Private Where Soul Meets Body

[Henna Ashina]

Nad Yuuza
vibes
Avar Kesh, Tython

The sun broke the horizon as Henna reached the peak of the spire. It cast an orange glow across the clouds below, transforming the open sky into a sea of wonder. The master paused between the two spires which marked the entrance of the temple, allowing her lungs to adjust to the elevated air. Weeping trees had taken root along the cliffs, surprising her. She had found herself returning to the temple of balance time and time again since her initial journey, though the last few years had been the longest stretch. Their presence brought the ghost of smile across her face. Even in the harshest of circumstances, life found a way.

The stone throughout the center of Akar Kesh remains smooth, protected by the frayed edges which had taken the brunt of the wind's beatings. Henna smoothed the back of her robes as she moved to sit on the frigid ground amongst the water's edge. The sun had risen, causing bogan to release his draining grip on the pool. It had begun to swell with the life of Ashla instead, creeping over the dried stains from the nights prior.

Amber eyes fell shut as she rested beside the water. Light flutes balanced the deep bass beneath, complimented by a piano. The sensation of the force around her was familiar- except for a single muffled presence.

"What brings you to the pools, young one?" Though she had broken the silence, Henna's eyes remained shut, her face serene.

 

[Nad Yuuza]

Nad's feet clacked on the rocky path up towards the twin spires, which lorded over everything above. He found this place fascinating; the air pressure, affected by the altitude, would mean that many humanoid sentients would struggle to adjust to breathing here. His physiology meant that was not a problem - though he was a typical Givin in so many ways, Nad's appearance did not give that away. His condition, which looked like a mere blemish to one of his people, apparently resembled something closer to the skeletal structure of Humans, and many Near-Humans. That was interesting - he had seen diagrams, but never a human skeleton for himself. With the altitude of this journey and the amount of religious pilgrims who may have attempted it, perhaps he would see one today! That would be exciting.

The robed sentient began to reach the peak of the spire, following the way that the Equation had guided him. This was the safest mathematical choice, as he gave it an 84.6% chance, including all factors he could consider, that a senior Jedi would be present at this location. This was apparently a place of 'meditation', somewhere that those with access to the Force could commune. The idea was positively fascinating; perhaps he would even be able to make out more of the Great Equation if he focused in such a place.

Now cresting the spire, he saw her. A Human, by his estimations, though he had not enough experiences of the minute differences between humans and their 'cousin' off-shoots to reliably tell the difference. He would need to gather more data before considering it further. He approached the woman, tilting his head curiously when she asked a question without even having seen him. Ah, this was likely a form of greeting, similar to those of his people! He would show politeness, and then respond in kind.

"I am here to meet with you and learn of the Jedi! In the equation 2(x + 4) - 7(x - 8) + 8 = 7(x - 10), what is the value of x?"

He spoke the follow-up question in the same friendly cadence, even outwardly saying when brackets began and closed. After giving the strange query, he just let that hang in the air, expectantly waiting for an answer.

Henna Ashina

 

[Henna Ashina]

Nad Yuuza
vibes
Avar Kesh, Tython

The master's head cocked to one side, her eyelids following brows upwards as surprise broke the aura of tranquility. The expression faded into one of pursed lips as internal monologue worked its way through the calculation, distributing and simplifying. Formal education had taught her complex arithmetics; a lack of internal visualization outside matters of the force left her fumbling like a caveman when trying to solve the problems in her head. It took her a good half-minute before she responded.

"Seventy-one over six."

It was only after Henna was satisfied with the answer that she turned to face the stranger. The skull-like appearance nearly gave her a start, though practiced control in the muscle resisted giving such away.

"It is curious you would ask such a question, especially here of all places. The force defies logic, as does Tython."

The master turned back to face the waters, the teal now nipping at the hems of her robes. They were proof of her words. By all accounts, astronomers and scholars alike believed the tides of Tython should follow a vastly different schedule - yet there was little denying that which happened before you. A hand patted the ground beside her in invitation.

"Be welcome, padawan. I am Master Sarratt. Join me in reflection? Perhaps we both have a thing to learn."

 

[Nad Yuuza]

Nad tilted his head again at her answer, looking once more like a curious and perhaps confused animal. Eventually, out of the silence, came a response, which sounded more like a correction than anything else. "11.83." He didn't seem to study her face in particular, or any real area of what was around him in this moment, either. He stared at her, maintaining eye contact - at least, one would assume so, it was hard to tell when there were simply empty sockets where one would expect eyes. Still, he did not move at first, as though mulling over what she had said.

"I disagree!" He said it with a cheery enthusiasm as he stepped closer, now seeming a bit more relaxed, the answer that he had interpreted as rudeness fading from his mind. Perhaps she was simply taken aback by the sudden company, he thought. Now and again, certain members of his people had been known to stumble and misplace a decimal point. It was usually apologised for, of course, but one understood that it was simply a result of tiredness, overwork, or being clumsy in some way. "I believe it makes perfect sense. To try and seek the answer, one has to know the question first! Not many can see the Great Equation."

The skeletal figure came down and sat cross-legged next to Henna, continually glancing over to her expectantly. It was only a few moments later that he realised that by reflection, she meant a form of meditative exercise. How could he be so silly? Nad sat still, and tried to focus on those things around them, on the aspects of the equation he could feel in this place. It was filled to bursting with operators, functions and conditional expressions of all types. Eventually, he could not hold it anymore. He had to discuss, he could not help but marvel at what was around him. Ah, but first. Introductions.

"I am Nad Yuuza, of Yag'Dhul and the Givin people. I introduced myself to the greeters when I first got here, but I am...unsure how to continue my study." A moment later, it was like a lightbulb went off in Nad's head, his hands making an exaggerated gesture. "Ah! I am interrupting you, I'm sorry. You are reflecting."

Henna Ashina

 

[Henna Ashina]

Nad Yuuza
vibes
Avar Kesh, Tython

Amusement blossomed into a smile, and she opened her eyes, allowing herself to recline slightly as she regarded the young man. The aura of quizzical innocence was one she rarely encountered, many students drawn to the flashier aspects of Jedi studies. Only a small fraction of her thought believed the pair had chosen the same time to make the long ascent.

"There is no need to apologize, Nad Yuuza. Meditation is necessary, but sometimes, you can learn more through conversating and action. It is a pleasure to meet you."

Umber orbs followed the mid-morning sun as it broke over the mountain top, making its eternal journey through Tython's sky.

"Is wisdom a trait of your people? It is rare for me to be impressed with the pursuit of knowledge, especially of one your age."

His earlier words tugged at her mind, bothersome, demanding to be followed.

"This great equation... is that a cultural practice as well? Is that what the question you were trying to answer was?"

Henna frowned as she realized her words had taken a sharp edge, though she didn't attempt to correct them. Ruthlessness in her own pursuit was a bad habit she hadn't managed to break since she was young. She observed the Yag'dhul closely, searching for his own mannerisms in his answer.