Star Wars Roleplay: Chaos

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Fangs of Gwahler

Emberlene's Daughter, The Jedi Generalist
[member="Mariya Fleischer"]

"Liste children to a story that was written long ago." Her voice came out speaking to the younglings. THe wizened old master some might have thought but in truth she was only pushing sixty years of age in a galaxy where some didn't really start life until well in their one hundred and fiftyith year for a human without the force.... those ones were strange but she could make it work sitting there with them and reading the tales from the abridged stories of Tionne that had been taken from her ballads about the ancient jedi themselves. Matsu had found herself enjoying the times reading with the children at the temple. It wasn't the silver rest, this was the original jedi temple that had been constructed and then taken over and reclaimed by the jedi years ago.

Selena had helped, ben watts, Je'gan.... old faces she could remember and while they might have varied opinions of her she respected each of them because sadly two things could be true at the same time. She could disagree and respect people.... at least now... maturity was a nice thing to have after a time. Slowly she turned the page revealing more of the tale and her words came out reading the tales. The scents of the ancient and massive forest around them, the trees towering up and thick branches making the surface of where the temple had been constructed. The branches hollowed in places to allow them to make rooms and travel through. Resin to secure it and the temple itself looked almost like it was parts of the trees themselves.

The wooden stone... there was nothing else to realy call it was treated for the weather, brown and black shades as grooves were carved into the smooth surface where small sonic emitters were placed to repel predators. THe jedi without the temple were different as well, silver and black robes, long flowing capes... mostly atrisian and local wookiee's from across the planet. A dozen different dialects and sounds coming as well as trade languages, they worked in a sort of hub for information gathering that Sasori had sought to foster rather then isolate them away from the wookiees at the base of the massive trees where they were vulnerable to any number of creatures from the shadowlands.

THe younglings were also a different sort, they didn't look different, they didn't look out of place. The temple itself was self contained using the living modules and technologies that had been developed allowig it to create its own food, water and resources while training its students... which was another important aspects as small towers were spread through out with taozin larva creating a dead zone of force sensing on the planet. Jedi could peer through it with meditation but most would ignore it and being within it few noticed it beyond it being harder to sense others within the area.. mental powers could still work. She was finishing up the story and as the children got up from where she was the jedi master held her cane.

She didn't fully require it... in fact she could fly for lack of a better terma nd she could move around easily... but Maple had given it to her, had spent the time to make it for her and it was quite nice with a saber built into it. Much like her parasol that she had or her swords... force enhancing it was only going to make it stronger as the jedi master smiled offering them the book of stories and sending them off. Above the High plane of heaven could be seen and the visiting yamatai station. Both massive mobile academies. She moved towards some of the chambers and entered allowing the air to shift. A coolness that wasn't outside from the regulators and circulation. Robes were being worked on my different artisan's, articles of clothing and equipment.

"How fairs your work?" She asked some of the younger jedi who were practicing to become artisan's and aside from making lightsabers they were making the robes with the force enhancing loom. "We are doing well master Ike, the robes should be done soon." She said it with a nod of her head, the silvery white vine silk was beautiful and they had the means to produce it as needed. A rare material that only a few planets could have the optimal means to make.... and Sasori had worked for years to well get business on those planets... cornering the market and they had bolts that could be sold for any number of things.... it could practically fund most of the jedi order with the price for a year or two depending.

"That is good to hear I will return but there are new students and you never know who is going to be among them." A smile played on her face and standing there as she walked holdign the cane to lean on lazily for a moment the shorter jedi master was generally towered over in statue but few could match her skills with the force as she stood there. Wearing the Kimono, a dark purple skylar and dream silk with aurabesh script, aurodium threading throughout and the pontite with solari crystals mde her a beacon of calm energies that radiated outwards for all to sense. Her black hair, thick and solid with small braids that had interwoven crystal bells that jingled as she walked. Lightly without much of a sound but it announced her as opposed to her slippered feet that were comfortable.

The oil within her hair making it shine and the multi colored crystals stuck out even more as her skin was pale but not sickly.. just what happens when you might not ever be exposed to the sun.... which wasn't the case but she could be outside for a month without the sun going down and at best she might get a little color for a day or two but then it would go back to being pale. Her tattoo's from times as a jedi investigator concealed, her scars from being a shadow and jedi fighter... her long years... decades of training that marked her as one of the more dedicated albiet she never tried to talk about it. The jedi master stood there as she looked at the ships arriving with potential jedi from across the galaxy.
 
She moves like she don't care
Patience was never her virtue, something which she had knew for many years but struggled with. It showed whenever she did her meditation exercises, her patience running thin by midway and the remaining sessions felt like they would never end. In the past, she had the company of her fellow Je'daii Order members to encourage each other to sit through the meditation. It made things easier, but the fall of the Order was a blow to her fledgling training. At times she felt like giving up, but the Force always seemed to nudge her to stick with the meditation routine.

At last, it was time for her to open her eyes. Mariya blinked and stretched herself, getting up from the floor mat and poured herself a cup of tea. She had gotten used to traveling long distances by now, her initial journey to seek out the Je'daii Order at faraway Aurum setting the tone of how such travels would entail. Her next trip was to Kashyyyk, home of the Silver Jedi to seek out a new master. The Jedi were welcoming to her presence and agreed to guide her despite her adulthood. They told her to seek out a certain [member="Matsu Ike"], the famous artisan who had created countless artifacts and items for the Jedi. A location was given to her, an ancient Jedi Temple hidden deep within the forests which needed the help of a speeder and extra legwork.

She got out of the simple room that the Silver Order had provide all Padawans with, dressed in her own Je'daii robes with a sling bag for personal belongings. A quick visit to the transport section to borrow a speeder and head out into the forests. The shadowlands lurked below her, hidden with dangers that she wisely avoided after hearing horrible tales of creatures ripping up unsuspecting travelers. She accelerated the engines to urge her speeder forward, trying to identify the right location to land. The thick foliage proved tricky but she was thankful for her Force sensitivity to enhance her vision, allowing her to spot a cleverly designed landing zone built next to the forest scenery.

"You may pass," the watchmen on duty at the guard towers acknowledged her presence and holstered their weaponry, allowing her to land safely at the landing pad behind them. From there, it was a long walk to the main temple grounds. Countless sights greeted her, mostly unfamiliar and alien as the artisans worked on their crafts. Mariya wanted to stay and look at them, but she had to force herself to move along. There was more than enough time to explore the temple if she was going to stay with the Silver Jedi. She asked a passing worker where the Jedi master was and was given directions to head towards the workshop. By the time she reached, Mariya was already perspiring with sweat from the humidity of the forest.

A lone short figure holding a walking cane stood out among the rest of the craftsmen. Mastu Ike carried a culture that was different and beautiful in its own way, with the kimono standing out the most when Mariya approached and bowed respectfully. "Master Ike? I was told to seek you out. My name is Mariya Fleischer." Emerald eyes caught the face of a woman who appeared younger than her advanced age, making the blonde secretly wondering how the feat was achieved.
 
Emberlene's Daughter, The Jedi Generalist
[member="Mariya Fleischer"]

THe jedi master had been alerted by some of the watchmen... they were much like temple guards always there to see but she wasn't one to worry about it. A new jedi here was not new.... that she approached the master was interesting and Matsu peered up at her with her darker eyes. Black pools almost from her pale face but there was humor and love in them. She enjoyed seeing and meeting new jedi... not knowing who the girl was for now at least. So a smile appeared on her face and light was in her eyes, thin at first.. then showing white teeth and she rose up to meet her. "Welcome padawan." A look but she motioned to one of the smaller areas for sitting around and looking over the forests.

She led the way towards a small set of chairs, dark wood with iron weaved around them, crystal ornately gleaming in aurobesh as it could make a warm and welcoming seat. Taking one of the chairs the jedi master held a hand over the small table and the sound of the karra processor came with a scanner as slowly a cup appeared with tea and then a second. The karra had been a find with their molecular construction technology. She leaned a little back taking a sip as she focused convection from a finger to heat the tea quickly. "What is on your mind padawan Fleischer? I may be busy but I always have time to meet with inquiring young minds."
 
She moves like she don't care
The blonde was slightly taken aback from [member="Matsu Ike"]'s youthful appearance, but recovered quickly to smile back. Looks aside, she was definitely the Jedi master whom she was asked to look for and followed behind the Atrisian woman. The two of them took a slow stroll along the corridor, reaching towards one of the tea ceremony rooms. The door slid open, revealing a set of well made but worn looking furniture made of dark wood and crystals. The seat was surprisingly comfortable despite the age, a sign of mastery workmanship from the carpenters of long ago. There was no sign of any beverages, but an unusual looking karra appeared with two cups of tea. The furniture was something worth admiring, but the processor made of molecular construction was something that took Mariya by surprise.

"Wow..."

She could barely keep her amazement when the processor disappeared from their eyes, pretty sure that her surprise was noted by Matsu Ike who was probably used to such reaction from newcomers. The tea leaves were left in the cups and soaked in cold water, not exactly something which one would do when serving tea. Again the Jedi master surprised her by the way she heated up the beverages, casually pointing at the porcelain with a mere finger. Sure enough, steam began to rise from the cup to indicate the temperature had changed within seconds. She picked up the cup and sipped on the soothing warm beverage, trying her best to calm herself down from all the marvelous things she had been seeing so far.

"Ummm... can I say wow again? Wow. Sorry, I can't help myself. Never seen such technology or tea boiling technique before," Mariya said with a grin. "This is really awesome."

The Jedi master was patient with the newbie in front of her, letting Mariya some time to form an answer to her question.

"I was told to seek you out," the blonde said, explaining to Matsu the journey that had previously taken her to Aurum and now to Kashyyyk. She spoke about the Je'daii Order and the concept of the Great Journey, skipping over the details when it was clear that Mastu knew about the Order already. Perhaps the Jedi master had studied about them or visited Aurum before.

"So there are nine trials in total. I have completed Akar Kesh and Kaleth, but seven remained and I seek answers to them."

Mariya was pretty sure Matsu Ike knew about the remaining seven trials, judging from her previous response.
 
Emberlene's Daughter, The Jedi Generalist
[member="Mariya Fleischer"]

THe jedi master was listening to her and where they could check it out.. the girl seemed impressed as she discussed what she had been doing and what she had been going through in her great journey. THe jedi master bowed her head to it and she knew most of the steps, she had gone across it and.... "I see, I have takent he journey. Asha was someone the jedi knew and talented. Tython housed a few je'daii still or ones who wanted to follow their ways." SHe had traveled around on TYthon and preformed it... granted compared to many she had chosen this path.. she had chosen to bask in the light. "I traveled the journey on Tython... it was something quite exciting."

There was a smile on her face and with the tea for the two of them the jedi master leaned back a little. "So if we do this... take the journey for you... there is a great deal to prepare for." She said it though and had a wider grin on her face finishing her tea and standing up. "Now lets see what we can get for you... something nice and comfortable." She moved around tghe room and there was more as she held up a hand and the chevron glowed. A small half glove for her palm that had a holodisplay but it activated most of the systems around the temple. Displays appearing with hardlight holograms to show supplies she could shift around.

THe jedi master had her pack where she was checking it out and held a hand up bringing some of the information as she presented it. "One of the first things is... your equipment. Now we have a field kit, rations, brazier for camping out, a blind to sleep in and all of it is portable." SHe was checking out more... "Hmmm one of the things will be helping you fashion something of your own." THe jedi master turned back and looked at her with raised eyebrows for the moment. "Now we have a great deal of supplies here that you could use. Simply tell me what it is you would like to make." Her hand came up and she was offering the screen for the girl to use.
 
She moves like she don't care
The blonde was nodding her head when [member="Matsu Ike"] mentioned about her own experience with the Je'daii Order, realising that the advice to seek out this Jedi master was not a coincidence. There were many Jedi Padawans in the academy, but most of them preferred to following the teachings of the Silver Jedi and its lessons. Similarly, most of the Jedi Knights and Masters preferred to stick with the tried and tested ways of the Jedi and some were not particularly keen to subscribe to her notion of the Force being neutral. To do that would mean to accept the usage of the Dark Side, viewed as a risky move. Thankfully, Master Matsu Ike seemed keen to help her. A pleasant surprise, one that Mariya was glad to receive.

"I appreciate your kind offering, Master Ike," she finished her tea and she stood up, offering a bow to the shorter woman out of respect. Her eyes gazed at the hologram display in the Atrisian's palm, seeing multiple projections being activated by the touch. Matsu had said she would offer her something nice and comfortable, presumably something wearable or equippable. It would have been easy if the selection was simple, but the number of projected items on display from the hologram were astonishing, showing the size and capabilities of the well known Sasori Company.

"No way. Seriously, that's a huge catalog..."

Mariya gasped at the blinking icons projected in front of her, having no idea where to begin. The field kit, rations and other basics were the easy part, indicated in the basics category and came in a set. But Master Katsu Ike was offering her the chance to have something personal being created, backed by the technology and expertise of Sasori. The blonde felt like a child in a chocolate candy store, standing in front of jars of never ending tidbits and desserts.

"I... I thank you."

The blonde took a deep breath and raised her finger, scrolling through the icons and items listed. There were several items which she skipped, things which were designed for Jedi who tend to the Light Side and would not fit the Je'daii philosophy of the Force. She selected a few components made by Sasori and then pulled out her own datapad, connecting remotely to the holodevices owned by the Je'daii Order that were still functioning.

"If it is not too much to ask, I will like to create to create a customised set of robes based on the designs of [member="Asha Hex"]. I will like to help out in the manufacturing process in any way I can and learn about the artisan culture and works here."

Mariya transferred the Je'daii Order design template and her own existing equipment details to Matsu's existing hologram, which processed the data and suggested a tentative outline for the outfit.

Clothing / Robe Appearance: Third on right (by Asha Hex)
IFOCVPC.png


Sasori Template:
Sasori Components:
Mariya's existing equipment
 
Emberlene's Daughter, The Jedi Generalist
[member="Mariya Fleischer"]

The jedi master was looking at her and her ideas as she presented them... what she wanted int he design and she was pulling up the information then sifting through it and using the hardlight designer to fashion it. The modified Tera-kesh robes were something for her to use and something they could make fairly easily. THey had the practice with it and Matsu added one of the kojie bags to it... cause if you were going to go on a great journey a bag that literally could be used to house a pocket dimension ful of additional supplies you wanted to take extra of with virtually limitless potential.

"Here we go" THe jedi master said it while she was standing there and broght up the design of the robe itself in holograms but the workers could start on it. "While it is being worked on." She motioned to the one wall with compartments opening for the supplies and she picked a few out. "We'll let you get some things for the journey..... while I go and get dressed for this. We'll also need potentially our ride." She was wondering which ship to use... there wasn't a matter of her having a flet it was more she had several ships that served for personal transportation from the botany bay a garden ship full of force sensitive plants, animals and even rocks and water...

Or there was Magda.... she sent the beacon for the ship unsure if it would respond but if they were going to be traveling a smaller faster ship would serve the function as the jedi master slipped from the room and into her own. Stripping down and changinging into a form fitted robe that while tight wasn't restrictive... if anything it was that perfect fit you wanted between clothing and a second skin. Her belt and supplies coming on as she donned an outer cloak of the robes with her hair in a curtain behind her back and she had her sword... sabers were important. The two blades she could interconnect but if you were going to teach a je'daii then force blades were important.

"Here we go." The force enhanced songsteel blade(s) were beautiful. Pale like milk but with an ethereal blow glow to them as they channeled the force itself. Making the blades even stronger. The single blade could become two for jar'kai style or function as a single blade, they were made to be lighter weight in her hands and frame. She slid it into the sheath and she was walking back into the room as the sky blue robes were on, white underneath and threads of purple. Her eyes folowing and looking before she moved to watch and see how the robes progression was going on with the workers. Giving the input needed and aiding with the force enhancement.
 
She moves like she don't care
Her request for the robes was briefly reviewed by [member="Matsu Ike"] casually, knowing that the Jedi master had probably done this hundreds, if not thousands of times in designing new outfits. Sure enough, the experienced eyes of Matsu added in a kojie bag accessory before submitting the finalised design for the workers to start making it. Mariya bowed in gratitude to the generous offer, knowing that the experienced Jedi master had probably saved her countless hours in trying to make something similar.

"A ride? Okay..." Mariya had explained her Trials to Matsu and knew that some of them could potentially require some exploration or travels. She had assumed that she would be staying in the Jedi academy or Temple for a while longer to catch up with some of her basic studies, but it seemed the Jedi master had other ideas. Ideas which would only be revealed in time. Mariya occupied herself with her own packing while Matsu Ike left the door, returning soon afterwards in a more functional outfit instead of her flowing kimono and carried two blades.

"Force blades," the blonde muttered to herself, remembering the times she saw some of the more senior Je'daii members heading out to the forge to undergo the trial of forging, also known as Vur Tepe. She knew that the Je'daii Order placed an emphasis on the ancient technique of sword making, an art which seemed irrelevant with the invention of the lightsaber. Still, it was a trial that she would have to pursue someday. Putting the concept of forging aside, she recalled the difference in wielding a blade with weight and a lightsaber with only a hilt. [member="Sol Damerin"] had taught the mercenary about the concepts of fencing once on Dxun, but that barely scratched the surface. Mariya heard about the lightsaber forms and other fancy stuff, concepts that remained alien and unknown to her.

She picked up her belongings and followed the Jedi master who had returned, peeping through the windows to see the workers busy with the construction of her robes. The way they moved seemed effortless, with the fabric being measured and cut quickly based on the template that was given. Components were then selected and snitched on by hand, with some level of Force imbuement being done at the background by one of the senior craftsmen who was obviously skilled in the manipulation of the Force. The words used for Force Imbuement sounded like a chant when spoken by Matsu Ike, words of power which were totally alien to Mariya's ears despite her multilingualism.

"Master Ike, I have a question," Mariya finally gave in to her impatience. "Well, maybe two questions. Which of the trials would you recommend me to pursue first? And where are we heading?"

Her eyes caught sight of a ship that had signaled its arrival from Matsu's signal beacon. She had no idea what ship model it was, given the distance and the customised appearance.
 
Emberlene's Daughter, The Jedi Generalist
[member="Mariya Fleischer"]

The jedi master listened to her ask the questions. "Well for your journey there is much we could do here but." She looked at the ship as it was arriving and docking. SMallish.. the ship was taller with a cone like design as the bottom housed its primary defensive weapons and the top its bridge. Golden hull that rippled and shimmered like a living thing before she was opening the ramp up. "I want to do two things... one is see what you can do and the second is ensure you have a full education." She said it and thought a little better of it.. she could have phrased it better... almost made it sound like she thought the girl was an idiot... but no she wanted to make sure she understood history and lore.

"A jedi or je'daii needs knowledge... even the most bull headed and gung ho to use their blade requires knowledge of how to use the force, how things work within the galaxy. As a student on your journey it would and should be no different. You have learned the basics but there is always room for improvement even for the older ones." SHe said it and acknowledged it within herself.. she preferred improvement as well and also sought knowledge and learning... whether it was a new force application or if she was going to at best reaffirm herself. THe lightside of the force was what she trusted in and she respected the dark but never sought or needed to use it. "So what are the fundimentals that you have been taught."
 
She moves like she don't care
While the Silver Jedi had its own set of beliefs and curriculum for the Padawans, each Jedi knight or master had his or her own views about the Force in general. [member="Matsu Ike"] obviously wanted a general sense of her proficiency with the Force to see how she could be taught. Mariya gave a little sheepishly smile that indicated her slight lack of confidence in her ability. She had been depending on her marksmanship for many years, the Force being a recent addition to her life.

"I'm still pretty new to the Force, discovering it only a year ago. I know the basics of meditation and can channel the Force to perform simple tricks like levitation or enhance my shooting vision. That's about it..." She paused to gather her thoughts, eyeing the raven haired woman who was patient as usual. "My main concern is actually the difference in philosophy when it comes to understanding the Force. The Jedi traditionally views the Force as light and dark, but the Je'daii prefers a neutral stand. I am a believer of neutrality, that it is the intention of the user who can fall to corruption. It is not a view that some of the masters clearly believe in, so I worry that I may have difficulty getting along with the rest if I stay."

Mariya stated her concerns to Matsu, having little idea about the general philosophy or beliefs held by the Silver Order. Did the Silver Jedi have a collective belief? Or did the Council allowed each individual to pursue their own paths with guidance? How long could she stay for her studies? Valid questions remained in her mind, probably loud enough for Matsu Ike to sense them without even speaking aloud.
 
Emberlene's Daughter, The Jedi Generalist
[member="Mariya Fleischer"]

SHe listened, remaining quiet and waited until the girl was finished. Getting a better idea before she approached her moving fast and fluid while holding a hand out. Not touching her but letting it be warm and offering comfort. "You are not wrong but you are also off base. The jedi order formed ffrom the Je'daii and the silvers from them. Refining, changing and building upon the lessons of the past. Yes it is true, I follow the light, I use it, I walk in it and I will tell anyone it can be just as strong as the dark but not all walk that path. Many of the jedi these days are edgy and want to use the darkside... but they do not understand grey or je'daii philosophy... I see the sith doing something and want to do it to."

SHe thought about how best to approach it though and continued. "You are different, while the darkside is dangerous you are not approaching it as many would. As a tool to use... the je'daii had a respect for it and knew it could be something dangerous in the long run and the more they used it the more it would and could twist them. and that is your main goal of this... to find a way to balance yourself and not slip into the dark while using it nor to the light... I will teach you what I can of the light and what I have seen or understand of the darkside... but ultimately it comes to you and the strength of your character."

But she did have something for her... she did have something to teach her and the basics, the buildings blocks of the force upon whichc all techniques were built would be important to this... plus well once you mastered how to keep yourself warm in cold environments or cool in the desert well it worked best case scenario. "With these lessons we'll see about building up your knowledge. THere were small skills that youglings learn and from those they can build up to any number of force techniques both light and dark if you want to." Matsu backed a little and stood there with one hand to the side as she raised an eyebrow. welcoming her to come and ask more questions.
 
She moves like she don't care
The reply from [member="Matsu Ike"] was long but simple to comprehend, even for a beginner like herself. Mariya nodded her head in agreement during the conversation, glad to know that the Jedi master was not keen to enforce the Jedi's views about the Force during the training. Matsu had obviously learnt a lot from the Je'daii to be able to reaffirm Mariya's own beliefs.

The padawan had no further questions at the moment, deciding that there was only so much she could ask or talk about the Force with her limited understanding. If there was one thing she had lacked during her time with the Je'daii, it was practice and hands on sessions. "I wouldn't mind starting fom the basics, Master Ike. I am sure some of the younglings know much more knowledge about the Force than myself."

Mariya had finished her packing by now and her robes were now completed. One of the craftsmen entered the room and handed the long flowing robes to the blonde who held them in her hands. "Wow, they are beautifully made," the blonde admired the neat sewing and ease of the material, bowing her head to thank Matsu Ike again before slipping into the new robes to replace her own. In the meantime, the golden ship summoned had already reached the landing pad and was ready to take off.

She followed Matsu towards the boarding ramp and headed in. The ship felt alien with its golden hue but also provided a relaxing atmosphere with its clean interiors. Mariya wondered what they would be doing next. She was ready to begin her training, whether it involved the difficult chore of sitting down to meditate or learning some materials from a youngling hologram.

"I'm ready to begin."
 
Emberlene's Daughter, The Jedi Generalist
[member="Mariya Fleischer"]

Ah good. THe jedi master gave a small clap of her hands for the lessons... well she would have to start at the beginnings.... kind of.... not that far back. "Then we shall begin." Matsu moved and stood there with herself ready, robes and hair. She waited there with the look on her face though, hands clasped behind her back for the moment and she knew that some of the lessons would need a little tweaking.... she understood in some ways the grey perspective that she had seen many didn't. Most of the time she had seen grey jedi just being edgy and brooding jedi who wanted to use the darkside of the force and thought they were the first to think of it... not understanding the legacy.

"The fundamentals of the force and teachings are important. Resistance training, tutaminis, tapas." She said it and looked at Mariya with a nod of her head. "We will start with resistance. A technique used by the jedi in the training of younglings. It is a series of exercises and mental lessons to teach you to resist influences of the darkside. A little tweaking for you though and it can be used for higher levels of light and dark of that I am certain." She smiled a little though and stood there motioning for the padawan to join her in a small circle. "Join me and clear your mind, go inward and find me.. allow yourself to retreat inward mentally."

The jedi master let herself relax, tension leaving her body as she looked inwards with the force... her mental barriers were strong, made to resist dangers that had come to the galaxy for decades now. The black harvesters, akala, black guard, madness from celestials, the netherworld... she had worked to shield and protect herself from each as she stood in a field of flowers. THe field protected by walls, black marble walls weaved with crystals that shielded her from the influences of the darkside but also other things within the galaxy. Maple had fought them with her. Eldritch creatures from beyond they had faced rozzum and force gods of fear.

So she stood there in the field and the sounds of her children were around, seven children, Chora, Hanna.... the ghostly image of the Falleen was there with long white hair but she resided within one of the most important things. A pavilion where she kept the memories of everyone important to her. Where she kept memories of much more and protected it. her own internal vault but moving through the field the wall was almost entirely seamless... Small grooves where she had let others come in within her mind... to connect with her and she had students, she had a few friends. While making one for the padawan. TO view and learn how to protect her mind from influences on her mind.
 
She moves like she don't care
She was about to start her first lesson, a one on one session with a Jedi Master. In the past, her studies were largely dependent on her own initiative since she was not attached as an apprentice to any of the Je'daii Knights or Masters available. In short, Mariya's training was a series of self discovery and group classes. The Je'daii training was less formalised than the Silver Order, suitable for apprentices to learn in their own paces but required self discipline. Now the blonde had the luxury of a personal touch in her training. It was akin to having a personal coach for a sportsman instead of having to join group sessions.

When [member="Matsu Ike"] mentioned about resistance training, Mariya realised that she had absolutely no idea what it meant. She knew about resistance training in exercises to build strength and endurance of muscles, but to hear a similar term being applied to the Force piped her curiosity. She walked closer to the older woman, relaxing her mind to slip into the calm meditative state that she had been training for. Basics, but she still hated the boredom that came with it as time past. But this time it was different. Matsu had asked her apprentice to look inwards and search for her presence. The blonde was puzzled, but decided that it would be easier to give it a try before asking for help.

Slow and steady breathing. Eyes closed. Her mind scanning down her body, feeling the tension slipping away before focusing on nothingness. Darkness. Alone.

"Huh?"

Someone had just touched her mind, calling out to her to step forward into the sunlight. Mariya found herself in a middle of a green pasture surrounded by walls. Her new master was standing right beside her, appearing casual as usual. Whatever she was experiencing, it was an surreal experience.

"Where are we? Your mind? I mean, this is pretty awesome."

Mariya blurted out her curiosity, trying to figure out where the sounds of the children were coming from. She looked around, hearing laughter echoing from the empty fields and was puzzled. The children should be pretty important to Matsu's life, but asking about them was probably a question that was too personal. Maybe next time. For now, the sun was shining brightly across the sky while the flowers were blooming. She bent down to pick up a pink bloom, smelling the scent which reminded her of actual pastures.
 
Emberlene's Daughter, The Jedi Generalist
[member="Mariya Fleischer"]

THe jedi master looked at her, feeling her in her head and spoke. "Welcome and yes... my mind or at least a projection of it. How one visualizes themselves and what is important to them." She was staying there and touched some of the flowers with a small smile on her face though... the sights, the scents were all there and leading her around she spoke showing the inner thoughts. "THis is though merely something for others to see... a way that works but your mind would be different. WIT is to help you." She stopped at the wall and touched it as she indicated. "THese can be for your mental barriers... protecting your mind from attack yes and shielding your thoughts. MOst falter in this as they just form something easily broken and then their minds are wide open to thoughts and corruption."

THe jedi master stayed there though and she didn't lower the walls, didn't open them but where she was looking. "It is also good for influence and feeling powers encroaching on your mind." He motioned for her. "I want you to do the same, with a clear mind picture everything that is important to you, your family, your friends... things that might be used against you, that might be harmed should they be found out. Then build walls around them, all them to protect as well as yourself. Present something stronger then just a wall." She pointed to the wall and how it was tall, thick and reinforced mentally with kyber crystal vains that glowed warmly with the force itself. THe lightside fo the force radiating off of it within her mind like a wall of light. Something else she was familiar with thanks to some of the jedi she had encountered.
 
She moves like she don't care
So the wall was a defensive barrier created by [member="Matsu Ike"] against mental attacks. Mariya knew the Force allowed mind tricks to be performed on weak willed individuals, but the barrier created by her new master seemed to be defending against stronger forms of mental assault. One could only wonder what the Atrisian had gone through for the past sixty odd years which required such walls.

No. Mariya realised she had been too caught up with the visual images that were in front of her. The walls were not real. Neither was the flower in her hand or the warm sunlight on her face. They were just illusions conjured by Matsu because she had chosen this particular scenery. They could have been inside a castle or a military base. It was not the form, but the actual connection to the Force that determined one's mental fortitude.

"I'll try but I'm not sure if I can succeed," the blonde was unsure of her own capability to repeat the same feat. Her learning was basic and she had been struggling with meditation, but her master seemed pretty keen for her to dive right in. Mariya took a deep breath to calm herself before closing her eyes, feeling the Force flowing through her body...

The sound of the waves awoke her. Her feet felt grains of sand, her eyes scanning the horizon. The beach of Velusia where she used to hang out with some of the pirates. She blinked, trying to see if she spot one or two familiar faces in the distance. A metallic locker greeted her now, her military armour and rifle stored neatly in the military barracks. Another blink and she was transported to the hallway of her vineyard. Mariya took a few steps and found herself staring at the horizon of Velusia beach again.

"This isn't working out very well," she sent a mental note to Matsu, hoping that it could be heard. The blonde was somehow stuck in her own memories, transiting from one scene to another endlessly.
 
Emberlene's Daughter, The Jedi Generalist
[member="Mariya Fleischer"]

She was following the padawan's thoughts... listening to her and then watching as the images shifted and sifted through her memories. THe strongest ones, the ones that held meaning and the jedi master spoke sending the mental nudge towards her. She spoke. "It can be at first a little jarring... anchor yourself. Find a memory that is solid... something constant you can begin with and hold it. Let it be there for you when you open and close your eyes." SHe said it and stood next to her while watching it. Mentally sending as much soothing energies as she could towards the padawan and everything she might need to relax and focus her mind.

While she was doing that her own mind was drifting a little thinking to what she had... surface thoughts about what her shields protected from were there... she could read intentions and she didn't fully speak it but she was watching everything that she could to try and learn about the padawan. Military bases, sandy beaches... very different but it was something beautiful. She could almost feel the sand for a moment as the jedi master clasped her hands behind her back. She was looking for a means to inspire Marya and push her without well straining her mentally with force... no something subtle. "This beach we return to. Where is it?"
 
She moves like she don't care
She felt the voice of [member="Matsu Ike"] reaching out to her, brushing against her skin like a warm caress. The energy was soothing, just like the green pastures that she was standing in when she visited the Atrisian Jedi's mind. Mariya followed her master's advice, seeking out one of her most unforgettable memories to anchor on. The military barracks soon disappeared as her mind started to declutter her thoughts. She remembered her meditation now, taking slow deep breaths while she focused her thoughts on one of the remaining memories.

The scene from Velusia beach won out, an unsurprising result to the blonde. The vineyard was a recent addition to her life, while the beach contained stronger emotions for the mercenary. Ever since she discovered her Force sensitivity and meditated in the crystal caves of Ilum, she had been revisiting the same scene every now and then. She felt the sand on her feet and saw the large bonfire nearby. It was a beach party thrown by the Galactic Underworld, her old faction. Captain Marcus Gray was there, hugging two trashy looking girls while his first mate, the pirate queen Saede Taggart was busy tending to the fire.

Mariya remembered how the scene was going to unfold. "I am not going to relive this. This has to stop." She mentally reminded herself and took a few steps forward.

********​
Marcus might have been blind, or had been drinking too much, but Mariya certainly noticed the captain when he stepped in with two other girls. She said nothing since her mouth was occupied with her harmonica and her mind was mostly spent on getting the right notes. Her emerald eyes merely narrowed to give Marcus a slight look of disapproval. She kept up with Yalin for Saede's next request, before finally giving in and let him carry on with the rest of the songs. Playing a harmonica was different from strumming a mandoviol, and her mouth was getting pretty tired from all the blowing of notes.

"Been enjoying yourself much, Captain? I see that you have got yourself some company..."

"Now now," Marcus said with a grin, catching Mariya's chin for one moment between his thumb and forefinger, "This shade of green be unflatterin' fer ya. And I been enjoying meself jus' fine, love! Though of course better for your company."he amended with a small bow, "What's your poison tonight?"

For a moment, Marcus wondered if Mariya was scented like Velusia because the planet rubbed off on her. Does that actually happen? He eyed her somewhat as he tried to guess.

"And, um, you play the harmonica?!"

********

"Crap. I can't stop myself from following the dream. Oh poodoo, the next part is the swimming..." Mariya felt a little embarrassed by the fact that she was sharing her memories with Matsu Ike.

********
Captain Marcus Gray had lost the swimming challenge and owed her a favour. Mariya remembered this scene very well. The captain had asked her to bring a nice bathing suit to join him in his new yacht next time, because she had been wearing her military swimwear.

"Well, luv, I got nothin' against military issued gear." he teased with a grin and a twinkle, "Just figured you'd enjoy some civvies?"

He stood and stretched like a runner before a race. A few groans of protest as he touched his toes from various angles but he actually seemed to be in deceptively better shape than his appearance would suggest.

"Of course," he said, rotating his torso back and fourth, "Skyclad works too."

And with that, he took a running start toward the end of the dock, launching himself up and off, pulling off a swan dive before plunging back into the warm water. His ragged pants were on the dock.

Mariya blinked. And blinked again in total disbelief, with her jaws dropping.

********

"Sometimes I wonder if I should have jumped in and follow him," Mariya admitted silently when the memory faded away.
 
Emberlene's Daughter, The Jedi Generalist
[member="Mariya Fleischer"]

SHe continued to watch and could see the memory for a moment while she clasped her hands behind her back and didn't interact with it. She was watching and seeing trying to help but not force it. This was something she could only offer so much advice for as it was someone elses mind and experiences... something else that would come from. "We cannot change the past padawan, we can speculate but it is often times best not to... focus on what could have been. That can lead to doubt in what has become of your life or in some cases make you become obsessed with the idea your life could have been better or different."

She had done such a thing... looking into her past when she visited the Aing-Tii.... seeing an idea of what could have been with subtle and small choices.... it could have allowed her to be oh so different if she had just been able to do this instead of this or that.... the temptation was there. It was something that you could have wanted to try and change or become obsessed with to se if you could... playing with the force like that was an easy path to the darkside. "THis beach, these memories, they are important to you... hold onto them and use them to form the basis of your mental defenses. What is it that brings protection to your mind?"
 
She moves like she don't care
The memory was gone by now, replaced by the sounds of rushing waves in the distance. Mariya stared at the horizon, remaining quiet while her mind clearly read the advice from @Matu Ike. She nodded her head, knowing that there was no point wondering about the choices made in the past. Whatever happened could not be reversed, not even with the power of the Force. The incident had happened to a different Mariya. A younger her who knew nothing about the Force and who did not own a fancy vineyard in Alderaan. Besides, did she really like the pirate captain?

Yes, I did. But I think I miss the rest of the Underworld crew just as much, if not more.

She decided to forget about the beaches and focus on her current life. It would be a much more easier task to build up her walls if she chose to focus on the happy present. The waves stopped rolling and froze, the sand beneath her feet started to swirl and the sunlight took a different shade of yellow...

********​
The workers were in the field harvesting the juicy purple grapes. Meanwhile, she was in the estate living room, taking a comfortable seat on the couch. She gazed out of the nearby window, observing the mountains in the distance and the fences around her chateau. Mariya closed her eyes and concentrated for a moment, imagining that the security was enhanced. The metallic fences rose in height while the walls around her house thickened. The padawan hoped that the mental defenses she had placed were good enough.

"Master Ike. Please, take a seat and have some tea..."

She sent her invitation over, her hand gesturing to the empty couch next to her while her servant brought in a pot of Alderaan morning breakfast tea for the two of them.
 

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