[ASK] Meeting a second hopeful

[Sirocco]

Thinking of her words, he guessed he could probably not word what he was trying to teach her properly until he remembered. 10 years ago, he had a heated spar with Knight Della Frey and won but it was a heated an well matched fight. Perhaps his experience fighting the smaller and quicker Della Fray was what Khelsea needed "in fighting, you need to quickly judge your next move and and let your actions flow like water, to chain one after the other like a dance of battle. Perhaps I can teach you what I mean by telling you about when I had a good spar with Della Fray" Raleigh said as he shut down his training saber and sat down, offering her to do the same.

"Della fray is a powerful user of the force and skilled combatant. She is also smaller and faster then I am, perhaps you will gain wisdom from our past. It was ten years ago that we sparred, she would not attack me directly and so chose to distract our distraction with a bigger distraction. She opened with our confrontation with a flash of bright light that had blinded me for a few seconds and so chose to try and out maneuver me. I would have surely lost there if I decided to attack head on although I did give chase when my sight cleared. Clearly trying to use her superior speed and stamina to tire me out I decided to fight with my tools and my instincts as she used distractions and evasion to fight me because I was too large to fight head on. Blinding me with powder to the eyes, kicking me to disrupt my balance wile my sight was compromised, she never allowed her guard to open until she knew I was a split second behind from guarding against her. It was only when I out witted her in a strike of pure luck that I defeated her by encasing her inside my force bubble and overpowering her. If it were not for that moment, we could have probably fought for a long time with her as the eventual victor." Raleigh spoke as a smile cracked across his face at how wonderful and exiting those times were. However, they were gone and he had not heard from Della in some time which worried him a bit. Hopefully Khelsea would meditate in the tale to figure out a more evasive tactic to her blade work, having shown her a pummel strike did Raleigh also wished to teach her that all aspects of the light saber were free for her to use.

 

[Veloster Turbo]

It was an interesting tale, with much that could be learned from it. Powder throwing, using the Force to produce a bright light to blind others, and even unsophisticated techniques such as a pummel strike opened up many doors to different maneuvers in lightsaber combat. All in all, Raleigh had delivered and Khelsea had gained knowledge on how to improve. Given time and experience, she would be significantly better than she was today. At best, this improvement would allow her to spar with other Padawans successfully, and perhaps even win every so often.

"Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I will consider using various techniques and strategies to throw you off guard and perhaps surprise you one day!"

Khelsea stood, waiting to see if Raleigh wished to continue sparring or if he had other plans for their first meeting.

 

[Sirocco]

"Remember that what I have thought you is combat against stronger and bigger opponents, do not forsake what you already know but embrace it as yet another option. As a Jedi however, we must hope that such confrontations will never come and that we may remain vigilant upholders of the light. Remember, do not hold battle as a goal but as a distraction from your true goal: the light and protection of those that need our help" Raleigh said as he thought that perhaps he would send her a few holo vids for her to study as homework for their next meeting.

Standing up, he stretched and limbered back up for what ever she wanted to do next "we have all day to spend reviewing and training, your file expresses your skill in most of the core abilities. How ever, I would like to gauge your strength in this abilities to know were you stand to know were to start. For this, you will have to defend yourself and evade by remotes and my telekinetic attacks with a blast shielded helmet to hamper your sight. I can assure you that it will be easy at first and we will start with meditation to help you limber up in body and mind" Khelsea seemed to be strong in the force and skilled enough to have a strong base to train from despite her limited time as a padawan, it did seem that they would have a good time together as he seemed worthy for her as a teacher.

 

[Veloster Turbo]

The first lesson taught by Raleigh in lightsaber combat was concluding. While it was brief, Khelsea felt she had gained much information. While she would require additional practice to catch up on her lightsaber techniques, the short lesson allowed her to have a decent amount of things to contemplate, without being overwhelmed.

"I will remember the things I've learned today, thank you for the lesson."

Khelsea was taken aback at the next task assigned by Raleigh. She had only learned Force Sight with Jedi Knight Rane a few weeks ago, and it had taken much effort to gain very little improvement.

"Well to be honest, my grasp of Force Sight isn't very good. I don't think I'll be able to do much with the training remotes. I can try if you'd like though."

 

[Sirocco]

"you show much courage and wisdom in admitting this. We shall meditate in the force and extend our senses in the force which will be our starting proceeding every day. But first, can you tell me all of the forms of meditation you know?" Raleigh deeply understood meditation and so he applied it in many different forms. The force in all life around every jedi as it stimulated and enforced one that called to its aid and embraced it as the great friend that it was. So to was the mentality of meditation applied to all life as Raleigh did as he walked from one place to another or when he worked with his equipment or when he farmed and practiced his jedi abilities.

Guessing she had only been thought basic meditation, he proceeded to teach her the other numerous methods "The force flows around us and it empowers us as it binds the galaxy together, life can also be applied to meditation if your mind is disciplined, focused and clear. One can clear their mind and contemplate life and the universe wile attending every day life. Jedi mechanics have been known to go into meditative trances that allow them to let the force flow through their task as they clear their mind and become one with the force. So do farmers such as my self, immersing my self in the light side of the force and with life, I commune with all living things and the force as I tend to my garden and nurture the life that goes there. As a warrior, I have also achieve meditation that allows me to become one with the force and with the light saber, training in all jedi aspects in one to become the force itself in my telekinetic and martial executions in training and battle. With training, you could become one with the force and water, gliding through the lake like the serine waves as your breath control becomes such that you barely need to resurface for breath.You may even discover abilities in the force in your element that you could have not believed possible. unique abilities like those of Kit Fisto who was able to use the force to puncture even metal with kinetic pressurized bubbles in mid water."

 

[Veloster Turbo]

Learning about different forms of meditation was quite interesting. Especially the idea of such strong breath control that she'd be able to swim and not have to resurface for water for lengthy periods of time. Farming was unattractive to her, but having swam competitively almost her whole life, she had a strong connection with water and its elements. The feeling of cool liquid gliding along her body was comforting and relaxing, as was being submerged underwater in the clear waters of Lake Country while she dove in from various shore locations. She had spent many serene moments in the water, and aside from intense practices and workouts, she found it to be one of her favorite ways to relax and enjoy herself.

She sat attentively as Raleigh described all the different forms of meditation he wished for her to know and learn, and asked questions here and there. Raleigh was a decent teacher, pretty average in her opinion but that was still very acceptable. In any case, it was much better than he was in their earlier conversation.

"Did you wish for me to practice meditation today, or is that for another time?"

 

[Sirocco]

"Indeed we will practice meditation but instead of just concentrating in the force, to expand your senses and commune with the force, we will review and study the most important aspects of how to be a jedi: the jedi code and the eightfold path. To continue your jedi training beyond your review, you have to memorize and meditate on both the path and the code for it is of absolute paramount importance that you not only know it but follow it in mind and spirit" Raleigh spoke closing his eyes and taking a deep breath.

Allowing himself to become empty and serine, Raleigh called on the force and its boundless insight as it flowed around and through him to become one with it. Breathing very calmly as be became a recipient of the force, Raleigh almost whispered as he universe simply vanished around them until only Khelsea, Raleigh and the force remained. "close your eyes and empty your mind of all distractions, let the force flow into you and welcome the light side of the force. Let all your inhibitions flow down the river of the force and empty yourself of anger, regret, pride, doubt, and selfishness.....just you me and the force" Raleigh no longer spoke with his mouth, he spoke with the force as his words resounded smoothly in her mind like a serine echo of the morning river water rippling with the drops of melting morning frost upon the tips of the leafs. Like the calm morning Naboo breeze on her skin and her hair, blowing smoothly and serenely in the air.

"Can you see it? can you feel the force flow around all life and through you? calling out to you as you call out to it like a beautiful friend or gift that had always been there for you all your life? protecting and aiding you through out life up to this point? feel the force flow strengthen your mind and mindful insight?" Raleigh spoke as he hoped communing with the force would allow Kehlsea a greater depth of wisdom and foresight for the meditative training that was to come.

 

[Veloster Turbo]

Khelsea knew a bit about the Eightfold Path and its significance to a Jedi. It had been emphasized many times to her, and she had taken a few days to review it prior to her meeting with Raleigh. She spent the time to recite and summarize the main points from her memory, which hopefully satisfied Raleigh since he was unsure of whether or not she knew the Jedi Code and the Eightfold Path.

As Raleigh called on the Force and spoke through it, the atmosphere became unique. Khelsea had never before experienced such conversation, and listening to his voice and complying with his instructions created a very eye-opening experience. As she closed her eyes, there slowly became nothing but the voice speaking. In fact, she wasn't even sure whom it belong to, but it was persuasive and calm. If this was the feeling advanced meditation provided, it would definitely benefit her to practice and learn it. Such an enlightening experience couldn't be conjured up by just anyone, and it was a privilege to be taught such a skill.

Eventually, found herself returning from the clouds and found herself in the room with Raleigh.

"That felt very surreal. I don't think I've ever experienced such a feeling. Meditation will give me a greater understanding and knowledge of the Force and all related skills? Honestly, I didn't even know who was talking or where I was. It felt strange, but comfortable at the same time."

 

[Sirocco]

It was not that Raleigh believed she lacked knowledge of the eightfold path and the code, she was a brilliant padawan and had the potential to catch up with her contemporaries in no time. What Raleigh wanted to instill on Khelsea was something much more then just knowledge which was application and the feeling of the eightfold path and the code. It was one think to know the eightfold path to the letter but applying it to one's life and expressing it every day with her contemporaries and all others was something entirely different. For her to express and master the ways of the jedi, she had to give her self in completely to Raleigh's teachings wile no longer feeling contempt for others if they did not meet her expectations. Raleigh knew she would not learn to feel and express the path and the code in one day and did not wish her to do so but he was bound to remind her and have her meditate on this jedi truths every day so that one day she could be one step closer to Knighthood.

"Meditation is a powerful guide in the force when seeking to study and master the greater mysteries of the jedi. It opens new doors to focus and insight that one could not achieve otherwise, it can even empower and protect your mind from external threats as you influence the minds of others and instill confidence and strength. In extreme cases, it can even save your life but that is a topic for when you are ready. I practice force enhanced combat meditation by centering my mind and applying all of my abilities at once to strengthen my control and to increase my endurance in the force. This kind of meditation is very taxing on your mind and body so I do not recommend it just yet, not at the level I apply it any ways. I shall guide you through this mysterious truths if you wish as your master. Do you wish to continue our review and training? If so, which abilities do you wish to show me so that I may test you and see your strength in it and perhaps begin training in its application?"

Raleigh believed that her experience as an athlete and control of her body might allow her a stronger control of body augmentation in the force. If his hunch was to be correct, Khelsea would surely learn to master force speed in a few days after bitter training enforced with just as much meditation. Raleigh was set on helping her catch up with all other padawans in the light saber and the force but was also careful and mindful. In the end were the core abilities were concerned, it was Khelsea's choice but she would not proceed further in her training until she could become an adept in the force and the lightsaber. Until she became one with the force abd her abilities to the point of second nature.

 

[Veloster Turbo]

Well, that was interesting. It seemed Raleigh was bipolar. First, he was insistent that she did as he commanded without giving much reason, and now he was suddenly presenting her with a choice of whether or not to continue the training, and even which abilities she would be tested on.

"He's probably testing my willingness to train. That's probably why he suddenly changed his tone. Well, I'm here to learn, so I might as well make the most of the opportunity."

Khelsea responded to his question using an indifferent tone, avoiding giving hints on how she actually felt.

"Sure, lets continue." Pausing for a moment, she considered different techniques. She decided to demonstrate her weakness in telekinesis. "I think I'll try to show you what I can do with telekinesis. I'd like to be able to move objects at will, but right now I struggle with bigger objects or quick movements. I've been told that I just have to trust the Force, but sometimes... a large object just feels different. Besides, theres no room here to really practice Force Speed or Force Jump anyway, so telekinesis it is."

Without being urged or waiting for a reply, Khelsea focused on the Force and drew on its power. She had practiced since her telekinesis lesson with Rane a while ago, and there had been small improvements here and there. Having adequate proficiency with small objects now, Khelsea drew her training saber without any muscle movement. Bringing it slowly in front of her, she activated it by hitting the ignition with the Force, and levitated the weapon blade-side up. She had her doubts about her next move, which would be to swing the lightsaber. Attempting it anyways, she brought the lightsaber up higher and attempted to swing the lightsaber in a downwards motion. Instead, she lost control, and the saber flew forward, flying by Raleigh's left arm with only inches to spare.

Khelsea cringed, hoping not to have offended Raleigh with what he might have considered her carelessness. She was only trying to show both her current level of abilities as well as her limitations. In hindsight, it might have been better to swing in another direction or use a less dangerous object. Even a training saber could cause a sting, and that would've been bad.

"Oops, I probably shouldn't have tried that. Moving objects quickly and moving larger objects is a little beyond my skill right now. I can sporadically have success in my actions, but in terms on consistency I can only move smaller objects at slow speeds. So hypothetically, I can eat without my hands! I just haven't tried it yet."

 

[Sirocco]

Unflinching and serine as he remained in position even as he sensed every second of the training saber's trajectory move through the air, her master simply stood there as he griped the saber with the force after it buzzed passed him. telekineticly calling the saber to his hand, he inspected it and weighted it as he studied her limits in telekinesis which were many although understandable. Having seen her limit, Raleigh knew were to start "the beginning of wisdom is to acknowledged and understand you lack it and so we will start with your training saber."

"to begin, we shall step back into meditation" Raleigh spoke before sitting down before her and closing his eyes as he hoped for her to do the same. Giving her a choice in the ability she wanted to train on was not as it seemed and she would feel the brunt of his training for the days in the future. The plan was for her to train in telekinetic lift and control her lightsaber with out the blade and then with it before moving to lift heavier objects and even lifting herself. She would soon learn that size and weight were but illusions in the force, mass mattered not to a Jedi.

 

[Veloster Turbo]

Complying with Raleigh's wishes, Khelsea closed her eyes, calmed herself and entered a meditative state. She focused on letting the Force flow through her, as she had been taught previously.

She felt the Force in the room, and tried to focus on her training saber once again. She brought it towards herself, and once again spun it around. Having a greater sense of focus this time, she managed to bring it towards herself slightly faster than she had moved the saber beforehand, flipped it upside down and lowered it, clipping it onto her belt.

Opening her eyes and looking at Raleigh, who observed her wordlessly, she used the Force and yanked the lightsaber up out of the belt. She didn't have complete control, but it rose up through the air nicely, flipping a few times. Improvising to make it seem like it was all planned, she caught the lightsaber and ignited it in her hand.

"That felt a bit better than before, but I wasn't totally in control. What do you think? Would you mind if I tried swinging it again?"

 

[Sirocco]

Raleigh smiled at her question, seeing that with focus she could do it but this was far from complete because she had to learn to apply such skill with instinct which was something she would learn with his training. She would not stop practicing with her training saber until she could move it and swing it with as telekinetic finesse as if she were holding it in her hand. As her chosen skill, she would not move much from this ability and would train on it with constant repetition and meditation until she had achieved skill Raleigh favored for a padawan.

"you may but remember this; we will practice practice practice until you not only learn to fully control it, but until it become instinct. Your training saber is but the first step to your padawan mastery as you will move to heavier things as you move on. Do not worry, you will show me your abilities of physical augmentation but you chose to concentrate on telekinesis so concentrate we shall. Now when you are ready, show me again" Raleigh said with a smile as he waited for her to do as she wished.

 

[Veloster Turbo]

Raleigh wouldn't let her stop until she practiced it. That was fine, she had spent many late nights cramming for exams, sometimes even foregoing sleep in order to obtain better results. She'd even stay up all night if it meant improving faster.

Hours later, with Raleigh patiently waiting, it finally became more natural. Continuous practice of the same mental motions over and over allowed her to swing the training saber fluidly through telekinesis. While a basic skill many younger Padawans had already established, it was an accomplishment for Khelsea. Until recently, she had spent almost her whole life without relying on the Force to achieve her goals.

Hopefully, she could sleep it off and they'd reconvene the next day. She was exhausted mentally, having spent hours of energy and focus into practicing telekinesis.

 

[Sirocco]

Raleigh knew he was being strict but he had hopes and knew that Khelsea would pull through her training and it was after hours of constant telekinesis that his determination was rewarded. Her ability to retain and learn things was outstanding and she did very well to focus and constantly train despite his tough expectations. It was final when the sun began to fade in the horizon that Khelsea's training ended for that day and Raleigh could not be more proud of her tremendous strives in skill in such a short time. Though she was still far from padawan level of perfection, that level would come in time with constant training and meditation which will keep the young lady on her toes and exhausted for most of the time yet she will gain greater stamina in the force as she pushed herself. Thinking that she made leaps and bounds in her training already, Raleigh thought she had earned a good nights rest and so would meet her in the morning to see how she was "That is enough, your skill in telekinesis is slowly refining to an outstanding level and for that I have to congratulate you on your perseverance and inner strength. If you don't have anything else to add then our session today is over so go enjoy your well earned rest, we will pick up your training tomorrow when you have been refreshed" Raleigh spoke with a hint of pride for her before closing with a respectful bow to her, if nothing else was said then he would take his leave.

Khelsea's evaluation was the first one that had expanded this long which was fine for Raleigh, all he cared about right now was to impress khelsea to let her stay and to improve her abilities. Khelsea was a strong young woman and her focus was advanced but she was still being pushed strictly in her abilities but she was being given good periods of rest and meditation to balance things out. Despite the maverick nature of his training, Raleigh was not worried as he knew she was strong enough and he was just pushing her just right. She had potential and he would carve through all of that wasted time to tap into her gold mine of potential hidden away through the years.

Their review and training location was different this time, Raleigh had chosen to review her abilities in force speed in the wide grass plains of Naboo. It was here were they would continue their training comfortably and maybe even teach her the philosophy of Sokan in her Soresu blade work. As he meditated on the prerequisite knowledge to become a knight, Raleigh figured he was not the best teacher for force stealth as he was bellow abridge in the skill. Raleigh was able to successfully snuff his existence in the force but he was only able to do it successfully with plenty of deep meditation and strain in his part and as untrained as his ability was, he would be easily discovered by other force users at close proximity. Raleigh would need to outsource his padawan to a trusted jedi who knew the skill in and out so that Khelsea could get a full education. For now, Raleigh would teach her what he could totally teach her in like Force Speed and light saber combat though it the latter, as an educated user of Soresu, it would be best to teach her form V, starting with Shien thanks to her strong base with Soresu.

Waiting for Khelsea in meditation, Raleigh expressed it in a combat sense by executing his mastery of Djem So and telekinesis in one. Singing his lightsaber with fluid ease and showing an overcoming of Djem So's slow speed, Raleigh danced around the grass swinging power and precise as he Levitated several large boulders around him. In what seemed almost like a force induced combat trance Raleigh was concentrated in fighting the imaginary enemy as his mind and body were pushed to the limit as he loved to do. It was his skill in telekinesis that afforded him the lack of need to wave his arms to control the boulders as he showed strain filled skill in his application of the jedi arts. Raleigh hoped that Khelsea would not take it personal but he was not the type to remain quiet and still with out meditation and training. He was simply proactive.

 

[Veloster Turbo]

A few days had passed, and Khelsea's training had moved onto Force Speed. Even though she has been known and praised by others for possessing great mental strength and a strong worth ethic, Khelsea couldn't help but linger a few extra minutes in bed before heading out to her next training location.

It wasn't a surprise that he picked the plains for lessons on Force Speed. The beautiful plains of Naboo were a comfortable place when the weather was cooperative. Today was such a day. The soft green grass combined with gentle rolling hills in the foreground contrasted beautifully with mountains in the background. The only thing lacking in the vicinity was a lake for Khelsea to relax and swim in after her lesson. She wasn't here for comfort though, she was here to work on her skills.

Approaching the meeting place, Khelsea was amused to see Raleigh being active in his own training while waiting for her. She watched as he practiced his lightsaber form, approaching him without losing her pace.

"Hope I'm not interrupting anything, but I'm here and ready to go!"

Despite a bit of weariness, Khelsea knew a positive attitude would go a long way. Besides, she felt they had started their relationship on the wrong foot, and hopefully her attitude would help mend things a bit. All the training had given her no time to get to know Raleigh on a personal level, or at the very least get to know him better. The better they knew each other, the more trusting of his training she would be, and less questioning would result in more time spent practicing and overall a boost in improvement rate would likely be seen. She knew friendship and comradeship couldn't be forced, so she continued training as she had been instructed and doing the best she could.

 

[Sirocco]

Raleigh moved with a combination of dexterous finesse and physical strength that made his lightsaber roar with each swing of the golden blade as he parried, blocked, dodged and cleaved his imaginary opponents. In tandem to his blade work, he used the boulders to crush and trample his imaginary enemies that would result on broken limps or even death as he trained as if he was fighting adversaries that he could not touch with the light. As the Eightfold path dictated, one could not ignore the truth of things how ever painful it was and Raleigh was prepared to take life if it meant saving many more. It was a cruel lesson the a jedi needed to learn but as a protector of the light, one had to sacrifice their own peaceful spiritual need to do what must be done if all other choices had been absolutely exhausted.

Raleigh's battle meditation was stopped when he sensed Khelsea and a bit later when he heard her words ring in his ears as he gently rested the boulders down around him just as his saber turn off. opening his eyes to see Khelsea, Raleigh gave her a wide smile before resuming a natural posture to respectfully bow to her "good day Khelsea, its good to see you and good to see you are flared and ready for the training. How ever, I sense some feelings of doubt but I am sure they are not about your training sines you are doing great. Come, lets have a nice chat about it sines I my self need a breather" Raleigh spoke with a laugh as he was sweating a little from the physical exertion seconds before.

 

[Veloster Turbo]

Taking Raleigh's invitation for conversation, she sat down comfortably on the grass and engaged in conversation. It was nice to have a conversation with someone, even if it was just Raleigh. Her training had caused her to miss out on a lot of socializing, which was regrettable. But the sacrifice had to be made if she was to improve at a speedy rate, and she knew it. She knew she'll meet other Jedi eventually, but at the moment, having only one person to talk to was getting a little boring. They would likely talk in a semi-formal manner since they didn't know each other well yet, but it would be a nice welcome change from just hearing commands all day. Variety was good. She didn't mind having a tough instructor, but a breather was required once in a while, and Khelsea was glad to have this opporunity.

"Good morning to you too Raleigh. So, how do you think I'm doing? I still feel like I'm fairly behind, but I think it's safe to say that I can't just instantly improve. Also, would you prefer to be called 'master', 'Raleigh', or something else?"

 

[Sirocco]

Raleigh sometimes wandered if perhaps he was pushing her too much into training as he had been training and drilling her in the force for the past few days with little rest. Having seen her excel in the force to an astonishing rate considering all the years she had been deprived of proper training, Raleigh chose to give her a few days free to make up for it. Seeing the training's results speak for themselves but knowing she craved a social life, Raleigh thought a day off, day on basis would be better. With this new schedule, Khelsea could be pushed hard one day and then take a well earned rest the next.

"I don't really mind what you call me in truth. Master, Raleigh? its your choice" Raleigh smiled at her before deciding to approach the elephant in the field "It probably my empathy senses out of whack but I feel a bit of sadness and regret from you and your expression sometimes follows my senses. I guess my training has been a tad strict so I have been thinking of easing off on your training and would love to see what you think? My initial thought was a day on day off basis in your training, any thoughts?" Raleigh said as he constantly tried to get to her potential, sensing he was close but never perfectly dead on. As he meditated on this decision, maybe she would do better with more rest given to her as she would come in with a fresher mind.

The thought of rest kind of made Raleigh crave for a quick dip in the lake and maybe with her friends were they could have fun. Maybe it was a great idea to slip in training and make her use force speed to get there as soon as possible in a race. The thought gave Raleigh a grin as he enjoyed the prospect of adding a little fun to the training, something her strict and challenging mentality made him thought would not be idea. It was time to get to know Khelsea in a closer light.

 

[Veloster Turbo]

"If you're okay with it, Raleigh will do. It feels more natural to address a person by their name rather than their title, unless they're queen or some other important role. Well that's just my opinion."

So Raleigh had noticed her longing for free time. It was tough, finding a balance between training and other activities. Especially since both her and Raleigh wanted her to improve as quickly as possible, not wasting time on other matters such as casual conversation for the most part. This was a welcome change, and she knew they'd be back into the nitty-gritty part of training soon enough.

"Well to be honest, I do miss my usual group of friends. I haven't had time to reply to their messages and I also haven't had the chance to meet any other Jedi other than exchange looks in the passageways or whatnot. But its okay! I know I need the training and I'm not complaining."

Curious to what the next few days would be like, Khelsea asked Raleigh to outline her training regimen for the next week. "What do you have planned for the next week or so? Is there anything specific you're going to work on with me?"