Reflection and Growth

[Austin Wolfe]

theme​

Though there were many places that Knights Galahad and Austin could meet after their fruitful journey to Devaron, the doctor thought it would be best if they were to specifically visit a Nexus of the Light. While the Temple itself stood upon one such phenomenon, many other Jedi flocked to it, and the two wished a more quiet place to reflect on their experiences and growth. With this in mind, Austin only knew of one Nexus that was remote enough for them to find the peace they wished. It resided deep in the heart of one of Tython's forests, down a stream to an old shrine built by Jedi long ago. Despite Tython having been ravaged by the Exiles many decades ago, this particular place seemed relatively untouched by the destruction.

Austin and Galahad had already walked quite some distance, but the path ended at the stream where a small rowboat was tied to a dock. Climbing inside, the doctor invited the former guard to do the same. Austin looked out across the river, beautifully covered by the great canopy of Tython's forest with rays of sunlight sparkling on the gently flowing water. This place was full of life, with fish visibly swimming through the crystal clear water and birds chirping happily in the trees. "We must be getting close to the Force Nexus — everything around here has been blessed by its Light," Austin marveled quietly. Picking up one of the two oars kept in the boat, he began rowing along the river to their destination.

"Have you tried taking the crystal out of your staff?" the doctor inquired of Galahad. Ever since the Knight had acquired the sturdy Brylark staff, Austin had not seen his companion take the clear, unattuned Kyber crystal out from its crown. If he were to attune the crystal at the Nexus, as they had discussed during their return from Devaron, then it would be best done without the staff attached. His voice having broken the relative silence and peace of the grove nearby the shrine, several birds and small mammals skittered away, causing a smile to form on Austin's lips. He could get used to this place.

@Shalken​

 

[Galahad Vult]

Staff now in his left hand, Galahad tread softly through the lush Tython foliage. Austin had suggested they visit a Force Nexus, to which Vult agreed eagerly. Despite being a Jedi for almost his entire life, he had never visited such a place empowered by the Light before. Allowing the doctor to lead the way, the two had walked in relative silence, their thoughts dwelling on their travels of late. Stepping gingerly into the boat across from Dr. Wolfe, Galahad grasped the other oar and gently helped row down the mirror-like stream. "Indeed," The former Guard agreed, also witnessing the planet's untouched beauty. But not only did he see the blessings of the Light in their environment — Galahad felt it, radiating from the planet itself.

Breathing in the fresh air deeply, the Knight glanced down at the staff that rested by his feet. "...No, I have not. The crystal looks embedded into the top quite firmly; I do not know how I could remove it without destroying the wood in the process. If you know a way to extract it carefully, I will gladly listen." One of the many things he knew he could count on Austin for was his wealth of knowledge of the Force and the many forms that it could be manifested. While Galahad took pride in his physical and martial prowess, Dr. Wolfe's mind was sharp, and further strengthened by his deep faith in the Force. There were many things that the former guard could learn from his friend, as their recent excursions had revealed to him.

The two Jedi gently drifted downstream, vines and branches hanging low from the canopy that hung over the water. Rays of golden sunlight shone through the gaps in the leaves, and the plants rustled as small animals scurried away from their hidden perches. The river slowly grew wider as it wound to and fro through the forest. "We have come far since we first met, you and I," Galahad commented, a slight chuckle in his voice. "I was so obstinately set in my views of the Force as a tool, I was unable to see the wonders of its true nature. But now I understand what it is to truly be a Jedi; not that we merely serve others, but instead fulfill our duty in doing the will of the Force, and in doing so, we serve all."

As the river became even wider, it now formed a large basin, with a small island resting in its center. Atop the isle stood a large tree which was easily triple the size of those on the far riverbanks, and water trickled down the rocks beneath its roots in little waterfalls. The two Jedi slowly drew near, and the truth was clear: this was where the Nexus of Light lay.

@Vosrik​

 

[Austin Wolfe]

As they rowed down the stream, Austin took a moment to look closer at the staff. Galahad seemed to be right in that the unattuned crystal was embedded quite firmly into the top. He frowned in contemplation, pausing his rowing to pick up the Brylark staff and turn it carefully in his hands. He'd heard of many different unusual properties of Kyber crystals, one example being the relationship Master Jinlo Halan shared with hers, but never had the doctor known them to change their size. Inspecting it further, Austin decided to look at the wood instead. An eyebrow raised as he realized something unique. "Most staves this ornate that I have seen have been carved, but I do not think that is the case with this one," Austin began, handing it over to Galahad and dipping his oar into the water once again. "That looks as though it was grown, not cut away from a larger branch. Perhaps the answer isn't through forcefully removing the crystal, but by coaxing it out." Clearly, whoever had crafted the staff had in fact used the Force to do so.

"Are you familiar with the school of the Force known as Phytokinesis?" Austin continued on as their boat drifted gently through the canopy of some low-hanging trees. Plucking a flower bud from one of the branches, he took a moment to allow the Force to flow through him and into the flower at the tips of his fingers. At first, nothing happened — and then it rippled as the life-giving energies caused a cascade of light and colour to flow through its petals. The flower visibly matured and opened, releasing a pleasant scent to the two Jedi. Smiling and admiring his handiwork, Austin twirled the flower as he twirled the stem in between his fingers. "Possibly known more commonly as Plant Surge. Not a particularly well-known discipline, as its uses are few." The medic placed the blooming flower into the water, watching it drift away downstream. "I believe you must shift the wood that encases the crystal to release it."

As the conversation turned from the staff, Austin could do little else but agree with his companion. It had been quite a long time since they had first met in the infirmary on Jedha after the explosion in the hangar. "The Force certainly has marvelous ways of bringing things about. If you had not been on duty that day patrolling the hangar, then you would not have been injured nor sent to my infirmary." He relaxed from his rowing again briefly, contemplating how differently he had viewed the Order and current state of the Galaxy back then. "We have come far indeed, my friend," Austin smiled. "I too now truly understand what it means to be a Jedi, and the duty that it requires us to fulfill. I admit, I was focused more on myself than on others. Selfishly holed in my own corner of the Temple, unwilling to see or accept the truth. I am glad we have helped each other overcome our struggles."

Seeing the island resting in the large basin, the two Jedi guided their boat and rowed it to the dock — built, it seemed, as part of the shrine. Filled with awe, Austin was struck speechless as he drew ever closer to the Nexus of the Light. This place held untold beauty and purity that he'd never experienced before, not even in the Temple. Stepping out onto the dock, he began walking along the ancient stone pathway that led ever closer to their destination.

@Shalken​

 

[Galahad Vult]

⋮⋮ Grown? ⋮⋮ Galahad pondered as he rowed the boat further downstream. The thought had never occurred to him that a skilled enough Jedi could manipulate plants into something so intricate. "Indeed, I have heard of Phytokinesis, though I have made no use of it myself." His turn to put aside his oar momentarily, the former guard grasped the brylark staff as Austin handed it to him, inspecting the top in greater detail. The crystal was securely held in place, but now viewing it from a different perspective, Galahad began to see where the wood had been shaped around the Kyber gem. Humming thoughtfully, he laid the staff down into the boat once more to focus on guiding the watercraft to the dock.

Following along the cobblestone pathway towards the base of the tree, Galahad suddenly realized just how massive it actually was. This tree had stood for possibly centuries or longer, untouched by the corruption that had recently taken hold of Tython. "Though the Darkness may grow strong, there will always be a remnant of the Light..." he muttered, voicing his thoughts. Reaching a small circular clearing, Galahad slowly and carefully lowered himself into the lush grass. Once he was comfortably seated, Vult placed the staff in his lap so that he could access the Kyber crystal. Observing the tip once more, he closed his eyes and immersed himself in the Force. Galahad was awestruck by the pure Light energy that radiated from the island and filled him with peace, hope, and life. Feeling the staff with his mind, Galahad could sense the structure of the wood. Relying on what he had been taught many years ago, the Knight willed the brylark to open up and release its hold on the crystal. Feeling a solid object drop into his robes, Galahad smiled at his success, opening his eyes to pick up the Kyber crystal and examine it more closely. It glistened gently in the sunlight, the clear gem reflecting its rays into a multitude of prismatic colours. As he inspected the crystal, a thought occurred to Galahad, and he glanced over to the book at Austin's side. "If my memory serves me correctly, there two gems embedded in the cover of Caladgær. Is it possible they are more than just decoration? Are they Kyber crystals as well, like this one?"

@Vosrik​

 

[Austin Wolfe]

The medic barely heard the words Galahad spoke as he marveled at the gigantic tree and the Light that surrounded it. Looking up at its massive branches himself, Austin could see the innumerable animals and wildlife that made the tree their home. Moss and vines draped from its bough and the leaves flitted in the wind, with specks of exotic colours peeking out between the green as birds flew from branch to branch. Austin continued along the cobblestone path, suddenly finding himself in the grassy clearing where the pathway ended. Before seating himself, the medic wondered how many generations of Jedi sat at this very spot, meditating on the Force and filling themselves with the Light of the nearby Nexus. As Galahad worked on the brylark staff to remove the unattuned crystal, Austin made himself comfortable as well and extracted Caladær from his side. He ran his hand over the ornately crafted spine, feeling the smooth golden letters that spelled the book's name. Jedi were to take great care to not form attachments to things, animate or inanimate, but Austin would be lying if he said he was not growing rather fond of the tome.

The medic's eyes traveled up to see his companion eyeing the now-free Kyber crystal in the light. Truth be told, Austin was not sure if the brightness of the clearing was solely because of the sunlight pouring through the canopy — he felt as though much of it came from the outpouring of the Light Side in the sacred site. As Galahad mentioned the crystals in the cover of Caladglær, Austin flipped the tome around to view its cover once again. "Ah, I did not sense anything similar to a Kyber crystal in either of these," he replied, running his hand along the cover to the first gem in the center. It was indeed just a decorative piece. "Yes, they're both just —" Austin suddenly gasped as his fingers brushed the second gem. He felt something mentally in the crystal, like it was a small lockbox to be opened. "It's a memory crystal," the medic breathed. Though having heard of them and seeing them used occasionally in the Jedha Archives, he certainly did not expect one to be nested in the cover of a book. Preparing himself for whatever memory or information that he could find, Austin reached out with the Force as he placed his hand on the crystal again. His mind was filled — but not with an intense vision or massive outpouring of knowledge. All he found was a creed, one perhaps told by Jedi long ago. He repeated it aloud for Galahad.

"I am a Jedi, an instrument of peace;

Where there is hatred I shall bring love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.

I am a Jedi.

I shall never seek so much to be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

The Force is with me always, for I am a Jedi."

Opening his eyes once again, Austin looked back to Galahad. "I know the Jedi Code is good and true...but that creed resonates within me like nothing I have ever read before. It combines part of the vows I took as a doctor and as a Jedi." Taking his hand off the crystal, he handed Caladglær over to Galahad so he could see it as well.

@Shalken​

 

[Galahad Vult]

As he inspected the glimmering clear Kyber crystal, Galahad paused suddenly when Austin gasped at his find. While memory crystals were certainly not rare finds, especially in an Order that hoarded knowledge and artifacts, one being found in the cover of a book was exceptionally unusual. Dr. Wolfe touched the gem once more, and read off a sort of creed that the memory crystal must have contained. When Austin had finished Galahad marveled at them, seeing how well it paralleled with the Jedi way of life. "This Saeros was indeed wise among Jedi," he said as he grasped the tome and viewed the message within the crystal for himself. While fairly different from the twofold Jedi Code he was accustomed to, he agreed with every word of this new creed. "The wording is also exceptionally well put. If, say, the first paragraph did not start with 'shall bring', then one could potentially misconstrue its purpose to be words of pride and boasting. Instead, it is rather a commendation — a call for oneself to action and righteousness."

Returning Caladgær to Austin, Galahad shut his eyes, centering himself in the Force and meditating on the words he had just read. ⋮⋮ An instrument of peace... ⋮⋮ The words he had just read ran through his mind as he dwelled on them, and the Kyber crystal gently levitated in his lap. It had been many years since he had been taught how to imbue one, but the basics were beginning to return to him now. Revealing his spirit to the gem, Galahad thought on his beliefs as a person. His dedication to defending the weak from evil, even at the cost of his own life. His willingness to make sacrifices for the Order and for what was good and just. His desire to fulfill the will of the Force and restore balance to the Galaxy. Though Galahad could not see it himself as he mediated, the Kyber crystal before him began to gently glow a light shade of blue which intensified every minute he mediated.

@Vosrik​

 

[Austin Wolfe]

A thought passed through the mind of the doctor. "Although it appears he inscribed this creed into Caladglær, I do not think that the Rishii wrote these words himself. Though I agree, he knew the Force and the ways of the Light better than most Jedi I have met." The thought was indeed a sad one, that many Jedi still struggled with their purpose and discerning the Will of the Force. The struggles of a Jedi were many, and the temptations innumerable. Austin took back the tome, placing it gently into his lap.

Thus being filled with renewed purpose and faith in the Force, it was an excellent time for Galahad to attune his newly acquired Kyber crystal. Austin was content to simply sit and observe the procedure in silence, listening to the beautiful sounds of the Tython forest. Though he thought it was possible for the crystal to turn green, the medic instead guessed correctly when its hue changed from transparent to a rich, light blue. Smiling in approval, Austin closed his eyes and reached out for the Force Nexus. Though he regularly took time out of his day to meditate on the Light, he had yet to do so in such close proximity to such a powerful wellspring of the Force. The doctor was not disappointed, as his mind and being was filled with a new understanding of the Light Side — for a moment, he felt as though he had truly become one with the Force.

Opening his hands, Austin could feel the warmth of the sun as its rays filtered through the giant tree's canopy and onto his palms. More than that though, he could feel the strength and purity of the Light. It was at this moment Austin Wolfe re-dedicated his life not just to the Order, but to the Light itself. He would be a beacon to others, both the strong and weak. He would shine light where there was nothing but darkness, and give hope to where it was all but lost. "I am one with the Force," he whispered quietly under his breath. "And the Force is with me."

 

[Galahad Vult]

His senses one with the Force and nature around him, Galahad now began to feel the Kyber crystal's growing connection to his psyche. However, even as he communed with the crystal, he realized that focusing on his strengths was not enough. In order for it to resonate with him as a whole, the Knight would need to dwell on his weaknesses as a person as well: an unpleasant but necessary task.

Delving deeper, Galahad meditated on his flaws: his difficulty telling the truth when it might hurt someone he cares about, his tendency to overcautiousness, his quickness to judge others of wrongdoing, the potential for him to lose his temper in righteous anger. And though he was loathe to admit it, Vult deep down greatly longed to be whole once again and have his leg restored to full health, though he knew he must learn to let go of such desires. Understanding that his failings were a part of who he was and that he would strive to improve himself nevertheless, Galahad imparted this last part of his being into the crystal, letting it drop gently into his lap once again. Opening his eyes and emerging from his meditation, the former guard now saw that the gem was no longer a foggy white, but now gleamed a vibrant blue. Picking it up and eyeing it with intrigue, he delved into the Force once again, shaping the staff's top and embedding the Kyber crystal into its former place.

Pleased with his work, Galahad set the staff aside and turned his attention back to Austin. Though he could not see any visible changes, the Knight could feel an aura of Light energy slowly building stronger around the doctor. Knowing something momentous was about to happen, Galahad watched with bated breath.

@Vosrik​

 

[Austin Wolfe]

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Something deep within Austin became visible to the doctor. It was as though dust had been blown away from a dark attic, revealing a door that beckoned to be opened. Thus having been revealed by meditating on the Light at the Nexus, Austin delved within and opened that door. It swung open wide, filling his whole being with a Light that he had never experienced before. He was no longer simply Austin Wolfe, doctor and healer of the Order, but now one with the Force and an instrument of its will. He opened his eyes, golden light streaming outward. Reaching out with both hands, Austin took hold of the air around them, whirling it around in a cyclone that picked up fallen twigs, leaves, and grass. The two Jedi remained in its eye as the doctor displayed this new level of power, causing the boughs of the giant nearby tree to sway in the manipulated wind. The light began to slowly fade from Austin's eyes, and he released the air gently so that the debris picked up floated to the ground.

Having brushed aside the overgrowth from the long-unused shrine, the base of the tree became visible, displaying the symbol of the Jedi etched into the wood. Inhaling deeply and exhaling, Austin stood from his position in the grass and wandered over to the tree, running a hand along the carving. Closing Caladglær, he noticed the same symbol engraved in the back of the tome's cover. Smiling gently, he replaced the book and looked back towards Galahad. "I see you've finished attuning the crystal. It's been many years since I did the same..." his voice trailed off as he remembered exploring deep into the crystal caves of Jedha, finding a Kyber crystal that spoke to him alone among the rest of the younglings. It felt good at the time, knowing there was some deeper purpose that had chosen him to wield it. Austin continued, "I think our journey has only just begun. Come, let us return to the Temple. I am sure there is plenty of work that must be done."

Wandering along the stone pathway through the trees, the doctor rested a hand against the broken down stone archway as he passed underneath it. In many ways, this shrine represented the Jedi Order as it was now. Broken, but still standing. Aged, but still filled with life and Light. So close to falling apart and crumbling into ruin, but yet standing strong nonetheless. Now was the time for them to rebuild, strengthen themselves, and reach out to the stars once again. The Galaxy needed the Jedi, and the Order would not fail them.

Fin​

@Shalken​