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[Koru Tav]

OOC: Takes place a little after the Turbulence Scenario and before the Noble Lady scenario

"That's the last of it," Koru Tav set the box on the counter along with the three or four other boxes on the counter and dusted off his hands as he scanned the living room,"Not that you had much stuff to begin with."

Jaylen set his box down next to the others on the counter and joined him on the small couch where he had just sat down,"I never was one to own alot of things. At least that's the way I think it was. I'm still sifting through the memories."

"Does it bug you?"

"Not as much as it used to, but that doesn't mean it's frustrating at times." Koru watched as Jay got off the couch, grabbed one of the boxes, and took it to the bedroom.

Koru followed Jay's lead and took one other box to the bedroom,"You know, I'll miss having you around. It'll be quieter now." Koru set his box down on the double bed,"feel free to come over any time."

Jay laughed,"I'll live. What time is it anyway."

"It's seventeen after. Crud. Sorry to run, but I have to get back to work." Koru headed for the door,"I'll come by later." And with that Koru left the premises.

Edited by Koru Tav, 13 September 2009 - 05:42 PM.

[Jaylen Myst]

Jay shook his head and chuckled as he watched Koru walk briskly down the corridor that would take him to the turbolift. Once Koru was out of site he headed back into the apartment...his apartment. The apartment was smaller than Koru's apartment, reason being that it had only one bedroom instead of two. The refresher seemed the same size. The living room was smaller as well and was connected to the little kitchenette that was near the door. The two things that Jay liked about the place was that it had three windows and a very small two by three balcony that was connected to the bedroom. Jay started unpacking the few boxes that he had.

Koru was right, he didn't have alot of stuff. A some clothes, some silverware and plates, and his staff were most of the things that he brought with him. The apartment already included the holovid and mini-couch. There was still a little space in a corner that was going to be filled with something. Jay had a few ideas in mind, but left it as a "few ideas" for now.

Jay realized Koru was right about another thing: it was going to take some getting used to being alone in an apartment. Jay viewed Koru as an older brother and enjoyed the time that they'd spent together. It wasn't always easy, but he was thankful that Koru had a huge load of patience. Jay smiled at this thought as he unfinish packing the boxes in the kitchenette. He headed to unpack the boxes in his bedroom.

[Selina Vadcasta]

Selina was out for a run on this day. It seemed to be a habit she was developing. For some reason, it actually worked better than meditating at times. At this rate, it would likely be an every day practice. As it usually was, the track was deserted. Perhaps it was not just luck, but her will often enough? That was certainly possible. It didn't matter. She hadn't seen anyone there since meeting Jaylen there. When had that been? Days ago? Weeks? Months? Selina couldn't be sure. It seemed as though days melded together anyway. Perhaps this change in routine was a good thing after all...

She pushed herself well beyond her normal limits, and began to draw on the Force to maintain the pace. Testing her stamina every now and then was still amusing. Though it seemed to decrease slightly since losing one of her feet. It was replaced with a top of the line foot, and she packed a hell of a kick, but still the loss was not unnoticed...

[Jaylen Myst]

"Done," Jay thought to himself as he walked out of the bedroom to get some water. He poured himself a glass, took a few gulps, and checked the time. "That took a little longer than I thought it would and it's still going to be awhile 'till he's done with work..."

He headed back to the bedroom to put on some running clothes. He then picked up his staff from the bed and headed out of the apartment,"Maybe I'll do some target practice, if no one's at the range, after I run."

He soon made it to the track. Once down the steps, he set his staff on one of the benches and began to stretch. For some weird reason, the track was rarely used. Perhaps most prefered the indoor version. Jay was content at the peacefulness. He heard the sound of footsteps and labored breathing and looked up to see a woman pass by at a fast clip. Jay was skeptical if she was naturally that fast and did a quick poke out of curiousity with his mind to figure if it was natural; it wasn't, she was a force user. Jay would have bolted in the past, but not now. Although he was still skeptical and hesitant about them, it rarely bothered him. Jay rolled his shoulders and quickly reached his maximum clip.

[Selina Vadcasta]

Selina almost stopped short at the brief intrusion but instead narrowed her eyes. She didn't sense any danger or hostility, so she supposed that was a good thing. Continuing around the track, she waited until she was headed back in the direction she'd felt the intrusion before letting her gaze wander. There was no one there now however, for Jaylen had already begun his run as well.

Instead, she stretched out in the Force, confirming that there was someone nearby and on the move. The presence seemed vaguely familiar, for she'd encountered him once before. Though he wasn't Force Sensitive. Deciding on a more direct approach, she probed his thoughts briefly. A small smirk crossed her lips when she confirmed it was Jaylen, and she slowed down to let him catch up.

When he was close enough, she turned her head slightly “It's been a while. How are you, Jaylen?”

[Jaylen Myst]

He was somewhat suprise to see the runner slowing down but kept up his speed. That is until she greeted him with his name. He slowed down to a jog as he tried to place the voice. He narrowed his eyes as he remebered the person he had met a long time ago,"Selena." He decided that running and talking wouldn't be such a bad idea, so he ran until he was next to her and then matched her speed.

"I am doing well. And how have you been doing, Selena?"

[Selina Vadcasta]

Selina offered him a smile. She was genuinely pleased to hear that he was doing well. When she'd last met him, he hadn't exactly projected stability. This time was different. He'd changed somehow. Jaylen was certainly bolder for using his abilities, something she had gotten the impression that he didn't do often previously. To his question, she wasn't sure how to answer, for the matter was complicated. Her answer finally came though “I've been getting by.”

After a moment, she turned slightly toward him “something has sparked a change in you Jaylen, I can tell. Do you want to tell me about it?” They were running, and she had no other place to be, so she might as well offer an ear.

[Jaylen Myst]

Jaylen didn't reply right away. He really didn't know what to say and he wasn't sure he could or should bring this problem out in the open. He thought for a moment more and decided that it couldn't hurt,"I guess I really don't know how to a direct answer. I think that time was a big factor. The kindness of everyone was big help, too." He took another moment to gather his thoughts,"One of my main..that is many problem, was you force users in general. After being under the absolute influence or control of someone leaves scars."

Jay shuddered at the thought,"But after talking to you and others, I don't fear you as I once did. But that doens't mean I'll ever fully trust your type either."

There was silence as he didn't know what to say next.

[Selina Vadcasta]

Selina nodded as he outlined the contributing factors to his change. She held his gaze in hopes that he would continue, which after a moment he did. It seemed that his experience with Force Users prior to that had left him scarred. He was right though, as being under the influence of another never really left you the same. She wondered who he spoke of that would exhibit such control over him, for seemingly an extended period of time. Selina wouldn't ask of course, as she didn't want to press him or thwart the progress he seemed to be making.

She was pleased to hear that he was no longer afraid of her. But that certainly wouldn't extend to others, of that she was sure. He was too smart to let his guard down that much. After a long moment, she chuckled “You know what Jaylen? I don't fully trust them either. People in general can be tricky, which is difficult enough to deal with. Add the Force, and well, you have a potentially dangerous individual on your hands.” She paused for a moment “Thankfully, not all of us have the ability to dominate others as you describe...”

[Jaylen Myst]

Jaylen nodded at what Selina had said. He understood what she was saying but remained silent for a few seconds listening to the recurring sound of their feet on the hard surface.

"Technically, all people are dangerous if they know how to use their abilities or talents properly," he took another breathe and looked at Selina seriously,"and I'm sure if you wanted to, you could learn how to control another."

Jaylen guessed that she was experienced in the ways of the force and figured that she knew some more...questionable techniques. He put the thought away into the back of his mind to think about later and made a mental note to do some research on Selena in the future.

Jaylen then asked a question Selena to divert attention away from himself,"Even though I haven't mentioned much, you seem to understand my situation better than most: why is that?"

[Selina Vadcasta]

Selina had to agree with Jaylen, for anyone that truly knew what they were capable of was indeed a threat to those that were unaware. He suggested that she could learn to control another, and again he was right. Telepathy was one of her natural talents, so she could likely do a great deal of damage that way. The difference between her and others was not that she was above using such tactics, no, it was simply that she didn't need to. Selina would always do what she felt necessary, regardless of society's opinion of taking such actions. The dark side had been her way for many years now and served her well, in that she was still alive.

She was thankful that he asked another question, for she could avoid responding to the previous comment. She offered a small smile “We share a similar gift Jaylen. Though I have more advanced telepathic abilities than you do, it is the impressions you give me of your feelings that make it easy to read you. I don't have to read your thoughts to see when you're bothered. It's a gift I've always had.” Selina continued to jog, allowing him to process information at his own speed and make his inquiries at his own pace.

[Jaylen Myst]

Jaylen's yellow eyes narrowed how easy it was for her to read him. He took another breathe and let the agitation fade as he realized it was his own fault. He figured that he wasn't always this on edge or this untrustworthy. Ever since that time years ago with that...suprise...visit? Jaylen smiled at that one thread of thought that was made clear. So that's how I met that dark lord. Jaylen cringed at that title. Realizing that he had just gone through several different emotions in the past few seconds, he glanced at Selena.

"Sorry about the negative feelings you might be geting. I still have alot on my mind and am still sorting through it all." He wiped the sweat from his eyes with the back of his hand,"You said that you and I have similar gifts...I assume you mean in area of telepathy..." Jay paused as he thought of how to word the question,"How did you first realize you were different...has anyone tried to..well...take advantage of that gift?"

[Selina Vadcasta]

Selina watched as he went from agitated to somewhat enlightened and finally, he seemed more at peace. Perhaps it was his realization that granted him peace. Finally, he spoke. His apology was unnecessary and she felt the need to reiterate that to him. "Don't be sorry. You have a lot to work out it seems. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help you." His attention turned then to their similarities. She nodded to confirm that she was speaking of telepathy and let him continue with his questions. The first was easy enough to answer, while the second was subject to interpretation.

"I knew even as a child that I was attuned to the Force. My parents were also, and thus they helped me develop my telepathic skills. As for others taking advantage of it, I'd have to say no. At least not that I'm aware of. Certainly not in the last several years. I've certainly developed my mind enough to know if someone tries to invade my mind. I've developed defenses also..."

[Jaylen Myst]

Jaylen nodded at her word of encouragement. Jaylen was glad that Selena had good teachers to teacher her how to hone and develop her powers. Jaylen's situation was pretty much the opposite side of the coin. He was curious about her defenses. He was only able to hold off in the past with sheer will..until they somehow took that away.

"It sounds like you had wonderful and caring mentors. It was pretty much the exact opposite for me..." He hesitated,"...I would think that the words of "pawn" and "tool" might describe it well enough for now. I'm curious about your defenses though."

[Selina Vadcasta]

Selina nodded in agreement of his observation. Her parents had indeed been caring, and mentors for a long time. For a moment she considered her other mentors, while they hadn't exactly been uncaring, they didn't care for her in the manner she would have liked. Still, they taught her well and she was strong thanks to them. It did sadden her to hear that he'd simply been used. Not all teachers were as effective she supposed, and some left their students as nothing more than shells...

Jaylen on the other hand didn't seem to have given up hope, which was a good thing. His curiosity seemed to suggest that he might be interested in developing defences like she had. “It takes a great deal of discipline, but I have no doubt that you too could develop such a defence. I could teach you if you'd like...”

[Jaylen Myst]

Jaylen forced himself to bite his tongue at the word "shells". He knew that lashing out would get him anywhere. Her breaking the silence helped it pass,“It takes a great deal of discipline, but I have no doubt that you too could develop such a defence. I could teach you if you'd like...” she trailed off.

"To develop my defenses...," It occured to him a few days back that it might be helpful to get some "mind defense training", but he wasn't completely comfortable with the whole idea. He weighed the pros and cons in his head. The pros were completely obvious: he wouldn't have to worry about people invading his mind or taking control of it for that matter. It would also allow him to develop this talent to a whole new level. The cons dealt with the matter of trust. Could he trust someone to enter his mind again and run the risk of...it...happening again. Could he put his trust in someone that was similar to him? Would the training be for his benefit or her personal gain? Granted, he now was on speaking terms with force users, but he didn't know if he was willing to go that far just yet...or at all.

He didn't detect any malice or trickery, but it was the same way on that fatefully day years ago. He took a deep breathe and felt a cramp starting to smirk in his side," just ignore it..."

"Why would you want to take the time out of your schedule to help me out?"

[Selina Vadcasta]

Selina didn't expect an immediate response to her offer. Quite the opposite really, considering the man she posed the offer to. He wouldn't be quick to trust, and were she in his shoes nor would she be. Then again, trust wasn't something she gave easily anymore, not since her own twin turned and tortured her. Just as he was probing her thoughts, she was subtly doing the same. His questions in his mind were valid. Could he trust her? Yes, but that was for him to decide on his own. Did she have anything to gain personally by training him? Not really. She certainly didn't need to gain experience. If she wished to use him, she wouldn't have to gain his trust, he would simply be a participant, willing or not. But that wasn't Selina. She didn't need anyone.

Finally he spoke, posing the smartest question of them all. The answer was easy however. “I have the time, so it's yours if you want it. I don't expect you to decide right now of course, so take all the time you need.

[Jaylen Myst]

Jaylen laughed lightly at her comment of him taking his time for no reason. As he took another breath he felt the cramp which he had been ignoring grow in intensity. Deciding he had exerted his body past his limites enough for one day he slowed his run down to a walk and then stretched so his legged wouldn't tighten up later on. Throughout his deep breaths he rubbed his temple while deciding how to answer Selena.

"I'll get back to you on your offer. I feel like I could let myself trust you, but I'm completely ready to give you my trust just yet." Jay walked over to the nearby bench and picked up his staff and twirled it around,"This isn't a 'no' though. I just want some more time before I decide." His eyes glanced over the near invisible buttons on his staff.

[Selina Vadcasta]

As Jaylen slowed, so did Selina. After all, its not like she wanted him to hurt himself. While he cooled off, she continued to jog in place and wait for his response. When it came, it was as she thought it would be, indefinite. That was fine with her. Better that he approach her when he was ready she felt. Selina nodded in response "Of course. I didn't expect an immediate action from you, but the offer stands. Seek me anytime if you so choose."

With that being said, she felt it best to give him some space. Once more she nodded to him before continuing down the track....

[Jaylen Myst]

"I will," Jaylen nodded and gave a small smile of thanks.

He tossed his staff from his right hand to his left and then back again as he watched her begin a new lap around the track. He watched her for several seconds before he bounded up the nearby stairs. As he walked the cool corridors back to his apartment his mind reminisced at how far he had come in the time that he lived in the palace. He shook his head as he remembered how frightened he was once Kennedy had been silenced. He wasn't really scared anymore, just wary of people. He entered the apartment and locked the door for some privacy then hit the refresher for a shower. Once he had showered and dressed, he checked the chrono on the wall of his bedroom. Deciding that there would be more people than he wanted to be around at the range, he opted to take a light nap. He went out to the living room to get grab his staff and then returned to the bedroom and placed the staff against the wall. Once he had set his timer for 30 minutes, he put his hands behind his head and closed his eyes.