First Time Again

[Oncaro]

The grasslands of Dantooine were a far cry from the jungles of Tiss'sharl, but the air was... calm. Inviting. The last time Vaas-Nal-Tor had been here, it had been because an unseen force-- with a capital F, he later found out-- had guided him here. It was here that he had discovered that he possessed 'the Force' in sufficient quantities to affect himself and the world around him, and he had learned how to commune with it. But he had left after that, not sure whether he was fit to join the Jedi Order considering his past-- though he had not spoken much of it to those here, and especially not to Ciri Vis, the young girl whom had been the first person he had met on this world.

He had left because he had needed time to determine whether or not the Jedi were truly the path he was meant to take. And even now, as he gazed upon the doors of the Jedi Compound, he was uncertain still.

"I do not think I can do this," he said, one of his reptilian eyes looking to his companion and only friend, Cienna Laytham. The tall, brunette human female rolled her eyes and sighed.

"Vaas, I've seen you rip people's throats out in the blink of an eye in the heat of battle, I've seen you figure out how to infiltrate a high-security building and get out without so much as a scratch. And you're telling me you can't knock on a damn door?"

"No, it is just... Will they accept me? I do not know if my time on Gamorr years ago had corrupted me... I was little more than an animal then. Was I even using the Force?"

"I don't know, Vaas," Cienna replied. Her tone was softer now, and she patted his snout comfortingly. "But I've heard they're fighting for your home right now, so I doubt they'll be put off by your teeth and claws. If this is really what the Force wants with you, the only way we're gonna find out is if you straighten up, knock on that door, and go inside. You can do it, Vaas. I know you can."

Vaas hesitated, and sighed. "Yes... You're right, Cienna. Thank you." he said. He straightened himself up to his full height, took a deep breath, and knocked on the door as firmly as he could.

@Valen Pelora

((Eyy, if any other Jedi feel like talking to a Spehss Raptor looking to join, feel free to hit me up with a PM.))

 

[Valen Pelora]

The wind blew through the plains of Dantooine, across the tranquil world, sweeping towards the Great Jedi Stronghold. It swept through Masters meditating, Knights instructing, and Initiates troublemaking. The wind settled around the swirling sands of the sparing rings. A lone figure stood encircled by three would be attackers. Her long brunette hair tangled in the wind, sweat beaded down her brow. Two indigo blades twirled in her hands. The wing rustled her simple training attire, leather tunic and synthweave trousers. The attackers surged forward.

Alara could not find peace. Her mind was lost, her spirit wavering, and heart broken. The Jedi had lost their soul. She had been chosen to take his place but had no idea why. She had never been particularly tactful, many of the older Jedi thought her overly brash, and she turned away a seat on the Council. She was not a shining example of the Jedi Order. She was not fit to lead them. She did not know how. Alara had only said yes because it had been Valen’s last request. She still trusted him. Her mind found serenity in combat. The Force flowed through her as she batted away blades. She was a whirlwind of movement as she fought off her sparing partners. She could forget her pain. Alara spun to find her partners having retreated to the edge of the sparing circle, an aid stood waiting and clutching a datapad.

“Well?” The young Jedi jumped. “G-grand Master, there is an um guest at the Stronghold gates.” She arched one eyebrow. “We don’t have guests.” The aide looked down, up, sideways, anywhere but at Alara. She huffed. “Don’t short circuit, I’ll go see.” She deactivated her sabers and strolled towards the front of the Stronghold. She was confronted with the sight of a particularly large and scaly individual pounding on the Stronghold doors. Her brow crinkled, Force sensitive too. She cleared her throat behind the beast. “Can I help you?” Her hands hovered above the hilts of her blade. @Oncaro

 

[Oncaro]

As the door opened and Vaas and Cienna were met by a woman who was a foot shorter than Vaas himself, Vaas blinked. He cocked his head, innately sensing that the woman seemed troubled, but he made no comment on this. Instead, he bobbed his elongated head in greeting.

"Ah, yes, hello. I am Vaas-Nal-Tor, and this is my companion, Cienna Laytham."

"Hi," Cienna said, raising a hand in greeting and smiling in an attempt to get the woman to relax.

"Some time ago I arrived on Dantooine, and learned of my sensitivity in the Force. I was told the basics of what the Force is, but declined to join the Jedi at the time as I... I felt as though I needed to think things through. I have returned, because I feel as though the Force led me to Dantooine the first time for a reason. I think I am supposed to join you."

"That is, if you're willing to take on a half-ton talking lizard with sharp teeth and claws and his plucky sidekick," Cienna joked.

"If I am not mistaken, your Order is seeking to free my home, Tiss'sharl, from the slavery of the Empire. While I regret not being able to go back there yet, I feel as though this is the closest way to thanking your Order as I can get, after the Force was revealed to me," Vaas continued. "Provided, of course, you have the space and desire to take on someone new. If not, I will... Find my way elsewhere, I suppose," Vaas said, looking down at the ground. For a half-ton talking lizard with sharp teeth and claws, he certainly seemed to be soft-spoken and humble.

@Valen Pelora

 

[Valen Pelora]

She wasn’t expecting an entire life story. Alara had seen her fair share of refugees, thrill seekers, and delusional optimists, wander to the Stronghold. Everyone wanted to be a Jedi. Thankfully, the Force did not give her gifts so lightly. It was one of the many reasons she stayed away from the Temples. There was little good that could be done from behind a well-fortified wall. She had to admit, she had not expected this.

Vaas was far from the typical rabble she had grown accustomed to seeing. He was strong in the Force, and massive of stature. A vision of the Tiss’shar rending Sith in two flashed through her mind. A smile curved her lips. Her trust had been shattered, but she did not sense Darkness clinging to man before her. Troubled, yes. Corrupted, no. She sized up the lizard. She liked him, she did not like his friend. An unbidden sigh escaped her lips.

“My mother always told me it polite to introduce yourself with as many titles as possible, so that your guests may wowed by your accomplishments.” She smirked. “She was a terrible woman and I always found her advice very awkward.” Alara push her hands through her luscious locks. “I am Alara Voren Skyell, Grand Master of the Jedi Order.” It felt terribly unnatural on her tongue. “Your home world will be freed, and you owe us nothing. No one deserves the yoke of the Empire.” Her smile broadened. “We always have space for giant Force sensitive reptilians.” She turned and motioned for Vass and his companion to follow. “Tell me, what foolish Jedi could not convince you to stay? I simply must have a chat with them.” Alara began to wander about the halls of the stronghold. She always found her mind worked better when she walked and talked. @Oncaro