Serene Beginnings

[Korps]

Tarvik stood rigid, unsure of how he was to act. They seemed so accomadating here, so peaceful that he felt outright unhinged by comparison; he wasn't sure what exactly what they expected of him. Gritting his teeth, he forced his eyes to close, his breathing to slow, and he sank gently to his knees, his hands falling upon his thighs. He let the sounds of the temple flow through him, calming him. He let himself feel like just another pillar, another part of the building. Quietly he hoped this would be looked upon well, and not as simply wasted time.

He wondered idly what having a master would be like.

 

[Solus]

Unlike her last apprentice, she let this one choose where to train. It would be interesting to see how that facet of his mind worked. As she walked into the room, she caught sight of the man.

My, he's a big one, she commented, as one might if he had just caught a giant fish. He seemed terribly out of place, and that made her feel less intimidated. People who fit in too well always seemed so above her sometimes. She walked up to him and stood there, watching with curiosity as he sat there, almost as if he was painfully forcing himself into that position, judging by his posture and expression.

However, he was in it, and it didn't look as if anyone had made him do so. If he wanted to stay there, she would let him, after all, who knew what his own customs were. Every student was different. Still, he looked very uncomfortable.

 

[Korps]

He felt something, something he couldn't place. It felt as though he was no longer alone, as though something kind and helpful had come before him. Opening his eyes he saw that before him stood a woman, elegant and serene, and Tarvik realised that this feeling was her.

Quickly rising to his feet, he bowed low, somewhat clumsily. Swallowing, he kept his voice firm, determined to do his best, "My name is Tarvik Harkonne, may I presume that you are to be my master?"

 

[Solus]

She was a bit surprised by his deferring her in such a way as bowing, and was even made uncomfortable at it, but that was his custom. Customs made people interesting. However, he seemed a bit clumsy, out of place, as if he was a farmer thrown into the Chancellor's office. On one hand, it was slightly amusing, but on the other, her heart reached out for him, she knew how he felt. It made her feel more comfortable.

:: Yes, sir, :: she answered automatically, not catching her 'sir,' which must seem odd at the moment. She tried not to bring attention to it, and kept going after a short awkward silence. :: I have been looking forward to meeting you, Tarvik, :: she spoke through the Force. She couldn't help but notice his strong, commanding voice and asked, inquisitively, :: Do you sing? ::

 

[Korps]

Tarvik was stunned to silence. He was never really sure what to make of the legends of the Jedi, the benevolent protectors of peace, the impartial judges who brought conflicts to an end and brought wisdom to all. He had conjured many ideas of what they may be like, but this woman was not quite it. It was not that she seemed devoid of the powers of the Jedi, if anything, she seemed to radiate good will and strength, but he had to admit, never had he ever entertained the thought that he would be asked such a question. Certainly not while her lips didn't move.

"Um... no, I do not. Will that be required of me?"

 

[Solus]

She didn't expect how flustered he was at her question, and though something twinkled in her eyes at his question, it was not mockery or any form of it. It was admiration, admiration of such willingness to please.

:: No, Tarvik, you do not. I've just always wanted to meet someone who could sing well. You have a wonderful voice, :: she said, almost with a hint of admiration herself. :: What planet do you come from? ::

 

[Korps]

"Coruscant, I think. At least, that is where I was raised. I don't know if I could ever really call it my home, and I know not where I was born." He hesitated a moment, before asking, "If you do not mind my inquiry, I know little enough of the Jedi save from legends, may I ask what will be expected of me, should I be accept into your ranks?"

 

[Solus]

:: Coruscant... yes, that could be your accent. I enjoy listening to it, its fascinating. :: she said before delving deep into thought. :: You would be expected to know when to speak and when not to speak, when to fight and when not to fight, and how not to abuse power. Knowing them isn't the same as doing them, I know, even the Masters have problems with them, but knowing them helps, somewhat. At least then the conscience can help. :: She then smiled, :: After all, we don't expect perfection. If we did, none of us would be here. Are those clothes yours? :: She asked suddenly, though it was not in any argumentative way, just 100% inquisitive.

 

[Korps]

Tarvik looked down at his somewhat downtrodden attire. "Yes, it's what little I own." He considered his own statement, and what his clothing seemed to symbolize: the last remnants of a life. He knew if he was to step forward, he would take a new life, the life he knew he wanted. "Though admittedly, I would prefer something more appropriate. I am yours to teach, master."

 

[Solus]

She shook her hand at his last statement, :: Don't call me Master, it makes me uncomfortable, it may not others, but it does me. I'm Sarina, :: She then gave him a little indecipherable grin. It was almost impish. :: I know you know that most of the Jedi here conform to simple brown robes. I do not, as you can see, :: she said, looking down at her own white robes with turquoise embroidery on the hems and belt, the long tunic that reached nearly to her knees and was cut to almost resemble an arrow, and the decorative gold belt buckle shaped something similar to a leaf, but much more ornate. :: I do not believe that one should have everyone wear the same thing unless they choose, within reason. There are some wild things out there that are rather.. beyond, if you know what I mean. A variation of the norm is fine with me. What do you enjoy wearing? You look like the type to look good in black leather, what do you think? :: she said, sizing him up. :: If you enjoy your clothes, all we have to do is Jedi-ify them a bit, sort of like giving them a new life, and definitely show off your shoulders, :: she said, letting her designing mind wander.

 

[Korps]

"I think I would prefer to stay close to the normal, though black would be rather nice." He let his gaze wander a bit, finally resting on his lightsaber hilt. He recalled tell of the mystical weapon of the Jedi, and idly wondered how well he would perform with one. He didn't know if every Jedi got one, or if only the warriors did. For that matter, he didn't know much of the Jedi ways of things. "Tell me, please, mas... Sarina, what must I do to begin my training. Forgive my over-eagerness, I just know so little of this, and I want to learn."

 

[Solus]

She looked up at him, :: I know, you aren't over-eager, you're just fine. I just wanted you to feel at home, I didn't want you feeling like the oddball. It's a terrible thing to be. Hm, black? We'll worry about that later. Um, I don't believe there is a set way to start this off, but lets start with something you might know something about. Are you familiar with melee weapons? :: she asked, unclipping her own blade from her belt.

 

[Korps]

"Yes, but not in any meaningful way. I know how to defend myself with a club or knife, but I cannot say I've ever learned properly how to use them, nor have I used a weapon like a sword." He looked to the hilt of the lightsaber, "Do all Jedi learn to use that, or just the warriors?" He didn't know if he was supposed to or not, but he was intrigued by the lightsaber, and hoped he would have one of his own.

 

[Solus]

:: A club or knife is a good beginning, a nice foundation. I, myself, am no good at teaching this combat to you, you'll have to go to one of the battlemasters to learn that. In answer to your second question, all Jedi, if capable learn how to use these. After all, you can't expect a Gree to use one. However, I find you to be very capable. Here, :: she said, handing him her own blade, which, though it did not at all match his style, she was sure would feel at home in his hands. :: Whenever you get the time, feel free to get the feel of it, I don't use it. I cook, I'm not a battlemaster. I won't take no for an answer, though I know it must feel awkward to you. It isn't exactly masculine, I'm sorry. Now, :: she said, switching to a more teacherly tone, :: What do you know of the Force and using it? ::

 

[Korps]

Tarvik took the blade gently, awed by it. It seemed so graceful, so silent and serene, yet so full of power, of authority. He did not think he had ever seen any weapon look beautiful before, certainly not so elegant. He wanted to turn it on, to feel if the blade held any heft, or if was as weightless as it was said, but he could not bring himself to even consider actually doing it, the lightsaber seemed to command more respect than such negligence. He looked to her and simply nodded, a profound thanks in his eyes.

"The Force? I know only what legends and bedtime stories tell me, that it permeates all things, that it can heal the sick, and grant great powers to it's wielder. I have heard that it can be used to conjure lightning, to leapt into the skies, to move objects massive in size, to bind others, to harm them and to help them. I don't know much real fact, but I have heard of nothing mightier than the Force." Tarvik felt slightly ashamed that he stood before one of the great Jedi, a lightsaber - a real lightsaber - in his hand, and all he had to tell were of the stories that lulled him to sleep. He hung his head, "I don't really know how to use it, it just happens sometimes. I've... hurt people with it..."

 

[Solus]

She was pleased that he did not seem perturbed by her blade being so unlike his in style, but she frowned when she heard the self-doubt and distain in his voice. When he finished his last, she gently put a finger against his lips to signal silence as she looked up at him. :: We have all hurt people, it's something sentients cannot help but do, :: she looked deep into his eyes, as if seeing the soul within. :: I see within you so much potential, Tarvik. Do not chain it up over the past. Not only do I see great power, but great humility - never lose that. Tarvik, when I tell you that you can do something, I deem you worthy of it. Come on, look, see, Jedi are not against having a bit of fun. Come on. I want to see you light up that blade, and I want to see you try it out. Do stuff. Go wild - just don't destroy anything, :: she grinned.

 

[Korps]

Tarvik was grateful for her understanding, her forgiveness, and so he steeled himself, and turned his gaze down to the lightsaber in his hand. It seemed so calm, so simple and elegant, as much the brush of a painter as the hilt of a blade. Thumbing it into life, he broke a smile at the ignition of the glowing blade, marvelling at the weightlessness of it, the almost mystical feeling. He slashed slowly through the air, hearing it hiss softly, and hum gently.

He suddenly brought it before him in a tight block, before twisting his body and lunging forward, the blade stabbing into an imaginary opponent. He deflected and parried, turned and slashed. He had never felt so alive. He felt powerful and yet graceful, he felt like a warrior and yet an artist. He imagined a terrible foe before him, and he brought the blade against it. He leapt into the air, the blade stabbing down, slashing as he landed, flashing in a series of arcs in mere seconds. He felt free.

Catching himself, he realised that he was not just a boy with a new and fantastic toy, rather a young man before his teacher, playing like a child. Yet he could not help but smile. He had just realised that his little jump had carried him across the room.

"Beautiful," was all he could say.

 

[Solus]

Sarina watched, interested in her pupil's every move, partly in awe. The first time handling the thing, and yet it was obvious that he had a natural affinity for its use. Incredible. Someone so new... yet so full of potential. :: What was beautiful, :: she said, clasping her hands, :: was that performance. Yes, that ought to be a big bloc of your schedule, all that skill can't go to waste. Tell you what, you can keep my hilt for however long you need it or until you build your own or I need it or something. It rests better in your hands. Have a blast in your spare time. I'll contact the battlemaster and have him take a look at you, alright? :: she said, looking at him with a smile. Her first hour with him and she was already proud of him.

:: I can see all of the potential you have when you do things like that. That leap, that showed talent. I can see it - you didn't even have to think about it. You'll be a full-grown Namrey before long. ::

 

[Korps]

"My thanks. I will work on building my own soon, so I can return yours."

Letting the hilt rest at his waist, Tarvik allowed himself a moment of pride. For all he was unsure, for all he felt awkward, he had been accepted by his master, and he had shown promise. Perhaps this was indeed what he been born for.

"I am eager for your teachings, Sarina"

 

[Solus]

:: And I am eager to give it, :: she returned. :: Now, lets see... let me see you use the Force in some way, any way you can think of, or you can do several of the things you know how to do - or do all you know you can do. I have all day. Oh, and when you're promoted to Jedi Knight, what do you want to focus on? Study? Healing? That kind of thing, :: she said, taking joy in his pride and confidence.