[Flashback 1023ABY] Gone with the Great Wind

[Resolute\\.ZEN]

Ze’kyre had fasted before. He had spent days sitting in the position of the lotus, balancing himself and focusing his consciousness to abstain from the chatter that envelopes the entirety of the mind. Meditation was a cornerstone of his upbringing, for he had mastered the art of keeping himself centred at a very young age, and dedicated a large part of his everyday to the practice. Many monks had learned such balance that they do not eat or drink, living off of the Light of the Force eternally, even if not themselves bathed in the Breath of the Great Dragon that is the Force.

But little could have prepared him for the task at hand. He had originally come to decide whether or not the lightsaber Form he had developed could yet be called complete. It was only after he was drawn to the mouth of an ancient cavern that he realized it was not the form that needed tailoring, but the lightsaber itself. The white monk lost track of time almost immediately, making himself at home in the depths of the old ruins after exploring their wonders.

Most of the chambers were small and unassuming, yet he had found intricate graphs and what he decided could only be calendars. Ze’kyre did not know much about astronomy, but from what he had seen of the system, they had mapped it out perfectly. What seemed to be a chart showed the planets aligned exactly as he had seen them just days before, when he had chosen this system to come to and travelled to the planet. What an odd coincidence. He wondered what all the scripture said, and how long exactly these ruins had been here.

Yet it was one room that attracted him in particular. Deep in the furthest depths lie a chamber and an alter. The Force whipped about visciously when he had found it, but Ze’kyre’s powerful will and disciplined serenity resonated powerfully through the Force, calming the passionate vortex. A long case was the only he had brought with him, nearly as long as his leg. Crossing his legs and sitting on the cold stone floor, he opened the case, and withdrew a long silver instrument that seemed to light up at his touch.

The Flute of Ezyrah. This ancient weapon was a dangerous combination of lethality and musicality. Given enough skill, a player could sing three melodies at once, bringing a sole sort of harmony to any setting. However the flute holds another surprise. It had been crafted for an old echani assassin, a wandering bard who used her charm and musical skill to infiltrate settings and make connections, before using the hidden blades at either end of the flute, as well as its separating and linking capabilities, to dismantle the inner defences of a prime target, as well as fight her way out if needed.

His clan had suffered all but extinction, and this great prize of the Bladedancer’s had no one to fall to other than Ze’kyre. He cherished it greatly, however he played it musically more than martially. His sword, the Second Songstress, possessed the only true blades he needed to dance and draw blood with. Still, perhaps the surprising fluidity and savage versatility of Ezyrah’s Flute could aid him in his pursuit of true mastery over his new lightsaber Form; Eshan, the Way of the Warrior.

And so he meditated. It was through the Force that he set about crafting the weapon, using the components of his old lightsaber. He dismantled the blades, drew two white crystals from deep within the earth, and delicately took apart the flute. Not even the humming blade of a lightsaber could bisect or mold the songsteel, so it took everything Ze’kyre had to do so solely through the Force. It was in all truth a gruelling experience, a process that saw little progress hour to hour, instead the process should have been measured in weeks.

Which was why sleep was not an option, nor food. His whole body had to be systematically shut down in order for him to find the power, time, and conviction to craft his new weapon. The spirit of the Force within him, that most powerful part of the soul that usually resides within the heart, was floating freely throughout the chamber. And so he stayed in lotus position for nearly three weeks, the several components of the flute and lightsaber in constant levitation about his near lifeless body, breathing so slowly and deeply that it seemed not to breath at all.

When his consciousness fully returned to his centre of being and he held the flute in his hand once again, he felt a dash of pride in his accomplishment. But it was only brief, for he soon realized that if he did not get moving he would soon be face to face with his death. It took him over ten minutes to stand up and stay on his feet, his body was weak, knees trembling sporadically. He had lost weight, and when he dropped by a pool to drink, he found himself staring into the dichromatic eyes of a much older, warrior. Wonder struck him as he reached up and scratched at the beard of silvery stubble he had collected. Splashing his face and running the water through his messy hair, he brushed the thought aside, as well as any thought of the sharp pangs of hunger that tore at his insides. Pain was good, it meant his body was still fighting for its life, even if it had to consume itself to do so.

Stumbling more than a few times, Ze’kyre was hard-pressed to make his way out of the old underground temple, but when he saw the light his resolve found new ground. With a grunt he pressed his way up the steps of stone. His muscles had never felt so weak, his body had always been light as a feather, corded and strong with muscles like that of a panther. Despite losing a considerable deal of his mass and musculature, he felt a million times heavier. Still, he pressed on, and emerged from the cave into the warmth of the sunlight, grinning for the first time in weeks… it hurt.

But the celebration was short-lived. His eyes readjusted to an ambush, and in a state of sudden madness, Ze’kyre brandished the flute in his right hand, a long, pure beam of indigo light emerging from the far end as he flourished the bade powerfully upward. Even in this state of depravity he presented a fierce picture of power, veins pumping adrenaline through his muscles, bringing them back to life as he took a firm stance

And then the white knight of the Jedi collapsed, falling first to his knees as his dichromatic eyes took in the vision of his ambushers. Spears, bows, daggers, no hand was left empty. The light of the flute was extinguished as the weapon fell at his side harmlessly. He blinked, and his vision blurred, he called out, and nothing but a groan escaped. He attempted to set his other hand on the ground, regroup himself and gather his strength, but before he felt the earth under his fingers, his whole world went black.

The monk fell flat upon the ground. He had always known himself to be destined, he had dreamt of standing in the highest realms of heaven where only the greatest of warriors walked, those who had fought and died for what they loved… To think it would all end here, all without a fight.

 

[Wolf]

The northern hemisphere of Galtea was unusually warm as the first days of the harvest season were ushered in with great celebration. This was an exciting time of the year as the Laku'na people reaped that which they had tended for months before. All of this was in preparation for the Long Sleep that would set in when the Great Wind carried the first of the cold, tiny white feathers to settle upon the face of the land. It was also a very special time in Laku'na history as it was the twentieth time that the Tree of Sorrow had cast off her leaves. This marked a very important piece of a prophecy that had been foretold a little over a thousand years before this very moment.

As men worked the fields that were planted in the clearing just at the edge of the forest, women prepared the harvested goods for storage in a great storehouse at the center of a village nestled within the high branches of the mighty trees. A series of bridges constructed from planks crafted from fallen limbs and ropes woven from plant fibers gave the Laku'na access to their homes far above the forest floor. In one of these very homes in a small room just off of the area reserved for preparing meals, an older woman sat peeling large white vegetables. Her dark hair was streaked with silver and the lines upon her face told a silent story of hard work and happy days.

"Today you enter your twentieth year of life, Nakoma. What does your heart tell you this morning?" The words were spoken into the air but not heard by the ears of the young woman sitting across from her. Nakoma had been born a deaf-mute and never once heard the voice of her mother. She did not know what it was like to hear the flutes or the drums played around the fires at the beginning of the planting season. She only knew how to hear with her mind. This seemed strange to her people at first, but then again, nothing about Nakoma's circumstances was what one might consider to be normal.She was the subject of the prophecy which the Laku'na looked to with great anticipation as she was the hope for a future of freedom when they no longer had to live in hiding from those that brought destruction.

"Mother, would you please grant me permission to go meditate at the temple? I need some time to think." Nakoma spoke with her mind into her mother's. The older woman nodded and smiled as she motioned toward the door. Nakoma rose from her seat and placed a gentle kiss upon her mother's forehead before slipping out of the room. She grabbed a small satchel from a hook on the wall of the entrance and placed a small torch of wood inside along with two stones. She retrieved her bow from a small closet nearby and strapped it to her back before placing a sharp knife of stone in her boot along the outside of her right leg. Her amber eyes strayed toward the back of the home where her mother continued the harvest preperations. "You are my heart." she thought to herself before turning to leave.

It was a beautiful day for a walk and Nakoma enjoyed feeling the Great WInd caress her face as she made her way to the temple. Her waist length coal colored hair danced about her like a spirit and she began to feel a bit of relief from the pressure of the day. The trail narrowed as she neared the entrance to the ancient caves that her ancestors had used as temples and as places of refuge when faced with threats from the outside world. She knelt at the mouth of the cave and removed the torch and stones from her satchel. With little effort she struck the stones together and ignited the end of the torch. Before standing, Nakoma closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. She asked the Great Wind to meet with her and to give her guidance.

Nakoma was almost to the most sacred cavern when something deep within her caused her feet to stop. It was a feeling that she was unfamiliar with. She felt as though she might not be alone and this caused fear to well up inside of her spirit. Silently and swiftly she placed her back to the cool wall of the cave and feverishly searched her surroundings. Her guard was up as she neared the Chamber of the Great Wind and almost immediately she extinguished her torch. There within the large stone room sat a figure! She had never laid eyes on another being outside of her tribe before and this caused her heart to race within her chest and pound loudly within her head. Her thoughts raced as she attempted to regain control of her breathing. "Great Wind, please make my feet quick and quiet!" the young woman prayed as she turned and ran through a maze of darkness.

Nakoma ran so fast that her feet carried her back to the village before she could realize it! "Help me! We've been found! There's a stranger in our temple! Please come quickly!" Nakoma shouted the mental plea to anyone in the immediate area. "It's Nakoma! There's an intruder in the temple!" a man yelled from the edge of the field to the others that were working. Before she knew it the better portion of her tribe were following close behind with knives in hand and bows poised to shoot. Nakoma herself pulled her bow off of her back in mid stride and drew back an arrow with a sharp stone tip. Just then the group arrived at the mouth of the cave and came to an abrupt stop as a strange looking individual emerged and suddenly did something that none of them had ever seen before. The group jumped back nearly as one body and as Ze'kyre completely collapsed, the Laku'na lowered their weapons. An elder made his way to the front of the bewildered men and stated in breathless tones, "he creates light within his hands".

Nakoma's mind was wild with thoughts and questions when suddenly the memory of an image entered. Painted a thousand years before upon a wall in the very cave that they now gathered outside of, was a white figure with a beam of light coming from his hands. This very painting was a vital part of the prophecy that had been written about her. She could barely believe it but somehow, she knew who this was. She had been waiting for him since she could remember. She knew that sometime in her twentieth year he would come for her, according to the text written by her ancestors. She just never thought it would be today. Turning to face her people, she nodded as she spoke through thought, "this is the visitor from the stars. Please, you must see it. We need to help him or he will surely die."

After a bit of cautious debate and some questions, the elder spoke and confirmed that it was the only plausible explanation for the sudden appearance of this strange individual. The group lifted Ze'kyre from the ground and carried him back to the village where Nakoma's mother offered to take him in and care for him. Several other women from the tribe came to prepare food from the harvest from that day. One used soft stalks and a bucket to gently wipe his dehydrated skin with cool, fresh water. She touched the stalks to his lips and little droplets were immediately absorbed. "Will he live?" Nakoma mentally questioned those caring for the stranger. She received no answer as they worked quickly to mix herbs to give him strength. The young woman found a place to sit out of the way and watched with great anticipation as her mother and the women worked.

 

[Resolute\\.ZEN]

Her flowing silver hair nearly touched the ground as she looked down upon him, her silver eyes alight with hope, yet the rest of her face was lined with worry. "Young, sweet warrior." Ze'kyre could feel her soft yet firm hands upon the baby-smooth skin of his face. He felt overcome with joy. "I'm so sorry, my baby." He could not understand the tears that welled in her eyes, had no clue of the death the Thyrsians and their Sun Guard would bring upon his family.

His had once been among the most powerful houses of the Six Sisters, perhaps revered for the longest time of any clan. They have been present since the days of the Sublime Seven Warriors, and had lasted to be one of the last moon-blood clans on Thyrsus. Now there was but one steel heart, left to dance to his own tune.

The loneliness he would always understand. For days had he survived, hidden from those who sought to eliminate the Bladedancer clan, before being discovered by an uncle and taken to the Monastery of Eshan. Ze'kyre would never know what it meant to be separated from the family you know, as he never had the chance to meet any of his clansmen, yet he often dreamt of his mothers face. Sadly, he only ever saw her crying, before turning off to war, a feared and respected warrior off to die and join her husband and ancestors. The infants cries had parted the heavens, letting the warriors above know to pay heed to the woman who was to join them shortly.

But the faces he saw as he gradually came to were unfamiliar. The dark skin, the dark hair, it had been days since he had last been conscious and his thoughts were fleeting. He lie there, allowing himself to regain his wits. Dehydration and hunger, yet not nearly to extent he had upon the completion of his new lightsaber. He could bare it a while, keeping his breathing slow and relaxed. Then, he recalled the lightsaber itself, and stole a few short hidden glances about to see where it was. He was disappointed not to find it, but did not allow that to concern him right now.

Slowly, he remembered emerging from the cave, being greeted by points of stone. They must have helped him after he blacked out, for he would have surely died without their aid, and he was truly grateful. He lie there patiently, clearing his mind with meditation. He had been checked on regularly. He recollected blurred images of the women who nursed him back to health, yet one in particular was striking. The youngest of them had long flowing hair, and the clearest sight he had caught since his consciousness started filtering back to him was of her face. She possessed an exotic beauty, but it was something behind her eyes that intrigued him. The one clear sight he had seen was a face alight with hope. Wonder and amazement filled her large pools, a memory that helped Ze'kyre feel at ease. He was safe here, with her. But where was she?

He decided it was time to sit up, and so rested his back against the wall behind him. A cup of water had been provided, and he keenly drank every last drop before setting it back down. Having found a moment to himself, he sat up, and put his feet on the ground. His head throbbed for but a moment, but the feeling soon subsided. The Jedi Knight stood, struggling briefly to hold his balance, and found his breaches. The only article of clothing he had been found in had been cleaned for him, and was matched with some others, undoubtedly given to him by the local people who had helped him from the ruins. Ze'kyre dressed, the woven fabric felt supple against his skin.

He was still weak, well, weak for him, but he knew no amount of rest would help him fend off the atrophy of his muscles, and so he made his way to the door. The warrior-monk did not know what to expect, but it did not feel as though he were being kept prisoner. Still, he prepared to act sharply in case there were guards on the other side. He was in no condition to fight, but he needed to know what was going on and where exactly he was. As he slid the door open with one hand, he rose the other to shield his eyes from the light, and allow them to readjust to the sights before him.

 

[Wolf]

It had been just a few days since the Laku'na had discovered a stranger in their sacred caves. They knew nothing of him yet except for some incoherent mumbling as they cared for him. He had received the care well and his body responded positively. Nakoma kept watch over him, her mother checking in from time to time between harvest preparations. The young woman could barely sleep and so at night, she would sit across the room and watch Ze'kyre breathe deeply as he drifted in an out of a dream world. At one point it seemed as though the stranger was struggling in his sleep and so Nakoma took some folded fabric and saturated it in cool water before placing it upon his forehead. She sat near the occupied cot and mentally whispered soothing tales of her people into Ze'kyre's mind.

Nakoma now sat in a large living space right off of the entance to the home that she shared with her mother. She was penning something in a small journal that was bound in something akin to leather. The light of the day flooded in through the many windows in the home and warmed the woman's skin. She smiled in thought as she dipped her writing utensil into a small container of black and touched it to the paper once again. Just then, motion from across the room caught Nakoma's eye.

She set her journal and stylus down before standing to greet the stranger as he emerged from the adjoining room. Her warm amber eyes fixed upon his cool dichromatic ones longer than she had intended to before quickly falling to the floor. Her cheeks burned with embarassment. "I do not mean to stare but I've never seen someone like you before. In fact, I've never seen someone not like me. The words left Nakoma's mind and entered Ze'kyre's, or so she had hoped.

Shaking the feeling of embarassment, the young woman raised her eyes to meet the figure before her. She did not feel threatened by him as she took a few steps to a wooden chest situated against the wall he now stood near. Nakoma knelt and opened the chest to reveal the item that Ze'kyre had dropped when he collapsed. She took it in her hands and stood, turning as she did and offered it to the stranger. "With this you made light with your hands. How did you do that?" the words from the woman's mind carried a tone of wonder and excitement. Her eyes beamed with the same sentiment as she held the strange item out to Ze'kyre.

 

[Resolute\\.ZEN]

When he emerged from the dark room, he felt relieved to find the girl he had seen earlier. Her bright eyes were fixed on him, and he felt compelled to stand straight instead of leaning on the door frame. He did not know quite what to say, and could do little but blink in the face of who could only be his keeper. He made to form words, but first heard a soft and strangely familiar voice in his head. She is a telepath, the revelation struck as a surprise to him for some reason. He set aside his shock, and watched as she went to a chest in the corner.

Ze'kyre was far from his natural element. He had not expected to run into people, it was true the Great Dragon danced in mysterious ways. The thought of being seen as weak was almost enough to pester at his ego. He had never been in such a state of physical scarcity, and a small part of him wondered what her and her people must have thought of him. He brushed the thought aside, deciding that they must have seen something good inside of him, in order to take him in like this. When she presented him with Ezyrah's flute, the monk felt thankful to have it back in his grasp, and he returned to her a smile of gratefulness.

Her thoughts came with a vivid clarity, unlike most who spoke through the Force. So fluent was she with telepathy, Ze'kyre wondered if she ever used her tongue. Concerning her question, Ze'kyre looked back down at the flute. It was of simple design, about a meter in length. He remembered igniting it when he had been confronted, and how confusing it must have been. He remembered the first time he had seen such a weapon, the same wonderment was now full in her eyes, and the monk's smile deepened slightly. He wondered how many telepaths she had ever encountered, and decided to answer in her own medium, his thought travelling through the space between them in but an instant.

"The lightsaber, you mean..." He had thought against it, but for some reason he felt she should see. He reached within the flute with the Force, twirling it about his right hand before the twin blades of white light emerged from either end. They were shorter and not coloured, unlike the blade she had seen before, but he was confident she would understand the principle. "This is the sacred weapon of the Jedi," he said. Even in his monastery he had learned of the Jedi, and it did not strike him that she may not have any idea what the word meant. The blades extinguished themselves, and Ze'kyre allowed the instrument to fall to his side, clutching it tenderly within his long, nimble fingers.

He bowed his head. Traditionally he would have performed the bow of the warrior, a quick bow of great respect that was complicated and near dance like, however he felt he did not have the strength, and did not wish to once more find himself grounded. "Forgive me... my name is Ze'kyre Bladedancer, Knight of the Jedi," his voice was course and rough, yet he did not yet know how little it mattered. He peered back up from his bow, his own eyes now full of curiousity. "Who are you, miss? Where are we?"

 

[Wolf]

It was a ground shattering moment when Ze'kyre spoke into Nakoma's mind. Never before had she encountered anyone that could communicate with her in the way that she spoke to others. Her eyes became moist as her hands shot up and covered her mouth which had opened in awe in that moment. She gasped and blinked hard a few times before closing her mouth, wiping her eyes, and thinking through what had just happened. The Laku'na woman nervously pushed a long strand of stray hair behind her ear as she searched for words. "How did you...I thought that I..." the words failed her and her eyes fell to the floor once again as she shook her head. She wondered what kind of magic he was using to make this possible. "Are there others that can speak as I...as we do? Are you also unable to hear with your ears and speak with your tongue?" the questions flowed but only seemed to beg more.

She was so deep in thought that his introduction had nearly escaped her. The words she was processing may as well have been a foreign language as she had never before heard of such things. "A lightsaber? Jedi?" again, the questions only left Nakoma wondering even more. FInally she brought her eyes from the floor to his face and realized that somewhere in her bewilderment, he had told her his name. "Ze'kyre..." she repeated his name and wondered what it meant. She then also realized that he had questioned their location. Closing her eyes tightly and shaking her head as a last resort to rid herself of the train of questions, the woman took a deep breath and attempted to focus. "This is the planet Galtea. You are among the Laku'na people of the Hidden Forest," her words were now a gentle stream instead of a raging river as they had been in the last several minutes.

Her eyes seemed to smile for her as she searched his face for a reaction. She could not help but notice how white his skin was compared to her own. His hair was a color she had never seen on someone so young. It was his eyes though that captivated her. She had never imagined anything so beautiful. Slowly she lifted her right hand toward his face, pausing only for a moment before reaching up and touching him. His skin was as smooth as a stone that had been worn for years by a powerful wind or a mighty river. She withdrew her curious fingers quickly to push her now bothersome hair over her shoulder as she spun around with burning cheeks once again. Nakoma was experiencing so many first's today. That was the first time she had ever been that close to a man.

The woman took a few steps away from Ze'kyre as she searched for words again. Turning slowly with the blush fading from her cheeks, Nakoma realized that she was being rude. "Please, sit! Can I offer you something to eat or drink?" she questioned as she motioned to a long bench with a wide seat along the wall. It was covered with a very ornate, handcrafted blanket that her grandmother had sewn when she was just a child. "And please, tell me about this Jedi you speak of. What...or who is it...are they?" she struggled to ask the question of something that she had absolutely no prior knowledge of.

 

[Resolute\\.ZEN]

When tears came to her eyes, his brow lifted in concern. It was an unusual reaction. He had been raised to read the language of the body, but this he could not quite decipher. Still, it was endearing, and something about the way she opened up to him made the Knight feel warm. "Yes, there are others like us, but no..." he paused, taking care as he proceeded. It saddened him to learn of a life without sound, without music. But as he stared back into her eyes, he lost track of such fear. She still knew beauty as well as anyone, or at least it knew her. "But no, I am still able to hear and speak."

To show her, he had introduced himself with his voice, knowing she must have found a way to read the vibrations of speech through the Force. Or perhaps she could read his lips? The beautiful young woman seemed confused by the idea of the lightsaber, and even of the Jedi. Her people had been so far away from it all. They had been safe out here on the outskirts of the galaxy, hidden high within the trees in the deepest depths of Galtea's wilds. Ze'kyre wondered if such a simple way of life had ever been meant for him, just to be away from the Imperium seemed enticing. Peace, that which the Jedi Order fought for. Perhaps he could have it easily for a little while in a place like this. The thought was soured by the knowledge of the Sith and the dark thirst of theirs which would never be sated. The hand of the Imperium would not stop until it had a grip on the neck of all life.

"You are among the Laku'na people of the Hidden Forest." Ze'kyre looked down at her with a sense of appreciation. The smile she gave him with her bright amber eyes radiated a pleasant feeling of welcome, and he could not help but smile fully in return.

"I am honoured to be here with you and your kin," he replied to her silently, closing his eyes and bowing his head once more. When he looked back up, their gazes locked again. She looked deeply into his eyes, and leaned forward with an outstretched hand. Her amber pools swam with wonder as they examined his features. Ze'kyre's lips parted, but he said nothing as her fingers delicately brushed his cheek. Mismatched eyes, first wide, relaxed at her touch as his shoulders lowered slightly. Why did he feel so familiar with her? Part of him wanted to step forward, embrace and thank her for saving his life. He had been taught to be distant, trained to combat his impulses, but as close as he had come to death he now held a certain respect for the experiences in life he had never before given a second thought.

When her cheeks lit up and she withdrew her hand, his eyes followed her body. His face was a mask of questions, expressing his curiousity for what came next. He was unfamiliar with the customs, did not truly know the nature of this Hidden Forest. Still, when she offered him a seat he took it gratefully, slumping down into the wood with an uncharacteristically loud thump. He felt so ungraceful, but hoped a meal would help to change that. Leaning heavily on the bench, he looked back up at the young woman. "Please... Whatever you have to offer." In truth Ze'kyre did not typically eat meat, but he was not about to be picky. "More water... thank you."

She asked him to continue explaining of the Jedi, and the monk's back straightened dutifully. He locked gazes with her once again, his dichromatic eyes dancing with mirth. "I will tell you of the Jedi, sure. But first, what is your name?"

 

[Wolf]

There was no disappointment when Ze'kyre explained that though he could communicate with Nakoma mentally, he could still hear and speak. She was simply elated that she had finally found another "mind speaker" as the Laku'na called her. The implications of such a revelation were astounding, but that increased innumerably when he revealed that there were others that could also communicate in this fashion. As the man took a seat, new questions cropped up in Nakoma's mind. She could only assume that if he could hear thoughts directed at him, then he must also be able to hear the ones that were not. She was unsure of her feelings about this but figured that it was too late to worry about it as thousands of them had already been racing through her mind without any control.

When Ze'kyre agreed to a drink and a meal, the young woman smiled widely and was just about to dart off toward the opposite end of the house when he asked again for her name. In all of her rapid thoughts and excitement that she could barely contain, it seemed to slip her mind! "My name is Nakoma Gwenelda" she spoke through her smile and found herself looking at the floor again."In the language of my people, Nakoma means 'great warrior' and Gwenelda means 'princess', though I do not consider myself to be much of either." The young woman was a bit bashful when speaking of such things as she had been given such a title of esteem yet had done nothing to deserve it.

After a moment of silence which was surprisingly not awkward, the woman looked up at the Jedi and smiled. "I'll be back" she said, hurrying off toward the back of the house. She was only gone for what seemed like a moment before returning with a cup of cool water and a plate of several varieties of vegetables that had been cut just hours before by her mother who was now at the large storehouse arranging things with the other women. Though by custom, unmarried Laku'na women were never left alone with a man, things would would never be customary for Nakoma and her people knew this at her birth. She would never know an arranged marriage as was also tradition. She would be leaving her home before marriage, which was also never done.

Brushing these thoughts aside, Nakoma handed the cup to Ze'kyre and sat down beside him with the plate and two small sticks made of wood which served as eating utensils. She waited for him to drink before handing him the plate. "I'm sorry we have no meat prepared at the moment. If that is what you prefer, I would gladly set a fire and cook you whatever you like" she allowed the words to settle in his mind for a moment before flooding him with any more questions or thoughts. There was a comfort and welcome warmth in the silence between them and the young woman could not help but wonder again about the mysterious ways of the Great Wind. She waited in growing anticipation for Ze'kyre to tell her the meaning of this word "Jedi", unaware of all that it would mean for her future.

 

[Resolute\\.ZEN]

When Nakoma handed him the water, Ze'kyre set the flute down just within reach, and took it thankfully in both hands before placing it in front of himself. It was all he could to to remain courteous in her presence. "There is no need, I am very grateful," he said as she sat beside him. He took the wooden sticks expertly in his fingers. It was funny, the simple similarities between such different cultures. He could tell of her anticipation, but she would need to wait a few moments more for him to take a few morsels. Despite their use of telepathy, he was eating quickly and was unsure if he should be speaking as well, even if only in thoughts. "These are delicious," he said before taking another. "...Thank you." He took a sip of water and set the utensils down on the plate. When he looked up at her the fairness of his features softening the mismatched look of his eyes. He seemed to be thinking of how best to explain what the Jedi were. It was a good question. He knew what he was, he was a warrior. His values were those of honour, loyalty, and justice, instilled into him from an early age. His very first steps had been upon the Middle Way.

"Confront your Emotion, If you wish to achieve Peace.
Know of your Ignorance, if you truly seek Knowledge.
Be aware of your Passion, and guide it to Serenity.
Step into the Chaos, if you wish to bring Harmony.
Have no fear of Death, do not doubt the infinite love of the Force."

He paused, just moment. "The ancient code of the Jedi. Well, as I understand it. We are guardians, sentinels, and consulars of peace and truth. But unfortunately... our Order has been defeated by the Sith, another ancient order filled with the avatars of fear." The subject seemed slightly touchy for the monk. It probably would not have showed if not for the use of telepathy. He had come to terms with the fact that he was too young to have fought on Coruscant, but he still felt dishonoured for being forced to run and spending ten years hiding. He brushed the thought aside, and continued to explain, casually picking up the sticks - in his opposite hand this time - and plucking another random colour from the plate.

"We are all but dead, and I think soon will be the day that we are able to once more bring peace to the Galaxy." He paused, and continued eating, using the sticks as expertly in the hand further from her. He was eager to bring an end to the Sith. It was perhaps an overly passionate feeling but his blood called for combat, and the Sith needed to be fought if peace could truly be expected. His head tilted a little bit as curiousity once again appeared in his eyes, which found her wide, beautiful gaze quite easily. "Can your people feel the weeping of the stars? Life seems so beautiful here."

 

[Wolf]

Nakoma was enthralled by the idea of the Jedi. She took in every word like a parched land thirsting for water. Her mind wandered for a moment back to the prophecy, and then to the future. "...is this my destiny? Is this how I will bring peace to my people?" the thoughts hung in her mind for a moment but suddenly were shattered by a single word. "Sith..." It was accompanied by feelings of dread, regret, and sadness. The mood of the conversation changed at that moment as did the countenance of the Jedi. "My ancestors encountered these dark ones...those that bring destruction. This is why my people stay hidden. Several generations before me have not seen the face of another outside of our tribe for fear of them robbing us of our simple ways...or worse."

Her eyes drifted a moment to the plate in Ze'kyre's hands. She thought about the life she had been living. Everything was always so...routine. Every year followed a predictable cycle. Every day was just as the one before it...until now. Nakoma looked up, catching the gaze of one that was quickly losing the status of a stranger. He spoke in familiar ways. He even ate in familiar ways. The young woman knew that these things only further confirmed the prophecy. Her people had always told her that she would know him. How this was possible, she did not quite understand. The passion that accompanied his question resonated deeply within her.

"The Great Sadness..." the words trailed off from Nakoma's mind to Ze'kyre's with a hint of heartache behind them. Since she was a child, late at night when her mother had gone to sleep, the young woman would slip out of the house and onto the roof. There was just enough of a clearing that she was able to lie down upon the thatched surface and stare for hours at the brilliant sky above. Though beautiful, there always seemed to be a profound sense of grief staring right back at her. She did not understand why or where it came from, but her people knew it well. The Great Sadness was described precisely as Ze'kyre had spoken.

Nakoma had been lost in these thoughts and memories for several moments when she found herself back in the present. "I want this to end. This must be the direction that the Great Wind is sending me. I need to fulfill my purpose and become a Jedi" there was a sense of urgency now behind these words. Passion filled the woman's amber eyes as they locked onto Ze'kyre's. She reached out and placed her hand upon his arm, leaning into his personal space for emphasis. "Please, take me with you."

 

[Resolute\\.ZEN]

Her understanding of the matters he and the rest of the Jedi faced made him appreciate his struggle all the more. It did not surprise him when she told of how her ancestors had known the Sith. Swallowing the final bite of the food she had shared, he set down the plate altogether, near Ezyrah's Flute, as she spoke.

"I need to fulfil my purpose and become a Jedi." His eyes returned to hers, and he saw conviction... purpose. When she leaned in, Ze'kyre remained motionless, breaths slow and meditative. "Please, take me with you," she implored him with her thoughts.

The white monk did not break eye contact, and his face betrayed nothing. Surely, his mind was at work, and in truth he did not know quite what to tell her. He knew the order still needed strength, the number of Knights had been thinned considerably on Coruscant. He had not had the chance to see the any interaction with her people yet from what he could tell, she was held in high esteem. It seemed unfair to be taken from all of this and brought into a war, despite her sentiments of destiny and fate. Why would they have put so much pressure on one of their children?

To be honest, he did not know how much faith he could put into things like prophecy. He had heard of the Skywalker legend - The rebirth of a man into a monster, and his redemption in the saving of his son, the founder of the New Jedi Order. But in truth, Anakin Skywalker did not impress the warrior-monk so much as Mace Windu had, and his study of the time period had mostly been to learn anything he could of the Battlemaster's recreation of Form VII, a martial art called Vaapad.

Then again, without that age old 'prophecy', he may never have heard about Mace Windu. Vaapad had been the influence for creating his own form, which had been the inspiration for creating the new lightsaber. In so many turns, a prophecy was why he was here in the first place. He remembered glimpses of the graphs in the cave, and how they matched those on the navigation systems when he had been on his way to Galtea, marking this time as one of import to their people. Perhaps this was no coincidence at all, maybe he was supposed to take her with him. It was too early to be making any decisions.

His face softened, and he chuckled softly. "Look at me, Nakoma Gwenelda. I will not be going anywhere quite yet." He did not wish to disappoint her by deflecting the question, but it seemed a lot to ask right now. He smiled and placed his hand atop hers so that she would not withdraw. He hoped to keep her spirits high, despite his inability to assure her of her fate.. "I would very much love to see your village. The idea of being hidden in the tree tops... it is a fascinating thing."

 

[Wolf]

Nakoma searched Ze'kyre's mismatched eyes as he processed her plea. In a moment of surprise, his hand came to rest atop her own. Nearly instantaneously the burning blush returned to her cheeks...but she liked the feeling of his touch. He made her feel safe and the reassuring emotion behind his words solidified that for her. The woman's eyes, though lowered to the Jedi's hand just moments before, slowly moved back to his as he said her name. She had nearly forgotten that he was only just beginning to regain his strength. When he asked to see her village, joy filled her heart and a child-like smile appeared on her lips. "It would be a great honor to show you my home."

Excitement glimmered in Nakoma's eyes as she paused a moment before gently slipping her hand from Ze'kyre's. She picked up the plate, utensils, and cup and made her way to the back of the house where she placed them in the wash basin. While alone, she took a few seconds to take a deep breath and gather her thoughts. "Thank you, Great Wind for sending the visitor from the stars. He is more than I ever imagined" the thoughts flowed from her mind to somewhere beyond the physical realm. Another dimension, she supposed. Her hands moved to brush the wrinkles from her outfit that was stitched from something akin to buck skin and she returned to the front of the house once again.

"Shall we?" the woman asked the Jedi as she entered the room. He slowly stood to his feet and followed Nakoma through the entry to the home. The forest was painted a lush green and seemed to go on forever. The sounds of birds and insects created a beautiful symphony that paired well with the beams of sunlight that pierced through gaps in the canopy. Within the structures it was easy to forget that they were far above the forest floor but once outside, the drop was nearly breathtaking. "Follow me, Ze'kyre" she turned to him as the words made their way between them. The woman led him down a narrow bridge that was suspended between two large trees. As they crossed the gap, birds and butterflies flitted by at eye level. It was like an entirely different planet in the tree tops.

Upon reaching the other side, Nakoma turned to the Jedi with a grin on her face. She winked and turned around, continuing to lead him on a platform around the large trunk at the center. There were several bridges that branched off but she chose the first one on their right and continued on. This crossing was much shorter than the last and ahead of them, a large building circled a tree with several bridges leading to and from it. "This is the storehouse where my mother and the other women are preparing the harvest for the Long Sleep" she informed Ze'kyre.

The pair entered the building to see groups of women throughout the large space working together over song and conversation. A hush fell as they took another step inside and all eyes were upon them. Suddenly the room erupted with cheering as the women all gathered around Nakoma and Ze'kyre all at once. Some of them threw their arms around the young woman and placed kisses upon her cheeks. Others reached out and touched Ze'kyre's face with very obvious wonder in their eyes. Most of them were much older than Nakoma but there were a few close to her age with a handful of children running about. Surely the Jedi would notice the disparity in age, something that she would have to explain to him at a later time. "You are looking well, young man. We were afraid you wouldn't make it" Nakoma's mother said as she stepped closer to Ze'kyre. She smiled a broad smile as her dark eyes searched his face. "Welcome to our village. You may stay as long as you like. We need to return to work though or it will never be done! The Great Wind blessed us with a bountiful harvest this year." With that, the murmering women returned to their work with curiosity written upon their faces.

Nakoma smiled as she motioned for the Jedi to follow her once again. The pair now walked upon a platform that circled the storehouse until they reached a broad set of stairs that wound their way along the trunk of the tree until they reached the ground below. Off in the near distance was a clearing where the fields were planted and the sounds of men speaking loudly and laughing could be heard. "During the Planting Season, the women lay the seed in the ground and all of the tribe tends to the plants as they mature. During the Harvest, the men bring in all that grew and the women prepare it, as you just saw." Nakoma led Ze'kyre closer to the field, wondering what he was thinking of all of this. The surpassing beauty of this place was a rare gem in the universe. Nakoma could not imagine a place that could compare with the Hidden Forest nor did she believe that such a place existed.

They stopped at the edge of the fields and the young woman smiled at Ze'kyre who now stood at her side. She wanted to introduce him to these men as they were her brothers, uncles, grandparents...but there was one that was conspicuously missing. Whether the Jedi had noticed or not, there was an absence of a father in Nakoma's life. She had grown up without him as he had passed on when she was an infant. This too was another part of her story that she would have to explain. "After you meet them, I have a very special place...my special place, that I want to show you." The excitement upon her face was as fresh as the mystery that now rested behind her amber eyes.

 

[Resolute\\.ZEN]

After quickly finishing his water, he handed Nakoma the dishes he had used, and watched as she left the room. A couple of slow breaths helped the monk think. He did not expect anything of this sort, when he had first arrived on Galtea. The whole process had left him feeling somewhat changed. His prior lightsaber had been made for him, and he did not know what a harsh engagement it truly wash. How had he committed for so long to something that would have very well killed him? How had he been so lucky as to have been found by Nakoma? Prophecy was beginning to feel much more tangible. The Great Wind, as she called it, would forever blow about its mysteries.

By the time she came back, she would find him sitting with his eyes just opening from a short meditation. "We shall." Eating had greatly improved his sense of vitality, and he rose to follow her out of the door, deciding to take the flute with him. Some of the spring had returned to his step by the time he exited the doorway, and his eyes swept about with wonder once he came out and into the sun.

It was midday by the look of the sun. As he took in the forest he was overcome with a feeling of harmony. The way the butterflies and birds flew up and about them told him more than anything that this was a place like no other, even if he had seen similar creatures and flora before. His home world was dry and arid, harsh and everything this place was not. He had seen other worlds like this, rich with life. However what made this place uniquely astounding were the Laku'na themselves. They had figured out a way to live so integrally with the forest that one could pass the entire village several times without having a clue it was there. Never had he seen a world from such a perspective, nor had he ever heard it. He closed his eyes a moment, and listened to the songs of the birds that surrounded him, above and below. The forest floor was far down, and even just to look down through the various branches, leaves, and stalks was an odyssey.

"Follow me, Ze'kyre." The thoughts floated through the air and into his mind, and his attention turned to Nakoma's grin. The moving helped him to regain his strength, but he still clipped the flute to his waist. It hung from his right hip like a sword as he used his hands to keep himself steady across the bridge. The warrior-monk had always disliked being from the ground, and the swaying of the bridge did make him think twice, but Nakoma's lead was strong, and her presence reassured him that treachery was non-existent in this place. At the end of the bridge, she turned back, and winked at him. He could not help but smile, feeling fortunate to be here with her and not lying at the mouth of a cavern, brand new lightsaber and matching Form completed just to never see use.

When they entered the storehouse, Ze'kyre felt concern for the way everything fell quiet, and all eyes turned to them. His own mismatched pair searched the faces of everyone within, but just a moment later he was both surprised and happy to see the way all the other women greeted Nakoma, and how the children seemed to look up to her. She truly was their princess. Some of the women made to touch his face, and he but smiled, giving lighthearted laugh as he Closed his eyes and submitted himself to their curiousity.

They opened again when Nakoma's mother addressed him. As she stepped forward, Ze'kyre reached forth and took her hands in his, clasping them together appreciatively as he dipped his head low. "Your generousity is boundless." He said with a rich, only slightly hoarse baritone. "I could never repay your hospitality." He lifted his eyes to meet the elder woman's. Her face was one of wisdom and happiness. "I am forever thankful to you and the Laku'na."

He was happy to hear of their rich bounty, and expressed the sentiment before allowing them to return to their duties, and excusing himself with Nakoma. The path down the tree was only a bit tricky, but Ze'kyre did not feel afraid to rely on his guide for aid as they descended down around the tree trunk and toward the forest floor. He had been wondering where all the men were, but it made since when she explained and lead him through the underbrush towards a large clearing. The field that soon started had the men all working hard. He understood the concept of farming, but wondered if he could do something like that himself? He truly had no idea if he held the capacity, but brushed the thought aside as they all took note of the pair and began to make their way towards them.

His face turned to see Nakoma as she telepathically spoke of another place she wanted to show him. He wondered what exactly could cause such sentiment, but simply nodded and agreed to follow her before turning to face the men of the Laku'na. He stood straight, and summoned all of his muscular grace.

"My name is Ze'kyre Saixc of the Bladedancers," Stepping forward, he twisted his right wrist almost impossibly in front of his solar plexus, his palm facing out and his thumb facing down as he stepped his right heel out, and turned the toe outwards. His left hand moved under his right shoulder, palm facing up. It deliberately moved across his body as he dipped low, bending at the hips and rear knee. His left arm moved completely outwards, and his right continued a similar pattern before he rose, arms at his side and palms forward, feet once again shoulder-width. He did not smile, instead holding a look of respect in his eyes as they travelled from person to person.

It was the ancient bow of the Seven Sublime Warriors, Echani legends who tamed the tribes of old, and helped bring them to understand the concepts of honour, loyalty, and justice. It was graceful and deliberate, yet swift and unassuming. He removed his flute, and set it on the ground between them. Amongst his people it was a show of great trust to disarm oneself for another warrior. In actuality he did not know that these were men of battle, but he only had his own customs to go with and he knew such acts could not hurt. "When my strength left me, you all lent me yours. I am grateful."

 

[Wolf]

The manner in which the Jedi greeted the men was beauty refined. His stance created a living sculpture right before their eyes and all who witnessed it sensed the pride and honor that Ze'kyre exuded. Five of the tan skinned men stepped forward from the group and simultaneously lifted their left arms into perfectly mathematical ninety degree angles, their fists clenched tightly closed with palms facing their pale faced counterpart. After standing in silence for a moment, their arms fell relaxed at their sides. A shorter member of this smaller group, about Nakoma's height but roughly three times her age, came closer to the Jedi.

His face was well worn and wrinkled. It was clear that in his long life, this man had been witness to greatness and depravity. His eyes were gentle with a hint of mirth behind the rich chocolate pools. "I am the elder of this tribe and it is with great honor that I welcome you to our village", he said through a smile. "Though you were physically weakened when Nakoma found you, your spirit had grown stronger in the caves of our ancestors." The old man extended one arm in a sweeping motion across the field as he placed one hand upon the Jedi's shoulder. "This is where we plant and harvest the crops that the Great Wind gives to us. As you can see, we have been quite prosperous this year", the man went on in a raspy tone. His eyes moved from the field back to Ze'kyre's face.

He paused for a moment before continuing with an even larger smile upon his face, "you have also been given to us by the Great Wind. Your arrival was foretold by my oldest ancestors." Motioning to the four men standing just a few steps away, the elder continued, "the council of this tribe would like to invite you to a banquet and fire dance in your honor at the close of this day." Several of the men from the large group clapped their hands together and there were cheers of approval. The fire dance was reserved for the most special of occasions such as births, weddings, and the changing of the seasons. The entire tribe would be present and there would be endless amounts of a variety of delicious foods.

Nakoma was filled to overflowing with excitement to think of her people honoring the Jedi in this way. She enjoyed dressing for the occasion as most would come with an array of feather arrangements in their hair as well as faces painted with the most beatiful designs. Her heart beat fast as the drums that would be played around the great fire later. That was her favorite part. She could not hear them with her ears, but she could feel the rhythm to her core. In Laku'na tradition, the drums were the heartbeat of the universe. Everything was connected by the rhythm and could be found anywhere if one only shut out the daily noise and tuned into the Great Wind.

The young woman turned and with both hands grabbed onto Ze'kyre's bicept of the arm closest to her."This is a mighty honor...please say that you'll come!" The words flitted from Nakoma's mind like the happy little birds that had zipped in front of the pair as they had crossed the bridge earlier. She had a large grin on her face and her bright eyes spoke of how important this evening was to her people. The men cheered once again with words of encouragement for Ze'kyre's attendance.

 

[Resolute\\.ZEN]

Ze'kyre was honoured by the Laku'na elder, forcing a smile to pull at his lips as they spoke of throwing celebration in his name. He was at a loss for words, and he could not help but think that perhaps they had the wrong man. He was still unsure of such prophetic claims, he was not so sure that he could be as special as they thought. He was a simple warrior, and a skilled musician, but the idea of being 'chosen' felt new. Still, he did not want to ruin the moment and only smiled for all of his thoughtfulness. The monk had never known much in the way of festivity. The life of the Jedi was a hard one, especially in these times.

Part of him wanted to voice his doubts, but Nakoma held his arm, and he heard Nakoma's thoughts of excitement. When his neck turned and he saw her smile, he was forced to bite his tongue. To witness the smile evaporate from her face would be hard, a notion that made him reflect on the decision he had to make regarding her future. On the one hand, the Jedi are not afforded too many smiles of their own. On the other, what sort of life could she continue to live here, after being left behind by the prophecised man from the stars? As much as they had both been made to feel at home, perhaps it was true that she was almost as much of an outsider as he was. With a breath, he brushed the thought aside.

His lips parted as his own grin became wide and full. He looked at Nakoma but another moment, and then back to the elder. He wanted to say that he could never repay the generousity and honour they granted him, but perhaps he could by taking Nakoma to the Jedi, and helping to fulfil their prophecy. With a nod of his head, he accepted. "You honour me, Elder." His tone weighed heavy with respect, and he could not help but share in their joy. "As the Great Wind wills it... I look forward to spending time with you and your kin."

 

[Wolf]

The tribal elder smiled and nodded as he gave a firm pat on Ze'kyre's back. "So it shall be then" he spoke as the men chatted amongst themselves in excited tones. The group began to return to the fields with the elder following. As they resumed their work, Nakoma slowly traced her eyes back up to Ze'kyre's face. Her hands were still tightly grasping his arm which she now gently tugged on as she walked backwards. Her fingers slid over his smooth skin and across strong muscles until she held his hand between hers. "I have so much more to tell you...and show you." Her mental words were heavy with mystery and adventure, both of which were dancing in her eyes. She let his hand go and spun around quickly, her hair moving like a sea of black feathers caught up in a breeze.

The woman walked briskly down a short dirt trail that led back into the forest, but instead of heading left from where they had come, she took a right into a dense area of trees and brush. The trail quickly narrowed and could barely be considered the path of an animal at this point. Beneath their feet was soft grass and fallen leaves. Nakoma stopped in the middle of the trail and bent over. She quickly removed the sandles from her feet and held them in her left hand as she continued walking with a much more intentional pace. The forest around them became still and nearly silent. These were things that Nakoma could feel and she wondered if Ze'kyre could hear the change. She turned around to check his face for a reaction , only offering a smile that was no longer playful, but serene.

"Do you hear it?" The words entered the Jedi's mind but Nakoma continued walking ahead. Just then she stopped, her hand raising suddenly. This moment was one that she hoped he would never forget. It was one of Nakoma's favorite things about her home. Her hand lowered to her side and she turned to the man behind her. The look in her eyes said it all. Taking two slow steps toward this very curious visitor from the stars, the Laku'na woman softly placed her hand upon his chest. "Do you feel it?" The words did not have far to travel and were accompanied by a deep reverence and love. Holding her ground, Nakoma's amber eyes disappeared behind long black lashes. It was then that a deep rushing sound could be heard in the distance. It sounded similar to a storm on the horizon or the strong winds of the Growing season...but it was something else.

WIth her eyes still closed, Nakoma breathed deeply and relayed five words that had captivated her since childhood, "the Life of the Forest". A smile formed on her lips and she opened her eyes to meet Ze'kyre's once again. Her hand found its place by her side and she turned and continued walking ahead of him. Just moments later the pair came upon a clearing and a breathtaking sight. A river cut through the trees with a depth and color that could not be matched by the hands of a most skilled artist. It was fed by a powerful waterfall that had been flowing over a large sheet of rock since the beginning. Truly here, time came to a stand still.

"This way", she said as her bare feet seemed to dance across this holy ground. She stopped at the face of the cliff and they stood just near enough that tiny droplets from the falls came to rest upon their faces...and then she slipped behind the water upon a narrow ledge that led to a large cavern behind the sheet of water. The remaining light of day barely cut through to the other side but it was enough to bring a peaceful glow to the cavern. The constant rumbling of the falls just a few feet away would have been nearly deafening to anyone else, but Nakoma found solace in this place. She took a few steps toward the wall of the cave with her back to Ze'kyre. "This is where I come to think." The woman traced her hand along a series of painted hand prints upon the wall. There were figures of hunters with bows taking down large animals. There were scenes from the forest and daily life also painted on the wall of the cavern. These, she liked to imagine, had been left here by someone just like her...only a thousand years beforehand.

Nakoma lowered her eyes to the rocky floor of the cave as she turned to face her company. She looked up and smiled at him. "When I was a newborn, there was a faction from my tribe that had split from us. They did not place any hope in the words of the seer that prophesied my birth and your arrival. They wanted to join the rest of the civilized portion of society and looked upon our way of life as ignorant." The woman shook her head and her eyes met the floor once again. "After the night of daylight...the night that I was born, their leader went on a rampage through our village and killed all of the infant girls in an attempt to stop the prophecy that they did not believe in." Nakoma turned and lifted her eyes to the wall of water with a hint of sadness and regret accompanying her next thoughts to the Jedi, "my father died protecting me as he killed the leader of the massacre. The others fled from the forest and my people never saw them again. That is why there are not many near my age. After this tragedy, the births stopped for several years for fear that something like this may happen again."

In a way, Nakoma blamed herself for the senseless deaths of the helpless children and the men and women that also died while protecting them. She struggled with living in place of so many that never would because of her. For this reason, she never complained about her disabilities because she believed it was only right that something had been taken from her in exchange. The young woman looked up once again and brushed the thoughts from her mind, replacing them with a somber smile. "I didn't mean to ruin this beautiful day, but I had to tell you these things away from my family. I did not wish to return the sadness to their hearts after so many years of healing. I only tell you of my past so that you know me." For some reason, that last part had become increasingly important to her as she spent more time with Ze'kyre. Nakoma sat down and laid her shoes next to her on the bumpy floor of the cave. She motioned for the Jedi to join her in hopes that they could talk for a while before going off to the celebration in the evening.

 

[Resolute\\.ZEN]

The warrior stood and watched as the revered elder left, silently honouring him as he made his way back into the field. It was not long before the rich bounty of the year obscured his visage, many of the stalks standing taller than the wise old man himself. Nakoma's tug on the echani's arm pulled yet another smile out of Ze'kyre. He could not quite place the feeling - surely it was something primal and instinctive - but he enjoyed the attention she gave him. He followed happily as she began to lead him back.

The wind caught her long hair, bringing the dark locks to life with a passionate dance. He dared not look away, even as she lead him under a thicket and off of their original path. The underbrush closed in about them, but he was confident Nakoma would not lose the path. He followed her example and removed his own sandals, allowing his toes to feel the moistness of the grass below. When they continued on, his ear caught the stillness of their surrounding. She was leading him to some form of sanctuary for serenity, it reflected itself in her eyes as she turned back and gave him another smile.

Stepping closer to Nakoma, he closed his eyes as she placed a hand on his chest. The rushing of a powerful river could be heard as it lead over a cliff, and down a waterfall. A hand lifted to his chest, covering hers as he took in the peacefulness of the area. It seemed to be a place where even the circle of nature, the workings of hunters and predators, came second to the honouring of life. "The life of the forest," she said. He was nearly entranced, but the Jedi's eyes opened as he felt Nakoma's hand slip away from under his own.

She turned and continued leading him down the trail. Part of Ze'kyre wished they could stay there in the moment, but he followd, using his long arms to keep the branches from lashing at himself as the path became smaller and smaller. Than suddenly, it opened wide at the mouth of a small lake, the power of the waterfall above so real and tangible that Ze'kye could soon feel the mist collecting on his brow. The monk had seen waterfalls before, had taught himself to stay focused as the frigid waters of one pounded down atop his head and shoulders. But something about being here right now fed him a feeling of greater appreciation than he had ever experienced in a similar place.

Nakoma continued leading them towards the waterfall, and soon disappeared behind the sheet of water. Following her, Ze'kyre's eyes readjusted to a low-lit cavern on the inside. The soft glow of the sun through the water set a quiet atmosphere, even despite the roar that surrounded them. He followed to the wall of the cave, his eyes following the patterns that had been etched as her fingers traced over them. The skilled work of her ancestors filled him with a sense of artistry, and he continued to admire until she turned to face him once again.

The look in her eye drew his own, and he paid attention as she told the story of her birth. He had wondered why all of the woman were older than Nakoma, but never imagined the truth behind the matter could be so ugly. He remained silent, his eyes locked onto hers as he heard the thoughts she shared with him. He did not wish for her to feel that her sharing had ruined the day, and so he set himself down beside her, and placed a comforting hand upon her knee.

"Your father must have been a great warrior," he returned to her. "Fighting to protect what you love… there is no higher calling." He was aware that she may not agree with his warrior's sentiment, but still hoped that he could find the words to console her. "Your father may not have had the chance to raise you as a girl, but he has always known the woman you would become. Those we have lost return to watch over us with every blowing of the Great Wind. They speak to us in the rustling of the leaves, and the song of the birds. You can be sure, Nakoma," his hand squeezed her knee for emphasis. "Your father knows what he died for, and would only do it again and again if returned to that point in time." Ze'kyre was very spiritual, and put a lot of faith into the ways of the Force as he had been taught amongst both the Eshan and Jedi orders. He did not need to have known the man to know what he said to be true, he could see it in all that her father had left in his wake.

Ze'kyre looked away, as he reflected on such a massacre. He believed that as there were two sides to the Force, so were there truly two emotions that ruled over all of the feelings sentience produced. "Sometimes it is easy to be caught up in the ways of fear. We are always so aware that anything can go wrong but when we shy away from the possibilities, we often make things go so much worse. The people who killed your father did not have faith in you, Nakoma, but your father did, enough so to end their brutality and send them scurrying like the cravens they were. Do not feel afraid for those who were senselessly killed to get to you, it is not your fault, and That feeling is but a reincarnation of the same that caused all of their death. This path can only lead you into the Dark…

"Feel the love of those who stayed with the Laku'na. Many people may have been afraid of you, but the love of others saw you shielded from their darkness." He looked back to her, the light bringing out a gold hue in her irises as he continued. "Despite the passion of the two who created you, are the daughter of everyone here, every child's older sister. You are the avatar of their hope." He spoke of a hope that enveloped more than a single village, or even the whole world. "All throughout the stars people people are wishing for a better way of life, or to not have it threatened by those who would destroy their livelihood.

"Fear never lasts when love is strong," he said as his lips formed their own rueful smirk. Her very existence was testament to this truth, the love of her father would defeat the fear of the others every single time, and Ze'kyre only shared in the adoration that he and the rest of the Laku'na felt for his daughter. As she showed the white monk about the Hidden Forest, he had never once glimpsed upon the eyes of one who looked at her with a sense of loss. Many daughters may have died in her place, but not one mother or father looked upon her with regret. Ze'kyre believed that everything happened for a reason, and the fact that it was hard to appreciate made that reason all the more important.

 

[Wolf]

Nakoma paid great attention to Ze'kyre's words. She knew somehow that he was right about everything. When she imagined that her father would die over and over just to save her life, it wrenched at her heart. She was eternally grateful for the man that he was. Her mother had told stories of the warrior, the hunter, and the husband that he had been. The young woman held onto this knowledge daily and it drove her to strive to be the hope that he had died to protect. For this very reason, Nakoma was determined to live out the destiny set before her, no matter what it took. In the depths of her heart she knew that the only way to repay the loss of life would be to live.

Her mind wandered to the future and to this man sitting beside her now. She wondered where his life had led him. He intrigued her every time she looked into his beautiful eyes. She wanted these moments together to last so that she could get to know every detail about him. Nakoma still could hardly believe that she was talking to someone that she was not somehow related to! She had a feeling that she were standing upon the threashold of something incredible. Her life could never be the same after this, even if she were to never see him again which would be crushing.

As these thoughts and others passed through Nakoma's mind, she smiled and looked over at Ze'kyre. His hand remained upon her knee and she again felt comfort in his touch. It seemed to her that though worlds apart, maybe their people were not so different afterall. Clearly both were passionate about life and desired to see a change in the universe. "Would you tell me about where you came from and how you became a Jedi?" Nakoma was beyond curious about his life and how the Great Wind had worked to get him to this point.

 

[Resolute\\.ZEN]

Her question caught him a little off-guard. It was not a story he had often told, but he supposed that since she had shared so much of her world with him, the least he could do is tell her about himself. He sat up straight and crossed his legs, the flexibility in his hips allowing him to comfortably sit his feet over his knees. As he set his knuckles on the ground beside his hips to turn himself and face Nakoma, he locked eyes with Nakoma and began to explain.

"I was raised in a monastery on a planet called Thyrsus," his story began simply as he put his hands on his thighs. "There was nothing so special about my childhood, like any other youngling there, I was taught to express myself through martial art almost as soon as I could walk." In truth, Ze'kyre was the last of the Bladedancers, a once mighty and exalted clan that was now extinct all but for one lone warrior. He did not know how to include this into the story, however, and so had started with what he could actually recall. "Many have heard of my people before, we echani have been renown for our martial prowess in times past, but we are dwindling, more and more rare to find with each passing age.

"The brothers who raised me are all very strong for our order was created by the Sublime Seven, warriors who brought peace to our home world. I suppose you could say they were like Jedi, hoping to instil and maintain order amongst the various echani clans. Now, the Eshan monks, at least those upon Thyrsus, mostly stay secluded to their temples, preferring not to meddle with the reckless thyrsians the planet had created out of many of our clans.

"I was still young when the masters realized I had been bathed in the Breath of the Great Dragon, as you are. To be sensitive to the Great Wind had grown very uncommon on Thyrsus, and the monks seemed adamant to make sure I learned all I could of balance, meditation, and martial integrity. The Eshan Order knows that the power at a Force sensitive's finger tips can be treacherous if not tempered by a strong will and presence of mind." He paused a moment, allowing his words to sink in before continuing his tale.

"Despite my dedication to their teachings, it was decided I would be sent to learn somewhere else, to be instructed in matters my brothers could not know. I had been taught of the Jedi before, but nothing could have prepared me for when I was sent to a planet called Coruscant." He did not know how to describe the world of Coruscant to Nakoma. It had trees far taller and thicker than any she had ever seen, and they were full of life, busy and blustering, yet they breathed no life of their own. The planet was one huge duracrete jungle, full of wonders both inspiring and degrading. He decided to move past the point.

"When I met with the Jedi, I learned more about the Great Wind, or the Force as we call it. They taught me that it is in everything, the energy that not only wills our fates, but binds our souls to our bodies, it is that which our very souls are made of. They've taught me that through understanding of the Force, anything is possible. To follow the will of the Force is what gives us Jedi our strength, even through these hard times.

"Shortly into my new life as a Jedi Learner, the Sith Order brought destruction to Coruscant. Many Knights stayed and died to protect us, but most were forced to run." Once again, his disdain for this fact was apparent. "Our strength is returning, though. I've been awaiting the day that we once again make our stand against the Sith." There was a certain fire in his eye, particularly the silver one, crystallized by the cold shade of silver even as it flickered with conviction. His warriorhood was all he had ever valued, and even just speaking of the Sith inspired his passion to meet them in battle. However, sitting here with Nakoma, he hoped to be able to put that part of his life aside, even if only for another day or two. Every warrior deserved a fair bit of the peace they fought to give others and he was enjoying his here with the princess of the Laku'na.

 

[Wolf]

As Ze'kyre spoke, Nakoma was capitvated by a fire that burned brilliantly within his eyes. He had come from a very prestigious background and spoke of things that set the woman's imagination spinning. She tried to envision being sent away at such a young age to learn the ways of the Jedi. "The Force..." she repeated in her mind. The words sent a shiver up her spine as it resonated with what she knew of the Great Wind. The smile on her face would not fade as she hung on his every word.

Then that other word came up. It carried such a dark emotion with it that Nakoma's stomach knotted up. "The SIth..." she repeated it in her mind until she could no longer bear it. She knew that if she were to pursue the life of a Jedi, she would eventually encounter these malicious individuals. Her heart tried to convince her mind that perhaps there was still good at the core of even these depraved beings...but from the limited knowlege she now possessed of them, her mind would not believe it.

"You have seen many trials in your life." Nakoma's gaze fell to Ze'kyre's hands and for the first time since he arrived, she saw him for the warrior that he was. She could only imagine the destruction that he could do with those hands....and the restraint that he must have possessed to balance his desire to deliver such destruction to those that lived by it. She reflected on what he had told her about love and how it could defeat the darkness. She believed that the strongest warriors also loved the fiercest. She then thought of her father. He would have been a Jedi if offered the opportunity. Nakoma now desired to adopt this life more than ever.

Her eyes shifted back to his gaze once again with a new appreciation and respect for this man that had traveled so far. His people valued many of the same things that the Laku'na did and to know that these were also the values of the Jedi brought joy to her heart. Deep within her spirit, Nakoma knew that the universe would enjoy perfect peace someday. Love always wins and she believed that this was the way of the Great Wind...the Force. "Thank you for telling me these things" she spoke with great gratitude into the Jedi's mind.

Nakoma noticed that the light of the day was quickly dimming within the hidden cavern and her heart jumped with excitement. Very soon her people would be gathering to celebrate over a feast and a large fire with music and dance. "I wish that we could be like a lost thought and stay right here forever" she thought through a mental sigh. She knew that she would soon be readying herself for the evening's festivities and a special surprise that she had for Ze'kyre afterward. "I hope you're not tired because there is much excitement ahead of us for the night!" A hint of mystery danced in Nakoma's eyes as she slipped these thoughts into the Jedi's mind.

She grabbed her sandles in one hand and pushed herself up from the floor of the cave, offering a hand to the man. As he stood, Nakoma looked up at him with admiration written upon her face. "I've very much enjoyed being here with you, Ze'kyre of the Jedi" the words were thought softly to him. It was now time to return to Nakoma's home and ready themselves for the celebration as daylight was dwindling quickly. "Shall we?"