From Rags to Robes (Karrus)

[Teynara Jeralyr]

[member="Karrus Zorathi"]

The sun gleamed, casting a soft light upon all that it touched, a warm breeze stirring the air currents in a way that could only be described as pleasant. Not for the first time, the Jedi could not help but wonder at the sheer providence of finding herself on a planet like Voss: even when it had been tainted by the workings of war, it was a world possessing a simple tranquil beauty that never failed to make her feel welcome and relaxed. As with Tython, this is our refuge from the horrors of the broader Galaxy, a place where it is easy to find inner stillness.

Sitting in the hoverchair that the Healers had lent her, Teynara had parked herself just on the outskirts of the Academy that the Voss had built for the Sanctum. She'd been itching to take some time outside, having been stuck indoors (and oftentimes in a Bacta Tank) ever since she’d returned from that frozen ice cube of a world. The others did say that Sith had no inclination towards mercy and compassion. Not for the first time, she wished that she had listened and demurred from joining the strike team that had made that fateful encounter.

A convalescence on Voss was just what the doctor was ordered – and something she was perfectly happy to indulge. Life at the Academy hadn't stopped, of course, and she'd been slowly reintroduced to her duties as her recovery had progressed. Still can't walk, of course, but that won't be permanent, if the Healers are right. The wound in her back had been repaired, leaving a small scar, but the damage to her spinal column had been a little more severe, and nerves were a very tricky thing to repair, leaving her legs paralysed, at least for now.

Now, however, she was required to take on a student new to their Academy, someone recently introduced to the very idea of the Force. Odd to think that they don't know anything of Jedi, or the Force. From what she'd heard, the lad was from an underprivileged background, living on the streets until found by Jedi present in his homeworld. A relief mission that got them a little more than they bargained for, and this young man is the result. No doubt he would have quite the adjustment. Just hope he doesn't mind dealing with a cripple, even if it's only temporary, she thought wryly.

All that remained was for him to find her, and then they'd begin work on his training. That was something exciting for him to look forward to.

 

[WolfMortum]

[member="Teynara Jeralyr"]

The Voss Academy of the Silver Sanctum Coalition, it like all things since the departure from Eriadu seemed to frighten Karrus a little with how new it all was, how amazing the travel here had been having actually sat aboard a Starship and been rocketed across the galaxy only to land on a beautiful planet such as Voss was, incomprehensible that the Sith had once been on such a place though Karrus' knowledge of such things fell well below the bare minimum. In truth, he understood nothing about these people and even less about those they seemed to be fighting. Back on Eriadu these Jedi had been spoken of as good people and though it'd been a little hard to let Sanya down with how nice she'd been and helpful to him and Alysara, he'd chosen instead to move with the Jedi. Not a decision he completely understood why he'd made nor having no idea just how much it would change his life, his fate; yet standing before the Voss Academy in all it's seemingly upper-class fashions, Karrus truly had too much else to busy himself rather than be thinking back upon the past. The only thing he wished for back home was that his mother and brother could be here with him, and be happy together.

The young boy stood out like a krayt dragon on Coruscant, wearing clothes that were dirtied, torn and smelled of sweat and the aftermath of living within a thickly polluted district, he watched as the other people around him (some looking close to his age even), strut around in clean and well fitted attires that reminded him of some sort of monks robes from his childhood stories that Ma' would read him.
"E-excuse me..." He pulled on the sleeve of an older boy who seemed roughly about the same age as his brother Zarack. The teenaged tunic wearing male blinking down at him in brief study before offering something of an awkward smile yet said little yet. Karrus grimaced a little, he was obviously blind as there was a cloth wrapped around his head covering where his eyes were; "Oh um....Sorry" he muttered a little shyly, "Nevermind...".

"You are new here aren't you?" The miraluka responded with a warm tone to his words, something of a comforting smile and somehow watching Karrus through the cloth, he bent his knees and lowered to a crouch, soon turning a little to point up towards the central complex of the large academy, "This is where you ought to be, you'll find someone who can point you towards your dorm-room in there. Just ask someone at reception and show them your Datapad, they'll do the rest little one". The Miraluka soon departed leaving Karrus to look down to the device in his left hand not entirely certain of how to even turn the Datapad on. Frowning to himself in a moment of rare stubbornness however, he moved towards the complex heading up the stairs hoping that it wasn't always going to be so difficult.

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

Ryn'Dhal happened to arrive in the complex that served as a registration, or 'main office' of sorts, for the academy shortly before Karrus. As he handed a datapad to the male behind a desk, he felt a faintly familiar presence invade his perception. Masked face tilted at an angle as he strove to pinpoint its origin. Turning about he saw a young lad, with close tattered, but face nice and clean. A broad smile cut across his face as golden eyes started to dance warmly with excitement.

He moved swiftly to intercept the young man, as an older Jedi, a woman with prominent smile-lines and graying hair also approached. "Excuse me Master, I believe I have already made this younglings acquaintance. Perhaps you will allow me to aid him?" The masked padawan stooped into a respectful bow before the woman. "And you are, young padawan?" "Padawan Ryn'Dhal. Apprentice to Master Cathbodua." The master would nod, give a bow to the padawan, and then to the youngling. "You will be in good hands young man. May the Force be with you."

Kneeling down before [member="Karrus Zorathi"], Ryn lifted his mask so the youngling could see a face he'd recognize. A friendly wink was given, accompanying the warm grin. "I cannot express properly in words how much it brings me joy to see that you chose to give us a chance to be your new family. Your new home." He was typically quite withdrawn and reserved when his face was revealed. But, the younglings, and people he was familiar with, he felt a level of ease and confidence to not get hung up without his mask.

Eyes drifted to the datapad in the youths grasp. Gesturing with a gloved hand and a nod, Ryn inquired of it. "Shall we see what you have on the agenda today, my friend?" He would then gesture for the youth to move close so the older one could aid the younger in activating the screen, and finding the appropriate information. A miniature lesson, if you will, in the use of datapads. He moved a finger along a certain area of the screen, along one of the borders. "Most of these datapads have a standard method of unlocking. But, they can be programmed to activate however the user wishes for privacy. See?" He asked, as the screen lit up, and information sprang to life before their eyes. Golden eyes danced back and forth as he read the characters on the screen. "It looks like..... you are scheduled to meet with Master...... [member="Teynara Jeralyr"]! Lucky you! She is a wonderful teacher. Very practical, effective, and kind. A gentle soul, an ideal instructor for you, I would think." Ryn turned his gaze from the screen back to his young friend. "Shall we be off?" Then he registered again the condition of the younglings clothing. "Hmm... Would you like us to acquire you some robes?" He was confident the youth would prefer newer attire before meeting someone who would help greatly in shaping the man the boy would grow into.

Though, as if on queue, the older Jedi from before returned, with several changes of robes, very uniform in appearance, similar to what most of the younglings wore. "I hope you don't take offence to me taking the liberty of securing these from you." she said with a warm smile. Ryn's mask had slipped back into place before she even made it within ten meters. A nod was given, accompanied by a deep bow. "Thank you Master." He replied, taking the clothes. One set of trousers, tunic, and appropriate footware was taken and offered to Karrus, as Ryn gestured to a door off the main chamber. "There, you can get changed in peace. It'll take getting used to, new clothes that is." He said with a knowing wink. "But I'm sure you'll feel much better afterwards my young friend. Then we shall seek out Master Jeralyr!"

 

[WolfMortum]

[member="Ryn'Dhal"] had admittedly crossed Karrus' mind when he'd been brought to the planet of Voss, as likely as Ryker and Alysara too. Though he hadn't expected to run into any of them so soon, he had wondered where they'd all end up following the events on Eriadu and the confusion in their departure. That Sanya lady had offered help and though he'd thought twice of it, in the end it'd been genuine and Karrus still felt the guilt of choosing to go with the Jedi. The excursion to Voss had been something of a mishap, separating Karrus from Alys' who he hoped to find here somewhere; yet the arrival of Ryn'Dhal certainly helped to lift his spirits somewhat as he smiled warmly to the face behind the mask, his shoulders lifting a little as his body language seemed to lighten and offer a rather welcomed response. "Ryn...-Hey!" his tone lifted in recognition and relief, "This place is so big! I didn't think I'd know anybody...-I'm really kinda lost..." He chuckled sheepishly, etching the end of his right boot into the ground floor as his gaze glanced off to either side as if to supply evidence to his words, eyeing the place with a sense of doubt and uncertainty in where he was meant to be going.
"Someone told me I need to be going that way..." He pointed towards the main complex rather cluelessly, yet Ryn'Dhal seemed to be answering his questions rather instinctively and Karrus simply followed him trusting the masked Jedi would lead him in the right direction. He watched closely as the older male unlocked his Datapad for him, showing him how to do so for himself before listening and soon looking back up at him, blinking a little out of question as Ryn'Dhal mentioned the name [member="Teynara Jeralyr"] as if it were someone of value or something to be pleased about. Karrus offered a slightly weary and silly little smile trying to share in the enthusiasm though still not really understanding, he nodded a little before Ryn' mentioned acquiring some new clothes and causing Karrus to look down over himself muttering quietly, "I s'pose I won't really make friends here looking like this huh...".

Karrus wondered about this new attire, he truly did. He looked back at the viewing screen that mirror'd his image now neatly dressed in the Jedi Tunic meant for young Padawans and Apprentices alike, it was a white variation of the usually tan attire that still reminded him of something a religious person might wear. 'Perhaps that's what the Jedi are' he questioned to himself as he slowly wandered back out into the hallway where Ryn'Dhal awaited him, carrying his older clothes in a heap, supported in both arms as if reluctant to let go of them. "...What do I do with these? Zarack bought them for me when Ma' stopped looking after us.".

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

Ryn'Dhal smiled as the youth came back out in his new attire. "The uniforms are as much about function, as they are about form. You are going to be more comfortable in those moving about than in your damaged clothing. And as for those, you may either dispose of them if that is your desire, or I am certain we can find someone who can help to restore them if you'd rather." A warm smile remained in his voice.

Gesturing for [member="Karrus Zorathi"] to follow with him, Ryn would continue. "Master [member="Teynara Jeralyr"] is a wonderful woman. She is a good teacher, and a talented healer. You will learn much from her, how to help others." He spoke warmly of the Master. His own experiences with her were limited, but in that short period he felt he had gotten a good measure of the Master.

It would not take long before they would arrive to find Master Jeralyr. Ryn'Dhal's eyes flew wide under his mask in concern, as it had been some time since he last saw her. She was not confined to a seat during his past lesson, so seeing her in such a state was a shock. But, choosing to practice discretion, Ryn instead focused on the introductions.

"Master Jeralyr, may I introduce you to someone?" He queried, attempting to get her attention in a non-invasive manner. "He has just recently arrived. Karrus? This is Master Teynara Jeralyr." The masked padawan would give a polite bow when the Master's attention moved over to himself and the youngling.

 

[Teynara Jeralyr]

[member="Karrus Zorathi"] | [member="Ryn'Dhal"]

Hearing her name spoken, Teynara broke from her meditative reverie, her eyes open and her hand already moving on the control yoke of her chair to turn it to face the direction that the voice had come from. She already knew who it was who was trying to attract her attention, a melodious voice slightly muffled and made somewhat artificial from behind the mask that the being wore to cover his features. Such an odd thing to do, but it does mean that you can't possibly mistake him for anyone else. A smile softened her expression as she turned towards the two, noticing that Ryn'dhal was not alone, as she had first thought.

"You know I hate it when people call me that, Ryn," she said softly, her smile broadening just slightly, even though her icy-blue eyes glared slightly over him, though the blonde had to tilt her head back just a little in order to be able to look up at both of them. The younger man that Ryn was escorting was shorter than his companion, shorter perhaps even than Teynara, had she been able to stand up straight, but then he was apparently younger than either one. Her eyes observed him for a short moment, then she bowed her head politely in greeting. "I'm Teynara. That's it."

The lad looked a little uncomfortable in what were clearly new robes: most of the Jedi in the Temple stuck to the traditional homespun look, even though they'd parted ways from the greater Jedi Order some years ago, their beliefs making a similar separation. Most of the Jedi on Voss tended more towards a casual aesthetic, some wearing jumpsuits or even armour, some preferring something a little less...well, Jedi-like. No doubt Karrus hadn't spent enough time around their kind to have a preference either way, but he'd get used to it.

"I hope you don't mind if I don't stand," she continued with a faintly wry turn to her smile, her lips curving a little lop-sidededly. "My brain seems to be having a little trouble remembering where my legs are," the Healer remarked, a little laughter evident in her tone. "I understand that you're new to Voss, Karrus," the blonde noted. "Has Ryn'Dhal been giving you the tour of our little facility?"

 

[WolfMortum]

He stood a little awkwardly, trying to adjust his tunic to force it to be more comfortable and feeling like he just wasn't quite himself anymore. Standing in-front of [member="Teynara Jeralyr"] whom seemed to be riding some sort of mobile chair, his eyes shot to [member="Ryn'Dhal"] as he called her Master, a title that came before her real name striking Karrus as even that little bit more odd and causing him to turn back to look to the woman, blinking and staring in obvious question and curiousity over her and whatever importance she seemed to hold having been spoken too in such a way. 'Back on Eriadu, you're lucky just to have your name remembered...' he thought childishly, 'She must be really special around here...-Maybe that's why she has the chair...'.
Ryn'Dhal had spoken a little bit about her, Karrus remembering that Teynara was some sort of healer, the older male had said she was a wonderful person too which meant she must've been pretty nice of a lady, encouraged by this, Karrus followed suit, copying Ryn'Dhal's bow of his head, albiet rather sheepishly before chiming in quickly with an anxious "Hi..".

For a moment Karrus listened to the small exchange between Ryn' and Teynara, his eyes studying her inquisitively, mind on the fact that he'd apparently been paired up with the older woman and so soon after basically just stepping off the transport from home, it was all a little much to take in yet as he stopped to think back on it, nothing since Ma's being taken away had moved slowly.
He suddenly blinked in realization that Teynara had begun to speak to him once again, soon turning to look up to Ryn'Dhal as she asked whether he was offering him an introduction to the facilities on Voss. "Oh...-Uh, no sorry. I met him back home on Eriadu, Ryn' helped me and some others...-There were people chasing me and...", he thought better not to finish the sentence, soon wondering how it might look had these Jedi known that he was running from the authorities back there. Instead of fueling an interrogation, he quickly chirped up again and added, "I don't really know where I am though...-Or where to go and what I'm supposed to be doing. A tour could be nice?...".

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

Ryn'Dhal couldn't keep from smiling. As it was just the three of them, he felt he could comfortably remove his mask and maintain composure. Slipping the mask off of his face, he looked down at the youth with an expression that could only be equated to a sibling-like affection. "Karrus here reminded me a bit of myself when I was first rescued on Nar Shaddaa. I couldn't help but come to his aid. A gentle spirit, living in a hostile environment." He would kneel down to look the young boy in the eyes. "You deserved much better than the life that was handed to you. You have the potential to do many things, if you desire to do so. We are all here to aid you in this, as we are all, in some way or another, family. The various Masters here have much to teach you, should you desire to learn."

Looking back to [member="Teynara Jeralyr"], the feline face would break into a warm smile once more. "Teynara here, is a fount of knowledge, and I am confident you would be doing yourself a disservice in not learning from here all you can." He'd state confidently, rising back into a standing position.

"I feel the Force brought me to Eriadu for a purpose. To meet you, [member="Karrus Zorathi"]. You'll do great things for people, should you choose your path wisely. Learn all you can, and try to keep your mind open to that still, small voice. The Force won't lead you astray, once you learn to listen to it." He gave a wink to the youth. "I'm only speaking from my own experiences there, as I still have much, MUCH to learn."

Looking once more to Master Teynara, Ryn'Dhal stooped into a bow again. "If I may make a request. Please take good care of Karrus. Though my time with him was short, I feel great compassion for him. I want to see him flourish, and I am confident that you will be more than capable at enabling him to do so."

 

[Teynara Jeralyr]

[member="Karrus Zorathi"] | [member="Ryn'Dhal"]

That Ryn was so protective of his young charge spoke volumes about the cat-like being, but he needn't worry so over the boy's training and care - that much she firmly intended to deal with herself. After all, not as many Jedi were as lucky as me, to have a loving family and good education. Karrus' own background was a little murkier, but what she did know about it spoke of deprivation and danger. He'd need gentle handling, to be certain, but at his age, children tended to be fairly resilient, so Teynara had no doubt he'd soon put it behind him and focus on the opportunities at hand.

She wasn't entirely sure she was pleased being referred to as a font of knowledge, though. Don't keep piling on the expectations there, Ryn, she thought idly, her smile remaining fixed on her face. She'd never really felt herself ready to be a Jedi Knight, and the recent events in the field that had left her stuck in her hoverchair only served to reinforce that impression. Might be why I've been given someone to train: if we can both survive the attempt, maybe we'll both feel a little more like we belong here. The blonde certainly wouldn't put it past the Council to be just that sneaky.

"Whether you flourish here is up to you, Karrus," she said softly, as much in response to Ryn'Dhal as it was to the young man. "We don't force anyone to learn, or even to follow our ways. Whether you become a Jedi or something else entirely is for you to decide, when you know enough to make a decision." If he decided not to...well, he wouldn't be the first person to walk away from the Sanctum knowing more than he arrived. As long as we don't send him straight into the arms of the Sith...

Reaching under the front panel of her hoverchair, the blonde woman drew forth a datapad and switched it on with an absent flicker of her fingers, making a few sharp keystrokes onto the touchpad that appeared, bringing up a map of the Galaxy which rapidly honed in on their current location: a planet resting on the edge of the Allied Tion Sector, in the Outer Rim. She leaned over and offered the pad to Karrus.

"We're here, on Voss," she continued, her pale-blue eyes resting softly on the young man. "The native Voss let us set up our Academy here and use it as the centre of the Sanctum's efforts in the Galaxy, so it's widely considered our 'capital' world," the blonde noted, gesturing to the buildings around them when she made reference to the Academy. "It's here that we study, meditate and learn to develop our talents, both in the Force and outside of it. As you will, if that's what you want for yourself."

Placing her right hand again on the steering control of her hoverchair, the Healer added a little extra power to the repulsorlift, then nudged it in the direction of the Academy's main entrance, moving steadily along, the chair levitating slightly above the ground, kept at an exacting distance away from the smooth stone that would otherwise have dragged it to a halt. The best way to start the tour would be within the Academy itself. There'd be plenty of time to see the rest of Voss in due course, once Karrus was settled in.

"If you ever visit another Jedi Temple, you'll note the similarities," Teynara observed softly, glancing back over her shoulder at the other two. "They're always calming, restful, peaceful even when there's a ton of activity, which there always is somewhere. The canteen is the worst for it, as are the lightsaber-training halls, and occasionally the Medical Bay," she added with a soft chuckle. "I take it you already know where the dormitories are?"

 

[WolfMortum]

Karrus blinked a little, staring back at [member="Ryn'Dhal"] as he called the woman a fount of knowledge. 'what the heck is a fount?' he wondered to the side while the male continued on and soon started to say that the boys coming to Voss was a matter of fate and like it was some kind of super special ordeal. The thought of it made Karrus feel a little warm inside to think that maybe in some sort of mythical way, there was a certain change in his life that would make him feel like one of those superheroes you'd read about in holo-books. Ryn' soon mentioned a small voice in his head that Karrus should listen too, however twisting his expression in confusion and disbelief, he turned back and spoke up suddenly in conjecture, "But that's how Ma' got herself arrested...-I don't wanna be taken by the Sec-Ops like she was...". Ryn' seemed to smile at him before soon asking [member="Teynara Jeralyr"] to take care of him, the lads gaze drifting across to the older of the three and with a tilt of his head, offering her something of a clueless, blank, look.

It was from her that it seemed Karrus would begin to get some answers as to just who these people were and what this magical power was that they thought they had. The light haired woman began to address him and introduce the aspect of training through the conversation, mentioning both the Jedi Order, the Academy and the Force as if it was something he was meant to understand, to comprehend when in fact even after Sanya had mentioned it to him, he felt more clueless than he had been being completely ignorant to it all.

Following Teynara a little apprehensively as she moved in the chair that seemed to take his focus momentarily in a sense of wonder, he soon turned to try to get an eye on her face as he replied somewhat abruptly in the middle of her serene little speech, "-But I don't even know what the Force is and if I even have it...-I've never even heard of a Jedi before two days ago...".

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

Ryn'Dhal couldn't help but chuckle, as he pressed the heel of his palm against his forehead. "I have been foolish. I forgot where it was that even I came from." The padawan looked to Master [member="Teynara Jeralyr"]. "I had not heard of the Jedi Order when I was first rescued on Nar Shaddaa. I was just as confused as Karrus here. In fact, I was terrified. But, while he is taking this transition significantly better than I had, we still can't assume he knows who and what we are."

His gaze shifted to young [member="Karrus Zorathi"]. "I don't really have all the answers for you, but I can share what little I do know." He'd say with a smile. "I don't mean an actual, literal voice. It's a feeling. Similar to your instincts, I guess?" He'd glance to Teynara, unsure if his comparison was even remotely close. "I'm not sure how to put it into words, but all I can say, is you will know what I am trying to say when you finally experience it."

His gaze returning to the boy, he held out a hand to his side, as his lightsaber hilt drifted from his hip, floating lazily to his hand. He twirled it slightly, before allowing it to drift lazily right back to it's spot at his hip. "That is but a minor manifestation of what one can do with the Force. Master Tey explains it better than I can, but the Force is not something we really use... but something we work with. Like toggling a switch to light up a room. We act as that connection, letting the Force make something possible." He'd scratch the back of his head. "I hope I'm not adding to your confusion." He'd state, a frown forming on his face.

 

[Teynara Jeralyr]

[member="Karrus Zorathi"] | [member="Ryn'Dhal"]

Her question ignored, Teynara felt a momentary shock of irritation rush through her, but rapidly shifted into amusement as the two launched into the big questions. Guess we'll worry about the basics of our living conditions later, huh? It was a little surprising, but perhaps Karrus' needs had been sufficiently attended to for now that he felt the need to assuage curiousity more than deal with where the next meal might come from, or where he might sleep tonight. He's a little like me in that respect, she thought, clearly entertained by the idea. Always wanting a question answered when there's an idle moment for it.

The Force, though...that was one huge topic - a puzzle and yet a very solid presence in their lives. It's like looking at a piece of artwork crafted with techniques I don't understand. You can appreciate it for what it is and find peace and inspiration through it, even though you don't have the slightest idea how it works or how it's put together. Trust Karrus to really go for the jugular - she couldn't be sure if that spoke to a sharpness of thought, or whether it was simply something that had been bothering him since he'd first encountered the Jedi. A question to be answered another time.

It was difficult for her, though - she'd grown up knowing about the Jedi. Okay, not the specifics, those nuances of their philosophy or the complexities of their training - Teynara simply remembered devouring endless Holonet shows that showed the Jedi in action. Jedi Council negotiate peace treaty between warring planets or Jedi Master puts an end to smuggling ring, or the more romanticised lightsaber duels between members of the Order and those 'legendary' Sith. The same beings that dog our steps even now, she thought, the scar between her shoulder blades itching sympathetically in remembrance of that moment when those dark-robed beings had nearly put an end to her. Strange thing to see a nightmare brought to life with such sharp focus.

"I guess you've figured out by now that all these technological gadgets we have are powered in some way, right?", she asked Karrus, her blue eyes narrowing slightly, her expression curious, head tilted a little to the right in a way that caused her long hair to spill across her shoulder. "Life's a little like that: if it doesn't have an energy source to give it a jump start, or keep it running, it just stops. Permanently, in our case," she added, a faint smile curving her lips.

"This is what we call the Force: the energy of all living beings, but bigger than that. It's something that exists everywhere, but you can't see it. Like the wind: not visible to your eyes, but you can definitely see that it's there, simply by what it does," the blonde continued, trying to think how best to explain a concept that even she struggled with. "It creates us, keeps us running, but it can do far more than that. As Ryn just showed you," she observed wryly, glancing again at the unmasked being, momentarily startled once more by those liquid gold eyes.

"We all have the Force within us, though: we couldn't live without it," Tey noted, brushing a stray strand of her blonde hair across one ear so as to keep it out of her face. "But a very special few have the ability to sense it around us and, with time and training, manipulate it to do certain things."

Lifting a hand in front of her, she drew her fingers together slightly, the lids of her eyes closing as she focused a little beyond herself, reaching into the energies swirling around her, feeling a sudden rush of electricity jolting through her nerves that was so totally unlike any other sensation she could ever articulate, even if she had wanted to. She gathered a little of it, letting it flood her cells with nerve-tingling elation, then projected outward until it grasped at the datapad she had handed to Karrus a moment ago, tugging against the technology and pulling it back to her hand.

"Those who are brought here have these abilities, and you're among them, Karrus," she offered, nodding towards him, switching off the datapad and slotting it back into place on her hoverchair. "You're here to learn to do these things, if that's what you decide you want. We can give you a life of purpose and meaning, a chance to do something truly remarkable. But it's for you to choose that for yourself, lad. We can't force you to make that choice."

 

[WolfMortum]

[member="Teynara Jeralyr"] | [member="Ryn'Dhal"]

'So...-The Force is the energy of life. Like the batteries that powers and makes things work...-An energy source that some people can use and others can't?'. Karrus was a boy that often took his time to consider the things he learned, a very thoughtful little child whose most evident features seemed to be his distant stare when trying to focus and wrap his head around something he didn't understand. While many might take him as someone who daydreams too much, Karrus knew better and often times liked to spend a moment in consideration for the what-if's and the what-could be's.

He glanced between Ryn'Dhal who seemed able to make that cylinder object thing on his belt move without even needing to touch it, before soon swiftly glancing back to Teynara who did the same, tugging the datapad back into her hands away from him with a gentle yet clear pull; the boy letting it go and half expecting it to drop though instead watching as it returned to its owner and he was left standing there with his mouth slightly agape.

Listening as Teynara continued to speak about the force, not being able to see it in equal comparison to the wind; yet the wind you could feel where as this all supposedly powerful force that they talked about like it was some sort of deity, Karrus had no worldly idea what something that big might feel like. "Wait...-How do you know I can even do this then, how am I different from the other people who can't use this Force thing? How do you even know how it work if you can't see it...-What happens to someone if they lose the Force?".

The fact that he had a choice in the whole ordeal however was a truly comforting twist to the way his life had been thrown into spiral. Teynara spoke to him as if there were little consequences should he so decide to turn around and leave. Pausing to consider this, he glanced back over his shoulder looking passed Ryn'Dhal momentarily thinking back to Eriadu and the way life had gone for him there. In the shadow of that smog-filled, heavily polluted system, Voss seemed entirely different and far more pleasing to the eye. The air itself seemed so much cleaner, lighter and easier to take in and the people were the most surprising of all the aspects he'd seen in the moments since his arrival, they all seemed open to help and some had even smiled at him as they'd walked passed. Glancing back to the blonde headed woman, he offered something of a precarious glance, speaking up a little in addition "I think I'll stay...-I don't have no where else to go and I wanna know more about this force...-Is that okay?".

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

Ryn smiled warmly at Karrus. "My young friend, there a great many gifts the Force grants us. From the simple tricks we showed you, that you'll have the opportunity to learn if you wish, to more complex abilities, such as healing wounds, or even being able to sense, to feel others. I knew you had a potential for the Force before I even knew your name. What I can feel deep within me..." He said, tapping his chest, "This.... inner strength.... This.... Desire for better.... Not for myself, but for others.... The Will to make a difference, no matter how small.... That was just the start of what I could feel. I.... must confess...." Ryn'Dhal intoned, that warm smile a perfect compliment for his soothing, melodic voice. "Though our childhoods were different, both unpleasant in their own ways, when I first came across you on Eriadu, I couldn't help but be reminded of myself. You deserved a better chance than you had at that moment. I believe you were the reason, however possible, I was on that world that day..."

He'd stroke his chin slightly, contemplating for a moment as to how to tackle the latter question. What does happen when someone loses the Force...? Ryn cudgeled his brain, unable to conceive an answer. "I'm afraid I'm at a loss as to someone 'losing the Force'. I've personally never heard of such a thing, though given the vastness of possibility that is the Force, I'd not be surprised if such a thing were possible...." He'd looking to Teynara, ears cocked at odd angles, as he stood stumped on the subject.

But then Karrus said something that simply made the furry padawan's day. Ears perked straight up, his tail unraveling around his waist to give a very pleased, contented swish behind his back. "I will not lie to you my friend, I am personally quite glad to hear you will stay with us. You deserve friends. You deserve acceptance. And you will find that here. This place will be your Home, as long as you wish for it be. That is something I took quite some time to come to grips with myself." He'd actually purr audibly as he stated the last bit, before clapping both furred hands across his face, eyes widening as his ears dropped slightly in embarrassment. "I... Uh.... umm...." He'd sputter.

[member="Teynara Jeralyr"] | [member="Karrus Zorathi"]

 

[Teynara Jeralyr]

[member="Karrus Zorathi"] | [member="Ryn'Dhal"]

Ah, the ever-present question, Teynara thought, not entirely surprised that Karrus had thought to ask it: frankly, she was surprised it had taken this long. Everyone who comes here wants to know if they can do the things with the Force that the rest of us can. Oftentimes the answer was a clearly-declarative 'no' - even on a planet filled to the brim with people who could touch the Force, there were still many who arrived seeking the Sanctum only to discover that they lacked that sensitivity that would enable them to train as a Jedi. Such sorrow they feel at having their dreams thwarted in just a moment.

Of course, Ryn'dhal wouldn't have brought Karrus to the Sanctum if he hadn't detected Force Sensitivity, and Teynara could sense it now herself, given her close proximity to the young lad. It lacked the same cohesion that a Jedi presence might have: the energy that rushed through him did so naturally, drawn by instinct and feeling, rather than as a consequence of conscious control. It was like a magnet drawing iron filings to itself: he did so without real effort, the energy flowing in and around him simply because it was drawn to the presence of one who it could communicate with on some level. But it's the subconscious action of one untrained or unaware of it, she recognised. That would have to change.

"Imagine yourself in a dark room: is it obvious to your eyes when a light comes on?", she asked softly, leaning slightly to the right in her chair, placing one hand beneath her chin as she watched him. "Jedi can sense the Force in the same way you can feel your arms and legs - but so too can we tell when there are others like us nearby." She offered the slightest of shrugs, barely stirring the long tunic she wore. "When two lights are brought close together, the light intensifies, and becomes brighter. And so easier to see," she added, smiling warmly at him. "So it is with you here."

She was pleased that he'd chosen to remain on Voss: admittedly, his other options didn't truly seem like alternatives, but then the Healer doubted that anyone had thought to tell him what would await him if he chose to walk away. We never really relinquish those who decide not to follow Jedi training, but we don't really stop them, either. If Karrus did not want to be a Jedi, they would offer to send him to one of the other facilities controlled by the Sanctum, where he might gain a decent education for himself and then serve in another way. After all, do we not need doctors, teachers, pilots, cooks, and so on? Not every Force Sensitive who came to Voss took control of their gifts, instead seeking out a different path. It was for the boy to choose for himself.

"As to your other question...history tells us that it's possible to lose the Force, or at least to lose your ability to perceive it," she said softly, her eyes glancing once again between the two of them. "If you suddenly lost your eyesight, you'd be unable to see the light when we turned it on. It'd still be there, you'd just be unable to see it for yourself, so to all intents and purposes, you'd simply be blocked from it." She'd never imagined that a pleasant fate - in truth, knowing how immersed Jedi tended to be in the Force, it would probably be very similar to losing something as integral as sight. Or perhaps the ability to walk, she reflected, sighing softly.

"You needn't worry, though," she added in a reassuring tone. "It's not something that happens very often, and only under very bad circumstances. And nothing of the sort will happen to you."

 

[WolfMortum]

He nodded though there was still so much more to it and what he had been told, he didn't really understand as well as he arguably should have. While the two before him were already experienced and used to The Force, the Jedi and where he now stood, Karrus knew not of their backgrounds and whether they shared his misfortunes of being born to a world of merciless poverty. He did not reply, instead his silence was an answer in itself as he continued to follow [member="Ryn'Dhal"] and [member="Teynara Jeralyr"] no longer really caring about where they were going but instead his mind moving with what he'd been told. Zarack had always said that if you didn't have something that needed to be said, then you're better to focus on the things around you and how much of an impact you can be, whether good or otherwise.

'So...The Force, most people cannot see it; heck, I'd not even know about it if it weren't for these people...' his gaze dropped while his body carried him on an almost automatic walk alongside the pair. 'But it's such an importance to people in the galaxy? These people feel like it's part of their arms? I don't even really know what that must feel like but...'; it was the thought of belonging to something so much larger than yourself that drove younglings to imagine worlds often far superior than their own, lives of a grander scale than the circumstances they were born into and here it was, coming into a reality that so many could only dream of, having some kind of power that you could make yourself into being more than just some loser kid to a broke family.

Karrus' eyes seemed to have glazed over, his attention obviously parting from the immediate moment as he looked ahead yet saw nothing but his thoughts until they were to speak to him once again. Moving as they were however, upon looking to the boy it would be evidently clear that he was still trying to decipher all that he'd been told and though he had no control over it, as Teynara had spoken of more than one coming together and strengthen the current presence in the force, both she and Ryn'dhal would possibly feel his sense of wonder; curiosity over what the force was and had they the ability to read further into his sub-conscious aura's, his reluctant yet keen ambition to learn more for what it was that he was so apparently capable of.

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

Ryn'Dhal couldn't help but smile warmly as [member="Teynara Jeralyr"] gave her answer to the youngling's questions. This was a woman to admire. She sold herself short on her knowledge and ability to teach. The boy was in more than capable hands.

The padawan even learned a little from this chance encounter. Teynara's explanation of the Force, and also the effective loss of sensitivity to the Force, was eye opening. It was an avenue of thought the padawan never embarked upon before. I've got to remember that.... he'd note to himself. Attention shifting towards [member="Karrus Zorathi"], and could not help from letting his smile grow further.

"I do believe I may have over-stayed my welcome here. Any more input from myself at this point is likely to cause you more confusion." He'd muse, his smile softening. Turning his gaze back over to Teynara, the padawan would don his mask once more, before lowering into a proper, respectful bow. "With your permission, I will take my leave."