[ASK] As Though Straight From a Memory...

[Stacker01]

Thur'hars walked the halls of Empress Teta, measuring his steps and reflecting on his past training and the people he'd met. His expression was still stoic, despite the fact he was beginning to allow a friendly relationship with a few peers. His mind had been bothering him more in the past few days, images from his past declaring themselves in his sleep, while meditating, while sparing with training droids, and in plenty other situations. It had left him drained last night, and his room a mess once again despite the fact he had begun to finally get some control over the Force.

But today, though he was so focused and stoic, he was letting things slide again. He had heard a rumor that another young Codru-Ji was coming to the Sage Halls here on Empress Teta and decided he would make an appearance. He wondered what his first interaction with another Codru since he fled home would be like. It was true that he had spent some time where he wouldn't even look in a mirror to keep from seeing any of his kind, but he was long past that. Perhaps he was also past the sense of fear it gave him to think of seeing his own kind again, or perhaps it was just hidden like everything else.

Thur'hars made his way down the hall towards the temple's spaceport, stopping short to watch the incoming shuttle, and wait for the Codru-Ji to receive her formal greetings from today's representative of the Sages. It would also allow him to see who it was that was coming in, study her momentarily and gauge her. He would reach out in the Force to learn something now, but it would take entirely too much time. Instead he would listen to the subsonic vibrations and see if he could pinpoint the palpitations of two hearts the Codru-Ji had. Beside than Nautolan, Thur'hars knew of no race that inherited this unique trait.

 

[Vulpes]

Arikka was anxious of traveling to Empress Teta, she was always anxious of traveling to new places. However, she was determined to visit the Sage Halls, wanting to experience all that they had to offer. It also gave her a chance to help work on her traveling anxiety, she knew that in order to be a 'good' Jedi, she needed to be able to contain those feelings. She packed sparingly, bringing only one spare set of clothing and a few knick-knacks. Arikka's ship arrived a few minutes behind schedule, there were a few other passengers who took their time getting on. The teenage Codru-Ji was the second person out of the ship, she had not expected any sort of welcoming. Over her standard robes, she wore an over-sized, beige tunic that had designs similar to the traditional Munto Codru attire. As a habit, Arikka tended to only display her upper pair of arms, to avoid the ever so common conversations about them. She would get the occasional strange look as to why her outfits had an extra pair of holes in them, but she did not care too much. However, a more knowledgeable and attentive person would be able to tell she was still a Codru-Ji based on her height and facial features.

Arikka had a slight bounce in her step as she exited the ship, she caught a view of the new, strange (to her, mind you!) planet from the ship's windows. She was excited to explore everything about it. She stopped in place upon seeing Thur'hars from a distance. Could it be? Another Codru-Ji? Her thoughts were interrupted as the Rodian behind her bumped into her. "Watch where you stop, Arikka!" the Rodian said playfully, moving by her. She nodded her head and apologized to the Rodian, and then walked over to Thur'hars. The closest she had seen to her own kind was a Besalisk, but that doesn't really mean much to her. A sudden feeling of homesickness formed in her stomach as she approached her fellow Codru-Ji. For some odd reason, she spoke her first words to him in her native language, Codruese. "Are you...a Codru-Ji?" She asked this in the canine-like language they had a mutual knowledge of. Arikka was perplexed. She did not know what to say next, hoping he would know.

 

[Stacker01]

Thur'hars heard the twin hearts beating as the person stepped off the ship. The first thing he noticed was that she was indeed young, and female...and much shorter than he (though he was oddly tall for Codru). His brow furrowed momentarily as he studied her, noting the clothing she wore and the fact only her upper arms were showing. A Rodian bumped into her and said something and the vibrations of her lunges sounded close to an apology. She was kind. His mind was already beginning to spin, and his thoughts became shorter, less detailed. She was approaching. She was also looking directly at him. She was young. Younger than he thought.

Thur'hars cleared his throat and purposed his breathing into slow, deep, intentional breaths to slow his heart rate and his mind. As she approach he felt fear rising in him. She was too much like someone he knew, someone in his past he felt was extremely important to him but had forgotten who the person was. He saw his home world in his mind, instantly remembering smells. Then she spoke. She spoke in the subsonic Codruese and his mind just...seemed to shut off. He couldn't remember who he was and what he was doing here. His only thought was that he stood before another Codru-Ji. And it scared him.

He blinked a couple times and cleared his throat again, then replied in Codruese. "Yes." It took a moment to think of more words, but his mind seemed to slowly start working it's gears again. "Yes, I am. My name is Padawan Thur'hars. I am...I am amazed to see you here - another Codru-Ji, I mean." His confusion was certainly showing, and he realized his arms were hanging loosely at his side. He also wondered if he had been gawking at her, and what kind of facial expressions he had given off. He felt it was a wonder he was even still standing.

He quickly began gathering his thoughts again, noting an awkward silence between himself and the young woman a few feet shorter than he. "You are from the Temple on Tython, yes? I heard rumors another Codru-Ji would be here, but I never imagined..." The grumbling and near-growling ceased momentarily as he picked his words. "I am so highly surprised and..elated to see another Codru-Ji. It has been too long since I have seen any of our people." Thur'hars felt nervous, very nervous. The back of his mind seemed to itch, as though he had forgotten something.

 

[Vulpes]

Arikka smiled and giggled a bit at his actions. As wrong as it was, it made her feel better about how she was acting. She was wondering why he acted in such a manner, maybe he liked her? Who knows. She nodded her head when asked about Tython, and continued to speak in Codruese. "I'm from the Tython temple. I've been there for a few months, when I left Tatooine. I never really experienced many Codru-Ji, just my family. My dad seemed to not like Munto Codru very much... My mother and I still think that God, er The Force, or whomever placed the wrong species in his body." She decided the best way to slay the awkwardness was with conversation. She glanced around the area now, inspecting all that the spaceport had to offer. "Are you from here? I bet you know more about this place than I do...Maybe you could show me around, and we could talk more. Are you from Munto Codru?" She was interested in hearing about Thur'hars, but also about Munto Codru. She only ever got to hear about the negative things from her Father.

The teenager placed her knapsack at her side to relax, even if only momentarily. She looked forward to exploring Empress Teta with her new buddy.

 

[Stacker01]

Thur'hars took a few deep breaths again, focused on controlling himself. It was...awkward, how he acted. Her curiosity was something he thought was oddly familiar as well, but he going to let it slide. Her drive at conversation was beginning to set his mind back to where it was supposed to be, and he let it slip slowly back towards his more disciplined mannerisms, though he was unsure how he would be able to go back to his usual stoic demeanor with Arikka.

"I see. You have quite the perplexing family," he noted, a hint of humor in his voice. He turned and raised both of his right arms as though to wave them in the direction they might go. As he began walking he looked down, watching his footsteps for a moment to ensure a slower, measured walk that would also help him regain his composure. "The Sage Halls, and thusly Empress Teta have become my home. Munto Codru was where I was born and...raised," If the pause didn't once again betray his attempts to return to his usual hidden pain, the sarcastic way he said 'raised' would have assuredly shown it.

"I apologize. I haven't acted this, um, funny in quite a while. Anyways, I am sure your father told you of many of the odd practices of our species on Munto Codru, including ritual kidnappings of some of high-class citizens. But our people, though different, are good people. They have a sense of honor about them, one I have adapted in many ways, though I don't hold to it as zealously as they might. I witnessed much xenophobia from our people, but it was more out of fear of change than anything else. And the world itself is beautiful. There are quite a few lush forests, and the main cities are a site to see. However, I grew up in a more middle-class style in the forests away from the cluster of cities." Somehow he had managed to speak of home without triggering any other hidden fears, pain, or anger, which pleased him. Perhaps it meant that he was at least back in control of his thoughts.

"Empress Teta is actually the opposite of Munto Codru in that there is sparse vegetation but much in the way of cities. In fact, the area around the Sage Halls happens to be one of the only pieces of nature left. Despite this, I find this place to be the most relaxing of the many worlds I have seen. I am glad to be able to be the one to introduce you to the Halls." Thur'hars looked down at Arikka and grinned slightly, clasping both sets of hands behind his back again.

They were nearing one of the training hallways, where most of the indoor sparing would take place, and he mentioned this to his new companion. He also noticed that they spoke in their native language some passerbys would give odd looks. He simply grinned in their general direction, continuing to make the grunts and near-growls that would be the only way those who could not hear subsonic vibrations would be listening to.

"Ahead is the Garden of the Lost Ones, and beyond are the visitors quarters with classrooms going to the right and the canteen to the left nearing the main entrance of the Temple." He had become somewhat of a guide to new and visiting Padawans, which made him act like a tour guide very now and then. But he was interested in learning about the young lady. Seeing her had triggered an odd reaction from him, and now his interest in learning about her and who she was had started taking hold.

"What about your home world? You said Tatooine, yes? I've heard it to be quite arid and dry. Not a place I would imagine many Codru-Ji would really prefer to be, though I have to admit I am biased."

 

[Vulpes]

Arikka nodded her head at his remark about her family. She knew they were not the conventional Codru-Ji family. She once again tossed her bag onto her back with her primary hand (her upper left) and began to walk alongside Thur'hars as he provided a tour of the Sage Halls. The young Codru-Ji slid her lower, auxiliary arms into the holes of her tunic so they could be easily visible. She was smiling the whole time, unable to figure out which reason specifically. Was it her new companion? Maybe a new locale? Most likely a combination of things though. "I've never really been to a city...planet..thing before. They're so filled with life, yet lifeless." She was speaking about ecumenopoleis in general.

The Codru-Ji pondered the locations that her companion explained to her, wondering if she could take the lead. While Thur'hars spoke, she began to walk towards the direction of the gardens. Arikka's nature was to be with nature. Upon being asked about her own history, she pondered for a moment, then gave an abridged story. "Well..I'm glad to speak to someone who understands our biology and the metamorphosis from wyrwulf to Codru-Ji... Anyways, my father picked Tatooine to live on, for reasons I still do not understand. Like I said, must've been a Jawa brain inside a Codru-Ji body. We began to herd bantha for a living and I was little more than a shepherd to them. It wasn't the best life, but I enjoy being around animals and nature in general." By this point, they had arrived in the garden, and she sat herself down on a marble bench near one of the fountains. She glanced over to it for a moment and gave a short laugh. "Bizarre to think that Tatooinians rely on moisture farms and places like this, water falls from the sky."

Arikka realized she had been trailing off about Tatooine instead of herself and went back on subject. "I really enjoy nature, growing up it was always my dream to have one giant farm with many kinds of animals." She seemed to be naturally in tune with nature, on Tython she got along well with the uxibeasts and once even a manka cat.

The eager Codru-Ji then realized how impolite she was being, talking about herself and choosing where to go. She had to fix that! "So tell me about yourself? Are you always this nervous around girls?" What was that? Why did I just ask that? Arikka thought to herself, thinking it was insulting.

 

[Stacker01]

Thur'hars was slightly surprised Arikka took the lead, but was comfortable with it. Her choice for nature was best as he too worked, thought, and lived better in natural surroundings. It was probably a Codru thing. She went on talking about herself, going on a tangent about Tatooine for a second then continuing to explain her own life. It was certainly interesting. Thur'hars didn't know much about Bantha, only that they were herd animals from generally arid planets such as Tatooine, and this was before she even said something about it. But...moisture farms? This was completely new to the Codru who came from his race's home planet. He sat down beside Arikka, not wanting to appear superior or rude, noting her lower arms were now visible. He wondered if it was simply because she was comfortable around someone who so readily showed his extra limbs in an environment where he was likely the only one with such an odd trait.

Then she asked if he was always nervous around girls. He let out a kind of laugh Codru-Ji would understand but might sound to non-Codru as a dismissive grunt. "I have found that I have a strange reaction to girls that seem...innocent. However, my reaction to you admittedly makes my reaction to a young and free-spirited human I met recently seem normal, to be honest. You've seen more of me than any single person here has. Hopefully my Master did not see it. I prefer to be the stoic. To be honest, you seem familiar in a distant sort of way. Like you remind me of someone but I can't remember who that person is." Thur'hars shook his head lightly with a small grin, as if to say he had been silly, though he thought of it as a serious violation of what he had taught himself.

"I have a..." he would choose his words very carefully here. It was not for her sake, but rather for the sake of his own mind and attitude that he avoided anything that would directly trigger his memory and therefore his base, animal emotions. "A troubled history. I taught myself to be strong, mentally, and keep my history to myself. It resulted in a more disciplined and direct attitude."

The more he watched and listened to Arikka, the more he felt some kind of familiarity, as though straight out of a memory she came. He was comfortable, but at the same time his own mind fought the comfort telling him he was making a mistake. He let it slide away with another deep, calming breath. He then looked around the Garden. He had been in this specific garden very few times, prefering to go into the outside forest deep enough the temple could not be seen. But this was a scene of nature in itself. Somehow the statues of the Lost Ones made him feel safe. Or maybe it was just the attitude he had adopted since meeting Arikka, feeling as though his own true personality was actually viable. It did not translate into attraction, but rather a kind of familial feeling, like he was home. Home. A dangerous thought, and one he might not as easily be able to remove. He looked around the Garden, then at Arikka. The familiarity seemed like a wave surging through him, one that again brought that uneasy thought he was setting himself up for some kind of failure. Never-the-less, he 'walked on', metaphorically speaking, and continued to speak with the young woman.

"I have little else to tell, in truth. Other than why I am with the Jedi, and why I am at the Sage Halls. I wish to bring peace to others, a peace I haven't known. To defend those who cannot defend themselves. It seems fitting, to me, that my past would shape me into a man of peace, and yet defense." He again gave a Codru chuckle, sounding like a Kath Hound yelping for a second. "I try to stay compassionate to others; it's actually almost as important to me as my past. But I guess that's about all there is to me anymore." His face contorted for a moment. He wasn't sure he'd ever feel comfortable speaking of his past. It was, after all, his loss and his weakness. It may drive him, but he knew for a fact it was dangerous.

Thur'hars looked back at Arikka again, brushing his own long hair from his face and grinning. Even he wasn't sure if it was conveying a friendly attitude or a shy attitude. After all, he had already spoken more than with anyone in nearly two years, even more than he'd told his Master and the human-kiffar girl. As a matter of fact, he hadn't even grinned this much for almost as long, even in private.

"So, what brings a Codru-Ji raised on Tatooine as a Bantha herder and trained as a Jedi all the way out here to the Sage Halls?" His voice was strong with curiosity and compassion. "Could I be looking at the next Sage Master?"

 

[Vulpes]

Arikka enjoyed speaking to Thur'hars. She had hardly spoken any Codruese since she became a Jedi several months ago. It brought a feeling of safety and comfort to her that she had not gotten from even the wisest of Jedi Masters. She only ever heard Codruese from her family, which was not many. To hear his dialect and accent, it was awe-inspiring. Her own words, while not in Basic, mimicked a Tatoonian accent. Upon hearing him speak more personally, she felt compassion for her fellow Codru. "Troubled past? Like what, if you are comfortable with telling a stranger," Arikka sounded sympathetic in tone, and her face coincided with it. She knew about the kidnappings and barbaric like actions that were common on Munto Codru.

The teenager watched Thur'hars' reaction, while he provided whatever answer he wished. Her attention was no longer on the water fountain, but instead on him. She took much interest in his stories and conversations. She then decided to change the subject after his answer, thinking maybe it'd be better to speak of their pasts when they know each other better. "You have a Master? What's it like? I've been hoping to find one soon. I bet he doesn't know Codruese, if you haven't noticed the weird looks, I take it most of the people here don't either." She took a big interest in the subject. Arikka had a big interest in learning, and what better way to learn than by a Master? She also filled it with one final question, a question that left her much more puzzled. "What's a Sage Master? Or a Sage..." Arikka did not know much on the subject of hierarchy within the Order beyond the basic ranks.

 

[Stacker01]

Thur'hars simply shook his head when asked about his past. He was far from comfortable with it, and there wasn't a single part of him that said he should speak of it. He felt endangered by the very thought of his past, and was not ready to speak of such things until it would not subject who he spoke with to the emotions and feelings that would blare past his own consciousness. Her voice was full of compassion, and it just struck him all-the-more that she was as a ghost of his memory given physical form, but he still went on. Even if his feeling of comfort would not last he was not ready to abandon her and leave her to herself.

"Codruese is subsonic, below sound. It's a language based off vibrations that other races cannot distinguish. As such, no, my Master cannot understand it. If I speak it he must simply read my body language to try to understand what I said, or otherwise ask for an explanation. He seems to understand well enough, though. He is actually a Jedi Knight, the rank between Master and Padawan that is most likely to train Padawans or take them on missions. He is a lot like me, in many ways. Observant, determined, disciplined. And compassionate, in some ways. He knows what he's doing for the most part and I respect him. He, like me, has seen trouble in his past. But I hope to be like him one day, having made peace with himself and his past. At least, that is what I think is the truth and is the biggest difference between the two of us other than race."

Thur'hars was looking at a statue of one of the Lost Ones as he spoke, thinking of his first training session with Knight Dimash. He was knowledgeable and wise. He was also considerate of others and their lives. And for whatever reason Thur'hars not only could see these things in him like reading a holorecording (though it was not a detailed holorecording) but respected him immensely.

After a moment he looked at Arikka and said, "And as a matter of fact, even he gives me the oddest looks. If you listen to yourself speak Codruese, but pay attention to the sound rather than the vibrations, you might come to realize our people sound like Kath Hounds to other races. I have found it amusing when a certain Cathar tries to call me 'dog-face' and my Codruese compliment makes her think I just barked at her, though I always do it with a playful grin. I would hate to truly offend and bring about resentment or strife."

When Arikka-Mar asked him about Sages and the Sage Master Thur'hars felt a bit of surprise. The Sages were famous throughout the Order as some of the most knowledgeable of the Jedi, as well as the greatest healers. He explained this, understanding the young Codru's thirst for knowledge before speaking on what little he knew of the Sage Master. "The Sage Master is the greatest of these, known for having greater understanding of the Force and the Order than almost any other Sage as well as being the greatest of the healers. But even if this is not quite the case, as many have been picked to take up the mantle for other reasons, they are all picked to be the head of the Sage Halls temple here on Empress Teta, the main supervisor, teacher, and practitioner of healing, among the wisest, as well as filling the position of the representative of the Sage Halls to the Jedi Council." Thur'hars had expounded all his knowledge of the subject in general but also wanted to try to give an example. Though he knew almost nothing of the living Sage Master, and less about the past ones, there was one he was interested in since her statue appeared in the Garden.

Thur'hars pointed to a statue of a winged, angelic figure in the distance. "You see that statue? That is devoted to our most recently passed Sage Masters, a female of some race called 'Crystavan' or 'Crystavian'. Though she was considered young by her own race's standards, she was considered the wisest of all the Sages here. She was also considered one of the most necessary people in the entire Order until a hyperspace accident destroyed the ship she was on. Though I did not know her I have met a number who did know her, including our current Sage Master. From what I understand many in the Order were affected by the loss of her life. If you ever want to know what a Sage Master is, I would suggest researching Master Skhai Baatch. My research into her history was...enlightening."

Thur'hars had felt a sense of admiration and loss when he read the dedication and epitaph by Master Skhai Baatch's statue. Though he had not known her, even he, the distant, stoic, emotionless Codru-Ji, had felt her loss. This loss, however, was not painful in him, but rather inspiration. And when he himself had read on her history he was further inspired. Thur'hars sometimes wondered of Master Vashee, who he had met once for a brief time. She not only knew the former Sage Master but took her place, and Thur'hars wondered at how much teaching she had taken from Master Baatch.

Thur'hars set the thought aside, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, taking in the smell of the Garden. This was usually a personal act, but he was less ashamed to allow Arikka to see this act as it was no where near what she witnessed when they met at the hallway to the spaceport.

 

[Vulpes]

Arikka nodded her head and listened to his explanations behind the language. She never really thought about it, but he was right. She figured they just did not understand the language, rather than be physically unable to. She thought about how her ears perked when hearing Codruese, and how they are more sensitive to hearing than what others seem to be. It made a lot of sense now. She then spoke her bit on the subject, "I always try to just speak Galactic Basic whenever I'm around those who are not of our kind. It makes it easier for everyone that way. I've never dared to speak Codruese to anyone other than you and my family."

She then listened to his explanation of what Sages and the Sage Master were. She knew of Sages, just she did not know there was a formal title. That's what I want to be. A Sage she thought to herself. Previously Arikka had little idea of what she wanted to do within the Jedi, and now that she's heard of such a thing, it's been decided! The moment Thur'hars and her depart, she decided she would go to the library on Empress Teta or find a Sage to speak to. The Sage Master title also intrigued her. She did not care for setting goals, but she aspired to one day be at least eligible for such a role. Imagine what knowledge they know! Thoughts of interest filled her mind as she continued to think about the subject. At last, her attention finally went back to Thur'hars, hearing a more somber subject be discussed. She then realized that a title like that is not obtained easily, and how dangerous it could be. Still, she had her mind set now.

"It's always tragic to hear when someone passes, but for someone who knew so much, it just...it's terrible." She inhaled, and stood up, looking to the statue. A species she had never seen before. Arikka inspected the figure, feeling a touch of sadness as she looked down to the plaque. The Codru read briefly over it, hoping to find out more information. She exhaled, in a much more somber tone than before. Arikka walked back towards Thur'hars. "How does one become a Sage Master? or a Sage in general?" Arikka was bad at hiding when she was eager, excited, or determined. In this case, it was all three.

 

[Stacker01]

Arikka-Mar's open displays of joy, sadness, determination, and compassion were beginning to come together in Thur'hars' mind, bringing him dangerously close to finding out why his subconscious seemed to desperately plead for him to stop and walk away. But he told himself that he was not going to abandon this. It would not happen.

Thur'hars watched as she looked at the statue, then read the epitaph. She became very somber rather quickly, letting it show. Her emotions were on all four sleeves, so-to-speak, and Thur'hars watched intently as her thoughts seemed to race around her form exaggerating one movement or another. She was very easy for the perceptive Codru to read, but he didn't need to play off it. He had learned not to, that was for sure.

"Remember that being Sage Master is one of the highest honors of the Jedi," Thur'hars said, pleased with her enthusiasm but wary of the possible goals she might be setting that could end up too high. "Becoming a Sage is essentially through practice with the lightsaber in almost strictly defensive ways, the use of the Force to defend and heal, and the use of a vast array of things known to better all things about the universe in a peaceful way. At least that is how I have come to understand it. Hard work and determination will be the corner-stone to such an accomplishment, just as anything else." Thur'hars grinned, seeing that she was making up her mind about what she wanted to do. He couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for such compassion, determination, and intelligence.

"Just as any other goal within the Order, I advise you not make this decision lightly. Sages are like doctors in many fields. The best way to learn of them and how to become one is to learn from one personally, I would think."

Thur'hars looked around again for a moment before looking back to Arikka, inadvertently looking directly into her eyes. He felt like he was peering into her soul for a moment, like her eyes kept every thought, every decision, every breath hidden behind them. Not wanting to be rude by staring, and wanting to escape where his mind would go with it, he shifted his gaze again. "In addition to speaking Codruese so thoroughly in public, I see you have chosen to show your lower arms as well. Personally, I think you look better showing your arms." His attempt at giving a compliment and making some small talk might have come off as flirty, though he hoped not. "Accepting oneself is a challenge all prospective Jedi Knights, Masters, and Sages live up to."

 

[Vulpes]

Thur'hars' response made her think for a moment. Defensive use of lightsabers...That would be Soresu or maybe even Djem So and Shien. She had not taken much interest in lightsabers before, only learning some of the basics of Shii-Cho. Ashara Vashee's training still stuck in the back of her head, despite it being months ago by now. Using the Force to defend and heal? She did not know much beyond telekinesis at this point, so that'd be something she'd have to work on as well. Knowledge? Of course Arikka had been working on this goal without even realizing it. She's practically terrorized the Tythonian temple's librarians with the amount of books she took out.

"Is any of that stuff you know? Lightsabers and the Force... I mean. I know a little bit about both, but you live around here, you've had to of picked up something along the way." Arikka looked back at him and smiled, realizing their eyes made contact for a few good seconds. She then looked away at nearly the same time Thur'hars did. She listened to his compliment and began to partially blush. She, however, presumed he did not intend for it to be that way. "Thanks. I'll bear that in mind, I'll try and keep them out more. Wouldn't look good to have my bottom arms notably paler than my top, as well." She then let out a giggle, which outside of Codru-Ji would sound like another growl.

 

[Stacker01]

Thur'hars let out a small subsonic laugh as well at her comment. "Indeed. It may be confusing for your opponent to fight you with a set of arms that look like the belong to someone else. Wouldn't want them getting confused over that as if the fact we Codru-Ji aren't unique and confusing enough as it is." He smiled wide, glancing at Arikka again, the humor showing strong in his voice.

"However, young Arikka-Mar," Thur'hars said as he stood. "The Force, I have learned, is something we all must personally learn. While I know something of it, it is perhaps too soon for me to train anyone. But when you meditate on the Force, or go to learn to use it, remember that everything you see here, everything on Tython, Tatooine, and every where else is all connected by the Force." Thur'hars waved an arm as if pointing out the Garden as he spoke. He then looked down to the young woman one more time. "And I have been taught a rather unorthodox version of Form III Soresu that accounts for my extra limbs. It would be good if you learned the kata of any Form you choose on both sets of arms, that way you can close your defenses eventually by using both arms. I would show you what I mean, but I am a rather sad lightsaber user." His smile quirked sideways as though he was being a smart alic when he said he was no good with lightsabers.

"While you are at the Temple, though I cannot properly train you I am willing to meditate with you and discuss the things that are necessary for advancement that I have been taught, even show off my sad lightsaber skills. And when you leave, if you ever have need of help, do not hesitate to send me a message so we can set up time to holochat over the hologram projectors. I'll probably look even more silly perverting Soresu with my unique style over such a medium."

Thur'hars felt good. Not accomplished, but good. He felt as though he was doing something good, becoming reliable for others. That was all he'd wanted, to be able to be there for others, and to be able to bring security and determination to the lost and those who have lost. He felt like his goals and steps that he had developed were coming together, the goals he had pieced together in his dedication to his sister.

His sister. Thur'hars finally made the connection to what his mind had been telling him all along. Arikka-Mar was the spitting image of his own sister. Her personality matched, her height and general appearance. Arikka even happened to be at the age she had been when he had awoken from his transformation. Thur'hars' mind threatened to come crashing down on him, to revert, as the pain he had been avoiding for so long began to tumble in on him. A curse under his breath in Basic would betray his previously happy attitude and appearance.

Thur'hars sat back down, his emotions running circles around him between anger, sadness, hurt. He thought about how he had lost his sister to those kriffing mercs two years ago, and how in all that pain it was his sister's lifeless body that sent him over the edge. It took him nearly an entire day just to bury her. She had been the determination, and the pain, behind everything Thur'hars had done for years, her death emptying Thur'hars' life. And now another young Codru-Ji stood here with him who reminded him perfectly of his sister. What would he do with such things? What should he do? He struggled to keep control, the primal rages repeatedly coming close to taking control.

Without thinking to do so, Thur'hars reached out and lightly grabbed Arikka's hand. Suddenly his mind went blank. No anger. No pain. No sadness. No past. He was emptied of all thought. It felt like forever, though in reality is was a second or two, and his hand slipped to release hers as his mind turned back on. Processing what had just happened, Thur'hars' face would twist into one of confusion, then surprise, then pure embarrassment. He had just began to lose himself in thought and, his mind knowing best, took to holding the hand of the person who reminded him of the only person who made him feel comfortable, cared for, and loved in his life.

He straightened his back, and looked at Arikka-Mar, his eyes lowered to show embarrassment or apology. "I am sorry, Arikka. I did not mean for that to happen. I just...I realized who you remind me of, and her memory is not an easy one for me to take. You remind me so perfectly of my sister. You two are so much alike it triggered my...pain." Thur'hars was reaching for words to describe it, to apologize. He had twice now acted a fool before her and was now admitting something he was not comfortable talking about. But he had to, now.

"I struggle with my memories of her. Of having lost her two years ago. She is why I live how I do, and why my goals are as they are. She is the reason I am who I am today. And...I guess I was just reaching out for something to...calm, or comfort my mind before...well, I have a bad temper and I guess holding your hand was as though reaching for hers, as she was older than me and the one who took care of me, it was a sense of comfort to my broken heart." Thur'hars fully bowed his head now, embarrassment now practically radiated from him. "I don't wish to put you off, Arikka. I am truly sorry."

He waited. Just waited. Someone had been told a small part of his past. Someone knew the truth. But they knew because he had messed up, allowing himself to nearly lose himself. But what made it all the worse for him was that he had done this before someone who reminded him of the most important person to have ever been in his life. Thur'hars truly was unsure what to do, as reverting to a stern, silent, disciplined, emotionless attitude was the only thing he'd known for the past two years to do when these things happened. But he wasn't doing that.

 

[Vulpes]

Arikka responded to his 'unconventional' Soresu. "I'm sure it can't be as bad as my Shii-Cho. I'm a tad clumsy with it." She smiled to him, but her face quickly became serious when he did not produce a response. "Thur'hars, are you alright?" It seemed like he was zoning out, or became suddenly confused, or maybe had a realization. "Is something wrong? Should I get a docto-" her sentence was cut off as he grasped onto her hand. A quick dart of fear shot up her arm and into her body, as she felt him grip onto it. Arikka watched his facial expression and the vibes produced by his body change upon grabbing onto her hand. Once Thur'hars released her hand, she quickly withdrew it towards her body, holding all four of her hands closely together. Their faces held similar expressions, confusion. Just for different reasons.

Arikka continued to hold her hands closely as she watched over him to see what he does next. She listened to what he had to say and suddenly felt sympathy rather than fear. She used her two right hands to take hold of his two left, hoping it would comfort him. "Thur'hars...It's alright. You said you understood the Force, right? Then you know she is not just 'gone'. She has moved on, becoming one with the Force. She's still alive in spirit. I don't know much about the subject, but I believe it to be true. No. I know it to be true. She probably did not wish for you to dwell on it. If I were to ever die, I'd want people to move on in life, not worry about me." Arikka tried her best to comfort him, but was not sure if she was getting through to him.

 

[Stacker01]

Thur'hars sighed deeply, looking at the ground. He was angry because of what Arikka said. Not at her, but at the idea of them being one with the Force. He was tired of hearing this 'there is no death, there is only the Force' mantra. Of course it fit for the Jedi, there were few throughout history who were considered to become one with the Force. Qui-Gon Jin, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and a handful of others. Their bodies disappearing when they were struck down. "I have studied this idea of oneness with the Force. The Jedi in general consider it to me a state of mind, as well as a state of being upon death where the body disappears. Why, then, am I supposed to believe that the bodies I buried are one with the Force? Their bodies were still there."

Thur'hars sighed again. He couldn't look at Arikka. Not because of who she reminded him of. No, that was not it anymore. He couldn't look up because he was angry and embarrassed. He also was worried because he knew he scared her. "I am sorry. I guess this was a long time coming. And I guess I should have known. Or did know it was going to happen eventually." Thur'hars looked around, seeing if anyone had noticed his behavior other than Arikka.

Thur'hars closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths to center himself. Every bit of him cried on the inside, but he was fighting the chaos so it would no longer manifest on the outself. Eventually he looked directly up at Arikka-Mar, "I hope I did not scare you too badly. I have tried to be so strong to protect others, both from themselves, others, and me. I hope that we can at least be friends despite this, though I will likely be less open in the future." Thur'hars wondered just how true that statement would be. He wanted to meditate, to focus, however he also wanted to spend time with Arikka. But what he truly wanted was his sister.

A couple thoughts came into Thur'hars' mind successively; he realized that he was not going through the emotional limbo anymore, and that despite his pained past he was rather calm. He then realized that he could find a distraction in it, and perhaps introduce Arikka to something that had been good for him for some time. He looked up to Arikka with somewhat of a hopeful glance and asked, "Arikka-Mar, would you mind accompanying me to the nearby forest? I have been there many times to distract myself, calm myself, or simply enjoy myself. And, while we're at it, I can show you just how weird I look with my own unique form of Soresu." He said this with a slight smile.

"I might have trouble letting go of my past, but so long as I am able to distract myself for the present I may as well do so, no?"

 

[Vulpes]

Arikka watched over him for a moment, contemplating what to say on the subject. She could not figure out what to say next. "Don't worry about me, I'm sure I'd have a similar response.. And of course we can still be friends." She frowned at the thought she might have blown the only chance to befriend someone else of her kind. She then listened to his offer and responded, "Are you sure you don't want some time alone? I'll be here for a while, in case you do. I'll probably head off to the Library if you wish to spend some time alone." Arikka was unsure of what Thar'hurs wished for, but thought it would be best to provide him an escape from the situation in case he needed one.

 

[Stacker01]

Thur'hars was thankful for Arikka's friendship, and thankful he had not ruined it. He almost let out a chuckle at the fact that such a response was exactly how his sister would act. She didn't let go no matter what happened with him.

"If you wish to go to the library I won't drag you out into the woods. But there is a bird or some kind of avian creature out there that I have seen, and it's subsonic noises are beautiful. If you have time, you should search it out and listen to it while it sings." Thur'hars stood up and look down to the young lady with the same grin he'd had a moment ago. To him, it would not matter if he was alone. He might be able to further confront his immediate feelings in private, but that was what his quarters were for besides sleep to him. Either way he wanted her to hear the creature sing in tones that few sentients could, or would ever hear. He would prefer being there when she did, to listen to the vibrations in her heart, or to share the wonder he felt at hearing it. He guessed it was probably as sentimental as he'd ever get, but at least something was nice for him.

His idea of showing off his weird lightsaber style was mostly for kicks, a joke in a way. "Besides, if you didn't accompany me I wouldn't be able to show my clumsy dual-wielding Soresu to anyone and might have to go let a training droid smack me around for a bit. Then again, maybe I need it." There was humor in his voice, enough to show it was real, even if it was barely marred by his current state of mind. He was trying hard. He always tried to impress his sister, and he guessed that transferred off to Arikka-Mar because of the similarities. But he also recognized he was now looking at someone younger than he, and that made him a role model of sorts, even if she likely knew more about the Force and the training of the Jedi than he.

 

[Vulpes]

The teenager listened to her fellow Codru-Ji and decided she would go along for it. "If you're sure you don't want time alone, I'll be more than glad to come along. And a bird? What's it look like?" Arikka-Mar loved nature, and all the beings it involved. On Tatooine she did not have many options, in terms of avians, to look at. That changed when she arrived of Tython, where she would spend hours watching and feeding the birds. She must've looked like an old, retired secretary the way she would interact with them. She thought about Tython, then about Empress Teta. Could the birds look different here? The thought of it entertained her. Seeing Thar'hurs' unorthodox Soresu was just a Clait-berry on top.

Arikka hopped up from the seat, feigning a main excitement to see his lightsaber skills. "I might just have to see your 'soresu' in action," she spoke with a smile. The companionship of another Codru-Ji was enough to keep her smiling, but the idea of the birds and maybe even a little lightsaber training were good reasons as well. "Right, let's get a move on. I don't know how long the days here are...but as they say "We're burning sunlight". " She began to walk upon confirming that Thar'hurs was following her. She followed the signs written in Aurebesh that would lead her to the front of the temple. She was a bit surprised she found her way out of the gardens, much less get there. She turned on her heel and looked to Thar'hurs. "Well...I sorta presumed we left through the main entrance, but if I'm wrong, better stop me now. I'm bluffing most of this trip." She knew her own intuition wasn't the most reliable when she had never visited the area.

 

[Stacker01]

"Honestly, I thought it looked like a Katarr byrd at first but it has a number of differences. You should definitely see it. I think it's 'feathers' are actually fur, but I can't be sure. I've tried hunting it, but the bird is rather smart." Arikka's face had seemed to light up with excitement at the prospect of seeing the bird. He wondered how much in tune with nature she was, but was glad to see her just about jump into action. He also gave a chuckle at her mention of seeing his lightsaber 'skills'. However he didn't quite understand the phrase 'burning sunlight'. He knew what it meant, but it was a phrase that he thought was rife with false assumptions or just ignorance. He couldn't decide but shrugged and followed Arikka as she led her way out of the gardens and towards the entrance of the temple.

He was surprised she found her way in the direction of the main entrance as he had gotten lost his first day here. She spun on her heal and said something that definitely humored him. He just grinned and pointed behind her. "I think you've got the right idea. The forest is just over there." He noticed a passing student who he had many classes with gawk at him as he passed, then heard her lungs and throat vibrating in a way telling him she thought he was a robot and all of a sudden he was smiling and seemed to actually have emotion. It was odd for him so the person went on their way and Thur'hars said nothing, following along behind Arikka-Mar.

"Not follow that path into the tree line," Thur'hars said, pointing. "That one leads to a small stream where we might run into more than just this beautiful bird. And keep your ears open, you will likely begin to hear the bird any time once we reach the forest." The sun had started getting low in the sky, though it was not quite considered dusk. There were several more hours left so Thur'hars didn't worry much.

As they got to the outskirts of the forest he placed a finger over his mouth as if to say 'hush', then tapped his ear and grinned, hoping she caught he wanted her to listen. He could hear the bird as it 'spoke' it's language and had always found it calming. Once a few yards into the forest he took the lead and began to head towards the creek. He glanced over his shoulder to watch Arikka's reactions once or twice. "Not many come back here. They seem to prefer staying within the visibility of the Masters."

Spoiler: OOC funnies

"Once a few years into the forest..." was the mistake of a person typing while falling asleep. I have a talent for doing that, but apparently it took me "a few years into the forest" to get it. lol

 

[Vulpes]

The teenager frowned upon hearing your failed attempts of hunting the creature. "Why did you try to capture it? Besides, that should be a hint 'don't eat me'," she said. Arikka took note of the the student that looked to Thur'hars, but said nothing upon seeing he didn't either. Upon given the proper direction, she moved along the tree line, keeping an eye out for any sorta of creature, sentient or not. Her footsteps were light, making a noise you'd have to listen for to hear. Arikka considered herself pretty quick on her feet and pretty quiet on her toes, even when in boots.

Once they arrived to the outskirts, she saw him stop, and she did as well. There it was! She could faintly hear the bird's song in the distance. Perhaps she could see it if they went closer, she thought. Arikka stood there for a minute, not immediately noticing that Thur'hars had began to walk. She lazily jogged to catch up with him, producing more sound than she had been. The Codru-Ji followed behind him, in awe of the sounds of the bird becoming more clear. "Is there something I should be worried about out here?"