Avararda Dinn

"You're outmatched and outnumbered, fool. Surely you know this." Var kept his breathing calm in an attempt to save himself from jumping into battle. The people around began to evacuate the area. He could feel them leaving, fear emanating from them as they ran away from the scene of the Force-users. He quickly tightened the raggedy blindfold covering his empty eye-sockets before opening his robes to reveal the two most precious things in his life: two silver hilts, both with intricate designs. He smiled as they gleamed in the sun. He was oblivious to the small shine. The Knight felt Armiena. She radiated peace; Var could not contain his envy. This is why she is the Grand Master and I am not. He had always been an aggressive person, most likely due to the fact that he was a Sith before a Jedi. It was now that he was hoping for a chance to illustrate his abilities. You're mine, Sith.

Avararda couldn't see Armiena motion towards the bulges in her robe. The lack of eyes really was sometimes a disadvantage. Regardless, he shrugged his shoulders. She wanted him to go first, which meant that he was probably there as the first shield to her apprentice. It also meant he got into combat first, should this female Sith act against him. He nodded and turned towards the disturbance in the Force. She was near two non-Force users, most likely torturing them for information. His face twisted into a look of grim determination as he advanced towards the Force-ripple. It took the Knight merely minutes to locate her. Although he could tell she was young, the girl was gargantuan; her height belied her age. He could not tell what species she was. Only a few yards now separated Var's party from the female. She was... Happily engaging in conversation? Confused, Var called out to her. "You're not welcome here, Sith." He left the rest unsaid; Sith were not known for their conversational skills.

Var frowned; regardless of his status os Jedi, he was always raring for a fight. The man sighed, clipping his saber back onto the belt. Tightening his blindfold, Var spoke. "Then let's find him." He thrust out a circle of Force in an attempt to pinpoint the intruder.

Avararda quickly got up from his two 'friends' and advanced towards his real friends. He began talking to them only to be abruptly interrupted. A spike in the Force easily grabbed his attention. He tossed a casual no-eyed glance at Armiena. "You feel that? Thats no Jedi..." He utilized the Force to call one lightsaber to his hand, preparing for combat already.

"So how is it?" Var said, aiming his head over to the two occupants he was chatting with. "Oh really?" he continued. "I didn't think it was that good." The rock sat still, but the tree swayed in the gentle wind. Two plates sat in front of the non-verbal things. He sighed, taking the plate from the rock and started to munch on the steak. "So where are you two from?"

"How about some steak?" Var questioned, removing himself from Armiena's ship. He walked down the ramp, two hot plates full of nerf steak on it. It was also decorated with some seasonings and a side of potatoes. "Tell me how it is!" he said, handing them each a plate. He waited off to the side, anxious to see reactions. ((Got bored.. Took the liberty of using your ship.)) ((Happy thousand))

Avararda shifted uneasily at the boy's last comment. He need not know everything right now. Just the basics. "We met a long time ago, before either of us were Force-proficient." He didn't mention the fact that he used to bow down to the Dark Side. It was a trait he was not proud of at all. He also failed to mention the hardships he and his group endured before friendships were created. The dagger... Jurha... ... my sister... He must not know everything! Var forced himself to think. With time, the boy shall learn. "We met on a planet called Borleais. At the time, it was a safe-haven for us Jedi. Now, I do not know the status of Borleais. We were trained as Jedi, and then went out seperate ways. We've always seen each other every now and then. She's even saved me a couple times, much like now, a debt I'm more than willing to repay at a credit's drop." He lifted his head, unaware that he dropped it in the first place. "And nerf steak sounds fantastic!"

Avararda was all smiles. I like this kid already. And I can't even see him! He nodded his head. "It's said, so shall it be done. I shall cook for my ride to where ever you two shall travel!"

Var nervously chuckled again, noting the glance to her apprentice. He hung his head, ashamed that he actually took the time away from her apprentice. I shouldn't be doing this. An internal battle raged inside him, although he'd never admit it. But.. I don't know if I'll stay in the Jedi Order should I continue on my lonesome. He brought up many points for each side, but ultimately went with company. Another nervous sigh was released. "Armiena...I need a favor. Do you mind if I come with you? At this point, you're the only thing holding me to the Jedi." He laughed. "And besides, I know you're eager to be in my company."

He chuckled, but the motion seemed forced. "The Sith, Armiena. I will not allow myself to return, but my dreams, as of late, seem to be pointing to an inevitable future. It's as if I'm supposed to return." He glanced at the apprentice. "I apologize, young one. I'll try to keep you both as short as possible." Returning his gaze towards Armiena, Var continued. "I called the first person I could thing of, Armiena. You're the only one that can help at this point." He continued only in afterthought. In more ways than one...

The charge stole the breath from his very lungs. A quick smile was the offering in return. "This is my Padawan," Armiena indicated to him. "Shawmus." Avararda located the small concentration of Force, and bowed to it. "Pleasure to acquire your acquaintance. I am Avararda Dinn." He flashed a smooth, yet undedicated smile towards the apprentice. Shifting his stance towards Armiena, Var continued speaking. "Again, thank you for arriving so soon. I... I don't know if-" It was then that Avararda noticed the small band located on Armiena's finger. It was no ordinary ring. It was an engagement ring. The Jedi knight emotionally exploded from the inside, the motion causing him to stutter. "If...uh..." It was as if his heart sped up and stopped at the same time. His stomach felt light and airy, but then again he felt like throwing up as well. He attempted to swallow saliva to cure his small case of dry throat. "Heh. Sorry...I left the Jedi, Armiena. I left. I disappeared. No longer could I be found." He flashed a quick circle of Force-detection before continuing. "I thought I was returning. You know, before I met you all on the Borleais temple. I couldn't take it, so I left." His voice was light, as if he had trouble producing the words emanating from his mouth. "I need help returning. I can't go back, Armiena, I can't. I won't."

It seemed like years before Var felt the all-too-familiar feeling enter his heart. It pierced his chest as easily as a lightsaber through plastic. It registered the same destructive force, as well. He couldn't help but thinking, You've always been there for me Armiena. What have I done for you? Almost gotten you killed... abandoned you... left the entire Jedi order. He shifted his stance, growing uneasy at his current thoughts. Deep breaths. Be calm. After calming himself, Avararda made sure his necessities were taken care of. He tightened the blindfold covering his empty eye-sockets one more time before exiting his tiny abode. Var was guided only by the feeling in his body. It reverberated through his bones. It felt like it was slowly shattering him. He deftly stepped out of the way of the people on the street, almost breaking out into a full run. He bumped shoulders with more than one person. A particular stranger took a great offense by the less-than-aggressive action. "You! Come back here," he called after Avararda. A quick motion of the hand and a pardon of the Force willed the man's desire to harm the Jedi to exit his mind. Arriving at the spaceport, Avararda sensed Armiena's ship. The gleam of the sharp-looking ship only reflected off of those sight-based creatures, so Var was in perfect form as he walked up to the hull. "Armiena. It's been a while. I thank you greatly for arriving on such short notice." The message was sent via a link in the Force all Jedi carried. It allowed them to communicate with the mind, rather than vocally. Allowing his circle of Force-awareness to expand, Var sensed another Force-sensitive being aboard the ship. The Jedi knight sent a message to him as well, wearing a smile as he did so. "Hello there, young one. Welcome to Bespin." The smile only increased as Var recalled the days of surprise when his master did the same to him, regardless of his inability to respond.

"This will be the last time I kill you, Avararda Dinn. After you, the rest of the Jedi shall fall at my hands." "No, Dentro, it is you that will fall," he retorted. The Jedi known as Avararda ignited both of his lightsabers, sending forth two blades of green energy. They sang in almost a rhythmical hum. The other man, known only as Dentro, mimicked the Jedi's action, opening up his own, red saber. Both men charged at each other, only stopping to slam their sabers against one another. An electric smell, as well as sound, was tossed around the dark dungeon-esque room in which they fought. A small grimaced came from Avararda, while only a sneer was observable on the Sith's face. The two combated back and forth, each only making small progress. At least until the Jedi slipped. His blade was deflected ground-side, and it was Dentro who swung at Avararda's neck. The blade was coming in too fast to block. It was inches from his neck... Avararda instinct kicked in before reality. He bursted upwards, gasping for air. The dream shook him, a lot more than he'd liked to have admit. After regaining his composure, the Jedi Knight tossed the cool white sheets aside and slid his feet off the bed. Minutes later, he stood. Rays of light shone through his small apartment's window, casting small spots of yellow on Var's muscular body. Years of training had allowed him to achieve such a physique. Gently extending his hand, the blind Jedi called forth his tattered, black blindfold. The rag floated into his hand and he casually tied it to his face. Dinn extended his radius of the Force, allowing him to 'see'. His vision showed him a small, one-bedroom apartment. The refresher-room sat in the corner, with a tiny kitchen next to it. I've been in a coma for the last year. I probably don't smell quite the best, he thought. The notion caused a smile to creep up on his face. Avararda slipped out of the 'fresher, slipping on a towel over his waist. He grabbed the nearest garments of clothing and put it on; the clothes were a simple set - white pants with a loose brown shirt. He tossed on a cloak, as well as his boots. I need... What do I need? The blind man was only thinking for seconds before he realized the absence of his lightsabers. Like a stream, he allowed the Force to trickle out of him, sending it out like a probe droid searching for a target. Minutes later, the sabers' were located in a guarded chest. The contraption had a small lock on the front, and on this lock was seven miniature dials. Each dial had the twenty six letters of the Galactic Basic alphabet. The Jedi couldn't think of a password he would put on his own lightsabers to guard them. He went through multiple possibilities before one struck him. Armiena. He altered the Force to maneuver the devices until the proper letters were aligned. The chest popped open, and under the cold metal top was his lightsabers. They sat end-to-end, each pointing opposite each other. He willed them to his hands. Grasping them, he couldn't help but feel a flush of comfort. These protected him. These held his lifelines. Now there is only one thing left to do. Sliding the energy swords onto his belt, Avararda reaches for his long-distance comm unit and sent a message to Gala.

((Sorry..)) After his apprentice's confirmation, both Jedi boarded Var's ship and left the system, headed for the Jedi Temple.

"Come," Var said simply. "We now fly to the Jedi Temple." With that, Avararda left for his ship. Once his apprentice got on, they blasted off for space.

"My apprentice, your time is nearing. Your training is coming to a halt, and your knightship is drawing near. I fear we haven't much time together at all." Avararda' s face formed a grave shape, and he was immediately serious. "Apprenticeship, like life, can only go on for so long, no matter who wills it to continue." Now that both Jedi were settled from their run, Var motioned for them to advance towards his ship. While walking, he continued. "With a little bit more training, you will ask the Council for advancement if you feel you are ready. Now, let us return to the temple on Coruscant and see if they have any missions for us." Var and Jaden were almost to his ship. Before they boarded, Avararda added, almost as an afterthought, "And please, remember your Jedi Code of Conduct," he said with a slight smile.

Var laughed along with his apprentice. The training was going extraordinarily well. They sat silently for a few moments, observing the beautiful planet. Then, tightening his blindfold, the Jedi Knight jumped. Plain and simple, he jumped. Var could almost imagine Jaden's countenance as he sped up, and then, seemingly out of nowhere, he slowed down. In reality, however, Avararda was concentrating extremely hard. He had overestimated his power, and attempted to stop himself from a rather speedy fall. The whiplash hurt quite a bit, but the Knight used his meager healing power to allow himself some comfort. Once both feet were on the ground, Var called up, "Just get down the same way you came back up: the Force! Just don't let your ego lead you, use the Force right away to stop your body from being a splatter at my feet!" Var laughed, showing his sarcasm.

"Good job," Var said to his quickly learning apprentice. Maybe he's learning too fast.. Var thought. Switching off his lightsaber, Avararda motioned for his apprentice to do the same. "We will continue with the Force. Now, as well as protecting your body with it, the Force can also enchance your physical limits. Watch as I climb this tree, using only my feet. I will run up the trunk, using the Force as an enhancer." He pointed to a large tree, at least two-hundred and fifty feet tall. The brown trunk provided many dangers for those who failed what the Jedi Knight was about to attempt. Broken branches promised at least stitches, and the fall down would provide a few broken bones. "I am going to envision the Force, allow it to flow around me, and ask for it's help. I will not tell it, or force it, much like the Sith." Turning away from his apprentice, he shed his cloak and sabers, and gently placed them down on a nearby rock. He reared back a few feet, and then ran. Five steps before the solid trunk of the tree, he allowed the Force to flow over him, sending his body into a state of impossibility for a regular Human. He jumped, and sent his feet first, landing on the trunk. Avararda's body was completely horizontal, but he didn't stop there. He began running again, utilizing the Force to dodge the obstacles. One-hundred feet in the air, the Knight decided to stop. He back-flipped onto a thick branch, and crouched. "Now you try!" he yelled. "Just remember what I said! And don't be afraid to ask," Var finished.

Pacing around, Var responded. "If you concealed yourself, then all I would have to look for is an empty space in the Force. Concealing yourself would cover everything except for you, therefore leaving a hole in the enviroment. I would still be able to find you, concealed or not." "The question was a trick; I said what can you SEE to give either of us the advantage. Judging by your answer, you used exactly what I predicted you would: sight." "You have five senses, six including the Force. Obviously the Force is your strongest, so why not use it? I daresay every combatent you face will be moving, slashing, or firing entirely too fast for you to see. Thus, the Force comes into play." "Using the Force, one can do many a thing a normal person cannot. They can semi-predict the future. Take this for example. I will slash at you, but on low power. You will not be hurt. I want you to try and manipulate the Force, ask it for it's assistance. Try and block my attack." Var switched the setting to low, and swung, using an overhead attack.

Avararda nodded, respecting Jaden's choice. "As you can see, I am obviously the underdog; or am I? What else do you see that can give either of us the advantage?"

Rising from the bow, Var said, "Your training shall resume with lightsaber combat training. I fear the war on the Jedi Academy has every Jedi training for their lives." Taking out a single lightsaber and igniting it, Dinn said, "I ask you to please take out a single saber, or both. Your choice." Var's saber sent a green glow on the already-green ground. The familiar hum felt right at home in Avararda's hands, and he smiled, remembering the times.

"Actions, as previously stated, speak louder than words. Time shall prove you. You shall help it. My apprentice, you will continue to be." Turning back towards his apprentice, Var bowed. "Do you accept?"

"I see." Var turned, so now his back was facing his apprentice. Folding his arms behind his back, Var spoke. "A Jedi makes no excuses. He or she takes complete responsibilty for each and every one of his mistakes. The one thing that makes a good Jedi is honesty to himself. Now, tell me the truth. Don't tell me what you think I want to hear."

"I see," Avararda said. The monsters lay still, bleeding on the ground. Var half expected them to get back up. Var noted the motive in his head, and continued. "It's been a long time, Jaden. Long enough that I can safely assume that you're no longer my apprentice." A grim expression passed Avararda's face before he said the next. "Your training was not close to finished. You still have much to go." The Knight purposefully left out the 'we.' "The Jedi usually do not accept any that have defected from the Jedi Order. How do you plead?"

The Canine, due to it's lack of use lately, whined as it descended towards the forest-y ground of Ilum. Brush and undergrowth scattered away from the powerful jets of the landing thrusters. Hitting the ground, the Canine settled into the ground, resting it's bulk on the powerful landing gear. Minutes went by before the metallic ramp went down, and following it came the Light. Avararda Dinn, Jedi Knight, walked down the ramp. His blind eyes didn't lead him, but his use of the Force did. He remembered every visit on the planet, from his first time to his last. Stopping at the bottom of the ramp, Var extended his range of the Force. He scanned through the trees, vines, bushes and rocks, searching and searching until he found it. A little more than a mile away, Var found his apprentice. The boy's feeling was faint, but it was there. Increasing his speed to an abnormality, he ran to his apprentice, letting the Force guide his body. Another twenty minutes later, and his was there. A small sweat stained his brow, but he wiped it off quickly. His breathing was rapid, and his legs were tired. It'd been a while since his last run like that, but a Jedi could do it easily. This was proven by feeling his breathing return to normal. Walking slowly, Var could feel the fight that went on near. Dead bodies of animals littered the ground. They were spread-eagle, and carried the marks of a lightsaber wound. Not good, the Knight thought. Not good at all... Taking care not to step on the deceased, Var located his apprentice. He was enjoying a ride on another of the creatures. Dinn stood out, in open space, observing the changes in his apprentice's attitude. He stood there until his former apprentice noticed him.