A Meeting (Sid and Myself, training)

[Rameth]

Walking to the courtyard Hal stopped to look around once more. The forest surrounding the Temple looked…different to him. He couldn’t put his finger on it but it seemed…peaceful? Serene? He wasn’t sure. It was a feeling foreign to him, something he missed at Ossus, it felt somehow like home. The planet’s beauty caught his attention as he arrived. This place was different from Ossus, let alone Tatooine. I like it here, Hal decided taking in a deep breath. After admiring the scenery for a few moments he continued on his way.

Hal passed a few Jedi on his way to the meeting spot set up by his new master. He was curious why he didn’t greet him when he touched down but figured he was giving him time to settle. He reached his room easily enough and found it strangely empty. After having a roommate for years on Ossus it was sort of a let down not to have someone to greet on his first day. He took a few minutes setting his things up when another Padawan arrived to give him a message from his master. It was after that he began his journey through the Temple. He saw many things that were familiar to him during his time Ossus, it seemed this place wouldn’t different in that regard. It only took him a few minutes to arrive at the courtyard at the outside of the Temple. As he arrived he noticed a single man, leaning on a walking stick, looking out towards the forest. This man must be Vaal., Hal figured.

“Hello Master Vaal. I’m Hal.”, he paused, only for a moment, “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”, he added grinning ever so slightly.

 

[Wit]

Aden loved standing at this spot overlooking the forest. At one time he had come here as it provide a perfect view of the surrounding area, but having lost his eyesight that was no longer what drew him here. This particular place always had a very calming effect on him. Very few people frequented this spot and Aden could always be sure to get some peace and quite here. He had been standing there for some time now, silently leaning on his staff, feeling the thriving life all around him and letting the calmness emanating from his surroundings flow over him, through him. He felt like taking a walk through the forest, but he knew he was to meet his new padawan soon and didn't have the time just then. Open as he was to the Force, he soon sensed his padawan approach from the monastery.

Upon hearing his padawan's greeting he turned around with a smile on his face, "Hello Hal, its a pleasure to meet you too. I see you got my message. You must forgive me for not being able to meet you sooner, but I was caught up elsewhere." Sitting down on the ground he motioned for Hal to do the same, "Please, sit, make yourself comfortable." Once Hal was seated Aden continued, "So tell me, how do you like Tython till now?"

 

[Rameth]

Hal was surprised to see the blindfold across his Masters eyes. Is he blind? Maybe he is a Miraluka?", Hal thought to himself. He ignored the question he wanted to ask for the time being. He could ask when he got to know him better. He was puzzled when his Master told him to take a seat on the floor. It seemed a tad unorthodox but Hal didn't mind. He was used to sitting on leather mats on Tatooine and actually found chairs uncomfortable for time. He took seat a meter or so away from Vaal.

"I actually quite like it here. They told me before I was sent off that Tython would be different but I didn't expect this."

Hal wasn't sure what the first thing he should ask his new master. After a quick thought he decided he should let him lead the conversation.

 

[Wit]

Aden noticed Hal's surprise through the Force and guessed what the cause must be. Having gotten used to such reactions Aden ignored it for now, he knew Hal would ultimately ask him about his eyes at some point. He knew how strong a force curiosity could be. As Hal answered Aden smiled and nodded in response, "Thats good to hear. It is always easier to settle into a place if you find it to be to your liking. Tython is a very calm place, teeming with life, the birthplace of our Order. I am sure you will come to love it like most of us stationed here do." Pausing for a second he took in a deep breath and let it out before continuing, "So we are here to begin your further training as a Jedi. But before we start with that why don't you tell me a little about yourself?"

 

[Rameth]

Something about myself?, Hal pondered the question a few moments. There were so many things he could start off with. What defining feature should he tell his Master? After throwing a few ideas inside his head he realized he never once had a conversation start off this way. What described him the most? What about himself did he find important enough? Hal didn't know why he was thinking so hard on a such a general question. Something about this planet helped his mind to wander. After refocusing he wasn't sure if it was a good or bad, he would decide later.

"Well I'm originally from Tatooine, a slave. I was bought and freed by a Jedi, but for the life of me I can't remember who. I would like to thank him for saving me from that place...that hellhole", the last words Hal whispered under his breath. After he glanced towards the sky and back before he continued.

"I was sent to Ossus after that and began my training. A lot happened there so forgive me for not explaining it all at the moment.", he laughed before continuing, "I guess you could say I like being a Jedi. I find the Force, fascinating to say the least. Theres just so many things that can be done with its aid. Like did you know that its possible to heal someone using only the force? Also you could block a lightsaber with your hand? I've seen it done. There was this Knight on Ossus who-, Hal stopped himself abruptly. He was almost started rambling again. Hal had always been talkative, especially concerning things he liked.

"My apologies master. I tend to, get out of hand sometimes.", he bowed his head in respect. He sat there scratching his head, grinning ear to ear.

 

[Wit]

Aden couldn't but laugh at his student eagerness, "Don't worry about it. And there's really no need to bow to me so much, I don't really like so much formality, makes me a little uneasy. I was just like you when I started my training, but instead of the Force I was initially more attracted to combat related aspects of the Force. Your fascination with the Force is but natural, but make sure that you don't let that fascination get the better of you. Too many have been led astray when their fascination is replaced by greed. But all those techniques you listed, you yourself will be able to perform when your training is done. Healing is one of the Force's greatest gifts, it lets us preserve." Pointing to his eyes he continued, "See these, it was because of the Force that I got away with only this price. And blocking a lightsaber with your hands is part of a group of Force techniques called as Tutaminis, you will also be taught the basics of this technique, and if you show an apptitude for it then maybe you can pursue further mastering it. There are numerous other uses of the Force, for instance I make use of a technique that allow me to see using the Force." He picked up his staff and held it in his arm before continuing, "Another allows me to enforce this staff using the Force so that it can hold up against a lightsaber. But the true power of the Force is the guidance and insight it provides us Jedi. It will help you make the right choices and in combat this instinctive knowledge will help keep you alive."

 

[Rameth]

Hal soaked in his Masters words. Some of it he had been told before but he was paying close attention this time. He wanted to ask so much but he knew this was not the time or the place. There were techniques his master listed that Hal already knew thanks to his time on Ossus. He could see through the Force but only when concentrating, he doubted he could use it to walk around. He had tried catching a training lightsaber just before he was sent here but it didn't go so well.

"I understand Master. I have a long way to go don't I?", he smirked once more. Hal liked Vaal, he seemed like a good man. It would be interesting learning from him.

"Am I right to assume that you asked me here for training? Or did you just want to meet?", Hal asked eager to begin.

 

[Wit]

Aden liked the fact that despite Hal's eagerness to learn he was still polite and seemed good-natured. "Yes, I did indeed call you here today so that we might start your training. The ongoing war means that we need all the trained Jedi we can get, so we will get into your training right away." He put his left hand into a pocket in his robes and pulled a small candle. Lighting the candle he held it in front of Hal. "You must already know how to use the Force. Use the Force to extinguish this candle. This will not only let me know of the level of control you have over the Force but your approach might give me some insight regarding the kind of Jedi you might become."

 

[Rameth]

Hal looked at the candle in his Masters hand. What kind of Jedi I might become? What does that mean?, Hal thought to himself. He wasn't sure but the easiest way would be to create a gust and extinguish the flame. He was about to do it but he began to think of another way. What if he removed the source of fuel for the flame? He quickly wrapped his mind around the concepts and gave it a shot.

Hal concentrated on the area around the flame. He calmed himself. Letting the force guide him he created a ball around the tip of the candle. Invisible to the naked eye but undoubtedly there. The effect had to be perfect, if the bubble had any holes air would be let in and flame wouldn't go out. The technique itself was a lot harder then Hal originally planned. Hal was starting to strain when suddenly the candle went out. He was so surprised that he dropped the sphere around the candle and looked up at his Master. When Hal spoke he didn't realize that a few minutes had already passed.

"Whoo, easy enough.", he remarked.

 

[Wit]

Aden waited patiently as Hal attempted to complete the task he had set for him. Finally he felt Hal exerting himself in the Force and soon after the candle went out. Nodding in approval, Aden continued, "Well done, you managed to devise a very elegant solution. You went for the more subtle way to tackle the problem and at the same time managed to pull of something that required subtle use of the Force." He had expected a much more flashy attempt from Hal, but he had surprised him by managing to come up with such a solution. He had the ability to become a skilled Force user, maybe a Sentinel or a Consular.

"You have some measure of control over the Force, and I suppose you must have been taught the basics of lightsaber combat on Ossus. The way you tackled the previous problem tells me that you have the patience and restraint to master Force abilities, but in these times of war we cannot ignore our combat abilities. As Jedi we are are the guardians of peace, defenders of civilization. And in order to do that we often have to fight and so must learn to do so. You will have to decide what kind of Jedi you want to be, a warrior, a healer or something in between. Keep all I have said in mind when you make this choice. But for now tell me, how would you like to start off your lessons? Lightsaber training or Force training?"

 

[Rameth]

Hal knew his master would be pleased with the outcome. He had managed to surprise his other teachers the same way. Most thought because of his personality he would be more interested in the combat aspects of the Force. This wasn't true. Everything the Force had the offer Hal intrigued him. He constantly amazed himself with what he could do with it. Even after it was over he began to think of other ways to extinguish the flame. Yet it was the mention of war that snapped Hal back into full attention. Lightsaber combat was something Hal was always peculiar in. He sometimes failed his studies because he refused to just use the regular technique. He was always adding something in, not necessarily good but always something different. This blending of technique and Force was how he began to practice the form of Ataru, on request from one of his teachers.

"Do you happen to know Ataru Master Vaal?", he laughed to himself, "Apologies, Lightsaber combat Master.

Hal reached for his lightsaber but stopped and waited for his Masters word.

 

[Wit]

"No need to apologize, I don't like being overly formal anyway. So, lightsaber combat." Aden took a moment to reminisce on his first training sessions in lightsaber combat. He had been much younger, much more foolish. It had been sort of easy for him to decide on Djem So as his preferred form of lightsaber combat. His mastery of the echani combat arts had made him physically strong and that strength would be best utilized by Form V's philosophy. He had the power and focus that was needed to truly master it, "Peace through superior firepower," as his uncle had jokingly told him.

"Unfortunately I am a master of Djem So, Form V. But I do have some knowledge of Ataru and I can help you in mastering it. Form IV makes extensive use of acrobatic maneuvers, many not physically possible without using the Force to guide their motion. It is an aggressive combat form, more so than some of the other forms. In order to master Ataru, you must be able to control your anger, because if you don't, your combat becomes aggressive and may lead you to the Dark side. So tread carefully, like everything, it has its weaknesses and disadvantages." Taking off his cloak he kept it aside on the ground and picked up his staff in his right hand. Holding it out to his side he beckoned to his student, "Draw your lightsaber and attack me with everything you have, lets see how much you learnt on Ossus."

 

[Rameth]

"Right, no apologies.", Hal grinned.

He placed one hand on his knee and regained his posture with his other leg. He took two carefully placed steps away from his Master and almost bowed, stopping himself per his Master wishes, before entered a short stance. He placed his left foot in front and took his lightsaber from his belt. The orange blade shimmered to life in his right hand, producing a low hum. He took a deep breath and calmed himself, once again calling upon the Force. He only learned the basics of Ataru on Ossus but he knew enough to put it into practice.

At his current distance he was only three steps away from his Master. His enhanced speed would allow him to cover that distance in the time it would take a normal person to nearly finish one step. Anyone other then a Jedi would be caught off guard from such a maneuver but standing before Hal was a Knight of the Order. He doubted very much it would be that easy.

The staff was no doubt his Master weapon of choice. He told Hal himself that he was capable of using it to block lightsabers. The piece of wood stood around 6 foot tall, or so Hal guessed, and its length was one of its main benefits. It allowed the user to use its reach to his advantage by keeping his opponent away. Though in close quarters that would become a hindrance. The staff would become more of a liability then an asset. Hal was curious to see what type of defense his Master would put up.

Hal's eyes seemed to glaze as he let the Force take over. His short burst of speed probably came as no surprise to his Master. What followed however Hal hoped would, at the very least, impress him. As he neared his Master, just out of the staffs range he pivoted on one foot, turning all the way around, and lept up and backwards. Now above his Master he made a lazy swipe to his left shoulder, an attack easily blocked. Hal landed behind Vaal on his right side. His left foot touched down first and he pivoted immediately, bringing his right leg into a roundhouse kick at incredible speed. Only one attack could be blocked efficiently. Hal figured Vaal would block the first one, thinking it to be the attack of an inexperienced fighter and leave himself open to the second main attack.

 

[Wit]

As Hal jumped back and took his stance Aden brought the staff in front of him and caught it with both hands, his hands roughly at the center of the staff and crossing over each other so that his left hand gripped the staff on the right and the right hand on the left. He began immersing himself in the Force, giving in to its flow, seeking both its strength, comfort and guidance. By the time Hal moved in with his attack Aden was already flowing deep in the current of the Force. As Hal jumped into the air Aden brought the staff into a horizontal position and rotated the staff, bringing one half up into the air and then swinging it to bat the lightsaber swipe away from his shoulder. But through the Force he sensed another attack coming in from behind. So he did not stop the motion of the staff and firmly jabbed the staff back into Hal's leg to stop its advance. He then once more jabbed back but this time higher up to deliver a blow to Hal's chest to knock him backwards.

 

[Rameth]

Hal didn't understand how his Master managed such a feat. He deflected his lightsaber away and managed to predict his second attack. Was he that slow or was Vaal just that fast? The staff connected with his shin with tremendous force. Hal knew his leg would be hurting for days to come. The second attack wouldn't have been so bad if both his feet were touching the floor. His lack of stability knocked him backward sending him tumbling to the ground. This wasn't the first time Hal had been downed and the Force was still flowing through him. Before his back touched the floor he reached out with his left hand and stopped himself. He spun left bringing himself back to his feet.

Hal rushed forward once again, the force aiding his speed. He feinted a thrust toward his left side. As the attack neared his Master he angled the blade downward and pivoted on his left foot. A complete turn around had his right foot aimed at his Master's heel. The attack should knock his Master down if the intended effect occurred.

 

[Wit]

Pleased that Hal did not go down at once but came back to attack, Aden turned to the left to dodge the next thrust, but at the last moment Hal stopped and Aden felt his leg connect with his own heel. Aden did not oppose the push of the kick against his heel and let his leg go flying out. But as he fell to the side he turned his staff and slamming it on the ground stopped his fall. He then used the staff as a fulcrum and pushed against the ground with the leg still on it to swing through the air and came about standing on the other side of the staff. He then rushed Hal but at the last moment pressed his staff into the ground and letting go of the staff used his momentum to jump over Hal and flipping through the air landed behind him. He then turned around and faced Hal, "Good, you make use of tactics to counter your opponent's advantages. But remember, Ataru is a very demanding form and it is easy to get fatigued. You must learn to conserve energy, do not put forth more effort than is needed to defeat your opponent. Also know that like every Form it has some inherent strengths and weaknesses against the other Forms. If mastered properly it can let you out maneuver Shii-Cho, Makashi, and Niman users. If you are faced against a Soresu user then you must try wear out their patience by attacking just out of reach and force them to go on the offensive. That will give you the chance to break through their defense. But your greatest challenge will be against a Djem So practitioner, the strength of Djem So can disrupt Ataru's mobility as a powerful enough strike during a flip or a somersault can easily make you loose control. So I guess in a way you have a great advantage by learning from me as by fighting against my Djem So you will have a chance to work against that weakness of the Form. But that will be a lesson for tomorrow, I think we have done enough for our first day. Take the rest of the day off and meet me in my chambers tomorrow morning. Take the time to meditate, calm yourself. Tomorrow we will discuss the Jedi Code and Tenants before continuing with you lightsaber training."

[OOC: You can rp the time after this or directly skip to the next morning.]

 

[Rameth]

Hal let out a deep breath of air. Even though it was early in the fight he was starting to get fatigued. He hadn't really noticed until his Master mentioned it. He would have to be careful when utilizing Ataru in combat. He would have to take the time to learn the more subtle techniques of the form. Hal recalled a teacher on Ossus had mentioned the weaknesses of Ataru. Unfortunately he wasn't able to go into further detail before he left. Hearing his Master mention the other forms Hal realized how much more he had to learn. Would it be possible to learn every form? One would be a formidable combatant if so. Regardless it was lucky of him that his Master already had the knowledge of one of his forms weaknesses. He figured he would focus on Ataru and Djem So, a form he was already accustomed with and one he was most likely to learn. Hal deactivated his lightsaber and place it back on his belt.

“As you wish Master. That was a good warm up.”, Hal joked knowing his Master would notice his fatigue, “I believe I need some rest. I will see you tomorrow.”

Hal spent the rest of the afternoon setting up his room, meeting a few of the other padawans at Tython and completing his daily exercises. That night be borrowed the datapads containing the Jedi Code and its teachings. Hal understood the code well enough, at least he figured he did. It was with that doubt edging at the corner of his mind that he checked out the datapads. He spent most of the night reading, learning and coming to his own conclusion of the Code and its points. After he was satisfied he settled down on his new bed.

Hal woke up as the suns rays began to creep into his room. He always seemed to wake at sunrise. It was a habit he acquired at Tatooine and found a hard time getting rid of. It wasn't really a problem. Getting up early was usually seen as a good sign and one that he would take full advantage of. Hal began his morning exercises and was eating his breakfast only a short time after. Hal was done with most of morning activities when most other Padawans were rising from their beds. After he finished his meal he figured it was a good time to meet Vaal. Realizing he didn't know where his Master slept he asked a member if they knew where Vaal's room was and they pointed him in the right direction. With this information he soon found his way to his door. Not knowing if his Master was awake or not Vaal felt it was best to just knock lightly. The sound of the taps echoed through the empty hallway. It was louder then Hal had expected. He hoped he didn't disturb his Master, or anyone else, to early.

 

[Wit]

Aden had been awake for some time now, had already showered and finished with his breakfast. When the door was ever so lightly knocked, he heard it as clearly as if someone had been banging on it with a sledgehammer. Since loosing his sight he had been forced to improve his other senses and thus his hearing was pretty good, the fact that it was early in the morning with few people about also helped. He made his way to the door and sensing Hal standing on the other side pressed a pressure pad next to the door to open it.

"Good morning Hal, come in." Standing aside he let Hal enter into a moderately sized room, albeit one that was spacious and cozy for its size. A small table set against a wall with a few chairs around it and a shelf full of numerous volumes were the only furnishing in the small room. A door led off into the bedroom beyond. "I see you are an early riser as well, thats a nice habit to have. Well if you have had your morning meal and are ready to go then we can continue with your training. As I said yesterday we will focus on the Jedi Code a little as well as lightsaber training and some Force practice. I have asked a friend of mine, an Ataru master, to help with your lightsaber combat training today. She will be able to give you alot of insight into the subtleties of Ataru, much more than I can. So tell me, which do you want to address first? Lightsaber training, learning some Force abilities or understand the Code?" Sitting down on one of the chairs he motioned towards another chair for Hal to do the same.

 

[Rameth]

Hal greeted his master with a bow as he entered the room. The information concerning the Code was still fresh in his mind from the night before. He felt it would be good to start there and move on to the other subjects afterward.

“I believe I understand the teachings of the Code well Master. Emotion, yet peace. Ingorance, yet knowledge. Passion, yet serenity. Chaos, yet harmony. Death, yet the Force.”, Hal recited the code straight from memory. It had been taught to him for years, he remembered it well. He said the lines as he sat down next to his Master.

“I would be glad to hear what someone more learned thinks of the Code. I have my own ideas about it but that doesn't necessarily mean my opinion is the correct one.”

 

[Wit]

Aden nodded as Hal recited the Jedi Code, "Good, knowing is the first step on the path to understanding. The fact that you are willing to admit that your views may be wrong is a good thing, pride can be a deadly poison for a Jedi. Hubris has been the undoing of many a great Jedi, so no matter what happens try to remain humble and open to more learning, to improving. But remember, your opinions about the Code might be different from mine or anyone else's, but do not discount the possibility that your view might be the the correct one and not mine. If you strongly believe in something fight for it, but at the same time keep yourself open to the possibility that you may be wrong."

Stretching his legs out in front of him, Aden shifted into a more comfortable position before continuing, "Lets handle the first line, Emotion, yet peace. As I see it this line tells us that despite the confusion certain emotions might create in our minds, by learning to control them we can achieve a peacefully meditative state of mind. Simply ignoring your emotions will not enable you to achieve a state of peace. Doing so might make you miss out on or ignore a factor that could be vital to tackling some problems, or feeling an emotional reaction might help you decide whether a action is morally sound or not. Your emotions are not inherently good or bad, it is how you react to those emotions that colors them. Do not let your emotions cloud your judgment; as Jedi we must act, not react. Do you agree?"