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Otterling
Still Dutch's Minion
1,557 posts
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"Like a monkey on the sun, it was just to hot to live."
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last online Dec 25, 2012 18:03:09 GMT -5
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Nov 30, 2009 22:56:19 GMT -5
Post by Otterling on Nov 30, 2009 22:56:19 GMT -5
It was said by many that the Jedi Temple housed gardens so beautiful and so full of tranquility that once a person entered them, they would never want to leave. For Council Member Mon’vuuem, who had lived in the Temple her whole life, they had certainly offered her a tempting place of respite over her many years. While she wasn’t so sure about wanting to live in them forever, she could see without trying too hard why someone from the hectic world beyond the Temple might feel that way. The sky overhead was a radiant shade of cerulean dotted here and there with a few meager wisps of cloud. It was all an illusion of course, a projection put forth by a massive bank of monitors overhead, all controlled and planned out in advance by a central set of computers. Still, for anyone who didn’t know better, it seemed that a whole world had been tucked carefully away in the great dome in which Mon’vuuem now stood. She meandered slowly down one of the many small trails that wove between the thick ground cover. Around her, small delicate flowers were open to the false sun above, crowded around the base of thick squat tree trunks. In the distance, she could make out the soft lull of one of the many waterfalls in this section. It was there that she was headed.
The past few weeks had brought a torrent of confusion and a looming threat of darkness to the Jedi and yet this place with its cheerfully singing birds seemed oblivious to the danger. Only a few days ago, two High Council members had stood up and walked out on their fellow Jedi, convinced that the council had stagnated beyond reason. Mon’vuuem couldn’t say she agreed with their choices even if she could fully understand their frustrations. Typical to her race, however, she had made little to no real outward show of her tumultuous thoughts. How could the Jedi hope to face off against the Sith, if indeed they truly had returned, if they were fractured so easily? She had tried in vain to reach either Master Took or Master Rhissai but both were adept at staying hidden when they wanted to. Vreem seemed to never be in his quarters when Mon’vuuem would stop by and she had failed to locate Rhissai in any of the normal areas the other Jedi frequented. Still, Mon’vuuem felt obliged to at least try contacting them. She had left multiple messages for Vreem in the hopes that if she could not find him, perhaps he, in time, would seek her out.
Mon’vuuem tucked her long fingers into the sleeves of her robe and mentally smoothed her thoughts again. It was an exercise much like the small rock gardens some of the other masters kept. The constant smoothing and drawing of new lines in her mind and the force around her let her clear away the cluttered debris of thoughts she could not keep untangled otherwise. As she rounded a last corner in the trail, she came upon the first of the great waterfalls. It spilled down with a white noise hush into the deep blue green pool at its base. The water there foamed and stirred until it rippled out to the edges where Mon’vuuem had come to rest. She paused to reflect in the cool spray of the water, reminded and comforted by the genetic remembrances of a time when her people had lived solely in the waters of her home world. The light from above cast down through the water pooling just inches from her feet, casting long thin ribbons of bright aqua light across the tiny smooth pebbles that made up the bottom of the lake. The Jedi master closed her eyes in quiet contemplation and lost herself in the ebb and flow of the force here. So it was that she entirely missed the approach of another being into her small grotto.
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Cirith An'Gol
"You got something for me? or are you just another slack jawed arruetti admiring my armor"-Cirith
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last online May 31, 2020 19:14:38 GMT -5
Knight
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Nov 30, 2009 23:44:20 GMT -5
Post by Cirith An'Gol on Nov 30, 2009 23:44:20 GMT -5
Tey Shaak stretched and yawned as he closed a book and placed it back on it's originating shelf. He'd been reading about crime for the past few hours and had just finished the book. He'd wanted to understand the criminal mind so he might better handle situations that would inevitably come up. Now he sought out a place of solitude in order to meditate on what he'd learned. Usually he went to his customary spot in the Jedi Temple courtyard but, he was in the mood for something new today. His tall six foot three frame stretched again, arms spread wide and sweeping back down to his side, as he yawned yet again as he stood, his body begging for more oxygen from it's long stationary position.
His notes safely stored on his datapad, he shut the device down and started walking. He came to a water fountain in the hallway and drank deeply, letting the cool water wake and energize him. About ten minutes later he found himself in a new area of the Jedi Temple. The gardens seemed to stretch for miles, but, Tey Shaak knew from talking with others and reading that this was an illusion created by computers and holographic imagery, much like the "sky" above him. He moved deeper into the gardens, letting the force guide his steps as he looked around in awe of the beauty around him. Various species of flowers and other plants were arrayed on the ground in beautiful patterns, a rock path allowed visitors to explore this small paradise. Tey took his time walking through the gardens, enjoying the sights and smells it offered before he stumbled upon a ponde complete with a waterfall. His eyes moved to a tall thin figure that stood nearby and widened in awe. Oh! A Kaminoan! Tey Shaak's montrals moved silently in the Togruta expression of suprise. He stepped closer and noticed that the grey alien was a female and that she had her eyes closed.
Tey Shaak felt the strength that flowed from this Kaminoan and was again struck with suprise, though it was a pleasant one. Only when he looked closer at her did he recognize her as one of the Jedi Council. He lightly coughed into his hand so that she would know that he was there and smiled pleasantly. "Here I thought I was going to be the only one in such a place. I hope I'm not disturbing you Master but, might I join you?" Tey said with a hint of excitement for he couldn't recall speaking to a Council member since his knighthood more than a month ago.
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Otterling
Still Dutch's Minion
1,557 posts
0 likes
"Like a monkey on the sun, it was just to hot to live."
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last online Dec 25, 2012 18:03:09 GMT -5
Master
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Dec 1, 2009 0:35:39 GMT -5
Post by Otterling on Dec 1, 2009 0:35:39 GMT -5
The sound of a light cough filtered in around the edges of Mon’vuuem’s meditations and she allowed the thin folds of Force energy she’d been winding around herself slip away like the waters at her feet. Large grey eyes fluttered open and she slowly turned her head to take in the sudden visitor she’d just received. The tiny bells of her headdress chimed with a delicacy almost lost beneath the roar of the waterfall beside her. Mon’vuuem blinked slowly at the young Jedi Knight standing before her. The long lekku and tall montrals marked him as a Togruta and the slightly boyish charm that still clung to his features marked him as fairly young though the rest of him belied his age. Tall and well built, the young man was lean from years of saber practice and it was evident he was a skilled hand at it. There was a relaxed posture to him that marked him as a good fighter. His height would easily put him over the heads of many of his peers as well, something they both had in common since Mon’vuuem’s seven foot frame easily had her peering down at most she encountered, and she could imagine that this Knight would be doing that most of his life as well.
Mon’vuuem could well guess that the young man had only recently gained his knighthood judging by the undercurrent of excitement tingeing the edges of his voice. She returned the smile he had offered with her own and gestured gracefully with the sweep of one long arm to indicate he was welcome to stand with her. “You are more than welcome to join me,” she said in the dulcet smooth tones that so marked her for a diplomatic career, “Sometimes we all need a little disruption. It keeps us from getting complacent.” It was hard to tell if she was making a joke or not but there was a pleasantly cheerful note to her voice that indicated she was pleased to meet him either way. “I am Mon’vuuem. I don’t believe we’ve had the pleasure of meeting until now. What brings you out to the gardens?”
The distraction the young man brought was indeed a welcome thing to the Jedi master. Her thoughts of late had been darker than normal and she didn't want to dwell on them too long lest they become stagnant. The Force had a way of providing what one needed when they needed it most. Perhaps this Knight could inadvertantly help shed some light on her current problem.
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Cirith An'Gol
"You got something for me? or are you just another slack jawed arruetti admiring my armor"-Cirith
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last online May 31, 2020 19:14:38 GMT -5
Knight
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Dec 1, 2009 1:02:16 GMT -5
Post by Cirith An'Gol on Dec 1, 2009 1:02:16 GMT -5
Tey trilled internally at the thought of making friends with a Jedi Council member, let alone a Kaminoan! He walked up and stretched his hand out for her to shake in greeting "Thank you for allowing me to join you. I agree, sometimes solitude doesn't help the mind does it? Nice to meet you..... Mon'vuuem. Did I say that right? Oh, my name is Tey Shaak" the Togruta sounded out the Kaminoan's name in his head before repeating it verbally. He smiled as he answered her question "To be honest I was tiring of the courtyard and was looking for a new place to try out meditating in. I read alot and then I usually go to the courtyard to meditate upon what I've read but, I needed a change of scenery today. That and the force led me here I think".
He looked around with his eyes, not wanting to be rude to Mon'vuuem and give her the impression that he wasn't paying attention, when in fact he was. It was just that he'd never stepped foot in any of the gardens until now. He let the force wrap around himself like a blanket and then pushed it away, much in the same manner his friend Locke Nesmee did to calm himself before a mission, or to simply relax. He found that he sensed his new friend was troubled in the moment he gathered the force to himself, and looked to her as he let the force ebb away. "I may be totally out of line here but, is everything alright? I sense that you seem to be troubled about something. Anything I can do to help? I know I'm just a Knight but, I think I'm a pretty good listener".
Tey liked meeting new people, that much was obvious, but as he continued to stand beside Mon'vuuem he began to realise that she wasn't anything like he thought a Council member would be. She was kind, graceful and approachable. For some reason he'd always thought the Council members would put up a stiff kindness, like they were too busy to talk to the common rable for more than a few seconds. He pushed those thoughts away and refocused his mind on her. After all if a Council member was concerned about something, shouldn't that mean that he should be too?
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Otterling
Still Dutch's Minion
1,557 posts
0 likes
"Like a monkey on the sun, it was just to hot to live."
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last online Dec 25, 2012 18:03:09 GMT -5
Master
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Dec 1, 2009 2:50:14 GMT -5
Post by Otterling on Dec 1, 2009 2:50:14 GMT -5
Mon’vuuem took the proffered hand into one of her own. Despite the fact that she was a full foot taller than her young companion, his meatier grip made her thin fingers look frail by comparison. “It’s nice to meet you, Tey Shaak,” she crooned warmly, “You pronounced my name just fine. Thank you for the concern.” The older Jedi watched fondly as Tey took in his surroundings. There was something renewing in seeing a place through someone else’s eyes. It had a way of making old comfortable places seem new and young again. It was one the reasons she enjoyed the company of children so much and was even now considering taking on a new padawan despite her status within the Council. Watching Tey as he glanced about, she could easily recall the first time she had stepped foot in this place. It had immediately become one of her favorites because of the illusion of solitude it granted within the busy temple. Here, she could sever herself from the discord of so many troubles and allow herself time to reflect upon whatever happened to be at the forefront of her mind in the moment.
Mon’vuuem allowed the young Knight time to absorb his surroundings, tilting her face back and up to the false sun above her and reveling in the simple joy of the warmth on her eyelids. Tey’s words brought her back to the moment and let her know he was ready to continue. The Force was a wondrous thing and despite all her years and knowledge of it, Mon’vuuem never ceased to be amazed by its subtleties. Somehow, this young man had found her of all people in the moment she was in contemplation and even now it seemed it nudged him that she would need a sounding board. She looked down into his rich dark eyes and found immediately that she liked this earnest youth. There was a definite openness to him she hoped would not become jaded by time and trials like so many others had.
Mon’vuuem’s smile became warmer and gentler than before at Tey’s honest and heartfelt offer to help. So many would want to ally themselves with the council for their own good but she sensed no such duplicity in the Togruta. “I believe that you are, Knight Shaak. I would be honored and pleased to hear your opinion. Wisdom often comes in unexpected places.” The Jedi Master let out a soft sigh, closing her eyes for a moment and the strain of the last few weeks showed for a moment in the subtle drooping of her shoulders. “Soon, I fear, the troubles of the Council will all too swiftly become the troubles of all Jedi. As I’m sure you know, there is a darkness growing beyond this world. The Sith Empire is expanding, threatening the Republic. Until recently, it was seen as little more than a corporation, a rival to the Republic, that was involved mostly in political struggles. Recently, things have escalated for the worse. With the fall of Mon Calamari and Mygeeto, we have lost two more worlds to violence and war. Then the attack on the Chancellor laid blame at our feet and sowed mistrust between the Jedi and the Republic.
We find ourselves now in a most precarious position. Many are calling to the Jedi for help but we are not soldiers and our enemies are separating us from what allies we have. There are rumors of even darker threats, darker forces behind the Sith Empire beyond aristocrats with delusions of grandeur. If those rumors are true, as some on the Council believe they are, then the Jedi face a grave danger not seen within our lifetimes. Sadly…we find ourselves at a crossroads now. We must act with extreme caution or risk splitting the Jedi in half and losing all we believe in.”
Mon’vuuem turned sorrowful eyes toward the young man she was burdening with this information and felt a pang of guilt. Was it not her job as a Council member to protect the younger generation? Where had they gone wrong that people like Tey would inherit a world filled with strife?
“We must now face a decision of monumental proportions. The Jedi do not believe in war and yet we find ourselves in the midst of one regardless. Do we fight and risk losing ourselves or stand still and risk being overrun?” The tall creature sighed and looked back up, her gaze going to somewhere far beyond the other side of the lake. “I fear the Council is fracturing and I forsee that such a thing will bring the Jedi to their knees yet I know not how to prevent it.”
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Bones
The Wizard of AUS
409 posts
13 likes
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last online Apr 1, 2019 3:42:35 GMT -5
Knight
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Dec 1, 2009 3:00:38 GMT -5
Post by Bones on Dec 1, 2009 3:00:38 GMT -5
The current events caused a great deal of pain and unrest for Kaiven Te'Baas. He Knew quite well where warfare would take many, and having seen the effects of that first hand, he knew that he'd rather everybody loved everyone. He wasn't a fool though, he knew that the galaxy was made up of billions, with every single being having a different view or belief. He knew that in this world, there could be no perfect peace, for eventually someone came to destroy that peace. He knew it was the Jedi's job, in a sense, to stop that from occurring. It was with these thoughts that Kaiven sought time alone, not to meditate, but to just think. He wandered, originally aimlessly through the Temple, until he eventually reached the meditation Gardens.
He pulled the hood of his cloak back as he stepped onto the trail in the gardens. Although he had been with the Jedi for many years, he was always impressed by the lush, tranquil habitat that the gardens offered. He sighed, taking his shoes off to allow the thin blades of grass to wrap around his feet as he walked. He closed his eyes for a moment, allowing the force to guide him to where he was meant to be. When he felt comfortable, he opened his eyes, and was almost surprised to see other people infront of the waterfall.
"Ah, Master Mon'vueem, I see that you too have fallen captive to the tranquilities of the meditation gardens. Do I assume correctly that the current council meetings do not sit comfortably in your mind and heart?" He said, instantly recognising the High Council Member. He smiled warmly as he turned to the knight, although he knew his mask hid that, so he hoped it was evident in his eyes, "I'm sorry, I don't believe we've met. I am Master Kaiven Te'Baas." He tried to make his voice sound as warm as possible. It was always a delight to meet someone new, he thought.
He allowed his boots to drop to the ground, remaining barefoot on the grass, which in this area was wet by the splashing water of the waterfall. He sighed for a moment, running a hand over the clips for his mask, considering taking it off - an act he rarely ever did in company. As usual, he decided against it.
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Cirith An'Gol
"You got something for me? or are you just another slack jawed arruetti admiring my armor"-Cirith
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last online May 31, 2020 19:14:38 GMT -5
Knight
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Dec 1, 2009 13:40:28 GMT -5
Post by Cirith An'Gol on Dec 1, 2009 13:40:28 GMT -5
Tey Shaak brought his hand up and absently rubbed his chin as he thought of how he could possibly make an intelligent answer to the Council members problem. Indeed he had felt the growing darkness that was taking the atmosphere in the force at a rapid climb, he'd never seen or felt a Dark Jedi in the force, let alone fought one. The only one he'd actually seen was a manifistation of his imagination in the Hall of Trials when he was taking his Jedi Trials to become a Knight. Tey Shaak let his hand down and looked to Mon'vuuem when he came to a conclusion "Pardon me but, if you were in a alley and a hover vehicle was bearing down on you, wouldn't you simply move out of the way? Why do you have to lose yourself to do battle? Why can you not simply fight for the greater good? Isn't that what you have to do to defend an innocent beset by thugs on the streets? Maybe I am missing some required knowledge but it seems to me that war is simply put, a fight between two opposing organizations. My late Master Jolee Sidus once told me that in order for the universe to be balanced, there has to be a light side and a dark side. The problem is allowing each side to exist without one taking over the other" Tey Shaak rubbed the back of his head and shrugged.
"Anyway that is my theory. I've never had to deal with the dark side before. I've read about it, talked to people who have had to deal with it before but, I've never actually experienced it for myself. The Jedi Trials I undertook a little more than a month ago was the closest I've ever come to experiencing it" Tey Shaak admitted with an embarassed shrug. His eyes widened as he realised that someone was approaching and so turned around to see who it was. It turned out to be a human wearing a black metal halfmask with a cross in the middle. He recognized this one instantly though his name escaped the Togruta, this Human was a High Council member. He'd seen the man walking around the temple enough times to recognize his features, and he'd only come upon the knowledge that he was a High Council member and a Euchani because he'd asked one of the Padawans that was assighned to carry messages throughtout the Jedi Temple.
Tey Shaak extended his hand when the Euchani man was done talking to Mon'vuuem and turned his attention to him "An honor to meet you Master Te'Baas. My name is Tey Shaak. What brings you to this lovely garden if I may ask?" The Togruta smiled his pleasant smile again, thrilled at the prospect of not meeting just one Council member but two! If it had been anyone else, they would've surely thought about how priveledged they were to make such high ranking contacts but, no such thoughts entered Tey Shaak's mind. He only thought about how lucky he was to meet such wise people and possibly make them his friends.
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Otterling
Still Dutch's Minion
1,557 posts
0 likes
"Like a monkey on the sun, it was just to hot to live."
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last online Dec 25, 2012 18:03:09 GMT -5
Master
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Dec 1, 2009 17:17:47 GMT -5
Post by Otterling on Dec 1, 2009 17:17:47 GMT -5
Mon’vuuem turned her full attention back to Tey as he began to talk, taking in every word with the same care and interest that she would lend even the most seasoned of Jedi. She had learned too often that wisdom hides itself in the places one often overlooks. The arrogance of many higher ranking Jedi had cost them the foresight to head off tragedy when those with less years had warned them of it. None so blind as those who will not see, she thought. To Mon’vuuem, wisdom was often hidden in the little details that got cast aside in favor of a larger picture and no one was better at overlooking details than those who deemed themselves too important to hear even the smallest voice. She nodded mutely at Tey’s words and smiled at his eagerness to help. The small telling movements of his hands did a good job broadcasting his sense of humility, a fact which the Jedi Master was quick to pick up on, and they endeared Tey to her all the more. If only more Jedi were able to set themselves apart from their accomplishments and feel that same humbleness, more might be accomplished.
Mon’vuuem drew back her head and opened her mouth as if to reply but stopped short as the Force rippled around her. Another powerful Jedi was coming their way and she paused to see who their new guest was. Perhaps it should have surprised her to see Master Te’Bass come around the bend but he too had been caught up in the turmoil of the Council meetings of late and the gardens proved a respite for many in such times. She waited patiently as Tey Shaak introduced himself and then gestured to the spot on the Knight’s other side, opposite where she stood.
“Master Te’Bass. A pleasure to see you out here. Please. Join us. Knight Shaak was just helping me to refocus.” She smiled warmly down at her companion. “He is a very good listener if you need to talk as well.” Mon’vuuem cast a playful wink to Tey and then shifted to look back out at the lake.
“Indeed you are correct, Master Te’Bass. The meetings of late are weighing heavily on my mind. Knight Tey was kind enough to listen to me on just such a matter.” Mon’vuuem turned her luminous grey eyes back to Tey and delicately folded one slender hand on his shoulder. “I am grateful to you for your input, Tey. I agree that one can still fight the darkness without becoming part of it. I’m afraid my more pressing conern now though is that we cannot fight at all if we are so divided. I am unsure how to keep the Council itself from fracturing.” Her sad eyes turned up imploringly to her fellow Council member. “We are charged with the well being of all Jedi, our decisions will affect everyone in this Order. I am troubled deeply by the rift I fear Master Took’s actions will bring.”
As Mon'vuuem glanced back down at the young Knight beside her, she could see in him a vibrancy she valued in all the young Jedi. Here was their furture and it resolved in her the need to protect the next generation even more than before. With the darkness closing in, the Council would be needed more than ever. They had to hold themselves to a standard above reproach for she knew that the eyes of all the other Jedi would be turned to them as a source of strength in the dark times to come.
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Bones
The Wizard of AUS
409 posts
13 likes
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last online Apr 1, 2019 3:42:35 GMT -5
Knight
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Dec 1, 2009 20:30:54 GMT -5
Post by Bones on Dec 1, 2009 20:30:54 GMT -5
Kaiven reached out, taking Tey's hand in his firm grip as soon as it was offered. He looked the Togruta in the eyes, not looking away as they shook hands. It was bad manners to do anything different when meeting somebody after all. He sighed, having caught the last of their conversation. He looked at Tey for a moment before saying, "Unfortunately, it isn't so easy as just fighting another side. War pulls you into it. Your sole thoughts become about war, about killing, and unfortunately some can't handle these immensely difficult thoughts. Another issue is attachment. When I fought in the Dxun uprising I bonded closely with my battallion, the 112th. If anything terrible had've happened to them, I know it would have been hard for me to control my emotions, which is also a path to the dark side." He sighed, thinking to himself for a moment in a pause.
He turned to Mon'vuuem and said quietly, "Do not fret about being seperated too much, Mon'vuuem, whilst there are those amongst the council who favour the more.... aggressive approach, I don't think that they will gather a large enough following to decimate the Order. I think you'll find that a majority will side with us, as the common interpretation of the code is that we aren't supposed to be aggressors, and many also know what happened to Revan."
He returned his attention to Tey before saying quietly, "As you can understand and no doubt see for yourself already, Tey, there are a great deal of different thoughts and beliefs involved in this issue. It would seem like they cause greater issues, however, do not let this be what you believe. Every single being has a different view, opinion or interpretation. Please, if yours differs, do speak up, as it would interest me greatly to hear it." He smiled once again, knowing his mask hid it.
He looked down at the water for a moment before reaching up, unclipping the fastenings of his mask. He stared at the reflection showing the hideous scars before turning, returning his face to the others. "Unfortunately, I've seen first hand that even great Jedi can fall to the Dark side as a result of war." He said quietly, almost with sadness.
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Otterling
Still Dutch's Minion
1,557 posts
0 likes
"Like a monkey on the sun, it was just to hot to live."
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last online Dec 25, 2012 18:03:09 GMT -5
Master
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Dec 2, 2009 15:59:15 GMT -5
Post by Otterling on Dec 2, 2009 15:59:15 GMT -5
Mon’vuuem had never seen Master Te’Baas without his mask on and she made no outward sign of shock when he removed it. Inside, however, she winced. Careful to keep the Force around her smooth so as to hide her own emotions, the tall Jedi quickly swept the reaction aside. She had heard the stories, as they all had, of Kaiven’s capture and torture at the hands of his own fallen Master but it still seemed so hard to believe. Mon’vuuem could not understand how a Master could ever do such a horrible thing to their own padawan, not when she felt so terribly protective of all those in her care. Such was the nature of the Dark Side though. Many had fallen to it, succumbing to the easy and tempting path rather than the harder choice of the Light. Kaiven was not the first to bear scars from the fall of a Jedi, nor would he be the last, but few bore scars so apparent on their own skin. The miracles of Bacta had spared many the fate that had befallen her fellow Council member.
“The more powerful the Jedi,” Mon’vuuem said slowly, “the harder their fall into darkness if they are not careful. Nobody is more dangerous than he who imagines himself utterly pure in heart, for his purity, by its very definition, is unassailable. During this time of strife, we must ALL be cautious of our own thoughts and actions, lest we think ourselves infallible.”
Mon’vuuem turned her eyes to the mask clutched in Kaiven’s hand. Thin ripples of light, reflected from the water’s surface, danced across the thin black metal. The arrogance of the Jedi might well cost them all so much more than any had expected. Truly Kaiven was an example of the depths to which a Master can sink…and the heights to which a padawan can rise when he learns to set aside hatred. Surely, more than most, Kaiven had a reason to hate, yet he chose not to, aspiring instead to continue the path of the Jedi. Now he was a Council member. To Mon’vuuem, Kaiven’s story should be celebrated as a triumph, not mourned.
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Cirith An'Gol
"You got something for me? or are you just another slack jawed arruetti admiring my armor"-Cirith
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last online May 31, 2020 19:14:38 GMT -5
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Dec 2, 2009 23:18:12 GMT -5
Post by Cirith An'Gol on Dec 2, 2009 23:18:12 GMT -5
Tey Shaak's expression turned to suprised puzzlement when he heard Mon'vuuem speak of the Council itself possibly fracturing. Such a thing had never even thought to enter his young mind. He listened respectfully to each of the Masters as they spoke and noticed that Master Te'Baas looked him right in the eye as the two of them shook hands, as well as Mon'vuuem's playful wink as she commented on his listening. He felt a sense of awe come over him as he looked back into the eyes of Master Te'Baas, meeting his gaze and seeing a kindness that dwelt there despite cruel hardships.
Tey looked back to Mon'vuuem as she spoke and nodded, agreeing with her silently. Power corrupts. It was something that Tey Shaak had to remind himself of everyday, he loved the thrill of battle. The adrenaline rush, the uncertainty of the outcome, the pure flow of the battle. Too often he found himself merely playing with his opponents as they shot at him. It wasn't arrogance that Tey Shaak felt as he slapped their blaster bolts away. He was simply having fun as he let the force guide his hand.
Tey refocused his mind on the matters at hand, summoning up the last bits of conversation in his mind. He saw the man's scars and internally cringed, much in the same way he had when he'd first laid eyes on his Twi'lek tutor, Knobby Lubimbo. He tried to cover his initial reaction but, didn't quite succeed and so a slight twinge of an hurt expression came to his eyes as he looked upon the scarred Master. He didn't turn away though, instead he faced the Master, to do anything else would be disrespectful.
He pulled his eyes away from the scars and to Master Te'Baas' eyes sending the words I'm sorry Master Te'Baas, I didn't mean to stare. I hope I have not embarassed you through the force, not wanting to embarass the Euchani man further. It was probably a rare thing indeed for the man to reveal his face. Tey Shaak though pushed the scars from his mind and looked at the whole man before speaking.
"If you are willing to share your experiences, I would like to hear of your exploits with the 112th. I'm not sure there would be anything of interest to me though, the only times I've left the Temple are when I went out for a meal with a friend of mine by the name of Locke Nesmee, and the time I was assigned to the Explor Corps and sent away to study under the tutelage of a Archieologist for three years" Tey said a bit shyly while shrugging his shoulders and placing his hands behind his back. He thought for a moment, considering the two Master's words carefully, his hand came up absently rubbing his chin, his tell tale sign of being deep in thought.
"I have read of Revan and his actions but, I have to be honest. I don't fully understand the tale. Now it seems another threat looms. Might I ask what has you two so troubled? Surely things cannot be as grave as when they were in Revan's time" Tey asked concern and curiosity in his voice.
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Bones
The Wizard of AUS
409 posts
13 likes
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last online Apr 1, 2019 3:42:35 GMT -5
Knight
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Dec 3, 2009 0:25:26 GMT -5
Post by Bones on Dec 3, 2009 0:25:26 GMT -5
"Tey, If I were a vain man I would possibly feel embarassment at my face, but I am not, so therefore, I'm neither embarassed or upset with your reaction. It is one I am used to when the odd time comes that I reveal my true self." He said with a reassuring smile. He ran his hand over his face, feeling the different lines of flesh. He sighed before saying, "I merely wear a mask to save people from that same reaction that you had. Scars are only skin deep, and the heart and the soul are what makes someone."
He listened carefully to the two Jedi politely, listening to their different views. He spoke to Mon'vuuem first, "But it does make me wonder, Mon'vuuem. Some more powerful Jedi are able to resist the temptations. Is it possible that there is always an underlying touch of the dark side in those who eventually fall?" He then turned to Tey again, "To understand my stories with the 112th, you need to know about the Dxun Uprising. Do you know about the events that lead to me becoming a Rogue Jedi?" However, it was Tey's next point that nudged at Kaiven.
He looked at the Togruta for a moment, considering wether or not to tell him. He looked to Mon'vuuem and said quietly, "No harm can come from telling him, and I resent deceit and lies." He turned back to Tey and began to explain, "Tey, in this galaxy there are two types of force users. There are those of us who protect, and others, the Sith, who use their powers for dominance. There are whispers, rumours even, that behind the Sith Empire is a league of Sith Lords, fighting in an attempt to take over the known Galaxy."[/color] He sighed before he continued, "When it was Revan and Malak, the Jedi knew their opponents. Today, to be quite frank, we have no idea who we are facing."
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Otterling
Still Dutch's Minion
1,557 posts
0 likes
"Like a monkey on the sun, it was just to hot to live."
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last online Dec 25, 2012 18:03:09 GMT -5
Master
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Dec 3, 2009 1:44:38 GMT -5
Post by Otterling on Dec 3, 2009 1:44:38 GMT -5
Mon’vuuem watched the interaction between Tey and Kaiven with interest. Her keen sense of the Force alerted her to the Knight’s reactions when Kaiven removed his mask. A ripple of sorrow ruffled around her and she mentally smoothed it, sending bolstering thoughts to both Jedi. She doubted much that Kaiven would need any reassurances from her but she figured Tey might appreciate the calming energy sent his way…even if he didn’t know she was doing it. The older Jedi nodded at Master Te’Baas’ words. “Yes, it is possible there is an unseen undercurrent in those who fall that we simply have not learned to detect. I cannot imagine that dark promises would hold much sway on one who is content with their lives and themselves but don’t underestimate the power of the Dark Side either. All beings are inherently flawed, my friend, and even the best of intentions can sometimes lead one astray. Once you lose the path, it is ever so hard to find the way back. Many who turn may not see harm in their actions at first, indeed they may think they are doing what is right and just, only to find much farther down the road that they have traveled to a place they cannot come back from.”
Perhaps it was simply her nature, but something in Mon’vuuem could not believe that all evil beings in the world had been born that way. She tried her best to see the positive in all creatures and found that while her faith might sometimes be misplaced, it was never wavering. Even the darkest of nights had once been a beautiful sunset. She chose to believe that they could, again, be beautiful sunrises. Even the fallen can be saved if they want to be.
Mon’vuuem turned back to the water when talk turned to the Dxun uprising and the 112th. She had never held much understanding or interest in the military, being far too much a diplomat for such things, but she could respect the choice of others to follow those paths. With the strange grace of a slow motion dancer, the Jedi Master knelt down and scooped a single smooth pebble from the water. The grey stone was striped with thin bands of some darker slate material and it made a lovely pattern across the gleaming surface. She rolled and turned it in her hand, dexterously sliding it with the tips of her fingers but her attention never strayed far from her companions. A light nod was added when Kaiven explained that he thought it would do no harm for Tey to know about the possible return of the Sith.
“And therein is our dilemma, Knight Shaak,” Mon’vuuem added seamlessly when Kaiven finished, “A seen enemy is far more dangerous than one we cannot measure. We find ourselves being asked to fight a war without knowing who it is that challenges us.” There was an undercurrent of something sad but resolute in her voice when next Mon’vuuem spoke.
“If the Sith truly are back…if they have begun the old wars again, then we, and all the Jedi, are in grave danger. They are not to be under-estimated.” Mon’vuuem let the pebble slip from between her fingers to drop back into the water with a soft splash. Thin ripples extended ever outward from where the rock had disappeared. “If they have returned, then the effects of that will be felt throughout the galaxy.” She watched sadly for a moment as the relative calm of the pool around her was disturbed, then turned back to her two companions and shared a gentle smile with them. “But not all is lost and there is still much hope left.”, she said with a note of confidence. Her thin fingers extended out toward the lake and with a gentle nudge of the Force, she smoothed the waters back out.
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Cirith An'Gol
"You got something for me? or are you just another slack jawed arruetti admiring my armor"-Cirith
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last online May 31, 2020 19:14:38 GMT -5
Knight
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Dec 3, 2009 1:45:30 GMT -5
Post by Cirith An'Gol on Dec 3, 2009 1:45:30 GMT -5
Tey nodded "I never thought you were a vain man Master Te'Baas, I do know however that some scars go farther than the skin on the outside. I simply did not want to hurt your feelings" he said with a gentle smile. He listened as Master Te'Baas spoke and shook his head when he asked whether Tey knew of the events of what led him to become a Rogue Jedi.
He listened carefully as Master Te'Baas began to explain the varying use of the force between the Jedi and Sith, which ofcourse Tey Shaak had known through schooling. His eyebrows raised, or would've had he had any, when Master Te'Baas admitted that they didn't know their enemy. Tey shook his head "To be honest I can't think of anyone else that would have the ability to cause such trouble or be able to send out a feeling of darkness over such a wide area. Could it be possible that the Sith have teamed up with others? Or that the force is simply giving us all a warning?"
A silence went over Tey's mind as he considered the implications. He didn't know what to feel, he felt the darkness in the atmosphere like any other Jedi but, he'd never met a Sith or a Dark Jedi. He'd never seen what they could do, and no one could explain to him why they were so evil. The majority of Jedi saw the Dark side as a blight to the force. Tey Shaak's views differed though, because of the reasonable explanations his first Jedi Master had given him.
Tey saw the Dark Side of the Force as a balance to the Light Side. He saw it as a part of the force. That was considered an outlandish theory though and so mostly kept it to himself.
He'd said as much only a few minutes ago but, he noted, that either the two Masters missed his point or were unwilling to discuss it. He didn't know which was true so he kept his thoughts to himself, though there was clearly something on his mind. He looked to the two Masters briefly, two entirely different beings from entirely different worlds brought together by a common goal. To protect the lives of innocents and see that justice is enforced in the galaxy. He briefly wondered if the Sith had such unity, but quickly banished the thoughts.
Tey's thoughts persisted though, not letting up and he soon began wondering if the two masters would understand. He thought on the fact that the Council members had been open with him, and so thought better of keeping his thoughts to himself. Tey looked into Mon'vuuem's eyes and then Kaiven Te'Baas', taking the time to think on how to phrase the question. "Masters, might I ask a question that might seem....I dunno, unusual or possibly dangerous?" Tey swallowed, he could see two possibilities to this scenario, they could accuse him of dabbling in the dark arts or they could listen and hopefully understand his confusion. He went on anyway, he'd already asked permission anyway and given them a slight warning that his question was going to be unusual.
"Um..my question is. Why are the Sith viewed as evil? I mean, they use their power for themselves sure but, does that in itself make them evil? After all, doing "good" is a person's point of view is it not? I ask not because I wish to become one but, because I've been reading some books on the criminal mind to better understand them. It seems to me that criminals tend to believe that they either have no choice, or that they are doing the right thing. Can it not be the same for the Sith?" Tey asked his arms splayed open in honest curiosity, while his voice reflected nervousness. He knew that this subject would cast him on thin ice. He knew that the Jedi and Sith had been age old enemies, and still are. He just didn't know why.
Tey's wheels began spinning at the course they'd suddenly taken. He began to get nervous again but he barreled mentally on anyway. The damage was done already. If there was any damage in such questions. I mean if Master Sidus was right about the force. That there is no light and dark sides, that the two forces are actually one, and one balances the other. Then why are the Jedi enemies of the Sith or vise versa? So if that is correct also, wouldn't that mean that how you use the force determines whether you use the Light side or the Dark side? Tey looked to the two Masters as he thought. He wondered if they could provide the answers to the questions that had been in the back of his mind.
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Bones
The Wizard of AUS
409 posts
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last online Apr 1, 2019 3:42:35 GMT -5
Knight
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Dec 3, 2009 7:33:52 GMT -5
Post by Bones on Dec 3, 2009 7:33:52 GMT -5
Kaiven smiled broadly as the young knight began to speak, asking questions about the force usage and how it made others "evil". The truth was, Kaiven loved it when younger people were curious, asking questions to further their knowledge. He began speaking, trying to find words to put his point across, "Beliefs of good and evil depend on the viewer, that is true. However, if you were to see someone use their powers to hurt, punish, conquer and kill, and compare that to someone who endeavours to protect, heal, understand and guide, which would you call evil, and which would you call good?" It was an argument Kaiven was all too familiar with, "So, basically, whilst they may not feel that they are doing any wrong, infact, those beneath them suffer. The base is pretty much not our motives, but the effects of our use of our powers that defines good and evil.
He reached up, placing a hand reassuringly on Mon'vuuem's shoulder, "We have to remind ourselves at all times, that whilst we may not be as powerful as our opponents, if that arises, that we do have hope. We do have love. Those things are far more powerful than any mere blade or bolt." He removed his hand, reaching for his mask. He never took it off for too long, and this time was no exception. Once again he fastened it securely to his head.
He then, however, decided to explain the Dxun uprising, in a general, basic view. "The Dxun Uprising..... It's hard to explain what happened there. A group of highly respected people from Onderon, who also happened to be Dark Jedi, decided that they wanted to rule Onderon. They took their followers to Dxun, making it their headquarters, and began invading. Like now, the council was reluctant to become involved, and like now, there were those, and I admit, I was included in that number, that wanted to intervene.
By the time we joined the Republic forces, the insurgents had managed to take over five planets and their moons. Unfortunately, however, because of their lack of battleships, and the Republic refusing to bombard the planets, the battles turned into vicious infantry warfare. Eventually, however, all of the enemy forces retreated to Dxun. By this stage, there were few Jedi left. Anyway, we all followed them to their headquarters, and obviously, the most vicious battle of the conflict occurred. During this, the Knights enetered the ruins which were the headquarters. Only my master, Fih Losun, returned, claiming that a Dark Jedi had killed the other knights before she could kill him, and she had her sabre to prove it.
Years later, I accompanied my master and another Jedi to Empress Teta. There, the two Jedi knights I accompanied revealed themselves to be members of a Krath Society. The Society captured me and tortured me extensively, resulting in my scars." He knew his description was basic, but he wanted to avoid the hurt going into the story in depth would bring up. For now, anyway/
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Otterling
Still Dutch's Minion
1,557 posts
0 likes
"Like a monkey on the sun, it was just to hot to live."
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last online Dec 25, 2012 18:03:09 GMT -5
Master
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Dec 3, 2009 16:24:01 GMT -5
Post by Otterling on Dec 3, 2009 16:24:01 GMT -5
Tey’s questions on the morality of right and wrong, of good and evil, were not new to Mon’vuuem. She had been willing to listen to all sides of the story and many had brought this question up before. It was only natural for a Jedi, whose goal it was in most instances to stay neutral and hear all sides, to wonder at their own actions and consider that their enemies might have opposing views that were no less valid. Sadly, to the older Jedi, that was rarely the case. The Sith who truly thought they were doing good were a far sadder thing to Mon’vuuem than those simply set out to do evil. She waited until Master Kaiven had finished relating his tale of the Dxun uprising before speaking again.
“Truly you have seen much, Master Te’Baas. History, as always, seems destined to repeat itself. Once again, we find ourselves in a situation where some call for war and others for a more hands off approach. Masters Took and Rhissia are now the ones facing the decisions you have made before. I would have hoped that they would place more value on your input from your own experiences.” The Kaminoan turned her attentions back to Tey and the age old question he had posed. “As for good and evil…well, many have asked that question before. As Master Te’Baas has stated, the difference is in what we leave behind. The true tragedy of a Sith who thinks that they are doing good is that they lose sight of the harm done in the pursuit of those goals. A person who enslaves an entire race may believe he has done so to prevent war and crime among those people but at what cost? Does one sacrifice freedoms for a sense of security? To what extent?
“The Sith believe that the ends justify the means, always. The Jedi believe that the means must never exceed the end result. You could prevent a house from burning down by simply blowing it up, right? But in the end, you’ve done more harm than good. The Sith do not see things that way. They have become too wrapped up in the power that comes with being able to wield the Force. Many lose themselves to it completely, and in so doing, lose sight of their own goals.” Mon’vuuem smiled down at Tey, her large eyes blinking slowly. “It is very honorable of you though, and shows good forethought, to present these questions to yourself. The first step to wisdom is to question everything. The last will be when you come to terms with those answers.”
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Cirith An'Gol
"You got something for me? or are you just another slack jawed arruetti admiring my armor"-Cirith
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last online May 31, 2020 19:14:38 GMT -5
Knight
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Dec 5, 2009 21:17:35 GMT -5
Post by Cirith An'Gol on Dec 5, 2009 21:17:35 GMT -5
Tey listened as Master Te'Baas related his knowledge of the ethical and moral age old argument, the Togruta's expressions went from interest to realization as he'd got the gist of the Master's answer. "I think I get it. So, while you try to avoid a fight and bring them back to the Light, sometimes killing them is necessary for the sake of many" Tey said nodding. It was quite obvious by now that his gears were turning, as he was thinking on the matter I am curious as to how the situation changes when faced with war then. I am assuming ofcourse, that we are dealing with people who believe, that what they are doing is right and will not be turned. Is there a different feeling that comes from someone that is a whole hearted believer and someone who is not then?[/color]
His thoughts were interrupted when Master Te'Baas began telling his tale of the Dxun Uprising. Even though his descriptions were basic, Tey's immagination took hold quickly, allowing him to theorize on the more in depth events of the situation. Even though Tey paid rapt attention, trying to take in every detail that the scarred Jedi Master gave, he had to feel sorry for the Euchani man when he told the origin of his scars. His own Master did that to him? How awful! The poor man, what sadness he must feel Tey thought as his eyes drooped down to the floor momentarily, not sure of what to say.
He looked to the Kaminoan once again as she spoke, taking in her input on the beliefs of the Sith. The lightbulb went on again in Tey's mind as he grasped her point, thanks to her illustration of the burning house. "I see now why this is such a difficult decision. Do you blow up the house and risk hurting perhaps thousands of innocent people? or let the fire consume the house and possibly burn itself out? I do have a question though, say you let the fire consume the house, do you not still run the risk of hurting perhaps thousands of innocents?" Tey shook his head, momentarily confusing himself and smiling ruefully. A moment later he said "A difficult argument indeed".
His head hurt now, he could see why the Council was so torn. Which truly was wiser? Going to war with the Sith and stopping them now? or letting them take over what they will and confronting them only when critical planets were in danger? Tey didn't know and so simply massaged his temples. He could see now why the Council back in Revan's time chose to wait, to try and determine the affects of both actions. "To be honest this confounds me more now. I understand some of the reasons the Council in Revan's time chose to wait but, with the death tolls rising on every planet reported on. I too would have wanted to end the slaughter" Tey admitted with a shrug and a wry grin.
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Bones
The Wizard of AUS
409 posts
13 likes
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last online Apr 1, 2019 3:42:35 GMT -5
Knight
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Dec 5, 2009 21:40:21 GMT -5
Post by Bones on Dec 5, 2009 21:40:21 GMT -5
Kaiven smiled behind the mask as Mon'vuuem said that he had seen a lot in the world. He sighed before saying, "Not alot, Mon'vuuem, just different to others. For example, would you believe I have never wandered the streets of Coruscant? Or that I have never done a protection mission, even though I was once a guardian?" He smiled, thinking of just how much he really had not experienced.
As Tey continued, he became intrigued by the young man's training. "But that is exactly the point, Tey, there is no certainty that the house will burn down, but it is possible. A true, caring, good leader would help when the house is in danger or begins burning." He watched the man for a moment, before turning to Mon'vuuem, thinking about her comment about masters Vreem and Rhissai taking more notice of his opinion.
"You can lead a Kath Hound to water, but you can't make it drink, Master Mon'vuuem. I am guilty of this aswell. I was always told not to go into areas manifested with the dark side, as Terentateks lived in those areas." He reached inside his robes, pulling out a single claw on a string before saying, "And unfortunately, that is true."
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Otterling
Still Dutch's Minion
1,557 posts
0 likes
"Like a monkey on the sun, it was just to hot to live."
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last online Dec 25, 2012 18:03:09 GMT -5
Master
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Dec 7, 2009 16:45:24 GMT -5
Post by Otterling on Dec 7, 2009 16:45:24 GMT -5
Mon’vuuem stood silent and still while Kaiven answered Tey’s questions, her hands folded neatly in front of her. It surprised her a bit that her fellow Master had been so limited in his experiences. Often Mon’vuuem had wandered the streets of Coruscant in her youth. Her master had believed in learning the stories of all walks of life so as to better understand the nature of diplomacy. One cannot properly offer advice if they haven’t learned to see the world from many angles. It was part of why Tey’s questioning didn’t bother her. Her own Master had let her speak with others who held this belief. Always though, he had offered to her the very advice she’d offered to Tey. The Jedi were better than Sith because they were selfless.
As Kaiven pulled out the claw from within his robes, Mon’vuuem’s large eyes showed her surprise. It was a momentary flicker but noticeable none the less. She reached out to tap the sharp curve of the creature’s claw with one thin finger and still she could feel the tiny traces of remnant dark side energy that clung to the artifact like dried flesh. The beasts were the nightmare of many a Force user, both light and dark. They fed off the blood of those who were unfortunate enough to wander too close and it was a testament to Master Te’Baas' skill that he had such a trophy. “High is the cost of our curiosity sometimes,” she said softly, withdrawing her hand, “I hope that isn’t the case for our more bold Council members.”
Mon’vuuem turned her eyes to Kaiven and then to Tey. “But not all curiosity is bad.” She looked back to Kaiven and smiled. “Perhaps we can rectify your lack of exploration here on our home world. I could use a good cup of Icthinian java. I know a little place that serves it. Would you both care to join me?” Mon’vuuem gestured to Tey as well to indicate he was more than welcome. The small out of the way café she had in mind was a bit of a walk from the Temple but it was a place she frequented often. Settled on a dingy street corner on one of the lower levels, the café almost never got any direct sunlight and many of its patrons were of the less than reputable sort, but the owner of the café was a good man and Mon’vuuem had long since developed a good friendship with the surly little fellow. It might do both Tey and Kaiven good to mingle with those who they are tasked with protecting. They could see the good and the bad, the ones down on their luck and those who had never really had any luck to begin with.
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Cirith An'Gol
"You got something for me? or are you just another slack jawed arruetti admiring my armor"-Cirith
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last online May 31, 2020 19:14:38 GMT -5
Knight
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Dec 9, 2009 0:48:29 GMT -5
Post by Cirith An'Gol on Dec 9, 2009 0:48:29 GMT -5
Tey Shaak was a little suprised when Master Te'baas admitted that he'd never been on a protection mission, then swelled with embarassment as he realised that he'd never actually been on any missions. The two times he'd left the Jedi Temple he was eating out with his best friend Locke Nesmee and the other time he'd been assighned to the Exploration Corps to travel with a Twi'lek, Jedi Master "Nobby" Lubimbo.
He stared at the claw in Master Te'Baas hand and swallowed back some air, making him cough. He'd never before seen a Terentatek claw! The only reason he recognized it was because the creature was a mandatory subject of study in the Youngling classes. He calmed down and looked at the claw closer. It looked smoothe. He looked back up as Mon'vueem spoke and a smile found his lips at the mention of traveling outside the Temple grounds and getting a drink. He noticed her sweeping invitation and smiled "I'd love to join you".
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