If you would know strength and patience, welcome the tutelage of trees.

[Relit Vandal]

Sulon

Tap Tree, Katarn Homestead Proper

Late Morning

The tree stood tall and vast, pressed beneath a crumbling canyon. Hard winds, the spray of the condensation below, the feeling of a tropical forest married to an open desert plain, it did not escape the Jedi Master. He was far removed from the politics of whether this man, this Gabriel, had become the beacon of humility and righteousness that others would claim of him. But in all his generosity, he had granted access to a sacred place. A holy place, where the trees could cut through the very sky and be vessel for survival of an entire world.

​Relit stood quietly, immersed in adoration, as he contemplated the grand being that stood before him. The waterfall, descending from the roots that stood as hallow columns, sent spray and effluence into the dry atmosphere of the moon planet. A wandering gaze looked towards the ground, conduits and delivery systems for the water that poured fast into the basin. Early afternoon, the greatest time for activity it seemed, it would soon turn to a steady trickle as the sun would hang low in the evening sky.

How he envied such decisiveness. That in a thousand years that preceded him, an acorn or nut had laid to ground in this place, committing all its life to stand solemn and isolated from it's kin. As far as he could tell, not another tap tree stood in plain sight. Though the heating islands of Barons Hed and the other small towns obscured view for the potential towers that stood in the distance. Unequivocally, this place was far closer to his spirit than any garden that might grow on Sullust. Here, nature thrived on its own in sub standard conditions, fighting and giving back where it could. The fields were dry, likely manifesting from over stimulation of the tap tree. Without people here, without the need, the water would flow freely through the aquifer, quenching any thirst a plant might have. But sentience, in its own way, comes with a burden that the environment must hoist and hold upright.

It is this sacrifice that demands recognition, that the tandem of survival and life depends on all things, not just the isolated and strong.

Wading into the water, the cool fluid soon to be filtered through soil and sand, Relit placed his hand against a root. Wrapping fingers against the bark, he greeted this being with nothing short of veneration. In response, a tangling of his powers with its own, a small twig pressed out from flesh, sprouting a single leaf. Relit responded with a smile, warm as the days high sun, as his other hand drifted down into the running water.

[member="Vaet"]​

 

[Carach]

[member="Relit Vandal"]

Gabriel had shown himself to be a courteous host. After many weeks and even months of coming over to attend to the children, aiding Avalore in her healing and simply... being there for being-sake only, the Sheriff of Sulan had granted them a gift that was beyond measure. A great tap tree behind the Katarn Homestead itself - it was a testament to the stubborn nature of nature to thrive even in the harshest of climate, perhaps it was also an apt comparison to the New Jedi Order itself.

Leaving the Republic and establish itself in the rough regions of the Outer Rim instead. They were thriving now, were they not?

It was the insistent tapping sound of wooden texture hitting the sandy bottom ground that would tip of Relit of his approach. Tick, tick, tick, thunk. The change in sound came from a sudden shift in speed, a halt as the little Jedi found something of interest. It was strange how such young a creature could be so severe at times just to have it all evaporate when a wonder pulled at his curiosity.

"Ah... Relit. This place, a wonder. Something new to be found. Mhmm, yes, yes." he patted the little critter and send it on its way again. "Missed you recently, I have though. Are you well?"

 

[Relit Vandal]

The branch continued to grow, coiling about his hand in soft gestures of friendship. He had never leaned towards the school of thought of control. Life came in compromise, the ability to be humbled by things greater than oneself. And standing by this tree, as others might find upon the shores of great oceans, he felt so tiny and insignificant. And it was freeing, to know that in a world without him, the universe would go on with what was given. It gave promise to the natural order of life, adaptation and survival key components to the spirituality of life. They all poured into the heart, filling it as water flows into cupped hands. For those who could see it, could feel it and understand it, they would find hands overfilling.

And for those such as Vaet, there should be none more cognizant. A small creature, potential more than a boulder pushed down the mountain. He could stop in a crevice or canyon, if he would choose it, but the insight would push him, gravity and purpose tugging for the tumbling. Experience, pain and joy and intuition, they were the drops against this beings umbrella. To be captured, to be understood, to be harnessed. Perhaps, in his own way, he merely needed the guiding hand and focus to know the time for opening. When enough was enough, when those who needed him needed him the most, to know the needy from the desperate. Power and potential, one could feed the other, as sun pours against the leaf to make the roots grow strong and independent. Leafs that merely needed the tending.

"Vaet, my friend..." He said with a turn of his head, dark spectacles covering the emerald glow of his eyes. "It has been too long, hasn't it?" The universe was in turmoil, an existence that would never cease. An idea that would never justify not trying to change it, he stood in perceived shame for the comfort he took in this place. But even vessels of war required harbor, from time to time. "I am well." He stepped out of the water, clear fluid flowing freely from the vagabond garb he often donned. "How are you? Are you prepared for meditation?" It's the seed that would sprout the sturdy trunk, deeply furrowed with learning. To center oneself, in such a place, the growth obtained couldn't be measured.

[member="Vaet"]​

 

[Carach]

[member="Relit Vandal"]

The days turned to weeks turned into months.

It was a peaceful existence, if anything. The Katarn Homestead filled with laughter and joy... and sometimes tears when one of the manlings returned from battle scarred once more, mind weary of the battle and resolve cracking under the pressure of war. Through it all the little vaetling was a stabilizing force, a constant presence that trundled around the home and the territory with his little staff - a small piece of that same tap tree they lived at.

But he couldn't help but wonder, if there wasn't more that he could do. If there wasn't more that he should do -- sometimes Vaet would accompany [member="Avalore Eden"] to Elrood and the hospital there, sometimes, but rarely, he would follow the march of the Jedi to war... but only to heal and never to inflict harm.

He wondered.

And in his little heart some form of doubt took root. Was there an inherent sense of self-imposed arrogance to refuse to do harm on those that threatened their very way of life? Was Vaet not conceited to withhold his saber and mind and agile body from the fields of battle, where he could do so much to help and aid his fellow brothers and sisters Jedi?

This, stayed with him as the little Jedi sat there near the Tap Tree, near the running river and near the wildlife that flowed.
Was he wrong? Difficult, how difficult to get to the bottom of this for him.

 

[Relit Vandal]

What had become of the time spent in thought, sequestered away from the universe? Was time one enjoyed wasting, truly wasted? There was a burden that every person of righteous cause held within them, lowering their shoulders as they walked. Or darkening their brow as they stood in the mid day sun, looking up at all they had done. And what they yet had to accomplish. It was a stirring one couldn't silence, only muffle with distraction and idle purpose.

For Relit, that purpose came in the understanding of those things around him. A reminder that in order to help the universe, he had to start at the ground. Among the ants and the frogs, the sparrows and the screech owls. What drove them was no different than those of higher sentience, seeking the survival of those and their kin. It was in the acts and thoughts of altruism that humanity persevered through even the non human, an inherent desire to hold all those of the living within the spirit of import. And for those that wouldn't land in that sphere, due to malice or hate or ill feelings or malign desires, the strength to fight against them. To remain cognizant of the truth gained through service for the Alliance: not all who looked upon the sun could be saved. Flowers will always wilt.

"It has been too long, Vaet, since we spoke..." He shuffled forward, as quiet as a fallen leaf, floating along the outstretched fingers of the prairie grass. Sulon was a wonderful world. Not just for the Tap Tree and all that it brought, but because of it's malleability and understanding. How easy the Arkanian and Master Healer had moved the land, brought fruit where things were once so barren. The buzz of the bees, the clamor of the Morodin, the aura of the Ankarres Woods, and the sound of children playing amidst all the ambiance. He had even felt a particular birth, not long ago, of another of his Ilk budding from the ground. He still found amazement in the notions of his life and those like him. That what birthed them could take such basic materials, earth and water, and create life.

It was his ability to still be knocked over by wonder that kept him young, he knew that. A sagacity imbued him, pregnant with childlike curiosity and a sense of awe. He knew and understood so much but still endeavored for constant admiration.

"You seem troubled. Come..." He waved the yodaling over, urging him to depart from the Tap Tree. To enter the grove and take in the surrounding life. "Take a stroll with me."

[member="Vaet"]​

 

[Carach]

[member="Relit Vandal"]

Life... it was all encompassing.

Everywhere and interconnected between each other.

One could not be without the other. It was through this same network, this web of life that Vaet sensed Relit arriving. His arrival was proceeded by the hum and wonder of the flora, the soft grow of peace in the fauna... they loved Vandal and his presence brought them joy. Few others had that same connection to nature as Relit, even he - with all his understanding and heritage - did not come close to what the Zelosian could achieve through simple interaction and positive thought.

"Relit." The little Jedi greeted without opening his eyes just yet. He let his hand brush past the grass and the dirt, for a moment still enjoying this serenity and happiness radiating from the life around them. "Joy, your arrival brings."

"Balm, to a weary heart, one could say." A snickering, even a bit impish laughter came next and it felt completely in sync with the sounds of the wildlife around them.

"Walk, we shall."

Green emerald pools were revealed as the Vaetling opened his eyes. It reflected the trees, the grass and the underground groves beneath the Tap Tree itself. He climbed up, then, using his little staff as support when necessary before filing up next to the large Jedi Master, to take a stroll through the wilderness.

And perhaps to discuss what was on his mind.

 

[Relit Vandal]

"It was fated to be..." This walk, just like all the others, would be something cherished for the moment. Just as the flowers of the hydrangea, full upon bloom. The memory fades as purples and blues turn to brown, but one cannot forget the feelings they received while holding inflorescence in palm. Smelling of the nectar on the breeze. Scraping nails against the leaves and stems, feeling the growth of something that would live but one life. Short and brief, all spent so quickly in preparation for the fall.

He envied the brevity in such life, the things cherished with such passion in realization of terminal fate. Things become less important as the action persists, ever in the repetition and expectation. He had never expected Vaet to stay so long upon Sulon, though in truth, he never expected any of those to linger upon the homestead. This kinship he shared with the Tap Tree, he shared in the roots held deep. But like the maples towering above cities and sending winged seeds to spread the grace of light across the land, he'd hope he could do the same with those who sought his teaching.

The Tap Tree stood solemn, nested against a canyon, and rested a mere branchlength from the dark forest canopy growing on the back lot of the homestead property. The steps it took to reach from here to there were passed in ankle high grass, softly dancing in the shifting winds. Like children running through, forming paths in the blades, the wind tossed and turned over, much to the appreciation of the Jedi Master. There was nothing quite as beautiful as a the sun hanging low over a breezy and fruitful field. But the view would soon shift to something far more mystic, something cultivated through passion and care for the land.

While the Ankarres never truly contained glowing fruit upon stem, one could not deny the images of galaxies and celestial bodies contained within the canopy. Like the twisted trunk bent upwards, offering prayer and hands to the nights sky of purples and blacks and blue space dust. In truth, it was the reflection of light upon prevalent resin dots, running outward from the midrib against forest green leaf veins. Relit instinctively removed his sunglasses, resting them on the top of his head, as he took in the view through an emerald gaze. "Such accomplishment, wouldn't you say?"

The lightside ran rampant through every fiber of the woods. Woven, in and out, it glowed bright white for those that were looking. The forest was a place of fairy tales for the force sensitive. From the constantly blooming buds, bees propagated and lifted from the stem. Heavy, like lake ducks who had consumed too much food to fly, they staggered in flight with legs loaded down in dark pollen. Frogs burped as they walked, squealing before hoping from the mud to dive deep into shallow pools of water. Insects clamored through out, bright eyes caught on the bark of these magical trees. Relit turned, smiling down towards the Vaetling. "What is it that you wish to accomplish?" The question was worded intentionally, for preservation of ambiguity.

[member="Vaet"]​

 

[Carach]

[member="Relit Vandal"]

They walked.

And walked.

Tap, tap, tap, tap, the little staff went clicking against the undertow of the forest. It was a certain cadence, a rhythm on the backdrop of the fluttering sing-song notion of the trees. In this moment Vaet's worries were forgotten, if briefly, and he enjoyed the little walk across the tree and the surroundings of green.

"Mhmm?" The Vaetling mumbled out while pondering on Relit's question.

It was quite the timing his friend had -- he looked up, gaze searching for something, before shaking his little head and giving a light shrug.

"My home... left it I did, to do good." Minutes passed, or at least it felt like minutes, but it might only have been a few moments. Time was strange sometimes. It fluttered away when you discovered the joys in the moment, but the dreadful times... then it stretched out into infinity and left you stretched out, toe to head in opposite directions.

"Happiness there is in this household, yes."

Vaet was conflicted, but he wasn't blind. He realized that his presence here was a boon to [member="Avalore Eden"] and the others. His help with the children, the healing he exercised when the men came back from war but Ava too exhausted to do it herself.

"Enough? Doubt has entered my heart, Nature's Friend."