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Kallia Lightfury has been Knighted!

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Kallia’s Journal; Entry Twenty-One

“A Guardian always knows the risks, be it of life or limb, or something else, but I suppose through sheer force of will, or perhaps a unyieldingly stubborn nature, we persistently step into the path of blaster fire anyways. That is inevitably how I found myself getting sniped at point blank range on some speeding train in the middle of the wilderness. Rifles are fatal enough at a distance, but as close as I was, I suppose it’s only through luck that I survived such an engagement.” The Jedi pauses, thoughtful for a moment as she meditates upon her bed.

“If not for that apprentice healer, Lev, I’d have certainly passed into the force that day. Initially, my first thought was to get Lev out of the middle of that firefight as soon as possible, but the battle ended quickly after that. I could not continue the mission. I was evacuated to a medical facility for emergency treatment, and remained in kolto for quite a few days afterward.” She folds her hands atop her knees, eyes closed as she recalls the memory. She has long since made peace with it, and the thought of just how close she had come to death was hardly a concern at all. She had survived, and so there was no sense in dwelling on other outcomes.

“I passed my trials.” A simply spoken statement, a fact uttered into the dimly lit air. “And I am a padawan no longer. I kneeled before the council and was proclaimed a Knight, at last. But, as I was told, this is just another step on my journey as a Jedi. There is so much left to learn, and I shall endeavor to do just that.” Kallia offers with a small smile, then, the topic shifts with interest, “Various newcomers now flit about the halls of Alderaan’s Enclave. Bright-eyed and bushy tailed, as I once was. It is good to see such life blossoming within our ranks. Not so long ago, the Order was devastated.” She had not been part of the Jedi during that time, but she is all too aware of the event.

“The past is the past, however. There is no sense dwelling on what could have been. The point of this recording was simply to document my survival, and my Knighting. And of course, my intentions to continue my path as a Jedi Guardian, despite my newfound habit of getting sniped at point blank range.” A joke, light as it is, twists into a smile upon her lips. “Now, it is time for some much needed rest." With that, the recording ends.

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Every lesson is an opportunity for growth, and Korrin values each moment as such.

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Korrin’s Journal; Entry Eighteen

“Dune has grown quite large. Large enough to become quite the threat, I think. Some seem intimidated by him, but that’s simply because they do not know him as I do. Dune would not maul our friends, of this I am quite certain. He prefers to maul his food. I have been honing his instincts, and his hunting ability, and thanks to the power of the holo-net, I have discovered a great many ways to go about such things. For example, Dune has a remarkable fascination for laser pointers. He’s still just a cub, but in a few months time, Dune will be a fully fledged, adult nexu. I wonder how I’ll get him back to Voss, and… I wonder how much I’ll miss him.” Briefly, a frown flits across the Nautolan’s maw. As a result, the subject is promptly changed.

“I met a new friend! Ta-er’al. I think she’s supposed to be an ex-assassin, or something. She certainly seems to like her knife jokes. But I know a friendly face when I see one, and Ta-er’al most certainly did not try to stab me when I defeated her in a spar. I hope she doesn’t hold it against me, or herself, for that matter. I’m not much of a duelist, but that’s not to say that I am completely untrained. I will not lie, though, I think I surprised myself. I’m doing a lot better than I used to, but I suppose that’s the point of learning, isn’t it? To grow. Naturally, Master Falls was quick to send me to the ground, a rather humbling reminder of my novice abilities. I’ve never found much enjoyment in sparring, but I do enjoy getting to know my fellow Jedi a bit better.”

“Not so long after that, I found myself in the med-bay, with a fellow young Jedi called Lev. Like me, he is receiving training as a Healer, and I offered him a bit of help with his patient, Urifida. She was suffering from broken ribs, and from what I’ve seen, she practically has a bed with her name on it. Perhaps right next to Lyceus. Master Tam’a’ryth took the opportunity to teach us a few things about broken ribs, and I took the opportunity to teach everyone else about the horrifying Summa-verminoth.” The Nautolan grins, large eyes sparkling as he peers through the recording.

“You are probably wondering what a Summa-verminoth is. Fear not, my friends! I am here to teach you! They are monstrously large, with countless eyes and reaching tentacles that crackle with electricity. These creatures are those of legends, large enough to destroy entire fleets. Unfortunately for anyone caught in its gaze, these beasts have a rather voracious appetite. Still, I think I’d prefer to be devoured by a Summa-verminoth than by a sarlacc.” He shudders at the thought. “Sarlacc still terrify me, and I used to live on Tatooine! How dreadful it must be to live near one… oh, but they are just animals, aren’t they? Doing what they exist to do, as predators. That’s not to say that I would allow one to swallow me. Certainly not.” He shakes his head, blinks his owlish eyes with certainty.

“Well… anyways, Ta-er’al brought up the idea that Nautolans and Summa-verminoth might be somehow related. Or… something like that. You see, I was explaining Nautolan mating habits with her outside the med-bay, with a few others. I’m not so sure why she was interested in knowing such things, but I told her all about the Nautolan life cycle, and how we find mates. Regardless, she asked if the Summa-verminoth could sense the pheromones of others like Nautolans do. I, of course, had to research this for myself!” The Adept grins, delighted, “I found no such statements indicating that Summa-verminoth could do such a thing, but I did discover a few sub-species of the beast. One of which survives by hunting its own kind. Fascinating, isn’t it?” Korrin smiles.

“Anyways, other than that, I’ve had a few research and lorekeeping classes, along with one of archaeology. Quite interesting! I look forward to growing more as a person, and as a Jedi. Perhaps one day soon, I’ll even be able to make my own lightsaber.” He hums, contemplative. That was still a long ways off, but nonetheless, the idea is an exciting one. What sort of crystal would choose him? In time, he would surely know.

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Dune is hardly a cub anymore. He’s grown to become Korrin’s ferocious companion.

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Korrin’s Journal; Entry Seventeen

Days continue to pass, the seasons shift and change, and Korrin remains tucked within his temple home, marveling at the frost that clings to the glass windows between every class. The skies are not the only things that have shifted. Change is in all things, this he knows. He sees it within himself, even. Tatooine seemed so long ago now, a distant memory, a dream perhaps. As an Initiate, fresh to the Order, those thoughts had haunted him. He has grown to accept that history, though. He has grown to look toward the present, rather than obsess over the past. After all, it was not the start of his story that mattered, was it? Rather, who he chose to be now. As he sits near the creek, gazing at his rippling reflection upon the cold surface of the gentle water, the Nautolan smiles softly, a gentle expression of warmth.

"Classes come and go. They always do. I recently attended a lecture on The Three Pillars." Korrin explains, his holo-journal recording every word, every gesture. At his side, a shimmering turtle claws at the frozen mud, seemingly content in its search for food. "Ah, yes, Bubbles is still here. He hasn't grown at all, though. So maybe he won't. Maybe he's already as big as he'll ever be." He reasons with a bit of a casual shrug. "But Bubbles is certainly not The Three Pillars, is he? No. And I should not get so distracted. We all know that I will though, no matter how often I tell myself not to." The Adept grins, amused, quietly lingering within his own thoughts for a few moments more.

"The first pillar is The Force. The most important, it would seem. To be a Jedi, one must have that connection, that ability to follow the will of the Force. There are certainly plenty of altruistic, humanitarian organizations out there, but they're not Jedi. That's not to say that they are less than we are, that they are somehow... unworthy. That would be entirely incorrect, and arrogant for any Jedi to believe." He pauses, his insistence fading into contemplative quiet. "But, as Warden Kethry said, the Force is a part of being a Jedi. I understand what this pillar represents." He continues.

"The other two pillars are Knowledge and Self Discipline. Both important in their own ways, of course." Korrin concludes. "Ah, but after class, I met with Aza Sun again, Master Tam'a'ryth's apprentice. He explained that he had recently returned from a mission. Perhaps I am restless when I consider the fact that I have yet to see much of the galaxy for myself. I know I should be patient, though. My time will come." The Nautolan decides with confidence. "I told him about Starweirds, and he said that he had never heard of them before. I hadn't either, until I started researching them in recent months. Fascinating creatures, if they truly exist." Korrin voices his thoughts with a studious expression, owlish eyes unblinking as they gaze into the water's depths.

"Then, we briefly discussed Sarlaccs, and the potential to study them further. He mentioned that he hadn’t thought much about such things, aside from the people who are capable of far worse than any creature. Initially, I rejected the idea. After all, what person can keep a victim alive and in agony for thousands of years? Well... the conversation got me thinking. The Sith probably would try something like that. Some of them are... hmm. I do not mean to sound judgmental, but some of those Sith are indeed quite disturbing." Korrin pauses, humming in thought. "Ah, but... as I said, the conversation got me thinking. The Sith have proven time and time again that they are a threat to the galaxy as a whole. Would it be unkind to... sever their connection to the force, somehow? I briefly read about an ability that allowed Jedi to do just that." He goes on, considering the implications.

"I'm not so sure about the ethics of it, though. I can't imagine how horrible it must feel, to be cut off from the force you've been connected with your entire life. I had intended to ask Aza for his thoughts on the matter, but he had to cut the conversation short. I think I may have to do a bit more research on this anyways. For all I know, it's not even something the Order would consider, and I can see why. It does sound cruel. But... it might also save a lot of innocent lives." He falls silent for a few moments, before offering a sigh. "It's a lot to think about. A lot to consider. But I'll research it anyway. After all, even if it's not something I can put into practice, knowledge is always something to be sought." The Nautolan concludes with a nod of his head, before reaching to close the recording.

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Korrin isn’t too fond of the Enclave on Nar Shaddaa, simply because it has a distinct lack of lakes and seas. Still, the ornate decoration and vibrant holo-lights of the surrounding city make for an excellent view that even he can appreciate.

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Akadul’s Journal; Entry Twelve

The Jedi Code. I’ve been learning it since I arrived, and I’ve practically got it memorized. It’s so different from anything the Sith would teach, and indeed, the Jedi Code directly conflicts with that of the Sith. The two certainly cannot coexist within the same mind. Warden Kethry laid the code out in a bit more detail this evening, explaining what each line meant. For the most part, it was easy to follow and understandable, but putting her words into actual practice? Well… that is another matter entirely.

I took the opportunity to ask her if Jedi ghosts were real, given the final line of the Jedi Code. There is no Death; there is the Force. I can’t help but wonder what would have happened to me if Master Tam’a’ryth hadn’t saved my life. If Jedi rejoin the force, what happens to the Sith? Are they rejected by the force, and if so, where else is there for them to go? Perhaps they simply cease to exist entirely, and I wonder what that feels like, but it seems so incomprehensible to me. Then again, becoming one with the force, as they say, is equally as confusing to imagine.

I suppose it must be good, though. Peaceful, perhaps. The Jedi do not fear this fate, indeed their very code seems to inspire comfort in the face of death itself. But… I can’t help but worry. I used to be Sith. I have killed and conquered. I have changed, and I am still changing. Will it be enough? Would it ever be enough? Am I doomed to be rejected by the force for my history, or does it share the forgiveness of the Jedi it seems to favor? I suppose there’s only one real way to find out, and with any luck, I won’t have to deal with that for a while yet.

I also met another former Sith, a Togruta called Nassah'Shae. We spoke at length about our pasts, and I suppose she found comfort in knowing that there was someone else here to share her struggles. She confided in me about her guilt, though I can do little to soothe it. I will never forget what I’ve done, and neither will she. We shouldn’t. Those memories, painful as they are, will haunt us both forever, but with a purpose. To drive us to become better people, to protect instead of harm.

I have forgiven myself, but forgiving is not forgetting. It took nearly a year to get to where I am now. Nassah'Shae has a long way to go, but at least she has a friend to share in her struggles. I also met a young twi’lek, though her name has slipped from my mind. She expressed that she had been a slave on Nar Shaddaa, in service to some hutt. Perhaps coincidentally, my initial mission to Nar Shaddaa had been to kill a hutt, and quite the vile one in particular. I certainly hope she wasn’t among the citizens I sent scattering in terror that night. I wouldn’t have harmed any of them, as they were not the target of my mission, but the fear of seeing a Sith slaying criminals in the streets is surely traumatic enough as it is.

Ah, but if she had been present for that, she did not seem to look at me with any sort of paranoia. She’d have recognized my face, I think. So, the bullet is dodged perhaps. As for Nassah'Shae, I informed her that she was welcome to reach out to me any time she needed to talk. She seemed so embarrassed to have started crying the way she had, but I am confident that her mind and spirit will stabilize and recover, just as mine has. And if she ever needs a bit of extra help, I will be there.

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A bunch of Jedi enter a bar...

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Akadul’s Journal; Entry Eleven

It has been a long time since I have genuinely dueled with another Jedi. There are the classes, of course, but an actual spar? Truthfully, it has been some time since I’ve trusted myself enough to allow for such things. When Knight Jinora announced that she’d be hosting a combat event, I finally decided that I trusted myself enough to attend. Whether or not that was a mistake is, as of yet, uncertain. But I shouldn’t get ahead of myself.

We were divided into two teams, and smaller teams within those two teams. I, alongside other Jedi, spectated the first duel between Lyceus and several opponents. Despite his skill, numbers could overwhelm even the most competent of warriors. I’ve always done my best to avoid such battles, favoring fights against a single enemy. It is far easier to pick out the weakest target and pick them off from the sidelines than it is to try and tackle an entire group altogether.

So, when it was my turn, along with the rest of my team, I did just that. There was another Pureblood there, Brodran, I believe. He has an interesting story, and he and I have already gotten acquainted once before. I wasn’t expecting him to be able to whack me over the head, though. Luckily for me, it was a mere training blade, so the damage was minimal. A bit of bleeding from a shallow gash and some pain, but nothing too significant.

Obviously, I was embarrassed. I don’t have a clue what had been going through my mind in that moment to distract me from such a bold attack. He quite literally flung himself at me head-on. I suppose I’m only mortal, and thus… just as prone to mistakes as any other. Perhaps I had simply underestimated my fellow Pureblood, and in doing so, had opened myself up to his attack.

Regardless, it ultimately worked in my favor. Brodran very clearly established himself as the strongest opponent on the opposing team, which meant, of course, that I promptly targeted his companion instead. Perhaps it was unsportsmanlike of me to go after someone who likely could hardly defend themselves against what was, essentially, a fully trained Sith (turned Jedi, of course). I did not even know her name. I simply… picked her out as the possible weak link and eliminated her from the battle, as quickly and efficiently as possible.

That was how I had been trained, in the past. Why drag out a fight when you could pick off the easier foes first? Destroy the morale of the strongest who were unable to defend their allies. It sounds quite vicious, doesn’t it? You’d be correct in that assumption. The Sith do not care about who is weak, and who is defenseless, and they were never above cowardly tricks that might win them a battle they’d otherwise lose. I’m not proud of the tactic, but I do understand it’s effectiveness.

The other two young Jedi on my team, an Initiate and a youngling, were able to tag-team Brodran enough to keep his attention while I promptly took care of the Pureblood’s companion. I have learned to be disciplined in my time within the Order, and as such, I am not quite the wild and untamed wildfire that I used to be. I restrained my attacks to insure that my opponent was not badly injured, before pivoting back to face Brodran at last.

To my surprise, my two companions had managed to fight him off. The duel was won. That wasn’t to say that I was too happy about it, though. Not only had I embarrassed myself with Brodran’s quick attack (and my failed defense), but I could have sworn to have sensed a familiar ice washing through my spirit, seeping through skin to slither like a viper within my veins. The Dark Side. Initially, I had feared that it was emanating from me! That I had… lost control and somehow hurt my opponent in the duel.

But no, the source was from another, an inexperienced youngling on my team, one of the two Jedi that had been battling Brodran. The sensation brought up far too many emotions, and memories. That, alongside my aching head, made me quite irritable. I assisted Brodran, who had been temporarily blinded by debris, to Master Tam’a’ryth for some care. He’s a talented fighter, perhaps on the same level as myself. I can’t quite be sure from a single duel, but I could tell that he knew well enough what he was doing in that fight. Had that been a real battle, Brodran would have struck a fatal blow against me.

I made my way to Adept Kera for some healing in regards to my head, and that was when that youngling, the one who had lost control in the spar, decided to make some snide comment about my face eating training blades. She was probably just teasing, I don’t know… but I was irritated, embarrassed, and in pain. I glared at her, nearly snapped at her, but a few deep breaths got me through the next few minutes it took for Kera to patch up my head, and then I promptly scrambled away.

I did my best to meditate afterward, in the quiet solitude of my room. It took hours to achieve any sort of peace, far longer than it probably takes for any other Jedi. I shall continue to try not to harbor too much negative emotion, for I know such feelings to be poisonous. Perhaps in a few more days, the soreness will fade, alongside my embarrassment. I might try to avoid that youngling, though. The last thing I need is exposure to past sensations. I don’t think I’m ready for that yet.

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Arena sparring is commonplace among the Jedi, as it makes for great practice. And, it’s relatively safe! For the most part.

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Korrin’s Journal; Entry Sixteen

Korrin sits in a meditative position, a nexu cub nestled into his side as the thunderous sounds of a frosty waterfall roar nearby.

“My training has been going well, I think. My routine is manageable and perhaps even enjoyable. With quiet nights to study as I please, and plenty of lessons to be had during the day, I seem to be shaping up alright.” He smiles, a soft expression, eyes like rounded pools of obsidian.

“A few nights ago, myself and a handful of other Jedi were sparring at one of the temple arenas. It was a bit of a team fight, though it went on for quite some time. Naturally, being the least experienced of the group, I went down first. Lightsabers, even on lower power settings, present a nasty sting. It’s not too bad, though.” He goes on after a moment of pause, though his expression of amusement fades quickly, “Lyceus was hurt pretty bad when Knight Jinora sent him head first against the stone.” Korrin’s vocals shift with the weight of a newfound seriousness.

Hands move toward the med-kit that rests in the cold grass beside him, as clawed fingers reach for various components.

“I may not be a fully trained healer just yet, but I recall my lessons with this little work of miracles. Master Lyceus had a nasty gash on his head, and a concussion, so I got the wound cleaned out and the bleeding stopped as best I could, before we all moved him back into the temple, and straight to the med-bay. I was quite concerned for him.” His expression shifts once more, relief glistening within his owlish eyes. “Master Themis healed him once we got there, but Lyceus was instructed to remain overnight for observation. I’m not so sure he was too happy about that, but head injuries can be quite serious.” The Nautolan points out.

His hand moves from the medical kit toward the head of the slumbering nexu cub, and a small smile glides across his lips once more as fingers coil gently into sandy hued fur.

“Dune here has already taught me a great deal about his kind, and the Archives are more than generous with the information it offers.” Korrin gives the beast a scratch behind the ear, and it seems to shift with a rumbling purr. “Nexu have excellent eyesight, and can even track prey by their body heat. The quills on the back of the neck are more defensive in nature, and if I were a hungry Mawvorr, I’d try to avoid a mouth-full of the things. Since many predators strike toward the back of the neck, I imagine such a defense works a great deal in the nexu’s favor.”

“Nexu are very agile, and light-weight for their size. It can make taking down larger prey quite difficult, as a nasty kick from more powerful animals could end in one unlucky nexu’s doom.” His large eyes finally shift away from Dune, and back toward the holo-recording. “I will continue to learn more as young Dune here grows, I’m certain. And perhaps in the meantime… I should practice my combat skills a bit more thoroughly. As much as I would prefer to avoid a fight altogether, I understand that I should still be ready for one. The life of a Jedi is, regrettably, not always a peaceful one.” Korrin blows out a sigh, a sound of both acceptance and disappointment. “Maybe one day, that will change.” He could hope, right?

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Korrin’s Journal: Entry Fifteen

Quiet as it was, there was still the whispering of the wind, and the distant chatter of Initiates who sat beneath the flowered groves just outside the temple. The snow had ceased falling, and the clouds had parted to reveal a vibrant sky. Korrin finds himself near the creek, as he so often does, gazing into bubbling depths with owlish eyes that reflect a gentle red hue. At his side is not his famous turtle, but rather, a more feline form, a creature of golden fur and pearly fangs. It's a nexu, coiled into the Nautolan's lap where it purred quietly amidst its deep slumber.

"This is Dune." Korrin's voice is soft, but the holo-recording picks it up without issue. The nexu cub doesn't stir, undoubtedly exhausted as it was. "Something happened on Voss, I was not present for it. An Enclave was attacked, though many of the details have yet to be shared with me. I spent the night in the medical bay, assisting Master Tam'a'ryth with several patients." He explains, and his eyes drift toward the sleeping predator, it's sides rising and falling with gentle breath.

"This one was rescued, and I asked to foster him. So... he is Dune, now. And he will be safe here, with me." No doubt, Korrin's reputation with his little turtle friend had proven that the Adept had an excellent relationship with nature, and its many animals. He smiles softly, lets his dark eyes flicker back toward the creek, glistening with quiet thought.

"Of course, I will keep Dune and Bubbles separate from one another." The Nautolan concludes, understanding that the nexu cub was still very much a wild animal, and with very specific dietary needs. "I should fashion some feathered toys. Dune should still learn how to hunt." Korrin decides with an amused upward twist of his lips. Bubbles would be kept safe, but there was no reason to deprive the nexu of natural habits. After all, much like the turtle, this animal was no pet. Korrin would ensure that all of its natural needs would be met.

"I hope that one day, Dune can be returned to his home in the wilds of Voss. Until that day, though, I will care for him as I have Bubbles." His gaze flickers across Dune once more, still slumbering the daylight away, tucked in the protective shadow of its Jedi friend. "Which means that I should take some time to visit the Archives. There's so much I'll need to research. I've never cared for a nexu before, but I am very excited to learn whatever Dune has to teach me." A silent glee ignites his rounded vision at the thought of research.

No doubt, this would be an enlightening experience.

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Kallia’s Journal; Entry Twenty

It had been quite some time since Kallia had dressed in such a way, draped in pale, glistening robes and protected by segmented plates of sturdy armor. At her side was not the lightsaber she had built with her own hands, but rather the weapon of a Temple Guard. Perhaps it was inevitable that she would nose her way back into the program, given her instinctively protective nature. For now, though, the robes are stained in blood, the armor scratched and battered, and as she pulls the hood and mask from her muscled frame, skin is marred by angry scars, the remnants of a gruesome battle.

“The Enclave on Voss was attacked.” Her voice cuts through the silence of the dimly lit room. She had been present in the fight against the Gormak nearly a week ago, and so this invasion had hardly been a surprise. The Sith Lord who consistently stood in the path of the Jedi on Voss had finally launched the violent finality of his vicious plan. Cybernetic beasts and Sith tainted the walls of the Enclave with blood and darkness, yet the Jedi endured, as was their purpose. The guard had stood stalwart and unyielding, despite the odds. In the end, the attack had been repelled, though not without loss.

“One of the attackers died in the battle, an accidental fatality when one of the Guards knocked her back against the stone. I won’t forget the sickening crunch of her skull any time soon, and I can’t help but wonder if death will ever get any easier to manage. It is always regrettable that some must die in the pursuit of peace.” Kallia frowns, though she’s hardly traumatized by the event. This was not her first fight, and this was not her first experience with death. Perhaps she had become hardened in her growth, or perhaps she simply understood that there was no point in dwelling on it.

“The remaining Sith were captured, including the Lord. Not before he fried most of us, though.” She peers down at her armor, battered as it was. Tam’a’ryth and Kera had healed the gruesome wounds caused by the electricity and rock debris, but the pain of it was still a raw memory, something that could not be forgotten so soon. Nonetheless, the padawan had always been a stubborn girl. She would not hesitate in the face of darkness, no matter the injury that facing such danger might cause. Her duty was clear. It left no room for cowardice. The force was the greatest ally that one could ask for, and the Jedi Code was a mantra that filled her spirit with strength.

She had grown, no longer the wild and daring young woman of her past. She was disciplined and experienced. Her optimism has persisted through her hardships and her training, but none could deny just how seriously Kallia took her duties as both a Jedi, and a Temple Guard.

“The Voss sentenced the Sith to death, but we’d be foolish to believe that the man had not survived. Throwing a trained Sith or Jedi off of a cliff is hardly an effective method of killing. The Voss are likely unaware of that.” The padawan draws out a sigh, though she does not allow any dreadful feelings to linger. No, she lets such emotions flutter away to fade into the surrounding force. “But the Jedi will remain vigilant. When next this Sith rears his head, we will be ready.” She decides in conclusion.

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Akadul has grown quite fond of the temple on Alderaan. He’s even made a few friends.