Faction &nbsp; Meditation 101: To Listen &amp; To Learn

For Oryn Selvar, it was back to basics. He had excelled at lightsaber drills and katas, was even making progress new and exotic powers such as Force Stasis, yet where was he failing? Focus. What was meant to be the simplest thing any Padawan could do in their sleep, became his big hurdle. More than once now he had come up short because in the heat of action in the field, he had lost focus. It was one thing to do something in the training yard, and another entirely to do it in a high stakes situation.

Every sign Oryn had been given by his tutors was that he was well on his path to becoming a Jedi Knight. Reality had smashed him in the face, and with it, the shattered pieces of the young Nautolan's confidence scattered to the winds.

So here he was, attending a lesson on meditation. Meditation. He was grateful his light teal skin couldn't turn into abashed red. What made it worse, was that he was the first to arrive. He half expected a pack of younglings to saunter in after him. It wasn't rational, it wasn't that any of this was beneath him, but his mind was spiralling off the back of his recent failures. What a great start to a meditation session! He was ready to go.

"Hello" he announced himself after a deep breath, and stepped into the area of the courtyard that Balun had set himself up in. "I'm Padawan Oryn Selvar." he made a respectful bow before the Jedi Knight. Outwardly Oryn wore a friendly smile, while he scanned for any sign of surprise on Balun. Did Balun think he belonged here, or did he suspect Oryn had taken a wrong turn? This was a class for Padawans, right?

"I'm here to work on my meditation." Because I am a child raised in the Jedi Order who can't manage what you mastered at age twelve. "I'm not too early, am I?" Far from it, a decade late more like.

Oryn straightened his white robes, as he crossed the final stretch of the promenade. A breeze drifted through the open space, carrying with it the distant sounds of Temple life, and the rustle of leaves from the immaculate gardens. The Naboo Temple was truly something special. One didn't need to be a Force Sensitive to figure out that this place bathed in the Light. It was beautiful.

Just as well. If you're going to fail somewhere, do it somewhere pretty.

Feng Huang · May 23, 2026

Feng was looking forward to the lesson on meditation. Meditation was one of the aspects of Jedi training Master Wu had emphasised, particularly with Feng's passions. Recently Feng had been feeling an even higher fluctuation in her emotions than usual, she'd feel almost crippling anxiousness one moment, to overbearing confidence while there were lives at stake, to rage bordering on the homicidal at her adversaries.

Feng was hoping that a grounding refresher in meditation might do wonders for her anxiety and her passions. The way she bounced back and forth between them couldn't be healthy, she wasn't sure control was the right word for what she sought, but perhaps acceptance. Acceptance of self, so that when she was feeling anxious or angry she could recognise it and not let those emotions sway her decisions. Through acceptance control perhaps?

She wasn't sure exactly if that would work, but she knew that avoidance and hoping things would just improve on their own wasn't working. Feng knew she had most of the skills necessary to be a fully functional Jedi, she performed well on missions when lives were on the line, for the most part, though she knew she had room for improvement, still she was more or less confident in her ability to face danger and the skills needed to survive. So most of the skills a Jedi would need, except perhaps those of the self.

Feng took a deep breath. This was a valuable course to be taking, not only for her current struggles, but also for a refresher. It was arrogant to assume that one had mastered a skill to the point of needing no further lessons in its art form. Perhaps this Meditation differed from the methods Master Wu taught, perhaps it would merely by beneficial to help Feng associate with others of the Jedi Order, rather than remain closed off and isolated. Either way Feng was looking forward to the lesson. So why was she so anxious?

Feng arrived in the room and bowed. She saw that the room was almost empty as she arrived just Master Balun and a fellow padawan.

"Padawan Feng, I'm uh here for the Meditation lesson?" Feng asked hesitantly.

"It is good to see you again Master Balun. I enjoyed your tutelage while sparring and learnt much, I am sure I'll learn just as much from you today." Feng complimented with a warm smile and a bow.

"Oh hi Oryn!" Feng waved cheerfully recognising him from her Padawan Pack meet up.

Balun Dashiell · May 23, 2026

MEDITATION 101: TO LISTEN & TO LEARN.
LOCATION: Shiraya's Sanctuary, Jedi Temple Courtyard, Naboo.
INVENTORY: High Republic Jedi Robes | Crossguard Lightsaber | Standard Lightsaber.
TAGS:

Feng Huang

Balun smiled warmly as the first of the students gradually started to arrive. He had placed no personal expectations on who might attend, what level or training, nor their age or field experience had been stated in the class listing on the Jedi Comport; He had left the class open for all to be welcomed, even if it were a return to the basics for some of them.

First to arrive was a Nautolan Padawan whom Balun had not yet had the pleasure of meeting. By appearance alone, the Jedi Knight could not surmise the student's age, yet through the Force, Balun sensed a whisper of anxiety, perhaps uncertainty, in the air around

Oryn Selvar . The older Jedi, (though not by much), had become rather in tune with the flow and affect that emotions could distort in the Force, and while Balun could faintly sense some shallow impression of the Nautolan's unease, he did not look any deeper for the sake of the Padawan's privacy. If Oryn decided to speak of such things, he would do so of his own choice and at a time most comfortable to him.

Feng Huang was familiar to Balun, for they had recently sparred together, and the young Jedi Knight was glad to see that she had chosen to attend. Student life in the Jedi Order was forever a path spent walking amongst doubt and uncertainty, where faith and the encouragement of your peers, not to mention the Force itself, was often your guide. Feng had questions for herself and personal ambitions that she had briefly revealed to the Jedi Knight during their time in the Dojo, and, much like Oryn, both students reminded Balun of his own challenges during his student years and those ongoing today. Challenges, however, were to be appreciated, for while failure could sometimes result of one's attempts, learning could always be found in any effort a Jedi put their mind to.

"Hello Oryn, Feng", Balun greeted the two of them, his hands gesturing for both to find as comfortable a spot as possible upon the stone floor of the outdoor promenade, he himself moving to sit within the centre of the circular mural that painted the surface of their would-be classroom.

"Neither of you is too early, no. I thought I'd prepare in advance, but we'll wait to see if others join us. If not, then we will proceed together" He glanced between the pair of them, his gaze landing on Feng for a moment as she had complimented their shared sparring session; "And thank you, Feng, I enjoyed it too. I'm glad to be getting to know more of our peers lately. I plan on doubling my efforts in leading more of these lessons ahead of time, so hopefully," He glanced back to Oryn encouragingly, "We will get to know each other better in the weeks to come".

"While we wait, how about we chat a little. Get to share something about ourselves. For instance, how boring do you find meitation?" He smirked, studying the two of them closely, both amused to see their reactions but also curious to see how much of the truth they would share, rather than telling him simply what a tutor might wish to hear.

Former Mentor: Ala Quin
Jedi Apprentice: Cerys Dyn
Major Faction: The High Republic
Sub-Faction: Jhaessa Prime
Conglomerate: Dashiell Incorporated™
Subsidiary Company: Dashiell Retrofit™

"Speech"
'Thought'

Out Of Character: No Dice Roll Active.

Feng Huang · May 24, 2026

Feng smiled and nodded briskly at Master Balun's introduction. It made sense for the teacher to be extra prepared for the classes they were administering. Feng was grateful that she had the tutelage of someone so prepared, and open minded. That in and of itself was a rare combination, to be able to prepare as much as needed while still holding an open mind for more to learn was in Feng's opinion at least an admirable quality.

Feng also sensed Oryn's unease, now that she had a moment to settle. It was… strangely comforting, that she wasn't the only one. Not that she was glad of Oryn's discomfort exactly, it just made her feel less alone. Feng had in the back of her mind expected to find a class of serene Jedi enjoying a peaceful, calm and harmonious meditation lesson without any troubles or cares to speak of.

It was a comfort that Feng wasn't the only one filled with doubt.

Still Balun's first question through her off for a moment, she frowned as she considered the question carefully. Did she find meditation boring? Sometimes she was forced to admit, but mostly if she had an adverse reaction to meditation it was frustration. It was as if she was trying and failing to achieve a zen state. She did everything she could, she focused on her breath, but not matter what she did her mind wandered. She found herself focuses on either the trivial like working on engines or racing, or beating herself up with her anxieties.

"Sometimes Master" Feng answered cautiously "Mostly recently I find myself frustrated with meditation. It's as if I'm straining to achieve a goal, that I can't quite reach. Or my mind wanders to either the trivial like engines or racing or" Feng blushed then powered through "Or… relationships. Either that or I start beating myself up over my anxieties, what I fail at, what I'll never be good enough for."

Feng face flickered into a sad smile.

"I know that isn't the purpose of meditation, to have perfect thoughts, but I just can't seem to either focus or let go enough. I'm not sure which." Feng admitted.

"I know I'm being too harsh on myself. That I should never seek perfection in anything, any skill, because that would mean one would stop learning, which would be a terrible fate. I love learning… but I think I'm stuck on a barrier of thought. I keep trying to hammer it down and it's like it just keeps getting stronger."

Feng bowed her head a moment to collect herself.

"I hope you can help me, because I don't know what else to do? How else to approach it?" Feng was grasping at straws hoping to once again find a simple straightforward solution to her problems. Was that wrong too? Feng didn't know but she refused to just sit there and do nothing, that didn't seem to help either. If this didn't work she'd try something else, until she could meditate and just let go, like she used to be able to.

Oryn Selvar · May 26, 2026

Oryn felt a great relief washing over him at seeing Feng. Not only was it a fellow Padawan, but the cheerfulness he tasted in the air upon her recognising him was something he used to push down his own anxiety.

"Oh hey, Feng! Fancy seeing you here." His smile was painted over his relief. If nothing else, he wouldn't be alone with a pack of younglings. He could belong.

As Balun moved to sit, so did Oryn. He found himself some place across from the Knight, and dropped down, legs folded. If he had a complaint about being seated on cold, hard rock, he didn't voice it.

There was clear excitement in his eyes, as he listened to Balun talk about wanting to do more of this thing, and Oryn nodded along. The young Nautolan idolized the Jedi Knights. They were out there in the wider galaxy, doing good, fighting evil. That one of them would take the time to give back to the Padawans was great, and not something he took for granted.

'How boring do you find meditation'

Oryn first reaction was to laugh, before giving it some thought. He never thought it boring, per say… He just never really thought about it at all. It was just one of those things.

As Feng gave her answer, his mouth slowly fell agape, before he caught himself and quickly pulled it shut. To hear another Padawan speak of being frustrated with something as simple as meditation… It wasn't that he was shocked at Feng for struggling, it was more that he was shocked he wasn't the only one. Oryn had a tendency to view all other Padawans as different versions of golden students, all on the path to Knighthood, with only him as the one stumbling and falling behind.

While he waited for the Jedi Knight to weigh in, he thought what Feng described didn't seem so bad. He'd hardly judge her harshly for it. At the same time he was self-aware enough to know he'd be rather rough with himself for the same thing. Maybe she was too? He tried to offer a supportive smile, and radiate outward a soothing and supportive presence. Whether it actually did anything he didn't really know, it was just a habit he had developed.

'That I should never seek perfection in anything, any skill, because that would mean one would stop learning,'

Feth! That was perfect. Why couldn't he think like that? He didn't want to interrupt her, or Balun's answer, so all he chimed in with was a muted "Wow, yeah". It made so much sense. All his failings and limitations simply made space to grow into.

The way she opened up was admirable. It left him feeling comfortable enough to do the same. Besides… There were only the three of them here. So whenever it was 'his turn', he decided to produce a little bit of honesty himself, before anyone else could show up.

"I never really struggled with meditation or anything. It was just.. Fine, you know? I could keep my focus in lessons, sparring, and all that. But then suddenly out in the field.. I don't know. Everything is so real. So intense." he stopped. He wasn't making sense. He tried clearing his thoughts, then tried again.

"I've always been good at picking up on emotions of those around me. Take you, for example" he gestured with a hand towards Balun. "I'm getting calm. Warmth. And earlier, a little mild amusement. I'm not getting much, honestly. You feel… Tidy. I'd say you're emotionally disciplined enough to soften your presence around others." Perhaps Oryn had picked a bad example for this little live reading. Yet he didn't want to make Feng bad in any way by highlighting the jumps from her earlier cheer to anxiousness and sad frustration.

"But out in the field? It's all there, screaming at me. People's pain. Their anger. It's like I'm feeling it with them, and I can't block it out. It's like I forget everything else" It was enough to throw him off, and leave him open. That was no way for a Jedi to behave.

Feng Huang

Balun Dashiell · May 27, 2026

MEDITATION 101: TO LISTEN & TO LEARN.
LOCATION: Shiraya's Sanctuary, Jedi Temple Courtyard, Naboo.
INVENTORY: High Republic Jedi Robes | Crossguard Lightsaber | Standard Lightsaber.
TAGS:

Feng Huang

The young Jedi Knight leaned forward a little, pressing his elbows against his knees and placing his chin atop closed hands as he listened intently, first to

Feng Huang and then to

Oryn Selvar as he added to the conversation, a small smile ever present as Balun studied the two with great interest, eager to learn more of the experiences of the two promising Padawan who had arrived and began sharing the promenade with him.

From Padawan Huang, Balun heard much of the same impression that he had got from her when they had been sparring. A drive to do better, to accelerate her skill and abilities as a Jedi, much the same pressure that most students wound up placing upon themselves, Balun included, still to this day, he inwardly noted. The trick to managing one's aspirations was to pace yourself, not to allow your desire for improvement to cloud your presence in the here and now. This was something that Balun had pondered on previously with Feng, and though he couldn't be completely certain, he wondered if perhaps the pressure she placed upon her own shoulders was inadvertently holding her back, expecting too much from herself and setting standards she wasn't yet ready to meet.

Padawan Selvar, though his apprehension didn't escape Balun's notice, added weight to the discussion, and the Jedi Knight was pleased to see that they were both willing and feeling comfortable enough to speak openly with him on the subject, particularly when it came to the struggles, concerns and anxieties of Jedi Padawan. The object of Oryn's uncertainty and struggle appeared to be not from within the Temple but out in the field of duty, and Balun understood all too well the frenzy of emotions that, as a Jedi, could be felt from those around you, regardless of whether they were friend or foe. Anger, fear, rage, murderous intentions and the suffering of others were often overwhelming for many who first experienced the chaos of battle, and it was a hurdle that all Jedi had to eventually manage.

Looking first to Feng Huang, Balun replied thoughtfully, "Meditation is often thought of as an entry-level learning for our younger students, but the truth is that Jedi continue to pursue meditation, getting better at it with time and experience. We do this regularly, at our own pace. For you, personally, I wonder perhaps if you'd find moving meditation, using a simple kata with the lightsaber, repetitive movements in a short yet continued series of strikes to distract and clear the mind before delving into a deeper trance, might be more your style" he offered the suggestion casually, though it wasn't a sure thing, merely something that Balun felt worth trying as it had been especially helpful for himself during his younger years; "That said, we can certainly work on the standard and further discuss your options. Do you know of any techniques for clearing the mind? We will be practising a breathing technique today that may be useful for you too".

As he turned to focus on Oryn Selvar, thinking back on what the Padawan had shared. "It is never easy, what you're speaking of. Finding a sense of calm in arguably the darkest of times we face, combat is always rife with passions both positive and negative," Balun acknowledged, and agreed with the Padawan's hope to improve. "Meditation is a practice that helps us to first connect with the Force as young students, and again, over time, we become better able to call upon the Force for guidance. This you both likely already know, yet trying to harmonise one's mind whilst another is attacking you or someone nearby...I would be lying if I did not say that I still find it greatly difficult as a Jedi Knight". He did not offer a solution at this time, for Balun also wondered whether there would ever truly be a time when finding peace in battle would, or even should come easily, given the terrible nature of conflict and that being an aspect of their service for which the Jedi sought to experience as a last resort.

"Truthfully, I didn't like meditation when I was growing up in the Order. I struggled with it and found myself unable to sit still for so long, while, in my young mind at the time, doing nothing," he chuckled softly, now speaking for himself so that the two Padawans might gain better insight into their tutor. "Similar to Feng, I was more interested in Starfighters and sparring, speeders and all things technological. I believe it's something that has likely stunted my progress along the way, but I also spent much of my life outside the Order, without a Master for guidance, learning by doing. It's not the easiest path, and I wouldn't recommend it," the Jedi Knight explained, concluding with a moment of honesty. Leaving the Order at fifteen years old and joining the rebels had been a turning point in his life, like stepping out of cover into the path of an incoming speeder.

Balun exhaled slowly, pulling himself away from the conversation for a brief moment to look upon the surrounding courtyard. It did not appear as though there would be other students joining them any time soon, or at least none that he could see walking their way. A small group, just the three of them, wasn't necessarily a bad thing, mind you, as you could spend more time focusing on each individual throughout the lesson. Better two Padawans than none, he surmised.

"Others may be late to arrive, but for the time being, let's move ahead with the lesson", Balun suggested. "I mentioned techniques used to clear the mind of our thoughts and feelings. Do either of you know of any?"

Former Mentor: Ala Quin
Jedi Apprentice: Cerys Dyn
Major Faction: The High Republic
Sub-Faction: Jhaessa Prime
Conglomerate: Dashiell Incorporated™
Subsidiary Company: Dashiell Retrofit™

"Speech"
'Thought'

Out Of Character: No Dice Roll Active.

Feng Huang · Jun 1, 2026

Balun Dashiell

Feng listened to Oryn's struggles with sympathy. She knew what he meant, the emotions that one picked up in battle could be overwhelming, the pain the suffering, the rage, the terror, the thrill, the excitement, the bloodlust of the enemy and the resolution of the Jedi beside you. It could all crash on like waves in a storm on Kamino, with no safe port to harbour and shelter. There was no time for that in battle. For Feng though the trick had been not letting those emotions push her over into passion, passion the fueled her abilities and could all too easily lead to the dark side.

It was Feng's greatest fear falling to the dark side. She got constantly anxious about it, it was why she got so upset with herself about a lack of perfection in being a Jedi. Feng sought to hypercontrol everything about herself internally out of fear of what she could be. She was trying to work on that, accept her emotions as neither bad nor good just simply a part of herself, to be acknowledged and watched but not defeated. Like thoughts in a stream. It was a technique that had helped her calm down when feeling anxious in the past.

Feng listened to Balun's suggestion and hesitated. It sounded like it might work. To do a kata while meditating, it would give her mind and body something to focus on, while trying to centre her mind Master Wu did something similar, at the time Feng had just thought it was a simple way of training, he had never tried to impress it upon Feng. Possibly because he had known a teenage rebellious girl would have rejected it out of hand, Feng thought ruefully. Well Feng had hopefully outgrown rebelling against something for the sheer sake of rebelling or that it might not work.

"I shall try what you have suggested Master" Feng said with a bow.

When he called for exercises to clear the mind, Feng hesitated then raised her hand.

"It… is something that works with my anxiety Master. It starts with standard meditation, in breaths for a count of five through your nose, out breaths for a count of six through your mouth, focusing on your breath, then when you find your mind getting distracted by a thought, imagine the though floating in a stream, imagine you are on the bank of the stream watching the thought float by. Not trying to fight it, or challenge it, or debate it. Just letting the thought be as it floats by, letting the next thought come in time, while you recentre your focus on your breathing gently."

Feng blushed feeling like she'd revealed something deeply personal, which she supposed she had.

"It reminds me that thoughts are just thoughts, they have no Force power to cause you to act a certain way or do a certain thing, they don't make it any more or less likely for a circumstance or event to come to pass. If anything avoiding the subject of the thought only makes the thought stronger, but accepting that they're just thoughts… it helps."

Ivy Maro · Jun 3, 2026

Ivy winced the moment she stepped into the promenade.

Oh no. Was she late?

Three others were already gathered in a small circle upon the stone floor. Two faces she recognized,

Oryn Selvar and

Feng Huang . Relief softened her initial panic. The third, however, was unfamiliar. Seemingly older than the Padawans, seated comfortably at the center of the mural while the others faced him. Judging by the way Oryn and Feng listened and the easy confidence with which he addressed them, Ivy quickly concluded

Balun Dashiell must be the instructor.

She hesitated only briefly before approaching. Ivy slowed her pace, took in the scene, and decided this was not the moment for one of her usual bouts of overconfidence. Believe it or not, she could read a room when she needed to.

Not wanting to interrupt the discussion already underway, Ivy simply offered a small wave. Her lips formed a silent, mouthed "Hi," accompanied by a broad smile directed toward Oryn and Feng. Her greeting came out as little more than a whisper.

Then she settled herself onto the ground, crossing her legs and attempting to mirror the posture everyone else seemed to have adopted. The stone was cooler than she expected. Facing the teacher, Ivy folded her hands in her lap and listened. Resisting the urge to fidget. Mostly.

The conversation had already moved well beyond introductions. Though after a few moments, Ivy realized she probably ought to introduce herself to the one person present she had never actually met.

"Hi, I'm Ivy Maro," she said quietly, offering Balun a small smile.

It seemed the others had been sharing their experiences and techniques regarding meditation. More importantly, it seemed they expected her to share hers as well. For once, Ivy had actually come mentally prepared for a class. The usual rapid-fire enthusiasm and excited tangents were still there somewhere, but now they sat beneath a calmer surface.

"I haven't been with the Jedi for very long, but... When I first met them on Kattada, a couple of years ago... I was in a really bad place, mentally." Her voice softened. A shadow crossed her expression as old memories surfaced. Painful ones...

Then came the faintest, amused smirk. "I had to do a lot of meditation before I could even touch a lightsaber." Beneath the humored tone lingered the unmistakable impression that it wasn't a joke at all.

Ivy unclipped the lightsaber hilt from her belt. The weapon rose into the air between her hands. Without touching it, she guided the mechanism open through the Force. The hilt separated neatly, revealing the kyber crystal housed within.

"Crystal meditation helped me a lot."

The hilt floated apart in a careful arrangement as the crystal drifted free. With practiced ease, Ivy reassembled the weapon around empty space. Components clicked back into place one by one before she caught the completed hilt and clipped it back onto her belt.

The crystal remained suspended. A tiny blue light hovering between Ivy's palms. As conversation continued, she absentmindedly toyed with it through the Force. Sometimes letting it hover motionless. Sometimes letting it settle lightly into one palm before drifting back into the air.

"Though I might've traumatized my crystal a bit," she added with a bitter chuckle.

The crystal itself was unusual. Blue. Yet at its center sat a dark core, as though a piece of it had been hollowed out by shadow. A black void suspended within brilliant sapphire light. Not corrupted, perhaps, but scarred. Damaged from the inside out. Judging by the wound visible within the crystal's heart, some of the darkness Ivy had wrestled with had clearly left its mark upon it.

For any Jedi, the significance was obvious. A kyber crystal was more than a component, more than a source of power. It was a companion, a reflection, a bond. Even now, as the crystal floated serenely between Ivy's hands, she treated it with a quiet affection usually reserved for an old friend.

“All I know is that focusing on my crystal helps me cut through the noise in my head. It helps me hear myself, and it helps me hear the Force.”

Not that she wasn't open to new ideas, but this was the method that had best worked for her. Focusing on something living yet inanimate, attuned with the Force, gave her mind a sense of clarity, stillness and comfort she hadn't experienced elsewhere.

Oryn Selvar · Jun 4, 2026

Tag:

Ivy Maro

Oryn was trying to soak it all in. Meditation was really something he thought he understood, though when posed simple questions as what sort of techniques he used, he didn't really know what to answer. Meditation was just… Meditation, wasn't it? If this was its own muscle, it really was one he had neglected. He'd need to start brushing up on it in his free time, and try to be really self-aware of what he did, and the how and why. He took to heart the advice given to Feng. If he could practice meditation during katas, maybe he'd find it easier in a real fight as well.

The fact that even a Knight like Balun admitted finding aspects of it all hard made Oryn feel even more relaxed about it all. He really had worked it up to something quite big and unique in his mind. Thankfully his notions were starting to unravel.

"I don't really know that I have any techniques" Oryn filled in after Feng. "I suppose sometimes I like to just imagine the sounds of ocean at night. You can't see, you just gotta feel the waves, the currents, and listen to what it tells you" That sounded so silly.

For a moment, Oryn worried that someone joining them now would break the spell that let them share their inner thoughts so openly. But when he saw who it was, he broke into a grin as wide as Ivy's. "Hi!" This gathering was getting downright friendly.

As she sat and joined them, Oryn watched in amazement. She had a lightsaber! He was building his own too, and soon he would as well… "Crystal meditation," he repeated, watching as she levitated the parts before them. "I'll try that." He had not thought of it, but he did have a crystal now, given to him by Braze.

Balun Dashiell · Jun 4, 2026

MEDITATION 101: TO LISTEN & TO LEARN.
LOCATION: Shiraya's Sanctuary, Jedi Temple Courtyard, Naboo.
INVENTORY: High Republic Jedi Robes | Crossguard Lightsaber | Standard Lightsaber.
TAGS:

Ivy Maro

Feng Huang was the first to speak up, mentioning breathing exercises similar to those Balun had first been taught. As she then spoke of imagining a calming scenario, for her, floating downstream, the arrival of another student joined them, albeit as quietly and unintrusively as possible. The Jedi Knight glanced at the newcomer, offering a smile and an acknowledging nod in response to her silent greeting, "Welcome Ivy, thank you for joining us" Balun smiled, gesturing for her to find a place wherever suited her. Padawan Maro was a welcome addition, and Balun was glad to see another interested in joining the session.

"Breathing techniques such as you mentioned, Feng, are arguably the most common way of quietening our minds. Not only does it help us prepare for meditation, but it's useful in a variety of situations, such as when we're feeling anxious or afraid."

Balun replied to Feng, glad that one of them had mentioned the method.

"Some prefer to start out with the four-second rule: inhale, pause, exhale, pause, all for four seconds to begin with. I've heard others pause for longer, but it all comes down to what suits the individual. What works for some might not work for others, which is why I thought we'd discuss these techniques before practising".

The Jedi Knight soon turned back to

Ivy Maro as she spoke of meditating with her Crystal, not just a simple component of the Lightsaber but personally attuned to the one that carried it. The Kyber Crystal, over time, became a piece of the Jedi themselves, and when lost, left an emptiness that was difficult to replace. She had also mentioned a time of personal strife, when meditation had helped in her emotional recovery, an encouraging footnote that others could hear a fellow student share as evidence of the practice's benefit.

"Very good, Ivy. It's true, Jedi often use their crystals for clarity and comfort in meditation. While we attune ourselves to our crystals through the art, that does not mean it's not beneficial to continue doing so. Our Crystals are an extension of ourselves, something difficult for many to understand, lest they experience the relationship between a Force User and their Crystal for themselves".

Looking then to

Oryn Selvar , Balun offered a reassuring smile. What Padawan Selvar had spoken of was similar to the Guided Visualisation that Feng had also suggested; this time, rather than floating in the water himself, he imagined the sounds and sights of the ocean, the waves, and its calming presence for the Nautolan student.

"That is Guided Visualisation Oryn, which is indeed a technique that others have been known to use. I myself think of the forest, the wind flowing through the trees as the Force does through all living things. There are ways you can alter the experience. Imagine a familiar environment, such as our Temple here, picture yourself walking its halls and mapping it out in your mind. It can distract from your thoughts and feelings as well as any other method".

He was pleased that each of them knew a method that worked for them, and he took a moment to study the trio seated before him, a small smile escaping him as he rather enjoyed getting to know them all a little better. Balun was meeting Ivy and Oryn for the first time, and for students who had not met an instructor, it could be nerve-wracking to place trust in someone you did not know, especially when it meant closing your eyes and, likewise, exposing yourself to your environment in meditation. Feng had the benefit of their introductory spar and would hopefully know that Balun was a very grounded, expressive, and sentimental Jedi, one whose desire to share and teach was hopefully coming across in today's lesson.

"I want each of you to use the techniques you mentioned today. We will get into the practical side of the lesson now, and I will speak to you all throughout, gently, of course. What I want us to focus on today within our meditation is to visualise a time of failure, difficulty and struggle. I want each of you, through meditation, to use a negative experience and search for a positive lesson that you can pull from that time,".

Balun informed them, his smile widening slightly as he studied their reactions. It was a peculiar task, perhaps, but there was good reason behind it. After all, he was well experienced in learning things in life the hard way, sometimes at the expense of his pride, but rarely forgetting those moments of personal growth.

"As Jedi, we often need to look for the good even in times of conflict, personal or otherwise. Keeping a positive mindset, maintaining inner peace and ensuring we remain centred. Sometimes the greatest lessons can come from our largest failures or mishaps".

"Remember, there is no answer right or wrong, our path is curated individually, each unique like our minds and our hearts" Balun would remind them, seeking to lessen any potential pressure the students might place on themselves; "Do we all feel clear on what I'm asking? Questions are welcome before we begin, if I need to give examples".

Former Mentor: Ala Quin
Jedi Apprentice: Cerys Dyn
Major Faction: The High Republic
Sub-Faction: Jhaessa Prime
Conglomerate: Dashiell Incorporated™
Subsidiary Company: Dashiell Retrofit™

"Speech"
'Thought'

Out Of Character: No Dice Roll Active.

Ivy Maro · Jun 5, 2026

Ivy couldn't help smiling at

Oryn Selvar 's response. "I'll try that." The simple remark earned him an appreciative grin from Ivy. Maybe crystal meditation wasn't for everyone, but hearing someone consider it made her feel oddly validated. If her method helped someone else even a little, that would be nice.

Balun Dashiell 's praise didn't hurt either. "Very good, Ivy." The words sent a small spark of pride through Ivy's chest. She tried not to look too pleased with herself and probably failed miserably. It was embarrassing how easily a teacher's approval could still brighten her mood. Between the recognition and the thoughtful way Balun spoke about the bond between Jedi and their crystals, Ivy felt both flattered and understood.

So she mostly listened. The crystal drifted down into Ivy's waiting palm, and she curled her fingers around it, stilling its motion. The faint warmth of it grounded her as the teacher continued the lesson. She found herself liking Balun's approach. There was something reassuring about the way he spoke—gentle, patient, never sounding as though he expected perfection from any of them. The small class helped too. Just her,

Feng Huang , Oryn, and Balun. It felt personal. Comfortable. Easier to participate when there weren't dozens of students watching.

At the same time, the arrangement left absolutely nowhere to hide. If she said something dumb, everyone would hear it. If she messed up, everyone would notice. Thankfully, Balun seemed determined to let each of them find their own path through the exercise. There was no wrong answer. He had said so himself. They were all here to learn.

Then came the actual assignment: "Visualize a time of failure, difficulty, and struggle." For most people, Ivy suspected that meant selecting any old random or latest difficult memory. Unfortunately, her brain translated that into THE most difficult memory she had ever been through.

The worst one. The experience from a couple of years ago. The experience that had shattered her old life. The heartbreak. The betrayal. The grief, anger, shame, fear, guilt, and painful realizations that had followed. The experience that had forced her to question who she was and who she wanted to become. The experience that had ultimately pushed her toward learning about the Force, about the Jedi, about all the different paths Force users walked. The experience that had led her to a random holoforum discussion mentioning a tiny Jedi enclave on Kattada and brought her to the doorstep of the Jedi Order.

That terrible chapter had become the foundation beneath everything she was now. Even after all this time, Ivy wasn't sure how she felt about that. She had spent years confronting those memories. Reliving them. Examining them from every angle. Picking apart every decision, every mistake, every emotion until she could finally view the events as an observer rather than a victim trapped inside them.

She considered the wound healed. Scarred, certainly. But healed.

The truth was that she never intended to stop revisiting it. Not because she enjoyed the pain, but because forgetting felt dangerous. The lessons hidden inside that experience were too important. The mistakes too costly. Remembering kept her honest. It reminded her how easily fear, hurt, and pride could influence someone's choices. It reminded her to be mindful of the wounds people carried, including her own.

So when Balun asked them to choose a difficult experience, Ivy already knew exactly which memory she would visit.

Her thumb rubbed absentmindedly across the crystal's smooth surface. When Balun asked if everyone understood, Ivy gave a small nod.

"Clear for me, I think." Her tone remained optimistic despite the weight of her thoughts gathering behind it.

She glanced toward Feng and Oryn, curious whether either of them had questions before they began.

Feng Huang · Jun 6, 2026

Ivy Maro

Oryn Selvar

Feng mouthed back a 'Hi' to Ivy as she entered, even waved an enthusiastic hand wave as she did. Before remembering they were supposed to be in a tranquil space, not socialising with fellow padawans. Still she was glad that her foray into making new friends was already paying dividends as it were. Not that she viewed her friends as payment or anything transactional, just that she was glad that she wasn't the only one she knew attending this lesson.

Feng considered what she knew of Master Balun, he was a very grounded Jedi she knew, practical yet patient. When they had been sparring he had managed to find a way to impart practical experience as well as wisdom in his teaching. It was a comforting memory to fall back upon as Feng was nervous about intentionally calling up a negative experience, even one she could gain a positive outcome from.

Before she even began Feng knew which experience she was going to recall. It was when Kattada Temple had been attacked by Sith and Mercenaries… Feng had fought in the attack and almost lost herself to her passions, to the dark side. She was learning however that emotions weren't to be feared in and of themselves, they could be powerful when acknowledged and gently guided. The key wasn't in denying the emotions, that just caused them to bounce back stronger, to keep them bottled up, but to acknowledge them carefully, in a guided manner, not seeking control as such but just gently acknowledging that this was an emotion she was feeling, that it had no bearing on her actions. She had the power to choose not her emotions.

As she summoned the memory of the passions, the rage, the wrath the hatred, she looked at them carefully and found they had no power over her control, over her actions. That she could look at the emotions without fear of losing herself to the dark side. The dark side was more than just emotions it was actions. The actions to do harm. Feng had choice, she had discipline, she had will and she had perspective.

With these in mind Feng let out a slow gentle long deep breath, and breathed again, focusing on her breathing, as she watched the emotions float by, without engaging with them, without wrestling with them, acknowledging they were there and would go in their own time.

"I am centred" Feng almost whispered prepared for the next instruction.

Oryn Selvar · Jun 12, 2026

Ivy Maro

Guided Visualization. That was a new term to him, but he made a note of it. It was nice to have a term for it. It made it easier for him to have something to look up and practice after today. He wasn't under any illusion that he was going to become a master after one session... Then came the assignment, and Oryn could almost hear his hearts beat faster and louder.

Visualise a time of failure, difficulty and struggle. Use a negative experience and search for a positive lesson.

No. He couldn't do it. That wasn't going to work.

There wasn't a doubt as to which experience to pull from. It wasn't so much a specific memory, as it was a repeating pattern. Sparring with droids or even other Jedi was fine, but those few experiences he had in the field? The pain he inflicted he felt as if it was his own. Their anger became his, and he would lose his footing. That was obviously not how a Jedi handled things, which began the spiral. He didn't have what it took. He was never going to become a Jedi. People were going to get killed because of him. He was going to be shipped off to the AgriCorps. His whole childhood had built towards this, yet he was a failure. What would he become then? There wasn't anything else for him...

Oryn took a deep breath. The sea, the sea, think of the sea. He dragged himself from the memories, the thoughts associated with them. He couldn't do it. He couldn't spend time in them long enough to find anything positive. What was the positive? That he'd get found out before he could do too much damage. That the Jedi would strip him of rank and ensure he wouldn't endanger civilians on missions with him.

Everyone else seemed ready. Could he fake it? With a Jedi Knight? Balun would see straight through him, read him like a book. A soggy old diary, more like. "I understand what you're asking" he said instead. It wasn't a lie. He wasn't ready, he didn't think he could do this, but he understood what was being asked of him.

Oh Force, I'm failing even at this.

Balun Dashiell · Jun 14, 2026

MEDITATION 101: TO LISTEN & TO LEARN.
LOCATION: Shiraya's Sanctuary, Jedi Temple Courtyard, Naboo.
INVENTORY: High Republic Jedi Robes | Crossguard Lightsaber | Standard Lightsaber.
TAGS:

Ivy Maro

"Trust in the living force, each of you. Depending on the depth of the trance you establish, feelings may rise to the surface. Acknowledge these, accept them for what they are, but do not let them discourage you, for the Force is always with us. That is what meditation is, communion with the Force" Balun offered some guiding words as he looked between the three of them.

Both

Ivy Maro and

Feng Huang appeared confident in their instructions, and while

Oryn Selvar also understood what the Jedi Knight was asking of them, Balun could sense the younger male's insecurity. Both hands left his lap, and he gestured to the two students at the outer edge of the trio, offering them all a nod and confirming they could begin. The Jedi Knight would naturally join them in meditation; however, as part of the exercise, he would also speak to them all, guiding them where necessary.

Closing his eyes, hands returning to rest atop his knees, palms upturned and open, Balun slowly inhaled through his nose and poised before exhaling. He opened himself to the flow of the Force, the whisper of the wind rustling through the tree leaves, the warmth of the sun's rays shining down over them all, and, of course, his attention upon his three attendees. They would each sense his presence as if he were sitting beside them. Though he did not delve intrusively into their subconscious, he merely kept a read on their emotions and left their experience private to each individual.

"Harmonious is the Force. Feel it in your surroundings, in the lives we each share. The oxygen entering and leaving our lungs, the living breathing force ever present, always with us" Balun spoke softly, and through the Force, they would so much as hear his words as they would feel his presence exuding a calming aura. They would each need to centre themselves to find such a sense of peace within meditation, yet for the Jedi Knight, it was quick and well practised.

"Our struggles shape us, as much so as our achievements. Concern, uncertainty, these are necessary emotions that keep us in check until they shift into insecurity, a passion that will mislead you. I, too, have experienced this, as do all Jedi, and in these times, the serenity found in communion with the Light can be your greatest Ally". He would cease his gentle guidance for the time being, tuning in tightly to each of them to gauge their progress. Would they require instruction? Have questions? Would they succeed in their first attempt, or would they learn the payoffs of perseverance and faith?

Former Mentor: Ala Quin
Jedi Apprentice: Cerys Dyn
Major Faction: The High Republic
Sub-Faction: Jhaessa Prime
Conglomerate: Dashiell Incorporated™
Subsidiary Company: Dashiell Retrofit™

"Speech"
'Thought'

Out Of Character:
1D20 Dice Roll Active.
Average: 9 - A 9 or higher dice role = success.

Oryn Selvar · Jun 20, 2026

Balun gestured for them to begin. Not Oryn. He could tell too. Questioning his own worth was one thing, but seeing it reflected in another hurt his pride. It should've sent him spiraling further. It wasn't anger he felt, but something hard, which fuelled a determination. Succeed or fail, he wasn't going to give up. He had been a star student. He was a star student, feth it.

Oryn didn't know the difference between the Living Force and the Force. It was a question for another time. Now he focused intensely on Balun, as he inhaled slowly and made his preparations. Copy Balun. He knew what to do. And so did Oryn. He'd been raised in the Jedi Order, after all. He hadn't been bad at meditation, or at least so he thought. It was only after his beliefs had been questioned in the field he had faltered.

Balun became Oryn's anchor, and Oryn used his presence to keep him from drifting aimless at sea. He found the center, he found the Force, and he began clearing his mind. Breathe in, breathe out. He let his worries and doubts be spoken once more in his mind, then be carried off by the wind. Oryn replaced it with the distant chirping of birds, the sound of a distant waterfall somewhere. Life was all around him on Naboo. It was beautiful. Whether Oryn was doing well or falling behind, the sun still set in the evening, and rose in the morning. Nothing changed. It simultaneously mattered, and not at all.

Before he really knew it, before he had a chance to reflect on it, to dwell and lose his serenity, Oryn found that state of mind which Balun had wanted him to reach. He couldn't have done it without Balun next to him, but somehow that didn't hurt him. Oryn had found calm, even if his mind had been a storm moments before. That he hadn't done it alone wasn't a weakness. Sith were the individualists, the Jedi cared about the collective. And the collective cared about him. No one wanted him to fail. He could do a lot of good. Oryn owed it to them to try.

"I am ready." Ready for this, ready for what came next. Ready to fail. To get back up again was a beautiful thing.

Ivy Maro
Dice roll: 10

The Caller · Jun 20, 2026

The girl herself had practiced meditation many times before, some days it had been together with other individuals in places the majority of the galaxy would consider 'backwater'. Small towns, tucked away tribal villages far away from the sights and smells of places such as this.

Respectfully she had been stuck within a bubble of doubt about seeking these cities, unsure if the tranquil solace she found in places long since abandoned would still find her here. It only took a few moments here at this temple to prove her doubts wrong, there was divine beauty to be found... A perfect place for meditation.

The stranger comes around the bend, just in time to see that people were already trying to focus.

Balun Dashiell said:
Our struggles shape us, as much so as our achievements.

A smile formed under her helm, unseen, but appreciative none the less.

Struggle was a word to describe her life, but it was those self-same struggles that brought her down the path she had taken many years ago. One that she was advancing right now, right here...

Keeping silent to avoid disturbance, she finds herself a quaint place to set down, gloved hand feeling at the stone beneath as the rays of the sun enveloped her, as if welcoming a new addition to this place.

Gazing up at the blue sky, she tries to remember it... How the warmth of the sun felt, the comforting kiss of a star. How long had it been? Ah, yes... Childhood.

The thought brought a calm wave wash across her, this focus seeming to help bring peace to far more than just the stranger.

Feng Huang

Ivy Maro

William the Bloody · Jun 23, 2026

The Caller I

Oryn Selvar I

Balun Dashiell I

Feng Huang I

Ivy Maro

The promenade offered him the luxury of standing apart while taking part. Shadows dispersed his own attire, black suit and shirt with a crimson tie. His black hair matched his clothing while his irises flared crimson which simulated the hue of the tie. Not from a dalliance with the dark side but a genetic gift from his biological father. Pale skin did catch the rays of the falling moonlight.

He stood aloof, well used to a solitary existence. Eyes travelled over the Jedi in the circle as they began to prepare their meditation. The man had learned how important and necessary mediation was from his childhood. Grandfather Grimm instilled it with word and lash. The youthful exuberance exhibited below reminded him of what once. And may yet be again, if he was willing.

Silent steps brought him to the edge of the circle wishing not to disturb the lesson. His brow twitched as he studied the ground in a desire to find a spot that would soil his clothes the least. His gaze revealed there would be no such place. Quietly he sat, legs crossed to lower himself to the stone and rested his forearms on his thighs.

Lightsaber drills, breathing exercises, even destructing and reconstructing the components were offered as viable options to meditation. The merits of each were worthy in their own right. For him it was always a pebble.

A simple thing really. Smooth stone plucked from a slow flowing stream. Evenly measured in circumference. A basic item found on planets and systems galaxy wide. But for its purpose, delicate and specific. To know a thing is to understand a thing. Shaped by elements outside of its control, the peace of gentle water lapping or the fury of a flood. To settle softly in the crook of the elbow of a stream seemingly benign or to be sent skipping along and across everything in its path during turbulent weather, the pebble remained what it was.

This was the lesson he learned many years ago in his childhood. To find peace was not to allow the external to define it but to find identity from within. Knowing the contours of what made you rather than allowing external stimuli create a question of your purpose.

He knew his purpose. But that changed.

Listening to the Jedi open up about their insecurities, their failings, their trepidations created a void within himself. It wasn't the unknown quantities that he questioned. It was the known aspects that created a schism inside.

His lips twitched as he brought calm to his mind. There was no need for his emotion to be broadcast to a bunch of force users. And control was something he learned with meditation.

Brows twitched for a moment. The Jedi leading the exercise spoke of the harmonious nature of the force. The serenity found in the Light. He spoke of finding a memory of failure, negative stress, and using it to find the positive. These were an unfruitful path for the man. His calculating mind often visited the memories of such as a way to learn, of calm reflection. For him failure was a friendly guide to explore and meditate on.

No, it was success that fueled his appearance at the lesson from the Jedi.

The internalized joy at completion. A plan that unfolded to the desired end. Destruction of his enemy and the crushing of his foes. Satisfaction in manipulating those to his will.

He swept thoughts away as he became the pebble.

His uncle once told him it was easier to change your future than your past. This was what he was here for. To erase the red in his personal ledgers marked with blood. It was the only way he could move forward. The only way he could walk away from all he had known. The only way to become a Jedi.

To build something new you must destroy the old. William the Bloody must become the pebble.

So he cast out his life, the past shifted away. He breathed deeply and exhaled to let thought, instinct, and memory fade. All that remained was breath. Every inhale cleansed him and every exhale purified him. Until all that remained was a vessel for the force.

Ivy Maro · Jun 25, 2026

William the Bloody

The sound of approaching footsteps drew Ivy's attention just before the exercise truly began. She cracked one eye open long enough to notice two newcomers settling themselves nearby. One wore a helmet that concealed her features entirely while the other was a dark-haired man dressed far more... secular? ...than most Jedi she had encountered. Neither face was familiar to her. Under normal circumstances, Ivy would have happily introduced herself, but interrupting a meditation lesson to launch into introductions seemed like the exact opposite of what everyone was gathered here to do. Hopefully there would be time afterward.

As Balun signaled the beginning of the exercise, Ivy adjusted her position. She unfolded her legs, stretching them forward for a moment to work out a slight stiffness in her knees before drawing them back into a comfortable cross-legged posture. Sitting upright, shoulders relaxed, she settled into stillness. Her hands rested lightly atop her knees. Between them, suspended by the Force, her crystal hovered in the air above her lap. The small blue-and-black stone rotated lazily, catching flecks of sunlight as it drifted between her open palms.

The sounds of Naboo greeted her first, as Ivy closed her eyes, letting Balun's voice guide her for now. The breeze rustling through nearby leaves... The distant rush of water... Birdsong... The subtle rhythm of breathing from everyone gathered around the circle.

Then, gradually, she narrowed her focus onto the crystal. The sensation reminded her of curling beneath blankets as a child with a favorite book hidden beneath a night light's glow. A small private sanctuary tucked away from the rest of the world. Page by page, memory by memory... The crystal had become a repository over the years. A place where reflections, emotions, lessons, and experiences seemed to gather naturally whenever she meditated alongside it.

Yet the process felt different today. Harder. Usually Ivy conducted this kind of meditation alone within the privacy of her quarters. There, she could descend at whatever pace felt natural. Here, however, awareness of the classroom lingered stubbornly at the edge of Ivy's concentration. Balun's presence. Feng. Oryn. The two newcomers. The expectation of a lesson progressing around her. None of it was disruptive exactly, but it created a faint pressure she wasn't accustomed to. Like trying to read an important chapter while knowing someone might ask a question and break her concentration at any moment.

Ivy exhaled slowly. Patience. No need to rush...

Sinking deeper into the crystal's quiet void, the surrounding world faded as Ivy continued sifting through memories, further and further back, searching for the old wound she had long made peace with yet in her trembling heart was reluctant to visit again.

Balun Dashiell · Jun 29, 2026

MEDITATION 101: TO LISTEN & TO LEARN.
LOCATION: Shiraya's Sanctuary, Jedi Temple Courtyard, Naboo.
INVENTORY: High Republic Jedi Robes | Crossguard Lightsaber | Standard Lightsaber.
TAGS: