Breath of the Wild

[Toland Vult]

theme​

Of all the planets Toland had been in his life, none of them ever contained as much natural beauty as Kashyyyk. While most civilizations would cut down forests to make way for giant durasteel skyscrapers and the never-ending fires of industry, the Wookiees instead crafted their culture and society around integration with nature. Every one of their villages were built into the trees themselves, with wooden and rope platforms and bridges spreading for miles like a giant spiderweb nestled in the canopy.

At the base of one of these trees, a group of Wookiee villagers had gathered near the outskirts of Rowrakruk, preparing to make a pilgrimage to the Life Tree. At least, that's what one of the local translators had told Toland, as he could not comprehend the species' guttural language, try as he might. A long time ago, the Jedi once celebrated this holiday alongside the Wookiees; and though the Lightsiders were practically extinct, Kashyyyk's inhabitants continued their tradition, now in mourning for their loss and hoping that one day the Jedi would return. Today, the Alliance was there to honour that tradition and show the Wookiees that their hopes were not in vain.

The group now prepared, they set off down a grassy path that wound deeper into the forest away from the city. Toland breathed in the fresh air, enjoying the tranquility and momentary peace from their seemingly never-ending conflict with the Empire. "Hey Devrim," Vult suddenly asked, "What do you make of all this? The Force...it's all so surreal, like something out of a story that actually exists." To be honest, he didn't really know himself — but he was curious to hear what the hardened Rebel thought on the matter.

@Vosrik @Deviant?????​

 

[Devrim Wolfe]

Now this was a place that Devrim could get used to. Kashyyyk held all the natural beauty and wildlife that his home on Dxun did, but with more grandeur and fewer fauna aggressively trying to kill and eat anything that moved. Everything here felt tended to and cared for, from the villages in the trees to the little rivers that murmured around rocks and down hills to the ocean. It represented what Devrim imagined a free world to look like, away from the clutches of the Empire and secluded from the atrocities that ravaged the Galaxy. Now he understood why Leah had "forced" both rebels to go here for the Life Day celebrations and make the pilgrimage.

It was a well-known fact that the citizens of the Empire were strictly prohibited from attending the celebrations here on Kashyyyk. Because of this, the members of the Alliance could breathe easy knowing that they were relatively safe from the influence of Imperial agents during their time here. Despite this, Devrim was not happy about being directed to leave his weapons behind for the pilgrimage. Being told that the path from Rowrakruk to the Life Tree had already been cleared of predators countless times did little to ease the marksman. He couldn't remember a day that had passed where he didn't have his blasters by his side — they were a sense of security for him. In retrospect, that was yet another reason to leave them behind. Leah had again told them to open their minds, sense their surroundings, and meditate on the things they saw and felt in their pilgrimage. These concepts were utterly foreign to the Dxun marksman. All he had ever known were blasters, explosions, and the cold hit and run tactics of being a rebel. But if Leah and Toland were right about Devrim being a Force sensitive being...he knew this was part of his duty.

Setting off along with the Wookiees down the well-trodden path to the Life tree, Devrim vocalized a "Hmm?" in response to Toland. Upon hearing his full question, Devrim was at a bit of a loss while he thought. "I'm...not sure, really. I thought the Force was something small and unimportant until now." He had difficulty putting his thoughts into words. He certainly wasn't the type to go on long tangents on philosophical subjects — Devrim was normally a man of action and getting things done. "I feel like I barely know myself now, learning the Force is part of me." It likely wasn't an answer that Toland was looking for, but it was the best Devrim had for now. "You?"

@Shalken​

 

[Toland Vult]

Toland shrugged in response. "I can't help but agree. It's like we've unlocked an entire part of ourselves we didn't know was there." The idea was both exciting and daunting at the same time. His brow furrowed in concern. "I just wish there was a more...concrete method of learning how to use the Force." So far, Leah had directed them to 'open their minds' and 'use their feelings', a concept that Toland was not very familiar with. Not that he was afraid of trying, though. "Take marksmanship, for example," he continued. "You can learn that kind of skill from reading books and watching an instructor. Then, once you've learned the basics, the rest is just practice until it becomes muscle memory. But this...it's completely different." Could the mind be trained to utilize the Force like hands could wield a gun? It was up to them to find out. The only warning that Leah had offered was to never use the Force when fueled by emotion, as it would lead to the Dark Side and corrupt them into Sith — a fate Toland considered worse than death itself.

As they trod along the path, they could tell it had become a gentle incline. The path took a gentle turn, passing by a stream that gurgled as it flowed past the two Rebels on their right. Birds chirped happily in the trees above them, and Toland marveled inwardly at the serenity that the grand forest provided. Crouching down by the river, the new Rebel rested for a moment as he mulled over Leah's words before she sent them off. Open your mind to the things around you, so you can feel the Force flow through it. Taking a deep breath, Toland closed his eyes in an attempt to do so. ⋮⋮ No harm in trying, anyway. ⋮⋮ Attempting to quell his doubtful and worried thoughts, all he could see initially was the darkness from his closed eyes. Absolutely nothing happened; he could smell the husky bark from the trees mixed with the mild fragrance of wild flowers and hear the birds singing along with the leaves as they rustled in the wind, but nothing more. It was no different than a few moments earlier when his eyes were open. Almost ready to give up, Toland realized that perhaps the key was thinking beyond what he was normally capable of. "Perhaps we need to ignore our normal senses entirely and try to 'see' with our minds instead," Vult suggested. It didn't seem to make much sense, and in truth he thought he sounded rather absurd.

However, ignoring his misgivings, Toland tried once more, instead focusing entirely on his mind. For the first little while, there was nothing but darkness. Suddenly, tiny specks appeared, like fireflies in the night or stars against the black canvas of space. Though his eyes were shut, Toland was beginning to 'see' through his mind. "I can see flickers of light all around us. They're everywhere; in the trees, the water, the ground..." He was so enraptured by what he saw, Vult forgot about the group of Wookiees that were moving on up the path ahead of them.

@Vosrik​

 

[Devrim Wolfe]

Thinking more on what Toland said, Devrim followed him along the path which steadily inclined and then passed by a little stream on the right hand side. It wound through the trees, lapping against its banks near the path from Rowrakruk to the Life Tree. "Perhaps there is a more concrete method of learning it," Devrim replied, stooping down and picking up a small pebble from the bed of the stream. "I imagine using the Force is much like a muscle. The only way to strengthen it is with practice and use." Winding back, the rebel whipped his arm forward and launched the pebble into the thick forest beyond the river. It whizzed through leaves and landed presumably some distance away. "I don't think it's as different as you say."

Giving his companion a sidelong glance, Devrim realized that Toland had closed his eyes and was likely attempting a technique that Leah had instructed them before sending them off to do the pilgrimage. His assumption was further confirmed by Toland's suggestion, hinting that he was attempting to sense his surroundings. Knowing that he'd barely been capable of using the Force earlier, Devrim was rather daunted by this task. He decided to wait, allowing Vult to make his own observations to learn from and build off of. About to try himself, the two rebels were interrupted by a growly vocalization coming from down the path. Not understanding a word of Shyriiwook, Devrim started and looked in the direction the Wookiee called from to see their guide waving them to follow.

The rebel adjusted the earthen-coloured fabric that hung from his broad shoulders like a robe. At the behest of the Wookiees also making the pilgrimage, they had foregone their normal attire and been given these robes on their short journey. Perhaps it was customary or a sign of respect, but Devrim wouldn't dare say no or object to their furry hosts. As they walked briskly to catch up with the rest of the group, Devrim decided he would attempt "seeing" with his mind at their next stop. "What else did you see?" he asked of Toland, immensely curious of this this completely new experience.

@Shalken​

 

[Toland Vult]

Devrim could have been entirely right with his speculation on the Force; though Toland figured otherwise, perhaps that was ultimately due to his misunderstanding of a subject so vast and misunderstood. In any case, Toland did not argue further, instead focusing his thoughts on reaching out with his mind to touch his surroundings.

Just as he had begun to see the dim glimmers of light that drifted all about him, Vult was suddenly pulled from his reverie as their Wookiee guide roared out from further up the path, beckoning for them to continue following. Picking himself up from the ground, Toland quickly brushed the dirt and leaves from his pants and hurried down the path after the group of pilgrims. Having caught up with the others and slowed their pace, Devrim questioned Vult of what he had seen. Toland's brow furrowed lightly in thought, his lips twisted. "I'm not sure, really. It's...hard to describe. Even though my eyes were closed, I could still see — but not with colour or light, the way we normally do. I could sense everything around me as flickers of energy." He scratched the back of his head, a sheepish and bewildered look on his face. "It was only for a few moments. I didn't have long enough to understand exactly what it was I saw. You can try it yourself, but I'm only finding more questions than answers."

Soon enough, the steep path evened out to a clearing in the forest. Through the canopy far above shone the rays of the midday sun, beaming down onto a thick tree that stood majestically in the middle of the copse. This tree was quite different than the others besides its appearance. Though the Wookies may not have felt it, the two recently-enlightened Rebels did. It radiated life and energy like nothing they had ever seen, or felt, before.

The group of pilgrims gathered around the massive tree, gazing up at its healthy foliage. The Wookiees had traveled here to pay homage to their own traditions as well as mourn the loss of the Jedi, and though they understood little of either reason, both Toland and Devrim had come to do the same. As the clearing had gone quiet besides the occasional roaring and moaning from a nearby pilgrim, Vult glanced over to his companion inquisitively. "If you're going to try as well, this is probably the best place to do it," he said in a hushed voice.

@Vosrik @Deviant​

 

[Devrim Wolfe]

Listening to his companion answer as best as he was able, Devrim simply nodded in response. Everything about this was completely bizarre, and if the Devrim from not even two weeks ago had seen the Devrim now dressed in a earthen robe on a Wookiee pilgrimage, he wouldn't have recognized himself. Something about learning of this invisible "Force" that was part of himself made the rebel less hardened and grim, and it forced Devrim to open his eyes to the things he didn't understand. He certainly agreed with Toland — all this was just revealing few answers and vastly more questions. He wondered how Leah was involved in all this...Devrim didn't trust that she was just an "archeologist" as she put it. She knew something more, and there were definitely things that she wasn't telling Devrim and Toland.

Arriving at the clearing, the dark-haired rebel stopped with the group and looked in wonder at the sight that lay before them. Devrim had no words, and he stood in silence as the Wookiees and other pilgrims gathered close to the tree's base. The Wookiee leading the group, wearing an earthen-toned robe as they all did and carrying an elaborately carved ritual staff, stood upon a rock above the rest of the group and raised his arms. He began speaking in Shyriiwook, recalling the history of the tree and droning on passionately to his listeners. Unfortunately, Devrim knew maybe a few growls and grunts in the Wookiee language and was blissfully unaware of what was being said in the sermon. However, Toland looked over and gave him a verbal nudge as a reminder. "Ah, right," Devrim replied quietly so that he wouldn't disturb the other pilgrims. He did indeed decide he'd attempt it later, and now did look like the best place.

Closing his eyes and taking a few breaths, he stretched out with his mind in a way he'd never done before — allowing him to "see" in the same way Toland did some time before. He could see little lights, perhaps the spirits of the Wookiees around them. What he noticed however was the light coming from where Toland stood beside him — it was brighter, much brighter than the others. Pure, if that made any sense, and yet also familiar. In a way, it felt familiar and represented Toland's true, good nature. However, nothing of what he saw compared to what had appeared in the distance and was growing brighter.

"There's something — something coming closer," Devrim muttered with stifled breath. "It's like nothing else here." As the being approached, Devrim was overcome with the need to shield his eyes somehow with the intensity of the light. And yet of course, he couldn't as his eyes were already shut as tightly as they could be. Beads of sweat formed on Devrim's forehead, and the figure's inner light became a beacon of pure fire, such that Toland and Devrim were nothing but a small candle in its wake. As frightened and overwhelmed as he was, the rebel was utterly transfixed and was unable to tear his mind's eye away from the spectacle. It was then that the being stepped next to them, and Devrim still with his eyes shut grit his teeth for whatever was about to come.

@Deviant @Shalken​

 

[Leah Reach]

“Yeah, it’s me.”

Leah emerged right beside the two men. With a hand on her hip and lips pursed, she didn’t look exactly pleased to see either of them. In fact, it was a surprise she didn’t slap Devrim the second she showed up. At their last meeting, the Jedi Master told them they should refrain from turning to the Force, and there they were— doing just that. She could tell by the deep breaths, closed eyes, and the surprising inexperience the pair possessed as they connected with the Force. Leah had been busy observing other students on their own pilgrimages when she sensed their wandering. Had a Sith been nearby, there was no telling if he or she would have reached them first, and that was what she was most afraid of.

“I thought I told you back on Savareen not to open yourselves to the Force on your own. I see that I wasn’t clear enough.” She waltzed up to the pair after making sure there was nobody else around. “If I was a Sith, you would either be dead or detained. Just because we’re outside of Imperial space doesn’t mean there’s not one lurking behind the corner. As rebels no less, I expected some level of discretion. Was I wrong to count on you to do that?” The question was rhetorical, but out of the two, she expected one of them would be flustered enough to answer regardless.

She drew a sigh, no longer upset but still disappointed. “I invited you both because you need training. Guidance. I can’t give you either if you refuse to listen.” The older woman glanced away. She knew she was being patronizing and overprotective, just like she had been to her son when he first began to manifest his Force abilities, but she was only worried. The Sith threat was growing with every passing day, their shadow descending upon the rest of the galaxy. Kashyyyk, especially: though liberated they may be, they were dangerously close between the Imperial Republica, Hutta and the Old Empire. They could have eyes and ears already in every charted village, Rowrakruk included.

Or maybe she was being paranoid. Losing her husband, and much of the Rebellion, had not aged well with the young Jedi Master. But her fears were warranted. The galaxy was a dangerous place.

@Shalken @Vosrik

 

[Toland Vult]

Though Toland was not attempting to view his surroundings with the Force as Devrim was, he too could now sense something approaching...something powerful, though he could not determine exactly where it was coming from. Having left his weapons aside before they embarked on the pilgrimage, all Toland could do was glance around in the sky helplessly and steel himself as the thing drew even closer. He was so focused on defending himself against an unknown attacker from above that he failed to see or hear Leah walk up from behind them, and when she spoke Toland practically jumped out of his skin in shock. Immediately afterward he went through a rollercoaster of emotions. First he was relieved to see that it was only her, but that quickly disappeared and was replaced by confusion. The thing that was so powerful in the Force was her? But even this was quickly brushed aside as Toland was filled with shame from his actions. While he had been known to disobey direct orders from superiors in the past, he always had good reason for doing so — usually to save a life. But today, he had no excuse. "I'm sorry, miss Reach. We'll be more careful from now on." They might seem empty words, but he truly did mean it.

Toland could only agree that he and Devrim did indeed need guidance — but all Vult's questions about the mysterious power they were connected to shied away in place of several new suspicions that rose within him. His eyes observing her disappointed figure, Toland's courage returned as he took in a deep breath. "So you can use the Force too, then? Enough that you can train us as well?" This was a huge step away from her seeming ignorance she displayed at the bar earlier on Savareem. "With all due respect, ma'am, who are you? What is going on?"

@Vosrik @Deviant​

 

[Devrim Wolfe]

At the words of Leah upon her appearance to the two rebels, Devrim's eyes snapped open and he wheeled around to see the disapproving face of the woman who sent them on this Life Day pilgrimage in the first place. At first, he was eager to tell her about their discovery — but then he remembered her strict warning back on Savareen. Oh...right, he mused inwardly as Leah pulled them aside from the Wookiee sermon and berated them soundly. The broad-shouldered rebel took it in silence, knowing full well he and Toland fully deserved every word, though short her rebuke may be. Last time Devrim had stepped this far out of line was many years ago on Dxun when he jeopardized a hit-and-run mission to keep a civilian out of harm's way — something which further ingrained in the rebel to prioritize the mission over even the lives of innocents. Only in recent months had Devrim been breaking away from such a terrible mindset. Though he'd never admit it, Toland was helping steer him in the right direction.

Not one to hang his head in shame, Devrim simply pursed his lips and nodded stiffly at the rebuke. Toland spoke for them both, and though he may not have shown it, the rebel did regret his actions. However, here on Kashyyyk, the two men had something inside them awaken — a roaring river of potential that could not be stopped or slowed by any dam. While he and Toland may have been oblivious to their surroundings before, now the fabrics of reality were revealed to their senses. Devrim looked upon Leah with new curiosity, and more importantly, awe. Whether she had intended to or not, for a brief moment she radiated power and Light. The dark-haired rebel was even able to clearly feel the emotions of those around him — regret and curiosity from Toland, and the tiniest hint of something from Leah. Was it...sadness? Before Devrim could even fully comprehend what he could sense, Leah had likely closed herself from any further prying.

Not that either of the newly-awakened would be able to control their abilities in the slightest — even as Toland asked question after question, Devrim gripped his head as he was suddenly inundated with his surroundings. The life force of everything in the Kashyyyk jungle teeming with fauna and flora, the passion of the Wookiee teacher and his pilgrims, the joy and merriment of the thousands celebrating Life Day. It was an unending tide that sought to overwhelm him.

@Deviant @Shalken​

 

[Leah Reach]

Leah pulled back her presence in the Force. Toland had sensed her own strength and Devrim caught onto something else, something better not seen or known. They were secrets she had no intentions to reveal that day, and in truth, any day thereafter. Her grief was still fresh in her mind, hard to quell but smothered under a wall of emotions. The fact one of them was able to detect it caught the Jedi Master unaware, although she made no other hint that she noticed. Better to ignore it and sidestep an unwelcome discussion. She reckoned Devrim would keep what he felt only between the two, or better yet, let it slip from his memory.

Her focus drifted back to Toland, acknowledging his sincerity but she was not quick to forgive and forget. Sith surrounded Kashyyyk left and right. Leah wanted them to understand the need for responsibility, and above all else, discretion. If they couldn’t stomach or accept that, then there was no point in training either of them. After her surprise visit and lecture though, she hoped both men realized how significant their discovery of the Force was and how important it was to keep to themselves. Devrim especially.

Hands intertwined over her waist, she circled around the pair and lead them farther down the empty path ahead. Daylight slipped through the canopy, the setting sun leaving patterns of orange and gold across the walkway. Wind breathed into the tree, the branches ached and leaves rustled, nudging one budding flower down below them. Her open fingers reached out to catch it but the blossom stalled inches above the palm of her hand. “Yes, I can the use the Force. Enough to show you how to use it—” Her fingers closed against the flower, and when they opened, it had grown far, its petals wide and free much like a bird. Then, it sailed into the air and fluttered in front of each man carefully. She smiled. “—and more.”

Leah’s hand dropped back to her side and the fully grown flower was left to drift down to the forest floor where it might grow into another tree. Its early death would only bring new life. And as Leah believed, so it meant for the old Jedi Order. At Toland’s next question, however, she decided not to play it so subtly. Rather, with a confident voice she answered, “I am a Jedi, like my mother before me. A Master of a restored Jedi Order. One I hope, in time, both of you may join.” She reached out through the Force again so that the two men knew it was the truth.

The wind whispered too, as if the Life Tree itself affirmed her claim. And so the leaves rustled, the branches quivered, and the Jedi Master waited for a reply.

@Shalken @Vosrik

 

[Toland Vult]

Though she seemed accepting of their apology, Leah said nothing in return, still visibly disappointed with their misconduct. However, instead of directly answering Toland's question, she led them further down the path away from the Life Tree and the Wookiee sermon, ensuring they were secluded from others that may be listening. Though she had left the two men hanging in suspense, it was clear that what she was about to say was of monumental importance and a grave secret that must be kept.

Once away from the others, she gracefully caught a partially budded flower that had detached prematurely from a tree nearby. As she unveiled the truth about her abilities, Leah revealed the now-fully blossomed flower that she had encouraged its growth with purely the Force — something that Toland had never heard or seen before. The Sith he had heard of were able to use the force in destructive ways, such as throwing objects through the air, choking others on a whim, and conjuring great arcs of electricity to inflict immense pain upon their victims. But encouraging life and growth was something Vult had never thought possible, showing just how little he knew of this mystical power now suddenly at his disposal.

But then Leah revealed the true nature of her identity, and all was suddenly made clear. The Jedi, whom on all accounts were mere myth and folklore, were real — and now Toland was not only face-to-face with one, but also was being given the opportunity to become one as well. The information fell on him like a bomb, and Toland fell to his knees, awestruck, as a million thoughts ran through his head. He was right after all about turning his back on the Empire, that the forces of good lay nestled in the rebels that fought so fiercely for what they believed in. Now that Toland could wield the Force and one day become a Jedi, such an opportunity would force upon him responsibilities and burdens greater than he had ever borne before. But in spite of this, Vult knew that it was his calling and duty to do so; how could he refuse?

Looking up to Leah, he asked with awe and determination in his voice, "Please, teach us."

@Vosrik @Deviant​

 

[Devrim Wolfe]

In a mere second, all that Devrim thought he sensed from Leah was gone. It was as though someone had pulled a cover over the sun, shielding its presence. What once was clear as day was now a void — Leah betrayed nothing about herself or her power. She seemed as ordinary as any of the Wookiees that they traveled with on the pilgrimage. Despite his earlier ineptitude at following orders, Devrim had the wherewithal to show discretion and not bother speaking of the subject. Besides, Toland asked all that the dark-haired rebel currently wished to know. Leah certainly had some explaining to do.

And explain she did. Leading both men further down the path and away from the Life Tree, Devrim watched as the woman plucked a dying blossom from the air. Through some otherworldly and unnatural power, she was able to breathe life into it and cause it to bloom. It was then that Leah revealed more of the truth — that she indeed was not only a Force sensitive just as Devrim and Toland were, but also that she was highly skilled in its use. The grim and hardened rebel, though having seen much in his time among the Dxun cell, had never in his days seen or even heard of such things. Of course, though the Empire sought to eradicate all knowledge that the Jedi even existed in the first place, the rebels often took shelter in ruined temples and enclaves that proved they were not simply myths and legends. While Toland grew up almost never even hearing the word Jedi, Devrim on the contrary only knew of whispers and ruminations about the Order that existed centuries ago. For all both of them knew however, the Jedi were no more.

And in one sentence, Leah shattered that belief.

"Like your mother before you..." Devrim murmured under his breath. While Toland was literally crippled by the knowledge and the revelation, the dark-haired rebel's mind raced. Although questions untold rushed through his head and the kneeling man asked for teaching and guidance, Devrim remained standing and met Leah's eyes. "You hope that we will join you...why us? What do you see in a former Imperial and a hardened extremist? Though he didn't admit it out loud, Devrim was more than eager to be taught as well — something that Leah would clearly be able to sense if she wished. Upon being awakened in the Force, he had felt a need for guidance. While lost for a while, what the woman before them offered was a way to fulfill the will of the Force.

@Deviant @Shalken​

 

[Leah Reach]

“A former Imperial and a former extremist.” She repeated, half-correcting the other man before smiling down to Toland. With a raised brow and a nod, Leah beckoned him to rise. “Many lives were lost on Dantooine because of the actions of a malevolent Empire and a few radicals. Since then, I have held a bitter distaste for the Sith and for militant fanaticism. But were either one of you an Imperial Commander aboard the ship that laid waste to the temple? No. Were either one of you one of the extremists who had, unknowingly, caused the attack? No. Are either of you still an Imperial or an extremist?” She didn’t bother to finish and instead let the men finish the rest. “Regardless, who you were is no longer important. It’s what you can be.”

“And what you can be is so much more than ordinary. In you two, I see untapped potential. The Force flows through all things—“ She gestured to her surroundings. The leaves, branches, trees, everything. Then, she motioned to the two. “—but through you both it flows strongest.” She turned around and continued down the vacant walkway, expecting them to trail behind or beside her. “On Savareen, you moved your drinks by an inch or two. It may not seem like much, but that’s only the beginning. It’s only a sliver of your true power. Just as that earlier display was but a sliver of mine.” Hand raised, her fingers shot open. Suddenly, the buds around them blossomed anew.

“I can teach you the ways of the Force.” She repeated. “I can teach you a great many things, if you are willing to commit yourselves to the Jedi.” A pause. “And the end of the Empire.” The Jedi Master had a feeling both men were already prepared to make the choice, but she wanted to be certain. “But first and foremost, as it was in the days of old, before becoming a Jedi, one needed to craft themselves a lightsaber.” She came to a stop before a small cavity engraved into the tree, her temporary home gifted by the local Wookiees. Leah slid a hand into her robes to reveal her own lightsaber. Polished shine, silver like the moon. Less of a weapon, more of a work of art.

“Neither of you have the parts to make your own, but the Wookiees who have long honored tradition and this pilgrimage have gifted you both such parts.” With the flick of her hand, two pieces of Brylark wood soared from her makeshift hut and toward Devrim and Toland. “Brylark wood. As strong as metal, naturally refined, and a symbol of how a tree with the strongest roots could weather the worst storms.” She allowed the two lengths of wood to hover above their hands, ready to be taken. “What say you, then? Will you join me, the remnants of the Jedi, and restore balance to the galaxy?”

@Shalken @Vosrik

 

[Toland Vult]

Even though Toland had joined forces with the Alliance, he always felt an underlying guilt due to his many years of service in the Empire. The way that many other rebels treated him like a traitor did not help him feel any different either, despite working hard to prove himself trustworthy. However, Leah's reassurance that the ex-Imperial soldier's past did not define his future struck home, inspiring him with newfound hope and courage.

Though Toland thought that coaxing a single blossom to life was some great feat of the Force, even this seemed inconsequential to the Jedi Master as she enacted the same ability on every single flower within the vicinity with hardly any effort. Though this demonstrated the great height of power one could achieve with the Force, Toland was not concerned with how strong he could become. Seeing Master Reach breathe so much life into nature made him instead imagine just how much better the Galaxy would become if the Order was restored. They could bring life to places that had died, like the desolate landscape of the once-flourishing Medriaas. So many worlds could be restored, he envisioned with excitement and awe. So many lives could be saved and set free.

Leah then revealed that if they were to become Jedi, they would need a weapon befitting of the rank, revealing her own before offering them ornately-crafted hilts carved from Brylark. Indeed, this was not the first time Toland would hold a lightsaber, as he had confiscated one from a Sith on Onderon; but even with his limited senses back then, he could tell it was foul weapon. But soon he would be able to make one and call it his own. She held before them the final decision to become a Jedi like the hilts which floated within reach. All they needed to do was reach out and grasp the opportunity, and their lives would be changed forever. Though he was unsure of what Devrim thought, Toland had already made his decision.

Vult grasped the hilt firmly in his palm. "Yes, Master Reach. I will join you and learn the ways of the Force."

@Vosrik @Deviant​

 

[Devrim Wolfe]

Having to carry the weight of the distrust and contempt of the vast majority of the Galactic Alliance and even the Commander himself for being associated with the Dxun cell, Devrim was pleased to hear that Leah did not hold him in a similar light. The rebel had always resolved himself to do what was best for the Alliance and for the innocents of the Galaxy, not only himself. Hearing that there was an even greater way that he could help others and learn about himself, Devrim hadn't thought such a thing were possible before. He followed alongside Toland as she continued down the walkway.

He noted how she chose to display a sliver of her power. Devrim had seen Sith before — they called upon the Force and wielded it like it was nothing but a toy to play with. They were always creating flashy displays of power, electrocuting subordinates and choking those who displeased them with an invisible grip around the throat. But what Leah did was...different. In total contrast, her powers were used to breathe life into her surroundings, not cause pain and destruction. Devrim had already committed himself to ending the reign of the Empire — he was more than willing to do so as a Jedi as well.

The last time Devrim had held a lightsaber was when he'd inspected the one Toland had taken from a Sith back on Onderon. It was cold and represented the iron grip they held on the galaxy. But Leah's was different — it was ornate, not weathered or stained by the death of innocents. It was, in a word, beautiful. Devrim was surprised to hear that this pilgrimage was not for ceremony alone, and that the Wookiees recognized both rebels who traveled from Rowrakruk to the Life Tree and bestowed two uniquely crafted lightsaber hilts to them. It struck the broad-shouldered rebel that he hadn't seen so many impossible things happen in his life. Tree buds blossoming in an instant, things floating in the air without aid. Devrim had heard rumours of Brylark wood before, that it was extremely rare wood closely guarded by the Wookiees and highly valued across the Galaxy for its renowned sturdiness.

Both Toland and Devrim had an opportunity presented to them that almost no others in the Galaxy had. To Devrim, having been raised in the rebellion all his life to respect the legend of the Jedi as a symbol of peace and hope, the chance to become one himself was nothing short of monumental. And it wasn't one that Devrim had to think twice about. He grasped the Brylark hilt currently devoid of a Kyber crystal and looked steadily toward Leah. "It would be my honour to become a Jedi as well, Master Reach."

Fin​

@Deviant @Shalken​