The Balcony

*While that hadn't been what he meant, it was also accurate, and he was impressed that she had caught on. He nodded, answering,* "That's a part of it. Actually, I suppose it's true for most sentient life that can't touch the Force. You'll pick up on it quickly enough." *He leaned in a little closer with a small smile.* "But what I meant was our connection through the Force. We can sense each other's thoughts and feelings through it as well, truly forge a connection with those we love."

*Aerandir raised an eyebrow, surprised and somewhat saddened by Light's response. If she hadn't felt love yet, then he wasn't doing a good job of a father. That, or she just didn't understand the concept just yet. He could only hope it was that latter scenario as he gave her a mock-skeptic look.* "What are you talking about?" *he responded, putting an arm around her.* "You've already experienced love the moment you came into our family. Heck, I'd say the reason Morgan wanted to pull you away from the collective was because she loved you." *He wasn't entirely sure she'd understand, but he could at least plant the idea.*

*In a way, Aerandir was oddly fascinated by her reactions to words, as opposed to the way she used to communicate. She seemed so certain of her stance that words were something of a bother, as well as them apparently being the only way to express oneself. He chuckled, running a hand gently through her hair as he shook her head, leaning forward over the railing somewhat to get a better view of her face.* "Oh no, that's not exactly true. I can see it on your face." *Only somewhat, admittedly.* "And I can sense it in your being. Words aren't the only way to communicate. They're just the simplest way."

*His words seemed to have struck more than just a chord within Light, for she suddenly declared her desire to learn more about the Force. He smiled and chuckled a little, responding,* "I would be happy to teach you. See, the Force is... something we haven't quite been able to quantify using words. So," *he grinned,* "words can sometimes be useless. The best we can describe it as is... energy. A, well, 'force' that exists throughout the universe, existing within nearly every living thing, and even nonliving. Many are sensitive to it, and we can feel it, listen to it, even guide it. It can show us our future, or warn us of impending danger. It heightens our abilities, makes us faster, stronger, more efficient.

"And," *he added, with a knowing smile,* "it can bring us closer together. Our thoughts, our feelings... It too can be more efficient than words."

*So the Corruption could only use the Force through their hosts... or "victims." The horrible notion that Light's existence meant Morgan was nearly a complete and total victim herself. But instead, Morgan had escaped and even rescued one of their "hosts," and brought along another wonderful daughter. He allowed himself a small smile at how well things had turned out all things considered, then nodded at her comment.* "Yes, I'm familiar with that, though I shudder to think just how powerful you could be with the additional abilities the Force can grant you. But what do you want to do, then?"

*Couldn't combine their powers with the Force? Aerandir had just been teasing, but that was still an intriguing tidbit. It was almost a topic he wanted to pursue... later, because Light still hadn't explained what she wanted to do.

And it came: She wanted to heal. Truly heal. She had been lied to, taught that her spreading of that vile pathogen was "healing." Far from the first time such a term had been used in reference to other sorts of corruption, or similarly ill-named "cleansing." But Light seemed to have found her purpose hadn't exactly disappeared, she'd just been going about it the wrong way.

He smiled.* "That so? Well, we certainly have medics who'd be happy to help train you in those arts. I could even teach you the basics. Just... after the basics." *He chuckled; after all, until Light had a solid understanding and grip on the Force, attempting to learn how to heal would be far above her.*

*He chuckled, amused by her enthusiasm.* "Well, why not right now? You seemed interested earlier, we just had a brief detour. I could even teach you right here, unless you'd rather go to the gardens or somewhere else."

*What was this? She was trying to give him a lesson on warning against impatience? She seemed quite amused by it all as well; refreshing, and brought him a little joy. Smiling, he replied,* "Well, yes, and don't worry, I'll be teaching you about the dangers of impatience, but I see no need to keep you waiting for your introduction to the Force.

"Now," *he began, taking on a more instructive tone,* "I've told you what the Force is, but that's not the same as experiencing it; only then can you truly understand what the Force is. We'll start simple. I want you to close your eyes and empty your thoughts. Breathe slowly, concentrate, and let the Force flow in. Will you try that for me?" *On paper, a simple request, yet one that varied in difficulty between individuals. Considering whom Light was created from, Aerandir hoped she wouldn't have much trouble, but there were other factors to consider as well...*

*He waited, watching her relax and attempt to center herself. Her breathing almost seemed unnatural... ... until he remembered she didn't breathe. Normally. Some things he just couldn't get used to, and idly he wondered if breathing was even helpful to a being who didn't normally.

And then suddenly she exclaimed, and it seemed from her eyes that she had called upon the wrong entity... That was what Aerandir had worried about. But to his knowledge, she couldn't rejoin with the collective... All the same, he put a hand on her shoulder, prepared to act should he need to, while asking in a firm voice,* "Are you fine?"