Pavond’s apology was simply waved off with a good natured smile. Titles were a tricky thing in his business and he had learned quickly not to let them get between a good dialogue. Then, as the jedi split to their assignments, he realized what might have been a major miscalculation.
I should have brought backup, he thought. Of the five elements he had brought, four had been selected. And he was but one man. At least jedi taught patience, or so they had when he had been a member.
“As I go around, meditate on your elements. Think of what properties they embody and how people might embody those same principals . Of course, I’ll tell you what the wilders have taught in this regard, but like people, we rarely see nature act in complete uniformity."
His first stop was with Ryana, offering a smile and a nod to the Raycon as he approached. As far as creatures went, it was certainly an adorable one and there was something about the mischief in its eyes that beckoned him. And of course he wasn’t unfamiliar to such companions as within one of his own pockets, Ace was curled up and resting.
“Fire. An interesting choice for a jedi. It’s the element of passion.” His hand reached out to the wood and slowly it began to crackle and heat as his presence in the force swelled. In his own heart, Vulpesen brought forth the imagery of that which drove him. His children. The instinct to protect. The desire to make a change in the world. There was some difficulty as on his own world, he might have added the fuel of hatred, the desire to see the sith wiped from the galaxy. But no doubt that would have tinged his ability with something that the jedi would reject, perhaps rightfully so.
Eventually, the spark would take and the wood would burst into flames.
“It’s something most jedi reject. I’ll not tell you to defy your masters, but think of what the jedi hold dear. Perhaps it’s your own code, the fervor with which you follow it, or that which made you join the order. For me it's the desire to protect. The instinct to defend life in the galaxy. Find what lights that fire to burn up your soul then unleash it. And if you wish, as the jedi often teach, learn to temper that desire. Subdue it to bring about cool heads and a cold brazier.” His hand lowered and as he mentioned the tempering of such passions, the fire started to die out, snuffed as just as Vulpesen’s flared presence now seemed to shrink away. After waiting a moment to answer any immediate questions, the wilder issue his final instruction before moving on,
“Now try to ignite your own flame, and feel free to call me back if there's anything else.”
Ryana mina
Gweneth would be next to find the master’s instruction and he smiled as he took in the one who had taken to the tank of water.
“A fine choice. Though perhaps a bit more complex than most think. Water is a fluid thing. It ebbs and flows, often taking the easiest path. It adapts well and is generally tranquil.” He outstretched his hand then pulled it back, bringing a stream of liquid back to encircle him
. “Most masters of water I’ve met are among the calmest people you’ll ever know. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a fury hidden within. Afterall, the worst storms are found in the seas.” The water swirled faster then lashed out, cracking like a whip and leaving a spray of water towards the center of the circle.
“Meditation might help you learn its ways, and remember that fury isn’t always the way of the dark side. Afterall, our lightsabers have been raised against the sith for millenia.” His hand outstretched and as though it were a riverbed, the water flowed alongside it and back into the tank.
“Focus on the nature of peaceful adaptation and coax the water into a flow. See what waves you can make and call if you need assistance.” Once more, he waited to answer any posed questions, and then he moved on.
Gweneth Zarari
Lightning. Vulpesen couldn’t help but smile as he saw those that went against the grain. It was the element of their enemies. But it didn’t need to be, something he had known even with his own time among the jedi. Indeed, such a fallacy was the reason that he taught now for the first time in fifty years. The Republic had been filled with fools. Now, Vulpesen saw the proof that the New Jedi Order truly believed that Knowledge was preferable to ignorance.
“Lightning can appear erratic. It lashes out quickly and often without warning. It strikes with loud thunder and it’s rightfully feared by many of our kind who fight the sith.” He approached the device and took a deep breath as he reached out his hand.
“But look closely and you’ll see that lightning, while many things, is not random. It is direct.” Vulpesen’s eyes flashed as lightning surged forth, crackling as it caught his hand and crackled over his body. It covered him with blue and golden arcs of plasma, though there was no pain in the wilder’s eyes as he focused on keeping it at bay.
“Perhaps that's why it falls so easily to the sith. Simple, direct, expedited pain.” His other hand outstretched to the pillar and the crackling storm returned to its source with a roar.
“Conviction will be your friend. Lightning can be dangerous, but it is easy to guide. Like a current through a wire, or lightning to a rod, it will follow the path you set. I’d suggest drawing your lightsabers to catch it. See how focused you can get the beam and call if you need assistance.” The machine had been designed with dampeners to lower the amperage. No doubt a failing to control the element would lead to pain, or even a bout of neuromuscular incapacitation, but it wouldn’t quite be enough to leave any lasting damage. Still, Vulpesen remained for questions before moving on to his final stop.
Shan Pavond
Elias Edo
“Earth. Steady, stable, and stubborn. Much like the order you’ve joined. Steadfast and slow to change throughout the ages.” He grinned as he made the comparison, approaching the kel dor and his niece.
“Not such a bad thing, mind you. The galaxy needs its paragons and true believers. Those that can’t be shaken from the course.” He placed his hand on one of the stones as he looked between the pair.
“But rest assured, we are not here to sling rocks around. Any jedi worth half a credit ought to be able to do that. No, here I want to see your conviction. Stone is slow to change. It possesses a strong will. Yours must be stronger.” His hand started to draw back, and with it, came a handle. Then a crossguard. Then a blade. Then, with a flick of his wrist, Vulpesen produced a stone dagger, leaving a noticeable hole in the stone.
“I want you to mold the stone. Think of an image or object. Then either imprint it to the boulder or take it out from it. Either way, it will require a strength of will. Be resolute.”
Dreidi Xeraic
Ko Vuto
Finished with his initial rounds, Vulpesen moved to the center of the circle, content to let his eyes wander over his students as they came to grips with the tasks he had set them too. Of course, he would also be quick to respond to any questions or requests that they might have had for him.
Vulpesen
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Tandi Preegasa
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Toby Russen
