mat to wait for the class to start. He gave a leisurely paced look around the room, giving notice to the other wookiee at first. Isshbecca gave a hastened thought, another... wookiee...? Perhaps I should converse with her, wookiees need to remain unified in this crazed universe. He would then begin to move his head on to the other two, seemingly other padawans. Isshbecca would give nod in respect to any of the other padawans if they happened to meet eye-to-eye with him as he scanned the ever so peaceful chamber.

Now he plainly sat on his quilted blanket, waiting for further instructions from the Jedi Knight that he still did not know the name of.

 

[Mantic Dorn]

Mantic watched the students arrive and kept welcoming each and one to the lesson.

Understanding the meaning of [member="Arrikabukk"] s growl he smiled and nodded.

"It is a pleasure to meet you too. Please find a seat." he motioned her into the room to choose a blanket for herself and turned to [member="Adam Randifer"]
"Dont worry young man." he sad reassuring him that he was among friends. "the titles can be confusing at times. You should adress your master with the title Master. But I am only a knight at this stage. for the sake of the lesson you can adress me as master or Knight Dorn. Both works." he patted the boy on the shoulder and pointed him to a blanket.

As the rest of the students entered and found their places Mantic left the entrance and went down to the center area of the room. There he turned around and watched all assembled. Two wookies in one session was something extraordinary. He would have to make a special note of this to the council at a later time.

"Welcome younglings and padawans. I am Knight Dorn and I will be guiding you along one of the more basic but also most crucial abilities that a jedi must learn. That through meditation reach a connection with the force. That through concentration and peace at mind gain insight on and understanding for how we can interpret the great energy field that is the force."

Mantic positioned himself on a blue blanket on the floor. there he crossed his leg and placed his own hands, palms open and upwards, on each knee. He straightened his own back and inhaled deeply. He did every movement a little bit exaggerated just to make sure the students could follow.

"Now, meditation is not a strict science. It often works differently for different persons. In time, some of you will be able to reach meditation while moving, or even in combat. But if you are not very experienced with the skill, I would advice that you tried my position. It is the first one usually learns and most find it a strict yet still comfortable position. Most importantly is to control your breathing. INahle deep, hold your breath for a little longer then usual, then breath out. Then redo the procedure until your lungs has accepted what you want from them. And you seek to be calm, at body and mind."

Mantic fell silent to give everyone enough time to settle in and try out what he had just instructed on.

@illyana nightstar @varius @Isshbecca @Aston Jacobs

 

[Isshbecca]

Isshbecca calmly watched the knight, happy that he could finally provide a name to the man's face. The knight then proceeded to slowly sit, obviously providing a perfect example of meditation. Isshbecca continued to watch over the knight with great concentration. But all Isshbecca could think was, he was actually within the meditation chamber, beginning his honorable journey to become Jedi. His mind quickly got jumbled as the knight began to speak.

"Now, meditation is not a strict science. It often works differently for different persons. In time, some of you will be able to reach meditation while moving, or even in combat. But if you are not very experienced with the skill, I would advice that you tried my position. It is the first one usually learns and most find it a strict yet still comfortable position. Most importantly is to control your breathing. Inhale deep, hold your breath for a little longer then usual, then breath out. Then redo the procedure until your lungs has accepted what you want from them. And you seek to be calm, at body and mind."

Now it was Isshbecca's turn to attempt to meditate... Would he be able to? In his mind he's never been completely calm, it's almost quite impossible for a wookiee to be truly calm! He thought. But Isshbecca tried to dissolve his differences and attempted to mirror the man's actions. It was quite hard for such a tall furball to get in a sitting position, but he accomplished it anyways. Then Isshbecca proceeded to attempt to breathe in and out slowly, but nothing was obviously happening in his mind. He continued to attempt a few more times, inhaling and exhaling much slower each try. Still nothing happened. Isshbecca has almost never been so annoyed in his years of life. He quickly gave a maddening pound onto the ground where his blanket rested underneath him. Isshbecca proceed with a yell in Shyriiwook.

<Shyriiwook> "Why can't I do this! I am Isshbecca, honorable wookiee!" <Shyriiwook>

Isshbecca still sat there, huffing and puffing in anger. Though after a minute, a wave of disgrace washed over his face. Isshbecca had realized what he had done and felt ashamed. He didn't know what to do, so he continued to drown in his pool of shame. His head slanted greatly down at the floor until the knight said otherwise.

 

[Illyana Nightshade]

Illyana rushed through the hall to the meditation room she was late. This annoyed the Padawan greatly as she had yet to been late to any of her masters lessons. As she neared the door she thought she heard someone shout something in the Wookie language. She didn't understand it, but wondered who would be yelling in a meditation lesson. She entered into the room scanning she quickly picked out a free blanket. She moved to it quickly sitting down. She looked around to see what was going on. She smiled closing her eyes she mimicked her masters position perfectly. She began to slow her breathing taking in a breath and holding it for longer than normal before letting it out. Mantic had given the girl tips on how to mediate before so this was nothing really new to her.

[member=Isshbecca] [member=Mantic Dorn] [member="Aston Jacobs"] [member="Adam Randifer"] [member="Arrikabukk"]

 

[Aston Jacobs]

Its similar to an art and science, Aston thought sometimes. While he was on Dathomir for quite some time, nature in itself had become his meditative playground. The chirping of the different birds, the rustle of leaves and grass as the wind moved it along. And not to mention the usual rain spell that gifted the the area. Aston was usually in his element during times like that, even among the thunder it was his. The Jedi closed his eyes and did as he was instructed by his master. He took a deep breath and in turn every few seconds his breathing had lessened. His breath ins were shorter and thus he heard the yell of one of his comrades in training as he opened one eye, and cleared his throat. Not wanting to speak out of turn or anything, but sometimes words just slipped out.

"It's alright, [member="Isshbecca"] just relax and try again." Aston said with a small encouraging smile, before he closed his eyes and went back to what he was doing, repeating the process was no big deal to him. Aston took a deep breath again and once more on his the journey to peace he was.

They were very fortunate to have time like this.

[member="Illyana Nightshade"] [member="Mantic Dorn"] [member="Adam Randifer"][member="Yumi Serizawa"]

 

[Mantic Dorn]

As the groups settled in and began their attempts to find their own corner of inner peace and calm Mantic eyed them carefully. While many had already mastered meditation in it self, it was only a mean to the actual end. To open up and give the force the most needed passageway into ones consciousness. With it great things could be achieved, but the road to become enlightened around these things could be a very long one if not handled with care.

Mantic rose from his position and strode up to the wookie, [member="Isshbecca"]

"It is only natural that you need to find your own key to this door padawan. Do not be alarmed because such is the way of the force." Mantic spoke and reached out with the force, it was a gentlt brush, nothing to alarm or even be noticed by most in the room. It was to reinforce the wookies sel-confident. The calmness he he would have to find on his own.

"Imagine your home world. A tree house with sturdy walls and and a view meant for the kings of Kashyyk. Close your eyes and find that place." it did not matter if there actually was such a place or not. It was the mood Mantic was after.

"Can you smell the steak that is being slowly roasted over an open fire. The sparks giving of a familiar sound as they burst out a few inches higher then the flames they originate from?"

"It is the days catch from your joint hunt. and now the flock gathers, to take care of each other and share wit what they got. Stories are exchanged at first, then the meal. The gentle settling as the little ones find comfort in the grown ups laps. The stars shine bright over you all on this occation. You are a flock, and you take care of each other. It is a good thing."

Mantic backed off slowly keeping his eyes on the wookie to check up on how it was going.

"Breath in... breath out...." he then continued with a lower voice to all present. "Search for a light, create it in your mind if need be. Let it be the only thing you see. Perhaps it is a crystal glowing in the dark? Maybe it is the reflection upon water... find it to your inner selves."

Mantic watched as the students performed their inner lessons.

"Good, good. Let it be there, and once you have found it. Reach out, touch it. Let its warmth tickle down your fore arm and unto your torso. Let it in, let it be a part of you."

[member="Yumi Serizawa"] [member="Aston Jacobs"] [member="Illyana Nightshade"] [member="Isshbecca"] [member="Adam Randifer"]

 

[Mantic Dorn]

While there was still a grave difference in the students meditation skills Mantic had hoped that they were now settling in enough for him to bring the lesson to the next level.

He positioned himself in the lower mid of the chamber and assumed the position he had been sitting in before he moved around to help a few students find their version of peace at mind.

"Remember that the force is not only within you. It is all around us and binds us together in a vast network of never ending webs. That is how jedi masters can sense events taken place far away. The physical distances is not important. It is the number of threads and their attunement to the force that is important in deciding if you will sense a disturbance in the force." Mantic started to focus inward himself. He took a deep breath and exhaled, gently imagining a pond that he was especially fond and secure with. A place from his childhood that was his fountain of strength.

With a gentle nudge of his mind the objects that had been placed scattered across the floor shook. A moment later they started to float, lifting into the air and circling around the teacher and students alike.

Maybe padawans with some degree of training would feel this shift in the force, and that was exactly Mantics purpose.

"When something is affected in the material world it sends ripples through this web. If you are at peace with your mind and open to this you will sense when things are altered." Mantic slowly opened his eyes taking great care not to loose control of any of the rocks floating about.

Then each student received a small rock floating in front of them. It hoovered there for a while in full eyesight.

"One need to feel the force as a whole. How the air tickles the surface of the stone, hos the almost non-existent damp still clings to its core. Its yearning to heed gravitation and be returned to the ground."
With that word the rocks lowered themselves just in front of each student and then Mantic let go off them.

"See the stone as a part of this room. This temple and in fact this planet. It is tied to me, to you and to the galaxy as a whole."

"Now resume your meditation and try to hold the stone. Do not be hasty, take your time, the stone is not going anywhere without your help. Imagine it in your hand and then lift it up."


[member="Yumi Serizawa"] [member="Adam Randifer"] [member="Aston Jacobs"] [member="Isshbecca"] [member="Illyana Nightshade"] @students

 

[Aston Jacobs]

Aston had read about such things, and he always pondered the mysteries of the force, the lightside spectrum anyway. He often wondered where his abilities could lead him and what they could do with the force being everywhere. This was when he was younger in his early years of 8-9. He could be found often late in the evening the Jedi Library searching and reading Jedi Lore and everything that he could in regards to anything pertaining to a Jedi and the Jedi Order. Aston would soon find out that reading and actually doing them were completely different things, while it didn't take him to long to figure this out, he adapted to it rather easily, and now he still could be found in the Library from time to time. However the majority of his time was found in the field, as he should have been.

Aston's mind was focused as he opened his eyes and took a deep breath as the rocks were then floating in front of each of them. Aston took another breath as the rock was lowered and set down in front of him. Aston listened to Master [member="Mantic Dorn"] 's every word after he was done the Jedi Padawan did just as instructed.

The young man closed his eyes, as he focused with what the task at hand, feeling the force around him, in everything as his Master had said. Not just within himself but his fellow Jedi, and his Master even. At first, the stone moved just a bit, but almost as if it was going to roll over, thus a few seconds later. The stone reacted to Aston's call on the force as it raised up, slowly but it was on its way and it soon was level with his chin. The Jedi Padawan opened his eyes as he looked at what was in front of him. His hands resting on his legs as he showed a small smile and closed his eyes again, waiting for the next order of instruction, stone

 

[Rafeesh]

Rafeesh slowly walked to the room door, frustrated with himself for being late. This was not the way to start his life with the Order. He had told himself to be here on time and to show that he was an astute student. Heh. Student. he hadn't been one in such a long time. It was a nice change from being the punching bag for destiny. Meditation, if he remembered from all those years ago had been very calming and centering, very helpful as a Jedi.

He took a moment to breathe deeply and force his emotions away. He wanted calm and he intended on achieving it. He walked into the room as quietly as he could, so as to avoid interrupting the class. He made to the nearest open place and knelt. He didn't look around the room, instead focusing his attention on [member="Mantic Dorn"]. He had just finished saying something and Rafeesh silently cursed his luck. However he made a guess as to what they were trying to do.

Rafeesh closed his eyes and slowed his breathing even more. Turning his attention to the rock near him. He fought to keep his emotions in check, until now he had relied on them to grant him strength. Specifically his anger at the past. All that had happened to him, he had relied on his rage at the events to drive him. Now though, he had to let it all go. He had to forget all of the past for now and focus himself on the task of lifting the stone.

He felt nothing for a time and opened his eyes in further frustration. He looked around the room to see how the others were doing.

 

[Mantic Dorn]

The room was filling up with tingling sensations of the force as the many students began to reach out in an attempt to find the connection and how the stone was part of the greater web that was the force.

Mantic opened his own eyes, glad to see the new arrivals. He took a few moments and observed the various results.

"The force is not a mystical power that you need to conjure. Remember, it is already there. Surrounding the stone, and you in the same greater pattern. Look at the stone, invstigate it with your touch if need be. Find its dents and cracks. Acknowledge that it has been part of our universe for a long time. The webs that is surrounding it are strong, do not worry."

A few students had managed to have the stone afloat by now. Others were still struggling, and for some it was all very frustrating.

"The force does not pick who it will support, neither will it ignore you. It is only you that can ignore its calling. Most often because one does not belive in one self. This is not a competition, focus on your own task at hand. Focus on getting the stone airborn, nothing else." he advised to those who had some work to do before the stone actually levitated.

"Once you have the stone floating, you must now slowly get to yor feet, but keep the stone floating. Remember, the stone, you, the walls of this room, the very air we breath is of the force. Join its constant heartbeat and keep the stone with you."

"There is no rush, take your time."

Mantic remained sitting, watching the class continue the exercise.

[member="Yumi Serizawa"] [member="Adam Randifer"] [member="Aston Jacobs"] [member="Isshbecca"] [member="Illyana Nightshade"] [member="Rafeesh"]

 

[Rafeesh]

Rafeesh listened before closing his eyes once more. Master was correct, he had to believe in himself first. He was creating the problem, he had to let go of himself in order to better focus himself for his proper task. He tried to let go of his emotions again. His frustration, his anger, his disappointment. He had to let go of everything. He dipped into the Force, feeling a sense of calm as he allowed himself to forget the world around.

He focused then on the rock, or what he felt was the rock. It slowly began to rise as he put his mind to lifting it. He held it steady as he allowed himself to take a small respite. For such a small object there was difficulty in lifting it. He was worn from so short an exercise. He however felt enough strength to continue. He focused on keeping the rock still as he stood.

Slowly rising, Rafeesh stopped halfway up, the stone was shaking quite a bit as he began to try and split his mind between two tasks. The stone seemed to lower for a few seconds before Rafeesh once more gained control. He then continued standing until he was fully upright. The stone still shook slightly, however it was more controlled. Rafeesh could feel himself worn slightly, but he knew he could count on the FOrce to give him the strength.

[member="Mantic Dorn"]

 

[Mantic Dorn]

As the students continued their efforts with varied success Mantic stood and walked among them giving advice or merely observing.

"Some of you have come a great distance. This is good. Others are struggling with this task. Do not consider yourselves lesser if that is the case. A jedi must accept what the force offers. And at the end of the day it offers the same things to you as it offers to me. You merely need to let go of your own doubt and set your mind on the task at hand." speaking as he walked Mantic came to a halt.

"The force is a mysterious item. You need to accept that you do not comprehend it all at once. To let frustration take overhand is to open a darker gate, leading to the shadow. If you remember that, you have mastered the essence of this lesson padawans."

After a dramatic pause Mantic turned and smiled.

"Class dismissed."

[member="Yumi Serizawa"] [member="Adam Randifer"] [member="Aston Jacobs"] [member="Isshbecca"] [member="Illyana Nightshade"] [member="Rafeesh"]