The First Lesson (Li Mu Sinung)

[Jubei SaDherat Vader]

It was a crisp cold morning on Coruscant. In one of the small courtyards reserved for training and meditation, Jubei sat in silence. The monk awaited the arrival of his student and Calanic brother, Li Mu Sinung. Today they began their training in the ways of the Force. He was quietly eager to see how Li Mu would fair against the trials of the Jedi.

[Li Mu Sinung]

Li Mu finished his cup of tea and then grabbed his outer robe, making his way steadily towards the courtyard. He'd made plans with Master Jubei to meet this morning for their first day of training, and Li Mu wasn't one to be late. In fact, he was precisely on time, entering the courtyard as a swift, cool breeze fluttered through his tunic.

Spotting Jubei sitting silently in the far corner of the courtyard, Li Mu quietly closed the distance between them, coming to rest before the frame of his Master. Bowing his head deeply, Li Mu greeted Jubei with respect in the way of the Calanic Monks, his hands clasped before him as he bent over.

"Good morning, Master Jubei," Li Mu spoke calmly as he remained bowed. He wore only his Calanic tunic and pants, with light hide sandals and an outer cloak that hung loosely off of his frame.

[Jubei SaDherat Vader]

As Li Mu approached, so Jubei rose, his motions mimicking those of the Padawan. With this formal greeting, the Knight motioned for his student to rise to stand.

"Good morning, Li Mu. I hope you are well rested. Please, sit."

They both sunk down to the ground, cross-legged. From a distance it would have been difficult to tell the pair apart.

"Today we will begin with one of the single most important lessons you must learn as a Jedi. You will learn to feel the Force and feel through it. It will become your inner eye and key to the doors of perception. You must be at peace with yourself to feel it. Calm and clear your mind of any thoughts, close your eyes, and try to feel that which is around you."

[Li Mu Sinung]

"Yes Master, the living quarters have been very restful," he responded, sitting as he had been told. Cross-legged, he relaxed himself, a posture he was used to. He listened as Jubei addressed him, preparing to follow his Master's instructions.

Luckily for Li Mu, concentration and focus were highly valued in the Calanic Order. The monk closed his eyes promptly and focused on his surroundings, praciticing the breathing techniques he learned on Calan. He cleared his mind of absolutely anything, emptying his every thought into gathering every detail around him.

Though he was feeling a sense of superb focus, he was unsure whether he was connecting with everything around him. He tried to see the grass and the trees of the courtyard; he tried to sense the intricately carved statues and benches of stone that dotted the walls of the courtyard. He was able to develop a fuzzy mental picture--though not great--and he awaited direction.

[Jubei SaDherat Vader]

"Do not, at first, try to see everything. Details are key. Focus solely upon one blade of grass, one square of stone; how it is shaped, how its texture and tone differ from those around it. It is difficult to see everything, but it is even more difficult to see one thing with the sharpest of clarity."