Forging the Light

[Xyrael]

Saia had had a long, fruitful night of continued practice in the work she had learned the day before, Master Remy had challenged her and she had learned much. Because of this, she hadn't much sleep; too excited to learn more and hone her skills was she to focus on petty things such as sleep. She yawned as she entered the place Master Remy had told them to meet her at. She knew Akacen would be there soon, as well; though neither of them really knew what would be taught today.

She wore the same simple robes that she often wore, standing there within the Temple. The Temple was ancient, built upon the homeworld of the Jedi, and a hallowed place filled with Light side energy after centuries of occupation by the Jedi. She stood where no doubt many hundreds of other Jedi had before her, and she took a moment to consider them and their work. Her mind turned to the future, and she began to wonder what work lay before her, Akacen, and even Master Remy. She pushed the thought out of her head and focused on the present, twiddling her thumbs and probing out with her mind to search for the Jedi Knight that would train her today.

 

[Master Maverick]

The morning light was glorious. After his success at reaching a higher point of enlightenment, the galaxy seemed to shine with new glow he was blind to. Everything seemed sharper and his connectedness with his surroundings was deeper than ever before. Ever since he got back to his room, he had been meditating. He wasn't tired at all, and as time went by he seemed to be doing less and less actual sleeping.

When the sun reached his eyes through the window in his room, he knew it was time for the continuation of their... 'his' training. Though he was training and learning with Saia, which he had no qualms about and actually enjoyed, he knew that this was for himself. Saia couldn't make him improve himself; it was all on him.

Walking through the corridors in the early morning proved much easier than most other times of the day. There were only a few Jedi up at this hour, all meditating and focused on their own tasks.

At the moment he wore his training clothes, not needing to impress anyone anymore, he wanted to be a bit more comfortable. At his quickened pace, he proceeded to the dining area to eat a quick breakfast, as he hadn't eaten in a while but surprising didn't feel that hungry. However, when he started eating he found that he almost couldn't stop; his appetite ravenous. He ate a bit slower than normal, taking in the senses and sights around him that he previously had looked over.

After about an hour he finally cleaned up after himself and walked slowly to the place his Master had told them to meet him at, all the while gazing about as though he had never stepped inside the Sage Halls before.

It took several minutes, but he finally reached his destination to find Saia there waiting. She looked a bit tired, but not unduly so. Only her yawn gave her away.

He approached slowly and silently, however he cleared his throat to announce his presence, though he was sure she had already sensed him. "Good morning Saia. How was your night?" He was a bit formal with his question. He didn't really mean to, but it just happened to come out that way.

He looked at her, a bit more closely than he ever had before. She seemed... different. He couldn't quite figure out why, but something had changed. He was almost entranced by her.

 

[Rev]

The Knight's night had been much like her Padawans, whether or not the three had known it or not. She had returned to her dormitory to fall into Meditation, often using it in place of sleep, as many Jedi had. She had risen from her meditation earlier in the morning than even Akacen, taking herself to the same dining room. Awakening to a cold fruit juice and high carbohydrate meal had long been her daily schedule, a schedule that was followed by personal morning training.

She had made a point for the morning to be focused on Lightsaber combat, specifically Form I. She had intentions of instructing her Padawans in just that today, hopefully a training session they would all enjoy. As her own blade cut into a training droid she turned to gaze at the clock, realizing she was running slightly late. With the grabbing of her loose, almost too large, white cloak she would head out of her training quarters.

The walk through the main hall had always been one to catch Aÿisha's eye. Her gaze fell on the many tablets and sketches that were almost hidden in the construction. Letting her sight fall onto what she had always thought to be the largest chandelier she'd ever seen, she'd take a turn at it and head towards a larger than normal training room. Upon stepping inside she was met by Saia and Akacen, a warm smile greeting them.

"Good morning."

She walked towards the furthest wall of the room, allowing her cloak to again drop from her body before setting it on a table. Her long, delicate fingers tracing over the fabric, then the durasteel from of the surface then finally leaving it to turn and face them both.

"How are each of you? Rested I hope?"

 

[Xyrael]

Saia smiled at Akacen, somehow feeling his eyes looking at her differently, almost appreciatively. She still enjoyed his company, his presence in the Force comforted her and soothed her, the expanse of her mind was often lonely and rational. He inspired an emotional response within her, something that she enjoyed feeling, something wholly different than what Matsu invoked. Matsu was more a tide of emotion that forced her to be rational, and delved into her own past. Akacen, thankfully, didn't pressure her to do so. She hoped some time she'd share what she had learned with him, or explore the thoughts together.

Then, for a brief moment, she remembered his own confided secret; the shame and yearning for something more than what his family believed him capable of. She smiled to herself as she peered beyond him and into his manifestation in the Force, he was more than they would ever give him credit for.

Master Remy ended the train of thought with her presence, though. Saia smiled up at the Knight, forcing her yawn to remain hidden and did not reveal her fatigue. She didn't mind a physical challenge, and being tired tested her in a way. "Of course, Master Remy. What do you have planned for us today?" she asked the question, referring to both her and her comrade Akacen as peers. She'd much rather train with him than alone, and she hoped to watch him today as she had when they first met.

 

[Master Maverick]

"Yes, of course," he replied a touch behind Saia, almost mimicking her. He turned away from Saia to face his Master, bowing slightly as he replied. It was habit more than anything to show his respect for the great Knights in the Order.

He waited silently as Saia's question summed it up quite nicely; he had nothing more to add and was eager to continue with his training.

 

[Rev]

Her ears took in the information her Padawans divulged, and her eyes took in the various sights that the room, and her Padawans had to offer. Saia's own dark hair and light eyes catching Aÿisha's attention. It was the yawn she hid that brought a smile to the Knights face, she'd be in for a long day without full night's rest.

Ignoring any thoughts of taking it easier on the two because of this her eyes fell onto Akacen. He seemed ready for the day, full of life, and simply satisfied with anything that was to come. The two had many likenesses, but were also far different from one another. A part of this training session that Remy had found enjoyable and exciting. Instead of answering Saia's question though, the Knight simply continued on.

"What type of Jedi do you wish to become?"

She let the broad question sit for a moment, letting either of them answer it if they felt the need to. She was curious to see what their answers would be before bringing the question down to a more direct one.

"One of combat? One who relies on the blade to stop their enemies? One who uses the Lightsaber to protect those that are in need? The way of the Guardian?"

She paused to let this sink in, maybe either of the two would jump out at the thought of wielding a blade like their Master. She would pause only long enough to allow either of the two to show interest, by the time they would answer, she'd move on.

"..or one who relies on their connection to the Force and world around them? One who controls the Force like great Jedi before us, like Grand Master Yoda or Jhon Cordatus of our order now. The path of a Jedi Consular."

At the close of her own words she looked at Saia, half expecting the girl to jump at the idea. Yet there was one more choice to be made, and perhaps one that fit her personality and abilities more. This choice was however up to her as well as Akacen, and a choice that rarely changed after being chosen.

"Or finally, the path of a Sentinel? Putting your focus neither into the Force nor the Blade, but both equally. A Jack-of-all-trades if you will.. Aspire to be the best that you can in pillars of the Jedi and a Sentinel may be who you are.."

Aÿisha finally walked towards the entrance of the room. Wondering if either of the two had known that Lightsaber training would soon follow. It would be a tough idea to grasp without any knowledge on the subject, but if either or both were prepared it could be a quick session. If both chose the path of Guardian however, there journey with the blade would only be just beginning.

 

[Xyrael]

The question was simple, and yet in its enormity perhaps the most complex question she'd found herself facing outside of a classroom. The question could be assumed to be asking her to decide her own fate, something which she had not though to consider before. This was a question which she had never pondered before, in fact the very notion of 'fields of specialization' within the Order seemed strange to her. Ultimately, the question asked her what she felt more attuned to: the blade, or the Force, or both.

She considered her answer deeply as she pondered it, thinking of what she had said previously, and thinking of those people in the past who had also been placed within such categories. She also considered for a moment what it meant to be a Guardian, a Consular, and a Sentinel. Each was expected to fulfill certain duties, and while Saia felt attuned with the Force and could manipulate it, she could feel in her heart that her destiny lay with the Sword, and with delivering justice and safety to those who were not afforded it.

"Master Remy, I believe that my destiny is with the Sword, as a Guardian, and a defender of the weak," she said with conviction in her voice, her cerulean eyes piercing confidently back into her Masters own. Though she had had only marginal practice with the sword, in sparring with Matsu and Akacen and a few other padawans, she felt the answer was somehow right. In the back of her mind she could see herself standing there, before the innocent, ready to lay down her life for the only cause she knew was worth dying for. The only cause that was worth living for.

 

[Master Maverick]

At her first question, he knew what was to come. Akacen didn't expect this choice to come so soon. However, time was not their ally, he knew, in the current state of the galaxy.

As Master Remy went through describing the Jedi, he knew that this path was not for him. At least not yet. While he had become increasingly fond of learning the ways of saber combat, it was not what he yearned to do, day in and day out. Yes, he had been practicing more now, evening out his time training and meditating, but still it was far from a hobby, though it had ceased to be a necessity.

He listened intently to the second option; the consular. He had long considered that this was his destiny. He desperately wanted to know all he could about the force and be able use it to bring harmony and balance back to the force. His eyes became alight at the idea, however he controlled his emotions. He waited for the third option.

Few famous Jedi had been sentinels. However, he would consider them to be a keystone sect of the Jedi. In a way, they connected the 2 extremes of the Jedi, and were a balance between them. More importantly; they were balanced. They didn't lean on one over the other; both were used to accomplish their needs.

He thought back to his first real-life experience in a battle situation; the 'field trip'. It had gone horribly awry and he risked his life, he knew, to get out of there and rescue Christian. During that, he only used his saber to deflect blaster bolts away from himself. Not once did he use it against one of the gran. He had felt that they were scared and confused and pitied them. That was when he first feared Chora, but respected her at the same time. Her use of the saber, though vicious, was precise and focused. This solidified in his mind that he did not want to follow the way of the guardian.

He considered, then, the sentinel. He had read about them, and who they were in the past. He knew that they were adept in technologies and stealth; 2 things Akacen himself was not particularly good at. Yes he could practice them, but he had practiced for 12 years of his life already. He had no desire to practically start over.

He had chosen, then, the life of a consular. Such things intrigued him immensely; he enjoyed learning about politics and would like to learn more about it. He enjoyed healing. He practiced it more than his telekinesis at this point. He felt at peace when meditating and effectively leaving his body and feeling the fascinating flow of the Force. And reading histories was something he did in his spare time, so he knew a bit about them. He felt this was a perfect fit for him.

Of course he knew that he would not be a 'strict' consular. He would still keep learning about saber combat; specifically Soresu and Makashi, as well as becoming a pilot. These, though, would be more like pastime than anything else.

By this point, Saia had already answered and there was a good minute of silence surrounding them. Finally he spoke up, "I wish to become a consular. I feel it is the best fit for me." He felt his answer was a bit bland compared to Saia's. He was almost self-conscious and even considered adding on to it. However, he didn't need to keep competing with Saia over something as trivial as word choice.

 

[Rev]

The answers the Knight heard, were almost the opposite she had expected from the two. She had expected Akacen to choose the path of a Guardian, and Saia the path of a Consular. The two both had a way of throwing curve balls at the Knight, something even now she was still getting used to. Looking at Saia the thought of the younger woman following in some way her own footsteps brought a smile to Aÿisha's face.

As she contemplated the idea of Akacen being a Consular she too allowed a grin to form. He would have troubles with this route, she was almost sure of it, but it would be a rewarding choice for the less than confident Jedi. Nodding at both of their answers she finally responded after allowing their answers to settle within their minds.

"Perhaps not the choices I would have expected of you both, but the choice is in your hands."

She laughed in a friendly way, her commenting on it only acting as a final, "Are you sure?" Reaching into her pocket, her hand grasped a collection of crystals before pulling them out. Within her hand were the various crystals used to create a Lightsaber. A range of colors shimmered from within her hand from light blues to dark greens, the only colors lacking being red, black, and white. The latter two not being there only due to their rarity.

"Then we move onto perhaps the most important part of your training thus far, yours in particular Saia.. The creation of a Lightsaber..."

She let the words float for a moment, unsure how the two would react to such a statement. It meant the two were getting closer to becoming Knights, something Aÿisha was sure both would accomplish with time.

"Choose a crystal color, there are colors that relate to specific Jedi duties, but few follow them. Blue is typically that of a Guardian, Green to a Consular."

Reaching to her hip with her free hand her own blade went to her palm like metal to a magnet. Then with a hiss the purple beam came to life, the soft hum filling the room.

"For instance, I choose a purple blade, yet am a Guardian."

With the familiar suction noise the beam of light dissipated into the base of the hilt. She'd clip it back to her waist then look to each of them.

"You must each create your Lightsaber, you have all the time you need to do so as it can be a taxing task. Any questions?"

 

[Xyrael]

Saia browsed through the crystals for a long moment, sensing each within the Force. Some called to her, others seemed void, but still she heeded Master Remy's remark, "What sort of lightsaber are we constructing, Master? Any of our own devising?" The question seemed strange, but Saia had spent time practicing with a variety of weapons to determine what 'felt best' to her. She had preferred an interesting weapon, half hilt and half saber, akin to a spear at six feet in length, but with a three foot haft and three foot blade. It was, in essence, a Nagamaki.

She wanted to know whether her deviant style would be permitted to be built, or if she should instead focus on a standard saber for her first real weapon. Her Masters advice meant much to her, as she was a Guardian, and someone Saia felt that she should aspire to be like.

 

[Master Maverick]

Akacen, like Saia, hovered his hands over the array of crystals held before him by his Master. He had dreamed of green blades, and was happy to find that the few that she had had a presence to him. They didn't necessarily call to him, but he felt something more from them than the others.

He listened to Saia's question and hoped they would be able to make the sabers of their own designs. He had been wanting to make 2 sabers, single-handed hilts and curved so he could implement his style of using Soresu and Makashi interchangeably easier than he had been previously practicing.

Because of this he added to her question. "Would it be acceptable for me to craft 2 sabers now? Or should I wait for a later time?"

 

[Rev]

Being unaware of the twos training in Lightsaber combat, she was surprised to hear each of their questions. Looking to Saia she gave the girl a long stare, wondering what the girl had in mind.

"What is it you wish to create, Saia?"

Crossing her arms she still firmly held the crystals within her hand. She had expected them to both jump on the idea of picking their own color, but it appeared neither of them were too intrigued by the offer. Looking to Akacen she paused for another moment.

"With little formal training, I would suggest to the each of you starting with a basic blade.. It will no doubt take on damage over time, and when you feel you are ready upgrade to the Lightsaber of your choice. Many of the forms are hard to replicate with two blades and simply require more skill.. A lightsaber is nothing to lack seriousness on, it can kill."

Uncrossing her arms she spoke to each of them.

"As you learn to use one standard blade, you will learn what works and what does not.. You will learn what you are skilled in, and where you lack that skill. A lightsaber is unlike any other weapon out there and requires hours of training to truly understand.. If you feel you are ready for such a step, I will not stop you.. Though you must know the risks of carrying a tool which wields such power."

 

[Master Maverick]

"I understand, Master." He bowed while saying this, feeling foolish for his assumptions and naivete.

She was more than right however. Though he had trained himself, it was nothing compared to that of formal training. He was still but a novice with the lightsaber, and he had let his head get a little big after sparring but a few times against other padawans.

"A single standard blade is more than enough. I would be grateful if you would teach me to build one." He bowed again while saying this, and when he rose, finishing the sentence, he looked into the eyes of his Master. He hoped she did not think less of him because of this. The doubt only started to pour into his mind when he halted it, and tried to empty his mind. Though it didn't work completely, it helped stem the negative thoughts that would have swirled around in his mind. He was progressing.

 

[Xyrael]

Saia reached out with her hand and felt the Force of the crystals in Master Remy's hand. The value of the crystals was not their color, but the way they called to her, she felt. Each was unique within the Force, and having a 'strong' bond with the weapon would no doubt benefit her. She found the crystals and the floated through the air and into her hand, clattering together softly as they nestled into her palm like eggs in a nest.

Instead of explaining to Master Remy what she envisioned, instead she projected an image into her mind. The saber was, for all intents and purposes, nearly identical to a regular sword. It retained the three foot blade, consistent with a standard lightsaber; but had an elongated hilt which added reach to the weapon at the sacrifice of close-in versatility. There were two flaws with making the weapon itself that she knew of, though. The first was that it would require a phrik hilt to protect it from being cut, it's exposed surface made it a much more likely target. The second was that she lacked formal training with such a weapon, and would no doubt need to stylize her own form to handle it instead of draw from an existing form.

Such a task would take much effort and would likely take years to Master. She opened her eyes after translating the image into Master Remy's mind, and was ready for her Master to insist she finish learning proper techniques behind a practical lightsaber before becoming stylistic. "I'll accept your advice," she bowed her head to the Knight, "regardless of what it is." She looked down at her hand, and into the three crystals there, and couldn't help but smile. They were violet, much like that which Master Remy's own saber utilized.

 

[Rev]

She smiled at Akacen, grateful for the Padawan's respect. As she listened to his words she couldn't help but sense the emotions and thoughts swirling from within. She'd quirk a brow at this, only hoping he'd understand that neither of them could fail her. It was the trainer who would fail the student in the end. Reaching outward she'd project her words into the boy's mind.

"You are strong in the Force, Akacen. Soon you will be ready for Jar'Kai.. Do not doubt your abilities, merely show what you are capable of.."

She'd smile before looking to Saia, her mind again reading her Padawan's and picking up the image she entailed. It was a unique design, one that Remy could understand, but was unsure of. It carried the presence of a Jedi tool, yet it appeared to lack the mobility of a traditional blade. It would require much training, one that a Guardian like herself would surely seek to learn.

"It would be wise to start with such a tool at the start of your training.. It will be a unique weapon, but I sense you have a great understanding of a training blade of it's sort?"

She smiled to the girl, wondering if she would accept the idea of utilizing her idea, or taking the safer route of one lone blade.

 

[Xyrael]

Saia nodded as she thought about which to construct. Learning how to utilize the blade she envisioned would be a difficult task - one better started sooner than later, she figured. She began to consider, though, the option of carrying another lightsaber. "Master Remy, why is it that most Jedi only carry one, or one set, of lightsabers? Why do they not carry backups, in case they're destroyed or lost during a fight?" She pondered the question for a moment, trying to determine whether or not it would be appropriate to construct an additional, more standard lightsaber as a 'just in case' weapon.

She turned to Akacen, a sense of eagerness building up within her. She had the wherewithal to not act upon the emotion, but she couldn't help but feel it. Anticipation - her first lightsaber would be constructed soon. She wondered if Master Remy would assist them, where they should go about the process, and a variety of other 'how do we do this' questions.

 

[Master Maverick]

He bowed in response to his Master's promise, sending back feelings to thanks and appreciativeness.

He was curious as to the answer to Saia's question as well. At seemingly the same time they looked at each other; just as anxious as he was at making his first blade, so was Saia. If not from the feeling she got from her then her face; her eyes wide but focused and shining with intensity.

He looked back at Ayisha for the answer. Though he had no desire to build more than one standard blade at the moment, he waited for the answer curious nonetheless.

 

[Rev]

This was a question that Remy could have expected from either of the Padawans. Through her own experiences she had learned the importance of carrying one blade over that of multiple; the connection.

"The Lightsaber is connected to its Jedi.. It is a laborious task to go through making one, to do two at once would be even more taxing on the mind as well as the body. It requires focus to create a tool of the Jedi.. If off even the slightest it can become a deadly grenade in the activator's hands.."

She looked at each of them for equally long moments.

"If your focus is off even the slightest, it can kill you. If you're lucky your body would only be stricken with minimal harm, a loss of a limb or appendage.. Perhaps fortune would go in your way and no harm, but focusing such attention and detail to two blades at one time may prove on to be off, if not both.. If you were to focus you could do two at once I suppose.."

She paused at that to continue more on the subject of the Jedi and his or her blade.

"Those who spend time on their own lightsaber have a greater connection with it.. The crystals within flow with the Force, and just as you can connect with one another, so can the crystals. Some Jedi have won battles against much more powerful foes simply because of their stronger connection to their blade."

She paused to look at them both.

"If you wish to attempt two, I shall not stop you.. Just remember, this is your first blade, and as you learn from this one, ones in the future will become easier and mean more to you... Though none will be as sentimental as the first. I assure you that."

 

[Master Maverick]

"I understand Master." He bowed his head slightly.

He knew he had said little as of yet, and while he had already stated that he would make one standard blade, he felt as though he needed to bring them back on course.

"One standard blade will suffice for me. Are we to make them now?" Now the anxiety started to rise. It was time to have his first real blade, to have and keep forever.

With that he looked at Ayisha's now closed hand (sorry I don't know if did or not...) in such a way as to motion that he would like to see the crystals again and pick the one that suited him the best.

 

[Xyrael]

Saia's own excitement had flooded out the desire to yawn firmly - for the moment. She anticipated Master Remy's response to Akacen's question - where they to return to their rooms or to a chamber conducive of meditation to commit to the process of constructing a lightsaber? Where they to do so here, now, within the presence of each other? Or would Master Remy guide them and show them step-by-step the process?