Serenity Stems, From Soft Souls, And Stern Stances (Cixi Lu And Seth Brackson)

[Seth Brackson]

Seth watched her with intent focus. Dissecting every bit of dialogue with which [member="Cixi Lu"] provided to him. When she finished Seth settled back and meditated upon all she expressed. While he meditated upon what was laid before him. It was a lot to process. As it was quite a bit of information.

Seth didn't press about the circumstances of what occurred to her mother. He'd enough of an idea. While he took a whiff of steam and another longer sip. He hummed a note or two. While he did his best to remain focused on the present. His past was something that ailed him, in trying to follow the path of light.

Seth looked around for the droid. Then glanced back to Cixi. Noting she also elected to wave off the question of her wellbeing. He too refused to press that matter. "I find your opinions of what a jedi should be. Respectable." He replied to her after his moment of thought. He wasn't sure he lined in full belief of her handyman approach. Though the concepts ran parallel to his own, the wording merely being a bit different.

Seth pulled out his meditation stones. Then began to roll them about in his palm. He didn't have such a stable stance with the order. Only having recently brought back into the fold. Though he had come to understand the force a little bit, or at least saw it, and determined that the path of the light. Was one with many different roads. In truth a person's nature and intents equally defined who they were in his eyes.

Cixi to him was one of the purest iterations of this light. She'd from what she expressed to him. Had been raised, and in ways crafted to be such. The notion was both impressive, sobering, and a bit intimidating to him. All in the same frey as it forced him to consider his position. Though as he worked with his stones. He recalled he was trying to avoid old habits. "Please bare with me here.." Seth suddenly expressed as calm instruction.

So, he set the stones aside, and sought out the flow of the force. Letting his senses sharpen, though be placed in a back burner. As instead he reached out with the force. Seeing the environment through a different lense and watching the energies all around them. Then looking for Cixi's signature and seeing how it appeared. In comparison to the world around them. He wouldn't pry however, deeper than she'd allow. His intentions were not forceful.

 

[Cixi Lu]

Cixi's head turned slightly to the side, her hair flowing over her shoulder in the motion of purest curiosity as Seth played with his meditation stones.

Interaction with the Force, for her, had always come with ease - always come as readily as she called for it. It was hard to countenance the idea of it being any more difficult to grasp. There were Force Sensitives who had a harder time communing with the Force, she knew that, but still - it was somewhat hard to imagine.

To feel someone in the Force, to sense them and touch them and know them, was a delicate thing. Cixi herself was a spirit of and afflicted by air, as gentle as a breeze, yet with all the potential of a gale. There was no fire, no flame, the heat of her life as spring's own south wind. This was Cixi within the Force, a being intended to bring life in its wake, to flit from place to place, sharing its warmth.

Cixi closed her eyes and let him search as he willed. There were no secrets, no veils of lies for him to work past.

"'We Jedi are not this gross matter, we are luminous beings,'" she quoted. "What do you feel?"

This door was one that opened both ways, and she too reached through - looking past the material to what he was within the Force.

[member="Seth Brackson"]

 

[Seth Brackson]

Seth studied Cixi in a manner of pure curiosity and perplexion. While he tuned in with the force. Noting how she was so calm mannered in with this process. She asked him what he felt and Seth thought a moment to be sure he found the right phrase for the sensation. "You're a soul filled with a light, whom is as gentle as any person can be, though who will defend when you need to." Seth expressed in reply to Cixi. While he observed her essence within the force.

Though Seth soon noticed her reach out to examine him. Despite seeing whom she was. Seth had to make an effort to remain calm. As his instincts were to withdraw. Being vulnerable to inspection is not something was used to. Though at the same time he knew hiding would skewer his chances of forming a healthy connection.

Seth was.. Complicated. It was clear from his force signature. Calling upon the force was not the problem. As his force signature was a potent one. His confliction was emotion, and a life spent on a unstable ground of shifting sands. His nature was that of a flame designed to shelter. He was a protector of people, of life, of the force. Though it was a double edged sword as Seth was equally capable of destruction, and had even harnessed that nature at some point. Finally there was a slight rift, which showed at some point. Indicating a time period in his life where Seth had severed his connection to the force, for a period of healing.

Seth was a complicated person. Though at the core of it was an individual who truly valued life, and desired to aid whom he could, in what manners he was able to. Perhaps he was one who had been initially misguided. Though certainly one who was trying to work back to the proper path of the light. Seth allowed [member="Cixi Lu"] to see him for who he was. Feeling it only fair he show her the same level of truth, as she had shown him. Though he did not speak, merely letting her formulate her own opinions.

 

[Cixi Lu]

Cixi looked at him silently, her deep black eyes examining him deeply as could be. Really, if it weren't for her hair, she'd be a monochrome picture - and a surreal one at that.

"I sense great potential in you," Cixi spoke finally. "Your flame could be the light that warms a thousand lives, bringing light with it - should you choose to allow it."

Her gaze felt softer now, easier to sit under - though still slightly unsettling; her eyes shaped such that the white could be seen all the way around her irises.

As suddenly as she had started, she pulled away - hiding in her cup, taking an unnaturally long sip.

As she partook, the droid hovered past view - its shape matching up with something Cixi had mentioned earlier; her Grandfather the Mandalorian. For the droid took the shape of a Basilisk War Droid - albeit in miniature scale.
It was almost ironic that an image once associated with the blazing conquest of worlds was now a medical droid in the hands of a gentle medic.

"While our presence in the Force tells us much, it is not our whole being. Mind, body, spirit - one's spirit may appear as flame, but the mind can make choices, and the body seek actions far removed from it. I am the mistakes I have made, the lessons I have learned. That I have learned peace within the Force means not that those mistakes never happened, that those lessons were never taught," Cixi presented, placing the cup down once more.

"That you helped a stranger for no personal gain shows me the kind of person you want to be, you strive to be."

[member="Seth Brackson"]

 

[Seth Brackson]

Seth watched Cixi. Not at all dissauded by her eyes. In fact they were quite a unique sight to observe. Leading to more curiosity then to disscernment. The only thing he was conflicted about was the evaluation itself. Though he had eventually gotten past it, and accepted the concept of someone seeing his inner self.

He waited as she fell silent. Then listened to her first set of words. ~A light that warms thousands.~ Seth noted these words. As she discussed his potential. Truthfully it was a light all souls had the potential for. Though Seth was content she chose these words for him. It was an assesment for who he could become. Not who he was, and was currently struggling to stray away from.

Seth observed as she fell silent, and withdrew. He quietly drank his tea once more. While he let the silence speak words that could not be spoken. Until such time as he watched the little medical droid zip in. His eyes tracking it. Then suddenly it morphed into a mandalorian battle droid. Oddly enough Seth did not respond defensively. He had seen enough of [member="Cixi Lu"] to understand she wouldn't harm him unless he sought to give her a reason.

Of course droids could go rogue. Though he figured she'd be one step ahead to intercepting. Irregardless of Seth being a naturally quick individual. Then Seth turned to her as she continued to talk now. This time she was discussing the past and the present. Seth was soft in his demeanor, and focused in his attention.

Seth finally let silence reclaim the air. Once she explained who she saw him as. Finally, Seth looked to her and smiled a bright smile. "You are a very wise soul, Miss Lu. I am honored that the soul I came to aid, was a gentle being who also strives to aid those in need." He finally replied to her words. While he dipped his head softly to her. "With your permission, Miss Lu. Might I accompany you for awhile? I believe you are an individual who holds a potential to help me grow into the person whom you claim I may someday be able to become." He asked her softly.

 

[Cixi Lu]

//OOC: Apologies, my wording was off - the droid didn't morph, I was trying to use Cixi's reveal of her heritage as a segue into more easily describing what the droid looks like.\\

Cixi shrank a little in her chair after letting out her philosophy. As always, she felt a little embarrassed - she was a Padawan, not a Knight, or a Master. Did it not sound patronising to hear such words from a girl who had lived barely two decades?

Unfortunately, she had quite run out of tea to hide within, and had little more to add within her own thoughts.

More surprising than anything to her was that Seth seemed to take her words truly to heart. She wasn't used to being taken seriously, wasn't used to people listening when she spoke. It was why she worked so hard; her actions spoke for her instead, the fruit of her hard work.

Then he smiled.

Cixi found herself struck, a deep feeling unknown to her running up her spine - sending heat to her cheeks.
'As a medic, the grateful smiles of our patients are our greatest reward,' her mother had said something to that effect, though Cixi had never quite felt it.

Until now.

The Jedi of old had thrown emotion aside, but why? There were some that were born and begotten of the purest light - and the smile that Seth sent her way, there was only goodness in that.

So struck was she that his question did not register for a moment - and when it did, she once more looked away.

"Are you certain? Allow me to be clear; you are welcome to accompany me as long as you desire. I'm just - just uncertain of what I can offer you, Seth," she replied, her voice wavering for the barest moment.

[member="Seth Brackson"]

 

[Seth Brackson]

Seth watched her while his warm smile remained. "Miss Lu. Your agreement is most appreciated." He expressed first off. Before pausing as she seemed uncertain. "There is many things you are capable of showing me. Many ways you are capable of aiding me. In fact I am kind of rolling the dice here. Though, I am certain there is things we can learn from one another. Yes, [member="Cixi Lu"] individuals like mentors, and texts from the past. Have much they can teach us. Though we too should look for what lessons our own experiences can provide to other's, and ourselves." Seth replied to her with genuine honesty.

He paused before continuing. "For whatever the reason. I genuinely feel as if though the force had me there for a reason. If it brought us together. Then it was for a purpose, and so far. In the brief moments we spent. You are an individual whom I've learned more about, and whom I have opened up to. In a manner which I have not done once before to this day. So, I honestly have no misguided direction when I say. You are on the top of my list for someone whom I would look forward travelling along with, and whom I wish to learn alongside."

Seth concluded his little speech. His smile still present. As he seemed to radiate a new kind of energy to himself. Confidence. Though not one that stretched into pride. He was certain his request was the right one. He didn't have an idea how or why yet. Though Cixi was grounded on her path, while Seth had a wide perspective to what paths lied before him. Though they also shared a common passion of aiding other's even if they had different ways of doing it. Plus, they already showed the slightest amount of chemistry on assignments. Seth found her client, and as such she was able to heal. It made him curious to what else their combined efforts would be capable of.

Sure he also foresaw hard times. He doubted him, and her opinions would always run parallel. Though at the same time. Seth figured that they would find a common ground in those instances. Even if it was one or the other flat out placing their foot down on a subject. As oddly he figured that if shown the sense in the stance. They would both be willing to begrudgingly yield to the path that offered the least collateral damage, and helped the most people. Life was to be cherished in the end. The light to be protected.

 

[Cixi Lu]

Cixi bowed her head in reverence. This was quite some responsibility to take on, to help a person find their path in the world. If he believed in her, wanted to learn and offered learning in turn - then she had no good reason to refuse him.

She felt slightly overwhelmed, uncertainty overtaking her as she considered his words.

"You are far too kind to me," she said quietly.

Well, she had already promised him a place on her ship, and it would be beyond the height of bad manners to refuse him now. She was a woman of her words, after all.

"If that is what you truly desire, then I have no choice but to agree. Please make yourself at home," she added.

[member="Seth Brackson"]

 

[Seth Brackson]

Seth hummed a soft melody and bowed to her. "Thank you kindly." He didn't want to press her further. Afraid if he showed her any more kind words. At least at the moment. She might think he was intentionally trying to flatter her, instead of the true purpose of being genuine towards her. Seth hummed a soft melody. "Done." He stated in reply to get comfortable and settled onto the ship. His staff, stones, and training satchel... Wait.. "No... Not done. I'll be back!" Seth expressed and hopped up. Darting off the ship as he headed to the place he'd been renting on his break. Grabbing that accursed practice saber.

Returning mere moments later and hopping back into the ship. "My mentor would of probably gave me an extra grevious training session if I lost this." Seth expressed in a manner. That probably indicated he wasn't too thrilled about having to grab it in the first place. He looked to the thing that was essentially a glorified beating stick and shook his head.

Before he set it aside his staff and bowed. "Now I have everything, I have on my possession." He expressed in a more dignified manner. He felt a little. Obselete. Here she was with a lightsaber. As for him he carried a training blade, and force imbued staff, and some abnormally sharpened diamond shaped metallic training stones for self defense purposes. Then again with the staff that was all he really needed to handle a situation. Plus it wasn't as likely to kill a person. Unless Seth learned more complicated techniques, and put effort into it.

Seth did also understand the reason he was learning to wield a lightsaber though. His mentor had informed him. Even if he tried to take a stealthy approach to situations. There would be times he needed to fight, and a lightsaber would do better against an armored opponent than a staff would. In fact Seth got to wondering a question. "What parts are a lightsaber constructed of?" He finally inquired absent mindedly to [member="Cixi Lu"]. He'd need to craft one or two eventually, and he truly was not familiar with the weapon as much as he should be at this point. He'd lived most his life off the streets, not in an academy, or under a good mentor. He was starting to find the latter out slowly as much as it pained him in regards to the man's memory.

 

[Cixi Lu]

This took Cixi quite aback - for she had taken it for granted that Seth was a Jedi in the fullest sense. He certainly had the bearing and stature of a man with learning and training behind him. That he not have a Lightsaber of his own came as an incredible surprise.

She did her level best to hide her surprise - it was bad manners after all, to point out where a person was behind the curve.

"The first, and most important piece you will require is your crystal. The Khyber crystal is the heart and soul of a Lightsaber, a unique kind of gem that supplies almost limitless energy under the right conditions. These crystals are woven deeply into the Force, and tend to call out to Jedi - they even say that each Khyber crystal has a soulmate among the Jedi whom it will work for the most effectively. Hence the belief that a Lightsaber is more than a tool, that to lose it is as to lose one's own life," Cixi explained.

With a gentle touch, she drew her own Lightsaber, and took it apart with the Force, turning it gently before Seth's eyes so he could see the process.

At her Lightsaber's heart was a small crystal, unevenly shapen but as clear as glass - resonating and shining with an almost mystical light. This process was then reversed - each part slotting evenly back together until her Lightsaber was whole once more.

She held it in her hand and - bringing it before her face - ignited the blade in a Makashi Salute. It was a beautiful silver-white blade of light, humming gently in the air between them with power and presence.

"Our next course, I think, will be to find your crystal. If you're game, that is," she asked him in stern tones, returning her lightsaber to her hip, its blade silenced.

[member="Seth Brackson"]

 

[Seth Brackson]

Seth looked to her and nodded his head. "I think this would be a journey well applied. Maybe we will find individuals who need our help along the way." He expressed to her calmly. Seth picked up her concealed shift in demeanors. He had lived off streets, and masks were something he did not need the force to pick up on. Though Seth himself remained indifferent towards the matter. As, he figured [member="Cixi Lu"] had the right to feel however she chose to about him.

It would at the worse. Merely give Seth a goal to prove. That even if he was not as thoroughly educated in matters as she was. That did not mean Seth was a lesser of an individual when it came to his ability to help the people. In the best case of scenario's she would of already seen it. He'd have no reason to prove himself. Which though he hoped for the latter situation to be true. He wouldn't be upset if it was the prior either. Being disheartened by the matters any further would serve him no good.

Seth looked around the ship, and hummed. While he began to study the various areas. Controls. As well as supplements of the ship. Wanting to familiarize himself to the point. If ever she should call need for him to take over piloting. His knowledge acquired and the force be willing. He'd at least be able to maneuver the ship well enough to avoid getting them killed. He also thought about where he needed to go to seek his crystal out.

 

[Cixi Lu]

As Seth familiarised himself with the ship, Cixi also searched for something - and met him back in the cockpit holding a small blue book.

"If you would allow me, I would escort you to the planet where I found my own crystal," she spoke to him - leafing through the book to a slightly dog-eared page.

"An unnamed planet on the outer edge of Silver Order space, it is mountainous frost planet - home only to ancient ruins, and the caverns where I found my own Khyber crystal," she explained - showing him the book which held much a similar description as well as a beautiful drawing of the world's surface. It depicted great spires of natural stone, their bases surrounded by snow, but their slopes too steep for it to stick.

The co-ordinates were written smartly beneath, the writing so smooth that it almost flowed like water.

"Or else we could go to the temple on Kashyyk, and collect a Dantarii crystal - another kind of Lightsaber crystal," she added. "Whichever you feel is more your speed."

[member="Seth Brackson"]

 

[Seth Brackson]

Seth blinked and focused on her. When she suggested a planet she found her Kaiburr crystal. "That's the place I'd like to try." Seth expressed softly. While he pointed at the journal. To clarify which option he had meant. Something felt like it was right about the world. What it was he had yet to know. Plus this way he could learn a bit more about [member="Cixi Lu"] and her past.

Seth hummed a soft note. While he headed to a place where he could rest. "It has been a long day. Perhaps we should catch some rest before we embark?" Seth suggested to her. As a means to offer guidance. He wasn't sure what the journey ahead, had in store for them. Though he was wanting them to both be physically and mentally ready.

(Sorry for short post. >.< )

 

[Cixi Lu]

"Very well," Cixi replied calmly, closing the book and leaning back in the pilot's chair.

"You will find a bedroom through the kitchen area," She directed him.

The room he had been offered was a small, minimalistic room - as plain as paper, but warm and cosy at the least. A good place to get some sleep.

The sheets had been recently laundered and were fragrant as flowers.

//OOC: No worries - mine's even shorter.\\
[member="Seth Brackson"]

 

[Seth Brackson]

Seth stared at the bed a good moment. Not wanting to almost disturb it's neatness. Though soon he shrugged. Then leaned on top of the covers. After removing his shoes. Closing hie eyes and drifting asleep. The process quicker than normal as he hummed a soft melody.

Upon the dreams claiming his attention. Seth found himself on the world the journal had marked. Whether this was a vision, or merely a dream. Seth did not know as he was aware he was somewhat excited to be finding the stone. In the dream Seth found himself approaching a cavern which held a strange aura to the place.

He navigated through it. Up to the point he found himself looking to a pool of both water, and energy which swirled and tugged at him. Seth felt an uneasy yet at the same time magnetic vibe to the pull. Just when he was about to decide if he should or should not enter. Seth shot awake and blinked a few times.

Seth stood and flattened out any abnormalities his sleeping might have caused to the covers. Then placed his boots back on. While he sought out [member="Cixi Lu"]. Unsure if she was sleeping or awake. Though being almost masterfully craftful of moving quietly along the ship. In case she indeed was still passed out.

 

[Cixi Lu]

Cixi was indeed asleep, resting serene in the pilot's chair. She had, at least, changed out of her robes and sat enshrouded by a dressing gown.
Well, not quite enshrouded - for her head had lolled slightly to one side and the thick, fluffy cloth had fallen slightly down her shoulder.

Her skin was delicate, a milky white that almost glistened under the stars, and though it had not fallen far enough to reveal her, it still made her look vulnerable.

Her lips parted ever so slightly in her sleep, her arms lying gently in her lap, her hair fanned out over the back of her chair, she looked so utterly at peace that it seemed almost a shame to wake her.

But wake she did.

"Hm? Seth?" She mumbled, her eyes blinking slowly. "Can you not sleep?"

[member="Seth Brackson"]

 

[Seth Brackson]

Seth was a bit intrigued as he observed her. Though when she woke he winced. Wondering how light of a sleeper she was. Seth had years to hone his stealth skills. So, his technique hadn't of been the problem. He walked up to her and smiled a gentle smile. "You should continue sleepimg if you can." Was his soft reply to her. He was tempted to relocate her to the bed. Though he did not want to offend her in any manner.

He moved and sat in the chair beside her. While he looked out the window. Humming a soft and gentle tune. He didn't necessarily know what he was humming. Though the melody was slow and peaceful. Not necessarily sad, but not overly cheerful either. As he did his best to help calm his companion. She'd be safe to rest in his company. He had no intent in any manner to harm.

In fact in ways she would be safer. Sure. She was in her own ship so she was already pretty safe. Though on the minimal chance someone did get in. Seth would've gone down fighting for all he was worth. Before he allowed whomever the intruder was to harm [member="Cixi Lu"] in any manner. As his nature Seth when not surviving. Was a protector. It was almost a thousand fold true to individuals Seth dedicated his loyalty towards.

 

[Cixi Lu]

"I'm afraid that once I'm awake, I'm awake. You shall have to put up with me from here on out," she spoke. However her words were accompanied by a gentle smile, a warm and tired smile that communicated better than any words could.

She listened to him calmly, letting the tones of his song wash over her, watching his lips form the notes.

"I sense some turmoil within you," she said to him, meeting his eyes with her own. "A dream, or a vision, perhaps?"

The reason she gave her bed freely, the reason that she shared this warm home with him - it all came down to the aura he had, and the way she felt around him. He was lost - or so it seemed to her - at a crossroads without a sign and no way to return to his start, and yet he was warm, open, and protective.

In turn, she felt protective of him, wanted to give him a safe haven, a place to return to. She wanted... wanted? When last had she wanted? Desired? Felt any emptiness other than hunger and pain?

"I want you to feel comfortable talking here," Cixi said allowed. "Your thoughts, fears, needs. I do not want you to hesitate to tell me about them."

[member="Seth Brackson"]

 

[Seth Brackson]

Seth looked to [member="Cixi Lu"] and guaged her body language. He was slowly picking up most of her communication would be giving in that context. She didn't seem upset for being woken. So, Seth wasn't going to be upset she was awake. While he continued his melody.

Until she addressed a question to him. Causing him to stop while he looked to her. Studying her in an intent focus. While he then met her eyes and paid attention. It was nice this concept that her ship would be a home to him. Even more reason to keep it, and her safe. Though Seth also knew that wasn't why this was being pointed out.

Seth returned a gentle smile to her. While he reached over. Softly touching her arm with the tips of his fingers. Letting her barely feel the heat his body radiated. While he held her gaze in his own. "Miss Lu, I have no intentions of suddenly not trusting you. Unless, you've giving me a reason. Which is rather hard to do. If ever I with hold any information. It will only be if someone, or yourself would be in mortal danger. Should that information be picked up by a third party and reach the wrong hands." Seth expressed to her. So, it was clear the only time Seth might not respond directly to a question asked by her.

Seth thought back to what he experienced. "As far as I know it was just a dream. I was in a cavern. Drawn to a strange pool of water. Though with the water a magnetic energy flowed as well, though something was unsettling about the pool. Before I went into the water, or turned away. My dream cut short." Seth expressed the summary to his companion. While he withdrew his hand from her arm. Then sat in his chair and studied her. Resuming his soft humming of a melody.

 

[Cixi Lu]

His fingers brushed against her skin for only a few seconds, a touch of reassurance intended to ground him with her. Cixi felt it through her entire body, a warmth that brushed at her cheeks and made her look away - out at the stars.

It was strange - the old Jedi had said that the Force was all one truly needed, but then why was there any existence but the Force if that were true? The Force was peace, life, the breath of all beings - but people were the true beating heart of the galaxy, the fire and the passion. Perfect in their imperfection.

The Force was only Light and Dark - to immerse oneself in one was to deny the other. People though, people could be anything. The Force was unbending, unchanging, unmoving, unending - but people could change, grow, evolve.

And feel.

They could commuicate with a touch, a glance, a flowing hand brushing her hair over her ear.

"Dreams can tell us much, especially within the force - however if its meaning is not immediately apparent, then it is best not to dwell, lest we create a self-fulfilling prophecy," Cixi told him. "Be vigilant but do not be consumed with it."

[member="Seth Brackson"]