Post by 10Tickler on Sept 1, 2011 20:46:39 GMT -5
WARNING
Do not attempt to emulate what you are about to read without extreme confidence in your skills. I was extremely confident, and this character STILL almost didn't get made. It took me four months of ups and downs and not posting until I hit a muse.
I'd like to thank lmr for reviewing this, as well as all the preliminary critiques offered. Many thanks to Foxfire as well, for letting me use Mal in my history. This couldn't have happened without you guys!
Name: Silene Stellata
Race: Zelosian
Age: 26
Height: 5' 8"
Weight: 134lbs
Appearance:
The Zelosian people are a Near-Human species that are somehow related to a Floral lifeform. As such, their bodies resemble plants in a few ways. One such way is their blood. If you were to cut Silene in a way that would cause bleeding, the automatic tell that she's not Human would be the Bright green, viscous, blood, a saplike form of Chlorophyll. Another sign, while not as obvious, is her eyes. Some humans and near-humans have green eyes, this is true, however, not as many have them to the same extent as a Zelosian. Instead of her irises being a simple shade of green, they are a deep Jade tone, bright and brilliant. So too, her Sclera are tinged, not a true white, but containing a light green hue to their colors, coming from the multitude of small blood vessels that move through Visual species' eyes.
Silene's skin is lighter, and a little more pale than most Humanoid's. Biologically, this is due to her main method of supplying her body with the nutrition to remain healthy, Photosynthesis. Her outer layer of skin is rather thin, a membrane through which UV light can enter, charging the Photosynthetic process that keeps her body healthy. She tends to carry around a large water bottle, in order to remain properly hydrated as well.
Where Silene's Appearance truly shines, however, is her hair. Where it's lightest, it appears to be a pale blonde, yet is still tinged a little green, this running in vertical streaks through brilliant natural reds and softly-dyed blues.
Because of her need to Respire something OTHER than Oxygen, in higher-Oxygen/Nitrogen mixed atmospheric Conditions, Silene tends to wear a Filtering mask, to ensure that she is able to absorb the highest content of Carbon Dioxide that is possible.
Personality:
Silene is...Bubbly. She's got that type of Personality that brings out the best in the people around her. She's almost constantly happy and hyper, telling jokes and stories to the younglings that she sees, and she always has a smile for those around her.
Occasionally, she falls into a small depression, but even then, she pushes through it, forcing Optimistic thoughts and smiles all around. Some have even called her irritating to the Nth degree, just because of her constant smile and chipper attitude.
A small problem can arise when she eats something processed with, or created with the usage of Sugar. Fructose and Lactose aren't an issue for her, however Sucrose and other forms will actually inebriate the girl, causing her to act "drunk." For the most part, she tends to eat Non-Processed foods, actively staying away from most foods not grown in a garden. She assists in maintaining gardens wherever she is assigned, and can often be found outside, holding conversations with the growing plants.
The only time that Silene appears to restrain herself is around the Youngling Instructors, especially the Saber-Masters, responsible for teaching the youngest members of the Temple's Denizens the arts of saber combat. Usually wonderfully talkative and outgoing, she'll restrain herself, almost as though remembering her place, or something similar. Even with this, however, she still takes time with Younglings, willing to answer questions, remembering her own curiosity at that age. For some reason, whenever approached by a youngling, at the conclusion of the Q&A session, she always seems to have a piece of sugarfree candy or two, and an encouraging pat on the head.
On the Subject of her Alignment, Silene doesn't just believe in the Light side of the Force, she lives it. Her mission, her goals in life are to end suffering and pain wherever she might find it, wherever she goes. Following the Healer's path, she rationalized, was the perfect way to embrace all life and encourage peace and tolerance throughout the Galaxy.
Birth place: Zelos II
Faction: Jedi
Rank: Knight (Consular/Healer)
Lightsaber: Single-Bladed
Hilt Design: www.randomsabers.com/raw_images/spartan.jpg
Color: Pale Green, with a soft aqua sheen to the blade's glow.
Practiced Lightsaber forms:
Shii-Cho: 5
Makashi: 0
Soresu: 2
Ataru: 0
Shien / Djem So: 0
>>Sub-form Backhanded: 0
Niman: 0
>>Sub-form Jar-kai, or Dual Wield: 0
Juyo: 0
Double Bladed Combat: 0
Force-Sensitive Abilities or practices:
Telekinetic: 3
Telepathic: 4
Body: 4
Sense: 5
Protection: 5
Healing: 7
Destruction: 0
Specialized Skills:
Force Healing
Plant Surge - Because of her Lineage, and her connection to the Force, Silene has shown a great aptitude with plants in the past, Not able to "Communicate" with them as much, considering that most plants do not talk, but able to project her hopes for said plants through the Force, in such a way that will give Vitality to their Cells and offer a new chance to grow, bigger and stronger than before. She is far from being skilled enough with this power to use it's higher form, causing plants to grow completely to her will, ensnaring and binding, but she can assist in the growth of flora that she concentrates on over a longer term. As she continues to practice, so too will her skill in this art increase.
Attributes:
Physical Strength: 5
Intelligence: 6
Speed: 6
Leadership: 4
Unarmed: 2
Melee Weapons: 1
Ranged Weapons: 1
Force Attunement: +6
Bio:
Zelos II is a rather interesting little planet. Mountains encircle an area known to the locals of the small planet as the "Forest of the Living Dead", where tiny wormlike things occasionally infest a corpse, "Reanimating" it. There aren't too many rivers, but a good supply of creeks and small connecting lakes, fed by the Mountains each spring flow steadily throughout the year, which, due to it's size, lasts a little bit shorter than the standard Coruscant. The days are shorter as well, each only just over 20 standard hours, but the local peoples aren't too troubled by that.
The rest of the planet, covered in the deep green and verdant tones of a Natural, old-growth forest, homes made from simple, natural materials stretching between low-growing limbs from the ancient trees. Yet, the Zelosian natives are a happy sort, Diurnal by nature's demand, as their eyes are completely useless at night, their culture has developed many a superstition over the centuries of creatures that lurk in the darkened forests and plains.
It was on this planet, where the people were more Plant than anything else, that Silene's parents met, as children, growing up together in the same village, and choosing one another as mates. Far from Monogamous, they cohabited and grew their love for one another, Cultivating their togetherness over the years. It was in their mid-20's that they decided to share in the gift of life, actually breaking usual tradition and deciding to raise the child together.
The actual process of Pollination, as it was called, was long and drawn out, while gestation was a shorter process, sped along by the Planet's movement speed. A Long story made short, after nearly 7 months, their daughter was born into the world, the bright sun shining above, it's light filtering through the trees. As a newborn, Silene, as she was named, bore only a small stubble of hair atop her head, a soft pale blonde, tinged with green and splotched with red in places.
It was a good time in the village, each birth, no matter how hard or easy was a time to celebrate, and a feast was held, with a wide array of Vegetables and cured meats. The child was given a blessing by the Village's Founding female and shaman, a woman well into her 90's. So too was her name chosen by the woman, Silene Stellata, for her eyes shimmered like the stars above.
Being on the Mid-Rim, on a smaller planet and in a system not too widely-travelled worked in Silene's favor in some ways, and as a Detriment in others. A representative for the Jedi came through, roughtly every three years or so, a Knight who'd taken the path of the Consular order, as this system was fairly peaceful and most Sentinels had chosen more...volatile places, where their presence would bring more peace.
It was a few short months after Silene was born that the Knight came back, administering the usual battery of tests. At this time, the young girl was bright, cheerful and not too fussy of a baby. She had been eating at a fairly healthy rate, and development was going rather fine, if a little ahead of schedule. She was found to be healthy, yet while most Zelosians naturally have a higher Midi-Chlorian count than humans, Silene was...somewhat higher than average, even for her own peoples. Knowing that the Zelosian people are highly Family-oriented, the Jedi took pause. He was a younger Knight, on his first assignment, not quite used to delivering such news.
Lifting his head, the Chalactin Knight forced a smile before speaking to the proud Parents. "She's healthy" he began, his voice soft and controlled, causing her parents to tilt their head in concern. "But?" asked her mother, A tall woman named Saffila. "But, her Midi-Chlorian count is high..." The knight continued, "She's Force-Sensitive. At this point, I'm supposed to recommend that she be taken to the Temple for training, however...if you'd like, it can wait until my next visit...no longer tho" he told them, wishing that his words didn't carry the air of finality that he could hear.
The tall woman fell silent, her face serious as she turned to her Husband, a strapping man called Lotil. They seemed to simply lock eyes, but understood. Each of them turned back to the Jedi, nodding slowly. "Three years" Saffila told him. "Then she will go. Our daughter...we are proud of her, and of the gift she has been given. Thank-you" she told him, bowing her head. She was thankful, not only for the chance to keep her daughter close for a little longer, but also for the chance that she would get. Saffila wanted grand things for her Girl. Not a simple life here on Zelos II, but out there, where she could learn, and see so much more.
For three years, as was promised, Saffila and Lotil raised her, Teaching Silene to know kindness and respect, amazed and astonished at their daughter's comprehension speed and curiosity for the world around her.
During the days, the slightly pudgy toddler would go with her mother, into the garden to water the flowers and veggies, singing favorite songs together as Lotil would go out and work with the men, repairing buildings and creating new ones. Nighttime, with the loss of sight outside, saw the entire family in their small house.
Before bed, there were meals to eat, stories to tell and songs to sing, Silene was their world, even if she were to be leaving soon. Constantly, their minds reminded them of the near future. The Knight would be returning soon, to Escort Silene back to Coruscant, to the Jedi Temple. Eventually, soon came to pass. The Jedi was used to tearful farewells, sometimes overly-clingy parents...but Saffila and Lotil were calm, Respectful. They had dressed Silene in a simple, but colorful gown, woven of thin, treated fibers.
Before the Jedi took Silene off-Planet, They thanked him once more, bowing their heads with not only respect, but reverence. They were happy for her.
Coruscant is massive, immense, the Galaxy's biggest City, an entire planet, dedicated to Commerce, Politics and in some places? Sin. In the Center of it all, however, standing proud as a Symbol of Peace and knowledge, the Grand Temple of the Jedi Order, where Grandmasters and the most learned creatures in the Galaxy meet to share wisdom, amongst themselves and as a gift, to the Youngling Students that are brought nearly every day, from every corner of the Known Galaxy, with the potential to change everything.
It was into this swirling maelstrom of activity that Silene was brought, at the mere age of three and a standard years, to be taken into the Jedi temple. To be taught and instructed. It was here, that her parents were to be forgotten, that she would learn of the Force, and how the Jedi allow themselves to be led. For now, however, it was more of a matter of the basics.
Simply due to her age, she was a little old for the Nursery, but too young, and clearly too hyper for some of the Meditation classes held for the older students. Instead, Silene was placed in a Class with other students her age, where some basic history was taught, as well as the most Basic usages of the Force, Giving the younglings the distinction between Sensing the Force, Controlling it and Altering the world around them. Classes were long, but punctuated by many a short break, giving the students some free time during the break, allowing for meals, some time to absorb information, and even to practice meditation.
It didn't take long for Silene to find herself a sanctuary of peace during her off hours, away from the basic classes, and the other students. In the Southeastern Quadrant of the temple, near where the Council of Reconciliation would meet, there were many offices, where some Knights and masters would keep paperwork and other important things, but also a large number of small to medium-sized gardens. For the young girl, it was akin to heaven. Surrounded by floral scents and the rich scent of the wet earth after the patches of nature were cared for, was a sensation that thrilled her body.
Soon enough, it was no secret that she went to the gardens, and as she grew older, beginning to find herself with more and more instruction, she began to frequent them a little less often, but would try to be there at least once a day, just to feel her body relax a little. No one ever tells the Younglings how much work it takes to become a Jedi, how hard it really is, so everyone ends up finding their own small bit of Solace, and she had found hers.
Still though, she was simply a child, and especially at her age, her classmates were the curious sort. Some were pranksters, some were troublemakers. Silene was the type to always be smiling, always have a hug for someone who was down. When she was in the gardens, she would talk to the plants, encouraging them, as though they could talk back, and her behavior was noticed. A fellow classmate, who had watched her wandering towards the Southeastern area of the temple, had grown curious about her walks, wondering where she would go. The youngling, his name Jala Kor, from the small planet of Kiffu, decided to follow her one day.
Watching Silene in the garden had raised Jala's curiosity about the girl. Truthfully, he had been curious for a while, but she was almost at home in the garden, almost a completely different person. In the small garden, she would tend to the plants with care and a quiet sort of calm about her, whereas in classes she was loud, tending to be a "Class Clown." Struck by this dimorphism in personalities, Jala approached Silene, slowly, asking her in a soft tone of voice "You really like it out here, huh?"
She jumped a little, unaware that she had been followed and observed, broken from her reverie with nature. Yet she still smiled at his question. "Flowers don't ask why...they simply live" she replied, her answer vague, but ever-open for interpretation. With a simple Hand gesture, she motioned for the other youngling to join her, to help her care for the plants together.
Together, the two of them stuck, through classes for meditation and Silene's most hated class, Saber Practice. They were fast friends, each bringing something the other didn't quite have yet to the friendship. Silene was far from violent, as was Jala, but the boy understood the practices and need for Saber practice better than she, so they would often pair up, with him helping her to get a better grasp on Saber skills. Outside of that class, she showed him how the plants liked to live, how they would grow the best, and Jala often took that into thought when practicing meditation. How, like the Force, plants just wanted to live, nothing more and nothing less. It was an interesting thought, especially for a youngling, to think about while meditating.
As time passed, as it is apt to do, regardless of the desires of those in it's steady flow, and Silene and Jala aged, they continued to work together. Between Silene's personality and Jala's charming outlook on life, they drew in a few more friends, forming a nice-sized study group, students who would get together weekly, reading together in the archives one time, and practice their sabers the next. It was help that Silene really needed in the end, as the Master who instructed Younglings in the arts of Shii-cho, at that point, was a rather large, dominating man who, for some reason, scared her witless. Half the time, she could barely pay attention in the classes, so having someone to go back over the details she missed, while staring at her feet and barely trying in classes, helped her to work on the art.
It wasn't that Silene was against the idea of learning to fight for herself, it was more of a pull that she'd been feeling as she drew closer to adolescence. She knew Jala, with his skills in the Saber, and dedication to his comrades would follow the path of the Sentinel, and that a few of her other friends were called to the idea of following the Path of the Masters of the Force's secrets, the Consular. Her friends training already had begun to follow those pathways into the future, but at the crossroads, Silene was stuck.
She wished to promote life, didn't wish to carry a saber, but knew that she had to, as it was a symbol even moreso than a weapon. A symbol of peace and idealism. When she was asked by her friends what interested her, she could only shrug, telling them "Life itself." It was during this period, as some were being taken on as Padawan learners, that the Instructors of her classes would push her harder, the Sparring becoming more frenetic, the Meditation lasting longer. It was a time where Silene was barely able to go into the gardens, and where her mind seemed to further and further entrench itself in a desire to do something else, something that would draw her further into the idea of Life.
Then her life found it's guidance.
During one class, the pull that she felt, to the far side of the Consular ideals grew stronger. A Master had taken the class for the day, out of the classroom and into the Halls of the Jedi Healers. It was here, watching the Masterful workings of the Skilled Jedi who'd chosen this path, that Silene felt a pull in her gut, a calling. This was where she wanted to be. Life had presented itself to her. It wasn't simply living that made life what it was, it was, for her, the preservation of life, the furtherance of life and the ability to bring life to those whose futures were dim.
It was during this trip to the Healing Wings that another noticed a pulling. A Tall Jedi Knight, a member of the Ho'Din race and Consular who worked closely with the Circle of Jedi Healers because of her botanical experiences, noticed Silene's rapt attention, and smiled. The woman, named Itl Neshan had seen the youngling before, tending the gardens voluntarily, and now felt the pull towards Silene. Approaching the class as they were instructed in some of the basics of the Healing arts, she simply stood and observed, watching each student carefully for a few moments, smiling and bowing her head in respect to the Master-Instructor who had brought his class forth. Turning, she excused herself, and moved through the temple, intent on asking permission to take her third pupil on.
The council, in it's wisdom, questioned Itl's motives behind this, but was reassured, partially by the two other Padawans that the Ho'Din had trained, both having moved on to become successful knights. With their blessing, Itl waited a few weeks, before awaiting outside of one of Silene's Classes, with a smile. It was in this...rather unorthodox way, Silene was informed that she had been chosen, and accepted, as a Padawan learner. Itl would train her, assist her in finding her path, and draw forth the Flowers of Strength and Honor that lay within Silene.
The girl was overjoyed.
Training in the temple was always a good idea, especially for a new Padawan, freshly chosen from the Younglings who tended to be especially busy amongst the instructors and studying in the stacks of the Archives. Itl kept her young padawan busy, studying various techniques in the Force, and working around the Healer Corps, Studying with younger members of said Circle of Healers. It was hard on Silene, Itl was a demanding master, seeking perfection, accepting no less than her Padawan's best.
It was amazing, however. With the freedom to study outside of Organized Classes, Silene was able to move about the temple more than before, seeing her friends and continuing their study groups, while still learning along their individual paths. Now, too, with her master around, able to answer questions, Silene started to find some Guidance that would lead her along her own personal path easier. Without the strict teachings of Shii-Cho by the Saber Instructors, she grew in skill with the saber, her master teaching her the style that she knew best, Soresu, as well as refining the padawan's ability in Shii-Cho.
Time continued to pass, with Silene practicing with the Saber continuously under her master, until one day, when Itl decided it was finally time. Having Silene sit, after practice one day, the Ho'Din knight explained to the Young Zelosian that the time had come for the Girl to leave the temple. They would be traveling, exploring some to expand Silene's understanding of the Galaxy, with their final destination being Ilum, the Home of the Jedi's Crystal Caverns, where the Focusing Crystals that the Jedi used in their sabers had been growing for millions of years, forming amazing and breathtaking natural formations.
It would, literally, be Silene's first time out of the temple since she was barely three years old. The thought of it filled her heart with joy...and anxiety. What if she failed her master, what if her lack of skills ended with someone getting hurt without good reason? The worries filled her mind like flies buzzing around rotted meat. Itl could sense the turmoil within her Padawan's mind, and couldn't help but smile, remembering her own first time away from the home the Jedi had provided.
It was then that Itl Neshan, Jedi Knight and member of the Thoughtful Consular order said one of the few things that would forever stand out in Silene's Memory.
Fear and Doubt lead to the Dark side. Fate isn't something to worry about. As a Jedi...you can only use your strength to help those in need. A focus on Service to the Innocent is all one needs worry about.
It was with that said, the two of them left the temple, the small ship the Jedi had allotted for the trip venturing out into the cold, vast reaches of space itself.
Travel through the depths of space itself is rarely too pleasant, once the all-consuming blackness of the void loses it's novelty, there's usually little to do, especially for the average child. Luckily, Silene was set pretty far apart from the Average children of the Galaxy. She was a Jedi, an official one now, even if she were just a Padawan. That sort of title came with a standard of responsibility, and Itl would hardly allow Silene to think otherwise.
Inside of a ship, coursing through space towards Ilum they might have been, but that didn't excuse either of them, There were chores, maintaining the Living space around them, feeding one another and ensuring supplies would last. When something ran out, they needed to plan a detour to stop and get more. Between all of that, there was meditation that needed to be done, repair work on small parts of the ship and finally, the maintenance of personal Hygiene.
Yet, with all this going on, Silene and Itl managed to make it to the Frigid planet of the Crystal Caverns, Coordinates kept in the strictest secrecy from the galaxy by the Jedi for centuries now, Ilum. Millions of Jedi had been here, visiting the Caverns to find the Crystals that would call to them through the Force, surviving the bone-chilling winds and driven snow that threatened to kill them.
It was here, on this frozen planet that Silene's official training would occur, something that she dreaded deep inside of her spirit. She knew her own biology, knew how she worked best, and here on this dark, icy planet, she ran a higher risk of dying than most other Jedi would ever imagine. Her peoples were warm, comfortable in tropical heat and humidity and hated the cold, it shut their systems down. So, she had good reason to worry, plus, it gave Itl something to laugh about from within the cavern, when her Padawan finally exited the ship, looking more like a Marshmallow than a child, wrapped firmly in every piece of warm clothes she could find.
Once inside the vast cavern systems, inside of the temple that the Jedi had created ages ago, Silene found her master, sitting beside a roaring flame, legs crossed and eyes closed. Approaching slowly, Silene sat across the fire from her, allowing her skin to warm as she peeled off the many layers of clothing that she had piled on before braving the icy winds outside. Inside, near the fire, it was much warmer, and as she looked across the flames to her master, she could see a certain...nostalgia crossing the woman's face.
Here is where most, if not all Jedi, have come over the years to construct their Lightsabers. I, myself, have visited this temple four times, and each time, it becomes more and more...powerful she told her apprentice, taking a deep breath and smelling the crisp cold, the woody smoke that filled the air. The Force was alive in these caves, thrumming with power and resonating through the vast formations of Crystals.
Standing, Itl moved around the flames, feeling their warmth against her own skin, and knowing the effect the bouncing flames would have upon her countenance. It was then that she began to speak, her words resonating in the cavern, bouncing from the walls around them and hanging in the still-chilled air. I know your desire, Silene...You wish to bring only good into the Galaxy, to heal pain. Still, the Lightsaber is more than a tool of war. It is a Symbol of Justice, of Piety, a symbol that the people can rally around, knowing that holding it is a student of peace and someone who will remain calm no matter what. All Jedi carry the saber, not all Jedi use it. Here, in these caverns, we, no...you, shall find a crystal that resonates with your soul and fills your body with warmth. From that Crystal, your saber will be constructed.
Silene listened, enraptured by the woman's words. Her master's speech did make sense, and with a nod, she calmly acquiesced. Understanding what her master had said didn't make the task to come any easier, and after a few weeks of Travel, she was tired. That night, they rested, awakening early the following morning and eating heartily. Unable to go with her apprentice, Itl watched as Silene's somewhat-lanky, pre-teen body moved deeper into the cavern.
One would think that separated from the Gelid atmosphere of Ilum as it were, the caverns beneath the Surface, catacombs that curved and curled under the frozen crust, would be lightless, Airless. Yet, the Crystals that had slowly formed over the millennia glowed faintly, the touch of the Force on their molecular structure giving the cavern an unnatural, multi-hued glow. The deeper into the vast latticework of shafts that Silene moved, the more of the Crystals there seemed to be, casting their pale, pastel colors against the cold, stone, walls.
None of them called to her, though. Brilliant Ceruleans and deep Jades were abundant, even a few hues of dazzling violet, yet none of them held any sort of attraction to her eyes. Several hours into her search, the young Padawan stopped, taking a break in the caverns and meditating, surrounded by the thrumming of the Force itself through the caverns. It was in this trance, surrounded by the ever-beating heart of the Force's ebb and flow, that Silene finally heard a call. It was close, but weak, and when the girl finally found it, she could feel it's warmth within her own being.
It is a delicate task, to remove a crystal from the Caverns on Ilum, taking time, precision and a knack for accuracy. It took almost half an hour, but soon, the Zelosian Padawan was on her way, back towards the feel of her Master that she could sense through the Force, stronger than the faint thrumming of the Crystals that surrounded her. It took a few hours for the girl to actually find her way back to the Campsite, as well as the roaring fire.
Smiling at the girl, The Ho'Din master simply instructed her Padawan to warm herself by the fire, knowing the difficulties that the trip would have brought upon the girl, with her biochemical quirks. As part of their supplies, a Solar Lamp had been brought along, and a few minutes under the bright lights, Meditating, brought a soft, tea-green shade to her skin. A few sips of water later, and she felt...revitalized, the basic nutrients helping her body's Myriad of parts and pieces work together smoothly. It was after this restorative break that the Next phase was deemed ready to begin.
Showing Silene how to Focus the Crystal, a period of meditation that couldn't be avoided, Itl left the Girl to it, knowing that the period of time it would take would be several days. Knowing her Padawan's biological needs also helped, and silently, she set the Solar Lamps up to provide the girl with sufficient light on a set schedule.
As she focused on the Force, the only Thing that Silene allowed to distract her was the rhythmic sound of her breaths, and even that fell into simple rote as time passed. Soon enough, with her eyes closed, the only things that she could see were herself, and the Crystal, glowing with it's pale green hue in her hands. Time passed and flowed around her, but left no notice upon her conscious.
When she finally awoke, Silene felt...exhausted, beaten but not drained. She wasn't hungry, not in the traditional sense, but there was a deep longing throbbing within her form. Looking at the pale-green glow in her hand, Silene smiled at the Crystal, feeling the urge to finish her saber, immediately. Under Itl's careful guidance, she used the practice she'd had aboard the small ship they'd brought to build the hilt.
A few more hours passed, the careful choosing of parts to reflect Silene's own personal traits and assembling them before Silene could finally get some rest. Almost Eight hours later, her eyes fluttered open, coming to rest on the Saber she had created beside her. She had been so tired before the actual construction that she hadn't really had time to test it, to ignite it, and that was what was coming next.
Deep inside the hidden caverns of Ilum, Frigid air gusting outside of the protective, ancient stone that formed around them formed an eerie sound as it leaked and whistled through tiny cracks in the protection. It was here that Itl intended to begin her pupil's instruction in earnest. A healer, though Silene might wish to be, even the best in the Circle of Healers carried sabers and were proficient enough to use them. The Ho'Din Knight knew her apprentice well enough by now to know that it wasn't a matter of skill, or the lack of it, but of Confidence.
Silene didn't know it yet, but she was actually decent with a lightsaber, simply due to her own belief in a lack of skill, however, she was holding herself back from moving ahead. Here though, having survived the caverns, focused her crystal...here was the ultimate opportunity to build her confidence, and Itl intended to do just that. Standing before her, her Padawan was tense, too much so, and the sight of it brought a grin to Itl's face.
Silene the Master began, addressing her apprentice, You are far too stiff, allow your body to relax, the Force will guide you, and from here, we shall find an advanced style that will suit your needs my dear Itl told the young Zelosian, who reacted instantly, her body loosening in response to the Ho'Din's words.
Waiting for her master, Silene's palms were sweating as she forced herself to relax, then closed her eyes, breathing deeply. A few moments later, she heard the familiar snap-hiss of a lightsaber, not her own, but her master's. A long blade, with a brilliant blue hue, Itl's saber was breathtaking...but now it was time for Silene's saber to breathe it's first.
Depressing the sliding thumb-trigger on the saber's hilt, she took a deep breath, sliding it forward slowly, hearing as the circuit was completed and the blade sprang forth from the Hilt's emitter shroud. A beautiful pale green blade, it's hue aqua, energy swirling as it sustained itself, the blade was shorter than Itl's own, but functional still for it's purpose, perhaps better, considering how she was likely to use it.
Then, in a Flurry of light and hissing ozone, the Two, Master and Padawan, collided, blades snapping back and forth, the basics of Shii-cho utilized by both, proving to make themselves into a useful exercise for the girl. Facing her Master proved to force Silene to improvise to block and dodge the strikes that rained down from the taller Jedi. It is because I know your preferences that I do this Itl told Silene, smiling a little before beginning an onslaught, a quick flurry of short, choppy blows that battered at the young girl's Shii-cho, forcing her to improvise.
Taking a deep breath, Silene forced her body to relax, to focus on the Force's power and guidance now. Then she began to improvise. Against her master's form combinations, Ataru, Soresu and Makashi being key among them, Shii-cho was far from enough to defend, and inside of her heart, Silene knew that even if this hadn't been a training fight, she wouldn't take the life of an opponent. As though the Force could feel her desires, she felt the pulling of it's waves upon her hands, upon her feet, and began to follow them.
An overhead slash, combined with a Fleche, the essence of Makashi's quick motions and defined conservatism, It was all that Silene could do to Block the Blade from the overhead, stepping to the side ever so slightly so that the Thrust itself might miss her, giving her a chance to counter, her own short saber's blade striking out, not at her master, but with a slight flourish, at the emitter hilt itself. It was a simple matter for Itl to block the attack, but with a smile, she knew that her suspicions were, in fact, correct, as Silene fell back, taking a cautious stance. Soresu, the Resilience Form, would be her perfect fit.
A few more minutes of the sparring, and the two were feeling a little tuckered, the cold of the planet's surface taking it's toll on the two Jedi. Packing their supplies away took the rest of the day, and by nightfall...they were gone, offplanet, headed back for Coruscant and the Jedi's Temple, home of knowledge, wisdom and frankly? Some decent food for a change.
The trip back to Coruscant was...uneventful, to say the least, the lengthy flight filled with time to meditate on the small ship, without much else to do, aside from reading. So, for a good portion of the actual trip, Silene filled her mind, texts on medical theory, Interstellar Biology, anything that Itl had thought ahead enough to bring with them. It was a good chance to study up and prepare for the hard work that lay ahead of the Zelosian girl.
Hard work, it indeed was. The next few years, Silene spent her time divided, working on Soresu with her Master for a few months, practicing the precise, heavily-defensive form's exacting movements and stances for a week at a time. Then, she would shift focus, spending the next two immersing herself in her Medical studies. Between study in the Archives and working with the Circle of Healers, she learned at a rapid pace, absorbing the knowledge she'd need quickly.
It was during this time, that at the age of fourteen, she was approved as having passed her Trial of Skill after proving her ability to use Shii-Cho and the basics of Soresu in a duel against another Padawan.
Having left the library for the day, Silene had been working for the afternoon in the Healer's wing of the Jedi Temple, mainly serving as a sort of a Nurse, ensuring patients were healthy and well-cared for. However, on that darkening afternoon, an emergency had occurred, a low-flying speeder colliding with one in which a Jedi Knight and his Padawan had been travelling. They had been rushed in, and while the healers started their work on the knight, as his injuries were the more severe, the Padawan sat to the side, visibly shaken, but apparently unharmed otherwise.
Yet, something, buried deep in the back of Silene's skull niggled away, encouraging her to go and check the boy. The Healers were mostly focused on the Knight's issues, and rather than be in their way, she had stayed back. Now, moving towards the boy, her eyebrow raised in curiousity. She sat before him, watching him shake gently, and took his hand in hers...it was cold, freezing even. It was almost as though his blood wasn't reaching his extremities.
Standing quickly, Silene smiled and asked him to not move too much, promising him that he would be alright. The boy, a human by the look of him, merely shook a little, staring at her. With a hand, she waved to one of the Master Healers, A Hutt named Mal, smiling prettily at the boy and talking to him, asking his name and where he was from, anything to distract him. When Mal made his way over, he listened to the boy's speech, then looked to Silene, his voice rumbling from deep within his chest. "Well then, what do you think is wrong here?" he inquired, one of his brows rising, as though challenging her.
With a lowered voice, Silene bowed her head, acknowledging his rank. "I believe there is internal bleeding Master Healer" she explained. "His extremities are extremely chilled, and the shaking is almost seize-like" she added, explaining her theory. "I have not preformed an examination, and would like to request your assistance in doing so"
With that out of the way, the Hutt Healer nodded, closing his eyes and reaching out, touching the Boy's head, feeling the flow and ebb of the Force's power through the Padawan's body and nodding with a soft Grumble. "An...accurate observation." he said, simply, removing his hands and clapping once. In response, one of the Medical teams moved, the Knight's injuries more stable now, Looking to Mal with curiosity. "The boy is bleeding internally. It wasn't obvious, but...it is good that Silene caught it here when she did." he told them.
Between the Excitement of her Lessons in the Healer's Circle of the Temple, and the constant strive to perfect her own knowledge of the arts and practices of healing in the library, Silene rarely had time to do much else, save sleep and eat every so often. It was in the midst of her training, as she approached her Sixteenth year of life that her Master, Itl, arranged for the two of them to go out, into the Galaxy once more, on a Humanitarian mission.
Riflor is a Tectonically-active planet, shaken by earthquakes frequently, and as such, the Advozsec peoples, native to the planet and active in the galaxy thanks to their invention of the hyperdrive, were used to building and rebuilding quite often. Even so, sometimes the planet's plates shift massively, instead of just a little bit, and that had happened, just recently.
Travelling through hyperspace in a Small Jedi Cruiser, Itl Neshan, Silene and Two other Knights and a small team of Engineers arrived on the planet's Ashen surface as rapidly as the Jedi could have moved. Innocent people were hurting, needed help, and the Jedi would be there.
The call for aid, however, was a Trap. The Advozsec are a narcissistic bunch, and many years ago, a Jedi of their race had returned, darkened in spirit having split from the Temple's teachings in order to further his own knowledge at the price of his purity. He had arranged for the call to be made, this Dark Jedi, and awaited the arrival of the team anxiously.
When the Cruiser, packed to the brim with people, arrived, settling gracefully on the Landing pad they had been directed to, the Jedi and their companions disembarked. The Advozse government had been told what to expect, and had prepared accordingly. When Itl, Silene and the Knights disembarked, they were surrounded, well over a hundred of the horned aliens emerging from buildings and alcoves, all carrying weapons.
If it were simply pistols and other small arms, the Jedi could have fended the attack off. The Dark Jedi had prepared well, though, equipping several of the Aliens with Heavy, rotating cannons, explosives and orders. The Jedi delegation was given two choices, to surrender, or to die like pitiful worms.
None of the Delegation panicked, although Silene's heart raced at the sight of so many people, all wanting them to make some sort of movement so they could cut the vaunted Jedi down. Speaking for the Jedi, Itl smiled at the Advozsec, nodding and telling them that of course they would surrender. Moving forward, several of the Aliens stripped the Jedi of their lightsabers. It was then, with Blasters in their backs, that the Jedi team was led away.
Deep in the heart of the Planet's Capitol City, the Government building was beautiful, albeit in a rough-hewn way. Led into the darkened corridors of the Building, they were taken up several flights of stairs as the remainder of the force that had assaulted the launchpad surrounded the building, forming an impenetrable wall of bodies that the Jedi might not escape.
At the top of the Tallest tower, the Dark Jedi sat, hidden behind a desk and his own folded hands. As the door opened, he smirked, seeing Itl's form gracing his presence. Narrowed eyes marked the Jedi Master's own sudden grasp of the situation. This had been one of her former students, some time ago. She had taught him the ways of the Force, encouraging his every step along his path, the Force's call leading him to train to be a Sentinel.
Rora Shan had taken one wrong turn, allowing himself to fall to the grip of his rage and fear in a sparring duel. Unable to control his own feelings, he had killed an unarmed opponent while still a Padawan, and had been exiled from the Temple, banished from the only home he'd known for so many years.
As overly emotional people are apt to do, the Former Jedi had sworn vengeance against the Jedi for their actions, and as he explained how his life had gone since then, Silene listened, taking this as a lesson, like so many others. Some wounds couldn't be healed, and some people embraced their inner hurt, like this man had.
As the Advozse man wrapped his story up, he finished with a Challenge, and a chance for survival. Should Itl face him in Singular combat he would honor her by promising that her newest Padawan, and that the others in their party would be freed. However, if he were to best her in the duel, she would join him, become the proverbial student to his Mastery. Either way, the others could go, once the battle was complete.
Considering the other option, a slow and painful death to the rest of the group, Itl didn't have to consider too hard. Nodding her Assent, the Ho'din Jedi took her stance, her Saber returned to her hand. Catching Silene's eye one last time, she smiled, ever so softly before speaking. Sometimes, the deadliest of weapons can be more, a tool to save the future she told her apprentice.
Then the battle began, sabers swinging, thrumming through the air and hissing with sparks as they collided. It was clear to see why Itl Neshan was considered a Master. With grace and flowing form, her movements were concise, but powerful, sweeping the blade out of her opponent's hand and ending the duel quickly. In the next moment, she had turned, her saber switched off to face her Padawan once more, ready to instruct again.
Jedi Master Itl Neshan never got the chance to speak to her apprentice again. Though he was wounded, the Advozse Fallen Jedi, her own former Padawan, struck out, his pride wounded once more. In one motion, he had called his saber to his hand and thrust it through the Ho'Din Jedi's back, severing her spinal column and the thread of life in one swift blow, Killing the Closest thing to a Mother that Silene could remember.
Some people, of any age, would have screamed at that point, oddly enough, Silene didn't. Watching her master die before her pained her deeply, caused her heart to ache powerfully, but it also made her wonder what exactly had happened in this man's life, what had brought him this far? Not just his actions, that she was certain of.
Silene didn't know what drove her to speak. It was clear that the Two Knights that had been with them would be more eligible to attempt to negotiate their freedom. Yet, it was her that spoke first, moving closer to Rora with purposeful steps that seemed to echo against the humming of his saber's blade. I believe you have won she said, her voice calm, yet with an underlying quiver. Something in the Force told her to continue, to assuage the man's pride. I honor that Victory she added, bowing her head slightly. And request that you keep your honor in your agreement she finally said, outright asking him to let them go.
The Man flushed, his saber glowing, the dimming as he shut the blade off, smiling coyly as he returned to his seat, stroking his horn slowly. Of Course...Of Course he said, narrowing his eyes. I will be, unfortunately, keeping the body here, but feel free to tell the Jedi Council what has happened here. They should know of the threat I pose, I wouldn't want their destruction to be...too easy.
Turning away from them, he waved his hands, motioning for the guards to take the others away, which they did, leading the Three Jedi and the few Engineers back to the Ship. Inside, they found their Lightsabers, waiting for them neatly on the Table. This had been planned, and it was a pity that it couldn't have been avoided.
Without a master, a Padawan can feel lost, will feel lost, actually. So it was for Silene. Upon returning to the Temple, she, like the other Jedi, had given a report to the Council. Unlike the other two, however, since Silene was a Padawan still, and too young to advance to the rank of Knight, she was given an ultimatum. She would need to find herself a new Master, or be assigned one, by the end of the month.
Yet, by the end of the Month's time, Silene hadn't really felt a connection to anyone in particular. The Zelosian girl was assigned a Knight to be her new Master, and life, as it is prone to do, went on. For the next few years, she trained, Working towards a basic mastery of lightsaber skills, Itl's final lesson hanging in the crevasses of her mind, working too, on Soresu more than before. She still worked, too, with the Circle of healers, growing her skill in her chosen field.
As her Twenty-First Birthday approached, Silene was anxious. It wasn't that she didn't like being a Padawan, more of...she didn't feel comfortable anymore with the idea of her Master. She respected him, followed his instructions and listened to his advice, sure. Still, it wasn't the same. It didn't ring as true, felt hollow, even, in comparison to Itl's words of wisdom.
It was around this time that Silene, while working on a Minor Injury sustained by a Youngling, was approached by one of the Masters on the Council. He told her that as she was approaching the proper age, Silene should consider taking part in the Trial of Spirit. It was an odd moment for the girl, to consider looking deep inside of herself. Still, she agreed, setting a time for the Ceremony. One of the Council members themselves would preside over the Meditation, helping her remain focused on the goal at hand. The time was set for Six Months later, and she was advised to prepare.
Even with the advice, Silene had no idea how to prepare for her trial, and found herself neglecting some of the lessons in Saber combat to meander through the temple, ending up back in the gardens in which she had spent so much time in her youth. Her friends, the clan she had been a part of, had moved on. A few joining the Agrocorps and other non-Jedi roles in the galaxy. The rest were already Knights in the order.
Sitting among the flowers one day, she meditated, feeling the connections of life around her. She had been reading recently, in the archives, and had discovered word of an ancient power, one she felt she could find useful if ever in a difficult situation, so while meditating, she Focused in on one of the plants. It was a smaller one, it's growth stunted and flowers not having blossomed yet. In a way, it was almost a metaphor for her own life.
With a combination of her Knowledge of Force Healing, her own biological structure and the Force's pure energy itself, she reached out, touching it with her mind, encouraging it softly, subtly. It was a tiring exercise, but one that was somewhat refreshing in it's own way. Yet, when she finally opened her eyes, nothing had happened.
Figuring that she hadn't failed, but had simply gone about it the wrong way, she smiled to herself, pale lips creasing her face as the Zelosian woman stood, leaving for the day. For the next few weeks, she continued doing this, daily meditating and focusing on the plant, and on herself. By the end of the month, the Flower had blossomed, stronger than those around it, it's colors vivid and bright.
This, however, brought it's own realization to Silene. Just because she wanted to prepare for a specific trial didn't mean that she needed to neglect her other duties. So, the Woman returned to her training with the lightsaber, learning something new every day and practicing it. Knowing that she'd never truly embrace the weapon, but knowing too, it wasn't just a weapon, but also a symbol.
The remaining time seemed to fly by, and on the appointed day, at the appointed time, Silene arrived in the Jedi Temple's Quietest meditation room, and was greeted by the Master that had approached her Six months ago. I assume that you are ready? he asked, receiving a nod in response. Nodding back, he continued to explain the situation. Silene would Meditate, on herself, until she found herself through the Visions that were standard for the Trial of spirit.
Settling in on the small Cushion intended for the Padawan, Silene closed her eyes as the Master started some light music, tinkling flutes and the like, just barely audible over her breathing, which slowed as she forced her mind to cease comprehending conscious thought, giving herself over to the ebb and flow of the Tides of the Force, as she had been trained.
The Visions weren't immediate, instead, she found herself in blackness as she let her mind wander, the Force's pull dragging it to where it wanted her to go. Then it all changed. Suddenly, she was back on Riflor, seeing the past as if in slow-motion, the Dark Jedi's blade piercing through Itl Neshan's back, glowing brightly in the darkness of memories. This Silene, however, was one dominated by her emotions, and in her mind, she watched herself rush forward, attacking and dying at the hands of the Dark Jedi in a Feeble assault. Physically, it hurt, pulling at her heart like it was going to rip it from her chest, but she didn't move. It was a chance to examine herself, her own desires.
Silene had desperately wanted to destroy that man that day, but had instead pushed herself down, forcing her stormy heart to quiet itself. She had prevailed, had ensured their survival, but at what cost? Had Silene lost a part of her self that day, with her Master's death, had a little part of her been decaying ever since?
No, she determined, pushing herself away from the vision, not rejecting it, but overcoming it's influence. That day, Silene had become stronger, more determined to heal the Galaxy of it's many wounds. There was no way she'd willingly allow it to happen again, not if she could protect the one and the whole at the same time. That day, she determined, had been a Catalyst, one which would guide her life, along with the Force. Yet, in her own mind...she knew what could have happened, had she allowed her flaws to overcome her.
She was weak, physically, yes, but also a bleeding heart. She hated seeing people in pain, it literally hurt her on the inside, and was willing to give anything to prevent that...but sometimes pain wasn't preventable, sometimes it was needed...to Grow Further.
Suddenly, her eyes opened, and she gasped for air. Across from her, Meditating, witnessing her Visions, the Master's eyes too opened, and he smiled a little. Your Master's death was a difficult day for all of us...I am glad that her wisdom has carried on through her final Padawan he told her, standing and brushing wrinkles from his robes.
She would be notified, when the time came, if she had passed her trials, he told her, as he left, turning for a moment to look the girl in the eyes. The Path of a Healer...for one such as yourself is perhaps the best thing he told her with a smile.
The Next Six months passed like a whirlwind, the end of her Training approaching swiftly. She served now, as less of an Orderly, more of a Nurse, Helping the Master Healers by taking the minor cases by herself, becoming proficient with the paperwork required. She was actually enjoying herself enough that she didn't realize that her birthday was happening until one of the Master Healers presented her with a small box, unwrapped and wished her a Happy one.
Inside the Box were simply-folded robes, white with a gentle red trim and a note, from the Masters of the Council, she was to report to them the day after next.
Waking early, Dressing herself in the Gifted robes and arranging her hair, taking the time to braid it carefully and pull the rest of the length back into a high bun, Silene Stellata prepared herself for her appearance before the council. The Knighting Ceremony, as ancient as the Jedi themselves, was sacred and well-observed. That day, she would ascend to one of the Spires of the Temple, known as the Tranquility Spire. She would spend the day in Meditation.
The following day, having finished the prescribed period of Inflection and meditation, she rose once more, taking the stairwell to the next level. In the room, A Circle of Respected Masters stood, the Jedi High Council. As was instructed, Silene moved to the middle, kneeling before the Masters who's sabers ignited. With a deep, grave voice, the Grand Master spoke. He touched briefly on each of her trials, Mentioning the specific acts that contributed to the promotion. With nods of agreement from the rest of the Council, they stepped forward, one swift motion severing the braided hair from her head with the barest of a sizzle.
Silene Stellata was officially a Jedi now.
Taking her braid with her, Silene descended from the Tower, rejoining the Other Jedi in the temple. All smiles, she was glad for her advancement. It would allow her greater freedom around the Temple, and in the Galaxy, bring her closer to her dream. Working around the Temple some, she received her Official job within the Order. She would work in the Circle of Healers, teaching the Padawans who might come seeking knowledge and helping the Masters however she could. In times of Crisis...Silene would be given further missions.
Now, she roams the Halls of the Temple, Tending gardens and caring for the wounded with expert care and precision. In the past four years since her Knighting Ceremony, she's not taken a Padawan, not feeling ready or drawn to it by the Force, but soon, she probably will, wanting to pass on her own Master's teachings, the wisdom that was imparted unto her.
RP Sample:
See Comments Section. Not enough room > >
Do not attempt to emulate what you are about to read without extreme confidence in your skills. I was extremely confident, and this character STILL almost didn't get made. It took me four months of ups and downs and not posting until I hit a muse.
I'd like to thank lmr for reviewing this, as well as all the preliminary critiques offered. Many thanks to Foxfire as well, for letting me use Mal in my history. This couldn't have happened without you guys!
Name: Silene Stellata
Race: Zelosian
Age: 26
Height: 5' 8"
Weight: 134lbs
Appearance:
The Zelosian people are a Near-Human species that are somehow related to a Floral lifeform. As such, their bodies resemble plants in a few ways. One such way is their blood. If you were to cut Silene in a way that would cause bleeding, the automatic tell that she's not Human would be the Bright green, viscous, blood, a saplike form of Chlorophyll. Another sign, while not as obvious, is her eyes. Some humans and near-humans have green eyes, this is true, however, not as many have them to the same extent as a Zelosian. Instead of her irises being a simple shade of green, they are a deep Jade tone, bright and brilliant. So too, her Sclera are tinged, not a true white, but containing a light green hue to their colors, coming from the multitude of small blood vessels that move through Visual species' eyes.
Silene's skin is lighter, and a little more pale than most Humanoid's. Biologically, this is due to her main method of supplying her body with the nutrition to remain healthy, Photosynthesis. Her outer layer of skin is rather thin, a membrane through which UV light can enter, charging the Photosynthetic process that keeps her body healthy. She tends to carry around a large water bottle, in order to remain properly hydrated as well.
Where Silene's Appearance truly shines, however, is her hair. Where it's lightest, it appears to be a pale blonde, yet is still tinged a little green, this running in vertical streaks through brilliant natural reds and softly-dyed blues.
Because of her need to Respire something OTHER than Oxygen, in higher-Oxygen/Nitrogen mixed atmospheric Conditions, Silene tends to wear a Filtering mask, to ensure that she is able to absorb the highest content of Carbon Dioxide that is possible.
Personality:
Silene is...Bubbly. She's got that type of Personality that brings out the best in the people around her. She's almost constantly happy and hyper, telling jokes and stories to the younglings that she sees, and she always has a smile for those around her.
Occasionally, she falls into a small depression, but even then, she pushes through it, forcing Optimistic thoughts and smiles all around. Some have even called her irritating to the Nth degree, just because of her constant smile and chipper attitude.
A small problem can arise when she eats something processed with, or created with the usage of Sugar. Fructose and Lactose aren't an issue for her, however Sucrose and other forms will actually inebriate the girl, causing her to act "drunk." For the most part, she tends to eat Non-Processed foods, actively staying away from most foods not grown in a garden. She assists in maintaining gardens wherever she is assigned, and can often be found outside, holding conversations with the growing plants.
The only time that Silene appears to restrain herself is around the Youngling Instructors, especially the Saber-Masters, responsible for teaching the youngest members of the Temple's Denizens the arts of saber combat. Usually wonderfully talkative and outgoing, she'll restrain herself, almost as though remembering her place, or something similar. Even with this, however, she still takes time with Younglings, willing to answer questions, remembering her own curiosity at that age. For some reason, whenever approached by a youngling, at the conclusion of the Q&A session, she always seems to have a piece of sugarfree candy or two, and an encouraging pat on the head.
On the Subject of her Alignment, Silene doesn't just believe in the Light side of the Force, she lives it. Her mission, her goals in life are to end suffering and pain wherever she might find it, wherever she goes. Following the Healer's path, she rationalized, was the perfect way to embrace all life and encourage peace and tolerance throughout the Galaxy.
Birth place: Zelos II
Faction: Jedi
Rank: Knight (Consular/Healer)
Lightsaber: Single-Bladed
Hilt Design: www.randomsabers.com/raw_images/spartan.jpg
Color: Pale Green, with a soft aqua sheen to the blade's glow.
Practiced Lightsaber forms:
Shii-Cho: 5
Makashi: 0
Soresu: 2
Ataru: 0
Shien / Djem So: 0
>>Sub-form Backhanded: 0
Niman: 0
>>Sub-form Jar-kai, or Dual Wield: 0
Juyo: 0
Double Bladed Combat: 0
Force-Sensitive Abilities or practices:
Telekinetic: 3
Telepathic: 4
Body: 4
Sense: 5
Protection: 5
Healing: 7
Destruction: 0
Specialized Skills:
Force Healing
Plant Surge - Because of her Lineage, and her connection to the Force, Silene has shown a great aptitude with plants in the past, Not able to "Communicate" with them as much, considering that most plants do not talk, but able to project her hopes for said plants through the Force, in such a way that will give Vitality to their Cells and offer a new chance to grow, bigger and stronger than before. She is far from being skilled enough with this power to use it's higher form, causing plants to grow completely to her will, ensnaring and binding, but she can assist in the growth of flora that she concentrates on over a longer term. As she continues to practice, so too will her skill in this art increase.
Attributes:
Physical Strength: 5
Intelligence: 6
Speed: 6
Leadership: 4
Unarmed: 2
Melee Weapons: 1
Ranged Weapons: 1
Force Attunement: +6
Bio:
Pre-Birth to Birth
Zelos II is a rather interesting little planet. Mountains encircle an area known to the locals of the small planet as the "Forest of the Living Dead", where tiny wormlike things occasionally infest a corpse, "Reanimating" it. There aren't too many rivers, but a good supply of creeks and small connecting lakes, fed by the Mountains each spring flow steadily throughout the year, which, due to it's size, lasts a little bit shorter than the standard Coruscant. The days are shorter as well, each only just over 20 standard hours, but the local peoples aren't too troubled by that.
The rest of the planet, covered in the deep green and verdant tones of a Natural, old-growth forest, homes made from simple, natural materials stretching between low-growing limbs from the ancient trees. Yet, the Zelosian natives are a happy sort, Diurnal by nature's demand, as their eyes are completely useless at night, their culture has developed many a superstition over the centuries of creatures that lurk in the darkened forests and plains.
It was on this planet, where the people were more Plant than anything else, that Silene's parents met, as children, growing up together in the same village, and choosing one another as mates. Far from Monogamous, they cohabited and grew their love for one another, Cultivating their togetherness over the years. It was in their mid-20's that they decided to share in the gift of life, actually breaking usual tradition and deciding to raise the child together.
The actual process of Pollination, as it was called, was long and drawn out, while gestation was a shorter process, sped along by the Planet's movement speed. A Long story made short, after nearly 7 months, their daughter was born into the world, the bright sun shining above, it's light filtering through the trees. As a newborn, Silene, as she was named, bore only a small stubble of hair atop her head, a soft pale blonde, tinged with green and splotched with red in places.
It was a good time in the village, each birth, no matter how hard or easy was a time to celebrate, and a feast was held, with a wide array of Vegetables and cured meats. The child was given a blessing by the Village's Founding female and shaman, a woman well into her 90's. So too was her name chosen by the woman, Silene Stellata, for her eyes shimmered like the stars above.
Early Childhood
Being on the Mid-Rim, on a smaller planet and in a system not too widely-travelled worked in Silene's favor in some ways, and as a Detriment in others. A representative for the Jedi came through, roughtly every three years or so, a Knight who'd taken the path of the Consular order, as this system was fairly peaceful and most Sentinels had chosen more...volatile places, where their presence would bring more peace.
It was a few short months after Silene was born that the Knight came back, administering the usual battery of tests. At this time, the young girl was bright, cheerful and not too fussy of a baby. She had been eating at a fairly healthy rate, and development was going rather fine, if a little ahead of schedule. She was found to be healthy, yet while most Zelosians naturally have a higher Midi-Chlorian count than humans, Silene was...somewhat higher than average, even for her own peoples. Knowing that the Zelosian people are highly Family-oriented, the Jedi took pause. He was a younger Knight, on his first assignment, not quite used to delivering such news.
Lifting his head, the Chalactin Knight forced a smile before speaking to the proud Parents. "She's healthy" he began, his voice soft and controlled, causing her parents to tilt their head in concern. "But?" asked her mother, A tall woman named Saffila. "But, her Midi-Chlorian count is high..." The knight continued, "She's Force-Sensitive. At this point, I'm supposed to recommend that she be taken to the Temple for training, however...if you'd like, it can wait until my next visit...no longer tho" he told them, wishing that his words didn't carry the air of finality that he could hear.
The tall woman fell silent, her face serious as she turned to her Husband, a strapping man called Lotil. They seemed to simply lock eyes, but understood. Each of them turned back to the Jedi, nodding slowly. "Three years" Saffila told him. "Then she will go. Our daughter...we are proud of her, and of the gift she has been given. Thank-you" she told him, bowing her head. She was thankful, not only for the chance to keep her daughter close for a little longer, but also for the chance that she would get. Saffila wanted grand things for her Girl. Not a simple life here on Zelos II, but out there, where she could learn, and see so much more.
For three years, as was promised, Saffila and Lotil raised her, Teaching Silene to know kindness and respect, amazed and astonished at their daughter's comprehension speed and curiosity for the world around her.
During the days, the slightly pudgy toddler would go with her mother, into the garden to water the flowers and veggies, singing favorite songs together as Lotil would go out and work with the men, repairing buildings and creating new ones. Nighttime, with the loss of sight outside, saw the entire family in their small house.
Before bed, there were meals to eat, stories to tell and songs to sing, Silene was their world, even if she were to be leaving soon. Constantly, their minds reminded them of the near future. The Knight would be returning soon, to Escort Silene back to Coruscant, to the Jedi Temple. Eventually, soon came to pass. The Jedi was used to tearful farewells, sometimes overly-clingy parents...but Saffila and Lotil were calm, Respectful. They had dressed Silene in a simple, but colorful gown, woven of thin, treated fibers.
Before the Jedi took Silene off-Planet, They thanked him once more, bowing their heads with not only respect, but reverence. They were happy for her.
STOP! Youngling time.
Coruscant is massive, immense, the Galaxy's biggest City, an entire planet, dedicated to Commerce, Politics and in some places? Sin. In the Center of it all, however, standing proud as a Symbol of Peace and knowledge, the Grand Temple of the Jedi Order, where Grandmasters and the most learned creatures in the Galaxy meet to share wisdom, amongst themselves and as a gift, to the Youngling Students that are brought nearly every day, from every corner of the Known Galaxy, with the potential to change everything.
It was into this swirling maelstrom of activity that Silene was brought, at the mere age of three and a standard years, to be taken into the Jedi temple. To be taught and instructed. It was here, that her parents were to be forgotten, that she would learn of the Force, and how the Jedi allow themselves to be led. For now, however, it was more of a matter of the basics.
Simply due to her age, she was a little old for the Nursery, but too young, and clearly too hyper for some of the Meditation classes held for the older students. Instead, Silene was placed in a Class with other students her age, where some basic history was taught, as well as the most Basic usages of the Force, Giving the younglings the distinction between Sensing the Force, Controlling it and Altering the world around them. Classes were long, but punctuated by many a short break, giving the students some free time during the break, allowing for meals, some time to absorb information, and even to practice meditation.
It didn't take long for Silene to find herself a sanctuary of peace during her off hours, away from the basic classes, and the other students. In the Southeastern Quadrant of the temple, near where the Council of Reconciliation would meet, there were many offices, where some Knights and masters would keep paperwork and other important things, but also a large number of small to medium-sized gardens. For the young girl, it was akin to heaven. Surrounded by floral scents and the rich scent of the wet earth after the patches of nature were cared for, was a sensation that thrilled her body.
Soon enough, it was no secret that she went to the gardens, and as she grew older, beginning to find herself with more and more instruction, she began to frequent them a little less often, but would try to be there at least once a day, just to feel her body relax a little. No one ever tells the Younglings how much work it takes to become a Jedi, how hard it really is, so everyone ends up finding their own small bit of Solace, and she had found hers.
Still though, she was simply a child, and especially at her age, her classmates were the curious sort. Some were pranksters, some were troublemakers. Silene was the type to always be smiling, always have a hug for someone who was down. When she was in the gardens, she would talk to the plants, encouraging them, as though they could talk back, and her behavior was noticed. A fellow classmate, who had watched her wandering towards the Southeastern area of the temple, had grown curious about her walks, wondering where she would go. The youngling, his name Jala Kor, from the small planet of Kiffu, decided to follow her one day.
Watching Silene in the garden had raised Jala's curiosity about the girl. Truthfully, he had been curious for a while, but she was almost at home in the garden, almost a completely different person. In the small garden, she would tend to the plants with care and a quiet sort of calm about her, whereas in classes she was loud, tending to be a "Class Clown." Struck by this dimorphism in personalities, Jala approached Silene, slowly, asking her in a soft tone of voice "You really like it out here, huh?"
She jumped a little, unaware that she had been followed and observed, broken from her reverie with nature. Yet she still smiled at his question. "Flowers don't ask why...they simply live" she replied, her answer vague, but ever-open for interpretation. With a simple Hand gesture, she motioned for the other youngling to join her, to help her care for the plants together.
Together, the two of them stuck, through classes for meditation and Silene's most hated class, Saber Practice. They were fast friends, each bringing something the other didn't quite have yet to the friendship. Silene was far from violent, as was Jala, but the boy understood the practices and need for Saber practice better than she, so they would often pair up, with him helping her to get a better grasp on Saber skills. Outside of that class, she showed him how the plants liked to live, how they would grow the best, and Jala often took that into thought when practicing meditation. How, like the Force, plants just wanted to live, nothing more and nothing less. It was an interesting thought, especially for a youngling, to think about while meditating.
To Pick a Peck of Padawans
As time passed, as it is apt to do, regardless of the desires of those in it's steady flow, and Silene and Jala aged, they continued to work together. Between Silene's personality and Jala's charming outlook on life, they drew in a few more friends, forming a nice-sized study group, students who would get together weekly, reading together in the archives one time, and practice their sabers the next. It was help that Silene really needed in the end, as the Master who instructed Younglings in the arts of Shii-cho, at that point, was a rather large, dominating man who, for some reason, scared her witless. Half the time, she could barely pay attention in the classes, so having someone to go back over the details she missed, while staring at her feet and barely trying in classes, helped her to work on the art.
It wasn't that Silene was against the idea of learning to fight for herself, it was more of a pull that she'd been feeling as she drew closer to adolescence. She knew Jala, with his skills in the Saber, and dedication to his comrades would follow the path of the Sentinel, and that a few of her other friends were called to the idea of following the Path of the Masters of the Force's secrets, the Consular. Her friends training already had begun to follow those pathways into the future, but at the crossroads, Silene was stuck.
She wished to promote life, didn't wish to carry a saber, but knew that she had to, as it was a symbol even moreso than a weapon. A symbol of peace and idealism. When she was asked by her friends what interested her, she could only shrug, telling them "Life itself." It was during this period, as some were being taken on as Padawan learners, that the Instructors of her classes would push her harder, the Sparring becoming more frenetic, the Meditation lasting longer. It was a time where Silene was barely able to go into the gardens, and where her mind seemed to further and further entrench itself in a desire to do something else, something that would draw her further into the idea of Life.
Then her life found it's guidance.
During one class, the pull that she felt, to the far side of the Consular ideals grew stronger. A Master had taken the class for the day, out of the classroom and into the Halls of the Jedi Healers. It was here, watching the Masterful workings of the Skilled Jedi who'd chosen this path, that Silene felt a pull in her gut, a calling. This was where she wanted to be. Life had presented itself to her. It wasn't simply living that made life what it was, it was, for her, the preservation of life, the furtherance of life and the ability to bring life to those whose futures were dim.
It was during this trip to the Healing Wings that another noticed a pulling. A Tall Jedi Knight, a member of the Ho'Din race and Consular who worked closely with the Circle of Jedi Healers because of her botanical experiences, noticed Silene's rapt attention, and smiled. The woman, named Itl Neshan had seen the youngling before, tending the gardens voluntarily, and now felt the pull towards Silene. Approaching the class as they were instructed in some of the basics of the Healing arts, she simply stood and observed, watching each student carefully for a few moments, smiling and bowing her head in respect to the Master-Instructor who had brought his class forth. Turning, she excused herself, and moved through the temple, intent on asking permission to take her third pupil on.
The council, in it's wisdom, questioned Itl's motives behind this, but was reassured, partially by the two other Padawans that the Ho'Din had trained, both having moved on to become successful knights. With their blessing, Itl waited a few weeks, before awaiting outside of one of Silene's Classes, with a smile. It was in this...rather unorthodox way, Silene was informed that she had been chosen, and accepted, as a Padawan learner. Itl would train her, assist her in finding her path, and draw forth the Flowers of Strength and Honor that lay within Silene.
The girl was overjoyed.
Growth in Darkness
Training in the temple was always a good idea, especially for a new Padawan, freshly chosen from the Younglings who tended to be especially busy amongst the instructors and studying in the stacks of the Archives. Itl kept her young padawan busy, studying various techniques in the Force, and working around the Healer Corps, Studying with younger members of said Circle of Healers. It was hard on Silene, Itl was a demanding master, seeking perfection, accepting no less than her Padawan's best.
It was amazing, however. With the freedom to study outside of Organized Classes, Silene was able to move about the temple more than before, seeing her friends and continuing their study groups, while still learning along their individual paths. Now, too, with her master around, able to answer questions, Silene started to find some Guidance that would lead her along her own personal path easier. Without the strict teachings of Shii-Cho by the Saber Instructors, she grew in skill with the saber, her master teaching her the style that she knew best, Soresu, as well as refining the padawan's ability in Shii-Cho.
Time continued to pass, with Silene practicing with the Saber continuously under her master, until one day, when Itl decided it was finally time. Having Silene sit, after practice one day, the Ho'Din knight explained to the Young Zelosian that the time had come for the Girl to leave the temple. They would be traveling, exploring some to expand Silene's understanding of the Galaxy, with their final destination being Ilum, the Home of the Jedi's Crystal Caverns, where the Focusing Crystals that the Jedi used in their sabers had been growing for millions of years, forming amazing and breathtaking natural formations.
It would, literally, be Silene's first time out of the temple since she was barely three years old. The thought of it filled her heart with joy...and anxiety. What if she failed her master, what if her lack of skills ended with someone getting hurt without good reason? The worries filled her mind like flies buzzing around rotted meat. Itl could sense the turmoil within her Padawan's mind, and couldn't help but smile, remembering her own first time away from the home the Jedi had provided.
It was then that Itl Neshan, Jedi Knight and member of the Thoughtful Consular order said one of the few things that would forever stand out in Silene's Memory.
Fear and Doubt lead to the Dark side. Fate isn't something to worry about. As a Jedi...you can only use your strength to help those in need. A focus on Service to the Innocent is all one needs worry about.
It was with that said, the two of them left the temple, the small ship the Jedi had allotted for the trip venturing out into the cold, vast reaches of space itself.
Travel through the depths of space itself is rarely too pleasant, once the all-consuming blackness of the void loses it's novelty, there's usually little to do, especially for the average child. Luckily, Silene was set pretty far apart from the Average children of the Galaxy. She was a Jedi, an official one now, even if she were just a Padawan. That sort of title came with a standard of responsibility, and Itl would hardly allow Silene to think otherwise.
Inside of a ship, coursing through space towards Ilum they might have been, but that didn't excuse either of them, There were chores, maintaining the Living space around them, feeding one another and ensuring supplies would last. When something ran out, they needed to plan a detour to stop and get more. Between all of that, there was meditation that needed to be done, repair work on small parts of the ship and finally, the maintenance of personal Hygiene.
Yet, with all this going on, Silene and Itl managed to make it to the Frigid planet of the Crystal Caverns, Coordinates kept in the strictest secrecy from the galaxy by the Jedi for centuries now, Ilum. Millions of Jedi had been here, visiting the Caverns to find the Crystals that would call to them through the Force, surviving the bone-chilling winds and driven snow that threatened to kill them.
It was here, on this frozen planet that Silene's official training would occur, something that she dreaded deep inside of her spirit. She knew her own biology, knew how she worked best, and here on this dark, icy planet, she ran a higher risk of dying than most other Jedi would ever imagine. Her peoples were warm, comfortable in tropical heat and humidity and hated the cold, it shut their systems down. So, she had good reason to worry, plus, it gave Itl something to laugh about from within the cavern, when her Padawan finally exited the ship, looking more like a Marshmallow than a child, wrapped firmly in every piece of warm clothes she could find.
Even if you never plan on using it...
Once inside the vast cavern systems, inside of the temple that the Jedi had created ages ago, Silene found her master, sitting beside a roaring flame, legs crossed and eyes closed. Approaching slowly, Silene sat across the fire from her, allowing her skin to warm as she peeled off the many layers of clothing that she had piled on before braving the icy winds outside. Inside, near the fire, it was much warmer, and as she looked across the flames to her master, she could see a certain...nostalgia crossing the woman's face.
Here is where most, if not all Jedi, have come over the years to construct their Lightsabers. I, myself, have visited this temple four times, and each time, it becomes more and more...powerful she told her apprentice, taking a deep breath and smelling the crisp cold, the woody smoke that filled the air. The Force was alive in these caves, thrumming with power and resonating through the vast formations of Crystals.
Standing, Itl moved around the flames, feeling their warmth against her own skin, and knowing the effect the bouncing flames would have upon her countenance. It was then that she began to speak, her words resonating in the cavern, bouncing from the walls around them and hanging in the still-chilled air. I know your desire, Silene...You wish to bring only good into the Galaxy, to heal pain. Still, the Lightsaber is more than a tool of war. It is a Symbol of Justice, of Piety, a symbol that the people can rally around, knowing that holding it is a student of peace and someone who will remain calm no matter what. All Jedi carry the saber, not all Jedi use it. Here, in these caverns, we, no...you, shall find a crystal that resonates with your soul and fills your body with warmth. From that Crystal, your saber will be constructed.
Silene listened, enraptured by the woman's words. Her master's speech did make sense, and with a nod, she calmly acquiesced. Understanding what her master had said didn't make the task to come any easier, and after a few weeks of Travel, she was tired. That night, they rested, awakening early the following morning and eating heartily. Unable to go with her apprentice, Itl watched as Silene's somewhat-lanky, pre-teen body moved deeper into the cavern.
One would think that separated from the Gelid atmosphere of Ilum as it were, the caverns beneath the Surface, catacombs that curved and curled under the frozen crust, would be lightless, Airless. Yet, the Crystals that had slowly formed over the millennia glowed faintly, the touch of the Force on their molecular structure giving the cavern an unnatural, multi-hued glow. The deeper into the vast latticework of shafts that Silene moved, the more of the Crystals there seemed to be, casting their pale, pastel colors against the cold, stone, walls.
None of them called to her, though. Brilliant Ceruleans and deep Jades were abundant, even a few hues of dazzling violet, yet none of them held any sort of attraction to her eyes. Several hours into her search, the young Padawan stopped, taking a break in the caverns and meditating, surrounded by the thrumming of the Force itself through the caverns. It was in this trance, surrounded by the ever-beating heart of the Force's ebb and flow, that Silene finally heard a call. It was close, but weak, and when the girl finally found it, she could feel it's warmth within her own being.
It is a delicate task, to remove a crystal from the Caverns on Ilum, taking time, precision and a knack for accuracy. It took almost half an hour, but soon, the Zelosian Padawan was on her way, back towards the feel of her Master that she could sense through the Force, stronger than the faint thrumming of the Crystals that surrounded her. It took a few hours for the girl to actually find her way back to the Campsite, as well as the roaring fire.
Smiling at the girl, The Ho'Din master simply instructed her Padawan to warm herself by the fire, knowing the difficulties that the trip would have brought upon the girl, with her biochemical quirks. As part of their supplies, a Solar Lamp had been brought along, and a few minutes under the bright lights, Meditating, brought a soft, tea-green shade to her skin. A few sips of water later, and she felt...revitalized, the basic nutrients helping her body's Myriad of parts and pieces work together smoothly. It was after this restorative break that the Next phase was deemed ready to begin.
Showing Silene how to Focus the Crystal, a period of meditation that couldn't be avoided, Itl left the Girl to it, knowing that the period of time it would take would be several days. Knowing her Padawan's biological needs also helped, and silently, she set the Solar Lamps up to provide the girl with sufficient light on a set schedule.
As she focused on the Force, the only Thing that Silene allowed to distract her was the rhythmic sound of her breaths, and even that fell into simple rote as time passed. Soon enough, with her eyes closed, the only things that she could see were herself, and the Crystal, glowing with it's pale green hue in her hands. Time passed and flowed around her, but left no notice upon her conscious.
When she finally awoke, Silene felt...exhausted, beaten but not drained. She wasn't hungry, not in the traditional sense, but there was a deep longing throbbing within her form. Looking at the pale-green glow in her hand, Silene smiled at the Crystal, feeling the urge to finish her saber, immediately. Under Itl's careful guidance, she used the practice she'd had aboard the small ship they'd brought to build the hilt.
A few more hours passed, the careful choosing of parts to reflect Silene's own personal traits and assembling them before Silene could finally get some rest. Almost Eight hours later, her eyes fluttered open, coming to rest on the Saber she had created beside her. She had been so tired before the actual construction that she hadn't really had time to test it, to ignite it, and that was what was coming next.
Deep inside the hidden caverns of Ilum, Frigid air gusting outside of the protective, ancient stone that formed around them formed an eerie sound as it leaked and whistled through tiny cracks in the protection. It was here that Itl intended to begin her pupil's instruction in earnest. A healer, though Silene might wish to be, even the best in the Circle of Healers carried sabers and were proficient enough to use them. The Ho'Din Knight knew her apprentice well enough by now to know that it wasn't a matter of skill, or the lack of it, but of Confidence.
Silene didn't know it yet, but she was actually decent with a lightsaber, simply due to her own belief in a lack of skill, however, she was holding herself back from moving ahead. Here though, having survived the caverns, focused her crystal...here was the ultimate opportunity to build her confidence, and Itl intended to do just that. Standing before her, her Padawan was tense, too much so, and the sight of it brought a grin to Itl's face.
Silene the Master began, addressing her apprentice, You are far too stiff, allow your body to relax, the Force will guide you, and from here, we shall find an advanced style that will suit your needs my dear Itl told the young Zelosian, who reacted instantly, her body loosening in response to the Ho'Din's words.
Waiting for her master, Silene's palms were sweating as she forced herself to relax, then closed her eyes, breathing deeply. A few moments later, she heard the familiar snap-hiss of a lightsaber, not her own, but her master's. A long blade, with a brilliant blue hue, Itl's saber was breathtaking...but now it was time for Silene's saber to breathe it's first.
Depressing the sliding thumb-trigger on the saber's hilt, she took a deep breath, sliding it forward slowly, hearing as the circuit was completed and the blade sprang forth from the Hilt's emitter shroud. A beautiful pale green blade, it's hue aqua, energy swirling as it sustained itself, the blade was shorter than Itl's own, but functional still for it's purpose, perhaps better, considering how she was likely to use it.
Then, in a Flurry of light and hissing ozone, the Two, Master and Padawan, collided, blades snapping back and forth, the basics of Shii-cho utilized by both, proving to make themselves into a useful exercise for the girl. Facing her Master proved to force Silene to improvise to block and dodge the strikes that rained down from the taller Jedi. It is because I know your preferences that I do this Itl told Silene, smiling a little before beginning an onslaught, a quick flurry of short, choppy blows that battered at the young girl's Shii-cho, forcing her to improvise.
Taking a deep breath, Silene forced her body to relax, to focus on the Force's power and guidance now. Then she began to improvise. Against her master's form combinations, Ataru, Soresu and Makashi being key among them, Shii-cho was far from enough to defend, and inside of her heart, Silene knew that even if this hadn't been a training fight, she wouldn't take the life of an opponent. As though the Force could feel her desires, she felt the pulling of it's waves upon her hands, upon her feet, and began to follow them.
An overhead slash, combined with a Fleche, the essence of Makashi's quick motions and defined conservatism, It was all that Silene could do to Block the Blade from the overhead, stepping to the side ever so slightly so that the Thrust itself might miss her, giving her a chance to counter, her own short saber's blade striking out, not at her master, but with a slight flourish, at the emitter hilt itself. It was a simple matter for Itl to block the attack, but with a smile, she knew that her suspicions were, in fact, correct, as Silene fell back, taking a cautious stance. Soresu, the Resilience Form, would be her perfect fit.
A few more minutes of the sparring, and the two were feeling a little tuckered, the cold of the planet's surface taking it's toll on the two Jedi. Packing their supplies away took the rest of the day, and by nightfall...they were gone, offplanet, headed back for Coruscant and the Jedi's Temple, home of knowledge, wisdom and frankly? Some decent food for a change.
And the Bass keeps growing, and growing and growing and growing
The trip back to Coruscant was...uneventful, to say the least, the lengthy flight filled with time to meditate on the small ship, without much else to do, aside from reading. So, for a good portion of the actual trip, Silene filled her mind, texts on medical theory, Interstellar Biology, anything that Itl had thought ahead enough to bring with them. It was a good chance to study up and prepare for the hard work that lay ahead of the Zelosian girl.
Hard work, it indeed was. The next few years, Silene spent her time divided, working on Soresu with her Master for a few months, practicing the precise, heavily-defensive form's exacting movements and stances for a week at a time. Then, she would shift focus, spending the next two immersing herself in her Medical studies. Between study in the Archives and working with the Circle of Healers, she learned at a rapid pace, absorbing the knowledge she'd need quickly.
It was during this time, that at the age of fourteen, she was approved as having passed her Trial of Skill after proving her ability to use Shii-Cho and the basics of Soresu in a duel against another Padawan.
Having left the library for the day, Silene had been working for the afternoon in the Healer's wing of the Jedi Temple, mainly serving as a sort of a Nurse, ensuring patients were healthy and well-cared for. However, on that darkening afternoon, an emergency had occurred, a low-flying speeder colliding with one in which a Jedi Knight and his Padawan had been travelling. They had been rushed in, and while the healers started their work on the knight, as his injuries were the more severe, the Padawan sat to the side, visibly shaken, but apparently unharmed otherwise.
Yet, something, buried deep in the back of Silene's skull niggled away, encouraging her to go and check the boy. The Healers were mostly focused on the Knight's issues, and rather than be in their way, she had stayed back. Now, moving towards the boy, her eyebrow raised in curiousity. She sat before him, watching him shake gently, and took his hand in hers...it was cold, freezing even. It was almost as though his blood wasn't reaching his extremities.
Standing quickly, Silene smiled and asked him to not move too much, promising him that he would be alright. The boy, a human by the look of him, merely shook a little, staring at her. With a hand, she waved to one of the Master Healers, A Hutt named Mal, smiling prettily at the boy and talking to him, asking his name and where he was from, anything to distract him. When Mal made his way over, he listened to the boy's speech, then looked to Silene, his voice rumbling from deep within his chest. "Well then, what do you think is wrong here?" he inquired, one of his brows rising, as though challenging her.
With a lowered voice, Silene bowed her head, acknowledging his rank. "I believe there is internal bleeding Master Healer" she explained. "His extremities are extremely chilled, and the shaking is almost seize-like" she added, explaining her theory. "I have not preformed an examination, and would like to request your assistance in doing so"
With that out of the way, the Hutt Healer nodded, closing his eyes and reaching out, touching the Boy's head, feeling the flow and ebb of the Force's power through the Padawan's body and nodding with a soft Grumble. "An...accurate observation." he said, simply, removing his hands and clapping once. In response, one of the Medical teams moved, the Knight's injuries more stable now, Looking to Mal with curiosity. "The boy is bleeding internally. It wasn't obvious, but...it is good that Silene caught it here when she did." he told them.
We regret the inconvenience, but...
Between the Excitement of her Lessons in the Healer's Circle of the Temple, and the constant strive to perfect her own knowledge of the arts and practices of healing in the library, Silene rarely had time to do much else, save sleep and eat every so often. It was in the midst of her training, as she approached her Sixteenth year of life that her Master, Itl, arranged for the two of them to go out, into the Galaxy once more, on a Humanitarian mission.
Riflor is a Tectonically-active planet, shaken by earthquakes frequently, and as such, the Advozsec peoples, native to the planet and active in the galaxy thanks to their invention of the hyperdrive, were used to building and rebuilding quite often. Even so, sometimes the planet's plates shift massively, instead of just a little bit, and that had happened, just recently.
Travelling through hyperspace in a Small Jedi Cruiser, Itl Neshan, Silene and Two other Knights and a small team of Engineers arrived on the planet's Ashen surface as rapidly as the Jedi could have moved. Innocent people were hurting, needed help, and the Jedi would be there.
The call for aid, however, was a Trap. The Advozsec are a narcissistic bunch, and many years ago, a Jedi of their race had returned, darkened in spirit having split from the Temple's teachings in order to further his own knowledge at the price of his purity. He had arranged for the call to be made, this Dark Jedi, and awaited the arrival of the team anxiously.
When the Cruiser, packed to the brim with people, arrived, settling gracefully on the Landing pad they had been directed to, the Jedi and their companions disembarked. The Advozse government had been told what to expect, and had prepared accordingly. When Itl, Silene and the Knights disembarked, they were surrounded, well over a hundred of the horned aliens emerging from buildings and alcoves, all carrying weapons.
If it were simply pistols and other small arms, the Jedi could have fended the attack off. The Dark Jedi had prepared well, though, equipping several of the Aliens with Heavy, rotating cannons, explosives and orders. The Jedi delegation was given two choices, to surrender, or to die like pitiful worms.
None of the Delegation panicked, although Silene's heart raced at the sight of so many people, all wanting them to make some sort of movement so they could cut the vaunted Jedi down. Speaking for the Jedi, Itl smiled at the Advozsec, nodding and telling them that of course they would surrender. Moving forward, several of the Aliens stripped the Jedi of their lightsabers. It was then, with Blasters in their backs, that the Jedi team was led away.
Deep in the heart of the Planet's Capitol City, the Government building was beautiful, albeit in a rough-hewn way. Led into the darkened corridors of the Building, they were taken up several flights of stairs as the remainder of the force that had assaulted the launchpad surrounded the building, forming an impenetrable wall of bodies that the Jedi might not escape.
At the top of the Tallest tower, the Dark Jedi sat, hidden behind a desk and his own folded hands. As the door opened, he smirked, seeing Itl's form gracing his presence. Narrowed eyes marked the Jedi Master's own sudden grasp of the situation. This had been one of her former students, some time ago. She had taught him the ways of the Force, encouraging his every step along his path, the Force's call leading him to train to be a Sentinel.
Rora Shan had taken one wrong turn, allowing himself to fall to the grip of his rage and fear in a sparring duel. Unable to control his own feelings, he had killed an unarmed opponent while still a Padawan, and had been exiled from the Temple, banished from the only home he'd known for so many years.
As overly emotional people are apt to do, the Former Jedi had sworn vengeance against the Jedi for their actions, and as he explained how his life had gone since then, Silene listened, taking this as a lesson, like so many others. Some wounds couldn't be healed, and some people embraced their inner hurt, like this man had.
As the Advozse man wrapped his story up, he finished with a Challenge, and a chance for survival. Should Itl face him in Singular combat he would honor her by promising that her newest Padawan, and that the others in their party would be freed. However, if he were to best her in the duel, she would join him, become the proverbial student to his Mastery. Either way, the others could go, once the battle was complete.
Considering the other option, a slow and painful death to the rest of the group, Itl didn't have to consider too hard. Nodding her Assent, the Ho'din Jedi took her stance, her Saber returned to her hand. Catching Silene's eye one last time, she smiled, ever so softly before speaking. Sometimes, the deadliest of weapons can be more, a tool to save the future she told her apprentice.
Then the battle began, sabers swinging, thrumming through the air and hissing with sparks as they collided. It was clear to see why Itl Neshan was considered a Master. With grace and flowing form, her movements were concise, but powerful, sweeping the blade out of her opponent's hand and ending the duel quickly. In the next moment, she had turned, her saber switched off to face her Padawan once more, ready to instruct again.
Jedi Master Itl Neshan never got the chance to speak to her apprentice again. Though he was wounded, the Advozse Fallen Jedi, her own former Padawan, struck out, his pride wounded once more. In one motion, he had called his saber to his hand and thrust it through the Ho'Din Jedi's back, severing her spinal column and the thread of life in one swift blow, Killing the Closest thing to a Mother that Silene could remember.
Some people, of any age, would have screamed at that point, oddly enough, Silene didn't. Watching her master die before her pained her deeply, caused her heart to ache powerfully, but it also made her wonder what exactly had happened in this man's life, what had brought him this far? Not just his actions, that she was certain of.
Silene didn't know what drove her to speak. It was clear that the Two Knights that had been with them would be more eligible to attempt to negotiate their freedom. Yet, it was her that spoke first, moving closer to Rora with purposeful steps that seemed to echo against the humming of his saber's blade. I believe you have won she said, her voice calm, yet with an underlying quiver. Something in the Force told her to continue, to assuage the man's pride. I honor that Victory she added, bowing her head slightly. And request that you keep your honor in your agreement she finally said, outright asking him to let them go.
The Man flushed, his saber glowing, the dimming as he shut the blade off, smiling coyly as he returned to his seat, stroking his horn slowly. Of Course...Of Course he said, narrowing his eyes. I will be, unfortunately, keeping the body here, but feel free to tell the Jedi Council what has happened here. They should know of the threat I pose, I wouldn't want their destruction to be...too easy.
Turning away from them, he waved his hands, motioning for the guards to take the others away, which they did, leading the Three Jedi and the few Engineers back to the Ship. Inside, they found their Lightsabers, waiting for them neatly on the Table. This had been planned, and it was a pity that it couldn't have been avoided.
Where to go, What to do?
Without a master, a Padawan can feel lost, will feel lost, actually. So it was for Silene. Upon returning to the Temple, she, like the other Jedi, had given a report to the Council. Unlike the other two, however, since Silene was a Padawan still, and too young to advance to the rank of Knight, she was given an ultimatum. She would need to find herself a new Master, or be assigned one, by the end of the month.
Yet, by the end of the Month's time, Silene hadn't really felt a connection to anyone in particular. The Zelosian girl was assigned a Knight to be her new Master, and life, as it is prone to do, went on. For the next few years, she trained, Working towards a basic mastery of lightsaber skills, Itl's final lesson hanging in the crevasses of her mind, working too, on Soresu more than before. She still worked, too, with the Circle of healers, growing her skill in her chosen field.
As her Twenty-First Birthday approached, Silene was anxious. It wasn't that she didn't like being a Padawan, more of...she didn't feel comfortable anymore with the idea of her Master. She respected him, followed his instructions and listened to his advice, sure. Still, it wasn't the same. It didn't ring as true, felt hollow, even, in comparison to Itl's words of wisdom.
It was around this time that Silene, while working on a Minor Injury sustained by a Youngling, was approached by one of the Masters on the Council. He told her that as she was approaching the proper age, Silene should consider taking part in the Trial of Spirit. It was an odd moment for the girl, to consider looking deep inside of herself. Still, she agreed, setting a time for the Ceremony. One of the Council members themselves would preside over the Meditation, helping her remain focused on the goal at hand. The time was set for Six Months later, and she was advised to prepare.
The Haircut that changed the future
Even with the advice, Silene had no idea how to prepare for her trial, and found herself neglecting some of the lessons in Saber combat to meander through the temple, ending up back in the gardens in which she had spent so much time in her youth. Her friends, the clan she had been a part of, had moved on. A few joining the Agrocorps and other non-Jedi roles in the galaxy. The rest were already Knights in the order.
Sitting among the flowers one day, she meditated, feeling the connections of life around her. She had been reading recently, in the archives, and had discovered word of an ancient power, one she felt she could find useful if ever in a difficult situation, so while meditating, she Focused in on one of the plants. It was a smaller one, it's growth stunted and flowers not having blossomed yet. In a way, it was almost a metaphor for her own life.
With a combination of her Knowledge of Force Healing, her own biological structure and the Force's pure energy itself, she reached out, touching it with her mind, encouraging it softly, subtly. It was a tiring exercise, but one that was somewhat refreshing in it's own way. Yet, when she finally opened her eyes, nothing had happened.
Figuring that she hadn't failed, but had simply gone about it the wrong way, she smiled to herself, pale lips creasing her face as the Zelosian woman stood, leaving for the day. For the next few weeks, she continued doing this, daily meditating and focusing on the plant, and on herself. By the end of the month, the Flower had blossomed, stronger than those around it, it's colors vivid and bright.
This, however, brought it's own realization to Silene. Just because she wanted to prepare for a specific trial didn't mean that she needed to neglect her other duties. So, the Woman returned to her training with the lightsaber, learning something new every day and practicing it. Knowing that she'd never truly embrace the weapon, but knowing too, it wasn't just a weapon, but also a symbol.
The remaining time seemed to fly by, and on the appointed day, at the appointed time, Silene arrived in the Jedi Temple's Quietest meditation room, and was greeted by the Master that had approached her Six months ago. I assume that you are ready? he asked, receiving a nod in response. Nodding back, he continued to explain the situation. Silene would Meditate, on herself, until she found herself through the Visions that were standard for the Trial of spirit.
Settling in on the small Cushion intended for the Padawan, Silene closed her eyes as the Master started some light music, tinkling flutes and the like, just barely audible over her breathing, which slowed as she forced her mind to cease comprehending conscious thought, giving herself over to the ebb and flow of the Tides of the Force, as she had been trained.
The Visions weren't immediate, instead, she found herself in blackness as she let her mind wander, the Force's pull dragging it to where it wanted her to go. Then it all changed. Suddenly, she was back on Riflor, seeing the past as if in slow-motion, the Dark Jedi's blade piercing through Itl Neshan's back, glowing brightly in the darkness of memories. This Silene, however, was one dominated by her emotions, and in her mind, she watched herself rush forward, attacking and dying at the hands of the Dark Jedi in a Feeble assault. Physically, it hurt, pulling at her heart like it was going to rip it from her chest, but she didn't move. It was a chance to examine herself, her own desires.
Silene had desperately wanted to destroy that man that day, but had instead pushed herself down, forcing her stormy heart to quiet itself. She had prevailed, had ensured their survival, but at what cost? Had Silene lost a part of her self that day, with her Master's death, had a little part of her been decaying ever since?
No, she determined, pushing herself away from the vision, not rejecting it, but overcoming it's influence. That day, Silene had become stronger, more determined to heal the Galaxy of it's many wounds. There was no way she'd willingly allow it to happen again, not if she could protect the one and the whole at the same time. That day, she determined, had been a Catalyst, one which would guide her life, along with the Force. Yet, in her own mind...she knew what could have happened, had she allowed her flaws to overcome her.
She was weak, physically, yes, but also a bleeding heart. She hated seeing people in pain, it literally hurt her on the inside, and was willing to give anything to prevent that...but sometimes pain wasn't preventable, sometimes it was needed...to Grow Further.
Suddenly, her eyes opened, and she gasped for air. Across from her, Meditating, witnessing her Visions, the Master's eyes too opened, and he smiled a little. Your Master's death was a difficult day for all of us...I am glad that her wisdom has carried on through her final Padawan he told her, standing and brushing wrinkles from his robes.
She would be notified, when the time came, if she had passed her trials, he told her, as he left, turning for a moment to look the girl in the eyes. The Path of a Healer...for one such as yourself is perhaps the best thing he told her with a smile.
The Next Six months passed like a whirlwind, the end of her Training approaching swiftly. She served now, as less of an Orderly, more of a Nurse, Helping the Master Healers by taking the minor cases by herself, becoming proficient with the paperwork required. She was actually enjoying herself enough that she didn't realize that her birthday was happening until one of the Master Healers presented her with a small box, unwrapped and wished her a Happy one.
Inside the Box were simply-folded robes, white with a gentle red trim and a note, from the Masters of the Council, she was to report to them the day after next.
Waking early, Dressing herself in the Gifted robes and arranging her hair, taking the time to braid it carefully and pull the rest of the length back into a high bun, Silene Stellata prepared herself for her appearance before the council. The Knighting Ceremony, as ancient as the Jedi themselves, was sacred and well-observed. That day, she would ascend to one of the Spires of the Temple, known as the Tranquility Spire. She would spend the day in Meditation.
The following day, having finished the prescribed period of Inflection and meditation, she rose once more, taking the stairwell to the next level. In the room, A Circle of Respected Masters stood, the Jedi High Council. As was instructed, Silene moved to the middle, kneeling before the Masters who's sabers ignited. With a deep, grave voice, the Grand Master spoke. He touched briefly on each of her trials, Mentioning the specific acts that contributed to the promotion. With nods of agreement from the rest of the Council, they stepped forward, one swift motion severing the braided hair from her head with the barest of a sizzle.
Silene Stellata was officially a Jedi now.
Assignment
Taking her braid with her, Silene descended from the Tower, rejoining the Other Jedi in the temple. All smiles, she was glad for her advancement. It would allow her greater freedom around the Temple, and in the Galaxy, bring her closer to her dream. Working around the Temple some, she received her Official job within the Order. She would work in the Circle of Healers, teaching the Padawans who might come seeking knowledge and helping the Masters however she could. In times of Crisis...Silene would be given further missions.
Now, she roams the Halls of the Temple, Tending gardens and caring for the wounded with expert care and precision. In the past four years since her Knighting Ceremony, she's not taken a Padawan, not feeling ready or drawn to it by the Force, but soon, she probably will, wanting to pass on her own Master's teachings, the wisdom that was imparted unto her.
RP Sample:
See Comments Section. Not enough room > >
. That sort of title came with a standard of responsibility, and Itl would hardly allow Silene to think otherwise. 
