Faction [NJO] (Alter Environment Training) Baby It's Cold Outside

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery pulled her cloak tighter as they trudged through Ilum's snow-laden expanse, muttering under her breath, "I don't think I can feel my toes anymore..." She shot a grin over her shoulder at Azurine, trying to keep the chill at bay with humor.

As they finally reached the entrance of the ancient crystal caves, Valery paused, letting the weight of the moment settle around them. The mouth of the cave was dark, but faint, mysterious light emanated from deep within, casting delicate reflections off the crystalline walls just visible in the distance. She placed a steady hand on Azurine's shoulder, her expression now serious, warm, and full of quiet pride. "This is it," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper as though honoring the gravity of the place.

"I've brought many Padawans here, but each journey is as unique as the Jedi who takes it. Remember," she continued, a touch of her characteristic calm strength infusing her words, "The crystal will call to you when you're ready. Trust in the Force — it'll guide you to what you seek." She stepped back, giving Azurine space, her gaze reflecting a mix of confidence and gentle encouragement.

Valery lingered near the entrance, watching her Padawan take those first steps, prepared to wait as long as it would take. She smiled to herself, both in pride and perhaps just a little sympathy for the cold that awaited her young apprentice.

Azurine Varek ​

 

[Azurine Varek]

To Forge the Crystal Path

Outfit: Snow Clothing | Right Arm | Glove
Weapons: Lightsaber

Why does it have to be so fecking freezing?! Azurine thought to herself, her shivering very noticeable despite the multiple layers she was wearing. She despised the cold. It made her skin practically feel like it was going to fall off. She hugged the fluffy outer layers close and tried to imagine she wasn't ankles deep in snow.

"I don't think I can feel my toes anymore..."

Master Valery's words made her chuckle more than she expected. "One more minute, and I might lose another limb," she joked right back. She didn't want to show her worry, but it was certainly clear flitting through her amethyst eyes like a wild stampeed. She wasn't sure if she was ready for this. Despite having two years of training before she'd been shunted into this time, she had never found her own crystal or built her own saber before. Kynn had always told her that someday, he'd take her on that journey and that she would be tested, but the day never came until now. Tested how she wasn't sure, but it was something that heavily peeked her curiosity as well as spiked a bit of fear. She'd been told how brutal the force could be in its tests ... she just hoped that Valery was right and that she was ready to face it.

Her eyes glanced around at the multiple apprentices that were here, along with the masters. Her eyes landed on Jonyna Si , a grin flashing across her face, and she made a quick wave to acknowledge the class even if she wasn't sticking around to find out. Though she knew she couldn't stay and chat long, she rushed across the snow to quickly give Katherine Holt a tight hug and wish her luck with the training, the same for Aris Noble , Zaiya Ceti , and Mahsa as well. The others she didn't quite know as well, but she still smiled brightly and gave them a thumbs up as she ran to catch back up with her master. The movement definitely made the cold feel less harsh.

"The crystal will call to you when you're ready. Trust in the Force — it'll guide you to what you seek."

Azzie took a deep breath and nodded, glancing at Valery with eyes that illuminated with both worry about her preparedness as well as her fiery determination. "Are you sure I'm ready for this ...?" she asked, hoping to put some of her insecurity at ease.

Before she could say anymore, they made it to the entrance, only to find the thick sheet of ice, she cursed under her breath.

“Looks like the pilgrimage may be cut short, unless we can make it through the ice.”

A master she had not yet met spoke up. She glanced around at the group, most of them being so much younger than her. Though she instantly had an idea the longer she stared at the road block directly in front of the enterence, she wanted to give those younger and less battle experienced than she was a chance to speak first. She waited for what felt like forever, one of them at least kind of throwing out some kind of idea, which prompted a nod from her to the other girl, Sazo Vass . She was right. Brute force wasn't the best or easiest way to go about this, but she knew what was.

Finally, she took a step forward, glancing first at Valery for the support, then at Ran Serys . With a quick deep breath, she pressed her hands against the ice and concentrated on enveloping them in a blazing fire while making sure to keep herself and her cloths from burning. The spark ignighted quickly, flashes of bright orange heat licking acorss her hands and in turn the wall, casing the ice around it to begin melting.

Valery Noble​

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Objective II​

As Lysander sat back in the chair, his fingers flicked across the datapad, lost in a pool of information. He had completely lost track of time. It was only when he eventually flicked his gaze upward to give his eyes a break from the screen, that he noticed the others were gone. Filled with a sudden sense of panic, he leapt from his seat while dropping the datapad, and bolted out of the ship.

As he made his first steps upon the surface of Ilum, he instinctively reached up to his head and pulled the hood of his thick brown cloak tight over his blonde locks.

Scanning his surroundings, he instantly saw others gathering in the distance. Each and every single face was a stranger to him. There was one figure that resembled a mountain, easily dwarfing the others. Nearby, another had a vibrant bird perched on his shoulder. Then there was one that could have been a humanoid rainbow come to life.

A pang of guilt struck the padawan as he pressed forward, knowing that his group had already split from the others during his absence, their destination being the crystal caves. It was as if he missed an opportunity to make a better first impression. Perhaps, just maybe, he would still have a chance to properly introduce himself to the rest during this trip.

But even as he sprinted past those staying to learn a new Force skill, he raised a hand to wave, though his entire arm was swinging through the air. And despite his skin beginning to feel numb, a bright smile stretched across the boy's face, hoping that he wasn't disrupting the beginning of their lesson.

Eventually, he would reach the temple entrance where everyone now stood. Taking another step closer, a sense of relief washed over him, along with the constant discomfort from the cold.

Someone already appeared to be melting the barrier with ease, and he found himself slowly gravitating towards its warmth. "Sorry, everyone," he called out in a soft voice while his teeth were still chattering. "I got distracted. One moment I was lost in my reading, and the next I realized I was meant to be here! It won't happen again." He wasn’t sure what else to say, but the words felt true and honest.

He was excited to forge new friendships and obtain his very first crystal.

 

[Wulrenkit Claymus]

Ran Serys Lysander von Ascania Azurine Varek Braze Jonyna Si

It was somehow both heartening and disappointing that his suggestion had been so accurate. At least, that’s how it seemed given the two responses from the two jedi that had decided to answer him. “Got it, look for the shiny rock that's a bit shinier than the others.”

He straightened a bit as Master Serys asked his name, though a shaky smile appeared on his face as he did his best to keep from chattering. “Wulrenkit Claymus, Master Serys. Pleasure to meet ya,” his words, through the shivering teeth, held a heavy drawl. A part of him thought about extending a hand, but given the frigid temperatures, he thought it would be best to keep his digits firmly as in the warmth of his robe. Around him, he saw some of the other jedi finding some sort of focus, and with it warmth.

Heat would be nice. Heat came from fire. The wilders had taught him some things, certain basics and concepts. Fire came from passion. It was an element the elders had told him he held an affinity for. But passion was anger and rage. it was all he wanted to avoid and all he had come here to escape from. So as it was, Wulrenkit stayed where he was, chattering away,

He stopped with the others, his eyes darting to the ice as the master posed her question. “I’m pretty strong, but I have to agree. I don’t think I can punch through that much ice.” Wilders and jedi. They both called on the force to do amazing feats, and looking over to their sister group led by Master Si, Wulrenkit was gaining an idea of what feats might help their own situation. “Maybe move it. Melting it with heat might also take too long, but if we can make the ice simply get out of our way, that’d help.” Even as he said it, he could see one of his fellow padawans bringing aa flame to the ice. Though in all honesty, he couldn't blame her. in fact, the young zorren shuffled a bit closer just so he could catch some heat from the flames.

 

[Ran Serys]

Obj. II - Crystal Hunt
Tags: Sazo Vass Wulrenkit Claymus Braze Aris Noble Lysander von Ascania Azurine Varek Valery Noble

A few different answers rang out as Ran had posited the question before them. Some answers were simple and straightforward and some were so far out of the box they proved a testament to the alien thinking of those who suggested them. Another padawan said nothing and approached the thick layers of ice attempting to burn their way through. Ran said nothing. Her mouth just transformed into an expression that looked impressed.

As the layers of ice heated with the padawan's use of the force, water began to run down and pooled at their feet, and because of Ilum's below freezing temperatures the water turned back to ice almost immediately. Ran stepped away from the frozen puddle so as not to be caught in its icy grip.

"These are all very good ideas!" The Knight began addressing the group. "When facing an obstacle, a Jedi should be able to consider unconventional solutions." She explained. "Although sometimes the quickest solutions are given to us. We just have to see them. Padawans Sazo & Wulrenkit have gotten us to the core of our solution in different respects." She continued, this time with an expression of pride in her padawan. "But why is the answer as simple as interacting with the ice through the force? I will tell you." She smiled at the group. "It is because this is a temple built and serviced by the Jedi. They took the ice and elements into account. We don't need mining tools or complex machinery, nor do we need to combat the elements at play. We are Jedi and this temple is a part of us." She emphasized. The only thing we need is the gentle touch of the light side of the force."

Ran held her hand out before her. Her palm faced the ice covered entrance. She reached out, extending her own individual sense of what the light side was. She emanated feelings of trust, patience, love, and acceptance. Her ideals. Her emotions. Her feelings. They traveled and the icy sheets traveled along with them. They split evenly as if they'd been cut with precision tools and shifted away from each other, beginning to open a path for the Jedi.

"Everyone!" Ran announced. "Reach out to the force. Touch this temple with your feelings. Touch it with what you understand the light side to be. Say it in your heart, mind, body and soul. Only then do all things become possible with the force."

As the group of padawan joined her in the force. She listened to it. She wanted to know what the force said when touched by the future of the Jedi. As she did, the entrance opened more and more from their touch until it could not be opened any further. Ran looked at them all with a twinkle of pride in her chemical yellow eyes. "I can escort you all as far as the main chamber, but that is where I'll remain. You must follow the force, navigate the caves, and find the crystal that most resonates with you."

 

[Azurine Varek]

To Forge the Crystal Path

Outfit: Snow Clothing | Right Arm | Glove
Weapons: Lightsaber

The fire around Azurine's hands created a pocket of beautiful warm air that was a much needed relief from the frigid icy winds constantly lapping at whatever skin she had exposed. She pressed forward as hard as she could, putting more and more effort into keeping the fire wrapped around her hands burning. So much so that she hardly noticed Wulrenkit and Lysander, two young boys she had yet to meet, move ever closer for some of the warmth that came with the small blazes she'd created.

Come on, it didn't look like it was that thick, she thought. Eventually, the fire encompassed the entirety of her arms, yet not harming her as she tried. She glanced down at her feet, realizing exactly how this wasn't going to work the way she had hoped. Anything she melted would just refreeze itself as it traveled down the wall and into the snow. The fire burned out in a plume of smoke, taking the warm air with it. All that remained of her efforts was two shallow handprints in the ice.

"Well, let no one say I didn't make a valid attempt," she joked, trying to lighten the air a bit.

Before she had the chance to shift herself to a new plan, she turned to look at Ran and Valery, the former looking at her with a bit of surprise, and she was impressed? Huh. A spark of confidence lit through her eyes, allowing herself to move on from her thinking of what to try next and listen to the words being said.

"Reach out to the force. Touch this temple with your feelings. Touch it with what you understand the light side to be. Say it in your heart, mind, body and soul. Only then do all things become possible with the force."

That statement, though, made her stare at the wall wondering what the master had meant by that ... or even if she knew the answer.

Once again, she let her hand press against the temple. The light side was more than just kindness and compassion. It's finding the courage to fight for what is right, even if the odds are stacked against you. It's doing whatever it takes to help those who can't help themselves. It's a burning flame of hope in the darkness.

She focused on those thoughts. Whether they were wrong or not, they were everything she clung to in her learning, and she believed every word of it deep into the core of her spitfire soul.

And soon, the pathway opened.

Determination and confidence surged through her aurora colored eyes, flasing with a glowing neon. One test passed. Now, for the rest.

Once again, she glanced back at Valery, even if she knew she had to do this alone. She had no idea what kind of brutal testing she might be subjected to in here in this place so throughly seeped in ancient powerful energy that was so overwhelming that it was almost hard to tune out. There was only one way to find out. Though there was still a small spark of doubt in the back of her mind, her stubborn will to succeed kept it buried in its place. So, she nodded and took off full speed into the caves. No hesitation, no time to second guess herself. It was time.

Valery Noble | Ran Serys | Sazo Vass | Lysander von Ascania | Wulrenkit Claymus​

 

[Karok]

OBJECTIVE I
Alter Environment Training
TAGS: Jonyna Si Sazo Vass Braze Katherine Holt
DIRECT TAG: Zaiya Ceti

When she mentioned the Ewoks, Dezorath couldn't help a faint smile. "Yeah… they're resourceful," he murmured, recalling memories of Endor's dense forests and its small, curious inhabitants. Her enthusiasm for Mandalorian culture struck him, and he nodded as she admired his armor. "Clan Akaan… and Priest. They taught me how to forge. This armor… it's my own." He let her take in the details, feeling oddly proud. " Perhaphs we can converse more...uh.. later.." he suggested as Jonyna Si arrived.

Dezorath's gaze shifted from Zaiya, who had captivated him with her bright enthusiasm, to the figure of Master Jonyna as she addressed the class. He was intrigued by the idea of controlling the environment—harnessing natural elements was something he'd seen in Mandalorian weaponry, but manipulating them with the Force felt entirely different, almost mythical. As the warmth from Jonyna's wave radiated over him, he felt the snow melting beneath his boots, revealing rock that seemed solid yet strangely soft underfoot. He shifted, taking in the change.

When Jonyna mentioned Braze 's prior training, Dezorath's attention turned to the Jedi with newfound curiosity. Braze's light attire suddenly made more sense, though he still found it odd for their species—there was a raw, exposed quality to it that Dezorath couldn't quite imagine adopting himself. Despite the cold being less of a burden to his Gen'dai physiology, the layers he wore felt like a shield, a reassuring weight and also to give his body a human like shape.

The mention of connecting with nature struck a chord. Dezorath wondered if he could understand it as deeply as he did the rhythm of a heartbeat or the subtle vibration of muscle beneath skin. If he could, perhaps it would bridge the distance between his past and this new path. The thought filled him with a cautious sense of anticipation.

 

[Katherine Holt]

Location: Ilum, Outside the Jedi Temple
Objective: 1 - Alter Environment Training
Tags: Jonyna Si | Braze | Karok | Zaiya Ceti | Mahsa | Aris Noble

​

The Padawan smiled brightly seeing Azurine practically zooming around to greet everyone. She returned the brief hug with her own, but not before whispering a quick ‘good luck’ back to the Zabrak. Katherine knew how important the first crystal hunt was to a Padawan, especially so for Azzie.

Katherine eyes lingered towards the other group as they departed, until Jonyna’s amplified voice grabbed her attention. She looked on with fascination, watching as the Master waved her hand followed by the area around them heating up. It was a pleasant warmth, but enough to melt the snow that was all around them.

The Master’s words about nature, and its connections were not entirely new to Katherine. She had felt it whenever she had flown, allowing herself to just be directed and carried by the wind. Albeit now, that felt like an impossibility since she had lost her wings. The Padawan didn’t know how she’d go about it, but she’d be damned if she didn’t find a way of reclaiming them.

Katherine remained silent as she continued watching, as Braze stepped up to be Master Jonyna’s aid. And of course, it was impossible to miss Aris with a fire bird perched up upon his shoulder. The redhead looked on with amusement, catching the teenager’s reaction upon seeing Zaiya.

Is this show and tell for companions, pets and familiars?

The amused thought lingered in Katherine’s mind as she watched Zaiya introduce her droid companion. She was almost tempted to summon Harmony, but thought better of it. Introducing the spirit fox’s manic energy was probably not the smartest idea right now.

 

[Jonyna Si]

TAG: Braze Aris Noble Katherine Holt Karok Zaiya Ceti Mahsa

"Act as my aide, for today Braze." Jonyna answered lightly. "Today, we're going to start with something simple. Making snowflakes. How we're going to do that though, is scalable to any aspect of this ability." Jonyna said with a smile. A wave of her hand in the air, and a flurry of snow followed it, ending up in her hand. "Nature is a creature, just like you or me. I see Aris has his pet with him. Altering your environment is much like having a pet. You can ask it nicely, and it will follow your lead. The Force is all around us, and it listens to everything we say. Everything we do. If you ask it nicely, it will listen then too. Focus on reaching out, and connecting with it. Okay?"

It was a simple ask, but she knew some would struggle. Some would misunderstand. Some would even fail. That's why she was glad Braze was here. He was rather gifted at this sort of thing, more than she was at his age.

For now though, her focus shifted to Aris.

"Hey kid. You been handling your bird well?"

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Objective II

Tags: Ran Serys - Open

​

As the chill tore through Lysander's being, the boy questioned if he could even feel the warmth emanating from the flames the Zabrak girl conjured. He couldn't help but recoil as they soon traveled up her arms. But a heartbeat later the melting ice refroze, a reminder of the harsh elements of Ilum. A small part of the padawan did believe her plan would be successful, though.

Because he arrived late, it prevented him from fully absorbing Master Sery’s lesson, as if he only grasped a fragment of the wisdom offered. Unfortunately, he would only hear the conclusion, as everyone else had already given their answers.

Still, there was a sense of clarity as he tried to understand it better, realizing what he believed to be the correct answer was not in forceful actions, but in a gentle connection with everything around them. When the Jedi Knight smiled, Lysander couldn't help but mirror it, feeling a sliver of warmth radiate within.

With the entrance now open and her words echoing in his mind, a numb hand extended as if he wanted to grasp the very essence of the Force. In his mind's eye, he could see tendrils of light weaving around, connecting everything with energy. He then reflected on some of the bonds he shared with fellow Padawans that had shaped his short journey so far.

He felt a deep connection to this place. It felt like a living entity.

Lysander's gaze followed the Zabrak once more before she disappeared into the depths of the temple. He was excited and eager to begin as well, yet he couldn't help but linger by Master Sery's side for a moment longer. While it took him a moment to get past the idea of being vulnerable, he allowed his heart to open like a flower, feeling the presence of the Force wrap around him. He tried to channel everything into something of a mantra, repeating it in his mind several times, before looking up at the green Jedi Knight, as if giving an answer to everything she said. "Hope, love, and unity," he whispered. His entire face lit up with joy.

​

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Jonyna Si

"Act as my aide, for today Braze." Jonyna answered lightly. "Today, we're going to start with something simple. Making snowflakes. How we're going to do that though, is scalable to any aspect of this ability.

"Yes, ma'am," Braze chirped, turning his gaze to the others gathered around. He was curious to see how they might handle the task on their own, keeping a watchful eye for anyone who seemed to be struggling with the challenge.

 

[Mahsa]

The wonder she felt only grew upon spotting Aris Noble , mainly due to the unexpected fiery avian perched on his shoulder. Citrine and apricot hues danced on her hair, before the familiar voice of her roommate finally had Mahsa turn her gaze away to spot the colorful Lovalla calling her over.

"Y-Yeah, Master Jigora had some stuff to do here," she spoke as the distance between them was shortened, a timid smile on her lips as she regarded the taller padawan beside her friend. "Master Si’s lesson sounded f-fun, so I signed up at the last minute."

He was like nothing and no one else the young Kazelrrian had seen before, the citrine highlights of her har marked now by deep amber hues, before Zaiya went ahead and introduced the Gen’’dai to her. "H-Hi… it’s uuhm, it’s nice to meet ya—oh!" A hand had been awkwardly stretched out to shake, withdrawn quickly as the unexpected appearance of a little droid from Zaiya’s backpack startled her.

"Domxite…?" Her eyes widened as she felt the Force flicker within the colorful droid, painting streaks of merry yellows and vibrant citrines in her hair as she waved back to it. "Hi Domxite~ "

There was barely time to spot the familiar figures of Ran Serys , Valery Noble , and Azurine Varek as part of the group split towards their own objective for the day—but there would be no time for further idle chatter as the lesson finally got underway. As Master Jonyna Si ’s voice rang clearly the Kazelrrian quickly shuffled into line with Zaiya and Dezorath, standing besides the much taller Gen’dai as the explanation got underway.

Familiarity coursed through her as she listened, the methods described by the Cathar not too dissimilar to Mahsa’s own approach when it came to the Force. Although the last two years at the Temple had taught her much there were still many unknowns for the girl, though she was eager to explore and discover them as time went on.

"She m-makes it sound so easy, huh?" Cautious golden eyes peered upwards at Dezorath as she spoke, before they quickly shifted over to Zaiya next.

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Apparel

Devices

Weapons

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Karok | Zaiya Ceti ​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery watched Azurine with a look of pride, sensing the flicker of worry but also the unmistakable determination in her Padawan's gaze. As Azurine prepared to step deeper into the caves, Valery offered one final, soft-spoken encouragement. "Remember, Azzie, the Force will lead you to what's yours. Trust it, and trust yourself."

As Azurine took her first steps into the crystalline caves, the world around her seemed to transform into something ancient and mysterious. The icy walls loomed, casting a cold, silvery-blue light that illuminated her path. Delicate crystals jutted from every surface, refracting any light they caught into faint rainbows that flickered along the frozen floors and arched ceilings. The biting chill thickened the air, prickling her skin and making every breath a reminder of Ilum's relentless cold.

The silence was only broken only by the distant echo of water dripping in hidden crevices. Yet, even through the quiet stillness, Azurine began to feel a subtle pull — a faint, gentle call reaching out from deep within the shadows. It wasn't a sound but an impression, a guiding thread that seemed to sink into her core, urging her to move forward.

Valery's words lingered in her mind, reinforcing her sense of purpose. Trust the Force. Trust yourself.

The deeper Azurine ventured, the more the call grew, guiding her forward through the winding corridors. The cold felt sharper, more biting, yet the warmth of her connection to the Force shielded her against the icy bite, anchoring her to her purpose.

Azurine Varek ​

 

[Azurine Varek]

To Forge the Crystal Path

Outfit: Snow Clothing | Right Arm | Glove
Weapons: Lightsaber

Azurine took a long look around, peerig at her surroundings. The place was even more enormous than she had expected. Not only that, but it was stunning. Anywhere there was light, the walls seemed to sparkle and shimmer. It was hard not to be impressed by the sheer beauty of the place, having her a bit in awe. She pulled the fluffy hood back from her head to take a better look, ignoring the way the cold air nipped at her ears to the best of her ability.

If I can create flame, who's to say I can't use the force to keep my body heat leveled? The thought crossed her mind, and she chuckled. Why she hadn't thought of that sooner was something she would just have to live with for now. Focusing on her own interal force, she pushed the temperature to raise, to the point that the icy cold against her face was at least less noticeable.

Azzie turned her attention back to that of the caves. She knew there had to be thousands of crystals in this place for it to give off the energy that it did, so trying to push her aura sight didn't necessarily seem like the best idea.

That was when she finally felt it. Soft at first, singing a soft and beautiful melody into the back of her mind without actually making a sound. It felt familiar, like she'd known it her whole life despite this being the first time, gently nudging her in a direction further within, through tunnels and past open caverns that looked as through the drop could have been multiple stories down. That must be it.

Don't hesitate. Follow it. Trust the force.

The words were soft in her mind, so much so that she couldn't recognize who (or what) they came from, but that didn't necessarily matter. This was what she was here for. Though her guard remained at least partially active, she pressed onward towards the call.

Valery Noble​

 

[Sazo Vass]

Objective 2- Crystal Hunt
Tags: Wulrenkit Claymus Wulrenkit Claymus | Braze Braze | Aris Noble Aris Noble Azurine Varek Azurine Varek | Ran Serys Ran Serys

Ran looked at them all with a twinkle of pride in her chemical yellow eyes. "I can escort you all as far as the main chamber, but that is where I'll remain. You must follow the force, navigate the caves, and find the crystal that most resonates with you."

Sazo nodded shortly, before turning to walk into the cavernous unknowns. Then she turned back to Master Serys.

"I won't fail this...test. I won't fail you."

With that, she walked into the unknown, the caves alit with the shimmer of Kyber crystals, each as unique a a snowflake. She paused, touching one. Nothing.

Then another.

Then another.

"...How is this supposed to work?", the Korun youth said aloud, equal parts mystified, frustrated, and amused, as she plopped down criss-cross. Take a deep breath, she closed her eyes and opened herself to the Force. Surrendered herself to the greater whole. She felt life everywhere- from the tiny insects somehow surviving, to the Jedi Padawans exploring the caves. She reached out to the caves and it felt like...touching something malleable. Like looking in a reflection; it reacted to her, some a little different then others, but-

...Wait.

...Was that...?

"Something...something is calling me", Sazo said in a daze, moving through the caves with brisk, new purpose.

 

[Wulrenkit Claymus]

Open up to the force. Easy for her to say, Wulrenkit thought ruefully. Especially the light. The mystical powers ability to elude him had been what brought him to the jedi in the first place. Still, he did his best to follow her instructions as he stepped past the open curtain of ice.

It was difficult at first. Like listening to music with wax in your ears. Slowly though, ge found the melody. He clung to it like flotsam from a wreck, following that tune into the caves. He had no master, not like Azurine or so many other padawans he had met. For now he was merely a student of the temple, taking advice from kind masters like Serys who offered it to all.

Maybe it was that he wasnt trying to control it. Maybe it was the nexus of such a hallowed place. But Wulrenkit was statting to feel a warmth spread though him. It was like a summer breeze moving through his hair it filled his body and offered a vitality. He smelled a sweetness in the air and for a second, he thought he saw the river his former Archon had once described. It was... beautiful.

"I feel it." Wonder filled the padawans voice as he strode forward. He'd heard of wilders who used crystals as focuses for their abilities. Perhaps the crystal of a jedi would have a similar effect.

Ran Serys

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

Objective I - Alter Environment Training
Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x x x | Weapons: x x x
Companion: Domxite
Nearby: Jonyna Si Katherine Holt Braze
Directly Interacting with Karok Mahsa

Seeing Dezorath perk up about his armor made Zaiya's skin shimmer with delight -- there was something genuinely inspiring about the way he held himself with an artisian's pride, especially if he'd crafted it on his own. But, yeah, he was right; now wasn't the time to dive into an armor discussion. Master Jonyna Si 's lesson loomed, and Zaiya still needed to focus on not looking in Aris's direction, where his new, fiery bird perched like some mythical creature.

"Um, yes! Right. The class. We can talk about your armor later when we get a break, Dezorath!" She threw a warm smile his way, then another at Mahsa . Zaiya noticed the new color tinting Mahsa's hair and couldn't help grinning. The color shifts were something she and Mahsa bonded over, even if theirs worked differently.

"I'll tell you more about them later," she whispered to Mahsa regarding Domxite, her excitement brimming with each word. Even the paint splattered droid gave an encouraging hum through the Force that the Kalzerrian would be able to feel. They were definitely Force sensitive, which made it interesting considering Domxite by all intents and purposes, appeared to be a droid.

But for now, Zaiya's focus had to be on Master Si. She could feel the wisdom rolling off the Cathar Jedi Master, and Mahsa had a point… Master Si made it sound easy. Not that anything truly was easy in these lessons, but… well, better to jump in than hold back, right?

"Alright… better now than never," Zaiya murmured, finally turning her back to where Master Si, Braze , and Aris Noble were standing. Her eyes found Dezorath and Mahsa again, and she sent them an encouraging grin as a rush of brilliant blue danced over her skin, excitement pulsing through her.

"So… we just ask the Force to… listen to what we're asking it to do? And hope for the best!" It reminded her a little of what Knight Cora von Ascania had taught her about calming animals. Or even of the plant-surge class, coaxing seeds to grow with just a bit of encouragement from the Force.

Taking a deep breath, Zaiya closed her eyes and opened herself up to the energy around them, imagining herself connecting with everything -- the snow, the chillly air, the gust of icy winds, the fast beat of her heart -- oh wait no not that, that was still pounding a bit too hard because of ... things.

Back to the environment. Not for tapas to keep me cool but more in the formation of a single crystalline snowflake between my hands.

A shimmer of light blues and thoughtful burnished ambers slowly painted across her skin as she settled into focus. With the Force, it was about a conversation, she reminded herself, not a command.

With a gentle nudge, she reached out with her senses, asking the Force to respond, to guide her into whatever would come next.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

The crystal caves of Ilum sprawled out in endless passageways, each one colder and quieter than the last. The walls, slick with frost, glistened as if alive, refracting even the slightest light into complex patterns that painted the icy corridors in shades of blue and violet. Above, thick layers of ice and stone muted all sounds, wrapping the cave in a heavy silence that seemed to deepen with every step.

The crystalline formations grew more intricate as Azurine continued forward, each one a jagged shard of light, each glinting with a faint and otherworldly glow. In the stillness, even the faint crunch of her footsteps against the frozen ground echoed like thunder, resonating through the narrow, twisting pathways. For a moment, there was nothing but the pulse of her steady breathing, the distant drips of melting ice from hidden crevices, and the soft glow of the crystals, their colors intensifying with each step she took deeper into the caverns.

Then, the silence shifted.

It was subtle at first, like a distant sigh carried on an invisible breeze, rustling the edges of her senses. The cavern felt different, the air suddenly denser, colder, pressing in from all sides. Somewhere deep within, a gentle but persistent pulse thrummed — almost like a heartbeat, faint but unmistakable. It reverberated through the cave, sinking into the walls and reverberating back, as though the entire cave were alive, guiding her, urging her forward.

And then, echoing through the frosty expanse, a voice drifted through the air.

"Azurine…"

The sound was delicate, carried on an ethereal whisper that seemed woven into the icy walls themselves. The voice was familiar, achingly so — a presence that had once brought warmth and light into her life. Another part of her. And now, as if drawn out of memory, it called to her with a soft urgency, wrapped in an almost palpable ache.

Silence followed, thick and weighted, as if the entire cavern was holding its breath. The voice lingered, repeating softly, insistent, woven with a tone of pleading and desperation that resonated through the frozen air.

"Please… I need your help."

The call resonated deeper this time, a familiar cadence that wrapped around her like an embrace from the past. It was as if the Force itself had manifested a bridge to reach her across the divide of time and loss, guiding her forward in a way that felt both surreal and deeply right.

Azurine Varek ​

 

[Azurine Varek]

To Forge the Crystal Path

Outfit: Snow Clothing | Right Arm | Glove
Weapons: Lightsaber

As beautiful as this place was, the haunting air it held was enough to put Azurine's mind slightly on edge. Ever the fire she was, though, she persisted forward through the winding path and kelt herself focused on the shimmering chiming at the back of her mind calling to her. It wasn't until the silence became oppressive that her pace slowed and her fingers hover ever closer to the hilt of her lightsaber. The tension was thick, making her feel as though the caves might somehow collapse around her.

The heartbeat in the dense compaction the air had become was soon accompanied by an echoed voice that bounced off the cavern walls ever gently, making her violet eyes snap wide and her head shoot to the side to search for the source. None could be could be found. She knew that voice. It was unmistakable, one she could never forget even if she tried, wrapped in a bittersweet sting that spiked through her heart. His spirit had been more silent since the library, though his presence and his aura remained attached to her like a knot.

"Kynn ...?" She whispered softly with confusion, hand rising to grasp at her chest. The soul shattering physical pain she had dealt with since she'd woken was as present as always. It was proof of the loss, the twisted and deteriorating bond of a dyad shattered so traumatically. How she still lived was a mystery of itself.

"Kynn Jarmin spoke highly of you," Master Caltin Vanagor 's words after she'd managed to save him from a tragic death against the odds repeated in her mind, as if to tell her to keep moving.

It's not real, It can't be real. Azzie thought, shaking her head and trying to press onward. Then she heard it again, louder and desperate, calling to her and pulling her heart away. This time it sounded ... alive. Not constantly ethreal as if a voice without a body, but tangible

"Kynn!" Her shout was louder than she wanted, echoing in her small section of the caves, unable to stop herself from bolting in the direction of the voice. She didn't care if he'd long since passed. She'd have crossed planets for him in a heartbeat and without hesitation. She still would if she had any possible way to bring him back to her. Spirit or not, the sound of his voice so desperate like that couldn't just be ignored.

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

As Azurine moved deeper into the crystalline heart of the cave, the soft whisper of dripping water echoed around her, a haunting backdrop to the silence that seemed to press in on all sides. Then, slicing through the stillness like a blade, came a voice — hoarse and urgent, barely more than a broken whisper.

"Azzie… please… help me."

The words hung in the cold air, carried on an invisible wind that seemed to come from nowhere and everywhere at once. And though every part of her knew it couldn't be real, the voice was unmistakable. It was Kynn.

Just ahead, dimly lit by the fractured light bouncing off the ice-covered walls, a figure appeared, slumped against the sharp edge of a crystal formation. Kynn was there, his form ghostly but solid enough to make her heart race. His usually sharp gaze was unfocused, his breathing ragged. The blue glow of the cave's crystals cast eerie shadows across his face, making the pain etched there look even more severe.

"Azzie…" he groaned, lifting his head to look at her, desperation flashing in his eyes. "I can't hold on…"

He reached a hand toward her, fingers trembling as though the effort itself was a struggle. "I'm trapped here," he murmured, his voice filled with an aching vulnerability. "I need you. I can't… do this alone."

The cavern around him seemed to respond to his desperation, the icy walls reverberating with an unsettling hum, as if the cave itself were amplifying his plea. Crystals overhead pulsed faintly, casting a ghostly glow that flickered with every beat, mirroring the weakening rhythm of Kynn's presence. His hand reached out, the distance between them feeling both infinitesimally small and impossibly vast.

The silence stretched, heavy with the unspoken choice that lay before her — a choice that weighed with the knowledge of everything she knew, and everything her heart begged her to believe.

Azurine Varek ​