At a Glance

[Baalagor]

It felt as if years had passed. A number of things had occurred in Syala's life, and thought it oftentimes seemed as if more time should have passed, some days she had to remind herself of all that had transpired. That she held any sort of rank within the Order was still something a bit difficult to fathom, but a Knight she was. Not only that, but she had her own apprentice now as well, one who was four years her elder no less. That she was considered suitable to be anyone's teacher still took some adjustment. After all, under most circumstances she would still be considered a learner herself. But fate and the Force had their own idea of how things were to transpire, and so here she stood, resolved to be the best Jedi she could with what cards she had been dealt thus far.

Those cards inevitably included her being blinded and scarred by a Sith Lord, though recently she found herself holding less and less regret and resentment towards what most would consider a disability. It was much better to look towards the future and what will eventually be accomplished rather than dwell on the past and all that could have been prevented. It was something she had learned to live with, and in her mind a factor that had only helped to further increase her ability. Now it seemed she could see clearer than she ever had before, having clearer vision of not only what she was capable of, but what her fellow Jedi and any being that inhabited the galaxy could accomplish as well. Sometimes small blessings were disguised within greater tragedies. This just happened to be one of them.

One aspect of the hand dealt she wished to change was her relative disconnect with her Master as of late. The two hadn't truly conversed since the events of Belgaroth, and both were fully aware that they had much to catch up on and even more to learn from each other. For her own part she wished to not only fill him in on what had been missed in her life, but to learn as they so often did in their time together. There was always a lesson to be learned, whether of the more physical or ethereal sort remained to be seen. One thing she knew for certain was that their time spent together would be more than worthwhile, as it always was. A bond stronger than many had been forged between them, and it was one thing that remained consistent no matter where each found themselves.

That same bond had communicated some of his thoughts and feelings in a manner she had deemed unintentional. On Ziost she had felt his loss, though she didn't dare speak of it upon his return, knowing he needed time to grieve personally before any of those feelings were brought to light. There had been a burgeoning connected formed as well, with another that she could sense was like him beneath the surface. Still she deigned not to bring it up. Time may not have healed all wounds, but it was always best to allow others to reconcile these thoughts and feelings on their own and perhaps learn to express them constructively beforehand. Now came the day when all that had transpired would be brought to the surface, for better or worse.

By the lake she waited, the same lake by which their journey as Master and Padawan had truly begun, where each had learned of the other's greatest strengths and weaknesses while finding ways to build them up so that none might bring them harm. It was where she had meditated in times alone, where she had learned to come to terms with her sightlessness, where she had first witnessed the vision that had led her to her Master in the first place. And now once again it was where they would reconvene, where secrets would be shared and thoughts few others were privy to would be put into words so that they might work through their difficulties together. At a glance the two were nothing more than another teacher and student. But beneath the surface they were much, much more.

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Down by the lake was where it all began. The stumps of old trees were still there, perfect for jumping off or finding balance on. The mountains still rose into the blood-orange sky. The lake itself peacefully swept along across the land, beside the short grass bank which was dry and ran for miles, dotted with trees either side. The Temple loomed behind, overlooking all of its subjects.

It was a real shame that Sy wouldn’t see them again, and Connor couldn’t help but sigh as he saw he standing there.

What was she looking at? Stupid question – the blindness meant she was looking at darkness. Bleak and empty. However, Sy had a way of looking through the dark into the light and saw the good and hope in everything and everyone. She was a remarkable Jedi and a wonderful person – humbling to be around and inspirational to listen to.

If there was some solace Connor could take from her, it was that he had been able to try and guide her to where she was now. Unlike Chastity.

He pushed the failed Padawan out of his head as he came closer. He knew she’d have felt him yards away and so he didn’t try to scare her, make her jump. Connor simply stopped behind her, rested his hands on her shoulders and kissed the back of her head.

”Beautiful, isn’t it.”

In reference to their surroundings, because she wouldn’t have forgotten a thing about how it looked.

[member="Syala Daivik"]

 

[Baalagor]

What tension had been held in her muscles relaxed just as soon as the weight of his hands rested on her shoulders, all idle thoughts extinguishing once Syala had been able to sense his approach. Almost instantly her attention focused entirely on him and all that was discernable via the Force and otherwise. Body language was a useful tool, even if she was unable to visually detect such a thing. There was a certain manner about him, one that almost always hinted at tales untold, whether of the pleasant sort or something far more sinister. It was present only in the most subtle manner, evident more so through his presence in the ethereal than anything explicit in the physical realm.

They had always shared that connection, that spark of simple knowing that spanned whatever distance happened to separate them. Up close like this it was only strengthened, and the both of them knew the limits and capabilities such a bond afforded them. Which in turn meant he was fully aware that she had immediately sensed anything that seemed explicitly different or varied. That discussion would be held in time, and she knew it wouldn't be an easy one. But now she would merely enjoy being in his presence, that feeling of simple belonging washing over her as it always did whenever the two were close like this. It was that shared understanding which kept them so tightly knit.

"It is, both physically and spiritually." No detail had been forgotten, and in her mind's eye she could still clearly picture a serene lakeside scene much like the one that was no doubt before her now. To return here after all that had happened was an entirely bittersweet affair. With her surroundings came memories of far simpler times, before she had even so much as considered what her place would be in the fight against the Sith. Upon her return to this same venue the decision had been made for her, and now she was resolved to take an offensive that her younger self would have shied away from. Such was the nature of the passage of time and all the trials and tribulations it held.

Reaching up she rested her hands on top of his, her touch firm yet featherlight all at once. As always that physical and mental connection spoke for them for the first few moments, their auras mingling in a manner not many could claim to share. The cool air coming off the lake was refreshing, and she breathed it in, this time with a newfound respect for all the wonders this little piece of her world held so carefully in its embrace. "I don't think we've been here in months. I missed you, and this." To wholly bare one's soul to another was a chance rarely taken, but an endeavor she faced unflinchingly when it came to the two of them. It was an effort she didn't have to fear.

"I have an apprentice now. Ironically enough he was brought to me through a vision as well, and during one of his later precognitions saw this very same lakeside. He's going to make a fantastic Jedi, and already he's on his way to becoming one. I'm certain it won't take long for him to achieve Knight." Just as she had done, she knew the student she had taken on would be quick to pass through the ranks. And she endeavored to allow him to, when the time was right, not wishing to hold him back from flourishing further. "I've still not entirely adjusted to the thought of mentoring another, but I suppose that will have to come in time." Gently she squeezed his hands. "What of yourself?"

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

It was clear he had missed her. He held his hands on her shoulders as she spoke to him; maybe it was a way of feeling close to her or maybe it was a way of physically protecting her. It was too late now, after he encounter with the Sith, but whilst he was around her at least he could do more than what he had. Under his touch nobody could take her and she couldn’t be led into the jaws of danger again.

”I know of your apprentice and it doesn’t surprise me. Come now, Sy, I always told you that you’re wise beyond your years. We can all learn something from your outlook and understanding of the Force and world we live in. Your apprentice is very lucky to have you.”

He started to gently rub his thumbs on the crest of her shoulder blades.

”What of me? Well – so far I failed a new Padawan and she was kidnapped by Taung slavers who is now in the holding cells corrupted by the Dark Side, and I failed to help the Silver Sanctum to hold Ziost. Um, I think that’s it…OH and I failed to confront Sage Bane because he bested me and let me nearly drown.”

Wrapping an arm around her he shook her gently.

”You know, the usual Connor Harrison mess.”

There was a peace around Sy he fed from, and he didn’t want to let her go now he had her. The arm across her chest was more protection from anything else. And her blindness was a disability that wasn’t stopping her in the slightest, but Connor didn’t understand how it was easy to overcome, and he was her only defense against the real horrors she wouldn’t see.

”Seriously, Sy – how do you do it? How do you maintain such a positive outlook? If I were you…I don’t know what or where I’d be now.”

[member="Syala Daivik"]

 

[Baalagor]

I keep spamming you with songs in every thread.

A thoughtful silence blossomed between them as Syala took time to truly consider every aspect of what he had said with a careful mind. There was much to process and even more to consider, but she would work through everything with him step-by-step as he did with her. It was only fair that she offer him that same patience and understanding, but this was how things had been from the start. A mutual trust had grown between them, and sometimes it seemed that each was the teacher just as much as the student, but that only made things far more worthwhile. Both of them had grown and continued to do so through this mutual experience of apprenticeship. And that was what made them so unique.

The first issue to contend with would be, once again, his own self-doubt and uncertainty of what ability he held within his grasp. It didn't matter where she was or what thoughts were currently plaguing her, she would always reassure him. Now was no different. "You've failed no one." With that she slowly turned to face him, taking his hands in hers and holding them firmly, looking up into his eyes as if she were sighted. "Anyone can be saved from the dark, you know that as well as I. There comes a time when each of us must face that darkness, and we always have to be ready for it. You can help her through this, just like you helped me." A shake of her head was her only retort to the mention of Sage. "And him...he doesn't matter. He will face us in time. Together, as one."

When he pointed out how lucky her apprentice was she merely shrugged. "I'm not sure if I entirely agree, but then I suppose that's because I've never considered myself extraordinarily gifted. I merely do what I believe is right with the time I have, and try to help others along the way so that they might become something great as well. If that makes me an amazing individual, then that just shows that the rest of the galaxy, those of them that aren't doing their part like the Silvers, should reevaluate themselves." A slight smile. "Believe me when I say that I don't truly understand anything. What I do is take the knowledge that I have gleaned and try to turn it into something more. That's a skill all of us utilize at some point in our lives."

Once again that silence hung in the air, a quiet sigh passing her lips, followed by a small laugh. "Would it be too terrible if I told you that I'm not exactly certain myself? I'm not going to deny that it's been difficult, and in the first few weeks afterwards I wasn't sure how I would manage both adapting to my blindness and continuing to serve the Order as a Knight. I wasn't sure if it was something I was meant to do, because it felt like I failed after Belgaroth. Like I couldn't live up to everyone's expectations of me. But I remembered what you told me, how you always assure me that I was meant to walk this path. And I know you're far from one to say something without meaning it, and I took those words to heart. I'm still a Jedi. I'm still me."

That smile shifted just slightly. "Rest assured I'm still just as capable as I was before. I would be willing to test that, however. That is, if you'll accept my challenge. I don't know how it would sound, you being beaten by your own apprentice, her being blind nonetheless. But I suppose I wouldn't have to live with it." For all of her seriousness, she really was capable of being entirely carefree when she chose.

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Connor took her arm, instantly, leading her without natural sight, to walk by the lake. He, of course, on the bank so she wouldn’t fall in if she took a funny step. He watched the ground pass under them, and glanced up to see the weightless clouds sweep over the mountains in the distance as Sy talked.

”I will embrace that darkness one day Sy, but for the greater good. Not turn to the Sith, but to fight them. I’ve spent years understanding how they operate, what their mind is set on and what drives them. I told you, we can only defeat them by...understanding them.”

He nearly said becoming, but that was a dangerous slip.

And then, as usual, she made him loll his head back and sigh playfully at the thought of her doubt.

”If you failed after Belgorath, you wouldn’t be here now. You’ve returned, you got back to normality as best you could and you’ve taken to helping others learn and develop. You’ve conquered anything that tries to knock you down, so tell me how is THAT failing?”

Connor shook his head and patted her hand.

”You ARE still you. And stay you. Don’t change. And, don’t try to think you can get one up on me by being blind, of course I accept your challenge. It’s been too long since I’ve shown you all the errors of your ways.”

He smiled to himself and stopped.

”I can even wear a blindfold to make it easier for you.”

[member="Syala Daivik"]

 

[Baalagor]

A firm shake of her head. "You needn't embrace anything. I won't say that the darkness is something to be entirely avoided, because I know that you utilize it yourself in order to fight the Sith. But there isn't a need to succumb to it completely. It's true that the wisest choice sometimes is to fight fire with fire, but that isn't always the case, something you know just as well as I. Regardless of whether you agree or not, you don't need to give yourself over to the dark just to fight the evil in the galaxy. Not when there are other methods available." Her voice was firm with a scholarly edge to it, similar to how she would speak to her own apprentice. "The Silver Shadows that we're both a part of make certain of that." They were the elite for a reason.

When he took her arm Syala didn't resist the helpful gesture despite it being a relatively needless one, given that she was perfectly capable of navigating by herself. But it was his own way of protecting her, and she wouldn't deny him that chance, given the feelings she knew he still harbored after what had happened on Belgaroth. "Once again you've proven yourself correct." The slight smile that spread across her lips took the edge off that statement. In truth she meant it entirely lightheartedly. She wouldn't wish anything but the best for him in his life, no matter the struggles faced and conquered. Gently she squeezed his hand in return, showing only appreciation for the uplifting words he had to say.

"I would, however, be careful with what you say about change." Her smile became a touch more gentle around the edges. "It's a necessary thing if we're to adapt to what new environments we may find ourselves in. If there was no change, then the Silver Jedi wouldn't be here in the first place. Sometimes we must change if we hope to survive what threats the galaxy has to offer. Change is the reason I've managed to adjust to being blind, and the reason why you're able to continue on the path of light while still walking that grey line." He always had that effect on her, causing her to think deeply and process all that he said on a level that went further than the mere surface meaning of his words.

Of course, he had to be sure to return her teasing commentary with some of his own, and she laughed quietly. "You shouldn't underestimate your opponent, either. I may be blind, but I can still see clearer than you." Metaphorically, of course, but it was sight all the same. It presented her an edge over others, however small, and one she used to her own advantage. "Besides, I don't think we've had an opportunity to spar since I was first a Padawan beneath you. This will be a chance to see just how much has changed between us in the time between. I would be careful as to just what you think." That was half-serious at best, with some comments meant more literally while others were entirely lighthearted in nature.

Reaching down she palmed her lightsaber, thumbing the switch and igniting the turquoise blade. "It would be an altogether unfair advantage to myself if you were blindfolded. I wouldn't want you to hurt yourself needlessly, after all." She raised an eyebrow and smiled, only adding to the challenge she had offered previously. With a flick of the wrist she spun the weapon fluidly twice, her feet sliding apart as she took some semblance of the Soresu opening stance. "I think you mean it's been too long since I've shown you the error of yours." Another quiet chuckle. "If it eases your conscience any, I'll even allow you to get the first strike in. It's only fair, after all, wouldn't you agree?"

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

”What you make up for in lack of sight, is your ability to talk and talk and talk. You do talk too much Syala Daivik.”

He smiled and walked around her, watching her fluid movement with the lightsaber, moving from the bank of the lake. Oh it’d be funny to try and get her in there – wet from head to toe and proof she still had much to learn. Was she over-confident? No, just putting all her faith in her ability which wasn’t a bad thing.

Smiling to himself, Connor cracked his fingers and took the hilt of his weapon in his hand, letting it roll in his palm, and thumbing the ignition with a snap-hiss of blue energy. Two blades humming. He knew she wasn’t looking now where he expected with her line of sight. She was using the Force to feel all around, and to know his place in it.

Well, if he kept his bond with her secure, he could try to BE one with her, not allowing his presence to be identifiable between her own.

”Let me see you adapt then, and give me what you’ve got.”

He held his blade outwards, watching her, as if waiting for the other to make a move. He hesitated twice in moving as it just didn’t feel right, naturally, to try and hit a blind girl, let alone a former Padawan. But she was brimming with eagerness and calm; so be it.

As if waiting for a starters pistol, the signal to go sounded in Connor’s head and he swung the blade over from right to left, fully expecting a retort and then a flurry of blocks he would work on to push her back.

[member="Syala Daivik"]

 

[Baalagor]

"I would rather talk too much than not enough. I am a Consular first and foremost, after all, Connor Harrison." Her head inclined slightly with an almost daring smile, as if she could inherently sense his intentions. And perhaps Syala was able to, in a way, given their bond. It was true that she often did talk more than was appropriate, but that was only because he prompted her to have a lot to say by belittling himself first. That was one surefire method to spark her to give a number of long-winded speeches about just what it meant to be a Jedi and how the Force itself was on his side in assisting him to do well no matter what path he chose. Nine times out of ten it was his prompting that got her started, but there was no doubt he knew that.

The moment his lightsaber ignited her senses snapped into overdrive, each one of them acutely aware of and finely tuned on his exact location in relation to herself. With the innate familiarity of his presence she was perfectly aware of the minute discrepancies that set him apart from the energy that permeated the planet itself. The only thing that would stop her from sensing him would be the complete erasure of his presence itself. "I'm a Shadow. If I was unable to adapt, then there would be an issue. You are the one who trained me, after all." Once again she was building him up no matter the scenario, something he was likely expecting with how well he knew her. The two of them were one in the same.

Once his blade lashed out hers raised instantaneously, not in a block but rather a parry and a swift repartee that took the shape of a similar pair of swift strikes from right to left and then left to right before she slid back and to the side, stepping away from the bank of the lake and effectively putting his back to it, should the strategy function properly. In comparison to how she had fought as a Padawan and again as a Knight against the Sith she had certainly improved, even the defensive style of Soresu taking on a more offensive edge when she so chose. Perhaps eventually she would properly ask him to train her in a more appropriate form for taking the upper hand in combat, but until then she would improvise.

"Not quite the same individual you faced before, hm?" She spun the blade a second and third time, carefully noting where and how the Force gathered in each of his muscles. Such a method granted her an ability to almost always detect exactly when and where someone would attack in a manner that utilized both the ethereal and natural realms seamlessly. "I've had my fair share of opportunities to improve since we last crossed paths in such a manner. Fighting a Sith and then training as a Shadow grant plenty of chances to improve one's finesse in combat." Always she would be a passive sort of Jedi, but that didn't change her ultimate will to defend herself and others from those evils that inhabited the galaxy.

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Well he under-estimated her for a start. She deftly moved through his blade and ended up with HIS back to the lake – one move and he would be in. With a little wobble and now aware of his situation, watching her blade move quickly past his, Connor smiled.

”Well look at you all confident and in touch with things.”

Side stepping to her right, he held the blade out forward to keep her at bay, before bringing it back to his side and moving to work on her midsection, requiring greater extension of the arms to block each hit and garner strength to hit back.

The pair didn’t dance back and forward, but managed to keep a firm footing against the backdrop of the far mountains. Was he holding back? No, but he wasn’t out to hurt or prove a point, it was just nice to engage with Sy again and for her to show HIM how right he was in having so much faith in her.

Pulling back quickly, Connor span low and stretched out his foot with a hard kick aimed at the back of her knee to send her down, to see if she would predict that low sweep and how she fared. It was true however, the way he moved and held her blade, she didn’t once need sight to do it.

[member="Syala Daivik"]

 

[Baalagor]

"I've learned from the best." The repartee was just as swift and concise as the defense she wove, turquoise spinning deftly about her in a web of defense comprised entirely of plasma. Most considered it an inept style for prolonged combat, but it was in scenarios such as these that its true usefulness shone through. It was better to allow one's opponent to expend their energy in needlessly aggressive strikes first, settling for parrying or simply defending until an opening presented itself that could be effortlessly exploited. But that strategy wasn't always useful, her blind eyes and the scarred tissue surrounding them proving testament to that. But such an occurrence hadn't drastically altered her outlook by any means.

There was a moment where his blade swept a hair's breadth too close for her comfort, and in that second of almost contact she knew it wasn't on a training setting. A discovery in that realm would have driven her younger self away from the fight entirely, but as it was it only spurred her to be better and made her all the more determined to do all that she could in order to remain on equal standing. Never once did she falter or hesitate, though her method of going about the intricacies of battle were altered from what most were used to seeing. No doubt he would be able to read her even then. "You should watch yourself, Master. Wouldn't want the others to hear about this." But then, maybe she had spoken too soon.

His next move was one she hadn't had time to prepare adequately for, but even as her leg crumpled beneath her she resolved to turn this momentary weakness into an advantage. Being rudimentarily trained in the Echani martial arts of her heritage she lashed out in a low kick meant to hook around the back of his leg and unbalance him. Just as quickly she was back on her feet, taking a moment of recompense to distance herself and replenish some of her reserves naturally, drawing on the Force in order to compensate the adrenaline humming through her slight form. It wouldn't do good to allow herself to be ruled entirely by instinct, even if that could be the wiser course of action.

Her breathing slowly leveled, and she once again took on the unassuming stance of the form she favored, looking directly at him even for all of her sightlessness. "I urge you not to hold back for my own sake. I've already learned the consequences such danger can inflict, and I don't want to shy from them any longer. I want to become stronger." Not just physically, but stronger nonetheless. It was only natural that he restrain himself with her, and it wasn't to say that she didn't appreciate his caring, but she knew there was a time for her to learn the hard way, even if that had already transpired in some instances. Again she bridged the ethereal gap between them, instilling a sense of confidence.

[member="Connor Harrison"]