[OPEN] Flight of the Sunbird

[Orphen]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMInqyumZ3I

Orphen, while all the dangers things were happening in the outside world, sat in her special place, deep in the forests of Tython, her smile broad as nothing but peace surrounded her. The area around her was a natural utopia. A break in the canopy serenaded the grass with sunlight, nearby a slight rocky uplift with a small lake, several fallen boulders lay within it, just high enough to breach the surface. In the height of summer, the wild flowers bloomed, and Orphen say very still.

Deep in meditation she always felt closer to the light side of the force here, in a place of serenity, knowing that one was only truly in meditation when the crashing water of the waterfall was not even a whisper in her mind. Her mind was calm, until she could feel a presence land nearby, of the likes she had not seen in the forests of Tython. Landing in the glade, a Deepcore sunbird.

A bird of pure magnificence, grace and intelligence, they were never threatened in these forests. Orphen did not open her eyes from her meditation as the breeding female began to create its nest. Though there was no second in sight, these illustrious birds did not couple like other birds did. They did not need to, the lack of predatory creatures in these areas had caused a perfect ecology for these peaceful birds, so much so they even rarely nested in trees.

This was a peaceful time, though soon, these birds may not be around should the empire have their way... The darkness, the war, shakes their environment, subtly force sensitive only known to live in areas of either peace, or whimsy. Orphen watched the ageing female lay her nest and settle into it. Orphen could feel her age, feel her children, and feel her time coming to an end. Standing up, she moved over to the luminous avian. Kneeling as it looked up at the young Togrutan with a stern eye. Orphen smiled, before welling up the healing powers of the force, recognising the energy as not unlike its own preferred environment, the creature calmed.

Orphen aided it with its nest, stroking its crown feathers, knowing this would be the last laying of this birds' life.

​

 

[Orphen]

Orphen cared for the bird, whispering kind words to it as it gave birth to several eggs, she stroked its head as three eggs over the next few minutes were passed through, and slowly the bird began to expire. The force could not heal ones age, though Sunbirds were rumoured to live for extraordinary lifespans for a small avian, upward on forty years. Cupping the nest in her hands, she took the eggs from the mother, Orphen took some of the pinions and feathers from the mother, they were used in some decorations, but also, she would take good care of her children.

Orphen moved back to her room, and over the next few weeks keeping the eggs warm with the glow of the Anterres crystal, ensuring their survival with the healing glow, in two and a half weeks, the eggs hatched. She feed them warm mashed up meat, which they gobbled down heartily, chirping for more. She giggled, and over more and more weeks, each of them developed their own interesting personalities, one was female, with two males, they learned to fly, and finally began to glisten in the sunlight. Each of them beautiful.

Orphen taking to metal crafting, fashioned for them each a small set of armour, a small head and chest plate, each made of gilded ultra chrome, she giggled as they looked at themselves in a reflective surface, approving of the glimmering steel.

See, you look pretty, each of them are different, and should help protect you, but not much so you be careful okay?

she laughed, as each of them wore them with pride, the female's armour was a little slimmer and a little lighter. But all and all, she was just accessorising them, Until finally, there were three, and they became well accustomed to the Jedi temple here, flying about it. High on the roofs of the corridors, and testing to see how human technology works. The males took up almost to the defending of the temple, warding off rats, and other 'darkside' vermin, almost taking on the attitudes of Jedi guardians and sentinels.

But the Female was quiet, accustomed to Orphen, her wings much brighter than the others, more luminous, she cuddled up to Orphen, the long feathers draping down her back. Orphen began to train her to hunt and scout like a trained hawk, teaching her the warning caws and various others. While the other two became free. Having officially left the nest or so to speak, to be picked up by the first Jedi who they take the fancy of. But one final act came over Orphen, after repeated attempts to set the female free, and her returning to cuddle up with her.

Well, I guess I better give you a name then... how about... Avieiva? That's a pretty name.

The bird cooed happily, now some training to get her to respond to it. But she would get there.

 

[Butler]

Brisk sweeps cut at the bushes and branches lining the Temple walls, his legs fast as they whipped and cracked at nature's harmonious frame about the dormitories. He was running. From a distance he came, sprinting away from his terrible fate, yet he could not pry himself from the edges of the Temple's outer walls, like a crutch he was inevitably to fall upon; his whimpering and stifling breath sniffled and despaired. He was crying. He finally buckled under abandon and collapsed as an arm reached out to the sturdy wall that would not leave him, but he fell to his shoulder with a thud as the delicate vines both cut and snapped beneath him. Lucifer sobbed into the green grass, feeding its soil with flowing tears. He had lost. But to lose everyday only to get back up and never give in was a hell he could not escape. His diagnosis could be measured so precisely, yet no cure could be conjured. What cruelty this was, this life of sorrow in heaven. He pounded his fist into the ground, damning his own creation. To be bestowed such promise and beauty, only to die so inevitably and swiftly. "...why", he muttered into the earth.

 

[Orphen]

Feeling a presence, the Jedi knight looked around, she could feel someone out toward the forest, looking to her new companion on her arm, lowering her stance and launching her up, she told Avieiva to scout the area and circle around whatever she finds. It was not long before there would be the caw of the glowing bird from overhead, as the sun-bird lured Orphen to her location, it was not hard to feel the despair coming from the man whom had beat the ground and cried out.

As she approached however, she was cautious, the Sith had been here once before, and it was not like most Jedi to behave this way, become lost to sorrow and anguish. Looking to him, she came through the brush and finally into plain view, what was before her was a man, with vibroblade, so she began to wonder if he was even a Jedi at all, which posed the question, why was he here... though his sorrow fell heavy on Orphen's heart.

Uhm, hello there? What's wrong? What's the matter...? Are you a member of the temple?

Though not completely out of it, she sensed his entire person for any hidden weapons, weapons within weapons, or even within him. She had, had friends assassinated by sith in the past, one of her hands rested on her light saber, just in case. Though her eyes looked to him empathetically, giving him the spiritual benefit of the doubt, but not without heeding her training.

Is there anything i can do to help?

 

[Butler]

Before long, a glow of light had shown over him. But he did not notice, lost to his woes with his temporary abandon buried into the ground. Even its cawing was drowned out by the possible sounds of the wild, or so his subconscious reasoned. But when words finally startled him, Lucifer shook with a sniff as he realized he was no longer alone. He curled up his spine, tucking his knees underneath him, as he smeared his tear-stained cheeks against his forearms and finally lifted up onto his shins. His chin turned to his shoulder as he looked out of the corner of his eye to the Samaritan. He did not want to show his face until he had a chance to compose himself. And with stuttering sobs he started, "No". Lucifer swallowed a knot down his throat. "Unless you can do what Jedi healers could not." His noes was stuffy from crying, forming a block on certain sounds like 'n's and 'd's and 'm's. "Haven't you heard...? I'm the local leper." He spoke with a loss of reserve and would later regret how freely he spoke, but in this moment was as a drunk man loosing his feelings when else he would be locked tight. Perhaps he just needed an ear.

 

[Orphen]

Orphen cocked her head to one side, though he seemed genuinely upset, she didn't know what to think, she began to scour his body for any form of lethal sickness, though she could not see it, perhaps this guy was just crazy, though Orphen was beginning to worry about him, this temporary insanity was something not becoming of a Jedi in the slightest.

To be honest, I see nothing wrong with you, so stand up Jedi, and stop feeling sorry for yourself, did you not know it is the goal of the Jedi to lose sight of ones self, so that one may only look to the needs of others. I think you might be far away from your goal Padawan, so stand, and stop weeping, you'll recieve no sympathy from me unless you have a genuine issue.

Orphen folded her arms, her shimmering blue eyes looking at him sternly, though she was definitely smaller than him, Caris, the blade on her back, took a particular cynical interest in this boy, the telekinetic voice of the non organic life form build into the hilt of her sword as a focus for the hurricane crystal alloy blade.

What a pathetic excuse for a warrior, though he may be trained by the Jedi, if his mind is this radical and unstable he will undoubtedly fall to the dark side, you may as well draw me and strike him down now before he becomes better trained and joins the ranks of the Sith. It would save a lot of time, effort, and probably even lives.

Orphen tried to hush her blade though it was no use, the truth be told though severed from the dark side, and the mass of reserves of his power, there was very little she could do to stop him other than ask him nicely.

That's enough Caris... That's not an option. You cannot kill someone for a crime they have not yet committed, though Caris has a point Padawan this attitude, losing yourself in you emotions, is a sure sign of the dark sides influence Padawan, you need to tame and control your emotions, least you be ruled by them...

 

[Butler]

"How do you cure what you cannot see, right...?", he quoted with a final mumbling resignation, his fingers dancing with fluttering air quotes of sarcasm. He'd heard it too many times before from Jedi just like this one. The doctors tell him one thing while the Jedi tell him another. Though it all turns out the same in the end; three to six years left to live. He was dying, as all sentients do; only he was dying at nearly three times an accelerated rate. And yet the other Jedi's rude awakening was good for Lucifer, in a way. He responded to insults, though it did subtly strike him as odd that the other Jedi had used the words 'draw me'. Lucifer's back was still turned however and he did not yet recognize sword for body through the Force. This was all a ridiculous effort, however, and Lucifer found the two Jedi's performed banter to be in poor taste at his expense. Thinking there were two Jedi standing behind him whom did not realize the severity of his situation, Lucifer took offense. "And this is supposed to adjust my focus?! And how am I supposed to look to the needs of others if I am no longer alive? Hmm? Answer me that Caris! ..."

The young Jedi whipped his head around, followed by the body, spurting to a stand as his confronting query had suddenly turned to a cold quandary. His eyes went from side to side, misunderstanding the previous interpretations of his assuming mind. Where was the other one? Then they centered on the little Togruta before him. He still looked for answers but a certain loss of brain function due to his confusion left a drooping decorum of a dazed countenance in the absence of words. Surely that second voice did not come from you, he thought. His otherwise usually witty words had escaped him in this moment to which he could only reply, "Uhh..."

 

[Orphen]

Orphen at that point could finally see the disease, looking at him silencing Caris' reply. Tt was true, in the scope of things he did not have long to live. Though, Orphen was no ordinary healer, he didn't know it, but she was the only healer in the GA whom could potentially heal the Rakghoul plague, an naturally incurable disease, she was also the only healer in the GA whom has access to some of the things she did. Though, there was a lesson that needed to be taught here. Orphen was a firm believer that things you were born with were given to you by the force. Unless the dark side was involved in any way. Her thought process of his person would certainly make her believe that the dark side had something to do here, so, she needed to test him.

I apologise, I can see it now. I am truly, deeply sorry, soisCaris... I want you to stop your self loathing right now, and come with me... I'm going to teach you some history about this planet, and show you something, and then I have a question for you... I want you to PAY ATTENTION. You hear me?

Orphen, if he had ever heard anything about her had never raised her voice to sound stern in such a way as this, but the truth was she was just worried about him, not angry, Orphen found it very very hard to make herself physically angry or overwhelmingly upset toward anyone. But she would lead him through some of the forest, not talking, until she came to an old destroyed ruin. A ruin of the dark Jedi which were born here.

Do you know anything about the ancient history of this planet? About the Ancient Jedi who were once here? It's an interesting story but let me regale it to you... A long LONG time ago before the Jedi had to deal with the Sith or the Dark side of the force, the force was one. Jedi, infatuated with the study of the force tested its more powerful applications, finding it nearly limitless, they practised it as such, warping it into something unnatural, which we now know as the Dark side. These Jedi, split the order of Jedai into the Jedai, and the Jen-Jedai, the fallen, dark Jedi...

Orphen paused to look over the ruin, beckoning him closer.

They had good intentions, the Jen-Jedai, like many do, but they fell to their emotions, they believed they could purge all evil from the Galaxy with an iron fist, heal all the sick, then govern every world. But it all revolved around power, around the dark-side, and the inability to control their passion...

Padawan, the question I want to ask you is this...

She moved to her lightsaber and displayed the Jedi's most brilliant sapphire blue gem. The Anterres crystal, which healed the Gand of a disease which almost caused their extinction, which Orphen found guarded by a Dark Underlord, a tens of thousands of years old specter of a Rakatan Warlord from the infinate empire.

I could probably extend your life, to that of a normal being, you can live as you would... Or... I could extend your life eternally with this Crystal. You would not only be free from your curse, but you will never die of age, or natural causes, frozen in time as you are now...

Padawan, choose.

 

[Butler]

Lucifer was a bit stumped by this Jedi. First she found no deformity and then she had, she was a brilliant ventriloquist, and she had switched tactics from practically dismissive to sternly caring. It was not so severe as Lucifer interpreted, but through his puffy tear soaked eyes it seemed strange. His pride had taken a bit of a hit however, expecting to be alone in this brief getaway; though he had secretly wished for someone to feel his pain. It looked as though his wish had been granted. Lucifer swallowed a final ceiling over his previously pouring emotions and stood in silence, taking the Togruta's words seriously as instructed. He nodded to confirm that he heard and understood her, somehow picking up on her seldom used intensity on a deeper level of subconscious intelligence.

Lucifer followed with her coming to the old ruin, and she began with tale of history. Such was a subject of interest for him and so she had struck a chord within him and he listened intently while observing the beauty of age old destruction and its wreckage. Lucifer then stepped in to her beckon call, following her story and piecing together some previous readings of his own. Lucifer's pale blue eyes then suddenly swelled to massive deep blue orbs as the light of Orphen's lightsaber crystal steeped his irises with its magnificence.

WHAT?!? Lucifer staggered back a step, instinctively crossing his arm over his pelvis for a primal protection from the news. He looked up from her gem and dug deep into her eyes for truth. How can this be? He pleaded within himself that this was so, that he had finally found, by happenstance, the cure for his ailment. But then it dove deeper. Eternal life? Impossible. Wasn't it? He did not know for certain. But the thoughts did begin to whisper for more. But he'd never even thought to ask for more, in this regard, as he'd always been so worried about the 'near' future as it was the only future he had to worry about. But now it begged to question. What if? What if he could live forever? Was this the norm among Jedi? Had they been hiding this secret for so long to leave people like him to suffer outside these walls of solitude yet serving? "Is it truly so? Can you sincerely do this miraculous deed?", he asked in disbelief. He had not chosen, but could not help to ask; for it was so beyond what he had known that he was stunned and amazed. Lucifer was frozen to action, innocently testing this choice before making his decision.

 

[Orphen]

Orphen nodded, though she was not keen on her deception, she needed to know his intentions, there was a large degree of uncertainty hanging around her, though this test was remotely unfair it was calling to humanities decision to survive, but it was a test to see if he was lost to his desires, or whether or not it was merely the sickness which haunted him so. Orphen needed to know, because there was a consequence if he chose the later option...

If he chose the first option, to only heal the disease, she would use the powers of herself and the crystal to search for and eliminate his disease to the best of her ability and the force, it would be swift and the sensation amazing though, it would more than likely leave her absolutely exhausted, his disease was subtle, and on such a minute level that she had not even picked it up over his overwhelming emotions, but he would live a long life, as long as the lives of the Jedi can be...

Though the second option, was a test to see if he had already fallen to the dark side, the pursuit of immortality, was like the pursuit of power, even if the intentions were good, much like the tale of the Jen-Jedai, it only takes one step to fall to the dark side, and it would prove to her that he had already taken it. If this result was spoken, Orphen would be disappointed, picking this option went against all of the Jedi's teachings, and there would be a consequence to this choice. But Orphen was a convincing girl, her lie was impeccable.

It is so. The Ankarres Sapphire, or the Anterres Crystal's healing properties are legendary. It called out to me through the force when I was young, and it was the crystal I fist fashioned into my light-saber... Think long and hard about this decision Jedi Padawan.

The reason she always referred to him as Padawan opposed to his name is due to two reasons, one, because she did not know his name, the other, for him to remember his position.

 

[Butler]

His eyes widened with lust. His fingertips reached for endlessness. Skin sweating from years of suffering, so close to being rejuvenated for all time, his soul cried for retribution against life and the Force for what it had created in him, if indeed it was what had created him. So tempting had his life been, temping with the avenues of what was left to him, 'dead-ends' as it were, and now temping with an unseen account, locked away in the deepest recesses of living, might he be restored a hundred fold. This was his answer. This was his curse. No longer was his physical the plague, but this notion that now spawned his respite. If this gem could span the ages, could there be another? Was there need for another, he pondered. This one was right here. But perhaps there were other precious pieces of legend that could similarly endow the endeavor. Lucifer had come to knowledge of notions once beyond his woes, instilling a fast growing vein of twisting vine that gripped onto his limbs with a single purpose; more.

Lucifer held there, his hand stretching out so slowly in silence. He wanted to touch it, to be granted what was owed; what was offered. But then it hit him. Was this right? Could he so easily take this? He'd always been so locked in his own thinking on the singular subject of his imminent death that he'd never before reasoned what could be against what should be. This day was trying, bringing to question things he should have thought so very long ago. But death was his only consideration, now life to fill the void. He had been the life taker, back in the Undercity, assuming that life was ended just as easily as his would be and that it was not he who took it but that life itself was a taker. Now he was not so certain. He began to regret things he had done, recounting tragedies done to others though they may be done to others if their branches had not been chopped off. Maybe he could do this, out of recovery and in the name of redemption; that he may bring back more than he has taken away. This could be his chance to seek perfection. He could use it for others, become more to bestow more. Couldn't he?

"I..." His hand was shaking. His eyes were trembling. He was becoming, growing, before this ancient landscape of struggle. His mind had undergone the morphing of sequence from seeking refuge to seeking compensation and rectification, to seeking life to seeking more than common life, to finding a higher purpose and perfection - that he might rise through the Jedi to eventually act as the Force's guiding light. So much 'right' and 'wrong' battled in the chaos of clutter through the cavities of Lucifer's mind, he did not know the extent of it himself. He could but focus on the decision at hand. "I... I..." He could not deny that he wished for an immortal life, but the light that had shown him this vision of 'perfection' in the Jedi name was something higher than what he had previously been chained to. Even he knew the Jedi teachings well enough to see he was at odds with some of its more archaic ways, naivety among its greatest flaws, but he had been so selfish only because he was forced to be so; or so he reasoned it to be. No. There was but one answer...

"I choose ...to be free from my curse", he began, referring to but one kind of curse, with a certain stillness he had not yet shown to this stranger. "To live free from age and disease, it would only further this sickness I have suffered." Lucifer lowered his hand and turned his head in shame, unable to look upon the gem any longer with his lechery. This was unequivocally the most humbling moment of his life. "I choose a mortal life." His reasons were his own, however gifted was this girl with the webbings of his mind, yet still he felt a deep digging that he had just past up the opportunity of a lifetime. He was fully convinced that Orphan was telling the truth, and perhaps had multiple agendas in his arsenal that would consciously and subconsciously spur on his decision for a now greater calling. He, however, felt a wall of stigma. His eyes caught the decaying gravel of what once might have been a great wall, like he too had seemed to have diminished.

 

[Orphen]

Orphen had truly thought for a moment that he would fall to the dark side in that moment, become truly a Sith, fall from the path of the Jedi, though, she was relieved, glad, and honored at his humble decision, literally overjoyed, she leaped for him and wrapping her arms around his neck as he had truly made the right choice. With both hands on his shoulders she pulled back, her eyes beaming with light and happiness.

Young Padawan, I cannot tell you how ecstatic I am that you made the right choice... first i must apologise, for this was but a test

She looked over to the wreckage, though unlike many Jedi masters who felt no need to explain their wisdom to the padawans below them, Orphen felt a Duty to explain to him the processes which had passed through her mind, when she devised this rouse.

You see, there is no way in the powers of the light side of the force to grant you eternal life... But, I wanted to see if you would take the same path as the exiled Jedi... on the fringe of the influence of the dark side, succumbing to your darkest emotions of fear, and despair, I hoped you would come back to thinking as a Jedi, by offering you the ultimate goal of all sith... to deny death... though, I dont know what I would have done should you have given the other answer.

Orphen looked somewhat unsure of herself, unsure if she would have reported it to the high council, told him to leave this world, failed him as a Jedi, or simply have left him there. She did not know. It could have been several of these options, if she was ever to teach with this method again, she would have to think about that in much greater detail.

Though you are not like them... life it seems has been harsh to you, in ways I can only sympathise, but I am willing to give you a second chance at life without conditions. But you have to promise me to work hard to tame those wild emotions... especially fear. mmkay? Promise me?

She searched his eyes, though Orphen's demeanour immatured about five years seemingly instantaneously, acting like her height more so than her age. An air of seriousness still surrounded her. She was a Knight playing at master sometimes, acquiring wisdom from beyond her years, though not beyond her experience... Clipping the Anterres crystal into the socket on the back of her glove so she could use it as a healing focus. Her focus on the force was ready for her healing ritual. She'd wait for his reply first, before they began.

 

[Butler]

Lucifer was jolted by her rambunctiousness. He wobbled in her arms, lost to the trials of his appraiser. He was not used to being touched so freely, so welcomingly. But the porcelain pale of his uneasiness was aglaze as he awaited the answers of this mystery. Apologize, what? A heaviness started to weigh over him as he wondered what might've been. Would she have "struck him down" as she, or he or whatever it was, had said before if he had chosen ill? He felt that familiar sting of loss, so close to his heart, pondering his end buried beneath her blade; but it wouldn't be so. She would have sent him down the path of the exile. The Exile? He had read something of the soul, a grand tale he could somehow relate to. He would have to revisit the source someday soon.

Lucifer looked up, met with her eyes, and saw into her heart the giving of one so pure. He was beginning to understand. The knowledge she had awoken in him, perfection's proof; he would be bold and believe to aspirations beyond what he'd previously neglected to consider. He would soar higher still, a light in and of itself, for the light - that all others might see...

"I will brave...", he began with whisperings, building towards this rebirth begetting the purest of bearings, "the ranks of my fears and rise above my faults, and strive for absolute perfection in its purest form." This was his oath to the Jedi Order, to power through their teachings and lust only for purity that he may never be who he was here today. His past was almost behind him, needing but one final ritual to heal the scars of his painful history. He lowered his arms with relinquishing palms and prepared for her endowment. He was becoming caught up in the orphism of Orphan's calling as she set the gem in place upon her hand. He wished for this beyond any doubt, to heal his longing that has governed him and his actions for all of his pitiful existence. But like all he had done throughout every decision he had made and every 'step' he had pushed down to rise upon, he looked up.

 

[Orphen]

Close your eyes, and don't resist me, open up to me, when you feel my presence in you, accept it, this wont be long...

Orphen took both of his hands and closed her eyes in focus. The Anterres crystal beginning to glow as she began to search through his DNA for the fault... this was healing at its most exquisite. The disease, the fault in his body was so minuscule yet its effect so extensive, it was a hard thing to focus on. Orphens' talent however was control, as opposed to raw power, which made things a little easier. She began to not only flow the healing energies of the force through him, but the power of force light as well...

The darkness hidden within his body began to purge, as the Anterres crystal to itself became like a shining sapphire star on the back of her hand, its warming glow absolute. It whipped the wind up and around them both, as Orphen with the surgical precision of a scalpel, focused on nothing but him, and the healing powers of the force, her body weakening, but still she stood strong... Unravelling his chords of fate, and crafting new ones with the strength of her faith, and her force of will. The Jedi, would have another new member to its ranks.

Few animals stood in the brush, Avieva perched in a tree as the shining brilliance of this overwhelming light expanded through the canopy, and could to an extent be felt subtly through the entire Jedi academy which lay miles away. No master would be able to ignore it, in the back of their mind like a signal flare this source of light would become like the northern star in their mind's sky. Many-a-Padawan asking their masters the meaning behind the feeling through their meditation.

Orphen could feel his curse lifting, his blood rectifying and healing its mistake, though the process was not a short one, a full sixty seconds passed in absolute silence, until finally, the shimmering gem stopped its alluring chime, diminishing its brilliant aura to a glimmer as Orphen slowly let go of his hands. Purged of the dark side, purged of his disease, she hoped this simple act would help him feel free, and live on as a righteous Jedi.

There, that should be it...

Though Orphen's knees buckled, causing her to fall backward, exhausted, she had used all her strength to absolutely ensure the deed was done. A Ritual capable of healing the darkest ailments in the galaxy, using the power of the Ankarres Sapphire, Several of her other crystals in her possession worked to heal her fatigue, the Anterres crystal included, though it would take some minutes.

I... I'll be okay, just let me rest a little while. She smiled up at him as she spoke, her lower body shaking as if she had pushed it past her own physical capabilities. The force is tiring, and although I have mastered healing... that... uses everything i have. And I wanted to be sure... how do you feel, Padawan?

 

[Butler]

Lucifer's eyes rolled to the back of his head before his too were shut. He gave himself over to her, fully, welcoming her into his mind and soul. It was a slow and steady thing. He felt her fingers delving into him like the coat of liquid molding over his very anatomy, stringing song of life's melody like a sweet honey of syrupy nectar that blended with his tissues and waters flowing within. Theirs was a sensual instilment of purity in a clearing, bound before the breaking of history's signature. Where the Jen-Jedai declared eternal war against their brother Jedai, these two stood hand in hand within the peaceful cocoon of harmony's healing. A gift he had long since remembered as lost to him, now willingly grew inside him.

Lucifer winced. His insides began to burn. His hands squeezed hers as he felt the purifying pain of pure Light upon his tainted soul. What at first seemed soothing had soon become searing as the darkness in him, not only of the disease, was exposed in its rawest state. His skin sank, as white as it had ever been beneath the bright abounding Anterres' blue as their bodies were consumed in light. The beacon of hope was overwhelming his senses, its brilliance beating over him to the most basic components of his being. His particles took to tremors, death and decay broken and burned away, as luscious layers folded over anew. The darkness raced away, assaulted and invaded to its very core; their atoms colliding with a finality like the colors of spectrum's starburst. His mouth stretched open to scream, yet light burst out instead; sound succumbed to radiance as the splendor of this spectacle chased out all iniquity even unto his very words.

The beginning. Lucifer gasped forth a seizing new breath, violently snatching Orphen's wrists just as she let go; grasping at her and becoming of a gentler nature as he wrapped his arm around her waist to hold her there, still. It was over. It had begun. Lucifer was alright. He felt like he could reach out and pull the air from the sky, or lift his savior and fly her through the clouds. He was rejuvenated like never before a soul had known, the difference of night and day. His strength was astounding, holding her there almost lifting her toes from the softly whipped grass. Then she assured him of her status as he looked on her with a gracious gaze. The light had diminished. He could feel her shaking in his hands, the gentle of her spine in one and the soft of her wrist in the other as he kept her hand to his beating breast that she had restored. Never had Lucifer felt a softer sense in his eyes, an open well that flowed so gently in his heart; he was free. In this moment more than ever and possibly more than ever would be - he was tender, he was kind. "I feel... I feel" And then he realized, it didn't matter how great he felt. No matter how strong or untethered, all his gruesome chains and slopping sins washed clean; the word that slipped from his lips was all that he could do not to hug and kiss her to bruises and breaks she could not currently stand. He quietly uttered with a soft caressing air coupled with a smile, "Grateful."

 

[Orphen]

Orphen laughed slightly in his arms, wrapping an arm around him and using his structure as a supportive pillar to help her stand. She was beginning to get her strength back. Looking up at him, her prowess in force light was something which still needed to be improved, though she could feel that its taxing nature was defiantly beginning to recede. She listened to him as finally she managed to let go of his grasp and stand weakly on her own. A little embarrassed that he had witnesses a moment of weakness like that.

The life of a Jedi is not an easy one, and you will be faced with death many times in the coming years. But remember, death is not the end of things for a Jedi, you may be afraid... without being afraid, you cannot be courageous. But in the end, we all return to the force. Becoming one with everything that is, has, and will ever be. But in the mean time, we have a Job to do...

She said beaming as Avieiva came and landed on Orphen's arm, before another of the two sun-birds came and landed on a nearby tree. The oldest of the three brothers, looking at Lucifer, and puffing out his chest. The male's eyes like fire, with fierce determination and strength. Though he was still young, this one had a prideful attitude.

And it seems perhaps you have gained the admiration of someone... Sunbirds make excellent familars you know, they are smart, smart enough to be semi sentient. They are said to be able to heal hearts. They think themselves like Jedi now, and are looking for a master. I think he wants you...

She said looking up at the eldest of the three birds. Strong winged and sharp taloned. The small plates of ultra-chrome armour worn like a badge of pride. Searching the Jedi Padawan's eyes for a hint of acceptance. The glittering specks falling almost eternally from its wings like a luminescent dust. Sun like drops falling and exploding into supernovas as they hit the natural light.

 

[Butler]

Lucifer cautiously released the girl to her own stabilizing equilibrium. Naturally, he felt a sort of connection to her. She had seen him at his weakest, and built him up to his strongest. He was in distress and she came to him like a dream he had dreamt would never be. Lucifer remembered the Jedi's promise to him whom had discovered him, caught him in the act of a most heinous deed. He had promised that with the Jedi Lucifer might one day find peace, and even possibly discover powers that could cleanse him from his disease. Though Lucifer had doubted for so long, perhaps he was wrong to despair. He smiled back to her, chuckling a little himself; feeling euphoric and a bit overly pleasurable and jolly. Though this moment, uncharacteristic of him, would pass, Lucifer knew somehow that his life was not so meaningless anymore and that this gift would last a lifetime.

Lucifer listened and heeded her caution, as he would do almost anything she asked of him at this point, and nodded to her wisdom. "Of course. I will become one with the Force, both in life and in death. I promise." He would say anything right now, but he was truly willing to strive as he had given his new oath to the Jedi. He would become perfect. A light in an of itself, he would be. His ambition would be channeled and no obstacle would stand in his path as he rose to heights even greater still. He looked up to this most special bird that now landed upon her arm. He had never seen such a beauty in a bird before this day. Lucifer lifted his head as he thought to the symbol of such a creature that it signified grace and beauty with a fiery essence that burned like the everlasting sun. He looked over and it was like looking in a mirror as another bird copied his motions. It took Lucifer a moment to realize this as he was not self aware that he was doing this. Was it mocking him? Lucifer began to regain some of his former self as he stared this creature down in contest.

"Me?". Lucifer was a bit surprised to be 'liked' by someone. Usually he was picking fights or proving his station the higher over others. Yet each time he pulled away to think or address Orphen's words, he shrank back into competition with his twin. Frowning and making faces at the equally determined bird, Lucifer chose to intensify the stand off by strutting towards the bird to physically overshadow the little thing. The sunbird easily picked itself up and into the air to best Lucifer in height however as they both encroached on each other, until finally the clever bird landed to perch ontop of Lucifer's head. "Hey!" On the surface, Lucifer was becoming frustrated, but underneath he felt the love he'd never known to twinkle a hint of growth in the dark of his heart. He finally had a friend. "Fine. But do not expect any special treatment simply because you are a bird." Lucifer folded his arms with finality, yet the bird remained upon his head, puffing its own rebuttal to which Lucifer would have to accept.

 

[Orphen]

Orphen laughed, holding her sides as the brother of Avieiva perched on his head, Lucifers reaction was something she expected, but could not have prepared for, even if she was given minutes. Her smile broad she looked to the matching duo, their combined light was something quite special, though Orphen nodded to the male bird which she had raised, thanking it for choosing him to be its master. This little responsibility, as well as the Guardian-like nature of its personality might very well keep Lucifer on track.

By the way, I never mentioned, my name is Orphen, Jedi Knight of the Order. Sorry for being a little preachy before. She said with a smirk, but there was another issue, she drew the sword on her back, stabbing it into the ground to reveal the stone set into the hilt of the blade. And this, is Caris. He's a shard, basically, a force sensitive, sentient, rock.

Greetings... though I hold no apology for my earlier sentiment. There is great potential for darkness in you... Caris spoke telepathically, still not humbled by the event. Though Orphen hoped the shard would not effect him too greatly, his words, only meant that Lucifer only had more to prove.

Finally the hour was finally getting on, and the sun was beginning to set on the horizon. Glowing golden rays of light penetrated the canopy, only then making Orphen aware of the hour.

It's beginning to get late, I have a class to teach back at the Temple, so I have to go, feel free to explore or you can meet up with me there, whichever you chose, I wish you the best of luck in your training.

With a leaving sentiment, Orphen turned on her heel, picked up the force blade, and began to walk back to the Temple, beginning to sing a soft, and near heavenly tune as she began to walk in her own language. Her Soprano voice sparking high notes which wafted along a seemingly created gentle breeze.

Elune tal nune
seras-vas, negal,
aliedetes more fe'el,
saetney cal nerdah

(Along the trail,
light will find its way,
be it darkest night,
the sunrise wakes the day.)​

 

[Butler]

He scrunched his face at the sound of her name. Was she an orphan or was her name Orphan? And then he stepped back when she drew her sword and thrust it into the ground. "Caris...?", he asked the speaking stone as it told him of his potential doom. It took a moment but all soon crashed over him like a wave. It all began to make sense now. But before he could think to say something else, Orphan had realized the hour and said her goodbye. After she turned, picked up the blade, and began walking away, it dawned on him that he had yet to give her his name. "Lucifer! My name is...", he shouted out to her with praise. "Lucifer", he finished with a whisper. Perhaps she was too far off to have heard him, but maybe they would meet again someday; maybe someday soon.

END...​