Private The Scoundrel, and the Relic

[Iston Voronwe]

It was a normal day for Iston ~ he was making his usual rounds in Maarwraawroo, one of the largest cities on Kashyyyk. Iston often came here one for supplies for his own abode, but that was secondary to his real motive. Away from the confines of the Sliver Temple, Iston often came just to meander around and clear his mind. The rhythmic clank of his Beskar walking cane, and the shuffling of his feet filled the ally where he walked. Stalls of fresh produce and various meats sold by native Wookies, as well as stalls run by outside tradesmen. To one, Iston appeared to be a simple old man, one whom needed to have a cane to get around; but this was all apart of the illusion that Iston allowed himself to maintain. A Master to the Sliver Order, he was well known in these parts.

Iston came to the order many moons ago — he had decided that the life he had lived to this point was full; but he longed for something more. Iston had always shyed in his youth from accepting Padawans. Feth, in his own youth he was brash, unyielding and at times very arrogant. As life moved on, as time usually does, he found himself slowing down - rebuilding bridges he had burnt early in life, and realizing that he did have something to offer to others, but at this point, all he saw were other — younger Masters, whom he assumed other Padawans would want over an old relic. That was the new doubt, the new fear that Iston worked on daily to face, and bring to Ashla’s light, refusing to allow Bogan to take captive the thought and build a stronghold with it.


While completely lost in thought, a tall and rather large dark Wookie approached Iston as it began to let out a series of growls and grunts, a smile forming across the old mans face as he embraced the furball in a hug, which seemed to swallow the man, regardless of his own height. “It’s good to see you too Rorrwooken!” The Wookie released him from his hug as he pat Iston on the back and went about his business. Iston visited a few stalls, putting items in his satchel under his robes, a credit chit seen and everytime at each stall.

Raja

 

[Raja]

The marketplace was fluttering with life all around Raja. Still new to Kashyyyk, her leader had ordered her out here to expand operations as a test to see if she had what it took to make it on her own. It brought Raja an intense uneasiness, as she had always had someone to guide her in everything. She still was not sure independence suited her.

Raja looked around at the open stalls with their abundant goods and grimaced. It had only been 4 hours since her last meal, but with her chiss metabolism, she was already starving. She knew she needed to get her hands on some credits, as stealing food wasn't as easy under the watchful eyes of the stall keeps. She glanced around nonchalantly, analyzing everyone she saw. She noticed a young family, struggling to keep up with all their kids. To her left, an old man with a cane. An easy target, she thought, but it was almost too easy. As she turned her head to the right, she saw a younger man who sauntered for through the marketplace with a strong showiness. He looked as if he was possibly a businessman, and Raja hoped that meant big bucks as she mentally marked him as her target.

Raja crept out from around the stall, putting care into each footfall as she moved towards the man. Though she was more than confident in her ability to scrap, she much preferred to take action from the shadows and go unnoticed. As she moved ever closer, her arm shot out, ever so slyly and lightly slipping into his pocket. Her hand closed around a cold metal, and she knew she had chosen right. Withdrawing her hand, she abruptly turned right and walked to the nearest food vendor. She moved her hand up and gazed upon the credits in her hand, and knew she could afford a good meal.

"Give me two of whatever's good" she told the human tending the pots.

 

[Iston Voronwe]

Istan up to this point had simply been minding his business when a certain blue newcomer caught his eye. Rare was it for a Chiss to be seen in these parts — not unheard of, but rare. His amber eyes followed the young woman, as she seemed to be, well, in his eyes stalking about. She seemed to be viewing people, himself included as she locked onto a young man that seemed well off, and with a practiced hand, Iston saw her make her mark.



He sighed.



The old man at this point in his life was not one to shy from a challenge, or confrontation... but this seemed to be a more delicate matter. Was she stealing just because, did she need because of poverty?... these were unknown factors. He made his way over, very nonchalantly towards the stall Raja was at, and as she ordered he spoke in a very “to the point” kinda of manner. “ I’m sure there are better ways for one to get a hot meal. Very skillful what you did back there, most wouldn’t ever suspect or see what was done... but the again — I’m not most young lady. Care to explain?”

 

[Raja]

As the old man approached Raja, her red eyes darted over, watching his every move. Listening to him speak struck a nerve somewhere deep within her. Though the hardened criminal was a role she loved to play, it was something she had a hard time morally justifying. She was quiet a moment before speaking.

"Can it, old man. That guy didn't look like a few credits would make or break him."

The words resonated deeply within Raja. She was still having a hard time shaking the guilt the old man had made her feel. As she stood there chewing on her lip, deep in thought, the stall keep handed over two bowls. Raja took them and held them close to her body as she turned on her heels to leave. As she began to take a step, the guilt did overflow, and she quickly snapped back around.

"What's it you anyways? There are people who do far worse in the vast galaxy" She said to the old man.

 

[Iston Voronwe]

Istan listened as she candidly told him to shut up, he chuckled as she finished her first statement. “I suppose your right, he wouldn’t notice a few credits missing, but that’s not really the point.” He stopped as he then noticed her body language — biting her lip, shifting uncomfortably, and then, from deep within her anger arose; and she began to spit venom again. He sensed conflict deep within, she wasn’t a bar person, confused — without guidance, but not bad and Iston could clearly see that.


Just as the spoke — the bar keep minding the stand had been listening the whole time and began to piece the situation together. “Wait... you stole that money? Your a thief!” Iston’s amber gaze caught the stall keepers, firm, steady and calm he spoke “She didn’t steal anything good sir — she is just a hungry young girl whom is now a satisfied customer.” What happened next, depending on if Raja had ever seen a force user persuade someone would be unsettling. Like a person who lost his will, the stall keeper spoke. “I — uh, she’s no thief.” He stared at her with slightly glossed over eyes, his demeanor seeming as if all the drive had gone from his will. “I’m glad your happy with your purchase, and are a satisfied customer. Please come see me again.” He finished speaking, now almost coming out of a daze he just simply similed and went about his business. Iston let out a small sigh as he shook his head, not one to just dominate ones will, it was necessary this time for her to have a chance. He looked at her, pointed to a bench as he made over and sat down. “Don’t mistake my questions or direct questions as me thinking your a bad person... Miss uhh? What was your name? Mine is Iston. It’s a lovely day out, why don’t you indulge an old man and tell me about yourself?”

 

[Raja]

Raja followed the old man, shocked at how easily he convinced the worker. Intrigued, she eagerly sat down next to him.

"My name is Raja... I'm nine" she offered up.

She hesitated before continuing. She wasn't used to people showing an interest in her, especially when she had nothing to offer in return. However, the old man seemed harmless enough. She placed the bowls on the bench next to her so she could use her hands, as she was often an animated speaker.

"It's nice to meet you, Iston! And I'm not a bad person, I promise. Or at least I try not to be. I just had to eat. That's not to say I haven't done my fair share, of "bad" things, but it's hard making it on the streets. Especially when you're surrounded by those who wish to bring you down," She reached up and scratched her head before speaking again. "Honestly though, I have to say it causes me some remorse. I suppose that's why I'm here talking to you, because maybe if I can convince one person I'm not all bad, that'll be enough."

A moment of silence passed as Raja had shocked herself with the profound statement. Eager to change the subject, she asked the old man "So what brings you to these parts?"

 

[Iston Voronwe]

Raja was her name, but it however did not surprise Iston when she told him of her age. It saddened Iston to hear that at her age, she had this view of herself, a voice in her head she felt she needed to drown out. He knew of what voice she spoke of, it was the voice and call of the Father of all lies, the one that drew innocence into his web, and into the darkness — it was Bogan.



She finished her heart felt ramble — and then asked about him. He let out a hearty chuckle as he spoke. “I live nearby... “ he said slightly dodging the question, not wanting to flaunt his “masterhood”. “..but mostly keep to myself. Most people now adays don’t want to hear from some washed up relic.” He gazed off into the distance as he wondered lost how far he should meddle. “ However, my young friend might you indulge an old man yet again?” He paused as he pointed towards the sun. “Close your eyes... and breathe.” He demonstrated as he inhaled, and exhaled slowly... and then, if she would do as instructed, Iston would reach out theouh the force and continue to guide her through the meditation, his voice filling her mind. “Imagine all your thoughts as balls of light — now; shut them out and focus on your breath. Allow your breath, to be a single ball of light. As you inhale, it will expand. Concentrate on making it fill your thoughts until there is nothing but light.” This exercise, more for calming children down as younglings in the order also helped to regain focus of ones thoughts — he opened his eyes. “The voice you hear that urges you do to things you don’t want isn’t your voice my child; the feeling you may of just felt is that of Ashla’s peace — the contrary is that feeling, chaos and disorder , is Bogan. What we do, what choices we make — they define us and push us forward into a relationship with one or the other to some extreme... I hope this helps you understand Ashla is within you, all of us, and she cares for you child; as does this old man. I just felt guided to tell you that.”

 

[Raja]

Raja sat listening to him patiently. When asked, she closed her eyes and heard the man's deep voice echo in her head. She breathed in deep, silencing her thoughts and observing all the matter her body was made of and how it felt. Reopening her eyes, a small but eager smile spread across her face.

"I have to say, I haven't felt this peaceful in a long time. Your presence is a welcome one, and I very much appreciate it. But I don't even know how to dig myself out of the hole I've dug." She sighed and glanced around as if feeling a stage disturbance. Ignoring it, she continued on "This is what I've known my whole life. The only family I have is the one I've found within this work. Without it, I'm alone" she said sheepishly.

 

[Iston Voronwe]

Raja

Darkness, betrayal, hopelessness, chaos — too young she was to have had this life thrusted upon her like this. His heart went out for her as he listened, his vibrant amber eyes glossing over with fatigue as he stared off into the distance. The wind blew hard as his neatly braided hair, now slightly frayed from the day blew in the wind; wisps of silver dancing around his face as he remembered his days of darkness.



Unspeakable, terrible things — atrocities he had committed as Darth Ocula. Things— so dark, that they to this day caused him deep regret and pain... and to know that this young girl was in the same realm of darkness that Bogan had kept him in for years made him want to help her all the more. Ashla led him — was leading him — was actively calling him to this girl, was calling him to pull her out of the miry pit of mud and to help her stand firm once again. The grip on his cane tightened as his eyes now seemed to vibrant, lit with resolve and a will that would not falter, even under the strongest storm.



“You are never alone child... just look around.” The wind picked up harder as leaves blew around then in a whirlwind, almost seeming alive. The light shone from the sun, flowers budding and in bloom — sparrow and lark singing as he spoke again, his demeanor serious. “Ashla is all around you child, you need never look far — but to only listen...” He paused as he stood, his beskar cane rising slightly as it landed, the metallic thud ringing as he turned to face her. “Normally If you had been born in the order, you would have not gone for anything... but that is an idealistic luxury those in the real world do not have. Raja — the mandalorians have a right known as the Gai bal manda — it is an adoption rite where from that day, the one they speak those words are forever apart of their clan. I can’t promise the world, or riches, fame or glory — for I am old child, and those are fleeting things...“ He paused as he looked down at her. “What I do offer, is a life away from the darkness that so easily entangles and ensnares us — and a life of guidance, and being surrounded by others that care... a family. What say you Raja? Would you like me to teach you more?”

 

[Raja]

Raja's smile faded away as she chewed on the words the old man spoke. Though she barely knew him, she felt something deep in her soul that told her Iston was part of her destiny. Is this Ashla, the one he speaks of? she wondered. This may be her only chance to start anew. She glanced around again, noticing everybody around her, then looked up to the bright sun. The pull she felt within her matched its ferocious intensity. She knew this was right, and her sparkling grin spread across her face once again as she locked eyes with her new mentor.

"I'd be honored. I don't think I need riches or fame, so perhaps living an honest life and following Alsha may be what I'm looking for."

She sat for a minute as she considered what all this would entail. She knew she would not say goodbye to those she knew, as they would not understand her choices. Though she did not know the old man's origins, she thought he had manipulated the force earlier, and he did mention the order, so Raja assumed he was some type of Jedi.

"So what comes next?" She asked, her smile still firmly planet across her face.

 

[Iston Voronwe]

Raja

Iston watched as Raja lost herself in thought, but he knew in his heart the moment the smile crept onto her face — the young cub, would follow the old man. He assumed she had no understanding of who and what Ashla and Bogan really were. He had to assume any abilities she may have were things that happened in life or death situations — his job, was to refine the young gem in front of him, and allow her to shine the light that the galaxy refused to allow. He spoke as she asked what would be next. “Next... we will go to my house, where I will set up the guest room where you will stay young one. You will help clean, cook and maintain the residence as it will now be where you reside as well.” Disciple, he expected nothing but it. “Training will begin tomorrow, as the sun rises... we have much to catch you up on. Combat training, History, and basic meditations to focus and hone in on the steel voice that guides all living things.” He smiled — knowing this would sound like a mountain to climb. “It may sound like a lot Raja — but you are young, and I have faith in you. Not to mention — there will be plenty of time for fun and adventure.”



Iston turned, squaring himself off with Raja. “ If you accept all these terms — the I, Jedi Master Iston Voronwe; hereby take you Raja as my Padawan Learner. I hereby accept full responsibility for your growth, your protection and will do my best to guide you properly. By Ashla, and the Silver Order — I do so swear.”

 

[Raja]

The smile slowly faded from Raja's face as she listened to Iston. With a little schedule to live by, Raja had never really been a morning person, and never one for hard work. She tried to picture herself doing as he asked, but it was a hard thing to imagine. That being said, Raja knew in her heart that if she refused at this moment, there would be no second chance. She would be forever doomed to either live her life as the scum of the Earth, always looked down upon by others. Her mouth spread into a grimace. It was a hard choice, but she knew what she had to do.

"Iston, I graciously accept your offer. I will attempt to thrive in all you ask of me. You have my word." She said, as seriously as she had ever said anything in her life.

Raja felt quite odd; Peaceful, yet full of anxiety all at once. She could sense a metamorphosis on the horizon. She was scared- never had she attempted to live an honest life, and never did she think she would find a master to teach her. Nonetheless, she had, and she was vastly thankful for it.

 

[Iston Voronwe]

Raja


Istons serious and stoic demeanor broke as his lips formed to a smile. He leaned down, grabbing his satchel as he put it over his shoulder, his cane thudding as he spoke. “ Come child, it’s getting late. We ought to be getting home and getting supper on the table... you’ll be needing the stamina. Tomorrow we begin training.”



... As the sun sets and rises, the day came to an end, and ushered a new day into existence ...



Iston was in his meditation garden. His home was modest, a couple of bedrooms, a living area — but the garden was his true joy and delight. Teeming with life from fauna — in the middle were three large stones directly in the middle of pound. He sat, floating in air as the water in the pound below him floated around him in droplets, his focus deep in meditation. He awaited his new Padawan - in whom he would entrust his hope, his faith, and his life into teaching to help, to guide and with Ashla’s help — lead her down the path that took him over fifty years to find. This however meant full transparency on Istons part, which caused fear to begin creeping into him. How did one divulge all their mistakes to another? How did one share their lives worst, deepest — darkest secrets without feeling shame? These questions be sought Ashla’s help — he knew she would lead him to these answers.

 

[Raja]

Raja's eyes fluttered open to the sight of sunlight dancing through her window. For a moment she was confused, not knowing where she was. After a moment, yesterday's events watch back over her and she let out a sigh as she considered what a long day she had ahead of her. She rose from bed only to see the sun was pretty far above the horizon, meaning she was late. Kark, she thought to herself, Iston is going to have a fit. She stumbled through the room, throwing on the fresh robes Iston had given her the previous night, brushed her hair, and ran out of the bedroom. Looking around, she saw the old man was nowhere to be found. She slowly let her mind call out to him through the force, and she felt his presence in the garden. She practically ran to meet him and found him perched in the air in one of the most beautiful gardens she had ever seen.

"I'm so sorry!" She said, "I have just never been a morning person. Hopefully that'll change after a few days of this."

The young Chiss looked down in shame, disappointed in herself. It was only her first day- how could she already let her new master down? She grimaced as she tried to shake the thoughts away. She knew there was nothing she could do to change it now, but there was always tomorrow. She looked back up and locked eyes with the old man.

"I truly am sorry. I will do better. What's on the agenda today?" She asked, attempting to steer the conversation away from her mistake.

 

[Iston Voronwe]

He sensed his new and young Padawan as she entered the garden. His legs touching towards the ground as he floated downwards landing with a slight pat. Iston was a talk and broad. But slender man. His robes were off, showing his honed form, staying in top physical condition was important for Iston, something he never really let go of after his fighting campaigns. His arms were bare, both forearms covered with white wraps. He was sweating, he had been up for a while now, that was certain — but to Raja , the man now standing before her would not be just the old man she had seen, the one that allowed others to see as helpless, feeble. He spoke. “It is alright Raja — I understand it will take time to adjust to our routine. All I ask is what you just said, to do better everyday. That’s all I can ask of you my Padawan. Come, sit.”

Iston held his hand out as his beskar cane came to his hand, sitting down on the stone in the middle of the water, he motioned for Raja to sit on the one in front of him. “Today we learn who Ashla is — and who Bogan. We will learn basic history — creed — and how to harness the force. Today I also want you to ask yourself this question... Who are you Raja?” He awaited for an answer - wanting to hear now what she thought, knowing it would change with time, maturity and wisdom.

 

[Raja]

Raja moved to his beckon, sitting on the stone in front of him. She wondered if others had sat in this very spot before her, learning to become attuned to the force, and if so, where they had gone in life. As her new master asked her the question, her thoughts quickly transitioned. Who was she? Right now, she did not have much of an answer. She thought about her past and what she would have said before. A petty criminal, the one who sneaks under your nose, the wolf in sheep's clothing. Those answers did not much suit her today as she traveled down this new path.

"I am... I don't know. Repented, I would say- determined and purposeful on this new path I walk. Your ardent apprentice, eager to learn, eager to do good, eager to change for the better."

Raja continued to think as she felt she had more to say, but the words would not come. She searched deep within her own soul, bothered she couldn't come up with anything better. She felt as though she was a kind person, but her actions up until now hadn't been so kind. It was only yesterday she had spewed venom at the man sitting in front of her, which wasn't a very kind thing to do.

"I am Raja" she stated firmly. "I appreciate beauty in all living things. I have zest and courage. I have a bad temper at times, but I hope to learn to control that. I am actively working on bettering myself every day from here on out." On the last sentence, she let out a small smile, and looked to Iston for approval. of her answer.

 

[Iston Voronwe]

Raja

Iston listened to the young girl speak — she was eager... eager to please, eager to prove. Eagerness led to disappointment. “Eagerness is not a bad thing, but your emotions betray when that eagerness is driven to please others, or used when defining you.” She continued, and the answer she gave caused a rather large smile on Iston.

"I am Raja" she stated firmly. "I appreciate beauty in all living things. I have zest and courage. I have a bad temper at times, but I hope to learn to control that. I am actively working on bettering myself every day from here on out." On the last sentence, she let out a small smile, and looked to Iston for approval. of her answer.

He sighted contently as he looked at her. “Never forget this answer.” He leaned forward as he spoke. “Far too often we all fall into a trap of pleasing others — which leads to seeking and desiring things that were never ours to obtain. This leads to the dark side. Be confident in all that you are, the good and bad... and always know — I will be proud of you my Padawan.”



He cleared his throat as his eyes closed. “Remember the exercise I walked you through when we first met? Allow the light in your mind, which is your breath to expand and fill your thoughts. Concentrate on the peace, the serenity that fills you... open your mind, body and soul to it. This is the force, this is what binds is all together.” Raja would feel the vast void that was the force. It was beyond time, beyond form, beyond comprehension. “Feel the Force — there is no stop, no start. There is balance admist the flow.” He opened his eyes, the amber tint in his irises vibrant as he looked at her. “ There is the light of Ashla, and the darkness of Bogan. On a planet known as Thython — people’s imbalance in the force on extremes affected the plant at an atmospheric level. They had to seek balance — or Bendu child. In my lifetime, I have been on both spectrums of the Force —“ He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly, the implication of him being a dark side user at some point in his life heavily implied, but would she ask? Would she pick up on this? He continued. “I have had to learn how to balance both. Much like Thython the natives noticed the sun, and the moon had a pattern, a rhythm — both are necessary to survival. Do you understand what it is I’m telling you? Speak — ask questions.”

 

[Raja]

As the smile brightened the old man's face, Raja's own widened, her confidence growing with this process. She listened to him speak, paying close attention to every word he had to say. As he talked about desire, her own smile faded, her lips instead folding into themselves as she thought. At one time, she had desired fame and fortune- but yesterday, upon the fateful meeting, those desires simply melted away. She did still yearn for greatness, as she wanted to prove herself, but she hoped in time that may fade away too, hoping it would lead to the modesty and humility her master seemed to so effortlessly achieve.

He cleared his throat as his eyes closed. “Remember the exercise I walked you through when we first met? Allow the light in your mind, which is your breath to expand and fill your thoughts. Concentrate on the peace, the serenity that fills you... open your mind, body, and soul to it. This is the force, this is what binds us all together.” Raja would feel the vast void that was the force. It was beyond time, beyond form, beyond comprehension. “Feel the Force — there is no stop, no start. There is a balance amidst the flow.” He opened his eyes, the amber tint in his irises vibrant as he looked at her. “ There is the light of Ashla and the darkness of Bogan. On a planet known as Thython — people’s imbalance in the force on extremes affected the plant at an atmospheric level. They had to seek balance — or Bendu child. In my lifetime, I have been on both spectrums of the Force —“

This piqued Raja's interest as she picked up on what was implied. She tried to imagine the man before her as one of the fabled Sith lords, causing misery and despair wherever they went, but Raja just could not see it. She knew he was obviously capable in battle if he was a honed Jedi master, but Raja had a hard time picturing him causing harm purposely. As she saw his amber eyes narrow, she realized this must be a sensitive subject for him, and couldn't help but shy away from questioning him about it.

“I have had to learn how to balance both. Much like Thython the natives noticed the sun, and the moon had a pattern, a rhythm — both are necessary to survival. Do you understand what it is I’m telling you? Speak — ask questions.”

"I think I understand. A person's existence and being affects the Force directly. If you can't find balance, the force around you becomes disturbed, which can lead to life-altering implications. But it seems like finding balance can leave it's imprint too." She closed her eyes and paused a moment while she attuned to the Force around her. She opened back up her eyes after a moment, locking gaze with her master. "For example, I think that's why this garden feels so peaceful. Your own Bendu has affected your surroundings and helped balance the Force, even if it is in just a small area. But how do you achieve this? How do you get rid of things like desire, and control your feelings? I can't help but feel like my own are still echoing somewhere inside me."

 

[Iston Voronwe]

Raja

"I think I understand. A person's existence and being affects the Force directly. If you can't find balance, the force around you becomes disturbed, which can lead to life-altering implications. But it seems like finding balance can leave it's imprint too." She closed her eyes and paused a moment while she attuned to the Force around her. She opened back up her eyes after a moment, locking gaze with her master. "For example, I think that's why this garden feels so peaceful. Your own Bendu has affected your surroundings and helped balance the Force, even if it is in just a small area. But how do you achieve this? How do you get rid of things like desire, and control your feelings? I can't help but feel like my own are still echoing somewhere inside me."

Iston nodded in approval as his padawan spoke. She understood decisions, good or bad led to ripples, disturbances within the force. “Very good Raja... you came to the conclusion I hoped you would. Anytime we make a decision and react, a opposite and equal reaction will ripple from this. If I kill, I cause pain — suffering and will likely gain enemies. If I serve, pursue and help, I gain the opposite. This is how we effect our surroundings, this is the same for when one is balanced — peace begats peace. .”



She asked another question, Iston chuckling as he spoke. “My child, I still desire — I still hate. I love, I laugh — my emotions are still there. Do not be confused — emotions do not mean your any less a Jedi, I believe they make you more of one.” Confusing, but continuing Iston elaborated for Raja. “There are those that will straight out tell you I’m a heretic... and there are those that would agree with me. When one disconnects with his or her surroundings — when they cut ties, things that make life worth living, make it worth the work and time, it makes us less human, and to me causes the scales we to go out of balance.” His gaze held to Raja as he allowed his presence to reach into her mind. His voice now echoing. << Never stop being you. Humble to admit weakness, but strong in doing so. Eager to learn, but with the child like curiosity that will not allow defeat. Time takes care of all things Raja — I am old, but I learn something everyday. >>

Iston never breaking gaze continued to speak. The garden was quite, a soft breeze flowing through the room as he now spoke aloud. “I stated that there are those who may disagree my young Padawan... there will be those that will eventually do the same to you. I told you of a creed — and this is the one

Flowing through all, there is balance

There is no peace without a passion to create

There is no passion without peace to guide

Knowledge fades without the strength to act

Power blinds without the serenity to see

There is freedom in life

There is purpose in death

The Force is all things and I am the Force

​

When things seem difficult, when your challenged, remember this. This will guide you as it has me.”

 

[Raja]

Raja listened intently to her master's words. His approval brought a slight smile to face. She began to understand the words regarding her actions, and vowed to herself she would pursue peace above all else. As he spoke of emotions, Raja's expression contorted into one of confusion. All the stories she had heard of Jedi her whole life painted them as unfeeling figures, attempting to bring balance through control. It would take time, but she would attempt to change the association in her head with her master's words instead.

<< Never stop being you. Humble to admit weakness, but strong in doing so. Eager to learn, but with the childlike curiosity that will not allow defeat. Time takes care of all things Raja — I am old, but I learn something every day. >>

As the words echoed in her mind, they almost brought tears to her eyes. Though they had just met the day before, Raja felt as though Iston understood her better than anyone she had ever met. Never had even she herself been able to capture her essence so perfectly. The voice faded out and she swallowed the lump in her throat, attempting to recenter herself.

He spoke the creed, and Raja followed, mouthing every word he said back to herself. After he finished speaking, she repeated once again, just for good measure to make sure she'd remember.

"The Force is all things and I am the Force" She finished, looking back at her master with bright red eyes. "Where does this come from? Where did you learn it?" She asked, very curiously.