Ask Illuminating the Fallanassi

[Liana Mason]

Lucazec - Following the White Current

Nestled in a rather hidden, not so easily accessible corner of the galaxy laid Lucazec - a mysterious planet that supposedly harbored the Fallanassi and what they called the White Current - it were their elusive, however promising secrets that lured the Jedi to Outer Rim and Liana was actually thrilled to explore whatever their conquest had to offer.

Ever since Liana had been knighted, her life had become even more excited that it had been before. She had her own padawan, plenty more responsibilities and was tasked with extremely cool missions like this one! The padawan had just recovered from the latest mental scares she had received from their fateful meeting with the cannibalistic cult and while her formerly crushed wrist still felt funny every now and then, she was back to her previous skill level with the lightsaber and even the Force could perfectly be commanded with it again, so that frankly speaking, she really felt ready for the mission.

As she wasn't going alone, she was also rather happy to meet her company for this endavor, even more so today because she no longer was the official apprentice, but a Knight just like him. She was still happy to be paired with a much more experienced Knight and was also convinced she'd learn a lot from him.

They were supposed to meet down on the surface as they came from rather different corners of the galaxy and after Liana had been the first to arrive, she locked her ship and already began to take a look around in its near premises. From what the order had already gathered, they would be supposed to listen to the Force during their journey into the lush forest, but as the tree crowns offered no way for their ships, they had to start afoot. Jonas would find her in the thicket nearby if he'd follow the coordinates they had been provided, ready to start their quest to unravel the secrets of the White Current from there.

@Raydo

 

[Jonas Syl]

Jonas had eagerly accepted this assignment. A chance to further study the Force, and how others viewed and interacted with it was something Jonas had always had a great deal of interest in. He loved his time training younglings on Brighthome, but it would be good to get away for a time.

The Jedi Knight had spent much of his time meditating on his way to Lucazec. Space travel, while necessary, was something he had never quite developed a taste for. He preferred being on solid ground, another positive aspect of their task.

He opened his eyes as the ship lurched from hyperspace above the vibrant world. Soon he was on the ground, climbing out of his ship next to the already parked vessel.

Like always, Jonas was dressed with his lightsaber clipped to his belt under his cloak. He took in a deep breath, feeling the life teeming around him.

His first task was to the young woman accompanying him on this journey. Quickly, he came across the young Jedi Knight. Jonas smiled. "Liana, I am guessing" he said with a warm smile. He offered a slight bow before extending a hand to shake. "Jonas, its wonderful to meet you.." he said.

@LadyRen

 

[Liana Mason]

What was fairly obvious here was the bustling, vivid living Force all around. She perceived an actual flowing, much stronger than on Echan, for example, and the prospect of studying it further already excited the young Knight.

She found interesting plants in the glade and the birds softly whistled an energetic. It didn't take long until her companion arrived and as he turned off the engines, she was emerging from the thicket, a warm smile on her lips.

"Oh hi there!", she greeted him as friendly as ever, however not as bubbly as she had once been. "It's very nice to meet you, too". She respectfully inclined her head before she reached for his extended hand to shake it.

"You feel this, too, right? This place is absolutely amazing...", she trailed off a little as her dark blue, excited eyes drifted around. "Have you ever been on Lucazec before?", she then wanted to know. As she didn't know much about the other Jedi, she intended to change that.

@Raydo

 

[Jonas Syl]

He smiled as she returned the greeting. "It certainly is something.." he said, trailing off as he looked around. This place was vibrant; the colors seemed brighter, and the sounds more clear.

"I have not." he responded. "Though I have a feeling I will enjoy it here." he said, tucking his hands underneath his cloak. "Brighthome can be...uncomfortably artificial at times." he said.

"We have a ways to go; shall we get going?" he said warmly before slinging his pack over his shoulder. In many ways, it was inconvenient to have landed the ship so far from the village they would be staying in, but Jonas was looking forward to the hike. It would take them most of the day, that is, if they didn't get lost. The directions had been a bit vague on the village's exact location.

"So I heard you were recently promoted to Knight?" he asked as they began making their way through the lush forest toward their destination. "Congratulations." he said. "How do you find yourself adjusting?" he asked. His mind flicked back to when he was promoted to Knight all those years ago; it was one of the most exciting times in a Jedi's life.

@LadyRen

 

[Liana Mason]

The first thing Lia noticed was that somehow, their vibes just seemed to match. He seemed kind, friendly and didn't lack the fascination she held for this place. He seemed calmer than her, yet maybe this was exactly while she was already convinced they'd just vibe!

"I know exactly what you mean", she agreed with a smile. Recently, she had literally spent too much time on the station and as she had always preferred such vibrant, lively places, the sight was even more breathtaking than she had imagined. "Yes, let's go", she then agreed happily before they started marching, her lightsaber tapping against her thigh which each and every step.

She purposely toned down her excitement a little, knowing that it was sometimes simply a little too much. Still, the living Force all around was so energizing that the smile never left her lips. She stayed attentive, but so far the forest seemed perfectly calm.

"Oh I have! Thank you", she appreciated this kind little gesture and turned to look at him before she climbed over a thick tree root in their way. "Oh it's exciting! But I feel like I'm doing rather well with the newly gained responsibilities", she replied warmly. She had grown up a lot, yet hadn't lost her youthfulness in many regards. "Have you always been with the other?", she curiously asked.

@Raydo

 

[Jonas Syl]

He was saddened by the fact many of the Jedi's youngest members were growing up not experiencing the vibrant temples he had known in his youth, but they were safe, and that was the most important thing.

He didn't need the Force to tell that she was all but shaking with the excitement of this place. It was a contagious energy that made his face smile as they walked. "That's wonderful to hear!" he added as they peaked a small hill before heading down into a valley. "It can be a rather challenging transition for some. I certainly know I had some struggles." he admitted.

"I joined the Order when I was 12." he said. "And you?" he asked, continuing their conversation. He had often wondered why his parents had been so accepting of him leaving home. They had died before he had returned, and now he had lived with his Jedi Family for over twice as long as he had his parents.

There was no path cutting through the forest; their trek grew more difficult as they cut into the deeper parts of the forest, heading in what they hoped was the right direction.

@LadyRen

 

[Liana Mason]

Liana attentively studied their fascinating environment, the vibrant shades of green and various flecks of colors were simply mesmerizing. The Force was so calm and bright that it didn't just soothe her, but even made her happier. "There are many challenges for sure...but I like them so far. They really help me grow", she gave him another warm smile as they walked down into the valley.

She then intently listened to him and was happy about sharing their stories. "Oh, that's cool! I actually joined as a youngling, so I've been with the Order for quite a while now", she chirped, trailing alongside him. They chose a path through the forest, however the terrain grew more uneven and natural after a bit.

"What do you know about the Fallanassi? We weren't taught a lot about them as there seem to be many mysteries...but when I tried conducting some research myself, I also wasn't very successful". Would they even find what they were looking for? They'd probably have to see, but Lia stayed optimistic.

@Raydo

 

[Jonas Syl]

The tempered optimism of youth was refreshing. So many of their Order either became over zealous but he didn't pick up any of this from the younger Jedi Knight. "A wonderful way to look at challenges." he added as they continued deeper into the forest.

He had always found himself fascinated by stories about how others had come to the Order. They were all as varied as the Jedis themselves.

"Very little I am afraid. Not much is known, unfortunately. Perhaps our findings here will light the way for enthustic Jedi in the future." he said glancing back over his shoulder.

They walked for sometime, nearing the area where they should have began to see evidence of the Fallanassi. They were met with only forest. There was an instant, Jonas thought he saw something out of the corner of his but when he turned, nothing. As he extended his mind out through the Force he found nothing other what he'd expect to find a forest as vibrant as this.

"Curious..." he said quietly to himself.

@LadyRen

 

[Liana Mason]

Liana appreciated that her companion seemed just as positive as her and also, his calmness was very pleasant to the slightly more bubbly young knight. He also seemed to agree with her view on her new challenges and as she beamed at him, there was also a hint of pride in her smile.

He explained how he hadn't gathered many information until then either and so she let out a short "Hmm" before she pondered on his words a little longer. "Yes, I'm certain we will. If we find them, I'm sure we'll either figure something out ourselves or perhaps someone is even willing to share knowledge". She replied optimistically, however knowing that as they still remained a mystery, they surely had their effective ways to conceal their secrets.

They proceeded through the lush green forest until suddenly, Lia felt as though the Force tugged at her. She heard Jonas mutter something and her gaze quickly flicked up to him before she slightly turned to her right. "This way...the Force points me this way", she explained with a low voice, lips slightly parted.

It was only faint, but something did seem to guide her this way as she was feeling this subtle flowing. It was a funny sensation, nothing she had ever felt like this, but she was curious to investigate what was quietly calling them.

@Raydo

 

[Jonas Syl]

He followed her gaze off to the east. He didn't feel it, or at least not in the thrum of activity in this forest. Though he had long learned to trust in others, if she thought Force was guiding her, he was with her. "Lead the way then." he said as they moved into a deep part of the forest.

The movement was slow as they encountered thick underbrush. That's when he felt something, like white noise to his perception of the force. His senses brushed up against a barrier that would have been easy to miss if they weren't directly feeling it. "Do you feel that?" he asked his companion.

He took a step forward and reached a hand out, touching the invisible barrier in front of him. The mirage faded, showing a small village with a handful of women standing feet away, spears all pointed at them.

"Why have you come?!" the group of women asked, specifically looking at Liana.

Force Sense Roll: 13

@LadyRen

 

[Liana Mason]

She was happy that he placed his trust in her and followed. She knew that being a knight came with many responsibilities, but she was rather happy that she was seen as a fully fledged one despite her young age.

She was still softly smiling as she kept following whichever faintest call she perceived, which soon let them much deeper into the forest, but she still attentively scanned for any approaching dangers. It took a while until something about that presence shifted and they were suddenly in front of some kind of a veil.

Now that was very curious. She slightly cocked her head to the side, but the moment she touched it, the veil was lifted and revealed a few women with pointed spears. A subtle gasp escaped her, but she was managing to maintain her composure.

"I believe I was purposely lead her...the Force guided me". If they could set up barriers, they knew about the Force, and so she softly began to explain. "We don't mean any harm...and we really didn't mean to disrupt your village either...we've actually come to learn". Was that them? She absolutely couldn't tell...but she was more fascinated about the mirage they had conjured to veil their presence.

@Raydo

 

[Jonas Syl]

Jonas stood a few feet back from Liana. It was clear they were addressing her and not him. He had seen something about the Fallanassi not being overly trusting of males. For now, he remained silent, hoping Liana would be able to get them in.

Their leader took a step forward, spear still leveled. "Outsiders rarely come just to learn; they come to take. What have you come to take?" she asked Liana, jabbing her spear in her direction.

"If you mean us no harm, then leave!" she said. "Go back to your ship and leave us be." she finished.

Jonas' expression was clearly concerned, but he looked downward, not wanting to seem like a threat. Their whole mission rested on Liana; it would be over before it even started if they weren't permitted access to the village. It wouldn't be her fault, of course, but she would need to be the one to convince the leader to let them stay.

@LadyRen

 

[Liana Mason]

While there had been nothing at first, it seemed like they had stumbled right into the very place they were looking for. Liana was still fascinated by the miraculous projection of the Force that had concealed the tribe and village, yet her mind was all perfectly calm when she spoke.

What they replied saddened her a little as the fierceness she spoke with clearly indicated that she was pretty serious about it. She believed them and while she found it disappointing that others had come to take, she wasn't giving up on trying to show her that they were different.

"We don't come to take. It is only knowledge thiat we seek, and knowledge is something that can only expand", she calmly explained. "We are Jedi and we've traveled a long way to get here. We wandered through the forest, following whatever faintest call guided us and finally ended here. I do believe there is a reason for that".

There mistrust obviously ran deep, but of they were force-sensitive, they'd feel how nothing about Lia's bright, centered presence veiled any hostile intentions. Everything about her was as genuine as she claimed. Her dark blue eyes drifted down to the ground and soon to her left where a once bright, colorful plant now laid all withered.

Closing her eyes, she reached for the petals and my transferring a little part of her own life energy into the withered plant, it slowly rose again and turned much more vivid than before. "We are Jedi. We are agents of peace and balance, and our purpose is to strive for enlightenment. I am truly sorry that others have abused the trust you've placed into them. Is there anything we can do to prove our intentions are genuine?", she gently asked, not letting the still raised spear deter her.

@Raydo

 

[Jonas Syl]

The woman eyes Liana for a moment, scowling down at her as she reached for the flower. Something in her eye shifted ever so slightly when the pedals began to grow, and the flower blossomed again.

Jonas stood back, his hands tucked into his sleeves. They would sense no hostility from him; he was about as passive as a being could be while still holding a weapon.

She hissed. "Fine, but your weapons stay with me until you leave," she said, holding out her hand for their lightsabers. Jonas calmly reached for his under his cloak, careful not to make any sudden movements. He wasn't so much worried about the spears, but he didn't want there to be any violence. He handed his blade over, taking another step back.

The woman nodded. "You may enter our village, but you must meet with our leader before any knowledge will be exchanged.." she said matter-factly. They would follow the armed escort, various villagers peering out from small homes. The illusion would form back behind them.

"Well done." he leaned over and whispered to Liana.

@LadyRen

 

[Liana Mason]

Maybe it was good they had stumbled right into the Force illusion, because this way, Liana couldn't be too xcited about this all now that she was finally on her first real mission as a Knight. She exhaled slowly as the warrior woman decided to let them stay for now, a wave of relief washing over her.

They seemed much more concerned about Jonas, even if his presence within the Force was perfectly calm and harmonic. Maybe it was because they preferred women in general, or maybe the tiny blonde padawan looked innocent enough to be admitted inside, but it seemed like for now they were getting closer to their target.

She handed over the weapons, offering a curt and polite, "Thank you" as a reply. She then walked next to Jonas in the middle of the armed escort. "Thanks!", she whispered back, a genuine hint of joy in her voice. She was a little proud of herself, but kept her excitement at bay, knowing she was expected to act appropriately as a Knight.

They were supposed to meet the leader, but at the same time Lia wasn't fully sure about what to expect. "You have an absolute beauty village...", she said to the woman who led them, the compliment compliment genuine and her voice giving away that it did fascinate her.

@Raydo