Jedi Insurgency 271

Awakening to Tython’s dawn, Corvus smacked his lips with a yawn. Sitting in a rocking chair with a blanket covering him, he watched as pink sunlight reflected off distant clouds. 

Mist clung to the valleys below like pale silk, winding through the forests and around the ancient stone walkways that connected the temple’s higher spires. Birds with long blue tail-feathers darted between the trees, singing over the distant murmur of waterfalls. Several floating islands, and floating rivers passed by, showcasing once again the magical nature of this superbly awesome planet. Tython truly was the cradle of the Force. If an ‘Eden’ existed upon the material plane, this was it. 

Every breath of his was refreshing. The pores of his skin all felt clean, and any drowsiness he experienced was the good kind. Like that kind of sleep that left one wanting to remain in bed-not out of exhaustion-but due to peace & serenity. 

Keira sat by his side with a wicker basket full of fruits, bread & some fresh milk in her grasp. 

Her short blue-black hair fluttered in the breeze, revealing several bruises along her cheek, where Malgus had struck her. Although the trial did not deal fatal damage, it appeared that it left behind a reminder of what could have been. Despite this, her expression was bright, almost as if those marks upon her flesh were a badge of honor. 

Keira picked up a round, amber-skinned fruit no larger than her fist. It gave off a faint glow where the sunlight passed through it, as though it held a little dawn inside its skin.

“Master Kina Ha called it a dawn pear.” Keira said, dicing it into pieces with the quick slash of a vibroknife, popping a piece into her mouth. “It tastes like honey, citrus, and victory.”

Corvus was happy to nod along, ignoring that last part. He silently enjoyed the sunrise, and levitated a piece of that dawn pear over. Taking a crisp bite, he felt like the evil chef from Ratatouille who could see his past memories after eating a delicious meal. 

“Kina Ha has outdone herself.” He muttered in praise. 

Corvus then reached for a cluster of small violet berries shaped like tiny stars. They were cool against his fingers, dusted with frost despite the rising warmth of the morning. He ate one, and the flavor bloomed sharp and sweet across his tongue. The flavor profile was similar to a strawberry, yet under the Kaminoan's touch, not a single one of the fruits was bruised, or overtly soft/crunchy. They were perfectly ripe. A mist of ice spread out from his nose, and a high level of clarity spread throughout his mind. 

Narrowing his eyes, he wondered if further processed, that they could be transformed into a stimulant? 

For a while, they ate in companionable silence. Corvus sliced open a long green fruit with his utility knife. Its flesh was pale silver and threaded with blue veins of juice. Keira tore apart a flat red fruit that looked like a folded leaf and discovered, to her surprise, that it tasted faintly of cinnamon and melon.

Neither spoke of the trial the other day, or even combat at all. There would be time for training, debate, meditating, and planning the future war against the Sith later. 

At this moment, they were simply two friends enjoying one another's company. 

Keira licked a drop of red juice from her thumb and glanced at Corvus. “So, Order Master. What do you actually do when you are not saving the galaxy, fighting ancient Sith, lecturing the Council, or terrifying politicians into behaving themselves?”

Corvus tilted his head, giving her a side eyed glance. “That is a surprisingly specific list.”

“It is only what I have personally observed. You appear to always be fighting, or training for the next fight. Do not misunderstand me, I am addicted to training too, and appreciate your efforts safeguarding the galaxy. But there is more to life than that.” Keira said in a level tone, trying not to sound offensive. 

Corvus considered the question with more seriousness than she expected. He looked out over the temple grounds, where some Padawans were beginning to move through the lower courtyards under the supervision of a stern elderly Knight. Some had their lightsabers set to training mode, others carried baskets, datapads, tools, or breakfast trays of their own.

“I like teaching. I believe the bond between master and apprentice is sacred. Raising those boys has served as an anchor of sorts, grounding me and my humanity in this chaotic galaxy. Without this, I fear what I might become.” Corvus candidly replied. 

Without the boundaries of morality, he could become like the Sith Revan. Teaching others let him know he was following the right path. That there was something to look forward to for the future other than endless war. 

Keira’s expression softened a little, and she nodded along. 

“Jax and Yon are special. I enjoy instructing them not only in combat, but in strategy, history, patience, how to lose without surrendering your pride, and how to think before drawing a blade.” Corvus recounted his experiences like a parent proud in their child's progress. 

“That last one must be difficult.” Keira said meaningfully. 

“With Yon, yes.” Corvus said, rolling his eyes. 

“That one brags about you as if you personally invented the Force.” She teased. 

“That is Yon, but he has come a long way since I first picked him up.” Corvus sighed, yet his smile only seemed to deepen as he reminisced. 

“He seems fun.” She played along. 

“He is a disaster with a toxic mouth, good footwork, and a decisive spirit.” He lazily explained. 

Corvus then took another berry. His gaze drifted towards the lower courtyards, where two Padawans were arguing over the proper stance for a parry. Even from the tower, he seemed to notice everything. Although the scrying orb was currently covered, it seemed merely being in its presence was good enough to grant him insight into the rest of the Tython Temple. 

“To continue with your question from earlier, I like reading too. History often informs us about what to expect for the future, and is more entertaining than fiction.” 

Keira snorted. “Anything else?”

Corvus smiled and reached for another piece of fruit. “I also enjoy riding bikes.”

Keira blinked. “Bikes? As in, two wheels, with pedals, not speederbikes?” 

“That is so normal that I almost do not believe you.” Keira said, eyeing him up and down as if he were some alien specimen. 

Corvus scoffed, to which Keira quickly replied. 

“I did not say there's anything wrong with riding bikes, I just imagined your hobbies would be more dramatic.” Keira said, and then gave him a competitive, narrowed-eyed smile. “Can you teach me?”

“To ride?” He questioned. 

“To race.” She answered immediately. 

Corvus laughed in surprise. “Sure.” 

“Good.” She sat back, satisfied, as if an agreement had just been signed & notorized. “I will beat you soon.” 

“Many have said that.” Corvus replied in an airy tone. 

Keira picked up a pale yellow fruit shaped like a crescent and sniffed it cautiously. “What about games? You seem like someone who plays dejarik three moves ahead and ruins everyone’s evening.”

“I play Pazaak.”

“Of course you do.”

“What do you mean by that?” Corvus asked with narrowed eyes, slightly offended that his hobby was being called into question. 

“Dishonesty is the hallmark of that game. Instead of testing luck, or skill, it often relies upon one's ability to deceive.” Keira replied by crossing her arms, and offering a frown. 

“In my defense, most card games become more interesting when everyone is a little dishonest. Pazaak is interesting because it involves not only luck, psychology and skill, but also boldness. I think you would like it if given a chance. In fact, you would enjoy playing against Hondo.” Corvus steadily rebutted her claim, and brought up the notorious Weequay. 

“I do not know who that is.” Keira said in a flat tone. 

Corvus barely repressed a chuckle. If Hondo knew that he was an unknown by one of the Jedi High Councilors, what would his reaction be? 

“He is the future King of the Pirates.” Corvus said in a grand tone. 

“Perhaps I would like to meet this pirate, since you speak so highly of him. However, I would be interested in challenging him to a game I am more familiar with.” Keira said with a somewhat predatory smile. 

“And what would that be?” Corvus asked, happy to see his companion volunteer more about herself. 

“Blaster deflection.” 

Her reply was simple, and almost had Corvus choke on his fruit in laughter. ‘Sorry, Hondo buddy, but this Mirialan probably thinks you're some legendary Super Pirate. Revan doesn't keep slackers in his party, and in her mind, you must be like another Mandalore.’ 

“My hobbies are less mysterious, I enjoy competing.”

Corvus looked back at her. “In what?”

“Yes.” She boldly replied. 

“...” 

“Sparring, climbing, footraces, swimming, obstacle courses, staff drills, balance games, endurance exercises, target throws. If there is a way to measure effort against another person, I probably enjoy it.” She nodded several times in confirmation, like an old master satisfied with their craft. 

Corvus mimicked her, nodding along. Minty Green Tomboy 100% liked to compete! 

“I do not only care about winning.” She said after a moment of thought. “Though I do enjoy it.”

“I would never have guessed.” Corvus sarcastically muttered. 

“I like to see the limits to which someone will go to win. Mine, someone else’s, the moment where breath shortens and muscles burn and the mind starts trying to bargain with the body. To push further, faster, harder, to believe in oneself that they can do one more lap, one more repetition…that is where people become honest, and we find our true selves.” Keira said in a passionate, almost zealous tone. 

Corvus slowly nodded. “I can see that your rapid improvement wasn't due solely to talent, resources, or Tython’s superior location in the Force. You've truly put in the hard work to achieve what you are today. Truly commendable.” 

“Competition lets you touch the edge of what you are capable of without needing hatred. I think that is why I like it. You learn who you are without having to destroy others. A healthy competition serves the purpose of growth. To kindle new paths, and push oneself to be better.” 

For a moment, Corvus said nothing.

The answer had more depth than her grin suggested. He had never suspected to get a Ted-talk during a casual discussion on one's hobby. Keira’s love of competition was not simple restlessness, nor was it some form of vanity or ego chasing. It was a pure joy to express oneself, intensity without malice, a purity that events like the Olympics could only aspire towards. 

“That is a good lesson to teach students.” He complimented. 

Keira looked back at him, surprised by the sincerity in his tone. Evidently in an era of celebate monks, this level of passion for competition wasn't valued all that much. 

“Maybe…I would be demanding.” Keira eventually bit out. 

“Good teachers often are.” He nodded along. 

“I would make them run.” She crossed her arms. 

“They would survive.” Corvus shrugged. 

“I would make them spar.” Keira declared, voice raising in both intensity and volume as she could barely hide her excitement. The typical prudish tomboy was practically jumping in her seat now that someone had taken an interest in her hobby. 

“They would improve.” Corvus replied, trying not to chuckle. 

“I would make them compete in ridiculous games with overly specific rules.”

Corvus nodded gravely. “Then they would become wise.”

“...Just how do you do it? Convincing others, bringing us to the point that we can't help but spill our secrets, wants, and desires to you?” Keira asked in a defeated tone as she realized how out of character she had acted right then. 

“My Persuade stat is through the roof. It's quite broken if you ask me.” Corvus said with a straight face, chewing on another fruit. 

“You are an evil man, Corvus. No need to lie to me if you don't want to tell the truth.” Keira said with a huff, and then jumped off the tower, landing in the courtyard below. 

Letting out a series of chuckles, he saluted the green alien down below with a raised fruit. She staunchly ignored him, proceeding to wrangle up a group of Padawans & Knights for training, much to their groaning dismay. 

What could he say? He was just that good. 

~~~~~~~

AN: The end scene was influenced by this Superman TAS clip: 

https://youtu.be/l_Z40-FcjnM?is=B7b1FQCzAcYFkwvs

Thanks for everyone's understanding!~ Respect to long distance truckers, I drove like 800~ miles, and my legs are linguine. We'll wrap up the Tython section this week then do a round of Interludes to help move time/the plot forward/see how the galaxy has changed. I have some spicy ideas, and IK I can't be the only one looking forward to Anakin's elder abuse montage.