Crystal Kayne
Mist Government
Posts: 410 
Affiliation: Mist Government
Traffic Light: Orange
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Post by Crystal Kayne on Jun 3, 2022 0:29:29 GMT -8
As the Academy training facilities, along with all the other necessary rooms and areas that were distinctive to the Jedi or even those who sought guidance in the Force, were separated from the Residential area on where the Mist Order had decided to settle, Crystal was walking throughout here in order to head to the other side to take a shower and change back to her work clothes. Stopping on her tracks when she started to hear some voices that she had not hear yet, Crystal turned to look at the Academy's entrance hearing Saoirse's last statement as she was close enough for that.
"If it's Atlantis you speak of, then yes, he doesn't break his words unless something came up." Crystal spoke clearly, and in a friendly tone, she usually was one to be friendly despite what was going on with her, but today wasn't something she was inclined to talk about or let anything show to someone she had just met. Crystal had her hair tied up and a towel around her neck, still wearing her sportswear that consisted of tight fit leggings, tank top, while currently holding her combat gloves. Her knuckles were currently patched up a few places with bacta patches, but that wasn't unheard of, especially from her, to at least those that did know her.
Crystal had often been here and got to know some of the kids, and even teens that it probably, and might have been unnatural if she wasn't here often. Not because everyone here knew that she was with Atlantis, but also because everyone here knew that she usually trained in some hand to hand combat, and even assisted some of the Masters that were teaching if and when she wanted to. One thing remained constant nonetheless, to everyone here, except to those who of course knew, she wasn't attuned to the Force at all. She was just a human who also happened to be the Chief Financial Officer for the Mist Government, still, and just had some extensive knowledge in hand to hand combat thanks to her upbringing, or thanks to people who had kindly taught her along the way.
With a genuine smile, Crystal carried on her previous statement. "You must be Saoirse."
Last night back at the lakehouse...
"When is Lily coming back again?" Atlantis had asked her after he had deposited a plate in front of her. He was the one who insisted to cook that time, and Crystal wasn't going to contradict him at all.
"A few weeks, she said, she really wants to make sure that all the legislatures are harmonized throughout the whole planet. Your brother's decree. Crystal had answered him before looking closely at him, knowing, or at least feeling that something today might have happened. "Wanna tell me about your day, lover boy?" Purposely using the nickname that Lily had graciously nicked him by, and also because it was Lily, she always had nicknames for people she loved and appreciated, Crystal noticed that Atlantis had seemed appeased as he started telling her about his encounter with someone from the limmie University team in Umgul. Though he had also mentioned something about feeling anger at one point when he was talking to the Dean to cover the tuition.
In a way, it wasn't totally lost on Crystal at all, how some emotions fueled Saoirse up. Who better than she would know, as having the first experience with the Force, Crystal went through that day, only to be thankfully prevented that harmful use by Ayla and Mace...
"Please come in, the both of you, Atlantis is just finishing his class I believe." Crystal was about to turn to actually lead them to the gardens but she stopped from doing anything, as after all, she had not introduced herself at all. "My name is Crystal Kayne." She introduced herself, and whether they knew her or not, that depended on what interested the person back at the University, from time to time she did give some lectures as a guest there, while the local citizens might still remember her also from before due to several coverage that she was getting, now it wasn't as it was back then. Thankfully, and thanks to Lily and the injunctions she put in place for her and Atlantis.
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Atlantis Vyridian
The Mist Order
Posts: 702
Affiliation: The Mist Order
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Post by Atlantis Vyridian on Jun 3, 2022 2:35:47 GMT -8
Atlantis was just finishing one of his classes with the youngling, when he had felt that Saoirse had arrived along with someone else. Habitually he would have been the first one to greet them at the entrance of the Academy but right now he was just clearing out the obstacles that had been put in place for the kids by pushing a few buttons to either lower the terrain or lift it back up. In the middle were all the marbles scattered, Atlantis looked at them smiling. They were progressing there were no doubts there, and even if there were some imperfections, or some failures, the fact that they kept trying and not let that failure defeat them was good enough for him.
Ushering the kids out of the room after everything had been put back into place, Atlantis put the marbles back into a pouch and tied it to his belt, before grabbing his signature red long duster and putting that on. He could feel the excitement of some of the kids, because they knew that the limmie midfielder was coming here, and although they were a bit sad that they wouldn't be able to watch her play any longer, Atlantis had reassured them that perhaps she would play here with them.
The first one rushing out of the Academy area running with some others, Rikki, the Aqualish youngling, Uto, a Trandoshan were altogether, and then suddenly came to a halt upon noticing Crystal there. Smiling widely, because he loved the food she cooked here from time to time, Nick bowed respectfully. "Hello Miss Kayne, He could not help but to notice her knuckles though especially on that arm that was down. you really should be more careful, you have pretty hands." That was what Nick said before tilting his head on the side and noticing Saoirse there with someone else he had never met before. Walking up to them and looking up with a boyish childish grin, Nick looked at the boxes thoughtfully. "Do you need help? Turning at both of his friends that were with him, Nick introduced them in that innocent tone of his. These are Rikki and Uto, they didn't believe me yesterday when I told them that I got a hug from you!" Nick was beaming widely, as both Rikki and Uto welcomed them to the Mist Order Academy.
Atlantis had walked into the entrance hall shortly after the kids did, he noticed Nick's interaction with Crystal and he looked at her with an amused expression before walking towards her while the kids were welcoming both Saoirse and Mahela. Taking one of her hands into his, he looked at her knuckles, didn't say anything at all though but just rested his forehead against hers. "Hate to say this, but Nick is right, you know." He whispered softly before pulling his head back to peck her forehead lovingly as he closed his eyes. Usually Atlantis would have been the kind to offer to heal a person even if the wounds were superficial, but knowing Crystal, she refused, so he didn't even try. He just pulled his head back and looked at her with understanding, but also love and support. They have been together long enough to exactly know or at least understand one another without communication sometimes.
Knowing that this wasn't the place nor the time though, Atlantis stepped back and released Crystal's hand before turning his attention to both Saoirse, and her friend. "Welcome to the Mist Order," Atlantis mainly said to Saoirse's friend with a warm smile before looking at the Zabrak woman who looked like she definitely had the attention of some limmie fans. "They were excited, but also a bit sad that they would no longer be able to see you play. Though did tell them that perhaps when you all had some down time, you could play with them here." He looked at the boxes being carried by the Togruta and smiled warmly at her. "Please put those down, someone will be taking those to Saoirse's room once she has chosen it, and then you two can discover it together, and you can stay a while if you so wish."
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Post by Saoirse Beirne on Jun 3, 2022 4:08:32 GMT -8
When a human woman who appears to be in her late twenties materializes out of the mists and greets her and Mahela by confirming that Atlantis isn't the type to say he'll do something and then not do it, Saoirse leans over with a grin and tells Mahela sotto voce, "Told ya so, and then, when the woman, who looks like she just finished a workout, or judging by her hands, maybe a sparring match, says that she must be Saoirse, Saoirse smiles and confirms, Yes, ma'am, that's me," choosing to err on the side of formality since she isn't sure whether the woman is a teacher or maybe a Jedi that doesn't teach who lives at the academy.
Mahela, nodding her greeting since she has her hands full with the boxes she carries, smiles timidly as she introduces herself in a soft voice, "I'm Mahela, her roommate . . . well, technically former roommate now, so just a mover now."
Saoirse, rolling her eyes, says as much for Mahela's benefit as for the woman's so there is no mistaking that just because she is moving out of the dorms it doesn't mean that she intends on leaving her friend behind, "She's my bestie! No former about that part, she gives the Togruta, who rolls her eyes right back at her while smiling in a way that makes it clear that she appreciates the sentiment Saoirse expresses, a grin and shakes her head in mock exasperation as she teasingly adds, She can be a little on the dramatic side sometimes," then deftly dodges the playful kick Mahela sends her way.
Starting to head for the entrance again after the woman says it's okay for them to head in and explains Atlantis is finishing up with a class, both Saoirse and Mahela stop midstep as the woman pauses and introduces herself. Saoirse smiles as, recognizing the name from all the friendly teasing Atlantis found himself on the end of yesterday she says, "Ah, Atlantis' better half, friend of Lily, who works for the government like you, summing up what Atlantis had shared with her. Saoirse shrugs, explaining, Your name came up yesterday, and then says cheerily, Nice to meet you and put a name to the face! Nodding towards Crystal's combat gloves, Saoirse asks, Doing some sparring, or just hitting the bag? Since she doesn't really watch much local holonews, preferring instead to keep up with events on Coruscant when she has the time for things like holonews at all, Saoirse isn't familiar with Crystal's name outside of what Atlantis had shared, and so after Crystal replies to her first question she asks politely, So, what is it you do for the government, Miss Kayne?"
Before Crystal gets the chance to answer, however, Nick and two other younglings come rushing out of the academy, and Saoirse smiles as she watches the lil' guy speaking with Crystal for a moment before coming over to where she and Mahela are standing. Setting her duffle bag and backpack down, Saoirse squats down to be on Nick's level as, answering for both herself and Mahela, she tells him, "We've got it handled, lil' buddy, but thanks for the offer. Waving cheerfully to Rikki and Uto as Nick introduces them in his cute and innocent way, Saoirse then arches an eyebrow in playful incredulity when he goes on to say that his friends hadn't believed him when he said that he got a hug from her yesterday. They didn't, huh? Leaning over and giving Nick a hug, Saoirse grins as she says, Well, they can't doubt you got this one, huh? Releasing Nick, Saoirse joins Mahela in thanking Rikki and Uto for welcoming them and then, smiling as she tilts her head to the side and opens her arms, asks the Aqualish and the Trandoshan, You guys want hugs too?"
Mahela, a bit more on the quiet and introverted side than Saoirse, at least around those she does not know well, had made a point to watch her friend and the younglings to give Atlantis and Crystal their privacy when it became apparent they might need it. When Atlantis welcomes her and Saoirse to the academy, Mahela smiles timidly and, her head-tails swishing gently in mild agitation behind her back, says softly, "Oh, thank you, and then shakes her head when Atlantis tells her to put the boxes down, politely protesting, Oh, no, it's okay, I can . . ."
Saoirse, grinning as she takes the boxes from her friend and places them on the ground, chides her playfully, "Hey now, no arguing with my teacher. Squatting down again to be on the level of the younglings, Saoirse crosses her arms over her chest and narrows her eyes as she asks them, And what's this I hear about you worrying you might not be able to see me playing Limmie anymore, huh? I'm totally going to be playing with you guys every chance I get, promise! As Saoirse's love of the game is based on the sheer joy she gets from simply playing it rather than any need to compete or be recognized, the promise is an easy one for her to make. Looking over to Mahela after Atlantis asks if she wants to stay for a little while, Saoirse asks her, What do you think? Wanna hang around for a bit?"
Mahela, looking from Atlantis to Saoirse and then back to Atlantis, biting the corner of her lip as she tries to decide if the offer is being made out of politeness, and whether or not her presence might be distracting for her friend, and if staying would make things more comfortable for Saoirse since she would have a familiar face around while seeing more of her new home for the first time, ultimately takes the easy way out and turns to Saoirse to ask, "Whatever you think? I'm more than happy to stay, of course, but wouldn't wa. . ."
Putting her arm around Mahela's shoulders reassuringly, having known her long enough to recognize that she is going around in circles in her head and probably looking to have someone else make the call, Saoirse makes it and tells her cheerfully, "So, you're staying for a bit, good, it's settled! Looking over to Atlantis and Crystal, she asks, So, what's the first stop on our tour?"
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Crystal Kayne
Mist Government
Posts: 410
Affiliation: Mist Government
Traffic Light: Orange
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Post by Crystal Kayne on Jun 3, 2022 6:52:30 GMT -8
There was something about their relationship, their friendship, Saoirse's and Mahela's that got Crystal to pause and just look at them both with a smile. Crystal said nothing of it, nor added any commentaries in their back and forth, because Crystal knew that it wasn't her place at all. Plus, she had that as well, or partially in a way. Nevertheless, Crystal was thankful, and glad in a certain way to be a witness of their friendship. "It is clear as day indeed that you two are best friends." Crystal smiled, it was heartwarming, and so crazy at the same time how much she could see plenty of Elika's personality and Lily's in there mannerisms, and their way of expressing themselves. Unfortunately for Crystal however thinking about two of her friends, one that she had met here, and the other one that was currently on a business trip just somewhat downed her mood, not that it showed on her features, or perhaps it did, but she had only looked down briefly just closing her eyes in the process to recenter herself, and to just take a deep breath. At least she was still in contact with Lily, right? Which was more than she could say about Elika...
Thankfully for Crystal, it appeared that Saoirse at least knew about her, or at least a little bit, and she could not help but to smile at how she was referred to when it came to Atlantis, and even Lily had been mentioned. Crystal only got the time to incline her head as she heard footsteps, or just running feet behind her that got her to zero in onto Nickala with a warm smile. For someone so young, the little boy could be sweet, Crystal wondered if that had been Atlantis' influence. She only got to say hello to Nick, but also to Rikki, and Uto when Atlantis himself had walked in behind them. Crystal rested her forehead against his, closing her eyes in the process and squeezing his hand as a reply. "I'd tell you that you were biased, and that Nick could be a mini version of you." Had been Crystal's reply in a soft whisper before pulling her head back just to look into his eyes, and smiling just knowing exactly what he was thinking right then and there.
While a big part of her felt so much guilt because she knew that maybe she could never get pregnant because of her family, Crystal knew that she couldn't really dwell on that fact, even if as far as she could remember, she had always wanted to be a mom. Perhaps her being here was a nice substitution of that, but she knew that it was all a mirage to her. Momentarily lost in her thoughts, and perhaps stopping to pay attention entirely to the ongoings around her, Crystal was only brought out of her reverie by Saoirse's cheerful statements. "Definitely stay, this place hardly get any other visitors except for some of the locals." Crystal hope she could put Mahela at ease, and she personally knew all far too well how it felt like a person didn't belong. Crystal knew that Atlantis didn't want anyone to feel that way, nor was he the kind to say words he never meant. Though remembering what Saoirse had asked her, and even how she called her, Crystal looked at her as much as she also looked at Mahela to include her.
"First, please call me by my name, and to answer your question. I am the Chief Financial Offer for the government. And Lily whom you know thanks to this guy." She nodded playfully and jokingly towards Atlantis with an amused smirk. "Would be the Attorney General of Umgul." Placing a hand on Atlantis' bicep and looking at him. "You go ahead, and give them the tour, I have to take a shower and get changed, I have a meeting this afternoon with the Vice-Governor." Crystal informed him, of course, she purposely had not said that it was Atlantis' brother, nor was she the kind to just put everything on the spot, but Atlantis would know and that was all that mattered. She soon turned her attention to both Saoirse and Mahela and inclined her head. "Enjoy the tour, the both of you. Maybe if I have enough time, I'll join you again so you can share your impressions both."
Turning on her heels and kissing Atlantis' cheek before departing, Crystal continued her way to the residential area towards Atlantis' private quarters in this Academy to freshen up and just overall shower her thoughts away.
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Atlantis Vyridian
The Mist Order
Posts: 702
Affiliation: The Mist Order
Traffic Light: Orange
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Post by Atlantis Vyridian on Jun 3, 2022 10:06:42 GMT -8
Critically looking at the boxes it seemed just like the bags Saoirse had put down, he still had that dubious look on his face while he asked"You suuuuuure?" Though didn't say anything further when it looked like he was going to get a hug again, and when Saoirse gave him another one, he happily returned the hug and smiled widely before stepping back and beamed gleefully to his friends before he nodded his head as if to tell them that they should because Saoirse was cool
Missing the cue entirely for being distracted by the Togruta who he was looking up to while Uto had been the one to go for a hug, Rikki just said in awe "You are so pretty..." Rikki, out of the three who could and was the one easily distracted, especially when he saw something for the first time, or because he could sometimes have a short attention span, had completely missed the hug cue, and only when he noticed Uto in Saoirse's arms did he look somewhat like a bantha standing there lost, completely lost.
"C'mon Rikki! This is our favorite player!" He encouraged his friend who was out of the three younglings present here the more impulsive, and highly excitable one, constantly needing to be doing something, or just finding things that were lost, or just misplaced by some of his friends. "Guess what, she will play Limmie with us too, it is going to be so much fun!"
Under his watchful eye, Atlantis looked at the three younglings who definitely seemed overjoyed, and he also had to admit in a way, he guessed, that Nick probably could indeed be a mini him, as Crystal put it. It was a no brainer again that those kids still had a lot to learn but at the same time he was glad that he was in the position to allow them to also still be kids, and not just get them to only and always focus on the teachings on the ways of the Force. As he looked at the exchanges occurring right before his eyes, it seemed to him that Mahela seemed somewhat shy, and even just introverted by nature. Not wanting to embarrass her, or just draw too much attention on her, at least, Atlantis didn't keep his gaze too long on her, and just looked at Saoirse with a knowing expression before inclining his head slightly to let her know, hopefully, that he was glad she was putting her friend at ease.
He also was glad for Crystal's words in reassuring Mahela, at least he hoped she'd take it as such. What he did love about Crystal was that she could and would put people at ease, and she would always answer questions asked in her direction without even sounding pompous or just belittling especially when it came to her job's description. While perhaps a while ago a lot, with that information, would suddenly become intimidated, mostly because they would happen to meet her when she was in her work environment, Atlantis guessed, today the fact that both Saoirse and Mahela met here in an neutral, maybe in this case laid-back environment wouldn't put them off by Crystal's stature or position within the Government, which was definitely one of the top, just like Ljiljana's.
"Okay," Atlantis smiled looking at Crystal and inclined his head knowingly and closing his eyes briefly as he got a kiss from her, Atlantis could not help at all but to smile at her departing figure before snapping out of it, and looking back at the people before him. "Guys, you want to come with us, or you had plans?" He asked the younglings who all except Nick mentioned that they had to go to the farmers fields because apparently one of their vaporators had broken down, and they wanted to see how it was being repaired. Uto and Rikki both smiled at Mahela and Saoirse though Rikki lingered a bit longer before following suite.
"C'mon Nick, jump up." Nick smiling and looking up at the Headmaster, leaned back slightly and sprinted briefly in his direction to jump as high as he could, using the Force in his momentum, and Atlantis just positioned himself beneath him, barely crouching, catching both of his legs on each side of his shoulders and looking up at Nick. "Comfortable?" Getting a nod from Nick, Atlantis made sure he was secure on his shoulders, and looked at both of their visitors, well one was a visitor, and the other one was the student. "You heard your idol, Nick, where to first, what you think?"
From his vantage point, Nick could clearly critically look at the Academy's entrance, and looked around turning his head while holding onto Atlantis' "I think, we should start with the Academy, and keep the Residential area for last." Smiling, and since he was now more or less at the same height, if not higher, as Saoirse and Mahela, Nick smiled once more and tilted his head on the side "Maybe I should ask you what you would like to see first?"
Atlantis never really had any apprehension when it came to treating the kids as equals, and it was never favoritism at all, as depending on the youngling Atlantis always got them to be as natural with him. "Nick will be your tour guide today, I believe you already are in possession of the Academy's map, when your biometrics were finalized yesterday, you were sent a package with some of the information you might require via holonet. So if you want to open that up, so you can see what would interest you first, Nick here will be happy to lead you there." Well it wasn't per se Nick who was going to do the walking, but since Atlantis had tagged him as the tour guide, that was the best descrip he could have given.
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Post by Saoirse Beirne on Jun 3, 2022 13:56:01 GMT -8
Saoirse smiles happily when Crystal says that her and Mahela's friendship is obvious for anyone to see, bumping Mahela, who looks pleased as well by Crystal's comment, playfully with her hip. Saoirse and Mahela had met in their freshman year when they were in the same intro to Psych class, which Soairse had struggled with until Mahela, more on the cerebral side than Saoirse, who has always found subjects other than those related to cybersecurity difficult, started studying with her. Neither she nor Mahlea got along particularly well with the roommates they were placed with, and so they requested to be assigned a room together in their sophomore year as their studying together had led to a lasting friendship.
Mahela shrugs in surrender when Crystal adds her weight to the idea of her staying with Saoirse for at least the tour of the academy, giving Crystal a grateful smile as, clearly feeling a bit less out of place given how welcoming everyone has been, she jokes, "It sounds like I don't really have much of a choice, but thank you. Squatting down after Rikki gives her a compliment, Mahela smiles as she tells him, Why thank you, Rikki. You are very sweet."
Saoirse, glad to see that Mahela is more comfortable, which is obvious to her since her friend's head-tails are no longer showing the subtle signs of agitation they had earlier, gives Crystal a thankful smile of her own, and listens as Crystal explains what she and her friend Lily each do for the government after insisting they call her by her name. Looking over at Atlantis after Crystal has explained what she and her friend do, Saoirse teases him, "Wow, talk about friends in high places, huh? As impressive as Crystal and Lily's positions are, it is obvious from Saoirse's demeanor that she is not one to be intimidated by the idea of finding herself in the company of individuals of a higher social strata than she is in or comes from. Playing Limmie has brought her into contact with beings from all walks of life, and Saoirse has found that most, with a few exceptions would rather be treated just like anyone else rather than as objects of veneration far removed from everyone else. Crystal seems, like Atlantis, to be approachable and unconcerned with social station, and so Saoirse simply treats her with the same respect and courtesy she extends to anyone she meets, without concerning herself overly with Crystal's position. Waving when Crystal heads off to clean up and get changed after working out, Saoirse cheerily says, It was nice meeting ya! Maybe we'll see you around later."
Mahela, waving along with Saoirse, smiles and adds, "Thank you for the welcome. Looking over to Atlantis once Crystal has gone, she tells him, She is very nice, and you two make a lovely couple."
Nodding to agree with her friend, Saoirse grins as she tells Atlantis, "You two are pretty cute together, yep. Saoirse smiles as she watches Nick hop up onto Atlatis' shoulders, finding it endearing how Atlantis almost seems more like Nick's father than his teacher at times. Saoirse shakes her head when Atlantis suggests that she check out the stuff on the holobet she was sent to see where she might want to go first, winking at Atlantis before she tells Nick cheerily, Hey, you're the tour guide, buddy, so you are totally in charge of the itinerary. Where are ya gonna take us first?" Saoirse isn't overly concerned with what order she sees things in, and thinks Nick might enjoy being the one to take charge of the tour.
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Atlantis Vyridian
The Mist Order
Posts: 702
Affiliation: The Mist Order
Traffic Light: Orange
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Post by Atlantis Vyridian on Jun 3, 2022 16:54:43 GMT -8
"And you haven't even heard the last of it..." Was what Atlantis had replied back to her teasing about his friends in high places. What he had grasped, and what he definitely could tell was that Saoirse had not taken any interests yet into Umgul's politics as a whole. Which was great to be perfectly honest, if she was unconcerned with it, either because she wasn't interested or because she never felt the need to look into things while being in Umgul, then perfect, Atlantis took that as them, in general, the population currently in Umgul, being fine with everything going on planet wise. He wondered how she would react if she actually found out that the Vice-Governor was his very own identical twin who he had mentioned to her yesterday when they talked about his first experience with the Force. However Atlantis just put the Andros matter aside, because him, well she could definitely wait before meeting him. He wasn't entirely the friendliest, at first appearance, kind. Atlantis and Andros were at the opposite on the personality spectrum when people would compare them, and while that might have been true, Atlantis just knew that his brother beneath that hardened exterior and constant glare always had people's best interests at heart.
Smiling at both Mahela's and Saoirse's compliment about his couple, Atlantis nodded as a thanks and even repeated those words from yesterday. "My better half..." He had that trademark smile of his and while it was how he felt, he knew that Crystal would say something about it, or even contest it. The fact was, they both communicated, and the both knew where they stood, there never was any misinterpretations, nor was there any miscommunications. Crystal knew that he sometimes could be vague on certain things, but throughout the years, she understood that there were things that he wasn't comfortable sharing when it wasn't his story to tell at all. He also understood the same thing about her, and that was just how it worked, and also how they made it work.
Arching his eyebrow soon after Saoirse's wink, Atlantis had that amused look and patted Nick's leg gently. "You heard her, Nickala, you are totally the man of the situation." Atlantis said encouragingly to take the reigns of the situation, and Atlantis would follow, or at least he'd walk where Nick wished to go.
Sitting up straighter on his Master's shoulder, Nick smiled happily when the grown-ups actually let him decide the itinerary. "The Academic and Training Building!" He declared with a chuckle as they began the walk towards that direction.
While his Master walked in that direction, Nick had pointed to a door that would lead to an indoor gardens, the Mists were also inside but he had explained that they could be dissipated if needed just like every other training rooms in the building. Nick even went as far as explaining why the mists were ventilated inside, it was because some of the Masters had throughout the years incorporated the mists and could even use them to track people if necessary. Apparently Nick had heard that rumor that happened a while ago, when Master Vos defined the contours of a silhouette with electricity in the mists because Master Vyridian could see the silhouette of the person they were tracking through it.
Atlantis was just listening and said nothing of it as he could tell that Nick was so much into the tour and give commentaries about the different areas of this building but he had no doubt that potentially Saoirse, and even Mahela might have been confused about that little story that involved him and Mace.
Nick had pointed out that there were three floors, and on the first floor people could find the administrators here, but also mostly that was were all the classes happened, again talking about the class that happened yesterday that was talked about by some of the older students, when the Masters mind melded and destroyed so many droids, that now some of the spare parts that had been salvaged were going to the farmers to repair the vaporator.
The tour continued and at some point Nick got off Atlantis' shoulders and walked on his own just leading the way whether to the second floor or even the third floor of the Academic building and on the Third Floor Nick had mentioned that was where all the Councilors of the Order usually gathered, and there were only four Councilors, he mentioned Master Franz Delgrave who was away with some of the older students for training up in the mountain to prepare them for their future first trials in finding a crystal they would use for their lightsaber.
The tour continued with the Residential area this time, and again Nick was more than happy to give the necessary description on how this place felt comfortable, and how all of the students felt like a community and together, but of course sometimes some arguments would happen and either it was one of the Masters stepping in, or one of the administrators. He did say that a lot of the students here usually tended to resolve the issue between themselves because it was what they were supposed to do. The other thing that at least all of them agreed on was the good food they could have here, and they enjoyed it more when Miss Crystal cooked for them sometimes as well.
Then finally, last but not least, Nick stopped where they slept at night, and looked at Saoirse telling her that this area were private rooms for a singular person and the console by the doors if the light was green, it meant that it was unoccupied, and she could make any of the unoccupied single room hers the moment she puts her thumb on the console to key in her biometrics.
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Post by Saoirse Beirne on Jun 7, 2022 20:31:34 GMT -8
Before they had headed outside, when Atlantis had explained a little more about how some of the teachers have been able to utilize the mists on Umgul, Saoirse had felt something click mentally, the information meshing finally in a way that seems to make sense, and she grins as she says, "Ah, I get it! I think. They've learned to use the mists to kinda enhance some of the things they do with the Force, especially ones they do really well already?"
Waving to Crystal, who was going to leave for her meeting, Saoirse smiles and tells her, "Thanks! Enjoy your meeting, and may the Force be with you too!"
After Atlantis has put on his jacket, and suggested they walk around the grounds to talk about her training, a prospect that excited her quite a bit, Saoirse follows along beside Atlantis, grinning as she says, "I like that coat! How come you wear your lightsabers on your wrists, and not out in the open? Saoirse assumes it is because, for whatever reason, Atlantis doesn't want it to be obvious that he is a Jedi, but figures she should ask in case that is wrong. Guessing from the way that Atlantis had spoken about how they would be approaching her training that a part of what he will want to talk about is her dyslexia, Saoirse says, You don't have to worry too much about, you know, the dyslexia thing. I mean, my teachers at the university don't even know I have it, and so haven't had to change how they teach. Shrugging, she explains, I mean, really, it's my problem to manage, so I think you shouldn't have to teach me any differently that you would any other learner. I take a bit longer to read, and might ask for some help making sense of it sometimes, but that's about it, really." Saoirse has struggled from time to time academically, and save for the subjects that interest her the most, has never been more than an average performer in terms of grades, but has learned several ways to cope with both her dyslexia and her ADHD, which she guesses she should also make Atlantis aware of at some point. Usually, Saoirse has found, the more interested she is in a subject, the easier it is for her concentrate on studying for it, and she imagines that she will find most of her studies here at the academy interesting enough that concentrating on them and having the patience to utilize the sometimes time consuming learning strategies she has acquired over her years of attending school, natural. Saoirse also figures that, with some of her training being physical in nature, it will give her an outlet, much like her playing bolo-ball and her exercise routines had, for the restless energy she often has due to her ADHD.
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Atlantis Vyridian
The Mist Order
Posts: 702
Affiliation: The Mist Order
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Post by Atlantis Vyridian on Jun 7, 2022 23:30:12 GMT -8
Smiling at the compliment of his coat, he did come to like it and he guessed that it definitely became part of him. Her question about his lightsabers location actually made him think further. That also became a habit overtime, and also a way for him to draw quickly he supposed, also other different reasons, which he hoped he could explain clearly, which was why when he answered he just had that faint smile. "It's not because I don't want those to be in the open, but because back then, when I was CorSec, my utility belt consisted of multitools, a few bacta patches, and some throwing knives." That was the first part, and honestly in a way he didn't like clutter. "Then in a way, I knew I had to find a way to, in case, draw quickly if the situation arose. My brother was the one who came up with the solution." Lifting his right arm summoning the lightsaber hilt to his hand, Atlantis activated his blue hued lightsaber away from them both.
Retracting the blade again, he returned the hilt to the holder on his wrist and inclined his head. "As far as I know, my brother and I are the ones carrying our lightsabers this way, at least on this planet." He informed her, and he also guessed that he potentially made her aware that his brother was also planetside, but again it would sometimes be out of the blue in seeing Andros here. Atlantis knew though that Andros had stored his lightsabers here in the Academy's vaults, and only kept one, and even so, not much of use from that one in the open.
That wasn't important, at least Atlantis knew that it wouldn't be of any interests to Saoirse right now since they were both discussing her teachings. "I understand, how you feel that indeed it's your problem to manage, but as an instructor, and your teacher, it is also my problem, and as such, I have to make sure to facilitate your access to the knowledge." He meant those words, and he had to adapt things certain ways depending on the students, or whomever wanted to learn. He knew that she took longer reading, and perhaps would even have a hard time to understand. Yesterday, Mace had mentioned that Saoirse start some reading in the library. Since those archives were all datas, well that was easy enough, he guessed.
Grabbing his portable datapad, Atlantis started typing on it to send a command about any texts in the library having the option that it would automatically be read out loud if the user wished it. Atlantis also figured that he'd put a notice there to advise the person to use earphones to not distract others that might be in the same location. Getting the confirmation that it definitely could be done and it was in the process of it being done, Atlantis stored his datapad again and smiled. "Reading won't be a problem, you'll have an automatic function that whatever interests you in the library be read to you, if you want." He explained what he was doing just now, and kept on walking wondering how he should and could approach this, he supposed there was no easy way.
"Do you want to tell me about last night, as well?" Atlantis asked softly showing no reproach or anything at all. He was just there with open ears, at least he hoped she'd see it as such, and that she'd also know he wouldn't past any judgment. "After we went our separate ways, I was still with the dean when I felt anger coming from you but it came quickly then slowly ebbed away..."
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Post by Saoirse Beirne on Jun 8, 2022 1:32:10 GMT -8
Saoirse grins when Atlantis explains that he holsters his lightsabers on his wrists out of habit from when he was in Corsec so that he could call them into his hands more quickly, "Cool! Quick draw Vyridian, huh? she laughs, reaching up to pluck a purple jogan fruit from a low hanging branch and juggling it from hand to hand as she asks, Your brother is here on Umgul too? Does he teach at the academy?" Saoirse remembers Atlantis mentioning a brother when he told her of how they both had learned of their Force affinity when they were younger and still on Coruscant, but as he hadn't mentioned him again until now, had assumed the brother was still on Coruscant.
Grinning happily when Atlantis explains that he has arranged for her to be able to have any materials from the academy library read aloud to her, Saoirise says excitedly, "That's great! I have a program on my datapad that reads things I download onto it out loud for me, which helps a lot, but being able to skip either downloading things or manually typing them in will save me loads of time!" Having to read things normally takes Saoirse much longer, as she has to use a piece of paper or whatever she has handy to cover up large blocks of text so she can uncover small sections at a time, and being able to hear whatever she wants to read in the library will make studying easier. Since pacing or tapping or moving while she listens usually helps her focus and stay on task, listening to readings aloud will also enable her to do those things and help her to better comprehend and retain what she hears.
"Right, Saoirse says with a somewhat forced smile when Atlantis asks if she wants to talk about what had happened to her last night since he had felt her temper flare up when Ginevra had been teasing her and Mahela more maliciously than usual, I meant to ask you about something that happened. Tossing the jogan fruit up and down as she tries to think of how to ask her question, and how much to tell Atlantis about what had happened and why, Saoirse also finds it strange to think that Atlantis could be so aware of her moods. Maybe, she thinks as she sighs and takes a bite out of the jogan fruit and chews it slowly, it is only something that happens when her emotions are particularly strong, and Saoirse figures she can ask about it after they've talked about what happened. Okay, Saoirse begins after chewing the bite of the jogan, so this chick from my dorm is a total bi . . . pain, right? She just . . . aggravates me, sooo much, whenever she can, you know? Pushes my buttons, since she has, unfortunately, learned what they are. So, she's doing her thing, entertaining herself by pushing me like she always does, right? Now, she holds up a hand and sighs, wanting to explain that she is not typically prone to anger, I can usually ignore her, but last night, she shakes her head, well, I guess it was just all building up, and, she mimes an explosion with her hands, complete with sound effects, BOOM! My temper goes right into the red, right? Anyway, and this is what I wanted to ask you about, I think I was thinking about slamming the door in her face, you know? And, she swings her hand out as she had done the night before, without even trying I telekinetically slam the door shut, hard, she says the last word emphatically to covey it was not a gentle slam, but a strong Force push that had violently closed the door. Before, I mean, you saw me, I could barely move a bolo-ball, but, she shrugs, a confused look on her face, it happened so easily, with the door. I could have really hurt her, you know, if the door hadn't been in the way? Saoirse says worriedly, remembering what Atlantis said about learners being taught to safely use their powers. Was it easier because I was pissed off? Right after the thing with the door, I tried to telekinetically bring a bolo-ball to me, and, she makes a whooshing noise, that thing flew towards me! But, she shrugs again, today, when I tried to move the bolo-ball, it was just like before, I could make it move an inch or two, slowly, but nothing else. And when I did that thing where I feel the Force around me, after the thing with the door and the ball happened, it wasn't like it was when I first did it with you helping me. It was all . . . jangling and shivery, just wild, you know? What's up with that?" From what Atlantis had told her when they first met, using the Force requires will and focus, but when Ginevra had pushed Saoirse into the red, she sure wasn't focused, and so, taking another bite of the jogan fruit, she looks at Atlantis with a curious expression as she waits for his answer.
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Atlantis Vyridian
The Mist Order
Posts: 702
Affiliation: The Mist Order
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Post by Atlantis Vyridian on Jun 8, 2022 4:01:05 GMT -8
"No," Shaking his head when asked if his brother taught at the Academy, Atlantis didn't give just yet the reasons why, but he did not hesitate to add. "He doesn't teach at all, because he is busy with government work." At least that was one of the reasons, and a good one. Telling Saoirse exactly why Andros didn't teach wasn't his entire story to tell. It all came down to the point that Andros' alignment in the Force wasn't the lighter kind. "When you said earlier that I had friends in high places, well..." Scratching his nose and chuckling, Atlantis who had told her also as a reply earlier that she had not heard the last of it, he supposed that this was a good time as any. It was public knowledge anyways. "Crystal mentioned she had a meeting with the Vice-Governor, the Vice-Governor is my brother himself." That revelation at least out of the way, Atlantis could focus on other much more important things.
One of those things was her, and the reason why she had been angry yesterday.
Attentively listening to the recount of yesterday's happenings, on why it got her anger to rise, Atlantis pondered for a moment in silence. He let her speak without any interruption, and also heard her question. He knew that he would get to her answer at some point. But first things first, he nodded in understanding where she was coming from, and considering that now that he had also met Mahela, he was certain that Saoirse's friend was present when all of that happened yesterday. "You have bottled up your feelings until yesterday it had been too much, so it exploded." He summarized in a way but also had that tone that said he knew exactly what she went through and why it got that bad. "Can you share with me, why that pain," Using the description that Saoirse used instead of her original one, not that he cared at all, as again he had heard worst, definitely, and he could from time to time use expletives though didn't due to the fact that mostly he was with kids. "Ruffled you more, or why actually?"
He hoped that she understood by his question there, if she didn't want to share with him at all, she was under no obligation to do so, and therefore he just carried on and addressed her question to him. "The living Force is all around us, and every Force users can access that. Emotions are a big and powerful tool." Looking right before him with a peaceful expression in front of him, Atlantis took a deep breath and just closed his eyes briefly. "Lightsiders, and darksiders alike do mention emotions. It is present in the Jedi code, and it is also present in the Sith code. Anger is a powerful motivator in using the Force, I won't deny that, I have seen first hand on how it could shape a person." Atlantis told her as he opened his eyes and looked at her with a slight frown. "It's not a path I'd advise anyone to take, as ultimately it'll lead you to suffering, with all the negativity you will feel. So last night when your anger got the best of you, and when you had expanded your awareness to the Force, it'll feel cold, and I do not wish nor want for you, to think that because it seemed like you could use the Force easier when you felt that way, to experience that once more." Atlantis hoped that she felt he wasn't judging her at all, and that he was just advising her. "I can teach you to manipulate the Force without tapping into those negative feelings if you definitely allow me to do so." He told and asked her with a faint smile.
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Post by Saoirse Beirne on Jun 8, 2022 8:05:52 GMT -8
"Wow, really? Saoirse asks when Atlantis reveals that his brother is actually the Vice-Governor that Crystal will be meeting with. Atlantis had told her that Jedi often work with the government or other agencies like law enforcement, but she hadn't thought that Jedi would actually serve in those departments as well, prompting her to ask, So, do Jedi do that a lot? Work in the government?"
After Atlantis moves on, or back to the subject of the previous night's incident in her dorm, Saoirse nods in agreement when Atlantis sums up how it was that she had lost her temper last night, his assessment that she had probably been bottling up her feelings for awhile an accurate one given that she, as Mahela had always been telling her, usually did her best to just ignore Ginevra. Without having found a way to release that anger, Saoirse guesses that blowing up was pretty much inevitable since Ginevra showed no signs of stopping her campaign to ridicule Mahela as often and as publicly as she was able. Saoirse has suggested more than once that she and Mahela bring the matter to the attention of their resident advisor or someone else in administration, but Mahela, assuming, incorrectly so far, that Ginevra would eventually get bored with the ridicule if she wasn't getting any reaction, has so far insisted that they just let things go. That thought makes Saoirse feel guilty, since her losing her temper was probably exactly what Ginevra was going for, and will most likely mean she doesn't lay off anytime soon. Atlantis moves on after asking if she could expand on what it was exactly that got her so riled up, so Saoirse tables her answer for now, not really sure it is her place to go into much more detail than she has, and wanting to consider that question a bit before deciding what to share with him.
Finishing the last of the jogan fruit as Atlantis explains how it was her anger allowed her to more easily use the Force, Saoirse pockets the core of the fruit while she loses a bit of color in her face when he mentions darksiders in the course of his explanation, especially when he goes on to explain that relying on anger to utilize the Force can shape the one doing so, and how that leads to suffering. The thought is a sobering one, and Saoirse can see what he means, to an extent, as she can't imagine it would be emotionally healthy or fulfilling in any way to have to constantly get oneself into the mindset needed to have their anger always stoked up so it could be used to manipulate the Force, no matter how strong that could make oneself.
Pursing her lips in thought, Saoirse doesn't respond right away once Atlantis has finished speaking, instead doing her best to sort through her thoughts and her memories of how she had felt the night before after her temper flared up. After the shock of so easily doing something that had been difficult before, Saoirse remembers feeling concerned that she could have easily hurt Ginevra, and how unsettling it was to feel that the Force around her was different than it had been earlier. The raw, wild feeling had been frightening, but Saoirse also remembers thinking that it felt powerful, and that if she were able to tap into it, she might have access to that power. She also felt, however, like accessing that power would be dangerous, which had prompted Saoirse to tell Atlantis about what had happened and how she had felt, and after hearing his explanation she is glad that she did. Nodding once she has collected her thoughts, Saoirse says without her usual glib tone, the topic one she clearly takes seriously "I think I'd rather learn to use the Force without those negative feelings, for sure. I didn't like how I felt after losing control of my temper, she explains, and definitely wouldn't want to try to access that anger on a regular basis, even if it did make using the Force easier."
Remembering Atlantis' question about what had set her off, and having decided to explain as much as she thinks is her place to tell him, given that some of what was involved is Mahela's story to tell, Saoirse says, "As for what set me off, the girl that I was talking about? She found something out about Mahela, and ever since has been using that to embarrass and ridicule her every chance she gets. Mahela just ignores her, and tells me to do that too, but, like you said, I could only do that for so long, and . . . well, like you also said, it exploded. Which is exactly what the chick was going for, since ever since she figured out that Mahela wasn't going to react, she started focusing on me, or at least making sure I was around when she went after Mahela, you know? I mean, don't get me wrong, Mahela doesn't need me to defend her or anything, she can take care of herself. It isn't that, it's just . . . I hate that she has to put up with it all, you know? Hate that she has to deal with it. Recalling something else about what had happened, Saoirse explains, And, you know, what really set me off was that, as this girl was pushing my buttons, I remember wondering why she is the way she is, you know? Why she's so . . . mean-spirited and set on trying to make Mahela uncomfortable and to tick me off just for being Mahela's friend? And, like with the door, I just found myself reading her mind even though I probably wouldn't have been able to if I wasn't so angry, Saoirse crosses her arms over her chest as though hugging herself as she remembers the ugliness, intolerance, prejudice and hatred she had found in Ginevra's thoughts, and it was just so . . . vile and ugly, and I knew what she was thinking of saying next and didn't want Mahela to have to hear it, so just lost my temper, you know? Shaking her head, as though to cast out the memory of what she had felt in Ginevra's mind, Saoirse says, I know that's kind of vague, but the thing that the girl found out? I think it is kind of Mahela's place to tell you about that, if that makes sense?" Saoirse doesn't think Mahela would mind that she told Atlantis, but respects her friend's privacy enough that she would rather be sure, and from things Atlantis has said she has the impression that he will completely understand that she wants to be mindful of Mahela's privacy.
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Atlantis Vyridian
The Mist Order
Posts: 702
Affiliation: The Mist Order
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Post by Atlantis Vyridian on Jun 8, 2022 10:42:11 GMT -8
Attentively listening to what she was telling him, Atlantis had decided, for now, to put the Jedi job in a government aside. It was far more complicated than that, and he figured he'd put a pause and table that discussion for later. Right now he was more focused on what she was sharing with him, two things he knew, and understood all too well. One, Saoirse was open to him teaching her the way of the Force, the Jedi way, and two, she was also overly protective of her friend. "It is not vague at all." He reassured her with a faint smile before adding on softly. "I would be a hypocrite if I told you that it did not make sense at all, but I understand." Chuckling softly, hoping that at least his demeanor right now would reassure her. "I know better than anyone to share or not to share when it is not my story to tell."
It was true, Atlantis always kept information to himself, especially when it wasn't about him and didn't really share them fully. He usually always found a way to satiate a person's curiosity, although that depended on the situation too. For now though, he certainly was glad at least that Mahela had the chance, and choice to spend some time here at the Academy if it was getting too much at her dormitory. "Yes, Mahela can take care of herself, I do not doubt that, but as her friend, a close friend of hers, even the best one, it's only natural to come in her defense." It was how he saw it, or that was how he interpreted it, plus like he had said it was only natural. "Unfortunately though, a few people, like that girl will exploit that. I won't tell you that you have to disregard it, and just walk away, because that is easier said than done. But what I can tell you is that, whatever vile and ugly things you have read from her mind about Mahela, is that probably the reason she is that way is because she is displacing her own issues. People aren't born good or bad, so whatever is happening in her personal life probably has a big factor on why she is the way she is."
Atlantis figured she'd know that, but sometimes he knew, again from experience, that it was best to say to things out loud. Yes granted, he wasn't in that situation yesterday, and she was definitely, but that aside, he figured at least he'd give her some pointers, hopefully. "You saw Crystal this morning, and I am sure that you have noticed her knuckles." Atlantis wasn't going to say the reason why Crystal punched the bag to the point of her bleeding, but at least he could say this. "To vent, she punches the bag, a lot, and unfortunately there isn't anything I can do to put her at ease, I know that, and she knows it as well. So that is how she handles things." Smiling slightly at the thought, as it was true because well it all came down that both of them were affected by the same thing, Elika's leaving. "So maybe you can start punching bags, or we can play limmie, whichever you'd prefer."
Atlantis was just trying to help her find a way to vent but she'd probably find it herself, whether by talking or just doing something about it. He trusted her to do what was right by her. Not forgetting her first question though, he looked back at her. "About Jedi doing that a lot, working for the government, no, not at all." Well for one, it was nice that Saoirse thought that Andros was a Jedi, but knowing his brother, he'd be the first one to either sneer, and glare, and just curtly say that he was no Jedi, but again not Atlantis' story to tell, but what he could tell her was. "When we first arrived in Umgul, there was a problem, the raceways were run by a particular family that answered to, it turned out, well loose relatives of my brother and I." Atlantis could still remember those encounters, and since at the time Andros didn't want any repercussions to the population at large, well they had gone through back channels so to speak. "Andros and I contacted our uncle, who well, how can I put this, followed the Potentium way. Meaning he just saw the Force, and didn't make any division between light or dark. That matter aside, because we were trying to fix a situation and avoid a takeover by my uncle of the planet. Andros for the common good, offered himself to Vice-Governor with the Senator back then to put some brakes on our uncle's action." Sighing softly and remembering those encounters he had back at City Hall and the talks he had with Cygnus Tarkin, his uncle, Atlantis wished it happened all differently but it did not, and at the time, it was that, or perhaps chaos. "Any other day, if I weren't asked to create the Mist Order already, I would have probably stopped Andros from suggesting that course of action." He admitted softly, as to what had happened next, well a lot of things actually, and that was public knowledge at least. But up till now, Andros still was the Vice-Governor because well the man felt that it was his duty to the citizens of Umgul...
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Post by Saoirse Beirne on Jun 8, 2022 21:04:02 GMT -8
Saorise smiles a bit when Atlantis says that he hadn't found her explanation of what had happened the previous evening vague, and that he not only understands where she is coming from, but also knows what it is to let others tell their stories when that's the appropriate approach to certain situations. Frowning a bit, in thought rather than disagreement with what Atlantis is saying when he points out that Ginevra's issues with Mahela probably have more to do with displacement, Saoirse nods with a grin when he concludes by saying that she could learn to punch bags, like Crystal does to vent, or play bolo-ball. "Well, maybe since I'll be learning hand to hand stuff soon, you can show me how to hit the bags? I can pretend it's the chick's face, she adds with a chuckle, then lifts her hands, explaining, I'm kidding. Mostly. That probably wouldn't be the healthiest way to vent. Like you said, she probably has her own issues and stuff to deal with." Venting one's frustrations, Saoirse thinks, is one thing, while dwelling on what you're venting seems like defeating the purpose; you can't vent what you are holding on to.
Listening to Atlantis explain that being in the government is not typical for Jedi, and then detailing how and why his brother had wound up doing so, Saoirse wonders why Andros has stuck it out so long rather than finding someone to hand the job over to, but guesses that he has his reasons for not doing so and decides not to ask Atlantis about it. What Atlantis says about the Potentium way sounds a bit odd, as it seems to her like there is a pretty clear division between the dark and light sides of the Force, but since Saoirse figures she'll have enough on her plate with learning about the Jedi approach, decides not to clutter her head with any other philosophies for now. Since Atlantis is arranging for her to be able to access things from the academy library in audio format, Saoirse figures that if she wants to learn more about the subject at a later time, she can always head to the academy's library.
Thinking about different philosophies about the Force, and how it can or should be used, Saoirse remembers that Atlantis had mentioned that both the Jedi and Sith have codes they follow, and so she asks, "You said before that emotions are a part of the Jedi code? What does it say about them? What else is in the code?" Saoirse feels a bit excited as she waits for Atlantis' answer, as it feels to her like she is beginning her first official lesson in becoming a Jedi.
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Atlantis Vyridian
The Mist Order
Posts: 702
Affiliation: The Mist Order
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Post by Atlantis Vyridian on Jun 9, 2022 0:11:59 GMT -8
Nodding when she asked him to be shown how to hit the bags, Atlantis smiled faintly before saying with a thankful tone. "Thank the Force at least that you aren't asking me to spar with you," Chuckling softly, he explained the reason why. "I have that disdain of hitting women, sparring or not. If of course I cannot help it, sure I will fight back, whatever, but on those cases scenario, nuh uh, I am not hitting back at all." Everyone here at the Academy knew that, and because mostly he would just be a walking punching bag, at least for Crystal, though he mostly parried, well from time to time Crystal did need an opposition, and thankfully Ayla would step up. "Speaking of learning hand to hand, Ayla and Mace are the ones handling that side the majority of the time, and when Mace isn't around, and Crystal is, she and Ayla demonstrate." While he did know several forms of hand to hand combat, so did Crystal actually, and she was pretty good at it, with or without the Force, though often times she did not use the Force at all since, again it wasn't a known fact about her here except to a small circle of her friends.
That aside though, at least Atlantis had made her aware that for sure there was that possibility and who would end up showing her the ropes of some of the hand to hand combat. For the time being, he was focused on what she had asked him about the Jedi Code. "About the Jedi Code, it did evolve over time, but originally it went like this:
But that was in the old days, when it was taught that no attachments was possible, or anything." Obviously he was far, far from that situation, he was with Crystal and that was it. "Then another reiteration came up. And it mentioned 'Emotion, yet peace'. Like I have said, the Jedi Code evolved over time, you'll find that information in the library." He told her knowingly, and since that will no longer be an issue for her, consulting whatever texts are there, Atlantis figured that if she wanted the whole history of that, she could consult it.
However though, the interpretation Atlantis supposed was up to a person, in this case on how he taught the ways of the Force. "Personally, we all agree here that emotions can be a big motivator, it's why we embrace them, but we also know how to push away the feelings of anger, hate, or even jealousy, everything that is unhealthy to someone because again like I have mentioned previously, that might ultimately lead to suffering, and also a darker path." Frowning slightly and nodding briefly, Atlantis looked at Saoirse knowingly with a smile. "I will not tell you on how to feel, or how you should feel, like I have said, the Mist Order isn't about suffocating a person's free will. I will guide you on how to find alternatives on how you feel, just remind you perhaps, on why you are doing this now, on why you are on this path if that makes sense."
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Post by Saoirse Beirne on Jun 9, 2022 4:53:14 GMT -8
Saoirse laughs with a shake of her head when Atlantis explains that he's relieved she is only asking to learn to hit the bags instead of asking to spar with him because he, apparently, can't bring himself to hit back, at least in a sparring situation, if his opponent is female. As that had made Saoirse wonder how they would practice hand-to-hand, she was relieved when he went on to say that Mace and Ayla typically handle that kind of training, with Crystal helping Ayla with demonstrations when Mace is not available. Saoirse figures she has a while to go before sparring will be a concern, as she's never studied any kind of hand-to-hand combat styles of any kind before. Remembering some of the teasing Atlantis had been on the receiving end of the first day she had visited the academy, Saoirse grins and says, "Ah, that would explain the bruising on your ribs, huh?"
Continuing to walk along beside Atlantis, Saoirse listens to him as he gives her a lesson on the Jedi Code, which she learns has evolved over time from a five line mantra to, at least in the case of the Mist Order, something a bit less formalized. The original mantra sounds, to Saoirse, like a fairly simple set of things Jedi should avoid, or if looked at from another angle, try to stand against. Instead of letting emotions get the better of them, as Saoirse interprets the line after Atlantis explains the Mist Order's stance on that particular line, Jedi should try to find ways to maintain a sense of inner peace. Extending that guideline beyond the individual, Saoirse thinks, gets one to where the Jedi are keepers of the peace, which seems to be supported by the line about chaos being the thing to avoid while harmony is the thing to work towards.
Saoirse nods when Atlantis wraps up by saying that a part of his role will be to teach her ways to keep any negative emotions she might have from leading her down the path that leads to suffering, which is another thing that sounds fairly simple, but is probably more complicated and challenging than it sounds, especially when put together with Atlantis' statement about reminding her why she's here and learning to be a Jedi, which Saoirse takes as way to underline the importance of the principle. "That makes sense. Kind of a you have to sort your own shi. . . stuff out before you can help others thing, right? I mean, if a Jedi is all, she puts her hands up on either side of her head, mixed up or caught up in what they are dealing with, or maybe not dealing with, up in here, they aren't going to be able to do their job, at least not very well. Plus, she goes on, dropping her hands to her sides, since using the Force, the Jedi way anyway, requires focus and will, a Jedi needs to have a clear and settled mind, not one filled with a lot of . . . drama, right? Grinning, Saoirse mimes throwing a few punches, demonstrating clearly that she has never thrown a real one before, Which is why Jedi learn to vent, or meditate, right? So that they have clear heads and aren't in danger of falling onto that darker path you mentioned?"
One of the lines of the original Code had been a bit confusing to her, so Saoirse says, "I think have a decent start on understanding most of what the original code is getting at, but that last line, about there being no death? What does that one mean? The first few lines all, Saoirse thinks, follow a pattern of avoid this as much as possible and try for this instead format, but that doesn't really seem to apply to the last line, since death isn't really something anyone can avoid. Venturing a guess, Saoirse asks, Is it saying that, as a part of keeping the peace, Jedi should try to prevent the deaths of innocents, and the way to do that is by using the Force? Tilting her head to the side, squinting as she thinks about it some more, Saoirse says, That doesn't fit with the way the other lines can be applied on an individual level and also in the sense of the bigger picture though, so I'm guessing that's wrong, or at least not all the way right? I mean, everyone and everything dies, it can't be avoided, right?"
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Atlantis Vyridian
The Mist Order
Posts: 702
Affiliation: The Mist Order
Traffic Light: Orange
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Post by Atlantis Vyridian on Jun 9, 2022 6:30:34 GMT -8
Nodding in confirmation when Saoirse guessed why he had that bruising in ribs, Atlantis shook his head in amusement. "Yes, but not because I purposely took that hit, whenever I end up sparring with Crystal, obviously I do not hit back, I evade, or parry, but she did land that punch fair and square." Grinning and remembering exactly when and how that happened, it wasn't here at the Academy but in the gym she had back at her place when he had been easing her to get back into the room, at least. "Honestly, Crystal could just be her one woman army." Shuddering at the thought and feigning worry, and being scared, Atlantis just showed that he was playing, but at the same time with his gaze, he meant those words. From some of the talks he had with Ayla a while back, he was very well aware that Crystal could definitely stand her ground against Ayla, and that was saying something...
Atlantis supposed that he and Saoirse could revisit that part when it came up, since currently it wasn't about hand-to-hand combat, but understanding the Jedi Code, and he smiled when again she censured herself but said nothing of it. "Yes, a lot tend to meditate to clear their mind, and some will just maybe go for a run, or just find what works for them." He explained though there were also some situation that probably doing those things when in a middle of a highly complicated situation could be difficult. "In the end, it's all about knowing what works for them the best, so that you can have a clearer mind to approach the situation in front of you." Looking at her thrown punches, Atlantis smiled and nodded, though he clearly did notice that she wasn't used to throw punches at all.
"Which one is your dominant hand, also dominant foot?" Atlantis asked curiously and out of the blue, he supposed, but he figured that this was a good time as any. "Depending on that, you will want to have your dominant hand slightly back when you adopt a fighting stance. It's not something you'll do face on, as you will feel that probably there isn't enough momentum, like say a long distance free-kick. You'll want your foot lining up with your shoulders for balance and one shoulder facing your opponent or the bag," He supposed he would have to demonstrate there, which is why he adopted his fighting stance, his left foot forward, and his right foot back, knees slightly bent while he brought both of his fists up under his chin. Bringing his right arm back, Atlantis threw a straight punch while his body slightly pivoted. "We'll definitely work on that." He assured her as again it wasn't important right now, at least, she'll get there when she gets there, for now she had a question about the last line of the Jedi Code.
"No, it's not about preventing the deaths of innocents, at all for that case, though of course we'll do everything we can to prevent it, because that is just us. But what that line means we, Jedi, become one with the Force upon our deaths. So in a way there is no death, we join the living Force, and sometimes when a few have unfinished business still, we can become apparitions." He explained thoughtfully, since after all that code was meant for the Jedi as a whole, it was the approach of the Jedi itself on all things in life. He definitely hoped that it was clearer for her at least.
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Post by Saoirse Beirne on Jun 11, 2022 10:03:36 GMT -8
Saoirse smiles when Atlantis describes Crystal as a one woman army, impressed by the description given that she apparently spars with Force users like Ayla, who presumably don't share Atlantis' issues with hitting back. If Crystal can manage to get past a Force user like Atlantis' efforts to evade, block or parry, she must be fast and skilled, Saoirse figures, and guesses that if she does find herself sparring with Crystal, or even just watching her spar with Ayla, she will be able to learn a lot from doing so.
Pursing her lips in thought as Atlantis describes the different ways Jedi can meditate, including physical activities like jogging, Saoirse asks, "Are there other physical ways to meditate? Thinking that incorporating some kind of activity with meditating will help her to focus even with the challenges her ADHD presents, she snaps her fingers as an idea occurs to her, Aren't there some kinds of moving meditations? Like, I dunno, martial arts katas or yoga? Maybe, she continues excitedly, we could try that? It could help me with the meditation thing and maybe the hand to hand stuff too since I'd be getting practice with the movements and all? What do you think?"
When asked what her dominant foot and hand are, Saoirse replies, "My right, for both," and then, after watching closely when he demonstrates a fighting stance and then a punch, does her best to repeat his movements. Sliding her right foot back and lining her shoulders up with her feet as she faces a tree, Saoirse lifts her hands to, she assumes guard her face, and then throws a straight punch as Atlantis had, though she isn't sure she manages to follow all of the body movements he had used during the punch since it doesn't feel like a particularly strong punch. Figuring it could also just be that she needs to practice more, Saoirse throws a few more punches as she listens to Atlantis answering her question about the last line of the Jedi Code.
Looking a bit puzzled when Atlantis has finished answering, Saoirse throws a few more punches, adding the pivot and follow through she remembers Atlantis had employed when throwing his punch, which makes her punches feel as though they would be at least a bit stronger. "Apparitions? Like ghosts, you mean? It seems strange to think of Jedi having unfinished business that would keep them from becoming one with the Force upon their deaths, but no more strange, Saoirse supposes than the fact that they do become one with the Force in the first place. Only Jedi become one with the Force when they die? Is that like a conservation of energy type thing? How come it's only Jedi that do it? Continuing to throw punches occasionally to get a feel for doing so, even adding a bit of footwork as she begins circling the tree, Saoirse asks Atlantis, Have you ever seen a Force apparition? Stopping the punches, Saoirse grins and excitedly asks, with no apparent connection to her other questions, Can you teach me some kicks?" While she's never thrown a real punch until now, Saoirse kicks regularly during bolo-ball games or practice, and even though she's sure the kicks for fighting will be different, she thinks kicking might come more naturally to her than punching, and would, assuming she'll eventually be learning to fight with a lightsaber, also keep both of her hands free for using the lightsaber.
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Atlantis Vyridian
The Mist Order
Posts: 702
Affiliation: The Mist Order
Traffic Light: Orange
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Post by Atlantis Vyridian on Jun 11, 2022 13:02:09 GMT -8
"There are other physical meditations yes." Atlantis answered with a nod before pointing to what she said "We do katas regularly, with some of the students, especially those that are easily distracted. The art of movement does wonders." Smiling warmly and inclining his head, "We'll get you up to speed, or some of the kids can also assist in teaching you, you do have a fanbase here." Chuckling at the thought, and shaking his head, Atlantis watched her throw a few punches, even several after she informed him of her dominant hand and foot.
He watched closely, and it was getting there, that was a given but also since she didn't have a target currently per se, except the tree, which she wasn't hitting, well, he supposed that she would get a better feel for it when she starts hitting the punching bag. They will get around to that definitely, he didn't doubt that, and who knows, perhaps from time to time Saoirse might even catch Crystal here very early in the mornings.
Snapping out of his thoughts for the time being, as he focused on her questions, and it actually made him smile as her asking him to show him how to kick and the topic of Force ghost, well, they had nothing in common at all. "Yes, it is known as Force ghosts, from what I do know that is distinctive to Jedi, though records also have shown that some darksiders, Sith, if you will, have learned their own technique but mostly those were cheating death by transferring their essence to another body, perhaps a clone of theirs, or whichever." Shrugging lightly and shaking his head too in the process. "Throughout their life, a Jedi can learn that ability, so that they can appear in front of people, however, the Jedi in question in order to potentially gain that certain immortality, will have to continuously be selfless, and not fall on the darkside. After it will depend on how that happens also, on what the person has done throughout his life in the end." Pursing his lips thoughtfully and shaking his head. "Vague, I know, and apologies for that, and I might be explaining myself poorly too, I suppose that now I will have to study that, and look into it to make it clearer." He admitted with a grin, it was true, that question about Force ghost was never asked to him for as long as he could remember, at least not here. And as for seeing Force ghosts already. Actually, Atlantis only shook his head then stopped gradually as if in thought. He remembered a story that had been relayed to him, and it had been Crystal's birthday, and unfortunately on that day, well something had happened, and he had to summon his doppelganger to be at two places at once.
That evening, apparently the Drakes parents had appeared, that was the story he had been relayed by Mace, his doppelganger was there, but before he could even absorb the information it had gained, his doppelganger just decided to not share the information with him. "No, never saw one, actually." He said finally after that momentary pause as he looked back at her.
"Right then, kicks." Atlantis carried on, quite content with that change of conversation, he pursed his lips, he supposed he'd go for an easy one. "I am sure that you are quite aware that there are plenty of variety of kicks. But we'll do a basic one called a side kick." He turned his body sideways in front of the tree, his left foot in front and he slightly bended his knees his fists up his torso, though his left arm slightly extended forward, then proceeded to lift his left knee before performing the kick on his side in a strong motion though kept his foot up which seemed parallel to the ground. Finally putting his foot back down and grinning. "Most of the time, that one is used against an opponent to block them by hitting their midsection, it's to stop them in their momentum. So go ahead and try it, it doesn't matter which foot you use there, as long as you keep your balance and that you are comfortable in performing that kick."
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Post by Saoirse Beirne on Jun 11, 2022 15:01:44 GMT -8
Saoirse has a bit of a giggling fit when Atlantis says that some of the younglings might be able to help with teaching her katas, not because she finds the idea of them knowing more than her amusing so much as she finds the image she gets in her head when thinking about what it will be like learning from them strikes her as funny, and so, when her giggling has died down a bit, she explains, in her own way, by simply grinning as she says, "Lots of cute, tiny teachers, huh? Cool!" One of the advantages, Saoirse supposes, of being the newest student at the academy is that there will be no shortage of beings around to teach her new things, and if that means learning from younglings, she has no problem with that so long as she isn't taking them away from their own lessons.
Nodding after Atlantis explains as best he can what Force ghosts are, concluding by saying he will have to study up on the subject himself, Saoirse smiles and jokes, "I bet you didn't realize you'd have homework too, huh? Waving her hand to show she's only kidding, Saoirse says, It sounds like it's a pretty advanced topic anyway, so don't sweat it. Maybe we can both hit the books and compare notes sometime." As interesting as the topic is, Saoirse has the impression from what Atlantis did recall that it is not something that she'll need to have an understanding of anytime soon, save for the additional understanding it gives her of the last line of the Jedi code.
Smiling excitedly when Atlantis says he'll be showing her a sidekick, Saoirse steps aside to where she can get a good view of how he performs the kick. Nodding when Atlantis tells her to give it a try, Saoirse gets into the stance he demonstrated, plants her weight on her back foot, and then snaps her left leg up and out as he showed her, performing the kick reasonably well for having only seen it once. As she expected, Saoirse finds the kick comes more naturally to her than the punch had, and she feels like she definitely would be able to get more power behind the kick, at least until she has had the chance to practice hand strikes some more. Asking Atlantis a few more questions, like which part of her foot she'd want to strike with and whether or not the side kick could be aimed lower or higher, Saoirse repeats the kick a few more times, gaining a better feel for how to perform it and how to get into the opening stance each time.
Not wanting to let her interest in the unarmed combat stuff get them off topic in case Atlantis has other plans for what he wants to teach her, Saoirse grins and says, "Thanks! At least I'll have a punch and a kick to bring to the table when I start sparring. Eagerly bouncing on the balls of her feet, glad to be beginning her instruction, Saoirse asks, So, what's next on the agenda for the day? Tilting her head to the side, she asks one of her random questions out of the blue as it comes into her mind, Should I be calling you Master when we're doing the learning thing? Or, she ventures a guess based on what she's observed of Atlants in the relatively brief time she has known him, or from things he has said, is that more for when we're in more formal type situations?" While Saoirse has heard the younglings address Atlantis as Master Vyridian, she seems to remember that was when he first brought her to the academy, when she would probably have been viewed as a visitor. Then again, Saoirse thinks as she remembers how Nick had still addressed Atlantis as Master when they had gone to the dining hall, maybe she should be calling him Master as well out of respect for his role as her teacher.
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