Awakening

[Master Maverick]

The forests of Tython, deep and vast as they may be, seemed artificial, in a sense, to the being walking through the dense foliage among the ancient trees that towered above, reaching, ever reaching towards the sky.

Overcast would be the word to use on a day such as this; the star of this system was blocked by cloud cover on this particular section of the planet. It was slightly humid, a rain having just passed and yet another on its way, yet a slight breeze moved the air so it might not be stifling to those who ventured outside. This particular individual, the form ambiguous beneath the wrappings of clothing, walked with some sort of authority, as though it belonged here.

No, it was this place; the embodiment of where it walked. However, this was no ordinary being. The Force presence emanating from the bipedal creature was massive, oppressive even. The Force flowed through the creature as though it weren't there. No hindrance of its flow would be found in the being's mortal form. Creatures regarded it as sacred, each and every one stopping, almost bowing and showing their respect as it traversed the uneven ground, overgrown with foliage and roots of the massive trees, arcing over 15 feet at times, creating magnificent living arches.

While the being, clearly sentient, walked, if anyone were to watch it, would seem as though it disregarded its surroundings as though they didn't exist. However, this was simply a facade; the creature's knowledge of these forests was so profound that it need not look upon them with physical eyes for it knew all there was to know of everything far more intimately than simple eyes of the flesh could ever know. Indeed, if one were to lift its hood to reveal the face of the being, they would find closed eyes and an expression only described as infinite peace upon its face.

Hours passed and night fell upon this side of the planet, but the creature continued its march towards the only meaningful thing on the planet; the Great Jedi Temple.

The slow pace of the spirit as it passed by the Guardians remained steady, unheeding of the dangers in the darkness, for even these nocturnal predators regarded the being with the same respect the daytime creatures had. Indeed, some would follow in such a manner as to perhaps protect it as it traversed the grounds of its kingdom. They looked upon it with longing eyes, as though they wished it to regard and notice them. However, they would receive no such pleasure, for the Spirit of Tython had duties to perform and there was no time to do such things.

______________________________________________

By mid-morning the next day, the Great Temple came into view. In the clearing just outside the Temple grounds, the being stood, cloaked and face hidden from view from any who might be up and about. Looking up at the temple, nothing but the Force flowed through this being; no emotions would be discerned, for it held none, and the look upon the spirit's face, if unveiled, would show nothing. The eyes, though. The bright eyes of the creature were deep with knowledge, understanding, serenity, wisdom, peace, longing and... sorrow?

It mattered not, for its gaze was soon lowered and it proceeded to sit upon the ground, legs crossed with the cloak about its body, making a circle. Hands gloved with brown colored cotton rested upon the thighs of the being. The Force stirred around it and slight manipulations would occur. These would grow and strengthen in intensity as the hours passed. While attention was something it sought, such was not necessarily required.

The Guardian of Tython has returned.

 

[MightyPants]

It was just the morning on Tython, but the panorama looked very different of what was on the other planets. There was a lot of padawans and his respective masters training all along the Temple adjacent. In change, Quai'El didn't had a master but he didn't needed urgently one, so he kept training alone.

The Jedi Temple on Tython, symbol of all the Jedi, was in the perspective of Quai'El. He was, as always, on a remote tree that was at no more than 200 meters from the Temple, but he felt that place perfect for meditation and being alone. He didn't liked to mix with the other padawans because he was too old and he just liked other thing, so that tree was his unique hope of didn't being crazy.

"The time it's now" He shouted to his own. He in fact felt something on his body that was not usual, so he headed to the Temple searching to the cause of that warm feeling. It was probably an force disturbance or just some master that was entering and moving closely to him, but he didn't wanted to take risks, specially being a just arrived to the temple. He started to move his feet and his small body through the parks and then he headed to the entrance of the temple, searching the cause of the feeling.

 

[Lupe]

Glacien was on Tython, reflecting on the decision Mira had made on Dxun only a few days ago. He could be seen in the courtyard of the temple, near the forest, meditating with icy air surrounding him. The Jedi Knight was angry, sad, disappointing, but most of all he was in love with a Sith. Deep inside he knew that he would have to face her in combat and that it might even come to death. But in the midst of his peaceful concentration, Glacien could feel something approaching from the forest, something big, something powerful. He immediately broke meditation, the icy air being absorbed into the Jedi Knight. He got up from the ground and saw the being approaching, he watched it for a few seconds before it stopped in front of the temple, as if waiting for something.

Curious, Glacien approached the being. Once close enough, he greeted it "Hello," he said firmly but not aggressively "are you lost?"

 

[Master Maverick]

The approach of any one individual was far below the being's realm of awareness. It was as though the approach of an ant; of no consequence and otherwise meaningless. Even as the male spoke, a Jedi no doubt, his voice was only just within the edge of her perception. It was a whispered echo, obscured by various other sounds that the creature was listening to at the time. However, the words were in such contrast to the orchestra it was listen to prior, the concentration was destroyed and it deigned to diminish its presence to the here, as it were. This, however, would take several moments, during which time the being would remain silent, head down turned and otherwise motionless.

The amount of time needed in order to perform this wasn't particularly a worry of the individual upon the ground. Infinitely patient, it took its time retracting its consciousness back within itself. To others, more in tune with their mortal forms, they may find it testing, if not aggravating that it took such a time in order to respond to a rather simple question. However, during this time, its consciousness washed over that of the man before her. Feeling the remains of thoughts and feelings that might be leaving his mind, the task was completed in due time. Upon completion, a feminine voice with a noticeably lower timbre yet soft and smooth was voiced from the obscured throat of the cloaked figure. "I believe it is you who is lost..." Her voice trailed off somewhat, obviously playing the game of cryptic answers to innocent questions.

In other words; being slightly annoying.

 

[Lupe]

Glacien waited rather patiently for the being to respond. He even passed popsicles out to the padawans who came around using cyrokinesis. He might as well of done something to pass the time. When he was done with that, he began juggling Ice balls out of bordem, but eventually the being replied. When it, she, did, the Ice Balls disappeared and Glacien responded "Perhaps I am but it is I who asked you if you are lost not that I am." he said in a rather cryptic tone, he knew better than to rush things with this being.

 

[Kant]

Validus Voluntas sat outside the temple on Tython he had done some light drills earlier and now sat meditating as per his usual routine. The overcast day was a perfect match for the storminess he felt inside of him for no apparent reason. He just had the feeling that something very strange possibly even dangerous was about to happen. His senses were on full alert, which made meditating very hard. But, somehow, Validus calmed himself and got down to the business of meditating. He felt the presence in the first long before he saw the creature. It was huge, looming, perhaps a little ominous. Validus felt uneasy about this. "It could be nothing" he thought to himself. Then he saw the woman approaching. She certainly didn't look very threatening, but he wasn't sure what was bothering him and it always payed to be safe.

With one quick movement Validus leaped to his feet. He took long quick strides toward the woman. Another Knight walked up and asked the woman a question. The woman had given a vague somewhat troubling answer. Validus strode up to her. She certainly didn't seem hostile but this left a huge question about why she was actually here. He spoke to her "I don't mean to be rude, but what is your purpose here?" As he spoke he focused his force energy in order to attempt to use force empathy, he wanted to know what was going on in her head. Was she really so calm as she outwardly seemed?

 

[Master Maverick]

She did not raise her head, nor remove her hood as he pushed his line of questioning. Even as yet another curious Jedi asked, somewhat presumptuously, what she was doing here.

First to the younger, masked man, she replied, "I am well aware of my physical location. Thank you for your concern, sir." Her voice was polite. At least for the most part. It would be clear to these Jedi that she was rather unimpressed to be asked such interrogatory questions.

Then, pivoting her head to the older of the two, her hood shifting the only indication that she did so, she responded, "Similar to your own, it seems." She hinted at the fact that she knew he had previously been attempting to meditate, however, unsuccessful it might have been.

It was then that the Force became rigid around not only herself, but the two before her. The waves ceased to move, completely stagnant as she steeled her mind against the clear invasion of privacy. He would find nothing to be gained from her mind; it was a deep ocean of nothingness, vast and depthless. She wouldn't shield her mind, but he'd find that if he ventured too deep, there was a good chance his consciousness would be swallowed within her own.

"I do not appreciate your invasion of my privacy, good sir. I suggest you keep to yourself. You are arrogant to presume that you are allowed access to my mind in any way. I will divulge what is relevant if you ask. There is no need to pry." Her voice was harsh to begin with, but had calmed by the end of it. Her temper, the whole of it, could not be determined, but her unvoiced threat of retaliation was clearly not to be taken lightly.

It was then that her hands raised to her face. Her fingers pressed against the back of the enveloping hood and made it fall behind her neck, revealing her dark tan skin and tight dreadlocks. Her skin smooth, her features young and feminine. Her eyes were a light emerald. Small, yet deep with... something. She lacked a nose and, upon closer inspection, her hair was not made of its namesake. Indeed, the knots were knots in wood that created as the roots grew out of her head. They feel only slightly more stiff than hair and, otherwise, was rather pleasing to look upon. The rest of her body, though, was obscured by her heavy cloak of a deep green hue.

She looked upon the two men incredulously for a few moments before her features softened and she waited for the questions they were so eager to voice.

 

[Dectarn]

Dectarn stood inside the temple half of his body concealed by a wall, he had heard the commotion and was drawn to the sound. His eyes rested on the female figure standing in front of the two other jedi, no not jedi.... they where still in training. But their names slipped his mind. He never was one to socialize and the others for the most part felt the same towards him. But this creature what ever she was, interested him him greatly partly due because she was different also because of the way she was dismissive the others in training. He was so used to all the politeness and what seemed like boot licking. In fact that's the soul reason Dectarn thought he was passed over by the masters as younger members where taken in. Because he wouldn't plaster a smile and say 'yes master, no master' he had a right to think for him self and he knew he was good enough to be the best. If he had a little more training, which he was in the means of possess a means to further his own lessons with or with out a master. The though caused his hands to drift to where his true sabers where hidden. Dectarn snapped back into focus and smiled, it was refreshing to see some one stand their ground. Perhaps he would be able to speak with her, if he worked up the courage to.

But for now he was content to wait, hoping he wasn't spotted.

 

[Master Maverick]

The silence from the accused pair signified to the cloaked woman that they were not worth her time. She rose from her position, looked at the pair with hooded eyes, and turned to once again enter the forest whence she came. Once she finally reached the edge of the trees, in a few steps she melted into the scenery, her form becoming invisible amongst the plant life. The apparition, it would appear, had disappeared.

 

[Dectarn]

Dectarn watched as the woman grew tired of the other two and turned away to go, and Dectarn was committed to follow her. He slipped silently out of his hiding spot and past the other jedi and followed the woman towards the forests edge then in a blink of an eye she was gone. He walked towards where she was moments ago and looked around searching for any trace of her, when his eyes failed he opened him self up to the force trying to sense where she was. Or if there was any danger, and he let his hands drift to his hidden light sabers.
"Hello?" His voice stammered. He was starting to think this may of been a bad idea, born of years of boredom and a feeling of hopelessness that came with being with out a master for so long.

 

[Master Maverick]

"Such things will be of no use to you, youngling..." A whispering voice carried by a breeze would tickle the ears of her follower, devoid of the body that produced it. Perhaps no body did produce it, perhaps it was through the Force that she spoke.

A chuckling would crescendo after a few moments. It was not entirely condescending, yet the voice sounded once again. "I do not allow myself to be found except when I wish to be..." Again the voice would fade as before. All that remained was the rustling of leaves and movement of small critters within the Forest.

"If you wish to meet with me, travel south and you will come across a stream. Follow it downstream until you come to a small pond. I will be there." This time the voice was more substantial and was not merely a whisper and did not fade as before. However, still there was no form to go with the voice.

The journey would be longer than the young Jedi would assume. Indeed, at a brisk walking pace, it would take almost half an hour to reach the destination that had been described to him. It was a pleasant enough trail, however. The towering trees allowed in scarce light which pierced as beams through the canopy. There was little detritus upon the ground, though there was a slightly unnatural feel to the forest.

On the other side of a lightly rippling pond the figure knelt as before. It was clear, the bottom covered in smooth stones and reflected the sun that shone on its surface. She would be found on the far bank, the body of water separating the two beings. She would not stir, but she would even before he laid eyes on her. As it was, she, more or less, blended in with her surroundings. "If you have come to invade my mind, know that there will be consequences." There was little emotion aside from the clear warning she was giving. She wasn't about to tell him that he would, more than likely, lose his own mind should he try for she wasn't in the mood to explain further.

 

[Dectarn]

The walk left him restless and the woman's voice that seemed to come from nothing did little to calm his nerves, but it did fuel his interest in her. He had yet to see another master perform that trick, not that many of them held interest for him but the fact that it was new did. But he had little time to dwell on his thoughts as every sound from the forest set him on edge and more then once did he almost draw his concealed sabers and when he finally made his way to the pool which she spoke of he let out a small breath and sat across the pool of water from her. Almost right away she warned him of invading her mind, which he found strange but he found it wise not to bring it up.
"I saw you at the entrance and I uhh.. Wanted to speak with you." He tilted his head so his hood would cover his eyes as he spoke, fumbling for the words that would explain why he had looked for her.
"I've never seen some one who spoke like you did to the other jedi.." His fingers drummed on his leg as he him self second guessed him self in the wisdom of his plan, perhaps he should of stayed in the temple, where he belonged.

 

[Master Maverick]

His nerves were not lost to the creature that knelt upon the forest floor. She listened without interruption nor comment as the boy spoke. That is, until he shared his curiosity at the way she spoke to her, technical, betters. Being that she was only a Knight; at least, that was her rank before her hiatus, were she not so confident, she would have been reprimanded. Of course, her rank would be unknown to all, but it was obvious there was some sort of respect for her. She remembered gaining such a thing all those years ago and smirked at the memory.

A short scoff sounded from her throat as she explained, "Those younglings were far too presumptuous. One was arrogant enough to attempt to read my mind without permission. Such a thing is considered the highest of indecencies among even Jedi. Especially for a Master of the Order." Her tone was full of righteous irritation as she metaphorically spat at them for this affront. Also, her knowledge of his rank might initially be surprising to the young Jedi, and she would only keep surprising him with how much she really knew.

There was silence for a time as a breeze flowed through the small clearing. Her body moved not, nor did she make any attempt to look upon the boy. "You are not hidden from me, child." This was in response to the shielding of his eyes to sight. Her tone this time was still slightly harsh, but there was a touch of humor at his attempt to hide his face. She felt it largely unnecessary, given that her back was turned to him. Even so, she needed not her physical eyes to look upon him. Her powers through the Force, at this stage of her metamorphism, was much greater than practically any other being in the galaxy. None could hide from her.

"What is it, then, that you wished to speak with me about, child. I will not harm you if you do not harm me." Her voice was noticeably calmer now. Her temper was clearly evident and it might be curious that she did not attempt to hide it or control it. While it might be assumed that she did not have control over her emotions, such was far from the case. She simply did not fear them as so many Jedi did.

 

[Dectarn]

As she spoke a chill went down his spine, and he felt his very presence being looked at by her. He knew he might as well be completely truthful with her, he doubted he could manage a passable lie.
"Well I... um would like to know your name and who or what you are. You're unlike any jedi master I've met before." His voice stammered as he looked up at her back. The wind bring the fresh smell of the forest to his nose.
"I... I thought I could learn some thing from you." At that his voice fell silent, now it was out there why he had really followed her. It was a desperate attempt to find at least one person on this planet that would be willing to further his studies. That would see what he could do if given the chance.

 

[Master Maverick]

A tense silence followed his requests. There was almost a scoff, but only silence amid the movements of the forest was emitted by the hooded figure. "I am not a Master. Not technically..." She paused for a moment before mumbling, "I'm hardly a Jedi anymore..."

"And perhaps there is something I can learn from you..." She was still practically talking with herself, but the boy would be able to hear her.

"You may call me Tuwan," she finally said after a rather lengthy pause. "What is it you think I can teach you?" At this point she rose form her spot. Her robes and cloak were rather bulky, so her form could not accurately be determined until she removed the heavy swath of dark green cloth. Her upper body was wrapped to a form fit, revealing slight arms and a thin waist. Her hips and downward were still obscured by a thick skirt that slightly dragged on the ground. The deep browns of her robes matched perfectly, as did her cloak, with the forest beyond. Her hair would be seen as dreadlocks from this distance, yet they fell and moved with a bit more resistance than hair should have. Her skin, as she turned to face him, was a light brown which was certainly not a tan. It would be immediately noticed that her eyes were bright and light shades of emerald. They possessed a knowing deeper than they should have. Only after her eyes would it be determined that she did not possess a nose like most humanoids.

"Welcome, Dectarn, to my home." With her tone she indicated that the entire forest was her home. That it was her home. Perhaps she even believed the entire planet was hers. Regardless, the only thing she carried upon her was a belt which was merely a branch, perhaps a root, cinched across her waist where an incredibly worn and seemingly ancient lightsaber hilt hung on her left hip. The hilt was largely made of wood, or plated with it. Dull strands of metal wove among the wood in what would hold the whole thing together. Other than this, she carried nothing with her.

 

[Dectarn]

He was confused by what she was talking about but he wasnt going to miss out on a chance to further his studies even if he had to learn from what seemed like a half mad ex-jedi.
"Well Tuwan...." He looks at his hands. "I Hope you can teach me to better my self and... and to defend the republic and the order from the dark side filth!'" He goes silent after his out burst and looks around the forest he felt as if he just screwed his chances once again.
"And.. umm you have a lovely home" He says not sure what to say, he hated having to make this small talk, he would rather be doing some thing more active. His hands where getting restless and he wished he could be training.

 

[Master Maverick]

Her head raised at his rather naive fit and was a bit off-put by that. His confusion did not help his case and his lack of understanding made her doubt how much the boy could learn. She was not the most patient of 'Jedi' and did not do well with mediocrity. "Thank you," she said first, in response to his compliment. It was clear he had no idea what she really meant, but it mattered not.

"First it seems you need to be taught of the Force, the Jedi Way and the realities of the Light and Dark sides as well as of the Sith. What is it you know of these subjects, young one?" She was a bit expectant in her voice, almost as though she expected him to reinforce her thoughts about his short-comings. Regardless she would listen in silence and without interruption as he answered her question.

 

[Dectarn]

Dectarn took a deep breath to clear his thoughts, he was used to questions like this mainly after an outburst which he had thought he had under control. Her tone did little to inspire his hope for training, he learned early on when he had disappointed some one.
"The force..." He spoke as calmly as he could. "The power that flows through all things, it binds us together in a way most people could never understand." He repeats the lesson that's been drilled in his head since the start of his training.
"And then there's the light and dark side two sides of the same coin. The light which gives us the ability's needed to defend those who cant defend them selves, and the dark fueled by cruel and vile actions it grants its power to those who are self serving and don't care for any one but them selves." His fingers drummed on his legs as he sat his eyes looking at her hoping he had spoken correctly.
"Master Tuwan... I know i may lack understanding in some areas of the orders teachings. But I only wish to learn and better my self, and I will try my hardest to learn." He lowers his head and waits for her to speak.

 

[Master Maverick]

Certainly no impressed with his answer, neither was she disappointed in it. He was a fresh canvas upon which she could paint her own portrait of the world; one that she believed more accurate than what most others would create. Arrogance or confidence, either was more than possible. Regardless, across the small pond, Tuwan contemplated the answer.

After several moments later, her head rose. First she simply stared at the young human, yet not simply looking at, but through him it might seem. Rising to her feet as though she were pulled up, she stood for a moment. While she had embraced his answer, she also centered herself within the Force. Taking a step forward, her foot, if not obscured by her heavy skirt, would not completely fall upon the detritus covered ground. Another step and her foot landed on the water, but did not break the surface. No ripple was created by the movement save for the air that was moved by the dense cloth as she stepped. Her left foot would move in front of her left and she would solidify the fact that she was, indeed, walking upon the water.

Perhaps this might have been seen as a needless display of power, of knowledge. Not in the mind of the creature, though. No, it was simply the fastest way in which to speak with the young Jedi without having to raise her voice to do so. She crossed the glassy water in several moments, not taking the concentration to walk quickly, but rather focus on not falling into the water.

Once on the opposite bank, her gaze would soften; the only indication that she was not longer actively using the Force. A subtle thing, but one so immersed in the Force for as many years as she was hardly had such difficulties. Sitting with the water on her right, she crossed her legs and settled into her spot. There was much to educate him on and she didn't want to be rushed by strain.

"The Force is more than simple 'power', child. It is life and it is death. It permeates all things and connects the living. It is this, the connection, that we feel and are able to manipulate to our own ends." The end of her statement was clearly not taught to young Jedi. Tuwan, however, held no reservations. Keeping children ignorant of a truth was not how the being imparted her knowledge and wisdom to others. Either way, she would clarify, "To use in order to protect others, of course. However, do not be fooled; any use of the Force is a manipulation of its natural state." She let the statement settle within the human's mind for a moment before moving on.

"However, you are misinformed on the Light and Dark sides of the Force." Her chin lowered a bit, showing an expectant look on her face. "The Dark side, just as the Light, can be used to defend and protect others. It is simply the use and intent. Dark does not equate to evil in all cases." The statement was practically blasphemous, or would be to the undereducated child. "The Dark side surely corrupts those who use it, both mentally and physically. However, that is not to say that some are not as severely affected nor that good is impossible with its use.

"However, the Dark side does allow one to acquire great power. Again, the deformation of mind and body is the consequence for such power. Also, you should be aware that those who follow the Light are not incapable of such power. It is simply the Way of the Jedi not to strive for such things which allows those who yearn for such base desires to have an 'edge', if you will." She paused once again. There were many discussions that could stem off of these ideas. However, she was not here to debate or discuss such things. Her job was to educate the child, and that's what she would do.

"As for the Sith, know that the term was stolen by a species in which those that followed Bogan enslaved when the Jedi exiled them. It is this that is the root of the conflict with them and something I fear will never be resolved. Neither can see past their hubris to understand the other, it seems, and no compromise will be reached. At least in my observations." At this point she was more thinking out loud than trying to teach Dectarn something. He might even have no idea what she was talking about, but she paid no heed to any looks of confusion he'd shoot her. It would be his job to look up that which he didn't understand.

"As a Jedi, you should strive to learn in order to defend others not able to do so themselves. 'To defend and protect the galaxy' as it were. To simply 'better' yourself can easily lead down that dark path. One that some do not know they tread until it is far too late." Her gaze shifted to her left as she looked at the grass beneath them. Recalling one such memory in days long past, her heart throbbed with pain and sadness.

A deep breath found her mind at peace once more as she looked at the human again. At this point she remained silent, not bidding a question from him. If he had one, he could ask without being prompted. Tuwan did not care for those unable to act on their own.

 

[Dectarn]

Dectarn looked at her in awe as she made her way over to him, hardly a ripple breaking the waters surface. He looked up at her with slightly widened eyes as he took in her full appearance, he had never seen some one like her before and only sat in silence as she spoke. Taking in every word she said, he felt confused on her few on the force. His teachers always stressed the two sides of the force, the idea that light or dark was a perversion of its true self seemed unreal. But he only nodded. Her views on the powers of the dark side shook him most of all, he lived with the thought that any form of it was a taint that had to be stamped out for the good of the galaxy. But he didn't sense what he would of thought to be the dark side in her so he kept silent.

Only when he noticed the silence did he raise his eyes to hers, his crimson eyes filled with uncertainty. He felt as if she was looking into his very being he felt over whelmed, but excited at the same time that some one like her would even bother speaking with him for this long. He thought for a moment and took a deep breath before speaking.
"I have to tell you the truth... A lot of what you say seems, odd for lack of a better word, and part of me doubts every thing you say. But for what I strive for I do seek to better my self but my goal in doing so is to protect those who can't protect them selves. So I guess." He stuggles not to look away or mumble. "All I have to ask is that you show me the path of reaching that goal and if you would honor me with your teachings." He said with a steady if some what pleading voice then waited for what she had to say.