Not to be travelled lightly…

[Corvus Raaf]

She may have built a home there, but that was not the reason she was heading to Tatoooine with her Padawan. Nor was it for yet another pilgrimage to Master Kenobi. It wasn’t even to visit her old friend the Tusken Raider leader.

No, it was for an entirely different reason they were heading towards the Jundland Wastes.

If the geological surveys were to be believed and the stories in the archives true, Tatooine was one of the few places in the galaxy that you could find a Durindfire crystal. Corvus knew of them because of her relatives. She was after all related to the Horns of Corellia – but then so was half of that planet.

And as inhospitable as the Wastes were, she knew the dry, hot and rocky regions was the most likely place to find such a gem. She had everything on board that her Padawan would need to build her own saber – and she even had the perfect spot for her to build it – one shown to her by her own Master when she crafted her shoto.

All she needed to do was teach her Telekinesis en route and she’d have everything she needed to have her own saber at last. And she knew just how that felt.

So she waited in the cockpit of her ship for her to arrive and they could set off.

[member="Kaia Vullen"]

 

[Kaia Vullen]

Hurrying, as always. It was quite curious how Kaia was always in the nick of time, when she was also always hurrying from one place to another. Then again, she enjoyed a fast pace, This would be an especially exciting journey, she knew. If only because they were going out there. Into the vast expanses of the galaxy. There was nothing quite like travelling by ship.

She came running and skidded into the hangar. Walking at a brisk pace, she straightened her robes and counted the ships so as to find the right one. She almost boarded the wrong ship, but after being told off by a rather grumpy Nautolan, she found the right ship. Of course that was the one, it was practically radiating with jediness, and so was the figure inside.

"Master Corvus? Am I late?" Her voice had a certain apologetic quality, but she was hopeful. She hoped she had not delayed her master.

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus smiled and remembered Master Karr's words. "A Jedi is never late. They arrive at precisely the time they intended to. So, to answer your question, no - you're not late. But sooner would have been good." She smiled good-naturedly.

"We're heading to a place full of history for the Jedi. A place I shall one day call home when I'm too old to do this sort of thing. And more importantly it's a place we can find you a saber crystal."

As she spoke she punched in codes and they took off. Handing control to her astro-droid, Corvus indicted they move to the main seating area. "So tell me, have you a design for a hilt in mind?"

[member="Kaia Vullen"]

 

[Kaia Vullen]

"Sooner would have been good." She nodded as she repeated the Grandmaster, her Master's words. She smiled too, even if a smile was more or less her default expression, she was always encouraged by Corvus way of putting things. Even if was a no, or a reprimand, she felt as though she would come away from it stronger, more refined. She reached and grabbed on to a bar as the ship took off, she had noted on previous flights that sometimes it was hard to remain on your feet during takeoff and landing.

Her heart skipped at the indication of a sabre crystal, it was one of those things that simply caught the fancy of young Jedi, and Kaia was no exception. If she had eyes, then they would have been too large to fit in her head. It was an effort to maintain her calm and not exclaim in joy. Instead, she asked in a slightly more high-pitched voice than usual. "Where is that, Master Coruvs?"

Directed to the seating area, she took a seat. "Yes, I have." She scrambled for a holodisk with her schematics, which she had hidden inside her outer robes. She was a little proud of the work she had done in research and the accuracy of her schematics.

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

Spoiler

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus took a seat next to Kaia. “First we’re going to dock with a Kenobi Class Praxeum. We can get some training in on there. Then we can…land – I’m keeping it a surprise. I‘m confident we’ll find a crystal there – or rather you will. I still maintain the crystal chooses the Jedi – not the other way around.”

And then she took a look at the schematics. It was a simple and elegant design and Corvus approved. Not that she disapproved of any designs – but this was in keeping with what she would build. Classical and clean.

She lead him to a set of drawers and opened them. Inside were a lot of components, everything her Padawan would need to build a saber. Material for the hilt, blade-emitter matrices, various dials, blade length adjusters, lens assemblies, activation studs, power conduits, belt rings, safety switches, recharge sockets, sensor arrays, blade locks, and beckon calls.

She bundled the items into a small bag and handed them to her Padawan. “Now, as we prepare to dock with the main ship, tell me – how is your Telekinesis?”

[member="Kaia Vullen"]

 

[Kaia Vullen]

The secrecy of their destination made her feel as though she was going to burst from the pressure of her curiosity. She let the pressure out with a soothing exhale and let the topic move on. Crystal chooses the Jedi. So she would have to listen for it.

"I am sure we will, Master." She felt reassured in it, as if it was a fact. Not just because her master said so, but because it had a right feeling to it.

She had taken some of the inspiration for her design from Obi Wan Kenobi's sabre, apparent in the high grip, flared circular top and the knoppy grip on the butt end. She had noted in her bladework that she often leaned on defence, thus the sabre of a Soresu Master would be good inspiration. Then again, Kenobi was full of inspiration for any Jedi.

She followed half a step behind Corvus as she pulled things out of a drawer, put them in a bag and gave it to Kaia. She identified about half the things she saw picked up. Others needed a bit more of a look. As for her Telekinesis.

"Well... " She held out her hand and the bag lifted. It did not stand still, nor did it lift very far. "It's easier to just move things along the ground, but if I look away, it falls. And it's very difficult to do the finer manipulations." It would appear she was at something of a natural stage, though aware of the ability.

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus nodded. “OK, well I’d say we know what we’re going to be doing en route to our destination then. Saber construction typically involved Telekinesis, and is often done subconsciously, so we’ll have to up to speed before you need to apply any sun-screen lotion.”

The ship docked with the Praxeum. It was a huge ship and something of a wonder. Corvus was not fond of the gold – she wondered how many could be fed for the money that had been spent – but the ship itself was like a floating Academy, and as such was perfect for her needs.

Corvus led them to a practice room. “I often came to one of these as a Knight to learn new abilities and as a Master too. Sometimes you’ll meet a Force ghost here too. If you need her that is.”

Corvus indicated Kaia should sit whilst she rummaged through draws until she found what she wanted. It was an odd assortment of things, that Corvus liberally dropped around the room. Training sabers, datapads, balls, even stun blasters.

“OK, you have a natural head-start. You will be able to see all the things I dropped, yes? Now, remember my mantra? If you make it difficult, it will become difficult. All you need to do is trust in the Force. Tell it which item you wish to lift and reach out with the Force. Pick up the object and manipulate it. No self-doubt. None.”

Her voice was calm and soothing and once she finished, she sat cross-legged on the floor opposite her Padawan.

[member="Kaia Vullen"]

 

[Kaia Vullen]

As they came near the Praxeum, Kaia was practically glued to the view. Unaccustomed to space-travel, she had never seen this kind of ship, or station, or whatever they would claim it to be. It was enormous. She couldn't really see the gold as much different from the rest, it shone slightly different from the rest of the ship, being of a different density and composition, but in the end metal looked like metal. Most likely because she couldn't see light and thus not discern colours. What really did amaze her was the buzzing of life, the presence of Force energy and the sheer engineering marvel that was the Praxeum.

She followed when Corvus walked, listened to her words, took note and sat down when indicated to like a good little padawan. She had never seen a Force Ghost, perhaps she would seek one some day. If you need her. The need part was probably very important. She watched curiously as her master dropped things on the floor seemingly at random. She nodded, understanding her task.

"Okay. Trust in the Force."

She reached out one of her small hands towards a ball and took a determined breath. She almost did as she had with the bag, telling the object to move, but that was not what Corvus had said. She bit her lower lip, swallowed her doubts, and felt the Force flow through her like a warm breeze. She asked the breeze to move the ball. The ball shook and rolled over before lifting unsteadily into the air. Kaia smiled brightly.

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus smiled and her voice was low and calm. Barely more than a whisper. “Good, good. Believe and it will happen. Now, keep that ball in the air and lift something else. Anything. In truth, the size of the object is relatively irrelevant. Lifting a Krayt Dragon would require practice, but you could just as easily pick me up as a blaster pistol. It is only in your mind that you create a barrier to the concept. Trust in the Force and it shall be.”

"And let's be clear, my backside is not as big as a Krayt Dragon's"

[member="Kaia Vullen"]

 

[Kaia Vullen]

"The barriers are only in my mind."

The resulting laughter at Corvus' last comment almost made her drop the ball, but it did not fall. Kaia reached out with a second hand towards one of the stun-blasters, still holding her other against the ball. The ball wobbled threateningly, but stayed floating as the blaster rotated on the ground and floated up as if lifted by the tip of the barrel. She smiled brilliantly as it floated, but as it slowed down she furrowed her brow trying to pressure it higher. Perhaps she was just lost in the concentration, but she was making it more complicated by thinking about it. Both of the objects started wobbling and falling, but Corvus' words came back to her. Make it simple. Believe and it will happen. They dropped, stopped them before they hit the floor and let them float up lightly

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus watched silently and patiently. Her Padawan was learning. Not just about the Telekinesis but how to work with the Force.

“Good, good, you are becoming more confident in your trust of the Force. So many Abilities rely on you having complete faith. Center of Being for example. Moving Meditation. Unless you can allow the Force to almost do it for you, you can’t succeed.”

“Now, pick up another object and place it on top of one of the other objects you’re holding.”

[member="Kaia Vullen"]

 

[Kaia Vullen]

"Let it do it for me?"

For a second the idea was almost absurd, but as she thought of it, her head nodded up and down in understanding. It was almost frightening to let go that much, then again it was the way of the Jedi to trust in the Force. She bit her lip and let it go as she let it sink in properly. As Corvus had asked, Kaia scoped out a Datapad. Its flatness would certainly be the easiest to balance on another object, but she felt herself drawn to a ball. Deciding to trust in the feeling, she asked the Force and let it lift the ball for her, then tip it onto the first ball to fly. The two objects swayed a little side to side so as to maintain balance, but came to a perfect halt. Saiah's jaw dropped a little as her lips were drawn into a wider grin than usual.

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

The time flew by and Kaia's prowess grew exponentially until he was able to manipulate quite fine objects with ease. "Good job, well done," Corvus said as a tannoy in the room announced they had exited hyperspace.

"The problem with sabers is that they can explode if you don't align them properly. But I'm confident you've done more than enough to craft one now."

She stood and lead him back through a maze of corridors back to the hangar and her ship. "OK, so - I'm about to give the big reveal."

They exited the Praxeum and once on course, the planet ahead was too famous not to recognise. "Tatooine. Some say desolate, one day I'll call it home. As long as I live that long." She grinned. "And we're heading for Beggar's Canyon. It's massive and cuts through Ben's Mesa - and if you remember your history lessons, that's where Obi-Wan Kenobi got the name from when he lived there. Saw it on a map. But that's another story. Hopefully we'll avoid any Krayt Dragons and any podracers out practicing. We'll land close and take on the last part on foot. There are a couple of likely places for crystal caves - the Force aura should guide us."

"So...any questions?"

[member="Kaia Vullen"]

 

[Kaia Vullen]

Kaia felt quite confident in her telekinesis by now, and found much enjoyment in the manipulations of fine objects. Then again, working with the force, or rather letting the Force work through her, was always a fascinating venture.

"They can explode. Really?"

Considering the sheer power of a lightsabre, it was not exactly surprising knowledge. Still it added weight to the delicacy of crafting the signature weapon of the Jedi, as well as highlighting the importance of precision in the process.

As they walked through the maze of corridors, she felt quite excited to begin, and her curiosity towards the mystery location was insatiable. Her heart almost skipped a beat before Corvus dropped the bomb of an answer she had been hankering all through their journey: Tatooine. Kaia's jaw dropped and she was absolutely speechless. For any Jedi, this destination was a lifetime-must, for Kaia, a dream come true. Desolation was unimportant. She remembered the history lessons well. Obi-Wan was her inspiration, as was apparent in the design of her lightsabre hilt. To not only visit the planet, but the actual canyon where Master Kenobi spent many of his years and even took his exile name from. It was almost too much to handle. Then Corvus filled in the last pieces, walking on that hallowed ground and listening to the call of a crystal. Something said 'click' in Kaia as the realisation of what was about to transpire became reality before her.

First, she stood perfectly still, slackjawed as if under mind-control, for a few seconds, her face staring towards the famous planet. Then she slowly turned her head to Corvus. It was quite apparent that this could go two ways: Either Kaia couldn't take all the awe at once and fainted, or she would let everything explode out of her in a very un-jedi-like fit of bliss. In true Kaia fashion, she chose the fit of bliss. Her hands darted to her mouth as her grin spread from ear to ear. Then they shook, and Kaia started jumping up and down as a high-pitched squeak built up from her abdomen. Then she threw herself at her master, gripping tightly around her waste with surprising strength for someone with such scrawny arms. She didn't have words, she just quaked in joy.

Questions? No, she couldn't think of any. She probably would, eventually, but right now she could not think of a single one.

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corbvus smiled when Kaia showed surprise at the prospect of a saber exploding. “Ever wonder why we say a Master or competent Knight should accompany a Padawan when they get a crystal? It’s in case they try to make a saber and kill themselves. But don’t worry – you’ll be fine.”

“And if you think obtaining your crystal is a special place – wait until where I show you where you get to craft your saber. It’ll blow your mind – and it’s near my home too.”

“Although I’m from Corellia, I bought a piece of land here when my parents died and built a simple dwelling. It’s so quiet there, I can lower my defence that softens my natural Empathy. I can be a complete Corvus, not the usual cold-fish. Not that I object to the occasional hug,” she said as Kaia gripped her tightly enough to knock some of the air out of her.

And Corvus took them down to the surface. Beggar’s Canyon – it was truly massive and so they landed as close to the likely source of any crystals – hidden in a few of the thousands of caves that dotted the walls. They immediately spotted the Stone Needle – a famous and unusual rock formation some 20 metres high.

“OK, I have some climbing rope. I need you to use your Force Sight. Search the canyon for a strong Light-sided aura. For that’s most likely to be a crystal cave."

[member="Kaia Vullen"]

 

[Kaia Vullen]

Kaia had never really seen Corvus as a dead fish, but she was very curious as to how complete Corvus was. Then again, she would apparently see how different she could be. When Kaia came for a hug, there were few who objected. Those who did got one anyway unless the circumstances were exceptionally dire. All around them, the canyon walls towered and Kaia gazed up at the rock formation with glee. She spun around in the sand, arms extended as she took in the smell, the heat, the feeling of the place. They even had a view of the Stone Needle.

As Corvus spoke, Kaia stopped short and looked at her, arms at her side, chin up and her entire face beaming. "Yes master!" To better focus, she let out a breath of air. As she turned around and beheld the landscape as it reflected and glowed with the Force, she got a whole new level of appreciation for it. It was almost so beautiful as to get lost in, but Kaia had to focus. She was looking, searching. Her eyeless sight peered over the rocky walls in search of a truly strong light-sided aura. "I see two, but I think they connect in the middle. It's so deep in the rocks I can't fully make it out, but... I feel drawn there" Even without eyes, she could give Corvus a knowing look. Some times, you just got a feeling of what you are supposed to do, where you are supposed to go. Trust in the Force - it provides. "I think we should take that entrance." As she spoke, she had in fact not decided, but as the words fell out of her mouth, she let her left arm whip out and point. The Fore would direct her, and it landed on the higher entrance, further to their right.

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

This was all about Kaia. In truth, the role of a Master was always to focus on the Padawan – but this was the first time that Kaia would be obliged to lead the way. Finding the cave, the selection of the crystal – it would all be focused on Kaia and Corvus was simply here to ensure things ran smoothly.

And answer questions. Sometimes things happened in the caves to a Jedi that were personal to them. When Corvus crafted her own saber, she experienced Farseeing. Others have talked of meeting versions of themselves, or people from their past as a way of a trial or test in these circumstances. And some simply found a crystal and left.

But for now she listened and followed. Kaia’s instinct would be guided by the Force and so Corvus attached the ropes securely to allow them to climb down the side of the ravine.

“I’ll lead the way, but once we reach the cave’s entrance, I’ll let you take point again.”

Corvus made the journey down quite quickly – she was used to the caves on Corellia and did this sort of thing as a Youngling. And sure enough, as they descended she felt the Force and knew her Padawan had chosen wisely.

Finally she reached the open mouth of a cave. It was some thirty metres above the ground and really only accessible from above. Although it was dark inside, there was a soft glow from deep within that she could see with her eyes and with her Force Sight, she saw a bright aura in the distance.

“I shall follow you, and I suspect there will be a natural entrance to where the crystals are. That is where I shall wait for you. Now…what I am about to say is my opinion, not necessarily fact, but it’s worth repeating. I believe the crystal chooses the Jedi, not the other way around. Select the one that feels most in tune with you, regardless of any other factor.”

[member="Kaia Vullen"]

 

[Kaia Vullen]

She looked at her master as she spoke and nodded at the advice. "The crystal chooses the Jedi. I suppose I could have just used any old crystal if that weren't true." She smiled at Corvus. It was good advice. She should not look for the biggest, brightest, or pointiest-looking, but the most compatible. Thinking this, Kaia took the lead once at the entrance, heading inside the cave and into the darkness alongside Corvus. She could see the dim outline of the stone walls, and the soft light ahead where the crystals nested. Before the actual crystal room, the stone walls narrowed so one person could barely slip through. Kaia stopped and faced Corvus. "Again, thank you Master, for taking me here." She smiled at Corvus and turned while slipping through the narrow entrance.

She halted the second she entered the room, her senses in high gear. Her hands lifted by themselves and reached out towards the crystals. The whole room appeared vibrant with the Force, every crystal glowed like a star in her eyeless sight and the air felt as though it vibrated. With a slow inhale and exhale, she would let the Force run through her like a torrent of cleansing water. And like in a torrent, she felt drawn in a certain direction. She turned a little to her left, where the trail of crystals went deeper. She followed the draw, her left hand extended to wherever it directed her, like a compass needle.

She passed big crystals, small crystals, some rounded, some like spears. Some shone brilliantly, others more dim, but the calling went just a little deeper. It all felt so easy, she felt so safe, and then she felt the draw go up to the rounded stone ceiling. There was a congregation of crystals right over her head. She turned her face up to get it into the centre of her view. It looked difficult to get up there. What had Corvus said? Believe and it will happen "Trust in the force, and believe. Well, here goes."

She reached up with her hand and let the Force reach out through her past her fingers. Then she felt something, like a touch at the end of her fingers. Smooth, warm, like glassteel, but far more alive. It was as though the crystal shuddered at the touch. It was gripped and pulled from it's rocky socket with a resounding snapping sound. An impulse of worry resounded through her, but it was quelled before she lost complete concentration. The Force brought it down for her and her fingers closed about the crystal. She knew at once, this was the one.

"That was easier than I th-." Behind her she heard something unmistakeable. The snap-hiss of a lightsabre. The cave was flooded in a presence of darkness and Kaia turned. Her hands shook at the familiar sensation she remembered from Telti. A figure enveloped in darkness, with a cruel body covered in the shell of a crab. Serpents hissed at its feet and the world grew cold and bleak. Kaia clenched her hand around the crystal to quell the shaking of her hand. She tried to step away, but as she did, the figure was right in front of her and clamped its armoured hand around her throat. She could not breathe, but she made a shriek of fright. She tried to fight it, kicking, hitting and screaming at the terrifying apparition with all she had. Tears welled up in her eyes as the darkness clenched around her like the hand clenched her throat.

She reached out for help, for light, for anything. The crystal in her hand vibrated gently and as her attention was brought to it, a blade as bright as starlight shot from her hand. With one last desperate move, she thrust it up through a gap in the crab's armour. The figure fell back, and Kaia with it. Its grip on her neck loosened and she coughed, her eyes closing for just a second. When she looked again, her blade was gone, but her hands were covered in blood. The figure was a man with dark hair and a beard, she blinked, it was Corvus, it was Zylah, then Zylah's old master, it was Des, then it as Kaia. She looked at herself as she sat mounted on the crab armour. When she tried to stand and turn away she found herself back where she started: Hand stretched to the ceiling, a crystal clenched in her palm.

With timid steps she walked back to where she had entered. How much time had gone? She had completely lost track. What had she seen? She did not know, and it made her shudder.

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus took up a position on the floor, crossed her legs and meditated. There was no telling how long they’d be here and the Force would tell her if she was required.

She reflected on finding her own crystals – that Sith ring and her brush with the Dark-side that followed. How she’d had her first encounter with Farseeing and how, finally, it had all worked out for the best.

And then she smiled internally at the second time she’d crafted a saber – her shoto. How once more she’d sensed something – once more negative and so far the outcome had been mixed from that one. But the overall memories were positive and so she trusted that whatever Kaia was facing, sooner or later she’d make sense of it – and what didn’t break you simply made you stronger.

And suddenly Kaia was there. Corvus opened her eyes but said nothing. If her Padawan had questions, she would ask. There was something very private about the selection of a crystal and every Jedi reacted differently.

So Corvus waited patiently, ready to return to the ship to take Kaia to the place where she’d craft her saber when her Padawan was ready.

[member="Kaia Vullen"]

 

[Kaia Vullen]

When Kaia returned, she was quite pale. Her hands still shook, and her left was clenched around the crystal, it felt comforting against her skin. She opened her mouth a few times, but had difficulty speaking. She looked down at her right hand, half expecting it to be covered in blood again, but it was clean, except for some dirt under her nails from the climbing. She gaped twice more before she finally started uttering a sound. "Master Corvus, I saw something... Something I don't quite understand." She opened her hand, showing her master the crystal she had found. Bright and vibrant in its silvery hue as Durindfire crystals were prone to be, however it had a certain tint of blue to its corners. She rolled the oblong shape between her fingers and turned it with a certain deftness as she thought. "A figure, humanlike, but wrapped in a horrid shell. I felt as if it choked me before it even came near. As if it siphoned away everything that was good. It wanted to kill me, and destroy all things dear." She had gone from barely speaking to talking rather fast. Nervousness still apparent in her voice and in the fidgeting of her fingers. "Then, I killed it. With this" She held the crystal between her fingers to show, then turned it back into her hand as she kept fidgeting it. "But as it died, it became people. People I know, people I love, and some I never even met. I killed you, master Corvus. I felt blood on my hands. And I killed me." She became still and looked at her master with worry and confusion written on her face. "What does that mean? Why would I see such a thing?"

[member="Corvus Raaf"]