Ask The Path Less Traveled

[Fiach Dubh]

As the three Padawans reunited, Fiach could not fail to sense the crystals nearby. Was there one in particular that called to her? Possibly, but she knew she could not get ahead of herself.

“It’s entirely possible there are no more tests before we reach the crystals,” she said from experience, “but we should keep our wits about us. When we reach the crystals, however, I’d be surprised if there wasn’t an individual challenge for each of us. It seems the Force likes to work that way.”

And with that, she walked on, towards the crystals.

@Isen @Andrewza @Reyn @Nefieslab

 

[Isen Ramm]

The three Padawans continued their journey down the corridor, reunited again. Once more the cavern split into three separate corridors. Each wound away from the others, and what laid beyond path could not be seen. Isen snorted a chuckle. "Another choice. Well, what's going to be? Door #1? Door #2? or Door#3?" He narrowed his eyes in thought. "Or are supposed to each take one?"

Isen could sense the crystals were near. Did all three paths lead to crystals? Did all three paths eventually wind back to the same location? Isen didn't know, but he could hear the sing-song ringing of a particular coming from somewhere, but from which corridor, he did not know. He was hoping one of the other two could shed some light on this choice.

@Reyn @Andrewza @Corbeau @Nefieslab

 

[Izel Thral]

Upon hearing Max's chastisement of her emotional outburst, gentle as it was, Izel was quick to try and clarify her words. "Oh, I did not mean..." She started and paused as she looked at the Jedi master, somewhat mortified that she had actually stated such feelings out loud. "Forgive me master I... spoke poorly. I have no desire for such a... uh... complete destruction of our enemy. I was referring to the Sith way specifically, their teachings. Not their practitioners. If we could turn all of the Sith away from their current path with words alone I would be just as satisfied."

Although, even that seemed somewhat regrettable to Izel. Knowledge was her great love, and to completely destroy any perspective and teaching, even those as awful as the Sith religion, would be a terrible thing. No knowledge, no matter how horrid, should disappear totally from memory. That being said, she had yet to see someone who was actually uplifted by such teachings, rather than destroyed. Of course there were those Sith throughout history that had redeemed themselves, but from what she had read that only ever came from turning away from the dark side.

The Vratix looked away from Max again for a moment, trying to put these thoughts behind her as she reached out to feel for the Padawans. It seemed they had nearly reached the crystal caves themselves. How they went about retrieving them was their business. Each would hear an individual call, although the challenge of acquiring it may or may not require team work. Really it all depended on what lesson the apprentice was required to learn. The Force did often seem to be a teacher of it's own.

"But the odds are always against us aren't they?" She mused as she looked back at Max. "Straying from the path of light is much too easy for many. I know I've certainly been tempted more than once. I suppose all we can do is strive to do the best we can and draw out the best in others. The galaxy will never be totally free of it's dark corners." It was a somewhat depressing concept but undeniable. The galaxy was a very big place. And there were very few Jedi even in the best of times. That didn't mean Izel would give up trying to make it brighter though. If anything this just told her she had to put that much more effort into it.

@Nefieslab @Andrewza @Isen @Corbeau

 

[Maxims Tionson]

He knew what she meant.

He knew that she hadn't meant for the implications to be so damning.

But he also knew that if he didn't say anything she would carry on saying things like it. And she would carry on not seeing the problems inherent in such things. This way, being pulled up short in a polite and caring way, showed her that what she had said wasn't alright without over-reacting. After all, just because it might have gotten worse if ignored, didn't mean it was guarenteed to get worse.

Max just smiled and nodded.

"I know you didn't mean it like that." he assured her, "If we can bring them round to the right way of the Galaxy, we shall have accomplished everything the Jedi have ever wanted to achieve. Maybe this time around the Order will manage it, eh?"

Maybe.

The new generation looked to be doing well after all so maybe they would play a strong part in it? Time would tell. He hummed a little bit in agreement.

"The Dark Side is more powerful than most know - and those who rise above it are more powerful than we can possibly imagine." he agreed with a smile, "I probably should give you the wise old Master lecture about being mindful and not admit this but... I've felt the temptation as well Izel. I've come to realize that if we are feeling the temptation then it must mean we're on the right path - otherwise it wouldn't need to seduce us anymore."

@Reyn @Andrewza @Isen @Corbeau

 

[Delnor Riek]

Delnor stepped forward towards the 3 tunnels. They all seemed the same and Delnor knew that was odd. Nature was random and for three tunnels to look the same identically the same was odd.


"I think you correct Isen. I think each of us has our own journey here. Or this is the test and the way to pass is to stick together"

Delnor did not know but either way he could sense that they where close to there goal. But still they had to choose and in this case Delnor did not know what to choose. But he did not want to be alone in darkness again.

"Fiach, do you think this is the way the force is choosing our individual test? "

 

[Fiach Dubh]

It was a dilemma alright. As Jedi they were strongest as an Order. But the Order comprised many individuals. She sensed the crystals were close now and suspected this might be the final test before they would be able to find their chosen one.

And she was keenly aware that both Isen and Delnor were unsure as to how to progress. And it was not as if she were necessarily more knowledgeable or capable, but she felt a requirement to make a decision for the group – or at least nudge them in the right direction.

“A wise Jedi once told me to trust in the Force. Governments will let us down. Other Jedi will let us down. We will even be let down by ourselves. But the Force will never let us down. So, I say, trust in the Force. Close your eyes, connect as deeply as you can and allow the Force to guide you – whatever path that might take you down.”

@Isen @Andrewza @Reyn @Nefieslab

 

[Isen Ramm]

Isen nodded to Fiach. He closed his eyes and tried to feel where he should go. The Force was pulling him in different directions, light side and dark side, intermingling. It was overwhelming and Isen opened his eyes. This would take more concentration. Isen sank to his knees and bowed his head, putting his full energy into trying to decipher what the Force was telling him. He could feel a pull to the right, it was clear that that was the direction, but it felt as if the pull was coming from both the light and dark sides of the Force.

Isen took the corridor furthest to right, and the sing-song of the crystal that was calling to him because clearer and louder. Through the corridor, Isen stepped into a cavern lined with individual crystals. At any time, any of these crystals may call out to some other Jedi. But Isen laid his eyes on the crystal that was calling to him. He glistened and was pulling him to it.

But between him were two figures, and the two figures stopped him cold. Isen was looking at two versions of himself, adult versions of himself. One, a powerful Sith dressed in black, with hate and contempt pouring from him. The other, a version of himself that resembled the look and garb of a traditional Jedi Master. Isen's gaze flickered between the two of them, confused and unsure of what he was seeing.

"Hello, Isen," the Jedi Master version of himself said to him with a smile. "Or, should I say, hello to me?"

"Fiach was right," Isen said. "There is another test."

The Sith version of Isen laughed, and glared at him with his orange eyes. "You are so naive. I remember being so. This is not a test, Isen. This is a choice."

@Andrewza @Reyn @Nefieslab @Corbeau

 

[Izel Thral]

Izel was starting to feel a bit better about the whole thing, and Max's words were encouraging. Well, as encouraging as could be anyway. He was right. Izel believed in the light, that it was stronger than the dark side. She believed that despite all their talk of freedom and breaking chains, ultimately the Sith were slaves to their own impulses. To rise above that, to be more than a base animal, that was what it truly meant to be a Jedi. But more than that, a real Jedi helped others to realize that as well. She had failed in this aspect. In fact when given an opportunity on Ontotho she hadn't even tried. She allowed her preconceptions of what the Sith were to cloud her judgement. She resolved herself not to make such a mistake again.

Then she could feel it, the dark and light sides of the Force mingling deep within the caves, warring with each other over the hearts of the Padawans within. "They've begun the final test." She mused aloud, focusing her attention on the caves. Come on Isen. She thought to herself. OF course she cared about the wellbeing of Delnor and her friend Fiach as well, but Isen was her personal responsibility. His success or failure would be tied to hers. If he did choose the dark side, it would be because of her failure to teach him how to defend against it. If he chose the light, it would prove to her that at least she was on the right path.

@Nefieslab @Andrewza @Isen @Corbeau

 

[Maxims Tionson]

So they had.

The final test that he himself had been denied by his own Master long ago by her decisions. Because as much as it was a test, it was also a choice as all the best tests were. This was the moment that the Padawans and young Jedi would firmly stake their flags to the wall, where they would draw their own lines in the sand and declare with unbridled joy and dedication that it was that far and no further.

That the were resolved to be the Jedi that their Masters had seen them becoming in their minds and in their dreams. In their hopes. Jedi throughout the Order looked to ceremonies and tests such as this with hope filled hearts because they were the moment when the future of the Order revealed itself and stood tall.

He gave Izel's shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

"They will perform better than we could ever hope." he assured her with a bright smile, "It seems that the future is bright with your young Jedi, Izel."

She was a worthy guide, there could be no doubt.

@Reyn @Andrewza @Corbeau @Isen

 

[Delnor Riek]

Delnor did not know why he was drawn to the middle corridor but it was the one he chose. It was as predicted another test. The way back seemed to fade away from site and seemed so far away. Though this time there was no darkness ahead and no freaky faces in the ice wall. Instead it was the call of the force, the call of the crystal.


Rounding a corner Delnor spotted a door Guarded by a pantooran. On closer inspection it seemed the guard was a older version of him self dressed as a Jedi knight "Only the worthy may pass, if you not judged worthy you shall for ever be trapped in here, are you worthy padawn Delnor"

Delnor stood back, this was not a test one could beat it seemed. Either Delnor was ready or he was not.

 

[Fiach Dubh]

It was clear the Force was in play and each Padawan could choose the path they felt most appropriate. Fiach was always non-judgemental and believed vehemently that it was for each Jedi to walk the journey to Knighthood in their own manner. They would all arrive at the same destination, logically, even if their routes varied slightly.

Isen made the first move, taking the path to the right and was soon out of sight. Moments later, Delnor took the middle corridor.

Fiach looked to the remaining tunnel – but did not automatically walk down it. Her decision would be based upon whatever the Force guided, not a process of elimination. She closed her eyes and relaxed. All three options felt right and for a moment she felt confused. But as she made a conscious effort to clear her mind, she saw three strands ahead, like a vapour trail of light. Two grew dimmer as she looked at them through her mind’s eye and the one on the left became, if possible, even brighter. Opening her eyes, she followed the choice the Force had decreed.

Soon she was in a cavern. The walls were dark and studded with countless crystals. All appeared equally interesting – but none sang to her in the way her first kyber crystal had.

“Once more you sense failure?” came a voice. There was no manifestation of a figure, the sound was most definitely coming from within her own mind.

“No,” she said, a little falteringly. “No,” she repeated, more confident this time. “The crystal chooses the Jedi, surely. The Force led me down this path, I just need to heed its directions.”

“Are you a mindless fool?” the voice said. “Devoid of personal thought and action?”

“No,” Fiach said, emphatically this time. “I simply trust in the Force. It will never let me down. Others may let me down, I myself may let me down, but the Force will never let me down.”

“A wise saying or a crutch to lean on when you are indecisive?”

“Neither,” Fiach responded, “simply the truth. I am a Jedi. I serve the Force, not the other way around. I seek knowledge as the Code states, and do not presume to be all-knowing. There will be times when I shall make decisions. And I shall know when those times are upon me. The Force grants me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference.”

“I am here to find a crystal that chooses me. The crystal is the heart of the lightsaber, and my heart is true to the Force. Therefore, I cannot sense failure.”

The voice in her head was silent for a while. “Spoken like a wise Knight, or a foolish Padawan. Time will tell which it is…” As the sentence ended, the voice became quieter until all she could hear was a single note that echoed in her mind.

Fiach cocked her head to one side and wondered when it would stop, before realising that the noise was not coming from her mind, but from deeper inside the chamber.

@Andrewza @Isen @Reyn @Nefieslab

 

[Isen Ramm]

"This is not a test, Isen. This is a choice," the Sith version of himself told him.

"A choice? Right now? A choice to join the dark or stay in the light?"

"Not exactly, Isen Ramm." The older, wiser version of himself as a Jedi Master spoke slowly and deliberately. "Every decision you make is a decision that leads you to the Dark Side or leads you to the Light. Such a choice is given to you today. You will leave with a crystal. There are two here that call to you. Two crystals that you can wield in the lightsaber that you create. A lightsaber that you will you use to bring justice and compassion into the galaxy, or a lightsaber capable of bringing death and hatred and misery into the galaxy."

Isen was trying to comprehend. He looked back and forth between them, and he could hear both crystals calling to him now. Both, full of the Force, a magnetism pulling him to both. One glinted brightly behind the Sith version of himself, the other behind the Jedi Master version of himself.

"So, if I choose the crystal behind the Sith, I'm choosing the Dark Side, and if I choose the crystal behind you, I'm choosing the light?"

The Sith Isen sighed. "I don't remember being this dense."

The Jedi Master version smiled kindly and looked back at Isen. "No. This decision does not make you a Sith. It does not set your path in stone to being a Jedi Master. Nobody becomes a Sith with a single choice. Nor does one become a Jedi Master with a single choice. It's several small decisions that accumulate over time. The small choices you make help determine the more important choices. It's a series of choices that make us who we are. It's a path...but the path constantly changes, and because you can change that path, no single choice will dictate your future. It's the culmination of choices. No Jedi, nor any Sith, have a path that is straight. They have turns, bends in the path. They go in a direction for a time, and turn back again. Each choice is a stone in that path that you lay, placed the direction you have chosen with that choice."

Isen looked at the two of them and the crystals behind them. "How does this choice determine what direction I place my stone."

The Jedi Master version motioned to his two choices of crystals. "All the crystals in this cave are attuned to individual Jedi. These two are calling to you. Because the Force flows through these crystals, they are alive. They will draw out of you what you hold inside, your potential, your attributes...your flaws. You must choose which attributes you want the crystal to amplify."

The Sith version grinned and his orange eyes seemed to flare like a flame as he motioned to the crystal behind him. "I know your heart. You wish to be a Guardian, yes? The crystal behind me will help you be a powerful, respected guardian. It will focus your aggression. That will make you faster, stronger, more deliberate. And, should your...path...lead you to the Dark Side, what a powerful Sith you would be....faster, stronger, more deliberate." The Sith version of himself laughed. "You're already formidable with a lightsaber. You could build a reputation that rivals the best in the galaxy. A respect for your skills as a duelist, as a warrior, that would make you a great Jedi on respect and reputation alone. Or...a powerful Sith."

The Jedi Master nodded. "That's true. That crystal could help you be a great, respected guardian. It could help make you a dangerous, violent Sith as well."

"Is choosing that crystal a step toward the Dark Side?" Isen asked.

The Jedi Master shrugged. "Possibly. The future is constantly in motion, young Isen. Obviously, aggression comes with inherent dangers. But, many great Jedi Masters were great Masters precisely because they conquered their aggression and used it as a tool for justice."

"And the crystal behind you?" Isen asked.

The Jedi Master looked long and hard at the crystal behind and them. "Ah, yes. This crystal calls to me as it calls to you because...well..." He grinned and looked back at Isen. "This crystal amplifies your empathy with the living things around you. You will find it easier to feel what other are feelings. You will find it easier to read the wants and desires of others. You're already a stellar negotiator. This would make you a better one."

"Yes, yes..." The Sith version of Isen said. "Another solid choice, young Isen. Ah, perhaps the life of a sentinel is for you? Negotiating on behalf of the Order all over the galaxy. Perhaps, however, it is the path of the Sith that awaits you. You could use this to build the emotions inside of you to do great and powerful things. You can take the hatred and sadness of others, internalize it, and use that emotion to unleash your desires through force all over the galaxy. You can combine your cunning with the wants and desires of others meet your own means."

The young padawan looked back at the Jedi Master version of himself.

"Why are you confused, young Isen?" The Jedi Master told him. "There is no right choice. There is no wrong choice. Both of these crystals call to you, to me, to the Sith version of...us. The crystals here are all in tune with the light side of the Force. But the two here are tuned specifically to call to you...to us. They simply will amplify what is already in you."

Isen looked at both crystals and both the Sith and Jedi Master versions of himself. "The path to the Dark Side has nothing to do with the crystal. It's what the crystal may draw from me. Or, how I use what the crystal draws from me."

The Jedi Master nodded and smiled. "That's it. You can be a great warrior, and you can be a great warrior for the Sith or the Order. You can use your powers of persuasion for justice across the galaxy or for self-serving reasons. Not all stones in the path change the direction toward the Dark or the Light. But even stones in the path that go straight may make it easier for a turn to be made with the next stone or a hundreds stones in the future...one way or the other."

"Make a decision, Isen," the Sith told him. "You're not a thinker. Use your gut."

Isen looked at the Jedi for what he had to say. "You do have to make a choice, to place a stone." The Jedi Master version of Isen saw and felt the hesitation inside of Isen. "There is no wrong choice, young Isen. You should just beware that dangers lie before you regardless of the choice you make. But, the potential for you to do great and noble things because of either choice is also a path that can be forged from either stone you place today."

Isen nodded and gave himself a moment to think this through. There were virtues to either choice. Both choices could lead to being a Jedi Master. Both choices could move the needle toward becoming a Sith. He looked long and hard at both versions of himself. They were watching him intently, wondering the choice he would make. The young padawan rubbed his hands together firmly and finally made his way toward the crystal he would take with him. The song of the crystal got louder and louder as it felt Isen's choice had been made. He walked past the Sith and put his hands on the crystal that fed his aggression, pulled it, and easily dislodged from the wall of crystals. He turned to see the orange eyes of the Sith version flare and grow bolder. The Sith smiled and nodded. The Jedi Master version of himself slightly, ever so slightly, dimmed. Isen drew in a breath, figuring he had chosen wrong.

The Jedi Master smiled and raised a calming hand. "It's one stone. You heart is strong. Your character is not in doubt. Protect it. Stay humble. Learn from your Masters. Keep a servant's heart, and you will be a great asset for justice across the galaxy."

Isen held the tiny crystal in his hand and rubbed his thumb across it. Such a little thing, but potentially could alter consequences and affect lives across the galaxy. Isen pocketed the crystal, and began to walk back down the corridor to the fork where he had left Fiach and Delnor. Before he could leave, the Sith version of Isen said, "I'll see you soon, young Isen." Isen turned around and watched the Sith laugh. Hesitant, and questioning himself, Isen headed back to see what the caves had in store for Delnor and Fiach.

OOC: Sorry for the delay, guys. Work has bogged me down like crazy.

@Reyn @Andrewza @Nefieslab @Corbeau

 

[Izel Thral]

Izel heard Max's words of encouragement, and she appreciated them. But she didn't respond. She was too focused on Isen's presence moving within the caves, taking his final test. He had reached a fork in the road. One path was marked by violence and aggression, the other compassion. There was darkness inside, as there was everywhere where the Force flowed so strongly, in eternal combat with the light. The aggressive path was not evil per se, but it walked the fine line of what it meant to be a Jedi. Aggression did not blend well with the duties of a peace keeper after all.

The Vratix had been trying to banish her doubts, to have faith in her Padawan. She could feel him, still, conflicted. But she could tell at the very least he wanted to do what was right. He wanted to follow the Path of the Jedi. Her fists tightened, her spirits rising. He's going to do it! She thought joyously. Good job Isen, you- And then he took the path of aggression. And ever so slightly his aura darkened.

Izel's antennae twitched, the Vratix remaining still and perfectly silent as her eyes remained fixed on the cavern mouth. After what felt like an eternity had passed she simply stood up and turned to walk away. "Pardon me." She addressed Max absently. "It's getting a bit too cold out here... I think I'm going to wait on the ship." She didn't wait for a response. Walking away from the caves a darkness fell upon her, weighing down on her heart. Had she done something wrong?

@Nefieslab @Andrewza @Isen @Corbeau

 

[Maxims Tionson]

Max could tell the second something went wrong and it wasn't just because of the Force but because Izel had a physical tell as well. It was likely just something her species was born with but it was something that highlighted what she was feeling so very, very well. He watched as it came over her physically even as he watched what was happening during the tests through the Force.

He could tell what exactly had effected her though he would not dream to say he knew her exact thoughts on the matter. Instead he just waited for a few seconds before sighing ever so slightly.

"Take your time Izel, but he's going to need you more than ever soon so don't take too long to search your feelings."

Standing up, Max didn't move closer to the ship but rather closer to the mouth of the cave instead. Standing at an easy, parade-worthy, resting stance he smiled ever so slightly as he began his watch.

"I will wait for them and meet them here. Take what time you need."

Max wasn't going to lecture her on her emotions or tell her she was wrong for what she was feeling. Didn't matter if he even agreed with her - what mattered was that she did feel that way and how she was going to be allowed to process those feelings.

@Reyn @Andrewza @Isen @Corbeau

 

[Fiach Dubh]

Fiach did what she invariably did – she trusted in the Force. Soon she was standing in front of a small formation of crystals – with one (just one) appearing brighter than the others. It also – to Fiach – seemed to be singing a beautiful song that was in perfect harmony to how she felt the Force.

Reaching out, she took the crystal and looked around her.

Seeing a flatter area of the rocky floor, she walked over to it and sat down. Then, she shifted on the floor until she was sitting in a cross-legged position. The ground was uncomfortable but she did not care, and she closed her eyes and entered a meditative state, cleansing her mind.

She felt the Force around her and within her and especially felt it emanating from the crystal.

Unaware of her actions in her meditative state, Fiach emptied the contents of the two pouches she carried onto her lap. Slowly she levitated them and connected them. Many hours passed, but to Fiach it was just a few moments.

Then she awoke, as if from a dream. Around her it was still dark. Looking down, she saw a completed shoto in her lap. Was it real? She picked it up and turned it in her hand. She gripped it, and it seemed solid against her fingers, a perfect fit. It was a perfect copy of her main lightsaber.

“The crystal is the heart of the blade.
The heart is the crystal of the Jedi.
The Jedi is the crystal of the Force.
The Force is the blade of the heart.
All are intertwined.
The crystal, the blade, the Jedi.
We are one.”

The words came unbidden to her tongue. And when she had finished, she activated the shoto with a snap-hiss and the blade glowed a shade of lilac.

She stood, deactivating the blade, and found her legs were trembling slightly. She took a deep breath and connected once more with the Force. When she was sure she was in complete control, she returned to the mouth of the cave, ready to leave the planet.

/Exit thread

@Nefieslab @Reyn @Isen

 

[Isen Ramm]

Isen returned to the mouth of the cave and found Master Tionson alone. Master Thral had apparently gone back to the ship. Isen knew why. He did not approach Master Max, but stopped short of the mouth of cave and went back in a ways. There was no sign of the other two padawans, so Isen sat and tried to drift himself into the Force to create his two lightsabers. There was a clear blockage between himself and the Force, and it was this thought about the crystal he just procured. Try as he might, he knew what that blockage was- he was afraid. He feared his choice, and he feared what ill will his lightsaber may do should he put it together.

Isen sighed, and pocketed the crystal from the cave. He would handle the creation of that lightsaber later after he had time to figure things out. He pulled out the other crystal, the one he had gotten on an unsanctioned mission with Byron Ryker, and it still sang to him. He closed his eyes, and his will to meld into the Force came much easier.

With his eyes closed, he sat in the lotus position. While he stayed physically on the ground, his vision and sense of feel felt as if he was floating in a world of pinks, purples, and blues. He could see the general shapes and barriers of his surroundings, but more, he could feel things through the Force. In his stance, he could feel the pieces of his lightsaber coming together, even if he didn't see it physically happening. A burst of light in the Force brought him to and in front of him sat the hilt of his first personal lightsaber. Isen took it in his hand and press the ignition. Immediately, a cyan blade sprang from the hilt with the recognizable electric buzz of a lightsaber. He twirled it, swung it, and flipped it from hand to hand. He went through two of the Ataru forms, and the blue blade whipped through the air with ease.

Isen smiled at the handiwork that the Force worked through him. A wooden grip encased the body of the hilt. It looked like...him. And it felt perfect in his hands. The Force had worked its wonder, and Isen was thankful that it didn't blow up in his hand.

But, his smile faded as the crystal he pocketed away still sang to him, asking him in it's own way to be put to purpose. But right now, Isen need to think. The crystal was ready, but Isen's reconciliation with the Force over it was not. Isen turned and made his way back to where he would pass by Master Tionson and nod politely, though with uncertainty, on his way to the ship where he would wait for the others.

/exit thread

 

[Izel Thral]

Izel heard Max's words but again didn't respond, only continuing her trek back to the ship. Once aboard she would sit down in private and steeple her fingers as she thought to herself. Despite her efforts to rationalize that this was only a small part of her Padawan's journey and not a set path for him she still experienced a great deal of doubt and fear. If she somehow failed him, if Isen eventually fell to the dark side because of her missteps as a teacher, she would never be able to forgive herself. And so she questioned everything she had done and said in the young Kiffar's presence, over-analyzing every minute detail of their interactions as master and apprentice in an effort to discover where she had gone wrong. In the end she still had no answer.

She turned her head to watch as Isen entered the ship, hesitating uncomfortably before giving him a small nod and averting her eyes again. Max was right. He needed her. And her moping about would only compound the doubts he himself was feeling at the moment. She would need to sort herself out and soon, for both their sakes.

Still, the Vratix would remain silent for the time being. There was still one more phase of the ritual to come, practicing and becoming accustomed to their new lightsabers. She would use that time to figure things out, and then by the end hopefully have something of substance to say to her Padawan. But for the time being the ship would be marked by a heavy silence.

/exit thread
@Nefieslab @Isen @Corbeau