To Live by the Sword

[Resolute\\.ZEN]

It was nice to be back, the sentimental feeling of home resonated through this familiar forest path as the white warrior journeyed from the rest of the Jedi. His time on Bakura had been far less exciting than he had been hoping for, but that was not a bad thing. Ze'kyre was not far from the enclave, maybe a half league northwest from the nearest entrance. The canopy overhead darkened, the leaves moist from the early morning rains. Ze'kyre had been hoping to get out here sometime before going off to Tokmia with Grand Master Daw's good friend, Della Frey. He had a lesson scheduled with a Padawan, Kei Arele, but perhaps he could hold the first of his lessons within his new dojo this afternoon.

The echani stepped into the clearing, a dewdrop landing on his clean shaven scalp as his lips parted. He never used to express himself in such a fashion, not amongst the Eshan monks, but he could not help but smile as his mismatched gaze fell upon the result of his handiwork. It had taken a lot of study, and plenty of trial and error, but the discreet clearing was far enough from the enclave to remain quiet and solitary, yet close enough so as to not feel inviting to dangerous fauna. A place Ze'kyre could call his own. Still, it was not done yet. Ze'kyre walked up the step, slid open the door and disappeared within, careful to leave his sandals outside.

It was only a story and a half tall at its highest point, a rooftop of thatch camouflaging it as little more than a grassy hill on the bank of a river surrounded densely by trees, some up to a mile tall, but to enter within revealed a much larger space than expected. The wall closest to the river was to the left of the entrance with tanned windows that faced the rising sun, though the way the sun sat high in its near-noon state left the room with a very warm atmosphere. Half of the opposite wall was made solidly of wood, hooks set up to hold various weapons. He walked to that far corner of the room now, and set down the bundle he had been carrying. The weapons were traditional of his own culture, and amongst them lie his enigmatic, singing sword, the Second Songstress. A number of wooden swords lie amongst them as well.

He returned to the centre of the room, where materials lie upon the ground. It was meant only to be a main hall, a place where he could have students come and meet him in the tranquility of the Arbra wild, but it needed but one more construct; a small room which he could call his own, relinquishing his need for quarters within the enclave which seemed to be teeming with new Jedi since he had left for Bakura. Perhaps he could finish this little project before one such Padawan showed up for his Shii-cho lesson. He had also invited Padawan Trivasste, thinking that perhaps a lesson on one of the more reserved, controlled Forms of lightsaber combat might serve him well to control his own outbursts. Ze'kyre had not seen the boy since the Padawan had lashed out against the Knight's own apprentice, and wondered how he was coming to terms with his own defeat at Nakoma's hand shortly thereafter.

But it was a new day, and young Kai had likely done enough reflecting on the situation of his own. All Ze'kyre could hope was that an increased focus on self-discipline would help the boy abstain from such uncontrollably passionate outbursts. But first, he would continue working on his project. No doubt he had a few hours before Padawans Arele and Trivasste arrived at the provided coordinates.

 

[Stormthroe]

Kei Arele went through his stances carefully, but his excitement was too much to contain. The Echani Jedi, Ze'kyre Saixc, Warrior-Monk of Eshan had agreed to meet with him for training in the ways of combat, and Kei knew that this opportunity was both rare and valuable. Despite himself, his emotions at the thought of training with a real Master in the art of combat betrayed his normal demeanor, as this was why he had come to the Order in the first place. Checking the time, he quickly ran through the remainder of his technique, slipping his form slightly, but even though his normal attitude was detail oriented, he would forgive himself just this once.

Master Saixc had instructed him to meet another padawan, named Trivvaste, and then travel to Saixc's private home a few kilometers away. After rushing back to his quarters, Kei pulled up the information on his peers at the small personal terminal and located Trivvaste's information. Rather than read it, he quickly sent a message saying to meet him outside of the Temple upon the path to Saixc's location. With that, he picked up his travel pack that he'd arrived with, and filled it with a small amount of spare clothing, then hurried to the gate. Once there, he waited for a moment and debated leaving without the other padawan but decided against it, and he figured that Saixc wouldn't enjoy him abandoning his peer. As he didn't want to seem impatient by standing around, he decided to take advantage of his time and practice the new form of meditation he had been working on, using his martial arts to help focus the force. He went off to the side of the path, laying his pack near a stone, then closed his eyes and focused upon the Force inside himself, flowing out to touch the trees surrounding him. He stood for a moment, aligning himself until his own, quick and energetic energy calmed, letting his excitement ease in favor of an inner peace, before beginning to slowly and carefully move through his techniques again, this time much more controlled than the practice room.

 

[TwoSidedHeart]

Training with Ze'kyre was something that created mixed feelings for the young padawan. On one hand, it was the opportunity to study with what he considered to be a masterful swordsman and learn from him which excited him but on the other hand, Kai had something of a complicated relationship with the echaniis padawan, one born of violence and he wasnt exactly certain how the elder male would act towards him. He had been the one to bring Kai into the order after the death of his mother and that had created something of a bon between the two, but he couldnt help but feel that this animosity between the two padawans was putting a strain on one of the few bonds Kai allowed himself to have. This was of course affecting the teen negatively. It was only after a lengthly conversation with his droid Rhoda, that he had decided to accept Ze'kyres invitation to train with him, alongside another padawan with a similar name to himself. Kei Arele.

When he recieved a message from the other padawan, the boy sighed and left his quarters with Rhoda in tow, the droid carrying his bag full of an extra set of clothing, food and water as well as a self supplied medical kit. His hand was still bandaged from the last encounter with Naokama and the bruises caused by the rocks thrown at him with the force had only recently healed. Dressed in his normal dark sleeveless tunic with loose fitting matching pants, dark brown travel boots and a dark brown belt around his waist with his sabers amongs other small knick nacks, he moved with a casual purpose, keeping the expression on his face at a passive appearance. Behind him Rhoda mimicked this, her visual preceptors focused on the boy in front of her. If a droid could feel worry, that was what she felt for the boy. He was her master yes, but she felt more like a mother figure to the boy and as such wanted to protect him. This conflict between him and Naokama had heightened this want.

It didnt take them long to reach the designated meeting place, Kais purple hues taking in the form of what he assumed was his fellow trainee performing some kind of medication and stopped several feet from the elder male. Rhoda stopped behind him and also took in the form, paying attention to the technique of the other male and nodding somewhat as if to acknowledge this. Kai stood in silence for a moment before speaking, his tone polite but his gaze cold.

"Padawan Arele? Im Kai Trivasste and this is Rhoda. We're training together under Ze'kyre right? Well... lets get going then."

 

[Stormthroe]

Kei noticed the approaching figure and a droid, who introduced himself as Kai Trivasste and Rhoda as he grew closer, and nodded in return to Kai's acknowledgement of his technique, completing his form in a complex martial arts salute of sorts. As he felt the Force ease from his movements, somewhat abruptly do to the shortening of his normal routine, Kei shook of the sudden severance of the widened Force connection and spoke, growing more confident speaking to others as his training progressed, though he still remained impassive, unemotional, and introverted. He preferred speaking through actions, specifically through training and studies.

"Sal-oot, a pleasure to meet you my friend. Yes...let us depart." spoke Kei, his choice of Kiffarian greeting hailing from his monastic life. He paused slightly before finishing his speech, eyeing the droid slightly with suspicion. "Will that contraption be coming with us?" He did not understand, nor trust the amalgamations that produced illusions of human intelligence, especially following the Separatist attacks on his planet during the Clone Wars. He shook his head as he reached for his bag, shouldering it and gesturing to the path ahead, leading to Master Saixc's home. In this moment of pause, he quickly analyzed the padawan before him, looking him in the eyes, but taking in his person.

Two lightsabers sat upon his hip, and Kei silently reminded himself that he too would eventually create his own weapon in time. The padawan spoke politley, but like Kei, he seemed to be impassive. Despite the droid who traveled with him, Kei thought that the coming journey and travel may be most interesting for the both of them.

 

[TwoSidedHeart]

"Yes, she will be coming with us. Is there a problem with that?"

The boys tone was still polite, but clearly strained and the question was posed in the rhetorical. Rhoda meanwhile simply stared at Kei, the blank gaze she possessed staring straight through the boy almost. The two were silent as they both studied the other male carefully, taking in every aspect of him. He seemed to have some cause to be weary of droids, but then after the troubles the order had had in the past with AIs it was understandable however pointless. Rhoda was a droid designed to kill and could if her programming hadnt been severely redone by Kai she would have tried to by now and likely succeeded. The only reason he had managed to capture her was his knowledge of the internal workings of a droid and his affinity for hacking. It almost angered the boy to hear someone talk badly of his longtime companion but he contained himself. He was working on not losing himself to his emotions.

Kai glanced in the direction his fellow padawan had indicated and nodded, turning on his heel and begginning a casual stroll down the path. It was a pace the other could easily match so he seen no reason to alert the other that he was going to move at a slow pace in the direction the other had shown him in the first place. Rhoda followed several steps behind him, matching his pace but ensuring to stay behind a little. So was the facade they were required to keep up in the position of master servant and master. She was also to be the silent observer. Kai had insisted she come along, telling her that Ze'kyre would probably enjoy having some kind of aide in this training session, especially since she had been uploaded with the basics of all styles of lightsaber combat and as such could provide a training partner if necissary. Minutes passed and they were making steady progress along the path when Kai turned his head and spoke towards his fellow padawan.

"How did you manage to secure Ze'kyres tuttilage. Hes 'in demand' as a tutor I hear."

 

[Stormthroe]

Kei shrugged at Kai's strained response regarding the droid's accompaniment, taking up a quick pace as to arrive quickly to Master Saixc's home, all the more time to take up their training, and also avoid any awkward competition. He replied, somewhat more relaxed than he'd normally be, having any AI about him, but Kai seemed to be firm in the matter, so Kei left it alone.

"No, no problem. I'm just...wary of humano-droids. I grew up in a monastery where everything was done by human labor you see. When I left, it was a bit of a shock to see them in so much abundance in the rest of the galaxy. My only experience with anything like your..." Kei paused, choosing his next words carefully as not to upset padawan Trivasste further, and with a slight click of his tongue he spoke again, "friend here, was when the Separatist army first arrived on Kiffu. Forgive my rudeness." Kei asked for forgiveness to attempt to mend the slight. After all, it would be only he, Kai, and the droid that Kai had called Rhoda for an hour's travel until they would be joined by Master Saixc. He continued on, adjusting the bag he carried on his shoulder so that the weight of his travel gear was more comfortable in the Arbran forest. He waved away a small insect that had begun to circle his head, searching for a place within his beaded dreadlocks to possibly form a nest it would seem.

With a slight blush on his normally passive face, he replied to Kai's other question. "I'm quite studious, though only on what interests me. I found an article regarding the way of the Echani Masters in the Archives written by Master Saixc after logging in using another more experienced padawan's codes." he admitted guiltily, "I wrote him asking to train me in their ways. I trained in the martial arts at my monastery for a very long time, and I have heard the Echani are the greatest masters of unarmed combat in the galaxy. He informed me that while he admired my eagerness to learn the ways of combat, perhaps I should start at a simpler level than those he had written of in his holocron. And you, Padawan Trivasste?" Kei turned, smiling slightly at the corners of his mouth to Kai. He wished it to appear sincere, but compared to his normal features it felt odd to smile at anybody, especially one who walked next to a false sentience. Despite himself, he glanced somewhat warily at the droid called Rhoda, half expecting it to attack him since it seemed to stare through him considering it did not blink. He quickly looked back to Kai, and determined he would not interact with the droid unless he had to.

 

[TwoSidedHeart]

"Hes... and old friend. The one who brought me to the order in fact. He asked me if I would like to join your training session. It was a good opportunity to learn and further my skills, which are rather lacking honestly, so I accepted."

He wasn't going to mention the real reason he was going, or at least what he suspected. Ze'kyre wanted to check up on him, but not in a personal way. Under the guise of a training session, it would be a good way for the elder to assess him and see if he was still having... troubles. The burning from his hand had long since disappeared from his hand, but exposure to air would probably infect it so it remained bandaged. Contact with outside things, such as a table in even the lightest brush would send pain through his arm. Apparently, Naokama had nicked a nerve in such a way that it was difficult to repair and instead had to do so on its own. An open nerve was always painful. He still felt a slight resentment towards the girl of course, but realized holding a grudge that would overtake him was a childish thing. But if given half the opportunity, he WAS going to get her back for the... humiliation she had thrust upon him. That was just something brought on likely by pride. A dangerous quality, at least in the teachings of the Jedi. Sith encouraged pride, but also believed it should be tempered. Pride was a dangerous thing.

He noticed the side glances his fellow was giving Rhoda and frowned but continued onwards. They were on one of the home bases for the Jedi order. If it was even suspected a droid would be unjustifiably hostile, they would be decommissioned. He didnt know what to think of this other male. He seemed too... calm? Excited? It was difficult to place the man in a category. But the mans extensive training in martial arts made it clear why Ze'kyre wanted to meet him. He was always one for furthering the martialy inclined students of the temple. He was after all, in his opinion, one of the orders greatest fighters and swordsmen, and as far as Kai could tell, felt it was his duty to pass on his considerable knowledge to the next generation in hopes it would inspire more and more padawans to become fighters. Perhaps not, but it was what the order needed. The force had its uses, but when it came down to facing a sith one on one, the emotionally driven always resorted to the personality of an up close confrontation with a lightsaber.

Rhoda had been silent this entire time, taking in the padawans conversation while studying the newcomer intently. A few minutes after Kai had finished speaking, she spoke, her metallic voice distinctly female and holding a tone that could be closely associated with curiosity.

"Padawan Arele, what would you consider to be your strength. The martial side in battle or the spiritual connection to the Force when engaging in a fight?"

 

[Stormthroe]

Kei forgot what he was going to say in response to Kai's answer as he was startled by the droid's metallic voice, totally unaware it was even capable of speech. He hesitated to answer, but spoke, his low voice somewhat broken in response, despite his original goal of not interacting with the droid. He didn't wish to speak to it, but it seemed he had no other choice.

"Oh...ummm...My connection with the Force is...strained." he spoke slowly, unsure of how to act in response to Rhoda's question. "I am not trained in lightsaber combat either...I have only a basic understanding of Jedi weaponry, but my martial arts are my strongest asset." he rushed to spit out the final part of his speech, clearly unnerved by the metallic, female voice emitting from the droid's voice module and his conversation with something unliving.

As if for Trivasste's benefit, he added to it, trying to regain his composure, "I have always excelled at the martial, even going so far as to spar with some of the more skilled padawans and come fairly close to success, even untrained. I've been trying to strengthen my connection to the Force with my own meditative techniques... he paused for a moment, thinking to himself, "Though, even those seem martially based. You saw them when you met me outside of the temple. A form of meditative martial arts, so to speak, focusing on the flow of the Force as I move slowly through techniques. Using this, I seem to be able to strengthen my connection with the Force much better than the meditation taught to me with the other padawans when I first began training." he spoke, directing his explanation at Trivasste rather than the droid, hoping to hold his calm demeanor.

Kei suddenly realized just how far they had walked, and through the trees he could see the river that marked the quarter-way mark of their journey, according to the message Master Saixc had left. He reached down as they passed a small brush pile, pulling out a straight and sturdy stick, approximately an inch and a half or so in diameter, and began to use it as a walking stick. He lifted himself higher, straightening his back and adopting his trademark poise as his thoughts looked forward to the training ahead. No matter how much the droid unnerved him, he was excited to begin training with a real master, an opportunity he had yet to partake in since arriving at Arbra. He couldn't help but smile as they reached the bank of the river, where the sun shown down upon them unhindered by the tall canopy of the trees of Arbra's forests.

"Nearly there, I believe. We Just follow the river correct?" he asked with a slightly more positive tone, though he only barely smiled at the corners of his lips. He hoped to change the subject of his Force prowess, a fault he found embarrassing.

 

[Fox]

Kay had just been getting out of her shower when she saw the message on her personal terminal to be invited to a class by the Ze'kyre and a class for her chossen lightsaber form no less she would never pass that up, although the message had not mentioned other padawan being there so she assumed she would be there alone, she had quickly gotten dressed in a tight body fitting top with long sleeves, some tight shorts with black leggings, and knee high socks that barely stuck out from her boots, once she had been dressed she had quickly gathered her things, just a change of clothes, a small medical kit, and a data pad with something she had been studying. Once everything was gathered she had quickly made her way out of the temple though she was running behind, she was always running behind.

She quickly made her way towards Master Ze'kyre's coordinates from the message by running down the path that lead in that direction, however in her hurry she had actually managed to lose her way, annoyed she force leaped up a tree so she could look for the river she knew it was near the river. Once up high enough she scowered the distance but the trees where so tall it mad it difficult to pinpoint the body of water was. She leaped from tree to tree looking for it, she knew that unless she was lucky she could end up far off the path and possibly even later. But she continued to hunt until her ears picked up the sound of the river, she quickly began to move towards it, still leaping from tree to tree, she ahd gotten stronger in her short time here especially when it came to her knowledge and use of the force.

Finally she located the body of water and leaped again to get to a closer tree but the branch she landed on snapped and she began to tumble down the tree trying to catch different branches each she hit a loud snapping and her yelling "Ow" or "Oof" could be heard as she got closer to the ground she began to worry but she finally caught a branch and hung just a few feet above the ground she sighed with relive before realizing that walking towards her where two padawan one of them being the Kiffar Kei she had met before, she quickly jumped down and began to brush herself off, though she missed a large twig sticking out of her hair.

 

[TwoSidedHeart]

"I believe so."

Kai hadnt really listened to the other persons story, not out of disrespect, just a good ol blank out. Rhoda however had taken in all the information, offering a nod as the male had finished speaking. The pair was about to continue when Kai felt another presense enter his range through the force, purple hues turning in the direction of some flying girl who was hurtling towards their area. He cringed slightly as she fell down through the trees but he made no move to help her, merely looking on with a slight chuckle. This person was... interesting. In a clumsy sort of way. As the girl approached and stared at Kei, Kai glanced towards Rhoda, who was judging the threat level of this new addition to the little team that was amassing. She however made no move to decapitate the girl, so obviously she wasnt hostile. Of course, Kai hadnt been aware of her joining them and was somewhat wary, his purple hues eyeing the twig in her hair with amusement as she just stood there.

Waving his hand ever so slightly, the twg would find it pulled gently out of the girls head and thrown to the ground by the Force as bid by Kai who then sighed and glanced at the river. He had always been partial to running water. Theed had many rivers and lakes surrounding the city. The reflective surface was always beautiful and calming to him. He moved to the edge and squatted down, dipping his uninjured hand in and letting the current form around him and continue on. It was cool and refreshing and had he still been a child of Theed he would have not even stopped himself from flying into the current and letting himself wash away with laughter and the cries of his mother about his mischief. He spoke after a few moments of his little water games, not lifting his gaze from the water, but his voice clearly intended to reach the ears of this newcomer.

"You're coming to Ze'kyre to? I am Kai Trivasste. You are?"

His tone was polite and relatively peaceful as he stared at his reflection in the currents. His hand was getting perhaps a bit too cool, but he didnt mind really. There was no rush to get to Ze'kyre in the first place and he rarely ventured outside the temple in the first place. So this was a rare oppurtunity for him to feel the currents. It wasnt that he couldnt leave the temple if he asked to, but he preffered to be in the walls. It was.... more secure. He would have to change that in future. This was nice.

 

[Stormthroe]

Kei hadn't so much as felt Kaylandi's presence as heard it, her tumble from the trees surprising him slightly. He turned as she approached, pausing to wait for her rather than carry on. It was a relief to at least have one more organic to travel with. He smiled at the corners of his mouth as Padawan Trivasste pulled the twig from her hair, letting it fall to the floor.

"Allow me to introduce you to Padawan Kaylandi Sunduli." he spoke, nodding to her, "It is good to see you again, however I wasn't aware you'd be joining us Kaylandi." he mused. It was a surprise, he hadn't expected to see her so soon after their last training session.

Kei gestured to the trail ahead, bidding the small group keep moving forward. He readjusted his traveling cloak, rolling its sleeves up, and doing the same with his robe underneath, letting the sun hit his arms and allowing the slight breeze to creep upon his clothing, a welcome considering he was wearing a full garb. He would train shirtless if he could, should Master Saixc permit.

 

[Fox]

Kay felt the twig come lose from her hair she glanced at it as it fell and the color of her cheeks deepened from embarrassment. but she returned the smile and bowed slightly to Padawan Trivasste and then nodded to Kei. "Thank you for the introduction and yes Master Ze'kyre messaged me about this class he was teaching I was unaware eny of the masters here practiced my lightsaber form." Kay said as she walked alongside the boys, she noticed Kei still was without a saber of his own, she felt a little bad but then again the one that dangled from her hip was not her own.

She stayed quiet as they continued to walk towards their destination, she reflected softly on the beautiful jungle and river of this planet, it reminded her of Naboo although it wasn't quite as muggy, most likely because there was no swamp. Kay wondered what Master Ze'kyre was like she knew very little of him, honestly she knew very little of all the jedi master's, however she reminded silent during the walk.

 

[TwoSidedHeart]

"Dont call him master. He has some kind of problem with the title for some reason and prefers to be called mentor or.... safi... no sifu."

Kai had never been one to remember strange words too well. No, he remembered the words, pronouncing the little vocal bastards was the problem here. But he was sure the others had gotten the point and he stood up straight to follow them, Rhoda once more trailing several steps behind. The boy was suffering his memories of his time with Ze'kyre, now marred with the problem he had caused due to his own lack of control. Something he knew the elder male emphasized. Control made you strong. Emotional outbursts made you a liability and vunerable. He wondered how the male would react to him. He would likely have his teaching persona at 100% because of the fact two other students would be there but the young human hoped to speak with the male privately at some point during the day. To try and... fix things? Was anything broken between them? Regardless, he had to make sure. THe man was after all the closest thing he had to a friend? Brother? Father? They were just... close. At least he assumed they were.

He watched the river as they continued onwards, not really speaking to the others. There was no real need to at this point, unless they were literally dying and he needed to discuss the cause and how to fix it. But that wasnt a problem so he kept his silence. Not that he wouldnt respond to interaction with his person, he just didnt feel the need to interact with them of his own accord.

 

[Stormthroe]

Kei silently noted Padawan Trivasste's comment. Sifu..., he thought, repeating the word over and over to remember it. It was probably some title he had never heard, and he didn't understand its meaning but if Master Saixc preferred it then he'd make sure to use it.

The rest of the journey along the river seemed to go by in mostly silence, besides the babble of flowing water and the numerous sounds of small animals in the forest and buzzing of insects near the riverbank. Kei was at peace, despite the fact he knew the droid was still about. He walked with his stick, his graceful and precise movements becoming more noticeable as they walked longer in the sun. After some time, Kei's acute vision picked up what looked to be a humanoid shape ahead. He tossed his walking stick into the woods, pointing ahead to alert the others with a small smile before stepping up his pace.

As he approached the building, he noted a few key features. It was a simple building to look at, not very large from the outside. It's thatch roof sat atop wooden walls, and a strange door that had no handle blocked the entrance. Kei was confused by this, but soon his attention was drawn to a man working on a small addition to the building. His head was clean shaven, and the paleness of his skin and white hair marked him as Echani. Kei's inner excitement grew, but he maintained composure to the outward eye. He knew the formality of training in martial arts, and while he had never met an Echani, he assumed they followed the norm when it came to combative practice.

He approached, and with a traditional martial salute, an open palm covering a fist with a small bow, he spoke with careful precision. "Sifu Saixc. I am Padawan Arele. The others are just down the path, they will arrive shortly." his voice was calm, but a skilled ear may detect his nervousness. After all, Saixc was the first true master he had had the opportunity to meet. He debated standing, but decided it was better to wait in the salute until he was acknowledged, as was custom at least in the monastery.

 

[Fox]

Kay followed with the others along the path it was much easier than leaping from tree to tree, she was actually proud of herself about that, normally she would have been exhausted by now, but she was starting to build better stamina, as they all walked in silence Kay reflected upon the beautiful scenery around her, paying little attention to the two boys or the droid that seemed to be attached to the Kai. She smiled as she heard the noises of the forest around her and even stopped a moment to feed a small animal, she loved the woods it reminded her of her old home on Naboo.

Eventually Kei darted off ahead his aura full of excitment Kay smirked at this she figured he spotted their destination, Kay kept her pace deciding running ahead would help nothing but get her tired before the training, though she was still excited to be chosen by a master like Jedi Ze'kyre, oh wait Sifu Saixc. She had to remember to call him that she wondered what it was with the knights and masters not wanting the normal formality that they where supposed to be addressed with first Jedi Roberts, now Sifu Saixc. Maybe one day Kay would find the answer to this, she finally approached the building to see Kei standing over to the side bowing to a strange looking person. Kay smiled and slowly approached behind Kei, she put her hands to her sides and bowed her head to him.

 

[TwoSidedHeart]

Kai was not as.. excited as the others or at least not for the same reasons. He knew Ze'kyre quite well and he believed his elder knew him in an equal capacity. A small smile crossed his face as the man came into view but he remained cautious. Seeing the male had his hand burn once more and he winced. All in his head yes, but still pain was pain. As he came up last, with Rhoda in tow, he glanced at the other two bowing to him, Kei having just finished speaking with obvious excitement in his voice. Kai merely gave his elder a nod. Words were not necessary at this point to him, at least not until he knew where they stood in relation to one another. Would Ze'kyre be hard on him in training? Was he truly just evaluating Kais mental condition? Obvious affects from his encounter with Naokama were on display. Bandaged hand, his ever so slight lip on his left ankle, several recently healed cuts on his face and arms. Such things would not pass the elder males notice, he was sure.

Rhoda however, was not holding to his own decision to stay silent. Moments after she arrived, she moved to stand directly in front of Ze'kyre, were she a sentient her breath would be gracing his face. Her voice held a respectful tone, still metalic as usual.

"It is good to see you again, Jedi Master. I have accompanied Kai to serve as a training partner or educational aid to any of these padawans with your permission. I have extensive databases on each of the basics of the forms of lightsaber combat as you know and this could prove valuable."

 

[Resolute\\.ZEN]

After setting up two rooms to the rear of the dojo, Ze’kyre had hung the weapons and placed a bin of several bokken, the wooden katana, in the same corner. After cleaning out the hall and taking any spare supply outside, he had begun to drape branches over the dojo, obscuring it slightly. He was close to a security node, and had brought someone out to help him set up a small alert within the dojo, but just to be safe he figured that anyone who found his small school should be looking for it.

When Kei had first spotted him, his feet were set firm at shoulder length, knees bent and body contorting comfortably as he guided the Force with his martial precision. The stacks of foliage that he had amassed at his sides lifted up over his head, flowing about the Jedi Knights arms and hands before draping over the thatched canopy and half obscuring the building from sight. Of sentient with effective photo receptors would do a double take, but he was told such a tactic would fool all but the most advanced of AI systems.

He turned to see the first Padawan to approach him, a smile lighting his face as he returned the hand gesture. Another monk, it seemed. “Yes, here they are. You are all just in time.”

His mismatched gaze fell on Kai as the young one bowed his head. The smile was there, which the Knight was happy to see, but he could also sense the apprehension. He would have addressed his old friend, but another old friend had addressed him first. “Why, yes Rhoda.” Ze’kyre smiled, warmth lighting his eyes, even the silver one. “I helped you perfect that little claim years ago, but I appreciate the reminder. Still, your presence is always a delight.” Ze’kyre winked to the droid as he turned to the Padawans behind her.

“Please, come inside.”

Leading the Padawans past the draped foliage there were two steps to take before the door slid open without Ze’kyre’s touch, but a wave of his hand guiding it aside. “No shoes please,” he told them.

He walked into the middle of the room, the warmth of the afternoon sun given the inside of the dojo a mildly humid demeanour.

“I’m happy you’re all here, Padawans,” Ze’kyre began calmly, his baritone carrying through the room with a serene strength. “This afternoon we will be studying the first Form of Lightsaber combat. What do you all know of this martial art?” He knew that Rhoda would want to answer, but he was confident the finger he raised in her direction would stay her input.

[[OOC: For the rest of the lesson let's dissolve posting order. I will wait as long as I can for you all to get a reply in to my posts.]]

 

[Stormthroe]

Kei removed his shoes at the door, placing them neatly beside Master Saixc's. He removed his traveling cloak, folding the cloth neatly and placing it atop his shoes, and then placing his traveling pack atop the stack. He turned lightly, feeling the dojo's floor beneath his bare feet, and his long sleeves betrayed the humidity in the room, making him slightly uncomfortable, but not overly so. He followed Ze'kyre into the middle of the room, kneeling down nearby.

Kei glanced anxiously from Ze'kyre to the droid, slightly baffled by the master's comfort around the automaton. While it had offered to assist in training, Kei secretly hoped he would not be required to spend much time working with it, though admittedly he knew he would eventually have to get over his discomfort around them. The humidity was nothing compared to this fact.

He shook the thought from his head slightly, bowing respectfully as he answered Ze'kyre's question and his beaded braids fell framing his face.

"Sifu," he spoke, his voice calm and low, somewhat quieted by his previous distraction regarding Rhoda, "As I understand based on my studies in the Archives, Shii-Cho is the first step towards transitioning from metal blades to the lightsaber, correct? Does this mean that it operates the same as traditional swordplay?"

 

[Resolute\\.ZEN]

"Very good question, Padawan," Ze'kyre said as he took a seat upon the floor himself, crossing his legs and straightening his back in the position of the lotus as he faced the three students. "While you are right in assuming their are bound to be some similarities, remember that their are bound to be some differences due to the weightless and edgeless nature of the blade. This can be very advantageous, but it can also be a fault." Ze'kyre closed his eyes and held his left hand back over his shoulder. From the rack on the wall, a curved longsword lifted as if by his will alone, and floated gracefully to his position. When he wrapped his fingers about the sheath, he twirled it about his wrist and caught the hilt in his right hand.

"Long ago, the original Je'daii of Tython fought with Swords such as these." He withdrew the blade but a few inches, showing the finely folded and curved steel below. "Similar at least. My people know such a weapon as the katana, and its craft has long been one of honour and discipline upon Eshan. Coincidentally enough, the practices of the Je'daii were quite similar to the practices of the samurai of Eshan, and it was this school of technique that provided the Jedi with a place to begin once they were introduced to the idea of the lightsaber."

He withdrew the blade fully then, the steel ringing with the song of freedom as he set the sheath down behind him. With a flourish of the blade out to his right, he reversed his grip and then offered the hilt to Kei, holding the flat of the blade delicately along the outside of his left arm. "Careful, now. It does not feel like the blade of a lightsaber, does it?"

 

[Stormthroe]

Kei reached for the handle of the katana, bowing slightly. He smiled, enjoying the weight of the sword compared to the lightsabers he had sparred with back at the temple.

"Quite different Sifu, but I admit I am more use to the feeling of a sword than a lightsaber. Even back at the temple with the other padawans, I forewent the use of the training sabers for the weight of a quarterstaff, though in battle I doubt I'd be able to block as I did in sparring. I have yet to craft my own lightsaber." Kei spoke, admiring the craftsmanship of the Echani blade, but frowning slightly at his own comment. He repeated the movement that he had watched Ze'kyre perform, moving so that the blade rested on his arm as he passed it to the next padawan to hold.