New Horizons

[Jsc]

Lothal

She was a grasslands planet. Endless rolling tundras and misty white clouds. Full of tall grass and large rounded stones. Pleasant and serine. Calm in every way. Located out on the Outer Rim of the Western Expanse. Almost forgotten to time.

Recently she had come to be called a new home too. The Jedi Order of the Galactic Republic had just finished building a Hidden Temple on the pleasant yellow sphere. An underground temple were the Jedi could plan and meditate in perfect peace. Many of the Jedi Knights from the Core Worlds came here now. Migrating back and forth. Making Lothal their new retreat and private place. A sacred place.

A new home away from home.

___

Karen Roberts stood outside the tall white mountain that hid the new Jedi Temple from view. Clad in her gray spacesuit and covered with a brown shawl, she watched as the Landspeeder approached from afar. Little more than a dusty trail that lingered over the endless grasslands beyond. These were the newcomers to the temple. Arriving by Landspeeder so Karen could show them the way. She smiled as the dusty cloud drew nearer. Soon the new Padawans would arrive at the foot of the mountain. With a very special [member="Amara No'orabi"] amongst them too. Ready to begin their great adventure anew.

Ready for new horizons.

 

[Amara No'orabi]

The most overwhelming thing to Amara about Lothal was the green. It was everywhere. Plant life was sparse on Tatooine, and it was usually tough, hardy, and low to the ground, nothing like the greenery here. There were trees, trees! and the thought thrilled Amara. When the landspeeder went slowly enough, she would stick her hands out and let the blades of tall grass whip against her palms, laughing quietly to herself. She hadn't experienced joy like this in quite some time, and if she felt childish it was alright since almost every other occupant of the landspeeder was younger than she was.

It had been unexpected, being brought to Lothal. She had left Tatooine in the hopes of finding work, to help ease her mother's burden, and had gotten on the first ship that would take her. The traders had stopped on Denon, hoping to unload some of their weight and finish the Corellian Run as quickly as possible, and Amara had been stopped by a mysterious figure who had told her that she was Force sensitive.

The Force. She didn't understand it, not really, but the stranger had brought her to a small group of others, others like her, and together they boarded a ship and were rocketed right back to the Outer Rim. But this place was nothing like Tatooine. The harshness and desperation that hung in the air of her home planet was completely swallowed up by what Amara could only call peace. The peace was momentarily broken when they approached a mountain and Amara caught sight of a figure standing there, a splotch of grey and brown against the gleaming white of the mountain itself, but the feeling settled and she slipped out of the speeder with an experienced grace, catching one of the youngest occupants when he stumbled and fell. Once she had collected herself, she swept a few strands of coppery hair from her face, pushed her goggles atop her head, and smiled a bit shyly at the woman standing there.

"Hello," she greeted, and if she felt like her voice echoed through the air she didn't let it show on her face, "I'm Amara. Are you the Master we were told about?"

 

[Jsc]

"Indeed. I am Jedi Knight Roberts of the Lothal Temple. Welcome all. If you'll all follow me please. Introductions are just inside the mountain."

Smiling in her gray suit, she turned and ventured into the mountain. The harsh corridors or uneven rock eventually gave way to polished stone. Then to a hallway of artificial lighting and carved runes. It smelled musky like fresh dirt and there was a chill in the air that did not hang out in the sun. You got the sensation of going downwards but lost all direction as to which way was which. Straight and true, the hallway was a unique experience indeed.

The group came to a small oval room of polished limestone. Brighter than the rest and with glowing runes. Here the passageway lost the dull smells of nature and became much more clear and clean. Though the chill abadted and the floor was warm to the touch. It was here that Karen waved her hand and the walls folded inward. Like the rock turned liquid and moved on it's own. Revealing two other Jedi Knights in dark brown robes. Karen gave a nod to all present and began again,

"Welcome to the secret entrance to our Jedi Temple. Hidden deep underground we are invisibile to all modern sensors. Even these doorways respond only to our touch. Allowing only true Jedi to pass these halls and into the Temple all around us."

She smiled and held up a hand,

"Would all the new Padawans please follow Knight Tress and Knight Clawde here. ...Miss No'orabi of Denon? Ah yes. You'll be with me. Ahem. Please come this way."

The blue-haired woman gave another wave of her hand the ground opened up beneath them. Reveal a small circular formation with a glowing edge. They weren't standing in a oval room at all. This was an elevator!

Going down. Boop!

___

The Great Hall

It was a long room with a tall ceiling. Natural and artificial lighting gave it a warm glow and the heated floors did the rest. It was an old room. With walls and pillars that looked and felt thousands of years old. The air here was crisp and clean. Sacred and refined. Holy ground to a Jedi religion. And a warm healthy place that many wizards now called home.

This was where Amara would find herself. Standing in the middle of the Jedi Temple. Just taking it all in.

"Welcome again to Lothal, Lady No'orabi. I'm Knight Roberts and I'll be your hostess today. How was your journey? Do you have any questions before we begin with introductions?"

Karen smiled and placed her hands behind her back. Happy to have a moment where they could finally talk.

[member="Amara No'orabi"]

 

[Amara No'orabi]

Silently, Amara followed the Knight into the mountain. Rocky terrain was nothing new to her, and her body weight shifted accordingly, boots gripping the natural surface well as they descended. The hallway, however, was a new experience. The chill soaked into Amara's bones, biting through her thin clothing, and she just barely resisted the urge to wrap her arms around herself. She was amazed that her breath didn't puff up in front of her; she wasn't used to the sensation of cold.

Amara allowed herself a small gasp as Karen waved her hand and the walls seemed to fold in on themselves. This was something ancient, something powerful, and it clung to the air around her like nothing she had ever experienced before. When she was called out, Amara almost shrank in on herself but forced her spine to straighten out and her chin to rise just enough that she didn't look like a scared child. She wasn't a coward, and no amount of the unknown would force her to become one. As the other Padawans filed out of the room and the room became an elevator, Amara scuttled towards the center of the platform.

___

The Temple was breathtaking. The ceilings looked as if they could go on for miles, and the air was warm and still. It wasn't altogether unlike the underground structures of Tatooine, but there was something...sacred about this place. She was afraid to speak, to break the stillness that settled over her like a cloak on a cold night, but when the Knight began asking her questions Amara managed to wrench her jaw open.

"I-um-thank you Knight Roberts," she stumbled, cursing her clumsiness. She was usually so good at talking. Why did she have to flub up now when it actually mattered? With her cheeks stained red, she cleared her throat. "My journey was interesting. Certainly more lively than the trip from Tatooine to Denon had been, and a lot less greasy. I mean. Mechanical grease. I am-was-a mechanic." She took a breath to collect herself once more. Questions? Of course she had questions. She had gone from a poor girl from Tatooine hitching a ride on a trading vessel to an apparent Jedi Padawan in only a few weeks. Her head was reeling with the possibilities.

"How do you know that I'm where I'm supposed to be?" she blurted out. That was what had been eating at her for so long. She had never heard of the Force, not in detail anyway, and now she was being inundated with it. The Jedi on the trip to Lothal had been almost deliberately vague. Her fingers twisted the hem of her rough tunic. "I'm just a...a delinquent from Tatooine. I don't understand how I could even be a Jedi Padawan."

[member="Karen Roberts"]

 

[Jsc]

Karen raised an eyebrow at Amara's question. She had expected the girl to be knowledgeable about The Jedi Order and ready to begin her training in earnest. However, it did appear that little Miss No'orabi knew almost nothing at all. Especially about the state of the galaxy at large. Oh dear. Square one indeed.

Roberts pondered on her question for a moment. Letting the Force guide her to a new and thoughtful phrasing,

"Well. I suppose I shall begin at the beginning. ...You Amara No'orabi. Are the heir to a great lineage. A royal lineage. The lineage of The Force. And, because of that lineage. You are special. Not just amongst the people of Tattooine either. But among all the sentient forces of the galaxy. You have the power to become something much much more."

She smiled and held up a hand. Knowing it was a lot to take in.

"Amara you have the ability to touch the Force. A mystical energy field that surrounds us and binds all life in the galaxy together. And it is this ability that gives you potential to be a Jedi. A wizard and a guardian of the light. Just like all of us here. That is why you are here. Right now. In this very moment. To learn about your lineage and to come to understand the Force. The power that runs deep within you."

Karen nodded and took a deep breath. Hopefully that was a good enough start for today. It was fine. They had time.

"Does that begin to answer your question Miss No'orabi? Do you understand a little bit more about who you and why you are here now?"

[member="Amara No'orabi"]

 

[Amara No'orabi]

Amara stared at Karen unblinkingly for what felt like ages; her eyes began to water before she blinked. The answers were rattling around in her head and just forcing more questions to blossom, but eventually she nodded.

"I'm able to connect with the Force. And the Force is...everything," she said, her hands stilling. Something in her shifted, and her confidence became significantly less feigned. "That's...that's why I survived the swoop accident, isn't it?"

The realization hit her harder than whiplash. She had been so young, so foolish, and when she had been thrown from the swoop all she could do was throw out her hands and wish with every bone in her body that she would slow down before she hit the stall in front of her. If she hadn't, she would have been spattered across the wall like a bug on a landspeeder's windscreen. The corners of her lips rose just enough to hint at a smile and she met Knight Roberts' eyes.

"It doesn't answer every question I have, but I suppose it is explanation enough. I won't pretend that I understand the Force, or what made it so that you knew I was connected to it, but I feel...safe here. At peace. I don't want to run, and that's something new all on its own. And if I can be something more, do something more, I want it." That much was the truth. She wanted it more than anything, and the ache ran through her entire body. Amara remembered the sound of blaster fire, of her father grunting in pain and then the deafening thud of his body hitting the sand. She saw her mother's tears, heard her brothers whimper in fear at night because they never knew when someone would come knocking now that there was nobody there to protect them but their shell of a mother. "I want to protect people. My brothers, my mother...there's so much bad out there, and I know that the Outer Rim isn't even the worst of it. If being connected to the Force lets me do that..." Amara fell silent and looked away from the Jedi standing before her. There weren't many Jedi in the Outer Rim, but there were always stories. Legends, told to children as bedtime stories to scare away the monsters in their minds, of brave individuals wielding beams of light and fighting away the chaos and ruin of the world. Her shoulders rose and fell in a shrug, and she returned her gaze to Karen, unsure of what else to say.

[member="Karen Roberts"]

 

[Jsc]

Karen cocked her head to the side and did her best to follow Amara's gaze. Then she folded her arms against her chest and smiled. A hint of merry humor in her voice as she shrugged with good pleasure,

"So... You have decided to stay then. Yes?"

...

Humor and good spirits aside. The gravity of the situation was this. A curious young lady was standing in the middle of one of the most sacred and holy spots in the whole galaxy. Marveling at a future so big and so wide that she couldn't possible take it all in at once. To make matters even worse, she seemed lost, broke, and without a speck of real knowledge from which to save herself. Falling almost completely on the mercy of the blue-haired woman standing before her and the space wizards whom she represented. Who, yes indeedy, just so happened to be one of the most powerful sects of magical conjurers the galaxy had ever seen.

So. When Karen asked; have you decided to stay? What she really meant was... Are you going to spend the night in a Jedi motel or do I have to get you a taxi back to the desert?

They could go from there.

[member="Amara No'orabi"]

 

[Amara No'orabi]

Amara's lips curved into a broad grin. She knew that she was being invited, but she hadn't been sure up until this moment if she would be allowed to stay. Not many people would want her to stay in their living space, she knew that much, but the Jedi seemed open to her despite her rather troublesome past. If they knew about it, that was.

"If you would have me, then yes. I would be honored to stay," Amara breathed, letting her eyes roam about the Temple once more before fully focusing on Karen. The woman was hard to read, but she seemed kind and her eyes spoke of wisdom that Amara had yet to come to know. She had no desire to leave the safety and warmth of the Jedi Temple, and even if she had no clue what she was getting herself into she knew that only good could come of being in a place like this. "I can work hard. I will earn my keep," she added after a moment of consideration. There was no way she would stay here on good will alone; no, she would work harder than she ever had to earn her space in this beautiful sanctuary. "I'm a fast learner too, I swear. I might be a bit rough around the edges," she gestured to her still sandstained clothes, "but I promise that I'll be as good as I can be."

[member="Karen Roberts"]

 

[Jsc]

Karen mused at her words. Something told her that Amara had a weakness for youth's common recklessness and a thief's gentle touch. Still? The potential to become a powerful mageling was far too strong not to take that chance. Amara might have looked like a sandblasted pip-mouse just standing there in those ruddy clothes. But, given enough time and effort? Mm. Yes. She might become something extraordinary. The Force seemed to smile at that idea too.

"Very well. Let's get you a room and a parking spot then. A chance to shower and a change of new clothes. Then? When you've settled in a bit? You can stop by my office in the city and we'll talk about you staying a bit longer than just one night."

Karen smiled a playful smile. She had a feeling that sandy little miss No'orabi would be perfect for this place.

___

Amara's Room

It was a small room of polished stone construction. The ceiling was a bit lower than most other places in the Temple but the light that filtered in from the portholes in the ceiling was all natural. There was a modern bed and desk. A touch release closet, drawers, and hamper. Even her own personal refresher equipped with a spring-powered shower and full-length glass mirror. It was a warmish little space with cool walls and a heated stone floor. Though, it lacked anything in the way of cool electronics, modern computer systems, or mechanical moving parts. Basic, I suppose.

Karen stood in the center of the room and waved [member="Amara No'orabi"] inside to join her,

"Okay. So here's your keypad next to the door. Just set your PIN number and then you can come and go as you please. Knight Assistant Meredith handles sheets and dirty clothes. I'm sure she'll come by eventually to show you how the clean up routine works. Very easy stuff, I'm sure. ...Cleaning supplies are down the hall and this drawer has a few pieces of threaded clothing you can wear during your stay. I apologize if it's lacking in fashion but such is the nature of our Temple at the moment. Hehe. You'll get used to it, if you decide to stay much longer."

She moved to the shower and pointed to the buttons.

"Here is your shower too. Hot and cold water. Mind the timer clock presented here. You only have about an hours worth of hot water a day. Well... At least until Master Gibbs gets the new systems installed. The Temple is rather new and we're still having some trouble with renovating into solid rock, at the moment. You understand."

The grey armored woman returned to the center of the room and gave a nod. That wrapped up her presentation so far.

"So? Any questions about your new accommodations before we move down the hall to the Cafeteria? ...I mean. Lothal is a wonderful place, yes. But, have you given much thought about returning home to your family yet? I don't mean to keep you in a box and all that. Hehe."

 

[Amara No'orabi]

Amara tripped after Karen almost dazedly, staring all around as they went. She had never been in a place like this before, and when they got to what Knight Roberts was calling her room, she stopped dead. Sunlight filtered in through the skylights in the ceiling, illuminating the faintest dust motes that fluttered through the air, warming the place considerably. There was a bed, a closet...it was more than she had ever had to herself in her life. "A-an hour? That's..." her voice faltered. Water on Tatooine was paramount to gold or spaceship fuel. Dew farms were invaluable, and the water treatment facility in Mos Eisley was one of the most important buildings in the city. "How do you have so much frak-...how do you have so much water?" Amara breathed, blushing as she caught her tongue just before a curse word danced off her tongue, even if she felt childish thinking about it like that. She was sure that that wouldn't be exactly appreciated here.

The question about her family made Amara's stomach sink. Even if they chose not to keep her here, she couldn't go home. She shook her head. "Things are...hard at home. My father uh," tears threatened to bite at her eyes for some reason, "he was killed about a year ago. My mother doesn't have the means to feed four mouths and I'm tough enough to stick it out on my own. So even if I can't stay here, I um. I can't really go back to Tatooine." And if she also didn't want to go back to that planet, she wouldn't breathe a word of it.

"But I don't think I have any questions about the quarters. I'm kind of shocked if I'm being honest. I never had this much space to myself before, let alone something so nice. Thank you." Amara smiled at [member="Karen Roberts"], regaining her composure. The warmth was seeping back into her bones again and she gently touched the nearby wall. She was excited to see what other wonders this underground facility held.

 

[Jsc]

Karen lifted her chin. Amara obviously came from poverty and all this modesty was a bit overwhelming for her. Hmm. Better keep this on the level, she thought. One day Amara would need to understand just how professional she would be expected to behave. The sooner the better in the old Navy girl's eyes,

"Miss No'orabi. Calm yourself dear. Must I remind you that the Jedi Temple is, once again, a very special place for anyone to visit. Let alone be offered their own room. Your lineage in the Force makes you special indeed. But always remember? Here you are surrounded by wizards, new wonders, and very powerful peers. So!.. As we continue forward I would have you keep all of this in mind? The Jedi way is not the way of the desert. This is not the sands of your youth any longer. This is a path and a home for only the most generous, only the most adult of adult adults. ...If you'll pardon the phrase. Hehe. We are no fairytale. We are very much, real."

She snapped her fingers to punctuate,

"Indeed. Here in the Temple you are expected to be on your very best behavior and to learn quickly about very very alien things. You will see things that will be marvelous, and dangerous. Splendid, and very expensive. Amazing, yet very holy. So while all of this is a brave new world for you? Water included. Hehe. ...Well. I expect for you to keep all your wits about you. Yes?"

Karen gave a wiggle of her perfect bahooty and a splash of her blue hair,

"Because girlfriend. Mm hmm. You're going to need everything you've got, if you want to succeed here. For real."

She placed her hands on her hips and slanted her lovely frame,

"So. Let's not get too excited and loose our nerve already. Shall we?"

[member="Amara No'orabi"]

 

[Amara No'orabi]

Amara had honestly not been expecting the Knight's reaction, and she felt her face flush hot with embarrassment before she was able to take a deep breath and collect herself. Keep my wits about me, huh? Not entirely different from the desert she thought, although she knew that things would be drastically different here. She wasn't fighting for her life like almost everyone on Tatooine was. Lothal was a hospitable planet, one where life's hardships were far different than the ones she had experienced before. I won't lose my nerve. I'm going to succeed here.

With that thought something hardened inside her; it wasn't a hardening brought about by adversity or cruelty, but by a true challenge. Amara's shoulders smoothed out, her spine straightened, and she lifted her chin up so that she was looking Karen in the eyes. "I will do whatever it takes to succeed here. Keeping my wits about me included," she replied, and she was proud that her voice didn't waver. She felt a pleasant pull at her mind, like something was just as happy as she was, was it the Force?, and nodded.

"Wits about me, being an adult. I need to be generous, and I have to stay calm and collected. Shouldn't be a problem," Amara grinned, although she very determinedly did not voice the I think she tacked onto the end of that statement in her mind out loud. "I appreciate your honesty," she added. While she felt that Karen was blunt, albeit a special brand of blunt that combined humor with reality, she knew that the woman had her best interests at heart. There was nothing cold or calculating in the blue haired woman's eyes, nothing to set Amara on edge, so she accepted Karen's guidance. "It isn't something someone like...someone who grew up like me," she corrected, this wasn't Tatooine anymore and she was going to become a new Amara, a better Amara, "is used to. But yes, let's continue whatever tour you had in mind. I think seeing the rest of this place will help me get a better feel for what I am to expect."

She let her hands settle comfortably at the small of her back, finally and truly relaxing as she concentrated on keeping herself calm. It was no easy task for someone as spirited as she was, but she was determined to at least make an effort.

[member="Karen Roberts"]

 

[Jsc]

Karen nodded with a knowing smirk. Blunt reality was something she was very good at. A very useful trait for a woman who's whole life had revolved magical and unexplainable phenomenon. It kept you grounded. It kept you firm. It kept you sharp. All the things that Karen wanted Amara to have on her journey forward. Because just as much as Karen knew the Light, she also knew the temptations of the Dark. And the best way to move forward was always with a good deal of moderation in life. A little gasp of delight here and a little hard elbow-grease there. Be a powerful and playful wizard, yes. But always keep your nose to the grindstone. That was how Karen saw all of life and framed every conversation.

"Well then. I think you'll do very well here Miss No'orabi. After all, we could use a woman like you. I sense that all your many talents will be quite the welcome addition to our lovely new home. Hehe."

She winked at the girl and shuffled out the door. Straightening her gray spacesuit and off she went.

"Come along now. Lots to do, lots to see. Let's not dilly-dally. Off we go now. The Cafeteria is just this way."

___

The Grasslands

The rest of the tour had been short and sweet. Here's the food, here's where you park your ship, and here's where the Padawans study and train. Just the simple basics. Then they had passed through the garage and back up to the surface. Yet another mysterious exit of moving rocks and hidden switches. Leading both back out into the brightness of day.

"Well. I think that concludes our tour of the Lothal Temple. Mmm. Yes. ...Now, I should note that we do have many many Temples. Some on this planet and some on that. But Lothal is our retreat. A place to get away from the politics and wars of the universe. Here we can return to being ourselves and enjoying the simple hobbies that give us all life and spirit. Mmm. A perfect place to start. Hehe."

She looked up to the sun and placed her hands behind her back. Introductions, complete.

"So? Are there any last questions you have for me today [member="Amara No'orabi"] . I suppose after all this I'll give you time to situate yourself and plan for the future. But, before I take my leave I suppose it to be wise to ask. Is there anything else you'd like an introduction on? Now is the time to speak up, yes?"

 

[Amara No'orabi]

Amara smiled at the compliment, glad that she would be of use. The garage had thrilled her; even if she didn't have her own ship, she knew that she'd be elbow deep in grease and ship or speeder parts if she could help it. Fixing things soothed her; it was part of her nature, she supposed. However, she kept her excitement contained this time, only letting a few slow smiles form on her face in an effort to at least appear calm and collected.

---

When they surfaced and reached the grasslands, Amara had to run her hands through the tops of the tall grass around them. It wasn't rough, but it wasn't quite soft either. She hadn't experienced a texture like it before, but it was very much alive, thrumming with an energy that hadn't really been present anywhere on Tatooine. Then again, not much was alive there. Her brow furrowed as she thought of questions to ask, her hands still tangled in the grass.

"Is there anything I should do before I receive training? Anything I can learn or practice on my own? The Jedi that found me said that I was almost too old to be trained, and that I would be far behind any of the kids that arrived with me. I know that it might even be hard for me to find someone who will want to train me at my age, and I don't want to fail."

Failure. It was something she had never coped well with, and now that she was being gifted with such tremendous opportunity the fear of messing this all up before she even began was looming over her like a cloud. She hated being afraid, never wanted to be anything less than sure-footed, and here she was on a new planet. Knight Roberts was right in saying that this was nothing like desert living. Everything was so much more alive and the possibilities awaiting her were nearly endless with these mysterious 'wizards', as Karen kept calling them, Jedi of myth and legend, protectors of those who couldn't protect themselves and harbingers of peace and order. At least, that was how the stories went. She knew that they had almost gone extinct once. The thought chilled her but she pushed it away, sinking her fingers further into the grass and just breathing in the scent of the new planet. It was clean, crisp, and she didn't choke on sand or the reek of Bantha and the sweat of thousands in close quarters.

"Why does it feel so different here? I mean, I know that you say it's because it's a sacred place, but...how? Is it because there are so many Jedi here? You keep saying that you're wizards, did you do some sort of magic to make the air feel like this? Or is it just because this isn't a sandy rock of a planet?" The questions came out in a rush, and she bit back her embarrassment. Karen had asked her if she had questions, and the woman seemed willing enough to answer them before leaving Amara to her own devices for a little while. This whole experience had already taught her something, and that was that she was incredibly inexperienced when it came to new worlds. Tatooine had a lifestyle that she had adapted to, it was do or die out there, but she had always thought the spacers that landed there to be somewhat strange and maybe even a little, well, spacey at times. Learn it or lose it her father used to say when she would struggle to keep up with the stall's ledgers and accounts, when she would stumble over words in a foreign tongue that she was being forced to learn so that she could help keep the family trade alive. He wasn't entirely wrong, even off planet. Even if it meant she felt stilted and naive, like being a child all over again.

[member="Karen Roberts"]

 

[Jsc]

She took the questions in turn. Starting with the first. Remaining tall and upright as the wind blew over the long grass.

"To answer your question it must first be stated that the power of a Jedi Knight is immense and, in the wrong hands, extremely dangerous. The stronger you grow in the Force the more powerful you become. As such, your abilities can affect not just small spaces but entire cities or civilizations. It is not uncommon for a single Jedi Knight to change the destiny of an entire system. Such is the prowess of our religion. Such is the prowess of the Force."

"So. Jedi are often trained from birth. This enables us to mold their minds, their bodies, and their culture into something moderate, peaceful, and disciplined. They learn at every age how to balance the needs of their species with the needs of the Force. Becoming both a balanced adult as well as a very self-disciplined wizard. We teach them about love, companionship, and child raising in new and foreign ways. We teach them about respecting their royal lineage and being a good example. ...Because when a Jedi falls? When a Jedi becomes selfish or evil?"

She lifted up a single finger,

"They can destroy everything. Planets, systems, governments, families. Oh yes. There is no limit to the greatness, or the destructive power, of a Jedi."

She looked long into Amara's eyes as she said that. Knowing very well that the day would soon come when the Darkside would come for her. Tempt her and trap her. Just as it does for every Jedi. Just as it did for all of them.

"Now. As long as you understand the gravity of your situation? No. You are not behind. You have not missed anything. We can train adults just as well as we can train Younglings. The only difference is that Younglings never question our teachings. They are born with the Jedi purpose. They are forged of the Force. They never question their powers nor feel any newness or shame to our ways. Younglings are born Jedi, live Jedi, and die Jedi. Such is our way. Such is the will of the Force."

Karen shrugged. It sounded deep but it really wasn't. It was just another culture. Another way of living. And for magical wizards? It was actually quite healthy. To grow up and to never feel guilt or shame for being different. To grow up having a family.

"Amara. You are not behind. The moment you embrace your lineage and your connection with the Force, is the moment you become one of us. Completely. Nothing left behind. From that moment on, you will always be in control. Of yourself."

She smiled and turned to the sun. Remembering something. Reminding herself of something.

"I should also mention that the reason it feels different here is because you are opening up your heart to the Force. The energy field that connects all life and all creatures in our galaxy. A limitless well of power, feeling, emotion, and inspiration. And like a river of golden light, it can flow through you. Fill you. Guide you. ...This is the stirring all Jedi come to feel at times. Rising and falling with nature. A warm harmony and a bitter chill. Like the summer sun and the night's cool moon. What you are feeling is the Force. Flowing through you."

Roberts turned and looked back at the garage. Noting she had spoken quite a bit already.

"As you adventure forth and come to new lands, you will feel these sensations again. For with the Force comes the feelings and the power of the planet underfoot. The swiftness of the wind and wisdom of the owls. The ferocity of the krayt dragon and patience of the seasons. ...All of these things shall be yours one day to partake in. When you are ready. When you are open to change."

She smiled and gave [member="Amara No'orabi"] a knowing wink. As with all good things,

"...And as the old saying goes, All good things come with time. Hehe."

 

[Amara No'orabi]

Amara listed to everything that Karen had to say, her face not quite solemn, but unreadable like the glassy surface of an unstirred lake. The only time she so much as flinched was when Knight Roberts mentioned the destructive power of a Jedi; it was then that her right eye twitched slightly, creasing the scar that striped down her face, her badge of shame and delinquency, and she silently vowed to never destroy anything good. She had no idea of the power of the Dark side, how it would eventually whisper seductive nothings in her ears, tempting her to sway to its power, but she was optimistic and determined to make the woman beside her proud.

Her silence lasted for a few moments after Karen winked, and she then sank down to sit cross legged in the shorter grass beside the path. "I won't let you down. Any of you," she murmured, voice barely audible over the rustling of the grass and trees around them. She felt as if she was being molded to the ground, unable to tell where it ended and she began just for a moment, but her concentration was broken as soon as a few birds chittered by. "But I cannot promise that I will be as easy to mold as the Younglings. I will try, but I have lived a life that's been rather harsh. My mother says that when people leave Tatooine, they can never get the sand out of their clothes, but I think she meant that they can't get it out of their minds. I...hope that I can use that to my advantage one day though. Will the others be patient with me as you have been?"

[member="Karen Roberts"]

 

[Jsc]

Self awareness. A rare skill in youth these days. So bubbly are the newcomers for adventure that they rarely take the time to measure the limits of self. Find their own place in the world. Be still. So it was amazing to find these qualities in the little pip-mouse laying down in the grass. It spoke of a future woman who could find not just peace, but balance. And that was an amazing thing indeed.

Karen looked back at the sun and closed her eyes. Just letting the heat of the star warm her face with pleasure.

"I cannot speak for the others. For they are many and alien. Even to me. However, I can speak of the Force. And she is patient indeed. Long suffering and warm. Old, and wise. Able to carry all my burdens and walk beside me. Even in my worst moments in this life. She will always be with you. She will always be by your side."

She opened just one eye and smiled. Remembering something amusing. Something close to the heart.

"The Force will never ask you to let go of your old life, [member="Amara No'orabi"] . She will not desire you to forget. Only understand. Only to put things in their proper place. Whether that is here is there, is not for me to say. Only you can find your balance. Only you can build your peace. Such is the power of destiny. In all living things. ...No. The Force is patient and she is kind. All that she asks is that you become your best self. And be happy."

"...Mm. No matter how terrible and powerful we might one day become. All in good time."

Roberts looked down and smiled at her boots. Mmm. How amusing indeed.

"Well. I suppose that's enough talking for one day. You'll need time to find yourself now. And I have duties elsewhere. Take the rest of the day to yourself and enjoy the facilities at your leisure. I'll have Knight Assistant Meredith on the look out for you too. You'll be in good company until sundown."

She checked her wrist and nodded,

"If come tomorrow you still feel as passionate about our Temple as you did today? Then why don't you come see me for lunch in the city. We can talk then about living here just awhile longer. And about what comes next. I'll leave Knight Assistant Meredith all the details later."

Ol' Blue slapped her hands together and finished their time together. Just about ready to return to her own wild wild adventures.

 

[Amara No'orabi]

Building her own peace was a concept that was foreign yet enticing. Peace in general seemed to be the most worthwhile goal at this point. No more anger, frustration, fear, hunger...she would remember those things, but if she didn't have to ever feel them again she wouldn't. A smile drifted across her face once more and she nodded in understanding. The Force was new to her, but it was beautiful and strong and would carry her to where she needed to be. It had already.

"Thank you Knight Roberts. For everything, really. I was afraid to sound like a fool, but you've eased that for me a bit. And," she chuckled softly, running her fingers through the downy grass beneath her, "I'm sure that I will be just as passionate tomorrow. I can't imagine not learning what all of you have to offer. But I will look for Knight Assistant Meredith when I go back inside. I think I want to linger out here for just a bit longer. Still getting used to the grass." She let out a laugh, knowing that her amazement with such simple plant life was foolish and naive, but she didn't feel shame. Everything was new, and everything was about to change.

[member="Karen Roberts"]

 

[Jsc]

So the first day closed. And the whole of the future opened.

/end.