Private For Your Own Good

[Resh]

The bird seemed at ease in its interactions with Resh. So he passed the bare minimum of pacifying an already tamed bird. Baby steps. Avis could tell the bird was a bit perplexed by Resh's verbose command, and suggested something a bit more basic. Resh thought on it for a moment, and nodded in understanding. He could related to that, "Fly over to the fountain," He paused, "Please."

The bird seemed to find that agreeable enough. It did as asked, before promptly relieving itself on the ground. Resh raised an eyebrow. Either Sith upbringing had beaten a sense of potty humor out of him, or he was simply too caught up in self-assessment. The latter rang especially true, as Avis pointed out he would have a lot more trouble with a more strong-willed creature.

"Do you want to keep at this?"

Resh glanced up at her, unsure of how to respond. Was she trying to talk him out of it? Or merely asking an honest question? He couldn't quite tell when it came to sincerity sometimes. "Um… Yeah," He shrugged, "I do."

Inanna Harth​

 

[Inanna Harth]

"Um… Yeah," He shrugged, "I do."

With a smile and a nod to him, Inanna glanced up at Master Avis. "Would you be willing to teach us both?" she asked.

"It isn't that I am unwilling..." Avis stroked her trunk. "Resh, I know I can teach him. He has the gift. You, on the other hand..."

So she knew about Inanna's limitations, her continuing struggles with telepathy and all things involving the mind. "I would like to try," Inanna said. "Even if I fail, I will have at least made the attempt."

"Very well." Avis summoned the dove back to her arm. Holding it out to Inanna, she winked one eye. "'Do or do not; there is no try.'"

Inanna's golden eyes honed in on the bird. She patiently stroked its feathers until it was cooing happily, then made her attempt at giving it a command: <Go to the fountain.>

The dove flapped its wings and took flight, landing on the topmost point of the fountain, from which the water emerged. It splashed about, getting its feet wet, before turning to look at Inanna as if to ask Is this what you wanted?

"Not bad," Avis complimented. "Have you been practicing your telepathy?"

You could say that. Inanna cleared her throat before answering, "Cato has helped me a little bit."

"Huh," Avis muttered. She nodded. "I will teach you. You two can meet me here for your lessons. How does Taungsday mornings sound?"

Resh​

 

[Resh]

There was something refreshing to Resh now, seeing a superior admit to their shortcomings, particularly in matters of skill. Inanna did not express revulsion at the thought of failure, only a desire to make an effort. He was used to absolutes, in power and in knowledge. Questioning his Sith masters was punished. But here, there was some comforting in knowing that he wasn't the only one who didn't, well, know.

Inanna practiced the same motions with the bird. It went to the fountain again. Resh eked out a smile, proud of his mentor's accomplishment. Not only was there opportunities to learn, but opportunities to grow. Avis suggested they meet for lessons weekly, and Resh nodded, "Sure." He looked up at Inanna, "Is that alright?"

Inanna Harth​

 

[Inanna Harth]

"Is that alright?"

"Heck yeah," Inanna replied with a grin, mirroring Resh's pride in her. "It's perfect. The kids have no appointments on Taungsdays."

"Weirdly specific, but okay." Avis held out a hand. "Let's shake on it." After Inanna and Resh had each given her a handshake, she continued, "Next time, bring some bird seed. Or stale bread, if it's easier. Food helps to build trust. That is a universal fact for... most creatures." In a galaxy as big as theirs, there were always exceptions. "I look forward to seeing you next week."

She bowed as was the custom, and Inanna did the same.

Resh​