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last online Apr 19, 2013 18:45:53 GMT -5
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Jun 19, 2011 17:56:34 GMT -5
Post by Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy on Jun 19, 2011 17:56:34 GMT -5
Note: This post takes place after 'An Uncertain Evaluation'
The incident with Halc Greimer had proved to be an interesting and difficult experience for the Jedi Knight Sherasti Rin. She’d allowed herself to grow attached to the somewhat insane Aleena. Well, totally insane Aleena. He was charming sometimes, and she’d like to think they’d both taken a liking to each other. But he followed his own destiny, and after some meditation the Jedi Consular could sense it probably lay on a different path than her own.
And that left her at the Jedi Temple.
It was home, even if it lacked a connection to nature. For Togruta that connection was extremely important, but Sherasti had managed to overcome much of her species’ behaviors and replace them with more amenable ones for her fellow Jedi. For some reason most people seemed more at ease around humans or aliens who behaved in a human manor. But Sherasti wouldn’t turn her back on heritage. She wore her akul-tooth headdress proudly and had a taste for thimiars, a small rodent that served as a staple on Shili. Of course not many others had the stomach to watch her eat a live rodent. True she’d carefully dispatch it with the very first bite, but most species seemed uncomfortable with it.
The select few who knew the Togruta personally excused her behaviors and chose to see the best she had to offer rather than her rough edges. To them she was more like a sweet flower. Even in coloration she was like a rose, and her fangs were the thorns. ‘Exotic’ was a good word to describe her. In fact a perfect word to describe her. The white of her montrals was broken up by a pattern of navy blue chevrons that contrasted stunningly with her graceful, sloping features and slender neck. And in the center of that frame were the whitish-gray patches surrounding her eyes. Each had what could almost have been termed an ‘eyebrow’ of color. And set in those dual frames within a frame were the windows to her soul.
She was always welcomed warmly enough at the Temple though, as always. Things might have evolved more leisurely, but Halc had had her hit the ground running. Sherasti had handled the situations well, with no complaints. The trade dispute had been resolved fairly and swiftly as well; her knighthood was definitely shaping up to the expectations of her former master, Hult Pedara.
Sherasti had been expecting to take a Padawan within the next few years, but the Togruta had simply assumed she would select one of the Younglings and begin from there. Instead something completely different had happened. Something unexpected. She’d been ‘requested’ to take on the final training of an 18 year old Padawan named Xell Rayner. Apparently his former master was a little too… zealous in the fight against the dark side, and they were worried it could have a detrimental effect on the Padawan. It seemed likely that one of the two Councilors she knew now, or possibly even Hult Pedara, her former master, had provided a good word for her. The Togruta Jedi’s moral code was rather well-known, and very defined. Perhaps they thought her own philosophy and approach would be good to balance out and complete Xell’s training. Though she was only six years older, it might as well have been a lifetime in many ways.
Sherasti Rin wasn’t entirely sure if she was ready. She was more than proficient enough to be a Knight, but to guide another into Knighthood? It was… intimidating in many ways. Would she be given the kind of respect expected of a Padawan to his master, or would she seem to be merely a peer? It was quite uncertain. She’d know once they met. Her telepathic powers would make everything clear, if she relied on the living force.
The Togruta looked around, pulled back from her thoughts. She’d been walking completely automatically, and for a brief moment she was unsure where her feet had taken her. She glanced from side to side while her montrals provided a unique sense of spatial location. And it all came flooding back. She was headed to one of the small courtyards open to the night sky, where they’d said Xell could likely be found. Where he’d been finding his solace since the departure of his master perhaps?
Sherasti reached out with her senses, feeling the Padawan’s presence. In another minute she’d be meeting him face to face…
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last online Dec 28, 2015 2:36:26 GMT -5
Padawan
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Jun 19, 2011 18:09:06 GMT -5
Post by ninjabot on Jun 19, 2011 18:09:06 GMT -5
A gentle breeze wafted through the tree that Xell sat beneath. The low rustling was hypnotic, kind of like a natural metronome. Infact, it was one of the children's training exercises when it came to learning to open their mind to the world around them. To rely on their force sense by slipping into a trance-like state. It wasn't practical for battle, but once an aspiring Padawan knew what this sense felt like, seeking it out would become easier without the need of this crutch. Xell however, practiced this easy exercise to calm himself down, or to simply think without distraction.
Today however, just like yesterday and the day before that, Xell went into deep meditation in search of answers.
He searched his memories to see if he missed anything. Perhaps he was only remembering things the way he wished them to be. Days he spent with Master Orren. Time he spent training and growing, learning of the world and of the Force and of the Jedi and their way. His way. Even now with the rumblings throughout the order about Orren being on the cusp of backsliding, Xell held on to the notion that his ex master was too strong to fall to the dark side. His memories raced through his head as his heart quickened, as did his breathing. The usual feeling of nostalgia; a warm, comfortable feeling, could still be felt. However, there were glimpses of cold. Glimpses of something darker. When he remembered the death of the young Dark Jedi Orren saved him from, he felt the coldness at it's greatest.
Xell winced, his closed eyes tightening as he swallowed hard. Every time he got to this point in his meditation it felt like an icicle piercing his heart. He needed to stop focusing on the past, but it was harder than he expected. Even worse, he had another prospective master he had to meet. A Togrutan. The youth's eyes slowly opened as he looked next to him to find his "Guide to the Galaxy and it's Inhabitants" textbook. It aided he (and in some cases, Orren) in contending with relations they had with aliens in hopes of avoiding sticky situations. A low chuckle erupted from Xell's mouth as he remembered what Orren taught him the first time he heard of a Togrutan.
Years ago on a distant colony in space...
Xell and Orren sat on a train as they rode to a ship hanger after finishing a mission Shili. Men around them spoke loudly of fights, booze, and women. It was nothing new, as they often spent time among actual soldiers and mercenaries, and not all of them had the same tact as the men Xell grew up to know. One particular conversation came to mind.
"Seriously bro. Twi'lek or Togrutan?"
"Shut up man, you're sick!"
"No, no, for real! It's a hypothetical! We're not around human girls all the time anyway, it had to cross your mind once or twice! Hell, they're close enough to the real thing am I right?" said the helmet wearing soldier as he nudged his comrade with the butt of his rifle. The dark haired man just sighed and shook his head.
"I guess uh... I guess Twi'lek. Closer to the real deal I guess..."
The helmeted man shook his head. "See? You're too plain. I'm all about a Togrutan. They're real social creatures so they know how to make you feel special. And they look wild... like, beastly almost. Specially with them fangs. Then there's the more exotic looking head tails. Or as I like to call 'em... handlebars!"
Both men broke out into an uproar of laughter. And oddly enough, Orren muffled a laugh of his own. Xell simply looked around, confused. He raised his hand slowly as if he were in a classroom.
"H-handlebars? Like, on a speeder or some type of bike? I um... *clears throat*... I don't get it."
The men's laughter got louder. Xell blushed and sank into his seat. Orren sighed with a smile.
Now...
"Whatever. I'll ask... Sherasti, what that means." Xell stood up and wiped grass from his back and rear. "Might as well go meet him... get this over with." Xell turned, prepared to meet his new master after walking back onto the path toward the entrance of the Enclave. It was at that point he felt... something. What it was, he was not sure. But he was drawn in that direction. He looked up to see... a Togrutan, stepping out of the entrance. Xell hastened his speed to meet up with his new master only to notice the silhouette was... curvier than he would have expected. Xell stopped walking when he realized his new master was...
"A girl...?" stammered the youth aloud. He stood still and allowed his new master to approach him the rest of the way.
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last online Apr 19, 2013 18:45:53 GMT -5
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Jun 19, 2011 18:11:33 GMT -5
Post by Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy on Jun 19, 2011 18:11:33 GMT -5
Sherasti came to a stop before Xell, literally gazing down at the shorter humanoid. He was dark-skinned, slim, and wearing Jedi robes of a rather darker shade than most in the Order. Blacks and grays were heavily featured, which was ironic since she didn’t sense much in the way of darkness in him. She wasn’t a proponent of stereotypes based on appearance, but Jedi did tend to clothe themselves with who they were. Sherasti wore very traditional off-white and brown robes, adorned with a sash that represented her culture. They were reflective of her as a person. Light, and conventional in the best sense. She could see the tiny kernel of darkness inside her yes, but she had it barricaded carefully. In contrast, Xell’s kernel wasn’t nearly so guarded, but whether that was simply from his more limited experience or from his former master she couldn’t tell. But it was something to be mindful of in his training.
"A girl...?"
The Togruta cocked her head slightly at the puzzlement in the Padawan’s voice. Clearly he hadn’t been expecting her to be female, apparently not all the important information had been provided to him. Xell seemed downright embarrassed, almost to the point of it being amusing. Certainly he was caught off balance at the very least.
“I am Sherasti Rin, is there something wrong Padawan?” She inquired softly, vaguely hoping she wasn’t frightening him by her height. Or montrals. Or fangs. She made a deliberate effort to not smile on account of the last. To the uninitiated, a Togruta smile had a tendency to look… menacing. And she was hoping to simply look friendly. She also made a note to avoid meals together until she’d built up a working relationship for similar reasons.
She reached out telepathically at the same time she reached out with words, checking Xell’s mind to see what he was thinking without intruding excessively. It was all quite subtle, and she only plucked the very surface information he didn’t guard from his mind. Given his level of experience, there was no way he’d even know his mind had just been read.
The Togruta could sense just how nervous her new Padawan was. And why. It was because she was female, and attractive in a very exotic sense. Their six year age difference had failed to provide a large enough buffer, and Xell was hampered by being like any 18 year old young man. When a pretty girl entered the room, this was what happened. There was also another thought below the surface, a question pressing on his mind. She ‘listened in’ to it. Handlebars?
Sherasti shook her head a little, dispelling the thought. She’d pretend she’d never noticed a thing, for his sake. Commenting on it would only embarrass him further. Attraction on his part would die down most likely with time, and even if it didn’t the Togruta Consular would still do her utmost to feign ignorance. He was a handsome-enough young man, if a bit wide-eyed, but she simply didn’t share his, well, interest. And even if she had, there was no room for such relations inside the Jedi Order. And certainly not between a master and apprentice.
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last online Dec 28, 2015 2:36:26 GMT -5
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Jun 19, 2011 18:35:21 GMT -5
Post by ninjabot on Jun 19, 2011 18:35:21 GMT -5
Xell's eyes darted left and right, as if he were looking for an exit. Obviously he was uncomfortable. This wasn't expected. A female Togrutan. One that didn't look like someone's grandmother, was Xell's new master. He attempted to speak, but alas, nothing came out. Then, the lady Jedi introduced herself. Xell, fighting for a reaction, managed a nod. She wasn't smiling. Was he disrespecting her by staring? Should he have attempted to shake her hand? He needed to think. What could he do to make things right?
Think Xell. A way to impress my new master... what could I say?
"Hi. I'm uh... I'm Xell. Xell Rayner. Nice to meet you."
Good. Short and simple. Now move on with something else.
"Im... I'm sorry you had to come all the way out here to meet me. I just..."
Xell's words slowed as his eyes lowered from the tall, statuesque woman's eyes down her form. Or atleast down past her neck. Then, his eyes seemed to forget how to work.
"I err... I came outside to... get a breast of fresh air."
Unaware of what he actually said, Xell broke his staring contest he was having with Sherasti's mammaries and looked down at his book he was carrying. "Um... my master Orren? What do you know of him? Have you heard from him? Have you met him before?"
Meanwhile, on the other side of the verse...
A lone hooded figure stood amongst a roomfull of groaning guards. He looked around slowly before walking onward. He stepped forward at a liesurely pace, his opponents behind him either lying motionless thanks to swiftly delivered death, or crawling to pick up their scattered limbs and destroyed weaponry.
He approached a corridor with an entrance blocked by rubble. A wave of the hand comanded the force to make way for him. On the otherside, more guards stood at the ready with gun sights trained on the hooded figure. He heard engines gradually hum before coming fully alive with a jarring and ruckus.
Red dots from laser sights peppered the hooded figure's entire torso and head. The man behind the group of gunmen clinged on to a case for dear life and ran for the ship behind him. The hooded figure let out a low sigh before removing his hood to reveal his weatherworn and gray bearded face. Orren seemed annoyed, which wasn't a face he made often in battle. The clanking of metal from shivering cowards was the straw that broke the akk dog's back.
"Well? You've traded that last few moments of your lives for credits. Earn them."
The guards looked at eachother, then back at Orren, then back at the man fleeing.
"You're all hired guns for crying out loud! If you can't muster the self respect to fight the man who wants your employer's head, the least you could do is make up for a lack of pride by having a good work ethic! Fire already! I swear... good help is so hard to find these days..."
And with that blaster fire could be heard throughout the hangar bay. Along with screams.
Back on Coruscant
As Xell awaited Sherasti's reply, he could hear his name being called. A jedi could be seen far behind her, approaching the area.
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last online Apr 19, 2013 18:45:53 GMT -5
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Jun 19, 2011 18:39:54 GMT -5
Post by Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy on Jun 19, 2011 18:39:54 GMT -5
The substitution of words did not go unnoticed, and Sherasti could no longer resist the temptation. Xell’s Freudian slip was extremely amusing, and it prompted a smile. Of course, as she’d known it would that smile entailed the flash of ivory-colored fangs against her rust-colored skin. She paired it with a peal of bell-like laughter so that the expression could be interpreted as a smile rather than a desire to bite him in the face.
“Relax Padawan. There is no reason to be so uncomfortable.” She reached out with her telepathic abilities and sent a little of her own confidence and concentration his way. It would at least help prevent him from staring rather than talking. “Sit down, please.” She gestured to the stone bench nearby in the courtyard. She took a seat cross-legged on the ground a short distance from the bench, arranging it so her montrals were now at eye-height and her breasts were considerably lower. The focus was on her face now, but it had been done in such a subtle way the Padawan likely wouldn’t notice. And even if he did, he’d most likely write it off to minimizing the significant height difference between them.
She folded her legs under her, with her bare feet just poking out from under her flowing dress-like robes which were spread around her in a near-perfect circle.
Now she answered his question. “No, I never knew your Master. As a Consular, and Padawan to a Consular, I spent more of my time on diplomatic and peace-making missions than on investigations or skirmishes, so understandably our paths never crossed. The Council believed your training needed a different approach to be completed, that someone with a different outlook on life could be helpful to you as your Trials approach. They are right of course. I’m sure Master Orren was an excellent teacher in his own way, but there is far more to being a Jedi than swordsmanship and the fight against darkness. And even in that fight, not all those who wander the dark path are lost forever. Many can be brought back to the light.” She tried to sound optimistic with the last statement. It did cater to one of his strong spots which had been suppressed. The Togruta Jedi had been well-briefed on Xell’s past. That included his distaste for death and his Master’s uncomfortable familiarity with it. Of course she didn’t want to speak negatively of him. He had given the Padawan a firm grounding in some areas, if not others. She was there to correct those oversights and balance out those deficiencies.
Sherasti’s eyes flicked to the book Xell was holding. "Guide to the Galaxy and it's Inhabitants."
“Ah, have you been reading about my culture?” She asked, already noting the answer telepathically. “That is very admirable of you.” The Togruta complimented with another smile and the slight dip of her montrals. He’d just have to get used to the smile. And also her presumably. Eventually he’d stop staring like a schoolboy. Hopefully.
Before the human could respond, she sensed someone approaching. The sense was based off both a force signature and the spatial almost echolocation-like abilities of her montrals. She could feel the sound of footsteps, and it prompted her to turn her head to see whoever was arriving and calling Xell’s name.
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last online Dec 28, 2015 2:36:26 GMT -5
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Jun 19, 2011 18:46:47 GMT -5
Post by ninjabot on Jun 19, 2011 18:46:47 GMT -5
"Relax Padawan. There is no reason to be uncomfortable."
Right. Male Padawan barely out of puberty spend lots of time with amazonian goddesses. Hanging out with exotic women on a regular basis comes with the territor--wait. She probably feels the awkwardness within me. Literally. Aww man...
Xell cleared his throat, realizing that master Jedi have certain priveliges with their powers, and less restrictions. Simply probing for emotions through the force is enough for her to read him like a book even without his blushing and stammering. She likely knew more about what he was feeling than he even did. The true test of his maturity was presenting itself yet again. He'd likely earn the respect of the Order by showing that someone as young as he could fight temptation and focus on his trials. This could all even be intentional.
Sherasti Rin motioned for the both of them to sit down, and he did. He gradually became more comfortable. Whether it was her comforing voice or her soothing him via her mastery of the living force, it was working.
“No, I never knew your Master. As a Consular, and Padawan to a Consular, I spent more of my time on diplomatic and peace-making missions than on investigations or skirmishes, so understandably our paths never crossed. The Council believed your training needed a different approach to be completed, that someone with a different outlook on life could be helpful to you as your Trials approach."
Trials. That's right. Hopefully she helps me with my Trial of the Flesh first, heh heh.
Xell kept his vulgar joke to himself, though his eyes made a quick going over up and down his master once more.
"They are right of course. I’m sure Master Orren was an excellent teacher in his own way, but there is far more to being a Jedi than swordsmanship and the fight against darkness. And even in that fight, not all those who wander the dark path are lost forever. Many can be brought back to the light.”
Xell nodded. It's true that Master Orren didn't care for the more political views of the Jedi. He was a man of action, of the opinion that the more time spent preaching and posturing, the more corpses would pile up. You nip the problem in the bud, and you save more lives, more quickly. He despised procrastination almost as much as he did evil itself. Still... there was something about his brand of justice that seemed... off. how he could kill and still maintain his air of indifference. To have such a strong moral center yet not value all life equally unnerved Xell even now. But he would show no sign of it to Sherasti.
She was his new master, yes. And she was beautiful, ofcourse. She seemed as if she would be easy to get along with, that their partnership would aid in his growth if he could ever learn to focus on his training rather than her... woman parts. But Orren was... special, to Xell. He could not betray him. He would not, for fear of never seeing him again.
Sherasti mentioned the textbook and smiled, thankful of Xell going through with learning about her culture. She smiled again which caused Xell to smile back. Her fangs were noticeable, but only reminded him of what the men said about her kind years ago. Wild. He understood now. What he didn't quite get yet was... why her headtails were called handlebars.
"Oh! I like your handlebars by the way." he stated aloud as he, with child like curiousity, reached up to grab hold of Sherasti's closest headtail, clenching tightly with a little tug. "Can you fly? Is that why they're called handlebars, so people can grab hold and float around? I mean, the textbook didn't say anything about Togrutan's being capable of flight... ofcourse, they didn't say your headtails were called handlebars either... "
It was then that Xell heard the man calling his name. Xell sat the textbook next to himself and stood up. "Yes?" he asked as the man picked up his walking pace to a light jog. Xell let go of Sherasti and stood at attention.
"There's something you should see. Jedi Master Urrik has returned... without Jedi Master Orren. However, he comes with a message from your ex master. It is recorded on Master Urrik's navigation droid, but it was damaged during what he calls a scuffle. Come with me."
Xell looked over to his new master, then back to the man. Hopefully Sherasti was briefed on Xell's proficiency with electronics, so she would find his tech expertise useful in the future. Still, he couldn't hide his excitement. This would be the first he had heard from Master Orren in a month.
Meanwhile, on a ship Orren "liberated" during the last mission...
Orren cursed under his breath before sitting down on a nearby bench. He reached into his belt underneath his cloak to pull out his flask and after twisting the cap off, lifted it to his lips and took a nip. He sighed and placed the cap on before whiping his face with his sleeve.
The old man rest his face in his palm, weary not from battle, but from repitition. He grew bored of the chase; of the amount of work it took to maintain his status in the Order aswell as get the resources he needed to find his target. The order was becoming suspicious. Whatever he did had to be done quickly. And no matter what he decides, Xell would need to be prepared. From the day Xell saw Orren defeat the young female Dark Jedi that fateful night Xell could not shake the feeling that wat took place that night wasn't fully over.
Orren shook his head. The boy had no idea just how true his intuition was.
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last online Apr 19, 2013 18:45:53 GMT -5
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Jun 19, 2011 18:49:29 GMT -5
Post by Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy on Jun 19, 2011 18:49:29 GMT -5
"Oh! I like your handlebars by the way."
The Padawan reached out without warning and grabbed one of her montrals, prompting an expression of surprise and a slight noise to match. It wasn’t pain exactly, but it was a distinct sensation. The hornlike sensory organs registered a lot of information about surroundings, ‘feeling’ sound and providing something much like echolocation. The physical contact threw off those senses somewhat, much the way a human would feel if someone clamped on to an ear.
"Can you fly? Is that why they're called handlebars, so people can grab hold and float around? I mean, the textbook didn't say anything about Togrutan's being capable of flight... of course, they didn't say your headtails were called handlebars either..."
Sherasti’s jaw dropped and her mouth hung upon vacantly. She wasn’t even sure where to begin with the statement. Handlebars? Flight? The Togruta understood the handlebar comment now, though she wished she hadn’t, and she wondered how exactly Xell had gotten hold of it. Clearly he wasn’t the type to make such a comment. And if he knew what it meant he definitely wouldn’t have repeated it.
He let go of her montral as the new arrival started to speak to him. She cradled her face in her palm and shook her head slowly from side to side in disbelief. This would be one awkward conversation. Fortunately she’d dodged a bullet this time with the arrival of the messenger. Now maybe she could leave him a note explaining exactly why not to call them handlebars to save the embarrassment for both of them.
Well actually, from a certain point of view it was humorous. Not the comment, which she found more than a little offensive, but the fact that Xell had missed the joke so thoroughly that he was repeating it to a Togruta whom he found attractive. Indeed it was quite amusing, but it would still have to be dealt with.
She rose after her new Padawan, and motioned for him to go on as she followed behind at a slight distance. Sherasti wanted to keep tabs on Xell, but at the same time she didn’t want to seem overly intrusive. The Togruta would still be perfectly capable of reading his mind and her senses would ensure she could hear every word. But there would be the appearance of privacy, a token gesture. And if she’d learned anything, it was that symbolism mattered just as much as substance.
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last online Dec 28, 2015 2:36:26 GMT -5
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Jun 19, 2011 18:53:22 GMT -5
Post by ninjabot on Jun 19, 2011 18:53:22 GMT -5
Xell follwed behind the Jedi, with Sherasti not far behind. Likely she was avoiding standing in front of Xell as not to break his focus anymore than she had already. After entering the enclave the three of them made their way into an elevator, it's doors automaticaly opening before slowly shutting behind them.
Xell stood in the middle of Sherasti and their messenger. He looked to the man and bit his lip in anticipation.
"Do not worry Padawan. There doesn't seem to be an air of urgency about this mission. Still, I find it odd that Urrik would return without Orren if things were as simple as implied."
Xell looked back to Sherasti, eyes wide. It was sad. As if a boy was looking for comfort from an older sibling. He turned back to the man and shook his head. "No...I know what everyone thinks of Master Orren and it's just not true!"
The messenger looked over to Sherasti with an "Oh, brother" kind of look. As if he expected better. And why would he not? Xell was an aspiring Jedi Knight. He could not afford to have emotions this strong interfere with his judgement.
*DING*
The group arrived in the lowest area of the Jedi enclave, where they exited and began walking toward the repair station. Xell spent many a night here toiling away on mechanical refuse left over from damaged droids and ships, eventually getting hold of full droids to work on. After reaching the room, Xell noticed Urrik sitting on a nearby tire on its side. Sure enough to his side, there was a small trashcan sized droid with three blinking red lights on the center of it's ocular camera in a 3-4ths ring shape.
"Oh, I see the problem already. Little fella RROD'd. Comes from the motherboard overheating and... the chips falling out of place thanks to the melted down adhesive letting them loose. You could have avoided this with regular maintenance. Replacing coolant, cleaning dust from the ventilation ports regularly... you know. Easy stuff. I can reflow it but it'll take a while."
Moments later, and after a few long minutes of Xell explaining the odds and ins of droid anatomy, the 3 rings disappear momentarily, before forming together into a full on 4 section green ring. "There we go. Now. Let's see this message!"
Droid: "Beep boop BWEeeOOOOP!"
A blue hologram began streaming from the ocular camera. Sure enough, Master Orren was on the scan. Master Urrik was there aswell.
"For reasons that can't be explained right now I won't be there to guide you along the way in your trials Xell. Still, I want you to remember that whoever they stick you with while I'm gone should be respected as much as you respected me. They're there for guidance aswell as aid. Be open with them. I know that isn't something you are used to doing, but that has to change."
Xell nodded to the hologram before looking up at his new master. He looked back to the hologram quickly after though.
"While I am not responsible for your growth directly anymore, I have prepared your first trial. It was something I took seriously before the Order had me replaced. It may not be my place as your master, but as an ally, and as a friend, I feel like this trial is necessary for your development. Urrik has the coordinates. Be warned though, pup. I have never been one for tradition. My trial will not be as tame as the ones your peers will endure. You will be changed, whether for the best or the worse. Make sure that is something your new master can deal with."
Well, that was awkward. Xell looked up at Sherasti to see how she would react to hearing Orren's message.
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last online Apr 19, 2013 18:45:53 GMT -5
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Jun 19, 2011 18:56:17 GMT -5
Post by Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy on Jun 19, 2011 18:56:17 GMT -5
"No...I know what everyone thinks of Master Orren and it's just not true!"
The Togruta remained serene and impassive to the statement, and to the messenger’s reaction. She didn’t want to be perceived as ‘taking sides’ against Orren. Yes, the Council had been concerned his style was perilous and walked the line between light and dark more than was safe. But he was still a Jedi, and she had no doubt his heart was in the right place. Questioning him would only hurt her relationship with Xell. Though a hug would probably undo any damage.
She followed the two into repair station, an area of the Temple she could honestly say she’d never been in before. Droids didn’t interest her in the slightest. She didn’t have any resentment or malice toward artificial constructs, but they had no connection to the Force. They weren’t a part of nature. And nature meant a great deal to Togruta, it was the reason Sherasti went barefoot whenever possible. It was more natural and more comfortable.
As a result, Xell’s monologue fell on deaf ears. Well, would have if Togruta had ears. Every bit of technobabble was totally meaningless to the Jedi Knight, and far more incomprehensible than another alien language. Instead she sank to the floor and took up her usual and comfortable cross-legged stance, closed her eyes, and spent the long minutes of waiting in meditation. By the time the hologram was speaking, her eyes were open and she was observing intently.
…whoever they stick you with while I'm gone should be respected as much as you respected me.
Well that’s good, Sherasti thought. After all, respect was her biggest concern. And openness played a role too. Perhaps it would be best to simply confront his obvious attraction to her in the name of openness. It was something to deliberate later.
When the holographic message finished, Sherasti’s head was cocked at a slight angle. To those who knew her, it was an expression of surprise. She’d never encountered a master who ‘arranged’ trials in the field. Silently she hoped it was the trial of skill and not the trial of flesh. She had no idea what exactly Orren was capable of, for good or for ill. But it made her uneasy. He should have left some sort of information for her to review so Xell wouldn’t be going in blind. It would be impossible to protect him properly if she didn’t know what threats were being faced.
A very slight frown appeared on Sherasti’s face as well. It was obvious she wasn’t comfortable with the situation. In fact, she’d rather have faced explaining the ‘handlebars’ problem in front of a room of Younglings to walking blind into some kind of test created by a loose cannon Jedi on the edge with a rather callous view of life.
But she didn’t let any of that leak through apart from that one small frown. Instead, she turned her gaze onto Master Urrik. And asked him a question telepathically.
What is the meaning of this? And why now? I haven’t even begun to test the boy, I don’t know his limits and his skills. This isn’t fair to him, and it isn’t fair to me.
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last online Dec 28, 2015 2:36:26 GMT -5
Padawan
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Jun 19, 2011 19:01:17 GMT -5
Post by ninjabot on Jun 19, 2011 19:01:17 GMT -5
Xell looks up to his master and nods enthusiastically. "We have to! I trust Master Orren. And he trusts me. He knows I can do this. Right Urrik?" asked Xell as he looked over at the man. Urrik simply looked back to the Togrutan. Sherasti opened a communication with him telepathically.
What is the meaning of this? And why now? I haven’t even begun to test the boy, I don’t know his limits and his skills. This isn’t fair to him, and it isn’t fair to me.
Orren is of the opinion that Xell has a destiny intertwined with his own. That with his aid, they can accomplish a great deal of good. While this is true for many a Padawan, Orren believes that Xell is somehow... unique. And that likewise his destiny is different enough from the average Padawan that certain... 'special' excersises are necessary. He feels that the best way to prepare him for this destiny is by breaking him from his timid shell... and forcing him to accept the harsh realities the world of the Jedi present.
Urrik's speech, despite being a mental projection, slows as if he was questioning his old friend's judgement aswell.
I trust Orren's judgement. Or atleast his devotion to justice. I also know that Xell is special to Orren. I doubt he would put the boy into any undue dangers that he did not think would push him toward the right path of development. I think you should trust Orren's judgement. For now. If you still feel it is unfair to you however... then no one would blame you for redacting your application to lead the boy throughout the rest of his growth.
Xell simply stood there, watching as the two master level Jedi conversed mentally. Obviously their experience allowed them to keep their minds free from his prodding as he could not tell what was going through their minds. Not telepathically atleast. He could however, read their faces. And he knew they were judging Orren.
How dare they! What did they know of Orren. Sherasti never even met him before now! And Urrik... Urrik is a comrade! How could he think that Orren would be so... so absent minded, so disrespectful as to make light of Xell's trials?
Xell's breathing intensified. His fists clenched. He gnawed into his bottom lip to prevent an outburst. Instead he stilled his storm and took a deep breath. "Can we really work together Sherasti if you don't trust me? Believe me, I can handle anything Orren throws at me!" Silence. Either they didn't believe the boy's conviction from experience, or because they could hear the terror in the boy's voice. A sutle shudder at the end of his words. It was evident to anyone but Xell. Until... a spark welled up within him. As if he realized something he had learned long ago and needed to be reminded of.
Xell looked back to Urrik, his eyes staring with enough fervor to burn a hole in the man's soul. His voice lowered to a serious, unmistakeably mature tone. "Orren knows more than anyone. You can't protect anyone without strength. I mean, I protected him once. He knows what I'm capable of. I've fought a Dark Jedi. I know what to do..."
Xell saw a glimpse of the girl slain by Orren without even the bat of a lash. A cold chill went up his spine. "I'm not af-... I'm not afraid."
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last online Apr 19, 2013 18:45:53 GMT -5
Master
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Jun 19, 2011 19:04:37 GMT -5
Post by Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy on Jun 19, 2011 19:04:37 GMT -5
I think you should trust Orren's judgement. For now. If you still feel it is unfair to you however... then no one would blame you for redacting your application to lead the boy throughout the rest of his growth.
Sherasti frowned even more noticeably. Strictly speaking she hadn’t applied. She’d been asked. Specifically. Urrik might have trusted Orrin’s judgment, but the Council had seen fit to send him away and place Xell under her care. It was more than simply a task for her to watch over the Padawan, it was her duty. She wouldn’t simply desert him. But she also couldn’t let him walk into some dubious trial set up by a Jedi deemed too edgy to retain his Padawan. She was beyond getting angry at such petty things, but she was… concerned. And rather offended actually. Apparently Urrik wasn’t privy to all the information she was. And that gave the Togruta all the more reason to watch over Xell Rayner like a very tall rust-colored hawk.
Before she could reply to Urrik, Xell’s outburst grabbed her attention. She shifted her violet eyes onto him and stared expectantly as she listened.
"Can we really work together Sherasti if you don't trust me? Believe me, I can handle anything Orren throws at me.”
It was a valid question. And a painful one that cut to her core. He was right. Trust was essential to their relationship, and she couldn’t afford to ruin it on day one. The costs of that could well exceed the risks of an unconventional trial. It wasn’t worth fighting. If Xell couldn’t trust her, then her efforts were doomed even before they were begun. And that left her with no choice.
She listened quietly as the young man continued, showing him a respect he probably wasn’t used to receiving. Though she did doubt his experience, she stifled those feelings and locked them away. She hadn’t even seen his skills practiced yet, judging him from what little she’d seen was still premature. There would still be time before the Trial, time in which to train him for the challenge. And she wouldn’t allow him to face it alone. The Togruta would be at his side, she would insist on that much.
"Orren knows more than anyone. You can't protect anyone without strength. I mean, I protected him once. He knows what I'm capable of. I've fought a Dark Jedi. I know what to do..."
"I'm not af-... I'm not afraid."
Xell concluded, and the room fell silent once again. A slight chill hung in the air, a lingering effect of the dark memory Sherasti could feel in him.
The tall and slender Togruta Jedi rose gracefully to her feet, smoothing her ornate sash, and crossed the room to Xell in a slow and deliberate movement. She leaned over and gently embraced him into the folds of her robe, a rust-colored hand patting him on the head. Sherasti sweetly whispered three simple words that were both reassuring and chilling at the same time.
"You will be."
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last online Dec 28, 2015 2:36:26 GMT -5
Padawan
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Jun 19, 2011 19:10:02 GMT -5
Post by ninjabot on Jun 19, 2011 19:10:02 GMT -5
She leaned over and gently embraced him into the folds of her robe, a rust-colored hand patting him on the head. Sherasti sweetly whispered three simple words that were both reassuring and chilling at the same time.
You will be.
Xell's eyes widened. The warmth of his master's bosom did little to counteract the chill that rose up his spine. The willpower he mustered to make his stand just minutes earlier had disappeared and he was back to being a frightened kid. He tried to steel his resolve again; to speak up and refute her claim despite his renewed fear. But it didn't last long. Xell's eyes rolled to the right where his cheek was and could not help but notice the crimson mounds beckoning him.
He held his breath and swallowed hard. "T-thank you Sherasti Rin. I'm... truly breast-err.... BLESSED, to have a trusting woman like you as a master." stammered the youth. The heat from his blushing face could've scalded her were she to hug him any closer. A soft sigh could be heard almost muffled by fabric.
Master Urrik crossed his arms.
"AHEM. Thank you for reparing T3-D8 for me Xell. But know that the Order will still be notified of Orren's decision here. No matter how much we trust him, I sincerely doubt they would be happy that you are still having dealings with him."
Xell, against his wishes, slowly (as slow as humanly possible), moved away from his Master's embrace and nodded back to Master Urrik. Xell clears his throat before speaking. "Right, um... yeah. So. The coordinates? asked Xell. He had a goofy smile on his face as his right hand rose up to rub his cheek.
Urrik produced the coordinates, which Xell handed to the reddish amazon before him. "The data contains the actual trial information. I have not read any of it. I'll leave that to your master Xell."
Xell nodded. Urrik looked to Sherasti.
"I recommend making haste. I see no problem with you using the ship I returned from my previous mission on. Infact, it should be finished refueling."
With that, Urrik bowed and motioned for T3-D8 to follow him out of the room. "May the Force be with you young Padawan. And you aswell Master Sherasti Rin. On his way out, Urrik implanted a thought into Sherasti's mind.
I certainly hope that you do something about his attraction to you, young master. Or atleast make sure that he understands you are Master first, partner second, and woman last of all. The trials can make or break a Padawan, and having his body and mind physically invested in something other than survival could beget desastrous results.
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last online Apr 19, 2013 18:45:53 GMT -5
Master
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Jun 19, 2011 19:30:10 GMT -5
Post by Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy on Jun 19, 2011 19:30:10 GMT -5
Sherasti rolled her eyes at Xell’s reaction. She’d been expecting him to simply accept a hug in the spirit was intended. It was certainly safe to say he hadn’t. The Togruta wasn’t overly bothered by it though. For the time-being almost everything was going to yield those emotions from the Padawan, and the best thing to do was to have him get used to her presence. When she became an ordinary fixture of life, the human would avoid getting himself worked up. But in the meantime a direct talking to probably wouldn’t hurt.
She accepted the datapad containing the important information, tucking it into a pocket of her robes. There would be plenty of time on the trip to examine it in detail and meditate on it. It was likely a long flight, and she hoped the ship that had been readied was equipped with enough room for real practice. Xell needed it most likely, and a little bit of space between them was for the best. He’d failed the test of physical closeness.
"I certainly hope that you do something about his attraction to you, young master. Or at least make sure that he understands you are Master first, partner second, and woman last of all. The trials can make or break a Padawan, and having his body and mind physically invested in something other than survival could beget disastrous results."
I intend to. I hope this is all just a passing fancy for him. I understand he is young still. He will grow out of it. If not, he’ll get bored and give up eventually. She smiled apologetically to the Master as he turned and exited the room, leaving the two younger Jedi alone together.
Sherasti extended her arm, and cuffed Xell in the ear. Quite softly and rather gently in fact, but without warning. She punctuated the physical gestured with a mild glare from her violet eyes. Her facial expression wasn’t angry at all, in fact it looked to be something more along the lines of wry amusement.
“Xell, let’s be honest with each other for a few minutes. You are attracted to me. I didn’t say anything before because I didn’t want to embarrass you, but when you started to burrow into my breasts like a thimiar into turu-grass I couldn’t let it go without comment. This stays in this room, between us. Say whatever you want here, clear the air.”
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last online Dec 28, 2015 2:36:26 GMT -5
Padawan
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Jun 19, 2011 19:41:02 GMT -5
Post by ninjabot on Jun 19, 2011 19:41:02 GMT -5
“Xell, let’s be honest with each other for a few minutes. You are attracted to me. I didn’t say anything before because I didn’t want to embarrass you, but when you started to burrow into my breasts like a thimiar into turu-grass I couldn’t let it go without comment. This stays in this room, between us. Say whatever you want here, clear the air.”
Xell's face reddened. He forced a laugh as people often do when trying to play down embarrassment. "W-what? Attracted? Don't be... don't be silly Master Sherasti..." Xell remembered the embrace. He smiled. Then he forced his face to a deadpan blank stare to try to further downplay what was actually going on. Unfortunately his own thoughts began gnawing at the back of his brain.
How can we be partners if we can't trust eachother!?
"Wait... you're right. If we can't trust eachother, we can't work together. Trust is important. As is... respect. I um... apologize. For my actions. My skill and practicality as a Jedi has been my main focus throughout life. I've never really taken the time to acknowledge the control of my more base instincts. Haven't actually spent alot of time around women. Women that aren't trying to kill me that is. And you? You're... wow. Alot to get used to, you know?" said Xell with a low chuckle.
The spectacled youth blushed, this time not from infatuation but from being embarrassed for speaking his mind so openly. It was something he never did. Ever. It was exhilirating, but different. He would need to do this more often. But that is what this part of his life was about now. Growth. Change. Becoming a Jedi so complete and so honorable that his influence will make those around him respect the title of Jedi as he did as a child.
"No more issues with personal space. No staring, no unintentional touching or...or anything like that. I swear it. Though... maybe don't get so close so often?" asked Xell with a genuine smile. He was sure of himself that he would change. Afterall, he had promised to succeed in the trials ahead. He had more important things to worry about now.
Xell began feeling worse as time passed with awkward silence. He was... for lack of a better word, disgusting. Jedi were not allowed to fall their baser instincts, and he fell hard."I mean, I wasn't doing this intentionally you know. You have to know that."
Xell's bravery wore off and he went back to his softspoken nature. "So. To the ship?" asked the Padawan as he looked around the room, avoiding eye contact.
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last online Apr 19, 2013 18:45:53 GMT -5
Master
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Jun 19, 2011 19:49:56 GMT -5
Post by Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy on Jun 19, 2011 19:49:56 GMT -5
“I mean, I wasn't doing this intentionally you know. You have to know that."
“I do,” Sherasti acknowledged honestly. “You should know my skills lie along telepathic lines. I don’t actively examine your mind often, but I can’t help but feel strong emotions or thoughts when they roll off your mind. But no secrets between us any more Padawan. Ask anything of me, and I will answer.”
“Also,” She added with a smile exposing a single fang, “I’ll try to give you some personal space. You will have to face your feelings, but there is no point to giving them more power than they must have naturally. And what you are feeling is natural Xell, you shouldn’t be disgusted with yourself. Do not punish yourself for this, it isn’t a failure, it’s a chance to learn. Every other boy in the galaxy feels the same. Even Jedi have feelings, we simply have to work around them. In time I will cease to be such a distraction to you. I want to be an older sister or an aunt in your eyes.”
Her hand moved forward, as if to pat him on the head. But it froze midway there and fell back to her side.
The Togruta looked towards the door and thought of the ship waiting. Now was the time to take action. She’d turned one difficulty into a moment of understanding, she still had to build that understanding into a true relationship.
Sherasti pulled out the datapad again, rechecking the coordinates. She estimated it would take a week of travel to reach them, a week in which to appraise Xell’s force abilities and skills with a lightsaber. “Gather together what belongings you may need, as well as whatever food you might want. Also, be prepared for training on the way there. I will trust Master Orren, but I can’t allow you to walk into a Trial I feel you aren’t prepared for. I will provide the best instruction for you that I can. We’ll talk more on the ship. May the Force be with you Xell Rayner.”
With a half bow and accompanying dip of her montrals, Sherasti Rin walked through the door and headed off to gather her supplies.
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last online Dec 28, 2015 2:36:26 GMT -5
Padawan
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Jun 19, 2011 20:01:41 GMT -5
Post by ninjabot on Jun 19, 2011 20:01:41 GMT -5
Xell nodded to Sherasti as she left the room. He didn't watch her leave because his eyes were closed. He was searching his soul. Was he truly ready? No. There was no time to question himself now. He had to be. He would not let down Orren or Sherasti.
"I can do this... I'm ready. As ready as I'll ever be atleast." said Xell under his breath.
With that the caramel complexioned youth took a deep breath, released it, and turned on his heel to head to his room. He began packing immediately after he got there. He racked his brain to figure out what should be brought along with him. He hoped to be prepared as best he could, but did not want any undue advantage for his upcoming trials. He wanted to earn Sherasti's respect through action.
It was then that he remembered the young Togrutan Jedi's warning. That he would indeed fear what was to come. He shook his head and continued packing a bag full of reading material, a small toolset for electronics maintenance, and a few changes of clothing. He stopped at his hidden book collection and smiled. The disk on top of the stack was a video novel about an intergalactic cybernetic knight who fought for justice. It was the issue when he left for his training pilgrimage to strengthen himself before attempting to slay a Krayt dragon.
It was time for Xell's pilgrimage. Time to slay the dragon.
Xell sat on his bed and flipped through some of his books. He recited lines from the books and imagined himself in the shoes of the hero. "For justice!" yelled the padawan as he leapt up and swung his hands in a lightsaber form. He did this for what was about 5 minutes before dropping to his bed and laughing.
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