Shadow's Edge(Blythe's Training)

[Dread]

Peeking from under a brown hood, short eboy hair cut off just below her eyes. The rest of her hair measured just below her ears around her crown. Crossing her arms over her almost unnoticeable chest, Blythe leaned on a wall in the hallways. She had a toned body, and a very masculine figure. Most women had wavy figures, but hers was pretty straight like a young boys. If one did not know she was a girl, they would assume she was a fourteen year old boy, rather then a eighteen year old girl. With her padawan robes loosely fitting her, it only amplified this effect. Reaching up with her left hand, all her fingers curled up but her pointer and her thumb. They grabbed onto both side of her hood and pulled it down further. It draped over her temple and half-covered her brightly colored blue eyes. Painted on her face was a almost permanent frown. Blythe often did not smile, nor did she give off a aggressive look - but in those rare moments she would allow her self to get away with both.

It had been a stomach twisting trip being shipped over here. She was not use to space ships, let alone a monastery. Such a large area did not bother her as much as she thought it might - it didn't intimidate her as much as the other Jedi did. Blythe did not know a lot about the force, but she did take the time to study about the Order before she arrived. There was much she would need to learn, and that she did not mind. Learning from books, and a mentor that did not mean to twist her into a creature of darkness was a much more favorable future. The only question was if she could bend her ways to 'fit in' or if she would be too set in her ways.

 

[Garuga]

Two dark eyes scanned the many faces of the populace of the Monastery. The owner of the eyes carried an easy smile on her face, the smile was welcoming, and disarming to her. Her shoulder-length hair was a pure snow-white colour, her skin tone also unnaturally pale. She was no human, her pointed ears being a clear giveaway. In stark contrast to her hair, Haven wore a completely black set of robes, the sleeves not long enough to cover her arms. Her right arm shared the same pale skin tone, but her left arm was completely cybernetic. It could be seen though, that Haven makes no attempt of hiding it. She bears it happily, having employed the service of it for most of her life. Haven held the metallic fingers to her face now, drumming it lightly against her mouth. Haven was looking for a padawan that had been assigned to her, and so far, her efforts were to no avail.

Haven laughed despite herself. As always, the preliminary information provided to her about the Padawan was ignored by her. Haven knew the padawan's name, Blythe Godwine. She had a picture, but it was hardly helping. Great job Haven... She thought to herself, grinning. After how many attempts, you still screw up the first meeting. A few brief minutes later, she finally found who she was looking for. Stepping forward happily, Haven came across the Padawan who was leaning against the wall. "Blythe Godmine?" Haven greeted hesistantly, her neck slightly bent to one side as though as if to look at her better. "My name is Haven Magnus, call me whatever you wish. Looks like you are my new Padawan!" Haven spoke fairly casually, her tone slightly immature for a 28 year old.

 

[Dread]

Both her elbows pushed off the wall to bring her feet flat onto the floor. Blythe pulled back her shoulders and angled her chin down so that her eyes could get a full picture. It was unsuspected that her master would be shorter in stature then her, but Blythe did not take it as a too serious problem. Being 5'9 gave her a slight advantage over some people, but not over many. Mulling the small details over in her head took a few moments. Once the facts where noted, she pushed back her judgments before answering the small figure before her,"Godwine, master." It's tone carried a shadow of doubt with it. It was almost matched with her grey personality, and likely the force that surrounded her.

It wasn't long before she started to point out her new masters choice of wardrobe. "If I had known..." If she had known, she would of worn black as well. These robes did not suit her as well as the others, but she was not one to put forward complaints so easily. Likely, though, as her thoughts focused around this someone skilled could pick it up from her.

 

[Garuga]

Haven groaned and smacked herself in the head with her hand, not too lightly either. "My apologies." She said quickly, still shaking her head at such a stupid mistake. Haven looked towards the face of the tall young girl in front of her, the slight doubt in the girl's tone interesting her. Haven focused her stare for a brief moment, hearing Blythe's unfinished words, she smiled warmly. "If you want some... different robes, I can arrange that for you if you wish." Haven said, somewhat of a welcoming offer. Every padawan she had encountered was different, and so far this one too was showing it. Haven wasn't one to quickly judge others, but she was very curious to hear what Blythe would tell her about herself, that is, if she wished to of course.

The fairly crowded hallways of the monastery was hardly a private location, and Haven preferred to be outdoors rather than indoors anyway. "Tython is my home, and believe me, no matter how well the Monastery was constructed, the natural landscape here will always be more beautiful." Haven said earnestly. "If you wouldn't mind, could we continue outside? There are a number of places that I have in mind." And of course, outside meant privacy. Haven saw a passing member of the order she knew, and quickly smiled and nodded in greeting. Turning around to face the girl once again, Haven was curious to hear what she would say in response.

 

[Dread]

Most things that went 'crunch' or 'smack' made Blythe chuckle. It was a weak point, after being friends mostly with boys it had been drilled deeply into her humor. As a reaction to her masters movement, she let the start of a chuckle slip out, in one soft breath. It wouldn't come off as aggressive, but it did show she could possibility lack some empathy. So she corrected the mistake by turning her gaze away and reminding herself of her current position. Leading her to change the subject so that the chuckle would hopefully be giving less attention, "Black robes; I want the exact set." Realizing a moment later she sounded demanding, she then added onto her words, "Please, master."

"I'm not use to such a place, so if you want to go outside I'm more then fine with it." Before her master could utter a word more Blythe would shift her weight. Stepping her right foot over her left, she twisted her body around in a more feminine manner, then took one large step forwards to gain momentum. Along the way to the outdoors, she bumped into one Jedi shoulder-to-shoulder. Only giving the man a unapologetic look she moved on without a single word. On the other hand, the male Jedi held out his hand, palm up, and gave her a warming sorry. It was too late by then as Blythe had already left far enough not to hear his words.

 

[Garuga]

Haven raised an eyebrow, then shook it off with a short laugh. This one was certainly proving to be a challenge of sorts. Before leaving the Monastery, Haven quickly arranged for a set of black robes for Blythe. She picked up her pace slightly, nearly a small jog to catch up to her padawan. Walking side by side, Haven now led Blythe out of the ancient monastery. It was the Birthplace of the Jedi, and despite the general belief that Coruscant and Ossus was where it mattered, Haven thought Tython to be a much more important establishment. Leaving the Monastery gate, they would immediately come across the luscious forest growth of the planet. The trees seemed like ancient guardians, having been rooted in their locations for thousands of years serenly.

After walking for nearly an hour, Haven and Blythe reached their destination. A waterfall, not too large in size, but running with clear crystal water. There were rock formations which looked like natural stepping stones, starting from the grass banks by the river to the bottom of the waterfall. It was a place that held significance for Haven, always a place to retreat to for solace. Turning around to face Blythe, Haven indicated that they should take a seat. Plopping herself onto the grass, Haven observed her new Padawan with interest. "Well then Blythe, would you care to tell me about yourself? How you came to be here, what was your life like before." Haven said encouragingly with a smile.

 

[Dread]

Relaxing was the last thing she did but perhaps she would allow herself to indulge in this moment. Her tensed muscles loosened, which could be seen in her lowering shoulders and normally straight back, slouching as she sat. Bending her knees and falling back with a plup noise. The area around her distracted her slightly, everything looked as if it was painted, or what people painted after. It was almost euphoric after she took the time to notice that the air was so crisp and fresh. Both her eyes had been wondering around, ignoring her master well she took the sight in, along with a long sigh in order to take in that air.

"My life before here? My past is as tainted as I am - nothing that can be washed way completely. I believe once someone has committed a crime that they cannot turn away from it, they will always be tainted, evil - but one can always strive to do as good as one can after the fact." It was in every way in her mind that she was not like most people here, and knew her opinions may clash with other Jedi. She was not, however, spreading darkness. "Blood on ones hands must never be forgotten, lest you condemn those souls you wrought." Blythe made sure her eyes made full contact with her masters well she spoke, not allowing the outside world influence her conversation.

 

[Garuga]

Haven felt a slight shiver moving up her spine. Though Blythe wouldn't know yet, her words would certainly fit if they were used to describe Haven herself. She nodded, showing that she had been listening carefully. Changing her posture slightly, shifting more weight to her left arm, Haven turned further towards her Padawan. "Well said, but perhaps a little hard on yourself." Haven said. She was not trying to contradict or change anyone's thoughts, simply illustrating her own. "Blood does certainly stay on one's hand, and, like you, I truly believe few could ever 'forget' it."

She decided that a good conversation of 'exchanging beliefs' should tell her more about how to approach this training. Though talking about this topic did indeed bring back memories Haven would prefer to not mention, if her own Padawan was speaking truthfully, who was she to hold back? She coughed to clear her throat, and continued speaking. "Nevertheless, I do consider the circumstances that lead to the... crime, as you call it, to be rather important. I will not get into the Jedi Council's views on killing, as it appears that we are talking about events unrelated to the Order." Haven said, maintaining eye contact with Blythe. "It appears that you have taken whatever actions you may have done rather harshly on yourself. May I ask exactly what happened?"

 

[Dread]

She tipped her chin up, keeping eye contact with her master - giving a half nod to show she listened. "Nevertheless, the events serve only as excuses. They don't get to the heart of the matter, it was my choice and my hands that ended their lives. They did nothing to deserve it, and I was quite aware of this; I was following my fathers orders at the time."

Blythe had took note about her masters comment on being hard on herself, but only addressed it after she got her main point out of the way,"If I have beliefs, I will hold myself up to those standards as well. There is no omittance or biased towards my own deviation." Then she broke eye contact - symbolically trying to lesson the focus on the conversation. "But I am lecturing my own master, forgive me..." Being loyal to ones own system was one thing, but Blythe was aware she was still young and did not hold all the answers to life. She could be wrong - and she could actually be being hard on herself, but she still couldn't work through that all in one day.

 

[Garuga]

"Don't worry." Haven said, smiling. "We are in discussion, and it wouldn't be much of one if I would get offended or the sort." A few important points were taken from Blythe's latest response. First of all, she had indeed committed possibly unjustified killings, though this was not too rare, it was Blythe's reactions and current attitudes towards her past acts that stood out. Next, her father... Who he was, Haven had no idea, but one who would order such a thing from their daughter was no easy figure indeed. Haven though about it now, if she went back through the years, could she fully justify every kill? Could she in all honesty say that there were no options available, that she did not kill simply because of her emotions? It was hard to say.

"Well, that's enough for today. Perhaps we will talk more later." Haven said, knowing that further talk today would probably be detrimental. Best to be patient... She thought to herself. "I'm sure that you'll be eager to get up and running, shake off some of that grottiness from space travel, but I just need to ask one more thing." Haven beamed. "Are you currently capable of demonstrating any control over your force gifts?"

 

[Dread]

When her master answered she regained that eye contact. It was surprising how calm her master was with her. It was far from what she was use too, but then again she should expect the unsuspected now. "Very well." Knowing that she could voice her opinions may or may not end up being frustrating for her master in the future, though. Blythe took things at face value often, but did sometimes sense what was hidden within the words. Something she guessed was a gift from her force powers.

"Sometimes I sense deceit, foresee events moments before they happen - but not always, and sometimes I can lift things with my thoughts... It has helped me during my training, in my past, that is." Rather then that, Blythe was not aware of any other skills she had. Let alone how a lightsaber worked or wield one. "...if this is leading towards how you would train me, I can tell you that I am not aware of anything that explicitly interests me in regards to the Jedi way - the force, lightsaber combat, non-combat skills, defensive/aggressive skills. I am in no way biased towards any ways, and open to learn whatever you wish to teach me. "

 

[Garuga]

This was interesting. Many Padawans had rather... fierce opinions on what they would wish to learn during the course of their training. It was clear then, that Blythe currently held very little knowledge of the force. Unsurprising, given that she was most likely very recently taken into the Order. This was not detrimental. Being raised from an early age with the Jedi didn't mean a higher chance of success or accomplishment. In fact, though Haven herself had been raised by the Jedi since childhood, Haven preferred people to have a stronger sense of viewpoints, something that being raised under the Jedi only restricted.

"My own doll!" Haven joked, and subsequently apologized for the bad joke. "In that case, I think it is only sensible that we start with the principles. You mentioned occasionally being able to move objects purely by thought? We call that 'telekinesis'. It is one of the major umbrellas of force capabilities." Being beside a river meant that they wouldn't run out of practice material either. But first things first, Haven needed to make Blythe's mind in tune with the force. "Now, try your best to make your mind at peace. This means no scattered trains of thoughts, just focus on yourself and block out the surroundings. Some people like to close their eyes, this varies though. Once you feel like you are completely relaxed, you should nearly feel like you are asleep. It should come to you then, and hopefully you will be able to see the force currents that run through us all."

 

[Dread]

Her eyes half shut. Focusing on herself only, what she could feel but not yet see. It felt like arms wrapped around her body, the hands cupping over both her eyes - chest to her back. Grasping tighter and tighter until the figure became nothing but a blanket of warmth. It was so relaxing, her mind could focus on only the heat and comfort for a moments time.

Something was waiting for her as she drifted into a half-sleep. Whispers filled shady figures of young men, lurking in the dim. The shades began to grow, raising above her - attacking her with somberness. Fingers of the figures turned into spiders, crawling up her body from her toes. Icy feet sent shivers each step. They took control; pulling her down into a poll of atramentum, causing her breathing to stop. Yet as time passed and the shadow pool inky fluids filled her lungs as she drowned, she began to sense something else. They where trying to make her into one of them - a creature of the dark. Past shadows trying to shape her as she shaped them. The darkness that called to her so deep within her spirit would be her end. A end to herself now, and a beginning to a new self; a rebirth through a bloody veil of the past.

She could indeed feel the force, but it was the darkness that she first sensed.

On the outside - in the real world - Blythes body stood solid, not moving - not breathing. Muscles tensed, eyes shut tightly - like she was stuck and drowning.

 

[Garuga]

Watching her Padawan begin her 'meditative' process, Haven too delve into the force currents, wondering if she could somehow link herself to her Padawan's mindstate. With complete ease and peace, her interpretation of the force currents being a warm breeze that made her body seemingly weightless. Observing Blythe more closely, Haven felt a somewhat debilitating shiver. Perhaps it was her intuition or the force itself was hinting her, but Haven felt that Blythe had possibly delved too far on her first attempt. Nevertheless, she knew it was pointless to stop now, and if she could guide her properly, there was no harm to that.

"Once you feel like you have a solid feel and grasp around it, turn your mind away from itself, look back towards the real world around you." Haven said, in a gentle and easy to listen tone of voice. "Choose an object, and will it move in whatever fashion you wish. Only try this after you feel like you have control of the force currents. The hand can be used as a visual guidance, but it is not neccesary."

 

[Dread]

When her masters voice reached out to her, Blythe listened - and remembered she was only 'meditating'. With all her will she pushed away the darkness, but at the same time she pushed out with the force unknowingly. It snapped her into the real world and broke her meditation. Blythe took in a long gasping breath to make up for holding her breath so long. Her body was still tense, she let it relax for a moment. "Master..."

Blythe shook her head, "Never mind, I'm sorry, I got distracted and unfocused." Closing her eyes again, she tried not too get so relaxed. The warmth took over her body again, but this time she turned her focus outward. Scattered around her she sensed what she thought was rocks, so she attempted to reach out for it. A single rock to the right of her shook around on the ground for a moment, before it moved up and hung in the air above the ground. Bits of dirt that had been under the rock also seemed to be picked up in the current of force she had sent out - still not completely tamed.

 

[Garuga]

"Nothing to say sorry for." Haven said, smiling. Quite the contrary, Blythe had done well for her first real guided attempt to control the force. To gain full control of one's capabilities, it took time for a person to become familiar with themselves. The force training could not be rushed, seeing as it was important to form a sound structure of the basics and the principles. Haven could feel Blythe's force signature, the currents of force that were holding the rock afloat just as she could see the rock in the material view.

"Once you feel like you cna maintain a solid hold on that rock, reach out with your mind towards another object. Try to move them simultaneously, it will be a lot easier to control one object, but I'm sure you are up to it." She said, encouraging Blythe. Watching her Padawan's accomplishments always brought a smile to her face, though Haven hardly required any external motivations to keep a grin on her face. Haven had not seen enough of Blythe's capabilities to make any judgements yet, but she knew that she should be able to quickly advance through the learning process, hopefully outgunning other Padawans who had started before her.

 

[Dread]

The gentle whisper of the winds breath against Blythe's ears was slowly growing into a howl. Wind had picked up for a moment, dropping her body temperature a minuscule amount. A haze of clouds was painted above them, slowly mixing together in a grey-white cloth-like shape in the sky. Blythe waited till the sound died down.

Cupping her right hand, she raised it to her eye height. A ripple of her force power echoed a small amount around her fingers, growing stronger until the echos reach could go no further. The reach of her force redirected, then gripped around a second rock, not far from the last. It too hung above the ground. Blythe moved it, it glided upwards until it made it to her palm. The first rock then moved upwards and came to a stop before the second. Both of the rocks and the dirt that floated with her current wobbled slightly before one went clock-wise well the other counter-clock-wise. It was a improvement, but Blythe's focus was intense and unrelaxed.

 

[Garuga]

"Well done" Haven said curtly. "If you feel discomfort or a lack of fluidity in the force motions right now, don't worry, it'll take time to get used to." The wind sweeping through the forests of Tython often caused a sense of discomfort or an unsettling effect. As with the force, it takes time to become used to the whistling sound and the sudden gusts, but once you do, it simply becomes a part of you. Haven walked towards Blythe studying her contemplatively. She had learnt the basics of using the force to sense the world around her and telekinesis fairly quickly. Haven wanted to see how she fares in other areas of Jedi aspects.

"Blythe, there are some things that will be more suited for the premises of the Monastery, but before we head back, there is something else that I want to teach you." She said, a little hesitant. It might be a little too much to teach her the theory and immediately use it during their return to the temple, but Haven was sure Blythe could manage. "There is an ability that allows force-sensitives to improve their endurance or maximum physical capabilities for a period of time. It might be a little difficult to manage, but I think you are up for it?"