Lynn Vanick's Training

Josiah Rendar

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*Sitting down upon the cold stone of the High Priest’s chambers, he awaited the arrival of his new apprentice. He had not taken the time to learn much about the boy, as with every student he had trained in the past. He would much rather learn about his pupils by watching them open up about their lives before them, as the way they speak about it could reveal far more than any computer biography could tell someone.

Every Bendu has a beginning. Every journey of a man has a first step. His new apprentice would soon find this through his guidance and his wisdom until he could prove to shape and control his own life and his own destiny. The moment the young one stepped through the doors that sat motionless in front of the High Priest, he would begin to seize his own journey. Until that moment arrived, Josiah waited patiently for him, meditating to God and his prophets.*
 

OneoftheLost

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Had it really come to this?

Lynn found himself walking down the long corridors of the temple. The high priests' chambers were just up ahead.

The young boy had been sitting on the steps, when a priest had come to him.

"It is time."

With those three words Lynn knew he had been accepted, or at least the High Priest had agreed to see him. Lynn ignored all of his emotions, they would get him no where. He would not be distracted today. Dressed in nothing but the bottom part of his robes, the dress part, and a pair of black gloves, Lynn slowly pushed the great doors open.

In the large room a man sat meditating. From his upbringing on the planet, Lynn had heard stories from his father and sister about this man, High Priest Josiah Rendar. Lynn was shocked, he had been expecting a priest, but not THE high priest.

Lynn kneeled, awaiting the High Priests' acknowledgement.
 

Josiah Rendar

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*Though he was not fully concentrated on the there and then, he knew that his newest student had kneeled down on the cold floor before him. Despite his arrival, Josiah continued to meditate. For three long hours, he continued to make him wait within the chambers. He had used the Force of Others to lock the chamber doors, so all his student could do was wait until Josiah finally decided to acknowledge his presence. Testing patience was a good indicator of what would need to be taught during the coming sessions. It was a tactic he used often to great effect.*
 

OneoftheLost

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Lynn looked around the old room. There was alot of history in here. The murials on the walls, the engravings on the back of the doors....

Studying the High Priest Lynn waited.....


....and waited....

and waited..........

Lynn figured he had been here around forty minutes, and still the High Priest didn't notice.

Must be doing something with the Force of Others.


Lynn sat down and crossed his legs. Slowly started to block out all outside sounds, his breathing, the faint sounds of priests talking beyond the doors, the wind brushing againt the heavy doors. Within several minutes Lynn was deep in a meditative state.
 

Josiah Rendar

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*Lynn waited and continued to wait, just as Josiah had wanted him to. The only true way to see if someone was patient was to actually test it and make them wait for something they desperately wanted. In Lynn’s case, he no doubt wanted to begin his training as a Bendu. What better way to test his patience then to make him wait a few hours to take the first step on the path to the future? He was pleased to see that rather than growing impatient, the lad had taken to meditation. It was a sight he cherished, as he knew that the boy was ready for the next step. Opening his eyes, he stood up and asked the Force of Others to alert him to stand as well.*

“I am Josiah Rendar, son of Neil, son of Kit. I am the High Priest of the Bendu Order. You are Lynn Vanick from the village of Tarnek, but this is all I know of you. I will tell you about my own past, but first I wish to know about you. Speak, child.”
 

OneoftheLost

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Lynn quickly rose to his feet. Shaking his head, he oriented himself.

"Um.."

Lynn couldn't think of anything to say, he was nervous.


Worthless... you act like you are talking to the incarnation of Yahweh. Get a grip.


Taking a breath, Lynn smiled sheepishly before continuing.

"What I meant to say was, I am the youngest of three children, born to Kyle Vanick, Bendu Knight. My father raised the three of us in the traditional Bendu way, teaching us the code as well as some of the values of the order. He would often tell us of tales of the history of the Bendu Order. The Skywalker, Ussej Padric, and even a few of the previous High Priest. Ultimatly he raised us to join the order. My mother, well she is a different sort, she always fought to have us raised like everyone else. She kept saying none of us would be able to use the Force of Others.... but she was wrong. My sister is...was.. a Bendu Knight as well. She was the oldest, and she taught me a thing or two as well. As for me.. well I am... well I don't know... I guess I'm shy, quiet... weak.."

Those words brought back memories of his soon to be step-father. Lynn tried to ignore it. Shifting uncomftorably, Lynn studied the walls around him as he spoke.

"Erm, anyway... I guess you could say that I'm a shy, introvert. My family is pretty much broken. I came here to try to reconcile my differences with Yahweh and learn how to best serve him... no thats not right. I guess I feel this is what he wants me to do. I came here to see if I had been blessed with the gift of the Force of Others."

Lynn paused thinking.

Looking up he looked the High Priest in the eyes.

"I guess thats it."
 

Josiah Rendar

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*Josiah could feel the pain, the sorrow and regret in the boys words and he could see the hurt in his eyes. He did not want to pity him, as pitying someone implied that they were a lesser person, but he did feel sorry that the boy had to grow up shy and feeling weak. He had known his sister and knew the pain the family had felt when she had been lost, so he choose to ignore that fact. What he could do, however, was help him to realize that just because things do not work out early on does not mean they will not work out in the end.*

“Do not be dismayed by a childhood quirk. I was once a shy young child, but now I am the High Priest of this ancient and noble order. I was born the son of Neil Rendar and his wife, Larali. My father was the son of Aletra Jekkura and Kit Corwin Rendar. I am sure you have heard the story of my grandfather, but if not I will tell you anyway. He was once a famed Jedi Master from the Republic world of Corellia. He had one sister, Laili Jeyna Rendar. The Dark Lordess Viea threatened to destroy Corellia and in order to save it Kit gave himself to the Bogan. Laili soon met and fell and love with a Jedi Knight, Ussej Padric Bac. He was a hero to the people of the Republic, but he too fell prey to the darkness. Just before he fell, Laili became pregnant with his son. Months later, a Sith Lord called Invidius tracked down and attacked Ussej and Laili. Laili went into a difficult labor as Ussej attempted to hold back Invidius. During the fight, Ussej finally saw the error in his ways and was redeemed. He killed Invidius and was forced to leave Laili, who was still in labor, with Jedi Grandmaster Damien Nightblade to fight in the final battle on Coruscant. Ussej found Viea, Kit and Aletra together. Ussej was able to redeem Kit but he was quickly struck down by the empress. However, with Ussej and Kit’s combined strength, the empress fell and Ussej brought Kit and Aletra to Telos IV just in time for them to witness the birth of Ussej and Laili’s child, Ussej Padric Bac II. Hours later, Kit died surrounded by Aletra, Ussej, Laili and their son.”

*Josiah turned away from the boy, the story having always been difficult to tell. It was not easy to tell someone else about the demons of a family’s past, especially when that family was his own. However, he had always managed to do it and he would always continuing managing to do it. It was something that had to be done and, in the end, he wanted to do it to warn people about temptation, arrogance and pride.*

“Aletra, Ussej and Laili knew that they could not remain in known space or else the Sith would hunt them down and destroy them. They headed for the Unknown Regions and, two months after they left, Aletra realized she was pregnant with Kit’s child. Six months later, she went into labor on his ship. Ussej set the ship down on the nearest habitable planet where she gave birth to my father. That planet was Kal’Shabbol. She named the child Neil and he grew up alongside Ussej Padric Bac II. They became the best of friends, damn near brothers. Neil then met Larali and she became pregnant with me. I was born around the same time Ussej the second and his wife, Bara, had their child, Ussej Padric Bac III, and the death of Ussej Padric Bac. When Ussej the second and Bara were killed, Ussej the third lived with me and my family and he truly became my brother. We both served on the Council of Priests and a few years before the war, he became High Priest. When the war ended and he was killed, I was elected to take his place. Now, here I am. I myself have no wife and no children. I live alone in my quarters. However, despite feeling alone sometimes, I am happy. Do you have any questions?”
 

OneoftheLost

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Lynn did everything he could not to gape. He had not been expecting the High Priest of all people to open up to him.

He wasn't opening up, you need to listen, just like your father he is showing you something! Learn from their mistakes...

Lynn almost nodded, that made sense, the High Priest was trying to teach him, while simultaneousley sharing his past.

At the question Lynn shook his head.

"No, High Priest, I have no questions, your past is your own. Its what shapes us 'eh?"

With a small smile Lynn stretched. The truth was that he had many questions. Yet they could all wait. First he would listen.
 

Josiah Rendar

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*He nodded as the boy seemingly understood what he had been doing, though he could not help but be troubled at how within his mind the young boy continued to beat himself up. He had noticed it immediately when the boy first spoke and it continued to concern him. Normally, he would have started a training session with the history of the Jedi Bendu and the Bendu, but perhaps the proverbs of his great-uncle would be best.*

“Yes, it is. Our past is something that we should always think about when we are alone and in a meditative state. Despite how chaotic ones past may have been, we must always remember to go placidly among the noise and hate and remember what peace there may be in silence. That is the first of fifteen proverbs written by my great-uncle, Ussej Padric Bac, before he died. Do you understand it as I have said it to you?”
 

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"Despite how chaotic ones past may have been, we must always remember to go placidly among the noise and hate and remember what peace there may be in silence."

Lynn blinked several times.


"Um.. so even during hard times, or dark ones, we must keep ourselves civil and not act on past hatreds and prejudices?"

Lynn didn't really understand, and since his father had never taught them the proverbs, his knowledge on the subject was... fuzzy at best.
 

Josiah Rendar

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*He smiled at the boy’s question, realizing how hypocritical it was for a Bendu, any Bendu, to state. But, despite what had happened during the war, it was still true. The war, however much of a blunder it had been, proved it. Though he and he alone knew that the war had been ordained billions of years earlier, he could not ignore that fact.*

“Yes, exactly that. It is what the war taught us. It has only been over for a year, but already we have seen what our actions can do. We acted on our prejudices of the Jedi Order and exiled them from the Republic. Not even a week later, the Sith Empire took control of the Republic capital of Coruscant. After that, the Bendu returned home. I was a Priest then but when Ussej, the third that is, decided to go back himself and sacrifice his life in an attempt to end the war, I was made High Priest. Ussej was my best friend, but I always disagreed with his decision to join the Shadourian crusades and attack the Jedi. I only wish he had listened to the words of his grandfather but, alas, he did not. Do you understand?”
 

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Lynn thought for a second. Then he nodded.

"Yes, yes I do."

Lynn spoke with confidence. The high priest had an almost calming effect on him.. it was strange, almost like his father had done for him and his brother all those years ago...
 

Brandon Rhea

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OOC: Just so you know, I'm not ignoring you. I've just been very busy. I'll be posting again today.
 

Josiah Rendar

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*Josiah smiled and nodded his head, pleased to hear that the boy understood and that there was a certain newfound confidence in his voice. It was his first step into a larger world.*

"Before I continue with the proverbs, I need you to understand the Bendu Code. First, know that there is a major difference between the way we look at our code and the way the Jedi look at theirs. The Jedi see it as a set of rules and a burden, always making sure that they followed as if it were law. Our code, written by our blessed founder Zios Malachor himself, simply states what we can do by using the Ashla. We see it as a prayer, rather than a burden. It is as follows.

Through the Ashla, we find emotion;
Through the Ashla, we find peace;
Through the Ashla, we find knowledge;
Through the Ashla, we find passion;
Through the Ashla, we find courage;
Through the Ashla, we find eternal life;
Through the Ashla, we find love.
Love is the answer to the darkness.
Love can ignite the stars.

As Ussej Padric Bac stated, ‘wherever your journey may take you, let this prayer be your guide. Your wings may take you so very far away from here, but always remember that this prayer is what makes you who you are’. Please explain to me how you interpret this."
 

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Lynn sat for a minute thinking.

He knew the prayer, his father had made sure of that. Every day, at waking, and right before he went to bed, Lynn had recited it with his sister and brother. The problem was, his father had never really given him an iron definition of what it meant. It must have been something his father had wanted him to figure out on his own.

A couple minutes later, Lynn looked up at the High Priest. He spoke with a clear, unwavering voice.

"Through the Ashla, we find emotion. This refers to our practice of using the Force of Others, and keeping our emotions in check, yet it can be a good thing to use those same emotions to keep us focused, aware, and ready for whatever may be with us."

"Through the Ashla, we find peace, when working, and living, we should have a serenity, or a peace among ourselves, a sort of tranquility. This same peace we should also help others attain."

"Through the Ashla, we find knowledge, we as the servants of Yahweh, should always strive to find knowledge, to learn, advance, and better ourselves, because we are a reflection of Him."

"Through the Ashla, we find courage; sometimes, other men befall situations that, scare, or terrorize them. These same situations, Yahweh expects us to be able to stand firm within. We are gifted with the Ashla, therefore we need to be courageous and strong in the face of fear, or overwhelming odds."

"Through the Ashla, we find passion, We serve Yahweh, yet we also live our lives, if we mix the two, factors are about to rise and mix. Passion is one of those factors. Considered a sin to some, we use it, it keeps us focused, and excited about our service to Yahweh, this same passion, is what drives us during the harder times."

"Through the Ashla, we find eternal life, this refers to our unique relationship with Yahweh, as well as our ability to affect the future and leave an everlasting imprint. Our worship with Yahweh allows us to use the Force of Others, we can use it for numerous other functions and abilities, but the most important of those, is to use it for Good, for Ashla. Many years after we have passed, we should be remembered and revered for our actions to help the galaxy, and serve Yahweh."

"Through the Ashla, we find love. I believe this has a dual meaning as well. The first part of this verse is how we must keep a love of our fellow sentients at all times, never being predjuduice in any way, we must always be accepting and caring torwards our fellow sentients. The second part is a love of a more... personal nature. If we do find this, then we must use it as a strength, an iron link in our bond with Yahweh, we cannot let it interfere with our living for Yahweh, it is a prize, something to work for, not something to be taken for granted."


" The last part, Love can ignite the stars. Love of our fellow sentients, and even another individual, are secondary to our third and final love. The love of Yahweh. Yahweh's love is what gave us Ashla, and we msut uphold and earn that love everyday, working in his name to better his galaxies."

As he finished, Lynn lapsed into thought for a second, thinking over those words. It seemed a little strange, he was almost preaching to the high priest! Looking up, Lynn awaited a response from the well respected man. He also wondered if Yahweh approved what he had said.
 

Josiah Rendar

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*The boy did have some keen insights, though there were others that he would have to correct. It was expected, as it was a start, so he hoped that the boy would not be discouraged. Offering him a warm smile, Josiah nodded somewhat.*

“When it is said we find eternal life, it means we literally find eternal life. We will not come back to this realm as spirits, as that is only saved for the absolute worthy, but rather we will live forever in the realm of Heaven with Yahweh for eternity. When we say we find love, we don’t worry about it interfering with our duties to Yahweh. Very few are asked to sacrifice all they care for and all they love for the greater good, so until that time comes you can live your love life as you wish. And never, for a moment, believe that love is a prize. Love is something that must be earned by two people, yes, but saying that love is a prize sounds as if you are saying that your companion is a prize. Too much attachment can lead to darker things, though it is not entirely forbidden. Love your significant other as an equal, not as a prize. Do you understand?”

*His tone was calm, yet resolute. He wanted the fragile child to feel comforted, knowing that his opinions, though someone inaccurate, were welcome and expected. The last thing he would want to do is break the fragile ego of the young boy, so he smiled once more.*
 

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He hadn't really thought of it that way. The realm of heaven, his father had told him it was the ultimate prize, granted only to Yahweh's faithful. This was something he would have to consider. As for Love, well it wasn't something He'd ever deal with, so....

Lynn nodded.

"I understand."
 

Josiah Rendar

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*He nodded, the answer satisfactory.*

"Tell me, my son, what do you know of the religion of our people?"
 

OneoftheLost

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"Tell me, my son, what do you know of the religion of our people?"

Lynn blinked several times. Not sure how to say it, Lynn tried imagining the High Priest as an outsider, someone who didn't know who Yahweh was.

"Hmm.. well lets start with Yahweh... for lack of a better term. Is the only god. He... well he lives on a planet called Heaven, in a different dimension. He watches us, and some of us he has chosen, at birth he grants us with a gift. This gift goes back all the way to The Skywalker. The Skywalker is was the only mortal to speak with Yahweh. At the top of the great Mount Sky, they communed. Yahweh gifted The Skywalker with the Alshla, the life giving portion of the Force of Others. To this day we use the Ashla to withold our commitment to Yahweh, our protection of his galaxy and the peoples theirein."
 
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