Teräs Käsi - an unlikely initiation

[Corvus Raaf]

The fourteen-year old Padawan* winced as the blow landed. She had indeed allowed her sole focus to be on the mental attack. But she was not disheartened. Tracyn had told her it would be years before she could even call herself competent and mastery might evade her altogether. All she could do was train daily, learn and apply.

And through a combination of recovering from the blow to her stomach - and the one to her face - and the desire to absorb his teaching she was almost unaware that he'd handed the coin to her. She was dumbfounded.

"It's too precious. I mean, I'm grateful and everything, it's a beautiful thing - but it's too much, surely?" She kept her hands at her sides, so he could not put it in either of them. "When you think I am worthy, then I will gladly accept it. But for now, I know this is not the time." And she gave him an earnest look that said she didn't see this subject was one for discussion. He was her elder but surely he would respect her wishes.

[member="Tracyn"]

(* )

 

[Alan]

"I do not offer gifts to those I deem unworthy."


He didn't respect people's wishes much.


"I cannot think of a more worthy person, Corvus. You have come far, and you will go farther. I see much of myself in you."


He smiled. And it was true- the determination. She reminded him of what he had lost over the years, the spirit, the fire in her eyes that burned with hope. His were blank and rather empty, a thousand yard stare from a man who had crossed many bridges, and burned even more. He had tread many paths, and none of them led anywhere particularly good. They all ended with the same story- a particularly violent or tragic end for him, or the people he loved. But [member="Corvus Raaf"]- he had a funny inkling that she'd be successful- and hopefully surpassing him in every way.


Maybe she already has.

The aging Jedi thought with a smile.


"There is but one more challenge you must do before you can advance in your knowledge of Teras Kasi."

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus listened. For from listening came knowledge. This man, this Jedi had lived a life that was still in front of her. He'd seen things she could only dream about and he had survived. She could not, hand on heart, suggest she would be so fortunate.

But looking into those eyes, she wasn't sure if [member="Tracyn"] saw himself as fortunate. A survivor perhaps, but - given the choice - would he live his life over again in the same way? Something about his bearing said no.

But she brought herself back to the here and now. "I appreciate your confidence and will do whatever I can not to let you down. And, as you probably guessed, I accept your challenge." Despite the aches and considerable pains, there was a smile on her face, a twinkle in her eyes and a steely determination in her face.

 

[Alan]

Tracyn's face turned to a happy smile.

"You must apply it until you can teach it yourself. Your existence will be a challenge."


If [member="Corvus Raaf"] had a steel determination and will to live, Tracyn was titanium, unrelenting and unwavering, in the face of all the adversity and pain he had suffered over the years. Yet, he remained. And he would yet remain. He was determined to not falter, to not break in his convictions. And she would learn it in time. Maybe. He hoped, at least. He also hoped that she would avoid the painful mistakes that he had inflicted upon others and himself over the years.


Tracyn turned and smiled at Corvus, flicking the coin towards her. It pinged in the air, flying towards her. And he began to walk away.


"Take good care."

 

[Corvus Raaf]

She grabbed the coin out of the air. Looking down, she turned it over in her hand, feeling the edges smoothed over time. She put it away, not that she doubted his judgement of her but she would take it out one day and reflect on her journey. See if she was - in her own eyes - worthy and then she could pass it one to someone else. Someone who deserved it.

He was enigmatic all right. She smiled at Tracyn's back as he walked away. She bowed - even though he would not see and called after him. "Thank you. Not just for the learning but for being you. And saving me. And letting me tidy your ship." She smiled and started to walk towards the Academy. Who knows, one day she might call this home. And as history tended to tell you - that'll be the day it's take away from you!

[member=Tracyn"]

THE END OF THE BEGINNING ​