Open Initiation

[Vaen Kesselle]

Open to any Jedi​

Yavin IV was one of Vaen's least favorite temples. She wasn't much of a jungle person, and she hoped that someday the Jedi's main home could be in a big city. Similar to the Jedi temple on Coruscant. There was plenty of space for her ship, and she'd land it near the entrance of the temple.

"Alright, we're here," talking to her newfound partner. "You nervous?" Vaen remembered the first time she arrived at a Jedi temple. For most people, it was the first time they ever left their home. Living amongst strangers was definitely the weirdest part, but learning a new philosophy was probably the hardest part. Vaen contemplated whether becoming a Jedi would actually be beneficial to Var or not, but she knew it was at least better than becoming a Sith.

Vaen lowered the ramp of her ship and got out. It was a little foggy, but it wasn't terrible. Vaen wasn't quite sure exactly what the time was, but she assumed it had to be early morning. The air felt more humid than usual, and the temple, although pretty quiet, sounded quieter than normal. Most of the others were probably asleep or they were off-planet.

@Illogical Martyr

 

[VaroSut Delakaraad]

Varo'sut followed behind Vaen as she moved to the exit ramp of her ship. As she questioned whether or not he was nervous, he was quite the opposite. Maybe finally here he could find some sense of belonging. He knew he might very well be taking his first steps into a life of meaning, into a place where he could perhaps follow a path that stood for something. As the exit ramp slowly began to lower to the ground, the Temple came into view and all he could do was stand for a moment and take in it's beauty.

To him, the fact that it was so secluded and surrounded by nature seemed to comfort him a great deal. The hustle and bustle of the city was alot for him to process, at least for now. He much preferred the quiet, the sounds of nature, he felt a connection to the planet already and he had just arrived.

"I don't feel nervous, I feel hopeful more than anything... I hope I've arrived at a place I can call a true home. "

After taking in the sights, he began following Vaen away from the ship and towards the temple. The air was crisp, the plants were all covered in morning dew as if it had rained recently, the air was cool and calming and all of that only soothed him further. The fog was nice to him due to his anti social outlook on life, the fact that he couldn't easily be seen from a distance appeared to give him a sense of comfort. The humidity was no issue for Var as he had been raised on Iridonia, an arid planet that would get much warmer than this on a good day.

As they approached the temple var looked to Vaen and a moment of doubt seemed to come across his expression. "Vaen, a moment. " he gently touched her arm, signaling he wished for them to pause before entering.

"Will I truly be accepted here..." He asked. "I come from a ruthless warrior culture, I hope that the jedi do not view me as tainted because of such..." His eyes looked hopeful that she would dismiss his worries, and ease his mind. He wasn't nervous up until that moment, because he knew many Jedi refused the ways of the warrior path. He didn't wish to be judged.


@Allevia

 

[Ariadne Harro]

Ariadne waited near the landing platform as the ship descended. Newly knighted, it was typical that her first assignment on her resume was temple security. Somebody had to do it. Still not exactly the daring adventure that she had perhaps hoped for. Knight Kesselle had communicated the new arrival of a possible initiate into the order upon her arrival into the system, as was protocol following the disaster on Ajan Kloss. Rumor had it that another disaster on the same planet had followed shortly after as a few padawans had decided to take a field trip to the cursed and apparently still crawling with Sith planet. Shaking her head as arriving ship touched down, she approached through the thick fog, a datapad held in her hands as she pulled up the new "new arrival form" on the device.

Coming to a stop in front of the already open boarding ramp, her eyes flicked, seeking the new arrivals. Voices echoed through the soupy fog and Ariadne felt a surge of panic as she realized that the ships occupants had already departed and wandered off into the thick fog without checking in. Scowling, her eyes and ears cast about the fog for shadows and voices. Finding them, she hurriedly approached, waving a hand to part the fog as she neared them to reveal the pair who seemed to be in the middle of a private conversation.

"We accept all kinds, so long as they follow protocol..." Ariadne's eyes spoke with kindness at first as they fixed on the nervous Zabrak before taking on an annoyed glint as they settled on the Jedi Knight. "Knight Kesselle, please sign in here to vouch for our newcomer and submit your ship and possessions for inspection." She said as she handed the datapad over to her fellow Jedi.

"Welcome to the Jedi Temple. I am Knight Harro." Ariadne introduced herself with a slight smile as she turned her attention back to the newcomer, leaving the datapad in the Knights hands for her to check a few boxes and leave her signature as she extended a welcoming hand to the Zabrak. "I apologize for the less than warm welcome, new security protocols have been put in place by Master Grayza and today is my turn on the watch."

@Illogical Martyr @Allevia

 

[Vaen Kesselle]

The answer Var gave was pretty typical. There were always two types of people that joined the order: those who had nowhere to go, and those who made the choice to join. The one that had nowhere else to go typically clung onto the Jedi ways much easier, and upheld them strictly. The ones that chose to join, such as Vaen, were typically more laid back. Vaen's facial expression wouldn't change, but she would frown a bit internally while envisioning what type of Jedi Var would come. However, he would at least fit in with most of the other padawans.

Vaen turned around to face Var. Being from a warrior culture would probably be frowned upon, but it wasn't like he had to let everyone know about it. "Don't worry about it ju-" she was cut off by someone else. Turning her head, Knight Harro's irritated expression met her own eyes. "Oh, her." While Harro was slightly older, she was still somewhat Vaen's junior, since Vaen had been in the order for longer. Although she didn't really get caught up in that, since both were Knights.

A bright smile would be her response to the glare Vaen received, as she reached for the datapad. "Don't mind if I do cutie." She went through and checked a bunch of boxes. They were mostly questions regarding Var; his race, homeworld, and etc.

Finishing up on the datapad, Vaen would hand it back to Knight Harro. "Ship is all yours to check out, just don't scratch it up. Maybe it'll be your hand-me-down." She gave a wink to the fellow Knight while she made her way into the temple. "Cmon Var. I wanna get this tour done quickly."

@Illogical Martyr @Arclight

 

[VaroSut Delakaraad]

Var was caught off guard by the sudden appearance of the new Jedi, he turned to face her and nodded his head to her while giving a short smile as she welcomed him. He took her outstretched hand, shaking it while bringing his other hand over to gently pat the top of them both as they shook them. "Thank you Knight Harro for the warm welcome. It is a pleasure to meet you, I believe Vaen is about to take me into the temple now." He then let go of her hand and turned with Vaen to face the temple. "Good luck with your watch Knight Harro."

"I'm coming, I'm coming." he chuckled as Vaen asked for him to follow her. His mood seems to haven risen, perhaps he is beginning to feel welcome.

"What happens after the tour?" He questioned while walking into the temple depths with her.

@Allevia @Arclight

 

[Ariadne Harro]

Knight Kesselle's smile was bright, almost too bright and Ariadne was almost certain the woman's words were meant to be diminutive. Ariadne knew that Vaen was a young comer to the Order, unlike herself who had just entered adulthood when she had decided to seek out the Jedi. "All who come to the Jedi with good intentions are welcome." She responded to the Zabraki newcomer as she winced internally her words. She would have never said something so corny back on Eriadu.

Accepting the datapad back from Vaen, Ariadne's face remained impassive to the younger Knight's words as they earned a small polite smile. Turning her attention to the datapad, her eyes searched for the young man's name. He had been polite, but not polite enough to introduce himself it seemed. "Var?," She muttered quietly, "Is this how-" She began to ask before trailing off into silence as she looked up to see the pairs backs halfway down the courtyard. They were walking away from her.

Breathe. Ariadne told herself as she exhaled. Vaen probably just hadn't been briefed on the new security measures that the Jedi had been forced to take. The attitude the other knight had taken with her led Ariadne to other conclusion's however. Letting her irritation flow off her like water, she closed her eyes as she centered herself. She still had a duty to make sure the protocol was followed, especially on her watch. Her eyes opened as she took a step forwards. She felt like the wind as she broke into a sprint, slowed and stopped in the span of blink to stand in front of the pair off to Var's side, who was probably just feeling the wind of her passing as she spoke.

"Do not confuse my politeness for a request Vaen." She said sharply. "Keep your saber, but I must scan the both of you for tracking devices." And darkness. She kept to herself as she smiled in apology to Var. "I'm sure you are eager to become acquainted with the grounds." She glanced at the datapad "It's Var right? Is this how you spell it?" She asked, handing the datapad to him to correct Vaen's attempt at his name. As he did that she pulled a signal tracer off of her belt and began to scan the pair. "This won't take long." She assured them as she gave Vaen a brief smile.

@Illogical Martyr @Allevia

 

[Vaen Kesselle]

"Well after the tour, you'll have some rest and eventually start some basic training in a few days. It will be some basic stuff. Mental focus and some basic combat training." Vaen wasn't a fan of training others. She was in her prime, she had to use the time to perfect her own techniques.

As she walked Vaen could feel some emotions swelling up nearby, and was greeted by the girl again. Vaen crossed her arms while being scanned. "It's Knight Vaen to you." She let out a yawn while turning her head toward Var, "This is why I usually spend my time off of this planet." When she returned from her multi-year long expedition, Vaen had hoped that the order lightened up a bit. However, during her absence, it seems that everything was getting tighter.

@Illogical Martyr @Arclight

 

[VaroSut Delakaraad]

As he and Vaen walked together, he took note of her words. Attempting to get an idea of the days to come. He enjoyed planning ahead, it was a pet peeve of his to go into any day mentally unprepared.

Varo'Sut felt a wind current beside him and he turned to look at the cause of it just in time to see Knight Harro slide into view. "Wow." He thought to himself. "All Jedi this fast?"

He took the data pad to look over his name and listened to the other two Jedi as they spoke to one another. After finishing his inspection of the datapad he handed it back with a polite smile. "It seems to be in order. I realize that I forgot my manners and it slipped my mind." He bowed slightly and lowered his head before standing upright once more. "Apologies for not properly introducing myself earlier. I am Varo'Sut. But Vaen has taken a liking to calling me Var. You can use that name as well if it's easier."

He then quieted himself and awaited Vaen and Harro to conclude their business with one another.

@Allevia @Arclight

 

[Ariadne Harro]

Ariadne's face was impassive as she watched the scanner analyze Knight Vaen before it dinged to confirm the woman wasn't bearing any bugs or devices that could compromise the Yavin temple. "Of course Knight Vaen," She said with a forced smile. The woman's attitude was getting under her skin, and Ariadne couldn't help but wonder if she even knew of the tragedy that had happened to force the Jedi to adopt such strictness. "I'll be sure to let Master Grayza know that his measure's to keep the padawan's and new initiates safe," her eyes glanced over to Var as she spoke, "Are an inconvenience to you. I'm sure he will be happy for the feedback."

Accepting the datapad back from Var, Ariadne fumbled the two devices in her hands for a moment while Var spoke, managing to slip the datapad under one arm as she started the scan on the newcomer. "Apology accepted Varo'Sut." She took care to listen and pronounce the name the way he said it. "Though unnecessary. You may call me Ariadne, if you wish." She said to the young Zabrak with a smile. The device in her hand dinged at the end of the exchange, signaling the man's cleanliness in the eyes of the scanner.

"All done. See that wasn't so hard." She said as she took a step back and waved the pair forwards with the datapad which had found its way into her hand once more. "Your are free to enter the grounds. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a ship to inspect." She said politely as she let them pass, watching their backs for a moment before turning to walk towards the ship in question.

Coming to a stop in front of the ship, Ariadne eyed the vessel. If one could call it that. "This is why I usually spend my time off this planet." She mimicked in a quiet, mocking tone, scrunching up her face as she did so. Not very Jedi-like she supposed. If only she had been off planet when...

Shaking her head, Ariadne blinked and sniffed, dabbing an eye with the back of her hand, ignoring that it came away wet as she turned her attention back to the ship. It had to be inspected. She had work to do.

@Allevia @Illogical Martyr

 

[Vaen Kesselle]

"Oh the security protocol isn't the thing I was complaining about sweety. Maybe you'll get it in the future." She gave her a bright genuine smile. Vaen always wished for the other Jedi to be more relaxed. Being so stressed and cranky, especially when confronted with minor irritations, was childish to her. Yet it seemed that a lot of her peers acted like that. The events of Ajan Kloss made the Jedi Order more strict and serious, but for the wrong purpose. "You can still tell Master Grayza, whatever you want though. Not really much of a problem."

Once the scanning was done Vaen made her way past the fellow Knight. "Cmon Var," As she walked away Vaen turned her head "Oh Knight Harro! Don't forget to take deep breaths! Stress is bad for the skin!" She wasn't sure whether or not the fellow Knight would care, but it was something Vaen thought about. Being a peacekeeper was a lot easier when you kept your appearance up to a high standard.

Vaen made her way through the temple and showcased some of the locations such as the cafeteria, the meditation rooms, the library, the bathrooms, and etc. Lastly, Vaen would take Var to his room. Upon opening the door they would be greeted with a bland, dusty, and nearly empty room. There was a twin-sized bed in the far right corner and a decently sized dresser. "Make sure you remember where this room is because I'll probably forget it."

 

[VaroSut Delakaraad]

Var followed Vaen about the temple while she gave him a tour, his mind racing. He was simply in awe of the place, he had only ever heard stories of the Jedi and now HE was at one of their temples. It was mind blowing, you could say in a way that to him they were his idols when he was younger. He never made the connection that his abilities that had surfaced might bring him to the Jedi, he didn't even know what the kriff the force was, or is.

But he knows he's happy to be given the chance to find out. Var made mental notes of each location they visited, including his bedroom.

As the door to his room slid open, he entered with a smile and stood in the middle of the room for a moment. Taking it in.

" I would hope that you would remember where my room is Vaen, you're the knight that brought me here. " He turned and looked at her now and bowed, he knew she wasn't into all these formalities but, he was extremely grateful to her, and hoped to see her many times more in his life.

"Vaen, a word if I may? " He asked as he uprighted himself from his short bow." You may or may not understand the significance and importance to me that you have brought me here, but I do not believe in coincidence. What is it you Jedi like to say alot? The force acts in mysterious ways? Shapes events of the galaxy? All that good stuff?" he moved over to the bed in the room, and softly sat upon it, now speaking to her as he faced the wall opposite of him.

"I know I may have been too serious with everything up until this point, but I would like to see you again. Whether you care to admit it or not, you were the first friend I've made in my entire life and so far the ONLY friend I have. I know that may soon change now that I'm here. I guess I'm just trying to say I'll miss you if you stay gone too long. " He chuckled at that and nervously scratched the back of his head while doing so. He seemed to be relaxing more that he was able to sit and process things up to this point, his usual overly formal demeanor receding ever so slightly.

@Allevia

 

[Ariadne Harro]

Ariadne took some time scanning the ship, inside and out. As far as the simple scanner could tell there were no manner of transmissions being broadcasted from the ship, which meant no tracking devices. Satisfied, Ariadne walked over to a small standing desk that made up the "security office" of the landing yard.

Sending off the intake paperwork and her report on the popularity of the security measures, Ariadne sighed. The afternoon mist was oppressive in its presence and didn't help her mood as she wondered if this was what being a Jedi was all about. Probably not, but the paperwork and protocols reminded her a bit too much of her academy years.

@Allevia @Illogical Martyr

 

[Vaen Kesselle]

Vaen cringed internally at Var bowing, but she knew he was just trying to be respectful. She crossed her arms while listening to the young man. What he said wasn't necessarily bad, but Vaen knew there were some inherent problems. However, she wouldn't give a lecture, knowing that his training will take him on a separate path anyways. "Many Jedi do like to say that, but each usually has its own interpretation. The most popular idea is that the force predetermined your fate. Personally, I believe that the force places you in situations, and it is up to you to respond. The force awoke in you and offered you a different path, and you chose to take it, correct?"

It was a difficult topic to discuss since multiple viewpoints of it could be right. Maybe the force did predetermine everything, but there is no way to prove it right or wrong. Just like there is no way for Vaen to prove her viewpoint of the topic right or wrong. "I'm glad that you seem happy believing in your choice. However, I require you to promise me two things. First, learn to forget things, let things go, and move on from them. Second, understand that just because you believe in something, doesn't mean it is always right." Vaen's eyes widened, and her lips slightly apart as if she were nervous. The two questions were principles that she followed and believed were necessary to live a true 'good' life. "Can you promise me those two things?"

@Illogical Martyr

Spoiler

I'm so sorry for the long wait! I completely forgot about this thread.