Another Day

[Master Maverick]

((This takes place before the conquering of Tython and is open for anyone interested))

Peace.

It was so far away now, it was a wonder how anyone functioned.

Well, perhaps not. Many ignored it, refusing to pay attention to something until it touched them directly. Others were driven towards an ideal, whatever that may be, and trudged onward, despite the horrors of war. That was what she was doing. Or, at least that's what she thought she was doing. It was nice to perceive a level of control over oneself, the only thing one really could have any influence over.

The star in the sky shone bright, wispy puffs of frozen vapor hanging precariously in the sky, yet sliding over the blue within which they reside. It was wonderful weather this day. Not like how her class started. It had been a rather stormy week, though it was needed. It had been rather dry up to that point. Now everything seemed more green, the trees more full, the grass thicker. A scent of rain lingered, at least in the nose of the Togruta as she sat, cross-legged, upon the soft grass. Her light blue robe spread about her generously.

Eyes closed, hands clasped lightly, head turned down, it was a sight all too common at the Sage Halls. Though, less so lately. Jedi were needed elsewhere, and with the deaths of so many Jedi during the course of the war, they were spread thin. It was like a time she remembered reading about once. Long ago, before the time of Grand Master Luke Skywalker. She couldn't quite remember the name associated with the conflict at this time, but it mattered not. She simply wanted to find peace that seemed to be torn from her soul. It was an impossibly simple task.

 

[Tzeentch]

The Sage Halls of Empress Teta. A sacred place where one could seek out knowledge on the philosophies of the Order and learn how to wield a wide variety of Force abilities, given time and dedication. It was also where those seeking to deepen their connections with the Force could go and meditate. This was where Sajer Ar'kan had come soon after being accepted as a Padawan in order to delve into the philosophies, the Code, and the past. In the short time he had been a member of the Jedi Order, Sajer had allowed himself to become immersed in the knowledge within the archives, whilst splitting his time between his intellectual pursuit and maintaining his strength - as he lacked the proper means to surpass his current physical state, that was all he could do. However, even he needed to take short respites every now and again, lest he exhaust himself.

It was a delicate balance he had to watch over carefully. If he ceased his activities for too long, his already scarred body would weaken further, as would his mind. Yet, if he pushed too hard, he risked exhausting both body and mind.

As he walked through the Halls, he watched as other Jedi passed. He had heard much of the war that was greatly favorable to the Empire, but he himself had not witnessed the aftermath the battles it had brought to the countless beings in the galaxy, even during his days on Corellia. The price of peace was always high during times of war, and everyone, including the Jedi, were paying that price with blood. And with the war growing closer each and every day, many were on edge.

Stepping outside, Sajer reached up and made sure that his mask was properly in place over his lower face and bandages - as much as he would like to smell the air, freshly scented by the recent rain, it would not be well for him to needlessly labor his breathing. Slowly, he made his way towards a small clearing not far from the Sage Halls. Whenever he needed time to himself when he was young, he would go outside to an area where the forest near his home met the vast plains his village rested upon and put his mind and body to ease - whittling wooden versions of the creatures that could be found on Corellia. In fact, as his uncovered eye looked over the plant life of Empress Teta - somehow, it reminded him of home, of the small farm that his family owned. Unfortunately, while he could see the environment around him, he could not receive the scent through the breathing apparatus.

His feet finally coming to rest upon the grass, Sajer noticed that there was already someone seated a fair distance away. Spending most of his time alone ever since arriving at the temple, he had no knowledge on who she might have been. Not wishing to disturb the Togruta, he gave a slow yet respectful bow of his head toward her direction before putting his hands behind his back and looked to the sky and exhaled slowly, content with the peaceful silence.

 

[Mattoxz]

Markus had only recently been transferred to the beautiful temple of Empress Teta. And while it had taken him a little while to get used to the more outdoorsy feel as compared to his home planet of Coruscant, the Padawan soon found peace. The ground itself seemed to radiate a calm air, easing the mind when things became too stressed. When he didn't feel like taking medication, and his head started to swim with Voices, Markus would escape into the gardens to find peace within himself. This was one of those days, and he had waited all day to be able to go back outside. Rain had swept through, and a class was being held there not to long ago. In his condition the Padawan didn't want to interact with others, and rain was always more fun to watch than be in, the way he saw it. Opportunity shone just like the sun outside now, though, allowing him his freedom.

Outside, two Jedi seemed to be lounging about. He recognized one as the Master who had been teaching the class earlier. Markus gave a low bow out of respect, even if she was meditating and couldn't notice. The other was farther away, under a tree. He seemed to be wearing a mask, though Markus couldn't be sure. Curiosity got the best of him however, and he had to know! So he thought up a diabolical plan to learn whether or not the man had a mask or not! The Padawan just couldn't walk up and look, so he would need to be more discreet. So instead he would walk around the entire Courtyard nonchalantly, until he was close enough to see the mask, it was brilliant!

Thus Markus set out upon his quest, taking time to go around the entirety of the Yard, taking in the sights. The walk would take quite some time, but it was something to take his mind off other things, and he found the situation amusing in a childish sort of way.

 

[Master Maverick]

What is peace?

A definition would be an unwarring state. It is assumed that this unwarring state is normal? How is anyone to know what is normal. She knew some civilizations evolved around constant conflict. Stating one of these were "abnormal" would be highly speciest. Though, they weren't always at war, weren't always fighting a battle. So, those breaks would, perhaps, be considered peace. A day of peace compared to a week of combat, of skulking through forest or desert in an effort to do away with one's enemies.

That is what the Jedi would have to do, were the Core to fall. The Alliance would be done away with an dictator would rule over the galaxy. It created a pit in her stomach. She believed that, in her lifetime, she wouldn't see the fall of the Sith. Would it take decades to rid them of the galaxy? Was this finally the end of the Jedi, that they would return only in bursts as the Sith had done for the last tens of thousands of years? Would the Jedi, then, become the evil that the galaxy tries to rid itself from? Would the Jedi be those monsters that mothers scare their children with so they might not disobey; those individuals from which lessons are learned in the most horrid of ways?

Those stories of the Sith, though; were they really true? She knew more about them than many Jedi, but she had never even properly met one. Her understanding is third-hand, hearsay. There was evidence, sure, but was it skewed by public opinion, by cultural ideas, by personal perception? She couldn't be sure.

Then how would any be sure of anything? How could any know what happened ten minutes ago, never mind ten millenia ago? How did "proof" really hold up? Sure, there were remains, but were they the truth?

What was "truth"? If nothing was sure, then how could there be truth?

The Togurta's mind raced with a question a moment. An idea a second. A thought every instant. She had, quite clearly, failed to find peace.

Bright light flashed into darkness. Her mind's eye blinded, she saw nothing, swallowed up in the darkness she had worked her entire life to cleanse the galaxy of. Then, another faint flash. It focused into a scene. It was blurry, as though she were but a newborn babe, witnessing the world for the first time.

Allyric! She gasped, and the name echoed throughout her mind. She watched as her former Master walked with a young human male. He looked familiar, but it took her several moments to remember who he was.

Sasha. Her Master's late Apprentice. He was her predecessor.

Floating through the scene, she watched as they traveled. They were soaked, but not from rain as it was quite sunny out at this point. Though that was relatively difficult to determine as the thick canopy blocked out most of the sunlight that might have reached the forest floor. This extended for as far as the eye could see at this point, which really wasn't much. Despite there be so little light, the floor was flushed with life, bushes twice as tall as any human, grasses that easily reached above her own montrals. The pair of Jedi danced among the low-hanging branches, traveling with a level of experience Ashara had not attained at the age she guessed the human had.

Then time sped up and they raced through the forest, all becoming a blur once again. It came into focus on a battle, the two Jedi fighting furiously for their lives. Her heart raced for them while she watched helplessly as they defended themselves and cut down their adversaries.

Once all had calmed, she found herself in a rather unusual structure. She couldn't know what it was, never mind where she was. Regardless, a stash of objects was piled high and the Caamasi seemed to think it of importance. She couldn't get a good look at the items, though. He looked to the human and issued some orders.

Then she found herself in his quarters. At least, that's what she assumed. It looked far from what she remembered. He was but a young man at this point in his life, however. A holocron was before him and she observed as he meditated before it, trying various methods of opening, activating the recording.

All goes black. Fear filled her mind and soul borne of hopelessness. It was the truth. No, it was a truth.

Was it?

When she awoke, she found herself sprawled upon the ground in a fetal position. This was only from feeling her own body as her eyes were sealed fast and she refused to open them until she gained control over her own and mind. For now she simply wanted to rest. Her muscles ached and head throbbed from the fit and she felt incredibly dizzy and nauseous. It wouldn't do well to rise too quickly.

 

[Raydo]

Reland had come to the planet after a conversation he had with The Sage Master on Coruscant. He hadn't know who she was at the time but felt that she could teach him the ways of Force in way others could not. So he had come to the planet to start his training. he had learned the much in the short time he had been here through classes that Master Vashee and the other Masters were teaching. He sat outside as he meditated and concentrated on the Force. He was just beginning to be able to feel the live that was around him. He could feel the grass, a tree nearby, and a family of birds that had taken residence in the tree. He smiled as he felt the peace of this day flow over him. There had been much talk of the war that was being waged across the Galaxy. The Jedi and the Alliance were loosing ground rapidly and the future looked grim but right here in this moment one could almost forget there even was war, and that more and more people were dying everyday...almost.

Realnd had sat there for an hour or so before he began to feel something was not right. He stood up and began to look around. At first he did not see anything but then he saw what he had felt earlier. He saw The Sage Master where she had meditating earlier when he came outside but she was lying on the ground as she convulsed slightly. Reland ran over beside her and called out "Master Vashee! Are you alright? Can you hear me? Master?" He didn't touch her as he was afraid causing more harm to her if it was some kind of seizure. "Someone go get one of the healers!" Reland yelled out as he continued to sit there calling out to the older Jedi.

 

[Tzeentch]

Sajer was torn from his minor trance by the shouting of a young padawan. Pulling his attention away from the sky, he turned to see a young man beside the Togruta that he had seen earlier. Unlike before, she was laid out across the grass, and he was unable to see what had happened. Judging from the panicked reaction of the young man however, something was wrong. Hearing his cries, Sajer looked toward the Sage Halls and thought on the situation at hand - the distance wasn't far, but it would take him far longer to get there than it would anyone else in the vicinity due to his old injuries, and if the situation were as dire as the younger padawan made them out to be, the less time it took to find a healer, the better.

He made his way towards the padawan and the Togruta, his gruff voice and breaths distorted by the mask he wore, "You are more fleet of foot than I! Go, and hurry!"

Sajer quickened his pace, his metal boots landing heavily upon the wet grass until he reached the woman, making sure that he wasn't too close to cause any negative reaction, but close enough as to where he could react quickly to lend assistance to her. Kneeling down next to her with a silent groan, his lone eye looked her over for any sign of visible injuries or ailments. As far as he could tell, she had no physical wounds of any kind. Although, as this planet was strong in the Force, it could be something far more intangible than the physical vessel.

This period of relaxation was certainly not going the way that he had previously believed it would. At all.

 

[Master Maverick]

"Calm down, child." She was almost irritated, a bit impatient. One could hardly blame her, though.

She spoke to both present, but stayed in her position a few moments further to make sure she wouldn't pass out upon rising. Pushing her hand against the grass and shouldering herself up, she moved to a slouched sitting position, her eyes still closed and her hand, once able, touching her head and her eyes shut tight in pain as she did so. She'd wave them off if they insisted a healer be brought. They were busy enough, after all. Another memnii was hardly a reason to pull them away.

It still bothered her that these fits affected her so. Why did she have so little control? But, then, why did she care?

"I will be fine." Her eyes finally opened and she looked at the two Jedi that had come to her aid. It was sweet, if not a touch patronizing. It took a few moments to recognize the boy, Reland. The name was lost in the maze her mind had become, but she found it soon enough. The other, however, she had never laid eyes on before. He was covered, something reminiscent to the Sand People of Tatooine. He wore a green cloak that covered a majority of his form, however, and his general disposition suggested he was certainly not one of those individuals. His voice only echoed within her mind previously, so she was unsure if his slow, hoarse voice was actually his or just a creation of her own mind.

The mask he wore suggested it might have, actually, been it. Regardless, she just sat for a few moments. She was still very lightheaded and now incredibly thirsty. "Help me up, if you would." Her hand raised above her shoulder weakly and she'd wait until one did as she asked. She'd groan and wince as she moved, but would support herself against the frame of which had helped her for a few moments so she could get her feet under her. Once set, she made her way slowly towards the Temple.

"It is good to see you found your way here, Reland." Her voice was rough, but soft still. Obviously still not completely recovered by the whole thing. "And what are you known by?" Her head turned towards the bandaged Jedi, to wait for his reply.

 

[Tzeentch]

"My apologies.." He faintly remembered the words the other padawan had shouted, the ones that initially brought his attention to this scene, which allowed him to discover the Togruta's rank within the Order, ".. Master Jedi." Sajer was not one to often witness such events, and even if he was, a temple belonging to the Jedi Order would be one of the last places he would expect to see someone lying on the grass, so it may be somewhat understandable for the reactions to her sudden state.

Upon hearing her request, he grasped her raised hand and, with his other hand on her back, steadily raised himself from his kneeling position and her from her seated one. Once she managed to regain her footing and began to make her way towards the Temple, Sajer followed suit, catching the name of the other padawan and the Master Jedi asking him for his own. He placed his right hand over his his chest and bowed slightly, to both Reland and Vashee, for a moment before returning to his usually hunched form, "I am Sajer Carolus Ar'kan, Master Jedi. Shortly after I had sent my request, I had been accepted into the Order as a padawan, not a week prior to today." He glanced at her, ".. Forgive me, but are you sure that you are alright? It is not my intention to offend, but I am unsure of what had just transpired." She did not seem to have fully recovered from whatever she had gone through not moments before, in both appearance and voice she seemed troubled or pained.

 

[Raydo]

Reland could tell that the women was in pain. He assisted the other Jedi in helping her off the ground. He began to walk beside her. "Is there anything or anyone I can get for you Master Vashee?" he asked. Reland didn't seem to notice to look of being annoyed on her face when she was standing. She shrugged off his request and turned to the other Padawan. He had not seen him before and he was sure he would have remembered him when he finished his introduction Reland gave him a small nod "My name is Reland Gil. It is nice to meet you."

The Sage Master seemed to walking towards the Temple not sure if he should follow her or not he decided that he would atleast follow her until she got to the temple. With every step he could tell that she was still in a bit of pain. "What would cause this to happen to one of the most powerful Jedi in the Order?" Reland thought as he continued to walk along side her. "Do it have something to do with the war? I am sure the war that the Jedi were losing had to weigh heavy on all the minds of the Jedi Masters." he continued to think as they walked.

 

[Master Maverick]

"Ashara,"[COLOR] she replied rather flatly, introducing herself to the stranger. However, given the response she, in the same breath, largely ignored his explanation of his entrance into the Order. She did not mean to be insensitive or cold, but she simply couldn't concern herself too much with it.

An incredulous look was shot in the general direction of the bandaged man. Sajer was his name. He was worried about offending her by worrying about her safety? It took her a moment, but she figured he wasn't anxious for no reason. It was rather embarrassing, really, to have such a fit. It helped that Sajer didn't know her position. Even if only in her mind.

"I will be fine, I assure you." She spoke with a touch of warmth this time, her footing becoming more sure and the spell retreating.

The warmed stone that made the courtyard boundary sent shivers up her spine as her bare feet padded along, muffled by the boots of the men accompanying her. She felt like a helpless babe in their arms. At least, that's what she might have perceived if she were concerned with such things.

"It was a vision. I will recover." That was, of course, only partially the case. They didn't need to know the secrets she held within her mind. Even so, they wouldn't even know what she was talking about, and she had no interest to explain it to them. However, she knew well enough that young men were insatiably curious and it was likely at least one would ask what she saw. She would wave them off, letting them know it was nothing to concern themselves with. That was much more the truth than the previous statement. At least, as she considered it currently.

Halfway across the courtyard she gestured for them to let go so she might try walking herself. It was a successful attempt, but it would be best to still go and consult with the Seers in order to record and discuss what she had just seen. In the meantime, the pair were more than welcome to accompany her.

"So, how are the both of you enjoying your stay thus far?" An innocent and unassuming question. She was merely trying to break the ice, making conversation so the walk wasn't too awkward.

 

[Raydo]

Reland wanted to ask her what the visions were but knew it was not his place to ask. Over the last month of so he had learned much about his place as a Padawan. He still did not have a Master so it was best for him not to offend any of the masters especially a member of the High Council. He was glad when she said it was okay for them to follow her to the Seer's. Reland wondered if this happened often or not. He had heard of Jedis being able to receive visions of the past and the present but never seen anything like this take place before.

"This planet is wonderful" he said warmly letting her change the topic. "I had never been in a forest before, or any where other than the giant city of Coruscant. Why the Jedi would choose to put their main temple in a giant city is beyond me. A planet like this one seems like a much more appropriate place. I have been attending many of the training classes put on by the Masters here at the Temple" He immediately regretted bringing up the Temple in Coruscant. He had heard that the battles were getting closer and closer to capital city of the Alliance. Unless something changed quickly the Jedi would most likely loose access to what had been the home for the Jedi for many years throughout the order history. He though back to his first day in the temple as he visited the archives. He couldn't fathom all of the information being lost forever.

 

[Tzeentch]

Sajer remained silent as Reland spoke of his time at the Sage Halls. Born on Corellia to a family of farmers and woodworkers, he found it strange that the other padawan had never actually walked amongst the trees of a forest before, but quickly disregarded it being strange as there were countless worlds where one might have been born and be unable to witness nature. He also felt, like the other padawan, that this planet might represent the Jedi Order more than Coruscant, if only because of the Temple's chosen location.

After Reland finished sharing his experiences during his stay at the Temple, Sajer remained quiet for a few moments longer before speaking, "... While I haven't given myself time to enjoy myself, I must agree with Reland - this planet is quite beautiful. I had spent almost the entirety of my time looking over philosophy, strategies and tactics, and many other things in the Temple, so I've yet to actually allow myself downtime or a chance to converse with other Jedi - I had mostly kept to myself during my short stay here." Sjaer was curious of the mention of the Jedi Master's vision, but her didn't ask or say anything. He had heard about such things, and even skimmed over information pertaining to visions, but he didn't know enough about them to actually converse about them.

 

[Master Maverick]

While the two of them spoke, she only nodded, keeping silent and politely showing she was listening. She wondered if Reland had forgotten that this particular planet was 'almost' covered completely by the planet-city of Cinnagar. They couldn't see it from their current position, the fields reaching over the bend of the planet's surface, but still, upon arrival one couldn't have possibly missed it. Although, he could very well be talking about that very city. However, the relation he made between Teta and Coruscant raised the question.

In any event, she remained silent for a time as they walked, taking in their comments and experiences. "I am glad you have enjoyed yourself," she said to Reland. "And I am glad you have been productive here," she commented to Sajer.

At this point they were in the Temple. Ashara had picked up the pace only a touch, the balls of her feet passing over the floor almost silently. Because she walked barefoot all the time, she walked differently than those who wore shoes. In effect she walked 'backwards' - toe to heel, rather than heel to to. It was the most comfortable way to walk, after all.

Now in the Temple, they passed a Knight. He was a human, looked rather common - at least as far as Ashara was concerned. Even though she had been in the Order her whole life, humans tended to blend together in appearance. She nodded in a polite, silent greeting while he bowed slightly at the hip. He didn't stop moving, though, obviously busy. It was the only individual that they would pass before getting to their destination.

She was welcomed with surprise by the Knight who played the secretary, in a way, for these gifted individuals. "Master Ashara! How are you?" The female Caamasi was almost startled, but more excited to see the Sage than anything else.

"I am fine, Hespecia, thank you. How are you?" A tight, small smile formed upon the Togurta's face with the reply.

"Quite well. What can I do for you?"

"I need to speak with Zolta-Va, please."

"Of course," she replied. Looking away from Ashara, she activated a comm system. "Zolta-Va, the Sage Master requires your presence." Look back at the Sage, she reported, "He should be here momentarily."

"Thank you," she said a respectful bow of the head. Hespecia then inquired of the two with her. "And who have you brought with you?"

Speaking for the pair, she replied, "Reland and Sajer. They came to my aid after another of my experiences." There was a stress on that last word that meant much more to the Caamasi than it would either of the humans. "Ah, well I am glad someone was able to help you," the young Jedi replied.

Their potential conversation was cut short when a brilliantly hued Voss appeared, clad in rather flashy clothes. "Sage Master," he greeted with a formal bow. Ashara offered a nod in return, showing her station higher than his own. Of course now Sajer would realize who he was with.

"I simply need to record the vision before I forget it." There was a pause while the man looked at the two humans in her company. The look upon his face was picked up easily enough and she assured him, "They can listen." He offered a hesitant nod before moving over to a small sitting area. Several chairs centered around tables. They sat at a group of five, one being left empty while Hespecia went back to work. Though it was clear she was listening intently.

Zolta-Va took out a recorder and Ashara recounted her experience. The Forest, the running, the fighting and the blackness mixed with the overwhelming fear. He didn't comment, only listened. There was much more said behind the words spoken, however. The Voss knew more than he'd let off, and Ashara hinted at many things, though the young Jedi would be hopelessly ignorant. They wouldn't need to worry themselves about it, after all.

The consultation took about half an hour, after which she took her leave rather quickly. Offering a farewell to both, she stepped out, the two humans most likely in tow.

"So, what are your plans for the day?" She changed the subject even though she knew they had a thousand questions for her that would only create a thousand more. They were free to ask, of course, but it would be relatively useless to get into such things with ones so young.

 

[Raydo]

Reland stood silently as the older Jedi spoke to each other even if it had been appropriate he didn't understand these things well enough to add anything. Both the Jedi seemed to be able to understand something beneath the account that Reland couldn't even begin to speculate on. He knew he had never had dreams this vivid before and didn't understand any meaning from this one but he continued to sit and listen as he soaked up the information. When she finished and began to make he way out of the room there seem nothing left to do to at least follow her out.

He wanted to ask her questions to show they he at least had some grasp on what occurred but didn't know where to start and didn't know if would even be appropriate to ask. For what ever reason she had the two padawans listen in and he did not want to do something to make her regret that decision by being rude.

As they continued down the hallway she posed a question to both of them. It seemed an attempt at small talk but it seemed odd to talk about something so normal after what they have just witnessed. His daily life of training was surely to be a great bore to someone in the Sage Master's position but he answered anyway. "A class on lightsaber basics...again" he replied with just a hint of disappointment in his voice. He was progressing at a pretty slow rate in the area of lightsaber combat. He would much rather study the ways of the Force. Most of his peers already had masters and most of them had already made their own lightsabers. Reland didn't even have a training saber to carry. Even if he did have one he doubted he would carry around with him everywhere he went. There was no inherent danger her at the temple and if there was a training saber would do little to save his life at that point. He knew it was necessary to learn but was discouraging to get beat by someone who was halve his age repeatedly.

His mind drifted back to the events that had just transpired. There was so much he didn't understand.

 

[Tzeentch]

Sajer had showed little to no reaction to the discovery that the Togruta was actually the Sage Master of the Order, other than a small twitch of his hand, but he hadn't expected it at all. To meet one of the more important individuals the Jedi had was something of an honor to the older padawan.

While Ashara described the vision that she had, the Voss was not the only one to listen intently to the Sage Master's words. Sajer made sure to listen carefully as the better half of the hour steadily passed. To him, the vision seemed to possess little more than mere descriptions of a few events - it didn't seem to be of any true importance. 'Perhaps,' he thought, 'Such information might be irrelevant to the larger picture. Although, maybe they see it as I do - knowledge is power, regardless of how insignificant it might appear to be..' However, Sajer did not dwell upon it - as curious he was, he felt that it wasn't his place to ask. If the Sage Master wanted to delve into the topic of her visions with clueless padawans, she would have already done so.

With the recording of Ashara's vision finished, he rose from his seat and followed her, the sound of his steps heavy compared to her almost nonexistent ones. Shortly afterward, she asked a simple and innocent question.

Sajer exhaled slowly through his mask as he reached into his hood to lightly rub the side of his covered face, thinking as Reland spoke, "... I suppose that I have had enough time to recuperate. At this time, I do not have any other plans that deviate from my usual ones, of which focus on maintaining my physical and mental capabilities. I would like to participate in other activities, but I'll have to make time to do so.. Although, if there is anything I have in abundance, it would be time."

 

[Master Maverick]

"Hm," she thought, her hand touching her chin while she considered their answers. "If you are not doing anything now," she said to Sajer, "Then would you mind joining Reland and I to a training room?" It was hardly something to deny - when the Sage Master requests that you meet her in a training room there was sure to be something to learn.

This would prove to, then, fulfill Reland's class requirements, thus not getting him into trouble, but also adding something extra to the experience, making it more exciting. Of course this was all speculation as she would say nothing more on the subject, revealing her plans. In honesty, she had not fully formulated them yet, and simply wanted to perform her good deed of the day. That and it gave her an excuse not to do more datawork. The Masters could wait another day or two on confirmation on their training and classes, after all.

Actually, she probably shouldn't, given the state of the galaxy and the fact that Jedi were needed last year. However, she was doing her contribution and she knew the Masters had plenty more to do than wait for her to get back to them.

Once Sajer accepted her request, she picked up the pace, but only a little bit. Reland was actually a little shorter than the Togruta, and Sajer had a hard enough time walking as it was. Even so, there was no particular need to rush.

Keeping on the same level, but going towards the west end of the building, she entered a chamber. This particular space would contain a few droids or various makes and models, a bench with various tools and parts on it. another with a bright light and what could be perceived as bandages from this far away. There were also three closed lockers - their contents hidden. The pair wouldn't know, but this was Ashara's personal training room.

If the boys acted normally, they would pause a bit by the door, walking slowly into the room. Ashara made her way at the same pace towards the lockers. Half way across the spacious room she called out, "Shii-Cho, level 1!" One of the droids then activated. A training saber, really nothing more than an upgraded vibroblade, was pulled from its back. By that time Ashara had already opened one of the lockers. Two blades were pulled out. She would have thrown them at the two if she thought they were capable of catching them. While she didn't know Sajer's capabilities, the fact that Reland was still in lightsaber basics told her that he wasn't particularly gifted. Neither was she, of course, but that was when compared to her peers. Or those she chose to be considered her peers.

Walking back over to the pair she handed off the tools. "Beta, Shii-Cho, level 1!" The second of three droids activated and wielded its weapon. "Let us see what you know, shall we?" Ashara backed away while the droids took their positions on opposite sides of the rectangular room.

This would be but a warm up. The strikes wouldn't be particularly hard, nor fast. Indeed, if they had any skill they would find that they were performing the patterns they would learn in class, but now actually applying them. For thirty minutes they would go through everything they should know at this point - part one of the Form. She'd watch to see how they performed, but wouldn't interfere. She wanted to see how they fared and what they were capable of. That didn't include her intervention and advice.

 

[Raydo]

He was excited and terrified when the Jedi Master asked both him and Sajer to come train. He remebered his slightly embarrassing moment of boldness when he first came to the Temple in Coruscant when he had asked her to train him. He was not doing bad in his training but light saber combat was his weak point. He wanted to impress her but he was more likely to make a fool of himself. When she got to their destination he noticed that he had never been in it before. When they came in the room and the door shut behind them she announced that they were using Shii-Cho. All his lessons up to this point were in this form, like most Jedi as they started out training.

Reland grabed the Training Saber given to him. He was nervous as he walked up and got into a ready stance as the green colored blade extended. This would be the first time sparring against anything or anyone. He took a deep breath and found his center. He then waited to begin. He had no idea how this was going to work but he was going to wait until he was attacked. What little skill he has was in defense and that was his best bet for the time being. As he waited he started whispering one of the older Jedi Codes that he had read a few weeks earlier. "There is no emotion, there is peace." He knew this wasn't the code most Jedi used now but it he found comfort in the words. With that he focused his mind and waited..."There is no ignorance, there is knowledge."

 

[Tzeentch]

He bowed his head in respect for a moment, a lightly clenched fist silently placed over his heart, "It would be my pleasure, Master Ashara." A chance to learn something from the Sage Master was not to be taken lightly, and it was not something that Sajer would willingly pass on. He had little trouble keeping up with the others as Ashara sped up, his stride growing ever slightly in order to do so.

Upon entering the room, he looked around while following the Togruta to the lockers, glancing at the droids as they were activated. Taking up the offered training saber, Sajer gazed at it, turning it over in the palm of his hand as he walked over towards one of the droids, stopping in front of it. Bringing his eye to droid, he steadily placed himself into a balanced, if not stiff, stance, his right foot placed in front of him. Held in both hands, he extended the saber, a blue blade coming from the hilt, the sleeves of his green cloak sliding down his arms, revealing the bandages that continued past the forearms and further into the cloak.

Calmly, the padawan inhaled and exhaled slowly, audible through his mask, in an effort to control his breathing for the task ahead.

Sajer had no experience with actual combat other than the knowledge the temple had provided, but he supposed that he would soon learn whether or not he could properly execute the information he had gathered.

 

[Master Maverick]

This would be but a warm up. The strikes wouldn't be particularly hard, nor fast. Indeed, if they had any skill they would find that they were performing the patterns they would learn in class, but now actually applying them. For thirty minutes they would go through everything they should know at this point - part one of the Form. She'd watch to see how they performed, but wouldn't interfere. She wanted to see how they fared and what they were capable of. That didn't include her intervention and advice.

Following this 30 minute demonstration, she voiced a "Cease!" and the droids ended their movements and stood motionless until their next directive. It was clear enough who had more practice and who had more knowledge. Neither were particularly useful without the other. As such, she activated her blade and began to go through the motions, declaring that the young Jedi were to follow her lead.

Atarek knew well enough and she knew that he was well aware of the names of the particular movements. She wasn't sure about Sajer, though. Either way, she'd name them as she moved into them, so they would learn if need be but also anticipate what was next. This was coupled with explanations of what each movement might be used for, against, and with in real combat. Again, simply theory, but that would be tested soon enough.

About an hour was spent on this, going through the motions three times so they became more comfortable with the whole thing. Then she chose to throw them into the fray, as it were.

Turning to the pair, she pulled out a knob, turned it, and pushed it back in. The thrum of the blade lightened, the blade becoming a touch more unstable it seemed. This was simply the result of less energy being imparted to the saber itself, being restricted by the power core of the hilt.

"Try and touch me with your blades." The command was simple. The implication was a bit more unclear, however, as they were then expected to work together in order to achieve their goal. The droids were directed to the side of the room in order to allow for the most room possible for the trio to spar. The Togruta's blade was raised in both hands at a 45 with the ground between the two young Jedi as she waited for their move.

 

[Raydo]

He had learned more than he thought. He was able to defend himself against the droid. The drill lasted for around 30 minutes and then the Sage Master told them to stop. She then went into an in-depth lesson of the various moves of Form I. Reland had heard these before but it made more sense now and came much easier. The Sage Master was a natural teacher and she made things understandable.

Reland was much more comfortable in this more private training setting. He didn't have 20 people to compare himself to and found it easier to concentrate. When she finished her lesson she motioned from them to attack her and try to hit her. Reland knew this was impossible to but this was his chance to prove himself. He had been too busy with the other drill to be able to really tell what skill level the other Padawan was at.

Reland started walking around the right side of the Jedi Master. He preferred a more defensive approach but this was not a defensive drill. He had walked around to where he was facing her left side. He jumped forward and started a downward slash towards her hands and then swung around to slash at the back of her knee.