Private Paper and Fire

[Junko Ike]

Zavra Shae

"Well for silencing voices in your head.. I don't have much advice. I can just repeat myself and talking about trying to work through it with time. We have all the time needed... no need to rush." She said it while floating there int he water and allowing the steam to flow around the pair of them. She was allowing the force to breathe in and then outwards... in and then outwards while she went with it. "What I do is called the white current and it flows all around us. To usse it is much like this spring... one must immerse themselves in it... within the force. Then you are able to influence it... to alter the perception of those the whitte can touch and see through the illusions that others might have created."

 

[Zavra Shae]

I let out a quiet sigh, somewhere between relaxation and frustration, as the heat of the underground bath completely envelops me. The water, clear yet slightly hazy from the steam, caresses my skin like a comforting embrace. All around us, the cave walls glisten with moisture, droplets gently trickling down the dark rock, illuminated by a soft glow from the crystals embedded in the stone.

I feel the warmth of the pool seeping into my tired muscles after hours of working slave, and I slowly sink a little deeper into the water until only my head remains above the surface. The steam dances in the air, making the atmosphere hushed, almost unreal, as if we are suspended between two worlds between the tangible and the invisible.

Mistress Junko floats peacefully beside me, as if she is in perfect harmony with the environment. I, on the other hand, still struggle to let go.
"I... I want to try, Mistress, but I'm afraid I won't succeed, what happen if i fail ? P Please no more electrical torture..." I admit hesitantly. I am so tired, my last years of slave is not completly behind me, my mistress can see my old injuries on my body. And my mind is similar too. This freedom is a shocks for me. The force is hardest to understand. I am conditioned like a slave. To failure.

The hot water seems to seep into me, relaxing both my thoughts and my body, yet I still feel a lingering tension. Perhaps it is the fear of failure, of not knowing how to merge with this "white current" she speaks of.

I close my eyes for a moment, letting the steam brush against my face, trying to imagine this connection with the Force to let myself be carried by it instead of trying to control it.

Junko Ike

 

[Junko Ike]

Zavra Shae

Hmmm Junko thought about it and she wasn't going to torture her padawan for failure. as she floated there in the water. "Well no electrical.... I think each time you fail I'll take away from your clothing and outfit budget a hundred.... no a thousand credits." She said it and she remained there with a nod. "Beyond that.. I suppose taking from your shoe budget would be next... and then maybe we'll take away the rose petals from your bath... but I don't think it will get to be that bad." She said it while remaining in the water with one hand wrapping the steam around herself lke a towel to obscure when she looked at Shae. "You are safe here with me padawan... no one will hurt you and if they try to I can promise you this.... there is all of the Commonwealth who would jump to aid and protect you."

 

[Zavra Shae]

I lowered my head slightly, feeling both relief and a slight apprehension at the announced punishment.

"Mistress... I thank you for your clemency." My voice was soft, hesitant, as I lifted my gaze toward her, still wrapped in the steam. "I will do better, I promise. I wouldn't want to lose my credits… nor my shoes… nor the rose petals."

A slight smile appeared on my face, tinged with a mix of mischief and concern. I knew I had to improve, not only to honor my training but also to avoid disappointing Junko.
"And I feel safe with you. I know that no one can harm me as long as you are here."
I clasped my hands in front of me, refocusing on my determination. "Tell me, Mistress... How can I improve? What is my next lesson?"

Junko Ike

 

[Junko Ike]

Zavra Shae

"The next lesson is to relax... we trained, we ate and we have cleaned up. So for now take some time and explore for yourself... walk around and get a feeling for the palace itself. Explore and see what you can find... try to learn how to navigate around and even see the village itself that is around. You have guides and maids who cnaa lead you around which will give me a chance to prepare for the next part of your training and some of the things that you might need to get before we can start." She said it with a smile on her face though and was glad about it.. they would haave more then enough time to really improve it and explore the lessons.

 

[Zavra Shae]

Relaxing… That's still a foreign concept to me. In my past life, I never had that luxury. Every moment was a frantic race, a struggle to survive, a fight to keep going. But it seems that my past as a slave is now behind me, relegated to the shadows of another time.

"Understood, Mistress. You can count on me to relax and explore the palace. I imagine the gadget you gave me contains a map of the place, doesn't it?"

The place is so vast that the very thought of wandering around alone makes me dizzy. I'll most likely get lost in this labyrinth of hallways and grand rooms. I don't even know where my own bedroom is, and I'm not sure whether I should be excited or worried about it. After all, nothing truly belongs to me here. My clothes are chosen for me, my actions are monitored, and the punishments… as unpredictable as they are whimsical. And yet, compared to what I've known, this is an unimaginable luxury. I have no right to complain.

The next lesson… I can't help but wonder what it will be about. But it's not my place to ask questions. For now, I just need to obey. So, I sink into the warm water, letting the steam wrap around me in a soothing embrace. I absentmindedly watch the white wisps swirl around me, playing with them like an enchanted child. Everything still feels so new…

"All of this is so incredible, Mistress… I wouldn't even know how to thank you."

Becoming a good Jedi… That's my only duty. Avoiding the Dark Side, as she warned me. After all, I have no desire to end up with ashen skin or an oversized body. My body already carries the marks of my past, and despite everything, I've learned to accept it as it is. It reflects my story, and I don't want to see it change.

Junko Ike

 

[Junko Ike]

Zavra Shae

Junko had a small smile on her face while she could feel Shae contemplating everythign and thinking it over.. she didn't need to read her mind.. she barely needed to prod mentally with the force.. she just needed to be there and let the silence between them stretch as she turned over and moving to the side there was her handmaidens when she rose up and there was a small figure smiling on the other side with more clothing as Koruki was there for Shae. Junko walking on the stone while she was drying her hair for the moment. THe curtain of blonde hair darkened with the water in it and her handmaidens were removing some of the smaller kyber bells and beads. THe small maid waved while she was holding clothing and Junko walked off into the steam that was all around. "Mistress Shae."

 

[Zavra Shae]

I flinch slightly at the words "Mistress Shae." The title feels strange, almost foreign. Me, a mistress? No… All my life, I was called slave, servant, nothing at all. This title feels wrong, like a garment too big for me, one I've never worn before.

I timidly lift my eyes toward Koruki, the small handmaiden waiting for me with clothing. I'm not used to this kind of attention, to the way I've been treated since becoming Mistress Junko's apprentice. Everything here is new, unfamiliar, and I'm feeling my way through a world unlike anything I've ever known.

I take a deep breath and finally decide to leave the water. The cool air makes me shiver as the warmth of the bath still clings to my skin. My hair drips over my shoulders as I slowly step onto the stone floor. Normally, I would have managed on my own, as I always have… But this time, I accept the handmaiden's help.

A small nod, a moment of hesitation, then I reach out my hand.

It's a small step. But a step nonetheless.

Junko Ike

 

[Junko Ike]

Zavra Shae

Koruki offered all smiles while waiting... to lead the way back towards the palace and stopping at one of the fruit trees as she got a piece. Holding it for the moment as the pathway going back to the palace and all of its districts were wonderful. The back gardens of the palace district as the small maid was walking and enjoying it. "Princess Junko made all of the statues here... she gets models from around the galaxy to pose for her... though mother says I can't see it until I am older." She said it while walking and leading the ways through the garden she stopped though as the statues were makred along the pathway with trees and smaller displays. Some of the cleaners were working and making sure the stonework was cleared. Koruki was looking at more of it as she turned to Shae and kept her smile. "Where do you want to go?"

 

[Zavra Shae]

I let my gaze wander over the imposing statues lining the path, their finesse and detail captivating my attention. Every curve, every expression seemed to freeze a moment of life in stone, and I couldn't help but feel a deep admiration for my mistress's work.

Junko truly has a gift… I thought, almost in awe. Capturing the essence of a being, giving it an eternal form…

My gaze then drifted to the gardens, where the light filtered gently through the tree foliage, creating a peaceful and almost unreal atmosphere. It was a magnificent place, a sanctuary of beauty and harmony.

I turned my head toward Koruki, who walked with carefree ease, a radiant smile on her face. Her simplicity and joy were contagious, and despite myself, I returned her smile.

"This place is incredible…" I murmured, my genuine admiration evident in my voice.

Then, returning to what mattered, I gently asked:

"Where did Mistress Junko go?"

But as I savored this moment, a colder thought crossed my mind. I shouldn't allow myself to relax so much. My role was not to admire or lose myself in contemplation. I was her apprentice. I had to stay focused, worthy of her teachings.

Junko Ike

 

[Junko Ike]

Zavra Shae

"Umm I think she went towards her private chambers. Most likely to take a nap. I know many of her handmaidens were preparing silks and the bedding." She said it while walking and within the garden areas it came to the palace as the doors opened into the large hallways adorned with murals and statues... more alcoves filled as smaller droids were polishing the floors to a mirror finish as the small maid gave a nod of her head. "Most likely... she spends a lot of time with her duties like the rest of us and I know her handmaidens do even more so they sleep when they can." WIth a small skip she was leading the way towards the wing of the palace Shae had been given use of.

Junko found her way to weave through the springs and trees to her chambers as the large room was spaced with heavy curtains of silk and gemstones. She let the curtain of her hair cover her while she was walking and the large bed hovered above the flooron more heavy chains at its four corners and space for all of her twenty handmaidens to be able to sleep around her. Spacious rarely qualified as opposed to it being its own domain. She only shifted seeing the jade robed woman milling around and each greeted while finding a small place. With the more secured fighters among them on the exterior as they had grooves for weapons within the chains of the bed and edges.

Junko stretched out as she hopped on and laid there for a moment allowing the force to relax the rest of her body while she remained there. Finding a place and the others were around... Lithe and muscled figures in sheer silks and various states... colors of their hair as well. Each allowing Junko to have the moment while she exhaled and would be able to catch a little amount of sleep. Koruki moving around in the palace with Shae being her guide would be fgood enough for now and there was plenty to find and do... the wings of the palace were made for these sorts of adventures afterall.

 

[Zavra Shae]

I nodded upon hearing that Mistress Junko had gone to rest. There was no need to disturb her if she was taking a moment for herself.
"In that case, I'll let her sleep... But where is my own room?" I said, crossing my arms

I let my gaze wander through the palace corridors. The place was immense, adorned with intricate frescoes and imposing statues. Each alcove seemed to tell a story, and the small droids polishing the floor added to the impression of a living space, always in motion.

Walking slowly to take in the architecture and details, I felt a slight thrill of excitement. This palace was a world of its own, and there was so much to discover.

Finally, I tilted my head slightly and shrugged.

"Might as well settle in while the princess sleeps. That'll make things easier."

I took a deep breath, curious to see the space that had been assigned to me. I'm going to jump to the ceiling for sure. I have not the habit to see a luxury place like this, my chamber at the coruscent temple is very simple.

Junko Ike

 

[Junko Ike]

Zavra Shae

Looking at her with a wider grin. "Oh it is this way." The small maid said it and she was moving down the hallway back towards the chamber that she had been shown before with its large ceiling and massive bath. The statues and artwork all around as other servering girls were working on things.. cleaning, adjusting and ensuring that everything was in order from the clothing that had been picked out to extra amenities. "Oh they brought all of the things you got... we can start filling your shoe closet." The small maid was giddy with the excitement of being able to work as she moved around the room and was looking at everythign else with the curtains drawn back for Shae to be able to look around. "Oh we can decorate however you want and you can set the cleaning schedule if you want so the maids will not disturb your meditations."

 

[Zavra Shae]

Wandering through the room, I admired every detail with wonder. The height of the ceiling almost made me dizzy, and the sheer size of the space felt unreal. My fingers absentmindedly brushed against a sculpted column as my eyes took in every corner.

Then, my gaze landed on the bed. I stopped dead in my tracks.


" It's huge."

I blinked, staring at the absurdly large thing. How many people could sleep in there? What was I even supposed to do with all that space? For a split second, I imagined myself getting lost in the sheets. Shaking my head, I resumed my exploration, trying to mask my bewilderment.

Then, I reached the bathtub. This time, my brain completely short-circuited.


" That's not a bathtub, that's a pool."

I stood frozen, trying to comprehend why such luxury even existed. With one hand on my chin, I calculated how long it would take me to walk around it. After a moment, I sighed and rubbed my temples before turning away. If I thought about it too much, I was going to give myself a headache.

Then, my attention was caught by the artwork adorning the room. Once again, I was left speechless. I stepped closer to a statue, my fingers grazing its polished surface.

"But… it's incredibly detailed."

My eyes moved from one piece to another, absorbing every sculpture, every painting, every engraving with fascination. The art was breathtaking, almost mesmerizing.

I took a deep breath before turning to the small maid.

"I think I'll meditate in the afternoons and probably tonight as well. After that, of course, there will be training with the Mistress. I can't neglect my practice… I'll have to remember to thank her for it…"

I needed some peace, some time to process all of this. This place was incredible… and just a little overwhelming.

Junko Ike

 

[Junko Ike]

Zavra Shae

"You haven't seen anything... your bath is on the small scale. My mom says the one at the royal palace is a palace in itself." She said it and was moving around with her as they looked over everything. "BUt the size is older, we learned it in school cause it used to be all families would live together and sleep in the same area for protection at night... so the beds had to be able to hold all of them plus space to conceal weapons.... but now most places aare more protected... but still get to have the massive and comfortable beds. Mine can hold me and all nine of my sisters." She said it with a smile on her face that remained... she was loving this as she got to be maybe the head maid to a master which was big for her age.

"Afternoons and nights... we can do that. No doubt the princess will have meals either set aside for when you are together so won't have to plan for that... might need to plan outfits. She usually trains in some of the sports stuff she owns... or nothing.. or sometimes robes but mostly nothing fancy. She likes to move around and usually has the combat biots there to fight with her." She said it while moving and set what she had on one of the tables so it would be put in the closet. "We also have a lot of snacks... they make these little cakes in the kitchens that can go good with the tea they serve or any of the drinks really."

 

[Zavra Shae]

"Really? A palace within a palace?" I exclaim, my eyes wide with wonder. "I'd love to see that one day! It must be enormous… and so beautiful!"

I listen with fascination as she explains the size of the beds, my gaze sweeping across the room with even more admiration. "That's incredible… So back then, everyone slept together for protection? And now, they keep these huge beds just for comfort?" I step closer to the bed, running my fingers lightly over the sheets. "A bed big enough for you and your nine sisters… That must be amazing, all sleeping together!"

When she talks about the princess's habits, I straighten up, intrigued. "Oh, so I won't have to worry about meals? That's one less thing to think about!" I tilt my head slightly, thinking. "Outfits, then… But she doesn't wear much most of the time?" I blush slightly before smiling. "It must be so impressive to watch her train with the combat biots. I'd love to see one of her training sessions!"

And then… I hear the magic word.

"Snacks? What is it ? i dont know Snack..." I turn to her, my eyes sparkling. "Little cakes and tea? Oh, that's perfect! I'm going to have to try everything!" I laugh softly, already eager to discover all these delights.

Junko Ike

 

[Junko Ike]

Zavra Shae

"Oh yes lots of comfort and it is cool... like look at that thing you can sleep on a different area of it each night and jump on it while others are sleeping.. and it won't disturb them or spill drinks." She was saying it and leading the way around more. "Oh yes, tea and cakes and other things.. sometimes they make small bites of meat and wrap them in fluffy sweet breads. Or sweet treats that are covered with chocolate and other syrups." She was laughing about it and there was much that could be delivered. "So much." She was excited while moving around. "So, if you want to meditate or rest. I'll just step out... a lot to do to make sure you have everything and we aren't even talking if you are supposed to go to the royal palace. The other princesses or princes, the emperor and empress don't usually do things last minute but there is always the possibility."

 

[Zavra Shae]

I smile as I listen, amused by her enthusiasm. "It's true that all of this sounds amazing... I'm not really used to this kind of comfort yet, but I have to admit, the idea of being able to sleep in a different spot every night is tempting." I let out a small laugh before adding, "And if there's tea, cakes, and those little meat bites you mentioned… I think I might get used to it faster than I expected."

I glance at her with curiosity, thinking about her last words. "The royal palace, huh?" I cross my arms, thoughtful. "I guess that's something I might have to prepare for… though I'm not sure I'd feel comfortable in a place like that. Are there any special rules to follow when meeting the emperor or empress?"

Junko Ike

 

[Junko Ike]

Zavra Shae

"Ah my mom says there is... in a way. THe princess and prince are great... but mentioning their children who perished in the war against the sith is considered a large no no. The emperor is also one who will rarely allow disparaging the older emperor who was his best friend. My mom also says that they are nice but the special advisor and investigator is the real dangerous one... she is the princesses mother and supposed to suspect the worst of everyone. I know there is a lot of others who are important... I have seen them at the garden parties when the princess hosts them here... lots of lords and ladies all of them wearing their clothing."

 

[Zavra Shae]

I closed the door to my room gently behind me. It was quiet here. Maybe too quiet. But… I liked it. In a way, it felt safe.

I stood there for a while, not really knowing what to do with my hands. The things I'd just been told kept echoing in my head. Stories about the imperial family, about things you're not supposed to talk about, or only mention in whispers.

I sat down slowly on the edge of the bed, eyes fixed on the floor.

"I didn't know there were... forbidden topics like that."

I gave a small shrug.

"I guess it makes sense. Maybe. I don't know."

I fiddled with the edge of a pillow, trying to keep my thoughts from slipping too far.

"They seem nice… all of them." I said after a moment.
"But it's hard to tell. There's always someone watching. Or listening."

My voice dropped as I hesitated.

"I just... don't want to mess anything up. Or say something I'm not supposed to."

I laid down on my side, turning away from the light, staring at the wall.

"Maybe I'll understand better with time."
A pause. Then, barely audible:

"I hope so."

Junko Ike