Learning a way of peace

[Sorel Crieff]

Built into the side of a mountain and beside a jungle, near to a river. The ancient Voss Temple was originally built for inhabitants larger than the standard human and so boasted high doorways.

It was so ancient that the high arches and vine covered windows allowed for the jungle’s atmosphere to obscure the Temple from the air. It was accessible, but you had to know where to find it. And Sorel had shared its coordinates with someone who had shown an interest in White Current.

So she waited at the hangar for the Jedi’s ship to arrive and had already planned where to carry out the lesson – deep down below, in the mountain-side. There was to be found a grotto built by the Masters to sooth the body and soul. It was perfect for what she had in mind.

Sorel had been spending more are more time on Voss of late. In part because she was taking so many classes but also because she was actually enjoying the concept of calling somewhere home for the first time. Her ship, for so long her residence, was parked up in one of the bays – but now felt like what it was designed for, a mode of transport.

And as she mused, she heard the sound of an incoming ship and awaited her student.

[member="Seraya Whisperwind"]

 

[RC 212]

[member="Sorel Crieff"]

Voss Temple...

She'd had to hitch a ride with the other folks travelling to voss.

As the Freighter touched down the ramps hissed open with the familiar sound of hydraulics cycling in the dimly lit hangar. Seraya stepped off the vessel, with both arms folded in front of her. She was tall, pale and dressed in a blue jumpsuit with a white cloth vest. Most of her possesions she owned were strapped either to her belt, or her combat harness underneath it.

Smoke bombs, Glowsticks, Food, Water.

She had no credits to speak of, and kept her lightsaber hidden on a hand sewn compartment inside her belt, so as not to advertise her presence to the rest of the galaxy. As she stepped down the ramp admiring the architecture of the sweeping curved beams and lofty ceiling she flashed a smile to Soriel.

A couple of months ago they'd agreed to meet. Supposedly she was well versed in the White Current, which unfortunate for Seraya, Master Drexel had never gotten around to teaching her before he was killed.

​

Poor old grumpy man...​

She pushed those thoughts aside now, and moved to greet Soriel. As she approached she gave a curt bow and then extended her gloved hand.

"Master Crieff, It is a pleasure to meet you at last."

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel was pleased the ship that arrived was her student’s – and she bowed to the young woman that walked down the ramp.

“Welcome to Voss and please call me Sorel,” she said and shook the young woman’s hand. “Now I understand you wish to become familiar with the ability to use White Current. I warn it’s not an ability that you can learn in five minutes. What I can teach you today are the basics. From today, you will practice and in time you will become more and more proficient.”

“As we walk, I’d be keen to hear what you know about the Fallanassi and White Current.” And with that, Sorel led them out of the hangar and towards the mountain-side, where the grotto lay.

[member="Seraya Whisperwind"]

 

[RC 212]

[member="Sorel Crieff"]

As she walked, she folded her hands behind her, keeping pace with Soriel. In a gesture of respect for the Elder Jedi she walked exactly one pace back, and kept her attention fixated on what was being said.

"I must confess Sorel, I have heard only bits and pieces. My Master never spoke of the Fallnassi. We only trained on a specific set of skills. I believe his intentions for me are far different than my intentions for myself."

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel listened and a corner of her lips suggested she found something said slightly amusing. “We Masters are an interesting breed. We are all different and we all think we know best. All I know is what I believe and so I make no apologies for that but similarly have to practise what I believe.”

“My view is that the path you walk is yours. Not mine. Therefore it is not for me to advise any of my Padawans what to learn or how to develop. As long as they keep to the light side, they need to determine their precise journey.”

“Not that I am saying I am right and your former Master is wrong. I am simply sharing what I believe in. So, a few words on the Fallanassi are in order. They are also known as Adepts of the White Current. Many used the White Current for illusions or Force immersion. I can and will teach you the basics – to see the White Current and to work with it. Beyond that you will learn by yourself to develop your skills.”

“But as we walk, it would be good to hear a little about yourself, your background, your plans – that sort of thing.”

[member="Seraya Whisperwind"]

 

[RC 212]

[member="Sorel Crieff"]

Plans? She really had no plans so to speak. Most of her focus was based on learning, on trying to find a cause at this point.

"I'm afraid at this point I have no plans. I go where the Force Draws me and do what I must. Originally I was a Jedi Padawan of the Republic, but I ended up leaving the Order at a very young age. then I met Master Tyrian Drexel. He was part of a secret sect known as the Wardens. Most of what I learned was hand to hand combat, never using a lightsaber unless it was absolutely necessary."

She paused, lost in thought.

"He was also a Jedi whom had left the Order. I am of the opinion he wanted me to be a Warden, but I could never take that life as my own. Not yet at any rate. However the training was good..."

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel smiled, much of what he heard reflected her own experiences, especially in the years after her Master died – when she toured the galaxy much like a pinball, bouncing from one planet to another, as the Force dictated.

“Plans are an interesting concept. Some cannot live without them, others run a mile from the mention of having them. So do not apologise for a lack of them. If they are important in your life, I’m sure that will become apparent. For now, you have the right approach and as long as you are comfortable with it, it will work out just fine.”

“I have to admit not being familiar with Master Drexel, but given it was a secret sect, that is hardly surprising. And I too started life with the Republic Jedi – many moons ago now.” There was no hint of nostalgia in her voice, and it was clear this was simply part of her past. No more and no less.

“And I suspect the Force lets us know when and where it is time to commit to something – if at all. You will know when you know. Which annoyingly sounds like a Master’s ramblings or attempt to be inscrutable, which it is not. It is merely, in my experience, the truth.”

“Now, White Current.” They’d reached the grotto now, an area that was secluded, which suited Sorel for the lesson ahead.

She closed her eyes and appeared to be writing something in thin air with her fingers. “The first part of the lesson is finding out how to access and see White Current. It is the Force and it is not the Force. I have written something using White Current. Your first test is to decipher what I have written.”

“How that works for you may be different from me. All I ask is that you believe and seek to connect with the White Current.”

[member="Seraya Whisperwind"]

 

[RC 212]

[member="Sorel Crieff"]

OOC: Know your muse is dying, but let's have some fun with this! Sorry forgot all about this Char.

"Hmm ok."

She closed her eyes, slipping into the force, but not quite the only force. The force was weird in that the Falnassi teachings had existed outside of them. Whatever was written would take considerable concentration to decipher, and bit of time. So she settled in, crouching and then transitioning into a seated cross legged posture.

Her hands touched the stone as the force thrummed through her. Then she dropped, feeling the current beneath and above the narrow band. She was in it now, the space that existed between nothing, and the force. And the words that were written were beginning to become much clearer for her. Though she could not make out the strange runes just yet.

"Any tips?" She asked, snapping her eyes open.