Gardens & The Two (Syala)

[Montana]

Montana tended to the garden with love. He clipped, watered, and talked to shrubs, trees, and flowers as if they were his friends. He wondered if other Zelosians had done this with the plants that they cared for.

“If I'm being honest, I’d have to admit I’m a bit nervous. I mean, having a second master just seems like an odd idea to me. I trained under Master Path for ten years. He raised me, and taught me everything I know. I didn’t know my dad, I left home as a toddler. I can’t remember him. But Master Path, he was more like my dad than my master. I just… I don’t know if I can learn from someone I don’t have that connection with. Ya’ know?” Montana smiled as he asked the question. The flowers swayed gently in the wind and sunlight. He let out a small laugh as he picked up the tin and let water shower the plants.

“It doesn’t matter anyway. The vision was too vague.” Montana kept talking as he made his way to the sheers and shrubs. “If only I could’ve seen this woman’s face. Maybe, just maybe I’d have something to go on. And then I could find her. I know she is the one who was meant to teach me.”

CHOP CHOP

The shrubs excess fell and it’s form became smooth. It’s shape made it reminiscent of a ball at sea as opposed to a bush in the grass. “I guess… I guess I’ll follow my instincts. That’s what Master Path taught me and it’s never led me astray before. Thanks, Master.” Montana put down the sheers and stepped into the sunlight himself. Every ray energized him, made him glow, and made him happy. It helped him to think a little clearer, something like the early stages of meditation.

[member='Syala Daivik']

 

[Baalagor]

In comparison to the hive of activity that had been the Silver Temple in the weeks previous, the grounds were peacefully silent, a hush seeming to have encompassed everything from the various plants in the gardens to even the younglings. It was a rarity for things to truly be calm, and something Syala intended to take advantage of. That meant walking about the gardens themselves, merely taking in the serenity of her surroundings and perhaps meditating. Not being able to physically see was still something of an oddity, but she had learned to rely on her other senses, more specifically her hearing. Even that allowed her to navigate easily, and she appreciated the quiet that much more because of it. To be able to truly relax had been something of a rarity of late, ever since her return from Belgaroth. Now it seemed things had finally smoothed over.

The very air itself exuded purity, washing over her and seeming to dull and heighten her senses all at once as she entered a sort of semi-meditative state. Her pace was slow and measured, but despite her unaware appearance she was acutely aware of her surroundings due to being immersed in the ethereal. It was a strange sort of relationship she shared with the Force, one that wasn't quite symbiotic but still somehow benefited those in question. While she was granted a higher awareness thanks to her fine attunement, she was granted visions of the future as well, it being her purpose of sorts to pass on all that she saw, whether it be to her Master or otherwise. It wasn't something she could quite explain, but it had been a fact of life since as long as she was able to remember. Nothing about that had changed since her blinding. If anything, it had only heightened.

It was the cause of this high connectivity that she was instantly aware of the presence of another before she was able to detect anything through the physical realm. When she was within hearing distance she merely paused to listen, allowing herself time to understand all that was being said, even if there wasn't anyone around being spoken to. Sometimes it helped to do nothing more than voice one's thoughts out loud with no one to hear. From all that was revealed she determined that this one appeared to be some sort of Seer, perhaps, given mention of the vision being granted, though that meant little. It didn't take one walking a specific path to be allowed glimpses of the future, but it certainly didn't hurt. Ironic, then, that the two would meet, being linked it seemed by that one common connection.

Stepping forward she allowed herself to be heard, disguising neither her presence through the Force or her blind and scarred eyes. A small smile lit on her features. "Is there something you need help with, Padawan?" It was a fair enough question, given that he had been talking to himself mere moments earlier. But she wouldn't mention having overheard him. It wasn't her place to intrude on his personal musings, regardless of their positions in relation to the other. Some may have viewed her as a superior of sorts, but in her mind she was equal to every being, this being no different. It was of her nature to help others, or at the very least make the initial offer. What transpired afterwards was in the hands of those involved and the Force itself.

[member="Montana"]

 

[Montana]

Montana turned his eyes away from the sun and laid them on a familiar Jedi Knight, well at least who he thought was a knight. She didn’t look much older than Montana, in fact she looked younger. Odd for a knight, but maybe she was just odd period, possibly well preserved like several other species of alien across the galaxy. The only fact that remained so far was that this woman was a frequent visitor of the gardens. While he had tended to them she had caught Montana’s eye several times but only ever through glances at a distance. She looked different up close but not so different that Montana could not recognize her.

“I’m not sure, Master… Master… uhm.” He stammered while his mind tried to produce her name. “I’m sorry. I’ve seen you walk through these gardens so many times before but I don’t know your name.” He bowed his head to her as he introduced himself. “I am Silat Sul.” He said picking it back up.

He didn’t give her his nickname, Montana, as he only used it when out on missions and with people he knew well. “Montana” was a nickname given to him by Master Path. That fact alone made it special and the more that people used it the less special it became.

“Maybe there is something you could help me with.” Montana said getting his head straight. “I had a vision a couple nights ago and it has been bothering me. It was brief and very unclear aside from the feeling I got from it.” He paused, making sure his words would identify what he meant. “In this vision, I am traveling with a woman, but I am unable to see her face, or hear her words. I can feel her emotions but that’s it. It’s- It’s like she’s trying to teach me but there’s more to it than that. There’s a deeper connection there. I’m not naturally skilled in using foresight of this nature, let alone deciphering a vision that’s come to me, but I believe this woman to be my next master. I just don’t know how to make the vision clear to confirm this, to know who she is.” Montana sighed ending his explanation. “Do you know anything of foresight? Anything that could help me?” He asked polite, with a half smile.

Hopefully this Knight could provide some much needed insight. If not, Montana would be off to the library after the garden was all tended to.

[member="Syala Daivik"]

 

[Baalagor]

"Daivik. Syala Daivik. But please, I'm no one's Master." Whatever harshness may have been interpreted with the statement was undermined by the smile on her lips. It was a habit she had gained from her own Master, only using what formal titles were necessary when around other Jedi or in situations when required. In a casual scenario she saw no reason to utilize them. And besides, she was a young Knight at sixteen, hardly suited of the title of Master in any respect. "There isn't a need to apologize, either." Reaching out, she extended an air of calm to encompass the both of them. It wouldn't manifest itself as something intrusive, but rather a more subtle impression altogether. "No one is expected to know everyone that resides here at the Temple. It isn't an issue." Always was she at peace, in most every circumstance.

At mention of the vision he had witnessed, Syala was given pause. What he described to her was nearly identical to what she had seen when revealed who her own Master would be. However, unlike her he hadn't had any experience with interpreting visions beforehand, and so was unaware of just all that he was being shown. Deciphering one's own vision was one matter, but assisting another was an endeavor she hadn't undertaken before. There was always a first time for everything, or so the saying went. "I would say that you've come to the right person with this question. I've been experiencing visions through the Force for awhile now." Not always of her own accord, but visions nonetheless. "I think I might be able to help you determine just what you saw and why." Or at the very least she would give it her best attempt.

Motioning for him to follow she began to walk slowly through the gardens, able to appreciate the natural beauty that surrounded her even without physical sight. "I was shown a vision before finding my own Master as well. What you've explained is nearly identical to my own, though I was granted a glimpse of his face. What I would recommend to begin is a meditation on just what you saw and why you believe you were granted it. I would also focus on what details you were able to interpret even without seeing this woman's face or any identifying features. Even the smallest intricacies can be helpful." What she wouldn't admit was there were certain visions that were too vague to comprehend. When that happened, one had to simply wait until they were finally shown in reality what they had been through the ethereal.

"Meditation is likely your best option, which is what I would recommend. Next to that you could elaborate further, and I could perhaps assist you in determining who your next Master is meant to be. Just understand that the future is never set in stone. I don't mean to discourage you, but numerous things can change in a very short span of time, and sometimes there aren't many things that can be done to prevent such a thing." It was that she had learned at an early age, and something she continued to deal with throughout her life. Hopefully she would be able to help him move through this to his next stepping stone as a Jedi. "And don't worry, I'm more than happy to help you."

[member="Montana"]

 

[Montana]

“Thank you.” The look of gratitude stretched across Montana’s face as he sauntered aside the young woman, reflecting on her words. This girl, she had said everything Montana needed to hear. And, it seemed to him, that she had done it so easily. She was well spoken, relatable, and relevant, but most importantly, it seemed, sincere. Montana got the sense that she really did hope to help him. That was the kind of knight Montana wanted to be.

Usually people who were familiar and on good terms with Jedi saw them as selfless and helpful beings. It was right to see them as just that, but Jedi like many people had to commit themselves to being selfless and accommodating. It could sometimes be seen. There were a rare few, though, who could be naturally so. Maybe it was the picturesque garden scene she stood in front of, maybe it was the overjoyed feeling the sun ray’s had gifted him, or maybe he wasn’t in his right mind, no matter the reason Montana saw Syala Daivik as one of those rare few.

And not only was she willing to help but she understood his experience perfectly… well almost. The only difference in their experiences was she was able to see her master’s face. No doubt she had much more of an ability for foresight than Montana but that was just fine. Meditation was good for the soul, for the mid, for the heart, and for the force, especially when there was purpose exercised behind it.

“Would you mind helping me now?” As they passed two enormous and shapely moss stones in the center of the garden. Montana motioned to them and quickly perched himself on one before crossing his legs and readying himself for meditation.

[member="Syala Daivik"]

 

[Baalagor]

"I would be happy to." Following after him, Syala made her careful way atop the stone, folding her legs beneath her. Meditation came naturally to her, as did the peace that often accompanied such an action. For all intents and purposes she was a pacifist, preferring action such as this to any sort of violent retaliation. It was no wonder that she had chosen the path of a Consular, and that also served to explain, in some small facet, just why she was so ready and willing to help another. By passing on her own thoughts, perhaps that same sense of nonviolence would lessen the tension that seemed to reign freely within the Order. There were times when violence was necessary, but everyone being on edge was another matter.

Similarly to this sort of mindset coming second nature, she had never really considered herself an explicitly selfless individual. Being kind and caring was as natural for her as breathing, and it was never something she exactly decided to do. This was simply how she had always been, from her days as a youngling within the Order to her promotion to Knight at such a young age. It had accompanied her consistently, as constant a presence as the unnaturally calm aura that always seemed to pursue her. This was how she had been and how she would be up until the day she died. It wouldn't be incorrect to classify her as selfless and accommodating both, but she wouldn't ever see it like that.

"As I said, do your best to focus on the all that you saw and what minute details you can recall, no matter how insignificant they may seem. Anything could reveal what you seek, or you may trigger another vision that will further assist you. I'm afraid the only worthwhile advice I can give is that of the verbal sort. The rest is ultimately decided by both your efforts and the Force itself." It was the latter all-encompassing energy field that she trusted in more than anything, and what she relied on to provide answers in situations identical and similar to this one. Before she had made an acquaintances within the Order, it was the Force that had been there for her.

It was then she immersed herself entirely in the ethereal, taking a slow breath and releasing it measuredly. Reaching out through the Force she lightly touched on his presence, extending an aura of kindness outwards. While she couldn't directly assist him, she would do her best to encourage him and offer advice where she could so that he might move along at his own pace. It was when she was like this that she could truly see, being exposed to each and every sensation thanks to the Force. At times like this it seemed that she was only one step away from physical sight, though this way of seeing was a far more pure sort. Hopefully he would be able to see just as clearly soon enough.

[member="Montana"]

 

[Montana]

Atop the stone Montana shut his eyes and opened his ears. Every word he let into his mind clicked into place, and filled in the blanks. Up until now when he had attempted to recall or decipher the vision he had only focused on what he could see, and that was the woman in the foreground. He hadn’t focused on where he was, or what he could feel aside from the transfer of knowledge. He also hadn’t opened himself up to the possibility of another vision. Where there was one there could be another. At least according to Montana’s logic.

He nodded his head acknowledging Syala’s guidance. With a deep breath he reached out to the force, letting it cloak him, course through him, and then connect him. The more he felt the force the more his wounds from Ziost were dulled. And with that distraction taken care of he was able to retain more focus and receive more clarity.

He could feel Syala’s aura extending itself across the span of the stones. It felt familiar and only put Montana’s mind more at ease. Relaxation was what he felt and through this relaxation his mind began to drift. It drifted onto the water.

Montana waded through the water. It was cool but the sun’s warmth still touched him in a way that most sentients would never know. He looked up through the blur, it was blinding but reflected away. Montana could feel himself swimming up to the surface, but he had no control over his body. All he could do was experience his surrounding. The fresh water he found himself submerged in flowed north, and pressed against the plains he had found himself accustomed too. He had been in this lake before, as a youngling playing with the others, and passing by it many times between missions and rest at the Silver Temple. As he reached the surface he turned his head and saw a woman’s figure and, again his eyes were obscured not by a blur, but by the sun. The woman stood on the shore with the sun behind her. This was definitely the lakeside.

Montana opened his eyes and looked at Syala. “I think- I think I've had another vision. Either that or a memory.” He flexed his hands open as the pain of his wounds returned. “I was swimming at the lakeside not far from here. I used to do that a lot as a youngling, but I haven’t in years. I’m not sure how that connects to the first vision, but it certainly felt like it did.” He explained as he tightened the bandages around his hands.

[member="Syala Daivik"]

 

[Baalagor]

The lake had been a place that indirectly and directly shaped Syala's path as a Jedi from the moment she had been apprenticed and onwards. It had been the first venue in which she had formally met her Master, and where a number of lessons the two shared had taken place, ending most recently with their communal before the events of Belgaroth. It only seemed fitting that once more the natural feature would take precedence in her life, this time when she endeavored to assist another in locating the one meant to teach them. That was one minute detail that wouldn't be abandoning her anytime soon, but it was a fit reminder of just where she began, and where they all had to, at some point.

Her lips pressed together in thought, she nodded as he spoke, considering just what the implications of all that was said meant. It was entirely possible that it was she he had been seeing in these visions, and that was a fact she hadn't ruled out completely just yet. But it wasn't something she had considered coming true, what with her young age. Having much to learn herself, it didn't seem suitable that she would guide another. However, she was growing every day, something she had to remind herself of. Taking an apprentice was just another part of that, and in taking another under her wing the both of them would flourish exponentially, and together nonetheless.

"A concrete explanation won't always be visible. Trust in yourself, and the Force." That last sentence was a mantra that had guided her through an encounter with a Sith Lord, and one she had used to rationalize not only her own thoughts, but those of her Master as well, in times of trouble or stress. How ironic that it would surface here as well. There was certainly something in the works. "Sometimes thinking too much can be your downfall. Logic doesn't always lead to the right answer, however useful it is in other circumstances. What you perceive through the ethereal is entirely abstract in comparison." Very rarely was anything applied explicitly in the literal sense when it came to interpreting visions. Metaphor was often more prominent.

"I believe I know the lake you're referring to, however. It's one I've spent time beside myself, whether meditating, training or conversing with our fellow Jedi." It was a constant presence, and now it had surfaced for him. "Do you believe yourself to know any more about this woman after this second version? Were any more of your senses opened to just who she might be? However useless you believe the information to be, it will likely prove helpful. This isn't a business that dismisses small details. Far from it, in fact." Anything revealed was more times than not indispensable, and even the most insignificant iota of information could prove extremely useful. The opening of more than one's physical eyes was necessary.

Should he respond with anything familiar she would consider offering her own opinion, that she was the one he'd been seeing in these visions. But she was far from one to presume, and it wouldn't do any good to steer him from a path he was meant to walk simply because of a hunch that proved to be nothing more than a coincidence. It didn't exactly matter who he learned under, only that he found somewhere that he belonged and was welcomed with open arms.

[member="Montana"]