A Peace of Mind

[Teagan s'Ilancy]

It had been two days since their return to Ossus. The venture (https://theholo.net/forum/showthread.php?56702-What-s-Seen-in-the-Dark) out to pluck her mother from the clutches of... something... had apparently been successful, and Teagan s'Ilancy couldn't help the giddy feeling of happiness that came with the knowledge that her mother was currently on the planet. Even if she was recovering from her ordeal on Umbara, the fact remained that she was here. She was present. She wasn't in orbit or on the other side of a comm channel. No, the elder Lupine was ensconced safely within the four walls of the home that'd been built by the Cizerack. She was recovering, and though she wasn't exactly walking about, she was on Ossus.

But, there was still something unspoken that brought the younger s'Ilancy to the medical building. Something that called to her and demanded she answer.

Dressed in an old Cloud City Outfitters shirt and dusty trousers, the young Lupine ducked through the double doors as they whisked open, and eyes darting to either side, continued on deeper. Past the vacant receptionist's desk and through another pair of doors that led to the ad hoc offices.

She peeked in through on doorway, which only showed her an empty desk. Another yielded the same results. The third doorway revealed the object of her search - a woman that had become very familiar during the last few days.

A slight, ghostly smile formed on her lips as she spied Master Kaie, and Teagan took a step into the other woman's territory as a tentative greeting escaped past her lips.

"Hi."

[Kaie]

Inventorying the last of the medical supplies, now that they were back on Ossus and the elder s'Ilancy was now recovering nicely from her wounds, Kaie took the time to get back to the medbay where she spent more than a little time each day, tending to the variety of wounds that came through the doors. Most were minor things, but she had used the Force to full benefit when the need arose, as with Teagan's mother. She hadn't seen anyone that badly injured in a long time and was just glad that she was there to help before any of those wounds became grievous. No doubt the woman was going to have some aches once in a while, in the future, but nowhere near as bad as it could have been.

Having lost herself in her morning duties, Kaie nearly didn't hear the door slide open and feel the change in the air when the young girl entered. Placing a small box on the shelf, the white witch turned and smiled as she recognized those blue eyes. "Morning. How you doing?" Kaie's green eyes returned to the datapad in her hand and ensured that the box was entered into inventory, then clicked it off and turned to face the guest. Setting the slender device on the nurse's station, the Jedi moved around the large desk, past the hoversled nearly empty now of supplies as she listened.

[Teagan s'Ilancy]

A light smile greeted the Healer, and Teagan gave her a quick nod.

"I'm... doing fine, thanks."

Biting her lower lip, the girl let her eyes shift then, moving from Master Kaie to myriad of suplies that'd been packed away neatly on shelves and a few countertops. It was all very clean and orderly, neat and tidy. It was a far cry from her own room, which was - as Zem often called it - a galactic disaster zone. But, she did clean it up every so often; usually once every seven days. From clothing strewn about to old books and papers. And frankly, it was the old books and papers that took up every last bit of space available. As much as she often tried to fight it, Teagan s'Ilancy was becoming very, very much like her mother.

"I wanted to come see if... if everything was going ok? Now that we're back and all."

For herself, the first day back had been spent at home, but it wasn't long before she was sent back to her classes. She'd sulked to be sure, but it passed soon enough as her teachers made sure to prod her relentlessly. Had Zem secretly asked them to do that? To try and take her mind off of her mother? If he had, and they agreed to do just that, then they were doing a fairly wonderful job. So wonderful in fact, that she'd had little time for anything but coursework in the last day. But now it was the weekend, and she was determined to forego her home lessons.

"I came to ask you some stuff," it had seemed fine in her head, but hearing the verbalization made it sound a tad awkward, and she couldn't help the wince that creased her features.

"I mean, I was curious and all... " still it sounded off, "... the stuff that you can do, shutting out pain and all that."

Gods she sounded like some sort of airheaded idiot.

"I want to know more."

[Kaie]

Nodding at the initial reply, Kaie then noticed that Teagan was nervous about something and let her articulate it before she replied, smiling pleasantly at the girl whom she had shared something very intimate recently. Feelings about her mother and seeing the pain that she suffered in a dream wasn't the most mundane way to meet a stranger, though the Jedi often had these types of moments in their unusual lives. Kaie knew what the girl was now asking and was amused at how she fumbled over her words, making Teagan sound like Kaie did when she was about her age.

"Okay," Kaie motioned out of the nurses station and into the small lobby that the makeshift hospital had been afforded until they had something more permanent. Claiming a chair, she motioned to one near her and waited for Teagan to sit. "I grew up on Hapes, training with my mother who taught my sisters and I how to heal using first aid equipment first, then brew local herbs into potions," she began, then shifted gears momentarily. "Something else I can teach you if you wanted."

"When I reached nine or ten, my mother then told me about the Way, or Force as we've come to know it. It's a gift that few are chosen to have, a touch to the universe that's deeper and more intimate than normal people. That touch that you have, giving you dreams about your mother when she was in pain. Not necessarily the best way to learn about your gift, but it's the raw connection that you two have that allowed your touch to the universe to manifest itself. A sensitivity, or empathy in most cases, that helps you feel their aura in the most extreme circumstances. Something that you can learn to control and even choose to tune out when and if you need to focus on getting to them." She let all that settle in first before continuing on knowing their trip to find her mother and meet the Imperial officer had been a trying one for the young girl. One that Kaie applauded her for later, seeing how she shifted her thoughts as the officer was leaving the ship.

[Teagan s'Ilancy]

The Way.

It was an interesting name for the Force, but she found that she rather liked it. There was something pure about it, calling it by a name that had more meaning than just what it was. Teagan nodded, her hands moving to come together in her lap. Hearing about Master Kaie's experiences filled her with warmth and just a small bit of jealousy.

"I've always been able to do the little stuff, like in the lessons and sessions during the week. I can feel things that others can't, but that's about it. My dad... "

Her voice trailed off then, as the girl found herself suddenly self-conscious.

"... my real dad... he wasn't a... Jedi."

Her eyes shifted downward then, and her shoulders slumped a small bit as her voice dropped to a seemingly shameful whisper.

"He was a Sith."

[Kaie]

The revelation about her real father was a surprise, Teagan's impatience with the Imperial being one telling sign, but Kaie had no place to judge. She grinned softly, "He may have been, but that doesn't mean you have to be. You're your own person and command your destiny, as do we all."

Reclining a bit more into the chair, Kaie shifted herself to face Teagan, placing her tanned hands into her lap. "I grew up in a witch's coven. Not the more famous one on Dathomir, but ours was more secretive. We only got together once a year and always on a different world. It was the only life I knew for the longest time and didn't see anything wrong with it until I got older. Their treatment of men was appalling and when I was old enough, my mother told me to seek out the Jedi. She knew my love for taking care of people and how the Jedi were known for that as well as many other good things." She smiled, admiring her mother's strength, green eyes drifted to the multicolored rug on the floor, beneath the small white table. "I think she wanted better for me. It wasn't long after I left that the coven was disbanded after an ambush on Baralou. My mother and older sister escaped, but my two younger sisters are still missing."

Knowing that had nothing to do with Teagan's query, her gaze rose to the girl's. "So, you see, no one's perfect, but as I said before it's what we choose to do with our gift that'll determine our destiny. Not the other way around."

[Teagan s'Ilancy]

She felt bolstered by Master Kaie's words, and Teagan found her gaze lifting even as she nodded. The older woman was right, she knew, and she took heart in that. Everything seemed to make sense when Kaie spoke of it all, and there was an undeniable comfort that the girl felt as she sat. There was safety here, on Ossus. And here, in the medical building. She remembered her trips here over the course of the last few months; visiting her brother while he was still ensconced in the converted nursery, visiting Draiya, seeing her mother... everything that happened here seemed so contained and within a protected space.

Her thoughts returned then, and Teagan gave a little bit more force to her nod as she let her eyes track up to look at Master Kaie.

"So then, the stuff you learned... did you read a lot of books to help you learn it? I mean, I know you said you learned from your mom and stuff, but were there any old books that you got to read from?"

[Kaie]

Kaie recalled those long nights when she was forced to read and smiled at the memory, wishing she had been more motivated to learn everything she could from her mother when she was home. "I got to read one book that was primarily about first aid and midwifery. Those were the first things that we could help our mother with, either in town or during the annual gatherings. Witches fought for ascension and were always getting injured, so I got pretty good at tending to broken bones and cuts," she revealed. Some of the fights almost killing several witches, though the rules had been agreed on beforehand. She was definitely glad that part of her life was now over.

"Best thing about how my mother taught us was on the job, she called it," Kaie grinned. "She said things were always learned better that way, though she would be supervising to make sure that we did everything correctly. I never got to administer any elixirs without asking her first, or do any of the more serious things on my own, but when I got older, some of those procedures had to be done. We had a big accident in the small town that we grew up in and the local clinic needed help. They called my mom and she rushed us to the scene to help prep some of the people for transport to the clinic, and some were med evac'ed to the hospital which was over thirty minutes away."

Knowing she had gotten offtrack with that, she shifted back to Teagan's initial question. "My mother inherited medical journals from my grandmother who was the coven's healer, as was her mother. It was a gift passed down five generations, from what we were told, so some of the journals were pretty old." She almost wished she could have gotten a couple of those, but knew that wasn't the way of things. "My sister'll inherit them someday and then pass them on to her eldest daughter."

[Teagan s'Ilancy]

She was well-versed in old books.

"I have some old books that I got from my mom," there was a moment as her eyes cast a gaze around the room before returning to Master Kaie.

"I also got some from whenever we visited home. They're all really old though; nothing about medicine or healing. Just old stories and family histories."

But of course, there were other things that she had to know, and the girl found herself unable to really dwell on one subject for too long.

"How... " she bit her lip, trying to figure through the best way to ask her next question.

"How... did you stay so calm? I mean, back on the ship. With all of everything that went on and all of the stuff you did to help my mom, and it was like... " still she struggled with her words, "... I mean... "

And then she let out a long sigh, a breath of escaped air that held so much frustration and pent-up confusion.

"I mean, that man, that Imperial Captain, I know he said he didn't do any of those things to my mom, but how do we really know he was telling the truth?"

[Kaie]

Kaie grinned at the query knowing that most of the time, when she was younger, it was very hard to remain focused on the task at hand. Especially when someone had a gun in their hand. "I knew your mother needed me, so that was my focus. As far as that captain," she glanced toward the floor for a moment, measuring her words carefully. "Only he and your mother know the truth of it." Eyeing Teagan once more, "We just have to do our part and the rest takes care of itself."

She would have to talk to s'Il when she got the chance, once the woman was healed and up and around again.

"When your mother feels better, I'll talk to her about that whole incident." The white witch grinned, easing her stance somewhat. "You fight fire with water," she relayed sagely, hoping Teagan understood that reference and how it applied.

[Teagan s'Ilancy]

The rest takes care of itself.

Those were words that - as she repeated them to herself in silence - made more and more sense with each inward recital. Finally she let a sigh out, and nodded slowly in understanding.

"She hasn't been awake much since coming back," which for her was something to be expected after going through... something. Something that beat her up so badly that her body was taking in the provided nutrients almost faster than they could be given. The elder s'Ilancy hadn't been placed in the medical ward though; instead she was ensconced in the home that the Cizerack had built for Master Vymes. Each day Teagan checked on the sleeping form beneath the thick covers, once in the morning, once during the midday, and finally during the evening. The burns had mostly disappeared, and all that seemed to be lingering were the slightly puckered patches of flesh on her shoulder. But, the few times that she'd been awake, mostly during the middle of the day, she'd had moments when her body shuddered. Muscles would lock up, unwilling to remain still.

It was during those times that the girl pulled close, trying to still her mother's shaking.

Zem had said it had something to do with nervous systems and electricity and residual charging and brain synapses, but it didn't make complete sense. Either way it was still scary to see whenever it happened.

"I want to be there when you talk about what happened."

[Kaie]

Nodding, Kaie smiled. "Of course."

Knowing that Teagan needed more than the assurance of a full report, the healer thought more about why the girl was really here. "So," she changed the subject back to the original question, moving toward the exit now that her morning ritual was done. "You mentioned wanting to learn more about the Force," she glanced to the young girl as they walked. "Still interested?"

[Teagan s'Ilancy]

Teagan slid easily from her seat and followed after Master Kaie with a a gait that conveyed a sense of hope and anticipation. Gone were her misgivings from before and now pure curiosity had flooded in.

"I am," two words, spoken almost breathlessly.

"I'm really not much of a fighter, and I don't like arguing; I'd much rather read and talk and learn."

She couldn't help the shrug she gave. "I'm terrible in sparring class, but learning about the code and the histories is fun."

[Kaie]

Kaie wished that's all there was to the life of a Jedi, but refrained from dashing those ideas in the young girl so soon. She would learn on her own, later. Grinning, she could also relate to that sentiment, being a healer and being more stationed in the temple's medbay rather than out in the galaxy, dispensing justice and helping people in other ways. Perhaps that's what Teagan was hoping for as well. Stepping from the quiet rooms, they soon emerged out into the morning's dim light, a light breeze wafting through the compound. Closing the door behind her, Kaie took in a deep breath and grinned at the morning's stillness.

"Always loved this," she informed. "Beginning of a new day," green eyes glanced to Teagan as she then slowly walked toward the nearby river. "Everything from yesterday is gone, new opportunities ahead." Chuckling, Kaie relaxed a bit more. "Sound like an info-mercial, don't I?"

[Teagan s'Ilancy]

Stepping out behind Master Kaie, Teagan turned her eyes skyward to the morning sun. The sky was a brilliant blue with clouds jutting across its' expanse. She could see a few birds in the far distance, their bodies looking like nothing but specs of dust. But it was a combination of words that the other woman spoke that gave her pause, and the blonde blinked in thoughtful confusion.

An... info-mercial?

It was a word she'd not heard of, which was fast becoming a rare thing these days. Her interaction with so many of the other students on Ossus had given her vocabulary a boost. But, there were still a times when a single word made her stop and think, to try and work out its' meaning.

One hand stuffing itself in a pocket, her other moved up to brush her bangs from her eyes.

"What's an... info-mercial?"

[Kaie]

Continuing to walk toward the river, passing the edge of the medbay, she smiled. "It's a short commercial on the holo where salesman try to promote some item. Usually all animated and...," she grinned again trying to imagine the correct word without sounding rude, her hands raised and rounding in the air. "Excited about their product." Dropping her arms once again, Kaie glanced toward the distant mountains and over the rooves of the various shops and large apartments afforded the Jedi here.

"But, anyway," knowing she had covered some of the Force already, Kaie decided a more practical approach was best. Motioning to the rising sun, "Discovering the Force within you and learning to hone it takes time and practice. A lot of practice. It's like an awakening." Almost hearing her mother's voice all of a sudden, she grinned warmly. "First you feel it stirring within, like the dreams you had about your mother. Those feelings that you had before we found the ship she was in. Now, you get to learn how to control that gift. This is the hardest part, for all of us. Frustration can lead you to the dark side and that's something that's within all of us. We all have the ability to love and hate, to give and to be selfish. So, during your training in the next few months and years, it's going to be important for you to be completely honest with me about what you're going through. Your thoughts on the world around you."

She slowed her pace and turned toward her new student. "And I'll do the same for you. Alright?"

[Teagan s'Ilancy]

Her eyes went from the blue, cloud-studded sky and the giant kingwoods off in the distance to Master Kaie. She blinked, taking in the words spoken, and mulled them over in thoughtful silence. She had so many questions, but chose to keep them silent for now in the face of what had been spoken. To learn under a woman who valued life... it seemed the right thing, and the best way to pursue her own angles and interests. She wasn't a warrior like her mother, and she was determined to be nothing like her birth father... she wanted to be herself. To be the sort of Jedi that held close to the principles of peace that Master Kaie seemed to clutch so close. In that moment it made perfect sense, and the girl finally gave a slow, deliberate nod.

"I understand."

She inhaled deeply, as if tasting the fresh air for the first time that day. it was so pure and clean and... and right.

A fleeting smile, and she stuck out her hand in a gesture that she'd seen many times since coming to Ossus. It was strange at first to think about - how shaking hands was the seal of some sort of bonded word, but the more she had seen it, the more it made sense. It was a physical sensation that two beings held to account, and she'd found herself rather admiring the practice.

With her hand out, her voice held a steadfast hopeful tone as she spoke a single word.

"Honesty."

[Kaie]

Noting the maturity in her new student, Kaie smiled as Teagan then held her hand out and she took it, then nodded. "Honesty." Shaking her hand, Kaie then released it again and turned, continuing their stroll toward the nearby river, and trees lining it, just beyond the storehouse used by several craftsmen. Formulating her own approach for someone so young, the white witch had to admit she hadn't trained anyone this young before, though it only took moments for her to remember the younger twins, her sisters and how she had helped raise them.

Taking in a deep breath, she let it out slowly. "The Jedi Code is very simple and straightforward, like we talked about before. But, it mirrors life in it's essence. Innocent, pure beings and animals are born, new to the universe and with wide eyes, seeking comfort and safety with those that they're born to. Animals in nature still have to kill to survive, for the most part, but taking care of their young is paramount. Teaching them how to survive so they can go out on their own one day and keep the cycle going."

Nearing the back corner of the storehouse, she moved through the soft underbrush and around a tree to soon arrive at the river's edge. Diverting toward a large boulder, she sat on it and motioned to the other half, then waited for Teagan to join her. "This river is just like the Force. It's flow is constant. Water evaporates, rises into the sky and builds into rain clouds, then descends. Keeping that cycle going for as long as this planet exists. The Force is the same. All life is bound to it, made by it and returns to it one day."

Green eyes focused now on Teagan. "Close your eyes and open yourself to everything around you. Close out all thoughts and just listen."

[Teagan s'Ilancy]

For a moment she hesitated; not out of fear, but more of a sense of curiosity. She was unsure, but there was trust in her eyes as the young Lupine slowly nodded.

Should she sit? Or should she keep standing? Master Kaie had not made any orders for her to change her posture, and so the girl simply stood there, feet at the edge of the babbling brook. Her eyes closed, and she let out a long exhaled breath. Her mind excised the low hum of conscious thought around her and instead focused on the natural habitat. She took in the life that surrounded her, from each blade of grass to the occasional flitting of a mousebird humming through the air in search of blooming flowers. It was all so soothing and peaceful; nothing like the cacophony of conscious thought. Here there was nothing but instinct and need.

"It sounds like life," she mumbled.

The inner part of her that wished to run and roam called out, and Teagan couldn't help the instinctive quelling, that natural call to order. With the sounds of so much life about her, her second form longed to be free.

[Kaie]

She let Teagan explore for a moment and when her student finally commented on what she felt, Kaie knew she was on the right track, but there was so much more to it. "Delve deeper," the Jedi healer directed quietly, not wanting to disturb the peace they were both feeling at the moment. "Let your feelings flow with that energy you've touched."

The rollercoaster ride that Kaie took as a padawan was understandable as her own upbringing and the coven that she had been a part of was chaotic, full of violence and mistrust. Even though the only honest moments that most of the witches shared were when they had been injured, Kaie knew there was so much more to it all, even back then. It wasn't until she had joined the Jedi and had her mind truly opened to the essence of the universe did she fully realize how much she had been missing. The very same flow of life that Teagan was now experiencing, firsthand. It was good that she had started at such a younger age, for the cynicism of life hadn't fully molded her yet.

Though it's shadows were seen recently during the rescue of her mother. Something that Kaie wanted Teagan to get passed.

[Teagan s'Ilancy]

Still unmoving, the young Lupine let out another long breath as she let herself sink deeper into the flowing sounds that coalesced together into something... pure. It was like a bright light in her inner consciousness, pulsing with vigor and untouched by any shadow. It was like the sweetest whisper, tantalizing and soothing as she felt her entire body relax. The worries of her immediate problems seemed to ebb away into nothingness, and Teagan felt as though her thoughts were buoyed. Lifted up and calmed.

"It's so clean," came the muttered whisper as tilted her head up, instinctively testing the air. It too smelled fresh.

Nothing was jarring or disjointed; instead it all flowed together as though always meant to, and she continued to describe the feeling as best as she could.

"Everything is... together. Like it's supposed to be."

[Kaie]

"Being able to sense that is the foundation of every Force ability that you'll come to learn," Kaie explained, remembering how excited she was, not that long ago. "Learn to control it while flowing within," she continued, though had a feeling that statement may need some embellishment. "Be a part, let it guide you and work with it to mold it into what you need to accomplish, is what I meant."

She was sure that Teagan was now ready to begin her training, even though their talk since the arrival of the young Lupine had started this earlier. "That sensation of life is something that no one else without our gift can feel. Open your eyes while keeping that connection and choose a stone on the bank. Imagine your hand picking it up and raise it into the air." Now the true test of her strength in the ethereal power would begin, as well as her willpower.

[Teagan s'Ilancy]

Slowly she obeyed, eyelids moving up so that she could now watch the peaceful world before her. The stream before them rippled with quiet strength and energy, delicately tumbling past the bank and over some of the larger rocks that were anchored in its' path long ago. A myriad of smaller stones and pebbles lay strewn about, and Teagan focused on one; a riverstone that had been worn smooth from decades of being subject to the laws of nature and gentle friction.

One arm lifted, a hand outstretched into the air, fingers splaying wide.

Her thoughts stretched out to glide through the divide between herself and the stone, and she felt its' smooth contours as though she was physically touching it. Her aethereal wishes coalesced into a single intention, and the stone shifted. It twisted within the damp earth that contained it, but refused to break free.

Brow knit, the girl pushed her will further, slowly digging invisible tendril into the ground so that each one wound around the stone in a tight grip until ever so slowly, it rose into the air.

[Kaie]

Noting the concentration on Teagan's face made Kaie grin and she then turned her attention to the riverbank and soon noticed the stone that she had chosen for her first test. Though it took some time, the young girl was strong enough to raise it and the healer knew that this was only the first step in a much larger world. Her new student had no idea where this first ability would take her.

"Good," Kaie admonished quietly, knowing Teagan needed her full focus on the stone now hovering, wavering in the air above the water's edge. "Now that you've got it in the air, draw it to you. Feel it. Relax and let the Force do all the work. All you have to do is guide that energy flowing through you to what you need it to do." Taking a deep breath as if she was the one conducting the trials, Kaie found herself easing into the Force as well. Feeling it's ebbs and flows around them and through them.

[Teagan s'Ilancy]

She kept her eyes locked to the stone, feeling its' smooth surface with the invisible tendrils of her mind. It was exquisite, and a strange sensation that left her nearly breathless. Why had she never tried to do anything like this before? She'd always only ever let herself fall into the feel of nature and her surroundings, but to make attempts at manipulation... the thought had just never occurred to her. It seemed as though her life had been a series of reactions, and now for the first time she was acting first. And it was amazing.

The stone wavered for another moment before slowly moving through the air, drawn closer by her silent beckon. She watched as if transfixed, concentration creasing her brow.

Yet, the more she concentrated the more the stone seemed to wobble in the air, unsure of its' ability to stay aloft.

And then it fell, her hold dissolving.

As it clattered along the pebble-encrusted dirt, Teagan gave a long sigh as she immediately realized her folly.

"I thought too hard about it," came the almost glum admission.

[Kaie]

Success at keeping the stone aloft and drawing it to her at the same time may have been a bit soon, but Kaie knew that sometimes the harder things came easier. An odd paradox that she still didn't understand. Relaxing as Teagan broke her concentration, the white witch turned her attention to her student and grinned sympathetically. "Don't be too hard on yourself, it happens. The main thing is not giving up. Practise is the only way you'll get better."

Leaving her words hang in the air, green eyes motioned to the stone once again and waited for Teagan to make another attempt.

Birdsong and the gentle gurgle of the river kept Kaie at peace as she watched and waited, knowing this was a good place to train this morning. She had thoughtlessly considered it as it was the place that she normally came to meditate. Nature was in itself that escape that made her feel at home, reminding her of days long gone with her sisters and mother, out on their little exploratory hunts for herbs in the wild. Moments that were long gone now.

[Teagan s'Ilancy]

The young blonde pursed her lips as she let her attentions settle once more on the stone. But, this time she only looked at it at first. Before sending out her thoughts she simply listened. A shriekhawk wailed in the high-above distance, and the gentle breeze rustled a myriad of leaves into a low chorus of murmurs. It was peaceful and serene. With a long exhale, the young Lupine felt as her unseen hands coalesced around the stone, once more lifting it up.

She noted the smooth texture, the lack of any sharp points anywhere. It'd obviously been in the water for a long time, and the gradual process of constant fluid friction had created something without blemish.

Teagan felt her eyes peer past the stone now hovering in the air, to a point far in the distance even as her thoughts remained firmly upon what they now held aloft. Slowly it pulled closer, in a steady movement that sometimes dipped and rose once more.

With her hand outstretched, she waited patiently as it closed the distance before finally angling downward to deposit itself softly into her waiting palm.

Fingers closed around it as her eyes closed, a triumphant smile forming on her features.

[Kaie]

Watching as the stone soon found it's new home, called through the vast expanse between her student and the riverbank, but also a newly found gift that had laid dormant for so long had introduced itself. A greeting that would now open the door to so much more. "Good," Kaie repeated, smiling pridefully knowing how much weighed on Teagan's mind since finding her mother.

Shifting into another ability, the white witch relaxed more on the boulder she sat on. "This accomplishment will guide you now to so many other things, but just keep in mind that with great ability comes great responsibility." Those words having been droned into her mind for so long, by many other masters. "Now, with that same technique, send the stone across the river, but with more speed. This ability should never be used at someone, but has so many other uses," she stressed. "Throw it, using the Force."

[Teagan s'Ilancy]

Now that she could do, and the young Lupine felt her lips part in a crooked smile. Her eyes picked out a small spot in the distance, the trunk of an old willow that had been covered in a thick carpet of forest moss.

The stone she tossed into the air, the motion almost seeming to be a flippant one. But, as the stone reached its' peak, Teagan to a half step back. Her right shoulder rolled, hitching back and her entire body moved fluidly in that moment... one arm out in front of her as the other was behind.

The stone began to fall back down, and her entire body reacted like a whip. Muscles sprang as energy was released, and her torso twisted as both arms reacted in kind. The right came around in a side-strike, palm upward and fingers straight as the heel of her hand cut through the air. The left moved back, seemingly pushing against the air around it on its' backward trajectory.

Teagan pulled inward, like some great inhale that called the Force to her. She felt it stream in, and channeling it through her body and out her right arm, she let it released it out into nature once more through her hand.

Her mother once said that she could see color in the Force, and that everyone left a distinct shade of their own within the fabric of the Force. Teagan herself had never been able to see any colors, but maybe with practice she would.

Either way, the sudden exertion and release sent the stone hurtling away. It zipped through the air to smack into the old willow trunk with a satisfying chok before ricocheting up for only a small distance.

It thunked to the soft earth a few seconds later, and Teagan let out a long, pent-up breath as she turned excited eyes and a wide grin to Master Kaie.

[Kaie]

Watching the stance and force that Teagan used to send the stone into the distant tree trunk, Kaie knew that her new student was learning quickly. Touching the energy that flowed through all things was a talent that very few in the galaxy had and the white witch also knew at this point the young Lupine was vulnerable if the master wasn't careful. Turning her attention to the young, blue eyed girl, Kaie smiled and nodded.

"Well done. This ability can be used to send something to hit a button to open a door, or a myriad of other things to help you or someone else escape danger. Maybe your hands are full or tied and you need to get out of a dangerous place," she shrugged. "Never know. But, as I said before, you use this ability against another person and the dark side begins to take hold. No one ever is born evil, but little steps toward that state takes time. Allowing small things corrupt you eventually takes you far away from where you want to be, so be careful."

Sighing lightly, she glanced to the far bank, then back, "I just don't want you to let this training and your touch to the Force carry you to a place in life where suddenly you look up and realize you're far from shore." Kaie grinned sympathetically and hoped Teagan understood what she was trying to tell her. "I'm sure your mother would agree."

[Teagan s'Ilancy]

The girl gave a nod, understanding the message that Master Kaie was thoroughly conveying.

"I used to skip stones with the Force, with a few of the other students. We'd have competitions to see who could push it the farthest. It was usually either me or Ylenor that won."

Her eyes went back to where she'd thrown the stone, wondering if she'd been able to hit the particular spot on the whisperwillow's trunk; a particularly gnurled bit of bark that had formed a circular knot over the course of time.

She let out a long, measured breath.

The reference to her mother had been enough to bring her back from the mental wandering, and she blinked, eyes shifting to Kaie.

"You're probably right," she agreed with an almost rueful grin ticking the corners of her lips upward.

[Kaie]

Kaie took a mental step back, realizing that there was so much more to the Force that Teagan had yet to experience and the last thing she wanted to do was quash an innocent reach for all that was possible. "But, I only warn you because I've seen the effects of what having this power can do to someone. Many of the girls that I knew, my age, in the Pachmari were as eager and wide-eyed as I was when we were younger. Then, as the years passed something happened and it got to the point where I didn't recognize them anymore. I couldn't relate to them, or even want to be around them."

Grinning, her gaze lowered to the smooth stones lining the river bank beneath her feet and how the water had shaped them over time. "Though, because my mother and my sister were the healers of the coven, during the annual gatherings," green eyes returned to her student. "We got a chance to show them what the purer avenues of this gift are. Using it to heal instead of harm. Touching the beautiful light within," she smiled, eyes motioning to Teagan's heart, then returned. "Never lose that... child-like desire to help others. A need to use this gift to help those who have less than we do, or are in a dark place. Even a criminal can be shown how amazing and beautiful life can be without being chained to violence or darkness." Straightening, Kaie realized she was rambling again and smiled, her eyes glistening from the passionate recounting of why she was on Ossus and part of the Jedi to begin with.

Taking in a deep breath, she sighed. "Did you have any questions before we continued?"

[Teagan s'Ilancy]

There was no immediate answer as she looked back to the whisperwillow. Her mind had latched onto what Master Kaie was saying, and the myriad of questions immediately bubbled to the forefront of her thoughts. But, there was also something else that she felt needed to be spoken of, and the girl pushed her questions back down before taking a deep breath.

"Well, not just yet. But... "

She bit her lip before continuing.

"... There's... something you should probably know."

A pause as she swallowed.

"... I'm not really... not really... human."

[Kaie]

The confession wasn't a total surprise as Kaie listened, noting Teagan's embarrassment. "It's okay," she shook her head and shrugged. "I noticed some physiological differences in your mother when I healed her and the Force told me a lot. I only assumed that you possessed some of those traits as well." Though she still wasn't sure what race these two were, it didn't truly matter in the long run.

"Does it bother you?"

[Teagan s'Ilancy]

"Well, no."

Teagan let out a hnh, as she tried to recollect her thoughts. So Master Kaie had an inkling, and knew something wasn't entirely human about her. It made being honest a little bit easier in terms of any worries over not being seen as acceptable. Her mother had always said that what they were was a secret and should remain as such, but times now seemed to be changing, and the young Lupine was finding it a troublesome thing to keep quiet on.

"It's just that I was always told that it was a secret, but lately... "

Lately she had been wanting to do nothing more than tell everyone.

"... lately it's something I don't want to keep hidden."

Crouching down, she reached out to rake fingers through the dirt, drawing up a handful of rocks and crumbling earth to hold in her hand. The smaller bits sifted through her fingers, leaving only the pebbles to jostle about across her palm, and with her other hand, she swiped at the ground to create an open space. Each little stone was then laid out in the shape of a person.

"Most of the time I'm in the Second Body. This one, with two legs."

She canted her head up to look at Master Kaie after the last bit of rock had been placed.

"But, the First Body, that is what's most comfortable."

Another handful of stones were taken up as she began to arrange them into another shape beside the first; this time, it had four legs.

[Kaie]

Watching as her student formed two separate images in the sand with the stones, she listened and knew that being different had apparently been a fault rather than a boon. Though she understood why Teagan's mother might instill that in her daughter, and now that she saw the second image finished, she understood the caution, Kaie also knew it was important to embrace who she was. Sympathetic, green eyes rose back to her student once Kaie understood how the young girl felt.

"There's nothing wrong with embracing what you've been born as," the white witch stated. "As long as you don't use that other side of you to harm anyone, then in time I'm sure you'll be accepted." She knew it would take time though. "With Jedi, diversity should always be accepted. The galaxy is full of very amazing and unique individuals, so," she smiled, shrugging.

[Teagan s'Ilancy]

"I wouldn't ever hurt anyone," she was quick to make sure that that was understood.

"And I'm not really ashamed or anything, it's just that... "

She hesitated then, knowing that they were going deeper into the jakrab hole. Nothing bad, just... well ok maybe some of it was bad. A little more than some of it. Ok ok a lot of it was bad. But there was also a lot of good in there, too.

"I have to be careful. My Uncle... he told me about the people that hunt the ones like my Mom and me and my brother. I guess my Mom had the same reasons for keeping it a secret, but it's different now."

She wished that she had the illusion powers that Master Hob and her Uncle had, so that she could show Master Kaie. Show her everything; what it was like back home on Schwartzweld, show her the Guardians, show her the big citadels and estates and orchards and courtyards and... and just everything. It would make explaining all of this so much easier.

She blinked in sudden thought, eyes lighting up in sudden realization.

"I have holos," the words came tumbling out a moment later. She might not be able to construct fantastical visions out of thin air, but she certainly had holos from home, and they were better than nothing!

"I could show you those, but they're in my room so we'd need to go back to the house."

[Kaie]

Grinning, Kaie pushed herself up from the large boulder and stood, then motioned to the home that Teagan and her mother now had been afforded with Master Zem. Motioning toward the compound, "Okay". As they walked, the white witch knew more about being different than most, even though her own unique background didn't involve morphing into another form either.

"Being trained in the Force, you'll have other ways to protect yourself as well as others. I'm sure your mother has had to do the same thing over the years." Still unsure of that whole story, she was sure Teagan's mother would fill in the blanks when the time was right. When Kaie had gained her trust, that is. "Be another good excuse to look in on your mother while we're there, too."

Moving through the tall, full trees, she mused on the other things that concerned her student. "Now that you're part of the Jedi Order, you have allies that can help if ever the time comes. You have me."

[Teagan s'Ilancy]

Hopping over an exposed tree root, Teagan gave a nod as she listened. She'd been on Ossus for long enough to know that she had friends here. Or well, she'd hoped. At least Master Kaie was voicing aloud her support. It was enough to make the girl hope. She knew her family wasn't exactly of a sterling reputation; who knew how long her mother would be allowed to stay on the planet for? In the back of her mind she suspected that the Council was meeting right this moment, to figure out how to shove her mother back out onto a ship and off the planet. It wouldn't surprise her, at least. But, Master Kaie had said that she would be there for her, and Teagan trusted the older woman.

True, she'd not known her for too awful long, but there was something calming about her, and the young Lupine had found herself drawn to her. With Master Hob off on whatever confidential mission had taken him from Ossus, she'd been somewhat alone, left to simply continue her general studies. Master Vymes occasionally taught her some things, and even Uncle Feint helped her when he was about...

The last memory of when her Uncle visited flashed in her mind, and with an almost audible gasp at the brilliantly blossoming idea in her mind, she looked to Master Kaie.

"My Uncle!"

The words were like a gasp, escaping with her exhaled breath.

"You could help him! He's... he's not doing... Kheh'so'asa... good? Well? I think that's how you use that word."

There was a small clearing ahead that made up the backyard area of her home, and moving past the treeline, Teagan took a skip-step ahead, so that she could whirl about on her heel and keep her eyes locked with Kaie's while walking backwards.

"I don't think he eats enough," she said seriously.

[Kaie]

As they walked, the sudden concerned outburst surprised Kaie and she focused once more on her student whose uncle sounded like he was under a lot of stress, perhaps. Brow furrowed lightly as they walked toward the back door to Master Zem's residence. "Why doesn't he eat," she inquired. If he was also one possessing this unique morphing ability, there may be more that she would have to learn to be able to help this family.

Stepping up to the door, she knocked and held the handle for a long moment, then pulled the door open. "It's Kaie and Teagan," she announced, still listening to the blue eyed girl as they stepped inside.

[Teagan s'Ilancy]

She had an inkling as to the cause, but truthfully she wasn't entirely sure, and the young Lupine wasn't yet comfortable enough to voice something as weak as a suspicion; not without enough proof or even an out and out confession from him. Instead, she gave a half-hearted shrug as she carefully followed Master Kaie inside. It was quiet for the most part, and the main living area empty. The kitchen as well was devoid of life, and Teagan couldn't but wonder if her mother was still asleep.

Of course, it was worry unfounded, as the sounds of bare footfalls padding on the wide hardwood planks of the floor from the hall.

Her smile was wide and unbidden at the sight of her mother.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

She had been in the back room, idly passing the time in an old tome that had been found in Teagan's room; a large volume of parables and other odd stories. The quiet had been therapeutic, and the elder Lupine took it in gratefully. She knew that Zem was off, taking the day to continue in his attempts at teaching his Padawan, and for the moment Markos was asleep, curled at her side.

The voice that interrupted her thoughts was one that was familiar, and s'Il slowly closed the leatherbound book, setting it aside on the nightstand. Markos stirred as she rose with him still clutched close. He was in that blissful state of deep sleep that only meant he stirred for no one, and stepping into the hall, she started down its' short distance.

Still in the front living area, Teagan was standing, smiling with Master Kaie alongside.

Bare feet padded her closer, and she gave a smile that was equal measures easy and calculated. While her outward wounds had healed, her metabolism still yet had complete its' job to completion.

"This is... unexpected," she started simply.

[Kaie]

Noting the otherwise quiet interior, Kaie knew that Teagan's uncle would require a visit at some point, if she got the chance. Right now, she had a student to train and a patient to now look in on. A woman that now quietly padded down the short hallway to the living room, comfortably appointed by Master Zem and would now have a woman's touch, no doubt. Green eyes fixed on the blonde as she greeted them and the white witch stepped closer to her, assessing how she stood and the tone of her skin, telling her much about the recovery rate.

Motioning to Teagan, "I've started training your daughter this morning and she mentioned her unique traits and that your kind are rare," she began, grinning. "I have to admit, I've seen much of the galaxy over the years and never heard of such a thing." Her smile interested and compassionate, Kaie glanced to the hardest hit areas of s'Il's body, then back to her eyes. "I see you're up and about. Good to see. How are you feeling?"

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

"Much better, thank you."

She gave the other woman a respectful nod, the corners of her lips turning upward ever so slightly. It wasn't exactly a visit that she'd been expecting, but in a way it was welcome all the same. Feint had yet to make himself known, though she was certain that he'd grace her with his presence at some point soon. He was never one to rest on over-drawn ceremonies. She had only to be patient.

But, in the here and now, there was Master Kaie and Teagan.

The healer was a calming woman, with soft eyes and a gentle eye. There was no mistaking the heart she poured out for those in her care, and the concern for all around her. It was a rare thing to see in the galaxy these days.

"I suppose it's no great secret these days," there was a rueful tone to her words as the Lupine shifted Markos, the boy still slumbering on. He'd been active earlier, and it had been a surprisingly welcome change of pace to the normal day to day goings-on aboard her ship. Here, she was able to simply be a mother. A recovering mother, but still. There were no duty rosters or reports to read over for now, though she was sure that when Khera'Va'ss'io arrived that would change. Until then however, she allowed herself to sink into the much more mundane.

It was... wondrous.

"The minor limp will be gone by tomorrow I suspect, and my shoulder is as new. Which is just as well," Markos stirred then, letting out the smallest of mumbles as his eyes began to flutter open. She hitched him up a little bit higher, "... as the last time I held my boy, he was much lighter than he is now."

[Kaie]

Turning her attention from the recovering patient to the young boy in her arms, Kaie relaxed a bit more and stepped up, then canted her head toward his angelic face as he wiped his eyes from sleep. "I can only imagine," she mentioned about how things had changed in such a short time, though there was still a lot to learn about the woman before her. "Bet it's been great being home again," Kaie mused aloud as she stepped back again, giving mother and son their moment.

"Teagan's also mentioned her concerns about her nature," she glanced to the young Padawan, then back. "That she may not have the support from the Order or many others here. I need you to know that I'll always be here, not only for your daughter, but also yourself, should you ever need my help. I'm a Master, but not on the council, but I think they'd listen to me should the need arise." She grinned apologetically, "I have to admit, I'm kind of in the dark with all this." Shrugging, the statement was an open query should s'Il feel comfortable enough to divulge more about herself and this unique family.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

A single eye brow lifted then, and the elder Lupine turned an inquisitive look to her daughter. The girl gave her a steadfast look.

"A'sa'keh'o'ek se'tu sa'meh ss'as'ma'ano... "

Old habits, it seemed, and s'Il gave a soft, gentle rebuke to the words that'd been spoken.

"A'hga'na. Basic, please."

Teagan only offered an apologetic look to Master Kaie before repeating herself.

"I know you have your rules and stuff about secrets... "

A dip of her head as she let her broken gaze drift to the soft patina of the hardwood flooring. The girl was right, about secrets and the old rules that'd been imposed. But, times changed, years passed, and what had once been a necessary thing was now... not so imperative.

"The old secrets don't need to be kept," came her eventual answer to the question that wasn't really a question.

Her eye shifted back up then, to take in Kaie. The woman had kind eyes and a caring soul, and s'Il could not help the slight grin that tugged at one corner of her lips.

"There's much I could tell you," she started as she shifted her stance, one foot moving forward into a stride that took her past the other woman and on into the living area.

She lowered herself into one of the few chairs, her free hand gesturing for Kaie to take a seat on the sofa.

"... but I think it would be best if you told me where you would like me to start."

[Kaie]

Realizing too late that the inquisitive nature may have stepped on something delicate here, Kaie followed the gaze to the floor. It had been her nature to sometimes assume things and modesty and honesty was part of her job as a healer. She had to remember that even though s'Il was her patient, per se', she wasn't in the medbay. Sighing lightly as the mother and daughter shifted back into Aurebesh, Kaie relaxed a bit and followed the blonde to the living room and claimed the proffered chair. Sitting down, her mind then drifted into the host of things that arose once Teagan had mentioned that she wasn't as human as she may have appeared.

Leaning forward a bit, hands clasped together as her left forearm rested on the padded arm, the white witch grinned as she tried to be more apologetic for the prying. "I'm starting to realize there's more to this story if the Order doesn't support your kind, for some reason." Shaking her head, "I was raised to appreciate everyone as an individual, regardless of their unique differences or where they're from. They know enough about my past to have me ostracized should they take the notion, so it's hard to understand why one, but not the other. You know," she queried, brow furrowed lightly.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Making sure that Markos was comfortable enough, s'Il favored her guest with a gentle smile.

"Oh, it is nothing to do with race, I promise to you."

Teagan retreated to the kitchen area, intent on scouring the cooler unit for something to eat, no doubt.

"... rather, it is a bit more to do with my past allegiances."

The elder Lupine felt her shoulders hitch back as so many old memories splashed upon her.

"A... fallen Jedi... is not always welcomed back with open arms."

[Kaie]

Understanding a bit more about the woman now before her, Kaie saw through the thin veil and why the Order may be a bit reluctant, but that still didn't explain a few things. "Making your daughter feel like an outsider just because of a mistake is wrong," the healer stated emphatically. Shaking her head, "If your past life is behind you, then I can't see them holding something like that over your head. If Jedi can't see past their own pride, then there's a lot more work to do here on Ossus than just training the locals in various skills. Cleaning our own house is usually the hardest thing to do, but it's always necessary once in a while."

Drawing in a deep breath, she sighed at the thought which the white witch lingered on for a moment. "Is that person who you are still?" Posing the query as delicately as she could, Kaie felt it necessary, especially for the sake of Teagan.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

It was a fair question, and s'Il let herself lean back into the comforting confines of the chair she sat in. Her eyes drifted, gaze moving to a spot on the far wall past Kaie's shoulder. She could still remember (https://theholo.net/forum/showthread.php?55452-All-That-Remains-The-Breath-of-Life) the heartbreak and deliverance that had sought her out; of Sol, Byl, James, and Zem, their presence on Hoth. The cold that chilled not just the body, but froze the soul.

"I am... not the person that I once was."

She held no ill feelings for what Kaie had asked; it was the other woman's right, after all, to know.

"Who I was before, it is hard to explain at times."

Her expression turned down then, as she let the old memories wash over her. Of Dan, of so many lies.

"Everything that I was and did, was because I craved the love of a man who had no capacity for such an emotion."

Of course, there were so many layers to just that simple explanation, and the Lupine held a suspicion that there were other things that Kaie wished to discuss outside of just the past.

[Kaie]

Hearing the reason that the Jedi before her had fallen seemed like one that had happened more often than not and as Kaie listened, noting s'Il's body language, she could tell that the wound hadn't healed yet. But as she mentioned, that part of her life was over now which was the important part.

"I'm sorry," the healer offered with a sympathetic grin. "Things like that happen often and it shouldn't." The Pachmari's mindset about men seemed to be justified, she mused, but then shifted gears knowing the coven was also part of her own past. Green eyes glanced to the slumbering boy in the blonde's arms and then to Teagan still raiding the kitchen, then back. "You have two beautiful children that need you, and nothing's more important than that."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Her gaze shifted then, neck craning as the sound of the cooler unit being closed met her ears.

"Mm, yes. There is usually nothing so important," she agreed.

She turned back to Kaie.

"Unfortunately, my penance is not soon to be over, and I serve the Alliance in whatever role they wish of me. My children are here, because it is... it is what is best for them. I'll admit that my time to spend with them is small, but I do hope that at some point my arrangement will change."

Her free hand moved up, resting atop Markos' head in a gentle hold.

"The things that I did, they were irredeemable, and even if I lived a thousand lifetimes I would never be able to atone for my sins," Sol's words still echoed deeply in her soul.

"The younglings gave me a name; at the time it was apt."

A deep breath, as she felt the aching twinges of inner shame over her many past actions (https://theholo.net/forum/showthread.php?21138-The-Things-I-ve-Done) as though still raw.

"The called me The Padawan Eater (https://theholo.net/forum/showthread.php?21217-Those-Long-Gone-And-The-Ghosts-They-Leave-Behind)."

[Kaie]

Kaie listened to the confession and though the white witch had her own skeletons, she wasn't about to judge the woman before her. Some wounds were very deep and it seemed that some never faded, regardless of how much time had passed. A title attached to anyone like this one created images in her mind that painted some very disturbing images in her mind, given the knowledge that she had about this unique family. But, as the healer's eyes moved from mother to children, she knew that sometimes one just needed a helping hand up out of the mire.

"Whatever you've done in the past, like I mentioned before, I can already tell that you're not that person you were before. And you have nothing to worry about, while you're gone, I'll do my best to help keep an eye on these two," she glanced to her new padawan, then back to s'Il. "Hope that your self-imposed exile isn't too long though," she grinned, hoping to lighten the mood a bit. "These two need you very much."

[Teagan s'Ilancy]

A small pack of sliced cured dewback pepperoni was unceremoniously dumped to the counter, followed by an unopened jar of green raddo olives (the kind with tefa cheese inside because those were the best kind and it was one of the few things that Zem had made sure to take great pains in having available for her).

"See? Even she agrees with me!"

Her words were as jovial as she could make them, trying to overshadow the much more heavy nature of the conversation taking place.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

The interjection was a welcomed distraction, and s'Il couldn't help the smile that tugged at the corners of her mouth.

"Ever the honest one," she mumbled lightly.

The other woman's words were heartfelt though, and it was easy to see that they were welcomed gratefully.

"Your kindness is more than I deserve," came the answer, "... and I will certainly endeavor to... "

To what? Be about on Ossus more? Be present? It was still a tender subject with the Council, and the Lupine knew that her time here right now was purely on their good graces. Whatever they decided going forward was nothing that she would try to influence.

"... to do al that I can to earn back the trust that had once been placed in me."

She shifted Markos as he stirred once more.

"I certainly don't deserve forgiveness, but I can at least strive to be the sort of person that does."