Chapter Text
1.
The first time this happened was on Tython. It had been a long week of hiking through the mountains, gaining an understanding of the land, trying to connect to the force. They'd tried to move rocks as well, to test focus. It had been a massive frustration for Saris. Feeling more lost and helpless than before as every part of his being screamed constantly to ignore the gift curse he possessed. The young Chiss was sitting alone again when Lisian found him. Sitting with a holobook by the waterfall on the temple grounds. Quietly reading away as if the events that constantly plagued him were no problem at all. The older Chiss strode over, gently placed a hand on his shoulder, and spoke to the boy in soft tones. The tones of a teacher trying desperately to connect with and aid her student.
"Kryys'ari'sahrin?" She began, pronouncing his name in that perfect way that made him feel at home among people that weren't his own. "Why don't you come with me? I would wish to teach you an art I do believe you will quite enjoy."
Saris was sure she was wrong, but closed down the book and stood regardless. Where she led him was quite a surprise frankly. Off to the kitchen space where it was currently empty. A recipe book rested on the counter, one made of flimsiplast and bound by a hard cover. The boy couldn’t help but immediately wander over and open the book up, looking through the pages with a heavy note of curiosity at the uncommon sight.
Lisian only smiled, however, and took a seat nearby. Simply watching as Saris looked through the recipes. The book had been in her family for generations, and was one of the few objects she chose to carry with her upon her own exile. It wasn’t uncommon for Lisian to be found here when she herself was frustrated and needed to cool her head again. Following the old recipes and moving through each step having a near meditative quality to it. A rather nice feeling.
“Pick one out that you think looks good, and I’ll help you learn it, I’ve found it helps focus the thoughts.”
Saris looked up from the pages as she spoke, a little surprised, then turned back to looking through with a newfound focus. As if it were the most precious and important choice of his life. Then finally, Saris stopped on a specific page. He stared at it for a while, studying the recipe written on it, then looked back up at Lisian. The very faintest hint of a smile was on his face as he motioned her over.
“This one,” Saris replied, vaguely proudly. On the page was a recipe for a simple berry scone that was written to pair well with tea, and Lisian knew in an instant why he’d picked it. They often shared tea with Alurali and her student, and it was very clear that Saris wanted to make these to share with them. The smile on her own face only grew at that. For all the darkness she tried to teach out of the boy, he was still an innocent child at heart.
“That’s a lovely choice, shall we get started then?” Saris happily nodded and set about moving around to gather everything they needed. Ingredients, measuring cups, mixing bowls, sometimes carrying all too much at once to Lisian’s amusement. She’d done the same thing when she was his age, and the words her mother had spoken to her echoed from her own lips now. “Patience, Saris. This is a job to be done properly. Cooking is an art, yet baking is a science.”
The young Chiss nodded and slowed down. Carrying each item with much more care, only as much as his small arms could carry without dropping anything. Lisian was clever in regards to this method. The perfect way to teach a student patience without forcing them to think too hard about it. Simply gently correcting the child as he measured out the ingredients or attempted to rush. Then she would sit down with him and discuss what was done as the scones were baking.
“Now, Saris, there are lessons to be found in everything. What did you learn from this?”
“There’s… an order?”
Lisian nodded. “Mhmm, and what happens if you rush or do the steps out of order?”
“They don’t work. And are gross,” the boy paused after saying that, looking as if he’d figured out something. “Is… that the same for what we were doing? When I couldn’t get the rock to move like Nesha did?”
“Correct!” Lisian exclaimed proudly. “You tried to rush it, Young One. There is no passion, there is serenity. As Jedi, we must keep a calm mind, not rush into things, and take the proper steps. No shortcuts, or what you’re trying to do will turn out like the scones. But if you keep the calm, sound mind, you can accomplish what you set out to do. Does that make more sense?”
Saris nodded to that. “Think of it… like the scones. Mhmm! I can do that! ...I think? Just be calm and not try to force it and I can move the rock too! Right?”
“Exactly. I saw you doing just fine with moving things in the orchards on Alderaan, so I believe the problem is competition. Everyone learns at their own rates and paces. Just because another student is picking something up a bit quicker than you are, doesn’t mean you need to rush to catch up and be where they are immediately. Learning the technique properly is more important than moving forward before you’re ready, and remember, ask for help should there be something you don’t quite understand. I’m sure Nesha would love to help teach you! Cooperation among students and allies is always welcome.”
The boy only nodded again before smiling a little shyly. As if nervous to ask. “Can… We share these with Nesha and Alurali? And I can ask her about stuff?”
Lisian reached over and gently gave Saris a pat on the head. “Of course, Young One. I’m sure they’d both love that. Now, how about we go check on them? They should be about done, and then we can prepare some tea to go with.”
Saris nodded and the two walked over to finish preparations. He’d do fine. Lisian was sure of it. She understood how it felt to be afraid of these powers, to be exiled. But she was sure she could teach him they weren’t something to be feared. They were to be cherished. To be used to help others, protect others, help the galaxy in ways no one else could.
He would learn to be a protector of all that was light. Lisian was sure of it. Saris would grow to be able to protect others that needed it. Bright, and kind, and skilled.
And she knew they’d all be there to see it. The man who would overcome what others had done to him and be a guardian to those like him.
What he needed to be.